• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.105-110
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• 2018

멜리틴은 봉독의 주요 성분 중 하나로 항염증과 항암활성 효과를 가지고 있다. 우리는 폐암세포에서 멜리틴이 EMT 억제를 통해 암세포 이동과 침투를 억제하는 사실을 확인하였다. 멜리틴은 EGF로 유도된 폐암 세포 이동과 침투를 억제하였을 뿐만 아니라 EMT와 관련된 단백질인 이카드헤린의 발현을 증가시켰으며, 바이멘틴과 피브로넥틴 발현은 감소시켰다. 또한 멜리틴에 의한 EMT조절 전사인자인 ZEB2, Slug, Snail의 발현을 확인한 결과 멜리틴 처리에 의해 농도의존적으로 발현이 감소하였다. 또한 작용 메커니즘을 확인하기 위해 mTOR와 FAK 메커니즘을 확인한 실험에서 EGF 처리에 의해 증가한 AKT, mTOR, p70S6K, 4EBP1의 인산화가 멜리틴 농도의존적으로 감소하였다. 그러나 FAK는 EGF에 의해 변화가 없었으며, EKR, JNK 메커니즘은 EGF 처리에 의해 인산화가 증가하였으나 멜리틴 처리에 의해 아무런 영향을 받지 않았다. 그러므로, 폐암세포의 세포 이동과 침투에 대한 멜리틴의 억제효과는 AKT/mTOR/P70S6K/4EBP1 기전 억제를 통해 EMT를 억제하여 세포 이동과 침투를 억제하는 것으로 보인다.

• Experimental and Molecular Medicine
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• 제50권11호
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• pp.6.1-6.12
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• 2018

Morphine tolerance remains a challenge in the management of chronic pain in the clinic. As shown in our previous study, the dopamine D2 receptor (D2DR) expressed in spinal cord neurons might be involved in morphine tolerance, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, selective spinal D2DR blockade attenuated morphine tolerance in mice by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/serine-threonine kinase (Akt)-mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in a ${\mu}$ opioid receptor (MOR)-dependent manner. Levo-corydalmine (l-CDL), which exhibited micromolar affinity for D2DR in D2/CHO-K1 cell lines in this report and effectively alleviated bone cancer pain in our previous study, attenuated morphine tolerance in rats with chronic bone cancer pain at nonanalgesic doses. Furthermore, the intrathecal administration of l-CDL obviously attenuated morphine tolerance, and the effect was reversed by a D2DR agonist in mice. Spinal D2DR inhibition and l-CDL also inhibited tolerance induced by the MOR agonist DAMGO. l-CDL and a D2DR small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased the increase in levels of phosphorylated Akt and MAPK in the spinal cord; these changes were abolished by a PI3K inhibitor. In addition, the activated Akt and MAPK proteins in mice exhibiting morphine tolerance were inhibited by a MOR antagonist. Intrathecal administration of a PI3K inhibitor also attenuated DAMGO-induced tolerance. Based on these results, l-CDL antagonized spinal D2DR to attenuate morphine tolerance by inhibiting PI3K/Akt-dependent MAPK phosphorylation through MOR. These findings provide insights into a more versatile treatment for morphine tolerance.

• 한국자원식물학회지
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.168-177
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• 2015

본 연구는 대두 부산물인 순물과 침지수가 고지방 식이에 의해 비만이 유도된 마우스의 지방 제거에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 침지수가 포함된 일반 사료를 섭이한 실험군의 체중 및 간과 부고환 지방 조직 내 지방 축적은 현저히 적은 것으로 나타났으며, 복부 내 내장 지방과 피하지방도 크게 발달하지 않은 것으로 나타나 침지수는 체내 축적된 지방량을 효과적으로 감소시키는 것으로 조사되었다. 침지수 식이군의 혈중 AST와 ALT의 활성은 대조군 수준으로 유지되었으며, 콜레스테롤 함량과 중성 지질 농도가 감소되는 것으로 나타나 침지수가 고지방 식이로 인한 혈중 효소 활성과 지질농도를 개선하는 것으로 조사되었다. 특히 침지수는 metabolic sensor 단백질인 AMPK와 ACC의 인산화를 촉진시켜 체내 지방산 산화에 영향을 주는 것으로 확인되었다. 또한 침지수는 복부 내 피하지방과 내장지방의 축적을 억제하는 것으로 확인되었다. 따라서 대두 부산물 중 침지수는 비만이 유도된 마우스의 혈중 지질 함량을 개선할 뿐만 아니라 체내 조직의 지방 축적을 완화시키거나 제거하는 데 효과적일 것으로 사료된다.

• Korean Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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• 제61권12호
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• pp.674-680
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• 2018

Background and Objectives The representative mucin genes in the human airway are MUC5AC and MUC5B, which are regulated by several inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances. Triptolide (TPL), udenafil, betulinic acid, changkil saponin, and glucosteroid are some of the many anti-inflammatory substances that exist. TPL is a diterpenoid compound from the thunder god vine, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of immune inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, nephritis and asthma. However, the effects of TPL on mucin expression of human airway epithelial cells have yet to be reported. Hence, this study investigated the effect of TPL on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MUC5AC and MUC5B expression in human airway epithelial cells. Subjects and Method The NCI-H292 cells and the primary cultures of human nasal epithelial cells were used to investigate the effects of TPL on LPS-induced MUC5AC and MUC5B expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay, and Western blot. Results TPL significantly decreased the LPS-induced MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA expression and protein production. TPL also significantly decreased the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) phosphorylation. Conclusion These results suggest that TPL down regulates MUC5AC and MUC5B expression via inhibition of NF-kB activation in human airway epithelial cells. This study may provide important information about the biological role of triptolide on mucus-secretion in airway inflammatory diseases and the development of novel therapeutic agents for controlling such diseases.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제42권6호
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• pp.448-459
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• 2019

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway is a promising target for gastric cancer (GC) treatment; however the efficacy of PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors in GC has not yet been maximized. Additionally, the effect of autophagy regulation by PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors has not been clearly elucidated in GC treatment. We aimed to show that our newly developed PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor, CMG002, when combined with an autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine (CQ), potently induces effective cancer cell death in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) cells, where both the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and autophagy pathways play important roles in disease pathogenesis. EBV- and mock-infected AGS and NUGC3 GC cell lines were treated with CMG002 +/- CQ. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway mediators, cellular apoptosis and autophagy markers were confirmed by Western blot assay. Cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. CMG002 effectively blocked the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by markedly decreasing phosphorylation of AKT and its downstream mediator S6. CMG002 induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and enhanced apoptotic cell death in AGS and NUGC3 cells, particularly EBV-infected cells compared with mock-infected cells, as confirmed by flow cytometric analyses and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assays. The combination of CMG002 plus CQ synergistically increased apoptotic cell death in EBV-infected GC cell lines when compared with CMG002 alone (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that the new PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor, CMG002, when used in combination with the autophagy inhibitor, CQ, provides enhanced therapeutic efficacy against EBVaGC.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권2호
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• pp.272-281
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• 2019

Background: Diabetic sensorineural damage is a complication of the sensory neural system, resulting from long-term hyperglycemia. Red ginseng (RG) has shown efficacy for treatment of various diseases, including diabetes mellitus; however, there is little research about its benefit for treating sensorineural damage. Therefore, we aim to evaluate RG efficacy in alloxan-induced diabetic neuromast (AIDN) zebrafish. Methods: In this study, we developed and validated an AIDN zebrafish model. To assess RG effectiveness, we observed morphological changes in live neuromast zebrafish. Also, zebrafish has been observed to have an ultrastructure of hair-cell cilia under scanning electron microscopy. Thus, we recorded these physiological traits to assess hair cell function. Finally, we confirmed that RG promoted neuromast recovery via nerve growth factor signaling pathway markers. Results: First, we established an AIDN zebrafish model. Using this model, we showed via live neuromast imaging that RG fostered recovery of sensorineural damage. Damaged hair cell cilia were recovered in AIDN zebrafish. Furthermore, RG rescued damaged hair cell function through cell membrane ion balance. Conclusion: Our data suggest that RG potentially facilitates recovery in AIDN zebrafish, and its mechanism seems to be promotion of the nerve growth factor pathway through increased expression of topomyosin receptor kinase A, transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily type 1, and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제31권7호
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• pp.933-941
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• 2021

Ginsenoside Rg4 is a rare ginsenoside that is naturally found in ginseng, and exhibits a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in several cell types. The purpose of this study was to use an in vivo model of hair follicle (HF)-mimic based on a human dermal papilla (DP) spheroid system prepared by three-dimensional (3D) culture and to investigate the effect of Rg4 on the hair-inductive properties of DP cells. Treatment of the DP spheroids with Rg4 (20 to 50 ㎍/ml) significantly increased the viability and size of the DP spheres in a dose-dependent manner. Rg4 also increased the mRNA and protein expression of DP signature genes that are related to hair growth including ALP, BMP2, and VCAN in the DP spheres. Analysis of the signaling molecules and luciferase reporter assays further revealed that Rg4 induces the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and the inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3β, which activates the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. These results correlated with not only the increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin following the treatment of the DP spheres with Rg4 but also the significant elevation of mRNA expression of the downstream target genes of the WNT/β-catenin pathway including WNT5A, β-catenin, and LEF1. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that ginsenoside Rg4 promotes the hair-inductive properties of DP cells by activating the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway in DP spheres, suggesting that Rg4 could be a potential natural therapy for hair growth.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.418-425
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• 2022

Background: Sorafenib is effective in treating hepatoma, but most patients develop resistance to it. STAT3 signaling has been implicated in sorafenib resistance. Artesunate (ART) and 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) have anti-hepatoma effects and can inhibit STAT3 signaling in cancer cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Rg3 in combination with ART (Rg3-plus-ART) in overcoming sorafenib resistance, and to examine the involvement of STAT3 signaling in these effects. Methods: Sorafenib-resistant HepG2 cells (HepG2-SR) were used to evaluate the in vitro anti-hepatoma effects of Rg3-plus-ART. A HepG2-SR hepatoma-bearing BALB/c-nu/nu mouse model was used to assess the in vivo anti-hepatoma effects of Rg3-plus-ART. CCK-8 assays and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining were used to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Immunoblotting was employed to examine protein levels. ROS generation was examined by measuring DCF-DA fluorescence. Results: Rg3-plus-ART synergistically reduced viability of, and evoked apoptosis in HepG2-SR cells, and suppressed HepG2-SR tumor growth in mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that Rg3-plus-ART inhibited activation/phosphorylation of Src and STAT3 in HepG2-SR cultures and tumors. The combination also decreased the STAT3 nuclear level and induced ROS production in HepG2-SR cultures. Furthermore, overactivation of STAT3 or removal of ROS diminished the anti-proliferative effects of Rg3-plus-ART, and removal of ROS diminished Rg3-plus-ART's inhibitory effects on STAT3 activation in HepG2-SR cells. Conclusions: Rg3-plus-ART overcomes sorafenib resistance in experimental models, and inhibition of Src/STAT3 signaling and modulation of ROS/STAT3 signaling contribute to the underlying mechanisms. This study provides a pharmacological basis for developing Rg3-plus-ART into a novel modality for treating sorafenib-resistant hepatoma.

• 한국자원식물학회지
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.372-379
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• 2022

본 연구는 추출용매에 따른 레몬밤 추출물의 중성지방 조절에 대한 논문으로 3T3-L1 지방전구세포를 이용해 지방세포로 분화유도한 뒤 lipid accumulation, triglyceride contents, PKA, HSL, perilipin, ATGL 및 CGI-58 단백질 발현을 확인하였다. 실험결과 네가지 조건의 레몬밤 추출물 중 물 추출 조건인 MOW100 추출물만 lipid accumulation과 triglyceride contents의 유의적 억제 효능을 나타내었으며, MOE70, MOE50, MOE50 추출물은 lipid accumulation과 triglyceride contents의 감소 효과가 없거나 유의적 차이를 나타내지 않는 것이 확인되었다. MOW100 추출물의 세포내 지방 축적 억제는 지방세포 내 lipolysis를 조절하는 효소 조절을 통해 나타난 결과로 판단된다. 따라서 레몬밤 물 추출물은 cAMP-PKA를 활성화시키고, lipolysis를 조절하는 효소의 상승작용을 통해 세포내 중성지방을 조절함으로써 혈중 중성지방을 개선하는 후보소재로의 사용이 가능할 것으로 사료된다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.541-556
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• 2022

Myocardial fibrosis is a key link in the occurrence and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Its etiology is complex, and the effect of drugs is not good. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is an important cause of myocardial fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gaseous signal molecule sulfur dioxide (SO₂) on diabetic myocardial fibrosis and its internal regulatory mechanism. Masson and TUNEL staining, Western-blot, transmission electron microscopy, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry were used in the study, and the interstitial collagen deposition, autophagy, apoptosis, and changes in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways were evaluated from in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results showed that diabetic myocardial fibrosis was accompanied by cardiomyocyte apoptosis and down-regulation of endogenous SO₂-producing enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AAT)_1/2. However, exogenous SO₂ donors could up-regulate AAT_1/2, reduce apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by diabetic rats or high glucose, inhibit phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT protein, up-regulate autophagy, and reduce interstitial collagen deposition. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the gaseous signal molecule SO₂ can inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway to promote cytoprotective autophagy and inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis to improve myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats. The results of this study are expected to provide new targets and intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.