• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.61-68
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• 2015

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a representative traditional herbal medicine with many different pharmacological properties including anticancer, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory activities. Only a few studies have explored the molecular mechanism of KRG-mediated anti-inflammatory activity. Methods: We investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the protopanaxadiol saponin fraction (PPD-SF) of KRG using in vitro and in vivo inflammatory models. Results: PPD-SF dose-dependently diminished the release of inflammatory mediators [nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and prostaglandin $E_2$], and downregulated the mRNA expression of their corresponding genes (inducible NO synthase, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and cyclooxygenase-2), without altering cell viability. The PPD-SF-mediated suppression of these events appeared to be regulated by a blockade of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and TANK (TRAF family member-associated NF-kappa-B activator)-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), which are linked to the activation of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) and interferon regulatory transcription factor 3 (IRF3). Moreover, this fraction also ameliorated HCl/ethanol/-induced gastritis via suppression of phospho-JNK2 levels. Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of PPD-SF could be mediated by a reduction in the activation of p38-, JNK2-, and TANK-binding-kinase-1-linked pathways and their corresponding transcription factors (ATF2 and IRF3).

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.63 no.3
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• pp.27.1-27.9
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• 2023

Lespedeza cuneata (LC) is a perennial plant used in herbal medicine to treat numerous diseases, including prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes, early atherosclerosis, and hematuria. Reference collections of bioactive compounds of LC are crucial for the determination of their pharmacological properties. However, little is known regarding its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in alveolar macrophage (MH-S) cells. This study examined whether LC can inhibit reactive oxygen species and Coal fly ash (CFA) induced inflammation in MH-S cells. The anti-oxidative effects of LC were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, anti-inflammatory effects were examined using nitric oxide (NO) assay, and cytotoxicity was analyzed using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The expression of inflammatory cytokine genes was assessed through a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Our results revealed that LC exhibited high radical scavenging activity and a dose-dependent (7.8-1,000 ㎍/mL) inhibition of oxidation as compared to ascorbic acid and Trolox. It also inhibited CFA-induced NO production in MH-S cells. Moreover, it suppressed the CFA exposure-mediated expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. These results suggest that LC is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that can be useful as a nutraceutical product.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.1337-1345
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• 2006

Hypercholesterolemia is a pivotal pathogenic factor for the development and maintenance of atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to evaluate whether the methanol extract of Sorbus commixta cortex (MSC) restores vascular dysfunction in association with the aortic expressions of proinflarnmatory and adhesion molecules in high cholesterol (HC) diet-rats. Chronic treatment with low (100 mg/kg/day) or high doses (200 mg/kg/day) of MSC lowered the increase in plasma levels of triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol induced by a cholesterol-enriched diet without affecting on the plasma level of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Vascular tone attenuated in the HC-diet rats was restored by administration with MSC. Treatment with MSC also suppressed the HC-induced increase in the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and nuclear factor-$_K$B (NF-$_K$B) p65 expressions as well as expressions levels of adhesion molecules including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and E-selectin in aorta. The present study also showed that MSC inhibited the HC-mediated induction of ET-1 and ACE expression. In histopathological examination, aortic segments in the HC-diet rat revealed thickening intima and media, which were blocked by administration with MSC. Taken together, MSC could suppress the development of atherosclerosis in the HC-diet rat model through the inhibition of the aortic expression levels of pro-inflammatory and adhesion molecules.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.302-309
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• 2019

BACKGOURND/OBJECTIVES: Vascular inflammation is an important feature in the atherosclerotic process. Recent studies report that leaves and branches of Carpinus turczaninowii (C. turczaninowii) have antioxidant capacity and exert anti-inflammatory effects. However, no study has reported the regulatory effect of C. turczaninowii extract on the arterial inflammatory response. This study therefore investigated modulation of the arterial inflammatory response after exposure to C. turczaninowii extract, using human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs). MATERIALS/METHODS: Scavenging activity of free radicals, total phenolic content (TPC), cell viability, mRNA expressions, and secreted levels of cytokines were measured in LPS-stimulated (10 ng/mL) HAoSMCs treated with the C. turczaninowii extract. RESULTS: C. turczaninowii extract contains high amounts of TPC ($225.6{\pm}21.0mg$ of gallic acid equivalents/g of the extract), as well as exerts time-and dose-dependent increases in strongly scavenged free radicals (average $14.8{\pm}1.97{\mu}g/mL$ $IC_{50}$ at 40 min). Cell viabilities after exposure to the extracts (1 and $10{\mu}g/mL$) were similar to the viability of non-treated cells. Cytokine mRNA expressions were significantly suppressed by the extracts (1 and $10{\mu}g/mL$) at 6 hours (h) after exposure. Interleukin-6 secretion was dose-dependently suppressed 2 h after incubation with the extract, at $1-10{\mu}g/mL$ in non-stimulated cells, and at 5 and $10{\mu}g/mL$ in LPS-stimulated cells. Similar patterns were also observed at 24 h after incubation with the extract (at $1-10{\mu}g/mL$ in non-stimulated cells, and at $10{\mu}g/mL$ in the LPS-stimulated cells). Soluble intracellular vascular adhesion molecules (sICAM-1) secreted from non-stimulated cells and LPS-stimulated cells were similarly suppressed in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h exposure to the extracts, but not after 2 h. In addition, sICAM-1 concentration after 24 h treatment was positively related to IL-6 levels after 2 h and 24 h exposure (r = 0.418, P = 0.003, and r = 0.524, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that C. turczaninowii modulates the arterial inflammatory response, and indicates the potential to be applied as a therapeutic use for atherosclerosis.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.255-264
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• 2009

Background: Chronic low grade inflammation is closely linked to type II diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis. Macrophages play a key role in the regulation of pro- or anti-inflammatory actions at the lesion sites of disease. Components of cordyceps militaris, cordycepin and adenosine, have been used for the modulation of inflammatory diseases. The effects of cordycepin in the modulation of macrophages have yet to be be elucidated. We investigated the effects of cordycepin and adenosine on the morphological changes of macrophages under the inflammatory condition of LPS and an anti-inflammatory condition involving high concentrations of adenosine. Methods: We confirmed the mRNA levels of the M1/M2 cytokine genes through RT-PCR and morphological change. Results: LPS-activated macrophages returned to their inactivated original shape, i.e., they looked like naive macrophages, through the treatment with high concentrations of cordycepin ($40{\mu}g/ml$). LPS and adenosine activated macrophages also returned to their original inactivated shapes after cordycepin treatment; however, at relatively higher levels of cordycepin than adenosine. This change did not occur with relatively low concentrations of cordycepin. Adenosine down-regulated the gene expression of M1 cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$) and chemokines (CX3CR1, RANTES), such as cordycepin. Additionally, M2 cytokines (IL-10, IL-1ra, TGF-${\beta}$) were up-regulated by both cordycepin and adenosine. Conclusion: Based on these observations, both cordycepin and adenosine regulated the phenotypic switch on macrophages and suggested that cordycepin and adenosine may potentially be used as immunomodulatory agents in the treatment of inflammatory disease.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.565-578
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• 2008

Purpose: Porphyromonas gingivalis(P. gingivalis) heat shock protein (HSP)60 may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of periodontitis as well as atherosclerosis by modulating autoimmune reaction due to its high level of sequence homology between bacteria and human counterpart. The purpose of this study was to identify immunodomiant epitope of P. gingivalis HSP60 that is reactive exclusively to the homologous bacteria without reacting with human HSP. Materials and methods: The present study was performed to identify the peptide specifically recognized by anti-P. gingivalis HSP60 monoclonal antibodies mono-reactive to P. gingivalis HSP60. Results: Four different hybridomas were cloned producing monoclonal IgG antibodies exclusively to P. gingivalis HSP60. Thirty seven synthetic peptides (20-mer with 5-amino acid overlapping) were synthesized. All of these peptide were subject to SDS-PAGE for immunblot analysis. One peptide (TVPGGGTTYIRAIAALEGLK) and the other peptide (TLVVNRLRGSLKICAVKAPG) were recognized by all and one of the four monoclonal antibodies, respectively, that reacted solely with P. gingivalis HSP60. Immunohistochemistry to identify the localization of the HSP60 in the diseased gingival tissues revealed that all of the four monoclonal antibodies were highly reacted with the diseased gingival tissue than normal gingival tissue. Conclusion: The P. gingivalis HSP60 peptides (TVPGGGTTYIRAIAALEGLK and TLVVNRLRGSLKICAVKAPG, respectively) are positively involved in the immunopathologic process of periodontal disease. The peptide may potentially be developed as vaccine candidates. Further investigations are under way to identify more clones producing monoclonal antibodies reactive to P. gingivalis HSP and to other periodontopathogenic bacteria as well, while maintaining specificities to human counterpart.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.407-428
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to review the effect of Guaruhaebaekbaekju-tang (GHBJ), Guaruhaebaekbanha-tang (GHBH) and Jisilhaebaekgyeji-tang (JHGJ) by summarizing Korean and English articles. Methods : The study was based on 23 papers published since 1995. Papers were searched on seven domestic electronic databases including Koreantk, NDSL, RISS, KISS, OASIS, Koreamed and Library of Korea University and three international electronic databases including PUBMED, Embase and Science Direct. Results : 1. 23 research papers were collected, including 13 in vitro studies, 6 in vivo studies, 2 case reports and 2 literature studies. 2. GHBJ, GHBH and JHGJ showed significant myocardial protective and anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, researches on anti-oxidant, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis have been conducted in various ways. 3. It can be confirmed that these studies are related to Chest and back pain (胸背痛), Insomnia by chest paralysis (胸痺不得臥), Stabbing pain that radiates from chest to back (心痛徹背), Chest numbness (心中痞), Obstruction of qi in the chest (留氣結在胸), Fullness sensation in chest (胸滿) among the terms. Conclusion : Through these results, close association was found between classic description and modern research about GHBJ, GHBH and JHGJ, and the possibility of providing objective evidence was confirmed. To improve the quality of the study, large scale studies will be required to evaluate the authority of GHBJ, GHBH and JHGJ.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.27.1-27.6
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• 2019

Background: In order to assess the high value-added use of the alginate-free residue of sea tangle, an animal study was performed to evaluate the functional activities and key compounds present. In the animal study, sea tangle and the alginate-free residue demonstrated good anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-arteriosclerotic abilities. Results: The functional compounds in the alginate-free residue of the sea tangle were effectively extracted by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The optimum extraction temperature and pressure were 40 ℃ and 6500 psi (M1) in the SFE, a better method in comparison to the conditions of 70 ℃ and 4500 psi (M2), respectively. The anti-atherosclerotic effects of the alginate-free residue of sea tangle (M1, M2) were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with poloxamer 407, Triton WR 1339, corn oil, and a high-fat diet. The M1 fraction reduced the serum lipid levels with greater efficacy than the M2 fraction. In the hyperlipidemic rats, treatment with M1 decreased the serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels when compared to the levels in normal rats. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that the alginate-free residue of sea tangle reduces serum TC, TG, and LDL-C. These results suggest that the alginate-free residue of sea tangle contains physiologically active components, such as fucosterol, that may exert beneficial effects in the prevention of atherosclerosis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.280-293
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• 2011

There is currently increased interest in the identification of antioxidant compounds that are pharmacologically potent and have low or no side effects. Plants produce significant amounts of antioxidants to prevent the oxidative stress caused by photons and oxygen, therefore they represent a potential source of new compounds with antioxidant activity. FARFARE FLOS has been frequently used on the respiratory system including bronchitis, phthisis. In this study, the antioxidant activity of extract from FF was studied in vitro methods by measuring the antioxidant activity by TEAC, measuring the scavenging effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) [superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical] and on reactive nitrogen species (RNS) [nitric oxide and peroxynitrite] as well as measuring the inhibitory effect on Cu2+-induced human LDL oxidation. The FF extracts were found to have a potent scavenging activity, as well as an inhibitory effect on LDL oxidation. And this study was designed to evaluate whether FFEA may ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammatory status through the antioxidative mechanism in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with FFEA significantly reduced LPS-stimulated inflammatory response in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the FF extracts have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro system, which can be used for developing pharmaceutical drug against oxidative stress and atherosclerosis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.49-56
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• 2024

Objective : Obesity, which has recently been rapidly increasing in the obese population, is caused by an imbalance in energy intake and consumption. The reason why we need to manage obesity well is that the prevalence of complications such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease increases. In this study, the effect of FO (Fragaria orientalis) water extract on fat metabolism in 3T3-L1 cells was observed to develop a new anti-obesity material based on Mongolian medical books. Methods : The effect of FO extract on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells was observed using DPPH scavenging, pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, MTT analysis and Oil-red-O staining method. And the expression of proteins related to lipid metabolism was analyzed by Western blot. Results : The FO group significantly increased the DPPH radical scavenging activity at 5 mg/ml compared to the positive control BHA at 0.1 mg/ml. In oil red O staining at a safe concentration without cytotoxicity, lipid accumulation was significantly inhibited by less than 80% compared to the control group at all concentrations. Moreover, treatment of FO significantly increased the expression of proteins related to lipid metabolism, such as p-AMPK and p-ACC, in 3T3-L1 cells, and the expression of CPT-1 tended to increase in a dose-dependent manner. However, the expression of PPAR-γ was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : These results suggest that FO water extract has a potential anti-obesity effect and are expected to be utilized in the development of materials for obesity prevention and treatment.