• Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.628-647
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• 2018

Purpose: Obesity is associated with metabolic dysregulation, but the underlying metabolic signatures involving clinical and inflammatory profiles of obese asthma are largely unexplored. We aimed at identifying the metabolic signatures of obese asthma. Methods: Eligible subjects with obese (n = 11) and lean (n = 22) asthma underwent body composition and clinical assessment, sputum induction, and blood sampling. Sputum supernatant was assessed for interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, -4, -5, -6, -13, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, and serum was detected for leptin, adiponectin and C-reactive protein. Untargeted gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS)-based metabolic profiles in sputum, serum and peripheral blood monocular cells (PBMCs) were analyzed by orthogonal projections to latent structures-discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) and pathway topology enrichment analysis. The differential metabolites were further validated by correlation analysis with body composition, and clinical and inflammatory profiles. Results: Body composition, asthma control, and the levels of $IL-1{\beta}$, -4, -13, leptin and adiponectin in obese asthmatics were significantly different from those in lean asthmatics. OPLS-DA analysis revealed 28 differential metabolites that distinguished obese from lean asthmatic subjects. The validation analysis identified 18 potential metabolic signatures (11 in sputum, 4 in serum and 2 in PBMCs) of obese asthmatics. Pathway topology enrichment analysis revealed that cyanoamino acid metabolism, caffeine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, pentose phosphate pathway in sputum, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism and pentose phosphate pathway in serum are suggested to be significant pathways related to obese asthma. Conclusions: GC-TOF-MS-based metabolomics indicates obese asthma is characterized by a metabolic profile different from lean asthma. The potential metabolic signatures indicated novel immune-metabolic mechanisms in obese asthma with providing more phenotypic and therapeutic implications, which needs further replication and validation.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.798-806
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. The spleen is the largest organ of the lymphatic system and has an important role in immunity. Obesity-induced inflammatory responses are triggered by Toll-like receptor (TLR)-myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) pathway signaling. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), major dietary glucosinolates present in cruciferous vegetables, have been reported to produce anti-inflammatory effects on various diseases. However, the effects of PEITC and DIM on the obesity-induced inflammatory response in the spleen are unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of PEITC and DIM on the spleen and their mechanism in high fat/cholesterol diet (HFCD)-fed C57BL/6 mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: We established an animal model of HFCD-induced obesity using C57BL/6 mice. The mice were divided into six groups: normal diet with AIN-93G diet (CON), high fat diet (60% calories from fat) with 1% cholesterol (HFCD), HFCD with PEITC 30 mg/kg/day or 75 mg/kg/day (HFCD+P30, HFCD+P75), and HFCD with DIM 1.5 mg/kg/day or 7.5 mg/kg/day (HFCD+D1.5, HFCD+D7.5). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze protein and mRNA levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, interleukin 6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), TLR2, TLR4, and MyD88 in spleen tissue. RESULTS: Serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the HFCD group than in groups fed a HFCD with PEITC or DIM. Levels of NF-κB p65 protein and TLR2/4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, IL-6, and COX-2 mRNA were significantly higher in the HFCD group than in the CON group and were reduced by the PEITC and DIM supplements. CONCLUSIONS: PEITC- and DIM-supplemented diets improved splenic inflammation by modulating the TLR2/4-MyD88 pathway in HFCD-fed mice. We suggest that dietary glucosinolates may at least partially improve obesity-induced inflammation of the spleen.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.342-351
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the inflammatory and lipid profile of patients with and without peri-implantitis. Methods: A cross-sectional biochemical study was carried out in which blood samples were collected from 16 patients with peri-implantitis and from 31 subjects with healthy implants. Clinical peri-implant parameters were obtained from all subjects. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured in serum. Lipid fractions, glucose and creatinine levels, and complete blood count were also assessed. Results: After controlling for a history of periodontitis, statistically significant differences between peri-implantitis patients and controls were found for total cholesterol (estimated adjusted mean difference, 76.4 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 39.6, 113.2 mg/dL; P<0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (estimated adjusted mean difference, 57.7 mg/dL; 95% CI, 23.8, 91.6 mg/dL; P<0.001), white blood cells (WBC) (estimated adjusted mean difference, 2.8×10³/µL; 95% CI, 1.6, 4.0×10³/µL; P<0.001) and IL-10 (estimated adjusted mean difference, -10.4 pg/mL; 95% CI, -15.8, -5.0 pg/mL; P<0.001). The peri-implant probing pocket depth (PPD) was modestly positively correlated with total cholesterol (r=0.512; P<0.001), LDL cholesterol (r=0.463; P=0.001), and WBC (r=0.519; P<0.001). A moderate negative correlation was observed between IL-10 and PPD (r=0.609; P<0.001). Conclusions: Otherwise healthy individuals with peri-implantitis showed increased low-grade systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.113-122
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of children diagnosed as cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) in Korea. Methods: Diagnosis was made based on clinical features and confirmed by a mutation in the cold-induced autoinflammatory syndrome 1 (CIAS1) gene. Especially, osteocartilaginous overgrowth in the patella or distal femur was so characteristic that its presence warranted a diagnosis of chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articular/NOMID. Results: We observed the clinical features of 9 Korean CAPS patients. All the patients suffered from an urticarial rash with recurrent fever. Among the 9 patients, 6 presented with rash and 4 with fever on the 1st or 2nd days of birth. Eight patients showed myalgia, and 7 patients showed arthralgia in the joints, and 6 patients showed radiologic findings of arthropathy including cupping of the metaphysis, excessive growth of the epiphysis, osteopenia or overgrowth of the cartilage. Four patients showed brain atrophy, enlarged ventricles or leptomeningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging. Intellectual disability was observed in 1 patient. Five patients had eye involvement as conjunctivitis, uveitis, chorioretinitis, avascular area or papillary edema, and 3 patients showed progressive hearing loss. All 9 patients showed increased C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Conclusions: All the patients carried a mutation on exon 3 of the CIAS1 gene. After the anakinra (interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) therapy, the fever and rash immediately disappeared, and CRP and ESR were improved.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.247-258
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• 2019

Background: Astragali radix (A) and Lithospermi radix (L) have long been used as traditional medicines due to their known anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed at evaluating, their optimal mixing ratio and their functional compounds by investigating the inhibitory effects of mixed extracts of A and L and their active compounds on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Methods and Results: A and L extracts were obtained by extraction at $80^{\circ}C$ using 50% and 70% fermented alcohol, respectively, and then mixed at a ratio of 5 : 5, 6 : 4, 7 : 3 and 8 : 2 (w/w). The activities of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 were evaluated in interleukin-1beta ($IL-1{\beta}$)-induced SW1353 cells. The extract mixtures showed synergistic inhibitory effects on MMP-3 and MMP-13, higher than the effects of the individual A and L extracts. The 7 : 3 mixture (ALM16) showed the most effective MMPs inhibitory activity, while among the active ingredients, calycosin-7-O-${\beta}$-D-glucoside and lithospermic acid exhibited excellent MMPs inhibitory activity. Additionally, an HPLC method was established for simultaneous quantification of the effective components of the extract mixtures, and validated by measuring the linearity, precision and accuracy of the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). Conclusions: ALM16 showed the most effective MMPs inhibitory activity. Calycosin-O-${\beta}$-D-glucoside, calycosin and lithospermic acid were identified as useful candidates, as they were the major functional compounds in the MMP inhibitory activity. Summarily, ALM16 might be a highly effective in osteoarthritis management, owing to its because it exhibits a protective effect on cartilage via excellent inhibition of MMPs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.8
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• pp.1112-1121
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• 2019

Objective: Gram-negative bacteria lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been reported to be associated with uterine impairment, embryonic resorption, ovarian dysfunction, and follicle retardation. Here, we aimed to investigate the toxic effects of LPS on the maturation ability and parthenogenetic developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Methods: First, we developed an in vitro model to study the response of bovine cumulusoocyte complexes (COCs) to LPS stress. After incubating germinal vesicle COCs in $10{\mu}g/mL$ of LPS, we analyzed the following three aspects: the expression levels of the LPS receptor toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in COCs, activities of intracellular signaling protein p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$); and the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, and IL-6. Furthermore, we determined the effects of LPS on the maturation ability and parthenogenetic developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Results: The results revealed that LPS treatment significantly elevated TLR4 mRNA and protein expression levels in COCs. Exposure of COCs to LPS also resulted in a marked increase in activity of the intracellular signaling protein p-p38 MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$. Furthermore, oocytes cultured in maturation medium containing LPS had significantly higher concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-6. LPS exposure significantly decreased the first polar body extrusion rate. The cytoplasmic maturation, characterized by polar body extrusion and distribution of peripheral cortical granules, was significantly impaired in LPS-treated oocytes. Moreover, LPS exposure significantly increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and the relative mRNA abundance of the antioxidants thioredoxin (Trx), Trx2, and peroxiredoxin 1 in oocytes. Moreover, the early apoptotic rate and the release of cytochrome C were significantly increased in response to LPS. The cleavage, morula, and blastocyst formation rates were significantly lower in parthenogenetically activated oocytes exposed to LPS, while the incidence of apoptotic nuclei in blastocysts was significantly increased. Conclusion: Together, these results provide an underlying mechanism by which LPS impairs maturation potential in bovine oocytes.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.248-254
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• 2022

Background: Occupational hazards in crop farms vary diversely based on different field operations as soil management, harvesting processes, pesticide, or fertilizer application. We aimed at evaluating the immunological status of crop farmers, as limited systematic investigations on immune alteration involved with crop farming have been reported yet. Methods: Immunological parameters including plasma immunoglobulin level, major peripheral immune cells distribution, and level of cytokine production from activated T cell were conducted. Nineteen grape orchard, 48 onion open-field, and 21 rose greenhouse farmers were participated. Results: Significantly low proportion of natural killer (NK) cell, a core cell for innate immunity, was revealed in the grape farmers (19.8±3.3%) in comparison to the onion farmers (26.4±3.1%) and the rose farmers (26.9±2.5%), whereas cytotoxic T lymphocyte proportion was lower in the grape and the onion farmers than the rose farmers. The proportion of NKT cell, an immune cell implicated with allergic response, was significantly higher in the grape (2.3±0.3%) and the onion (1.6±0.8%) farmers compared with the rose farmers (1.0±0.4%). A significantly decreased interferon-gamma:interleukin-13 ratio was observed from ex vivo stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of grape farmers compared with the other two groups. The grape farmers revealed the lowest levels of plasma IgG1 and IgG4, and their plasma IgE level was not significantly different from that of the onion or the rose farmers. Conclusion: Our finding suggests the high vulnerability of workplace-mediated allergic immunity in grape orchard farmers followed by open-field onion farmers and then the rose greenhouse farmers.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.277-287
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• 2022

Background: Inflammatory dental diseases that occur during pregnancy can cause preterm labor and/or intrauterine growth restriction. Therefore, proactive treatment of dental diseases is necessary during pregnancy. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a widely used sedative in the dental field, but research on the effect of DEX on pregnancy is currently insufficient. In this study, we investigated the effects of co-treatment with DEX and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on inflammatory responses in human amnion-derived WISH cells. Methods: Human amnion-derived WISH cells were treated with 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 ㎍/mL DEX with 1 ㎍/mL LPS for 24 h. Cytotoxicity of WISH cells was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), p38, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-𝜅B) was examined by western blot analysis. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1𝛽 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-𝛼 was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Co-treatment with DEX and LPS showed no cytotoxicity in the WISH cells. The mRNA expression of IL-1𝛽 and TNF-𝛼 decreased after co-treatment with DEX and LPS. DEX and LPS co-treatment decreased the protein expression of COX-2, PGE₂, phospho-p38, and phospho-NF-𝛋B in WISH cells. Conclusion: Co-treatment with DEX and LPS suppressed the expression of COX-2 and PGE₂, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1𝛽 and TNF-𝛼 in WISH cells. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of DEX and LPS co-treatment was mediated by the inhibition of p38/NF-𝜅B activation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.81-88
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• 2018

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of an aqueous extract from Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser (TCE) in Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) rat model. Methods : Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into the following four groups (n=6 per group): Normal (saline control), MIA (MIA-induced OA with vehicle), TCE (MIA-induced with TCE treatment), and IM (MIA-induced with indomethacin treatment). Rats in which OA was induced by MIA were treated with TCE (200 mg/kg) or indomethacin (1 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Weight-bearing on the hind legs and body weights were measured weekly. At the end of the experiment (3 weeks after MIA injection), serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were measured to assess the liver toxicity induced by TCE. Its effects on serum inflammatory cytokine levels and tissue histopathology were also evaluated. Results : TCE restored the hind limb weight-bearing distribution. Serum levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were significantly higher in the MIA group than in the Normal group, but serum IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the TCE group. In the TCE group, the synovial membrane was protected in hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin-O staining, respectively. Conclusions : TCE recovered the hind paw weight bearing distribution, inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokine, and protected synovial tissue and cartilage in the OA rat model. Therefore, TCE appears to be an effective therapeutic agent for treating OA and OA-related symptoms.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.21-29
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• 2023

Background : The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of stems and leaves of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. (ES) from Gangwon-do. Methods and Results : Stems and leaves of ES were collected from two areas in Gangwon-do: Cheorwon-gun and Samcheok-si. Samples were extracted with water by using the pressurized liquid extraction method and with 70% prethanol A by using the heat reflux extraction method. The anti-inflammatory effects of ES were evaluated through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide(MTT), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) assay, nitric oxide(NO) assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and Western blot analysis in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 1) Results showed that ES leaf extractions were not cytotoxic at a concentration of up to 30 ㎍/㎖. The leaves of 70% prethanol A extractions of ES(30 ㎍/㎖) inhibited NO, interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) production and decreased the protein level of cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2). There was no significant change in the protein level of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS). The stem extractions of ES did not exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusions : In this study, the leaves of 70% prethanol A extractions of ES demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect on RAW 264.7 macrophages. The 70% prethanol A extractions have a relatively higher anti-inflammatory effect on RAW 264.7 macrophages than water extractions.