• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.463-470
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• 2021

Background: Although neuropathic pain is a severe and common pain, its pathophysiology has not been elucidated yet. Studies in recent years have focused on the immune system's role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of immunological mechanisms in neuropathic pain and the effect of pregabalin by measuring immunological marker levels in peripheral blood before and after pregabalin treatment in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) patients with neuropathic pain. Methods: Forty patients diagnosed with PHN were included in the study. CD4, T follicular cells (Tfh: CD4⁺CXCR5⁺PD1⁺), Th17 (CD4⁺CCR6⁺ and CD4⁺IL17A⁺), regulatory T cells (Treg: CD4⁺ CD25⁺foxp3⁺), Th1 (CD4⁺ CXCR3⁺ and CD4⁺ IFN-γ⁺) and Th2 (CD4⁺ IL-4⁺) cell ratios were measured in peripheral blood samples before treatment and after 3 months of treatment. Results: When immunological marker and inflammation parameter levels were compared before and after treatment, the helper T cell ratio (CD3⁺, CD4⁺) was 30.28 ± 12.27% before treatment and 34.93 ± 11.70% after treatment, so there was a statistically significant increase (P = 0.028). Th17 was 4.75 ± 5.02% before treatment and 5.80 ± 3.13% after treatment, and there was a statistically significant increase (P = 0.036). Conclusions: Immunological mechanisms play an essential role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain, immunologically based treatment approach will be the critical point of treatment.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제56권1호
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• pp.53-59
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• 2018

Tick saliva is critically important for continuous attachment to the host, blood feeding for days, and transmission of tick-borne pathogens. To characterize the patterns of inflammatory cytokine gene expression during its attachment and blood sucking time, peripheral blood samples of rabbits infested with Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks were collected at different intervals. Blood histamine concentration was evaluated as well as gene encoding IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-2, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10 were compared with non-infested rabbits. Blood histamine concentration of tick-infested rabbits during fast feeding time was significantly higher than that of non-infested rabbits. In both nymph and adult tick infested rabbits, expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IFN-${\gamma}$ genes were decreased significantly (P<0.05), while expression of IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 were increased 1.3 to 7 folds in adult infested rabbits with the exception of IL-6 that was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in nymph infested rabbits. IL-2 was not expressed in either nymph or adult infestation. H. longicornis saliva is capable of modulate host responses through a complex correlation with histamine and Th1, Th2 mediated cytokines that suppress the inflammatory responses directed toward inflammatory mediators introduced into the host during tick feeding.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제8권3호
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• pp.98-105
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• 2008

Background: Allergic inflammation was induced by activated Th2 lymphocytes, leading to IgE production and eosinophil activation. A Th2 disproportion was shown in atopic children soon after birth. During specific allergen stimulation, an increase of Th2 cells was observed in most cases. In this study, we prepared new screening "whole blood" system for searching the anti-atopic materials. Cytokine production and IgE secretion from whole blood system were assessed and we confirmed the results by using animal system. Methods: Pathological features in NC/Nga mice are similar to those observed in human atopic dermatitis. Whole blood from NC/Nga mouse was stimulated by using TNCB (Th2 activator) or candidate materials of anti-atopic dermatitis, and the production of cytokines (IL-4, IL-12, and IFN-${\gamma}$) were measured by ELISA. In order to confirm the results of whole blood system, in vivo test was done by using NC/Nga mice. Results: In whole blood system, LPS and extracts of green tea, hardy orange and onion induced the production of IL-12 and IFN-${\gamma}$ while they reduced the production of IL-4. Also, LPS and extracts of onion reduced IgE production. Though atopic dermatitis was observed from a mouse stimulated with TNCB, it was not when a mouse was co-stimulated in LPS or extracts of onion. The results are same as those observed in whole blood system. Conclusion: Whole blood system was simple and speedy methods for searching a materials compared with the conventional high-cost animal system. And the results using whole blood system was proved to be reliable in our experiments for screening anti-atopic material. We expect that the system can be applied to other experiments for searching similar materials.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.3.1-3.17
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• 2019

Aging is a complex process associated with dysregulation of the immune system and low levels of inflammation, often associated with the onset of many pathologies. The lacrimal gland (LG) plays a vital role in the maintenance of ocular physiology and changes related to aging directly affect eye diseases. The dysregulation of the immune system in aging leads to quantitative and qualitative changes in antibodies and cytokines. While there is a gradual decline of the immune system, there is an increase in autoimmunity, with a reciprocal pathway between low levels of inflammation and aging mechanisms. Elderly C57BL/6J mice spontaneously show LGs infiltration that is characterized by Th1 but not Th17 cells. The aging of the LG is related to functional alterations, reduced innervation and decreased secretory activities. Lymphocytic infiltration, destruction, and atrophy of glandular parenchyma, ductal dilatation, and secretion of inflammatory mediators modify the volume and composition of tears. Oxidative stress, the capacity to metabolize and eliminate toxic substances decreased in aging, is also associated with the reduction of LG functionality and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Although further studies are required for a better understanding of autoimmunity and aging of the LG, we described anatomic and immunology aspects that have been described so far.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제1권1호
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• pp.61-69
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• 2001

Background: To determine the molecular structure of type II collagen-specific T-cell receptors associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: We generated CII-specific T-cell lines of 8 RA patients by prolonged in vitro culture with bovine CII (bCII) and the immunogenic peptide (256-270) of human CII. The proliferation response towards CII stimulation was measured from the uptake of 3H-thymidine. Changes in the secretion of Th 1 and Th2 cytokines in the culture supernatent were measured by ELISA. The TCR clonotypes of these T-cells were examined by RT-PCR/SSCP analyses of all 22 $V_{\beta}$ chains. Results: T-cells from patients' tissue exhibited strong proliferation index upon CII stimulation, which was maintained up to 6 months in the culture. The secretion of INF-$\gamma$from these T-cells increased along with the duration of culture time, while the amount of IL-4 production did not show significant changes. The SSCP band patterns of patients' T-cells appear as discrete bands unlike the smeary streak produced from normal samples. Some SSCP bands, each representing selected expansion of a TCR containing certain subtype of $V_{\beta}$ peptides, appeared to be identical in more than one patients. Among these, the expansion of SSCP band representing the $V_{\beta}$ 14 CDR3 region persisted after switching the antigen to the immunogenic human peptide (256-270). Conclusion: CII-reactive T-cells expressing distinct CDR3 motifs are selectively expanded in the peripheral blood and synovial fluid of RA patients, and their persistent proliferation upon CII stimulation, as well as the production Th 1-type cytokines, may play pivotal roles in RA pathogenesis.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.17-25
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• 2018

본 연구에서는 아토피 피부염 동물 모델에 대한 ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004의 면역조절 효과를 확인하고자 하였다. 가려움증의 횟수와 유출된 evans blue, 그리고 혈청 IgE와 histamine의 농도는 ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004를 섭취한 그룹에서 아토피 피부염 유발그룹에 비해 유의적으로 감소하는 결과를 나타내었다. 아토피 피부염이 유발되면 전사 수준에서 Th2 및 Th17 세포의 전사인자 및 cytokine은 과발현되며, ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004를 섭취하였을 때 이를 유의적으로 감소되었다. 또한 ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004는 Th1 및 Treg 세포의 전사인자(T-bet, GATA-3, $ROR{\gamma}T$, Foxp3) 및 cytokine (INF-${\gamma}$, IL-4, IL-17, TGF-${\beta}$)의 발현을 증가시킴으로써 면역 균형을 조절하는 것으로 나타났다. Galectin-9과 filaggrin은 아토피피부염 유발 처리군에서 유의적으로 가장 낮았으며, ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan 처리군에서 유의적으로 가장 높게 나타났다. 이와 반대로 TSLP는 아토피 피부염 유발그룹에서 유의적으로 가장 높았으며 ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004를 섭취한 그룹은 대조군과 유사한 수준이었다. 이러한 결과를 통해 ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004는 아토피 피부염 동물 모델에서 면역조절 작용 및 아토피 피부염의 개선 효과를 가짐을 알 수 있었다. 따라서 ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004는 아토피 피부염에 유용한 천연소재로서 사용될 것으로 기대된다.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.9-15
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• 2013

Objectives : The root of Codonopsis pilosula (Fr.) Nannf. (Codonopsis Pilosulae Radix) has been traditionally used as a oriental medicine with an anti-thrombotic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-gastric ulcer effects and immunological adjuvant. In this study, we investigated the effect of 70% ethanol extract of Codonopsis Pilosulae Radix (CPR-E) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic responses in mice. Methods : Mice were sensitized (1, 8, and 15 days) with OVA and airway challenged(22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 days) to induced allergic responses. CPR-E extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/body weight was orally administered from days 21 to 30 consecutively. The levels of allergic mediators such as histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and Th1/Th2 cytokines such as IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-4 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 : CPR-E extract significantly decreased the serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE, and IL-4 compared with those of OVA control group, but significantly increased the serum level of IFN-${\gamma}$. Based on H&E staining, CPR-E extract inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissues with histological changes. Conclusions : These results indicate that CPR-E extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic responses through regulating the cytokine balance, suggesting that the extract may be useful for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.539-545
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• 2018

4-Hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenethyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (PD1) is a synthetic phthalimide derivative of a marine compound. PD1 has peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ${\gamma}$ agonistic and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PD1 on allergic asthma using rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 mast cells and an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model. In vitro, PD1 suppressed ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase activity in RBL-2H3 cells. In the OVA-induced allergic asthma mouse model, increased inflammatory cells and elevated Th2 and Th1 cytokine levels were observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue. PD1 administration decreased the numbers of inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils, and reduced the mRNA and protein levels of the Th2 cytokines including interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, in BALF and lung tissue. The severity of inflammation and mucin secretion in the lungs of PD1-treated mice was also less. These findings indicate that PD1 could be a potential compound for anti-allergic therapy.

• 한국약용작물학회지
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.72-81
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• 2018

Background: Polysaccharides are the most important functional constituent in Astragalus membranaceus. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of polysaccharides isolated from the aboveground parts of A. membranaceus (AMA) and polysaccharides isolated from the roots of A. membranaceus (AMR) immune function by modulated cytotoxic T cell and Th1- and Th2-related cytokines kinetics. Methods and Results: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into exhaustive exercise case groups and non-exercise case, AMA and AMR samples were administered orally for 30 days (500 mg/kg/day and 10 mg/kg/day, respectively) and were compared to those rats in the groups fed commercial sports drink (SPD) and vehicle. Both exhaustive exercise groups and non-exercise groups had a lower ratio of $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$ cells in the spleens of the rat fed AMA and AMR compared to those in the rats fed SPD and vehicle group. These results suggested that AMA and AMR promote an increase in the proportion of cytotoxic T cells. The IL-4-producing T lymphocytes decreased significantly in the AMR (10 mg/kg/day) group compared to SPD and vehicle, whereas the AMA group increased the IL-4 concentration more than the SPD and vehicle in exhaustive exercise group. However, the populations of IFN-${\gamma}$-producing T lymphocytes of AMR and AMA increased. AMA decreased the concentration of IFN-${\gamma}$ to inhibit the Th1 response and thereby increased the concentration of IL-4 to induce a Th2 response that was related to humoral immunity in the non-exercise group. Conclusions: These results showed that, in addition to Th1/Th2 regulation, AMR and AMA played an important immuno-modulatory role after exhaustive exercise-induced Th1/Th2 lymphocyte imbalance, which might be correlated with cytokine producing immunoregulatory cells.

• 한국식품영양과학회지
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• 제45권8호
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• pp.1099-1106
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• 2016

본 연구는 꾸지뽕 잎으로부터 추출된 다당류인 CTP의 처리가 면역세포의 활성에 미치는 영향에 관하여 평가하였다. CTP는 에탄올 침전법에 의하여 추출하였고, 면역 활성능의 평가는 대식세포주인 RAW 264.7 세포와 미분화 골수세포로부터 유도 분화시킨 대식세포 및 마우스 비장으로부터 유리시킨 비장세포에 CTP를 농도별로 처리하여 관찰하였다. 선천면역계에서 중요한 역할을 수행하는 대식세포에 CTP를 처리하였을 때 세포 증식률, NO 및 cytokine 분비능이 CTP 처리 농도 의존적으로 증가하는 것으로 관찰되었을 뿐만 아니라 비장세포에서도 이와 유사하게 세포 증식률이 증가하고 Th 1 type의 cytokine 분비능 또한 유의적으로 증가하는 것으로 관찰되었다. 이상의 결과로 미루어보아 꾸지뽕다당류 추출물인 CTP는 다양한 면역세포의 활성을 증가시키는 것으로 생각하며 이를 활용하여 다양한 식품 및 건강보조식품을 개발한다면 그 경제적 가치가 매우 클 것으로 생각한다.