• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.883-898
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Probiotics have been suggested as potent modulators of age-related disorders in immunological functions, yet little is known about sex-dependent effects of probiotic supplements. Therefore, we aimed to investigate sex-dependent effects of probiotics on profiles of the gut microbiota and peripheral immune cells in healthy older adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, healthy elderly individuals ≥ 65 yrs old were administered probiotic capsules (or placebo) for 12 wk. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. Peripheral immune cells were profiled using flow cytometry for lymphocytes (natural killer, B, CD4⁺ T, and CD8⁺ T cells), dendritic cells, monocytes, and their subpopulations. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, phylum Firmicutes was significantly reduced in the probiotic group in women, but not in men. At the genus level, sex-specific responses included reductions in the relative abundances of pro-inflammatory gut microbes, including Catabacter and unclassified_Coriobacteriales, and Burkholderia and unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, in men and women, respectively. Peripheral immune cell profiling analysis revealed that in men, probiotics significantly reduced the proportions of dendritic cells and CD14⁺ CD16^- monocytes; however, these effects were not observed in women. In contrast, the proportion of total CD4⁺ T cells was significantly reduced in women in the probiotic group. Additionally, serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein levels showed a decreasing tendency that were positively associated with changes in gut bacteria, including Catabacter (ρ = 0.678, P < 0.05) and Burkholderia (ρ = 0.673, P < 0.05) in men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that probiotic supplementation may reduce the incidence of inflammation-related diseases by regulating the profiles of the gut microbiota and peripheral immune cells in healthy elders in a sex-specific manner.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.348-355
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• 2011

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen that is associated with various types of local and systemic infection. Staphylococcal protin A (SPA), a highly expressed surface component of S. aureus, may have a role in virulence such as activating inflammation and interfering with immune clearance. We examined the effect of recombinant SPA on inflammatory response in human HaCaT keratinocytes. The recombinant SPA protein was prepared using the pET-28a Vector System in Escherichia coli. The expression of pro-inflammatory related adhesion molecules and cytokines in HaCaT cells incubated for 6, 12, and 24 h with SPA (2 ${\mu}g$/ml) was analyzed by comparative RT-PCR or ELISA. The expression of E-selectin, ICAM-1, MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-8 was significantly increased in HaCaT from 6 to 24 h after treatment with SPA. SPA showed the effect on the adhesion-promoting ability of U937 monocytes to HaCaT cells. Our data demonstrate that SPA stimulates inflammatory response of HaCaT cells, implicating an important factor for exacerbation of skin inflammation of immunologic disease.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.94-110
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• 2010

Objective : This study was performed to evaluate the effect of immune reaction inductive substances such as phorbol-myristate-acetate(PMA), lipopolysaccharide(LPS), dermato-phagoides pteronyssus crude extract(DPE), dinitrochloro-benzene(DNCB) and Cryptotympana pustulata(CP), the Cryptotympana pustulata extracting substance at simultaneously on the translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-${\kappa}B$) towards to the nucleus and the mRNA expression patterns of various cytokine genes in Human acute monocytic leukemia cell line(THP-1 cells), monocytes of human. Experiment : To analyze cytokine genes expression patterns, the RT-PCR method was used, measuring tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-$\alpha$ that had been secreted during cell culture in the ELISA method. The morphological change in the cell observed during THP-1 cell culture was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the quantitative distribution in the cell NF-${\kappa}B$ was analyzed through immunocytochemistry and a confocal microscopy. Result : CP showed different influences onto the mRNA expression patterns of cytokine genes with PMA, LPS. DPE and DNCB according to the types of immune inductive substances in the THP-1 cells. The expressions of inter-leukin(IL)-10, interferon(INF)-$\gamma$, TNF-$\alpha$ and monocyte chemoattractantant protein(MCP)-1 induced by PMA were suppressed by CP while the expression of transforming growth factor(TGF)-$\beta$ was promoted. Regarding the secretion pattern of TNF-$\alpha$ according to PMA processing, its secretion amount was increased by CP concurrent processing, in case of processing CP onto PMA and LPS, We discovered that the secretion amount of TNF-$\alpha$ was increased. Upon processing PMA and LPS on the THP-1 cell strain at the same time or either additionally processing CP thereon, the movement increase towards the nucleus from the NF-${\kappa}B$ cell cytoplasm, a transcription factor was able to be observed. Conclusion : In this study, Cryptotympana pustulata extracting substance was confirmed that it had an influence on expression patterns of cytokine genes according to the actions of a variety kinds of immune reaction inductive substances processed on the monocyte THP-1 cell of humans. Therefore, additional studies as for the immune adjusting function of Cryptotympana pustulata are considered to be able to offer important materials for curing immune abnormal diseases such as atopy dermatitis afterward.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.333-350
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• 1999

The modulation of leukocyte cell surface adhesion molecules may influence the development of cellular events that determine the course of the inflammatory process. Direct interaction between activated T cells and monocytes resulted in a large production of $IL-1{\beta}$ by monocytes. In this reactions, adhesion molecules play an important part, yet the role of them in Tmonocytes interaction remain unclear. This study was undertaken in an effort to elucidate, 1) the influence of 1.25(OH)$_2D_3-induced$ differentiation on the monocyte responsiveness to direct contact with T lymphocytes, and 2) the role of adhesion molecules on the T-monocyte direct interaction. Initially, I observed that direct contact of monocyte cell line THP-1 with stimulated fixed T cell line HuT78 markedly induces IL-1${\beta}$ production by THP-1. $IL-1{\beta}$ production was higher when THP-1 had been previously exposed to 1.25(OH)$_2D_3$ as compared to control, with ${\alpha}$- 1.25(OH)$_2D_3$ dose-dependent and exposure time-dependent manner. It was shown that 1.25(OH)$_2D_3$ also increased the expression of ${\beta}_2$ integrin adhesion receptor Mac-1(CD11b/CD18) dose- and timedependently, but did not increase the expression of human leukocyte antigen- D(HLA-D) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1). The $IL-1{\beta}$ producing activity of THP-1 cells correlated well with the ability to induce the Mac-1 expression on THP-1 surface. Monoclonal antibody raised against relevant cell surface glycoproteins on THP-1 were tested for their ability to block the response of THP-1 to T cells. Antibody to Mac-1 only partially blocked $IL-1{\beta}$ production by THP-1, whereas antibodies to ICAM-1 and HLA-D did not. These data indicate that regulation of Mac-1 expression on THP-1 cells can alter the responsiveness of these cells to contact by activated T cells, however other unknown structures on the THP-1 cells may be involved in this process also.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.192-202
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• 2009

Background: Little information is available the role of Nitric Oxide (NO) in host defenses during human tuberculosis (TB) infection. We investigated the modulating factor(s) affecting NO synthase (iNOS) induction in human macrophages. Methods: Both iNOS mRNA and protein that regulate the growth of mycobacteria were determined using reverase transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The upstream signaling pathways were further investigated using iNOS specific inhibitors. Results: Here we show that combined treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D3) and Interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ synergistically enhanced NO synthesis and iNOS expression induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) or by its purified protein derivatives in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Both the nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ and MEK1-ERK1/2 pathways were indispensable in the induction of iNOS expression, as shown in toll like receptor 2 stimulation. Further, the combined treatment with 1,25-D3 and IFN-${\gamma}$ was more potent than either agent alone in the inhibition of intracellular MTB growth. Notably, this enhanced effect was not explained by increased expression of cathelicidin, a known antimycobacterial effector of 1,25-D3. Conclusion: These data support a key role of NO in host defenses against TB and identify novel modulating factors for iNOS induction in human macrophages.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.749-755
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• 2001

High Electromagnetic Field (EMF) with an intensity of 1 mT (Tesla) inhibited the growth of both human normal lung and immune T cell down to $20-30\%$, compared to that of an unexposed case. The human T-cells, Jurkat, were more severely affected by EMF than the human lung cells, which showed a relatively slow cell growth and substantial releas of $Ca^+2$ (3.5 times higher than the human T-cells). However, the growth of hepatoma carcinoma, Hep3B, was enhanced by twice that of an unexposed case. The EMF intensity and exposure time did not affect the growth of the cancer cells very much, while it significantly affected the growth of normal cells. Accordingly, it is possible that EMFs may play a role in the initiation of cancer. The EMFs disturbed the signal transduction and membrane systems, such that a five times higher amount of PKC-${\alpha}$ was released from the cell membrane than in the control. Extended exposure to EMFs, for more than 48 hours, also led to 1 $90\%$ necrotic death pattern from apoptotic cell death. Finally, EMF at an intensity of 1mT with a 24-T exposure promoted the differentiation of HL-60 cells to monocytes/macrophages, possibly causing potential acute leukemia.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.35-44
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• 1999

Dendritic cells(DC) are a system of highly efficient antigen-presenting cells that initiate the primary immune response. There are two kinds of dendritic cells in the skin, Langerhans cell in the epidermis and dermal dendritic cell in the dermis. The knowledge of DC, which are very important in the immune reponse of cancer, autoimmune disease, transplantation and infection, has been known through the study about Langerhans cells. In this paper, the role of Langerhans cell in the contact hypersensitivity and atopic dermatitis is discussed and culture methods of mouse Langerhans cells and human U from pheripheral blood monocytes are described.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.26-31
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• 2001

Background : Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) play key roles during T cell-dependent humoral immune responses by allowing antigen-specific B cells to survive, proliferate, and differentiate within the FDC networks of secondary follicles, i.e., germinal centers (GC). Methods: A novel monoclonal antibody, 3C8, was generated by immunizing with an FDC line HK, in order to understand the molecular signals involved in the FDC-B cell interactions in the microenvironment of the GC. Results: The 3C8 antibody did not bind to mononuclear cells, including T cells, B cells, and monocytes. Murine L929 and human skin fibroblasts exhibited no or little reactivity to 3C8. However, 3C8 specifically recognized HK cells by flowcytometry. Furthermore, the antigen recognized by 3C8 was restricted to the GC of the human tonsil. Dendritic networks of the GC were intensely stained by 3C8, but cells outside the GC were not. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the antigen 3C8 may play some unique role on FDCs during the GC reactions.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.140-148
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• 2000

Objectives : This experiment was conducted to investigate the suppressive effects of Dangguijakyak-san and Wuelbigachul-tang on the expression of ICAM-l and ${\beta}1-integrin$, which mediate cell-cell or cell-matrix interaction, and on the proliferation of mesangial cells. Methods : After in vitro culturing of human mesangial cells with the supernatant which was obtained from the monocytes separated from human blood with Con-A, hydrocortisone, Dangguijakyak-san and Wuelbigachul-tang respectively, we evaluated suppressive effects by measuring the mesangial cell surface enzyme immunoassay or flow cytometry. Results : The results are summarized as follows: 1. Dangguijakyak-san and Wuelbigachul-tang induced marked suppressive effects on the mesangial cell proliferation in the 50% and 25% supernatant concentration stimulating experiments, but hydrocortisone had little effect in these experiments. 2. Dangguijakyak-san and Wuelbigachul-tang induced marked suppressive effects on ICAM-l and ${\beta}1-integrin$ expression, but were less effective than hydrocortisone was. Conclusions : Based on these results, Dangguijakyak-san and Wuelbigachul-tang were found to be effective in the suppression of mesangial cell proliferation and in ICAM-1 and ${\beta}1-integrin$ expression. Further in vitro investigations as conducted above, with the in vivo experiments reflected, may prove that Dangguijakyak-san and Wuelbigachul-tang contribute to the prevention of the glomerular disease.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.963-969
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• 2001

Objectives : Cord blood stem cells have been widely used as donor cells for bone marrow transplantation recently. These cells can give rise to a variety of hematopoietic lineages to repopulate the blood. Recent observations reveal that some bone marrow cells and bone marrow stromal cells(MSCs) can grow to become either neurons or glial cells. It is, however, unclear whether or not there exists stems cells which can differentiate into neurons in the blood during the early stages of postnatal life. Methods : Human cord blood stem cells were prepared from human placenta after full term delivery. To induce neuronal differentiation of stem cells, ${\beta}$-mercaptoethanol was treated. To confirm the neuro-glial characteristics of differentiated stem cells, immunocytochemical stain for NeuN, neurofilament, glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP), microtubule associated protein2(MAP2) was performed. RT-PCR was performed for detecting nestin mRNA and MAP2 mRNA. Results : We showed in this experiment that neuro-glial markers(NeuN, neurofilament, MAP2, GFAP) were expressed and axon-like cytoplasmic processes are elaborated in the cultured human cord blood stem cells prepared from new born placenta after full term delivery. Nestin mRNA was also detected in fresh cord blood monocytes. Conclusions : These results suggest that human cord blood derived stem cells may be potential sources of neurons in early postnatal life.