• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.181-185
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• 2022

Strongyloides stercoralis infection is not endemic in the Republic of Korea (Korea) with a positivity rate of <1% in stool examination. However, there is a risk of hyperinfection in immunosuppressed individuals. It is necessary to determine the seropositivity of S. stercoralis antibodies in Korea. This study investigated the seropositivity of S. stercoralis antibodies in the southeastern area of Korea. From January 2019 to June 2021, serum samples were collected from participants who visited the study center in the southeastern region of Korea for routine health check-ups. We determined serum levels of specific anti-Strongyloides IgG antibodies in 834 samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We observed that 92 samples (11.0%) tested showed a positive response. The age of the participants was 51±10.7 years, and 43.4% of them were men. The antibody positivity rate based on the location of the participants' residence were 12.3% (Gyoungsangnam-do), 10.2% (Busan), and 10.1% (Ulsan), respectively. Total eosinophil count was associated with positive test results (154.8±152.0 per mm³ versus 202.1±178.9 per mm³, P=0.006). Logistic regression analysis revealed that blood eosinophil count, age above 50 years, and residence in Sacheon were factors associated with the positive status of S. stercoralis antibody. Our finding suggests that it is necessary to test for S. stercoralis in actual clinical settings in Korea.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.14-21
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-allergy activities of persimmon leaf extract (PLE) on a phthalic anhydride (PA)-induced allergic mouse model. A human leukemic mast cell line (HMC-1) was used to examine the inhibitory activity of PLE on the histamine release by human leukemic mast cells. PLE inhibited histamine release from HMC-1 cells in response to cross-linkage of high-affinity IgE receptor-${\alpha}$ ($Fc{\varepsilon}RI{\alpha}$). Additionally, a PA-induced allergic mouse model was used to investigate the effects of PLE in vivo. Mice were orally administrated with or without PLE of single dose (250 mg/kg/day) for 31 days. Oral intake of PLE significantly inhibited passive cutaneous reactions. Oral administration of PLE to PA-induced allergic mice also led to a striking suppression of the development of contact dermatitis, ear swelling and lymph node weight. In addition, PA-specific IL-4 production of draining lymph node cells was markedly diminished by PLE oral administration, but not IFN-${\gamma}$. Furthermore, PLE treatment suppressed PA-induced thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (CCL17) and cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine (CCL27) expressions in ear tissues. Based on these results, we suggest that PLE may have therapeutic potential as an effective material for management of irritant contact dermatitis or related inflammatory diseases.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.167-177
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• 2017

Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate inhibitory effects of GHJ on allergic inflammatory response in human mast cells (HMC-1). Methods : To investigate the inhibitory effect of GHJ (62.5, 125, 250, 500, $1000{\mu}g/mL$), HMC-1 cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were investigated using GHJ extract. Results : GHJ inhibited levels of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 of $1000{\mu}g/mL$ concentration in ELISA and mRNA expression. GHJ had inhibitory effects in level of MAPKs, $p-I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ and p-NF-kB also. GHJ attenuated Compound 48/80-stimulated histamine release. In addition, GHJ inhibited PCA reaction in vivo. Conclusion : This study indicated that GHJ extract can inhibit allergic responses in HMC-1 cell.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.633-639
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• 2000

Objective : Experimental studies were done to research the effects of Gubo-eum(Jiubao-yin) and Kamigubo-eum(Jiameijiubao-yin) on the pulmonary thromboembolism and the immediately type hypersensitivity. Methods : For measuring the response about the pulmonary thromboembolism, we investigated a survival rate after the intravenous injection of sodium arachidonate and adenocine diphophate(ADP). For measuring the response about the immediately type hypersensitivity, we did the intravenous injection of histamin and serotonin, and phlebotomized and excoriated skin and investigated the amount of escaped pigment. Results : The each solid extract of Gubo-eum(Jiubao-yin) and Kamigubo-eum(Jiameijiubao-yin) revealed significant decrease effect on viscosity of mucin solution. The each solid extract of Gubo-eum(Jiubao-yin) and Kamigubo-eum(Jiameijiubao-yin) revealed significant effect on the pulmonary thromboembolism induced by sodium arachidonate and adenocine diphophate(ADP). The each solid extract of Guboeum(Jiubao-yin) and Kamigubo-eum(Jiameijiubao-yin) revealed significant on vascular permeability responses to intradenmal histamine and serotonine. conclusions : The each solid extract of Gubo-eum(Jiubao-yin) and Kamigubo-eum(Jiameijiubao-yin) revealed significant effect on the immediately type hypersensitivity and the pulmonary thromboembolism.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.477-481
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• 2012

The rhizomes of Acorus gramineus have frequently been used in traditional medicine mainly for sedation as well as enhancing brain function. In this study, the anti-allergic activity of A. gramineus was investigated. The 70% ethanol extract of the rhizomes of A. gramineus was found to inhibit the allergic response against 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)-catalyzed leukotriene (LT) production from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-1 cells and ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells with $IC_{50}$'s of 48.9 and > $200{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. Among the 9 major constituents isolated, ${\beta}$-asarone, (2R,3R,4S,5S)-2,4-dimethyl-1,3-bis (2',4',5'-trimethoxyphenyl)tetrahydrofuran (AF) and 2,3-dihydro-4,5,7-trimethoxy-1-ethyl-2-methyl-3-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)indene (AI) strongly inhibited 5-LOX-catalyzed LT production in A23187-treated RBL-1 cells, AI being the most potent ($IC_{50}=6.7{\mu}M$). Against ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release by antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, only AI exhibited strong inhibition ($IC_{50}=7.3{\mu}M$) while ${\beta}$-asarone and AF showed 26.0% and 39.9% inhibition at $50{\mu}M$, respectively. In addition, the ethanol extract of A. gramineus showed significant inhibitory action against the hapten-induced delayed hypersensitivity reaction in mice by oral administration at 200 mg/kg. Therefore, it is suggested that A. gramineus possesses anti-allergic activity and the constituents including ${\beta}$-asarone and AI certainly contribute to the anti-allergic activity of the rhizomes of A. gramineus.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.277-283
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• 2017

Activated T helper 2 (Th2) immune function is hallmark of various allergic diseases. We investigated the anti-allergic effect of Jagamcho-tang extract(JE) on ovalbumin(OVA)-induced atopic dermatitis mice model and OVA-stimulated splenocytes isolated from the mice. Mice were intraperitoneally injected OVA/alum solution 2 times at interval of 14 days, followed by oral administration of JE for 7 days. After administration, mice were subcutaneously injected with OVA in ear. JE treatment reduced ear swelling and infiltration of inflammatory cells in ear. Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and immunoglobulins, such as total-IgE and OVA-specific IgE, were decreased in JE treated group. Furthermore, JE treatment decreased OVA-induced Th2-associated cytokines like IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 mRNA levels in splenocytes. In conclusion, JE reduced allergic immune response via IgE production and Th2 response in OVA-sensitized mice, suggesting that JE could be useful prescription for allergic diseases including atopic dermatitis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.520-528
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• 2022

Mast cells are an effector cell that plays a pivotal role in type I hypersensitive immune responses. Mast cells exist in connective tissues, such as skin and mucosal tissue, and contain granules which contain bioactive substances such as histamine and heparin in cells. The granules of mast cells are secreted by antigen stimulation to cause the type I allergic hypersensitivity. In addition, stimulated by antigen, mast cells synthesize and secrete various eicosanoids and cytokines. While AT9283 is known to have anticancer effects, the therapeutic effect of AT9283 on allergic disorders is completely unknown. In this study, it was found that AT9283 reversibly inhibited antigen-IgE binding-induced degranulation in mast cells (IC₅₀, approx. 0.58 μM) and suppressed the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-4 (IC₅₀, approx. 0.09 μM) and TNF-α (IC₅₀, approx. 0.19 μM). For a mechanism of mast cell inhibition, while not inhibiting Syk phosphorylation, AT9283 suppressed the activation of LAT, a downstream substrate protein of Syk, in a dose-dependent manner. As expected, AT9283 also inhibited the activation of PLCγ1 and Akt, downstream signaling molecules of Syk/LAT, and MAP kinases such as JNK, Erk1/2, and P38. In an in vitro protein tyrosine kinase assay, AT9283 directly inhibited Syk activity. Next, AT9283 dose-dependently inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), an IgE-mediated allergic acute response, in mice (ED50, approx. 34 mg/kg, p.o.). These findings suggest that AT9283 has potential to use as a new drug for alleviating the symptoms of IgE-mediated allergic disorders.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.167-172
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• 2014

Optimal conditions for extraction of bakkenolide B from Petasites japonicus leaves were determined by using response surface methodology. A second-order Box-Behnken design representing three extraction temperatures (80, 100, $120^{\circ}C$), three extraction times (30, 45, 60 min), and three solvent pH's (5, 7, 9) was executed. The efficiency of the extraction conditions was defined using the ${\beta}$-hexosamidase assay by comparing both the bakkenolide B content and its anti-allergic activity expressed as extract inhibition on degranulation. The response surface plot described for the bakkenolide B content showed that the maximum content was predicted as 121.6 ${\mu}g/g$ with extraction conditions of $127.1^{\circ}C$, 46.6 min, and pH 7.7. Extraction temperature and time were important factors in determining bakkenolide B content. Using regression analysis, correlation between the inhibition effect of mast cell degranulation and bakkenolide B content was found to be low.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.80 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2017

Spirometry is a physiological test for assessing the functional aspect of the lungs using an objective indicator to measure the maximum amount of air that a patient can inhale and exhale. Acceptable spirometry testing needs to be conducted three times by an acceptable and reproducible method for determining forced vital capacity (FVC). Until the results of three tests meet the criteria of reproducibility, the test should be repeated up to eight times. Interpretation of spirometry should be clear, concise, and informative. Additionally, spirometry should guarantee optimal quality prior to the interpreting spirometry results. Our guideline adopts a fixed normal predictive value instead of the lower limit of normal as the reference value because fixed value is more convenient and also accepts FVC instead of vital capacity (VC) because measurement of VC using a spirometer is impossible. The bronchodilator test is a method for measuring the changes in lung capacity after inhaling a short-acting ${\beta}-agonist$ that dilates the airway. When an obstructive ventilatory defect is observed, this test helps to diagnose and evaluate asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by measuring reversibility with the use of an inhaled bronchodilator. A positive response to a bronchodilator is generally defined as an increase of ${\geq}12%$ and ${\geq}200mL$ as an absolute value compared with a baseline in either forced expiratory volume at 1 second or FVC.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.788-798
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• 2009

Objective : This study was undertaken to investigate effects of Opuntia ficus-indica (OP)extract on an asthma murine model. Methods : The total number of cells and eosinophils in BALF and the infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissues were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results : The number of OVA-induced total cells and eosinophils, a phenomenon of asthma, were decreased by treatment of the animals with OP extract (200 mg/kg) (respectively, p < 0.001 and p<0.01). Furthermore, we showed that OP extract reduced the increased immune cell infiltration induced by ovalbumin (p < 0.01). The levels of interleukin (IL)-4 in BAL fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, because the eosinophilia is associated with a T helper (Th) 2 response including IL-4. The level of OVA-induced IL-4 was decreased by OP extract in BAL fluid (p < 0.05). We investigated whether OP extract reduced nitrite (NO) production on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 sells, because asthma is an inflammatory disease. The level of LPS-induced NO production was decreased by OP extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/ml) on RAW 264.7 cells (respectively, p < 0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.05). Conclusions : Our results indicate that OP extract has an inhibitory effect on lung eosinophilia of asthma and suggest that OP extract is a therapeutic candidate in the treatment of inflammatory disease, including asthma.