• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.20-35
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• 2008

Objective : This study was designed to investigate the effects of Curcuma longa Rhizoma(CLR) on asthma. Methods : Detecting splenocyte proliferation rates, cytokines and antigen specific antibody isotypes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In addition, the present author I also investigated changes in spleen and histopathological changes of lung tissues. Results : Oral administration of CLR lowered spleen weight and splenocyte proliferation rates. In addition, levels of IL-4, IL-17A and Granulocyte/Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor(GM-CSF), Th2 driven cytokines, were lowered respectively and IFN-g, and Th1 driven cytokine, were elevated by CLR. Levels of Ovalbumin(OVA) specific IgE and IgGl in BALF were also lowered by oral administration of CLR too. Conclusion : CLR is useful to treat patients with asthma and the mechanisms are related to the in suppression of Th2 skewing reactions.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.75-83
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• 2008

Objectives : The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Hyperici Japonici Herba on the proliferation and activation of eosinophils which were prepared from lung cells of asthma-induced mice by ovalbumin(OVA) treatment. Methods : C57BL/6 mouse was exposed to OVA three times a week for 6 weeks. The mouse lung tissues were dissected out, chopped and dessiciated with collagenase(1${\mu}g$/ml). Eosinophils were activated by rIL-3/rmIL-5 co-treatments. The lung cells were treated with extract of Hyperici Japonici Herba(EHH), incubated for 48 hr at $37^{\circ}C$, and analyzed by flow cytometer. ELBA, RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry stain. Results : The cell number ratio of granulocyte, $CD3e^-$/$CCR3^+$, $CD3e^+$/$CD69^+$, $CD4^+$, $CD23^+$/$B220^+$ cells was increased in rmIL-5/rIL-3 treated control group compared to the normal group. Cells numbers in the experimental animal group treated with EHH was all decreased. In ELISA analysis, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 protein levels and histamine release level were greatly increased in the control group compared to the normal animal group, then significantly decreased in the experimental group with 100 ${\mu}g$/ml of EHH treatment. In RT-PCR analysis, the HT value of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, CCR3, Eotaxin were increased in the control group compared to the normal animal group, then decreased in the experimental group with 100 ${\mu}g$/ml of EHH treatment. And eosinophil proliferation levels were 18847${\pm}$1527(cpm) in the control group, 4676${\pm}$972(cpm) in the positive control group, and 8675${\pm}$159(cpm), 11352${\pm}$1005(cpm), 14325${\pm}$677(cpm) in the experimental group with 100 ${\mu}g$/ml, 10 ${\mu}g$/ml, 1 ${\mu}g$/ml of EHH treatment. Conclusions : The present data suggested that Hyperici Japonici Herba may have an effects on the inhibition of parameters associated with asthma responses in eosinpophils, and thus implicate the possibility for the clinical application of EHH.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.9-15
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• 2013

Objectives : The root of Codonopsis pilosula (Fr.) Nannf. (Codonopsis Pilosulae Radix) has been traditionally used as a oriental medicine with an anti-thrombotic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-gastric ulcer effects and immunological adjuvant. In this study, we investigated the effect of 70% ethanol extract of Codonopsis Pilosulae Radix (CPR-E) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic responses in mice. Methods : Mice were sensitized (1, 8, and 15 days) with OVA and airway challenged(22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 days) to induced allergic responses. CPR-E extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/body weight was orally administered from days 21 to 30 consecutively. The levels of allergic mediators such as histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and Th1/Th2 cytokines such as IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-4 were measured in the sera of mice by ELISA. The histological change of lung tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results : CPR-E extract significantly decreased the serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE, and IL-4 compared with those of OVA control group, but significantly increased the serum level of IFN-${\gamma}$. Based on H&E staining, CPR-E extract inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissues with histological changes. Conclusions : These results indicate that CPR-E extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic responses through regulating the cytokine balance, suggesting that the extract may be useful for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1350-1357
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• 2005

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-$\kappa$B) regulates the expression of multiple cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules that are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. We investigated the anti-asthmatic effects and the mechanism of action of DA-9201, an extract of the black rice, in a mouse model of asthma. Mice immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) were administered with DA-9201 (30, 100 or 300 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (DEXA, 3 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and challenged with aerosolized OVA during the last 3 days. Anti-asthmatic effects were assessed by means of enhanced pauses, level of total lgE and Th2 cytokines in plasma or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the percentage of eosinophils in BALF, and histopathological examination. The expression of NF-$\kappa$B in nuclear and cytoplasmic fraction and its DNA-binding activity in lung tissues were analyzed by means of Western blotting and electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay (EMSA), respectively. DA-9201 significantly reduced airway hyperrespon-siveness (AHR), total lgE level in plasma and BALF, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in BALF, and the percentage of eosinophils in BALF. Tissue inflammation was significantly improved by DA­9201 treatment. In addition, DA-9201 dramatically suppressed the expression of NF-$\kappa$B and its DNA-binding activity. These results suggest that DA-9201 may be useful for the treatment of asthma and its efficacy is related to suppression of NF-$\kappa$B pathway.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.1256-1261
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• 2008

This study aimed to examine the effects of Samjahwadam-jeon (SJHDJ) on $CD4^+$ T cells and $CD8^+$ T cells in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice. C57BL/6 mice were injected, inhaled and sprayed with OVA for 12 weeks (four a week) for asthma induction. Two experimental groups were treated with different concentrations of SJHDJ (400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) extract and cyclosporin A (10 mg/kg) for the later 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the mice lung, peripheral lymph node (PLN), and spleen were removed and $CD4^+$ T cells and $CD8^+$ T cells for analyzed by flow cytometer. Number of $CD4^+$ T cells in lung, PLN and spleen of the SJHDJ group (400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) were significantly decreased compared with that of control group. Number of $CD8^+$ T cells in PLN and spleen of the SJHDJ group (400 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg) were significantly decreased compared with that of control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that SJHDJ alleviated asthmatic hyperreactivity through $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$ T cells. Further study of relative cytokines is expected.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.67-74
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• 2008

Objective: The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of Mahaenggamseok-tang-gagambang (MGTG) on CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were injected, inhaled and sprayed with OVA for 12 weeks (four a week) for asthma induction. 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. At the end of the experiment, the mice lung was removed and analyzed CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells by flow cytometer. Results: Numbers of CD3+ T cells in lung of the MGTG groups (200, 400 mg/kg) were significantly decreased compared with that of control group. Numbers of CD4+ T cells in lung of the MGTG groups (200, 400 mg/kg) were significantly decreased compared with that of control group. Numbers of CD8+ T cells in lung of the MGTG groups (200, 400 mg/kg) were significantly decreased compared with that of control group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that MGTG alleviated asthmatic hyperreactiviry through CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Further study of relative cytokines is expected.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.742-751
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• 2008

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Samjawhadam-jeon (SJHDJ; 三子化痰煎) on immune cells in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Material and 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 SJHDJ group (400 mg/kg) extracts and cyclosporin A (10 mg/kg) for the latter 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the mouse lung. peripheral lymph node (PLN) and spleen were removed and immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometer. Results : Lung weight, total cells in lung, PLN, and spleen of the SJHDJ group decreased significantly compared with that of the control group. Number of $CD3e^+/CD69^+$, $CD3e^+/DX5^+$ cells in lung, PLN and spleen, number of $CD3^+$ cells in PLN and spleen, number of $CD3e^-/CCR3^+$ cells in lung and PLN, and number of $B220^+/IgE^+$ cells in PLN of the SJHDJ group decreased compared with that of the control group. Number of $CD4^+/CD25^+$ cells in PLN and spleen of the SJHDJ group increased compared with that of the control group. Conclusion : These results demonstrate that SJHDJ will be a desirable alternative therapy for allergic asthma by inhibiting the expression of immune cells.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.38-54
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• 2008

Objective : This study was designed to investigated effects of Pinelliae Rizoma (PR) on asthma Methods : Detecting antigen specific antibody isotypes, cytokines in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In addition, the present author also investigated changes in weight of spleen and proliferation rates of splenocytes. Finally, histopathological observation of the lung tissue was also investigated. Results : Oral administration of PR lowered OVA specific IgE levels in serum, IgG1 levels in serum and BALF. PR also decreased production levels of IL-4 in BALF. In addition, total cells in BALF were decreased by oral administration of PR effectively. In histapathological observation, PR group showed downward tendency of inflammatory cell infiltration around small vessels. Conclusion : PR is useful to treat patients with asthma and the mechanisms are related in suppression of Th2 skewing reactions.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.87-93
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• 2013

Objectives : We recently have reported that constituents of OMC-2010 have an immuno-modulatory effects via inhibiting tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-5. In this study, based on previous data, we investigated the effects of combinations with each OMC constituents on splenocyte cytotoxicity, cytokine productions, and ovalbumin (OVA) induced experimental allergic asthma. Methods : Mouse splenocytes were pre-treated with ethanol extract of constituents of Rehmannia glutinosa (RG), Pinellia ternata (PT), Schisandra chinensis (SC). We made 4 combinations using RG, PT, and SC (A;1:1:1, B;2:1:1, C;1:2:1, D;1:1:2). The cells were pretreated with A, B, C, or D for 1 h, then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, $1{\mu}g/ml$) for 48 h. Then the cells were harvested for real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to detect cytokine productions. Then using effective combination from RG, PR and SC, we administrated the combination orally, then challenged with OVA to induce asthma. Then we analyzed the airway hyper-reactivity (AHR), lung histology and lung TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-5 mRNA. Results : A. B. C. and D did not showed significant cytotoxicity on splenocytes. Pre-treatment of A inhibited the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-5 significantly, but not B, C, and D. In experimental asthma, administration of A significantly inhibited the increase of AHR, lung damage, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-5 expression. Conclusions : Theses results could suggest that inhibitory effects of the ideal combination with RG, PT and SC (1:1:1) could be applied to treatment of asthma and study of asthma mechanisms.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.697-708
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• 1999

Background : Leukotriene (LT) $C_4$, $D_4$, and $E_4$, the main components of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), have been suggested to play an important role in bronchial asthma such as antigen-induced bronchoconstriction, airway hyperreactivity, and pulmonary eosinophil accumulation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of treatment with the cysteinyl-LTs (cys-LTs) antagonist, pranlukast on allergen-induced guinea pig asthma model. Methods : Guinea pigs of treatment and placebo groups were sensitized by subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin(OVA) and challenged by inhalation of aerosolized OVA (1% weight/volume OVA). Normal control group did not sensitize with OVA. Oral ingestion of pranlukast and normal saline to the treatment and placebo groups was performed. In the treatment and placebo groups, airway resistance was measured before and after oral ingestion. Serum $LTC_4$ and eosinophilic infiltration of the bronchiolar and peribronchiolar tissues were measured after ingestion in the treatment and placebo groups. Results : Allergen-induced airway constriction developed in 20 (8 in treatment group, 12 in placebo group) among 35 guinea pigs. Airway resistance was significantly decreased at 3 and 6 minutes after OVA challenge in the pranlukast treatment group. In the placebo group, there was no difference of airway resistance between before and after saline ingestion. Serum $LTC_4$ levels showed 348.4 pg/ml in the treatment group, 373.9 pg/ml in the placebo group, and 364.4 pg/ml in the control group. There were no statistically significant difference between treatment and placebo group (p=0.232), and treatment and control group (p=0.501). Eosinophilic infiltrations in the peribronchiolar region per one-microscopic field ($\times$400 high power fields) demonstrated 7.06 in the treatment group, 19.2 in the placebo group, and 4.50 in the control group. There was significant decrement of eosinophilic infiltration in the treatment group which was compared with placebo group (p=0.001). Conclusion : These results demonstrate that pranlukast, a cys-LTs receptor antagonist, can attenuate allergen induced early-phase bronchoconstriction and eosinophilic infiltration in the bronchiolar tissues.