• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.48 no.8
• /
• pp.886-893
• /
• 2005

Purpose : Kawasaki disease is the most common cause of systemic vasculitis in children less than 5 years of age. Recent immunohistochemistry findings suggest that many vascular growth factors play a role in the formation of the coronary artery lesions. Active remodeling of the coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease continues in the form of intimal proliferation and neoangiogenesis for several years after the onset of the disease. Intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG) and corticosteroid have been used in the treatment of Kawasaki disease but the exact mechanism is not clear. We have investigated that IVIG and corticosteroid inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-induced tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro on Matrigel assay. Methods : Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) were cultured and seeded on Matrigel coated 24 well plates in medium with or without the following agents : VEGF, VEGF plus IVIG, VEGF plus VEGF antibody, VEGF plus methylprednisolone, VEGF, IVIG plus methylprednisolone for 18 hours. The total length of tube structures in each photograph was quantified. Results : IVIG significantly inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs. The inhibitory effect of IVIG was also reversible. In the meantime, VEGF induced the differentiation of HUVECs into capillary like structures on Matrigel, which was inhibited by VEGF antibody in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, IVIG and methylprednisolone inhibited VEGF-induced tube formation of HUVECs. IVIG was more effective in inhibition than methylprednisolone alone. Conclusion : We revealed that VEGF induced the differentiation of HUVECs and this effect was inhibited by IVIG and methylprednisolone.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.29 no.6
• /
• pp.998-1007
• /
• 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) extract on the inflammation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and blood lipid improvement in hypercholesterolemic mice fed a high cholesterol diet. The lettuce extract (100% ethanol extract) inhibited the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in HUVEC treated with tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$). The lettuce extract suppressed the adhesion of THP-1 to TNF-${\alpha}$-treated HUVEC. The lettuce extract decreased the TNF-${\alpha}$-stimulated production of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein 1. In hypercholesterolemic mice, the lettuce extract reduced serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, while the lettuce extract elevated high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, resulting in the decrease of atherogenic index and cardiac risk factor level. These results suggested that lettuce extract can be an useful resource to show an anti-inflammatory effect and improve lipid metabolism.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.40 no.4 s.273
• /
• pp.256-263
• /
• 2007

Background: Intimal hyperpiasia is characterized by a proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in the intimal layer Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is known to suppress smooth muscle cell proliferation. We propose that EGCG may have a protective effect against the development of intimal hyperplasia through the suppression of smooth muscle cell proliferation. Material and Method: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC) were cultured with different concentrations of EGCG, and proliferation and migration speed were measured. In 20 dogs, the autologous jugular veins were interposed into the carotid arteries. For the study group (n=10), the graft was stored for 30 minutes in EGCG solution and 300mM EGCG was applied to the perivascular space after grafting. After 6 weeks, the intimal and medial thickness was measured. Result: The proliferation of RASMC and HUVEC was suppressed with EGCG. The migration of RASMC was suppressed with EGCG, but that of HUVEC was not affected. In the in vivo study, the intimal thickness was thinner in EGCG group than in the control group (p<0.05), but the medial thickness did not show any difference. The intimal/medial thickness ratio was lower in the EGCG group (p<0.05). Conclusion: EGCG suppresses intimal hyperplasia after vascular grafting, and this may be mediated by prevention of migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. The use of EGCG may offer new therapeutic modality to prevent intimal hyperplasia.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.51 no.4
• /
• pp.309-315
• /
• 2008

The methanol extract from the aerial parts of Aceriphyllum rossii was fractionated into ethyl acetate, n-BuOH and $H_2O$ layers through solvent fractionation. Repeated silica gel column chromatography of EtOAc and n-BuOH layers afforded five flavonol glycosides. They were identified as astragalin (1), kaempferol 3-O-${\alpha}$-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1${\rightarrow}$6)-${\beta}$-D-glucopyranoside (2), rutin (3), kaempferol 3-O-${\alpha}$-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1${\rightarrow}$4)-${\alpha}$-L-rhamnopyranosyl 1${\rightarrow}$6)-${\beta}$-D-glucopyranoside (4), and quercetin 3-O-${\alpha}$-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1${\rightarrow}$4)-${\alpha}$-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1${\rightarrow}$6)-${\beta}$-D-glucopyranoside (5) on the basis of spectroscopic data. All of them showed an inhibition in farnesyl protein tranferase (FPTase) activity, and rutin (3) inhibited the growth of rat H-ras cell and the cell migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.38 no.12
• /
• pp.1724-1731
• /
• 2009

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of phyto-extract fermented mixture (MP119) on the male sexual functions. The MP119 was evaluated for anti-impotency and anti-hypertensive effects via ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) or PDE (phosphodiesterase) inhibition assay. $IC_{50}$ values of MP119 against ACE and PDE were 241.3${\pm}$35.5 ppm and 372.2${\pm}$33.8 ppm, respectively. To investigate the effect of testosterone expression by MP119, we performed cell media test using mouse Leydig-derived TM3 cells. Production of testosterone in TM3 cell was increased by MP119. Also, NO (nitric oxide) production of HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cell) was increased when MP119 was added to the cultures. Forty male ICR mice were divided into 4 groups. MP119 was orally intubated for 7 days to group 1 and 3, and same volume of vehicle to group 2 and 4 as controls. After that, group 3 and 4 were intraperitoneally injected cadmium chloride at a single dose of 2 mg/kg. On the 8th experimental day, weights of testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle, number of sperm, concentrations of serum testosterone and cGMP were determined. The number of sperm, the concentrations of testosterone and cGMP were significantly increased in two experimental groups (group 1, 3). These results suggest that MP119 enhanced the sexual function of male mice, and could protect the sexual organs from the cadmium chloride as one of the endocrine disrupters.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.311-318
• /
• 2013

Schisandra chinensis containing a variety of pharmacologically active lignans has been traditionally used in oriental medicine. In this study, anti-inflammatory compounds were screened from the hexane extracts of S. chinensis by activity-guided fractionation. First, we investigated the regulatory effects on the expression of E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) with 38 fractions from the hexane extracts of S. chinensis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). As a result, SCKH1 among the 38 fractions from the hexane extract of S. chinensis was selected for further analysis based on its unique regulatory effect on cell adhesion molecules, especially on VCAM-1, in LPS-stimulated HUVECs. The subsequent activity-guided fractionation of SCKH1 resulted in the purification of SCKH1PAIBPB, which was found to suppress the expression of VCAM-1, MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-8 in HUVECs stimulated with LPS, and to inhibit the adhesive capacity between HUVECs and monocytes. Taken together, our data indicate that SCKH1PAIBPB can be proposed as an effective anti-inflammatory compound that may have a potential therapeutic use for the prevention and treatment of various inflammatory diseases as well as ischemic vascular diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.42 no.1
• /
• pp.25-39
• /
• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Lonicera Japonica Thunberg (LJT) on the inflammatory factor expression associated with atherosclerosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods: After treatment with LJT in HUVEC which is treated with TNF-α, we measured the expression levels of biomarkers (MCP-1, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, KLF2, and eNOS), mRNA (CCL2, ICAM1, VCAM1, KLF2, and NOS3), and the proteins (MCP-1, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, KLF2, eNOS, ERK, JNK, and p38). Results: 1. Compared to the control, LJT significantly reduced MCP-1 and VCAM-1 levels at concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 ㎍/ml and ICAM-1 expression at 200 and 400 ㎍/ml compared to the control. It increased KLF2 levels at all three concentrations, but not significantly, while eNOS expression was significantly increased at 400 ㎍/ml. 2. LJT was seen to significantly reduce the expression of CCL2, ICAM1, and VCAM1 mRNA at concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 ㎍/ml compared to the control. In contrast, significantly increased KLF2 and NOS3 mRNA levels were observed at 400 ㎍/ml and at 200 and 400 ㎍/ml, respectively. 3. Compared to the control, LJT significantly reduced the protein expression of MCP-1 and VCAM-1 at 200 and 400 ㎍/ml and of ICAM-1 at 400 ㎍/ml. In addition, it increased both KLF2 and eNOS protein levels at 200 and 400 ㎍/ml. Although LJT did not have an effect on ERK expression in comparison with the control, it significantly reduced JNK levels at 200 and 400 ㎍/ml and p38 levels at 400 ㎍/ml. Conclusions: These results suggest that LJT has an effect on the inhibition of inflammatory factor expression associated with atherosclerosis in HUVECs which could contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.41 no.6
• /
• pp.967-983
• /
• 2020

Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effect of Acanthopanax sessiliflorum Cheonghyeol plus (ASCP) on NF-κB and MAPK signaling and vascular adhesion factors associated with dyslipidemia in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods: We measured the scavenging activity of DPPH radical and ABTS radical by ASCP in HUVECs. We measured the protein expression levels of NF-κB, IκBα, ERK, JNK, and p38 after treatment of HUVECs with TNF-α. We measured the expression levels of MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 mRNA and of MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 biomarkers after treatment of HUVECs with TNF-α. Results: The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity of ASCP increased in a concentration-dependent manner. NF-κB, IκB, ERK, p38 protein expression levels decreased following ASCP treatment at all concentrations compared to untreated control HUVECs. JNK protein expression levels decreased in ASCP-treated HUVECs compared to untreated controls at concentrations of 100 ㎍/mL. MCP-1 mRNA expression level decreased with ASCP treatment ≥200 ㎍/mL compared to the control. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA expression levels decreased at all concentrations compared to the control. MCP-1 protein expression level was reduced compared to the control at concentrations ≥200 ㎍/mL, ICAM-1 protein expression level was reduced compared to the control at concentrations ≥100 ㎍/mL, and VCAM-1 protein expression level was reduced at all concentrations. Conclusions: These results suggest that ASCP has an antioxidative and hypolipidemic effect and that ASCP could treat and prevent dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.498-506
• /
• 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of mulberry extract (MBE) on blood flow improvement. The $SC_{50}$ value for the DPPH radical scavenging activity of MBE was $89.36{\pm}5.46{\mu}g/mL$. Analysis of the cellular toxicity of MBE on RAW 264.7 and HepG2 cells showed no toxicity under a concentration of 2,500 ${\mu}g/mL$. We found that MBE inhibited the enzyme activity of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 as well as oxidation of human LDL. Western blotting analysis showed that MBE inhibited protein expression of COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, MBE inhibited protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Furthermore, MBE reduced the serum levels of total cholesterol and C-reactive protein in a concentration-dependent manner. These results both in vitro and in vivo suggest that MBE can be employed for the improvement of blood flow.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.221-228
• /
• 2014

Purpose: Citron seed oil (CSO) has been reported to have high antioxidant activity. However, the composition and other biologically activities of CSO have not been reported. In this study, we confirmed the fatty acid composition of CSO, which may be beneficial to vascular disease and obesity. Methods: We investigated the oil composition of CSO using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and cytotoxicity was confirmed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Nitric oxide (NO) production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was measured using Griess reagent, and lipid accumulation and leptin secretion in 3T3-L1 cells were measured by Oil-Red O staining and commercial ELISA kit, respectively. Results: GC-MS analysis indicated that CSO contains several components, including linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linolenic acid, palmitoleic acid, and arachidic acid. In physiological activity analysis, CSO did not induce cytotoxic effects in HUVECs and 3T3-L1 cells. Further, CSO significantly induced nitric oxide and leptin secretion as well as inhibited lipid accumulation. Conclusion: CSO increased NO release, inhibited lipid accumulation, and induced leptin secretion, suggesting it may be useful for the management of vessels and weight gain. Although further studies are required to investigate the safety and mechanism of action of CSO, our results show that the composition and physiological activity of CSO are sufficient for its use as functional edible oil.