• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.1-18
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• 2006

Objective : Although management of asthma has become increasingly effective, its cure remains elusive, necessitating a new modality to prevent or eliminate causes triggering clinical progress. Based in the clinical experiences, a novel decoration Cheongsangbiyeum (CSB), has been developed to treat asthma, which consists of Polyporus, Semen Myristicae, Pericarpium citri Reticulatae, Rhizoma Cimicifugae, Cortex Albizziae, Fructus Rubi, Rhizoma Zedoariae, and Rhizoma Rhei. In the current study, its anti-asthmatic efficacy was evaluated using a mouse model of asthma. Methods : Experimental allergic asthma was induced by repeated intraperitioneal sensitization and intranasal challenge of ovalbumin (OVA). Water extract of CSB (1 mg/mouse/day) was administrated orally whereas control mice on given with identical volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 5 days during the course of antigen challenge. When airway hyperreactivity(AHR) measured by ${\bata}-methacoline-induced$ airflow obstruction was compared, AHR of CSB-treated mice was significantly lower than those of control mice, indicating that CM extract can attenuate an asthmatic symptom. Airway recruitment of leukocytes and eosinophils was also markedly reduced by CSB treatment suggesting that oral treatment of CSB can alleviate the airway inflammation. For a better understanding of possible mechanisms underlying anti-asthmatic effet of CSB, cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and $IFN{\gamma}$ levels in bronchoalveola lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were determined. Results : The results showed that cytokine levels were significantly lowered by CSB treatment. Additionally, number of draining lymph node cells was significantly lower than those of control mice. These data indicate that CSB suppress in vivo allergen-specific response. However, notably, levels of type 2 cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-13 were more profoundly influenced. Moreover, in vitro OVA-specific proliferative response and type 2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) production lymph node cells was markedly decreased in CSB-treated mice, whereas their $IFN{\gamma}$ production was not significantly altered Thrse data clearly showed a preferential inhibition of type 2 T cell (Th2) response by CSB treatment. This finding was also supported by serum antibody data showing that levels of OVA-specific type 2 antibodies, IgE and IgG1, in CSB-treated mice were significantly lower than in control mice, while type 1 antibody, IgG2a level m rather higher than controls, although the difference was in significant. Conclusions : In conclusion, oral administration of CSB attenuates asthmatic manifestations including AHR ad airway recruitment of eosinophils in a mouse model which possibly results from selective inhibition of Th2 cell response to allergen. Our data suggest a potential clinical application of CSB for control of allergic asthma.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.82-88
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• 2014

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory disease preceding the development of allergic disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Sargassum micracanthum ethanol extract (SMEE) on AD. AD was induced by spreading 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzen (DNCB) on the back sides of BALB/c mice. The efficacy of SMEE was tested by observing the skin clinical severity score, proliferations of Raw 264.7 cells and the secretion of cytokines and IgE. The secretion of IL-4, and IgE was significantly decreased by SMEE in a dose dependent manner, while IFN-${\gamma}$ was increased. In addition, SMEE alleviated the AD symptoms better when compared to the positive controls. In conclusion, these results suggest that SMEE has an inhibitory effect on AD, and may serve as a useful biomaterial for the development of cosmeceuticals.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.383-388
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• 2018

In this study, we investigated the effect of bioprocessed polysaccharides (BPPs) from liquid culture of Lentinus edodes fungal mycelia containing rice bran (BPP-RB) on a chicken-derived macrophage cell line, HD-11, when infected with Salmonella Gallinarum, an etiological agent of fowl typhoid. Experimental results demonstrated water extract of BPP-RB did not show growth inhibitory effects on S. Gallinarum 277. Protein expression profiles were also not altered by its treatment. Nonetheless, it could (i) enhance phagocytic activity of HD-11 cells, (ii) activate transcriptional expression of Th1-type cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ and interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, iNOS, as well as an immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10, and (iii) negatively regulate Th2-type cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-6. Together results suggest that BPP-RB may be applicable for preventing fowl typhoid or other Salmonella infections in poultry farms as a potential feed additive.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.81-90
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• 2014

In order to determine the functional benefits of Cordyceps militaris in the immune system, we examined the immunomodulatory activities of C. militaris using an immunocompromised C57BL/6 mice, mouse spleen cells, RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, and A549 lung carcinoma cells. Mice were injected intraperitioneally with an immunosuppressive drug, cyclophosphamide, and then administered orally with 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg of 50% ethanol extract of C. militaris (CME 30, CME 100 and CME 300) for 14 days. CME increased splenocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell activity compared to 3% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-treated control mice. CME also increased the production of Th1 cytokines, IL-2 and TNF-${\alpha}$ in spleen cells isolated from CME-injected mice and in vitro, which suggested the enhanced cellular immunity in response to CME. CME also increased splenocyte proliferation, NK cell activity, and IL-2 and TNF-${\alpha}$ production compared to 1 ${\mu}M$ methotrexate-treated spleen cells in vitro. We examined whether C. militaris regulates the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. CME inhibited LPS-induced NO production and iNOS expression in a dose dependent manner, while COX-2 expression was remained unchanged. In addition, CME also has free radical scavenging activity, indicating its antioxidant activity. These results indicate that C. militaris enhances immune activity by promoting immune cell proliferation and cytokine production.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.329-335
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• 2006

Echinostoma hortense (E. hortense) is an intestinal trematode with the highest infection rate in South Korea. However, the immune response against E. hortense infection has not been explained well. In the present study, we investigated the effect of treatment with cyclosporin A (CsA) and histamine receptor antagonists on the cytokine expression and mucosal goblet cells in E. hortense-infected C3H/HeN mice. The alteration of cytokine mRNA expression ($TNF-{\alpha},\;IL-l{\beta},\;IL-4\;and\;IL-5$), intestinal worm recovery rate and goblet cell responses were measured weekly from 0 to 5 weeks post-infection (P.I.) in the control and the following three drug-treated groups: CsA, hydroxyzine and cimetidine. Compared with the control group, the expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-4 and IL-5 mRNAs decreased in the CsA- and hydroxyzine-treated groups, but only IL-4 mRNA expression did in the cimetidine-treated group. Worm recovery rate was significantly increased in the drug-treated groups. Mucosal goblet cells and their mucin response significantly decreased in the CsA-treated group (P<0.01), but significantly increased in the cimetidine- (P<0.05) and hydroxyzine- (P<0.01) treated groups. These data suggest that CsA treatment inhibits production of Th1- and Th2-type cytokines which are necessary for the worm expulsion. Histamine receptor increases goblet cells and their mucin activation, although it remains to be elucidated whether it directly affects the worm expulsion period of E. hortense in C3H/HeN mice.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.102-113
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• 2001

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of Seungyangikkitang (SIT) on the immune cells in BALB/c mice. SIT (500mg/kg) was administerd p.o. once a day for 7 days. SIT enhanced the proliferation of thymocytes, but decreased the proliferation of splenocytes. SIT enhanced the subpopulation of cytotoxic T cells in thymocytes and helper T cells in splenocytes, but did not affect the subpopulation of B220/Thy1 cells. SIT enhanced the production of γ-interferon and interleukin-2 in thymocytes, splenocytes and serum, but did not affect the production of interleukin-4. SIT suppressed the production of nitric oxide, but enhanced the lucigenin chemiluminescence and the engulfment of FITC-conjugated E. coli particles in peritoneal macrophages. These results suggest that SIT has a potent activity on the specific immunity via the cytokine secretion of Th1 cells and the non-specific immunity via the phagocytic activity of macrophages in vivo.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.479-484
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• 2004

Immunoinhibitory protein extracted from sonicated Treponema denticola have been shown to suppress cell cycle progression of human lymphocytes. To study in detail about the effect of this microorganism on the function of lymphocytes. we investigated the levels of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Interleukin-4 (IL-4) production by T lymphocytes before and after the addition of $12.5{\;}\mu\textrm{g}/ml$ T. denticola sonicated extracts. In this study. levels of IL-2 and IL-4 produced from T cells pretreated with sonicated extracts were evaluated by using the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. In response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. T cell produced increased levels of IL-2 and IL-4. However. the expressions of both cytokines were significantly inhibited when PHA activated-T cells were pre-exposed to sonicated T. denticola extracts (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the T. denticola sonicated extracts induced-immunosuppression in Th1 and Th2 cell functions could be a part of the pathogenic mechanism of the endodontic failure associated with this microorganism.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.89-101
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• 2004

Objective : The present experiments were designed to study on the immune-enhancing effect of Mountain grown ginseng, Mountain cultivated ginseng, and Panax ginseng Method : In order to compare the immune-enhancing effect of moutain grown ginseng, moutain cultivated ginseng and Panax ginseng, the study was done through the forced swimming test (FST), measurement of T helper Th1, Th2 cytokines and fatigue related factors. Result : Moutain grown ginseng and panax ginseng decreased the immobility time in the FST compared to the control. Glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Total-protein (T-protein) in serum were investigated. The serum achieved from ginseng administered mouse showed higher BUN, T-protein than the control. moutain grown ginseng administered group showed lower LDH than the control group. moutain grown ginseng administered mouse showed higher glucose than the control. Creatinine was same in either experimental or control group. Ginseng-induced cytokine production in human T-cell line, MOLT-4 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages were compared. Moutain cultivated ginseng (10-4 dilution) and panax ginseng (10-3 dilution) were increased the interferon $IFN-{\gamma}$ production compared with media control (about 1.6-fold P<0.05) at 48 h. Moutain grown ginseng (10-4 dilution) was increased the $IFN-{\gamma}$ and interleukin IL-4 production compared with media control (about l.4-fold for $IFN-{\gamma}$ and 1.6-fold for IL-4 P<0.05) at 48 h. Moutain grown ginseng (10-3 dilution) and moutain cultivated ginseng (10-4 dilution) were increased the turmor necrosis factor $TNF-{\alpha}$ production compared with $rIFN-{\gamma}$ treated cells (about 1.9-fold for $TNF-{\alpha}$ P<0.05), respectively. Moutain cultivated ginseng (10-3 dilution) was increased the IL-12 production compared with $rIFN-{\gamma}$ treated cell (about 1.7-fold for IL-12 P<0.05). Conclusion : These data suggest that three different three kinds of ginseng act on immune responses in different aspects.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.1106-1115
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• 2009

Mori Ramulus has multiple applications in Korean traditional medicine prescription because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing macrophage activities. Yet, no studies on the anti-arthritic activity of EMR (extract of Mori Ramulus) have been reported in vitro and in vivo. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with chronic inflammation characterized by hyperplasia of synovial cells in affected joints, which ultimately leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone. Because collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is similar to RA in pathological symptoms and immune reactions, there have been several reports concerning RA using CIA mouse model. Here, we investigated the effects of Mori Ramulus on RA using CIA mice. The importance of CD4+ Th1 cells in RA progress was previously indicated and studies further showed that Th17 cells play a prime role in severity of disease. Accordingly, the present study was focused on CIA associated with CD4+ Th1 cells and Th1 7 cells. DBA/1OlaHsd mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen (CII). After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with EMR once a day for 4 weeks. The severity of arthritis within the paw joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction and pannus formation. Immune cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), draining lymph node (DLN) and paw joints, cytokine production and gene expression were assessed from CIA mouse using ELISA, FACS and real-time PCR analysis. Administration of EMR significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and inhibited the production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-17 in the serum. The erosion of cartilage was dramatically reduced in mouse knees after treatment with EMR. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EMR significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and that this action was mediated by the decreased production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-17 and collagen II-specific antibody in the serum. EMR suppressed Th17 cells and reduced level of IL-6 via B cell suppression, and thus, the levels of autoantibodies produced from B cells were decreased. Furthermore, EMR suppressed NKT cells which directly stimulate B cells and develop imbalance of Th1/Th2 cell. Oral administration of EMR (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the progression of CIA, which is comparable to that of methotrexate (MTX, 0.3 mg/kg) used as a positive control. We are currently studying the mechanism underlying the therapeutic role for EMR in CIA mice.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.96-105
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• 2014

Objective : Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch (GUF) has been used as remedy of allergic diseases for a long time in Korea. In the present study, we investigated the anti-allergic effects of GUF on experimental allergic asthma mouse model using ovalbumin (OVA). Methods : BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with 100 ug of OVA and 1 mg of aluminum potassium sulfate of 0.2 ml phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) intraperitoneally on day 1 and 15. Mice were challenged on 3 consecutive days with 5% OVA and AHR was assessed 24 hrs after the last challenge. We examined total inflammatory cell number in bronchoaveloar lavage fluid (BALF), Th2-associated cytokine productions and lung histology. Results : GUF potently inhibited the development of airway hypersensitivity and also reduced the number of BAL cells during OVA-induced allergic asthma. GUF also inhibited cytokine productions such as IL-4, IL-13 in lung tissue. Furthermore, GUF treatment inhibited allergic airway inflammation. Conclusion : These results suggest that GUF may inhibit the production of IL-4, IL-13 and infiltration of inflammatory cell and be beneficial oriental medicine for allergic asthma.