• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.631-640
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Coffee is a complex chemical mixture, with caffeine being the most well-known bioactive substance. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of coffee and caffeine impact health in various aspects, including the respiratory system. The objective is to investigate the effects of coffee and caffeine on airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic reactions, as well as to analyze and compare associated cytokine profiles. MATERIALS/METHODS: BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and given OVA inhalation to induce airway hypersensitivity. Two weeks after sensitization, they were intragastrically gavaged with coffee or caffeine, both containing 0.3125 mg caffeine, daily for 4 weeks. Control mice were fed with double-distilled water. Serum OVA-specific antibody levels were measured beforehand and 5 weeks after the first gavage. Airway hyperresponsiveness was detected by whole body plethysmography after gavage. Cytokine levels of bronchoalveolar lavage and cultured splenocytes were analyzed. RESULTS: Coffee effectively suppressed T helper 2-mediated specific antibody response. Airway responsiveness was reduced in mice treated with either coffee or caffeine. Compared to the control, coffee significantly reduced OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgG1 and IgE antibody responses (P < 0.05). Caffeine also attenuated specific IgG and IgG1 levels, though IgE level was unaffected. Coffee significantly reduced interleukin (IL)-4 and increased IL-10 concentration in spleen cells and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Coffee effectively attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness and systemic allergic responses induced by OVA food allergen in mice. As a complex composition of bioactive substances, coffee displayed enhanced immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects than caffeine.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.49-57
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• 2011

Objective : Allergic asthma is a chronic airway disease that affects millions of people in the developed world. The disease is characterized by concurring airway inflammation, Th2 cytokine production, increased mucus secretion, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to inhaled antigen, and pulmonary fibrosis. To investigate the therapeutic and anti-asthmatic effects of Drynariae Rhizoma (DR), we examined the influence of DR on the development of pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Methods : In this study, BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) followed intratracheally, intraperitoneally, and by aerosol allergen challenges. We investigated the effect of DR on airway hyperresponsiveness, pulmonary eosinophilic infiltration, various immune cell phenotypes, Th2 cytokine production and OVA specific IgE production in a mouse model of asthma. Results : In asthmatic mice, we found that DR.treated groups had suppressed eosinophil infiltration, allergic airway inflammation and AHR by suppressing the production of IL-5, IL-13 and OVA specific IgE. Conclusions : Our data suggest that the therapeutic mechanism by which DR effectively treats asthma is based on reductions of Th2 cytokines (IL-5), eotaxin, OVA-specific IgE production and eosinophil infiltration.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.71-85
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• 2014

Objectives In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Samhwangsasim-tang (S.H) on the allergic response caused by ovalbumin(OVA) sensitization and challenge in BALB/c mice. Methods The experimental animals were divided into five groups; 1) normal as negative control, 2) OVA-sensitized mice, 3) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 200 mg/kg of S.H 200, 4) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 400 mg/kg of S.H 400, and 5) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 5 mg/kg of Dexamethasone (Dex). Antigen sensitization for allergic mouse model was performed with twice injection of OVA for 2 weeks. After secondary injection, S.H was administrated orally into mice every day for 13 days and the inhibitory effect of S.H on allergic responses was evaluated. Results Treatment of S.H into allergic mice reduced significantly ear edema and infiltration of immune cells in ear tissues induced with OVA challenge in a dose-dependent manner. S.H reduced significantly the serum levels of Total Immunoglobulin(Ig)G and IgE, and particularly inhibited the production of OVA-specific IgE, but not OVA-specific IgG. The serum level of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-${\alpha}$ and Th2-associated cytokine IL-4 also were significantly decreased by S.H adminstration in a dose denpendent manner. S.H attenuated OVA-induced secretion of IFN-${\gamma}$, but not IL-12 which is a cytokine inducing the development of Th1 cells. It also reduced significantly the secretion of IL-4, which is a cytokine inducing the development of Th2 cells, after splenocytes were stimulated with OVA. However the secretion of IL-5 and IL-13 was influenced weakly or a little. Conclusions These results indicate that S.H could reduce the allergic response through inhibition of antigen-specific IgE and Th2-inducing cytokines. It suggest that S.H may be available clinically for the treatment of allergic patients.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.15-23
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• 2013

Objectives : To clarify the possible effects of Sinapis Semen and Raphani Semen on the development of pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation in a asthmatic mouse model. Methods : BALBav/c mice were sensitized to OVA followed intratracheally and by aerosol allergene challenges. We investigated the effect of Sinapis Semen and Raphani Semen on airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophiic infitratio, immune cell phenotype, The2 cytokine product, and OVA-spedific IgE production. Results : Total lung cells, eosinophils, and lung leukocytes, OVA specific IgE levels, and Th 2cytokine levels such as IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, TNF-alpha, and eotaxin in BALF were reduced compared with those of OVA sensitized asthma mice (control). The absolute numbers of $CD3^+$, $CD3^+/CD69^+$, $CD3^-/CCR3^+$, $CD4^+$, $CD8^+$, $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+$, $B220^+/CD22^+$, $B220^+/IgE^+$ cells in lung tissiues significantly reduced compared to those of control. Specially total lung cells in BALF and the absolute number of $CD3^+/CD69^+$ and, $B220^+/IgE^+$ cells in lung tissiue effectively reduced in Sinapis Semen plus Raphani Semen compared to those of Sinapis Semen and Raphani Semen. Conclusions : These results indicate that Sinapis Semen plus Raphani Semen has deep inhibitory effects on airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in asmatic mouse model and also has effect of suppression of IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, OVA specific IgE production in BALF. The results verified that Sinapis Semen, Raphani Semen, and Sinapis Semen plus Raphani Semen could act as a immunomodulator which possess anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic property by modulating the relationship of Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.1159-1165
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• 2006

This study was done to investigate the effects of Gamisojaganggi-tang(GSGT) on immunopathologic changes in OVA-induced asthma model of mice. Pathologic indicators associated with this immune disease, which include cytokines, the number of immune-cells, immunoglobin E (IgE), were examined, and histological changes of bronchial tissues were also examined. The administration of GSGT significantly reduced the lung weight compared with control mice of OVA-induced asthma model. The administration of GSGT significantly reduced the number of total cells in BALF compared with control mice of OVA-induced asthma model. The administration of GSGT significantly reduced the number of eosinophil in BALF compared with control mice of OVA-induced asthma model. The administration of GSGT insignificantly increased the number of monocyte in BALF compared with control mice of OVA-induced asthma model. The administration of GSGT significantly reduced the number of lymphocyte in BAL compared with control mice of OVA-induced asthma model. The administration of GSGT significantly reduced the gene expression of eotaxin in lung tissue compared with control mice of OVA-induced asthma model. The administration of GSGT insignificantly reduced the IL-4 and IL-5 production in BALF compared with control mice of OVA-induced asthma model. The administration of GSGT insignificantly reduced the levels of total IgE and ovalbumin-specific IgE in BALF. The administration of GSGT significantly reduced the levels of ovalbumin-specific IgE whereas the serum levels of total IgE were insignificantly reduced compared with control mice of OVA-induced asthma model. The administration of GSGT moderately reduced bronchial alveolar narrowing, bronchiovascular edema and increase in the size of alveolar space, which shown in control mice of OVA-induced asthma model, in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, GSGT reduced invasion of inflammatory cells, and proliferation of smooth muscle cells in bronchial tissue. These results suggested that GSGT has suppressive effects on pathologic changes associated with disease progression in asthma through the modulation of immune system. GSGT has potential to use as an anti-asthmatic agents.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.55-65
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• 2004

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa which is triggered by an allergic reaction. When exposed to certain allergens, the IgE covered mast cells degranulate releasing inflammatory mediators and cytokines which results in a local inflammatory reaction. In many recent studies, molecular biological methods have been used to investigate the role of cytokines in pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets of allergic rhinitis. This experimental study was done to research effects of Sochungryong-tang. We have studied effect of mice on OVA-induced production of IL-4, IL-5, IFN-${\gamma}$ by murine splenocytes and effect of OVA-induced total IgE and OVA-specific IgE. The results were as follows; 1. In IL-4 study, Sochungryong-tang treated group was proved significant inhibitory effect(p〈0.005). 2. In IL-5 study, Sochungryong-tang treated group was proved significant inhibitory effect(p〈0.05). 3. In JFN-${\gamma}$ study, Sochungryong-tang treated group was proved significant inhibitory effect(p〈0.000001). 4. In Total IgE, Sochungryong-tang treated group was proved significant inhibitory effect(p〈0.000001). 5. In OVA-specific IgE, Sochungryong-tang treated group didn't showed significant inhibitory effect. Depending upon above results, it is considered that Sochungryong-tang has the inhibitory effect on the allergic rhinitis of mice and suggested that it could be used in relieving patients of the symptoms which are caused by allergic rhinitis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.26-36
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• 2005

Objectives: Maier symptoms of allergic rhinitis are nasal obstructions, sneezing and watery rhinorrhea. When exposed to certain allergens, the IgE covered mast cells degranulate and release inflammatory mediators and cytokines which result in a local inflammatory reaction. In many recent studies, molecular biological methods have been used to investigate the role of cytokines in pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets of allergic rhinitis. This experimental study was done to reveal the effects of the Bojungikgi-tang on the allergic rhinitis. We have studied effect of mice on OVA-induced production of IL-4, IL-5, $INF-{\gamma}$ by murine splenocytes and effect of OVA-induced Total IgE and OVA-specific IgE Meterial and Metheds: 21 BALB/c rats were divided into three groups: normal group, control group, experimental group. To induce the allergic rhinitis in control group and experimental group, rats were sentitized intraperitioneally with 0.1% ovalbumin solution 3 times at intervals of 2 weeks. Then intranasal sensitization was performed by diffusing 0.1% ovalbumin solution 3 times at intervals of 2 days for a week. After that time, rats in experimental group were oral administration treated by the Bojuogikgi-tang fer 28 days. We observed changes of IL-4, IL-5, $INF-{\gamma}$, Total IgE and OVA-specific IgE. We used independent-test statistically. Results: 1. In IL-4 study, Bojungikgi-tang treated group didn't show significant differences. 2. In IL-5 study, Bojungikgi-tang treated group shows significant differences. 3. In $INF-{\gamma}$ study, Bojungikgi-tang treated group shows significant differences. 4. In Total IgE, Bojungikgi-tang treated group shows significant differences. 5. In OVA-specific IgE, Bojungikgi-tang treated group didn't show significant differences. According to this result, Bojungikgi-tang was concluded to be effective on lowering the total IgE. Through this. Bojungikgi tang seems to reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. More studies are required to know exact mechanism of Bojungikgi tang to show the anti allergenic effect.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.545-551
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• 2013

This study aimed to present a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA) induced allergic diarrhea under a sub-barrier system and investigate the development of gut microbiota in this model. Male BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized with OVA or sham-sensitized with saline, and followed by oral OVA intubation, leading to OVA-specific acute diarrhea. Compared with sham-sensitized mice, sera OVA-specific IgG1 and total IgE in OVA-sensitized mice were dramatically elevated, and the number of mast cells was greatly increased in the jejunum of the OVA-sensitized mice. Principle component analysis of the DGGE profile showed that samples from group of OVA-sensitized mice and group of sham-sensitized mice were scattered into two different regions. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the number of 16S rRNA gene copies of Lactobacillus in the colon of OVA-sensitized mice decreased significantly, while there was no significant difference in the number of Bifidobacterium and total bacteria. In conclusion, OVA-specific allergic diarrhea was successfully induced under a sub-barrier system, and changes of allergic reactions during induction was coupled with changes in gut microbiota, especially the number of colonic Lactobacillus, but the role of gut microbiota in the development of food allergic reactions needs to be further evaluated.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.11-16
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• 2012

Objectives : In the theory of Korean medicine, Pear has long been considered to protect throat, bronchus and lung. Pear has been believed to remove sputum in Korean people. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of pear ethanol extract (PEE) on asthma induced by ovalbumin in mice. Methods : We investigated the effects of PEE on airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, production levels of ovalbumin (OVA) specific total immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG1, IgG2a and IgE in serum and histopathological changes of lung tissues in asthamtic mice. Results : PEE decreased airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine significantly compared to non-treated asthmatic mice (P<0.05). Level of OVA specific IgE in serum was lowered by oral administration of PEE effectively (P<0.05). In histopathological observation, administration of PEE reduced infiltration of immune cells into lung tissue. Conclusion : These results suggest that pear has anti-asthmaitc action and related mechanims are involved in anti-inflammatory action such as reducing level of OVA specific IgE and immune cell infiltration.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.123-129
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• 2012

Objectives : Allergy has been described as an inflammatory with hypersensitivity resulting from seasonal or perennial responses to specific allergens. The root of Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC.(Platycodi Radix; Campanulaceae) has been traditionally used to treat chronic diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation and hyperlipidemia. In this study, we examined the effect of 70% ethanol extract of Platycodi Radix (PR-E) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation in mice. Methods : Mice were sensitized and challenged by OVA inhalation to induced chronic airway inflammation, and then were intragastrically administered PR-E extract at doses of 50 and 200 mg/kg/day from days 21 to 30 consecutively. The levels of allergic mediators such as histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and cytokines such as IL-4 and IFN-${\gamma}$ 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 : PR-E extract significantly decreased the serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE, and Th2 cytokine, IL-4 compared with those in the OVA-induced group. PE-E extract significantly increased the serum level of Th1 cytokine, IFN-${\gamma}$. Based on lung histopathological studies, inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion were inhibited by PE-E extract administration compared to that in the OVA-induced group. Conclusions : These findings indicate that PE-E extract may be useful as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of bronchial asthma.