• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.34 no.4 s.135
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• pp.282-287
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• 2003

We reported that neurotoxicity may contribute to cyanide-induced neuronal injury. Cyanide stimulates the release of glutamate which can activate glutamate receptors to propagate excitotoxic processes. We examined the role of plant extracts in mediating the cyanide-induced cytotoxicity and report here that the cytotoxicity assessed in SK- N-SH cell cultures by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the culture media was significantly blocked by Evodia officinalis MeOH extract (OMU). Also, when OMU was treated in NaCN level cultures, the neurite outgrowth was regenerated as much as in the treatment of NaCN only. These results indicate that OMU treatment were not only protected the neurons against NaCN-induced damage but also regenerated the neurite outgrowth of neuroblastoma cells.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.566-571
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• 2017

Background: A number of reports have described the protective effects of ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the protective mechanisms of Rg1 in AD remain elusive. Methods: To investigate the potential mechanisms of Rg1 in ${\beta}$-amyloid peptide-treated SH-SY5Y cells, a comparative proteomic analysis was performed using stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture combined with nano-LC-MS/MS. Results: We identified a total of 1,149 proteins in three independent experiments. Forty-nine proteins were significantly altered by Rg1 after exposure of the cells to ${\beta}$-amyloid peptides. The protein interaction network analysis showed that these altered proteins were clustered in ribosomal proteins, mitochondria, the actin cytoskeleton, and splicing proteins. Among these proteins, mitochondrial proteins containing HSD17B10, AARS2, TOMM40, VDAC1, COX5A, and NDUFA4 were associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of AD. Conclusion: Our results suggest that mitochondrial proteins may be related to the protective mechanisms of Rg1 in AD.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.425-441
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• 1997

The neuropeptide substance P(SP) has been implicated in the mediation of inflammation and immune-mediated disease such as arthritis. Recently, it was reported that SP was markedly increased around the blood vessels in inflamed gingiva as well as in close association with the inflammatory cell infiltrate. These results support that SP may contribute to the pathophysiology of neuronal inflammation in human periodontal tissues. SP may regulate inflammatory/immune responses by stimulating the proliferation of human T cells, differentiation and antibody-secreting potential of B cells, macrophage respiratory burst, connective tissue proliferation, and the secretion of cytokines from monocytes and T cells. Here, I studied potential role of SP as a costimulatory chemical signal in inflammatory/immune responses, by determining the released proinflammatory cytokines such as $MIP-1{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, and IL-6 from culture supernatants of homogeneous immune cell lines. Serum free cell supernatants were concentrated with TCA precipitation, fractionated with SDS-PAGE, and subjected into western blot analysis. Among 15 cell lines tested, macrophage/monocyte cell line RAW264.7 and WRl9m.1 showed the highest level of induction of $MIP-1{\alpha}$ when stimulated with LPS. Discrete IL-6 bands with multiple forms of molecular mass were detected from supernatants of B cell lines A20(32kDa), Daudi(32, 35kDa), and SKW6.4(29kDa), which were expressed constitutively. $IL-1{\beta}$ could not be detected by the method of western blot analysis from supernatants of all cell lines tested except RAW264.7, WRl9m.1, and erythroid cell line K562 which showed the least amount of $IL-{\beta}$ secretion. SP $10^{-9}M$ with suboptimal dose of LPS treatment showed synergistic induction of $MIP-1{\alpha}$ release from RAW264.7 or WR19m.1, and also IL-6 release from A20, but this synergism is not the case in costimulation of RAW264.7 or WRl9m.1 with SP $10^{-9}M$ and TPA. Although treatment of T cell line CTLL-R8 with SP $10^{-7}M$ or PHA+TPA induced modest level of $MIP-1{\alpha}$ secretion, synergism was not observed when they are applied together. These findings all together suggest the possibility of a regulatory role of SP in inflammatory/immune reaction through differential modulation of bioactivities of other chemical cosignals.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.598-606
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• 2009

Oxidative stress by free radicals is a major cause of neuronal cell death. Excitotoxicity in hypoxia/ischemia causes an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), resulting in dysfunction of the mitochondria and cell death. Pinelliae Rhizoma (PR) is a traditional medicine for incipient stroke. We investigated the effects of PR Water-Extract on the modulation of ROS and MMP in a hypoxic model using cultured rat cortical cells. PR Water-Extract was added to the culture medium at various concentrations (0.25${\sim}$5, 5.0 ${\mu}g/ml$) on day in vitro 12(DIV12), given a hypoxic shock (2% $O_2$/5% $CO_2$, $37^{\circ}C$, 3 hr), and cell viability was assessed on DIV15 by Lactate Dehydrogenase Assay (LDH assays). PR Water-Extract showed a statistically significant effect on neuroprotection (10${\sim}$15% increase in viability; p<0.01) at 1.0 and 2.5 ${\mu}g/ml$ in normoxia and hypoxia. Measurement of ROS production by $H_2DCF-DA$ stainings showed that PR Water-Extract efficiently reduced the number and intensity of ROS-producing neurons, especially at 1 hr post shock and DIV15. When MMP was measured by JC-1 stainings, PR Water-Extract efficiently maintained high-energy charged mitochondria. These results indicate that PR Water-Extract protects neurons in hypoxia by preventing ROS production and preserving the cellular energy level.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.665-670
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• 2006

Amyloid $\beta$-peptide (A$\beta$), which is a product of the proteolytic effect of $\beta$-secretase (BACE) on an amyloid precursor protein, is closely associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that a BACE inhibitor may reduce A$\beta$ levels, thus decreasing the risk of AD. In a previous study, an extract of Clavicorona pyxidata DGUM 29005 mycelia was found to inhibit the production of a soluble $\beta$-amyloid precursor protein (s$\beta$APP), A$\beta$, and BACE in neuronal cell lines. We sought to determine whether this mycelial extract exerts the same effect in human rhabdomyosarcoma A-204 and rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells. We found that the production of A$\beta$ decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of the mycelial extract and that the concentration of A$\beta$ never exceeded $50{\mu}g/ml$. The presence of sAPP was detected in every culture medium to which the mycelial extract had been added and its concentration remained the same, regardless of the concentration of the extract used. Endogenous $\beta$-secretase activity in A-204 and PC-12 cellular homogenates also decreased in the presence of this extract. These cells, in culture, were not susceptible to the cytotoxic activity of the mycelial extract.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.87-95
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• 2008

Neural stem/precursor derived from pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) has considerable therapeutic potential due to their ability to generate various neural cells which can be used in cell-replacement therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. However, production of neural cells from hESCs remains technically very difficult. Understanding neural-tube like rosette characteristic neural precursor cells from hESCs may provide useful information to increase the efficiency of hESC neural differentiation. Generally, neural rosettes were derived from differentiating hEBs in attached culture system, however this is time-consuming and complicated. Here, we examined if neural rosettes could be formed in suspension culture system by bypassing attachment requirement. First, we tested whether the size of hESC clumps affected the formation of human embryonic bodies (hEBs) and neural differentiation. We confirmed that hEBs derived from $500{\times}500\;{\mu}m$ square sized hESC clumps were effectively differentiated into neural lineage than those of the other sizes. To induce the rosette formation, regular size hEBs were derived by incubation of hESC clumps($500{\times}500\;{\mu}m$) in EB medium for 1 wk in a suspended condition on low attachment culture dish and further incubated for additional $1{\sim}2$ wks in neuroectodermal sphere(NES)-culture medium. We observed the neural tube-like rosette structure from hEBs after $7{\sim}10$ days of differentiation. Their identity as a neural precursor cells was assessed by measuring their expressions of neural precursor markers(Vimentin, Nestin, MSI1, MSI2, Prominin-1, Pax6, Sox1, N-cadherin, Otx2, and Tuj1) by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. We also confirmed that neural rosettes could be terminally differentiated into mature neural cell types by additional incubation for $2{\sim}6$ wks with NES medium without growth factors. Neuronal(Tuj1, MAP2, GABA) and glial($S100{\beta}$ and GFAP) markers were highly expressed after $2{\sim}3$ and 4 wks of incubation, respectively. Expression of oligodendrocyte markers O1 and CNPase was significantly increased after $5{\sim}6$ wks of incubation. Our results demonstrate that rosette forming neural precursor cells could be successfully derived from suspension culture system and that will not only help us understand the neural differentiation process of hESCs but also simplify the derivation process of neural precursors from hESCs.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 2012

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent and bioaccumulative environmental pollutants. Recently, it is suggested that neurotoxic effects such as motor dysfunction and impairment in memory and learning have been associated with PCB exposure. However, structure relationship of PCB congeners with neurotoxic effects remains unknown. Since PKC signaling pathway is implicated in the modulation of motor behavior as well as learning and memory and the role of PKC are subspecies-specific, we attempted to study the effects of structurally distinct PCBs on the total PKC activity as well as subspecies of PKC in cerebellar granule cell culture model. Cells were exposed to 0, 25 and 50 ${\mu}M$ of PCB-126, PCB-169, PCB-114, PCB-157, PCB-52 and PCB-4 for 15 min. Cells were subsequently analyzed by [$^3H$] phorbol ester binding assay or immunoblotted against PKC-${\alpha}$ and -${\varepsilon}$ monoclonal antibodies. While non-dioxin-like-PCB (PCB-52 and PCB-4) induced a translocation of PKC-${\alpha}$ and -${\varepsilon}$ from cytosol to membrane fraction, dioxin-like PCBs (PCB-126, -169, -114, -157) had no effects. [$^3H$] Phorbol ester binding assay also revealed structure-dependent increase similar to translocation of PKC isozymes. While PCB-4 induced translocation of PKC-${\alpha}$ and -${\varepsilon}$ was inhibited by ROS inhibitor, the pattern of translocation was not affected in presence of AhR inhibitor. It is suggested that PCB-4-induced PKC activity may not be mediated via AhR-dependent pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that chlorination of ortho-position in PCB may be a critical structural moiety associated with neurotoxic effects, which may be preferentially mediated via non-AhR-dependent pathway. Therefore, the present study may contribute to understanding the neurotoxic mechanism of PCBs as well as providing a basis for establishing a better neurotoxic assessment.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.14-28
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• 2008

Objective : This study was carried out to understand effects of ginseng(hearinafter ; GS, Panax Ginseng) extract on regeneration responses on injured sciatic nerves in rats. Methods :Using white mouse, we damaged sciatic nerve & central nerve, and then applied GS to the lesion. Then we observed regeneration of axon and non-neuron. Results : 1. NF-200 protein immunostaining for the visualization of axons showed more distal elongation of sciatic nerve axons in GS-treated group than saline-treated control 3 and 7 days after crush injury. 2. GAP-43 protein was increased in the injured sciatic nerve and further increased by GS treatment. Enhanced GAP-43 protein signals were also observed in DRG prepared from the rats given nerve injury and GS treatment. 3. GS treatment in vivo induced enhanced neurite outgrowth in preconditioned DRG sensory neurons. In vitro treatment of GS on sensory neurons from intact DRG also caused increased neurite outgrowth. 4. Phospho-Erk1/2 protein levels were higher in the injured nerve treated with GS than saline. Phospho-Erk1/2 protein signals were mostly found in the axons in the injured nerve. 5. NGF and Cdc2 protein levels showed slight increases in the injured nerves of GS-treated group compared to saline-treated group. 6. The number of Schwann cell population was significantly increased by GS treatment in the injured sciatic nerve. GS treatment with cultured Schwann cells increased proliferation and Cdc2 protein signals. 7. GS pretreatment into the injured spinal cord generated increased astrocyte proliferation and oligodendrocytes in culture. In vitro treatment of GS resulted in more differentiated pericytoplasmic processes compared with saline treatment. 8. More arborization around the injury cavity and the occurrence at the caudal region of CST axons were observed in GS-treated group than in saline-treated group. Conclusion :GS extract may have the growth-promoting activity on regenerating axons in both peripheral and central nervous systems.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.507-516
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• 2004

Alzheimer's disease(AD) is a geriatric dementia that is widespread in old age. In the near future AD will be the commom disease in public health service. Although a variety of oriental presciptions in study POD(Polygala tenuifolia extracted from dichlorometan) have been traditionally utilized for the treatment of AD, their pharmacological effects and action mechanisms have not yet fully elucidated. It has been widely believed that AP peptide divided from APP causes apoptotic neurotoxicity in AD brain. However, recent evidence suggests that CT105, carboxy terminal 105 aminoacids peptide fragment of APP, may be an important factor causing neurotoxicity in AD. SK-N-SH cells expressed with CT105 exhibited remarkable apoptotic cell damage. Based on morphological observations by phase contrast microscope and NO formation in the culture media, the CT105-induced cell death was significantly inhibited by POD. In addition, AD is one of brain degeneration disease. So We studied on herbal medicine that have a relation of brain degeneration. From old times, In Oriental Medicine, PO water extract has been used for disease in relation to brain degeneration. We were examined by ROS formation, neurite outgrowth assay and DPPH scravage assay. Additionally, we investigated the association between the CT105 and neurite degeneration caused by CT105-induced apoptotic response in neurone cells. We studied on the regeneratory and inhibitory effects of anti-Alzheimer disease in pCT105-induced neuroblastoma cell lines by POD. Findings from our experiments have shown that POD inhibits the synthesis or activities of CT105, which has neurotoxityies and apoptotic activities in cell line. In addition, treatment of POD(>50 ㎍/㎖ for 12 hours) partially prevented CT(105)-induced cytotoxicity in SK-N-SH cell lines, and were inhibited by the treatment with its. POD(>50 ㎍/㎖ for 12 hours) repaired CT105-induced neurite outgrowth when SK-N-SH cell lines was transfected with CT105. As the result of this study, In POD group, the apoptosis in the nervous system is inhibited, the repair against the degerneration of Neuroblastoma cells by CT105 expression is promoted. Decrease of memory induced by injection of scopolamin into rat was also attenuted by POD, based on passive avoidance test. Taken together, POD exhibited inhibition of CT105-induced apoptotic cell death. POD was found to reduce the activity of AchE and induced about the CA1 in rat hippocampus. Base on these findings, POD may be beneficial for the treatment of AD.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.383-390
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• 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can be differentiated into a variety of cell types, including adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, β-pancreatic islet cells, and neuronal cells. MSCs have been reported to exhibit immunomodulatory effects in many diseases. Many studies have reported that MSCs have distinct roles in modulating inflammatory and immune responses by releasing bioactive molecules. Exosomes are cell-derived vesicles present in biological fluids, including the blood, urine, and cultured medium of cell cultures. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of mouse adipose tissue-derived MSCs (mAD-MSCs), cultured medium (MSC-CM) of mAD-MSCs, and mAD-MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. We observed that the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 were significantly increased in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells compared to those in LPS-unstimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, these values were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in mAD-MSCs-RAW 264.7 cell co-culture groups, MSC-CM-treated groups, and MSC-Exo-treated groups. MSCs can modulate the immune system in part by secreting cytokines and growth factors. We observed that immunomodulatory factors such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 were secreted by mAD-MSCs under co-culturing conditions of mAD-MSCs with activated RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, mAD-MSC-derived exosomes exhibited similar immunomodulatory effects in activated RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, our results suggest that mAD-MSCs have an immunomodulatory function through indirect contact.