• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.747-755
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• 2021

The effects of the gut microbiome on both allergy and autoimmunity in dermatological diseases have been indicated in several recent studies. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disease involving allergy and autoimmunity, and there is no report detailing the role of microbiota alterations in its development. This study was performed to identify the fecal microbial composition of CSU patients and investigate the different compositions and potential genetic functions on the fecal microbiota between CSU patients and normal controls. The gut microbiota of CSU patients and healthy individuals were obtained by 16s rRNA massive sequencing. Gut microbiota diversity and composition were compared, and bioinformatics analysis of the differences was performed. The gut microbiota composition results showed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia were dominant microbiota in CSU patients. The differential analysis showed that relative abundance of the Proteobacteria (p = 0.03), Bacilli (p = 0.04), Enterobacterales (p = 0.03), Enterobacteriaceae (p = 0.03) was significantly increased in CSU patients. In contrast, the relative abundance of Megamonas, Megasphaera, and Dialister (all p < 0.05) in these patients significantly decreased compared with healthy controls. The different microbiological compositions impacted normal gastrointestinal functions based on function prediction, resulting in abnormal pathways, including transport and metabolism. We found CSU patients exhibited gut microbiota dysbiosis compared with healthy controls. Our results indicated CSU is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and pointed out that the bacterial taxa increased in CSU patients, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of CSU. These results provided clues for future microbial-based therapies on CSU.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.344-353
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hydrolyzed formula is often fed to infants with gastrointestinal or immune issues, such as malabsorption or cow's milk allergy, because enzymatic treatment has rendered it more digestible and less allergenic than standard cow's milk formula (SF). Partially hydrolyzed formula (PHF) should be considered for those infants who are intolerant to extensively hydrolyzed formula. However, there are concerns about the nutritional insufficiencies of PHF. We aimed to evaluate the effects of PHF on the growth and health indicators in infants who were at high-risk of allergic disease and potential candidates for consuming PHF. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 83 infants aged 0-2 mon with a family history of allergies were assigned to consume either PHF or SF until 24 weeks of age. Anthropometric measures were obtained at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks; blood samples were drawn and evaluated at the end of the study. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in weight, height, and weight-for-height at any time point in each sex between the PHF and SF groups. At 24 weeks of age, the weight-for-age and height-for-age z-scores of the SF group were higher than those of the PHF group, but there was no significant difference in the weight-for-height z-score. There were no significant differences in levels of white blood cells, hemoglobin, ferritin, protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, eosinophil cationic protein, and immunoglobulin E. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, there were no differences in growth and blood panels between the infants consuming PHF or SF. Therefore, infants who are unable to tolerate SF can be fed PHF without nutritional concerns about growth.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.263-275
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• 2022

Purpose: The present international survey among healthcare providers aimed to collect data on theoretical knowledge and clinical practices in the diagnosis and management of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) and lactose intolerance (LI) in infants. Methods: A global survey was conducted in several countries with diverse health care settings. The survey consisted of multiple-choice questions in 3 main domains: (1) understanding and clinical practices around CMPA and LI; (2) case scenarios; and (3) disease-specific knowledge and potential educational needs. Results: Responses were available from 1,663 participants. About 62% of respondents were general practitioners or general pediatricians, and the remainder were pediatric allergists/gastroenterologists (18%) or other health practitioners (20%). The survey identified knowledge gaps regarding the types of CMPA (IgE-mediated vs. non-IgE-mediated) and the clinical overlap with LI. The survey suggested diverse clinical practices regarding the use of hypoallergenic formulas, as well as misconceptions about the prebiotic benefits of lactose in extensively hydrolyzed formulas in non-breastfed infants with CMPA. Responses to the two case scenarios highlighted varying levels of awareness of the relevant clinical practice guidelines. While respondents generally felt confident in managing infants with CMPA and LI, about 80% expressed an interest for further training in this area. Conclusion: The current survey identified some knowledge gaps and regional differences in the management of infants with CMPA or LI. Local educational activities among general and pediatric healthcare providers may increase the awareness of clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of both conditions and help improve clinical outcomes.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.201-212
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• 2023

Purpose: The gastrointestinal system is the most commonly affected organ, followed by the lungs, in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PID). Hence, it is common for children with PIDs to present with gastrointestinal symptoms. We aimed to analyze the clinical and histopathological findings of patients who were initially admitted to pediatric gastroenterology/hepatology clinics and subsequently diagnosed with PIDs to identify the clinical clues for PIDs. Methods: The demographic, laboratory, and histopathological findings, treatment modality, and outcomes of patients initially admitted to the pediatric gastroenterology/hepatology unit and subsequently diagnosed with PIDs were recorded. Results: The study included 24 patients (58.3% male; median age [range]: 29 [0.5-204] months). Common clinical presentations included chronic diarrhea (n=8), colitis (n=6), acute hepatitis (n=4), and acute liver failure (n=2). The association of autoimmune diseases, development of malignant diseases, and severe progression of viral diseases was observed in 20.8%, 8.3%, and 16.6% of the patients, respectively. Antibody deficiency was predominantly diagnosed in 29.2% of patients, combined immunodeficiency in 20.8%, immune dysregulation in 12.5%, defects in intrinsic and innate immunity in 4.2%, autoinflammatory disorders in 8.3%, and congenital defects of phagocytes in 4.2%. Five patients remained unclassified (20.8%). Conclusion: Patients with PIDs may initially experience gastrointestinal or liver problems. It is recommended that the association of autoimmune or malignant diseases or severe progression of viral diseases provide pediatric gastroenterologists some suspicion of PIDs. After screening using basic laboratory tests, genetic analysis is mandatory for a definitive diagnosis.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.319-323
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• 1998

Effects of the aqueous extract of Cryptotympana atrata Fabricius (CAF) on the allergic reactions were investigated. In the present study, we examined the effect of CAF on compound 48/80-induced anaphylaxis in vivo and histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro. CAF dose-dependently inhibited systemic anaphylaxis induced by compound 48/80 in mice. CAF significantly inhibited serum histamine levels induced by compound 48/80. CAF also inhibited histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80. These results suggest that CAF may be useful for the prevention and treatment of allergy related disease.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1391-1396
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• 2004

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of supercritical fluid extract of Kamichungbieum (SFE) on immune reaction. SFE did not affect the subpopulation of murine splenocytes and increased the production of interleukin-2 in serum. Also, SFE inhibited the influx of Ca/sup 2+/ into mast cells and the release of histamine from mast cells. Furthermore, SFE decreased the phagocytic activity of murine macrophages, These results indicate that SFE may be useful for the treatment of allergy related disease via inhibition of histamine release from mast cells and decrease of phagocytic activity of murine macrophages.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.351-354
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• 2008

Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic reaction caused by IgE-mediated immunological release of mediators from mast cells and basophils to allergenic triggers, such as food, insect venoms, and medications. An alternative definition was recently proposed as follows: anaphylaxis is a "condition caused by an IgE mediated reaction" that is "often life threatening and almost always unanticipated." The reaction can be severe enough to lead to the rapid onset of symptoms, including dizziness, upper airway occlusion, bronchial constriction, hypotension, urticaria, cardiovascular arrhythmias and possible cardiac arrest. The incidence or prevalence of anaphylaxis in Korean pediatrics has not known. Thus, Epidemiology of Anaphylaxis in Pediatrics based on the data from Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (KHIRA) from 2001 to 2007 and questionnaire to the member of Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease (KAPARD) who are working at the training hospitals was studied. The incidence of anaphylaxis under age 19 is 0.7-1.0 per 100,000 year-person. The causes of anaphylaxis based on data from KHIRA were unknown (61.7%), food (24.9%), medications (12.4%), and serum (1.0%).

• 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.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.612-617
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• 2005

Astragali Radix(AR), is a popular tonic herb prescribed for 'insufficient qi' in Korea, Japan and China. The present study examined the effect of AR ethanol extract on ovalubumin induced allergic mouse model. AR administration reduced levels of IFN-gamma, Interleukin(IL)-4, IL-5 and total IgE in the OVA induced allergic inflammation. It also protected the upper airway respiratory epithelium from being damaged by the OVA induced inflammation. Taken together, our results showed that the use of AR alone proved to down-regulate Th1 and Th2 cytokine production and play a protective role in tissue damage in allergic disease.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.616-621
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• 1995

The effect of WK101 on compound 48/80-induced anaphylaxis was studied in rat. WK101 was found to exhibit a inhibitory activity on the compound 48/80-induced anaphylaxis. WK101 also inhibited the serum histamine release induced in anaphylaxis by compound 48/80. The effect of WK101 on the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells was studied. WK101 ($10^{3}-1mg/ml$) inhibited the histamine release induced by compound 48/80($5{\;}\mu\textrm{g}/ml$) in rat peritoneal mast cells. To clarify the mechanism of these inhibitons, we investigated the effects of WK101 on cAMP and intracellular calcium content of rat peritoneal mast cell. The content of cAMP in mast cells, when WK101 was added, was increased transiently, and was significantly increased more 53 fold at 10 sec than that of basal cells. Moreover, WK101 inhibited intracellular calcium release induced by compoound 48/80. This results suggest that WK101 may be useful for the prevention and treatment of allergy-related disease.