• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.107-112
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the effects of Tong Xin Lou (TXL) on lipid accumulation in liver tissue in Hypercholesterolemic mice. TXL is new drug, which is one of Cardiotonic Pills. TXL is used for activating the blood flow in the restoration stage of cerebral infarction, and for alleviation of angina pectoris including the symptoms as chest oppressed and stabbing pain. Methods : Hyperlipidemia was induced by providing high fat diet for 6 weeks. Normal group was provided with normal rodent diet. TXL was administered orally in the concentration of 10 mg/day for 2 weeks (TXL group). D/W was administered orally in CTL group for 2 weeks. We observed histopathological changes in liver and heart tissues, and also investigated the effect on body weights, and levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride in serum. Results : In this study, TXL did not affects weight gain in hypercholesterolemic mice. TXL group showed downward tendency of lipid accumulation compared with CTL group. In addition, oral administration of TXL lowered levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.05) and triglyceride (P < 0.05), which were elevated by induction of hypercholesterolemia. Conclusion : These results suggest that TXL can prevent lipid accumulation in liver tissue through regulation of dyslipidemia.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1377-1382
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• 2012

Morphine is not only an analgesic treating pain for patients with cancer but also a potential anticancer drug inhibiting tumor growth and proliferation. To gain better insight into the involvement of morphine in the biological characteristics of gastric cancer, we investigated effects on progression of gastric carcinoma cells and the expression of some apoptosis-related genes including caspase-9, caspase-3, survivin and NF-${\kappa}B$ using the MGC-803 human gastric cancer cell line. The viability of cells was assessed by MTT assay, proliferation by colony formation assay, cell cycle progression and apoptosis by flow cytometry and ultrastructural alteration by transmission electron microscopy. The influences of morphine on caspase-9, caspase-3, survivin and NF-${\kappa}B$ were evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Our data showed that morphine could significantly inhibit cell growth and proliferation and cause cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. MGC-803 cells which were incubated with morphine also had a higher apoptotic rate than control cells. Morphine also led to morphological changes of gastric cancer cells. The mechanism of morphine inhibiting gastric cancer progression in vitro might be associated with activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and inhibition of survivin and NF-${\kappa}B$.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6481-6486
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• 2013

Background: Our previous study demonstrated cytotoxicity of a crude extract from Patrinia heterophylla Bunge (PHEB). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of isovaltrate acetoxyhydrin (IA) isolated from PHEB on the gastric cancer cell SGC-7901, in order to explore a potential treatment for gastric cancer. Methods: MTT assays were employed to determine the effects of IA on cell vitality and proliferation, with monitoring of cell morphology changes and examination of apoptosis with Annexin V-PI staining. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell cycle progression and mitochondrial membrane potential. The activity of caspase 3, 9 was evaluated by spectrophotometry, and the protein levels of Bax, Bcl2 and Cyclin B1 were analyzed with Western blotting of total proteins extracted from cultured cells. Results: The results demonstrated direct toxicity of IA towards SGC-7901 cells. Evidence of apoptosis included blebbing and chromatin condensation. Annexin V-PI assays revealed early apoptosis, involving rapid depolarization of mitochondrial membranes and activity of caspase 3, 9 signaling pathways. Western blotting showed that Bcl2 and Bax proteins was down- and up-regulated, respectively, and cyclin B1 was up-regulated. Cell cycle analysis further indicated that IA could induce G2/M phase arrest in SGC-7901 cells. Conclusions: In conclusion, we believe that IA induces apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells, therefore providing a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of gastric cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.4267-4273
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• 2016

Previous studies suggested that dithio-carbamates are potent apoptosis and anti-apoptosis inducing agents in various cancer cells. Here, the anti-proliferative and apoptosis inducing effects of a new derivative (2-NDC) from the dithio-carbamate family was examined in human leukemia K562 cells. We use thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) to measure viability and cell growth inhibition. The 2-NDC showed effects on viability in a dose and time-dependent manner, inhibiting proliferation at concentrations of $10-30{\mu}M$ after 24-48 hours of treatment and increasing values after 72 hours at $40-120{\mu}M$. The cytotoxic effect of the compound was calculated with an $IC_{50}$ of $30{\mu}M$ after 24-hour. Apoptosis induction was confirmed by acridine orange-ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) staining, DNA fragmentation assay, flow cytometric assessment and also caspase-3 activation assay. Furthermore, enzymes level such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) involved in oxidative stress were evaluated. The results of this study demonstrated insignificant increase of intracellular ROS levels for 24 hours and reduction after 48-72 hours. In addition to reduction of intracellular thiol, caspase-3 like activity was also decreased in a time-dependent manner in cells treated with 2-NDC. Thus 2-NDC can be considered as a good candidate for further pharmaceutical evaluations.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.147-152
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• 2004

A wide variety of cancer chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to induce programmed cell death (PCD, APOPTOSIS) in various tumor cell lines in vitro. cis-Malonato [(4R,5R)-4,5-bis(aminomethyl)-2-isoprpopyl-1,3-dioxolane] platinum(II) (heptaplatin), which is a new drug approved by KFDA in 1999, in a novel platinum-based antitumor agent with clinical potential against stomach cancer and the 3rd generation of the cisplatin. This study was performed to know how heptaplatin and cisplatin and sunpla (mixture of heptaplatin and mannitol) affect on SK-MEL-28 cell line, and how they induce the apoptosis. At EM analysis, the morphology of the cell was changed by treatment of the cisplatin, heptaplatin and sunpla. Apoptotic body formed around plasma membrane, and chromatin condensation represented in nucleus. This phenomenon is one of the characteristic of the apoptosis. The DNA of SK-MEL-28 cell line truncated by cisplatin and sunpla treatment was identified on 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. TUNEL assay was performed to know whether SK-MEL-28 cell die as apoptosis or necrosis by cisplatin, heptaplatin and sunpla. At this result, fluorescence intensity increased according to increase of time and concentration. Therefore, it was identified that cislatin, heptaplatin and sunpla induced apoptosis. Fas expressed on SK-MEL-28 cell membrane by cisplatin, heptaplatin and sunpla was identified by using flow cytometer and the expression of bcl-2(anti-apoptotic gene) decreased according to increase of concentration of the cisplatin, heptaplatin and sunpla. Cisplatin, heptaplatin and sunpla induced apoptosis against SK-MEL-28 cell line, and the apoptotic mechanism was identified as Fas-mediated apoptosis and decreased bcl-2 expression.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.742-751
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• 2008

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Samjawhadam-jeon (SJHDJ; 三子化痰煎) on immune cells in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Material and Methods : C57BL/6 mice were injected, inhaled and sprayed with OVA for 12 weeks (four times a week) for asthma induction. Two experimental groups were treated with different concentrations of SJHDJ group (400 mg/kg) extracts and cyclosporin A (10 mg/kg) for the latter 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the mouse lung. peripheral lymph node (PLN) and spleen were removed and immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometer. Results : Lung weight, total cells in lung, PLN, and spleen of the SJHDJ group decreased significantly compared with that of the control group. Number of $CD3e^+/CD69^+$, $CD3e^+/DX5^+$ cells in lung, PLN and spleen, number of $CD3^+$ cells in PLN and spleen, number of $CD3e^-/CCR3^+$ cells in lung and PLN, and number of $B220^+/IgE^+$ cells in PLN of the SJHDJ group decreased compared with that of the control group. Number of $CD4^+/CD25^+$ cells in PLN and spleen of the SJHDJ group increased compared with that of the control group. Conclusion : These results demonstrate that SJHDJ will be a desirable alternative therapy for allergic asthma by inhibiting the expression of immune cells.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.582-594
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• 2008

Objective : The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of JinlnWhaChul-tang-ga-wasong (JIN) on NDEA-induced liver tumorigenesis. Materials and Methods : We investigated the possible protective effects of Jininwhachul-tang-ga-wasong (JIN) as an anticancer against NDEA-induced liver injury in mice. Experimental mice were classified into 3 groups; normal, saline administered group (control group), and JIN extract (0.15g/kg/every other day) administered group (JIN group) after being injected with NDEA over 12 weeks. We examined the state of differentiation of these tumors and the effects of JIN after 6 weeks. To confirm the induction of apoptosis, the cells were analyzed by terminal deorynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, acridine orange staining and flow cytometric analysis. To investigate inhibitory effect on the expression of COX-2 by JIN, we performed COX-2 immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results : Body weights significantly decreased in the control and JIN groups compared with the normal group. The levels of cholesterol, hemoglobin and testosterone decreased in the control compared with the normal group. The level of estradiol significantly increased in the control compared with the normal group. The control group reacted with TUNEL assay more than the normal and JIN groups. Upon naked eye, light and electron microscopic examination, JIN improved the morphological and histopathological changes of the liver caused by NDEA-induced hepatic neoplasm. COX-2 immunoreactivity decreased in the JIN group compared with the control group, mRNA expression of the control group was greater than the normal and JIN groups. Conclusion : these results suggest the possibility that JIN may exert an anti-tumor effect on NDEA-induced liver tumorigenesis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.1309-1314
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• 2003

We examined the effects of Oak Smoke Flavoring (OSF, Holyessing) on the cell proliferation of DU145 and PC3 human prostate carcinoma cell line. OSF treatment resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of the cell viability in both DU145 and PC3 cell lines. The anti-proliferative effects by OSF treatment in DU145 and PC3 cells were associated with morphological changes such as membrane shrinking and cell rounding up. DNA flow cytometric histograms showed that population of S phase of the cell cycle was increased by OSF treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that cyclin B1 and cdc2 proteins were reduced by OSF treatment in DU145 cells, whereas cyclin A was markedly inhibited in PC3 cells. Furthermore, we observed an increase of Cdk inhibitor p16 and p27 protein, and an inhibition of phosphorylation of pRB by OSF treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The present results indicated that OSF-induced inhibition of human prostate carcinoma cell proliferation is associated with the blockage of S phase progression.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.71-77
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• 2011

Gastric ulcer has multifactorial etiology, and the development of ulcer is known to be caused by gastric acidity, pepsin secretion, gastric motility and gastric mucosal blood flow. The ulcer results from the tissue necrosis and apoptotic cell death triggered by mucosal ischemia, free radical formation and cessation of nutrient delivery. The gastric mucosa is usually exposed to a wide range of aggressive insults, and has developed efficient mechanisms to repair tissue injury. The apoptotic process of gastric mucosa is triggered by the induction of such proapoptotic gene expression, such as BAX. The Bcl-2 family of proteins plays a pivotal role in the regulation of apoptosis. The maintenance of gastric mucosa integrity depends upon the ratio between cell proliferation and cell death. Stress-inducing factors may affect Bcl-2/BAX ratio and thus the rate of apoptosis through modulation of the expression of both proteins depends upon the experimental model. In addition to the regulation of apoptosis, new vessels have to be generated in order to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the healing gastric mucosa. This events are regulated by several factors. Among them, such polypeptide growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates essential cell functions involved in tissue healing including cell proliferation and differentiation. The purpose of this study was carried to investigate whether Rhei Rhizoma administration might protect apoptotic cell death and promote angiogenesis in gastric mucosa. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups; normal, saline, cimetidine and Rhei Rhizoma-treated group. The saline, cimetidine and Rhei Rhizoma extracts were orally administrated to each group and gastric ulcer was induced by HCl-EtOH solution. After 1 hour, the stomachs were collected for histological observation and immunohistochemistry. In results, Rhei Rhizoma proves to promote to heal wound in gastric ulcer in conclusion and the significant changes of BAX, Bcl-2 and VEGF quantity in gastric mucosa were observed. These results suggest that Rhei Rhizoma extract may promote incision wound healing and has protective effects on gastric ulcer in rats.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4853-4858
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• 2013

Objectives: To investigate whether hypoxia has an effect on regulation of multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapeutic drugs in laryngeal carcinoma cells and explore the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$). Methods: Laryngeal cancer cells were cultured under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The sensitivity of the cells to multiple drugs and levels of apoptosis induced by paclitaxel were determined by MTT assay and annexin-V/propidium iodide staining analysis, respectively. HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression was blocked by RNA interference. The expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ gene was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. The value of fluorescence intensity of intracellular adriamycin accumulation and retention in cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: The sensitivity to multiple chemotherapy agents and induction of apoptosis by paclitaxel could be reduced by hypoxia (P<0.05). A the same time, the adriamycin releasing index of cells was increased (P<0.05). However, resistance acquisition subject to hypoxia in vitro was suppressed by down-regulating HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression. Conclusion: HIF-$1{\alpha}$ could be considered as a key regulator for mediating hypoxia-induced MDR in laryngeal cancer cells via inhibition of drug-induced apoptosis and decrease in intracellular drug accumulation.