• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.783-788
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• 2004

Cheonmabanhwa- Tang (CBT) has been used in the Oriental Medicine for many centuries as a therapeutic agent for dizziness due to Poong-Dam, We reported that CBT had effects on the cerebral hemodynamics [regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), pial arterial diameter (PAD), and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP)] in normal and cerebral ischemic rats. Therefor we designed to determine the mechanism of action of CBT. The changes of rCBF and MABP were determinated by laser-Doppler flowmetry(LDF), and the change of PAD was determinated by video-microscopy. The results were as follows: The CBT-induced increase in rCBF was significnatly inhibited by pretreatment with indomethacin (IDN, 1 ㎎/㎏, i.p.), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, or methylene blue (MTB, 10 ㎍/㎏, i.p.), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase. The CBT-induced increase in PAD was also significantly inhibited by pretreatment with IDN or MTB. The CBT-induced increase in MABP was also significantly inhibited by pretreatment with IDN or MTB. In conclusion, it is suggested that CBT causes a diverse effect on cerebral hemodynamics via mediation of cyclooxygenase and guanylate cyclase.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.1394-1400
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• 2007

This study was designed to investigate the effects of Samul-tang Extract and Bambusae caulis in liquamen(SEB) on the changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in normal rats. The results were as follows ; SBE significantly increased rCBF in a dose-dependent manner, and increased MABP in a dose-dependent manner. This result suggests that SBE significantly increased rCBF by dilating pial arterial diameter. Increase of SBE-induced rCBF was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with indomethacin (1 mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and increase of SBE-induced rCBF was inhibited by pretreatment with methylene blue ($10\;{\mu}g/kg$, i.p.), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase. Increase of SBE-induced MABP was significantly increased by pretreatment with methylene blue but increase of SBE-induced MABP was decreased by pretreatment with indomethacin. These results suggested that the action of SBE was mediated by cyclooxygenase.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.479-489
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• 1999

Invasion of enteric bacteria, such as Salmonella and invasive E. coli, into intestinal epithelial cells induces proinflammatory gene responses and finally epithelial cell apoptosis. In this study, we asked whether invasive bacterial infection of human intestinal epithelial cells could upregulate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression and whether increased COX-2 expression could influence intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis. Expression of COX-2 mRNA and prostaglandin (PG) $E_2$ production were upregulated in HT-29 colon epithelial cells which were infected with S. dublin or invasive E. coli, as examined by quantitative RT-PCR and radioimmunoassay. Inhibition of COX-2 expression and $PGE_2$ production using NS-398, a specific COX-2 inhibitor, showed a significant increase of epithelial cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activation in HT-29 cells infected with invasive bacteria. However, the addition of valerylsalicylate, a specific COX-1 inhibitor, did not change apoptosis in S. dublin-infected HT-29 cells. These results suggest that up regulated COX-2 expression and $PGE_2$ production in response to invasive bacterial infection could contribute to host defense by inhibiting apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.175-181
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• 1998

The relation between lipid peroxidation and thrombotic reaction were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100$\pm$10gm were randomly assigned to normal and STZ-induced diabetic group(DM). Diabetes was experimentally induced by intravenous injection of 55mg/kg of body weight of STZ in citrate buffer(pH 4.3) after 4 weeks feeding of basal diet. Animals were sacrificed at the 6th day of diabetic states. Body weight gains were lower in diabetic group after STZ injection. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances(TBARS) that were markedly increased in DM group compared with of normal group. TBARS levels of HDL and LDL were similar patterns to total TBARA of serum. Activities of platelet phospholipase A2(PLA2) were higher in diabetic group than those of normal group. Activities of platelet cyclooxygenase were 106% in DM group than normal group. Platelet thromboxane A2(TXA2) formation was increased in DM group than normal group. Production of aortic prostacyclin(PGI2) was lower in diabetic group than that of normal group. PGI2/TXA2 ratios were decreased by 55% in DM groups than those of normal group. The present results indicate that STZ-induced diabetic rats are more sensitive to oxidative stess which leads to acceleration of lipid peroxidation and platelet aggregability. In conclusion, accelerating effect of lipid peroxidation and thrombogenesis in diabetic state is regareded to be resulted from enhancement of PLA2 activity and arachidonic acid metabolism, inhibition of antiaggrgating agent and aortic PGI2 formation.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.65-72
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• 2015

The basic concepts of radiation-induced skin damage have been established, the biological mechanism has not been studied. In this study, we have examined the effects of gamma rays on skin injury and cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 expression. Gamma irradiation induced clinicopathological changes in a dose- and time-dependent manner in mini-pig skin. The histological changes were consistent with the changes in gross appearance at 12 weeks after irradiation. After three days' irradiation, apoptotic cells in the basal layer were found more frequently in irradiated skin than in normal skin, with the magnitude of the effect being dose-dependent. The thickness of the epidermis transiently increased 3 days after irradiation, and then gradually decreased, although changes in the epithelial thickness of the irradiated field were not observed with irradiation doses over 50 Gy. In the epithelium, there was an initial degenerative phase, during which the rate of basal cell depletion was dependent on the radiation dose (20-70 Gy). One week after irradiation, COX-2 expression was mostly limited to the basal cell layer and was scattered across these cells. High COX-2 expression was detected throughout the full depth of the skin after irradiation. The COX-2 protein is upregulated after irradiation in mini-pig skin. These histological changes associated with radiation exposure dose cause the increased COX-2 expression in a dose-dependent fashion.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 1998

Cyclooxygenase (COX) is an enzyme involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins (PGs), and exists in two forms, COX-1 and COX-2. COX has been reported to be involved in early implantation by secretion of PGs which causes permeability of vessels and reaction of decidual cells around the implantation site. Recently, in mice and sheep studies, COX-1 and COX-2 expression in the endometrium has been reported to be different according to implantation and stages of the estrous cycle, but expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in human endometrium during the menstrual cycle has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to observe the variances of COX-1 and COX-2 expression by immunohistochemical staining in endometrial samples obtained from human hysterectomy specimens and biopsies of women of reproductive age according to different stages of the menstrual cycle. Also, we attempted to observe COX-1 and COX-2 expression in the epithelial and stromal cells of the endometrium obtained during the mid-secretory phase, which were cultured separately. COX-2 showed a cyclic pattern of expression according to the different stages of the menstrual cycle and was strongly expressed particularly at the mid-secretory phase which corresponds to the time of implantation. However, COX-1 tended to be increased in the early proliferative, and mid- and late secretory phases, but was also expressed in the whole menstrual cycle showing no particular pattern. In the separately cultured cells COX-1 was expressed in epithilial cells and COX-2 in the stromal cells. The above results suggest that since COX-2 is expressed at the same time as implantation and cultured cells display a specific secretory pattern, COX-2 has inductive endocrine enzyme properties and has an important effect on endometrial cells during implantation. Also, COX-2 expression in endometrial cells may be utilized as a useful marker of endometrial maturation.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.335-343
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• 2020

Background: Zhongyi paste is a traditional Chinese medicine herbal paste that is externally applied to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Methods: An acute foot swelling inflammation model in C57BL/6J mice was established by carrageenan-induced pathogenesis. Zhongyi paste raised the pain threshold and also reduced the degree of swelling in mice with carrageenan-induced foot swelling. Results: Analysis indicated that serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) cytokine levels and PGE₂ levels in the paw tissue of the mice were decreased by Zhongyi paste treatment. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot results showed that Zhongyi paste downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and also downregulated the mRNA expression of PGE₂. At the same time, the Zhongyi paste exerted a stronger effect as an external drug than that of indomethacin, which is an oral drug, and voltaren, which is an externally applied drug. Conclusions: Our results indicated that Zhongyi paste is a very effective drug to reduce inflammatory swelling of the foot, and its mechanism of action is related to regulation of the ERK1/2-COX-2-PGE₂ pathway.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.31-40
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• 2009

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Daedon($LR_1$) Supplementation and Eumgok($KI_{10}$) Draining on changes of cerebral blood flow in normal rats. Methods : Regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) and mean arterial blood pressure(MABP) in normal rats are observed, and those mechanisms were also investigated with pre-treatment of indomethacin (IDM) and methylene blue(MTB) each. Results : In this study, $LR_1$ supplementation and $KI_{10}$ draining elevated level of rCBF after 30 min, but MABP level was lowered at 30 min, then recovered toward normal level. Pre-treatment with indomethacin (IDM), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, inhibited increase of rCBF effectively, and pre-treatment with methylene blue(MTB), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, also inhibited increase of rCBF levels. On the other hand pre-treatment with IDM or MTB did not affect MABP levels. Conclusions : In conclusion, these results suggest that $LR_1$ supplementation and $KI_{10}$ draining can increase rCBF, and the mechanisms are thought to be related to both of cyclooxygenase and Guanylate cyclase pathways.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.832-839
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• 2003

Activated macrophages express inducible isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and produce excessive amounts of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E$_2$ (PGE$_2$), which play key roles in the processes of inflammation and carcinogenesis. The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., and the root cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., are important Chinese crude drugs used in many traditional prescriptions. 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-$\beta$-D-glucose (PGG) is a major bioactive constituent of both crude drugs. PGG has been shown to possess potent anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-$\beta$-D-glucose (PGG) isolated from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. on the COX-2 and iNOS activity in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells, COX-1 in HEL cells. To investigate the structure-activity relationships of gallate and gallic acid for the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 activity, we also examined (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallic acid, and gallacetophenone. The results of the present study indicated that PGG, EGCG, and gallacetophenone treatment except gallic acid significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO production in LPS-activated macrophages. All of the four compounds significantly inhibited COX-2 activity in LPS-activated macrophages. Among the four compounds examined, PGG revealed the most potent in both iNOS ($IC_{50}$ = 18 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$) and COX-2 inhibitory activity (PGE$_2$: $IC_{50}$ = 8 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$ and PGD$_2$: $IC_{50}$ = 12 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$), respectively. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and structure-activity relationship by which PGG exerts its inhibitory actions, our results suggest that PGG might be a candidate for developing anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive agents.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.356-367
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• 2023

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Dusokohwaeum (DOE). Methods: To measure the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of DOE, the total flavonoid and polyphenol contents and radical scavenging activity were measured. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide, and cytokine production were measured by treating lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells with DOE, and gene expression levels of inducible cyclooxygenase-2, nitric oxide synthase, and cytokines were evaluated. Results: Radical scavenging experiments revealed a significant concentration-dependent increase in scavenging capacity. The production of ROS, nitric oxide, and cytokines in the cells showed a significant concentration-dependent decrease when compared with the control group. The gene expression levels of inducible cyclooxygenase-2, nitric oxide synthase, and cytokines also showed a significant concentration-dependent decrease when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Interestingly, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of DOE were 23.42 ± 0.64 mg GAE/g and 20.83 ± 0.98 mg QE/g, respectively. The administration of DOE resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in scavenging ability in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging ability experiments. The production of intracellular ROS and nitric oxide was significantly reduced in the presence of DOE. The production of inflammatory cytokines (prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1β], and IL-6) was significantly reduced in the presence of DOE. Finally, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly decreased in the presence of DOE.