• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.397-405
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• 2023

Although glutathione (GSH) has been shown to play an important role in the prevention of oxidative damage as an antioxidant, studies on immune regulation by it have not been properly conducted. In this study, we investigated whether luthione^®, a reduced GSH, has an immune enhancing effect in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The results of flow cytometry and immunofluorescence experiments indicated that luthione increased phagocytic activity, a representative function of macrophages, compared to the control cells. According to the results of the cytokine array, the expression of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-1β, and IL-27 was significantly increased in the luthione-treated cells. Luthione also enhanced the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β through increased expression of their proteins, and increased release of the immune mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ was associated with increased expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, the expression of cluster of differentiation 86, an M1 macrophage marker, was dramatically enhanced in RAW 264.7 cells treated with luthione. Furthermore, as a result of heat map analysis, we found that cytokine signaling 1/3-mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription/Janus tyrosine kinase signaling pathway was involved in the immunomodulatory effect by luthione. In conclusion, our data suggested that luthione could act as a molecular regulator in M1 macrophage polarization and enhance immune capacity by promoting macrophage phagocytic function.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.30-50
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• 2023

Objectives : To investigate the active compounds and therapeutic mechanisms of Atractylodes Lancea(Thunb.) D.C. and Magnolia Officinalis Rehder et Wilson in the treatment of dermatitis accompanied by pruritus, as well as their potential to complement or replace standard drugs. Methods : We conducted the network pharmacological analysis. We selected effective ingredients among the active compounds of research target herbs. Then we explore pathway/terms of the common target proteins among research target herbs, fexofenadine and disease. Results : We selected 9 active compounds are selected from Atractylodes lancea and identified 231 target proteins. Among them, 74 proteins are associated with inflammatory skin diseases that cause pruritus. These proteins are involved in various pathways including, 'Nitric-oxide synthase regulator activity', 'Hydroperoxy icosatetraenoate dehydratase activity, Aromatase activity', 'RNA-directed DNA polymerase activity', 'Arachidonic acid metabolism', 'Peptide hormone processing', 'Chemokine binding' and 'Sterol biosynthetic process'. Additionally, coregenes are involved in 'IL-17 signaling pathway'. Similarly, we selected 2 active compounds from Magnolia officinalis and identified 133 target proteins. Among them, 33 proteins are related to inflammatory skin diseases that cause pruritus. These proteins are primarily involved in 'Vascular associated smooth muscle cell proliferation' and 'Arachidonic acid metabolism'. There is no significant difference between the pathways in which coregenes are involved. Conclusions : It is expected that Atractylodes Lancea will be able to show direct or indirect anti-pruritus and anti-inflammatory effects on skin inflammation accompanied pruritus through suppressing inflammation and protecting skin barrier. Meanwhile, it is expected that Magnolia Officinalis will only be able to show indirect anti-inflammation effects. Therefore, Atractylodes Lancea and fexofenadine are believed to complement each other, whereas Magnolia Officialinalis is expected to provide supplementary support on skin disease.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.678-683
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the skin inflammation effects of three herb mixture extracts, Ligularia fischeri, Solidago virga-aurea and Aruncus dioicus, which are from Ullung island in Korea. Regulatory mechanisms of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) are involved in the immunological activity of Raw 264.7 cells. Tested cells were pretreated with 70% acetone extracts of Ligularia fischeri, Solidago virga-aurea and Aruncus dioicus (LSA-A) and further cultured for an appropriated time after lipopolyssacharide (LPS) addition. During the entire experimental period, 1, 10, and 100 ${\mu}g/ml$ of LSA-A had no cytotoxicity. In these concentrations, LSA-A inhibited the production of NO and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), tumor necorsis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-1${\beta}$ (IL-1${\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). LSA-A showed a 60% $PGE_2$ inhibition rate at 100 ${\mu}g/ml$. iNOS and COX-2 inhibition activities were 54%, and 65% at 100 ${\mu}g/ml$, respectively. In addition, LSA-A extract reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-a, IL-1${\beta}$ and IL-6. These results suggest that LSA-A may have significant effects on inflammatory factors, and may be a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.45-55
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• 2015

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation induces both production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glucocorticoids (GCs)-mediated stress responses such as an increase of $11{\beta}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 ($11{\beta}$-HSD1) activity in skin. In addition, ROS-induced inflammatory mediators and proinflammatory cytokines trigger skin inflammation. In this study, as $11{\beta}$-HSD1 inhibitor recovered a decrease of catalase expression, we investigated whether Trapa japonica (TJ) extract and its fractions could inhibit $11{\beta}$-HSD1/ROS-induced skin inflammation in HaCaT keratinocytes. TJ extract and its fractions inhibited expressions of $11{\beta}$-HSD1 as well as the increase of ROS in UVB-exposed HaCaT keratinocytes. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)- ${\alpha}$, - ${\beta}$ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) as inflammatory mediators were also inhibited in both mRNA and protein levels. Finally, prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) produced by COX-2 was inhibited effectively by TJ extract and its fractions. Taken together, these results suggest that TJ extract could be a potential anti-inflammatory ingredient to inhibit UVB-induced inflammation in skin.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.736-744
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• 2021

Artemisia princeps Pampanini is an herbal medicine widely used to immune function-related diseases, such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agents. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of AP extract and underlying mechanisms were evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells. The effects of AP extract were also studied in a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation mouse model. In RAW 264.7 cells, AP extracts significantly inhibited the LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression. The LPS-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB was also significantly blocked by AP extract in RAW 264.7 cells. Oral administration of AP extract suppressed the increase in mouse paw edema and spleen index compared to CFA-treated mice group. Histologically, the infiltration of inflammatory cells was increased in cartilage and synovium in the CFA-treated mouse group, whereas it was suppressed in the AP extract-administered group. Furthermore, AP extract treatment significantly reduced the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α, levels in CFA and LPS-treated mouse. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis effect of AP extract was confirmed in both in vitro and in vivo models, suggesting that Artemisia princeps Pampanini may be a candidate material for arthritis treatment.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.2
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• pp.113-120
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• 2022

We examined the anti-inflammatory properties of Nostoc commune HCW0811 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The anti-inflammatory activity of HCW0811 on viability of treated cells was assessed by measuring the level of expression of NO, prostaglandin E₂ and pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in HCW0811 treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. HCW0811 was non-toxic to cells and inhibited the production of cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition its treatment suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner, and concomitantly decreased the protein expressions of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. Moreover, the levels of the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase family proteins such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38, and nuclear factor kappa B were reduced by HCW0811. These findings suggest that the HCW0811 collected from Daejeon National Cemetery have anti-inflammatory effects, and demonstrated its efficacy in cell-based in vitro assays.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.187-193
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• 2017

As a part of ongoing research to elucidate and characterize antiinflammatory nutraceuticals, the crude extracts from Atriplex gmelinii C. A. Mey. and their solvent-partitioned fractions were tested for their antiinflammatory potential in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. The crude extracts of A. gmelinii C. A. Mey. were fractioned according to polarity with n-hexane, 85% aqueous methanol (85% aq. MeOH), n-butanol, and $H_2O$. Their antiinflammatory activities were investigated in LPS-induced inflammation in mouse macrophages by measuring nitric oxide (NO) generation and mRNA expression of inflammation mediators, namely, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$), and IL-6. As a result, we confirmed that the crude extracts of A. gmelinii C. A. Mey. inhibited LPS-stimulated NO production and mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2 as important inflammatory factors. The inhibition of NO production through the downregulation of important inflammatory factors such as iNOS, COX-2, $IL-1{\beta}$, and IL-6 was found by treatment with all solvent-partitioned fractions. Among all tested fractions, 85% aq. MeOH showed the strongest antiinflammatory response. Based on the current results, A. gmelinii C. A. Mey. was suggested to possess natural antiinflammatory components, indicating that it could be used as a valuable source of antiinflammatory substances.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.854-860
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• 2019

This study investigated the optimum pH conditions for efficient extraction of protein from defatted Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae. We examined the anti-inflammatory effect of protein derived from defatted TM larvae obtained by an alkaline extraction method. Six extraction pH values (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12) and three precipitation pH values (2, 4, and 6) were used. The protein content, browning degree, and recovery yield of the protein obtained under each pH condition were determined. For efficient extraction of protein from defatted TM larvae, a combination of an extraction pH of 9 and precipitation pH of 4 resulted in a 32.4% recovery yield based on the extraction value and degree of browning. To determine whether the protein ameliorated inflammation by inhibition of macrophage activation by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), we measured nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-stimulated raw 264.7 macrophage cells. The protein markedly inhibited the production of NO without cytotoxicity and reduced the expression level of COX-2 and iNOS protein through the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) signaling. These results suggested that protein derived from TM larvae could have potential applications in anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents and protein supplements.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.11
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• pp.1245-1252
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• 2016

As a research of inflammation inhibitory activity using natural resource, the inflammation inhibitory activity by purified active compound from Rhododendron mucronulatum flower was experimented. Rhododendron mucronulatum flower components were purified and separated with Sephadex LH-20 and MCI gel CHP-20 column chromatography, Purified compound was confirmed as myricetin by $^1H-NMR$, $^{13}C-NMR$ and Fast atom bombardment (FAB)-Mass spectrum to have inhibition activity on inflammatory factors secreted by Raw 264.7 cells in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Myricetin inhibited nitric oxide (NO) expression in a concentration dependent manner, approximately 40% inhibition was observed at a concentration of $50{\mu}M$. The inhibition effect of myricetin on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein expression was 20% and 80%, respectively, at a concentration of $25{\mu}M$. Myricetin also inhibited expression of the inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ in a concentration dependent manner; a concentration of $50{\mu}M$, 70%, 80%, 80% and 95% inhibition was observed, respectively. Therefore myricetin isolated from Rhododendron mucronulatum flowers is expected to have an anti-inflammatory effect in Raw 264.7 cell induced by lipopolysaccharides. The results can be expected myricetin from Rhododendron mucronulatum flower to use as functional resource for anti-inflammatory activity.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.417-427
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• 2022

In this study, we investigated in vitro immuno-stimulatory and anti-obesity activity of fruit (LIF), leaves (LIL) and stems (LIS) from Lonicera insularis Nakai in mouse macrophages RAW264.7 cells and mouse pre-adipocytes 3T3-L1 cells. LIF, LIL and LIS increased the production of immunostimulatory factors such as nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and activated phagocytosis in RAW264.7 cells. Inhibition of toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) partly blocked LIF, LIL and LIS mediated production of immunostimulatory factors. In addition, inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling attenuated the production of immunostimulatory factors induced by LIF, LIL and LIS. Based on these results of this study, LIF, LIL and LIS is thought to activate macrophages the production of immunostimulatory factors and phagocytosis through toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) and MAPKs signaling pathway. In anti-obesity study, LIF reduced the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. LIF increased the protein phosphorylation expressions such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) related to the lipolysis of the adipocytes. In addition, LIF increased the expression of proteins involved in energy metabolism and brown adipose tissues differentiation such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coativator 1α (PGC-1α) and PR domain-containing16 (PRDM16). These results suggest that LIF is involved in lipid accumulation inhibition through expressing the proteins such as lipolysis and differentiation of white adipocytes to brown adipocytes.