• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.615-628
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• 2023

Purpose: Increasing levels of domestic fine dust (DFD) have emerged as a serious problem that threatens public health by causing chronic respiratory diseases and skin aging. The present study was performed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Gryllus bimaculatus (the two-spotted cricket), which has recently attracted attention as an edible insect in South Korea, on DFD-induced aging and inflammation. Methods: To verify that DFD causes skin aging and investigate the anti-aging effect of an aqueous ethanolic-Gryllus bimaculatus extract (AE-GBE), human diploid fibroblasts (HDF) were treated with 100 ㎍/mL of European reference material (ERM)-CZ100 dust for 24 hrs in the presence or absence of 100 ㎍/ml AE-GBE. Aging and cellular toxicities were assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, DNA fragmentation, and β-galactosidase activity. The protein levels of cyclooxygenase (COX) 2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and collagen were measured by western blot, and the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes were assayed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: Treatment with ERM-CZ100 induced an aged phenotype in HDF cells, as evidenced by increased ROS levels, DNA fragmentation, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, but cotreatment with AE-GBE significantly reduced these inductions. The mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, induced by ERM-CZ100 were also reduced by AE-GBE cotreatment, which also reduced COX2 expression. Moreover, ERM-CZ100-induced MMP-1 expression and reduced collagen type I expression were recovered by AE-GBE treatment. Conclusion: These results suggest that AE-GBE is a potential treatment for domestic fine dust-induced skin inflammation and inflammaging.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.70-78
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• 2009

Coptis japonica (C. japonica) is a perennial medicinal plant that has anti-inflammatory activity. C. japonica contains numerous biologically active alkaloids including berberine, palmatine, epi-berberine, and coptisine. The most well-known anti-inflammatory principal in C. japonica is berberine. For example, berberine has been implicated in the inhibition of iNOS induction by cytokines in microglial cells. However, the efficacies of other alkaloids components on microglial activation were not investigated yet. In this study, we investigated the effects of three alkaloids (palmatine, epi-berberine and coptisine) from C. japonica on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial activation. BV2 microglial cells were immunostimulated with LPS and then the production of several inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were examined as well as the phosphorylation status of Erk1/2 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). Palmatine and to a lesser extent epi-berberine and coptisine, significantly reduced the release of NO, which was mediated by the inhibition of LPS-stimulated mRNA and protein induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) from BV2 microglia. In addition to NO, palmatine inhibited MMP-9 enzymatic activity and mRNA induction by LPS. Palmatine also inhibited the increase in the LPS-induced MMP-9 promoter activity determined by MMP-9 promoter luciferase reporter assay. LPS stimulation increased Erk1/2 phosphorylation in BV2 cells and these alkaloids inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2. The anti-inflammatory effect of palmatine in LPS-stimulated microglia may suggest the potential use of the alkaloids in the modulation of neuroinflammatory responses, which might be important in the pathophysiological events of several neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.346-355
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• 2020

Purpose: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) has a key role in hepatic fibrogenesis by virtue of its effect on the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Although many studies have shown that PPAR-γ agonists inhibit liver fibrosis, the mechanism remains largely unclear, especially regarding the cross-talk between PPAR-γ and other potent fibrogenic factors. Methods: This experimental study involved 25 male Wistar rats. Twenty rats were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) to induce liver fibrosis, further divided into an untreated group (BDL; n=10) and a group treated with the PPAR-γ agonist thiazolidinedione (TZD), at 14 days post-operation (BDL+TZD; n=10). The remaining 5 rats had a sham operation (sham; n=5). The effect of PPAR-γ agonist on liver fibrosis was evaluated by histopathology, protein immunohistochemistry, and mRNA expression quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Histology and immunostaining showed markedly reduced collagen deposition, bile duct proliferation, and HSCs in the BDL+TZD group compared to those in the BDL group (p<0.001). Similarly, significantly lower mRNA expression of collagen α-1(I), matrix metalloproteinase-2, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B chain, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were evident in the BDL+TZD group compared to those in the BDL group (p=0.0002, p<0.035, p<0.0001, and p=0.0123 respectively). Moreover, expression of the transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) was also downregulated in the BDL+TZD group (p=0.0087). Conclusion: The PPAR-γ agonist inhibits HSC activation in vivo and attenuates liver fibrosis through several fibrogenic pathways. Potent fibrogenic factors such as PDGF, CTGF, and TGF-β1 were downregulated by the PPAR-γ agonist. Targeting PPAR-γ activity may be a potential strategy to control liver fibrosis.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.83-89
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• 2020

Osteoporosis is a worldwide disease leading to significant economic and societal burdens globally. Osteoporosis is caused by unbalanced bone remodeling between the rate of osteoclast bone resorption and osteoblast bone formation. Acer tegmentosum Maxim (AT) is a traditional herbal medicine containing multiple biological activities such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory purposes. However, its role in osteoporosis has not been fully studied. Therefore, we investigated whether AT has a potent inhibitory effect on osteoporosis and its mechanism through a systemic evaluation in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. OVX mice were orally administrated with the AT at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 10 weeks. Histological images and histomorphometry analyses were performed by H&E and Toluidine blue satin, and the expression levels of receptor activator for nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL), nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasm 1 (NFATc1), c-Fos, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) related to the osteoclast differentiation were investigated using immunohistochemical analysis. Administration of AT prevented bone loss and the alternations of osteoporotic bone parameters at the distinct regions of the distal femur and spongiosa region in OVX mice. Further, administration of AT increased periosteal bone formation in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, AT inhibited not only the expression of NFATc1 and c-Fos, which are two major regulators of osteoclastogenesis but also reduced bone resorbed encoding expression of MMP9 and RANKL. Our results indicated that administration of AT prevented bone loss and the alternations of osteoporotic bone parameters at the distinct regions of the distal femur and spongiosa region in OVX mice. Also AT has the bone protective effect through the suppression of osteoclast and promotion of osteoblast, suggesting that it could be a preventive and therapeutic candidate for anti-osteoporosis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.1-6
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• 2017

Objectives : Corni Fructus (CF) is traditional herbal medicine used on polyuria, low back pain, and tinnitus. This study aimed to evaluate inhibits skin wrinkle formation effect of CF. Methods : To evaluate the produce inhibition effect of CF, SD-rats were distributed into four groups; normal rats (Nor), AGEs (advenced glycation end product)-induced rats (Con), AGEs-induced rats treated with 100mg/kg CF (CF). To induce AGEs, streptozotocin (50mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally and after 3 days oral administrated 100mM methyl glyoxal for 3 weeks. Results : The oral administration of CF suppressed the reactive oxygen specis (ROS) in serum. The AGEs in skin tissues was significantly reduced through treatment of CF. Furthermore, the expressions of AGEs related proteins such as polyclonal anti-$N^e$-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), anti-$N^e$-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), AGE receptors (RAGE) were decreased in CF treated group compared with the control group in skin tissues. Inflammation-related proteins such as Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) reduced in CF treatment group than control group. AGE-induced rats exhibited that the significant decreased collagen however, CF treatment (100mg/kg of body weight) up regulated collagen by improved the expression levels of skin fibril-related genes such as Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1). Conclusion : Taken together, our study suggests that CF regulates ROS to prevent accumulation of AGEs and inhibits skin wrinkles. Our finding indicate that CF may be an effective agent for inhibits AGEs formation, and improved skin wrinkle.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.223-229
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of polycan-calcium gluconate complex on the levels of immune and inflammatory mediators in gingival crevicular fluid and serum from patients with periodontitis. A total of 39 patients with periodontitis took placebo (placebo group) or polycan-calcium gluconate complex (treatment group) twice a day for 4 weeks. At baseline and 4 weeks, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and blood was collected from each subjects. The secretion level of interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$ in GCF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ in GCF. Serum samples were analysed for MMP-8 by ELISA and C-reactive protein (CRP) by turbidimetric immuno assay. MMP-8 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ were significantly decreased in the treatment group at 4 weeks. The level of $IL-1{\beta}$ in the treatment group was significantly lower than those of the placebo group. No differences were observed in CRP levels. Taken together, these data indicate that taking of polycan-calcium gluconate complex led to reduction of inflammatory biomarkers in serum and GCF of periodontitis patients.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.49-65
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• 2011

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of Gagamsosokmyeong-tang(Jiajianxiaoxuming-tang) on the monosodium iodoacetate(MIA) induced early state osteoarthritis in rats. Methods: Osteoarthritis was induced by injection of MIA(0.25 mg) into knee joints of rats. Osteoarthritis rats were divided into control(n=8) and treated=8 group respectively, Control group was taken distilled water and treated group was taken extracts of Gagamsosokmyeong-tang(Jiajianxiaoxuming-tang) by orally for 20 days. Body weight was measured at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 days after MIA injection. At the end of experiment, gross and histopathological examination on the articular cartilages of the knee joints were performed. Proteoglycan(PG) content of articular cartilages were analysed by safranine O staining method. The content of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$, $interleukin-1{\beta}(IL-1{\beta})$ in synovial fluids were analysed by enzyme-inked inmunosorbent assay(ELISA) method. And also cycloxygenase-2(COX-2), matrix metalloproteinase 3(MMP-3), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), calpain immunochistochemical examination on the knee joints were performed. Results: PG content in articular cartilages of the treated group was significantly increased compared with control group. Histopathological osteoarthritic score of the treated group was significantly decreased compared with control group. $TNF-{\alpha}$ content in synovial fluids, expression of iNOS and calpain in synovial membrane of the treated group were significantly decreased compared with control group. But body weight, $1L-1{\beta}$ content in synovial fluids, expression of iNOS and MMP-3 of the treated group were not significantly changed compared with control group. Conclusions: On the basis of these results, we conclude that Gagamsosokmyeong-tang(Jiajianxiaoxuming-tang) has anti-arthritic effects on the MIA induced early stage osteoarthritis in rats.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.57-77
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was to investigate the suppression effects of Sopunghwalhyeol-tang(Shufenghuoxie-tang) on the monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis in rats. Methods : Arthritis was induced by injection of monosodium iodoacetate(0.5 mg) into the both knee joints of rats. Arthritic rats were divided into control(n=8) and treated(n=8) group. Control group was taken distilled water for 20 days. Treated group was taken extracts of Sopunghwalhyeol-tang(Shufenghuoxie-tang) by oraly for same duration. Normal group(n=8) was injected with normal saline and was taken distilled water for 20 days. Macroscopic examination and histopathological study on articular cartilage of knee joint were operated at 20 days after injection. Proteoglycan(PG) content of articular cartilages of knee joint was represented by safranine O staining, was measured at 20 days after injection. Tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$, $interleukin-1{\beta}(IL-1{\beta})$, in synovial fluid were measured with enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay(ELISA) kit at 20 days after injection. Immunohistochemical staining of cyclo-oxygenase-2(COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) in knee joints were observed at 20 days after injection. Results : 1. Lymphocytes in peripheral blood the treated group was significantly decreased compared with the control group. 2. PG content in articular cartilage of the treated group was significantly increased compared with the control group. 3. Histopathologically, osteoarthritic scores of the treated group was significantly decreased compared with the control group. 4. $TNF-{\alpha}$ content in synovial fluid of the treated group was significantly decreased compared with the control group. 5. COX-2 revelation index in chondrocytes and synovial membrane of the treated group was significantly decreased compared with the control group. 6. Matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3) revelation index in chondrocytes and synovial membrane of the treated group was significantly decreased compared with the control group. Conclusions : On the basis of these results, we concluded that Sopunghwalhyeol-tang(Shufenghuoxie-tang) has inhibiting effects on the $TNF-{\alpha}$, COX-2 and MMP-3 secretion of chondrocytes and synovial membrane in Monosodium Iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis model of rats.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.425-434
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• 2013

UV irradiation is the main factor contributing to skin damages that are associated with an excessive production of matrix-degrading metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and a deficient expression of collagens. To date, red ginseng has been revealed to possess many biomedical effects, such as anti-aging, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammatory. In this study, we prepared the Korean Red Ginseng extracts treated with enzyme (KRGE) and investigated the effects of dietary KRGE on the formation of wrinkles generated by UVB irradiation in hairless mice. It was found that KRGE inhibited the UVB-induced formation of wrinkles, epidermal thickness, and skin dryness in hairless mice. Further results also showed that KRGE attenuated UVB-induced MMP-${\beta}$1 level, while accelerated procollagen type I, transforming growth factor-${\beta}$1 secretion. Interestingly, the expression of profilaggrin and filaggrin in both the epidermis and dermis were decreased due to UVB exposure and reversed by KRGE. The KRGE 0.06% was prior to KRGE 0.24%. In view of these results, which indicated that KRGE protected skin from UVB-induced photodamages, which may not only mediated by regulating of MMP-1 and procollagen type I, but also by increasing the production of profilaggrin and filaggrin. In conclusion, our results suggest that KRGE may be a promising agent for the treatment of skin photodamages. The challenge of KRGE will be expected as cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals in order to intervene in aging-related degenerative skin changes.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.119-131
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• 2023

Objectives: Betula Platyphylla(BP) has been used as a analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant drug in Eastern Asia. However, it is still unknown whether BP ethanol extract could exhibit the inhibitory activities against ultraviolet B(UVB)-induced skin injury on human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. This study was aimed to investigate the protective activity of BP ethanol extract on UVB-irradiated skin injury in HaCaT cells. Methods: The skin injury model of HaCaT cells was established under UVB stimulation. HaCaT keratinocyte cells were pre-treated with BP ethanol extract for 1 h, and then stimulated with UVB. Then, the cells were harvested to measure the cell viability, production of reactive oxygen species(ROS), pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin(IL) 1-beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-𝛼, hyaluronidase, type 1 collagen, matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)s. In addition, we examined the mitogen activated protein kinases(MAPKs) and inhibitory kappa B alpha(I𝜅;-B𝛼) as inhibitory mechanisms of BP ethanol extract. Results: The treatment of BP ethanol extract inhibited the UVBinduced cell death and ROS production in HaCaT cells. BP ethanol extract treatment inhibited the UVB-induced increase of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-𝛼. BP ethanol extract treatment inhibited the increase of hyaluronidase, MMP and decrease of collagen. BP ethanol extract treatment inhibited the activation of MAPKs and the degradation of I𝜅-B𝛼. Conclusions: Our result suggest that treatment of BP ethanol extract could inhibit the UVB-induced skin injury via deactivation of MAPKs and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-𝜅B) in HaCaT cells. This study could suggest that BP ethanol extract could be a beneficial agent to prevent skin damage or inflammation.