• Korean journal of aerospace and environmental medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.21-27
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• 2014

We aimed to study about the effect of acute hyper-gravity (HG) on the allergic immune response in a murine model of allergic asthma. Thirty-two BALB/c mice were used. In Group A (control group, n=8), mice were sensitized and challenged with saline. Group B (HG control group, n=8) were exposed to HG (10 Gz, 1 hour) after intraperitoneal and intranasal saline challenge. Group C (asthma group, n=8) received intraperitoneal and intranasal ovalbumin (OVA) challenge. Group D (HG asthma group, n=8) were exposed to HG after intraperitoneal and intranasal OVA challenge. We evaluated serum total and OVA-specific IgE; serum titers of cytokines; and histopathologic examination of lung. As a result, titers of Serum total and OVA-specific IgE were not significantly different between groups. Compared to Group C, mice in Group D showed significant increase of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13), cytokines involved in eosinophilia (IL-3, IL-5, GM-CSF) and those involved in cell-medicated immunity (IFN-γ). In histopathologic examination, lungs of Group D showed significantly more infiltration of inflammatory cells compared to Group C. However, these differences were not so significant between Groups A and B. In conclusion, acute HG could exacerbate allergic asthma in experimental animals.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.11
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• pp.951-956
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• 2010

Purpose: To compare the profiles of the bronchodilator response (BDR) among children with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis (AR) and to determine whether BDR in these children is reduced by treatment with inhaled and/or nasal corticosteroid. Methods: Sixty-eight children with asthma (mean age, 10.9 years), 45 children with comorbid asthma and AR (mean age, 10.5 years), and 44 children with AR alone (mean age, 10.2 years) were investigated. After a 2-week baseline period, all children were treated with inhaled fluticasone propionate (either 100 or $250{\mu}g$ b.i.d., tailored to asthma severity) or nasal fluticasone propionate (one spray b.i.d. in each nostril) or both, according to the condition. Before and 2 weeks after starting treatment, all children were evaluated with spirometry and bronchodilator testing. BDR was calculated as a percent change from the forced expiratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1$) at baseline. Results: The mean BDR was 10.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.3-12.4%] in children with asthma, 9.0% (95% CI 7.3-10.9%) in subjects with asthma and AR, and 5.0% (95% CI 4.1-5.9%) in children with AR alone ($P$<0.001). After treatment, the mean BDR was reduced to 5.2% (95% CI 4.2-6.3%) ($P$<0.001) in children with asthma and to 4.5% (95% CI 3.5-5.5%) ($P$<0.001) in children with asthma and AR. However, children with rhinitis showed no significant change in BDR after treatment, with the mean value being 4.7% (95% CI 3.7-5.8%) ($P$=0.597). Conclusion: The findings of this study imply that an elevated BDR in children with AR cannot be attributed to nasal inflammation alone and highlights the close relationship between the upper and lower airways.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.104-112
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• 2006

We previously reported that DA-9601, ethanol herbal extract of Artemisia asiatica, inhibited histamine and leukotriene releases in guinea pig lung mast cells activated with specific antigen/antibody reaction. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of DA-9601 on the OVA-induced airway inflammation in allergic asthma mouse model. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA. DA-9601 was administered orally 1 h before every local OVA-challenge. OVA-specific serum IgE was measured by ELISA, recruitment of inflammatory cells in BAL fluids and lung tissues by Diff-Quik and H&E staining, respectively, the expressions of CD40, CD40L and VCAM-1 by immunohistochemistry, goblet cell hyperplasia by PAS staining, activities of MMPs by gelatin zymography, expressions of mRNA and proteins of cytokines by RT-PCR and ELISA, activities of MAP kinases by western blot, and activity of NF-${\kappa}B$ by EMSA. DA-9601 reduced IgE level, recruitment of inflammatory cells into the BAL fluid and lung tissues, expressions of CD40, CD40L and VCAM-1 molecules, goblet cell hyperplasia, MMPs activity, expressions of mRNA and productions of various cytokines, activities of MAP kinases and NK-${\kappa}B$ increased from OVA-challenged mice. These data suggest that DA-9601 may be developed as a clinical therapeutic agent in allergic diseases due to suppressing the airway allergic inflammation via regulation of various cellular molecules expressed by MAP kinases/NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.121-129
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• 2006

BACKGROUND : Socheongryong-Tang(小靑龍湯, SCRT), a herbal medicine, has been widely used for the control of respiratory disease in Eastern countries. Recent years SCRT was known as anti-allergic agent. However, its therapeutic mechanisms, especially an inhibitory effect on inflammatory cell infiltration and airway remodeling in allergic asthma are unclear. METHODS : We investigated the effects of SCRT on levels of IL-4, and IFN-g using flow cytometric analysis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) using cytospin methods in allergen-induced asthma. RESULTS : SCRT decreased levels of IL-4, a Th2-driven cytokine. But INF-g, a Th1-driven cytokine, was not changed. With SCRT treatment, infiltration of inflammatory cells showed reduced tendency. CONCLUSION : In conclusion, we demonstrated that regulation of Th1/Th2 imbalance may be one of mechanism contributed to reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.57-68
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• 1993

In humans, an immediate allergic response to an allergen snay appear as either bronchial asthma unaccompanied by anaphylaxis or a severe bronchial constriction and spasm accompanied by anaphylaxis. Much experimental evidence with isolated asthmatic tissues has shown that histamine is released during the allergic reaction. Paradoxically, antihistamine treatment is ineffective in reversing bronchial asthma or anapllylaxis in a man. The present study objective is to search for protective agents(In-Sam-Yun-Pai-San-Ga-Gam-Bang) against bronchial constriction in treating a anaphylaxis. The result from this study is as follows. A single dose of In-Sam-Yun-Pai-San-Ga-Gam-Bang extract(3ml/kg body weight) 2 hrs prior to histamine-induced bronchial constriction test demonstrated significant protection. Based on the above result, It is considered that In-Sam-Yun-Pai-San-Ga-Gam-Bang can be used in bronchial asthma.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.425-433
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• 2004

Background : Induction of oral tolerance (OT) has been known to prevent allergic inflammation in acute asthma model within 4 weeks. However it is remained whether induction of OT may effectively prevent allergic inflammation in chronic asthma model over 4 weeks. We observed the effect of induction of OT on allergic inflammation and airway remodeling in chronic asthma model up to 8 weeks. Methods : 5-week-old female BALB/c mice divided into 4 groups-control group, asthma group, low dose OT group, and high dose OT group. To induce oral tolerance mice were fed ovalbumin (OVA) before sensitization with OVA and aluminum hydroxide-1 mg for 6 consecutive days in the low dose OT group and 25 mg once in the high dose OT group. Mice in the asthma group were fed phosphate buffered saline instead of OVA. After sensitization followed by repeated challenge with aerosolized 1% OVA during 6 weeks, enhanced pause (Penh), inflammatory cells, IL-13, and IFN-${\gamma}$ levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids as well as OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a levels in serum were measured. In addition the degree of goblet cell hyperplasia and peribronchial fibrosis were observed from lung tissues by PAS and Masson's trichrome stain. Results : Both OT groups showed a significant decrease in Penh, inflammatory cells, IL-13, and IFN-${\gamma}$ levels in BAL fluids as well as OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a levels in serum compared with the asthma group (P<0.05). In addition, the degree of goblet cell hyperplasia and peribronchial fibrosis were significantly attenuated in both OT groups compared with the asthma group (P<0.01). Conclusion : These results suggest that induction of OT may effectively prevent allergic inflammation as well as airway remodeling even in chronic asthma model up to 8 weeks.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.64-73
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• 2012

Objectives The purpose of this study is to see the prevalence and the patterns of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in children and adolescent patients with allergies. Methods We analyzed data on 547 children and adolescents (age from 0-18 years old) chosen from all regions throughout the country with allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma and allergic urticaria. We used multiple logistic regression modeling to predict CAM use based on predictor variables. Results The previous 12-months prevalence of CAM usage in overall was 70.7% (atopic dermatitis, 78.1%; allergic rhinitis, 52.9%; asthma, 70.3%; allergic urticaria, 86.3%). Central and southern regions displayed significantly lower rate of using CAM compare to the northern region, and CAM was less likely to be used for the allergic rhinitis patients than the atopic dermatitis patients. The most commonly used CAM type was natural products (62.2%). Top five of the most frequently used CAM modalities were softener water, vitamin, red ginseng, wood bathing and aloe oil. One of the main reasons for trying CAM was from the 'hope for a more effective outcomes in additional to the conventional medicine' (43.9%). The subjective effectiveness of CAM was found to be excellent in 74.0% of the patients, and 70.3% of the parents were willing to recommend CAM therapies to the others. Conclusions CAM is used widely to treat allergic diseases in children and adolescents in Korea. Korean medical doctors should actively discuss the use of CAM with the patients and provide information on the effectiveness and safety of CAM as guide in making choice for usage of CAM.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.239-244
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• 2011

Immediate-type hypersensitivity is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and anaphylaxis. The discovery of drugs for the treatment of allergic disease is an important subject in human health. Stimulation of mast cells releases inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and pro-inflammatory cytokines with immune regulatory properties. We investigated the effect of the aqueous extract of Schizonepeta tenuifolia (AEST) (Labiatae) on the immediate-type allergic reaction. AEST inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic allergic reaction. AEST attenuated immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated skin allergic reaction and histamine release from human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells. In addition, AEST decreased the gene expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187 (A23187)-stimulated HMC-1 cells. Our results indicate that AEST inhibits the mast cell-derived allergic reactions and involvement of histamine and pro-inflammatory cytokines in these effects.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.111-123
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• 2004

Objectives : It has been reported that Cordyceps militaris Mycelia(CMM) has an effect on deficiency allergic asthma(虛喘) clinically. The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate oriental treatment and the doses of CMM to treat asthma. Methods : In order to study the effect of herbal acupuncture solution of the CMM on allergic asthma, the mouse were pretreated by CMM herbal acupuncture at BL13, LU4 before antigen sensitization. 2 days later Mice were actively sensitized with a subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin(OA) and 13 days later they were provoked with OA aerosols. IL-4, lymphocyte, macrophage in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), IgE in serum, WBC, RBC, HGB in blood, and in vitro isometric contractile responses of the isolated tracheal smooth muscle(TSM) to acetylcholine$(ACh,\;0.1-1000\;{\mu}M)$, KCl were measured. Results : Contractile responses of TSM to ACh were significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1 group $(Ach\;1000\;{\mu}M)$, CMM herbal acupuncture 2 group $(ACh\;1,\;10\;{\mu}M)$, CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group $(Ach\;0.3,\;1,\;30,\;300\;{\mu}M)$. The sensitivity of TSM to ACh was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. The maximal contractile response of TSM to ACh was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 3 group. The maximal contractile response of TSM to KCl was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 2, 3 group. The counts of lymphocytes in BALF was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. The counts of macrophages in BALF was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. Interleukin-4 level in BALF was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1,3 group. and it was increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 2 group, but there was no significance. Serum IgE level was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 2, 3 group. The counts of WBC in blood was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 3 group Conclusion : Based on the above results it is assumed that CMM herbal acupuncture at BL13, LU4 can help the treatment of deficiency allergic Asthm.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.301-309
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• 2015

Objectives: To investigate trends in the prevalence of allergic disease over a 9-year period. Methods: Using National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) data, the annual number of patients with allergic disease was obtained for each regional subdivisions (small cities, counties, and districts) from 2003 to 2011. Annual populations for each sub-region were obtained and used to calculate the standardized prevalence. To compare prevalence within the study period, data was standardized spatially and temporally. For standardization, demographic data was used to obtain the registered population and demographic structure for 2010, which was used to perform direct standardization of previous years. In addition, a geographic information system (GIS) was used to visualize prevalence for individual sub-regions, and allergic diseases were categorized into five groups according to prevalence. Results: The nationwide outpatient prevalence of allergic rhinitis increased approximately 2.3-fold, from 1.27% in 2003 to 2.97% in 2013, while inpatient prevalence also increased approximately 2.4-fold,. The outpatient prevalence of asthma increased 1.2-fold, and inpatient prevalence increased 1.3-fold. The outpatient prevalence of atopic dermatitis decreased approximately 12%, and inpatient prevalence decreased 5%. Conclusions: There was a large difference between prevalence estimated from actual treatment data and prevalence based on patients' self-reported data, particularly for allergic rhinitis. Prevalence must continually be calculated and trends should be analyzed for the efficient management of allergic diseases. To this end, prevalence studies using NHIS claims data may be useful.