• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제39권2호
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• pp.43-53
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• 2022

Objectives : Paeonia lactiflora Pallas (PLP) have been reported to have pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic. However, it is not yet known whether PLP extract has anti-inflammatory effect on HaCaT cells, human keratinocyte. Methods : To confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of PLP on keratinocyte, TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾-stimulated HaCaT cells were used. HaCaT cells were pre-treated with PLP for 1h before stimulation with TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾. Then HaCaT cells were stimulated with TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾 for 24 h, the cells and media were harvested to measure the inflammatory cytokines levels. Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1𝛽), and TNF-𝛼 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression of thymus and activation-regulated chemokines (TARC), IL-6, and IL-8 were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We also investigated the inhibitory mechanism of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) including ERK, JNK, and p38 and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-𝜅B) by PLP using western blot. Results : PLP did not show cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells. In TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾-stimulated HaCaT cells, PLP significantly inhibited the expression of GM-CSF, MCP-1 IL-1𝛽, TNF-𝛼, TARC and IL-6. PLP inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and translocation of NF-𝜅B into the nucleus. Conclusions : These results indicate that PLP could ameliorate the TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾-stimulated inflammatory response through inhibition of MAPK and NF-kB signal pathway. This suggests that PLP could be used beneficial agent to improve skin inflammation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.1219-1225
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• 2014

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol molecule from green tea and is known to exhibit antioxidative as well as tumor suppressing activity. In order to examine EGCG tumor invasion and suppressing activity against adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), two HTLV-1 positive leukemia cells (HuT-102 and C91-PL) were treated with non-cytotoxic concentrations of EGCG for 2 and 4 days. Proliferation was significantly inhibited by 100 ${\mu}M$ at 4 days, with low cell lysis or cytotoxicity. HTLV-1 oncoprotein (Tax) expression in HuT-102 and C91-PL cells was inhibited by 25 ${\mu}M$ and 125 ${\mu}M$ respectively. The same concentrations of EGCG inhibited NF-kB nuclearization and stimulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in both cell lines. These results indicate that EGCG can inhibit proliferation and reduce the invasive potential of HTLV-1-positive leukemia cells. It apparently exerted its effects by suppressing Tax expression, manifested by inhibiting the activation of NF-kB pathway and induction of MMP-9 transcription in HTLV-1 positive cells.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제15권6호
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• pp.798-806
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. The spleen is the largest organ of the lymphatic system and has an important role in immunity. Obesity-induced inflammatory responses are triggered by Toll-like receptor (TLR)-myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) pathway signaling. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), major dietary glucosinolates present in cruciferous vegetables, have been reported to produce anti-inflammatory effects on various diseases. However, the effects of PEITC and DIM on the obesity-induced inflammatory response in the spleen are unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of PEITC and DIM on the spleen and their mechanism in high fat/cholesterol diet (HFCD)-fed C57BL/6 mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: We established an animal model of HFCD-induced obesity using C57BL/6 mice. The mice were divided into six groups: normal diet with AIN-93G diet (CON), high fat diet (60% calories from fat) with 1% cholesterol (HFCD), HFCD with PEITC 30 mg/kg/day or 75 mg/kg/day (HFCD+P30, HFCD+P75), and HFCD with DIM 1.5 mg/kg/day or 7.5 mg/kg/day (HFCD+D1.5, HFCD+D7.5). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze protein and mRNA levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, interleukin 6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), TLR2, TLR4, and MyD88 in spleen tissue. RESULTS: Serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the HFCD group than in groups fed a HFCD with PEITC or DIM. Levels of NF-κB p65 protein and TLR2/4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, IL-6, and COX-2 mRNA were significantly higher in the HFCD group than in the CON group and were reduced by the PEITC and DIM supplements. CONCLUSIONS: PEITC- and DIM-supplemented diets improved splenic inflammation by modulating the TLR2/4-MyD88 pathway in HFCD-fed mice. We suggest that dietary glucosinolates may at least partially improve obesity-induced inflammation of the spleen.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.62-70
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• 2022

Background: Maternal Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection during pregnancy has been associated with various mental illnesses in the offspring. Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) is a major bioactive compound obtained from ginseng that has an anti-T. gondii effect and attenuates microglial activation through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. GRh2 also alleviated tumor-associated or lipopolysaccharide-induced depression. However, the effects and potential mechanisms of GRh2 on depression-like behavior in mouse offspring caused by maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy have not been investigated. Methods: We examined GRh2 effects on the depression-like behavior in mouse offspring, caused by maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy, by measuring depression-like behaviors and assaying parameters at the neuronal and molecular level. Results: We showed that GRh2 significantly improved behavioral measures: sucrose consumption, forced swim time and tail suspended immobility time of their offspring. These corresponded with increased tissue concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine, and attenuated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase or enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the prefrontal cortex. GRh2 ameliorated neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex. Molecular docking results revealed that GRh2 binds strongly to both TLR4 and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that GRh2 ameliorated the depression-like behavior in mouse offspring of maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy by attenuating the excessive activation of microglia and neuroinflammation through the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. It suggests that GRh2 could be considered a potential therapy in preventing and treating psychiatric disorders in the offspring mice of mothers with prenatal exposure to T. gondii infection.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.14-19
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• 2012

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate ssrA expression resulting from adaptation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) to oral pathogens through signal exchange. Materials and Methods: Human cell lines Hep2 and HT29, wild-type E. coli (WT K-12), ssrA knock-out E. coli (${\Delta}K$-12), and Scleropages aureus (S. aureus) were used. A single culture consisting of Hep2, HT29, WT K-12, and ${\Delta}K$-12, and mixed cultures consisting of Hep2 and WT K-12, Hep2 and ${\Delta}K$-12, WT K-12 and S. aureus, ${\Delta}K$-12 and S. aureus, and Hep2, WT K-12, and S. aureus were prepared. For HT29, a mixed culture was prepared with WT K-12 and with WT K-12 and S. aureus. Total RNA was extracted from each culture with the resulting expression of ssrA, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-${\kappa}B$), and p53 was evaluated by Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The expression of ssrA in a single culture of WT K-12 was lower than that observed in the mixed culture of WT K-12 with S. aureus. Greater ssrA expression was observed in the mixed culture of WT K-12 with Hep2 than in the single culture of WT K-12. The expression of NF-${\kappa}B$ was higher in the mixed culture of Hep2 with ${\Delta}K$-12 than that in the mixed culture of Hep2 with WT K-12, and was lowest in the single culture of Hep2. The expression of ssrA was higher in the mixed culture of WT K-12 with Hep2 and S. aureus than in the mixed culture of WT K-12 with Hep2. Conclusion: These results suggest that ssrA plays an important role in the mechanism of E. coli adaptation to a new environment.

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.100-107
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• 2014

본 연구에서는 염생식물인 칠면초와 세발나물의 인슐린 저항성을 개선하는 효과를 조사하였다. 본 실험에 사용한 OLETF쥐는 CCK-1 수용체의 결함으로 인해 인슐린 저항성을 걸쳐 제 2형 당뇨병이 유발되는데, 인슐린 저항성이 진행되는 10주령부터 28주령이 될 때까지 칠면초와 세발나물을 18주 동안 섭취시켰다. 염생식물식이군들의 체중이나 공복혈당 변화는 식이기간 동안 전반적으로 대조군과 유의적인 차이를 보이지 않았다. Oral glucose tolerance test에서 염생식물 섭취가 당 내성을 개선하는 효과를 보였으나 그 혈당 변화를 면적으로 환산하였을 때 각 식이군들 간의 유의적인 차이는 관찰되지 않았다. 혈중 insulin 및 HbA1c 수치는 유의하게 낮은 수치를 보였으며, adiponectin 수치는 높고 leptin과 ghrelin 수치는 낮았으나 현저한 차이는 관찰되지 않았다. 세발나물식이군의 혈중 중성지질과 총 cholesterol 수치는 대조군에 비해 유의적으로 더 낮았다. 혈중 지질산화물 함량은 각 식이군 간 유의차가 관찰되지 않았으나 염생식물식이군에서 더 낮은 경향을 보였으며, NF-${\kappa}B$ p65는 지방조직에서 유의적으로 낮은 발현량을 보였다. 또한 두 염생식물식이군에서 인슐린 신호전달의 negative regulator인 $pIRS1^{Ser307}$의 발현량은 대조군에 비해 더 낮음을 확인하였다. 그러므로 칠면초와 세발나물은 생후 성장하면서 인슐린 저항성이 생기는 OLETF쥐의 인슐린 저항성을 현저하게 줄여주지는 못하였으나 그 개선 효과는 있는 것으로 시사되며, 두 염생식물의 급여 기간을 늘려 제 2형 당뇨병을 예방하는 효과에 대한 섬세한 검토가 보완되어야 할 것으로 사료된다.

• 한국어류학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.61-69
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• 2011

멸종위기 어류 미호종개(Cobitis choii)로부터 중금속해독 단백질(metallothionein) 유전자를 분리, 클로닝하고 중금속 및 고온 스트레스에 대한 전사 발현 특정을 분석하였다. 미호종개 metallothionein는 gDNA, mRNA 및 아미노산 서열 모두에서 경골 어류 MT들의 구조적 특징을 잘 보전하고 있었으며, 생물정보분석을 통해 미호종개 MT 유전자 5'-upstream 영역은 중금속 조절, 면역 반응 및 온도 반응에 관여하는 다양한 전사 조절인자들의 부착 위치들을 포함하는 것으로 관찰되었다. 카드뮴(Cd), 구리(Cu), 니켈(Ni), 망간(Mn) 및 아연(Zn)을 이용한 침지 노출 실험(0.5 및 $1.0\;{\mu}M$; 24시간)에서 미호종개 MT mRNA 발현은 구리 및 카드뮴 처리군에서 가장 많이 유도되었고($1.0\;{\mu}M$ Cu 처리군에서 최대 10배), 망간 처리군에서는 비교적 적은 양의 MT 발현이 유도된 반면(2배), 아연 및 니켈 노출 군에서는 유의적인 MT 발현의 증감이 관찰되지 않았다. 또한 미호종개 MT 전사 발현은 고온 자극 ($25^{\circ}C$로부터 $31^{\circ}C$까지 증가)에도 민감하게 반응하는 것으로 나타나, $31^{\circ}C$ 도달시점에서 $25^{\circ}C$ 초기 MT mRNA 발현 수준보다 9배 높은 mRNA 발현이 관찰되었다. 본 연구 결과는 MT 기반의 유전자 발현 분석을 이용함으로써, 향후 멸종위기 어류 미호종개의 스트레스 반응 연구에 유용한 기초 자료를 제공할 수 있다고 기대된다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제40권4호
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• pp.437-444
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• 2016

Background: Although Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been traditionally used for a long time, its anti-inflammatory role and underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms have been poorly understood. In this study, the anti-inflammatory roles of KRG-derived components, namely, water extract (KRG-WE), saponin fraction (KRG-SF), and nonsaponin fraction (KRG-NSF), were investigated. Methods: To check saponin levels in the test fractions, KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The anti-inflammatory roles and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of these components were investigated using a macrophage-like cell line (RAW264.7 cells) and an acute gastritis model in mice. Results: Of the tested fractions, KGR-SF (but not KRG-NSF and KRG-WE) markedly inhibited the viability of RAW264.7 cells, and splenocytes at more than 500 mg/mL significantly suppressed NO production at $100{\mu}g/mL$, diminished mRNA expression of inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and interferon-${\beta}$ at $200{\mu}g/mL$, and completely blocked phagocytic uptake by RAW264.7 cells. All three fractions suppressed luciferase activity triggered by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), but not that triggered by activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-kappa B. Phospho-IRF3 and phospho-TBK1 were simultaneously decreased in KRG-SF. Interestingly, all these fractions, when orally administered, clearly ameliorated the symptoms of gastric ulcer in HCl/ethanol-induced gastritis mice. Conclusion: These results suggest that KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF might have anti-inflammatory properties, mostly because of the suppression of the IRF3 pathway.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제44권3호
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• pp.402-417
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• 2023

Objective: Liver fibrosis is a highly conserved wound-healing response and the final common pathway of chronic inflammatory injury. This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-fibrotic effect of the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma water extract (RW) and silymarin in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis model. Methods: The liver fibrosis mouse model was established through the intraperitoneal injection of TAA (1 week 100 mg/kg, 2-3 weeks 200 mg/kg, 4-8 weeks 400 mg/kg) three times per week for eight weeks. Animal experiments were conducted in five groups; Normal, Control (TAA-induced liver fibrosis mice), Sily (silymarin 50 mg/kg), RSL (RW 50 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg), and RSH (RW 100 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg). Biochemical analyses were measured in serum, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and ammonia levels. Liver inflammatory cytokines and fibrous biomarkers were measured by Western blot analysis, and liver histopathology was evaluated through tissue staining. Results: A significant decrease in the liver function markers AST and ALT and a reduction in ammonia and total bilirubin were observed in the group treated with RSL and RSH. Measurement of reactive oxygen species and MDA revealed a significant decrease in the RSL and RSH administration group compared to the TAA induction group. The expression of extracellular matrix-related proteins, such as transforming growth factor β1, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type I alpha 1, was likewise significantly decreased. All drug-administered groups had increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 but a decreasing tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1. RSL and RSH exerted a significant upregulation of NADPH oxidase 2, p22^phox, and p47^phox, which are oxidative stress-related factors. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase 2 and interleukin-1β were markedly suppressed through the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation. Conclusions: The administration of RW and silymarin suppressed the NADPH oxidase factor protein level and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation-related enzymes. These results suggest that the combined administration of RW and silymarin improves acute liver injury induced by TAA.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제66권
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• pp.519-526
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• 2023

본 연구는 마우스 대식세포 유래 Raw264.7 세포주에서 황기와 산초 1:1 혼합물(AZM-1:1)의 면역 증진 효능을 탐색하였다. Raw264.7 세포에 100-400 ㎍/mL의 A ZM-1:1 처치는 세포 생존율의 변화 없이 inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA의 발현 증가와 함께 nitric oxide의 생성을 통계적으로 유의하게 증가시켰다. 더불어 A ZM-1:1은 처치 농도 의존적으로 cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA의 유도와 함께 세포 배양액 중 prostaglandin E₂의 함량을 증가시켰다. 또한, AZM-1:1은 tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 및 monocyte chemoattractant protein-1의 전사를 촉진하였다. Immunoblot 분석을 통하여 AZM-1:1은 mitogen-activated protein kinase의 인산화를 증가시키고, inhibitory-κBα의 인산화를 매개한 분해를 촉진하며, p65의 인산화를 증가시킬 수 있음을 확인하였다. AZM-1:1의 처치는 녹색 형광으로 표지된 대장균 파편의 탐식작용을 촉진하였다. 따라서, 이상의 결과는 A ZM-1:1가 대식세포를 포함한 내재면역을 증진시키는 기능성 식의약 소재가 될 수 있음을 나타낸다.