• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.31-41
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was to evaluate inhibitory effects of Naegwan-acupuncture($PC_6$) on acute RE(reflux esophigitis) rat induced by pylorus and forestomach ligation operation. Methods : Twenty seven SD rats were divided three groups (intact normal rat; RE control rat; RE control rat respectively stimulated by Naegwan point($PC_6$)). All rats was fasted for 18 h but free water, we induced RE by pylorus and forestomach ligation operation. Six hour after the operation, rats were sacrified, collected bloods in the abdominal vein, dissected a esophagus and stomach. The stomach was washed a 1 ml PBS to research gastric volume, pH, acidity and mucin release of gastric juice, esophagus was cut longitudinally and pictured a innter mucosa area to research damages in esophagus. The proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine including IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and MCP-1 were analyzed by ELISA kit. Results : 1. Significantly, death rate of $PC_6$ acupuncture rat group was decreased compared to that of RE control group. 2. Gastric Volume, gastric injury and esophageal mucosa demage were decreased significantly, too. 3. Compared with RE, all of the proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine analyzed in serum of $PC_6$ were decreased remarkably. Especially, there were significant meanings TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and MCP-1 in serum of $PC_6$ were decreased. Conclusion : The results suggest that antiinflammatory and protecting effects of PC6 could attenuate the severity of reflux esophagitis and prevent the esophageal mucosal damage, and validate its therapeutic use in esophageal reflux disease.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.268-280
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• 2011

Background: Dengue virus, which belongs to the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family, causes fatal dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) with infection risk of 2.5 billion people worldwide. However, approved vaccines are still not available. Here, we explored the immune responses induced by alternating prime-boost vaccination using DNA vaccine, adenovirus, and vaccinia virus expressing E protein of dengue virus type 2 (DenV2). Methods: Following immunization with DNA vaccine (pDE), adenovirus (rAd-E), and/or vaccinia virus (VV-E) expressing E protein, E protein-specific IgG and its isotypes were determined by conventional ELISA. Intracellular CD154 and cytokine staining was used for enumerating CD4+ T cells specific for E protein. E protein-specific CD8+ T cell responses were evaluated by in vivo CTL killing activity and intracellular IFN-${\gamma}$ staining. Results: Among three constructs, VV-E induced the most potent IgG responses, Th1-type cytokine production by stimulated CD4+ T cells, and the CD8+ T cell response. Furthermore, when the three constructs were used for alternating prime-boost vaccination, the results revealed a different pattern of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. i) Priming with VV-E induced higher E-specific IgG level but it was decreased rapidly. ii) Strong CD8+ T cell responses specific for E protein were induced when VV-E was used for the priming step, and such CD8+ T cell responses were significantly boosted with pDE. iii) Priming with rAd-E induced stronger CD4+ T cell responses which subsequently boosted with pDE to a greater extent than VV-E and rAd-E. Conclusion: These results indicate that priming with live viral vector vaccines could induce different patterns of E protein-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses which were significantly enhanced by booster vaccination with the DNA vaccine. Therefore, our observation will provide valuable information for the establishment of optimal prime-boost vaccination against DenV.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.26-30
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• 2007

Background: Mycobacterial antigens released as PIM, LM, LAM, lipoproteins and other cellular factors may contribute to macrophage and dendritic cell activation through pattern recognition receptors such as TLRs. In this study, we assessed cytokine production and ERK activation with stimulation of several major mycobacterial antigens. Methods: Purified mycobacterial antigens (10, 22, 30, 38kDa) and recombinant antigens (6, 16, 19, 38kDa, Ag85A antigen) were studied. The production of cytokines (TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-12, IL-6) was measured by ELISA. The ERK activation was detected by western blotting. The expression of TLR2 or TLR4 was measured by flow cytometry. Results: Among purified antigens only 30kDa antigen induced production of IL-6 or TNF-${\alpha}$ in THP-1 macrophage cells. When THP-1 macrophage cells were treated with 30kDa antigen, phosphorylation of ERK was detected. ERK activation also occurred in TLR2 transfectant HEK293 cells with 30kDa antigen stimulation. Conclusion: 30kDa antigen is one of the major mycobacterial antigens inducing cytokine production and MAP kinases phosphorylation in macrophages.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.104-109
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• 2013

Hesperidin (HES), a flavonone glycoside isolated from the citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, has been reported to have many biological properties including antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antiallergy activities. In this study, we focused on the action of HES modulating Th2-associated cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 expression in PMA/ionomycin (PI)-stimulated rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. The production of IL-4 and IL-13 was quantified by ELISA and the mRNA expression was detected by using RT-PCR assay. In addition, western blot analysis was performed to determine the transcription factors involved in the cytokine expression. We found that HES significantly decreased PI-induced IL-4 and IL-13 productions and also decreased the level of mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, western blot analysis of the transcription factors implied that HES down-regulated the protein level of c-Jun and c-Fos, which are the activating protein 1 (AP-1) family and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-${\kappa}B$) characterized as a transcription factors related to the Th2-associated cytokine expression. Taken together, our data showed that the action of HES responsible for antiallergy activities is based on suppression of Th2-associated cytokines through inhibition of AP-1 and NF-${\kappa}B$ transcription factors.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.375-384
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• 2017

Trichomonas vaginalis is a pathogen that triggers severe immune responses in hosts. T. vaginalis ${\alpha}$-actinin 2, $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2, has been used to diagnose trichomoniasis. This study was undertaken to examine the role of $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 as an antigenic molecule to induce immune responses from humans. Western blot analysis using anti-$Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 antibodies indicated its presence in the secreted proteins of T. vaginalis. ELISA was employed to measure cytokine production by vaginal epithelial cells, prostate cells, mouse dendritic cells (DCs), or T cells stimulated with T. vaginalis or $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 protein. Both T. vaginalis and $rTv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 induced cytokine production from epithelial cell lines, including IL-10. Moreover, $CD4^+CD25^-$ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) incubated with $rTv{\alpha}$-actinin 2-treated DCs produced high levels of IL-10. These data indicate that $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 modulates immune responses via IL-10 production by Treg cells.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.687-700
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• 2000

Antigen-specific T cell clones were obtained from mice immunized with Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 10953(F .nucleatum) and/or Porphyromonas gingi valis 381(P. gingivalis). 10 Balb/c mice per group were immunized with F. nucleatum followed by P. gingivalis, or with P. gingivalis alone by intraperitoneal injection of viable microorganisms. Spleen T cells were isolated and stimulated in vitro with viable P. gingivalis cells to establish P. gingivalisspecific T cell clones. T cell phenotypes and cytokine profiles were determined along with T cell responsiveness to F .nucleatum or P. gingivalis. Serum IgG antibody titers to F. nucleatum or P. gingivalis were also determined by ELISA. All the T cell clones derived from mice immunized with F. nucleatum followed by P. gingivalis demonstrated Th2 subsets, while those from mice immunized with P. gingivalis alone demonstrated Th1 subsets based on the flow cytometric analysis and cytokine profiles, All T cells clones from both groups were cross-reactive to both P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum antigens. Phenotypes of T cell clones were all positive for CD4. Mean post-immune serum IgG antibody levels to F. nucleatum or P . gingivalis were significantly higher than the pre-immune levels(p <0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences in the antibody titers between the two groups. It was concluded that P. gingivalis-specific T cells initially primed by cross-reactive F. nucleatum antigens were polarized to Th2 subsets, while T cells stimulated with P. gingivalis alone maintained the profile of Th1 subset.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.88-98
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• 2014

Total spleen lymphocytes, lymphocyte proliferation, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in spleen lymphocyte culture were studied in malnourished Wistar rats fed with goat milk yoghurt. Malnourished rats were created by using standard feed restriction as much as 50% of normal rats for 21 d. Goat milk yoghurt containing three types of microorganism e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus, Sterptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium longum derived from Lacto-B culture in powder form. After 21 d, the rats continued to receive restricted feeding and supplemented with goat milk yoghurt for 7 d. Total splenocytes were counted by hemocytometer. Splenocytes proliferation was expressed as stimulation index, whereas the TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-10 of spleen lymphocyte culture were measured by ELISA technique. The total number of splenocytes and stimulation index of splenocytes in moderate malnourished and normal rats supplemented with goat milk yoghurt was not significantly different. The level of TNF-${\alpha}$ in the rat supplemented with goat milk yoghurt was lower (p<0.05) than the control group, whereas the level of IL-10 in the rat supplemented with goat milk yoghurt was higher (p<0.05) than the control group. In conclusion, goat milk yoghurt supplementation in malnourished rats could decrease TNF-${\alpha}$ as a representation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, while it increases IL-10 as a representation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1832-1842
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• 2004

The present study was performed to examine the possible anti-inflammatory effects of a herbal drug ASCH in RAW264.7 cell line. Inflammation was induced by LPS toxin treatment to RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. Increases in cytokine production such as IL-1β, IL-6. and IL-18, COX-2, NOS-Ⅱ (iNOS), and TNF-alpha were observed at mRNA level in the LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Measurement of IL-6, nitric oxide and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) showed increased production of these inflammation mediators. Treatment of ASCH effectively decreased IL-1β protein in a dose-dependent manner, and IL-6 and IL-18 were reduced at 100㎍/㎖ of ASCH concentration. NO production was also decreased by ASCH treatment. A slight inhibition for TNF-alpha in terms of protein, but not mRNA level was obtained by 100㎍/㎖ of ASCH treatment. ASCH treatment to normal RAW264.7 cells did not produce any cytotoxicity, indicting that the action of ASCH was selective to inflammatory cells. Thus, the present data suggest that ASCH may act as an important regulator to alleviate the inflammatory symptoms.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.348-353
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• 2011

The aim of the present study is to investigate the cytokine production inhibitory effect of a Dictamni Radicis Cortex (DRC). DRC has been commonly used as important medicinal herb in China and it used to control eczema, atopic dermatitis, fever and inflammatory diseases. Inflammation, such as a bacterial infection in vivo metabolites, such as external stimuli or internal stimuli to the defense mechanisms of the biological tissue a variety of intracellular regulatory factors deulin inflammatory TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8, such as proinflammatory cytokines, prostagrandin, lysosomal enzyme, free radicals are involved in a variety of mediators. The present study was designed to determine the effect of the DRC on proinflammatory factors such as NO, iNOS expression and TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The cell toxicity was determined by MTS assay. To evaluate of anti-inflammatory effect of DRC, amount of NO was measured using the NO detection kit and the iNOS expression was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). And proinflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA kit. As a result, the DRC reduced NO, iNOS expression and TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 production without cytotoxicity. Our results suggest that the DRC may have an anti-inflammatory property through suppressing inflammatory mediator productions.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.32 no.1 s.124
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• pp.31-38
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• 2001

A lectin was purified from Allomyrina dichotoma (ADL) by physiological saline extraction, ammonium sulfate fractionation, anion exchange column chromatography on DEAE Sephadex A-50 and gel filtration column chromatography on Sephadex G-200. Several biochemical properties of ADL were characterized as follows: ADL from gel filtration column chromatography showed single band on SDS-PAGE. ADL agglutinated the erythrocytes of rabbit and human A, B, O, AB. Agglutinability was relatively stable at basic pH, and was stable at temperature below $40^{\circ}C$. Agglutinability was not affected by metal ions and EDTA. This lectin was proved to be a glycoprotein which contains 0.47% of sugars. The molecular weight of ADL was estimated to be 97,000 dalton by SDS-PAGE. By amino acid analysis, ADL exhibited high amounts of aspartic acid. The lectin's immunomodulating effect was measured as cytokine production. The productions of 5 cytokines $(IL-1{\alpha},\;IL-2,\;IL-6,\;IFN{\gamma}\;and\;TNF{\alpha})$ from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured by ELISA. The lectin induced the highest secretion of IL-2 at 8 hr, $TNF{\alpha}$ at 4 hr, and $IFN{\gamma}$ at 24hr, respectively. These results suggest that ADL can elicit the production of detectable cytokines from PBMC.