• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.425-441
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• 1997

The neuropeptide substance P(SP) has been implicated in the mediation of inflammation and immune-mediated disease such as arthritis. Recently, it was reported that SP was markedly increased around the blood vessels in inflamed gingiva as well as in close association with the inflammatory cell infiltrate. These results support that SP may contribute to the pathophysiology of neuronal inflammation in human periodontal tissues. SP may regulate inflammatory/immune responses by stimulating the proliferation of human T cells, differentiation and antibody-secreting potential of B cells, macrophage respiratory burst, connective tissue proliferation, and the secretion of cytokines from monocytes and T cells. Here, I studied potential role of SP as a costimulatory chemical signal in inflammatory/immune responses, by determining the released proinflammatory cytokines such as $MIP-1{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, and IL-6 from culture supernatants of homogeneous immune cell lines. Serum free cell supernatants were concentrated with TCA precipitation, fractionated with SDS-PAGE, and subjected into western blot analysis. Among 15 cell lines tested, macrophage/monocyte cell line RAW264.7 and WRl9m.1 showed the highest level of induction of $MIP-1{\alpha}$ when stimulated with LPS. Discrete IL-6 bands with multiple forms of molecular mass were detected from supernatants of B cell lines A20(32kDa), Daudi(32, 35kDa), and SKW6.4(29kDa), which were expressed constitutively. $IL-1{\beta}$ could not be detected by the method of western blot analysis from supernatants of all cell lines tested except RAW264.7, WRl9m.1, and erythroid cell line K562 which showed the least amount of $IL-{\beta}$ secretion. SP $10^{-9}M$ with suboptimal dose of LPS treatment showed synergistic induction of $MIP-1{\alpha}$ release from RAW264.7 or WR19m.1, and also IL-6 release from A20, but this synergism is not the case in costimulation of RAW264.7 or WRl9m.1 with SP $10^{-9}M$ and TPA. Although treatment of T cell line CTLL-R8 with SP $10^{-7}M$ or PHA+TPA induced modest level of $MIP-1{\alpha}$ secretion, synergism was not observed when they are applied together. These findings all together suggest the possibility of a regulatory role of SP in inflammatory/immune reaction through differential modulation of bioactivities of other chemical cosignals.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.59-69
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• 2024

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Indigo Naturalis (IN) in treating a Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The objective is to comprehensively examine the effects and pharmacological mechanisms of IN on IBD, assessing its potential as an novel treatment for IBD. Analysis of 11 selected papers is conducted to understand the effects of IN, focusing on compounds like indirubin, isatin, indigo, and tryptanthrin. This study evaluates their impact on Disease Activity Index (DAI) score, colon length, mucosal damage, and macrophage infiltration in Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. Additionally, It investigate into the anti-inflammatory mechanisms, including Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) pathway activation, Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB)/nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)/Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) inhibition, and modulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88)/NF-κB and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways. Immunomodulatory effects on T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg cell) balance and Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3-β) expression are also explored. Furthermore, the study addresses the role of IN in restoring intestinal microbiota diversity, reducing pathogenic bacteria, and increasing beneficial bacteria. The findings reveal that IN, particularly indirubin and indigo, demonstrates significant improvements in DAI score, colon length, mucosal damage, and macrophage infiltration in DSS-induced colitis mice. The anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to the activation of the AhR pathway, inhibition of inflammatory pathways, and modulation of immune responses. These results exhibit the potential of IN in IBD treatment. Notably, the restoration of intestinal microbiota diversity and balance further supports its efficacy. IN emerges as a promising and effective treatment for IBD, demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects and positive outcomes in preclinical studies. However, potential side effects necessitate further investigation for safe therapeutic development. The study underscores the need for future research to explore a broader range of active ingredients in IN to enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.206-212
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• 2011

Makgeolli is Korean traditional alcoholic beverage that has historically been brewed. In this study, we analyzed the profile of organic acids in makgeolli and also evaluated its physiological characteristics. Makgeolli contained excess lactic acid, which is produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Anti-obesity effects of makgeolli were investigated in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Compared to the negative control, makgeolli inhibited the differentiation of preadipocyte as quantified by Oil red O dye. In particular, $100{\mu}g/mL$ makgeolli reduced 40 to 70% of differentiation. To evaluate the anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of makgeolli, we performed chorioallantoic membrane assay and measured nitric oxide production from lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. Most makgeolli interrupted the formation of neo-vasculature and significantly inhibited NO production in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, these findings suggest that commercial makgeolli has inhibitory activities against adipogenesis, neo-vascularization, and inflammation, and also they are influenced by second metabolites from nuruk microflora containing fungi and LAB.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.29-43
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• 2017

We studied the antioxidant, the anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antiobesity activities of seven different kinds of edible plants. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ABTS radical scavenging activities were determined as a measurement of antioxidant activity. NO production inhibition by the macrophage cell line (Raw 264.7) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was carried out to assess anti-inflammatory activity. Thrombin inhibitory activity was measured for its antithrombotic function and inhibition of 3T3-L1 cell differentiation was evaluated as a measurement of antiobesity activity. Total phenolic components and total flavonoid contents were measured to determine functional materials in medicinal plants. Common sage, Japanese lady bell, and hairy agrimony showed high antioxidant activity ($IC_{50}$) of less than $100{\mu}g/mL$. All samples used in this study showed anti-inflammatory activity. Common sage, hairy agrimony, and hooker chives showed antithrombotic effects. Hairy agrimony showed the highest antithrombotic effect (98.1%). Common sage, Japanese lady belly, hairy agrimony, and hooker chives showed reduced 3T3-L1 cell differentiation and hooker chives strongly inhibited lipid accumulation in the cells compared to other medicinal plants. Common sage and hairy agrimony contained more than 1 mg GAE/g of phenolic compounds and more than 1 mg CE/g of flavonoids. Functional activities were different by plant part and extraction method from each sample. These results suggest that common sage, Japanese lady belly, hairy agrimony, and hooker chives may be used as healthy food sources with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antiobesity activities, and appropriate extracting methods from each plant need to be developed.

• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.329-334
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• 2020

Inflammasomes are cytosolic, multiprotein complexes that act at the frontline of the immune responses by recognizing pathogen- or danger-associated molecular patterns or abnormal host molecules. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to possess multipotency to differentiate into various cell types and immunoregulatory effects. In this study, we investigated the expression and functional regulation of NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs). hUCB-MSCs expressed inflammasome components that are necessary for its complex assembly. Interestingly, NLRP3 inflammasome activation suppressed the differentiation of hUCB-MSCs into osteoblasts, which was restored when the expression of adaptor proteins for inflammasome assembly was inhibited. Moreover, the suppressive effects of MSCs on T cell responses and the macrophage activation were augmented in response to NLRP3 activation. In vivo studies using colitic mice revealed that the protective abilities of hUCB-MSCs increased after NLRP3 stimulation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome components are expressed in hUCB-MSCs and its activation can regulate the differentiation capability and the immunomodulatory effects of hUCB-MSCs.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.148-156
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• 2013

The $PrP^C$ is expressed in many types of immune cells including monocytes and macrophages, however, its function in immune regulation remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined a role for $PrP^C$ in regulation of monocyte function. Specifically, the effect of a soluble form of $PrP^C$ was studied in human monocytes. A recombinant fusion protein of soluble human $PrP^C$ fused with the Fc portion of human IgG1 (designated as soluble $PrP^C$-Fc) bound to the cell surface of monocytes, induced differentiation to macrophage-like cells, and enhanced adherence and phagocytic activity. In addition, soluble $PrP^C$-Fc stimulated monocytes to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, and IL-6. Both ERK and $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathways were activated in soluble $PrP^C$-treated monocytes, and inhibitors of either pathway abrogated monocyte adherence and cytokine production. Taken together, we conclude that soluble $PrP^C$-Fc enhanced adherence, phagocytosis, and cytokine production of monocytes via activation of the ERK and $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathways.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.377-384
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, has multiple functions in cellular responses including apoptosis, survival, and differentiation. It also participates in the regulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress. MicroRNA-Let-7A (miR-Let7A), known as a tumor suppressor miRNA, was recently reported to play a crucial role in both inflammation and apoptosis. Therefore, we examined involvement of miR-Let7A in the modulation of inflammation and cell survival/apoptosis regulated by resveratrol. MATERIALS/METHODS: mRNA expression of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and protein expression of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), p-ASK1, and caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 were measured, and cell viability and Hoechst/PI staining for apoptosis were observed in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human THP-1 macrophages with the treatment of resveratrol and/or miR-Let7A overexpression. RESULTS: Pre-treatment with resveratrol ($25-200{\mu}M$) resulted in significant recovery of the reduced cell viabilities under LPS-induced inflammatory condition and in markedly increased expression of miR-Let7A in non-stimulated or LPS-stimulated cells. Increased mRNA levels of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6 induced by LPS were significantly attenuated, and decreased levels of IL-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were significantly restored by resveratrol and miR-Let7A overexpression, respectively, or in combination. Decreased expression of IL-4 mRNA by LPS stimulation was also significantly increased by miR-Let7A overexpression co-treated with resveratrol. In addition, decreased SIRT1 mRNA levels, and increased p-ASK1 levels and PI-positive cells by LPS stimulation were significantly restored by resveratrol and miR-Let7A overexpression, respectively, or in combination. CONCLUSIONS: miR-Let7A may be involved in the inflammatory response and cell survival/apoptosis modulated by resveratrol in human THP-1 macrophages.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.367-372
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• 2013

Effects of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) on cellular protein expression are essential for viral pathogenesis. To characterize the cellular response to EBV infection, differential proteomes of gastric epithelial AGS cells were analyzed with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and liquid chromatography electrospray/ionization ion trap (LC-ESI-IT) mass spectrometry identification. Mass spectrometry identified 9 altered cellular proteins, including 5 up-regulated and 4 down-regulated proteins after EBV infection. Notably 2-DE analysis revealed that EBV infection induced increased expression of heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, actin cytoplasmic 1, pyridoxine-5'-phosphate oxidase, caspase 9, and t-complex protein 1 subunit alpha. In addition, EBV infection considerably suppressed those cellular proteins of zinc finger protein 2, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, macrophage-capping protein, and growth/differentiation factor 11. Furthermore, the differential expressional levels of partial proteins (cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and caspase 9) were confirmed by Western blot analysis.Thus, this work effectively provided useful protein-related information to facilitate further investigation of the mechanisms underlying EBV infection and pathogenesis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.1003-1007
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• 2013

Objective: This work aimed to investigate the correlations of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and their subtypes M1 and M2 with liver metastasis of colorectal cancer, and provide useful references for seeking predictors of liver metastasis and studying mechanisms. Methods: 120 patients with colorectal cancer from 2000 to 2009 were divided into low, middle and high liver metastasis groups (group A, B and C, respectively). S-P immunohistochemical staining and microscopic observation were conducted to compare expression in CD68-positive cells (TAMs), CD80-positive cells (M1) and CD163-positive cells (M2) in three groups. Correlations of TAMs, M1, M2, and M2/M1 ratio with clinical and pathological parameters were analyzed. Results: With increase of liver metastatic ability, the number of TAMs decreased gradually, with no significant difference between any two of the three groups (P > 0.05), while the numbers of M1 and M2 were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, with significant difference between any two of three groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In addition, the M2/M1 ratio increased with increase of liver metastatic ability (P < 0.01). There was no statistical significance of correlation of TAMs with each clinical and pathological parameter. M1 was negatively related with lymphatic metastasis and liver metastatic ability. M2 was positively correlated with preoperative CEA level, lymphatic metastasis, tumor differentiation degree and liver metastatic ability. The same was the case for the M2/M1 ratio. Conclusions: Effects of TAMs on liver metastasis of colorectal cancer do not depend on the total number of TAMs, but on the number and proportion of functional subtypes M1 and M2. M2 number and M2/M1 ratio are more accurate predictors for liver metastasis of colorectal cancer.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.83-89
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• 2002

In the literatual study of anti-tumor effects of chunghwangsan for leukemia, the results were as follows. 1. Chunghwangsan is composed of Indigo naturalis and Realgar. The composing rate is 9 : 1 and it is made into capsule or piece. The basic administration is 0.3g per day and could increase the quantity each day. 2. The effects of Chunghwangsan is expelling toxin and colling, colling blood to detumescence, drying wetness and anticancer are. So it can be used to treat AML, CML and lymphoma. 3. The anticancer component of Indigo naturalis is indirubin which has the effects of suppression the transplanted tumor, activating the phagocyte of macrophage, promoting the maturation of myeloblast to improve cure rate of CML. The anticancer component of Realgar is $As_2O_3$ which has the direct cellular toxicity for leukemia cell. 4. In viewpoints of oriental medicine, leukemia is malignant myeloid neoplasia in which pathogen invade to shaoyin(少陰). So Chunghwangsan which is expelling toxin and colling, colling blood to detumescence, drying wetness and anticancer is effective to leukemia. 5. In clinical reports, Chunghwangsan is often used in CML, and also used in AML, lymphoma and so on. 6. Chunghwangsan is cool-natured, so we must carefully pay attention to pregnant women and hematsdthenic patients. The main side effects are nausea, bone marrow pain, diarrhea, polydefecation, hematokezia and purpora. We sometimes take invigorating stomach medicine to prevent the side effects. 7. If we continuously develop Chunghwangsan and therapy for leukemia with syndrome differentiation. we can improve the response and cure rate for leukemia in the future.