• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1.1-1.6
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• 2024

IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) was originally discovered in 1999 while attempting to identify an IL-18 receptor ligand binding chain (also known as IL-18Rα) by subjecting concentrated human urine to an IL-18 ligand affinity column. The IL-18 ligand chromatography purified molecule was analyzed by protein microsequencing. The result revealed a novel 40 amino acid polypeptide. To isolate the complete open reading frame (ORF), various human and mouse cDNA libraries were screened using cDNA probe derived from the novel IL-18 affinity column bound molecule. The identified entire ORF gene was thought to be an IL-18Rα gene. However, IL-18BP has been proven to be a unique soluble antagonist that shares homology with a variety of viral proteins that are distinct from the IL-18Rα and IL-18Rβ chains. The IL-18BP cDNA was used to generate recombinant IL-18BP (rIL-18BP), which was indispensable for characterizing the role of IL-18BP in vitro and in vivo. Mammalian cell lines were used to produce rIL-18BP due to its glycosylation-dependent activity of IL-18BP (approximately 20 kDa). Various forms of rIL-18BP, intact, C-terminal his-tag, and Fc fusion proteins were produced for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Data showed potent neutralization of IL-18 activity, which seems promising for clinical application in immune diseases involving IL-18. However, it was a long journey from discovery to clinical use although there have been various clinical trials since IL-18BP was discovered in 1999. This review primarily covers the discovery of IL-18BP along with how basic research influences the clinical development of IL-18BP.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.35-46
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• 2011

Objectives : The present study investigated inflammatory effect of Rheum undulatum L. in lipopolysaccharide-exposed rats and Raw 264.7 cells. Methods : Male rats weighting $185.39{\pm}8.21g$ fed basal diet for 1 week and 32 rats were divided into a control group and 3 experimental groups. We fed a control group of rats a basal diet and administered normal saline(100 mg/kg, 1time/1day) for 6 weeks. And we fed basal diet and administered an extract of Rheum undulatum L.(100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, 1time/1day) to each experimental group of rats. We measured the plasma concentration of $IL-1{\beta}$($interleukin-1{\beta}$), IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$(tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$), liver cytokines, Raw 264.7 macrophages cytokines. Results : The plasma concentration of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ peaked at 5h(hour) after LPS(lipopolysaccharides) injection, and the values of the Rheum undulatum L. extract groups were lower than those of the control group. In the increment of these cytokines concentration at 2h and 5h after LPS injection, the Rheum undulatum L. groups were lower than that of control group. The plasma concentration of IL-10 peaked at 5h after LPS injection, and the values of the Rheum undulatum L. extract groups were higher than those of the control group. In the increment of this cytokine concentration at 2h and 5h after LPS injection, the Rheum undulatum L. groups were higher than that of control group. Liver cytokines measurement was done at 5h after LPS injection. The concentration of liver $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in the Rheum undulatum L. groups was lower than that of the control group. The concentrations of liver $TNF-{\alpha}$, and IL-10 showed no significant differences among all the treatment groups. In the studies of lipopolysaccharide-exposed Raw 264.7 cells, the concentration of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ in the lipopolysaccharide-exposed cells groups was higher than that of control group(normal group), and in the lipopolysaccharide-exposed cells groups, these values showed a tendency to decrease in the Rheum undulatum L. groups. The concentration of IL-10 in the lipopolysaccharide-exposed cells groups was higher than that of control group(normal group), and in the lipopolysaccharide-exposed cells groups, the values showed a tendency to increase in the Rheum undulatum L. groups. Conclusions : These results indicate that the Rheum undulatum L. extracts have an functional material for inflammatory activities.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1440-1446
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• 2011

The study investigated the effects of dietary Vitamin E (VE) on nitric oxide (NO) metabolism, immune function and analyzed the correlation between NO free radical and cytokines (IL-2 and IL-6) in broilers. One hundred and fifty 2-week-old broilers were randomly divided into three groups. Control group and lower VE ($VE^-$) group were provided with a basic diet supplemented with 12.55 mg/kg VE and 2.55 mg/kg VE for 30 days, respectively. Higher VE ($VE^{-}-VE^+$) group was supplemented with 2.55 mg/kg VE in the first 15 days and then 32.55 mg/kg VE in the next 15 days. Five broilers in each group were then sacrificed on the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th days, respectively, and the content of NO free radical, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), malondialdehyde (MDA) and cytokines, IL-2 and IL-6, were measured. The results showed that lower VE could decrease growth performance of broilers while higher VE could increase growth performance and eliminate differences resulted from feeding lower VE dietary in early stages (p<0.05). Compared with the control group, lower VE could increase significantly NO and MDA concentration, and increase IL-2 concentration in serum (p<0.05). Higher VE could significantly increase activities of SOD and glutathione GSH-Px (p<0.05). IL-2 is positively correlated with NO in heart (p<0.05) and IL-6 is negatively correlated with NO in liver (p<0.05) and heart (p<0.01). These results indicate that dietary VE could regulate antioxidant capacity and NO metabolism of broilers and higher VE-supplemented diet could directly decrease production of IL-2.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.68-78
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• 2022

Objective: In this study, we investigated the protective effect of rhododendron mucronulatum extract (RME) on allergic reactions and inflammation. Methods: The effect of RME was determined using ELISA and RT-PCR in RBL-2H3 mast cells and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. We determined cell viability, β-hexosaminidase release, and the synthesis of IL-4 and TNF-α in RBL-2H3 cells. In addition, we determined NO from RAW 264.7 and the gene expression of IL-1β, iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10. Results: RME inhibited β-hexosaminidase release and synthesis of IL-4 and TNF-α in RBL-2H3 by the anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA stimulation. In addition, RME inhibited the production of NO and the gene expression of IL-1β, iNOS, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion: From these results, we concluded that RME possesses anti-allergic activity and anti-inflammatory activity due to the inhibition of mast cells and macrophage function.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.922-927
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• 2005

In the present study, baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, a major flavone isolated from Scutellaria Radix were examined for their effects on PMA-induced Interlukin-6 (IL-6), $interferon-\gamma(IFN-\gamma)$, tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-\alpha$, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 productions in the PMA-stimulated $CD4^+$ Jurkat T cells. These three compounds inhibited PMA-induced Th1 cytokine $(IL-6,\;IFN-\gamma,\;TNF-\alpha)$ and Th2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-13) productions in a concentration-dependent manner. But wogonin, but not baicalin baicalein, increased PMA-induced IL-10 production. These results suggest that baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, a major flavone modulate Th1 and Th2 cytokine productions in $CD4^+$ Jurkat T cells and these properties may contribute to the anti-atopic dermatitis activity of Scutellaria Radix.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.862-870
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• 1995

Background: Oxygen free radicals have generally been considered as cytotoxic agents. On the other hand, recent results suggest that small nontoxic amounts of these radicals may act a role in intracellular signal transduction pathway and many efforts to reveal the role of these radicals as secondary messengers have been made. It is evident that the oxygen radicals are released by various cell types in response to extracellular stimuli including LPS, TNF, IL-1 and phorbol esters, all of which translocate the transcription factor $NF{\kappa}B$ from cytoplasm to nucleus by releasing an inhibitory protein subunit, $I{\kappa}B$. Activation of $NF{\kappa}B$ is mimicked by exposure to mild oxidant stress, and inhibited by agents that remove oxygen radicals. It means the cytoplasmic form of the inducible tanscription factor $NF{\kappa}B$ might provide a physiologically important target for oxygen radicals. At the same time, it is well known that LPS induces the release of oxygen radicals in neutrophil with the activation of $NF{\kappa}B$. From above facts, we can assume the expression of IL-8 and IL-$1{\beta}$ gene by LPS stimulation may occur through the activation of $NF{\kappa}B$, which is mediated through the release of $I{\kappa}B$ by increasing amounts of oxygen radicals. But definitive evidence is lacking about the role of oxygen free radicals in the expression of IL-8 and IL-$1{\beta}$ gene in mononuclear phagocytic cells. We conducted a study to determine whether oxygen radicals act a role in the expression of IL-8 and IL-$1{\beta}$ gene in mononuclear phagocytic cells. Method: Human peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from healthy volunteers. Time and dose relationship of $H_2O_2$-induced IL-8 and IL-$1{\beta}$ mRNA expression was observed by Northern blot analysis. To evaluate the role of oxygen radicals in the expression of IL-8 and IL-$1{\beta}$ mRNA by LPS stimulation, pretreatment of various antioxiants including PDTC, TMTU, NAC, ME, Desferrioxamine were done and Northern blot analysis for IL-8 and IL-$1{\beta}$ mRNA was performed. Results: In PBMC, dose and time dependent expression of IL-8 and IL-$1{\beta}$ mRNA by exogenous $H_2O_2$ was not observed. But various antioxidants suppressed the expression of LPS-induced IL-8 and IL-$1{\beta}$ mRNA expression of PBMC and the suppressive activity was most prominant when the pretreatment was done with TMTU. Conclusion: Oxygen free radical may have some role in the expression of IL-8 and IL-$1{\beta}$ mRNA of PBMC but that radical might not be $H_2O_2$.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.65-70
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• 2011

This study was performed to investigate the in vitro effect of a corn water extract on immune function. Splenocyte proliferation was determined by the MTT(3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl terazolium bromide) assay after preparing asingle cell suspension. Production of macrophage-secreted interleukin(IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and interferon(IFN)-${\gamma}$, was detected by ELISA using a cytokine assay kit. After a 48-hr incubation with mitogens(ConA or lipopolysaccharide), mice splenocyte proliferation increased with the addition of a corn water extract supplement at 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, or $1,000\;{\mu}g/m\ell$. Production of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and IFN-${\gamma}$ increased in treatments supplemented with the corn water extract. In an in vitro study, splenocyte proliferation increased when $50\sim1,000\;{\mu}\ell/m\ell$ corn water extract was added. In an ex vivo experiment, the highest production of cytokines by activated peritoneal macrophages was observed in mice orally administered 500 mg/kg body weight/day.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.260-269
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• 2015

The protective effects of extract powder of Angelica gigas on the degeneration of the articular cartilage in rats was investigated with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis, The treatment of high concentration (50 μg/mL) of Angelica gigas effectively inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production induced by interleukin-1α (IL-1α) without any cytotoxicity. Specifically, mRNA and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were dose dependently reduced by extract powder of Angelica gigas. Importantly, mRNA expression in articular cartilage of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were clearly reduced. The inflammatory cytokines in blood were also reduced as well. These results suggested that the protective effects on the degeneration of the articular cartilage was derived from the inhibitory effects of mRNA and protein expression of tested inflammatory cytokines which is linked to prevent the degradation of proteoglycan (PG), the main matrix content in articular cartilage. Meanwhile, the 2 hrs incubation of decursin, a major compound of extract powder in rat whole blood rapidely converted decursin into decursinol which shows string anti-inflammatory activity. The coverted decursinol was detected after 8 hrs in whole blood by LC-MS/MS. Conclusively, the inhibitory effects of inflammatory cytokines production in osteoarthritis may be derived from the production of decursinol, which performs against inflammatroy cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.21-32
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• 2006

Purpose : Bee Venom Acupuncture(BVA) is known to affect inflammation and immune system. This study examined the macroscopic, hormonal and immunological effects of BVA on rats with surgically induced endometriosis. Methods : Endometrial tissue was implanted in the serosal wall of the small intestine in rats. The rats were divided randomly into an experimental and control group. The experimental group was treated with BVA injection on kwanwon(CV4) three times per week, and the control group was given an oral dose of normal saline every day. 6 weeks later, the size of the ectopic uterine tissue was estimated, and the serum progesterone, estradiol and cytokine($TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-l0) concentrations were analyzed. Results : The size of the ectopic uterine implants in the experimental group was much smaller than that in the control group. The estradiol, IL-2 concentrations were significantly lower and the IL-6, IL-I0 concentrations were significantly higher in the serum of the experimental group than in the control group, there was no significant difference in the concentration of the other cytokine. Conclusion : These results suggest that BVA is an effective treatment for endometriosis.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.83-94
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• 2006

Purpose : Endometriosis is characterized by the ectopic growth of uterine tissue in various extrauterine locations. This study examined the macroscopic, hormonal and immunological effects of Ouhyul Herbal Acupuncture(OHA) therapy on rats with experimentally induced endometriosis. Methods : Endometrial tissue was implanted in the serosal wall of the small intestine in rats. The rats were divided randomly into an experimental group and control group. The experimental group was treated with OHA on Kwanwon(CV4) three times per week and the control group was administrated normal saline every day. After 6 weeks, the size of the ectopic uterine tissue was estimated and the serum progesterone, estradiol and cytokines($TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-l0) concentrations were analyzed. Results : The size of the ectopic uterine tissue in the experimantal group was slightly smaller than that in the control group. The estradiol, IL-4 and IL-6 concentrations were significantly lower and the IL-l0 concentration was significantly higher in the serum of the experimental group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of the other cytokines. Conclusion : These results suggest that OHA might be an effective method for treating dometriosis.