• 대한본초학회지
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.21-30
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• 2023

Objective : Gardeniae Fructus (GF) has bitter and cold nature. Thus, it has been traditionally prescribed in processed form roasted with ginger juice for patients with a weak stomach. This study investigated the effects of processed GF in tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-treated gastric epithelial cells. Methods : Processed GF was made by applying 40% ginger juice or 10% ethanol for 24 h and then roasting at 150℃ for 5 minutes. Apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was monitored by flow cytometry using the membrane permeable fluorescent dye Rh123. Protein expression was measured by Western blot analysis. Results : Cell viability was reduced by tBHP and restored by ethanol extract of GF (GFE). In the TUNEL assay, it was found that cell death by tBHP was due to apoptosis, and GFE had an anti-apoptotic effect. Processed GF roasted with ginger juice showed the best anti-apoptotic effect. Processed GF also inhibited MMP loss and restored tBHP-induced changes in expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins. Increased ROS production and GSH depletion after tBHP treatment were significantly reduced by processed GF. In addition, tBHP-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was inhibited by processed GF. Conclusion : These results demonstrate that the processed GF is able to protect gastric epithelial cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death with antiapoptotic and antioxidant activity. In addition, it shows that the processing of GF, which have been traditionally used for gastrointestinal protection, partially have scientific validity.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.141-146
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• 2012

Veronica peregrina (Scrophylariaceae) has been widely used as a Korean traditional medicine for the treatment of various pathological conditions including infection, hemorrhage and gastric ulcer. In the current study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of methanolic extracts of V. Peregrina (VPM) on the LPS-mediated nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse (C57BL/6) peritoneal macrophages. NO production was significantly down-regulated by the treatment of VPM dose dependently. To evaluate the mechanism of the inhibitory action of VPM on NO production, we performed iNOS enzyme activity assay and checked the change of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels by Western blotting. Although VPM did not affect iNOS enzyme activity, iNOS protein expression was attenuated by VPM indicating VPM inhibits NO production via suppression of iNOS enzyme expression. In addition, VPM attenuated the expression of another pro-inflammatory mediator such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a dose dependent manner. We also found that VPM can reduce trypsin-induced paw edema in mice. Based on this study, we suggest that V. peregrina may be beneficial in diseases which related to macrophage-mediated inflammatory disorders.

• BMB Reports
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• 제53권10호
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• pp.533-538
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• 2020

Notch signaling has been identified as a critical pathway in gastric cancer (GC) progression and metastasis, and inhibition of Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), a Notch ligand, is suggested as a potent therapeutic approach for GC. Expression of both DLL4 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was similar in the malignant tissues of GC patients. We focused on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a known angiogenesis regulator and activator of DLL4. Here, we used ABL001, a DLL4/VEGF bispecific therapeutic antibody, and investigated its therapeutic effect in GC. Treatment with human DLL4 therapeutic antibody (anti-hDLL4) or ABL001 slightly reduced GC cell growth in monolayer culture; however, they significantly inhibited cell growth in 3D-culture, suggesting a reduction in the cancer stem cell population. Treatment with anti-hDLL4 or ABL001 also decreased GC cell migration and invasion. Moreover, the combined treatment of irinotecan with anti-hDLL4 or ABL001 showed synergistic antitumor activity. Both combination treatments further reduced cell growth in 3D-culture as well as cell invasion. Interestingly, the combination treatment of ABL001 with irinotecan synergistically reduced the GC burden in both xenograft and orthotopic mouse models. Collectively, DLL4 inhibition significantly decreased cell motility and stem-like phenotype and the combination treatment of DLL4/VEGF bispecific therapeutic antibody with irinotecan synergistically reduced the GC burden in mouse models. Our data suggest that ABL001 potentially represents a potent agent in GC therapy. Further biochemical and pre-clinical studies are needed for its application in the clinic.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.17-34
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• 2019

Objectives: This study was carried out to observe and compare the effects of Pinellia ternata, Zingiber officinale and Sobanhatang on the reflux esophagitis induced by gastric fundus and pylorus ligation in mice with esomeprazole. Methods: Antioxidant effects were measured by DPPH radical scavenging activity at four different concentration of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and $1.0mg/102{\mu}{\ell}$. Zingiber officinale water extract(ZE), Pinellia ternata water extract(PE) and Sobanhatang water extract(SBE) and esomeprazole were treated orally for 14 days before gatric fundus and pylorus ligation. In the histochemistry, changes in suface mucous cells, muscle tissue and connective tissue in gastro esophageal junction(GEJ) and mast cell on the esophageal mucosa were observed. The change of Hemo oxygenase(HO)-1, ghrelin, gastrin and substance P in gastric body tissue were measured by immunohistochemistry. Results: DPPH radical scavenging activity exhibited concentration dependently increases in ZE, PE, SBE. ZE was significantly higher at all concentrations than PE. The gastric surface mucous cells were more in the treated group than in the reflux esophagitis elicited group(GE) in the order of PE, SBE, ZE and esomeprazole treateded group(PT, SBT, ZT, ET). Lower esophageal sphincter muscle damage and intercellular space in the GEJ were less in the treated group than GE. In the esophageal mucosa, the mast cell distribution and the migration of inflammatory cells were lower in the treateded troup than GE in order to ZT, SBT, PT and ET. The antioxidative enzyme, HO-1 was more in the order of ZT, SBT, control group, PT, ET than in GE. ZT was significantly higher than the other groups and SBT was significantly higher than ET. Ghrelin was found to be higher in ZT, ET, SBT and PT than in GE, and ZT was significantly higher than all other groups except ET. Gastrin showed the highest positivity in GE, and was lower in the order of ET, ZT, SBT, PT, and control group. Substance P was the highest in GE, and was lower in the order of ET, ZT, SBT, PT and control group, and PT were significantly lower than ET. Conclusion: ZT, PT and SBT showed superior antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and mucosal protective effects on mouse reflux esophagitis as compared with ET. In particular, ZE was more effective in antioxidant and gastric motility enhancement, while PE was more effective in mucosal protection and anti-inflammatory effects. Sobanhatang is expected to be effective treatment because it has advantages of both drugs and reduces toxicity.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제8권3호
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• pp.120-128
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• 2008

목적: 여러 암 치료의 보조 및 대체요법으로서 겨우살이 추출물은 주로 유럽지역에서 이십세기 초부터 널리 사용되었고 현재 국내에서도 항암 대체 치료제로 점차 사용하는 추세이나 그 항암 기전은 아직 명확하게 밝혀져 있지 않다. 본 연구는 겨우살이 추출물이 위암에 미치는 영향을 세포주 실험을 통해 규명하였다. 대상 및 방법: 위암 세포주는 SNU-719 세포주를 사용하였고 처리한 겨우살이 추출물은 (주)한국 아브노바사로부터 제공받은 ABNOBAviscum-Q와 ABNOBAviscum-F 두 가지를 사용하였다. 겨우살이 추출물과 함께 처리한 항암제는 5-FU와 Cisplatin을 사용하였다. CCK-8 assay kit를 사용하여 세포 생존율을 측정하였고 젖산탈수소효소(LDH) assay kit로써 세포 사멸률을 측정하였다. Caspase 3 assay kit를 이용하여 세포자멸사에 관여하는 caspase 3의 활성 변화를 알아보았고 Western blot analysis를 통해 세포자멸사에 관여하는 Bcl2와 p53, 그리고 항암 작용을 하는 PTEN의 단백질 발현량을 측정하였다. 결과: 겨우살이 추출물 Q와 F를 각각 단독 처리한 실험군 보다 항암제인 5-FU와 cisplatin을 병합처리 하였을 때 세포생존율은 더 낮아졌다. Caspase 3의 활성은 겨우살이 추출물 및 항암제 5-FU 처리를 함으로써 대조군에 비해 4~6배 까지 증가하였다. Bcl2의 단백질 발현량은 대조군보다 겨우살이 추출물과 항암제 처리를 통해 감소하였고 두 약물을 함께 처리하였을 경우 더 낮아졌다. p53의 발현은 겨우살이 추출물 처리에는 영향을 받지 않았고 항암제 처리를 통해서만 증가되었다. 또한 항암 작용을 하는 PTEN의 단백질 발현 정도는 겨우살이 추출물 처리를 통해서 의미 있는 변화가 없었다. 결론: 겨우살이 추출물과 항암제인 5-FU 및 cisplatin 등을 병합 처리 할 경우 위암 세포 사멸에 있어 상승효과를 보였다. 본 연구결과에서 겨우살이 추출물의 항암효과는 caspase 3의 활성화와 Bcl2 발현의 감소를 통해 세포자멸사를 유발하며 이 세포자멸사 유도 기전은 p53과는 상관없음(p53-independent)을 알 수 있었다.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.103-107
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• 2009

Three traditional Chinese medicines, Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, Grifola umbellata (pers.) Pilat, and Gambogia, are combined to form a compound extract, AGC. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of AGC on human gastric carcinoma MGC-803 cells were demonstrated, and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are investigated. Our results indicate that AGC inhibited MGC-803 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner as measured by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, with an $IC_{50}$ of about $6.045{\pm}0.69{\mu}g/mL$. In vivo, AGC inhibited growth of human gastric carcinoma in xenograft tumors in nude mice, and the inhibitory rate reached 55.2% at 300 mg/kg. The pro-apoptotic activity of AGC was attributed to its ability to decrease the expression of Bcl-2 and Pro-caspase3 and increase the expression of Bax. These results demonstrate that AGC can effectively induce programmed cell death and may be a promising anti-tumor drug in human gastric carcinoma.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.439-456
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• 2021

Purpose: Gastric cancer (GC) has high morbidity and mortality and is a serious threat to public health. The flavonoid compound vitexin is known to exhibit anti-tumor activity. In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential of vitexin in GC and its underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: The viability, migration, and invasion of GC cells were determined using MTT, scratch wound healing, and transwell assays, respectively. Target molecule expression was determined by western blotting. Tumor growth and liver metastasis were evaluated in vivo using nude mice. Protein expression in the tumor tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry. Results: Vitexin inhibited GC cell viability, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a dose-dependent manner. Vitexin treatment led to the inactivation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway by repressing HMGB1 expression. Vitexin-mediated inhibition in proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of GC cells were counteracted by hyper-activation of PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway or HMGB1 overexpression. Finally, vitexin inhibited the xenograft tumor growth and liver metastasis in vivo by suppressing HMGB1 expression. Conclusions: Vitexin inhibited the malignant progression of GC in vitro and in vivo by suppressing HMGB1-mediated activation of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway. Thus, vitexin may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of GC.

• 셀메드
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.13.1-13.7
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• 2020

Arusa (Adhatoda vasica) is an important medicinal plant widely used in Unani system of medicine of (Family-Acanthaceae). The leaves of Adhatoda vasica contain several biologically active phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenolics and flavonoids. It mainly consists of pyrroquinazoline, alkaloids, viz. vasicine, vasicol, vasicinone, peganine along with other minor constituents. The plant possesses diverse pharmacological activities, In Unani system of medicine, the drug is described as having dafa-e-tashannuj (anti-spasmodic), qatil-e-jarasim (antibiotic), mukhrij-e-balgham (expectorant), dafa-e-humma (antipyretic) properties due to which it is prescribed in a wide range of ailments like influenza, tuberculosis, bronchitis, gastric ulcers etc. Leaf juice is beneficial in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea. Various other activities like radio modulation, hypoglycaemic effect, cardiovascular protection, antitubercular, antiviral, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity have also been reported.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.103-110
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• 1991

Two new prodrugs of lonazolac, lonazolac acetic acid ester and lonazolac argininate, were prepared and examined for physicochemical properties and biopharmaceutical characteristics. The prodrugs were stable in solid state and lonazolac argininate showed higher dissolution rate than lonazolacca in both artificial gastric and intestinal juices. These prodrugs have higher analgegic effect than that of lonazolac-Ca in mice, and increased anti-inflammatory activities in rats. In addition, ulcerogenic effects and acute toxicity of these prodrugs were lower than those of lonaaolac-Ca. Lonazolac acetic acid ester showed larger area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC) than that of lonazolac. Therefore, it was suggested that these prodrugs of lonazolac have advantages over lonzolac-Ca for not only enhanced bioavailability but also decreased ulcerogenic and toxic effects.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.202-210
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• 2020

Fluoxetine is used widely as an antidepressant for the treatment of cancer-related depression, but has been reported to also have anti-cancer activity. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of fluoxetine to human gastric adenocarcinoma cells; as shown by the MTT assay, fluoxetine induced cell death. Subsequently, cells were treated with 10 or 20 µM fluoxetine for 24 h and analyzed. Apoptosis was confirmed by the increased number of early apoptotic cells, shown by Annexin V- propidium iodide staining. Nuclear condensation was visualized by DAPI staining. A significant increase in the expression of cleaved PARP was observed by western blotting. The pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK was used to detect the extent of caspase-dependent cell death. The induction of autophagy was determined by the formation of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs), which was visualized by acridine orange staining, and the increased expression of autophagy markers, such as LC3B, Beclin 1, and p62/SQSTM 1, observed by western blotting. The expression of upstream proteins, such as p-Akt and p-mTOR, were decreased. Autophagic degradation was evaluated by using bafilomycin, an inhibitor of late-stage autophagy. Bafilomycin did not significantly enhance LC3B expression induced by fluoxetine, which suggested autophagic degradation was impaired. In addition, the co-administration of the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine and fluoxetine significantly increased fluoxetine-induced apoptosis, with decreased p-Akt and markedly increased death receptor 4 and 5 expression. Our results suggested that fluoxetine simultaneously induced both protective autophagy and apoptosis and that the inhibition of autophagy enhanced fluoxetine-induced apoptosis through increased death receptor expression.