• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.229-233
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• 2013

This study was aimed at investigating the possible effects of phytoceramide (Pcer) on learning and memory and their underlying mechanisms. Phytoceramide was orally administered to ICR mice for 7 days. Memory performances were assessed using the passive avoidance test and Y-maze task. The expressions of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured with immunoblot. The incorporation of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in hippocampal regions was investigated by using immunohistochemical methods. Treatment of Pcer enhanced cognitive performances in the passive avoidance test and Y-maze task. Immunoblotting studies revealed that the phosphorylated CREB and BDNF were significantly increased on hippocampus in the Pcer-treated mice. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the number of immunopositive cells to BrdU was significantly increased in the hippocampal dentate gyrus regions after Pcer-treatment for 7 days. These results suggest that Pcer contribute to enhancing memory and BDNF expression and it could be secondary to the elevation of neurogenesis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.536-543
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• 2023

Phytoceramide (Pcer) is found mainly in plants and yeast. It can be neuroprotective and immunostimulatory on various cell types. In this study, the therapeutic effect of Pcer was explored using the carrageenan/kaolin (C/K)-induced arthritis rat model and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Pcer treatment (1, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day) were given to the arthritic rats for 6 days after disease induction. Weight distribution ration (WDR), knee thickness, squeaking score, serum levels of proinflammatory mediators, and histological analysis were measured and performed to evaluate arthritic symptoms in the rat model. In interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated FLS, proinflammatory mediators were measured after Pcer (1-30 µM) treatment. Arthritic symptoms in rats with Pcer treatment were significantly decreased at days 4 to 6 after C/K arthritis induction. Inflammation in the knee joints were also significantly decreased in rats with Pcer treatment. Furthermore, in IL-1β-stimulated FLS, the expressions of proinflammatory mediators were also inhibited by Pcer. As shown by the results, Pcer has anti-arthritic effects in the C/K rat model and in synovial cells, suggesting that Pcer has the potential to be a useful agent in arthritis treatment.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2003.04a
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• pp.228.1-228.1
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• 2003

Sphingolipid metabolites have been implicated as an important component of cell signalling, such as cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. But the roles of phytoceramide and its deraivatives are very poorly understood. even though they are abundant in plants, yeasts and animals including humans. We investigated the effects of N-acetyl-C2-phytosphingosine(NAPS) and the analogue of N.N-dimethylsphingosine(DMS), N,N-dimethylphytosphytosphingosine(DMPS), on cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. (omitted)

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 2003.09a
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• pp.498-498
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• 2003

Sphingolipids are important structural components of the stratum corneum lipids and serve the epidermal permeability barrier function. Recent investigations on biological activities of sphingolipids have revealed that they have a number of important biological functions in the cell such as cell proliferation and differentiation, anti-inflammation, mediation of signal transduction and many more.(omitted)