• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.87-94
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• 2022

Myocardial infarction promotes cardiac remodeling and myocardial fibrosis, thus leading to cardiac dysfunction or heart failure. Peiminine has been regarded as a traditional anti-fibrotic Chinese medicine in pulmonary fibrosis. However, the role of peiminine in myocardial infarction-induced myocardial injury and fibrosis remained elusive. Firstly, rat model of myocardial infarction was established using ligation of the left coronary artery, which were then intraperitoneally injected with 2 or 5 mg/kg peiminine once a day for 4 weeks. Echocardiography and haemodynamic evaluation results showed that peiminine treatment reduced left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and enhanced maximum rate of increase/decrease of left ventricle pressure (± dP/dt max) and left ventricular systolic pressure, which ameliorate the cardiac function. Secondly, myocardial infarction-induced myocardial injury and infarct size were also attenuated by peiminine. Moreover, peiminine inhibited myocardial infarction-induced increase of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α production, as well as the myocardial cell apoptosis, in the rats. Thirdly, peiminine also decreased the myocardial fibrosis related protein expression including collagen I and collagen III. Lastly, peiminine reduced the expression of p38 and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in rat model of myocardial infarction. In conclusion, peiminine has a cardioprotective effect against myocardial infarction-induced myocardial injury and fibrosis, which can be attributed to the inactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.73-83
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• 2014

Objectives : This study was investigated the effects of the root of Polygala tenuifolia (POL) on learning and memory impairment induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in rats. Methods : Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion was produced by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (pBCAO). POL was administered orally once a day (130 mg/kg of water-extract) for 28 days starting at 4 weeks after the pBCAO. The acquisition of learning and the retention of memory were tested on 9th week after the pBCAO using the Morris water maze. In addition, effects of POL on $A{\beta}$ generation and expressions of APP and BACE1 were observed in the hippocampus of rats. Results : POL significantly prolonged the swimming time spent in target quadrant and significantly reduced the swimming time spent in the quadrant far from the target. POL significantly increased the percentage of swim in the targer quadrant in the retention test, while POL was not effective on the escape latencies in the acquisition training trials. POL significantly reduced the levels of $A{\beta}_{(1-40)}$ and $A{\beta}_{(1-42)}$ in the cerebral cortex and the level of $A{\beta}_{(1-42)}$ in the hippocampus produced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. POL also significantly attenuated the up-regulation of APP and BACE1 expression in the hippocampus produced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Conclusions : The results show that POL alleviated memory deficit and up-regulation of $A{\beta}$ and BACE1 expressions in the hippocampus. This result suggests that POL may exert ameliorating effect on memory deficit through inhibition of ${\beta}$-secretase activity and $A{\beta}$ generation.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.102-113
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• 2020

In this study, anti-arthritic effect of the mixed extract of radiation mutant Perilla frutescens var. crispa and Atractylodes macrophala koidz was investigated. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay in RAW 264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory effect of mixed extracts was determined through measurement of the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), release of inflammatory cytokines and expression of NF-κB, COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells after treatment of mixed extracts (5, 10, 25 ㎍/㎖). We showed that the mixed extracts was not toxic in the dose of 5, 10, 25 ug/ml, and significantly inhibited production of nitric oxide and ROS, cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and inflammatory proteins including NF-κB, COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, the mixed extract inhibited the type II collagen induced arthritis in DBA mice in the dose of 66.5 and 133mg/kg/day. Therefore, we suggest that mixed extract of radiation mutant Perilla frutescens var. crispa and Atractylodes macrophala koidz can be developed as a raw material for health functional food and therapeutics to treat the inflammatory arthritis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.987-994
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• 2021

Our previous studies have reported that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from the larvae of white-spotted flower chafer (Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis) exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. This study explored the anti-inflammatory effects of protaetiamycine 9 (CVLKKAYFLTNLKLRG-NH₂), a novel AMP, derived from P. b. seulensis against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Protaetiamycine 9 (25, 50, 75, and 100 ㎍/ml) did not cause cytotoxic effects against RAW264.7 cells. The RAW264.7 cells were pre-treated with various concentrations of protaetiamycine 9 (25-100 ㎍/ml) for 1 hr and then exposed to LPS (100 ng/ml) for 24 hr. Protaetiamycine 9 treatments decreased the LPS-induced secretion of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), in a dose-dependent manner. Protaetiamycine 9 (25-100 ㎍/ml) effectively downregulated the LPS-induced increase in mRNA and the protein expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are involved in the production of inflammatory mediators. Protaetiamycine 9 also suppressed the production and gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, compared to the presence of LPS alone. Furthermore, protaetiamycine 9 inhibited the degradation of inhibitory kappa B alpha (IκB-α) and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. In conclusion, these results suggest that protaetiamycine 9 exhibits LPS-mediated inflammatory responses by blocking IκB-α degradation and MAPK phosphorylation.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.416-423
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• 2023

Figs has known to have antioxidant, whitening, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects in their leaves, roots, stems, latex, and fruits. In order to develop cosmetic materials based on natural products, we have studied on the skin activity of the ficin in latex as well as the whitening function of the fruit extract with 70% ethanol, and used it as a raw material for released cosmetic product. However, there is little research on the demand for the development of new eutectic solvent extraction methods and its ability to control skin inflammation and psoriasis regulation. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of fig fruit extracts and fractions using eutectic solvent extraction for skin inflammation control and psoriasis. First, fig fruits were extracted under optimal eutectic solvent conditions and fractionated with n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and butanol. First, the antioxidant activity and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production were confirmed in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. In addition, as a result of observing the mRNA expression through RT-PCR, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL1α, and IL-1β were suppressed significantly in the hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions. In addition, it was confirmed in TNF-α stimulated HaCaT keratinocyte model. Finally, chemokine CC motif ligand 20 (CCL20), marker gene of human psoriasis skin disease, was significantly suppressed in the hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions. These results suggested its anti-inflammatory and skin soothing effect and the possibility of development as an excellent skin soothing natural cosmetic material in the future through future clinical trials.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.417-427
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• 2022

In this study, we investigated in vitro immuno-stimulatory and anti-obesity activity of fruit (LIF), leaves (LIL) and stems (LIS) from Lonicera insularis Nakai in mouse macrophages RAW264.7 cells and mouse pre-adipocytes 3T3-L1 cells. LIF, LIL and LIS increased the production of immunostimulatory factors such as nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and activated phagocytosis in RAW264.7 cells. Inhibition of toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) partly blocked LIF, LIL and LIS mediated production of immunostimulatory factors. In addition, inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling attenuated the production of immunostimulatory factors induced by LIF, LIL and LIS. Based on these results of this study, LIF, LIL and LIS is thought to activate macrophages the production of immunostimulatory factors and phagocytosis through toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) and MAPKs signaling pathway. In anti-obesity study, LIF reduced the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. LIF increased the protein phosphorylation expressions such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) related to the lipolysis of the adipocytes. In addition, LIF increased the expression of proteins involved in energy metabolism and brown adipose tissues differentiation such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coativator 1α (PGC-1α) and PR domain-containing16 (PRDM16). These results suggest that LIF is involved in lipid accumulation inhibition through expressing the proteins such as lipolysis and differentiation of white adipocytes to brown adipocytes.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.17-24
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• 2020

Objectives : The objective of this study was to evaluate the gastric protective effect of Curcuma Longae Rhizoma (CLR) in 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol induced gastric ulcer (GU) in mice. Methods : Forty ICR mice were divided into five groups (n=8/Group): Nor group; Normal, Veh group; GU control, SC group; GU + sucralfate 10 mg/kg, CL; GU + CLR 30% ethanol extract 100 mg/kg, CH group; GU + CLR 30% ethanol extract 200 mg/kg. Then, mice were orally administered with 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol and caused GU. After 1 hr, mice were sacrificed, and blood and stomach tissue were collected. Results : CLR showed significance scavenging effects in 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activities (DPPH IC₅₀; 78.18 ± 0.60 ㎍/㎖, ABTS IC₅₀; 55.91 ± 1.86 ㎍/㎖). CLR significance reduce inflammatory-related factors such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) via nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inactivation. In addition, the activation of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) significantly led to up-regulation of anti-oxidant enzymes including factors heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), super oxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase-1/2 (GPx-1/2). Conclusions : Our discovery provides that CLR possesses anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, CLR may ameliorate the development of gastric ulcer though the inhibition of NF-κB inflammatory pathway and the elevation of Nrf2 anti-oxidant pathway.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.164-176
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• 2016

This study was perfomed to investigate the effects of Chunghyul-plus(CHP) on oxidative damage and hyperlipidemia in db/db mouse. After treatment with CHP, safety in cytotoxicity, heavy metal toxicity, production of reactive oxygen species(ROS), nitric oxide (N0) and proinflammatory cytokine IL-Ib, TNF-a, IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells. Serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin, GLP-1, glucose, food intake, body weight, organ weight, AST, ALT, ALP, BUN, creatine and histologic change of liver and aorta were measured in db/db mouse after oral administration of CHP. CHP showed safety in cytotoxicity and toxicity of liver and kidney for logn time administration. CHP increased the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. CHP showed significant inhibitory effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS), and showed inhibitory effect on nitiric oxide(NO) compared to control group. CHP decreased cytokine IL-6 production significantly, and decreased IL-1β and TNF-α compared to control group. CHP decreased body and organ weitht, intake food, and glucose levels compared to control group. CHP decreased total cholesterol and triglyceride significantly, and decreased LDL-cholesterol levels and increased HDL-cholesterol levels compared to control group. CHP decreased atherogenic index and cardiac risk factor significantly. CHP increased serum insulin and GLP-1 compared to control group. In histologic examination, lipophagy in the liver and aorta decreased in CHP treated mice and the cell was regular and boundary of vessel wall was clear compared to control group. These results suggest that CHP is effective in antioxidation activity and treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, stroke and other cardiocerebrovascular disease.

• Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.915-921
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• 2015

This experiment was conducted to estimate the heritability and coheritablity of daily milk yield, acetone and ${\beta}$-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations in raw milk. The average concentrations of acetone and BHBA were $135.54{\pm}96.29{\mu}mol$ and $61.08{\pm}66.76{\mu}mol$, respectively, and the differences between high group and low group cows were highly significant (p <0.01). The estimates of heritability of daily milk yield, acetone and BHBA concentrations were in the range of 0.18~0.21, 0.11~0.13 and 0.01~0.02, respectively. The estimate of heritability of $Log_e$acetone did not change much, while that of $Log_eBHBA$ increased to 0.03~0.04. The estimates of phenotypic and genetic correlation coefficients between acetone and BHBA were 0.44 and 0.48, respectively. In low milk yield group, the coheritability estimates of BHBA and $Log_eBHBA$ when selection was for daily milk yield were 0.26 and 0.32, respectively. These were higher than the coheritability estimate of acetone when selection was for daily milk yield. The same trend was noted in the coherihability estimates from the whole records using both high and low milk yield groups together. BHBA concentration seemed to be more effectively responding than acetone concentration when selection was for daily milk yield.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.1343-1354
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• 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin disorder that causes chronic itch. We investigated the inhibitory effects of a mixture of prebiotic short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructooligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS), inulin, or β-glucan on AD development in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-treated NC/Nga mice. Mice were randomly assigned to six groups: untreated mice, AD control, positive control (DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice fed a dietary supplement of Zyrtec), and DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice fed a dietary supplement of prebiotics such as scGOS/lcFOS (T1), inulin (T2), or β-glucan (T3). The prebiotic treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3) showed suppression of AD symptoms, Th2 cell differentiation, and AD-like skin lesions induced by DNCB. In addition, prebiotic treatment also reduced the number of microorganisms such as Firmicutes, which is associated with AD symptoms, and increased the levels of Bacteroidetes and Ruminococcaceae, which are associated with alleviation of AD symptoms. Our findings demonstrate the inhibitory effects of prebiotics on AD development by improving the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and beneficial symbiotic microorganisms in in vitro and in vivo models.