• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제27권7호
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• pp.683-692
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• 2004

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a major naturally-occurring polyphenol of Curcuma species, which is commonly used as a yellow coloring and flavoring agent in foods. Curcumin has shown anti-carcinogenic activity in animal models. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory activity and is a potent inhibitor of reactive oxygen-generating enzymes such as lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase, xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase; and an effective inducer of heme oxygenase-1. Curcumin is also a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C(PKC), EGF(Epidermal growth factor)-receptor tyrosine kinase and LĸB kinase. Subsequently, curcumin inhibits the activation of NF(nucleor factor)KB and the expressions of oncogenes including c-jun, c-fos, c-myc, NIK, MAPKs, ERK, ELK, PI3K, Akt, CDKs and iNOS. It is proposed that curcumin may suppress tumor promotion through blocking signal transduction path-ways in the target cells. The oxidant tumor promoter TPA activates PKC by reacting with zinc thiolates present within the regulatory domain, while the oxidized form of cancer chemopreventive agent such as curcumin can inactivate PKC by oxidizing the vicinal thiols present within the catalytic domain. Recent studies indicated that proteasome-mediated degradation of cell proteins playa pivotal role in the regulation of several basic cellular processes including differentiation, proliferation, cell cycling, and apoptosis. It has been demonstrated that curcumin-induced apoptosis is mediated through the impairment of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Curcumin was first biotransformed to dihydrocurcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin and that these compounds subsequently were converted to monoglucuronide conjugates. These results suggest that curcumin-glucuronide, dihydrocurcumin-glucuronide, tetrahydrocurcumin-glucuronide and tetrahydrocurcumin are the major metabolites of curcumin in mice, rats and humans.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.111-117
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• 2004

Hepatic microcirculatory failure is a major component of reperfusion injury in the liver. Recent data provided some evidence that endothelium-derived vasoconstrictors and vasodilators may be functionally important to the control of the total hepatic blood flow under these conditions of circulatory failure. Since Kupffer cells provide signals that regulate the hepatic response in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), the aim of this study was to investigate the role of Kupffer cells in the I/R-induced imbalance of vasoregulatory gene expression. Rats were subjected to 60 min hepatic ischemia, followed by 5 h of reperfusion. The Kupffer cells were inactivated by gadolinium chloride ($GdCl_3$, 7.5 mg/kg body weight, intravenously) 1 day prior to ischemia. Liver samples were obtained 5 hrs after reperfusion for RT-PCR analysis of the mRNA for genes of interest: endothelin-1 (ET-1), its receptors $ET_A and ET_B$, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). ET-1 mRNA expression was increased by I/R. mRNA levels for $ET_A$ receptors showed no change, whereas $ET_B$ receptor transcripts increased in the I/R group. The increases in ET-1 and $ET_B$ mRNA were not prevented by the $GdCI_3$ pretreatment. The mRNA levels for iNOS and eNOS significantly increased within the I/R group with no significant difference between the I/R group and the $GdCl_3$-treated I/R group. HO-1 mRNA expression significantly increased in the I/R group and this increase was attenuated by $GdCI_3$. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that an imbalance in hepatic vasoregulatory gene expression occurs during I/R. Our findings suggest that the activation of Kupffer cells is not required for I/R-induced hepatic microvascular dysfunction.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.92-100
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• 2019

Ginger, one of worldwide consumed dietary spice, is not only famous as food supplements, but also believed to exert a variety of remarkable pharmacological activity as herbal remedies. In this study, a ginger constituent, 12-dehydrogingerdione (DHGD) was proven that has comparable anti-inflammatory activity with positive control 6-shogaol in inhibiting LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, prostaglandin (PG) $E_2$, nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, without interfering with COX-1 in cultured microglial cells. Subsequent mechanistic studies indicate that 12-DHGD may inhibit neuro-inflammation through suppressing the LPS-activated $Akt/IKK/NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway. Furthermore, 12-DHGD markedly promoted the activation of NF-E2-related factor (Nrf)-2 and heme oxygenase (HO)-1, and we demonstrated that the involvement of HO-1 on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO and $TNF-{\alpha}$ by using a HO-1 inhibitor, Zinc protoporphyrin (Znpp). These results indicate that 12-DHGD may protect against neuro-inflammation by inhibiting $Akt/IKK/I{\kappa}B/NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway and promoting Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.35-58
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• 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Curcuma longa rhizoma extract in an experimental rat model of osteoarthritis. Methods: Osteoarthritis was induced in rats by injecting monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) into the knee joint cavity of rats. The rats were divided into 5 groups (Normal, Control, positive comparison, low (CL) and high (CH) concentration groups). Rats in the low concentration (CL) group had MIA-induced osteoarthritis; they were treated with Curcuma longa rhizoma extract at a dose of 50mg/kg body weight. Rats in the high concentration (CH) group had MIA-induced osteoarthritis; they were treated with Curcuma longa rhizoma extract at a dose of 100mg/kg body weight. Hind paw weight distribution and ROS levels were measured. At the end of all treatments, changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels were analyzed. In addition, inflammatory protein levels were evaluated by western blot analysis. Results: In this study, hind paw weight distribution significantly improved in the CL and CH groups, while. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production significantly decreased in both. The levels of ALT, AST, BUN, and creatinine did not significantly change in either group. The production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4), $p47^{phox}$, and Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) decreased in both. Catalase, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly increased in the CL and CH groups, respectively. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) increased, but there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups. Inflammatory cytokines, including nuclear factor-kappa Bp65 (NF-${\kappa}Bp65$), interleukin-1beta (IL-$1{\beta}$), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), decreased significantly in both the CL and CH groups. Conclusions: Our results showed that Curcuma longa rhizoma extract has anti-inflammatory effects. Anti-inflammatory activity is regulated by the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and mediators, such as NF-${\kappa}B$, therefore, it suppresses cartilage damage as well.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제61권4호
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• pp.335-340
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• 2018

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a member of heme-protein that can perform catalytic non-specific chain reaction in the presence of hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$). Catalytic ability of Hb to degrade pyrene was demonstrated using soil contaminated with $^{14}C$ pyrene and 10 mg pyrene /kg soil. The composition of soil was similar to previously used soil except that it had lower organic carbon content. Bench scale laboratory tests were conducted in the presence of buffer only, $H_2O_2$ only, or Hb with $H_2O_2$ for 24 h. After 24 h reaction, 0.1 and 1.3% of $^{14}C$ pyrene in contaminated soil were mineralized with $H_2O_2$ only or Hb plus $H_2O_2$. No mineralization to $^{14}CO_2$ was detected with buffer only. Approximately 12.2% of pyrene was degraded in the presence of $H_2O_2$ only while 44.0% of pyrene was degraded in the presence of Hb plus $H_2O_2$ during 24 h of catalytic reaction. When degradation intermediate products were examined, two chemicals were observed in the presence of $H_2O_2$ only while 25 chemicals were found in the presence of Hb plus $H_2O_2$. While most degradation products were simple hydrocarbons, four of the 27 chemicals had aromatic rings. However, none of these four chemicals was structurally related to pyrene. These results suggest that Hb catalytic system could be used to treat pyrene-contaminated soil as an efficient and speedy remediation technology. In addition, intermediate products generated by this system are not greatly affected by composition change in soil organic matter content.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.51-62
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• 2019

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the macrophages polarization of traditional Korean medicine on cardiac pain about Geum-Gwe-Yo-Ryak's two prescriptions including Kwaruhaebaekbanha-tang (KHB) and Kwaruhaebaekpaekju-tang (KHP). Materials and methods: Flow cytometry analysis was used to measure the changes in the ratio of M1 type and M2 type macrophages. Protein expression of nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were measured by Western Blot, and ABCA1 and SR-B1 were detected by real time PCR (RT-PCR). Intracellular lipid accumulation was measured by Oil Red O staining (ORO staining). Results: KHB and KHP increase anti-oxidative activity related protein levels including Nrf2 and HO-1. Furthermore, KHB and KHP inhibit lipid accumulation on intracellular levels through induction of ATP binding receptor cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) and scavenging receptor class B member 1 (SR-B1), respectively. Finally, KHB and KHP also blocked pro-inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF{\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), iNOS and COX-2 expression. Conclusion: This study suggests that KHB and KHP potently regulate the M1/M2 macrophage polarization.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.198-204
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• 2019

Background: Oxidative stress is a known to be associated with in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis. Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid with has antimicrobial, antioxidative, and anticancer properties. However, the role of ursolic acid in the regulating of osteogenesis remains undetermined. This study was aimed to elucidate the crucial osteogenic effects of ursolic acid and its ability to inhibit oxidative stress by targeting the immediate early response 3 (IER3)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Methods: Cell proliferation was determined using water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay, cell differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and formation of calcium nodules was detected using alizarin red S stain. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined using by DCFH-DA fluorescence dye in hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-treated MG-63 cells. Expression levels of IER3, Nrf2, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were analyzed using western blot analysis. Results: Our results showed that ursolic acid up-regulated the proliferation of osteoblasts without any cytotoxic effects, and promoted ALP activity and mineralization. $H_2O_2$-induced ROS generation was found to be significantly inhibited on treatment with ursolic acid. Furthermore, in $H_2O_2$-treated cells, the expression of the early response genes: IER3, Nrf2, and Nrf2-related phase II enzyme (HO-1) was enhanced in the presence of ursolic acid. Conclusion: The key findings of the present study elucidate the protective effects of ursolic acid against oxidative stress conditions in osteoblasts via the IER3/Nrf2 pathway. Thus, ursolic acid may be developed as a preventative and therapeutic agent for mineral homeostasis and inflammatory diseases caused due to oxidative injury.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.431-441
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• 2019

Background: The efficacy of ginseng, the representative product of Korea, and its chemical effects have been well investigated. The ginsenoside RG3 has been reported to exhibit apoptotic, anticancer, and antidepressant-like effects. Methods: In this report, the putative effect of RG3 on several cellular function including cell survival, differentiation, development and aging process were evaluated by monitoring each specific marker. Also, mitochondrial morphology and function were investigated in ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblast cells. Results: RG3 treatment increased the expression of extracellular matrix proteins, growth-associated immediate-early genes, and cell proliferation genes in UV-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblast cells. And, RG3 also resulted in enhanced expression of antioxidant proteins such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 and heme oxygenase-1. In addition, RG3 affects the morphology of UV-induced mitochondria and plays a role in protecting mitochondrial dysfunction. Conclusioin: RG3 restores mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and membrane potential via its antioxidant effects in skin cells damaged by UV irradiation, leading to an increase in proteins linked with the extracellular matrix, cell proliferation, and antioxidant activity.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.7.1-7.10
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• 2019

Sargassum serratifolium ethanolic extract has been known for strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We prepared hexane fraction from the ethanolic extract of S. serratifolium (HSS) to improve biological activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of HSS on the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$-induced monocyte adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We found that HSS suppressed the production of cell adhesion molecules such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in TNF-${\alpha}$-induced HUVECs. Moreover, TNF-${\alpha}$-induced production of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and keratinocyte chemoattractant was inhibited by HSS treatment. HSS suppressed TNF-${\alpha}$-induced nuclear factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) activation via preventing proteolytic degradation of inhibitor ${\kappa}B-{\alpha}$. HSS induced the production of heme oxygenase 1 via translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus in TNF-${\alpha}$-treated HUVECs. Overall, HSS alleviated vascular inflammation through the downregulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation and the upregulation of Nrf2 activation in TNF-${\alpha}$-induced HUVECs. These results indicate that HSS may be used as therapeutic agents for vascular inflammatory disorders.

• 농업과학연구
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.119-131
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• 2021

Over-produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) exert oxidative damage on lipids, proteins, and DNA in the human body, which leads to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we explored the cellular antioxidant effect of Cirsium japonicum var. maackii (CJM) against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in neuronal cells. The antioxidant activity was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and nitric oxide (NO) assays, and the molecular mechanisms were examined by Western blot analysis. H₂O₂ treatment of SH-SY5Y cells decreased cell viability and increased ROS and NO production compared to H₂O₂-untreated cells. However, CJM increased cell viability and decreased ROS and NO accumulation in the H₂O₂-treated SH-SY5Y cells compared to H₂O₂-treated control cells. Especially, the EtOAc fraction from CJM showed the strongest antioxidant effect compared with the other extracts and fractions. Therefore, we further examined the CJM mechanism against oxidative stress using the EtOAc fraction from CJM. The EtOAc fraction up-regulated the expressions of heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, and thioredoxin reductase 1. These results indicate that CJM promotes the activation of antioxidative enzymes, which eliminate ROS and NO, and further leads to an increase in the cell viability. Taken together, our results show that CJM exhibited an antioxidant activity in H₂O₂-treated SH-SY5Y cells, and it could be a novel antioxidant agent for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative disease such as AD.