• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.15.1-15.16
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• 2022

Foreign molecules, including viruses and bacteria-derived toxins, can also induce airway inflammation. However, to the best of our knowledge, the roles of these molecules in the development of airway inflammation have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we investigated the precise role and synergistic effect of virus-mimicking double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in macrophages and epithelial cells. To identify cytokine expression profiles, both the THP-1-derived macrophages and BEAS-2B epithelial cells were stimulated with dsRNA or SEB. A total of 21 cytokines were evaluated in the culture supernatants. We observed that stimulation with dsRNA induced cytokine production in both cell types. However, cytokine production was not induced in SEB-stimulated epithelial cells, compared to the macrophages. The synergistic effect of dsRNA and SEB was evaluated observing cytokine level and intracellular phospho-signaling. Fifteen different types were detected in high-dose dsRNA-stimulated epithelial cells, and 12 distinct types were detected in macrophages; those found in macrophages lacked interferon production compared to the epithelial cells. Notably, a synergistic effect of cytokine induction by co-stimulation of dsRNA and SEB was observed mainly in epithelial cells, via activation of most intracellular phosphor-signaling. However, macrophages only showed an accumulative effect. This study showed that the type and severity of cytokine productions from the epithelium or macrophages could be affected by different intensities and a combination of dsRNA and SEB. Further studies with this approach may improve our understanding of the development and exacerbation of airway inflammation and asthma.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.385-394
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• 2015

Leishmaniasis is a worldwide uncontrolled parasitic disease due to the lack of effective drug and vaccine. To speed up effective drug development, we need powerful methods to rapidly assess drug effectiveness against the intracellular form of Leishmania in high throughput assays. Reporter gene technology has proven to be an excellent tool for drug screening in vitro. The effects of reporter proteins on parasite infectivity should be identified both in vitro and in vivo. In this research, we initially compared the infectivity rate of recombinant Leishmania major expressing stably enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) alone or EGFP-luciferase (EGFP-LUC) with the wild-type strain. Next, we evaluated the sensitivity of these parasites to amphotericin B (AmB) as a standard drug in 2 parasitic phases, promastigote and amastigote. This comparison was made by MTT and nitric oxide (NO) assay and by quantifying the specific signals derived from reporter genes like EGFP intensity and luciferase activity. To study the amastigote form, both B10R and THP-1 macrophage cell lines were infected in the stationary phase and were exposed to AmB at different time points. Our results clearly revealed that the 3 parasite lines had similar in vitro infectivity rates with comparable parasite-induced levels of NO following interferon-${\gamma}$/lipopolysaccharide induction. Based on our results we proposed the more reporter gene, the faster and more sensitive evaluation of the drug efficiency.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.39-50
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• 2009

Objectives : Smilacis glabrae rhizoma (SG) has been traditionally used as a herbal medication of musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis, pain, convulsions, and syphilis in traditional Korean medicine. This study was investigated anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect of fractionated extracts of Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC). Methods : SG extract prepared with methanol, and then fractionated with hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, n-butanol and water. Inhibitory effect of SG onto free radical generation was determined by measuring DPPH, superoxide anions and nitric oxide scavenging activities in vitro. Cytotoxic activity of extracts on RAW 264.7 cells was measured using 5-(3-caroboxymethoxyphenyl)-2H-tetra-zolium inner salt (MTS) assay. Intracelluar oxidation was analysed by DCF-DA assay. The nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by Griess reagent system. The levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression were confirmed by western blot. And proinflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA kit. Results : Our results indicated that fractionated extracts, especially ethyl acetate (EA) extract, significantly inhibited free radical generation, the TNF-$\alpha$-induced intracellular oxidation. Furthermore, the EA extract protected TNF-$\alpha$-induced adhesion to THP-1, expression of adhesion molecules accompanied by an attenuation of IL-6 and IL-8 formation in HUVEC. Conclusions : These results indicate that EA extract of SG have potential as an agent of atherosclerosis and other chronic inflammatory diseases including diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.97-117
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• 2005

This research investigates the effect of the Chaenomelis fructus(CMF) on Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, the effects of the CMF extract on (1) >$IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA of PC-12 cells treated with LPS; (2) amyloid precursor proteins(APP), acetylcholinesterase(AChE), and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) mRNA of PC-12 cells treated with CT-105; (3) the AChE activity and the APP production of PC-12 cell treated with CT-105; (4) the behavior of AD mice with ${\beta}A$; (5) expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, MDA, $IL-1{\beta}$ mRNA, $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA, and ROS; (6) the infarction area of the hippocampus, and brain tissue injury in Alzheimer's diseased mice induced with ${\beta}A$ were investigated. The results were summarized as follows; 1. The CMF extract suppressed the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA in THP-1 cells treated with LPS. 2. The CMF extract suppressed the expression of APP, AChE, and GFAP mRNA in PC-12 cells treated with CT-105. 3. The CMF extract suppressed the AChE activity, and the production of APP significantly in PC-12 cells treated with CT-105. 4. A significant inhibitory effect on the memory deficit was shown on the CMF extract group of the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$ in the Morris water maze experiment, which measured stop-through latency, and distance movement-through latency. 5. The CMF extract suppressed the over-expression of $IL-1{\beta}$ protein, $TNF-{\alpha}$ protein, MDA, $IL-1{\beta}$ protein, mRNA, $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA, CD68/GFAP, and ROS in the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$. 6. The CMF extract reduced the infarction area of hippocampus, and controlled the injury of brain tissue in the mice with Alzheimer’s disease induced by ${\beta}A$. These results suggest that the CMF extract may be effective for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Investigation into the clinical use of the CMF extract for Alzheimer's disease is suggested for future research.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.537-541
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• 2008

White adipose tissue is now recognized as an important endocrine organ which secretes various signal factors and proteins termed 'adipokine'. Haptoglobin (Hp), which has been known as an acute phase protein, belongs to the adipokine. However, the function of Hp in adipose tissue remains unclear. To verify the role of Hp in preadipocytes, in this study, 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells were stably transfected with human Hp gene and Hp-overexpressing cells were made. The Hp had no effect on cell growth of preadipocytes. By RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, the Hp inhibited gene expression of IL-6 and COX-2 and enhanced HO-1 synthesis in preadipocytes. Moreover, invasion assay showed the Hp suppressed migration of monocytes to preadipocytes. These findings suggest that the Hp may inhibit an inflammatory reaction in adipose tissue by regulating the expressions of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, and by repressing monocytes/macrophages infiltration.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.91-122
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• 2006

Objective : This research investigates the effect of the Jangwon-Dan,(JWD) on Alzheimer's disease. Method : The effects of the JWN extract on (1) $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA of PC-12 cells treated with LPS; (2) amyloid precursor proteins(APP), acetylcholinesterase(AChE), and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) mRNA, the AChE activity and the APP production of PC-12 cell treated with CT-105; (3) the behavior; (4) expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, MDA, $IL-1{\beta}$ mRNA, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA, (5) the infarction area of the hippocampus, and brain tissue injury in Alzheimer's diseased mice induced with ${\beta}A$ were investigated. Result : 1. The JWN extract suppressed the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA in THP-1 cells treated with LPS. 2. The JWN extract suppressed the expression of APP, AChE, and GFAP mRNA in PC-12 cells treated with CT-105. 3. The JWN extract suppressed the AChE activity, and the production of APP significantly in PC-12 cells treated with CT-105. 4. For the JWN extract group a significant inhibitory effect on the memory deficit was shown for the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$ in the Morris water maze experiment, which measured stop-through latency, and distance movement-through latency. 5. The JWN extract suppressed the over-expression of $IL-1{\beta}$ protein, $TNF-{\alpha}$ protein, MDA, $IL-1{\beta}$ mRNA, $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA, and CD68/GFAP, in the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$. 6. The JWN extract reduced the infarction area of hippocampus, and controlled the injury of brain tissue in the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$. Conclusion : These results suggest that the JWN extract may be effective for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Investigation into the clinical use of the JWN extract for Alzheimer's disease is suggested for future research.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.119-139
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• 2004

This research investigates the effect of the Hibiscus syriacus(HSS) on Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, the effects of the HSS extract on (1) $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA of PC-12 cells treated with LPS; (2) amyloid precursor proteins(APP), acetylcholinesterase(AChE), and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) mRNA of PC-12 cells treated with CT-105; (3) the AChE activity and the APP production of PC-12 cell treated with CT-105; (4) the behavior; (4) expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ mRNA, $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA, and reactive oxygen species(ROS); (5) the infarction area of the hippocampus, and brain tissue injury in Alzheimer's diseased mice induced with ${\beta}A$ were investigated. The results were summarized below ; 1. The HSS extract suppressed the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA in THP-l cells treated with LPS. 2. The HSS extract suppressed the expression of APP, AChE, and GFAP mRNA in PC-12 cells treated with CT-105. 3. The HSS extract suppressed the AChE activity, and the production of APP significantly in PC-12 cells treated with CT-105. 4. For the HSS extract group a significant inhibitory effect on the memory deficit was shown for the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$ in the Morris water maze experiment, which measured stop-through latency, and distance movement-through latency. 5. The HSS extract suppressed the over-expression of $IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA, CD68/GFAP, ROS in the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$. 6. The HSS extract reduced the infarction area of hippocampus, and controlled the injury of brain tissue in the mice with Alzheimer's disease induced by ${\beta}A$. These results suggest that the HSS extract may be effective for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Investigation into the clinical use of the HSS extract for Alzheimer's disease is suggested for future research.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.70-80
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• 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of red ginseng-derived non-saponin fraction (NSF) on inflammatory responses and monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation in RAW264.7 and THP-1. NSF effectively inhibited inflammatory responses by downregulating nitric oxide (NO) production and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). NSF ($2000{\mu}g/mL$) decreased the levels of NO, iNOS, and COX-2 by 33, 83, and 64%, respectively. NSF inhibited the differentiation of monocyte-to-macrophage by decreasing cell adherence along with downregulation of the cluster of differentiation molecule $11{\beta}$ ($CD11{\beta}$) and CD36. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), were significantly reduced with NSF treatment. The NSF-mediated inhibition of inflammatory responses was due to the regulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($NF-{\kappa}B$) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). NSF effectively suppressed the translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ into the nucleus, while nuclear Nrf2 and its target protein, heme oxygenase-1, levels were significantly increased.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.998-1007
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• 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) extract on the inflammation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and blood lipid improvement in hypercholesterolemic mice fed a high cholesterol diet. The lettuce extract (100% ethanol extract) inhibited the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in HUVEC treated with tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$). The lettuce extract suppressed the adhesion of THP-1 to TNF-${\alpha}$-treated HUVEC. The lettuce extract decreased the TNF-${\alpha}$-stimulated production of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein 1. In hypercholesterolemic mice, the lettuce extract reduced serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, while the lettuce extract elevated high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, resulting in the decrease of atherogenic index and cardiac risk factor level. These results suggested that lettuce extract can be an useful resource to show an anti-inflammatory effect and improve lipid metabolism.