• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.68-77
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• 2012

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of processed Panax ginseng, sun ginseng (SG) against the UVB-irradiation on epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Pretreatment of SG in HaCaT keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts reduced UVB-induced cell damage as seen by reduced lactate dehydrogenase release. We also found that SG restored the UVB-induced decrease in anti-apoptotic gene expression (bcl-2 and bcl-xL) in these cells, indicating that SG has an anti-apoptotic effect and thus can protect cells from cell death caused by strong UVB radiation. In addition, SG inhibited the excessive expression of c-jun and c-fos gene by the UVB in HeCaT cells and human dermal fibroblasts. We also demonstrated that SG may exert an anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA synthesis in HaCaT keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts. This was further supported by its inhibitory effects on the elevated cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ transcription which was induced by UVB-irradiation in HaCaT cells. In addition, SG may have anti-aging property in terms of induction of procollagen gene expression and inhibition of the matrix metalloprotease-1 gene expression caused by UVB-exposure. These findings suggest that SG can be a potential agent that may protect against the dermal cell damage caused by UVB.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.169-175
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• 2005

Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene)은 포도와 같은 식물에서 각종 감염균으로부터 자신의 몸을 보호하기 위하여 생성되는 물질인 phytoalexin의 일종으로 강력한 항산화작용, 암예방 효과 및 항암 작용을 포함한 각종 약리작용을 가진 것으로 보고 되어져 오고 있다. Alzheimer 환자의 뇌에 축적되어 뇌 신경세포를 죽이는 amyloid plaque의 주 성분은 $amyloid-\beta$의 축적에 의한 것인데, $amyloid-\beta$는 정상적인 단백질 신진대사 과정의 결과로 체내 모든 세포들로부터 생성되는 물질이다. 본 연구에서는 resveratrol의 세포독성 보호효과에 관한 효능을 검증하기 위하여 C6 신경교세포에서 $amyloid-\beta-peptide$ (fragment 31-35)에 의한 세포독성 및 세포성장 조절관련 주요 유전자들의 발현에 미치는 resveratrol의 영향을 조사하였다. $Amyloid-\beta$가 처리된 C6세포는 처리 농도의존적으로 증식이 억제되었으며, 형태적 변형도 유발 되었으나 resveratrol의 전처리에 의하여 효과적으로 차단되었다. RT-PCR 및 Western blot analysis에 의한 결과에서 $amyloid-\beta$ 처리에 의한 세포증식 억제는 종양억제유전자 p53 및 Cdk 억제제인 p21 (WAF1/CIP1) 발현이 증가되었다. 또한 apoptosis 유발에 매우 중요한 역할을 수행하는 Bax의 발현도 $amyloid-\beta$가 처리된 C6 세포에서 발현이 증가되었으나 apoptosis 유발억제에 관여하는 Bcl-2및 $Bcl-X_{L}$ 발현에는 큰 영향을 미치지 못하였다. 그러나 resveratrol이 전처리된 세포에서는 처리 농도 의존적으로 $amyloid-\beta$에 의해 유도되는 p53, p21 및 Bax의 발현이 정상수준으로 회복되었다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.242-247
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• 2012

Chondrocyte apoptosis has been recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$), which produces reactive oxygen species, reportedly induces apoptosis in chondrocytes. The ginsenoside $Rb_1$ (G-$Rb_1$) is the principal component in ginseng and has been shown to have a variety of biological activities, such as anti-arthritis, anti-inflammation, and anti-tumor activities. In this study, we evaluated the effects of G-$Rb_1$ on the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) and caspase-3 activity of chondrocyte apoptosis induced by $H_2O_2$. Cultured rat articular chondrocytes were exposed to $H_2O_2$ with or without G-$Rb_1$ and assessed for viability, MPT, Bcl-xL/Bax expression, caspase-3 activity, and apoptosis. The co-treatment with G-$Rb_1$ showed an inhibition of MPT, caspase-3 activity, and cell death. Additionally, the levels of the apoptotic protein Bax were significantly lower and the levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL were higher compared with $H_2O_2$ treatment alone. The results of this study demonstrate that G-$Rb_1$ protects chondrocytes against $H_2O_2$-induced apoptosis, at least in part via the inhibition of MPT and caspase-3 activity. These results demonstrate that G-$Rb_1$ is a potentially useful drug for the treatment of OA patients.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.75-82
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• 1999

It has been reported that activation of sphingomyelin pathway and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) inhibit the promotion of colon carcinoma. Ceramide, a metabolite of sphingomyelin, and indomethacin were shown to induce apoptosis in colon carcinoma cells. However, the mechanisms of ceramide- and indomethacin-induced apoptosis in the colon carcinoma cells are not clearly elucidated. Recent studys showed that indomethacin-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells through the cyclooxygenase-independent pathways, and that may be mediated by generation of ceramide. In this study, we compared effects of ceramide and indomethacin on important modulators of apoptotic processes in HT29 cells, a human colon cancer cell line. Ceramide and indomethacin induced apoptosis dose- and time- dependently. Ceramide and indomethacin increased stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) activity, and decreased mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. The expression of Bak was increased by the treatment of ceramide and indomethacin. The expression of other Bcl-2 related proteins (Mcl-1, $Bcl-X_L,$ Bax) which were known to be expressed in colon epithelial cells was not changed during the ceramide- and indomethacin-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that ceramide and indomethacin share common mechanisms for induction of apoptosis in HT29 cells.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제21권6호
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• pp.579-589
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• 2017

Anesthetics are used extensively in surgeries and related procedures to prevent pain. However, there is some concern regarding neuronal degeneration and cognitive deficits arising from regular anesthetic exposure. Recent studies have indicated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) are involved in learning and memory processes. Genistein, a plant-derived isoflavone, has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects. The present study was performed to examine the protective effect of genistein against isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Neonatal rats were exposed to isoflurane (0.75%, 6 hours) on postnatal day 7 (P7). Separate groups of rat pups were orally administered genistein at doses of 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg body weight from P3 to P15 and then exposed to isoflurane anesthesia on P7. Neuronal apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay and FluoroJade B staining following isoflurane exposure. Genistein significantly reduced apoptosis in the hippocampus, reduced the expression of proapoptotic factors (Bad, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3), and increased the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. RT-PCR analysis revealed enhanced BDNF and TrkB mRNA levels. Genistein effectively upregulated cAMP levels and phosphorylation of CREB and TrkB, leading to activation of cAMP/CREB-BDNF-TrkB signaling. PI3K/Akt signaling was also significantly activated. Genistein administration improved general behavior and enhanced learning and memory in the rats. These observations suggest that genistein exerts neuroprotective effects by suppressing isoflurane-induced neuronal apoptosis and by activating cAMP/CREB-BDNF-TrkB-PI3/Akt signaling.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.273-280
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• 2021

Lung cancer despite advancement in the medical field continues to be a major threat to human lives and accounts for a high proportion of fatalities caused by cancers globally. The current study investigated vanillin oxime, a derivative of vanillin, against lung cancer cells for development of treatment and explored the mechanism. Cell viability changes by vanillin oxime were measured using MTT assay. Vanillin oxime-mediated apoptosis was detected in A549 and NCI-H2170 cells at 48 h of exposure by flow cytometry. The CEBP homologous protein (CHOP) and death receptor 5 (DR5) levels were analysed by RT-PCR and protein levels by Western blotting. Vanillin oxime in concentration-dependent way suppressed A549 and NCI-H2170 cell viabilities. On exposure to 12.5 and 15 μM concentrations of vanillin oxime elevated Bax, caspase-3, and -9 levels in A549 and NCI-H2170 cells were observed. Vanillin oxime exposure suppressed levels of Bcl-2, survivin, Bcl-xL, cFLIP, and IAPs proteins in A549 and NCI-H2170 cells. It stimulated significant elevation in DR4 and DR5 levels in A549 and NCI-H2170 cells. In A549 and NCI-H2170 cells vanillin oxime exposure caused significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in CHOP and DR5 mRNA expression. Vanillin oxime exposure of A549 and NCI-H2170 cells led to significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in levels of phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Thus, vanillin oxime inhibits pulmonary cell proliferation via induction of apoptosis through tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) mediated pathway. Therefore, vanillin oxime may be studied further to develop a treatment for lung cancer.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.77-86
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• 2009

Objectives : The proliferation and migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) in response to activation by various stimuli plays a critical role in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. This study was conducted to examine the effects of Nelumbo nucifera leaves (NNL) on the proliferation and migration of HASMC. Additionally, the mechanisms involved in any observed effects were also evaluated. Methods : Apoptotic cells were measured by staining with FITC-labeled annexin V, followed by flow cytometric analysis. The expression level of apoptosis related proteins was confirmed by western blot. And MMP-9 activity was measured by gelatin zymography and MMP-9 expression was measured by ELISA Results : NNL completely inhibited the proliferation of HASMC via induction of the expression of apoptotic proteins including annexin V, cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), and caspase-3 and -8. NNL treatment resulted in the release of cytochrome c into cytosol, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, a decrease in Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and an increase in Bax expression. NNL also blocked HASMC migration via suppression of MMP-9. Conclusions : Taken together, these results indicate that NNL has the potential for use as an anti-artherosclerosis agent.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제37권4호
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• pp.269-279
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• 2013

Low efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is attributed to incomplete reprogramming of transfered nuclei into oocytes. Trichostatin A (TSA), histone deacetylase inhibitor and 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), DNA methylation inhibitor has been used to enhance nuclear reprogramming following SCNT. However, it was not known molecular mechanism by which TSA and 5-aza-dC improve preimplantation embryo and fetal development following SCNT. The present study investigates embryo viability and gene expression of cloned porcine preimplantation embryos in the presence and absence of TSA and 5-aza-dC as compared to embryos produced by parthenogenetic activation. Our results indicated that TSA treatment significantly improved development. However 5-aza-dC did not improve development. Presence of TSA and 5-aza-dC significantly improved total cell number, and also decreased the apoptotic and autophagic index. Three apoptotic-related genes, Bak, Bcl-xL, and Caspase 3 (Casp3), and three autophagic-related genes, ATG6, ATG8, and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2), were measured by real time RT-PCR. TSA and 5-aza-dC treatment resulted in high expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-xL and low pro-apoptotic gene Bak expression compared to untreated NT embryos or parthenotes. Furthermore, LC3 protein expression was lower in NT-TSA and NT-5-aza-dC embryos than those of NT and parthenotes. In addition, TSA and 5-aza-dC treated embryos displayed a global acetylated histone H3 at lysine 9 and methylated DNA H3 at lysine 9 profile similar to the parthenogenetic blastocysts. Finally, we determined that several DNA methyltransferase genes Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b. NT blastocysts showed higher levels Dnmt1 than those of the TSA and 5-aza-dC blastocysts. Dnmt3a is lower in 5-aza-dC than NT, NTTSA and parthenotes. However, Dnmt3b is higher in 5-aza-dC than NT and NTTSA. These results suggest that TSA and 5-aza-dC positively regulates nuclear reprogramming which result in modulation of apoptosis and autophagy related gene expression and then reduce apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, TSA and 5-aza-dC affects the acetylated and methylated status of the H3K9.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.546-554
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• 2006

식용 및 약용으로 이용되는 산초 (Zanthoxylum schinifolium) 잎에 함유된 항암활성 성분을 분리하기 위하여 산초잎을 유기용매로 추출하여, 각 추출물의 암세포에 대한 독성 및 세포자살 유도 활성을 조사하였다. Methanol, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, n-butanol로 추출한 각 추출물의 세포 독성을 인체 급성백혈병 Jurkat T 세포주, estrogen receptor-positive 유방암 세포주 MDA 361과 estrogen receptor-negative 세포주 MDA 438를 대상으로 조사한 결과, 이들 암세포주에 대한 세포독성이 methylene chloride 추출물 (SL-14)에서 주로 확인되었다. Methylene chloride 추출물 (SL-14)의 Jurkat T세포주에 대한 세포독성의 기전은 mitochondria로부터cytochrome c 방출, 이에 뒤이은 caspase-9 및 caspase-3의 활성화, PARP 분해, jnternucleosomal DNAfragmentation등의 일련의 생화학적 과정을 통해 유도되며 또한 Bcl-xL의 ectopic overexpression에 의해서는 negative regulation되는 세포자살임을 확인하였다. 또한 SL-14를 GC-MS 분석하여, 9,19-cyclolanost-24-en-3-ol (15.1%), 2-a-methyl-17, b-hop-21-ene (15.1%), 15-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H benzazepin (11.95%), phytol (10.38%), lupeol (9.92%), 12-methylbenzofuran (8.23%) 등을 포함한 22가지의 구성성분과 그 조성비를 확인하였다. 이상의 연구결과들은 식용 산초잎에 함유된 항암 활성으로서의 세포자살유도 활성의 규명과 이해에 유익하게 활용될 것으로 기대된다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제25권8호
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• pp.849-860
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• 2015

본 연구에서는 한약재로 널리 사용되는 건칠, 유근피 및 신석 추출물의 항암 활성을 조사하였다. 생쥐 유래 정상세포(RAW 264.7 대식세포 및 C2C12 근아세포)에서는 건칠, 유근피 및 신석 단독 및 복합 처리에 의하여 유의적인 세포생존율의 억제 현상은 관찰 할 수 없었다. 그리고 건칠, 유근피 및 신석의 복합 처리는 단독 처리군에 비하여 AGS 위암세포의 생존력을 유의적으로 억제하였으나, 폐암(A549), 대장암(HCT116), 간암(Hep3B) 및 방광암(T24) 세포에서는 그 효과가 미비하였다. 아울러 이러한 AGS 위암세포 선택적 생존 억제력은 apoptosis 유도와 밀접한 연관성이 있음을 염색질의 응축 현상, DNA 단편화 및 annexin-V 염색에 의한 flow cytometry 분석을 통하여 확인하였다. 건칠, 유근피 및 신석의 복합 처리는 Fas 및 Fas legand의 발현을 증가시켰으며, XIAP, cIAP-1 및 survivin과 같은 IAP family 단백질과 anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL의 발현은 저하시켰다. 복합 처리는 또한 mitochondrial membrane potential의 손실과 caspases (-3, -8 및 -9)의 활성에 PARP 단백질의 분절화를 유도하였다. 그러나 이러한 복합 처리에 의한 AGS 세포에서 관찰된 세포독성 및 apoptosis 유도 효과는 pan-caspases inhibitor인 z-VAD-fmk의 선처리에 의하여 차단되었다. 이상의 결과는 건칠, 유근피 및 신석의 복합 처리에 의한 AGS 위암세포 선택적 apoptosis 유도가 caspase 의존적으로 일어나고 있음을 보여주는 결과이며, in vivo 모델을 이용한 후속 연구가 진행되어야 할 것이다.