• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.539-544
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• 2005

Purpose : The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiologic role of serum E-selectin, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-induced cell adhesion mollecule in Kawasaki disease(KD) and to look for the evidence of direct relationship between the plasma levels of soluble E-selectin and the incidence of coronary artery lesion(CAL). Methods : Changes in plasma levels of sE-selectin(n=98) over time were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) in 23 patients with acute KD and 25 age-matched febrile children. Results : Compared with control values, the peak levels of plasma sE-selectin were significantly elevated($mean{\pm}S.E$. : $22.89{\pm}12.53ng/mL$ vs $10.65{\pm}3.42ng/mL$, P=0.01) in KD. 5 patients with CAL, plasma sE-selectin levels before treatment were higher than in 18 patients without CAL($mean{\pm}S.E$. : $39.43{\pm}15.08ng/mL$ and $19.00{\pm}8.32ng/mL$, respectively; P=0.01). Plasma sE-selectin declined rapidly in the majority of KD patients regardless of the presence of CAL. Plasma sE-selectin levels after treatment and convalesent period were similar in KD patients with and without CAL. The plasma levels sE-selectin were correlated with those of white blood cell count(r=0.299, P<0.05), CRP(r=0.430, P<0.05), serum albumin(r=-0.483, P<0.05), serum protein(r=-0.502, P<0.05) and hemoglobin(r=-0.372, P<0.05) not with those of ESR, platelet, or duration of fever. There were significant differences in the initial level of serum sE-selectin between KD with and without CAL($mean{\pm}S.E$. : $39.44{\pm}15.08ng/mL$ vs. $19.00{\pm}17.18ng/mL$) in multivariated linear tests. Conclusion : Plasma sE-selectin levels were significantly higher in KD than in other febrile illness. Higher plamsa levels of sE-selectin may have potential as a predictor of CAL in patients with KD.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.8
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• pp.811-816
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• 2003

Purpose : Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology with a predilection for the coronary arteries. Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) is a cytokine which promotes vascular permeability and angiogenesis. We investigated serum VEGF(sVEGF) levels in Kawasaki disease to determine whether sVEGF level can be used as a risk factor to predict the occurrence of coronary artery lesions(CAL) in Kawasaki disease. Methods : We measured sVEGF levels in 11 patients with Kawasaki disease in acute phase(patient group)and 11 normal children(control group) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) method. We investigated the relationship between sVEGF levels and the lumen diameters of coronary artery and other potential CAL risk factors; duration of fever, hemoglobin, WBC counts, platelet counts, ESR, CRP and LDH levels. Results : SVEGF levels of patients in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease(mean $847.9{\pm}495.7pg/mL$) were significantly higher than that of normal controls(mean $279.9{\pm}150.6pg/mL$; P<0.05). SVEGF levels showed significant positive correlation with the lumen diameters of the coronary artery(P<0.05, $r_s=0.75$) in the patient group. There was no significant correlation between sVEGF levels and duration of fever or other laboratory measurements. Conclusion : Our results support the notion that sVEGF level may be considered as a predictive indicator for the occurrence of coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.377-382
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• 2008

Purpose : The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of skin test by an inactivated, 1/50 diluted solution of attenuated varicella vaccine in evaluating the immune status to varicella. Methods : Total 41 subjects (22 males, 19 females, aged 1-32 years) were enrolled from July to August, 2005. Past medical history including varicella infection, varicella vaccination were investigated through questionnaires. The skin test solution was prepared from solution of attenuated varicella vaccine(Oka strain) which was inactivated by exposure to room temperature for 10 days and diluted at 1/50 with normal saline. Skin test was done by injecting 0.1 mL of the solution intradermally into the volar surface of the right forearm and sterile normal saline was used as a control on the left forearm. Positive reaction was defined when the transverse diameter of the induration was 5 mm or more. Serum varicella zoster virus specific IgG antibody test by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was done. Results : In adults, the sensitivity of the varicella zoster virus skin test compared to ELISA was 94.7% and the positive predictive value was 100%. In children, both the positive predictive value and specificity were 100% but the sensitivity and the negative predictive value were 50% and 30.7% respectively. Children showed smaller skin test reactivity compared to adults. Conclusion : The varicella zoster virus skin test using inactivated, 1/50 diluted solution of attenuated varicella vaccine was proved as one of the useful tools for evaluating the immunity and susceptibility of the varicella zoster virus.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.625-630
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• 2005

Background : Determining the cause of an exudative pleural effusion is sometimes quite difficult, especially between malignant and tuberculous effusions. Twenty percent of effusions remain undiagnosed even after a complete diagnostic evaluation, including pleural biopsy. The activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), which is the one of proinflammatory cytokines, is increased in both infectious and malignant effusions. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic efficiency of TNF-${\alpha}$ activity in distinguishing tuberculous from malignant effusions. Methods : 46 patients (13 with malignant pleural effusion, 33 with tuberculous pleural effusion) with exudative pleurisy were included. TNF-${\alpha}$ concentrations were measured in the pleural fluid and serum samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, TNF-${\alpha}$ ratio (pleural fluid TNF-${\alpha}$ : serum TNF-${\alpha}$) was calculated. Results : TNF-${\alpha}$ concentration and TNF-${\alpha}$ ratio in the pleural fluid were significantly higher in the tuberculous effusions than in the malignant effusions (p<0.05). However, the serum levels of TNF-${\alpha}$ in the malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions were similar (p>0.05). The cut off points for the pleural fluid TNF-${\alpha}$ level and TNF-${\alpha}$ ratio were found to be 136.4 pg/mL and 6.4, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve were 81%, 80% and 0.82 for the pleural fluid TNF-${\alpha}$ level (p<0.005) and 76%, 70% and 0.72 for the TNF-${\alpha}$ ratio (p<0.05). Conclusion : We conclude that pleural fluid TNF-${\alpha}$ level and TNF-${\alpha}$ ratio can distinguish a malignant pleural effusion from a tuberculous effusion, and can be additional markers in a differential diagnosis of tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion. The level of TNF-${\alpha}$ in the pleural fluid could be a more efficient marker than the TNF-${\alpha}$ ratio.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.314-320
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• 2000

Purpose :To investigate whether changes in plasma concentrations of transforming growth factor-$\beta$1(TGF-$\beta$1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-$\alpha$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) could be used to identify the development of radiation-induced pneumonitis in the lung cancer patients. Methods and Materials :Seventeen patients with lung cancer (11 NSCLC, 6 SCLC) were enrolled in a prospective study designed to evaluate clinical and molecular biologic correlation of radiation-induced pneumonitis. The study began in May 1998 and completed in July 1999. All patients were treated with radiotherapy with curative intent : 1.8 Gy per day, 5 fractions per week. Serial measurements of plasma TGF-$\beta$1, TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-6 were obtained in all patients before, weekly during radiotherapy and at each follow-up visits after completion of treatment. These measurements were quantified using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All patients were evaluated for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis at each follow-up visit after completion of radiotherapy. High resolution CT (HRCT) scans were obtained when signs and symptoms of pneumonitis were developed after completion of radiotherapy. Results : Thirteen patients eventually developed signs and symptoms of clinical pneumonitis 씬file four patients did not. TGF-$\beta$ 1 levels were elevated in all 13 patients with pneumonitis, which showed characteristic pattern of elevation (38.45 ng/ml at pretreatment, 13.66 ng/ml during radiotherapy, then 60.63 ng/ml at 2-4 weeks after completion of radiotherapy). The levels of TNF- $\alpha$ and IL-6 were also elevated In the group of patients who developed pneumonitis but the pattern was not characteristic. Conclusions : Changes in plasma TGF$\beta$-1 levels before, during and after radiotherapy appears to be a useful means by which to identify patients at risk for the development of symptomatic pneumonitis. Other cytokines like TNF- $\alpha$ and IL-6 shows no meaningful changes in association with radiation pneumonitis.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.225-231
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• 1997

Purpose: To evaluate the postnatal changes of serum levels of mumps- and rubella-specific IgG antibody in unvaccinated infants, this study was performed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The sera were collected from 103 unvaccinated infants under 15 months of age. The results obtained were as follows. 1) The seropositivities and the levels of mumps specific IgG decreased by ages, 70.6% in month, 50.0% in 2~3 months, 6.7% in 4~5 months and 0% after 6 months of age respectively. 2) The seropositivities of rubella-specific IgG were 58.8 % in 1 month, 70% in 2~3 months, 13.3% in 4~5 months, and 0% after 6 months of ages in unvaccinated infants respectively. 3) The seropositivities and antibody levels of mumps and rubella specific IgG had significantly decreased with age, and there was negative correlation between ages of infants and mumps or rubella-specific IgG levels(correlation coefficient r=-0.500, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The seropositivities of transplacental antibodies of mumps and rubella in unvaccinated infants were 0% after 6 months of age. These transplacental antibodies disappeared earlier age than we had thought.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.63-71
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• 2004

The human skin is constantly exposed to environmental irritants such as ultraviolet, smoke, chemicals. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by these environmental facts play critical roles in cellular damage. These irritants are in themselves damaging to the skin structure but they also participate the immensely complex inflammatory reaction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the skin cell protective effect of Juniperus chinensis xylem extract on the UV and SLS-induced skin cell damages. We tested free radical and superoxide scavenging effect in vitro. We found that Juniperus chinensis xylem extracts had potent radical scavenging effect by 98％ at 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. Fluorometric assays of the proteolytic activities of matrix metalloproteinase-l(MMP-1, collagenase) were performed using fluorescent collagen substrates. UV A induced MMP-1 synthesis and activity were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin-based zymography in skin fibroblasts. The extract of Juniperus chinensis showed strong inhibitory effect on MMP-1 activities by 97％ at 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL and suppressed the UVA induced expression of MMP-1 by 79％ at 25 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. This extract also showed strong inhibition on MMP-2 activity in UVA irradiated fibroblast by zymography. We also examined anti-inflammatory effects by the determination test of proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin 6 in HaCaT keratinocytes. In this test Juniperus chinensis decreased expression of interleukin 6 about 30％. Expression of prostaglandin E$_2$, (PGE$_2$) after UVB irradiation was measured by competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) using PGE$_2$ monoclonal antibody. At the concentrations of 5-50 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL of the extracts, the production of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes (24 hours after 10 mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ UVB irradiation) was significantly inhibited in culture supernatants (p〈0.05). The viability of cultured HaCaT keratinocytes was significantly reduced at the doses of above 10 mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ of UVB irradiation, but the presence of these extracts improved cell viability comparing to control after UVB irradiation. We also investigated the protective effect of this extract in sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-induced irritant skin reactions from 24 hour exposure. Twice a day application of the extract for reducing local inflammation in human skin was done. Irritant reactions were assessed by various aspects of skin condition, that is, erythema (skin color reflectance) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). After 5 days the extract was found to reduce SLS-induced skin erythema and improve barrier regeneration when compared to untreated symmetrical test site. In conclusion, our results suggest that Juniperus chinensis can be effectively used for the prevention of UV and SLS-induced adverse skin reactions such as radical production, inflammation and skin cell damage.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.227-233
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• 2004

Chronic exposure to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, causes a variety of adverse reactions on human skin, such as sunburn, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by UV exposure or other environmental facts play critical roles in cellular damage. And, repeated-UV irradiation activated the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and induced skin irritation. Therefore, the development of effective and safe photoprotectants that can reduce and improve the skin damage has been required. The purpose of this study was to investigate the photo-protective effect of several chinese medical plants (Juniperus chinensis) on the UV -induced skin cell damages. We tested free radical and superoxide scavenging effect in vitro. Fluorometric assays of the proteolytic activities of MMP-1 (collagenase) were performed using fluorescent collagen substrates. UVA induced MMP-1 synthesis and activity were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin-based zymography in skin fibroblasts. We also examined anti-inflammatory effects by the determination test of proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin 6 in HaCaT keratinocytes. Expression of prostaglandin E$_2$ (PGE$_2$) after UVB irradiation was measured by competitive enzyme immunoassay(EIA) using PGE$_2$ monoclonal antibody. In the human skin we tested anti-irritation effect on the SLS-induced damage skin after appling the extract containing emulsion. We found that Juniperus chinensis extract had potent radical scavenging effect by 98% at 100$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. The extract of Juniperus chinensis showed strong inhibitory effect on MMP-1 activities by 97% at 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL and suppressed the UVA induced expression of MMP-1 by 79% at 25$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. This extract also showed strong inhibition on MMP-2 activity in UVA irradiated fibroblast by zymography. In the test of proinflammatory cytokines of human keratinocytes Juniperus chinensis extract decreased expression of interleukin 6 about 30%. The amount of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes was significantly increased at the doses of above 10 mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ of UVB (p < 0.05). At the concentrations of 3.2-25$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL of this extract, the production of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes (24 h after 10mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ UVB irradiation) was significantly inhibited in culture supernatants (p < 0.05). In SLS-induced skin irritation model in vivo, we found to reduce skin erythema and improve barrier recovery after appling Juniperus chinensis extract containing emulsion when compared to irritated non-treated and placebo-treated skin. Our results suggest that Juniperus chinensis extract can be effectively used for the prevention of UV and SLS-induced adverse skin reactions and applied as anti-aging and anti-irritation cosmetics.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.117-123
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• 2014

Objectives : Sinhyowoldo-san (SHWDS) is said to be a traditional medicine used for shigellosis, abdominal pain, diarrhea. But mechanism of SHWDS mediated-modulation of immune function is not sufficiently understood. To ascertain the molecular mechanisms of SHWDS 70% EtOH extract on pharmacological and biochemical actions in inflammation, we researched the effect of pro-inflammatory mediators in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)+ A23187-activated human mast cell line (HMC-1). Methods : In the present research, cell viability was measured by MTS assay. pro-inflammatory cytokine production was measured by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blot analysis to analyze the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($NF-{\kappa}B$). The investigation focused on whether SHWDS inhibited the expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), MAPKs and $NF-{\kappa}B$ in PMA+A23187-activated HMC-1 cells. Results : SHWDS has no cytotoxicity at measured concentration (50, 100, and $250{\mu}g/ml$). SHWDS ($250{\mu}g/ml$) inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in PMA+ A23187-activated HMC-1 cells. Moreover, SHWDS inhibited cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression. In activated HMC-1 cells, SHWDS suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2) and c-jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK 1/2). Then, SHWDS suppressed activation of nuclear factor $NF-{\kappa}B$ in nuclear, degradation of IkB ${\alpha}$ in cytoplasm. Conclusions : We propose that SHWDS has an anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential, which may result from inhibition of ERK 1/2, JNK 1/2 phosphorylation and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation, thereby decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.9
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• pp.977-982
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• 2006

Purpose : There has been an increasing amount of literature concerning the association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae and asthma pathogenesis. Interleukin(IL)-6 stimulates the differentiation of monocytes, and can promote Th2 differentiation and simultaneously inhibit Th1 polarization. IL-8 is a potent chemoattractant and, it has been suggested, has a role in asthma pathogenesis. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesized by airway epithelium may be important in the regulation of airway inflammation and reactivity. Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) has been reported to be a mediator of airway remodeling in asthma. We investigated the effects of M. pneumoniae on IL-6, IL-8, NO and VEGF production in human respiratory epithelial cells. Methods : A549 cells were cultured and inoculated with M. pneumoniae at a dose of 20 cfu/cell. After infection, the presence of M. pneumoniae in epithelial cell cultures was monitored by immunofluorescence and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction(PCR) detection. IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. NO was measured using the standard Griess reaction. Results : In A549 cells, M. pneumoniaeinduced IL-6, IL-8, NO and VEGF release in time-dependent manners. It also induced mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF in similar manners. Conclusion : These observations suggest that M. pneumoniae might have a role in the pathogenesis of the allergic inflammation of bronchial asthma.