• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.187-192
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of herbal medicine complex (HMC) containing Camellia sinensis L., Duchoesna chrysantha, Houttuynia cordata Thunberg, Poncirus trifoliata Rafinesque on skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis. First, we examined the anti-inflammatory effect of HMC in TNF-α induced human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell). Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to evaluate the expression of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, IL-8) mRNA and protein. Four-weeks old male NC/Nga mice were treated with 1% 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) solution and used as an atopic dermatitis mice model. And, HMC (200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg) was administered directly into the stomach of mice for 4 weeks, and blood or serum analysis, tissue staining were performed after oral gavage. As a result HMC inhibited the mRNA expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and IL-8, which had been increased by TNF-α in HaCaT cells. In addition, the protein expression was also significantly suppressed in the same way as the mRNA expression results. The in vivo experiment results showed that, HMC administration reduced thickening of the epidermis and infiltration of eosinophil into the skin stratum basale compared to DNCB treatment. In addition, HMC administration significantly reduced the inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-13) production and immunocyte (white blood cell, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and eosinophil) count compared to DNCB treatment. Moreover, the serum IgE and histamine level was decreased by HMC administration. These results suggest that HMC can be used as effective herbal medicine extract for skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis. And this study may contribute to the development of the herbal medicine-based drug for the treatment of skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.3-12
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• 1993

This study was performed to investigate effects of dietary fat content and degree of saturation on the function of the immune system. Sixty male BALB/c mice average-weighing 17g were divided into three dietary groups: 5% safflower oil group, 20% safflower oil group, 19.3% beef tallow & 0.7% safflower oil group. Food intake and body weight were measured every day. At 4th, 7th, 10th week after dietary treatment, organ weight measurements, delayed-type hypersensitivity test, plaque forming cell test, agglutination test, differential white cell count and histological examination of spleen were performed. Results are follows; 1) Body weight, food intake and calorie intake were not different in the three dietary groups during the experimental period($\alpha$=0.05). 2) Liver weight was significantly higher in 5% safflower oil group($\alpha$=0.05). Spleen index was slightly higher in mice fed 5% safflower oil and 19.3% beef tallow & 0.7% safflower oil. Thymus index in all mice was decreased by aging. 3) Delayed-type hypersensitivity of the mice fed 5% safflower oil and 19.3% beef tallow & 0.7% safflower oil was significantly higher than that of the mice fed 20% safflower oil. 4) The number of plaque forming cell was significantly reduced at 10th week compared to 7th week in all group($\alpha$=0.05). Although there was no difference in plaque forming cell among three groups at 10th week, 5% safflower oil group showed slightly higher plaque forming cell than 20% safflower oil group at 7th week. 5) At 4th week, agglutination test seems to be higher in 5% safflower oil group and 19.3% beef tallow & 0.7% safflower oil group compared to 20% safflower oil group. 6) Percentage of neutrophil and eosinophil was slightly reduced in 20% safflower oil group. 7) Spleen tissue was not affected by and dietary treatments. According to our results, the higher the fat content & unsaturation of the diet the lower the cell-mediated immunity of the mice. Humoral-immunity did not appear to be affected by the dietary manipulation. However humoral-immunity was decreased significantly by aging in all dietary groups.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.69 no.5
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• pp.361-367
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• 2010

Background: Difficult-to-treat asthma afflicts a small percentage of the asthma population. However, these patients remain refractory to treat, and account for 40% to 50% of the health costs of asthma treatment, incurring significant morbidity. We conducted a multi-center cross-sectional study to characterize difficult-to-treat asthma in Korea. Methods: Subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma and subjects with controlled asthma were recruited from 5 outpatient clinics of referral hospitals. We reviewed medical records of previous 6 months and obtained patient-reported questionnaires composed of treatment compliance, asthma control, and instruments for stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: We recruited 21 subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma and 110 subjects with controlled asthma into the study. The subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma were associated with longer treatment periods, more increased health care utilization, more medication (oral corticosteroids, number of medication), and more anxiety disorder compared to those of well-controlled asthmatics. There was no difference in age, gender, history of allergy, serum IgE, blood eosinophil count, or body mass index between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Difficult-to-treat asthma is characterized by increased health care utilization and more co-morbidity of anxiety.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.84-107
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• 2011

Purposes : The purpose of present study is to detect the effects of ointment contained Takrisodok-Eum on the skin barrier's recovery of the Atopic dermatitis. Methods : A total of 44 patients who visited Semyung Oriental Medical Center from April 27th, 2011 to September 20th, 2011 were included in the study. In this study, the patients were treated with Takrisodok-Eum (experimental group) and positive control group. For 8 weeks of gross examination, hematological examination and instrumental asessment were made before and after the study to examine how well the products for experimental group with those for control group in recovering the damaged skin barriers by Atopic dermatitis. Results : 1. In the primary endpoint, SCORAD Index showed a statistically significant decline in experimental group. 2. In the secondary endpoint index of skin hydration, both the experimental group and the control group showed statistical significance. 3. In the secondary endpoint index of TEWL, the experimental group showed greater statistical significance than the control group. 4. In the secondary endpoint index of skin pH, skin pH showed a statistically significant decline in both the control group and the experimental group within the normal range. 5. In the secondary endpoint index of Total IgE, Eosinophil count, IL-10, IL-13, both the experimental group and the control group showed no statistical significance. 6. To evaluate the safety of the products for the human body, hematological examination and hematological biochemical examination, vital sign check were conducted; both control group and experimental group showed no abnormal level. And There were no severe adverse events during this study. Therefore, it is suggested that the safety of the products, if used for certain period, should be safe for the human body. Conclusions : According to the above experiments, it is suggested that Takrisodok-Eum should be effective for the Atopic dermatitis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3801-3804
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• 2014

Background: The prognostic significance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for progression free survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma is unclear. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 45 patients diagnosed with metastatic RCC previously treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors from two centers, Akdeniz University Hospital and Afyon Kocatepe University. The prognostic value of the pretreatment neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio, and other clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Median progression free survival (PFS) was 13.9 months [95% CI for HR (6.88-20.91)] and overall survival figure of 16.6 months [95% CI for HR (7.23-26.03)] Univariate analysis revealed that PFS was significantly affected by hemoglobin level [p=0.013 (95% CI for HR (0.71-0.96))], eosinophil count [p=0.031 (95% CI for HR (0.20-0.92))], ratio of neutrophil lymphocytes (NLR) [p=0.007 (95% CI for HR (1.47-11.74))] and calcium level [p=0.006 (95% CI for HR (0.15-0.73))]. However, only NLR [p=0.031 (95% CI for HR (1.15-18.1))] and calcium levels [p=0.018 (95% CI for HR (0.20-18.1))] retained significance with multivariate analysis. Median PFS was 23.9 vs 8.6 months in patients with NLR ${\leq}2$ vs NLR >2 (Log rank; p= 0.040). Conclusions: This study showed that increased pretreatment NLR is an independent prognostic factor for patients with metastatic RCC using tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.5
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• pp.190-193
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• 2015

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity lung disease due to bronchial colonization of Aspergillus fumigatus that occurs in susceptible patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. A 10-year-old girl was referred to the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology for persistent consolidations on chest radiography. Pulmonary consolidations were observed in the right upper and left lower lobes and were not resolved with a 4-week prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The patient had a history of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis but no history of asthma. She had no fever but produced thick and greenish sputum. Her breathing sounds were clear. On laboratory testing, her total blood eosinophil count was $1,412/mm^3$ and total serum IgE level was 2,200 kU/L. Aspergillus was isolated in the sputum culture. The A. fumigatus-specific IgE level was 15.4 kU/L, and the Aspergillus antibody test was also positive. A chest computed tomography scan demonstrated bronchial wall thickening and consolidation without bronchiectasis. An antifungal agent was added but resulted in no improvement of pulmonary consolidations after 3 weeks. Pulmonary function test was normal. Methacholine provocation test was performed, revealing bronchial hyperreactivity ($PC_{20}=5.31mg/mL$). Although the patient had no history of asthma or bronchiectasis, ABPA-seropositivity was suspected. Oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) combined with antifungal therapy was started. Pulmonary consolidations began decreasing after 1 week of treatment and completely resolved after 1 month. This is the first observed and treated case of seropositive ABPA in Korean children without previously documented asthma.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.199-206
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• 1988

An epidemiological study was performed to know the infection status of 5. hortense among the human residents and fish intermediate hosts in Chongsong·gun, Kyongsangbuk·do. Out of 263 people examined, 59(22.4%) were positive for the eggs of E. hortense. Total 152 fresh water fishes (9 species) were ellamined, and Odentobutis obscura interrupts, Misgurnus an- guiIZicaudatus and Squalidus coreanus were found to harbour the metacercariae of E. hortense. Juvenile or adult E. hertense were expelled from 35 out of 54 cases treated with pragiquantel. The number of worms Per individual ranged from 1 to 649, with the average burden of 51. The eosinophil count of infected persons ranged 1∼24% (6% in average). The number of eggs per day Per worm (EPDPW) in human host was estimated about 1,478. The results showed that Chongsong-gun is an endemic area of E. hortense.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.167-175
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• 2013

Korean red ginseng (KRG) is reported to have anti-allergic properties, including beneficial effects on asthma and atopic dermatitis. However, its effect on allergic rhinitis has not been studied extensively. This study examined how KRG affected allergic inflammation of the nasal cavity in an allergic mouse model. A total of 40 Balb/c female mice were divided into four experimental groups according to treatment and allergic state: group 1 (G1), saline only; group 2 (G2), ovalbumin (OVA); group 3 (G3), OVA+KRG; and group 4 (G4), OVA+dexamethasone. Serum IgE levels were significantly lower in the KRG treatment group (G3) than in the allergic group (G2). However, serum IgG1 levels did not differ between G2 and G3. In the nasal lavage fluid, IL-4 and IL-5 levels were significantly lower in G3 than in G2 (p<0.05). H&E and Luna staining revealed that the eosinophil count was lower in G3 and G4 than in G2 (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that there were fewer IL-4-, IL-5-, and MUC5AC-positive cells in G3 and G4 than in G2 (p<0.05). These results indicate that KRG reduces the nasal allergic inflammatory reaction in an allergic murine model by reducing Th2 cytokines.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.496-500
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• 2003

A one-year-old male Japanese Chin with anorexia, retching, dyspnea and continuous coughing was brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Chungbuk National University. Chest radiographs showed moderate regional alveolar pattern with mild interstitial patterns in the caudo-dorsal lung fields and the ill-defined mass in the perihilar area which is consistent with perihilar lymphadenopathy. Although the dog showed severe eosinophilia in the complete blood count, the serum profile values were within normal ranges. There was no indication of any parasite infestation in the direct and floatation examination of feces, skin scraping test and heartworm examination. There was no growth of bacteria and fungi in the selected media such as Mueller Hinton broth, Sabouraud Dextrose agar and Potato Dextorse agar, which were inoculated with tracheal fluid collected using endotracheal tube and cultured for 3 days. In the tracheal fluid smear, most prominent cells were eosinophils, which are a almost 80% of total cells and other cells such as leukocytes, neutrophils and ciliated colummar cells were also observed. Any parasite was also not detected in its smear. Prednisolone (PDS; 1 mg/kg, BID SC), aminophylline (10 mg/kg, TID IV) and nebulization with gentamicin (50 mg) plus saline (3 ml) were given for 1 week. At 3rd day of treatment, blood eosinophil value was return to normal range and pulmonary condition was also improved. The allergen test with serum performed during therapy was positive in the 19 index including milk, barley, tomato pomace, catfish, bonito, house dust and wool, and borderline in 10 index including wheat, house dust mites and house fly. The patient is responding well to PDS therapy. Based on these findings, a possible diagnosis of pulmonary infiltration with eosinophils was made in this dog.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.555-564
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• 2021

We investigated the effects of naringenin and morin on IL-5 and ROS production in PMA+ionomycin-treated EL-4 cells with the corroboration of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties using an asthma-induced mouse model. The EL-4 cell line was used to study the outcomes of naringenin or morin, followed by cell viability studies. Western blot analysis and ELISA test were used to determine Th2 mediated cytokines. In vivo studies were carried out on BALB/c mice to induce allergic asthma using ovalbumin administered intraperitoneally. Intracellular ROS was determined using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, followed by serum enzymatic (AST and ALT) estimations and inflammatory cell count in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues. Histopathological studies were conducted to examine lung tissue-stained architecture. Our findings suggested that naringenin and morin significantly suppressed IL-5 and ROS production via various pathways. Interestingly, by reducing NFAT activity, naringenin and morin stimulated HO-1 expression, thereby suppressing IL-5 secretion due to regulating the transcription factor Nrf2 via P13/Akt or ERK/JNK signalling pathways in EL-4 cells, demonstrating the involvement of HO-1 expression in inhibiting asthmatic inflammation. The increased inflammatory cells in the BALF were substantially decreased by both naringenin and morin, followed by inhibition in the elevated Th-2 cytokines levels. The TNF-α protein levels in an allergic asthma mouse model were significantly reduced by suppressing Akt phosphorylation and eosinophil formation. Recent findings confirmed that naringenin and morin possess the potential to control asthma-related immune responses through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, indicating potential therapeutic agents or functional foods.