• 대한한의학회지
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.171-179
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• 2008

Objective: Bufonis Venenum is the traditional Korean medicine Chan Su, which is obtained from the skin and parotid venom gland of the toads. It has been used for myocardial diseases, inflammation diseases, pain relief, cancer and others. The main components of BV are cinobufotoxin, cinobufalin, bufalin and others. Of these, bufalin, the major active ingredient of BV, has been reported to induce apoptosis and to possess anti-tumor effects. There was no report of anti-tumor screening of BV on hepatic cancer and which signaling pathway can be involved. In order to examine the effect of BV on hepatic cancer and the related signaling pathway with BV-induced apoptosis, human Hep G2 cells were used. Methods: Analysis of apoptosis was confirmed by MTT assay. BV decreased cell viability in a dose and duration dependent manner. To observe which signaling molecules will be activated by BV, phosphorylation of MAPK (p38, ERK, JNK), caspase 8 and caspase 9 were examined by Western blot analysis. Results: The phosphorylation levels of p38 started to increase at 5 min after addition of 5 ${\mu}g$/ml of BV and sustained to increase until 48 hours. The phosphorylation levels of other MAPK (ERK and JNK), caspase 8 and caspase 9 increased in a time-dependent manner. These imply that BV may activate different signaling pathways, MAPK, caspase 8 and caspase 9. These results propose that BV may induce apoptosis on Hep G2 cells through the activation of MAPK, caspase 8 and caspase 9.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.272-278
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• 2017

Fucoidan has been reported to exhibit various beneficial activities ranging from to antivirus and anticancer properties. However, little information is available about the effects of fucoidan on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Our study aimed to explore the effects of fucoidan on cerebral IRI, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly subjected to four groups: Sham, IRI+saline (IRI+S), IRI+80 mg/kg fucoidan (IRI+F80), and IRI+160 mg/kg fucoidan (IRI+F160). Fucoidan (80 mg/kg or 160 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected from 7 days before the rats were induced to cerebral IRI model with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method. At 24 h after reperfusion, neurological deficits and the total infarct volume were determined. The levels of inflammation-associated cytokines (interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$), oxidative stress-related proteins (malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) in the ischemic brain were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Besides, the levels of apoptosis-related proteins (p-53, Bax, and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway (phosphorylation-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p-p38) were measured. Results showed that administration of fucoidan significantly reduced the neurological deficits and infarct volume compared to the IRI+S group in a dose-dependent manner. Also, fucoidan statistically decreased the levels of inflammation-associated cytokines, and oxidative stress-related proteins, inhibited apoptosis, and suppressed the MAPK pathway. So, Fucoidan plays a protective role in cerebral IRI might be by inhibition of MAPK pathway.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제22권6호
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• pp.503-509
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• 2014

Paraquat has been suggested to induce apoptosis by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, little is known about the mechanism of paraquat-induced apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate that extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) is required for paraquat-induced apoptosis in NIH3T3 cells. Paraquat treatment resulted in activation of ERK, and U0126, inhibitors of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, prevented apoptosis. Moreover, paraquat-induced apoptosis was associated with cytochrome C release, which could be prevented by treatment with the MEK inhibitors. Taken together, our findings suggest that ERK activation plays an active role in mediating paraquat-induced apoptosis of NIH3T3 cells.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제5권4호
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• pp.237-246
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• 2005

Background: Little information is available on the identification and characterization of the upstream regulators of the signal transduction cascades for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tbc)-induced ERK 1/2 activation and chemokine expression. We investigated the signaling mechanisms involved in expression of CCL3 /MIP-1 and CCL4/MIP-1 in human primary monocytes infected with M. tbc. Methods: MAP kinase phosphorylation was determined using western blot analysis with specific primary antibodies (ERK 1/2, and phospho-ERK1/2), and the upstream signaling pathways were further investigated using specific inhibitors. Results: An avirulent strain, M. tbc H37Ra, induced greater and more sustained ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, and higher CCL3 and CCL4 production, than did M. tbc H37Rv. Specific inhibitors for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK; U0126 and PD98059) significantly inhibited the expression of CCL3 and CCL4 in human monocytes. Mycobactetia-mediated expression of CCL3 and CCL4 was not inhibited by the Ras inhibitor manumycin A or the Raf-1 inhibitor GW 5074. On the other hand, phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor (U73122) and protein kinase C (PKC)specific inhibitors ($G\ddot{o}6976$ and Ro31-8220) significantly reduced M. tbc-induced activation of ERK 1/2 and chemokine synthesis. Conclusion: These results are the first to demonstrate that the PLC-PKC-MEK-ERK, not the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK, pathway is the major signaling pathway inducing M. tbc-mediated CCL3 and CCL4 expression in human primary monocytes.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제29권8호
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• pp.633-644
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• 2006

In last couple of decades the use of natural compounds like flavonoids as chemopreventive agents has gained much attention. Our current study focuses on identifying chemopreventive flavonoids and their mechanism of action on human prostate cancer cells. Human prostate cancer cells (PC3), stably transfected with activator protein 1 (AP-1) luciferase reporter gene were treated with four main classes of flavonoids namely flavonols, flavones, flavonones, and isoflavones. The maximum AP-1 luciferase induction of about 3 fold over control was observed with $20\;{\mu}M$ concentrations of quercetin, chrysin and genistein and $50\;{\mu}M$ concentration of kaempferol. At higher concentrations, most of the flavonoids demonstrated inhibition of AP-1 activity. The MTS assay for cell viability at 24 h showed that even at a very high concentration $(500\;{\mu}M)$, cell death was minimal for most of the flavonoids. To determine the role of MAPK pathway in the induction of AP-1 by flavonoids, Western blot of phospho MAPK proteins was performed. Four out of the eight flavonoids namely kaempferol, apigenin, genistein and naringenin were used for the Western Blot analysis. Induction of phospho-JNK and phospho-ERK activity was observed after two hour incubation of PC3-AP1 cells with flavonoids. However no induction of phospho-p38 activity was observed. Furthermore, pretreating the cells with specific inhibitors of JNK reduced the AP-1 luciferase activity that was induced by genistein while pretreatment with MEK inhibitor reduced the AP-1 luciferase activity induced by kaempferol. The pharmacological inhibitors did not affect the AP-1 luciferase activity induced by apigenin and naringenin. These results suggest the possible involvement of JNK pathway in genistein induced AP-1 activity while the ERK pathway seems to play an important role in kaempferol induced AP-1 activity.

• 한국자원식물학회지
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.23-30
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• 2021

본 연구에서는 LPS로 자극을 유도한 RAW 264.7 대식세포에서 지칭개 추출물의 항염증 효능을 알아보기 위해 이와 연관된 다양한 인자(NO, PGE2, IL-6, 및 TNF-α)와 MAPK 신호전달 경로에 대해서 조사하였다. 먼저HL 처리에 따른 세포 생존율에 대해 조사한 결과, HL을 농도별로 처리했을 때 저농도인 25 ㎍/mL에서부터 고농도인 100 ㎍/mL까지 모두 90% 이상의 생존율이 나타났으며, LPS를 처리한 RAW 264.7 대식세포에서도 90% 이상의 생존율을 나타내 실험에 사용된 HL의 농도가 RAW 264.7 대식세포에서 무독성임을 확인할 수 있었다. 이러한 무독성 조건에서 HL의 항염증 활성을 확인하기 위하여 염증 매개체(inflammatory mediators)로 잘 알려진 NO와 PGE2의 생성 변화를 확인한 결과, LPS로 염증반응이 유도된 RAW 264.7 대식세포에서 NO와 PGE2의 생성이 농도 의존적으로 억제됨을 확인하였다. HL이 NO와 PGE2를 억제하는 항염증 효과가 있음을 관찰하였고, 이에 전 염증성 사이토카인 분비에도 유의성 있는 효과를 나타낼 것이라 판단되어 전 염증성 사이토카인(IL-6와 TNF-α)에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 조사하였다. HL은 LPS로 유도된 RAW 264.7 대식세포의 염증반응에서 IL-6의 생산을 유의적으로 억제함을 관찰할 수 있었다. 한편 다른 전 염증성 사이토카인인 TNF-α생산에는 아무 영향을 주지 않았다. 이러한 결과는 HL이 전 염증성 사이토카인 중 TNF-α조절에 관여하지 않고, IL-6 생성을 억제하여 염증 매개체의 생성을 억제한다고 추측할 수 있었다. HL이 NO, PGE2, 및 IL-6의 조절에 작용하는 메커니즘이 상위 시그널인 MAPK cascade의 억제를 통해 나타나는 효과인지 알아보기 위해 염증과 관련된 MAPK 시그널인 p38, ERK, 및 JNK의 발현 변화를 관찰하였다. HL은 p38과 ERK의 발현 활성화를 상당히 약화시켰지만 JNK는 p38과 ERK 보다 덜 민감하게 조절함을 관찰할 수 있었다. 이상의 결과를 종합해 보면 LPS로 유도된 RAW 264.7 대식세포에서 HL은 MAPK 신호경로인 JNK 발현에 유의적인 영향을 주지 못해서 JNK와 관련된 TNF-α생산에 영향을 주지 못한 것으로 판단된다. 다른 MAPK 신호경로인 p38과 ERK의 발현을 약화시킴으로써 그 다음 기작인 IL-6, NO, 및 PGE2의 생산을 억제시켜 염증반응을 억제한 것으로 추측되어 진다. 이상의 결과를 종합해 보면 HL이 항염 활성을 가지고 있음을 확인할 수 있었으며, 이를 기반으로 HL의 MAPK 신호경로를 통한 염증성 사이토카인과 염증 매개체와의 연관성에 대한 기초자료로 활용할 수 있는 근거 자료가 될 수 있을 것으로 생각된다. 또한, 다양한 경로를 통한 염증 조절 기전 연구는 추가적으로 이루어져야 할 것으로 사료된다.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제55권6호
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• pp.613-622
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• 2017

IL-12 and IL-23 are closely related in structure, and have been shown to play crucial roles in regulation of immune responses. However, little is known about the regulation of these cytokines in T cells. Here, we investigated the roles of PI3K and MAPK pathways in IL-12 and IL-23 production in human Jurkat T cells in response to Toxoplasma gondii and LPS. IL-12 and IL-23 production was significantly increased in T cells after stimulation with T. gondii or LPS. T. gondii and LPS increased the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and JNK1/2 in T cells from 10 min post-stimulation, and peaked at 30-60 min. Inhibition of the PI3K pathway reduced IL-12 and IL-23 production in T. gondii-infected cells, but increased in LPS-stimulated cells. IL-12 and IL-23 production was significantly reduced by ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK inhibitors in T. gondii- and LPS-stimulated cells, but not in cells treated with a JNK1/2 inhibitor. Collectively, IL-12 and IL-23 production was positively regulated by PI3K and JNK1/2 in T. gondii-infected Jurkat cells, but negatively regulated in LPS-stimulated cells. And ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK positively regulated IL-12 and IL-23 production in Jurkat T cells. These data indicate that T. gondii and LPS induced IL-12 and IL-23 production in Jurkat T cells through the regulation of the PI3K and MAPK pathways; however, the mechanism underlying the stimulation of IL-12 and IL-23 production by T. gondii in Jurkat T cells is different from that of LPS.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제47권6호
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• pp.765-769
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• 2014

We examined the protective effects of Pyropia yezoensis glycoprotein (PYGP) against ethanol-induced gastric damage. The experimental animals were divided into four groups. They were treated with distilled water (control), ethanol alone (EtOH), ethanol + PYGP 150 mg/kg BW (EtOH+150), or ethanol + PYGP 300 mg/kg BW (EtOH+300). The groups were treated for 4 weeks. We measured mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), the apoptotic signaling pathway, and PARP activity in gastric tissues obtained from the rats. Ethanol consumption increased apoptotic signal activity and ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation. PYGP reduced the apoptotic signaling pathway activity and ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation. Furthermore, PYGP regulated Bcl-2 family expression. In light of these findings, PYGP appears to prevent ethanol-induced gastric injury and oxidative stress.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.841-848
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• 2008

Archyranthes radix has had extensive therapeutic application, and there has been increasing interest in its biological effects. However, the biochemical effects of Archyranthes radix on chondrocyte oxidative stress have never been systematically investigated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of Acyranthes radix on role of MAPK signal transduction pathway on oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide in rat articular chondrocytes. The statistically significant inhibitory action of Archyranthes radix on cell proliferation was observed at above $5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Next, we examined the time-dependent effect of $5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ Archyranthes radix on cell proliferaion. Archyranthes radix significantly inhibited cell proliferation from 12 hr after treatment (P<0.05). $H_2O_2$, resulted in a time- and dose-dependent cell proliferation, which was largely attributed to oxidative damage. Acyranthes radix and $H_2O_2$ treatment caused marked sustained activation of phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Moreover, the synergistic phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK by $H_2O_2$ and Archyranthes radix was selectively inhibited by PD 98059, a p44/42 MAPK inhibitor. In conclusion, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that under conditions of oxidative stress, the $H_2O_2$-induced inhibition of cell proliferation in the rat chondrocyte is mediated through a modulation of the Archyranthes radix signaling pathway, promoting further phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK, indicating a potentially important role in cartilage repair and in the treatment of osteoarthritic cartilage.

• BMB Reports
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• 제49권8호
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• pp.437-442
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• 2016

We aimed to study the role of protein L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT) in neuronal differentiation using basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced neuronal differentiation, characterized by cell-body shrinkage, long neurite outgrowth, and expression of neuronal differentiation markers light and medium neurofilaments (NF). The bFGF-mediated neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells was induced through activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling molecules [MAPK kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and p90RSK], and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling molecules PI3Kp110β, PI3Kp110γ, Akt, and mTOR. Inhibitors (adenosine dialdehyde and S-adenosylhomocysteine) of protein methylation suppressed bFGF-mediated neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells. PIMT-eficiency caused by PIMT-specific siRNA inhibited neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells by suppressing phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 in the MAPK signaling pathway and Akt and mTOR in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, these results suggested that PIMT was critical for bFGF-mediated neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells and regulated the MAPK and Akt signaling pathways.