• Journal of Life Science
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.410-415
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• 1998

Procine pepsin hydrolysis of hexapeptide L-S-pNF-Nle-A-OMe in the presence of dipeptide L-L generates a new peak on HPLC analysis of reaction mixtures that is not seen when enzyme is incubated with either peptide alone. The peaks can be detected spectroscopically at either 214 or 254 nm, the latter consistent with a new peptide containing the p-nitro-F residue. The data suggest acyl transpeptidation between E(L-S-pNF) and L-L to form L-S-pNF-L-L. Consistent with this inference are (1) the ability of L-L-NH$_{2}$ and inability of Boc-L-L to undergo a similar transpeptidation reaction, and (2) the data from electrospray mass spectrum. This synthesis requires that Nle-A-L-OMe be released before L-S-pNF, an order opposite to that proposed on the basis of product inhibition kinetics. Consistent with this inference are reciprocal solvent isotope effects ; normal isotope effects of 1.736$\pm$0.121 on the formation of Nle-A-L-OMe and 2.281$\pm$0.184 in the formation of L-S-pNF, coupled to an inverse isotope effects of 0.576$\pm$0.045 on the formation of L-S-pNF-L-L. Because transpeptidation precedes faster in D$_{2}$O, the isotopically-sensitive step must occur after release of Nle-A-L-OMe. Isotopically-enhanced transpeptidation is consistent with the Uni-Bi iso memchanism postulated on the basis of an isotope effects on Vmax but not on Vmax/Km$^{1)}$ and confirmed by isotope effects on the onset of inhibition by pepstatin$^{2)}$.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.135-139
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• 2012

This study was designed to evaluate the physicochemical properties and biological activities of steamed and fermented Codonopsis lanceolata. The treatments included NS-NF (non-steamed and non-fermented), NS-LF (non-steamed and L. rhamnosus fermented), S-NF (steamed and non-fermented), and S-LF (steamed and L. rhamnosus fermented). Total polyphenol amounts of S-NF and S-LF were significantly increased to more than 26 mg GAE/g. The highest DPPH scavenging activities were observed for S-NF and S-LF, showing $EC_{50}$ values of 0.8 and 0.6 mg/mL, respectively. The growths of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Shigella boydii were effectively inhibited by S-LF (MIC < 9 mg/mL). The NS-LF and S-LF ($EC_{50}$ <6 mg/mL) effectively inhibited ${\alpha}$-Glucosidase and tyrosinase activities compared to NS-NF ($EC_{50}$ <17 mg/mL). The S-LF exhibited the highest acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity ($IC_{50}$ <32 mg/mL). Therefore, the results suggest that the application of the steaming process combined with probiotic fermentation can effectively enhance the biological and pharmacological activities in C. lanceolata.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2019

Objectives : Nypa fruticans Wurmb. (NF) have been used as a traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases in East-South Asia. However, it is largely undiscovered whether NF water extract could exhibit anti-inflammatory activities against tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$)-induced inflammatory responses on human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of NF water extract on TNF-${\alpha}$-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells. Methods : To investigate the anti-inflammatory activites of NF water extract in HaCaT cells, the inflammatory model of HaCaT cells was established under a suitable concentration (10 ng/ml) of human TNF-${\alpha}$ (hTNF-${\alpha}$). HaCaT keratinocyte cells were pre-treated with NF water extract for 1 h, and then stimulated with hTNF-${\alpha}$. Then, the cells were harvested to measure the inflammatory mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and pro-inflammatory cytokine including TNF-${\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6. In addition, we examined the inhibitory mechanisms of NF, mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and inhibitory kappa B alpha ($I{\kappa}-B{\alpha}$) Results : The treatment of NF inhibited the hTNF-${\alpha}$-induced elevation of iNOS, COX-2, and $PGE_2$ in HaCaT cells. In addition, NF treatment inhibited the hTNF-${\alpha}$-induced elevation of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6. Furthermore, NF treatment inhibited the activation of MAPKs but not degradation of $I{\kappa}-B{\alpha}$. Conclusions : Taken together, our result suggest that treatment of NF could inhibit the hTNF-${\alpha}$-induced inflammatory responses via deactivation of MAPKs in HaCaT cells. This study could suggest that NF could be a beneficial agent to prevent skin damage or inflammation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.315-324
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• 2001

Background : IL-8 is a potent chemotactic cytokine that plays an important role in the host defense mechanism against M. tuberculosis by recruiting inflammatory cells to the site of the infection. Lung epithelial cells, as well as alveolar macrophages are known to produce IL-8 in response to M. tuberculosis. IL-8 gene expression is mainly regulated on the level of transcription by NF-${\kappa}B$. This study investigated whether or not A549 cells produce IL-8 in NF-${\kappa}B$ dependent mechanism in response to macrophages phagocytosing M. tuberculosis. Methods : Peripheral blood monocytes that were obtained from healthy donors were cultured for 24 h with M. tuberculosis and a conditioned medium(CoMTB) was obtained. As a negative control, the conditioned medium without M. tuberculosis (CoMCont) was used. A549 cells were stimulated with M. tuberculosis, CoMCont and CoMTB and the IL-8 concentration in the culture media was measured by ELISA. The CoMTB induced IL-8 mRNA expression in the A549 cells was evaluated using RT-PCR, and CoMTB induced $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation was measured using western blot analysis. CoMTB induced nuclear translocation and DNA binding of NF-${\kappa}B$ was also examined using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA), and the CoMTB induced NF-${\kappa}B$ dependent IL-8 transcriptional activity was measured using a luciferase reporter gene assay. Results : CoMTB induced IL-8 production by A549 cells($46.8{\pm}4.8\;ng/ml$) was higher than with direct stimulation with M. tuberculosis ($6.8{\pm}2.9\;ng/ml$). CoMTB induced IL-8 mRNA expression increased after 2 h of stimulation and was sustained for 24 h. $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ was degraded after 10 min of CoMTB stimulation and reappeared by 60 min. CoMTB stimulated the nuclear translocation and DNA binding of NF-${\kappa}B$. The CoMTB induced NF-${\kappa}B$ dependent IL-8 transcriptional activity($13.6{\pm}4.3$ times control) was higher than either CoMCont($2.0{\pm}0.6$ times control) or M. tuberculosis ($1.4{\pm}0.6$ times control). Conclusion : A conditioned medium of peripheral blood monocytes phagocytosing M. tuberculosis stimulates NF-${\kappa}B$ dependent IL-8 production by the lung epithelial cells.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.129-139
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• 2014

This study was conducted in order to investigate the optimal fermentation periods of the Smilax china L. leaves as a fermented tea via Aspergillus oryzae for 0 (non-fermented), and 10, 20, and 30 days (NF, F10, F20, F30). It was also observed for its quality characteristics. In the color and spectrum (400~700nm) of 1% tea water extract, NF was light yellow, whereas fermented tea (F10~F30) was light red color, and the F10 among F10~F30 has the clearest color and spectrum. Furthermore, acceptabilities of aroma and brightness were insignificantly different between NF and F10~30, while the mouth feel and overall acceptabilities were insignificantly distinct among all of the fermented teas. Therefore, these results suggest that the appropriate fermentation period for tea fermentation is 10 days. On the other hand, the total polyphenol and flavonoid content in the NF was the highest among all of the fermented teas. In the antioxidant parameters, EDA (electron donating ability), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and LPOIA (lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity) in the NF were the highest among all fermented teas. Meanwhile, the XOI (xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity) was low, as well as insignificantly different from NF and F10~F30, whereas the AOI (aldehyde oxidase inhibitory activity) was markedly higher (38.09~41.70%) by the hot water tea extract (with or without fermentation), particularly the AOI that has increased via fermentation. In conclusion, the overall antioxidant activity tended to be reduced by fermentation; however, the EDA, FRAP and LPOIA in the fermented tea for 10 days was higher than the activities during 20~30 days of fermentation. There was a similar result in the color and acceptability of fermented tea for 10 days, which was remarkably better than those of 20-30 days. Therefore, fermented tea from the leaves of Smilax china L. could be expected to be used as a functional tea without the loss of inhibitory activity of both the XO and AO via fermentation.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.19-36
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• 2004

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Bee Venom and Melittin Solution on the lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and sodium nitroprusside(SNP)-induced expression of prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$, cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B($NF-{\kappa}B$) and nuclear factor kappa B($NF-{\kappa}B$) dependent luciferase activity in RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line. Methods : The expression of PGE2 was determined by determination of $PEG_2$, COX-2 was by western blotting with corresponding antibodies, $NF-{\kappa}B$ was by gel mobility shift assay method and $NF-{\kappa}B$ dependent luciferase activity was investigated by luciferase assay in RAW 264.7 cells. Results : 1. LPS and SNP-induced expression of $PEG_2$ was significant after 24hour. 2. The 0.5, 1 and $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and the 5 and $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin solution inhibited significantly LPS-induced expression of $PEG_2$ and, the $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and the 5 and $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin solution inhibited significantly SNP-induced expression of $PEG_2$ compared with control, respectively. The 0.5 and $1{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom could not significantly inhibit SNP-induced expression of $PEG_2$ compared with control. 3. The $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and the 5 and $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin solution inhibited significantly LPS and SNP-induced expression of COX-2 compared with control, respectively. The 0.5 and $1{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom inclined to decrease LPS and SNP-induced expression of COX-2 compared with control. 4. The 0.5, 1 and $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and the 5 and $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin solution inhibited significantly LPS and SNP-induced expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ compared with control, respectively. 5. The 0.5, 1 and $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and the 5 and $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin solution inhibited significantly LPS-induced expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ dependent luciferase activity and the 1 and $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and the 5 and $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin solution inhibited significantly SNP-induced expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ dependent luciferase activity compared with control, respectively. The $NF-{\kappa}B$ inhibitor also inhibited significantly LPS and SNP-induced expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ dependent luciferase activity compared with control. 6. The 0.5, 1 and $5{\mu}g/mL$ of bee venom and the 5 and $10{\mu}g/mL$ of melittin solution inhibited significantly LPS + IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$ and LPS + TNF-${\alpha}$-induced expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ dependent luciferase activity compared with control, respectively. The $NF-{\kappa}B$ inhibitor also inhibited significantly LPS and SNP-induced expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ dependent luciferase activity compared with control. Conclusions : These results suggest the inhibitory action of bee venom and melittin solution on the inflammatory mediators such as $PEG_2$, COX-2 and $NF-{\kappa}B$.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.317-323
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• 2009

In this study the nanofiltration (NF) membrane treatment of a nitric acid waste solutions containing $Pb^{+2}$ heavy metal ion discharging from the etching processes of an electronics and semiconductors industry has been studied for the purpose of recycling of nitric acid etching solutions. Three kinds of NF membranes (General Electric Co. Duraslick NF-4040 membrane, Dow Co. Filmtec LP-4040 membrane and Koch Co. SelRO MPS-34 4040 membrane) were tested for their separation efficiency (total rejection) of $Pb^{+2}$ ion and membrane stability in nitric acid solution. NF experiments were carried out with a dead-end membrane filtration laboratory system. The membrane permeate flux was increased with the increasing storage time in nitric acid solution and lowering pH of acid solution because of the enhancing of NF membrane damage by nitric acid. The membrane stability in nitric acid solution was more superior in the order of Filmtec LP-4040 < Duraslick NF-4040 < SelRO MPS-34 4040 membrane. The total rejection of Pb+2 ion was decreased with the increasing storage time in nitric acid solution and lowering the pH of acid solution. The total rejection of $Pb^{+2}$ ion after 4 months NF treatment was decreased from 95% initial value to 20% in the case of Duraslick NF-4040 membrane, from 85% initial value to 65% in the case of SelRO MPS-34 4040 membrane and from 90% initial value to 10% in the case of Filmtec LP-4040 membrane. These results showed that SelRO MPS-34 4040 NF membrane was more suitable for the treatment of an acidic etching waste solutions containing heavy metal ions.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.38-46
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• 2003

Background: Platelet-activating factor (PAF) induces nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$ activation and angiogenesis and increases tumor growth and pulmonary tumor metastasis in vivo. The role of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in PAF-induced angiogenesis in a mouse model of Matrigel implantation, and in PAF-mediated pulmonary tumor metastasis were investigated. Methods: Angiogenesis using Matrigel and experimental pulmonary tumor metastasis were tested in a mouse model. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was done for the assessment of $NF-{\kappa}B$ translocation to the nucleus. Expression of angiogenic factors, such as tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, interleukin $(IL)-1{\alpha}$, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were tested by RT-PCR and ELISA. Results: PAF induced a dose- and time-dependent angiogenic response. PAF-induced angiogenesis was significantly blocked by PAF antagonist, CV6209, and inhibitors of $NF-{\kappa}B$ expression or action, including antisense oligonucleotides to p65 subunit of $NF-{\kappa}B$ (p65 AS) and antioxidants such as ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. In vitro, PAF activated the transcription factor, $NF-{\kappa}B$ and induced mRNA expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, bFGF, VEGF, and its receptor, KDR. The PAF-induced expression of the above mentioned factors was inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. Also, protein synthesis of VEGF was increased by PAF and inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. The angiogenic effect of PAF was blocked when anti-VEGF antibodies was treated or antibodies against $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, and bFGF was co-administrated, but not by antibodies against $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, and bFGF each alone. PAF-augmented pulmonary tumor metastasis was inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. Conclusion: These data indicate that PAF increases angiogenesis and pulmonary tumor metastasis through $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation and expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$-dependent angiogenic factors.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.181-188
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• 2006

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha $(TNF-{\alpha})$ plays a variety of biological functions such as apoptosis, inflammation and immunity. PTEN also has various cellular function including cell growth, proliferation, migration and differentiation. Thus, possible relationships between two molecules are suggested. $(TNF-{\alpha})$has been known to downregulate PTEN via nuclear factor-kappa $B(NF-{\kappa}B)$ pathway in the human colon cell line, HT-29. However, here we show the opposite finding that $(TNF-{\alpha})$ upregulates PTEN via activation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ in HL-60 cells. $TNF-{\alpha}$ increased PTEN expression at HL-60 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, but the response was abolished by disruption of $NF-{\kappa}B$ with p65 anisense oligonucleotide or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). We found that $TNF-{\alpha}$ activated the $NF-{\kappa}B$ pathways, evidenced by the translocation of p65 to the nucleus in $TNF-{\alpha}-treated$ cells. We conclude that $TNF-{\alpha}$ induces upregulation of PTEN expression through $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in HL-60 cells.

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 2003.09a
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• pp.780-803
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• 2003

Exposure of skin cells, particularly keratinocytes to various nuclear factor-kappaB ($\textrm{NF}_{-{\kappa}}\textrm{B}$) activators [e.g. tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$, interleukin-1, lipopolysaccharides, and ultraviolet light] leads to phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitory protein, $\textrm{I}_{{\kappa}}\textrm{B}$. Liberated $\textrm{NF}_{-{\kappa}}\textrm{B}$ is translocated into the nucleus where it can change or alter expression of target genes, resulting in the secretion of extracellular signaling molecules including melanotrophic factors affecting melanocyte. In order to demonstrate the possible role of $\textrm{NF}_{-{\kappa}}\textrm{B}$ activation on the synthesis of melanotrophic factors from the keratinocytes, the activities of $\textrm{NF}_{-{\kappa}}\textrm{B}$ induced by melanogenic inhibitors (MIs) were determined in human HaCaT keratinocytes transfected with $\textrm{pNF}_{-{\kappa}}\textrm{B}$-SEAP-NPT plasmid. Transfectant cells released the secretory alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) as a transcription reporter in response to the $\textrm{NF}_{-{\kappa}}\textrm{B}$ activity and contain the neomycin phosphotransferase (NPT) gene for the dominant selection marker for geneticin resistance. MIs such as niacinamide, kojic acid, hydroquinone, resorcinol, arbutin, and glycolic acid were preincubated with transfectant HaCaT cells for 3 h and then ultraviolet B (UVB) was irradiated. $\textrm{NF}_{-{\kappa}}\textrm{B}$ activation was measured with the SEAP reporter gene assay using a fluorescence detection method. Of the Mis tested, kojic acid ($IC_{50}$/ = 60 $\mu$M) was found to be the most potent inhibitor of UVB-upregulating $\textrm{NF}_{-{\kappa}}\textrm{B}$ activation in transfectant HaCaT cells, which is followed by niacinamide ($IC_{50}$/= 540 $\mu$M). Pretreatment of the transfectant HaCaT cells with the Mis, especially kojic acid and niacinamide, effectively lowered $\textrm{NF}_{-{\kappa}}\textrm{B}$ binding measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Furthermore, these two inhibitors remarkably reduced the secretion level of IL-6, one of melanotrophic factors, triggered by UV-radiation of the HaCaT cells. These observations suggest that Mis working at the in vivo level might act partially through the modulation of the synthesis of melanotrophic factors in keratinocyte.