• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.654-658
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• 2002

Purpose : Endocrine and immune systems are connected and interdependent. Adrenal glands play an important role in this network and control the balance between serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEAS) and cortisol. These steroids have an antagonistic effect on the T cell progression into Th1 and Th2 cells and on the induction of correlated interleukins. Therefore we evaluated the role of adrenal androgen and cortisol as immune modulators in Kawasaki disease( KD) with changes of T cell immunity. Methods : From April to August in 2001, we examined serum DHEAS and 24 hour urine free cortisol(F) before administration of immunoglobulin and steroids by radioimmunoassay in 14 KD patients. It's clinical severity was determined by Harada score and coronary lesion. Results : The age of the patient group ranged from 4 months to 4 years; its average age was 2.3 years. Three patients(21.4%) were below 1 year, 2(14.3%) between 1 and 2 years, 5(35.7%) between 2 and 3 years, 4(28.6%) between 3 and 4 years of age. Male to female ratio was 1:1.3. DHEAS was significantly decreased in patients($11.1{\pm}6.0{\mu}g/dL$) more than controls($81.6{\pm}13.3{\mu}g/dL$)(P<0.05). Twenty-four hour urine free cortisol was significantly increased in patients($36.9{\pm}21.9{\mu}g/dL$) more than controls($13.6{\pm}5.5{\mu}g/dL$)(P<0.05). Ratio of DHEAS/F was decreased remarkably in patients($0.33{\pm}0.20$) more than controls($6.65{\pm}2.56$)(P=0.016). There was no difference between ratio of DHEAS/F and Harada score, but its ratio was very low in patients with coronary aneurysm. Conclusion : These data demonstrate that there are changes of DHEAS and cortisol in acute stage of KD and the dis-equilibrium between two steroids may be relevant in the T cell immune response induction of Kawasaki disease. These changes support the use of DHEAS/F ratio as one of the predictive factors of coronary arteries complication.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.202-209
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• 2014

RNA interference (RNAi) is the method which controls phenotypes of gene in live cells. Chitinase is the enzyme helping digestion and absorption of old cuticles during the ecdysis of insects. In order to investigate molting-inhibition effect with the chitinase related gene in Spodoptera litura, RNA was extracted from the $5^{th}$ instars. cDNA was synthesized and then we obtained about 700 bp size chitinase. After PCR products were cloned into a pGEM T-easy vector, colonies were picked. DNA was extracted from the colony cultures. EcoR I enzyme was used to check whether PCR products were inserted or not. And then we confirmed vector band of about 3 kb and insert band of about 700 bp. To synthesize the dsRNA, each DNA was cut with Spe I and Nco I enzymes (Circular DNA became lineared DNA). After synthesis of dsRNA, approximately 5 ul dsRNA was injected into the $3^{rd}$ abdominal segment of S. litura $4^{th}$ larvae. The concentration of dsRNA was about $10{\mu}g/{\mu}l$. We confirmed larval-larval molting : there were phenotypically abnormal individuals - for instance malformation, molting inhibition and change of integument color. Pupaadult molting : there were phenotypically abnormal individuals - for instance molting inhibition, change of wings and malformation. Also we could investigate the pupation, emergence and variation about noninjection, treated with DW and dsRNA. Each pupation was non-injection 83.3%, DW 78.3% and dsRNA 66.7%. Each emergence was non-injection 90.0%, DW 72.3% and dsRNA 65.0%. So we considered that chitinase dsRNA induced molting inhibition effect. But each variation was non-injection 8.9%, DW 2.9% and dsRNA 19.2%. Therefore dsRNA group showed the highest variation value. When 18 hours after injecting dsRNA, we could obtain abnormal individual.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.305-314
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• 2005

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of ginseng and Schizandra chinensis on the quality characteristics of kimchi stored for 40 days at $4^{\circ}C$ after kimchi was fermented for 1 day at $25^{\circ}C$. pH and reducing sugar of GS(Kimchi added with extract powder of fine ginseng root and Schizandra chinensis juice) were the highest in the early part of storage but pH and reducing sugar of G(Kimchi added with extract powder of fine ginseng root) were the highest from 11th storage day. Acidity and $CO_2$ content of GS were the highest during storage period. The $CO_2$ content of GS was the highest significantly and the $CO_2$ content of C(Control) was the lowest significantly. When the hardness was measured, G was the hardest and there were no significant difference between C and GS. Total cells and lactic acid bacteria were increased rapidly at initial fermentation and GS was the highest of 3 samples from 6th storage day. The result of sensory evaluation showed that G was lower in sourness and higher in hardness than C and GS. Ginseng flavor had no significant differences between G and GS. And G was higher than GS in bitter taste. Consumer Acceptance test showed that consumer prefered C and GS to G. Considering all results, it can be concluded that addition of Schizandra chinensis juice to kimchi decreases the bitter taste of ginseng and increasing consumer preference.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.161-169
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• 2024

This study confirmed the radioprotective effects of a mixed extracts of Hottuynia, Perilla Frutescens, and Camellia Sinnensis as natural radioprotectors on the prostate, small intestine, and liver of SD rats. It is known that Hottuynia, Perilla Frutescens, and Camellia Sinnensis have antioxidant effects on the prostate, small intestine, and liver, respectively.In this study, SD rats were irradiated with 8 Gy of gamma rays to confirm the radioprotective effects of a mixed extracts of Hottuynia, Perilla Frutescens, and Camellia Sinnensis. After radiation irradiation, histological analysis of the prostate, small intestine, and liver was performed. After radiation irradiation, histological analysis of the prostate, small intestine, and liver was performed. In the case of the prostate, the HPC+IR Group had less prostate damage and better recovery due to radiation compared to the IR Group. It was confirmed that the prostate size of the HPC+IR Group was 11.48%p and 24.54%p higher than the IR Group on 1st and 7th days. In the case of the small intestine, the HPC+IR Group had less radiation-induced small intestinal damage and recovery was better than the IR Group. The length of small intestine villus in the HPC+IR Group was confirmed to be 23.73%p and 24.27%p higher than the IR Group on the 1st and 7th days. In the case of the liver, the HPC+IR Group had less liver damage due to radiation and had better recovery than the IR Group. This was confirmed through the hepatic portal vein and surrounding cells. The results of this study are considered to be used as basic data for research on natural radiation protection using mixed extracts.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.9
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• pp.1015-1020
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• 2009

Purpose:The aim of this study is to explore the effect of the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) expressed in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) that respond to antigen to Th2 immune deviation in allergic patients. Methods:Subjects consisted of 19 allergic patients and 17 healthy volunteers. Skin prick tests and nasal provocation tests were performed for the two groups. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from subjects and analyzed for the Lineage Cocktail (CD3, CD14, CD16, CD19, CD20, CD56) (-), HLA-DR (+), and CD123 (+) using flow cytometry. In addition, we analyzed TLR9 mRNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The level of $interferon-{\alpha}$ ($IFN-{\alpha}$) of the PBMCs following stimulation with the TLR9 ligand CpG-ODN 2216 was also evaluated. Results:Analyses of CD123 (+) revealed a nearly similar distribution for the classical pDC markers in the allergic group ($0.1%{\pm}0.04%$) and in the controls ($0.25%{\pm}0.23%$). The mRNA levels of TLR9 on PBMCs were not different between the allergic group and the controls ($1.29{\pm}0.41$ vs. $1.25{\pm}0.23$, respectively). Additionally, the level of $IFN-{\alpha}$ in PBMCs exposed to stimuli of the TLR9 ligand CpG-ODN 2216 was not significantly different between the two groups ($911{\pm}829$ vs. $1,095{\pm}888pg/mL$, respectively). Conclusion:We found no evidence that TLR9-dependent immune responses in human pDCs are associated with allergic status.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.216-224
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• 1997

In order to investigate the osmoregulation capability of grey mullet, Mugil cephalus with the different salinities, juvenile fish $(13.6{\pm}0.2\;TL)$ stocked in seawater (SW) were abruptly transferred to each experimental group $0\%SW(0\%_{\circ}),\;25\%SW(7.7\%_{\circ}),\;50\%SW(16.1\%_{\circ})\;and \;100\%SW(32.8\%_{\circ})$ and reared for 60 days. Blood samples were taken by the time schedule after the transfer. Plasma $Na^{+},\;K^{+},\;Cl^{-}$ and osmolality, muscle water content, and the electron microscopical observations of chloride cells were analyzed and made by the time schedule. In $100\%SW$, the maintainable levels of plasma $Na^{+},\;K^{+},\;Cl^{-}$ and osmolality were $167.1{\pm}7.7mM/l,\;9.1{\pm}2.1mM/l,\;137.8{\pm}5.6mM/l\;and\;351{\pm}18\;mOsm/kg$, respectively. These values were significantly changed at $6h\~1\;day$ after the beginning of the experiment with four different salinities. Fish from $0\%\;and\;25\%SW$ had lower osmolalities than those of fish from $50\%\;and\;100\%SW$, and showed the hyposmotic regulation pattern. At the end of the experiment (60 days after transfer), however, no significant difference was found in the concentrations of plasma $Na^{+},\;K^{+}\;and\;Cl^{-}$ among four experimental groups. Hematocrit was increased with salinity (P<0.01). After 10 days, fish from $0\%\;and\;25\%SW$ showed the hypertrophy, fusion and edema of epithelial layer in gill lamella. However, at the 15th day, epithelial layer in gill lamella was back to the normal status. On gill of fish from $0\%SW$, one apical pit held two or three chloride cells in common. Muscle water content was subsequently regulated to near the normal levels within 4 days, and there was no significant difference among four different salinities at the end of the experiment.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.27-30
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• 1974

It was planned to evaluate the influence of Panax Ginseng upon hepatic DNA synthesis in mice by observing incorporation of $[^3H]$ thymidine into the tissue cells. Thirty male mice$(body\;weight:\;18{\sim}20\;g)$ were divided equally into the ginseng and the saline groups. Each animal of the ginseng and the saline groups received every day (subcutaneously) 0.05 m1/10 g body weight of ginseng extract (4mg of ginseng alcohol extract in 1 ml of saline) and the same amount of saline, respectively, for 5 days. On the 5th experimental day, all animals received $1\;{\mu}Ci/g$ body weight of $[^3H]$ thymidine intraperitoneally 2 hours after the last medication. Five animals, at a lime, of each group were sacrificed 1, 10, and 24 hours after thymidine administration, and their hepatic radioactivity was measured autoradiographically in terms of the % number of radioactive cells in 1,000 cell counts (Radioactive Index, R.I.). Following results were obtained: 1. The hepatic radioactive indices obtained from the saline group 1, 10, and 24 hour after $[^3H]$ thymidine administration were $3.23{\pm}0.23,\;5.20{\pm}0.21,\;and\;6.00{\pm}0.30\;(mean{\pm}S.D.)$, respectively. 2. The corresponding values obtained from the ginseng group $(4.22{\pm}0.33,\;6.32{\pm}0.32,\;and\;7.42{\pm}0.35)$ were significant higher than the values of the saline group. The inference from the above results was that the ginseng facilitated hepatic DNA synthesis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.8
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• pp.879-885
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• 2008

Purpose : The human lung fibroblast may act as an immunomodulatory cell by providing pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which are important in airway remodeling. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces mucosal edema and angiogenesis. Thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC) induces selective migration of T helper 2 cells. We investigated whether human lung fibroblasts produced VEGF and TARC, and the effects were augmented with the co-culture of fibroblasts and human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMC), and whether dexamethasone can inhibit the proliferation and the release of VEGF in lung fibroblasts. Methods : Human lung fibroblasts were cultured with and without HBSMC, growth-arrested in serum-deprived medium, and pretreated with dexamethasone for 16 hours. After 24-hour stimulation with platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and/or transforming growth factor-${\beta}$ (TGF-${\beta}$), culture supernatant was harvested for assays of VEGF and TARC. Cell proliferation was assayed using BrdU cell proliferation ELISA kit. Results : 1) The release of VEGF was significantly increased after stimulation with TGF-${\beta}$, and its release was augmented when co-stimulated with PDGF and TGF-${\beta}$. 2) VEGF release induced by PDGF or TGF-${\beta}$ was inhibited by dexamethasone. 3) There was no synergistic effect on the release of VEGF when human lung fibroblasts were co-cultured with HBSMC. 4) Dexamethasone did not suppress human lung fibroblasts proliferations. 5) Neither TGF-${\beta}$ nor PDGF induced TARC release from lung fibroblasts. Conclusion : Human lung fibroblasts may modulate airway remodeling by release of VEGF, but they have no synergistic effects when co-cultured with HBSMC. Dexamethasone suppresses VEGF release, not proliferation of lung fibroblast.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5767-5772
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• 2014

Background and Aim: B7-H1, a co-inhibitory molecule of the B7 family, is found aberrantly expressed in ovarian cancer cells and infiltrating macrophage/dendritic-like cells, and plays a critical role in immune evasion by ovarian cancer. IL-12, an inducer of Th1 cell development, exerts immunomodulatory effects on ovarian cancer. However, whether IL-12 regulates B7-H1 expression in human ovarian cancer associated-macrophages has not been clarified. Therefore, we investigated the effects of IL-12 on the expression of B7-H1 in ovarian cancer-associated macrophages and possible mechanisms. Methods: PMA induced THP-1-derived macrophages or human monocyte-derived macrophages were treated with recombinant IL-12 (rIL-12) or infected with adenovirus carrying human IL-12 gene (Ad-IL-12-GFP) for 24 h, then cocultured with the SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell line for another 24 h. Macrophages were collected for real-time PCR and Western blot to detect the expression of B7-H1, and activation of the NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway. Moreover, supernatants were collected to assay for IL-12, IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-10 by ELISA. In addition, monocyte-derived macrophages treated with IFN-${\gamma}$ were cocultured with SKOV3 and determined for the expression of B7-H1. Furthermore, the expression of B7-H1 in monocyte-derived macrophages was also evaluated after blocking NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling. Results: The expression of B7-H1 was significantly upregulated in monocyte-derived macrophages treated with rIL-12 or Ad-IL-12-GFP compared with the control groups (p<0.05), accompanied by a remarkable upregulation of IFN-${\gamma}$ (p<0.05), a marked downregulation of IL-10 (p<0.05) and activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling. However, the upregulation of B7-H1 was inhibited by blocking the NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway (p<0.05). Expression of B7-H1 was also increased (p<0.05) in monocyte-derived macrophages treated with IFN-${\gamma}$ and cocultured with SKOV3. By contrast, the expression of B7-H1 in THP-1-derived macrophages was significantly decreased when treated in the same way as monocyte-derived macrophages (p<0.05), and IL-10 was also significantly decreased but IFN-${\gamma}$ was almost absent. Conclusions: IL-12 upregulates the expression of B7-H1 in monocyte-derived macrophages, which is possible though inducing the secretion of IFN-${\gamma}$ and further activating the NF-${\kappa}B$ signal pathway. However, IL-12 downregulates the expression of B7-H1 in THP-1-derived macrophages, associated with a lack of IFN-${\gamma}$ and inhibition of expression of IL-10.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the bactericidal activity of electrolyzed water (EW) against coliform bacteria on Undaria pinnatifida (UP). The UP was washed with 15% EW, tap water (TW), and distilled water in the following order: 15% EW for 5 and 10 min (1st to 3rd washing process), TW for 1 min, and distilled water for 10 min (3rd to 5th washing process). The washing processes using 15% EW and distilled water occurred a total of 6 times. The number of viable cells, coliform bacteria, and molds in the untreated sample were in the range of 10¹ to 10³ CFU/g. In the case of the UP with 15% EW for 5 min sample, the viable cell counts were reduced by 1-2 log cycles as compared with the untreated sample. The coliform bacteria were not detected except after the 1st EW washing process. Mold counts were not detected in all treatments. In the UP with 15% EW for 10 min sample, the viable cells, coliform bacteria, and mold counts were not detected. In color, there were no significant differences among samples. In sensory evaluation, the UP treated with 15% EW for 10 min (first washing process) got higher scores for color, aroma, and taste than others. These results suggest that the treatment of 15% EW for 10 min is the most effective way to reduce coliform bacteria of the UP.