• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2022

A disrupted immune system during pregnancy is involved in pregnancy complications, such as spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, and recurrent pregnancy loss. This study examined the role of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD [c-terminal caspase recruitment domain]) in pregnancy complications using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced miscarriage mice model. Incidences of miscarriage and embryonic resorption were examined at 9.5 days of pregnancy in wild-type (WT), ASC knockout (KO), and TLR4 KO mice after injecting them with LPS. The fetuses and placenta were obtained after sacrifice at 15.5 days of pregnancy. A significantly lower frequency of fetus absorption was found in TLR4 KO mice, whereas corresponding absorption outcomes were strongly induced in the WT and ASC KO mice upon an LPS injection. As expected, TLR4 KO mice were resistant to LPS-induced abortion. A histological analysis of the miscarried placenta showed increasing levels of the eosin staining of spongiotrophoblast cells without any obvious difference between WT and ASC KO mice. These results suggest that TLR4 KO mice are resistant to LPS, which affects pregnancy persistence, whereas WT and ASC KO mice show high miscarriage rates due to LPS. Moreover, the ASC adaptor is not directly involved in LPS-induced miscarriages, and the NLRP3 inflammasome can be activated by other proteins in the absence of ASC.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.73 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2012

Care of patients with sepsis has improved over the last decade. However, in the recent two years, there was no significant progress in the development of a new drug for critically ill patients. In January 2011, it was announced that the worldwide phase 3 randomized trial of a novel anti-Toll-like receptor-4 compound, eritoran tetrasodium, had failed to demonstrate an improvement in the mortality of patients with severe sepsis. In October 2011, Xigris (drotrecogin alfa, a recombinant activated protein C) was withdrawn from the market following the failure of its worldwide trial that had attempted to demonstrate improved outcome. These announcements were disappointing. The recent failure of 2 promising drugs to further reduce mortality suggests that new approaches are needed. A study was published showing that sepsis can be associated to a state of immunosuppression and loss of immune function in human. However, the timing, incidence, and nature of the immunosuppression remain poorly characterized, especially in humans. This emphasizes the need for a better understanding of sepsis as well as new therapeutic strategies. Many clinical experiences of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) treatment for adult acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients, which is caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus, were reported. The use of ECMO in severe respiratory failure, particularly in the treatment of adult ARDS, is occurring more commonly.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1561-1569
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• 2019

Curcumin, the major bioactive constituent of turmeric, has been reported to have a wide range of pharmacological benefits; however, the low solubility in water has restricted its systemic bioavailability and therapeutic potential. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of turmeric fermentation on its curcumin content and anti-inflammatory activity by using several lactic acid bacteria. Fermentation with Lactobacillus fermentum significantly increased the curcumin content by 9.76% while showing no cytotoxicity in RAW 246.7 cells, as compared to the unfermented turmeric, regardless of the concentration of L. fermentum-fermented turmeric. The L. fermentum-fermented turmeric also promoted cell survival; a significantly higher number of viable cells in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells were observed as compared to those treated with unfermented turmeric. It also displayed promising DPPH scavenging ($7.88{\pm}3.36%$) and anti-inflammatory activities by significantly reducing the nitrite level and suppressing the expression of the pro-apoptotic tumor necrosis factor-alpha and Toll-like receptor-4 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Western blot analysis further revealed that the anti-inflammatory activity of the fermented turmeric was exerted through suppression of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase signal pathway, but not in unfermented turmeric. Taken together, the results suggested that fermentation with lactic acid bacteria increases the curcumin content of turmeric without increasing its cytotoxicity, while strengthening the specific pharmacological activity, thus, highlighting its potential application as a functional food ingredient.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.59-69
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• 2024

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Indigo Naturalis (IN) in treating a Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The objective is to comprehensively examine the effects and pharmacological mechanisms of IN on IBD, assessing its potential as an novel treatment for IBD. Analysis of 11 selected papers is conducted to understand the effects of IN, focusing on compounds like indirubin, isatin, indigo, and tryptanthrin. This study evaluates their impact on Disease Activity Index (DAI) score, colon length, mucosal damage, and macrophage infiltration in Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. Additionally, It investigate into the anti-inflammatory mechanisms, including Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) pathway activation, Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB)/nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)/Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) inhibition, and modulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88)/NF-κB and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways. Immunomodulatory effects on T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg cell) balance and Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3-β) expression are also explored. Furthermore, the study addresses the role of IN in restoring intestinal microbiota diversity, reducing pathogenic bacteria, and increasing beneficial bacteria. The findings reveal that IN, particularly indirubin and indigo, demonstrates significant improvements in DAI score, colon length, mucosal damage, and macrophage infiltration in DSS-induced colitis mice. The anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to the activation of the AhR pathway, inhibition of inflammatory pathways, and modulation of immune responses. These results exhibit the potential of IN in IBD treatment. Notably, the restoration of intestinal microbiota diversity and balance further supports its efficacy. IN emerges as a promising and effective treatment for IBD, demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects and positive outcomes in preclinical studies. However, potential side effects necessitate further investigation for safe therapeutic development. The study underscores the need for future research to explore a broader range of active ingredients in IN to enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.268-272
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• 2011

전곡류의 섭취와 만성질환의 유병율은 음의 상관관계가 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 선행 연구 결과, 지방축적억제능이 우수한 소재로 선정된 기장의 항염증능 여부를 검증하고자 하였다. 이를 위해 RAW264.7 세포에 기장열수분획($1\;{\mu}g/m\ell$ 및 $10\;{\mu}g/m\ell$)과 lipopolysaccharide(LPS)를 함께 처리한 후, 24시간 배양시켜 염증매개인자들의 분비량 및 mRNA 발현 정도를 측정하였다. 또한 LPS 자극에 대한 첫 번째 신호전달인자로 알려져 있는 interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase-4(IRAK-4)의 단백질 발현 정도를 측정하였다. 본 연구결과, 기장의 열수분획($10\;{\mu}g/m\ell$)은 LPS로 유도된 NO, $PGE_2$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 및 MCP-1의 생성량 및 mRNA 발현량을 유의적으로 억제하였다(p<0.05). 특히 이들 지표 중 pro-inflammatory cytokine인 TNF-${\alpha}$와 IL-6의 mRNA 발현량이 효과적으로 감소하였다(p<0.01). IRAK-4의 단백질 발현량 또한 유의적으로 감소하여 LPS 자극에 대한 기장열수분획의 항염증능은 toll-like receptor(TLR)를 통한 IRAK-4를 매개로 하는 신호전달체계 조절에 기인하는 것으로 사료된다.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.73-91
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• 2023

Objectives : This study used a network pharmacology approach to elucidate the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of Daehwangmokdanpitang (DHMDPT) on Psoriasis. Methods : Using OASIS databases and PubChem database, compounds of DHMDPT and their target genes were collected. The putative target genes of DHMDPT and known target genes of psoriasis were compared and found the correlation. Then, the network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.10.1. The key target genes were screened by Analyzer network and their functional enrichment analysis was conducted based on the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Pathways to predict the mechanisms. Results : The result showed that total 30 compounds and 439 related genes were gathered from DHMDPT. 264 genes were interacted with psoriasis gene set, suggesting that the effects of DHMDPT are closely related to psoriasis. Based on GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathways, 'Binding', 'Cytokine Activity', 'Receptor Ligand Activity' 'HIF-1 signaling pathway', 'IL-17 signaling pathway', 'Toll-like receptor signaling pathway', and 'TNF signaling pathway' were predicted as functional pathways of 16 key target genes of DHMDPT on psoriasis. Among the target genes, IL6, IL1B, TNF, AKT1 showed high correlation with the results of KEGG pathways. Additionally, Emodin, Acetovanillone, Gallic acid, and Ferulic acid showed a high relevance with key genes and their mechanisms. Conclusion : Through a network pharmacological method, DHMDPT was predicted to have high relevance with psoriasis. This study could be used as a basis for studying therapeutic effects of DHMDPT on psoriasis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.509-522
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• 2024

Decellularized matrix transplantation has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for repairing tissue defects, with numerous studies assessing its safety and efficacy in both animal models and clinical settings. The host immune response elicited by decellularized matrix grafts of natural biological origin plays a crucial role in determining the success of tissue repair, influenced by matrix heterogeneity and the inflammatory microenvironment of the wound. However, the specific immunologic mechanisms underlying the interaction between decellularized matrix grafts and the host immune system remain elusive. This article reviews the sources of decellularized matrices, available decellularization techniques, and residual immunogenic components. It focuses on the host immune response following decellularized matrix transplantation, with emphasis on the key mechanisms of Toll-like receptor, T-cell receptor, and TGF-β/SMAD signaling in the stages of post-transplantation immunorecognition, immunomodulation, and tissue repair, respectively. Furthermore, it highlights the innovative roles of TLR10 and miR-29a-3p in improving transplantation outcomes. An in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the host immune response after decellularized matrix transplantation provides new directions for the repair of tissue defects.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.139-148
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• 2009

Cell death has been traditionally classified in apoptosis and necrosis. Apoptosis, known as programmed cell death, is an active form of cell death mechanism that is tightly regulated by multiple cellular signaling pathways and requires ATP for its appropriate process. Apoptotic death plays essential roles for successful development and maintenance of normal cellular homeostasis in mammalian. In contrast to apoptosis, necrosis is classically considered as a passive cell death process that occurs rather by accident in disastrous conditions, is not required for energy and eventually induces inflammation. Regardless of different characteristics between apoptosis and necrosis, it has been well defined that both are responsible for a wide range of human diseases. Glycogen storage disease type I (GSD-I) is a kind of human genetic disorders and is caused by the deficiency of a microsomal protein, glucose-6-phosphatase-${\alpha}$ ($G6Pase-{\alpha}$) or glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT) responsible for glucose homeostasis, leading to GSD-Ia or GSD-Ib, respectively. This review summarizes cell deaths in GSD-I and mostly focuses on current knowledge of the neutrophil apoptosis in GSD-Ib based upon ER stress and redox signaling.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4763-4767
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• 2012

Radiation pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis are the main complications with radiotherapy for thoracic neoplasms, directly limiting the efficient dose in clinical application and currently there are few medicines that effectively function as radioprotectants. However, a TLR5 agonist, CBLB502, was confirmed to have protective efficacy against hematopoietic and gastrointestinal radiation syndromes in mice and primates. This study points to a new direction for protection against thoracic radiation-induced pulmonary syndromes and skin injury by CBLB502. We utilized the TUNEL assay, pathological analysis and immunohistochemistry to obtain evidence thatCBLB502 could alleviate the occurrence of radiation pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis as well as radiation-induced skin injury. It may thus play a promising role in facilitating clinical radiotherapy of thoracic neoplasms.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.104-110
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• 2017

Inflammation is a pathophysiological process that is known to be involved in numerous diseases. Microbial infection or tissue injury activates inflammatory responses, resulting in the induction of proinflammatory proteins including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Aster yomena is used in traditional Korean remedies. Here, we investigated the effects of ethanol extracts of Aster yomena (EAY) on the expression of iNOS induced by ovalbumin (OVA), one of the major egg allergens, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Toll-like receptor 4 agonist. EAY inhibited OVA- or LPS-induced $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. EAY also suppressed OVA- or LPS-induced iNOS expression and nitrite production. These results suggest that EAY has the specific mechanism for anti-inflammatory responses and the potential to be developed as a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drug.