• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2023

Background: The existing research results on the combined toxicity of these pollutants using mammals, such as rodents, are insufficient, especially in relation to changes in the immune system. Objectives: This study aims at evaluating the cellular immune response to PE-MPs solely or when combined with Pb, which possess excellent adsorption capacity with PE-MPs and is commonly co-exposed in our daily lives. Methods: The study investigated the cellular immune function of 9-week ICR mice with 28 days exposure to PE-MPs (2 mg/mouse/day) and Pb (0.1 mM in distilled water) individually and in combination. PE-MPs were administered via gastric intubation while the lead intake was conducted via the oral drinking water route. Cellular immunity was evaluated by analyzing the production for T_H1 cytokines namely, TNF-α and IFN-𝛾 and T_H2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-6 in culture supernatants from polyclonally activated splenic mononuclear cells ex vivo. Results: Both the PE-MPs only and the PE-MPs+Pb exposure group revealed an increased T_H1 response with elevated TNF-α and IFN-𝛾 levels and downregulated T_H2 response with low IL-4, and IL-6 production levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, an increased IFN-𝛾/IL-4 ratio was found in the PE-MPs only and PE-MPs+Pb exposure groups, which indicated the skewedness to T_H1 response. Meanwhile, reduced blood hemoglobin levels and increased levels of IL-4, the dominant T_H2 cytokine in the Pb-only exposure group, were observed. Conclusions: Our current findings on the predominance of T_H1 immune response in the PE-MPs and PE-MPs+Pb groups suggest that PE-MPs could be responsible for the predominant induction of the cellular immune changes. This finding could be used as an important landmark in research related to T_H1 predominance, such as autoimmune diseases. It suggests that additional research on immune modulation using longer exposure durations or the same exposure route is required to elucidate stronger findings.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.61-68
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• 2010

Purpose: The present study was performed to clarify the relationship between periodontal disease severity and selected immunological parameters consisting of serum IgG titer against periodontopathogenic bacteria, the expression of the helper T-cell cytokine by gingival mononuclear cells, and patients' immunoreactivity to cross-reactive heat shock protein (HSP) epitope peptide from P. gingivalis HSP60. Methods: Twenty-five patients with moderate periodontitis had their gingival connective tissue harvested of gingival mononuclear cells during an open flap debridement procedure and peripheral blood was drawn by venipuncture to collect serum. The mean level of interproximal alveolar bone was calculated to be used as an index for periodontal disease severity for a given patient. Each of selected immunologic parameters was subject to statistical management to seek their correlations with the severity of periodontal disease. Results: A significant correlation could not be identified between serum IgG titers against specific bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and Streptococcus mutans) and the severity of periodontal disease. Expression of interleukin (IL)-10 by gingival mononuclear cells was statistically significant in the group of patients who had higher levels of alveolar bone height. However, a similar correlation could not be demonstrated in cases for IL-4 or interferon-$\gamma$. Patients' serum reactivity to cross-reactive epitope peptide showed a significant correlation with the amount of alveolar bone. Conclusions: It was concluded that expression of IL-10 by gingival mononuclear cells and patients' sero-reactivity to the cross-reactive HSP peptide of P. gingivalis HSP60 were significantly correlated with alveolar bone height.

• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• v.33 no.52
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• pp.336.1-336.12
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• 2018

Background: We aimed to investigate mucosal immunity related to forkhead box P3 ($FOXP3^+$) regulatory T (Treg) cells, T helper 17 (Th17) cells and cytokines in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: Mucosal tissues from terminal ileum and colon and serum samples were collected from twelve children with IBD and seven control children. Immunohistochemical staining was done using anti-human FOXP3 and anti-$ROR{\gamma}t$ antibodies. Serum levels of cytokines were analyzed using a multiplex assay covering interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A/F, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, interferon $(IFN)-{\gamma}$, soluble CD40L, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$. Results: $FOXP3^+$ Treg cells in the lamina propria (LP) of terminal ileum of patients with Crohn's disease were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the healthy controls. $ROR{\gamma}t^+$ T cells of terminal ileum tended to be higher in Crohn's disease than those in the control. In the multiplex assay, serum concentrations (pg/mL) of IL-4 ($9.6{\pm}1.5$ vs. $12.7{\pm}3.0$), IL-21 ($14.9{\pm}1.5$ vs. $26.4{\pm}9.1$), IL-33 ($14.3{\pm}0.9$ vs. $19.1{\pm}5.3$), and $IFN-{\gamma}$ ($15.2{\pm}5.9$ vs. $50.2{\pm}42.4$) were significantly lower in Crohn's disease than those in the control group. However, serum concentration of IL-6 ($119.1{\pm}79.6$ vs. $52.9{\pm}39.1$) was higher in Crohn's disease than that in the control. Serum concentrations of IL-17A ($64.2{\pm}17.2$ vs. $28.3{\pm}10.0$) and IL-22 ($37.5{\pm}8.8$ vs. $27.2{\pm}3.7$) were significantly higher in ulcerative colitis than those in Crohn's disease. Conclusion: Mucosal immunity analysis showed increased $FOXP3^+$ T reg cells in the LP with Crohn's disease while Th17 cell polarizing and signature cytokines were decreased in the serum samples of Crohn's disease but increased in ulcerative colitis.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.53-59
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• 1996

Purpose : Radiation-induced alteration in the immune function is well known phenomenon in cancer patients. Our purpose is to evaluate the extent of immune suppression immediately after mediastinal or pelvic irradiation, which include significant volume of active bone marrow in adults. Materials and Methods'48 cancer patients with mediastinal(N=29) and pelvic irradiation(N=19) were the basis of this analysis. Age ranged from 36 to 76 and mean and median value was 57 years, respectively Sex ratio was 1.3(M: F=27/21). The immunological parameters were the complete blood cell(CBC) with differential cell(D/C) count, T cell subset(CD3, CD4, CD8 CDl9), NK cell test(CDl6, CD56), and serum immunoglobulin(IgG, IgA, IgM) level. Results : The mean value of white blood cell(WBC) was reduced from 7017 to 4470 after irradiation(p=0.0000). In the differential count, the number of lymphocyte, neutrophil, and basophil was markedly reduced with statistical significance(p<0.01) and the number of monocyte was not changed and, on the contrary, that of eosinophil was increased by irradiation. In the lymphocyte subpopulation analysis, the number of all subpopulations, CD3(T cell), CD4(helper T cell), CD8(suppressor T cell), CDl6(NK cell), CDl9(B, cell) was reduced with statistical significance. The mean ratio of CD4 to CD8 in all patients was 1.09 initially and reduced to 0.99 after radiotherapy(p=0.34) , but the proportional percentage of all subpopulations was not changed except CD19(B cell) after irradiation. In the immunoglobulin study, initial values of Ig G, Ig A, and Ig M were relatively above the normal range and the only Ig M was statistically significantly reduced after radiotherapy(p=0.02). Conclusion : Mediastinal and pelvic irradiation resulted in remarkable suppression of lymphocyte count in contrast to the relatively good preservation of other components of white blood cells. But the further study on the functional changes of lymphocyte after radiotherapy may be necessary to conclude the effects of the radiation on the immunity of the cancer Patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.1681-1685
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• 2013

Background: Head and neck SCC is a common cancer related to various factors. IL-10, a pleiotropic cytokine produced by macrophages, T-helper-2 cells, and B lymphocytes, is thought to play a potential pathogenetic or therapeutic role in a number of human conditions, such as inflammation, autoimmunity and cancer. The present study was designed to evaluate the relation between tissue expression, serum and salivary levels of IL-10 in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) and their correlation with clinicopathologic features. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from 30 patients with HNSCCs and 24 healthy volunteers. IHC analysis was used to examine the tissue expression and ELISA was employed to measure serum and salivary levels. Results: Our study showed tissue expression of IL-10 to be significantily higher in patients (P: 0.001), but there was no relation between tissue expression, serum and salivary levels of the marker (P>0.05). Also except for a positive correlation between tissue expression of IL-10 and stage (P: 0.044), there was no relation between this marker and clinicopathologic features. There was no correlation between serum and salivary levels in either patients or controls. Conclusions: It seems there is no correlation between level of IL-10 in serum and saliva and this marker in saliva and serum does not reflect tissue expression.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.263-271
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• 2024

Background: Delirium is a recognized neurological complication following cardiac surgery and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including elevated mortality and prolonged hospitalization. While several clinical risk factors for post-cardiac surgery delirium have been identified, the pathophysiology related to the immune response remains unexamined. This study was conducted to investigate the immunological factors contributing to delirium in patients after thoracic aortic surgery. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 43 consecutive patients who underwent thoracic aortic surgery between July 2017 and June 2018. These patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with delirium and those without it. All clinical characteristics were compared between groups. Blood samples were collected and tested on the day of admission, as well as on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 30. Levels of helper T cells (CD4), cytotoxic T cells (CD8), B cells (CD19), natural killer cells (CD56+CD16++), and monocytes (CD14+CD16-) were measured using flow cytometry. Results: The median patient age was 71 years (interquartile range, 56.7 to 79.0 years), and 21 of the patients (48.8%) were male. Preoperatively, most immune cell counts did not differ significantly between groups. However, the patients with delirium exhibited significantly higher levels of interleukin-6 and lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) than those without delirium (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that lower TNF-α levels were associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium (p<0.05). Conclusion: Postoperative delirium may be linked to perioperative changes in immune cells and preoperative cytokine levels. Additional research is required to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying delirium.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.1691-1695
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• 2005

The bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA)-DRB3 gene encodes cell surface glycoproteins that initiate immune responses by presenting processed antigenic peptides to CD4 T helper cells. DRB3 is the most polymorphic bovine MHC class II gene which encodes the peptide-binding groove. Since different alleles favour the binding of different peptides, DRB3 has been extensively evaluated as a candidate marker for associations with various bovine diseases and immunological traits. For that reason, the genetic diversity of the bovine class II DRB3 locus was investigated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP). This study describes genetic variability in the BoLA-DRB3 in Iranian Golpayegani Cattle. Iranian Golpayegani Cows (n = 50) were genotyped for bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA)-DRB3.2 allele by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Bovine DNA was isolated from aliquots of whole blood. A two-step polymerase chain reaction followed by digestion with restriction endonucleases RsaI, HaeIII and BstYI was conducted on the DNA from Iranian Golpayegani Cattle. In the Iranian Golpayegani herd studied, we identified 19 alleles.DRB3.2${\times}$16 had the highest allelic frequency (14%), followed by DRB3.2${\times}$7 (11%). Six alleles (DRB3.2${\times}$25, ${\times}$24, ${\times}$22, ${\times}$20, ${\times}$15, ${\times}$3) had frequencies = 2%. Although additional studies are required to confirm the present findings, our results indicate that exon 2 of the BoLA-DRB3 gene is highly polymorphic in Iranian Golpayegani Cattle.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2006

The immunomodulatory effect of a new herbal preparation, HemoHIM, on the recovery from leukopenia induced by cyclophosphamide treatment was investigated. The HemoHIM was made up with an addition of the ethanol-insoluble fraction to the total water extract of Angelica Radix, Cnidii Rhizoma and Paeonia Radix. Daily oral administration of 100 mg/kg BW or 500 mg/kg BW HemoHIM accelerated the recovery from cyclophosphamide-induced leukopenia. HemoHIM increased the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes in the peripheral blood when compared with the cyclophosphamide-treated control. Moreover, the suppressed natural killer (NK) cell activity and interferon $(IFN)-{\gamma}$ secretion in the cyclophosphamide-treated mice were restored by the administration of HemoHIM. HemoHIM significantly reduced the abnormally heightened ratio of interleukin $(IL)-4/IFN-{\gamma}$ and immunoglobulin (Ig)E/IgG2a in the cyclophosphamide-treated mice. These results suggest that HemoHIM accelerates the recovery from leukopenia and alleviates the imbalanced T helper (Th)l/Th2 responses in the cyclophosphamide-treated mice. Additionally, HemoHIM was found to stimulate normal splenocytes to secrete not only Thl type cytokines such as $IFN-{\gamma}$ and IL-2, but also Th2 type cytokine IL-4. In conclusion, our results show that HemoHIM certainly has an influence on the balanced recovery of immune cells and the activation of their activities in the cyclophosphamide-treated mice.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.98-105
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• 2008

Background: Allergic inflammation was induced by activated Th2 lymphocytes, leading to IgE production and eosinophil activation. A Th2 disproportion was shown in atopic children soon after birth. During specific allergen stimulation, an increase of Th2 cells was observed in most cases. In this study, we prepared new screening "whole blood" system for searching the anti-atopic materials. Cytokine production and IgE secretion from whole blood system were assessed and we confirmed the results by using animal system. Methods: Pathological features in NC/Nga mice are similar to those observed in human atopic dermatitis. Whole blood from NC/Nga mouse was stimulated by using TNCB (Th2 activator) or candidate materials of anti-atopic dermatitis, and the production of cytokines (IL-4, IL-12, and IFN-${\gamma}$) were measured by ELISA. In order to confirm the results of whole blood system, in vivo test was done by using NC/Nga mice. Results: In whole blood system, LPS and extracts of green tea, hardy orange and onion induced the production of IL-12 and IFN-${\gamma}$ while they reduced the production of IL-4. Also, LPS and extracts of onion reduced IgE production. Though atopic dermatitis was observed from a mouse stimulated with TNCB, it was not when a mouse was co-stimulated in LPS or extracts of onion. The results are same as those observed in whole blood system. Conclusion: Whole blood system was simple and speedy methods for searching a materials compared with the conventional high-cost animal system. And the results using whole blood system was proved to be reliable in our experiments for screening anti-atopic material. We expect that the system can be applied to other experiments for searching similar materials.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.420-427
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• 2006

Immunological activities of the combined-administration of Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus were examined in C57BL/6 mice. Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus were extracted with distilled water or 40% ethyl alcohol. Ginseng Radix Rubra water extracts (GW), the mixture (1:1) of Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus water extracts [GVW(1:1)], the mixture (1:3) of Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus water extracts [GVW(1:3)], 40% ethyl alcohol extracts of Ginseng Radix Rubra (GE), the mixture (1:1) of Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus 40% ethyl alcohol extracts [GVE(1:1)] and the mixture (1:3) of Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus 40% ethyl alcohol extracts [GVE(1:3)] were administered p.o. once a day for 7 days, respectively. GVW(1:1) and GVW(1:3) decreased the viability of thymocytes increased by GW, but GVE(1:1) and GVE(1:3) increased the viability of thymocytes decreased by GE. GVW(1:1) and GVW(1:3) increased the viability of splenocytes decreased by GW or GE. Also, GVW(1:1) and GVE(1:1) enhanced the population of helper T cell in thymocytes, and GVE(1:1) and GVE(1:3) decreased the population of cytotoxic T cells increased by GE. Furthermore, GVW(1:1), GVW(1:3), GVE(1:1) and GVE(1:3) enhanced the population of $B220^+$ cells decreased by GW or GE, and decreased the population of $Thyl^+$ cells increased by GW or GE, and decreased the population of splenic $CD4^+$ cells increased by GW or GE. In addition, GVW(1:1) and GVW(1:3) decreased the phagocytic activity and the production of nitric oxide in peritoneal macrophages increased by GW, but GVE(1:1) and GVE(1:3) enhanced the phagocytic activity and the production of nitric oxide in peritoneal macrophages decreased by GE. These results suggest that Vitis Fructus has an regulative action on immune response of Ginseng Radix Rubra.