• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.343-351
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• 2019

Background: Preterm labor and miscarriage may occur in stressful situations, such as a surgical operation or infection during pregnancy. Pharyngeal and buccal abscess and facial bone fractures are inevitable dental surgeries in pregnant patients. Remifentanil is an opioid analgesic that is commonly used for general anesthesia and sedation. Nonetheless, no study has investigated the effects of remifentanil on amniotic epithelial cells. This study evaluated the effects of remifentanil on the factors related to uterine contraction and its mechanism of action on amniotic epithelial cells. Methods: Amniotic epithelial cells were preconditioned at various concentrations of remifentanil for 1 h, followed by 24-h lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. MTT assays were performed to assess the cell viability in each group. The effects of remifentanil on factors related to uterine contractions in amniotic epithelial cells were assessed using a nitric oxide (NO) assay, western blot examinations of the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), and RT-PCR examinations of the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Results: Remifentanil did not affect viability and nitric oxide production of amniotic epithelial cells. Western blot analysis revealed that remifentanil preconditioning resulted in decreased expressions of NF-κB and PGE2 in the cells in LPS-induced inflammation, and a tendency of decreased COX2 expression. The results were statistically significant only at high concentration. RT-PCR revealed reduced expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α. Conclusions: Preconditioning with remifentanil does not affect the viability of amniotic epithelial cells but reduces the expression of factors related to uterine contractions in situations where cell inflammation is induced by LPS, which is an important inducer of preterm labor. These findings provide evidence that remifentanil may inhibit preterm labor in clinical settings.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.537-544
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• 2016

Barley (Hardeum vulgare L.) sprout has received much attention in recent years as a functional food in many countries, especially in Korea and Japan. It has been reported that barley sprouts are comprised of 52.6% polysaccharides, 34.1% proteins, and 4.97% fats, along with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. The purpose of this study was to assess the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extracts of barley sprouts. We examined the inhibitory effect of barley sprout extracts (BSE) on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, and nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells. BSE contains high amounts of phenolics and flavonoids and exhibits potent anti-oxidative activity, as depicted by the DPPH radical-scavenging experiment. The concentration of total phenols was 17.55 μg/ml, and flavonoids, 13.98 μg/ml. We also investigated the anti-inflammatory activities of BSE in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and PGE₂ production, which had increased as a result of treatment with LPS, were significantly inhibited by BSE in a dose-dependent manner. BSE also significantly suppressed LPS-induced production of NO, and this was accompanied by a decrease in the expression of the iNOS and COX-2 proteins. These results indicate that barley sprouts may be a highly valuable natural product owing to its high-quality functional components as well as its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.242-249
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• 2016

This study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Prunellae Herba(PH). The generation of superoxide anion radical (․O₂-), nitric oxide (NO), peroxynitrite (ONOO-) and Prostaglandin E₂(PGE₂) were measured in the H₂O₂-Treated renal epithelial cells(LLC-PK1 cell) of mouse. And the effects of Prunellae Spica on the expression of NF-κB (p50, p65), IKK-α, phospho-IκB-α and inflammation-related proteins, COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β and VCAM-1, were examined by western blot. The fluorescent probes, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA), 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) and dihyldrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) were used to estimate the scavenging effect of Prunellae Spica on ․O₂-, NO, ONOO-. Western blot was conducted to assess the protein expression levels of NF-κB (p50, p65), IKK-α, phospho-IκB-α, inflammation-related proteins, COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β, VCAM-1. PH inhibited H₂O₂-treated cell death dose-dependently. It reduced the generation of ·O₂-, NO, ONOO- and PGE₂ in the H₂O₂-treated renal epitheial cells(LLC-PK₁ cell) of mouse in vitro. PH reduced the expression of NF-κB, IKK-α, phospho-IκB-α, COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β and VCAM-1 genes through means of decreasing activation of NF-κB signaling as well. According to these results, PH has an antioxidative activity and anti-inflammatory effect by regulating the NF-κB pathway. This suggest that PH is expected to be used to regulating inflammatory process and treating inflammation-related disease.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.253-258
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• 1985

It was aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism which is elevated the systemic arterial blood pressure by cadmium(Cd). By using the isolated vas deferens and tail artery from Cd-poisoned rats, it was undertaken to see whether the ${\alpha}-adrenoceptor$ activity and prostaglandins action on the twitch response to electrical stimulation were altered. It was discussed in relation with sympathetic nerve activity. The response to electrical stimulation in vas deferens from Cd-poisoned rats was much enhanced, and frequency 50(Freq.50) was significantly lowered, comparing to control. However, the response of rat tail artery was attenuated by Cd. Inhibitory action of clonidine on the twitch response of vas deferens to electrical stimulation was decreased by Cd-poisoning. However, the increase in response in the presence of methoxamine was not affected. The inhibitory action of prostaglandin $E_2$ on the twitch response in the vas deferens but not in the tail artery was abolished or rather inverted by Cd-poisoning. In the tail artery from Cd-poisoned rats, the maximum contraction to methoxamine or clonidine was significantly decreased, however, $ED_{50}$ of both agonists was not changed. These results suggest that in vas deferens the autoreceptor of presynaptic membrane is inhibited by Cd-poisoning, by which mechanism the sympathetic activity is being enhanced and this alteration may be causally related to the elevation of arterial pressure.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2 s.62
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• pp.140-151
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• 2005

Objectives: Cinnamomi Ramulus (CR), the young twig of Cinnamomum loureirri nees, has been used for treating symptoms related to pain, rheumatic arthritis and inflammation in Korean herb medicine. This study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of CR in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Extracts of CR were prepared and the chemical components of the extracts were examined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The extracts were administrated to the rat paw edema model induced by carrageenan to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of CR. The expressions of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were also quantified in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)­induced RAW 264.7 macrophages to survey the effect of CR in vitro. The main components were cinnamaldehyde and coumarin. Results: We examined the anti-inflammatory activity of the $80\%$ ethanol extract of Cinnamomi Ramulus in vivo by using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Maximum inhibition of $54.91\%$ was noted at the dose of l1000mg/kg after 2 hours of drug administration in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and this showed a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusions: The results showed that Cinnamomi Ramulus suppressed dose-dependently LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages and also decreased iNOS protein expression. Cinnamomi Ramulus also showed a significant inhibitory effect in LPS-induced PGE2 production and COX-2 expression.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.21-33
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• 2016

This study aimed to investigate the stability and biological activities of BHSST decoction depending on the preservation temperature and periods. Methods: BHSST decoction was preserved at room temperatures (R/T, $23{\pm}1^{\circ}C$) or refrigeration ($4^{\circ}C$) for 0, 30, 60 and 90 days. To evaluate the stability of BHSST decoction, pH and sugar content were estimated. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to determine marker compounds of BHSST decoction. To evaluate anti-inflammatory effect, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) productions were measured in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Antioxidant activity was examined using the assays for 3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 1-1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities. Results: There was no change in pH and sugar content depending on the preservation temperature and periods of BHSST decoction. Among the major components of BHSST, contents of liquiritin, baicalein and wogonin was reduced time-dependently both at R/T and $4^{\circ}C$. Inhibitory effects of BHSST decoction on NO and PGE2 productions were slightly decreased in a time-dependent manner by 90 days of preservation. In addition, BHSST decoction maintained ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities by 60 days while significantly reducing the activities in 90 days of preservation at R/T. By contrast, BHSST decoction had no significant change of ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities by 90 days at $4^{\circ}C$. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the stability and efficacy of BHSST decoction are maintained for 60 days at $4^{\circ}C$ rather than R/T.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.156-166
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• 2008

Objective : Pamooltang (PM) and Sipjeondaebotang (SC) are used in Korea to treat many diseases such as sterility, menstrual disorder, and general prostration. We made a comparative study of PM and SC which are different in component ratio between Astragalus membranaceus BUNGE (AC) and Cinnamomum cassia PRESL. (CC). Methods : Anti-oxidation was studied by 1.1.-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and anti-inflammation was investigated by prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$ and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assay. For immune response activities, this study used NO synthesis on RAW 264.7 cells and splenocyte proliferation. Results : The results showed that PM and SC components had no significant effect of anti-oxidation or anti-inflammation. However, we observed their effects upon inducible NO synthesis in Raw 264.7 cells. The SC2 stimulated NO synthesis $11.42\pm1.36{\mu}M$ (control; $0.89\pm0.00{\mu}M$). PM and SC components had the effect of immune response which in a dose-dependent manner significantly induced the splenocyte proliferation. The splenocyte proliferation induced by SC2 was higher than others at the concentration of 1, 10, 100, 1000 and 2000 ${\mu}g/ml$. The SC8 was shown to up-regulate IgG, 100 ${\mu}g/ml$ 3.3 times, 1000 ${\mu}g/ml$ 2.6 times as a control. Conclusions : These results may have important implications for our understanding of the ratios of AC and CC in SC.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.127-135
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• 2002

Anterior subcapsular cataract was developed by opacification with transdifferentiation and abnormal proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) and pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). After-cataract also be caused by a similar transdifferentiation of LECs remaining after surgery and the accompanying increase of ECM deposits. It is blown that prostaglandin E2 and cytokine, such as TGF-$\beta$, bFGF, and IL-1, were associated with abnormal proliferation and transdifferentiation of LECs. The aim of this study was to detect the expression of transforming growth factor-$\alpha$ (TGF-$\alpha$), transforming growth factor-$\beta_1$(TGF-$\beta_1$) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in LECs of senile and diabetic cataract. The expressions of these growth factors in lens epithelial cells were determined. The sample for growth factor determination were collected in senile cataract patients without metabolic disorder, especially diabetes mellitus and diabetic cataract patients. The mRNA expression of growth factors was detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Southern blot analysis. Statistics were analysed using Wilcoxon rank sum test. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR/southern analysis of RNA obtained from thirty surgical specimens demonstrated that the level of mRNA expression of TGF-$\alpha$, -$\beta_1$ and bFGF was increased in diabetic cataract lens tissues compared with senile cataract specimens but non-significant, bFGF and TGF-$\beta_1$ mRNA expression were detected in most patients, expression level of TGF-$\beta_1$ was most high on the basis of normal ocular concentration. Detection rate of TGF-$\alpha$ in diabetic cataract was 1.5 fold higher than in senile cataract (P=0.098). TGF-$\alpha$, TGF-$\beta_1$, and bFGF mRNA expression of LECs were detected in senile and diabetic cataract. In both patient groups, expression level of TGF-$\beta_1$, mRNA was high, so We suggest TGF-$\beta_1$ strong influence in development of senile cataract and of diabetic cataract also. TGF-$\alpha$ expression level was similar but more frequently detected in diabetic cataract than in senile cataract. In conclusion, TGF-$\alpha$ may be associated with early development of diabetic cataract.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.339-348
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• 2007

This study were designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of $genistein-4'-O-{\alpha}-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)-{\beta}-D-glucopyranoside$ (GRG) isolated from Sophora japonica (Leguminosae) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin ($PGE_2$) production by RAW 264.7 cell line. GRG significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO and $PGE_2$ production. Consistent with these observations, GRG reduced the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the protein and mRNA levels in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the release and the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})$ and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also reduced by GRG. Moreover, GRG attenuated the LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$), a transcription factor necessary for pro-inflammatory mediators, iNOS, COX-2, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 expression. These results suggest that the down regulation of iNOS, COX-2, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and IL-6 expression by GRG are achieved by the downregulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity, and that is also responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.103-110
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• 2018

Environmental stimuli can lead to the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is one of the risk factors for premature skin aging. Here, we investigated the protective effects of $7-MEGA^{TM}$ 500 (50% palmitoleic acid, 7-MEGA) against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage and its underlying therapeutic mechanisms in the HaCaT human skin keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT cells). Our results showed that treatment with 7-MEGA prior to hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-induced damage significantly increased the viability of HaCaT cells. 7-MEGA effectively attenuated generation of $H_2O_2$-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inhibited $H_2O_2$-induced inflammatory factors, such as prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), and $interleukin-1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$). In addition, cells treated with 7-MEGA exhibited significantly decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and increased expression of procollagen type 1 (PCOL1) and Elastin against oxidative stress by $H_2O_2$. Interestingly, these protective activities of 7-MEGA were similar in scope and of a higher magnitude than those seen with 98.5% palmitoleic acid (PA) obtained from Sigma when given at the same concentration (100 nL/mL). According to our data, 7-MEGA is able to protect HaCaT cells from $H_2O_2$-induced damage through inhibiting cellular oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, 7-MEGA may affect skin elasticity maintenance and improve skin wrinkles. These findings indicate that 7-MEGA may be useful as a food supplement for skin health.