• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.111-116
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• 2002

This report describes an inhibitory effect of Tongku-tang(TKT) on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. TKT is an Oriental herbal prescription, which has been successfully applied for the treatment of allergic disorders, mainly skin anaphylactic diseases in eastern medicine. TKT has concentration-dependently inhibited the ear swelling response induced by intradermal injection of non-specific mast cell degranulator compound 48/80 in mice. TKT also inhibited mast cell-dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by dinitrophenyl (DNP)-IgE antibody in rats. I studied the effect of TKT on the histamine and β-hexosaminase release from the rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80. TKT did not inhibit significantly the histamine and β-hexosaminase release from the rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80. However, TKT inhibited both TNF-α and IL-1β secretion induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187 respectively. These results provide evidence that TKT may be beneficial in the treatment of immediate-type allergic reaction.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.277-284
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• 2019

Rumex crispus is known to have anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, and bone loss inhibitory activities. Mast cells are critical immune cells that induce a type 1 IgE-mediated allergic reaction. However, there are no reports of inhibitory effects of Rumex crispus on mast cells and allergic reactions. In this study, we performed some experiments to investigate whether Rumex crispus ethanol extract(RCE) has any inhibitory effect on antigen-induced type I allergic response in vitro and in vivo. RCE inhibited degranulation of IgE-mediated mast cells(IC₅₀, ~57 ㎍/ml) and cytokine production such as TNF-α and IL-4 in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, RCE significantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis(PCA)(ED₅₀, ~198 mg/kg) in mice. Furthermore, RCE inhibited degranulation of MCs in ear tissue of mice with PCA. Mechanism studies showed that RCE inhibited the activation of Syk and Syk-dependent pathway such as LAT, PLC-γ, Akt, and MAP Kinase. Our results demonstrate for the first time that RCE inhibits type I hypersensitive response by suppressing the activity of Syk in mast cells, thereby reducing degranulation and cytokine production. Taken together, RCE could be used as a novel therapeutic material to suppress allergic diseases.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.709-717
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• 2022

Allergic rhinitis (AR), one of the most common inflammatory diseases, is caused by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reactions against inhaled allergens. AR involves mucosal inflammation driven by type 2 helper T (Th2) cells. Previously, it was shown that the Streptococcus pneumoniae pep27 mutant (Δpep27) could prevent and treat allergic asthma by reducing Th2 responses. However, the underlying mechanism of Δpep27 immunization in AR remains undetermined. Here, we investigated the role of Δpep27 immunization in the development and progression of AR and elucidated potential mechanisms. In an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mice model, Δpep27 alleviated allergic symptoms (frequency of sneezing and rubbing) and reduced TLR2 and TLR4 expression, Th2 cytokines, and eosinophil infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Mechanistically, Δpep27 reduced the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the nasal mucosa by down-regulating the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. In conclusion, Δpep27 seems to alleviate TLR signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation to subsequently prevent AR.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.206-209
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• 2023

Asthma is a chronic and allergic inflammation in the lung, mainly caused by house dust mites (HDM). Recent studies have reported Der p 38 and Der f 38 (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae, respectively) as crucial allergens of HDMs. This study investigates the different allergic effects of Der p 38 and Der f 38 in an asthma-like mouse model. Lung infiltration of neutrophils was induced by intranasal administration of Der p 38 and Der f 38, with stronger infiltration being observed after exposure to Der p 38. Intranasal and intraperitoneal administration of Der p 38 induced the infiltration of neutrophils and eosinophils in the lung, which was similar to the effect subsequent to Der f 38 administration. Although the number of mast cells was increased, no significant difference was obtained between the effects of both allergens. In TLR4 knockout BALB/c mice, Der p 38 and Der f 38 had no effect on the infiltration of neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells. Additionally, allergenicity induced by Der p 38 and Der f 38 in the basophils of Der p38+/Der f 38+ asthmatic subjects was similar, although Der f 38 presented stronger allergenicity in basophils of Der p38+/Der f 38+ allergic patients than Der p 38. These findings contribute to understanding the role of similar allergen components derived from different species in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.69-80
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• 2014

Objective : Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways. Socheongryong-Tang traditionally has been used in Korea for treatment of allergy diseases. In the present study, we investigated whether SCRT suppresses the progression of AR in vivo and in vitro. Method : In this study, we investigated the effect of oral administration of SCRT on the Ovalbumin(OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis mouse models. Additionally, to find a possible explanation for the anti-inflammation effects of SCRT, we evaluated the inflammatory cytokine levels in LPS-stimulated mouse inflammation cell (RAW264.7) and mouse splenocyte. Results : The finding of this study demonstrated that SCRT reduced mast cells and inflammation cells infiltration in OVA-induced nasal cavity. Additionally, SCRT inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in splenocyte. However SCRT don't inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion : Taken together, our results showed that oral administration of SCRT beneficial effects in allergic rhinitis, suggesting that SCRT might be a useful candidate for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.210-219
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• 2002

Background and Objectives The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis includes detailed clinical history, physical examination and the use of either in vivo or vitro tests for relevant allergens. Skin test has been used the most commonly. Recently MAST CLA is used for determination of serum spcecific IgE, This study attempted to find out the distribution of Sasang Constitution and to compare the MAST CLA with skin tests in allergic rhinitis patients. Methods Skin tests, MAST CLA and Sasang Constitution study were performed for 35 allergic rhinitis patients who visited Kyunghee Oriental Medical Center from Sept. 2001 to Nov. 2001. Results 1. The ratio between male and female was 1:1.5. the peak age was the thirties(42.9$\%$) 2. 45.7$\%$ of patients had family history of allergic diseases and allergic rhinitis was the most common. 3. 51.4$\%$ of patients lived in A.P.T. and in preference of cool and warm, 54.3$\%$ of patients prefered both of cool and warm. 4. Among 24 cases who were consulted to dept. of Sasang, 45.8$\%$ was Taeumin. 5. 65.7$\%$ of patients reacted positive to skin test and the common offending allergen was D. pteronyssinus(82.6$\%$). 6. 25.7$\%$ of patients reacted positive to MAST CLA and the common offending allergen was D. farinae(88.9$\%$). 7. Among 22 cases who was performed skin test and MAST CLA the sensivity and specificity of MAST CLA was 27.4$\%$ and 94.9$\%$. There was significant correlations between MAST CLA and skin test(p=0.005, r=0.574, 1, spearman correlation coefficienct).

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.9-15
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• 2013

Objectives : The root of Codonopsis pilosula (Fr.) Nannf. (Codonopsis Pilosulae Radix) has been traditionally used as a oriental medicine with an anti-thrombotic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-gastric ulcer effects and immunological adjuvant. In this study, we investigated the effect of 70% ethanol extract of Codonopsis Pilosulae Radix (CPR-E) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic responses in mice. Methods : Mice were sensitized (1, 8, and 15 days) with OVA and airway challenged(22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 days) to induced allergic responses. CPR-E extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/body weight was orally administered from days 21 to 30 consecutively. The levels of allergic mediators such as histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and Th1/Th2 cytokines such as IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-4 were measured in the sera of mice by ELISA. The histological change of lung tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results : CPR-E extract significantly decreased the serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE, and IL-4 compared with those of OVA control group, but significantly increased the serum level of IFN-${\gamma}$. Based on H&E staining, CPR-E extract inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissues with histological changes. Conclusions : These results indicate that CPR-E extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic responses through regulating the cytokine balance, suggesting that the extract may be useful for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.149-165
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• 2000

As recent developments of Immunology and Nuclear medicine, serum IgE and IgG values are helpful in the diagnosis and evaluation of the therapeutic effects of nasal allergies. But in Korea, air pollution and the increased use of food additives have become leading factors in nasal allergies, It seems to be induced by environmental change, especially industrialization and urbanization, so allergic rhinitis in our environment has changed in accordance with the changes made in the living environment. Therefore this study is attempted in order to observe a clinical analysis which places more importance on allergic rhinitis. We studied 200 patients who had visited Kyunghee Oriental Medical Center with allergic rhinitis from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 1999 The results were as follows: 1. The sex distribution was 114 males(57%) and 86 females(43%). In age distribution, the average age was 25. In males, ages ranged from 3 to 66 years old and the average was 23.81. In females, ages ranged from 4 to 67 years old and the average was 28.57. The peak age was 30～39 years old(24%); under 9 years old and 10～19 years old were each 18%; 20～29 years old was 22%; 40～49 years old was 11 %; over 50 years old 6.5%. The gulf between males and females showed a statistically significant difference(P<0.025). 2. In the age of onset, male' s maximum was 62.5, minimum was 0.25; female s maximum was 59.5, minimum was 0.2. Under 9 years old was the most with 34%(male 24%, female 10%), 10～19 years old was 18%, 20～29 years old was 22.5%, 30～39 years old was 13.50%, over 40 years old was 12%, The gulf between males and females were showed statistically significant difference.(p<0.014) 3. The average duration of the disease was 5.67 years. In male and female, the maximum was 30, the minimum was 0.05; under 5 years old was the most with 62%(male 34.50%, female 27.50%); 6～10 years old was 23%. So, under 10 years old was 85%. There was no statistically significant difference in the duration of disease. 4. Regarding type of residence, 47.50% of patients with allergic rhinitis lived in apartments, 52.50% lived in houses. In males, 29.50% lived in apartments, 27.50% lived in houses. In females, 18% lived in apartments, 25% lived in houses. There was no statistically significant difference in the residence by T-test and chi-test. 5. In the distribution of season, spring is the most with 29.5% of patients, winter 28%, fall 25.5%, and summer 17%. But there was no statistically significant difference. 6. After observing 200 patients with allergic rhinitis, classifying main symptoms into 5 types, sneezing was the main symptom in 177cases(88.50%), nasal obstruction in 176cases(88%), rhinorrhea in 169cases(84.5%), post nasal discharge in 87cases(43.50%), and itching in I04cases(52%). The Cumulus ration is 98.50% and symptoms overlapped with an average 3.57±0.1 times but in an analysis of variance of these symptoms, the gulf between males and females was not recognized as statistically significant by T-test and ANOVA. 7. Patients whose families have allergic diseases account for 90 cases(45%) : 49cases(24.50%) male and 41cases(20.50%) female. There were 4 cases (71.11 %) whose families have allergic rhinitis, 9cases(10%) of asthma, and 7.78% with allergic dermatitis. There were 61 (67.80%) cases of patients whose parents have allergic diseases; cases wherein the patient s child had allergic diseases numbered 13 (14.45%); and cases with a sibling with allergic diseases totalled 16cases (17.80%). There was no statistically significant difference in allergic disease regarding sex, parents, or siblings by chi-test. 8. Blood type: For males, type A is the most common, with 37cases(18.5%), followed by type B with 32cases(16%), type O 28cases(l4%) and type AB 13cases(6.5%). For females, type B is the most common, with 30cases(15%), followed by type O with 23cases(l1.5%), type A with 18cases(9%) and type AB with 13cases(6.5%). There was no statistically significant difference in blood type by chi-test. 9. In the selection of prefered food, most patients prefer cool food, with 98 such cases(49%), tepid food in 54cases(27%) and warm food in 48cases(24%). These showed a statistically significant difference in the selection of prefered food between males and females by chi-test(p<0.009). 10. The state of Past History was classified into II types. chronic hypertrophic rhinitis is the most common with 11cases (18.64%), tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy is 8cases(l3.56%), sinusitis is 6cases(10.17%), nasal septum deviation is 4cases, nasal polyp is 2cases, others are 10cases(l6.95%). No statistically significant difference in past history between males and females was shown, but a statistically significant difference was shown when males and females were compared with total cases by T-test(p<0.002, P<0.0008). 11. Regarding complications, 37 patients (28.91%) had sinusitis: 22cases(17.19%) in male, 15cases(11.72%) in female. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis was found in 15cases(11.72%). Others are under 10%. There was no statistically significant difference in the type of complications between males and females, but a statistically significant difference was shown when males and females were compared with total cases by T-test(P<0.00l, P<0.007). 12. In the treatment, medication was used 1691 times, an average of 2.58 times. No.34 was used 370 times for 124 cases, an average of 2.98 times. No. 152 was used 318 times for 106 cases, an average of 3.00 times. No.151 was used 307 times for 97cases, an average of 3.16 times. No. 31 was used 117 times for 33 cases, an average of 3.55 times. No 25 was used 116 times for 33 cases, an average of 3.52 times. 13. In the duration of treatment, the most frequent is 1 week(69cases, 34.50%), the maximum is 20weeks, and the minimum is 1week. A treatment period of 2～3 weeks accounted for 32% of cases, a period of 4～5weeks accounted for 13.5%. The gulf between males and females showed a statistically significant difference in the duration of treatment.(p<0.01). There was a statistical significance when the males were compared with total cases by ANOVA(P<0.03). 14. A comparison between before-treatment and after-treatment showed a statistically significant difference in treatment by T-test (p<0.01) and F-test (p<0.0058).

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.211-214
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• 2016

House dust mite is an essential allergen in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Abnormal regulation of neutrophil apoptosis is an important pathogenic process in allergic diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effects of house dust mites on spontaneous apoptosis of neutrophils and its associated mechanisms. Extract of Dermatophagoides pteronissinus (DP) inhibited neutrophil apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. Cycloheximide (CHX), an inhibitor of translation, increased apoptosis of DP-treated neutrophils as well as control cells. The pro-apoptotic effect of CHX was blocked by DP in neutrophils. In addition, DP increased the phosphorylation of Bad in a time-dependent manner, indicating that it exerted an inhibitory effect on the function of Bad. These results suggest that DP has anti-apoptotic effects of neutrophils and may regulate protein synthesis and activation of Bad. Moreover, these findings may shed light on elucidation of allergy pathogenesis due to house dust mites.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.435-437
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• 2012

House dust mite (HDM) is important in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases including asthma and atopic dermatitis. Dermatophagoides pteronissinus (Dp) is one of major HDM allergens. In this study, we investigated that Dp extract (DpE) affects on the chemotactic activity of monocytes isolated from the peripheral blood. DpE inhibited the migration of human monocytes in response to CC chemokines such as MIP-$1{\alpha}$, RANTES, HCC-4, MCP-1, and TARC. DpE did not alter the expression of CC chemokine receptors (CCRs) such as CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, and CCR5. These results indicate that DpE blocks the chemotaxis of human monocytes and its mechanism is not involved in alteration of CCR expression. Better understanding of the effect of DpE on monocytes will enable elucidation of the role of Dp in the development of allergic diseases.