• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.19-25
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• 2001

We have studied the effects of excitatory amino acids on the expression of the c-fos and c-jun mRNA in rat C6 glioma cells. The glutamate, $N-methyl-_D-aspartate$ (NMDA), and kainic acid (KA) increased c-fos mRNA level in a concentration-dependent manner. However, they did not affect c-jun mRNA level. In addition, forskolin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) increased c-fos mRNA level. Furthermore, PMA increased c-jun mRNA level whereas forskolin downregulated c-jun mRNA level. The glutamate, NMDA and KA, at a concentration of 0.25 mM, did not affect the basal c-fos and c-jun mRNA levels, and also did not affect forskolin- and PMA-induced responses. Furthermore, both forskolin and PMA itself increased the phosphorylation of ERK (extracellular signal regulated kinase) and CREB (cyclicAMP responsible element binding protein) proteins. The KA, NMDA, and glutamate did not affect forskolin- induced increase of ERK and CREB phosphorylation. The KA decreased PMA-induced increase of phosphorylation of ERK and CREB proteins, whereas glutamate and NMDA did not affect the phosphorylation of ERK and CREB proteins induced by PMA. These findings suggest that, in C6 glioma cells, c-fos mRNA induction induced by EAAs is not mediated by phosphorylation of ERK and CREB proteins.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제29권6호
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• pp.658-666
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• 2021

Podophyllotoxin (PT), a lignan compound from the roots and rhizomes of Podophyllum peltatum, has diverse pharmacological activities including anticancer effect in several types of cancer. The molecular mechanism of the anticancer effects of PT on colorectal cancer cells has not been reported yet. In this study, we sought to evaluate the anticancer effect of PT on human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells and identify the detailed molecular mechanism. PT inhibited the growth of cells and colony formation in a concentration-dependent manner and induced apoptosis as determined by the annexin V/7-aminoactinomycin D double staining assay. PT-induced apoptosis was accompanied by cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effects of PT on the induction of ROS and apoptosis were prevented by pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), indicating that an increase in ROS generation mediates the apoptosis of HCT116 cells induced by PT. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that PT upregulated the level of phospho (p)-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The treatment of SB203580, a p38 inhibitor, strongly prevented the apoptosis induced by PT, suggesting that PT-induced apoptosis involved the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, PT induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and multi-caspase activation. The results suggested that PT induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and apoptosis through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway by upregulating ROS in HCT116 cells.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권2호
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• pp.218-225
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• 2019

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae, more than 90 serotypes of which exist, is recognized as an etiologic agent of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Immunization with a pneumococcal pep27 mutant (${{\Delta}}pep27$) has been shown to confer comprehensive, long-term protection against even nontypeable strains. However, ${{\Delta}}pep27$ is effective as a vaccine only after at least three rounds of immunization. Therefore, treatments capable of enhancing the efficiency of ${{\Delta}}pep27$ immunization should be identified without delay. Panax ginseng Mayer has already been shown to have pharmacological and antioxidant effects. Here, the ability of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) to enhance the efficacy of ${{\Delta}}pep27$ immunization was investigated. Methods: Mice were treated with KRG and immunized with ${{\Delta}}pep27$ before infection with the pathogenic S. pneumoniae strain D39. Total reactive oxygen species production was measured using lung homogenates, and inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase and antiapoptotic protein expression was determined by immunoblotting. The phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages was also tested after KRG treatment. Results: Compared with the other treatments, KRG significantly increased survival rate after lethal challenge and resulted in faster bacterial clearance via increased phagocytosis. Moreover, KRG enhanced ${{\Delta}}pep27$ vaccine efficacy by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production, reducing extracellular signal-regulated kinase apoptosis signaling and inflammation. Conclusion: Taken together, our results suggest that KRG reduces the time required for immunization with the ${{\Delta}}pep27$ vaccine by enhancing its efficacy.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.97-105
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• 2024

Objective : This study examined the effects of yaksun recipe on the anti-fatigue and endurance enhancement properties in the forced swimming test (FST). Methods : The treatment groups were divided randomly into three groups: water-treated FST (control), 200 mg/kg of red ginseng-treated FST (RG200), 200 mg/kg of water extract of yaksun recipe-treated FST (YS200). After FST, an autopsy was performed, and the tissue and serum were collected. Results : The swimming exhaustion time in the RG200 and YG200 groups were significantly increased compared to the control group. The YG200 group fatigue indicators, D-Lactate, LDH(lactate dehydrogenase), creatine kinase, and ammonia content, significantly decreased compared to the control group. In addition, liver glycogen content significantly increased in the YG200 and tended to increase in RG200. Likewise, the glucose contents were significantly increased compared to the control group. The muscle damage indicators GPT (glutamic pyruvic transaminase) and BUN (blood urea nitrogen), a protein metabolite, in the YG200 group significantly decreased compared to the control group. Furthermore the concentration of liver lipid peroxidation, MDA(malondialdehyde) levels significantly decreased in the RG200 and YG200 compared to control group. Conclusions : These results suggest that YG200 can increase the endurance exercise capacity by decreasing the fatigue indicators, saving glycogen, and elevating the antioxidant defense system.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제30권12호
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• pp.1092-1100
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• 2020

Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4 (Steap4)는 철과 구리를 환원하여 철과 구리의 세포내 유입에 관여하는 금속 환원효소로, 구리 철의 항상성 뿐만 아니라 염증, 포도당 대사, 지질 대사에도 중요한 역할을 한다. 최근에 Steap4가 지방세포의 분화를 촉진한다는 보고가 발표되었으나, 이에 관련된 분자적 기전에 대해서는 알려지지 않았다. 그래서, 본 연구에서는 Steap4에 의한 지방세포분화 촉진에 관련된 기전을 연구하였다. 이를 위해 3T3-L1 백색지방세포, 불멸화된 갈색지방세포(iBA) 및 생쥐의 배아 섬유아 세포인 C3H10T1/3 세포에서 Steap4을 감소시킨 후 지방세포분화 초기단계에 관련된 신호들을 분석하였다. Steap4을 shRNA로 감소시켰을 때 지방세포분화 초기 단계에서 3종류 지방세포의 세포 증식이 억제되었으며, 세포주기 관련 단백질인 cyclin A, cyclin D 그리고 cdk2의 발현은 감소하는 반면 세포주기 저해 단백질인 p21과 p27의 발현은 증가하였다. 또한 세포주기 관련 신호인 p38, ERK 그리고 Akt의 활성화는 억제되었다. 한편 지방세포분화 초기 단계에 관여하는 지방세포분화 전사인자들을 분석하였을 때, Steap4의 감소는 지방세포분화 활성 전사 인자인 C/EBPβ, KLF4의 발현을 저해하는 반면, 지방세포분화 억제 전사 인자인 KLF2, KLF3 그리고 GATA2의 발현은 증가시켰다. 또한 Steap4의 과발현은 C/EBPβ promoter에 존재하는 전사억제 히스톤 표지자인 H3K9me2과 H3K27me3을 감소시켰다. 따라서, 이상의 결과를 종합하면 Steap4는 지방세포분화 초기단계인 mitotic clonal expansion을 촉진하고 지방세포분화 전사인자들의 발현을 조절함으로써, 지방세포분화를 촉진시킴을 알 수 있었다.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제17권6호
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• pp.1383-1392
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• 2003

Apoptosis is a morphologically and biochemically district form of cell death that occurs in many different cell types in a wide variety of organisms. Albizzia julibrissin belonging the family Leguminosae has been used for the treatment of contusion, sore throat, amnesia, and insomnia in oriental traditional medicine. This study investigates whether the water extract of A. julibrissin induce apoptotic cell death in Jurkat T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells. Jurkat cells were increased inhibitions of cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner by A. julibrissin. This herbal medicine also caused apoptosis as measured by cell morphology and DNA fragmentation. The capability of A. julibrissin to induce apoptosis was associated with proteolytic cleavage of specific target proteins such as poly (ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) and beta-catenin proteins suggesting the possible involvement of caspases. Our result showed that Bcl-2 and Bax protein levels were not changed in all A. julibrissin-treated groups compared to control group. These results suggest that A. julibrissin-mediated apoptosis is independent with Bcl-2 related signaling pathway in this cells. The purpose of the present study is also to investigate the Effect of A. julibrissin on cell cycle progression. Our results showed that G1 checkpoint related gene products (cyclin D1, cyclin dependent kinase 4, retinoblastoma, E2F1) were decreased in their protein levels in a dose-dependent manners after treatment of the extract. These results indicate that the increase of apoptotic cell death by A. julibrissin may be due to the inhibition of cell cycle progression in wild type p53-lacking Jurkat cells.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.107-113
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• 2011

Background: Metabolic disorders, including type II diabetes and obesity, present major health risks in industrialized countries. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has become the focus of a great deal of attention as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic syndromes. In this study, we evaluated whether dietary aloe could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and adipogenesis. Methods: Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Results: Aloe QDM complex downregulated fat size through suppressed expression of scavenger receptors on adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) compared with HFD. Both white adipose tissue (WATs) and muscle exhibited increased AMPK activation through aloe supplementation, and in particular, the Aloe QDM complex. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$ and -6) and $HIF1{\alpha}$ mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration by the Aloe QDM complex. Further, the Aloe QDM complex decreased the translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 from the cytosol in the WAT. Conclusion: Dietary aloe formula reduced obesity-induced inflammatory responses by activation of AMPK in muscle and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines in the WAT. Additionally, the expression of scavenger receptors in the ATM and activation of AMPK in WAT led to reduction in the percent of body fat. Thus, we suggest that the effect of the Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and muscle are related to activation of AMPK and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.529-541
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• 2003

Yukmijihwang-tang has been widely used as an and-aging herbal medicine for hundred years in Asian countries. Numerous studies show that Yukmijihwangtang has anti-oxidative effect both in vivo and in vitro. It has been reported that Moutan Cortex Radicis extract (MCR) was the most effective herb in Yukmijihwang-tang on undifferentiated PC12 cells upon oxidative-stressed with hydrogen peroxide. The purpose of this study is to; 1) evaluate the recovery of neuronal damage by assessing the anti-oxidant effect of MCR on PC12 cells differentiated with nerve growth factor (NGF), 2) identify candidate genes responsible for anti-oxidative effect on differentiated PC12 cells by oligonucleotide chip microarray. PC12 cells, which were differentiated by treating with NGF, were treated without or with hydrogen peroxide in the presence or absence of various concentration of MCR. Cell survival was determined by using MTS assay. Measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was determined using the H2DCFDA assay The viability of cells treated with MCR was significantly recovered from stressed PC12 cell. In addition, wide rage of concentrations of MCR shows dose-dependent inhibitory effect on ROS production in oxidative-stressed cells. Total RNAs of cells without treatment(Control group), only treated with H₂O₂ (stressed group) and treated with both H₂O₂ and of MCR (MCR group) were isolated, and cDNAs was synthesized using oligoT7(dT) primer. The fragmented cRNAs, synthesized from cDNAs, were applied to Affymetrix GeneChip Rat Neurobiology U34 Array. mRNA of Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta subunit(CaMKII), neuron glucose transporter (GLUT3) and myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein(MOG) were downregulated in Stressed group comparing to Control group. P2X2-5 receptor (P2X2R-5), P2X2-4 receptor (P2X2R-4), c-fos, 25 kDa synaptosomal attachment protein(SNAP-25a) and GLUT3 were downregulated, whereas A2 adenosine receptor (A2AR), cathechol-O-methyltransferase(COMT), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), EST223333, heme oxygenase (HO), VGF, UI-R-CO-ja-a-07-0-Ul.s1 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) were upregulated in MCA group comparing to Control group. Expression of Putative potassium channel subunit protein (ACK4), P2X2A-5, P2X2A-4, Interferon-gamma inducing factor isoform alpha precursor (IL-18α), EST199031, P2XR, P2X2 purinoceptor isoform e (P2X2R-e), Precursor interleukin 18 (IL-18) were downregulated, whereas MOO, EST223333, GLUT-1, MIF, Neuronatin alpha, UI-R-C0-ja-a-07-0-Ul.s1, A2. adenosine receptor, COMT, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), HO, VGF, A rat novel protein which is expressed with nerve injury (E12625) were upregulated in MCR group comparing to Stressed group. The results suggest that decreased viability and AOS production of PC12 cell by H₂O₂ may be, at lease, mediated by impaired glucose transporter expression. It is implicated that the MCR treatment protect PC12 cell from oxidative stress via following mechanisms; improving glucose transport into the cell, enhancing expression of anti-oxidative genes and protecting from dopamine cytotoxicity by increment of COMT and MIF expression. The list of differentially expressed genes may implicate further insight on the action and mechanism behind the anti-oxidative effects of herbal extract Moutan Cortex Radicis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.43-49
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• 2012

Stimulation of mast cells through the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc${\varepsilon}$RI) induces degranulation, lipid mediator release, and cytokine secretion leading to allergic reactions. Although various signaling pathways have been characterized to be involved in the Fc${\varepsilon}$RI-mediated responses, little is known about the precious mechanism for the expression of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) in mast cells. Here, we report that rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), reduces the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. IgE or specific antigen stimulation of RBL-2H3 cells increases the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ and activates various signaling molecules including S6K1, Akt and p38 MAPK. Rapamycin specifically inhibits antigeninduced TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA level, while other kinase inhibitors have no effect on TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA level. These data indicate that mTOR signaling pathway is the main regulation mechanism for antigen-induced TNF-${\alpha}$ expression. TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA stability analysis using reporter construct containing TNF-${\alpha}$ adenylate/uridylate-rich elements (AREs) shows that rapamycin destabilizes TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA via regulating the AU-rich element of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA. The antigen-induced activation of S6K1 is inhibited by specific kinase inhibitors including mTOR, PI3K, PKC and $Ca^{2+}$chelator inhibitor, while TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA level is reduced only by rapamycin treatment. These data suggest that the effects of rapamycin on the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA are not mediated by S6K1 but regulated by mTOR. Taken together, our results reveal that mTOR signaling pathway is a novel regulation mechanism for antigen-induced TNF-${\alpha}$ expression in RBL-2H3 cells.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• 제43권5호
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• pp.468-477
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• 2009

목적: Hydrodynamic-based procedure는 손쉽고 간편한 비바이러스성 유전자 전달 방법으로 특히 간특이적으로 발현하는 특징을 가진다. 단순 헤르페스 바이러스 제 1 형 티미딘 키나제(herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase, HSV1-tk)와 다양한 기질을 이용한 비침습적 HSV1-tk 유전자 영상시스템이 널리 연구되어왔다. 본 연구에서는 HSV1-tk 유전자를 hydrodynamic-based procedure를 이용하여 전달한 후, HSV1-tk의 보고 기질로 알려진 5-(2-iodovinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine (IVDU)을 이용하여 간 특이적인 HSV1-tk 유전자 발현 영상을 획득하고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: HSV1-tk 유전자와 녹색형광유전자를 가진 각 플라스미드 벡터를 마우스에 hyodynaminc injection을 통해 전달하고, 24 시간 뒤 유전자의 발현을 확인하기 위해 RT-PCR, 생체형광영상, 핵의학영상, 전신자가방사영상 그리고 생체분포를 시행하였다. 결과: 각 플라스미드 벡터를 전달한 간으로부터 추출한 전체 RNA를 이용하여 RT-PCR을 수행한 결과, 각각 HSV1-tk유전자와 녹색형광단백 유전자의 특이적인 밴드를 관찰할 수 있었다. 생체 분포 결과, pHSV1-tk 벡터를 전달한 마우스의 간에서 특이적인 [$^{123}I$]IVDU의 섭취를 보였다. 생체형광영상에서는pEGFP-N1 벡터를 전달한 마우스의 간에서는 유의한 형광신호를 나타내었다. 전신자가방사영상과 감마카메라 영상에서 pHSV1-tk 벡터를 전달한 마우스의 간에서 방사표지 IVDU가 국소적으로 집적되는 것을 확인하였다. 결론: 본 연구에서 hydrodynamic-based procedure는 간특이적으로 플라스미드 DNA를 전달하는데 효과적이며 전달된 유전자의 발현을 분자영상학적인 방법으로 확인하였다. 따라서 Hydrodynamic injection을 통해 HSV1-tk유전자와 목적 유전자의 공동발현은 방사표지 IVDU에 의해 목적 유전자의 발현을 정량평가하는데 유용할 것으로 기대된다.