• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• 제28권3호
• /
• pp.153-160
• /
• 2022

Neuroinflammation is known to be associated with brain injury in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the inhibition of microglial activation, a key player in inflammatory response, is considerd as important target for AD. In this study, the ethanol extract of aerial parts of Forsythia velutina Nakai, a Korean native species, significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Thus, the active principles in F. velutina aerial parts were isolated based on activity-guided isolation method. As a result, six compounds were isolated and their structures were elucidated based on NMR data and the comparison with the relevant references as arctigenin (1), matairesinol (2), rengyolone (3), ursolic acid (4), secoisolariciresinol (5), and arctiin (6). Among them, four compounds including arctigenin (1), matairesinol (2), secoisolariciresinol (5), and arctiin (6) significantly inhibited NO production in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, matairesinol (2) and secoisolariciresinol (5) reduced 60% of NO production compared to LPS-treated group. This inhibitory effects of matairesinol (2) and secoisolariciresinol (5) were accompanied with the reduced expression levels of iNOS and COX-2. These results suggest that the extract of F. velutina and its active compounds could be beneficial for neuroinflammatory diseases including AD.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• 제31권3호
• /
• pp.276-284
• /
• 2023

Sinapic acid (SA) is a phenolic acid that is widely distributed in fruits and vegetables, which has various bioactivities, such as antidiabetic, anticancer and anti-inflammatory functions. Over-activated microglial is involved in the development progress of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of SA in microglia neuroinflammation models. Our results demonstrated that SA inhibited secretion of the nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin (IL)-6, reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and enhanced the release of IL-10 in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, our further investigation revealed that SA attenuated the phosphorylation of AKT and MAPK cascades in LPS-induced microglia. Consistently, oral administration of SA in mouse regulated the production of inflammation-related cytokines and also suppressed the phosphorylation of MAPK cascades and AKT in the mouse cerebral cortex. These results suggested that SA may be a possible therapy candidate for anti-inflammatory activity by targeting the AKT/MAPK signaling pathway.

• 한방비만학회지
• /
• 제20권1호
• /
• pp.10-19
• /
• 2020

Objectives: Oxidative stress-mediated neuroinflammation has been supposed as a crucial factor that contributes to the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective activity against oxidative stress and neuroinflammation of protocatechuic acid (PA), active phenolic compound from Momordica Charantia. Methods: Protective activity of PA from oxidative stress was performed under in vitro conditions. Our study investigated the protective mechanism of PA from neuroinflammation in cellular system using C6 glial cell. To investigate the improvement the effects on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, we induced oxidative stress by H₂O₂ (100 μM) stimulation and induced neuroinflammation by treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 ㎍/mL) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) (10 ng/mL) in C6 glial cells. Results: PA showed strong radical scavenging effect against 1,1-dipenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxy radical (·OH) and nitric oxide (NO). Under oxidative stress treated by H₂O₂, the result showed the increased mRNA expressions of oxidative stress markers such as nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS). However, the treatment of PA led to reduced mRNA expressions of NF-κB, COX-2 and iNOS. Moreover, PA attenuated the production of interleukin-6 and scavenged NO generated by both endotoxin LPS and IFN-γ together. Furthermore, it also reduced LPS and IFN-γ-induced mRNA expressions of iNOS and COX-2. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results collectively suggest that PA, phenolic compound of Momordica Charantia, could be a safe anti-oxidant and a promising anti-neuroinflammatory molecule for neurodegenerative diseases.

• 대한치매학회지
• /
• 제21권2호
• /
• pp.71-78
• /
• 2022

Background and Purpose: The expression of the 18-kDA mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) in the brain is an attractive target to study neuroinflammation. However, the binding properties of TSPO ligands are reportedly dependent on genetic polymorphism of the TSPO gene (rs6971). The objective of this study is to investigate the rs6971 gene polymorphism in the Korean population. Methods: We performed genetic testing on 109 subjects including patients with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, non-AD dementia, and cognitively unimpaired participants. Magnetic resonance imaging scans and detailed neuropsychological tests were also performed, and 29 participants underwent ¹⁸F-DPA714 PET scans. Exon 4 of the TSPO gene containing the polymorphism rs6971 (Ala or Thr at position 147) was polymerase chain reaction amplified and sequenced using the Sanger method. The identified rs6971 genotype codes (C/C, C/T, or T/T) of the TSPO protein generated high-, mixed-, or low-affinity binding phenotypes (HABs, MABs, and LABs), respectively. Results: We found that 96.3% of the study subjects were HAB (105 out of 109 subjects), and 3.7% of the subjects were MAB (4 out of 109 subjects). ¹⁸F-DPA-714 PET scans showed nonspecific binding to the thalamus and brainstem, and increased tracer uptake throughout the cortex in cognitively impaired patients. The participant with the MAB polymorphism had a higher DPA714 signal throughout the cortex. Conclusions: The majority of Koreans are HAB (aprox. 96%). Therefore, the polymorphism of the rs6971 gene would have a smaller impact on the availability of second-generation TSPO PET tracers.

• 대한본초학회지
• /
• 제38권1호
• /
• pp.11-19
• /
• 2023

Objectives : Neuroinflammation is a common pathological mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases, and the development of therapeutic agents is urgently needed. Red ginseng has been known to be good for the immune stimulation in Eastern Asia. Although the immuno-stimulatory activity of red ginseng are already known, the neuro-protective effects of cultivated red ginseng with fermented complex mushroom-cereal mycelium (RGFM) have not been conducted. Thus, in this study, we tried to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of RGFM water extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated BV2 cells. Methods : BV2 cells were pretreated with RGFM 1 h prior to LPS exposure. To determine the neuro-protective effects of RGFM water extract, we measured the expression of inflammatory mediators including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1𝛽, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-𝛼 in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In addition, to find out the regulatory mechanism of RGFM water extract, we assessed the protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and inhibitory 𝜅B𝛼 (I𝜅B𝛼) by western blotting. Results : In our study, treatment of RGFM reduced the mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2 and suppressed NO production in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Additionally, the secretion of IL-1𝛽 and TNF-𝛼 but not IL-6 was significantly inhibited by RGFM. Furthermore, RGFM water extract inhibited the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Conclusions : Taken together, these findings suggest that RGFM water extract has a protective effect on neuroinflammation through inhibition of JNK.

• 대한본초학회지
• /
• 제39권6호
• /
• pp.45-52
• /
• 2024

Objectives : Neuroinflammation is a well-known pathological factor in neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the urgent need for effective therapeutic agents. Chongmyunggongjin-dan (CGD) has been traditionally recognized in Korea for its benefits in boosting immunity, promoting mental calmness, and supporting physical recovery. However, no experimental evidence currently supports its effects on Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of CGD in BV2 cells activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods : BV2 cells underwent pretreatment with CGD for 1 h before LPS stimulation. To assess CGD's neuroprotective potential, we measured the expression levels of inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in LPS-activated BV2 cells. Additionally, the regulatory pathways influenced by CGD were examined by analyzing the protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2, and C-Jun N-Terminal Kinases (JNK) and inhibitory κ-Bα (Iκ-Bα) through western blotting. Results : The results demonstrated that CGD treatment suppressed NO production in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. And the mRNA expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 were decreased by CGD treatment in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. CGD also significantly downregulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and it suppressed the phosphorylation of P38, ERK 1/2, and JNK. Conclusions : These findings indicate that CGD may offer neuroprotective activity by mitigating neuroinflammation through the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathways.

• BMB Reports
• /
• 제54권11호
• /
• pp.557-562
• /
• 2021

Microglial activation is closely associated with neuroinflammatory pathologies. The nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor containing a pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes are highly organized intracellular sensors of neuronal alarm signaling. NLRP3 inflammasomes activate nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce inflammatory responses. Moreover, NLRP3 dysfunction is a common feature of chronic inflammatory diseases. The present study investigated the effect of a novel thiazol derivative, N-cyclooctyl-5-methylthiazol-2-amine hydrobromide (KHG26700), on inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV-2 microglial cells. KHG26700 significantly attenuated the expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6, in these cells, as well as the LPS-induced increases in NLRP3, NF-κB, and phospho-IkBα levels. KHG26700 also suppressed the LPS-induced increases in protein levels of autophagy protein 5 (ATG5), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and beclin-1, as well as downregulating the LPS-enhanced levels of ROS, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of KHG26700 may be due, at least in part, to the regulation of the NLRP3-mediated signaling pathway during microglial activation.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
• /
• 제54권3호
• /
• pp.201-208
• /
• 2022

Neuroinflammation is defined as a neurological inflammation within the brain and the spinal cord. In neuroinflammation, microglia are the tissue-resident macrophages of the central nervous system, which act as the first line of defense against harmful pathogens. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has an anti-inflammatory effect in many neurological conditions. Additionally, the microRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p) mimic has been proven to be effective in macrophages in inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of both miR-30a-5p and Dex in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells. This study showed that miR-30a-5p and Dex decreased nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) translocation in LPS-induced BV2 cells. MiR-30a-5p and Dex alleviated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), LPS-induced phosphorylation c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38. Also, the expression of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome (NLRP3), cleaved caspase-1, and ASC was inhibited. Furthermore, LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression were attenuated by Dex and miR-30a-5p. Our results indicate that a combination of Dex and miR-30a-5p, attenuates NF-κB activation, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and inflammatory mediators involved in LPS-induced inflammation and inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in LPS-activated BV2 cells.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
• /
• 제31권1호
• /
• pp.21-28
• /
• 2023

Objective : Scolopendra, a dried body of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans, is one of Korean medicine. Several reports revealed that Scolopendra has therapeutic effects for arthritis, neuroinflammatory diseases and neuropathic pain. However, the fetal adaptive response or teratogenicity associated with administration of Scolopendra is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the fetal toxicity effects that were induced following oral administration of Scolopendra water extract (SWE) in pregnant mice. Methods : The pregnant mice were administrated SWE at dosed of 0, 100, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day during gestation day 0-18. The mortality, body weight and clinical signs of pregnant mice were observed throughout experimental period. Also, the mortality and malformations in foetus were examined. Results : No meaningful changes were observed in the mortality and clinical signs of pregnant mice between the normal control group and SWE administrated groups. Additionally, there are no significant changes in fetal mortalities, and malformations by SWE administration. conclusion : These results suggest that oral exposure to SWE during pregnancy at oral dosages up to 1000 mg/kg/day did not induce teratogenic toxicity in regard to fetal mortality and morphology.

• 생명과학회지
• /
• 제28권11호
• /
• pp.1332-1338
• /
• 2018

뇌신경 질환의 주요 원인이 되는 것으로 알려진 미세아교세포의 과도한 활성화에 의한 신경염증반응에서 풀무치 에탄올 추출물이 미세아교세포의 염증 반응에 미치는 영향을 검토하였다. 미세아교세포의 활성화를 유도하기 위해 LPS를 사용하였으며, LPS 처리에 의해 신경염증반응의 지표인 NO의 생성량과 이들을 조절하는 iNOS, COX-2의 발현이 증가됨을 확인 할 수 있었다. 그러나 풀무치 에탄올 추출물을 1시간 전처리 한 후 LPS를 처리한 경우 추출물의 농도에 의존적으로 이들의 발현량이 현저히 감소되는 것을 확인 하였다. 또한 LPS 처리로 인해 분비되는 염증성 cytokine들의 생성량도 풀무치 에탄올 추출물에 의해 현저히 억제 됨을 확인 할 수 있었다. 따라서 본 연구의 결과는 미세아교세포의 과도한 활성화로 인해 발생되는 뇌 신경질환의 치료 소재로서 풀무치 에탄올 추출물의 활성 가능성을 제시하였다.