• Toxicological Research
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.217-224
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• 2009

Inhaled inorganic dusts such as coal can cause inflammation and fibrosis in the lung called pneumoconiosis. Chronic inflammatory process in the lung is associated with various cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Expression of some cytokines mediates inflammation and leads to tissue damage or fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to compare the levels of blood cytokines interleukin (IL)-$1\beta$, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$ and monocyte chemoatlractant protein (MCP)-1 among 124 subjects (control 38 and pneumoconiosis patient 86) with category of chest x-ray according to International Labor Organization (ILO) classification. The levels of serum IL-8 (p= 0.003), TNF-$\alpha$ (p=0.026), and MCP-1 (p=0.010) of pneumoconiosis patients were higher than those of subjects with the control. The level of serum IL-8 in the severe group with the small opacity (ILO category II or III) was higher than that of the control (p=0.035). There was significant correlation between the profusion of radiological findings with small opacity and serum levels of IL-$1\beta$(rho=0.218, p<0.05), IL-8 (rho=0.224, p<0.05), TNF-$\alpha$ (rho=0.306, p<0.01), and MCP-1 (rho=0.213, p<0.01). The serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8, however, did not show significant difference between pneumoconiosis patients and the control. There was no significant correlation between serum levels of measured cytokines and other associated variables such as lung function, age, BMI, and exposure period of dusts. Future studies will be required to investigate the cytokine profile that is present in pneumoconiosis patient using lung specific specimens such as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), exhaled breath condensate, and lung tissue.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제8권6호
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• pp.319-327
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• 2004

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of defibrotide on the development of the surgically induced reflux esophagitis, on gastric secretion, lipid peroxidation, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) accumulation, polymorphonuclear leukocytes adherence, superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide production in PMNs, scavenge of hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide, cytokine (interleukin-1 ${\beta}$, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$) production in blood, and intracelluar calcium mobilization in PMNs. Defibrotide did not inhibit the gastric secretion and not change the gastric pH. Treatment of esophagitis rats with defibrotide inhibited lipid peroxidation, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the esophagus in comparison with untreated rats. Defibrotide significantly decreased the PMN adherence to superior mesenteric artery endothelium in a dose-dependent manner, Superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide production in $1{\mu}M$ formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP)- or $0.1{\mu}g/ml$ N-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-activated PMNs was inhibited by defibrotide in a dose-dependent fashion. Defibrotide effectively scavenged the hydrogen peroxide but did not scavenge the hydroxyl radical. Treatment of esophagitis rats with defibrotide inhibited interleukin-1 ${\beta}$ production in the blood in comparison with untreated rats, but tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ production was not affected by defibrotide. The fMLP-induced elevation of intracellular calcium in PMNs was inhibited by defibrotide. The results of this study suggest that defibrotide may have partly beneficial protective effects against reflux esophagitis by the inhibition lipid peroxidation, PMNs accumulation, PMNs adherence to endothelium, reactive oxygen species production in PMNs, inflammatory cytokine production(i.e. interleukin-1 ${\beta}$), and intracellular calcium mobilization in PMNs in rats.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.162-167
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• 2014

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major global health problems and it has been estimated that in 5~10% of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-infected individuals, the infection progresses to an active disease. Numerous cytokines and chemokines regulate immunological responses at cellular level including stimulation and recruitment of wide range of cells in immunity and inflammation. In the present study, the mRNA expression levels of eight host immune markers containing of IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-2R, IL-4, IL-10, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 in whole blood cells from active pulmonary TB patients were measured after T-cell mitogen (PHA) and MTB specific antigens (ESAT-6, CFP-10, and TB7.7). Among the TH1-type factors, IFN-${\gamma}$ mRNA expression was peaked at 4 h, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-2R mRNA expression was significantly high at the late time points (24 h) in active TB patients, TH2-type cytokine (IL4 and IL10) mRNA expression levels in both active TB and healthy controls samples did not changed significantly, and the mRNA expression of the three IFN-${\gamma}$-induced chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11) were peaked at the late time points (24 h) in active TB patients after MTB specific antigen stimulation. In conclusion, the mRNA expression patterns of the TB-related immune markers in response to the T-cell mitogen (PHA) differed from those in response to MTB specific antigens and these findings may helpful for understanding the relationship between MTB infection and host immune markers in a transcripts level.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.173-179
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• 2006

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) of IL10 in patients with stroke. The present study was undertaken to see if specific genotypic and allelic variations are associated with stroke in the Korean population. Methods : Blood samples from all subjects were obtained for DNA extraction and collected in EDTA tube. Genomic DNA was extracted using DNA isolation kit for Mammalian Blood (Boehringer Mannheim, IN, USA). The extracted DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Pyrosequencing was performed according to manufacturer's standard protocol. Results : There was no statistically significant genotypic distribution difference between control and stroke group. The frequencies of A/A homozygotes and A/C heterozygotes among control subjects were 91 (87.5%) and 13 (12.5%). The frequencies of A/A and A/C among the stroke patients were 85 (89.5%) and 10 (10.5%). There was not statistically significant allelic frequency difference between control and stroke group. The allelic frequency of A and C was 195 (93.8%) and 13 (6.2%) among the control subjects and 180 (94.7%) and 10 (5.3%) in stroke patients, respectively. Conclusion : The cytokine IL10 may not be pathogenetic factors in stroke. But further studies including different cytokine gene can be a useful for predicting stroke. Establishment of more systemic approach and high quality of prospective cohorts will be necessary for the good prediction of genetic markers.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.120-132
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• 2009

Objective : Yukmijihwang-tang is one of the important medicines for blood- deficiency and yin-deficiency. Atopic dermatitis usually shows dampness-heat pattern in its acute stage and blood-deficiency or yin-deficiency pattern in its chronic stage. Therefore, I hypothesized that Yukmijihwang-tang is effective on atopic dermatitis and investigated the effects of Yukmijihwang-tang on NC/Nga mice's atopic dermatitis induced by DNCB. Methods : The NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis were divided into four groups: three experimental groups and one control group. The experimental groups were respectively put on 2.5g(YM-2.5), 5g(YM-5) and 10g(YM-10) of Yukmijihwang-tang extract per their weight once a day for 10 days while the control group was fed normal saline. After 10 days, I measured TEWL(transepidermal water loss), observed scratching behaviors, conducted a skin biopsy and checked levels of Total IgE, IL-4 and $IFN-\gamma$ on NC/Nga mice. Results : 1. Yukmijihwang-tang significantly suppressed skin dryness. In particular, YM-5 and YM-10 had better skin hydration than YM-2.5. 2. Yukmijihwang-tang significantly suppressed pruritus while there was no significant difference among the experimental groups. 3. Yukmijihwang-tang retained skin structure(epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat). 4. Yukmijihwang-tang reduced Total IgE level while there was no significant difference between the control group and the experimental groups. 5. Yukmijihwang-tang did not reduce IL-4(Th2 cytokine) level. 6. Yukmijihwang-tang significantly reduced $IFN-\gamma$(Th1 cytokine) level. In particular, YM-2.5 and YM-5 had lower $IFN-\gamma$ level than YM-10. Conclusion : The results suggest that Yukmijihwang-tang suppresses skin dryness and pruritus, retains skin structure and is effective on chronic atopic dermatitis which is associated with Th1 cytokines in the immune response.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.133-137
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• 2013

This study aimed to measure the levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and nitrite/nitrate ($NO_x$) in serum of dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii. Twelve female mongrel dogs were divided into 2 groups; group A (uninfected controls) composed by healthy dogs (n=5) and group B consisting of dogs inoculated with R. vitalii (n=7). Animals were monitored by blood smear examinations, which showed intraerythrocytic forms of the parasite on day 5 post-infection (PI). Blood samples were collected through the jugular vein on days 0, 10, and 20 PI to determine the serum levels of IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1, IL-6, and $NO_x$. Cytokines were assessed by ELISA quantitative sandwich technique, and $NO_x$ was measured by the modified Griess method. Cytokine levels (IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1, and IL-6) were increased (P<0.01) in serum of infected animals. Serum levels of $NO_x$ were also increased on days 10 PI (P<0.01) and 20 PI (P<0.05) in infected animals. Therefore, the infection with R. vitalii causes an increase in proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide content. These alterations may be associated with host immune protection against the parasite.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.39-50
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• 2014

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Tokoro Rhizoma pharmat $KI_{10}$ in nephritis induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) in rat. Methods : Rats were divided into 4 groups and 3 groups(LPS, saline, Tokoro Rhizoma pharmacopuncture(TR-P) group) were injected LPS to induce nephritis. TR-P group was treated with TR at $KI_{10}$ three times for a week, saline group with normal saline. To evaluate the effects of TR at $KI_{10}$ on nephritis in rats, white blood cell(WBC), neutrophil in blood, creatinine, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1(CINC-1) in serum and urinary volume, creatinine in urine, renal myeloperoxidase(MPO) were measured and renal tissue was analyzed. Results : TR-P group significantly reduced WBC, neutrophil in blood, creatinine, CINC-1 in serum, creatinine in urine and renal MPO than LPS group. TR-P group increased urinary volume but, not significant. Conclusion : TR at $KI_{10}$ has a therapeutic effect on nephritis in LPS stimulated rat. Therefore, it is suggested that TR at $KI_{10}$ may be an useful therapeutics for nephritis in clinical field after further researches.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.189-193
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• 2014

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Lycium chinense Miller fruit and its representative constituent betaine on reduction of immobility time and blood parameters in balb/c mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated the immobility time and the changes in aspects of blood biochemical parameters by the administration of L. chinense Miller fruit and its representative constituent betaine, after the forced swimming test. The immobility time was significantly reduced about 41.3% and 53.6%, respectively, in the animal of L. chinense Miller fruit and its representative constituent betaine-administrated group for 7 days, in comparison with that of the control group. The level of blood urea nitrogen was significantly decreased in L. chinense Miller fruit and its representative constituent betaine-treated group compared with the control group (P < 0.05), respectively. In addition, the interlukin-2 levels of mice in L. chinense Miller fruit and betaine treated group was increased compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that L. chinense Miller fruit and betaine might be helpful in the immune function improvement, enhance physical stamina, and fatigue recovery.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.212-218
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• 2000

The recruitment of leukocytes to a site of inflammation is dependent on a complex interplay of a number of cytokines. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a potent chemoattractant for monocytes, whereas interleukin-8 (IL-8) has chemotactic activity for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and basophils. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of several microbes found in infected root canal systems on the production of inflammatoy cytokines, interleukin 8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Monocytes isolated from peripheral blood were stimulated by group A streptococci (GAS, ATCC 19615), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 10449), Streptococcus sanguis (clinical isolate), and Candida albicans (ATCC 90029) respectively. Each of these bacteria induced dose-dependent induction in IL-8 and MCP-1 determined by ELISA. IL-8 production by each bacteria was decreased in the range of the microbe-to-PBMC ratios of 0.1-1.0. Group A streptococci was the week inducer of MCP-1 production. These results suggest that different oral pathogens induce specific dose-dependent patterns of cytokine release. Such patterns may provide a means of control of the type of immune celles particularly with regard to inflammatory leukocyte recruitment.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.11.1-11.14
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• 2023

Background: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are commonly used to assess in vitro immune responses. However, PBMC isolation is a time-consuming procedure, introduces technical variability, and requires a relatively large volume of blood. By contrast, whole blood assay (WBA) is faster, cheaper, maintains more physiological conditions, and requires less sample volume, laboratory training, and equipment. Objectives: Herein, this study aimed to develop a porcine WBA for in vitro evaluation of immune responses. Methods: Heparinized whole blood (WB) was diluted (non-diluted, 1/2, 1/8, and 1/16) in RPMI-1640 media, followed by phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin. After 24 h, cells were stained for interferon (IFN)-γ secreting T-cells followed by flow cytometry, and the supernatant was analyzed for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In addition, diluted WB was stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), reference strain KCTC3557 (RS), field isolate (FI), of heat-killed (HK) Streptococcus suis, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Results: The frequency of IFN-γ⁺CD3⁺ T-cells and concentration of TNF-α in the supernatant of WB increased with increasing dilution factor and were optimal at 1/8. WB TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-10 cytokine levels increased significantly following stimulation with LPS or poly I:C. Further, FI and RS induced IL-10 production in WB. Additionally, PRRSV strains increased the frequency of IFN-γ⁺ CD4^-CD8⁺ cells, and IFN-γ was non-significantly induced in the supernatant of re-stimulated samples. Conclusions: We propose that the WBA is a rapid, reliable, and simple method to evaluate immune responses and WB should be diluted to trigger immune cells.