• Molecules and Cells
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.119-124
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• 2009

Anti cancer agent 5-FU (Fluoro Uracil) is a prodrug that can be metabolized and then activated to interfere with RNA and DNA homeostasis. However, the majority of administered 5-FU is known to be catabolized in vivo in the liver where Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is abundantly expressed to degrade 5-FU. The biological factors that correlate with the response to 5-FU-based chemotherapy have been proposed to include uridine phosphorylase (UPP), thymidine phosphorylase (TPP), p53 and microsatellite instability. Among these, the expression of UPP is known to be controlled by cytokines such as $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL1 and $IFN-{\gamma}$. Our preliminary study using a DNA microarray technique showed that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) markedly induced the expression of UPP1 at the transcription level. In the present study, we investigated whether bFGF could modulate the expression of UPP1 in osteo-lineage cells and examined the sensitivity of these cells to 5-FU mediated apoptosis.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제26권12호
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• pp.1087-1095
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• 2003

Betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from Lycopus lucidus, has been reported to be a selective inducer of apoptosis in various human cancer and shown anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. We postulated that BA modulates the immunomodulatory properties at least two groups of protein mediators of inflammation, interlukin-1$\beta$ (IL-1$\beta$) and the tumor necrosis factor- $\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) on the basis of the critical role of the monocytes and tissue macrophages in inflammatory and immune responses. TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-1$\beta$ were produced by BA in a dose dependent manner at concentration of 0.625 and 10 $\mu$g/mL. The production of NO associated with iNOS was inhibited when treated with LPS at the concentration of 2.5 to 20 $\mu$g/mL of BA whereas COX-2 expression was decreased at 2.5 to 20 $\mu$g/mL. These modulations of inflammatory mediators were examined in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. The morphology of macrophage was also examined and enhanced surface CD 40 molecule was expressed when treated BA at 0.625∼5 $\mu$g/mL with or without LPS. Furthermore, BA (20 $\mu$g/mL) enhanced apoptosis by producing DNA ladder in the RAW 264.7 cells. Our results indicated that BA induced activation of macrophage and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This may provide a molecular basis for the ability of BA to mediate macrophage, suppress inflammation, and modulate the immune response.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제42권4호
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• pp.476-484
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• 2018

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (steamed and dried white ginseng, Panax ginseng Meyer) is well known for enhancing vital energy and immune capacity and for inhibiting cancer cell growth. Some clinical studies also demonstrated a therapeutic potential of ginseng extract for treating lung inflammatory disorders. This study was conducted to establish the therapeutic potential of ginseng saponins on the lung inflammatory response. Methods: From Korean Red Ginseng, 11 ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1, Rg2, Rg3, and Rh2) were isolated. Their inhibitory potential and action mechanism were evaluated using a mouse model of lung inflammation, acute lung injury induced by intranasal lipopolysaccharide administration. Their anti-inflammatory activities were also examined in lung epithelial cell line (A549) and alveolar macrophage (MH-S). Results: All ginsenosides orally administered at 20 mg/kg showed 11.5-51.6% reduction of total cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Among the ginsenosides, Rc, Re, Rg1, and Rh2 exhibited significant inhibitory action by reducing total cell numbers in the BALF by 34.1-51.6% (n = 5). Particularly, Re showed strong and comparable inhibitory potency with that of dexamethasone, as judged by the number of infiltrated cells and histological observations. Re treatment clearly inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$, and the c-Fos component in the lung tissue (n = 3). Conclusion: Certain ginsenosides inhibit lung inflammatory responses by interrupting these signaling molecules and they are potential therapeutics for inflammatory lung diseases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.337-347
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• 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently a pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 are directly associated with hyper-activation of innate immune response that excessively produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and induce cytokine storm, leading to multi-organ-failure and significant morbidity/mortality. Currently, several antiviral drugs such as Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) and molnupiravir are authorized to treat mild to moderate COVID-19, however, there are still no drugs that can specifically fight against challenges of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Panax ginseng, a medicinal plant widely used for treating various conditions, might be appropriate for this need due to its anti-inflammatory/cytokine/viral activities, fewer side effects, and cost efficiency. To review Panax ginseng and its pharmacologically active-ingredients as potential phytopharmaceuticals for treating cytokine storm of COVID-19, articles that reporting its positive effects on the cytokine production were searched from academic databases. Experimental/clinical evidences for the effectiveness of Panax ginseng and its active-ingredients in preventing or mitigating cytokine storm, especially for the cascade of cytokine storm, suggest that they might be beneficial as an adjunct treatment for cytokine storm of COVID-19. This review may provide a new approach to discover specific medications using Panax ginseng to control cytokine storm of COVID-19.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제66권
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• pp.311-319
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• 2023

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is the main structural component of the caveolae on the plasma membrane, which regulates various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and endocytosis. Although a recent study demonstrated that Cav-1 might be involved in diabetes-associated inflammation, its exact role in the intestine was unclear. In this study, we examined the intestinal expression of Cav-1 in diabetic conditions. We also investigated its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation by expressing this protein in human intestinal Caco-2 cells lacking Cav-1. We observed that increased Cav-1 levels and decreased expression of tight junction proteins affected intestinal permeability in high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice. When Caco-2 cells were treated with LPS, Cav-1 enhanced the NF-κB signaling. Moreover, LPS reduced the expression of tight junction proteins while it increased cell-cell permeability and reactive oxygen species generation in Caco-2 cells and this effect was amplified by cav-1 overexpression. LPS treatment promoted phosphorylation of tyrosine-14 (Y14) on Cav-1, and the LPS-induced NF-κB signaling was suppressed in cells expressing non-phosphorylatable Cav-1 (tyrosine-14 to phenylalanine mutant), which reduced intestinal barrier permeability. These results suggest that Cav-1 expression promotes LPS-induced inflammation in Caco-2 cells, and phosphorylation of Y14 on Cav-1 might contribute to the anti-inflammatory response in LPS-induced NF-κB signaling and cell permeability.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제52권5호
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• pp.485-496
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• 2002

연구배경 : Nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$)는 면역기능, 급성기 반응, 세포주기 조절 등 다양한 세포활동을 조절하는 전사인자로서 외부 자극에 의해 세포질에 존재하던 NF-${\kappa}B$가 핵 속으로 이동되어 여러 유전자의 ${\kappa}B$ element에 결합하여 그 유전자의 전사를 가져온다. 최근 들어 암의 발생과 증식 및 전이에 있어 NF-${\kappa}B$의 역할이 주목받고 있다. 즉, 여러 종류의 암세포에서 NF-${\kappa}B$의 과발현 및 지속적인 활성화가 알려져 NF-${\kappa}B$와 암의 발생 및 증식과의 관련성이 제시되고 있고, NF-${\kappa}B$의 항 아포프토시스 기능은 암세포의 생존에서 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 이해되고 있다. 또한 ICAM-l, VCAM-l 등 세포 부착물질의 발현에 영향을 끼쳐 암 전이와의 관련성도 제시되고 있다. 폐암에서 NF-${\kappa}B$의 역할에 관한 연구는 많지 않은 상태로 폐암 조직 및 폐암 세포주에서 p50과 c-Rel의 과발현이 보고된 바 있다. 그러나 NF-${\kappa}B$의 과발현이 NF-${\kappa}B$의 활성화를 의미하는 것은 아니며 현재까지 폐암 세포에서 NF-${\kappa}B$의 활성화 유무에 관한 연구는 없는 실정이다. 방 법 : 본 연구에서는 정상 기관지 세포주와 폐암 세포주에서 기저 상태와 외부 자극에 의한 NF-${\kappa}B$의 활성화를 비교하여 폐암 세포에서 NF-${\kappa}B$의 활성도를 평가하였다. 정상 기관지 상피세포로는 BEAS-2B 세포주를 사용하였고 폐암 세포주로는 A549, NCI-H358, NCI-H441, NCI-H522, NCI-H2009, NCI-H460, NCI-H1229, NCI-H1703, NCI-H157, NCI-H187, NCI-H417, NCI-H526 등 12종을 실험에 사용하였다. NF-${\kappa}B$의 활성화는 p65와 p50의 핵내 발현과 electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA)를 이용한 NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA binding activity로 평가하였다. 결 과 : NCI-H358과 NCI-H460 세포를 제외한 모든 폐암 세포주와 BEAS-2B 세포의 기저상태에서 핵 단백질내에 p65와 p50의 발현이 관찰되었다. TNF-$\alpha$로 자극하고 30분이 경과한 후에는 핵 내 p65와 p50의 발현이 증가하였다. NCI-H358과 NCI-H460 세포에서는 기저 상태와 TNF-${\alpha}$ 자극 시 핵 단백질 내의 p65의 발현이 관찰되지 않았고 TNF-${\alpha}$ 자극했을 때에도 p65의 발현은 증가하지 않았다. 그러나 이 두 세포주에서는 TNF-${\alpha}$로 자극 시 p50보다 분자량이 작은 두 종의 단백질의 발현이 증가되어 p50의 변형된 형태로 생각되었다. 기저 상태에서의 NF-${\kappa}B$의 DNA 결합능은 실험에 사용한 모든 세포주에서 거의 관찰되지 않았고 TNF-${\alpha}$ 자극 시 유의하게 증가하였다. TNF-${\alpha}$ 자극으로 활성화된 NF-${\kappa}B$ complex는 NCI-H358 과 NCI-H460을 제외한 모든 세포주에서는 p50/p65 heterodimer로 확인되었고 NCI-H358과 NCI-H460에서는 변형된 p50/p50 homodimer가 활성화되었다. 결 론 : 이상의 결과로 일부 폐암 세포주에서 외부 자극으로 활성화된 NF-${\kappa}B$ complex의 구성에 차이를 보였지만 전체적으로는 정상 기관지 세포주와 비교해 폐암 세포해서 NF-${\kappa}B$ 활성화에 있어 큰 차이가 없었다.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.57-64
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• 2015

Objectives : Oxidative stress is one of the most causes of hepatocyte injury. Gleditsia spina, the thorns ofGleditsia sinensisLam., has been known for its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects in Korean medicine. The present study investigated hepatoprotective effect of Gleditsia spina water extract (GSE) against oxidative stress induced by arachidonic acid (AA) + iron in HepG2 cells.Methods : To investigate cytoprotective effect of GSE, cells were pretreated with GSE and then subsequently exposed to 10 μM AA for 12 h, followed by 5 μM iron. Cell viability was monitored by MTT assay, and expression of apoptosis-related proteins was examined by immunoblot analysis. To identify responsible molecular mechanisms, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, GSH contents, and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured. In addition, effect of GSE on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation was determined by immunoblot and antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven reporter gene assays.Results : GSE pretreatment prevented AA + iron-mediated cytotoxicity in concentration dependent manner. In addition, ROS production, glutathione depletion, and mitochondrial impairment by AA + iron were significantly inhibited by GSE. Furthermore, GSE promoted translocation of Nrf2 to nucleus, which acts as essential transcription factor for induction of antioxidant genes. Increased nuclear Nrf2 that caused by GSE treatment promoted transcriptional activity of ARE. Finally, GSE up-regulated sestrin-2 which was widely recognized as target gene of Nrf2.Conclusions : This study demonstrates that GSE protects hepatocytes from oxidative stress via activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.126-144
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• 2012

Background : Peripheral nerves more rapidly recover than central nerves. However, it has been known that the degree of reaction of axons of peripheral nerves is affected by distinctive characteristics of axons and environmental factors near the axons. Taxol is a widely used medicine as for ovarian, breast, lung and gastric cancer. However it causes patients difficulties under treatment due to its toxic and side effects, which include persistent pain. Objectives : This study reviewed how SJT extract in vitro and in vivo affects nerve tissues of a sciatic nerve damaged by Taxol. It also studied how SJT extract in vivo affects axons of the sciatic nerve after the sciatic nerve was damaged by pressing. Methods : After vehicle, Taxol, and Taxol plus SJT were treated respectively for tissue of the sciatic nerve in vitro and then tissues were observed using Neurofilament 200, Hoechst, ${\beta}$-tubulin, $S100{\beta}$, caspase-3 and anti-cdc2. SJT was also oral medicated by injecting Taxol into the sciatic nerve of in vivo rats. Tissues of the sciatic nerve and axons of DRG sensory nerves were then observed using Neurofilament 200, Hoechst, ${\beta}$-tubulin, $S100{\beta}$, caspase-3 and p-Erk1/2. After inflicting pressing damage to the sciatic nerve of in vivo rats, tissues of the sciatic nerve and DRG sensory nerve were observed using Neurofilament 200, Hoechst, $S100{\beta}$, caspase-3, anti-cdc2, phospho-vimentin, ${\beta}1$-integrin, Dil reverse tracking and p-Erk1/2. Results : The group of in vitro Taxol plus SJT treatment had meaningful effects after sciatic nerve tissue was damaged by Taxol. The group of in vivo SJT treatment had effects of regenerating Schwann cells and axons which were damaged by Taxol treatment. The group of in vivo SJT had effects of regenerating axons in damaged areas after the sciatic nerve was damaged by pressing, and also had variations of distribution in Schwann cells at DRG sensory nerves and axons. Conclusions : This study confirmed that SJT treatment is effective for growth of axons in the sciatic nerve tissues and improvement of Schwann cells after axons of the sciatic nerve tissues was damaged. After tissues of sciatic nerve was damaged by pressing in vivo, SJT treatment had effects on promoting regeneration of axon in the damaged area and reactional capabilities in axons of DRG sensory nerves.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.275-280
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• 2010

Sulforaphane은 십자가화 채소에 존재하는 화합물로 항염증, 항암 및 신생혈관 생성의 억제 효과가 알려짐으로써 최근 많은 연구가 활발히 이루어지고 있으나, LPS에 의한 MMP-9 활성 조절에 대한 연구는 매우 미흡한 편이다. 따라서 본 연구에서 sulforaphane이 LPS 유도에 의한 MMP-9 활성에 미치는 영향에 대해서 조사해 보았다. Raw 264.7 세포에 sulforaphane을 전처리 한 후 LPS를 처리하여 gelatin zymography를 실시해 본 결과, LPS에 의해 유도된 MMP-9 활성 증가가 sulforaphane 농도 의존적으로 감소됨을 확인 하였다. 또한 RT-PCR과 MMP-9의 luciferase assay를 통한 실험에서 sulforaphane의 MMP-9 억제효과가 전사단계에서 조절됨을 추측 할 수 있었다. MMP-9 promoter 부위에 여러 가지의 전사조절인자 결합부위가 존재한다. 특히 AP-1과 NF-${\kappa}B$가 중요 전사조절인자로 작용하여 MMP-9 발현조절에 관여한다. 본 실험에서 sulforaphane에 의한 MMP-9 억제효과 기전에 이들 전사조절인자들의 중요한 역할을 조사하였다. AP-1과 NF-${\kappa}B$ 결합부위를 변형 시킨 vector를 transfection하여 MMP-9의 promoter 활성을 측정한 결과, 정상 vector에 비해 그 활성도가 현저히 떨어짐을 확인하였고, LPS에 의해 증가되는 AP-1과 NF-${\kappa}B$의 basal promoter 활성 또한 sulforaphane에 의해 감소됨을 관찰 할 수 있었다. 이상의 결과에서 sulforaphane의 MMP-9 활성억제효과는 AP-1과 NF-${\kappa}B$와 같은 전사인자들이 MMP-9의 전사를 조절함으로써 일어나는 것임을 알 수 있었다. 그리고 sulforaphane은 세포의 invasion능력 또한 효과적으로 억제시킴을 관찰 할 수 있었는데 이는 MMP-9 활성억제효과와 밀접한 관련이 있음을 추측 할 수 있었다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제17권8호통권88호
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• pp.1063-1067
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• 2007

Bcl-2 family 단백질은 세포사 조절에 매우 중요한 역할을 하며 세포사 촉진 Bcl-2 family 단백질과 세포사 억제 Bcl-2 family 단백질 사이의 균형적인 상호작용이 세포의 운명을 결정하는 주요인자이다. Bcl-2 family 단백질 중 하나인 Noxa 단백질은 p53 에 의한 전사되는 단백질로 처음 발견되었다. Noxa 단백질이 어떻게 세포사를 조절하는지를 이해하기 위해 Yeast two-hybrid 방법을 통해 Noxa 단백질과 결합하는 파트너 단백질을 검색하였고 이를 통해 세포사 억제 단백질 중 하나인 Mcl-1를 발견하였다. 사람 대장암 세포주인 HCT 116에서 Noxa 단백질과 Mcl-1 단백질이 결합하는 것을 면역침전 방법을 통하여 확인하였다. HCT 116 세포주에서 Mcl-1 단백질 과다발현은 Noxa에 의한 세포사 유도를 크게 억제하였다. Noxa 단백질 과다발현에 의한 세포사 과정에서 Mcl-1 단백질이 분해되는 것을 발견하였고 이는 caspase 억제제인 z-VAD-fmk에 의해서 억제되었다. 이는 Mcl-1 단백질이 cas-pase에 의해서 분해되는 것으로 간주된다. 결론적으로, Noxa와 Mcl-1의 결합은 세포사 과정 중 caspase에 의한 Mcl-1 단백질 분해를 유도를 매개할 수 있을 것으로 추측된다.