• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.138-142
• /
• 2018

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the Republic of Korea remains high when compared to the incidence in other Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The prompt diagnosis and effective treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) are very important in terms of controlling the burden of TB. The tuberculin skin test (TST) has long been the "gold standard" assay for the diagnosis of LTBI. However, it can show false positive results due to Bacille Calmette-$Gu{\acute{e}}rin$ (BCG) vaccination and infection with many environmental nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) using Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-specific antigens, was developed for the detection of LTBI. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay is one of the most commonly used forms of the IGRA. In order to compare the diagnostic efficacy of the TST and IGRA in relation to LTBI among BCG-vaccinated healthy donors, whole blood samples were collected from 51 participants, and the results of the TST and IGRA were compared. Of the 51 cases, 18 cases (35.3%) were positive and 33 cases (64.7%) were negative when using the TST, while four cases (7.8%) were positive and 47 cases (92.2%) negative when using the IGRA. There was no correlation between the size of the induration in the TST and the $IFN-{\gamma}$ protein level. In conclusion, the TST showed higher cross-reactivity among the BCG-vaccinated healthy participants, therefore, the IGRA might be the most suitable assay for the rapid screening of LTBI in BCG-vaccinated healthy population, or for TB contact investigation.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.57 no.3
• /
• pp.279-286
• /
• 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biological activities of extracts of ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud.), hereafter referred to as Bn. Bn extracts from various collecting area were extracted with methanol. Two extracts from our study, Bn-13 and -82, showed significant antioxidant properties, likely due to their ability to scavenge free radicals. In addition, Bn extracts showed stronger anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli (Bn-40), Stapylococcus aureus (Bn-33), and Helicobacter pylori (Bn-05). In addition, this study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Bn extracts in lipopolyssacharide (LPS)- and interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages cells. Bn-37 significantly inhibited the production LPS/IFN-${\gamma}$-induced nitric oxide. The most noteworthy anti-cancer effect was found in Bn-23. Bn-08 showed inhibition of aldose reductase. This study provides basic information for the development of functional foods.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.17-22
• /
• 2008

Sopungsan (SS) is a traditional Korean decoction used for the treatment of dermatitis. The aim of this study is to confirm whether or not SS has a preventive effect on the development of atopic dermatitis in dinitrochlorobenzene-applied Nc/Nga mice. SS was administered orally to Nc/Nga mice, which led to the remarkable suppression of the development of dermatitis, as determined by a histological examination and the serum IgE levels. Moreover, SS inhibited the production of thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and its mRNA expression in a keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, which had been stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$). Activation of the nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) or activator protein-1 (AP-1) is one of key steps in the signaling pathways mediating induction of TARC. In this study, SS selectively suppressed NF-${\kappa}B$ activation which may be essential for TARC expression in $TNF-{\alpha}/IFN-{\gamma}$ treated keratinocytes. The inhibitory effect of SS on NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and TARC production might be associated with the anti-dermatitic effects of SS.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.81-87
• /
• 2007

Objectives: Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (Baek-Ji in Korean, BJ) is well known to be used as a medicine for cold, headache, supraorbital pain, nasal congestion, and toothache. Little is understood about the roles of BJ in the cytokine and chemokine secretion by immune cells. This study was designed to find out the effects of BJ on the cytokine and chemokine secretion in human mast cells (HMC). Methods : We treated BJ according to consistency on HMC and measured cytokines and chemokines levels using flow cytometry CBA system. Results: In BJ treated group. the expression of interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-l0), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (MIG), and interleukin 10 (IL-l0) levels were decreased significantly and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (RANTES), IL-8, $interferone-{\gamma}$ ($IFN-{\gamma}$), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) were decreased significantly. Conclusion : The results of this experiment supposed that the treatment of BJ will ameliorate the secreting levels of some chemokines or cytokines such as IP-10, MCP-1, MIG, IL-10, RANTES, IL-8, $IFN-{\gamma}$, and TNF-a.

• KSBB Journal
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.97-102
• /
• 2010

The enhancement of immunity for atopic dermatitis with application of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-loaded liposome was evaluated on NC/Nga mice. The EPA-loaded liposome was coated with thiol-chitosan. The liposomes were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), surface zeta potential & particle size analyzer (Zeta-PSA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The loading efficiency of EPA in the liposome was about 4.7%. The particle size of the EPA-Ioaded liposome was about 230 nm. The values of Immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) were reduced significantly with application of the EPA-loaded liposome. The interferon-$\gamma$ (IFN-$\gamma$) value was increased with the application effect. It is concluded that EPA loaded liposome have immunity advancing effects in mouse model of atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.6
• /
• pp.593-600
• /
• 2014

This study is aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Euphorbiae kansui radix methanol extract (ERE) in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. Peritoneal macrophages were obtained from thioglycollate-injected Balb/c mice. Cells were stimulated with LPS or LPS plus interferon-gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) in the presence of ERE and various inflammatory markers were assayed. Finally, LPS-induced signaling molecules were measured. ERE up to $400{\mu}g/m{\ell}$, was not cytotoxic to ERE inhibited LPS/IFN-${\gamma}$-induced nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase. ERE also reduced the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and the proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-12. The inhibitory effect of ERE on LPS-induced $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation was weak but phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and ERK1/2 was strongly suppressed. Our data indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of ERE in LPS-stimulated macrophages was partly mediated by its inhibition of JNK, p38 and ERK1/2.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.179-188
• /
• 2002

This experimental study was carried out to evaluate the effects of Acanthopanacis cortex on Cytokine-inducing and and immune response in Mice. In order to investigate the effect of Acanthopanacis cortex, the following was performed; Cytotoxicity, in vitro, the fraction of $CD4^+$, $CD8^+$, $B220^+$ in splenic cell, gene expression of IL-12(p35), IL-12(p40), IFN-${\gamma}$, and splenic cell proliferation by Acanthopanacis cortex. Analysis of cytokine gene expression was carried out by RT-PCR amplification. Amplified PCR products were electrophoresed on 1.2% agarose gel, and the analysis (Ht) was used to 1D-density program. The results were obtained as follows. Acanthpanacis cortex showed didn't have cell toxicity under $12{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ group on mouse lung fibroblast cells. In an in vitro model using mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), extract of Acanthpanacis cortex induced multiple cytokine, including interleukin-12 (p35), interleukin-12 (p40), interferon-gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$). The extract also enhanced the percentages of the $CD4^+$, and $CD8^+$ in the untreated control were $22.1{\pm}3.3$ to $38.4{\pm}2.1$, and $5.0{\pm}0.4$ to $10.7{\pm}0.3%$, respectively. From above findings, it is suggested that Acanthopanacis cortex is able to anti-cancer and activate immune response system.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.162-170
• /
• 2000

Purpose : Studies on the Regulatory Effect of Cytokine Production in Taumin Patients with Cerebral Infarction by Cheongsimyeonjatang Method : ELISA(enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay) Result : Chungsimyeunjatang(CYT) is a prescription for the cerebral infarction (CI) patients of Taeumin according to Sasang constitution philosophy. Taeumin patients with CI were treated with CYT during the acute stage. Clinical signs of CI disappeared markedly in about two to four weeks after oral administration of CYT in all patients. The mean interleukin (IL)-2 plasma levels were slightly lower in the patients with CI than in the normal groups, whereas the mean IL-4, IL-6 and IgE levels were significantly higher in the patients. There were no significant differences in $interferon-{\gamma}$ $(IFN-{\gamma})$ levels between the groups. Serum $IFN-{\gamma}$ and IL-2 levels derived from T helper (Th)1 cells were elevated significantly in the patients with CI by CYT administration. Significant reduced plasma levels of IL-4 and IL-6 derived from Th2 cells and IgE were observed in the patients treated with CYT. During the period of CYT administration, there were no other adverse effects. The data indicate that CYT has a good CI treatment effect, and that its action may be due to regulation of cytokine Production.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.153-161
• /
• 2000

1. Purpose This studies the regulatory effect of cytokine production in Soyangin patients with cerebral infarction by Yangkyuksanhwatang. 2 Method ELISA 3. Result & Conclusion Yangkyuksanhwatang(YST) is a prescription for the cerebral infarction (CI) patients of Soyangin according to Sasang constitution philosophy. Soyangin patients with CI were treated with YST during the acute stage. Clinical signs of CI disappeared markedly in about 2 to 4 weeks after oral administration of YST in all patients. The mean interleukin (IL)-2 plasma levels were slightly lower in the patients with CI than in the normal groups, whereas the mean IL-4, IL-6 and IgE levels were significantly higher in the patients. There were no significant differences in interferon- ${\gamma}$ (IFN- ${\gamma}$ ) levels between the groups. Serum IFN- ${\gamma}$ and IL-2 levels derived from T helper (Th)1 cells were elevated significantly in the patients with CI by YST administration. Significant reduced plasma levels of IL-4 and IL-6 derived from Th2 cells and IgE were observed in the patients treated with YST. During the period of YST administration, there were no other adverse effects. The data indicate that YST has a good CI treatment effect, and that its action may be due to regulation of cytokine production.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.201-209
• /
• 2020

In Korea, bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a representative zoonotic disease that causes considerable economic loss. In determining the positive bTB, the ELISA method for examining the amount of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is included in Korea's diagnostic standard method. Recently, commercially available BIONOTE TB-Feron ELISA Plus (TB-Feron Plus) that detects IFN-γ has been introduced. However, since the scientific basis for the performance is limited, we evaluated performance by comparing it with the results of another IFN-γ ELISA assay kit (BOVIGAM®) certified by Office International des Epizooties. In our research, 42 positive blood samples preliminarily tested with a tuberculin skin test and/or BOVIGAM® and 54 negative blood samples collected from three bTB free farms were subjected to IFN-γ assay using the TB-Feron Plus and the BOVIGAM®, respectively. The result shows that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 81.0% (34/42), 100% (54/54), 91.7% (88/96) in TB-Feron Plus kit and 78.6% (33/42), 100% (54/54), 90.6% (87/96) in BOVIGAM® kit, respectively. Moreover, the overall accordance percentage of the two kits was 99.0% (95/96) and there was almost perfect agreement between two assays (Kappa=0.977, P<0.0001). Furthermore, additional studies confirmed that elevated lymphocyte numbers in blood did not interfere with the results of the TB-Feron Plus kit. And, delayed time from sampling to culture decreased the optical density (OD) value. Therefore, we concluded that the TB-Feron Plus kit was not inferior to BOVIGAM® in performance. High lymphocyte numbers in blood did not impact on TB-Feron Plus results, while delayed time before culture interfered with OD value.