• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.22.1-22.15
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• 2023

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) is caused by chronic alcohol overconsumption and might be linked to dysregulated immune responses in the gut-liver axis. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on levels and functions of innate lymphocytes including mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, NKT cells, and NK (NK) cells in ALC patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the levels and function of these cells, evaluate their clinical relevance, and explore their immunologic roles in the pathogenesis of ALC. Peripheral blood samples from ALC patients (n = 31) and healthy controls (HCs, n = 31) were collected. MAIT cells, NKT cells, NK cells, cytokines, CD69, PD-1, and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) levels were measured by flow cytometry. Percentages and numbers of circulating MAIT cells, NKT cells, and NK cells were significantly reduced in ALC patients than in HCs. MAIT cell exhibited increased production of IL-17 and expression levels of CD69, PD-1, and LAG-3. NKT cells displayed decreased production of IFN-γ and IL-4. NK cells showed elevated CD69 expression. Absolute MAIT cell levels were positively correlated with lymphocyte count but negatively correlated with C-reactive protein. In addition, NKT cell levels were negatively correlated with hemoglobin levels. Furthermore, log-transformed absolute MAIT cell levels were negatively correlated with the Age, Bilirubin, INR, and Creatinine score. This study demonstrates that circulating MAIT cells, NKT cells, and NK cells are numerically deficient in ALC patients, and the degree of cytokine production and activation status also changed. Besides, some of their deficiencies are related to several clinical parameters. These findings provide important information about immune responses of ALC patients.

• 한국식품저장유통학회지
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.538-545
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• 2023

본 연구는 probiotics mixture(Lactobacillus acidophilus PBS066(DSM 24936), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067(DSM 24937), Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072(DSM 25175))의 안전성 및 탄수화물 소화 효소 저해 효과를 in vitro로 평가하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 모든 균주는 유럽식품안전처(EFSA) 지침에서 권장하는 항생제 내성 프로필을 충족시켰으며, 모든 균주는 용혈 활성 및 세포 독성을 나타내지 않았다. Probiotics mixture, L. plantarum PBS067 그리고 L. reuteri PBS072는 α-amylase 활성을 억제하는 것으로 나타났으며, probiotics mixture와 이의 균주 3종 모두 α-glucosidase 활성을 억제하는 것으로 나타났다. 이로써 본 연구에 사용한 probiotics mixture 및 이의 단일 균주 3종의 안전성과 탄수화물 소화 억제 효과를 확인하였으며, 따라서 probiotics mixture 이의 단일 균주 3종은 섭취하여도 안전하며 섭취 시 체내 탄수화물 대사를 잠재적으로 조절하는 것을 확인하였다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.3.1-3.21
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• 2022

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and the number of cancer patients is expected to continuously increase in the future. Traditional cancer therapies focus on inhibiting cancer growth while largely ignoring the contribution of the immune system in eliminating cancer cells. Recently, better understanding of immunological mechanisms pertaining to cancer progress has led to development of several immunotherapies, which revolutionized cancer treatment. Nonetheless, only a small proportion of cancer patients respond to immunotherapy and maintain a durable response. Among multiple factors contributing to the variability of immunotherapy response rates, commensal microbiota inhabiting patients have been identified as one of the most critical factors determining the success of immunotherapy. The functional diversity of microbiota differentially affects the host immune system and controls the efficacy of immunotherapy in individual cancer patients. Moreover, clinical studies have demonstrated that changing the gut microbiota composition by fecal microbiota transplantation in patients who failed a previous immunotherapy converts them to responders of the same therapy. Consequently, both academic and industrial researchers are putting extensive efforts to identify and develop specific bacteria or bacteria mixtures for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we will summarize the immunological roles of commensal microbiota in cancer treatment and give specific examples of bacteria that show anticancer effect when administered as a monotherapy or as an adjuvant agent for immunotherapy. We will also list ongoing clinical trials testing the anticancer effect of commensal bacteria.

• Advances in nano research
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• 제16권5호
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• pp.501-508
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• 2024

In this study, nanotoxicity tests were made by exposure of Artemia salina to copper (Cu 60-80 nm) and copper oxide (CuO 40 nm) nanoparticles (NPs) at different concentrations (0.2, 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 mg/L). The LC₅₀ value of Cu (60-80 nm) NPs on the A. salina individuals at the beginning (0), 24^th, 48^th and 72^nd hours and elimination period was 52.37 mg/L while the LC₅₀ value of CuO (40 nm) NPs was 55.39 mg/L. The results of UV-Vis absorbance values showed that all statistical data revealed that maximum effect was observed between 24-30 hours and 25 ppm absorbance concentration was more effective. The multiple R, correlation coefficient (R2) and adjusted R2 values of Cu NP for the suitable Quadratic model were, respectively; 92.96 %, 86.42 % and 76.71 % while they are 98.31 %, 96.64 % and 94.25 % for CuO NP. Also, the data, was indicated effect size significantly changed based on the type and size of NP. Considering the microscope results, it was clearly noticed that A. salina organisms took the NPs in to their body. The accumulation in the gut of A. salina was observed and the images were taken with phase contrast microscope for both of NPs. The highest decrease for survival rates of A. salina individuals exposed to Cu NP was observed in the 10 ppm concentration (43.47 %) and in the 5 ppm concentration (46.20 %) for CuO NP. The results revealed that Cu and CuO NPS showed different toxic effects and that Cu NPs were more toxic than CuO.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제37권8호
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• pp.1440-1451
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• 2024

Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a water-soluble microencapsulation method for probiotic strains using gum Arabic (GA) and skim milk (SKM) over a three-month storage period following processing. Methods: Four strains of Pediococcus acidilactici (BYF26, BYF20, BF9, and BF14) that were typical lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the chicken gut were mixed with different ratios of GA and SKM as coating agents before spray drying at an inlet temperature 140℃. After processing, the survivability and probiotic qualities of the strains were assessed from two weeks to three months of storage at varied temperatures, and de-encapsulation was performed to confirm the soluble properties. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the probiotics was assessed under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Results: As shown by scanning electron microscopy, spray-drying produced a spherical, white-yellow powder. The encapsulation efficacy (percent) was greatest for a coating containing a combination of 30% gum Arabic: 30% skim milk (w/v) (GA:SKM30) compared to lower concentrations of the two ingredients (p<0.05). Coating with GA:SKM30 (w/v) significantly enhanced (p<0.05) BYF26 survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions (pH 2.5 to 3) and maintained higher survival rates compared to non-encapsulated cells under an artificial intestinal juices condition of pH 6. De-encapsulation tests indicated that the encapsulated powder dissolved in water while keeping viable cell counts within the effective range of 10⁶ for 6 hours. In addition, following three months storage at 4℃, microencapsulation of BYF26 in GA:SKM30 maintained both the number of viable cells (p<0.05) and the preparation's antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria, specifically strains of Salmonella. Conclusion: Our prototype water-soluble probiotic microencapsulation GA:SKM30 effectively maintains LAB characteristics and survival rates, demonstrating its potential for use in preserving probiotic strains that can be used in chickens and potentially in other livestock.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.269-280
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: The colonic epithelial layer is a complex structure consisting of multiple cell types that regulate various aspects of colonic physiology, yet the mechanisms underlying epithelial cell differentiation during development remain unclear. Organoids have emerged as a promising model for investigating organogenesis, but achieving organ-like cell configurations within colonic organoids is challenging. Here, we investigated the biological significance of peripheral neurons in the formation of colonic organoids. Methods and Results: Colonic organoids were co-cultured with human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived peripheral neurons, resulting in the morphological maturation of columnar epithelial cells, as well as the presence of enterochromaffin cells. Substance P released from immature peripheral neurons played a critical role in the development of colonic epithelial cells. These findings highlight the vital role of inter-organ interactions in organoid development and provide insights into colonic epithelial cell differentiation mechanisms. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the peripheral nervous system may have a significant role in the development of colonic epithelial cells, which could have important implications for future studies of organogenesis and disease modeling.

• 한국식품영양학회지
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.139-151
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• 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the anticancer effects of EMPS (edible mushroom mycelium polysaccharide: Tremella fuciformis) in animal models with colorectal cancer induced by AOM/DSS. The experimental groups consisted of Nor (normal), NC (AOM/DSS), EMPS (EMPS 50, EMPS 100), and PC (Fluorouracil). The NC group had the highest number of colon tumors, whereas it was observed that tumor occurrence was significantly reduced in the EMPS consumption group. The expression of Bcl-2, an apoptosis inhibitor, was significantly lower in the EMPS 50 & 100 and PC groups. On the other hand, the mRNA gene expression of Bax, a factor that induces apoptosis, was significantly higher in the EMPS 50 & 100 and PC groups compared to the NC group. The mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and COX-2 significantly increased in the NC group, but showed a significant decrease in the EMPS and PC groups, indicating inhibition of the cancer-promoting response of cells. At the phylum level of the mice's intestinal microbial composition, the proportion of Bacteroidetes tended to decrease, while the proportion of Firmicutes tended to increase with EMPS administration. This suggests that changes in the gut microbiota caused by inflammation can be influenced by dietary intake.

• 한국동물위생학회지
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.19-26
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• 2024

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is an inflammatory and pruritic skin disease with a genetic predisposition, characterized by allergic sensitivity. It is known for its distinctive clinical features, including a high recurrence rate and chronic progression. To manage CAD, medications such as steroids and immunosuppressants are commonly used, but consideration should be given to the potential resistance and side effects associated with long-term use. In order to reduce these risks, various adjunctive factors are currently under consideration. One of these adjunctive agents, probiotics have shown effectiveness in regulating atopic dermatitis by modulating immune responses, as demonstrated in several recent studies. In this study, a substance combining three probiotics-L. plantarum, L. reuteri, and Ped. Acidilactici-was used in patients diagnosed with CAD, and its clinical effects and safety were evaluated. The trial involved four groups: a group receiving conventional treatment for atopic dermatitis (A), a group prescribed low-dose probiotics (B), a group prescribed high-dose probiotics (C), and a group prescribed topical probiotics (D). For assessment, the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI), Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) test, gut microbiome, and serum IgE test were conducted. As a result, the CAD severity index (CADESI-4) significantly decreased in the probiotics groups (B & C). In the serum total IgE test, the groups consuming probiotics showed a significant difference, while the group using topical probiotics (D) did not exhibit a significant change. Also, the TEWL test showed improved scores in the probiotics groups (B & C). Therefore, L. plantarum, L. reuteri, and Ped. Acidilactici probiotic combination could be considered as an effective adjunctive treatment, especially for atopic patients with moderate to severe skin lesions.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.125-135
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• 2024

Purpose: The updated ROME IV criteria for functional constipation (FC) in children were published in 2016. However, information on the use of these criteria is scarce. This study aimed to report the frequency of the use of the ROME IV criteria by Indonesian pediatricians and general practitioners (GPs) in FC management in infants and toddlers. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Results: A total of 248 respondents (183 pediatricians and 65 GPs) from 24 Indonesian provinces completed the survey. Most respondents reported an estimated prevalence of FC to be less than 5% both in infants and toddlers. On average, only 64.6% of respondents frequently used the ROME IV criteria. Pediatricians used the ROME IV criteria more often than GPs did (p<0.001). The most frequently used criteria were painful or hard bowel movements (75.0%) and ≤2 defecations/week (71.4%). Lactulose as a laxative was the preferred treatment choice, followed by changing the standard formula to a specific nutritional formula. Most of the respondents carried out parenteral reassurance and education. Normal growth, as a marker of good digestion and absorption function, and normal stool consistency and frequency were the most reported indicators of gut health. Conclusion: The ROME IV criteria for functional constipation are not extensively used by pediatricians and GPs in Indonesia. Laxatives and specific nutritional formulas were the most used management approaches in infants and toddlers. Medical education, especially for general practitioners, should be updated.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제66권
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• pp.492-502
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• 2023

This study investigated the antioxidant and immune enhancement activities of Artemisia argyi H. fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum. The fermented A. argyi H. ethanol extract increased scavenging activities of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS⁺), hydroxyl (·OH), and superoxide (O₂^-) radicals. Particularly, the ethanol extract of fermented A. argyi H. exhibited higher ·OH and O₂^- radical scavenging activities, compared with DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activities. To evaluate the immune enhancement effects of the fermented A. argyi H., mice were fed a normal diet supplemented the fermented A. argyi H. at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 5%, respectively. The supplementation of fermented A. argyi H. dose-dependently increased splenocyte proliferation. In addition, mice fed with 5% fermented A. argyi H. showed enhanced proliferation of T-cells and B-cells, along with increased levels of interferon-γ, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α, compared to the normal group. Furthermore, mice fed with fermented A. argyi H. exhibited an increase in prominent probiotics such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus in gut microbiota, compared to the normal group. This study suggests that fermented A. argyi H. with Lactobacillus plantarum could be used as a dietary antioxidant and immune enhancement agent.