• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.402-409
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• 2019

Korean red ginseng made from steaming and drying fresh ginseng has long been used as a traditional herbal medicine due to its effects on the immune, endocrine, and central nerve systems and its anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of a formulated Korean red ginseng extract (RGE) in response to lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a cell wall component of gram-positive bacteria. RGE inhibited LTA-induced nitric oxide (NO) secretion and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in BV-2 microglial cells, without affecting cell viability. RGE also inhibited nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) p65 and degradation of $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$. In addition, RGE increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a dose-dependent manner, and the inhibitory effect of RGE on iNOS expression was abrogated by small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of HO-1. Moreover, RGE induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that regulates HO-1 expression. Furthermore, the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI-3K) inhibitor and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors suppressed RGE-mediated expression of HO-1, and RGE enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), p38, and c-JUN N-terminal kinases (JNKs). These results suggested that RGE suppressed the production of NO, a proinflammatory mediator, by inducing HO-1 expression via PI-3K/Akt- and MAPK-dependent signaling in LTA-stimulated microglia. The findings indicate that RGE could be used for the treatment of neuroinflammation induced by grampositive bacteria and that it may have therapeutic potential for various neuroinflammation-associated disorders.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.59-67
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• 2024

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) has memory impairment associated with aggregation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Although anti-amyloid β (Aβ) protein antibody and chemical drugs can be prescribed in the clinic, they show adverse effects or low effectiveness. Therefore, the development of a new drug is necessarily needed. We focused on the cognitive function of Panax ginseng and tried to find active ingredient(s). We isolated panaxcerol D, a kind of glycosyl glyceride, from the non-saponin fraction of P. ginseng extract. Methods: We explored effects of acute or sub-chronic administration of panaxcerol D on cognitive function in scopolamine- or Aβ_25-35 peptide-treated mice measured by several behavioral tests. After behavioral tests, we tried to unveil the underlying mechanism of panaxcerol D on its cognitive function by Western blotting. Results: We found that pananxcerol D reversed short-term, long-term and object recognition memory impairments. The decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) or Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in scopolamine-treated mice was normalized by acute administration of panaxcerol D. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), caspase 3, NF-kB p65, synaptophysin and brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression levels in Aβ_25-35 peptide-treated mice were modulated by sub-chronic administration of panaxcerol D. Conclusion: Pananxcerol D could improve memory impairments caused by cholinergic blockade or Aβ accumulation through increased phosphorylation level of ERK or its anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, panaxcerol D as one of non-saponin compounds could be used as an active ingredient of P. ginseng for improving cognitive function.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.501-512
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• 2020

Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai leaf has been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of gastric ulcer, dipsosis, and hematemesis based on its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and diuretic characteristics. We have previously reported the procedure for deriving a phytochemical-rich extract (PRE) from S. quelpaertensis and how PRE and its ethyl acetate fraction (EPRE) exhibits an anticancer effect by inducing apoptosis in various gastric cancer cells. To explore the molecular targets involved in this apoptosis, we investigated the mRNA and microRNA profiles of EPRE-treated SNU-16 human gastric cancer cells. In total, 2,875 differentially expressed genes were identified by RNA sequencing, and gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses indicated that the EPRE-modulated genes are associated with apoptosis, mitogen-activated protein kinase, inflammatory response, tumor necrosis factor signaling, and cancer pathways. Subsequently, protein-protein interaction network analysis confirmed interactions among genes associated with cell death and apoptosis, and 27 differentially expressed microRNAs were identified by further sequencing. Here, GO and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that EPRE modified the expression of microRNAs associated with the cell cycle and cell death, as well as signaling of tropomyosin-receptor-kinase receptor, transforming growth factor-b, nuclear factor kB, and cancer pathways. Taken together, these results provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of EPRE.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was performed to inquire into the protective effects of acupuncture on oxidative stress caused by cadmium accumulation in the kidney. Methods : Sprague-Dawley male($150{\pm}30g$) rats were stabilized for 1 week and divided into 5 groups: normal, control, $LR_3$ acupuncture, $BL_{23}$ acupuncture and sham acupuncture. For three days experimental groups received oral doses of cadmium 2 mg/kg twice a day. Acupuncture was applied bilaterally at each point 10 times for two weeks. The depth of stimulation was 1 mm at right angles and torsion of acupuncture was produced 2 times per second for 1 minute. The kidneys were extracted and weighed after two weeks, and renal function was confirmed through blood urea nitrogen(BUN). We measured reactive oxygen species of the serum and kidney, and compared expression levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase(Gpx), nuclear factor erythroid derived 2-related factor 2(Nrf-2), heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$(NF-${\kappa}B)$, cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Bax and Cytochrome c. Results : The $LR_3$ acupuncture group and $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group experienced significantly increased kidney weight, and decreased BUN compared to control group. In terms of oxidative stress, the $LR_3$ acupuncture group and $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group experienced significantly reduced reactive oxygen species compared to the control group. Conclusions : The $LR_3$ acupuncture group and $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group experienced showed the effects of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and apoptosis protection. The $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group was more effective than $LR_3$ acupuncture group.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.50-58
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• 2016

The root bark of Ulmus macrocarpa has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as edema, infection and inflammation. Nevertheless, the biological activities and underlying mechanisms of the immunomodulatory effects remain unclear. In this study, as part of our ongoing screening program to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of new compounds from traditional medicinal resources, we investigated the effects of U. macrocarpa water extract (UME) on immune modulation in a murine RAW 264.7 macrophage model. As immune response parameters, the productions of as nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines such tumor necrotic factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 were evaluated. Although the release of IL-1β remained unchanged in UME-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, the productions of NO, TNF-α and IL-10 were significantly increased, along with the increased expression of inducible NO synthase, TNF-α and IL-10 expression at concentrations with no cytotoxicity. UME treatment also induced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) indicating that UME activated macrophages through the activation of NF-κB, phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and MAPKs signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, pre-treatment with UME significantly attenuated the production of NO, but not TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10, in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells suggesting that UME may be useful in preventing inflammatory diseases mediated by excessive production of NO. These findings suggest that the beneficial therapeutic effects of UME may be attributed partly to its ability to modulate immune functions in macrophages.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.911-917
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• 2016

Lespedeza cuneata G. Don is an edible perennial herb used in traditional Korean medicine. We investigated the anti-proliferative properties and mechanism of L. cuneata extract. The ethanolic extract of L. cuneata dose-and time-dependently inhibited human colorectal cancer cell proliferation. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to test the effect of the extract on proliferation of HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. The extract inhibited HT-29 cell proliferation with an $IC_{50}$ value of $554.26{\pm}8.81{\mu}g/mL$. L. cuneata extract suppressed production of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$. Apoptosis was evaluated by analysis of DNA fragmentation, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, caspase-3 activity, and protein expression of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2). Our results demonstrated that the extract induced DNA fragmentation and characteristic morphological changes associated with apoptosis in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. The extract also time- and dose-dependently up-regulated expression of the Bax and down-regulated expression of the Bcl-2. Furthermore, the extract dose- and time-dependently enhanced caspase-3 activity. Our findings provide evidence that L. cuneata extract may mediate its anti-proliferative effect via modulation of apoptosis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.1008-1013
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• 2011

Osteoporosis is the leading underlying cause of fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women, due to the loss of estrogen-mediated suppression of bone resorption. More than 50% of adults 50 years of age or older are estimated to have osteoporosis. Osteoclast which is main target for treatment of osteoporosis is originated from hematopoietic cell line. Aloe has been widely used in worldwide country as a coadjuvant medicine. Extracts of the leaves of Aloe have been used in condition to improve dermatologic problem such as seborrheic dermatitis, aphthous stomatitis, xerosis, lichen planus and has been known to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-tumor effects. However, despite the popularity of aloe as a plant food supplements, the evaluation of its efficacy as a possible therapeutic option for osteoporosis remains scarce. Thus, we evaluated the effect of Aloe on receptor activator of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Here we found that Aloe significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL. Aloe suppressed the activation of p38 pathway and $NF{\kappa}B$ in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) treated with RANKL. Also, Aloe significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of c-Fos, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)c1 and cathepsin K in BMMs treated with RANKL. Particularly, Aloe greatly inhibited the protein expression of c-fos and NFATc1. Taken together, our results suggested that Aloe may be useful tool for treatment of osteoporosis by inhibition of osteoclast differentiation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.625-634
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• 2011

Green tea seed coat (GTSC) was extracted with 100% ethanol for 4 hr and then fractionated with petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EtOAC) and butanol (BuOH). The EtOAC fraction showed the highest level in total phenol contents and the lowest level in nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cell. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory and its mechanisms of GTSC EtOAC fraction in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cell. GTSC EtOAC fraction contained EGC ($1146.48{\pm}11.01\;{\mu}g/g$), tannic acid ($966.99{\pm}32.24\;{\mu}g/g$), EC ($70.88{\pm}4.39\;{\mu}g/g$), gallic acid ($947.61{\pm}1.03\;{\mu}g/g$), caffeic acid ($37.69{\pm}1.46\;{\mu}g/g$), ECG ($35.46{\pm}3.19\;{\mu}g/g$), and EGCG ($15.53{\pm}0.09\;{\mu}g/g$) when analyzed by HPLC. NO production was significantly (p<0.05) suppressed in a dose-dependent manner with an $IC_{50}$ of $80.11\;{\mu}g$/mL. Also prostaglandin $E_2$ level was also inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, iNOS protein expression was suppressed in dose-dependent manner but COX-2 gene expression was not affected. Total antioxidant capacity and glutathione (GSH) levels were enhanced more than the LPS-control. Expressions of antioxidative enzymes including catalase, GSH-reductase and Mn-SOD were elevated compared to LPS-control. Nuclear p65 level was decreased in the GTSC EtOAC fraction in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that GTSC EtOAC fraction inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory responses through elevated GSH levels, antioxidative enzymes expressions and suppression of iNOS expression via NF-${\kappa}B$ down-regulation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.6159-6164
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• 2013

Background: Phytochemical compounds are emerging as a new generation of anticancer agents with limited toxicity in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effcts of thymoquinone, caffeic acid phenylester (CAPE) and resveratrol on inflammatory markers, oxidative stress parameters, mRNA expression levels of proteins and survival of lung cancer cells in Vitro. Materials and Methods: The A549 cell line was treated with benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene plus caffeic acid phenylester (CAPE), benzo(a)pyrene plus resveratrol (RES), and benzo(a)pyrene plus thymoquinone (TQ). Inflammatory markers, oxidative stress parameters, mRNA expression levels of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins and cell viability were assessed and results were compared among study groups. Results: TQ treatment up-regulated Bax and down-regulated Bcl2 proteins and increased the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. CAPE and TQ also up-regulated Bax expression. RES and TQ down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2. All three agents decreased the expression of cyclin D and increased the expression of p21. However, the most significant up-regulation of p21 expression was observed in TQ treated cells. CAPE, RES and TQ up-regulated TRAIL receptor 1 and 2 expression. RES and TQ down-regulated the expression of NF-kappa B and IKK1. Viability of CAPE, RES and TQ treated cells was found to be significantly decreased when compared with the control group (p=0.004). Conclusions: Our results revealed up-regulation of the key upstream signaling factors, which ultimately cause increase in their regulatory p53 levels affecting the induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Overall these results provide mechanistic insights for understanding the molecular basis and utility of the anti-tumor activity of TQ, RES and CAPE.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.361-369
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• 2015

The precise mechanism underlying the therapeutic efficacy of an extraction powder of Angelica gigas (AGE) for the treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis was investigated in primary cultured rabbit chondrocytes and in a monosodium-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rat model. The treatment with AGE (50 μg/mL) effectively inhibited NF-B activation. The anti-inflammatory mechanism was clarified by gelatin zymography and western blotting measurements of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activities. The AGE (50 μg/mL) treatment significantly reduced MMP-9 activity. The constituents of AGE— decursinol, decursin, and decursinol angelate—were determined by LC-MS/MS after a 24 hr treatment of rabbit chondrocytes. The contents of the major products, decursin and decursinol angelate, were 3.62±0.47 and 2.14 ±0.36 μg/mg protein, respectively in AGE-treated (50 μg/mL) rabbit chondrocytes. An in vivo animal study on rats fed a diet containing 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg AGE for 3 weeks revealed a significant inhibition of the MMPs in the MIA-induced rat articular cartilage. The genetic expression of arthritic factors in the articular cartilage was examined by RT-PCR of collagen Type I, collagen Type II, aggrecan, and MMP (MMP3, MMP-9, MMP13). Specifically, AGE up-regulated the expression of collagen Type I, collagen Type II, and aggrecan and inhibited MMP levels at all tested concentrations. Collectively, AGE showed a strong specific site of action on MMP regulation and protected against the degeneration of articular cartilage via cellular regulation of MMP expression both in vitro and in vivo.