• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.28-34
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• 2020

Sphingolipids are ubiquitous building blocks of eukaryotic cell membranes that function as signaling molecules for regulating a diverse range of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, growth, survival, immune-cell trafficking, vascular and epithelial integrity, and inflammation. Recently, several studies have highlighted the pivotal role of sphingolipids in neuroinflammatory regulation. Sphingolipids have multiple functions, including induction of the expression of various inflammatory mediators and regulation of neuroinflammation by directly effecting the cells of the central nervous system. Accumulating evidence points to sphingolipid engagement in neuroinflammatory disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Abnormal sphingolipid alterations, which involves an increase in ceramide and a decrease in sphingosine kinase, are observed during neuroinflammatory disease. These trends are observed early during disease development, and thus highlight the potential of sphingolipids as a new therapeutic and diagnostic target for neuroinflammatory diseases.

• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.275-286
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• 2013

In the present study, antioxidant activity and protective effect of extracts from Sambucus williamsii var. coreana stems (SWC) were evaluated on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced oxidative stress in human liver (Chang) cells. Antioxidant activities of the SWC extracts were determined by various radical scavenging activities, such as DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethybenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. SWC extracts showed strong antioxidant effect on various assay. To determine the hepatoprotective effects of SWC on t-BHP induced oxidative damage, cell viability was measured using MTT assay. Pretreatment of SWC extracts showed increasing cell viability, decreasing ROS and restoring mitochondria membrane potential on t-BHP induced oxidative stress in Chang cells. Our findings suggest that SWC extracts may be considered a potential agent for therapeutic protective effect from oxidative stress through its antioxidant activity.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.224-229
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• 2013

Receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is a multi-ligand receptor that is able to bind several different ligands, including advanced glycation endproducts, high-mobility group protein (B)1 (HMGB1), S-100 calcium-binding protein, amyloid-${\beta}$-protein, Mac-1, and phosphatidylserine. Its interaction is engaged in critical cellular processes, such as inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and migration, and dysregulation of RAGE and its ligands leads to the development of numerous human diseases. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways regulated by RAGE and its ligands identified up to date and demonstrate the effects of hyper-activation of RAGE signals on human diseases, focused mainly on renal disorders. Finally, we propose that RAGE and its ligands are the potential targets for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of numerous renal diseases.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.180-185
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• 2013

Development of liver cancers is driven largely by genomic alterations that deregulate signaling pathways, influencing growth and survival of cancer cells. Because of the hundreds or thousands of genomic/epigenomic alterations that have accumulated in the cancer genome, it is very challenging to find and test candidate genes driving tumor development and progression. Systematic studies of the liver cancer genome have become available in recent years. These studies have uncovered new potential driver genes, including those not previously known to be involved in the development of liver cancer. Novel approaches combining multiple datasets from patient tissues have created an unparalleled opportunity to uncover potential new therapeutic targets and prognostic/predictive biomarkers for personalized therapy that can improve clinical outcomes of the patients with liver cancer.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.143-150
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• 1996

The membrane fatty acid composition of tumor cell can be modified either in cell by altering the lipid composition of the medium of during growth in animals by changing the dietaty fat composition. These modifications are associated with changes in membrane physical properties and certain cellular functions, including carrier-mediated transport and enzyme contained within the membrane. Such effects influence the transport of nutrients and chemotherapeutic agents in cancer cells .Fatty acid modification also can enhance the sensitivity of the neoplastic cell to chemotherapy. The alteration in plasma membrane composition will be affected through dietary supplementations and the potential value to cancer patients could be a better understanding of the effects of diet on responsiveness of neoplasms to chemotherapy, i.e. cancer patients' chances for a "cure" can be improved by diet changes prior to treatment.

• Journal of Preventive Veterinary Medicine
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.177-181
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• 2018

Disulfiram is a drug used to treat alcohol dependence. Recent studies have shown that disulfiram also has anti-cancer effects. Considering that many anti-cancer agents have side effects, including immunosuppression, it is important to check if disulfiram has some cytotoxicity to immune cells. In this study, mouse spleen cells were treated with disulfiram and the metabolic activity was measured. Disulfiram increased the cell death of spleen cells according to annexin V-FITC/PI staining analysis. In addition, disulfiram decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential of spleen cells. The toxicity of disulfiram was concentration dependent. Interestingly, disulfiram affected the population of lymphocytes and the subset of spleen cells was altered. This study provides clinicians and researchers with valuable information regarding the toxicity of disulfiram to mouse spleen cells, particularly lymphocytes.

• Journal of Sleep Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.43-47
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• 2018

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in people with epilepsy (PWE), and confers medical and seizure-related consequences when untreated. Positive airway pressure, the gold-standard for OSA management, is limited by tolerability. As serotonin is involved respiratory control and amelioration of seizure-induced respiratory events, this study aims to determine whether serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) may represent a potential therapeutic option. Methods: A retrospective study of 100 PWE and OSA ${\geq}18$ years of age was conducted. The primary outcome measure was OSA severity as function of SRI use, with rapid eye movement (REM)-related OSA as a secondary outcome. Results: Older age and depression were more common in those taking an SRI. There was no association between SRIs and OSA severity. However, the SRI group was less likely to have REM-related OSA. Conclusions: In PWE and OSA, SRI use is associated with reduced risk of REM-related OSA, and may represent a potential management strategy.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.68-77
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• 2021

Silymarin is a standardized extract obtained from the seeds and fruits of Silybum marianum L., or commonly called milk thistle, a member of Carduus marianum family that contains mix of flavonolignans. Some epidemiological and preclinical studies revealed that S. marianum L. has been used for herbal remedies for centuries for its pharmacological activity. In this review, pharmacological studies in vitro and in vivo of silymarin are discussed thoroughly stressing on antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-carcinogenic aspects of silymarin. In addition, the protective influences of silymarin on some organs such as heart, liver, bone, and neuron tissue are reviewed as well. This review would be useful for further study regarding the potential of natural plant, notably silymarin, and its therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of diseases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.199-210
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• 2021

Ginseng has been used as a traditional herb in Asian countries for thousands of years. It contains a large number of active ingredients including steroidal saponins, protopanaxadiols, and protopanaxatriols, collectively known as ginsenosides. In the last few decades, the antioxidative and anticancer effects of ginseng, in addition to its effects on improving immunity, energy and sexuality, and combating cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neurological diseases, have been studied in both basic and clinical research. Ginseng could be a valuable resource for future drug development; however, further higher quality evidence is required. Moreover, ginseng may have drug interactions although the available evidence suggests it is a relatively safe product. This article reviews the bioactive compounds, global distribution, and therapeutic potential of plants in the genus Panax.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.93-104
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• 2022

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious threat to the global healthcare system. Ineffective and resistance to antibiotic treatments have increased morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. New and effective antibiotics are needed to combat against bacterial resistance. Endophytic fungi are crucial reservoirs of novel bioactive metabolites. In particular, the secondary metabolites show promising therapeutic potential, notably, antibacterial. This review discussed the emerging potential of endophytic fungi as anti-MRSA agents. The ecological sources of endophytic fungi were discussed with the synthesis of bioactive metabolites. The mode of antibacterial actions was elucidated to give a better understanding of the mechanisms involved. This review may serve as an important reference for future discovery and developments of anti-MRSA agents from endophytic fungi.