• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.327-331
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• 2006

Zingiber officinale and Hizikia fusiforme(sea weed fusiforme) have long been used for food sources in Korea. The present study was performed to investigate the ex vivo effect of Zingiber officinale and Hizikia fusiforme on NO production in macrophage of mice. Seven to eight week old mices(Balb/c) were fed chew diet ad libitum and water extract of Zingiber officinale and Hizikia fusiforme was administrated orally at two different concentrations (50 and 500 mg/kg B.W.). every other day for two or four weeks NO(nitric oxide) production by activated macrophage was assessed by measuring nitrite, the stable NO metabolite, using Griess reaction assay. NO production were significantly enhanced in Zingiber officinale group at 500 mg/kg B.W. and in Hizikia fusiforme group at 50 mg/kg B.W. compared to the coresponding control groups. In conclusion, this study may suggest that Zingiber officinale and Hizikia fusiforme(sea weed fusiforme) extracts enhance the immune function by regulating NO production in macrophages of mice.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.135-140
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• 2010

Acorns have been used as a traditional remed as well as food source. However, few studies on their immunomodulating effects have been reported. In this study, the combined immunomodulative effect of a water extract of acorns was tested on seven to eight weeks old mice(balb/c). The mice were fed ad libitum on a chow diet, and a water extract of the plant mixture was orally administered every other day for four weeks at two different concentrations(50 and 500 mg/kg B.W.). The production of cytokine(IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-2, IL-10, IFN-$\gamma$), secreted by macrophages stimulated with LPS or not, detected by ELISA assay using cytokine kit. After 48 h of incubation with mitogen(ConA or LPS) ex vivo study showed that cytokine (IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-2, IL-10, IFN-$\gamma$) was detected in both of the 50 and 500 mg/kg B.W. supplementation groups with LPS stimulation. The results of this study may suggest that supplementation with acorn water extract increase immune function by regulating cytokine production capacity by activated macrophages.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.610-615
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• 2009

As a provirus, polydnavirus has a segmented DNA genome on chromosome(s) of host wasp. It contains several genes in each segment that presumably play critical roles in regulating physiological processes of target insect parasitized by the wasp. A cysteine-rich protein 1 (CRP1) is present in the polydnavirus Cotesia plutellae bracovirus (CpBV) genome, but its expression and physiological function in Plutella xylostella parasitized by the viral host C. plutellae is not known. This CpBV-CRP1 encoding 189 amino acids with a putative signal peptide (20 residues) was persistently expressed in parasitized P. xylostella with gradual decrease at the late parasitization period. Expression of CpBV-CRP1 was tissue-specific in the fat body/epidermis and hemocyte, but not in the gut. Its physiological function was analyzed by inducing transient expression of a CpBV segment containing CpBV-CRP1 and its promoter, which caused significant reduction in hemocyte -spreading and delayed larval development. When the treated larvae were co-injected with double-stranded RNA of CpBV-CRP1, the expression of CpBV-CRP1 disappeared, whereas other genes encoded in the CpBV segment was expressed. These co-injected larvae significantly recovered the hemocyte-spreading capacity and larval development rate. This study reports that CpBV-CRP1 is expressed in P. xylostella parasitized by C. plutellae and its physiological function is to alter the host immune and developmental processes.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.31-42
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• 2020

Objectives The purpose of this study is to perform a review on recent researches of Hataedock, a traditional method of removing fetal toxin by dropping herbal extracts in the mouth, to appraise its preventive and therapeutic effects of diseases. Methods Studies of Hataedock were extracted from both Chinese and Korean medical journals published within 10 years, from January 2010 to January 2020. Clinical studies and experimental researches were analyzed and categorized to skin disease, allergic rhinitis, intestinal mucosa inflammation and anal fistula for further evaluation. Results Among 194 studies were searched and screened, 22 met designated criteria. Hataedock showed the effectiveness in treating skin disease, allergic rhinitis, intestinal mucosa inflammation and anal fistula by maintaining skin barrier and regulating immune system. Coptis japonica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Fermented Glycine max were mainly used as herbal extracts in Hataedock. Conclusion This study shows the recent research trends of Hataedock and suggests that Hataedock can be considered as a method of treatment or prevention to some of the incurable chronic diseases.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.1036-1043
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• 2006

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Gamisamul-tang (GSMT) on atopic dermatitis (AD). AD was induced in NC/Nga mutant mice by DNCB treatment. GSMT administration reduced levels of skin severity scores. Serum levels of IgE, IgG, IgM, and inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-4 and 1L-13 were significantly decreased by GSMT treatment. Levels of mRNA's encoding IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and $interferon-{\gamma}$ in the dermal tissue and draining lymph node (DLN) by real time RT-PCR analysis showed decrease by GSMT testament. Moreover, the number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells was significantly decreased in the spleen and DLN tissues. Histological examination showed that infiltration levels of immune cells in ear, skin, and DLN of AD-induced NC/Nga mice were much improved by GSMT treatment. The present data suggest that GSMT may play an important role in recovering AD symptoms by regulating immune reactivity.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.44 no.9
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• pp.670-679
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• 2021

Vesicle-associated membrane proteins 721 and 722 (VAMP721/722) are secretory vesicle-localized arginine-conserved soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (R-SNAREs) to drive exocytosis in plants. They are involved in diverse physiological processes in plants by interacting with distinct plasma membrane (PM) syntaxins. Here, we show that synaptotagmin 5 (SYT5) is involved in plant defense against Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato (Pst) DC3000 by regulating SYP132-VAMP721/722 interactions. Calcium-dependent stimulation of in vitro SYP132-VAMP722 interaction by SYT5 and reduced in vivo SYP132-VAMP721/722 interaction in syt5 plants suggest that SYT5 regulates the interaction between SYP132 and VAMP721/722. We interestingly found that disease resistance to Pst DC3000 bacterium but not to Erysiphe pisi fungus is compromised in syt5 plants. Since SYP132 plays an immune function to bacteria, elevated growth of surface-inoculated Pst DC3000 in VAMP721/722-deficient plants suggests that SYT5 contributes to plant immunity to Pst DC3000 by promoting the SYP132-VAMP721/722 immune secretory pathway.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.989-998
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• 2019

Autophagy is crucial for immune defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Mtb can evade host immune attack and survival within macrophages by manipulating the autophagic process. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that are involved in regulating vital genes during Mtb infection. The precise role of miRNAs in autophagy with the exits of Mtb remains largely unknown. In this study, we found miR-1958, a new miRNA that could regulate autophagy by interacting with 3'UTR of autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5). In addition, Mtb infection triggered miR-1958 expression in RAW264.7 cells. What's more, miR-1958 overexpression blocked autophagic flux by impairing the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes. Overexpression of miR-1958 reduced Atg5 expression and LC3 puncta while inhibition of miR-1958 brought an increase of Atg5 and LC3 puncta; the opposite results were observed in detection of p62. The survival of Mtb in RAW264.7 cells transfected with mimic of miR-1958 was enhanced. Taken together, our research demonstrated that a novel miR-1958 could inhibit autophagy by interacting with Atg5 and favored intracellular Mtb survival in RAW264.7 cells.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.246-250
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• 2019

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn has been usedas a traditional remedy and food source in South Korea. It promotes gastrointestinal function and controls blood pressures. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn water extracts supplement at 5, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, $1,000{\mu}g/mL$ after a 48 h pre-treatment with the mitogen (ConA or LPS) increased the mouse splenocytes proliferation. Water extract supplement also increased the cytokine production ($IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IFN-{\gamma}$), measured by a cytokine ELISA kit. For the result of in vitro study, the proliferation of splenocytes and cytokine production activated by peritoneal macrophages increased when water extracts were supplemented in the range of $50{\sim}500{\mu}L/mL$ concentration. Specifically, the levels of the splenocytes proliferation, $IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IFN-{\gamma}$ were the highest at $250{\mu}L/mL$ concentration. This in vitro study suggestedthat supplementation with Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn water extracts may enhance the immune function by regulating the splenocyte proliferation and enhancing the cytokine production activating macrophage in vitro.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.8
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• pp.417-425
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• 2023

In various organisms, the Hippo signaling pathway has been identified as a master regulator of organ size determination and tissue homeostasis. The Hippo signaling coordinates embryonic development, tissue regeneration and differentiation, through regulating cell proliferation and survival. The YAP and TAZ (YAP/TAZ) act as core transducers of the Hippo pathway, and they are tightly and exquisitely regulated in response to various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. Abnormal regulation or genetic variation of the Hippo pathway causes a wide range of human diseases, including cancer. Recent studies have revealed that Hippo signaling plays a pivotal role in the immune system and cancer immunity. Due to pathophysiological importance, the emerging role of Hippo signaling in blood cell differentiation, known as hematopoiesis, is receiving much attention. A number of elegant studies using a genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model have shed light on the mechanistic and physiological insights into the Hippo pathway in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Here, we briefly review the function of Hippo signaling in the regulation of hematopoiesis and immune cell differentiation.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.25-39
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• 2024

Objectives : This paper focuses on recent research related to the relationship between 'Pizhuweiwei(脾主爲衛)' and intestinal flora, and suggests Korean Medical treatment methods that can treat and prevent diseases related to Spleen Deficiency(脾虛) such as ulcerative colitis, atrophic gastritis, diabetes, and obesity that is prevalent today. Methods : This study summarizes recent research results based on various literature on the relationship between the spleen and intestinal flora. Results : Polysaccharides contained in Jianpi herbs(健脾藥) have the effect of increasing beneficial bacteria and maintaining the diversity of intestinal microorganisms to improve intestinal function, managing intestinal metabolites to improve the body's immune function, and regulating the intestinal immune defense system. Therefore, based on the theory of 'Pizhuweiwei(脾主爲衛)', if the symptoms are treated through the spleen with Spleen-strengthening herbal medicinals, it could provide a substantial starting point for improving immunity. Conclusions : Polysaccharides contained in Jianpi herbs(健脾藥) could be considered as potential probiotics based on research findings which show that polysaccharides can regulate the intestinal flora and strengthen weak spleen, playing an important role.