• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 2010

We investigated whether the fermented soymilk extract (FSE) has protective effects against high glucose-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). FSE was prepared via fermentation of soymilk with Bacillus subtilis followed by methanol extraction. To determine the protective effect of FSE, oxidative stress was induced by exposing of HUVECs to the high glucose (30 mM) for 48 hr. Exposure of HUVECs to high glucose for 48 hr resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease in cell viability, catalase, SOD and GSH-px activity and a significant (p<0.05) increase in intracellular ROS level and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation in comparison to the cells treated with 5.5 mM glucose. However, at concentration of 0.1 mg/mL, FSE treatment decreased intracellular ROS level and TBARS formation, and increased cell viability and activities of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, SOD and GSH-px in high glucose pretreated HUVEC. These results suggest that FSE may be able to protect HUVECs from high glucose-induced oxidative stress, partially through the antioxidative defense systems.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 2007

Ginseng is a widely-used alternative medicine for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Active components of P. ginseng, absorbed through gastrointestinal tract are the fermented ginsenosides by intestinal microorganisms. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of fermented ginseng with bifidobacterium (FGb) on the angiogenesis by analyzing in vitro tube formation and invasion assay using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and in vivo angiogenesis using chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Treatment with FGb inhibited tube-like structure formation in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, FGb significantly suppressed HUVEC invasion through Matrigel. Moreover, FGb dosedependently inhibited VEGF-induced angiogenesis in a CAM assay. These results suggest that FGb is a valuable anti-angiogenic remedy.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.599-608
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• 2017

Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a pharmacologically active substance extracted from the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (also known as the Chinese herb Danshen), and is widely used to treat atherosclerosis. The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a nuclear receptor that is a key regulator of xenobiotic and endobiotic detoxification. Tan IIA is an efficacious PXR agonist that has a potential protective effect on endothelial injuries induced by xenobiotics and endobiotics via PXR activation. Previously numerous studies have demonstrated the possible effects of Tan IIA on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, but the further mechanism for its exerts the protective effect is not well established. To study the protective effects of Tan IIA against hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we pretreated cells with or without different concentrations of Tan IIA for 24 h, then exposed the cells to $400{\mu}M$ $H_2O_2$ for another 3 h. Therefore, our data strongly suggests that Tan IIA may lead to increased regeneration of glutathione (GSH) from the glutathione disulfide (GSSG) produced during the GSH peroxidase-catalyzed decomposition of $H_2O_2$ in HUVECs, and the PXR plays a significant role in this process. Tan IIA may also exert protective effects against $H_2O_2$-induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway associated with the participation of PXR. Tan IIA protected HUVECs from inflammatory mediators triggered by $H_2O_2$ via PXR activation. In conclusion, Tan IIA protected HUVECs against $H_2O_2$-induced cell injury through PXR-dependent mechanisms.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.277-283
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• 2013

In this study, we investigated the effects of a selective urotensin II (UII) receptor antagonist, SB-657510, on the inflmmatory response induced by UII in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EA.hy926) and human monocytes (U937). UII induced inflammatory activation of endothelial cells through expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6), adhesion molecules (VCAM-1), and tissue factor (TF), which facilitates the adhesion of monocytes to EA.hy926 cells. Treatment with SB-657510 significantly inhibited UII-induced expression of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and VCAM-1 in EA.hy926 cells. Further, SB-657510 dramatically blocked the UII-induced increase in adhesion between U937 and EA.hy926 cells. In addition, SB-657510 remarkably reduced UII-induced expression of TF in EA.hy926 cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the UII antagonist SB-657510 decreases the progression of inflammation induced by UII in endothelial cells.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.325-333
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• 2016

Background: Ginseng extracts are known to have angiogenic effects. However, to date, only limited information is available on the molecular mechanism underlying the angiogenic effects and the main components of ginseng that exert these effects. Human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are used as an in vitro model for screening therapeutic agents that promote angiogenesis and wound healing. We recently isolated gintonin, a novel ginseng-derived lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand, from ginseng. LPA plays a key role in angiogenesis and wound healing. Methods: In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effects of gintonin on proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs, which express endogenous LPA1/3 receptors. Results: Gintonin stimulated proliferation and migration of HUVECs. The LPA1/3 receptor antagonist, Ki16425, short interfering RNA against LPA1 or LPA3 receptor, and the Rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, significantly decreased the gintonin-induced proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs, which indicates the involvement of LPA receptors and Rho kinase activation. Further, gintonin increased the release of vascular endothelial growth factors from HUVECs. The cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor NS-398, nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor BAY11-7085, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor SP600125 blocked the gintonin-induced migration, which shows the involvement of cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor kappa B, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling. Conclusion: The gintonin-mediated proliferation, migration, and vascular-endothelial-growth-factor release in HUVECs via LPA-receptor activation may be one of in vitro mechanisms underlying ginsenginduced angiogenic and wound-healing effects.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.345-356
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• 2019

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3-fatty acid, modulates multiple cellular functions. In this study, we addressed the effects of DHA on human umbilical vein endothelial cell calcium transient and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation under control and adenosine triphosphate (ATP, $100{\mu}M$) stimulated conditions. Cells were treated for 48 h with DHA concentrations from 3 to $50{\mu}M$. Calcium transient was measured using the fluorescent dye Fura-2-AM and eNOS phosphorylation was addressed by western blot. DHA dose-dependently reduced the ATP stimulated $Ca^{2+}$-transient. This effect was preserved in the presence of BAPTA (10 and $20{\mu}M$) which chelated the intracellular calcium, but eliminated after withdrawal of extracellular calcium, application of 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborane ($75{\mu}M$) to inhibit store-operated calcium channel or thapsigargin ($2{\mu}M$) to delete calcium store. In addition, DHA ($12{\mu}M$) increased ser1177/thr495 phosphorylation of eNOS under baseline conditions but had no significant effect on this ratio under conditions of ATP stimulation. In conclusion, DHA dose-dependently inhibited the ATP-induced calcium transient, probably via store-operated calcium channels. Furthermore, DHA changed eNOS phosphorylation suggesting activation of the enzyme. Hence, DHA may shift the regulation of eNOS away from a $Ca^{2+}$ activated mode to a preferentially controlled phosphorylation mode.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.42
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• pp.23.1-23.11
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• 2020

Background: 4-Hexylresorcinol (4HR) is able to increase angiogenesis. However, its molecular mechanism in the human endothelial cells has not been clarified. Methods: As endothelial cells are important in angiogenesis, we treated the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with 4HR and investigated protein expressional changes by immunoprecipitation high-performance liquid chromatography (IP-HPLC) using 96 antisera. Results: Here, we found that 4HR upregulated transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, RAF-B/ERK and p38 signaling, and M2 macrophage polarization pathways. 4HR also increased expression of caspases and subsequent cellular apoptosis. Mechanistically, 4HR increased TGF-β1 production and subsequent activation of SMADs/VEGFs, RAF-B/ERK and p38 signaling, and M2 macrophage polarization. Conclusion: Collectively, 4HR activates TGF-β/SMAD/VEGF signaling in endothelial cells and induced vascular regeneration and remodeling for wound healing.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2019

[Purpose] The purpose of the study was to determine the combined effects of resveratrol supplementation with high-flow LSS on mitochondrial biogenesis in human vascular endothelial cells. [Methods] Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with 20 μM of RSV. For the shear experiments, cells grown to a >90% confluence were exposed to physiological levels of LSS (5 to 20 dyne/cm2) for 12 to 36 hours using a cone and plate shear apparatus. Gene expressions were analyzed by western blotting. [Results] Depletion of mitochondrial integrity was directly associated with increase in endothelial activation/dysfunction. The expressions of mitochondrial biogenesis regulator genes, such as SIRT1, PGC-1α, and TFAM, and the mitochondrial contents were significantly increased after treatment with both resveratrol and high-flow LSS for 12 hours. However, supplementation of resveratrol to high-flow LSS for a prolonged duration had no synergistic effect on the levels of mitochondrial biogenesis regulator gene expressions and mitochondrial content compared to the LSS treatment alone. [Conclusion] The present study demonstrated that the supplementation of resveratrol to high-flow LSS has no synergistic effects on enhancing mitochondrial integrity in human vascular endothelial cells.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.246-253
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• 2007

Doxorubicin and daunorubicin are excellent chemotherapeutic agents utilized for several types of cancer but the irreversible cardiac damage is the major limitation for its use. The biochemical mechanisms of doxorubicin- and daunorubicin- induced cardiotoxicity remain unclear. There are many reports on toxicity of doxorubicin and doxorubicin in cardiomyocytes, but effects in cardiovascular system by these drugs are almost not reported. In this study, we investigated gene expression profiles in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to better understand the causes of doxorubicin and doxorubicininduced cardiovascular toxicity and to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Through the clustering analysis of gene expression profiles, we identified 124 up-regulated common genes and 298 down-regulated common genes changed by more than 1.5-fold by all two cardiac toxicants. HUVECs responded to doxorubicin and doxorubicin damage by increasing levels of apoptosis, oxidative stress, EGF and lipid metabolism related genes. By clustering analysis, we identified some genes as potential markers on apoptosis effects of doxorubicin and doxorubicin. Six genes of these, BBC3, APLP1, FAS, TP53INP, BIRC5 and DAPK were the most significantly affected by doxorubicin and doxorubicin. Thus, this study suggests that these differentially expressed genes may play an important role in the cardiovascular toxic effects and have significant potential as novel biomarkers to doxorubicin and doxorubicin exposure.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.51-55
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• 2007

Among pteridophytes, Selaginella involvens Spring and Equisetum orvense L. are used in folk medicine in Eastern Asian countries including Korea. The water extracts from Selaginella involvens spring (SW) and from Equistum arvense L (EW) did not affect viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, SW dose-dependently inhibited tube formation and migration of HUVECs, whereas EW did not. These results suggest that the water extract from Selaginella involvens Spring may have anti-angiogenic activity.