• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.227-232
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• 2002

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by diverse clinical manifestations and autoantibody production, which is known to be strongly influenced by genetic factors. Previous studies have revealed the associations of SLE with HLA class II alleles and antiphospholipid antibody system (anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) and anti-${\beta}_2$ glycoprotein I antibody (anti-${\beta}_2$ GPI)). Therefore, we studied the associations of HLA class II alleles with SLE and antiphospholipid antibody system. Methods: The genotyping for HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 alleles were performed in 61 SLE patients and 100 controls by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequence specific oligonucleotide probe method. ELISA tests for aCL and anti-${\beta}_2$ GPI were performed in 39 of the 61 SLE patients. The results were evaluated statistically by Chi-square test. Results: The frequencies of the HLA-$DRB1^*15$ and $DQB1^*06$ in SLE patients were significantly higher than those in controls. HLA-$DRB1^*12$ was significantly lower in SLE patients than controls. Nine of 39 patients were positive for aCL (IgG) and three were positive for aCL (IgM). One of 39 patients were positive for anti-${\beta}_2$ GPI (IgG) and none of them positive for anti-${\beta}_2$ GPI (IgM). Association of aCL with HLA class II alleles was not observed in our study. Conclusion: According to our results, it was found that HLA-$DRB1^*15$ and $DQB1^*06$ were associated with genetic susceptiblility and $DRB1^*12$ was associated with resistance to SLE in Korean population. No Association of aCL with HLA class II alleles was observed and the positive rate for anti-${\beta}_2$ GPI was very low.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Poultry Science Conference
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.74-75
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• 2005

In order to evaluate dietary brown seaweed and vancomycin on the performance, layers(Isa brown) were fed on basal diet and diets containing 2.0% of brown seaweed or 10ppm vancomycin. Brown seaweed diet significantly increased(p<0.01) nitrogen balance in layer, while excretion of uric acid nitrogen and metabolizable energy utilization were not different among diets. Layer consumed more the brown seaweed diet(p<0.05). Egg production were significantly different by diets but reduced(p<0.0001) with the experimental period passed. Layer fed brown seaweed diet gave thicker shell eggs, higher Haugh unit and higher egg white CuZnSOD activity compared with those in basal diet. Also, Brown seaweed diet increased MnSOD activity in erythrocyte cytosol and peroxidase in plasma, but decreased peroxide level in plasma, and increased proliferation of PBMC stimulated with PHA-P The result indicated that brown seaweed 2.0% diet in layer improved egg quality and performance due to increased protein synthesis which were related to regulation of antioxidant system and immune cell function in blood.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2000

In the previous paper (Kim et al., Glycoconjugate Journal 16, 247-252, 1999), heteropolysaccharides from Korean medicinal plant, Phellodendri cortex (Hwangbek) showed a poten B-Iymphocyte-stimulating activity in a system using polyclonal antibody forming cells in C57BL/6XC3H mice at dosages of 2-10 mg. In a series of biolgical active polysaccharides from natural medicinal plants, the polysaccharide fractions were isolated and purified from Phellodendron chinese SCHNEID, and antitumor activities were examined at dosages of 2, 5 and 10 mg/100 g. F-7 and F-8 showed the highest tumor inhibitory activities (inhibition ratio 96.4 and 98.2% in 2 mg/100 g), and in dose of 5 mg/100 g, the inhibitory ratios were 95.3 and 97.5%, respectively. Furthermore, 10 mg/100 g of intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection gave 97.3 and 98.7% of inhibition. In oral administration, the inhibitory activities were not markedly observed, indicating that the polysaccharides are directly acting to immune system. When the effects on TS and TK activities were determined, TS activities in the F-2 and F-7-treated mice were markedly suppressed to 73.7% and 79.5% of that in the control (p<0.01), while there was little difference in TK activity with a slight decrease in F-2 only. However, in i.p. injection, TS activities in the F-2, F-5, F-7 and F-8-treated mice were markedly suppressed to 83% to 85% of that in the control (p<0.01). Furthermore, there was also significant differences in TK activities in F-2, F-5, F-7 and F-8-treated mice (p<0.05). Therefore, polysaccharide fraction F-8 was further purified to active fractions of F-9 and F-11 by gel permeation chromatography using TSK Gel HW50S. The purified polysaccharides of F-9 and F-11 were composed of GlcNAc (47.3%), Gal (24.7%) and Man (28.0%). These results clearly indicated that the i.p. injection is much effective to suppress tumor growth than oral administration.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.155-163
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• 2010

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory connective tissue disorder and a systemic autonomic immune disease which shows a progressive muscle weakness and characteristic rash. It is identified by a characteristic rash accompanying, or more often preceding muscle weakness. Pathognomonic skin lesions are a blue-purple discoloration on the upper eyelids with edema (heliotropic rash), a flat red rash on the face and upper trunk, and erythema of the knuckles with a raised violaceous scaly eruption (Gottron's papule). The myopathy represents inflammatory and degenerative changes primarily affecting proximal muscles. DM often involves GI tract and respiratory system with as risk of 15-25% internal malignancy. It's managed with sun protection since muscle weakness as well as a rash could be aggravated by sun exposure. Systemic corticosteroid is an initial therapy and other immunosuppressive agent has been used as alternatives. Facial muscles are unaffected and masticatory muscles are rarely affected in DM. We present trismus close to muscle contracture in a patient with DM. Therefore, it needs continuous mouth-opening exercise to prevent progressive muscle contracture and to ensure normal mouth opening.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.343-348
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• 2006

To investigate the immunostimulating and anticancer activities from hot water extract of Capsosiphon fulvescens, tumor cell toxicity, sarcoma-180 growth inhibition activity, complement system-activity, intestinal immune system and oral toxicity were performed. The extract of Capsosiphon fulvescens was prepared by hot water and precipitated by using ethanol. Partially purified extract (CFE) was obtained after dialysis and ultrafiltration. The polysaccharide compositions consisted of xylose(19.1%), fucose(15.3%), mannose(4.2%) and galactose(7.9%). The tumor cell toxicity of CFE slightly showed at high concentrations of 10-30 ${\mu}g/ml$, but inhibition ratio against mouse solid tumor was more increased for CFE of 40.1-59.4% than the control. Blood leukocyte counts increased to a maximum of 83% including liver, spleen and thymic of mouse. Immunoglobulin A binding amounts showed a high level of CFE of $2,454{\pm}113.8-2,670{\pm}133.1{\mu}g/mg$ in comparison with the control of $2,092{\pm}123.0{\mu}g/mg$. Acute toxicity of CFE was not detected at the concentration of 2,000 mg/kg in normal mouse.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.183-189
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• 2018

Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are found in fish and fish oil. Recent studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids are effective in cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune system, cirrhosis, and nervous system disorders. In particular, omega-3 was also reported to help improve hyperlipidemia and liver function tests. On the other hand, there are few cases in Korea. This study examined whether omega-3 is effective in improving hyperlipemia and liver function by taking 1 gm/day for 2 weeks. As a result, AST was decreased in the liver function test, and GGT related to alcoholic hepatitis and fatty liver showed significant results. Omega-3 has been shown to help improve the liver function. The triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density cholesterol associated with cardiovascular disease decreased after omega-3 ingestion, particularly high density cholesterol. Omega-3 has also been shown to improve the hyperlipidemia. Comparisons between males and females before and after the ingestion of omega-3 showed significant results in AST (P<0.01) from the male group and in GGT (P<0.01) and high density cholesterol (P<0.01) from the female group. As a result, omega-3 intake can help control and improve liver function and hyperlipidemia.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.389-399
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• 2015

Zinc has been considered as a vital constituent of proteins, including enzymes. Mobile reactive zinc ($Zn^{2+}$) is the key form of zinc involved in signal transductions, which are mainly driven by its binding to proteins or the release of zinc from proteins, possibly via a redox switch. There has been growing evidence of zinc's critical role in cell signaling, due to its flexible coordination geometry and rapid shifts in protein conformation to perform biological reactions. The importance and complexity of $Zn^{2+}$ activity has been presumed to parallel the degree of calcium's participation in cellular processes. Whole body and cellular $Zn^{2+}$ levels are largely regulated by metallothioneins (MTs), $Zn^{2+}$ importers (ZIPs), and $Zn^{2+}$ transporters (ZnTs). Numerous proteins involved in signaling pathways, mitochondrial metabolism, and ion channels that play a pivotal role in controlling cardiac contractility are common targets of $Zn^{2+}$. However, these regulatory actions of $Zn^{2+}$ are not limited to the function of the heart, but also extend to numerous other organ systems, such as the central nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular tissue, and secretory glands, such as the pancreas, prostate, and mammary glands. In this review, the regulation of cellular $Zn^{2+}$ levels, $Zn^{2+}$-mediated signal transduction, impacts of $Zn^{2+}$ on ion channels and mitochondrial metabolism, and finally, the implications of $Zn^{2+}$ in health and disease development were outlined to help widen the current understanding of the versatile and complex roles of $Zn^{2+}$.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.659-667
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• 2009

Casein is considered to be the main source of protein in milk; therefore, many studies have been conducted to identify casein-derived bioactive peptides and their physiological effects. Casein is inactive within the parent protein but can be liberated by various proteases and enzymatic hydrolysis during microbial fermentation and gastrointestinal digestion. Once absorbed, casein exhibits different bioavailabilities in the body. Specifically, casein-derived peptides function as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor in the cardiovascular system; thus, they are expected to reduce and prevent hypertension. Additionally, casein-derived peptides behave as opioid-like peptides in the nervous system, which impacts relaxation. These peptides are also expected to modulate various aspects of immune functions. Finally, caseinophosphopeptide (CPP) and glycomacropeptide (GMP) may exhibit a number of nutritional effects such as the absorption of calcium, iron or zinc. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate casein-derived peptides due to their multifunctional properties and the results of these studies have contributed to the development of a wide variety of functional dairy products. The purpose of this paper was to review the generation of bioactive peptides, their absorption and metabolism, and their specific bioactive effects.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.32-42
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• 2007

This study was conducted on the immunoregulatory effect of Saengshik on gut-associated lymphoid tissue with inflammatory bowel disease. Although the contents of IgA increased in mesenteric lymph node, IgE content was suppressed by Saengshik. The same results were found in spleen, but IgA and IgE responses were very weak. Concentration of fecal IgA was high from the first day through the third day in Saengshik group. In DSS + Saengshik group, concentration of IgA was high till the 2nd day and it maintained the highest level among the test groups on 5th day. Concentration of IFN-gamma and IL-2 was the highest in the Saengshik group, but the concentration of TNF-alpha was lower in DSS + Saengshik compared to DSS. The expressions of STAT1 in Saengshik group were high, while those of STAT6 were low According to these findings, Saengshik exhibited effectiveness via increasing the IgA production, suppressing the IgE production, followed by inhibiting the production of IL-4 and IL-10. Saengshik also strengthened the immune system and alleviated injury in DSS -induced inflammation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.676-683
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• 2019

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is widely used for strengthening the immune system and fighting fatigue, especially in people with deficiency syndrome. However, there is concern that the long-term application or a high dose of KRG can cause "fireness" (上火 in Chinese) because of its "dryness" (燥性 in Chinese). The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a 4-week treatment with KRG in participants with deficiency syndrome. Methods: This was a 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 180 Chinese participants were randomly allocated to three groups: placebo control group, participants were given a placebo, 3.6 g/d; KRG 1.8 g and 3.6 g groups. The primary outcomes were the changes in fireness and safety evaluation (adverse events, laboratory tests, and electrocardiogram). The secondary outcomes were the efficacy of KRG on fatigue, which include the following: traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scale and fatigue self-assessment scale. Results: Of the 180 patients, 174 completed the full study. After 4 weeks of KRG treatment, the Fire-heat symptoms score including Excess fire-heat score and Deficient fire-heat score showed no significant change as compared with placebo treatment, and no clinically significant changes in any safety parameter were observed. Based on the TCM syndrome score and fatigue self-assessment score, TCM symptoms and fatigue were greatly improved after treatment with KRG, which showed a dose- and time-dependent effect. The total effective rate was also significantly increased in the KRG groups. Conclusion: Our study revealed that KRG has a potent antifatigue effect without significant adverse effects in people with deficiency syndrome. Although a larger sample size and longer treatment may be required for a more definite conclusion, this clinical trial is the first to disprove the common conception of "fireness" related to KRG.