• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4655-4660
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• 2012

Opuntia humifusa, member of the Cactaceae family, was previously demonstrated to have radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects in in vitro models. It was suggested that O. humifusa could function in the prevention of carcinogenesis. To investigate the in vivo chemopreventive effect of O. humifusa, mice were fed a diet containing either 1% or 3% following 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induction of skin carcinogenesis. Significant decrease in the numbers of papilloma and epidermal hyperplasia were observed in mice fed with O. humifusa, compared to the control group. O. humifusa also upregulated high total antioxidant capacity and level of phase II detoxifying enzyme such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activity in the skin. Lipid peroxidation activity level was measured in skin cytosol and significantly inhibited in 3% OH fed group compared to the control group. These results suggest that O. humifusa exerts chemopreventive effects on chemical carcinogenesis in mouse skin and that prevention effects are associated with reduction of oxidative stress via the modulation of cutaneous lipid peroxidation, enhancing of total antioxidant capacity especially in phase II detoxifying enzyme system and partial apoptotic influence.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.686-690
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• 2008

Recent research has shown that curcumin has beneficial effects in a variety of skin diseases, including scleroderma, psoriasis, and skin cancer. In this study, we assessed the effects of curcumin on epidermal permeability barrier function in vivo and in vitro. In order to evaluate the effects of curcumin on epidermal permeability barrier function in vivo, hairless rats were exposed to UVB irradiation, and curcumin was administered orally at a dosage of 150 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and epidermal thickness were measured at the end of the experiment. The expression of filaggrin, a marker of keratinocyte differentiation, and serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), a marker of the formation of the stratum corneum lipid barrier, in human HaCat keratinocytes were analyzed. The in vivo results showed that an 8 week administration of curcumin markedly prevented the UVB-induced increase in TEWL. The UV-induced increase in epidermal thickness was also reduced significantly by curcumin treatment. The in vitro results demonstrated the concentration-dependent effects of curcumin on the expression of both filaggrin and SPT in HaCat cells, reflecting the notion that curcumin can induce epidermal keratinocyte differentiation and can improve the recovery of skin barrier functions. These results show that curcumin is a promising candidate for the improvement of epidermal permeability barrier function.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Life Science Conference
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• 2001.09a
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• pp.127-127
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• 2001

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.3115-3115
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• 2001

In this study, portable near infrared (NIR) system was newly integrated with a photodiode array detector, which has no moving parts and this system has been successfully applied for evaluation of human skin moisture. The good correlation between NIR absorbance and absolute water content of separated hairless mouse skin was, in vitro, showed depending on the water content (7.42-84.94%) using this portable NIR system. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used for the calibration with the 1100-1650 nm wavelength range. For the practical use for the evaluation of human skin based on moisture, PLS model for human skin moisture was, in vivo, developed using the portable NIR system based on the relative water content values of stratum corneum from the conventional capacitance method. The PLS model showed a good correlation. This study indicated that the portable NIR system could be a powerful tool for human skin moisture, which may be much more stable to environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, in order to confirm the performance of newly integrated portable NIR system, scanning type conventional NIR spectrometer was used in the same experiments and the results were compared.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.1467-1474
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• 2023

Due to the continuous increase in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, the demand for hair loss treatment and effective hair growth materials has increased. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (TBE) reportedly exerts anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects, among others, but its effects on testosterone (TS)-inhibited hair growth remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TBE on TS-induced hair growth regression in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice. Oral administration of TBE increased TS-induced hair growth retardation. Interestingly, effects were greater when compared with finasteride, a commercial hair loss treatment product. Histological analyses revealed that oral TBE administration increased hair follicles in the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that oral TBE administration recovered the TS-induced inhibition of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Ki67 expression in vivo. Using in vitro proliferation assays, TBE promoted HFDPC growth, which was suppressed by TS treatment. Thus, TBE may be a promising nutraceutical for hair health as it promoted hair growth in AGA-like in vitro and in vivo models.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 1995

1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 is a novel vitamine D3 analog which has a double bond between C-23 and C-24. We describe the effects of this analog on cell differentiation and cell proliferation in vitro using the human histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937, and on calcium metabolism in rats in vivo. In the present investigation 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 was compared to the natural metabolite of vitamin D3, 1$\alpha$, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol[1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 was more potent than 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 for inhibition of proliferation and induction of differentiation of U937 cells. Especially, its effect on induction of differentiation, as measured by superoxide production and nonspecific esterase(NSE) activity, was about 20-fold more potent that 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3. This analog morphologically and functionally differentiated U937 cells to monocyte-macrophage phenotype showing a decrease of N/C ratio in Giemsa staining and the increase of adherence ability to surface. Intraperitoneal administration of 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 to rats showed that the compound had at least 50 times less activity than 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 in causing hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria. The strong direct effects of 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 on cell proliferation and cell differentiation, coupled with its decreased activity of calcium metabolism make this compound an interesting candidate for clinical studies including patients with leukemia, as well as several skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.1-26
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• 2020

Objectives : This study was to examine the effects of 3 types of BTS which were excluded talcum only or replaced talcum to Lonicera japonicae Flos or Kochiae Fructus on the DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in mice. Methods : In this study, Balb/c mice were divided into five groups: normal, control, GBT(BTS except talcum), GBTG(GBT added Lonicera japonicae Flos), and GBTJ(GBT added Kochiae Fructus). And the effects on atopic dermatitis were evaluated by weight change, ear's thickness and weight, thickness of dorsal skin, severity scale of dorsal skin, histopathologic findings of dorsal skin by H&E and toluidine blue stain, proliferation of splenocyte and thymocyte in vitro, proliferation of splenocyte in vivo, IL-4, TNF-α, IgE in serum. Results : There were no significantly changes in body weight and effect of ear's weight in GBT, GBTG, and GBTJ group. The thickness of ear of GBT and GBTJ group showed significant decrease. And the thickness of dorsal skin of GBTJ group significantly decreased compared to the control, GBT, and GBTG group. All the treated groups significantly decreased in severity scale, histopathologically reduced epidermal thickness, and mast cell infiltration. In vitro, all the treated groups increased in the proliferation rates of splenocyte. However, in vivo study, it showed a falling tendency and GBT group significantly decreased compared to control, GBTG, and GBTJ group. In vitro study, GBTG group significantly decreased in the proliferation rates of thymocyte. There was no IgE contents chnage in GBT, GBTG, and GBTJ groups but IL-4 and TNF-α contents were significantly decreased. Conclusions : GBT, GBTG, and GBTJ are expected to improve symptoms of atopic dermatitis and further studies are needed for development of BTS's transformation.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2007.11a
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• pp.129-139
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• 2007

Many modalities of treatment for acquired skin hyperpigmentation are available including chemical agents or physical therapies, but none are completely satisfactory. The ideal depigmenting compound should have a potent. rapid and selective bleaching effect on hyperactivated melanocytes, carry no short- or long-term side-effects and lead to a permanent removal of undesired pigment. acting at one or more steps of the pigmentation process. Depigmentation can be achieved by regulating (i) the transcription and activity of tyrosinase, tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase related protein-2 (TRP-2), and/or peroxidase; (ii) the uptake and distribution of melanosomes in recipient keratinocytes and (iii) melanin and melanosome degradation and turnover of pigmented keratinocytes. One of the interesting point for development of skin whitening agent is Mitf(Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor). Mitf belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix-zip family of trabscription factors and it is crucial as it regulates both melanocyte proliferation as well as melanogenesis and is the major regulator of tyrosinase and the related enzymes (TRPs), as well as many melanosome structural proteins such as pMel17. Recently, we developed MITF-down-regulating agents from natural and synthetic sources, which have anti-melanogenic effect on in vitro and in vivo. We suggested that potent MITF-down regulating agents might be used for skin whitening cosmeceuticals.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-27
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• 2011

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Yijungtang(YJT) on atopic dermatitis in an in-vitro and in-vivo experiment using a RBL-2H3 mast cells and a NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse. Methods: In-vitro experiment, IL-4, IL-13 mRNA expression were evaluated by a real-time PCR, IL-4, IL-13 production by ELISA and transcription factor as GATA-1, GATA-2, NF-AT1, NF-AT2, AP-1 and NF-kB by western blotting. In-vivo experiment, clinical skin score we evaluated by, hematology and Serum total IgE and IgG1 of NC/Nga atopic dermatitis mouse, cytokine level, total number of cell, Immunohistochemical staining and Histological features of auxiliary lymph node(ALN), draining lymph node(DLN), peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) and dorsal skin tissue in NC/Nga mouse. Results: YJT decreased IL-4, IL-13 mRNA expression, IL-4, IL-13 production and prominently decreased the expression of mast cell specific transcription factors including GATA-2, NF-AT2, c-Fos and NF-kB. YJT oral administration reduced the levels of skin severity scores. It also decreased the level of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-5, IL-13, histamine and IgE in the serum. It elevated IFN-gamma level in the spleenocyte culture supernatant but decreased. $CD3e^+$, $CD19^+$, $CD4^+$, $CD8^+$, $CD3e^+CD69^+$, $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$, $CCR3^+$ in the PBMCs, $CD4^+$, $CD8^+$, $CD3e^+CD69^+$, $B220^+CD23^+$ in the ALN, $CD4^+$, $CD3e^+CD69^+$ in the ALN and $CD4^+$, $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ in the dorsal skin. Histological examination showed that infiltration levels of immune cells in the skin of AD-induced NC/Nga mice were much improved by YJT oral administration. Conclusions: The anti-allergic activities of YJT may be mediated by down-regulation of Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-13, through the regulation GATA-2, NF-AT2 and NF-kB transcription factors in mast cells. YJT would be regulate molecular mediators and immune cells which are functionally associated with atopic dermatitis induced in NC/Nga mice, and may play an important role in recovering AD symptoms.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.58-67
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• 2014

Objective : Lycii Fructus Extracts(LFE) can do Anti-hypertension activity, Antidepressant, Anti-diabetic activity. This study was designed to investigate effects of LFE on skin whitening and elasticity using melanoma cells. Methods : In this experiment, effect of LFE on cell viability, inhibition of melanin synthesis and inhibitory effect on tyrosinase and elastase. Results : More than $250{\mu}g/ml$ of LFE treated group showed lowered proliferation rates significantly compared to non-treated group. More than $125{\mu}g/ml$ of LFE treated groups were lower levels of melanin synthesis respectively. LFE showed inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activities in vitro. And, LFE suppressed tyrosinase activities in B16F10 cells significantly. Finally, LFE suppressed elastase type I and IV activities in dose-dependent manner in vitro. And LFE also slightly suppressed elastase activities in vivo. Conclusion : These results suggest that LFE can inhibit melanin synthesis through ihhibitory action on tyrosinase activity and inhibt elastase activity, and also suggest that these results can be used for the study on maintaining skin elasticity or whitening.