• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.42 no.10
• /
• pp.702-710
• /
• 2019

Neuroinflammation is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD). We previously reported that our novel synthetic compound KMS99220 has a good pharmacokinetic profile, enters the brain, exerts neuroprotective effect, and inhibits $NF{\kappa}B$ activation. To further assess the utility of KMS99220 as a potential therapeutic agent for PD, we tested whether KMS99220 exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in vivo and examined the molecular mechanism mediating this phenomenon. In 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated mice, oral administration of KMS99220 attenuated microglial activation and decreased the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin 1 beta ($IL-1{\beta}$) in the nigrostriatal system. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged BV-2 microglial cells, KMS99220 suppressed the production and expression of $IL-1{\beta}$. In the activated microglia, KMS99220 reduced the phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B$ kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 MAP kinase; this effect was mediated by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), as both gene silencing and pharmacological inhibition of HO-1 abolished the effect of KMS99220. KMS99220 induced nuclear translocation of the transcription factor Nrf2 and expression of the Nrf2 target genes including HO-1. Together with our earlier findings, our current results show that KMS99220 may be a potential therapeutic agent for neuroinflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases such as PD.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.53 no.12
• /
• pp.628-633
• /
• 2020

WNT11 is a member of the non-canonical Wnt family and plays a crucial role in tumor progression. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying WNT11 expression are unclear. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) is a major inflammatory cytokine produced in the tumor microenvironment and contributes to processes associated with tumor progression, such as tumor invasion and metastasis. By using site-directed mutagenesis and introducing a serial deletion in the 5'-regulatory region of WNT11, we observed that TNFα activates the early growth response 1 (EGR1)-binding sequence (EBS) in the proximal region of WNT11 and that the transcription factor EGR1 is necessary for the TNFα-induced transcription of WNT11. EGR1 bound directly to the EBSs within the proximal 5'-regulatory region of WNT11 and ectopic expression of EGR1 stimulated WNT11 promoter activity, whereas the knockdown of EGR1 expression by RNA interference reduced TNFα-induced WNT11 expression in T47D breast cancer cells. We also observed that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 kinase mediated TNFα-induced transcription of WNT11 via EGR1. Our results suggest that EGR1 directly targets WNT11 in response to TNFα stimulation in breast cancer cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.127-134
• /
• 2021

Neuroinflammation―a common pathological feature of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease―is mediated by microglial activation. Thus, inhibiting microglial activation is vital for treating various neurological disorders. 7,3',4'-Trihydroxyisoflavone (THIF)―a secondary metabolite of the soybean compound daidzein―possesses antioxidant and anticancer properties. However, the effects of 7,3',4'-THIF on microglial activation have not been explored. In this study, antineuroinflammatory effects of 7,3',4'-THIF in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells were examined. 7,3',4'-THIF significantly suppressed the production of the proinflammatory mediators nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as well as of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Moreover, 7,3',4'-THIF markedly inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Western blotting revealed that 7,3',4'-THIF diminished LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Overall, 7,3',4'-THIF exerts antineuroinflammatory effects against LPS-induced microglial activation by suppressing mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB signaling, ultimately reducing proinflammatory responses. Therefore, these antineuroinflammatory effects of 7,3',4'-THIF suggest its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disorders.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.8 no.4
• /
• pp.163-169
• /
• 2020

Purpose : This study aimed to investigate the anti-allergic effect of Persicaria perfoliata water extract (PPWE) on IgE stimulated rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cell line. Methods : P. perfoliata (L.) H. Gross has been used in traditional medicine as an anti-allergic agent, antipyretic, and diuretic and for respiratory disorders. To analyze the anti-allergic activity of PPWE, release of β-hexosaminidase in RBL-2H3 cells was estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Also, the cytotoxic effect of PPWE was identified by WST assay, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB and its upstream signaling molecules were assessed by western blot analysis. Results : PPWE treatment significantly attenuated β-hexosaminidase release in a dose dependent manner without any cytotoxicity. PPWE inhibited β-hexosaminidase activity by 38.4±1.2, 36.6±0.6, 32.5±2.2 and 26.5±1.2 at 500, 250, 100, and 50 ㎍/㎖ of PPWE, respectively, compared with the control group. In addition, an analysis of the expression level of NF-κB, an inflammation transcription factor, in RBL-2H3 cells upon IgE stimulation provided reults consistent with the results of β-hexosaminidase release. The phosphorylated status of upstream signaling molecules for transcription factor, mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), was also analyzed. The results showed that PPWE treatment dose-dependently inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular regulatory kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). These results show that PPWE had a strong IgE-mediated degranulation inhibitory effect on RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusion : P. perfoliata ameliorated IgE-mediated allergic reaction via the modulation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway in RBL-2H3 cells. These results indicate that P. perfoliata could be a potential candidate for a treatment strategy against various allergic disorders.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.54 no.3
• /
• pp.201-208
• /
• 2022

Neuroinflammation is defined as a neurological inflammation within the brain and the spinal cord. In neuroinflammation, microglia are the tissue-resident macrophages of the central nervous system, which act as the first line of defense against harmful pathogens. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has an anti-inflammatory effect in many neurological conditions. Additionally, the microRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p) mimic has been proven to be effective in macrophages in inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of both miR-30a-5p and Dex in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells. This study showed that miR-30a-5p and Dex decreased nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) translocation in LPS-induced BV2 cells. MiR-30a-5p and Dex alleviated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), LPS-induced phosphorylation c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38. Also, the expression of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome (NLRP3), cleaved caspase-1, and ASC was inhibited. Furthermore, LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression were attenuated by Dex and miR-30a-5p. Our results indicate that a combination of Dex and miR-30a-5p, attenuates NF-κB activation, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and inflammatory mediators involved in LPS-induced inflammation and inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in LPS-activated BV2 cells.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.55-61
• /
• 2012

Objectives : Allium Hookeri (AH) is a traditional herb to treat inflammatory diseases in India and Myanmar. Recently, AH cultivation was succeeded in South Korea. This study was performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Korean AH in RAW264.7 cells, mouse macrophage cell line. Methods : To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of root of AH, we prepared the 70% ethanol extract, then we examined the productions of nitrite, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. To examine the nitrite, and cytokines, the RAW264.7 cells were treated with AH, then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 500 ng/ml) for 24 h. Then the cells were harvested for griess assay, ELISA and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Also to detect the ability of AH to induce heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), we examined the HO-1 expression using real time RT-PCR and western blot. Furthermore, we examined the mitogen activated-protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) activation to find out the underlying mechanisms. Results : AH ethanol extract significantly inhibited the productions of nitrite and interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$. AH treatment increased the HO-1 expression dramatically at 1 h, then peaked at 3 h. When the HO-1 was inhibited by tin (Sn) protoporphryin-IX (SnPP), the anti-inflammatory action of AH was reversed. AH treatment inhibited the activation of p38, but not extracelluar signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2) and c-Jun $NH_2$-terminal kinase (JNK) and also the degradation of inhibitory kappa B a (Ik-$B{\alpha}$) in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions : These data could suggest that AH exerts anti-inflammatory influences through up-regulation of HO-1 and deactivation of p38.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.47 no.2
• /
• pp.183-192
• /
• 2023

Viral infections are known as one of the major factors causing death. Ginseng is a medicinal plant that demonstrated a wide range of antiviral potential, and saponins are the major bioactive ingredients in the genus Panax with vast therapeutic potential. Studies focusing on the antiviral activity of the genus Panax plant-derived agents (extracts and saponins) and their mechanisms were identified and summarized, including contributions mainly from January 2016 until January 2022. P. ginseng, P. notoginseng, and P. quinquefolius were included in the review as valuable medicinal herbs against infections with 14 types of viruses. Reports from 9 extracts and 12 bioactive saponins were included, with 6 types of protopanaxadiol (PPD) ginsenosides and 6 types of protopanaxatriol (PPT) ginsenosides. The mechanisms mainly involved the inhibition of viral attachment and replication, the modulation of immune response by regulating signaling pathways, including the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE)/hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) pathway, phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1)/ protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/activator protein-1 (AP-1) pathway, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway. This review includes detailed information about the mentioned antiviral effects of the genus Panax extracts and saponins in vitro and in vivo, and in human clinical trials, which provides a scientific basis for ginseng as an adjunctive therapeutic drug or nutraceutical.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.119-128
• /
• 2023

Purpose : The fruit of Actinidia polygama has been used in oriental medicine for the treatment of gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammation. Though A. polygama exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 cells and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, the exact mechanism for anti-inflammation was not evaluated yet. In this study, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of A. polygama ethanol extract (APEE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : WST-1 assay was applied to analyze the cytotoxic effect of APEE in RAW 264.7 cells. The productions of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) E₂ were analyzed by the Griess reaction and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) assay, respectively. In addition, protein expressions for inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were measured by Western blot analysis. The activated status of an inflammatory transcription factor, NF-κ B, and its upstream signaling molecules, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), was also evaluated by Western blot analysis. Results : As a result, APEE treatment did not exhibit any cytotoxicity until the concentration of 200 ㎍/㎖. APEE treatment significantly inhibited NO and PGE₂ productions as well as their enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner. The inflammatory transcription factor, NF-κ B, was also attenuated by APEE treatment. In addition, the phosphorylated status of MAPKs such as extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), c-jun NH2 kinase (JNK), and p38, were significantly diminished by APEE treatment in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion : Consequently, APEE treatment significantly attenuated the production of inflammatory mediators and their enzyme expressions in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The inflammatory transcription factor, NF-κ B, and upstream signaling molecules, MAPKs, were also significantly attenuated by APEE treatment in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. These results indicate that APEE might be a candidate to be utilized as a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.420-428
• /
• 2023

Background: Ginsenoside F2 (GF2), a minor component of Panax ginseng, has been reported to possess a wide variety of pharmacological activities. However, its effects on glucose metabolism have not yet been reported. Here, we investigated the underlying signaling pathways involved in its effects on hepatic glucose. Methods: HepG2 cells were used to establish insulin-resistant (IR) model and treated with GF2. Cell viability and glucose uptake-related genes were also examined by real-time PCR and immunoblots. Results: Cell viability assays showed that GF2 up to 50 μM did not affect normal and IR-HepG2 cell viability. GF2 reduced oxidative stress by inhibiting phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling components such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and p38 MAPK, and reducing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Furthermore, GF2 activated PI3K/AKT signaling, upregulated the levels of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2) and GLUT-4 in IR-HepG2 cells, and promoted glucose absorption. At the same time, GF2 reduced phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase expression as well as inhibiting gluconeogenesis. Conclusion: Overall, GF2 improved glucose metabolism disorders by reducing cellular oxidative stress in IR-HepG2 cells via MAPK signaling, participating in the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway, promoting glycogen synthesis, and inhibiting gluconeogenesis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
• /
• v.38 no.3
• /
• pp.176-183
• /
• 2023

In this study, we investigated the effect of the extracts of Cyrtomium fortunei J.Sm. (CFJ) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation in mouse BV-2 microglial cells. Nitric oxide (NO) production and cell viability were measured using the Griess reagent and the (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) (MTT) assay. Inflammatory cytokines were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in BV-2 microglial cells with and without CFJ extracts. Subsequently, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and antioxidant markers were assessed by western blot analysis. It was found that the CFJ extract significantly decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and IL-1β) and NO in BV-2 microglial cells that were stimulated with LPS. In addition, the expression levels of the phosphorylation of the MAPK family (p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinases [JNK], and extracellular-signal regulated kinase [ERK]) were reduced by CFJ. Also, treatment with CFJ significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase type 1(SOD1) and Catalase in BV-2 microglial cells. Our results indicate that CFJ has a potent suppressive effect on the pro-inflammatory responses of activated BV-2 microglia. Therefore, CFJ has the potential to be an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, as it can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators in activated BV-2 microglial cells.