• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.492-497
• /
• 2021

Levels of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), an intercellular signaling molecule, reportedly increase in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of patients with asthma. Although the type 4 S1P receptor, S1P₄ has been detected in mast cells, its functions have been poorly investigated in an allergic asthma model in vivo. S1P₄ functions were evaluated following treatment of CYM50358, a selective antagonist of S1P₄, in an ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model, and antigen-induced degranulation of mast cells. CYM50358 inhibited antigen-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 mast cells. Eosinophil accumulation and an increase of Th2 cytokine levels were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and via the inflammation of the lungs in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma mice. CYM50358 administration before ovalbumin sensitization and before the antigen challenge strongly inhibited the increase of eosinophils and lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. CYM50358 administration inhibited the increase of IL-4 cytokines and serum IgE levels. Histological studies revealed that CYM50358 reduced inflammatory scores and PAS (periodic acid-Schiff)-stained cells in the lungs. The pro-allergic functions of S1P₄ were elucidated using in vitro mast cells and in vivo ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model experiments. These results suggest that S1P₄ antagonist CYM50358 may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of allergic asthma.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.379-386
• /
• 2024

Basophils and mast cells are specialized effector cells in allergic reactions. Haliotis discus hannai (abalone), is valuable seafood. Abalone male viscera, which has a brownish color and has not been previously reported to show anti-allergic activities, was extracted with acetone. Six different acetone/hexane fractions (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 100%) were obtained using a silica column via β-hexosaminidase release inhibitory activity-guided selection in phorbol myristate acetate and a calcium ionophore, A23187 (PMACI)-induced human basophils, KU812F cells. The 40% acetone/hexane fraction (A40) exhibited the strongest inhibition of PMACI-induced-β-hexosaminidase release. This fraction dose-dependently inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and calcium mobilization without cytotoxicity. Western blot analysis revealed that A40 down-regulated PMACI-induced MAPK (ERK 1/2, p-38, and JNK) phosphorylation, and the NF-κB translocation from the cytosol to membrane. Moreover, A40 inhibited PMACI-induced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 production. Anti-allergic activities of A40 were confirmed based on inhibitory effects on IL-4 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production in compound (com) 48/80-induced rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells. A40 inhibited β-hexosaminidase release and cytokine production such as IL-4 and TNF-α produced by com 48/80-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, it's fraction attenuated the IgE/DNP-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in the ears of BALB/c mice. Our results suggest that abalone contains the active fraction, A40 is a potent therapeutic and functional material to treat allergic diseases.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 1999

This study was attempted to generate a monoclonal antibody against human $\alpha$-fetoprotein (AFP) and to produce an immunoassay, recognizing AFP in plasma and amniotic fluid. AFP was purified from human amniotic fluid and used to immunize mice. Spleens were taken from the mice and the cells were fused with mouse myeloma cells (Sp2/0-Ag-14) for the production of monoclonal antibodies by employing the hybridoma technology. As a result, a hybridoma cell line producing anti-AFP monoclonal antibody was cloned out and designated as MabF22. From isotyping analysis, it was found that monoclonal antibody MabF22 was IgG type with IgG1 heavy chain and k light chain. The binding specificity of MabF22 was analyzed by immunoblotting as well as by ELISA. MabF22 was highly specific, reacting with only AFP-containing samples. The binding affinity was determined by ELISA (free-capture mode) and Scatchard analysis. As a result, the value of Kd was 0.8$\times$10$^{-10}$M. The validity of the MabF22 for AFP assay was examined by two kinds of ELISAs, i.e., non-competitive and competitive ELISA. Both assays revealed that MabF22 reacted well with AFP in sample in a concentration-dependent manner. Standard curve and antibody titration curve were obtained by using purified AFP and MabF22. These results indicate that the monoclonal antibody produced in this study would be useful not only for research purposes but also for further development of immune-diagnostic kit for the measurement of AEP concentration.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.42 no.9
• /
• pp.1378-1386
• /
• 2013

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease characterized by chronic and relapsing inflammatory dermatitis with immunological disturbances. In spite of the continuous increase in the incidence of AD, it is regrettable that till date there is no effective treatment to treat the same. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the possible anti-atopic effects of Castanea crenata inner shell extracts fermented by Lactobacillus bifermentans (FCS) in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) induced AD in NC/Nga mice. Based on the results of HPLC analysis, we found that FCS contains anti-inflammatory factors such as gallic acid (10.18 mg/g) and ellagic acid (2.14 mg/g). The groups that we have used in this study included 0.1%, 1%, 5% fermented Castanea crenata inner shell extracts (FCS 0.1, FCS 1, FCS 5), 1,3-butylene glycol treated control (AD), and normal mice. After topical FCS treatment, we observed that the clinical severity score for AD was lower in both the FCS 1 and FCS 5 groups than the AD group. We also proved beyond doubt that there was improvement of melanin, erythema and skin moisture indices in the FCS 5 group. Spleen index and gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ were significantly decreased in the FCS 5 group compared to the AD group (P<0.05). Further, we also found that the level of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the FCS-treated group was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of our study suggest that FCS can be effectively used as a cosmeceutical ingredient for both the prevention and improvement of AD.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.77-86
• /
• 2001

Background: Hepatitis C virus(HCV), a family of Flaviviridae, has a host cell-derived envelope containing a positive-stranded RNA genome, and has been known as the maj or etiological agent for chronic hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. There remains a need to dissect a molecular mechanism of pathogenesis for the development of therapeutic and effective preventive measure for HCV. Identification of cellular receptor is of central importance not only to understand the viral pathogenesis, but also to exploit strategies for prevention of HCV. This study was aimed at identifying peptide mimotopes inhibiting the binding of E2 protein of HCV to MOLT-4 cell. Methods: In this study, phage peptide library displaying a random peptides consisting of 7 or 12 random peptides was employed in order to pan against E2 protein. Free HCV particles were separated from the immune complex forms by immunoprecipitation using anti-human IgG antibody, and used for HCV-capture ELISA. To identify the peptides inhibiting E2-binding to MOLT-4 cells, E2 protein was subj ect to bind to MOLT-4 cells under the competition with phage peptides. Results: Several phage peptides were selected for their specific binding to E2 protein, which showed the conserved sequence of SHFWRAP from 3 different peptide sequences. They were also able to recognize the HCV particles in the sera of HCV patients captured by monoclonal antibody against E2 protein. Two of them, showing peptide sequence of HLGPWMSHWFQR and WAPPLERSSLFY respectively, were revealed to inhibit the binding of E2 protein to MOLT-4 cell efficiently in dose dependent mode. However, few membrane-associated receptor candidates were seen using Fasta3 programe for homology search with these peptides. Conclusion: Phage peptides containing HLGPWMSHWFQR and WAPPLERSSLFY respectively, showed the inhibition of E2-binding to MOLT-4 cells. However, they did not reveal any homologues to cellular receptors from GenBank database. In further study, cellular receptor could be identified through the screening of cDNA library from MOLT-4 or hepatocytes using antibodies against these peptide mimotopes.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.46 no.1
• /
• pp.33-36
• /
• 2003

Purpose : We evaluated clinical manifestations and laboratory findings in patients with measles according to age distribution. Methods : Retrospective analyses were performed using medical records of patients with measles admitted to The Catholic University of Korea, Daejon St. Mary's Hospital from October 2000 to May 2001. We divided the patients with measles into three age groups, i.e., those who were under two years of age(159 patients), those between 9-11 years of age(39 patients), and those older than 16 years of age who were hospitalized in the department of internal medicine(young adult group; 23 patients). We compared clinical and laboratory characteristics among these three groups. Results : Almost all patients with measles were presented with fever, skin rash and cough. No statistical differences were present between the three groups in total fever duration, number of hospitalization days, complications determined with longer hospitalization for more than eight days, and positive values of anti-measles IgM. Patients under 2 years of age showed statistically higher levels of white bood cell and lymphocyte counts. However, neutropenia and lymphopenia were observed in all age groups compared with age-matched standard values. Campared with the other two age groups, the young adult group showed a higher mean level of liver enzymes(AST/ALT) and more patients with a level twice as high as the normal values. Conclusion : Clinical manifestations including complications according to age groups showed no significant differences in patients with measles. Hepatic involvement was more prevalent in the young adult group.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.5
• /
• pp.512-519
• /
• 2014

This study investegated the effect of Liriope platyphylla (LP) on allergic reactions and its mechanism of action. We investigated the effect of LP on Evans Blue (EB) extravasation induced by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-IgE in rats. We tested whether the ethanol extract of LP reduced ear skin thickness and historical changes induced by topical application of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to ears of mice. We evaluated compound 48/80-induced release of histamine in rats peritoneal mast cell (RPMCs). We also investigated the regulatory effect of LP on the level of inflammatory mediators in PMACI-induced human mast cell (HMC-1); cytokine IL-6, IL-8, TNF-${\alpha}$ in HMC-1, MAPKs (ERK, JNK and p38) in HMC-1. The ethanol extract of LP (81.3 mg/100 g body weight) significantly inhibited the PCA reaction compared with the control (P < 0.05). However, LP did not prevent topical applications of DNFB-induced ear skin thickening and histological changes. In RPMCs, histamine release induced by compound 48/80 was significantly attenuated by LP at $100{\mu}g/ml$ (P < 0.05). LP extract ($100{\mu}g/ml$) significantly reduced the PMACI-induced IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-${\alpha}$ secretion via inhibition of ERK phosphorylation in HMC-1. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of LP inhibited mast cell-derived, immediate-type allergic reactions, and the result suggest the potential of LP for preventing allergic inflammatory disorders.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.239-244
• /
• 2002

Okbyungpoongsan-Gami (OG) has been used for the treatment of excessive sweating with general weakness and allergic rhinitis recently. Anal therapy is another way of taking Oriental medicine. It is an important pathway but not available in common clinical situation. This experiment was performed in order to study the inhibitory effect of immediate-type allergic reaction of OG by anal therapy. In addition, the experiment was practised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy to examine molecular structure of OG. The results were obtained as follows : OG concentration-dependently inhibited compound 48/80- induced immediate type systemic allergic reaction with concentrations of 0.01-1.0g/kg by anal administration 1 h before injection of compound 48/80. OG also concentration-dependently inhibited compound 48/80- induced ear swelling response with concentrations of 0.01-1g/kg by anal administration 1h before injection of compound 48/80. OG also inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody concentration- dependently at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1g/kg. When OG was pretreated at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1g/ℓ, the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80 was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner. OG (0.1-1g/ℓ) had a significant inhibitory effect on histamine release from IgE-induced activated mast cells. OG is seen to be a biochemical compound certainly by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy According to above results, anal therapy of OG may be beneficial in the treatment of systemic and local immediate-type allergic reactions by inhibition of histamine release from mast cells.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.22 no.5
• /
• pp.595-599
• /
• 2012

Allergic response is associated with mast cells, through the release of arachidonic acid, proinflammatory cytokines, and histamine. We investigated the effect of Platycodon grandiflorum including platycodin D (PG-Platycodin D) on allergic responses in an animal model and on mast cell degranulation. PG-Platycodin D suppressed the release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase, a type of marker associated with degranulation. PG-Platycodin D efficiently inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in ICR mice. In addition, molecular analysis demonstrated that PG-Platycodin D inhibited mRNA expression of both IL-3. These results suggest that PG-Platycodin D can inhibit mast cell degranulation through the inhibition of IL-3 mRNA expression, and that PG-Platycodin D may potentially serve as an anti-allergic agent.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.289-297
• /
• 2011

As part of safety evaluation of 2A (amono acid), PAT (phosphinotricin Acetyl-transferase), CtrI (Carotene desaturase) and PSY (phytoene synthase), the expressed proteins inserted to ${\beta}$-carotene Biofortified rice were tested for antigencity test. As a result, the group of administering high-concentration PAT, the expressed protein, showed a great content of total WBC; however, other expressed proteins did not show much difference. Against ASA (Active Systemic Anaphylaxis) test, the group of administering high-concentration PAT, the expressed protein, showed mild or medium degree of symptoms, but there was no dead entity. According to the result of the PCA (Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis test), the group of administering high-concentration PAT, 2A, PSY, and mixture of expressed proteins indicated positive response in low anti-serum concentration, and the group of administering the clinical concentration of mixture indicated mild positive response. However, because the group of administering the clinical concentration of expressed proteins, PAT, 2A, PSY, and CtrI, did not show positive response, it is thought that IgE is not generated. Further studies are needed to verify the safety of ${\beta}$-carotene Biofortified rice.