• Toxicological Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2018

Laboratory animal models have been developed to investigate preventive or therapeutic effect of medicinal products, or occurrence or progression mechanism of atopic dermatitis (AD), a pruritic and persistent inflammatory skin disease. The murine model with immunologic phenomena resembling human AD was introduced, which demonstrated skewedness toward predominance of type-2 helper T cell reactivity and pathophysiological changes similar as human AD following 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) sensitization and challenge. Molecular mechanism on the DNCB-mediated AD was further evaluated. Skin tissues were collected from mice treated with DNCB, and each tissue was equally divided into two sections; one for protein and the other for mRNA analysis. Expression of filaggrin, an important protein for keratinocyte integrity, was evaluated through SDS-PAGE. Level of mRNA expression for cytokines was determined through semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Expression of filaggrin protein was significantly enhanced in the mice treated with DNCB compared with the vehicle (acetone : olive oil = 4 : 1 mixture) treatment group or the normal group without any treatment. Level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-18 mRNA expression, cytokines involved in activity of type-1 helper T ($T_H1$) cell, was significantly downregulated in the AD group compared with other control groups. These results suggest that suppression of $T_H1$ cell-mediated immune response could be reflected into the skin tissue of mice treated with DNCB for AD induction, and disturbance of keratinocyte integrity might evoke a compensatory mechanism.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.96-101
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• 2015

Purpose: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory relapsing skin disorder. Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in the development of AD, and interleukin (IL) 31 is known to be related to pruritus in AD. The aim of our study was to determine whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels are related to IL-31 levels or to the severity of AD. Methods: We enrolled 91 children with AD and 32 control subjects without history or symptoms of allergic diseases. Blood was drawn to evaluate complete blood cell count, total eosinophil count (TEC), and total IgE, specific IgE to common allergens, 25(OH)D, and IL-31 levels. Serum 25(OH)D and IL-31 levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index was used to evaluate the severity of AD. Results: The mean 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in the AD group than in the control group; 25(OH)D decreased greatly in the moderate and severe AD groups compared with the mild AD group. Children with atopic sensitization showed significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than nonatopic children. However, serum IL-31 levels were not related to AD group, SCORAD index, or 25(OH)D levels. The SCORAD index was inversely correlated with serum 25(OH)D level and positively correlated with TECs and total IgE levels. Children with moderate and severe AD had significantly higher TECs than children with mild AD. Conclusion: Vitamin D is related to the severity of AD independently of IL-31.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.16-27
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• 2011

Objective : To investigate the effects of Pyeongwi-san-gamibang on atopic dermatitis, this study measured TEWL(transepidermal water loss), observed scratching behaviors and checked levels of Total IgE, IL-4, IFN-${\gamma}$ and conducted skin biopsy on NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis. Methods : NC/Nga mice were challenged with DNCB during 5 weeks to develop atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions. The NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis were divided into three groups of control group, PW-d, PW-e group. Once a day for 22 days, Pyeongwi-san-GamiBang extract with water was administered for the PW-d group and the extract with 80% ethanol was administered for PW-e group compared with saline solution for control group. During drug administration, sensitization by DNCB had lasted for three times per week. Results : 1. TEWL had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 2. The scratching behaviors had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 3. The levels of Total IgE in PW-d, PW-e group had a statistically significantly higher than that of the control group although difference between the control group and the PW-d, PW-e group were similar. 4. The level of IL-4 had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 5. The level of IFN-${\gamma}$ had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 6. As the observation of toluidine blue stained lesion, both PW-d and PW-e group had lower level of histamine releasement compared with the control group. Conclusion : Result based on these experiments, Pyeongwi-san-GamiBang on atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation in NC/Nga mice is not effective. But, as the study showed significantly individual differece, we need to repeat these study after supplementing the object number and modified indicator of clinical severity.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2019

Particulate matter (PM) is a ubiquitous air pollutant that is a growing public health concern. Previous studies have suggested that PM is associated with asthma development and exacerbation of asthma symptoms. Although several studies have suggested increased risks of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and allergic sensitization in relation to PM exposure, the evidence remains inconsistent. The plausible mechanisms underlying these effects are related to oxidative stress, enhancement of sensitization to allergens, inflammatory and immunological responses, and epigenetics. This review discusses the effect of PM on childhood allergic diseases, along with plausible mechanisms. Further studies are required to understand the role of PM exposure on childhood allergic diseases, to reduce these diseases in children.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.63 no.3
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• pp.104-109
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• 2020

Background: It is challenging to diagnose asthma in preschool children. The asthma predictive index (API) has been used to predict asthma and decide whether to initiate treatment in preschool children. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the association between questionnaire-based current asthma with API, pulmonary function, airway hyperreactivity (AHR), fractional expiratory nitric oxide (FeNO), and atopic sensitization in preschool children. Methods: We performed a population-based cross-sectional study in 916 preschool children aged 4-6 years. We defined current asthma as the presence of both physician-diagnosed asthma and at least one wheezing episode within the previous 12 months using a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between groups according to the presence of current asthma. Results: The prevalence of current asthma was 3.9% in the study population. Children with current asthma showed a higher rate of positive bronchodilator response and loose and stringent API scores than children without current asthma. The stringent API was associated with current asthma with 72.2% sensitivity and 82.0% specificity. The diagnostic accuracy of the stringent API for current asthma was 0.771. However, no intergroup differences in spirometry results, methacholine provocation test results, FeNO level, or atopic sensitization rate were observed. Conclusion: The questionnaire-based diagnosis of current asthma is associated with API, but not with spirometry, AHR, FeNO, or atopic sensitization in preschool children.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.79 no.4
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• pp.295-301
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• 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 Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.163-178
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• 2011

Objective : This study is conducted to evaluate the efficiency of ethanol extracts of 4 mixed herbs(CP001 or CP002) on mouse model of atopic dermatitis induced by ovalbumin. Methods : Female BALB/c mice were internally sensitized with ovalbumin($20{\mu}g$) plus aluminum hydroxide hydrate(4mg) once per week. After 3 weeks, they were dermally challenged with patches containing ovalbumin ($100{\mu}g$) plus aluminum hydroxide hydrate(20mg) every other day for 3 weeks. After induction of atopic dermatitis, mice back skin were gently rubbed with CP001 or CP002(200mg/$m{\ell}$, $100{\mu}{\ell}$) for two weeks(every 2 days). Results : In CP001 or CP002 treated group, there was a remarkable reduction in infiltration of eosinophils on the skin areas and diminution of mast cells and total T cells in blood samples as compared with control group. Cutaneous expressions of interleukin-13, 17 were also decreased by CP001 or CP002. Moreover, blood immunoglobulin E level was decreased by drug administration while there was no decrease in OVA sensitization group. Conclusion : In summary, our result shows that herbal extracts(CP001 and CP002) could be potential candidates for the treatment of chronic atopic dermatitis.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.337-344
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• 2007

We have investigated the relationship between food allergen sensitization and allergic disease in 74 child (male 47, female 27) patients from 0 to 14 years of age diagnosed with allergic disease. The age distribution for the study was: newborn to 3 years old, 34 children; 4 to 6 years old, 24 children; 7 to 9 years old, 8 children and above 10 years old, 8 children. Of the 74 children, 10 children were allergic to 3 of the 21 types of foods tested, 21 children were allergic to 4 types and 15 children were allergic to 5 types. The results of specific IgE tests for class 2 (0.070-3.49 IV/mL, IgE density in serum) showed that 29 children were allergic to milk, 28 children to bean, 21 children to cheese, 7 children to egg, and 18 children to pork, while over class 2, 20 children were allergic to bean, 17 children to milk, 24 children to cheese, 20 children to egg, and 21 children to pork. A questionnaire was used to survey family allergy history and diet patterns for 40 child (male 22, female 18) patients with allergic disease. The frequencies of a family history of allergy were 45.5% for males and 50.0% for females. The allergic diseases included atopic dermatitis: 26.0%, atopic nasitis: 10.5%, atopic dermatitis + atopic nasitis : 31.5%, hives: 21.0%, and asthma: 10.5%. Children on diets of mixed breast feeding and infant formula were more allergic than those on either breast feeding or infant formula feeding. Eliminated allergenic foods were egg + milk: 12.5%, egg: 10.0%, and milk 2.5%.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.492-499
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• 2021

Purpose: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten proteins and is often characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms. Food allergy (FA) is an adverse immune sensitivity to ingested food proteins leading to inflammation in various organs including the gastrointestinal tract. The relationship between CD and FA remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical relevance of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food sensitization in children with CD. Methods: Fifty-nine children diagnosed with CD were reviewed for clinical symptoms and evidence of IgE-sensitization to food and airborne allergens using the PolyCheck method. Results: IgE-mediated sensitization has been diagnosed in 20.3% of children with CD (CD/A). In the CD/A group, 58.3% of children were sensitized to food and 66.7% to airborne allergens. Further, 41.7% of patients with CD and allergy reported gastrointestinal tract symptoms associated with the ingestion of sensitizing foods. Analysis of the clinical status revealed that the incidence of other allergic disorders in the CD/A group was as follows: atopic dermatitis (33.3%), asthma (25.0%), and allergic rhinitis (16.7%). The percentage of eosinophils was significantly higher in the CD/A group than in the CD group (0.33±0.25 vs. 0.11±0.09; p=0.006). Conclusion: The diagnosis of CD does not exclude FA. The gastrointestinal symptoms in children with CD may be the result of both CD and FA; therefore, children with CD should be evaluated for the presence of FA regardless of age.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.298-304
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• 2006

Purpose : We compared the asthma predictive index(API) and the modified asthma predictive index (mAPI) of the Tuscon Children's Respiratory Study Group in Korean children with recurrent wheezing. We investigated the atopic profiles and presence of allergen sensitization of each risk group, and ascertained the significant clinical risk factors. Methods : Two hundred and sixty two children, who visited for recurrent wheezing from 1998 to 2005, were enrolled and divided into groups by API and mAPI. We investigated the history of the patients and their families, atopic profiles, and sensitization to aeroallergen and food allergens. Twenty nine children were followed up to 6 years of age and we evaluated the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value of both indices. Results : The high risk group of API were of older age, were more likely to be sensitized to aeroallergen(P=0.001) and food allergen(P=0.034) and had higher levels of total eosinophil count, eosinophil percent, serum ECP, total IgE, and D.p-, D.f-specific IgE. High risk group of mAPI showed higher levels of atopic markers such as egg-, milk-, D.p- and D.f-specific IgE. Even though API did not include allergen sensitization, the high risk group was more significantly sensitized to common allergens than the low risk group. Twenty nine children were followed up until 6 years of age; therefore 15 children were diagnosed as asthma, clinically. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of mAPI were higher than API. Conclusion : Both high risk groups of API and mAPI had higher levels of atopic markers and were more sensitized to common allergens. These findings suggest that sensitization to aeroallergens and food allergens are more objective markers as asthma predictive indices. In addition, mAPI is a more reliable index in predicting asthma in Korean children with recurrent wheezing than is API. But only 29 patients were followed until the age of 6, so we need to include more children with long term follow up for future study.