• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.205-212
• /
• 2009

Trichomonas vaginalis commonly causes vaginitis and perhaps cervicitis in women and urethritis in men and women. Macrophages are important immune cells in response to T. vaginalis infection. In this study, we investigated whether human macrophages could be involved in inflammation induced by T. vaginalis. Human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDM) were co-cultured with T. vaginalis. Live, opsonized-live trichomonads, and T. vaginalis Iysates increased proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 by HMDM. The involvement of nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway in cytokine production induced by T. vaginalis was confirmed by phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 NF-${\kappa}B$. In addition, stimulation with live T. vaginalis induced marked augmentation of nitric oxide (NO) production and expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) levels in HMDM. However, trichomonad-induced NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and TNF-${\alpha}$ production in macrophages were significantly inhibited by inhibition of iNOS levels with L-NMMA (NO synthase inhibitor). Moreover, pretreatment with NF-${\kappa}B$ inhibitors (PDTC or Bay11-7082) caused human macrophages to produce less TNF-${\alpha}$. These results suggest that T. vaginalis stimulates human macrophages to produce proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-${\alpha}$, and NO. In particular, we showed that T. vaginalis induced TNF-${\alpha}$ production in macrophages through NO-dependent activation of NF-${\kappa}B$, which might be closely involved in inflammation caused by T. vaginalis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.469-474
• /
• 2004

The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of arabinoxylane and polysaccharide peptide (PSP) on the immune cell functions. Both arabinoxylane and PSP increased plaque forming cell (10-15%) and rosette forming cell (10-30%) formation. Stimulation of macrophage with PSP (18%) and arabinoxylane (22%) resulted in increased phagocytic effects. Both arabinoxylane and PSP induced the tumor suppressive effect in mice injected sarcoma-180 cell intracutaneously. When the mice injected intraperitoneal cavity with sarcoma 180 cells, survival ratio was increased in the mice fed on arabinoxylane and PSP. The ratio of PCA was slightly decreased in the mice fed on PSP, especially fed on arabinoxylane than in the control mice. The concentrations of blood histamine were slightly decreased in the mice fed on arabinoxylane and PSP. These results suggest that the capacity of arabinoxylane and PSP seems to act as a potent immunomodulator causing augmentation of immune cell activity, and with the absence of notable side-effects, arabinoxylane and PSP could be used as a biological response modifier having possible therapeutic effects against immunological disorders.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.36 no.6
• /
• pp.481-489
• /
• 2010

Introduction: TLR-5, a member of the toll-like receptor (TLR) family, is a element of the type I transmembrane receptors, which are characterized by an intracellular signaling domain homolog to the interleukin-1 receptor. These receptors recognize microbial components, particularly bacterial flagellin. All-trans retinoic acid (atRA, tretinoin), a natural metabolite of vitamin A, acts as a growth and differentiation factor in many tissues, and is also needed for immune functions. In this study, THP-1 human macrophage-monocytes were used to examine the mechanisms by which atRA regulated the expression of TLR-5. Because the molecular mechanism underlying this regulation at the transcriptional level is also unclear, this study examined which putative transcription factors are responsible for TLR-5 expression by atRA in immune cells. Materials and Methods: This study examined whether atRA induces the expression of TLR-5 in THP-1 cells using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and which transcription factors are involved in regulating the TLR-5 promoter in RAW264.7 cells using a reporter assay system. Western blot analysis was used to determine which signal pathway is involved in the expression of TLR-5 in atRA-treated THP-1 cells. Results: atRA at a concentration of 10 nM greatly induced the expression of TLR-5 in THP-1 cells. Human TLR-5 promoter contains three Sp-1/GC binding sites around -50 bp and two NF-kB binding sites at -380 bp and -160 bp from the transcriptional start site of the TLR-5 gene. Sp-1/GC is primarily responsible for the constitutive TLR-5 expression, and may also contribute to NF-kB at -160 bp to induce TLR-5 after atRA stimulation in THP-1 cells. The role of NF-kB in TLR-5 expression was further confirmed by inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) experiments, which greatly reduced the TLR-5 transcription by 70-80%. Conclusion: atRA induces the expression of the human TLR-5 gene and NF-kB is a critical transcription factor for the atRA-induced expression of TLR-5. Accordingly, it is conceivable that retinoids are required for adequate innate and adaptive immune responses to agents of infectious diseases. atRA and various synthetic retinoids have been used therapeutically in human diseases, such as leukemia and other cancers due to the antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing effects of retinoids. Therefore, understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of TLR-5 may assist in the design of alternative strategies for the treatment of infectious diseases, leukemia and cancers.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.284-289
• /
• 2020

This study was performed with hot water extract (LJF-W) and 70% ethanol extract (LJF-70E) of Litsea japonica fruit to investigate the immunostimulatory activity and bone health-promoting effect of L. japonica fruit. The production of pro-inflammatory mediator (nitric oxide) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells were estimated to examine the immunostimulatory activity of the fruit extracts. The immunostimulatory activity of LJF-W was higher than that of positive control (geinsenosides). However, there was no effect in LJF-70E. Futhermore, both LJF-W and LJF-70E appeared to stimulate the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, proving the effect as a bone health agent. From this result it could be presumed that L. japonica fruit extracts not only stimulate the immune system, but also the ability to promote bone health.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.1033-1042
• /
• 2014

To elucidate the novel biological function of Korean traditional vinegars, crude polysaccharides were isolated from vinegars manufactured at home and abroad, and their chemical properties and immuno-stimulating activities were examined. Three kinds of polysaccharides from Korean brown rice vinegar (KBV-0), Japanese brown rice vinegar (JBV-0) and Korean persimmon vinegar (KPV-0) showed higher immuno-stimulating activity. Component sugar analysis indicated that KBV-0 and JBV-0 mainly consisted of mannan, whereas KPV-0 existed as pectic materials. Three polysaccharides did not show any cytotoxicity to RAW 264.7 cell, whereas RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with KBV-0, JBV-0 and KPV-0 showed enhanced production of various cytokines such as IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-${\alpha}$ in dose-dependent manners. However, the activity of KPV-0 was more potent than that of KBV-0 and JBV-0. Also, only KPV-0 augmented FcR II expression related with phagocytosis of macrophages. The results suggest among the tested vinegars, that the Korean persimmon vinegar has the most potent immune-stimulating activity, and it could possibly serve as industrial applications as functional materials.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.40 no.7
• /
• pp.624-629
• /
• 2007

Hizikia fusiforme(sea weed fusiforme) has long been used for food source in this country. This study was performed to evalute the immunomodulative effects of Hizikia fusiforme (sea weed fusiforme) in mouse, using in vivo experiments. In vivo experiment, different concentration (0, 50, 500 mg/kg B.W.) of Hizikia fusiforme water extracts were orally administrated into mouse every other day for two weeks. The proliferation of mouse splenocytes, the production of three cytokines ($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha})$ secreted by activated macrophage. Splenocyte proliferation was enhanced in mouse orally administrated with 50 mg/kg B.W. and 500 mg/kg B.W. concentration compared to that of control group. Especially, the highest proliferation of spleoncyte was seen from the mouse orally administrated at the concentration of 50 mg/kg B.W. Also, the mouse of Hizikia fusiforme water extracts supplementation group in the both concentrations showed enhanced levels of cytokine production by activated peritoneal macrophages compared to those in control group. The highest level of cytokine ($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha})$ production was observed at 50 mg/kg B.W. supplementation group with LPS stimulation in all cases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.44 no.6
• /
• pp.790-798
• /
• 2020

Background: Beneficial effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear. Methods: We examined whether pretreatment (daily from 2 hours before PCOS induction) with KRG extract in water (KRGE; 75 and 150 mg/kg/day, p.o.) could exert a favorable effect in a dehydroepian-drosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS rat model. Results: Pretreatment with KRGE significantly inhibited the elevation of body and ovary weights, the increase in number and size of ovarian cysts, and the elevation of serum testosterone and estradiol levels induced by DHEA. Pretreatment with KRGE also inhibited macrophage infiltration and enhanced mRNA expression levels of chemokines [interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase in ovaries induced by DHEA. It also prevented the reduction in mRNA expression of growth factors (epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (EGF, TGF-β)) related to inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell pathway and stimulation of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 pathway. Interestingly, KRGE or representative ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3(s)) inhibited the activity of inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS, cytosolic p-IκB, and nuclear p-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells, whereas they increased nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation. Conclusion: These results provide that KRGE could prevent DHEA-induced PCOS via antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, KRGE may be used in preventive and therapeutic strategies for PCOS-like symptoms.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.178-185
• /
• 2014

Leonuri Fructus, a semen of Leonuri Herba, has been used for the treatment of menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and leukorrhea and for the remedy of hyperemia. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Leonuri Fructus extract (Leonurus japonicus Houtt. EtOH extract; LJE) in vivo and in vitro. In vitro study, the MTT assay for cell viability was conducted to determine the non-cytotoxic concentration of LJE treatment in media. The levels of NO were measured with Griess reagent. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA method. The inflammation-related proteins of this study were detected by immunoblot anlaysis. The increases of NO production and iNOS expression were detected in LPS-treated cells compared with control, but LJE attenuated the increases of NO and iNOS by LPS. LJE reduced the production of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ induced by LPS stimulation. LJE suppresses the signaling pathways of NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPKs in LPS-induced macrophage cells. In vivo study, carrageenan-induced hind paw acute edematous inflammation rat model was used for evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of LJE. LJE significantly inhibited the increases of hind paw swelling, skin thicknesses and inflammatory cell infiltrations, and decreased the numbers of mast cell induced by carrageenan injection. These results suggest that LJE has an anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential, which is mediated through modulating NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and MAPK phosphorylation. Inhibition of the rat paw edema induced by carrageenan is considered as direct evidence that LJE may be a useful source to treat inflammation.

• KSBB Journal
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.164-168
• /
• 2008

The purpose of this study was to confirm the content of total polyphenol, antioxidative and immune activities of the extracts of Cedrela sinensis leaf. The content of total polyphenol of water extracts ranged from 46.5-59.6 mg/100 g, which was higher than other extracts using organic solvents such as EtOAc, $CH_2Cl_2$ and $C_6H_{14}$. The antioxidant activity of the water and organic solvents extracts showed 6-33% in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. To analyze the immuno-stimulation activity of C. sinensis leaf extract, we investigated the effect of the extracts on NO synthesis which is important in host defense against bacterial infection. Hot water extracts significantly increased NO generation by RAW 264.7, macrophage cell line, while organic solvent extract has no significant effect on NO production. To further analyzed the anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts, we investigated the effects of the extracts on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced NO generation. Organic solvent extracts of C. sinensis leaves showed strong inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These results suggest that C. sinensis leaf extract may represent a useful immune stimulating agent and anti-inflammatory agent.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.616-623
• /
• 2010

Three herbal formulas (Bangpungtongsung-san, Ohyaksungi-san, and Ojeok-san) for wind-cold and heat pain symptom were applied to investigate the immunological activities on antigen (Ag)-specific or Ag-non-specific immune responses in murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) and ovalbumin (OVA)-immunized mice. This study was carried out in nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in RAW 264.7 cells and cellular proliferation in mouse splenocytes according to three herbal formulas. C57BL/6 mice were immunized intraperitonially with OVA/aluminium ($100\;{\mu}g/200\;{\mu}g$/mouse) on day 1, 8, and 15. Three herbal formulas were administrated to mice orally for 3 weeks from day 1. On day 22, OVA-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-, and concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated splenocyte proliferation and antibodies (OVA-specific antibodies of the IgG, lgG1, and total IgM classes) in plasma were measured. Ohyaksungi-san increased NO synthesis in RAW 264.7 cells. Ojeok-san and Ohyaksungi-san significantly enhanced cellular proliferation by LPS and Con A in splenocytes from OVA-immunized mice (p<0.001). Three herbal formulas for wind-cold and heat pain symptom also significantly enhanced plasma OVA-specific IgG, IgG1, and total IgM levels compared with the OVA/Alum group. These results suggested that three herbal formulas for wind-cold and heat pain symptom could be used as stimulator of immune response.