• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2015

Background: Panax ginseng (i.e., ginseng) root is extensively used in traditional oriental medicine. It is a modern pharmaceutical reagent for preventing various human diseases such as cancer. Ginsenosidesd-the major active components of ginsengd-exhibit immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanism and function underlying such effects are not fully elucidated, especially in human monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). Methods: We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng root on $CD14^+$ monocytes purified from human adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and on their differentiation into DCs that affect $CD4^+$ T cell activity. Results: After treatment with ginsenoside fractions, monocyte levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 increased through phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). After treatment with ginsenoside fractions, TNF-${\alpha}$ production and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK decreased in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-sensitized monocytes.We confirmed that DCs derived from $CD14^+$ monocytes in the presence of ginsenoside fractions (Gin-DCs) contained decreased levels of the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. The expression of these costimulatory molecules decreased in LPS-treated DCs exposed to ginsenoside fractions, compared to their expression in LPS-treated DCs in the absence of ginsenoside fractions. Furthermore, LPS-treated Gin-DCs could not induce proliferation and interferon gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) production by $CD4^+$ T cells with the coculture of Gin-DCs with $CD4^+$ T cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that ginsenoside fractions from the ginseng root suppress cytokine production and maturation of LPS-treated DCs and downregulate $CD4^+$ T cells.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.125-134
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• 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the concentrations of cytokines contained in the hydrosalpingeal fluid and to evaluate the effect on the mouse embryo development with the different cytokine concentration. Methods: The hydrosalpingeal fluids (HSF) were collected during the surgery for hydrosalpinx which was confirmed by hysterosalphingogram. The cytokines in HSF including interleukin (IL)-$1{\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-$\alpha$, Interferon-$\gamma$ (IFN-$\gamma$), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured by ELISA method. HSF were added up to culture media with 5%, 10%, and 30% concentrations. The blastulation rates were compared. Results: IL-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-$\alpha$, IFN-$\bamma$, VEGF, EGF, and MCP-1 were detected, but the concentrations were different from each sample. IL-6 and IL-10 were increased in HSF-1 group, and IFN-$\gamma$, MCP-1, VEGF were increased in HSF-2 compared with normal serum range. The Th1/Th2 ratio of HSF-2 (IFN-$\gamma$:IL10) was highly elevated to 61.64, compared with that of HSF-1 (3.69). The blastulation rate was significantly decreased in HSF-2 group (27.7%) compared those of the HSF-1 group (74%) and control group (76.7%). It showed the trend that the blastulation rate was decreased depending on the concentration HSF of culture media in HSF-2 group, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The composition and concentration of cytokines in each HSF were different, and increased proinflammatory cytokines in HSF might be associated with poor embryonic development. Further study will be needed about the effect of each cytokines in HSF.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.1173-1178
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• 2004

Gagamhwanglyeonhaedog-tang(GHH), a Korean genuine medicine, is a newly designed herbal drug formula based on the traditional oriental pharmacological knowledge for the purpose of treating tumorous diseases. Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved suicide program residing in cells. It leads to cell death through a tightly regulated process resulting in the removal of damaged or unwanted tissue. In the present study, the apoptosis inducing activities of the decocted water extract of GHH were studied. Results of the 3- [4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that GHH had a strong cytotoxic effect on HL-60 cells. The number of live cells was less than 20% after exposure to 1㎎/㎖ GHH for 48 hr. GHH increased cytotoxicity of HL-60 cells in a dose- and time­dependent manner. Cell apoptosis by GHH was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of the DNA-stained cells. The percentage of apoptotic cells increased to 28%, 31% and 37% 24 hr and 37%, 44% and 81% 48 hr after treatment with 0.01, 0.1 and 1㎎/㎖ GHH, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis of GHH treated HL-60 cells showed increase of hypodiploid apoptotic cells in a dose- and time- dependent manner. DNA fragmentation also occurred in apoptosis and was characterized by a ladder pattern on agarose gel. In addition, GHH (0.01 and 0.1㎎/㎖) increased the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in 24 and 48 hr. The author showed that GHH-induced apoptosis was accompanied by activation of caspase-3. These results suggest that GHH induces activation of caspase-3 and eventually leads to apoptosis.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.15.1-15.9
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• 2018

Background: Inflammation has been known to associate with many human diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate an anti-inflammatory effect of ozonated krill (Euphausia superba) oil, which was prepared by the treatment of krill oil using ozone gas. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Results: Ozonated krill oil significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Ozonated krill oil also reduced the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of ozonated krill oil, we evaluated the effects of ozonated krill oil on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway. Ozonated krill oil suppressed the LPS-stimulated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK). Conclusion: This study revealed that the ozonated krill oil exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that ozonated krill oil suppressed pro-inflammatory mediator and cytokine expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.04a
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• pp.120-120
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• 2019

Allergic inflammatory disease has been increased by abnormal lifestyle and food habits. Especially, prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has been elevated and treatment of AD has not been unclear. Red sweet pepper (RSP), named as Capsicum annuum L, has been known as having pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, detoxification and antibacterial effects. However, the beneficial effect of ethanolic extract of RSP on AD has not been partly examined yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of RSP on AD in vitro and in vivo models. The treatment of RSP inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$-stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT cell). Also, RSP extract regulated 2,4-dinitroflorobenzene (DNFB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice. Oral administration of RSP ameliorated DNFB-induced AD-like symptoms. In presented results indicated that RSP inhibited inflammatory cytokines in HaCaT cell and ameliorated AD-like skin lesion through suppression of symptom of DNFB-induced skin inflammation. Thus, RSP might be a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.379-386
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• 2024

Basophils and mast cells are specialized effector cells in allergic reactions. Haliotis discus hannai (abalone), is valuable seafood. Abalone male viscera, which has a brownish color and has not been previously reported to show anti-allergic activities, was extracted with acetone. Six different acetone/hexane fractions (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 100%) were obtained using a silica column via β-hexosaminidase release inhibitory activity-guided selection in phorbol myristate acetate and a calcium ionophore, A23187 (PMACI)-induced human basophils, KU812F cells. The 40% acetone/hexane fraction (A40) exhibited the strongest inhibition of PMACI-induced-β-hexosaminidase release. This fraction dose-dependently inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and calcium mobilization without cytotoxicity. Western blot analysis revealed that A40 down-regulated PMACI-induced MAPK (ERK 1/2, p-38, and JNK) phosphorylation, and the NF-κB translocation from the cytosol to membrane. Moreover, A40 inhibited PMACI-induced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 production. Anti-allergic activities of A40 were confirmed based on inhibitory effects on IL-4 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production in compound (com) 48/80-induced rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells. A40 inhibited β-hexosaminidase release and cytokine production such as IL-4 and TNF-α produced by com 48/80-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, it's fraction attenuated the IgE/DNP-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in the ears of BALB/c mice. Our results suggest that abalone contains the active fraction, A40 is a potent therapeutic and functional material to treat allergic diseases.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.152-159
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• 2019

To characterize new physiologically active components in Korean apple vinegar, a crude polysaccharide (KAV-0) was prepared by precipitation with 80% (v/v) ethanol. KAV-0 mainly comprises 38.2% mannose, 19.1% galactose and 14.3% glucose. In an in vitro cytotoxicity analysis, KAV-0 promoted the proliferation of peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and showed no cytotoxicity in B16-BL6 melanoma cells. Murine peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by KAV-0 produced various cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, and nitric oxide (NO). Intravenous (i.v.) administration of KAV-0 significantly augmented NK cell cytotoxicity against Yac-1 tumor cells. In experimental lung metastasis caused by B16-BL6 melanomas, prophylactic i.v. administration of KAV-0 at a dosage of $1,000{\mu}g/mouse$ inhibited lung metastasis by 53.0%. These results suggest that the crude polysaccharide (KAV-0) isolated from Korean apple vinegar has a considerably high anti-metastatic activity and immunomodulatory activities beneficial to human health.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.1190-1197
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• 2017

Objective: Adipose tissue is no longer considered as an inert storage organ for lipid, but instead is thought to play an active role in regulating insulin effects via secretion adipokines. However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the effects of adipokines. In this study, we investigated the role of adipokines in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in obese Bama mini-pigs. Methods: An obesity model was established in Bama mini-pigs, by feeding with high-fat and high-sucrose diet for 30 weeks. Plasma glucose and blood biochemistry levels were measured, and intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed. Adipokines, including adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), resistin and tumor necrosis factor alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$), and glucose-induced insulin secretion were also examined by radioimmunoassay. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in skeletal muscle, which is a useful insulin resistance marker, was examined by immunoblotting. Additionally, associations of AMPK phosphorylation with plasma adipokines and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were assessed by Pearce's correlation analysis. Results: Obese pigs showed hyperglycemia, high triglycerides, and insulin resistance. Adiponectin levels were significantly decreased (p<0.05) and IL-6 amounts dramatically increased (p<0.05) in obese pigs both in serum and adipose tissue, corroborating data from obese mice and humans. However, circulating resistin and $TNF-{\alpha}$ showed no difference, while the values of $TNF-{\alpha}$ in adipose tissue were significantly higher in obese pigs, also in agreement with data from obese humans but not rodent models. Moreover, strong associations of skeletal muscle AMPK phosphorylation with plasma adiponectin and HOMA-IR index were obtained. Conclusion: AMPK impairment induced by adiponectin decrease mediates insulin resistance in high-fat and high-sucrose diet induction. In addition, Bama mini-pig has the possibility of a conformable model for human metabolic diseases.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.63 no.1
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• pp.95-101
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• 2020

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that is accompanied by hyper proliferation of the epidermis, erythema of various sizes, and ulceration. However, the mechanism of the development of psoriasis dermatitis is unclear. Recently, it is known that the inflammatory cytokines and Th17 cells as well as chemokine (CC motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) are involved in the process of keratinocytes hyper-differentiation, which is common in psoriasis dermatitis. Therefore, we studied the effects of yakuchinone-A, an active ingredient of Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel known for its anti-inflammatory activity, to improve psoriasis dermatitis. First, cytotoxicity of yakuchinone-A was observed in cell counting kit-8 assay and not observed in 10 ㎍/mL concentration on the human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Yakuchinone-A in the presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on HaCaT cells inhibited mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α by up to 61.4±7.5, 23.6±1.5, 46.0±4.8%. CCL20, a chemokine that attracts immune cells such Th17 cells to the inflammation location, was also significantly suppressed by yakuchinone-A. In addition, IκB and STAT3 phosphorylation involved in the CCL20 expression was inhibited by yakuchinone-A in a concentration-dependent manner up to the level of 79.1±5.0, 80.8±2.3%. Furthermore, yakuchinone-A downregulated CCL20 mRNA expression level on IL-17A-activated HaCaT cells as a concentration-dependent manner. Based on these results, yakuchinone-A is expected to be developed as a new material for improving psoriasis dermatitis in the future.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 2002

Objective : We aimed to identify the dose-dependent inhibitory effects of Sabaek-san(瀉白散) and Sabaeksan plus Sasam(Adenophorae Radix) 瀉白散加沙蔘) on the mRNA expressions of Interleukin(IL)-6, IL-8 and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF) involved in the asthma model. Materials and Methods : Through this study, BEAS-2B cell lines, human epithelial cells were used. These cells were stimulated by tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$ and histamine for artificial inflammatory expression. ${\beta}$-action messenger RNA(mRNA) was used for standards. After each 24hours of Sabaeksan and Sabaeksan plus Sasam treatment, total cellular RNAs were collected by treating RNA zol directly on living cells, Then the transcriptional activities of IL-6, 8 and GM-CSF were measured by RT-PCR with electrophoresis, Results : The mRNA expressions of IL-6 are significantly inhibited compared to those of controlled group at 40 and 100ug/ml of Sabaeksan extract and $100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan plus Sasam extract (p<0.05). The mRNA expressions of IL-8 are significantly inhibited compared to that of controlled group at 2.40 and 100 ug/ml of Sabaeksan extract and $40.100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan plus Sasam extract(p<0.05) THe mRNA expressions of GM-CSF are significantly inhibited compared to those of the controlled group at $100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan extract adn $40.100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan plus Sasam extract.(p<0.05) Conclusions : This study shows that Sabaeksan and Sabaeksan plus Sasam have dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF in human epithelial cells. Therefore, these types of herb medicine may inhibit the inflammatory process of asthma. Advanced studies are required to investigate the mechanisms of inhibition by herb medicine in the asthma model.