• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.217-224
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• 1991

One of water and/or methanol extracts from 14 herbal deugs which were screened using murine splenocytes showed immunosuppressive activities previously. After water extract from Xanthium strumarium was treated with chloroform. $100 \mu{g/ml}$ of water layer (XS-WCI) has very strong immunosimulating activities tested by $^3H$-thmidine incorporation (control as $100 \mu{g/ml}$, 26345 cpm was 69515 cpm). MLR also appears to be simulated strongly (control vs $100 \mu{g/ml}$, 4962 cpm vs 78688 cpm). When $100 \mu{g/ml}$ of XS-WCI and $0.8 \mu{g/ml}$ of concanavalin a (ConA) were added. more $^3H$-thymidine were incorporated significantly, compared with $0.8 \mu{g/ml}$ of ConA only. In contrast with ConA. results from $5 \mu{/ml}$ of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and $100 \mu{g/ml}$ of XS-WCI were not different. compared with $5\mu{/ml}$of LPS only. These results indicated the responses of XS-WCI to B cell and T cell may be different. XS-WCI was injected intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg. 50mg/kg/ 100 mg/kg) for 4 days or 10 days and tested secretion of IgM or IgG by direct and indirect hemolytic plaque-forming cell assays, respectively. Numbers of hemolytic plaques for both IgM and IgG were increased significantly. Especially, secretion of IgGs was increased more than 10 times. After administration of XS-WCI for 7 days (50 mg/kg. 100 mg/kg) splenomegaly deu to graft vs host reaction was observed. Human lymhocytes separated from whole blood by Ficoll-Hypaque method were also proliferated after treatment of $10 \mu{g/ml}$ and $50 \mu{g/ml}$ of XS-WCI. As seen in murine lymphocytes, human lymphocyte proliferation was increased synergistically after treatment with both of XS-WCI and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). It appears that XS-WCI may have potential immunosimulating activities and that it remains to be purified further for isolation of active components.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.420-427
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• 2006

Immunological activities of the combined-administration of Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus were examined in C57BL/6 mice. Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus were extracted with distilled water or 40% ethyl alcohol. Ginseng Radix Rubra water extracts (GW), the mixture (1:1) of Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus water extracts [GVW(1:1)], the mixture (1:3) of Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus water extracts [GVW(1:3)], 40% ethyl alcohol extracts of Ginseng Radix Rubra (GE), the mixture (1:1) of Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus 40% ethyl alcohol extracts [GVE(1:1)] and the mixture (1:3) of Ginseng Radix Rubra and Vitis Fructus 40% ethyl alcohol extracts [GVE(1:3)] were administered p.o. once a day for 7 days, respectively. GVW(1:1) and GVW(1:3) decreased the viability of thymocytes increased by GW, but GVE(1:1) and GVE(1:3) increased the viability of thymocytes decreased by GE. GVW(1:1) and GVW(1:3) increased the viability of splenocytes decreased by GW or GE. Also, GVW(1:1) and GVE(1:1) enhanced the population of helper T cell in thymocytes, and GVE(1:1) and GVE(1:3) decreased the population of cytotoxic T cells increased by GE. Furthermore, GVW(1:1), GVW(1:3), GVE(1:1) and GVE(1:3) enhanced the population of $B220^+$ cells decreased by GW or GE, and decreased the population of $Thyl^+$ cells increased by GW or GE, and decreased the population of splenic $CD4^+$ cells increased by GW or GE. In addition, GVW(1:1) and GVW(1:3) decreased the phagocytic activity and the production of nitric oxide in peritoneal macrophages increased by GW, but GVE(1:1) and GVE(1:3) enhanced the phagocytic activity and the production of nitric oxide in peritoneal macrophages decreased by GE. These results suggest that Vitis Fructus has an regulative action on immune response of Ginseng Radix Rubra.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.325-329
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• 2010

Toxoplasma gondii KI-1, a recent new isolate from Korea, shows similar pathogenicity and infectivity to mice compared to the virulent RH strain. To understand characteristics of host immunity, including immune enhancement or suppression, we investigated proliferative responses and phenotypes of spleen cells. In addition, kinetics of IFN-${\gamma}$, a Th1 cytokine, was examined in BALB/c mice up to day 6 post-infection (PI). Intraperitoneal injection of mice with $10^3$ KI-1 tachyzoites induced significant decreases (P < 0.05) in proliferative responses of spleen cells. This occurred at days 2-6 PI even when concanavalin A (con A) was added and when stimulated with KI-1 antigen, suggesting suppression of the immunity. $CD4^+$ T-cells decreased markedly at day 2 PI (P < 0.05), whereas $CD8^+$ T-cells, NK cells, and macrophages did not show significant changes, except a slight, but significant, increase of $CD8^+$ T-cells at day 6 PI. The capacity of splenocytes to produce IFN-${\gamma}$ by con A stimulation dropped significantly at days 2-6 PI. These results demonstrate that intraperitoneal injection of KI-1 tachyzoites can induce immunosuppression during the early stage of infection, as revealed by the decrease of $CD4^+$ T-cells and IFN-${\gamma}$.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.31-36
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• 2007

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of betaine on immune response in laying hens. A total of 72 ISA-brown laying hens were divided into four groups of 18 hens each and fed corn-soybean meal based diets with addition of 0, 300, 600 and 1,200 ppm betaine for four weeks. The effect of betaine on splenocyte proliferations with mitogens, concanavalin A(Con A) and pokeweed mitogen(PWM), were assayed after incubation using [3H] thymidine uptake. Proliferations of splenocyte were significantly increased by activation of mitogen Con A or PWM. Mitogen effects of Con A were increased by Con A plus betaine injection(0.1 mM), whereas PWM effects did not affect in PWM plus betaine injection(0.1 mM) in vitro. Splenocyte of laying hens fed betaine tended to proliferate in the presence of PWM, but appeared to be slightly suppressed in the presence of Con A in vivo. Proliferation of splenocytes which were stimulated by Con A or Con A+betaine injection(0.1 mM) were increased in dietary 600 ppm betaine, but inhibited in dietary 1,200 ppm betaine supplementation. Spleen weights and sheep red blood cell(SRBC) titers of hens fed betaine tended to increase compared to those of control, but were not significantly different. These results suggested that betaine could increase splenocyte proliferation in vitro.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.379-385
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• 2020

Phlojodicarpus sibiricus and Artemisia kruhsiana Besser are medicinal plants traditionally used in Russia. Phlojodicarpus sibiricus extracts (PSE) have been shown to have anti-obesity properties, and Artemisia kruhsiana Besser extracts (AKBE) contain terpenoid compounds that exert various medicinal effects. Here, we investigated the potential pro-apoptotic effects of PSE and AKBE in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and elucidated the underlying mechanism. PSE and AKBE treatment of six DLBCL cell lines with various genetic abnormalities effectively reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, while having a minimal impact on the survival of normal murine bone marrow cells and splenocytes. This suggests that the cytotoxic effects of PSE and AKBE are specific to DLBCL cells. Therefore, we expect limited side effects when these plant extracts are administered to DLBCL patients. Our JC-1 assays demonstrate that the pro-apoptotic effects of these plant extracts are produced by a reduction of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members and, thereby, disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, PSE and AKBE induce cell death independently of Myc, whose abnormalities are frequently observed in patients with DLBCL and are associated with poor prognosis. Our findings reveal hitherto uncharacterized pro-apoptotic effects of PSE and AKBE in DLBCL. Isolation of single compounds with anti-lymphoma activities should be pursued further.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.408-419
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• 2016

Background: In recent years, adjuvants have received increasing attention owing to the development of purified subunit and synthetic vaccines which are poor immunogens and require additional adjuvants to evoke an immune response. Therefore, immunologic adjuvants have been developed and tested. Plant polysaccharides have been recognized as effective biological response modifiers with low toxicity. Methods and Results: In this study, the polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge containing immunomodulating arabino-3,6-galactan was evaluated for its hemolytic activity and adjuvant potential in the specific cellular and humoral immune responses to ovalbumin. The polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge was co-immunized with the purified Vi capsular polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi vaccine in mice. The polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge did not induce any hemolytic activity or side effects at doses up to $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. The concanavalin A-, lipopolysaccharide-, and ovalbumin-induced splenocyte proliferation and serum ovalbumin-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b antibody titers in immunized mice were significantly enhanced by AMA. Pharmacological data revealed that the polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge increased antigen-specific antibody levels in immunized mice. The polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge-adjuvanted purified Vi capsular polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi vaccine improved the proliferation of splenocytes and macrophages as well as stimulated cytokine production. Conclusions: These results suggest that the polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge-adjuvanted vaccines enhanced humoral and cellular immunity and that the polysaccharide from the aboveground part of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge is a safe and efficacious adjuvant candidate suitable for use in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.343-349
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• 2012

Polysaccharides isolated from Korean black raspberry wine were examined for their chemical properties and immuno-modulating activities. The molecular mass of RB-1b-I, the main polysaccharide in black raspberry wine, was estimated as 180 kDa and it contained a significant proportion of mannose (76.8%) and 4 different minor component sugars such as galactose (15.8%), arabinose (3.8%), glucose (2.6%) and rhamnose (1.2%). This indicated that RB-1b-I was mainly present as a mannan, which had originated from the cell walls of fermenting yeasts. On the other hand, RB-1b-I induced high levels of macrophage activation as well as mitogenicity regarding murine splenocytes in vitro. The intravenous administration of RB-1b-I significantly augmented NK cytotoxicity against YAC-1 tumor cells. RB-1b-I also showed potent anti-complementary activity in a dose-dependent manner via both alternative and classical pathways. Results indicated that Korean black raspberry wine contains peculiar polysaccharides which provide beneficial immuno-stimulating activities for human health.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1351-1357
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• 2009

KH-red ginseng/chlorella (KH-RG/C) is the mixed material of the Korean red ginseng powder (Panax ginseng, 75%) and extract of Chlorella vulgaris (25%). To evaluate the effects of KH-RG/C on endurance capacity and immune regulation, the forced swimming test (FST) was conducted. The immobility time in the FST was significantly decreased in KH-RG/C treated group compared with the DW-treated group at the 3 and 10 days, respectively. In the analysis of the blood biochemical parameters, KH-RG/C treatment significantly increased the glucose level. However, the lactic dehydrogenase level decreased. Although KH-RG/C increased aspartate aminotransferase, it was not different significantly. And KH-RG/C had no affects in the alanine aminotransferase, and blood urea nitrogen levels. In splenocytes and macrophages, KH-RG/C also did not affect the interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and IL-12 production. These results suggest that KH-RG/C may influence to immune regulation through increasing the physical endurance capacity without effect in activation of immune cells.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.776-784
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• 2014

Tuna cooking juice concentrate (TCJC) is by-produced during the canning processing of skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis and it is well known that TCJC contains various nutritional components. Therefore, the immuno-stimulating activity of TCJC was investigated using macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line and the spleen cell isolated from BALB/c mice. The TCJC increased the production of IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-$1{\beta}$ in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control in RAW 264.7 cells without any toxicity. In particular, the production of TNF-${\alpha}$ was increased over 300-fold. The production of both Th1 cytokine (such as IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-2, and IL-12) and Th2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) was also increased by TCJC treatment in splenocytes. Moreover, the TCJC increased the splenocyte proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner compared to control. These results indicate that TCJC may enhance immune function by promoting various cytokine production.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.437-444
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• 2016

Background: Although Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been traditionally used for a long time, its anti-inflammatory role and underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms have been poorly understood. In this study, the anti-inflammatory roles of KRG-derived components, namely, water extract (KRG-WE), saponin fraction (KRG-SF), and nonsaponin fraction (KRG-NSF), were investigated. Methods: To check saponin levels in the test fractions, KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The anti-inflammatory roles and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of these components were investigated using a macrophage-like cell line (RAW264.7 cells) and an acute gastritis model in mice. Results: Of the tested fractions, KGR-SF (but not KRG-NSF and KRG-WE) markedly inhibited the viability of RAW264.7 cells, and splenocytes at more than 500 mg/mL significantly suppressed NO production at $100{\mu}g/mL$, diminished mRNA expression of inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and interferon-${\beta}$ at $200{\mu}g/mL$, and completely blocked phagocytic uptake by RAW264.7 cells. All three fractions suppressed luciferase activity triggered by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), but not that triggered by activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-kappa B. Phospho-IRF3 and phospho-TBK1 were simultaneously decreased in KRG-SF. Interestingly, all these fractions, when orally administered, clearly ameliorated the symptoms of gastric ulcer in HCl/ethanol-induced gastritis mice. Conclusion: These results suggest that KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF might have anti-inflammatory properties, mostly because of the suppression of the IRF3 pathway.