• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.94-99
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• 2004

Background: We previously reported that ginsan, a polysaccharide extracted from Panax ginseng had an immunostimulatory activity such as mitogenic activity, activation of macrophages and killer cells, and production of a variety of cytokines which resulted in antitumor and antiseptic effects. We further purified $\alpha$-(1$\longrightarrow$6)-glucan and $\beta$-(2$\longrightarrow$6)-fructan from the ginsan with size exclusion and ion-exchange column chromatography successively. In this study, we performed the structure-based activity of ginsan by comparison with known polysacchrides such as $\beta$-glucan, curdlan, laminarin, levan, dextran, lentinan and OK-432. Methods: To investigate the immunostimulatory activity of several polysaccharide compounds, we investigated the stimulation of lymphocytes proliferation, the generation of activated killer cells and the secretion of nitrites from activated macrophages. Results: Of polysaccharides tested, curdlan and ginsan stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, suggesting that the molecular weight and composition of polysaccharide are dependent on the mitogenic activity. The production of nitric oxide was significantly increased in curdlan, levan, ginsan and its fraction, indicating that fructan has also capacity to activate macrophages and may devote to kill pathogens. In addition, the activation of macrophages was seemed to be independent of molecular weight of polysaccharide. The generation of AK cells was exhibited in order of curdlan, OK-432> F1, ginsan, F3> levan> etc. The AK activity may be dependent on molecular weight and composition of polysaccharides. Conclusion: Unfortunately, purified polysaccharide from ginsan were less active on immunostimulatory activity than mixed compounds of polysaccharides. From the viewpoint of structure and activity relationships, we found several characteristic features.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.55-63
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• 2010

Background: Cordyceps militaris has been used in traditional medicine to treat numerous diseases and has been reported to possess both antitumor and immunomodulatory activities in vitro and in vivo. However, the pharmacological and biochemical mechanisms of Cordyceps militaris extract (CME) on macrophages have not been clearly elucidated. In the present study, we examined how CME induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines, transcription factor, and the expression of co-stimulatory molecules. Methods: We confirmed the mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines through RT-PCR and western blot analysis, followed by a FACS analysis for surface molecules. Results: CME dose dependently increased the production of NO and proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and $PGE_2$, and it induced the protein levels of iNOS, COX-2, and proinflammatory cytokines in a concentrationdependent manner, as determined by western blot and RT-PCR analysis, respectively. The expression of co-stimulatory molecules such as ICAM-1, B7-1, and B7-2 was also enhanced by CME. Furthermore, the activation of the nuclear transcription factor, NF-${\kappa}B$ in macrophages was stimulated by CME. Conclusion: Based on these observations, CME increased proinflammatory cytokines through the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$, further suggesting that CME may prove useful as an immune-enhancing agent in the treatment of immunological disease.

• BMB Reports
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2014

Aspirin has been demonstrated to be effective in inhibiting COX-2 and $PGE_2$ in Alveolar macrophages (AMs). However, the mechanisms have not been fully understood. In the present study, we found that pretreatment with aspirin inhibited LPS-induced COX-2 and$PGE_2$ upregulation, $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation, NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and the increase of PKC activity, but elevated LPS-induced the decrease of PTP activity. The PKC inhibitor calphostin C dramatically reduced the COX-2 mRNA and $PGE_2$ levels, but the PTP inhibitor peroxovanadium (POV) significantly increased the COX-2 mRNA and$PGE_2$ levels. Furthermore, the PTP inhibitor mitigated the inhibitory effect of aspirin on COX-2 and$PGE_2$ upregulation and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation, whereas the PKC inhibitor enhanced the inhibitory effects of aspirin on the production of COX-2 and$PGE_2$. Our data indicate a novel mechanism by which aspirin acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent in alveolus macrophages and ALI.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.804-809
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• 2003

Kagam-bojungikgitang is the water extracts prepared from Ginseng Radix, Astragali Radix. Angelicae gigantis Radix, Astractylodis Rhizoma alba, Aurantii nobilis Pericarpium, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Artemisiae iwayomogii Herba, and Scutellariae Radix. This is a modified prescription of Bojungikgitang, which has been used for the treatment of indigestion, and immunological disease in oriental countries. In this study, the effects of Kagam-bojungikgitang and Bojungikgitang on the production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were examined using RAW 264.7 macrophages activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Both prescriptions dose-dependently reduced the release of PGE2 and expression of COX-2 caused by stimulation of LPS without cytotoxic effect. Kagam-bojungikgitang's inhibitory effects were better than Bojungikgitang in PGE2 production and COX-2 expression. Moreover, Kagam-bojungikgitang also attenuated markedly the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6 than Bojungikgitang in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest that Kagam-bojungikgitang decreases PGE2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages and these properties may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of Kagam-bojungikgitang.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.25-25
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• 1995

The antitumor activities of the cell bound polysaccharide(CBP), water soluble polysaccharide(WSP) and sulfated polysaccharide(SP) of Zoogloea sp. were observe. The results obtained were as follows : 1) The CBP, WSP, and SP showed cytotoxic effect on the Meth A cells in vitro, however, the effect of CBP and WSP was more ten-fold greater than that pf SP. 2) When CBP, WSP, and SP was inoculated into the peritoneal cavity of the Meth A cells transplanted mice, the average survival days tended to prolonged slightly as compared with the control. 3) When Meth A cells were transplanted subcutaneously into the back side of mice, and then CBP, WSP, and Sp was inoculated into the peritoneal cavity of mice, the tumor growth inhibition ratio was 46.9% for WSP, 40.4% for CBP, and 16.2% for SP. 4) The phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages elicited with CBP, WSP, and SP was significantly increased than that of control. 5) The production of nitric oxide in the peritoneal macrophages stimulated with CBP, WSP, SP, and LPS aloneo was not increased than that of control. The production of nitric oxide in the peritoneal macrophages stimulated with IFN-r and CBP, IFN-r and WSP and IFN-r and SP was significantly increased than that of control, but in the case of stimulated with IFN-r and WSP was increased 50% for CBP and SP. These results suggest that the CBP, WSP and SP of Zoogloea sp. showed direct cytotoxic effect and tumor growth inhibition on Meth A cells in vitro and in vivo, and induced nitric oxide production of activated macrophages.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1365-1370
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• 2012

The high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein and NALP3 inflammasome have been identified to play important roles in inflammation and cancer pathogenesis, but the relationships between the two and cancer remain unclear. The current study investigated the relationship between HMGB1 and the NALP3 inflammasome in THP-1 macrophages. HMGB1 was found unable to activate the NALP3 inflammasome and failed to induce the release of the IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-18 in THP-1 macrophages. HMGB1 was also found significantly enhanced the activity of ATP to induce IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-18 by the induction of increased expression of pro-IL-$1{\beta}$ and pro-IL-18. This process was dependent on activation of RAGE, MAPK p38 and NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that HMGB1 promotes the synthesis of pro-IL-$1{\beta}$ and pro-IL-18 in THP-1 macrophages by the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ through RAGE. HMGB1 likely plays an important role in the first step of the release of the IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-18, preparing for other cytokines to induce excessive release of IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-18 which promote inflammation and cancer progression.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.298-303
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• 2011

A large number of edible seaweeds are consumed by the coastal peoples of Asia. Some of them are used in traditional remedies in many parts of the world. In this study we investigated effects of supplementation with ethyl acetate extracts of the brown alga Eisenia bicyclis (EBE) on rat macrophage to evaluate the possibilities as immune-modulators. Twelve male SD rats were divided into two groups and the treatments were as follows: A, no Eisenia bicyclis extract (EBE) intake and distilled water ; B, oral supplemented with EBE 200 mg/kg. After 5 weeks of supplementation, rats were sacrificed to assess the effect on peritoneal macrophage functions. We showed no increasing effects on tumoricidal activity, phagocytic activity and NO production in macrophages in EBE supplementation group. However, EBE supplementation suppressed NO-iNOS production and p65 translocation into the nucleus in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Overall, these results suggest that the supplementation of EBE might have an anti-inflammatory effects on NO-iNOS production in macrophages throughout the inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.14-26
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• 2016

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhizae Radix extract (SME) on endotoxin shock.Methods : We used two models; LPS-induced sepsis model for in vivo model, and murine peritoneal macrophages responses for in vitro. SME was administrated orally to mice. After 1 hr, LPS was injected intraperitoneally. Survival rate was checked each time per 12 hr for 5 days. Mice were sacrificed 3 hr after LPS injection, then blood samples and organs were harvested. Cytokines secretion was measured by ELISA. Organs tissues were observed with microscope. Murine peritoneal macrophages were cultured for 1 hr either in a medium alone or in a medium that contained SME, as indicated. Then, the cells were treated with LPS for 24 hr. mRNA levels of cytokines were measured by real-time RT-PCR. Cytokine levels in the supernatants were measured by ELISA. The amount of nitrite was measured by using the Griess method to evaluate NO production. The cell lysates were analysed by Western blotting using antibodies for iNOS and β-actin was used as an internal control to monitor equal protein loading.Results : SME improverd the survival rate of mice model. SME inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and organs damages on Endotoxin Shock model. SME suppressed cytokine expression, cytokine secretion,NO production, iNOS expression in LPS-induced murine peritoneal macrophages.Conclusions : The results suggest that SME has protective effects on endotoxin shock through suppression of inflammatory cytokines, organ damages, NO production and so on.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.390-399
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• 2014

Chalcones (1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones), a flavonoid subfamily, are widely known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Propenone moiety in chalcones is known to play an important role in generating biological responses by chalcones. In the present study, we synthesized chalcone derivatives structurally modified in propenone moiety and examined inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production and its potential mechanisms. Among the chalcone derivatives used for this study, TI-I-174 (3-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-1-(thiophen-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one) most potently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitrite production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. TI-I-174 treatment also markedly inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. However, TI-I-174 did not significantly affect production of IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), implying that TI-I-174 inhibits production of inflammatory mediators in a selective manner. Treatment of macrophages with TI-I-174 significantly inhibited transcriptional activity of activator protein-1 (AP-1) as determined by luciferase reporter gene assay, whereas nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) activity was not affected by TI-I-1744. In addition, TI-I-174 significantly inhibited activation of c-Jun-N-Terminal kinase (JNK) without affecting ERK1/2 and p38MAPK, indicating that down-regulation of iNOS gene expression by TI-I-174 is mainly attributed by blockade of JNK/AP-1 activation. We also demonstrated that TI-I-174 treatment led to an increase in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression both at mRNA and protein level. Transfection of siRNA targeting HO-1 reversed TI-I-174-mediated inhibition of nitrite production. Taken together, these results indicate that TI-I-174 suppresses NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages via induction of HO-1 and blockade of AP-1 activation.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.352-359
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In this study, we determined the anti-inflammatory activities and the underlying molecular mechanisms of the methanol extract from Erigeron Canadensis L. (ECM) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: The potential anti-inflammatory properties of ECM were investigated by using RAW264.7 macrophages. We used western blot assays and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect protein and mRNA expression, respectively. Luciferase assays were performed to determine the transactivity of transcription factors. RESULTS: ECM significantly inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-derived NO and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) derived PGE2 production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. These inhibitory effects of ECM were accompanied by decreases in LPS-induced nuclear translocations and transactivities of $NF{\kappa}B$. Moreover, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) including extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1/2), p38, and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was significantly suppressed by ECM in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Further studies demonstrated that ECM by itself induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression at the protein levels in dose-dependent manner. However, zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), a selective HO-1 inhibitor, abolished the ECM-induced suppression of NO production. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that ECM-induced HO-1 expression was partly responsible for the resulting anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that ECM exerts anti-inflammatory actions and help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the potential therapeutic values of Erigeron Canadensis L.