• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.156-167
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• 2002

This experimental study was carried out to evaluate the effects of Kimchi intake of Cordyceps sinensis extract (CDSE) supplementation on cytokine-induction and immune response in mice. To study in experiments using male Balb/c mice fed Kimchi and Kimchi of CDSE supplementation (addition of 2% of total Kimchi weight) containing fed experimental diet during 2 weeks. Experimental mice were fed control diet or diet containing freeze-dried Kimchi at the level of 5%(w/w) or 5% freeze-dried Kimchi with 2% CDSE supplementation. The main ingredient of Kimchi was Korean cabbage and fermentation was carried out at $4^{\circ}C$ for three weeks. Freeze-dried 2% CDSE supplementation was added to Kimchi at the beginning of fennentation. In order to investigate the effect of Kimchi intake of CDSE supplementation (5%Kimchi-2%CDSE), the following was performed; body weight, food intake, hematological parameter, serum level of mouse interleukin-4 (mIL-4) and mouse $interferon-{\gamma}$ $(mIFN-{\gamma})$, and, the percentage of CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8+, B220+ in splenic cells. The results of final body weight, and food diet intake of two Kimchi groups were lower than those of the control group (not supplemented experimental diet). The hematology change obtained from the level of WBC (white blood cell) and platelet were not affected by feeding different dietary regiments, but the level of RBC (red blood cells) HB (hemoglobin), and spleen weight of two Kimchi groups were increased significantly than those of the control group. The serum level of IL-4 and $IFN-{\gamma}$ of two Kimchi groups were increased significantly than those of the control group, also enhanced the percentages of the CD3+/CD4+ and CD3+/CD8+ by 5% freeze-dried Kimchi, and 5%Kimchi-2%CDSE group were 43.9 and 60.1%, and 96.0 and 174% than those of the control group, respectively. From these results, it can be concluded that Kimchi itself has an immuno-stimulatory effect and Kimchi contaning 2% CDSE supplementation has the more pronounced effect in vivo system.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.9
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• pp.1256-1263
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• 2015

Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka has been traditionally called Yuza in Korea and is used as a cuisine material or tea as well as medicinal herb. In this study, we evaluated the immune-enhancing effect of Citrus junos ethanol extract (CJE) on RAW264.7 mouse macrophage and primary immunocytes. CJE treatment showed increased macrophage activity in a dose-dependant manner. CJE also enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity. We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level as a measurement of NK cell cytotoxicity against YAC-1 lymphoma cells. CJE treatment showed an increased LDH level in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we evaluated the effect of CJE on mouse primary splenocyte proliferation. CJE treatment slightly increased splenocyte proliferation compared to the control. The results of this study suggest that CJE can help immune function via macrophage cytokine production, increased NK cell activity, and splenocyte proliferation.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.253-257
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• 2015

Acanthopanax senticosus is an herb that has been used as a traditional remedy and medicine source. Its anti-inflammatory and, anti-oxidative effects have been reported in previous studies. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Acanthopanax senticosus water extracts on mouse macrophage cell in vitro. Mouse splenocyte proliferation increased after application of Acanthopanax senticosus water extract supplement of 5, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, $1,000{\mu}g/mL$ after 48 h pre-treatment with a mitogen (ConA or LPS). The production of cytokines secreted by LPS and non LPS stimulated macrophages was detected by ELISA assay using a cytokine kit. Cytokine production (IL-2, IFN-${\gamma}$, and TNF-${\alpha}$) increased after water extract supplementation. The result of this in vitro study, showed that splenocyte proliferation and cytokine production by activated peritoneal macrophages were increased after Acanthopanax senticosus water extract in the range of $500{\sim}1,000{\mu}L/mL$. Thus, it is suggested that supplementation with Acanthopanax senticosus water extracts may enhance immune function by regulating splenocyte proliferation and enhancing cytokine production by activated macrophage.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.1444-1450
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• 2009

The number of patients with immune- mediated dermatitis such as contact dermatitis is increasing year by year. Allergic contact dermatitis is a complex phenomenon that involves resident epidermal cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, as well as invading leukocytes that interact with each other under the control of a network of cytokines and lipid mediators. It is a cell-mediated immune reaction, which occurs after susceptible individuals are exposed to sensitizing chemicals, and characteristic eczematous reaction is seen at the point of contact with an allergen. In this study, we investigated the allergy prevention effects of quercetin on mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation in BALB/c mice. BALB/c mice were sensitized with 40 ${\mu}l$ of 1.5% picryl choloride (PCL) to the left and right ear each. Total serum IgE levels and histamine levels were measured by the sandwich ELISA method using mouse IgE, histamine measuring kit. For histopathological examination, paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin(HE) or toluidine blue(TB). Ear swelling responses were much weaker in the high-dose group (100 mg/kg) than the control group (0 mg/kg). The number of mast cells showed a significant decrease in the high-dose group (100 mg/kg) compared to the control group (0 mg/kg). Degranulation of mast cells was also confirmed by Toluidine Blue (TB) staining method. Both total serum IgE and histamine levels were significantly decreased in the high-dose group (100 mg/kg) compared to other groups. These findings suggest a certain relationship between the elevation of IgE, histamine levels and the degranulation of mast cells. These results show that the pharmacological actions of quercetin indicate its potential activity for prevention of allergic inflammatory diseases through the down-regulation of mast cell activation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.1509-1513
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• 2005

To develop a new functional food material, edible crude saponin was isolated from soybean cake using HP-20 resin and its anticancer effect and immune-activity were investigated. The saponin significantly inhibited the growth of cancer cells such as A549, MCF-7 and SW480 at a concentration of 1,000 $\mu$g/mL. Morphological changes was observed in the AS49 cells surface treated with the saponin of 1,000 $\mu$g/mL concentration. The proliferation of mouse spleen cells treated with saponin was increased in a dose-dependent manner compared with untreated control cells until the concentration of 1 $\mu$g/mL but decreased at higher concentrations than that. The NO production in marcrophage cell lines (RAW 264.7) treated with saponin was increased in a dosedependent manner compared with untreated control cells.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.11
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• pp.688-699
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• 2023

We set up this study to understand the underlying mechanisms of reduced ceramides on immune cells in acute rejection (AR). The concentrations of ceramides and sphingomyelins were measured in the sera from hepatic transplant patients, skin graft mice and hepatocyte transplant mice by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Serum concentrations of C24 ceramide, C24:1 ceramide, C16:0 sphingomyelin, and C18:1 sphingomyelin were lower in liver transplantation (LT) recipients with than without AR. Comparisons with the results of LT patients with infection and cardiac transplant patients with cardiac allograft vasculopathy in humans and in mouse skin graft and hepatocyte transplant models suggested that the reduced C24 and C24:1 ceramides were specifically involved in AR. A ceramide synthase inhibitor, fumonisin B₁ exacerbated allogeneic immune responses in vitro and in vivo, and reduced tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs), while increased P3-like plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) in the draining lymph nodes from allogeneic skin graft mice. The results of mixed lymphocyte reactions with ceranib-2, an inhibitor of ceramidase, and C24 ceramide also support that increasing ceramide concentrations could benefit transplant recipients with AR. The results suggest increasing ceramides as novel therapeutic target for AR, where reduced ceramides were associated with the changes in DC subsets, in particular tDCs.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 1997

Toxoplasmn gonnii, an intracellular protozoan infecting many kinds of eukaryotic cells, has been used to experimentally infect macrophages, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and various cancer cells, but rarely T and B Iymphocytes or granulocytes. The present study was performed to determine the susceptibility of murine (BALB/c or CBA) splenic T and B llrnphocytes, and granulocytes to infection trio T. gondii RH tachyzoites. The ultrastructure of the infected host cells was observed by TEM, and the degree of intracellular parasite proliferation was quantified using 3H-uracil uptake assay. At 24 hrs post-culture, the host cell cytoplasm was found to contain 1 or 2, or a maximum of 7-8 tachyzoites. Infected T Iymphocytes demonstrated a peripherally displaced nucleus, a parasitophorous vacuole enveloping the parasite, and an increased number of mitochondria. In B Iymphocytes infected with tachyzoites, RER was not well developed compared to uninfected B Iymphocytes. Uninfected granulocytes contained many electron dense granules, but T. gondii-infected granulocytes demonstrated a decreased number of granules. Based on the 3H-uracil uptake assay. the susceptibility of T and B Iymphocytes, and granulocytes, to infection with T. gonnii tachyzoites was fairly high irrespective of cell type and strain of mouse. This strongly suggests deterioration in the functioning of infected host immune cells.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.275-280
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• 2022

The treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging due to its complex etiology. From epidermal disruption to chronic inflammation, various cells and inflammatory pathways contribute to the progression of AD. As with immunosuppressants, general inhibition of inflammatory pathways can be effective, but this approach is not suitable for long-term treatment due to its side effects. This study aimed to identify a plant extract (PE) with anti-inflammatory effects on multiple cell types involved in AD development and provide relevant mechanistic evidence. Degranulation was measured in RBL-2H3 cells to screen 30 PEs native to South Korea. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Parasenecio auriculatus var. matsumurana Nakai extract (PAE) in AD, production of cytokines and nitric oxide, activation status of FcεRI and TLR4 signaling, cell-cell junction, and cell viability were evaluated using qRT-PCR, western blotting, confocal microscopy, Griess system, and an MTT assay in RBL-2H3, HEK293, RAW264.7, and HaCaT cells. For in vivo experiments, a DNCBinduced AD mouse model was constructed, and hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, toluidine blue, and F4/80-staining were performed. The chemical constituents of PAE were analyzed by HPLC-MS. By measuring the anti-degranulation effects of 30 PEs in RBL-2H3 cells, we found that Paeonia lactiflora Pall., PA, and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. show an inhibitory activity of more than 50%. Of these, PAE most dramatically and consistently suppressed cytokine expression, including IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, and TNF-α. PAE potently inhibited FcεRI signaling, which mechanistically supports its basophil-stabilizing effects, and PAE downregulated cytokines and NO production in macrophages via perturbation of toll-like receptor signaling. Moreover, PAE suppressed cytokine production in keratinocytes and upregulated the expression of tight junction molecules ZO-1 and occludin. In a DNCB-induced AD mouse model, the topical application of PAE significantly improved atopic index scores, immune cell infiltration, cytokine expression, abnormal activation of signaling molecules in FcεRI and TLR signaling, and damaged skin structure compared with dexamethasone. The anti-inflammatory effect of PAE was mainly due to integerrimine. Our findings suggest that PAE could potently inhibit multi-inflammatory cells involved in AD development, synergistically block the propagation of inflammatory responses, and thus alleviate AD symptoms.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.805-813
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• 2005

In our previous study, a novel herb mixture (HIM-I) of Angelim gigas radix, Cnidium officinale rhizoma, and Paeonia japonica radix was developed to protect the intestinal and immune systems and promote its recovery against radiation damage. In this study, a new herbal preparation (HemoHIM) with the high immune modulating activity was developed from HIM-I. HIM-I was fractionated into ethanol fraction (HIM-I-E) and polysaccharide fraction (HIM-I-P). And HemoHIM was prepared by adding HIM-I-P to HIM-I. The protective activities against $\gamma$ -irradiation were compared among HemoHIM, HIM-I and the fractions. HemoHIM and HIM-I significantly decreased the radiation-induced DNA damage in vitro, and scavenged hydroxyl radicals in a dose-dependent manner. HemoHIM showed similar activity to HIM-I. In vitro proliferation assay with mouse lymphocytes and bone marrow cells showed that HIM-I-P was remarkably higher than HIM-I and HIM-I-E in cell proliferating activity. HemoHIM showed higher activity than HIM-I and this might be associated with the higher polysaccharide content. The in vivo protective effects of HemoHIM and HIM-I were investigated in $\gamma$-irradiated mice. HemoHIM increased the surviving intestinal crypts to a similar extent compared with HIM-I. In contrast, HemoHIM appeared to be more effective than HIM-I in endogenous spleen colony formation assay. The recovery of white blood cells and lymphocytes in irradiated mice were significantly enhanced by the administration of HemoHIM. Also HemoHIM administration prolonged the survival of irradiated mice. These results showed that the novel herbal preparation, HemoHIM, effectively protected the self-renewal tissues and immune system, and promoted the survival of irradiated mice. Moreover, in comparison with HIM-I, HemoHIM maintained similar activity in the reduction of oxidative damage of self-renewal tissue but exhibited the higher activity in protection and proliferation of immune and hematopoietic cells. These results suggested that HemoHIM might be more effective than HIM-I in immune modulation as well as radioprotection.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.187-195
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• 2001

The expression of recombinant proteins fused to 26 kDa glutathione S-transferase (GST) extracted from Schistosoma japonicum represents an attractive system for purifiying proteins of interest in a single step using GST-affinity chromatography. In addition, the GST-tag is used conveniently for detecting fused proteins since its high solubility as well as its relatively small size rarely interferes with the biological activity of the fused protein. In this regard, the GST system is frequently applied for tracing fusion proteins in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to elucidate the physiological interactions and functional compartments of proteins. To provide a further tool in analyzing GST-fusion proteins, a new monoclonal antibody, with a high specificity to the S. japonicum GST was produced. Methods: BALB/c mice were immunized both with recombinant S. japonicum GST proteins, and by the fusion of splenocytes from these mice with myeloma cells. From this, a new anti -GST monoclonal antibody, termed SARAH, was generated. The specificity and reactivity of this antibody was confirmed by ELISA and by Western blot analysis. Results: SARAH showed a high reactivity to recombinant GST and GST fusion protein but not with native mammalian GST proteins as derived from other species including humans, cows, rabbits and rats. The applicability of SARAH was further demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy, where GST proteins that were expressed transiently in mouse fibroblast cells, were specifically detected without interference of endogenous GST. Conclusion: SARAH is new monoclonal antibody with a high specificity to recombinant GST proteins but not to endogenous GST in mammalian cells.