• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.2473-2481
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• 2015

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated death worldwide. The prognosis for advanced colorectal cancers remains dismal, mainly due to the propensity for metastatic progression. Accordingly, there is a need for effective anti-metastasis therapeutic agents. Since a great body of research has indicated anticancer effects for curcumin, we investigated the effects of dendrosomal curcumin (DNC) on cellular migration and adhesion of human SW480 cells and possible molecular mechanisms involved. Different methods were applied in this study including MTT, Scratch and adhesion assays as well as real-time PCR and transwell chamber assays. Based on the results obtained, DNC inhibits metastasis by decreasing Hef 1, Zeb 1 and Claudin 1 mRNA levels and can reduce SW480 cell proliferation with $IC_{50}$values of 15.9, 11.6 and $7.64{\mu}M$ at 24, 48 and 72h post-treatment. Thus it might be considered as a safe formulation for therapeutic purpose in colorectal cancer cases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.16-25
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• 2016

Objectives: Gilgyung-tang (GGT) has been used as one of the main multi-herb formulas to treat “Peo-ong” (lung abscess). In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of water extracts of GGT on cell migration and invasion, two critical cellular processes that are often deregulated during metastasis, in human bladder cancer 5637 cells.Methods: Effects on cell viability were quantified using an MTT assay. To analyze the anti-metastatic effects, we conducted a wound healing migration assay, an in vitro invasiveness assay, and a measurement of the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). The expression of protein and mRNA were measured by Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively.Results: GGT markedly inhibited the cell motility and invasiveness of 5637 cells within the concentration range that was not cytotoxic. The inhibitory effects of GGT on cell invasiveness were associated with tightening of the tight junctions (TJs), which was demonstrated by an increase in the TER. The RT-PCR and Western blotting results indicated that GGT decreased the levels of claudin proteins. GGT also inhibited the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 and simultaneously increased the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and -2.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that GGT reduces both the migration and the invasion of 5637 cells by modulating the activity of TJs and MMPs.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2018

The aim of this research was to determine the diverse effects of Sappan Lignum extract and brazilin on human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. We confirmed the antioxidant effect of Sappan Lignum extract and brazilin was analyzed by using an ABTS assay, confirming the efficacy of water extraction method. Also, we examined effect of Sappan Lignum extract and brazilin on the cell viability, using the MTS assay in HaCaT cells. mRNA expression levels of tight junction-related genes associated with skin barrier in HaCaT cells were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Sappan Lignum extract increased the cellular activity of HaCaT cells and the expression of the tight junction-related genes claudin 3, claudin 6, and ZO-2. Brazilin displayed the same effects as that of the extract on HaCaT cells activity and tight junction-related genes expression. Furthermore, dispase assay demonstrated altered cell-cell adhesion strength of Sappan Lignum extract or brazilin treated HaCaT cells. Sappan Lignum extract or brazilin might be an useful ingredient in skin-mosturizinng and anti-wrinkle cosmetics, given its effects of altering mRNA expression of tight junction-related genes and enhancing cell-cell adhesion strength of HaCaT cells.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.118-127
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• 2021

Objective The purpose of this study was to confirm the effect of Scutellaria baicalensis extract on skin damage recovery and inflammation relief in atopic dermatitis-induced mice through Endocannabinoid system (ECS) control. Methods 6-week-old Balb/C mice were divided into control group (Ctrl), atopic dermatitis induced group (ADE), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) administered group after atopic dermatitis induced (PEAT), and Scutellaria baicalensis extract administered group after atopic dermatitis induced (SBT). Seven animals were assigned for each group. After drug administration for 3 weeks after inducing atopic dermatitis, Claudin and 8-OHdG were observed to confirm the recovery of the skin damage in each group. To confirm ECS regulation, CB1, CB2, and GPR55 were observed. To confirm the anti-inflammatory effect, Fc ε receptor, and MMP-9 was observed. Results Claudin positive reaction was significantly increased in SBT compared to ADE and PEAT. 8-OHdG positive reaction was significantly decreased in SBT compared to ADE and PEAT. CB1, CB2, and GPR55 positive responses were significantly increased in SBT compared to ADE and PEAT. Fc ε receptor and MMP-9 positivity were significantly decreased in SBT compared to ADE and PEAT. Conclusion It was confirmed that the Scutellaria baicalensis extract can reduce the inflammation of atopic dermatitis by restoring the structural damage of the skin lipid barrier through ECS activity.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.165-173
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• 2021

One of the major sources of air pollution is urban particulate matter (UPM), which causes lung diseases involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer. Codonopsis lanceolata (CL) has been used in East Asia as a traditional oriental medicinal ingredient for lung diseases (e.g., asthma and bronchitis). However, the connection between the impact of CL and UPM in the lungs has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to confirm the inhibitory activity of the ethanol extract of CL (ECL) against oxidative stress and disruption of tight cell junctions in human pulmonary epithelial cells after exposure to UPM. As the lung cells were pre-treated with ECL, the UPM-induced increase in cellular reactive oxygen species production suppressed tight junction proteins (e.g., N-cadherin, fibronectin, occludin, zonula occludens-1, and claudin-4). These results suggest that ECL prevents the possible effects of UPM toxicity on the lungs.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.1-8
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• 2021

Objective : Reflux esophagitis (RE), one of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a disease that causes inflammation due to reflux of stomach contents such as stomach acid and pepsin due to the unstable gastroesophageal sphincter, and is currently increasing worldwide. The currently used treatment for reflux esophagitis has various side effects. Therefore, in this study the effect of Toosendan Fructus extract on chronic acid reflux esophagitis in rats was evaluated in order to find a new treatment material for reflux treatment. Methods : After inducing reflux esophagitis through surgery, the group was separated and the drug was administered for 2 weeks; Normal rats (Normal, n=8), chronic acid reflux esophagitis rats (Control, n=8), Toosendan Fructus 200 mg/kg body weight/day-treated chronic acid reflux esophagitis rats (TF, n=8). After, we were taken esophageal tissue and esophageal mucosa damage was identified, and analyzed the expression of NADPH oxidase, AP-1/MAPK-related proteins, and tight junction proteins by western blot in esophageal tissue. Results : Toosendan Fructus administration significantly protected the esophageal mucosal damage of reflux esophagitis. Also, Toosendan Fructus significantly reduced the expression of NADPH oxidases (NOX2 and p22^phox) and AP-1/MAPK-related proteins (c-Fos, c-Jun, p-p38, p-ERK, and p-JNK). In addition, it significantly increased the expression of tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin-3, and Claudin-4). Conclusions : These results suggest that Toosendan Fructus reduced damage to the esophageal mucosa by protecting the esophageal mucosa by upregulating tight junctions proteins as well as inhibiting the AP-1/MAPK pathway through reducing NADPH oxidases expression.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.85-96
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• 2021

Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a common gastrointestinal disease observed at all ages, which seriously affects the quality of life. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Pomacea canaliculata extract (PCE) using the experimental RE rat model. RE was induced by a surgical procedure. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal group, RE group, PCE group (RE treated with PCE, 100 mg/kg), positive control group (RE treated with ranitidine, 40 mg/kg). We performed the histological examination and measured the expression of tight junction complex and inflammatory mediators using western blot analysis. The phenotypes of RE were attenuated by PCE treatment. PCE administration significantly reduced esophageal mucosal damage and protected tight junction confirmed by claudin-5. Furthermore, PCE treatment reduced inflammatory reaction by inhibiting the expression of COX-2 and TNF-α. PCE treatment, also, reduced translocation of NF-κB into nuclear and IκB-α phosphorylation at the same time. Our findings indicate that PCE has the potential as a novel therapeutic agent to inhibit RE by protecting mucosal damage and regulating inflammatory reactions mediated by NF-κB signaling.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.25-32
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• 2019

Objectives : Gardeniae Fructus extract is used as a component of various cosmetics. However, the effect of the extract on the motility of keratinocytes has not been studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of ethanol extract of Gardeniae Fructus (GFET) or ethyl acetate extract of Gardeniae Fructus (GFEA) on oxidation and motility of human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Methods : Antioxidant activity of Gardeniae Fructus extracts were determined by the 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay. To investigate the cytotoxicity of Gardeniae Fructus extracts, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay was performed. The mRNA expression levels of tight junction related genes were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Cell migration assay was employed to determine the activity of Gardeniae Fructus extracts on motility of human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Results : GFET and GFEA showed strong antioxidant activity. GFEA showed stronger cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells than GFET until $2.0mg/m{\ell}$ concentration. Cell migration assay demonstrated that GFET and GFEA decreased the motility of HaCaT cells. In addition, the mRNA expression level of claudin 8 among tight junction genes was significantly reduced by GFET or GFEA treatment. Conclusions : We investigated the physiological activities of the extracts of Gardeniae Fructus extracts on human keratinocytes by two different extraction methods. In addition, the mRNA expression level of claudin 8 among tight junction genes was significantly reduced by either GFET or GFEA treatment. This study provides basic information on the application of Gardeniae Fructus extract to cosmetics component.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.464-472
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• 2022

Background: Gut microbiota influence the central nervous system through gut-brain-axis. They also affect the neurological disorders. Gut microbiota differs in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), as a potential factor that leads to progression of AD. Oral intake of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) improves the cognitive functions. Therefore, it can be proposed that KRG affect the microbiota on the gut-brain-axis to the brain. Methods: Tg2576 were used for the experimental model of AD. They were divided into four groups: wild type (n = 6), AD mice (n = 6), AD mice with 30 mg/kg/day (n = 6) or 100 mg/kg/day (n = 6) of KRG. Following two weeks, changes in gut microbiota were analyzed by Illumina HiSeq4000 platform 16S gene sequencing. Microglial activation were evaluated by quantitative Western blot analyses of Iba-1 protein. Claudin-5, occludin, laminin and CD13 assay were conducted for Blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation demonstrated through Aβ 42/40 ratio was accessed by ELISA, and cognition were monitored by Novel object location test. Results: KRG improved the cognitive behavior of mice (30 mg/kg/day p < 0.05; 100 mg/kg/day p < 0.01), and decreased Aβ 42/40 ratio (p < 0.01) indicating reduced Aβ accumulation. Increased Iba-1 (p < 0.001) for reduced microglial activation, and upregulation of Claudin-5 (p < 0.05) for decreased BBB permeability were shown. In particular, diversity of gut microbiota was altered (30 mg/kg/day q-value<0.05), showing increased population of Lactobacillus species. (30 mg/kg/day 411%; 100 mg/kg/day 1040%). Conclusions: KRG administration showed the Lactobacillus dominance in the gut microbiota. Improvement of AD pathology by KRG can be medicated through gut-brain axis in mice model of AD.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.3
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• pp.500-514
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• 2022

The blood-epididymis barrier (BEB) forms a unique microenvironment that is crucial for the maturation, protection, transport, and storage of spermatozoa in the epididymis. To characterize the function of tight junctions (TJs), which are constitutive components of the BEB, we determined the expression and localization of TJ proteins such as zonula occludens (ZO)-1, 2, and 3, occludin, and claudin3 (Cldn3) during postnatal development in the goat epididymis. To assess the expression patterns of TJ proteins in immature (3 months of age) and mature (14 months of age) goat epididymides, two different experimental methods were used including immunofluorescence labeling and western blotting. We show that, ZO-1, 2, and 3, and occludin, were strictly expressed and localized to the TJs of the goat epididymis, whereas Cldn3 was present in basolateral membranes as well as TJs. All TJ proteins examined were more highly expressed in the immature epididymis compared to levels in mature tissue. In conclusion, our study indicates that at least five TJ proteins, namely ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3, occludin, and Cldn3, are present in TJs, and the expression strength and pattern of TJ proteins tend to be age dependent in the goat epididymis. Together, these data suggest that the distinct expression patterns of TJ proteins are essential for regulating components of the luminal contents in the epididymal epithelium and for forming adequate luminal conditions that are necessary for the maturation, protection, transport, and storage of spermatozoa in the goat epididymis.