Biomedical subjects

Yun-Kyung Kim

Publications and source records attributed to Yun-Kyung Kim.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

The immunosuppressive effect of Buchang-tang through inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor activation in MOLT-4 cells.

Buchang-tang (BCT) has been known to suppress inflammatory and autoimmune responses. Accordingly, BCT has been clinically used in Korea as an immunomodulatory oriental medicine. Here, we report on the mechanism of action of BCT in activated MOLT-4 cells by determining the affected signaling pathways. BCT inhibits extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)l/2 and p38 activation but does not interfere with phosphorylation of other mitogen-activated protein kinases, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases 1/2 in MOLT-4 cells. The nuclear localization of nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFATc) was blocked by BCT. Also, degradation of inhibitor kappaB-alpha and transactivation by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB)/Rel A were impaired. Furthermore, interlukin (IL)-2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly diminished by BCT treatment. Our data indicate that BCT inhibits ERK1/2, p38 activation, nuclear translocation of NFATc, and NF-kappaB, resulting in diminished secretion of IL-2.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

PubMed2005

Inhibitory effects of Okbyungpoong-Gamhmi on anaphylactic responses.

We investigated the effect of a herbal formulation Okbyungpoong-Gamhmi (OG) on mast cell-dependent anaphylactic reactions by intra-rectal administration. OG concentration dependently inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylaxis-like response and ear swelling response with doses of 0.01-1g/kg. OG also inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis at the same concentrations. The histamine release induced by compound 48/80 or IgE from the rat peritoneal mast cells was reduced by 64.2 and 63.6%, respectively, at 1g/l. These results provide evidence that intra-rectal therapy of OG may be beneficial in the treatment of anaphylactic response.

Anaphylaxis↗

PubMed2005

Induction of apoptosis by Korean medicine Gagam-whanglyun-haedoktang through activation of caspase-3 in human leukemia cell line, HL-60 cells.

Gagam-whanglyun-haedoktang (GWH) is a newly designed herbal drug formula based on the traditional oriental pharmacological knowledge for the purpose of treating tumorous diseases. Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved suicide program residing in cells. In the present study, apoptosis inducing activities of the decocted water extract of GWH were studied. Results of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that GWH had a strong cytotoxic effect on HL-60 cells. The number of live cells was less than 20% after exposure to 1 mg/ml GWH for 48 h. GWH increased cytotoxicity of HL-60 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The percentage of apoptotic cells by flow cytometric analysis of the DNA-stained cells increased to 28%, 31%, and 37% at 24 h and to 37%, 44%, and 81% at 48 h after treatment with 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/ml GWH, respectively. DNA fragmentation also occurred in apoptosis and was characterized by a ladder pattern on agarose gel. In addition, GWH increased the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. GWH-induced apoptosis was accompanied by activation of caspase-3. These results suggest that GWH induces activation of caspase-3 and eventually leads to apoptosis.

Caspase 3↗

PubMed2005

Candidate genes of cerebral infarction and traditional classification in Koreans with cerebral infarction.

Sasang constitutional medicine is a major branch of Korean traditional Oriental medicine. The differences of disease susceptibility to be shown in Sasang constitution may be due to genetic factors. Therefore, the authors examined relationship between candidate genes of cerebral infarction (CI) and Sasang constitution. The homozygous deletion allele of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE/DD), homozygous threonine allele of the angiotensinogen gene (AGN/TT), and the e4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (ApoE/e4) are reported to be associated with ischemic heart disease. CI is another atherosclerotic disease; and the effects of these polymorphisms on CI have been confusing. This study investigated whether ACE/DD, AGN/TT, and ApoE/e4 genotypes are associated with CI and whether genetic risk is enhanced by Sasang constitutional classification. The authors ascertained these genotypes in patients with CI (N=211), diagnosed by brain computed tomography. Control subjects for the infarction group were randomly selected from 319 subjects matched for age, sex, and history of hypertension with patients. The ACE/DD genotype was not associated with CI. However, there was significant association between ApoE polymorphism and CI (chi2=15.089, p<.05). Furthermore, frequency of AGN/TT genotype was higher in the patients with CI than in the controls (chi2=20.072, p<.05). The frequency of T allele was 0.91 in patients and 0.82 in controls (chi2=17.237, p<.05). However, Sasang constitutional classification did not increase the relative risk for CI in the subjects with ApoE/e4 or AGN/T allele. These results suggest that ApoE and AGN polymorphism predict CI, but Sasang constitutional classification does not enhance the risk for CI associated with ApoE/e4 or AGN/TT in a Korean population.

Angiotensinogen↗

PubMed2005

Human metapneumovirus-associated lower respiratory tract infections in korean infants and young children.

To define the role of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in previously healthy Korean children, a retrospective study was done on 166 children with lower respiratory tract infections and on their stored nasal aspirates. The hMPV gene was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Twenty-six of 166 individuals tested positive for hMPV. The clinical diagnoses of hMPV infection were pneumonia in 15 children and bronchiolitis in 11 children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Reductive effect of body weight in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet by Saesaengmyung Diet.

The Saesaengmyung Diet (SD) is a newly developed dietary product to help control weight. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether SD combined with a high-fat (HF) diet could influence body weight, fat accumulation, and glucose levels in blood. C57BL/6J mice were fed for 8 weeks with a standard diet, an HF diet, and an HF + 10% or HF + 20% SD diet. Body weight was recorded weekly, and plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and glucose were analyzed at the end of the study. Weight increases in the 10% or 20% SD group were significantly less than in the HF diet group (p < 0.05). Plasma total cholesterol level significantly decreased by 33.5% in the 10% SD group and 38.8% in the 20% SD group, but the LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and glucose levels in the SD groups were not significantly changed. Our findings indicate that SD may be beneficial to overweight individuals in the reduction of weight gain induced by an HF diet.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed2004

Cheongyeolsaseuptang inhibits production of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 as well as NF-kappa B activation in human mast cells.

Traditional Korean medicine, Cheongyeolsaseuptang (CYSST) has been widely applied as a treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Korea. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. Recent reports suggest that in patients with RA, synovial mast cells increase in number and show signs of activation and production of cytokines. In this study, we investigated the effect of CYSST on production of cytokines by activated human mast cell line, HMC-1. When CYSST (1mg/ml) was added, the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 was significantly inhibited about 37, 33.6, and 48%, respectively on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated HMC-1 cells. In addition, CYSST inhibited PMA plus A23187-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappaB. These findings may help understanding the mechanism of action of this medicine leading to control activated mast cells on inflammatory condition like RA.

Cell Line↗

PubMed2004

Doxycycline inducible expression of SERCA2a improves calcium handling and reverts cardiac dysfunction in pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Delayed cardiac relaxation in failing hearts has been attributed to reduced activity and/or expression of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a). Although constitutive overexpression of SERCA2a has proven effective in preventing cardiac dysfunction, it is unclear whether increasing SERCA2a expression in hearts with preexisting hypertrophy will be therapeutic. To test this hypothesis, we generated a binary transgenic (BTG) system that allows tetracycline-inducible, cardiac-specific SERCA2a expression. In this system (tet-on SERCA2a), a FLAG-tagged SERCA2a transgene is expressed in the presence of doxycycline (Dox) but not in the absence of Dox (2.3-fold more mRNA, 45% more SERCA2a protein). Calcium transients measured in isolated cardiac myocytes from nonbanded Dox-treated BTG mice showed an accelerated calcium decline and an increased systolic Ca2+ peak. Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium loading was increased by 45% in BTG mice. In the presence of pressure overload (aortic banding), echocardiographic analysis revealed that expression of SERCA2a-FLAG caused an improvement in fractional shortening. SERCA2a-FLAG expression alleviated the resultant cardiac dysfunction. This was illustrated by an increase in the rate of decline of the calcium transient. Cell shortening and SR calcium loading were also improved in cardiac myocytes isolated from banded BTG mice after SERCA2a overexpression. In conclusion, we generated a novel transgenic mouse that conditionally overexpresses SERCA2a. This model is suitable for both long- and short-term studies of the effects of controlled SERCA2a expression on cardiac function. In addition, inducible overexpression of SERCA2a improved cardiac function and calcium handling in mice with established contractile dysfunction.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Xanthii fructus inhibits inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Xanthii Fructus (XF) is an herb widely used in medicine for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory pathologies. In this study, using mouse peritoneal macrophages, we have examined whether XF affects nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interleukin (IL)-12p40 production induced by interferon (IFN)-gamma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). XF inhibits IFN-gamma and LPS-induced NO production in a dose dependent manner. The decrease in NO synthesis was reflected as a decreased amount of inducible NO synthase protein. Furthermore, we also found that XF inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha production. However, treatment of XF in peritoneal macrophages had no effect on IL-12p40 production. These findings suggest that XF may be used in controlling macrophages-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Effect of Powerdental on caries-inducing properties of Streptococcus mutans and TNF-alpha secretion from HMC-1 cells.

We studied the inhibitory effect of Powerdental on the growth and acid production of Streptococcus mutans as well as secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The growth of Streptococcus mutans was reduced by the presence of the Powerdental (1 mg/ml) and NaCl (1 mg/ml) significantly, and the positive control group (1% NaF) also exhibited a significant antibacterial activity. The decrease of pH was significantly inhibited in the presence of Powerdental (1 mg/ml) compared to the control group. The decrease in pH was also inhibited in the presence of positive control (1% NaF), but the bamboo salt alone did not show inhibitory activity. We also found that Powerdental (0.01 mg/ml) inhibited significantly the secretion of TNF-alpha with 46.5+/-0.2% from human mast cells. Our results suggest that Powerdental contributes to the prevention or treatment of periodontitis and other oral diseases or inflammatory diseases.

Acids↗

PubMed2004

Differential regulation by Seogak Jihwang-Tang on cytokines production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the cerebral infarction patients presenting with altered consciousness.

Seogak Jihwang-Tang (SJT) has been widely used to treat patients suffering from cerebral infarction. However, very little scientific investigation has been carried out. We investigated the effect of SJT on the production of various cytokines using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the cerebral infarction patients presenting with altered consciousness. The cytokines production was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The amount of IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-beta1 in culture supernatant significantly increased in the SJT, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or PHA-treated cells compared to unstimulated cells (P < 0.05). We also showed that increased IL-4 and IL-10 levels by LPS or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) were significantly inhibited by SJT in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal inhibition rate of IL-4 and IL-10 production by SJT was 45.6 +/- 3.3% and 61 +/- 4.7% for LPS-stimulated cells and 27.3 +/- 1.2% and 83.6 +/- 2% for PHA-stimulated cells, respectively (P < 0.05). On the other hand, SJT significantly increased the LPS or PHA-induced TGF-beta1 production (P < 0.05). These data suggest that SJT has a regulatory effect on the cytokines production, which might explain its beneficial effect in the treatment of cerebral infarction.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed2004

Decrease of immobility behavior in forced-swimming test and immune system enhancing effect of traditional medicine Gamisipjundaebo-tang.

Gamisipjundaebo-tang (GSDBT) has been used for the purpose of development of physical strength. In the present study, we investigated the immune enhancing effect induced by GSDBT. We investigated the anti-immobility effect of GSDBT via a forced-swimming test and blood biochemical parameters related to fatigue, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, lactic dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and total protein. GSDBT (0.1 and 1 g/kg) was orally administered to mice for 14 days. After 7 and 14 days, as assessed through a forced-swimming test, immobility time was decreased in the GSDBT-administrated group (0.1 and 1 g/kg) in comparison with the control group. In addition, after 8 days, the contents of glucose and lactate dehydrogenase in the blood serum were increased, and contents of blood urea nitrogen were decreased in the GSDBT-administrated group. After 15 days, the contents of glucose were increased, and the contents of lactate dehydrogenase and blood urea nitrogen were decreased in the GSDBT-administrated group. However, it had no effect on the elevation of creatine kinase and total protein level. We also investigated the effect of GSDBT on the production of cytokines in human T-cell line, MOLT-4 cells, and splenocytes. GSDBT significantly increased interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-2 levels compared with the media control but did not affect IL-4. GSDBT increased the protein expression of IFN-gamma in MOLT-4 cells. These results suggest that GSDBT may be useful in immune function improvement and may also have antifatigue properties.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Interleukin-1 beta gene polymorphism related with allergic pathogenesis in Iris constitution.

Iridological constitution has a strong familial aggregation and is implicated in heredity. The aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease is still unknown. However, from genetic epidemiological studies there is considerable evidence that genetic factors are associated with both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. We investigated the relationships between Iridological constitution and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) gene polymorphism. IL-1beta is a major proinflammatiry cytokine, and the polymorphisms of this gene have been shown to be of importance in a number of diseases. Especially, IL-1 has been suspected of involvement in allergic pathogenesis. Also, IL-1beta genotype is one of the genetic markers of gastric cancer. Therefore, we classified 166 individuals according to Iris constitution, and determined IL-1beta genotype. The frequencies of Iris constitutions as follows: neurogenic type, 41 (24.7%); abdominal connective tissue weakness type, 53 (31.9%); cardio-renal connective tissue weakness type, 50 (30.1%); the others type, 22 (13.3%). Especially, the frequency of abdominal connective tissue weakness type was higher in C/T genotype than in the remaining constitutions although the statistical power was very weak. Furthermore, we first attempted to explore possible involvement of the IL-1beta polymorphism and the Iris constitution.

Complementary Therapies↗

PubMed2004

Association between iris constitution and apolipoprotein e gene polymorphism in hypertensives.

OBJECTIVE: Iridology is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that involves the diagnosis of medical conditions by noting irregularities of the pigmentation in the iris. Iris constitution has a strong familial aggregation and heredity is implicated. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene polymorphism is one of the most well-studied genetic markers for vascular diseases, including hypertension. In this study, we investigated the relationship between iris constitution and apoE polymorphism in hypertensives. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: We classified 87 hypertensives and 79 controls according to iris constitution and determined the apoE genotype of each individual. RESULTS: A significantly higher percentage of individuals with neurogenic constitutions was found in the hypertensive group when compared with the control group (chi(2) = 40.244, p < 0.001). In addition, a neurogenic constitution increased the relative risk for hypertension for subjects with an apo epsilon2 or an epsilon4 allele (chi(2) = 4.086, p = 0.049, odds ratio = 2.633, confidence interval = 1.004-6.905). CONCLUSIONS: Our results imply that a neurogenic iris constitution enhances the relative risk for hypertension in subjects with the apo epsilon2 or epsilon4 allele. Furthermore, we attempted to evaluate the efficacy of iris constitutional medicine and to find an association with hypertension.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

High prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing strains among blood isolates of Enterobacter spp. collected in a tertiary hospital during an 8-year period and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.

Of 72 blood isolates of Enterobacter spp. collected over an 8-year period, 50% (36 of 72) were derepressed or partially derepressed AmpC mutants. The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production rate was 43% (31 of 72 isolates), and 67.3% (31 of 46) of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant strains produced ESBLs. Thus, a confirmatory test for ESBL production is necessary for extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacter spp.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

PubMed2004

Regulatory effect of dosiinpartner on high-fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice.

Dosiinpartner (DSP) is a newly developed dietary functional food to help control weight. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether DSP combined with a high-fat (HF) diet could influence body weight, fat accumulation, and plasma glucose levels. Mice were fed for 8 weeks with normal diet, HF diet, and HF+10% or 20% DSP diet. Body weight was recorded at 1 week, and plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and glucose were analyzed at the end of the study. Weight increases in the 10% or 20% DSP group were significantly less than in the HF diet group (p<0.05). Plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels decreased by 48.3% and 26.8% in the 10% DSP group and by 42.9% and 34.9% in the 20% DSP group, respectively. However, the HDL cholesterol level was unchanged. Glucose levels also decreased by 80.6% in the 10% DSP group but was almost the same in the HF and 20% DSP groups. Our findings indicate that DSP may be beneficial in the regulation of high-fat diet-induced overweight and other complications such as circulatory disorders and diabetes mellitus.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Rubus croceacanthus Leveille inhibits mast cell-mediated anaphylactic-like reaction and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion.

This work aims at examining the effect of the concentrated methanol extract of Rubus croceacanthus Leveille (RCL) on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic-like reaction in a murine model. RCL inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic-like reaction. When RCL was given as pre-treatment at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1 mg/ml, the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80 or anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE) was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. RCL also inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti-DNP IgE. In addition, RCL inhibited phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from human mast cell line HMC-1 cells. These results indicate that RCL may possess a strong anti-anaphylactic activity.

Anaphylaxis↗

PubMed2004

Immune-enhancing effect of the Korean natural medicine WooKiEum.

WooKiEum (WKE) has been used for the purpose of the development of increased immune-system strength in Korea. In the present study, we examined the anti-immobility effect of WKE on the forced swimming test (FST), and then measured blood biochemical parameters related to fatigue: glucose (Glc), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, and total protein (TP). WKE (0.1, 1 g/kg) was administered orally to mice for 7 d. After 2 d, the immobility time was decreased in the WKE-administered group. After 7 d, the immobility time was significantly decreased in the WKE-administered group (64.6+/-9.0 s for 0.1 g/kg) in comparison with the control group (101.3+/-32.7 s). In addition, amount of Glc in the blood serum was increased, whereas the contents of BUN, LDH and TP decreased in the WKE-administered group. Next, we investigated the effect of WKE on the production of cytokines in a human T-cell line, MOLT-4 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages. WKE (1 mg/ml) significantly increased interferon (IFN)-gamma and TNF-alpha production compared with the media control (about 2.2-fold for IFN-gamma, about 1.7-fold for TNF-alpha, p<0.05) after 24 h. WKE increased the protein expression of IFN-gamma in MOLT-4 cells. These results suggest that WKE may be useful in immune function improvement.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗