• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.34.1-34.16
• /
• 2021

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by dryness of the mouth and eyes. The glandular dysfunction in SS involves not only T cell-mediated destruction of the glands but also autoantibodies against the type 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor or aquaporin 5 (AQP5) that interfere with the secretion process. Studies on the breakage of tolerance and induction of autoantibodies to these autoantigens could benefit SS patients. To break tolerance, we utilized a PmE-L peptide derived from the AQP5-homologous aquaporin of Prevotella melaninogenica (PmAqp) that contained both a B cell "E" epitope and a T cell epitope. Repeated subcutaneous immunization of C57BL/6 mice with the PmE-L peptide efficiently induced the production of Abs against the "E" epitope of mouse/human AQP5 (AQP5E), and we aimed to characterize the antigen specificity, the sequences of AQP5E-specific B cell receptors, and salivary gland phenotypes of these mice. Sera containing anti-AQP5E IgG not only stained mouse Aqp5 expressed in the submandibular glands but also detected PmApq and PmE-L by immunoblotting, suggesting molecular mimicry. Characterization of the AQP5E-specific autoantibodies selected from the screening of phage display Ab libraries and mapping of the B cell receptor repertoires revealed that the AQP5E-specific B cells acquired the ability to bind to the Ag through cumulative somatic hypermutation. Importantly, animals with anti-AQP5E Abs had decreased salivary flow rates without immune cell infiltration into the salivary glands. This model will be useful for investigating the role of anti-AQP5 autoantibodies in glandular dysfunction in SS and testing new therapeutics targeting autoantibody production.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.21-30
• /
• 2005

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical features and natural history of dietary protein induced proctocolitis (DPIPC) and to detect the causative foods of DPIPC, and to evaluate the effect of elimination of the foods on the course of the disease. Methods: Between March 2003 and July 2004, data from 30 consecutive patients with DPIPC who were followed for over 6 months, was reviewed. The diagnostic criterion used for DPIPC was an increase in the number of eosinophils in the lamina propria (${\geq}60per$ 10 high-power fields). In breast feeding mothers, 5 highly allergenic foods were eliminated from the maternal diet for 7 days, namely, allergenic food groups such as dairy products, eggs, nuts and soybean, fish and shellfish, and wheat and buckwheat. We observed the disappearance or appearance of hematochezia after elimination or challenge with the offending foods. Results: Before diagnosis infants were breast-fed (93.3%) or formula-fed (6.7%). Mean age at symptom onset was $11.5{\pm}5.1$ (5~24) weeks, and mean age at diagnosis was $17.8{\pm}9.5$ (8~56) weeks. Duration from symptom onset to diagnosis was $6.3{\pm}6.7$ (0~36) weeks. Mean peripheral blood eosinophil count was $478{\pm}320$ (40~1,790)/$mm^3$ and eosinophilia (> $250/mm^3$) was observedin 90.0% of patients. None of patients were found to have an increased serum IgE level. Of 15 patients that received sigmoidoscopy, nodular hyperplasia with erosion was observed in 93.3%. Of 27 patients whose mother ate the diet eliminated the 5 food groups, hematochezia diappeared in 74.1% of patients. Offending foods were identified as dairy products (37.5%), wheat and buckwheat (27.5%), fish and shellfish (20.0%), nuts and soybean (7.5%) and eggs (7.5%). A free maternal diet without patient's clinical symptoms was achieved at $29.4{\pm}8.7$ (9~44) weeks of patient's age, and a free baby diet without blood in stools was achieved at $37.5{\pm}9.7$ (12~56) weeks of age. Conclusion: DPIPC commonly occurs in exclusively breast-fed babies. Elimination of the above-mentioned 5 hyper-allergenic food groups from the maternal diet for 7days enables the detection of the offending foods. DPIPC is a transient disorder and 96.0% of patients can tolerate the offending foods at 12 months of age.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.289-301
• /
• 2005

Groundwater level drawdown of the first stage resulted from groundwater leakage into tunnel was predicted by an analytical approximation. And numerical modeling was performed to predict the flow rates into tunnel and the groundwater level decline in the vicinity of future proposed tunnel area using a groundwater flow model MODFLOW. Groundwater level of the first stage was predicted to decrease by 15.3 m in analytical approximation. The flow rates in the total length of the future tunnel, when it is excavated, would be approximately $1,870m^3/day$ in numerical model. The model predicts that the groundwater levels in the area around the future tunnel are expected to drop between 5 to 25 m relative to current groundwater levels. Under condition for a $50\%$ tunnel conductance increase, the flow rate was estimated to be $2,518m^3/day$ and the groundwater level drawdown was predicted to be between 5 to 35 m The flow rate and the predicted groundwater level drawdown under a $2,518m^3/day$ tunnel conductance decrease was estimated to be $1,273m^3/day$ and between 2 to 12 m.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.59 no.5
• /
• pp.11.1-11.7
• /
• 2017

Background: Use of prebiotics in companion animal nutrition is often considered advantageous over probiotics because of the ease of handling, ability to withstand processing and storage etc. While most of the studies on prebiotic use in dogs have been done with processed food as basal diet, the response in relation to homemade diet feeding is not very well explored. Methods: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation on nutrient digestibility, hindgut fermentation, immune response and antioxidant indices in dogs. Ten Spitz pups were divided into two groups: control (CON) with no supplementation, and experimental (MOS) wherein the basal diet was supplemented with MOS at 15 g/kg diet. All dogs were fed on a home-prepared diet for a period of 150 days. The study protocol included a digestion trial, periodic blood collection and analysis for lipid profile and erythrocytic antioxidants. Immune response of the animals was assessed towards the end of the feeding period. Results: Results revealed no significant (P > 0.05) variations in palatability score, intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients between the groups. Faecal score, faeces voided, faecal pH, concentrations of ammonia, lactate and short-chain fatty acids were comparable (P > 0.05) between the two groups. Cell-mediated immune response, assessed as delayed-type of hypersensitivity response, was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the MOS group. The percent of lymphocyte sub-populations CD4+ and ratio of CD4+:CD8+ were also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in MOS group. The serum IgG levels were similar (P > 0.05) in both the groups. Supplementation of MOS lowered (P < 0.05) serum total- and LDL- cholesterol levels, when compared with the control group. The erythrocytic antioxidant indices were similar (P > 0.05) between the two groups. Conclusions: The results indicated that supplementation of MOS at the rate of 15 g/kg in the diet of dog augmented the cell-mediated immune response and serum lipid profile without any influences on digestibility of nutrients, hindgut fermentation and antioxidants indices.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.375-385
• /
• 2010

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing Alisma canaliculatum, Viscum album and Cornus officinalis probiotics on the growth performance and immune response in growing pigs. This experiment was conducted using 120 pigs (crossing of Landrace${\times}$Yorkshire and castrated) which were assigned to 5 treatments in 3 replications with 8 pigs per replications. The dietary treatments were NC group (without antibiotics), PC group (basal+Oxytetracycline 50ppm), AC group (basal+A. canaliculatum 0.5%), VA group (basal+V. album 0.5%) and COP group (basal+C. officinalis probiotics 0.5%). The initial body weights of pigs were 35kg on average and the experiment lasted for 9 weeks. The experimental animals were kept in the pens following a completely randomized design. They were provided the diets adequate for grower stage as recommended by NRC (ME:3,265 kcal/kg and CP:16%). COP fed pigs showed lower weight gain up to 6 weeks of age compared to NC group and other groups without significant differences (P>0.05). The carcass weights of pigs fed VA and COP were significantly higher compared to NC group (P<0.05), Back fat thicknesses groups fed three different additives were higher than NC group and lower then PC group (P<0.05). Crude fat contents in loin meat were significantly lower in groups fed three different additives while moisture contents of those three groups were higher than other groups (P<0.05). The thiobarbituric acid reaction substance (TBARS) value measured at fresh and $2^{nd}$ weeks was lower in additives fed groups but no statistical differences were observed among the treatments (P>0.05). Significantly highest PUFA (16.42g/100g) and ${\omega}$-3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA and DHA) content of meat were observed in COP fed pigs compared to NC group (P>0.05), which might mean that three additives function to enhance serum IgG in pigs. In consequence, it can be suggested that AC, VA and COP may have a potential to replace antibiotics as growth promoter and immune enhancer in the diets for growing pigs.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.156-166
• /
• 2008

Objective : Pamooltang (PM) and Sipjeondaebotang (SC) are used in Korea to treat many diseases such as sterility, menstrual disorder, and general prostration. We made a comparative study of PM and SC which are different in component ratio between Astragalus membranaceus BUNGE (AC) and Cinnamomum cassia PRESL. (CC). Methods : Anti-oxidation was studied by 1.1.-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and anti-inflammation was investigated by prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$ and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assay. For immune response activities, this study used NO synthesis on RAW 264.7 cells and splenocyte proliferation. Results : The results showed that PM and SC components had no significant effect of anti-oxidation or anti-inflammation. However, we observed their effects upon inducible NO synthesis in Raw 264.7 cells. The SC2 stimulated NO synthesis $11.42\pm1.36{\mu}M$ (control; $0.89\pm0.00{\mu}M$). PM and SC components had the effect of immune response which in a dose-dependent manner significantly induced the splenocyte proliferation. The splenocyte proliferation induced by SC2 was higher than others at the concentration of 1, 10, 100, 1000 and 2000 ${\mu}g/ml$. The SC8 was shown to up-regulate IgG, 100 ${\mu}g/ml$ 3.3 times, 1000 ${\mu}g/ml$ 2.6 times as a control. Conclusions : These results may have important implications for our understanding of the ratios of AC and CC in SC.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.61 no.8
• /
• pp.258-263
• /
• 2018

Purpose: Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is characterized by prolonged fever and radiological progression despite macrolide treatment. Few studies have examined serum procalcitonin (PCT) level in children with MPP. We aimed to investigate the association of acute inflammation markers including PCT with clinical parameters in children with MPP. Methods: A total of 147 children were recruited. The diagnosis of MPP relied on serial measurement of IgM antibody against mycoplasma and/or polymerase chain reaction. We evaluated the relationships between C-reactive protein (CRP), PCT, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts, and clinical severity of the disease. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratio for prolonged fever (>3 days after admission) and hospital stay (> 6 days), comparing quintiles 2-5 of the PCT levels with the lowest quintile. Results: The serum PCT and CRP levels were higher in children with fever and hospital stay than in those with fever lasting ${\leq}3days$ after admission and hospital stay ${\leq}6days$. CRP level was higher in segmental/lobar pneumonia than in bronchopneumonia. The LDH level and WBC counts were higher in children with fever lasting for >3 days before compared to those with fever lasting for ${\leq}3days$. The highest quintile of PCT levels was associated with a significantly higher risk of prolonged fever and/or hospital stay than the lowest quintile. Conclusion: Serum PCT and CRP levels on admission day were associated with persistent fever and longer hospitalization in children with MPP.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.18 no.9
• /
• pp.1320-1325
• /
• 2005

A 2${\times}$3 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to determine the effects of olaquindox and cyadox on immune response of Landrace${\times}$Large-White geld piglets that had been orally given 10$^{10}$ CFU of Escherichia coli (E. coli, O$_{139}$:K$_{88}$). Factors included (1) E. coli inoculation or control, and (2) no antimicrobials, 100 mg/kg olaquindox and 100 mg/kg cyadox in the basal diet respectively. E. coli inoculums were orally administered 7 days after the diets were supplemented with olaquindox and cyadox. The effects of the two antimicrobials were assessed in terms of: (1) average daily gain (ADG), (2) systemic immune response (the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes, leukocyte bactericidal capacity, lymphocyte proliferation response to PHA, immunoglobulin concentrations, and total serous hemolytic complement activity), and (3) intestinal mucosal immunity including the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and immunoglobulin A secreting cells (ASCs) in the intestinal lamina propria. E. coli inoculation reduced ADG (p<0.05) during the period of d 0 to d 14 after the challenge while the antimicrobial supplementations improved ADG (p<0.01) during the experiment. ADG in cyadox-supplemented pigs was higher (p<0.05) than that in olaquindox-supplemented pigs. The antimicrobials decreased IEL and ASC counts in the jejunum and ileum (p<0.01) while E. coli inoculation caused them to increase (p<0.01). Jejunal ASCs in the cyadox-supplemented pigs were lower (p<0.05) than those in the olaquindox-supplemented. E. coli elicited increase (p<0.05) in white blood cell counts, leukocyte bactericidal capacity, lymphocyte proliferation rate, serous IgA concentrations, and serous hemolytic complement activity. The antimicrobials decreased the measured systemic immune parameters, but not significantly (p>0.05). The data suggest that olaquindox and cyadox suppress E. coli-induced immune activation, especially intestinal mucosal immune activation, which may be involved in the observed growth promotion.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.52 no.2
• /
• pp.256-260
• /
• 2009

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare disease affecting mostly children. This disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of hemoptysis, bilateral diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, and iron-deficiency anemia. An acute fulminant alveolar hemorrhage can be fatal due to respiratory failure, while chronic hemorrhage leads to hemosiderin-laden macrophages and pulmonary fibrosis. Genetic, autoimmune, allergic, environmental, and metabolic mechanisms of pathogenesis have been suggested, but the etiology of IPH remains unknown. We report on a 9-year-old girl with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis who showed seasonal recurrences without cause.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.1-18
• /
• 2009

Objective : Moutan Cortex (the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) is widely used in oriental medicine as a remedy for inflammation. However, as yet there is no clear explanation of how MC(Moutan Cortex) affects the production of inflammatory cytokine. This study was to determine the effects of Essence extracted MC on the mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses. Method : We observed the effect of MC on compound 48/80-induced histamine release of rat peritoneal mast cells and the effect of administering MC on PCA in rat. We measured the amount of inflammatory cytokine production induced by the phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore(A23187) in the human mast cell line (HMC-1) incubated with various concentrations of MC. The TNF-$\alpha$ protein levels were analysised by Western blot. The TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-8 secreted protein levels were measured by the ELISA assay. The TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels were measured by the RT-PCR analysis. NF-$\kappa$B, phospho-I$\kappa$B and MAPKs were exmined by Western blot analysis. The NF-$\kappa$B promoter activity was examined by luciferase assay. Result : 1. Enzyme immunoassay indicated that MC suppressed histamine secretion of rat peritoneal mast cells. 2. In PCA dependent on IgE, MC had anti-allergic effect of the internal surface of rat skin. 3. Western blot indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$ protein levels. 4. ELISA indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 but MC had no significant effect on IL-8 in HMC-1 cells. 5. RT-PCR indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$, IL-8 but MC had no significant effect on IL-6 in HMC-l cells. 6. Western blot indicated that MC suppressed the induction of MAPKs, NF-$\kappa$B & phospho-I$\kappa$B activity in HMC-1 cells. 7. Luciferase assay indicated that MC suppressed the PMA plus A23187-induced NF-$\kappa$B promoting activityin HMC-1 cells. Conclusion : In this study, we have found that MC is an inhibitor of NF-$\kappa$B, MAPKs & cytokines on the mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses.