• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제45권4호
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• pp.179-189
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• 2020

Green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a potent antioxidant with protective effects against neurotoxicity. However, it is currently unclear whether EGCG protects neuronal cells against radiation-induced damage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of EGCG on ultraviolet (UV)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in PC12 cells. The effects of UV irradiation included apoptotic cell death, which was associated with DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, enhanced caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. UV irradiation also increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and mitochondrial pathway-associated cytochrome c expression. However, pretreatment with EGCG before UV exposure markedly decreased UV-induced DNA fragmentation and ROS production. Furthermore, the UV irradiation-induced increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cytochrome c upregulation, and caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation were each ameliorated by EGCG pretreatment. Additionally, EGCG suppressed UV-induced phosphorylation of p38 and rescued UV-downregulated phosphorylation of ERK. Taken together, these results suggest that EGCG prevents UV irradiation-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells by scavenging ROS and inhibiting the mitochondrial pathways known to play a crucial role in apoptosis. In addition, EGCG inhibits UV-induced apoptosis via JNK inactivation and ERK activation in PC12 cells. Thus, EGCG represents a potential neuroprotective agent that could be applied to prevent neuronal cell death induced by UV irradiation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.77-83
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• 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuronal cell death and memory impairment. Corticosterone (CORT) is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to a stressful condition. Excessive stress and high CORT levels are known to cause neurotoxicity and aggravate various diseases, whereas mild stress and low CORT levels exert beneficial actions under pathophysiological conditions. However, the effects of mild stress on AD have not been clearly elucidated yet. In this study, the effects of low (3 and 30 nM) CORT concentration on Aβ_25-35-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells and underlying molecular mechanisms have been investigated. Cytotoxicity caused by Aβ_25-35 was significantly inhibited by the low concentration of CORT treatment in the cells. Furthermore, CORT pretreatment significantly reduced Aβ_25-35-mediated pro-apoptotic signals, such as increased Bim/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 cleavage. Moreover, low concentration of CORT treatment inhibited the Aβ_25-35-induced cyclooxygenase-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions, including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. Aβ_25-35 resulted in intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, which were effectively reduced by the low CORT concentration. As a molecular mechanism, low CORT concentration activated the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2, a redox-sensitive transcription factor mediating cellular defense and upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, glutamylcysteine synthetase, and manganese superoxide dismutase. These findings suggest that low CORT concentration exerts protective actions against Aβ_25-35-induced neurotoxicity and might be used to treat and/or prevent AD.

• 한국임상약학회지
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.29-39
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• 2003

Neurodegenerative disorders are associated with apoptosis as a causing factor or an inducer. On the other hand, it has been reported that epigallocatechin gallate (EUG), one of antioxidants and flavonoids, and z-VAD-fmk, a nonselective caspase inhibitor, suppress oxidative-radical-stress-induced apoptosis. However, it is not yet known what is the effects of EGCG and z-VAD-fmk on the apoptotic pathway is through phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) as well as mitochondria, caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). We investigated the effects of EGCG by using $H_2O_2$ treated N18D3 cells, mouse DRG hybrid neurons. Methods: Following 30 min $100\;{\mu}m\;H_2O_2$ exposure, the viability of N18D3 cells (not pretreated vs. EGCG or z-VAD-fmk pretreated) was evaluated by using MTT assay. The effect of EGCG on immunoreactivity (IR) of cytochrome c, caspase-3, PARP, PI3K/Akt and GSK-3 was examined by using Western blot, and was compared with that of z-Y4D-fmk. Results: EGCG or z-VAD-fmk pretreated N18D3 cells showed increased viability. Dose-dependent inhibition of caspase-3 activation accompanied by PARP cleavage were demonstrated by pretreatment of both agents. However, inhibition of cytochrome c release was only detected in EGCG pretreated N18D3 cells. On the pathway through PI3K/Akt and GSK-3, however, the result of Western blot in EGCG pretreated N18D3 cells showed decreased IR of Akt and GSK-3 and increased IR of p85a PI3K, phosphorylated Akt and GSK-3, and contrasted with that in z-VAD-fmk pretreated N18D3 cells showing no changes on each molecule. Conclusion: These data show that EGCG affects apoptotic pathway through upstream signal including PI3K/Akt and GSK-3 pathway as well as downstream signal including cytochrome c and caspase-3 pathway. Therefore, these results suggest that EGCG mediated activation of PI3K/Akt and inhibition GSK-B could be new potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative injury.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제51권2호
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• pp.129-135
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• 2008

Berberine은 전통적인 중의약재로 이용되어지는 isoquinoline alkaloid로 황련, 황백과 같은 식물에서 주로 추출되며, 약리효과로는 항암, 항염, 항균과 같은 다양한 효과를 나타내는 것으로 알려져 있다. 그러나 간암세포에서 berberine의 산화적 스트레스에 의한 세포사멸기전에 대해서는 아직 밝혀진 바 없다. 따라서 본 연구는 사람의 간암세포인 HepG2 세포에서 berberien의 세포사멸기전에 reactive oxygen species(ROS)와 MAP kinase의 연관성을 조사하였다. Berberine은 HepG2 세포에서 처리 시간과 농도에 의존적으로 세포독성효과를 보였으며, $LD_{50}$은 berberine(50 ${\mu}M$) 처리 후 48시간에서 관찰 되었고, 세포고사의 특징인 핵의 응축 및 분절, DNA의 분절이 확인되었다. 또한 berberine에 의해 caspase-3, p53, p38 그리고 Bax의 발현이 현저하게 증가된 반면, anti-apoptotic 신호기전인 Bc1-2의 발현은 감소되었다. 이와 더불어 세포 내 nitric oxide(NO)와 ROS의 생성도 증가되었다. 본 연구 결과 HepG2 세포에서 berberine은 산화적 스트레스인 ROS와 NO의 생성을 유발하고 p38 MAP kinase와 p53의 인산화를 유도하였으며 미토콘드리아에서 Bcl-2의 감소와 bax의 증가, caspase-3의 활성을 경유하여 DNA의 손상을 통한 세포고사가 이루어지는 것을 확인 하였다.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제31권9호
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• pp.1420-1430
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• 2018

Objective: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major ingredient of catechin polyphenols and is considered one of the most promising bioactive compounds in green tea because of its strong antioxidant properties. However, the protective role of EGCG in bovine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) has not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to study the effects of EGCG on IVM of bovine oocytes. Methods: Bovine oocytes were treated with different concentrations of EGCG (0, 25, 50, 100, and $200{\mu}M$), and the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, cumulus cell expansion, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity, the early apoptosis and the developmental competence of in vitro fertilized embryos were measured. The mRNA abundances of antioxidant genes (nuclear factor erythriod-2 related factor 2 [NRF2], superoxide dismutase 1 [SOD1], catalase [CAT], and glutathione peroxidase 4 [GPX4]) in matured bovine oocytes were also quantified. Results: Nuclear maturation which is characterized by first polar body extrusion, and cytoplasmic maturation characterized by peripheral and cortical distribution of cortical granules and homogeneous mitochondrial distribution were significantly improved in the $50{\mu}M$ EGCG-treated group compared with the control group. Adding $50{\mu}M$ EGCG to the maturation medium significantly increased the cumulus cell expansion index and upregulated the mRNA levels of cumulus cell expansion-related genes (hyaluronan synthase 2, tumor necrosis factor alpha induced protein 6, pentraxin 3, and prostaglandin 2). Both the intracellular ROS level and the early apoptotic rate of matured oocytes were significantly decreased in the $50{\mu}M$ EGCG group, and the total antioxidant ability was markedly enhanced. Additionally, both the cleavage and blastocyst rates were significantly higher in the $50{\mu}M$ EGCG-treated oocytes after in vitro fertilization than in the control oocytes. The mRNA abundance of NRF2, SOD1, CAT, and GPX4 were significantly increased in the $50{\mu}M$ EGCG-treated oocytes. Conclusion: In conclusion, $50{\mu}M$ EGCG can improve the bovine oocyte maturation, and the protective role of EGCG may be correlated with its antioxidative property.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제23권10호
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• pp.1223-1229
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• 2013

우르솔산(Ursolic acid)은 다양한 약재, 과일 그리고 야채 등으로 부터 분리되는 식물성 생리활성물질로서, 천연 항산화제로 널리 알려져 있지만, 배아줄기세포에서 우르솔산의 기능에 대한 연구는 아직까지 잘 이해되지 않고 있다. 본 연구에서는 저산소 상태에서 우르솔산이 배아줄기세포의 성장에 미치는 효과에 대해 조사하였다. 48시간 동안의 저산소 환경은 배아줄기세포의 미분화상태 및 전능성을 유지에 있어서 영향을 미치지 않았지만, 세포 내 활성산소종의 지속적인 생산과 이로 인한 lactate dehydrogenase 활성을 촉진 시켰다. 저산소에 의해 유도된 배아줄기세포의 산화적 스트레스는 $30{\mu}M$의 우르솔산의 처리로 인해 유의적으로 감소되었으며, 이러한 우르솔산의 활성산소 소거능력은 항산화제인 N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)의 효과와 유사하였다. 저산소 환경은 또한 유의적으로 배아줄기세포의 생존과 증식을 감소 시킬 뿐만 아니라, 세포의 자살 및 노화를 유도함이 관찰되었지만, 강한 항산화 능력을 지닌 우르솔산은 세포를 저산소로부터 보호하여 정상수준으로 세포의 생존과 증식을 유지시키고, 세포 자살 관련 단백질(cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, 그리고 cIAP) 및 세포 노화 관련 단백질(beta-galactosidase)을 조절하는 탁월한 약리학적 효과를 가지고 있었다. 따라서 본 연구결과를 통해, 우르솔산은 강력한 천연 항산화제이며, 저산소에 의해 유도된 유해 기작을 제어함으로서, 배아줄기세포의 전능성을 유지시킬 수 있는 기능성 물질이라는 것을 알 수 있었다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.191-197
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• 2019

파킨슨병은 운동완서, 근육경직, 진전 및 비정상적인 자세 등을 임상적 특징으로 하는 주로 운동 신경계에 영향을 주는 진행성 신경 퇴행성 질환이다. 파킨슨병은 산화 스트레스와 세포 내 신호 전달 경로의 조절 장애에 의한 뇌 흑색치밀부에서의 도파민성 신경세포의 사멸을 특징으로 한다. Quercetin의 주요 대사산물인 Quercetin-3-O-glucuronide (Q3GA)는 신경 보호 효과가 있는 것으로 보고 되어 왔다. 본 연구에서는 SH-SY5Y 세포에서 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium ($MPP^+$)에 의해 유도된 신경 독성에 대한 Q3GA의 신경 보호 효과와 그 분자 조절 기전을 조사하였다. Q3GA는 $MPP^+$에 의해 유도된 세포 사멸을 유의적으로 감소시켰으며 PARP 절단을 감소시켰다. 또한, Bax/Bcl-2 비율의 감소와 함께 $MPP^+$에 의해 증가된 세포 내 ROS를 감소시켰다. Q3GA는 $MPP^+$에 의해 감소된 Akt와 CREB의 인산화를 유의적으로 회복시켰지만, ERK에는 영향을 미치지 않았다. 이 결과는 Q3GA가 ROS 생산 억제와 Akt/CREB 신호 전달 경로를 통해 $MPP^+$ 에 의해 유도된 신경 독성을 억제시킬 수 있음을 시사한다. 본 연구는 Q3GA가 파킨슨병에 대한 예방제 또는 치료제로 개발될 수 있는 가능성을 제시한다.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제32권8호
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• pp.1112-1121
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• 2019

Objective: Gram-negative bacteria lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been reported to be associated with uterine impairment, embryonic resorption, ovarian dysfunction, and follicle retardation. Here, we aimed to investigate the toxic effects of LPS on the maturation ability and parthenogenetic developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Methods: First, we developed an in vitro model to study the response of bovine cumulusoocyte complexes (COCs) to LPS stress. After incubating germinal vesicle COCs in $10{\mu}g/mL$ of LPS, we analyzed the following three aspects: the expression levels of the LPS receptor toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in COCs, activities of intracellular signaling protein p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$); and the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, and IL-6. Furthermore, we determined the effects of LPS on the maturation ability and parthenogenetic developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Results: The results revealed that LPS treatment significantly elevated TLR4 mRNA and protein expression levels in COCs. Exposure of COCs to LPS also resulted in a marked increase in activity of the intracellular signaling protein p-p38 MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$. Furthermore, oocytes cultured in maturation medium containing LPS had significantly higher concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-6. LPS exposure significantly decreased the first polar body extrusion rate. The cytoplasmic maturation, characterized by polar body extrusion and distribution of peripheral cortical granules, was significantly impaired in LPS-treated oocytes. Moreover, LPS exposure significantly increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and the relative mRNA abundance of the antioxidants thioredoxin (Trx), Trx2, and peroxiredoxin 1 in oocytes. Moreover, the early apoptotic rate and the release of cytochrome C were significantly increased in response to LPS. The cleavage, morula, and blastocyst formation rates were significantly lower in parthenogenetically activated oocytes exposed to LPS, while the incidence of apoptotic nuclei in blastocysts was significantly increased. Conclusion: Together, these results provide an underlying mechanism by which LPS impairs maturation potential in bovine oocytes.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.24.1-24.13
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• 2023

Background: Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural amino acid derivative in various animal organs and is a bioactive compound recognized as a food and medicine. Objectives: This study examined the effects of EGT supplementation during the in vitro maturation (IVM) period on porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development competence after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: Each EGT concentration (0, 10, 50, and 100 μM) was supplemented in the maturation medium during IVM. After IVM, nuclear maturation, intracellular glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of oocytes were investigated. In addition, the genes related to cumulus function and antioxidant pathways in oocytes or cumulus cells were investigated. Finally, this study examined whether EGT could affect embryonic development after IVF. Results: After IVM, the EGT supplementation group showed significantly higher intracellular GSH levels and significantly lower intracellular ROS levels than the control group. Moreover, the expression levels of hyaluronan synthase 2 and Connexin 43 were significantly higher in the 10 μM EGT group than in the control group. The expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) were significantly higher in the oocytes of the 10 μM EGT group than in the control group. In the assessment of subsequent embryonic development after IVF, the 10 μM EGT treatment group improved the cleavage and blastocyst rate significantly than the control group. Conclusions: Supplementation of EGT improved oocyte maturation and embryonic development by reducing oxidative stress in IVM oocytes.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.26-38
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• 2014

잡곡류의 항산화활성을 조사하기 위해 국내산 11종의 잡곡으로부터 80% 에탄올 추출물을 얻어 DPPH- 및 ABTS-라디칼 소거활성을 측정한 결과, 황금찰수수(Sorghum bicolor L. Moench cv. Hwanggeumchalsusu), 찰수수(Sorghum bicolor L. Moench cv. Chalsusu) 및 식용피(Echinochloa esculenta)의 에탄올 추출물이 다른 잡곡류의 에탄올 추출물에 비해 높은 라디칼 소거활성을 나타내었다. 이들 황금찰수수, 찰수수 및 식용피의 에탄올 추출물을 n-hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate 및 n-butanol로 분획하였을 때, 대부분의 라디칼 소거활성은 페놀성 화합물이 주로 함유되어 있는 것으로 나타난 ethyl acetate 분획과 butanol 분획에서 집중적으로 확인되었다. 특히, 황금찰수수의 ethyl acetate 분획과 butanol 분획의 라디칼 소거활성은 천연 항산화제인 ${\alpha}$-tocopherol에 비해 더 높게 나타났다. 황금찰수수, 찰수수 및 식용피 유래의 ethyl acetate 분획과 butanol 분획은 지질 과산화를 저해하는 것으로 ferric thiocyanate (FTC)와 thiobarbituric acid (TBA) 방법에 의해 확인되었다. 황금찰수수, 찰수수 및 식용피 유래의 ethyl acetate 분획의 경우, tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) 처리에 의해 HL-60 세포에서 유도되는 에폽토시스 현상들 즉, sub-G1 세포 등장, ${\Delta}{\Psi}m$ 소실, caspase-9과 caspase-3의 활성화, 그리고 PARP와 lamin B의 분해 등을 저해하는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과들은 황금찰수수, 찰수수 및 식용피가 효율적인 항산화 활성을 지니고 있으며 산화적 손상에 의해 매개되는 에폽토시스를 억제할 수 있음을 보여준다. 아울러 이러한 연구결과들은, 황금찰수수, 찰수수 및 식용피가 산화적 스트레스로부터 세포를 보호하는 항산화 식이소재가 될 수 있음을 시사한다.