• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.256-261
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Yacon (Samallanthus sonchifolius), a common edible plant grown throughout the world, is well known for its antidiabetic properties. It is also known to have several other pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-cancer effects. To date, the effect of yacon on gliomas has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of yacon on the migration and proliferation of C6 glioma cells stimulated by fetal bovine serum (FBS). MATERIALS/METHODS: Cell growth and proliferation were determined by evaluating cell viability using an EZ-Cytox Cell Viability Assay Kit. FBS-induced migration of C6 glioma cells was evaluated by performing the scratch wound healing assay and the Boyden chamber assay. We also used western blot analysis to determine the expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), a major regulator of migration and proliferation of glioma cells. Matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) 9 and TIMP-1 levels were measured by performing reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS: Yacon ($300{\mu}g/mL$) reduced both the FBS-induced proliferation of C6 glioma cells and the dose-dependent migration of the FBS-stimulated C6 cells. FBS-stimulated C6 glioma cells treated with yacon (200 and $300{\mu}g/mL$) showed reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and inhibition of MMP 9 expression compared to those shown by the untreated FBS-stimulated C6 cells. In contrast, yacon (200 and $300{\mu}g/mL$) induced TIMP-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, we suggest that yacon may exert an anti-cancer effect on FBS-stimulated C6 glioma cells by inhibiting their proliferation and migration. The most likely mechanism for this is down-regulation of ERK1/2 and MMP9 and up-regulation of TIMP-1 expression levels.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.526-535
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• 2022

Background: During the pathogenesis of tendinopathy, the chronic inflammation caused by the injury and apoptosis leads to the generation of scars. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is extracted from ginseng and has anti-inflammatory effects. Rg1 is a unique phytoestrogen that can activate the estrogen response element. This research aimed to explore whether Rg1 can function in the process of tendon repair through the estrogen receptor. Methods: In this research, the effects of Rg1 were evaluated in tenocytes and in a rat model of Achilles tendinitis (AT). Protein levels were shown by western blotting. qRT-PCR was employed for evaluating mRNA levels. Cell proliferation was evaluated through EdU assay and cell migration was evaluated by transwell assay and scratch test assay. Results: Rg1 up-regulated the expression of matrix-related factors and function of tendon in AT rat model. Rg1 reduced early inflammatory response and apoptosis in the tendon tissue of AT rat model. Rg1 promoted tenocyte migration and proliferation. The effects of Rg1 on tenocytes were inhibited by ICI182780. Rg1 activates the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF1R) and MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion: Rg1 promotes injured tendon healing in AT rat model through IGF1R and MAPK signaling pathway activation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.12-23
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• 2023

Purpose: This study investigates the alterations in A549 human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells exposed to Citrus junos extract (CJE). We further examine the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of CJE on NSCLC cells. Methods: Inhibition of proliferation was examined by applying the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay on CJE-treated A549 NSCLC cells. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was performed to measure the degree of toxicity of CJE on NSCLC cells. The effect on migratory proliferation was confirmed using the scratch wound healing assay. The antiproliferative effect of the CJE on human lung cancer cells was verified through morphological observation, fluorescence microscopy, and caspase-3 colorimetry. Results: Exposure of NSCLC cells to CJE resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell activity and increased toxicity to the cells. In addition, microscopic observation revealed a reduced ability of the cancer cells to migrate and proliferate after exposure to the CJE, with simultaneous morphological apoptotic changes. Fluorescence staining and microscopic examination revealed that this death was a process of self-programmed cell death of NSCLC cells. Compared to unexposed NSCLC cells, the expression of caspase-3 was significantly increased in cells exposed to CJE. Conclusion: Exposure of A549 human NSCLC cells to CJE inhibits the proliferation, increases the cytotoxicity, and decreases the ability of cells to migrate and grow. Moreover, the expression of caspase-3 increases after CJE treatment, suggesting that the apoptosis of NSCLC cells is induced by a chain reaction initiated by caspase-3. These results indicate that Citrus junos is a potential therapeutic agent for human non-small-cell lung cancer.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.133-143
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• 2023

Background: Past studies suggested that ginseng extracts and ginseng-derived molecules exerted significant regulatory effects on skin. However, no reports have described the effects of ginseng-derived nanoparticles (GDNPs) on skin cell proliferation and wound healing. In this study, we investigated whether GDNPs regulate the proliferation of skin cells and promote wound healing in a mouse model. Methods: GDNPs were separated and purified via differential centrifugation and sucrose/D2O gradient ultracentrifugation. GDNP uptake, cell proliferation and cell cycle progression were measured by confocal microscopy, CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Cell migration and angiogenic effects were assessed by the wound scratch assay and tube formation assay, respectively. ELISA was used to detect extracellular matrix secretion. The relevant signaling pathway was confirmed by western blotting. The effects of GDNPs on skin wound healing were assessed by wound observation, HE staining, and western blotting. Results: GDNPs possessed the essential features of exosomes, and they were accumulated by skin cells. Treatment with GDNPs notably enhanced the proliferation of HaCaT, BJ and HUVECs. GDNPs also enhanced the migration in HaCaT cells and HUVECs and angiogenesis in HUVECs. GDNPs increased the secretion of MMP-1, fibronectin-1, elastin-1, and COL1A1 in all three cell lines. GDNPs regulated cell proliferation through the ERK and AKT/ mTOR pathways. Furthermore, GDNPs facilitated skin wound healing and decreased inflammation in a mouse skin wound model. Conclusion: GDNPs can promote skin wound healing through the ERK and AKT/mTOR pathways. GDNPs thus represent an alternative treatment for chronic skin wounds.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1070-1083
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Sanghuangporus sanghuang (SS) has various medicinal effects, including anti-inflammation and anticancer activities. Despite the extensive research on SS, its molecular mechanisms of action on lung cancer are unclear. This study examined the impact of an SS alcohol extract (SAE) on lung cancer using in vitro and in vivo models. MATERIALS/METHODS: Different concentrations of SAE were used to culture lung cancer cells (A549 and H1650). A cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect the survival ability of A549 and H1650 cells. A scratch assay and transwell cell invasion assay were used to detect the migration rate and invasive ability of SAE. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl2-associated X (Bax), cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinases 4 (CDK4), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3). Lung cancer xenograft mice were used to detect the inhibiting ability of SAE in vivo. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the effect of SAE on the structural changes to the tumor and the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, cyclin D1, CDK4, STAT3, and p-STAT3 in lung cancer xenograft mice. RESULTS: SAE could inhibit lung cancer proliferation significantly in vitro and in vivo without cytotoxicity. SAE suppressed the viability, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. The SAE treatment significantly decreased the proapoptotic Bcl-2/Bax ratio and the expression of pro-proliferative proteins Cyclin D1 and CDK4 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, SAE also inhibited STAT3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: SAE reduced the cell viability and suppressed cell migration and invasion in human lung cancer cells. Moreover, SAE also exhibited anti-proliferation effects in vivo. Therefore, SAE may have benefits in cancer therapy.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.261-265
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• 2011

Parkin is a putative tumor suppressor protein and its expression is frequently reduced or absent in several types of tumors. In this study, we examined the role of Parkin in mRNA expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in the breast cancer cell line MCF7. Expression of MCP-1 mRNA increased after TNF-${\alpha}$ treatment. However, overexpression of Parkin induced a decrease in expression of MCP-1 mRNA in TNF-${\alpha}$-stimulated MCF7. This decrease in MCP-1 mRNA by Parkin overexpression occurred in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Using a wound scratch assay, we found that Parkin overexpression in MCF7 cells also resulted in a decrease in cell migration. These results suggest that Parkin down-regulates MCP-1 synthesis leading to decreased migration of tumor cells. We suggest that one possible mechanism by which Parkin acts as a tumor suppressor is by inhibiting migration or metastasis of cancer cells.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.02a
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• pp.526-526
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• 2013

Plasma technology isbeing developed for a range of medical applications including wound healing. However, the effect of plasma on many cells and tissues is unclear. Cell migration and cell proliferation are very important biological processes which are affected by plasma exposure and might be a potential target for plasma therapy during wound healing treatment. In this study, we confirmed the plasma exposure time and incubation time after plasma treatment in skin fibroblast (L-929 cells) to evaluate the optimal conditions forplasma exposure to the cell in-vitro. In addition, we used a scratch method to generate artificial wound for evaluating the cell migration by plasma treatment. Where, the cells were treated with plasma and migration rate was observed by live-cell imaging device. To find the cell proliferation, cell viability assay was executed. The results of this study indicate the increased cell proliferation and migration on mild plasma treatment. The mechanisms for cell migration and cell proliferation after plasma treatment for future studies will be discussed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.20-30
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• 2010

Objective : We determined whether the expression of GRIM-19 is correlated with pathologic types and malignant grades in gliomas, and determined the function of GRIM-19 in human gliomas. Methods : Tumor tissues were isolated and frozen at $-80^{\circ}C$ just after surgery. The tissues consisted of normal brain tissue (4), astrocytomas (2), anaplastic astrocytomas (2), oligodendrogliomas (13), anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (11), and glioblastomas (16). To profile tumor-related genes, we applied RNA differential display using a $Genefishing^{TM}$ DEG kit, and validated the tumor-related genes by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A human glioblastoma cell line (U343MG-A) was used for the GRIM-19 functional studies. The morphologic and cytoskeletal changes were examined via light and confocal microscopy. The migratory and invasive abilities were investigated by the simple scratch technique and Matrigel assay. The antiproliferative activity was determined by thiazolyl blue Tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and FACS analysis. Results : Based on RT-PCR analysis, the expression of GRIM-19 was higher in astrocytic tumors than oligodendroglial tumors. The expression of GRIM-19 was higher in high-grade tumors than low-grade tumors or normal brain tissue; glioblastomas showed the highest expression. After transfection of GRIM-19 into U343MG-A, the morphology of the sense-transfection cells became larger and more spindly. The antisensetransfection cells became smaller and rounder compared with wild type U343MG-A. The MTT assay showed that the sense-transfection cells were more sensitive to the combination of interferon-$\beta$ and retinoic acid than U343MG-A cells or antisense-transfection cells; the antiproliferative activity was related to apoptosis. Conclusion : GRIM-19 may be one of the gene profiles which regulate cell death via apoptosis in human gliomas.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.1140-1147
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• 2016

The plasma and serum of Crocodylus siamensis have previously been reported to exhibit potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. During wound healing, these biological properties play a crucial role for supporting the formation of new tissue around the injured skin in the recovery process. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the wound healing properties of C. siamensis plasma and serum. The collected data demonstrate that crocodile plasma and serum were able to activate in vitro proliferation and migration of HaCaT, a human keratinocyte cell line, which represents an essential phase in the wound healing process. With respect to investigating cell migration, a scratch wound experiment was performed which revealed the ability of plasma and serum to decrease the gap of wounds in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with the in vitro results, remarkably enhanced wound repair was also observed in a mouse excisional skin wound model after treatment with plasma or serum. The effects of C. siamensis plasma and serum on wound healing were further elucidated by treating wound infections by Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 on mice skin coupled with a histological method. The results indicate that crocodile plasma and serum promote the prevention of wound infection and boost the re-epithelialization necessary for the formation of new skin. Therefore, this work represents the first study to demonstrate the efficiency of C. siamensis plasma and serum with respect to their wound healing properties and strongly supports the utilization of C. siamensis plasma and serum as therapeutic products for injured skin treatment.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.819-826
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• 2018

Orostachys japonicus (OJ) is a medicinal herb with immunoregulatory, anti-aging, anti-oxidative, and many other therapeutic properties. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the anti-cancer property of cultivated OJ. SW480 cell viability was significantly reduced by cumulative exposure to OJ extract. We also observed inhibitory effects of OJ after 72 hr through the growth and migration of SW480 cells using scratch assay. SW480 cells in OJ-free medium began to move into the scratch site at 24 hr; however, cells in medium containing OJ did not migrate into the scratch site until 48 hr. Male C57BL/6 mice (4 weeks old) were orally administered OJ extract for 31 days before injection of SW480 cells. At 7, 14, and 28 days after subcutaneous injection of SW480 cells, tumor weight and volume were analyzed. The body weight of the OJ-treated group was continuously increased during administration of the OJ extract relative to the control group. Injection of SW480 cells caused a reduction in body weight in all groups; however, the OJ-treated group exhibited a significant increase in body weight after 14 days. Tumor weight and volume were lower in the OJ-treated group than in the control group after 28 days. Although these results suggest that OJ suppresses the proliferation and migration of human colon cancer cells, additional studies are required to provide preclinical evidence before launching clinical trials evaluating OJ as an anti-cancer biohealth product.