Objective To study the expression and regulation of interleukin 15 (IL 15) in epidermal keratinocytes. Methods The expression of IL 15 mRNA in cultured normal human keratinocytes (NHKs) and human squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HSC 5) was analysed, and the effect of dexamethasone on IL 15 mRNA expression was studied by using RT PCR and Northern blotting technique. Results The results showed that both NHKs and HSC 5 expressed IL 15 constitutively. The level of IL 15 mRNA was significantly decreased after the cells were cultured with 10 -6 M dexamethasone. Conclusion It is suggested that keratinocyte derived IL 15 might be involved in the development of certain inflammatory skin diseases.

Objective: We investigated subjective effects of a lactoferrin (LF) -containing supplement on cold-like symptoms and gastroenteritis symptoms.
Method: Healthy women were divided into a LF-consumption group and a non-consumption group. The former intaked LF-containing tablets for 90 days. Subjects filled out questionnaires about cold-like symptoms, gastroenteritis symptoms, and drug use.
Results: Significant decreases were found in the onset of cold-like symptoms and gastroenteritis symptoms in the LF-consumption group compared with non-consumption group.
Conclusion: These results suggest the possibility that LF intake inhibits the onset of common cold and gastroenteritis.