• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.81-90
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• 2022

Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg (PJT) has been used in traditional medicine to treat colds, coughs, fevers, and other inflammatory diseases. The goal of this study was to investigate whether 3'-isovaleryl-4'-senecioylkhellactone (IVSK) from PJT has anti-inflammatory effects on lung epithelial cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of IVSK were evaluated using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated A549 cells and regular human lung epithelial cells as a reference. IVSK reduced the secretion of the inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and the mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and IL-1β. Additionally, it inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKK), p65, Iκ-Bα, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38, JNK, and ERK in A549 cells stimulated with PMA. Moreover, the binding affinity of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was significantly reduced in the luciferase assay, while nuclear translocation was markedly inhibited by IVSK in the immunocytochemistry. These findings indicate that IVSK can protect against inflammation through the AP-1 and NF-κB pathway and could possibly be used as a lead compound for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.20.1-20.13
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• 2023

Background: As Actinobacillus pleuropneumonniae (APP) infection causes considerable losses in the pig industry, there is a growing need to develop effective therapeutic interventions that leverage host immune defense mechanisms to combat these pathogens. Objectives: To demonstrate the role of microRNA (miR)-127 in controlling bacterial infection against APP. Moreover, to investigate a signaling pathway in macrophages that controls the production of anti-microbial peptides. Methods: Firstly, we evaluated the effect of miR-127 on APP-infected pigs by cell count/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then the impact of miR-127 on immune cells was detected. The cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were evaluated by ELISA. The expression of cytokines (anti-microbial peptides [AMPs]) was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression level of IL-6, TNF-α and p-P65 were analyzed by western blot. The expression of p65 in the immune cells was investigated by immunofluorescence. Results: miR-127 showed a protective effect on APP-infected macrophage. Moreover, the protective effect might depend on its regulation of macrophage bactericidal activity and the generation of IL-22, IL-17 and AMPs by targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor3 (SIPR3), the element involved in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) cascades. Conclusions: Together, we identify that miR-127 is a regulator of S1PR3 and then regulates TLR/nuclear factor-κB signaling in macrophages with anti-bacterial acticity, and it might be a potential target for treating inflammatory diseases caused by APP.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.10
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• pp.1604-1611
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• 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of wheat phytase as a structural decomposer of inflammatory nucleotides, extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and uridine diphosphate (UDP) on HT-29 cells. Methods: Phosphatase activities of wheat phytase against ATP and UDP was investigated in the presence or absence of inhibitors such as L-phenylalanine and L-homoarginine using a Pi Color Lock gold phosphate detection kit. Viability of HT-29 cells exposed to intact- or dephosphorylated-nucleotides was analyzed with an EZ-CYTOX kit. Secretion levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) in HT-29 cells exposed to substrate treated with or without wheat phytase were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Activation of caspase-3 in HT-29 cells treated with intact ATP or dephosphorylated-ATP was investigated using a colorimetric assay kit. Results: Wheat phytase dephosphorylated both nucleotides, ATP and UDP, in a dose-dependent manner. Regardless of the presence or absence of enzyme inhibitors (L-phenylalanine and L-homoarginine), wheat phytase dephosphorylated UDP. Only L-phenylalanine inhibited the dephosphorylation of ATP by wheat phytase. However, the level of inhibition was less than 10%. Wheat phytase significantly enhanced the viability of HT-29 cells against ATP- and UDP-induced cytotoxicity. Interleukin (IL)-8 released from HT-29 cells with nucleotides dephosphorylated by wheat phytase was higher than that released from HT-29 cells with intact nucleotides. Moreover, the release of IL-6 was strongly induced from HT-29 cells with UDP dephosphorylated by wheat phytase. HT-29 cells with ATP degraded by wheat phytase showed significantly (13%) lower activity of caspase-3 than HT-29 cells with intact ATP. Conclusion: Wheat phytase can be a candidate for veterinary medicine to prevent cell death in animals. In this context, wheat phytase beyond its nutritional aspects might be a novel and promising tool for promoting growth and function of intestinal epithelial cells under luminal ATP and UDP surge in the gut.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.303-312
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• 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory pruritic skin disease worldwide, characterized by the infiltration of multiple pathogenic T lymphocytes and histological symptoms such as epidermal and dermal thickening. This study aims to investigate the effect of vinpocetine (Vinp; a phosphodiesterase 1 inhibitor) on a 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like model. DNCB (1%) was administered on day 1 in the AD model. Subsequently, from day 14 onward, mice in each group (Vinp-treated groups: 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg and dexamethasone-treated group: 2 mg/kg) were administered 100 µl of a specific drug daily, whereas 0.2% DNCB was administered every other day for 30 min over 14 days. The Vinp-treated groups showed improved Eczema Area and Severity Index scores and trans-epidermal water loss, indicating the efficacy of Vinp in improving AD and enhancing skin barrier function. Histological analysis further confirmed the reduction in hyperplasia of the epidermis and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including macrophages, eosinophils, and mast cells, with Vinp treatment. Moreover, Vinp reduced serum concentrations of IgE, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-13, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, Thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were reduced by Vinp treatment. Reduction of TGF-β protein by Vinp in skin tissue was also observed. Collectively, our results underscore the effectiveness of Vinp in mitigating DNCB-induced AD by modulating the expression of various biomarkers. Consequently, Vinp is a promising therapeutic candidate for treating AD.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.71-85
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• 2014

Objectives In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Samhwangsasim-tang (S.H) on the allergic response caused by ovalbumin(OVA) sensitization and challenge in BALB/c mice. Methods The experimental animals were divided into five groups; 1) normal as negative control, 2) OVA-sensitized mice, 3) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 200 mg/kg of S.H 200, 4) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 400 mg/kg of S.H 400, and 5) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 5 mg/kg of Dexamethasone (Dex). Antigen sensitization for allergic mouse model was performed with twice injection of OVA for 2 weeks. After secondary injection, S.H was administrated orally into mice every day for 13 days and the inhibitory effect of S.H on allergic responses was evaluated. Results Treatment of S.H into allergic mice reduced significantly ear edema and infiltration of immune cells in ear tissues induced with OVA challenge in a dose-dependent manner. S.H reduced significantly the serum levels of Total Immunoglobulin(Ig)G and IgE, and particularly inhibited the production of OVA-specific IgE, but not OVA-specific IgG. The serum level of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-${\alpha}$ and Th2-associated cytokine IL-4 also were significantly decreased by S.H adminstration in a dose denpendent manner. S.H attenuated OVA-induced secretion of IFN-${\gamma}$, but not IL-12 which is a cytokine inducing the development of Th1 cells. It also reduced significantly the secretion of IL-4, which is a cytokine inducing the development of Th2 cells, after splenocytes were stimulated with OVA. However the secretion of IL-5 and IL-13 was influenced weakly or a little. Conclusions These results indicate that S.H could reduce the allergic response through inhibition of antigen-specific IgE and Th2-inducing cytokines. It suggest that S.H may be available clinically for the treatment of allergic patients.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.563-573
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• 2007

Genetic polymorphisms associated with aggressive periodontitis have previously been reported. Interleukin-10 is an immunoregulatory cytokine that plays a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Individual capacity for IL-10 production appears to be under genetic influence, The aim of present investigation was to explore possible genetic association of IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms with generalized aggressive periodontitis. The study population consisted of 37 generalized aggressive periodontitis patients from the Department of Periodontology, Chonnam National University Hospital and 27 control subjects, all the subjects were non-smokers, Genomic DNA was obtained from buccal swab. The IL-10promoter -597, -824, -1082 positions were genotyped by amplifying the polymorphic regions using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) , followed by restriction enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis. IL-10-597 C (allele 1) to A (allele 2) and IL-10-824 C (allele 1) to T (allele 2) and IL-10-1082 G (allele 1) to A (allele 2) polymorphisms were examined. The results were as follows. 1. In patients, the distribution of genotypes C/C, C/A and NA at Il-10-597 was determined to be 13.5%, 37.8% and 48.7%, respectively and the distribution of genotypes at IL-10-824 was the same as that of IL-10-597. The distribution of genotypes G/G, G/A and NA at IL-10-1082 was found to be 2.7%, 16.2% and 81. 4%, respectively. No statistical difference in genotype distribution was found between the patient and control groups. 2. Allele 2 carriage rate at the three position of the IL-10 promoter region was higher in the control group than the patient group. 3. Allele 2 frequencies at IL-10-597 and -824 positions were higher in female group than male group and its difference was statistically significant(p<0.05). No significant difference in genotype distribution between the control and patient groups. Allele frequency between control and patient groups was not significantly different although allele 2 frequency at the three positions in the IL-10 promoter region appeared to be higher in control group. In conclusion, no clear association between IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms and generalized aggressive periodontitis in Korean was observed.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.168-173
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• 2015

Bangpungtongseong-san(BPTSS, Fangfengtongsheng-san in Chineses) is a traditional herbal formula comprising 18 medicinal herbs. In the present study, we performed the simultaneous analysis for four compounds of BPTSS and examined anti-allergic effects in human keratinocytes and mouse splenocytes. The column for separation of four compounds was used Luna C18 column and maintained at 40℃. The mobile phase for gradient elution consisted of two solvent systems. The analysis was carried out at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with PDA detection at 254 and 280 nm. To evaluate production and expression of Th2 chemokines, ELISA and RT-PCR were conducted in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells with or without BPTSS or silymarin, a positive control for skin inflammation. To measure Th2 cytokines, primary mouse splenocytes were treated with BPTSS and performed ELISA for interleukin (IL)-4, 5, 13. Calibration curves were acquired with r2>0.9999. The contents of geniposide, liquiritin, baicalin, and glycyrrhizin in BPTSS were 5.06 ㎎/g, 7.33 ㎎/g, 27.56 ㎎/g, and 7.81 ㎎/g, respectively. BPTSS reduced TARC and RANTES production and mRNA expression in TNF-α and IFN-γ-treated HaCaT cells. BPTSS inhibited IL-4, 5, and 13 production in mouse splenocytes. Our data will be a helpful information to upgrade quality control and anti-allergic effects of BPTSS.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.197-204
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• 2017

In the present study, we tried to examine whether oleanolic acid regulates the activity, secretion and gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in primary cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes, as well as the production of MMP-3 in the knee joint of rat to evaluate the potential chondroprotective effect of oleanolic acid. Rabbit articular chondrocytes were cultured in a monolayer, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$)-induced gene expression of MMP-3, MMP-1, MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 (ADAMTS-4), ADAMTS-5 and type II collagen. In rabbit articular chondrocytes, the effects of oleanolic acid on IL-$1{\beta}$-induced secretion and proteolytic activity of MMP-3 were investigated using western blot analysis and casein zymography, respectively. The effect of oleanolic acid on in vivo MMP-3 protein production was also examined, after intra-articular injection to the knee joint of rat. The results were as follows: (1) oleanolic acid inhibited the gene expression of MMP-3, MMP-1, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5, but increased the gene expression of type II collagen; (2) oleanolic acid reduced the secretion and proteolytic activity of MMP-3; (3) oleanolic acid suppressed the production of MMP-3 protein in vivo. These results suggest that oleanolic acid can regulate the activity, secretion and gene expression of MMP-3, by directly acting on articular chondrocytes.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.221-228
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• 2016

We investigated whether prunetin affects the proteolytic activity, secretion, and gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in primary cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes, as well as in vivo production of MMP-3 in the rat knee joint to evaluate the potential chondroprotective effect of prunetin. Rabbit articular chondrocytes were cultured in a monolayer, and reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$)-induced expression of MMP-3, MMP-1, MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 (ADAMTS-4), and ADAMTS-5. In rabbit articular chondrocytes, the effects of prunetin on IL-$1{\beta}$-induced secretion and proteolytic activity of MMP-3 were investigated using western blot analysis and casein zymography, respectively. The effect of prunetin on MMP-3 protein production was also examined in vivo. The results were as follows: (1) prunetin inhibited the gene expression of MMP-3, MMP-1, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5; (2) prunetin inhibited the secretion and proteolytic activity of MMP-3; (3) prunetin suppressed the production of MMP-3 protein in vivo. These results suggest that prunetin can regulate the gene expression, secretion, and proteolytic activity of MMP-3, by directly acting on articular chondrocytes.

• BMB Reports
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• v.48 no.7
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• pp.407-412
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• 2015

The 12 kDa FK506-binding protein (FK506BP12), an immunosuppressor, modulates T cell activation via calcineurin inhibition. In this study, we investigated the ability of PEP-1-FK506BP12, consisting of FK506BP12 fused to the protein transduction domain PEP-1 peptide, to suppress catabolic responses in primary human chondrocytes and in a mouse carrageenan-induced paw arthritis model. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis showed that PEP-1-FK506BP12 efficiently penetrated chondrocytes and cartilage explants. In interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-treated chondrocytes, PEP-1-FK506BP12 significantly suppressed the expression of catabolic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-1, -3, and -13 in addition to cyclooxygenase-2, at both the mRNA and protein levels, whereas FK506BP12 alone did not. In addition, PEP-1-FK506BP12 decreased IL-1β-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) complex (p38, JNK, and ERK) and the inhibitor kappa B alpha. In the mouse model of carrageenan-induced paw arthritis, PEP-1-FK506BP12 suppressed both carrageenan-induced MMP-13 production and paw inflammation. PEP-1-FK506BP12 may have therapeutic potential in the alleviation of OA progression. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(7): 407-412]