• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.51-85
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of concurrent administration of KKSDU and AJ on atopic dermatitis in an in-vivo experiment using an NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse, which has histological and clinical similarities to the condition in humans. Methods : We evaluated clinical skin score, hematology, serum total IgE and IgG1 of NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse and analyzed the cytoline level, total cell number, immunohistochemical staining, histological features of axillary lymph node(ALN), draining lymph node(DLN), peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) and dorsal skin tissue in NC/Nga mouse. Results : Orally administration of KKSDU and concurrent administration of KKSDU and AJ decreased the clinical skin score, total cell number of WBC, platelet, neutrophils, eosinophils in blood, serum total IgE & IgG1, IL-5, IL-13. Also, total cell number of ALN and dorsal skin tissue, absolute cell number of CD3e+&CD19+, CD4+&CD8+, CD3+/CCR3+, CCR3+, CD3+/CD69+, CD3+/CXCR5+ in ALN, PBMCs, absolute cell number of CCR3+, CD3+/CD69+, CD11b+/Gr-1+ in dorsal skin tissue, Eotaxin2 mRNA, CCR3 mRNA in dorsal skin tissue and gene expression of IL-5 mRNA, IL-13 mRNA in ALN are significantly decreased. Furthermore, thickness of epidermis, infiltrated inflammatory immune cell & mast cell in dermis, histologic infiltration of mast cell, the size of inflammatory lymphocytes cells & plasma cells in ALN and histologic infiltration of CD4+ & CCR3+ in ALN and dorsal skin tissue are significantly decreased. However, total cell number of DLN, absolute cell number of CD3+&CD19+, CD4+&CD8+, B220+/CD23+, CD3+/CD69+ in DLN and CD4+CD25+foxp3+Treg cell, foxp3 mRNA in dersal skin tissue are increased significantly. Conclusions : Concurrent administration of KKSDU and AJ on atopic dermatitis in an in-vivo experiment using an NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse was very effective to the atopic detmatitis treatment.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.1817-1823
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• 2016

Areca nut (AN) chewing is a habit in many countries in Central, Southern, and Southeast Asia. It is strongly associated with the occurrence of oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal cancer as well as systemic inflammation. However, the association between AN intake and the development of gastric lesions has not yet been identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of AN on gastric diseases using a mouse model for Helicobacter pylori infection. We studied four groups of mice: those fed a normal diet (ND), those fed a diet containing 2.5% AN (AD), those fed ND and infected with H. pylori PMSS1 strain (ND/HP), and those fed AD and infected with H. pylori PMSS1 strain (AD/HP). Food intake and body weight were monitored weekly during the experiments. At 10 weeks, the mice were sacrificed, and the stomach weight, H. pylori colonization, and gastric inflammation were evaluated. The stomach weight had increased significantly in the ND/HP and AD/HP groups along with increases in H. pylori colonization; however, there was no significant difference between these two groups with respect to stomach weight and colonization. On histological grading, mononuclear cell infiltration was severer in the AD/HP group than in the ND/HP group. These data suggest that chronic gastric inflammation was aggravated by AN treatment in the mice with H. pylori-induced gastric lesions. Furthermore, as previously suggested, this animal model is useful to determine the effect of potential carcinogens on gastric lesions induced by H. pylori infection.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.329-336
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• 2010

Myogenic satellite cells (MSCs) are mononuclear, multipotent progenitors of adult skeletal muscle possessing a capacity of forming adipocyte-like cells (ALC). To identify the skeletal muscle type-specific myogenic and adipogenic genes during MSCs differentiation, total RNA was extracted from bovine MSCs, myotube-formed cell (MFC), and ALC from each of Beef shank, Longissimus dorsi, Deep pectoral, and Semitendinosus. DNA microarray analysis (24,000 oligo chip) comparing MSCs with MFC and ALC, respectively, revealed 135 differentially expressed genes (> 4 fold) among four cuts. Real-time PCR confirmed expression of 29 genes. Furthermore, the whole tissue sample RNAs analysis showed 6 differentially expressed genes in Beef shank. Among which, 1 gene in MSCs, 4 in MFC, and 1 in ALCs were highly expressed. This study will provide an insight for better understanding the molecular mechanism of differentiation of skeletal muscle type-specific MSCs. The identified genes may be used as marker to distinguish skeletal muscle types.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.37-72
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• 2009

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the suppressive effects of Atopy cream-combined with Jawoongo ointment (A-J), on the development of atopic dermatitis-like skinlesions in NC/Nga mouse. Methods We evaluated clinical skin score, hematology and Serum total IgE and IgG1 of NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse, analyzed the cytokine level, total cell number, Immunohistochemical staining and Histological features of axillary lymph node(ALN), draining lymph node(DLN), peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) and dorsal skin tissue in NC/Nga mouse. Results A-J decreased the clinical skin score, total cell number of WBC, platelet, neutrophils, eosinophils in blood, Serum total IgE & IgG1, IL-5, IL-13. Also, total cell number of ALN and dorsal skin tissue, Absolute cell number of $CD3e^+$&$CD19^+$, $CD4^+$&$CD8^+$, $CD3^+/CCR3^+$, $CCR3^+$, $CD3^+/CD69^+$, $CD3^+/CXCR5^+$ in ALN, PBMCs, Absolute cell number of $CCR3^+$, $CD3^+/CD69^+$, $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ in dorsalskin tissue, Eotaxin2 mRNA, CCR3 mRNA in dorsal skin tissue and gene expression of IL-5 mRNA, IL-13 mRNA in ALN decreased significantly. Furthermore, thickness of epidermis, infiltrated inflammatory immune cell and mast cell in dermis, histologic infiltration of mast cell, the size of inflammatory lymphocytes cells and plasma cells in ALN and histologic infiltration of CD4+ & CCR3+ in ALN and dorsal skin tissue decreased significantly. However, total cell number of DLN, absolute cell number of $CD3e^+$&$CD19^+$, $CD4^+$&$CD8^+$, $B220^+/CD23^+$, $CD3^+/CD69^+$ increased significantly. Conclusions A-J was the successful treatment of atopic dermatitis in a NC/Nga mouse model.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.634-639
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• 2005

Purpose : An understanding of the immunological process is required if primary prevention of atopic diseases is to be developed in early childhood. But, it is too hard to distinguish atopy from nonatopy under the age of two clinically, because the expression of phenotype and cytokines is vague in early childhood. We evaluated DNA methylation changes at Th2 interleukin-4 gene in peripheral blood from atopic children. Methods : We selected 15 allergic children(mild : eight, moderate to severe : seven) and seven normal controls by using family allergy scores and clinical histories. We measured Total IgE and Der f II specific IgE levels and cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Der f II stimulation and extracted DNA from Der f II specific T cells. We examined the change of CpG methylation in DNA from atopic and nonatopic children. Results : In T cells from normal children, IL-4 DNA were predominantly methylated; otherwise, CpG demethylation occurred in Der f II specific T cells from allergic children. Conclusion : IL-4 DNA methylation changes occurred in T genes from allergic children and DNA methylation assay in early childhood.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.157-162
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• 2011

Purpose: Exaggerated pro-inflammatory reactions during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease (KD) suggest the role of immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of KD. We investigated the profiles of T regulatory cells and their correlation with the clinical course of KD. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 17 KD patients during acute febrile and subacute afebrile phases. T cells expressing CD4, CD25, and Foxp3 were analyzed using flow cytometry, and the results were correlated with the clinical course of KD. Results: The percentage of circulating $CD4^+CD25^{high}Foxp3^+$ T cells among $CD4^+$ T cells was Significantly higher during the subacute afebrile phase than during the acute febrile phase ($1.10%{\pm}1.22%$ vs. $0.55%{\pm}0.53%$, P=0.049). Although levels of $CD4^+CD25^{low}Foxp3^+$ T cells and $CD4^+CD25^-Foxp3^+$ T cells were only slightly altered, the percentage of $CD4^+CD25^+Foxp3^-$ T cells among $CD4^+$ T cells was significantly lower during the subacute afebrile phase than during the acute febrile phase ($2.96%{\pm}1.95%$ vs. $5.64%{\pm}5.69%$, P=0.036). Consequently, the ratio of $CD25^{high}Foxp3^+$ T cells to $CD25^+Foxp3^-$ T cells was higher during the subacute afebrile phase than during the acute febrile phase ($0.45%{\pm}0.57%$ vs. $0.13%{\pm}0.13%$, P=0.038). Conclusion: Decreased $CD4^+CD25^{high}Foxp3^+$ T cells and/or an imbalanced ratio of $CD4^+CD25^{high}Foxp3^+$ T cells to $CD4^+CD25^+Foxp3^-$ T cells might playa role in KD development. Considering that all KD patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), recovery of $CD4^+CD25^{high}Foxp3^+$ T cells during the subacute afebrile phase could be a mechanism of IVIG.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.1167-1179
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• 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to fathom the underlying mechanisms of nutrition intervention and redox sensitive transcription factors regulated by Antrodia cinnamomea fermented product (FAC) dietary supplementation in broiler chickens. Methods: Four hundreds d-old broilers (41±0.5 g/bird) assigned to 5 groups were examined after consuming control diet, or control diet replaced with 5% wheat bran (WB), 10% WB, 5% FAC, and 10% FAC. Liver mRNA expression of antioxidant, inflammatory and lipid metabolism pathways were analyzed. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) concentration in each group were tested in the chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells (cPBMCs) of 35-d old broilers to represent the stress level of the chickens. Furthermore, these cells were stimulated with 2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to evaluate the cell stress tolerance by measuring cell viability and oxidative species. Results: Heme oxygenase-1, glutathione S-transferase, glutamate-cysteine ligase, catalytic subunit, and superoxide dismutase, and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) that regulates the above antioxidant genes were all up-regulated significantly in FAC groups. Reactive oxygen species modulator protein 1 and NADPH oxygenase 1 were both rather down-regulated in 10% FAC group as comparison with two WB groups. Despite expressing higher level than control group, birds receiving diet containing FAC had significantly lower expression level in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and other genes (inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-richcontaining family, pyrin domain-containing-3, and cyclooxygenase 2) involving in inflammatory pathways. Additionally, except for 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase that showed relatively higher in both groups, the WB, lipoprotein lipase, Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid binding protein, fatty acid desaturase 2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha genes were expressed at higher levels in 10% FAC group. In support of above results, promoted Nrf2 and inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation in chicken liver were found in FAC containing groups. H₂O₂ and NO levels induced by LPS and AAPH in cPBMCs were compromised in FAC containing diet. In 35-d-old birds, PGE₂ production in cPBMCs was also suppressed by the FAC diet. Conclusion: FAC may promote Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and positively regulate lipid metabolism, both are potential inhibitor of NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.1699-1705
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• 2006

Recent studies have suggested that oral bacteriotherapy with probiotics might be useful for preventing and managing childhood atopic dermatitis (AD). The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral treatment with probiotics for adolescent and adult AD patients as well as for childhood AD patients. Sixty-four patients with mild to moderate AD were recruited for treatment with a mixture of four probiotic strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, and Biftdobacterium lactis) twice daily for 8 weeks. The degree of pruritus was determined by a 10-point visual analog scale every other week, and the patients' global assessments of their clinical responses (i.e., better, unchanged, or worse) was done at the end of intervention. The clinical severity of the eczema was evaluated by eczema area and severity index (EASI) score every other week. As laboratory markers, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in the serum, and cytokine production [interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and $interferon-{\gamma}\;(IFN-{\gamma})$ by the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured at the beginning and at the end of intervention. Of the 64 enrolled AD patients, only 50 patients finally completed the 8-week study. After 8-week treatment with probiotics, the EASI score was significantly improved (p<0.0001), 50% of the patients experienced improvement of their eczema, and significant improvement of the pruritus was also observed (p=0.0002). The effect was more pronounced for the patients with very high IgE levels (>1,000 ku/l) or for the patients with moderate disease severity. There was no significant difference in the therapeutic effects between the childhood AD and adolescent and adult AD patients. There were no significant changes of cytokines, as well as the total IgE and ECP levels, in the patients' serum. Treatment with the mixture of four probiotic strains was generally well tolerated. Our results suggest that the treatment with the mixture of four probiotic strains is beneficial for the management of the adolescent and adult AD patients, as well as for the childhood AD patients.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.424-435
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• 2020

Objective: The study was conducted to investigate variations in the immunophysiological responses to exercise-induced stress in Jeju and Thoroughbred horses. Methods: Blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of adult Jeju (n = 5) and Thoroughbred (n = 5) horses before and after 30 min of exercise. The hematological, biochemical, and immunological profiles of the blood samples were analyzed. Blood smears were stained and observed under a microscope. The concentration of cell-free (cf) DNA in the plasma was determined using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear cells were separated using Polymorphprep, and the expression of various stress-related and chemokine receptor genes was measured using reverse transcriptase (RT) and real-time PCR. Results: After exercise, Jeju and Thoroughbred horses displayed stress responses with significantly increased rectal temperatures, cortisol levels, and muscle catabolism-associated metabolites. Red blood cell indices were significantly higher in Thoroughbred horses than in Jeju horses after exercise. In addition, exercise-induced stress triggered the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and reduced platelet counts in Jeju horses but not in Thoroughbred horses. Heat shock protein 72 and heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 6 expression is rapidly modulated in response to exercise-induced stress in the PBMCs of Jeju horses. The expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 in PBMCs was higher in Thoroughbred horses than in Jeju horses after exercise. Conclusion: In summary, the different immunophysiological responses of Jeju and Thoroughbred horses explain the differences in the physiological and anatomical properties of the two breeds. The physiology of Thoroughbred horses makes them suitable for racing as they are less sensitive to exercise-induced stress compared to that of Jeju horses. This study provides a basis for investigating the link between exercise-induced stresses and the physiological alteration of horses. Hence, our findings show that some of assessed parameters could be used to determine the endurance performance of horses.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.2419-2423
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• 2015

Background: There are few choices for treatment of advanced cancer patients who do not respond to or tolerate conventional anti-cancer treatments. Therefore this study aimed to deploy the benefits and clinical efficacy of continuous dendritic cell-cytokine induced killer cell infusions in such patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 381 infusions (from 67 advanced cases recruited) were included in this study. All patients underwent peripheral blood mononuclear cell apheresis for the following cellular therapy and dendritic cells-cytokine induced killer cells were expanded in vitro. Peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets were quantified through flow cytometry to address the cellular immunity status. Clinical efficacy and physical activities were evaluated by RECIST criteria and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores respectively. Logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between cellular infusions and clinical benefits. Results: An average of $5.7{\pm}2.94{\times}10^9$ induced cells were infused each time and patients were exposed to 6 infusions. Cellular immunity was improved in that cytotoxic $CD8^+CD28^+$ T lymphocytes were increased by 74% and suppressive $CD8^+CD28^-$ T lymphocytes were elevated by 16% (p<0.05). Continuous infusion of dendritic cells-cytokine induced killer cells was associated with improvement of both patient status and cellular immunity. A median of six infusions were capable of reducing risk of progression by 70% (95%CI 0.10-0.91). Every elevation of one ECOG score corresponded to a 3.90-fold higher progression risk (p<0.05) and 1% increase of $CD8^+CD28^-$ T cell proportion reflecting a 5% higher risk of progression (p<0.05). Conclusions: In advanced cancer patients, continuous dendritic cell-cytokine induced killer cell infusions are capable of recovering cellular immunity, improving patient status and quality of life in those who are unresponsive to conventional cancer treatment.