• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제59권3호
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• pp.259-268
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• 2016

Objective : Accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) and mitochondrial glycation is importantly implicated in the pathological changes of the brain associated with diabetic complications, Alzheimer disease, and aging. The present study was undertaken to determine whether sildenafil, a type 5 phosphodiesterase type (PDE-5) inhibitor, has beneficial effect on neuronal cells challenged with AGE-induced oxidative stress to preserve their mitochondrial functional integrity. Methods : HT-22 hippocampal neuronal cells were exposed to AGE and changes in the mitochondrial functional parameters were determined. Pretreatment of cells with sildenafil effectively ameliorated these AGE-induced deterioration of mitochondrial functional integrity. Results : AGE-treated cells lost their mitochondrial functional integrity which was estimated by their MTT reduction ability and intracellular ATP concentration. These cells exhibited stimulated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, induction of mitochondrial permeability transition, and release of the cytochrome C, activation of the caspase-3 accompanied by apoptosis. Western blot analyses and qRT-PCR demonstrated that sildenafil increased the expression level of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). CoPP and bilirubin, an inducer of HO-1 and a metabolic product of HO-1, respectively, provided a similar protective effects. On the contrary, the HO-1 inhibitor ZnPP IX blocked the effect of sildenafil. Transfection with HO-1 siRNA significantly reduced the protective effect of sildenafil on the loss of MTT reduction ability and MPT induction in AGE-treated cells. Conclusion : Taken together, our results suggested that sildenafil provides beneficial effect to protect the HT-22 hippocampal neuronal cells against AGE-induced deterioration of mitochondrial integrity, and upregulation of HO-1 is involved in the underlying mechanism.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제60권6호
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• pp.181-188
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• 2017

Purpose: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Erythropoietin (EPO) is emerging as a therapeutic candidate for neuroprotection. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the neuroprotective role of recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO) and the possible mechanisms by which mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), JNK, and p38 MAPK is modulated in cultured cortical neuronal cells and astrocytes. Methods: Primary neuronal cells and astrocytes were prepared from cortices of ICR mouse embryos and divided into the normoxic, hypoxia (H), and hypoxia-pretreated with EPO (H+EPO) groups. The phosphorylation of MAPK pathway was quantified using western blot, and the apoptosis was assessed by caspase-3 measurement and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Results: All MAPK pathway signals were activated by hypoxia in the neuronal cells and astrocytes (P<0.05). In the neuronal cells, phosphorylation of ERK-1/-2 and apoptosis were significantly decreased in the H+EPO group at 15 hours after hypoxia (P<0.05). In the astrocytes, phosphorylation of ERK-1/-2, p38 MAPK, and apoptosis was reduced in the H+EPO group at 15 hours after hypoxia (P<0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment with rHuEPO exerts neuroprotective effects against hypoxic injury reducing apoptosis by caspase-dependent mechanisms. Pathologic, persistent ERK activation after hypoxic injury may be attenuateed by pretreatment with EPO supporting that EPO may regulate apoptosis by affecting ERK pathways.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제27권5호
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• pp.524-530
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• 2004

Epilepsy or the occurrence of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges (SREDs, seizures) is one of the most common neurological disorders. Shift in the balance of brain between excitatory and inhibitory functions due to different types of structural or functional alterations may cause epileptiform discharges. N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor dysfunctions have been implicated in modulating seizure activities. Seizures and epilepsy are clearly dependent on elevated intracellular calcium concentration ([C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ ) by NMDA receptor activation and can be prevented by NMDA antagonists. This perturbed [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ levels is forerunner of neuronal death. However, therapeutic tools of elevated [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ level during status epilepticus (SE) and SREDs have not been discovered yet. Our previous study showed fast inhibition of ginseng total saponins and ginsenoside R $g_3$ on NMDA receptor-mediated [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ in cultured hippocampal neurons. We, therefore, examined the direct modulation of ginseng on hippocampal neuronal culture model of epilepsy using fura-2-based digital $Ca^{2+}$ imaging and neuronal viability assays. We found that ginseng total saponins and ginsenoside R $g_3$ inhibited $Mg^{2+}$ free-induced increase of [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ and spontaneous [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ oscillations in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. These results suggest that ginseng may playa neuroprotective role in perturbed homeostasis of [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ and neuronal cell death via the inhibition of NMDA receptor-induced SE or SREDs.d SE or SREDs..

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.1-15
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• 2018

Objectives: Cerebral ischemia results from a variety of causes that cerebral blood flow is reduced due to a transient or permanent occlusion of cerebral arteries. Reactive astrocytes and microglial activation plays an important role in the neuronal cell death during ischemic insult. Acupunctural treatment is effective for symptom improvement in cerebrovascular accident, including cerebral ischemia. Methods: In the present study, the effects of acupuncture at the ST40 acupoint on short-term memory and apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region following transient global cerebral ischemia were investigated using gerbils. Transient global ischemia was induced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries with aneurysm clips for 5 min. Acupuncture stimulation was conducted once daily for 7 consecutive days, starting one day after surgery. Results: In the present results, ischemia induction deteriorated short term memory, increased apoptosis, and induced reactive astrocyte and microglial activation. Acupuncture at ST40 acupoint ameliorated ischemia-induced short-term memory impairment by suppressing apoptosis in the hippocampus through down-regulation of reactive astrocytes and microglial activation. Conclusion: The present study suggests that acupuncture at the ST40 acupoint can be used for treatment of patients with cerebral stroke.

• 대한약학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한약학회 2003년도 Proceedings of the Convention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Korea Vol.2-2
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• pp.143.2-144
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• 2003

Recent studies suggest that inflammatory events are implicated in a variety of ailments such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have beneficial effects for the treatment or prevention of these disorders. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the rate-limiting enzyme in the prostaglandin (PG) synthesis, is induced by various pro-inflammatory stimuli including nitric oxide (NO) and has been reported to cause and/or aggravate neuronal cell death. (omitted)

• 한국환경성돌연변이발암원학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국환경성돌연변이발암원학회 2002년도 Molecular and Cellular Response to Toxic Substances
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• pp.14-40
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• 2002

15-Deoxy-${\Delta}^{12, 14}$-prostaglandin $J_2$ (15-deoxy-$PGJ_2$), a naturally occurring ligand activates the peroxisome proliferator-activated $receptor-{\gamma}(PPAR-{\gamma}$). Activation of $PPAR-{\gamma}$ has been found to induce cell differentiation such as adipose cell and macrophage. Here it was investigated whether 15-deoxy-$PGJ_2$ has neuronal cell differentiation and possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Dopaminergic differentiating PC 12 cells treated with 15-deoxy-$PGJ_2$ (0.2 to 1.6 ${\mu}M$) alone showed measurable neurite extension and expression of neurofilament, markers of cell differentiation. However much greater extent of neurite extension and expression of neurofilament was observed in the presence of NGF (50 ng/ml). In parallel with its increasing effect on the neurite extension and expression of neurofilament, 15-deoxy-$PGJ_2$ enhanced NGF-induced p38 MAP kinase expression and its phosphorylation in addition to the activation of transcription factor AP-1 in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, pretreatment of SD 203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase inhibited the promoting effect of 15-deoxy-$PGJ_2$(0.8 ${\mu}M$) on NGF-induced neurite extension. This inhibition correlated well with the ability of SB203580 to inhibit the enhancing effect of 15-deoxy-$PGJ_2$ on the expression of p38 MAP kinase and activation of AP-1, The promoting ability of 15-deoxy-$PGJ_2$ did not occur through $PPAR-{\gamma}$, as synthetic PPAR-${\gamma}$ agonist andantagonist did not change the neurite promoting effect of 15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$. In addition, contrast to other cells (embryonic midbrain and SK-N-MC cells), $PPAR-{\gamma}$ was not expressed in PC-12 cells. Other structure related prostaglandins, PGD$_2$ and $PGE_2$ acting via a cell surface G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) did not increase basal or NGF-induced neurite extension. Moreover, GPCR (EP and DP receptor) antagonists did not alter the promoting effect of f 5-deoxy-$PGJ_2$ on neurite extension and activation of p38 MAP kinase, suggesting that the promoting effect of 15-deoxy-$PGJ_2$ may not be mediated GPCR. These data demonstrate that activation of p38 MAP kinase in conjunction with AP-1 single pathway may be important in the promoting activity of 15-deoxy-$PGJ_2$ cells.

• 한국독성학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국독성학회 2002년도 Molecular and Cellular Response to Toxic Substances
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• pp.14-40
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• 2002

15-Deoxy- Δ$\^$12,14/-prostaglandin J$_2$ (15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$), a naturally occurring ligand activates the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-${\gamma}$ (PPAR-${\gamma}$). Activation of PPAR-y has been found to induce cell differentiation such as adipose cell and macrophage. Here it was investigated whether 15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$ has neuronal cell differentiation and possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Dopaminergic differentiating PC 12 cells treated with 15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$ (0.2 to 1.6 ${\mu}$M) alone showed measurable neurite extension and expression of neurofilament, markers of cell differentiation. However much greater extent of neurite extension and expression of neurofilament was observed in the presence of NGF (50 ng/$m\ell$). In parallel with its increasing effect on the neurite extension and expression of neurofilament, 15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$ enhanced NGF-induced p38 MAP kinase expression and its phosphorylation in addition to the activation of transcription factor AP-1 in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, pretreatment of SD 203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase inhibited the promoting effect of 15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$ (0.8 ${\mu}$M) on NGF-induced neurite extension. This inhibition correlated well with the ability of SB203580 to inhibit the enhancing effect of 15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$ on the expression of p38 MAP kinase and activation of AP-1. The promoting ability of 15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$ did not occur through PPAR-${\gamma}$, as synthetic PPAR-${\gamma}$ agonist and antagonist did not change the neurite promoting effect of 15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$. In addition, contrast to other cells (embryonic midbrain and SK-N-MC cells), PPAR-${\gamma}$ was not expressed in PC-12 cells. Other structure related prostaglandins, PGD$_2$ and PGE$_2$ acting via a cell surface G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) did not increase basal or NGF-induced neurite extension. Moreover, GPCR (EP and DP receptor) antagonists did not alter the promoting effect of 15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$ on neurite extension and activation of p38 MAP kinase, suggesting that the promoting effect of 15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$ may not be mediated GPCR. These data demonstrate that activation of p38 MAP kinase in conjunction with AP-1 signal pathway may be important in the promoting activity of 15-deoxy-PGJ$_2$ on the differentiation of PC12 cells.

• 한국응용약물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국응용약물학회 1996년도 춘계학술대회
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• pp.19-29
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• 1996

The neurological manifestations of AIDS include dementia, encountered even in the absence of opportunistic superinfection or malignancy. The AIDS Dementia Complex appears to be associated with several neuropathological abnormalities, including astrogliosis and neuronal injury or loss. How can HIV-1 result in neuronal damage if neurons themselves are only rarely, if ever, infected by the vitus\ulcorner In vitro experiments from several different laboratiories have lent support to the existence of HIV- and immune-related toxins. In one recently defined pathway to neuronal injury, HIV-infected macrophages/microglia as well as macrophages activated by HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 appear to secrete excitants/neurotoxins. These substances may include arachidonic acid, platelet-activating factor, free radicals (NO - and O$_2$), glutamate, quinolinate, cysteine, cytokines (TNF-${\alpha}$, IL1-B, IL-6), and as yet unidentified factors emanating from stimulated macrophages and possibly reactive astrocytes. A final common pathway for newonal suscepubility appears to be operative, similar to that observed in stroke, trauma, epilepsy, and several neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This mechanism involves excessive activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-operated channels, with resultant excessive influx of Ca$\^$2+/ leading to neuronal damage, and thus offers hope for future pharmacological intervention. This chapter reviews two clinically-tolerated NMDA antagonists, memantine and nitroglycerin; (ⅰ) Memantine is an open-channel blocker of the NMDA-associated ion channel and a close congener of the anti-viral and anti-parkinsonian drug amantadine. Memantine blocks the effects of escalating levels of excitotoxins to a greater degree than lower (piysiological) levels of these excitatory amino acids, thus sparing to some extent normal neuronal function. (ⅱ) Niuoglycerin acts at a redox modulatory site of the NMDA receptor/complex to downregulate its activity. The neuroprotective action of nitroglycerin at this site is mediated by n chemical species related to nitric oxide, but in a higher oxidation state, resulting in transfer of an NO group to a critical cysteine on the NMDA receptor. Because of the clinical safety of these drugs, they have the potential for trials in humans. As the structural basis for redox modulation is further elucidated, it may become possible to design even better redox reactive reagents of chinical value. To this end, redox modulatory sites of NMDA receptors have begun to be characterized at a molecular level using site-directed mutagenesis of recombinant subunits (NMDAR1, NMDAR2A-D). Two types of redox modulation can be distinguished. The first type gives rise to a persistent change in the functional activity of the receptor, and we have identified two cysteine residues on the NMDARI subunit (#744 and #798) that are responsible for this action. A second site, presumably also a cysteine(s) because <1 mM N-ethylmaleimide can block its effect in native neurons, underlies the other, more transient redox action. It appears to be at this, as yet unidentified, site on the NMDA receptor that the NO group acts, at least in recombinant receptors.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.505-512
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• 2005

신경흥분독성과 간질발작발현은 glutamate 수용체활성과 연관이 있다고 알려져 있다. a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA), kainate 수용체에 대한 glutamate 활성을 포함하는 다양한 기전을 가진 항전간제인 Topiramate는 신경보호작용을 가진다는 증거가 제시되어 Topiramate가 간질발작 후 해마의 glutamate 수용체 발현에 미치는 효과를 관찰하였다. 흰쥐에 kainate를 복강 내 주사하여 간질중첩증을 유발시킨 후 Topiramate를 1주일 주사하였다 Apop tag in situ detection kit를 이용하여 세포손상을 관찰한 결과 kainate 유발 간질중첩증 1주일 후 해마의 CA1, CA3에서 심각한 세포사를 보였으나, Topiramte 처리 군에서는 세포사가 현저히 감소하였다. 간질중첩증 이후 NMDA 수용체 아형 1,2a, 2b 발현이 현저히 증가했으나 Topiramate 처치에 의해 NMDA수용체의 발현에는 뚜렷한 변화가 없었다. AMPA수용체에서는 GluR1이 간질중첩증 이후 현저히 상향 조정되었고 GluR2는 현저히 하향조정 되었다 Topiramate 1주일 처리 시 간질중첩증으로 인해 변화된 CluR1과 GluR2의 발현이 역전되었다. 결론적으로 Topiramate는 간질중침증에 의한 CluR1/CluR2 발현비의 증가로 유발되는 흥분성 신경세포사를 억제시킴으로써 신경보호작용이 있는 것으로 보인다.

• BMB Reports
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• 제54권12호
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• pp.620-625
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• 2021

Microglia are known to be activated in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of rats with cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact role of microglial activation in the plasticity of presympathetic PVN neurons associated with the modulation of sympathetic outflow remains poorly investigated. In this study, we analyzed the direct link between microglial activation and spontaneous firing rate along with the underlying synaptic mechanisms in PVN neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Systemic injection of LPS induced microglial activation in the PVN, increased the frequency of spontaneous firing activity of PVN-RVLM neurons, reduced GABAergic inputs into these neurons, and increased plasma NE levels and heart rate. Systemic minocycline injection blocked all the observed LPS-induced effects. Our results indicate that LPS increases the firing rate and decreases GABAergic transmission in PVN-RVLM neurons associated with sympathetic outflow and the alteration is largely attributed to the activation of microglia. Our findings provide some insights into the role of microglial activation in regulating the activity of PVN-RVLM neurons associated with modulation of sympathetic outflow in cardiovascular diseases.