• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.595-603
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• 2016

(E)-3-Phenyl-1-(2-pyrrolyl)-2-propenone (PPP) is a pyrrole derivative of chalcone, in which the B-ring of chalcone linked to ${\beta}$-carbon is replaced by pyrrole group. While pyrrole has been studied for possible Src inhibition activity, chalcone, especially the substituents on the B-ring, has shown pharmaceutical, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties via inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ activity. Our study is aimed to investigate whether this novel synthetic compound retains or enhances the pharmaceutically beneficial activities from the both structures. For this purpose, inflammatory responses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells were analyzed. Nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) mRNA expression, and the intracellular inflammatory signaling cascade were measured. Interestingly, PPP strongly inhibited NO release in a dose-dependent manner. To further investigate this anti-inflammatory activity, we identified molecular pathways by immunoblot analyses of nuclear fractions and whole cell lysates prepared from LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells with or without PPP pretreatment. The nuclear levels of p50, c-Jun, and c-Fos were significantly inhibited when cells were exposed to PPP. Moreover, according to the luciferase reporter gene assay after cotransfection with either TRIF or MyD88 in HEK293 cells, NF-${\kappa}B$-mediated luciferase activity dose-dependently diminished. Additionally, it was confirmed that PPP dampens the upstream signaling cascade of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 activation. Thus, PPP inhibited Syk, Src, and TAK1 activities induced by LPS or induced by overexpression of these genes. Therefore, our results suggest that PPP displays anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of Syk, Src, and TAK1 activity, which may be developed as a novel anti-inflammatory drug.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.701-709
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• 2011

This study was performed to establish an effective extraction method of pig placenta extract that could be used for a putative functional food supplement with immunomodulatory effects. In the present study, we used different temperatures (4, 37, 60, 80, and $100^{\circ}C$) and different solvents (chloroform, NaOH, and phosphate buffered saline [PBS]) to extract the pig placenta. Among the different placenta extracts yielded by the different extraction methods, placenta extract (PE) in PBS at $80^{\circ}C$ for 30 min (referred to as PE-PBS80) showed a significant increase of nitric oxide production of up to 22.97 ${\mu}M/10^5$ cells at a 1 mg/mL dose (p<0.05 ) in J774A.1 cells than other extracts and control tested. Using PE-PBS80, further animal challenges were performed to identify the immune-enhanced effects. As a result, orally administered PE-PBS80 showed a significant increase in blood T and B cell activities and immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) production. IgG and IgM levels increased to 41.53 mg/mL at a 20 mg dose on day 7 and to 27.38 mg/mL at a 10 mg dose on day 14, respectively (p<0.05). Furthermore, PE-PBS80 was also able to significantly enhance the immune modulator cytokine levels (p<0.05) compared to the control and vehicle treatments. Among the evaluated cytokines, the tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) level increased to 28.89 pg/mL at extract doses of 20 and 50 mg, the interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) level increased to 21.52 pg/mL at extract doses of 10, 20, 50 and 75 mg and the interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ level increased to 18.24 pg/mL at extract doses of 10, 20, and 50 mg. Therefore, this study presents an effective method for extracting pig placenta extracts and also demonstrates that pig placenta extracts had significant immunomodulatory effects not only at the cellular level but also in a mouse model, suggesting that this material could be used as an excellent candidate functional food supplement.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.8
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• pp.1213-1219
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• 2010

We evaluated the anti-aging potential and safety of black garlic extract for cosmeceutical ingredient. Black garlic was made by spontaneous fermentation for 40 days at $60{\sim}70^{\circ}C$, 85~95% RH without any additives. The 10% black garlic extract had sweet odor, antioxidant activities and inhibitory activities of skin againg enzymes such as tyrosinase and elastase. The skin safety was performed to evaluate of potential toxicity using the primary irritation test and skin sensitization test. The black garlic extract did not show any adverse reactions such as erythema and edema on intact skin sites at primary irritation test, but on abraded sites, some experimental animals showed very slight erythema. So, the black garlic extract was classified as a practically non-irritating material based on the score 0.23 of primary irritation index. The skin sensitization study was tested by the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) with intradermal injection of 10% black garlic extract. The skin sensitization test showed no skin sensitization. The allergic sensitization depends on tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The concentration of IL-6 on challenged tissue of treated with black garlic extract was not significantly different with negative control group (saline treated group). Based on this study, the potential for black garlic as a cosmeceutical ingredient was proven.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.349-354
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• 2014

Elevation of intracellular calcium ($Ca^{{+}{+}}$) triggers degranulation of mast cells by bypassing receptor activation. Flos Sophora japonica L. has been used as a natural dying source and has been reported to have biological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects through $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ and IgE crosslinking. In the present investigation, we report the regulatory effect of ethanolic extract of Flos Sophora japonica L. (S.F) on allergic mediators produced by $Ca^{{+}{+}}$ ionophore activation in mast cells. S.F significantly inhibited calcium ionophore (A23187)-induced interleukin (IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ production as well as mast cell degranulation. Furthermore, administration of S.F suppressed allergic reactions in a 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic dermatitis mouse model. Both oral administration and ear painting using 50 mg/kg of S.F significantly reduced levels of cytokines such as IL-4, TNF, and interferon-${\gamma}$ in ear tissues compared to the DNFB alone-treated group. Serum IgE level in the S.F-treated group also decreased compared to the DNFB alone-treated group. Weights of spleens and lymph nodes in the S.F-treated groups also decreased compared to the control group. Considering the data, we conclude that S.F mediates its anti-allergic effects not only through $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ stimulation but also $Ca^{{+}{+}}$ influx in mast cells.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.205-212
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• 2010

The effects of chromium (Cr), dietary crude protein (CP) level, and potential interactions of these two factors were investigated in term of energy metabolism in lambs. Forty-eight 9-week-old weaned lambs (Dorper${\times}$Small-tail Han sheep, male, mean initial body weight = 22.96 kg${\pm}$2.60 kg) were used in a 2${\times}$3 factorial arrangement of supplemental Cr (0 ${\mu}g$/kg, 400 $\mu{g}$/kg or 800 ${\mu}g$/kg from chromium yeast) and protein levels (low protein: 157 g/d to 171 g/d for each animal, or high protein: 189 g/d to 209 g/d for each animal). Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of the feeding trial. The lambs were then sacrificed and tissue samples were frozen for further analysis. Chromium at 400 ${\mu}g$/kg decreased fasting insulin level and the ratio of plasma insulin to glucagon, but these differences were not statistically significant; in contrast, chromium at 800 ${\mu}g$/kg increased the ratio significantly (p<0.05). Protein at the high level increased plasma tumor necrosis factor $\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) level (p = 0.060). Liver glycogen content was increased significantly by Cr (p<0.05), which also increased liver glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) and adipose hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) activity. At 400 ${\mu}g$/kg, Cr increased muscle hexokinase (HK) activity. High protein significantly increased G-6-Pase activities in both the liver (p<0.05) and the kidney (p<0.05), but significantly decreased fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity in subcutaneous adipose tissue (p<0.05). For HSL activity in adipose tissue, a Cr${\times}$CP interaction (p<0.05) was observed. Overall, Cr improved energy metabolism, primarily by promoting the glycolytic rate and lipolytic processes, and these regulations were implemented mainly through the modulation by Cr of the insulin signal transduction system. High protein improved gluconeogenesis in both liver and kidney. The interaction of Cr${\times}$CP indicated that 400 $\mu{g}$/kg Cr could reduce energy consumption in situations where energy was being conserved, but could improve energy utilization when metabolic rate was increased.

• Food Industry And Nutrition
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.36-45
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• 2004

Bamboo salt has been used for the purpose of prevention and treatment of various diseases in Korea. Present study was carried out to ascertain the effects of purple bamboo salt upon anti-allergic effect, anti-inflammatory activity and immune-enhance effect as well. Purple bamboo salt significantly inhibited the ear swelling response and histamine release induced by compound 48/80 in mice and rat peritoneal mast cells. Purple bamboo salt (0.01 ∼ lg/kg) also dose-dependently inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis by oral administration. Purple bamboo salt (1 mg/mL) in hibited phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-1${\beta}$ and IL-6 secretion, by 67.04${\pm}$0.08%, 68.01${\pm}$1.85%, 69.48${\pm}$0.54%, respectively. In addition, purple bamboo salt inhibited the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA in HMC-1 cells. Finally, we investigated the effect of purple bamboo salt in the forced swimming test (FST) and the change of purple bamboo salt-mediated cytokine production from MOLT-4 cells. At the 7th, immobility time was significantly decreased in the purple bamboo salt-administration group (35.4 ${\pm}$5.9 s for 1 g/kg) in comparison with the control group (93.2 ${\pm}$ 15.45). After FST, the content of glucose in the blood serum was increased and the levels of blood urea nitrogen, lactic dehydrogenase was decreased in purple bamboo salt-administration group. However, it had no effect on the elevation of CK and TP level. Purple bamboo salt (1 mg/mL) significantly increased the interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ and IL-2 level compared with media control (about 3.7-fold for IFN-${\gamma}$, about 3.5-fold for IL-2, p〈0.05) but did not affect the IL-4.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.238-242
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• 2014

In this study, the immunomodulatory activities of crude polysaccharides from makgeolli were investigated. Crude polysaccahrides from makgeolli (RWW) were isolated by hot water extraction ($100^{\circ}C$, 30 min), ethanol precipitation (four volumes of 95% ethanol), dialysis (MWCO: 6,000~8,000), and lyophilization. The major constituents in RWW were neutral sugar (87.3%), uronic acid (2.5%), and protein (10.2%). RWW showed potent anti-complementary activity as well as increased cell proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages. The immunomodulatory effects of RWW were also analyzed based on cytokine production of macrophages. Macrophages stimulated with RWW produced cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ in a dose-dependent manner. These data indicate that RWW may have immunomodulatory effects through activation of the complement system and macrophages, which are a part of natural immunity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.911-917
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• 2016

Lespedeza cuneata G. Don is an edible perennial herb used in traditional Korean medicine. We investigated the anti-proliferative properties and mechanism of L. cuneata extract. The ethanolic extract of L. cuneata dose-and time-dependently inhibited human colorectal cancer cell proliferation. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to test the effect of the extract on proliferation of HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. The extract inhibited HT-29 cell proliferation with an $IC_{50}$ value of $554.26{\pm}8.81{\mu}g/mL$. L. cuneata extract suppressed production of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$. Apoptosis was evaluated by analysis of DNA fragmentation, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, caspase-3 activity, and protein expression of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2). Our results demonstrated that the extract induced DNA fragmentation and characteristic morphological changes associated with apoptosis in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. The extract also time- and dose-dependently up-regulated expression of the Bax and down-regulated expression of the Bcl-2. Furthermore, the extract dose- and time-dependently enhanced caspase-3 activity. Our findings provide evidence that L. cuneata extract may mediate its anti-proliferative effect via modulation of apoptosis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.103-109
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• 2006

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the TLR-4 mediated anti-inflammatory effects of extract from Xanthii Fructus(XF) on the peritoneal macrophage. Methods : To evaluate of TLR-4 mediated inflammatory of XF, we examined NO and cytokine production in TRL-4 ligand(LPS-lipopolysacchride) induced macrophages. Furthermore, we checked molecular mechanism using western blot. Results : l.Extract from XF reduced LPS-induced Nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12 production in peritoneal macrophages 2.Extract from XF itself does not have any cytotoxic effect.XS inhibited degradation of IkBa in the TLR-4 mediated peritoneal macrophages Conclusion : XF down-regulated TLR4 ligand(LPS)-induced NO and cytokine productions.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.92-97
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• 2009

As nanomaterials might enter into cells and have high reactivity with intracellular structures, it is necessary to assay possible genotoxic risk of them. One of these approaches, we investigated possible genotoxic potential of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) using L5178Y cells. Four different sizes of AuNP (4, 15, 100 or 200 nm) were synthesized and the sizes and structures of AuNP were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stability was analyzed by a UV/Vis. Spectrophotometer. Cytotoxicity was assessed by direct cell counting, and cellular location was detected by dark field microscope at 6, 24 and 48 h after treatment of AuNP. Comet assay was conducted to examine DNA damage and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ mRNA level was assay by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Synthetic AuNP (4, 50, 100 and 200 nm size) had constant characteristics and stability confirmed by TEM, SEM and spectrophotometer for 10 days, respectively. Dark field microscope revealed the location of AuNP in the cytoplasm at 6, 24 and 48 h. Treatment of 4 nm AuNP induced dose and time dependent cytotoxicity, while other sizes of AuNP did not. However, Comet assay represented that treatment of 100 nm and 200 nm AuNP significantly increased DNA damage compared to vehicle control (p <0.01). Treatment of 100 nm and 200 nm AuNP significantly increased TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression compared to vehicle control (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). Taken together, AuNP induced DNA damage in L5178Y cell, associated with induction of oxidative stress.