• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제27권7호
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• pp.683-692
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• 2004

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a major naturally-occurring polyphenol of Curcuma species, which is commonly used as a yellow coloring and flavoring agent in foods. Curcumin has shown anti-carcinogenic activity in animal models. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory activity and is a potent inhibitor of reactive oxygen-generating enzymes such as lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase, xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase; and an effective inducer of heme oxygenase-1. Curcumin is also a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C(PKC), EGF(Epidermal growth factor)-receptor tyrosine kinase and LĸB kinase. Subsequently, curcumin inhibits the activation of NF(nucleor factor)KB and the expressions of oncogenes including c-jun, c-fos, c-myc, NIK, MAPKs, ERK, ELK, PI3K, Akt, CDKs and iNOS. It is proposed that curcumin may suppress tumor promotion through blocking signal transduction path-ways in the target cells. The oxidant tumor promoter TPA activates PKC by reacting with zinc thiolates present within the regulatory domain, while the oxidized form of cancer chemopreventive agent such as curcumin can inactivate PKC by oxidizing the vicinal thiols present within the catalytic domain. Recent studies indicated that proteasome-mediated degradation of cell proteins playa pivotal role in the regulation of several basic cellular processes including differentiation, proliferation, cell cycling, and apoptosis. It has been demonstrated that curcumin-induced apoptosis is mediated through the impairment of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Curcumin was first biotransformed to dihydrocurcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin and that these compounds subsequently were converted to monoglucuronide conjugates. These results suggest that curcumin-glucuronide, dihydrocurcumin-glucuronide, tetrahydrocurcumin-glucuronide and tetrahydrocurcumin are the major metabolites of curcumin in mice, rats and humans.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제40권4호
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• pp.368-376
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• 2023

Background: Although bee venom (BV) has clinical benefits in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, it has not been tested as treatment for gouty arthritis. Moreover, in vitro, BV has been proven to exhibit anti-inflammatory and positive effects on osteoarthritis, but only limited evidence can confirm its beneficial effects on gout. Thus, this study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of BV on monosodium urate (MSU)-induced THP-1 monocytes. Methods: THP-1 monocytes were differentiated into mature macrophages using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and pretreated for 6 hours with BV and a Caspase-1 inhibitor in a physiologically achievable range of concentrations (BV, 0.1-1 ㎍/mL; Caspase-1 inhibitor, 1-10 μM), followed by MSU crystal stimulation for 24 hours. The secretions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-8, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) were increased in the MSU crystal-stimulated THP-1 cells. Results: Caspase-1 inhibitors suppressed the production of all mediators in a dose-dependent manner. BV worked on equal terms with Caspase-1 inhibitors and showed more satisfactory effects on TNF-α, PGE2, COX-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, the western blot analysis revealed that BV regulated the transcriptional levels of these mediators via the suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway activation. Conclusion: The results of the present study clearly suggest that BV inhibits MSU-induced inflammation in vitro, suggesting a possible role for BV in gout treatment.

• 생약학회지
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• 제36권4호통권143호
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• pp.338-343
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• 2005

Inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha}),\;interferon-{\gamma}\;(IFN-{\gamma})$ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are thought to play major roles in joint diseases such as a rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and there is considerable evidence playing a role for these cytokines in osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, we have studied the effects on anti-inflammation and analgesic by ethyl acetate fraction from 70% ethanol extract of Artemisia capillaries (EAC). As a positive control, apigenin, which is known as an anti-inflammatory agent as an iNOS inhibitor, was used and showed the dose-dependent inhibitory effect. EAC showed strong inhibitory efficacy against cytokine-induced proteoglycan degradation, $PGE_2$ production, nitric oxide (NO) production, and matrix-matalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in rabbit articular chondrocyte. In the writhing test induced by acetic acid, EAC $(200{\sim}400\;mg/kg)$ exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of writhing. The results indicate that EAC have anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, and could be a good herbal medicine candidate for curing of RA and/or OA.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.211-218
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• 2015

The present study showed that silymarin, a polyphenolic flavonoid isolated from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced morphological changes in the mouse RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. We also showed that silymarin inhibited the nuclear translocation and transactivation activities of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$), which is important for macrophage activation-associated changes in cell morphology and gene expression of inflammatory cytokines. BAY-11-7085, an NF-${\kappa}B$ inhibitor, abrogated LPS-induced morphological changes and NO production, similar to silymarin. Treatment of RAW264.7 cells with silymarin also inhibited LPS-stimulated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Collectively, these experiments demonstrated that silymarin inhibited LPS-induced morphological changes in the RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cell line. Our findings indicated that the most likely mechanism underlying this biological effect involved inhibition of the MAPK pathway and NF-${\kappa}B$ activity. Inhibition of these activities by silymarin is a potentially useful strategy for the treatment of inflammation because of the critical roles played by MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ in mediating inflammatory responses in macrophages.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.61-66
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• 2009

Leflunomide is an immunomodulatory agent used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Leflunomide known as a regulator of iNOS synthesis which largely decreases NO production in diverse cell type. However, the effect of leflunomide on chondrocyte is still poorly understood. In our previous studies, we have shown that direct production of Nitric oxide (NO) by treating chondrocytes with NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), causes apoptosis via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in association with elevation of p53 protein level, caspase-3 activation. In this study, we characterized the molecular mechanism by which A77 1726 inhibit apoptosis. We found that A77 1726 inhibit NO-induced apoptosis as determined by MTT (Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide) assay and DNA fragmentation. The inhibition of apoptosis by A77 1726 was accompanied by increased PI-3 kinase and AKT activities. So, inhibition of phosphatidylinositol (PI)-3kinase with LY294002 rescued apoptosis. Triciribine, the specific inhibitor of AKT, also abolished anti-apoptotic effect. Our results indicate that A77 1726, the active metabolite of leflunomide, mediates NO-induced apoptosis in chondrocytes by modulating up-regulation of PI-3 kinase and AKT.

• 한국자원식물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국자원식물학회 2022년도 추계학술대회
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• pp.107-107
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• 2022

Scrophularia koraiensis Nakai is widely used to remedy fever, edema, and neuritis. S. koraiensis has harpagoside and angoroside C, these compounds have been reported to alleviate inflammation, rheumatic diseases, and analgesic stimulation. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanol extract of S. koraiensis (SKE) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced macrophages. At cellular levels, SKE decreased the production of nitric oxide (NO), the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cytokines (IL-1b, TNF-a, and IL-6) under the LPS stimulation. SKE inhibited the phosphorylation of nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and its inhibitor (IκB-α). In addition, SKE suppressed the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In conclusion, SKE could be considered a potential resource for attenuating inflammation response and it may be utilized in the material for cosmetics, food additives, and tea.

• 한국자원식물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국자원식물학회 2021년도 춘계학술대회
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• pp.56-56
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• 2021

Nypa fruticans Wurmb is a mangrove plant belonging to Araceae family. N. fruticans is typically found in Southeast Asia, and in some parts of Queensland, Australia. N. fruticans has phytochemicals, phenolics, and flavonoids. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of N. fruticans (ENF) on the production and expression of cytokines and inflammatory mediators through the major signal transduction pathways. ENF attenuated the level of cytokines in a dose-dependent manner and decreased the production of nitric oxide (NO). ENF decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) via alleviating transcription of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) by an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B (IκB) degradation. Furthermore, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways (ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38) are known to be involved in the inflammatory response. Phosphorylations of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38 were significantly decreased compared with the ENF-untreated control. Conclusively, ENF was related to alleviating various pro-inflammatory mediators through IκB/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, including p65 translocation to the nucleus.

• Molecular Medicine Reports
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.1809-1816
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• 2019

The extract of Sappan Lignum, the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan L., has been used in medicine to improve blood circulation. Recently, the application of microwave extraction methods has been a major focus of research into the extraction of components from natural sources. In this experiment, we compared the anti-inflammatory effects of Sappan Lignum prepared by heat-70% EtOH extraction (CSE-H-70E) and microwave-70% EtOH extraction (CSE-MW-70E). High-performance liquid chromatography analysis was used to identify the compounds in these extracts. The heat-70% EtOH and microwave-70% EtOH extracts of Sappan Lignum had different chromatograms. CSE-MW-70E significantly inhibited the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2, PGE2, TNF-α, and reduced NO and IL-1β production in macrophages exposed to LPS, whereas, only high concentrations of CSE-H-70E (20 ㎍/ml) resulted in any effects. Furthermore, CSE-MW-70E upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. In addition, the use of tin protoporphyrin, an inhibitor of HO-1, confirmed the inhibitory effects of CSE-MW-70E on pro-inflammatory mediators. These results suggested that the CSE-MW-70E-mediated upregulation of HO-1 played an important role in the anti-inflammatory effects of macrophages. Therefore, these findings showed that microwave extraction can be utilized to improve the extraction efficiency and biological activity of Sappan Lignum.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제53권5호
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• pp.452-463
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• 2020

본 연구는 AT의 뿌리를 제외한 전체 AT의 에탄올 및 물 추출물의 면역 조절 효과를 비교하고 THP-1의 cytokine 분비를 조절하는 분자 메커니즘을 조사하였다. AT의 물 추출물 및 에탄올 추출물은 THP-1 세포에 독성이 없으며 세포 증식을 증가키는 것을 확인하였다. 에탄올 추출물은 영향이 없는데 반해, 물 추출물은 THP-1의 IL-1β의 분비를 증가시켰으며 COX-2 및 iNOS 단백질의 발현을 증가시켰다. 또한, MAPK 및 Akt의 인산화와 IkBα의 분해를 유도하는 것을 확인하였다. AT에 의한 IL-1β 분비는 ERK 및 JNK 억제제에 의해 감소되었으며, TNF-α의 분비는 ERK, p38 MAPK 및 JNK 억제제에 의해 감소되었다. 흥미롭게도, p38 MAPK 억제제는 AT에 의한 IL-1β의 생성을 추가로 증가시켰다. 이 결과는 AT 지상부의 물 추출물에 MAPK 신호 전달 경로를 통해 면역 세포를 자극하여 cytokine의 생산을 유도하는 생리활성물질이 존재한다는 것을 의미한다. 따라서, AT 지상부는 면역력 강화제의 천연 소재로써 이용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.14-22
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• 2018

본 연구는 LUT이 고지방식이로 비만이 유도된 C57BL/6 마우스의 대장암 발생에 미치는 영향을 분석하기 위해 실험동물을 각 10마리씩 정상식이 (ND)군, 고지방식이 (HFD)군, HFD + 0.0025% LUT 보충 (HFD LL)군, 그리고 HFD + 0.005% LUT 보충 (HFD HL)군의 4군으로 분류하였다. 각 실험군은 AOM을 1회 복강 주사하고 AOM 투여 1주일 후 총 3 cycle의 1 ~ 2% 농도의 DSS를 음용수로 공급하여 대장암을 유발하였다. 실험식이는 AOM 발암시점부터 총 11주간 급여하였다. 연구결과, 군간 식이섭취량의 차이는 없었으나 HFD 급여군에서 체중과 식이효율의 유의적인 증가가 나타났으며 HFD군과 비교했을 때 LUT 보충에 따른 체중의 변화는 없었다. 그러나 LUT 보충은 ND군에 비해 HFD군에서 나타난 대장 무게/길이 비, 대장종양 수, 혈장 $TNF-{\alpha}$ 농도, 대장 iNOS와 COX-2 발현을 유의적으로 감소시켰으며 그 효과는 HFD HL군이 HFD LL군보다 높았다. 이러한 결과는 체중조절과는 별개로 LUT이 고지방식이에 의한 대장의 염증반응 억제를 통하여 비만과 연관된 대장암 발생을 억제할 수 있음을 제시하며 향후 비만에 의한 인슐린 저항성 및 adipokine 분비, 그리고 장내 균총 변화에 따른 대장 점막세포 증식과 대장암 발생에 LUT이 어떤 영향을 미치는지에 대한 연구를 더 깊이 있게 수행한다면 비만으로 인한 대장암 발생에 LUT이 효과적인 화학적 예방 (chemoprevention)제로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대한다.