• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2008

Parkinson's disease (PD) progresses severely by a gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Epidemiological studies showed that the incidences of PD were reduced by smoking of which the major component, nicotine might be neuroprotective. But the function of nicotine, which might suppress the incidences of PD, is still unknown. Fortunately, recently it was reported that a glial reaction and inflammatory processes might participate in a selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the SN. The levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ synthesised by astrocytes and microglia are elevated in striatum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in PD. TNF-${\alpha}$ kills the cultured dopaminergic neurons through the apoptosis mechanism. TNF-${\alpha}$ release from glial cells may mediate progression of nigral degeneration in PD. Nicotine pretreatment considerably decreases microglial activation with significant reduction of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression and TNF-${\alpha}$ release induced by lipopholysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Thus, this study was intended to explore the role of nicotine pretreatment to inhibit the expressions of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA in human fetal astrocytes (HFA) stimulated with IL-$1{\beta}$. The results are as follows: HFA were pretreated with 0.1, 1, and $10{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine and then stimulated with IL-$1{\beta}$ (100 pg/mL) for 2h. The inhibitory effect of nicotine on expressions of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA in HFA with pretreated $0.1{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine was first noted at 8hr, and the inhibitory effect was maximal at 12 h. The inhibitory effect at $1{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine was inhibited maximal at 24 h. Cytotoxic effects of nicotine were noted above $10{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine. Moreover, Nicotine at 0.1, 1 and $10{\mu}g/mL$concentrations significantly inhibited IL-$1{\beta}$-induced TF-${\kappa}B$ activation. Collectively, these results indicate that in activated HFA, nicotine may inhibit the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA through the pathway which suppresses the NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. This study suggests that nicotine might be neuroprotective to dopaminergic neurons in the SN and reduce the incidences of PD.

• CELLMED
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.27.1-27.6
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• 2012

Red ginseng, which has a variety of biological and pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic effects, has been used for thousands of years as a general tonic in traditional oriental medicine. Here, we tested the immune regulatory activities of hydrolyzed red ginseng by malted barley (HRG) on the expressions of receptor interacting proteins (Rip) 2 and $I{\kappa}B$ kinase-beta (IKK-${\beta}$) in mouse peritoneal macrophages. We show that HRG increased the activations of Rip 2 and IKK-${\beta}$ for the first time. When HRG was used in combination with recombinant interferon-${\gamma}$ (rIFN-${\gamma}$), there was a marked cooperative induction of nitric oxide (NO) production. The increased expression of inducible NO synthase from rIFN-${\gamma}$ plus HRG-stimulated cells was almost completely inhibited by pre-treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$). In addition, the treatment of peritoneal macrophages with rIFN-${\gamma}$ plus HRG caused significant increases in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression and production. Because NO and TNF-${\alpha}$ play an important role in the immune function and host defense, HRG treatment can modulate several aspects of the host defense mechanisms as a result of the stimulations of the inducible nitric oxide synthase and NF-${\kappa}B$. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that HRG increases the productions of NO and TNF-${\alpha}$ from rIFN-${\gamma}$-primed macrophages and suggest that Rip2/IKK-${\beta}$ plays a critical role in mediating these immune regulatory effects of HRG.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.185-196
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• 2007

Objective : This experimental Study was designed to investigate the effects of FOENICULI FRUCTUS(FF) on the change of inhibition lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity in neuronal cells and cytokines production in serum of cerebral ischemic rats. Method : FOENICULI FRUCTUS(FF)freeze dry powder and FF on the LDH activity in neuronal cells. Changes of FF on the physiological parameters(PaO2, PaCO2, MABP and HR) in crerbral ischemic rats. Effects of FF on the IL-1beta production, $TNF-{\alpha}$ production, $TGF-{\beta}$ production, and IL-10 in serum of cerebral ischemic rats. MCAO :. cytokines production of serum by drawing from femoral arterial blood after MCAO 1 hr. Reperfusion : cytokines production of serum by drawing from femoral arterial blood after reperfusion 1 hr. Results and Conclusion : 1. FF did not inhibit lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity in neuronal cells. 2. In serum by drawing from femoral arterial blood after middle cerebral arterial occlusion(MCAO) 1 hr and reperfusion 1 hr, sample group was significantly decreased $IL-l{\beta}$ production compared with control group 3. In serum by drawing from femoral arterial blood after MCAO 1 hr and reperfusion 1 hr, sample group was significantly decreased $TNF-{\alpha}$ production compared with control group. 4. In serum by drawing from femoral arterial blood after MCAO 1 hr and reperfusion 1 hr, sample group was significantly increased $TGF-{\beta}$ production compared with control group. 5. In serum by drawing from femoral arterial blood after reperfusion 1 hr, sample group was significantly increased IL-10 production compared with control group. This results were suggested that FF had inhibitive effect on the brain damage by inhibited LDH activity, $IL-l{\beta}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$production, but accelerated $TGF-{\beta}$ production and IL-10 production.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.915-921
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• 2012

Artemisiae Asiaticae Herba (AAH) has been used to remedy of symptoms such as bleeding, dysmenorrhea, eczema and itchy skin in Oriental Medicine. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of AAH on allergic response. The effect of AAH was analyzed by ELISA and RT-PCR in RBL-2H3 cells. We investigated cell viability, ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and histamine as markers of degranulation, production of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$, and gene expression of HDC2, cytokines and $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}{\beta}{\gamma}$ subunit. We found that AAH suppressed ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and histamine release, the production of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ in RBL-2H3 by the anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA stimulation. AAH also significantly decreased cytokine mRNA expressions, such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, IL-13, TNF-${\alpha}$, and GM-CSF, and increased cytokine mRNA expressions of IL-10 in RBL-2H3. In addition, AAH suppressed mRNA expression of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}{\beta}{\gamma}$ subunit on cell surface. Our results indicate that AAH protects against allergic response and exerts an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of degranulation and production of cytokines and expression of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}{\beta}{\gamma}$ subunit.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.83-98
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Eungapbang extract (EGB). Methods: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of EGB, we nourished RAW 264.7 cell lines in the laboratory dish. Next, inflammatory cytokine concentrations were analyzed. Then, sera were prepared from blood after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in chemically induced mouse models of intestinal inflammation, and Interleukin-1${\beta}$ (IL-1${\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) were measured using ELISA kits. Results: 1. EGB significantly suppressed the expression levels of IL-1${\beta}$ and NOS-II genes at 100, 50 and 10 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ concentrations, and IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$ and COX-2 mRNAs at 100 and 50 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ concentrations. 2. EGB significantly reduced the production level of IL-1${\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ at 100${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ concentrations, and IL-6 at 100 and 50 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ concentrations. 3. EGB significantly decreased the production level of IL-1${\beta}$ and IL-6 in sera of acute inflammation induced mice. 4. EGB could suppress the expression level of IL-1${\beta}$ and IL-6 mRNA in spleen tissues in acute inflammation induced mice. Conclusion: On the basis of the above results, it is confirmed that the anti-inflammatory effects of EGB were recognized. Therefore, EGB is recommended as promising therapy for treatment of such ailments as pelvic inflammatory disease.

• BMB Reports
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• v.50 no.11
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• pp.584-589
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• 2017

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which is induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, contributes to the entry of immune cells into the site of inflammation in the skin. Here, we show that protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 21 (PTPN21) negatively regulates ICAM-1 expression in human keratinocytes. PTPN21 expression was transiently induced after stimulation with TNF-${\alpha}$. When overexpressed, PTPN21 inhibited the expression of ICAM-1 in HaCaT cells but PTPN21 C1108S, a phosphatase activity-inactive mutant, failed to inhibit ICAM-1 expression. Nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$), a key transcription factor of ICAM-1 gene expression, was inhibited by PTPN21, but not by PTPN21 C1108S. PTPN21 directly dephosphorylated phospho-inhibitor of ${\kappa}B$ ($I{\kappa}B$)-kinase ${\beta}$ ($IKK{\beta}$) at Ser177/181. This dephosphorylation led to the stabilization of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ activity. Taken together, our results suggest that PTPN21 could be a valuable molecular target for regulation of inflammation in the skin by dephosphorylating p-$IKK{\beta}$ and inhibiting NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.30-35
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• 2005

Background: p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling are thought to have critical role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune response but the molecular mechanism underlying the induction of these signaling are not clear. Methods: Specific inhibitors for p38, SB203580, and for ERK, PD98059 were used. Cells were stimulated by LPS with or without specific MAPK inhibitors. Results: LPS activated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), subsequent NO productions, and pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expressions (TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and IL-12). Treatment of both SB203580 and PD98059 decreased LPS-induced NO productions. Concomitant decreases in the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein were detected. SB203580 and PD98059 decreased LPS-induced gene expression of IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6. SB203580 increased LPS-induced expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-12, and reactive oxygen species production, but PD98059 had no effect. Conclusion: These results indicate that both p38 and ERK pathways are involved in LPS-stimulated NO synthesis, and expression of IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6. p38 signaling pathways are involved in LPS-induced TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-12, and reactive oxygen species plays an important role in these signaling in macrophage.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.843-847
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• 2010

Wikyung-Tang(WKT) is herbal medication used in abcess-causing respiratory disease. Previous in vitro study demonstrates that WKY presents anti-proliferative effects in A549 cells. Here we show that WKY protects mice against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). We pretreated mice orally with WKY(2.34 and 5.85 g/kg body weight) 1, 24 and 48 hours before intratracheal administration of LPS. For same condition, control group was pretaken orally distilled water before LPS administration. 24 hours after LPS intratracheal instillation, bronchoalveolar lavege fluids(BALF) was obtained to measure protein and proinflammatory cytokines(TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6). Protein and proinflammatory cytokines in BALF of WKT treated groups were totally decreased. Statistically, Protein, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ of high concentrate WKT treated group decreased significantly compared with control group. In conclusion, WKY had some anti-inflammatory effect in a clinically relevant model of ALI. these results indicated that WKY was effective in inhibiting ALI and might act as a potential therapeutic reagent for treating ALI in the future.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.308-315
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• 2010

Essential oil-excluded Artemisia princeps Pamp var Ssajuarissuk (AP) was fermented with Lactobacillus brevis K-1, which was isolated from cabbage Kimchi, and the anti-inflammatory effects of AP and fermented AP (FAP) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in peritoneal macrophages were investigated. AP and FAP inhibited LPS-induced TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, COX-2, iNOS and COX-2 expression, as well as NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. AP and FAP also reduced ear thickness, inflammatory cytokine (TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6) expression and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced dermatitis in mice. Furthermore, AP and FAP also reduced exudate volume, cell number, protein amount, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6) expression and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation in carrageenan-induced air pouch inflammation in mice. The inhibitory effects of FAP were more potent than those of non-fermented AP. Based on these findings, we propose that FAP can improve inflammatory diseases, such as dermatitis, by inhibiting the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.329-333
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• 2004

In this study, we investigated whether TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, CTMA (carboxymethyl trimethylammonium) and LPD (Lup-20[29]-ene-3beta,28-diol) affect mucin release from airway goblet cells and compared the activities of these agents with the inhibitory action of PLL and the stimulatory action of ATP on mucin release. Confluent primary hamster tracheal surface epithelial (HTSE) cells were metabolically radiolabeled with $^3H-glucosamine$ for 24 h and chased for 30 min in the presence of varying concentrations of each agent to assess the effects on $^3H-mucin$ release. The results were as follows: TNF-alpha, CTMA and LPD increased mucin release at the highest concentration, but IL-1beta did not. We conclude that CTMA and LPD can stimulate mucin release by directly acting on airway mucin-secreting cells, and suggest that these agents should be further investigated for the possible use as mild expectorants during the treatment of chronic airway diseases.