• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.10-16
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• 2013

Background: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are well-known pattern recognition receptors. Among the 13 TLRs, TLR2 is the most known receptor for immune response. It activates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are counterbalanced by MAPK phosphatases [MKPs or dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs)]. However, the regulatory mechanism of DUSPs is still unclear. In this study, the effect of a TLR2 ligand (TLR2L, Pam3CSK4) on DUSP4 expression in Raw264.7 cells was demonstrated. Methods: A Raw264.7 mouse macrophage cell line was cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% antibiotics (100 U/mL penicillin and 100 g/mL streptomycin) at $37^{\circ}C$ in 5% $CO_2$. TLR2L (Pam3CSK4)-mediated DUSP4 expressions were confirmed with RT-PCR and western blot analysis. In addition, the detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured with lucigenin assay. Results: Pam3CSK4 induced the expression of DUSP1, 2, 4, 5 and 16. The DUSP4 expression was also increased by TLR4 and 9 agonists (lipopolysaccharide and CpG ODN, respectively). Pam3CSK4 also induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and ROS production, and the Pam3CSK4-induced DUSP4 expression was decreased by ERK1/2 (U0126) and ROS (DPI) inhibitors. U0126 suppressed the ROS production by Pam3CSK4. Conclusion: Pam3CSK4-mediated DUSP4 expression is regulated by ERK1/2 and ROS. This finding suggests the physiological importance of DUSP4 in TLR2-mediated immune response.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.27-40
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of water extract of Cervi Parvum Cornu(CPC), Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata(ALR), and Yongbu-tang(YBT) on suppression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand(RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Methods : The effects of CPC, ALR, YBT extracts on osteoclast differentiation were determined by culture of bone marrow macrophage(BMM). The mRNA expression levels of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1(NFATc1), c-Fos and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP) in BMMs were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Similarly, the protein expression levels of NFATc1, c-Fos, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)s and ${\beta}$-actin in cell lysates were measured by western blotting. In addition, effects of CPC, ALR and YBT extracts were determined by means of Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced bone-loss with mice. Results : CPC, ALR and YBT extracts showed remarkable inhibition on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation without cytotoxicity. CPC and ALR extracts significantly reduced the protein expression level of NFATc1. YBT extract significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of c-Fos, NFATc1 and the protein expression levels of c-Fos, NFATc1, AKT, p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK). Further, YBT extract suppressed degradation of$ I-{\kappa}B$. And ALR extract significantly restored the bone erosion by LPS treatment in mice. Conclusions : YBT extract showed more remarkable inhibition on osteoclast differentiation than CPC and ALR extracts in vitro. ALR extract showed remarkable inhibition on bone resorption in vivo. Thus, YBT extract can be a useful treatment for bone-loss diseases such as osteoporosis.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.182-186
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• 2008

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) is traditionally used medicinal herb that has anti-oxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated whether the extracts of SBG have the inhibitory activity in the osteoclast differentiation by using mouse monocytes RAW264.7 cells and primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Methanol extract (ME) from SBG was successively fractionated into methylene chloride (MF), ethylacetate (EF) and n-butanol fraction (BF). The activity assay for tartrateresistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and Western blot analysis were employed to evaluate the osteoclasts differentiation and the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, respectively. ME, MF, EF and BF significantly and dose-dependently inhibited osteoclast differentiation without the decrease of cell viability at the concentrations used in this study. In addition, ME significantly inhibited the activation of c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK). In conclusion, this study firstly demonstrated that ME of SBG has the potential to inhibit the osteoclast differentiation through the suppression of JNK activation partially.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.420-428
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• 2023

Background: Ginsenoside F2 (GF2), a minor component of Panax ginseng, has been reported to possess a wide variety of pharmacological activities. However, its effects on glucose metabolism have not yet been reported. Here, we investigated the underlying signaling pathways involved in its effects on hepatic glucose. Methods: HepG2 cells were used to establish insulin-resistant (IR) model and treated with GF2. Cell viability and glucose uptake-related genes were also examined by real-time PCR and immunoblots. Results: Cell viability assays showed that GF2 up to 50 μM did not affect normal and IR-HepG2 cell viability. GF2 reduced oxidative stress by inhibiting phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling components such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and p38 MAPK, and reducing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Furthermore, GF2 activated PI3K/AKT signaling, upregulated the levels of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2) and GLUT-4 in IR-HepG2 cells, and promoted glucose absorption. At the same time, GF2 reduced phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase expression as well as inhibiting gluconeogenesis. Conclusion: Overall, GF2 improved glucose metabolism disorders by reducing cellular oxidative stress in IR-HepG2 cells via MAPK signaling, participating in the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway, promoting glycogen synthesis, and inhibiting gluconeogenesis.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제38권7호
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• pp.604-609
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• 2015

The active metabolite of vitamin D such as $1{\alpha}$,25-dihydroxyvitamin ($D_3(1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3)$ is a well-known key regulatory factor in bone metabolism. However, little is known about the potential of vitamin D as an odontogenic inducer in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) in vitro. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin $D_3$ metabolite, $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$, on odontoblastic differentiation in HDPCs. HDPCs extracted from maxillary supernumerary incisors and third molars were directly cultured with $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ in the absence of differentiation-inducing factors. Treatment of HDPCs with $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ at a concentration of 10 nM or 100 nM significantly upregulated the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein1 (DMP1), the odontogenesis-related genes. Also, $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ enhanced the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization in HDPCs. In addition, $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), whereas the ERK inhibitor U0126 ameliorated the upregulation of DSPP and DMP1 and reduced the mineralization enhanced by $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$. These results demonstrated that $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ promoted odontoblastic differentiation of HDPCs via modulating ERK activation.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.27-37
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• 2007

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver worldwide. In-Jin-Ho-Tang(IJHT) has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine since ancient time. and today it is widely applied as a medication for jaundice which is associated with inflammation in liver. In this study, I investigated whether methanol extract of IJHT induced HepG2 cancer cell death. Methods: Cytotoxic activity of IJHT on HepG2 cells was using XTT assay. Apoptosis induction by Ros A in HCT116 cells was verified by the induction of cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). and activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9. The release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. the level of Bcl-2 and Bax and the expression of p53 and p21 were examined by western blotting analysis. Furthermore, MAPKs activation was analyzed by western blotting analysis. Results: IJHT induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. And treatment of IJHT resulted in the release of cytochrome c into cytosol, decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and increased pri-apoptotic Bax expression. IJHT markedly inactivated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), and activated p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Sodium orthovanadate (SOV), a phosphatase inhibitor, to reverse IJHT-induced ERK1/2 inactivation and SB203580, a specific p38 MAP Kinase inhibitor efficiently blocked apoptosis of HepG2. Thus, IJHT induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells via MAP kinase modulation. Conclusion: These results indicated that IJHT has some potential for use as an anti-cancer agent.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.46-53
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• 2015

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in many chemotherapeutic protocols and play an important role in the normal regulation of bone remodeling. However, the prolonged use of GCs results in osteoporosis, which is partially due to apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes. In this study, effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on GC-treated murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and a GC-induced osteoporosis mouse model were investigated. Methods: MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to dexamethasone (Dex) with or without KRG and cell viability was measured by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Realtime polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the apoptotic gene expression; osteogenic gene expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were also measured. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins. A GC-induced osteoporosis animal model was used for in vivo study. Results and conclusion: The MTT assay revealed that Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) prevents loss of cell viability caused by Dex-induced apoptosis in MC3T3E1 cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction data showed that groups treated with both Dex and KRG exhibited lower mRNA levels of caspase-3 and -9, whereas the mRNA levels of Bcl2, IAPs, and XIAP increased. Moreover, groups treated with both Dex and KRG demonstrated increased mRNA levels of ALP, RUNX2, and bone morphogenic proteins as well as increased ALP activity in MC3T3-E1 cells, compared to cells treated with Dex only. In addition, KRG increased protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation and decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. Moreover, microcomputed tomography analysis of the femurs showed that GC implantation caused trabecular bone loss. However, a significant reduction of bone loss was observed in the KRG-treated group. These results suggest that the molecular mechanism of KRG in the GC-induced apoptosis may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent and/or delay osteoporosis.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.19-32
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atherosclerosis is associated with increased inflammation in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Vitamin D has been reported to modulate the inflammatory responses of stromal vascular cells (SVCs) and adipocytes in adipose tissue, but the role of vitamin D in atherosclerosis biology is unclear. This study examined the effects of in vitro 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25[OH]₂D₃) treatment on the inflammatory responses of SVCs and adipocytes from atherosclerotic mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6J (B6) mice were divided randomly into 2 groups and fed a 10% kcal fat control diet (control group, CON) or 41% kcal fat, 0.21% cholesterol (high fat + cholesterol, HFC) diet (obese group, OB), and B6.129S7-Ldlr^tm1Her/J (Ldlr^-/-) mice were fed a HFC diet (obese with atherosclerosis group, OBA) for 16 weeks. SVCs and adipocytes isolated from VAT were pre-incubated with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ for 24 h and stimulated with lipopolysaccarides for the next 24 h. Proinflammatory cytokine production by adipocytes and SVCs, the immune cell population in SVCs, and the expression of the genes involved in the inflammatory signaling pathway in SVCs were determined. RESULTS: The numbers of total macrophages and SVCs per mouse were higher in OB and OBA groups than the CON group. The in vitro 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment significantly reduced macrophages/SVCs (%) in the OBA group. Consistent with this change, the production of interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) by SVCs from the OBA group was decreased by 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment. The 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment significantly reduced the toll-like receptor 4 and dual-specificity protein phosphatase 1 (also known as mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1) mRNA levels in SVCs and MCP-1 production by adipocytes from all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that vitamin D can attribute to the inhibition of the inflammatory response in VAT from atherosclerotic mice by reducing proinflammatory cytokine production.

• 한국약용작물학회지
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• 제19권6호
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• pp.491-500
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• 2011

Ursolic acid, triterpenoid compound has been shown to stimulate osteoblast differentiation and enhance bone formation. In the present study, we examined the effects of similar triterpenoid compounds, oleanolic acid (OA) and its derivatives, such as oleanolic acid acetate (OAA) and oleanolic acetate methyl ester (OAM) on the bone formation in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells. We determined cellular proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and expression of osteoblast specific genes and mitogen activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Treatment of $0.1-10{\mu}m$ OA, OAA, and OAM increased cellular proliferation, but not significantly increased as compared with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). OA, OAA, and OAM at 5uM concentration enhanced ALP expression, mineralization, and osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA level. In conclusion, OA and its derivatives stimulated the osteoblast differentiation by increasing ALP, mineralization, and OCN mRNA expression. However, there were no significantly difference on osteoblast differentiation among treatment of OA, OAA, and OAM.