• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.12
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• pp.1671-1676
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• 2012

In this study, the immuno-enhancing activity of seed extracts were studied on the macrophage cell lines. We examined the effect of nine seed extracts on nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells and selected four highly-effective seed candidates (Fagopyrum esculentum, Taraxacum platycarpum, Impatiens balsamina, Helianthus annuus) for further immune-related studies. The effects of the four seed extracts on the production of immune-related cytokines in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line and proliferation of Molt-4 as a T cell line were investigated. The secretion of NO from the RAW 264.7 cells was increased up to 39 ${\mu}M$ by adding the seed extracts (25 ${\mu}g/mL$) compared to the control. Also, the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) was also increased up to 32 times by adding the seed extracts (25 ${\mu}g/mL$). Secretion of cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-$1{\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) was also increased and induced the proliferation of T cells compared to the control. In conclusion, these results suggest that four seed extracts provide beneficial immuno-enhancing effects for human health.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.101-107
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• 2008

In order to investigate the potential of a Angelica keiskei Koidzumi extract and its fractions as an active ingredient for whitening cosmetics, we prepared Angelica keiskei Koidzumi extract(70% ethanol), and the aqueous suspension was successively extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate(EA), and n-butanol fraction. We measured their inhibitory effects on mushroom tyrosinase and melanin synthesis in B16 melanoma cells and normal human kerationocytes in vitro. They did not show inhibitory activity against mushroom tyrosinase and the melanin synthesis except hexane and EA fractions. Hexane and EA fractions markedly inhibited cellular tyrosinase activity at a lower concentration(25 and 5 ${\mu}g/mL$, respectively) than arbutin(250 ${\mu}g/mL$). We also quantified the released amount of endothelin-1(ET-1), a mitogen of melanocyte, and interleukin-$1{\alpha}$(IL-$1{\alpha})$, a mediator of UVB-induced inflammation. Hexane and EA fractions did not affect IL-$1{\alpha}$ production, but they decreased UVB-induced ET-1 production in normal human keratinocytes in a dose dependant manner. As a result, hexane and EA fractions could inhibit the melanogenesis through the inhibition of UVB-induced ET-1 production in normal human keratinocytes. This result suggests that hexane and EA fractions of Angelica keiskei Koidzumi extract could be used as an active ingredient for cosmetics.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.24 no.4 s.47
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• pp.871-883
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• 1994

This experiment was designed to study possible roles of $interleukin-1\beta$, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis $factor-\alpha$ in bone remodeling by measuring their effects on $PGE_2,\; LTB_4$ and collagenase production when they were administered to human periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Human periodontal ligament fibroblasts were collected from first premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment. They were incubated in the environment of $37^{\circ}C,\;5\%\;Co^2,\;and\;100\%$ humidity. They were treated with $0.25\%$ trypsin-EDTA solution and centrifuged. PDL cells in the fifth to seventh passage were used for the experiment. Cells were seeded onto the culture dishes and when they were successfully attached, human recombinant $interleukin-1\beta$, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis $factor-\alpha$ were administered, alone or in combination. They were incubated for 4, 8 and 24 hours and the levels of $PGE_2,\;LTB_4$ and collagenase released into the culture media were assessed by enzymeimmunoassay and collagenase activity assay. The conclusions are as follows: 1. $IL-1\beta\;and\;TNF-\alpha$ were very active in stimulating the production of $PGE_2$ and collagenase by human periodontal ligament fibroblasts, while IL-6 increased $LTB_4$ production. 2. $IL-1\beta$ significantly increased $PGE_2$, but $LTB_4$ Production was not increased. $IL-1\beta$ is thought to act mainly via the cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism. 3. IL-6 tended to inhibit $IL-1\beta$ in the production of $PGE_2$ and collagense whereas IL-6 and $TNF-\alpha$ showed auditive effect in the level of $PGE_2$. The above cytokines increased the release of at least one of $PGE_2,\;LTB_4$ and collagenase. It suggests that cytokines are involved in bone remodeling process by stimulating PDL fibroblasts to produce various bone-resorptive agents. The roles of cytokines in bone remodeling as a whole would need further study.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.9
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• pp.1007-1011
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• 2008

Purpose : Febrile seizure (FS) is the most common type of seizure. The role of genetic factors in FSs has long been recognized. A positive family history can be elicited in 25-40% of patients with FSs; nonetheless, the genes responsible for FSs in the majority of the population remain unknown. Interleukin-$1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that acts as an endogenous pyrogen. Thus, $IL-1{\beta}$ could be involved in the pathophysiology of FSs. Methods : To determine whether or not single nucleotide polymorphisms of the $IL-1{\beta}$ gene are associated with susceptibility to simple FSs, $IL-1{\beta}$ promoter -31 and -511 genotyping was performed by means of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment (PCR-RF) length polymorphism in 40 FS patients (20 sporadic and 20 familial FS patients) and 33 controls. Results : There were no significant differences in the frequencies of -31 C/T and -511 C/T in the $IL-1{\beta}$ promoter gene, between simple FS patients and controls. Conclusion : The frequency of CT/CT increased relatively in familial FS patients. A study examining a larger number of FS patients is needed.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.262-274
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• 2007

Objective : It has been reported that two-repeats ($IL1RN^{\ast}2$) of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene is associated with ischemic stroke, and that Ala allele of the common Pro12Ala polymorphism in $PPAR-{\gamma}2$ isoform is associated with reduced risk for type 2 DM and its complications. The aim of the present study is to assess the association of IL-1Ra and $PPAR-{\gamma}2$ Pro12Ala polymorphism with the presence of ischemic stroke in the case of diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Methods : Genomic DNA was obtained from 373 healthy subjects, 157 DM subjects without ischemic stroke (known DM duration ${\ge}10$ years) and 302 ischemic stroke patients (including with DM). IL-1Ra polymorphism was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and $PPAR-{\gamma}2$ polymorphism by restriction fragment length polymorphism after PCR. Results : $IL1RN^{\ast}1/IL1RN^{\ast}2$ genotype was associated with significantly increased risk for DM (OR=2.86, P = 0.0008) and ischemic stroke (OR=2.74, P = 0.0016). Pro/Ala genotype was associated with the reduced risk for DM (OR=0.53, P = 0.0491) and ischemic stroke (OR=0.38, P = 0.0039). They were also associated with the reduced risk for ischemic stroke in the DM patients compared with DM without ischemic stroke (OR=0.25, P = 0.0321). Conclusions : $IL1RN^{\ast}2$ allele could be an accelerating factor, not a predictive marker for ischemic stroke in type 2 DM. The Pro/Ala genotype of $PPAR-{\gamma}2$ Pro12Ala polymorphism may be associated with reduced risk for ischemic stroke with type 2 DM. Therefore it could be a useful predictive marker for ischemic stroke in Korean type 2 DM.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.16-27
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• 2004

In the traditional Chinese medicine, Drynariae Rhizoma (DR) has been reported as a good enhancer for bone healing. DR, a plant widely used in the traditional medicinal systems of Korea, has been reported to possess antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Modulation of immune response to alleviate disease has been of interest for a long time. Plant extracts have been widely investigated for possible immunomodulatory properties. Thus, I have evaluated the anticellular and immunomodulatory properties of ethanolic extract of DR. DR extract inhibited proliferation of mitogen (phytohaemagglutinin; PHA) and antigen (purified protein derivative; PPD)-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In addition, DR inhibited growth of several cell lines of mouse and human origin. It also inhibited production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})$. Intracytoplasmic $interferon-{\gamma}\;(IFN-{\gamma})$ and expression of cell surface markers, CD16 and HLA-DR, on human PBMC, were not affected on treatment with DR but CD25 expression was down regulated. This study demonstrates the antiproliferative and immunosuppressive potential of ethanolic extract of DR in vitro.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.1099-1109
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• 2018

Objective: In a proof of concept study, we compared no-touch radiofrequency ablation (NtRFA) in bipolar mode with conventional direct tumor puncture (DTP) in terms of local tumor control (LTC), peritoneal seeding, and tumorigenic factors, in the rabbit VX2 subcapsular hepatic tumor model. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two rabbits with VX2 subcapsular hepatic tumors were divided into three groups according to the procedure: DTP-RFA (n = 25); NtRFA (n = 25); and control (n = 12). Each of the three groups was subdivided into two sets for pathologic analysis (n = 24) or computed tomography (CT) follow-up for 6 weeks after RFA (n = 38). Ultrasonography-guided DTP-RFA and NtRFA were performed nine days after tumor implantation. LTC was defined by either achievement of complete tumor necrosis on histopathology or absence of local tumor progression on follow-up CT and autopsy. Development of peritoneal seeding was also compared among the groups. Serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured via ELISA (Elabscience Biotechnology Co.) after RFA for tumorigenic factor evaluation. Results: Regarding LTC, there was a trend in NtRFA (80%, 20/25) toward better ablation than in DTP-RFA (56%, 14/25) (p = 0.069). Complete tumor necrosis was achieved in 54.5% of DTP-RFA (6/11) and 90.9% of NtRFA (10/11). Peritoneal seeding was significantly more common in DTP-RFA (71.4%, 10/14) than in NtRFA (21.4%, 3/14) (p = 0.021) or control (0%). Elevations of HGF, VEGF or IL-6 were not detected in any group. Conclusion: No-touch radiofrequency ablation led to lower rates of peritoneal seeding and showed a tendency toward better LTC than DTP-RFA.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.287-294
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• 2003

Background: In kidney transplantation, donor specific transfusion may induce tolerance as a result of some immune regulatory cells against the graft. In organ transplantation, the immune state arises from a relationship between the immunocompromised graft and the immunocompetent host. However, a reverse immunological situation exists between the graft and the host in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In addition, early IL-2 injections after an allogeneic murine HSCT have been shown to prevent lethal graft versus host disease (GVHD) due to CD4+ cells. We investigated the induction of the regulatory CD4+CD25+ cells after a transfusion of irradiated recipient cells with IL-2 into a donor. Methods: The splenocytes (SP) were obtained from 6 week-old BALB/c mice ($H-2^d$) and irradiated as a single cell suspension. The donor mice (C3H/He, $H-2^k$) received $5{\times}10^6$ irradiated SP, and 5,000 IU IL-2 injected intraperitoneally on the day prior to HSCT. The CD4+CD25+ cell populations in SP treated C3H/He were analyzed. In order to determine the in vivo effect of CD4+CD25+ cells, the lethally irradiated BALB/c were transplanted with $1{\times}10^7$ donor BM and $5{\times}10^6$ CD4+CD25+ cells. The other recipient mice received either $1{\times}10^7$ donor BM with $5{\times}10^6$ CD4+ CD25- cells or the untreated SP. The survival and GVHD was assessed daily by a clinical scoring system. Results: In the MLR assay, BALB/c SP was used as a stimulator with C3H/He SP, as a responder, with or without treatment. The inhibition of proliferation was $30.0{\pm}13%$ compared to the control. In addition, the MLR with either the CD4+CD25+ or CD4+CD25- cells, which were isolated by MidiMacs, from the C3H/He SP treated with the recipient SP and IL-2 was evaluated. The donor SP treated with the recipient cells and IL-2 contained more CD4+CD25+ cells ($5.4{\pm}1.5%$) than the untreated mice SP ($1.4{\pm}0.3%$)(P<0.01). There was a profound inhibition in the CD4+CD25+ cells ($61.1{\pm}6.1%$), but a marked proliferation in the CD4+CD25- cells ($129.8{\pm}65.2%$). Mice in the CD4+CD25+ group showed low GVHD scores and a slow progression from the post-HSCT day 4 to day 9, but those in the control and CD4+CD25- groups had a high score and rapid progression (P<0.001). The probability of survival was 83.3% in the CD4+CD25+ group until post-HSC day 35 and all mice in the control and CD4+CD25- groups died on post-HSCT day 8 or 9 (P=0.0105). Conclusion: Donor graft engineering with irradiated recipient SP and IL-2 (recipient specific transfusion) can induce abundant regulatory CD4+CD25+ cells to prevent GVHD.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuronal cell death and memory impairment. Corticosterone (CORT) is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to a stressful condition. Excessive stress and high CORT levels are known to cause neurotoxicity and aggravate various diseases, whereas mild stress and low CORT levels exert beneficial actions under pathophysiological conditions. However, the effects of mild stress on AD have not been clearly elucidated yet. In this study, the effects of low (3 and 30 nM) CORT concentration on Aβ_25-35-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells and underlying molecular mechanisms have been investigated. Cytotoxicity caused by Aβ_25-35 was significantly inhibited by the low concentration of CORT treatment in the cells. Furthermore, CORT pretreatment significantly reduced Aβ_25-35-mediated pro-apoptotic signals, such as increased Bim/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 cleavage. Moreover, low concentration of CORT treatment inhibited the Aβ_25-35-induced cyclooxygenase-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions, including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. Aβ_25-35 resulted in intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, which were effectively reduced by the low CORT concentration. As a molecular mechanism, low CORT concentration activated the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2, a redox-sensitive transcription factor mediating cellular defense and upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, glutamylcysteine synthetase, and manganese superoxide dismutase. These findings suggest that low CORT concentration exerts protective actions against Aβ_25-35-induced neurotoxicity and might be used to treat and/or prevent AD.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.1032-1038
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• 2011

Yeonguemjiri-tang(連芩止痢湯, YGT) exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity in widely intestine disease, but its mechanism undisclosed. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of YGT on pharmacological and biochemical actions in inflammation, we examined the effect of YGT on pro-inflammatory mediators in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187-induced mast cell and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. The investigation focused on whether YGT inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) in PMA plus A23187-induced HMC-1 cells and inflammatory madiators such as nitric oxide (NO), TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, iNOS, COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. We found that YGT inhibited LPS-induced NO, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 productions as well as the expressions of iNOS and COX-2. These results suggest that YGT has inhibitory effects on mast cell-mediated and macrophage-mediated inflammation.