• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.12
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• pp.1924-1929
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• 2013

Hizikia fusiforme (seaweed fusiforme) has long been used as a food source mainly in Korea and Japan. This study was performed to evaluate the immunomodulative effects of Hizikia fusiforme in mice. Hizikia fusiforme water extracts (0, 50, and 500 mg/kg b.w.) were orally administrated into the mice every other day, for four weeks. The proliferation of splenocytes, as well as the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and TNF-${\alpha}$) secreted by activated macrophages were measured. Splenocyte proliferation was enhanced in the experimental groups compared to that of the control group. Also, the mice with Hizikia fusiforme water extracts supplementation in both concentrations showed increased levels of cytokine production by activated peritoneal macrophages compared to those in the control group. The highest levels of cytokine (IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$) production were observed in the 50 mg/kg b.w. supplementation group stimulated by LPS for all three cytokines. The results of this study showed that the supplementation of Hizikia fusiforme water extracts may enhance the immune function by regulating the splenocytes proliferation and the cytokine production by activated macrophages. Further studies are needed to identify the stimulative and immunomodulating components of Hizikia fusiforme.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.559-566
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• 2017

This aim of this study was to examine the immunomodulatory activities of crude polysaccharides from Perilla frutescens Britton var. acuta Kudo (PCP) in mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) and splenocytes. The immunomodulatory activity was determined by cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) production, cell surface marker expression (CD 80/86 and MHC class I/II), and cytokine production in BMDC, and cell viability, and cytokine production in splenocytes. Cell proliferation and cytokine production (tumor necrosis factor; TNF-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-12) tested in BMDC were significantly increased by PCP treatment. Additionally, the cell surface markers (CD 80/86, MHC class I/II) were highly increased by PCP treatment. For cytokine production in splenocytes, PCP treatment significantly increased the production of Th 1 cytokines [IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$], but not Th 2 cytokines (IL-4). Therefore, PCP can induce immune cell activation and is a potential candidate for the development of nutraceuticals to boost the immune system.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.91-97
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• 2000

Objective: The presence of the various cytokines in human peritoneal fluid has been evaluated incompletely. Changes in cytokine levels may be related to activation of peritoneal macrophage and T-lymphocyte, development of endometriosis, and infertility. This study assesses peritoneal fluid levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) in infertile women with endometriosis and normal women without endometriosis. Design: Prospective and case-control study in university hospital. Materials and Methods: Cytokine levels in peritoneal fluid obtained during laparotomy or laparoscopy from 21 patients in infertile patients with endometriosis and 24 controls undergoing laparotomy or laparoscopy with no evidence of pelvic endometriosis were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean levels of interleukin-6 in infertile patients with endometriosis and controls were $72.7{\pm}23.7$ pg/ml and $18.5{\pm}9.7$ pg/ml respectively (p=0.02). Similarly, the mean levels of interleukin-8 in infertile patients with endometriosis was significantly higher than that of controls ($445.0{\pm}89.6$, vs $45.1{\pm}48.4$, p=0.04). The mean concentration of interleukin-10 in infertile patients with endometriosis was significantly lower than that of controls ($1.09{\pm}0.04$ vs $2.19{\pm}0.03$, p=0.03). The level of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ was not significantly different between the two study groups. Conclusions: Increased IL-6 and IL-8 and decreased IL-10 levels in the peritoneal fluid may be related to pathogenesis in the endometriosis and infertility, suggesting that partially contribute to the disturbed immune regulation observed in infertili women with endometriosis.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.253-257
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• 2015

Acanthopanax senticosus is an herb that has been used as a traditional remedy and medicine source. Its anti-inflammatory and, anti-oxidative effects have been reported in previous studies. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Acanthopanax senticosus water extracts on mouse macrophage cell in vitro. Mouse splenocyte proliferation increased after application of Acanthopanax senticosus water extract supplement of 5, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, $1,000{\mu}g/mL$ after 48 h pre-treatment with a mitogen (ConA or LPS). The production of cytokines secreted by LPS and non LPS stimulated macrophages was detected by ELISA assay using a cytokine kit. Cytokine production (IL-2, IFN-${\gamma}$, and TNF-${\alpha}$) increased after water extract supplementation. The result of this in vitro study, showed that splenocyte proliferation and cytokine production by activated peritoneal macrophages were increased after Acanthopanax senticosus water extract in the range of $500{\sim}1,000{\mu}L/mL$. Thus, it is suggested that supplementation with Acanthopanax senticosus water extracts may enhance immune function by regulating splenocyte proliferation and enhancing cytokine production by activated macrophage.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.218-226
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• 2018

Nanometric Lactobacillus plantarum nF1 (nLp-nF1) is a biogenics consisting of dead L. plantarum cells pretreated with heat and a nanodispersion process. In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing effects of nLp-nF1 in vivo and in vitro. To evaluate the immunostimulatory effects of nLp-nF1, mice immunosuppressed by cyclophosphamide (CPP) treatment were administered with nLp-nF1. As expected, CPP restricted the immune response of mice, whereas oral administration of nLp-nF1 significantly increased the total IgG in the serum, and cytokine production (interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$)) in bone marrow cells. Furthermore, nLp-nF1 enhanced the production of splenic cytokines such as IL-12, TNF-${\alpha}$, and interferon gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$). In vitro, nLp-nF1 stimulated the immune response by enhancing the production of cytokines such as IL-12, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IFN-${\gamma}$. Moreover, nLp-nF1 given a food additive enhanced the immune responses when combined with various food materials in vitro. These results suggest that nLp-nF1 could be used to strengthen the immune system and recover normal immunity in people with a weak immune system, such as children, the elderly, and patients.

• BMB Reports
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.670-677
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• 2007

Although polysaccharide is believed to play an important role in the medicinal effect of Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl (DCL), its role as an antioxidant and in anti-hyperglycemic induction was not reported. In this study, polysaccharide with molecular weight of approximately 150 kDa, herein named DCLP, was isolated from the stem of DCL, and its antioxidative, hypoglycemic and immune stimulating effects were evaluated using various in vitro and in vivo assay systems. DCLP inhibited hydroxyl radicals ($^{\cdot}$OH)-mediated deoxyribose degradation by scavenging hydroxyl radicals directly as well as by chelating iron ions. DCLP also showed dose-dependent scavenging activity on superoxide anions ($O_2^{{\cdot}-}$) and offered significant protection (p < 0.001) against glucose oxidase-mediated cytotoxicity in Jurkat cells. DCLP had immune stimulating effects, as evidenced by the DCLP-mediated increases in the level of DNA synthesis, viability, and cytokine secretion in mouse lymphocytes. Moreover, oral administration of DCLP produced a significant reduction in blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. These findings suggest that DCLP has a potential utility in treating patients who require enhanced antioxidation, immune function and/or hypoglycemic activity.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.709-717
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• 2017

Mucosal tissues are the initial site through which most pathogens invade. As such, vaccines and adjuvants that modulate mucosal immune functions have emerged as important agents for disease prevention. Herein, we investigated the immunomodulatory mechanisms of the B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin type IIa ($LT-IIa-B_5$), a potent non-toxic mucosal adjuvant. Alternations in gene expression in response to $LT-IIa-B_5$ were identified using a genome-wide transcriptional microarray that focused on dendritic cells (DC), a type of cell that broadly orchestrates adaptive and innate immune responses. We found that $LT-IIa-B_5$ enhanced the homing capacity of DC into the lymph nodes and selectively regulated transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and cytokine receptors. These data are consistent with a model in which directional activation and differentiation of immune cells by $LT-IIa-B_5$ serve as a critical mechanism whereby this potent adjuvant amplifies mucosal immunity to co-administered antigens.

• BMB Reports
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• v.51 no.11
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• pp.545-546
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• 2018

With emerging evidence on the importance of non-cell autonomous toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases, therapeutic strategies targeting modulation of key immune cells. including microglia and Treg cells, have been designed for treatment of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Strategy switching the patient's environment from a pro-inflammatory toxic to an anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective condition, could be potential therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) regulate innate and adaptive immune cells, through release of soluble factors such as $TGF-{\beta}$ and elevation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper-2 cells (Th2 cells), would play important roles, in the neuroprotective effect on motor neuronal cell death mechanisms in ALS. Single cycle of repeated intrathecal injections of BM-MSCs demonstrated a clinical benefit lasting at least 6 months, with safety, in ALS patients. Cytokine profiles of CSF provided evidence that BM-MSCs, have a role in switching from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory conditions. Inverse correlation of $TGF-{\beta}1$ and MCP-1 levels, could be a potential biomarker to responsiveness. Thus, additional cycles of BM-MSC treatment are required, to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.23-33
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• 2010

An understanding of the nature of the immune response to asexual erythrocytic stages of malaria parasites will facilitate vaccine development by identifying which responses the vaccine should preferentially induce. The present study examined and compared the immune responses of NIH mice in either single or mixed infections with avirulent (DK) or virulent (DS) strains of Plasmodium chabaudi adami using the ELISA test for detecting and measurement of cytokines and antibody production. In both single and mixed infections, the study showed that both cell- and antibody-mediated responses were activated. In all experiments, an early relatively high level of IFN-$\gamma$ and IgG2a during the acute phase of the infection, and later elevation of IL-4 and IgG1, suggested that there was a sequential Th1/Th2 response. However, in the avirulent DK strain infection a stronger Th1 response was observed compared to the virulent DS strain-infection or in mixed infections. In the virulent DS infection, there was a stronger Th2 response compared to that in the DK and mixed infections. The faster proliferation rate of the virulent DS strain compared to the DK strain was also evident.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.199-203
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• 2006

Background: Eckol purified from Ecklonia cava, a brown alga has been known to have cytoprotective effects on some cell lines against oxidants and ionizing radiation. However, there is no study about the effects of eckol on immune cells. Methods: Bone marrow (BM)-derived dendritic cells (DCs) were used to demonstrate the immunomodulatory effects of eckol on DCs, such as viability, the expression of surface markers, allogeneic stimulating capacity using MTI, flow cytometric, $^3H$-thymidine incorporation assay. Results: Eckol did protect DCs against cytokine withdrawal-induced apoptosis in a concentration dependent manner based on MTT assay. And also, it increased the expression of MHC class II and CD86 (B7.2) molecules, maturation markers, on the surface of viable DCs gated in FACS analysis. Furthermore, eckol-treated DCs stimulated the proliferation of allogeneic $CD4^+$ T lymphocytes compared to imDCs in $^3H$-thymidine incorporation assay. $CD4^+$ T lymphocytes activated with eckol-treated DCs produced the larger amount of IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-4 than those cells with imDCs. Conclusion: Taken together, we demonstrate in this study that eckol, a pure compound of Ecklonia cava, may modulate the immune responses through the phenotypic and functional changes of DCs.