• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.333-343
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• 2024

This study aimed to investigate whether inhaling the aroma of essential oils could alleviate physiological stress responses and mimic the effects of forest therapy in urban settings. Briefly, 31 participants underwent stress index assessments for two days and inhaled the selected plant essential oils. The effects of this treatment on physiological responses were determined through electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements taken before and after inhaling the aroma of essential oils, extracting results for low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) components of HRV, as well as 𝜃 and 𝛼 brainwave activities. The results indicated that lavender oil did not yield significant differences, whereas pine, chamomile, and cypress oils exhibited significant differences in effects. Overall, stress relief was associated with enhanced 𝜃 and 𝛼 brainwave activities, a decrease in the LF component and an increase in the HF component of HRV. Among the essential oils studied, pine oil was the most effective. These findings underscore the potential of plant essential oils in replicating the therapeutic benefits of forest therapy, even in urban environments. Further investigations into their utilization are warranted to better understand and harness their therapeutic potential.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.3.1-3.20
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• 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapeutic agents, are now approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of various types of cancer. However, the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs varies among patients and cancer types. Moreover, most patients do not develop durable antitumor responses after ICI therapy due to an ephemeral reversal of T-cell dysfunction. As co-stimulatory receptors play key roles in regulating the effector functions of T cells, activating co-stimulatory pathways may improve checkpoint inhibition efficacy, and lead to durable antitumor responses. Here, we review recent advances in our understating of co-stimulatory receptors in cancers, providing the necessary groundwork for the rational design of cancer immunotherapy.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.557-563
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• 2001

Oral tolerance is thought to play a role in preventing allergic responses and immune-mediated diseases. An improved mouse model of the oral tolerance to Japanese cedar pollen (JCP) as antigen was developed in order to detect induction of the tolerance, and the immunological characteristics of this model were also elucidated. Oral tolerance was induced by C3H/ HeN mice given an oral administration of 10 mg JCP 7 days before immunization with an i.p. injection of 0.1 mg JCP in complete Freunds adjuvant (CFA). The effects of oral JCP on systemic immunity were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in serum collected on day 7 or 14 after immunization. Oral tolerance to JCP was adequately induced on day 7 after immunization and was more effective in C3H/HeN mice than in BALB/c mice. The tolerance was primarily concerned with the decreased serum levels of antigen-specific IgG. In these mice, oral administration of JCP also suppressed various immune responses to the antigen including delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), total Igl level and anti-JCP IgGl level. The suppression of these immune responses by the oral antigen was associated with a significant reduction in interleukin-4 (IL-4) production. These findings therefore indicate that this C3H/HeN mice model has potential use in detecting the induction of oral tolerance by JCP and suggest that this tolerance model may be effective in the treatment and prevention of allergic responses caused by the antigen.

• BMB Reports
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.214-219
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• 2016

A nucleosomal protein, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is known to be a late mediator of sepsis. Dabrafenib is a B-Raf inhibitor and initially used for the treatment of metastatic melanoma therapy. Inhibition of HMGB1 and renewal of vascular integrity is appearing as an engaging therapeutic strategy in the administration of severe sepsis or septic shock. Here, we examined the effects of dabrafenib (DAB) on the modulation of HMGB1-mediated septic responses. DAB inhibited the release of HMGB1 and downregulated HMGB1-dependent inflammatory responses by enhancing the expressions of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in human endothelial cells. In addition, treatment with DAB inhibited the HMGB1 secretion by CLP and sepsis-related mortality and pulmonary injury. This study demonstrated that DAB could be alternative therapeutic options for sepsis or septic shock via the inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2005

Background: Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects about 350 million people worldwide, which have a high risk of development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment of chronic HBV infection relies on IFN-${\alpha}$ or lamivudine. However, interferon-${\alpha}$ is effective in only about 30% of patients. Also, the occurrence of escape mutations limits the usage of lamivudine. Therefore, the development and evaluation of new compounds or approaches are urgent. Methods: We comparatively evaluated DNA and adenoviral vaccines expressing HBV antigens, either alone or in combined regimens, for their ability to elicit Th1-type immune responses in Balb / c mice which are believed to be suited to resolve HBV infection. The vaccines were tested with or without a genetically engineered IL-12 (mIL-12 N220L) which was shown to enhance sustained Th1-type immune responses in HCV E2 DNA vaccine. Results: Considering the Th1-type cytokine secretion and the IgG2a titers, the strongest Th1-type immune response was elicited by the DNA prime-adenovirus boost regimen in the presence of mIL-12 N220L. In addition, the codelivery of mIL-12 N220L modulated differentially the immune responses by different vaccination regimens. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the DNA prime-adenovirus boost regimen in the presence of mIL-12 N220L may be the best candidate for HBV vaccine therapy of the regimens tested in this study and will be worthwhile being evaluated in chronic HBV patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.3589-3593
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• 2012

Objective: Evaluation and assessment of response rate, duration and toxicity in patients subjected to 5-FU based chemotherapy. Background: The therapeutic ratio shifts with different 5FU/LV regimens and none yet serve as the internationally accepted Gold Standard. A bimonthly regimen of high dose leucovorin is reported to be less toxic and more effective than monthly low dose regimens. We here compare therapeutic responses and survival benefit of the two regimens in poor prognosis patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma. Patients and Methods: A total of 35 patients with histologically confirmed colorectal carcinoma were subjected to de Gramont and Mayo Clinic regimen. Nineteen patients were treated with high dose folinic acid ($200mg/m^2$), glucose 5%, 5-FU ($400mg/m^2$) and 22 hr. CIV ($600mg/m^2$) for two consecutive days every two weeks. These patients had failed responses to previous chemotherapy and were above sixty years of age with poor general status. Sixteen patients (six below 60 years) with progressive disease were subjected to low dose folinic acid ($20mg/m^2$)for five days, 5FU($425mg/m^2$) injection bolus for 5 days, every five weeks. An initial evaluation was made in sixty days and responders were reevaluated at sixty days interval or earlier in case of clinical impairment. Based on positive prognosis, the therapy was continued. Evaluation of treatment response was made on the basis of WHO criteria. Results: The response rate was 44% in thirty four evaluable patients, with 4 complete responses (11.8%) and 11 (32.4%) partial responses. The two schedules were well tolerated, whereas, mild toxicity without WHO Grade ${\geq}2$ events was assessed. The response duration was extended (12 months) in a few patients with age above sixty years treated by high dose bimonthly regimen of 5FU/LV. Conclusion: The regimens are safe and effective in advanced colorectal carcinoma patients with poor general status.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.201-205
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• 2009

Effects of Cordyceps militaris mycelia on rumen microbial fermentation were determined by measuring in vitro gas production, cellulose digestion and VFA concentrations. C. militaris mycelia was added to buffered rumen fluid with final concentrations of 0.00, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 g/L and incubation times were for 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h. At all incubation times, the gas production showed a quadratic increase with the supplementation of C. militaris mycelia; maximum responses were seen with 0.25 g/L supplementation. However, the gas production was significantly lower for the 0.30 g/L supplementation than for the 0.25 g/L supplementation from 9 h to 72 h incubation. The cellulose filter paper (FP) digestion showed a quadratic increase, as did the gas production except at 3 h incubation. The concentration of total VFA was significantly increased by the supplementation of C. militaris mycelia compared with the control treatment; the highest response was also seen with 0.25 g/L supplementation. This was true for responses in the concentration of acetic and propionic acids. As opposed to other responses, the responses of pH to the supplementation of C. militaris mycelia showed a quadratic decrease from 3 h to 36 h incubation. In conclusion, C. militaris mycelia alter the mixed rumen microbial fermentation with increases in the production of gas and VFA, and cellulose FP digestion.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.304-308
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• 2005

The effects of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) on various oxidative stress responses in liver, kidney and gill tissues of freshwater bagrid catfish Pseudobagrus fulvidraco were investigated under laboratory conditions. Bagrid catfish were intraperitoneally injected with sunflower seed oil containing nominal concentrations of 0, 300 or 900mg DEHP per kilogram of body weight for 3 days and the effects after last injection were assessed in liver, kidney and gill tissues of the exposed organisms. The oxidative stress responses of fish were evaluated by analyzing the level of glutathione (GSH), as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR). After exposure to the DEHP, there were significant decrease in GR, GPx activity and GSH content in liver of fish exposed to 900 mg DEHP per kilogram of body weight compared to the control group. Compared with the control group, significant decreases in renal GPx and GR activity were observed in the DEHP treatment groups (900 mg $kg^{-1}$ bw). However, no significant difference was observed in any oxidative stress responses in gills between the DEHP-treated and the untreated group of fish. The findings of the present investigation show that DEHP induce oxidative stress and the liver was the most affected organ followed by the kidney and gills. Furthermore, the changes of GPx and GR activities may be important indicators of oxidative stress responses but additional study is required to confirm the oxidative stress of DEHP.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.213-225
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to identify the Effect of Hand Reflexology on Saeng-chi of physiologic, emotional & motivational responses and Immunity in ESRD patients who received hemodialysis in two general hospital from June to September. 2001 A two group quasi-experimental research with pre and post test design was used. The number of participants in the experimental group was 23, and in the control group, 20 The Hand Reflexology Intervention was developed by the researcher based on hand reflexology by Carter & Weber and Chi-massage by Chia. The Hand Reflexology was applied to both hands for 10 minutes per day. and 5 days by 5 times. To evaluate the effects of the program, Pre and Post evaluations were done. In the physiologic response, the PR was decreased at the 1st times post treatment and at the 5th. In addition BP was decreased at the 1st time, but not the 5th. After 5 treatments, there were significant increase in Hb and significant decreases in the BUN and Cr. levels in the experimental group. In the emotional and motivational responses, there were significant increases in vigor, mood, uplifts and self care agency scores in the experimental group, but there was no significant difference in the Rosenberg's self esteem score. In the experimental group, significantly increased CD4, and h/s ratios were found, also NK cells were significantly decreased, and there was a decrease in the CD8. However, no significant differences between groups were observed. There were significant increases in CD32, CD33, CD34 in the experimental group. The self care agency score correlated negatively with the CD8. From the above results, Hand Reflexology is shown to be an effective mind-body nursing intervention for enhancing Saeng-chi responses and affecting some of the immune responses. However, Immune cell activation and differentiation with hand reflexology will be achieved with future study.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2019

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG; Panax ginseng Meyer) is a widely used medicinal herb known to exert various immune modulatory functions. KRG and one of its purified components, ginsenoside Rg3, are known to possess anti-inflammatory activities. How they impact helper T cell-mediated responses is not fully explored. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effect of KRG extract (KRGE) and ginsenoside Rg3 on Th1 cell responses. Methods: Using well-characterized T cell in vitro differentiation systems, we examined the effects of KRGE or enhanced Rg3 on the Th1-inducing cytokine production from dendritic cells (DC) and the naïve $CD4^+$ T cells differentiation to Th1 cells. Furthermore, we examined the change of Th1 cell population in the intestine after treatment of enhanced Rg3. The influence of KRGE or enhanced Rg3 on Th1 cell differentiation was evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: KRGE significantly inhibited the production level of IL-12 from DCs and subsequent Th1 cell differentiation. Similarly, enhanced Rg3 significantly suppressed the expression of interferon gamma ($IFN{\gamma}$) and T-bet in T cells under Th1-skewing condition. Consistent with these effects in vitro, oral administration of enhanced Rg3 suppressed the frequency of Th1 cells in the Peyer's patch and lamina propria cells in vivo. Conclusion: Enhanced Rg3 negatively regulates the differentiation of Th1 cell in vitro and Th1 cell responses in the gut in vivo, providing fundamental basis for the use of this agent to treat Th1-related diseases.