• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.39-48
• /
• 2022

Objectives : In the present study, we assessed the effects of water extract of Ulmus davidiana(UED) on the learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine in mice through its favorable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and antioxidant effect. Methods : The memory and cognitive enhancing effect of the UDE was investigated using a passive avoidance test, the Morris water maze test and Y-maze test in mice. In addition, to examine the mechanism of UDE using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and antioxidant activity. Results : The water extract of UDE (100, and 200 mg/kg) significantly reversed the scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in the passive avoidance test (P < 0.05). Moreover, UDE (100, and 200 mg/kg) also improved escape latencies in training trials and increased swimming times and distances within the target zone of the Morris water maze (P < 0.05). On the Y-maze test, UDE (100, and 200 mg/kg) also significantly reversed scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in mice (P < 0.05). In an in vitro study, UDE was found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, changes in neurotrophic factor (CREB), and antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions : The water extract of UDE dramatically possesses the anti-amnestic and cognitive-enhancing activities related to the memory processes, and these activities were parallel to treatment duration and dependent on the learning models. These results suggest that the administration of UDE enhances learning and memory, and that this effect is partially mediated by ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling and the survival of immature neurons.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.402-410
• /
• 2023

Long-term administration of levodopa (L-DOPA) to patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) commonly results in involuntary dyskinetic movements, as is known for L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) has recently been shown to alleviate LID; however, no biochemical alterations to aberrant excitatory conditions have been revealed yet. In the present study, we aimed to confirm its anti-dyskinetic effect and to discover the unknown molecular mechanisms of action of 5-HTP in LID. We made an LID-induced mouse model through chronic L-DOPA treatment to 6-hydroxydopamine-induced hemi-parkinsonian mice and then administered 5-HTP 60 mg/kg for 15 days orally to LID-induced mice. In addition, we performed behavioral tests and analyzed the histological alterations in the lesioned part of the striatum (ST). Our results showed that 5-HTP significantly suppressed all types of dyskinetic movements (axial, limb, orolingual and locomotive) and its effects were similar to those of amantadine, the only approved drug by Food and Drug Administration. Moreover, 5-HTP did not affect the efficacy of L-DOPA on PD motor manifestations. From a molecular perspective, 5-HTP treatment significantly decreased phosphorylated CREB and ΔFosB expression, commonly known as downstream factors, increased in LID conditions. Furthermore, we found that the effects of 5-HTP were not mediated by dopamine1 receptor (D1)/DARPP32/ERK signaling, but regulated by AKT/mTOR/S6K signaling, which showed different mechanisms with amantadine in the denervated ST. Taken together, 5-HTP alleviates LID by regulating the hyperactivated striatal AKT/mTOR/S6K and CREB/ΔFosB signaling.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2021.04a
• /
• pp.54-54
• /
• 2021

The Melanoma Research Coalition reported melanoma affects humans of various races. This study was conducted to confirm the inhibitory effect of melanogenesis in B16 F10 cells of Nypa fruticans Wurmb of ethyl acetate fraction (NEF). Nypa fruticans Wurmb is an important component of the East Asian mangrove vegetation. It belongs to Araceae family. Traditionally, N. fruticans was used to treat various diseases such as asthma, sore throat, liver disease, a pain reliever, and can also be used as sedative and carminative. The present study, the inhibitory effect on melanogenesis was determined by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. The level of expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 is regulated by microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and cAMP, and cAMP affects the activity of protein kinase A (PKA). Activated PKA stimulates the phosphorylation of cAMP-reactive element-binding protein (CREB) in the nucleus, thereby increasing the amount of MITF expression and enhancing melanogenesis. Western blotting and RT-qPCR analysis showed that NEF treatment decreased the expression of tyrosinase. Similarly, TRP-1 and TRP-2 levels were decreased, which were decreased significantly at compared with the untreated control. Also, NEF attenuated the IBMX mediated increase in the intracellular cAMP level and the phosphorylation of PKA. In conclusion, NEF significantly inhibited the expressions of melanogenesis through cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathways.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.191-197
• /
• 2019

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects motor system with clinical features such as bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor and abnormal posture. PD is characterized by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, which is associated with accumulation of oxidative stress and dysregulation of intracellular signaling pathway. Quercetin-3-O-glucuronide (Q3GA), a major metabolite of quercetin, has been reported to have neuroprotective effects. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective effect of Q3GA against 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium ($MPP^+$)-induced neurotoxicity of PD and the underlying molecular mechanisms in SH-SY5Y cells. MTT and LDH assay showed that Q3GA significantly decreased $MPP^+$-induced cell death, which is accompanied by a reduction in poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Furthermore, it attenuated $MPP^+$-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) with the reduction of Bax/ Bcl-2 ratio. Moreover, Q3GA significantly increased the phosphorylation of Akt and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), but it has no effects on the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Taken together, these results demonstrate that Q3GA significantly attenuates $MPP^+$-induced neurotoxicity through ROS reduction and Akt/CREB signaling pathway in SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings suggest that Q3GA might be one of the potential candidates for the prevention and/or treatment of PD.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.361-370
• /
• 2017

Previous reports have suggested that physical and psychological stresses may trigger fibromyalgia (FM). Stress is an important risk factor in the development of depression and memory impairments. Antidepressants have been used to prevent stress-induced abnormal pain sensation. Among various antidepressants, tianeptine has been reported to be able to prevent neurodegeneration due to chronic stress and reverse decreases in hippocampal volume. To assess the possible effect of tianeptine on FM symptoms, we constructed a FM animal model induced by restraint stress with intermittent cold stress. All mice underwent nociceptive assays using electronic von Frey anesthesiometer and Hargreaves equipment. To assess the relationship between tianeptine and expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB), western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed. In behavioral analysis, nociception tests showed that pain threshold was significantly decreased in the FM group compared to that in the control group. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus showed downregulation of BDNF and p-CREB proteins in the FM group compared to the control group. However, tianeptine recovered these changes in behavioral tests and protein level. Therefore, this FM animal model might be useful for investigating mechanisms linking BDNF-CREB pathway and pain. Our results suggest that tianeptine might potentially have therapeutic efficacy for FM.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.6
• /
• pp.983-988
• /
• 2010

The present study aims to investigate a possible mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in the spinal dorsal horn that may underlie N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-associated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. The hot plate latency of the ipsilateral hindpaw of EA-treated rats was significantly decreased compared with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-injected ones. The expressions of NR1 and NR2B subuint mRNA of NMDA receptor in the whole L4-5 segments are decreased by CFA treatment, but NR2B subunit was significantly recovered by EA treatment. When we detected the expression of ERK, there were no significant difference between normal and CFA-treated rats with EA or NMDA receptor antagonist MK801. But phosphorylated ERK expressions were markedly induced by CFA, but these inductions were significantly modulated by EA treatment. Although hosphorylation of ERK was also arrested by MK801, these inductions of CFA-injected rats was markedly inhibited only by co-treatment with EA and MK801. Phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), ERK-related transcriptional factor, showed a significant increase in CFA-treated rats and this increase was slightly inhibited by EA and MK801 treatments. But immunoreaction for phosphorylated CREB were significantly increased by CFA treatment in the superficial laminae of the dorsal horn and these inductions were significantly arrested by co-treatment of EA and MK801. Consequently, the hyperalgesia induced by CFA are associated NMDA receptor and EA and MK801 may showed anti-hyperalgesia via same mechanism for inhibition of ERK and CREB phosphorylation in the dorsal horn.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.230-240
• /
• 2019

Objectives : This research was performed to investigate the effects of Hwangryunhaedok-tang decoction and Hwangryunhaedok-tang Pharmacopuncture at BL10 on cognition and memory impairment in a mouse dementia model induced by scopolamine. Methods : Fifty ICR mice were divided into 6 groups : Normal group (n=5), Control group (n=9), Positive control group for pharmacopuncture group (n=9, Donepezil 0.75 mg/kg), Positive control group for oral administration group (n=9, Donepezil 5 mg/kg), Pharmacopuncture group (n=9, Hwangryunhaedok-tang Pharmacopuncture undiluted solution 10 ml/kg), and Oral administration group (n=9, Hwangryunhaedok-tang 200 mg/kg). For a mouse dementia model, 1 mg/kg scopolamine was intraperitoneally administered to ICR mice. Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture was administered on BL10 for 4 weeks at intervals of 2 days. Hwangryunhaedok-tang decoction was given orally for 4 weeks every day. Morris water maze and passive avoidance test were conducted followed by measurement of acetylcholine concentration, acetylcholinesterase activity, and the amount of BDNF and p-CREB in the brain. Results : 1. In the Morris water maze test, the time spent staying around the platform significantly increased in the pharmacopuncture group and oral administration group than in the control group. 2. In the passive avoidance test, the time spent in the bright room significantly increased in the pharmacopuncture group and oral administration group than in the control group. 3. The level of acetylcholine in brains increased in the pharmacopuncture group and oral administration group than in the control group. Also, the activity of acetylcholinesterase decreased in the pharmacopuncture group and oral administration group than in the control group. 4. The expression of BDNF and p-CREB decreased in the control group, but increased in the pharmacopuncture group and oral administration group. Conclusions : These results suggest that Hwangryunhaedok-tang decoction and Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture at BL10 may have cognition and memory-enhancing effect in scopolamine-induced dementia in ICR mice via controlling the content of acetylcholine and the activity of acetylcholinesterase, and activating BDNF and p-CREB.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.53 no.6
• /
• pp.715-721
• /
• 2021

Cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease are serious social problems associated with the rising elderly population in Korea. 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-β-ᴅ-glucopyranose (PGG) is a gallotannin isolated from medicinal plants such as Rhus chinensis. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of PGG on biomarkers related to cognitive function in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is considered to be one of the main therapeutic strategies. PGG inhibited AChE activity in the test tube as well as in SK-N-SH cells. In addition, PGG induced protein and mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a mammalian neurotrophin that plays major roles in the development, maintenance, repair, and survival of neuronal populations. As one of the underlying molecular mechanisms that induce BDNF expression, PGG induced the activation of Ca²⁺/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)-cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) pathway. In conclusion, PGG may be an useful material for improving cognitive function.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.53 no.2
• /
• pp.82-87
• /
• 2020

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), one kind of non-coding RNA, have been reported as critical regulators for modulating gene expression in cancer. In this study, microarray analysis was used to screen circRNA expression profiles of bladder cancer (BC) 5637 cells, T24 cells and normal control SV-HUC-1 cells. The data from the microarray showed that hsa_circ_0075828 (named circCASC15) was most highly expressed in 5637 and T24 cells. circCASC15 was highly expressed in BC tissues and cells. Overexpression of circCASC15 was closely associated with BC tumor stage and promoted cell proliferation significantly in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circCASC15 could act as miR-1224-5p sponge to activate the expression of CREB1 to promote cell proliferation in BC. In short, circCASC15 promotes cell proliferation in BC, which might be a new molecular target for BC diagnosis and therapy.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.1-18
• /
• 2013

Objective: Recently the demands for the effective and safe depigmentative and anti-aging agents of the skin have increased due to the medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic reasons. The purpose of this study is to investigate the MKG(Methanol Extract of Kaempferia galanga) and their dermal bioactivity properties related to cosmeceuticals such as depigmentation. Methods: We assessed inhibitory effects of MKG on melanin production in B16/F10 melanoma cells, on mushroom tyrosinase activity, effects of MKG on the expression tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, GSK-$3{\beta}$, CREB, MITF in B16/F10 melanoma cells without cytotoxicity range. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay and tyrosinase activity was assessed using by DOPA staining, western-blot analysis. We measured inhibition of melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity by down-regulation of melanogenic enzyme expressions in ${\alpha}$-MSH induced melanogenesis B16/F10 melanoma cells. Results: MKG inhibited tyrosinase-activity, total melanin contents and dendrite out-growth. MKG inhibited melanogenesis by down-regulation of tyorsinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, CREB, and MITF in B16/F10 cells. The treatment with MKG at the 12.5, $25{\mu}g/ml$ level significantly inhibited the melanin synthesis induced ${\alpha}$-MSH in B16/F10 melanoma cells compared with untreated control. Conclusion: These results suggest that MKG inhibit melanin biosynthesis which is involved in hyper-pigmentation. So MKG is considered to be used as a whitening components reducing cytotoxicity.