• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.628-635
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• 2022

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the large intestine disease that results in chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon. Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng extract (Rg3-RGE) is known for its pharmacological activities. Persicaria tinctoria (PT) is also used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the attenuating effects of Rg3-RGE with PT on oxazolone (OXA)-induced UC in mice. Methods: A total of six groups of mice including control group, OXA (as model group, 1.5%) group, sulfasalazine (75 mg/kg) group, Rg3-RGE (20 mg/kg) group, PT (300 mg/kg) group, and Rg3-RGE (10 mg/kg) with PT (150 mg/kg) group. Data on the colon length, body weight, disease activity index (DAI), histological changes, nitric oxide (NO) assay, Real-time PCR of inflammatory factors, ELISA of inflammatory factors, Western blot, and flow cytometry analysis were obtained. Results: Overall, the combination treatment of Rg3-RGE and PT significantly improved the colon length and body weight and decreased the DAI in mice compared with the treatment with OXA. Additionally, the histological injury was also reduced by the combination treatment. Moreover, the NO production level and inflammatory mediators and cytokines were significantly downregulated in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the model group. Also, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-𝛋B) were suppressed in the combination treatment group compared with the OXA group. Furthermore, the number of immune cell subtypes of CD4⁺ T-helper cells, CD19⁺ B-cells, and CD4⁺ and CD25⁺ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) was improved in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the OXA group. Conclusion: Overall, the mixture of Rg3-RGE and PT is an effective therapeutic treatment for UC.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.1-6
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• 2017

Objectives : Corni Fructus (CF) is traditional herbal medicine used on polyuria, low back pain, and tinnitus. This study aimed to evaluate inhibits skin wrinkle formation effect of CF. Methods : To evaluate the produce inhibition effect of CF, SD-rats were distributed into four groups; normal rats (Nor), AGEs (advenced glycation end product)-induced rats (Con), AGEs-induced rats treated with 100mg/kg CF (CF). To induce AGEs, streptozotocin (50mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally and after 3 days oral administrated 100mM methyl glyoxal for 3 weeks. Results : The oral administration of CF suppressed the reactive oxygen specis (ROS) in serum. The AGEs in skin tissues was significantly reduced through treatment of CF. Furthermore, the expressions of AGEs related proteins such as polyclonal anti-$N^e$-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), anti-$N^e$-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), AGE receptors (RAGE) were decreased in CF treated group compared with the control group in skin tissues. Inflammation-related proteins such as Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) reduced in CF treatment group than control group. AGE-induced rats exhibited that the significant decreased collagen however, CF treatment (100mg/kg of body weight) up regulated collagen by improved the expression levels of skin fibril-related genes such as Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1). Conclusion : Taken together, our study suggests that CF regulates ROS to prevent accumulation of AGEs and inhibits skin wrinkles. Our finding indicate that CF may be an effective agent for inhibits AGEs formation, and improved skin wrinkle.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.993-999
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• 2015

The beetle Popillia flavosellata has been no reported its functional effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of P. flavosellata ethanol extract (PFE) on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for the induction of inflammation. First, we examined the cytotoxicity of PFE in the RAW 264.7 cells at a concentration of 2,000 μg/ml or less. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of PFE, we investigated the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, and proinflammatory enzymes, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, we examined whether PFE inhibited the translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 into the nucleus in the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. We found that the protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were decreased in the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells after the treatment with PFE in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we confirmed that PFE inhibited the translocation of NF-κB p65 into the nucleus, as well as the protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2. Accordingly, we propose that PFE exerts an anti-inflammatory effect through the down-regulation of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 via the toll like receptor (TLR)-4 inflammatory signaling pathway.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.999-1006
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• 2020

The suppression of neuroinflammatory responses in microglial cells, well known as the main immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are considered a key target for improving the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Teleogryllus emma is widely consumed around the world for its broad-spectrum therapeutic effect. In a previous work, we performed transcriptome analysis on T. emma in order to obtain the diversity and activity of its antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs are found in a variety of species, from microorganisms to mammals. They have received much attention as candidates oftherapeutic drugs for the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases. In this study, we investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of Teleogryllusine (VKWKRLNNNKVLQKIYFVKI-NH₂) derived from T. emma on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced BV-2 microglia cells. Teleogryllusine significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production without cytotoxicity, and reducing pro-inflammatory enzymes expression such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, Telegryllusine also inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) through down-regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. These results suggest that T. emma-derived Teleogryllusine could be a good source of functional substances that prevent neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.236-245
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• 2016

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of wheat germ oil (WGO) on RAW 264.7 cells. It was shown that WGO had no cytotoxicity against the treated cells or negative effect on their proliferation. WGO suppressed nitric oxide (NO) secretion considerably and had inhibitory effects on the production of LPS-induced NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β). In particular, the IL-6 and TNF-α inhibition activities were over 90% at 100 μg/ml concentration of the oil. WGO also inhibited the LPS-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and reduced the expression of phosphorylated ERK and JNK. Moreover, the croton-oil-induced edema in mouse ears was reduced by WGO, and no mortalities occurred in mice administered 5,000 mg/kg body weight of WGO over a 2-week observation period. In conclusion, these results provide evidence for the anti-inflammatory effect of WGO that likely occurs via modulation of NF-κB and the JNK/ERK MAPK signaling pathway.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.392-401
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• 2010

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus, as a major health problem for the elderly has been shown to alter the properties of the bone and impair bone healing around a titanium implant in both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of adipose-derived stem cells on the healing process around a titanium implant in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Thirteen rats were divided into two groups: adipose-derived stem cells injected group and a control group. A titanium screw implant (diameter: 2.0 mm, length: 3.5 mm) was placed into both tibia of 13 rats: 13 right tibia as the control group and 13 left tibia as the experimental group. The rats were sacrificed at different intervals (1, 2, and 4 weeks) after implantation for histopathology observations and immunohistochemistric analysis. Results: The histopathological findings revealed earlier new formed bone in the experimental group than the control group. In particular, at 1 week after implantation, the experimental group showed more newly formed bone and collagen around the implant than the control group. In immunohistochemistric analysis, osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression in the experimental group increased early compared to that of the control group until 2 weeks after implantation. However, after 2 weeks, OPG expression in the experimental group was similar to OPG expression in the control group. The receptor activator of nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL) expression in the experimental group increased early compared to that of the control group, and then decreased at 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, the level of RANKL expression was similar in both groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that adipose-derived stem cells in implantation can promote bone healing around titanium, particularly in diabetes mellitus induced animals.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.386-391
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• 2010

Introduction: Bone resorption is a unique function of osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are a specialized macrophage polykaryon whose differentiation is regulated principally by macrophage colony-stimulating factors, receptor activator of nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANK) ligand, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and interleukins (IL). Reflecting the integrin-mediated signals, osteoclasts develop a specialized cytoskeleton that allows it to establish an isolated micro-environment between itself and the bone, wherein matrix degradation occurs by a process involving proton transport. The levels of IL-1, IL-6, OPG, and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) expression were evaluated to study the correlations between dental implant teeth and the adjacent teeth. Materials and Methods: The exudate of the gingival crevice acquired from dental implants, adjacent teeth, opposite teeth and contralateral teeth of 24 patients. Results: 1. The levels of IL-1, IL-6, OPG and $PGE_2$ expression in dental implant teeth were higher than those of the contralateral teeth. 2. IL-1 revealed a higher expression level in the adjacent teeth than in dental implant teeth. 3. The dental implant teeth and adjacent teeth did not show a remarkable difference in the level of IL-1 expression. 4. All the other cytokines were strongly expressed in the dental implant compared to the adjacent teeth. Conclusion: These results suggest that there might be close correlation between dental implant teeth and adjacent teeth in terms of the expressions of cytokines that affect the development and regulation of osteoclasts.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.64-70
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• 2010

Soybean is of particular interest as a food supplement of isoflavones for inhibiting bone resorption in postmenopausal woman. These beneficial effects of isoflavones are caused by functioning as partial agonists or antagonists of estrogen, of which anti-resorptive effect is mediated indirectly through paracrine factors produced by osteoblasts that act on osteoclasts. In this study, the indirect effect of soybean on osteoclastic differentiation of RAW264.7 cells were investigated. The conditioned medium was collected from MC3T3-E1 osbeoblasts treated with 0.001 mg/mL~0.1 mg/mL soybean extracts for 6 days, mixed in 1:1 ratio with osteoclast medium, and then added into RAW264.7 cells with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), a differentiation inducer for 3 days. Of paracrine factors in the conditioned medium, the protein expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) with soybean extract was specifically higher in a dose dependent manner than with $10^{-9}$ M~$10^{-6}$ M of estrogen, genistein or daidzein standards. In RAW264.7 cells, the conditioned medium with soybean inhibited RANKL induced osteoclastic differentiation as total number of multinucleated tartrateresistant alkaline phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclasts and protein expression of MMP-9 were significantly decreased. Coupled with the low expression of estrogen receptor $\alpha$ and $\beta$ proteins in RANKL treated RAW264.7 cells, we demonstrate that the conditioned medium of soybean treated osteoblasts inhibits RANKL induced differentiation of osteoclasts with the selective expression of OPG in osteoblasts.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.78 no.3
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• pp.218-226
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• 2015

Background: Eph receptors and ephrin ligands have several functions including angiogenesis, cell migration, axon guidance, fluid homeostasis, oncogenesis, inflammation and injury repair. The EphA2 receptor potentially mediates the regulation of vascular permeability and inflammation in response to lung injury. Methods: Mice were divided into 3 experimental groups to study the role of EphA2 signaling in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury model i.e., IgG+phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group (IgG instillation before PBS exposure), IgG+LPS group (IgG instillation before LPS exposure) and EphA2 monoclonal antibody (mAb)+LPS group (EphA2 mAb pretreatment before LPS exposure). Results: EphA2 and ephrinA1 were upregulated in LPS-induced lung injury. The lung injury score of the EphA2 mAb+LPS group was lower than that of the IgG+LPS group ($4.30{\pm}2.93$ vs. $11.45{\pm}1.20$, respectively; p=0.004). Cell counts (EphA2 mAb+LPS: $11.33{\times}10^4{\pm}8.84{\times}10^4$ vs. IgG+LPS: $208.0{\times}10^4{\pm}122.6{\times}10^4$; p=0.018) and total protein concentrations (EphA2 mAb+LPS: $0.52{\pm}0.41mg/mL$ vs. IgG+LPS: $1.38{\pm}1.08mg/mL$; p=0.192) were decreased in EphA2 mAb+LPS group, as compared to the IgG+LPS group. In addition, EphA2 antagonism reduced the expression of phospho-p85, phosphoinositide 3-kinase $110{\gamma}$, phospho-Akt, nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$, and proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: This results of the study indicated a role for EphA2-ephrinA1 signaling in the pathogenesis of LPS-induced lung injury. Furthermore, EphA2 antagonism inhibits the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt pathway and attenuates inflammation.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2005

Recently, we reported that high extracellular calcium increased receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL) expression via p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p44/42 MAPK) activation in mouse osteoblasts. However, the mechanism for p44/42 MAPK activation by high extracellular calcium is unclear. In this study, we examined the role of intracellular calcium increase in high extracellular calcium-induced RANKL induction and p44/42 MAPK activation. Primary cultured mouse calvarial osteoblasts were used. RANKL expression was highly induced by 10 mM calcium treatment. Ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, also increased RANKL expression and activated p44/42 MAPK. U0126, an inhibitor of MEK1/2, an upstream activator of p44/42 MAPK, blocked the RANKL induction by both high extracellular calcium and ionomycin. High extracellular calcium increased the phosphorylation of proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), one of the known upstream regulators of p44/42 MAPK activation. Bisindolylmaleimide, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, did not block RANKL induction and p44/42 MAPK activation induced by high extracellular calcium. 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an inhibitor of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor, blocked the RANKL induction by high extracellular calcium. It also partially suppressed the activation of Pyk2 and p44/42 MAPK. Cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of calcineurin, also inhibited high calcium-induced RANKL expression in dose dependent manner. However, cyclosporin A did not affect the activation of Pyk2 and p44/42 MAPK by high extracellular calcium treatment. These results suggest that 1) the increase in intracellular calcium via IP3-mediated calcium release is necessary for RANKL induction by high extracellular calcium treatment, 2) Pyk2 activation, but not protein kinase C, following the increase in intracellular calcium might be involved in p44/42 MAPK activation, and 3) calcineurin-NFAT activation by the increase in intracellular calcium is involved in RANKL induction by high extracellular calcium treatment.