• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.176-182
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• 2021

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with chronic skin inflammatory reactions. p-coumaric acid (pCA) is an active ingredient of Panax ginseng Meyer (Araliaceae). Methods: Here, we estimated an anti-AD effect of pCA on activated mast cells, activated splenocytes, and a mouse model of AD. Cytokines levels were measured by ELISA and protein activation was analyzed by Western blotting. 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) was used to induce AD-like skin lesions. Results: The treatment with pCA suppressed the productions and mRNA expressions of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in HMC-1 cells. pCA downregulated the expressions of RIP2 and caspase-1, phosphorylated-(p)p38/pJNK/pERK, and pIKKβ/pIkBα/NF-κB in HMC-1 cells. pCA also decreased the productions of TSLP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, and IFN-γ in the supernatant of stimulated splenic cells. Comparing to DNFB-sensitized control group, pCA-treated group alleviated pathological changes of AD-like lesions. pCA decreased the proteins and mRNA expressions levels of TSLP, IL-6, and IL-4 in the skin lesions. Caspase-1 activation was also downregulated by pCA treatment in the AD-like lesions. The serum levels of histamine, IgE, TSLP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-4 were suppressed following treatment with pCA. Conclusion: This study suggests that pCA has the potential to improve AD by suppressing TSLP as well as inflammatory cytokines via blocking of caspase-1/NF-κB signal cascade.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.492-497
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• 2021

Levels of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), an intercellular signaling molecule, reportedly increase in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of patients with asthma. Although the type 4 S1P receptor, S1P₄ has been detected in mast cells, its functions have been poorly investigated in an allergic asthma model in vivo. S1P₄ functions were evaluated following treatment of CYM50358, a selective antagonist of S1P₄, in an ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model, and antigen-induced degranulation of mast cells. CYM50358 inhibited antigen-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 mast cells. Eosinophil accumulation and an increase of Th2 cytokine levels were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and via the inflammation of the lungs in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma mice. CYM50358 administration before ovalbumin sensitization and before the antigen challenge strongly inhibited the increase of eosinophils and lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. CYM50358 administration inhibited the increase of IL-4 cytokines and serum IgE levels. Histological studies revealed that CYM50358 reduced inflammatory scores and PAS (periodic acid-Schiff)-stained cells in the lungs. The pro-allergic functions of S1P₄ were elucidated using in vitro mast cells and in vivo ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model experiments. These results suggest that S1P₄ antagonist CYM50358 may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of allergic asthma.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제54권3호
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• pp.173-178
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• 2022

The majority of the children experience milder coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms. Children represent a significant source of community transmission. Children under 18 years of age account for an estimated 4.8% of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections globally. However, no conclusive statements pertaining to the multi-fold aspects of the virus in children could be drawn due to the lower prevalence of pediatric cases. The present study was conducted to identify the indirect impact of SARS-CoV-2 infections on developing herd immunity among children in the age group 3 to 18 years by investigating their antibody levels. In the study, 240 children aged 3~18 years were recruited by the Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Amritsar, India, and quantification of the antibodies was performed at the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Government Medical College (GMC), Amritsar, India. Out of the 240 serum samples, 197 (82.08%) showed seropositivity, while 43 (17.92%) were seronegative. When stratified, it was observed that in the age group 3~6 years, 22.33% of children were found to have anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies while in the age groups 7~10 years, 11~14 years, and 15~18 years, respectively, 37.06%, 30.46%, and 10.15% were seropositive. Although there was seroconversion among children which was useful for predicting the next wave, no differences in seropositivity were observed between adults and children.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.1-25
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-arthritis effects of Jeonsaenghwalhyeoltanggamibang(JHTG) on collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) in mice. Methods: To assess the effects of JHTG on CIA in mice, we conducted several experiments such as analysis of arthritis index, cell count of draining lymph node(DLN) and paw joint, measurement of serum antibody levels and observation of the histological changes of joint. Results: 1. JHTG extract had a suppressive effect on the arthritis index of paw joints in CIA mice. 2. JHTG extract increased the total cell number of DLN, and decreased the total cell number of paw joints in CIA mice. 3. JHTG extract increased the absolute number of various cell surface receptors in DLN, and decreased the absolute number of B220+/CD23+ cells in DLN in CIA mice. 4. JHTG extract decreased the absolute number of CD3+, CD4+, CD11b+/Gr-1 cells in paw joint in CIA mice. 5. JHTG extract didn't decrease the absolute number of CD4+/CD25+ cells in paw joints in CIA mice. 6. JHTG extract decreased levels of total IgM in the serum of CIA mice, but had no effect on levels of collagen II specific antibody. 7. JHTG extract decreased the destruction of articular cartilages and collagen fibers and the proliferation of synovial cells in paw joints from CIA mice. Conclusion: These results indicate that JHTG has clinical potential for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by modulating the immune response.

• 대한토목학회논문집
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• 제26권5D호
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• pp.877-884
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• 2006

GPS는 지각판 속도 추정과 같은 높은 정밀도가 요구되는 연구 분야에서 필수적이다. 본 연구에서는 GPS 상시관측소 8개소의 3년간 관측 데이터를 Gipsy-OasisII 소프트웨어를 이용하여 한반도의 지각변동량을 계산하였다. 지각변동 속도벡터는 일별 처리 결과의 시계열 분석에 의한 선형 회귀분석으로 추정하였다. 추정된 변동 속도의 표준편차는 0.1mm/yr 이하였으며, 그 크기는 25.1~31.1mm/yr의 범위로 매우 작게 나타났다. SOPAC에서 계산한 IGS의 계산결과와 비교한 결과 보편적으로 지각변동의 크기와 방향이 잘 일치되는 경향을 나타내었다. 본 연구 결과를 평가하기 위하여 6개의 판 거동 모델의 결과와도 비교를 하였다.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.315-325
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• 2023

Objectives : Recently, research has been actively conducted on the efficacy of complexes based on oriental medicine prescriptions for improving immune activity and allergies. In this study, In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of Angelica gigas Nakai and Corni fructus extract (AC), medicinal herbs, among candidate drugs derived through preliminary experiments with various components of oriental medicine prescriptions for allergies, on allergies in RBL-2H3 cells. Methods : We evaluated the effect of the ethanol extract of Ulmus on the allergic inflammatory response in anti-DNP-IgE activated DNP-HSA in RBL-2H3 cells. Cell toxicity was determined by WST-1 assay and the markers of degranulation such as beta-hexosaminidase, histamine, TNF-α and IL-6 production of inflammatory mediators and FcεRI-mediated expression. Results : The results showed that treatment with AC extract (20, 40 and 80㎍/㎖) noncytotoxic levels and significantly inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase, histamine and the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in RBL-2H3 by the antigen stimulation. Conclusions : These results indicate that AC extract exhibits anti-allergic activity through inhibition of degranulation and inhibition of inflammatory mediators and cytokine release. These findings suggest that AC extract may have potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for the treatment of various allergic diseases.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.38.1-38.12
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• 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that initiate both T-cell responses and tolerance. Tolerogenic DCs (tDCs) are regulatory DCs that suppress immune responses through the induction of T-cell anergy and Tregs. Because lactoferrin (LF) was demonstrated to induce functional Tregs and has a protective effect against inflammatory bowel disease, we explored the tolerogenic effects of LF on mouse bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). The expression of CD80/86 and MHC class II was diminished in LF-treated BMDCs (LF-BMDCs). LF facilitated BMDCs to suppress proliferation and elevate Foxp3⁺ induced Treg (iTreg) differentiation in ovalbumin-specific CD4⁺ T-cell culture. Foxp3 expression was further increased by blockade of the B7 molecule using CTLA4-Ig but was diminished by additional CD28 stimulation using anti-CD28 Ab. On the other hand, the levels of arginase-1 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (known as key T-cell suppressive molecules) were increased in LF-BMDCs. Consistently, the suppressive activity of LF-BMDCs was partially restored by inhibitors of these molecules. Collectively, these results suggest that LF effectively causes DCs to be tolerogenic by both the suppression of T-cell proliferation and enhancement of iTreg differentiation. This tolerogenic effect of LF is due to the reduction of costimulatory molecules and enhancement of suppressive molecules.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.1-7
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• 2003

Type II collagen (CII), major component of hyaline cartilage, has been considered as an auto-antigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the clinical and biological significances with regard to the CII autoimmunity need to be clarified in human RA. The presence of antibodies to CII has been identified in sera, synovial fluid, and cartilage of patients with RA. In our study, the increased titer of IgG anti-CII in sera was well correlated with C-reactive protein, suggesting that this antibody may reflect the inflammatory status of RA. The titer of anti-CII antibodies (anti-CII Abs) tended to be higher in early stages of diseases. In our extending study, among 997 patients with RA, 269 (27.0%) were positive for circulatory IgG antibody to CII, those levels were fluctuated over time. It is hard to assess the significant amount of T cell responses to CII and CII (255~274) in RA. By using a sensitive method of antigen specific mixed lymphocyte culture, we can detect the presence of CII-reactive T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of RA patients. Sixty seven (46.9%) of 143 patients showed positive CII reactive T cell responses to CII or CII (255~274). The frequencies of CII reactive T cells were more prominent in inflamed synovial fluid (SF) than in peripheral blood. These T cells could be clonally expanded after consecutive stimulation of CII with feeding of autologous irradiated antigen presenting cells (APC). Moreover, the production of Th1-related cytokine, such as IFN-${\gamma}$, was strongly up-regulated by CII reactive T cells. These data suggest that T cells responding to CII, which are probably presenting the IFN-${\gamma}$ producing cells, may play an important role in the perpetuation of inflammatory process in RA. To evaluate the effector function of CII reactive T cells, we investigated the effect of CII reactive T cells and fibroblasts-like synoviocytes (FLS) interaction on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. When the CII reactive T cells were co-cultured with FLS, the production of IL-15 and TNF-${\alpha}$ from FLS were significantly increased (2 to 3 fold increase) and this increase was clearly presented in accord to the expansion of CII reactive T cells. In addition, the production of IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-17, T cell derived cytokines, were also increased by the co-incubation of CII reactive T cells with FLS. We also examined the impact of CII reactive T cells on chemokines production. When FLS were co-cultured with CII stimulated T cells, the production of IL-8, MCP-1, and MIP-1${\alpha}$ were significantly enhanced. The increased production of these chemokines was strongly correlated with increase the frequency of CII reactive T cells. Conclusively, immune response to CII was frequently found in RA. Activated T cells in response to CII contributed to increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which were critical for inflammatory responses in RA. The interaction of CII-reactive T cells with FLS further augmented this phenomenon. Taken together, our recent studies have suggested that autoimmunity to CII could play a crucial role not only in the initiation but amplification/perpetuation of inflammatory process in human RA.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.109-118
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• 1989

폐흡충 감염시 숙주 말초혈액에는 많은 항체가 생성되므로 각종 면역학적 진단에 이용되 고 있다. 그러나 이들 항체가 폐흡충 충체 구성 요소 중 주로 어느 기관(또는 구조물)에 대한 항체 인지에 대해서는 별로 연구된 바 없었다. 이 연구는 면역 조직화학적 방법을 이용하여 폐흡충 충체 의 부위별 항원성을 파악하기 위한 것으로 충체 절편 표본에서 흡반, 표피, 피극, 난황선, 장, 자성 및 웅성 생식기, 충란 등의 항원성을 비교 관찰한 것이다. 충체 표본으로는 감염 11∼20주 된 고양이의 폐조직에서 충낭(WOrm capsule)을 적출하여 포르말 린 고정 및 파라핀 포매한 것을 4㎛ 두께로 영아 사용하였고, 항혈청(1차 항체)으로 감염 11∼20 주 된 고양이 혈청을, 2차 항체로 peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-cat IgG를 사용하는 간접 면역 대소 염색법(indirect immunoperoxidase staining technique)을 이용하였고, 진한 황색 또는 황갈색으로 염색되면 양성으로 판정하였다. 항체의 희석 농도는 1차 항체 1 : 500~1 : 2,000, 2차 항체 1 : 200~1 : 500으로 하였고 10회 이상 반복 염색하였다. 실험 결과 장 상피의 표면(intestinal epithelial border), 장 내용물, 난황선(vitelline glands) 및 충낭 내의 충란(eggs in worm capsule) 등이 강한 양성 반응을 보였고 자궁 내 충란 및 충체 실질 조직 중 일부도 약하지만 양성 반응을 보였다. 한편 흡반(suckers), 표피(tegument), 피극(spines), 표피하세포(subtegumental cells), 장 상피세포의 세포질, 웅성 생식기관 및 난소 등은 음성 반응 을 나타내었다. 항원성의 강도를 순서대로 나열해보면 장 상피의 표면, 장 내용물, 충낭 내의 충란, 난황선, 자궁 내 충란, 충체 실질조직의 순이었다. 항원성이 강한 장 상피층 및 장 내용물은 1차 항체 1 : 4,000(2차 항체 1 : 200)에서도 양성 반응을 보였으나 충체 실질조직 중 일부는 1차 항체 1 : 500의 고농도(2차 항체 1 : 200)에서만 양성 반응을 보였다. 이상의 결과를 종합해 볼 때, 폐흡충 감염시 나타나는 혈청의 항체 반응은 충체의 배설물과 충 낭 주위에 산출된 충란에 의해 가장 강력히 유발되는 것이 아닌가 생각되며 이들이 충낭을 벗어나 숙주 조직으로 총수되는 가장 중요한 항원성 물질이 아닌가 추측된다.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제45권4호
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• pp.489-497
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• 2002

목 적 : 만성 기침을 주소로 내원한 환아들을 전향적으로 조사하여 그 원인 질환의 종류와 빈도를 알아보고 이에 대한 적절한 진단적 접근 방법과 관리 지침을 설정하는데 도움을 얻고자 한다. 방 법 : 2000년 8월부터 2001년 7월까지 일년 동안 가톨릭대학교 강남성모병원 소아과 만성 기침 클리닉에 3주 이상 지속적인 기침을 호소하여 내원하였던 132명의 환아를 전향적으로 조사하였다. 원인 질환의 규명을 위해서 설문지를 통한 자세한 병력 청취, 이학적 진찰과 함께 흉부와 부비동의 방사선 촬영을 하였고, 혈액학적 및 면역학적 검사를 실시하였으며 필요한 경우 알레르기 피부 검사와 메타콜린 유발 검사를 시행하였다. 위식도역류증을 진단하기 위해 24시간 식도 pH를 측정하였으며, 이와 함께 위식도역류증의 진단방법으로서의 유용성을 확인하기 위하여 컬러 도플러 초음파 검사를 시행하였다. 결 과 : 대상 환아의 성별은 남 : 녀가 1.1 : 1였으며 연령 분포는 영아기 9명, 유아기 82명, 학령기 38명, 청소년기가 3명이었다. 만성 기침을 유발하는 가장 흔한 원인으로는 기관지 천식이 40례로서 가장 많았고, 만성 부비동염이 22례, 위식도역류증이 7례, 그리고 천식과 부비동염을 동반한 경우가 28례, 천식과 위식도역류증을 동반한 경우도 14례가 있었다. 그 외 심인성 기침, 후두 연화증, 호흡기 이물, 만성 기관지염, 선택적 IgA 결핍증 등이 일부 원인 질환이었고 원인을 알 수 없었던 경우도 5례 있었다. 기관지 천식과 다른 원인 질환들간의 면역 글로불린, 림프구아형(lymphocyte subset)을 측정 비교한 바, 기관지 천식으로 진단 받은 환아들에서 만 IgE가 유의하게(P<0.01) 증가되었다. 메타콜린 유발 검사를 시행한 대상 환아들에게서 양성 반응을 보인 평균 메타콜린 양은 8.06 mg/mL로서 대부분 경도의 기도 과민성을 보여 기침이형천식임을 시사하고 있었다. 24시간 식도 pH 측정과 컬러 도플러 검사를 함께 시행하였던 51례에서 24시간 식도 pH 측정과 비교한 컬러 도플러 초음파 검사의 민감도는 88%, 특이도는 69%였으며, 양성 예견치는 85%, 음성 예견치는 73%의 결과를 보였다. 결 론 : 만성 기침의 원인 질환으로는 빈도상 기관지 천식이 가장 많았고, 다음으로 부비동염, 위식도역류증의 순이었다. 단독 질환에 의한 경우가 많았으나 두가지 이상 복합 질환에 의한 경우도 많아, 원인 질환을 규명할 때는 이를 염두에 두어야 되겠다. 또한 위식도 역류증 선별 검사법으로 외래에서 간단하게 실시 할 수 있는 컬러 도플러 검사가 유용함을 알 수 있었다.