• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.491-497
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• 2015

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability, which can decrease quality of life. In spite of numerous studies suggesting that Epigallocatechin-3- gallate (EGCG) has been used as a therapeutic agent for a broad range of disorders, the effect of EGCG on TBI remains unknown. In this study, a weight drop model was established to evaluate the therapeutic potential of EGCG on TBI. Rats were administered with 100 mg/kg EGCG or PBS intraperitoneally. At different times following trauma, rats were sacrificed for analysis. It was found that EGCG (100 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment significantly reduced brain water content and vascular permeability at 12, 24, 48, 72 hour after TBI. Real-time PCR results revealed that EGCG inhibited TBI-induced IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression. Importantly, CD68 mRNA expression decreasing in the brain suggested that EGCG inhibited microglia activation. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry results showed that administering of EGCG significantly inhibited the levels of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. TBI-induced oxidative stress was remarkably impaired by EGCG treatment, which elevated the activities of SOD and GSH-PX. Conversely, EGCG significantly reduced the contents of MDA after TBI. In addition, EGCG decreased TBI-induced NADPH oxidase activation through inhibition of $p47^{phox}$ translocation from cytoplasm to plasma membrane. These data demonstrate that EGCG treatment may be an effective therapeutic strategy for TBI and the underlying mechanism involves inhibition of oxidative stress.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.315-320
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• 2013

Here, we show that radicicol, a fungal antibiotic, resulted in marked inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) transcription by the pancreatic beta cell line MIN6N8a in response to cytokine mixture (CM: TNF-${\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$, and IL-$1{\beta}$). Treatment of MIN6N8a cells with radicicol inhibited CM-stimulated activation of NF-${\kappa}B$/Rel, which plays a critical role in iNOS transcription, in a dose-related manner. Nitrite production in the presence of PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathway, was dramatically diminished, suggesting that the ERK1/2 pathway is involved in CM-induced iNOS expression. In contrast, SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38, had no effect on nitrite generation. Collectively, this series of experiments indicates that radicicol inhibits iNOS gene expression by blocking ERK1/2 signaling. Due to the critical role that NO release plays in mediating destruction of pancreatic beta cells, the inhibitory effects of radicicol on iNOS expression suggest that radicicol may represent a useful anti-diabetic activity.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.27 no.9
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• pp.923-929
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• 2004

Stylopine is a major component of the leaf of Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae), which has been used for the removal of warts, papillomas and condylomas, as well as the treatment of liver disease, in oriental countries. Stylopine per se had no cytotoxic effect in unstimulated RAW 264.7 cells, but concentration-dependently reduced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E$_2$ (PGE$_2$), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-$\alpha$) and interleukin-1$\beta$(IL-1$\beta$), and the IL-6 production and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity caused by the LPS stimulation. The levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2 protein expressions were markedly suppressed by stylopine in a concentration dependent manner. These results suggest that stylopine suppress the NO and PGE$_2$ production in macrophages by inhibiting the iNOS and COX-2 expressions. These biological activities of stylopine may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of Cheli-donium majus.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.27 no.9
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• pp.954-960
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• 2004

Expression of the NF-$textsc{k}$B-dependent genes responsible for inflammation, such as TNF-$\alpha$, IL-1$\beta$, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), contributes to chronic inflammation which is a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases (i.e. Alzheimer＇s disease). Although NF-$textsc{k}$B plays a biphasic role in different cells like neurons and microglia, controlling the activation of NF-$textsc{k}$B is important for its negative feedback in either activation or inactivation. In this study, we found that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) inhibited I$textsc{k}$B$\alpha$ degradation to block expression of the NF-$textsc{k}$B-dependent genes in microglia when activated by $\beta$-amyloid peptide (A$\beta$). We also showed that when microglia is activated by $A\beta$42, the expression of A20 is suppressed. These findings place A20 in the category of ' protective ' genes, protecting cells from pro-inflammatory reper-toires induced in response to inflammatory stimuli in activated microglia via NF-$textsc{k}$B activation. In light of the gene and proteins for NF-$textsc{k}$B-dependent gene and inactivator for NF-$textsc{k}$B (I$textsc{k}$B$\alpha$), the observations now reported suggest that UDCA plays a role in supporting the attenuation of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NO via inactivation of NF-$textsc{k}$B. Moreover, an NF-$textsc{k}$B inhibitor such as A20 can collaborate and at least enhance the anti-inflammatory effect in microglia, thus giving a potent benefit for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.uch as AD.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.73-78
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• 2008

Immune system can protect host attacking from a variety of microorganism and virus through innate and adaptive immunities. The innate immune system can be activated by recognition of conserved carbohydrates on the cell surface of pathogen resulting in protection, immunity regulation and inflammation. Immunostimulating and anti-tumor ${\beta}$-glucan, major cell wall component of many fungi, could be recognized as pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP) by C-type lectin such as pathogen recognition receptor (PRR) of host innate immunity cells. In spite of many studies of basidiomycetes ${\beta}$-glucan on immunostimulation, little is known about the precise mechanism as molecular-level. Among C-type lectins, dectin-1 was cloned and reported as a ${\beta}$-glucan receptor. In this report, we demonstrated induction of cytokine gene transcription by Ganoderma lucidum ${\beta}$-glucan in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by RT-PCR analysis. The expression of murine dectin-1 (MD-1) on RAW264.7 macrophage by RT-PCR showing both the full length, 757 bp $(MD-1{\alpha})$ and alternative spliced form, 620 bp $(MD-1{\beta})$. Both $MD-1{\alpha}$ and $MD-1{\beta}$ mRNAs were induced by ${\beta $-glucan both in the absence and presence of LPS. To explore expression of inflammatory cytokines by ${\beta}$-glucan, RAW264.7 cells were treated with ${\beta}$-glucan for 12 hours. As a result, the expressions of IL-1 IL-6, IL-l0 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ were increased by ${\beta}$-glucan treatment in a dose-dependent fashion. From these results, ${\beta}$-glucan induced transcriptions of dectin-1 and immune activating cytokine genes, indicating induction of immune allertness by expressing dectin-1 and secreting inflammatory cytokines.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.227-233
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to determine the changes of cytokines and immune cells in blood in castrated Hanwoo. The cytokine production and the number of immune cells were determined by collecting blood from jugular vein before castration and on 1, 7, and 28 days then after. Results of the hematological test showed that the number of leukocyte tend to increase after castration, and it significantly decreased on day 7 and day 28 (P<0.05). Lymphocytes decreased significantly on day 1 and 7 (P<0.05), and then recovered as in neutrophils on day 28. The levels of serum testosterone, TNF-a, IL-6, and anti-inflammatory IL-10 significantly decreased (P<0.05) after castration. There was also a decrease in IL-2, $IFN-{\gamma}$, and IL-4 but showed no significant difference when compared to intact ones. These results suggest that testosterone-deficiency does not affect the number of immune cells in blood, but has a close relationship with cytokine production.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.70-85
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• 2004

Objective: To research the trends of study related to rhinitis and acupuncture in PubMed, and to establish the hereafter direction of treating rhinitis with acupuncture Methods: We searched PubMed and chinese medical journals related to rhinitis and acupuncture. Results: 1. The pattern of the study was as follows: Review article(3), Randomized controlled trials(2), Clinical trial(11), Case report(12). 2. The effect of acupuncture on rhinitis is reported as follows: Acupucture treatment improves the scale of symptoms, nasal airways resistance and velocity of the mucociliary transport, decreasing absolute numbers of blood eosinophils, serum IgE and percentage of nasal eosinophils. Immunologically acupuncture treatment could reduce plasma IL-10 level, control IL-2, and balance between cell-specific pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-10. After acupuncture treatment, there is statistically significant changes in IgA, IgE, E-rosette formative rate. 3. Many of these article have affirmative view for therapeutic effect of rhinitis with acupuncture. Statistical test was done only in 6 papers. There showed statically significant results in 4 articles, and in 2 article there showed some clinical improvement but no statically significant changes. 4. In Western countries, alternative treatments are frequent among adults with rhinitis or other allergic disease, and affirmative tendency for acupuncture treatment is increased.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.171-183
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of Erythrinae Cortex herbal-acupuncture solution(EC-HAS) at the Joksamni($ST_{36}$) of mice with collagen II-induced arthritis(CIA). Methods : The author performed several experimental procedures to observe the effects of the EC-HAS at the arthritis. The severity of arthritis, changes of cytokine level and antibody level, histological changes of the CIA mouse joint were analyzed. Results : 1. The incidence of arthritis and arthritis index were significantly decreased in the cases which were treated with the EC-HA. 2. Cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were reduced, and the expression of the collagen fibers was similar with that of the normal group. 3. The levels of IL-6, $IFN-{\gamma}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ in serum of the CIA mice which were treated with the EC-HA were significantly decreased compared with those of the normal group. 4. The levels of IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II in serum of CIA mice when they treated with the EC-HA were significantly decreased compared with those of the normal group. 5. The expression ratio of $CD4^+$ to $CD8^+$ cells in the EC-HA treated mice were maintained as much as the normal group of the lymph nodes in the CIA mice. 6. The $CD3e^+CD69^+$ and $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ cell populations in the knee joint were significantly decreased in the EC-HA treated group. Conclusions : These results suggest that the EC-HA at the ST36 may be responsible roles to control on the synovial cell proliferation and to prevent the cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. These results will be important supporting evidence for the practical use of the EC-HA at rheumatoid arthritis clinic in the future.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.51-64
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• 2014

Objectives This study was carried out to know the effects of Keonbodan (hereinafter referred to KBD) in osteoarthritis induced by Monosodium iodoacetate(hereinafter referred to MIA) on Wistar rat. Methods Osteoarthritis was induced by injection of MIA into left knee joint cavities of rat. Osteoarthritis rats were divided into 4 groups (normal (n=6), control (n=6), indomethacin (n=6), KBD (n=6) group). The control group was administered normal saline and indomethacin group was administered indomethacin (2 mg/kg). And the KBD group was administered KBD (142 mg/kg). Each groups were administered by orally for 4 weeks. This experiment were carried out in vivo. In vivo, at the end of the experiment (5 weeks after MIA injection), effects on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, cytokines in serum, arachidonic acid, osteocalcin, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and cartilage volume were evaluated. And histopathological examinations on the articular structures of knee joints were performed. Results 1. In weight-bearing measurement, level of weight was increased. 2. In order to hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, ALT, AST, BUN and creatinine were tested. And there were no significant changes. 3. In serum, levels of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ were significantly decreased. IL-6 was insignificantly decreased. 4. In serum, level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was decreased. 5. In serum, level of $LTB_4$, $PGE_2$ and osteocalcin was decreased. 6. In ${\mu}$CT-arthrography, the cartilage volume was greater than that of the control group. 7. The joint damage induced by osteoarthritis was lesser than the control group in histopathologic observation (H&E, Safranin-O staining). Conclusions These results demonstrated that KBD suppressed the osteoarthritis- inducing effects of MIA in rat. And further studies are required to find out more effective substance and anti-osteoarthritic mechanism in the future.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.161-176
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• 2013

Objectives : To clarify the anti-arthritic activity of Ostericum koreanum Maxim. (OS) plus Aralia continentalis Kitagawa (AC) in vivo. Methods : All mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen. After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with OS plus AC once a day for 7 weeks. Oral administration of OS plus AC (200 or 50 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the progression of CIA, which extend is comparable to that of methotrexate (MTX, 0.3 mg/kg), a positive control. The severity of arthritis within the knee joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction and pannus formation. Results : Administration of OS plus AC significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and inhibited the production of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 in serum. The erosion of cartilage was dramatically reduced in mouse knees after treatment with OS plus AC. In conclusion, our results demonstrates that OS plus AC significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and that this action was characterized by the decreased production of IL-6, IFN-${\gamma}$ and collagen II specific antibody in serum, CD3+CD69+ T cells, MHC class II+/CD11c+ (in DLN), CD11b+Gr-1+ cells (in PBMC), CD11b +Gr-1+ cells, B220+/CD23+ (in paw joint). Conclusions : The the levels of IFN-${\gamma}$ in the culture supernatant of splenocytes stimulated with CD3/CD28 or collagen were dramatically decreased, while those of IL-4 was increased. In the serum of OS and AC-treated mice, the levels of IgM RA factor were decreased.