• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.235-243
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• 2007

Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (AR) is used in traditional oriental medicine for various medicinal purposes. However, the exact mechanism that accounts for the anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory effects of the AR is still not fully understood. The aim of The present study is to elucidate whether and how AR modulates the allergic reactions in vivo, and inflammatory reaction in vitro. In this study, we showed that AR significantly decreased compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis, paw oedema, and histamine release from preparation of rat peritoneal mast cells. Also, AR inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokine in PMA plus A23187-stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). In addition, we showed that anti-inflammatory mechanism of AR is through suppression of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ activation $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$degradation. These results provided new insight into the pharmacological actions of AR as a potential molecule for therapy of inflammatory allergic diseases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.62-67
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• 2016

Background: Ginseng, which is widely used in functional foods and as an herbal medicine, has been reported to reduce the proliferation of prostate cancer cells by mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Methods: This study was designed to investigate the changes in ginsenoside content in ginseng after treatment with a microwave-irradiation thermal process and to verify the anticancer effects of the extracts. To confirm the anticancer effect of microwave-irradiated processed ginseng (MG), it was tested in three human prostate cancer cell lines (DU145, LNCaP, and PC-3 cells). Involvements of apoptosis and autophagy were assessed using Western blotting. Results: After microwave treatment, the content of ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd in the extracts decreased, whereas the content of ginsenosides 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, Rk1, and Rg5 increased. Antiproliferation results for the human cancer cell lines treated with ginseng extracts indicate that PC-3 cells treated with MG showed the highest activity with an half maximal inhibitory concentration of $48{\mu}g/mL$. We also showed that MG suppresses the growth of human prostate cancer cell xenografts in athymic nude mice as an in vivo model. This growth suppression by MG is associated with the inductions of cell death and autophagy. Conclusion: Therefore, heat processing by microwave irradiation is a useful method to enhance the anticancer effect of ginseng by increasing the content of ginsenosides Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.325-332
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• 2017

3-Bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) is a natural bromophenol compound that is most commonly isolated from red algae. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of BDB on atopic dermatitis (AD) in mice induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages. BDB treatment (100 mg/kg) resulted in suppression of the development of AD symptoms compared with the control treatment (induction-only), as demonstrated by reduced immunoglobulin E levels in serum, smaller lymph nodes with reduced thickness and length, a decrease in ear edema, and reduced levels of inflammatory cell infiltration in the ears. In RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, BDB (12.5, 25, 50, and $100{\mu}M$) suppressed the production of interleukin-6, a proinflammatory cytokine, in a dose-dependent manner. BDB also had an inhibitory effect on the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-${\kappa}B$) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1; Tyr 701), two major signaling molecules involved in cellular inflammation. Taken together, the results show that BDB treatment alleviates inflammatory responses in an atopic dermatitis mouse model and RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest that BDB may be a useful therapeutic strategy for treating conditions involving allergic inflammation such as atopic dermatitis.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.205-227
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• 2021

Objectives : Jigal-san (JGS, 止渴散) has been used in East Asia including Korea, Japan and China for the treatment of breast inflammatory disorders and severe thirst. JGS originated from Euimunpalbeob (醫門八法; Yimenbafa) composed of Lonicerae Flos and Taraxaci Herba. According to previous studies Lonicerae Flos and Taraxaci Herba have an anti-inflammatory effect, respectively. But, there is no studies regarding on the effects of JGS in the immunological activities. The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of JGS in vitro and in vivo. Methods : Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, and NO was evaluated by content of the nitrite content in culture medium. TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were quantified by ELISA. The protein expression of NF-κB, MAPKs, and iNOS were assessed by western blot analysis. Furthermore, the effects of JGS on acute inflammation were observed in rat paw edema model. Results : The JGS ameliorates the LPS-activated changes in the protein expression of NF-κB, p-JNK, and iNOS, as well as the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In rat paw edema study, administration of 0.3 and 1.0 g/kg of JGS for 4 consecutive days inhibited the carrageenan (CA)-induced increases of edema and iNOS expression. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that JGS has anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells through decreasing the production of inflammatory mediators, via suppression of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways (JNK, not p-38 and ERK). In addition, the results of the CA-induced paw edema indicate that JGS ameliorates an inflammatory edema. Therefore, the present study could provide scientific evidence for the anti-inflammatory effect of JGS as well as the underlying mechanisms.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.344-362
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• 2022

Objective: In this study, the antioxidant activity of Ojayeonjong-hwan extracts was compared, and the following results were obtained. Methods: For hydrothermal and ethanol extracts, DPPH free radical and ABTS cationic radical erasing activity and reducing power using the FRAP method were compared, and the association between the antioxidant power of each extract and total phenol content was investigated. Significant results were obtained through in vitro apoptosis analysis through FFITC staining, mitochondrial membrane potential analysis, and ROS level measurement using C2C12 myoblastoma. Results: 1. In a comparison of DPPH free radical and ABTS cationic radical scavenging activity, water, and 70% ethanol extracts of Ojayeonjong-hwan (WEO and EEO) showed superior radical scavenging ability. 2. In the results of reducing power using the FRAP method, WEO and EEO showed antioxidant activity, which was shown to be dependent on the total phenol content contained in the extracts. 3. In comparison to the protective effect against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts, water extracts had no significant effect, but 70% ethanol extracts inhibited H₂O₂-mediated cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. 4. The cytotoxic protective effect of EEO against oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts was correlated with its inhibitory effects on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. 5. In H₂O₂-treated C2C12 myoblasts, the apoptosis inhibitory effects of EEO were associated with the suppression of mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage. 6. The protective effects of EEO against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts were directly related to the inhibition of ROS generation. Conclusions: Ojayeonjong-hwan extracts all have protective potential against oxidative stress.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.496-505
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• 2020

Background: Panax ginseng is a marvelous herbal remedy for all ailments of body. That may be why it is called Panax, which means "cure for all". Melanin is a pigment that gives color to our skin; however, increased melanin production can lead to tumor formation. Human exposure to ultraviolet B radiation has increased extensively owing to the increased sunlight due to global warming. Consequently, a phenomenon called photoaging has been observed for all skin colors and types. As a result of this phenomenon, a set of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, which serve as degradation enzymes for extracellular matrix proteins, mainly collagen, is increased, causing depletion of collagen and resulting in early wrinkle formation. Methods: Therefore, in our study, we used the murine melanoma cell line B16/F10 to study the inhibition of melanogenesis by Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extract in vitro and HRM-2 hairless mice exposed to artificial ultraviolet B to examine the efficacy of KRG in vivo. We prepared a 3% red ginseng extract cream and evaluated its effects on human skin. Results: Our results demonstrated that KRG induced potent suppression of tyrosinase activity and melanin production in B16/F10 cells; moreover, it reduced the transcription and translation of components involved in the melanin production pathway. In the in vivo experiments, KRG potently suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, reduced wrinkle formation, and inhibited collagen degradation. On human skin, ginseng cream increased skin resilience and skin moisture and enhanced skin tone. Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that KRG is an excellent skin whitening and antiaging product.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.245-256
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• 2002

This studt was investigated to prove the effect of SPBST on the hypertension, the thrombosis and the brain damage. The results were as follows; 1. SPBST affected the htpertension as adepressant, but insignificant. 2. SPBST decreased significantly dopamine, aldosterone but ineffective on the epinephrine, norepinephrine and renin activity. 3. SPBST increased the NO product but insignificant. 4. SPBST had a death suppression effect by 50% in pulmonary thrombosis inducement experiment and activated slightly on the fibrinolytic activity. 5. SPBST suppressed significantly platelet diminution and prolonged insignificantly PT and APTT. 6. On the measure of the blood flow rate induced by the thrombus, in vivo SPBST accelerated the blood flow rate, in vitro insignificant. 7. SPBST had no toxicity on the PC12 cell and B103 cell induced by amyloid β protein (-35) and a protective effect, in proportion to the density. 8. SPBST decreased significantly coma duration time in a Infatal dose of KCN and showed 50% of survival rate in a fatal dose. 9. SPBST decreased significantly ischemic area and edema incited by the MCA blood flow block. These results indicate that SPBST can be used in hypertension, the thrombosis, the brain damage, the ischemic cerebral infarction and the acute stage of the brain damage. Further study will be needed about the functional mechanism and etc.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.1017-1021
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• 2013

The cellular apoptosis susceptibility (CSE1L) gene has been demonstrated to regulate multiple cellular mechanisms including the mitotic spindle check point as well as proliferation and apoptosis. However, the importance of CSE1L in human colon cancer is largely unknown. In the present study, we examined expression levels of CSE1L mRNA by semiquantitative RT-PCR. A lentivirus-mediated small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down CSE1L expression in the human colon cancer cell line RKO. Changes in CSE1L target gene expression were determined by RT-PCR. Cell proliferation was examined by a high content screening assay. In vitro tumorigenesis was measured by colony-formation assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometric analysis. We found CSE1L mRNA to be expressed in human colon cancer cells. Using a lentivirus based RNAi approach, CSE1L expression was significantly inhibited in RKO cells, causing cell cycle arrest in the G2/M and S phases and a delay in cell proliferation, as well as induction of apoptosis and an inhibition of colony growth capacity. Collectively, the results suggest that silencing of CSE1L may be a potential therapeutic approach for colon cancer.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.66-73
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• 2009

Tumor angiogenesis is a process leading to formation of blood vessels within tumors and is crucial for maintaining a supply of oxygen and nutrients to support tumor growth and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) plays a key role in tumor angiogenesis including induction of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, survival and capillary tube formation. VEGF binds to two distinct receptors on endothelial cells. VEGFR-2 is considered to be the dominant signaling receptor for endothelial cell permeability, proliferation, and differentiation. Bevacizumab(Avastin, Genetech, USA) is a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor. It is used in the treatment of cancer, where it inhibits tumor growth by blocking the formation of new blood vessels. The goal of this study is to identify the anti-tumor effect of Bevacizumab(Avastin) for oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Human squamous cell carcinoma cell line(HN4) was used in this study. We examined the sensitivity of HN4 cell line to Bevacizumab(Avastin) by using in vitro proliferation assays. The results were as follows. 1. In the result of MTT assay according to concentration of Bevacizumab(Avastin), antiproliferative effect for oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines was observed. 2. The growth curve of cell line showed the gradual growth inhibition of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines after exposure of Bevacizumab(Avastin). 3. In the apoptotic index, groups inoculated Bevacizumab(Avastin) were higher than control groups. 4. In condition of serum starvation, VEGFR-2 did not show any detectable autophosphorylation, whereas the addition of VEGF activated the receptor. Suppression of phosphorylated VEGFR-2 and phosphorylated MAPK was observed following treatment with Bevacizumab(Avastin) in a dose-dependent manner. 5. In TEM view, dispersed nuclear membrane, scattered many cytoplasmic vacuoles and localized chromosomal margination after Bevacizumab(Avastin) treatment were observed. These findings suggest that Bevacizumab(Avastin) has the potential to inhibit MAPK pathway in proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines via inhibition of VEGF-dependent tumor growth.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.241-245
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• 1994

Despite increasing success rate of IVF, poor response to ovarian stimulation remains a problem. So, attempts to improve ovarian responses, for example, by using combined gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue(GnRH-a) and human menopausal gonadotropin(hMG) have shown limited success. It is reported that response of granulosa cells in vitro to FSH is stimulated by co-incubation with IGF-l, and IGF-l production can be increased by growth hormone. This suggest that combination regimen of G.H. and hMG may augment follicle recruitment. In fifteen patients who had previous history of poor ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation after pituitary suppression with mid -luteal GnRH-a, the effectiveness of cotreatment with G.H. in IVF program was evaluated using a combination regimen of G.R. and hMG at Korea University Hospital IVF Clinic. Ovarian responses to gonadotropin stimulation in control and GH-treated cycles assessed by total dose and duration of hMG treatment, follicular development and peak $E_2$ level, number of eggs retrieved, and fertilization rates were also assessed. In each group, serum and follicular fluid IGF-1 concentrations on day of egg collection were measured by RIA after acidification and extraction by reveresed phase chromatography. Patients receiving G.H. required fewer days and ampules of gonadotropins, developed more oocytes, and more embryos transferred. But, the differences were not statistically significant, except the duration of hMG treatment. Our data showed a significantly higher concentration of IGF-l in the serum, not in the follicular fluid, of patients treated with G.H. compared with control group. These data suggest that growth hormone treatment does not improve the ovarian response in women with limited ovarian reserve to gonadotropin stimulation for IVF.