• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.733-737
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• 2018

Cucurbitacin-I, a natural triterpenoid derived from Cucurbitaceae family plants, exhibits a number of potentially useful pharmacological and biological activities. Indeed, the previous study demonstrated that cucurbitacin-I reduced the proliferation of colon cancer cells by enhancing apoptosis and causing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. CD44, a type I transmembrane protein with the function of adhering to cells, mediates between the extracellular matrix and other cells through hyaluronic acid. Recent studies have demonstrated that an overexpression of the CD44 membrane receptor results in tumor initiation and growth, specific behaviors of cancer stem cells, the development of drug resistance, and metastasis. The aim was to examine the effect of cucurbitacin-I on CD44 expression human ovarian cancer cells because the effect of cucurbitacin-I on CD44 expression has not been reported. The expressions of CD44 mRNA and protein were detected using a quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and a Western blot analysis, respectively. Treatment with cucurbitacin-I inhibited the expression of CD44 mRNA and protein. A subsequent analysis revealed that cucurbitacin-I blocked the phosphorylation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor kappa-B ($NF-{\kappa}B$), which are key regulators of CD44 expression. Taken together, the data demonstrate that cucurbitacin-I regulates the AP-1 and $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathways, leading to decreased CD44 expression.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.179-191
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• 2008

Background and Objectives : Atopic dermatitis is a recurrent or chronic eczematous skin disease with severe pruritus,and has increased in Korea. Although the pathogenic mechanisms of atopic dermatitis are yet unknown, recently skin barrier dysfunction and hyperresponsive Th2 cells in the acute phase have been reported as important mechanisms. Cheonggi-san(CGS) is used in oriental clinics for treatingacute skin lesions of eczema or urticaria. There have been no studies on the therapeutic mechanism of CGS for curing atopic dermatitis. We aimed to find out the therapeutic effects of its internaluse on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions, induced in NC/Nga mice by the mite antigen D. pteronyssinus and disrupting skin barrier. Materials and Methods : The NC/Nga mice were classified into three groups: control group, atopic dermatitis elicitated group(AD), and CGS treated group (CT). Atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions were induced on the back of female NC/Nga mice, 12 weeks of age, by tape stripping, 5% SDS applied to disrupt skin barrier and painting 3 times a week with D. pteronyssinus crude extract solution for 3 weeks. CT was treated with CGS orally after atopic dermatitis was elicitated. We observed changes of skin damage, mast cells, substance P, angiogenesis, skin barrier, Th2 cell differentiation, nuclear factor-${\kappa}B(NF-{\kappa}B)$ p65 activation and COX-2 in NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions. Results : The skin damages as eczema were seenin AD, but mitigated in CT. The degranulated mast cells in dermal papillae increased in AD, but decreased in CT. The substance P positive reacted cells in CT remarkably decreased. The angiogenesis increased in AD, but decreased in CT. The decrease of lipid deposition and ceramide in AD was seen, but anincrease of lipid deposition and ceramide in CT was seen. The distribution of IL-4 positive reacted cells in dermal papillae increased in AD, but decreased in CT. The distribution of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 positive reacted cells & COX-2 positive reacted cells in CT decreased. Conclusion : The results may suggest that the CGS per os decreases the dysfunction of the skin barrier, inhibits Th2 cell differentiation and inhibits NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 activation in NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.199-203
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• 2009

This study investigated whether orthodontic force influences the production of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) in vivo, both of which are affected by cortical activation. Mechanical force was applied to the maxillary premolars of orthodontic patients by fitting the transpalatal arch prior to cortical activation of the gingival tissue. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were then collected from each patient using paper strips before and after 1, 3, 7 or 14 days of treatment. The OPG and RANKL levels in the GCF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The levels of OPG were significantly increased after 1 day of fitting the appliance and decreased to basal levels at 3 days after fitting. In contrast, the RANKL levels were dramatically decreased at 1 day after fitting, but recovered to those of the untreated control at 3 days after the force application. The force-mediated changes in the OPG and RANKL levels of the GCF were unaffected by cortical activation during these experimental periods. Collectively, these results suggest that an acute and severe change between the OPG and RANKL levels plays an important role in stimulating the cellular responses required for alveolar bone remodeling by orthodontic treatment.

• CELLMED
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.29.1-29.9
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• 2012

The prevalence of allergic disease has been increasing over the past few decades in the majority of Western industrialized nations. There are some socioeconomic disparities regarding allergic disease status and management. Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) is Korean medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease. It is known that KMP6 has an improving effect on the spleen and stomach functions in traditional Korean medical theory. Here, we hypothesized that KMP6 could be used to regulate the inflammatory reaction. We show the molecular mechanisms of Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) on inflammatory reactions. A molecular docking simulation showed that hesperidin, component of KMP6, regulate the enzymatic activity by interaction in the active site of caspase-1. KMP6 control the activity of caspase-1 in activated human mast cell line (HMC-1 cells). KMP6 reduced the expression of receptor interacting protein (RIP)-2 in HMC-1 cells. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin protein production and mRNA expression were inhibited by KMP6. In the activated HMC-1 cells, KMP6 suppressed the activation of mitogen-ativated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB. In addition, KMP6 significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Our findings indicate that KMP6 may attenuate allergic reactions via the regulation of caspase-1/RIP-2 signaling pathway. These studies will help advance the social welfare system.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2012

The abalone Haliotis discus hannai, is one of the economically important species in the fisheries industry. Abalone intestines are one of the by-products of its processing. To investigate its bioactive potential, abalone intestine was digested using an in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion system containing pepsin, trypsin, and ${\alpha}$-chymotrypsin. The abalone intestine G1 digests (AIGIDs) produced by the GI digestion system were fractionated into AIGID I (> 100 kDa), AIGID II (10-100 kDa), and AIGID III (1-10 kDa) using an ultrafiltration membrane system. Of the three digests, AIGID II and AIGID III exhibited inhibitory effects against matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2, MMP-9) in HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Both fractions potently inhibited gelatine digestion by MMP-2 and MMP-9 treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and migration of HT1080 cells in dose dependently. Furthermore, AIGID II and III attenuated expression of p65, a component of nuclear transcription factor kappa B. These results indicate that of the abalone intestine digests inhibit MMP-2 and MMP-9. Thus, the AIGIDs or their active components may have preventive and therapeutic potential for diseases associated with MMP-2 and MMP-9 activation in fibrosarcoma cells.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.197-204
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• 2012

Purpose: To analyze the outcomes of chemoradiotherapy for extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) cancer patients who underwent R2 resection or bypass surgery and to identify prognostic factors affecting clinical outcomes, especially in terms of molecular biomarkers. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 21 patients with EHBD cancer who underwent R2 resection or bypass surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy from May 2001 to June 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. All surgical specimens were reevaluated by immunohistochemical staining using phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT), CD24, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), survivin, and ${\beta}$-catenin antibodies. The relationship between clinical outcomes and immunohistochemical results was investigated. Results: At a median follow-up of 20 months, the actuarial 2-year locoregional progression-free, distant metastasis-free and overall survival were 37%, 56%, and 54%, respectively. On univariate analysis using clinicopathologic factors, there was no significant prognostic factor. In the immunohistochemical staining, cytoplasmic staining, and nuclear staining of pAKT was positive in 10 and 6 patients, respectively. There were positive CD24 in 7 patients, MMP9 in 16 patients, survivin in 8 patients, and ${\beta}$-catenin in 3 patients. On univariate analysis, there was no significant value of immunohistochemical results for clinical outcomes. Conclusion: There was no significant association between clinical outcomes of patients with EHBD cancer who received chemoradiotherapy after R2 resection or bypass surgery and pAKT, CD24, MMP9, survivin, and ${\beta}$-catenin. Future research is needed on a larger data set or with other molecular biomarkers.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.147-155
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• 2014

Homeostatic imbalance between cell proliferation and death in gastric mucosal epithelia may lead to gastritis and gastric cancer. Despite abundant gastrokine 1 (GKN1) expression in the normal stomach, the loss of GKN1 expression is frequently detected in gastric mucosa infected with Helicobacter pylori, as well as in intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer tissues, suggesting that GKN1 plays an important role in gastric mucosal defense, and the gene functions as a gastric tumor suppressor. In the stomach, GKN1 is involved in gastric mucosal inflammation by regulating cytokine production, the nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. GKN1 also inhibits the carcinogenic potential of H. pylori protein CagA by binding to it, and up-regulates antioxidant enzymes. In addition, GKN1 reduces cell viability, proliferation, and colony formation by inhibiting cell cycle progression and epigenetic modification by down-regulating the expression levels of DNMT1 and EZH2, and DNMT1 activity, and inducing apoptosis through the death receptor-dependent pathway. Furthermore, GKN1 also inhibits gastric cancer cell invasion and metastasis via coordinated regulation of epithelial mesenchymal transition-related protein expression, reactive oxygen species production, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activation. Although the modes of action of GKN1 have not been clearly described, recent limited evidence suggests that GKN1 acts as a gastricspecific tumor suppressor. This review aims to discuss, comment, and summarize the recent progress in the understanding of the role of GKN1 in gastric cancer development and progression.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.123-131
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• 2020

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of a Neutrase enzymatic hydrolysate derived from Korea pen shell Atrina pectinata (APN) against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage in hepatocytes. First, we confirmed that APN has antioxidant activities by scavenging 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid radical (ABTS⁺) and H₂O₂ and increasing oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. Also, the treatment of APN increased the cell viability by reducing the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in H₂O₂-stimulated hepatocytes. In addition, APN decreased the sub-G₁ DNA contents and the apoptotic body formation increased by H₂O₂ stimulation. Moreover, APN modulated the protein expression of apoptosis related molecules (Bcl-2, Bax and p53) by suppressing the activation of nuclear factor NFkB and ERK/p38 signaling in H₂O₂-stimulated hepatocytes. Furthermore, APN led to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1signaling known as antioxidant systems. These results suggest APN protects hepatocytes against oxidative damages caused by H₂O₂ stimulation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.37-43
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• 2020

Objectives : Allium hookeri is a well-known traditional herbal remedy and its root used for treatment of inflammation and tumor. However, the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effect of Allium hookeri is still unknown. This study aims to examine the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effect of Allium hookeri on mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : Anti-oxidant effect of water extract of Allium hookeri (WEAH) was measured by 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay. 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay was performed to determine the effect of WEAH on cell viability in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, anti-inflammatory effect of WEAH was investigated in RAW 264.7 cells. Inflammation of RAW 264.7 cells induced by lipopolysarccharide (LPS) treatment and expression levels of inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 β (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) gene were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκBα) after LPS treatment with WEAH-treated RAW 264.7 cells was confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Results : WEAH showed a strong anti-oxidant effect and no cytotoxicity to RAW 264.7 cells up to 2 mg/㎖ concentration. The LPS-induced mRNA expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased by WEAH treatment. Furthermore, the LPS-induced phosphorylation of IκBα is attenuated by WEAH treatment. Conclusions : Through experimental demonstration of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of WEAH, we suggest that Allium hookeri is a valuable material for prevention and treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.365-372
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Owing to health concerns related to the consumption of traditional snacks high in sugars and fats, much effort has been made to develop functional snacks with low calorie content. In this study, a new recipe for Korean rice cookie, dasik, was developed and its antioxidative, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanisms were elucidated. The effects were compared with those of traditional rice cake dasik (RCD), the lipid-lowering effect of which is greater than that of traditional western-style cookies. MATERIALS/METHODS: Ginseng-added brown rice dasik (GBRD) was prepared with brown rice flour, fructooligosaccharide, red ginseng extract, and propolis. Mice were grouped (n = 7 per group) into those fed a normal AIN-76 diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with RCD or GBRD. Dasik in the HFD accounted for 7% of the total calories. The lipid, reactive oxygen species, and peroxynitrite levels, and degree of lipid peroxidation in the plasma or liver were determined. The expression levels of proteins involved in lipid metabolism and inflammation, and those of antioxidant enzymes were determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS: The plasma and hepatic total cholesterol concentrations in the GBRD group were significantly decreased via downregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (P < 0.05). The hepatic peroxynitrite level was significantly lower, whereas glutathione was higher, in the GBRD group than in the RCD group. Among the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly upregulated in the GBRD group (P < 0.05). In addition, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-${\kappa}B$) expression in the GBRD group was significantly lower than that in the RCD group. CONCLUSIONS: GBRD decreases the plasma and hepatic cholesterol levels by downregulating cholesterol synthesis. This new dasik recipe also improves the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory status in HFD-fed mice via CAT and GPx upregulation and NF-${\kappa}B$ downregulation. These effects were significantly higher than those of RCD.