• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제71권4호
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• pp.278-281
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• 2011

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex clinical entity resulting from an allergic immune response to Aspergillus species, and most often occurs in patients with asthma. ABPA is rarely observed in the absence of asthma, which is, in fact, the principal criterion for its diagnosis. Our patient was a 53-year-old woman with no history of bronchial asthma. She presented with a 1-month history of cough, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and localized pulmonary consolidation. Peripheral blood eosinophilia and elevated serum IgE were observed. Sinus radiography showed right maxillary sinusitis. Pathologic examination of bronchoscopic biopsy specimens revealed conglomerates of fungal hyphae. Pulmonary function and bronchial provocation tests were within normal ranges. The patient was successfully treated for 3 months with itraconazole and oral prednisolone. There has been no evidence of recurrence over a 7-month follow-up. ABPA coupled with sinusitis in a nonasthmatic patient is a very rare occurrence and warrants reporting.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제69권5호
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• pp.361-367
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• 2010

Background: Difficult-to-treat asthma afflicts a small percentage of the asthma population. However, these patients remain refractory to treat, and account for 40% to 50% of the health costs of asthma treatment, incurring significant morbidity. We conducted a multi-center cross-sectional study to characterize difficult-to-treat asthma in Korea. Methods: Subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma and subjects with controlled asthma were recruited from 5 outpatient clinics of referral hospitals. We reviewed medical records of previous 6 months and obtained patient-reported questionnaires composed of treatment compliance, asthma control, and instruments for stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: We recruited 21 subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma and 110 subjects with controlled asthma into the study. The subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma were associated with longer treatment periods, more increased health care utilization, more medication (oral corticosteroids, number of medication), and more anxiety disorder compared to those of well-controlled asthmatics. There was no difference in age, gender, history of allergy, serum IgE, blood eosinophil count, or body mass index between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Difficult-to-treat asthma is characterized by increased health care utilization and more co-morbidity of anxiety.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.131-141
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was performed to assess the ameliorative effects of Gagam-GongJin-dan (WSY-1075) composited with Corni Fructus, Angelica gigantis Radix, Lycii Fructus, Ginseng Radix, Cervi parvum Cornu and Cinnamomi Cortex in contact dermatitis animal model. Methods : WSY-1075 was orally administrated the various concentrations (50-400 mg/kg, body weight/day) with one time per day for 10 days from 4 days after DNFB sensitization. We investigated ameliorative effects of WST-1075 on the scratching behavior, skin clinical serverity and inflammatory mediators in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact dermatitis mice. Results : The orally administration of WSY-1075 (400 mg/kg) inhibited the scratching behavior induced by sensitization and challenge with DNFB. WSY-1075 (200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg) administration also reduced the skin damage, inflammatory mediators, mast cell infiltration induced by DNFB. Moreover, WSY-1075 (above 200 mg/kg) administration inhibited the serum levels of IgE and IL-4 in DNFB-induced contact dermatitis mice. Conclusions : These results suggest that WSY-1075 administration (200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg) has the ameliorative effects on the scratching behavior, the clinical signs, mast cell infiltration and inflammatory mediators in DNFB-induced contact dermatitis animal model mice.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.446-454
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• 2012

In order to evaluate the efficacy of SHT against atopic dermatitis (AD), various immune related cytokines as well as histological comparison were performed in animal models, and the results are described. Clinical skin index of the SHT treated group decreased significantly in weeks 11 and 13, compared to the control group. Also, CD4+ immune cell ratio in the dorsal skin was significantly decreased to 69%, and both epidermal and dermal skin thickness was decreased. Serum IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-${\alpha}$, which are all important markers of inflammation, were decreased to 64%, 44%, 87%, 48%, and 45%, respectively. The expression of histamine, a chemical transmitter increasingly released during the progression of inflammation, was significantly decreased to 47%. The production of IgE immunoglobulin was significantly decreased to 16% compared to the control group. In conclusion, SHT pacifies the activation of T cells, leading to suppression of both Th2 cytokine overexpression and infiltration of immune cells into skin. As a result, relative thinning of both epidermis and dermis were observed. With the results obtained from in vitro studies, the immune modulatory effect of SHT in AD animal models was experimentally demonstrated. This study should provide solid information to construct EBM and for clinical practice.

• BMB Reports
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.509-516
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• 2001

A genomic DNA fragment that contains the gene, which codes for a novel extracellular serine protease in Burkholderia pseudomallei, was cloned by using pQE40 as a vector. It was maintained in Escherichia coli JM109. The expression of the gene(s) resulted in the production of a 52 kDa protease. The recombinant protease was purified from the culture filtrate via ammonium sulfate fractionation, gel filtration, and anion-exchange chromatography. The purified protease had an optimum pH and temperature of pH 8.9 and $38^{\circ}C$, respectively. The protease activity was inhibited by EGTA, EDTA, and PMSF, but not 1,10-phenanthroline. The first 11 amino acid residues from the N-terminus of the purified protease were identified as LAPNDPYYYGY. PNDPYY was found to show homology to the Bacillus cereus microbial serine protease and B. subtilis PD498 serine protease. These results indicate that the protease that was purified in this study is an extracellular calcium-dependent serine protease. The purified protease was able to digest the human serum 19A, IgG, albumin, and transferrin, as well as bovine muscle actin and myosin. Furthermore, it was able to promote or cause dermonecrosis in experimental rabbits. These results propose the possible role of a novel B. pseudomallei extracellular calcium-dependent serine protease in the virulence of the pathogen.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제26권5호
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• pp.481-486
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• 2018

Cosmetics are primarily applied to the skin; therefore, the association of cosmetic dyes with skin diseases or inflammation is a topic of great interest. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an interleukin 7-like cytokine that activates dendritic cells to promote Th2 inflammatory immune responses. TSLP is highly expressed in keratinocytes under inflammatory conditions, which suggests that it may play a critical role in the development of skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. Therefore, we investigated whether cosmetic dyes influenced the production of TSLP by keratinocytes. Phloxine O, also known as D&C Red No.27, is one of the most common red synthetic pigments and is widely used in colored cosmetics. Our results showed that Phloxine O downregulated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced production of TSLP in a murine keratinocyte cell line (PAM212). Phloxine O also suppressed TSLP expression in KCMH-1 cells, which are mouse keratinocytes that constitutively produce high levels of TSLP. To investigate the in vivo effects of Phloxine O, we induced TSLP expression in mouse ear skin by topically applying MC903, a vitamin D3 analogue that is a well-known inducer of atopic dermatitis-like symptoms. Topical application of Phloxine O prevented MC903-induced TSLP production in mouse ear skin, attenuated the acute dermatitis-like symptoms and decreased serum IgE and histamine levels in mice. Suppression of TSLP expression by Phloxine O correlated with reduced expression of OX40 ligand and Th2 cytokines in mouse ear skin. Our results showed that Phloxine O may be beneficial to prevent dermatitis by suppressing the expression of TSLP and Th2 cytokines in skin.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.20-28
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• 2000

The purpose of this research is to investigate the synergistic effect of herb medicines with hydrocortisone and the regulation effect on the immune system of Onbitang and Dangguijakyaksan at the supernatant of PHA-P stimulated PBMC in the patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome(MCNS). From the measurement of the concentration rate of IL-4, sCD23 and IL-13, the experiment yielded the following results : The Onbitang group showed a greater tendency to suppress IL-4 and IL-13 levels in MCNS group with no statistical significance. It showed very strong suppression in soluble CD23 compared with control group in MCNS group. The Dangguijakyaksan group, though not statistically significant, was inclined to suppress IL-4 level in MCNS group. It shows stronger suppression in sCD23 and IL-13 levels than these of control group in MCNS group. As for the synergistic effect, the group of hydrocortisone with herb medicines(Onbitang or Danguijakyaksan) produced more suppressive effect to IL-13 level in MCNS group than that of hydrocortisone-only group. They also tended to suppress sCD23 and IL-4 levels, though no statistical significance can be given. As to the suppressive effect of 1L-13 level, the group of Onbitang with hydrocortisone showed an increase of 22.6%, while the group of Dangguijakyaksan with hydrocortisone showed 14.7%. So Onbitang is more effective than Dangguijakyaksan. From the above results, a combinative treatment(herb medicines with hydrocortisone) can be an alternative method to substitute for steroid therapy. It can be a more effective therapy than steroid-only therapy because it is expected to reduce side effects and it shows more special effect to suppress IL-13 level. Based on the present results, further investigation concerning the serum IgE elevation is needed.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제49권3호
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• pp.235-243
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• 2011

In order to get a better understanding of the role of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) in type 2 helper T (Th2) cell responses against Trichinella spiralis infection, we analyzed Th2 responses in T. spiralis-infected PAR2 knockout (KO) mice. The levels of the Th2 cell-secreted cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 were markedly reduced in the PAR2 KO mice as compared to the wild type mice following infection with T. spiralis. The serum levels of parasite-specific IgE increased significantly in the wild type mice as the result of T. spiralis infection, but this level was not significantly increased in PAR2 KO mice. The expression level of thymic stromal lymphopoietin, IL-25, and eotaxin gene (the genes were recently known as Th2 response initiators) of mouse intestinal epithelial cells were increased as the result of treatment with T. spiralis excretory-secretory proteins. However, the expression of these chemokine genes was inhibited by protease inhibitor treatments. In conclusion, PAR2 might involve in Th2 responses against T. spiralis infection.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제22권6호
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• pp.547-552
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• 2014

Ribes fasciculatum var. chinense MAX. (R. fasciculatum) has traditionally been used in Korea to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the exact mechanism that accounts for the anti-inflammatory effect of R. fasciculatum is not completely understood. We aimed to ascertain the pharmacological effects of R. fasciculatum on both compound 48/80- or histamine-induced scratching behaviors and 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) in mice. Additionally, to find a possible explanation for the anti-inflammatory effects of R. fasciculatum, we evaluated the effects of R. fasciculatum on the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. Treatment of R. fasciculatum significantly reduced compound 48/80- or histamine-induced the pruritus in mice. R. fasciculatum attenuated the AD symptoms such as eczematous, erythema and dryness and serum IgE levels in AD model. Additionally, R. fasciculatum inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The maximal rates of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 inhibition by R. fasciculatum (1 mg/ml) were approximately 32.12% and 46.24%, respectively. We also showed that R. fasciculatum inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Collectively, the findings of this study provide us with novel insights into the pharmacological actions of R. fasciculatum as a potential molecule for use in the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.52-57
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• 2006

저자들은 스테로이드 반응성 재발성 신증후군의 과거력이 있는 환아에서 관해기에 발병한 Kimura 병을 종괴의 전절제 후 스테로이드 및 cyclosporin 투여로 치료한 증례를 경험하고 이를 보고하는 바이다.