• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.37-47
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• 2011

This study was aimed to investigate the memory enhancing effect of Jeongjihwan against scopolamine-induced amnesia in C57BL/6 mice. To determine the effect of Jeongjihwan on the memory and cognitive function, we have injected scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) into C57BL/6 mice 30 min before beginning of behavior tests. We have conducted Y-maze, Morris water-maze, passive avoidance and fear conditioning tests to compare learning and memory functions. Scopolamine-induced behavior changes of memory impairment were significantly restored by oral administration of Jeongjihwan (100 or 200 mg/kg/day). To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the memory enhancing effect of Jeongjihwan, we have examined the antioxidant defense system and neurotrophic factors. Jeongjihwan treatment attenuated intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species and up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of antioxidant enzymes as assessed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Jeongjihwan also increased protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) compared with those in the scopolamine-treated group. Furthermore, as an upstream regulator, the activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) via phosphorylation was assessed by Western blot analysis. Jeongjihwan elevated the phosphorylation of CREB (p-CREB), which seemed to be mediated partly by extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B/Akt. These findings suggest that Jeongjihwan may have preventive and therapeutic potential in the management of amnesia.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.159-166
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• 2021

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NOXs) are the major enzymatic source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NOX2 and NOX4 are expressed in the heart but its role in hypoxia-induced atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion is unclear. This study investigated the effect of NOX on ANP secretion induced by hypoxia in isolated beating rat atria. The results showed that hypoxia significantly upregulated NOX4 but not NOX2 expression, which was completely abolished by endothelin-1 (ET-1) type A and B receptor antagonists BQ123 (0.3 μM) and BQ788 (0.3 μM). ET-1-upregulated NOX4 expression was also blocked by antagonists of secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2; varespladib, 5.0 μM) and cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2; CAY10650, 120.0 nM), and ET-1-induced cPLA2 expression was inhibited by varespladib under normoxia. Moreover, hypoxia-increased ANP secretion was evidently attenuated by the NOX4 antagonist GLX351322 (35.0 μM) and inhibitor of ROS N-Acetyl-D-cysteine (NAC, 15.0 mM), and hypoxia-increased production of ROS was blocked by GLX351322. In addition, hypoxia markedly upregulated Src expression, which was blocked by ET receptors, NOX4, and ROS antagonists. ET-1-increased Src expression was also inhibited by NAC under normoxia. Furthermore, hypoxia-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (Akt) were completely abolished by Src inhibitor 1 (1.0 μM), and hypoxia-increased GATA4 was inhibited by the ERK1/2 and Akt antagonists PD98059 (10.0 μM) and LY294002 (10.0 μM), respectively. However, hypoxia-induced ANP secretion was substantially inhibited by Src inhibitor. These results indicate that NOX4/Src modulated by ET-1 regulates ANP secretion by activating ERK1/2 and Akt/GATA4 signaling in isolated beating rat hypoxic atria.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제20권6호
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• pp.526-531
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• 2012

During our on-going studies to identify bioactive compounds in medicinal herbs, we found that saucerneol F (SF), a naturally occurring sesquilignan isolated from Saururus chinensis (S. chinensis), showed in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we examined the effects of SF on the generation of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) dependent leukotriene $C_4$ ($LTC_4$), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) dependent prostaglandin $D_2$ ($PGD_2$), and on phospholipase $C{\gamma}1$ ($PLC{\gamma}1$)-mediated degranulation in SCF-induced mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). SF inhibited eicosanoid ($PGD_2$ and $LTC_4$) generation and degranulation dose-dependently. To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibition of eicosanoid generation and degranulation by SF, we examined the effects of SF on the phosphorylation of $PLC{\gamma}1$, intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ influx, the translocation of cytosolic phospholipase $A_2$ ($cPLA_2$) and 5-LO, and on the phosphorylation of MAP kinases (MAPKs). SF was found to reduce intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ influx by inhibiting $PLC{\gamma}1$ phosphorylation and suppressing the nuclear translocations of $cPLA_2$ and 5-LO via the phosphorylations of MAPKs, including extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. Taken together, these results suggest that SF may be useful for regulating mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses by inhibiting degranulation and eicosanoid generation.

• 생물정신의학
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.159-165
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• 2013

Objectives Mechanisms of clinical synergistic effects, induced by co-treatments of lithium and valproate, are unclear. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) has been suggested to play important roles in mechanisms of the action of mood stabilizers. In this study, effects of co-treatments of lithium and valproate on the ERK1/2 signal pathway and its down-stream transcription factors, ELK1 and C-FOS, were investigated in vitro. Methods PC12 cells, human pheochromocytoma cells, were treated with lithium chloride (30 mM), valproate (1 mM) or lithium chloride + valproate. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was analyzed with immunoblot analysis. Transcriptional activities of ELK1 and C-FOS were analyzed with reporter gene assay. Results Single treatment of lithium and valproate increased the phosphorylation of ERK and transcriptional activities of ELK1 and C-FOS, respectively. Combined treatments of lithium and valproate induced more robust increase in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and transcriptional activities of ELK1 and C-FOS, compared to those in response to single treatment of lithium or valproate. Conclusions Co-treatments of lithium and valproate induced synergistic increase in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and transcriptional activities of its down-stream transcription factors, ELK1 and C-FOS, compared to effects of single treatment. The findings might suggest potentiating effects of lithium and valproate augmentation treatment strategy.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• 제7권1호
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• pp.23-30
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• 2004

As a central component of a novel protein kinase cascade, the activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade has attracted considerable attention. We sought to determine the effect of exercise and diet on the activation of the extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2 and the p38 MAP kinase pathways in rat soleus muscle. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of two dietary conditions: high-carbohydrate (CHO) or high-fat (FAT). Animals having each dietary condition were further divided into one of three subgroups: a sedentary control group that did not exercise (NT), a group that performed 8 weeks of treadmill running and was sacrificed 48 h after their final treadmill run (CE), and a group that was sacrificed immediately after their final routine exercise training (AE). A high-fat diet did not have any significant effect on phosphorylated and total forms of ERK 1/2 or p38 MAP kinase. In chronically trained muscle that was taken 48 h after the last training, phosphorylated ERK 1/2 significantly increased only in the FAT but not in the CHO groups. In the case of total ERK 1/2, it increased significantly for both groups. In contrast, both phosphorylated and total forms of p38 MAP kinase decreased markedly compared to sedentary muscle. In muscle that was taken immediately after a last bout of exercise, phosphorylated ERK 1/2 increased in both groups but statistical significance was seen only in the CHO group. Total ERK 1/2 in acutely stimulated muscle increased only in the CHO-AE group even though the degree was much lower than the phosphorylated status. Muscle that was taken immediately after the routine training increased in phosphorylation status of p38 MAP kinase for both dietary conditions. However, statistical significance was seen only in the CHO group owing to a large variation with FAT. In conclusion, a high-fat diet per se did not have any notable effect versus a high-carbohydrate diet on MAP kinase pathways. However, when diet (either CHO or FAT) was combined with exercise and/or training, there was differentiated protein expression in MAP kinase pathways. This indicates MAP kinase pathways have diverse control mechanisms in slow-twitch fibers.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.115-122
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• 2016

Sleep, which is an essential part of human life, is modulated by neurotransmitter systems, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine signaling. However, the mechanisms that initiate and maintain sleep remain obscure. In this study, we investigated the relationship between melatonin (MT) and dopamine D2-like receptor signaling in pentobarbital-induced sleep and the intracellular mechanisms of sleep maintenance in the cerebral cortex. In mice, pentobarbital-induced sleep was augmented by intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg/kg MT. To investigate the relationship between MT and D2-like receptors, we administered quinpirole, a D2-like receptor agonist, to MT- and pentobarbital-treated mice. Quinpirole (1 mg/kg, i.p.) increased the duration of MT-augmented sleep in mice. In addition, locomotor activity analysis showed that neither MT nor quinpirole produced sedative effects when administered alone. In order to understand the mechanisms underlying quinpirole-augmented sleep, we measured protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and cortical protein kinases related to MT signaling. Treatment with quinpirole or MT activated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), p38 MAPK, and protein kinase C (PKC) in the cerebral cortex, while protein kinase A (PKA) activation was not altered significantly. Taken together, our results show that quinpirole increases the duration of MT-augmented sleep through ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and PKC signaling. These findings suggest that modulation of D2-like receptors might enhance the effect of MT on sleep.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.254-260
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• 2019

Background: The primary aims of periodontal disease treatment is to remove dental plaque and calculus, the main causes of tooth loss, and restore periodontal tissue destroyed by inflammation. Periodontal disease treatment should also help maintain the alveolar bone, alleviate inflammation, and promote periodontal ligament cell proliferation, which is essential for tissue regeneration. Conventional antibiotics and anti-inflammatories have adverse side effects, especially during long-term use, so there is a need for adjunct treatment agents derived from natural products. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the herbal flavone baicalein has the osteogenic activity under inflammatory conditions, and assess the involvement of osteoblast immediate early response 3 (IER3) expression. Methods: Human osteoblastic MG-63 cells were cultured with the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β in the presence and absence of baicalein. Proliferation was assessed using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and expression of IER3 mRNA was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of IER3 protein levels and activation of associated signal transduction pathways were assessed using western blotting. Results: Baicalein increased IER3 mRNA and protein expression synergistically. In addition, baicalein reversed the suppression of cell proliferation, and the downregulation of osteogenic transcription factor runt-related transcription factor 2 and osterix induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Baicalein also upregulated the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2). The upregulation of IER3 by pro-inflammatory cytokines was blocked by pretreatment with inhibitors of AKT, p38, JNK, and ERK 1/2. Conclusion: Baicalein mitigates the deleterious responses of osteoblasts to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, IER3 enhanced the effect of baicalein via activation of AKT, p38, JNK, and ERK pathways.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제37권6호
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• pp.19-28
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• 2022

Objectives : To develop natural ingredients that help prevent or treat anti-inflammatory-related diseases and use themas basic data, we investigated anti-inflammatory activity of Cynanchi Atrati Radix Et Rhizoma water extracts(CWE) in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : The cell viabilities were evaluated with RAW 264.7 cells. The production of nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), pro-inflammatory cytokines such tumor necrotic factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-6 were assessed in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell treated with CWE. Furthermore, the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) were assessed by western blotting. Results : In RAW 264.7 cell, the cell viability by CWE treatment was more than 98.4% at a concentration of 100-400 ㎍/mL. At a concentration of 800 ug/ml of CWE, the cell viability was as low as 86%. At doses of 100, 200 and 400 ㎍/mL, CWE inhibited the production of NO, PGE2, TNF-𝛼 and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner and also decreased the expression of iNOS and COX-2 from LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, CWE significantly inhibited the MAPK pathway including decreased the phosphorylation of the p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK1/2). Conclusions : Our study provides evidence that CWE inhibits the production of main pro-inflammatory molecules in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells via expression of p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, CWE is expected to be widely used as a natural ingredient for anti-inflammatory functional foods or pharmaceuticals in the future.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제44권3호
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• pp.453-460
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• 2020

Background: BIOGF1K, a fraction of Panax ginseng, has desirable antimelanogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiphotoaging properties that could be useful for treating skin conditions. Because its potential positive effects on allergic reactions in skin have not yet been described in detail, this study's main objective was to determine its efficacy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography was used to verify the compounds in BIOGF1K, and we used the (3-4-5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method to determine its cytotoxicity in RBL-2H3 and HMC-1 cell lines. RBL-2H3 cells were induced using both anti-DNP-IgE/DNP-BSA and calcium ionophore (A2187) treatments, whereas HMC-1 cells were induced using A2187 alone. To measure mast cell degranulation, we performed histamine (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and β-hexosaminidase assays. To quantify interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in RBL-2H3 cells, we performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR); to quantify expression levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in HMC-1 cells, we used semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Finally, we detected the total and phosphorylated forms of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p-38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase proteins by immunoblotting. Results: BIOGF1K decreased the AD response by reducing both histamine and β-hexosaminidase release as well as reducing the secretion levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in RBL-2H3 cells and IL-4 and IL-13 in HMC-1 cells. In addition, BIOGF1K decreased MAPK pathway activation in RBL-2H3 and HMC-1 cells. Conclusions: BIOGF1K attenuated the AD response, hence supporting its use as a promising and natural approach for treating AD.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.35-42
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• 2008

Purpose: Alterations in the structure and function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are important in cardiovascular disease and maintaining chronic hypertension. Chronic hypertension is associated with changes in vascular smooth muscle tone. The spontaneous or myogenic tone of a blood vessel reflects the ability to adapt smooth muscle tone to changes in transmural pressure. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in myogenic tone are not fully understood. Methods: Here, we investigated the relationship between mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) in isometric contraction and enzymatic activity using muscle strips from rats made hypertensive with aldosterone-analogue deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salts. Results: Changes in myogenic tone and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) were different after physiological salt solution (PSS) in normotensive and hypertensive rats. The myogenic tone and quiescent phosphorylation induced by the PSS treatment were inhibited by 10 ${\mu}$M PD098059, an extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor, and 10 ${\mu}$M wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3K, in hypertensive rats. Conclusion: The development of DOCA-induced hypertension is associated with altered isometric contractions and $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ via changes in activation of ERK1/2 and PI3K after DOCA-salt treatment. Therefore, ERK1/2 and PI3K activity affect hypertension and may be suitable targets for physical therapy in cardiovascular disease.