• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.189-197
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• 2022

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. The onset of asthma for most patients begins early in life, and current asthma treatment with anti-inflammatory agents can have adverse effects, eventually leading to impaired quality of life. In the pathogenesis of asthma, macrophages and basophils play a vital role during progression. Macrophages not only induce inflammation by secreting inflammatory cytokines but also promote DNA damage and mucus production through nitric oxide (NO) production. Basophils enhance eosinophil recruitment and aggravate asthma through the FcεRIα receptor with high affinity for histamine and IgE. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether the activation of macrophages and basophils is suppressed by the individual extracts of 28 natural products. RAW 264.7 cells (mouse macrophages) were treated with the natural products in LPS, and 4 natural product extracts resulted in decreased NO production. In β-hexosaminidase assay using RBL-2H3 cells (rat basophils), 19 natural product extracts decreased β-hexosaminidase production. In NO production and β-hexosaminidase assay using macrophages and basophils, 3 natural product extracts (Plantago asiatica, Centella asiatica, and Perilla frutescens var. japonica) significantly inhibited NO production and β-hexosaminidase release. Overall, we examined the inhibitory effects of 28 natural product extracts on macrophage and basophil activity, and the findings demonstrated the potential of natural product extracts for treating asthma and macrophage- and basophil-related diseases.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.31 no.1 s.49
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• pp.51-58
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• 2005

Alkyl ethoxy sulfate type surfactants, widely used in commercial cleansers, are easily adsorbed to skin to often cause skin irritation and inflammation if not thoroughly rinsed nut. In order to replace or complement existing surfactants, we screened the existing surfactants through protein denaturation method, cell cytotoxicity assay and human IL-1$\alpha$ assay, etc. Fourteen surfactants have been chosen from among too irritant anionic, cationic and/or zwitter-ionic ones and investigated for cell cytotoxicity in human fibroblast cell lines using monolayer culture with the thirteen commercially available cleansers for sensitive skin. From these results, we selected 5 surfactants and 2 commercial cleansers (names not shown), such as sodium laureth sulfate (anionic), sodium cocoyl isethionate (anionic), sodium lauroamphoacetate (zwitter-ionic), and cocamidopropyl betaine (zwitter-ionic), alkyl polyglycoside (non-ionic). 20 formulations were made out of 5 surfactants and five of them were chosen through a protein denaturation method (lower than 3 M sodium dodecyl sulfate solution ($13.2\%$)), cell cytotoxicity and human patch test. These five selected formulations containing preservatives were compared to two selected commercial cleansers by cell cytotoxicity and human IL-1$\alpha$ ELISA assay using dermal equivalent. Finally, we selected the best formulation. To this formulation, fructan ($3\%$ or $5\%$) or/and portulaca extract ($3\%$ or $5\%$) well known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects were added and investigated for cell cytotoxicity using dermal equivalent. In cytotoxicity assay using dermal equivalent, two formulations containing $5\%$ fructan and $3\%$ or $5\%$ portulaca extract were less toxic than the others. In cytotoxicity assay and human IL-1$\alpha$ ELISA using 3D culture, the selected formulation containing $5\%$ fructan and $5\%$ portulaca extract showed better efficiency than those of the others and 2 commercial cleansers. As a result, we could develop a low irritant and safe liquid cleanser.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.10
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• pp.1552-1559
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• 2013

Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM) has been used as one of the Korean traditional medicines for prostate health. In addition, recent studies have reported that RCM reduced chronic inflammatory diseases such as cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of unripe and ripe RCM on inflammationrelated gene expressions in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. Mice were fed with 2% unripe RCM (U2), 10% unripe RCM (U10), 2% ripe RCM (R2), and 10% ripe RCM (R10) for 8 weeks. Peritoneal macrophages were isolated and stimulated with LPS then proinflammatory mediators (TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6), and prostaglandin E2 ($PGE_2$) productions were assessed. Moreover, gene expression profiles were analyzed by cDNA microarray method. Unripe and ripe RCM significantly reduced TNF-${\alpha}$ production but only unripe RCM decreased IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 production. RCM intake significantly reduced inflammatory-related gene expressions such as arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase, interleukin 11, and nitric oxide synthase 2. Furthermore, unripe and ripe RCM significantly decreased ceruloplasmin, tissue plasminogen activator, thrombospondin 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor A expression which modulates symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases. RCM intake also significantly increased hypoxia inducible factor 3, alpha which is the negative regulators of hypoxia-inducible gene expression. Furthermore, only unripe RCM reduced chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 8, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 14, and phospholipase A2 expression. In this study, we showed that RCM had anti-inflammatory effects by suppression of pro-inflammatory mediator expressions and may reduce chronic inflammatory disease progress through regulation of gene expressions. These findings suggest that RCM might be used as a potential functional material to reduce chronic inflammatory responses.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.1047-1057
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• 1998

Background : Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder of unknown origin and characterized by accumulation of T cells and macrophages. Various cytokines may play crucial roles in the activation of T cells and macrophages, and thereby in the formation of granulomas. However, little is known about the balance between proinflammatory cytokines and antiinflammatory cytokines in the development of sarcoid granulomas and disease activities. In the present study, we measured IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) from patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis to find out whether there is an imbalance between proinflammatory cytokines and antiinflammatory cytokines in the lung. Methods: Fourteen subjects with the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and six healthy volunteers were included. BALF was concentrated ten-fold by pressure ultrafiltration and each cytokine levels were measured by EUSA method. Active sarcoidosis was defined by major organ involvement or clinically progressive diseases. Results: The mean IL-6 levels in the BALF of the active sarcoidosis group were significantly increased than in controls or inactive sarcoidosis group(p<0.05). Meanwhile, the IL-8 levels were increased and IL-10 levels were decreased in the active sarcoidosis group than in controls or inactive sarcoidosis group without significance(p>0.05). In active pulmonary sarcoidosis patients, the IL-6 levels in BALF correlated with the BALF CD4/CD8 ratio(r=0.768, p<0.05) and IL-8 levels(r=0.564, p<0.05). Conclusions : The data presented showed that pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 is important in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis and decreased tendency of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 might also be involved in the development of granulomatous inflammation in sarcoidosis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.10
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• pp.1156-1163
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• 2015

The present study investigated the immunomodulatory properties of four different medicinal plants in a cyclophosphamide-treated Balb/c mouse model. One of the four plants, Ulmus macrocarpa, showed partial resistance against immune suppression induced by cyclophosphamide. The bark of U. macrocarpa, commonly known as the Chinese elm, has been used as a pharmaceutical material in Korean traditional medicine to treat bacterial inflammation and induce wound healing. In this study, water extract of U. macrocarpa, named DEU-7, was used for its immunomodulating functional activity. DEU-7 increased the weight of the spleen and the number of splenocytes but did not significantly affect the liver, kidney, and thymus in vivo. A splenocyte viability assay confirmed that DEU-7 influenced ex vivo splenocyte survival. DEU-7 also increased the levels of cytokines, such as IL-2 and IL-4, and immunoglobulins, such as IgM, IgG, and IgA. These results indicated that DEU-7 is involved in the activation of T and B lymphocytes. In addition, DEU-7 was able to maintain the production of cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-12, and IFN-γ, in the condition of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression, suggesting that DEU-7 activated innate immune cells, even under immune suppression. We concluded that DEU-7 aids immunological homeostasis, thereby preventing immune suppression, and aids both innate and adaptive immune response by maintaining the levels of various cytokines and immunoglobulins. Consequently, it is worth investigating the potential of DEU-7 as a supplemental source for immune-enhancing agents.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.702-711
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• 2015

This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using Gastrodia elata Blume as a cosmetic raw material by investigating the physiological activities of its extracts, varying the concentration, solvent, and fermentation method (non-fermentation and fermentation using lactic acid bacteria and effective microorganisms). Of the extracts in three different solvents-water, EtOH, and 70% EtOH-at four different concentrations (0.725, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL), the EtOH extracts demonstrated the highest contents of antioxidants (flavonoids, polyphenols, and DPPH free radical scavengers). The DPPH free radical scavenging activity in the EtOH extracts of EM-fermented Gastrodia elata Blume increased from $27.08{\pm}0.5%$ at 1.25 mg/mL to $35.89{\pm}0.8%$ at 2.5 mg/mL. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity test was performed to measure skin-whitening capacity and revealed the LB-fermented EtOH extracts to be the most efficacious ($39.1{\pm}0.4%$ at 0.725 mg/mL, $62.8{\pm}1.5%$ at 2.5 mg/mL). Viability was found to exceed 85% in RAW 264.7 cells treated with all extracts (water, EtOH, 70% EtOH at 10, 25, $50{\mu}L$, fermented and non-fermented), thus proving that Gastrodia elata Blume extracts do not cause inflammation. When RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide as positive controls under the same conditions to determine the antioxidant activity in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), EM-fermentation was found to impart excellent antioxidant capacity. This study verified the physiological activities of fermented Gastrodia elata Blume extracts that are best suited for cosmetic ingredients, such as antioxidants, tyrosinase inhibitors and anti-inflammatory agents.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.827-833
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• 2021

Dendropanax morbiferus leaves (DPL) has been used as a medicine since ancient times in various diseases such as inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. In particular, it has been found to have anticancer effects on several types of cancer cells, but the anticancer effect on breast cancer cells SK-BR-3 has not yet been revealed. Therefore, in this study, DPL caused proliferation inhibition in breast cancer cells SK-BR-3 and the anticancer effect by inducing apoptosis was confirmed, through an in vitro experiment. In order to examine the effect of DPL on cell viability, MTT assay was performed to confirm a significant decrease in the concentration of cell viability. DAPI staining was performed to examine the effect of DPL on cellular morphological changes and increase of apoptotic bodies. To supplement this, an increase in the apoptosis rate was also confirmed through flow cytometry after staining with annexin V/PI. Western blot was performed to confirm apoptosis-related proteins. DPL increased the expression of Cleaved-PARP, Bax whereas decreased the expression of Bcl-2. Changes in the expression levels of MAPK pathway proteins p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, and p-p38 were also confirmed, and a significant increase in p-p38 was observed. These results indicated that DPL induced apoptosis, through p-p38 MAPK signal pathway in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.8
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• pp.558-566
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• 2024

The potential therapeutic effects of Kaempferia Parviflora ethanol extract (KPE) on osteoarthritis were investigated using the human chondrocyte cell line (CHON-001) to explore its application in functional foods. The CHON-001 cells were pre-treated with either 1 ㎍/ml or 5 ㎍/ml of KPE before exposure to 10 ng/ml of IL-1β to induce osteoarthritis. Results showed that KPE treatment significantly suppressed IL-1β-induced TNF-α production by 66% and 50% at concentrations of 1 ㎍/ml and 5 ㎍/ml KPE, respectively. In addition, COX-2 protein expression was reduced by 26% and 34% compared to control levels. The preservation of chondrocyte-specific matrix proteins, aggrecan, and collagen type II, was notable, with aggrecan and mRNA levels maintained by 5% and 8%, and collagen II levels preserved by 62% and 47% at the same KPE concentrations. This preservation is likely due to the reduced expression of MMP1 and MMP13, enzymes responsible for matrix protein degradation. Overall, the current results suggest that KPE may protect chondrocytes from IL-1β-induced osteoarthritis by suppressing TNF-α production and COX-2 expression while preserving critical matrix proteins like aggrecan and collagen II by suppressing the expressions of their degrading enzymes (MMP-1 and MMP-13). Therefore, KPE holds promise as a candidate for developing functional foods aimed at reducing osteoarthritis.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.127-136
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• 2019

Today, as the specification of pigs increases, it is important to develop eco-friendly livestock feeds that do not add antibiotics to highly utilizable materials as feed resources, and to produce functional eco-friendly pork and processed products. The purpose of this study was to establish Rubus occidentalis (RO) byproducts containing various amounts of physiologically active substances such as anticancer, anti - inflammation and antioxidant as a raw material for pig feed. The multifaceted efficacy of the RO fermented fodder (ROFF) was confirmed by the nutrient transport factors and antioxidant activity of Berkshire pigs. ROFF was added 0.3% to the general diet and the efficacy was confirmed by feeding diets to Berkshire pigs according to each weight for 43~73 days. As a result, the total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were decreased or were increased in the castrated male and female Berkshire pigs but not significantly. It was confirmed that the tendency was improved in nutrition physiology. The biochemical levels of female finishing pigs were not significant but increased. In the case of finishing pigs with possibility of pregnancy, it is expected that the nutrition supply for piglet production and will help in the production of the healthy piglet. Transferrin (TFE) levels tended to increase in female growing pig and 110-150 kg finishing pigs. Thus ROFF could minimize the negative effects of iron contents deficiency in female Berkshire pigs. Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) activity was increased in castrated male and female 110-150 kg finishing pigs. Therefore, ROFF tends to improve the antioxidant capacity. The results of this study suggest that ROFF is one of the most favorable dietary sources when considering the contents of RO in feed. In particular, ROFF could have a positive effect on nutrient transport and iron content of female rather than castrated male Berkshire pigs.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1151-1156
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• 2014

Traditional medicinal plants are widely used to treat many diseases, such as inflammation, infections, and even cancer. Ulmus macrocarpa Hance, a Chinese elm species, is distributed in Korea, China, and Japan. The stem bark is widely employed in Korean traditional medicine to treat dermatitis, mastitis, and edema. The aim of this study was to investigate whether water extract of U. macrocarpa Hance bark (Ulmus cortex) has a immune-modulating function in a mouse model. Three different concentrations (30 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg) of Ulmus cortex water extract (UCWE) were orally administered to mice for 14 days, and their immune responses were analyzed. Cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, and IFN-${\gamma}$, increased in the blood of UCWE-fed groups when compared with a control group. In contrast, the IL-4 level did not change in any of the UCWE-fed groups Cell-mediated cytotoxicity was also assayed using lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK). LAK showed greater cytotoxicity in the UCWE-fed groups than LAK in the control group. Internal organ indices, such as liver, kidney, spleen, and thymus, were similar in all the groups, including the control group, indicating that UCWE may have been nontoxic in the experimental animals. These data suggest that UCWE has an immune-modulating function in a mouse model.