• 대한한방내과학회지
• /
• 제30권1호
• /
• pp.36-50
• /
• 2009

Objectives : This study was aimed to verify the cytoprotective function, antioxidative effect and inflammation genes inhibitory effects of Lycium chinense Milie. Therefore the generation of superoxide anion radical ( $O_2\;^-$), peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$), nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ $(PGE_2)$ was investigated in the renal epithelial cells of mouse. Effects of Lycium chinense Milie on the expression of inflammation-related proteins, $IKK-{\alpha}$. $p-IKK-\alpha\beta$, $p-I{\kappa}B-\alpha$, $NF-{\kappa}B$ (p50, p65), COX-2 and iNOS, were examined by western blotting. Methods : For this study, the fluorescent probes were used, namely dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123), 4.5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA). Western blotting was performed using anti-$IKK-\alpha$, anti-phospho $IKK-\alpha\beta$, anti-phospho $I{\kappa}B-\alpha$, anti-$NF-{\kappa}B$ (p50, p65), anti-COX-2 and anti-iNOS, respectively. Results : Lyciutn chinense Milie reduced $H_{2}O_{2}$-induced cell death dose-dependently. It inhibited the generation of $O_2\;^-$, $ONOO^-$, NO and $PGE_2$ in the $H_{2}O_{2}$-treated renal epithelial cells of mouse in vitro. Lycium chinense Milie inhibited the expression of $IKK-\alpha$, $p-IKK-\alpha\beta,\;p-I{\kappa}B-\alpha$, COX-2 and iNOS genes by means of decreasing activation of $NF-{\kappa}B$. Conclusions : According to above results. Lycium chinense Milie recommended to be applied in treatment for the inflammatory process and inflammation-related diseases.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• 제20권3호
• /
• pp.306-312
• /
• 2012

Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) has received considerable attention recently for the potential neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative disorders where heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) represent promising therapeutic targets. Resveratrol has been known to increase HO-1 expression and SIRT1 activity. In this study, the effects of resveratrol and trans-3,5,4'-trimethoxystilbene (TMS), a resveratrol derivative, on cytotoxicity caused by glutamate-induced oxidative stress, HO-1 expression, and SIRT1 activation have been investigated by using murine hippocampal HT22 cells, which have been widely used as an in vitro model for investigating glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Resveratrol protected HT22 neuronal cells from glutamate-induced cytotoxicity and increased HO-1 expression as well as SIRT1 activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Cytoprotection afforded by resveratrol was partially reversed by the specific inhibition of HO-1 expression by HO-1 small interfering RNA and the nonspecific blockage of HO-1 activity by tin protoporphyrin IX, but not by SIRT1 inhibitors. Surprisingly, TMS, a resveratrol derivative with methoxyl groups in lieu of the hydroxyl groups, and trans-stilbene, a non-hydroxylated analog, failed to protect HT22 cells from glutamate-induced cytotoxicity and to increase HO-1 expression and SIRT1 activity. Taken together, our findings suggest that the cytoprotective effect of resveratrol was at least in part associated with HO-1 expression but not with SIRT1 activation and, importantly, that the presence of hydroxyl groups on the benzene rings of resveratrol appears to be necessary for cytoprotection against glutamate-induced oxidative stress, HO-1 expression, and SIRT1 activation in HT22 neuronal cells.

• 한국식품영양과학회지
• /
• 제35권9호
• /
• pp.1121-1126
• /
• 2006

In the present study, the potential hepatoprotective effects of poly herbal formulation, Hepa-1000, against oxidative damages induced by t-BHP were evaluated in HepG2 cells in order to relate in vitro antioxidant activity with cytoprotective effects. The t-BHP induced considerable cell damage in HepG2 cells was shown by significant glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, and increased lipid peroxidation. Hepa-1000-treated cells showed an increased resistance to oxidative challenge, as revealed by higher survival capacity than the one of control cells against t-BHP induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity. In addition, the Hepa-1000 had hepatoprotective effects lowering the activity of GOT and LDH, simultaneously. That is, it could inhibit the cell membrane damages resulting in the increased activities of GOT and LDH in the cell culture media. Furthermore, the Hepa-1000 could reduce t-BHP enhanced lipid peroxidation, which was evaluated by measuring the production of malonedialdehyde. Based on the data described above, it could be suggested that the Hepa-1000 has significant hepatoprotective effects and plays a protective role against lipid peroxidation by free radicals.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• 제37권4호
• /
• pp.413-424
• /
• 2013

Korean Red Ginseng extract (KRGE) is a traditional herbal medicine utilized to prevent endothelium dysfunction in the cardiovascular system; however, its underlying mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. We here examined the pharmacological effect and molecular mechanism of KRGE on apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a serum-deprived apoptosis model. KRGE protected HUVECs from serum-deprived apoptosis by inhibiting mitochondrial cytochrome c release and caspase-9/-3 activation. This protective effect was significantly higher than that of American ginseng extract. KRGE treatment increased antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-$X_L$ protein expression and Akt-dependent Bad phosphorylation. Moreover, KRGE prevented serum deprivation-induced subcellular redistribution of these proteins between the mitochondrion and the cytosol, resulting in suppression of mitochondrial cytochrome c release. In addition, KRGE increased nitric oxide (NO) production via Akt-dependent activation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), as well as inhibited caspase-9/-3 activities. These increases were reversed by co-treatment of cells with inhibitors of eNOS and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and pre-incubation of cell lysates in dithiothreitol, indicating KRGE induces NO-mediated caspase modification. Indeed, KRGE inhibited caspase-3 activity via S-nitrosylation. These findings suggest that KRGE prevents serum deprivation-induced HUVEC apoptosis via increased Bcl-2 and Bcl-$X_L$ protein expression, PI3K/Akt-dependent Bad phosphorylation, and eNOS/NO-mediated S-nitrosylation of caspases. The cytoprotective property of KRGE may be valuable for developing new pharmaceutical means that limit endothelial cell death induced during the pathogenesis of vascular diseases.

• 한국식품영양학회지
• /
• 제34권5호
• /
• pp.423-429
• /
• 2021

Barley's nutritional value as a health food is increasing due to its excellent nutritional functionality. In this study, the levels of β-glucan, total polyphenols, and total flavonoids were analyzed in the ethanol extracts of different barley cultivars (Hinchalssal, Heuksoojeongchal, Betaone, Ganghochung, and Saechalssal). Also, the free radical scavenging abilities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzo-thiaxoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) were measured to determine their antioxidant activity. The results confirmed that Betaone extract contained highly activefunctional components and exhibitedantioxidant activity. Next, we evaluated the hepatoprotective and inhibitory effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by barley ethanol extracts after inducing oxidative stress with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) in HepG2 cells. Hinchalssal and Saechalssal extracts showed the most significant cytoprotective effect and also reduced ROS production significantly. These results suggest that Hinchalssal, Saechalssal, and Betaone represent potential natural antioxidant and hepatoprotective agents.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
• /
• 제29권4호
• /
• pp.167-179
• /
• 2021

Objectives : Oxidative stress is a important cause of liver disease, and regulation of oxidative stress is essential to maintain the normal metabolic function of the liver. Until a recent date, there has been no studies on the hepatoprotective effect of Ikwiseungyang-tang (IWSYT). Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate the hepatoprotective effect of IWSYT and its related molecular mechanisms on arachidonic acid (AA) + iron induced oxidative stress model in HepG2 cells. Methods : To determine the cytoprotective effect of IWSYT against AA + iron-induced oxidative stress, cell viability, apoptosis-related proteins, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), GSH, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation was analyzed by immunoblot analysis. In addition, Nrf2 transcription activation through ARE binding was measured by reporter gene assays, and the expression of the Nrf2 target antioxidant genes were confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Results : IWSYT increased cell viability from cell death induced by AA + Iron, and inhibited apoptosis by regulating apoptosis-related proteins. Furthermore, IWSYT protected cells by inhibiting intracellular ROS production, GSH depletion, and MMP degradation. Nrf2 activation was increased by IWSYT, and Nrf2 target genes were activated by IWSYT too. Conclusions : These results suggest that IWSYT can protect hepatocytes from oxidative stress through Nrf2 activation and can be potentially applied in the prevention and treatment of liver damage.

• 대한본초학회지
• /
• 제36권5호
• /
• pp.93-99
• /
• 2021

Objective : Caryophylli Flos has been used in Korean medicine to relieve vomiting and pains caused by chills that make fluid circulation difficult. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of ethanol extract of Caryophylli Flos (CF) in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced apoptotic cell death in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Methods : CF was prepared by extracting 200 g of Caryophylli Flos in 2 L of ethanol for 48 h. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and the protein expression was monitored by Western blot analysis. Apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using fluorescent dye, and reduced glutathione (GSH) was determined with a colorimetric commercial kit. Results : CF protected HaCaT cells from cell death caused by oxidative stress after H₂O₂ treatment. H₂O₂ amplified generation of ROS and induced depletion of GSH, whereas these changes in ROS and GSH were inhibited by GF treatment. In addition, H₂O₂ resulted in apoptosis as assessed by TUNEL assay and the expression of apoptosis regulator proteins. However, cells treated with CF showed a decrease in TUNEL-positive cells and restored the reduced expression of procaspase-9, -3 and PARP. Conclusion : This study showed cytoprotective effects of CF by anti-apoptotic activity while exerting antioxidative activity in H₂O₂-treated HaCaT cells. These results suggest that CF could be beneficial in skin damage caused by oxidative stress.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• 제45권1호
• /
• pp.108-118
• /
• 2021

Background: Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) contains a variety of ginsenosides that can be metabolized to a biologically active substance, compound K. Previous research showed that compound K could be enriched in the red ginseng extract (RGE) after hydrolysis by pectinase. The current study investigated whether the enzymatically hydrolyzed red ginseng extract (HRGE) containing a notable level of compound K has cognitive improving and neuroprotective effects. Methods: A scopolamine-induced hypomnesic mouse model was subjected to behavioral tasks, such as the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and the Morris water maze tests. After sacrificing the mice, the brains were collected, histologically examined (hematoxylin and eosin staining), and the expressions of antioxidant proteins analyzed by western blot. Results: Behavioral assessment indicated that the oral administration of HRGE at a dosage of 300 mg/kg body weight reversed scopolamine-induced learning and memory deficits. Histological examination demonstrated that the hippocampal damage observed in scopolamine-treated mouse brains was reduced by HRGE administration. In addition, HRGE administration increased the expression of nuclear-factor-E2-related factor 2 and its downstream antioxidant enzymes NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase and heme oxygenase-1 in hippocampal tissue homogenates. An in vitro assay using HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells demonstrated that HRGE treatment attenuated glutamate-induced cytotoxicity by decreasing the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species. Conclusion: These findings suggest that HRGE administration can effectively alleviate hippocampus-mediated cognitive impairment, possibly through cytoprotective mechanisms, preventing oxidative-stress-induced neuronal cell death via the upregulation of phase 2 antioxidant molecules.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• 제31권1호
• /
• pp.51-62
• /
• 2021

Here, we investigated the prebiotic and antioxidant effects of Actinidia arguta sprout water extract (AASWE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive deficit mice. AASWE increased viable cell count, titratable acidity, and acetic acid production in Lactobacillus reuteri strain and showed a cytoprotective effect on LPS-induced inflammation in HT-29 cells. We assessed the behavior of LPS-induced cognitive deficit mice using Y-maze, passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests and found that administration of AASWE significantly improved learning and memory function. The AASWE group showed antioxidant activity through downregulation of malondialdehyde levels and upregulation of superoxide dismutase levels in brain tissue. In addition, the AASWE group exhibited activation of the cholinergic system with decreased acetylcholinesterase activity in brain tissue. Furthermore, AASWE effectively downregulated inflammatory mediators such as phosphorylated-JNK, phosphorylated-NF-κB, TNF-α and interleukin-6. The major bioactive compounds of AASWE were identified as quercetin-3-O-arabinopyranosyl(1→2)-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)-glucopyranose, quercetin-3-O-apiosyl(1 → 2)-galactoside, rutin, and 3-caffeoylquinic acid. Based on these results, we suggest that AASWE not only increases the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, but also shows an ameliorating effect on LPS-induced cognitive impairment.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• 제45권4호
• /
• pp.498-509
• /
• 2021

Background: A wide range of environmental factors, such as diseases, nutritional deficiencies, ageing, hormonal imbalances, stress, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, may affect the structure and function of the skin that covers the entire surface of the human body. In this study, we investigated roles of red ginseng oil (RGO) in enhancing skin functions, including hair growth and skin protection, using mouse models. Methods: For hair growth experiment, shaved dorsal skins of C57BL/6 mice were topically applied with vehicle, RGO, RGO's major compounds, or minoxidil for consecutive 21 days and skin tissues were examined the hair growth promoting capacity. For skin protection experiment, SKH-1 hairless mice were topically applied with vehicle or RGO twice a day for three days prior to exposure to UVC radiation at 20 kJ/cm². Skin tissues were collected to evaluate skin protective effects of RGO. Results: Topical application of RGO to C57BL/6 mice effectively promoted hair regeneration by inducing early telogen-to-anagen transition and significantly increasing the density and bulb diameter of hair follicles. Major compounds, including linoleic acids and β-sitosterol, contributed to RGO-promoted hair growth. Treatment with RGO as well as its major components upregulated expression of hair growth-related proteins. Furthermore, in SKH-1 hairless mice, RGO had a protective effect against UVC-induced skin damage by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis, as well as inducing cytoprotective systems. Conclusion: These data suggest that RGO may be a potent agent for improving skin health and thereby preventing and/or treating hair loss and protecting skin against UV radiation.