• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.74-94
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• 2016

Objectives : YangHyulEum Gami-Bang(YHEG) is a hair care extracts which is composed of fourteen plant extracts used in oriental medicine. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of YangHyulEum Gami-Bang(YHEG) on the alopecia and hair growth.Methods & Results : The herbal extracts from YangHyulEum Gami-Bang(YHEG) was tested using in vivo and in vitro test models. 1. The YHEG extracts showed effect on the DNA proliferation of the hair dermal papilla cells measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation. 2. YHEG showed promoting on the expression of growth factors such as IGF-1, KGF-1 and inhibiting on the expression of inhibitory hair growth factor such as TGF-β1, BMP-2 estimated by qPCR. 3. The YHEG extracts showed effect on the activation of β-catenin in the dermal papilla cells. 4. YHEG showed inhibitory effects of NO synthesis at 0.2% concentrations. 5. YHEG showed effects in the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2 and iNOS gene in the LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. 6. The hair growth index of the YHEG extracts ranked at over 2 when compared to control group which was ranked at 0. 7. The hair follicle number, length and size of the experimental group were remarkably higher than the control group in the histological observation.Conclusions : These results suggest that YangHyulEum Gami-Bang(YHEG) has hair growth promoting activity and it can be used as a potent treatment agent for preventing hair loss and stimulating hair growth for treatment of alopecia.

• 대한상한금궤의학회지
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.21-44
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• 2021

Objective : This study aimed to assess the preventive effect of Bupleuri Radix aqueous extracts (BR) and red koji-fermented BR (fBR) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury in a rat model. Methods : Rats were administered 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg/day of fBR for 28 days before LPS treatments. All rats were sacrificed 5 h after LPS treatment (500 ㎍/head, intratracheal instillation). Body weights, lung weights, pulmonary transcapillary albumin transit, arterial gas parameters (pH, partial pressure [Pa] of O2, PaCO2), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), total cell numbers, neutrophil/alveolar macrophage ratios, lung malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured. In addition, histopathological changes including the luminal surface of alveoli (LSA), thickness of alveolar septum, and number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were checked. Results : LPS injection led to increases in lung weights, pulmonary transcapillary albumin transit, BALF protein, LDH, TNF-α and IL-1β contents, total cells, neutrophil and alveolar macrophage ratios, lung MDA, MPO, alveolar septum thickness, and PMNs, and decreases in PaCO2 and pH of arterial blood and LSA. However, these LPS-induced acute lung injuries were inhibited by pretreatment of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg of fBR. The most favorable effects were seen with 30 mg/kg fBR as compared with 60 mg/kg of α-lipoic acid and BR. Conclusions : fBR showed preventive effects on LPS-induced acute lung injury, which resembles acute respiratory distress syndrome. The mechanisms of action were likely via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory means.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.295-302
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• 2021

Microglial priming is the process of microglial proliferation and activation in response to neurodegeneration and abnormal protein accumulation. Priming makes microglia susceptible to secondary inflammatory stimuli and causes exaggerated inflammatory responses. In the present study, we established a microglial priming model in mice by administering a single injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 20 mg/kg). MPTP induced microglial activation without dopaminergic degeneration; however, subsequent treatment with a sub-toxic dose of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced an amplified inflammatory response and caused nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration. These pathological and inflammatory changes, including microglial activation and dopaminergic cell loss in the substantia nigra (SN) area were reversed by papaverine (PAP) administration. In addition, MPTP/LPS enhanced interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression and processing via nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in the SN region of mice. However, PAP treatment suppressed inflammasome activation and subsequent IL-1β maturation. Moreover, PAP inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and enhanced cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) activity in the SN of MPTP/LPS mice. These results suggest that PAP inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by modulating NF-κB and CREB signaling pathways, which results in reduced microglial activation and neuronal cell death. Thus, PAP may be a potential candidate for the treatment of Parkinsons's disease, which is aggravated by systemic inflammation.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.111-122
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• 2021

Recently, interleukin 34 (IL-34) was identified as the second functional ligand for macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (M-CSFR). IL-34 functions similarly to M-CSF through its binding to the M-CSFR. There is still insufficient information on IL-34 in chickens, which has until now been reported only through predicted sequences and not through experimental research. Thus, to confirm its expression and to determine its potent biological activity, several chicken lines and cell lines were used. Cloning of recombinant chicken IL-34 and M-CSF genes was performed to investigate their modulatory effects on proinflammatory cytokine expression in vitro. The expression levels of IL-34, M-CSF, and M-CSFR genes were upregulated in broiler chickens with leg dysfunction (cause unknown). However, IL-34 was downregulated in most pathogen-stimulated tissues. M-CSFR expression was enhanced by recombinant IL-34 and M-CSF proteins in vitro. IFN-γ expression was enhanced by recombinant IL-34, but not by M-CSF. However, IL-12 expression was not regulated in any of the treated cells, and IL-1β was decreased in all tissues. These results indicate that IL-34 and M-CSF have roles in both the classical and alternative macrophage activation pathways. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the expression of IL-34 in chickens for pathogenic trials, both in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that the IL-34 protein plays a role in both pro- and anti-inflammatory functions in macrophages. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the cytokines or chemokines that can be induced by IL-34 and to further elucidate the functions of IL-34 in the inflammatory pathway.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.536-543
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• 2023

Phytoceramide (Pcer) is found mainly in plants and yeast. It can be neuroprotective and immunostimulatory on various cell types. In this study, the therapeutic effect of Pcer was explored using the carrageenan/kaolin (C/K)-induced arthritis rat model and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Pcer treatment (1, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day) were given to the arthritic rats for 6 days after disease induction. Weight distribution ration (WDR), knee thickness, squeaking score, serum levels of proinflammatory mediators, and histological analysis were measured and performed to evaluate arthritic symptoms in the rat model. In interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated FLS, proinflammatory mediators were measured after Pcer (1-30 µM) treatment. Arthritic symptoms in rats with Pcer treatment were significantly decreased at days 4 to 6 after C/K arthritis induction. Inflammation in the knee joints were also significantly decreased in rats with Pcer treatment. Furthermore, in IL-1β-stimulated FLS, the expressions of proinflammatory mediators were also inhibited by Pcer. As shown by the results, Pcer has anti-arthritic effects in the C/K rat model and in synovial cells, suggesting that Pcer has the potential to be a useful agent in arthritis treatment.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.15-24
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• 2011

Background: Type I allergy is involved in allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis which are accompanied by an acute and chronic allergic inflammatory responses. Rehmannia glutinosa is a traditional medicine in the East Asian region. This study examined whether a Rehmannia Glutinosa pharmacopuncture solution (RGPS) had anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory effects in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. Methods: We determined the effect of RGPS on cell viability using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. We also examined the effect of RGPS on the release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and the secretion of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ using ELISA. In addition, we evaluated the effect of RGPS on the mRNA expression of various cytokines; IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TNF-${\alpha}$ using RT-PCR. Furthermore, we assessed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}$B using Western blotting after RGPS treatment. Results: We found that RGPS ($10^{-4}$ to $10^{-1}$ dilution) did not cause any cytotoxicity. We observed significant inhibition of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release and suppression of the protein secretion of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ and mRNA expression of multiple cytokines in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells after RGPS treatment. Additionally, RGPS suppressed not only the phosphorylation of MAPKs, but also the transcriptional activation of NF-${\kappa}$B in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that RGPS inhibits degranulation and expression of cytokines including IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ via down-regulation of MAPKs and NF-${\kappa}$B activation in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. In conclusion, RGPS may have beneficial effects in the exerting anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory activities.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.282-288
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• 2023

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the immuneenhancing health functional food market that protects our bodies from pathogens such as viruses continues to grow. In this study, we aimed to prove the Cheonggukjang, a high-nutrient food with high protein, fat, and dietary fiber content, as an immuneenhancing nutraceutical. Cheonggukjang water extract (CWE) increased the production of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and cytokines such interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α without affecting viability in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, CWE significantly upregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in RAW 264.7 cells. CWE enhanced the phosphorylation of I kappa B kinase α/β and I kappa B (IκB)α, as well as the degradation of IκBα. CWE also induced increased phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 and facilitated the redistribution of p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in RAW 264.7 cells. These findings suggest that CWE has potential as a health functional food material that can enhance the innate immune response.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.179-185
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• 2016

An effective analytical method has been developed for the determination of β-blockers(atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol) and 6 β-lactams(amoxicillin, penicillin G, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cephalexin and cephradine) in water samples using two different cartridges. The samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with the usage of polymeric hydrophile-lipophile balance(HLB cartridges) and strong cation-exchange mixed-mode polymeric sorbent (MCX cartridges). A XDB-C₁₈ column(1.8 μm; 3.0 mm × 100 mm) was used for the sufficient chromatographic resolution. The calibration curves showed good linearity with high correlation coefficients (>0.995). The method detection limits (MDL) and the limits of quantification(LOQ) were from 1.1 to 3.9 ng/L and from 5 to 13 ng/L, respectively. The method was applied for the determination of the target compounds in tributaries and raw water of the Han River and these were found at N.D. to 0.209 μg/L.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.780-786
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• 2003

This study was carried out to know the immunity responses of the Spatholubus suberectus Dunn(hereinafter referred to STSD) to the synovial cells isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Various experiments were performed in vitro to analyse the immunity effects of STSD. Gene expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS and COX-2 were determined by RT-PCR and ELISA kit. And also the binding activity of NF-kB and AP-1 were measured by Electromobility shift assay (EMSA) and the production of ROS was measured by flow cytometry. The results were obtained as follows 1. The gene expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α were reduced significantly. 2. The gene expression of iNOS and COX-2 were reduced. 3. The binding activity of NF-kB and AP-1 were inhibited. 4. The production of ROS in human synovial cells was reduced significantly. Comparison of the results for this study showed that STSD had immunomodulatory effects of suppressing or enhancing. So we expect that STSD should be used as a effective drugs for not only rheumatoid arthritis but also another auto-immune disease. Therefore we have to survey continuously in looking for the effective substance and mechanism in the future.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.145-159
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• 2012

Objectives : This research investigates the effect of the JCT extract regarding Alzheimer's disease. Methods : The effects of the JCT extract on IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, COX-2, NOS-II mRNA, APP mRNA, BACE mRNA, Nitric oxide(NO), and ${\beta}A$ protein production in the BV2 microglia cell lines treated with LPS and ${\beta}A$ were investigated. Results : 1. The JCT extract suppressed the expression of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, COX-2, and NOS-II mRNA in BV2 microglial cell line treated with LPS and ${\beta}A$. 2. The JCT extract suppressed the expression of BACE and APP mRNA in BV2 microglial cell line treated with LPS and ${\beta}A$. 3. The JCT extract suppressed the expression of Nitric oxide(NO) in BV2 microglial cell line treated with LPS and ${\beta}A$. 4. The JCT extract suppressed the expression of ${\beta}A$ protein production in BV2 microglial cell line treated with LPS and ${\beta}A$. Conclusions : These results suggest that the JCT group may be effective for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Thus, JCT could be considered among the future therapeutic drugs indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.