Biomedical subjects

Seung-Heon Hong

Publications and source records attributed to Seung-Heon Hong.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Regulatory effect of sense line diet on cholesterol and body weight in mice fed a high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sense line diet (SLD) is a newly developed dietary functional food that is composed of a lot of herbs. The function of SLD is to help control weight. Although it is reported that each herb has effects on lipid metabolism and obesity, these effects are not the same as SLD. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate whether SLD combined with high fat (HF) diet can influence body weight and fat accumulation. METHODS: An experiment was conducted with 40 C57BL/6J mice with an initial body weight of about 16 g. Body weight was recorded every week, plasma levels of triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were analyzed at the end of the study. RESULTS: Weight increases in the 10 or 20% SLD group were significantly less than in the HF diet group (p < 0.05). Plasma triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels were decreased by 52.1 and 34.2% in the 10% SLD group and 15.4 and 15.4% in the 20% SLD group, respectively, compared to the high-fat diet group. HDL cholesterol level was increased by 7.8% in the 10% SLD and by 54.9% in the 20% SLD group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that SLD may be beneficial in the regulation of high-fat-diet-induced blood circulatory disorders as well as overweight.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Madimadi, Korean folk medicine, blocks TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-8 production by activated human immune cells.

Madimadi, a Korean folk medicine, has been applied to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, its mechanisms of action have not been examined. The involvement of inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-8, resulting in local inflammation in the pathogenesis of RA is now widely accepted. Madimadi dose-dependently inhibited TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-8 production from activated human mast cells (HMC-1). RT-PCR revealed inhibition of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta transcription in activated HMC-1. In addition, we confirmed potent inhibition of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta production by Madimadi using purified human blood PBMC from an active RA group, but not from healthy or disease control groups. These novel insights into the immunosuppressive action of Madimadi are likely to impact the clinical use of this agent.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMed2004

Taraxacum officinale induces cytotoxicity through TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha secretion in Hep G2 cells.

Taraxacum officinale (TO) has been frequently used as a remedy for women's disease (e.g. breast and uterus cancer) and disorders of the liver and gallbladder. Several earlier studies have indicated that TO exhibits anti-tumor properties, but its mechanism remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of TO on the cytotoxicity and production of cytokines in human hepatoma cell line, Hep G2. Our results show that TO decreased the cell viability by 26%, and significantly increased the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1alpha production compared with media control (about 1.6-fold for TNF-alpha, and 2.4-fold for IL-1alpha, P < 0.05). Also, TO strongly induced apoptosis of Hep G2 cells as determined by flow cytometry. Increased amounts of TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha contributed to TO-induced apoptosis. Anti-TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha antibodies almost abolished it. These results suggest that TO induces cytotoxicity through TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha secretion in Hep G2 cells.

Apoptosis↗

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

Regulatory effects of cytokine production in atopic allergic reaction by gammi-danguieumja.

Gammi-danguieumja (GD) is clinically used in South Korea for treating atopic dermatitis. However, its effects in experimental models remain unknown. We investigated a possible effect of GD on cytokines production using human T cell line (MOLT-4) or human mast cell line. As a result, GD (0.01 mg/mL)-containing medium in stimulated culture supernatants increased IL-2 and IFN-gamma, and decreased IL-4 secretion in MOLT-4. GD (0.01-1 mg/mL)-containing medium in stimulated culture supernatants dose-dependently and significantly decreased IL-8, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion on the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187-stimulated HMC-1. In addition, GD inhibited histamine release from activated mast cells. These results suggest that GD contributes to the regulation of atopic allergic reactions.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Inhibition of mast cell-dependent immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions by purple bamboo salt.

Purple bamboo salt is a specially processed salt according to the traditional recipe using normal salt and bamboo etc. It has been used as a folk medicine for the purpose of prevention and treatment of various diseases in Korea. This report describes an inhibitory effect of purple bamboo salt on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. Purple bamboo salt (0.01-1 microg per site) significantly inhibited the ear swelling response induced by intradermal injection of compound 48/80 in mice. Purple bamboo salt (0.01-1 mg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) by compound 48/80. Purple bamboo salt (0.01-1 g/kg) also dose-dependently inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) by oral administration. Our results provide evidence that purple bamboo salt will be beneficial in the regulation of immediate-type of allergic reactions.

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

MooPoong (Gye Young Jeong) increases HDL-cholesterol but decreases LDL cholesterol and body-weight.

MooPoong (MP, Gye Young Jeong), a Korean traditional wine, has been used as a prevention and treatment agent of blood circulatory trouble. To evaluate such an effect of MP, we analyzed whether the plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and body weight change after rats were fed on high fat diet with MP for 8 weeks. Plasma LDL cholesterol level decreased by 5.6% in 0.128% MP treated group and by 11.1% in 0.640% MP treated group. However, HDL cholesterol was increased by 6.7% in 0.128% MP diet group and 33.3% in 0.640% MP diet group. In addition, there was a significant weight loss in the MP treated group compared with the high-fat diet group (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that MP may contain compounds with actions which can treat blood circulatory trouble as well as overweight.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed2004

Inhibitory effect of Yunbutang on mast cell-dependent allergic reactions.

Yunbutang (YB) is an Oriental herbal prescription, which has been successfully applied for the treatment of allergic disorders, mainly atopic dermatitis in clinical medicine. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. Here, we report inhibitory effects of YB on mast cell-dependent immediate-type allergic reactions. YB inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80. YB dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from the mast cells activated by compound 48/80. YB also showed an inhibitory effect of anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction by oral administration. Furthermore, YB inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from stimulated mast cells. These findings provide evidence that YB inhibits the mast cell-dependent allergic reactions.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Effect of Boo Yong-Tang on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction.

Boo Yong-Tang (BYT) is an Oriental herbal prescription, which has been clinically applied for treatment of allergic disorders. Here, we report inhibitory effects of BYT on experimental allergic reactions. BYT increased interferon-gamma secretion from MOLT-4 T cells. When BYT (0.01, 0.1, or 1 g/kg) was orally administered for 1 h in mice, compound 48/80-induced ear swelling was significantly reduced. BYT also inhibited the histamine release from the mast cells activated by compound 48/80. In addition, BYT showed an inhibitory effect of anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction. These findings provide evidence that BYT is a potential prescription for the treatment of allergic reaction through down-modulating of mast cell activation.

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

Water extract isolated from Chelidonium majus enhances nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor-alpha production via nuclear factor-kappaB activation in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Chelidonium majus is used to treat several inflammatory diseases and tumours. We have examined the effect of C. majus on nitric oxide (NO) production using mouse peritoneal macrophages. When C. majus was used in combination with recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma, 10 U mL(-1)), there was a marked cooperative induction of NO production. Treatment of rIFN-gamma plus C. majus (1 mgmL(-1)) in macrophages caused a significant increase in tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production. The increased production of NO and TNF-alpha from rIFN-gamma plus C. majus-stimulated cells was almost completely inhibited by nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (100 microM). These findings demonstrated that C. majus increased the production of NO and TNF-alpha by rIFN-gamma-primed macrophages and suggested that NF-kappaB played a critical role in mediating the effects of C. majus.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Herbkines increases physical stamina in mice.

Herbkines has been used for the purpose of development of physical strength. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Herbkines on performance of the forced swimming test (FST) and on blood biochemical parameters related to fatigue: blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase (CK), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose (Glc), and total protein (TP). Herbkines were orally administered to mice, 10 ml/kg, continuously once per day for 2 weeks using a feeding atraumatic needle. After 2 d, on FST, the immobility time was decreased in the Herbkines-fed group (178+/-8.2 s) in comparison with the control group (189+/-22 s); however, the statistical difference was very weak (p=0.596). After 2 weeks, the immobility time was significantly decreased in the Herbkines-fed group (196+/-4.5 s) in comparison with the control group (221+/-6.2 s). In addition, the content of BUN in the blood serum was significantly decreased. However, the levels of CK, LDH, Glc, and TP did not show a significant change. The results predict a potential benefit of Herbkines as an anti-fatigue treatment and for improving physical stamina.

Animals↗

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↗