• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.396-401
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• 2004

The effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and several cytokines or the c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression were examined in primary cultured astrocytes. Either LPS (500 ng/mL) or inter-feron-$\gamma$ (IFN-$\gamma$ 5 ng/mL) alone increased the level of c-fos mRNA (1 h). However, tumor necro-sis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$; 10 ng/mL) or interleukin-4 (IL-1$\beta$: 5 ng/mL) alone showed no significant induction of the level of c-fos mRNA. TNF-$\alpha$ showed a potentiating effect in the regulation of LPS-induced c-fos mRNA expression, whereas LPS showed an inhibitory action against IFN-Y-induced c-fos mRNA expression. LPS, but not TNF-$\alpha$, IL-1$\beta$ and IFN-$\gamma$, increased the level of c-jun mRNA (1 h). TNF-$\alpha$ and IFN-$\gamma$ showed an inhibitory action against LPS-induced c-jun mRNA expression. Both phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 2.5 mM) and forskolin (FSK, 5 mM) increased the c-fos and c-jun mRNA expressions. In addition, the level of c-fos mRNA was expressed in an antagonistic manner when LPS was combined with PMA. When LPS was co-treated with either PMA or FSK, it showed an additive interaction for the induction of c-jun mRNA expression. Our results suggest that LPS and cytokines may be actively involved in the regulation of c-fos and c-jun mRNA expressions in primary cultured astrocytes. Moreover, both the PKA and PKC pathways may regulate the LPS-induced c-fos and c-jun mRNA expressions in different ways.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.66-81
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus water extract (LF) in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse macrophages RAW 264.7 cell. Methods: Ligustri Lucidi Fructus was extracted with distilled water (2,000 ml) for 2 hours. In order to evaluate cytotoxicity of LF, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed. To investigate anti-inflammatory effects of LF, the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) was measured with NO assay, cytokine was measured by Bio-Plex cytokine assay, and intracellular calcium (Ca) was measured with Fluo-4 Ca assay in RAW 264.7 cell. And when p-value is below 0.05, it is judged to have the significant difference statistically (P<0.05). Results: 1. LF showed no cytotoxicity. 2. LF inhibited significantly the production of NO at the concentration of 25, 50 and $100{\mu}g/ml$. 3. LF inhibited significantly the production of interleukin (IL)-4, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-$1{\alpha}$, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) at the concentration of 25, 50, 100 and $200{\mu}g/ml$. 4. LF inhibited significantly the production of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at the concentration of 50, 100 and $200{\mu}g/ml$, the interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ at 25, 50 and $100{\mu}g/ml$ respectively. 5. LF inhibited significantly the production of IL-$1{\beta}$ at the concentration of 50 and $200{\mu}g/ml$, the IL-5 at 25 and $100{\mu}g/ml$, the IL-12p70, MIP-$1{\beta}$ at 50 and $100{\mu}g/ml$, the regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secrete d (RANTES) at 100 and $200{\mu}g/ml$ respectively. 6. LF inhibited significantly the production of IL-10, interferon gamma-induced protein (IP)-10 at the concentration of $200{\mu}g/ml$. 7. LF inhibited significantly the production of intracellular Ca at the concentration of 25, 50, 100 and $200{\mu}g/ml$. Conclusions: These results suggest that LF has anti-inflammatory effect and immuno-modulating activity.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.230-237
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• 2015

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Chronic gut inflammation is recognized as a risk factor for tumor development, including CRC. American ginseng is a very commonly used ginseng species in the West. Methods: A genetically engineered $Apc^{Min/+}$ mouse model was used in this study. We analyzed the saponin composition of American ginseng used in this project, and evaluated its effects on the progression of high-fat-diet-enhanced CRC carcinogenesis. Results: After oral ginseng administration (10-20 mg/kg/d for up to 32 wk), experimental data showed that, compared with the untreated mice, ginseng very significantly reduced tumor initiation and progression in both the small intestine (including the proximal end, middle end, and distal end) and the colon (all p < 0.01). This tumor number reduction was more obvious in those mice treated with a low dose of ginseng. The tumor multiplicity data were supported by body weight changes and gut tissue histology examinations. In addition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that compared with the untreated group, ginseng very significantly reduced the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-$1{\alpha}$ (IL-$1{\alpha}$), IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in both the small intestine and the colon (all p < 0.01). Conclusion: Further studies are needed to link our observed effects to the actions of the gut microbiome in converting the parent ginsenosides to bioactive ginseng metabolites. Our data suggest that American ginseng may have potential value in CRC chemoprevention.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.71-85
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• 2014

Objectives In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Samhwangsasim-tang (S.H) on the allergic response caused by ovalbumin(OVA) sensitization and challenge in BALB/c mice. Methods The experimental animals were divided into five groups; 1) normal as negative control, 2) OVA-sensitized mice, 3) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 200 mg/kg of S.H 200, 4) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 400 mg/kg of S.H 400, and 5) OVA-sensitized mice treated with 5 mg/kg of Dexamethasone (Dex). Antigen sensitization for allergic mouse model was performed with twice injection of OVA for 2 weeks. After secondary injection, S.H was administrated orally into mice every day for 13 days and the inhibitory effect of S.H on allergic responses was evaluated. Results Treatment of S.H into allergic mice reduced significantly ear edema and infiltration of immune cells in ear tissues induced with OVA challenge in a dose-dependent manner. S.H reduced significantly the serum levels of Total Immunoglobulin(Ig)G and IgE, and particularly inhibited the production of OVA-specific IgE, but not OVA-specific IgG. The serum level of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-${\alpha}$ and Th2-associated cytokine IL-4 also were significantly decreased by S.H adminstration in a dose denpendent manner. S.H attenuated OVA-induced secretion of IFN-${\gamma}$, but not IL-12 which is a cytokine inducing the development of Th1 cells. It also reduced significantly the secretion of IL-4, which is a cytokine inducing the development of Th2 cells, after splenocytes were stimulated with OVA. However the secretion of IL-5 and IL-13 was influenced weakly or a little. Conclusions These results indicate that S.H could reduce the allergic response through inhibition of antigen-specific IgE and Th2-inducing cytokines. It suggest that S.H may be available clinically for the treatment of allergic patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.613-618
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• 2016

1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-${\beta}$-D-glucose (PGG) is a gallotannin isolated from various plants such as Galla Rhois. In a previous study, it was reported that PGG has anti-allergic effects by inhibiting interleukin (IL)-4 signaling in B cells. However, the effect of PGG on basophilic cells remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of PGG on mitogen and calcium ionophore-induced allergic responses. PGG had no effect on proliferation and cytotoxicity of RBL-2H3 cells. PGG significantly suppressed cell degranulation (histamine and ${\beta}-hexosaminidase$) as well as inflammatory cytokine production such as IL-4 and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$. The underlying mechanism of PGG on these anti-allergic actions was correlated with inhibition on translocation of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ from the cytosol to nucleus. These data suggest that PGG is a potentially effective functional compound for prevention of allergic diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.182-190
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• 2015

This present study demonstrates the immunological synergistic effects of herbal preparation (HemoHIM) and red ginseng powder granule in various immune cell models (bone marrow-derived macrophages, dendritic cells, and mouse splenocytes) from mice. Both herbal preparation and red ginseng extracts were treated to bone-marrow derived macrophages, dendritic cells, and mouse splenocytes, and there was no cytotoxicity at a dose below $200{\mu}g/mL$. Cell proliferation and cytokine [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12] production tested in bone marrow-derived macrophages and dendritic cells significantly increased upon combined treatment. Cell surface marker (CD 80/86, MHC class I/II)-mediated immune cell activation was highly elevated by combined treatment. For cytokine production in splenocytes, combined treatment significantly increased production of Th 1 type cytokines [IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$] but not Th 2 type cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). Therefore, combined treatment with HemoHIM and red ginseng extracts is an effective method to establish powerful immunological synergy in immune cells.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.127-131
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• 2017

Objectives: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) constitute the first line of defense against invading microbial pathogens. Early events in inflammation involve the recruitment of neutrophils to the site of injury or damage where changes in intracellular calcium can cause the activation of pro-inflammatory mediators from neutrophils including superoxide generation, degranulation and release of myeloperoxidase (MPO), productions of interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), and adhesion to the vascular endothelium. To address the anti-inflammatory role of flavonoids, in the present study, we investigated the effects of the flavonoids quercetin and vitexin on the stimulus-induced nitric oxide (NO), $TNF-{\alpha}$, and MPO productions in human neutrophils. Methods: Human peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated, and their viabilities were determined by using the Trypan Blue exclusion test. The polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) preparations contained more than 98% neutrophils as determined by morphological examination with Giemsa staining. The viabilities of cultured neutrophils with various concentrations of quercetin and vitexin ($1-100{\mu}M$) were studied using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Neutrophils were cultured in complete Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) medium, pre-incubated with or without quercetin and vitexin ($25{\mu}M$) for 45 min, and stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) ($10^{-7}M$). NO production was carried out through nitrite determination by using the Griess method. Also, the $TNF-{\alpha}$ and the MPO productions were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and MPO assay kits. Results: Neutrophil viability was not affected up to a concentration of $100{\mu}M$ of quercetin or vitexin. Both quercetin and vitexin significantly inhibited $TNF-{\alpha}$, NO, and MPO productions in human neutrophils (P < 0.001). Conclusion:The present study showed that both quercetin and vitexin had significant anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, treatment with either quercetin or vitexin may be considered as a therapeutic strategy for treating patients with neutrophil-mediated inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.93-99
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• 2017

Objectives: Selaginella bryopteris L. (family: Selaginaceae), is often used in traditional Indian systems of medicine for the prevention and cure of several disorders and for the treatment of patient with spermatorrhoea, venereal disease, constipation, colitis, urinary tract infections, fever, epilepsy, leucorrhoea, beri-beri and cancer. It is also used as a strength tonic. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of topically administered aqueous, polar and non-polar methanolic fractions ($10mg/20{\mu}L$) of Selaginella bryopteris. Methods: An acute oral toxicity study of Selaginella bryopteris at doses from 250 to 2,000 mg/kg body weight (bw) was performed. Aqueous, polar and non-polar methanolic extracts ($10mg/20{\mu}L$) applied topically for 5 days were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects against 12-tetra-O-decanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA)- induced inflammation by using the redness in the ear, the ear's weight (edema), oxidative stress parameters, such as lipid-peroxide (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO), and the pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in inflammation, such as tumour necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$ and IL-6. Indomethacine ($0.5mg/20{\mu}L$) was used for the positive control. Results: Selaginella bryopteris produced no mortalities when administered orally at doses from 250 to 2,000 mg/kg bw. Topical treatment with the non-polar methanolic fraction ($10mg/20{\mu}L$) significantly suppressed redness ($2.4{\pm}0.5$) and edema ($30.4{\pm}1$) and effectively reduced the LPO level ($32.3{\pm}3.3$). The NO level was ($8.07{\pm}0.55$), and the $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, and IL-6 levels were decreased to $69.6{\pm}15.5$, $7.7{\pm}4.8$ and $82.6{\pm}5.9$, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated for the first time the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of medicinal plants like Selaginella bryopteris and quantified the pharmacological interactions between them. The present study showed this herbal product to be a promising anti-inflammatory phytomedicine for the treatment of patients with inflammatory skin diseases.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.11-16
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• 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
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• v.18 no.9
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• pp.1606-1612
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• 2008

Interleukin (IL)-32 is a recently identified proinflammatory cytokine that is one of the IL-18 inducible genes, and plays an important role in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. We produced antibodies against IL-32 and studied the expression of IL-32 in human stomach cancer. We detected IL-32 secreted from K-562 cells which were stably transfected with IL-32 and in the sera of stomach cancer patients by a sandwich ELISA using a monoclonal antibody KU32-52 and a polyclonal antibody. In order to optimize a sandwich immunoassay, recombinant IL-32a was added, followed by the addition of a biotinylated KU32-52 into microtiter plate wells precoated with a goat anti-IL-32 antibody. The bound biotinylated KU32-52 was probed with a streptavidin conjugated to HRP. This sandwich ELISA was highly specific and had a minimal detection limit of 80 pg/ml (mean${\pm}$SD of zero calibrator) and measuring up to 3,000 pg/ml. This ELISA showed no cross-reaction with other cytokines such as hIL-1$\alpha$, hIL-1$\beta$, hIL-2, hIL-6, hIL-8, hIL-10, hIL-18, and hTNF-$\alpha$. Intra-assay coefficients of variation were 18.5% to 4.6% (n=10), and inter-assay coefficients were 23% to 9% (n=10). The average IL-32 level in the sera of 16 stomach cancer patients (189 pg/ml) was higher than that of 12 healthy control men (109 pg/ml). Our results indicate that serum IL-32 level can be detected by using an established ELISA, and that this immunoassay and mAb KU32-09 specific for immunohistochemistry can be used in the detection of expressed and secreted IL-32 in stomach cancer patients.