• 대한한의학회지
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.1-15
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• 2022

Objectives: Myrrh have been used as a traditional remedy to treat infectious and inflammatory diseases. However, it is largely unknown whether myrrh ethanol extract could exhibit the inhibitory activities against particulate matter (PM)-induced skin injury on human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the inhibitory activity of myrrh ethanol extract on PM-induced skin injury in HaCaT cells. Methods: To investigate the inhibitory effects of myrrh ethanol extract in HaCaT cells, the skin injury model of HaCaT cells was established under PM treatment. HaCaT keratinocyte cells were pre-treated with myrrh ethanol extract for 1 h, and then stimulated with PM. Then, the cells were harvested to measure the cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL) 1-beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-𝛼, hyaluronidase, collagen, MMPs. In addition, we examined the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and inhibitory kappa B alpha (I𝜅-B𝛼) as inhibitory mechanisms of myrrh ethanol extract. Results: The treatment of myrrh ethanol extract inhibited the PM-induced cell death and ROS production in HaCaT cells. In addition, myrrh ethanol extract treatment inhibited the PM-induced elevation of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-𝛼. Also, myrrh ethanol extract treatment inhibited the increase of hyaluronidase, MMP and decrease of collagen. Furthermore, myrrh ethanol extract treatment inhibited the activation of MAPKs and the degradation of I𝜅-B𝛼. Conclusions: Our result suggest that treatment of myrrh ethanol extract could inhibit the PM-induced skin injury via deactivation of MAPKs and nuclear factor (NF)-𝜅B in HaCaT cells. This study could suggest that myrrh ethanol extract could be a beneficial agent to prevent skin damage or inflammation.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.259-266
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• 2000

Objectives : The effects of aqueous extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae (a traditional medicine for cancer treatment in oriental medicine) on the induction of apoptotic cell death were investigated in human liver origm hepatoma cell lines, HepG2. Methods : The death of HepG2 cells was markedly induced by the addition of extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae in a dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic characteristic ladder pattern of DNA strand break was not observed in cell death of HepG2. In addition, it was not shown nucleus chromatin condensation and fragmentation under hoechst staining. However, by the using annexin V staining assay, externalizations of phosphatidylserine in HepG2 cell which were treated with Cortex ulmi pumilae extracts were detected in the early time (at 9 hr after extract treatment). Furthermore, LDH release was not detected in this early stage. Therefore, Cortex ulmi pumilae extracts-induced cell death of HepG2 cells is mediated by apoptotic death signal processes. Result : The activity of caspase 3-like proteases remained in a basal level in HepG2 cells which treated with the extract of Cordyceps sinensis. However, it was markedly increased in HepG2 cells which treated with two extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae (C.U.P.-C, C.U.P.-K) which were differently extracted (respectively, 2.3 and 3.3 fold). On a while, the phosphotransferase activities of JNK1 was markedly induced in HepG2 cells which were treated with two extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae. On the contrary, the activation of transcriptional activator, activating protein1(AP-1) and NF-kB were severely decreased by these two extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae (C.U.P.-C, C.U.P.-K). In addition, antioxidants (GSH and NAC) and intracellular $Ca2^+$ level regulator (Bapta/AM and Thapsigargin) did not affect Cortex ulmi pumilae extracts-induced apoptotic death of HepG2 cells. Conclusions : In conclusion, our results suggest that two extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae (C.U.P.-C, C.U.P.-K) induces the apoptotic death of human liver origin hepatoma HepG2 cells via activation of caspase 3-like proteases as well as JNK1, and inhibition of transcriptional activators, AP-1 and $NK-{\kappa}B$.

• BMB Reports
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• 제53권6호
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• pp.323-328
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• 2020

Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), a calcium-dependent zinccontaining collagenase, is involved in the initial degradation of native fibrillar collagen. Tissue necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is rapidly produced by dermal fibroblasts, monocytes/macrophages, and keratinocytes and regulates inflammation and damaged-tissue remodeling. MMP-1 is induced by TNFα and plays a critical role in tissue remodeling and skin aging processes. However, the regulation of the MMP1 gene by TNFα is not fully understood. We aimed to find additional cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of TNFα-induced MMP1 gene transcription in addition to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP1) sites. Assessments of the 5'-regulatory region of the MMP1 gene, using a series of deletion constructs, revealed the requirement of the early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1)-binding sequence (EBS) in the proximal region for proper transcription by TNFα. Ectopic expression of EGR-1, a zinc-finger transcription factor that binds to G-C rich sequences, stimulated MMP1 promoter activity. The silencing of EGR-1 by RNA interference reduced TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression. EGR-1 directly binds to the proximal region and transactivates the MMP1 gene promoter. Mutation of the EBS within the MMP1 promoter abolished EGR-1-mediated MMP-1 promoter activation. These data suggest that EGR-1 is required for TNFα-induced MMP1 transcriptional activation. In addition, we found that all three MAPKs, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 kinase, mediate TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression via EGR-1 upregulation. These results suggest that EGR-1 may represent a good target for the development of pharmaceutical agents to reduce inflammation-induced MMP-1 expression.

• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제37권2호
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• pp.160-169
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• 2009

$\gamma$-PGA는 우리 전통 콩 발효식품인 청국장의 끈적끈적한 점액성의 성분으로, 매우 다양한 기능을 가지고 있는 천연 소재이다. 이러한 $\gamma$-PGA가 아토피발진 억제 가능성을 알아보기 위해 NC/Nga 생쥐를 사용하여 in vitro 실험을 실시하였다. $\gamma$-PGA(PGA-HM, 분자량 300 kDa)를 초음파처리로 저분자화시킨 30 kDa 이하의 저분자 PGA-LM를 만들고, 고분자 PGA-HM과 PGA-LM을 사용하여 실험하였는데 동일한 결과를 얻어 PGA-LM 실험결과 중심으로 보고한 것이다. 아토피 피부발진 NC/Nga 생쥐의 비장에서 B 세포와 T세포를 순수 분리하여 항알레르기 작용에 대한 in vitro 실험을 실시하였다. PGA-LM은 hFCs에 대한 세포독성 실험에서 모든 농도에서 세포독성을 나타내지 않았다. PGA-LM이 B 세포 분화 및 활성화에 미치는 영향을 관찰하기 위하여, NC/Nga 생쥐의 비장에서 순수 분리한 B 세포에 anti-CD40/rmIL-4로 자극한 결과, 대조군은 전사인자인 NF-${\kappa}B$의 활성화로 IL-$1\beta$, IL-6, 그리고 TNF-$\alpha$ mRNA의 발현이 증가되었다. 그러나 PGA-LM과 양성대조군인 rmIL-10 투여군은 염증사이토카인 IL-$1\beta$, IL-6 그리고 TNF-$\alpha$ mRNA 유전자 발현이 감소하였고, IL-10 mRNA 유전자 발현은 증가하였으나 TGF-$\beta$ mRNA의 유전자 발현은 대조군과 큰 차이가 나타나질 않았다. 또한 CD4+ T 세포에 PGA-LM $100\;{\mu}g/ml$를 처리한 후 4일간 동시 배양하여 CD4+IFN-$\gamma$+와 CD4+CD25+foxp3+ Treg 세포를 세포내 염색으로 분석한 결과에서는 CD4+IFN-$\gamma$+인 Th1 세포의 증가와 CD4+CD25+foxp3+ Treg 세포를 증가시켜 알레르기반응에서 우위한 Th2 세포에서 Th1 세포로 전환시키는 면역조절 역할을 나타내었다. 이상의 결과로 NC/Nga 생쥐에서 PGA-LM은 염증유전자 발현을 억제시키고 IFN-$\gamma$+의 증가 및 조절 T 세포의 유도로 아토피피부염의 피부발진을 치료하는 면역조절제로 사용될 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.61-68
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• 2015

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a representative traditional herbal medicine with many different pharmacological properties including anticancer, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory activities. Only a few studies have explored the molecular mechanism of KRG-mediated anti-inflammatory activity. Methods: We investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the protopanaxadiol saponin fraction (PPD-SF) of KRG using in vitro and in vivo inflammatory models. Results: PPD-SF dose-dependently diminished the release of inflammatory mediators [nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and prostaglandin $E_2$], and downregulated the mRNA expression of their corresponding genes (inducible NO synthase, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and cyclooxygenase-2), without altering cell viability. The PPD-SF-mediated suppression of these events appeared to be regulated by a blockade of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and TANK (TRAF family member-associated NF-kappa-B activator)-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), which are linked to the activation of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) and interferon regulatory transcription factor 3 (IRF3). Moreover, this fraction also ameliorated HCl/ethanol/-induced gastritis via suppression of phospho-JNK2 levels. Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of PPD-SF could be mediated by a reduction in the activation of p38-, JNK2-, and TANK-binding-kinase-1-linked pathways and their corresponding transcription factors (ATF2 and IRF3).

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제18권4호
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• pp.686-694
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• 2008

The inhibitory effects of 5,6,3',5'-tetramethoxy 7,4'-hydroxyflavone (labeled as p7F) were elucidated on the productions of proinflammatory cytokines as well as inflammatory mediators in human synovial fibroblasts and macrophage cells. p7F inhibited IL-1${\beta}$ or TNF-${\alpha}$ induced expressions of inflammatory mediators (ICAM-1, COX-2, and iNOS). p7F also inhibited LPS-induced productions of nitric oxide and prostaglandin $E_2$ in RAW 264.7 cells. In order to investigate whether p7F would inhibit IL-1 signaling, p7F was added to the D10S Th2 cell line (which is responsive to only IL-1${\beta}$ and thus proliferates), revealing that p7F inhibited IL-1${\beta}$-induced proliferation of D10S Th2 cells in a dose-response manner. A flow cytometric analysis revealed that p7F reduced the intracellular level of free radical oxygen species in RAW 264.7 cells treated with hydrogen peroxide. p7F inhibited IkB degradation and NF-${\kappa}$B activation in macrophage cells treated with LPS, supporting that p7F could inhibit signaling mediated via toll-like receptor. Taken together, p7F has inhibitory effects on LPS-induced productions of inflammatory mediators on human synovial fibroblasts and macrophage cells and thus has the potential to be an anti-inflammatory agent for inhibiting inflammatory responses.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.104-111
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• 2012

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases which degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) during embryogenesis, wound healing, and tissue remodeling. Dysregulation of MMP activity is also associated with various pathological inflammatory conditions. In this study, we examined the expression pattern of MMPs during PMA-induced differentiation of THP-1 monocytic cells into macrophages. We found that MMP1, MMP8, MMP3, MMP10, MMP12, MMP19, MMP9, and MMP7 were upregulated during differentiation whereas MMP2 remained unchanged. Expression of MMPs increased in a time-dependent manner; MMP1, MMP8, MMP3, MMP10, and MMP12 increased beginning at 60 hr post PMA treatment whereas MMP19, MMP9, and MMP7 increased beginning at 24 hr post PMA treatment. To identify signal transduction pathways involved in PMA-induced upregulation of MMPs, we treated PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells with specific inhibitors for PKC, MEK1, NF-${\kappa}B$, PI3K, p38 MAPK and PLC. We found that inhibition of the MEK1 pathway blocked PMA-induced upregulation of all MMPs to varying degrees except for MMP-2. In addition, expression of select MMPs was inhibited by PI3K, p38 MAPK and PLC inhibitors. In conclusion, we show that of the MMPs examined, most MMPs were up-regulated during differentiation of monocyte into macrophage via the MEK1 pathway. These results provide basic information for studying MMPs expression during macrophage differentiation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제18권12호
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• pp.1975-1983
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• 2008

The neuropeptide ${\alpha}$-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH) has anti-inflammatory property by down regulating the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines. Because ${\alpha}$-MSH elicits the anti-inflammatory effect in various inflammatory disease models, we examined the therapeutic effect of oral administration of recombinant Lactobacillus casei, which secretes ${\alpha}$-MSH (L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH), on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in Balb/c mice. Thus, we constructed the ${\alpha}$-MSH-secreting Lactobacillus casei by the basic plasmid, pLUAT-ss, which was composed of a PldhUTLS promoter and ${\alpha}$-amylase signal sequence from Streptococcus bovis strain. Acute colitis was induced by oral administration of 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. To investigate the effect of L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH on the colitis, L. casei or L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH was orally administered for 7 days and their effects on body weight, mortality rate, cytokine production, and tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were observed. Administration of L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH reduced the symptom of acute colitis as assessed by body weight loss (DSS alone: $14.45{\pm}0.2\;g$; L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH: $18.2{\pm}0.12\;g$), colitis score (DSS alone: $3.6{\pm}0.4$; L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH: $1.4{\pm}0.6$), MPO activity (DSS alone: $42.7{\pm}4.5\;U/g$; L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH: $10.25{\pm}0.5\;U/g$), survival rate, and histological damage compared with the DSS alone mice. L. casei-${\alpha}$-MSH-administered entire colon showed reduced in vitro production of proinflammatory cytokines and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. The ${\alpha}$-MSH-secreting recombinant L. casei showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in the murine model of acute colitis and suggests a potential therapeutic role for this agent in clinical inflammatory bowel diseases.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.305-310
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• 2005

It has been suggested that nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) may act as a mediator of cytokine-induced effects on bone turn-over. NO is also recognized as an important factor in bone remodeling, i.e., participating in osteoblast apoptosis in an arthritic joint. The components of Agastache rugosa are known to have many pharmacological activities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Agastache rugosa leaf extract (ELAR) on NO production and the iNOS expression in ROS 17/2.8 cells activated by a mixture of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-$alpha$ and IL-1$\beta$. A preincubation with ELAR significantly and concentration-dependently reduced the expression of iNOS protein in ROS 17/2.8 cells activated with the cytokine mixture. Consequently, the NO production was also significantly reduced by ELAR with an IC$_{50}$ of 0.75 mg/mL. The inhibitory mechanism of iNOS induction by ELAR prevented the activation and translocation of NF-$\kappa$B (p65) to the nucleus from the cytosol fraction. Furthermore, ELAR concentration-dependently reduced the cellular toxicity induced by sodium nitroprusside, an NO-donor. These results suggest that ELAR may be beneficial in NO-mediated inflammatory conditions such as osteoporosis.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.173-178
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• 2011

Tumor necrosis factor alpha ($TNF{\alpha}$) is a multifunctional cytokine that is elevated in inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent evidence has suggested that ${\beta}2$ adrenergic receptor (${\beta}2AR$) activation in osteoblasts suppresses osteogenic activity. In the present study, we explored whether $TNF{\alpha}$ modulates ${\beta}AR$ expression in osteoblastic cells and whether this regulation is associated with the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation by $TNF{\alpha}$. In the experiments, we used C2C12 cells, MC3T3-E1 cells and primary cultured mouse bone marrow stromal cells. Among the three subtypes of ${\beta}AR$, ${\beta}2$ and ${\beta}3AR$ were found in our analysis to be upregulated by $TNF{\alpha}$. Moreover, isoproterenol-induced cAMP production was observed to be significantly enhanced in $TNF{\alpha}$-primed C2C12 cells, indicating that $TNF{\alpha}$ enhances ${\beta}2AR$ signaling in osteoblasts. $TNF{\alpha}$ was further found in C2C12 cells to suppress bone morphogenetic protein 2-induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the expression of osteogenic marker genes including Runx2, ALP and osteocalcin. Propranolol, a ${\beta}2AR$ antagonist, attenuated this $TNF{\alpha}$ suppression of osteogenic differentiation. $TNF{\alpha}$ increased the expression of receptor activator of NF-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL), an essential osteoclastogenic factor, in C2C12 cells which was again blocked by propranolol. In summary, our data show that $TNF{\alpha}$ increases ${\beta}2AR$ expression in osteoblasts and that a blockade of ${\beta}2AR$ attenuates the suppression of osteogenic differentiation and stimulation of RANKL expression by $TNF{\alpha}$. These findings imply that a crosstalk between $TNF{\alpha}$ and ${\beta}2AR$ signaling pathways might occur in osteoblasts to modulate their function.