• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.91-96
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• 2010

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammation. It has been reported that berberine inhibits experimental colitis through inhibition of IL-8, and that inhibitory effect of berberine on inflammatory cytokine expression is mediated through peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-$\gamma$. In this study, we examined the effects and action mechanism of berberine on the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$-induced monocyte adhesion to HT29 human colonic epithelial cells, which is commonly used as an in vitro model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Berberine significantly inhibited the TNF-$\alpha$-induced monocyte adhesion to HT29, which is similar to the effect of PDTC, a nuclear factor (NF)-$\kappa$B inhibitor. However, ciglitazone and GW, the ligands of PPAR-$\gamma$, did not suppress the TNF-$\alpha$-induced monocyte adhesion to HT29 cells. In addition, TNF-$\alpha$-induced chemokine expression and NF-$\kappa$B transcriptional activity were significantly inhibited by berberine in a concentration-dependent manner. The results suggest that inhibitory effect of berberine on colitis is mediated through suppression of NF-$\kappa$B and NF-$\kappa$B-dependent chemokine expression.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.34 no.3 s.134
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• pp.242-245
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• 2003

The effects of chelidonine, a benzophenanthridine isoquinoline alkaloid, on L-DOPA-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells were investigated. The treatment of PC12 cells with chelidonine $(1-4\;{\mu}M)$ decreased dopamine content in a dose-dependent manner (30.2% inhibition at $4\;{\mu}M)$. Chelidonine was not cytotoxic up to $4\;{\mu}M)$. However, chelidonine at concentrations higher than $5\;{\mu}M$ caused a cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. L-DOPA at concentrations higher than $50\;{\mu}M$ led to cell damage by oxidative stress in PC12 cells. Chelidonine at non-cytotoxic concentration ranges of $1-4{\mu}M$ aggravated L- DOPA $(20-50\;{\mu}M)$-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. The L-DOPA-induced cytotocxicity was synergistically stimulated by chelidonine at concentrations grader than $5\;{\mu}M$. These data demonstrate that chelidonine exacerbates L-DOPA-induced cytotoxicity. Therefore, it is proposed that the long-term L-DOPA therapeutic patients with chelidonine may need to be checked for the adverse symptoms.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.277-281
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• 1996

To evaluate the renal toxicity of the antitumor agent, 5-(piperidonomethylphenyl)-2,3-dihydroimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline (SDZ-62-434), rats were treated with SDZ-62-434 of 50 mg/Kg, i.p., once and 10 mg/Kg, i.p., daily for 7 days. The kidney weights and urine volume after and during the treatment were observed. The concentrations of urinary creatinine, protein, and the activities of N-acetyl-$\beta $D-glucosaminidase (NAG), alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), $\gamma$-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 24 hr urine were also determined. The kidney weights after acute and subacute administration was not affected. The urine excretions were increased 5 days after the acute administration and increased after the daily 3rd day-administration. The excretion of creatinine was similar as that of urine excretion. The excretion of creatinine was increased 5 days after the acute and subacute administration. However, the protein excretion didn't changed in both treatment. Those indicate that SDZ-62-434 might induce the diuresis and also suggest that diuresis might be due to the some metabolites rather than the compound itself. The urinary activities of NAG and LDH were not affected after the acute treatment. However, the urinary activities of AAP and GGT were slightly increased 3 days after the acute administration but, returned to the control value. In subacute treatment, the activities of GGT was not changed. And the activities of NAG were declined after the 7th day-administration. However, the activities of AAP were significantly increased after the 5th day-administration. Furthermore, the urinary activities of LDH were continuously increased during the subacute administration. These results indicate that the high and subacute administration might induce a weak damage on the kidney cells. Furtherrnore, the present results suggest that SDZ-62-434 might have relatively slow-emerging and mild toxicity to the kidney.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.90-94
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• 2019

Objectives: Paclitaxel (PTX) as an anticancer drug used against solid cancers, possesses adverse reactions such as neuropathic pain which has confined its use. PTX-induced neuropathic pain is mediated via activation of oxidative stress. Berberine (BER), an isoquinoline phytochemical found in several plants, exerts strong antioxidant and painkilling properties. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate pain-relieving effect of BER in a mouse model of PTX-induced neuropathic pain. Methods: This study was done using 42 male albino mice that were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 7) as follow: Sham-operated (not treated with PTX), negative control group (PTX-treated mice receiving normal saline), BER 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg (PTX-treated mice receiving BER) and positive control group (PTX-treated mice receiving imipramine 10 mg/kg). Neuropathic pain was induced by intraperitoneal administration of four doses of PTX (2 mg/kg/day) on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Then, on day 7, hot plate test was done to assess latency to heat to measure possible anti-neuropathic pain effect of BER. Results: Four doses of PTX 2 mg/kg/day induced neuropathy that was reduced by BER at all time-points (i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min) after injection (P < 0.001 in comparison to control). The statistical analysis of data showed significant differences between groups (P < 0.001 in comparison to negative control), at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after injection of BER 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg; in other words, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after BER administration, neuropathic pain was significantly reduced as compared to normal saline-treated mice. Conclusion: Altogether, our results showed that PTX could induce neuropathic pain as reflected by hyperalgesia and BER could alleviate PTX-induced thermal hyperalgesia.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.166-172
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• 2022

A method of efficiently purifying high value-added indole among components of coal tar absorption oil was studied using a step-by-step process of extraction-distillation-crystallization. The coal tar absorption oil used in this study contains 1.2% naphthalene, 0.1% quinoline, 0.4% isoquinoline, 6.4% indole, 21.0% 1-methylnaphthalene, 48.8% 2-methylnaphthalene, and 11.7% biphenyl as main components. For the separation and purification of indole, methanol was first used as a solvent to separate indole species in the coal tar absorption oil into an extract phase. And then methanol was recovered by distillation. Subsequently, an extraction solution where methanol was removed was mixed with normal hexane, and then crystallized to recover indole having a purity of 99.3%. Based on the experiments of this study, a purification process scheme for indole in coal tar absorption oil was proposed.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.337-343
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• 2009

Purpose: ((R)-1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-1-[$^{11}$C]methyl-N(1-propyl)-3-isoquinoline carboxamide ((R)-PK11195) is a specific ligand for the peripheral type benzodiazepine receptor and a marker of activated microglia, used to measure inflammation in neurologic disorders. We report here that a direct and simple radiosynthesis of [$^{11}$C](R)-PK11195 in mild condition using NaH suspension in DMF and one-step loop method. Materials and Methods: (R)-N-Desmethyl-PK11195 (1 mg) in DMSO (0.1 mL) and NaH suspension in DMF (0.1 mL) were injected into a semi-prep HPLC loop. [$^{11}$C]methyl iodide was passed through HPLC loop at room temperature. Purification was performed using semi-preparative HPLC. Aliquots eluted at 11.3 min were collected and analyzed by analytical HPLC and mass spectrometer. Results: The labeling efficiency of [$^{11}$C](R)-PK11195 was 71.8$\pm$8.5%. The specific activity was 11.8:$\pm$6.4 GBq/$\mu$mol and radiochemical purity was higher than 99.2%. The mass spectrum of the product eluted at 11.3 min showed m/z peaks at 353.1 (M+1), indicating the mass and structure of (R)-PK11195. Conclusion: By the one-step loop method with the [$^{11}$C]CH3l automated synthesis module, [$^{11}C$](R)-PK11195 could be easily prepared in high radiochemical yield using NaH suspension in DMF.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.652-658
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• 2016

Twenty $Pelibuey{\times}Katahdin$ ewes ($35{\pm}2.3kg$) were used to determine the effects of the consumption of standardized plant extract containing a mixture of quaternary benzophenanthridine alkaloids and protopine alkaloids (QBA+PA) on growth performance, dietary energetics, visceral mass, and ruminal epithelial health in heat-stressed ewes fed with a high-energy corn-based diet. The basal diet (13.9% crude protein and 2.09 Mcal of net energy [NE] of maintenance/kg of dry matter) contained 49.7% starch and 15.3% neutral detergent fiber. Source of QBA+PA was Sangrovit RS (SANG) which contains 3 g of quaternary benzophenathridine and protopine alkaloids per kg of product. Treatments consisted of a daily consumption of 0 or 0.5 g SANG/ewe. Ewes were grouped by weight and assigned to 10 pens (5 pens/treatment), with two ewes per pen. The experimental period lasted 70 days. The mean temperature humidity index during the course of this experiment was $81.7{\pm}1.0$ (severe heat stress). There were no treatment effects on water intake. Dry matter intake was not affected (p = 0.70) by treatments, but the group fed SANG had a numerically (11.2%) higher gain in comparison to the control group, SANG improved gain efficiency (8.3%, p = 0.04), dietary NE (5.2%, p<0.01) and the observed-to-expected NE (5.9%, p<0.01). Supplemental SANG did not affect ($p{\geq}0.12$) carcass characteristics, chemical composition of shoulder, and organ weights (g/kg empty body weight) of stomach complex, intestines, and heart/lung. Supplemental SANG decreased liver weight (10.3%, p = 0.02) and increased visceral fat (16.9%, p = 0.02). Rumen epithelium of ewes fed SANG had lower scores for cellular dropsical degeneration (2.08 vs 2.34, p = 0.02), parakeratosis (1.30 vs 1.82, p = 0.03) and neutrophil infiltration (2.08 vs 2.86, p = 0.05) than controls. It is concluded that SANG supplementation helped ameliorate the negative effects of severe heat on growth performance of feedlot ewes fed high-energy corn-based diets. Improvement in energetic efficiency may have been mediated, in part, by anti-inflammatory effects of supplemental SANG and corresponding enhancement of nutrient uptake.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.47-57
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• 2005

Leptin, the product of the obese gene, is a circulating hormone secreted primarily from adipocytes. Several results suggest that leptin is important mediators of bone metabolism. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of leptin on anti-osteoclastogenesis using murine precursors cultured on Ca-P coated plates and on the production of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in osteoblastic cells. Additionally, this study examined the possible involvement of prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$/protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated signals on the effect of leptin on anti-osteoclastogenesis to various culture systems of osteoclast precursors. Osteoclast generation was determined by counting tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive [TRAP (+)] multinucleated cells (MNCs). Osteoclastic activity was determined by measuring area of resorption pits formed by osteoclasts on Ca-P coated plate. The number of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol $(1,25[OH]_2D_3)$- or $PGE_2$-induced TRAP (+) MNCs in the mouse bone marrow cell culture decreased significantly after treatment with leptin. The number of receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL)-induced TRAP (+) MNCs in M-CSF dependent bone marrow macrophage (MDBM) cell or RAW264.7 cell culture decreased significantly with leptin treatment. Indomethacin inhibited osteoclast generation induced by $1,25[OH]_2D_3$ and dexamethasone, however, no significant differences were found in the leptin treated group when compared to the corresponding indomethacin group. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, inhibited osteoclast generation induced by $1,25[OH]_2D_3$. The number of TRAP (+) MNCs decreased significantly with treatment by PMA at concentrations of 0.01 and $0.1{\mu}M$ in culture. Leptin inhibited PMA-mediated osteoclast generation. Isoquinoline-5-sulfonic 2-methyl-1-piperazide dihydrochloride (H7) had no effect on osteoclast generation induced by $1,25[OH]_2D_3$. Cell culture treatment with leptin resulted in no significant differences in osteoclast generation compared to the corresponding H7 group. Indomethacin showed no significant effect on TRAP (+) MNCs formation from the RAW264.7 cell line. PMA inhibited TRAP (+) MNCs formation induced by RANKL in the RAW264.7 cell culture. H7 had no effect on osteoclast generation from the RAW264.7 cell line. There was no difference compared with the corresponding control group after treatment with leptin. $1,25[OH]_2D_3$- or $PGE_2$-induced osteoclastic activity decreased significantly with leptin treatment at a concentration of 100 ng/ml in mouse bone marrow cell culture. Indomethacin, PMA, and H7 significantly inhibited osteoclastic activity induced by $1,25[OH]_2D_3$ in mouse bone marrow cell culture. No significant differences were found between the leptin treated group and the corresponding control group. The secretion of OPG, a substance known to inhibit osteoclast formation, was detected from the osteoblasts. Treatment by leptin resulted in significant increases in OPG secretion by osteoblastic cells. Taken these results, leptin may be an important regulatory cytokines within the bone marrow microenvironment.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.167-175
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• 2001

Recent studies have shown that cytokines are capable of modulating cardiovascular function and that some drugs used in the treatment of heart failure variably modulate the production of cytokines. Hige- namine, a positive inotropic isoquinoline alkaloid, has been used traditionally as cardiac stimulant, and reported to reduce nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS- and/or cytokine-activated cells in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we investigated whether higenamine modulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines in myocardial infarction. In addition, effects of higenamine on antioxidant action and antioxidant enzyme expression (MnSOD) were studied. Myocardial infarction (MI) was confirmed by measuring left ventricular (LV) pressure after occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for 5 weeks in rats. Treatment of higenamine (10 mg/kg/day) reduced infarct size about 35 %, which accompanied by reduction of production TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, but not IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-1$\beta$ in the myocardium. The expression of TNF-$\alpha$ mRNA in infracted myocardium was significantly reduced by higenamine. Although iNOS mRNA was not detected, nitrotyrosine staining was significantly increased in myocardium of Ml compared to higenamine-treated one, Indicating that peroxynitrite-induced damage is evident in MI. Cytochrome c oxidation by peroxynitrite was concentration-dependently reduced by higenamine, an effect which was almost compatible to glutathion. Higenamine treatment did not affect the expression of MnSOD mRNA in myocardial tissues in MI. Taken together, higenamine may be beneficial in oxidative stress conditions such as ischemic-reperfusion injury and MI due to antioxidant action as well as modulation of cytokines.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.665-669
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• 2023

The crude methylnaphthalene oil (CMNO) contains nitrogen compounds (NCs) such as quinoline (QU), isoquinoline (IQU), and indole (IN). These NCs in the CMNO are treated as impurities contained in the CMNO due to contamination of the atmospheric environment and unpleasant odors. In order to improve the quality of CMNO, this study examined the effect of extraction experimental factors on the reduction of NCs contained in CMNO using CMNO as a raw material and an aqueous formamide solution as a solvent, respectively. The increase in the volume ratio of solvent to feed in initial (S/F)₀ in initial increased the distribution coefficient of NCs and the selectivity of NCs in reference to 2-methylnaphthalene (2MNA). Additionally, an increase in operating temperature (T) increased the distribution coefficient of NCs but conversely decreased selectivity. The compositions of QU, IQU, and IN in the raffinate oil recovered through equilibrium extraction under a constant condition (volume fraction of water to solvent in initial (y_w,0) = 0.1, (S/F)₀ = 9, T = 303 K, liquid-liquid contacting time = 72 h) were reduced by about 58.5 wt%, 61.9 wt%, and 73.4 wt%, respectively, compared to those of CMNO. The formamide extraction method in this study was expected to be an effective reduction method for NCs contained in CMNO.