• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.43-51
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• 2017

Background: BIOGF1K, a compound K-rich fraction prepared from the root of Panax ginseng, is widely used for cosmetic purposes in Korea. We investigated the functional mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of BIOGF1K by discovering target enzymes through various molecular studies. Methods: We explored the inhibitory mechanisms of BIOGF1K using lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory responses, reporter gene assays involving overexpression of toll-like receptor adaptor molecules, and immunoblotting analysis. We used the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to measure the antioxidative activity. We cotransfected adaptor molecules, including the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and Toll/interleukin-receptor domain containing adaptor molecule-inducing interferon-${\beta}$ (TRIF), to measure the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). Results: BIOGF1K suppressed lipopolysaccharide-triggered NO release in macrophages as well as DPPH-induced electron-donating activity. It also blocked lipopolysaccharide-induced mRNA levels of interferon-${\beta}$ and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Moreover, BIOGF1K diminished the translocation and activation of IRF3 and NF-${\kappa}B$ (p50 and p65). This extract inhibited the upregulation of NF-${\kappa}B$-linked luciferase activity provoked by phorbal-12-myristate-13 acetate as well as MyD88, TRIF, and inhibitor of ${\kappa}B$ ($I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$) kinase ($IKK{\beta}$), and IRF3-mediated luciferase activity induced by TRIF and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Finally, BIOGF1K downregulated the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway by blocking $IKK{\beta}$ and the IRF3 pathway by inhibiting TBK1, according to reporter gene assays, immunoblotting analysis, and an AKT/$IKK{\beta}$/TBK1 overexpression strategy. Conclusion: Overall, our data suggest that the suppression of $IKK{\beta}$ and TBK1, which mediate transcriptional regulation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and IRF3, respectively, may contribute to the broad-spectrum inhibitory activity of BIOGF1K.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1994.04a
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• pp.186-186
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• 1994

Many agonists have been known to activate the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids through the bindings with corresponding receptors on the various cells. Diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate(IP3) generated by the action of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) are well known second messengers for the activation of protein kinase C and the mobilization of Ca2+ in many cells. Three types of PI-PLC isozyme (${\alpha}$,${\gamma}$, and $\delta$) and several subtrpes for each type have been identified from mammalian sources by purification of enzymes and cloning of their cDNAs. Each type PI-PLC isozyme is coupled to different receptors and mediators, for example, ${\beta}$-types are coupled to the seven-transmembrane-receptors via Gq family of G-proteins and ${\beta}$-types directly to the receptor tyrosine kinases. Specific modulators for the signaling pathway through each type of PI-PLC should be very useful as potential potential candidates for lend substances in developing novel drugs. To establish the sensitive and convenient screening systems for searching modulators on PI-PLC mediated signaling, two kinds of approaches have been tried. (1) Establishment of in vitro assay condition for each type of PI-PLC isozyme: Overexpression by using vaccinia virus and purification of each isozyme was carried out for the preparation of large amounts of enaymes. Optimum and sensitive assay condition for the measurements of PI-ELC activities were established. (2) Development of the cell lines in which each type of PI-PLC is permanently overexpressed: A fibroblast cell line (3T3${\gamma}$1-7) in which PI-PLC-${\gamma}$1 was overexpressed by using pZip-neo expression vector was developed and used for the measurement of PDGF-induced IP3 formation. The responses for IP3 formed in 3T3${\gamma}$1-7 cells by the treatment of PDGF is 8 times more sensitive than those in control cells. 3T3${\gamma}$l-7 cell is useful for the screening of the inhibitors on the PDGF-induced cellular responses from large number of samples in a small volume(50 ${\mu}$l) and short time(5-15 min). Using these systems, we screened hundreds of herb-extracts for the inhibition of PDGF-induced IP3 formation and selected several extracts that showed the inhibition as the candidates for isolation and characterization of active substances. The determination of the acting point of selected extracts or fractions in the PDGF signaling pathway has been analyzing.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.19-25
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• 2019

Background/Objectives: Although anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is rare, it is one of the deadliest forms of thyroid cancer. The fatality rate for ATC is high, and the survival rate at one year after diagnosis is <20%. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor activities of paclitaxel, radiation, and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combined therapy in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo and explore its effects on apoptotic cell death pathways. Materials & Methods: ATC cell line was exposed to TKI, lenvatinib in the presence or absence of paclitaxel with radiation, and cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Effects of the combined treatment on cell cycle and intracellular signaling pathways were assessed by flow cytometry and western blot analysis. The ATC cell line xenograft model was used to examine the anti-tumor activity in vivo. Results: Our data revealed that the combined administration of paclitaxel, TKI, and radiation decreased cell viability in ATC cells, and also significantly increased apoptotic cell death in these cells, as demonstrated by the cleavage of caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation. This combination therapy reduced anti-apoptotic factor levels in ATC cells, while significantly decreasing tumor volume and increasing survival in ATC xenografts. Conclusion: These results indicate that administering the combination of paclitaxel, TKI, and radiation therapy may exert significant anticancer effects in preclinical models, potentially suggesting a new clinical approach for treating patients with ATC.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.620-624
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• 2009

D-Ala2-Leu5-enkephalin (DADLE), a hibernation inducer, can induce hibernation-like state in vivo and in vitro. We treated U937 human leukemia cancer cells with DADLE and investigated its possible effect on transcription and proliferation. Treatment of U937 cells with DADLE resulted in growth inhibition and induction of apoptotic cell death on high-dose as measured by MTT assay and DNA flow cytometer analysis. Bcl-XL, c-IAP-2 and survivin genes especially showed decreases in mRNA levels. DADLE treatment also inhibited the levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA without alteration of COX-1 expression. DNA flow cytometer analysis revealed that DADLE caused arrest of the cell cycle on low-dose, which was associated with a down-regulation of cyclin E at the transcriptional level. DADLE treatment induced a marked down-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk)-2, -4 and -6. In addition, treatment with DADLE decreased telomere associated genes such as, c-myc and TERT, and increased TEP-1 in U937 cells. These results suggest that DADLE can be an inhibition agent in the cell cycle of the human leukemia cancer U937 cell.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.449-458
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• 2003

Background : Cyclosporin A(CsA) and tacrolimus(FK506) have been widely used as immunosuppressants. The effects of CsA, or FK506, on the $I{\kappa}B/NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway have been shown to vary according to the cell type. However, their effects on the $I{\kappa}B/NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway have not been reported in bronchial epithelial cells. In this study, the effects of CsA and FK506 on the $I{\kappa}B/NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway in bronchial epithelial cells, monocytes, lymphocytes and alveolar macrophages were evaluated. The relationship between their effects on the $I{\kappa}B/NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway and $I{\kappa}B$ kinase(IKK) activity was also investigated. Methods : BEAS-2B and A549 cells, pulmonary alveolar macrophages, peripheral blood monocytes and lymphocytes were used. The cells were pre-treated with CsA, or FK506, for various time periods, followed by stimulation with TNF-${\alpha}$, LPS or IL-$1{\beta}$. The $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ expressions were assayed by Western blot analyses. The IKK activity was evaluated by an in vitro immune complex kinase assay, using GST-$I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ as the substrate. Results : Neither CsA nor FK506 affected the level of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ expression in any of the cell types used in this study. CsA pre-treatment inhibited the TNF ${\alpha}$-induced $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation in bronchial epithelial cells. In contrast, the TNF ${\alpha}$-induced $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation was not affected by FK506 pre-treatment. However, FK506 suppressed the cytokine-induced $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation in the pulmonary alveolar macrophages, peripheral blood monocytes and lymphocytes. The inhibitory effect of CsA, or FK506, on $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation was not related to IKK. Conclusions : CsA and FK506 suppressed the $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation in bronchial epithelial cells, monocytes, lymphocytes and alveolar macrophages, so this may not be mediated through IKK.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.5 no.3 s.19
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• pp.191-199
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• 2005

Background: Though infections of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are closely associated with activation of host angiogenesis, the underlying mechanisms, as well as the strategy for its prevention, have not been identified. Here, we investigated a causal role of H. pylori infection in angiogenesis of gastric mucosa and a potent inhibitory effect of a gastric proton pump inhibitor (PPI) on the gastropathy. Materials and Methods: A comparative analysis of CD 34 expression in tissues obtained from 20 H. pylori-associated gastritis and 18 H. pylori-negative gastritis patients was performed. Expression of $HIF-1{\alpha}$ and VEGF were tested by using RT-PCR. To evaluate the direct effect of H. pylori infection on differentiation of endothelial HUVEC cells, we carried out an in vitro angiogenesis assay. Results: H. pyfori-associated gastritis tissues showed significantly higher density of $CD34^+$ blood vessels than did H. pylori-negative gastritis tissues, and the levels were well correlated with expressions of $HIF-1{\alpha}$. Conditioned media from H. pylori-infected gastric mucosal cells stimulated a tubular formation of HUVEC cells. We also found a significant inhibitory effect of PPI, an agent frequently used for H. pylori eradication, on H. pylori-induced angiogenesis. This drug effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of MAP kinase ERK1/2, which is a principal signal for H. pylori-induced angiogenesis. Conclusion: The fact that PPls can down-regulate H. pylori-induced angiogenesis suggest that anti-angiogenic treatment using PPI may be a preventive approach for H. pylori-associated carcinogenesis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.9
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• pp.1219-1224
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• 2008

The embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly becoming an important model organism for studies of early events in vertebrate development. Neural crest-derived pigment cell precursors of the embryonic zebrafish give rise to melanophores, xanthophores, and/or iridophores. Cell-signaling mechanisms related to the development of pigmentation and pigment pattern formation remain obscure. In this study, zebrafish embryos were treated with various signaling-related molecules - LiCl (an inositol-phosphatase inhibitor), forskolin (a protein kinase-A activator), a combination of LiCl/forskolin, and LiCl/heparin (an IP3 inhibitor) in order to identify the mechanisms involved in pigmentation. LiCl treatment resulted in ultrastructural and morphological alterations of melanophores. To identify the possible proteins responsible for this ultrastructural and morphological change, phosphorylation patterns in vitro and in vivo were analyzed. LiCl and LiCl/forskolin treatment elicited dramatic increases in the phosphorylation of a 55-kDa protein which was inhibited by heparin treatment. LiCl treatment also induced phosphorylation of a 55-kDa protein in melanophores purified from adult zebrafish. Collectively these results suggest that a LiCl-induced 55-kDa phosphoprotein plays a role in melanophore morphology and ultrastructure and ultimately effects gross pigmentation.

• Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.63-70
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• 2006

Natural product compounds are the source of numerous therapeutic agents. The marine environment produces natural products from a variety of structural classes exhibiting activity against numerous disease targets including anticancer agents. Among these, pectenotoxin-2 (PTX-2), which was first identified as a cytotoxic entity in marine sponges, which depolymerizes actin filaments, was found to be highly effective and more potent to activate an intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in p53-deficient tumor cells compared to those with functional p53 both in vitro and in vivo. However, the anti-proliferative mechanism of the compound at non-cytotoxic concentrations has not yet been explored. In the current study, we sought to investigate anti-proliferation and apoptosis of PTX-2 against U937 human leukemic cells and its underlying molecular mechanism. Exposure of U937 cells to PTX-2 resulted in growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in dose- and time-dependent manner as measured by MTT assay, fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometric analysis. The anti-proliferative effect of PTX-2 was associated with a marked increase in the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase p21 (WAF1/CIP1) mRNA which was tumor suppressor p53-independent. The increase in apoptosis was connected with a time-dependent down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-XL and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) family such as XIAP and cIAP-2. Though additional studies are needed, these findings suggested that PTX-2-induced inhibition of U937 cells was associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death and the results provided important new insights into the possible molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of PTX-2.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.260-271
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• 2022

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effect of the differing amino acid (AA) release dynamics of two protein sources on the growth performance, nitrogen deposition, plasma biochemical parameters, and muscle synthesis and degradation of piglets when included in their diets at normal and low concentrations. Methods: Forty-eight piglets (Duroc×Landrace×Large White) with initial body weight of 7.45±0.58 kg were assigned to six groups and fed one of 6 diets. The 6 dietary treatments were arranged by 3×2 factorial with 3 protein sources and 2 dietary protein levels. They are NCAS (a normal protein content with casein), NBlend (a normal protein content with blend of casein and corn gluten meal), NCGM (a normal protein content with corn gluten meal), LCAS (a low protein content with casein), LBlend (a low protein content with blend of casein and corn gluten meal), LCGM (a low protein content with corn gluten meal). The release dynamics of AA in these diets were determined by in vitro digestion. The digestibility, utilization and biological value of nitrogen in piglets were determined by micro Kjeldahl method. Plasma insulin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The protein expression of mediators of muscle synthesis and degradation was determined by western blotting. Results: Although the consumption of a low-protein diet supplemented with crystalline AA was associated with greater nitrogen digestion and utilization (p<0.05), the final body weight, growth performance, nitrogen deposition, and phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 and eIF4E binding protein 1 in the muscle of pigs in the low-protein diet-fed groups were lower than those of the normal-protein diet-fed groups (p<0.05) because of the absence of non-essential AA. Because of the more balanced release of AA, the casein (CAS) and Blend-fed groups showed superior growth performance, final body weight and nitrogen deposition, and lower expression of muscle ring finger 1 and muscle atrophy F-box than the CGM-fed groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that the balanced release of AA from CAS containing diets and mixed diets could reduce muscle degradation, favor nitrogen retention, % intake and improve growth performance in pigs consuming either a normal- or low-protein diet.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.41-55
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• 2004

Objective : To investigate the possible molecular mechanism (s) of melittin as a candidate of anti-cancer drug, we examined the effects of the compound on the growth of human lung carcinoma cell line A549. Methods : Growth inhibitory study, flow cytometry analysis, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis, RT-PCR and in vitro caspases activity assay were performed. Results : Melittin treatment declined the cell viability of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, which was associated with induction of apoptotic cell death. Melittin treatment down-regulated the levels of Bcl-XS/L mRNA and protein expression of A549 cells, an anti-apoptotic gene, however, the those of Bax, a pro-apoptotic gene, were up-regulated. Melittin induced the proteolytic cleavage and activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 protease in a dose-dependent manner without alteration of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins family and Akt expression. Western blot analysis and RT-PCR data revealed that the levels of tumor suppressor p53 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 were also remained unchanged. Conclusions : Taken together, these findings suggest that melittin-induced inhibition of human lung cancer cell growth is associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death via regulation of several major growth regulatory gene products, and melittin may have therapeutic potential in human lung cancer.