• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.285-290
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• 2023

In this study, the anti-inflammation efficacy of Lactobacillus johnsonii derived from Kimchi was investigated. Raw 264.7 cells, which are rat-derived macrophages, were treated with Lactobacillus johnsonii lysate to confirm the expression level of TNFα and IL1β, which are inflammatory markers, and when treating 250 ㎍/mL extract, the expression level of TNFα and IL1β decreased by 40.55% and 34.66% compared to the control group treated with 1 ㎍/mL LP, respectively. In addition, as a result of confirming the transcriptional activity of NF-κB, a key transcription factor in cytokine expression by LPS, it was confirmed that the transcriptional activity of NF-κB was 40.76% inhibited compared to the control group treated with 1 ㎍/mL LPS. Therefore, the results of this study confirmed that Lactobacillus johnsonii lysate is likely to be an anti-inflammatory or skin-soothing functional material by preventing the expression of cytokine by LPS and controlling NF-κB transcriptional activity.

• East Asian mathematical journal
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.65-73
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• 2023

In this paper, we present an optimal control strategy to prevent the EMT process by downregulating the level of overexpressed β-catenin in the cytoplasm. To do this, we propose a mathematical model that expresses relationship between the Wnt signaling pathway and TGF-β in cancer cells. We also define an optimal control problem considering the side effects that occur simultaneously with the method for controlling the concentration of β-catenin. Finally numerical simulations show that treatment effect is quantitatively changes depending on the concentration of core proteins of the Wnt signaling pathway.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.306-313
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• 2023

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response, with manifestations in multiple organs by pathogenic infection. Currently, there are no promising therapeutic strategies. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a cell signaling transcription factor. Niclosamide is an anti-helminthic drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a potential STAT3 inhibitor. C57BL/6 mice were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Niclosamide was administered orally 2 hours after the LPS injection. This study found that Niclosamide improved the survival and lung injury of LPS-induced mice. Niclosamide decreased the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum. The effects of Niclosamide on phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and STAT3 signaling pathways were determined in the lung tissue by immunoblot analysis. Niclosamide reduced phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, NF-κB, and STAT3 significantly. Furthermore, it reduced the phosphorylation of STAT3 by LPS stimulation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Niclosamide also reduced the LPS-stimulated expression of proinflammatory mediators, including IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Niclosamide provides a new therapeutic strategy for murine sepsis models by suppressing the inflammatory response through STAT3 inhibition.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.452-463
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• 2020

Purpose: Aster tataricus (AT) is one of the Asteraceae perennial herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. The herb contains various bioactive substances, such as flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and phenolic compounds in the roots, and exhibits a range of effects including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study compared the immunomodulatory effects of ethanol and water extracts of whole AT, except the roots, and analyzed the molecular mechanisms for the regulatory effects on cytokine secretion from THP-1 cells. Methods: The effects of AT extract on the cell viability and proliferation of THP-1 cells were analyzed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 method. The concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cell culture supernatant of the AT-treated THP-1 cells were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκBα), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in the cell lysates were determined by western blotting. Results: The water extract and the ethanol extract of AT did not affect the cell viability, and increased the proliferation of THP-1 cells significantly compared to the vehicle. The water extract increased the secretion of IL-1β from THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but the ethanol extract had no effect. The expression of COX-2 and iNOS protein and the phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt were induced in AT-treated cells. In addition, IκBα was degraded by AT in a concentration-dependent manner. IL-1β secretion by AT was reduced by extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors, while TNF-α secretion was decreased by inhibitors of ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK. Interestingly, the p38 MAPK inhibitor increased the production of IL-1β by AT further. Conclusion: The water extract of the above-ground parts of AT contains immunomodulatory bioactive substances that stimulate immune cells through the MAPK signaling pathway.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.10
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• pp.528-533
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• 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disorder that can result in the loss of articular cartilage. No effective treatment against OA is currently available. Thus, interest in natural health products to relieve OA symptoms is increasing. However, their qualities such as efficacy, toxicity, and mechanism are poorly understood. In this study, we determined the efficacy of avenanthramide (Avn)-C extracted from oats as a promising candidate to prevent OA progression and its mechanism of action to prevent the expression of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) in OA pathogenesis. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a proinflammatory cytokine as a main causing factor of cartilage destruction, was used to induce OA-like condition of chondrocytes in vitro. Avn-C restrained IL-1β-mediated expression and activity of MMPs, such as MMP-3, -12, and -13 in mouse articular chondrocytes. Moreover, Avn-C alleviated cartilage destruction in experimental OA mouse model induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. However, Avn-C did not affect the expression of inflammatory mediators (Ptgs2 and Nos) or anabolic factors (Col2a1, Aggrecan, and Sox9), although expression levels of these genes were upregulated or downregulated by IL-1β, respectively. The inhibition of MMP expression by Avn-C in articular chondrocytes was mediated by p38 kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, but not by ERK or NF-κB. Interestingly, Avn-C added with SB203580 and SP600125 as specific inhibitors of p38 kinase and JNK, respectively, enhanced its inhibitory effect on the expression of MMPs in IL-1β treated chondrocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that Avn-C is an effective candidate to prevent OA progression and a natural health product to relieve OA pathogenesis.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.163-171
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• 2021

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of Sparassis crispa (SC). SC is a well-known traditional herbal remedy and its mushroom is used for treatment of inflammation. Many diseases that are increasing recently have characteristics of inflammatory diseases. Researchers are finding bioactive substances from natural products that can promote treatment and prevention of inflammation. We investigated the effect of water extracted from SC on the expression of effector genes involved in the function of RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : Effects of RAW 264.7 cells on cell viability, antioxidation, and mRNA expression were examined using water extracts from SC. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay was performed to determine the effect of water extracts from SC on cell viability in RAW 264.7 cells. Inflammation of RAW 264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and expression levels of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, iNOS and IL-1β gene were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Results : The MTS assay was performed on RAW 264.7 cells after treatment with various concentrations of water extracts of SC. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with water extracts from SC and LPS at a concentration of 0.125, 0.5 mg/㎖ for twenty four hours promoted mRNA expression of TNF-α, iNOS and IL-1β. Conclusion : MTS assay was applied to RAW 264.7 cells after various concentrations of water extracts of SC. Through experimental demonstration of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of water extracts from SC, we suggest that SC is a valuable material for the prevention and treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.229-235
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• 2020

Avian influenza virus infection, one of the most important diseases recognized in the poultry industry, is known to cause changes in cytokine and serum protein levels. However, the normal ranges and/or age-dependent changes in important cytokines and serum proteins associated with influenza infection have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the levels of cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ) and serum proteins (vitamin D binding protein and ovotransferrin) were determined in 1-week- to 4-week-old broilers at 1-week intervals after challenge with a low pathogenic influenza virus. The results showed that the physiological levels of cytokines and serum proteins varied with aging during the 4 weeks. The levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased from 20% to 35% after influenza infection compared to those in the negative control group, indicating that these cytokines may be used to monitor disease progression.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2023

Fungal keratitis is a refractory kind of keratopathy. We attempted to investigate the antiinflammatory role of thymol on Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis. Wound healing and fluorescein staining of the cornea were applied to verify thymol's safety. Mice models of A. fumigatus keratitis underwent subconjunctival injection of thymol. The anti-inflammatory roles of thymol were verified by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, slit lamp observation, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blotting. In contrast with the DMSO group, more transparent corneas and less inflammatory cells infiltration were detected in mice treated with 50 ㎍/ml thymol. Thymol downregulated the synthesis of TLR4, MyD88, NF-kB, IL-1β, NLRP3, caspase 1, caspase 8, GSDMD, RIPK3 and MLKL. In summary, we proved that thymol played a protective part in A. fumigatus keratitis by cutting down inflammatory cells aggregation, downregulating the TLR4/ MyD88/ NF-kB/ IL-1β signal expression and reducing necroptosis and pyroptosis.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.99-107
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• 2022

Background: Obesity weakens acquired immunity and causes infection. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the inflammatory markers in the gingival crevicular fluid and serum and periodontal bacteria in saliva through obesity control for 4 weeks. Methods: Forty-six subjects with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥23 kg/m² stayed in the camp for 4 weeks, followed by exercise and a low salt-low fat diet. Body size measurements, oral examinations, blood, saliva, and gingival crevicular fluid were collected before and after the program. C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-9, and interleukin (IL)-1β in the gingival sulcus fluid were measured. After extracting bacterial genomic DNA from saliva, the presence of periodontal bacteria were detected using Taq probe. The relationship of each index before and after the program was analyzed through paired t-test and partial correlation analysis. Results: Campylobacter rectus (Cr) increased after the program, and there was no significant change in other bacteria. Serum CRP and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Cr, ratio of Fn, and ratio of Cr had a positive relationship at baseline; however, the relationship was not significant after the program. Ratio of Prevotella intermedia had a positive relationship with MMP-9, MMP-8, IL-1β at baseline. Moreover, the ratio of Treponema denticola and the ratio of Tannerella forsythia showed a positive relationship with MMP-8, MMP-9, and IL-1β. The relationship between the ratio of Porphyromonas gingivalis and IL-1β showed a constant positive relationship at baseline and after the program. Conclusion: Obesity control program in subjects with a BMI of ≥23 kg/m² accompanied by diet and exercise did not affect the changes in periodontal bacteria itself, but changes in the relationship between periodontal bacteria and serum CRP, the relationship between the inflammatory index in the gingival crevicular fluid and periodontal bacteria was observed.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.1-11
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• 2021

Objectives Hwanggeumjakyak-tang (HJT) has traditionally been used to treat gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases; however, its protective effects against neuronal inflammation are still undiscovered. Methods We investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of HJT water extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 mouse microglia cells. BV2 cells were treated with LPS (1 ㎍/mL) 1 hour prior to the addition of HJT. We measured cell viability using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and nitrite production using the Griess assay. We performed a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay to measure messenger RNA expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Western blot analysis was performed to determine protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)α. Results HJT inhibited excessive nitrite release in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells and also significantly inhibited inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Moreover, HJT significantly suppressed LPS-induced MAPK and NF-κB activation and inhibited the elevation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the brain of LPS-injected mice. Conclusions Our study highlights the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of HJT via MAPK and NF-κB deactivation.