자궁내막증 병변에서의 Cytokine mRNA의 발현 양상

이택후(Taek Hoo Lee),김광수(Gwang Soo Kim),김일규(Il Gyu Kim),전상식(Sang Sik Chun),조영래(Young Lae Cho) 대한산부인과학회 1999 Obstetrics & Gynecology Science Vol.42 No.9

목적: 자궁내막증은 최근에 그 빈도가 급격하게 증가되고 있으나 아직까지 병인과 치료법이 확실하게 정립되지 못하고 있는 부인과 내분비의 대표적인 질환이다. 최근 들어서 자궁내막증 환자의 불임의 원인으로 cytokine이 밀접하게 관여됨이 밝혀지고 있고 자궁내막증의 병인으로 복강내로 역류된 월경혈에 의한 복강내의 국소적 염증에 대한 개체의 반응정도와 면역체계의 변화가 중요하게 인정되고 있으나 아직까지 정확한 기전은 밝혀져 있지 않기 때문에 이에 저자는 자궁내막증 환자의 복수 내에서의 cytokine의 정량측정과 골반내 자궁내막증 병변조직에서의 cytokine mRNA의 발현 양상을 조사하여 자궁내막증 환자의 병인분석을 시도하였다. 연구방법: 자궁내막증 진단을 받고 복강경 혹은 개복 수술을 받은 30명의 환자에서 총 60개의 자궁내막증 병변이라고 의심되는 조직을 채취하여 이를 RT-PCR법을 이용하여 Cytokine 유전자의 발현양상을 조사하였다. 또한 7례의 정상대조군과 23례의 자궁내막증 환자의 복수를 ELISA법을 이용하여 정량분석을 시도하였다. 결과: 자궁내막증 환자의 복수내에서 IL-6와 IL-10의 농도는 자궁내막증의 임상적 중증도에 따라서 의미있게 증가되어 있었으나 IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, 그리고 IL-5의 농도는 정상 대조군에 비해서 변화가 없었다. 모든 예의 심부 자궁내막증 병변조직과 표재성 자궁내막증 병변조직에서 IL-1β cytokine mRNA의 발현을 볼 수 있었다. IL-5와 IL-6은 표재성 병변 12개 중에서 각각 2개의 black lesion에서만 발현을 볼 수 있었으며 IL-10은 표재성 병변에서는 12개중 2개에서 그리고 심부성 병변에서는 8개중 1개의 조직에서만 발현되었다. IFN-γ는 표재성 병변에서는 전혀 발현이 없었으나 심부성 병변에서는 8개중 4개의 조직에서 발현이 되었으며 TNF-α는 표재성 병변에서는 red 및 black 병변에서 각각 1개의 조직에서만 발현이 되었으나 심부성 병변에서는 역시 8개중 4개의 조직에서 발현이 되었다. 결론: 표재성 병변이 골반강내에 착상하여 염증성 반응이 일어날 수 있는 원인이 제공되면 IL-1β 혹은 TNF-α같은 염증성 cytokine이 분비가 되며 이로 인해 생성되는 단핵세포의 chemotactic factor에 의해 대식세포의 증가와 활성화가 이루어지고 이어서 복강내에 IL-6 등의 cytokine이 증가되며 마지막으로 여러 가지 증가된 cytokine에 대한 반대 반응으로 IL-10이 증가됨을 추정할 수가 있겠으며 이러한 가정은 앞으로 cytokine을 이용한 치료적 응용의 기초적인 연구로서 중요한 의미를 제공할 수 있다고 하겠다. Objective: The pathogenesis of endometriosis is generally accepted that retrograde menstruation and alterations in the local pelvic immune environment. This study was performed to help elucidate what kind of role various cytokines might play in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Method: Concentrations of peritoneal fluid cytokines were compared in 7 women with normal pelvic finding and 23 women with endometriosis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The patterns of cytokine mRNA expression in 8 ovarian endometrioma and 12 superficial pelvic endometriosis lesions were investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) amplification method. Result: Both IL-6 and IL-10 levels in peritoneal fluid specimens with endometriosis tended to be higher than normal. However, there were no significant differences between peritoneal fluid concentrations of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-5 of women with and without endometriosis. The levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in peritoneal fluid of women with severe endometriosis compared to women with mild endometriosis. IL-1β mRNA was expressed in all of 8 deep and 12 superficial endometriosis lesions. IL-5 and IL-6 mRNA were expressed in only two black lesions respectively, however, both were not expressed in the all deep lesions. Expressions of IL-10 mRNA occurred in one red and one black lesion while this was expressed in only one of the deep lesions. TNF-α mRNA was expressed in one red and one black lesion of 12 superficial lesions compared with four of the deep lesions. There was the difference between kinds of increased cytokines in the peritoneal fluid and those of expressed cytokines in the endometriotic lesions of patients with endometriosis. Conclusion: This study supports the concept that local immunologic factors may be important in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis. The pattern of cytokine mRNA expression of endometriotic lesions would seem to indicate that proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α are responsible for the development or progression of endometriosis.

위암에서 Helicobacter pylori cagA, vacA, iceA 유전자와 숙주 Interleukin-1β및 Interleukin-1 수용체 길항제 유전자 다형성

이성훈 ( Seong Hun Lee ),김태오 ( Tae Oh Kim ),이동현 ( Dong Hyun Lee ),박원일 ( Won Il Park ),김광하 ( Gwang Ha Kim ),허정 ( Jeong Heo ),강대환 ( Dae Hwan Kang ),송근암 ( Geun Am Song ),조몽 ( Mong Cho ) 대한내과학회 2006 대한내과학회지 Vol.71 No.1

Background: Both Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) cagA, vacA, iceA genotype and host IL-1B/IL-1RN polymorphisms play a role in determining the clinical consequences of H. pylori infection. This study aimed to investigate whether there might be any combinations of H. pylori cagA, vacA, iceA genotype and host IL-1B/IL-1RN polymorphisms that are particularly associated with the occurrence of gastric carcinoma in Korean patients. Methods: This study population was comprised of 239 patients with H. pylori infection: 122 with gastric carcinoma and 117 with gastritis only. DNA was isolated from gastric biopsy sample and H. pylori cagA, vacA and iceA genotype were determined by PCR. IL-1B-511 polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP and IL-1RN polymorphisms were analyzed with variable number of tandom repeat after PCR. Results: H. pylori cagA, vacA, and iceA genotype were not associated with an increased risk for gastric carcinoma. IL-1B-511*T carriers and IL-1RN*2 carriers did not show increased risk for gastric carcinoma. On combination of bacterial/host genotypes, cagA+/IL-1B-511*T carriers and cagA+/IL-1RN*2 carriers, vacA s1/IL-1B-511*T carriers, vacA s1/IL-1RN*2 carriers, vacA m1/IL-1B-511*T carriers, vacA m1/IL-1RN*2 carriers, iceA1/IL-1B-511*T carriers, iceA1/IL-1RN*2 carriers showed no increased risk of gastric carcinoma. Conclusions: Combined H. pylori cagA, vacA, iceA genotype and host IL-1B/IL-1RN polymorphisms shows no increased risk of gastric carcinoma. Therefore, it seems other endogenous or exogenous factors may play more important role in the development of gastric carcinoma in Korean.(Korean J Med 71:24-37, 2006)

소독음(消毒飮)에탄올 추출물이 사람각질형성세포 HaCaT 세포주의 자외선 손상에 미치는 영향

전규상 ( Kyu Sang Jun ),김일현 ( Il Hyun Kim ),임광묵 ( Gwang Mook Lim ),송용선 ( Yung Sun Song ) 한방재활의학과학회 2012 한방재활의학과학회지 Vol.22 No.3

Objectives :Sodok-eum(xiaodu-yˇln, SDU) exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity with an unknown mechanism. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of SDU on pharmacological and biochemical actions in inflammation. Methods :We examined the effect of SDU on pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide(UVB)-stimulated HaCaT. The investigation focused on whether SDU inhibited cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8) and mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs) in UVB-stimulated HaCaT cells. Results :SDU inhibited UVB-induced IL-6, IL-8 productions as well as the expressions of COX-2. Furthermore, SDU suppressed the UVB-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2), c-JUN N-terminal kinase 1/2(JNK 1/2), p38. Conclusions :These results suggest that SDU has inhibitory effects on UVB-induced IL-6, IL-8 production, as well as the expressions of COX-2 in the HaCaT. The inhibitory effects occur through blockades on the phosphorylation of MAPKs following activation.

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 <i>Ecklonia cava</i> ethanolic extracts on airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in a murine asthma model: Role of suppressor of cytokine signaling

Kim, Se-Kwon,Lee, Da-Young,Jung, Won-Kyo,Kim, Ji-Hye,Choi, Inhak,Park, Sae-Gwang,Seo, Su-Kil,Lee, Soo-Woong,Lee, Chang Min,Yea, Sung Su,Choi, Yung Hyun,Choi, Il-Whan Elsevier 2008 BIOMEDICINE AND PHARMACOTHERAPY Vol.62 No.5

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P><I>Ecklonia cava</I> (EC) is a brown alga that evidences radical scavenging activity, bactericidal activity, tyrosinase inhibitory activity, and protease inhibitory activity. However, its anti-allergic effects remain poorly understood. In the current study, we attempted to determine whether pretreatment with EC induces a significant inhibition of asthmatic reactions in a mouse asthma model. Mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) evidenced typical asthmatic reactions, as follows: an increase in the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid; a marked influx of inflammatory cells into the lung around blood vessels and airways, and airway luminal narrowing; the development of airway hyperresponsiveness; the detection of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Th2 cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-5 in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid; and the detection of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the serum. However, the administration of EC extract prior to the final airway OVA challenge resulted in a significant inhibition of all asthmatic reactions. We also demonstrated that EC extracts treatment resulted in significant reductions on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) expression and a reduction in the increased eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity. The treatment of animals with EC extracts resulted in a significant reduction in the concentrations of the Th2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-5) in the airways, without any concomitant increase in the concentration of Th1 cytokines. These findings indicate that EC extracts may prove useful as an adjuvant therapy for allergic airway reactions via the inhibition of the Th2 response. Accordingly, this study may provide evidence that EC extract performs a critical function in the amelioration of the pathogenetic process of asthma in mice.</P>

아토피 피부염 모델에 대한 β-1,3/1,6-glucan과 Lactobacillus plantarum LM1004의 면역 조절 효과

김인성(In Sung Kim),김성학(Sung Hak Kim),김정아(Jeong A Kim),유다윤(Da Yoon Yu),김광일(Gwang Il Kim),박동찬(Dong-Chan Park),임종민(Jong Min Lim),이상석(Sang Suk Lee),최인순(In Soon Choi),조광근(Kwang Keun Cho) 한국생명과학회 2018 생명과학회지 Vol.28 No.1

본 연구에서는 아토피 피부염 동물 모델에 대한 β-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004의 면역조절 효과를 확인하고자 하였다. 가려움증의 횟수와 유출된 evans blue, 그리고 혈청 IgE와 histamine의 농도는 β-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004를 섭취한 그룹에서 아토피 피부염 유발그룹에 비해 유의적으로 감소하는 결과를 나타내었다. 아토피 피부염이 유발되면 전사 수준에서 Th2 및 Th17 세포의 전사인자 및 cytokine은 과발현되며, β-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004를 섭취하였을 때 이를 유의적으로 감소되었다. 또한 β-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004는 Th1 및 Treg 세포의 전사인자(T-bet, GATA-3, RORγT, Foxp3) 및 cytokine (INF-γ, IL-4, IL-17, TGF-β)의 발현을 증가시킴으로써 면역 균형을 조절하는 것으로 나타났다. Galectin-9과 filaggrin은 아토피 피부염 유발 처리군에서 유의적으로 가장 낮았으며, β-1,3/1,6-glucan 처리군에서 유의적으로 가장 높게 나타났다. 이와 반대로 TSLP는 아토피 피부염 유발그룹에서 유의적으로 가장 높았으며 β-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004를 섭취한 그룹은 대조군과 유사한 수준이었다. 이러한 결과를 통해 β-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004는 아토피 피부염 동물 모델에서 면역조절 작용 및 아토피 피부염의 개선 효과를 가짐을 알 수 있었다. 따라서 β-1,3/1,6-glucan과 L. plantarum LM1004는 아토피 피부염에 유용한 천연소재로서 사용될 것으로 기대된다. In this study, we examined the efficacy of the immune regulation of β-1,3/1,6-glucan and Lactobacillus plantarum LM1004 on atopic dermatitis models. The oral administration of β-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004 on mice significantly decreased the amount of scratching, leakage to evans blue, and concentrations of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and histamine compared with the atopic dermatitis–induced group. When atopic dermatitis was induced, the transcription factors (GATA-3, retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γ T [RORγT]) and cytokines (interleukin-4 [IL-4], IL-17) of Th2 and Th17 cells were overexpressed at the transcriptional level, and they significantly decreased with oral administration of β-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004. In addition, β-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004 were shown to modulate the immune balance by increasing the expression of Th1 and Treg transcription (T-bet, forkhead box p3 [Foxp3]) and cytokines (interferon-γ [IFN-γ], transforming growth factor-β [TGF-β]). Galectin-9 and filaggrin were significantly lower in the atopic dermatitis–induced group and significantly higher in the β-1,3/1,6-glucan-treated group. In contrast, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) was highest in the atopic dermatitis–induced group, while mice that were orally administered β-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004 showed similar TSLP levels to the control group. These results indicate that β-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004 have immunomodulatory effects and atopic dermatitis improvement effects in an animal model of atopic dermatitis. Therefore, it is expected that β-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004 can be used as natural materials in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester promotes anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB signaling in activated HMC-1 human mast cells

Cho, Mi Suk,Park, Won Sun,Jung, Won-Kyo,Qian, Zhong-ji,Lee, Dae-Sung,Choi, Jung-Sik,Lee, Da-Young,Park, Sae-Gwang,Seo, Su-Kil,Kim, Hak-Ju,Won, Jun Yeon,Yu, Byeng Chul,Choi, Il-Whan Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. 2014 PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY Vol.52 No.7

<P><I>Context</I>: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of honeybee propolis, is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial medicinal properties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-allergic effects in mast cells are unknown.</P><P><I>Objective</I>: The purpose of the present study was to examine whether CAPE modulates the immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated local allergic reaction in animals, as well as to elucidate the effects of CAPE on mast cells <I>in vitro</I>.</P><P><I>Materials and methods</I>: To investigate the bioactive potential of CAPE (10 or 20 µM), HMC-1 cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI) for 24 h in the presence or absence of CAPE. To study the pharmacological effects of CAPE, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), and fluorescence assays were used.</P><P><I>Results</I>: CAPE (10 mg/kg) inhibited local IgE-mediated allergic reactions (0.164 versus 0.065 O.D.) in a mouse model. Additionally, CAPE (20 µM) attenuated PMACI-stimulated histamine release (3146.42 versus 2564.83 pg/ml) and the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β (4.775 versus 0.713 pg/ml, IC<SUB>50</SUB> = 6.67 µM), IL-6 (4771.5 versus 449.1 pg/ml, IC<SUB>50</SUB> = 5.25 µM), and IL-8 (5991.7 versus 2213.1 pg/ml, IC<SUB>50</SUB> = 9.95 µM) in HMC-1 cells. In activated HMC-1 cells, pretreatment with CAPE decreased the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase. In addition, CAPE inhibited PMACI-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation by suppressing IκBα phosphorylation and its degradation.</P><P><I>Discussion and conclusion</I>: Our results indicated that CAPE can modulate mast cell-mediated allergic disease.</P>

만성 C형 간염 환자에서 페그인터페론 알파2a와 리바비린 병합 치료중 발생한 벨마비 1예

김일환,장제혁,유충헌,최규남,고정해,김윤정,서광원,김지현,박성재,박은택,이연재,이상혁,설상영 인제대학교 2008 仁濟醫學 Vol.29 No.-

페그인터페론과 리바비린 병합요법은 만성 C형 간염의 일차 치료법이다. 저자들은 만성 C형 간염 환자에서 페그인터페론 과 리바비린 병합 요법 중에 발생한 벨마비 1예를 경험하였기에 문헌고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다. 환자는 5년 전부터 만성 C형 간염을 앓아온 48세 남자이며, PEG-IFN α-2a 135μgm 피하주사 주1회와 하루 1200㎎의 리바비린을 투여하였다. 치료시작 후 9개월째 환자는 오른쪽 안면의 근력약화를 호소하였으며 벨마비로 진단되었다. 페그인터페론과 리바비린 병합요법을 지속하면서 관찰하였다. 환자의 벨마비는 페그인터페론 치료를 중단하지 않았음에도 3개월후 증상이 회복되고 이후 벨마비 재발 없이 현재 경과관찰 중이다. 만성 C형 간염에서 페그인터페론과 리바비린 병합 요법시 벨마비의 발생 가능성을 염두에 두어야 하겠다. A Case of Bell's Palsy Associated with Combination Therapy of Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a (PEG-IFN) and Ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Pegylated interferon alfa(PEG-IFN α) and ribavirin therapy is the first line treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Mild complications of the therapy are common, but more serious complications are rare. We report here a case of Bell's palsy that occurred in a patient with chronic hepatitis C virus infection during combination therapy of PEG-IFN α-2a and ribavirin. The patient was 49-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C (genotype 1b) for 8 years. He had compensated liver cirrhosis with splenomegaly. Therapy with PEG-IFN α- 2a 135mcg/week and ribavirin 1200mg/day was initiated. After 9 months of the therapy, the patient showed a loss of muscular tone on the right side of his face. A diagnosis of Bell's palsy was made. The Bell's palsy resolved over 3 months despite continuation of the combination therapy.

혈우병 환자에 동반된 자발성 후복막강 출혈

김광일,김동호,우상민,이석주,김홍성,조인성,윤환중,조덕연,김삼용 충남대학교 의과대학 지역사회의학연구소 1997 충남의대잡지 Vol.24 No.1

Spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to hemophilia A with impaired coagulopathy is very rare. Spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage has been recorded as having originated from many retroperitoneal organs and blood vessels, and it may be due to local and/or systemic factors. In the majority of the patients, kidney and adrenal gland were the major site of hemorrhage. The systemic causes of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage are anticoagulation therapy and chronic hemodialysis. During the course of these treatments, hemorrhagic complications may occur at many site, including the retroperitoneal space. Blood dyscrasias including leukemia, polycythemia, sickle cell trait and hemophilia have been reported associated with spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage. We report a case of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage occurred in a gemophilia A patient with brief review of literature

수정 LVQ 법을 이용한 배전계통의 전압/무효전력 제어에 관한 연구

김광원,김종일 울산대학교 1999 공학연구논문집 Vol.30 No.1

본 논문에서는 코호넨 신경회로망을 이용한 배전시스템의 전압 및 무효전력 실시간 제어 기법을 제안하였다. 본 논문에서의 제어 목적은 모든 모선의 전압을 한계값 이내로 유지하면서 배전시스템의 I²R 손실을 최소화하는 병렬 캐패시터 뱅크와 선로전압조정기의 최적 상태를 결정하는 것이다. 이와 같은 이산적인(discrete) 상태를 취급하기에는 코호넨 신경회로망이 적합하지만, 코호넨 신경회로망의 일반적인 학습법인 LVQ는 분류대상 그룹수가 많은 경우에 기준벡터가 feasible영역에서 벗어나는 현상이 발생한다. 이에 본 논문에서는 수정 LVQ법을 고안하여 코호넨 신경회로망을 학습하였으며, 5개의 on-off 캐패시터와 1개의 선로전압조정기로 구성된 30 모선 배전시스템의 전압/무효전력 제어에 제안한 기법을 적용하여 그 타당성을 검증하였다. This paper proposes a modified Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) to control shunt capacitor banks and feeder voltage regulators in an electric distribution system. The proposed modified LVQ is utilized to training Kohonen Neural Network (KNN). The objective of the KNN is on-line decision of the optimal state of shunt capacitor banks and feeder voltage regulators which minimize losses of the distribution system while maintaining all the bus voltages within the limits. The KNN is tested on a distribution system with 30 buses, 5 on-off switchable capacitor banks and a nine tap line voltage regulator.