• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.245-252
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• 2003

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease(PTLD) has emerged as a potential life-threatening complication of immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation. The occurrence of PTLD is usually associated with an Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) infection in patients who are treated by aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. PTLD is represented by diverse manifestations ranging from reactive lymphoid hyperplasia to high grade malignant lymphoma. This is a case report of a late PTLD in a child. The patient is a 14-year-old girl, who presented as malignant lymphoma 44 months after successful renal transplantation. There was no evidence of EBV infection. On bone marrow study, many neoplastic lymphoid cells were defected. Aggressive chemotherapy for PTLD had resulted in clinical remission. However the patient expired from uncontrolled sepsis and septic shock after 77 days.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.14-20
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• 2009

Classification of land uses and analysis of nitrogen isotope fractionation in groundwater nitrate were carried out to examine its contamination sources in Jeju province. ${\delta}^{15}N$ values of urea (hydrolyzed with urease), ammonium sulfate, compost, water from septic tank were -1.7, -5.8, +14.1, and +24.0‰, respectively. Urea, when it was directly distillated, showed -16.5‰. Based on these ${\delta}^{15}N$ values, sources of nitrate could be classified as originated from chemical fertilizers with ${\delta}^{15}N$ values below +5‰ and as from animal manure or municipal waste with ${\delta}^{15}N$ values over +10‰. Results of ${\delta}^{15}N$ analysis of 33 wells showed that most wells had the chemical fertilizers as their dominant contamination source. However, some wells were contaminated by other sources: animal wastes or municipal wastes. Some wells were also contaminated by the combined sources of nitrate. It was also demonstrated that ${\delta}^{15}N$ analysis could be a useful tool even in the case where no apparent contamination source is found.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.151-159
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• 2019

Lipoteichoic acid isolated from Lactobacillus plantarum K8 (pLTA) alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced excessive inflammation through inhibition of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6. In addition, pLTA increases the survival rate of mice in a septic shock model. In the current study, we have found that pLTA contributes to homeostasis through regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. In detail, pLTA decreased the production of IL-10 by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP-1 cells stimulated with prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) and LPS. However, $TNF-{\alpha}$ production which was inhibited by PGE-2+LPS increased by pLTA treatment. The regulatory effects of IL-10 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ induced by PGE-2 and LPS in PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells were mediated by pLTA, but not by other LTAs isolated from either Staphylococcus aureus (aLTA) or L. sakei (sLTA). Further studies revealed that pLTA-mediated IL-10 inhibition and $TNF-{\alpha}$ induction in PGE-2+LPS-stimulated PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells were mediated by dephosphorylation of p38 and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), respectively. Reduction of pLTA-mediated IL-10 inhibited the metastasis of breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), which was induced by IL-10 or conditioned media prepared from PGE-2+LPS-stimulated PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells. Taken together, our data suggest that pLTA contributes to inflammatory homeostasis through induction of repressed pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as inhibition of excessive anti-inflammatory cytokines.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.141-148
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• 2022

Many bone diseases such as osteolysis, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis are caused by gram-negative bacterial infection, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial product, plays an essential role in this process. Drugs that inhibit LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis are urgently needed to prevent bone destruction in infective bone diseases. Marein, a major bioactive compound of Coreopsis tinctoria, possesses anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-diabetic effects. In this study, we measured the effect of marein on RAW264.7 cells by CCK-8 assay and used TRAP staining to determine osteoclastogenesis. The levels of osteoclast-related genes and NF-κB-related proteins were then analyzed by western blot, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were quantified by ELISA. Our results showed that marein inhibited LPS-induced osteoclast formation by osteoclast precursor RAW264.7 cells. The effect of marein was related to its inhibitory function on expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and osteoclast-related genes containing RANK, TRAF6, MMP-9, CK, and CAII. Additionally, marein leads to markedly inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway activation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Concurrently, when the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited, osteoclast formation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were decreased. Collectively, marein could inhibit LPS-induced osteoclast formation in RAW264.7 cells via regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our data demonstrate that marein might be a potential drug for bacteria-induced bone destruction disease. Our findings provide new insights into LPS-induced bone disease.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.44 no.12
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• pp.893-899
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• 2021

BLT2 is a low-affinity receptor for leukotriene B₄, a potent lipid mediator of inflammation generated from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BLT2 plays any role in sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by infection. A murine model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis was used to evaluate the role of BLT2 in septic inflammation. In the present study, we observed that the levels of ligands for BLT2 (LTB₄ [leukotriene B₄] and 12(S)-HETE [12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid]) were significantly increased in the peritoneal lavage fluid and serum from mice with CLP-induced sepsis. We also observed that the levels of BLT2 as well as 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and 12-LO, which are synthesizing enzymes for LTB₄ and 12(S)-HETE, were significantly increased in lung and liver tissues in the CLP mouse model. Blockade of BLT2 markedly suppressed the production of sepsis-associated cytokines (IL-6 [interleukin-6], TNF-α [tumor necrosis factor alpha], and IL-1β [interleukin-β] as well as IL-17 [interleukin-17]) and alleviated lung inflammation in the CLP group. Taken together, our results suggest that BLT2 cascade contributes to lung inflammation in CLP-induced sepsis by mediating the production of inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that BLT2 may be a potential therapeutic target for sepsis patients.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.317-323
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to report a case diagnosed with cellulitis and ankle joint synovitis after acupuncture treatment. An 85-years old female suffering from low back pain was managed by acupuncture including BL60. After treatment, unintended ankle pain occurred. The pain was diagnosed with cellulitis and synovitis by MRI. The patient was transferred to the Western medical hospital, and ankle joint arthroscopic synovectomy was performed. It was difficult to find a clear relationship between acupuncture and ankle joint synovitis. But it would be reasonable to assume that cellulitis was associated with acupuncture needling and synovitis was followed. Serious adverse effects, such as septic arthritis, are rare, but need significant attention. For acupuncture treatment on the ankle, especially using BL60, the depth and manipulation should be carefully performed along with sterilization.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.675-682
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• 2022

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) was reported to play an anti-inflammatory role, however, previous studies largely focused on the effects of KRG on priming step, the inflammation-preparing step, and the anti-inflammatory effect of KRG on triggering, the inflammation-activating step has been poorly understood. This study demonstrated anti-inflammatory role of KRG in caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome activation in macrophages during triggering of inflammatory responses. Methods: Caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome-activated J774A.1 macrophages were established by priming with Pam3CSK4 and triggering with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell viability and pyroptosis were examined by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Nitric oxide (NO)-inhibitory effect of KRG was assessed using a NO production assay. Expression and proteolytic cleavage of proteins were examined by Western blotting analysis. In vivo anti-inflammatory action of KRG was evaluated with the LPS-injected sepsis model in mice. Results: KRG reduced LPS-stimulated NO production in J774A.1 cells and suppressed pyroptosis and IL-1β secretion in caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome-activated J774A.1 cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that KRG suppressed the direct interaction between LPS and caspase-11 and inhibited proteolytic processing of both caspase-11 and gasdermin D in caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome-activated J774A.1 cells. Furthermore, KRG significantly ameliorated LPS-mediated lethal septic shock in mice. Conclusion: The results demonstrate a novel mechanism of KRG-mediated anti-inflammatory action that operates through targeting the caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome at triggering step of macrophage-mediated inflammatory response.

• Journal of Convergence Korean Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 2022

Objectives: TSepsis and subsequent acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical state of health caused by infection or endotoxins. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Water Extract of Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Radix (AR) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis in C57BL/6 mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS to induce sepsis and ALI. AR was orally fed twice at 30 min and 180 min after LPS injection. At 24 h post injection, mice were sacrificed, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood was collected, and lung tissue was harvested. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed in lung tissues, wet/dry ratio of the lung tissue was measured, and the serum cytokine and chemokine levels were analyzed. Results: AR revoked the LPS-induced pathological changes in lung tissues, such as abnormal histological structures, immune cell infiltration and lung edema. Also, AR suppressed the neutrophil infiltration into the lung which was greatly increased by LPS injection based on the cell content of collected BALF. Serum cytokines and chemokines were measured, and AR reversed the LPS-induced increase of cytokines such as interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha and chemokines including C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 and 2. Conclusion: TAR showed a protective effect in the pathological progress of LPS-induced ALI. Especially, AR suppressed lung edema and infiltration of neutrophils by inhibiting cytokine and chemokine expressions. Such results demonstrate the potential of AR as a therapeutic agent for sepsis and sepsis-induced ALI.

• Korean Journal of Transplantation
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.193-199
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• 2017

Background: Although there more than 1,000 liver transplantations (LTs) are performed in Korea annually, their immense cost remains a great hurdle. Hence, in an attempt to reduce the medical costs of LT, a program was initiated at a public hospital affiliated with the Seoul National University Hospital. Methods: A total of 11 LTs have been successfully executed since the first LT performed at Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center in July 2011 through December 2014. Results: Nine patients (81.8%) were male and two (18.2%) were female. The mean age of patients was 53.4±11.4 years. Hepatitis B virus-related liver disease (n=6, 54.5%) was the most common causative disease, followed by alcoholic liver disease (ALD) (n=4, 36.4%). The actuarial 3-year survival rate was 90.9%. The median total medical cost of LTs was US $41,583 (calculated from operation to discharge), but only $11,860 was actually charged for patients with health insurance coverage. One female patient who had undergone deceased donor LT for alcoholic liver cirrhosis died during follow-up. This patient was non-compliant with the medical instructions after discharge, and finally expired due to septic shock at 10 months post-LT. Conclusions: In the public hospital, LT was successfully performed at a much lower cost. However, LT guidelines and peritransplant management protocols for patients with ALD must be established before escalating LT at public hospitals since ALD with poor compliance is one of the most common causes of complications at public hospitals.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.211-219
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• 2023

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an active component of propolis obtained from honeybee hives. CAPE possesses anti-mitogenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities in diverse systems, which know as displays antioxidant activity and inhibits lipoxygenase activities, protein tyrosine kinase, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CAPE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human neutrophil phagocytosis. Human neutrophils were cultured with various concentrations of CAPE (1, 10, and 100 µM) with or without LPS. The pro-inflammatory proteins (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-8) levels were measured after 4 h incubation. To investigate the intracellular signaling pathway, we measured the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), including phosphorylation of p38, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Next, to evaluate the potential phagocytosis, neutrophils were labeled with iron particles of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs, 40 nm) for 1 h in culture medium containing 5 mg/mL of iron. The labeling efficiency was determined by Prussian blue staining for intracellular iron and 3T-wighted magnetic resonance imaging. CAPE decreased the activation of intracellular signaling pathways, including ERK1/2 and c-Jun, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, but had no effect on the signaling pathways of p38 and cytokine IL-8. Furthermore, images obtained after mannan-coated SPION treatment suggested that CAPE induced significantly higher signal intensities than the control or LPS group. Together, these results suggest that CAPE regulates LPS-mediated activation of human neutrophils to reduce phagocytosis.