• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.114-125
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• 2006

objective : The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of Scutellaria Radix(SR) extract on immune cells and cytokines in ovalbumin(OVA)-induced asthmatic mice. Methods : In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and handicapped by OVA for 9 weeks. In this experiment, one group was not treated, and the other group was treated with SR extract for six weeks(five times per week) and analyzed by ELISA and flow cytometer. Results : In vivo, there were significant decreases in eosinophils, IL-4, IL-13 in BALF (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) compared with that of control group. However,$IFN{\gamma}$ in the SR group increased significantly compared with that of control group. Additionally, the population of $CD3e^-/CCR3^+,\;CD69^+/CD3e^+,\;IgE^+/B220^+,\;CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells in the SR group decreased compared with that of control group. conclusion : The results of this study support a role for SR as an effective treatment for asthma in its experimental success in significantly decreasing inflammation and asthma reactions, and in increasing $IFN{\gamma}$, Which helps prevent such reactions.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.7-20
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• 2008

Objectives: The purpose of this study wasto examine the effects of Kamijihwang-tang (KJHT) extracts on immune cells and cytokines in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were injected, inhaled and sprayed with OVA for 12 weeks (four times a week) for asthma induction. Two experimental groups were treated with different concentrations of KJHT (400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) extracts and cyclosporine A (10 mg/kg) for the later 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the mice lung, PLN and spleen were removed and immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometer, IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin-2, $TNF-{\alpha}$ were analyzed by real-time PCR, serum histamine was analyzed by ELISA kit. Results: $CD3^+$, $CD3e^-/CCR3^+$, $CD3e^+/CD69^+$, $CD4^+/CD25^+$, $B220^+/IgE^+$, and $CD3e^+/DX5^+$ cells in lung, PLN, and spleen of the KJHT group (400 mg/kg) decreased compared with that of the control group. $CD3e^+/CD69^+$, $CD4^+/CD25^+$, and $CD3e^+/DX5^+$ cells in lung, PLN, and spleen of the KJHT group (200 mg/kg), CD3+, $CD3e^-/CCR3^+$ cells in lung and PLN of the KJHT group (200 mg/kg) and $B220^+/IgE^+$ cells in lung and spleen of the KJHT group (200 mg/kg) decreased compared with that of the control group. mRNA expression of IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin-2, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ in lung tissue of the KJHT groups (400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) decreased compared with that of the control group. Histamine in serum of the KJHT group (400 mg/kg) decreased compared with that of the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that KJHT can be utilized effectively in treating asthma because it significantly reduces inflammatory cells and cytokines.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.543-552
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• 2004

Background : Airway remodeling of the asthmatic airway, the result of persistent inflammation in the bronchial wall, is associated with irreversible airway obstruction and the severity of asthma. Previous reports had represented that adminitering CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) before sensitization or challenge by allergens inhibits the development of eosinophilic airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma, but the effects of CpG-ODNs on chronic inflammation and airway remodeling had not been characterized. To investigate the influence of CpG-ODNs on chronic inflammation and remodeling of the airway, we performed studies using a murine model of chronic allergen-induced asthma. Methods : Balb/C mice were sensitized to ovalbumin(OVA) and subsequently exposed to nebulized OVA by means of inhalation twice weekly for 7 weeks. CpG-ODNs($30{\mu}g$) was administered intraperitoneally at sensitization. After final inhalation, mice were evaluated for airway hyperresponsiveness, chronic airway inflammation and remodeling. Results : The mice exposed to chronic and recurrent airway challenge with OVA had persistent airway hyperresponsiveness, chronic inflammation and airway remodeling. Mice treated with CpG-ODNs exhibited decreased bronchial hyperresponsiveness, OVA-specific IgE, chronic inflammation and evidence of airway remodeling, including goblet cell hyperplasia and subepithelial fibrosis. Conclusion : CpG-ODNs was thought to prevent chronic inflammation and remodeling changes in a murine model of chronic asthma.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.590-598
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• 2009

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of Mahaenggamseok-tang-gagambang (MGTG) on airway hyper- responsiveness (AHR), immune cells, cytokines and lung tissue in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. C578L/6 mice were injected, inhaled and sprayed with OVA for 12 weeks (3times a week) for asthma sensitization and challenge. Two experimental groups were treated with different concentrations of MGTG (400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) extract and cyclosporin A (10 mg/kg) for the later 8 weeks. Enhanced pause (Penh) levels were measured by whole body plethysmography. Immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometer in peripheral blood monocyte cell (PBMC) and lung cells. The IL-1b, IL-12, IFN-${\gamma}$, OVA-lgE, IL-4, IL-5, TNF-${\alpha}$ were analyzed by ELISA kit in serum and splenocyte+a-cCDS/a-CD28. Enhanced pause (Penh) levels of the MGTG groups (400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) were decreased significantly compared with that of control group. The numbers of MGTG groups (400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) on lung total cells were decreased significantly compared with that of control group. The numbers of MGTG groups (400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) on $CD3^+/CD69^+$, $B220^+/CD22^+$, $B220^+/CD23^+$, $B220^+/lgE^+$, $CCR3^+$ cells were decreased significantly compared with that of control group. The number of MGTG group (400 mg/kg) on $CD3^+/CD49b^+$ cells was decreased significantly compared with that of control group. The level of MGTG groups (400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) on IL-4, IL-5, IL-12, TNF-${\alpha}$, OVA-lgE were decreased significantly compared with that of control group. The level of MGTG group (400 mg/kg) on IL-1b, IL-1S, OVA-lgE were decreased significantly compared with that of control group. These results demonstrate that MGTG could be a desirable alternative therapy for allergic asthma by inhibiting the expression of immune cells, the activation of inflammatory mediator.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.1-18
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• 2006

Objective : Although management of asthma has become increasingly effective, its cure remains elusive, necessitating a new modality to prevent or eliminate causes triggering clinical progress. Based in the clinical experiences, a novel decoration Cheongsangbiyeum (CSB), has been developed to treat asthma, which consists of Polyporus, Semen Myristicae, Pericarpium citri Reticulatae, Rhizoma Cimicifugae, Cortex Albizziae, Fructus Rubi, Rhizoma Zedoariae, and Rhizoma Rhei. In the current study, its anti-asthmatic efficacy was evaluated using a mouse model of asthma. Methods : Experimental allergic asthma was induced by repeated intraperitioneal sensitization and intranasal challenge of ovalbumin (OVA). Water extract of CSB (1 mg/mouse/day) was administrated orally whereas control mice on given with identical volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 5 days during the course of antigen challenge. When airway hyperreactivity(AHR) measured by ${\bata}-methacoline-induced$ airflow obstruction was compared, AHR of CSB-treated mice was significantly lower than those of control mice, indicating that CM extract can attenuate an asthmatic symptom. Airway recruitment of leukocytes and eosinophils was also markedly reduced by CSB treatment suggesting that oral treatment of CSB can alleviate the airway inflammation. For a better understanding of possible mechanisms underlying anti-asthmatic effet of CSB, cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and $IFN{\gamma}$ levels in bronchoalveola lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were determined. Results : The results showed that cytokine levels were significantly lowered by CSB treatment. Additionally, number of draining lymph node cells was significantly lower than those of control mice. These data indicate that CSB suppress in vivo allergen-specific response. However, notably, levels of type 2 cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-13 were more profoundly influenced. Moreover, in vitro OVA-specific proliferative response and type 2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) production lymph node cells was markedly decreased in CSB-treated mice, whereas their $IFN{\gamma}$ production was not significantly altered Thrse data clearly showed a preferential inhibition of type 2 T cell (Th2) response by CSB treatment. This finding was also supported by serum antibody data showing that levels of OVA-specific type 2 antibodies, IgE and IgG1, in CSB-treated mice were significantly lower than in control mice, while type 1 antibody, IgG2a level m rather higher than controls, although the difference was in significant. Conclusions : In conclusion, oral administration of CSB attenuates asthmatic manifestations including AHR ad airway recruitment of eosinophils in a mouse model which possibly results from selective inhibition of Th2 cell response to allergen. Our data suggest a potential clinical application of CSB for control of allergic asthma.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.249-254
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• 2014

Allergic asthma is a chronic pulmonary inflammatory disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction, hyperresponsiveness and eosinophils infiltration. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling are closely associated with asthma and have emerged as a novel therapeutic target in allergic disease. The functions of TLR3 and TLR4 in allergic airway inflammation have been studied; however, the precise role of TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-${\beta}$ (TRIF), the adaptor molecule for both TLR3 and TLR4, is not yet fully understood. To investigate this, we developed a mouse model of OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation and compared the severity of allergic airway inflammation in WT and $TRIF^-/^-$ mice. Histopathological assessment revealed that the severity of inflammation in airway inflammation in TRIF-deficient mice was comparable to that in WT mice. The total number of cells recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid did not differ between WT and TRIF-deficient mice. Moreover, TRIF deficiency did not affect Th1 and Th2 cytokine production in lung tissue nor the level of serum OVA-specific IgE, $IgG_1$ and $IgG_{2c}$. These findings suggest that TRIF-mediated signaling may not be critical for the development of allergic airway inflammation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.20 no.1 s.32
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• pp.177-194
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• 2007

Fructus of Rubus coreanus $M_{IQ.}$. (FRCM) has been used for stuttering urination, prostate gland disease, and impotence in Korean traditional medicine. Water extract of FRCM (WFRCM) treatment significantly attenuated airway hyperreactivity (AHR). Airway recruitment of leukocytes and eosinophils was also markedly reduced by WFRCM administration, suggesting that WFRCM can alleviate the airway inflammation. However, the level of cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung was not different compared with positive control. WFRCM reduced the number of draining lymph node cells during OVA-induced allergic asthma. I further examined transcription level of cytokine in lung. WFRCM treatment reduced IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA in lung and inhibited IgE and IgG1 but not IgG2a. My data suggest that WFRCM attenuates OVA-induced allergic asthma through inhibition of Th2 cell response.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.813-821
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• 2015

Asthma is an increasing global health problem, and novel strategies to prevent or ameliorate the condition are needed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthma effects of Adenophora triphylla var. japonica extracts. We investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of 80% ethanol extracts (AE) of A. triphylla on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. AE treatment inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 as well as nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In particular, NO and pro-inflammatory cytokine production was suppressed more effectively by aerial parts (AE-A) than roots (AE-R) of A. triphylla. Quantitative RT-PCR assay showed that AE reduced mRNA levels of iNOS and COX-2. We also evaluated the anti-asthmatic effects of AE-A in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced BALB/c mouse model. AE-A supplementation significantly reduced the amounts of airway eosinophils, IL-4 and IL-13 levels in BALF, and IgE levels in serum as compared with untreated, OVA-induced mice. These results suggest that AE-A can be considered as a therapeutic agent to potentially relieve asthma.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.65-71
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• 2013

Objectives : Asthma is a chronic, complex respiratory disease, caused by airway obstruction, airway eosinophilic inflammation(AEI), and airway hyperresponsiveness(AHR). This study was conducted to determine whether oral administration of crude water extracts of Pinellia ternate Breitenbach(PTB) has an antiasthmatic potential in the treatment of asthma in mice. Methods : Asthmatic AEI and AHR were induced by systemic sensitization to ovalbumin(OVA) by intratracheal instillation with 0.1 mg/mL suspension of diesel exhaust particles(DEP) once a week for 10 weeks in BALB/c mice. Crude PTB water extracts(50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) were orally administered 5 times a week for 10 weeks. Cyclosporin(10 mg/kg) was administrered the same manner as a positive control. Results : Long-term treatment with crude PTB water extracts suppressed the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including eosinophils, into airways from blood. It also reduced asthmatic AEI and AHR by attenuating the increase in the levels of cytokines such as interleukin(IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), as well as the levels of histamine and OVA-specific IgE in blood. However, the effect of crude PTB water extracts(200 mg/kg) was not likely to be stronger than that of cyclosporin(10 mg/kg). Conclusion : These results suggest that crude PTB water extracts have inhibitory effects on AEI and AHR in a mouse model of asthma and may act as a potential Th2 cytokine antagonist, and have a therapeutic effect on allergic asthma.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.654-664
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• 2021

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3, isolated from Panax ginseng, has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. It is known to reduce inflammation in acute lung injury in mice, and to reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines and COX-2 in human asthmatic airway epithelium. In this study, we attempted to determine whether ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits airway inflammation, oxidative stress, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in the lungs of asthmatic mice. We also investigated its effects on oxidative stress and the inflammatory response in tracheal epithelial cells. Methods: Asthma symptoms were induced in female BALB/c mice sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). Mice were divided into five groups: normal controls, OVA-induced asthmatic controls, and asthmatic mice treated with ginsenoside Rg3 or prednisolone by intraperitoneal injection. Inflammatory BEAS-2B cells (human tracheal epithelial cells) treated with ginsenoside Rg3 to investigate its effects on inflammatory cytokines and oxidative responses. Results: Ginsenoside Rg3 treatment significantly reduced eosinophil infiltration, oxidative responses, airway inflammation, and AHR in the lungs of asthmatic mice. Ginsenoside Rg3 reduced Th2 cytokine and chemokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and lung. Inflammatory BEAS-2B cells treated with ginsenoside Rg3 reduced the eotaxin and pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions, and monocyte adherence to BEAS-2B cells was significantly reduced as a result of decreased ICAM-1 expression. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg3 reduced the expression of reactive oxygen species in inflammatory BEAS-2B cells. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rg3 is a potential immunomodulator that can ameliorate pathological features of asthma by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation