• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.1210-1218
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• 2007

Recently Atopic Dermatitis(AD) is increasing along with allergic disease. At present, there is no infallible cure for AD. Then AD patients undergo great suffering. This study is carried out to see whether or not the administering Danggwieumja(DG) along with Samhwangseje-gamibang(SG} as a medicine for external aplication, is effective in treating atopic dermatitis. To examine the effectiveness of the above prescription, the author made an observation of diverse immune responses. through the model of NC/Nga atopic mice. Results provided evidence that the DG administration along with SG can be used as a treatment means to atopic dermatitis. The results are as follows: The extent of Clinical skin severities in 13 and 16 week old NC/Nga mice treated with DG and SG, were reduced by 50.9%, 53.9% respectively, compared to the control NC/Nga mice with no drug treatment. IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IgM and IgG1 levels in the serum of the NC/Nga mice treated with DG and SG were significantly decreased compared to those of the untreated control mice. In contrary, to the $IFN-{\gamma}$ level, significantly increased. The spleen weight of the NC/Nga mice treated with DG and SG significantly decreased compared to those of the untreated control mice. CCR3 gene expression in the skin tissue of NC/Nga mice treated with DG and SG were highly decreased, and the IL-6 expression significantly decreased, and the $IFN-{\gamma}$ gene expression increased compared to those of the untreated control mice. Histological observation of the ear and dorsal skin tissue of the NC/Nga mice treated with DG and SG, showed that the extents of inflammation and infiltrated immune cells in the epidermal tissue and dermis, were highly reduced compared to those of the untreated control mice. In the model inducing COX-2 activity in RAW 264.7 cell, the denser DG became, the more COX-2 activity was inhibited, compared to those of the untreated control group. $IL-1{\beta}$, and $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6 gene expression in RAW 264.7 cell with DG, significantly decreased, compared to those of the untreated control group. According to the assessment of cell toxicity in L929 cell, the rate of cell multiplication increased by 3% in consistency to 100ppm of DG compared to the untreated control group and in more than the 200 ppm consistency, cell toxicity was occurred.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.94-103
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• 2008

비만세포의 한 종류인 rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) 세포를 이용하여 교계사물탕-가감의 항알레르기 효과를 확인하고자 하였다. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)와 calcium ionophore A23187을 이용하여 RBL-2H3 세포를 자극한 후 세포의 탈과립 정도를 $\beta$-hexosaminidase assay로 확인한 결과, 전 처리한 교계사물탕-가감의 농도 의존적으로 탈과립을 억제하였다. Pro-inflammatory cytokines인 tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha와 interleukin(IL)-4의 분비량을 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)로 확인한 결과 교계사물탕-가감의 농도 의존적으로 감소하였으며, 이들 cytokines와 염증 반응에 주요한 인자인 cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 의 mRNA 발현 정도 역시 교계사물탕-가감에 의해 감소함을 확인할 수 있었다. 이러한 실험 결과로 보아 교계사물탕-가감은 알레르기 관련 질환의 치료에 응용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.387-404
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was to observe anticancer and related immunomodulatory effects of Kwibi-tang extracts (KBTe) on non-small cell lung carcinoma (squamous epithelial carcinoma), NCI-H520, xenograft Balb/c nu-nu nude mice. Methods : Three different dosages of KBTe, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg were orally administered once a day for 42 days from 11 days after tumor cell inoculation. Six groups, each of 8 mice per group were used in the present study. Changes in body weight, tumor volume and weight, lymphatic organs (spleen and popliteal lymph node), serum interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ levels, splenocytes NK cell activity and peritoneal macrophage activities, splenic tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-10 contents were observed with tumor mass and lymphatic organ histopathology to detect anticancer and immunomodulatory effects. The results were compared with a potent cytotoxic anticancer agent, 5-FU (5-Fluorouracil) 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal treatment (3-day intervals for 42 days, the optimal effective treatment regimes already confirmed). Results & Conclusions : This study suggest that over 50 mg/kg of KBTe showed favorable anticancer effects on the NCI-H520 cell xenograft with immunomodulatory effects. Although relatively lower anticancer effects were observed in KBTe 200 mg/kg treated mice as compared with 5-FU 30 mg/kg treated mice, no meaningful favorable immunomodulatory effects were observed after 5-FU treatment in the present study.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.163-180
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• 2007

Objective : Oriental medicines have been applied to Membranous nephropathy(MN) for the purpose on increasing renal blood flow and modulating immune activity in according to Oriental medicine theories. Magsungsinyeom-bang (MSSYB) is one of the prescription which is known to show positive results in clinic with lack of laboratorial evidence. Thus, this study was aimed to evaluate the effects of MSSYB and partially investigate the mechanisms of it. Methods : The effect of MSSYB was evaluated by the morphology for the GBM thickening, protein excretion in urine and biochemical parameters in serum using cBSA-induced MN mice model. Mice were administered with MSSYB(250 or 500 mg/kg) or PBS for control group from experimental week 3 for 4 weeks. Results : 24 hrs proteinuria and the concentrations BUN was significantly decreased in the MS groups compared to the control group while the concentrations of serum albumin was higher in the MS groups than control group. MSSYB didn't affect the ratio of CD3e+/CD or 19CD4+/CD8 in the spleen and kidney, but inhibit the expression of IL-1${\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, and production of IgG and IgM. In histological analysis of kidney tissue, thickening of GBM was significantly decreased in the MS group compared to control group. Conclusions : MSSYB showed the positive results on the cBSA-induced membranous nephropathy in mice, thus, it could be a useful candidate for oriental drug for treating the membranous nephropathy in clinic.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.612-623
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• 2009

Objectives : The water extract of Sopung-tang (SPT) has been traditionally used in the treatment of acute stroke in Oriental Medicine. Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a critical role in the onset of post-ischemic inflammatory cascades. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of SPT on pro-inflammatory cytokine production in a photothrombotic ischemia mouse model. Methods : After SPT oral administration to the mice for five days, with using Rose Bengal and cold light, photothrombotic ischemia lesion was induced in stereotactically held male BALB/c mice. Also, results including, gross finding lesion size, histopathological finding changes, and inflammatory cytokine expression changes from the photothrombotic ischemia mouse model were observed. Results : The photothrombotic ischemia lesion was decreased by the oral injection of SPT. Also, SPT inhibited the expression of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, the active form of caspase-3 protease, and transglutaminase-2 in the photothrombotic ischemia lesion. Conclusions : These results suggest that SPT protects the ischemic death of brain cells through suppression of the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and catalytic activation of caspase-3 protease in the photothrombotic ischemia mouse model.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1346-1353
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• 2014

In the present study, an anthraquinone derivative, questinol was successfully isolated from the broth extract of the marine-derived fungus Eurotium amstelodami for the first time. The structure of questinol was determined based on the analysis of the MS and NMR spectral data as well as comparison of those data with the published data. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effect of questinol in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was investigated. The results showed that questinol did not exhibit cytotoxicity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells up to $200{\mu}M$. Questinol could significantly inhibit NO and $PGE_2$ production at indicated concentrations. Questinol was also found to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$, and IL-6. Furthermore, the western blot analysis showed that questinol suppressed the expression level of iNOS in a dose-dependent manner. However, questinol could slightly inhibit the expression of COX-2 at the concentration of $200{\mu}M$. Therefore, our study suggests that questinol might be selected as a promising agent for the prevention and therapy of inflammatory disease.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.20 no.2 s.33
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• pp.116-131
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• 2007

황기건중탕은 보비익기(補裨益氣) 및 거습열(祛濕熱)하는 효능(效能)으로 신체(身體)의 허약(虛弱)을 개선하며 염증(炎症)을 유발할 수 있는 외사(外邪)의 침입을 방어하여 인체의 면역기능(免疫機能)을 강화하는 처방으로 면역관련 세포중 하나인 microglial cell를 대상으로 면역세포에 황기건중탕이 어떠한 효능을 발휘하는 지를 살펴보았다. 물로 전탕(煎湯)한 황기건중탕을 여과한 후 실험한 결과 BV2 microglial cells에서 LPS로 자극하여 염증을 유발하는 주요 물질인 NO의 분비를 세포독성 없이 억제하였다. 또한NO를 생성하는 효소인 Cox-2의 발현도 감소시켰다. 그리고 기타 염증전구 물질들이 $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-12도 황기건중탕의 용량이 증가함에 따라 의존적으로 감소함을 알 수 있었다. 이러한 결과를 보아 황기건중탕은 면역관련세포인 microglial cell에서 염증 관련 인자들의 분비 및 생성을 억제를 통하여 면역관련 상태를 개선시키는 것으로 사료된다.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.121-134
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• 2008

Objectives: Melia toosendan(MT) has been used as a traditional Korean herbal medicine, and today it is used as a medication for colic, side aches, heartache and other disorders of liver. The aim of this study was to determine whether fractionated extracts of MT inhibit free radical generation such as DPPH radical, superoxide radical and nitric oxide, production of nitrite, an index of NO, PGE2, iNOS, COX-2 and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods: MT extract prepared with methanol, and then fractionated with hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, n-butanol and water. Inhibitory effect of MT onto free radical generation was determined by measuring DPPH, superoxide anions and nitric oxide scavenging activities in vitro. Cytotoxic activity of extracts on RAW 264.7 cells was measured using 5-(3-caroboxymeth-oxyphenyl)-2H-tetra-zolium inner salt(MTS) assay. Intracelluar oxidation was analysed by DCF-DA assay. The nitric oxide(NO) production was measured by Griess reagent system. The levels of iNOS and COX-2 expression were confirmed by western blot. And pro inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA kit. Results: Our results indicated that fractionated extracts, especially dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts, significantly inhibited free radical generation, the LPS-induced $H_2O_2$, NO, $PGE_2$ production and iNOS, COX-2 expression accompanied by an attenuation of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$ and IL-6 formation in macrophages. Conclusions: These results indicate that dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of MT have potential as an agent of chronic inflammatory diseases.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.219-226
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In this study, potential anti-inflammatory effect of enzymatic hydrolysates from Styela clava flesh tissue was assessed via nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccahride (LPS) induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and in vivo zebrafish model. MATERIALS/METHODS: We investigated the ability of enzymatic hydrolysates from Styela clava flesh tissue to inhibit LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the molecular mechanism through which this inhibition occurred. In addition, we evaluated anti-inflammatory effect of enzymatic hydrolysates against a LPS-exposed in in vivo zebrafish model. RESULTS: Among the enzymatic hydrolysates, Protamex-proteolytic hydrolysate exhibited the highest NO inhibitory effect and was fractionated into three ranges of molecular weight by using ultrafiltration (UF) membranes (MWCO 5 kDa and 10 kDa). The above 10 kDa fraction down-regulated LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), thereby reducing production of NO and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The above 10 kDa fraction suppressed LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$. In addition, the above 10 kDa fraction inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. Furthermore, NO production in live zebrafish induced by LPS was reduced by addition of the above 10 kDa fraction from S. clava enzymatic hydrolysate. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that hydrolysates derived from S. clava flesh tissue would be new anti-inflammation materials in functional resources.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.1399-1404
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• 2005

In oriental medicine, Cheongpyehwadam-tang (CHT) has long been used for the cure of inflammatory diseases in the lung and bronchus such as bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia and tuberculosis. It's use is currently further extended for the treatment of allergic asthma. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of CHT, we investigated the effects of CHT on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines ($TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$) production, and on the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and proinflammatory cytokines expression in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. CHT alone did not affect NO or pro-inflammatory cytokines production. In contrast, CHT inhibited LPS-induced NO and proinflammatory cytokines and the levels of LPS-induced iNOS and proinflarnmatory cytokine mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. CHT also inhibited the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) activation. Taken together, these results suggested that CHT inhibits the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells through blockade of NF-kB activation.