• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.117-126
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was an analysis of the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and skin whitening properties of Gamioncheong-decoctione(GMOCD) extract. Methods : GMOCD(96 g) and 2 L of distilled water were heated at $100^{\circ}C$ for four hours and then concentrated, frozen, freeze-dried, dissolved in distilled water and filtered. The following analysis was completed: cell cytotoxic effect using MTT assay, oxidative products of NO by griess assay, concentration of prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ by commercially competitive enzyme immunoassay, and cytokines($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$) by Bio-Plex$^{(R)}$ Suspension Array System's Bio-Plex Pro$^{TM}$ mouse cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor assay. Anti-oxidative effect was measured using the DPPH method and skin whitening effect using tyrosinase inhibition assay. Results : GMOCD water-extract did not show any toxicity at all doses and cell viability was more than 90 % at all doses. GMOCD water-extract significantly inhibited NO production at doses of 100, 200, $400{\mu}g/ml$, significantly inhibited $PGE_2$ production at doses of 200 and $400{\mu}g/ml$ and reduced the LPS-induced IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ production in a dose-dependent manner. $IL-1{\beta}$ production was significantly reduced at a dose of $400{\mu}g/ml$ and IL-6 production was significantly reduced at doses of 200 and $400{\mu}g/ml$. DPPH free radical scavenging capability had a skin whitening effect rate of more than 50%. Tyrosinase inhibition activity was apparent in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions : This study suggests that GMOCD water-extract suppressed NO and $PGE_2$ production and inhibited cytokines($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$). GMOCD also improved DPPH free radical scavenging capability. GMOCD water-extract increased tyrosinase inhibitory activity in a dose-dependent manner but this was not a statistically significant result.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.203-210
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• 2002

Aster scaber $T_{HUNB}$ (AST ; Charm-chui), a potent herbal medicinal plant, has a long tradition of use, being harvested as a wild plant, is said to stimulate appetite, and may act as a diuretic, antifebrile agent and painkiller. This study was conducted to investigate the immunomodulative effects of AST In mice, using in vitro and in vivo experiments. The immunomodulative effects were studied in vitro by measuring the proliferation of mice splenocytes and the production of three kinds of cytokines (IL-$\beta$, IL-6, and TNF-$\alpha$) by mice peritoneal macrophages which were cultured with sequential fractions of AST methanol extract (methanol, hexane, chlo-roform, ethylacetate, butanol and water). In an in vivo experiment using mice, different concentrations of AST water extract were orally administrated every other day for two weeks. The production of cytokines (IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, and TNF-$\alpha$) secreted by activated macrophages, and the proliferation of mice splenocytes, were used as indices for immunocompetence. In vitro supplementation using six fractions of AST in the range of 1 to 100$\mu$ g/ml enhanced splenocyte proliferation by 10.5% to 53% compared to the control. IL-1$\beta$production was significantly increased with the supplementation of butanol and water extracts of AST. Higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-$\alpha$production were detected with supplementation of methanol, ethylacetate, butanol or water extracts at the concentration of 100$\mu$ g/ml. In the in vivo study, the highest proliferation of splenocytes was seen in the mice orally administrated with the AST water extract at the concentration of 500mg/kg body weight. In the case of cytokine production, there were no significant differences in the production of IL-1$\beta$and IL-6 among the treated groups and the control. However, TNF-$\alpha$released by activated peritoneal macrophages were augmented by the oral administration of AST water extract. These results indicate that AST may enhance the immune functions by regulating splenocyte proliferation and cytokine production capacity in mice.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.309-316
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Violae Herba Water Extract (VH) on the proinflammatory factors of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced on the production of inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages cells. We examined effect of Violae Herba Water Extract on the cell viability of RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages cells. Futhermore, After 24 hours treatment we investigated anti-inflammatory effect of Violae Herba Water Extract by the production of Bio-Plex cytokine assay, concentrations of various cytokines such NO, $interleukin(IL)-1{\beta}$, tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$ and IL-6. The water extract of Violae Herba significantly inhibited the production of NO, $IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 at the concentration of 25, 50, 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$ in the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages cells with no changes in the cell viability of them. These results suggest that water extract of Violae Herba has anti-inflammatory effect related with its inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines such as $IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 in the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages cells. Further research is needed to develop therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases using Violae Herba.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.60-64
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• 2016

In the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as allergies, S100A8 acts as an important molecule and T lymphocytes are essential cytokine-releasing cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of S100A8 on release of cytokines, specifically MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in T cells, and its associated signaling mechanism. S100A8 increased secretion of MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Elevated secretion of MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 due to S100A8 was inhibited by the TLR4 inhibitor TLR4i, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, the $PKC{\delta}$ inhibitor rottlerin, the ERK inhibitor PD98059, the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190, the JNK inhibitor SP600125, and the NF-${\kappa}B$ inhibitor BAY-11-7085. S100A8 induced phosphorylation of ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK in a time-dependent manner, and activation was suppressed by TLR4i, LY294002, and rottlerin. S100A8 induced NF-${\kappa}B$ activation by $I{\kappa}-B{\alpha}$ degradation, and NF-${\kappa}B$ activity was suppressed by PD98059, SB202190, and SP600125. These results indicate that S100A8 induces cytokine release via TLR4. Study of PI3K, $PKC{\delta}$, MAPKs, and NF-${\kappa}B$ will contribute to elucidation of the S100A8-invovled mechanism.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.176-184
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• 2021

Background: Diabetes-related neuropathic pain frequently occurs, and the underpinning mechanism remains elusive. The periaqueductal gray (PAG) exhibits descending inhibitory effects on central pain transmission. The current work aimed to examine whether inflammatory cytokines regulate mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia induced by diabetes through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in the PAG. Methods: Streptozotocin (STZ) was administered intraperitoneally to mimic allodynia and hyperalgesia evoked by diabetes in rats. Behavioral assays were carried out for determining mechanical pain and thermal hypersensitivity. Immunoblot and ELISA were performed to examine PAG protein amounts of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as their corresponding receptors in STZ rats, and the expression of PI3K/protein kinase B (Akt)/mTOR signaling effectors. Results: Increased PAG p-PI3K/p-Akt/p-mTOR protein amounts were observed in STZ-induced animals, a PI3K-mTOR pathway inhibition in the PAG attenuated neuropathic pain responses. Moreover, the PAG concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and their receptors (namely, IL-1R, IL-6R, and tumor necrosis factor receptor [TNFR] subtype TNFR1, respectively) were increased in the STZ rats. Additionally, inhibiting IL-1R, IL-6R, and TNFR1 ameliorated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in STZ rats, alongside the downregulation of PI3K-mTOR signaling. Conclusions: Overall, the current study suggests that upregulated proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors in the PAG activate PI3K-mTOR signaling, thereby producing a de-inhibition effect on descending pathways in modulating pain transmission, and eventually contributing to neuropathic pain.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.55-62
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• 2017

Objectives : This study aims to evaluate the effects of natural herb mixutre (NHM) on atopic dermatitis and skin regeneration using in vivo test. Methods : NHM was prepared with DW. 25% of NHM was applied to skin lesion, where atopic dermatitis was induced by DNCB in NC/Nga mice. The levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-a, and $IFN-{\gamma}$), and IgE in serum were measured by Luminex. Immune cells (WBC, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte) in blood were counted by coulter counter. The gross investigation of atopic dermatitis index score test were performed during the NHM treatment period. Also, the histopathological change of dorsal skin was observed by H&E and M&T staining. Results : NHM showed the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, IgE, WBC, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte in serum or blood were significantly decreased. On the contrary, the productions of FGF, and VEGF were increased in the serum. Also, atopic dermatitis index score in NHM-treated mice were observed in the similar levels to those of normal group. Histological examination demonstrated that NHM suppressed immune cell infiltration and thickening of epidermis, meanwhile the extraction induced collagen production in the dorsal skin. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that NHM is appeared to be effective on atopic dermatitis and skin regeneration efficacy based on the observations with hematologic, gross, and histologic examinations. Therefore, we suggest that NHM could be effectively used as an external therapeutics against atopic dermatitis and a consequence skin damage.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.915-921
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• 2012

Artemisiae Asiaticae Herba (AAH) has been used to remedy of symptoms such as bleeding, dysmenorrhea, eczema and itchy skin in Oriental Medicine. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of AAH on allergic response. The effect of AAH was analyzed by ELISA and RT-PCR in RBL-2H3 cells. We investigated cell viability, ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and histamine as markers of degranulation, production of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$, and gene expression of HDC2, cytokines and $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}{\beta}{\gamma}$ subunit. We found that AAH suppressed ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and histamine release, the production of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ in RBL-2H3 by the anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA stimulation. AAH also significantly decreased cytokine mRNA expressions, such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, IL-13, TNF-${\alpha}$, and GM-CSF, and increased cytokine mRNA expressions of IL-10 in RBL-2H3. In addition, AAH suppressed mRNA expression of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}{\beta}{\gamma}$ subunit on cell surface. Our results indicate that AAH protects against allergic response and exerts an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of degranulation and production of cytokines and expression of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}{\beta}{\gamma}$ subunit.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.100-109
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• 2015

Controlling balance between T-helper type 1 (Th1) and T-helper type 2 (Th2) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the biological rhythm of Th1/Th2 and circumventing diseases caused by Th1/Th2 imbalance. Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a Th2-type cytokine and often associated with hypersensitivity-related diseases such as atopic dermatitis and allergies when overexpressed. In this study, we have tried to elucidate the function of 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol (EC-18) as an essential modulator of Th1/Th2 balance. EC-18 has showed an inhibitory effect on the production of IL-4 in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR analysis has proved EC-18 affect the transcription of IL-4. By analyzing the phosphorylation status of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), which is a transcriptional activator of IL-4 expression, we discovered that EC-18 induced the decrease of STAT6 activity in several stimulated cell lines, which was also showed in STAT6 reporter analysis. Co-treatment of EC-18 significantly weakened atopy-like phenotypes in mice treated with an allergen. Collectively, our results suggest that EC-18 is a potent Th2 modulating factor by regulating the transcription of IL-4 via STAT6 modulation, and could be developed for immune-modulatory therapeutics.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.1-17
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• 2008

Purpose: Scutellaria baicalensis is a herb which has effect of eliminating heat, drying dampness, purging away fire, detoxicating. Clinically, has been used to remove fever and control of inflammation. We have studied in series to investigate the effective traditional oriental medicines of treatment for endometriosis. In this study, the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis administrated orally or rectally on surgically induced endometriosis in rat were investigated. Methods: The endometrial tissues of rats were autografted to their small intestine. Rats with surgically induced endometriosis were administered with Scutellaria baicalensis extracts for 40 days orally or rectally. We observed the tissue size of ectopic uterine implants at the mesenteric with the naked eye and examined the concentration of estradiol, progesterone, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in serum. Also, we inquired which was more effective between oral administration groups and rectal administration groups. Results: The size of ectopic uterine implants of orally or rectally treated groups was much smaller than those of control groups. The concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-2 and IL-6 were significantly decreased in oral administration experimental group compared with the control group. The concentrations of progesteron, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-2 and IL-6 were significantly decreased in rectal administration experimental group compared with the control group. The efficiency of oral administration group was better than that of rectal administration group at the serum concentration of estradiol and IL-4. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Scutellaria baicalensis inhibit the inflammation induced from ectopic uterine implants at the mesenteric wall and inhibit the growth of ectopic uterine implants. Judging from the above results, it can be suggested that Scutellaria. baicalensis should be a useful agent for inhibiting the inflammation induced from ectopic uterine implants and the proliferation of endometriosis. Maybe, oral administration of Scutellaria baicalensis is more effective than rectal administration.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.60-67
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• 2002

Paeonia japonica var. pilosa $N_{AKAI}$, (PJ; Baek-Jak-Yak) is a medicinal plant which has been widely used as a component or blood-building decoctions. This study was performed to investigate the immunomodulative effects of PJ in mice, using in vitro and in vivo experiments. The immunomodulative effects were studied in vitro by determining the proliferation or mice splenocytes and the production of three kinds of cytokines (IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$) by mire peritoneal macrophages which were cultured with sequential fractions of PJ methanol extract (methanol, hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate, butanol and water). In an in vivo experiment using mice, different concentrations of PJ water extract were orally administrated every other day for two weeks. The production of cytokines (IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$) secreted by activated macrophages, and the proliferation of mice splenocytes, were used as indices for immunocompetence. In vitro supplementation using a hexane fraction of PJ in the range of 1 to 100 $\mu$ g/ml enhanced splenocyte proliferation by 1.8 to 12%, and by 10-15% using an aqueous fraction, compared to the control. IL-l$\beta$ production was significantly increased with the supplementation of butanol, hexane and water extracts of PJ Higher levels of IL-6 production were detected with supplementation of chloroform or water extracts. However, there were no significant differences in the production of TNF-$\alpha$ among the treated groups and the control. From the in vivo study, the highest proliferation of splenocytes was seen in the mice orally administrated with the PJ water extract at the concentration of 500 mg/kg body weight. In the case of cytosine production, IL-1-$\beta$, IL-6, and TNF-$\alpha$ released by activated peritoneal macrophages were augmented by the oral administration of a PJ water extract. These results indicate that Pl may enhance the immune function by regulating splenocyte proliferation and cytokine production capacity in mice.