• CELLMED
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.18.1-18.7
• /
• 2013

Inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by immune cell infiltration and cytokine secretion. In particular, mast cells and their cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Korean medicine, BaekJeol-Tang (BT) was designed by traditional Korean medicine theory. We already reported therapeutic effect of BT in rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we report the specific underlying mechanism of BT in activated human mast cells, HMC-1 cells. In addition, we report for the first time that BT significantly inhibited the production and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines including thymic stromal lymphopoietin, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ in activated HMC-1 cells. BT also decreased the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$, and caspapase-1. Taken together, these results indicate that BT has potential as a regulator of inflammatory reactions for the treatment of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.27 no.5
• /
• pp.600-610
• /
• 2017

It was common that the classification of itching was classified into four categories according to the neurophysiological mechanisms of pruritoceptive itching, neuropathic itching, neurogenic itching and psychogenic itching. Recently it was classified by clinical criteria. The neurotransmission pathway of itch is divided into histamine-dependent pathway and histamine-independent pathway. Different receptors and neuropeptides act on each itch mediator. Itch mediators such as histamine, BAM8-22, and chloroquine are transmitted through the histamine-dependent pathway. Cowhage spicule, protease, and TSLP (Thymic stromal lymphopoietin) have been reported to be related to the histamine-independent pathway. These itch mediators, receptors, and neuropeptides are the targets of treatment for itching. Although itching and pain are typical noxious stimuli, and in the past, it was argued that two senses were transmitted through one noxious stimulus receptor. It has recently been shown that itching and pain have an independent neurotransmitter system and both neuronal systems inhibit each other. In addition, the mutual antagonism between itching and pain is explained by various mechanisms. Recently, many new mediators and receptors are being studied. The studies on histamine 4 receptor (H4 receptor) have been actively conducted. And the H4 receptors are expressed in immune cells such as T cells. The therapeutic agent for blocking the H4 receptor can inhibit the inflammatory reaction itself, which is important for the itching and chronicization. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of itching and studying new itch mediators will lead to the development of effective therapies, and this is what I think the itching study will go on.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.459-470
• /
• 2020

This study investigated the effects of the proteolytic hydrolysates of α-lactalbumin (LA), β-lactoglobulin (LG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) by alcalase on inflammatory cytokines. The proteolytic hydrolysates were separated into two fraction of peptides, ≤ 10,000 Da and > 10,000 Da, respectively, because various low molecular weight peptides were generated during the hydrolysis reaction time. Among the hydrolysate peptides, BSA (all types), β-LG (> 10,000 Da), and α-LA (> 10,000 Da) showed an inhibitory activity against thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) mRNA expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 murine macrophages. α-LA (> 10,000 Da), β-LG (hydrolysates), and BSA (> 10,000 Da) showed an inhibitory activity against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression. α-LA (all types), β-LG (hydrolysates, > 10,000 Da), and BSA (> 10,000 Da) showed an inhibitory activity against interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression. α-LA (> 10,000 Da), β-LG (> 10,000 Da), and BSA (all types) showed an inhibitory activity against inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. α-LA (> 10,000 Da), β-LG (> 10,000 Da), and BSA (all types) showed an inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression. The lowest level of TNF-α production was measured with α-LA (> 10,000 Da) and β-LG (> 10,000 Da) for all types, and a similar low level was measured for all types of BSA. The highest level of IL- 6 production was measured with α-LA (≤ 10,000 Da) among α-LA, β-LG, and IL-6. The low level of NO production was similar with α-LA, β-LG, and BSA but not with α-LA (≤ 10,000 Da). These potential peptides from whey protein hydrolysates could be used for food, medicinal, and industrial applications.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.43 no.7
• /
• pp.499-505
• /
• 2010

The present study aimed to investigate whether the polymorphisms in the TSLPR gene are associated with atopic and asthmatic disease in the Korean population. We identified eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two variation sites in the TSLPR gene, including the promoter region. The genotype and allele frequencies of g.33G>C of the TSLPR gene in asthma patients were significantly different from the respective frequencies of the control group (P = 0.006 and 0.003, respectively). Our additional analysis showed that the genotype and allele frequencies of the g.33G>C and g.19646A>G of the TSLPR gene were significantly associated in the atopic asthma patients rather than in the non-atopic asthma patients (genotype frequencies; P = 0.0001 and 0.0003 respectively, allele frequencies; P = 0.0005 and 0.0001 in that order). Our results suggest that the SNPs of the TSLPR gene could be associated with the susceptibility to atopic asthma in the Korean population.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.13 no.6
• /
• pp.249-256
• /
• 2013

How Th2 immunity develops in vivo remains obscure. Basophils have been considered key innate cells producing IL-4, a cytokine essential for Th2 immunity. Increasing evidence suggests that basophils are dispensable for the initiation of Th2 immunity. In this study, we revisited the role of basophils in Th2 immune responses induced by various types of adjuvants. Mice deficient in IL-3 or IL-3 receptor, in which basophil lymph node recruitment is completely abolished, fully developed wild type level Th2 CD4 T cell responses in response to parasite antigen or papain immunization. Similar finding was also observed in mice where basophils are inducibly ablated. Interestingly, IL-4-derived from non-T cells appeared to be critical for the generation of IL-4-producing CD4 T cells. Other Th2 promoting factors including IL-25 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) were dispensable. Therefore, our results suggest that IL-3- and basophil-independent in vivo Th2 immunity develops with the help of non-T cell-derived IL-4, offering an additional mechanism by which Th2 type immune responses arise in vivo.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.128-137
• /
• 2021

Objective The purpose of this study was to confirm the effectiveness of coptidis rhizoma extract-ceramide complex on skin barrier, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pH reduction, and inflammation of the skin. Methods Coptidis rhizoma extract-ceramide complex was applied in 6-week-old Balb/C mice after dermatitis was induced. To confirm the skin condition changes, TEWL and pH were observed, and filaggrin in the stratum corneum of the skin was observed. Kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) 7, Protease activated receptor (PAR)-2, Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and IL-4 were observed in the stratum corneum to confirm the changes in the inflammatory response. Results Filaggrin positive reaction was increased in the experiment group compared to the control group. TEWL and pH were lower in the experiment group compared to the control group. KLK7, PAR2, TSLP, and IL-4 positive responses were decreased in the experiment group compared to the control group. Conclusions It was confirmed that the coptidis rhizoma extract-ceramide complex can relieve the inflammatory response of atopic dermatitis by restoring the skin lipid barrier damage.

• CELLMED
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.5.1-5.4
• /
• 2019

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic and inflammatory skin. Recently, the limitations and side effects of drug therapy, and possibility of alternative therapies, such as music therapy are emerging in the treatment of AD. Thus, the present study determined whether traditional Korean music, Daegeum Sanjo, regulates AD symptoms by comparing the rhythm, Jinyangjo-jangdan and Jungmori-jangdan in an AD-like murine model. Jinyangjo-jangdan and Jungmori-jangdan of Daegeum Sanjo reduced the duration of scratching behavior increased by DNFB challenge. Jinyangjo-jangdan and Jungmori-jangdan of Daegeum Sanjo attenuated clinical symptoms. However, Jinyangjo-jangdan and Jungmori-jangdan of Daegeum Sanjo did not inhibit IgE, histamine, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, or thymic stromal lymphopoietin levels in serum or AD-like skin lesions. In conclusion, the present study suggests that it is possible for Jinyangjo-jangdan and Jungmori-jangdan of Daegeum Sanjo to ameliorate AD symptoms. However, further study is needed to clarify significant mechanisms of Jinyangjo-jangdan and Jungmori-jangdan of Daegeum Sanjo therapy for AD symptoms.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.823-830
• /
• 2023

Lactococcus lactis is a lactic acid bacterium and used in the dairy food industry. The ameliorating effects of Lactobacillus species on atopic dermatitis (AD) have been extensively studied, but the specific effect of L. lactis strains has not yet been investigated. In this study, the efficacy of L. lactis LB 1022, isolated from natural cheese, was evaluated using RAW 264.7, HMC-1 and HaCaT cell lines and an ovalbumin-sensitized AD mouse model. L. lactis LB 1022 exhibited nitric oxide suppression and anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Oral administration of L. lactis LB 1022 to AD mice significantly reduced the levels of IgE, mast cells, and eosinophils, and a range of T cell-mediated T helper Th1, Th2, and Th17-type cytokines under interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). In addition, L. lactis LB 1022 treatment increased the concentration of short-chain fatty acids. Overall, L. lactis LB 1022 significantly modulated AD-like symptoms by altering metabolites and the immune response, illustrating its potential as candidate for use in functional food supplements to alleviate AD.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.51 no.5
• /
• pp.583-588
• /
• 2013

To determine alteration of immune responses during visceral larva migrans (VLM) caused by Toxascaris leonina at several time points, we experimentally infected mice with embryonated eggs of T. leonina and measured T-helper (Th) cell-related serial cytokine production after infection. At day 5 post infection (PI), most larvae were detected from the lungs, spleen, intestine, and muscle. Expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and CCL11 (eotaxin) showed a significant increase in most infected organs, except the intestine. However, expression of the CXCL1 (Gro-${\alpha}$) gene was most highly enhanced in the intestine at day 14 PI. Th1-related cytokine secretion of splenocytes showed increases at day 28 PI, and the level showed a decrease at day 42 PI. Th2-related cytokine secretion of splenocytes also showed an increase after infection; in particular, IL-5 level showed a significant increase at day 14 PI, and the level showed a decrease at day 28 PI. However, levels of Th17-related cytokines, IL-6 and IL-17A, showed gradual increases until day 42 PI. In conclusion, Th1, Th2, and Th17-related cytokine production might be important in immune responses against T. leonina VLM in experimental mice.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.61-77
• /
• 2016

목적: 본 연구에서는 TJ 열수추출물이 아토피 피부염에 미치는 효과를 확인하고자 하였다. 방법: 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzen (DNCB)으로 BALB/c 마우스에 1차 감작 후 3주간 2차 감작을 시행하여 아토피 유사 피부병변을 나타내는 접촉성 피부염을 유발한 뒤 동결건조 처리된 TJ 분말을 (PBS/EtOH/Cremophor=6:1:3)에 용해시켜 쥐의 등 피부에 10, 50 mg/ml 농도로 3주간 도포하였다. 결과: TJ 열수추출물은 아토피 피부 병변의 염증세포 침윤을 억제하였고 (10, 50 mg/ml ) 표피와 진피 두께를 회복시켰으며 (10, 50 mg/ml ), 혈청에서 히스타민 방출을 억제하였다 (00 mg/ml ). 또한 Th2 세포와 관련된 cytokine인 interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13과 thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)의 mRNA 발현 양을 감소시켰고 (10, 50 mg/ml ), Th2 chemokine인 thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC or CCL17)의 mRNA의 발현 양을 감소시켰다 (10, 50 mg/ml ). 결론: TJ 열수추출물을 BALB/c 마우스에 외용하였을 때 항아토피 효과가 있음을 확인하였으며 따라서 TJ가 아토피 피부염 치료의 외용제로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.