• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제18권5호
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• pp.647-662
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: There is growing interest in herbal medicines for managing age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds, CTS) and dandelions (Taraxacum coreanum, TC) are widely used to treat bone- or inflammation-related diseases in Oriental countries. This study investigated the protective effect of the CTS-TC combination on scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory deficits through inflammatory response and cholinergic function. Moreover, marker components such as serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid in the CTS-TC combination were analyzed for their potential benefits on memory function. MATERIALS/METHODS: Water extracts of CTS, TC, and the CTS-TC combination at various ratios (4:1, 1:1, and 1:4) (100 mg/kg) were orally administered to mice for 14 days. Sco (1 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into the mice before each behavioral test. T-maze and novel object recognition tests were conducted to monitor behavioral changes after the treatment. Western blotting was performed to detect protein expression. In addition, the presence of 5 biomarkers, serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid, was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Behavioral tests showed that the CTS-TC combination enhanced memory function in Sco-injected mice. Inflammation-related proteins (inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and glial fibrillary acidic protein) were downregulated after treatment with the CTS-TC combination. The acetylcholinesterase protein expression was also downregulated. HPLC analysis revealed that N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid were the predominant components, followed by N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the CTS-TC combination protects against Sco-induced memory deficits by inhibiting inflammatory responses and cholinergic dysfunction. N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid, along with N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin, might be biomarkers for the CTS-TC combination, and their effects on memory protection warrant further study.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.406-422
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• 2023

Sarcopenia is an age-related, progressive skeletal muscle disorder involving the loss of muscle mass and strength. Previous studies have shown that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from fermented oysters aids in regulatory T cells (Tregs) cell expansion and function by enhancing autophagy, and concomitantly mediate muscle regeneration by modulating muscle inflammation and satellite cell function. The fermentation process of oysters not only increases the GABA content but also enhances the content of branched amino acids and free amino acids that aid the level of protein absorption and muscle strength, mass, and repair. In this study, the effect of GABA-enriched fermented sarco oyster extract (FSO) on reduced muscle mass and functions via Treg modulation and enhanced autophagy in aged mice was investigated. Results showed that FSO enhanced the expression of autophagy markers (autophagy-related gene 5 [ATG5] and GABA receptor-associated protein [GABARAP]), forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) expression, and levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-10 and transforming growth factor [TGF]-β) secreted by Tregs while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-17A and interferon [IFN]-γ). Furthermore, FSO increased the expression of IL-33 and its receptor IL-1 receptor-like 1 (ST2); well-known signaling pathways that increase amphiregulin (Areg) secretion and expression of myogenesis markers (myogenic factor 5, myoblast determination protein 1, and myogenin). Muscle mass and function were also enhanced via FSO. Overall, the current study suggests that FSO increased autophagy, which enhanced Treg accumulation and function, decreased muscle inflammation, and increased satellite cell function for muscle regeneration and therefore could decrease the loss of muscle mass and function with aging.

• 대한암한의학회지
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

Objective : The association of cancer survival and components of the systemic inflammatory response, combined to form inflammation-based prognostic scores (modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio) is reviewed in this article. Methods and Results : With extensive research of papers in the PubMed, there is good evidence that preoperative measures of the systemic inflammatory response predict cancer survival, independent of tumor stage, in primary operable cancer. GPS also shows its prognostic value as a predictor of survival, independent of tumor stage, performance status and treatment in a variety of advanced cancer. GPS is associated with chemotherapy related toxicities as well as response to treatment and C-reactive protein shows its clinical value as a monitor of chemotherapy response. The systemic inflammatory response is closely related to cachexia and may be suitable measure for the clinical definition of cancer cachexia. Conclusion : Anticipated survival using the inflammation-based prognostic score is a major factor to be taken into consideration when deciding whether active intervention including surgery and chemotherapy or palliation therapy including acupuncture and herb medication is appropriate.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.533-538
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• 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) mediates various physiological and pathological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation. Protein S-nitrosylation (SNO), a NO-mediated reversible protein modification, leads to changes in the activity and function of target proteins. Recent findings on protein-protein transnitrosylation reactions (transfer of an NO group from one protein to another) have unveiled the mechanism of NO modulation of specific signaling pathways. The intracellular level of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), a major reactive NO species, is controlled by GSNO reductase (GSNOR), a major regulator of NO/SNO signaling. Increasing number of GSNOR-related studies have shown the important role that denitrosylation plays in cellular NO/SNO homeostasis and human pathophysiology. This review introduces recent evidence of GSNO-mediated NO/SNO signaling depending on GSNOR expression or activity. In addition, the applicability of GSNOR as a target for drug therapy will be discussed in this review.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.107-113
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• 2011

Background: Metabolic disorders, including type II diabetes and obesity, present major health risks in industrialized countries. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has become the focus of a great deal of attention as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic syndromes. In this study, we evaluated whether dietary aloe could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and adipogenesis. Methods: Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Results: Aloe QDM complex downregulated fat size through suppressed expression of scavenger receptors on adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) compared with HFD. Both white adipose tissue (WATs) and muscle exhibited increased AMPK activation through aloe supplementation, and in particular, the Aloe QDM complex. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$ and -6) and $HIF1{\alpha}$ mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration by the Aloe QDM complex. Further, the Aloe QDM complex decreased the translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 from the cytosol in the WAT. Conclusion: Dietary aloe formula reduced obesity-induced inflammatory responses by activation of AMPK in muscle and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines in the WAT. Additionally, the expression of scavenger receptors in the ATM and activation of AMPK in WAT led to reduction in the percent of body fat. Thus, we suggest that the effect of the Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and muscle are related to activation of AMPK and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.404-413
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• 2019

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is an important cause of mortality in workers exposed to hazardous dust, such as crystalline silica or coal, and COPD is related to inflammation and oxidative stress in the lung. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of oxidative stress and inflammation to COPD in retired workers exposed to mineral dust. Methods: The levels of malondialdehyde(MDA) in EBC as biomarkers for oxidative stress and C-reactive protein(CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase(LD) as biomarkers for inflammation were measured in 107 male subjects(63 pneumoconiosis and 42 COPD subjects). Results: Mean levels of EBC MDA(2.03 nmol/L vs. 4.65 nmol/L, p=0.010) and serum LD(170.3 U/L vs. 185.9 U/L, p=0.022) were significantly higher in subjects with COPD, but mean levels of serum CRP(p=0.469) did not show a statistical difference between the study groups. Level of EBC MDA was negatively correlated with ${%}FEV_1$ predicted(r=-0.279, p=0.004) and ${%}FEV_1/FVC$ ratio(r=-0.397, p<0.001). Conclusions: These results suggest that EBC is a useful biological matrix for investigation of respiratory oxidative stress. High levels of EBC MDA and serum LD are related to COPD in retired workers exposed to mineral dust.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.248-252
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• 2014

Background Patients with diabetes mellitus often have a difficult life, suffering from foot ulceration or amputation. Diabetes is characterized by chronic inflammation, and one of the features of inflammation is hypoxia. Recently, it has been reported that KAI1 is a hypoxia target gene. There is no published research on hypoxia-related KAI1 protein levels in human diabetic skin. Therefore, we have investigated the expression of KAI1 protein in diabetic skin tissue in vivo. Methods The expression of KAI1 protein was evaluated by western blotting in 6 diabetic skin tissue samples and 6 normal skin samples. Immunohistochemical staining was carried out to identify KAI1 expression. Results The western blotting revealed significantly increased expression of the KAI1 protein in diabetic skin tissues as compared to normal skin tissues. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated that KAI1 was expressed in all diabetic skin tissues with moderate-to-strong positivity and weakly expressed in normal skin tissues. Conclusions Our data suggest that a high expression of the KAI1 protein can be observed in diabetic skin tissue. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report suggesting that KAI1 protein expression in diabetic skin tissues may be associated with chronic inflammatory states and hypoxia.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.914-918
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• 2006

It was examined that the effect of fermented traditional wine made by using mycelium of Phellinus linteus on the expression of inflammation-related proteins in HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were incubated with or without ertract of traditional wine (ETMP), then analyzed by microscopic observation, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. The results of RT-PCR and Western blot analyses showed that the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ was induced by LPS, Dut the treatment of ETMP inhibited the expression of these proteins and its mRNAs. Besides, the results of Western blot analyses showed that the expression of nuclear $factor-{\kappa}Bp65$ and $inhibitory-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ were also slightly affected by ETMP treatment. These results suggest that ETM P alleviate the expression of inflammation-related protein expressions and thus may be used as a functional alcoholic beverage.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제33권6호
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• pp.79-86
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• 2018

Objectives : Hemorrhoids are one of the most common diseases in humans. Jingyoganghwaltang (JG) and Cheongsimhwan (CS) have been used for treating hemorrhoids in Korean traditional clinical practice. The present study was designed to evaluate the traditional effects of JG and CS on the experimental hemorrhoid model in rats. Methods : Hemorrhoids are closely related to inflammation. Accordingly, we examined the nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophage cell line in order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect. The expression levels of inflammation related genes including IL-1 beta, IL-6, INOS, and TNF-alpha were examined via a real-time quantitative PCR. Croton oil-induced hemorrhagic animal model was used to test the in vivo efficacy against hemorrhoids. The rectal tissues were weighed and the inflammatory proteins were measured to confirm the anti-inflammatory effects. Results : JG and CS have a statistically significant effect on inhibition of NO production and on the reduction of inflammatory gene expression such as IL-1 beta, IL-6, INOS, and TNF-alpha. The synergistic effects of co-treatment of JG and CS were found out in the IL-6 gene expression. The in vivo study using croton oil-induced hemorrhoid model in rat was performed to check the co-treatment effects. As a result, the co-treatment reduced the inflammation of the rectal tissue and decrease the inflammation related protein productions including ICAM1, MMP2 and MMP9. Conclusions : These results suggest that JG and CS co-treatment demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in croton oil-induced hemorrhoid model in rat.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제16권5호
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• pp.577-588
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Poorly regulated inflammation is believed to be the most predominant factor that can result in a wide scope of diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD). Despite many studies on the effect of pear pomace in obesity-related disorders including dysregulated gut microbiota, the protective effect of pear pomace in AD is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pear pomace ethanol extract (PPE) on AD by inhibiting inflammation. MATERIALS/METHODS: In the in vivo experiment, 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was applied to NC/Nga mice to induce AD-like skin lesions. After the induction, PPE was administered daily by oral gavage for 4 weeks. The clinical severity score, serum IgE levels, spleen weight, histological changes in dorsal skin, and inflammation-related proteins were measured. In the cell study, RAW 264.7 cells were pretreated with PPE before stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nitrite oxide (NO) production and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-𝛋B) protein expression were detected. RESULTS: Compared to the AD control (AD-C) group, IgE levels were dramatically decreased via PPE treatment. PPE significantly reduced scratching behavior, improved skin symptoms, and decreased ear thickness compared to the AD-C group. In addition, PPE inhibited the DNCB-induced expression of inducible nitrite oxide synthase (iNOS), the receptor for advanced glycation end products, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and NF-𝛋B. PPE inhibited the LPS-induced overproduction of NO and the enhanced expression of iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2. Moreover, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-𝛋B in RAW 264.7 cells was suppressed by PPE. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PPE could be explored as a therapeutic agent to prevent AD.