• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.311-318
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• 2013

Schisandra chinensis containing a variety of pharmacologically active lignans has been traditionally used in oriental medicine. In this study, anti-inflammatory compounds were screened from the hexane extracts of S. chinensis by activity-guided fractionation. First, we investigated the regulatory effects on the expression of E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) with 38 fractions from the hexane extracts of S. chinensis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). As a result, SCKH1 among the 38 fractions from the hexane extract of S. chinensis was selected for further analysis based on its unique regulatory effect on cell adhesion molecules, especially on VCAM-1, in LPS-stimulated HUVECs. The subsequent activity-guided fractionation of SCKH1 resulted in the purification of SCKH1PAIBPB, which was found to suppress the expression of VCAM-1, MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-8 in HUVECs stimulated with LPS, and to inhibit the adhesive capacity between HUVECs and monocytes. Taken together, our data indicate that SCKH1PAIBPB can be proposed as an effective anti-inflammatory compound that may have a potential therapeutic use for the prevention and treatment of various inflammatory diseases as well as ischemic vascular diseases.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2013

Bamboo leaves (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel ex J. Houz (Poacea)) have a long history of food and medical applications in Asia, including Japan and Korea. They have been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. We investigated the mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of a bamboo leaf extract (BLE) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$)-induced monocyte adhesion in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Exposure of HUVECs to BLE did not inhibit cell viability or cause morphological changes at concentrations ranging from 1 ${\mu}g/ml$ to 1 mg/ml. Treatment with 0.1 mg/ml BLE caused 63% inhibition of monocyte adhesion in TNF-${\alpha}$-activated HUVECs, which was associated with 38.4% suppression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression. Furthermore, TNF-${\alpha}$-induced reactive oxygen species generation was decreased to 47.9% in BLE treated TNF-${\alpha}$-activated HUVECs. BLE (0.05 mg/ml) also caused about 50% inhibition of interleukin-6 secretion from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocyte. The results indicate that BLE may be clinically useful as an anti-inflammatory or anti-oxidant for human cardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.95-104
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• 2019

Background: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) causes vascular endothelial cell inflammatory response and apoptosis and plays an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), a metabolite produced by the hydrolysis of ginsenoside Rb1, possesses strong anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether or not CK protects ox-LDL-damaged endothelial cells and the potential mechanisms have not been elucidated. Methods: In our study, cell viability was tested using a 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2yl-)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Expression levels of interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting. Mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}m$) was detected using JC-1. The cell apoptotic percentage was measured by the Annexin V/ propidium iodide (PI) assay, lactate dehydrogenase, and caspase-3 expression. Apoptosis-related proteins, nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways protein expression were quantified by Western blotting. Results: Our results demonstrated that CK could ameliorate ox-LDL-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) inflammation and apoptosis, $NF-{\kappa}B$ nuclear translocation, and the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, anisomycin, an activator of p38 and JNK, significantly abolished the anti-apoptotic effects of CK. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that CK prevents ox-LDL-induced HUVECs inflammation and apoptosis through inhibiting the $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, and JNK MAPK signaling pathways. Thus, CK is a candidate drug for atherosclerosis treatment.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.796-801
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• 2007

This study was conducted to investigate antioxidant activity and anti-immunological inflammatory effect of Allium victorialis subsp. platyphyllum extracts (AVPEs). Antioxidant activities of AVPEs were determined by free radical scavenging assay and reducing power test. Leaf-part extract had comparatively better antioxidant activity than other-part extracts. Antioxidant activity of extracts had protective effect for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against superoxide anions secreted from activated neutrophils. Also, we observed AVPEs had inhibitory effects on the adherence of monocytic THP-1 to HUVEC monolayer to the basal level. Inhibitory effect on cell adhesion was caused by suppression of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})-upregulated$ expression of vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin in HUVECs. From these results, we expect to support the evidence of anti-immunological inflammatory effects of Allium victorialis subsp. platyphyllum (AVP) as a Korean traditional pharmaceutical.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.351-358
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• 2014

Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) was investigated for its parasite elimination activity and efficacy in treating disorders of the prostate gland and urinary bladder. We confirmed the composition of PSO and identified its ability to improve vessels. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric (GC-MS) system was used for PSO composition analysis. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation were confirmed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Nitric oxide(NO) production was measured with Griess reagent, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 mRNA expression levels were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). As a result, PSO revealed the presence of several components such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid. Cytotoxic effects of PSO were not observed, and PSO increased nitric oxide production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Additionally, TNF-${\alpha}$-induced cell proliferation and ICAM-1 expression in HUVEC were inhibited by PSO treatment, whereas VCAM-1 expression was not significantly reduced. Taken together, these results show that PSO is worthy of study as a candidate food material for improvement of vascular disease.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.213-220
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• 2000

Background: Adhesion of leukocytes to myocardium or vascular endothelium has been known as an importation initial step in the ischemia-reperfusion injury which may affect the cardiac function. Therefore, leukocyte-depleted reperfusion may inhibit ischemia-reperfusion induced functional and ultrastructural deterioration. In this study, we quantified the time-dependent expression of the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCMA-1) on piglet myocardium and demonstrated its relation to functional recovery using isolated piglet heart perfusion model. Material and Method: Neonatal(1 to 3 day old) piglet heart was harvested with 4$^{\circ}C$ University of Wisconsin solution (UWS) and presrved in the same solution for 12 hours. Ex vivo model of an isolated working neonatal piglet heart perfusion consisting of membrane oxygenator and roller-pump was used (Fig. 1). Hearts were grouped into leukocyte-non-depleted (group A, n=8) and leukocyte-depleted group(group B, n=8). In group B, hearts were reperfused with leukocyte-depleted blood using a leukocyte filter (Sepacell R, Asahi Medical, Japan). Segments of right atrium were taken before and after 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours of reperfusion for the evaluation of expression of VCAM-1. The intensity of immunohistochyemical satining of the VCAM-1 on the myocardium were graded semiquantitatively (0 to 4). For the evaluation of myocardial stroke work indices were calculated as well at the same time-points. Result: Mean expressins of VCAM-1 on the myocardium at 0, 1, 2, 3, adn 4 hours of reperfusion were 0.63, 1.44, 1.64, 2.65, and 3.34 in group A, while 0.56, 1.40, 1.50, 1.88 and 2.14 in group B (Fig. 3). Mean stroke work indices at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after reperfusion were 1.35$\times$104, 1.32$\times$104, 1.14$\times$104, 0.81$\times$104, 0.68$\times$104 erg/gm in group A, while 1.40$\times$104, 1.43$\times$104, 1.43$\times$104, 1.28$\times$104, and 1.12$\times$104 erg/em in group B(Fig. 4). Conclusion : In this study, we demonstrated that leukocyte-depletion attenuated the expression of VCAM-1 during reperfusion and the time-dependent functional deterioration of the myocardium was well correlated with the degree of VCAM-1 expression.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.38-45
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• 2008

Antioxidant and anti-rheumatoid activities of Cirsium japonicum leaf extract (CJLE) were investigated in this study. CJLE had similar DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power to ascorbic acid and several flavonoids. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory tissue-destructive disease, partly related with functions of hyaluronidases (HAases) and collgenases. CJLE ($1,000\;{\mu}g/mL$) had approximately 60.7 and 31.9% inhibition of HAase and collagenase activity, respectively. Also, CJLE inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitrite production in a dose-dependent manner, and CJLE ($1,000\;{\mu}g/mL$) suppressed approximately 70% of LPS-induced nitrite production effectively in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. CJLE had inhibitory effects on the adherence of monocytic THP-1 to human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers to the basal level. Inhibitory effect of CJLE on the adhesion was caused by suppression of tumor necrosis factor-a-upregulated expression of vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin. We expect that CJLE may alleviate the inflammatory process in rheumatoid synovium, and these findings will raise the possibility of the usage of C. japonicum as a traditional pharmaceutical of anti-rheumatoid arthritis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.640-648
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• 2005

Purpose : Kawasaki disease(KD) is known as an acute multi-systemic vasculitis with various immunologic abnormalities. Adhesion of leukocyte to endothelial cells is a key event in the sequence of inflammatory response. This study was performed to investigate the clinical significance of serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in acute and subacute stages of typical KD for diagnostic and prognostic value. Methods : A typical KD group was 32 patients who were hospitalized from Jan. 2002 to Jun. 2004 was enrolled. Control was 16 non-KD patients with febrile illness. sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were measured and compared by Echocardiographic and clinical findings and cardiac troponin T and I. Results : sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels of acute KD were significantly elevated over control(P=0.019 vs. P=0.049, respectively) and sICAM-1 was significantly decreased in subacute stage(P=0.0015). sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 had positive correlation with each other in both stages(P=0.0067, P=0.015, retrospectively). Neither sICAM-1 nor sVCAM-1 correctly reflected the coronary abnormalities and responsiveness to intravenous gammaglobulin(IVGG) in both stages. But sVCAM-1 was significantly increased in the carditis group in both stages(P=0.025, P=0.014, retrospectively) and had a positive correlation with troponin T(r=0.63, P=0.00063). Conclusion : The levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were not very useful tools for detecting and predicting subsequent coronary abnormalities and responsiveness to IVGG in KD patients. However, sVCAM-1 appears to play a significant role in carditis of KD. Further studies are needed about various adhesion molecules and cytokines in the pathogenesis of KD.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.244-250
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• 2014

Background: Panax ginseng has distinct and impressive health benefits, such as improved blood pressure and immune system functioning. Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng (REKRG) isolated from Korean Red Ginseng contains a high percentage of Rg3. Methods: In this study, we examined the effects of REKRG on endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and adhesion molecules in endothelial cells and vascular function in rats. Results: REKRG dose-dependently increased eNOS phosphorylation and nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells. In addition, REKRG markedly inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$)-mediated induction of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions in endothelial cells. REKRG improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) compared with controls. Furthermore, REKRG treatment for 6 weeks increased serum NO levels and reduced the mean aortic intima-media thickness compared with controls. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that REKRG increased vascular function and improved immune system functioning. Therefore, REKRG is a very useful food for preventing or improving various cardiovascular diseases.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.285-290
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• 2007

The leukocyte recruitment and transmigration across the endothelial barrier into the vessel wall are crucial steps in atherosclerosis. Leukocyte trafficking on the endothelium is elicited by induction of endothelial adhesion molecules, and its transmigration is mediated by degradation of basement membrane proteins through enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). The current study investigated whether resveratrol, a polyphenol present in grapes and red wine, was capable of inhibiting leukocyte adhesion to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$-activated endothelium. It was found that resveratrol inhibited the TNF-${\alpha}$-activated endothelial expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, resveratrol hampered THP-1 monocyte adhesion to activated endothelial cells. This study further examined whether resveratrol interfered with transendothelial migration of leukocytes. The MMP-2 gelatinolytic activity of endothelial cells was enhanced by TNF-${\alpha}$, which was attenuated by an addition of ${\geq}25{\mu}M$ resveratrol. In addition, 25 ${\mu}M$ resveratrol mitigated the MMP-9 activity of THP-1 cells, followed by a marked inhibition of transendothelial migration. These results demonstrated that resveratrol suppressed monocyte adhesion and migration induced by TNF-${\alpha}$ through modulating expression of adhesion molecules and gelatinolytic activity of MMP. These findings suggest that dietary resveratrol may be therapeutic agent for inhibiting leukocyte recruitment into the subendothelium during inflammatory atherosclerosis.