• Journal of Life Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.33-38
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• 2000

Maekmoondong-Tang is prescription recorded on Zang‘s ${ulcorner}$Synopsis of the Golden Chamber${\lrcorner}$ for the first time. It can be used in abnormal rising of qi, asthma, swelling throat ect. So it is observed influence of Maekmoondong-Tang on respiratory aspect of allergic asthma patient, we have significant result and report it. We used egg-white and ovalbmuin (OVA) to induce asthma in experimental animals for observe what maekmoondong-Tang have an effect on asthma. And it is observed respiratory aspect and obtained next conclusions. 1. Number of total respiration in group that is prescribed Maekmoondong-Tang slightly increased than in control group. 2. Number of abnormal respiration in group that is prescribed Maekmoondong-Tang decreased than in control group significantly.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.58-63
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• 2021

Asthma is a chronic obstructive lung disease characterized by recurrent episodes of bronchoconstriction and wheezing. Conventional asthma treatment involves the suppression of airway inflammation or improving airway flow. Rosmarinus officialis, also known as rosemary, is a Mediterranean plant that is used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Carnosol, a diterpenoid found in rosemary extracts, has been known to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-oxidant effects. The effect of carnosol on allergic responses has not been tested yet. The effect of carnosol on a murine allergic asthma model were investigated. Carnosol inhibited the degranulation of RBL-2H3 mast cells. Carnosol treatment inhibited the increase in the number of eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) of mice treated with ovalbumin. Carnosol treatment also inhibited inflammatory responses and mucin production in histologic studies. Carnosol treatment inhibited the increases of IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines expression in both BALF and the lungs. These results suggest that carnosol may have a potential for allergic asthma therapy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.2
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• pp.101-110
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• 2022

There is a considerable number of individuals who exhibit features of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), defined as asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). Many studies have reported that these patients have a greater burden of symptoms, including cough and dyspnea, and experience more exacerbations and hospitalizations than those with non-ACO COPD or asthma. Although diagnostic criteria for ACO have not yet been clearly established, their clinical significance remains to be determined. As interest in ACO grows, related studies have been conducted in South Korea as well. The present review summarizes ACO-related studies in South Korea to better understand Korean ACO patients and guide further research. Several cohort studies of asthma and COPD and population-based studies for ACO were reviewed and the key results from demographics, clinical features, lung function, biomarkers, treatment, and prognosis were summarized.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.45.1-45.15
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• 2022

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction and airway hyperreactivity to various environmental stimuli, leading to recurrent cough, dyspnea, and wheezing episodes. Regarding inflammatory mechanisms, type 2/eosinophilic inflammation along with activated mast cells is the major one; however, diverse mechanisms, including structural cells-derived and non-type 2/neutrophilic inflammations are involved, presenting heterogenous phenotypes. Although most asthmatic patients could be properly controlled by the guided treatment, patients with severe asthma (SA; classified as a treatment-refractory group) suffer from uncontrolled symptoms with frequent asthma exacerbations even on regular anti-inflammatory medications, raising needs for additional controllers, including biologics that target specific molecules found in asthmatic airway, and achieving the precision medicine for asthma. This review summarizes the immunologic basis of airway inflammatory mechanisms and current biologics for SA in order to address unmet needs for future targets.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.175-184
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• 1999

Background: Bronchial asthma is characterized by chronic eosinophilic inflammatory airway disease associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reversible airway obstruction. Bronchial inflammation in asthma may depend in part on the activation of T helper lymphocytes that elaborate proinflammatory cytokines. T helper (Th) lymphocytes can be divided into two categories; Th1 lymphocytes, which secrete IL-2, IL-12 and IFN-$\gamma$, and Th2 lymphocytes, which secrete IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10. Th2 lymphocytes appear to induce allergic responses, whereas Th1 lymphocytes induce delayed-type hypersensitivity response. Some infections, such as tuberculosis, cultivate a Th1 immunological environment and inhibit Th2 lymphocytes function. The presence of such infections might inhibit Th2 immune responses and thus protect development of atopic diseases. Method: 15 patients with allergic bronchial asthma, 10 patients with intrinsic bronchial asthma, and 10 healthy volunteers were studied. The serum concentrations of IFN-$\gamma$, IL-12, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 were measured by ELISA method and tuberculin skin test was estimated in different groups. Results: The positive response rates of tuberculin test were 46.7% in patients with allergic asthma, 100% in patients with intrinsic asthma and 60% in normal controls. The positive response rates were significantly lower in patients with allergic asthma than those of in patients with intrinsic asthma (p<0.05). Degree of responses to tuberculin test were $12.0{\pm}9.6mm$ in patients with allergic asthma, $18.4{\pm}4.5mm$ in patients with intrinsic asthma and $10.9{\pm}8.8mm$ in normal controls. The degree of responses were significantly reduced in patients with allergic asthma than those of patients with intrinsic asthma (p<0.05). The serum levels of IL-5 in patients with allergic asthma were significantly higher than in patients with intrinsic asthma and normal controls (p<0.05), although it was insignificant. the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in patients with allergic asthma were higher than that of intrinsic asthma and normal controls. The serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-$\gamma$ in patients with allergic asthma and intrinsic asthma were significantly lower than those in normal controls(p<0.05). The serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and peripheral blood eosinophile counts in patients with allergic asthma were significantly higher than those in normal controls. Peripheral blood esinophil counts had a significant correlation with the serum levels of total IgE, IL-5 and IL-10 in patients with allergic asthma (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results have showed that Th1 lymphocyte functions were lowered and Th2 lymphocyte functions were elevated in patients with allergic asthma than those in normal controls. Suppression of Th1 lymphocyte functions by activation of Th2 lymphocyte might be one of the important aspects of pathogenesis in allergic bronchial asthma.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.18-25
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• 2007

Background: Although glucocorticoids (GCs) are effective in controlling asthma in the majority of patients, a subset of asthmatics fails to demonstrate a satisfactory response, even to systemic GC therapy. This population is referred to as being "steroid-resistant". The actual mechanism underlying steroid resistance in asthma remains to be elucidated. Methods: We have investigated how dexamethasone (DEX) regulates asthmatic phenotypes in a murine model of asthma, in which mice received i.p. immunization twice, followed by two bronchoprovocations with aerosolized OVA with a one-week interval, which we have recently described. Results: Pretreatment with DEX resulted in an inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation in asthmatic lungs, and also inhibited bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) levels of NF-${\kappa}B$-dependent cytokines such as TNF-${\alpha}$ and CC chemokines [eotaxin and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1]. DEX was effective in suppressing airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) at 10 h, Th2-dependent asthmatic phenotypes such as airway eosinophilia, BAL levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13), and mucin production. However, DEX failed to suppress BAL levels of CXC chemokines [macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC)] and airway neutrophilia. Conclusion: Airway neutrophilia is among the phenomena observed in patients with severe GC-resistant asthma. This study will provide insight into the molecular basis for airway neutrophila seen in steroid-resistant asthma. Further studies are required to delineate the underlying mechanism of CXC chemokine expression in asthma.

• 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.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.581-589
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• 2006

These studies were investigated the effects of Gamicheungpyehwadam-tang (CPHDT) on immune-cell regulation in association with bronchial asthma in OVA-induced mouse model. The administration of 400 mg/kg CPHDT significantly reduced the number of total cells in lung, peripheral lymph node and spleen in OVA-induced bronchial asthma mouse model. The administration of 400 mg/kg CPHDT significantly reduced $CD3^+,{\;}CD19^+$and $CD3^+,{\;}CD69^+$ cell numbers separated from lung, peripheral lymph node and spleen in OVA-induced bronchial asthma mouse model. CPHDT significantly reduced $CD3^+/CCR3^+,{\;}CD4^+,{\;}B220^+/IgE^+$, and $CD3^+/DX5^+$ cell numbers separated from lung, peripheral lymph node and spleen in OVA-induced bronchial asthma mouse model in a dose dependent manner, However, CPHDT significantly reduced $CD8^+$ cell numbers from only lung and spleen. The administration of CPHDT significantly reduced $NK^+$ cell numbers separated from lung of OVA-induced bronchial asthma mouse model in all concentrations, but 200 mg/kg CPHDT reduced $NK^+$ cell numbers separated from peripheral lymph node. These results suggest that CPHDT has anti-asthma and anti-allergy effects. In addition to, CPHDT may be useful treatment of asthma based on the further studies about the individual efficacy search of the components of CPHDT and the adding of variety drugs to CPHDT.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.613-621
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• 2019

Objectives: This study was performed to examine the relationship between health behaviors, living environment, and asthma in adolescents in Korea. Methods: Information on adolescents' characteristics, including demographic factors, health behaviors, and doctor's diagnosis of asthma was obtained from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (2015). In total, 68,043 middle and high school students participated. Environmental characteristics, including city park area and outdoor PM₁₀ concentrations in 2015 were obtained from the Korean Statistical Information Service. The adolescents' and environmental characteristics were merged by local information. Multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate the risk factors affecting asthma in adolescents. Results: The prevalence of asthma in adolescents in 2015 was 8.8%. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, adolescents who were male, attended middle school, suffered obesity, experienced tobacco smoking, had physical activity levels of 2 to 4 days, had higher stress levels, and lived in areas with outdoor PM₁₀ concentrations more than 47 ㎍/㎥ were more likely to have asthma, while adolescents who had middle levels of family economic status were less likely to do so. Conclusions: The fact that PM₁₀ concentration can affect asthma is an important point in this study. Risk factors identified in this study could be used as basic data for the prevention and management of asthma in Korea.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.61-72
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• 2001

Objectives : To evaluate the hypothesis that increasing ambient levels of ozone or particulate matter are associated with increased emergency room visits for asthma and to quantify the strength of association, if any, between these. Methods : Daily counts of emergency room visits for asthma, air quality, and weather data were collected from hospitals with over 200 beds and from monitoring Stations in Seoul, Korea from 1994 through 1997. Daily counts of emergency mom visits for asthma attack were analyzed using a general additive Poisson model, with adjustment for the effects of secular trend, seasonal variation, Sunday and holiday, temperature, and humidly, according to levels of ozone and particulate matter. Results : The association between daily counts of emergency room visits for asthma attack and ozone levels was statistically significant in summer(from June to August), and the RR by unit inclement of 100 ppb ozone was 1.30(95% CI = $1.11\sim1.52$) without lag time. With restriction of the period from April to September in 1996, the RR was 1.37(95% CI = $1.06\sim1.76$), and from June to August in 1995, the RR was 1.62(95% CI = $1.12\sim2.35$). In the data for children$(5\sim14yr)$, the RR was 2.57(95% CI = $1.31\sim5.05$) with restriction of the period from April to September in 1997. There was no Significant association between TSP levels and asthma attacks, but a slight association was seen between PM10 levels and asthma attacks in a very restricted period. Conclusion : There was a statistically significant association between ambient levels of ozone and daily counts of emergency room visits for asthma attack. Therefore, we must make efforts to effectively minimize air pollution, in order to protect public health.