• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.717-725
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• 2021

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a traditional herb that has several beneficial properties including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and autophagy regulatory effects. However, the mechanisms of these effects are not well understood. In this report, the underlying mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and autophagy-promoting effects were investigated in aged mice treated with KRG-water extract (WE) over a long period. Methods: The mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and autophagy-promoting activities of KRG-WE were evaluated in kidney, lung, liver, stomach, and colon of aged mice using semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and western blot analysis. Results: KRG-WE significantly suppressed the mRNA expression levels of inflammation-related genes such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and IL-6 in kidney, lung, liver, stomach, and colon of the aged mice. Furthermore, KRG-WE downregulated the expression of transcription factors and their protein levels associated with inflammation in lung and kidney of aged mice. KRG-WE also increased the expression of autophagy-related genes and their protein levels in colon, liver, and stomach. Conclusion: The results suggest that KRG can suppress inflammatory responses and recover autophagy activity in aged mice.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.47-57
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• 2021

Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common cause of radicular pain, but the mechanism is not clear. In this study, we investigated the engagement of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in radicular pain and its possible mechanisms. Methods: An LDH model was induced by autologous nucleus pulposus (NP) implantation, which was obtained from coccygeal vertebra, then relocated in the lumbar 4/5 spinal nerve roots of rats. Mechanical and thermal pain behaviors were assessed by using von Frey filaments and hotplate test respectively. The protein level of TLR4 and phosphorylated-p65 (p-p65) was evaluated by western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Spinal microglia activation was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining of specific relevant markers. The expression of proand anti-inflammatory cytokines in the spinal dorsal horn was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Spinal expression of TLR4 and p-NF-κB (p-p65) was significantly increased after NP implantation, lasting up to 14 days. TLR4 was mainly expressed in spinal microglia, but not astrocytes or neurons. TLR4 antagonist TAK242 decreased spinal expression of p-p65. TAK242 or NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamic acid alleviated mechanical and thermal pain behaviors, inhibited spinal microglia activation, moderated spinal inflammatory response manifested by decreasing interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α expression and increasing IL-10 expression in the spinal dorsal horn. Conclusions: The study revealed that TLR4/NF-κB pathway participated in radicular pain by encouraging spinal microglia activation and inflammatory response.

• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.366-372
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• 2020

Since, side effects of antibiotics are frequently emphasized these days, their use is gradually diminishing, and alternative drugs are being developed. We have sought to reintroduce them as raw materials for human health as conventional 'weapons' that have been retired after their historical duties. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of lincomycin (LIN), on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Our findings show that LIN potently inhibited production of LPS-induced proinflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), without cytotoxicity. Consistent with these findings, LIN strongly decreased protein expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). Furthermore, LIN reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. To further elucidate the mechanisms of these inhibitory effects of LIN, we studied LPS-induced IκB-α degradation, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. LIN suppressed downregulation of inhibitory κB (IκB-α) degradation, and the phosphorylation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Based on these results, we suggest that LIN may be considered a potential candidate as an anti-inflammatory cosmetic or a medicine for human health.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.422-433
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• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-oxidative activities of Ikgihwaetang-gamibang (IK). We observed the effect of IK on lipid factor, inflammation factor, body weight and organ weight, and liver after administering IK to hyperlipidemia mice triggered by high fat diet. Additionally, we used Raw 264.7 cells to investigate the changes in anti-oxidative activity and the effects of anti-inflammation. Administration of IK resulted in reduction of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, TG, and glucose in blood serum while a clear increase in HDL cholesterol. The production of IL-1β and IL-6, and ROS and NO also decreased. The results showed that IK has anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-oxidative effects, and suggested its potential use in prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and its associated diseases.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.481-485
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• 2003

Experimental studies were done to research the clinical effects of Juglandis Semen aqua-acupuncture and acupuncture(BL13, BL17, BL13ㆍ17 and free points) on the anti-allergic inflammation response. The following results have been obtained ; JSAA was increased in the lymphocyte proliferation in cultured murine thymocytes and splenocytes. The production of IL-1β was decreased in Juglandis Semen aqua-acupuncture and acupuncture(BL13, BL17 and BL13ㆍ17) group. The production of IL-4 was decreased in Juglandis Semen aqua-acupuncture and acupuncture(BL13, BL17 and BL13ㆍ17) group. The production of total IgG was decreased in Juglandis Semen aqua-acupuncture(BL13 and BL13ㆍ17) and acupuncture(BL13, BL17 and BL13ㆍ17) group. According to the above results, Semen aqua-acupuncture and acupuncture(BL13, BL17 and BL13ㆍ17) both enhances the specific immune response in T and B cells and depress the allergic inflammation reaction.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.189-199
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• 2019

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA), the laser acupuncture (LA) and the combination therapy (LA+EA) in a collagenase-induced osteoarthritis rat model. Methods : Osteoarthritis rat model was induced by injection of collagenase into left lower articular cavity (50 μl to knee and 10 μl to ankle). In order to assess the anti-osteoarthritic effects of EA, the 650 nm LA and 650 nm LA+EA, the histopathological findings and plantar withdrawal responses were analyzed. Results : All of the treatment methods used in this study were effective in reducing pain. All treatment groups were effective in decreasing inflammatory cytokines of TNF-a and IL-6; the 650 nm LA and 650 nm LA+EA groups significantly reduced IL-1β. Conclusions : 650 nm LA and EA inhibit the production of collagenase-induced inflammatory mediators of osteoarthritis.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.108-114
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• 2022

Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larva is well-known as an edible insect. The present study aimed to explore the immune-enhancing effect of 30% ethanol extract of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae (PBE) in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. PBE were not cytotoxic to RAW264.7 cells and nitric oxide production increased on PBE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PBE significantly promoted the expression of immune-related mediators (Inos and COX-2) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and the phosphorylation of MAPKs (ERK, p38, and JNK). Taken together, the immune-enhancing effects of 30% ethanol extract of PBE in vitro were identified. These findings can be used as data for the development of edible insect-based functional foods that improve immune function.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제35권6호
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• pp.228-234
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• 2021

Hwangryunhaedoktang is one of the prescriptions used in traditional medicine for skin diseases. In this study, Hwangryunhaedoktang-Gamibang (HG) was fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, a probiotic lactic acid bacterium, to evaluate its potential as a functional cosmetic composition. Strains with anti-inflammatory activity were selected by isolating lactic acid bacteria from kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food. HG was inoculated with lactic acid bacteria and the viability was measured. The supernatant was obtained by centrifugation of fermented Hwangryunhaedoktang-Gamibang (HGF) and HG, and the filtered supernatant was freeze-dried and used in the experiment. By measuring DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity, it was confirmed that the antioxidant activity was increased. RAW264.7 cells were inoculated with HG and HGF to confirm anti-inflammatory activity through NO assay, and production levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were measured through ELISA assay. It was confirmed that HGF had a greater decrease in production than HG. Through lactobacilli fermentation, the beneficial probiotic properties and antioxidant and pro-inflammatory activities of lactic acid bacteria suggest potential clinical or technical applications.

• 한국자원식물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국자원식물학회 2022년도 추계학술대회
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• pp.109-109
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• 2022

Astilboides tabularis (A. tabularis) has been thought to be material for functional food and could help to prevent diabetes for centuries. A. tabularis has been reported to contain phytochemicals (catechin, chlorogenic acid, and rutin), which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We focused on anti-inflammatory effects of ethyl acetate fraction of A. tabularis (EAT) through NF-κB signaling pathway. Phytochemicals of EAT were analyzed by total flavonoid and phenolics assay, its content was 219.2 ± 2.01 and 524.7 ± 0.80 mg/g respectively. EAT significantly reduced the expression of iNOS and COX-2, which caused the production of nitric oxide (NO). EAT suppressed mRNA levels of iNOS, COX-2, and cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α). EAT suppressed the expression of p-p65 through the inhibition of phosphorylation of IkB-a, and the result of immunofluorescence showed that inhibited the translocation of p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus.

• 한국자원식물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국자원식물학회 2021년도 춘계학술대회
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• pp.55-55
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• 2021

Hibiscus hamabo is a deciduous shrub that grows around salt marshes and is considered a semi-mangrove plant found in Asia. There are no studies on the biological activity of H. hamabo except for studies on the anthocyanin content. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of H. hamabo extract (HHE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. As nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) induced by LPS moves into the nucleus, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inflammatory cytokines are promoted and the inflammatory reaction begins. The nitric oxide (NO) production decreased by the treatment of HHE. Moreover, mRNA levels of inflammation-related cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, were significantly suppressed by HHE. Similarly, the expressions of iNOS and COX-2 were also decreased. The phosphorylation of p65, a subunit of NF-κB, was suppressed by HHE. As a result, HHE can be used as an effective natural material for the anti-inflammatory agent.