• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.172-177
• /
• 2017

Fucoidan, a cell wall polysaccharide found in the brown seaweed, is reported to have broad-spectrum biological activities. The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of fucoidan on prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and to determine whether these effects are involved in Akt activation. The levels of $PGE_2$ production in the culture supernatants from PBMCs were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit and the levels of COX-2 mRNA were measured by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Akt activity was determined by Western blot analysis. Fucoidan in LPS-$na{\ddot{i}ve}$ PBMCs has no effect on $PGE_2$ production and COX-2 mRNA expression. Furthermore, fucoidan does not affect Akt activation in LPS- $na{\ddot{i}ve}$ PBMCs. However, $PGE_2$ production and COX-2 mRNA expression on PBMCs were remarkably enhanced by LPS stimulation. Akt activity was also increased by LPS. Increasing effects of $PGE_2$ production and COX-2 mRNA expression in PBMCs induced by LPS were suppressed by addition of fucoidan. In addition, fucoidan reduced an increase in Akt activity in LPS-stimulated PBMCs. These results suggested that fucoidan exerts potent anti-inflammatory properties by suppression of $PGE_2$ production, COX-2 mRNA expression and Akt activation in LPS-stimulated PBMCs.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.388-395
• /
• 2010

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is generally known as an inducible enzyme, and it produces arachidonic acid to prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), which has been demonstrated to play a critical role in inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the extracts of fermented beans including soybean (FS), black agabean (FBA) and yellow agabean (FYA), on the expression of COXs and production of $PGE_2$ in U937 human promonocytic cells. Treatment of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) significantly induced pro-inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 expression and $PGE_2$ production, whereas the levels of COX-1 remained unchanged. However, pre-treatment with FS, FBA and FYA significantly decreased PMA-induced COX-2 protein as well as mRNA, which is associated with inhibition of $PGE_2$ production. Moreover, FS, FBA and FYA markedly prevented the increase of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) p65 by PMA. Our data indicate that the extracts of fermented beans exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes through the NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.77-84
• /
• 2011

Objectives : The objective of this study is to study the effects of hot aqueous extract and ethanol extract from Paeoniae Radix Rubra on nitric oxide(NO) and prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ production in macrophage. Methods : Paeoniae Radix Rubra were extracted in 2 ways. one was extracted with hot aqueous for 4 hr in $100^{\circ}C$ and the other one was extracted with 70% ethanol for 4 hr in $70^{\circ}C$. RAW264.7 cells, a mouse macrophage lines, were incubated with different concentrations of the extract for 30 min and then stimulated with LPS at indicated times. Cell toxicity was determined by MTT assay. The concentrations of NO and $PGE_2$ were measured by griess assay and enzyme immunoassay(EIA). Results : The hot aqueous and ethanol extracts of Paeoniae Radix Rubra significantly inhibited the NO productions in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The hot water extract of Paeoniae Radix Rubra significantly inhibited the $PGE_2$ productions in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Conclusions : Our results demonstrated that Paeoniae Radix Rubra extract is able to significantly inhibit the production of NO, $PGE_2$ expression. Hot aqueous extract of Paeoniae Radix Rubra has more effective anti-inflammation than ethanol extract.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.41 no.5
• /
• pp.513-520
• /
• 1994

Background: The pathogenesis of silicosis has been focused on the interaction between alveolar macrophages and silica particle. Although fibrosis in silicosis has been studied extensively, the mechanism is still not fully understood. There is increasing evidence that monokines and arachidonic acid metabolites macrophage are involved in pathogenesis of silicosis. Recently, it was reported that prostaglandin E2 produced from macrophage counteracts the stimulatory effects of other monokines on fibroblast proliferation or collagen production. Until now, it was remained uncertain by which mechanism silica particle may activate alveolar macrophage to an enhanced release of prostaglandin E2. Methods: In order to investigate the relationship between the activity of alveolar macrophage and the production of $PGE_2$ from activated alveolar macrophage, the authors measured hydrogen peroxide and $PGE_2$ from alveolar macrophages activated by silica in vitro and from alveolar macrophages in the silicotic nodules from rat. Experimental silicosis was induced by intratracheal infusion of silica($SiO_2$) suspended in saline(50 mg/ml) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Results: produced by 1) The silicotic nodules with fibrosis were seen from the sections of rat lung at 60 days after intratracheal injection with 50 mg aqueous suspension of silica(Fig. 1). 2) In vitro, silica caused the dose dependent increase of hydrogen peroxide(p<0.05, Fig. 2A) and $PGE_2$(p>0.05, Fig. 2B) release from alveolar macrophages. Alveolar macrophages from rat with silicotic nodules released more hydrogen peroxide and $PGE_2$ than those of control group(p<0.05, Fig. 3). Conclusion: These results suggest that silica particle could activate macrophage directly and enhanced the release of $PGE_2$ and hydrogen peroxide from the alveolar macrophage.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.183-192
• /
• 2002

The present studies were carried out to examine the effects of exogenous oxytocin(OT) on plasma, uterine and placenta of estradiol-17$\beta$, progesterone, prostaglandin F$_2$$_{\alpha}$ (PGF$_2$$_{\alpha}$), Prostaglandin E$_2$(PGE$_2$) and OT receptor concentrations in pregnant rats. Pregnant rats received an injection of exogenous OT on days 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 of pregnancy and day 1 of postpartum. Concentrations of plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$ after OT injection started to increase after day 18 and peaked on day 22 of pregnancy but decreased on day 1 of postpartum. Plasma progesterone concentrations declined gradually from day 18 of pregnancy and decreased more rapidly until postpartum 1 day. Concentrations of estradiol-17$\beta$in uterine tissues after OT injection were sharply increased from day 20 to 22 of pregnancy and progestrone concentrations were peaked on day 16 and decreased rapidly from day 16 to 20 and maintained the same level until day 1 of postpartum. Uterine concentrations of PGF$_2$$_{\alpha}$ and PGE$_2$increased gradually until day 20 and peaked on day 22 of pregnancy but showed a marked decrease on day 1 of postpartum. Concentrations of PGF$_2$$_{\alpha}$ in placental tissues increased rapidly from day 14 of pregnancy and decreased sharply on day 1 of postpartum. Concentrations of PGE$_2$increased gradually after day 14 and peaked on day 20 of pregnancy. The concentration of OT receptor in uterus was significantly elevated from day 20 and rose to maximum on day 22 of pregnancy. These findings show that OT suppress the concentration of progestrone and stimulate productions of estradiol-17 $\beta$, PGF$_2$$_{\alpha}$, PGE$_2$ and oxytocin receptor concentrations in pregnant rats.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.109-114
• /
• 2015

The COX-2/$PGE_2$ pathway has been implicated in the occurrence and progression of cancer. The underlying mechanisms facilitating the production of COX-2 and its mediator, $PGE_2$, in cancer survival remain unknown. Herein, we investigated $PGE_2$-induced COX-2 expression and signaling in HL-60 cells following menadione treatment. Treatment with $PGE_2$ activated anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL while reducing pro-apoptotic proteins, thereby enhancing cell survival. $PGE_2$ not only induced COX-2 expression, but also prevented casapse-3, PARP, and lamin B cleavage. Silencing and inhibition of COX-2 with siRNA transfection or treatment with indomethacin led to a pronounced reduction of the extracellular levels of $PGE_2$, and restored the menadione- induced cell death. In addition, pretreatment of cells with the MEK inhibitor PD98059 and the PKA inhibitor H89 abrogated the $PGE_2$-induced expression of COX-2, suggesting involvement of the MAPK and PKA pathways. These results demonstrate that $PGE_2$ signaling acts in an autocrine manner, and specific inhibition of $PGE_2$ will provide a novel approach for the treatment of leukemia.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.111-121
• /
• 2005

Human placental extract (HPE), which is prepared from the placenta of healthy pregnant females, has been widely used in clinical field. HPE is known to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-oxidative, anti-mutagenic, and analgesic properties. In this study, the effect of HPE against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation was investigated. From the present results, HPE was shown to suppress prostaglandin E2 synthesis (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) production by inhibition on the LPS-stimulated enhancement of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions in mouse BV2 microglial cells. These results suggest that HPE may offer a valuable mean of therapy for the treatment of brain inflammatory diseases by attenuating LPS-induced PGE2 and NO production.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.337-341
• /
• 1999

We have studied the stability and transdennal flux of prostaglandin $E_1\;(PGE_1)$ from various donor solutions through hairless mouse skin. Stability in HEPES buffer or in propylene glycol (PG) solution where enhancer (oleic acid (OA), propylene glycol monolaurate (PGML), transcutol (TC), ethanol (EtOH))s dissolved was investigated. $$PGE_1 was not stable in HEPES buffer. The concentration of $$PGE_1 decreased continuously for 7 days, and the degradation rate constant was $0.0028\;h^{-1}$, assuming first order reaction. The effect of current or penetration enhancer on the degradation was minimal. Percutaneous transport from HEPES buffer by passive or iontophoretic delivery without enhancer was close to nil. When OA or PGML was used together with PG, both passive and iontophoretic flux increased. PGML showed better enhancing effect than OA. Flux by cathodal delivery was about 2 times larger than that by passive delivery. Flux by anodal delivery was lower than that by passive delivery. TC and EtOH also increased the transdermal flux, but the effect was not as good as that observed when OA or PGML was used. These stability and flux data provide important information on how to formulate the patch, which will be the next step of this work, and on the polarity of current to use during iontophoresis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.91-102
• /
• 2006

Objectives : Ulmus davidiana Planch (UD) has long been known to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on damaged tissue, inflammation and bone among other functions. Methods : This study was undertaken to address whether the water extract of the bark of UD could modulate proliferation of mouse osteoclasts in vitro and to investigate its effect on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and is highly expressed in osteoclasts. Mouse osteoclasts were tested in vitro for growth inhibition, proliferation cell nuclear antigen expression, and COX-2 activity and expression after treatment with UD extract. Results : Its effects were compared with those of indomethacin (a nonselective COX inhibitor) and celecoxib (a selective COX-2 inhibitor) by Cell viability assay, Cell cycle analysis, Immunohistochemical analysis of PCNA expression, Western blot analysis and PGE2 Enzyme immunoassay (EIA). UD demonstrated a strong growth inhibitory action in both tested osteoclasts cells. The IC50s were $10\;{\mu}g/ml$ for UD, $6\;{\mu}M$ for celecoxib and $42\;{\mu}M$ for indomethacin. UD, as well as celecoxib and indomethacin, suppressed proliferation cell nuclear antigen expression and PGE2 synthesis in osteoclasts. UD inhibited COX-2 expression, whereas celecoxib inhibited COX-2 activity directly. Conclusion : UD selectively and effectively inhibits osteoclasts cell growth in vitro. Inhibitory action of PGE2 synthesis via suppression of COX-2 expression may be responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.66
• /
• pp.114-121
• /
• 2023

Selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibition is a novel strategy to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects caused by conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, some selective COX-2 inhibitors have become apparent to increase the risk of severe cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of rosemary extract (RE) and confirm the safety of cardiovascular side effects. Inhibition of COX enzyme activity was assessed, and the levels of COX-2 and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and COX-1 and thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The 40% RE group showed increased COX-2 inhibition activity in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the 50% RE group only exhibited at 100 ㎍/mL. In a cell-based study, COX-2 mRNA expression was similar in both RE groups and PGE₂ levels tended to decrease in the 40% RE group compared to the LPS group in the LPS pretreatment condition. In the LPS posttreatment condition, the COX-2 mRNA expression decreased in the 40% RE group, and PGE₂ levels were increased in the 40 and 50% RE groups. In both conditions, there was no significant difference in COX-1 and TXB₂ levels. In conclusion, 40 and 50% RE showed significant COX-2 inhibition, similar to the positive control group. It was confirmed that the inhibition of the COX-2 expression, but the effect did not affect the balance between prostacyclin and TXB₂. These results indicate that rosemary showed COX-2 inhibition activity with a low risk of cardiovascular diseases.