• BMB Reports
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• v.51 no.11
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• pp.545-546
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• 2018

With emerging evidence on the importance of non-cell autonomous toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases, therapeutic strategies targeting modulation of key immune cells. including microglia and Treg cells, have been designed for treatment of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Strategy switching the patient's environment from a pro-inflammatory toxic to an anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective condition, could be potential therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) regulate innate and adaptive immune cells, through release of soluble factors such as $TGF-{\beta}$ and elevation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper-2 cells (Th2 cells), would play important roles, in the neuroprotective effect on motor neuronal cell death mechanisms in ALS. Single cycle of repeated intrathecal injections of BM-MSCs demonstrated a clinical benefit lasting at least 6 months, with safety, in ALS patients. Cytokine profiles of CSF provided evidence that BM-MSCs, have a role in switching from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory conditions. Inverse correlation of $TGF-{\beta}1$ and MCP-1 levels, could be a potential biomarker to responsiveness. Thus, additional cycles of BM-MSC treatment are required, to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.83-88
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• 2022

Objectives : Jakyakgamcho-tang (JGT) has been traditionally used to treat muscular convulsion and pain in South Korea. According to recent studies, JGT has been reported to have anti-depression, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative, anti-diabetics, anti-spasm and analgesic effects, but studies on its anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effect have not been deeply conducted. Thus, we investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of JGT on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse microglia cells. Methods : To investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of JGT on BV2 microglial cells, we examined the production of nitric oxide (NO) using griess assay, and mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1𝛽, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-𝛼 using real time RT-PCR. Furthermore, to determine the regulating mechanisms of JGT, we investigated the heme oxygenase (HO)-1 by real time RT-PCR. Results : Pre-treatment of JGT effectively decreased NO production in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells at concentrations without cytotoxicity. Additionally, JGT significantly suppressed the production of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, and TNF-𝛼 in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Furthermore, JGT activated the HO-1 expression, which is one of the immunomodulatory signaling molecules. And the abolishment of HO-1 by tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP, the HO-1 inhibitor) reversed the anti- inflammatory activity of JGT in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Conclusions : Our results suggest that the JGT has anti-neuroinflammatory effect through the activation of HO-1 in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Thereby, JGT could expected to be used for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disease related to neuroinflammation.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.40-45
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• 2005

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has long been used as an adjuvant or first choice of therapy for liver disease. Commonly, UDCA has been reported to play a role in improving hyperbilirubinemia and disorder of bromsulphalein. More commonly, UDCA has been used in reducing the rate of cholesterol level in bile juice that can cause cholesterol stone. The effects on the promotion of bile acid release that leads an excretion of toxic materials and wastes produced in liver cells as well as various arrays of liver disease such as hepatitis. Other than already reported in clinical use, immunosuppressive effect has been studied, especially in transplantation. In the study, we hypothesized that UDCA might have a certain role in anti-inflammation through a preventive effect of pro-inflammatory potentials in the brain macrophages, microglia. We found that the treatment of $200\;{\mu}g/ml$ UDCA effectively suppressed the pro-inflammatory mediators (i.e. nitric oxide and interleukin-$1{\beta}$) in rat microglia compared to comparators. Interestingly, RT-PCR analysis suggested that UDCA strongly attenuated the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$ that was comparable with cyclosporine A at 48 h incubation. Conclusively, we found that UDCA may playa cytoprotective role in microglial cells through direct or indirect pathways by scavenging a toxic compound or an anti-inflammatory effect, which are known as major causes of neurodegenerative diseases.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.244-247
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• 2006

Neuronal cell death significantly contributes to neuronal loss in neurological injury and disease. Typically, neuronal loss or destruction upon exposure to neurotoxins, oxidative stress, or DNA damage causes neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we attempted to determine whether ginsenoside Rg3 from red ginseng has a neuroprotective effect via an anti-apoptotic role induced by S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) at the molecular level. We also investigated the antioxidant effect of Rg3 using a metal-catalyzed reaction with $Cu^{2+}/H_2O_2$. Our results showed that Rg3 ($40-100\;{\mu}g/mL$) protected SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells under cytotoxic conditions and effectively protected DNA from fragmentation. In the signal pathway, caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were kept at an inactivated status when pretreated with Rg3 in all ranges. In particular, the important upstream p-Akt signal pathway was increased in a dose-dependent manner, which indicates that Rg3 may contribute to cell survival. We also found that oxidative stress can be mitigated by Rg3. Therefore, we have concluded that Rg3 plays a certain role in neurodegenerative pathogenesis via an anti apoptotic, antioxidative effect.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.960-966
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• 2002

Ramulus et Uncus Uncariae (JGD) has sweet in flavour and slightly cold in property, acting on the liver and pericardium channels. This drug was described in a medical classic as having the ability to remove 'heat', check hyperfunction of the liver and relieve dizziness, tremors, and convulsions, and subdue 'endogenous wind'. So this study was estimated to check the anti-neuropathological effect of JGD on the Alzheimer in βAPP overexpression in neuroblastoma cell line and JGD extract was showed significantly anti-alzheimer effects (50 and 100 μg/㎖ of JGD extracts) compared with control group. Ramulus et Uncus Uncariae has anti-alzheimer effects on the βAPP overexpression in neuroblastoma cell line. So we expect that Ramulus et Uncus Uncariae may be used as a drug for neurodegenerative disease, such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD). These results indicate that Ramulus et Uncus Uncariae possess strong inhibitory effect in the nervous system of apoptosis and repair effect against the degeneration of Neuroblastoma cells by βAPP expression.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.452-455
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• 2006

The in vitro cytoprotective and anti-oxidative effects of ursodeoxycholic acid, a major active compound from bear's gall were investigated in mouse brain microglia. In the present study, we wished to scrutinize the potential role of UDCA as an anti-neurodegenerative agent in neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease. This concept was supported by the multiple preliminary studies in which UDCA has an anti-inflammatory effect in microglial cells. In the study, we found that $7.5\;{\mu}g/mL$ UDCA was effective in the protection of cells from $H_2O_2$ damage, a reactive oxygen, and the resuIt was coincided with the anti-apoptotic effect in DAPI staining. Moreover, the metal-catalyzed oxidation study showed that UDCA has antioxidant effect as much as ascorbic acid at $50{\sim}100\;{\mu}g/mL$. In conclusion, these study results suggested that neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease probably caused by over-expressed beta amyloid peptide in elderly people can be controled by UDCA through an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effect. The evidences showed in the study may be references for more in-depth in vivo and clinical studies for a candidate of anti-neurodegenerative therapy in the near future.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.42 no.10
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• pp.702-710
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• 2019

Neuroinflammation is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD). We previously reported that our novel synthetic compound KMS99220 has a good pharmacokinetic profile, enters the brain, exerts neuroprotective effect, and inhibits $NF{\kappa}B$ activation. To further assess the utility of KMS99220 as a potential therapeutic agent for PD, we tested whether KMS99220 exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in vivo and examined the molecular mechanism mediating this phenomenon. In 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated mice, oral administration of KMS99220 attenuated microglial activation and decreased the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin 1 beta ($IL-1{\beta}$) in the nigrostriatal system. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged BV-2 microglial cells, KMS99220 suppressed the production and expression of $IL-1{\beta}$. In the activated microglia, KMS99220 reduced the phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B$ kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 MAP kinase; this effect was mediated by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), as both gene silencing and pharmacological inhibition of HO-1 abolished the effect of KMS99220. KMS99220 induced nuclear translocation of the transcription factor Nrf2 and expression of the Nrf2 target genes including HO-1. Together with our earlier findings, our current results show that KMS99220 may be a potential therapeutic agent for neuroinflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases such as PD.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.259-266
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• 2023

Today, environmental pollution has been found to be one of the causes of various diseases, including brain and nervous system diseases. In particular, neurodegenerative diseases have been found to be caused by hyperactivation of immune system cells such as microglia. Preventive and therapeutic measures are needed to suppress them. Hirudo is known as a traditional herbal medicine, based on its multiple biological activities such as anti-eczema and anti-coagulation. In the present study, the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of hirudo extract was investigated in lipopolysccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells and in mice. Hirudo extract significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production and cytokine (IL-1Ra, KC, MCP-5, and RANTES) expression in a dose-dependent manner without causing cytotoxicity. Pretreatment with hirudo extract suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Moreover, hirudo extract reduced LPS-stimulated microglial acitivation and improved memory impairments. The results demonstrated that hirudo extract exerts anti-neuroinflammation activities, partly through inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings suggest that hirudo extract might have therapeutic potential with respect to neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.63 no.3
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• pp.283-290
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• 2020

Oxidative stress is one of the contributors of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. According to previous studies, Aster yomena (Kitam.) Honda (AY) possesses variable pharmacological activities including anti-coagulant and anti-obesity effect. In this study, we aimed to determine the neuroprotective effect of ethyl acetate fraction from Aster yomena (Kitam.) Honda (EFAY) against oxidative stress. Therefore, we carried out 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,3-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate assays in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells treated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). H₂O₂-treated control cells exhibited reduced viability of cells, and increased LDH release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production compared to normal cells. However, treatment with EFAY restored the cell viability and inhibited LDH release and ROS production. To investigate the underlying mechanisms by which EFAY attenuated neuronal oxidative damage, we measured protein expressions using Western blot analysis. Consequently, it was observed that EFAY down-regulated cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin-1β protein expressions in H₂O₂-treated SH-SY5Y cells that mediated inflammatory reaction. In addition, apoptosis-related proteins including B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein/B-cell lymphoma-2 ratio, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase protein expressions were suppressed when H₂O₂-treated cells were exposed to EFAY. Our results indicate that EFAY ameliorated H₂O₂-induced neuronal damage by regulating inflammation and apoptosis. Altogether, AY could be potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.93-102
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• 2008

Objectives : Forsythiae Fructus (Forsythia koreana Nakai) has been used anti-inflammatory, diuretics, antidote, and antibacterials in traditional herbal medicine. The present study is focused on the inhibitory effect of Forsythiae Fructus ethanol extract (FF-E) on the production of inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines ($TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells, a mouse microglial cell line, and investigated the scavenging activity of FF-E. Methods : BV-2 cells were pre-incubated with FF-E for 30 min and then stimulated with LPS (1 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$) at indicated times. Cell toxicity of GCF was determined by MTT assay. The levels of NO, PGE2 and cytokines were measured by Griess assay and ELISA. The mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS and cytokines were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Free radical scavenging activity of GCF was determined by DPPH assay in tube test. Results : FF-E significantly inhibited the excessive production of NO, $PGE_2$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and $IL-1{\beta}$ in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. In addition, FF-E attenuated the mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS, and proinflammatory cytokines. FF-E also significantly scavenged the DPPH free radicals in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions : These results indicate that FF-E exhibits anti-inflammatory property by suppressing the transcription of inflammatory mediator genes, suggesting the anti-inflammatory property of FF-E may make it useful as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases.