• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.28 no.5
• /
• pp.524-531
• /
• 2018

The essential oil from Abies koreana E.H. Wilson had been developed, however, its efficacy has not yet been studied especially in terms of skin care research. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Abies koreana extracts (AKE) on melanogenesis and wrinkle formation in B16F10 melanoma cells (B16F10) and human dermal fibroblast cell line (HDF). The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation method and purified by anhydrous sodium sulfate. At a concentration of $10^{-5}$-fold, viability in these cells had been defined by cytotoxicity assays. Anti-melanogenic effects on B16F10 were evaluated using tyrosinase inhibition assay, and real-time PCR for verifying gene expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase related protein-1 and -2 (TRP-1 and -2). AKEs reduced about 5-fold of tyrosinase inhibitory activity compared to ${\alpha}$-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH)-induced group and about 30% reduction compared to Arbutin induced group. The mRNA levels of three melanin-related factors were increased, separately. To investigate the effects of anti-wrinkle, procollagen type I c peptide synthesis assay (PIP) and Western blot were performed. At AKE-treated group, PIP was up-regulated and the expression of collagen type 1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 were improved. Furthermore, AKE presented anti-wrinkle effects by increasing UVB-inhibited collagen type 1 expression, and reducing UVB-induced MMP-1 production at $60mJ/cm^2$ of UVB radiation. Therefore, Abies koreana extracts has potentials as a safe and an effective skin ingredient for whitening and anti-wrinkle.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.61-72
• /
• 2009

Chios gum mastic (CGM) is a resin produced from the stem and leaves of Pistiacia lentiscus L var chia, a plant which grows only on Chios Island in Greece. CGM has been used for many centuries as a dietary supplement and folk medicine for stomach and duodenal ulcers in many Mediterranean countries and is known also to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in some cancer cells. In this study, we further investigated the induction and mechanisms underlying the apoptotic response to CGM treatment in the SCC25 human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line. The viability of SCC25 cells, human normal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1 cells), and the growth inhibition of SCC25 cells were assessed by MTT assay and clonogenic assay, respectively. Staining with Hoechst and hemacolor dyes and TUNEL assays were employed to detect SCC25 cells undergoing apoptosis. SCC25 cells were treated with CGM, and this was followed by western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, FACScan flow cytometry, MMP activity and proteasome activity analyses. CGM treatment of SCC25 cells was found to result in a time- and dosedependent decrease in cell viability, a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, and apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, CGM showed a remarkable level of cytotoxicity in SCC25 cells but not in normal cells. Tested SCC25 cells also showed several lines of apoptotic manifestation. Taken together, our present findings demonstrate that CGM strongly inhibits cell proliferation by modulating the expression of G1 cell cycle-related proteins and induces apoptosis via the proteasome, mitochondria and caspase cascades in SCC25 cells.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.19 no.6
• /
• pp.735-743
• /
• 2009

The common word flavonoids is often used to classify a family of natural compounds, highly abundant in all higher plants, that have received significant therapeutic interest in recent years. Naringin is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, neurodegenerative disease, cancer and other chronic diseases; however the molecular basis of this effect remains to be elucidated. Thus we attempted to elucidate the anti-allergic effect of Naringin in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model mice. The OVA-induced mice showed allergic reactions in the airways. These included an increase in the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, an increase in inflammatory cell infiltration into the lung around blood vessels and airways, airway luminal narrowing, and the development of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). The administration of Naringin before the last airway OVA challenge resulted in a significant inhibition of all asthmatic reactions. Accordingly, this study may provide evidence that Naringin plays a critical role in the amelioration of the pathogenetic process of asthma in mice. These findings provide new insight into the immunopharmacological role of Naringin in terms of its effects on asthma in mice.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.69-85
• /
• 2013

Objectives: This study investigated the anti-osteoarthritic effects of Kyejiinsam-tang (hereinafter referred to KIT) on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods: Anti-oxidative effects of KIT were measured by scavenging activities of DPPH, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). Scavenging activities of anti-oxidation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells were also measured for inhibitory effects against the production of inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, interleukin-$1{\beta}$, interleukin-6). Osteoarthritis was induced in rats by injecting MIA in the knee joint. Rats were divided into a total of 4 groups (n=6). The normal group were not treated at all without inducing osteoarthritis whereas the control group were induced for osteoarthritis by MIA and oral medicated physiological saline per day. The positive comparison group was injected with MIA and after 7 days, 2 mg/kg of Indomethacin. The experimental group was injected with MIA and after 7 days was medicated with 34 mg/kg of KIT. Indomethacin and KIT were orally-medicated for each substance a total of 4 weeks, once per day. Weight-bearing on hind legs was measured every week after MIA injection. At the end of the experiment (5 weeks after MIA injection), micro CT (computed tomography)-arthrography and histopathological examinations on the articular structures of knee joint were performed. The effect on inflammatory cytokines and immunological cells in synovial fluid was measured. Volume of cartilage was measured by micro CT-arthrography. Injury to synovial tissue was measured by H & E (hematoxylin and eosin), Safranin-O immunofluorescence. Results: 1. Cytotoxicity against hFCs was insignificant. 2. KIT showed the potent full term for DPPH. 1. NO was significantly reduced by KIT (at 100, $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) and ROS was also reduced, but not significantly, by KIT (at $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$). 2. IL-6 and IL-$1{\beta}$ were significantly reduced by KIT (at 100, $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) and TNF-${\alpha}$ was also reduced, but not significantly, by KIT (at $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$). 1. In hind legs weight-bearing measurement, level of weight increased. 2. Functions of liver and kidney were not affected. 3. IL-$1{\beta}$ was significantly reduced and TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 were also reduced but not significantly. 4. PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), LTB4 (leukotriene B4) were significantly reduced in the KIT group. 5. MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9), TIMP-1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1) and Osteocalcin were significantly reduced in the KIT group. 6. Destruction of cartilage on micro CT arthrography was reduced but had no significant differences. 7. Histopathologically, injury to synovial membrane of the KIT group was decreased and proteoglycan content of KIT group was increased. Conclusions: According to this study, Kyejiinsam-tang has inhibiting effect on the progression of arthritis in MIA-induced osteoarthritis rat. Kyejiinsam-tang has anti-oxidants and anti-inflammation effects, and is related to inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cytokine and injury of volume in cartilage.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.55-61
• /
• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological function of ODAM and its signal transduction pathway in the steps of ameloblast differentiation and enamel mineralization. An ODAM recombinant protein was produced and stable ODAM transgenic cell lines were also established using ameloblast-lineage cells (ALCs). To verify the ODAM signal transduction pathway, BAMBI recombinant protein, an inhibitor of BMP2 and BMP receptor 1B (BMPR-1B), was treated and BMPR-1B siRNA was used to silence expression of BMPR-1B. Mineralization was augmented by the ALCs treated with the ODAM recombinant protein and the sense ODAM overexpressing cells. The ALP activity was also increased markedly in the sense ODAM overexpressing cells and the ALCs treated with ODAM recombinant protein. The inactivation of ODAM in the ALCs down-regulated the expression of BMPR-1B, whereas its expression was up-regulated markedly when ODAM was overexpressed. These results provide deeper insights into the process of ameloblast maturation and in enamel mineralization. It also suggested that ODAM augmented enamel mineralization.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.45 no.1
• /
• pp.134-148
• /
• 2021

Background: Lung cancer has a high incidence worldwide, and most lung cancer-associated deaths are attributable to cancer metastasis. Although several medicinal properties of Panax ginseng Meyer have been reported, the effect of ginsenosides Rk1 and Rg5 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) stimulated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and self-renewal in A549 cells is relatively unknown. Methods: We treated TGF-β1 or alternatively Rk1 and Rg5 in A549 cells. We used western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), wound healing assay, Matrigel invasion assay, and anoikis assays to determine the effect of Rk1 and Rg5 on TGF-mediated EMT in lung cancer cell. In addition, we performed tumorsphere formation assays and real-time PCR to evaluate the stem-like properties. Results: EMT is induced by TGF-β1 in A549 cells causing the development of cancer stem-like features. Expression of E-cadherin, an epithelial marker, decreased and an increase in vimentin expression was noted. Cell mobility, invasiveness, and anoikis resistance were enhanced with TGF-β1 treatment. In addition, the expression of stem cell markers, CD44, and CD133, was also increased. Treatment with Rk1 and Rg5 suppressed EMT by TGF-β1 and the development of stemness in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, Rk1 and Rg5 markedly suppressed TGF-β1-induced metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP2/9) activity, and activation of Smad2/3 and nuclear factor kappa B/extra-cellular signal regulated kinases (NF-kB/ERK) pathways in lung cancer cells. Conclusions: Rk1 and Rg5 regulate the EMT inducing TGF-β1 by suppressing the Smad and NF-κB/ERK pathways (non-Smad pathway).

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.75-93
• /
• 2006

Jiaweicitaowan (JWCTW) has been used to inhibit recurrence and metastasis of cancer in clinical practice. Further study has shown its anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects. By applying in vitro and in vivo anti-angiogenic evaluation model, the author assayed the each ingredients of JWCTW. The author performed the following experiments and the results are listed as below: Cell viability assay showed that the viability was almost identical between that of the control and that of the ingredients extract 40 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ treated, except of hexane fraction of Curcumae Radix (40 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$, 2.0% of control), ethylacetate fraction (40 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$, 26.7%), butanol fraction (20 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$, 87.2%; 40 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$, 12.5%) of Cremastrae appendiculatae Tuber, water fraction of Persicae Semen (40 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$, 82.7%), ethylacetate fraction of Hippocampus (40 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$, 85.3%). The results of gelatin zymogram assay showed that the ingredients of JWCTW decreases the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9 from ECV304, at the concentration of 10 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$. In in vitro invasion assay, the ingredients of JWCTW effectively inhibited the invasion of cancer cells as compared with the control (+PMA) groups. In capillary-like tube formation assay, the hexane and ethylacetate fractions of Curcumae Radix, Cremastrae appendiculatae Tuber and Persicae Semen showed the dramatic inhibition effects on tube formation of ECV304 at the concentration of 40 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$. In ex vivo rat aortic ring assay, the hexane and ethylacetate fractions of Curcumae Radix, Cremastrae appendiculatae Tuber and Persicae Semen showed the inhibition effects on angiogenesis of rat aorta at the concentration of 40 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$. According to the above research, the anti-angiogenic effects of the ingredients of JWCTW was proved and it suggested that the more effective prescription for anti angiogenesis could be developed.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.38-46
• /
• 2016

Background : The white jelly mushroom (Tremella fuciformis), one of the most popular edible fungi, has medicinal properties. However, the effects of T. fuciformis in skin whitening or anti-wrinkle efficacy has not been defined to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of T. fuciformis extracts on whitening and anti-wrinkle efficacy in skin cells. Methods and Results :We prepared T. fuciformis extracts with water. The extracts ($80^{\circ}C$) contained 12.11 mg/g polyphenol and 8.54 mg/g flavonoid concentration. T. fuciformis extracts markedly decreased melanin contents and tyrosinase activity in ${\alpha}$-MSH-stimulated melanocytes (B16F10 cells). In addition, the mRNA expression of melanin formation factors, such as microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2) were significantly down-regulated in ${\alpha}$-MSH-stimulated melanocyte. Furthermore, T. fuciformis extracts increased the synthesis of type I procollagen and reduced mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) in the human dermal fibroblast (HDFn cells). These data indicated that T. fuciformis extracts induce repression of cellular melanogenesis and protect against wrinkles caused by UVB-stimulated damage. Conclusions : Thus T. fuciformis extracts could be a cosmetic candidate for skin whitening and anti-wrinkle effects.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.205-211
• /
• 2008

Gingival overgrowth can cause dental occlusion and seriously interfere with mastication, speech, and dental hygiene. It is observed in 25 to 81% of renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporine A (CsA). CsA-induced gingival overgrowth (CIGO) is caused by quantitative alteration of the extracellular matrix components, particularly collagen. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of CIGO remain poorly understood, despite intense clinical and laboratory investigations. The aim of the present work is to identify differentially expressed genes closely associated with CIGO. Human gingival fibroblasts were isolated by primary explant culture of gingival tissues from five healthy subjects (HGFs) and two patients with the CIGO (CIGO-HGFs). The proliferative activity of CsA-treated HGFs and CIGO-HGFs was examined using the MTT assay. The identification of differentially expressed genes in CsA-treated CIGO-HGF was performed by differential display reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by DNA sequencing. CsA significantly increased the proliferation of two HGFs and two CIGO-HGFs, whereas three HGFs were not affected. Seven genes, including the beta subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4HB) and testican 1, were upregulated by CsA in a highly proliferative CIGO-HGF. The increased P4HB and testican-1 mRNA levels were confirmed in CsA-treated CIGO-HGFs by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Furthermore, CsA increased type I collagen mRNA levels and suppressed MMP-2 mRNA levels, which are regulated by P4HB and testican-1, respectively. These results suggest that CsA may induce gingival overgrowth through the upregulation of P4HB and testican-1, resulting in the accumulation of extracellular matrix components.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.119-134
• /
• 2006

Shiquandabutang is very famous prescription for tonifying vital energy. We examined the anti-metatstastic effect of Shiquandabutang with in vitro invasion assay model. We performed the following experiments and the results are listed below:Cell viability assay was carried to determine the dose of Shiquandabutang. At lower dose under 200 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ (89.6%) viability was very high. But, viability downed as dose grows. At the dose of 600 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ (54.2%) viability was almost half of that of control. And at high dose of 1000 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ (15.8%) viability was very pure. In BrdU incorporation assay, Shiquandabutang treated groups showed the decreased DNA synthesis rate compared with control group.(200 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ (64.4%), 400 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ (7.3%)) The results of gelatinase assay showed that Shiquandabutang decreases the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9. We examined tube formation assay and the result was that Shiquandabutang ihhibits the tube formation at the dose of 200 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ and 400 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$. We examined rat aortic ring assay and the result was that Shiquandabutang ihhibits the angiogenesis of the rat aortic ring at the dose of 400 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$. From our research, part of the mechanism underlying anti-metastastic effect of Shiquandabutang was proven in vitro. Moreover, we knew that Shiquandabutang is more effectively inhibits the angiogenesis at high dose.