• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.171-178
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• 2004

Ginseng radix, the root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Araliaceae), is a medicinal plant used world-widely and has been reported to have various biological effects. To investigate the effects of Ginseng radix on HL-60 cell apoptosis, MTT assay, DNA fragmentation assay and flow cytometry were performed on HL-60 cells. Cells were treated with Ginseng radix at different concentrations $(10^{-4},\;10^{-3}\;and\;10^{-2};\;dilution\;rate)$. Ginseng radix significantly induced cells apoptosis with a time- and dose-dependent manner. To determine whether Ginseng radix-induced apoptosis is due to increase of tumor necrosis factor $(TNF-{\alpha})$ secretion, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed on HL-60 cells. Unexpectedly, Ginseng radix $(96\;{\pm}\;5\;pg/ml)$ significantly decreased the $TNF-{\alpha}$ secretion compared with control $(174\;{\pm}\;14\;pg/ml)$. Furthermore, Ginseng radix with $rIFN-{\gamma}$ synergistically increased nitric oxide production in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Taken together, our data indicate that Ginseng radix induce apoptosis on HL-60 cells without increase of $TNF-{\alpha}$ secretion and could be used for a supplementary remedy of cancer.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.14-20
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• 2008

In the present study, we examined how the transport of choline is regulated at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) under the central nervous system (CNS) cellular damages by oxidative stress using a conditionally immortalized rat brain capillary endothelial cells (TR-BBB), in vitro the BBB model. It was also tested whether the choline uptake is influenced by membrane potential, extracellular pH, protonophore (FCCP) and amiloride in TR-BBB cells. In result, $[^3H]choline$ uptake was inhibited by FCCP and dependent on extracellular pH. The treatment of TR-BBB cells with 20 ng/mL tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ $(TNF-{\alpha})$, 10 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 100 ${\mu}M$ diethyl maleate (DEM) and 100 ${\mu}M$ glutamate resulted in 3.0-fold, 2.6-fold, 1.8-fold and 2.0-fold increases of $[^3H]choline$ uptake at the respective peak time, respectively. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide and raffinose did not show any significant effects on choline uptake. In addition, choline efflux was significantly inhibited by $TNF-{\alpha}$, LPS and DEM producing cell damage states. In conclusion, the influx and efflux transport system for choline existed in TR-BBB cell line and this process was affected by several oxidative stress inducing agents.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.146-151
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• 2017

Objective: To identify differences in the expression of the genes for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor $(PPAR)-{\gamma}$, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ in granulosa cells (GCs) from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and controls undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Methods: Nine patients with PCOS and six controls were enrolled in this study. On the day of oocyte retrieval, GCs were collected from pooled follicular fluid. Total mRNA was extracted from GCs. Reverse transcription was performed and gene expression levels were quantified by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: There were no significant differences in age, body mass index, and total gonadotropin dose, except for the ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone between the PCOS and control groups. $PPAR-{\gamma}$ and COX-2 mRNA was significantly downregulated in the GCs of PCOS women compared with controls (p= 0.034 and p= 0.018, respectively), but the expression of IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA did not show significant differences. No significant correlation was detected between the expression of these mRNA sequences and clinical characteristics, including the number of retrieved oocytes, oocyte maturity, cleavage, or the good embryo rate. Positive correlations were found among the $PPAR-{\gamma}$, COX-2, IL-6, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA levels. Conclusion: Our data may provide novel clues regarding ovarian GC dysfunction in PCOS, and indirectly provide evidence that the effect of $PPAR-{\gamma}$ agonists in PCOS might result from alterations in the ovarian follicular environment. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these proposals.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.29-34
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• 2014

Objectives : Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease, which is one of chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Orostachys japonicus (OJ) has been used as a traditional medicine for various diseases including gastric cancer, gastric ulcers and intoxication. However, the regulatory effect of OJ on intestinal inflammation has not been fully understood, yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of OJ on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Methods : To ascertain the pharmacological effects of OJ, the colitis mice were induced by drinking water containing 5% DSS for 7 days. Mice were randomized into groups receiving OJ (100 mg/kg), sulfasalazine (150 mg/kg) as a positive control, or water as a negative control. We evaluated the effects of OJ on DSS-induced the clinical signs, measuring weight loss and colon length. In addition, the inhibitory effect of OJ on the tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in colitis tissue. Results : The results indicated that mice treated with DSS showed remarkable clinical signs, including weight loss, and reduced colon length. However, treatment with OJ significantly improved the weight loss and DAI as clinical symptoms. Moreover, OJ reduced the TNF-${\alpha}$ levels in DSS-treated colon tissues. Conclusions : Collectively, the findings of this study provide us with novel insights into the pharmacological actions of OJ as a potential medicine for use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.55-61
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• 2018

Objectives : Artemisia capillaris Thunberg (AC) and Artemisia iwayomogi Kitamura (AI) have been used without distinguishment since ancient times due to similar appearance. In this study, we compared the inhibitory effects of AC and AI on the expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in murine macrophages. Methods : AC and AI were extracted by reflux with distilled water (DW) and 70% ethanol (EtOH). We investigated the inhibitory effects of AC and AI on the expression of nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$($TNF-{\alpha}$) induced by LPS in macrophages. Results : Firstly, yield of the samples was higher in order of Artemisia iwayomogi DW Extract (AID), Artemisia iwayomogi 70% EtOH Extract (AIE), Artemisia capillaris DW Extract (ACD) and Artemisia capillaris 70% EtOH Extract (ACE). All of the samples were not toxic in macrophages. The inhibitory effect of the samples on LPS-induced NO expression was stronger in the order of AIE, ACE, AID and ACD. The inhibitory effect of the samples on LPS-induced inducible iNOS expression was stronger in the order of AIE, ACE and AID. Effect of ACD was same with that of AID. In addition, inhibitory effect of the samples on LPS induced $TNF-{\alpha}$expression wes stronger in the order of AIE, ACE, AID and ACD. Conclusion: These results showed that AI would be more effective than AC and 70% EtOH would be more effective than DW as an extraction solvent in inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.127-133
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• 2017

Background: Ginsenoside Rc (G-Rc) is one of the major protopanaxadiol-type saponins isolated from Panax ginseng, a well-known medicinal herb with many beneficial properties including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, and antidiabetic effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of G-Rc on inflammatory responses in vitro and examined the mechanisms of these effects. Methods: The in vitro inflammation system used lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}/interferon-{\gamma}-treated$ synovial cells, and HEK293 cells transfected with various inducers of inflammation. Results: G-Rc significantly inhibited the expression of macrophage-derived cytokines, such as tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ and $interleukin-1{\beta}$. G-Rc also markedly suppressed the activation of TANK-binding kinase $1/I{\kappa}B$ kinase ${\varepsilon}/interferon$ regulatory factor-3 and p38/ATF-2 signaling in activated RAW264.7 macrophages, human synovial cells, and HEK293 cells. Conclusion: G-Rc exerts its anti-inflammatory actions by suppressing TANK-binding kinase $1/I{\kappa}B$ kinase ${\varepsilon}/interferon$ regulatory factor-3 and p38/ATF-2 signaling.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3909-3919
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• 2013

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of A ferruginea extract on Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) induced tumours in BALB/c mice. Experimental animals received A ferruginea extract (10 mg/kg.b.wt) intraperitoneally for 14 consecutive days after DLA tumor challenge. Treatment with extract significantly increased the life span, total white blood cell (WBC) count and haemoglobin (Hb) content and decreased the level of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (${\gamma}$-GT) and nitric oxide (NO) in DLA bearing ascites tumor models. In addition, administration of extract significantly decreased the tumour volume and body weight in a DLA bearing solid tumor model. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-1 beta (IL-$1{\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and granulocyte monocyte-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), as well as pro-angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were elevated in solid tumour controls, but significantly reduced by A ferruginea administration. On the other hand, the extract stimulated the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) in animals with DLA induced solid tumours. Increase in $CD4^+$ T-cell population suggested strong immunostimulant activity for this extract. GC/MS and LC/MS analysis showed quinone, quinoline, imidazolidine, pyrrolidine, cyclopentenone, thiazole, pyrazole, catechin and coumarin derivatives as major compounds present in the A ferruginea methanolic extract. Thus, the outcome of the present study suggests that A ferruginea extract has immunomodulatory and tumor inhibitory activities and has the potential to be developed as a natural anticancer agent.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2000

Purpose: Renal involvement is the most important prognostic factor of HSP. Therefore, the pathogenesis and prognostic factors in renal involvement have been studied by many researchers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical risk factors and the role of TNF-$\alpha$ in renal involvement of HS purpura. Methods: The subjects of this study were 12 patients of HS purpura, 7 patients of HS nephritis, and 5 age-matched controls. We have analysed the rist factors for renal involvement in clinical symptoms and collected the sera and urines of all subjects in acute and convalescent stage. The concentration of TNF-$\alpha$ in the collected sera and urines were measured by sandwich ELISA and compared with that of age-matched controls. Results: Statistical analysis showed that persistent purpura increased the risk of developing renal involvement (P=0.0018). and serum TNF-$\alpha$ levels in the acute stage of patients with renal involvement($11.45{\pm}7.01$ pg/ml) were significantly higher than those of without renal involvement($6.32{\pm}1.31$pg/m1) and of age-matched controls($5.99{\pm}1.34$pg/m1)(P=0.012, 0.027, respectively). However, urine TNF-$\alpha$ levels have no correlation with renal involvement. On investigation of serum TNF-$\alpha$ levels in acute stage of HS purpura, persistent purpura had a significantly higher increase(P=0.038). Conclusion: Serum concentration of TNF-$\alpha$ is a risk factor and has a predictable value along with clinical risk factors, such as, persistent purpura for renal involvement in HS purpura. Also, the effectiveness of the specific treatment fur antagonizing TNF-$\alpha$ in HS nephritis may need further study.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.31-36
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• 1998

Capsular polysaccharides (CPs) from Streeptococcus pneumoniae were examined for the ability to induce secretory responses in a pure population of peritoneal macrophages. The highly purified CPs were able to affect the macrophage, ie, secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-$\alpha$) and nitrite. As after stimulation with CPs, secretion of TNF-u induced by these CPs reached its maximum within the first few hours of the interaction, while secretion of nitrite was increased with time. In addition, production of TNF-$\alpha$ and nitrite was increased in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of indomethacin, CP-stimulated TNF-$\alpha$ production was not altered. In contrast, LPS with indomethacin stimulated 24.5% more TNF-$\alpha$ than LPS alone, suggesting that the intracellular signaling processes for TNF production are differentially stimulated by CP and LPS. The results demonstrate that CPs are potent inducer of macrophage secretory activities.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.129-133
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Angelicae acutilobae Radix Water Extract (AA) on the production of cytokines in RAW 264.7 cell stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Method : RAW 264.7 cells were cotreated with AA (50 and $100{\mu}g/mL$) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS; $1{\mu}g/mL$) for 24 hours. After 24 hours treatment, using bead-based multiplex cytokine assay, concentrations of various cytokines such as interleukin(IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-${\alpha}$) granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF), and macrophage inflammatory protein(MIP)-$1{\alpha}$ were measured. Result : AA significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of IL-6 and MIP-$1{\alpha}$ from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells at the concentration of $50{\mu}g/mL$. AA significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of TNF-${\alpha}$ from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells at the concentration of $100{\mu}g/mL$. AA significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of G-CSF and GM-CSF in RAW 264.7 cells at the concentrations of 50 and $100{\mu}g/mL$. Conclusion : These results suggest that AA has anti-inflammatory effect related with its inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, G-CSF, GM-CSF, and MIP-$1{\alpha}$ in LPS-induced macrophages.