• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.1210-1218
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• 2007

Recently Atopic Dermatitis(AD) is increasing along with allergic disease. At present, there is no infallible cure for AD. Then AD patients undergo great suffering. This study is carried out to see whether or not the administering Danggwieumja(DG) along with Samhwangseje-gamibang(SG} as a medicine for external aplication, is effective in treating atopic dermatitis. To examine the effectiveness of the above prescription, the author made an observation of diverse immune responses. through the model of NC/Nga atopic mice. Results provided evidence that the DG administration along with SG can be used as a treatment means to atopic dermatitis. The results are as follows: The extent of Clinical skin severities in 13 and 16 week old NC/Nga mice treated with DG and SG, were reduced by 50.9%, 53.9% respectively, compared to the control NC/Nga mice with no drug treatment. IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IgM and IgG1 levels in the serum of the NC/Nga mice treated with DG and SG were significantly decreased compared to those of the untreated control mice. In contrary, to the $IFN-{\gamma}$ level, significantly increased. The spleen weight of the NC/Nga mice treated with DG and SG significantly decreased compared to those of the untreated control mice. CCR3 gene expression in the skin tissue of NC/Nga mice treated with DG and SG were highly decreased, and the IL-6 expression significantly decreased, and the $IFN-{\gamma}$ gene expression increased compared to those of the untreated control mice. Histological observation of the ear and dorsal skin tissue of the NC/Nga mice treated with DG and SG, showed that the extents of inflammation and infiltrated immune cells in the epidermal tissue and dermis, were highly reduced compared to those of the untreated control mice. In the model inducing COX-2 activity in RAW 264.7 cell, the denser DG became, the more COX-2 activity was inhibited, compared to those of the untreated control group. $IL-1{\beta}$, and $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6 gene expression in RAW 264.7 cell with DG, significantly decreased, compared to those of the untreated control group. According to the assessment of cell toxicity in L929 cell, the rate of cell multiplication increased by 3% in consistency to 100ppm of DG compared to the untreated control group and in more than the 200 ppm consistency, cell toxicity was occurred.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.72-81
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• 2018

Background: Polysaccharides are the most important functional constituent in Astragalus membranaceus. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of polysaccharides isolated from the aboveground parts of A. membranaceus (AMA) and polysaccharides isolated from the roots of A. membranaceus (AMR) immune function by modulated cytotoxic T cell and Th1- and Th2-related cytokines kinetics. Methods and Results: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into exhaustive exercise case groups and non-exercise case, AMA and AMR samples were administered orally for 30 days (500 mg/kg/day and 10 mg/kg/day, respectively) and were compared to those rats in the groups fed commercial sports drink (SPD) and vehicle. Both exhaustive exercise groups and non-exercise groups had a lower ratio of $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$ cells in the spleens of the rat fed AMA and AMR compared to those in the rats fed SPD and vehicle group. These results suggested that AMA and AMR promote an increase in the proportion of cytotoxic T cells. The IL-4-producing T lymphocytes decreased significantly in the AMR (10 mg/kg/day) group compared to SPD and vehicle, whereas the AMA group increased the IL-4 concentration more than the SPD and vehicle in exhaustive exercise group. However, the populations of IFN-${\gamma}$-producing T lymphocytes of AMR and AMA increased. AMA decreased the concentration of IFN-${\gamma}$ to inhibit the Th1 response and thereby increased the concentration of IL-4 to induce a Th2 response that was related to humoral immunity in the non-exercise group. Conclusions: These results showed that, in addition to Th1/Th2 regulation, AMR and AMA played an important immuno-modulatory role after exhaustive exercise-induced Th1/Th2 lymphocyte imbalance, which might be correlated with cytokine producing immunoregulatory cells.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.12-29
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• 2006

Background and Aims : Even though various strategies for cancer treatment have advanced with the remarkable development of genomic information and technology, it is far from giving relief to cancer patients. Recently there is accumulating evidence that the immune system is closely connected to anti-tumor defense mechanisms in a multistage process. This includes tumorigenesis, invasion, growth and metastasis. Cordyceps Militaris, a well-known oriental herbal medicine, is a parasitic fungus that has been used as an immune enhancing agent for a long period of time. However, little is known about the cancer-related immunomodulatory effects and anti-tumor activities. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Cordyceps Militaris extract (CME) on immune modulating and anti-tumor activity. Materials and Methods : To elucidate the effects of CME on macrophage and natural killer (NK) cell activity, we analyzed nitric oxide (NO) production, NK cytotoxicity and gene expression of cytokines related with macrophages and NK cell activity. Results and Conclusions : CME activated and promoted macrophage production of NO. It also enhanced gene expression of IL-1 and iNOS in RAW 264.7 cells. CME promoted cytotoxicity of NK cells against YAC-1 cells and enhanced NK cell related gene expression such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-12, iNOS, IFN-${\gamma}$ and　TNF-${\alpha}$ in mice splenocytes. It also Promoted protein expression of IL-10, IL-12, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ in mice splenocytes and inhibited lung tumor metastasis induced by CT-26 cell line compared with the control group. From these results, it could be concluded that CME is an effective herbal drug for modulating the immune system and anti-cancer treatment by promoting macrophage and NK cell activity.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the hypothesis that a highly pure linear ${\beta}$-1,3-glucan produced by Agrobacterium sp. R259 enhances human natural killer (NK) cell activity and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In an eight-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 83 healthy adults with white blood cell counts of $4,000-8,000cells/{\mu}L$ were participated and randomly assigned to take two capsules per day containing either 350 mg ${\beta}$-1,3-glucan or placebo. Six participants withdrew their study consent or were excluded due to NK cell activity levels outside the normal range. NK cell activity and serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and cytokines, such as interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ were measured. RESULTS: NK cell activity and the serum levels of IL-10 were significantly higher from baseline to week 8 in the ${\beta}$-glucan group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.048, P = 0.029). Consumption of ${\beta}$-1,3-glucan also significantly increased NK cell activity compared with placebo after adjusting for smoking and stress status (P = 0.009). In particular, the effect of ${\beta}$-1,3-glucan on NK cell activity was greater in participants with severe stress than in those experiencing mild stress. However, the administration ${\beta}$-1,3-glucan did not significantly modulate the levels of IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IgG compared with the placebo. CONCLUSION: The results showed that supplementation with bacterial ${\beta}$-1,3-glucan significantly increased NK cell activity without causing any adverse effects. Additionally, the beneficial effect of ${\beta}$-1,3-glucan on NK cell activity was greater in participants experiencing severe stress.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.388-395
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• 2009

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of early feed restriction (FR, 8 to 14 d of age) on growth performance and immune function in broiler chickens. Birds were fed corresponding diets from 3 to 35 d of age, which consisted of three phases: starter (3 to 7 d of age), FR (8 to 14 d of age) and re-alimentation (15 to 35 d of age) phases. During the FR period, each group of birds was fed the basal diet ad libitum (CON), 85% (EN85) and 70% (EN70) of lower calorie diet ad libitum (qualitative FR), and 85% (FI85) and 70% (FI70) of voluntary intake on a daily basis (quantitative FR). As a result, there was no statistical difference in weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio between the CON and quantitative or qualitative FR groups during the entire (3 to 35 d) periods. In particular, the EN85 group resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in weight gain compared with the EN70, FI85 and FI70 groups. Plasma total protein and albumin at 14 d of age (during FR) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the quantitative and qualitative FR groups, but these parameters at 35 d of age (after re-alimentation) were higher (p<0.05) in the EN85 and EN70 groups than in the CON group. Plasma IgG level was unaffected by dietary FR procedure. In cytokines, there was no significant difference in the expression of lymphocytic IL-4 and IFN-${\gamma}$ at 14 d of age between the FR and the CON groups, whereas lymphocytic IL-6 and iNOS expression were significantly (p<0.05) lower in FI85 and FI70 groups. Moreover, lymphocytic iNOS was also significantly (p<0.05) lower in birds fed qualitative and quantitative diets compared with those fed ad libitum. In the thymus, IL-4 expression was higher (p<0.05) in FI85 and FI70 groups, whereas IL-6 expression was lower (p<0.05) in the FI85 and FI70 groups than in the CON group. Thymic iNOS was significantly (p<0.05) lower in birds fed qualitatively and quantitatively restricted diets compared with those fed ad libitum. At 35 d of age, there was no difference in the expression of IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-${\gamma}$ of lymphocytes and thymus between the FR and CON groups. In conclusion, 85% of quantitative and qualitative FR would have a beneficial effect on the expression of some cytokines including IL-4 and iNOS without change in growth performance of birds.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1071-1077
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• 2017

A rise in the occurrence of allergic diseases is attributed to the dysregulated balance of type 1/type 2 immunity, where type 2 T-helper (Th2) cells predominate over type 1 T-helper (Th1) cells, leading to an abnormally increased production of IgE in response to unharmful antigens. Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, is a rich source of beneficial lactic acid bacteria. In this study, we investigated the ability of Enterococcus faecium FC-K derived from kimchi to induce type I immunity in the presence of Th2 polarizing conditions in vitro and in vivo. Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with E. faecium FC-K induced the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12. Under the in vitro Th2 conditions in which splenic T cells were activated in the presence of IL-4, E. faecium FC-K enhanced the ability of T cells to produce interferon $(IFN)-{\gamma}$. Using the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy model, male BALB/c mice receiving E. faecium FC-K reduced the serum level of total IgE, but not that of OVA-specific IgE. Furthermore, the population of activated splenic B cells during OVA immunization was decreased in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice, accounting for a reduction of total IgE in the serum. Restimulating splenocytes from OVA-immunized mice with OVA ex vivo resulted in an increased production of $IFN-{\gamma}$, with no effect on IL-4, in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice. These observations provide the evidence that E. faecium FC-K can be a beneficial probiotic strain that can modulate the Th2-mediated pathologic response.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.68-82
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• 2008

Objective: The purpose of our study was to show the effects of Hwalhyulmaksung-bang (Huoxiemoxing-fang, HHMSB) treatment on cBSA-induced in MN Mouse Model. Methods: We divided the 20 mice into 4 groups. One group, named NR, was not treated. The second group, named CT, was treated with cBSA (7mg/kg i.p) only. The third group, named HH-250, was treated with cBSA (7mg/kg i.p) and HHMSB extract (250mg/kg, p.o). The fourth group, named HH-500, was treated with cBSA (7mg/kg i.p) and HHMSB extract (500mg/kg, p.o). 4 weeks after cBSA, proteinuria, serum albumin, total cholesterol, serum creatinine, BUN, total cell number of spleen and kidney of all groups were measured. CD3e+/CD19+ and CD4+/CD8 cells ratio of peripheral blood, kidney and spleen of all groups were analyzed. $IL-1{\beta}$ and TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IgG, IgM, and IFN-$\gamma$ levels of all groups were gauged. Histological analysis of kidney tissue and immunohistochemical staining (CD4, CD8) of kidney were observed. Results: The level of proteinuria significantly decreased and serum albumin increased in the group treated with cBSA and HHMSB extract compared with the control. Total cholesterol decreased but not significantly. CD3e+/CD19cells ratio of peripheral blood is decreased, but CD4+/CD8cells ratio has no significancy. CD3e+/CD19+ and CD4+/CD8 cells percentage of kidney and spleen has no significancy. Level of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 is significantly decreased, and IFN-$\gamma$ is significantly increased on HHMSB compared with control. Total IgG level significantly decreased on HHMSB compared with the control. Thickness of GBM decreased on histological analysis of kidney. Deposition of CD4 and CD8 decreased on immunohistochemical staining of kidney. Conclusions: We conclude that Hwalhyulmaksung-bang treatment may could be a useful remedy agents for treating Membranous Neuropathy(MN) induced by cationized bovine serum albumin.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.1-18
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• 2006

Objective : Although management of asthma has become increasingly effective, its cure remains elusive, necessitating a new modality to prevent or eliminate causes triggering clinical progress. Based in the clinical experiences, a novel decoration Cheongsangbiyeum (CSB), has been developed to treat asthma, which consists of Polyporus, Semen Myristicae, Pericarpium citri Reticulatae, Rhizoma Cimicifugae, Cortex Albizziae, Fructus Rubi, Rhizoma Zedoariae, and Rhizoma Rhei. In the current study, its anti-asthmatic efficacy was evaluated using a mouse model of asthma. Methods : Experimental allergic asthma was induced by repeated intraperitioneal sensitization and intranasal challenge of ovalbumin (OVA). Water extract of CSB (1 mg/mouse/day) was administrated orally whereas control mice on given with identical volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 5 days during the course of antigen challenge. When airway hyperreactivity(AHR) measured by ${\bata}-methacoline-induced$ airflow obstruction was compared, AHR of CSB-treated mice was significantly lower than those of control mice, indicating that CM extract can attenuate an asthmatic symptom. Airway recruitment of leukocytes and eosinophils was also markedly reduced by CSB treatment suggesting that oral treatment of CSB can alleviate the airway inflammation. For a better understanding of possible mechanisms underlying anti-asthmatic effet of CSB, cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and $IFN{\gamma}$ levels in bronchoalveola lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were determined. Results : The results showed that cytokine levels were significantly lowered by CSB treatment. Additionally, number of draining lymph node cells was significantly lower than those of control mice. These data indicate that CSB suppress in vivo allergen-specific response. However, notably, levels of type 2 cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-13 were more profoundly influenced. Moreover, in vitro OVA-specific proliferative response and type 2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) production lymph node cells was markedly decreased in CSB-treated mice, whereas their $IFN{\gamma}$ production was not significantly altered Thrse data clearly showed a preferential inhibition of type 2 T cell (Th2) response by CSB treatment. This finding was also supported by serum antibody data showing that levels of OVA-specific type 2 antibodies, IgE and IgG1, in CSB-treated mice were significantly lower than in control mice, while type 1 antibody, IgG2a level m rather higher than controls, although the difference was in significant. Conclusions : In conclusion, oral administration of CSB attenuates asthmatic manifestations including AHR ad airway recruitment of eosinophils in a mouse model which possibly results from selective inhibition of Th2 cell response to allergen. Our data suggest a potential clinical application of CSB for control of allergic asthma.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.25-55
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• 2008

Objectives : The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of Astragali Radix Herbal-Acupuncture Solution(AR-HAS) at $ST_{36}$(jok-samni, $Z\acute{u}s\bar{a}n$ Li) on collagen- II -induced arthritis(CIA) in mice. Methods : DBA/1J mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen(CII) on days 0 and 21 to induce arthritis. The mice were divided into 5 groups : normal group(no CIA), control group(CIA+no treatment), needle prick group(CIA+single prick with an injection needle), saline group(CIA+saline injection) and ARHA group(CIA+ R-HA treatment). The needle prick, saline injection, and AR-HA groups were injected on the right $ST_{36}$(jok-samni) of mice for 9 weeks, 3 times a week, beginning 4 weeks after the booster immunization. Results : 1. The incidence of arthritis, AI(arthritis index), and joint edema decreased in the AR-HA group. 2. Weight gain, hypertrophy of the spleen, adhesion of the tissues, and transformation of the joint were restrained in the AR-HA group. 3. The concentrations of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IFN-{\gamma}$ in CIA mouse serum and $IFN-{\gamma}$, IL-10 in the CIA mouse spleen cell culture decreased significantly at $ST_{36}$ in the AR-HA group. 4. Total cell counts increased significantly, and the ratio of $CD3e^+$ to $CD45R^+$, $CD4^+$ to $CD8^+$, and $CD4^+$ to $CD25^+$ cells decreased significantly at $ST_{36}$ in the CIA mouse spleen cell culture of the AR-HA group. 5. Total cell counts decreased significantly, and $CD4^+/CD25^+$ and $CD45R^+/CD69^+$ decreased significantly at $ST_{36}$ in the CIA mouse lymph nodes of the AR-HA group. 6. $CD3e^+/CD69^+$ and $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells decreased significantly at $ST_{36}$ in the CIA mouse joints of the AR-HA group. 7. The histological examination showed that cartilage destruction and synoviocyte proliferation decreased in the CIA mouse joints of the AR-HA group, and collagen fiber was expressed similar to that seen in the normal group. Conclusions : Our experiments show that at $ST_{36}$, an anti-inflammatory mechanism of AR-HA controls synovial cell proliferation and protects against cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.221-231
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• 2005

Background: Immune regulatory dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in maintaining self-tolerance. Recent evidences demonstrate that DCs expressing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which is involved in tryptophan catabolism, play an important role in immunoregulation and tolerance and induce T cell apoptosis. This study was devised to examine the role of IDO in the oral tolerance induction in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. Methods: Beginning 2 weeks before immunization, CII was fed six times to DBA/1 mice and the effect on arthritis was assessed. In tolerized mice, $CD11c^+$ DCs were isolated and stimulated with CII, IFN-${\gamma}$, and LPS with or without IDO inhibitor, 1-methyl-DL-tryptophan (1-MT) and IDO expression by $CD11c^+$ DCs was analyzed using FACS and RT-PCR. The expression of IDO, MHC II, CD80, and CD86 by $CD11c^+$ DCs were examined using confocal microscopy. Regulatory effect of $CD11c^+$ DCs on Ag-specific T cell proliferative response to CII was examined by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) with or without 1-MT. Results: The proportion of IDO-expressing $CD11c^+$ DCs was slightly higher in tolerized mice than in CIA mice and significantly increased after stimulation with CII, IFN-${\gamma}$, and LPS in an IDO-dependent manner. On confocal microscopic examination, the expression of IDO was higher and those of MHC II and CD86 were lower in CD11c + DCs from tolerized mice compared to those from CIA mice. On MLR, $CD11c^+$ DCs from tolerized mice inhibited T cell proliferative response to CII in an IDO-dependent manner. Conclusion: Enhanced IDO expression by $CD11c^+$ DCs from tolerized mice may contribute to the regulation of proliferative response of CII-reactive T cells and could be involved in the induction of oral tolerance to CII.