• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.117-123
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• 2007

Background: This study was designed to investigate the role of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with regards to differentiation of somatic stem cells originating from the human umbilical cord blood (UCB) into hepatic lineage cells in vitro culture system. Methods: Mononuclear cells from UCB were cultured with and without HGF based on the fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1, FGF-2, and stem cell factor. The cultured cells were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining analysis with albumin (ALB), cytokeratin-19 (CK-19), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) MoAb. ALB and CK-18 mRNA were also evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In order to observe changes in proliferating capacity with respect to the cultured period, CFSE with affinity to proliferating cells were tagged and later underwent flow cytometry. Results: In the HGF-treated group, cultured cells had a large oval shaped appearance with adherent, but easily detachable characteristics. In the HGF-non treated group, these cells were spindle-shaped with strong adherent characteristics. Expressions of ALB and CK-19 were evident in HGF-treated group compared to non-expression of those in to HGF-non treated group. Dual immunostaining analysis of the ALB producing cells showed presence of PCNA in their nuclei, and ALB and CK-18 mRNA were detected on the 21st day of cultured cells in the HGF-treated group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HGF has a pivotal role in differentiating somatic stem cells of human UCB into hepatic lineage cells in vitro.

• 동국한의학연구소논문집
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• 제5권
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• pp.187-196
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• 1996

Alcohol is a major risk factor for several diseases and especially excessive, long-term alcohol consumption are caues the damage of immunity such as the inhibiton of secretion of lymphokine and proliferation of immune component cell. This study observed that the inhibition of T lymphocytic differentiation and secretion of interleukin 2(IL-2) induced in thymus of ICR mouse by chronic alcohol administration. After 8% alcohol voluntary administered for 120 days, the thymic tissue immunohistochemically stained by following ABC method that used monoclonal antibody including L3T4(CD4), Ly-2(CD8), and IL-2 receptor(CD25R) after embedding with paraffin. The results were as follows. 1. The size of thymic medulla in test group reduced than control group. 2. The number of helper T lymphocyte, cytotoxic T lymphocyte, and IL-2 receptor were decreased in thymic medulla and cortico-medullary junction of test group and the degree of CD4, CD8, and CD25R positive reaction were soften in test group. These results indicated that the secretion of IL-2 in thymus was inhibited by chronic alcohol administration and subsequently prevent to differentiate from thymocytes to T lymphocytes. As this view, cell mediated immunity were reduced by chronic alcohol administration.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제52권1호
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• pp.70-75
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• 2002

결핵의 유병율이 높은 한국에서 흉막삼출액의 높은 ADA 활성도로 인해 결핵성 흉막염으로 오인되었다가 중합연쇄반응 및 혈청학적 검사로 M. pneumoniae에 의한 감염으로 확진된 증례를 경험하였기에 문헌 고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.240-246
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• 2017

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a traditional herbal medicine made by steaming and drying fresh ginseng. It strengthens the endocrine and immune systems to ameliorate various inflammatory responses. The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 pathway has important implications for inflammation responses and tumorigenesis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ($PPAR{\gamma}$) is a transcription factor that regulates not only adipogenesis and lipid homeostasis, but also angiogenesis and inflammatory responses. Methods: The effects of the KRG on inhibition of hypoxia-induced COX-2 via $PPAR{\gamma}$ in A549 cells were determined by luciferase assay, Western blot, and/or quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The antimigration and invasive effects of KRG were evaluated on A549 cells using migration and matrigel invasion assays. Results and conclusion: We previously reported that hypoxia-induced COX-2 protein and mRNA levels were suppressed by KRG. This study examines the possibility of $PPAR{\gamma}$ as a cellular target of KRG for the suppression of hypoxia-induced COX-2. $PPAR{\gamma}$ protein levels and $PPAR{\gamma}$-responsive element (PPRE)-driven reporter activities were increased by KRG. Reduction of hypoxia-induced COX-2 by KRG was abolished by the $PPAR{\gamma}$ inhibitor GW9662. In addition, the inhibition of $PPAR{\gamma}$ abolished the effect of KRG on hypoxia-induced cell migration and invasion. Discussion: Our results show that KRG inhibition of hypoxia-induced COX-2 expression and cell invasion is dependent on $PPAR{\gamma}$ activation, supporting the therapeutic potential for suppression of inflammation under hypoxia. Further studies are required to demonstrate whether KRG activates directly $PPAR{\gamma}$ and to identify the constituents responsible for this activity.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제13권6호
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• pp.950-957
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• 2003

본 연구의 목적은 Needle TENS를 이용하여 웅성 흰쥐를 대조군과 실험군으로 나누어 말초신경손상의 좌골신경을 30초 압좌하여 1일, 3일, 5일, 7일 치료 후 NGF의 변화를 본 결과 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 대조군에서는 1일째 면역반응 신경세포의 수가 많이 증가된 것으로 관찰되었으며, 3일, 5일, 및 7일로 시간이 경과할수록 반응하는 신경세포수는 점점 감소하는 경향을 나타냈으나, 신경손상을 받지 않은 정상부분의 반응양성과 유사한 결과를 나타내었다. 그러나 실험군에서는 1일째는 대조군과 실험군간의 별다른 차이를 보이지 않았으나 3일, 5일, 7일 단위로 치료기간이 길어짐에 따라 면역반응 신경세포의 변화는 뚜렷하게 관찰할 수 있었는데, 대조군과 실험군간의 NGF 변화에서 시간이 경과함에 따라 감소되는 결과를 보였고, 대조군보다는 실험군에서 현저하게 감소하는 것으로 나타났으며, 통계적으로도 유의한 결과를 보였다. 이러한 결과로 볼때 Needle TENS를 적용하니 NGF의 감소를 보여 치료를 촉진시켜 치유과정에 영향을 미친다고 할 수 있다.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.117-137
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• 2007

Objectives & Methods : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Gentianae macrophyllase Radix herbal-acupuncture solution(GR-HAS) at Joksamni(ST36) on Collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) in DBA/1J mice. The author performed several experimental items to analyze arthritis evaluation, change of weight, spleen size and adhesion rate, change of cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II , change of immunocyte count, histological change of CIA mouse joint related with RA. Results : 1. In the GR-HA group, the arthritis index, the incidence of arthritis and joint edema were significantly decreased. 2. In GR-HA group, there were no weight loss and similarly maintained as normal group. Spleen size, adhesion rate and the edema and transformation of knee joint were low and similarly maintained as normal group. 3. In the GR-HA, cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II were significantly decreased. 4. In the GR-HA, the change of immunocyte count were similarly maintained as normal group. 5. In the histological changes of the CIA mouse joint, the cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were decreased in the GR-HA(Hematoxylin and eosin stain). The collagen fiber expressions in the GR-HA were similar with that of the normal group(Masson's Trichrome stain) Conclusions : These results suggest that GR-HA at ST36 has an effect to control immune reaction and suppress inflammation, synovial cell proliferation and cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.14-21
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• 2013

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine how an integrated approach to type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment could improve glycemic control and immune-potentiating activities adherent to oral hypoglycemic agents along with a botanical compound, among primary care patients. Methods: In this study, we used the self-control and the group-control methods. Candidates meeting the trial conditions were selected from among volunteers who had taken the test substance for 45 days. During the trial, all groups were on a controlled diet; neither were the original medications nor their dosages changed. Results: The results showed that the botanical compound (Glyco-Persica$^{(R)}$) significantly reduced the main clinical symptoms in diabetes type 2. In the treatment group, 36 of 52 patients (69.23%) and in the control group 10 of 52 patients (19.23%) showed reduced symptoms, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The fasting blood sugar in the treatment group after treatment compared with that before treatment and with that in the control group after treatment was statistically different (P < 0.05). The post-prandial glucose in the treatment group after treatment was significantly different from that before treatment and from that in the control group after treatment (P < 0.05); the post-prandial blood sugar in the treatment group was reduced by 8.98%. Conclusions: The results revealed that the botanical compound (Glyco-Persica$^{(R)}$) has significant hypoglycemic properties which affect main clinical symptoms in diabetes type 2. Body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, routine blood, stool and urine tests showed no meaningful negative changes after the course of treatment. There was no significant adverse reaction during the trial.

• KSBB Journal
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• 제19권6호
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• pp.415-420
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• 2004

전 세계적으로 암의 발병률의 증가하고 있고 또한 그 수는 해마다 증가하는 실정이다. 암은 성장양상에 따라 악성종양과 양성종양으로 나뉘는데 암으로 구분되는 악성종양을 치료하기 위한 여러 가지 치료법들이 시행되고 또 개발되고 있다. 그중에서 dendritic cells (DCs)는 인체 내 면역반응을 이용하여 암을 치료하는 방법으로 적응면역에 관여하는 cytotoxic T cell (CTL)에 항원을 제시하여 CTL로 하여금 종양세포를 직접적으로 공격하도록 도움을 주는 역할을 한다. 그러나 여기에는 여러 가지 단점이 있다. 이 단점을 보완하기 위한 새로운 방법으로 artificial antigen-presenting cell (aAPC)을 이용한 치료법이 개발되고 있다. 가용성의 human leukocyte antigen-immunoglobulin fusion protein (HLA-Ig)를 기초한 aAPC은 DCs의 단점을 보완한 항원제시세포로써 DCs보다 더욱 효과적으로 CTL반응을 유도해 낼 것으로 기대한다. 본 총설에서는 이 DCs의 역할과 이들을 이용한 암 치료법에 대해서 논하고 그 개발 가능성에 대해서 알아보도록 하겠다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제9권3호
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• pp.106-113
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• 2009

Background: We previously demonstrated remarkable differences in the expression of IL-8/CXCL8 in aortic tissues and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared to VSMC from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). In the present study, we investigated the direct effect of IL-8/CXCL8 on expression of 12-lipoxygenase (LO), a hypertensive modulator, in SHR VSMC. Methods: Cultured aortic VSMC from SHR and WKY were used. Expression of 12-LO mRNA was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Phosphorlyation of ERK1/2 and production of 12-LO and angiotensin II subtype 1 ($AT_1$) receptor were assessed by Western blots. IL-8/CXCL8-stimulated DNA synthesis was determined by measuring incorporation of [$^3H$]-thymidine. And effect of IL-8/CXCL8 on vascular tone was determined by phenylephrine-induced contraction of thoracic aortic rings. Results: Treatment with IL-8/CXCL8 greatly increased 12-LO mRNA expression and protein production compared to treatment with angiotensin II. IL-8/CXCL8 also increased the expression of the $AT_1$ receptor. The increase in 12-LO induced by IL-8/CXCL8 was inhibited by treatment with an $AT_1$ receptor antagonist. The induction of 12-LO mRNA production and the proliferation of SHR VSMC by IL-8/CXCL8 was mediated by the ERK pathway. The proliferation of SHR VSMC and the vascular contraction in the thoracic aortic ring, both of which were induced by IL-8/CXCL8, were inhibited by baicalein, a 12-LO inhibitor. Conclusion: These results suggest that the potential role of IL-8/CXCL8 in hypertensive processes is likely mediated through the 12-LO pathway.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제18권7호
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• pp.1278-1285
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• 2008

The intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) layer of the intestinal tract makes direct contact with a number of microbiota communities, including bacteria known to have deleterious health effects. IECs possess innate protective strategies against pathogenic challenge, which primarily involve the formation of a physicochemical barrier. Intestinal tract mucins are principal components of the mucus layer on epithelial surfaces, and perform a protective function against microbial damage. However, little is currently known regarding the interactions between probiotics/pathogens and epithelial cell mucins. The principal objective of this study was to determine the effects of Lactobacillus on the upregulation of MUC2 mucin and the subsequent inhibition of E. coli O157:H7 attachment to epithelial cells. In the current study, the attachment of E. coli O157:H7 to HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells was inhibited significantly by L. acidophilus A4 and its cell extracts. It is also important to note that the expression of MUC2 mucin was increased as the result of the addition of L. acidophilus A4 cell extracts (10.0 mg/ml), which also induced a significant reduction in the degree to which E. coli O157:H7 attached to epithelial cells. In addition, the mRNA levels of IL-8, IL-1$\beta$, and TNF-$\alpha$ in HT-29 cells were significantly induced by treatment with L. acidophilus A4 extracts. These results indicate that MUC2 mucin and cytokines are important regulatory factors in the immune systems of the gut, and that selected lactobacilli may be able to induce the upregulation of MUC2 mucin and specific cytokines, thereby inhibiting the attachment of E. coli O157:H7.