• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2021

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Chaenomelis Fructus (CF) water extract on thioacetamide (TAA)-treated rats. Methods: Rats were divided into five groups: one normal group (n=8) and four with TAA-induced hepatic injury. These treatment groups were administered distilled water (n=8); silymarin 100 mg/kg (n=8); CF 100 mg/kg (n=8); and CF 200 mg/kg (n=8). In the TAA groups, the acute liver injury was induced via IP injection (200 mg/kg), and the silymarin and CF extract were then orally administered for three days. Subsequently, serum levels of GOT, GPT, and ammonia were confirmed as well as protein expressions using liver tissue. Results: In the liver injury-induced rats, CF administration reduced tissue damage and serum levels of GOT, GPT, and ammonia. In addition, CF increased the anti-oxidant proteins Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, and catalase and significantly regulated matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2). Conclusions: In this animal model of liver injury induced by TAA, CF extract is determined to have a hepatoprotective effect by increasing anti-oxidant proteins that relieve damage and by regulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.310-318
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• 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate anti-arthritis activity using natural eggshell membrane (NEM). Methods: NEM was administered at 52 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg to SD-Rat, where arthritis was induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) at 3 mg. NO production in serum was measured using Griess reagent. Cytokines including IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 were measured by Luminex and $PGE_2$, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, $LTB_4$, and hs-CRP were measured by ELISA. The cartilage of patella volume was examined and 3-D high-resolution reconstructions of the cartilage of patella were obtained using a Micro-CT system. Results: Production of NO, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, $PGE_2$, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, $LTB_4$, and hs-CRP in serum was decreased, respectively, in comparison with control. The cartilage of patella volume increased significantly. In addition, the NEM group showed a decrease in the cartilage of patella, synovial membrane, and transformation of fibrous tissue. Conclusion: The results for NEM showed significant anti-arthritis activity. These results may be developed as a raw material for new health food to ease the symptoms mentioned above.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.867-876
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• 2020

This study investigated the repair of UVB-induced cell damage by magnolol. We performed a drug-repurposing screen, and, in the STAT3 reporter gene assay, magnolol was identified as a suppressor of STAT3 that improves the cell viability of HDF cells. HDF cells treated with IL-6, UVB, and IFNγ showed the highest expression of Jak2 and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), and magnolol was able to decrease the expression of Jak2 and p-STAT3 in UVB-induced cells. Moreover, UVB-damaged cell growth increased significantly in correlation with both reactivation and with magnolol in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with AG490 (a Jak2 inhibitor) treatment of UVB-treated HDF cells, cell proliferation increased significantly. We confirmed that AG490 and magnolol reduced TNF-α concentrations, and Western blotting (protein level) showed decreases in Jak2 and p-STAT3 expression in only the magnolol-treated cells. The expression of Jak2, p-STAT3, and SOCS3 also increased only after treatment with magnolol. Cells were treated with magnolol and ML385 (an NRF2 inhibitor), and these secondary metabolites reduced cell proliferation and NRF2 expression. The amount of MMP9 was also increased by cotreatment with magnolol and ML385. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential of magnolol for repairing cells after UVB-induced damage by regulating the expression of NRF2, SOCS3, Jak2, and STAT3.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.65-81
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• 2014

Objectives This study was carried out to find out the anti-osteoarthritic effects of Mahwangbujaseshin- tang (Mahuangfuzixixintang ) on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods Osteoarthritis was induced by injecting MIA ($50{\mu}l$) into the knee joint of rats. Rats were divided into a 3 groups (n=7). The injection did not fit the normal group. A week later, after the injection of MIA, while control group took normal saline 2 ml, the extract of Mahwangbujaseshin-tang (Mahuangfuzixixintang ) (MBST) (200 mg/kg) was injected to treated group. After that, we examined hind paw weight bearing ability, functions of liver and kidney, serum TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, $PGE_2$, $LTB_4$, TIMP-1, MMP-9 and hematology. Volume of cartilage was measured by micro CT arthrography. Injury of synovial tissue was measured by H & E, Safranin-O immunofluorescence. Results 1) DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity of MBST was increased according to concentration of MBST and total phenolic contents were in high level. 2) In RAW 264.7 cells, ROS production was significantly decreased in MBST (at 10, $100{\mu}g/ml$) and NO was also decreased but meaningless in MBST (at $100{\mu}g/ml$). 3) In RAW 264.7 cells, IL-6 production was significantly decreased in MBST (at $100{\mu}g/ml$) and TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ production were also decreased but meaningless in MBST (at $100{\mu}g/ml$). 4) In hind legs weight-bearing measurement, level of weight-bearing was increased. 5) Functions of liver and kidney were not affected. 6) TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, $PGE_2$, $LTB_4$, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 production were significantly decreased. 7) In hematology, the levels of neutrophils, monocytes were significantly decreased and the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes were also decreased but meaningless. 8) In micro CT-arthrography, cartilage volume was significantly increased. 9) Histopathologically, injury on cartilage and synovial membrane of MBST group was decreased. Conclusions Based on all results mentioned above, Mahwangbujaseshin-tang (Mahuangfuzixixintang) is believed to be meaningful for suppressing the progress of osteoarthritis. And it is related to inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cytokine and injury of volume in cartilage.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2015

Bee venom (BV) has long been used in traditional Eastern and Western medicine for chronic inflammation, pain and skin therapy. Human exposure to BV, however, often causes unwanted adverse effects and is even fatal in some cases. Phospholipase $A_2$ ($PLA_2$) of BV is now suspected to play a key role in these adverse effects. We investigated the potential use of $PLA_2$-free bee venom (PBV) as a replacement for BV in cosmetic products. PBV prepared by molecular weight cut-off ultrafiltration exhibits a superior profile in comparison with regular BV, by inhibiting elastase activity and suppressing the induction of nitric oxide (NO) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), while retaining the effects of cell proliferation and protection against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced damage in human dermal fibroblast cells. PBV thus appears to be more promising than BV as a cosmetic ingredient with a reduced potential for adverse reactions in the recipient.

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 2003.09a
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• pp.352-373
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• 2003

Rhamnose-rich (RROP-s) and fucose-rich (FROP-s) oligo-and polysaccharides were prepared and extensively characterised by physical and chemical procedures [1,2] and compared to L-fucose. Their biological properties were then studied on human skin fibroblast cell cultures, human skin explant cultures and on hairless rat skin, using a variety of cell-biological, biochemical and computerised morphometrical procedures. Among the most important properties we could establish, the following are of particular interest for the tretment and prevention of age-dependent modifications of human skin (loss of skin-tissue, cells and matrix, wrinkle formation and others) : stimulation of cell proliferation (by $^3$[H]-thymidine incorporation and the MTT test), scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using several different procedures, and protease (MMP-2 and MMP-9) down-regulation. A topical preparation, using RROP-s and FROP-s, and/or L-fucose, was shown to increase cell proliferation, dermal matrix synthesis, efficient scavenging of ROS-s and to increase also the thickness of dermal tissue when applied for 4 weeks on hairless rat skin, accompanied by the densification of collagen bundles as well as by an increase of elastin synthesis. Using fluorescent labeled FROPs, it could be shown that these oligosaccharides react with cell-membrane receptors and especially with the elastin-laminin-receptor and the fucose-mannose receptor, but they penetrate also in the cell nucleus, suggesting the possibility of a direct action on the regulation of gene expression. When applied to the human skin of a team of voluntary women encompassing all age-groups, the efficiency of FROP-containing preparation could be confirmed using indentometry and computerised evaluation of skin micro-relief, as well as evaluation of periorbital wrinkles. It appears therefore that these preparations correspond to all the requirements of active anti-aging principles.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.16-25
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• 2016

Objectives: Gilgyung-tang (GGT) has been used as one of the main multi-herb formulas to treat “Peo-ong” (lung abscess). In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of water extracts of GGT on cell migration and invasion, two critical cellular processes that are often deregulated during metastasis, in human bladder cancer 5637 cells.Methods: Effects on cell viability were quantified using an MTT assay. To analyze the anti-metastatic effects, we conducted a wound healing migration assay, an in vitro invasiveness assay, and a measurement of the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). The expression of protein and mRNA were measured by Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively.Results: GGT markedly inhibited the cell motility and invasiveness of 5637 cells within the concentration range that was not cytotoxic. The inhibitory effects of GGT on cell invasiveness were associated with tightening of the tight junctions (TJs), which was demonstrated by an increase in the TER. The RT-PCR and Western blotting results indicated that GGT decreased the levels of claudin proteins. GGT also inhibited the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 and simultaneously increased the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and -2.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that GGT reduces both the migration and the invasion of 5637 cells by modulating the activity of TJs and MMPs.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.155-162
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• 2011

Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound that is widely used in dentistry as a component of zinc oxide eugenol cement that is commonly applied to the mouth environment. Cisplatin is one of the most potent known anticancer agents and shows significant clinical activity against a variety of solid tumors. This study was undertaken to investigate the synergistic apoptotic effects of co-treatments with eugenol and cisplatin on human melanoma (G361) cells. To investigate whether this co-treatment efficiently reduces the viability of G361 cells compared with each single treatment, an MTT assay was conducted. The induction and augmentation of apoptosis were confirmed by DNA electrophoresis, Hoechst staining and an analysis of DNA hypoploidy. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining were also performed to evaluate the expression levels and the translocation of apoptosis-related proteins following this co-treatment. Furthermore, proteasome activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were also assayed. The results indicated that a co-treatment with eugenol and cisplatin induced multiple pathways and processes associated with an apoptotic response in G361 cells including nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, a reduction in MMP and proteasome activity, the increase and decrease of Bax and Bcl-2, a decreased DNA content, the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, the translocation of AIF and DFF40 (CAD) into the nucleus, and the activation of caspase-9, caspase-7, caspase-3, PARP and DFF45 (ICAD). In contrast, separate treatments of 300 ${\mu}M$ eugenol or 3 ${\mu}M$ cisplatin for 24 h did not induce apoptosis. Our present data thus suggest that a combination therapy of eugenol and cisplatin is a potential treatment strategy for human melanoma.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.10
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• pp.528-533
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• 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disorder that can result in the loss of articular cartilage. No effective treatment against OA is currently available. Thus, interest in natural health products to relieve OA symptoms is increasing. However, their qualities such as efficacy, toxicity, and mechanism are poorly understood. In this study, we determined the efficacy of avenanthramide (Avn)-C extracted from oats as a promising candidate to prevent OA progression and its mechanism of action to prevent the expression of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) in OA pathogenesis. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a proinflammatory cytokine as a main causing factor of cartilage destruction, was used to induce OA-like condition of chondrocytes in vitro. Avn-C restrained IL-1β-mediated expression and activity of MMPs, such as MMP-3, -12, and -13 in mouse articular chondrocytes. Moreover, Avn-C alleviated cartilage destruction in experimental OA mouse model induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. However, Avn-C did not affect the expression of inflammatory mediators (Ptgs2 and Nos) or anabolic factors (Col2a1, Aggrecan, and Sox9), although expression levels of these genes were upregulated or downregulated by IL-1β, respectively. The inhibition of MMP expression by Avn-C in articular chondrocytes was mediated by p38 kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, but not by ERK or NF-κB. Interestingly, Avn-C added with SB203580 and SP600125 as specific inhibitors of p38 kinase and JNK, respectively, enhanced its inhibitory effect on the expression of MMPs in IL-1β treated chondrocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that Avn-C is an effective candidate to prevent OA progression and a natural health product to relieve OA pathogenesis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.1-5
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the collagen metabolism and tyrosinase activity of Polygonati Rhizoma extracts (PR). It's effects are to tonify spleen qi and augment the spleen yin. It enrichs the yin and moisten the lung. Methods : The effect of PR on type I procollagen production and collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1, henceforth referred as MMP-1) activity in human normal fibroblasts Hs68 after ultraviolet B (UVB, 312 nm) irradiation was measured by ELISA method. The tyrosinase activity after treatment of PR was measured. Results : There were no cytotoxicity at concentrations of 10, 30, $100{\mu}g/ml$. The reduced type I procollagen production was recovered by PR in UVB damaged Hs68 cells at a concentration of $100{\mu}g/ml$ ($16.2{\pm}0.0$ ng/ml) from control group ($13.9{\pm}0.5$ ng/ml). However there was no statistical significance. PR reduced The increased MMP-1 activity after UVB damage at concentrations of $10{\mu}g/ml$, $30{\mu}g/ml$, and $100{\mu}g/ml$ in a dose dependent manner ($42.2{\pm}20.5%$, $44.8{\pm}8.5%$, and $22.0{\pm}5.8%$). PR $100{\mu}g/ml$ treatment showed the statistical significace (p < 0.05). PR significantly reduced the tyrosinase activity at a concentration of 10 mg/ml ($32.0{\pm}12.8%$, p < 0.05). However, the L-DOPA oxidation was not changed. Conclusion : PR showed the anti-wrinkle effects and whitening effects in vitro. Although more researches are needed to validate the efficacy, these results suggest that PR may have potential as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetic herb markets.