• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.289-297
• /
• 2019

Objectives: To identify the positive rate of and the risk factors associated with latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI) in mine workers, the objectives of the present study evaluated those among former mine workers. Methods: Between January 2015 and May 2017, former male mine workers who had been subjects for epidemiology research for work-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and had received QuantiFERON-$TB^{(R)}$ Gold In-Tube(QFT-GIT) from the Institute of Occupation and Environment(IOE) under Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service(KCOMWEL) were selected as the study subjects. To identify significant variables for increased risk of LTBI, logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: A total of 736 male former mine workers were selected as study subjects. The positive rate of LTBI among subjects was 69.2%(509/736). The current smoking[odds ratio(OR), 2.3; 95% confidence interval(CI), 1.1-4.9], COPD(OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.9-2.3), department loading(OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.9-3.4) and mining(OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.9-2.5), and working duration of over 20(OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.9-3.1) and over 30 years(OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.9-4.9) were associated with increased risk of LTBI. The interferon-gamma(IFN-${\gamma}$) level after stimulation with Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)-specific antigens showed a significantly negative correlation with age(r=-0.126). Conclusions: The present study determined that the high positive rate of LTBI among mine workers was associated with not only the host factors but also the occupational exposure to mine dust.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.29-37
• /
• 2015

Background: Panax ginseng (i.e., ginseng) root is extensively used in traditional oriental medicine. It is a modern pharmaceutical reagent for preventing various human diseases such as cancer. Ginsenosidesd-the major active components of ginsengd-exhibit immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanism and function underlying such effects are not fully elucidated, especially in human monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). Methods: We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng root on $CD14^+$ monocytes purified from human adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and on their differentiation into DCs that affect $CD4^+$ T cell activity. Results: After treatment with ginsenoside fractions, monocyte levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 increased through phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). After treatment with ginsenoside fractions, TNF-${\alpha}$ production and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK decreased in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-sensitized monocytes.We confirmed that DCs derived from $CD14^+$ monocytes in the presence of ginsenoside fractions (Gin-DCs) contained decreased levels of the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. The expression of these costimulatory molecules decreased in LPS-treated DCs exposed to ginsenoside fractions, compared to their expression in LPS-treated DCs in the absence of ginsenoside fractions. Furthermore, LPS-treated Gin-DCs could not induce proliferation and interferon gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) production by $CD4^+$ T cells with the coculture of Gin-DCs with $CD4^+$ T cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that ginsenoside fractions from the ginseng root suppress cytokine production and maturation of LPS-treated DCs and downregulate $CD4^+$ T cells.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.64 no.1
• /
• pp.166-182
• /
• 2022

Deer antler velvet is widely used in traditional medicine for its anti-aging, antioxidant, and immunity-enhancing effects. However, few studies have reported on the discovery of probiotic strains for deer antler fermentation to increase functional ingredient absorption. This study evaluated the ability of probiotic lactic acid bacteria to enhance the concentrations of bioactive molecules (e.g., sialic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) in extracts of deer antler velvet. Seventeen strains of Lactobacillus spp. that were isolated from kimchi and infant feces, including L. sakei, L. rhamnosus, L. brevis, and L. plantarum, and those that improved the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans were selected for evaluation. Of the 17 strains, 2 (L. rhamnosus LFR20-004 and L. sakei LFR20-007) were selected based on data showing that these strains increased both the sialic acid and GABA contents of deer antler extract after fermentation for 2 d and significantly improved the life span of C. elegans. Co-fermentation with both strains further increased the concentrations of sialic acid, GABA, and metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and amino acids. We evaluated the biological effects of the fermented antler velvet (FAV) on the antibacterial immune response in C. elegans by assessing worm survival after pathogen infection. The survival of the C. elegans conditioned with FAV for 24h was significantly higher compared with that of the control worm group fed only normal feed (non-pathogenic E. coli OP50) exposed to E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhi, and Listeria monocytogenes. To evaluate the protective effects of FAV on immune response, cyclophosphamide (Cy), an immune-suppressing agent was treated to in vitro and in vivo. We found that FAV significantly restored viability of mice splenocytes and immune promoting-related cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], interferon [IFN]-γ, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) were activated compared to non-fermented deer antlers. This finding indicated the protective effect of FAV against Cy-induced cell death and immunosuppressed mice. Taken together, our study suggests that immune-promoting antler velvet can be produced through fermentation using L. rhamnosus LFR20-004 and L. sakei LFR20-007.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.78-88
• /
• 2005

Background: Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice is animal model of autoimmune disease known as rheumatic arthritis in human. We investigated CII-specific CD4+ T cell receptor usage in CIA mice. Methods: In CIA model, draining lymph node (dLN) CD4+ T cells and splenocytes at $3^{rd},\;5^{th},\;8^{th}$ week, we investigated CII-specific T cell proliferation, production of IL-17, IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-4 and IL-10. And we also performed anti-CII IgG Ab measurements in serum level, TCRV ${\beta}$ usage and T cell clonality with RT-PCR-SSCP analysis. Also, we performed proliferative response against CII when CII-specific T cell subset is deleted. Results: CIA mice showed more increase in the serum level of anti-CII IgG than normal mice after induction of arthritis. And the level of anti-CII IgG2a in CIA mice was increased after $3^{rd}$ week after primary immunization, while anti-CII IgG1 was decreased. Draining LN CD4+ T cells have proliferated against CII stimulation at $3^{rd}$ week after $1^{st}$immunization. CD4+T cells derived from dLN of CIA mice produced proinflammatory cytokine IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-17 etc. Draining LN CD4 T cells of CIA presented higher proportion of CD4+V ${\beta}3$+subset compared to those of normal mice at $3^{rd}$ week after $1^{st}$ immunization, and they were increased in proportion by CII stimulation. Draining LN CD4+ T cells without TCRV ${\beta}3+/V{\beta}8.1/8.2+/V{\beta}$10b+cells were not responsive against CII stimulation. But, CII-reactive response of TCRV ${\beta}3-/V{\beta}8.1/8.2-/V{\beta}$10b- T cells was recovered when $V{\beta}3+$ T cells were added in culture. Conclusion: Our results indicate that CD4+$V{\beta}3+$ T cells are selectively expanded in dLN of CIA mice, and their recovery upon CII re-stimulation in vitro, as well as the production Th1-type cytokines, may play pivotal role in CIA pathogenesis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.53 no.1
• /
• pp.5-16
• /
• 2002

Background : Though mononuclear phagocytes serve as the final effectors in killing intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacilli readily survive in the intracellular environment of resting cells. The mechanisms through which cellular activation results in the intracellular killing is unclear. In this study, we sought to explore an in vitro model of a low-level infection of human mononuclear phagocytes with MAC and $H_{37}Ra$ and determine the extent of the lymphocyte dependent cytotoxicity of human monocytes and alveolar macrophages. Materials and Methods : The peripheral monocytes were prepared using the Ficoll gradient method from PPD positive healthy people and tuberculosis patients. The alveolar macrophages were prepared from PPD positive healthy people via a bronchoalveolar lavage. The human mononuclear phagocytes were infected at a low infection rate (bacilli:phagocyte 1:10) with MAC(Mycobacterium avium) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis $H_{37}Ra$. Non-adherent cells(lymphocyte) were added at a 10:1 ratio. After 1,4, and 7 days culture in $37^{\circ}C$, 5% CO2 incubator, the cells were harvested and inoculated in a 7H10/OADC agar plate for the CFU assay. The bacilli were calculated with the CFU/$1{\times}10^6$ of the cells and the cytotoxicity was expressed as the log killing ratio. Results : The intracellular killing of MAC and $H_{37}Ra$ within the monocyte was greater in patients with tuberculosis compared to the PPD positive controls (p<0.05). Intracellular killing of MAC and $H_{37}Ra$ within the alveolar macrophage appeared to be greater than that within the monocytes of the PPD positive controls. There was significant lymphocyte dependent inhibition of intracellular growth of the mycobacteria within the monocytes in both the controls and tuberculosis patients and within the macrophages in the controls(p<0.05). There was no specific difference in the virulence between the MAC and the $H_{37}Ra$. Conclusion : This study is an in vitro model of a low-level infection with MAC and $H_{37}Ra$ of human mononuclear phagocytes. The intracellular cytotoxicity of the mycobacteria within the phagocytic cells was significantly lymphocyte dependent. During the 7 days culture after the intracellular phagocytosis, the actual confinement of the mycobacteria was observed within the monocytes of tuberculosis patients and the alveolar macrophages of the controls as in the case of adding lymphocytes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.477-484
• /
• 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger and processed (Beopje) ginger on colitis induced by 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in Balb/c mice. Beopje means a process that herbal medicines are treated by a specific Korean traditional method in order to obtain better pharmacological effects. Mice were fed saline or two different doses of ethanol extracts (ginger and processed (Beopje) ginger) once a day for 14 days. Colitis was induced from day 7 to 14 via administration of 2.5% DSS in drinking water. Experimental animals were divided into four groups: Nor (Normal, 200 ${\mu}L$ of saline without 2.5% DSS-treated group), Con (Control, 200 ${\mu}L$ of saline and 2.5% DSS treated group), G (500 mg/kg of ginger and 2.5% DSS treated group), and BG (500 mg/kg of Beopje ginger and 2.5% DSS treated group). Body weights of both ginger-administered groups increased compared to the control. Colon length increased to 7.6, and 8.0 cm in the G and BG groups, respectively, whereas that of control was 5.7 cm. Histological colon injury induced by DSS-induced colitis was reduced (P<0.05). In serum and DSS-treated colon tissues, mRNA expression levels of IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-12 of the Beopje ginger-treated group were significantly suppressed compared to those of the ginger-treated groups. Expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 of the Beopje ginger-treated group were significantly reduced compared to those of the ginger-treated groups (P<0.05), and BG showed stronger anti-inflammatory effects on colitis. These results indicated that ginger exerted anti-inflammatory effects on DSS-induced colitis in mice, and its effects could be increased through Beopje.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.24 no.10
• /
• pp.1151-1156
• /
• 2014

Traditional medicinal plants are widely used to treat many diseases, such as inflammation, infections, and even cancer. Ulmus macrocarpa Hance, a Chinese elm species, is distributed in Korea, China, and Japan. The stem bark is widely employed in Korean traditional medicine to treat dermatitis, mastitis, and edema. The aim of this study was to investigate whether water extract of U. macrocarpa Hance bark (Ulmus cortex) has a immune-modulating function in a mouse model. Three different concentrations (30 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg) of Ulmus cortex water extract (UCWE) were orally administered to mice for 14 days, and their immune responses were analyzed. Cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, and IFN-${\gamma}$, increased in the blood of UCWE-fed groups when compared with a control group. In contrast, the IL-4 level did not change in any of the UCWE-fed groups Cell-mediated cytotoxicity was also assayed using lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK). LAK showed greater cytotoxicity in the UCWE-fed groups than LAK in the control group. Internal organ indices, such as liver, kidney, spleen, and thymus, were similar in all the groups, including the control group, indicating that UCWE may have been nontoxic in the experimental animals. These data suggest that UCWE has an immune-modulating function in a mouse model.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.15-21
• /
• 2001

This study was conducted to investigate the immunomodulatory activities of proteoglycan extracted from cultured mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum IY009. The proteoglycan contained two polymer peaks, one was the higher MW peak of 2,000 kD and the other was low peaks of 12kD. To understand the part of strong pharmaceutical activity between two peak, the proteoglycan was separated by ultrafiltration and column chromatography and then examined the various pharmaceutical effects. High molecular weight fraction possesing high content of ${\beta}-linked$ glucan was exhibited high antitumor activity, against sarcoma 180 bearing ICR mouse. And also, anticomplementary activity was highly observed in high molecule fraction than low it fraction. When the raw 264.7 and murine peritoneal macrophage treated with low fraction, high fraction and other stimuli. The activities inducing tumor necrosis factor of the high factions were $2.2{\sim}2.5$ times stronger than that of low fraction.

• Applied Microscopy
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.11-19
• /
• 2008

To examine the effect of the electrolyzed alkaline reduced water (ERW) on animal immunity, by employing Echinostoma hortense that is a parasite in the small intestine, the immune response of C57BL/6 was examined. To C57BL/6 mice, Echinostoma hortense metacercaria 15 per animal was in oculate dorsally, the worm was collected after 2 weeks, and the change of goblet cells and mast cells in the mucosa of small intestine was examined, and by using a protein chip, the change of cytokines in the serum was compared and observed. As a result, average 8.3 worms were collected from the C57BL/6 mice infected with E. hortense, and in the group fed with the ERW, average 10 worms were collected. In regard to the examination of the change of goblet cells, in the experimental group infected with E. hortense and fed with the ERW, average 4.3 worms per villus were detected, hence, it was found that the expression of goblet cells was low (p<0.001). Regarding the examination of the change of mast cells, similarly, in the group infected with E. hortense and fed with the ERW, average 11 worms per villus were detected, and it appears to be less than control group (p<0.001). Regarding the expression of cytokines in mouse serum, in comparison of the experiment group infected with E. hortense and control group, in the expression of the Th1 cytokines IL-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-2, and the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13, a significant difference was not detected. In our study, it was found that in the infection of E. hortense, the ERW mediates its effect on the number of goblet cells and mast cells in the intestinal mucosa, and simultaneously, the worm expulsion was delayed, and thus the conclusion that the ERW mediated its effect on the intestinal immunity of mice was obtained.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.13-28
• /
• 2012

Objectives : The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological activity of water and ethanol (EtOH) extracts from Socheongnyong-tang (SCNT) on inflammation and its related disease. Methods : The cells were treated with nontoxic concentrations of water and EtOH extract from SCNT in BEAS-2B, HaCaT, RAW 264.7 and 3T3-L1 cells. These cells were stimulated by tumor necrosis facter (TNF)-${\alpha}$, TNF-${\alpha}$/interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively. 3T3-L1 cells were differentiated by insulin. After incubation, supernatant were collected and biological indicator measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results : Our results indicate that the water and EtOH extract of SCNT significantly inhibited the production of regulated on activation normal T-cell expression and secreted (RANTES) by treatment of TNF-${\alpha}$ in BEAS-2B cell, and significantly reduced the production of RANTES and macrophage-derived chemokine increased by treatment of TNF-${\alpha}$/IFN-${\gamma}$ in HaCaT cell. Moreover, those extracts significantly decreased the activity of nitric oxide and prostaglandin $E_2$ in LPS-induced RAW 264.7, and significantly inhibited the increased activity of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and expression of leptin induced by differentiation in 3T3-L1 cell. Conclusions : These results indicate that both water and EtOH extract of SCNT has powerful effects on inflammation and its related disease. Therefore, SCNT can be developed as a potential pharmacological agent related various diseases. Although the significant effects were observed in both SCNT water and EtOH extract, the EtOH extract was more effective on most experiments than its water extract. Taken together, these findings indicate that the SCNT EtOH extract may have more potential pharmacological agent.