• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.952-961
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• 2024

Objective: Stocking density (SD) is an important issue in the poultry industry, which is related to the production performance, intestinal health and immune status. In the present study, the effects of SD on the metabolism and homeostasis of uric acid as well as the related functions of the liver and kidney in ducks were examined. Methods: A total of 360 healthy 56-day-old Shan-ma ducks were randomly divided into the low stocking density (n = 60, density = 5 birds/m²), medium stocking density (n = 120, density = 10 birds/m²) and high stocking density groups (HSD; n = 180, density = 15 birds/m²). Samples were collected in the 3rd, 6th, and 9th weeks of the experiment for analysis. Results: The serum levels of uric acid, lipopolysaccharide and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) were increased significantly in the HSD group. Serious histopathological lesions could be seen in both the livers and kidneys in the HSD group in the 9th week. The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8 and TNF-α) and related pathway components (toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88, and nuclear factor-κB) were increased significantly in both the livers and kidneys in the HSD group. The mRNA expression levels of enzymes (adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase, phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate amidotransferase, and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 1) related to the synthesis of uric acid increased significantly in the livers in the HSD group. However, the mRNA expression level of solute carrier family 2 member 9, which plays an important role in the excretion of uric acid by the kidney, was decreased significantly in the kidneys in the HSD group. Conclusion: These results indicated that a higher SD could cause tissue inflammatory lesions in the liver and kidney and subsequently affect the metabolism and homeostasis of uric acid, and is helpful for guiding decisions related to the breeding and production of ducks.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.416-421
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• 2013

Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense is often used in treatment of human disease such as hemorrhage, blood congestion and inflammation. The present study has been undertaken to investigate the effect of the leaf extract from C. japonicum var. ussuriense (CLE) on the development of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA1/J mice. CLE administration suppressed markedly the arthritis incidence and arthritis score in CIA mice. Also, CLE significantly suppressed the release of $PGE_2$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-4 and IL-6 in CIA mice. However, CLE significantly increased the production of IL-10, but not IL-4. These results suggest that CLE suppress inflammatory mediators and regulates Th1 and Th2 cytokines. These properties may contribute to the anti-arthritis action of CLE.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.406-411
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• 2011

Background: Invariant Natural killer T (iNKT) cells, a distinct subset of CD1d-restricted T cells with invariant $V{\alpha}{\beta}$ TCR, functionally bridge innate and adaptive immunity. While iNKT cells share features with conventional T cells in some functional aspects, they simultaneously produce large amount of Th1 and Th2 cytokines upon T-cell receptor (TCR) ligation. However, gene expression pattern in two types of cells has not been well characterized. Methods: we performed comparative microarray analyses of gene expression in murine iNKT cells and conventional $CD4^+CD25^-$ ${\gamma}{\delta}TCR^-$ T cells by using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) method. Results: Here, we describe profound differences in gene expression pattern between iNKT cells and conventional $CD4^+CD25^-$ ${\gamma}{\delta}TCR^-$ T cells. Conclusion: Our results provide new insights into the functional competence of iNKT cells and a better understanding of their various roles during immune responses.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.182-187
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• 2003

Background: The mushroom Phellinus linteus (PL) has been shown to have the anti-tumor and immunostimulatory effects. We hypothesized that the hot water extract of PL (WEPL) exerts its significant immunostimulatory effect by inducing production of the Th1-derived cytokine interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$) by T lymphocytes. Methods: T lymphocytes were isolated from the mice fed with 200 mg/kg of WEPL once a day for 4 weeks, and then stimulated with the mitogen concanavaline A (Con A). IFN-${\gamma}$ gene and intracellular protein expressions were analyzed by RT-PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. The production of IFN-${\gamma}$ was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: WEPL significantly enhanced the transcription of IFN-${\gamma}$ mRNA. The effect of WEPL on IFN-${\gamma}$ expression was further supported by a concomitant increase in the number of cells with intracellular IFN-${\gamma}$ protein as well as the secretion of IFN-${\gamma}$. However, WEPL did not modulate either gene expression or protein secretion of interleukin-4, a Th2-associated cytokine, by Con A-stimulated T lymphocytes. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that one of the potentially beneficial anti-tumor and immunostimulatory effects of WEPL may be mediated through the enhancement of IFN-${\gamma}$ secretion by T lymphocytes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3137-3140
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• 2015

Objective: To explore the immune reconstitution of $CD4^+T$ cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) and its relationship with invasive fungal infection (IFI) in patients with hematological malignancies. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients with hematological malignancies undergoing Allo-HSCT in Binzhou Medical University Hospital from February, 2010 to October, 2014 were selected. At 1, 2 and 3 months after transplantation, the immune subpopulations and concentration of cytokines were assessed respectively using flow cytometry (FCM) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The incidence of IFI after transplantation and its correlation with immune reconstitution of $CD4^+T$ cells were investigated. Results: The number of $CD4^+T$ cells and immune subpopulations increased progressively after transplantation as time went on, but the subpopulation cell count 3 months after transplantation was still significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.01). In comparison to the control group, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 after transplantation rose evidently (p<0.01), while that of transforming growth factor-${beta}$ (TGF-${beta}$) was decreased (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference level of interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$) (p>0.05). The incidence of IFI was 19.2% (9/47), and multivariate logistic regression revealed that IFI might be related to Th17 cell count (p<0.05), instead of Th1, Th2 and Treg cell counts as well as IL-6, IL-10, TGF-${beta}$ and IFN-${\gamma}$ levels (p>0.05). Conclusions: After Allo-HSCT, the immune reconstitution of $CD4^+T$ cells is delayed and Th17 cell count decreases obviously, which may be related to occurrence of IFI.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1316-1321
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• 2009

Multiple beneficial properties of Opuntia ficus indica (OPF) are well established. In the present study, we have investigated the immunological role of OPF extract (OPFE) on murine splenocytes. OPFE dose- and time-dependently enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes without cytotoxicity. Our results also showed that the number of $CD4^+$ helper T cells and CD45R/$B220^+$ pan B cells increased markedly, but not $CD8^+$ cytotoxic T cells or $CD11b^+$ granulocytes/macrophages. In addition, OPFE significantly decreased the production levels of T helper (Th) 1 type cytokines, interferon (IFN)-$\gamma$, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$, although had no significantly differences in those of interleukin (IL)-4, a Th2 type cytokine in concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated blastogenic cells. Furthermore, OPFE alone strongly increased IL-4 production and decreased TNF-$\alpha$ production even in the absence of Con A. On the basis of these results, this study suggests that OPFE enhances immunity by regulating the pro- and anti-inflammatory response, indicating that this extract exerts a marked immunomodulatory effect, confirming its usefulness as therapy for immune-related diseases.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.817-826
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• 2018

The bursa of Fabricius (BF) is a central humoral immune organ unique to birds. Four bursal peptides (BP-I, BP-II, BP-III, and BP-IV) have been isolated and identified from the BF. In this study, the immunoadjuvant activities of BPs I to IV were examined in mice immunized with H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) vaccine. The results suggested that BP-I effectively enhanced cell-mediated immune responses, increased the secretion of Th1 (interferon gamma)- and Th2 (interleukin-4)-type cytokines, and induced an improved cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response to the H9N2 virus. BP-II mainly elevated specific antibody production, especially neutralizing antibodies, and increased Th1- and Th2-type cytokine secretion. BP-III had no significant effect on antibody production or cell-mediated immune responses compared to those in the control group. A strong immune response at both the humoral and cellular levels was induced by BP-IV. Furthermore, a virus challenge experiment followed by H&E staining revealed that BP-I and BP-II promoted removal of the virus and conferred protection in mouse lungs. BP-IV significantly reduced viral titers and histopathological changes and contributed to protection against H9N2 AIV challenge in mouse lungs. This study further elucidated the immunoadjuvant activities of BPs I to IV, providing a novel insight into immunoadjuvants for use in vaccine design.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.229-239
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• 2022

The high percentage of Vermamoeba was found in tap water in Korea. This study investigated whether Vermamoeba induced allergic airway inflammation in mice. We selected 2 free-living amoebas (FLAs) isolated from tap water, which included Korean FLA 5 (KFA5; Vermamoeba vermiformis) and 21 (an homolog of Acanthamoeba lugdunensis KA/E2). We axenically cultured KFA5 and KFA21. We applied approximately 1×10⁶ to mice's nasal passages 6 times and investigated their pathogenicity. The airway resistance value was significantly increased after KFA5 and KFA21 treatments. The eosinophil recruitment and goblet cell hyperplasia were concomitantly observed in bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue in mice infected with KFA5 and KFA21. These infections also activated the Th2-related interleukin 25, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and thymus and activation-regulated chemokines gene expression in mouse lung epithelial cells. The CD4⁺ interleukin 4⁺ cell population was increased in the lung, and the secretion of Th2-, Th17-, and Th1-associated cytokines were upregulated during KFA5 and KFA21 infection in the spleen, lung-draining lymph nodes, and BAL fluid. The pathogenicity (allergenicity) of KFA5 and KFA21 might not have drastically changed during the long-term in vitro culture. Our results suggested that Vermamoeba could elicit allergic airway inflammation and may be an airway allergen.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.482-489
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• 2021

Background: Asthma is an incurable hyper-responsive disease of the pulmonary system that is caused by various allergens, including indoor and outdoor stimulators. According to the Global Asthma Network, 339 million people suffered from asthma in 2018, with particularly severe forms in children. Numerous treatments for asthma are available; however, they are frequently associated with adverse effects such as growth retardation, neurological disorders (e.g., catatonia, poor concentration, and insomnia), and physiological disorders (e.g., immunosuppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and osteoporosis). Methods: Korean Red Ginseng has long been used to treat numerous diseases in many countries, and we investigated the anti-asthmatic effects and mechanisms of action of Korean Red Ginseng. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to 6 treatment groups: control, ovalbumin-induced asthma group, dexamethasone treatment group, and 3 groups treated with Korean Red Ginseng water extract (KRGWE) at 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Anti-asthmatic effects of KRGWE were assessed based on biological changes, such as white blood cell counts and differential counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum IgE levels, and histopathological changes in the lungs, and by examining anti-asthmatic mechanisms, such as the cytokines associated with Th1, Th2, and Treg cells and inflammation pathways. Results: KRGWE affected ovalbumin-induced changes, such as increased white blood cell counts, increased IgE levels, and morphological changes (mucous hypersecretion, epithelial cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration) by downregulating cytokines such as IL-12, IL-4, and IL-6 via GATA-3 inactivation and suppression of inflammation via NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE₂ pathways. Conclusion: KRGWE is a promising drug for asthma treatment.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.343-352
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• 2008

Frankincense, the gum resin derived from Boswellia species, is complex mixtures composed of about $5{\sim}9%$ highly aromatic essential oil, $65{\sim}85%$ alcohol-soluble resins, and the remaining water-soluble gums. The anti-inflammatory properties of frankincense, alcohole-soluble resins, are well-recognized, but the question of whether aromatic essential oil also plays a role in the allergic asthma remains unanswered. This study was performed to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia sacra essential oil (BSEO) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model. BALB/c mice after intraperitoneal OVA sensitization were challenged with intratracheal OVA. One experimental group was inhaled with 0.3% BSEO for the later 8 weeks. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA and developed airway eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness. In contrast, the BSEO treated mice had reduced a number of eosinophils among BALF cells, goblet cell hyperplasia, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Cytokine analysis of BALF revealed that BSEO caused an increase in Th1 cytokine (interferon-$\gamma$ (IFN-$\gamma$)) and a decrease in Th2 cytokines (interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13) levels. In addition, the OVA-specific serum IgE and eotaxin levels were also reduced. In mice inhaled BSEO, $CD4^+$, $CD3^+/CCR3^+$, and $B220^+/CD23^+$ mediastinal lymph nodes cells were also decreased. These results suggest that inhaled BSEO as a immunomodulator in Th1/Th2 mediated asthma may have therapeutic potential for the treatment in allergic airway inflammation by a simple, cost-effective way.