• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.318-323
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• 2004

This study has been carried out to investigate the effect of the beverage contained Radix puerariae (15%) and Bambusae caules in Liquamen Phyllostachyos (1%) on the alcohol administered mouse. The control group was treated with alcohol (40% alcohol, 8.0 mL/kg of body weight), experimental group 1 (Exp.1) was administered with beverage (8.0 mL/kg of body weight) before alcohol treatment, and experimental group 2 (Exp.2) was administered with beverage after alcohol treatment. Blood alcohol concentrations were decreased by 11% (in Exp. 1) and 17% (in Exp. 2) compared with control group. The concentrations of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were slightly increased in Exp. 1 and Exp.2, but alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were not changed compared with control group. Mn-Superoxide dismutase activity was increased by about 70% in the experimental groups in comparison to control group. The Exp. 1 and Exp. 2 contained more periodic-acid Schiff (PAS)-positive materials than the control group. Electron microscopical observations showed that, cell organelles of hepatocytes were more disoriented in the control group than in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2. These results suggest that the beverage contained Radix puerariae and Bambusae caules in Liquamen Fhyllostachyos is a safe and effective therapeutic agent for alcohol abuse.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.57-64
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• 2007

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is known to protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced injuries, and regional differences in the mitochondrial antioxidant state during IR or IPC may promote the death or survival of viable and infarcted cardiac tissues under oxidative stress. To date, however, the interplay between the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme system and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body has not yet been resolved. In the present study, we examined the effects of IR- and IPC-induced oxidative stresses on mitochondrial function in viable and infarcted cardiac tissues. Our results showed that the mitochondria from viable areas in the IR-induced group were swollen and fused, whereas those in the infarcted area were heavily damaged. IPC protected the mitochondria, thus reducing cardiac injury. We also found that the activity of the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme system, which includes manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), was enhanced in the viable areas compared to the infarcted areas in proportion with decreasing levels of ROS and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. These changes were also present between the IPC and IR groups. Regional differences in Mn-SOD expression were shown to be related to a reduction in mtDNA damage as well as to the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c (Cyt c). To the best of our knowledge, this might be the first study to explore the regional mitochondrial changes during IPC. The present findings are expected to help elucidate the molecular mechanism involved in IPC and helpful in the development of new clinical strategies against ischemic heart disease.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.577-583
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• 2006

The effect of the extract of Ulmus davidiana root on the activity of enzymes related to the removal of reactive oxygen species was investigated in the B6C3F1 mouse kidney. B6C3F1 mice were divided into five groups and fed for 20 weeks. Reduced xanthine of oxidase activity was observed in groups 4 (group fed with U. davidiana extract after N,N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) treatment and 5 (group fed with U. davidiana extract from the beginning of DEN treatment) compared to group 2 (group treated with DEN). The level of Mn-superoxidase dismutase tended to increase in the groups after DEN treatment. In group 5, the catalase activity increased and the other groups exhibited an unchanged or slightly decreased level of enzyme. Similar effects were found far glutathione peroxidase. A lower degree of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) formation was estimated in groups 4 and 5, compared to that in DEN treated group 2.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.486-493
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• 2011

Nitric oxide (NO) donors are a potent inducer of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). However, it is unclear whether or not HO-1 expression induced by NO donors is a direct consequence of NO released by NO donors. Here, we investigated the effects of NO donors on the expression of HO-1 in primary rat articular chondrocytes. NO donors (SIN-1, SNAP, and SNP) significantly induced the accumulation of HO-1 protein accompanied by an increase in HO-1 mRNA. NO donor-induced HO-1 expression exerted cytoprotection against NO and/or superoxide-induced cell death. Guanylate cyclase signaling was not associated with Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in NO donor-treated chondrocytes. Interestingly, NO scavenger carboxy-PTIO and SOD mimetic TEMPOL markedly inhibited NO donor-induced HO-1 expression in chondrocytes. In addition, NO donor-induced HO-1 expression was completely abrogated by the peroxynitrite scavenger MnTBAP. Since peroxynitrite can be physiologcally formed in the cell through reaction of NO with superoxide, we analyzed whether or not peroxynitrite could directly induce HO-1 expression in chondrocytes. Peroxynitrite treatment in chondrocytes evoked doseand time-dependent Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. These results indicate that HO-1 expression induced by NO donors in rat articular chondrocytes is due to NO-mediated peroxynitrite rather than NO.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.177-183
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• 2008

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of dandelion water extract (DWE) on liver injury induced by D-galactosamine (GalN) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Fifty rats were divided into 5 groups; normal control (C), DWE-control (DWE-C: saline injection after feeding 3% DWE diet), GalN-control (GalN-C: GalN injection after normal diet), DWE I (GalN injection after feeding 1.5% DWE diet), and DWE II (GalN injection after feeding 3% DWE diet). After 2 weeks, the acute hepatitis was induced by GalN (650 mg/kg, i.p.) and 24 hrs later, all rats were sacrificed. The DWE supplement ameliorated the serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, ALT) as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})$. Hepatic antioxidative enzyme activities, such as catalase, GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase, and Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) were slightly or significantly elevated by the treatment of DWE. Moreover, the histological examination corresponded with these biochemical observations. According to these findings, dandelion could be used as a potential therapeutic material for treating chemically induced acute hepatitis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.199-209
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• 2023

Background: Due to the interrupted blood supply in cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS), ischemic and hypoxia results in neuronal depolarization, insufficient NAD+, excessive levels of ROS, mitochondrial damages, and energy metabolism disorders, which triggers the ischemic cascades. Currently, improvement of mitochondrial functions and energy metabolism is as a vital therapeutic target and clinical strategy. Hence, it is greatly crucial to look for neuroprotective natural agents with mitochondria protection actions and explore the mediated targets for treating CIS. In the previous study, notoginseng leaf triterpenes (PNGL) from Panax notoginseng stems and leaves was demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the potential mechanisms have been not completely elaborate. Methods: The model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) was adopted to verify the neuroprotective effects and potential pharmacology mechanisms of PNGL in vivo. Antioxidant markers were evaluated by kit detection. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by ATP content measurement, ATPase, NAD and NADH kits. And the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and pathological staining (H&E and Nissl) were used to detect cerebral morphological changes and mitochondrial structural damages. Western blotting, ELISA and immunofluorescence assay were utilized to explore the mitochondrial protection effects and its related mechanisms in vivo. Results: In vivo, treatment with PNGL markedly reduced excessive oxidative stress, inhibited mitochondrial injury, alleviated energy metabolism dysfunction, decreased neuronal loss and apoptosis, and thus notedly raised neuronal survival under ischemia and hypoxia. Meanwhile, PNGL significantly increased the expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in the ischemic regions, and regulated its related downstream SIRT1/2/3-MnSOD/PGC-1α pathways. Conclusion: The study finds that the mitochondrial protective effects of PNGL are associated with the NAMPT-SIRT1/2/3-MnSOD/PGC-1α signal pathways. PNGL, as a novel candidate drug, has great application prospects for preventing and treating ischemic stroke.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.123-136
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• 2008

Objectives : To estimate the value of the Gyungokgo as therapeutic agent preventing against aging with an analysis of the ingredients and the bio-activating effects by enzymologic methods. Methods : A quantitative analysis of general ingredients' of the Gyungokgo's extract was done first. The effects on electronic donating ability, SOD-like activity, nitric oxide inhibition, xanthine oxidase inhibition, whitening effect have been investigated in the physiological activity measurement of function experiment. Results : The contained hydrolyzed amino acid is Valine, Aspartic acid, Arginine, Isoleucine and the contained free amino acid is Arginine, Phenylalanine, Valine, Glycine. The derivative of free amino acid is Phosphoserine, Carnocine, ${\gammer}$-Aminoisobutyric acid. And the Gyungokgo contains 14 species of minerals, K>Na>Ca>Mg>Fe>Al>Mn. Then, to assure of the Gyungokgo's anti-oxidation, these following subjects -polyphenol, electronic donating ability, SOD-like activity, nitric oxide inhibition, xanthine oxidase inhibition, tyrosinase inhibation- are analyzed and show high activity especially the most in chloroform extracts, (every ingredients written by the order of high amount) Conclusions : The Gyungokgo contains many materials functioning as anti-oxidation, neurotransmitter, anti-fatigue and immune agent.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.51-63
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• 2007

Objectives : For the congenital feeble, the Gongjindan is useful medicine. The experiment is to estimate the value of the Gongjindan as therapeutic agent preventing against aging with an analysis of the ingredients and the bio-activating effects by enzymologic methods. Methods : General ingredients' of the Gongjindan's extract were analyzed first and the quantitative analysis of a reducing sugar, a soluble protein, an amino acid and minerals was made. The Gongjindan, which is extracted, concentrated, and freeze drying with water, ethanol and chloroform, have got applied for the experiment. The effects on electronic donating ability, SOD-like activity, nitric oxide inhibition, xanthine oxidase inhibition, whitening effect have been investigated in the physiological activity measurement of function experiment. Results : The contained amino acid, in order of high amount, is Arginine, Alanine, Glutamic acid, Proline and the contained free amino acid is Glutamic acid, Leucine, Lysine, Phenylalanine. The derivative of free amino acid is ${\gamma}-Aminoisobutyric$ acid, Phosphoserine, Taurine. And the Gongjindan is containing 13 species of minerals in order of Ca>K>Na>Mg>Fe>AI>Mn. Then, to assure of the Gongjindan's capability of anti-oxidation, these following subjects-polyphenol, electronic donating ability, SOD-like activity, nitric oxide inhibition, xanthine oxidase inhibition, tyrosinase inhibition- are analyzed and show high activity especially the most in ethanol extracts. Conclusion : With this analysis of ingredients, the Gongjindan is containing many materials functioning as anti-oxidation, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, neurotransmitter and immune agent. Moreover, In every water, ethanol, chloroform extracts, the Gongjindan's capability of anti-oxidation is confirmed so that we can apply to patients' treatment clinically.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.579-585
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Sonchus asper is used extensively as an herbal anti-inflammatory for treatment of bronchitis, asthma, wounds, burns, and cough; however, further investigation is needed in order to understand the underlying mechanism. To determine its mechanism of action, we examined the effects of an ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of S. asper on nitric oxide (NO) production and prostaglandin-E2 levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. MATERIALS/METHODS: An in vitro culture of RAW264.7 macrophages was treated with LPS to induce inflammation. RESULTS: Treatment with EAF resulted in significant suppression of oxidative stress in RAW264.7 macrophages as demonstrated by increased endogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and intracellular glutathione levels, decreased generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, and restoration of the mitochondrial membrane potential. To confirm its anti-inflammatory effects, analysis of expression of inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 was performed using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. EAF treatment resulted in significantly reduced dose-dependent expression of all of these factors, and enhanced expression of the antioxidants MnSOD and heme oxygenase-1. In addition, HPLC fingerprint results suggest that rutin, caffeic acid, and quercetin may be the active ingredients in EAF. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, findings of this study imply that the anti-inflammatory effect of EAF on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells is mediated by suppression of oxidative stress.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.82-88
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• 2014

Yam (Dioscorea batatas Decne.) has long been used as a health food and oriental folk medicine because of its nutritional fortification, tonic, anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and expectorant effects. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are known to be implicated in a range of diseases, may be important progenitors of carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulatory effect of yam on antioxidant status and inflammatory conditions during azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis in male F344 rats. We measured the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), hemolysate antioxidant enzyme activities, colonic mucosal antioxidant enzyme gene expression, and colonic mucosal inflammatory mediator gene expression. The feeding of yam prior to carcinogenesis significantly inhibited AOM-induced colonic ACF formation. In yam-administered rats, erythrocyte levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase were increased and colonic mucosal gene expression of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD, and GPx were up-regulated compared to the AOM group. Colonic mucosal gene expression of inflammatory mediators (i.e., nuclear factor kappaB, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-1beta) was suppressed by the yam-supplemented diet. These results suggest that yam could be very useful for the prevention of colon cancer, as they enhance the antioxidant defense system and modulate inflammatory mediators.