• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.169-182
• /
• 2002

Background: Allergic rhinitis(AR) is a heterogeneous disorder that despite its high prevalence is often undiagnosed. It is characterized by one or more symptoms including sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea. And it is frequently accompanied by symptoms involving the eyes, ears, and throat, including postnasal drainage. There are many different causes of rhinitis in children and adults. Approximately 50$\%$ of all cases of rhinitis are caused by allergy. In the case of rhinitis caused by allergens, symptoms arise as a result of inflammation induced by a gamma globulin E-mediated immune response to specific allergens such as pollens, molds, animal dander, and dust mites. The immune response involves the release of inflammatory mediators and the activation and recruitment of cells to the nasal mucosa. AR is similar to 鼻？, hypersensitive rhinitis in Oriental Medicine. I think hypersensitive rhinitis is including of AR, vasomotor rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis related with eosinophil increased and so on. Purpose: To perform a clinical analysis of hypersensitive rhinitis including allergic rhinitis and estimate the efficacy of Oriental Medical treatment. Objective: We studied 96 patients who had visited our hospital with complaints of nasal symptoms from March 2000 to February 2002; they had the signs more than 2 - nasal obstruction, watery discharge, sneezing and eye or nasal itching. Parameters Observed & Methods: We treated them with acupuncture & herb-medication. Sometime they used aroma oil or external medicine. 1) the distribution of sex & age groups 2) the clinical type based on duration & the severity of symptom 3) the breakdown of complication & pasl history of Otolaryngologic or allergic disease 4) the clinical assessment and classification of rhinitis(sneezers and runners & blockers) 5) the associated symptoms and signs 6) the classification of Byeonjeung 7) the classification of prescriptions and 8) the efficacy of treatment. Result: 1. In the clinical type of based on duration, the intermittent type was 42.7$\%$ and the persistent was 57.3$\%$. 2. We observed the severity of symptoms based on the quality of life. The mild type was 24.0$\%$ and the moderate-severe was 76.0$\%$. 3. In the clinical assessment and classification of rhinitis, the sneezers and runners type was 69.8$\%$ and the blockers was 30.2$\%$. 4. The most common family history with otolaryngologic or allergic disease were allergic rhinitis(17.7$\%$), urticaria, paranasal sinusitis and T.B.(3.1$\%$). 5. The most common past history with otolaryngologic or allergic disease were paranasal sinusitis(14.6$\%$), atopic dermatitis and asthma(8.3$\%$). It was 31.3$\%$ they had a family history and 44.8$\%$, past history. 6. The most common complication was paranasal sinusitis(15.6$\%$). In decreasing order the others were otitis media with effusion(9.4$\%$), GERD and headache(6.3$\%$), asthma, bronchitis, nasal bleeding and allergic dermatitis(5.2$\%$). 7. Classification through Byeonjeung : ⅰ) 39 cases(34.9$\%$) were classified as showing Deficiency syndrome. The insuffficiency of Qi was 17.7$\%$, deficiency of Kidney-Yang, 12.5$\%$ and Lung-Cold, 10.4$\%$. ⅱ) 57 cases(59.4$\%$) were classified as showing Excess syndrome. The Fever of YangMing-meridian was 35.4$\%$, Lung-Fever, 24.0$\%$. 8. The efficacy of treatments showed: an improvement in 22cases(22.9$\%$); an improvement partly in 24 cases(25.0$\%$); no real improvement or changes in 16 cases(16.7$\%$); and couldn't check the results 18cases(18.6$\%$). Conclusion: We suggest that this study could be utilized as a standard of clinical Oriental Medical treatment when we treat hypersensitive rhinitis including allergic rhinitis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.45-52
• /
• 2015

To explore the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts of Petasites genus, we studied the effects of s-petasin, a major sesquiterpene from Petasites formosanus (a butterbur species) on asthma and peritonitis models. In an ovalbumin-induced mouse asthma model, s-petasin significantly inhibited the accumulations of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar fluids. S-petasin inhibited the antigen-induced degranulation of ${\beta}$-hexosamidase but did not inhibit intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increase in RBL-2H3 mast cells. S-petasin inhibited the LPS induction of iNOS at the RNA and protein levels in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, s-petasin inhibited the production of NO (the product of iNOS) in a concentration-dependent manner in the macrophages. Furthermore, in an LPS-induced mouse model of peritonitis, s-petasin significantly inhibited the accumulation of polymorpho nuclear and mononuclear leukocytes in peritoneal cavity. This study shows that s-petasin in Petasites genus has therapeutic effects on allergic and inflammatory diseases, such as, asthma and peritonitis through degranulation inhibition in mast cells, suppression of iNOS induction and production of NO in macrophages, and suppression of inflammatory cell accumulation.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.187-195
• /
• 1995

Hwamunsok(mat with flower design) is a special product of Kanghwa, which is made up of cyperus exaltatus. According to Allergy, cyperus exaltatus is one of the inhalant allergens and provokes respiratory symptoms and signs. There have been few reports about respiratory allergic disease or contact dermatitis occurring in farmers who cultivate the cyperus exaltatus or manufacture Hwamunsok with it. We studied the relationship between allergic symptoms and exposure to cyperus exaltatus. First, we questioned 141 voluntaries living in Kangwha on the symptoms of contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Secondly, open tests with cyperus exaltatus were done to permitted 73 voluntaries. Patch tests with the European standard series(23 antigens) were only done to exposure 49 subjects to cyperus exaltatus. The results were as follows : 1. As the manifestation rate of allergic symptoms by age, its of 60 years old over in male showed 333 per 1,000 persons. Its of 50 years old in female showed 412 per 1,000 persons. Those age groups in both genders exhibited the highest manifestation of allergic symptoms than all other age groups. Also, if age and sex were adjusted with the rural population of Kanghwagun('93 base population), the manifestation rate of allergic symptoms in male showed 283 per 1,000 persons. Its in female and totals of study populations showed which is each 206 and 234 per 1,000 persons. Specially, it showed that statistics significantly(p=0.002), exposured subjects by cultivation of cyperus exaltatus & manufacture of Hwamunsok have experienced symptoms of contact dermatitis more frequently than unexposured subjects. Secondly, it tested statistics significantly that the risk factor as manifestation of allergic symptoms was the exposure of cyperus exaltatus's allergen(p=0.024). The manifestation risk of allergic symptoms in exposure groups was 3.73 times higher than unexposured subjects. Thirdly, positive reactions in open tests with cyperus exaltatus were higher in exposured subjects than non-exposured subjects. After 72 and 96 hours, positive reactions in open tests were all 10 subjects(20.4%). Also, after 1 week, positive reactions were 8 subjects(16.4%). In conclusion there is a close relationship between contact dermatitis and exposure to cyperus exaltatus while cultivating it and manufacturing Hwamunsok. Therefore, various studies should be continued and a health education program undertaken on contact dermatitis with those who were be engaging in Hwamunsok's manufacture.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.21-29
• /
• 2014

Follicular helper T ($T_{FH}$) cells are recently highlighted as their crucial role for humoral immunity to infection as well as their abnormal control to induce autoimmune disease. During an infection, na$\ddot{i}$ve T cells are differentiating into $T_{FH}$ cells which mediate memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells in germinal center (GC). $T_{FH}$ cells are characterized by their expression of master regulator, Bcl-6, and chemokine receptor, CXCR5, which are essential for the migration of T cells into the B cell follicle. Within the follicle, crosstalk occurs between B cells and $T_{FH}$ cells, leading to class switch recombination and affinity maturation. Various signaling molecules, including cytokines, surface molecules, and transcription factors are involved in $T_{FH}$ cell differentiation. IL-6 and IL-21 cytokine-mediated STAT signaling pathways, including STAT1 and STAT3, are crucial for inducing Bcl-6 expression and $T_{FH}$ cell differentiation. $T_{FH}$ cells express important surface molecules such as ICOS, PD-1, IL-21, BTLA, SAP and CD40L for mediating the interaction between T and B cells. Recently, two types of microRNA (miRNA) were found to be involved in the regulation of $T_{FH}$ cells. The miR-17-92 cluster induces Bcl-6 and $T_{FH}$ cell differentiation, whereas miR-10a negatively regulates Bcl-6 expression in T cells. In addition, follicular regulatory T ($T_{FR}$) cells are studied as thymus-derived $CXCR5^+PD-1^+Foxp3^+\;T_{reg}$ cells that play a significant role in limiting the GC response. Regulation of $T_{FH}$ cell differentiation and the GC reaction via miRNA and $T_{FR}$ cells could be important regulatory mechanisms for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we review recent studies on the various factors that affect $T_{FH}$ cell differentiation, and the role of $T_{FH}$ cells in autoimmune diseases.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.79 no.4
• /
• pp.295-301
• /
• 2016

Background: Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization to staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) has been recently considered to be related to allergic disease, including asthma. Despite studies on specific IgE (sIgE) to SE and its relationship to asthma diagnosis and severity, the association of sIgE to SE with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) remains unclear. Methods: We enrolled 81 asthma patients admitted to the Severance Hospital in Korea from March 1, 2013, to February 28, 2015 and retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of the enrolled subjects. The serum levels of sIgE to SE (A/B) of all subjects was measured using the ImmunoCAP 250 (Phadia) system with SE-sIgE positive defined as >0.10 kU/mL. Results: The SE-sIgE level was not significantly correlated with asthma severity (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [$FEV_1$], $FEV_1$/forced vital capacity, sputum eosinophils, and serum eosinophils), whereas the SE-sIgE level in patients with positive AHR ($mean{\pm}standard$ error of the mean, $0.606{\pm}0.273kU/mL$) was significantly higher than that in patients with negative AHR ($0.062{\pm}0.015kU/mL$, p=0.034). In regression analysis, SE sensitization (sIgE to SE ${\geq}0.010kU/mL$) was a significant risk factor for AHR, after adjustment for age, sex, $FEV_1$, and sputum eosinophils (odds ratio, 7.090; 95% confidence interval, 1.180-42.600; p=0.032). Prevalence of SE sensitization was higher in patients with allergic rhinitis and non-atopic asthma patients, as compared to patients without allergic rhinitis and atopic asthma patients, respectively, but without statistical significance. Conclusion: SE sensitization is significantly associated with AHR.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.20-26
• /
• 2008

The objective of the study which utilised population based data was to determine the respiratory condition of elementary school children in Gangneung. From October 9th to December 14th, 2006, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratoy Volume in I Second $(FEV_1)$ were conducted on the target group of children using a spirometer. The prevalence of asthmatic symptoms was 29.8% among boys and 39.6% among girls. By using logistic regression, we found that family history of allergic rhinitis (OR=3.90, CI=1.05-14.51), experience of allergic conjunctivitis (OR=4.67, CI=1.54-14.16) and atopic dermatitis (OR=2.86, CI=1.17-7.05) significantly increased the asthmatic symptoms. Also, a family history of asthma and food allergy were associated with asthmatic symptoms. In relation to housing and environmental risk factors, residences under the ground (OR=3.59, CI=1.35-9.51) and big-size dolls (OR=2.71, CI=0.86-8.53) significantly increased the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms. For PFT, above four families, exposure of passive smoking and pets significantly reduced FVC in both groups (p<0.05). In girls, a big-size doll was significantly associated with decreased lung function (FVC and $FEV_1$). In boys, using bed significantly reduced $FEV_1$. Also, the risk of asthmatic symptoms was found to increase when the house has been built for 5 years or more, the house is close to a road $({\leq}100m)$, a gas/Kerosene heater or carpet is utilized within the house. However, their differences were not significant. It is concluded that genetic factor such as a family history of respiratory disease, allergic symptoms and housing risk factor are related to asthmatic symptoms. These results were worth noting because the findings will help address risk factors related respiratory symptoms especially in relation to housing and environment.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.129-153
• /
• 2001

Background: SMG (升麻葛根湯加味方) is an herbal medicine which has been used in oriental medicine as a traditional therapeutic agent of pruritus and skin disease. Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effect of SMG on the anti-hypersensitivity and immune response in the murine of type I hypersensitivity induced by the experiment. Materials and Methods: Laboratory rats were primary sensitized with OA (ovalbumin); on day 1, rats of a Control group and Sample group (SMG group) were systemically immunized by subcutaneous injection of 1mg OA and 300mg of Al(OH)3 in a total volume of 2ml saline. The rats of the sample group were orally administered with an SMG water extract for 14 days after primary immunization. On day 14 after the systemic immunization, rats received local immunization by inhaling $0.9\%$ saline aerosol containing $2\%$(wt/vol) OA. A day after local immunization, BAL fluid and peripheral blood were collected from the rats. Total cell, lymphocyte, $CD4^+\;T\;cell,\;CD8^+\;T\;cell,\;CD4^+/CD8^+$ ratio in the BALF, and IgE, $CD4^+\;T\;cell,\;CD8^+$ T cell in the peripheral blood were measured and evaluated. Results: SMG showed a suppressive effect on the immune response in the rats. 1. Total Cells in the BALF decreased in the SMG treated group in comparison group, but statistic differences were not observed. 2. Total lymphocytes in the BALF were statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 3. CD4+ T cells in the BALF were statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 4. CD8+ T cells in the BALF were decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group, but statistic differences were not observed. 5. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in the BALF was statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 6. The IgE level in serum was statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 7. The ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ in peripheral blood showed undetectable differences between each group of rats. From the experiment cited above, this study shows that SMG has both anti-hypersensitivity effects and immunoregulatory effects when administered to rats. Based on this experiment, it is suggested that SMG could be a useful immunomodulator and anti-allergy agent.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.406-417
• /
• 2011

Objectives: Exposure to bioaerosols in the indoor environment could be associated with a variety adverse health effects, including allergic disease such atopy. The objectives of this study were to assess children's exposure to bioaerosol in home indoor environments and to evaluate the association between atopy and bioaerosol, environmental, and social factors in Ulsan, Korea. Methods: Samples of viable airborne bacteria and fungi were collected by impaction onto agar plates using a Quick Take TM 30 and were counted as colony forming units per cubic meter of air (CFU/$m^3$). Bioaerosols were identified using standard microbial techniques by differential stains and/or microscopy. The environmental factors and possible causes of atopy based on ISAAC (International Study of Allergy and Asthma in Childhood) were collected by questionnaire. Results: The bioaerosol concentrations in indoor environments showed log-normal distribution (p < 0.01). Geometric mean (GM) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of airborne bacteria and fungi in homes were 189.0 (2.5), 346.1(2.0) CFU/$m^3$, respectively. Indoor fungal levels were significantly higher than those of bacteria (p < 0.001). The concentration of airborne bacteria exceeded the limit recommended by the Korean Ministry of Environment, 800 CFU/$m^3$, in three out of 92 samples (3.3%) from 52 homes. The means of indoor to outdoor ratio (I/O) for airborne bacteria and fungi were 8.15 and 1.13, respectively. The source of airborne bacteria was not outdoors but indoors. GM of airborne bacteria and fungi were 217.6, 291.8 CFU/$m^3$ in the case's home and 162.0, 415.2 CFU/$m^3$ in the control's home respectively. The difference in fungal distributions between case and control were significant (p = 0.004) and the odds ratio was 0.996 (p = 0.027). Atopy was significantly associated with type of house (odds ratio = 1.723, p = 0.047) and income (odds ratio = 1.891, p = 0.041). Some of the potential allergic fungal genera isolated in homes were Cladosporium spp., Botrytis spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Alternatia spp. Conclusions: These results suggest that there this should be either 'was little' meaning 'basically no significant association was found' or 'was a small negative' mean that an association was found but it was minor. It's a very improtant distinction. Association between airborne fungal concentrations and atopy and certain socioeconomic factors may affect the prevalence of childhood atopy.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.241-246
• /
• 2005

The aim of the study was performed the wave analysis of P-VEP on the development of visual function using Netspeg lens in monocular of refraction error subjects. The P-VEP of three channels were recorded by the Bausch Lomb system. Ten adults (five males, five females, mean=22 years, range=19 to 23) subjects were recorded. The subjects were researched the history including the systemic health, medication, genetics, allergy, ocular disease, and so on. Visual acuity and refraction test were performed for each subject with mono vision by using the Netspeg lens. Also subjects viewed the P-VEP stimulus with mono vision through the corrected visual acuity with Netspeg lens during VEP test. The results of study suggest that the mono vision using Netspeg lens is better than with non-Netspeg lens on the visual acuity and image symptom. On the other hand, the analysis of P-VEP suggest that the amplitude of wave is larger when the eye using Netspeg lens receives the P-VEP stimulus compared with the non Netspeg lens. Also, on the wave style of P-VEP, the eye of Netspeg lens was more stable compared with the naked eye. However, on latency period of P-VEP, the eye of non Netspeg lens was more longer than the eye of Netspeg lens. But, on the other hand, the right and left eye have similar results. In conclusion, this study indicated that the visual acuity and visual function of eye of Netspeg lens used have a better than the eye of non-Netspeg lens in Mono Vision.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.135-151
• /
• 2003

This study compared the effect of Polaroid$^{(R)}$ lenses on binocular vision by assessing visual acuity, stereopsis, and visual evoked potential(VEP), through Polaroid$^{(R)}$, CR 39 and sunglass lenses. The spectral absorptions of Polaroid$^{(R)}$, CR 39 and sunglass lenses were measured using a spectrophotometer (Hitachi. U-3501). The VEP were recorded by the Nicolet system. Thirty normal adult(fifteen males, fifteen females, mean=21.9 years, range=20 to 25) subjects were recorded. The subjects were provided a history including : general health, family health, medication, genetics, allergy and disease. All had normal or corrected to normal acuity with no history of visual disorders. Corrected visual acuity, colour vision and stereopsis were recorded for each subject monocularly and binocularly. Each test was repealed through the sunglass, CR 39, and Polaroid$^{(R)}$ lenses. Subjects viewed the VEP stimulus both monocularly and binocularly through the test lenses while the VEPs were recorded. The results suggest that the binocular visual acuity and stereoacuity is better than with monocular vision. On other hand, the analysis of VEP suggests that the amplitude of wave is smaller when the monocular eye receives the VEP stimulus compared with that when the binocular eye is stimulated by the VEP target with the sunglass, CR 39, and Polaroid$^{(R)}$ lens. But, the latency period of each eye was similar to results between the dominant eye and the non-dominant eye by the CR 39, sunglass, and polaroid lens. In conclusion, this study indicates that the binocular vision appears to be better through the brown Polaroid$^{(R)}$ lens than through the other test lenses.