• Mycobiology
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.319-326
• /
• 2015

Fomes fomentarius is a fungus of the Polyporaceae family and is used in traditional oriental therapies. Although the anti-inflammatory activities of this species have been previously reported, the identity of the bioactive compounds responsible for this activity remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether methyl 9-oxo-(10E,12E)-octadecadienoate (FF-8) purified from F. fomentarius exerts anti-inflammatory activity in murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). FF-8 suppressed secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ through downregulation of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression induced by LPS. In addition, pretreatment of cells with FF-8 led to a reduction in levels of secreted inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ and interleukin-6 in macrophages stimulated with LPS. Conversely, FF-8 did not affect nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$, p38, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways. Instead, FF-8 specifically interfered with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation induced by LPS. Collectively, this study demonstrated that FF-8 purified from F. fomentarius suppresses inflammatory responses in macrophages stimulated with LPS by inhibiting STAT3 activation. Further studies will be required to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effect of FF-8 in vivo.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.76-103
• /
• 2021

Objectives This study was designed to examine the effect of Gleditsiae Fructus n-hexane (GSF_Hx) on two different groups (on the LPS-induced activation of Raw264.7 cells in vitro, and on the DNCB-induced activation of atopic dermatitis NC/Nga Tnd mice in vivo) to find index components and active components of Gleditsiae Fructus. Methods GSF_Hx was analyzed by HPLC profiling and confirmed echinocystic acid (EA), oleanolic acid (OA) as index components of Gleditsiae Fructus. Using GSF_Hx, EA, OA, we investigated IL-6, TNF-α, NO production by ELISA analysis and evaluated manifestations of MAPKs transcription factors and NF-κB p65 translocation by western blotting. During In vivo study, atopic dermatitis was induced on NC/Nga Tnd mice by DNCB and administered GSF_Hx, EA, OA orally, and checked skin lesions and measured skin clinical score. Serum IgE level, Th1 and Th2 cytokines secretion and modulating molecular mediators and immune cells in the spleenocyte culture supernatant, PBMCs, ALN and dorsal skin were also measured by real-time PCR. Then, skin rash was evaluated and mast cell distribution was verified by H&E and toluidine blue staining on dorsal skin. Results It is possible that GSF_Hx, EA and OA reduce inflammation and allergic response of atopic dermatitis by suppressing Th1 and Th2 cytokines secretion and modulating molecular mediators and immune cells. They also had moisturizing effect by raising vitality of ceramide in dorsal skin of atopic dermatitis NC/Nga Tnd mice. However, EA particularly had better overall activity data than OA, that EA could be a more effective active component of Gleditsiae Fructus than OA. Conclusions Based on the inflammatory reduction property with moisturizing effect, GSF_Hx may play a role in effective treatment for atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.270-279
• /
• 2024

Macrophages are versatile immune cells that play crucial roles in tissue repair, immune defense, and the regulation of immune responses. In the context of skeletal muscle, they are vital for maintaining muscle homeostasis but macrophage-induced chronic inflammation can lead to muscle dysfunction, resulting in skeletal muscle atrophy characterized by reduced muscle mass and impaired insulin regulation and glucose uptake. Although the involvement of macrophage-secreted factors in inflammation-induced muscle atrophy is well-established, the precise intracellular signaling pathways and secretion factors affecting skeletal muscle homeostasis require further investigation. This study aimed to explore the regulation of macrophage-secreted factors and their impact on muscle atrophy and glucose metabolism. By employing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and proteome array, we uncovered that factors secreted by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages upregulated markers of muscle atrophy and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while concurrently reducing glucose uptake in muscle cells. The RNA-seq analysis identified alterations in gene expression patterns associated with immune system pathways and nutrient metabolism. The utilization of gene ontology (GO) analysis and proteome array with macrophage-conditioned media revealed the involvement of macrophage-secreted cytokines and chemokines associated with muscle atrophy. These findings offer valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of macrophage-secreted factors and their contributions to muscle-related diseases.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.367-373
• /
• 2010

The present study was to investigate anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity of Perillae semen in RBL-2H3 basophilic leukemia cells. Inhibitory effect of Perillae semen onto free radical generation was determined by measuring DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities in vitro. Anti-inflammatory actions of Perillae semen extracts (100, 250, $500\;{\mu}g/mL$) were assessed by testing their effects on the degranulation of mast cells. For this, $\beta$-hexosaminidase released from RBL-2H3 cells was used and proinflammatory cytokines were measured by an ELISA kit. Our results indicated that Perillae semen water extracts effectively inhibited free radical generation. At the concentration of $500\;{\mu}g/mL$ of water extract, the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells were inhibited by 42.1%. The IgE-antigen complex increased the accumulation of IL-4 and TNF-$\alpha$ secretion in RBL-2H3 cells and treatments with 250 and $500\;{\mu}g/mL$ of Perillae semen extracts suppressed the IgE induced secretion of IL-4 and TNF-$\alpha$ protein by 20.5, 26.9% and 14.5, 16.5% respectively. We observed that Perillae semen water extract reduced $\beta$-hexosaminidase, IL-4, and TNF-$\alpha$ secretion in RBL-2H3 cells. These results provide that Perillae semen may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic inflammatory disease.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.155-166
• /
• 2010

Objetives : The purpose of this study was to examine the pathway of anti-allergic effects of Aconiti Ciliare Tuber (ACT). Methods : We examined cell viability, ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release, pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion and mRNA expressions, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) (p65) activation, inhibitor kappa B-alpha ($I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$) degradation, and MAPKs activation from RBL-2H3 cells pre-treatment by ACT of 1.0 mg/ml, 2.0 mg/ml separately. Results : We observed that ACT reduced the secretion of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-4 and the expression of COX-2 mRNA in RBL-2H3 cells. Futhermore, ACT inhibited the levels of activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ (p65) protein, ERK MAPK, and degradation of $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ in RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusions : These results show that ACT has an anti-histamine effect and inhibitory effect of NF-${\kappa}B$ (p65) through regulation of $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation. This improves that ACT could be used as an anti-allergic medicine.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2020.12a
• /
• pp.3-13
• /
• 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous gram-negative bacterium causing serious infections. The P. aeruginosa T3SS is a syringe-like apparatus on the bacterial surface, with 4 effector toxins: ExoS, ExoT, ExoY, and ExoU. Here, we investigated the effect of ExoS and ExoT of the T3SS of P. aeruginosa K strain (PAK). The type three secretion system (T3SS) is a major virulence system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The effector protein Exotoxin S (ExoS) produced by P. aeruginosa is secreted into the host cells via the T3SS. For the purpose of screening the inhibitors with regard to ExoS secretion, we developed the sandwich-type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system. PAK clinical strains induce proinflammatory cytokine production through the T3SS, and this involves NF-κB activation in pneumonia mouse models. We tried to confirm the role of the NF-κB transcription factor in ExoS- and ExoT-induced pneumonia mouse models. pro-inflammatory cytokines induction in response to ExoS and ExoT infection relied on NF-κB activation. Our findings highlight the roles of natural poduct in inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine expression during ExoS and ExoT exposure in PAK infections, paving the way for a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of pulmonary infections.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.11
• /
• pp.5353-5361
• /
• 2012

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an immune-stimulatory cytokine with antitumor activity in preclinical models. It plays pivotal roles in linking inflammatory immune responses and tumor progression and is a useful candidate in gene therapy of lymphoma or lymphoid leukemia. A phase I study of recombinant human IL-18 (rhIL-18) in patients with advanced cancer concluded that rhIL-18 can be safely given in biologically active doses to patients with advanced cancer. Some viruses can induce the secretion of IL-18 for immune evasion. The individual cytokine activity might be potentiated or inhibited by combinations of cytokines. Here we focus on combinational effects of cytokines with IL-18 in cancer progression. IL-18 is an important non-invasive marker suspected of contributing to metastasis. Serum IL-18 may a useful biological marker as independent prognostic factor of survival. In this review we cover roles of IL-18 in immune evasion, metastasis and angiogenesis, applications for chemotherapy and prognostic or diagnostic significance.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.68-81
• /
• 2003

It is proposed that Hwang-Ryeon-Hae-Dok-Tang may modulate the immune response on allergy or asthma. Human nasal mucosal fibroblasts are a rich source cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and chemokines. Chemokines are important for the recruitment of leukocytes to sites of infection, which is essential in host defense. Objectives : The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Hwang-Ryeon-Hae-Dok-Tang(HH) on the release of the IL-8 chemokine in human nasal mucosal fibroblasts after stimulation with cytokines like interleukin-4(IL-4), tumor necrosis factor- (TNF- ), interferon- (lFN- ), and interle ukin-l (IL-I ). Methods : To detect the release of IL-8, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kit was performed. The cytotoxicity was measured by MTT assay. Results : HH significantly inhibited the secretion of IL-8 with a dose-dependant manner. The effective dosage did not have the cytotoxicity on human nasal mucosal fibroblasts Conclusions : Results of our study show that HH would play an important role in modulation of IL-8 in human nasal mucosal fibroblasts.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.456-463
• /
• 2021

Background: Keratinocytes form a physical barrier and act as an innate immune cell in skin. Keratinocytes secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, resulting from inflammasome activation when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Korean Red Ginseng extracts (RGE) have been well-studied as modulators of inflammasome activation in immune cells, such as macrophages. In the study, we elucidated the role of RGE on the UV-mediated inflammasome activation in keratinocytes compared with that in macrophages. Methods: Human skin keratinocyte cells (HaCaT), human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK), human monocyte-like cells (THP-1), and mouse macrophages were treated with RGE or a saponin fraction (SF) or non-saponin fraction (NS) of RGE before and after UV irradiation. The secretion levels of IL-1β, as an indicator of inflammasome activation, were analyzed. Results: The treatment of RGE or SF in macrophages after UV irradiation inhibited IL-1β secretion, but similar treatment in HaCaT cells did not. However, the treatment of RGE or SF in HaCaT cells in the presence of poly I:C, a toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 ligand, before UV exposure elicited the inhibition of the IL-1β secretion. The inhibition was caused by the disruption by RGE or SF of the TLR mediating up-regulation of the pro-IL-1β and NLRP3 genes during the priming step. Conclusion: RGE and its saponins inhibit IL-1β secretion in response to UV exposure in both keratinocytes and macrophages. In particular, RGE treatment interrupted only the priming step in keratinocytes, although it did attenuate both the priming and activation steps in macrophages.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.18-24
• /
• 2017

This study was conducted to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of essential oil extracted from the wood of Chamaecyparis obtusa Sieb. et Zucc. Endl. (Cupressaceae). The essential oil was extracted from the wood of C. obtusa by hydrodistillation method, and conducted the analysis on the chemical composition of the extracted C. obtusa wood oil through GC-MS. The major constituents of the oil were found to be: ${\alpha}-pinene$ (11.4%), cadinene (5.4%), ${\delta}-cadiene$ (9.0%), ${\tau}-muurolol$ (22.2%), ${\alpha}-cadinol$ (20.8%) etc. We attempted to identify the anti-inflammatory activities of the oil when it is injected in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, along with its effects on the secretion of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-13 (IL-13), ${\beta}-hexosaminidase$. According to the cell viability analysis conducted by MTT assay, the oil in $10^{-7}{\sim}10^{-5}%$concentration showed no effect on the cell viability. After RBL-2H3 cells treated by LPS stimulation were exposed to $10^{-7}%$ concentration of C. obtusa wood oil, the expression levels of IL-4, IL-13 within the cell were observed to remarkably decrease. Also, it was attenuated the release of ${\beta}-hexosaminidase$ from mast cells to a significantly meaningful level. These results suggest that C. obtusa wood oil exerts the anti-inflammatory effect, by regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines, which is a valuable feature to be highly utilized as the functional materials in the future.