A Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor Targeting the IL-6 Receptor β Subunit, Glycoprotein 130

Hong, Soon-Sun,Choi, Jung Ho,Lee, Sung Yoon,Park, Yeon-Hwa,Park, Kyung-Yeon,Lee, Joo Young,Kim, Juyoung,Gajulapati, Veeraswamy,Goo, Ja-Il,Singh, Sarbjit,Lee, Kyeong,Kim, Young-Kook,Im, So Hee,Ahn, Sun The American Association of Immunologists, Inc. 2015 JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Vol.195 No.1

<P>IL-6 is a major causative factor of inflammatory disease. Although IL-6 and its signaling pathways are promising targets, orally available small-molecule drugs specific for IL-6 have not been developed. To discover IL-6 antagonists, we screened our in-house chemical library and identified-LMT-28, a novel synthetic compound, as a candidate IL-6 blocker. The activity, mechanism of action, and direct molecular target of LMT-28 were investigated. A reporter gene assay showed that LMT-28 suppressed activation of STAT3 induced by IL-6, but not activation induced by leukemia inhibitory factor. In addition, LMT-28 downregulated IL-6-stimulated phosphorylation of STAT3, gp130, and JAK2 protein and substantially inhibited IL-6-dependent TF-1 cell proliferation. LMT-28 antagonized IL-6-induced TNF-alpha production in vivo. In pathologic models, oral administration of LMT-28 alleviated collagen-induced arthritis and acute pancreatitis in mice. Based on the observation of upstream IL-6 signal inhibition by LMT-28, we hypothesized IL-6, IL-6R alpha, or gp130 to be putative molecular targets. We subsequently demonstrated direct interaction of LMT-28 with gp130 and specific reduction of IL-6/IL-6R alpha complex binding to gp130 in the presence of LMT-28, which was measured by surface plasmon resonance analysis. Taken together, our data suggest that LMT-28 is a novel synthetic IL-6 inhibitor that functions through direct binding to gp130.</P>

금은화, 연교, 포공영 혼합물의 항염증 작용에 관한 연구

최강민 ( Kang Min Choi ),전주현 ( Ju Hyun Jeon ),김은석 ( Eun Seok Kim ),성기정 ( Ki Jung Sung ),김영일 ( Young Il Kim ) 대전대학교 한의학연구소 2021 혜화의학회지 Vol.30 No.1

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the inflammatory-control effects of Cheonghyeol-antidote complex(Lonicera japonica Thunberg, Forsythia viridissima Lindley, and Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahlstedt complex, CHA) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell and mouse inflammation models. Method : For in vitro and in vivo experiment, Indicators such as cell viability, mRNA expression level(iNOS, IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2, TNF-a), Inflammatory factor production(NO, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-a), and protein phosphorylation level(ERK, JNK, p38) were analyzed. For in vivo experiment, Indicators such as mRNA expression level(iNOS, IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2, TNF-a), Inflammatory factor production(IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-a), protein phosphorylation level(ERK, JNK, p38) and immune cell(white blood cell, lymphocyte) were analyzed. Results : 1. In vitro experiment In cell viability of CHA, CHA showed cell viability below 90% at concentrations of 400 μg / ml or more. In mRNA expression level, IL-6 and IL-1β showed a significant decrease at all concentrations except 25 μg / ml concentration, and iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-a showed a significant decrease at all concentrations of CHA compared to the control group. In inflammatory factor production, NO and TNF-a showed a significant decrease at all concentrations except 25 μg / ml concentration of CHA, and IL-1β showed a significant decrease at 100, 200 μg / ml concentration of CHA compared to the control group. IL-6 showed a significant decrease at all concentration of CHA compared to the control group. In protein phosphorylation level, ERK and p38 showed a significant decrease at all concentrations except 25 μg / ml concentration of CHA and JNK showed a significant decrease at all concentrations of CHA compared to control group. 2. In vivo experiment In mRNA expression level, iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-a showed a significant decrease in all administration groups of CHA compared to the control group. In Inflammatory factor production, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-a showed a significant decrease in all the administration groups of CHA. In protein phosphorylation level, ERK, JNK, and p38 showed a significant decrease in all the administration groups of CHA. In the immune cells, leukocytes and lymphocytes showed a significant decrease in all the administration groups of CHA. Conclusions : This study shows that CHA has antioxidant and inflammatory-control effects on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. It is hoped that further research will be conducted on the individual mechanisms of Lonicera japonica Thunberg, Forsythia viridissima Lindley, and Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahlstedt.

Effects of BCG infection on Schultz - Dale reaction , Allergen - specific IgE levels , and Th2 immune response in sensitized rats

(Young Il I . Koh),(In Seon S . Choi),(Won Young Kim),(Hyun Chul Lee),(Jong Un Lee) 대한내과학회 2001 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.16 No.3

N/A Background: BCG, a potent inducer of Th1 immune response, has been suggested to suppress Th2 response which is known to mediate IgE-mediated allergic disorders, in particular allergic asthma. Schultz-Dale reaction is known to be a model of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. This study was done to investigate whether BCG infection suppresses the Schultz-Dale reaction by inhibiting Th2 response and allergen-specific IgE production. Methods: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were sensitized and provoked with ovalbumin (OVA). A pretreatment of 6×104 colony forming units of BCG or saline was done 7 days before sensitization. The Schultz-Dale reaction was represented as tracheal smooth muscle contractions to 50μg/mL OVA challenge in vitro. Serum OVA-specific IgE levels and IFN-γand IL-4 concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured. Results: The Schultz-Dale reaction and serum OVA-specific IgE levels were significantly decreased in BCG infected and OVA sensitized rats compared with only sensitized rats (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). As compared with only sensitized rats, IL-4 concentration and a ratio of IFN-γ:IL-4 in BCG infected and OVA sensitized rats were significantly decreased (p<0.001) and increased (p<0.05), respectively. The Schultz-Dale reaction was correlated with OVA-specific IgE levels (r=0.50, p<0.05), IL-4 concentration (r=0.69, p<0.001), and ratio of IFN-:IL-4(r=-0.44, p<0.05). OVA-specific IgE levels were correlated with IL-4 concentration (r=0.61, p<0.01) and ratio of IFN-γ:IL-4(r=-0.48, p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that BCG infection prior to allergen sensitization may inhibit Schultz-Dale reaction developed in the sensitized rat tracheal smooth muscle via the suppressive effects of Th2 immune response and allergen-specific IgE production.

Free Paper Session : Upper Gastrointestinal Tract 1 ; Prevalence And Risk Factors For Atrophic Gastritis And Intestinal Metaplasia

( Na Young Kim ),( Dong Ho Lee ),( Joo Sung Kim ),( Hyun Chae Jung ),( In Sung Song ),( Kyung Phil Kang ),( Jung Hoon Lee ),( Jae Il Chung ),( Hyun Cheul Choi ),( Taek Man Nam ),( Sang Hyup Lee ),( Yo 대한소화기학회 2007 SIDDS Vol.9 No.-

Background/Aims: The prevalence of gastric cancer and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is high in Korea. This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence rate of atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) and their risk factors in the aspect of Hp virulence factors, environmental and host factors in normal population. Methods: The subjects consisted of 389, 135 H. pylori-negative and 254 H. pylori-positive. AG and IM were scored histologically by the Sydney classification in the antrum and body, respectively. Prevalence rate and bacterial factors such as cagA, vacA m1, m2, and oipA; environmental factors such as smoking, alcohol drinking; host factors such as genetic polymorphisms for IL-IB-511, IL-IRN, TNF-A, IL-10-592, IL-10-819, IL-10-1082, IL-8-251, IL-6-572, GSTP1, and p53 codon 72 were evaluated. Risk factors were calculated by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence rate of AG increased from 25%, 0% in the age of 20s, 45% and 22% in the 40s and 50% and 35% in the over 70s in the antrum and body, respectively (p<0.001). In case of IM it increased from 11.1% and 6.4% in the 30s up to 43% and 43% in over 70s in the antrum and body, respectively, (p<0.001). The positive rates of AG and IM were significantly higher in the Hp-positive than in the Hp-negative subjects. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for AG were Hp infection, age ≥60, cagA and vacA m1 positive. In case of IM the risk factors were Hp infection, age ≥60, smoking, spicy food, occupation (unemployed or non professional vs. professional), IL6-572 G carrier over C/C and IL10-592 C/A vs. A/A. Conclusions: The prevalence rate of AG and IM increased proportional to age. The most risk factor for AG and IM was Hp infection. Bacterial factors were important for AG but environmental and host factors were rather important in case of IM.

Elderly kidney transplant recipients have favorable outcomes but increased infection-related mortality

임정훈,Lee Ga Young,Jeon Yena,Jung Hee-Yeon,Choi Ji Young,CHO, JANG-HEE,Park Sun Hee,김용림,Kim Hyung-Kee,Huh Seung,유은상,Won Dong Il,Kim Chan-Duck 대한신장학회 2022 Kidney Research and Clinical Practice Vol.41 No.3

Background: The number of elderly patients with end-stage kidney disease has been increasing, but the outcomes of kidney transplants (KT) remain poorly understood in elderly patients. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of elderly KT recipients and analyzed the impact of elderly donors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent KT between 2000 and 2019. KT recipients were divided into four groups according to a combination of recipient and donor age (≥60 or <60 years); elderly recipients: old-to-old (n = 46) and young-to-old (n = 83); young recipients: old-to-young (n = 98) and young-to-young (n = 796). We compared the risks of mortality, graft failure, and acute rejection between groups using Cox regression analysis. Results: The incidence of delayed graft function, graft failure, and acute rejection was not different among groups. Annual mean tacrolimus trough level was not lower in elderly recipients than young recipients during 10-year follow-up. Mortality was significantly higher in elderly recipients (p = 0.001), particularly infection-related mortality (p < 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, old-toold and young-to-old groups had increased risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14– 7.32; p = 0.03; aHR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.51–6.20; p = 0.002). However, graft failure and acute rejection risks were not increased in elderly recipients. Conclusion: In elderly recipients, graft survival and acute rejection-free survival were not inferior to those of young recipients. However, mortality, especially risk of infection-related death, was increased in elderly recipients. Thus, low immunosuppression intensity might help decrease mortality in elderly recipients.

Regulation of interleukin-11 expression in ovulatory follicles of the rat ovary

Jang, You-Jee,Park, Jae-Il,Jeong, Seong-Eun,Seo, You-Mi,Dam, Phuong T. M.,Seo, Young-Woo,Choi, Bum-Chae,Song, Sang-Jin,Chun, Sang-Young,Cho, Moon-Kyoung Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Or 2017 Reproduction, fertility, and development Vol. No.

<P> The aim of the present study was to examine the regulation of interleukin (IL)-11 expression, as well as the role of IL-11, during ovulation in gonadotropin-primed immature rats. Injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), followed by human CG (hCG) to induce superovulation stimulated expression of the Il11 gene in theca cells within 6 h, as revealed by northern blot and in situ hybridisation analyses. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the IL-11 receptor, α subunit gene was expressed in granulosa and theca cells and that injection of hCG had no effect on its expression. IL-11 protein expression was stimulated in theca cells by hCG. LH-stimulated increases in Il11 mRNA levels in cultured preovulatory follicles were inhibited by protein kinase A and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 were detected in preovulatory follicles, and the TLR4 ligand lipopolysaccharide, but not the TLR2 ligand Pam3Cys, increased Il11 mRNA levels in theca cells, but not in granulosa cells. Treatment of preovulatory follicles with IL-11 stimulated progesterone production and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) gene expression. Together, these results indicate that IL-11 in theca cells is stimulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling and TLR4 activation, and increases progesterone production during ovulation. </P>

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibits the inflammatory effects of interleukin-1β in human corneal fibroblasts

Yang, Jae-Wook,Jung, Won-Kyo,Lee, Chang-Min,Yea, Sung Su,Choi, Yung Hyun,Kim, Gi-Young,Lee, Dae-Sung,Na, Giyoun,Park, Sae-Gwang,Seo, Su-Kil,Choi, Jung Sik,Lee, Young-Min,Park, Won Sun,Choi, Il-Whan Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. 2014 IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY AND IMMUNOTOXICOLOGY Vol.36 No.5

<P><I>Context</I>: Expression of various inflammatory mediators in corneal fibroblasts contributes to corneal inflammation.</P><P><I>Objective</I>: The purpose of this study was to assess the possible effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on the expression of inflammatory mediators during an inflammatory response in human corneal fibroblasts.</P><P><I>Materials and methods</I>: The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) from IL-1β-exposed human corneal fibroblasts were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The regulatory mechanisms of CAPE on cellular signaling pathways were examined using Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. A functional validation was carried out by evaluating the inhibitory effects of CAPE on neutrophil and monocyte migration <I>in vitro</I>.</P><P><I>Results</I>: CAPE inhibited the expression of IL-6, MCP-1 and ICAM-1 induced by the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in corneal fibroblasts. The activation of AKT and NF-κB by IL-1β was markedly inhibited by CAPE, whereas the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was not affected. CAPE significantly suppressed the IL-1β-induced migration of differentiated (d)HL-60 and THP-1 cells.</P><P><I>Discussion</I>: These anti-inflammatory effects of CAPE may be expected to inhibit the infiltration of leukocytes into the corneal stroma <I>in vivo</I>.</P>

Effects of Moxibustion to Zusanli(ST36) on Alteration of Natural Killer Cell Activity in Rats

Choi, Gi Soon,Han, Jae Bok,Park, Joon Ha,Oh, Sang Deog,Lee, Gi Seog,Bae, Hyun Su,Jung, Sung Ki,Cho, Young Wuk,Ahn, Hyun Jong,Min, Byung Il WHO COLLABORATING CENTRE FOR TRADITIONAL MEDICINE 2004 東西醫學硏究所 論文集 Vol.2004 No.-

Moxibustion is one of the major healing techniques in Oriental medicine. It has been widely used in many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto disease, breech presentation, etc. However, till now, effects of moxibustion on natural killer (NK) cell activity and relations between sympathetic nerve system (SNS) and the immune alteration induced by moxibustion wert not well studied. This study was designed to evaluate effects of moxibustion on NK cell activity and the Intervention of SNS in the alteration of NK cell activity induced by moxibustion. Splenic NK cell cytotoxicity was measured in a standard 4-hour ^(51)Cr release assay. We measured the NK cell cytotoxicity after moxibustion stimulation for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days, and also measured the NK cell cytotoxicity after 3 and 7 days burn stimulation with similar temperature. Interleukin (IL)-2, -4 and interferon (INF)-γ in serum were measured by rat IL-2, -4 and INF-γ ELISA test kit. To evaluate the effects of sympathectomy on alteration of NK cell cytotoxicity, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA: 50 mg/kg) was used. We showed that NK cell activity of moxibustion stimulation group incrcased at the 3rd day, and declined at the 7th day in comparison with that of the control group. In thc moxibustion stimulation group, NK cell activity was significantly higher than the sham group at the 3rd day. On the contrary, in the burn stimulation group, NK cell activity was significantly higher than that of the sham groups at 3rd and 7th days. INF-γ level after 3 days in the moxibustion stimulation group was significantly higher than that of the sham group. IL-2 Ievel among groups were not different. IL-4 was not detected in serum with this method. Sympathectomy abolished the NK cell activity alteration induced by moxibustion. The results suggest that moxibustion modulates NK cell activity, along with INF-γ, and SNS is mediating these effects.

Chronic alcohol consumption induces migration of IL-1R2+ monocytes from the bone marrow into the liver by neuro-immunologic pathway

Young-Ri Shim,Hee-Hoon Kim,Keungmo Yang,Tom Ryu,Kyurae Kim,Sung Eun Choi,Minjeong Kim,Chae-Rin Woo,Young-Sun Lee,Won-Il Jeong 한국실험동물학회 2021 한국실험동물학회 학술발표대회 논문집 Vol.2021 No.7

Liver is challenged by diverse detrimental substances through multiple metabolic processes, but it is less prone to inflammation. In chronic alcohol consumption, although the migration of monocytes from bone marrow (BM) into liver is increased, alcoholic hepatitis rarely occurs. Thus, we investigated the sub-population of liver macrophages showing anti-inflammatory roles through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) after chronic EtOH-feeding. Interestingly, in scRNA-seq and flow cytometry analyses of hepatic macrophages, the phenotype of Ly6Clow (anti-inflammatory) cells was dramatically altered by ethanol intake. In particular, they were highly expressed interleukin-1 type II receptor (IL-1R2), a decoy receptor of IL-1β. Intriguingly, IL-1R2+ Ly6Clow macrophages showed decreased CX3CR1 expression, which was confirmed not only in the liver, but also BM and blood, suggesting monocytes from BM affected by ethanol might migrate into the liver. We found that the Leptin Receptor+ mesenchymal stromal cells (LepR+ MSCs), which were located around blood vessels expressing CX3CL1 to hold CX3CR1+ macrophages, could express alcohol dehydrogenase to metabolize ethanol in BM. Ethanol metabolism in LepR+ MSCs was induced both production of chemokines (CXCL9 and 10) and the excretion of glutamate via cystine-glutamate anti-porter xCT to recruit and activate the CXCR3+ BM NK cells to produce interferon-γ in a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5)-dependent manner. Indeed, IFN-γ production was significantly decreased in EtOH-fed mice when we depleted mGluR5 in NK cells. In turn, NK cell-derived IFN-γ down-regulated CX3CR1 expression in BM Ly6Clow monocytes, consequently induced egress of Ly6Clow monocytes into the blood and migration into the liver to suppress alcoholic inflammation. In conclusion, glutamate of LepR+ MSCs imposed egress license on anti-inflammatory IL-1R2+ Ly6Clow monocytes through NK cell-derived IFN-γ-mediated suppression of CX3CR1, suggesting a potential therapeutic inter-organ crosstalk between BM and liver in alcoholic liver disease.

Reversal of serologic, immunologic, and histologic dysfunction in mice with systemic lupus erythematosus by long‐term serial adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation

Choi, Eun Wha,Shin, Il Seob,Park, So Young,Park, Ji Hyun,Kim, Jong Sung,Yoon, Eun Ji,Kang, Sung Keun,Ra, Jeong Chan,Hong, Sung Hwa Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 2012 Vol.64 No.1

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P><B>Objective</B></P><P>To investigate the efficacy of human adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD‐MSC) transplantation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to determine the optimal transplantation window for stem cells either before or after disease onset.</P><P><B>Methods</B></P><P>(NZB × NZW)F<SUB>1</SUB> mice with SLE were administered human AD‐MSCs (5 × 10<SUP>5</SUP>) intravenously every 2 weeks from age 6 weeks until age 60 weeks, while the control group received saline vehicle on the same schedule. Another experiment was carried out with a different initiation time point for serial transplantation (age 6 weeks or age 32 weeks).</P><P><B>Results</B></P><P>Long‐term serial administration (total of 28 times) of human AD‐MSCs ameliorated SLE without any adverse effects. Compared with the control group, the human AD‐MSC–treated group had a significantly higher survival rate with improvement of histologic and serologic abnormalities and immunologic function, and also had a decreased incidence of proteinuria. Anti–double‐stranded DNA antibodies and blood urea nitrogen levels decreased significantly with transplantation of human AD‐MSCs, and serum levels of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), and IL‐10 increased significantly. A significant increase in the proportion of CD4+FoxP3+ cells and a marked restoration of capacity for cytokine production were observed in spleens from the human AD‐MSC–treated group. In the second experiment, an early stage treatment group showed better results (higher survival rates and lower incidence of proteinuria) than an advanced stage treatment group.</P><P><B>Conclusion</B></P><P>Serial human AD‐MSC transplantation had beneficial effects in the treatment of SLE, without adverse effects. Transplantation of human AD‐MSCs before disease onset was preferable for amelioration of SLE and restoration of immune homeostasis.</P>