• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.90-98
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• 2004

Objectives : The present study was undertaken to investigate the molecular mechanisms of Ichungwhan for inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression via suppression of NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) using aged rats. NF-κB is the most important modulator of inflammation and NF-κB regulates the gene expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as COX-2. Methods : In the experiment, we investigated the scavenging property of Ichungwhan on reactive species (RS) including nitrogen-derived species (RNS), measured by DCF-DA (2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorexcein diacetate) / DHR 123 (dihydrorhodamine 123) assay. Protein expression levels of COX-2, NF-κB, p-ERK and p-p38 were assayed by western blot. Results : We showed that Ichungwhan inhibits RS including RNS and inhibits NF-κB activation by blocking the dissociation of inhibitory IκB-β via suppression of IKK pathway. Also, Ichungwhan inhibits COX-2 gene expression. Conclusions : These findings suggest that Ichungwhan modulates COX-2 gene expression via suppression of the NF-κB pathway.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.379-389
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• 2005

Objectives: It is well known that aging and aging-related diseases are linked to the increased level of oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species(ROS) and reactive nitrogen species(RNS). Nonprotein-SH decreases during aging, while substances such as ROS, nitric oxide(NO), peroxynitrite($ONOO^-$), myeloperoxidase(MPO), and dityrosine show a significant increase. This study investigated the effect of Ichungwhan on the aging process by examining its effect on the generation of the above-mentioned substances. Methods: Four comparison groups of SD rats were used. They were 6 month-old rats, 24 month-old rats, and 24 month-old rats fed with food containing 0.1% and 0.3% of Ichungwhan extract. The amount of NO, $ONOO^-$, and ROS in the rats' kidneys were examined using a fluorescence microplate reader. The reagents used for this purpose include: dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123), 2',7' -dichlorodihydrofluorescein, diacetate(DCFDA), and 4,5-diaminofluorescein(DAF-2). A spectrophotometer was used to investigate the reactivity of nonprotein-SH and myeioperoxidase(MPO), using reagents such as trichloroacetic acid(TCA) and tetramethylbenzidine(TMB). The amounts of MPO protein and dityrosine were measued by western blot. Results: The observed effects of Ichungwhan on rats were as follows: increase of nonprotein-SH; effective decrease of RNS level by suppression of the generation system of $ONOO^-$ and NO; decrease of ROS level; decrease of the MPO reactivity and the subsequent reduction of amount of MPO protein; retardation of dityrosine formation. It can be hypothesized, therefore, that Ichungwhan affects both the earlier and later phases of the molecular inflammatory process, and retards the aging process. Conclusions: Empirical evidence in this study supports a role for Ichungwhan in generation mechanisms of aging process-linked substances ROS, NO, $ONOO^-$, nonprotein-SH, MPO and dityrosine. Affects contrary to the aging process observed in rats beg further empiricism to investigate potential application of Ichungwhan as a medication for age-related diseases in humans.