• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.1-14
• /
• 2009

Objectives : Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neuronal loss and extracellular senile plaque. Moreover, the cellular actions of ${\beta}$-amyloid (A${\beta}$ play a causative role in the pathogenesis of AD. This study was designed to determine whether Woo-Gui-Um, a commonly used Korean herbal medicine, has the ability to protect cortical and hippocampal neurons against A${\beta}_{25-35}$ neurotoxicity Methods : In the present study, the authors investigated the preventative effects of the water extract of Woo-Gui-Um in a mouse model of AD. Memory impairment was induced by intraventricularly (i.c.v.) injecting A${\beta}_{25-35}$ peptides into mice. Woo-Gui-Um extract was then administered orally (p.o.) for 14 days. In addition, A${\beta}_{25-35}$ toxicity on the hippocampus was assessed immunohistochemically, by staining for Tau, MAP2, TUNEL, and Bax, and by performing an in vitro study in PC12 cells. Results : Woo-Gui-Um extract had an effect to improve learning ability and memory score in the water maze task. Woo-Gui-Um extract had significant neuroprotective effects in vivo against oxidative damage and apoptotic cell death of hippocampal neurons caused by i.c.v. A${\beta}_{25-35}$. In addition, Woo-Gui-Um extract was found to have a protective effect on A${\beta}_{25-35}$-induced apoptosis, and to promote neurite outgrowth of nerve growth factor (NGF)-differentiated PC12 cells. Conclusions : These results suggest that Woo-Gui-Um extract reduces memory impairment and Alzheimer's dementia via an anti-apoptotic effect and by regulating Tau and MAP2 in the hippocampus.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.37 no.2 s.145
• /
• pp.103-109
• /
• 2006

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation plays an important role in the progression of diabetic complications. To develop effective herbal formulations with suppression of diabetic nephropathy, a common complication in diabetic patients, we evaluated inhibitory activities of KIOM-79, a new herbal prescription, on the formation of AGEs using in vitro and in vivo model systems. Effects of KIOM-79 on the expression of AGEs, RAGEs (receptor for Advanced glycation end products), type IV collagen and renal $TGF-{\beta}1$ mRNA was also examined in streptozotocon (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. STZ-induced diabetic rats were treated orally with KIOM-79 (250 and $500\;kg^{-1}$ once a day for 13 weeks). In vitro system KIOM-79 suppressed the formation of AGEs $(18.12\;{\mu}g/ml)$. In STZ-induced diabetic rats showing accumulation of AGE and RAGE, pathological examination revealed that KIOM-79 prevented AGE and RAGE deposition in the kidney. In STZ induced diabetic rats, the expansion of mesangial matrix and the glomerular tufts seemed to be larger than those in normal rats. Howεver, after administration with KIOM-79, mesangial metrix and glomerular volume were decreased, and overexpression of type IV collagen was also decreased. Overexpression of renal $TGF-{\beta}1$ mRNA was inhibited significantly. These results suggest that the KIOM-79 might be an effective herbal prescription to prevent or alleviate the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.643-653
• /
• 2018

This study was investigated the mechanism of action of n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio on the metabolic partitioning of blood glycerolipids by in vivo monitoring technique in hyperlipidemic animal model rats. The ratio of cholesteryl 14C-oleate metabolized in the liver of total glycerolipids was lower in the order of n-6/n-3 ratios of 4:1, 15:1, 30:1 and control group (p<0.05). The secretion amount of phospholipid was higher in the order of n-6/n-3 ratio 4:1, 15:1, 30:1 than the control (p<0.05). The secretion amount of triglyceride was lower in especially 4:1, in order of n-6/n-3 4:1, 15:1 and 30:1 compared with the control. The ratio of phospholipid partitioning to total glycerolipid was high in orfer of n-6/n-3 ratio 4:1, 15:1, 30:1 and control (p<0.05). The triacylglycerol partitioning (%) via liver was higher 72.97, 75.93, 78.12% in n-6/n-3 4;1, 15:1, 30:1, respectively than the control of 82.25%, according to increased n-6/n-3 (p<0.05). The phospholipid partitioning (%) was lower 25.15, 18.87, 18.15% in n-6/n-3 4;1, 15:1, 30:1, respectively, compared to control 11.04%, according to increased n-6/n-3 (p<0.05).

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.317-321
• /
• 2009

Down syndrome (DS) results from overexpressed genes on an extra copy of human chromosome 21. Among various phenotypes seen in DS patients, mental retardation, such as learning and memory deficits, is a major factor that prevents DS individuals from leading fully independent lives. The Dyrk1A gene that plays a critical role in neurodevelopment has been isolated from chromosome 21, and transgenic mice with over-expression of Dyrk1A show severe hippocampal dependent learning and memory defects. In the present study, as an initial step to test the treatment of Dyrk1A dependent mental retardation phenotypes in model animals, we isolated human Dyrk1A specific lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) that inhibits the exogenous human Dyrk1A expression, but not the endogenous mouse expression in transgenic mice with human Dyrk1A overexpression. This limited and specific repression of exogenous human Dyrk1A will prove to be valuable information, if Dyrk1A dependent learning and memory defects in DS patients could be treated or at least ameliorated in vivo.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.18 no.9
• /
• pp.1219-1224
• /
• 2008

The embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly becoming an important model organism for studies of early events in vertebrate development. Neural crest-derived pigment cell precursors of the embryonic zebrafish give rise to melanophores, xanthophores, and/or iridophores. Cell-signaling mechanisms related to the development of pigmentation and pigment pattern formation remain obscure. In this study, zebrafish embryos were treated with various signaling-related molecules - LiCl (an inositol-phosphatase inhibitor), forskolin (a protein kinase-A activator), a combination of LiCl/forskolin, and LiCl/heparin (an IP3 inhibitor) in order to identify the mechanisms involved in pigmentation. LiCl treatment resulted in ultrastructural and morphological alterations of melanophores. To identify the possible proteins responsible for this ultrastructural and morphological change, phosphorylation patterns in vitro and in vivo were analyzed. LiCl and LiCl/forskolin treatment elicited dramatic increases in the phosphorylation of a 55-kDa protein which was inhibited by heparin treatment. LiCl treatment also induced phosphorylation of a 55-kDa protein in melanophores purified from adult zebrafish. Collectively these results suggest that a LiCl-induced 55-kDa phosphoprotein plays a role in melanophore morphology and ultrastructure and ultimately effects gross pigmentation.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.60-73
• /
• 1997

In order to design a 24 hr sustained release preparation of sulindac for oral administration, fast release pellet (FR), slow release pellet (SR) and two combined formulation (1 : 1 and 1 : 2) were prepared. The pharmacokinetic effect of such preparations has been evaluated using rabbits as a suitable in vivo model, and tested in man. Dose determination was carried out using curve fitting according to RSTPJP II program. In bioavailability test using rabbit, AUCs of sulindac in a few designed formulations were similar to each other. $C_{max}$- of RF and SR were 1.8 times and 1.2 times higher, respectively, compared to that of combined formulation (FR:SR=1:1). While plasma concentration of FR and SR decreased rapidly, that of combined formulation (FR:SR 1:1) lasted at the level close to $C_{max}$ for 24 hrs. Plasma concentration of sulfide form from the combined pellet(FR:SR=1:1) lasted for 24 hrs, and its AUC value was 1.4-fold, 2.7-fold. and 1.2-fold greater than FR pellet, SR pellet and combined pellet (FR:SR 1 : 2). Thus, the combined pellet of 1:1 ratio was found to be the most effective for oral sustained release formulation. Bioavailability test in human showed that AUC of sulfide from TSRP (1 : 1) was approximately 1.5 times greater than total AUC of Immbaron$^{\circledR}$ administered twice in a day. While $T_{max}$ of sulfide from lmmbaron$^{\circledR}$ was 4.33 +/- 1.37 hr (lst administration) and 3.33 ${pm}$ 0.82 hr (2nd administration), respectively, that of sulfide from TSRP increased to 7.17 ${pm}$ 2.86 hr. Plasma concentration of sulfide from TSRP was sustained at more, than 1.0 ${\mu}g{\cdot}$hr/ml until 24 hrs after one dose administration. In addition, TSRP may decrease local adverse reaction in the stomach, since plasma concentration of sulfide from the combined pellet was low within 2hrs in the stomach. In conclusion, it is suggested that TSRP formulation may be effective for oral 24 hr sustained release formulation of sulindac dosing 300 ~ 350mg once a day.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.15-26
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this report was to provide the information about activity and safety of Yukmijihwang-tang by analyzing domestic/international papers and theses about Yukmijihwang-tang. Domestic/international papers and theses related to Yukmijihwang-tang were reviewed and analyzed. These papers were then classified by year, experimental method, and activity subject. The following results were obtained in this study. The study of Yukmijihwang-tang started from 1978 and was rapidly increased after 1990s. The study of Yukmijihwang-tang was continuously increased now and was mainly forcused on experimental model rather than clinical study. The paper of SCI journal or non-SCI journal was 27 volume and the other domestic paper was 64 volume. The total papers of Yukmijihwang-tang, 91 volume was analysed in this study. Allatoin, gallic acid, loganin, morroniside, paeoniflorin, paenol, urosolic acid were determined in Yukmijihwang-tang by using HPLC and HPLC-MS-MS. In classified Yukmijihwang-tang paper by experimental method and animal, more than a half study was in vivo experiment used rat. Furthermore clinical experiments were performed variously. As these studies were classified by subject, papers related to renal function were most abundant by 16 papers. Besides there were several papers related to cognitive vitality, anti-diabetic effect, immuno-regulation, reproductive activity, anti-oxidant effect, liver function, anti-cancer and blood pressure depress. According to basic research and clinic research data, it is supported that Yukmijihwang-tang was useful prescription in renal function, cognitive vitality, anti-diabetic effect and reproductive activity. Many study of basic and clinic research were performed and reported variously on Yukmijihwang-tang in domestic/international journal. According to basic research and clinic research data, it is supported that Yukmijihwang-tang was useful prescription in renal function, cognitive vitality, anti-diabetic effect and reproductive activity. However, studies on efficacy and mechanism of Yukmijihwang-tang should be conducted at the molecular biology level and studies on safety of Yukmijihwang-tang need to be completed at the clinical level.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.52 no.2
• /
• pp.112-118
• /
• 2020

This study was undertaken to examine the effects and to investigate the relevant mechanisms of overexpressing stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) produced by engineered mesenchymal stem cells, in a neurogenic bladder (NB) rat model. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (N=48) were randomly divided into 4 groups comprising 12 rats each: control group, Injury group, Injury+imMSC group, and Injury+SDF-1 eMSC group. Rats in the Injury+imMSC group were treated with imMSCs, whereas the Injury+SDF-1 eMSC group were administered SDF-1 eMSCs. After 4-weeks therapy, the bladder and pelvic nerve (PN) tissues were examined by subjecting to Masson's trichrome staining and immunofluorescence. Administration of SDF-1 eMSC resulted in improved smooth muscle content in the bladder tissue, significantly increased β-III tubulin expression of the PN, and enhanced SDF-1 expression (P<0.05). The bladder wall repair can be attributed to the overexpression of SDF-1 by SDF-1 eMSCs. Significantly increased SDF-1 expression was obtained in the Injury+SDF-1 eMSC group (P<0.05). The crushed PN also showed significant recovery in the Injury+SDF-1 eMSC group (P<0.05). In conclusion, our results indicate that SDF-1 eMSCs express more SDF-1 in vivo, thereby facilitating the repair of injured nerve and recovery of NB in rats.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.11-16
• /
• 2010

Objective : Oriental medicines have been combined oriental medical theory which based on the seven modes of emotions. Notopterygium incisum (N. incisum) and Clematis manshurica (C. manshurica) have been used as an anti-rheumatic and analgesic medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, headache, cold, etc. In this study, we evaluate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of N. incisum and C. manshurica. Method : To evaluate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of a herbal mixture N. incisum and C. manshurica, we examined the changed ear thickness in 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema model after topical application of herbal mixture. In addition, the levels of markers for inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, prostaglandin $G_2$ ($PGE_2$), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured by ELISA assay and Griess reagent in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. Results : Our results showed that aqueous extracts of N. incisum and C. manshurica combination significantly inhibited the mouse ear edema induced by TPA. Moreover, the aqueous extracts of N. incisum and C. manshurica combination exhibited synergistic effects in down-regulating TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, $PGE_2$ level, but not NO. Conclusions : This study suggested that combined treatment of N. incisum and C. manshurica, based on seven methods in prescription compatibility, has a synergistic effect in down-regulating inflammatory response both in vitro and in vivo models.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.27 no.11
• /
• pp.2044-2051
• /
• 2017

The main pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is the deposition of amyloid-beta ($A{\beta}$) peptides in the brain. $A{\beta}$ has been widely used to mimic several aspects of Alzheimer's disease. However, several characteristics of amyloid-induced Alzheimer's disease pathology are not well established, especially in mice. The present study aimed to develop a new Alzheimer's disease model by investigating how $A{\beta}$ can be effectively aggregated using prokaryotes and eukaryotes. To express the $A{\beta}42$ complex in HEK293 cells, we cloned the $A{\beta}42$ region in a tandem repeat and incorporated the resulting construct into a eukaryotic expression vector. Following transfection into HEK293 cells via lipofection, cell viability assay and western blotting analysis revealed that exogenous $A{\beta}42$ can induce cell death and apoptosis. In addition, recombinant His-tagged $A{\beta}42$ was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and not only readily formed $A{\beta}$ complexes, but also inhibited the proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells and E. coli. For in vivo testing, recombinant His-tagged $A{\beta}42$ solution ($3{\mu}g/{\mu}l$ in $1{\times}PBS$ containing $1mM\;Ni^{2+}$) was injected stereotaxically into the left and right lateral ventricles of the brains of C57BL/6J mice (n = 8). Control mice were injected with $1{\times}PBS$ containing $1mM\;Ni^{2+}$ following the same procedure. Ten days after the sample injection, the Morris water maze test confirmed that exogenous $A{\beta}$ caused an increase in memory loss. These findings demonstrated that $Ni^{2+}$ is capable of complexing the 50-kDa amyloid and that intracerebroventricular injection of $A{\beta}42$ can lead to cognitive impairment, thereby providing improved Alzheimer's disease models.