• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.318-326
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• 2019

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) levels are often found to be elevated in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage, and lung tissue of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients and experimental mouse models. Although the roles of sphingosine kinase 1 and S1P receptors have been implicated in fibrosis, the underlying mechanism of fibrosis via Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 ($S1P_2$) has not been fully investigated. Therefore, in this study, the roles of $S1P_2$ in lung inflammation and fibrosis was investigated by means of a bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model and lung epithelial cells. Bleomycin was found to induce lung inflammation on day 7 and fibrosis on day 28 of treatment. On the $7^{th}$ day after bleomycin administration, $S1P_2$ deficient mice exhibited significantly less pulmonary inflammation, including cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine induction, than the wild type mice. On the $28^{th}$ day after bleomycin treatment, severe inflammation and fibrosis were observed in lung tissues from wild type mice, while lung tissues from $S1P_2$ deficient mice showed less inflammation and fibrosis. Increase in TGF-${\beta}1$-induced extracellular matrix accumulation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were inhibited by JTE-013, a $S1P_2$ antagonist, in A549 lung epithelial cells. Taken together, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic functions of $S1P_2$ were elucidated using a bleomycin-induced fibrosis model. Notably, $S1P_2$ was found to mediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition in fibrotic responses. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that $S1P_2$ could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

• 한국자원식물학회지
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• 제25권6호
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• pp.682-692
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• 2012

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cough, indigestion, circulatory problems and pain. The associated anti-inflammatory effect of this agent is achieved via the inhibition of Nf-${\kappa}B$ signaling, a property that has been demonstrated to effectively control the symptoms of various skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Sea Buckthorn in reducing the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated nitric oxide (NO) by inhibiting the Nf-${\kappa}B$ pathway, as measured by the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) occurring secondarily to inflammation and immune dysregulation. Our data demonstrate that Sea Buckthorn significantly decreased the LPS-induced production of NO (p<0.001). Atopic dermatitis was induced by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene to the dorsal skin of mice. Topical application of 5% Sea Buckthorn extract improved the symptoms of AD, specifically reducing disease severity scores, scratching behaviors and epidermal thickness. When compared to the control group, animals treated with Sea Buckthorn exhibited increased serum IL-12 levels and decreased serum TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-4 and IL-5 levels. Such a modulation of biphasic T-helper (Th)1/Th2 cytokines may result in a reduction in serum IgE levels. Our findings suggest that mechanism of action of Sea Buckthorn in the treatment of AD is associated with a marked anti-inflammatory effect as well as an inhibition of Th2-mediated IgE overproduction via the modulation of biphasic Th1/Th2 cytokines. Such results suggest that topical Sea Buckthorn extract may prove to be a novel therapy for AD symptoms with few side effects.

• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• 제33권52호
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• pp.336.1-336.12
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• 2018

Background: We aimed to investigate mucosal immunity related to forkhead box P3 ($FOXP3^+$) regulatory T (Treg) cells, T helper 17 (Th17) cells and cytokines in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: Mucosal tissues from terminal ileum and colon and serum samples were collected from twelve children with IBD and seven control children. Immunohistochemical staining was done using anti-human FOXP3 and anti-$ROR{\gamma}t$ antibodies. Serum levels of cytokines were analyzed using a multiplex assay covering interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A/F, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, interferon $(IFN)-{\gamma}$, soluble CD40L, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$. Results: $FOXP3^+$ Treg cells in the lamina propria (LP) of terminal ileum of patients with Crohn's disease were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the healthy controls. $ROR{\gamma}t^+$ T cells of terminal ileum tended to be higher in Crohn's disease than those in the control. In the multiplex assay, serum concentrations (pg/mL) of IL-4 ($9.6{\pm}1.5$ vs. $12.7{\pm}3.0$), IL-21 ($14.9{\pm}1.5$ vs. $26.4{\pm}9.1$), IL-33 ($14.3{\pm}0.9$ vs. $19.1{\pm}5.3$), and $IFN-{\gamma}$ ($15.2{\pm}5.9$ vs. $50.2{\pm}42.4$) were significantly lower in Crohn's disease than those in the control group. However, serum concentration of IL-6 ($119.1{\pm}79.6$ vs. $52.9{\pm}39.1$) was higher in Crohn's disease than that in the control. Serum concentrations of IL-17A ($64.2{\pm}17.2$ vs. $28.3{\pm}10.0$) and IL-22 ($37.5{\pm}8.8$ vs. $27.2{\pm}3.7$) were significantly higher in ulcerative colitis than those in Crohn's disease. Conclusion: Mucosal immunity analysis showed increased $FOXP3^+$ T reg cells in the LP with Crohn's disease while Th17 cell polarizing and signature cytokines were decreased in the serum samples of Crohn's disease but increased in ulcerative colitis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제26권5호
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• pp.481-486
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• 2018

Cosmetics are primarily applied to the skin; therefore, the association of cosmetic dyes with skin diseases or inflammation is a topic of great interest. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an interleukin 7-like cytokine that activates dendritic cells to promote Th2 inflammatory immune responses. TSLP is highly expressed in keratinocytes under inflammatory conditions, which suggests that it may play a critical role in the development of skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. Therefore, we investigated whether cosmetic dyes influenced the production of TSLP by keratinocytes. Phloxine O, also known as D&C Red No.27, is one of the most common red synthetic pigments and is widely used in colored cosmetics. Our results showed that Phloxine O downregulated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced production of TSLP in a murine keratinocyte cell line (PAM212). Phloxine O also suppressed TSLP expression in KCMH-1 cells, which are mouse keratinocytes that constitutively produce high levels of TSLP. To investigate the in vivo effects of Phloxine O, we induced TSLP expression in mouse ear skin by topically applying MC903, a vitamin D3 analogue that is a well-known inducer of atopic dermatitis-like symptoms. Topical application of Phloxine O prevented MC903-induced TSLP production in mouse ear skin, attenuated the acute dermatitis-like symptoms and decreased serum IgE and histamine levels in mice. Suppression of TSLP expression by Phloxine O correlated with reduced expression of OX40 ligand and Th2 cytokines in mouse ear skin. Our results showed that Phloxine O may be beneficial to prevent dermatitis by suppressing the expression of TSLP and Th2 cytokines in skin.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제27권6호
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• pp.123-129
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• 2012

Objectives : Allergy has been described as an inflammatory with hypersensitivity resulting from seasonal or perennial responses to specific allergens. The root of Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC.(Platycodi Radix; Campanulaceae) has been traditionally used to treat chronic diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation and hyperlipidemia. In this study, we examined the effect of 70% ethanol extract of Platycodi Radix (PR-E) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation in mice. Methods : Mice were sensitized and challenged by OVA inhalation to induced chronic airway inflammation, and then were intragastrically administered PR-E extract at doses of 50 and 200 mg/kg/day from days 21 to 30 consecutively. The levels of allergic mediators such as histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and cytokines such as IL-4 and IFN-${\gamma}$ were measured in the sera of mice by ELISA. The histological change of lung tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results : PR-E extract significantly decreased the serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE, and Th2 cytokine, IL-4 compared with those in the OVA-induced group. PE-E extract significantly increased the serum level of Th1 cytokine, IFN-${\gamma}$. Based on lung histopathological studies, inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion were inhibited by PE-E extract administration compared to that in the OVA-induced group. Conclusions : These findings indicate that PE-E extract may be useful as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of bronchial asthma.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제20권1호통권32호
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• pp.177-194
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• 2007

Fructus of Rubus coreanus $M_{IQ.}$. (FRCM) has been used for stuttering urination, prostate gland disease, and impotence in Korean traditional medicine. Water extract of FRCM (WFRCM) treatment significantly attenuated airway hyperreactivity (AHR). Airway recruitment of leukocytes and eosinophils was also markedly reduced by WFRCM administration, suggesting that WFRCM can alleviate the airway inflammation. However, the level of cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung was not different compared with positive control. WFRCM reduced the number of draining lymph node cells during OVA-induced allergic asthma. I further examined transcription level of cytokine in lung. WFRCM treatment reduced IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA in lung and inhibited IgE and IgG1 but not IgG2a. My data suggest that WFRCM attenuates OVA-induced allergic asthma through inhibition of Th2 cell response.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.31-38
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• 2000

Background : Nowadays asthma is considered to be the inflammatory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary eosinophilia, and mediated by Th lymphocytes expressing the Th2 cytokine pattern. In many recent studies, molecular biological methods have been used to investigate the role of cytokines in pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets of asthma. Objective : We aimed to identify the effect of Armeniacae Arnarum Semen and Platycodi Radix on the transcriptional activities of cytokine IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6 involved in asthma model. Materials and Methods : RBL-2H3 cell lines were used. Cells were stimulated with calcium inophore for maximal gene expression. After 24 hours of Armeniacae Arnarum Semen and Platycodi Radix-treatment, total cellular RNAs were collected using Trizol solution method. Then transcriptional activities of IL-4, IL-S and IL-6 were measured by RT-PCR with electrophoresis. Results : In IL-4 study, Armeniacae Arnarum Semen treated group showed 48.4% of transcriptional activities compared to the control group and Platycodi Radix treated group showed 45.4% of transcriptional activities compared to the control group. In IL-5 study, Armeniacae Arnarum Semen treated group showed 52.7%of transcriptional activities compared to the control group and Platycodi Radix treated group showed 60.2% of transcriptional activities compared to the control group. In IL-6 study, Armeniacae Amarum Semen treated group showed 42.3% of transcriptional activities compared to the control group and Platycodi Radix treated group showed 69.1% of transcriptional activities compared to the control group. Conclusion : This study shows that Armeniacae Arnarum Semen and Platycodi Radix have the inhibitory effect on the transcription of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6 gene expression in RBL-2H3 cell lines. Advanced studies are required to investigate the mechanisms of inhibition by herbal medicine in asthma model.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• 제1권2호
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• pp.124-129
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• 2005

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin $(IL-1)-{\beta}$, play a key role in causing inflammatory diseases, which are rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and sepsis. Accumulating evidences suggest that low level laser irradiation (LLLI) may have an anti-inflammatory action. However, there are few data regarding down regulation of Th1 immune response by using the diod typed laser emitting device for human patients. As a fundamental step in order to address this issue, we investigated immunological impact of the low level laser irradiation (10 mw laser diode with a wavelength of 630 nm) on expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in murine immunocytes (splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages) in vitro. The LLLI on lipopolysaccharide (LPS 100 ng/ml)-stimulated murine splenocytes and macrophages, clearly down regulated mRNA expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-12 in dose-dependent manner. In addition, LLLI significantly inhibits the NO production in the LPS-stimulated murine macrophages. This data suggests that LLLI (wavelength of 630 nm) may exert an anti-inflammatory action via modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine and NO production pathway.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제37권2호
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• pp.125-134
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• 2010

목 적: 난관수종액내의 사이토카인 농도를 측정하고, 사이토카인 농도가 다른 난관수종액을 이용하여 생쥐 배아 발생에 미치는 영향을 비교하고자 하였다. 연구방법: 난관수종액은 자궁난관 조영술에서 난관수종이 진단되어 복강경을 통한 난관 절제술을 시행하는 경우 난관 절제술 전에 난관으로부터 채취한 다음 3,000 rpm에서 10분간 원심분리시킨 후 상층액만을 $-20^{\circ}C$에서 보관하였다. 난관수종액의 사이토카인의 조성 및 농도를 확인하기 위하여 interleukin (IL)-$1{\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$, interferon (IFN)-$\gamma$, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 등을 ELISA 방법으로 측정하였다. 기본 배양액에 난관수종액을 5%, 10%, 30%의 비율로 첨가하여 각 군별로 배반포로의 발달을 관찰하였다. 결 과: 난관수종액내에서 IL-$1{\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-$\alpha$, IFN-$\gamma$, VEGF, EGF, MCP-1가 검출되었으며, 그 농도에 있어서는 큰 차이를 보였다. 정상 혈청 농도에 비하여 난관수종액-1은 IL-6, IL-10이 증가되어 있었고, 난관 수종액-2는 IFN-$\gamma$, MCP-1 및 VEGF가 증가되어 있었다. 각 난관수종액의 Th1/Th2 비는 HSF-1의 경우 IFN-$\gamma$:IL-10이 3.69로 정상인 데 비하여 HSF-2의 경우 IFN-$\gamma$:IL-10이 61.14로 크게 증가되어 있었다. 난관수종액을 포함하지 않는 배양액에서는 배반포기 발달률은 76.7%이었고, 난관수종액-1군은 74%로 대조군과 차이를 보이지 않았지만, 난관수종액-2군의 경우 27.7%로서 대조군 및 난관수종액-1군과도 유의한 차이를 보였다. 난관수종액-1의 경우 난관수종액 농도에 따른 차이는 없었으며, 난관수종액-2군의 경우 농도에 증가함에 따라 배반포로의 발달이 감소하기는 하였지만 통계적으로 유의하지는 않았다. 결 론: 난관수종액마다 사이토카인의 조성이 다르며 이에 따라 생쥐 배아발달에 미치는 영향이 다를 수 있다. 염증성 사이토카인이 증가된 난관수종액이 배아발달에 악영향을 미칠 것으로 추정된다. 특정 사이토카인에 의한 작용을 규명하기는 위해서는 향후 지속적인 연구가 필요할 것으로 생각된다.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• 제14권4호
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• pp.479-486
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• 2005

Arabinoxylan, a complex polysaccharide in cereal cell walls, has recently received research attention as a biological response modifier. The immunomodulating effect of arabinoxylans from rice bran (AXrb) was studied using a combined process of extrusion and commercial hemicellulase treatment in order to elucidate the augmentation mechanism of cell-mediated immunity in vitro. The cytotoxicity of mouse spleen lymphocytes against YAC-1 tumor cells was significantly enhanced by treatment with AXrb at $10-100\;{\mu}g/mL$. In an attempt to investigate the mechanism by which AXrb enhance NK cytotoxicity, we examined the effect of AXrb on cytokine production by spleen lymphocytes. Culture supernatants of the cells incubated with AXrb were collected and analyzed for IL-2 and IFN-${\gamma}$ synthesis by ELISA. IL-2 and IFN-${\gamma}$ production were increased significantly. These results suggest that AXrb may induce Th1 immune responses. Macrophages play an important role in host defenses against tumors by killing them and producing secretory products, which protect against bacterial, viral infection and malignant cell growth. AXrb were examined for their ability to induce secretory and cellular responses in murine peritoneal macrophages. When macrophages were treated with various concentrations ($10-100\;{\mu}g/mL$) of AXrb, AXrb induced tumoricidal activity, as well as increasing phagocytosis and the production of NO, $H_2O_2$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6. These results indicate that reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and inflammatory cytokines are likely to be the major mediators of tumoricidal activity in AXrb-treated macrophages. Therefore, AXrb may be useful in cancer immunotherapy and it is anticipated that AXrb obtained using extrusion and subsequent enzyme treatment can be used as an ingredient in nutraceuticals and cereal-based functional food.