• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2010

Objective : Notochordal cells in the intervertebral disc interact with nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and support the maintenance of disc homeostasis by regulation of matrix production. However, the influence of notochordal cells has not been evaluated in the annulus fibrosus (AF), which is the primary pain generator in the disc. We hypothesized that the notochordal cell has the capacity to modulate inflammatory mediators secreted by AF cells secondary to stimulation. Methods : Notochordal and AF cells were isolated from adult New Zealand white rabbits. AF pellets were cultured with notochordal cell clusters or in notochordal cell-conditioned media (NCCM) for 24 or 48 hours with proinflammatory cytokines at varying concentrations. Gene expression in AF pellets were assayed for nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2, and interleukin (IL)-6 by real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results : AF pellet in NCCM significantly decreased the iNOS and COX-2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels compared to AF pellets alone and AF pellets with notochordal cells (p < 0.05). AF pellet resulted in dose-dependent iNOS and COX-2 expression in response to IL-$1{\beta}$, stimulation, demonstrating that 1 ng/ml for 24 hours yielded a maximal response. AF pellet in NCCM significantly decreased the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in response to 1ng/ml IL-$1{\beta}$, stimulation at 24 hours (p < 0.05). There was no difference in IL-6 expression compared to AF pellets alone or AF pellets with notochordal cell clusters. Conclusion : We conclude that soluble factors from notochordal cells mitigate the gene expression of inflammatory mediators in stimulated AF, as expected after annular injury, suggesting that notochordal cells could serve as a novel therapeutic approach in symptomatic disc development.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.96-96
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• 2003

Previously, wogonin (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone) was found to suppress proinflammatory enzyme expression including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), contributing to in vivo anti-inflammatory activity against skin inflammation. However, the detailed effect on each skin cell type has not been understood. Therefore, present investigation was carried out to find the effect of wogonin on inflammation-associated gene expression from skin fibroblasts in culture using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. As a result, it was found that wogonin (10 - 100 ${\mu}$M) clearly down-regulated COX -2 expression from NIH/3T3 cells treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate, interleukin-1${\beta}$ or tumor necrosis factor-a. But, the expression levels of COX-1, interleukin-1${\beta}$ and fibronectin were not significantly affected. This finding was well correlated with significant reduction of prostaglandin E$_2$(PGE$_2$) production by wogonin. As a comparison, NS-398 (selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) did not suppress COX -2 expression and other gene levels, while PGE$_2$production was potently reduced at 0.1 - 10 ${\mu}$M. All these results suggest that COX -2 down-regulation of skin fibroblasts may be, at least in part, one of anti-inflammatory mechanisms of wogonin against skin inflammation.

• CELLMED
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.29.1-29.9
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• 2012

The prevalence of allergic disease has been increasing over the past few decades in the majority of Western industrialized nations. There are some socioeconomic disparities regarding allergic disease status and management. Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) is Korean medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease. It is known that KMP6 has an improving effect on the spleen and stomach functions in traditional Korean medical theory. Here, we hypothesized that KMP6 could be used to regulate the inflammatory reaction. We show the molecular mechanisms of Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) on inflammatory reactions. A molecular docking simulation showed that hesperidin, component of KMP6, regulate the enzymatic activity by interaction in the active site of caspase-1. KMP6 control the activity of caspase-1 in activated human mast cell line (HMC-1 cells). KMP6 reduced the expression of receptor interacting protein (RIP)-2 in HMC-1 cells. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin protein production and mRNA expression were inhibited by KMP6. In the activated HMC-1 cells, KMP6 suppressed the activation of mitogen-ativated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB. In addition, KMP6 significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Our findings indicate that KMP6 may attenuate allergic reactions via the regulation of caspase-1/RIP-2 signaling pathway. These studies will help advance the social welfare system.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.364-368
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• 2012

Bovine lactoferrin is well known as biological activator in defense mechanism related some cells. In this study, we was investigated about the immune modulator as a role of lactoferrin through the transcriptional regulation of genes associated with hypersensitivity such as allergy, athma and inflammatory disease. Effects of inflammatory reaction of bovine lactoferrin was carried out by RT-PCR analysis from isolated total RNA treated with lactoferrin 0, 10, 50, 100, 500 ${\mu}g/mL$ and PMA 100 ng/mL. The expression of the TYROBP, PITPNA, IL-10, SLP1, DC-stamp and ICAM-1 mRNA were increased by synergy effect of bovine lactoferrin and PMA. The results of RT-PCR showed that bovine lactoferrin and PMA had an effect of immune modulator by enhancement of TYROBP, PITPNA, SLP1, DC-stamp, IL-10 and ICAM-1 gene transcription in U937, Mutz-3 and NK92 cells, respectively. Bovine lactoferrin showed a potential of biological function which could be used for industrial applications as a material of food and pharmaceutical.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1514-1518
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• 2003

Angelica sinensis radix, Danggui, is a traditional oriental medication, which has been used to modulate immune response. We report here that aqueous extract of Angelica sinensis radix (ASR) can induces NO production, and inhibit LPS-induced NO production in dose-dependent manner in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. ASR also induces iNOS mRNA and iNOS protein expression, and exhibit inhibitory effect on iNOS mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Cytokines involved in the regulation of inflammatory reaction and immune response may play a role in the pathogenesis. ASR induces. pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression (IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6 gene) in a dose-dependent manner, and inhibits the expressions of these cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. These data indicate that (1) ASR may be a potential therapeutic modulator of NO synthesis in various pathological conditions, and (2) the immunomodulatory effects of ASR may be, in part, associated with the inducing or suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expressions.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.237-243
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• 2014

Objective : Symptomatic disc degeneration develops from inflammatory reactions in the annulus fibrosus (AF). Although inflammatory mediators during annular inflammation have been studied, the roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the production of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) during annular inflammation using an in vitro co-culture system. We also examined the effect of notochordal cells on annular inflammation. Methods : Human AF (hAF) pellet was co-cultured for 48 hours with phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated macrophage-like THP-1 cells. hAF pellet and conditioned media (CM) from co-cultured cells were assayed for MMPs, TIMPs, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels using real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and enzyem-linked immunosorbent assay. To evaluate whether notochordal cells affected MMPs or TIMPs production on annular inflammation, hAF co-cultured with notochordal cells from adult New Zealand White rabbits, were assayed. Results : MMP-1, -3, -9; and TIMP-1 levels were significantly increased in CM of hAF co-cultured with macrophage-like cells compared with hAF alone, whereas TIMP-2 and IGF-1 levels were significantly decreased (p<0.05). After macrophage exposure, hAF produced significantly more MMP-1 and -3 and less TIMP-1 and -2. Interleukin-$1{\beta}$ stimulation enhanced MMP-1 and -3 levels, and significantly diminished TIMP-2 levels. Co-culturing with rabbit notochordal cells did not significantly influence MMPs and TIMPs production or COL1A2 gene expression. Conclusion : Our results indicate that macrophage-like cells evoke annular degeneration through the regulation of major degradative enzymes and their inhibitors, produced by hAF, suggesting that the selective regulation of these enzymes provides future targets for symptomatic disc degeneration therapy.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.164-173
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hyperglycemia is a major cause of diabetes and diabetesrelated diseases. Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a short-chain fatty acid derivative that produces dietary fiber by anaerobic bacterial fermentation in the large intestine and occurs in foods, such as Parmesan cheese and butter. Butyrate has been shown to prevent obesity, improve insulin sensitivity, and ameliorate dyslipidemia in diet-induced obese mice. Therefore, this study examined the effects and mechanism of NaB on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines induced by high glucose (HG) in THP-1 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: THP-1 cells were used as an in vitro model for HG-induced inflammation. The cells were cultured under normal glycemic or hyperglycemic conditions with or without NaB (0-25 μM). Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the protein and mRNA levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, acetylated p65, acetyl CREB-binding protein/p300 (CBP/p300), and p300 using THP-1 cells. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT), histone deacetylase (HDAC), and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion activity were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: HG significantly upregulated histone acetylation, acetylation levels of p300, NF-κB activation, and inflammatory cytokine release in THP-1 cells. Conversely, the NaB treatment reduced cytokine release and NF-κB activation in HG-treated cells. It also significantly reduced p65 acetylation, CBP/p300 HAT activity, and CBP/p300 gene expression. In addition, NaB decreased the interaction of p300 in acetylated NF-κB and TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that NaB suppresses HG-induced inflammatory cytokine production through HAT/HDAC regulation in monocytes. NaB has the potential for preventing and treating diabetes and its related complications.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.335-343
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• 2020

Background: Zhongyi paste is a traditional Chinese medicine herbal paste that is externally applied to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Methods: An acute foot swelling inflammation model in C57BL/6J mice was established by carrageenan-induced pathogenesis. Zhongyi paste raised the pain threshold and also reduced the degree of swelling in mice with carrageenan-induced foot swelling. Results: Analysis indicated that serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) cytokine levels and PGE₂ levels in the paw tissue of the mice were decreased by Zhongyi paste treatment. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot results showed that Zhongyi paste downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and also downregulated the mRNA expression of PGE₂. At the same time, the Zhongyi paste exerted a stronger effect as an external drug than that of indomethacin, which is an oral drug, and voltaren, which is an externally applied drug. Conclusions: Our results indicated that Zhongyi paste is a very effective drug to reduce inflammatory swelling of the foot, and its mechanism of action is related to regulation of the ERK1/2-COX-2-PGE₂ pathway.

• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.9
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• pp.449-452
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• 2020

The inner ear is a complex and delicate structure composed of the cochlea and the vestibular system. To maintain normal auditory function, strict homeostasis of the inner ear is needed. A proper immune response against infection, thus, is crucial. Also, since excessive immune reaction can easily damage the normal architecture within the inner ear, the immune response should be fine regulated. The exact mechanism how the inner ear's immune response, specifically the innate immunity, is regulated was unknown. Recently, we reported a protein selectively localized in the inner ear during bacterial infection, named cochlin, as a possible mediator of such regulation. In this review, the immunological function of cochlin and the mechanism behind its role within inner ear immunity is summarized. Cochlin regulates innate immunity by physically entrapping pathogens within scala tympani and recruiting innate immune cells. Such mechanism enables efficient removal of pathogen while preserving the normal inner ear structure from inflammatory damage.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2019

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG; Panax ginseng Meyer) is a widely used medicinal herb known to exert various immune modulatory functions. KRG and one of its purified components, ginsenoside Rg3, are known to possess anti-inflammatory activities. How they impact helper T cell-mediated responses is not fully explored. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effect of KRG extract (KRGE) and ginsenoside Rg3 on Th1 cell responses. Methods: Using well-characterized T cell in vitro differentiation systems, we examined the effects of KRGE or enhanced Rg3 on the Th1-inducing cytokine production from dendritic cells (DC) and the naïve $CD4^+$ T cells differentiation to Th1 cells. Furthermore, we examined the change of Th1 cell population in the intestine after treatment of enhanced Rg3. The influence of KRGE or enhanced Rg3 on Th1 cell differentiation was evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: KRGE significantly inhibited the production level of IL-12 from DCs and subsequent Th1 cell differentiation. Similarly, enhanced Rg3 significantly suppressed the expression of interferon gamma ($IFN{\gamma}$) and T-bet in T cells under Th1-skewing condition. Consistent with these effects in vitro, oral administration of enhanced Rg3 suppressed the frequency of Th1 cells in the Peyer's patch and lamina propria cells in vivo. Conclusion: Enhanced Rg3 negatively regulates the differentiation of Th1 cell in vitro and Th1 cell responses in the gut in vivo, providing fundamental basis for the use of this agent to treat Th1-related diseases.