The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of TAM (Taraxacum mongolicum) on Th2 cytokine production in MC/9 mast cells. 2. Methods The effects of TAM was analyzed by ELISA and Real-time PCR in MC/9 mast cells. Levels of IL-5, IL-13 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA). mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13 were analyzed with Real-time PCR. 3. Results 1) TAM inhibited the IL-4 production significantly in comparison to PI-control group at concentration of 50㎍/㎖, 100㎍/㎖, 200㎍/㎖. 2) TAM inhibited the IL-13 production significantly in comparison to PI-control group at concentration of 50㎍/㎖, 100㎍/㎖, 200㎍/㎖. 3) TAM inhibited the IL-4 mRNA expression significantly in comparison to PI-control group at concentration of 100㎍/㎖. 4) TAM inhibited the IL-5 mRNA expression significantly in comparison to PI-control group at concentration of 50㎍/㎖, 100㎍/㎖. 5) TAM inhibited the IL-6 mRNA expression significantly in comparison to PI-control group at concentration of 100㎍/㎖. 6) TAM inhibited the IL-13 mRNA expression significantly in comparison to PI-control group at concentration of 100㎍/㎖. 4. Conclusions These results indicate that TAM (Taraxacum mongolicum) has the effect of decreasing the Th2 cytokine production in the MC/9 mast cell.

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