• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
• /
• 제41권4호
• /
• pp.179-190
• /
• 2023

Currently, various probiotics are being used to improve the nutrition of companion animals. They are widely sold as additives in companion animal foods because of the numerous gastrointestinal and immune health benefits for dogs and cats. Therefore, extensive research is being conducted to improve quality and safety during manufacturing and to extend the shelf life of companion animal foods by adding probiotics. The manufacturing process must be conducted such that the characteristics and efficacy of probiotics added to food are optimally beneficial for companion animals. Therefore, this review aims to address the overall characteristics of the probiotic strains used and to examine the various methods through which probiotics are added to companion animal foods.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• 제21권1호
• /
• pp.5.1-5.22
• /
• 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has developed as a pandemic, and it created an outrageous effect on the current healthcare and economic system throughout the globe. To date, there is no appropriate therapeutics or vaccines against the disease. The entire human race is eagerly waiting for the development of new therapeutics or vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Efforts are being taken to develop vaccines at a rapid rate for fighting against the ongoing pandemic situation. Amongst the various vaccines under consideration, some are either in the preclinical stage or in the clinical stages of development (phase-I, -II, and -III). Even, phase-III trials are being conducted for some repurposed vaccines like Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, polio vaccine, and measles-mumps-rubella. We have highlighted the ongoing clinical trial landscape of the COVID-19 as well as repurposed vaccines. An insight into the current status of the available antigenic epitopes for SARS-CoV-2 and different types of vaccine platforms of COVID-19 vaccines has been discussed. These vaccines are highlighted throughout the world by different news agencies. Moreover, ongoing clinical trials for repurposed vaccines for COVID-19 and critical factors associated with the development of COVID-19 vaccines have also been described.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• 제48권4호
• /
• pp.213-223
• /
• 2018

Purpose: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic oral mucosal disease that has been recognized as an immune condition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors affecting the clinical outcomes of topical corticosteroid application on OLP lesions using dexamethasone gargle and ointment. Methods: The charts of patients who were clinically diagnosed with OLP and treated with dexamethasone from July 2003 to August 2017 at the Section of Dentistry of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital were thoroughly evaluated to identify subjects who were suitable for this retrospective study. For each patient, age at the index date, gender, medical history, and dental records related to OLP lesions and dexamethasone treatment were reviewed. Results: In total, 113 of the 225 patients were included in the present study. Among them, 79 patients were female (69.9%) and 34 were male (30.1%), with a mean age of 57.6 years. The average duration of dexamethasone treatment was 4.7 months and the mean follow-up period was 2.24 years. Improvements were observed within 1 year after dexamethasone treatment in most cases, and 17.7% of patients had a new OLP lesion after treatment. New OLP lesions were more frequently gingival than mucosal, although mucosal OLP lesions were more common than gingival OLP lesions in all age groups. In age- and gender-adjusted multivariate logistic regression, a history of malignant disease was found to be a significant factor affecting the formation of new lesions. Gingival OLP lesions and intermittent use of dexamethasone showed near-significant associations. In Kaplan-Meier failure analysis, history of malignancy, menopausal status, age, and the site of the OLP lesion were significant factors affecting clinical outcomes. Conclusions: The treatment outcomes of OLP were significantly influenced by age, history of malignancy, menopausal status, and the site of the OLP lesion, but not by factors related to dexamethasone treatment.

• 한국환경보건학회지
• /
• 제42권6호
• /
• pp.396-408
• /
• 2016

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to determine the relationship between the prevalence of allergic diseases and urinary cadmium concentration among children from six to 12 years of age, and to evaluate the association between cadmium in urine and other immunologically related factors in two elementary schools with different environmental conditions. Methods: Data on physician-diagnosed prevalence over the past 12 months and potential risk factors for allergic disease were collected from survey results drawn from 236 children living in different regions (central urban vs. suburban) from April to July in 2014 by an ISAAC questionnaire. We analyzed cytokine levels in serum through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and urinary cadmium concentration by use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: Concentrations of urinary cadmium in suburban and central urban children were $0.11{\pm}0.11ug/L$, $0.14{\pm}0.17ug/L$, respectively (p>0.05). Results from the analysis of the t-test and chi-square test showed that urinary cadmium levels were positively associated with environmental factors (paternal smoking status, passive smoking, traffic volume and experiences of outdoor odors) and individual genetic factors (parental allergic disease). Cadmium concentrations in urine were also positively associated with the prevalence of allergic disease and immune-related cytokines (eosinophils, IgE, IL-5, IL-33, IL-17). Conclusion: This study suggests that genetic factors (parental history of allergic diseases), environmental factors, and regional status (suburban and central urban) should be considered as probable factors increasing the concentration of urinary cadmium, which has the potential to influence the allergic disease prevalence of school-age children.

• 한국동물위생학회지
• /
• 제42권4호
• /
• pp.193-200
• /
• 2019

Blood test is a useful tool in establishing medical treatment for livestock. It provides information such as disease diagnosis, treatment effects, prognostic judgment, and health status. This study compared the value of erythrocytes and leukocytes among conventional, transgenic miniature, and transgenic conventional pigs aged six months to 24 months. Further, it analyzed the aspects of hematological value changes according to the pigs' ages. As a result, the number of red blood cells (RBC), which include hemoglobin, and hematocrit, and the number of white blood cells (WBC), which include neutrophils, and lymphocyte, were high among transgenic miniature pigs, compared with the conventional and transgenic conventional pigs. Conventional pigs showed similar values of RBC and WBC regardless of transgenesis. In comparing their age, the RBC decreased as the age increased compared with the pigs among all the three groups aged of 6~12 months. On the other hand, WBC and neutrophils showed no significant difference regardless of different ages among all the three groups. However, various counts in RBC and WBC were mostly found to be higher in each age in transgenic miniature pigs than in conventional and transgenic conventional pigs. The results of this study show that the values of RBC and WBC were generally higher in transgenic miniature pigs than in conventional and transgenic conventional pigs. Based on this research, hematological values can be widely used in diagnosing diseases or checking the health status of transgenic pigs that are used as disease models, organ transplant source and alike.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• 제51권4호
• /
• pp.226-238
• /
• 2021

Purpose: Although several reports have described the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, information about the association between periodontal disease and the progression of degenerative aortic stenosis (AS) is lacking. Therefore, we performed a retrospective, single-center, pilot study to provide insight into this potential association. Methods: Data from 45 consecutive patients (19 men; median age, 83 years) with mild or moderate degenerative aortic stenosis were analyzed for a mean observation period of 3.3±1.9 years. The total amount of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis and titers of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) against periodontal bacteria and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were evaluated. Aortic valve area (AVA), maximal velocity (Vmax), mean pressure gradient (mean PG), and the Doppler velocity index (DVI) were evaluated. The change in each parameter per year ([Parameter_LATEST-Parameter_BASELINE]/Follow-up Years) was calculated from the retrospective follow-up echocardiographic data (baseline vs. the most recently collected data [latest]). Results: No correlation was found between the concentration of periodontopathic bacteria in the saliva and AS status/progression. The anti-P. gingivalis antibody titer in the serum showed a significant positive correlation with AVA and DVI. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between the anti-P. gingivalis IgG antibody titer and mean PG. The hs-CRP concentration showed positive correlations with Vmax and mean PG. Meanwhile, a negative correlation was observed between the anti-P. gingivalis IgG antibody titer and ΔAVA/year and Δmean PG/year. The hs-CRP concentration showed positive correlations with Vmax and mean PG, and it was significantly higher in patients with rapid aortic stenosis progression (ΔAVA/year <-0.1) than in their counterparts. Conclusions: Our results suggest that periodontopathic bacteria such as A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis are not directly related to the status/progression of degenerative AS. However, inflammation and a lower immune response may be associated with disease progression.

• 한국가금학회지
• /
• 제48권3호
• /
• pp.143-150
• /
• 2021

본 연구는 육계 병아리 시기(0~7일령)에 조명의 조도 차이에 따른 생산성, 혈액 조성 및 스트레스 수준에 미치는 영향을 대하여 조사하였다. 육계(Ross 308) 초생추(48.0±0.2 g) 수컷 240수를 조도에 따라 3처리구(20, 30 및 50 lx)로 나누어, 처리구 당 4반복, 반복 당 20수를 완전임의 배치하였다. 7일령에 체중, 사료요구율, 가슴육과 간의 무게, 소장 길이를 측정하였으며, 혈액을 채취하여 혈구, 혈청 생화학 조성, corticosterone, IL-6 및 TNF-α을 분석하였다. 체중, 증체량, 가슴근육 및 간 무게는 20 lx 처리구보다 50 lx 처리구에서 유의적으로 높게 나타났으나(P<0.05), 사료 섭취량, 사료 요구량, 소장 길이는 유의적인 차이를 보이지 않았다. 혈구 분석 결과, 백혈구, 적혈구, 혈소판 조성, 혈청 생화학 성분(glucose 및 IP 제외)은 처리구 사이에서 유의적인 차이가 보이지 않았다. Corticosterone과 IL-6은 20 lx 처리구에서 높은 농도를 나타내었다(P<0.05). 결론적으로, 육계 병아리 시기에 조도를 50 lx로 처리하였을 때 증체량 및 가슴근육 비율이 증가하였으며, corticosterone 및 IL-6는 낮은 함량을 나타내었다. 따라서 병아리 시기의 높은 조도는 생산 능력, 스트레스 및 면역 상태를 개선하는 것으로 사료된다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• 제3권1호
• /
• pp.1-7
• /
• 2003

Type II collagen (CII), major component of hyaline cartilage, has been considered as an auto-antigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the clinical and biological significances with regard to the CII autoimmunity need to be clarified in human RA. The presence of antibodies to CII has been identified in sera, synovial fluid, and cartilage of patients with RA. In our study, the increased titer of IgG anti-CII in sera was well correlated with C-reactive protein, suggesting that this antibody may reflect the inflammatory status of RA. The titer of anti-CII antibodies (anti-CII Abs) tended to be higher in early stages of diseases. In our extending study, among 997 patients with RA, 269 (27.0%) were positive for circulatory IgG antibody to CII, those levels were fluctuated over time. It is hard to assess the significant amount of T cell responses to CII and CII (255~274) in RA. By using a sensitive method of antigen specific mixed lymphocyte culture, we can detect the presence of CII-reactive T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of RA patients. Sixty seven (46.9%) of 143 patients showed positive CII reactive T cell responses to CII or CII (255~274). The frequencies of CII reactive T cells were more prominent in inflamed synovial fluid (SF) than in peripheral blood. These T cells could be clonally expanded after consecutive stimulation of CII with feeding of autologous irradiated antigen presenting cells (APC). Moreover, the production of Th1-related cytokine, such as IFN-${\gamma}$, was strongly up-regulated by CII reactive T cells. These data suggest that T cells responding to CII, which are probably presenting the IFN-${\gamma}$ producing cells, may play an important role in the perpetuation of inflammatory process in RA. To evaluate the effector function of CII reactive T cells, we investigated the effect of CII reactive T cells and fibroblasts-like synoviocytes (FLS) interaction on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. When the CII reactive T cells were co-cultured with FLS, the production of IL-15 and TNF-${\alpha}$ from FLS were significantly increased (2 to 3 fold increase) and this increase was clearly presented in accord to the expansion of CII reactive T cells. In addition, the production of IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-17, T cell derived cytokines, were also increased by the co-incubation of CII reactive T cells with FLS. We also examined the impact of CII reactive T cells on chemokines production. When FLS were co-cultured with CII stimulated T cells, the production of IL-8, MCP-1, and MIP-1${\alpha}$ were significantly enhanced. The increased production of these chemokines was strongly correlated with increase the frequency of CII reactive T cells. Conclusively, immune response to CII was frequently found in RA. Activated T cells in response to CII contributed to increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which were critical for inflammatory responses in RA. The interaction of CII-reactive T cells with FLS further augmented this phenomenon. Taken together, our recent studies have suggested that autoimmunity to CII could play a crucial role not only in the initiation but amplification/perpetuation of inflammatory process in human RA.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• 제50권10호
• /
• pp.1005-1010
• /
• 2007

목 적 : 가와사끼병 환아를 대상으로 급성기 치료제인 고용량 IVIG 투여시기에 따른 환아들의 검사 소견, 임상 양상 및 예후를 분석하여 적절한 초회 IVIG 투여시기를 결정하는데 도움을 주고자 본 연구를 시행하였다. 방 법 : 영남대학교병원 소아과에서 최근 6년간 가와사끼병으로 입원하여 급성기 치료로 고용량 IVIG와 아스피린을 투여 받은 환아 188명(남 115명, 여 73명)을 대상으로 발열 5일 이내에 IVIG를 투여한 조기 투여군(94명)과 발열 5일 이후에 투여한 대조군(94명)으로 분류하여, 두 군 간의 성별, 연령, 급성기 혈액검사 소견, 총 발열 기간, 추가 발열 기간, IVIG 재치료율 및 관상동맥 합병증의 발생 빈도를 비교 분석하였다. 결 과 : 두 군 모두에서 남아가 더 많았으나, 두 군 간의 성별 및 평균 연령에서의 통계학적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다. 급성기 혈액 검사소견에서 WBC, ESR, CRP, LDH, 그리고 혈중 알부민 치는 두 군 간에 차이가 없었다. 하지만 ALT가 조기 투여군에서 의미 있게 높게 나타났으며, IVIG와 병용한 아스피린의 용량은 조기 투여군에서 낮게 나타났다. 치료 경과에서 총 발열 기간이나 관상동맥의 이상 유무에는 차이가 없었으며, IVIG 치료 후 추가 발열기간과 IVIG 재치료율 및 IVIG 총 투여량은 조기 투여군에서 의미있게 높았다. 결 론 : 소아의 가와사끼병에서 발열 5일 이내 고용량 IVIG 조기 투여 시 총 발열 기간이나 관상동맥 합병증의 감소 등의 효과는 나타나지 않았으며, 오히려 조기 투여군에서 IVIG 치료 후 추가 발열 기간 증가로 인해 IVIG 총 투여량 및 IVIG 재치료율이 높은 것으로 나타났다.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• 제12권2호
• /
• pp.140-149
• /
• 2009

목 적: H. pylori는 소아기에 감염되어 대부분 무증상으로 지내나 소수에서 위장질환을 일으킨다. 정확한 기전은 아직 밝혀지지 않았으나 세균의 병독성 인자, 숙주 인자, 환경 인자가 복합적으로 작용한다. 소아에서 H. pylori 유전형과 임상질환의 연관성은 지역과 인종에 따라 다양하고 위점막 림프구에 관한 연구도 일치된 보고가 없다. 이에 H. pylori 감염 소아에서 H. pylori 유전형과 위점막 림프구의 상관성을 알아보고자 하였다. 방 법: H. pylori 감염 소화궤양군 10명과 H. pylori 감염 위염군 15명에서 채취된 후 냉동보관 되었던 위전정부 생검 조직에서 DNA를 분리하고 cagA, cagE, vacA, babA2의 특이적인 시발체로 중합효소연쇄반응을 시행하여 H. pylori 유전형을 분석하였다. 유전형과 임상질환, 조직 소견 및 위점막 림프구의 상관성을 비교하였다. 결 과: H. pylori 유전형 중 cagA 양성률은 80%, cagE 양성률은 60%였다. vacA는 s1m1이 84%, s1m2가 16%였으며 babA2 양성률은 88%였다. 가장 흔한 유전형 조합은 cagA+/vacA s1m1+/babA2+ 조합으로 68%에서 관찰되었다. cagA, cagE, vacA, babA2의 유전형에 따른 임상질환과 조직 소견 및 CD3, CD4, CD8 T세포 수와 CD20 B세포 수는 점막 고유층과 상피세포 내 모두에서 유의한 차이가 없었다. 결 론: 소아 H. pylori 감염에서 cagA, cagE, vacA 및 babA2 유전형과 위점막 림프구는 유의한 상관성이 없었다. 향후, H. pylori가 숙주의 면역을 회피하고 지속적으로 살아남아 다양한 위장질환을 일으키는 병인을 규명하기 위해 H. pylori 감염 소아를 대상으로 위점막 면역반응에 대한 대단위 연구가 필요하다.