• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.49.1-49.15
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• 2020

C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) regulates the trafficking of various immune cells to sites of infection. In this study, we showed that expression of CCR5 and its ligands was rapidly increased in the kidney after systemic Candida albicans infection, and infected CCR5^-/- mice exhibited increased mortality and morbidity, indicating that CCR5 contributes to an effective defense mechanism against systemic C. albicans infection. The susceptibility of CCR5^-/- mice to C. albicans infection was due to impaired fungal clearance, which in turn resulted in exacerbated renal inflammation and damage. CCR5-mediated recruitment of NK cells to the kidney in response to C. albicans infection was necessary for the anti-microbial activity of neutrophils, the main fungicidal effector cells. Mechanistically, C. albicans induced expression of IL-23 by CD11c⁺ dendritic cells (DCs). IL-23 in turn augmented the fungicidal activity of neutrophils through GM-CSF production by NK cells. As GM-CSF potentiated production of IL-23 in response to C. albicans, a positive feedback loop formed between NK cells and DCs seemed to function as an amplification point for host defense. Taken together, our results suggest that CCR5-mediated recruitment of NK cells to the site of fungal infection is an important step that underlies innate resistance to systemic C. albicans infection.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.1-30
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• 2016

Objectives Previous studies have found out that Forsythiae Fructus (FF) extracts have anti-atopic activities by in vitro experiment. In order to understand more about FF extracts' benefit, we subdivided FF extracts depending on systematic fractionation method by using Methylene chloride (MC), Ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-BuOH and n-hexane (n-Hx). This study is designed to examine the effect of FF fractions on the PMA- ionomycin-induced activation of RBL-2H3 mast cell lines in vitro and on the DNCB-induced activation of NC/Nga mice in vivo. Methods For this study, we examined IL-4, IL-13 production by ELISA analysis, IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, IL-31RA and TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression by real-time PCR and manifestations of AP-1 and MAPKs transcription factors by western blotting in vitro. Through in vitro experiment, we selected FF n-BuOH fraction that seems the best effective in atopic dermatitis then induced it on NC/Nga mice by DNCB. We measured mice's WBC, eosinophil and neutrophil in heart blood, IL-4, IL-5, IFN-${\gamma}$ in the spleenocyte culture supernatant, the absolute cell numbers of CD4+, CD8+, B220+CD23+, CD3+CD69+ and Gr-1+CD11b+ in the PBMCs, ALN and dorsal skin, IL-5, IL-13, IL-31, IL-31RA in the dorsal skin by real-time PCR and the distribution of immune cells by H&E on dorsal skin and ANL and toluidine blue staining on dorsal skin. Results FF n-BuOH fraction suppressed IL-4, IL-13 production and mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, IL-31RA and TNF-${\alpha}$. Results from the western blot analysis showed that FF n-BuOH fraction reduced the activation of the mast cell specific transduction factors involved in AP-1 by suppressing JNK and ERK phosphorylation. In the gross, atopic dermatitis induced by DNCB in NC/Nga mice were improved by oral administration of FF n-BuOH fraction. Oral FF n-BuOH fraction also decreased the level of IgE in mice's serum and the level of IL-4 and IL-5 in the spleenocyte culture supernatant, cell numbers of CD8+, B220+CD23+ in the PBMCs, CD4+ in the ALN and CD4+, Gr-1+CD11b+ in the dorsal skin and suppressed mRNA expression of IL-5, IL-13, IL-31, IL-31RA in the dorsal skin. Histological examination showed that infiltration levels of immune cells in atopic dermatitis induced NC/Nga mice were improved by FF n-BuOH fraction. Conclusions FF n-BuOH fraction can reduce pruritus by suppressing IL-31, IL-31RA secretion and modulate molecular mediators and immune cells associated with atopic dermatitis induced in NC/Nga mice which may have played a significant role in recovering atopic dermatitis symptoms.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.175-182
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• 2017

This study evaluated the anti-Helicobacter and anti-inflammatory effects of Sohamhyungtang (SHHT). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of SHHT against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was determined by the agar dilution method. Expression of the H. pylori cagA gene in the presence of SHHT was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Inhibition of H. pylori urease by SHHT was determined by the phenol-hypochlorite assay. Antiadhesion activity of SHHT was measured by urea-phenol red reagent. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in AGS cells was measured with Griess reagent. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-8 mRNA expression in AGS cells which were infected with H. pylori was determined by qRT-PCR. IL-8 level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The MIC of SHHT was $100{\mu}g/mL$ and the expression of cagA gene was decreased about 25 folds in the presence of SHHT. H. pylori urease was inhibited 90% by SHHT. SHHT inhibited H. pylori adhesion on AGS cell in a concentration dependent manner. mRNA expression of iNOS and IL-8 and the production of NO and IL-8 were significantly decreased in the presence of SHHT. In conclusion, SHHT showed anti-Helicobacter activity and has potent anti-inflammatory effect on H. pylori-induced inflammation in human gastric epithelial AGS cells.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-4
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• 2017

Sinensetin, a pentamethoxyflavone, is known to exert various pharmacological activities including anti-angiogenesis, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its effects on the human mast cell - 1 (HMC-1) mediated inflammatory mechanism remain unknown. To explore the mediator and cellular inflammatory response of sinensetin, we examined its influence on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187 induced inflammatory mediator production in a human mast cell line. In this study, interleukin (IL)-6 production was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Sinensetin inhibited PMA plus A23187 induced IL-6 production in a dose-dependent manner as well as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-8 mRNA expression. Furthermore, sinensetin inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, suggesting that sinensetin inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators by blocking STAT3 phosphorylation. Moreover, sinensetin was found to inhibit nuclear factor kappa B activation. These findings suggest that sinensetin may be involved in the regulation of mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2021

Background: We aimed to investigate candidates for serological biomarkers of neuropathic pain in individuals with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Methods: We analyzed 38 sera samples from 38 participants with NMOSD in National Cancer Center. Neuropathic pain was evaluated using the painDETECT questionnaire. Pain with neuropathic components (painDETECT score ≥ 13) was observed in 22 participants, among whom 17 had definite neuropathic pain (painDETECT score ≥ 19). The remaining 16 participants had non-neuropathic pain (painDETECT score < 13). Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels were assessed using a single-molecule array assay. Several cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-17A, were measured by a multiplex bead-based immunoassay. Results: In comparison of NMOSD participants with neuropathic pain components (or definite neuropathic pain) and those with non-neuropathic pain, the absolute values of serum GFAP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were higher in participants with neuropathic pain components (or definite neuropathic pain), but these findings did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Further larger-scale investigations to find reliable serological biomarkers for neuropathic pain in NMOSD are warranted.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.147-155
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• 1998

Acupuncture and Radix Astragali aqua-acupuncture stimuli have long been used to cure human diseases. However, it still remains to be unkown on its action mechanism, physiolosical and biochemical aspects. Thus, many attempts were made to show the scientific background covering the above mentioned mechanisms. Most recent studies show that these tests improve blood circulatory system and increase leucocyte counts. In this study, we have applied the acupuncture stimuli to mouse Sinsu(BL-23), which is a stimulative point of oriental medicine, to see if cytokine such as IL-6 can be detected. Mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS) for inflammation induction, and then reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using each primer set was performed to trace the amounts of mRNA. The results are summarized as follows ; 1. IL-6 was not temporarily expressed in normal mice 15 min after the acupuncture was pulled out. But, it started to show a feeble expression at 30 min after the removal of acupuncture and it started to reduce at 1h. after the acupuncture was pulled out 2. IL-6 was specifically expressed in LPS-treated mouse 30 min after the acupuncture was pulled out. The transcriptional expressions of LPS-treated mice were more effective than those of normal mice at 30 min after the removal of acupuncture 3. IL-6 was not temporarily expressed in normal mice 15 min after Radix Astragali aqua-acupuncture. But it expressed most highly at 30 min, and the transcriptional expressions of IL-6 was continued to 3 h. 4. IL-6 was not expressed in all the time after Radix Astragali aqua-acupuncture in LPS-treated mice. Therefore, a follow-up of cytokine IL-6 can be used not only a basis of the effect of acupuncture and Radix Astragali aqua-acupuncture but a diagnosis giude through the immunological action of thats. And, it is suggested that cytokine's expression by Acupuncture and Radix Astragali aqua-acupuncture stimulation should be continuously elucidated.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.119-124
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• 2017

The isolation of the MeOH extract from the flower bud of Magnolia biondii Pamp. using various column chromatographies and HPLC led to eleven neoglignan derivatives (1 - 11). Their structures were mainly determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectral data analysis and physiological methods. The isolated compounds (1 - 11) were tested for anti-allergic effects using IL-2 inhibitory assay in Jurkat T cells.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.29-59
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• 2016

Objectives PRAL (Prunus armeniaca Linne Var) has been known to suppress allergic reaction. However, the cellular target and its mechanism of action were unclear. This study was designed to investigate the effect of PRAL on RBL-2H3 mast cell, which is PMA-Ionomycin-induced activated in vitro and the effect of PRAL on the MNC/Nga mice that are DNCB-induced activated in vivo. Methods In this study, IL-4, IL-13 production were examined by ELISA analysis; IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, IL-31Ra, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and GM-CSF mRNA expression were examined by Real-time PCR; manifestations of AP-1 and MAPKs transcription factors were examined by western blotting in vitro. Then skin rashes have been evaluated and verified the distribution of mast cells by H&E and toluidine blue. Also, WBC, eosinophil and neutrophil, IgE level in serum, $IFN-{\gamma}$, IL-4, IL-5 in the splenocyte culture supernatant, the absolute cell numbers of $CD4^+$, $CD8^+$, $Gr-1^+CD11b^+$, $B220^+CD23^+$, $CD3^+CD69^+$ in the Axillary Lymph Node (ALN), PBMCs and dorsal skin and IL-5, IL-13, IL-31, IL-31Ra in the dorsal skin by Real-time PCR were all evaluated from the NC/BNga mice. Results As a result of this study, the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, IL-31Ra and $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-4, IL-13 production, shown in ELISA analysis, were suppressed by PRAL. Results from the western blot analysis showed decrease on the expression of mast-cell-specific transcription factors, including AP-1 and p-JNK, p-ERK. Histological examination showed that infiltration levels of immune cells in the skin of the AD-induced NC/Nga mice were improved by PRAL orally adminstration. Orally- administered PRAL group also showred decreased level of IgE in the serum. This group has shown decreased the level of IL-4, IL-5, but shown elevated $IFN-{\gamma}$ level in the splenocyte culture supernatant. The same group also has shown decreased cell numbers of $CD4^+$, $CD8^+$, $CD3^+CD69^+$ in the ALN, and $CD4^+$, $Gr-1^+CD11b^+$ in the dorsal skin. PRAL oral adminstration increased cell numbers of $CD4^+$, but decreased cell numbers of $CD8^+$, $Gr-1^+CD11b^+$, $B220^+CD23^+$ in the PBMCs. Conclusions Obtained results suggest that PRAL can regulate molecular mediators and immune cells that are functionally associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) induced in the NC/Nga mice. This may play an important role in recovering AD symptoms and suppressing pruritus.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.75-79
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• 2003

This study was carried out to detect the pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a, IL-18) and IL-1 receptor accessory in mongolia mare's milk by western blotting. IL-1 and TNF-a were detected in 4 samples of mare's milk Proteins of 6 kD and 7 kD were bound to specific antibody against hIL-18. But, IL-l and TNF-a were not detectable in Difco skim milk IL-6 like factor of 60 kD was detected in both Difco skim milk and mare's milk. Also, IL-1 receptor accessory of 55 kD was detected in the mongolia mare's milk.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.304-310
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• 2011

In previous studies, we reported QTLs for grain weight (GW), qGW3 and for spikelets per panicle (SPP), qSPP3 linked to RM60 on chromosome 3 using advanced backcross lines derived from a cross between Oryza sativa ssp. Indica cv. Milyang 23 and O. glaberrima. The O. glaberrima alleles at this locus increased GW and spikelets per panicle in the Milyang 23 background. To further confirm and narrow down the position of the QTLs on chromosome 3, substitution mapping was performed using five lines containing the target O. glaberrima segment on chromosome 3. The size and position of the O. glaberrima segment on chromosome 3 were different in each line. These lines possessed 3-10 non-target O. glaberrima introgressions in the Milyang 23 background. These five lines were evaluated for seven agronomic traits including 1,000 grain weight and spikelets per panicle and also genotyped with seven SSR markers. Four lines were informative in delimiting the position of QTLs, qGW3 and qSPP3. Two lines with the O. glaberrima segment flanked by SSR markers, RM60 and RM523 displayed significantly higher values than Milyang 23 in GW and SPP whereas two lines without that O. glaberrima segment displayed no difference in GW and SPP compared to Milyang 23. The result indicates that two QTL, qGW3 and qSPP3 are located in the interval between RM60 and RM523 which are 1.2-Mb apart. Introgression lines having QTLs, qGW3 and qSPP3 would be useful materials not only to indentify the relationship between these two yield QTLs, but also to develop high yielding variety via marker-aided selection technology.