• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.1320-1331
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• 2009

Oxidative stress and inflammation are important events in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases including arthritis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension. Cynomorium songaricum (CS) has been used as a traditional Korean herbal medicine, and it is currently used in traditional clinics to treat frequent urination, spermatorrhea, weakness of the sinews and constipation in the folk medicine. The aim of this study was to determine whether fractionated extracts of CS inhibit free radical generation such as DPPH radical, superoxide radical, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, production of nitrite an index of NO, $PGE_2$, iNOS, COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Cytotoxic activity of extracts on RAW 264.7 cells was measured using 5-(3-caroboxymeth-oxyphenyl)-2H-tetra-zolium inner salt (MTS) assay. Our results indicated that the most superior extract which scavenged DPPH radical, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and RNS was CS ethyl acetate extract (CSEA). Moreover, CSEA significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO, $PGE_2$ production and iNOS, COX-2 expression accompanied by an attenuation of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 formation in macrophages. Furthermore, CSEA treatment also blocked LPS-induced intracellular ROS production and the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$. These findings indicate that CSEA inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines via the suppression of ROS production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. Take together, these results indicate that CSEA has the potential for use as an natural anti-oxidant and an agent of anti-chronic inflammatory diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.688-697
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• 2006

Objectives : Peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$), $O_2^-$ and nitric oxide (NO) are cytotoxic species that can oxidize several cellular components such as proteins. lipids and DNA. It has been implicated in the aging process and age-related disease such as Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate $ONOO^-$ scavenging activities. and that of its precursors. NO and $O_2^-$ of Trigonellae Semen. Methods : To investigate $ONOO^-$. NO. $O_2^-$ scavenging activities, fluorescent probes, namely 2'.7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA). 4.5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) and dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) were used. Protein expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, NF-${\kappa}B$, and VCAM-1 were assayed by western blot. Results : Trigonellae Semen markedly scavenged authentic $ONOO^-$, $O_2^-$ and NO. It also inhibited $ONOO^-$ induced by $O_2^-$ and NO which are derived from SIN-1. Furthermore. Trigonellae Semen inhibited $ONOO^-$, $O_2^-$ and NO generation in LPS-treated ICR mouse kidney postmitochondria. Trigonellae Semen inhibited gene expression of iNOS, COX-2, VCAM-l and NF-${\kappa}B$ (p65) activation. Conclusions : These results suggest that Trigonellae Semen is an effective $ONOO^-$, $O_2^-$ and NO scavenger. and that this substance has a potential role as an inhibitor of the aging process, and in therapy against age-related diseases.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.54-62
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• 2019

Cis-3-O-p-hydroxycinnamoyl ursolic acid (HCUA), a triterpenoid compound, was purified from Elaeagnus oldhamii Maxim. This traditional medicinal plant has been used for treating rheumatoid arthritis and lung disorders as well as for its anti-inflammation and anticancer activities. This study aimed to investigate the anti-proliferative and apoptotic-inducing activities of HCUA in oral cancer cells. HCUA exhibited anti-proliferative activity in oral cancer cell lines (Ca9-22 and SAS cells), but not in normal oral fibroblasts. The inhibitory concentration of HCUA that resulted in 50% viability was $24.0{\mu}M$ and $17.8{\mu}M$ for Ca9-22 and SAS cells, respectively. Moreover, HCUA increased the number of cells in the sub-G1 arrest phase and apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner in both oral cancer cell lines, but not in normal oral fibroblasts. Importantly, HCUA induced p53-mediated transcriptional regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bak, Bim, Noxa, and PUMA), which are associated with mitochondrial apoptosis in oral cancer cells via the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. HCUA triggered the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that was ascertained to be involved in HCUA-induced apoptosis by the ROS inhibitors YCG063 and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. As a result, HCUA had potential antitumor activity to oral cancer cells through eliciting ROS-dependent and p53-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. Overall, HCUA could be applicable for the development of anticancer agents against human oral cancer.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2021

Excessive accumulation of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Paeonia lactiflora (PL) has been used in treatments of several conditions such as inflammation, arthritis, and cognitive impairment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanisms of PL and its active compound, paeoniflorin (PF), on Aβ_25-35-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. We evaluated cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, underlying mechanism of PL and PF on the regulation of amyloidogenic pathway was analyzed by Western blotting. In our results, Aβ_25-35-induced neuronal cell loss was observed, whereas treatment with PL (10, 50, and 100 ㎍/mL) and PF (1, 5, and 10 ㎍/mL) significantly elevated the cell viability, and decreased LDH release and ROS production. In addition, exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to Aβ_25-35 significantly increased the protein levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP)-C-terminal fragment β, β-site APP-cleaving enzyme, and presenilin-1 and -2. However, treatment with PL and PF inhibited the amyloidogenic pathway via the down-regulation of those protein expressions. Taken together, our results indicate that PL, and its active compound PF, could protect SH-SY5Y cells against Aβ_25-35-induced cell neurotoxicity by attenuating LDH release and ROS production, and these effects may be attributed to regulation of amyloidogenic pathway-related protein expression. In conclusion, PL and PF could be a potential to prevent neurodegenerative disorders such as AD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.503-509
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• 2022

Methylglyoxal is a highly reactive precursor which forms advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs and methylglyoxal are known to induce various diseases such as diabetes, vascular disorders, Diabetes Mellitus (DM), and neuronal disorders. Juglans regia L is an important food commonly used worldwide, having nutritious components, including phenolic compounds. Since ancient times, Juglans regia L have been differently applied by various countries for health and in diverse diseases, including arthritis, asthma, skin disorders, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. However, the effect of diabetes-induced renal damage against AGEs remains unclear. This study evaluates the anti-glycation and renal protective effects of ethanol extract of Juglans regia L against methylglyoxal-induced renal tubular epithelial cell death. Exposure to methylglyoxal resulted in reduced cell viability in NRK-52E cells, but co-treatment with Juglans regia L extracts significantly increased the cell viability. In addition, we examined the anti-glycation effect of Juglans regia L extracts. Compared to the positive control aminoguanidine and Alagebrium, treatment with Juglans regia L extracts significantly inhibited the formation of AGEs, collagen cross-linking, and breaking collagen cross-linking. Taken together, our results indicate that Juglans regia L is a potential therapeutic agent for regulating diabetic complications by exerting anti-glycation and renal protective activities.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.202-212
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• 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Cheong-A-Won Gagambang (JCE003) treatment for degenerative knee osteoarthritis. Methods: This was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial. There were 36 adults with degenerative knee osteoarthritis who were randomly allocated into JCE003 1,000 mg, JCE003 2,000 mg, or the placebo group (in a 1:1:1 ratio). The participants received 12 weeks of treatment and had scheduled tests every 6 weeks. The primary outcomes were measured using the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scale, and the secondary outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale, European quality of life-5-dimensions, patient global impression of change, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Changes between baseline scores and scores following study completion were analyzed. Results: There were 29 participants whose data were analyzed in this study. The change of Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities, visual analog scale, European quality of life-5-dimensions scores showed significant improvement in the JCE003 1,000 mg group. The change of patient global impression of change was significantly improved in the placebo group. There were 14 adverse events, but there was no clinically significant relationship with the intake of JCE003 compared with the placebo. Conclusion: Taking JCE003 may be effective at improving knee pain in patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis and appears to be safe. Based on this study, the concentration and feasibility of the test group may be used when conducting a large-scale clinical trial of degenerative knee osteoarthritis in the future.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.8-15
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• 2022

Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Leguminosae) is widely distributed in Asia, North America and Europe. The root bark has been traditionally used for hemostasis, arthritis and hypertension. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the biological activity and the bioactive constituents of the root bark. We found that the methanol extract obtained from the root bark of R. pseudoacacia reduced the level of ROS and NO production in LPS-induced inflammation of RAW 264.7 cell line. Among the fractions, methylene chloride fraction showed the highest inhibitory activity against the inflammation. Seven constituents (1-7) were isolated from this fraction, and the chemical structures were determined to be medicarpin (1), (-)-vestitol (2), indole 3-carboxaldehyde (3), 3-acetylindole (4), liquiritigenin (5), 4(1H)-quinolone (6) and 8-methoxyononin (7). Among the isolates, medicarpin (1), (-)-vestitol (2), 3-acetylindole (4) and liquiritigenin (5) inhibited ROS and NO production in a dose-dependent manner. This is the first study to show the anti-inflammatory activity of the root bark of R. pseudoacacia, and it is suggested that the four constituents (1, 2, 4, and 5) could play a role in the biological activity.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.108-113
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• 2010

Purpose : The aim of this study was to identify clinical availability of serum procalcitonin (PCT) compared with C-reactive protein (CRP) in prediction of bacterial infection in children. Methods : A retrospective study was conducted with children who had been admitted to the Department of Pediatrics with bacterial and viral infection between April 2008 and March 2009 and children who were admitted with Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) between August 2007 and July 2009. Serum PCT levels were measured using an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. Results : The study population included 10 patients with bacterial infection (group I), 69 with viral infection (group II), and 35 with JRA (group III). Mean PCT levels were significantly higher in group I than in group II or group III (P<0.05). Mean CRP levels were significantly higher in group I than in group II (P<0.05); however, mean CRP levels were not significantly higher in group I than in group III (P>0.05). Using a cutoff of 0.5 ng/mL for PCT and 8 mg/L for CRP, sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing between group I and the other groups were 60.0% and 92.3% for PCT and 60.0% and 40.1% for CRP, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 42.9% and 96.0% for PCT and 10.0% and 92.6% for CRP, respectively. Conclusion : Measurement of PCT concentrations appears to be more useful than CRP for distinguishing between bacterial infection and non-bacterial diseases in children.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.167-174
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is investigation of clinical and functional outcomes in homogeneous group with positive culture after arthroscopic management for pyogenic knee arthritis and analysis of factors affecting those outcomes. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients with positive culture after arthroscopic management were included. Mean follow-up period was 41.6 months. Clinical evaluation included death related to infection, recurrence, time to normalize erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), duration of administration of intravenous antibiotics and readmission. Radiographic evaluation was performed according to Kellgren and Lawrence. The prevalence of total knee arthroplasty was investigated and functional evaluation included modified Lysholm, Tegner activity and Korean version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (K-WOMAC) score. Results: Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 21 patients. Time to normalize ESR and CRP was 78.0 and 67.6 days, respectively. Two patients died while there were six recurrences and five readmissions. Rate of recurrence was significantly high in patients with chronic renal failure (P=0.034) and incidence of readmission was associated with higher radiographic grade of osteoarthritis and rate of reoperation (P=0.032 and P=0.006, respectively). At the final follow-up, radiographic grade worsened in 21 patients and was associated with those at first visit. Five arthroplasties were performed. Average modified Lysholm score, Tegner activity score and K-WOMAC score were 53.5, 2.7, 44.2 points, respectively. Conclusion: The severity of osteoarthritis on final radiographs was associated with those at first visit. Patients with higher grade of osteoarthritis at first visit showed higher incidence of readmission and those with chronic renal failure demonstrated higher chances of recurrence.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.102-113
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• 2020

In this study, anti-arthritic effect of the mixed extract of radiation mutant Perilla frutescens var. crispa and Atractylodes macrophala koidz was investigated. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay in RAW 264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory effect of mixed extracts was determined through measurement of the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), release of inflammatory cytokines and expression of NF-κB, COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells after treatment of mixed extracts (5, 10, 25 ㎍/㎖). We showed that the mixed extracts was not toxic in the dose of 5, 10, 25 ug/ml, and significantly inhibited production of nitric oxide and ROS, cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and inflammatory proteins including NF-κB, COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, the mixed extract inhibited the type II collagen induced arthritis in DBA mice in the dose of 66.5 and 133mg/kg/day. Therefore, we suggest that mixed extract of radiation mutant Perilla frutescens var. crispa and Atractylodes macrophala koidz can be developed as a raw material for health functional food and therapeutics to treat the inflammatory arthritis.