• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.53 no.3
• /
• pp.249-256
• /
• 2021

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. There are many factors including genetic and environmental factors that influence asthma. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is involved in maintaining the T helper cells 1 and 2 (Th1/Th2) balance and plays an important role in the development of asthma. In this study, the correlation between the NDFIP2 gene that regulates the MAPK pathway and asthma was analyzed. The genetic polymorphism of the NDFIP2 gene was analyzed between 193 asthma patients and 3,228 healthy controls in Korea. As a result, 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed a significant correlation (P<0.05) and high relative risk with asthma. Among them, rs2783122 of NDFIP2 showed a statistically significant association with asthma (P-value=9.76×10^-6, odds ratio (OR)=1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.33~2.10). In the SNP imputation on the NDFIP2, 16 SNPs were discovered, and all of them showed significant correlation with asthma and high odds ratio. The genotype-based mRNA expression analysis revealed that the group of minor alleles of rs1408049 showed increased mRNA expression. Increased NDFIP2 expression causes the activation of the MAPK pathway, and this may influence the development of asthma. In conclusion, the polymorphisms of NDFIP2 are associated with asthma development and this can provide the basis for new guidelines for the management of asthma in the Korean population.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.45 no.4
• /
• pp.482-489
• /
• 2021

Background: Asthma is an incurable hyper-responsive disease of the pulmonary system that is caused by various allergens, including indoor and outdoor stimulators. According to the Global Asthma Network, 339 million people suffered from asthma in 2018, with particularly severe forms in children. Numerous treatments for asthma are available; however, they are frequently associated with adverse effects such as growth retardation, neurological disorders (e.g., catatonia, poor concentration, and insomnia), and physiological disorders (e.g., immunosuppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and osteoporosis). Methods: Korean Red Ginseng has long been used to treat numerous diseases in many countries, and we investigated the anti-asthmatic effects and mechanisms of action of Korean Red Ginseng. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to 6 treatment groups: control, ovalbumin-induced asthma group, dexamethasone treatment group, and 3 groups treated with Korean Red Ginseng water extract (KRGWE) at 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Anti-asthmatic effects of KRGWE were assessed based on biological changes, such as white blood cell counts and differential counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum IgE levels, and histopathological changes in the lungs, and by examining anti-asthmatic mechanisms, such as the cytokines associated with Th1, Th2, and Treg cells and inflammation pathways. Results: KRGWE affected ovalbumin-induced changes, such as increased white blood cell counts, increased IgE levels, and morphological changes (mucous hypersecretion, epithelial cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration) by downregulating cytokines such as IL-12, IL-4, and IL-6 via GATA-3 inactivation and suppression of inflammation via NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE₂ pathways. Conclusion: KRGWE is a promising drug for asthma treatment.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.246-256
• /
• 2022

The present study focused on the potential mechanism of betulin (BT), a pentacyclic triterpenoid isolated from the bark of white birch (Betula pubescens), against chronic alcohol-induced lipid accumulation and metaflammation. AML-12 and RAW 264.7 cells were administered ethanol (EtOH), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or BT. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets containing 5% EtOH for 4 weeks, followed by single EtOH gavage on the last day and simultaneous treatment with BT (20 or 50 mg/kg) by oral gavage once per day. In vitro, MTT showed that 0-25 mM EtOH and 0-25 µM BT had no toxic effect on AML-12 cells. BT could regulate sterolregulatory-element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), lipin1/2, P2X7 receptor (P2X7r) and NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) expressions again EtOH-stimulation. Oil Red O staining also indicated that BT significantly reduced lipid accumulation in EtOH-stimulated AML-12 cells. Lipin1/2 deficiency indicated that BT might mediate lipin1/2 to regulate SREBP1 and P2X7r expression and further alleviate lipid accumulation and inflammation. In vivo, BT significantly alleviated histopathological changes, reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and triglyceride (TG) levels, and regulated lipin1/2, SREBP1, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α/γ (PPARα/γ) and PGC-1α expression compared with the EtOH group. BT reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors and blocked the P2X7r-NLRP3 signaling pathway. Collectively, BT attenuated lipid accumulation and metaflammation by regulating the lipin1/2-mediated P2X7r signaling pathway.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
• /
• v.19 no.6
• /
• pp.187-195
• /
• 2021

This study was conducted to identify the characteristics of immune function and inflammatory changes for elderly women, by having them to participate in line dance program. For this purpose, 18 elderly women in their 60s to 70s, living in Y city were selected, and 9 of the participants were randomly assigned to participate in the line dance program for 12-weeks (line dance exercise group), while the other 9 participants were assigned to carry out their daily lives without participating in certain physical activity (control group) for the same period. The subjects' immune function and inflammation were measured using SPSS 24.0 for datafication, and the average and two-way ANOVA analysis were conducted. The result indicates the immunoglobulin, IgA, has increased, but not dramatically. The level of IgG(p<.05), and IgM(p<.05) increase were detected from the line dance exercise group, but not so much from the control group. Inflammation indicator, the CRP(p<.05), were significantly reduced from the line dance exercise group, but not much for the control group. According to the collected data, line dance for the elderly women can be considered as an effective exercise program, and the result shows that inflammation is reduced and immune function is improved. It also implies the needs of active physical activity arbitration to keep the elderly women's health and to prevent the chronic disease in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.552-559
• /
• 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease accompanied by severe itching, mainly before five. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 405 nm+850 nm LED light therapy on AD-like symptoms in NC/Nga mice. The mice were randomly placed in the normal (Vehicle), atopic dermatitis-induced (CON), and 405 nm + 850 nm LED light therapy (LED) groups. The LED experimental group conducted 405 nm+850 nm wavelength LED ray therapy for 10 minutes a day for seven days. LED light therapy research confirmed the improvement and improvement of Dermatics score and observed the reduction of epidermal tissue thickness caused by dermatitis. Based on the significant decrease of serum IL-1𝛽 and transdermal moisture loss and serum IgE concentration due to LED light therapy, LED light therapy can help restore normal skin conditions in mice that cause atopic dermatitis. This study showed the anti-atopic effect of infrared light and blue light. Light in mice with atopic dermatitis led to the simultaneous use of circular LEDs with two wavelengths.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.15-23
• /
• 2019

Objective : Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a disease that caused gastric acid reflux and inflammation due to unstable gastroesophageal sphincter, as increasing worldwide respectively. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Evodiae Fructus (EF) extract on chronic reflux esophagitis in rats. Methods : The EF was measured antioxidant activity, such as total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-enzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. Rats were divided into 3 groups; Nor (normal group), Con (chronic acid reflux esophagitis rats treatment with water), EF (chronic acid reflux esophagitis rat treatment with EF 200 mg/kg body weight group). A surgically-induced chronic acid reflux esophagitis (CARE) model was established in SD rats, and treated with water or EF 200 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. Results : Administration of EF to rats of induction of chronic acid reflux esophagitis was found to reduce esophagus tissues injury. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and produces peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$) levels of esophagus tissues were significantly decreased in EF compared to Con group. As results of esophagus protein analyses, EF effectively reduce inflammatory-related factors ($NF-{\kappa}Bp65$, $p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, iNOS, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6), and increase anti-oxidant enzyme (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, catalase, GPx-1/2). Conclusions : These results suggest that EF administration comfirmed that decreased esophagus tissues injury, oxidantive stress, anti-inflammation effect, and increased anti-oxidant effect. Therefore, EF was the potential to be used as a natural therapeutic drug.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.117-124
• /
• 2019

Objective : Chronic acid reflux esophagitis (CARE), one of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing worldwide. Coptidis rhizoma extract (CRE) is a traditional herb that cures a variety of diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of CR on rats with chronic acid reflux esophagitis. Methods : The antioxidant activities were evaluated through radical scavenging assays using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. CARE was surgically induced in 5-week-old male SD rats by ligating the border between forestomach and glandular portion with a 2-0 silk tie and covering the duodenum using 18-Fr $N{\acute{e}}laton$ catheter. To evaluate the esophageal protective effect of CRE, rats were divided into 3 groups: Nor (normal rats), Veh (chronic acid reflux esophagitis induced rats), CR (chronic acid reflux esophagitis induced rats treated with CRE 200 mg/kg body weight). Results : The administration of CRE significantly prevented the mucosal injury of the esophagus tissue and histological findings improved the esophageal lesion. It has been shown that inflammation is prevented by the increase of antioxidant-related factors (Nrf-2, HO-1, SOD, catalase, and GPx-1/2) through the antioxidant pathway of esophageal tissue. The administration of CRE reduced the increase of serum peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$) and markedly reduced the protein expression of inflammatory mediator such as $NF-{\kappa}Bp65$, $p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, iNOS, and IL-6. Conclusions : Overall, these results suggest that CRE administration confirmed the protective effect of esophageal mucosa, suggesting that it is a potential treatment for chronic acid reflux esophagitis.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2022

Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the healing effect of Cordyceps Militaris (CM) on collagen II-induced arthritis rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (normal, control, positive control, CM with low/medium/high dosage each). Type II collagen mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant (with 1:1 v/v) was injected subcutaneously, and the mixture was injected in a same manner one week after the first injection to boost arthritis. Arthritis index, paw thickness and von Frey test were conducted to observe physical changes. hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe knee cartilage. The levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of interleukin (IL)-1𝛽, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-𝛼) in spleen were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs on multiple joints and can lead to temporary shape change of bones or organ failure in severe cases. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of CM extract on rheumatoid arthritis by measuring paw thickness, arthritis index, conducting von Frey test and H&E staining, and evaluating the level of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, TNF-𝛼. As a result, paw thickness, arthritis index significantly decreased in low concentration group, hind leg became less sensitive in all expermental groups. Also, histological analysis showed that the damage of knee cartilage was prevented in all experimental groups. The level of mRNA of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, and TNF-𝛼 in spleen was analyzed to decide the effectiveness of CM extract. IL-1𝛽 did not show significant change, but IL-6 and TNF-𝛼 showed significant decrease in at least one of the experimental groups. Conclusions CM showed protective effect on knee tissue destruction and improved the physical conditions of the leg involving arthritis. Also, it showed that CM has anti-inflammatory effect on specific cytokines inducing rheumatoid arthritis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the therapeutic potential of CM for the treatment rheumatoid arthritis, and set the foundation for the further studies.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.90-96
• /
• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate antimicrobial activity of extracts from shiitake mushroom against periodontopathogens and its cytotoxicity for human gingival fibroblast. Materials and Methods: Shiitake mushroom was soaked in water and acetone, and the supernatant was dried to collect its extract. The susceptibility of periodontopathogens for the extracts was investigated. Human gingival fibroblast was treated with the extracts, and the cell viability was measured CCK-8 solution. Results: The water extract from shiitake mushroom significantly reduced the growth of periodontopathogens at 2.5 mg/ml (P < 0.05). The acetone extract significantly inhibited the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia at 0.32 mg/ml and Treponema denticola growth at 0.64 mg/ml (P < 0.05). The cytotoxicity of the extract was shown at a concentration of 2.5 mg/ml. The extracts with a concentration of 1.25 mg/ml appeared to be reduce cell viability after 4 h. Conclusion: The extracts of shiitake mushroom have antimicrobial activity against periodontitis-causing bacteria and relieving inflammation. Therefore, the extracts may be a candidate for preventing and treating periodontal disease.

• Food Science and Industry
• /
• v.55 no.3
• /
• pp.276-283
• /
• 2022

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin helps to retain calcium and phosphorus but also has shown to affect immune regulation and homeostasis. In humans, vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 and their metabolite has intensively studied in both innate and adaptive immune system that they are important to regulate overwhelmed inflammation. The vitamin D receptor is a nuclear hormone receptor which regulate various downstream target gene expressions as a transcription factor related to metabolism, immune regulation, etc. Vitamin D deficiency is a high-risk factor for inflammatory diseases like autoimmune disease and allergy. In addition, reduced vitamin D seem to correlate with susceptibility to the virus infection such as HIV and COVID-19. In this review, we will summarize up-to-date vitamin D's role in various immune cells, immune regulatory functions during autoimmune, allergic, and infectious diseases. We will also discuss about vitamin D supplement effects in human trial studies for COVID-19.