• 대한한의학회지
• /
• 제30권3호
• /
• pp.1-14
• /
• 2009

Objectives : Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neuronal loss and extracellular senile plaque. Moreover, the cellular actions of ${\beta}$-amyloid (A${\beta}$ play a causative role in the pathogenesis of AD. This study was designed to determine whether Woo-Gui-Um, a commonly used Korean herbal medicine, has the ability to protect cortical and hippocampal neurons against A${\beta}_{25-35}$ neurotoxicity Methods : In the present study, the authors investigated the preventative effects of the water extract of Woo-Gui-Um in a mouse model of AD. Memory impairment was induced by intraventricularly (i.c.v.) injecting A${\beta}_{25-35}$ peptides into mice. Woo-Gui-Um extract was then administered orally (p.o.) for 14 days. In addition, A${\beta}_{25-35}$ toxicity on the hippocampus was assessed immunohistochemically, by staining for Tau, MAP2, TUNEL, and Bax, and by performing an in vitro study in PC12 cells. Results : Woo-Gui-Um extract had an effect to improve learning ability and memory score in the water maze task. Woo-Gui-Um extract had significant neuroprotective effects in vivo against oxidative damage and apoptotic cell death of hippocampal neurons caused by i.c.v. A${\beta}_{25-35}$. In addition, Woo-Gui-Um extract was found to have a protective effect on A${\beta}_{25-35}$-induced apoptosis, and to promote neurite outgrowth of nerve growth factor (NGF)-differentiated PC12 cells. Conclusions : These results suggest that Woo-Gui-Um extract reduces memory impairment and Alzheimer's dementia via an anti-apoptotic effect and by regulating Tau and MAP2 in the hippocampus.

• 생약학회지
• /
• 제39권4호
• /
• pp.310-315
• /
• 2008

Viscum album coloratum (Korean mistletoe; KM) is a semi-parasitic plant growing on various trees. This plant hasbeen shown to possess a variety of biological functions such as immunomodulation, apoptosis-induction and antitumor activity. However, there is no information about how the extract of KM affects life span of the host. In this study, in order to examine the effect of KM on the longevity of the host, we investigated whether a Korean mistletoe extract (KME) was able to extend the life length in an experimental model using the spring silkworm moth of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera bombycidae). We established a model test for survival in which all of the male and female moths died within 18 days after the beginning of the experiment. Mean survival time of female moths was longer than that of male moths. Both male and female moths fed with KME containing diet (200 or 400 ${\mu}g$/head/day) showed significantly higher mean survival times than those of the control moths. Studying the effect of KME on prolongation of mean survival time showed that male moths were more susceptible than female moths. The moths fed with KME-containing diet showed a slight decrease in body weight. Interestingly, however, no difference in food intake was observed between moths fed with KME-containing diet and those with control diet. In analysis for mRNA increase in the SIRT2 gene, a member of the Sir2 gene family playing important roles in regulation of cell death and prolongation of life span, moths fed with KME-containing diet showed a significant increase in SIRT2 gene expression. These results suggest that KME has a potential to extend the life span in Bombyx mori, and its effect is partly associated with increase in SIRT2 gene expression.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• 제38권3호
• /
• pp.115-121
• /
• 2014

Humulus japonicus is an ornamental plant in the Cannabaceae family. Although the mode of action of Humulus japonicus is not fully understood, a strong relationship was observed between anti-inflammatory and anticancer in some types of cells. Recent studies also have shown that Humulus japonicus possesses anti-inflammatory activities and may significantly improve antioxidant potential in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells. Thus, the aim of this study was evaluated the effect of Humulus japonicus extract on sperm motility and subsequent preimplantation developmental competence of the bovine embryos. After in vitro maturation, the oocytes with sperms were exposed in in vitro fertilization (IVF) medium supplemented with Humulus japonicus extract (0.01, 0.05, $0.1{\mu}g/mL$, respectively) for 1 day. In our results, exposure of IVF medium to Humulus japonicus extract did not affect sperm motility and percentage of penetrated oocytes but ROS intensity was significantly decreased by $0.01{\mu}g/mL$ compared with other groups (p< 0.05). Moreover, treatment with $0.01{\mu}g/mL$ of Humulus japonicus extract was higher the frequency of blastocyst formation than the any other groups (p<0.05). Otherwise, treatment with $0.01{\mu}g/mL$ of Humulus japonicus extract not increased the total cell number but reduced apoptotic-positive nuclei number. In conclusion, our results indicate that supplementation of Humulus japonicus extract in IVF medium may have important implications for improving early embryonic development in bovine embryos.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
• /
• 제28권2호
• /
• pp.157-162
• /
• 2013

Methoxychlor (MXC) was developed to be a replacement for the banned pesticide DDT. HPTE [2,2-bis (p-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane], which is an in vivo metabolite of MXC, has strong oestrogenic and anti-androgenic effects. MXC and HPTE are thought to produce potentially adverse effects by acting through oestrogen and androgen receptors. Of the two, HPTE binds to sex-steroid receptors with greater affinity, and it inhibits testosterone biosynthesis in Leydig cells by inhibiting cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme activity and cholesterol utilisation. In a previous study, MXC was shown to induce Leydig cell apoptosis by decreasing testosterone concentrations. I focused on the effects of MXC on male mice that resulted from interactions with sex-steroid hormone receptors. Sex-steroid hormones affect other organs including the kidney and liver. Accordingly, I hypothesised that MXC can act through sex-steroid receptors to produce adverse effects on the testis, kidney and liver, and I designed our experiments to confirm the different effects of MXC exposure on the male reproductive system, kidney and liver. In these experiments, I used pre-pubescent ICR mice; the puberty period in ICR mice is from postnatal day (PND) 45 to PND60. I treated the experimental group with 0, 100, 200, 400 mg MXC/kg b.w. delivered by an intra-peritoneal injection with sesame oil used as vehicle for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the mice were sacrificed under anaesthesia. The testes and accessory reproductive organs were collected, weighed and prepared for histological investigation. I performed a chemiluminescence immune assay to observe the serum levels of testosterone, LH and FSH. Blood biochemical determination was also performed to check for other effects. There were no significant differences in our histological observations or relative organ weights. Serum testosterone levels were decreased in a dose-dependent manner; a greater dose resulted in the production of less testosterone. Compared to the control group, testosterone concentrations differed in the 200 and 400 mg/kg dosage groups. In conclusion, I observed markedly negative effects of MXC exposure on testosterone concentrations in pre-pubescent male mice. From our biochemical determinations, I observed some changes that indicate renal and hepatic failure. Together, these data suggest that MXC produces adverse effects on the reproductive system, kidney and liver.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• 제35권1호
• /
• pp.61-67
• /
• 2008

목 적: Glucocorticoid가 황체용해에 미치는 효과의 기전의 일부를 면역 조직학적 연구를 통해 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법: 8주령의 Rat 암컷 30마리 대조군, 덱사메타손 0.1 mg 투여군 및 덱사메타손 1mg 투여군의 3군으로 나누어 황체용해의 차이와 대식세포의 침투여부를 비교하기 위하여 광학현미경을 이용하여 계수하였다. 결 과: TUNEL 면역염색 결과 덱사메타손 0.1 mg 투여군과 1 mg 투여군 모두에서 대조군에 비해 황체용해의 비율이 현저히 감소하였고, ED1 면역염색 결과 덱사메타손 1 mg 투여군에서 대식세포의 황체 내 침투가 현저히 억제된 것으로 나타났다. ED1 면역염색 결과 덱사메타손 1 mg 투여군에서 대식세포의 면역반응성이 대조군에 비해 감소되어 나타났다. 결 론: 덱사메타손은 직접 황체세포에 작용하여 세포자멸사를 억제한다. 또한 대량 투여했을 때는 대식세포의 황체 내 침투를 억제하거나 황체 내에 이미 존재하는 대식세포의 활성화를 억제함으로써 황체용해를 억제한다.

• 대한화장품학회지
• /
• 제42권1호
• /
• pp.87-94
• /
• 2016

피부 손상은 주로 자외선, 열, 담배 등과 같은 환경적 요인으로부터 초래되는데, 이는 활성산소종의 과생성으로 인한 피부노화와 연관이 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. 돌배(Pyrus pyrifolia NAKAI)는 전 세계적으로 많이 소비되는 과일로써 항암, 항산화, 항염증효과가 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 돌배나무잎 추출물(Pyrus pyrifolia leaf extract, PPE)의 ultraviolet B (UVB)스트레스에 대한 피부 섬유아세포 보호효과를 검증하였다. Lactate dehydrogenase assay와 DCF-DA를 이용한 정성분석 실험은 PPE가 인간의 섬유아세포에서 UVB 스트레스에 의해 유발된 세포독성 및 과생성된 활성산소종을 농도 의존적으로 억제할 뿐만 아니라, 미토콘드리아 기능저하, 막전위 저하, 그리고 세포사멸과정의 핵심 인자인 caspase-3 활성도 유의하게 억제함을 보여주었다. 결론적으로, PPE는 UVB스트레스에 의해 과생성된 활성산소종을 억제시켰으며, 이로 인해 생기는 피부세포 사멸을 효과적으로 저해함을 확인하였다.

• 대한화장품학회지
• /
• 제40권4호
• /
• pp.413-421
• /
• 2014

코르티코트로핀분비인자(Corticotropin-releasing factor)는 스트레스 반응에 관여하는 호르몬으로, 최근 스트레스가 탈모와 같은 피부질환에 영향을 미친다는 보고들이 많아지고 있다. 보고에 따르면, 사람 모낭 배양에서 코르티코트로핀분비인자는 길이생장을 억제하며, 모낭의 조기퇴행을 유도하고 모기질각질형성세포(hair matrix keratinocyte)의 세포사멸을 촉진시킨다. 본 연구에서는 코르티코트로핀분비인자가 모발성장과 모주기조절에 핵심적으로 역할하는 모유두세포에 미치는 영향에 대해 알아보고자 했다. 시상하부-뇌하수체-부신축의 주요 스트레스호르몬들인 코르티코트로핀분비인자, 부신피질자극호르몬, 그리고 코르티솔을 사람 모유두세포에 처리하였다. 흥미롭게도, 코르티코트로핀분비인자가 모발성장과 관련된 사이토카인(KGF, Wnt5a, $TGF{\beta}-2$, Nexin)의 발현을 변화시키는 것을 관찰하였으며, 세포 내 cAMP의 수준을 증가시켰고, 수용체의 발현을 억제시켰다. 이러한 변화는 수용체의 길항제인 antalarmin과 astressin2B, 또는 PKA 억제제의 전처리로 인해 막을 수 있었다. 코르티코트로핀분비인자는 cAMP/PKA경로를 통해 POMC의 발현을 유도하는데, 사람 모유두세포에서도 이 호르몬의 처리가 POMC mRNA의 발현을 증가시키는 것을 확인할 수 있었으나 부신피질자극호르몬의 변화는 western blot으로는 확인할 수 없었다. 이러한 결과들을 바탕으로, 코르티코트로핀분비인자가 그 수용체를 통해 사람 모유두세포 내 모발성장 관련 사이토카인의 발현을 조절함을 확인하였으며, 이는 코르티코트로핀분비인자의 수용체 길항제가 스트레스성 탈모환자를 위한 치료제 혹은 화장품 소재로써 활용될 수 있음을 보여준다.

• 대한본초학회지
• /
• 제30권4호
• /
• pp.57-64
• /
• 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.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• 제37권1호
• /
• pp.9-17
• /
• 2012

편평태선은 피부와 점막에 발생하는 만성 염증성 질환으로써 신체 여러 부위에 침범하여 매우 다양한 임상소견을 나타낸다. 아직 정확한 원인은 밝혀지지 않았으나 피부나 점막에서 유도된 항원변화에 대한 상피와 결체조직 사이의 세포매개성 면역반응에 의한 것으로 알려져 있다. 중년 여성에서 호발하고, 증상의 악화와 완화가 번갈아 일어나는 것이 이 질환의 특징으로, 정신적 스트레스, 유전적 요인, 환경적 요인, 약물 등의 여러 요소가 증상의 악화에 관여하는 것으로 추정된다. 피부 편평태선 환자의 60-70%에서 구강 편평태선이 동반되고, 구강 편평태선 환자의 2/3 가량이 단독병소로써 나타난다. 이번 연구에서는 정서적 스트레스가 구강 편평태선을 악화시키는데 있어 어떤 영향을 미치는지 평가하고자 한다. 임상검사 혹은 조직검사 결과 구강 편평태선으로 진단된 환자 30명과 치과대학 학생들의 부모들 중 구강 편평태선의 증상 및 병력이 없는 30명을 대상으로 하였다. 스트레스 상황의 평가를 위해서는 한국적 문화에 맞게 적절하게 변형한 Holmes와 Rahe의 사회적 재적응 평정척도 설문지(SRRS)를 이용하였다. 분석결과 구강 편평태선 환자들이 대조군에 비해 최근 1년 동안 더 많은 수의 스트레스성 사건들을 경험한 것으로 나타났다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제15권21호
• /
• pp.9327-9333
• /
• 2014

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway mutations are associated with cancer and phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) gene mutations have been observed in 25-45% of breast cancer samples. Insulin growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) can show different effects on apoptosis, cell motility and survival in breast cancer. We here aimed to determine the association between PIK3CA gene mutations and IGFBP-5 expressions for the first time in breast cancer patients. Frozen tumor samples from 101 Turkish breast cancer patients were analyzed with high resolution melting (HRM) for PIK3CA mutations (exon 9 and exon 20) and 37 HRM positive tumor samples were analyzed by DNA sequencing, mutations being found in 31. PIK3CA exon 9 mutations (Q546R, E542Q, E545K, E542K and E545D) were found in 10 tumor samples, exon 20 mutations (H1047L, H1047R, T1025T and G1049R) in 21, where only 1 tumor sample had two exon 20 mutations (T1025T and H1047R). Moreover, we detected one sample with both exon 9 (E542Q) and exon 20 (H1047R) mutations. 35% of the tumor samples with high IGFBP-5 mRNA expression and 29.4% of the tumor samples with low IGFBP-5 mRNA expression had PIK3CA mutations (p=0.9924). This is the first study of PIK3CA mutation screening results in Turkish breast cancer population using HRM analysis. This approach appears to be a very effective and reliable screening method for the PIK3CA exon 9 and 20 mutation detection. Further analysis with a greater number of samples is needed to clarify association between PIK3CA gene mutations and IGFBP-5 mRNA expression, and also clinical outcome in breast cancer patients.