• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.1-18
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of water extracts of Eucommiae cortex (EC), Psoraleae semen (PS), and their combination on receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Methods : We assayed the protein expression levels of nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), c-Fos, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and ${\beta}-actin$ in cell lysates using western blotting. Similarly, mRNA expression levels of NFATc1, c-Fos, tartrateresistant acid phosphate (TRAP), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, spermatogeni (GAPDHS) from bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) were analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, we determined the anti-osteoporotic effects of the water extracts of EC, PS, and their combination in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone-loss mouse model. Results : The in vitro data revealed showed that the combination of EC and PS extract showed a more remarkable inhibition of osteoclast differentiation than each herb did alone. The combination downregulated the induction of c-Fos, NFATc1, and TRAP by suppressing the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($NF-{\kappa}B$). Lastly, the in vivo data showed that PS reduced the LPS-induced bone erosion. Conclusion : The result of this study suggests that EC and PS could be potential therapeutic agents for bone loss diseases such as osteoporosis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.557-563
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• 2015

Skin aging is the most readily observable process involved in human aging. Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causes photo-oxidation via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby damaging the nucleus and cytoplasm of skin cells and ultimately leading to cell death. Recent studies have shown that high levels of solar UVB irradiation induce the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in skin fibroblasts, causing photo-aging and tumor progression. The MMP family is involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes such as arthritis and metastasis. We investigated the effect of diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) against damage induced by UVB radiation in human skin keratinocytes. In UVB-irradiated cells, DPHC significantly reduced expression of MMP mRNA and protein, as well as activation of MMPs. Furthermore, DPHC reduced phosphorylation of ERK and JNK, which act upstream of c-Fos and c-Jun, respectively; consequently, DPHC inhibited the expression of c-Fos and c-Jun, which are key components of activator protein-1 (AP-1, up-regulator of MMPs). Additionally, DPHC abolished the DNA-binding activity of AP-1, and thereby prevented AP-1-mediated transcriptional activation. These data demonstrate that by inactivating ERK and JNK, DPHC inhibits induction of MMPs triggered by UVB radiation.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.310-315
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• 2020

Orostachys japonicus (O. japonicus) is known as a medicinal plant for the treatment of various symptoms. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of the hexane fraction from O. japonicus (OJH) on the LPS-stimulated response in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. This study was conducted to confirm the effect of cell cytotoxicity and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in OJH-treated macrophage cells. Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines and transcription factors were determined using RT-PCR and western blotting assay. OJH showed no change in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and exhibited reduced ROS levels in LPS-induced inflammatory cells. Moreover, OJH significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and IP-10. Furthermore, OJH effectively inhibited the protein levels of AP-1 (p-c-Jun and p-c-Fos) and p-IRF3 in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that OJH exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activities via regulation of inflammatory factors.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.330-337
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• 2012

This study was performed to assess the Effect of SCF(Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) on Keratinocyte Damage by UV irradiation. The effect of SCF were determined in UV irradiated HaCaT. We measured LDH release and NO release from HaCaT to elucidate the effect of SCF. And iNOS, TNF-${\alpha}$, COX-2, Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, c-jun, c-fos gene expression were determined in HaCat using real time PCR method. The results are as follows. SCF inhibited LDH-release, NO production in UV irradiated HaCaT. SCF increased the gene expression Bax, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein in UV irradiated HaCaT. SCF suppressed the gene expression TNF-${\alpha}$ in UV irradiated HaCaT. SCF suppressed the gene expression iNOS, c-fos, and c-jun in UV irradiated HaCaT. SCF not affected the suppression of the gene expression COX-2 in UV irradiated HaCaT. The study showed SCF inhibited the cell damage in UV irradiated HaCaT.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.71-84
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• 2010

Purpose: In the theory of traditional medicine, Glenditsia spina(GS) can resolve carbuncle, relive swelling, dispel wind and destroy parasites. This study was designed to investigate the effects of GS on gene expression of ovarian tissue in polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) rats. Methods: In this experiment, female rats injected with a single dose of 2 mg estradiol valerate(EV) and GS was given for 5 weeks. The genetic profile for the effects on ovarian tissue in PCOS rats was measured using microarray technique, and the functional analysis on these genes was conducted. Results: 985 genes were increased in control and restored to normal level in GS group. (B), 733 genes were decreased in control group and restored to normal level in GS group. (F). Metabolic pathways related in B group genes were Graft-versus-host disease, Allograft rejection, Autoimmune thyroid disease, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Small cell lung cancer, Type I diabetes mellitus. Metabolic pathways related in F group genes were Antigen processing and present, Adipocytokine signalling pathway, Focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, Pancreatic cancer, Notch signalling pathway, Tight junction. The network of total protein interactions was measured using cytoscape program, and some key molecules, such as c-Fos, c-Myc, ABL1 related in B group, MAPK8, RASA1, CALR related in F group that can be used for elucidation of therapeutical mechanism of medicine in future were identified. Conclusion: These results suggest possibility of GS as anti-cancer and anti-hyperplasia drug in PCOS. In addition, the present author also suggests that related mechanisms are involved in suppression of proto-oncogene such as c-Fos, c-Myc and ABL1, and in regulation of cell cycle such as RASA1.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.28-39
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• 2011

Objectives: SaengRyoSaMulTang is a herbal formula in Oriental Medicine, known anti-allergens. However, its mechanism and cellular targets have not been found yet. Thus the study has developed to investigate the suppressive effect of SaengRyoSaMulTang. Methods: In the study, cellular viability, IL-4, IL-13 mRNA expression, IL-4, IL-13 production, manifestations of GATA-1, GATA-2, NF-AT1, NF-AT2, AP-1 and NF-${\kappa}$B p65 transcription factors were examined by Real-Time PCR, ELISA analysis and western blotting. Results: As a result of treating with SaengRyoSaMulTang extract(SRSMT), the study has shown that the amount of Th2 cytokines, which include PI induced IL-4 and IL-13, plays a significant role in suppressing effect. RBL-2H3 mast cells significantly suppressed the PI-induced Th2 cytokine production including IL-4 and IL-13 in a dose dependent manner. PI-induced IL-4 and IL-13 production was significantly suppressed by SRSMT intervention. Western blot analysis of transcription factors involving IL-4 and IL-13 expression also revealed a prominent decreases of mast cell's specific transcription factors including GATA-1, GATA-2, NF-AT2, c-Jun and c-Fos, but NF-${\kappa}$B p65. Conclusions: The study suggests that the anti-allergenic activities of SRSMT may regulate the transcription factors GATA-1, GATA-2, NF-AT2, c-Jun and c-Fos inhibiting Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 in mast cells.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.13-32
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• 2011

Objectives: This study was performed to elucidate the effects of Danchisoyo-san (DS) on cell damage and gene expression in UVB-exposed dermal fibroblast. Methods: To demonstrate the inhibitory effects of DS on aging of the skin, we used human dermal fibroblast(F6) and UVB light(30 mJ/$cm^2$) was used to damage to dermal fibroblast. We measured the nitrite production, LDH release, and gene expression in UVB-irradiated dermal fibroblast to elucidate the actionmechanism of DS. Also, we evaluated the amount of increased PICP, TIMP-1 in dermal fibroblast. PICP, TIMP-1 concentration was measured using EIA kit, and gene expression (MMP-1, procollagen, c-fos, c-jun, NF-kB, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, iNOS) were determined using real-time PCR. Results: 1. DS inhibited LDH-release, nitrite production in UVB-irradiated dermal fibroblast. 2. DS suppressed the gene expression of MMP-1 in UVB-irradiated dermal fibroblast. 3. DS increased the gene expression of procollagen in UVB-iradiated dermal fibroblast. 4. DS suppressed the gene expression of c-jun, c-fos, NF-kB, iNOS in UVBirradiated dermal fibroblast. 5. DS increased the gene expression of Bcl-2 in UVB-iradiated dermal fibroblast. 6. DS increased the cell proliferation of dermal fibroblast. Conclusions: From the results, we concluded DS increases the cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in dermal fibroblast. So we suggest that DS has the antiwrinkle effects.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.31-49
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• 2011

Objectives: This study was performed to assess the protective effect of Polygonum multiflorum(PM) on UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes damage. Methods: The protective effects of Polygonum multiflorum(PM) were determined by UVB-irradiated HaCaT assay. We assessed protective effects of Polygonum multiflorum(PM) on LDH release and nitrite production from HaCaT. COX-2, Bcl-2, Bax, $TNF{\alpha}$, c-jun, c-fos, NF-${\kappa}B$, iNOS, Bcl-xL gene expression were determined in HaCaT using real-time PCR method. Results: 1. PM inhibited LDH Release in UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes. 2. PM inhibited Nitrite Production in UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes. 3. PM suppressed the Gene Expression of COX-2 in UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes. 4. PM increased the Gene Expression of Bcl-2 in UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes. 5. PM didn't increase the Gene Expression of Bax in UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes. 6. PM suppressed the Gene Expression of $TNF{\alpha}$ in UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes. 7. PM suppressed the Gene Expression of c-jun in UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes. 8. PM suppressed the Gene Expression of c-fos in UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes. 9. PM suppressed the Gene Expression of NF-${\kappa}B$ in UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes. 10. PM suppressed the Gene Expression of i-NOS in UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes. 11. PM didn't increase the Gene Expression of Bcl-xL in UVB-irradiated HaCaT Keratinocytes Conclusions: In conclusion, these results suggest that PM inhibited the cell damage in UVB-irradiated HaCaT.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.7-14
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• 2023

The effects of fermented Achyranthes japonica Nakai, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Eucommia ulmoides Oliver extracts (FAAE) on regulation of inflammation and apoptosis were investigated in primary cultured rat cartilage cells. To identify the protective effects of FAAE against H₂O₂, cell survival was measured by MTT assay. Smad3, Collagen type I, MMP3, and MMP13 were measured by real-timpe PCR and westernbot and the inflammatory (NF-κB pathway, COX-2, iNOS) factors were determined by western blot. The apoptosis related factors (JNK, c-Fos, c-Jun, caspase 3, Bax, and Bcl-2) were determined by western blot. FAAE significantly increased the follwing: H₂O₂ treated cell survival, mRNA and protein expression of Smad 3, collagen type I. In addition, FAAE significantly decreased the protein expression of inflammatory and apoptosis related factors. This study suggests that FAAE have a protection effect of chondrocytes through inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis. Thus, FAAE is a therapeutic potential food componet in osteoarthritis.

• International Journal of Molecular Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.913-926
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• 2019

Leonurus sibiricus L. (LS) is a medicinal plant used in East Asia, Europe and the USA. LS is primarily used in the treatment of gynecological diseases, and recent studies have demonstrated that it exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. To the best of our knowledge, the present study demonstrated for the first time that LS may promote osteoblast differentiation and suppress osteoclast differentiation in vitro, and that it inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone loss in a mouse model. LS was observed to promote the osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and upregulate the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), a key gene involved in osteoblast differentiation. This resulted in the induction of the expression of various osteogenic genes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteonectin (OSN), osteopontin (OPN), type I collagen (COL1) and bone sialoprotein (BSP). LS was also observed to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. The expression levels of nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFATc1) and c-Fos were inhibited following LS treatment. NFATc1 and c-Fos are key markers of osteoclast differentiation that inhibit receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. As a result, LS suppressed the expression of osteoclast-associated genes, such as matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), cathepsin K (Ctsk), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoclast-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor (OSCAR), c-src, c-myc, osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP) and ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit d2 (ATP6v0d2). Consistent with the in vitro results, LS inhibited the reduction in bone mineral density and the bone volume/total volume ratio in a mouse model of LPS-induced osteoporosis. These results suggest that LS may be a valuable agent for the treatment of osteoporosis and additional bone metabolic diseases.