• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.1281-1291
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• 2005

Chungpae-tang is suggested to have the antitumor activity on lung cancer. This study was peformed to investigate apoptotic effect in vitro and antitumor effect and immune response after injection of B16-F10 melanoma cells and Chungpae-tang into a tail vein of C57BL/6 mice and administratition of Chungpae-tang in A549 human lung cancer cell line in vivo, respectively. Experimental studies were obtained by measuring the median survival time and cytokine expression through RT-PCR, and ELISA assay. The results were summarized as follows: 5 mg/ml of Chungpae-tang causing DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 enzyme activation, PARP fragmentation, and cytochrome c release, suggested that Chungpae-tang has in vitro apoptotic effect in A549 human lung cancer cell line in the apoptosis-induced experiment. The median survival time of the Chungpae-tang treated group was 21 days and that of control group was 22 days, suggesting that the median survival time between the Chungpae-tang treated group and the control group was not significant. Cytokine expression between the Chungpae-fang treated group and the control group was noticeable, but was not significant in the RT-PCR. In the ELISA assay, IL-2 productivity in the Chungpae-tang treated group was to increase more than that in the normal group (p<0.05) and was no significant between the Chungpae-tang treated group and the control group. $INF-\gamma$ productivity of the control group decreased more than that of the normal group (p<0.05) and that of the Chungpae-tang-treated group increased more than that of the control group (p<0.05). IL-12 productivity of the control group increased more than that of the normal group (p<0.05) and that of the Chungpae-tang-treated group decreased more than that of the control group (p<0.05) and the normal group. IL-4 productivity of the Chungpae-tang-treated group increased more than that of the normal group and the control group (p<0.05). IL-10 productivity of the Chungpae-tang-treated group increased more than that of the normal group and the control group (p<0.05). Accordingly the results show Chungpae-tang could induce apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cell line and bring to antitumor effect and immune response against injection of B16-F10 melanoma cells into a tail vein of C57BL/6 mice but it needs more research on the precise mechanism of such effects.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.121-129
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• 2018

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage foam cell formation and apoptosis play critical roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx) is an antioxidant that potently protects various cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death. However, the protective effect of Trx on ox-LDL-induced macrophage foam cell formation and apoptosis has not been studied. This study aims to investigate the effect of recombinant human Trx (rhTrx) on ox-LDL-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and elucidate the possible mechanisms. RhTrx significantly inhibited ox-LDL-induced cholesterol accumulation and apoptosis in RAW264.7 macrophages. RhTrx also suppressed the ox-LDL-induced overproduction of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1), Bax and activated caspase-3, but it increased the expression of Bcl-2. In addition, rhTrx markedly inhibited the ox-LDL-induced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Furthermore, anisomycin (a p38 MAPK activator) abolished the protective effect of rhTrx on ox-LDL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) exerted a similar effect as rhTrx. Collectively, these findings indicate that rhTrx suppresses ox-LDL-stimulated foam cell formation and macrophage apoptosis by inhibiting ROS generation, p38 MAPK activation and LOX-1 expression. Therefore, we propose that rhTrx has therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.182-198
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• 2005

Object : This study was designed to research whether the protection and inhibitory effects of cardiovascular diseases in L-NAME induced rat or ECV 304 cell lines through the Cell morphological pattern, Tunel assay, LDH activity, heart rate, blood pressure and immunohistochemistric analysis by Boonsimgieum water extract Methods : Nitric oxide(NO) play an important role in normal and pathophysiological cells including as a messenger molecule, neurotransmitter, microbiocidal agent, or dilator of blood vessels and artheriosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, respectively. Endothelial cell products can modulate the magnitude of a response to a vasoconstrictor, as evinced by the greater constriction after endothelium removal or NO synthesis blockade. To investigate that Boonsimgieum in the potential contribution of the levels of nitric oxide generated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the mechanisms of protection against NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), human ECV 304 cells, which normally do not express eNOS, were expressed by L-NAME. L-NAME stimulated rat or cells were found to be resistant to injury and delayed death following the Boonsimgieum. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis abolished the protective effect against L-NAME, thrombin and collagen exposure. Interestingly, such effects have been observed during stimulation with agents such as phenylephrine and KCl on L-NAME mediate rats, were damaged by the NOS inhibitor L-NAME. Result : As the result of this study, In group, the anti-apoptosis and necrosis in the cardiovascular system have a potential capacity for prevented, protected and treating the diseases of cardiovascular system, against the necrosis of rat and ECV 304 cells with Caspase 3 and calpain expression by L-NAME is promoted. Conclusion : these results demonstrate neuroprotective and memory enhancing effects of ZIBU, suggesting its beneficial actions for the treatment of AD.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.19-25
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• 2019

Background/Objectives: Although anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is rare, it is one of the deadliest forms of thyroid cancer. The fatality rate for ATC is high, and the survival rate at one year after diagnosis is <20%. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor activities of paclitaxel, radiation, and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combined therapy in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo and explore its effects on apoptotic cell death pathways. Materials & Methods: ATC cell line was exposed to TKI, lenvatinib in the presence or absence of paclitaxel with radiation, and cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Effects of the combined treatment on cell cycle and intracellular signaling pathways were assessed by flow cytometry and western blot analysis. The ATC cell line xenograft model was used to examine the anti-tumor activity in vivo. Results: Our data revealed that the combined administration of paclitaxel, TKI, and radiation decreased cell viability in ATC cells, and also significantly increased apoptotic cell death in these cells, as demonstrated by the cleavage of caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation. This combination therapy reduced anti-apoptotic factor levels in ATC cells, while significantly decreasing tumor volume and increasing survival in ATC xenografts. Conclusion: These results indicate that administering the combination of paclitaxel, TKI, and radiation therapy may exert significant anticancer effects in preclinical models, potentially suggesting a new clinical approach for treating patients with ATC.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.664-671
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• 2020

Background: Ginsenoside compound-Mc1 (Mc1) is a member of the deglycosylated ginsenosides obtained from ginseng extract. Although several ginsenosides have a cardioprotective effect, this has not been demonstrated in ginsenoside Mc1. Methods: We treated H9c2 cells with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and ginsenoside Mc1 to evaluate the antioxidant effects of Mc1. The levels of antioxidant molecules, catalase, and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were measured, and cell viability was determined using the Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax):B-cell lymphoma-extra large ratio, a cytotoxicity assay, and flow cytometry. We generated mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity using ginsenoside Mc1 and assessed their heart tissues to evaluate the antioxidant effect and the fibrosis-reducing capability of ginsenoside Mc1. Results: Ginsenoside Mc1 significantly increased the level of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the H9c2 cells. The expression levels of catalase and SOD2 increased significantly after treatment with ginsenoside Mc1, resulting in a decrease in the production of H₂O₂-mediated reactive oxygen species. Treatment with ginsenoside Mc1 also significantly reduced the H₂O₂-mediated elevation of the Bax:Bcl2 ratio and the number of DNA-damaged cells, which was significantly attenuated by treatment with an AMPK inhibitor. Consistent with the in vitro data, ginsenoside Mc1 upregulated the levels of catalase and SOD2 and decreased the Bax:B-cell lymphoma-extra large ratio and caspase-3 activity in the heart tissues of HFD-induced obese mice, resulting in reduced collagen deposition. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Mc1 decreases oxidative stress and increases cell viability in H9c2 cells and the heart tissue isolated from HFD-fed mice via an AMPK-dependent mechanism, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related cardiac diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.89-95
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• 2011

p53 is tumor suppressor gene that regulates apoptosis such as caspase-dependent and p21-mediated signaling pathways. PI3K/Akt is known to be over-activated in cancer cells. Akt activates many survival-related signals such as mTOR and COX-2. Inactivation of Akt would result in non-inhibition of p53 as well as induced apoptosis. In this study, we showed that curcumin and EGCG activate p53 via inhibition of the Akt signaling pathway. Treatments using curcumin and EGCG in different concentrations for 24 hr and 48 hr inhibited proliferation of HCT116 colon cancer cells and increased apoptotic cell death. Also, our data showed that curcumin and EGCG increased the p53 expression and decreased the p-Akt. Treatment of LY294002 (Akt inhibitor) resulted in decreased cell proliferation of cancer cells, while LY294002 treated with curcumin or EGCG showed a greater decrease of cell proliferation. In addition, inhibition of Akt induced p53 activation in HCT116 colon cancer cells. These results suggest that curcumin and EGCG induce apoptosis by inhibiting Akt and increase p53 in HCT116 colon cancer cells.

• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.288-294
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• 2018

A few clues about correlation between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mulberry (Morus alba) leaves were investigated in only the experimental autoimmune myocarditis and streptozotocin-induced diabetes. To investigate whether a novel extract of mulberry leaves fermented with Cordyceps militaris (EMfC) could suppress ER in fatty liver, alterations in the key parameters for ER stress response were measured in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57L/6 mice treated with EMfC for 12 weeks. The area of adipocytes in the liver section were significantly decreased in the HFD+EMfC treated group as compared to the HFD+Vehicle treated group, while their level was higher in HFD+Vehicle treated group than No treated group. The level of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha ($eIF2{\alpha}$) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 beta ($IRE1{\alpha}$) phosphorylation and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) expression were remarkably enhanced in the HFD+Vehicle treated group. However, their levels were restored in the HFD+EMfC treated group, although some differences were detected in the decrease rate. Similar recovery was observed on the ER stress-induced apoptosis. The level of Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax were decreased in the HFD+EMfC and HFD+orlistat (OT) treated group compared to the HFD+Vehicle treated group. The results of the present study therefore provide first evidence that EMfC with the anti-obesity effects can be suppressed ER stress and ER stress-induced apoptosis in the hepatic steatosis of HFD-induced obesity model.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.546-557
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• 2021

Objective: If fertilization does not occur within a specific period, the quality of unfertilized oocytes in the oviduct (in vivo aging) or in culture (in vitro aging) will deteriorate over time. Icariin (ICA), found in all species of Epimedium herbs, has strong antioxidant activity, and is thought to exert anti-aging effects in vitro. We asked whether ICA protects oocytes against age-related changes in vitro. Methods: We analyzed the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and expression of antioxidant, maternal, and estrogen receptor genes, and along with spindle morphology, and the developmental competence and quality of embryos in the presence and absence of ICA. Results: Treatment with 5 μM ICA (ICA-5) led to a significant reduction in ROS activity, but increased mRNA expression of glutathione and antioxidant genes (superoxide dismutase 1 [SOD1], SOD2, peroxiredoxin 5, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2), during aging in vitro. In addition, ICA-5 prevented defects in spindle formation and chromosomal alignment, and increased mRNA expression of cytoplasmic maturation factor genes (bone morphogenetic protein 15, cyclin B1, MOS proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase, and growth differentiation factor-9). It also prevented apoptosis, increased mRNA expression of antiapoptotic genes (BCL2-like 1 and baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 5), and reduced mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes (BCL2 antagonist/killer 1 and activation of caspase-3). Although the maturation and cleavage rates were similar in all groups, the total cell number per blastocyst and the percentage of apoptotic cells at the blastocyst stage were higher and lower, respectively, in the control and ICA-5 groups than in the aging group. Conclusion: ICA protects oocytes against damage during aging in vitro; therefore, it can be used to improve assisted reproductive technologies.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.551-561
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• 2021

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. Patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancers, such as papillary and follicular cancers, have a favorable prognosis. However, poorly differentiated thyroid cancers, such as medullary, squamous and anaplastic advanced thyroid cancers, are very aggressive and insensitive to radioiodine treatment. Thus, novel therapies that attenuate metastasis are urgently needed. We found that both PDGFC and PDGFRA are predominantly expressed in thyroid cancers and that the survival rate is significantly lower in patients with high PDGFRA expression. This finding indicates the important role of PDGF/PDGFR signaling in thyroid cancer development. Next, we established a SW579 squamous thyroid cancer cell line with 95.6% PDGFRA gene insertion and deletions (indels) through CRISPR/Cas9. Protein and invasion analysis showed a dramatic loss in EMT marker expression and metastatic ability. Furthermore, xenograft tumors derived from PDGFRA geneedited SW579 cells exhibited a minor decrease in tumor growth. However, distant lung metastasis was completely abolished upon PDGFRA gene editing, implying that PDGFRA could be an effective target to inhibit distant metastasis in advanced thyroid cancers. To translate this finding to the clinic, we used the most relevant multikinase inhibitor, imatinib, to inhibit PDGFRA signaling. The results showed that imatinib significantly suppressed cell growth, induced cell cycle arrest and cell death in SW579 cells. Our developed noninvasive apoptosis detection sensor (NIADS) indicated that imatinib induced cell apoptosis through caspase-3 activation. In conclusion, we believe that developing a specific and selective targeted therapy for PDGFRA would effectively suppress PDGFRA-mediated cancer aggressiveness in advanced thyroid cancers.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.240-249
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• 2022

Purpose: Glabridin (GD) is a bio-available isoflavane isolated from the root extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.). It exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. However, extracellular vesicles (EVs) secretion and the anti-cancer mechanism of action remains largely unknown. The present study investigates the anticancer effects of GD by determining the inhibition of EVs secretion in the human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. Methods: Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, migration, invasion rate, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration were assessed in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with increasing concentrations of GD (0.1, 1, 5, 10, 20 µM). Subsequently, EV secretion and exosomal DEL-1 protein expression were evaluated to determine the anticancer effects of GD. Results: The results showed that GD significantly inhibited the cell proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose- or time-dependent manner. Also, ROS production and apoptosis marker protein cleaved caspase-3 were significantly increased in GD-treated MDA-MB-231, compared to control. Furthermore, GD exposure resulted in significantly decreased not only migration and invasion rates but also the VEGF concentration, thereby contributing to a reduction in angiogenesis. Interestingly, the concentration and number of EVs as well as EV marker proteins, such as CD63 and TSG101, were decreased in GD-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Markedly, extracellular matrix protein DEL-1 as angiogenesis factor was decreased in EVs from GD-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion: This study identifies that the anti-cancer molecular mechanism of GD is exerted via inhibition of angiogenesis and EVs secretion, indicating the potential of GD as a chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer.