• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.133-142
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• 1999

To clarifiy the effects of Scolopendrae corpus(S-C) on turmor promotion in two-stage carcinogenesis in mice was investigated. In vivo system, S-C were seen to gave an inhibitory activity on TPA-induced mouse ear edema. In addition, the S-C were proved to have antitumor-promoting activity in two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis induced by DMBA and two-stage mouse lung carcinogenesis induced by 4-NQO as a initiator plus TPA and glycerol as a promoter. Moreover, S-C significantly exhibited an cytolytic effect in $HepG_2$ cells and showed significant antitumor activity against Sarcoma-180 bearing mice by oral administration. These results suggest that S-C could be effective in adjuvant chemotherapy for human cancer.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.396-401
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• 2015

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important redox-sensitive transcription factor that regulates the expression of several cytoprotective genes. More recently, genetic analyses of human tumors have indicated that Nrf2 may cause resistance to chemotherapy. In this study, we found that the expression levels of Nrf2 and its target genes GCLC, HO-1, NQO1 were significantly higher in cisplatin-resistant A549 (A549/CDDP) cells than those in A549 cells, and this resistance was partially reversed by Nrf2 siRNA. 3,4,5,5,7-Pentamethoxyflavone (PMF), a natural flavon extracted from Rutaceae plants, sensitized A549/CDDP to CDDP and substantially induced apoptosis compared with that of CDDP alone treated group, and this reversal effect decreased when Nrf2 was downregulated by siRNA. Mechanistically, PMF reduced Nrf2 expression leading to a reduction of Nrf2 downstream genes, and in contrast, this effect was decreased by blocking Nrf2 with siRNA. Taken together, these results demonstrated that PMF could be used as an effective adjuvant sensitizer to increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs by downregulating Nrf2 signaling pathway.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.499-505
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• 2012

Chemoprevention represents a strategy designed to protect cells or tissues against various carcinogens and carcinogenic metabolites derived from exogenous or endogenous sources. Recent studies indicate that plant-derived triterpenoids, like oleanolic acid, may exert cytoprotective functions via regulation of the activity of different transcription factors. The chemopreventive effects may be mediated through induction of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor. Activation of Nrf2 by triterpenoids induces the expression of phase 2 detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes such as NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) - proteins which can protect cells or tissues against various toxic metabolites. On the other hand, inhibition of other transcription factors, like NF-${\kappa}B$ leads to the decrease in the pro-inflammatory gene expression. Moreover, the modulation of microRNAs activity may constitute a new mechanism responsible for valuable effects of triterpenoids. Recently, based on the structure of naturally occurring triterpenoids and with involvement of bioinformatics and computational chemistry, many synthetic analogs with improved biological properties have been obtained. Data from in vitro and in vivo experiments strongly suggest synthetic derivatives as promising candidates in the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic strategies.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.46-51
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• 2008

In this study, the antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of Cuscutae semen ethanol extract were evaluated. Antioxidant activity was measured by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and the Ames test was employed to determine the inhibition effect on mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium TA100. The extract showed significant free radical-scavenging activity towards the DPPH radical, and at a concentration of 400 ppm, its free radical-scavenging activity was similar to that of BHT. The $IC_{50}$ value of the extract was 89 ppm, indicating good antioxidant capacity. Moreover, at 5 mg/mL, the extract presented inhibitions of approximately 98.0% and 49.2% on mutagenicity induced by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide and sodium azide, respectively. The total polyphenols and flavonoid contents of the extract were 20.1 mg/g and 1.9 mg/g, respectively. Therefore, this study indicates that the ethanolic extract of Cuscutae semen has excellent antioxidative and antimutagenic potential.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.745-750
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• 1998

The antimutagenic and antigenotoxic effects of ethanol, methanol, water and non-heating ethanol extract of Ligularia fischeri were investigated using Ames test and micronucleus test. Four solvent extracts by themseleves did not induce mutagenesis. The four extract of 200㎍/plate showed approximately 84.7%, 77.1%, 72.5% and 71% inhibitory effect on the mutagenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG) and 67.9%, 66.8%, 64.6% and 56% inhibition on the mutagenesis by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide(4NQO) against TA100 strain, whereas 70.2%, 60.9%, 61.9% and 52.8% inhibitions were observed on the mutagenesis induced by 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indol(Trp-P-1) in the presence of 200㎍/plate. TA100 strain was more sensitive than TA98 strain by four kinds of extracts on antimutagenesis. The effects of Ligularia fischeri extracts on the frequencies of micronucleated poly chromatic erythrocytes(MNPECs) induced by MNNG were investigated in the bone marrow. Ten, 20, 40 and 80mg g/kg of each extract were administered to animals immediately after injection of MNNG and the exposure time was 36 hours. Inhibitory effects of Ligularia fischeri ethanol extracts were 12%, 35.3%, 58.8%, and 57%, in the presence of 20, 40, 60 and 80mg/kg, respectively whereas methanol extracts showed 15.5%, 32.7%, 50.8%, and 57.9% inhibitory effects, respectively. Both extracts showed enhanced antimutagenic and antigenotoxic effects. These results showed a good correlation between antimutagenic effects in in vitro and in in vitro assay.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.12-23
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• 2021

Objectives : This study is to investigate the anti-aging and antioxidant effects of Naesohwangryeon-tang(NSHRT) extract in Hs68 fibroblasts. Methods : The fibroblast cell line Hs68 cells were used and MTT analysis was performed to measure the cell viability of Naesohwangryeon-tang, and then MMP-1 was induced with the cytokine TNF-𝛼 to confirm the anti-aging effect through real-time PCR and ELISA. In addition, ROS was induced with the TNF-𝛼 to confirm the anti-oxidant effect through DCF-DA. The signaling pathway according to the antioxidant effect was performed by western blot. Results : Naesohwangryeon-tang did not show cytotoxicity at all concentrations(100-800㎍/㎖) treated on Hs68 cells, and the inhibitory effect of MMP-1 was also confirmed. In addition, it was confirmed that the intracellular ROS increased by TNF-α was decreased by Naesohwangryeon-tang, and it was confirmed that the expression of NQO1 was increased in a concentration-dependent manner of Naesohwangryeon-tang. Conclusions : These results suggest that Naesohwangryeon-tang can be used as an anti-aging material by demonstrating the anti-aging and antioxidant effects of Naesohwangryeon-tang.

• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.56-62
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• 2003

The liver progenitor cells could form a potential target cell population fore both tumor-initiating and -promoting chemicals. Induction of drug-metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes, including AhR-dependent CYP1A1, NQO-1 and AKR1C9, was detected in the rat liver epithelial WB-F344 "stem-like" cells. Additionally, WB-F344 cells express a functional, wild-type form of p53 protein, a biomarker of genotoxic events, and connexin 43, a basic structural unit of gap junctions forming an important type of intercellular communication. In this cellular model, two complementary assays have been established for detection of the modes of action associated with tumor promotion: inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and proliferative activity in confluent cells. We found that the PAHs and PCBs, which are AhR agonists, released WB-F344 cells from contact inhibition, increasing both DNA synthesis and cell numbers. Genotoxic effects of some PAHs that lead to apoptosis and cell cycle delay might interfere with the proliferative activity of PAHs. Contrary to that, the nongenotoxic low-molecular-weight PAHs and non-dioxin-like PCB congeners, abundant in the environment, did not significantly affect cell cycle and cell proliferation; however both groups of compounds inhibited GJIC in WB-F344 cells. The release from contact inhibiton by a mechanism that possibly involves the AhR activation, inhibition of GJIC and genotoxic events induced by environmental contaminants are three important modes of action that could play an important role in carcinogenic effects of toxic compounds. The relative potencies to inhibit GJIC, to induce AhR-mediated activity, and to release cells from contact inhibition were determined for a large series of PAHs and PCBs and their metabolites. In vitro bioassays based on detection of events on cellular level (deregulation of GJIC and/or proliferation) or determination of receptor-mediated activities in both ?$stem-like^{\circ}{\times}$ and hepatocyte-like liver cellular models are valuable tools for detection of modes of action of polyaromatic hydrocarbons. They may serve, together with concentration data, as a first step in their risk assessment.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.1-16
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• 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Goryeon-hwan (GRH), which is mentioned in ≪Donguibogam≫ that treats leukorrhea. Methods: In this study, the antioxidant efficacy of GRH was evaluated by measuring the total polyphenol and flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and ROS production through RAW264.7 cells. The concentration of GRH cytotoxicity was confirmed through the cell viability of RAW264.7 cells, and the production of NO, the production of Cytokine through ELISA assay, and the expression of genes through Real-time PCR were measured to evaluate anti-inflammatory efficacy. Protein phosphorylation and protein expression were measured through Western blot analysis. Results: As a result of the experiment, GRH contained polyphenol and flavonoid, and concentration-dependent increased DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity and decreased ROS production. The anti-inflammatory efficacy measurement results showed a significant decrease in NO and Cytokine production in the GRH administration group compared to the control group. In terms of gene expression and protein expression, there was a significant decrease in iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α depending on the concentration, and a significant increase in HO-1 and NQO1. Protein phosphorylation measurements showed a concentration-dependent significant decrease in the GRH group at ERK and p38. Conclusions: As a result, the study experimentally confirmed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of GRH, suggesting that it may be used as a treatment for various gynecological inflammatory diseases including vaginitis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.384-394
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• 2024

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), known to latently infect the host's trigeminal ganglion, can lead to severe herpes encephalitis or asymptomatic infection, potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The virus generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that significantly impact viral replication and induce chronic inflammation through NF-κB activation. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), an oxidative stress regulator, can prevent and treat HSV-1 infection by activating the passive defense response in the early stages of infection. Methods and results: Our study investigated the antiviral effects of ginsenoside Rg5, an Nrf2 activator, on HSV-1 replication and several host cell signaling pathways. We found that HSV-1 infection inhibited Nrf2 activity in host cells, induced ROS/NF-κB signaling, and triggered inflammatory cytokines. However, treatment with ginsenoside Rg5 inhibited ROS/NF-κB signaling and reduced inflammatory cytokines through NRF2 induction. Interestingly, the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 suppressed the expression of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1) and enhanced the expression of KEAP1 in HSV-1 infected cells. This led to the reversal of VP16 expression inhibition, a protein factor associated with HSV-1 infection, thereby promoting HSV-1 replication. Conclusion: These findings suggest for the first time that ginsenoside Rg5 may serve as an antiviral against HSV-1 infection and could be a novel therapeutic agent for HSV-1-induced neuroinflammation.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.283-293
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• 2023

Objectives : Native to East Asia, Japan, and Korea, Cinnamomum japonicum Siebold (CJ) is renowned for its aromatic leaves and bark. We previously assessed the antioxidant activity of fractionated CJ branches (CJB:70% EtOH extract), including hexane (CJB1), chloroform (CJB2), ethyl acetate (CJB3), butanol (CJB4), and water (CJB5). Our findings revealed that CJB3 exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Here, we aimed to investigate whether CJB3 possesses cytoprotective effects and induces the activity of antioxidant enzymes in hepatocytes. Methods : As HepG2 cells were the first to exhibit the key characteristics of hepatocytes, we investigated the hepatoprotective effects of CJB3 on HepG2 cells. Results : Before conducting the cell experiment, we checked that CJB3, up to a concentration of 100 ㎍/mL, did not exhibit cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cells. ROS production increased because of t-BHP treatment decreased in a concentration-dependent manner upon CJB3 treatment. We confirmed that CJB3 inhibited t-BHP-induced cell death. CJB3 was found to reverse the expression of proteins associated with t-BHP-induced apoptosis. We also observed that CJB3 induced Nrf2 phosphorylation and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. And, CJB3 treatment caused a time-dependent enhancement of GCL and NQO1 protein expression. We further confirmed that CJB3 increased the expression of Nrf2 target genes, and this effect was associated with the activation of JNK, p38, and AMPK. Conclusion : CJB3 prevents t-BHP-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis and enhances the expression of Nrf2 target genes via JNK, p38, and AMPK activation. These results suggest that CJB3 is a promising candidate for the treatment of liver diseases.