• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.269-275
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• 2022

Betula platyphylla extract includes various materials which showed biological activity such as terpenoids. For this reason, Betula platyphylla extract has been used to alleviate inflammation. In this study, extract of Betula platyphylla was obtained and purified using several solvents and evaluated whether they showed effect on prevention of hair loss. Cell cytotoxicity assay was performed to investigate the effect of extracts on cell proliferation. Western blotting was performed to observe the changes in expression of several related growth factors such as β-catenin, VEGF, IGF1, and cyclin D. Also, 5-α-reductase activity was measured. The ethyl acetate extract was divided into four partial extracts and named as H3-1, H3-2, H3-3, and H3-4. The H3-2 extract showed proliferation activity of human derma papilla cell and increased the protein expression of several related growth factors such as β-catenin, VEGF, IGF1, and cyclin D, comparable to the effect of Ethyl 3,4,5-Trimethoxy Benzoate (ETB)and Lupeol (LPO). Moreover, we found that the fraction H3 was shown to decrease 5-α-reductase activity while ETB and LPO had no significant effect on 5-α-reductase activity.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.123-123
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• 2024

• BMB Reports
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.255-262
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• 2016

The disease known as cerebral cavernous malformations mostly occurs in the central nervous system, and their typical histological presentations are multiple lumen formation and vascular leakage at the brain capillary level, resulting in disruption of the blood-brain barrier. These abnormalities result in severe neurological symptoms such as seizures, focal neurological deficits and hemorrhagic strokes. CCM research has identified 'loss of function' mutations of three ccm genes responsible for the disease and also complex regulation of multiple signaling pathways including the WNT/β-catenin pathway, TGF-β and Notch signaling by the ccm genes. Although CCM research is a relatively new and small scientific field, as CCM research has the potential to regulate systemic blood vessel permeability and angiogenesis including that of the blood-brain barrier, this field is growing rapidly. In this review, I will provide a brief overview of CCM pathogenesis and function of ccm genes based on recent progress in CCM research.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.469-476
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• 2002

The DNA topoismerase I inhibitor $\beta$-lapachone, the product of a tree from South America, is known to exhibit various biological properties, however the mechanisms of which are poorly understood. In the present report, we investigated the effects of $\beta$-lapachone on the growth of human prostate carcinoma DU-145 cells. Upon treatment with $\beta$-lapachone, a concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability was observed and cells developed many of the hallmark features of apoptosis, including condensation of chromatin and DNA fragmentation. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that $\beta$-lapachone increased populations of apoptotic-sub Gl phase. In addition, proteolytic cleavages of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and $\beta$-catenin protein were observed after treatment of $\beta$-lapachone. These apoptotic effects of $\beta$-lapachone in DU-145 cells were associated with marked induction of Bax protein, however the levels of Bcl-2 expression were decreased in a dose-dependent manner.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.677-683
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• 2003

We investigated the effects of Insamsapye-tang (ISSPT) water extract on the growth of human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Upon treatment with ISSPT extract, a concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability was observed and cells developed many of the hallmark features of apoptosis, including condensation of chromatin. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that ISSPT treatment increased populations of apoptotic-sub G1 phase. In addition, proteolytic degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and β-catenin protein were observed after treatment of ISSPT extract. These apoptotic effects of ISSPT in A549 cells were associated with marked inhibition of Bel-xL expression in a dose-dependent manner, however the levels of Bcl-2 and Bax expression were not affected. ISSPT treatment also induced the expression of tumor suppressor p53 mRNA and inhibited the expression of caspase-3 mRNA. The previous and present results indicated that ISSPT-induced inhibition of lung cancer cell proliferation is associated with the blockage of G1/S progression and the induction of apoptosis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.1214-1217
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• 2016

Rebamipide is a mucosal-protective antiulcer drug, but its mechanism of action in gastric cancer remains elusive. CagA, a major virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), is associated with the risk of gastric cancer. CagA protein is injected into gastric epithelial cells and deregulates a variety of cellular signaling molecules. CagA from H. pylori induces phospholipase D1 (PLD1) expression through NFκB activation in gastric epithelial cells, followed by invasion and proliferation of gastric epithelial cancer cells. Infection with cagA-positive H. pylori and expression of CagA enhances the binding of NFκB to the PLD1 promoter. Rebamipide abolishes H. pylori cagA-induced PLD1 expression via inhibition of binding of NFκB to the PLD1 promoter and also inhibits PLD activity. Moreover, rebamipide abolishes H. pylori CagA-induced β-catenin and the expression of a target cancer stem cell (CSC) marker gene via upregulation of miRNA-320a and -4496, followed by attenuation of self-renewal capacity of H. pylori CagA-infected gastric CSCs. In addition, rebamipide increases the chemosensitivity of CagA-expressed gastric CSCs and suppresses gastric carcinogenesis. Thus, it is speculated that rebamipide might show a potent efficacy as chemotherapeutic drug against gastric cancer cells. In this review, we summarizes recent results regarding the novel insights for the efficacy of rebamipide in gastric cancer cells.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.85-92
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• 2020

Various beneficial effects of sweet persimmon (Diospyros kaki T.) including anti-oxidation, anti-bacteria and viruses, anti-allergy were widely reported previously. However, the anti-inflammatory effect and its molecular mechanisms are not clear. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts of flower bud and fruit of sweet persimmon was investigated in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Both extracts of flower bud and fruit showed strong inhibitory effect on the LPS-induced NF-κB activation. IκBα, the inhibitor of NF-κB, was increased and the expressions of NF-κB target genes, COX-2 and iNOS, were suppressed by the treatment with the extracts of flower bud and fruit. The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α were also suppressed by the extracts. In addition, the LPS-induced wnt/β-catenin pathway and its related gene expressions including cyclin D1, wnt 3a, wnt 5a were suppressed by the extracts. The extracts also showed anti-oxidant activity and suppressive effect on the LPS-induced apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that the flower bud and fruit of sweet persimmon display strong anti-inflammatory effect through inhibiting the pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in the cells.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.51-59
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• 2022

Objectives : The process through which mesenchymal cells condense and differentiate into chondrocytes to form new bone is known as endochondral bone formation. Chondrogenic differentiation and hypertrophy are essential steps in bone formation and are influenced by various factors. The stem bark and root bark of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (ES) have been widely used to treat growth retardation and arthritis in traditional Korean Medicine. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible role of the stem bark of ES in the stimulation of chondrogenic differentiation in clonal murine chondrogenic ATDC5 cells. Methods : In ATDC5 cells treated with ES extract, cell viability and extracellular matrix production were determined using CCK-8 assay and Alcian blue staining, respectively, and alkaline phosphatase activity was measured. We also examined mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to chondrogenic expression in ATDC5 cells using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. Results : ES extract increased the accumulation of Alcian blue-stained cartilage nodules and alkaline phosphatase activity in ATDC5 cells. It increased the mRNA expressions of chondrogenic markers including bone sialoprotein (BSP), cartilage collagens, Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX-2), osteocalcin (OCN), β-catenin, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), as well as the protein expressions of β-catenin, RUNX-2, BMP-2, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Conclusion : Taken together, these results suggest that ES extract exhibits a chondromodulating activity and therefore may be a possible agent for the treatment of bone growth disorders.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2020.08a
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• pp.89-89
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• 2020

In this study, we evaluated the effect of the extracts from Lonicera caerulea leaves (LCLE), branches (LCBE) and fruits (LCFE) on the cell growth and migration in human colorectal cancer cells, HCT116 and SW480 cells. LCLE and LCBE dose- and time-dependently inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 and SW480 cells. However, LCFE did not affect the proliferation of HCT116 and SW480 cells. In addition, LCLE and LCBE dramatically cell migration and wound healing in HCT116 cells. LCLE and LCBE decreased β-catenin protein level but not mRNA level in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Furthermore, LCLE decreased TCF4 level in both protein and mRNA level in HCT116 and SW480 cells. However, LCBE decreased TCF4 protein level but not mRNA level in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Based on these findings, LCLE and LCBE may inhibit the cell proliferation and migration through blocking Wnt signaling activation in human colorectal cancer cells. Therefore, LCLE and LCBE may be a potential candidate for the development of chemopreventive or therapeutic agents for human colorectal cancer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.506-515
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• 2024

Primary human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) are often preferred in studies on hair growth and regeneration. However, primary HDPCs are limited by their reduced proliferative capacity, decreased hair induction potential, and extended doubling times at higher passages. To overcome these limitations, pTARGET vectors containing human papillomavirus16 (HPV16) E6/E7 oncogenes were transfected into HDPCs and selected using G-148 to generate immortalized cells here. HPV16 E6/E7 oncogenes were efficiently transfected into primary HDPCs. Immortalized HDPC showed higher proliferative activity than primary HDPC, confirming an increased proliferation rate. Expression of p53 and pRb proteins was downregulated by E6 and E7, respectively. E6/E7 expressing HDPC cells revealed that cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p21 expression was decreased, while cell cycle-related genes and proteins (CDK2 and cyclin E) and E2F family genes were upregulated. Immortalized HDPCs maintained their responsiveness to Wnt/β-catenin pathway and hair follicle formation capability, as indicated by their aggregative properties and stemness. E6/E7 immortalized HDPCs may facilitate in vitro hair growth and regeneration studies.