• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.459-466
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• 2003

Background : Asthma and eosinophilic bronchitis(EB) are eosinophilic inflammatory diseases of the airway. However, EB differs from asthma in that there is no variable airway obstruction or airway hyper-responsiveness. Pathologically, asthma is characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils and CD4+ T lymphocytes in the submucosa. A recent study showed that there was no significant difference between asthma and EB in terms of the submucosal eosinophil and T lymphocyte count. However, it is not known whether or not an infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes occurs in the airways of EB patients. The aim of this study was to identify the difference between the two conditions by measuring the submucosal CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte count. Methods : Immunohistochemical analysis of bronchial-biopsy specimens was performed in 17 subjects with asthma and 24 subjects with EB. Results : The CD4+ T lymphocytes count in the asthma subjects and the EB subjects was similar (median, 58.6 vs 50.0 $cells/mm^2$, respectively; P=0.341). In contrast, the number of CD8+ T lymphocytes in the EB subjects was higher than that in the asthma subjects (median, 46.7 vs 11.8 $cells/mm^2$, respectively; P=0.003). Conclusion : The infiltration of submucosal CD8+ T lymphocytes may be associated with the pathophysiology of EB.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.93-96
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• 2016

Toxoplasmosis, a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, occurs throughout the world. Human T. gondii infection is asymptomatic in 80% of the population; however, the infection is life-threatening and causes substantial neurologic damage in immunocompromised patients such as HIV-infected persons. The major purpose of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in subjects infected with HIV/AIDS in eastern China. Our findings showed 9.7% prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in HIV/AIDS patients, which was higher than in intravenous drug users (2.2%) and healthy controls (4.7%), while no significant difference was observed in the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody among all participants (P>0.05). Among all HIV/AIDS patients, 15 men (7.7%) and 10 women (15.9%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibody; however, no significant difference was detected in the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody between males and females. The frequency of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody was 8.0%, 13.2%, 5.5%, and 0% in patients with normal immune function ($CD4^+$ T-lymphocyte count ${\geq}500cells/ml$), immunocompromised patients (cell count ${\geq}200$ and <500 cells/ml), severely immunocompromised patients (cell count ${\geq}50$ and <200 cells/ml), and advanced AIDS patients, respectively (cell count <50 cells/ml), while only 3 immunocompromised patients were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibody. The results indicate a high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in HIV/AIDS patients in eastern China, and a preventive therapy for toxoplasmosis may be given to HIV/AIDS patients based on $CD4^+$ T lymphocyte count.

• THE JOURNAL OF KOREAN ORIENTAL ONCOLOGY
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.89-110
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• 1998

Yookmijihwangtang has been widely used oriental herb prescriptions, which is healing some discuss that come from insufficiency of innate essence and deficiency of kidney Ki. The meaning of healing discusses tonification of insufficient innate essence and insufficient kidney Ki can be regarded as reinforcement of wholely power of keeping homeostasis, that is correlated with immuno-responsibility which protects subject from outer antigen to keep normal vital condition. This study was aimed to investigate correlative effects of Yookmijihwangtang water abstract on the RBC, WBC, blood CD4+ T helper cell count, blood testosterone, blood cAMP and blood cortisol. 40 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 5 groups(Normal, Control, Sample I, Sample II, Sample III), 6 animals in every group. Normal group was not treated anything, control group was administrated normal saline in the same dosage of Sample I. 3 Sample groups were received some of Yookmijihwangtang water abstract at one time per 24 hours during 5 days in different dosage. Sample I(1/310pack/ml), Sample II(1/62pack/ml), Sample III(1/2.4pack/ml). After finishing treatment, all experimental subjects were killed for blood sample on RBC, WBC, blood CD4+ T helper cell count, spleen CD4+ T helper cell count, axillary lymph node CD4+ T helper cell count. blood cAMP, blood testosterone and blood cortisol. The results were as follows; RBC and WBC were increased in all sample groups. Blood CD4+ T helper cell count(CD4+ T cell count in the blood/whole lymphocyte count in the blood ${\times}100%$) was Normal $46.17{\pm}5.88$, Control $44.50{\pm}4.37$, Sample I $53.00{\pm}2.28$, Sample II $53.83{\pm}3.87$, Sample III $52.17{\pm}2.93$. By the 95% Duncan ANOVA all experimental groups(sample I, Sample II, Sample III) showed slight significant difference from Normal and Control. Blood cAMP(nmol/l) were Normal $1.12{\pm}0.17$, Control $1.16{\pm}0.32$, Sample I $0.46{\pm}0.07$, Sample II $0.44{\pm}0.04$, Sample III $0.54{\pm}0.04$. All experimental groups were singificantly different from both Normal and Control groups(p<0.05). Blood cortisol(nl/ml) were Normal $100.00{\pm}2.00$ Control $90.00{\pm}4.00$, Sample I $440.00{\pm}5.00$, Sample II $520.00{\pm}40.00$, Sample III $470.00{\pm}7.00$. Blood cortisol of all experimental groups were significantly increased(p<0.05). The results suggest that Yookmijihwangtang water abstract could be administrated to patients who have some diseases insufficient essence.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Visualization
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.35-42
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• 2015

CD4+ T-cell count determines the effectiveness for antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although ART slows the progression of HIV to AIDS, rapid counting of CD4+ T lymphocytes with a drop of patient's blood sample is urgently needed to ensure timely ART treatment in rural areas. Recently point-of-care CD4 testing devices have been developed by using non-flow based imaging cytometer incorporated with a sample cartridge where CD4+ T cells are reacted with fluorescently tagged specific antibodies. Here we conducted an experimental study using a conventional fluorescence microscope-based imaging system to quantitate the interaction of CD4 antibodies with CD4+ T cells at different reaction conditions. We demonstrated that a fast and affordable point-of-care CD4 test is feasible with a far less amount of antibodies and a shorter incubation time compared with a conventional sample preparation protocol for flow cytometry. We also proposed a general method to evaluate and compare the detection limit across different CD4 counting platforms by using fluorescently labelled microbeads for intensity calibration.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.121-126
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• 2024

Disseminated tuberculosis (TB), resulting from the hematogenous spread of tubercle bacilli, typically affects immunocompromised individuals, such as those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. However, risk factors in immunocompetent populations are not well understood. Here, we report a rare case of disseminated TB with CD4+ T-cell depletion in a previously healthy 35-year-old man. The patient presented with a 2-month history of intermittent gross hematuria, dysuria, loose stools, and weight loss. His medical history was unremarkable except for a herpes zoster infection 4 years prior to presentation. Laboratory tests revealed microscopic hematuria and pyuria; however, the urine culture was negative. Urine specimens tested positive for TB-polymerase chain reaction. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a focal filling defect in the left kidney, segmental wall thickening of the terminal ileum, and multiple enlarged lymph nodes with central necrosis. Chest computed tomography revealed active pulmonary TB. Colonoscopy confirmed intestinal TB in the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve, with positive TB-polymerase chain reaction results from sputum and ileal ulcer tissue. The patient was diagnosed with disseminated TB and was treated with standard anti-TB drugs. Although the human immunodeficiency virus test results were negative, the patient's CD4+ T-cell count was significantly low (278/μL). Follow-up tests after 1 month showed negative TB cultures; however, the patient's CD4+ T-cell depletion persisted, with counts remaining low after 1 year. This case highlights the rare occurrence of disseminated TB in immunocompetent individuals with CD4+ T-cell depletion and emphasizes the importance of CD4+ T-cell assessment in healthy patients presenting with disseminated TB.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 1995

Several studies showed that the immunological factors such as CD4+ cell number, CD4%, CD8+ cell number and CD4/CD8 ratio and the serological factors such as, ${\beta}^2$-microglobulin(${\beta}^2$-MG), neopterin, soluble CD4, and soluble CD8 are related to the risk of development of AIDS. Especially, the CD4+ cell counts have been used to monitor progresson of HIV disease, to stratify, and to follow patients in clinical trials. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDCP) in USA has made the CD4+ cell count as a part of the classification of HIV disease. It is composed of 3 categories such as 1, 2, and 3 which asr $\geq$ 500/$mm^3$, 200/$mm^{3} $\geq$ and < 500/$mm^3$, and < 200/$mm^3$, respectively. In this study, to estimate the differences of immunological factors between HIV-infected and normal human groups in Korea, CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells, and the CD4/CD8 ratio were measured in 185 HIV-infected subjects and 140 healthy adult subjects. The lymphocyte subsets such as CD4+ T and CD8+ T were analysed by flow cytometer(FACStar) with two-color immunofluorescent stain using monoclonal antibodies such as anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 antibodies. The absolute numbers and percentages of CD4+ T and CD8+ T and the CD4/CD8 ratio of HIV infected persons were $462\pm{277}/mm^3$, $18.2\pm7.7%$, $1,170\pm{534}/mm^3$, $47.0\pm10.6%$ and $0,43\pm0.26 whereas those of uninfected persons were $886\pm{299}mm^3$, $32.9\pm{7.0%}, 730{\pm}259/mm^3$, $26.8\pm6.4%$ and $1.31\pm0.46$(P<0.01). In addition, estimating the reference values of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of Korean, the absolute numbers and percentages of CD4+ T and CD8+ T and the CD4/CD8 ratio of 140 healthy adults persons were measured and compared with those of foreigners. The reference ranges of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4％, CD8%, and the CD4/CD8 ratio and 1.31$\pm$0.46, respectively. The significant differences were not observed when compared with those of foreigners. However a little difference was observed in the percentages of CD4+ T and the absolute numbers of CD8+ T between the normal values of Korean and those of foreigners were $43.6\pm8.9%$, $560\pm{230}/mm^3$. This result can also be useful as a basic data for the treatment and surveillance of HIV-infected patients in Korea.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.152-160
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aging process on the immunity in human subjects. In this investigation, nineteen families of three generations (daughters on college age, their mothers, and grandmothers) participated to avoid genetic variation among individuals. Dietary food records, anthropometric measurements and biochemical assessments of serum nutrients were used to evaluate the nutritional status of subjects. The immune parameters of subjects were assessed by the total and differential WBC count. Total B and T lymphocytes, and T cell subsets were quantified by flowcytometer. Serum immunoglobulin G, A, M concentrations were also measured as an index of humoral immunity. The result of this study can be summarized as follows: 1. Along with the aging process, body fat was found to be increased whereas lean body mass and total body water were diminished. Since there were no significant difference in serum vitamin E levels in all age groups, serum retinal concentrations tended to decrease as one gets old. 2. Although total number of T lymphocytes seemed to be unchanged, B lymphocytes and NK cell numbers were increased by aging. The Percentage of CD8 + lymphocytes was lower in the elderly subjects compared with the younger, resulting in higher ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + lymphocytes in the elderly. Serum Ig G and Ig A levels remained unchanged, but IgM levels were significantly decreased as the age processes continue. Taking all together, it could be suggested that the alteration of immune cell population by aging is selective and possibly nonage factors such as nutrition may be attributable to the change of immunity in the elderly. The nutritional status and aging process may selectively affect both the cell-mediated (CD8 +, CD4 + CD8 + ratio, NK cell) and humoral (B lymphocyte, Immunoglobulin M, G) immune parameters in human subjects.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.39-78
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• 2000

Introduction: In order to investigate the effects of partial Cervus elaphus Linne' extract on antitumoral immunological, a group of mice are melanoma-induced and observed reponses in terms of the number of lymphocyte, CD4+ count, CD8+ count, CD4+/CD8+ ratio in blood and spleen, change in body weight, melanoma weight, spleen index, NK cell activity and productivity of IL-2 in each mouse Methodology: Male C57BL/6 mice were chosen as an experimental object and were divided into 5 groups randomly selection. The normal group did not receive any induction. The control group was treated with normal saline in melanoma-induced' mice. Sample I group induced the upper part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract in melanoma-induced mice. Sample II group was induced the middle part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract in melanoma-induced mice. Sample III group was induced the lower part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract in melanoma-induced mice. The dosage of medication was 0.2cc daily for 14days. Results: 1. There was a significant difference in the number of lymphocyte in spleen in the sample I (upper part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract induced) and the sample II (middle part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract induced) compared to the control group and the sample III (lower part of Cervus elaphus Linne' extract induced). On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in the number of lymphocyte in blood in the control group and all sample groups. 2. In the CD4+ T cell ratio in blood, all three sample groups showed differences compared to the control group, though there was no significant difference between sample groups. In the CD4+ T cell ratio in spleen, there was a difference between the sample I and the control group, while the sample II and the sample III had significant difference to the control group. And also, it has been observed there were differences between the sample I and the other samples. 3. In the CD8+ T cell ratio in spleen, all three sample groups showed significant differences compared to the control group, while there was no difference between groups in the ratio in blood. 4. In the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio in blood, the sample I showed a significant difference compared to the control group, while the sample 1I and sample III showed differences compared to the control group. In the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio in spleen, all three samples showed a significant difference compared to the control group, when the sample I had a difference to the other sample groups. 5. The spleen index of the sample I and the sample II showed a significant difference compared to the sample III and the control group. In comparison between the sample groups, the sample I and the sample II showed a significant difference to the sample III. 6. In terms of the change in body weight and melanoma weight, all three sample groups showed a significant difference compared to the control group, while the comparison between the sample groups showed the sample and the sample II had a significant difference to the sample Ⅲ. 7. In comparison of NK cell activity, the sample I had a difference compared to the other groups when the effector to target cell ratio was 2.5:1. With the ratio of 5:1, the sample I and sample II showed significant differences compared to the control group, while the sample Ⅲ showed a difference. When the effector to target cell ratio was 10:1, there was no difference between groups. 8. In the productivity of IL-2, all three sample groups showed significant differences compared to the control group. In comparison between sample groups, there were significant differences between each sample groups in order of the sample I , the sample II and the sample Ⅲ. Conclusion: As one can witness from the above results, administration of partial Cervus elaphus Linne extract played important role in antitumoral immune response in melanoma-induced mice, and it could be suggested that sample I and sample II groups have prominent antitumoral immune effect.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.157-171
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• 1998

In order to study the effect of direct moxibustion on depressed immune response and thyroid hormone in rats exposed to cold stress, Sprague-Dawley male rats were put in the horizontal refrigerator by $-10^{\circ}C$ for 14 days and thereafter $-18^{\circ}C$ for 11 days(control group). Sample I group was treated by daily direct moxibustion to bilateral Shinsu(BL23) from the 22nd day to the 25th day for 4 days under the same condition with the control group. Sample II group was treated by daily direct moxibustion to bilateral non-acupoints near the root of the tail from the 22nd day to the 25th day for 4 days under the same condition with the control group. And RBC, WBC, CD4+ T cell count, T3, T4 and TSH were measured. The results were as follows; 1. RBC increased with statistical significance in the sample I and sample II groups compared with the control group. 2. WBC increased with statistical significance in the sample I group, but there was not any significance in the sample II group compared with the control group. 3. Lymphocyte increased with statistical significance both in the sample I and sample II groups compared with the control group. 4. CD4+ T cell count increased with statistical significance both in the sample I and sample II groups compared with the control group. 5. T3, T4 and TSH increased respectively with statistical significance in the sample I and sample II groups compared with the control group.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.22.1-22.15
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• 2023

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) is caused by chronic alcohol overconsumption and might be linked to dysregulated immune responses in the gut-liver axis. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on levels and functions of innate lymphocytes including mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, NKT cells, and NK (NK) cells in ALC patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the levels and function of these cells, evaluate their clinical relevance, and explore their immunologic roles in the pathogenesis of ALC. Peripheral blood samples from ALC patients (n = 31) and healthy controls (HCs, n = 31) were collected. MAIT cells, NKT cells, NK cells, cytokines, CD69, PD-1, and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) levels were measured by flow cytometry. Percentages and numbers of circulating MAIT cells, NKT cells, and NK cells were significantly reduced in ALC patients than in HCs. MAIT cell exhibited increased production of IL-17 and expression levels of CD69, PD-1, and LAG-3. NKT cells displayed decreased production of IFN-γ and IL-4. NK cells showed elevated CD69 expression. Absolute MAIT cell levels were positively correlated with lymphocyte count but negatively correlated with C-reactive protein. In addition, NKT cell levels were negatively correlated with hemoglobin levels. Furthermore, log-transformed absolute MAIT cell levels were negatively correlated with the Age, Bilirubin, INR, and Creatinine score. This study demonstrates that circulating MAIT cells, NKT cells, and NK cells are numerically deficient in ALC patients, and the degree of cytokine production and activation status also changed. Besides, some of their deficiencies are related to several clinical parameters. These findings provide important information about immune responses of ALC patients.