• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.73-81
• /
• 2002

Objective : in order to be convinced of improvement in quality of life in allergic rhinitis patients, I observed clinically remedical effect of Quingbixiaoyanwan-Derivatives(淸鼻消炎丸) on allergic rhinitis with a questionnaire. Methods : We treated forty five allergic patients at the Nam Chun Oriental Medical Hospital from October, 2001 to January, 2002. They were treated with Quingbixiaoyanwan-Derivatives(淸鼻消炎丸), nasal cleansing solution and dietary treatment, and the health-related quality of life with a questionnaire. Results : 1. The gender proportion was twenty five males(55.6%) and twenty females(44.4%); seven teenagers (15.6%); ten patients in their 20s(22.2%); twenty patients in their 30S(44.4%); six patients in their 40s(13.3%); two patients in over 50s (4.4%) 2. The duration of the disease: 0 case within six months; three cases for six months to one year (6.6%); fourteen cases for one year to five years(31.1%); twenty six cases for over five years(62.2%) 3. Major symptoms; forty three cases for watery rhinorrhea (95.5%); thirty one caess for nasal itching(68.8%); 91.1 cases for sneezing(41.0%);thirty nine cases for nasal obstruction (86.6%); sixteen cases for difficulty in smelling(35.5%);seventeen postnasal drip(37.7%);three bloody rhinorrhea (6.6%);fourteen cases for headaches(31.1%); nine cases for eyelid itching (60.0%). 4. Seasonal Distribution: perennial allergic rhinitis occurred as follows: 55.6% in winter; 13.3% in fall; 11.1 % in spring;2.2% in summer. 5. Other combined allergic symptoms; sixteen cases for allergic conjunctives (37.8%); eight cases for sinus(17.8%);four cases for atopic dermatitis (8.9%); three cases for bronchial asthma(6.7%); sixteen cases for none(35.6%) 6. After a specific prescription of Quingbixiaoyanwan-Derivatives(淸鼻消炎丸), nasal cleansing solution and dietary therapy, the quality of life in allergic rhinitis patients was improved to 20.27%, which was significantly.(P<0.001) 7. The specific treatment did not affect GOT/GPT and BUN/Creatinine. 8. The specific treatment did not influence the level of total IgE serum significantly. Conclusions : Based on the above results, I have concluded that the specific treatment of Quingbixiaoyanwan-Derivatives(淸鼻消炎丸), nasal cleansing solution and dietary therapy can improve the quality of life in allergic rhinitis patients.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.289-299
• /
• 2004

Background : Although the pathophysiology of asthma has been reported, its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The mast cell is an effector cells in allergic inflammation and secretes a number of chemokines. Chemokines are important for the recruitment of leukocytes to sites of infection, which is essential in host defense. Chemokines also contribute to the pathogenesis of several disorders such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Objective : In this study, the aim was to identify the effect of Baekryunchihyo-tang(白蓮治哮湯) on expression of chemokines. This was examined by RT-PCR using the human mast cell line (HMC-l) Materials and Methods : HMC-l cells were used, which is known to secrete and express chemokines. In order to investigate the protective effect of Baekryunchihyo-tang(白蓮治哮湯), HMC-l cells were incubated with pretreatment of Baekryunchihyo-tang(白蓮治哮湯) for 24 hrs. RT-PCR analyses of chemokine genes of cells pretreated with Baekryunchihyo-tang(白蓮治哮湯) showed that expressions of IL-8, $MIP-l{\beta}$, and RANTES genes in these cells were lower and $MIP-l{\alpha}$ showed a similar pattern compared to the calcium ionophore-treated group. In addition, cell cytotoxicity concentration measurements were performed by MTT assay method. Results : After stimulation with 1 uM calcium ionophore A23178 for 2 hrs, IL-8, major one of CXC chemokines, was highly expressed, and expression of $MIP-l{\beta}$ and RANTES (CC chemokines) increased, while expression of $MIP-l{\alpha}$ did not change. The cell cytotoxicity of Baekryunchihyo-tang(白蓮治哮湯) with treatments at various concentrations and times was not observed, respectively. Conclusion : This study suggests that Baekryunchihyo-tang(白蓮治哮湯) has dose-dependent effects on mRNA expression of IL-8(CXC chemokines), $MIP-l{\beta}$ and RANTES(CC chemokines) in human mast cellline(HMC-l). So these herbal medicines may inhibit the inflammatory process of asthma. Advanced studies are required to investigate the mechanism of inhibition by herbal medicine in the asthma model. This study provides basic data on the possibility of the clinical treatment of Baekryunchihyo-tang(白蓮治哮湯) for allergic disorders.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.253-260
• /
• 2015

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical features and outcome of eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) in children. Methods: Our study enrolled 24 children who were diagnosed with EGE from 1993 to 2014 at the Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital. The patients' clinical manifestations, treatments, and outcomes were reviewed from the medical records. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 5.3 years. Most patients had gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea (54.2%) and abdominal pain (45.8%). Peripheral eosinophilia was present in 91.7% of the patients. Thirteen patients (54.2%) showed anemia, and 15 patients (62.5%) had hypoalbuminemia. EGE was classified as mucosal, subserosal, or muscular in 75.0%, 20.8%, and 4.2% of cases, respectively. Three patients showed gastroduodenal ulcers upon endoscopic analysis. A history of allergy was reported in 13 patients, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Five patients (20.8%) improved with food restrictions. Among the 19 patients treated with steroids, 11 (57.9%) discontinued steroid treatment without subsequent relapse, 4 (21.1%) relapsed after ceasing steroid treatment, and 4 (21.1%) showed no response to steroids. Two patients who were resistant to steroids underwent therapeutic surgery. The presence of gastroduodenal ulcers was significantly associated with relapse and steroid resistance. Conclusion: A high suspicion of EGE is warranted when children have nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms and peripheral eosinophilia. Most patients improved with food restrictions or steroid treatment, although one-third of patients showed a relapse or steroid resistance.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.25 no.7
• /
• pp.810-818
• /
• 2015

We analyzed whether lactic acid bacteria could control the expression of IL-4 and IL-13 in activated mast cells and whether these bacteria could inhibit the activity of transcription factors such as GATA-1, GATA-2, NF-AT1, NF-AT2, and NF-κB p65. We previously described a technique for identification of lactic acid bacteria with anti-atopy functionality by confirming increased expression of CD4+/CD25+/foxp3+ in T cells. We also confirmed that a double-culture method increased the antibacterial activity of these lactic acid bacteria against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In the present study, we characterized the effect of lactic acid bacteria cultured by this double-culture method on inhibition of allergic inflammatory reactions of RBL-2H3 mast cells, a cellular model of atopic dermatitis. The strongest anti-allergic effects of the lactic acid bacteria were seen in the following order: Lactococcus lactis broth cultured with medium containing Lactobacillus plantarum culture supernatant > Lc. lactis > Lc. lactis broth cultured with medium containing Lb. plantarum culture supernatant > Lb. plantarum. Thus, Lc. lactis cultured in medium containing Lb. plantarum culture supernatant had the strongest inhibitory effect on the differentiation of mast cells during allergic reactions, which may be mediated through the selective regulation of expression of relevant genes.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.45 no.6
• /
• pp.638-645
• /
• 2019

Objectives: For the risk management of airborne fungal diseases, our aim was to evaluate airborne fungi and study the toxicity associated with fungal allergic diseases using fungal species native to Korea. Methods: Fungi were isolated from outdoor air samples collected from Seoul, Incheon, Cheonan, Gwangju, Ulsan, Busan, and Jeju and tested for their cytotoxicity potential and their ability to induce proliferation and secretion of macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in human mast cells (HMC-1). Results: More than 18 species of fungi were collected from outdoor air in Korea over one year, and the strains were identified and systematically analyzed. The results showed that the Cladosporium (59%) and Alternaria (22%) strains are the most common in outdoor air. Three of the collected strains (Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Penicillium) showed mild toxicity in cells involved in allergic inflammation, and twelve induced cell proliferation in HMC-1 cells. More importantly, many strains (Edgeworthia, Trametes, Emmia, Irpex, Talaromyces, Penicillium, Periconia, Epicocum, Bipolaris) induced the MDC protein in activated HMC-1 cells. Conclusion: Nineteen percent of the tested strains caused cytotoxicity in mast cell lines, whereas, most of the non-toxic strains contributed to cell activity. Among the tested strains, more than 80% increased the expression of MDC protein, which contributes to the severity of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and rhinitis. It is, in fact, one of the markers for these conditions. Therefore, airborne fungus could be considered as an important marker for environmental risk management for allergic diseases in Korea.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.71 no.1
• /
• pp.24-29
• /
• 2011

Background: The rising prevalence of asthma worldwide may be associated with the rising prevalence of obesity in developed nations. Although several studies have suggested a relationship between asthma and obesity, controversy still remains. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between obesity and asthmatic factors such as atopy, eosinophilia, serum total Ig E and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in chronic cough patients. Methods: This study was a retrospective, observational study in two centers done between January 2007 and June 2008. The subjects included individuals who had a chronic cough. We examined body mass index (BMI) to measure obesity and pulmonary function. We did a metacholine provocation test for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), a skin prick test for atopy, and tests for blood eosinophils and serum IgE. Results: A total of 1022 subjects were included. Airway hyperresponsiveness was not related with obesity (p=0.06), and atopy incidence was significant higher in non obese patients (p=0.00). There was no significant difference in serum IgE and blood eosinophil counts between obese and non obese patients. Forced expiratory volue in one second ($FEV_1$)/forced vital capacity (FVC) was significantly reduced in obese patients (p=0.03), but FEV1 and FVC were no significant difference between obese and non obese patients. Conclusion: There is no relationship between obesity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The nonobese group appears to have more atopy. The relationship between obesity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopy need further investigation.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.56 no.1
• /
• pp.9-13
• /
• 2012

We previously reported that the extract of Taraxacum platycarpum (AF-343) had several biological properties such as skin hydration and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby AF-343 be a promising anti-atopic dermatitis agent. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate its effect on modulation of extracellular matrix proteins in human skin fibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expressions of type I collagen, MMP-1, Smad2/3, and TIMP-1 proteins in AF-343-treated human skin fibroblasts. Human skin fibroblasts were treated by various concentrations of AF-343 (0~2 mg/ml). The expressions of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), Smad2/3, and TIMP-1 proteins were analyzed by Western blot analysis. In addition, level of type I collagen mRNA was analyzed by CAT assay. Expression of type I collagen protein was increased in AF-343-treated human skin fibroblasts by dose and time-dependent manners. Consistent with this result, the expressions of phospho-Smad2/3 in skin fibroblasts were increased and MMP-1 expression was decreased by AF-343 treatment. TIMP-1 expression was not significantly changed in AF-343 treated skin fibroblasts. Extract of Taraxacum platycarpum (AF-343)-induced up-regulation of type I collagen expression was through increased expression of phospho-Smad2/3. These results were occurred combined with down-regulation of MMP-1 in skin fibroblasts. Taken together, this study indicated that AF-343 has property of the modulation of ECM in tissue as well as skin hydration and anti-inflammation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.163-176
• /
• 1995

The cilinical study was done in 340 patients with allergic rhinitis who had been dosed with HYUNG GAE YUN GYO TANG GAMI. The results were summarized as follows 1. Distridution by Sex and Age $64\%\;of\;them\;were\;man,\;and\;36\%$ of them were women(It was common to men than to women) Of those who were attacted(very diverse), $25.0\%$ of them were between 10 and 19 years of age(most frequent), $23.8\%$ were between 30 and 39, $18.2\%$ between 20 and 29, $14.1\%$ between birth and 9, $12.6\%$ between 40 and 49, and $6.2\%$ of them were 50 years and over. 2. Duration $47.6\%$ of them suffered from this disease for 1 to 5 years, $13.8\%$ for 10 years or longer, $24.1\%$ for both 5 to 10 years and $7.4\%$ for 6 months to 1 years, and $6.5\%$ shorter than 6 months. 3. Symptom that appeared to them were nasal obstruction($91.5\%$,top), sneezing($90\%$), rhinorrhagir($77.4\%$), headache ($30.9\%$), itch($26.8\%$), nasal discharge through gullet($15.3\%$), and pharyngitis($15.3\%$). 4. Other diseases that occured with it were sinusitis(most often), Atopic keratoconjunctivitis, allergic dermatitis, asthma, otitis media, tonsillitis, hepertropic rhinitis, nasal polyp, and atropic rhinitis(most unusual). 5. Time and Improvement After 6 months 2 cases($20\%$) were improved excellently, 3 cases($30\%$) considerablely, after 6 months to 1 year 5 case($38.5\%$) considerably, after 1 year to 5 year 10 cases($13\%$) excellently, 20 cases ($26\%$) considerably, after 5 year to 10 years 4 cases($8.7\%$) excellently, 13 cases($28.3\%$) considerable, and after 10 years 2 cases($10\%$) improved excellently, 2 cases($10\%$) considerab. 6. Dosage and Improvemont With 10 papers 6 cases($7.8\%$) were improved excellently, 22 cases($27.8\%$) considerably, with 20 papers 4 cases($10.3\%$) were improved excellently, 6 cases($15.4\%$) considerably, with 30 papers 3 cases($15.8\%$) excellently, 2 ($10.5\%$) considerably, with 40 papers 3 cases($23.1\%$) excellently, 5($38.5\%$) considerably, with 50 papers 1 cases($10\%$) excellently, 4($40\%$) considerably, with 60and 70 papers one cases($33.3\%,\;100\%$) for each was improved considerable, with 80 papers 1 cases($100\%$) excellently, and 90 papers 2 cases($66.6\%$) considerable. 7. Improvement with additional outward application With external application 8 cases($16.6\%$) were improved excellently, 9 cases($18.7\%$) considerably without external application 10 cases($8.4\%$) were improved excellently, 34 cases($28.8\%$) considerably. 8. General Improvement 18 cases($10.8\%$) were improved excellently, 43 cases($25.9\%$) improved considerably, and 40 cases($24.0\%$) improved quite a little.thus has improvement shown in 60.8 per cent of case, and proved its efficacy.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.43-50
• /
• 2008

Ceramides, a constituent of stratum corneum lipids, play a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of the epidermal permeability barrier. As in many other skin disorders, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis show decrease and transformation of the ceramides. The application of ceramide has been demonstrated to be efficient in the repair of these skin disorders. Nevertheless, natural ceramides are still too expensive and small in quantity to be used as a cosmetic ingredient. Although a lot of pseudo-ceramides have been developed and on the market until now, those pseudo-ceramides did not fully meet the consumer's needs, therefore, there is still a demand for a novel pseudo-ceramides. We synthesized a novel pseudo-ceramide BPC-16 from 2-(2-amino-ethylamino)-ethanol(AEEA), which was characterized by structures having both amide bonds and hydroxyl groups as hydrophilic units, as well as two long alkyl chains. We formulated emulsion with BPC-16, cholesterol, stearic acid, and other components to make an emulsion. These emulsion showed a typical optical anisotropy on cross-polarized microscopy. This 'Maltese cross' appearance is a characteristic figure observed in concentric lamellar emulsion under cross-polarized microscopy. In cytotoxicity assay using MTT in monolayer and three dimension(3D) cell culture, a BPC-16 showed only negligible cytotoxicity up to the effective concentration for barrier repair and moisturization(less than 10 mM). In the measurement of TEWL, this BPC-16 showed significant recovery of water-retaining properties when it was topically applied to either SDS-induced dry skin or normal skin compared to that of base cream. This novel pseudo-ceramide BPC-16 showed as effective in skin barrier repair and moisturization as natural ceramides.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.281-287
• /
• 2017

Stress in skin plays a significant role in both the direct/indirect regulation of cellular processes occurring in hair, which in turn affect the hair cycle. However, experimental data regarding the effects of stress-related corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) released by stress on the apoptotic process involved in hair is limited. Therefore, we investigated the acceleration of early-stage apoptosis induced by atopy-related stress using a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene NC/Nga mice model. Expression of CRF, its related proteins, annexin V, and mitochondrial dysfunction were measured by immunohistochemical analyses. Atopic stress strongly stimulated stress hormones response, such as CRF and adrenocorticotropic hormone, in outer epithelial sheath of the hair. Moreover, its stress induced mitochondrial damage and early-stage apoptosis of cells in hair root. These findings suggest that hair damage due to apoptosis in atopy model is accelerated in a high CRF environment. Importantly, the effect of stress-related CRF on apoptosis processes involved in atopy dermatitis-related hair loss, suggests that the CRF-regulating development or maintenance materials may provide effective therapeutic strategies for hair health.