• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.81-94
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• 2018

This review discusses the characteristics of major lignans and related studies and provides a basis for future studies. Lignans are present in various food products consumed daily, such as flaxseed and other seeds, vegetables, fruits, and beverages including coffee, tea, and wine. Lignans are natural phytoestrogens with a structure similar to that of secoisolariciresinol (Seco), mataireinol (Mat), pinoresinol (Pin), medioresinol (Med), lariciresinol (Lari), and syringaresinol, which is then converted to enterodiol (END) and enterolactone (ENL), which are mammalian lignans and the primary biologically active enterolignans, by the intestinal microflora. The associations between lignans and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease are promising; however, they are not yet well-established, probably owing to low lignan intake in habitual Western diets. Nonetheless, these associations were more prominent at the higher doses in interventional studies. Many studies on humans and animals have reported the benefits of lignan consumption in protecting against CVD and metabolic syndrome by reducing lipid and glucose concentrations. END and ENL reportedly exert protective effects including phytoestrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects through various mechanisms. Moreover, lignans reportedly exert beneficial effects in breast, colon, and prostate cancer and osteoporosis have reported that. However, future studies are required to confirm the association between lignan and disease.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.125-138
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• 2006

Purpose : This study was to investigate the effects of Dohongsamul-tang extract on the rat with an surgically induced endometriosis. Methods : Four weeks after the operation for inducing the endometriosis to a matured female rat, the normal hyperplasia of the transplanted endometrium was identified in anatomico-histological aspects. By dividing each of the control group and Dohongsamul-tang administered experimental group into 8 rats, Dohongsamul-tang concentrates were administered orally to the experimental group with 1g/1ml/200g everyday for 40 days and then images were taken from the macroscopic tissues which were transplanted to the mesenterium, and the concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$, and interleukin(IL)(-2, -4, -6, and -10) in the serum were measured. Results : Transplanted endometrium tissues showed the histological findings in accordance with the normal endometrium tissues and from the macroscopic findings the size of transplanted endometrium tissues showed a definite decrease. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant decreases in the values of $TNF-{\alpha}$,IL-2, and IL-4 and significant increases in the values of IL-10. However, there were no significant differences in progesterone, estradiol and IL-6. Conclusion : From the above results, Dohongsamul-tang showed the strengthening of immunological function and anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore it is considered that Dohongsamul-tang will be very effective on the treatment of inflammation developed endometriosis, especially to treat the endometriosis without affecting the ovary functions.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.148-154
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• 2015

Background: Ginseng is known to have antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The present study investigated a possible role of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) in suppressing dopaminergic neuronal cell death and the cleavage of p35 to p25 in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum (ST) using a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease mouse model. Methods: Ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with 30 mg/kg of MPTP at 24-h intervals for 5 d, and then administered KRG (1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 100 mg/kg) once a day for 12 consecutive days from the first injection. Pole tests were performed to assess the motor function of the mice, dopaminergic neuronal survival in the SN and ST was evaluated using tyrosine hydroxylase-immunohistochemistry, and the expressions of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), p35, and p25 in the SN and ST were measured using Western blotting. Results: MPTP administration caused behavioral impairment, dopaminergic neuronal death, increased Cdk5 and p25 expression, and decreased p35 expression in the nigrostriatal system of mice, whereas KRG dose-dependently alleviated these MPTP-induced changes. Conclusion: These results indicate that KRG can inhibit MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal death and suppress the cleavage of p35 to p25 in the SN and the ST, suggesting a possible role for KRG in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.25 no.12
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• pp.1769-1774
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• 2004

Jun/Fos, a crucial factor in transmitting the tumor-promoting signal from the extracellular environment to the nuclear transcription machinery, has a dimerization interface possessing several coiled structural properties. Jun and Fos can interact with the DNA regulatory region, AP-1 (Activator Protein-1), which is composed of 5'-TGAC/GTCA-3'.$^1$ Curcumin is a well-known anticancer and anti-inflammatory compound.$^{2,3}$ It also acts as an inhibitor of the Jun-Fos function. c-Fos and c-Jun with a bZIP region are overexpressed in BL21 E. coli and purified with an $Ni^{2+}$ affinity column. The inhibitors of Fos-Jun-AP-1 complex formation were searched through the EMSA (electrophoresis mobility shift assay) experiment, and new curcuminoids were synthesized and investigated as to their inhibitory effect on the same system. Two curcuminoids showed a stronger inhibitory effect than curcumin. This inhibitory activity was quantified with EMSA. 1,7-bis(4-methyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione (BJC003) and 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-5-methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione (BJC005) showed remarkably high inhibitory activities. $IC_{50}$ of 1,7-bis(4-methyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione (BJC003) and 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-5-methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione (BJC005) are 8.98 ${\mu}M$ and 5.40 ${\mu}M$, respectively. However, 1,7-bis(4-methyl-3-nitrophenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione (BJC004) did not show inhibitory activity.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.53-66
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate effects of Curculiginis Rhizoma pharmaco-acupuncture at $ST_{36}$ on monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritic rats. Methods : Twenty rats were divided into four groups consisting of 5 rats: rats receiving no injection(normal), rats injected with monosodium Iodoacetate(MIA, control), rats injected with MIA and normal saline(N-S), and rats injected with MIA and Curculiginis Rhizoma (CRPA). N-S and CRPA were administered once a day at $ST_{36}$ during 21 days. After that we examined the weight-bearing ability of hind paws, liver and kidney function, immunocell, cytokines, proteins, and gene expression of cytokines. Injury of synovial tissue was measured by H & E, Safranin O immunofluorescence. Results : The weight-bearing ability of the hind paws, Serum TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, PGE2, LTB4, DPD, Osteocalcin, Protein COX-2 of CRPA decreased significantly. Protein Arachidonate 5 lipoxygenase of CRPA was decreased, but not significantly. Expression of gene COX-2, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, NOS2 of CRPA decreased. In histological observations, CRPA was improved, compared with other control groups. Conclusions : It can be suggested that Curculiginis Rhizoma pharmaco-acupuncture at $ST_{36}$ has anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects on monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritic rats.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was performed to inquire into the protective effects of acupuncture on oxidative stress caused by cadmium accumulation in the kidney. Methods : Sprague-Dawley male($150{\pm}30g$) rats were stabilized for 1 week and divided into 5 groups: normal, control, $LR_3$ acupuncture, $BL_{23}$ acupuncture and sham acupuncture. For three days experimental groups received oral doses of cadmium 2 mg/kg twice a day. Acupuncture was applied bilaterally at each point 10 times for two weeks. The depth of stimulation was 1 mm at right angles and torsion of acupuncture was produced 2 times per second for 1 minute. The kidneys were extracted and weighed after two weeks, and renal function was confirmed through blood urea nitrogen(BUN). We measured reactive oxygen species of the serum and kidney, and compared expression levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase(Gpx), nuclear factor erythroid derived 2-related factor 2(Nrf-2), heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$(NF-${\kappa}B)$, cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Bax and Cytochrome c. Results : The $LR_3$ acupuncture group and $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group experienced significantly increased kidney weight, and decreased BUN compared to control group. In terms of oxidative stress, the $LR_3$ acupuncture group and $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group experienced significantly reduced reactive oxygen species compared to the control group. Conclusions : The $LR_3$ acupuncture group and $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group experienced showed the effects of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and apoptosis protection. The $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group was more effective than $LR_3$ acupuncture group.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.299-315
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• 2001

Application of membranes for guided tissue regeneration(GTR) have been confined to the subgingival barrier functions; however, many studies have provided evidence that some drugs, including tetracycline, initially can promote the growth of periodontal ligament or alveolar bone in peridontal therapy. Osseous regeneration in periodontal defects is increased by local administration of tetracycline due to its anti-collagenolytic effect, which enhances bone-forming ability via osteoblast cell chemotaxis and reduced bone resorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of tetracycline loaded poly-L-lactide(PLLA) barrier membranes for guided bone regenerative potential. Tetracycline was incorporated into the PLLA membrane with the ratio 10% to PLLA by weight. Ability to guided bone regeneration of the membranes were tested by measuring new bone in the tibial defects($7{\times}10{\times}5\;mm^3$) of the beagle dog for 4,5, and 6 weeks. In control, drug-unloaded PLLA membranes were used in same size of defect. In histologic finding of the defect area, a few inflammatory cells were observed in both groups. These membrane were not perforated by connective tissue and maintained their mechanical integrity for the barrier function for 4-6 weeks. New bone formation was greater in defects covered by tetracycline-loaded membrane than in defects covered by drug- unloaded membranes. In bone regeneration guiding potential test, tetracycline-loaded membrane was more effective than drug- unloaded membranes(p<0.05). These results suggest that tetracycline-loaded PLLA membranes potentially enhance guided bone regenerative efficacy and might be a useful barrier for GTR in periodontal treatment.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.44 no.9
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• pp.647-657
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• 2021

As a pancreatic inflammatory marker, regenerating islet-derived protein 3A (Reg3A) plays a key role in inflammation-associated pancreatic carcinogenesis by promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and regulating cancer cell migration and invasion. This study aimed to reveal a novel immuno-regulatory mechanism by which Reg3A modulates tumour-promoting responses during pancreatic cancer (PC) progression. In an in vitro Transwell system that allowed the direct co-culture of human peripheral blood-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and Reg3A-overexpressing/ silenced human PC cells, PC cell-derived Reg3A was found to downregulate CD80, CD83 and CD86 expression on educated DCs, increase DC endocytic function, inhibit DC-induced T lymphocyte proliferation, reduce IL-12p70 production, and enhance IL-23 production by DCs. The positive effect of tumour-derived Reg3A-educated human DCs on PC progression was demonstrated in vivo by intraperitoneally transferring them into PC-implanted severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice reconstituted with human T cells. A Reg3A-JAK2/STAT3 positive feedback loop was identified in DCs educated with Reg3A. In conclusion, as a tumour-derived factor, Reg3A acted to block the differentiation and maturation of the most important antigen-presenting cells, DCs, causing them to limit their potential anti-tumour responses, thus facilitating PC escape and progression.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.706-716
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• 2021

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and bowel habit changes. Although diverse complicated etiologies are involved in its pathogenesis, a dysregulated gut-brain axis may be an important factor. Red ginseng (RG), a traditional herbal medicine, is proven to have anti-inflammatory effects and improve brain function; however, these effects have not been investigated in IBS. Methods: Three-day intracolonic zymosan injections were used to induce post-infectious human IBS-like symptoms in mice. The animals were randomized to receive either phosphate-buffered saline (CG) or RG (30/100/300 mg/kg) for 10 days. Amitriptyline and sulfasalazine were used as positive controls. Macroscopic scoring was performed on day 4. Visceral pain and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed by colorectal distension and elevated plus maze and open field tests, respectively, on day 10. Next-generation sequencing of gut microbiota was performed, and biomarkers involved in gut-brain axis responses were analyzed. Results: Compared to CG, RG significantly decreased the macroscopic score, frequency of visceral pain, and anxiety-like behavior in the IBS mice. These effects were comparable to those after sulfasalazine and amitriptyline treatments. Moreover, RG significantly increased the proliferation of beneficial microbes, including Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Parabacteroides goldsteinii. RG significantly suppressed expression of IL-1β and c-fos in the gut and prefrontal cortex, respectively. Further, it restored the plasma levels of corticosterone to within the normal range, accompanied by an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone. Conclusion: RG may be a potential therapeutic option for the management of human IBS.

• Genes and Genomics
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• v.40 no.11
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• pp.1225-1235
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• 2018

Hypoxia seriously affects the innate immune system of fish. However, the roles of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS), pivotal anti-inflammatory genes, in response to hypoxia/reoxygenation remain largely unexplored. The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the function of SOCS genes under acute hypoxia and reoxygenation in pufferfish (Takifugu fasciatus). In the present study, SOCS1, 2 and 3 were identified in T. fasciatus referred to as TfSOCS1, 2 and 3. Then, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis were employed to assess their expressions at both the mRNA and protein levels. Tissue distribution demonstrated that the three SOCS genes were predominantly distributed in gill, brain and liver. Under hypoxia challenge ($1.63{\pm}0.2mg/L$ DO for 2, 4, 6 and 8 h), the expressions of TfSOCS1 and 3 in brain and liver at the mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased, while their expressions showed an opposite trend in gill. Different from the expressions of TfSOCS1 and 3, the expression of TfSOCS2 was inhibited in gill, along with its increased expression in brain and liver. After normoxic recovery ($7.0{\pm}0.3mg/L$ of DO for 4 and 12 h), most of TfSOCS genes were significantly altered at R4 (reoxygenation for 4 h) and returned to the normal level at R12 (reoxygenation for 12 h). SOCS genes played vital roles in response to hypoxia/reoxygenation challenge. Our findings greatly strengthened the relation between innate immune and hypoxia stress in T. fasciatus.