• Journal of Photoscience
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.201-204
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• 2002

Epidermal cells produce a panel of antioxidants as well as cytokines after UVB irradiation, which counteract reactive oxygen species, however, how these antioxidants might regulate melanogenesis is unclear. An important constituent of the cellular antioxidant buffering system which controls the redox state of proteins is thioredoxin (TRX), a 13-kD protein that catalyzes thiol-disulfide exchange reactions, regulates activation of transcription factors, and possesses several other biological functions similar to cytokines. TRX suppressed the UVB-induced production and secretion of $\alpha$-melanocyte stimulating hormone ($\alpha$-MSH) and of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and also suppressed proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA expression by normal human keratinocyte (KC)s. Further, L-cysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine, $\alpha$-tocopheryl ferulate showed suppressive effect on UVB-induced POMC mRNA expression. However, TRX released from UVB-irradiated KCs stimulated melanogenesis by up-regulating MSH receptor expression and its binding activity in melanocyte (MC)s. UVB-induced KC derived cytokines such as IL1, IL6, and ET1 upregulated MSH-receptor binding ability as well as MCl-R mRNA expression in cultured normal human MCs. MCl-R has a tendency to be upregulated by UVB-induced KC-derived cytokines as well as by direct UVB irradiation. These results suggest that antioxidants such as TRX suppresses UVB induction of POMC, but in the case of MCl-R, this gene can be mainly in the trend of upregulation by UVB-induced KC-derived factors including TRX.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.306-311
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• 2008

Although hepatic microcirculatory dysfunction occurs during endotoxemia, the mechanism responsible for this remains unclear. Since Kupffer cells provide signals that regulate hepatic response in inflammation, this study was designed to investigate the role of Kupffer cells in the imbalance in the expression of vasoactive mediators. Endotoxemia was induced by intraperitoneal E. coli endotoxin (LPS, 1 mg/kg body weight). Kupffer cells were inactivated with gadolinium chloride ($GdCl_3$, 7.5 mg/kg body weight, intravenously) 2 days prior to LPS exposure. Liver samples were taken 6 h following LPS exposure for RT-PCR analysis of mRNA for genes of interest: endothelin (ET-1), its receptors $ET_A$ and $ET_B$, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), heme oxygenase (HO-1), and tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$). mRNA levels for iNOS and TNF-$\alpha$ were significantly increased 31.8-fold and 26.7-fold in LPS-treated animals, respectively. This increase was markedly attenuated by $GdCl_3$, HO-1 expression significantly increased in LPS-treated animals, with no significant difference between saline and $GdCl_3$ groups. ET-1 was increased by LPS. mRNA levels for $ET_A$ receptor showed no change, whereas $ET_B$ transcripts increased in LPS-treated animals. The increase in $ET_B$ transcripts was potentiated by $GdCl_3$. We conclude that activation of Kupffer cells plays an important role in the imbalanced hepatic vasoregulatory gene expression induced by endotoxin.

• BMB Reports
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• 제46권4호
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• pp.213-218
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• 2013

Members of the colony stimulating factor cytokine family play important roles in macrophage activation and recruitment to inflammatory lesions. Among them, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is known to be associated with immune response to mycobacterial infection. However, the mechanism through which Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) affects the expression of GM-CSF is poorly understood. Using PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells, we found that MTB infection increased GM-CSF mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Induction of GM-CSF mRNA expression peaked 6 h after infection, declining gradually thereafter and returning to its basal levels at 72 h. Secretion of GM-CSF protein was also elevated by MTB infection. The increase in mRNA expression and protein secretion of GM-CSF caused by MTB was inhibited in cells treated with inhibitors of p38 MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK-1), and PI3-K. These results suggest that up-regulation of GM-CSF by MTB is mediated via the PI3-K/MEK1/p38 MAPK-associated signaling pathway.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.58-63
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• 1993

In order to elucidate the alteration of drug-metabolizing enzymes and mechanism in the animal with hepatic injury and ketosis, the regulation of P450IIE was studied in the rats with heaptic injury caused by CCl$_4$ and with ketosis caused by streptozotocin and high-fat diet. P450IIE expression in liver was examined by the combination of enzyme activities, Western immunoblot, and mRNA Northern blot analyses using specific polyclonal antibody and cDNA probe for P450IIE. Enzyme activity and amounts of immunoreactive P450IIE were rapidly decreased in a time-dependent manner after a single dose of CCl$_4$ . However, the decreases in P450IIE enzyme activity and immunoreactive protein by CCl$_4$ were not accompanied by a decline in its mRNA level. The data thus suggested a post-translational reduction of P450IIE by CCl$_4$. The enzyme activities (aniline hydroxylase) in hepatic microsomes were elevated about 2-3-fold by streptozotocin and feeding with a high fat diet. This increases in enzyme activities were also accompanied by 3-fold increases in immunoreactive P450IIE protein and its mRNA. Our data thus indicated that P450IIE induction during the ketosis appears to be due to pretranslational activation.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제41권4호
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• pp.12-26
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) on PMA-differentiated human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells. Methods: Cells were treated with various concentrations of RVS decoction (0-300㎍/ml) for 24, 48, and 72h. Cell viability was evaluated by MTS/PMS assay. The expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and proteins were measured using RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Results: RVS suppressed expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA. It also down-regulated iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and protein expression. RVS inhibited NF-𝜅B p65 activity and the phosphorylation of Akt and MAPK (ERK and p38 MAPK). Instead, the phosphorylation of JNK is increased at a very low concentration but decreased at higher concentrations. Conclusion: RVS is regarded to inhibit the expression of MMP and TIMP as well as iNOS and COX-2 gene expression via directly inhibiting the activation of NF-𝜅B and phosphorylation of MAPK pathway in THP-1 cells. This suggests RVS have potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

• 한국축산식품학회지
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.101-112
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• 2023

This study aimed to assess whether genomic DNA (gDNA) extracted from Pediococcus acidilactici inhibits Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 cells. Pretreatment with gDNA of P. acidilactici K10 or P. acidilactici HW01 for 15 h effectively inhibited P. gingivalis LPS-induced mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. Although both gDNAs did not dose-dependently inhibit P. gingivalis LPS-induced mRNA expression of IL-6 and MCP-1, they inhibited IL-1β mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, pretreatment with both gDNAs inhibited the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1. When RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with P. gingivalis LPS alone, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was increased. However, the phosphorylation of MAPKs was reduced in the presence of gDNAs. Furthermore, both gDNAs restored IκBα degradation induced by P. gingivalis LPS, indicating that both gDNAs suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In summary, P. acidilactici gDNA could inhibit P. gingivalis LPS-induced inflammatory responses through the suppression of MAPKs and NF-κB, suggesting that P. acidilactici gDNA could be effective in preventing periodontitis.

• 한국자원식물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국자원식물학회 2020년도 춘계학술대회
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• pp.89-89
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• 2020

In this study, we evaluated the effect of the extracts from Lonicera caerulea leaves (LCLE), branches (LCBE) and fruits (LCFE) on the cell growth and migration in human colorectal cancer cells, HCT116 and SW480 cells. LCLE and LCBE dose- and time-dependently inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 and SW480 cells. However, LCFE did not affect the proliferation of HCT116 and SW480 cells. In addition, LCLE and LCBE dramatically cell migration and wound healing in HCT116 cells. LCLE and LCBE decreased β-catenin protein level but not mRNA level in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Furthermore, LCLE decreased TCF4 level in both protein and mRNA level in HCT116 and SW480 cells. However, LCBE decreased TCF4 protein level but not mRNA level in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Based on these findings, LCLE and LCBE may inhibit the cell proliferation and migration through blocking Wnt signaling activation in human colorectal cancer cells. Therefore, LCLE and LCBE may be a potential candidate for the development of chemopreventive or therapeutic agents for human colorectal cancer.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제77권2호
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• pp.73-80
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• 2014

Background: Low levels of serum vitamin D is associated with several lung diseases. The production and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of emphysema. The aim of the current study therefore is to investigate if vitamin D modulates the expression and activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human lung fibroblasts (HFL-1) cells. Methods: HFL-1 cells were cast into three-dimensional collagen gels and stimulated with or without interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) in the presence or absence of 100 nM 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D ($1,25(OH)_2D$) for 48 hours. Trypsin was then added into the culture medium in order to activate MMPs. To investigate the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9, gelatin zymography was performed. The expression of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of MMP-9 mRNA and TIMP-1, TIMP-2 mRNA was quantified by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: IL-$1{\beta}$ significantly stimulated MMP-9 production and mRNA expression. Trypsin converted latent MMP-2 and MMP-9 into their active forms of MMP-2 (66 kDa) and MMP-9 (82 kDa) within 24 hours. This conversion was significantly inhibited by 25(OH)D (100 nM) and $1,25(OH)_2D$ (100 nM). The expression of MMP-9 mRNA was also significantly inhibited by 25(OH)D and $1,25(OH)_2D$. Conclusion: Vitamin D, 25(OH)D, and $1,25(OH)_2D$ play a role in regulating human lung fibroblast functions in wound repair and tissue remodeling through not only inhibiting IL-$1{\beta}$ stimulated MMP-9 production and conversion to its active form but also inhibiting IL-$1{\beta}$ inhibition on TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 production.

• BMB Reports
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• 제42권6호
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• pp.380-386
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• 2009

In neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer' and Parkinson', microglial cell activation is thought to contribute to CNS injury by producing neurotoxic compounds. Prothrombin and kringle-2 increase levels of NO and the mRNA expression of iNOS, IL-1$\beta$, and TNF-$\alpha$ in microglial cells. In contrast, the human prothrombin kringle-2 derived peptide NSA9 inhibits NO release and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1$\beta$, TNF-$\alpha$, and IL-6 in LPS-activated EOC2 microglia. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of NSA9 in human prothrombin- and kringle-2-stimulated EOC2 microglia. Treatment with 20-100 ${\mu}M$ of NSA9 attenuated both prothrombin- and kringle-2-induced microglial activation. NO production induced by MAPKs and NF-$\kappa$B was similarly reduced by inhibitors of ERK (PD98059), p38 (SB203580), NF-$\kappa$B (N-acetylcysteine), and NSA9. These results suggest that NSA9 acts independently as an inhibitor of microglial activation and that its effects in EOC2 microglia are not influenced by the presence of kringle-2.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.35-50
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• 2019

Objectives: Orostachys japonicas (O. japonicus) has been known for its anti-tumor effect. In the present study, it was investigated whether O. japonicus EtOH extracts could induce apoptosis and autophagy which are part of the main mechanism related to anti-tumor effect in THP-1 cells. Methods: Cells were treated with various concentrations of O. japonicus EtOH extracts ($0-300{\mu}g/ml$) for 24, 48, and 72h. Cell viability was evaluated by MTS/PMS assay and apoptosis rate was examined by flow cytometry and ELISA assay. The mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Survivin, Bax) and autophagy-related gene (mTOR) was evaluated using real-time PCR. The protein expression of Caspase-3, Akt, LC3 II, Beclin-1, Atg5, $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, ERK was evaluated using western blot analysis. Results: O. japonicus EtOH extracts inhibited cell proliferation and apoptosis rate was increased in both flow cytometry and ELISA assay. Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Survivin (anti-apoptosis factors) mRNA expressions were decreased and Bax (pro-apoptosis factor) mRNA level was increased. mTOR mRNA expressions was decreased and LC3 II protein expressions was increased. Activation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ was decreased and phosphorylation of p38 was increased. Conclusion: O. japonicus is regarded to inhibit cell proliferation, to induce apoptosis and to regulate autophagy-related genes in THP-1 cells via $NF-{\kappa}B$ and p38 MAPK signaling pathway. This suggests O. japonicus could be an effective herb in treating acute myeloid leukemia.