• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.113-124
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• 2012

The oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein(LDL) has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL(oxLDL) is captured into macrophage and stimulates to form macrophage foam cell. And it can induce an inflammation and smooth muscle proliferation in atherosclerotic plaque. Objective : In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Bupleuri radix(SH) on the foam cell formation, a critical initiation stage of atherosclerosis. Methods : To achieve the goal, we examined the effect of SH on LDL oxidation, nitric oxide production in RAW264.7, and the effect of SH on cupuric sulfate-induced cytotoxicity, LDH release, and macrophage activity. Results : SH inhibited the formation of oxidized LDL from native LDL in RAW264.7 cell culture, and decreased the release of LDH from cupric sulfate-stimulated RAW264.7 cell. In other experiments, SH activated RAW264.7 cell, and prolonged the survival time, and inhibited foam cell formation induced by oxLDL in Raw 264.7 cells. Conclusion : These results showed that SH might prevent atherosclerosis by controlling the early stages of foam cell formation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.93-111
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• 2010

Objectives: The present study was performed to evaluate the potential effects of Bupleuri radix (SH) on regenerative activities in the peripheral sciatic nerve after crushing injury in rats. Methods: Axonal regeneration after crush injury in rats was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining using anti-NF-200 antibody and retrograde tracing of DiI-axons. Changes in protein levels in the sciatic nerve axons and DRG tissue were analyzed by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Effects of SH extract treatment on neurite outgrowth was examined by immunofluorescence staining for cultured DRG neurons. Results: Major findings on the effects of SH extract treatment on axonal regeneration are summarized as follows. 1. SH-mediated enhancement in axonal regeneration was identified by immuno- fluorescence straining of NF-200 protein and retrograde tracing of DiI-labeled axons. 2. Axonal GAP-43 protein levels were upregulated by SH not only in the injured axons but also in the DRG sensory neurons corresponding to sciatic sensory axons. 3. Phospho-Erk1/2 protein levels were increased in both injured axonal area and DRG sensory neurons by SH. Phospho-Erk1/2 was also found in non-neuronal cells in the injured axons. 4. SH elevated levels of Cdc2 protein produced in Schwann cells in the distal portions of injured sciatic nerves. 5. The neurite outgrowth of DRG sensory neurons in culture was augmented by SH, and these changes were positively associated with GAP-43 production levels in the DRG neurons. Conclusions: These data suggest that SH extract improves the regenerative responses of injured peripheral neurons, and thus may be useful for understanding molecular basis for the development of therapeutic strategies.