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Ha-Jung Kim,
Young-Joon Kim,
Seung-Hwa Lee,
Mi-Jin Kang,
Ho-Sung Yu,
Young-Ho Jung,
Eun Lee,
Ju-Hee Seo, Ji-Won Kwon,
Byoung-Ju Kim,
Jinho Yu,
Hee-Myung Park,
Soo-Jong Hong
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ABSTRACT: AIM: This study was designed to investigate whether the protective effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lcr35) on allergic asthma are associated with the adoptive transfer of dendritic cells (DCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), using a mouse experimental model of asthma. METHODS AND RESULTS: BALB/c mice were orally administered Lcr35 or intravenously treated with in vivo Lcr35-treated DCs daily, and were then sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) in accordance with a model of asthma protocol. Both the oral application of Lcr35 and intravenous administration of Lcr35-treated DCs suppressed all aspects of the asthmatic response, including bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), total cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, the production of OVA-specificimmunoglobulin E (IgE), and pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation. The mechanism of action of Lcr35 is related to Tregs which suppress the Th2 response in the respiratory organs and this is mediated by DCs in the mouse model of asthma. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that the mechanism underlying the effects of Lcr35 on asthma involves the adoptive transfer of DCs SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This finding broadens the possibility that Lcr35 has potential as an alternative therapeutic approach to the treatment of human asthma. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Journal of Applied Microbiology 06/2013; · 2.34 Impact Factor
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Sung Han Kang,
Young-Ho Jung,
Hyung Young Kim,
Ju-Hee Seo,
Jung-Yong Lee, Ji-Won Kwon,
Byoung-Ju Kim,
Hyo Bin Kim,
So Yeon Lee,
Gwang Cheon Jang,
Dae Jin Song,
Woo-Kyung Kim,
Jung Yeon Shim,
Jae-Hee Kim,
Mi-Jin Kang,
Ho-Sung Yu,
Jinho Yu,
Soo-Jong Hong
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ABSTRACT: Recent studies have identified an increase in the prevalence of asthma associated with paracetamol use.
To identify the relationship among asthma, biomarkers, genes, and paracetamol use in preschool children.
We undertook a population-based, cross-sectional survey of 933 preschool children. Asthma status was classified according to medical history and asthmatic symptoms. History of paracetamol use in infancy was recorded. Impulse oscillometry, blood tests for eosinophils and total IgE, and genotyping of NAT2, Nrf2, and GSTP1 polymorphisms by TaqMan assay were conducted.
Paracetamol use in infancy was associated with an increased risk of treatment for asthma within the previous 12 months. Paracetamol use together with a family history of asthma increased the risk of asthma diagnosis ever, current asthma, and treatment for asthma within the previous 12 months. Gene polymorphisms in NAT2 (rs4271002), Nrf2 (rd6726395), and GSTP1 (rd1695) increased the risk of treatment for asthma within the last 12 months. Eosinophils were significantly elevated in the group with paracetamol use and a family history of asthma; however, the serum total IgE level and IOS did not show any significant difference.
Paracetamol use in infancy was significantly associated with increased risk of asthma. The association is more significant in genetically susceptible children, related to antioxidant genes, and the effect may be mediated by eosinophilic inflammation.
Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology: official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology 05/2013; 110(5):364-369.e1. · 2.83 Impact Factor
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Eun-Jin Kim, Ji-Won Kwon,
Yeon-Mi Lim,
Dankyu Yoon,
Joo-Hee Seo,
Woo-Sung Chang,
Hyung-Young Kim,
Jung-Won Park,
Sang-Heon Cho,
Soo-Jong Hong,
Joo-Shil Lee
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ABSTRACT: Childhood allergies are a serious problem, as they may lead to lifetime chronic disease. Determination of total and specific IgE levels is known to be a diagnostic tool for allergic sensitization; however, IgE levels are affected by various factors, such as age, sex, ethnicity, and geographic area. Thus, we evaluated the distribution of total and specific serum IgE levels against seven inhalant allergens in preschool children and examined their association with allergic diseases in Seoul, Korea.
Total/specific serum IgE determination and skin prick tests for seven common allergens were performed on 509 children aged 3 to 6 years from 16 child care centers in Seoul, Korea. Demographic characteristics were surveyed from parents using a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. A diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was made by physicians.
The geometric mean of total IgE was 80.48±3.80 kU/L in preschool children. IgE levels were higher in boys (boys, 102.34±3.52 kU/L; girls, 62.37±3.93 kU/L; P<0.001) and atopic subjects (atopic, 158.00±3.35 kU/L; non-atopic, 52.75±3.44 kU/L; P<0.001). An increased prevalence of atopy was associated with a high monthly household income (P=0.004) and higher maternal education level (above university-level education; P=0.009), as well as increased total IgE levels (P=0.036). Physician-diagnosed atopic dermatitis was associated with sensitization to inhalant allergens.
Total IgE levels were very high as compared with those in previous reports from other countries. The most common sensitized allergen was Dermatophagoides farinae, and the positive response rate peaked at age 3 years and was maintained thereafter, particularly in boys. Specific IgE levels for seven inhalant allergens varied with age in preschool children. Although further investigations are needed with a broad range of ages and various allergens, the distribution of the total and specific serum IgE levels in preschool children might help to serve as a reference value to diagnose atopy.
Allergy, asthma & immunology research 05/2013; 5(3):162-9. · 1.91 Impact Factor
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Youn Ho Shin,
Suk-Joo Choi,
Kyung Won Kim,
Jinho Yu,
Kang Mo Ahn,
Hyung Young Kim,
Ju-Hee Seo, Ji-Won Kwon,
Byoung-Ju Kim,
Hyo-Bin Kim, [......],
Dae Jin Song,
So-Yeon Lee,
Soo Young Lee,
Gwang Cheon Jang,
Ja-Young Kwon,
Kyung-Ju Lee,
Hee Jin Park,
Pil Ryang Lee,
Hye-Sung Won,
Soo-Jong Hong
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ABSTRACT: Previous studies suggest that maternal characteristics may be associated with neonatal outcomes. However, the influence of maternal characteristics on birth weight (BW) has not been adequately determined in Korean populations. We investigated associations between maternal characteristics and BW in a sample of 813 Korean women living in the Seoul metropolitan area, Korea recruited using data from the prospective hospital-based COhort for Childhood Origin of Asthma and allergic diseases (COCOA) between 2007 and 2011. The mean maternal age at delivery was 32.3 ± 3.5 yr and prepregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) was 20.7 ± 2.5 kg/m(2). The mean BW of infant was 3,196 ± 406 g. The overall prevalence of a maternal history of allergic disease was 32.9% and the overall prevalence of allergic symptoms was 65.1%. In multivariate regression models, prepregnancy maternal BMI and gestational age at delivery were positively and a maternal history of allergic disease and nulliparity were negatively associated with BW (all P < 0.05). Presence of allergic symptoms in the mother was not associated with BW. In conclusion, prepregnancy maternal BMI, gestational age at delivery, a maternal history of allergic disease, and nulliparity may be associated with BW, respectively.
Journal of Korean medical science 04/2013; 28(4):580-5. · 0.84 Impact Factor
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Ju-Hee Seo,
Sung-Ok Kwon,
So-Yeon Lee,
Hyung Young Kim, Ji-Won Kwon,
Byoung-Ju Kim,
Jinho Yu,
Hyo-Bin Kim,
Woo Kyung Kim,
Gwang Cheon Jang,
Dae Jin Song,
Jung Yeon Shim,
Se-Young Oh,
Soo-Jong Hong
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ABSTRACT: The prevalence of allergic diseases has risen over the last few decades. Many factors, including environmental factors such as those related to diet, have been considered. Among dietary factors, intake of antioxidant-related nutrients has been associated with the risk of allergic disease. We investigated the association of antioxidant nutritional status with allergic rhinitis (AR) in Korean schoolchildren aged 6-12 years.
Subjects were 4,554 children in Seoul, Korea. The risk of allergic disease was measured using the Korean version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, and dietary intake was measured by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Intake of vitamins A (including retinol and β-carotene), C, and E was used in the analysis.
Vitamin C intake was negatively associated with an increased risk of current symptoms (adjusted odds ratio, 0.886; 95% confidence interval, 0.806-0.973). There was no association between AR and intake of vitamin A, retinol, β-carotene, or vitamin E. Total serum IgE level and sensitization to allergen did not differ according to nutrient intake.
The group of children with increased vitamin C consumption had fewer AR symptoms, despite the lack of a difference in total serum IgE level or allergen sensitization. These findings suggest that nutrient intake, especially that of vitamin C, influences AR symptoms.
Allergy, asthma & immunology research 03/2013; 5(2):81-7. · 1.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE:: To determine the efficacy and safety of argon laser photocoagulation of pinguecula by evaluating 1-year outcomes. METHODS:: Twenty-one eyes of 15 patients treated with argon laser photocoagulation (photocoagulation group) and 23 eyes of 16 patients treated with surgical excision (excision group) were retrospectively reviewed. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated by patient's self-report on a 5-grade scale (excellent, good, acceptable, poor, and very poor), and evaluation of treatment outcome was based on objective findings of anterior segment photography and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. RESULTS:: Overall cosmetic results were excellent or good in 90.5% of laser-treated cases and 78.6% of surgically treated cases. There was no significant difference in cosmetic outcome (P = 0.15). Nineteen (90.5%) and 17 (63.9%) cases demonstrated complete removal of pingueculae after laser photocoagulation and surgical excision, respectively. The anatomic outcome was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = 0.25). Subconjunctival hemorrhage and conjunctival scarring with an irregular surface occurred less frequently in the photocoagulation group than in the excision group [34.8% vs. 0% (P = 0.003) and 30.4% vs. 4.8% (P = 0.048), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS:: Argon laser photocoagulation is an effective and safe method for removing a pinguecula for cosmetic purposes. The method facilitates control of the extent and depth of removal and thus minimizes conjunctival defects and other complications.
Cornea 02/2013; · 1.73 Impact Factor
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Hyeon-Jong Yang,
Hwa-Jung Kim,
Jinho Yu,
Eun Lee,
Young-Ho Jung,
Hyung-Young Kim,
Ju-Hee Seo,
Geun-Yong Kwon,
Ji-Hyuk Park,
Jin Gwack, [......],
Kangmo Ahn,
Soo-Young Lee,
June-Dong Park, Ji-Won Kwon,
Byoung-Ju Kim,
Moo-Song Lee,
Kyung-Hyun Do,
Se-Jin Jang,
Bok-Yang Pyun,
Soo-Jong Hong
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ABSTRACT: The occurrence of numerous cases of interstitial lung disease in children (chILD) every spring in Korea starting in 2006 raised suspicion about a causal relationship with the use of humidifier disinfectants (HDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between HD use and the risk of chILD.
This retrospective, 1∶3 matched case-control study consisted of 16 cases of chILD that had developed between 2010 and 2011. The three groups of parallel controls (patients with acute lobar pneumonia, asthma, and healthy children) were matched by age, gender, and index date. Indoor/outdoor environmental risk factors, including HD use, were investigated by asking the guardians to complete a questionnaire.
The median age of the affected children (43.8% male) was 26 months (18.25-36.25). The chILD group did not differ significantly from the control groups with respect to socio-demographic and clinical variables. Indoor and outdoor environmental factors were not associated with a risk of chILD. However, the previous use of HDs (OR; 2.73. 95% CI; 1.41-5.90, P = 0.00) were independently associated with an increased risk.
This study showed that HDs, which are widely used in South Korea in the winter season, independently increased the risk of chILD in spring. Therefore, continuous monitoring and, if needed, changes in policy are essential to prevent and control pediatric diseases caused by toxic chemicals.
PLoS ONE 01/2013; 8(6):e64430. · 4.09 Impact Factor
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Mi-Ae Oh,
Jung Yeon Shim,
Young-Ho Jung,
Ju-Hee Seo,
Hyung Young Kim, Ji-Won Kwon,
Byoung-Ju Kim,
Hyo Bin Kim,
Woo Kyung Kim,
So-Yeon Lee,
Gwang Cheon Jang,
Dae Jin Song,
Ha-Jung Kim,
Yee-Jin Shin,
Jung-Won Park,
Sang-Heon Cho,
Joo-Shil Lee,
Soo-Jong Hong
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic lower airway inflammatory disease. Nitric oxide is an inflammatory mediator produced endogenously in the airway. Previous studies have demonstrated that the fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is increased in asthma. OBJECTIVES: To investigate if FeNO concentrations were correlated with wheezing phenotypes in preschool children and to compare the FeNO results with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and pulmonary function test (PFT) results. METHODS: We performed skin prick tests, methacholine provocation tests, PFT, impulse oscillometry bronchodilator response (IOS BDR) tests, and FeNO measurements in 372 preschool children between the ages of 4 and 6 years. Wheezing phenotypes were defined according to the age of onset and persistency. RESULTS: Persistent wheezers had higher FeNO levels than transient wheezers and non-wheezers. Among persistent wheezers, those with atopy and AHR had significantly higher FeNO levels than those without atopy or AHR. FeNO levels were significantly higher in late-onset wheezers than early-onset wheezers and non-wheezers. Among late-onset wheezers, those with atopy and AHR had a significantly higher FeNO concentration than those without atopy or AHR as well as those with either atopy or AHR. However, there were no significant differences in AHR, PFT, or IOS BDR between persistent and transient wheezers or between late-onset wheezers and early-onset wheezers. CONCLUSION: FeNO may be a better marker for asthma phenotypes in preschool children than AHR and PFT results. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pediatric Pulmonology 11/2012; · 2.53 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is typically measured by bronchial challenge tests that employ direct stimulation by methacholine or indirect stimulation by adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP). Some studies have shown that the AMP challenge test provides a better reflection of airway inflammation, but few studies have examined the relationship between the AMP and methacholine challenge tests in children with asthma. We investigated the relationship between AMP and methacholine testing in children and adolescents with atopic asthma.
The medical records of 130 children with atopic asthma (mean age, 10.63 years) were reviewed retrospectively. Methacholine and AMP test results, spirometry, skin prick test results, and blood tests for inflammatory markers (total IgE, eosinophils [total count, percent of white blood cells]) were analyzed.
The concentration of AMP that induces a 20% decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] (PC20) of methacholine correlated with the PC20 of AMP (r(2)=0.189, P<0.001). No significant differences were observed in the levels of inflammatory markers (total eosinophil count, eosinophil percentage, and total IgE) between groups that were positive and negative for BHR to methacholine. However, significant differences in inflammatory markers were observed in groups that were positive and negative for BHR to AMP (log total eosinophil count, P=0.023; log total IgE, P=0.020, eosinophil percentage, P<0.001). In contrast, body mass index (BMI) was significantly different in the methacholine positive and negative groups (P=0.027), but not in the AMP positive and negative groups (P=0.62). The PC20 of methacholine correlated with FEV1, FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), and maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) (P=0.001, 0.011, 0.001, respectively), and the PC20 of AMP correlated with FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and MMEF (P=0.008, 0.046, 0.001, respectively).
Our results suggest that the AMP and methacholine challenge test results correlated well with respect to determining BHR. The BHR to AMP more likely implicated airway inflammation in children with atopic asthma. In contrast, the BHR to methacholine was related to BMI.
Allergy, asthma & immunology research 11/2012; 4(6):341-5. · 1.91 Impact Factor
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Hyo-Bin Kim,
Kang Mo Ahn,
Kyung Won Kim,
Youn Ho Shin,
Jinho Yu,
Ju-Hee Seo,
Hyung Young Kim, Ji-Won Kwon,
Byoung-Ju Kim,
Ja-Young Kwon,
Suk-Joo Choi,
Kyung-Ju Lee,
Hee Jin Park,
Hye-Sung Won,
Soo-Jong Hong
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ABSTRACT: Since the risk of developing allergic disease increases in individuals exposed to allergens previously, even during the neonatal period, the immunologic status of a fetus may be important in the subsequent development of allergy. We evaluated the fetal factors to predict atopic dermatitis (AD) at 12 months in 412 infants of a COhort for Childhood Origin of Asthma and Allergic Diseases (COCOA) in the general Korean population. Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) were stimulated with ovalbumin and phytohemagglutinin and cellular proliferative response and concentrations of interleukin-13 and interferon-γ, were measured. The risk of developing AD was greater in boys than girls (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.26-3.09), infants delivered by cesarean section than vaginally (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.14-3.26) and infants with than without parental history of AD (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.29-4.24). The CBMC proliferative response to phytohemagglutinin stimulation was higher in infants with than without AD (P = 0.048), but no difference was observed in ovalbumin-stimulated cells (P = 0.771). Risk factors for the development of AD at 12 months include male gender, delivery by cesarean section and parental history of AD. Increased CBMC proliferative response to phytohemagglutinin stimulation may predict the development of AD at 12 months.
Journal of Korean medical science 11/2012; 27(11):1320-6. · 0.84 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the levels of satisfaction among physicians who have undergone corneal refractive surgery.
This study included 212 eyes of 107 consecutive patients who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis or laser sub-epithelial keratomileusis surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: one group of physicians and one group of other healthcare workers (HCWs). The physicians' group was also subdivided into two different groups: surgeons or doctors using microscopes and medical physicians. The main outcome measures were scale scores obtained by using the Visual Function Index-14 questionnaires; uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), residual spherical equivalent (SE), optical zone diameter, and residual corneal thickness were also compared between the groups.
No significant differences in preoperative parameters, with the exception of the ratio of types of refractive surgery, were noted between the physicians and the HCWs group. Additionally, no differences between the groups were noted in the postoperative UDVA, residual SE, optical zone diameter, residual corneal thickness, and level of satisfaction. When comparing the two subgroups of physicians, the differences in satisfaction rates were not statistically significant, even in terms of the performance of delicate manual work.
No statistically significant differences in the clinical outcomes and satisfaction scores were detected after surgery between the physicians and HCWs groups, nor were any significant differences detected between the surgeons and medical physicians groups. Corneal refractive surgery can conceivably be recommended even for physicians who perform intensive near vision-dependent activities and delicate operations.
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 10/2012; 26(5):331-8.
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Jung-Yong Lee,
Ju-Hee Seo,
Hyung Young Kim,
Young Ho Jung, Ji-Won Kwon,
Byoung-Ju Kim,
Hyo Bin Kim,
So-Yeon Lee,
Gwang Cheon Jang,
Dae Jin Song,
Woo Kyung Kim,
Jung Yeon Shim,
Ha-Jung Kim,
Yee-Jin Shin,
Jung-Won Park,
Sang-Heon Cho,
Joo-Shil Lee,
Soo-Jong Hong
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ABSTRACT: Aims. The aims of this study were (1) to determine the reference values for impulse oscillometry (IOS) and (2) to apply them to the evaluation of asthma in the general population of young Korean children. Methods. We performed a questionnaire survey and IOS measurements in 390 children aged 3-7 years in Seoul and Gyeonggi province, Korea, from July to August 2010. IOS measurements included respiratory resistance (Rrs) and respiratory reactance (Xrs) at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 35 Hz, respiratory impedance (Zrs), and resonance frequency (RF) before and 15 min after inhalation of 200 μg salbutamol. To determine the reference values for IOS, 161 children defined as healthy controls were assessed. Results. The IOS measurements were presented as means and standard deviations. The reference equations for IOS variables were determined by multiple linear regression analysis taking into account their height, weight, and age (R5 = 2.242 - 0.008 × height (cm) - 0.005 × age (months), coefficients of determination (R(2)) = 0.213). Height had the greatest correlation with IOS variables, similar to previous studies. Positive airway obstruction was defined as R5 greater than the 95th percentile of predicted R5 from the reference equation. There was a higher percentage of children with positive airway obstruction in children with asthma than in healthy controls (27.3% vs. 6.2%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that positive airway obstruction was a significant risk factor for the diagnosis of asthma (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 6.245; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.270-17.175). Conclusion. This study provided reference values for IOS in young Korean children and applied the reference values to evaluate children with asthma. We suggest the 95th percentile of predicted R5 as a cut-off value for positive airway obstruction, which may increase the risk for diagnosis of asthma.
Journal of Asthma 09/2012; 49(8):811-6. · 1.52 Impact Factor
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Woo Kyung Kim, Ji-Won Kwon,
Ju-Hee Seo,
Hyung Young Kim,
Jinho Yu,
Byoung-Ju Kim,
Hyo-Bin Kim,
So Yeon Lee,
Kyung Won Kim,
Mi-Jin Kang,
Yee-Jin Shin,
Soo-Jong Hong
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ABSTRACT: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) is increasing worldwide. Allergic diseases develop in susceptible subjects when they are exposed to specific environmental factors.
We analyzed changes in the prevalence of AR and identified genetic and environmental factors in early childhood that affect risk.
We used the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire to collect data on AR, allergies, and environmental exposures from 4554 elementary school students from 5 areas of Seoul, Korea, in 2008. We also obtained DNA from 1050 subjects from 1 area of Seoul for genotype analysis of IL13.
We identified genetic and environmental factors during infancy and early childhood that increased the risk for current AR (resulting in a diagnosis of AR and AR symptoms in the past 12 months) in elementary school-aged children. These included allergic disease in parents and antibiotic use in infants, allergic disease in parents and exposure of infants to mold, and allergic disease in parents and moving an infant to a newly built house. The risk of current AR also increased in subjects with GA or AA at nucleotide 2044 in IL13 who had been exposed to mold in the home during infancy (adjusted odds ratio, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.75-6.11) compared with subjects who had GG at this position and had not been exposed to mold (adjusted odds ratio, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.75-6.11).
The prevalence of AR is increasing in Korean children. Children with a family history of allergic disease and exposure to specific environmental risk factors during infancy are more likely to have AR. Children with GA or AA at IL13(+2044) are at increased risk for AR when exposed to mold in the home during the first year of life.
The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 08/2012; 130(2):421-6.e5. · 9.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Probiotic bacteria can induce immune regulation or immune tolerance in allergic diseases. The underlying mechanisms have been recently investigated, but are still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lcr35) in a mouse model of asthma and to identify its mechanism of action.
Lcr35 was administered daily by the oral route at a dosage of 1×10(9) CFU/mouse in BALB/c mice for 7 days before the first sensitization. Clinical parameters and regulatory T (Treg) cells were examined. The role of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Treg cells was analyzed using a Treg cell-depleting anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (mAb).
Airway hyperresponsiveness, total IgE production, pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation, and splenic lymphocyte proliferation were suppressed after Lcr35 treatment. Th1 (IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) cytokines in the serum were suppressed, and the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Treg cells in the spleen was significantly increased in the Lcr35 treatment group. Anti-CD25 mAb administration abolished the protective effects of Lcr35, indicating that CD4(+) CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Treg cells are essential in mediating the activity of Lcr35.
Oral administration of Lcr35 attenuated the features of allergic asthma in a mouse model and induced immune regulation by a CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Treg cell-mediated mechanism.
Allergy, asthma & immunology research 05/2012; 4(3):150-6. · 1.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To investigate associations between total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from eight candidate genes (IL-4 rs2243250, IL-4Rα rs1805010, IL-13 rs20541, IL-13Rα1 rs2495636, CD14 rs2569190, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) rs1800629, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA4) rs231775, FCER1B rs1441585) in children with asthma and to evaluate gene-gene interactions.
A total of 669 Korean children with asthma (n = 544 atopic n = 125 non-atopic) were included. Asthma phenotypes, total serum IgE levels, and methacholine challenge test results were evaluated. SNPs were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) method. Multi-factor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was used to analyze gene-gene interactions.
The combination of the IL-13, IL-13Rα1, and CTLA4 polymorphisms was selected through MDR analysis of the data pertaining to children with atopic and non-atopic asthma (accuracy = 0.5459, cross validation consistency (CVC) = 10/10). The IL-4Rα, IL-13, IL-13Rα1, CD14, and CTLA4 polymorphisms were selected as the best model of increased total serum IgE levels in non-atopic and atopic asthma (asthma: accuracy = 0.4726, CVC = 10/10; atopic asthma: accuracy = 0.4573, CVC = 10/10). Both the IL-4Rα and the IL-13 polymorphisms were correlated with the IgE level. ANOVA analysis revealed that the combinations of the CTLA4 and IL-13, IL-13 and IL-13Rα1, IL-4Rα and IL-13, and CD14 and IL-13 polymorphisms were all significantly associated with increased total serum IgE levels.
The best model of increased IgE level included the IL-4Rα, IL-13, IL-13Rα1, CD14, and CTLA4 polymorphisms. Of the various interactions between these polymorphisms, the combinations of the CTLA4 and IL-13 polymorphisms and the IL-13 and IL-13Rα1 polymorphisms showed synergistic effects in terms of increased total serum IgE levels in the present cohort.
Journal of Asthma 02/2012; 49(3):243-52. · 1.52 Impact Factor
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Jung-Yong Lee,
Ju-Hee Seo, Ji-Won Kwon,
Jinho Yu,
Byoung-Ju Kim,
So-Yeon Lee,
Hyo-Bin Kim,
Woo-Kyung Kim,
Kyung-Won Kim,
Yee-Jin Shin,
Soo-Jong Hong
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[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aims of this study were to determine (1) the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Seoul, Korea, and (2) the influence of environmental and genetic factors on disease risk.
A questionnaire survey was conducted in 5,036 primary school children and 4,607 middle school children in 2008. For each child, a modified version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire and a questionnaire assessing exposure to environmental variables were completed.
In primary school children, the lifetime prevalence of itchy eczema was 24.3%, the 12-month prevalence of itchy flexural eczema was 18.0%, the lifetime prevalence of AD diagnosis was 31.3%, and the 12-month prevalence of AD treatment was 14.5%. In middle school children, the corresponding rates were 16.0, 10.8, 22.1, and 8.3%, respectively. These rates are significantly higher than those reported in similar studies conducted in 1995 and 2000. In both primary and middle school children, a parental history of allergic disease and a history of having moved into a newly built house before 1 year of age were independently associated with a risk for current AD. For current AD, the prevalence odds ratio was higher in the subgroup with both a genetic and a specific environmental risk factor than in the subgroup with no risk factor or subgroups with only one risk factor.
The prevalence of AD in primary and middle school children in Seoul has increased. Its development may be influenced by gene-environment interactions, particularly before 1 year of age.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 11/2011; 157(4):363-71. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To investigate the 5-year results of corneal tattooing for cosmetic repair in disfigured eyes and identify the risk factors associated with complications.
Corneal tattooing was performed in patients with stable corneal opacity and blind eyes. A total of 147 eyes of 147 patients who were followed up for at least 5 years after tattooing were enrolled in the study. The following valuables were included as potential risk factors for long-term complications: age, sex, duration of opacity before tattooing, and the presence of calcific plaque. Corneal tattooing was also performed in 6 rabbit eyes, and the stained eyes were enucleated at 6 months postoperatively for histological analysis.
The average follow-up time after surgery was 65 ± 5 months. Long-term complications such as reopacification or increased opacity, fading of color, and epithelial growth developed in 12% of the tattooed eyes between 2 and 4 years after surgery and most required reoperation. Univariate analysis of risk factors affecting recurrence or complications revealed no statistically significant differences among candidate factors. Histological results of the tattooed rabbit eyes showed that clumps of blackish granules were present in the anterior half of the stroma without any infiltration of inflammatory cells to the adjacent layers.
Corneal tattooing in disfigured eyes provided a good cosmetic outcome more than 5 years after surgery.
Cornea 10/2011; 30(10):1135-9. · 1.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To report surgical outcome of a new therapeutic technique for nevus of Ota by scleral allograft overlay.
Noncomparative clinical interventional study.
Eight eyes of 7 patients with scleral nevus of Ota.
Patients underwent subconjunctival scleral allograft overlay between September 2005 and June 2007 at Seoul National University Hospital. Preoperative neval extent, postoperative cosmesis, complications, and visual acuity change were evaluated.
Most of the patients showed satisfying cosmetic improvement. There were no significant complications in a follow-up period of more than 3 years.
Scleral allograft overlay is a safe and effective procedure for cosmetic improvement of nevus of Ota.
Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology 10/2011; 46(5):428-30. · 1.47 Impact Factor
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Byoung-Ju Kim, Ji-Won Kwon,
Ju-Hee Seo,
Hyo-Bin Kim,
So-Yeon Lee,
Kang-Seo Park,
Jinho Yu,
Hwan-Cheol Kim,
Jong-Han Leem,
Joon Sakong,
Su-Young Kim,
Chul-Gab Lee,
Dong-Mug Kang,
Mina Ha,
Yun-Chul Hong,
Ho-Jang Kwon,
Soo-Jong Hong
[show abstract]
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ABSTRACT: Children are vulnerable to air pollution, which is known to be related to the recent increasing trend of allergic disease.
To investigate the effects of air pollution on respiratory allergic diseases in school children.
A prospective survey of parental responses to International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaires, together with allergy evaluation, was conducted in 1743 school children selected from metropolitan cities and industrial areas during a 2-year period. Individual exposure to air pollution was estimated by using a geometric information system with the 5-year mean concentration of air pollutants.
A total of 1,340 children (male:female ratio, 51.4:48.6) with a mean (SD) age of 6.84 (0.51) years were included in the analysis. Each child underwent allergy evaluation at the time of enrollment and at a 2-year follow-up. After 2 years, the 12-month prevalence of wheezing was significantly decreased, whereas the lifetime prevalence of allergic rhinitis showed a significant increase. Ozone exposure was significantly associated with the 12-month prevalence of wheeze (odds ratio per 5 ppb, 1.372; 95% confidence interval, 1.016-1.852). Ozone was also associated with allergic rhinitis in children who reside in industrial areas. In addition, significant positive associations between ozone and the rate of newly developed sensitization to outdoor allergen were found (P for trend = .007).
Exposure to ozone was associated with current wheeze and allergic rhinitis. An increased rate of newly developed sensitization to outdoor allergen by ozone may explain the association.
Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology: official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology 09/2011; 107(3):214-9.e1. · 2.83 Impact Factor
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[show abstract]
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ABSTRACT: 4-1BB (CD 137) is a costimulatory molecule expressed on activated T-cells. Repression by 4-1BB is thought to attenuate Th2-mediated allergic reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4-1BB on allergic airway inflammation in a murine asthma model.
BALB/c mice were sensitized to and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Hu.4-1BB-Fc was administered 1 day before the first OVA sensitization or 1 day after the second OVA sensitization. Following antigen challenge, airway responsiveness to methacholine was assessed and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was analyzed. Total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, OVA-specific IgE, IgG(1), and IgG(2a) levels in sera were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung pathology was also evaluated.
In mice treated with Hu.4-1BB-Fc before the first OVA sensitization, there was a marked decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness, total cell count, and eosinophil count in the BAL fluid. In addition, Hu.4-1BB-Fc treatment decreased serum OVA-specific IgG(1) levels and increased serum IgG(2a) level significantly compared with the corresponding levels in mice sensitized to and challenged with OVA. Hu.4-1BB-Fc-treated mice also showed suppressed peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration. In contrast, treatment with Hu.4-1BB-Fc 1 day after sensitization had no effect on airway hyperresponsiveness and showed less suppression of inflammation in lung tissue.
Administration of Hu.4-1BB-Fc can attenuate airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. In addition, administration before sensitization may be more effective. These findings suggest that 4-1BB may be a useful therapeutic molecule against asthma.
Korean Journal of Pediatrics 09/2011; 54(9):373-9.
