• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.329-335
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• 2002

Previously, several prenylated flavonoids having a C-8 lavandulyl moiety were found to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) as well as 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and sophoraflavanone G was the most potent inhibitor against these eicosanoid generating enzymes among 19 prenylated flavonoids tested. In this investigation, effects of sophoraflavanone G on COX-2 induction from RAW 264.7 cells and in vivo inflammatory response were studied. Sophoraflavanone G inhibited prostaglandin $E_2{\;}(PGE_2)$ production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW cells by COX-2 down-regulation at 1-50 uM. Other prenylated flavonoids including kuraridin and sanggenon D also down-regulated COX-2 induction at 10-25 uM, while kurarinone and echinoisoflavanone did not. In addition, sophoraflavanone G showed in vivo anti-inflammatory activity against mouse croton oil-induced ear edema and rat carrageenan paw edema via oral (2-250 mg/kg) or topical administration (10-250 ug/ear). Although the potencies of inhibition were far less than that of a reference drug, prednisolone, this compound showed higher anti-inflammatory activity when applied topically, suggesting a potential use for several eicosanoidrelated skin inflammation such as atopic dermatitis.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2021

This study aimed to investigate whether neurotransmitter receptors in the nervous system were also expressed in oral keratinocytes. Expressions of various neurotransmitter receptor genes in immortalized mouse oral keratinocyte (IMOK) cells were examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. IMOK cells expressed calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor subunit genes Ramp1 and Ramp3 and glutamate receptor subunit genes Grina, Gria3, Grin1, Grin2a, and Grin2d. Moreover, IMOK cells expressed Adrb2 and Chrna5 that encode beta 2 adrenergic receptor and cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 5 for sympathetic and parasympathetic neurotransmitters, respectively. The expression of Bdkrb1 and Ptger4, which encode receptors for bradykinin and prostaglandin E2 involved in inflammatory responses, was also observed at low levels. Expressions of Ramp1 and Grina in the mouse gingival epithelium were also confirmed by immunohistochemistry. When the function of neurotransmitter receptors expressed on IMOK cells was tested by intracellular calcium response, CGRP, glutamate, and cholinergic receptors did not respond to their agonists, but the bradykinin receptor responded to bradykinin. Collectively, oral keratinocytes express several neurotransmitter receptors, suggesting the potential regulation of oral epithelial homeostasis by the nervous system.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.313-317
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• 2007

A series of luotonin A homologues and their aza-analogues were prepared and evaluated their inhibitory activities on COX-1 and 2 as well as their selectivities on COX-2. The aza-analogue of dimethylene-bridged homologue of luotonin A, 3,3'-dimethylene-2-(1',8'-naphthyrid-2'-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone (2b), exhibited strongest inhibitory activity against COX-1 and COX-2 dependent phase of prostaglandin $D_2$ generation in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells in a concentration-dependent manner with an $IC_{50}$ of 39.3 and $1.89{\mu}M$, respectively. Selectivity of 2b on COX-2 over COX-1 was 21 which implied 2b can be a potential lead for the development of selective COX-2 inhibitor.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Plant Biotechnology Conference
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• 2004.10a
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• pp.74-79
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• 2004

Little is known about the effect of epigallocatechin-3 gallate (ESCG), a major constituent of green tea, on the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Here, we studied the role of phospholipase D (PLD) isozymes in EGCG-induced COX-2 expression. Stimulation of human astrocytoma cells (U87) with EGCG induced formation of phosphatidylbutanol, a specific product of PLD activity, and synthesis of COX-2protein and its product, prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$). Pretreatment of cells with 1-butanol, but not 3-butanol, suppressed EGCG-induced COX-2 expression and $PGE_2$ synthesis. Furthermore, evidence that PLD was involved in EGCG-induced COX-2 expression w3s provided by the observations that COX-2 expression was stimulated by over-expression of PLD1 or PLD2 isozymes and treatment with phosphatidic acid(PA), and that prevention of PA dephosphorylation by 1-propranolol significantly potentiated COX-2expression Induced by EGCG. EGCG induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), and specific Inhibition of p38 MAPK dramatically abolished EGCG-Induced PLD activation, COX-2 expression, and $PGE_2$ formation. Moreover, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition suppressed EGCG-induced p38 MAPK activation, COX-2 expression, and $PGE_2$ accumulation. The same pathways as those obtained in the astrocytoma cells were active in primary rat astrocytes, suggesting the relevance of the findings. Collectively, our results demonstrate for the first time that PLD isozymes mediate EGCG-induced COX-2 expression through PKC and p38 in immortalized astroglial line and normal astrocyte cells.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.227-233
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• 2004

Chronic exposure to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, causes a variety of adverse reactions on human skin, such as sunburn, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by UV exposure or other environmental facts play critical roles in cellular damage. And, repeated-UV irradiation activated the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and induced skin irritation. Therefore, the development of effective and safe photoprotectants that can reduce and improve the skin damage has been required. The purpose of this study was to investigate the photo-protective effect of several chinese medical plants (Juniperus chinensis) on the UV -induced skin cell damages. We tested free radical and superoxide scavenging effect in vitro. Fluorometric assays of the proteolytic activities of MMP-1 (collagenase) were performed using fluorescent collagen substrates. UVA induced MMP-1 synthesis and activity were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin-based zymography in skin fibroblasts. We also examined anti-inflammatory effects by the determination test of proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin 6 in HaCaT keratinocytes. Expression of prostaglandin E$_2$ (PGE$_2$) after UVB irradiation was measured by competitive enzyme immunoassay(EIA) using PGE$_2$ monoclonal antibody. In the human skin we tested anti-irritation effect on the SLS-induced damage skin after appling the extract containing emulsion. We found that Juniperus chinensis extract had potent radical scavenging effect by 98% at 100$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. The extract of Juniperus chinensis showed strong inhibitory effect on MMP-1 activities by 97% at 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL and suppressed the UVA induced expression of MMP-1 by 79% at 25$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. This extract also showed strong inhibition on MMP-2 activity in UVA irradiated fibroblast by zymography. In the test of proinflammatory cytokines of human keratinocytes Juniperus chinensis extract decreased expression of interleukin 6 about 30%. The amount of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes was significantly increased at the doses of above 10 mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ of UVB (p < 0.05). At the concentrations of 3.2-25$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL of this extract, the production of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes (24 h after 10mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ UVB irradiation) was significantly inhibited in culture supernatants (p < 0.05). In SLS-induced skin irritation model in vivo, we found to reduce skin erythema and improve barrier recovery after appling Juniperus chinensis extract containing emulsion when compared to irritated non-treated and placebo-treated skin. Our results suggest that Juniperus chinensis extract can be effectively used for the prevention of UV and SLS-induced adverse skin reactions and applied as anti-aging and anti-irritation cosmetics.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.321-328
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• 2010

Twenty six compounds (1-26) were isolated from the root barks of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds were evaluated agai nst the generation of inflammatory chemical mediators in bone marrow-derived mast cells. Among them, compounds 10, 11, 13, 15 and 19 inhibited not only cyclooxygenase-2 dependent prostaglandin $D_2$ generation but also 5-lipoxygenase dependent leukotrien $C_4$ generation in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, compounds 11, 12, 13, 15 and 19 also inhibited $\beta$-hexosaminidase release, a marker of mast cell degranulation reaction, from bone marrow-derived mast cell. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of U. davidiana might in part occur by both the inhibition of eicosanoid generations and the degranulation reaction of mast cells.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.270-276
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• 2006

We evaluated the effects of extracts of Tsunokaori tangor peel on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$ in RAW 264.7 cells. The ethyl acetate fraction of Tsunokaori tangor peel (EA-TTP) markedly inhibited the production of NO and $PGE_2$ in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Consistent with these findings, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins were down-regulated in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, EA-TTP decreased the expression iNOS mRNA but not COX-2 mRNA. To determine the upstream signaling mechanism for the down-regulation of LPS-induced iNOS expression, we investigated the effect of EA-TTP on the degradation and re-synthesis of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$. EA-TTP dose-dependently delayed $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation and increased $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ re-appearance following degradation, suggesting this as the mechanism by which EA-TTP suppressed iNOS gene expression. The EA-TTP also dose-dependently reduced the expression of the cellular stress-response protein heme oxygenase-1, and inhibited the LPS-induced sustained activation of extracellar signal-regulated kinase (ERK).

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.47-57
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• 2005

Leptin, the product of the obese gene, is a circulating hormone secreted primarily from adipocytes. Several results suggest that leptin is important mediators of bone metabolism. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of leptin on anti-osteoclastogenesis using murine precursors cultured on Ca-P coated plates and on the production of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in osteoblastic cells. Additionally, this study examined the possible involvement of prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$/protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated signals on the effect of leptin on anti-osteoclastogenesis to various culture systems of osteoclast precursors. Osteoclast generation was determined by counting tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive [TRAP (+)] multinucleated cells (MNCs). Osteoclastic activity was determined by measuring area of resorption pits formed by osteoclasts on Ca-P coated plate. The number of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol $(1,25[OH]_2D_3)$- or $PGE_2$-induced TRAP (+) MNCs in the mouse bone marrow cell culture decreased significantly after treatment with leptin. The number of receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL)-induced TRAP (+) MNCs in M-CSF dependent bone marrow macrophage (MDBM) cell or RAW264.7 cell culture decreased significantly with leptin treatment. Indomethacin inhibited osteoclast generation induced by $1,25[OH]_2D_3$ and dexamethasone, however, no significant differences were found in the leptin treated group when compared to the corresponding indomethacin group. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, inhibited osteoclast generation induced by $1,25[OH]_2D_3$. The number of TRAP (+) MNCs decreased significantly with treatment by PMA at concentrations of 0.01 and $0.1{\mu}M$ in culture. Leptin inhibited PMA-mediated osteoclast generation. Isoquinoline-5-sulfonic 2-methyl-1-piperazide dihydrochloride (H7) had no effect on osteoclast generation induced by $1,25[OH]_2D_3$. Cell culture treatment with leptin resulted in no significant differences in osteoclast generation compared to the corresponding H7 group. Indomethacin showed no significant effect on TRAP (+) MNCs formation from the RAW264.7 cell line. PMA inhibited TRAP (+) MNCs formation induced by RANKL in the RAW264.7 cell culture. H7 had no effect on osteoclast generation from the RAW264.7 cell line. There was no difference compared with the corresponding control group after treatment with leptin. $1,25[OH]_2D_3$- or $PGE_2$-induced osteoclastic activity decreased significantly with leptin treatment at a concentration of 100 ng/ml in mouse bone marrow cell culture. Indomethacin, PMA, and H7 significantly inhibited osteoclastic activity induced by $1,25[OH]_2D_3$ in mouse bone marrow cell culture. No significant differences were found between the leptin treated group and the corresponding control group. The secretion of OPG, a substance known to inhibit osteoclast formation, was detected from the osteoblasts. Treatment by leptin resulted in significant increases in OPG secretion by osteoblastic cells. Taken these results, leptin may be an important regulatory cytokines within the bone marrow microenvironment.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.151-157
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• 1987

Cyclobuxine D, a steroidal alkaloid, was extracted from Buxus microphylla var. koreana Nakai. The effects of cyclobuxine D on carrageenin-induced pleurisy and croton oil-induced granuloma pouch in rats was investigated and compared with those of aspirin, hydrocortisone ana dexamethasone. Intrapleural injection of 2% carrageenin caused the accumulation of exudate. The rate of plasma exudation, measured by the exuded dye amounts for 20 min in the pleural cavity after intravenous injection of pontamine sky blue, showed a peak at 5 hr. Cyclobuxine D (5, 20 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) suppressed dose-dependently the accumulation of the pleural exudate and the exudation of dye. Among several methods used for screening and evaluation anti-inflammatory agents, granuloma pouch technic introduced by Hans Selye (Hans seyle, 1953) is considered as a simple and reliable method. An air pocket was produced in the subcutaneous tissue of the interscapular region by injection of 1 ml of 1% croton oil as irritant. Inflammatory exudate accumulated in the pouch during the succeding 14 days. Cyclobuxine D (5 and 20 mg/kg) decreased fluid volume in pouch and weight of pouch wall in granulomatous inflammation.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.73-79
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• 2015

Background: Alprostadil and sildenafil are known vasodilators used independently to improve flap survival in animal models. In this study, we investigate whether these agents act synergistically to decrease flap necrosis in rat models. Methods: After acclimation period, 4 groups of 10 male white rats were given a modified McFarlane skin flap. The postoperative treatment included saline control (Group A), sildenafil citrate-only (Group B), alprostadil-only (Group C), and both sildenafil and alprostadil (Group D). The flaps were observed on postoperative days 1, 3, 5 and 7. The animals were euthenized on postoperative day 7, and the flaps were evaluated for inflammation and neovascularization. Results: At each observation, the mean necrotic index was significantly lower for all three treatment groups (Groups A, B, C) and was the lowest for the combined treatment group. On histologic evaluations, combined treatment was associated with decreased inflammation and increased capillary vessel formation, when compared with control group. Conclusion: Both sildenafil-only and alprostadil treatments were independently associated with increased flap survival rate. Sildenafil citrate and alprostadil had a synergistic effect in increasing flap survival rate.