• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.43-50
• /
• 2022

Agar, a heterogeneous polymer of galactose, is the main component of the cell wall of marine red algae. It is well established as a safe, non-digestible carbohydrate in oriental countries. Neoagarooligosaccharides (NAOs) prepared by hydrolyzing agar by microbial β-agarase have been reported to show safety. However, their immunological effects have not been reported yet. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate immune enhancing effects of neoagarooligosaccharides (NAOs) from marine red algae Gelidium elegans in mice by performing ex vivo experiments. Six-week-old mice were fed ad libitum. NAOs were orally administrated at three different concentrations (100, 500, and 2,500 mg/kg B.W./day) twice a week for four weeks. The group fed with NAOs at 2,500 mg/kg showed the highest proliferation of splenocytes and production levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in the ex vivo experiment. In conclusion, NAOs can enhance immune function, increase proliferation of splenocytes, and increase cytokine production by activating macrophages in mice.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.63-69
• /
• 2016

Objectives : The aerial parts of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb (Agrimoniae Herba; AH) has been traditionally used as a Korean medicine to treatment of abdominal pain, sore throat, headaches, bloody discharge, parasitic infections and eczema. In this study, we investigated the effect of AH ethanol extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophage cells.Methods : AH was extracted by 30% ethanol (AH-E). Raw264.7 cells were treated with AH-E extract at different concentrations for 30 min and then stimulated with LPS (1㎍/㎖) or without for indicated times. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by Griess assay. The expression of inflammatory mediators, iNOS and COX-2 and inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was detected by RT-PCR, and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK MAP kinases (MAPKs) was analyzed by Western blot. Also, the expression of NF-κB in nuclear and cytosol was detected by Western blot.Results : AH-E extract significantly decreased LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. AH-E extract inhibited the mRNA expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated cells with a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the phosphorylation of ERK, p38 and JNK MAPKs was also inhibited by AH-E extract. AP-E extract inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in LPS-stimulated cells.Conclusions : Our results suggest that AH-E extract has an anti-inflammatory activity in macrophages-mediated inflammation.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.51 no.4
• /
• pp.340-348
• /
• 2020

This study was conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of red doraji (Platycodon grandiflorum, RD) prepared by repeated steaming and drying process in the immune-suppressed mice induced by pre (RD-A) or post-treatment (RD-B) with cyclophosphamide. The immune-stimulating effects of ethanol RD extract in in vivo at 150 (RD-1) and 300 mg/kg body weight (RD-2) for RD-A and RD-B groups were measured and compared to the NC group supplied with distilled water only or positive control group. After 14 days of oral supplement, serum IgA, IgG, and cytokine levels, splenocytes proliferation rate, NK cell activity, and gene expression of cytokines were measured as immune related biomarkers. Serum IgA, IgG, IL-1β, and IL-12 levels increased in both RD-A and RD-B groups while serum TNF-α level decreased in RD-A group compared to the NC group. Splenocytes proliferation rate, NK cell activity, and cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ) expression levels were also improved by RD supplement in the both groups. The RD showed more significant immunomodulatory effects at higher dose (RD-2) rather than the lower dose (RD-1). Thus, RD has an immune efficacy in a dose dependent manner and can be used as an immune stimulating source to improve immunity.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.46 no.10
• /
• pp.627-636
• /
• 2023

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the gradual destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth including gums, periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone, and root cementum. Recently, interests in alleviating symptoms of periodontitis (PD) using natural compounds is increasing. Avenanthramide-C (Avn-C) is a polyphenol found only in oats. It is known to exhibit various biological properties. To date, the effect of Avn-C on PD pathogenesis has not been confirmed. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the protective effects of Avn-C on periodontal inflammation and subsequent alveolar bone erosion in vitro and in vivo. Upregulated expression of catabolic factors, such as matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), MMP3, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and COX2 induced by lipopolysaccharide and proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), was dramatically decreased by Avn-C treatment in human gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells. Moreover, alveolar bone erosion in the ligature-induced PD mouse model was ameliorated by intra-gingival injection of Avn-C. Molecular mechanism studies revealed that the inhibitory effects of Avn-C on the upregulation of catabolic factors were mediated via ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and NF-κB pathway that was activated by IL-1β or p38 MAPK and JNK signaling that was activated by TNF-α, respectively. Based on this study, we recommend that Avn-C may be a new natural compound that can be applied to PD treatment.

• Korean Journal of Crystallography
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.14-18
• /
• 1990

Econazole nitrate, 1-{2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methoxy]-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl) ethy1}-1H-imidazole mono-nitrate.C18 H16 CI13 N3 O4 Mw=444.7 Monoclinic P/2₁c,a=17.337(4)A, b=15.191(5), c=7.601(3)A, β=91.72(2)', V=2000.9A3, Z=4, Dc=1.49g/cm3, Dm=1.45g/cm3(mo-ka)= 0.7107A, μ=4.31cm-1, F(000)=912.0, T=298'K, final R=0.061 for 1330 unique observed reflection. Each of the three ring system for the stars with B,A and C ring in order whilst A and C ring of econazole lie close to the same plane which is nearly 60˚with B ring. The hydrogen binding nitrogen of C ring and oxygen of nitrate contributes to stailization of econazole nitrate. Intr and intermolecular distances and angles are within the values recorded for simiar compounds.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.368-376
• /
• 2023

Background: Although bee venom (BV) has clinical benefits in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, it has not been tested as treatment for gouty arthritis. Moreover, in vitro, BV has been proven to exhibit anti-inflammatory and positive effects on osteoarthritis, but only limited evidence can confirm its beneficial effects on gout. Thus, this study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of BV on monosodium urate (MSU)-induced THP-1 monocytes. Methods: THP-1 monocytes were differentiated into mature macrophages using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and pretreated for 6 hours with BV and a Caspase-1 inhibitor in a physiologically achievable range of concentrations (BV, 0.1-1 ㎍/mL; Caspase-1 inhibitor, 1-10 μM), followed by MSU crystal stimulation for 24 hours. The secretions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-8, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) were increased in the MSU crystal-stimulated THP-1 cells. Results: Caspase-1 inhibitors suppressed the production of all mediators in a dose-dependent manner. BV worked on equal terms with Caspase-1 inhibitors and showed more satisfactory effects on TNF-α, PGE2, COX-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, the western blot analysis revealed that BV regulated the transcriptional levels of these mediators via the suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway activation. Conclusion: The results of the present study clearly suggest that BV inhibits MSU-induced inflammation in vitro, suggesting a possible role for BV in gout treatment.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.61 no.2
• /
• pp.138-146
• /
• 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite which can infect most warm-blooded animals and humans. Among the different mouse models, C57BL/6 mice are more susceptible to T. gondii infection compared to BALB/c mice, and this increased susceptibility has been attributed to various factors, including T-cell responses. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most prominent type of antigen-presenting cells and regulate the host immune response, including the response of T-cells. However, differences in the DC responses of these mouse strains to T. gondii infection have yet to be characterized. In this study, we cultured bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. These cells were infected with T. gondii. The activation of the BMDCs was assessed based on the expression of cell surface markers and cytokines. In the BMDCs of both mouse strains, we detected significant increases in the expression of cell surface T-cell co-stimulatory molecules (major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II, CD40, CD80, and CD86) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-1β, and IL-10) from 3 h post-T. gondii infection. The expression of MHC II, CD40, CD80, CD86, IFN-γ, IL-12p40, and IL-1β was significantly higher in the T. gondii-infected BMDCs obtained from the C57BL/6 mice than in those from the BALB/c mice. These findings indicate that differences in the activation status of the BMDCs in the BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice may account for their differential susceptibility to T. gondii.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.417-423
• /
• 2018

Extracellular interleukin 1 alpha (IL-$1{\alpha}$) released from keratinocytes is one of the endpoints for in vitro assessments of skin irritancy. Although cells dying via primary skin irritation undergo apoptosis as well as necrosis, IL-$1{\alpha}$ is not released in apoptotic cells. On the other hand, active secretion has been identified in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), which was discovered to be a common, upregulated, differentially-expressed gene in a microarray analysis performed with keratinocytes treated using cytotoxic doses of chemicals. This study examined whether and how IL-1ra, particularly extracellularly released IL-1ra, was involved in chemically-induced keratinocyte cytotoxicity and skin irritation. Primary cultured normal adult skin keratinocytes were treated with cytotoxic doses of chemicals (hydroquinone, retinoic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, or urshiol) with or without recombinant IL-1ra treatment. Mouse skin was administered irritant concentrations of hydroquinone or retinoic acid. IL-1ra (mRNA and/or intracellular/extracellularly released protein) levels increased in the chemically treated cultured keratinocytes with IL-$1{\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ mRNAs and in the chemically exposed epidermis of the mouse skin. Recombinant IL-1ra treatment significantly reduced the chemically-induced apoptotic death and intracellular/extracellularly released IL-$1{\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in keratinocytes. Collectively, extracellular IL-1ra released from keratinocytes could be a compensatory mechanism to reduce the chemically-induced keratinocyte apoptosis by antagonism to IL-$1{\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$, suggesting potential applications to predict skin irritation.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.75-86
• /
• 1998

Studies were conducted on anti-dibetic effect of the water extract from leaves of Eriobotryae folium, which had been used in Korea as a remedy for dibetes. The extract was found to inhibit the increase in the plasma level of sugar bu the not the decrease in the plasma level of insulin in alloxan-induced dibetic rats. Also, we investigated the in vivo effect of an aqueous extract (referred to as EF) from Eriobotryae folium on glucokinase and hexokinase activities of diabetes mellitus induced by interleukin-$1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$). After 1 week of $IL-1{\beta}$ injection, the levels of serum glucose concentration and insulin secretion were dramatically increased. However, the insulin secretion was decreased with administration of EF. The level of glucose concentration was decreased by EF administration. Furthermore, it was observed that EF was effective in recovering the levels of insulin secretion. Enzyme activities of the glucokinase and hexokinase, which are key enzymes of glucose phosphorylastion, were decreased by $IL-1{\beta}$. EF administration to the mice allowed proportional increasing by stimulation of induction of enzyme activities as high as normal group. These results suggested that EF is highly effective in treatment of diabetes mellitus induce by $IL-1{\beta}$.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.55 no.6
• /
• pp.867-874
• /
• 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disease due to wear caused by the continuous use of cartilage. Although many drugs for treating OA are being studied, they have side effects, such as digestive disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Glucosamine, a drug derived from natural products, is known to be less effective. Therefore, the marine organism, Sargassum fulvellum, was studied to determine whether it contains substances with a chondroprotective effect on the inflammatory response of chondrocytes induced by interleukin-1β (IL-1β). A 30% ethanol extract of S. fulvellum (SF30%EtOH) has therapeutic and few side effects. We first confirmed the presence of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which is expressed during inflammatory reactions. We then examined the expression of collagen type II, which is the main component of the extracellular matrix and cartilage. Finally, the expression of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes, MMPs and ADAMTS-4 and -5, was confirmed. The results showed that SF30%EtOH reduced the expression levels of NO, iNOS, MMPs, and ADAMT-4 and -5, and increased the expression level of collagen type II in chondrocytes induced with IL-1β. Therefore, SF30%EtOH has a chondroprotective effect against inflammation, indicating its potential use for the prevention and treatment of OA.