• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.167-175
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• 2003

Eleutherococcus senticosus is a typical oriental folk medicinal herb. It has been used clinically as a anti-rheumatic disease, anti-stress, ischemic heart disease and gastric ulcer. In the present study, we examined the adjuvant activity of the crude polysaccharides fraction from Eleutherococcus senticosus, EN-3, on the induction of humoral and cellular immune responses against bovine serum albumin (BSA) or ovalbumin (OVA). The thioglycollate-induced macrophages and silica-induced dendritic-like cells cultured with BSA and EN-3 synergistically increased the production of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-12. When mice were subcutaneously immunized with BSA + EN-3, the antibody titer against BSA was showed significantly higher than those immunized with BSA alone. In addition, when mice were immunized with OVA + FIA + EN-3, the antibody titer was showed similar patterns with the FCA. The assay for determining subisotype of antibody revealed that EN-3 augmented OVA-specific antibody titer of IgG1 and IgG2b. The culture supernatant obtained from splenocytes of mice treated with OVA + FIA + EN-3 also showed a higher level of both OVA-specific Th1-type (IL-2, IFN-${\gamma}$ and GM-CSF) and Th2-type cytokine (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10). In vitro analysis of T cell proliferation to OVA on 8 weeks, the splenocytes of mice treated with OVA + EN-3 showed a significantly higher proliferating activity than those treated with OVA alone. These results suggest that EN-3 may possess adjuvant activities to potentially to enhance humoral as well as cellular immune response.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.593-602
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• 2020

Background: Heat stress orchestrates neurodegenerative disorders and results in the formation of reactive oxygen species that leads to cell death. Although the immunomodulatory effects of ginseng are well studied, the mechanism by which ginseng alleviates heat stress in the brain remains elusive. Methods: Rats were exposed to intermittent heat stress for 6 months, and brain samples were examined to elucidate survival and antiinflammatory effect after Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) treatment. Results: Intermittent long-term heat stress (ILTHS) upregulated the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, increasing infiltration of inflammatory cells (hematoxylin and eosin staining) and the level of proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor α, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6], leading to cell death (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay) and elevated markers of oxidative stress damage (myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde), resulting in the downregulation of antiapoptotic markers (Bcl-2 and Bcl-x_L) and expression of estrogen receptor beta and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, key factors in regulating neuronal cell survival. In contrast, KRG mitigated ILTHS-induced release of proinflammatory mediators, upregulated the mRNA level of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10, and increased myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde levels. In addition, KRG significantly decreased the expression of the proapoptotic marker (Bax), did not affect caspase-3 expression, but increased the expression of antiapoptotic markers (Bcl-2 and Bcl-x_L). Furthermore, KRG significantly activated the expression of both estrogen receptor beta and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Conclusion: ILTHS induced oxidative stress responses and inflammatory molecules, which can lead to impaired neurogenesis and ultimately neuronal death, whereas, KRG, being the antioxidant, inhibited neuronal damage and increased cell viability.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.383-390
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• 2012

Ginseng has been used as an herbal medicine, widely used in Asian countries, for long time. Recently, beneficial effects for immune functions of Korean red ginseng (KRG) have been reported in adults. This study was performed to investigate the effects of ginseng on immune functions in children after cessation of chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation for advanced cancer. Thirty patients, who were diagnosed and treated for leukemia and solid cancer at the department of pediatrics and adolescence of the Yeungnam University Hospital from June 2004 to June 2009, were enrolled for the study. The study group consisted of 19 patients who received KRG extract (60 mg/kg/d) for 1 yr and 11 patients who did not receive KRG extract were the control group. Blood samples were collected every 6 mo. Immune assays included circulating lymphocyte subpopulation, serum cytokines (IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma), and total concentrations of serum IgG, IgA, and IgM subclasses. Age at diagnosis ranged from 2 mo to 15 yr (median 5 yr). Nine patients received stem cell transplantation. The cytokines of the KRG treated group were decreasing more rapidly than that of the control group. Lymphocyte subpopulations (T cell, B cell, NK cell, T4, T8, and T4/T8 ratio) and serum immunoglobulin subclasses (IgG, IgA, and IgM) did not show significant differences between the study and the control groups. This study suggests that KRG extract might have a stabilizing effect on the inflammatory cytokines in children with cancer after chemotherapy.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.37-42
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• 2013

In this present study, we determined the immunoregulatory activity of ginsenoside Rd extract from Panax ginseng. To determine the activity, we tested Rd against $CD4^+$ Th cells in a murine model of type 1 diabetes, which involves Th1-dominant immunity. The type 1 diabetes was caused by streptozotocin (STZ) and the severity of the diabetes was evaluated by measuring the degree of hyperglycemia, a major symptom of diabetes. The data resulting from experiments showed that ginsenoside Rd induced a greater level of Th1 type cytokines [IFN-${\gamma}$ & IL-2] than Th2 type [IL-4 & IL-10] (P<0.05), which was determined by cytokine profile analysis. In the animal model of diabetes, the depletion of $CD4^+$ Th cells by a treatment of anti-CD4 mAb resulted in considerably lower values of blood-glucose levels than those of the mAb-untreated mice, which indicates that the Th1 immune response from $CD4^+$ Th cells are responsible for diabetes. Based on these observations, the effect of Rd on diabetes was examined in the same animal model. Results showed that Rd-treated mice groups had increased levels of blood glucose compared to Rd-untreated mice groups that were used as a negative control (P<0.05). In other words, Rd aggravated the diabetes via the Th1 immune response. In conclusion, ginsenoside Rd had an immunoregulatory activity of Th1-dominant immunity.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.48-55
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• 2019

Current studies have been reported that fruits such as berries may contain both antioxidant and antitumor polyphenols that may be important in this regard. We investigated the immunostimulatory effect of fermented blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in animal model. Rats were administered blueberry yeast fermented powder (BYFP) at doses 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg for 4 weeks after cyclophosphamide (Cy) treatment, respectively. The immunomodulatory effect of BYFP were measured both in vitro and in vivo, and the changes of blood components were also analyzed. We found that BYFP recovered immunosuppression-mediated decreased liver, spleen, and thymus weights as well as up regulation of white blood cell, lymphocyte, and neutrophil in blood. Moreover, BYFP up-regulated IL-2, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IFN-${\gamma}$ pro-inflammatory cytokine production compared to immune suppressed control group, respectively. According to histological studies, BYFP regenerated significantly on Cy-mediated injured spleen at the high doses (BYFP 300) comparison with Cy-treated groups (immunosuppression). Collectively, these findings suggest that BYFP may have the potential as a dietary immunostimulatory agent.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.55-62
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• 2017

Objectives : This study aims to evaluate the effects of natural herb mixutre (NHM) on atopic dermatitis and skin regeneration using in vivo test. Methods : NHM was prepared with DW. 25% of NHM was applied to skin lesion, where atopic dermatitis was induced by DNCB in NC/Nga mice. The levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-a, and $IFN-{\gamma}$), and IgE in serum were measured by Luminex. Immune cells (WBC, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte) in blood were counted by coulter counter. The gross investigation of atopic dermatitis index score test were performed during the NHM treatment period. Also, the histopathological change of dorsal skin was observed by H&E and M&T staining. Results : NHM showed the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, IgE, WBC, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte in serum or blood were significantly decreased. On the contrary, the productions of FGF, and VEGF were increased in the serum. Also, atopic dermatitis index score in NHM-treated mice were observed in the similar levels to those of normal group. Histological examination demonstrated that NHM suppressed immune cell infiltration and thickening of epidermis, meanwhile the extraction induced collagen production in the dorsal skin. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that NHM is appeared to be effective on atopic dermatitis and skin regeneration efficacy based on the observations with hematologic, gross, and histologic examinations. Therefore, we suggest that NHM could be effectively used as an external therapeutics against atopic dermatitis and a consequence skin damage.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.83-90
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• 2014

Objectives : This research has been done to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Coptidis Rhizoma extracts. Method : Coptidis Rhizoma was extracted by $100^{\circ}C$ water. The extract (CC : Extract of Coptis chinensis rhizome) was used to examine its effects on the cell viability of mouse macrophage Raw 264.7 cell line. Also the production of nitric oxide (NO), the c-jun N-terminalkinase (JNK) activation and the production of cytokines such as (IL)-5 were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. After the CC and LPS were applied to Raw 264.7 cells which were cultured for 24 hours, the MTT assay was performed. Result : The CC extracts didn't affect the viability of macrophage cells. However, the extracts inhibited the NO production and the JNK activation significantly in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells treated with 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$ concentrations. The CC extract, also, impeded the production of inflammation-related factors and cytokines such as KC, VEGF, MCP-1, GM-CSF, IL-$1{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-12p40 in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells at the concentration higher than $25{\mu}g/mL$. The production of basic-FGF concentration of 50 and $100{\mu}g/mL$, the production of IP-10 at $100{\mu}g/mL$, and the production of IFN-${\gamma}$ at $25{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. Conclusion : The CC prepared using $100^{\circ}C$ water showed the significant anti-inflammatory effect such as the inhibition not only on the production of NO, KC, VEGF, MCP-1, GM-CSF, IL-$1{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-12p40 in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells at or higher than the concentration of $25{\mu}g/mL$, but also on the JNK activation at 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.356-362
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• 2023

The 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) is the richest components in a human milk oligosaccharide. Several studies have reported that 2'-FL has beneficial effects in infants. However, there are few studies on its immune-enhancing effects. This research aimed to examine the immune-enhancing effect of 2'-FL on immunosuppression by cyclophosphamide (CCP) in ICR mice. Mice were orally administered distilled water or 0.5 mg/kg B.W. 2'-FL for 14 days. An immunocompromised mouse model was induced using CCP 80 mg/kg B.W. at 12-14 days. Using the CCP had effects on reducing their body weight, organ weight, spleen index, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and cytokines concentration and expression. This study also used concanavalin A-mediated T-cell proliferation to verify the immune-enhancing effects in the sample. Body weight, spleen index, organ weight, and cytokine levels were measured to estimate the immune-enhancing effects. The body weight at 14 days tended to increase, and the spleen weight and index significantly increased in the 2'-FL group compared to the CCP group. The NK cell activity increased in the 2'-FL group compared to the CCP group, but there was no significant difference. The concentration of interleukin (IL)-2 tended to recover in the 2'-FL group compared to the CCP group. The 2'-FL group showed a significant increase of IL-10 and IFN-gamma concentration compared to the CCP group. In addition, there was a trend of increased IL-10 mRNA expression compared to the CCP group. These results revealed that 2'-FL improved CCP-induced immunosuppression, suggesting that 2'-FL may have the potential to enhance the immune system.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.406-422
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• 2023

Sarcopenia is an age-related, progressive skeletal muscle disorder involving the loss of muscle mass and strength. Previous studies have shown that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from fermented oysters aids in regulatory T cells (Tregs) cell expansion and function by enhancing autophagy, and concomitantly mediate muscle regeneration by modulating muscle inflammation and satellite cell function. The fermentation process of oysters not only increases the GABA content but also enhances the content of branched amino acids and free amino acids that aid the level of protein absorption and muscle strength, mass, and repair. In this study, the effect of GABA-enriched fermented sarco oyster extract (FSO) on reduced muscle mass and functions via Treg modulation and enhanced autophagy in aged mice was investigated. Results showed that FSO enhanced the expression of autophagy markers (autophagy-related gene 5 [ATG5] and GABA receptor-associated protein [GABARAP]), forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) expression, and levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-10 and transforming growth factor [TGF]-β) secreted by Tregs while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-17A and interferon [IFN]-γ). Furthermore, FSO increased the expression of IL-33 and its receptor IL-1 receptor-like 1 (ST2); well-known signaling pathways that increase amphiregulin (Areg) secretion and expression of myogenesis markers (myogenic factor 5, myoblast determination protein 1, and myogenin). Muscle mass and function were also enhanced via FSO. Overall, the current study suggests that FSO increased autophagy, which enhanced Treg accumulation and function, decreased muscle inflammation, and increased satellite cell function for muscle regeneration and therefore could decrease the loss of muscle mass and function with aging.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.182-190
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• 2015

This present study demonstrates the immunological synergistic effects of herbal preparation (HemoHIM) and red ginseng powder granule in various immune cell models (bone marrow-derived macrophages, dendritic cells, and mouse splenocytes) from mice. Both herbal preparation and red ginseng extracts were treated to bone-marrow derived macrophages, dendritic cells, and mouse splenocytes, and there was no cytotoxicity at a dose below $200{\mu}g/mL$. Cell proliferation and cytokine [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12] production tested in bone marrow-derived macrophages and dendritic cells significantly increased upon combined treatment. Cell surface marker (CD 80/86, MHC class I/II)-mediated immune cell activation was highly elevated by combined treatment. For cytokine production in splenocytes, combined treatment significantly increased production of Th 1 type cytokines [IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$] but not Th 2 type cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). Therefore, combined treatment with HemoHIM and red ginseng extracts is an effective method to establish powerful immunological synergy in immune cells.