• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.390-399
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• 2014

Chalcones (1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones), a flavonoid subfamily, are widely known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Propenone moiety in chalcones is known to play an important role in generating biological responses by chalcones. In the present study, we synthesized chalcone derivatives structurally modified in propenone moiety and examined inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production and its potential mechanisms. Among the chalcone derivatives used for this study, TI-I-174 (3-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-1-(thiophen-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one) most potently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitrite production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. TI-I-174 treatment also markedly inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. However, TI-I-174 did not significantly affect production of IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), implying that TI-I-174 inhibits production of inflammatory mediators in a selective manner. Treatment of macrophages with TI-I-174 significantly inhibited transcriptional activity of activator protein-1 (AP-1) as determined by luciferase reporter gene assay, whereas nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) activity was not affected by TI-I-1744. In addition, TI-I-174 significantly inhibited activation of c-Jun-N-Terminal kinase (JNK) without affecting ERK1/2 and p38MAPK, indicating that down-regulation of iNOS gene expression by TI-I-174 is mainly attributed by blockade of JNK/AP-1 activation. We also demonstrated that TI-I-174 treatment led to an increase in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression both at mRNA and protein level. Transfection of siRNA targeting HO-1 reversed TI-I-174-mediated inhibition of nitrite production. Taken together, these results indicate that TI-I-174 suppresses NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages via induction of HO-1 and blockade of AP-1 activation.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.311-318
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• 2003

Eurya emarginata (Thunb.) Makino (Theaceae) is distributed in coastal areas of island. The leaves of Eurya are used in the traditional medicine of the coastal areas of jeju island with the aim of diuresis or to treat ulcers. Nevertheless, there are few reports on the biological activity and constituents of E. emarginata. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological activity of the solvent extracts of E. emarginata on the several inflammatory markers (TNF-$\alpha$, IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, NO, iNOS and COX-2). Also we examined the antioxidizing effect of the solvent extracts by determination of DPPH radical-scavenging activity. Among the solvent fractions, EtOAc and BuOH extracts showed potent radical scavenging activity (RC$_{50}$=10.9 and 12.7 respectively). The subtractions of EF 5-4-6-3-2 and BF 1 potentially inhibited the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1$\beta$, IL-6 and TNF-$\alpha$) at the concentration of 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mι. Also the fractions inhibited the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1$\beta$, IL-6 and TNF-$\alpha$) and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 at the concentration of 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mι. And then, the inhibition of iNOS was correlated with the decrease of nitrite level. These results suggest that E. emarginata may have anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, iNOS and COX-2.2.

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 2003.09a
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• pp.601-610
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• 2003

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin used as a skin conditioning agent and promotes the formation of intercellular lipid layers through increased lipid synthesis, which improves the skin's natural barrier function. The anti-inflammatory effects of biotin have been investigated using in vitro assay models, such as MTT assay, measurements of concentrations of nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin E2(PGE$_2$), and inhibition rate of 5-lipoxygenase(5-LOX). In comparison with biotin, other plant extracts were tested at the same time which were kudzu vine extract, sage extract, paeonia extract, and dipotassium glycyrrhetinate. Nitric oxide is a signal molecule with functions such as neurotransmission, local vascular relaxation, and anti-inflammation in many physiological and pathological processes. NO can cause apoptosis and necrosis of target cells such as keratinocytes and is generated from L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Prostanoids, including prostaglandins and thromboxanes, are generated by the phospholipase $A_2$/cyclooxygenase(COX) pathway, and leukotrienes are generated by the 5-lipoxygenase pathway from arachidonic acid. Prostaglandin E2 recently have been shown to be beneficial in the resolution of tissue injury and inflammation, also has been implicated as an immunosuppressive agent and plasma levels of PGE$_2$ are elevated in patients sustaining thermal injury. Lipoxygenase metabolites from arachidonic acid have been implicated in inflammation, anti-inflammatory activity of the raw materials was evaluated in vitro by the offered inhibition of lipoxygenase.

• Proceedings of the Korea Contents Association Conference
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• 2011.05a
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• pp.361-362
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• 2011

본 연구는 사건관련전위를 이용하여 정신병질자들이 정서인식에 따른 반응억제의 어려움이 있는지를 알아보기 위해 수행되었다. 교도소에 수용 중인 수형자들을 대상으로 PCL-R(Psychopathy Checklist-Revised)의 점수에 따라 6명의 정신병질 수형자집단과 4명의 정상 수형자집단을 선별하고, 얼굴자극을 이용한 시각 Go/NoGo 과제를 실시하였다. 모든 피험자들은 Go 자극에 버튼을 누르고 NoGo 자극에 버튼을 누르지 않도록 지시를 받았으며, 과제를 실시하는 동안 사건관련전위를 측정하였다. 과제 1에서는 공포표정을 NoGo자극으로 사용하고 중성표정을 Go자극으로 사용하였으며, 과제 2에서는 슬픈 표정을 NoGo자극으로 사용하고 중성표정을 Go자극으로 사용하였다. 정신병질 수형자집단은 공포표정의 NoGo P3 진폭이 중성표정의 Go P3 진폭보다 크게 나타난 반면에 정상 수형자집단은 공포표정과 중성표정 간의 P3 요인의 진폭이 유사하거나 공포표정의 NoGo P3 진폭보다 중성표정의 Go P3 진폭이 더 크게 나타났다. P3 잠재기를 분석한 결과, 정신병질 수형자집단은 슬픔 표정자극의 NoGo조건에서 중성표정자극의 Go조건보다 느린 P3 잠재기를 나타낸 반면, 정상 수형자집단은 NoGo조건에서 Go조건보다 빠른 P3 잠재기를 나타냈다. 정서인식검사결과, 정신병질 수형자집단은 정상 수형자 집단보다 유의미하게 낮은 정확도를 나타냈다. 이러한 결과는 정신병질자들이 공포, 슬픔과 같은 부정적인 정서를 인식한 후에 반응을 억제하는데 인지적인 어려움을 겪는다는 것을 보여준다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.187-197
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• 2004

Background : Nitric Oxide (NO) is a multi-faceted molecule with dichotomous regulatory roles in many areas of biology. NO can promote apoptosis in some cells, whereas it inhibits apoptosis in other cell types. This study was performed to characterize NO-induced cell death in lung epithelial cells and to investigate the roles of cell death regulators including iron, bcl-2 and p53. Methods : A549 cells were used for lung epithelial cells. SNP (sodium nitroprusside) and SNAP (S-nitroso-N-acetyl- penicillamine) were used for NO donor. Cytoxicity assay was done by MTT assay and crystal violet assay. Apoptotic assay was done by fluorescent microscopy after double staining with propidium iodide and hoecst 33342. Iron inhibition study was done with RBCs and FeSO4. For bcl-2 study, bcl-2 overexpressing cells (A549-bcl-2) were used and for p53 study, Western blot analysis and p53 functionally knock-out cells (A549-E6) were used. Results : SNP and SNAP induced dose-dependent cell death in A549 cells and fluorescent microscopy revealed that SNAP induced apoptosis in low doses but necrosis in high doses while SNP induced exclusively necrotic cell death. Iron inhibition study using RBCs and FeSO4 significantly blocked SNAP-induced cell death. And also SNAP-induced cell death was blocked by bcl-2 overexpression. Finally, we found that SNAP activate p53 by Western blot analysis and that SNAP-induced cell death was decreased in the abscence of p53. Conclusion : In lung epithelial cells, NO can induce cell death, more precisely apoptosis in low doses and necrosis in high doses. And iron, bcl-2, and p53 play important roles in NO-induced cell death.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.17-24
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• 2007

Objectives : Licorice has been commonly used as a detoxification agent. We previously reported that licorice and its component, liquiritigenin, exhibits cytoprotective activity against Pb-induced toxicity. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of liquiritigenin on the lead-induced cytotoxicity in PC-12 cells. Methods : PC-12 cells were pre-treated with liquiritigenin, and further incubated with lead 100 ${\mu}M$ for $12^{\sim}48$ hours. The viability of PC-12 cells was measured by MTT assay, and the levels of proteins were analysed by western blot. Results : Severe cytotoxicity was induced and nitric oxide (NO) production was augmented by the exposure of lead. Liquiritigenin protected cells from lead-induced cytoxicity and reduced NO production in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of NO production was due to the suppression of iNOS protein via the inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ nuclear translocation, determined by western blot analysis. Conclusions : These results suggest that liquiritigenin may exert cytoprotective effect against lead toxicity by inhibiting NO production.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.61-69
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• 2009

This study was conducted to examine the chemical composition of kiwifruit skin, and to est its anti-microbial activities and cytotoxicities, thus, exploring ways for the economic utilization of kiwifruit skin. Four varieties of kiwifruit were examined: Daeheung, Bidan, Haegeum No.1 and Hayward. Vitamin C content in the fruit skins of Bidan, Daeheung, Haegeum No.1 and Hayward were 72.44, 67.22, 62.51 and 61.44mg/100g, respectively. Total amino acids content in the fruit skins of Bidan, Haegeum No.1, Hayward and Daeheung ere 808.31, 706.02, 629.07 and 464.83mg/100g dry weight, respectively. K and Ca content ere $17.20-45.70{\mu}g/mL$ and $4.58-10.15{\mu}g/mL$. While, other inorganic matter contents were below $4.89{\mu}g/mL$. Anti-microbial activity of kiwifruit skin extracts, in terms of the diameter of inhibition zone when tested against five gram positive and three gram negative microbial trains (even in the concentration of 2,000mg/L), was less than 14.1mm. The hyperplasia inhibition of lung cancer cells by methanol extracts from Bidan and Haegeum No.1 using concentrations of 800mg/L were 27.7% and 14.5%, however, those from Daeheung and Hayward were below 3% Consequently, it will be useful to know that kiwifruit skin can be added to processed goods which demand for higher concentrations of vitamin C, amino acids, K and Ca.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.20.1-20.11
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• 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) membranes incorporated with antimicrobial agents regarding cytotoxicity in fibroblasts of the periodontal ligament (PDLF), antimicrobial activity, and inhibition of multispecies biofilm formation. Materials and Methods: The tested BNC membranes were BNC + 1% clindamycin (BNC/CLI); BNC + 0.12% chlorhexidine (BNC/CHX); BNC + nitric oxide (BNC/NO); and conventional BNC (BNC; control). After PDLF culture, the BNC membranes were positioned in the wells and maintained for 24 hours. Cell viability was then evaluated using the MTS calorimetric test. Antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) was evaluated using the agar diffusion test. To assess the antibiofilm activity, BNC membranes were exposed for 24 hours to the mixed culture. After sonicating the BNC membranes to remove the remaining biofilm and plating the suspension on agar, the number of colony-forming units (CFU)/mL was determined. Data were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn tests (α = 5%). Results: PDLF metabolic activity after contact with BNC/CHX, BNC/CLI, and BNC/NO was 35%, 61% and 97%, respectively, compared to BNC. BNC/NO showed biocompatibility similar to that of BNC (p = 0.78). BNC/CLI showed the largest inhibition halos, and was superior to the other BNC membranes against S. sanguinis (p < 0.05). The experimental BNC membranes inhibited biofilm formation, with about a 3-fold log CFU reduction compared to BNC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: BNC/NO showed excellent biocompatibility and inhibited multispecies biofilm formation, similarly to BNC/CLI and BNC/CHX.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.10
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• pp.1114-1121
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• 2005

Flavonoids are polyphenols composed of two aromatic rings (A, B) and a heterocyclic ring (C). In order to determine the effects of the number of hydroxyl groups in the B-ring of the flavonoids on human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1 family enzymes, we evaluated the inhibition of CYP1A-dependent 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation activity by chrysin, apigenin and luteolin, using bacterial membranes that co-express human CYP1A1, CYP1A2, or CYP1B1 with human NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. Chrysin, which possesses no hydroxyl groups in its B-ring, exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effects on CYP1A2-dependent EROD activity, followed by apigenin and luteolin. On the contrary, CYP1A1-mediated EROD activity was most potently inhibited by luteolin, which is characterized by two hydroxyl groups in its B-ring, followed by apigenin and chrysin. However, all of the 5,7-dihydroxyflavones were determined to similarly inhibit CYP1B1 activity. Chrysin, apigenin, and luteolin exhibited a mixed-type mode of inhibition with regard to CYP1A2, CYP1B1, and CYP1A1, with apparent Ki values of 2.4, 0.5, and 2.0 ${\mu}M$, respectively. These findings suggested that the number of hydroxyl groups in the B-ring of 5,7-dihydroxyflavone might have some influence on the degree to which CYP1A enzymes were inhibited, but not on the degree to which CYP1B1 enzymes were inhibited.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.206-212
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• 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nimodipine on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin after oral and intravenous administration of warfarin in rats. Methods: Warfarin was administered orally (0.2 mg/kg) or intravenously (0.05 mg/kg) without or with oral administration of nimodipine (0.5 or 2 mg/kg) in rats. The effect of nimodipine on the P-glycoprotein as well as cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 activity was also evaluated. Results: Nimodipine inhibited CYP3A4 enzyme activity with 50% inhibition concentration ($IC_{50}$) of $10.2{\mu}M$. Compared to those animals in the oral control group (warfarin without nimodipine), the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of warfarin was significantly greater (0.5 mg/kg, P<0.05; 2 mg/kg, P<0.01) by 31.3-57.6%, and the peak plasma concentration ($C_{max}$) was significantly higher (2 mg/kg, P<0.05) by 29.4% after oral administration of warfarin with nimodipine, respectively. Consequently, the relative bioavailability of warfarin increased by 1.31- to 1.58-fold and the absolute bioavailability of warfarin with nimodipine was significantly greater by 64.1-76.9% compared to that in the control group (48.7%). In contrast, nimodipine had no effect on any pharmacokinetic parameters of warfarin given intravenously. Conclusion: Therefore, the enhanced oral bioavailability of warfarin may be due to inhibition of CYP 3A4-mediated metabolism rather than P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux by nimodipine.