• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.47-58
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• 2014

Objectives GyejigaChulBuTang (GCBT) is a prescription used to treat acute and chronic arthritis in Korea, China, and Japan. This study assessed the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of GCBT on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Methods Raw264.7 cells were pretreated with or without GCBT for 1 hour prior to incubation with LPS. Anti-inflammatory activity of GCBT was evaluated with reference to gene expression and production levels of proinflammatory cytokines ($TNF{\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, GM-CSF and $INF{\gamma}$) and inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, NO and $PGE_2$). In addition, intracellular ROS generation and signal transduction of MAPK family, PI3K/Akt and $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}/NF{\kappa}B$ was investigated. Results Prior treatment with GCBT inhibited elevation of $TNF{\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, GM-CSF, $INF{\gamma}$, NO and $PGE_2$, together with their cognate mRNAs in a dose-dependent manner. Intracellular ROS contents were similarly reduced. These effects were due to inhibition of LPS-induced phosphorylation of MAPK family, PI3K/Akt and $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ as well as nuclear translocation of $NF{\kappa}B$. Conclusions GCBT suppresses pro-inflammatory mediators. GCBT has potential in the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis associated with inflammation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.397-403
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• 2011

The proliferation, migration, cytokine release, and contraction of airway smooth muscle cells are key events in the airway remodeling process that occur in lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstruction pulmonary disease, and cancer. These events can be modulated by a number of factors, including cigarette smoke extract (CSE). CSE-induced alterations in the viability, migration, and contractile abilities of normal human airway cells remain unclear. This study investigated the effect of CSE on cell viability, migration, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ secretion, and contraction in normal human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs). Treatment of HBSMCs with 10% CSE induced cell death, and the death was accompanied by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). CSE-induced cell death was reduced by N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), an ROS scavenger. In addition, CSE reduced the migration ability of HBSMCs by 75%. The combination of NAC with CSE blocked the CSE-induced reduction of cell migration. However, CSE had no effect on TNF-${\alpha}$ secretion and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. CSE induced an increase in intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration in 64% of HBSMCs. CSE reduced the contractile ability of HBSMCs, and the ability was enhanced by NAC treatment. These results demonstrate that CSE treatment induces cell death and reduces migration and contraction by increasing ROS generation in normal HBSMCs. These results suggest that CSE may induce airway change through cell death and reduction in migration and contraction of normal HBSMCs.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.663-668
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• 2011

Galgeun-tang (GGT) has been a great source for treating cold diseases in the folk medicine recipe. Carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$) is one type of hepatotoxin that can eventually cause liver injury. During the experiment, we first studied the protective effects of GGT against $CC_4$-induced hepatotoxicity. GGT was pretreated for 3 h, and 1% $CCl_4$ was added to mouse primary liver cells. After 4 h, ROS generation and expression of antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) were analyzed by FACS and real time PCR. Also, the activities of ALT and LDH were measured using cultured medium. The hepatic levels of TNF-alpha and iNOS, which are related to inflammation and stress response gene, HSP72 and HO-1 were analyzed by PCR or real time PCR. Liver tissues were analyzed by HE stain. From the observation, we discovered that GGT treatment protects $CCl_4$-induced hepatotoxicity, and that GGT pretreatment decreases ROS generation, TNF-alpha and iNOS expression. However, gene expression of CAT, SOD, GPx, HSP72 and HO-1 were increased by GGT. These results lead to the conclusion that GGT has protective effects against $CCl_4$-induced hepatotoxicity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.9
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• pp.1263-1269
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• 2010

This study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant activities and anti-asthma effects of Morus bark water extracts. Inhibitory effect of Morus bark onto free radical generation was determined by measuring DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities in vitro. Anti-asthma activities of Morus bark water extracts were assessed by testing their effects on the degranulation of mast cell. For this, $\beta$-hexosaminidase released from a basophilic cell line, RBL-2H3 was used and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA kit. The antioxidant activities of water extracts of Morus bark was 59.2% in the DPPH assay at $2,000\;{\mu}g/mL$ and 78.8% in the hydroxyl radical scavenging assay at $2,000\;{\mu}g/mL$. Our results indicated that Morus bark water extracts effectively inhibited free radical generation. Morus bark water extracts inhibited inflammation-mediating substances such as histamine and $\beta$-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells. Cytokine release demonstrated a more effective blockading ability of the Morus bark water extracts to the release of IL-4 and TNF-$\alpha$ compared to control. These results demonstrate that Morus bark may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic inflammatory disease.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.179-190
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• 2004

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Bee Venom and Melittin acupuncture solution on the lipopolysaccharide and sodium nitroprusside- induced expression of cytosolic phospholipase $A_2$, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ and calcium concentration in RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line. Methods : The expression of cytosolic phospholipase $A_2$ and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ was determined by western blotting with corresponding antibodies, and the generation of intracellular calcium concentration was investigated by delta scan system in RAW 264.7 cells. Results : 1. Compared with control, expressions of lipopolysaccharide-induced cytosolic phospholipase $A_2$ were decreased significantly by $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and 5, $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin acupuncture solution and decreased by 0.5, $1{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom. 2. Compared with control, expressions of sodium nitroprusside-induced phospholipase $A_2$ were decreased significantly by 0.5, 1, $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and by 5, $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin acupuncture solution. 3. Compared with control, expressions of lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ were decreased significantly by $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin acupuncture solution and were not changed significantly by 0.5, 1, $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and $5{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin acupuncture solution. 4. Compared with control, expressions of sodium nitroprusside-induced tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ were decreased significantly by 1, $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and 5, $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin acupuncture solution and decreased by $0.5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom 5. Compared with control, lipopolysaccharide-induced intracellular calcium concentrations were decreased by 0.5, 1, $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin acupuncture solution and increased by $5{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin acupuncture solution. 6. Compared with control, sodium nitroprusside-induced intracellular calcium concentrations were decreased by 0.5, 1, $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and 5, $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin acupuncture solution.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.355-362
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• 2011

This work was performed to investigate the protective effect of ethanol extract (AEx) from acorn (Quercus acutissima CARR.) against allergic mediated responses in asthma model cells and mice. The AEx inhibited antigen-stimulated cytokine production such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13 and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and AEx also inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation against IgE-mediated allergic response in rat basophilic leukaemia RBL-2H3 cells. The ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice were orally administered with AEx (100 or 300 mg/kg) and authentic tannic acid (75 mg/kg) every day for 15 days. Increased TNF-${\alpha}$ production by OVA-sensitization/challenge was significantly reduced by administration of AEx. The serum triglyceride levels of asthma mice were significantly reduced after feeding for 15 days with tannic acid or AEx. The mice fed with tannic acid or AEx also exhibited a significant reduction in body weights compared to those of asthma control group. The AEx increased the heme oxygenase (HO)-1 mRNA expression in the asthma model mice and showed DPPH radical scavenging activity. These results indicate that AEx protects against IgEmediated allergic and OVA-induced asthmatic responses via direct and indirect antioxidant activities. Reduced triglyceride and body weights may provide additional protective benefits of AEx on allergic asthma.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: One of the mechanisms considered to be prevalent in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is hyper-stimulation of microglia. Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocapa L.) is widely used to treat diabetes and atherosclerosis, and is known to exert anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; however, its neuroprotective effects have not been elucidated thus far. MATERIALS/METHODS: We undertook to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanolic extract of black chokeberry friut (BCE) in BV2 cells, and evaluate its neuroprotective effect in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model of AD. RESULTS: Following stimulation of BV2 cells by LPS, exposure to BCE significantly reduced the generation of nitric oxide as well as mRNA levels of numerous inflammatory factors such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), interleukin 1 beta ($IL-1{\beta}$), and tumor necrosis factor alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$). In addition, AD was induced in a mouse model by intraperitoneal injection of LPS ($250{\mu}g/kg$), subsequent to which we investigated the neuroprotective effects of BCE (50 mg/kg) on brain damage. We observed that BCE significantly reduced tissue damage in the hippocampus by downregulating iNOS, COX-2, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ levels. We further identified the quinic acids in BCE using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). Furthermore, we confirmed the neuroprotective effect of BCE and quinic acid on amyloid beta-induced cell death in rat hippocampal primary neurons. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that black chokeberry has protective effects against the development of AD.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.12-30
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• 2004

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of SMG on the in vitro and in vivo inflammatory reactions. In experiment I, in vitro tests, ethanol extract of SMG showed potent radical scavenging activity tested by DPPH(I,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hyrazyl) method and inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced gene expressions of interleukin-1${\beta}$, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (above 50$\%$ at a concentration of 50㎍／㎖) by the macrophage RAW 246.7 cells. Among the herbal ingredients of SMG, ethanol extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis, Paeonia lactiflora, Glycyrrhiza glabra showed potent radical scavenging activity. And Glycyrrhiza glabra and Scutellaria baicalensis showed potent inhibitory activity of nitric oxide production. Especially, ethanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis inhibited the gene expression of IL-1${\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$. In cyclooxygenase-2 assay, Scutellaria baicalensis and Glycyrrhiza glabra showed the potent inhibition of prostaglandin E2 generation. In experiment 2, in vivo tests, SMG showed inhibitory effects on vascular permeability (28.7$\%$) and leukocyte migration (11.5$\%$). These results mean that SMG has a anti-inflammatory effects by it's inhibitory effects of leukocyte migration and vascular permeability as well as it's inhibitory effects of lipopolysaccharide-induced gene expression of IL-1${\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$, and radical scavenging activity. Therefore, I expect that SMG may be used as a effective drug for treatment on inflammation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2009

Aprotinin is used clinically in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery to reduce transfusion requirements and the inflammatory response. The mechanism of action for the anti-inflammatory effects of aprotinin is still unclear. We examined our hypothesis whether inhibitory effects of aprotinin on cytokine-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression (IL-$l\beta$ plus TNF-$\alpha$), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation were due to HO-l induction in rat VSMCs. Aprotinin induced HO-l protein expression in a dose-dependent manner, which was potentiated during inflammatory condition. Aprotinin reduced cytokine mixture (CM)-induced iNOS expression in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, aprotinin reduced CM-induced ROS generation, cell proliferation, and phosphorylation of JNK but not of P38 and ERK1/2 kinases. Aprotinin effects were reversed by pre-treatment with the HO-l inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPPIX). HO-l is therefore closely involved in inflammatory-stimulated VSMC proliferation through the regulation of ROS generation and JNK phosphorylation. Our results suggest a new molecular basis for aprotinin anti-inflammatory properties.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.29-43
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of LR3 and SP6 acupuncture on liver damage of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Methods : Male ICR mice were divided into four groups, consisting of the normal mice group(N), acupuncture-free diabetic mice group(Con), LR3-acupuncture diabetic mice group(LR3) and SP6-acupuncture diabetic mice group(SP6). The following measurements were taken: Body weight, food intake and water intake for 2 weeks; liver weight, and glucose levels in the serum and liver; ALT and AST in the serum; reactive oxygen species(ROS), reduced glutathione(GSH) and oxidized glutathione(GSSG) in the liver; and lastly, receptor for advanced glycation endproducts( RAGE), $N{\varepsilon}-carboxymethyl$ lysine(CML), $N{\varepsilon}-carboxyethyl$ lysine(CEL), phosphorylation of inhibitory kappa B alpha($p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$), nuclear factor-kappa B($NF-{\kappa}B$), activator protein-1(AP-1), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha($TNF-{\alpha}$), ${\beta}-actin$, cytochrome c and caspase in the liver. Results : The liver weight and GSH/GSSG ratio were significantly increased in SP6 compared to Con. The glucose levels in the liver were significantly decreased in LR3 compared to Con. The generation of ROS and GSSG were significantly decreased in SP6 compared to Con. The expressions of RAGE, CML, AP-1, $TNF-{\alpha}$, cytochrome c and caspase 3 were significantly decreased in LR3 compared to Con. The expressions of $p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, $NF-{\kappa}B$, AP-1, COX-2, iNOS and caspase 3 were significantly decreased in SP6 compared to Con. Conclusion : It is predicted that LR3 acupuncture is related to reduced glucose levels in the liver and expressions of AGE, and that, SP6 acupuncture is related to reduced oxidative stress-related transcription factors and inflammation-related proteins. Therefore, we suggest that LR3 and SP6 acupuncture have protective effects on the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by preventing apoptosis.