• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.111-115
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• 1999

We have studied the transdermal flux of prostaglandin $E_1$ $(PGE_1)$ from a hydrogel patch through hairless mouse skin, to test the possibility of developing a transdermal delivery system. Karaya gum patch containing $PGE_1$ was prepared by casting method. $PGE_1$ was stable in the patch for 10 weeks. The effect of current application, enhancer (propylene glycol monolaurate : PGML), adhesive and patch thickness on the flux was studied using side-by-side diffusion cell. Passive flux of $PGE_1$ was negligible. Cathodal delivery increased the flux about 20 fold. As the concentrations of PGML increased, flux increased. When 5% PGML was used as the enhancer, maximum flux by cathodal iontophoresis was $55\;{\mu}g/cm^2\;hr$. It increased about 2 folds to $100\;{\mu}g/cm^2\;hr$, when the amount of PGML used was 9%. Large increase in flux and the decrease in time to reach maximum flux were observed when the skin was pretreated with neat PGML (maximum flux obtained was about $200\;{\mu}g/cm^2\;hr$). Use of adhesive decreased the flux significantly. To the contrary of our expectation, increase in current density decreased the flux. These flux data together with the stability data indicate that, though the onset of sufficient delivery occur after 1-2 hours of application, therapeutic amount of $PGE_1$ can be delivered through skin using iontophoresis and penetration enhancer.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.558-566
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• 1998

Two isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX) have been identified - COX-1, which is constitlitively expressed in most tissues, and the inducible form, COX-2, of which expression is induced by inflammatory signals and mitogens. It has been considered that the beneficial effects of NSAIDs are due to the inhibition of COX-2 activity and the side effects are from the inhibition of COX-1 activity. Therefore, it is essential to develop selective COX-2 inhibitor for developing new GI-tolerable NSAIDS. To discover new leads for developing selective COX-2 inhibitors, three-hundred extracts of natural products were primarily screened with the system of prostaglandin accumulation in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. To identify whether these inhibitory activities of crude extracts on the accumulation of Prostaglandins were derived from direct action against COX-2, the effects of selected extracts on exogenous arachidonic acid-derived production of prostaglandins by LPS-stimulated macrophages were determined. Among them, 5 methanol extracts of natural products, such as Zingiberis Rhizoma, Alpinae Officinarum Rhizoma, Caryophilli Flos, Scutellariae Radix, Dalbergia ordorifera. inhibited more than 70% of the prostaglandin production in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages at a con-centration of 1${\mu}$g/ml.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.782-788
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• 1997

This study was designed to characterize glucose-enhancing effects on endotoxin-induced prostaglandin production in primary cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). High glucose treatment significantly augmented prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated VSMC and this effect was maximal at the concentration of 4mg/ml. It has been reported that increases in glucose metabolism through sorbitol pathway could alter the cytosolic $NADH/NAD^+$ ratio and this change favors de novo synthesis of diacylglycerol (DAG) and, in turn. Results in the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in vascular tissues. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, staurosporin and H7, blocked the glucose enhancing effect, and DAG, a PKC activator, significantly increased the PG production stimuated by LPS. Sodium pyruvate, which can reverse the alteration in cytosolic NADH/NAD+ ratio, reduced the high glucose effect on PG production. And also, zopolrestat, a strong aldose reductase inhibitor, almost completely blocked the augmentation effect of glucose on PG synthesis. Arachidonic acid release was significantly increased in high glucose treated group, which implied the increase in $PLA_2$ activity was associated with glucose enhancing effect. Metabloic, labeling study clearly showed that de novo synthesis of prostaglandin H synthase-2 (PGHS-2) is greatly increased in high glucose treated group and this was mitigated by the treatment of zopolrestat. Taken together, the activation of PKC through sorbitol pathway increased the activities of $PLA_2$ and PGHS which resulted in the augmentation in LPS-induced PG production in high glucose treated VSMC.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.81-90
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• 2011

Objectives : Angelicae Gigantis Radix has been known traditional medicine with antimicrobial activities and it has been widely used for treatment of blood and inflammatory diseases. In the present study, some studies examined anti-inflammation effects of Angelicae Gigantis Radix but they usually were performed by ethanol extracted Angelicae Gigantis Radix pharmacopuncture. So We investigated the inhibitory effects of Angelicae Gigantis Radix pharmacopuncture by hot water and ethanol extract on Nitric oxide(NO) and Prostaglandin $E_2$($PGE_2$) production in lipopolysaccharide(LPS) induced macrophage cell. Methods : Angelicae Gigantis Radix was extracted by ethanol and hot water. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. To evaluate anti-inflammation effects of Angelicae Gigantis Radix pharmacopuncture, we examined NO and $PGE_2$ production in LPS induced macrophages. The concentrations of NO and $PGE_2$ were measured by Griess assay and Enzyme Immuno-Assay. Results : 1) The MTT assay demonstrated that cytotoxic effect of Angelicae Gigantis Radix pharmacopuncture by hot water extract and ethanol extract in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were not appeared. 2) Angelicae Gigantis Radix pharmacopuncture by ethanol extract and hot water extract inhibited NO production in LPS induced macrophages significantly. 3) Angelicae Gigantis Radix pharmacopuncture by ethanol extract tended to inhibiting $PGE_2$ production in LPS induced macrophages. And Angelicae Gigantis Radix pharmacopuncture by hot water extract inhibited LPS induced production of $PGE_2$ in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells significantly. Conclusions : This study suggests that Angelicae Gigantis Radix pharmacopuncture may have an anti-inflammatory property through the inhibition of NO and $PGE_2$ production in LPS induced macrophages. It may have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2004

External lyogels containing prostaglandin $E_1$ ethyl ester $(PGE_1-EE)$, a prodrug of prostaglandin $E_1\;(PGE_1)$ as a therapeutic agent for erectile dysfunction, were formulated to overcome the aqueous instability and enhance the percutaneous absorption. Lyogels of $PGE_1-EE$ were prepared with ethanol (EtOH)/proplyene glycol (PG) cosolvent system as a vehicle, cineol as an enhancer, and hydroxypropylcellusose as a gelling agent. In vitro percutaneous absorption studies were performed to determine the rate of $PGE_1$ absorption through rat or hairless mouse skin. The permeability of $PGE_1-EE$ lyogel with enhancer was 16-fold greater than that of lyogel without enhancer. Cosolvent produced 9-fold increase in percutaneous absorption. Pharmacodynamic effects of lyogels were evaluated in mature male cats in terms of intracavernosal pressure (ICP). Lyogels containing 0.1 % of $PGE_1-EE$ showed higher ICP compared to intraurethral preparation of $PGE_1$ (1 %) and enhancer-free control lyogel. The shelf-life $(t_{10%})$ of lyogel at refrigerated condition $(4^{\circ}C)$ was calculated as 928 days, which is 4.2 times longer than that of control hydrogel. As a result, $PGE_1-EE$ was formulated successfully to a lyogel system with a selective enhancer and cosolvent system for the topical delivery of $PGE_1$.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.305-313
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• 2019

Men's climactic syndrome, andropause, or testosterone deficit syndrome, is one of the new problems with the health of older men in the age of aging. This phenomenon is a natural phenomenon occurring in men as they age, clinically characterized by a decrease in blood testosterone levels and a marked decrease in physical and mental activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrothermal extract of Taraxacum coreanum by comparing the levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the cavernosum and the levels of male hormone in the blood. Taraxacum coreanum extract increased NO production in vitro and in vivo in a dose-dependent manner. Levels of dihydrotestosterone and 17-hydroxyysteroid dehydrogenases, as well as levels of neurogenic nitric oxide synthase and cGMP, increased significantly in elderly rats (22 weeks) after 4 weeks of daily intake of Taraxacum coreanum extract. However, prostaglandin $E_2$, testosterone, and sexually-hormone-binding globulin levels were not different among all groups. Furthermore, total sperm and motile sperm counts were also no significant difference. Overall, these results suggest the possibility of Taraxacum coreanum extract as a safe and effective natural substance for enhancing NO, cGMP and free testosterone.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2024

This study was carried out to identify the anti-inflammatory effects of Ishige foliacea (I. foliacea) extract on skin using RAW 264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of I. foliacea extract on RAW 264.7 cells were assessed by cell viability assay, mRNA expressions, and nitric oxide (NO)/prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) productions. The anti-inflammatory effects of I. foliacea extract were elucidated by analysis of IL-1α/IL-1β/IL-6/TNFα gene expressions and PGE₂/NO production. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that I. foliacea extract decreased the gene expression levels of iNOS/COX2/IL-1α/IL-1β and IL-6. Furthermore, PGE₂/NO production also revealed that I. foliacea extract exhibited anti-inflammatory properties. These results suggest that I. foliacea extract is an anti-inflammatory compound. It could be a potent cosmeceutical material for anti-inflammatory effects. Further studies on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of broadleaf extracts are expected to help identify pharmacological mechanisms related to inflammation in addition to cosmeceuticals.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.3
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• pp.536-549
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• 2023

The two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Currently, when IBD is suspected, CT enterography is widely used as an initial imaging test because it can evaluate both the bowel wall and the outside of the bowel, helping to differentiate IBD from other diseases. When IBD is suspected, it is necessary to distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In most cases this is not difficult; however, in some cases, it is difficult and such cases are called IBD-unclassified. CT findings are often non-specific for ulcerative colitis, making it difficult to differentiate it from other diseases using imaging alone. In contrast, characteristic CT findings for Crohn's disease are often helpful in diagnosis, although diseases, such as tuberculous enteritis can mimic Crohn's disease. Recently, mutations in the gene encoding a prostaglandin transporter called SLCO2A1 have been discovered as the cause of the disease in some patients with multiple ulcers and strictures, similar to Crohn's disease. Therefore, genetic testing is being used to make a differential diagnosis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.670-675
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• 2004

We have examined the effects of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), prostaglandin $E_2$ (PG $E_2$) and dibutric cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) on the methylation of interferon- ${\gamma}$ (IFN- ${\gamma}$ ) gene in human Jurkat T cells. The CpG dinucleotide which is critical for promoter function of IFN- ${\gamma}$ gene was methylated by treatment with SNAP, PG $E_2$ and dbcAMP, respectively. The DNA methylation induced by PG $E_2$ was suppressed by the addition of 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA), an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase, but the suppression was not observed in SNAP treated cells. The NO production was not enhanced in PG $E_2$ or dbcAMP treated cells. The methylation induced by PG $E_2$ and dbcAMP was not suppressed by the addition of $N^{G}$-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), NO synthase inhibitor. In conclusion, the inhibition of INF- ${\gamma}$ gene expression by PG $E_2$ was associated with the methylation of INF- ${\gamma}$ gene by elevation of intracellular cAMP in human Jurkat T cells. However, the methylation induced by PG $E_2$ might not be mediated through the NO production.rough the NO production.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 1984.09a
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• pp.13-19
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• 1984

In the previous symposium, authors reported about anti-atherogenic action of Panax ginseng, saying that red-ginseng powder increased serum HDL-cholesterol, decreased total cholesterol, TG, NEFA, in addition, decreased platelet adhesiveness. Later, Toyama group including me. reported that ginsenosides esp. $Rb_2$ enhanced HDL and decreased LDL. Also Matsuyama group and Kinki Univ. group reported that ginsenosides $Rg_1,\;Rb_2,$ etc. inhibited platelet aggregation. This paper will be divided into two parts: Experimental and clinical Experimental study; Using a highcholesterol-cholic acid-fed rats, effects of red ginseng extract and several ginsenosides on serum apoprotein-lipoproteins in relation to prostaglandins. Rats received $2\%$ cholesterol 1-1$\%$ cholic acid diet, ginseng extract or ginsenosides 2.5mg/100g/day for 9 days. Red ginseng extract, ginsenosides $Rb_2,\;Rc,\;Rb_1,\;and\;Rg_1,\;esp.\;Rb_2,$ increased HDL, apo-AI, Aii and $PGI_2,$ while they decreased LDL, apo-B and $TXA_2$. Clinical study: Effect of red ginseng powder on hyperlipidemia was observed. Long term administration of red ginseng powder manufactured by Office of Monopoly, Republic of Korea and offered by Japan-Korea Korean Ginseng Co., Kobe, at the dose of 2.7 g/day, was performed in patients with hyperlipidemia up to 4 years. The significant increase in serum HDL-cholesterol and also the significant decrease in total cholesterol, atherogenic index, TG, NEFA and lipoperoxide was observed with 3-48 month administration of red ginseng. Conclusions: Red ginseng and ginsenosides improved hyperlipidemia in rats and in man, with the improvement of blood apoproteins, lipoproteins and prostaglandins in experimental hyperlipidemic animals.