• 생약학회지
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• 제35권1호통권136호
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• pp.16-21
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• 2004

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B(PTP1B) is thought to be a negative regulator in insulin signal-transduction pathway. Insulin-resistance by the activation of PTP1B is a hallmark of both type 2 diabetes and obesity. Thus, the compounds inhibiting PTP1B can improve insulin resistance and can be effective in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. The methanol extracts of 160 herbal medicines were screened for the inhibitory activity against PTP1B. Among the tested extracts, methanol extracts of Amsonia elliptica, Areca catechu, Benincasa hispida, Morus alba, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Siegesbeckia orientalis, and Trichosanthes kirilowii showed relatively strong inhibitory activity against PTP1B.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.27-36
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• 2006

Objectives : This study was performed for the investigation of anticancer effects of methanol extract of Rheum Rhizoma (MeOH-RR) on a human liver cancer cell line (HepG2). Methods : To study the cytotoxic effect of MeOH-RR on HepG2 cells, the cell viability was determined by XTT reduction method and trypan blue exclusion assay. The cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), a substrate for caspase-3 and a typical sign of apoptosis, and the activation of procaspase-3, -8 and -9 were examined by western blot analysis. Furthermore, MeOH-RR-induced apoptosis was confirmed by DNA fragmentation. The release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol, the level of Bcl-2 and Bax were examined by western blot analysis. Results : MeOH-RR reduced proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner at 24 h and 48 h treatment. MeOH-RR induced the activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9 and the cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), a substrate for caspase-3. Furthermore, treatment with MeOH-RR resulted in internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, evidenced by the formation of a DNA ladder on agarose gel, a hallmark of cells undergoing apoptosis. MeOH-RR downregulated Bcl-2, upregulated Bax, and increased the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into cytosol in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, MeOH-RP increased caspase-3 activity. Conclusion : There results suggest that MeOH-RR induce apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway and caspase-3-dependent pathway in HepG2 cells. There results suggest that MeOH-RR is potentially useful as a chemotherapeutic agent in human liver cancer.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제3권4호
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• pp.268-275
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• 2003

Background: Hemopoietic cells require the constant presence of growth factors for survival in vitro and in vivo. Caspases have been known as central executors of apoptotic cell death. We have, therefore, investigated the pathways that regulate caspase activity and apoptosis using the $CD34^+$ cell line, TF-1 which requires GM-CSF for survival. Methods: Apoptosis was measured by annexin V staining and mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by DiOC6 labelling. Intracellular pH was measured using pH sensitive fluorochrome, BCECF or SNARF-1, followed by flow cytometry analysis. Caspase activation was analyzed by PARP cleavage using anti-PARP antibody. Results: Removal of GM-CSF induceed PARP cleavage, a hallmark of caspase activity, concomitant with pHi acidification and a drop in mitochondrial potential. Treatment with ZVAD, a competitive inhibitor of caspases, partially rescued cell death without affecting pHi acidification and the reduction of mitochondrial potential, suggesting that both these events act upstream of caspases. Overexpression of Bcl-2 prevented cell death induced by GM-CSF deprivation as well as pHi acidification and the reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential. In parental cells maintained with GM-CSF, EIPA, a competitive inhibitor of $Na^+/H^+$ antiporter induced apoptosis, accompanied by a drastic reduction in mitochondrial potential. In contrast, EIPA induced apoptosis in Bcl-2 transfectants without causing mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Conclusion: Taken together, our results suggest that the regulation of $H^+$fluxes, either through a mitochondriondependent or independent pathway, is central to caspase activation and apoptosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권10호
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• pp.5797-5804
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• 2013

In order to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin its conjugates with piperic acid and glycine were synthesized by esterifying the 4 and 4' phenolic hydroxyls, the sites of metabolic conjugation. Antiproliferative and apoptotic efficacy of synthesized conjugates was investigated in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. $IC_{50}$ values of di-O-glycinoyl (CDG) and di-O-piperoyl (CDP) esters of curcumin were found to be comparable with that of curcumin. Both conjugates induced chromatin condensation fragmentation and apoptotic body formation. CDP exposure to MCF-7 cells induced apoptosis initiating loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}m$) followed by inhibition of translocation of transcription factor NF-${\kappa}B$ and release of Cytochrome-C. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated by fluorescent activated cell sorter. Change in ratio of Bcl2/Bclxl was observed, suggesting permeablization of mitochondrial membrane leading to the release of AIF, Smac and other apoptogenic molecules. DNA fragmentation as a hallmark for apoptosis was monitored by TUNEL as well as agrose gel electrophoresis. Thus, it was proven that conjugation does not affect the therapeutic potential of parent molecule in vitro, while these could work in vivo as prodrugs with enhanced pharmacokinetic profile. Pharmacokinetics of these molecules under in vivo conditions is a further scope of this study.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.451-456
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• 2003

We investigated the effects of Sabaek-san (SBS) water extract on the growth of human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Upon treatment with SBS extract, a concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability was observed and cells developed many of the hallmark features of apoptosis. including condensation of chromatin. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that SBS treatment increased populations of apoptotic-sub G1 phase. In addition. proteolytic cleavages of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and β-catenin protein were observed after treatment of SBS extract. These apoptotic effects of SBS in A549 cells were associated with marked inhibition of Bcl-2 and Bel-xL mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. however the levels of Bax expression were not affected, SBS treatment also induced a proteolytic activation of caspase-3. which is believed to play a central role In the apoptotic signaling pathway. The previous and present results indicated that SBS-induced inhibition of lung cancer cell proliferation is associated with the blockage of G1/S progression and the induction of apoptosis.

• BMB Reports
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• 제55권5호
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• pp.244-249
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• 2022

Characterized by abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), neointima hyperplasia is a hallmark of vascular restenosis after percutaneous vascular interventions. Vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) is a stress adaption-associated ser/thr protein kinase that can induce the proliferation of various types of cells. However, the role of VRK1 in the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and neointima hyperplasia after vascular injury remains unknown. We observed increased expression of VRK1 in VSMCs subjected to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB by western blotting. Silencing VRK1 by shVrk1 reduced the number of Ki-67-positive VSMCs and attenuated the migration of VSMCs. Mechanistically, we found that relative expression levels of β-catenin and effectors of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) such as phospho (p)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-S6, and p-4EBP1 were decreased after silencing VRK1. Restoration of β-catenin expression by SKL2001 and re-activation of mTORC1 by Tuberous sclerosis 1 siRNA (siTsc1) both abolished shVrk1-mediated inhibitory effect on VSMC proliferation and migration. siTsc1 also rescued the reduced expression of β-catenin caused by VRK1 inhibition. Furthermore, mTORC1 re-activation failed to recover the attenuated proliferation and migration of VSMC resulting from shVrk1 after silencing β-catenin. We also found that the vascular expression of VRK1 was increased after injury. VRK1 inactivation in vivo inhibited vascular injury-induced neointima hyperplasia in a β-catenin-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that inhibition of VRK1 can suppress the proliferation and migration of VSMC and neointima hyperplasia after vascular injury via mTORC1/β-catenin pathway.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.267-280
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• 2024

Apoptosis, programmed cell death pathway, is a vital physiological mechanism that ensures cellular homeostasis and overall cellular well-being. In the context of cancer, where evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark, the overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 has been documented. Consequently, these proteins have emerged as promising targets for therapeutic interventions. The BCL-2 protein family is central to apoptosis and plays a significant importance in determining cellular fate serving as a critical determinant in this biological process. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of the BCL-2 protein family, emphasizing its dual nature. Specifically, certain members of this family promote cell survival (known as anti-apoptotic proteins), while others are involved in facilitating cell death (referred to as pro-apoptotic and BH3-only proteins). The potential of directly targeting these proteins is examined, particularly due to their involvement in conferring resistance to traditional cancer therapies. The effectiveness of such targeting strategies is also discussed, considering the tumor's propensity for anti-apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, the review highlights emerging research on combination therapies, where BCL-2 inhibitors are used synergistically with other treatments to enhance therapeutic outcomes. By understanding and manipulating the BCL-2 family and its associated pathways, we open doors to innovative and more effective cancer treatments, offering hope for resistant and aggressive cases.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.11-22
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• 2013

Objectives: The present investigation aimed at examining if post-cancer treatment with a potentized homeopathic drug, Condurango 30C, which is generally used to treat oesophageal cancer, could also show an ameliorating effect through apoptosis induction on lung cancer induced by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in white rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: Lung cancer was induced after four months by chronic feeding of BaP to rats through gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight for one month. After four months, the lung-cancer-bearing rats were treated with Condurango 30C for the next one ($5^{th}$), two ($5^{th}-6^{th}$) and three ($5^{th}-7^{th}$) months, respectively, and were sacrificed at the corresponding time-points. The ameliorating effect, if any, after Condurango 30C treatment for the various periods was evaluated by using protocols such as histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), annexinV-FITC/PI assay, flow cytometry of the apoptosis marker, DNA fragmentation, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and western blot analyses of lung tissue samples. Results: Striking recovery of lung tissue to a near normal status was noticed after post-cancerous drug treatment, as evidenced by SEM and histology, especially after one and two months of drug treatment. Data from the annexinV-FITC/PI and DNA fragmentation assays revealed that Condurango 30C could induce apoptosis in cancer cells after post-cancer treatment. A critical analysis of signalling cascade, evidenced through a RT-PCR study, demonstrated up-regulation and down-regulation of different pro- and anti-apoptotic genes, respectively, related to a caspase-3-mediated apoptotic pathway, which was especially discernible after one-month and two-month drug treatments. Correspondingly, Western blot and immunohistochemistry studies confirmed the ameliorative potential of Condurango 30C by its ability to down-regulate the elevated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, a hallmark of lung cancer. Conclusion: The overall result validated a positive effect of Condurango 30C in ameliorating lung cancer through caspase-3-mediated apoptosis induction and EGFR down-regulation.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제34권7호
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• pp.443-452
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• 2024

아가로오스의 효소가수분해산물로 부터 확보할 수 있는 3,6-무수갈락토오스(L-AHG), 네오아가로비오스(NA2), 네오아가로테트라오스(NA4) 및 네오아가로헥사오즈(NA6)의 항염증 활성을 규명하고자, 마우스 대식세포주 RAW264.7 세포를 대장균 유래 지질다당류(LPS)로 자극할 때 세포표면의 TLR4 수용체의 역할을 통해 유도되는 친염증성 M1 분극화 및 이에 따른 친염증성 반응에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 그 결과로서, 이들 아가로오스 분해산물들 중에서 단당류인 L-AHG만이 유일하게, LPS 자극에 의해 RAW264.7 세포에서 유도될 수 있는 M1 분극화의 대표적인 마커인 iNOS 효소의 발현과 이에 따른 NO 생성을 농도의존적으로 현저하게 저해하였고 염증 매개체인 프로스타글란딘 E2의 생성을 촉매하는 COX-2의 발현 수준도 LPS 자극후에는 증가하였지만, L-AHG의 존재에 의해서는 그 증가 수치가 다소 저해되는 것으로 나타났다. 이때 RAW264.7 세포에 대한 L-AHG의 세포독성은 확인되지 않았다. 또한 L-AHG는 LPS로 처리된 RAW264.7 세포내에서 유도되는 친염증 신호전달경로에 있어서 초기 신호전달 단계인 TAK1 활성화 단계까지는 별 영향을 나타내지 않았으나 TAK1의 촉매작용에 의한 JNK 및 p38 MAPK의 활성화 인산화(activating phosphorylation)는 현저하게 저해되었다. 특히, 대식세포의 친염증 신호전달경로에서 TAK1 활성화는, 그 하류 단계에서 NF-kB의 활성화가 성공적으로 일어날 수 있도록 해주며, 또한 TAK1에 의한 하류 신호분자인 p38 MAPK 활성화는 NADPH 활성화 및 이에 따른 친염증성 ROS 분자들의 생성을 유발하기 때문에, LPS에 의해 자극된 대식세포내의 친염증 신호전달경로에 있어서 TAK1-JNK/p38 MAPK 경로의 L-AHG에 의한 저해는 대식세포의 M1 분극화 및 친염증 반응을 억제하는 효과적인 기전이 되며, 그 활용성이 크게 기대된다. 아울러 L-AHG가 LPS와 RAW264.7 세포의 표면분자인 TLR4와 상호작용을 방해할 수 있는지에 대해서도 유세포분석기와 형광표지가 된 FITC-LPS를 이용하여 조사한 결과, L-AHG는 대식세포의 표면에서 이루어지는 LPS-TLR4 상호결합은 방해하지 않는 것으로 확인되었다. 이는 L-AHG의 항염증 작용의 표적이 LPS가 TLR4 수용체를 통해 유도하는 세포 내 신호전달경로에 있음을 지지해 준다. 이상의 연구결과들은 아가로오스 유래 희귀 단당류인 3,6-무수갈락토오스(L-AHG)가 LPS 자극에 의해 유발되는 RAW264.7 마우스 대식세포의 M1 분극화 및 염증 반응에 대해, TLR4의 친염증 신호전달경로의 TAK1-JNK/p38 MAPK 단계를 저해하는 항염증 활성을 효과적으로 발휘할 수 있음을 시사한다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제26권5호
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• pp.468-473
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• 2008

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) induces cell proliferation in human aortic smooth muscle cells (hAoSMCs), which may be involved in atherogenesis and intimal hyperplasia. Recent studies have demonstrated that $Cl^-$ channels are related to vessel cell proliferation induced by a variety of stimuli. In this study, we investigated a potential role of $Cl^-$ channels in the signaling pathway of LDL effects on hAoSMC proliferation with a focus on the activation of Erk1/2-PI3K/Akt and the subsequent upregulation of Egr-1. $Cl^-$ channel blockers, DIDS, but neither NPPB nor Furosemide, completely abolished the LDL-induced DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Moreover, DIDS, but not NPPB, significantly decreased LDL-stimulated $Cl^-$ concentration, as judged by flow cytometry analysis using MQAE as a $Cl^-$-detection dye. DIDS pretreatment completely abolished the activation of Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt in a dose-dependent manner that is the hallmark of LDL activation, as judged by Western blot and proliferation assays. Moreover, pretreatment with DIDS ($Cl^-$ channel blockers) but not LY294002 (PI3K inhibitors) completely abolished the LDL-induced upregulation of Egr-1 to the same extent as PD98059 (MEK inhibitors to inhibit Erk), as judged by Western blot and luciferase reporter assays. This is the first report, to our knowledge, that DIDS-sensitive $Cl^-$-channels play a key role in the LDL-induced cell proliferation of hAoSMCs via the activation of Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt and the upregulation of Egr-1.