• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• 제16권6호
• /
• pp.685-699
• /
• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) has long been known as a medicinal herb effective in various diseases, including bronchitis and asthma, but is still more widely used for food. Fermentation methods are being applied to increase the pharmacological composition of PG extracts and commercialize them with high added value. This study examines the hydrolyzed and fermented PG extract (HFPGE) fermented with Lactobacillus casei in RAW 264.7 cells, and investigates the effect of amplifying the immune and the probable molecular mechanism. MATERIALS/METHODS: HFPGE's total phenolic, flavonoid, saponin, and platycodin D contents were analyzed by colorimetric analysis or high-performance liquid chromatography. Cell viability was measured by the MTT assay. Phagocytic activity was analyzed by a phagocytosis assay kit, nitric oxide (NO) production by a Griess reagent system, and cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cytokines were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, whereas MAPK and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation were analyzed by Western blots. RESULTS: Compared to PGE, HFPGE was determined to contain 13.76 times and 6.69 times higher contents of crude saponin and platycodin D, respectively. HFPGE promoted cell proliferation and phagocytosis in RAW 264.7 cells and regulated the NO production and iNOS expression. Treatment with HFPGE also resulted in increased production of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand10, granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and the mRNA expressions of these cytokines. HFPGE also resulted in significantly increasing the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results imply that fermentation and hydrolysis result in the extraction of more active ingredients of PG. Furthermore, we determined that HFPGE exerts immunostimulatory activity via the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

• 대한본초학회지
• /
• 제28권4호
• /
• pp.63-69
• /
• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of present study was to investigate the vasorelaxant activities and mechanisms of action of the ethanol extract of P. yedoensis leaf (PYL) on isolated rat aortic rings. Methods : Dried P. yedoensis leaves were extracted 3 times with 100% ethanol for 3 h in a reflux apparatus. Isolated rat aortic rings were suspended in organ chambers containing 10 ml Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) solution. The rings were maintained at $37^{\circ}C$ and aerated with a mixture of 95% $O_2$ and 5% $CO_2$. Changes in their tension were recorded via isometric transducers connected to a data acquisition system. Results : PYL relaxed the contraction of aortic rings induced by phenylephrine (PE, 1 ${\mu}M$) or KCl (60 mM) in a concentration dependent manner. However, the vasorelaxant effects of PYL on endothelium-denuded aortic rings were lower than endothelium-intact aortic rings. And the vasorelaxant effects of PYL on endothelium-intact aortic rings were reduced by pre-treatment with $N{\omega}$-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 ${\mu}M$), methylene blue (10 ${\mu}M$), 1-H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-${\alpha}$]-quinoxalin-1-one (10 ${\mu}M$), tetraethylammonium (5 mM). In addition, PYL inhibited the contraction induced by extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in endothelium-denuded aortic rings pre-contracted by PE or KCl in $Ca^{2+}$-free K-H solution. Conclusions : These results suggest that PYL exerts its vasorelaxant effects via the activation of Nitric Oxide (NO) formation by means of L-arginine and NO-cGMP pathways and via the blockage of receptor operated calcium channels, voltage dependent calcium channels and calcium-activated potassium channels.

• 대한본초학회지
• /
• 제28권5호
• /
• pp.7-11
• /
• 2013

Objectives : Seungmagalgeun-tang (SMGGT) is traditional medicine widely used for inflammatory disease and flu. But SMGGT exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity with an unknown mechanism. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of SMGGT water extract on pharmacological and biochemical actions in inflammation, we examined the effect of SMGGT on pro-inflammatory mediators in Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)+A23187-stimulated mast cells. Methods : In the present study, pro-inflammatory cytokine production was determined by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blot analysis to measure the activation of MAPKs. Cells were treated with SMGGT 1 h prior to the addition of 50 nM of PMA and $1{\mu}M$ of A23187. Cell viability was measured by MTS assay. The investigation focused on whether SMGGT inhibited the expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in PMA+A23187-stimulated mast cells. Results : SMGGT has no cytotoxicity at examined concentration (100, 250, and $500{\mu}g/ml$). Also, gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in HMC-1 cells stimulated by PMA+A23187 was down regulated by SMGGT. Furthermore, SMGGT suppressed the PMA+A23187-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-jun N-terminal Kinase(JNK). But, SMGGT could not regulate phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Conclusions : These results suggest that SMGGT has inhibitory effects on PMA+A23187-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production. These inhibitory effects occur through blockades on the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• 제60권3호
• /
• pp.398-406
• /
• 2022

그람음성균의 외막은 수많은 생물물리학적 및 생화학적 과정이 작용하여 생존력을 유지하도록 설계되어 있는 세포환경의 가장 바깥 층이다. 세포공학의 발전으로 인해 박테리아의 막 환경을 변경하는 등 유전정보를 원하는 대로 조작할 수 있게 되었고 이는 박테리아를 특정 목적에 적용시킬 수 있게 하였다. 그중 기능성 분자를 박테리아 외막에 표지하는 세포 표면공학은 숙주세포가 특정 외부물질이나 자극에 반응하도록 유도하는 전략 중 하나이다. 기능성 펩타이드 또는 단백질을 세포 표면에 표지하기 위한 방법으로 막 고정 모티프를 융합한 후 세포 내에서 발현하는 방법이 일반적으로 사용되고 있지만 이는 박테리아 시스템에서 발현할 수 없는 외인성 단백질이나 크기가 큰 단백질에는 적용할 수 없다는 한계점이 있다. 박테리아 외막의 구성요소에 자연적으로 존재하는 반응성 그룹과 기능성 물질을 화학접합하는 방법도 있으나 필수 구성 요소의 비특이적 변형으로 인해 세포의 생장이 저해되는 경우가 많다. 본 연구에서는 비천연아미노산 또는 자가결합 도메인을 사용해 대장균의 세포 표면을 부위 특이적으로 형광 표지하는 두 가지의 접근법을 수행하였다. 첫 번째 접근법은 화학선택적 반응성을 지닌 비천연아미노산이 삽입된 펩타이드를 대장균 표면에 발현하여 위치 특이적으로 형광염료를 접합시키는 방법이다. 두 번째 접근법은 자가결합능력을 지닌 이종 이량체 코일-코일에서 유래된 α-나선 도메인을 대장균 외막에 발현하고 녹색 형광 단백질이 융합된 상보적인 α-나선 도메인을 막 표면에 특이적으로 고정하는 방법이다. 제시된 방법들은 위치와 시간이 제어된 방식으로 박테리아 외막에 새로운 기능을 부여하는 방법론으로서 유용하다.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
• /
• 제26권1호
• /
• pp.1-12
• /
• 2022

This study aimed to investigate the signal transduction of phosphorylation sites at the carboxyl (C)-terminal region of equine luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (eLH/CGR). The eLH/CGR has a large extracellular domain of glycoprotein hormone receptors within the G protein-coupled receptors. We constructed a mutant (eLH/CGR-t656) of eLH/CGR, in which the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail was truncated at the Phe656 residue, through polymerase chain reaction. The eLH/CGR-t656 removed 14 potential phosphorylation sites in the intracellular C-terminal region. The plasmids were transfected into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 and PathHunter Parental cells expressing β-arrestin, and agonist-induced cAMP responsiveness was analyzed. In CHO-K1 cells, those expressing eLH/CGR-t656 were lower than those expressing eLH/CGR wild-type (eLH/CGR-wt). The EC₅₀ of the eLH/CGR-t656 mutant was approximately 72.2% of the expression observed in eLH/CGR-wt. The maximal response in eLH/CGR-t656 also decreased to approximately 43% of that observed in eLH/CGR-wt. However, in PathHunter Parental cells, cAMP activity and maximal response of the eLH/CGR-t656 mutant were approximately 173.5% and 100.8%, respectively, of that of eLH/CGR-wt. These results provide evidence that the signal transduction of C-terminal phosphorylation in eLH/CGR plays a pivotal role in CHO-K1 cells. The cAMP level was recovered in PathHunter Parental cells expressing β-arrestin. We suggest that the signal transduction of the C-terminal region phosphorylation sites is remarkably different depending on the cells expressing β-arrestin in CHO-K1 cells.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
• /
• 제35권4호
• /
• pp.63-74
• /
• 2022

Objectives : Skin aging is generally characterized by wrinkles, sagging, loss of elasticity roughness, pigmentation and dryness. This changes is caused by reducing the elements constituting the extracellular matrix contributing to the physiological properties of the skin, such as collagen fiber, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid. Adequate skin hydration is important to maintain normal skin function and reduce skin aging. The present study is objective to observe skin moisturizing effects of Unripe apple(UA, Immature fruit of Malus pumila Mill) in vivo and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods : ICR mice were orally administerd UA(100, 200 and 400mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks, and skin water contents and the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-𝛽1, ceramide, hyaluronan and collagen type I(COL1) were measured in dorsal back skin of the mice. Gene expression of hyaluronan synthase(HAS1, HAS2, HAS3), collagen synthase(COL1A1, COL1A2) and TGF-𝛽1 were also determined by realtime RT-PCR. Results : Skin water contents and the expression of TGF-𝛽1, ceramide, COL1 and hyaluronan were significantly increased in UA group(100, 200 and 400mg/kg/day) compared to vehicle control. The mRNA expression of HAS isoform(HAS1, HAS2, HAS3), COL1A1, COL1A2, and TGF-𝛽1 were also significantly increased by UA. Conclusions : UA has skin moisturizing effects and enhancement activities in skin function related components(COL1, hyaluronan, ceramide and TGF-𝛽1). These results suggested that UA can be a developing candidate for developing alternative skin protective agent or functional food ingredient.

• 한국버섯학회지
• /
• 제20권2호
• /
• pp.86-91
• /
• 2022

큰느타리(Pleurotus eryngii)는 azo계 염료인 CR, heterocyclic계 염료인 MB, triphenyl methane계 염료인 CV와 MG를 고체와 액체 배양 상태에서 모두 분해할 수 있었으며 고체 배양 조건에서는 CR을, 액체 배양 상태에서는 MG을 가장 효과적으로 분해했다. MB는 고체와 액체 배양 조건에서 모두 가정 적게 분해되었다. 4 종류의 염료 모두 균사의 생장을 저해했으나 MG의 영향이 가장 크게 나타났다. 활성을 측정한 두 종류의 리그닌 분해 효소 중 모두 laccase의 활성이 훨씬 높았으며 MnP 역시 활성은 낮았으나 laccsse와 비슷한 경향을 보였다. 따라서 큰느타리는 주로 laccase를 사용하여 방향족 합성염료를 분해하는 것으로 추정된다. CR, MB, CV는 laccase의 활성과 염료 분해 정도가 양의 상관관계를 보인 반면 MG의 경우 높은 효소 활성을 나타낸 후 염료의 분해가 진행되었다. 또한 MG가 모두 분해되었을 때의 laccase 활성(0.07 U/ml)이 다른 염료가 가장 많이 분해되었을 때의 활성(0.10 U/ml)보다 낮았는데 이는 큰느타리의 균사체가 MG를 분해하는 기작이 CR, MB 및 CR 등의 염료를 분해하는 기작과 차이를 보인다는 것을 알 수 있었다. 본 연구에서는 큰느타리의 방향족 합성염료 분해 능력에 대해 밝힘으로써 앞으로 국내산 버섯균주를 이용한 친환경적인 합성염료 처리 기술 개발에 도움을 줄 것으로 기대된다.

• 생명과학회지
• /
• 제33권3호
• /
• pp.234-241
• /
• 2023

최근 세계 여러 나라에서 대마초 및 대마제품을 합법화하고 대마를 이용한 다양한 치료법에 대한 연구가 활발히 진행되고 있다. 그러나 대마에는 생물학적 효과가 아직 확립되지 않은 여러 화합물들이 포함되어 있다. 본 연구에서는 인간 모유두 세포(HDPC)의 모발 성장에 대한 칸나비디올(CBD)의 효과를 조사하였다. 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) 및 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) 라디칼 소거 분석법을 활용하여 CBD의 항산화 활성을 측정하였다. 모유두 세포에서 CBD의 세포생존률은 WST-1 분석법으로 측정하였다. CBD 처리에 의한 모유두 세포에서 모발 성장과 관련된 인자의 발현은 real-time PCR 및 western blot으로 측정하였다. CBD의 항산화 활성 측정결과, DPPH 및 ABTS 자유 라디칼 소거 활성의 IC50 값은 각각 15.46±0.24 μM 및 13.90±0.06 μM으로 뛰어난 활성 산소 제거능을 나타냈다. CBD 처리군은 대조군에 비해 세포 증식이 증가하는 경향을 나타냈다. 또한 모유두 세포에서 Real-Time PCR과 Western blotting을 통해 모발 성장 관련 인자를 측정한 결과, CBD 처리로 인하여 성장 관련 인자들이 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 종합적으로, 항산화 활성이 높은 CBD는 모유두 세포에서 세포 증식을 증가시키고 모발 성장 관련 인자들을 긍정적으로 조절합니다. 이러한 결과는 CBD가 탈모증에 대한 잠재적으로 활용될 수 있음을 시사한다.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• 제31권1호
• /
• pp.127-138
• /
• 2023

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is an important serine/threonine kinase that implicates in multiple cellular processes and links with the neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, structure-based virtual screening was performed to search database for compounds targeting GSK-3β from Enamine's screening collection. Of the top-ranked compounds, 7 primary hits underwent a luminescent kinase assay and a cell assay using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells expressing Tau repeat domain (Tau_RD) with pro-aggregant mutation ΔK280. In the kinase assay for these 7 compounds, residual GSK-3β activities ranged from 36.1% to 90.0% were detected at the IC₅₀ of SB-216763. In the cell assay, only compounds VB-030 and VB-037 reduced Tau aggregation in SH-SY5Y cells expressing ΔK280 Tau_RD-DsRed folding reporter. In SH-SY5Y cells expressing ΔK280 Tau_RD, neither VB-030 nor VB-037 increased expression of GSK-3α Ser21 or GSK-3β Ser9. Among extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (P38) and mitogenactivated protein kinase 8 (JNK) which modulate Tau phosphorylation, VB-037 attenuated active phosphorylation of P38 Thr180/ Tyr182, whereas VB-030 had no effect on the phosphorylation status of ERK, AKT, P38 or JNK. However, both VB-030 and VB-037 reduced endogenous Tau phosphorylation at Ser202, Thr231, Ser396 and Ser404 in neuronally differentiated SH-SY5Y expressing ΔK280 Tau_RD. In addition, VB-030 and VB-037 further improved neuronal survival and/or neurite length and branch in mouse hippocampal primary culture under Tau cytotoxicity. Overall, through inhibiting GSK-3β kinase activity and/or p-P38 (Thr180/Tyr182), both compounds may serve as promising candidates to reduce Tau aggregation/cytotoxicity for AD treatment.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• 제47권1호
• /
• pp.97-105
• /
• 2023

Background: Hyperactivated airway mucosa cells overproduce mucin and cause severe breathing complications. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of saponins derived from Panax ginseng on inflammation and mucin overproduction. Methods: NCI-H292 cells were pre-incubated with 16 saponins derived from P. ginseng, and mucin overproduction was induced by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Mucin protein MUC5AC was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA levels were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, we performed a transcriptome analysis of PMA-treated NCI-H292 cells in the absence or presence of Rg5, and differential gene expression was confirmed using qPCR. Phosphorylation levels of signaling molecules, and the abundance of lipid droplets, were measured by western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. Results: Ginsenoside Rg5 effectively reduced MUC5AC secretion and decreased MUC5AC mRNA levels. A systematic functional network analysis revealed that Rg5 upregulated cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism, resulting in the production of lipid droplets to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-kB signaling pathways to regulate inflammatory responses. Rg5 induced the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased cellular ROS levels, and N-acetyl-ⳑ-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor, reduced MUC5AC secretion via Rg5. Furthermore, Rg5 hampered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 proteins, affecting the NF-kB signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Rg5 alleviated inflammatory responses by reducing mucin secretion and promoting lipid droplet-mediated ROS clearance. Therefore, Rg5 may have potential as a therapeutic agent to alleviate respiratory disorders caused by hyperactivation of mucosa cells.