• Journal of Chitin and Chitosan
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.277-284
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• 2018

In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic effect of the ethyl acetate fraction of Ecklonia cava (EC-EtoAc) on the immunoglobulin E (IgE)/bovine serum albumin (BSA)-mediated activation of bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMCMCs). We revealed that the $62.5{\mu}g/ml$ of EC-fractions ($EC-CHCl_3$, EC-Hexane and EC-EtoAc) inhibited IgE/BSA-activated ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release from BMCMCs without cytotoxicity. Especially, EC-EtoAc showed the higher ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release than the others. Also, EC-EtoAc reduced the expression levels of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and a chemokine, thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), compared to the only IgE/BSA-treated BMCMCs. Furthermore, EC-EtoAc significantly prevented the binding of IgE to Fc epsilon receptor $(Fc{\varepsilon}R)I$ and reduced the $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ expression on the sensitized BMCMCs. Taken together, these results suggest that E. cava may be the natural agent with beneficial potentials for the treatment of type I allergic diseases induced by mast cell activation.

• Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.675-685
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of house dust mite (HDM)-sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in elderly patients with AR. Methods: A total of 45 patients aged ${\geq}60years$ with HDM-induced AR who had ${\geq}3$ A/H ratio on skin prick test and/or ${\geq}0.35IU/L$ to both Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus by ImmunoCAP were enrolled in 4 university hospitals. To evaluate additional effects of HDM-SLIT, they were randomized to the SLIT-treated group (n = 30) or control group (n = 15). Rhinoconjunctivitis total symptom score (RTSS), rhinoscopy score, Korean rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, rhinitis control assessment test, asthma control test scores, and adverse reactions, were assessed at the first visit (V1) and after 1 year of treatment (V5); for immunological evaluation, serum levels of HDM-specific immunoglobulin A/IgE/IgG1/IgG4 antibodies and basophil response to HDMs were compared between V1 and V5 in both groups. Results: There were no significant differences in demographics, RTSS, skin reactivity to HDMs, or serum total/specific IgE levels to HDMs (P > 0.05, respectively) between the 2 groups. Nasal symptom score and RTSS decreased significantly at year 1 in the 2 groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in percent decrease in nasal symptom score and RTSS at year 1 between the 2 groups (P > 0.05); however, rhinoscopic nasal symptom score decreased significantly in the SLIT-treated group (P < 0.05). Immunological studies showed that serum specific IgA levels (not specific IgE/IgG) and CD203c expression on basophils decreased significantly at V5 in the SLIT-treated group (P = 0.011 and P = 0.001, respectively), not in the control group. The control group required more medications compared to the treatment group, but there were no differences in adverse reactions. Conclusions: It is suggested that HDM-SLIT for 1 year could induce symptom improvement and may induce immunomodulation in elderly rhinitis patients.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.1914-1922
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• 2019

Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of stocking density and alphalipoic acid (ALA) on the growth performance, feed utilization, carcass traits, antioxidative ability and immune response of broilers. Methods: A total of 1,530 22-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acres) with comparable body weights ($731.92{\pm}5.26$) were placed into 18 cages ($2.46{\times}2.02m$) in groups of 75 birds ($15birds/m^2$, $37.5kg/m^2$; low stocking density [LD]), 90 birds ($18birds/m^2$, $45.0kg/m^2$; high stocking density [HD]) and 90 birds with 300 mg/kg ALA added to the basal diet ($18birds/m^2$, $45.0kg/m^2$; HD+ALA, high stocking density+${\alpha}$-lipoic acid); each treatment was represented by 6 replicates. The experimental period was 3 weeks. Results: The results showed that the high stocking density regimen resulted in a decreased growth, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight, thigh yield and bursa weight relative to body weight (p<0.05) on d 42. The abdominal fat yield in the HD+ALA group was lower (p = 0.031) than that of the LD group at 42 d. The superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in serum were increased, and malondialdehyde content decreased after adding ALA product (p<0.05) on d 42. Additionally, the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG were decreased (p<0.05) and the level of diamine oxidase was higher (p<0.01) in the HD group on d 42. Conclusion: The high stocking density significantly decreased broiler growth performance, feed utilization and carcass traits, increased physiological and oxidative stress and induced intestinal mucosal injury. The supplementation of ALA product in broiler diet at 300 mg/kg may reduce the adverse effects of high stocking density-mediated stress by maintaining the antioxidant system and humoral immune system.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.226-238
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• 2021

Purpose: Although several reports have described the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, information about the association between periodontal disease and the progression of degenerative aortic stenosis (AS) is lacking. Therefore, we performed a retrospective, single-center, pilot study to provide insight into this potential association. Methods: Data from 45 consecutive patients (19 men; median age, 83 years) with mild or moderate degenerative aortic stenosis were analyzed for a mean observation period of 3.3±1.9 years. The total amount of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis and titers of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) against periodontal bacteria and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were evaluated. Aortic valve area (AVA), maximal velocity (Vmax), mean pressure gradient (mean PG), and the Doppler velocity index (DVI) were evaluated. The change in each parameter per year ([Parameter_LATEST-Parameter_BASELINE]/Follow-up Years) was calculated from the retrospective follow-up echocardiographic data (baseline vs. the most recently collected data [latest]). Results: No correlation was found between the concentration of periodontopathic bacteria in the saliva and AS status/progression. The anti-P. gingivalis antibody titer in the serum showed a significant positive correlation with AVA and DVI. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between the anti-P. gingivalis IgG antibody titer and mean PG. The hs-CRP concentration showed positive correlations with Vmax and mean PG. Meanwhile, a negative correlation was observed between the anti-P. gingivalis IgG antibody titer and ΔAVA/year and Δmean PG/year. The hs-CRP concentration showed positive correlations with Vmax and mean PG, and it was significantly higher in patients with rapid aortic stenosis progression (ΔAVA/year <-0.1) than in their counterparts. Conclusions: Our results suggest that periodontopathic bacteria such as A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis are not directly related to the status/progression of degenerative AS. However, inflammation and a lower immune response may be associated with disease progression.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.867-879
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• 2021

Objective: Fibronectin 3 (FN3) and immunoglobulin like modules (Ig) are usually collocated beside modular cellulase catalytic domains. However, very few researches have investigated the role of these modules. In a previous study, we have sequenced and analyzed bacterial metagenomic DNA in Vietnamese goats' rumen and found that cellulase-producing bacteria and cellulase families were dominant. In this study, the properties of modular cellulases and the role of a FN3 in unique endoglucanase belonging to glycosyl hydorlase (GH) family 5 were determined. Methods: Based on Pfam analysis, the cellulases sequences containing FN3, Ig modules were extracted from 297 complete open reading frames (ORFs). The alkaline, thermostability, tertiary structure of deduced enzymes were predicted by AcalPred, TBI software, Phyre2 and Swiss models. Then, whole and truncated forms of a selected gene were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by His-tag affinity column for assessment of FN3 ability to enhance enzyme activity, solubility and conformation. Results: From 297 complete ORFs coding for cellulases, 148 sequences containing FN3, Ig were identified. Mostly FN3 appeared in 90.9% beta-glucosidases belonging to glycosyl hydrolase family 3 (GH3) and situated downstream of catalytic domains. The Ig was found upstream of 100% endoglucanase GH9. Rarely FN3 was seen to be situated downstream of X domain and upstream of catalytic domain endoglucanase GH5. Whole enzyme (called XFN3GH5 based on modular structure) and truncate forms FN3, XFN3, FN3GH5, GH5 were cloned in pET22b (+) and pET22SUMO to be expressed in single and fusion forms with a small ubiquitin-related modifier partner (S). The FN3, SFN3 increased GH5 solubility in FN3GH5, SFN3GH5. The SFN3 partly served for GH5 conformation in SFN3GH5, increased modules interaction and enzyme-soluble substrate affinity to enhance SXFN3GH5, SFN3GH5 activities in mixtures. Both SFN3 and SXFN3 did not anchor enzyme on filter paper but exfoliate and separate cellulose chains on filter paper for enzyme hydrolysis. Conclusion: Based on these findings, the presence of FN3 module in certain cellulases was confirmed and it assisted for enzyme conformation and activity in both soluble and insoluble substrate.

• Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.86-93
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• 2021

A high salt diet contributes to kidney damage by causing hypoxia and oxidative stress. Recently, an increase in dietary salt has been reported to induce an inflammatory phenotype in immune cells, further contributing to kidney damage. However, studies on the exact mechanism and role of a high salt diet on the inflammatory response in the kidneys are still insufficient. In this study, a cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury model using C57BL/6 mice was used to analyze the effect of salt intake on kidney injury. Results showed that high salt administration aggravated kidney edema in mice induced by treatment with cisplatin. Moreover, the indicators of kidney and liver function impairment were significantly increased in the group cotreated with high salt compared with that treated with cisplatin alone. Furthermore, the exacerbation of kidney damage by high salt administration was also associated with a decrease in the number of cells in the immune regulatory system. Additionally, high salt administration further decreased renal perfusion functions along with increased cisplatin-induced damage to proximal tubules. This was accompanied by increased expression of T cell immunoglobulin, mucin domain 1 (a biomarker of kidney injury), and Bax (a pro-apoptotic factor). Moreover, cisplatin-induced expression of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines, including cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α in kidney tissue, was further increased by high salt intake. Therefore, these results indicate that the kidney's inflammatory response by high salt treatment can further promote kidney damage caused by various pathological factors.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.651-657
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• 2019

Although smallpox was eradicated in 1980, it is still considered a potential agent of biowarfare and bioterrorism. Smallpox has the potential for high mortality rates along with a major public health impact, eventually causing public panic and social disruption. Passive administration of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is an effective intervention for various adverse reactions caused by vaccination and the unpredictable nature of emerging and bioterrorist-related infections. Currently, vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) is manufactured from vaccinia vaccine-boosted plasma; however, this production method is not ideal because of its limited availability, low specific activity, and risk of contamination with blood-borne infectious agents. To overcome the limitations of VIG production from human plasma, we isolated two human single-chain variable fragments (scFvs), (SC34 and SC212), bound to vaccinia virus (VACV), from a scFv phage library constructed from the B cells of VACV vaccine-boosted volunteers. The scFvs were converted to human IgG1 (VC34 and VC212). These two anti-VACV mAbs were produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) DG44 cells. The binding affinities of VC34 and VC212 were estimated by competition ELISA to $IC_{50}$ values of $2{\mu}g/ml$ (13.33 nM) and $22{\mu}g/ml$ (146.67 nM), respectively. Only the VC212 mAb was proven to neutralize the VACV, as evidenced by the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) result with a $PRNT_{50}$ of ~0.16 mg/ml (${\sim}1.07{\mu}M$). This VC212 could serve as a valuable starting material for further development of VACV-neutralizing human immunoglobulin for a prophylactic measure against post-vaccination complications and for post-exposure treatment against smallpox.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.10
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• pp.1558-1564
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• 2019

Objective: This study investigated the effects of 1,3-1,6 beta-glucan added to the diet of Haidong chicks reared under hypoxic conditions, to ascertain the growth performances, immunity and intestinal morphology changes. Methods: A total of 750 chicks were divided into five groups and fed diets containing 0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, and 2.0 g/kg 1,3-1,6 beta-glucan from yeast (G1, G2, G3, respectively), 0.2 g/kg Taylor rhizomorph and a control feed. Results: The body weight and body weight gain were higher in chicks fed 1,3-1,6 beta-glucan and Taylor rhizomorph than in control group. Feed conversion ratio significantly differed for G2 and G3 groups in comparison to control group. The relative weight of bursa was higher in G1, G2, and G3 groups. The white blood cells and lymphocytes were significantly increased in groups fed 1,3-1,6 beta-glucan. The immunoglobulin G of serum peak appeared in the G3 group. The villous height of the duodenum was higher in 1,3-1,6 beta-glucan feed groups. In the jejunum, the villous height was higher in G2 and G3 groups and crypt depth for all the groups fed ${\beta}$-glucan. At ileum level the villous height and crypt depth was higher for groups G1, G2, and G3. Conclusion: The growth performance of Haidong chicks is improved when 10 and 20 g/kg 1,3-1,6 beta-glucan is included in the diet; hence, it is suggested that 1,3-1,6 beta-glucan be included in poultry diet to reduce and replace the use of antibiotics.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.219-225
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• 2019

This study was done to examine immunomodulative effects of aged doraji (AD) in the immune-suppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide. The immune-stimulating effects of ethanol AD extract in in vivo at 75 and 150 mg/kg body weight (BW) for AD and 2AD groups were evaluated and compared to the normal doraji group (2ND, 150 mg/kg BW) treated with a doraji without aging process. After the 10 days of oral supplement, body and immune related organ weights, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and cytokines levels, splenocytes proliferation rate, and splenic NK cell activity were measured as immune-related biomarkers. Body weight and serum IgG level increased in the 2AD group. But, the serum Th2 cytokine (IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$) levels were lower in the AD and 2AD groups, respectively. Splenic T cell and B cell proliferation and NK cell activity increased in the doraji groups and the significant increases were found only in the 2AD group. Thus, the aged doraji extract may affect body weight, serum IgG level, splenocytes proliferation, and splenic NK cell activity, and normalize the Th2 cytokine levels in the immune-suppressed mice. The results suggest that the aged doraji improves effectively immune system rather than the normal one.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.904-911
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• 2019

Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of night light regimen on growth performance, antioxidant status and health of Lingnan Yellow broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age. Methods: A completely randomized factorial design involved 2 photoperiods (constant lighting [CL], 24 L:0 D and intermittent lighting [INL], 17 L:3 D:1 L:3 D)${\times}2$ light intensities (10 lx and 30 lx). A total of one thousand six hundred and eighty 1-d-old Lingnan Yellow broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 6 replicates (70 birds per replicate). The experiment lasted for 21 d. Results: Photoperiods and light intensities had no effect on average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and mortality of the broiler chickens (p>0.05). The INL had a significant effect on average daily feed intake (p<0.05) of broiler chickens compared with CL. Photoperiod and light intensity had an interactive effect on melatonin (MT) concentration (p<0.05). At CL, reducing light intensity increased MT concentration; INL birds had higher MT but MT concentration was not affected by light intensity. There was an interactive effect on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) in serum and total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) in liver between photoperiod and light intensity. With the decrease of light intensity, the activities of GPx and CAT in serum and T-AOC in liver increased in CL group (p<0.05). Broiler chickens reared under INL had better antioxidant status and 10 lx treatments had higher activities of CAT in serum than 30 lx (p<0.05). Different photoperiods and light intensities had no effect on malondialdehyde. There was an interaction between photoperiod and light intensity on serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration (p<0.05). At CL, the elevated light intensity resulted in an increase in CK content; INL birds had lower CK concentration especially in low light intensity group. Besides, INL and low light intensity significantly reduced the concentration of serum corticosterone and heat shock protein 70 (p<0.05). Serum immunoglobulin M contents were increased in broiler chickens reared under the INL compared with CL group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Results above suggest that the night light regimen of INL and 10 lx could be beneficial to the broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age due to the better health status and electricity savings.