• CELLMED
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.3.1-3.8
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• 2014

Spa represents a treatment widely used in many rheumatic diseases (RD). The mechanisms by which immersion in mineral or thermal water ameliorates RD are not fully understood. The net benefit is probably the result of a combination of factors, among which the mechanical, thermal and chemical effects are most prominent. Buoyancy, immersion, resistance and temperature play important roles. According to the gate theory, pain relief may be due to the pressure and temperature of the water on skin; heat may reduce muscle spasm and increase the pain threshold. Mud-bath therapy increases plasma ${\beta}$-endorphin levels and secretion of corticotrophin, cortisol, growth hormone and prolactin. It has recently been demonstrated that thermal mud-bath therapy induces a reduction in circulating levels of prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, interleukin-$1{\beta}$ and tumour necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, important mediators of inflammation and pain. Furthermore, balneotherapy has been found to cause an increase in insulin-like growth factor-1, which stimulates cartilage metabolism, and transforming growth factor-${\beta}$. Beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-degenerative effects of mineral water were confirmed in chondrocytes cultures, too. Various studies in vitro and in humans have highlighted the positive action of mud-packs and thermal baths, especially sulphurous ones, on the oxidant/antioxidant system. Overall, thermal stress has an immunosuppressive effect. Many other non-specific factors may also contribute to the beneficial effects observed after spa therapy in some RD, including effects on cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. adipokines) and changes in the environment, pleasant surroundings and the absence of work duties.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2016

Bioactive components of ultra-fine ground Saururus, the extraction yield increases when the leaves are ultra-fine ground. Comparison of normal-ground and ultra-fine ground Saururus chinensis leaves showed that the solid content and antiinflammatory activity of ultra-fine ground extracts was higher than that of normal-ground extracts. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations of Saururus chinensis extract and the amount of nitric oxide (NO) was determined; LPS-treated cells produced 2 times more NO than cells that were not treated with LPS. Moreover, the NO production in cells treated with Saururus chinensis extract was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. Because the stimulant-induced NO production is regulated by the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), we measured the iNOS protein level to elucidate the mechanism by which the NO production was inhibited. We found that the amount of iNOS decreased dose-dependently. It was reduced by 53% at a Saururus chinensis extract concentration of $100{\mu}g/mL$. The protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-treated Raw 264.7 cells was inhibited by 31% at $100{\mu}g/mL$ of Saururus chinensis extract. Gel shift of the nuclear factor kappa B-DNA complex occurred in LPS-treated cells and the intensity of the band decreased gradually in a concentration-dependent manner. Ultra-fine ground Saururus chinensis extract had a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the production of prostaglandin $E_2$, tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$, interleukin $1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$), IL-6, and IL-8 in LPS-treated Raw 264.7 cells, i.e., at $50{\mu}g/mL$ of Saururus chinensis extract, their levels were decreased by 53, 67, 52, 37, and 21% respectively.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.632-638
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• 2000

This study was designed to observe the effect of green tea on colon tumor incidence and biomarkers of colon carcinogenesis in 1, 2-dimethlhydrazine-treated rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats at 7 weeks of age were divided into two groups: control and green tea(GT) groups. Control rats had distilled water as drinking water but GT group received green tea extracts(2.5%, w/v water) as drinking water throughout the experiment periods. All rats were fed the experimental diet containing 15% fat by weight for 20 weeks. and were i.m. injected with DMH for 6 weeks to give total dose of 180mg/kg body weight. Tumor incidence was reduced in GT group (39%) compared with control group (56%) Green tea significantly reduced cell proliferation (total cells per crypt, crypt length and proliferative zone) in colonic mucosa and also significantly reduced the levels of preformed prostalandin E2(PGE2) and thromboxance B2(TXB2) in colonic mucosa but the fatty acid profile of total lipid in colonic mucosa was not significantly influenced by green tea. However the relative percent of C20:4 and the levels f preformed PGE2 and TXB2. were significantly higher in tumor tissue compared with normal surrounding mucosa.Green tea increased the fecal excretion of total bile acid but not scondary bile acid which is known as one of promoters for colon cancer,. These results suggest that green tea could have preventive effect against colon cancer when consumed daily by influencing on antioxidant effect and the metabolism of arachidonic acid.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.277-285
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• 2009

Forsythia fructus has been shown to have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, antibacterial, antipyretic and anti-aging activities. This work was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Korean traditional medicinal prescriptions containing Forsythia viridissima extract. The prescriptions containing Forsythia fructus were evaluated for antioxidative effects, inhibitory effects on lipoxygenase activity and on LPS-induced NO and $PGE_2$ production. In human irritation test, they did not show any adverse effect. Based on these results, we suggest that the se prescriptions hold great promise for application as an anti-inflammatory agent for trouble skins such as atopic dermatitis and acne.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.469-474
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• 2012

Fagopyrum esculentum(FE) is an important food crop and medicinal plant that is used to improve diabetes, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and constipation in Korea, but the underlying mechanisms involved in its anti-allergic activity are not fully understood. We investigated the effects on the release of inflammatory mediator and proximal signal events in $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$-mediated RBL-2H3 cell activation. FE reduced antigen (DNP-HSA)-induced release of histamine, prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and cysteinyl Leukotriene (cysLT) in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. In addition, it inhibited antigen-induced HDC2 and COX-2 and 5-LO mRNA expression in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. FE also suppressed antigen-induced $Fc{\varepsilon}RI{\beta}$ and $Fc{\varepsilon}RI{\gamma}$ subunit mRNA expression in these cells. To identify the mechanisms underpinning the inhibition of release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine and PGD2 and cysLT by FE, we examined the proximal signal events of intracellular FceRI signaling molecules. FE suppressed antigen-induced phosphorylation of Lyn, Syk, LAT, $PLC{\gamma}1$, PI3K, Akt and cPLA2. Collectively, the anti-allergic effects of FE in vitro suggest its possible therapeutic application to inflammatory allergic diseases, in which its inhibition of inflammatory mediator and FceRI-dependent signaling events in mast cells may be hugely beneficial.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.505-511
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• 2002

The study was designed to compare the anti-carcinogenic effect of different level of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-treated rats by determining biomarkers (apoptosis, cell proliferation, eicosanoids, 1,2-diacylglycerol) and phospholipid fatty acid profile in colonic mucosa. Eighty male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 180-220g were randomly divided into 4 groups depending on the content of CLA, i.e. 0.0% CLA, 0.5% CLA, 1.0% CLA, 1.5% CLA. The experimental diet contained protein 21.6%, carbohydrate 54.6%, and fat 14.5% including CLA mixture at different level by weight. The experimental diet was fed for 14 weeks with the initiation of intramuscular injection of DMH, which was injected twice a week for 6 weeks to give total amount of 180 mg/kg body weight. Regardless of the amount of CLA supplemented to diet, CLA significantly increased the apoptotic index but did not have significant effect on cell proliferation in colonic mucosa. CLA was undetected in colonic mucosal phospholipid of rats fed the 0% CLA diet and increased to 5.9mg/g phospholipid in rats fed the 0.5% diet. The apoptotic index was increased by 251% and the 1,2-DAG content was decreased by 57% in rats fed 0.5% CLA. No further changes in these variables were observed when CLA in the diet was raised to 1.0% or 1.5%. However, dietary CLA decreased mucosal levels of prostaglandin (PG)E$_2$, thromboxane (TX)B$_2$, and arachidonic acid in dose-dependent manner. The present data indicate that dietary CLA can inhibit DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis by mechanism probably involving increased apoptosis.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.379-389
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• 2018

A nucleobase adenine is a fundamental component of nucleic acids and adenine nucleotides. Various biological roles of adenine have been discovered. It is not produced from degradation of adenine nucleotides in mammals but produced mainly during polyamine synthesis by dividing cells. Anti-inflammatory roles of adenine have been supported in IgE-mediated allergic reactions, immunological functions of lymphocytes and dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. However adenine effects on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated inflammation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a cell wall component of Gram negative bacteria, is not examined. Here we investigated anti-inflammatory roles of adenine in LPS-stimulated immune cells, including a macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMCs) and peritoneal cells in mice. In RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS, adenine inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 and inflammatory lipid mediators, prostaglandin $E_2$ and leukotriene $B_4$. Adenine impeded signaling pathways eliciting production of these inflammatory mediators. It suppressed $I{\kappa}B$ phosphorylation, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$), phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) JNK and ERK. Although adenine raised cellular AMP which could activate AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK), the enzyme activity was not enhanced. In BMMCs, adenine inhibited the LPS-induced production of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6 and IL-13 and also hindered phosphorylation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ and Akt. In peritoneal cavity, adenine suppressed the LPS-induced production of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 by peritoneal cells in mice. These results show that adenine attenuates the LPS-induced inflammatory reactions.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.634-640
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• 2017

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder mediated by inflammatory cells, such as macrophages and mast cells. Rifampicin is mainly used for the treatment of tuberculosis. Recently, it was reported that rifampicin has anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive activities. In this study, we investigated the effect of rifampicin on atopic dermatitis in vivo and in vitro. AD was induced by treatment with 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in NC/Nga mice. A subset of mice was then treated with rifampicin by oral administration. The severity score and scratching behavior were alleviated in the rifampicin-treated group. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels were also ameliorated in mice treated with rifampicin. We next examined whether rifampicin has anti-atopic activity via suppression of mast cell activation. Rifampicin suppressed the release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and histamine from human mast cell (HMC)-1 cultures stimulated with compound 48/80. Treatment with rifampicin also inhibited secretion of inflammatory mediators, such tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$) and prostaglandin $D_2$ ($PGD_2$), in mast cells activated by compound 48/80. The mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) was reduced in the cells treated with rifampicin in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that rifampicin can be used to treat atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.25-49
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was carried out to know the anti-osteroarthritic effects of Bangkibokryeong-tang(Fanjifuling-tang(BBT)) on the papain-induced osteoarthritis C57BL/10 mouse. Methods : Osteoarthritis was induced by injection of papain(6 ${\mu}l$) into knee joint of mouse. Osteoarthritic mice were divided into 4 groups(normal, control, joins(R), BBT). The injection did not fit the normal group. A week later, after the injection of papain, control group was taken normal saline 200 ${\mu}l$, positive control group was taken joins(R)(100 mg/kg), treated group was taken extract of Bangkibokryeong-tang(Fanjifuling-tang(BBT))(400 mg/kg). After then, we examined hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, inflammation cytokines, expression of inflammation factor mRNA, hemotology, histology through the micro CT-arthrography, and etc. Results : 1. Hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity have not expressed. 2. The levels of IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, MCP-1, Thromboxane B2, Leukotriene B4, Prostaglandin E2 in serum were significantly decreased. 3. In hematology, the levels of neutrophils and monocytes were significantly decreased. 4. The expression of inflammation factor mRNA like TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6, COX-2, iNOS-II were significantly inhibited. 5. In micro CT-arthrography, cartilage volume was less decreased. 6. The degree of osteoarthritis induced damage of joint of BBT group is low in histopathologic observation(hematoxylin&eosin(H&E), Safranin-O). Conclusions : According to this study, BBT has effect of anti-osteoarthritis. Further clinical research for the cartilage protective effect is necessary.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.177-179
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• 2005

Nine known diarylheptanoids (1-9) isolated from the barks of Alnus japonica were evaluated for their inhibitory activities on nitric oxide (NO) and prostagrandin $E_2$ (COX-2) production in interferon-${\gamma}$ (INF-${\gamma}$) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. The NO and COX-2 levels were moderately reduced by the addition of compounds (1-9). Among these compounds, compounds 6 and 8 inhibited NO production in a dose dependent manner with an $IC_{50}$ of 16.7 and $27.2\;{\mu}g/mL$, respectively (positive control, L-NMMA; $22.8\;{\mu}g/mL$), and compounds 6, 7, 8, and 9 reduced the COX-2 level in a dose dependent manner with an $IC_{50}$ of 20.7, 25.7, 25.0, and $27.3\;{\mu}g/mL$, respectively (positive control, indomethacin; $26.2\;{\mu}g/mL$). An analysis of the structural activity relationship among these diarylheptanoids suggests that the presence of a keto-enol group in the heptane moiety or a caffeoyl group in the aromatic ring were important for the efficacy on the inhibitory activities of NO and COX-2 production.