• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.821-828
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• 2008

Onchungeum, a herbal formula, which has been used for treatment of anemia due to bleeding, discharging blood and skin disease. In the present study, it was examined the effects of extract of Onchungeum (OCE) on the growth of human hepatocarcinoma cell lines Hep3B (p53 null type) and HepG2 (p53 wild type) in order to investigate the anti-proliferative mechanism by OCE. Treatment of Hep3B and HepG2 cells to OCE resulted in the growth inhibition in a dose-dependent manner, however Hep3B cell line exhibited a relatively strong anti-proliferative activity to OEC. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that OCE treatment in Hep3B cells caused G1 phase arrest of the cell cycle, which was associated with various morphological changes in a dose-dependent fashion. RT-PCR and immunoblotting data revealed that treatment of OCE caused the down-regulation of cyclin D1 expression, however the levels of cyclin E expression were not changed by OCE. The G1 arrest of the cell cycle was also associated with the induction of Cdk inhibitor p27 by OCE. Because the p53 gene is null in Hep3B cells, it is most likely that the induction of p21 is mediated through a p53-independent pathway. Moreover, p27 detected in anti-Cdk4 and anti-Cdk2 immunoprecipitates from the OCE-treated cells, suggesting that OCE-induced p27 protein blocks Cdk kinase activities by directing binding to the cyclin/Cdk complexes. Furthermore, OCE treatment potently suppresses the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma proteins and the levels of the transcription factor E2F-1 expression. Taken together, these results indicated that the growth inhibitory effect of OCE in Hep3B hepatoma cells was associated with the induction of G1 arrest of the cell cycle through regulation of several major growth regulatory gene products.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.38-55
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• 2010

Purpose: This study was designed to find out the anti-cancer effects of Samultang-Gami which was composed of Rehmanniae Radix(RR), Angelicae Gigantis Radix(AGR), Cnidii Rhizoma(CR), Paeoniae Radix(PR), Cortex Moutan Radicis(CMR), Hedyotis Diffusa(HD) and Caesalpinia Sappan on HeLa, HepG2 and AGS cells. Methods: Various cancer cell lines including HeLa, HepG2 and AGS cells, were used. In vitro anti-cancer effects were measured by MTT assay using cancer cell lines treated with various concentrations of 70% ethanol extract of Samultang-Gami. Expression of cell cycle arrest mediators including Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and DARP-1 proteins were measured by Western blot analysis. Results: 1. Samultang-Gami decreased the viability of HeLa and HepG cells in a dosedependent manner. 2. AGR, CMR, PR and HD decreased the viability of HeLa, HepG2 and AGS cells. 3. We could observe that the decreased Bax and Bcl-2 expression level and the increased PARP-1 expression level by Samultang-Gami extracts treated in HeLa cells. 4. We could observe that the decreased Bcl-2 expression level and the increased Bax, p53 and PARP-1 expression level by RR extracts treated in HeLa cells. and also could observe that the reduction of the protein level of Bcl-2, p53 and PARP-1 and the increase of the protein level of Bax by PR in HeLa cells. 5. We could observe that the increased p53 expression level, the decreased PARP-1's that and the unchanged Bax and Bcl-2's that by Samultang-Gami extracts treated in HepG2 cells. 6. We could observe that the reduced Bcl-2 expression level by each of RR extracts and PR extracts in HepG2 cells. 7. The treatment of Samultang-Gami in AGS cells didn't have any effect on the expression level of Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and PARP-1. 8. We could observe that the increased p53 and PARP-1 expression level by each of CR, RR and PR extracts in AGS cells. Conclusion: Taken together, we suggest that Samultang-Gami exhibits cytotoxic effects on HeLa, HepG2 and AGS cells, causing apoptosis. The results showed that Samultang-Gami may do so by regulating the expression of specific target molecules that promote efficient apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.42-51
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• 2012

Objectives: This study used the basic principle of Oriental medicine, the sovereign, minister, assistant and courier principle (君臣佐使論) to investigate the effects of the component of ONGABO, which is composed of Ginseng Radix (Red Ginseng), Angelica Gigantis Radix, Schisandrae Fructus, Cuscuta Semen and Curcumae tuber on the viability of HepG2 cells. Methods: Single and mixed extracts of the component of ONGABO were prepared by lypohilizing powder of Red Ginseng (6-year root from Kanghwa), Angelica Gigantis Radix, Schisandrae Fructus, Cuscuta Semen, Curcumae Tuber (from Omniherb Co., Ltd., Korea) at the laboratory of herbal medicine in Woosuk University and were eluted after being macerated with 100% ethanol for three days. The cell viability of HepG2 was determined by using an absorptiometric analysis with PrestoBlue (Invitrogen) reagent after the plate had been incubated for 48 hours. All of the experiments were repeated three times to obtain the average value and standard deviation. The statistical analysis was done and the correlation factor was obtained by using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Origin 6.0 software. Results: Although Ginseng Radix (Red Ginseng) and Schisandrae Fructus did not enhance the viability of HepG2 cells, they were shown to provide protection of those cells. On the other hand, Angelica Gigantis Radix decreased the viability of HepG2 cells significantly, Cuscuta Semen and Curcumae Tuber had a small or no effect on the viability of HepG2 cells. Conclusions: In the sovereign, minister, assistant and courier principle (君臣佐使論), Ginseng Radix (Red Ginseng) corresponds to the sovereign component because it provides cell protection effects, Angelica Gigantis Radix corresponds to minister medicinal because it kills cells, Schisandrae Fructus corresponds to the assistant medicinal to help red ginseng having cell protect effects. Cuscuta Semen and Curcumae Tuber correspond to the courier medicinal having no effect in cell viability in HepG2. We hope this study provides motivation for advanced research on the sovereign, minister, assistant and courier principle.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2018

This study was performed to investigate the antioxidant and antidyslipidemic effects of Artemisiae iwayomogii Herba, Curcumae longae Radix and Plantaginis Semen complex extract(ACP) on HepG2 cells. We measured total polyphenols, total flavonoids, radical scavenging activity, and ABTS radical scavenging activity of ACP to evaluate its antioxidant activity. HepG2 cells were treated with ACP. Then, we evaluated ROS production; intracellular GSH content; GPx, GR, SOD, and catalase activities; free fatty acids and MDA levels; and mRNA expression levels of ACAT1 and HMG-CoA reductase. Results: ACP contains polyphenols and flavonoids and increased the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities in HepG2 cells in a dose dependent manner. Also, ACP significantly reduced ROS production in HepG2 cells compared to the control group and significantly increased the GSH content, and elevated the enzyme activities of GPx, GR, and catalase in HepG2 cells compared to the control group. In addition, ACP reduced the mRNA expression of ACAT1 and HMG-CoA reductase in HepG2 cells compared to that in the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that ACP has an antioxidant effect and may suppress the expression of dyslipidemia - associated genes and thus may be useful for the improvement of dyslipidemia.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.263-286
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• 1992

This study was performed to evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of five root canal sealers to several different cell lines. Five root canal sealers were AH-26, N2, Sealapex, Tubliseal, and Vitapex. Each sealers were mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and culture media were added to each sealers immediately after mixing (the immediate group) and after three days (the third day group) and seven days (the seventh day group) respectively. And every sealer solutions were diluted to 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4. Three different permanent cell lines (HEp-2, McCoy, MRC-S) and human gingival fibroblasts and mononuclear cells were challenged by each sealer solution and the cytopathic effects were evaluated using MTT-ELISA, MTT-microscopy, and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) activity. The results were as follows: 1. In HEp-2 and MRC-5 cells, Vitapex was the least cytotoxic sealers. 2. AH-26 showed mild cytotoxic effects to HEp-2, gingival fibroblast and mononuclear cells. 3. N2 was the most toxic sealer to gingival fibroblast and it showed relatively strong cytotoxicity to HEp-2, McCoy and MRC-S cells. 4. Tubliseal showed strong cytotoxic effects to HEp-2, McCoy, MRC-S, and mononuclear cells. 5. Sealapex showed strong cytotoxic effect to HEp-2, McCoy, and gingival fibroblasts.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.149-154
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• 2008

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the biological Effect of multi-herbal drug 'KOCO-P1' on human hepatocyte HepG2 cells. Methods : Multi-herbal drug 'KOCO-P1' was composed of Ginseng Radix, Astragali Radix, Polygonati Rhizoma, Liriopis Tuber, and Scrophulariae Radix. Cytotoxicity and cytoprotective activity of KOCO-P1 was verificated by MTT assay. And antioxidative effect of KOCO-P1 against EtOH, Nicotine was inspected by Hydroperoxide assay. Results : KOCO-P1 showed no cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells for 24, 48 hours. KOCO-P1 at 50 ${\mu}g/mL$ reduced the production of H2O2 in HepG2 cells by EtOH. KOCO-P1 at 50 ${\mu}g/mL$ reduced the production of $H_2O_2$ in $HepG_2$ cells by Nicotine. Conclusions : KOCO-P1 at the low concentration could be supposed to have antioxidative effect on human hepatocyte with no cytotoxicity.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.259-266
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• 2000

Objectives : The effects of aqueous extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae (a traditional medicine for cancer treatment in oriental medicine) on the induction of apoptotic cell death were investigated in human liver origm hepatoma cell lines, HepG2. Methods : The death of HepG2 cells was markedly induced by the addition of extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae in a dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic characteristic ladder pattern of DNA strand break was not observed in cell death of HepG2. In addition, it was not shown nucleus chromatin condensation and fragmentation under hoechst staining. However, by the using annexin V staining assay, externalizations of phosphatidylserine in HepG2 cell which were treated with Cortex ulmi pumilae extracts were detected in the early time (at 9 hr after extract treatment). Furthermore, LDH release was not detected in this early stage. Therefore, Cortex ulmi pumilae extracts-induced cell death of HepG2 cells is mediated by apoptotic death signal processes. Result : The activity of caspase 3-like proteases remained in a basal level in HepG2 cells which treated with the extract of Cordyceps sinensis. However, it was markedly increased in HepG2 cells which treated with two extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae (C.U.P.-C, C.U.P.-K) which were differently extracted (respectively, 2.3 and 3.3 fold). On a while, the phosphotransferase activities of JNK1 was markedly induced in HepG2 cells which were treated with two extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae. On the contrary, the activation of transcriptional activator, activating protein1(AP-1) and NF-kB were severely decreased by these two extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae (C.U.P.-C, C.U.P.-K). In addition, antioxidants (GSH and NAC) and intracellular $Ca2^+$ level regulator (Bapta/AM and Thapsigargin) did not affect Cortex ulmi pumilae extracts-induced apoptotic death of HepG2 cells. Conclusions : In conclusion, our results suggest that two extracts of Cortex ulmi pumilae (C.U.P.-C, C.U.P.-K) induces the apoptotic death of human liver origin hepatoma HepG2 cells via activation of caspase 3-like proteases as well as JNK1, and inhibition of transcriptional activators, AP-1 and $NK-{\kappa}B$.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.4.1-4.15
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• 2022

Background: Flavonoids are natural polyphenols found widely in citrus fruit and peel that possess anti-adipogenic effects. On the other hand, the detailed mechanisms for the antiadipogenic effects of flavonoids are unclear. Objectives: The present study observed the anti-adipogenic effects of five major citrus flavonoids, including hesperidin (HES), narirutin (NAR), nobiletin (NOB), sinensetin (SIN), and tangeretin (TAN), on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in palmitate (PA)-treated HepG2 cells. Methods: The intracellular lipid accumulation and triglyceride (TG) contents were quantified by Oil-red O staining and TG assay, respectively. The glucose uptake was assessed using 2-[N-(7-Nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-NBDG) assay. The levels of AMPK, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) phosphorylation, and levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) expression were analyzed by Western blot analysis. The potential interaction between the flavonoids and the γ-subunit of AMPK was investigated by molecular docking analysis. Results: The flavonoid treatment reduced both intracellular lipid accumulation and TG content in PA-treated HepG2 cells significantly. In addition, the flavonoids showed increased 2-NBDG uptake in an insulin-independent manner in PA-treated HepG2 cells. The flavonoids increased the AMPK, ACC, and GSK3β phosphorylation levels and decreased the SREBP-2 and HMGCR expression levels in PA-treated HepG2 cells. Molecular docking analysis showed that the flavonoids bind to the CBS domains in the regulatory γ-subunit of AMPK with high binding affinities and could serve as potential AMPK activators. Conclusion: The overall results suggest that the anti-adipogenic effect of flavonoids on PA-treated HepG2 cells results from the activation of AMPK by flavonoids.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.80-85
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• 2000

This study was undertaken to investigate the inhibitory effects of propolis on the in vitro proliferation of human colon(HT-29) and hepatoma(HepG2) cancer cell lines. The growth of the HT-29 and HepG2 cells was respectively inhibited by the administration of propolis in a concentration response-dependent manner. The distributions of HT-29 and HepG2 cells cultured in the medium containing propolis were shifted to the smaller sizes, and then HT-29 and HepG2 cells were shrunken under microscopic observations. The progression of cell cycle from G1 to S phase was significantly inhibited by propolis in the HT-29 and HepG2 cell lines, respectively. Those observations suggest that propolis has anticancer effect against some of cancer cell lines in vitro. (Korean J Nutrition 33(1) : 80-85, 2000)

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.384-389
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• 2014

Adiponectin, an adipokine predominantly secreted from adipose tissue, exhibits diverse biological responses, including metabolism of glucose and lipid, and apoptosis in cancer cells. Recently, adiponectin has been shown to modulate autophagy as well. While emerging evidence has demonstrated that autophagy plays a role in the modulation of proliferation and apoptosis of cancer cells, the role of autophagy in apoptosis of cancer cell caused by adiponectin has not been explored. In the present study, we demonstrated that globular adiponectin (gAcrp) induces both apoptosis and autophagy in human hepatoma cell line (HepG2 cells) and breast cancer cells (MCF-7), as evidenced by increase in caspase-3 activity, Bax, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II (LC3 II) protein levels, and autophagosome formation. Interestingly, gene silencing of LC3B, an autophagy marker, significantly enhanced gAcrp-induced apoptosis in both HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines, whereas induction of autophagy by rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, significantly prevented gAcrp-induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells HepG2. Furthermore, modulation of autophagy produced similar effects on gAcrp-induced Bax expression in HepG2 cells. These results implicate that induction of autophagy plays a regulatory role in adiponectin-induced apoptosis of cancer cells, and thus inhibition of autophagy would be a novel promising target to enhance the efficiency of cancer cell apoptosis by adiponectin.