• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.104-114
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• 2024

Licochalcone C (LCC; PubChem CID:9840805), a chalcone compound originating from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata, has shown anticancer activity against skin cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, the therapeutic potential of LCC in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Chemotherapy for CRC is challenging because of the development of drug resistance. In this study, we examined the antiproliferative activity of LCC in human colorectal carcinoma HCT116 cells, oxaliplatin (Ox) sensitive and Ox-resistant HCT116 cells (HCT116-OxR). LCC significantly and selectively inhibited the growth of HCT116 and HCT116-OxR cells. An in vitro kinase assay showed that LCC inhibited the kinase activities of EGFR and AKT. Molecular docking simulations using AutoDock Vina indicated that LCC could be in ATP-binding pockets. Decreased phosphorylation of EGFR and AKT was observed in the LCC-treated cells. In addition, LCC induced cell cycle arrest by modulating the expression of cell cycle regulators p21, p27, cyclin B1, and cdc2. LCC treatment induced ROS generation in CRC cells, and the ROS induction was accompanied by the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 kinases. Moreover, LCC dysregulated mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the disruption of MMP resulted in the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm and activation of caspases to execute apoptosis. Overall, LCC showed anticancer activity against both Ox-sensitive and Ox-resistant CRC cells by targeting EGFR and AKT, inducing ROS generation and disrupting MMP. Thus, LCC may be potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of Ox-resistant CRC cells.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.41-51
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• 2008

Objectives : This study is to evaluate Effect of Inhibition Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor(MIF) activation by Hominis Placenta Herbal Acupuncture(HPA) on Rheumatic Arthritis(RA). Hominis Placenta is the placenta of healthy human, which is vital-strengthening medical stuff. In recent years, Hominis Placenta applied to chronic diseases because it makes us more resistance to diseases. Therefore it is supposed that HPA is effective on RA, a kind of autoimmune disease. When RA is induced, MIF is activated, too. MIF affects the process of inflammatory disease including RA. Methods : In order to investigate the effect of Hominis Placenta extraction on MIF(early RA inducing cytokine) and MMP(Matrix Metallo Proteinase)-9 mRNA expression by means of Reverse Transcriptase- Polymerase Chain Reaction(RT-PCR). In this study, we investigated the effect of Hominis Placenta extraction on MIF(early RA inducing cytokine) and MMP-9 mRNA expression by means of RT-PCR. Besides we investigated changing of MIF in synovial membrane and, Interleukin-6 receptor(IL-6R)-$\alpha$(pro-inflammatory cytokine), Signal transducers and activators of transcription(STAT)-3, MMP-9 after treating mouse, which is artificially attacked with RA, with HPA on its $ST_{35}$, LE201 in vivo. Results : 1. As a result of treating Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated Raw246.7cell with HPA, MIF(RA related cytokine) and MMP-9 mRNA expression is reduced in vitro. And this reaction is concentration-dependatant. 2. In synovial membrane of the mice treated with HPA, inhibition of MIF, IL-6R-$\alpha$, STAT3 & MMP-9 activation is observed in vivo. Conclusions : From the above results, it might be suggested that HPA mitigate tissue damage originated from RA, because it intercepts the early process of by inhibition MIF activity.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.412-421
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• 2021

Purpose: Thioacetamide (TAA) produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the liver, and the generated ROS induces liver injury through inflammatory reactions. The current study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Artemisiae Capillaris Herba water extract (AC), imparted via its antioxidant activity, in an animal model of TAA-induced liver injury. Methods: Animal experiments were conducted in 5 groups: normal, control (TAA 200 mg/kg), SM (TAA 200 mg/kg + silymarin 100 mg/kg), ACL (TAA 200 mg/kg + AC 100 mg/kg), ACH (TAA 200 mg/kg + AC 200mg/kg). TAA (intraperitoneal) and treatment compounds (per oral) were administered for 3 days. Serum levels of ammonia concentration and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were subsequently measured. Liver tissues were subjected to western blot analysis for measuring the oxidative stress (NADPH oxidase), anti-oxidative activity (Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 [HO-1], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase, and GPx-1/2), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) protein expressions. Results: Serum ammonia levels and MPO activity were significantly increased in the TAA-induced control group, whereas groups administered AC treatment showed markedly reduced levels. Western blot analysis revealed significantly increased NOX2 and p22^phox expressions, (oxidative stress-related factors) in the TAA-induced control group. These levels were determined to be significantly decreased after AC exposure. Moreover, antioxidant-related factors including Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, catalase, and GPx-1/2 were significantly decreased in the control group and increased in the AC treated groups. In addition, MMP expressions were significantly suppressed in the AC treatment group due to increased levels of TIMP-1. Conclusion: Taken together, these data indicate that exposure to AC reduces the oxidative stress by inhibiting the expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX2 and p22^phox) through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. We therefore propose the potential of AC for the prevention and treatment of TAA-induced liver injury.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.86-92
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• 2014

Cordycepin is the major functional component of Cordyceps species and is widely used in traditional oriental medicine. Cordycepin has been shown to possess many pharmacological properties, such as enhancement of immune function along with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-cancer effects. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of cordycepin on cell migration and invasion, which are two critical cellular processes that are often deregulated during metastasis, using HCT116 human colorectal carcinoma cells. According to our data, cordycepin at non-cytotoxic concentrations markedly inhibited the motility and invasiveness of HCT116 cells in a time-dependent manner. RT-PCR and Western blotting results indicated that cordycepin reduced the levels of claudin proteins, which are major components of tight junctions (TJs), and induced tightening of TJs. Cordycepin also attenuated the expression and activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and -9, whereas levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)-1 and -2 were simultaneously elevated. These findings suggest that cordycepin reduces the migration and invasion of HCT116 cells by modulating the activities of TJs and MMPs.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.12
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• pp.1967-1976
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• 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the fecal microbiota of broiler chickens reared in the presence of different shades of light-emitting diode (LED) lights, correlating this information with biochemical and molecular evidence that allowed drawing conclusions on the state of health of the animals. Methods: Overall, the metagenomic approach on fecal samples was associated with evaluations on enzymes involved in the cellular response to oxidative stress: glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase and catalase; while the inflammatory aspect was studied through the dosage of a proinflammatory cytokine, the interleukin 6 (IL-6), and the evaluation of the matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9). Specifically, analysis was performed on distinct groups of chickens respectively raised in the presence of neutral (K = 3,300 to 3,700), cool (K = 5,500 to 6,000), and warm (K = 3,000 to 2,500) LED lightings, and a direct comparison was performed with animals reared with traditional neon lights. Results: The metagenomic analysis highlighted the presence of two most abundant bacterial phyla, the Firmicutes and the Bacteroidetes, with the latter characterized by a greater relative abundance (p<0.05) in the group of animals reared with Neutral LED light. The analysis on the enzymes involved in the antioxidant response showed an effect of the LED light, regardless of the applied shade, of reducing the expression of GPX (p<0.01), although this parameter is not correlated to an effective reduction in the tissue amount of the enzyme. Regarding the inflammatory state, no differences associated with IL-6 and MMP-9 were found; however, is noteworthy the significant reduction of MMP-2 activity in tissue samples obtained from animals subjected to illumination with neutral LED light. Conclusion: This evidence, combined with the metagenomic findings, supports a potential positive effect of neutral LED lighting on animal welfare, although these considerations must be reflected in more targeted biochemical evaluations.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.404-416
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• 2006

Purpose : This study was to clarify the changes in mandibular condyle after unilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis throughout histological changes and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2). Materials & Methods : Intraoral distractors were placed via submandibular incision in 8 dogs. Two unoperated animals served as controls. Distraction was performed five days after osteotomy as a rate of 0.5 mm twice per day for 10 days. Two animals were sacrificed on 7, 14, 28, and 56 days after completion of distraction, respectively. Ipsilateral condyles were harvested and processed for histological and immunohistochemical examinations. Results : The condyle cartilage is separated into four layers: fibrous layer, proliferative layer, hypertrophic layer, and calcified layer. At 7 days and 14 days after distraction, the condylar cartilage showed the decreased thickness of the articular cartilage and reduced cellularity. At 28 days after distraction, there was an increase in cellularity of fibrous, proliferative, and hypertrophic layer. However, it demonstrated reduced cellularity compared to the control. At 56 days of after distraction, the articular cartilage was an almost normal histologic structure. Positive Safranin-O staining, indicative of sulfated proteoglycans, was examined in the condylar cartilge of nonloaded control. At 7 days and 14 days after distraction, the sulfated proteoglycans is almost completely depleted from the noncalcified part of the condylar cartilage. At 28 days after distraction, there was an increase in Safranin-O staining intensity. However, the staining intensity of the experimental condyle was weaker than that of the control. At 56 days of after distraction, the condylar cartilage showed almost normal Safranin-O staining pattern. In control condyle, MMP-2 immunostaining was seen in fibrous, proliferative, and hypertrophic layer of condylar cartilage, however, it demonstrated lack of staining in fibrous and proliferative layer. At 7 days and 14 days after distraction, strong MMP-2 immunoreactivity was seen in the fibrous, proliferative and hypertrophic layer of the condylar cartilage. At 28 days after distraction, MMP-2 immunostaining was seen in the fibrous and hypertrophic layer of condylar cartilage, however, their immunoactivity was reduced. At 56 days after distraction, MMP-2 immunoreactivity showed almost normal immunostaining pattern. In control condyle, TIMP-2 immunostaining was primarily seen in fibrous and hypertrophic layer of condylar cartilage, however, it demonstrated lack of staining in proliferative layer. At 7 days after distraction, very weak TIMP-2 immunoreactivity appeared in fibrous, proliferative and hypertrophic layer of the condylar cartilage. At 14 days after distraction, weak TIMP-2 immunoreactivity was seen in the fibrous, proliferative and hypertrophic layer of the condylar cartilage. At 28 days after distraction, TIMP-2 immunoreactivity was increased in the fibrous and hypertrophic layer of condylar cartilage. At 56 days after completion of distraction, TIMP-2 immunoreactivity showed almost normal immunostaining pattern. Conclusions : The results show that short-term outcome of physiologic distraction osteogenesis may lead to degenerative changes in the condylar cartilage. These alterations in the condylar cartilage may be considered as a pressure-related degeneration of the cartilage tissue. However, the long-term results suggest that the condylar cartilage display repair activity after mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2008

To develop a whitening agent, cytotoxicity of the soluble collagen isolated from Todarodes pacificus (CIT) was evaluated. CIT tested for cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblast (CCD-986sk) was exhibited very low cytotoxicity. Because tyrosinase is the key enzyme for melanin biosynthesis, the use of various tyrosinase inhibitors is a common practice for whitening purpose in cosmetics. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity and melanin production assay were measured to confirm the whitening effect. The inhibitory effect of MMP-1 in UV-irradiated human dermal fibroblast was also performed. CIT showed strong inhibition potency on tyrosinase by 51.5% at 0.2 mg/mL which increased the inhibition by increasing the concentration of CIT, and showed 69.1% inhibition at 1.0 mg/mL. CIT showed strong inhibition effect on melanin production with 82% at 1.0 mg/mL. The CIT also reduced about 76% expression of MMP-1 in UV-irradiated CCD-986sk cell at 1.0 mg/mL. From the preliminary observations, we suggest that the collagen isolated from CIT could be a potential source of natural skin-whitening and anti-aging agents for the photo-damaged skin.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.223-229
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• 2015

In this study, we investigated the effect of ethanol extracts from Gentianae scabrae bunge (GSB) on the activities of antioxidant, whitening and anti-inflammation. Viability of cells was measured by neutral red (NR) assay, and inhibitory effects of GSB on melanin synthesis was determined the melanin production in B16F10 cells. The expression level of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in media was analyzed by ELISA kit, and nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells was monitored by measuring the nitrite content in culture medium. GSB showed highly efficacy in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and significantly reduced melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells. MMP-1 production in UVB-stimulated human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells was inhibited by GSB treatments. NO production was suppressed by the treatment of GSB in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. From this results, it was indicated that GSB could be utilized as anti-aging and whitening cosmetic ingredients.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.21-29
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• 2019

The effects of Lavandula angustifolia extract fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus DK1 on UVB-mediated MMP-1 expression and collagen decrease in human skin fibroblasts were determined, and the conversion of its components was also analyzed. Fermentation was performed at varying L. angustifolia extract and MRS medium concentrations, and optimal fermentation conditions were selected. L. angustifolia extracts showed decreased cytotoxicity after fermentation in the fibroblasts. UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extract showed MMP-1 expression 8.2-14.0% lower than that in UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with non-fermented extract. This was observed even at fermented extract concentrations lower than those of non-fermented extracts. Fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extract showed 20% less reduction in collagen production upon UVB irradiation than those treated with non-fermented extracts. UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extracts showed 50% higher inhibition of ROS generation than those treated with non-fermented extract. Luteolin and apigenin glycosides of L. angustifolia were converted during fermentation, and identified using RP-HPLC and LC/ESI-MS. Therefore, the effects of L. angustifolia extract on MMP-1 expression and collagen decrease in UVB-irradiated human skin fibroblasts were increased through fermentation by P. pentosaceus.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.77-86
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• 2009

Objectives : The proliferation and migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) in response to activation by various stimuli plays a critical role in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. This study was conducted to examine the effects of Nelumbo nucifera leaves (NNL) on the proliferation and migration of HASMC. Additionally, the mechanisms involved in any observed effects were also evaluated. Methods : Apoptotic cells were measured by staining with FITC-labeled annexin V, followed by flow cytometric analysis. The expression level of apoptosis related proteins was confirmed by western blot. And MMP-9 activity was measured by gelatin zymography and MMP-9 expression was measured by ELISA Results : NNL completely inhibited the proliferation of HASMC via induction of the expression of apoptotic proteins including annexin V, cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), and caspase-3 and -8. NNL treatment resulted in the release of cytochrome c into cytosol, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, a decrease in Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and an increase in Bax expression. NNL also blocked HASMC migration via suppression of MMP-9. Conclusions : Taken together, these results indicate that NNL has the potential for use as an anti-artherosclerosis agent.