• Mycobiology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.144-148
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• 2010

$\beta$-Glucans have been known to exhibit antitumor activities by potentiating host immunity by an unknown mechanism. The C-type lectin dectin-1, a $\beta$-glucan receptor, is found on the macrophage and can recognize various $\beta$-glucans. Previously, we demonstrated the presence of $\beta$-glucan receptor, dectin-1, on the Raw 264.7 cells as well as on murine mucosal organs, such as the thymus, the lung, and the spleen. In order to investigate immunopotentiation of innate immunity by $\beta$-glucan, we stimulated a murine macrophage Raw 264.7 cell line with $\beta$-glucans from Pleurotus ostreatus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Laminaria digitata. Then, we analyzed cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$ and interleukin (IL)-6 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition we analyzed gene expression patterns in $\beta$-glucan-treated Raw 264.7 cells by applying total mRNA to cDNA microarray to investigate the expression of 7,000 known genes. When stimulated with $\beta$-glucans, the macrophage cells increased TNF-$\alpha$ expression. When co-stimulation of the cells with $\beta$-glucan and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a synergy effect was observed by increased TNF-$\alpha$ expression. In IL-6 expression, any of the $\beta$-glucans tested could not induce IL-6 expression by itself. However, when co-stimulation occurred with $\beta$-glucan and LPS, the cells showed strong synergistic effects by increased IL-6 expression. Chip analysis showed that $\beta$-glucan of P. ostreatus increased gene expressions of immunomodulating gene families such as kinases, lectin associated genes and TNF-related genes in the macrophage cell line. Induction of TNF receptor expression by FACS analysis was synergized only when co-stimulated with $\beta$-glucan and LPS, not with $\beta$-glucan alone. From these data, $\beta$-glucan increased expressions of immunomodulating genes and showed synergistic effect with LPS.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 2012

Objectives : Fagopyrum esculentum(FE) has been used for removal of inflammation of internal organs and treatment of sore and ulcer by heat toxin in Korean herbal medicines. In this study, To investigated the protective effect of FE on allergic response, we determined whether FE inhibits allergic response. Methods : The effect of FE was analyzed by ELISA, RT-PCR and Western blot in RBL-2H3 cells. We investigated cell viability, ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase, as a marker of degranulation, cytokne, and intracellular ROS and MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling. Results : We found that FE suppressed ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release, the production of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ and intracellular ROS level in RBL-2H3 by the anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA stimulation. FE also significantly inhibited cytokine mRNA expressions, such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-${\alpha}$ and GM-CSF in RBL-2H3. In addition, PF suppressed the phospholyation of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, p38 and $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and NF-${\kappa}B$ signal transduction pathway. Conclusions : Our results indicate that FE protects against allergic response and exerts an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of degranulation and production of cytokines and ROS via the suppression MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ of signal transduction. Abbrevations : FE, Fagopyrum esculentum; RBL-2H3, rat basophilic leukemia cell line; ROS, reactive oxygen species; MAPK, Mitogen-activated protein kinase; $NF{\kappa}B$, nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$; $TNF{\alpha}$, Tumor necrosis factor alpha; GM-CSF, Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor; ERK, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase; JNK, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase; p38, p38 MAP kinase; $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, inhibitory-kappa B alpha.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.185-192
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the role of adiponectin, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese children, and to elucidatethe relationship between these adipokines and insulin resistance. Methods: A total of 61 obese children (M : F=42 : 19, mean age 11.2${\pm}$1.3 years) admitted to our facility between March 2004 and June 2005 were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups based on their NAFLD status obese children without fatty liver (N=23); obese children with simple steatosis (N=20); and obese children with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (N=18). The serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, and TNF-${\alpha}$ were measured, and insulin resistance determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was calculated to estimate insulin resistance. In addition, the VSR (visceralsubcutaneous fat ratio) was estimated using abdominal computed tomography. Results: There was no difference in serum TNF-${\alpha}$ and leptin levels observed between the 3 groups (22.13${\pm}$6.37 vs. 21.35${\pm}$6.95 vs. 25.17${\pm}$9.30; p=0.342 & 20.29${\pm}$8.57 vs. 16.42${\pm}$6.85 vs. 20.10${\pm}$7.86; p=0.330). However, the serum adiponectin level was significantly lower in children with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) than in the other two groups (6.08${\pm}$1.38 in children without steatosis vs. 5.69${\pm}$0.79 in simple steatosis vs. 4.93${\pm}$1.75 in NASH; p=0.026). In addition, the VSR was significantly increased in the NASH group (0.31${\pm}$0.08 vs. 0.32${\pm}$0.11 vs. 0.47${\pm}$0.14; p=0.001), and HOMA-IR revealed a significant difference among the three groups (4.77${\pm}$3.67 vs. 6.89${\pm}$7.05 vs. 10.42${\pm}$6.73; p=0.000). However, there was no significant correlation observed between the adiponectin levels and the HOMA-IR or the VSR (r=-0.117; p=0.450 & r=-0.106; p=0.499). Conclusion: Insulin resistance may affect the development of hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis in children, and the results of this study suggest that, of several adipokines evaluated, adiponectin is important in the progression of steatosis to steatohepatitis in obese children.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.38-46
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• 2003

Background: Platelet-activating factor (PAF) induces nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$ activation and angiogenesis and increases tumor growth and pulmonary tumor metastasis in vivo. The role of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in PAF-induced angiogenesis in a mouse model of Matrigel implantation, and in PAF-mediated pulmonary tumor metastasis were investigated. Methods: Angiogenesis using Matrigel and experimental pulmonary tumor metastasis were tested in a mouse model. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was done for the assessment of $NF-{\kappa}B$ translocation to the nucleus. Expression of angiogenic factors, such as tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, interleukin $(IL)-1{\alpha}$, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were tested by RT-PCR and ELISA. Results: PAF induced a dose- and time-dependent angiogenic response. PAF-induced angiogenesis was significantly blocked by PAF antagonist, CV6209, and inhibitors of $NF-{\kappa}B$ expression or action, including antisense oligonucleotides to p65 subunit of $NF-{\kappa}B$ (p65 AS) and antioxidants such as ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. In vitro, PAF activated the transcription factor, $NF-{\kappa}B$ and induced mRNA expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, bFGF, VEGF, and its receptor, KDR. The PAF-induced expression of the above mentioned factors was inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. Also, protein synthesis of VEGF was increased by PAF and inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. The angiogenic effect of PAF was blocked when anti-VEGF antibodies was treated or antibodies against $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, and bFGF was co-administrated, but not by antibodies against $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, and bFGF each alone. PAF-augmented pulmonary tumor metastasis was inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. Conclusion: These data indicate that PAF increases angiogenesis and pulmonary tumor metastasis through $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation and expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$-dependent angiogenic factors.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.125-142
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• 2001

Objective : The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of Aqua-acupuncture with Stephania Tetrandra Solution (ST-AS) on arthritis. Methods : The author performde several experimental items : that isgene expression and secretion of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, MMP-2, production of ROS, paw thickness, DTH, weight of spleen, expression of CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ in the spleen, production of IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, examination of histology. Results : The obstain results are summarized as follows. 1. IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$ gene expression of hFLS were significantly inhibited in treatmentgroup, and gene expression of MMP-2 was not inhibited in treatmentgroup. 2. The secretion amount of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$ were significantly inhibited in treatmentgroup. 3. Expression of P-38 MAP kinase and production of ROS were inhibited in treatmentgroup. 4. Treatmentgroup were significantly inhibited the incidence of arthritis, hind paw edema, the index of arthritis and DTH of CIA (collagen II-induced arthritis) mice. 5. Treatmentgroup were significantly decreased splenetic weight and the number of CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ activated cells and secretion aroout of IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$ of CIA (collagen II-induced arthritis) mice.. 6. Treatmentgroup were expressed form of new bone, synoviumin, new margine in histology imperison to controlgroup. Conclusions : Taking all these observations into account, ST-AS injection is considered to be effective in treating arthritis and put to practical use in future arthritis clinic.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.57-62
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• 2009

Smilacis Chinae Radix has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent. This study was performed to anti-inflammatory and MAP kinase signaling pathway in vitro. Experimental studies were obtained by measuring the Cytotoxicity, production of NO, PGE2, TNF-$\alpha$ and protein level of catalase, SOD, MAP kinase, The results were summarized as follows: Smilacis Chinae Radix was not cytotoxic effects against Raw264.7 and HEK293 cells. Concentration of $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ Smilacis Chinae Radix inhibited the production of NO in the Raw264.7 cell stimulated with LPS. All concentrations of Smilacis Chinae Radix not significantly inhibited the production of PGE2 in the Raw264.7 cell stimulated with LPS. All concentrations of Smilacis Chinae Radix did not inhibit the production of TNF-$\alpha$ in the Raw264.7 cell stimulated with LPS. Smilacis Chinae Radix has not effect of blocking NF-${\kappa}B$ into nucleus in LPS-induced macrophage Raw264.7 cell. Smilacis Chinae Radix has the effect of Cytoprotection through activation of ERK and inhibition of p38 and JNK. Accordingly the results show Smilacis Chinae Radix could induce anti-inflammation and Cytoprotection effects against In vitro, but it needs more research on the precise mechanism of such effects.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.2878-2882
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• 2012

Amentoflavone is naturally occurring bioflavonoid that is found in a number of plants. In this paper, the anti-inflammatory activity of amentoflavone in LPS-stimulated macrophages and its mode of action were examined. Using LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells, we found that amentoflavone exerted anti-inflammatory activities through inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 secretion. Amentoflavone (1.0-20 ${\mu}M$) gradually inhibited nitrite production without cytotoxicity. Amentoflavone (1.0 and 10 ${\mu}M$) effectively suppressed both TNF-${\alpha}$ and MIP-2 cytokine release from LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The expression of mIL-$1{\beta}$ and mMIP-2 cytokine mRNAs was completely inhibited while expression of mMIP-1 was effectively suppressed and mTNF-${\alpha}$ expression was slightly inhibited by 10 ${\mu}M$ amentoflavone. We also demonstrated that the innate immune response to amentoflavone involves the toll-like receptor (TLR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. LPS-induced upregulation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation was significantly reduced by 10 ${\mu}M$ amentoflavone. These results suggest that amentoflavone exhibits effective anti-inflammatory activities through regulation of TLR4 and phosphorylation of p38 MAPKs.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.217-223
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• 2012

In the present study, we investigated anti-inflammatory activity of artemisinic acid in HaCaT cells and RAW264.7 cells. Artemisinic acid showed inhibitory activity on macrophage-derived chemokines (MDC) expression, a factor related with atopic dermatitis (AD), in interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$-stimulated HaCaT cells. In the study on action mechanism, pretreated artemisinic acid reduced the phosphorylation of STAT1 and p38 and the degradation of $I{\kappa}B$ by IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ stimulations. However, artemisinic acid didn't show the inhibitory activity on LPS-induced inflammatory mediators (NO, $PGE_2$, IL-6) in RAW264.7 cell. These results indicate that artemisinic acid inhibits IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$-induced MDC expression through inhibition of signal factors, STAT1, NF-${\kappa}B$, and p38, in HaCaT keratinocytes.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.555-563
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• 2018

Barley has nutritional benefits due to its high dietary fiber content; therefore, the intake of whole barley grains is recommended. However, barley is often consumed in the fermented form because of the improved texture and digestibility. The present study was designed to elucidate the intracellular signaling pathway for macrophage activation by the polysaccharide BF-CP from fermented barley. BF-CP is a neutral polysaccharide, composed of neutral sugars, including glucose (70.7%), xylose (11.4%), and arabinose (9.0%). BF-CP exhibited macrophage-stimulatory activity by inducing the production of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, and nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Further, BF-CP treatment strongly increased the IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Signal transduction experiments using immunoblotting showed that BF-CP phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and p38, and nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$, in RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that BF-CP activates the macrophages via MAPK and $NF-{\kappa}B$ pathways, and also induces an increase in the production of cytokines.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2018

Objectives This study investigated the effects of Cheongyeonsan for allergic rhinitis. Methods First, the GS/MS was used to analyze the effects of Cheongyeonsan by measuring inflammatory markers. Second, 3 groups of 10 6-week-old BALB/c mice were divided into Ctrl (no treatment), ARE (allergic rhinitis-induced without treatment), and CRT (allergic rhinitis-induced after Cheongyeonsan treatment) groups. Ovalbumin (OVA) was used as an antigen to induce allergic rhinitis and sensitization was performed by intraperitoneal injection of 0.1% OVA solution 21, 14, and 7 days before the onset of allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis was induced by dropping OVA solution on the nasal cavity of each mouse for 5 days after the last sensitization. Seven days after the first induction, second induction was introduced by the same method. After making the section, MMP-9, substance P, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65, COX-2, iNOS and Nrf, apoptotic cells were observed by Masson trichrome staining, immunohistochemical staining, TUNEL of nasal mucosal tissues of each group. Results GC/MS results showed undecanoic acid. Masson trichrome results showed that the CRT group had less respiratory epithelial damage. Immunohistochemical staining showed CRT group had 58% decrease in MMP-9, 61% decrease in substance P, 55% decrease in $TNF-{\alpha}$, 38% decrease in $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65, 53% decrease in COX-2, 54% decrease in iNOS, 87% increase in Nrf compared to those of the ARE group. TUNEL showed a positive reaction of 84% increase in apoptotic cells greater than that of the ARE group. Conclusions Cheongyeonsan alleviates nasal mucosal damage and reduces inflammatory mediators from allergic rhinitis-induced mice.