• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.245-252
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• 2012

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of IFN-${\tau}$ on prostaglandin synthesis, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression in vitro and concentration of progesterone (P4) in endometrial cells. Epithelial and stromal cells cultured in vitro were isolated from bovine endometrium and stimulated with increasing doses of IFN-${\tau}$ (0, 0.02, 0.2 and 2 ug/ml). Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 1.5 IU/ml) was used as a positive control. Prostaglandin $E_2$ and $F_{2{\alpha}}$ levels in the culture media were analyzed by enzyme immunoassays and total RNA was extracted from the cells for RT-PCR. P4 concentrations of blood samples were assayed by chemiluminescent immuno assays system. In epithelial cells, COX-2 gene expression was increased in the presence of IFN-${\tau}$ (p<0.05), but it was not significantly different in all groups of stromal cells except for 2 ug/ml IFN-${\tau}$ group (p<0.05). Although IFN-${\tau}$ did not affect $PGE_2$ and $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ production in epithelial cells, it decreased $PGE_2$ and $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ production significantly in stromal cells (p<0.05). In vivo experiment, blood concentration of P4 was significantly increased after addition of IFN-${\tau}$ (1 ug/ml). The results indicate that PG production was mediated by COX-2 expression in stromal cells but it was not affected in epithelial cells and this suggest that treatment of IFN-${\tau}$ could improve the implantation environment of uterine by maintenance of high P4 concentration.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2010

Objective : Sinapis alba L. (SA) is a korean traditional herbal medicine that is usually used to prevent or treat inflammatory diseases, such as respiratory infection and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the effects of SA supplementation in vitro on serum antibody levels, splenocyte and peritoneal macrophage immune responses have not yet been determined. In this study, we examined the effect of SA on the production of Th1/Th2 cytokines. Methods : Splenocytes were isolated from naive C57BL/6 mice. Cells were enriched for CD4+ cell populations by first staining the cells with anti-CD4 (BD PharMingen, Calif, USA). CD4+ T cells were selected on a (CS) column, and the flow-through was collected as CD4+ T cells. Isolated cells were activated by overnight incubation on 24-well plates coated with $1{\mu}g/mL$ anti-CD3, $1{\mu}g/mL$ anti-CD28 and with SA ($100{\mu}g/mL$). Primary macrophages were collected from the peritoneal cavities of mice (8-week-old female C57BL/6). The peritoneal macrophages were washed and plated with RPMI-1640 overnight for the experiments. After 48-hours cultures, samples were centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 10 minutes, and the supernatants were stored at $-80^{\circ}C$. Mouse IL-4, IFN-$\gamma$ and TNF-$\alpha$ were quantified using ELISA kits (BioSource International, Camarillo, Calif, USA) according to the manufacturer's protocols. Results : SA at 100ug/ml decreased the generation of Th1 cytokine (IFN-$\gamma$) by 0.5-fold. However, SA has no effect on Th2 (IL-4) production. Conclusions : These results suggest that SA may play an important role in the control of T-cell-mediated autoimmunity by down-regulation of Th1 cytokine (especially IFN-$\gamma$, TNF-$\alpha$). These data may contribute to the design of new immunomodulating treatments for a group of autoimmune diseases.

• Gut and Liver
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.664-673
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• 2018

Background/Aims: Regulatory dendritic cells (rDCs), which can be induced by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), play an important role in inducing and maintaining homeostasis of regulatory T cells and exhibit anti-inflammatory functions. In this study, we investigated whether MSCs could differentiate DCs into rDCs and compared the therapeutic effects of rDCs and MSCs on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced chronic colitis mice. Methods: Immature DCs (imDCs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mature DCs (mDCs) were co-cultured with MSCs for 48 hours, and then the profiles of surface markers and cytokines and regulatory roles of these DCs for primary splenocytes were analyzed. In addition, the therapeutic effects of MSCs and DCs co-cultured with MSCs were compared in chronic colitis mice. Results: After co-culture of imDCs (MSC-DCs) or LPS-treated mDCs (LPS+MSC-DCs) with MSCs, the expression of CD11c, CD80, CD86, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), and interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$), was decreased, but that of CD11b, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-${\beta}$ (TGF-${\beta}$) was increased. Furthermore, MSC-DCs and LPS+MSC-DCs induced the expression of CD4, CD25, and Foxp3 in primary splenocytes isolated from mice. In DSS-induced colitis mice, MSCs and MSC-DCs increased colon length, body weight, and survival rate and induced histological improvement. Moreover, in the colon tissues, the expression of IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IFN-${\gamma}$ decreased, but that of IL-10, TGF-${\beta}$, and Foxp3 increased in the MSC- and MSC-DC-injected groups. Conclusions: Our data suggest that MSCs differentiate DCs into rDCs, which ameliorate chronic colitis. Thus, rDCs stimulated by MSCs may be therapeutically useful for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.101-109
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Water Extract (PM) on the production of inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Method : We examined effect of PM Extract on the cell viability of RAW 264.7 cells. Futhermore, we investigated anti-inflammatory effect of PM Extract by the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as NO, intracellular calcium, interleukin(IL)-$1{\alpha}$, IL-3, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, interferon inducible protein-10(IP-10), keratinocyte-derived chemokine(KC) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF). Result : No significant changes have been found in the mouse macrophge cell viability by the PM Extract at the concentration of 25, 50, 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$. The water extract of PM significantly inhibited the production of NO and intracellular calcium in the LPS-induced macrophages at the concentration of 25, 50, 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$. The water extract of PM significantly inhibited the production of IL-$1{\alpha}$, IL-${\beta}$, IL-3, IP-10, KC, VEGF in the LPS-induced macrophages at the concentration of 50, 100, and $200{\mu}g/mL$; IL-6 at the concentration of 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$ ; and IL-17 at $200{\mu}g/mL$. Conclusion : The water extract of PM significantly inhibited the production of NO, intracellular calcium, IL-$1{\alpha}$, IL-3, IL-${\beta}$, IP-10, KC, VEGF at the concentration of 50 ㎍/mL or higher in the LPS-induced macrophages with no changes in the cell viability of them. These results suggest that water extract of Polygoni Multiflori Radix has anti-inflammatory effect regulating the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the LPS-induced macrophages.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.140-153
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• 2003

Background : The cell-mediated immune reaction to tuberculosis infection involves a complex network of cytokines. The extent of inflammation, tissue damage and severity of the disease suggested to be determined by the balance between extent and duration of the proinflammatory cytokine response versus those of the suppressive cytokines. The systemic cytokine response in pathogenesis of tuberculosis can be assessed by measuring serum cytokine levels. Method : Serum interleukin-1 beta(IL-$1{\beta}$), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p40), tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-${\alpha}$), interferon-gamma(IFN-${\gamma}$) and transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-${\beta}$) levels were measured in 83 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 10 patients with endobronchial tuberculosis before treatment and 20 healthy subjects by using a sandwich ELISA. In patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, they were divided into mild, moderate and far advanced group according to the severity by ATS guidelines. To compare with those of pretreatment levels, we measured serum IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p40), TNF-${\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TGF-${\beta}$ levels in 45 of 83 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis after 2 and 6 months of treatment. Results : 1) In sera of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis(n=83), IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6(p<0.05), TNF-${\alpha}$, and IFN-${\gamma}$ were elevated and TGF-${\beta}$ was decreased comparing to control. IL-2, Il-12(p40), IL-4 and IL-10 were similar between the patients with tuberculosis and control. 2) In endobronchial tuberculosis, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ were elevated and TGF-${\beta}$ was decreased comparing to control. IL-12(p40) seemed to be elevated comparing to pulmonary tuberculosis. 3) Far advanced tuberculosis showed markedly elevated IL-6 and IFN-${\gamma}$ level(p<0.05). 4) The significant correlations were noted between IL-1, IL-6 AND TNF-${\alpha}$ and between IL-12, Il-2 and IL-4(p<0.01). 5) After 2 and 6 months of standard treatment, the level of IL-6 and IFN-${\gamma}$ was significantly decreased(p<0.05). Conclusion : These results showed that an altered balance between cytokines is likely to be involved in the extent of inflammation, tissue damage and severity of the disease tuberculosis. But, it should be considered diversities of cytokine response according to type of tuberculosis and immunity in clinical application and interpreting future studies.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.90-99
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• 1998

Purpose: The aim of this study was to clarify the serum cytokine pattern in patients with chronic HBV infection in terms of their clinical state. Methods: Intravenous blood samples were taken from 35 patients who were seropositive for HBsAg for at least 6 months and 7 healthy controls. Samples were initially tested for serum aminotransferases and serologic markers for hepatitis B virus by EIA. Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), interferon-gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$), IL-4, and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Results: Among 35 patients, seropositive for HBeAg was 20 and for anti-HBe was 15. The histologic diagnosis of 19 patients underwent liver biopsy were chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH) in 10 and chronic active hepatitis (CAH) in 9. Serum IL-10 level in patients seropositive for HBeAg was significantly higher than that in patients seropositive for anti-HBe (p<0.05). All measured cytokine levels in patients with CAH were higher than those of patients with CPH. High values of all measured cytokines except IL-4 were seen in patients with AST and ALT > 100 U/L. High level of IL-4 was seen in patients with normal aminotransferase levels. Conclusion: These results were thought to indicate that anti-inflammatory Th2-like cytokine (IL-10) production in chronic HBV infection is related to circulating HBeAg rather than activity of hepatitis and that Th1 cytokines seem to be associated with the increasing activity of hepatitis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.509-516
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• 2017

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. sprouts (PFS) is a plant of the labiatae family. The purpose of this work was to assess the preventive effects of PFS ethanolic extracts (PFSEs) on cytokine-induced ${\beta}$-cell damage. Cytokines, which are released by the infiltration of inflammatory cells around the pancreatic islets, are involved in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The combination of interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-1), interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$), and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) induced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accumulation of intracellular ROS led to ${\beta}$-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. PFSEs possess antioxidant activity and thus lead to downregulation of ROS generation. Cytokines decrease cell viability, stimulate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and induce the production of nitric oxide (NO). PFSEs prevented cytokine-induced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Incubation with PFSE resulted in significant reduction in cytokine-induced NO production that correlated with reduced levels of the iNOS and COX-2 protein expression. Furthermore, PFSE significantly decreased the activation of nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) by inhibition of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ phosphorylation in RINm5F cells. In summary, our results suggest that the protective effects of PFSE might serve to counteract cytokine-induced ${\beta}$-cell destruction. Findings indicate that consumption of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. sprouts alleviates hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced ${\beta}$-cell damage and thus has beneficial anti-diabetic effects.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.486-493
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• 2014

Adipocytes are endocrine cells that release bioactive mediators called adipokines. In condition of obesity characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation, adipocytes release inflammatory adipokines, which is related to insulin resistance. Bojungchiseub-tang (BJCST) has been used in symptoms and signs of edema, dampness-phlegm, kidney failure, and so on in Korean medicine. BJCST is also expected to have anti-obesity activities. In the present study, we examined whether BJCST modulate the production of inflammatory adipokines and the activations of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway related to induce adipocyte inflammation to elucidate the effects and its mechanism of BJCST on lowering the content of inflammatory adipokines in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. As a result, BJCST suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) $-{\alpha}$, interleukin (IL) $-1{\beta}$, IL-6, interferon (IFN) -${\gamma}$, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and the production of other inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ and nitric oxide(NO)viadownregulationofcyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)andinducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene expressions. In addition, BJCST decreased the phosphorylation of MAPK that promotes the production of inflammatory adipokines in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. In conclusion, BJCST could regulate the production of inflammatory adipokines and MAPK signaling pathway related to induction of adipose inflammation.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.387-404
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was to observe anticancer and related immunomodulatory effects of Kwibi-tang extracts (KBTe) on non-small cell lung carcinoma (squamous epithelial carcinoma), NCI-H520, xenograft Balb/c nu-nu nude mice. Methods : Three different dosages of KBTe, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg were orally administered once a day for 42 days from 11 days after tumor cell inoculation. Six groups, each of 8 mice per group were used in the present study. Changes in body weight, tumor volume and weight, lymphatic organs (spleen and popliteal lymph node), serum interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ levels, splenocytes NK cell activity and peritoneal macrophage activities, splenic tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-10 contents were observed with tumor mass and lymphatic organ histopathology to detect anticancer and immunomodulatory effects. The results were compared with a potent cytotoxic anticancer agent, 5-FU (5-Fluorouracil) 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal treatment (3-day intervals for 42 days, the optimal effective treatment regimes already confirmed). Results & Conclusions : This study suggest that over 50 mg/kg of KBTe showed favorable anticancer effects on the NCI-H520 cell xenograft with immunomodulatory effects. Although relatively lower anticancer effects were observed in KBTe 200 mg/kg treated mice as compared with 5-FU 30 mg/kg treated mice, no meaningful favorable immunomodulatory effects were observed after 5-FU treatment in the present study.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.845-855
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• 2000

As high as 50% of pregnancies are known to fail and the majority of such losses occur during the peri-implantation period. For the establishment of pregnancy in mammalian species, therefore, implantation of the conceptus to the maternal endometrium must be completed successfully. Physiological events associated with implantation differ among mammals. In ruminant ungulates, an elongation of the trophohlast in early conceptus development is required before the attachment of the conceptus to the uterine endometrium. Moreover, implantation sites are restricted to each uterine caruncula where tissue remodeling, feto-maternal cell fusion and placentation take place in a coordinated manner. These unique events occur under strict conditions and are regulated by numerous factors from the uterine endometrium and trophoblast in a spatial manner. Interferon-tau (IFN-${\tau}$), a conceptus-derived anti-Iuteolytic factor, which rescues corpus luteum from its regression in ruminants, is particularly apt to play an important role as a local regulator in coordination with other factors, such as TGF-${\beta}$, Cox-2 and MMPs at the attachment and placentation sites.