• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.22-28
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• 1998

Plasma concentrations of Vitamins E and A were measured in 15 non-insulin dependent Korean female subjects and 15 age-matched normal subjects using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. No differences were found in plasma Vitamin E concentrations between the 2 groups. Plasma Vitamin A concentrations were higher in subjects with non-insulin dependent diabetes melitus (NIDDM). The effects were evaluated of 4 weeks of daily supplementation of 400 mg Vitamin E on plasma levels of these two vitamins. In addition, the effects were observed for Vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress and immune-related compound productions in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients and control subjects. After treatment with Vitamin E, plasma Vitamin E concentrations were significantly elevated in both groups. Basal plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBABS) were identical, and a decreased level of TBARS caused by Vitamin E was observed only in the diabetic group (0.02739$\pm$0.0024 versus 0.01814$\pm$0.0008 nmols malondialdehyde equivalents/dl plasma ; p<0.05). The basal and after-treatment levels of immunoglobulins A, G, M were identical in control and diabetic groups, indicating that Vitamin E did not appear to alter gross humoral responses in this study. However, elevation of Complement 3 ($C_3$) was noticed due to Vitamin E supplementation, revealing a possible effect of vitamin E on one aspect of humoral immunity, Furthermore, an increase in prostaglandin E_2 ($PGE_2$) levels in diabetic patients was normalized by Vitamin E supplementation. This suggests indirectly that the depressed cell-mediated response due to elevated $PGE_2$ could be normalized. For the definitive antioxidant intake recommendations for prevention and treatment of adverse effects of non-insulin dependent diabetes, evidence from intervention trials like this study should be collected. The present data suggests that Vitamin E may oxen some protective effects against oxidative damage and might have beneficial effects of partial immune-stimulation.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.163-170
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• 2020

Mahaenggamsuk-tang (MHGS) has been widely used in Korea and China for the treatment of various diseases. MHGS was constituted the Ephedrea Herba, Armenicae Semen, Glycyrrhizae Radix and Gypsum Fibrosum. In this study, we have made three different solvents extract as MHGS water extract (MHGS-W), MHGS 50% EtOH extract (MHGS-50E), and MHGS 100% EtOH extract (MHGS-100E). The MHGS-W, MHGS-50E and MHGS-100E showed the discernible difference patterns on HPLC analysis. Furthermore, MHGS-50E and MHGS-100E significantly increased the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging effects than MHGS-W. In addition, the MHGS-50E and MHGS-100E also inhibited significantly nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) production, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression in RAW264.7. On the other hand, MHGS-50E and MHGS-W showed remarkable protection on the HT22 cell via heme oxygenase (HO)-1, but MHGS-100E did not show. The results of this study proved that MHGS-50E has greater potential therapeutic uses by exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects compared to MHGS-100E, MHGS-W. Our study suggests that the different solvent might be affected the biological activities when make the traditional herbal medicines including MHGS.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.502-507
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• 2009

In modern oriental medicine, bee venom therapy is being used for aqua-acupuncture to relieve pain and to cure inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. Bee venom therapy has been processed and reported in many experimental studies, with regard to its effects on pain alleviation, anti-inflammation, removal of fever, anti-convulsion, suppression of tumor and immunity strengthening, etc., however, its mechanism of action, molecular targeting on prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production and telomere length regulation in human cancer remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of bee venom on the levels of cyclooxygenases (COXs) and telomere regulatory components of A549 human lung cancer cells. Bee venom-induced anti-proliferative effects of A549 cells were associated with the inhibition of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as well as human telomerase RNA (hTR), transcription factor c-myc and the activity of telomerase. In addition, bee venom treatment markedly decreased the levels of COX-2 mRNA and protein expression without significant changes in the expression of COX-1, which was correlated with a decrease in $PGE_2$ synthesis. Taken together, these findings provide important new insights into the possible molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of bee venom.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.468-478
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• 2019

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of cordyceps militaris extracts for the improvement of cognitive dysfunction in PC12 and BV2 cells. Cordyceps militaris extracts was prepared by extracting with distilled water. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay using PC12 cells and BV2 cells. Confirmed effects of L-glutamate induced cytotoxicity test, Acetylcoline (ACh) concentration, and Acetylcolinestase (AChE) activity in PC12 cells. Anti-inflammatory activities of cordyceps militaris extracts was measured through changes in the levels of nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 ($PGE_2$) on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced BV2 cell. In addition, we measured the expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, JNK, and caspase-3 in western blot analysis. Cordyceps militaris extracts showed no cytotoxicity at the concentrations of 1, 10, and $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ except for the concentration of $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Cordyceps militaris extracts protected the cell and exhibited significant increases in the ACh concentration and a significant decrease in the AChE activity in L-glutamate induced PC12 cells. Moreover, cordyceps militaris extracts inhibited the productions NO, and PGE2 level and the protein expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, JNK, caspase-3 in LPS-induced BV2 cells. These results indicate that cordyceps militaris extracts possible prevented and improved cognitive dysfuction symptoms. Thus, cordyceps militaris extracts may be a novel natural material option for the improvement of cognitive dysfunction.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.63-68
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• 2014

The fruit of Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) is an important source of traditional Korean and Chinese medicines. In this study, NNMBS223, consisting of the ethanol extract of T. terrestris, showed potent anti-inflammatory activities in RAW264.7 macrophages. We investigated the effect of NNMBS223 in suppressing the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and production of iNOS-derived nitric oxide (NO), COX-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. In addition, NNMBS223 induced expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 through nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in macrophages. The effects of NNMBS223 on LPS-induced production of NO and PGE2 were partially reversed by the HO activity inhibitor tin protoporphyrin (SnPP). These findings suggest that Nrf2-dependent increases in expression of HO-1 induced by NNMBS223 conferred anti-inflammatory activities in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.415-421
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• 2008

Pro-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin $E_2$ (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2), play pivotal roles in normal as well as transformed cells. Previous studies have shown that Euphorbiae humifusae Wind exhibits anti-proliferative and antioxidant activities. However, the it's anti-inflammatory properties are unclear. In this study, we examine the effects of water extract of E. humifusae (WEEH) on the expression of COX-2 and the production of $PGE_2$ in human lymphatic U937 cells. Treatment of phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) significantly induced COX-2 expression and $PGE_2$ production in U937 cells. However, pretreatment WEEH markedly inhibited the PMA-induced COX-2 expression and $PGE_2$ production in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, WEEH prevented the elevated early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1) expression and nuclear factor-kappaB ($NF{-\kappa}B\; p65$) nuclear translocation stimulated by PMA treatment. Taken together, the present data indicate that WEEH exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes through the $NF{-\kappa}B$ and Egr-1 signaling pathway.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.173-178
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• 2000

The purpose of this work is to develop a transurethral suppository containing prostaglandin $E_1\;(PGE_1)$, which stabilizes the drug, gives no irritation to physiological body and enhances the erectile response of $PGE_1.\;PGE_1$ transurethral suppositories were prepared with various amounts of compositions such as saturated polyglycolysed glyceride $(Suppocire^{\circledR}\;AP,\;SAP)$, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil (HCO-50) and ethanol. The melting points, viscosities and $PGE_1$ release of the suppositories were investigated. Ocular irritation test was carried out after application of $PGE_1$ suppository to rabbit's eye. The intracavernous pressure (ICP), penile length and duration of erectile response were determined after transurethral administration of $PGE_1$ suppository and compared with those after intracavernosal injection of $PGE_1$ solution to cats. HCO-50 hardly affected the melting points and viscosities of $PGE_1$ suppositories. Additionally, $PGE_1$ transurethral suppositories, whose melting point ranges was $34-35^{\circ}C$, was speedily melted in physiological body. HCO-50 significantly decreased the dissolution rates of $PGE_1$ from the suppositories. Dissolution mechanism analysis showed the release of $PGE_1$ was proportional to the square root of time, indicating that $PGE_1$ might be released from the suppositories by Fickian diffusion. The release rate of $PGE_1$ from $PGE_1$ suppository [PGE1/SAP/HCO-50/ethanol (1/94.5/2.5/2%)] was about 80% within 2 h. This $PGE_1$ suppository gave no significant irritation to the ocular tissue, expecting that it gave no irritation to the urethral tissue less sensive than ocular tissue. Furthermore, $PGE_1$ in this suppository was stable at $4^{\circ}C$ for 2 years. This suppository increased the ICP and penile erection similar to those of injectable $PGE_1$ solution. However, it gave 2.5-fold increased duration of erectile response than injectable $PGE_1$ solution. Our results suggested that it gave more effective erectile response than injectable $PGE_1$ solution in cats. It is concluded that this $PGE_1$ suppository with good safety, excellent stability and enhanced erectile response, could be a more effective and convenient transurethal delivery system of $PGE_1$.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.697-703
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• 1997

This study was planned to compare the effects of source of dietary n-3 fatty acids, i.e., tuna oil and perilla oil, on mitogenesis and production of prostaglandin E$_2$ and leukotriene B$_4$ in rats. Weaning male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed 3 different experimental diets for 4 weeks(Control: beef tallow 50% + sesame oil 50%, FO : beef tallow 50% + sesame oil 25% + tuna oil(27% docosahexaenoic acid) 25%, PO : beef tallow 50% + sesame oil 25% + perilla oil 25%). Food intakes were higher in FO group than in other groups, but body weight gains, food efficiency rates and weights of spleen were not different among groups. Proliferation of splenocyte to PWM(pokeweedmitogen) was higher in FO and PO group than control group. But there was no difference between FO and PO group. Response to ConA was not different among three groups. Serum PGE$_2$ levels were higher in control group than other groups. Serum LKB$_4$ levels were not different among groups. Therefore, it seemed that n-3 fatty acids increased the immune response by means of decreasing the PGE$_2$ production.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.16.1-16.13
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• 2021

Background: Preconditioning with inflammatory stimuli is used to improve the secretion of anti-inflammatory agents in stem cells from variant species such as mouse, human, and dog. However, there are only few studies on feline stem cells. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the immune regulatory capacity of feline adipose tissue-derived (fAT) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) pretreated with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Methods: To assess the interaction of lymphocytes and macrophages with IFN-γ-pretreated fAT-MSCs, mouse splenocytes and RAW 264.7 cells were cultured with the conditioned media from IFN-γ-pretreated MSCs. Results: Pretreatment with IFN-γ increased the gene expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, hepatocyte growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in the MSCs. The conditioned media from IFN-γ-pretreated MSCs increased the expression levels of M2 macrophage markers and regulatory T-cell markers compared to those in the conditioned media from naive MSCs. Further, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) inhibitor NS-398 attenuated the immunoregulatory potential of MSCs, suggesting that the increased PGE₂ levels induced by IFN-γ stimulation is a crucial factor in the immune regulatory capacity of MSCs pretreated with IFN-γ. Conclusions: IFN-γ pretreatment improves the immune regulatory profile of fAT-MSCs mainly via the secretion of PGE₂, which induces macrophage polarization and increases regulatory T-cell numbers.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.197-203
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• 2023

Callus cultivation is a method for producing a large amount of tissue of a plant in the laboratory, regardless of the environment. Lycoris chejuensis, a plant species native to jeju island, is a member of the Lycoris family has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of diverse diseases. In this study, we evaluated anti-inflammatory effect of biorenovated Lycoris chejuensis callus (LCB) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. As a result, LCB was less toxic to the cells in the concentration range of 25, 50, and 100 ㎍/mL as shown by the improved viability of LCB treated cells than compared to Lycoris chejuensis callus (LC) treatment. In addition, LCB inhibited the generation of NO and prostaglandin E₂ through the suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression. LCB also attenuated the expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α induced by LPS. The results suggest that LCB has anti-inflammatory activity on the LPS-induced inflammatory response and may be suitable for the development of potent functional cosmetic material.