• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제62권1호
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• pp.30-41
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• 2024

The dense granule protein of Toxoplasma gondii, inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (IST) is an inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) transcriptional activity that binds to STAT1 and regulates the expression of inflammatory molecules in host cells. A sterile inflammatory liver injury in pathological acute liver failures occurs when excessive innate immune function, such as the massive release of IFN-γ and TNF-α, is activated without infection. In relation to inflammatory liver injury, we hypothesized that Toxoplasma gondii inhibitor of STAT1 transcription (TgIST) can inhibit the inflammatory response induced by activating the STAT1/IRF-1 mechanism in liver inflammation. This study used IFN-γ and TNF-α as inflammatory inducers at the cellular level of murine hepatocytes (Hepa-1c1c7) to determine whether TgIST inhibits the STAT1/IRF-1 axis. In stable cells transfected with TgIST, STAT1 expression decreased with a decrease in interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1 levels. Furthermore, STAT1 inhibition of TgIST resulted in lower levels of NF-κB and COX2, as well as significantly lower levels of class II transactivator (CIITA), iNOS, and chemokines (CLXCL9/10/11). TgIST also significantly reduced the expression of hepatocyte proapoptotic markers (Caspase3/8/9, P53, and BAX), which are linked to sterile inflammatory liver injury. TgIST also reduced the expression of adhesion (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) and infiltration markers of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) induced by hepatocyte and tissue damage. TgIST restored the cell apoptosis induced by IFN-γ/TNF-α stimulation. These results suggest that TgIST can inhibit STAT1-mediated inflammatory and apoptotic responses in hepatocytes stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.138-143
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• 2009

허혈/재관류 손상은 급성신부전의 주요 원인이며 이식된 신장의 기능지연을 유발하여 거부반응의 발생을 증가시킨다. 본 연구에서는 쥐의 허혈/재관류 손상모델에서 허혈시간에 따른 면역세포의 변화를 평가하였다. 8주령 수컷 SD rat의 좌신을 각각 30, 45, 60분간 허혈/재관류 동안에 우신을 적출 하였고, 대조군은 우신만 적출하였다. 신장기능은 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7일에 각각 평가하였으며, 허혈/재관류 후 1일과 7일에 신장조직을 채취하여 면역형광염색(DCs, NK cells, macrophages, B cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells)과 H&E 염색을 실시하였다. 허혈 시간이 증가할수록 신장기능이 감소되었으나, 신장 세뇨관괴사와 염증세포의 침윤이 증가하였다. 허혈/재관류 후 신장조직에서 DCs, NK cells, macrophages, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells의 침윤 증가와 재관류 후 7일째 B cells의 침윤이 관찰되었다. 면역세포는 허혈시간 뿐 아니라 재관류 시간이 증가에 따라 뚜렷하게 관찰되었다. 이 결과는 허혈시간이 증가됨에 따라 면역반응이 증가될 수 있으며, 허혈재관류 손상이 비항원성 면역반응을 유도할 수도 있다는 것을 의미한다.

• 혜화의학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.35-57
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to prove the effect and mechanism of Gamikyejakjimogawusul-tang(GKHA) herbal acupuncture on induced rheumatoid arthritis model of DBA/1 mice. Methods : We check effect of GKHA extract on the AST, ALT, Creatinine, BUN of serum and cell viability of GK extract in RAW 264.7 cells to test the stability of this study. In vitro, we measure total phenol contents, total flavonoid contents, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABTS cation radical scavenging activity of Gamikyejakjimogawusul-tang, effect of GK extract on ROS(Reactive Ooxygen Species) production to estimate a anti-oxidant capacity, and we also measure effect of GK extract on NO (Nitric Oxid), IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, TNF-${\alpha}$, MCP-1, GM-CSF production in RAW 264.7 cells to estimate a anti-inflammatory efficacy. In vivo, we compare a rheumatoid arthritis manifestation between control and experimental group and estimate a AI. Then we check effect of GKHA on the level of WBC, neutrophil, lympocyte, monocyte in the blood to see the effect of immune cells in blood. In addition we measure effect of GKHA on the level of hs-CRP, IgM, IgG, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, TNF-${\alpha}$, MCP-1, GM-CSF in serum. We observe effects of GKHA on imaging of cartilage degeneration using micro CT-arthrography in paw hind. And we calculate effects of GKHA that reduced BV ratio, BS/BV ratio using 3D Micro-CT. Lastly we observe effects of GKHA histopathologic examination analysis. Results : 1. The toxicity on liver and kidney was disregardable and the cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells was also disregardable. 1. Total phenol contents and total flavonoid contents in GK extract were in high level. 2. DPPH free radical scavenging activity and ABTS cation radical scavenging activity were increased according to concentration of GK extract 3. ROS production was significantly decreased in GK extract (at 10, $100{\mu}g/ml$). 4. NO, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, MCP-1 production were significantly decreased in GK extract(at 10, $100{\mu}g/ml$). IL-17, GM-CSF production were significantly decreased in GK extract(at 1, 10, $100{\mu}g/ml$). IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-21 production were also decreased but there was no statistical significance. 5. 25x observation after H&E and M-T staining, infiltration of immune cells and subsidence of the cartilage and damage to the synovial cells were decreased. Conclusions : This study showed that GKHA extract had anti-oxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory efficacy. GKHA extract also had inhibiting effect on the process of rheumatoid arthritis and can protect joint and cartilage. So we expect that GKHA extract can be a meaningful treatment to rheumatoid arthritis patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제79권4호
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• pp.257-266
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• 2016

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a common interstitial lung disease; it is a chronic, progressive, and fatal lung disease of unknown etiology. Over the last two decades, knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis has improved markedly and facilitated the identification of potential targets for novel therapies. However, despite the large number of antifibrotic drugs being described in experimental pre-clinical studies, the translation of these findings into clinical practices has not been accomplished yet. NADH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a homodimeric enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of NADH to $NAD^+$ by various quinones and thereby elevates the intracellular $NAD^+$ levels. In this study, we examined the effect of increase in cellular $NAD^+$ levels on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were treated with intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. The mice were orally administered with ${\beta}$-lapachone from 3 days before exposure to bleomycin to 1-3 weeks after exposure to bleomycin. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for analyzing the infiltration of immune cells. In vitro, A549 cells were treated with transforming growth factor ${\beta}1$ (TGF-${\beta}1$) and ${\beta}$-lapachone to analyze the extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Results: ${\beta}$-Lapachone strongly attenuated bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis, characterized by histological staining, infiltrated immune cells in BALF, inflammatory cytokines, fibrotic score, and TGF-${\beta}1$, ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin accumulation. In addition, ${\beta}$-lapachone showed a protective role in TGF-${\beta}1$-induced ECM expression and EMT in A549 cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that ${\beta}$-lapachone can protect against bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis in mice and TGF-${\beta}1$-induced EMT in vitro, by elevating the $NAD^+$/NADH ratio through NQO1 activation.

• 혜화의학회지
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.171-190
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• 2007

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritic and erythromatous skin lesions. In this study we examined the suppressive effects of SJJY on der f induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mic, and concluded as follows: Oral administration of SJJY significantly decreased the severity score in the skin lesions at the dosage of 6.6 mg/25g/day for 8 weeks. SJJY significantly suppressed the infiltration of inflammatory cells into skin compared with control, and decreased the expression of CD4, CD8, CD20 and CCR3 in the skin lesions. SJJY significantly decreased the level of IgE in the serum compared with control, and the levels of IgM, IgG2a and IgG2b were also decreased. SJJY significantly decreased the levels of IL-6, but not TNF-a, in the serum compared with control. The levels of IFN-$\gamma$ was significantly increased in the supernatant of CD3/CD28 activated cultured splenocytes from the SJJY treated mice. The levels of IL-4 and IFN-$\gamma$ in the supernatants was much less in the der f activated splenocytes from SJJY treated mice than control. SJJY significantly increased the total number of cells in lymph node, while decreased the total number of skin compared with control. SJJY increased the number of CD3+ and CD4+ cell compared with control, while decreased the number of CD4+/CD25+ and CCR3+ cells in the PBMC. SJJY increased the number of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD25+, NKT+, CD3+/CD69+ cells compared with control, while decreased the number of B220+/IgE+, B220+/CD23+ cells in the lymph node. SJJY significantly decreased the number of CD3+/CD69+, CCR3+, B220+/IgE+, CD11b+/Gr-1+ compared with control in the skin lesions. Taken together, these results suggested that SJJY has suppressive effects on atopic dermatitis by the regulation of immune system and has potential as a therapeutics for atopic dermatitis. Further studies on molecular mechanisms on immune regulation are needed.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제22권5호
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• pp.40.1-40.24
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• 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive alternatives to conventional anti-asthmatic drugs for severe asthma. Mechanisms underlying the anti-asthmatic effects of MSCs have not yet been elucidated. This study evaluated the anti-asthmatic effects of intravenously administered MSCs, focusing on macrophages and monocytes. Seven-week-old transgenic (Tg) mice with lung-specific overexpression of IL-13 were used to simulate chronic asthma. MSCs were intravenously administered four days before sampling. We examined changes in immune cell subpopulations, gene expression, and histological phenotypes. IL-13 Tg mice exhibited diverse features of chronic asthma, including severe type 2 inflammation, airway fibrosis, and mucus metaplasia. Intravenous administration of MSCs attenuated these asthmatic features just four days after a single treatment. MSC treatment significantly reduced SiglecF^-CD11c^-CD11b⁺ monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMs) and inhibited the polarization of MoMs into M2 macrophages, especially M2a and M2c. Furthermore, MSCs downregulated the excessive accumulation of Ly6c^- monocytes in the lungs. While an intravenous adoptive transfer of Ly6c^- monocytes promoted the infiltration of MoM and Th2 inflammation, that of MSC-exposed Ly6c^- monocytes did not. Ex vivo Ly6c^- MoMs upregulated M2-related genes, which were reduced by MSC treatment. Molecules secreted by Ly6c^- MoMs from IL-13 Tg mice lungs upregulated the expression of fibrosis-related genes in fibroblasts, which were also suppressed by MSC treatment. In conclusion, intravenously administered MSCs attenuate asthma phenotypes of chronic asthma by modulating macrophages. Identifying M2 macrophage subtypes revealed that exposure to MSCs transforms the phenotype and function of macrophages. We suggest that Ly6c^- monocytes could be a therapeutic target for asthma management.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제5권3호
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• pp.206-212
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• 2005

목적: 신생혈관형성은 암의 증식, 침습, 전이에 있어 중요한 과정이며 위선암에서 대식세포, 비만세포는 혈관내피세포성장인자를 통한 신생혈관형성 작용을 보이고 가지세포는 혈관내피세포성장인자에 의해 기능이 억제된다. 이들 세포의 조직 침습이 조직병리 및 임상예후와 어떤 상관관계를 가지는지 알아보고자 한다. 대상 및 방법: 1999년 1월부터 2002년 12월까지 진행성 위암으로 위절제술을 받은 환자 중 79명을 대상으로 하여 파라핀 포매 조직을 이용하여 대식세포, 비만세포, 가지세포 및 미세혈관에 대한 면역조직화학 염색을 실시하고, 이들의 발현과 임상병기 및 생존율에 대한 분석을 실시하였다. 결과: 대식세포의 수는 분화도가 낮을수록, 조직침습이 깊을수록, 림프절전이가 많을수록 유의하게 감소하였으나(P<0.05), 미세혈관 밀도 및 생존기간의 차이는 보이지 않았다. 비만세포와 가지세포의 침윤정도는 조직병리 및 생존율과의 연관성을 보이지 않았다. 결론: 종양연관성 대식세포가 위암환자에 있어 예후인자로 가치를 가질 수 있을 것 인지와 대식세포의 침습부위에 따른 임상적 관련성에 대해 좀 더 세부적인 연구가 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제61권1호
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• pp.60-71
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• 2023

Cockroaches can cause allergic sensitization in humans via contact with their feces or frass. Antibiotics can affect concentration of major allergen and total bacteria production in German cockroaches (Blattella germanica). This study examined the ability of antibiotic-treated German cockroaches to induce allergic airway inflammation and the effect of antibiotics on their lipopolysaccharide and Bla g1, 2, and 5 expression levels. Specifically, we measured the ability of German cockroach extract (with or without prior antibiotic exposure) to induce allergic inflammation in human bronchial epithelial cells and a mouse model of asthma. Bacterial 16S rRNA and lipopolysaccharide levels were lower in ampicillin-treated cockroaches than in the control group. The Bla g1, Bla g2, and Bla g5 expression in ampicillin-treated cockroaches decreased at both the protein and RNA levels. In human bronchial epithelial cell lines BEAS-2B exposed to the ampicillin-treated extract, expression levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 were lower than that in the control group. The total cell count and eosinophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was also lower in mice exposed to the ampicillin-treated extract than in those exposed to normal cockroach extract. Mouse lung histopathology showed reduced immune cell infiltration and mucus production in the ampicillin group. Our results showed that ampicillin treatment reduced the symbiont bacterial population and major allergen levels in German cockroaches, leading to reduced airway inflammation in mice. These results can facilitate the preparation of protein extracts for immunotherapy or diagnostics applications.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제51권2호
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• pp.135-146
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• 2001

배 경 : 암세포는 정상 세포와 다르므로 면역 기전에 의해 제거되어야 함에도 불구하고 암이 발생하는 것은 암세포가 면역 감시 체계를 회피하기 때문이다. 약제감수성 증강 유전자인 herpes simplex thymidine kinase(HSTK) 유전자를 이용하여 암세포를 파괴하여 종양 특이항원이 더 잘 유리되도록 하고 사이토카인 유전자를 이용하여 면역세포를 유도하여 이 장애를 극복할 수 있는지 보고자 이 실험을 하였다. 방 법 : Lewis 폐암 세포주(LLC)에 adenovirus를 이용하여 HSTK를 형질도입하고 이에 의해 ganciclovir에 대한 LLC의 감수성을 증강시키는지를 관찰하고 mixed population assay를 이용하여 bystander 효과를 관찰하였다. Ad-HSTK, Ad-IL-2, Ad-GMCSF의 형질도입이 LLC의 종양 형성 능력에 영향을 미치는지 관찰하였다. 또한 그러한 형질 도입이 기존의 종양에 대한 항암 효과를 가져오는지 관찰하였다. 항암 효과의 기전을 확인하기 위해 쥐의 비장을 관찰하였다. 결 과 : Ad-HSTK의 형질도입은 ganciclovir에 대한 LLC의 감수성을 현저하게 증강시켰다. Ad-HSTK, Ad-IL-2, Ad-GM-CSF를 형질도입한 LLC를 쥐에 주사하고 ganciclovir로 처리하였을 때 종양 형성 능력이 감소하였다. Ad-HSTK, Ad-IL-2, Ad-GM-CSF를 형질도입한 LLC를 종양백신으로 사용하였을때 종양 성장이 어느 정도 저해되는 것을 관찰하였다. 특히 HSTK와 GM-CSF를 복합 형질도입했을 때 더 강력한 항암효과가 일어나는 것을 관찰하였다. 그러나 HSTK와 IL-2을 복합 형질도입했을 때는 각각을 단독으로 형질도입했을 때보다 항암효과가 상승되지 않았다. HSTK와 GM-CSF의 복합 형질도입한 LLC를 종양백신으로 사용하였을 때 비장의 수상세포 침윤이 현저히 증가하였다. 결 론 : HSTK와 GM-CSF의 복합 형질도입으로 만든 종양백신은 수상세포를 활성화시키므로써 항암면역기능을 유의하게 증강시킬 수 있었다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제45권12호
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• pp.896-910
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• 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible and potentially fatal virus. So far, most comprehensive analyses encompassing clinical and transcriptional manifestation have concentrated on the lungs. Here, we confirmed evident signs of viral infection in the lungs and spleen of SARS-CoV-2-infected K18-hACE2 mice, which replicate the phenotype and infection symptoms in hospitalized humans. Seven days post viral detection in organs, infected mice showed decreased vital signs, leading to death. Bronchopneumonia due to infiltration of leukocytes in the lungs and reduction in the spleen lymphocyte region were observed. Transcriptome profiling implicated the meticulous regulation of distress and recovery from cytokine-mediated immunity by distinct immune cell types in a time-dependent manner. In lungs, the chemokine-driven response to viral invasion was highly elevated at 2 days post infection (dpi). In late infection, diseased lungs, post the innate immune process, showed recovery signs. The spleen established an even more immediate line of defense than the lungs, and the cytokine expression profile dropped at 7 dpi. At 5 dpi, spleen samples diverged into two distinct groups with different transcriptome profile and pathophysiology. Inhibition of consecutive host cell viral entry and massive immunoglobulin production and proteolysis inhibition seemed that one group endeavored to survive, while the other group struggled with developmental regeneration against consistent viral intrusion through the replication cycle. Our results may contribute to improved understanding of the longitudinal response to viral infection and development of potential therapeutics for hospitalized patients affected by SARS-CoV-2.