• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.574-583
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• 2022

Ficus vasculosa Wall. ex Miq. (FV) has been used as a herbal medicine in Southeast Asia and its antioxidant activity has been shown in previous studies. However, it has not yet been elucidated whether FV exerts anti-inflammatory effects on activated-macrophages. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the ameliorative property of FV methanol extract (FM) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses and the underlying molecular mechanisms in RAW264.7 macrophages. The experimental results indicated that FM decreased the production of inflammatory mediators (NO/PGE2) and the mRNA/protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. FM also reduced the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Results also demonstrated that FM improved inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated A549 airway epithelial cells by inhibiting the production of cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, FM suppressed MAPK activation and NF-κB nuclear translocation induced by LPS. FM also upregulated the mRNA/protein expression levels of heme oxygenase-1 and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in RAW264.7 cells. In an experimental animal model of LPS-induced acute lung injury, the increased levels of molecules in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were suppressed by FM administration. Collectively, it was founded that FM has anti-inflammatory properties on activated-macrophages by suppressing inflammatory molecules and regulating the activation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제23권5호
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• pp.74.1-74.16
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• 2022

Background: Previous studies have presented evidence to support the significant association between red meat intake and colon cancer, suggesting that heme iron plays a key role in colon carcinogenesis. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major constituent of green tea, exhibits anti-oxidative and anti-cancer effects. However, the effect of EGCG on red meat-associated colon carcinogenesis is not well understood. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of hemin and EGCG on colon carcinogenesis and the underlying mechanism of action. Methods: Hemin and EGCG were treated in Caco2 cells to perform the water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 assay, lactate dehydrogenase release assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. We investigated the regulatory effects of hemin and EGCG on an azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colon carcinogenesis mouse model. Results: In Caco2 cells, hemin increased cell proliferation and the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins, and ROS levels. EGCG suppressed hemin-induced cell proliferation and cell cycle regulatory protein expression as well as mitochondrial ROS accumulation. Hemin increased nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression, but decreased Keap1 expression. EGCG enhanced hemin-induced Nrf2 and antioxidant gene expression. Nrf2 inhibitor reversed EGCG reduced cell proliferation and cell cycle regulatory protein expression. In AOM/DSS mice, hemin treatment induced hyperplastic changes in colon tissues, inhibited by EGCG supplementation. EGCG reduced the hemin-induced numbers of total aberrant crypts and malondialdehyde concentration in the AOM/DSS model. Conclusions: We demonstrated that EGCG reduced hemin-induced proliferation and colon carcinogenesis through Nrf2-inhibited mitochondrial ROS accumulation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제21권5호
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• pp.475-485
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• 2017

The present study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect and possible mechanisms of rhGLP-1 (7-36) against transient ischemia/reperfusion injuries induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in type 2 diabetic rats. First, diabetic rats were established by a combination of a high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Second, they were subjected to MCAO for 2 h, then treated with rhGLP-1 (7-36) (10, 20, $40{\mu}g/kg$ i.p.) at the same time of reperfusion. In the following 3 days, they were injected with rhGLP-1 (7-36) at the same dose and route for three times each day. After 72 h, hypoglycemic effects were assessed by blood glucose changes, and neuroprotective effects were evaluated by neurological deficits, infarct volume and histomorphology. Mechanisms were investigated by detecting the distribution and expression of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived factor 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in ischemic brain tissue, the levels of phospho-PI3 kinase (PI3K)/PI3K ratio and heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-l), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA). Our results showed that rhGLP-1 (7-36) significantly reduced blood glucose and infarction volume, alleviated neurological deficits, enhanced the density of surviving neurons and vascular proliferation. The nuclear positive cells ratio and expression of Nrf2, the levels of P-PI3K/PI3K ratio and HO-l increased, the activities of SOD increased and the contents of MDA decreased. The current results indicated the protective effect of rhGLP-1 (7-36) in diabetic rats following MCAO/R that may be concerned with reducing blood glucose, up-regulating expression of Nrf2/HO-1 and increasing the activities of SOD.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.463-470
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• 2023

This study confirmed the change in functional composition and alcohol-induced acute liver injury in Aloe arborescens after fermentation. An acute liver injury was induced by administration of ethanol (3 g/kg/day) to C57BL/6J mice for 5 days. A fermented A. arborescens Miller leaf (FAAL) extract was orally administered 30 minutes before ethanol treatment. After fermentation, the emodin content was approximately 13 times higher than that of the raw material. FAAL extract significantly attenuated ethanol-induced aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and triglyceride increases in serum and liver tissue. Histological analysis revealed that FAAL extract inhibits inflammatory cell infiltration and fat accumulation in liver tissues. The cytochrome P450 2E1, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione (GSH), which involved in alcohol-induced oxidative stress, were effectively regulated by FAAL extract in serum and liver tissues, except for GSH. FAAL also maintained the antioxidant defense system by upregulating heme oxygenase 1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 protein expression. In addition, FAAL extract inhibited the decrease in alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, which promoted alcohol metabolism and prevented the activation of inflammatory response. Our results suggest that FAAL could be used as a potential therapeutic agent for ethanol-induced acute liver injury.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제37권5호
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• pp.63-74
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• 2022

Objective : Gastritis refers to an inflammatory disease of the gastric mucosa. Alcohol is one of the main aggression factors, causing bleeding and inflammation in the gastric mucosa and it is known to not only increase lipid peroxide levels, but also deplete key antioxidant factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus water extract (URW) in alcohol-induced gastritis. Methods : The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of URW were confirmed through an in vitro experiment. Also, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity were confirmed. For in vivo experiments, mice were divided into 4 groups (n=8). Also, 1 hr after oral administration of each drug, 50% ethanol was orally administered to induce gastritis. Results : As a result of in vitro experiments, URW showed excellent antioxidant activity. In alcohol-induced gastritis, URW alleviated the damage to the gastric mucosa caused by alcohol. Also, URW decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and gastric tissues, and significantly decreased the expression of NADPH oxidases in gastric tissues. In addition, it significantly modulated the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-𝜅B p65 (NF-𝜅B) pathways as well as significantly increased the expression of anti-inflammatory proteins. Conclusions : These results suggest that URW not only reduces oxidative stress through excellent antioxidant activity but also relieves gastric mucosal inflammation as a regulator of Nrf2 and NF-𝜅B pathways.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.431-441
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• 2019

Background: The efficacy of ginseng, the representative product of Korea, and its chemical effects have been well investigated. The ginsenoside RG3 has been reported to exhibit apoptotic, anticancer, and antidepressant-like effects. Methods: In this report, the putative effect of RG3 on several cellular function including cell survival, differentiation, development and aging process were evaluated by monitoring each specific marker. Also, mitochondrial morphology and function were investigated in ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblast cells. Results: RG3 treatment increased the expression of extracellular matrix proteins, growth-associated immediate-early genes, and cell proliferation genes in UV-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblast cells. And, RG3 also resulted in enhanced expression of antioxidant proteins such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 and heme oxygenase-1. In addition, RG3 affects the morphology of UV-induced mitochondria and plays a role in protecting mitochondrial dysfunction. Conclusioin: RG3 restores mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and membrane potential via its antioxidant effects in skin cells damaged by UV irradiation, leading to an increase in proteins linked with the extracellular matrix, cell proliferation, and antioxidant activity.

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제49권2호
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• pp.203-208
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• 2017

고지방식사를 섭취한 쥐의 신장에서 가압볶음 무말랭이 추출물의 산화방지, 항염증 효과를 확인하였다. 실험군은 chow diet와 증류수를 경구 투여하는 NOR group, 고지방식사와 증류수를 경구 투여하는 CON group, 고지방식사와 237 mg/kg bw/day농도의 DR과 RDR를 각각 경구 투여하는 DR group, RDR group으로 나누어 12주간 사육하였다. 신장의 산화스트레스 지표인 ROS, $ONOO^-$, 그리고 지방질과산화물의 농도를 확인한 결과 CON group이 NOR group에 비해 유의적으로 증가하였다. 반면 DR group과 RDR group에서 유의적으로 감소하였다. 체내 산화방지 지표인 글루타싸이온의 농도와 산화방지단백질의 발현은 DR group과 RDR group 모두 CON group에 비해 증가하였다. NF-${\kappa}B$ 발현은 CON group이 NOR group에 비해 증가하였으나 DR group과 RDR group은 모두 감소하였다. RDR group은 DR group에 비해 $ONOO^-$ 및 지방질과산화물 농도가 감소하였고 글루타싸이온 농도와 산화방지 관련 단백질 발현 중 Nrf2, HO-1, 카탈레이스, 그리고 GPx가 증가하였고 염증반응 전사인자인 NF-${\kappa}B$의 발현이 낮아졌다. RDR group의 산화스트레스 개선효과는 유의적으로 높은 것으로 확인되었다. 따라서 가압볶음무말랭이를 차로 제조하여 섭취할 때 고지방식사로 유도된 신장의 산화스트레스를 억제할 수 있을 것으로 사료되며, 그 효과는 무말랭이보다 높은 것으로 확인되었다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제20권9호
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• pp.1331-1338
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• 2010

This study was designed to investigate the potentially protective effects of Curcuma longa Linn. extract (CLE) on carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with 50 or 100mg/kg of CLE or 100mg/kg of butylated hydroxytoluene(BHT) for 14 days before $CCl_4$ administration. In addition, the CLE control group was pretreated with 100mg/kg CLE for only 14 days. Three hours after the final treatment, a single dose of $CCl_4$ (20mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally to each group. After the completion of this phase of the experiment, food and water were removed 12 h prior to the next step. The rats were then anesthetized by urethane and their blood and liver were collected. It was observed that the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities of the serum, and the hepatic malondialdehyde levels had significantly decreased in the CLE group when compared with the $CCl_4$-treated group. The antioxidant activities, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, in addition to glutathione content, had increased considerably in the CLE group compared with the $CCl_4$-treated group. Phase II detoxifying enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase, were found to have significantly increased in the CLE group as opposed to the $CCl_4$-treated group. The content of Nrf2 was determined by Western blot analysis. Pretreated CLE increased the level of nuclear translocated Nrf2, and the Nrf2 then increased the activity of the antioxidant and phase II detoxifying enzymes. These results indicate that CLE has protective effects against $CCl_4$-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, via activities of antioxidant and phase II detoxifying enzymes, and through the activation of nuclear translocated Nrf2.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제20권12호
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• pp.1772-1776
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• 2010

내재면역반응의 중요한 조절자인 Nrf2와 NF-${\kappa}B$는 염증시에 교차 작용을 통하여 서로의 전사활성을 조절할 수 있다고 보고된 바 있으나 상반된 결과도 제시되고 있어서 아직까지 확실하게 규명되어 있지 않다. 저자들은 선행연구에서 NF-${\kappa}B$ 저해제인 금(I)-화합물 오라노핀이 인간 관절활막세포와 단핵구성 세포에서 Nrf2를 활성화시킴을 확인한 바 있기 때문에, 본 연구에서는 Nrf2를 knockdown 시킨 류마티스성 활막세포를 사용하여 오라노핀에 의해 저해되는 NF-${\kappa}B$ 신호전달 과정에 Nrf2가 관여하는지를 조사하였다. 세포를 Nrf2 siRNA로 transfection시켰을 때 Nrf2 발현은 대부분 차단됨을 확인하였다. 하지만 Nrf2 knockdown은 TNF-$\alpha$에 의해 유도되는 $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ 분해를 막는 오라노핀의 작용에는 영향을 주지 않았다. Nrf2 target 단백질로서 항염 작용에 관여하는 HO-1을 knockdown 시켰을 경우에도 $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ 분해를 저해하는 오라노핀의 작용에 영향을 미치지 않았다. 또한, Nrf2 knockdown은 오라노핀에 의해 저해된 ICAM-1 발현을 다시 복원시키지 못했다. 이러한 결과들은 염증성 싸이토킨에 의해 유도되는 NF-${\kappa}B$ 활성화를 오라노핀이 저해하는 기전에 Nrf2 및 HO-1이 관련되어 있지 않음을 시사한다. 따라서 류마티스성 관절활막세포에서 오라노핀의 항염작용 기전으로 알려진 Nrf2/HO-1 활성유도와 NF-${\kappa}B$ 활성저해는 교차작용 없이 각각 독립적인 기전을 통해 나타나는 것으로 생각된다.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.59-69
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• 2016

Objectives: The mushroom Ganoderma lucidum has been widely used as a traditional herbal medicine for many years. Although several studies have focused on the anti-oxidative activity of this mushroom, the molecular mechanisms underlying its activity have not yet been clearly established. The present study investigated the cytoprotective effect of ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum (EGL) against oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide, $H_2O_2$) and elucidated the underlying mechanisms in a C2C12 myoblast cell line. Methods: Oxidative stress markers were determined by using the comet assay to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. Cell viability and Western blotting analyses were employed to evaluate the cellular response to EGL and $H_2O_2$ in C2C12 cells. Transfection with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-specific small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) was conducted to understand the relationship between Nrf2 expression and $H_2O_2$-induced growth inhibition. Results: The results showed that EGL effectively inhibited $H_2O_2$-induced growth and the generation of ROS. EGL markedly suppressed $H_2O_2$-induced comet-like DNA formation and phosphorylation of histone H2AX at serine 139 ($p-{\gamma}H2AX$), a widely used marker of DNA damage, suggesting that EGL prevented $H_2O_2$-induced DNA damage. Furthermore, the EGL treatment effectively induced the expression of Nrf2, as well as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), with parallel phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in the C2C12 myoblasts. However, zinc protoporphyrin IX, a HO-1 inhibitor, significantly abolished the protective effects of EGL against $H_2O_2$-induced accumulation of ROS and reduced cell growth. Notably, transient transfection with Nrf2-specific siRNA attenuated the cytoprotective effects and HO-1 induction by EGL, indicating that EGL induced the expression of HO-1 in an Nrf2-dependent manner. Conclusion: Collectively, these results demonstrate that EGL augments the cellular anti-oxidant defense capacity through activation of Nrf2/HO-1, thereby protecting C2C12 myoblasts from $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative cytotoxicity.