• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.136-144
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• 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Bacillus Calmette-$Gu\acute{e}rin$ (BCG) vaccine is the only TB vaccine currently available, but it is not sufficiently effective in preventing active pulmonary TB or adult infection. With the purpose of developing an improved vaccine against TB that can overcome the limitations of the current BCG vaccine, we investigated whether adjuvant formulations containing de-O-acylated lipooligosaccharide (dLOS) are capable of enhancing the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of TB subunit vaccines. The results revealed that the dLOS/dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA) adjuvant formulation significantly increased both humoral and Th1-type cellular responses to TB subunit vaccine that are composed of three antigens, Ag85A, ESAT-6, and HspX. The adjuvanted TB vaccine also effectively induced the Th1-type response in a BCG-primed mouse model, suggesting a potential as a booster vaccine. Finally, the dLOS/DDA-adjuvanted TB vaccine showed protective efficacy against M. tuberculosis infection in vitro and in vivo. These data indicate that the dLOS/DDA adjuvant enhances the Th1-type immunity and protective efficacy of the TB subunit vaccine, suggesting that it would be a promising adjuvant candidate for the development of a booster vaccine.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.141-149
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• 2005

In order to investigate the immunomodulational effects of Lonicerae Caulis et Folium, the author measured cytokines production(IL-10, IL-12(P35), IL12(P40), $IFN-{\gamma}$) in mice splenocytes. The results were obtained as follows : 1. The water extract of Lonicerae Caulis et Folium significantly enhanced the gene expression of IL-12(P35), IL-12(P40), but reduced the gene expression of IL-10, $IFN-{\gamma}$. 2. In water fraction and ethyl acetate fraction, the gene expression of IL-12(P35), $IFN-{\gamma}$ was significantly increased and that of IL-12(P40), IL-10 was decreased. The above results demonstrate that Lonicerae Caulis et Folium has enhancing immune activity by upregulation of these cytokines. Therefore, if we make the relationship between these cytokines(IL-10, IL-12, $IFN-{\gamma}$) besides IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-8, $TGF-{\beta}$ and so on which concerned the immunopotentiation, the immunopotentiational mechanism of Lonicerae Caulis et Folium will be shown clearly.

• BMB Reports
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.95-109
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• 2003

Inflammatory lung diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation and oxidant/antioxidant imbalance. The sources of the increased oxidative stress in patients with chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) derive from the increased burden of inhaled oxidants, and from the increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by several inflammatory, immune and various structural cells of the airways. Increased levels of ROS produced in the airways is reflected by increased markers of oxidative stress in the airspaces, sputum, breath, lungs and blood in patients with lung diseases. ROS, either directly or via the formation of lipid peroxidation products such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal may play a role in enhancing the inflammation through the activation of stress kinases (JNK, MAPK, p38) and redox sensitive transcription factors such as NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1. Recent evidences have indicated that oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mediators can alter nuclear histone acetylation/deacetylation allowing access for transcription factor DNA binding leading to enhanced pro-inflammatory gene expression in various lung cells. Understanding of the mechanisms of redox signaling, NF-${\kappa}B$/AP-1 regulation, the balance between histone acetylation and deacetylation and the release and expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators may lead to the development of novel therapies based on the pharmacological manipulation of antioxidants in lung inflammation and injury. Antioxidants that have effective wide spectrum activity and good bioavailability, thiols or molecules which have dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, may be potential therapeutic agents which not only protect against the direct injurious effects of oxidants, but may fundamentally alter the underlying inflammatory processes which play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory lung diseases.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.55-68
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• 2008

Background: Microglia produces a barrage of factors (IL-l, TNF-$\alpha$, NO, superoxide) that are toxic to neurons and playa major role in the cellular immune response associated with the pathology of Alzheimer's disease(AD). OJaJiHwangEumJa(OJJHEJ) has been usually used for the treatment of senile disorders. For enhancing efficacy and convenience, the change of the drug delivery device of oriental herbal medicine is required. Objective: This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of the OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder on proinflammatory cytokine of microglia and memory deficit model. Method: The effects of the OJJHEJ hot water extract on production of IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$, in BV2 microglial cell line treated by lipopolysacchaide(LPS) were investigated. The effects of the OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder on the behavior of the memory deficit mice induced by scopolamine and AChE in serum of the memory deficit mice induced by scopolamine were investigated. Results: 1. The OJJHEJ hot water extract suppressed the production of IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$ in BV2 microglial cell line and the production of IL-6 was suppressed significantly. 2. The OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder decreased AChE significantly in the serum of the memory deficit mice induced by scopolamine. 3. The OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder groups showed significantly inhibitory effect on the scopolamine-induced impairment of memory in the experiment of Morris water maze. Conclusions: This experiment shows that the OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder might be effective for the prevention and treatment of memory impairment diseases. Investigation into the clinical use of the OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder for Alzheimer's disease is suggested for future research.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.551-561
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• 2000

Swine respiratory diseases have induced severe economic losses in swine industry worldwide. Several methods have been developed and applied to prevent and control the disease. However, those are still problematic in swine industry. Recently, the use of egg yolk antibodies with several advantages was introduced and applied to control diseases in animal as well as human. As the first step of the use of egg yolk antibodies in the control of the swine respiratory diseases, we investigated the immunogens of the causative agensts of the diseases and immune response in egg yolk of hens immunized with them. Bacterial antigens prepared from Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella multocida 3A and 4D, and Actinobacillus pleuropneumaniae serotype 2 and 5 were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blot and toxicity test in mice. The antigens were injected into laying hens in order to produce antibodies against them in egg yolk. After chickens were immunized three times in 2 weeks interval, the profile of antibody production was examined by ELISA. The production of antibody in egg yolk was started in 2 weeks after the first injection, reached peak in 6-8 weeks and maintained until 12 weeks. Of two adjuvants used in this study, ISA70 was more effective than aluminum hydroxide gel in enhancing immunogenecity, laying rates and safety in hens. These results suggested that egg yolk antibodies could be a good source for production of antibodies specific to pathogenic bacteria inducing respiratory diseases of swine.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.1510-1518
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• 2015

In this work, we wanted to develop a probiotic from famous longevity villages in Korea. We visited eight longevity villages in Korea to collect fecal samples from healthy adults who were aged above 80 years and had regular bowel movements, and isolated lactic-acid-producing bacteria from the samples. Isolated colonies that appeared on MRS agar containing bromophenol blue were identified by means of 16S rRNA sequencing, and 102 of the isolates were identified as lactic-acid-producing bacteria (18 species). Lactobacillus fermentum was the most frequently found species. Eight isolates were selected on the basis of their ability to inhibit the growth of six intestinal pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Typhimurium, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Enteritidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes) and their susceptibility to 15 antimicrobial agents. Among these eight isolates, four Lactobacillus fermentum isolates were found not to produce any harmful enzymes or metabolites. Among them, Lactobacillus fermentum isolate no. 24 showed the strongest binding to intestinal epithelial cells, the highest immune-enhancing activity, anti-inflammation activity, and anti-oxidation activity as well as the highest survival rates in the presence of artificial gastric juice and bile solution. This isolate, designated Lactobacillus fermentum PL9988, has all the characteristics for a good probiotic.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.101-108
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• 2015

Objectives : Positive effects of Ginseng has great research attentions such as anticancer, anti-diabetic, antiaging, liver, immune function, CNS, etc. In this study, we investigated Hydroponic-cultured Ginseng Folium fermented byBacillus subtilisto establish fermentation conditions for enhancing functionality.Methods : Ginseng Folium were cultivated hydroponic-cultured and were extracted with methanol. We inoculateBacillus subtilisfor fermentation by adding to 0%, 3% and 5% sugar respectively and checked antioxidant activities, total phenolic content and total saponin content in 2 days intervals during 11 days. The antioxidant activities were studied by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl(DPPH) radical, 2, 2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid) diammonium salt(ABTS) radical scavenging assay and Reducing power assay. We analyzed the Total phenol content, crude saponin content and ginsenoside content. Moreever, Hepatoprotective effects by Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT) and Glutamic pyruvic transaminase(GPT) in Sprague-Dawley rat.Results : The results of DPPH and ABTS were 66.89% and 96.72%, respectively. The reducing power was resulted in optical density of 0.7312 with 3% sugar after 9 days of fermentation. and the concentration at 200 ㎍/㎖. Total phenol content was 36.92㎎/g with 3% sugar after 9 days of fermentation, in which crude saponin content wasn't changed, and ginsenoside content such as Rg3, Re and Rb was increased. Activities of GOT and GPT concentration were decreased in rat.Conclusions : This study suggests that hydroponic-cultured Ginseng Folium fermented byBacillus subtilisin 9 days showed significant efficacy of hepato-protection as well as antioxidant compared to the others. In addition, it shows not only improved value but also utilized hydroponic-cultured Ginseng Folium by fermentation.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.96-103
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• 2012

Obesity-induced disorders contribute to the development of metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, fatty liver diseases, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this study, we evaluated whether the Aloe QDM complex could improve metabolic disorders related to blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of Aloe QDM complex or pioglitazone (PGZ) or metformin (Met) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Dietary Aloe QDM complex lowered body weight, fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, and leptin levels, and markedly reduced the impairment of glucose tolerance in obese mice. Also, Aloe QDM complex significantly enhanced plasma adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity via AMPK activity in muscles. At the same time, Aloe QDM decreased the mRNA and protein of $PPAR{\gamma}/LXR{\alpha}$ and scavenger receptors in white adipose tissue (WAT). Dietary Aloe QDM complex reduces obesity-induced glucose tolerance not only by suppressing $PPAR{\gamma}/LXR{\alpha}$ but also by enhancing AMPK activity in the WAT and muscles, both of which are important peripheral tissues affecting insulin resistance. The Aloe QDM complex could be used as a nutritional intervention against T2D.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.135-143
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• 2010

Background: Cordyceps militarys water extract (CME) has been reported to exert antitumor and immunomodulatory activities in vivo and in vitro. However, the therapeutic mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we examined the effects of CME on the antigen presenting function of antigen presenting cells (APCs). Methods: Dendritic cells (DCs) were cultured in the presence of CME, and then allowed to phagocytose microspheres containing ovalbumin (OVA). After washing and fixing the efficacy of OVA, peptide presentation by DCs were evaluated using CD8 and CD4 T cells. Also, we confirmed the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines through western blot analysis. Results: CME enhanced both MHC class I and class II-restricted presentation of OVA in DCs. In addition, the expression of both MHC class I and II molecules was enhanced, but there was no changes in the phagocytic activity of exogenous OVA. Furthermore, CME induced the protein levels of iNOS, COX-2, proinflammatory cytokines, and nuclear p65 in a concentration-dependent manner, as determined by western blot. Conclusion: These results provide an understanding of the mechanism of the immuno-enhancing activity of CME on the induction of MHC-restricted antigen presentation in relation to their actions on APCs.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.3 s.67
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• pp.88-106
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• 2006

Objectives: This study was carried out to find the immune responses of the Gami-sopunghwalhyeol-tang $(Ji{\={a}}w{\`{e}}i-sh{\={u}}f{\={e}}nghu{\'{o}}xu{\`{e}}-tang)$ (hereinafter referred to GSHT) to the human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (hFLSs) isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Experiments were performed to measure the cytotoxity against hFCs and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in hFLSs and the production of NO, ROS. Results: 1. The gene expression of TNF-a, IL-6, IL-8 in hFLSs was effectively reduced at $100{\mu}g/ml$, whereas IL-1 $\beta$ was effectively reduced at 100 and $10{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT. 2. The gene expression of ICAM-1, MMP-3 in hFLSs was effectively inhibited at 100 and $10{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT, whereas TIMP-1 was effectively increased at 100 and $10{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT. 3. The gene expression of NOS-II in hFLSs was effectively inhibited at $100{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT. 4. The production of NO and ROS in hFLSs was inhibited at 100 and $10{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT. 5. The proliferation of hFLSs was significantly inhibited at $100{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT. Conclusions: Comparison of the results for this study showed that Gami-sopunghwalhyeol-tang ($Ji{\={a}}w{\`{e}}i-sh{\={u}}f{\={e}}nghu{\'{o}}xu{\`{e}}-tang$: GSHT) had immunomodulatory effects of suppressing or enhancing.