• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.636-641
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• 2013

We prepared 2 different crude polysaccharides from persimmon leaves, by hot water (PLW-0) and pectinase digestion (PLE-0), respectively. PLW-0 and PLE-0 showed similar sugar compositions and contained 11 different sugars, including rarely observed sugars such as 2-methyl-fucose, 2-methyl-xylose, apiose, and aceric acid. However, the uronic acid content of PLE-0 was lower than that of PLW-0, because of pectinase treatment. In normal mice, administration of PLW-0 and PLE-0 increased the spleen index and splenocyte proliferation. The effect of PLE-0 on the spleen index and splenocyte proliferation was greater than that of PLW-0. We subsequently assessed the immunomodulatory activities of PLW-0 and PLE-0 on cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced immunosuppressed mice. We revealed that mice treated with PLW- 0 or PLE-0 showed increased splenocyte proliferation, NK cell activity, and white blood cell numbers. Taken together, our results indicate that PLW-0 and PLE-0 can enhance immune function in normal mice and modulate CY-induced immune suppression.

• Journal of Photoscience
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.197-200
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• 2002

UVR-induced immunosuppression contributes to skin cancer. The aim was to construct accurate dose response curves for primary and secondary contact sensitivity for solar-simulated UVR (ssUVR; 290-400nm), UVA and UVB as the role of UVA in immunosuppression is controversial. We used a xenon arc source. The mice were immobilised, enabling accurate dosing. C57BL/6 mice were immunosuppressed at half the dose of ssUVR required to cause sunburn but not by higher doses (up to the sunburn dose). Thus, ssUVR causes systemic immunosuppression only over a narrow, low dose range. UVA caused suppression at low but not high doses whereas UVB induced immunosuppression at all doses tested. 8 weeks later the mice were resensitised to assess tolerance. Mice exposed to the minimum immunosuppressive dose of ssUVR prior to primary sensitisation were tolerant to re-sensitisation. However, at higher doses of ssUVR, these mice were protected from tolerance. Interestingly, while low doses of UV A caused immunosuppression, even lower doses enhanced the response to the second sensitisation. Higher doses of UVA had no affect. UVB induced tolerance in a dose related manner. Thus, ssUVR only induces immunosuppression and tolerance over a narrow dose range. Both UVA and UVB are immunosuppressive at this dose, while higher doses of UVA protect from the suppressive effects of UVB. Surprisingly very low doses of UVA enhanced memory development. Thus UVR has complex effects on the immune system depending on dose and spectrum.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.9
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• pp.1517-1526
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• 2016

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from fermented foods have potential as a treatment for immune-related disorders and the use of LAB has been increasing worldwide. In this study, the differential cytokine regulatory effect was examined with three isolates of lactobacilli strains; namely, Lactobacillus plantarum K55-5 isolated from dairy product, and L. sakei K101 and L. plantarum K8 previously isolated from kimchi (a Korean traditional fermented vegetable). Production of cytokines such as IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α was significantly increased in L. sakei K101- and L. plantarum K55-5-treated splenocytes as compared with controls. The oral administration of L. sakei K101 and L. plantarum K55-5 increased cytokine production in the immunosuppressed mouse splenocytes and blood. NK cell cytotoxic activity was also increased in L. sakei K101- and L. plantarum K55-5-fed mice. On the other hand, L. plantarum K8 did not affect cytokine induction in all the experiments performed in this study. The cytokine-inducing effect of L. plantarum K55-5 was significantly increased by lysates of heat-killed bacteria as compared with live, heat-killed, or supernatant of cell lysates. TNF-α production by lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) isolated from the three isolates of lactobacilli was compared, and it was found that K55-5 LTA had a highest cytokine-inducing ability, which was mediated by TLR2-mediated NF-κB and ERK activation. Taken together, our study suggests that L. plantarum K55-5 and L. sakei K101 can be used for the treatment of immunosuppressed disorders.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.237-244
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• 2000

Although oncospheres of Taenia saginata asiatica can develop into cysticerci in immunodeficiency, immunosuppressed, and normal mice, no detailed information on the development features of these cysticerci from SCID mice is available. In the present study, the tumor-like cyst was found in the subcutaneous tissues of each of 10 SCID mice after 38-244 days inoculation with 39,000 oncospheres of T. s. asiatica. These cysts weighed 2.0-9.6 gm and were 1.5-4.3 cm in diameter. The number of cysticerci were collected from these cysts ranged from 125 to 1,794 and the cysticercus recovery rate from 0.3% to 4.6%. All cysticerci were viable with a diameter of 1-6 mm and 9 abnormal ones each with 2 evaginated protoscoleces were also found. The mean length and width of scolex, protoscolex, and bladder were $477{\;}{\times}{\;}558,{\;}756{\;}{\times}{\;}727,{\;}and{\;}1,586{\;}{\times}{\;}1,615{\;}$\mu\textrm{m}$, respectively. The diameters of suckers and rostellum were $220{\mu\textrm{m}}{\;}and{\;}70\mu\textrm{m}$, respectively All cysticerci had two rows of rostellar hooks. These findings suggest that the SCID mouse model can be employed as a tool for long-term maintenance of the biological materials for advanced studies of immunodiagnosis, vaccine development, and evaluation of cestocidal drugs which would be most benefit for the good health of the livestocks.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 1990

Cryptosporidium, a coccidian parasite first described by Tyzzer (1907) from a laboratory mouse, has become an important human enteric pathogen causing overwhelming diarrhea especially in immunocompromised patients such as AIDS. This parasite has been reported from over 20 countries and is recognized as a cosmopolitan species. In Korea, however, thEre has been no report on human as well as animal cryptosporidiosis. This study was performed so as to verify the presence of Cryptosporidium in Korea by activating the parasite from laboratory mice by immunosuppression. Total 65 conventionally.bred ICR mice including a control (5 mice) and 3 experimental groups (20 each) were used for this study. Group I was immunosuppressed with Prednisolone injection (1 mg IM, every other day) for 7 weeks. Group II (prednisolone injection and tetracycline administration) and Group III. (prednisolone injection and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole administration) were prepared to observe the effect of antibacterial agents on the activation of cryptosporidiosis. In fecal examinations of mice Cryptosporidium oocysts($4-6{\mu\textrm{m}}$ in size) were detected from 1 week after the start of immunosuppression and the mice began to die. In H-E stained tissue sections of the lower jejunum, numerous very small ($2~4{\;}{\mu\textrm{m}}$), dense, ovoid or spherical, slightly basophilic bodies were seen attached on the free border of mucosal epithelial cells. In scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations, these organisms were identified as various developmental stages of Cryptosperidium. The species is considered to be C. parvum. Cryptosporidiosis was activated not only in Group I but also in Group II and III, indicating no protective effects of the antibacterial agents used, although the mice in Group II and III lived longer than those in Group I. The present study confirmed that Cryptosporidium exists in laboratory mice bred in Korea, and predicts possible occurrence of human cryptosporidiosis in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.494-500
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• 2012

In order to determine the functional benefits of $Cordyceps$ $militaris$ in the immune system, we examined the immunomodulatory activities of $Cordyceps$ $militaris$ in an immunocompromised C57BL/6 mice model. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with an immunosuppressive drug, cyclophosphamide, and then administered orally with 3% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg of 50% ethanol extract of $Cordyceps$ $militaris$ (CM 30, CM 100, and CM 300, respectively) for 12 days. Mice treated with CM displayed significantly increased splenocyte proliferation and natural killer cell activity compared to immunosuppressed control mice (p<0.05). The spleen cells isolated from mice treated with CM also displayed increased production of Th1 cytokines, including IL-2, IL-12, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$, suggesting enhanced cellular immunity in response to CM. However, CM had no significant effect on the production of IL-4 and IL-10. These results indicate that $Cordyceps$ $militaris$ enhances immune function by promoting immune cell proliferation and Th1 cytokine production.

• 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.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.170-176
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• 2021

Anthocyanins are considered as one of the major functional components including cyanidin-3-glucoside and peonidin-3-glucoside anthocyanins of black rice (Oryza sativa L., BR) aleurone layer (OAL) extract. The immunomodulatory biological effects of OAL has rarely been evaluated. This study has extensively studied the immunomodulatory effects of BR in immunosuppressed mice by CPA. The immunostimulatory effects of BR extract in in vivo at 150 (OAL-1) and 300 mg/kg body weight (OAL-2) for OAL groups were measured and compared to the normal group (CON) ingested with distilled water only or other groups. After the 14 days of oral administration, immune related organ weights, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG, and cytokines (IL-12, TNF-α) levels, splenocytes proliferation rate, and NK cell activity were evaluated as immune related biomarkers. The serum IgA and IgG values in the OAL-treated groups increased to the level of the CON. OAL significantly and effectively controlled the IL-12 and TNF-α levels and NK activity compared to the negative control (NC) group. The results suggest that BR aleurone layer with immunomodulatory activities has a great potential as a functional food by itself or as a supplement.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.229-240
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• 1999

Background: The impact of the immune response on cancer gene therapy using viral vectors to deliver a "suicide gene" is currently unclear. A vigrous immune response targeted at viral proteins or transgene may enhance the efficacy of tumor destruction and even augment responses to tumor antigens. These responses may involve the release of cytokines and stimulation of tumor specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes that enhance therapeutic efficacy. On the other hand, a vigorous rapid cellular immune response may destroy cells expressing the therapeutic gene and attenuate the response to therapy. Furthermore, development of neutralizing antibody responses may prevent readministration of virus, a potentially significant limitation. Evaluating the significance of these limitations in animal models and developing solutions are therefore of obvious importance. Methods: After retroviral transduction of mouse mesothelioma cell line(AB12) with Herpes Simplex Virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) gene in vitro, subcutaneous flank tumors were established. To study the effect of intact immune system on efficacy of tumor erradication, the ability of the HSVtk/ganciclovir system to inhibit tumor growth was compared among normal Balb/c mice, immunodeficient Balb/c-nude and SCID mice, and Balb/c mice immunosuppressed with cyclosporin. Results: Ganciclovir treatment resulted in greater inhibition of tumor growth in Balb/c mice compared with immunodeficient Balb/c-nude mice and SCID mice(in immunodeficient mice, there were no growth inhibition by ganciclovir treatment). Ganciclovir treatment resulted in greater inhibition of tumor growth in noncyclosporin (CSA) treated Balb/c mice compared with CSA treated Balb/c mice. On day 8, mean ganciclovir-treated tumor volume were 65% of control tumor volume in Balb/c mice versus 77% control tumor volume in CSA-treated Balb/c mice. This effect was still evident during therapy (day 11 and 13). On day 13, non-CSA treated tumor volume was 35% of control tumor volume versus 60% of control tumor volume in CSA treated Balb/c mice. Duration of expression of HSVtk was not affected by the immunosuppression with CSA. Conclusion: These results indicate that the immune responses against retrovirally transduced cells enhance the efficacy of the HSVtk/ganciclovir system. These findings have important implications for clinical trials using currently available retrovirus vectors as well as for future vector design.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.199-205
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• 2012

Toxoplasmic encephalitis is caused by reactivation of bradyzoites to rapidly dividing tachyzoites of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in immunocompromised hosts. Diagnosis of this life-threatening disease is problematic, because it is difficult to discriminate between these 2 stages. Toxoplasma PCR assays using gDNA as a template have been unable to discriminate between an increase or decrease in SAG1 and BAG1 expression between the active tachyzoite stage and the latent bradyzoite stage. In the present study, real-time RT-PCR assay was used to detect the expression of bradyzoite (BAG1)- and tachyzoite-specific genes (SAG1) during bradyzoite/tachyzoite stage conversion in mice infected with T. gondii Tehran strain after dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DXM) administration. The conversion reaction was observed in the lungs and brain tissues of experimental mice, indicated by SAG1 expression at day 6 after DXM administration, and continued until day 14. Bradyzoites were also detected in both organs throughout the study; however, it decreased at day 14 significantly. It is suggested that during the reactivation period, bradyzoites not only escape from the cysts and reinvade neighboring cells as tachyzoites, but also converted to new bradyzoites. In summary, the real-time RT-PCR assay provided a reliable, fast, and quantitative way of detecting T. gondii reactivation in an animal model. Thus, this method may be useful for diagnosing stage conversion in clinical specimens of immunocompromised patients (HIV or transplant patients) for early identification of tachyzoite-bradyzoite stage conversion.