• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.9
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• pp.765-772
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• 2015

Saussurea lappa has been reported to possess anti-atopic properties. In this study, we have confirmed the S. lappa's anti-atopic properties in Nc/Nga mice and investigated the candidate gene related with its properties using microarray. We determined the target gene using real time PCR in in vitro experiment. S. lappa showed the significant reduction in atoptic dermatitis (AD) score and immunoglobulin E compared with the AD induced Nc/Nga mice. In the results of microarray using back skin obtained from animals, we found that S. lappa's properties are closely associated with cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Consistent with the microarray data, real-time RT-PCR confirmed these modulation at the mRNA level in skin tissues from S. lappa-treated mice. Among these genes, PI3Kca and $IL20R{\beta}$ were significantly downregulated by S. lappa treatment in Nc/Nga mouse model. In in vitro experiment using HaCaT cells, we found that the S. lappa components, including alantolactone, caryophyllene, costic acid, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone significantly decreased the expression of PI3Kca but not $IL20R{\beta}$ in vitro. Therefore, our study suggests that PI3Kca-related signaling is closely related with the protective effects of S. lappa against the development of atopic-dermatitis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.45-49
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• 2015

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate anti-inflammatory activity using various extracts of rice straw (DaoCao) extract (RS).Methods : To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of RS, we examined the effect of RS on cytokines production on THP-1 cell. Cells were cultured in incubator (37℃, CO₂5%, 0.5% FBS-RPMI, 1X10⁶cells/ml). One hour after,Dermatophagoides pteronissinus(Dp., 10 ug/ml) was treated into cell and at 6 hour after, each different concentrations(0.1, 1 and 10 ug/ml) of RS were treated. The cells were incubated for 16 hours and harvest the supernatant. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and TNF-αwere determined using a commercially available ELISA kit.Results : We investigated whether RS has the inhibition of inflammatory response in Jurkat cells and THP-1 cells. RS suppressed secretion of IL-4, IL-5, and TNF-αinduced by house dust mites in Jurkat cells. It showed significant effects for all concentrations. RS suppressed the increased expression of IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 after treatment with mite in THP-1 cells. These results suggest that RS may be used as a valuable agent for treating allergic diseases such as atopy due to its anti-inflammatory property.Conclusions : RS showed significant biological activities with anti-inflammatory in the human T cells. These results suggest that RS may be used as a valuable agent for treating allergic diseases such as atopy due to its anti-inflammatory property. In terms of Korean traditional medicine, we expect the results to contribute to building of EBM (Evidence-Based Medicine).

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.891-901
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-asthmatic effect of alismatis rhizoma and alisol acetate B combination therapy in a murine asthma model. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were sensitized to and challenged with a mixture of ragweed, dust mite, and aspergillus to induce an asthma animal model. Alismatis rhizoma extract and alisol acetate B combination therapy was co-administered only in the experimental group. To evaluate the anti-asthmatic effect of the combination therapy, inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were determined, and tissue was examined histologically with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of IgE, IL-4, and IL-5, and with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of IL-5, IL-33, MUC5AC. Results: Alismatis rhizoma and alisol acetate B combination therapy reduced the number of inflammatory cells, alleviated histologic features, and down-regulated all the investigated asthma mediators, IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-33, and MUC5AC. Conclusions: According to the above results, alismatis rhizoma and alisol acetate B combination therapy may have therapeutic potential for asthma.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.64-70
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• 2003

Background and Purpose : Allergic rhinitis is a well-known, relatively controllable chronic disease. Although a number of methods for treating allergic rhinitis have been tried, many patients have not been satisfied with their treatment. Therefore, this study tried to evaluate the effect of a cooperative system of Oriental and Western medicine and to develop a new diagnosis protocol for treatment of allergic rhinitis. Methods : We measured improvement rate and acoustic rhinometry after the allergeninduction test and performed a filter paper test as a nonspecific hypersensitivity test with 60 patients who are allergic to house dust mite. Patients were divided into two groups, one treated with Western medicine only and one treated with both Western and Oriental herbal medicine. For the group with Western medicine only, antihistamine for one week and local steroid medicine for two weeks were prescribed. For the group with combined medicine, Oriental herbal medicine was prescribed according to the patient s constitution, along with Western medicine. After all treatments, the above tests were re-performed and the improvement rate was compared. Results and Conclusion : We observed better results in the group treated with both Western and Oriental herbal medicines, comparing improvement rate and the alteration of total nasal volume through acoustic rhinometry after the allergen induction test. In the filter paper test, there was no significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion, we showed the additive effect of Oriental herbal medicine without any severe side effects compared with treatment with Western medicine only. In this study, we set only two patient groups, but further study is required to create various experimental groups and compare among them. We suggest that it might enhance understanding of the improved effect of Oriental herbal medicine in the therapy of allergic rhinitis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.9
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• pp.322-329
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• 2012

Purpose: Aeroallergens are important causative factors of allergic diseases. Previous studies on aeroallergen sensitization rates investigated patients groups that had visited pediatric allergy clinics. In contrast, we investigated sensitization rates in a general population group of elementary school to teenage students in Incheon, Jeju, and Ulsan. Methods: After obtaining parental consent, skin-prick tests were performed on 5,094 students between March and June 2010. Elementary school students were tested for 18 common aeroallergens, whereas middle and high school students were tested for 25 allergens. The 25 allergens included Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, pollen (birch, alder, oak, Japanese cedar, pine, willow, elm, maple, Bermuda grass, timothy grass, rye grass, orchard grass, meadow grass, vernal grass, mugwort, Japanese hop, fat hen, ragweed, and plantain), and mold (Penicillatum, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Alternaria). Results: The sensitization rates in descending order were 25.79% (D. pteronyssinus ), 18.66% (D. farinae ), 6.20% (mugwort), and 4.07% (willow) in Incheon; 33.35% (D. pteronyssinus ), 24.78% (D. farinae), 15.36% (Japanese cedar), and 7.33% (Alternaria) in Jeju; and 32.79% (D. pteronyssinus), 30.27% (D. farinae), 10.13% (alder), and 8.68% (birch) in Ulsan. The dust mite allergen showed the highest sensitization rate among the 3 regions. The sensitization rate of tree pollen was the highest in Ulsan, whereas that of Alternaria was the highest in Jeju. The ragweed sensitization rates were 0.99% in Incheon, 1.07% in Jeju, and 0.81% in Ulsan. Conclusion: The differences in sensitization rates were because of different regional environmental conditions and distinct surrounding biological species. Hence, subsequent nationwide studies are required.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.41-56
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• 2010

Objectives : On an experimental basis, the effects of atopic dermatitis induced materials on the expression of cytokine genes in human monocytes (THP-1, U937) and mast cells were studied. This study was carried out to be considered a fundamental knowledge in the research on the good of oriental medicine. Methods : After culturing THP-1, U937, and HMC-1, with the three different concentrations of LPS ($1\;{\mu}g/ml$), DPE ($10\;{\mu}g/ml$), and DNCB ($1\;{\mu}g/ml$), atopic dermatitis induced materials were treated in the culture medium. To investigate cytokine genes expression patterns, with lysis buffer and separation reagent, total RNA was extracted from THP-1, U937, and HMC-1 at intervals of 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours. Both cytokine mRNA expression patterns by atopic dermatitis induced materials and change of cytokine genes expression patterns in relation to atopy by selenium were analyzed with RT-PCR. Also IL-4 and INF-$\gamma$, which were secreted in the HMC-1, were analyzed using ELISA method. Results : 1. After treating THP-1 and U937 with LPS, DPE, and DNCB, there was no significant change in cytokine genes themselves, but various cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, IFN-$\gamma$, IFN-a, MCP-1, B2-MG) were expressed. 2. In the case of HMC-1, the expressions of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased in the analysis of mRNA expression by dust mite allergens in DPE. 3. As a result of ELISA method, it is certain that IL-4 and IFN-$\gamma$ protein were secreted in the HMC-1 by DPE. 4. Selenium, an essential trace element, decreased the IL-10 and IL-13 expression in the HMC-1 by DPE. Conclusion : The results suggest that it is necessary to choose proper atopic dermatitis induced materials and suitable cultured cells in establishment of in vitro model of atopic dermatitis.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.102-108
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• 2016

Der p 2 is the major allergen of the house dust mite (HDM) associated with the development of allergic diseases. The pathogenic mechanism of the allergy is related to cytokine release of lymphocytes and constitutive apoptosis of neutrophils. In the present study, we examined whether Der p 2 induces cytokine release of lymphocytes, which is involved in regulation of neutrophil apoptosis. In normal and allergic subjects, Der p 2 enhanced the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and GM-CSF in a time-dependent manner. Although Der p 2 was weakly effective against neutrophil apoptosis, conditioned media collected from normal and allergic lymphocytes after Der p 2 treatment inhibited the apoptosis of normal and allergic neutrophils. Der p 2 showed stronger inhibition of apoptosis of allergic neutrophils cocultured with allergic lymphocytes than normal neutrophils cocultured with normal lymphocytes. These findings improve our understanding of the role of Der p 2 in regulation of lymphocytes and neutrophils and will enable elucidation of allergy pathogenesis.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.174-182
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• 2020

Probiotics improve the immune system. However, the effects of its lactic acid bacteria on atopic dermatitis relief and inflammation improvement is not fully understood. Recently, one of the probiotics, Lactobacillus helveticus HY7801 (HY7801), was found to have an anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, we investigated the effects of HY7801 on atopic dermatitis-induced animal models. After four weeks of oral administration, the group treated with HY7801 showed amelioration of the atopic dermatitis compared to the group receiving placebo. In the HY7801 treated group, the epidermal hyper-proliferation and collagen deposition were inhibited compared to the placebo group, and the secretion amount of the inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, IL-4 were reduced. In conclusion, these results suggest that HY7801 acts as a functional probiotic via amelioration of the atopic dermatitis such as a decrease of epidermal hyper-proliferation, and collagen deposition and anti-inflammatory effects.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.291-297
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• 2015

An oral environment is constantly exposed to environmental factors and microorganisms. The periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts within this environment are subject to bacterial infection and allergic reaction. However, how these condition affect PDL fibroblasts has yet to be elucidated. PDL fibroblasts were isolated from healthy donors. We examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and measuring the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$). This study investigated the receptors activated by exogenous bacterial pathogens (Lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan) and allergens (German cockroach extract and house dust mite) as well as these pathogenic mediators-induced effects on the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ signaling in human PDL fibroblasts. Moreover, we evaluated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and IL-8) and bone remodeling mediators (receptor activator of NF-${\kappa}B$ ligand and osteoprotegerin) and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$-involved effect. Bacterial pathogens and allergic mediators induced increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and these results are dependent on intracellular $Ca^{2+}$. However, bacterial pathogens and allergic mediators did not lead to increased expression of bone remodeling mediators, except lipopolysaccharide-induced effect on receptor activator of NF-${\kappa}B$ ligand expression. These experiments provide evidence that a pathogens and allergens-induced increase in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ affects the inflammatory response in human PDL fibroblasts.

• Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.686-697
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• 2018

Purpose: Several markers for eosinophilic inflammation have been proposed to predict response to asthma treatment. However, definitive criteria for treatment decisions have not yet been established. We investigate a potentially useful relatively non-invasive biomarker, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), to predict favorable responses to budesonide or montelukast, common treatment for children with asthma. Methods: Young children (1 to 6 years old) were enrolled in this randomized, parallel, 2-group, open-label trial. Criteria for eligibility included: 1) being symptomatic during the run-in period; and 2) having a serum EDN (sEDN) level ${\geq}53ng/mL$, with positive specific immunoglobulin E to house dust mite. Eligible patients were randomly placed into 2 groups: the BIS group received budesonide inhalation suspension (BIS) 0.5 mg once daily; the MONT group received montelukast 4 mg once daily. Ineligible patients were invited to receive montelukast 4 mg once daily (OBS group). Treatment period was 12 weeks. Results: Asthma control days increased significantly in the BIS and MONT groups (P < 0.000) over the 12-week study period. There was no significant change in sEDN in the BIS group but there was a significant decrease in the MONT group (P < 0.000). Patients in the OBS group with high EDN levels (> 53 ng/mL) showed a significant decrease due to MONT treatment (P = 0.023). Rescue medication usage significantly decreased in the BIS and MONT groups (P < 0.000). Conclusions: EDN is a useful relatively non-invasive biomarker for predicting responses to montelukast and budesonide treatment of preschool children with beta2-agonist responsive recurrent wheeze and multiple-trigger wheeze (Trial registry at UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000008335).