• Molecules and Cells
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.188-197
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• 2018

Benzidine, a known carcinogen, is closely associated with the development of bladder cancer (BC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical pathophysiological process in BC progression. The underlying molecular mechanisms of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, especially extracellular regulated protein kinases 5 (ERK5), in regulating benzidine-induced EMT remains unclarified. Hence, two human bladder cell lines, T24 and EJ, were utilized in our study. Briefly, cell migration was assessed by wound healing assay, and cell invasion was determined by Transwell assay. Quantitative PCR and western blot were utilized to determine both gene expressions as well as protein levels of EMT and MAPK, respectively. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected to further determine ERK5 function. As a result, the migration and invasion abilities were enhanced, epithelial marker expression was decreased while mesenchymal marker expression was increased in human BC cell lines. Meanwhile, benzidine administration led to activation of ERK5 and activator protein 1 (AP-1) proteins, without effective stimulation of the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) or p38 pathways. Moreover, Benzidine-induced EMT and ERK5 activation were completely suppressed by XMD8-92 and siRNAs specific to ERK5. Of note, ERK1/2 was activated in benzidine-treated T24 cells, while benzidine-induced EMT could not be reversed by U0126, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, as indicated by further study. Collectively, our findings revealed that ERK5-mediated EMT was critically involved in benzidine-correlated BC progression, indicating the therapeutic significance of ERK5 in benzidine-related BC.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제37권6호
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• pp.19-28
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• 2022

Objectives : To develop natural ingredients that help prevent or treat anti-inflammatory-related diseases and use themas basic data, we investigated anti-inflammatory activity of Cynanchi Atrati Radix Et Rhizoma water extracts(CWE) in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : The cell viabilities were evaluated with RAW 264.7 cells. The production of nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), pro-inflammatory cytokines such tumor necrotic factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-6 were assessed in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell treated with CWE. Furthermore, the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) were assessed by western blotting. Results : In RAW 264.7 cell, the cell viability by CWE treatment was more than 98.4% at a concentration of 100-400 ㎍/mL. At a concentration of 800 ug/ml of CWE, the cell viability was as low as 86%. At doses of 100, 200 and 400 ㎍/mL, CWE inhibited the production of NO, PGE2, TNF-𝛼 and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner and also decreased the expression of iNOS and COX-2 from LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, CWE significantly inhibited the MAPK pathway including decreased the phosphorylation of the p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK1/2). Conclusions : Our study provides evidence that CWE inhibits the production of main pro-inflammatory molecules in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells via expression of p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, CWE is expected to be widely used as a natural ingredient for anti-inflammatory functional foods or pharmaceuticals in the future.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제64권3호
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• pp.277-284
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• 2021

The emergence and rapid spread of the potentially fatal coronavirus disease 2019, caused due to infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, has led to worldwide interest in developing functional bioactive ingredients that act as immunomodulatory agents. In this study, we aimed to characterize Carica papaya extract and explore its potential as an immunomodulator by performing in vitro cell screening. Papaya leaf water extract (PLW) was found to significantly increase the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) by upregulating inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase-2 activity, respectively. Additionally, PLW increased the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1β in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, PLW activated the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) but not that of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These results indicate that PLW increased the production of NO, PGE₂, and pro-inflammatory cytokines by activating the JNK and ERK pathways in macrophages, thus demonstrating immunomodulatory properties. Finally, high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint analysis indicated the presence of rutin, narirutin, and ρ-coumaric acid in PLW (6.30, 119.76, and 47.25 ppm, respectively). Treating cells with these compounds at non-toxic concentrations had no effect on NO production. Taken together, these results suggest that PLW may have potential as an immunity-enhancing supplement.

• BMB Reports
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• 제46권7호
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• pp.352-357
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• 2013

Atherosclerosis, which manifests as acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and peripheral arterial diseases, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall. Prunella vulgaris, a perennial herb with a worldwide distribution, has been used as a traditional medicine in inflammatory disease. Here, we investigated the effects of P. vulgaris ethanol extract on TNF-${\alpha}$-induced inflammatory responses in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). We found that P. vulgaris ethanol extract inhibited adhesion of monocyte/macrophage-like THP-1 cells to activated HASMCs. It also decreased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin and ROS, No production in TNF-${\alpha}$-induced HASMCs and reduced NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. Furthermore, P. vulgaris extract suppressed TNF-${\alpha}$-induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). These results demonstrate that P. vulgaris possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can regulate TNF-${\alpha}$-induced expression of adhesion molecules by inhibiting the p38 MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.243-251
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• 2013

Objectives : Bower Actinidia has been widely used for treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as jaundice, cystolithiasis. However, the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory activity has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Bower Actinidia pharmacopuncture extract(BA) on LPS-induced inflammation. Methods : The effect of BA was analyzed by ELISA, RT-PCR and Western blotting in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Results : We found that BA suppressed not only the mRNA expression of pre-inflammatory cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), but also the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38. Conclusions : These results suggest that BA exerts an anti-inflammatory effect through the regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) pathway, thereby decreasing production of pre-inflammatory cytokines.

• BMB Reports
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• 제34권5호
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• pp.478-483
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• 2001

We examined the effect of CsCl and spermine on the induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), a key enzyme in polyamine synthesis form Glycine max axes. Transcription of the ODC gene was induced by 0.1 and 1 mM of CsCl, and the amount of putrescine was increased 3.5-fold by 1 mM CsCl treatment. Spermine also induced the expression of the ODC gene in a die dependent manner. However, CsCl provoked an increase in the active phosphorylated ERK (pERK), a central element of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. Our data demonstrates an interaction between the ODC induction and the MAPK signaling pathway, and suggests that the latter may be involved in cell signaling in salt-stressed plants.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• 제4권2호
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• pp.113-123
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• 2008

Microglia, which is the primary immune effector cells in the central nervous system, constitutes the first line of defense against infection and injury in the brain. The goal of this study was to determine the protective (anti-inflammation) mechanisms of forsythia suspense (FS) on LPS-induced activation of BV-2 microglial cells. The effects of FS on gene expression profiles in activated BV-2 microglial cells were evaluated using microarray analysis. BV-2 microglial cells were cultured in a 100mm dish $(1{\times}10^7/dish)$ for 24hr and then pretreated with $1{\mu}g/mL$ FS or left untreated for 30 min. Next, $1{\mu}g/mL$ LPS was added to the samples and the cells were reincubated at $37^{\circ}C$ for 30 min, 1hr, and 3hr. The gene expression profiles of the BV-2 microglial cells varied depending on the FS. The oligonucleotide microarray analysis revealed that MAPK pathway-related genes such as Mitogen activated protein kinase 1 (Mapk1), RAS protein activator like 2 (Rasal2), and G-protein coupled receptor 12 (Gpr12) and nitric oxide biosynthesis-related genes such as nitric oxide synthase 1 (neuronal) adaptor protein (Nos1ap), and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (Ddah1) were down regulated in FS-treated BV-2 microglial cells. FS can affect the MAPK pathway and nitric oxide biosynthesis in BV-2 microglial cells.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.211-219
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• 2023

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an active component of propolis obtained from honeybee hives. CAPE possesses anti-mitogenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities in diverse systems, which know as displays antioxidant activity and inhibits lipoxygenase activities, protein tyrosine kinase, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CAPE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human neutrophil phagocytosis. Human neutrophils were cultured with various concentrations of CAPE (1, 10, and 100 µM) with or without LPS. The pro-inflammatory proteins (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-8) levels were measured after 4 h incubation. To investigate the intracellular signaling pathway, we measured the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), including phosphorylation of p38, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Next, to evaluate the potential phagocytosis, neutrophils were labeled with iron particles of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs, 40 nm) for 1 h in culture medium containing 5 mg/mL of iron. The labeling efficiency was determined by Prussian blue staining for intracellular iron and 3T-wighted magnetic resonance imaging. CAPE decreased the activation of intracellular signaling pathways, including ERK1/2 and c-Jun, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, but had no effect on the signaling pathways of p38 and cytokine IL-8. Furthermore, images obtained after mannan-coated SPION treatment suggested that CAPE induced significantly higher signal intensities than the control or LPS group. Together, these results suggest that CAPE regulates LPS-mediated activation of human neutrophils to reduce phagocytosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제58권6호
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• pp.590-599
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• 2005

연구배경 : 만성폐쇄성폐질환에서 나타나는 기도점액의 과다분비는 이 질환의 중요한 병리학적 소견이며 호흡곤란 등 환자의 증상을 악화시키는 요인 중의 하나이다. 기도 점액을 구성하는 여러 성분 중 Muc 유전자에 의해 만들어지는 당 단백이 흡연에 의해 생성이 증가하는데 이에 관여하는 세포 내 신호전달 과정에 대하여 확실히 밝혀진 바가 없다. 저자는 Muc 유전자 중 인체의 기도에 가장 많이 분비되는 Muc5ac 점액 생성을 담당하는 Muc5ac 유전자의 발현이 흡연에 의하여 증가하는데 관여하는 세포 내 신호전달 과정을 알아보고자 하였다. 재료 및 방법 : 사람 폐선암 세포주인 A549 세포를 배양하여 Muc5ac 유전자의 promotor를 luciferase reporter plasmid를 사용하여 세포 내에 transfection시키고 5% 담배연기 추출물로 자극하여 배양하였다. 또 세포 내 신호전달에 관여하는 표피성장인자 수용체 kinase의 억제제인 AG1478, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(MAPKK) 억제제인 PD98059, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase 억제제인 SB203580으로 각각 전 처치 후 역시 5% 담배연기 추출물로 자극 배양하였다. 배양된 세포에서 단백질을 추출하여 luciferase 분석을 통하여 Muc5ac promoter 활성도를 측정하고 Western blot을 이용하여 표피성장인자 수용체와 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)인 extracellular signalrelated kinase (ERK)1/2, p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)의 발현을 확인하였다. 또 세포에서 RNA를 추출한 후 Muc5ac primer를 이용하여 역전사효소 중합연쇄반응을 수행하여 Muc5ac mRNA 발현을 관찰하였다. 결 과 : 1. Muc5ac promoter를 삽입한 A549 세포를 5% 담배연기 추출물로 자극하였을 때 의의 있게 luciferase 활성도가 증가하였고(P<0.001) 자극하는 시간이 3시간이었을 때 luciferase 활성도가 최고치를 보였다(P<0.01). 또 담배연기 추출물 자극은 표피성장인자 수용체를 인산화시켰으며 인산화는 AG1478과 PD98059에 의하여 억제되었다. 2. AG1478 혹은 PD98059로 전 처치 후 5% 담배연기 추출물로 자극한 경우 5% 담배연기 추출물 단독으로 자극한 것에 비하여 유의하게 lucifearse 활성도가 억제되었고 (P<0.01) 세 가지 종류의 MAPK 중 ERK1/2와 p38 MAPK의 인산화는 관찰되었으나 JNK의 인산화는 관찰되지 않았다. 역전사효소 중합연쇄반응을 이용하여 관찰한 Muc5ac mRNA 발현은 담배연기 추출물에 의해 증가되었고 PD98059와 AG1478에 의하여 역시 억제되었다. 3. 담배연기 추출물에 의하여 인산화 된 ERK1/2는 PD98059에 의하여 인산화가 감소하였고 p38 MAPK의 인산화는 PD98059와 SB203580에 의하여 감소하였으며 이 두 가지 억제제는 모두 luciferase 활성도를 유의하게 억제시켰다(P<0.0001). 결 론 : 담배연기 추출물은 Muc5ac 유전자의 발현을 증가시켜 기도 내 점액 분비를 증가시키며 이는 표피성장인자 수용체를 매개로 ERK1/2와 p38 MAPK를 경유하여 세포 내 신호전달이 이루어진다고 생각된다. 따라서 점액 유전자 활성화를 매개하는 신호전달 과정을 차단하는 약제나 방법이 개발된다면 과도한 점액분비를 치료할 수 있을 것으로 생각한다.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.199-210
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• 2003

치아이동 시 발생하는 골흡수에서 이미 여러 cytokine의 중요성이 강조된 바 있으며 이 가운데 interleukin-6는 구강 및 연골조직 등에서 많은 연구의 초점이 되어 왔으나 확실한 기전은 아직까지 정확히 확립되어 있지 못하다 골흡수 시 조골세포에서 유리되는 interleukin-6 (IL-6)와 nitric oxide (NO) 등이 골흡수의 조절자로 최근 대두되고 있으며 Mitogen-activated Protein kinase (MAPK)의 활성화로 인해 염증성 cytokine등이 유리될 수 있음이 최근 macrophage 등에서 증명된 바 있다. 그러므로 치아이동을 비롯한 구강 내 여러 염증의 조건에서 골흡수의 대표인자인 IL-6및 NO유리가 MAPK등의 활성 등을 통해 조절될 수 있는 가능성을 시사하고 있다. 본 연구에서 조골세포 특징을 대부분 가지고 있는 조골세포주 MC3T3El에서 p-38 MAP kinase을 매개로 NO와 IL-6가 유리됨을 확인하고자 하였다. $10\%$ Fetal Bovine Serum이 첨가된 -MEM 배양액으로 배양한 조골세포주인 MC3T3El 세포에 tumor necrosis $factor-\alpha(TNF-\alpha)$, $interferon-\gamma(IFN-\gamma)$ 및 lipopolysacchalide(LPS) 등의 단독처리 시 NO와 IL-6의 증가는 확인되지 않았으나 $TNF-\alpha/IFN-\gamma$ 혹은 $LPS/IFN-\gamma$ 등의 처치시 NO와 IL-6의 유의한 증가를 보였으며, NO발현에 직접 관여하는 inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)와 IL-6 단백질 및 mRNA의 발현을 관찰하였다. 또한 specific p-38 MAP kinase inhibitor인 SB203580의 NO와 IL-6의 생성 억제를 관찰하고 단백질과 mRNA발현억제를 통해서도 확인함으로써 SB203580은 transcription 단계에서 NO와 IL-6의 생성을 조절하고 있음을 시사하여 주고 있다. $TNF-\alpha/IFN-\gamma$ 혹은 $LPS/IFN-\gamma$ 처치 시 p-38 MAP Kinase의 활성을 관찰하였으나 단독 처치 시 역시 P-38 MAP Kinase의 활성을 확인함으로써 NO와 IL-6생성기전에는 p-38 MAP Kinase이외에 다른 인자 역시 관여하고 있음을 보여주고 있다. 본 연구에서는 치아 등의 골조직의 구성 세포인 조골세포에서 NO와 IL-6유리를 확인하였으며, 또한 이들의 생성기전중의 하나로 p-38 MAP Kinase가 transcription 단계에서 관여하고 있음을 확인하였다.