• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.79-86
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• 2003

This study was carried out to evaluate cytotoxic effects of Houttuynia cordata $T_{HUNB}$ extracts on A549(lung cancer), B16(mouse melanoma), MDA-MB231(breast cancer) and SNU-C4(colon cancer) cell lines. We have determined by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazoliumbromide(MTT) assay. The $150{\mu}g/ml$ concentration of chloroform extract of Houttuynia cordata $T_{HUNB}$ was shown significantly antitoxic activity on MDA-MB231$(65.96{\pm}5.68%)$ and SNU-C4$(55.94{\pm}7.39%)$ cell lines.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.205-217
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• 2008

Objectives : We investigated the effects of Herba Ephedrae and Rhizoma Amorphophalli on high fat diet induced obese male mice. Methods : 8 weeks old, high fat diet induced obese male mice were divided into 5 groups: C57BL/6 normal control, obese vehicle control, GGEx55 (Herba Ephedrae), GGEx61 (Rhizoma Amorphophalli), GGEx62 (Herba Ephedrae + Rhizoma Amorphophalli). After mice were treated with GGEx for 8 weeks, we measured body weight gain, food intake, feeding efficiency ratio, rectal temperature, fat weight, plasma leptin and lipid levels. We also took micro-computerized axial tomography (micro-CT) on the mice. Results : 1. GGEx55 and GGEx62 groups significantly decreased body weight gain and feeding efficiency ratio compared with vehicle control. But they significantly increased rectal temperature. 2. Plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly increased by GGEx55 groups, whereas were significantly decreased by GGEx62 groups compared with vehicle control. 3. GGEx55 and GGEx62 groups significantly decreased total, subcutaneous and visceral fat as well as fat areas in micro-CT analysis of abdomen compared with vehicle control. 4. Plasma GOT and GPT concentrations were significantly increased by GGEx55 groups compared with vehicle control. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that GGEx55 and GGEx62 effectively reduces body weight gain, feeding efficiency ratio in high fat diet induced obese mice, leading to the modulation of obesity. In addition, GGEx55 and GGEx62 decreases visceral adipose tissue mass and improves plasma lipids, suggesting that GGEx55 and GGEx62 may act as a therapeutic agent for obesity.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.299-306
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• 2013

In the present study, we investigated the effect of ethanolic extract of the seed of Zizyphus jujuba var. spinosa (EEZS) on cholinergic blockade-induced memory impairment in mice. Male ICR mice were treated with EEZS. The behavioral tests were conducted using the passive avoidance, the Y-maze, and the Morris water maze tasks. EEZS (100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly ameliorated the scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in our present behavioral tasks without changes of locomotor activity. The ameliorating effect of EEZS on scopolamine-induced memory impairment was significantly reversed by a sub-effective dose of MK-801 (0.0125 mg/kg, s.c.). In addition, single administration of EEZS in normal naive mouse enhanced latency time in the passive avoidance task. Western blot analysis was employed to confirm the mechanism of memory-ameliorating effect of EEZS. Administration of EEZS (200 mg/kg) increased the level of memory-related signaling molecules, including phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase or cAMP response element-binding protein in the hippocampal region. Also, the time-dependent expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor by the administration of EEZS was markedly increased from 3 to 9 h. These results suggest that EEZS has memory-ameliorating effect on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment, which is mediated by the enhancement of the cholinergic neurotransmitter system, in part, via NMDA receptor signaling, and that EEZS would be useful agent against cognitive dysfunction such as Alzheimer's disease.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.9-23
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• 2015

Objectives: This study was investigated the improvement effects of Pakistani Ephedra herba-containing Gangji-hwan-1, 2, 3 (Di-fatty; DF-1, 2, 3), Chinese Ephedra herba-containing Gangjihwan-4 (DF-4) and combination of DF-1 and Gamisoche-hwan (GSH) on obesity in a high fat diet-fed obese mouse model. Methods: Eight-week-old C57BL/6N mice were divided into seven groups: a normal lean group given a standard diet, an obese control group given a high fat diet, and DF-1, 2, 3, 4, and DF-1+GSH groups given a high fat diet with DF-1, 2, 3, 4 (40, 80, 160, 80 mg/kg), and DF-1+ GSH (80 mg/kg), respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, body weight gain, feeding efficiency ratio (FER), blood lipid markers, liver histology, and fat weight and histology were examined. Results: Body weight gain was significantly decreased in DF and DF-1+GSH groups compared with control. The extent of decreases was eminent in DF-1+GSH group. FER and circulating concentration of leptin were decreased in DF and DF-1+GSH groups compared with control. Circulating concentrations of triglyceride, glucose and insulin were decreased in DF and DF-1+GSH groups compared with control. The size of adipocytes were decreased by DF and DF-1+GSH groups compared with control, whereas the adipocyte number per unit area was increased by them, suggesting that DF and DF-1+GSH groups decreased the number of large adipocytes. Conclusions: In conclusion, these results suggest that DF and DF-1+GSH groups decrease FER, plasma leptin concentration, blood anti-obesity biomarkers and fat mass, improves body weight gain. In addition, these effects were more effective in DF-1+GSH combination group than in DF-1, 2, 3, 4 groups.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.202-207
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• 2004

This study was performed to investigate the inhibitory effect of the water-extract from fermented compositions containing Inonotus obliquus with added Houttuynia cordata on the growth of either human AGS gastric and HCT-15 colon cancer cells or NIH3T3 normal mouse fibroblast cells. Cytotoxic activity on cancer cells was investigated by viable cell count, MTT assay and morphological observation. Mixtures of Inonotus obliquus with added Houttuynia cordata were fermented at $30{\sim}37^{\circ}C$, $50{\sim}60%$ humidity for 30 days, extracted with water, freeze dried, powered, and then dissolved in water for the experiment. In MTT assay, the fermented compositions exhibited inhibitory effects of 13, 25, 40, 67 and 78% for AGS and 22, 40, 50, 69 and 76% for HCT-15 at 0.16, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 and 4.0 mg/ml, respectively. However, normal NIH3T3 cells were exhibited 86% survival under the same experimental condition. Fermented compositions showed highly inhibitory effect against human cancer cell line HCT-15 and AGS, but not on normal cell line NIH3T3.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.167-176
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• 2014

Objectives : This study investigated the improvement effects of Gangjihwan (DF) and combination of Gangjihwan and Gamisochehwan (GSH) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a high fat diet-induced obese mouse model. Methods : Eight-week-old C57BL/6N mice were divided into five groups: a normal lean group given a standard diet, an obese control group given a high fat diet, and atorvastatin, DF, and DF+GSH groups given a high fat diet with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), DF (40 mg/kg), and DF+GSH (80 mg/kg), respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, body weight gain, blood lipid markers, ALT concentrations, liver weight and histology were examined. Results : 1. Body weight gain was significantly decreased in DF, DF+GSH and atorvastatin groups compared with control. The extent of decreases was eminent in DF+GSH group. 2. Circulating concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were decreased in DF, DF+GSH and atorvastatin groups compared with control. The decreases were significant in DF+GSH and atorvastatin groups. 3. Liver weights were decreased in DF, DF+GSH and atorvastatin groups compared with control. In particular, liver weight was significantly reduced only in DF+GSH group. 4. Hepatic lipid accumulation was significantly decreased in DF, DF+GSH and atorvastatin groups compared with control, and the magnitude of which was more effective in DF+GSH group than in DF-only group. 5. Circulating ALT concentrations were decreased in DF, DF+GSH and atorvastatin compared with control, but ALS levels were significantly reduced only in DF+GSH group. Conclusions : In conclusion, these results suggest that DF decreases body weight gain, improves blood lipid metabolism, and reduces liver weight and hepatic lipid accumulation, contributing to the improvement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, these effects were more effective in DF+GSH combination group than in DF-only group.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.113-122
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• 2014

Objectives : This study investigated the improvement effects of Pakistani (DF-a) and Chinese Ephedra herba-containing Gangjihwan (DF-b) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a high fat diet-induced obese mouse model. Methods : Eight-week-old C57BL/6N mice were divided into five groups: a normal lean group given a standard diet, an obese control group given a high fat diet, and atorvastatin, DF-a, and DF-b groups given a high fat diet with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), DF-a (80 mg/kg), and DF-b (80 mg/kg), respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, body weight gain, blood lipid markers, ALT concentrations, liver weight and histology were examined. Results : 1. Body weight gain was significantly decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control. The extent of decreases was eminent in DF-a group. 2. Circulating concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control. The decreases were most effective in atorvastatin group. 3. Liver weights were decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control. In particular, liver weight was significantly reduced in DF-b group. 4. Hepatic lipid accumulation was significantly decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control, and the magnitude of which was most effective in DF-b group. 5. Circulating ALT concentrations were decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control, but ALS levels were significantly reduced only in DF-b group. Conclusions : In conclusion, these results suggest that DF-a and DF-b decrease body weight gain, improve blood lipid metabolism, and reduce liver weight and hepatic lipid accumulation, contributing to the improvement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, these effects were similar between Pakistani and Chinese Ephedra herba-containing Gangjihwan.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.1
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• pp.42-52
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• 2019

Background: Transforming growth factor ${\beta}$ (TGF-${\beta}$), retinoic acid (RA), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and MEK signaling play critical roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. We investigated the effect of RA and the role of these signaling molecules on the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) induced by TGF-${\beta}1$. Methods: A549 epithelial cells and CCD-11Lu fibroblasts were incubated and stimulated with or without all-trans RA (ATRA) and TGF-${\beta}1$ and with MAPK or MEK inhibitors. The levels of p-Smad2/3 were analyzed by western blotting. For animal models, we studied three experimental mouse groups: control, bleomycin, and bleomycin+ATRA group. Changes in histopathology, lung injury score, and levels of TGF-${\beta}1$ and Smad3 were evaluated at 1 and 3 weeks. Results: When A549 cells were pre-stimulated with TGF-${\beta}1$ prior to RA treatment, RA completely inhibited the p-Smad2/3. However, when A549 cells were pre-treated with RA prior to TGF-${\beta}1$ stimulation, RA did not completely suppress the p-Smad2/3. When A549 cells were pre-treated with MAPK inhibitor, TGF-${\beta}1$ failed to phosphorylate Smad2/3. In fibroblasts, p38 MAPK inhibitor suppressed TGF-${\beta}1$-induced p-Smad2. In a bleomycin-induced lung injury mouse model, RA decreased the expression of TGF-${\beta}1$ and Smad3 at 1 and 3 weeks. Conclusion: RA had inhibitory effects on the phosphorylation of Smad induced by TGF-${\beta}1$ in vitro, and RA also decreased the expression of TGF-${\beta}1$ at 1 and 3 weeks in vivo. Furthermore, pre-treatment with a MAPK inhibitor showed a preventative effect on TGF-${\beta}1$/Smad phosphorylation in epithelial cells. As a result, a combination of RA and MAPK inhibitors may suppress the TGF-${\beta}1$-induced lung injury and fibrosis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.804-812
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• 2020

The giant mealworm beetle, Zophobas atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) has been used as a protein source for small pets and mammals. Recently, it was temporarily registered in the list of the Food Code. We previously performed an in silico analysis of the Zophobas atratus transcriptome to identify putative antimicrobial peptides and identified several antimicrobial peptide candidates. Among them, we assessed the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of zophobacin 1 that was selected bio-informatically based on its physicochemical properties against microorganisms and mouse macrophage Raw264.7 cells. Zophobacin 1 showed antimicrobial activities against microorganisms without inducing hemolysis and decreased the nitric oxide production of the lipopolysaccharide-induced Raw264.7 cells. Moreover, ELISA and Western blot analysis revealed that zophobacin 1 reduced expression levels of pro-inflammatory enzymes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). We also investigated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β) production through quantitative real time-PCR and ELISA. Zophobacin 1 markedly reduced the expression level of cytokines through the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. We confirmed that zophobacin 1 bound to bacterial cell membranes via a specific interaction with lipopolysaccharides. These data suggest that zophobacin 1 could be promising molecules for development as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.993-999
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• 2015

The beetle Popillia flavosellata has been no reported its functional effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of P. flavosellata ethanol extract (PFE) on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for the induction of inflammation. First, we examined the cytotoxicity of PFE in the RAW 264.7 cells at a concentration of 2,000 μg/ml or less. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of PFE, we investigated the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, and proinflammatory enzymes, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, we examined whether PFE inhibited the translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 into the nucleus in the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. We found that the protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were decreased in the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells after the treatment with PFE in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we confirmed that PFE inhibited the translocation of NF-κB p65 into the nucleus, as well as the protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2. Accordingly, we propose that PFE exerts an anti-inflammatory effect through the down-regulation of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 via the toll like receptor (TLR)-4 inflammatory signaling pathway.