• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.10 no.6
• /
• pp.247-249
• /
• 2010

Foxp3 is a transcript factor for regulatory T cell development. Interestingly, Foxp3-expressing cells were identified in B cells, especially in CD19(+)CD5(+) B cells, while those were not examined in CD19(+)CD5(-) B cells. Foxp3-expressing CD5(+) B cells in this study were identified in human PBMCs and were found to consist of $8.5{\pm}3.5%$ of CD19(+)CD5(+) B cells. CD19(+)CD5(+)Foxp3(+) B cells showed spontaneous apoptosis. Rare CD19(+)CD5(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory B cell (Breg) population was unveiled in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and suggested as possible regulatory B cells (Breg) as regulatory T cells (Treg). The immunologic and the clinical relevant of Breg needs to be further investigated.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.61 no.1
• /
• pp.72-77
• /
• 2023

Human babesiosis is a tick-borne disease induced by the genus Babesia and has been significantly reported in the Republic of Korea. This report shows the cases of 2 patients with human babesiosis who traveled to the USA in 2019. The 2 patients experienced fever and had travel histories to babesiosis-endemic regions. The diagnoses of both cases were verified by the identification of Babesia-infected red blood cells on blood smears. One patient was found to be infected with Babesia microti using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for 18S rRNA, which discovered the phylogenetic link to the B. microti strain endemic in the USA. The 2 patients recovered from fever with subsequent hemoparasite clearance. Babesiosis could be diagnosed in anyone with histories of travel to babesiosis-endemic countries and tick bites. Furthermore, Babesia-specific PCR is required for determining geno-and phenotypic characteristics.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
• /
• v.21 no.6
• /
• pp.698-702
• /
• 1998

Propentofylline (PPF, 3-methyl-1-(5-oxohexyl)-7-propylxanthine) has been reported to be effective for the treatment of both vascular dementia and dementia of the Alzheimer type. The pharmacological effects of PPF may be exerted via the stimulation of nerve growth factor, increased cerebral blood flow, and inhibition of adenosine uptake. The objectives of this experiment are to determine the kinetic behavior of PPF, to identify, and to quantify its metabolite in human. Blood samples were obtained from human volunteers following oral administration of 200mg of PPF tablets. For the identification and quantification of the metabolite, 3-methyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-propylxanthine (PPFOH), PPFOH was synthesized and identified by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) and $^1H$-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The molecular weight of synthesized metabolite is 308 dalton. The PPF and PPFOH in plasma were extracted with diethyl ether and identified by electron impact GC/MS. The plasma concentrations of PPF and PPFOH were determined by gas chromatography/nitrogen phosphorus detector in plasma and their pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. The mean half-life of PPF was 0.74 hr. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of PPF and PPFOH were 508 and 460ng.hr/ml, respectively. $C_{max}$ of PPF was about 828.4ng/ml and the peak concentration was achieved at about 2.2 hr ($T_{max}$). These results indicate that PPF is rapidly disappeared from blood due to extensive metabolism into PPFOH.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.179-186
• /
• 2005

The purpose of this paper was to concisely review the practical changes in MeHg concentrations in fetus and offspring throughout gestation and suckling from our recent animal and human studies. In the animal study, adult female rats were given a diet containing 5ug/g Hg (as MeHg) for 8 weeks. Then they were mated and subsequently given the same diet throughout gestation and suckling. On embryonic days 18, 20, 22 and at parturition, the concentrations of Hg in the brains of fetus were approximately 1.5-2.0 times higher than those in the mothers. However, during the suckling period Hg concentrations in the brain rapidly declined to about 1/10 of that during late pregnancy. Hg concentrations in blood also decreased rapidly after birth. In human study, Hg concentrations in red blood cells (RBC-Hg) in 16 pairs of maternal and umbilical cord blood samples were compared at birth and 3 months of age after parturition. RBC-Hg in the umbilical cords was about 1.6 times higher than those in the mothers at parturition. However, all the infants showed declines in Hg concentrations throughout the breast-feeding period. RBC-Hg at 3 months of age was about half that at birth. Both the animal and human studies indicated that MeHg exposure to the fetus might be especially high but it dramatically decreases during the suckling period. Therefore, close attention should be paid to the gestation rather than the breast-feeding period to avoid the risk of MeHg to human infants.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.271-289
• /
• 2009

This thesis intend to help the eastern medical doctor to understand body condition from interpretation of perspirations(汗出) in daily time cycle. The conclusion is followed. 1. In most Eastern Medical classic and clinic literatures, the time of fever and perspirations are described as a result of disease's position at human body. Following this description, in daytime the perspirations must come from the Gi phase and night time the perspirations must come from the blood phase. Because in daytime the skin pores are opening and the defensive Gi is going out to the superficial portion of the body. In night time the skin pores are shutting and the defensive Gi is going in to the five solid organs. So a sweat in daytime comes out from the Gi phase and superficial portion of the body. And in night time comes out from the blood phase and five solid organs. But in recent real clinic cases, in daytime, there are so many perspirations from the five solid organs. Comparatively, the perspirations from the superficial portion of body are very little. And in same daytime perspirations, when the heat pathogens mixed with moist, the symptom revelation time delay to the afternoon. Therefore it can be concluded that the time of perspirations are combination of disease's Gi or blood phase and characteristics of pathogens. The position of disease at human body cannot simply judge the symptom revelation time. 2. The exchange of climate following time cycle of a day effect to the condition of human body. At same time it activates or not activates the pathogens in human body. So we can consider the kinds and characteristics of pathogens by distinguishing the symptom revelation time. In general differentiation of syndromes[辨證] pathogen's kinds and location are generally judged. By understanding the characteristics of pathogen, doctor can devise more correct and delicate prescription.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Oriental Medical Informatics
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.63-71
• /
• 2008

Objectives: We investigated the physical effects of the cosmetics containing Ginkgo biloba. with meridian massage on human skin by using non-invasive instruments. Methods: We made cosmetics containing the extract of Ginkgo biloba. and measured physiological effects such as skin moisturization, blood flow, skin color, sebum secretion, skin evenness of volunteers applied the cosmetic products with meridian massage for 2 weeks. Results: Topical applications of w/o cream that 1 % Ginkgo biloba. was emulsified, showed significant improvement of blood flow, water contents and $L{\ast}$ value of the face skin. And the skin evenness, sebum contents and skin surface smoothness were improved after 2 weeks. Conclusions: The combination of cosmetics containing the extract of Ginkgo biloba. with meridian massage improved the physical properties of human skin during a treatment. Especially the meridian massage played a role of enhancing the effect of the cosmetics containing Ginkgo biloba.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.328-336
• /
• 2023

Purpose: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-based in vitro systems can be of great value in the development and assessment of vaccines but require the right medium for optimal performance of the different cell types present. Here, we compare three commonly used media for their capacity to support innate and adaptive immune responses evoked in PBMCs by Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands and whole inactivated virus (WIV) influenza vaccine. Materials and Methods: Human PBMCs were cultured for different periods of time in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI), Dulbecco's minimal essential medium (DMEM), or Iscove's modified DMEM (IMDM) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum. The viability of the cells was monitored and their responses to TLR ligands and WIV were assessed. Results: With increasing days of incubation, the viability of PBMCs cultured in RPMI or IMDM was slightly higher than that of cells cultured in DMEM. Upon exposure of the PBMCs to TLR ligands and WIV, RPMI was superior to the other two media in terms of supporting the expression of genes related to innate immunity, such as the TLR adaptor protein gene MyD88 (myeloid differentiation factor 88), the interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes MxA (myxovirus resistance protein 1) and ISG56 (interferon-stimulated gene 56), and the leukocyte recruitment chemokine gene MCP1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1). RPMI also performed best with regard to the activation of antigen-presenting cells. As for adaptive immunity, when stimulated with WIV, PBMCs cultured in RPMI or IMDM contained higher numbers of IFNγ-producing T cells and secreted more immunoglobulin G than PBMCs cultured in DMEM. Conclusion: Taken together, among the different media assessed, RPMI was identified as the optimal medium for a human PBMC-based in vitro vaccine evaluation system.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.47-55
• /
• 2004

Wang Cheong-Im(1768-1831) in the Ching dynasty conducted the therapy of blood statis syndrome using the methods for promoting blood circulation and removing blood statis in accordance with the description in the book Uirimgaechak(醫林改錯). Thus, this study examined his methods for promoting blood circulation and removing blood statis, therapy of blood statis syndrome and mechanism of function. Since the blood statis symptoms varied on the parts where the blood statis were occurred, the therapy for promoting blood circulation and removing blood statis applied different treatments and drugs depending on the symptoms. The therapy also valued much of qi and blood. Qi is important to the human body so that the therapy replenished qi and simultaneously promoted the blood circulation as mainly focusing on the regulation of the qi flow. Moreover, the therapy adjusted the level of removing blood circulation and rate of replenishing qi. The degree of prescription and drug was differentiated in treating a variety of blood statis because of the difference in the seriousness and characteristics of blood circulation, amount and application of drug and combination of drugs. The therapy was careful about the regulation of qi for the replenishment of qi and the nurishment of blood for the promotion of blood circulation. If the blood circulation was blocked, the blood statis was formed. Accordingly, the phlegm and the blood statis were closely related. Then, the phlegm and blood statis were simultaneously treated. The therapy divided the properties of blood statis into the stagnant excess syndrome, the stagnant deficiency syndrome, the stagnant cold syndrome and the stagnant heat syndrome and treated the patients suitable for each symptom. The function of mechanism in the treatment using the methods for promoting blood circulation and removing blood statis was divided into the stagnation of blood and interruption in blood circulation. The therapy laid stress on promoting blood circulation and removing blood circulation. With such emphasis, the therapy facilitated the circulation in the bloood vessel, prevented the coagulation of blood, removed the blood statis and promoted the metabolism. Then, the physiological function and pathological change internal organs were improved. Furthermore, the therapy strengtened the heart and promoted the blood circulation by improving the systemic blood circulation. Moreover, the therapy facilitated the micro-circulation by adjusting the balance of body.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.157-166
• /
• 1984

These biologic test procedures are designed to test the suitability of P.V.C. made in Korea intended for parenteral preparation, which were based on the U.S. Pharmacopeia XIX "Biologic Test-Plastic Container", Official from July 1, 1975. Healthy adult human blood and rabbits weighing 2\ulcorner.2Kg were used for test materials. Sample P.V.C. were sampled from the medical equipments made in Korea randomly and Control P.V.C. were sampled from the standardized Cobe and Polystan P.V.C. tubes. P.V.C. extract was prepared from a homogeneous P.V.C. samples by incubating 60 square centimeters of the sample per 20 millimeters of sterile pyrogen-free saline at 70\ulcorner for 72 hours or autoclaving at 120\ulcorner for 1 hour. The Implantation Test was designed to evaluate the reaction of living tissue to the plastic by the method of the implantation of the Sample itself into animal tissue. The Systemic Injection Test, the Intracutaneous Test, and the remainders were designed to determine the biological response of animals to plastics by the single-dose injection of specific extracts prepared from a Sample. The results are as follows; 1.Implantation Test - No significant difference for reactions was noted between the Sample treated animal and the Control after 72 hours of implantation. 2.Systemic Toxicity Injection Test - No sign of toxicity and/or death immediately after injection and at 4, 24, 48 hours respectfully after injection. 3.Intracutaneous Test - None of the animals treated with the Sample showed a significantly greater reaction than the observed in the animals treated with Blank. 4.Pyrogen Assay-Only one animal treated with the Sample showed the maximal rise of rectal temperature about 0.2\ulcorner after 3 hours of injection, but remainders showed no change. 5.Hemolytic Index - The positive Control tube of distilled water exhibited complete hemolysis while the negative Control tube and P.V.C. extract were negative demonstrating no hemolysis. 6.Cell Morphology of Erythrocytes and Leukocytes on Stored, Heparinized Human Blood -- There was no significant difference in the morphology of either the Control or Sample extract. 7.Clotting Mechanism of Human Blood in vitro - After allowing to the P.V.C. extract at room temperature for 5 Hours and at 10\ulcorner for 24 hours, there was no appreciable difference in Prothrombin Time under these conditions. 8.Clotting Mechanism of Rabbit in vivo - At the termination of 5 days after intraperitoneal injection of the P.V.C. extract, no significant changes in Clotting Time were observed. According to the above results, it could be concluded that the P.V.C. made in Korea was acceptable for parenteral preparation, especially treated with physiologic saline and/or human blood.man blood.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.5-11
• /
• 2005

Prostaglandin $E_1$($PGE_1$) is known to have various physiological action such as vasodilatation, decrease of blood pressure, angiogenesis, inhibition of platelet aggregation and so forth. $PGE_1$ has been developed in many different formulations in order to overcome its chemical instability and deactivation in the lungs when administered parenterally. Lipo-AS013 is a potent drug with higher chemical stability and greater vascular wall targeting than others. The study was done on $3{\times}10cm$ model flap of dorsal skin of Sprague-Dawley rats and the flap perfusion survival were observed and documented. The flap treated with Lipo-AS013 beforehand was given intravenously Sodium fluorescein 10 minutes later, and then Percent Dye Fluorescence Index(% DFI) was calculated. The results were compared to a control group and the group administered locally epinephrine.. In the control group, the % DFI and flap survival rate increased from $54.1{\pm}6.7$ to $65.0{\pm}2.6$(p<0.01) while in Lipo-AS013 group from $55.3{\pm}2.2$ to $67.4{\pm}1.9$(p<0.01), respectively. In the epinephrine group, the % DFI(p<0.05) and flap survival rate(p<0.001) decreased. In the both epinephrine and Lipo-AS013 group Percent DFI and flap survival rate are comparable with the control group.The result indicates that the potent Lipo-AS013 enhances the blood flow and flap survival. This highly potent Lipo-AS013 may have targeting ability and accumulate $PGE_1$ onto the vascular walls. A quantitative analysis of fluorescence on the skin surface is a reliable tool to measure the blood perfusion into an ischemic flap and its viability. Further comparative study with conventional $PGE_1$ and Lipo-$PGE_1$ is needed in order to clarify the action and efficiency of Lipo-AS013.