• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.70-76
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• 2006

Paeoniae radix has been widely used for its anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and demonstrated to have anticonvulsant, memory enhancing and anxiolytic activities. The present study was performed to examine the protective effect of methanol extract of Paeoniae radix (PR) from Paeoniae Japonica Miyabe et Takeda (Paeoniaceae) on hydrogen peroxide $(H_2O_2)-induced$ neurotoxicity using cultured rat cerebral cortical neuron. $H_2O_2$ produced a concentration-dependent reduction of neuronal viability, PR, over a concentration range of 10 to $100\;{\mu}g/ml$ showed concentration-dependent decrease of the $H_2O_2$$(100\;{\mu}M)-induced$ neuronal cell death, as assessed by a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-di-phenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay and the number of apoptotic nuclei, evidenced by Hoechst 33342 staining. PR $(100\;{\mu}g/ml$ inhibited $100\;{\mu}M$ $H_2O_2-induced$ elevation of the cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ concentration $([Ca^{2+}]_c)$, which was measured by a fluorescent dye, flue-4 AM. PR $(50\;{\mu}g/ml$ inhibited glutamate release into medium induced by $100\;{\mu}M$ $H_2O_2$, which was measured by HPLC, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These results suggest that PR may mitigate the $H_2O_2-induced$ neurotoxiciy by interfering with the increase of $[Ca^{2+}]_c$, and then inhibiting glutamate release and generation of ROS in cultured neurons.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.179-190
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• 1998

Prolactin (PRL) surge in cycling rats at proestrous afternoon has previously been reported as an inducer of apoptotic cell death of luteal cells. This death-inducing action of PRL seeins unusual, because PRL can he categorized as a cell-survival factor, if other known physiological functions of PRL are taken into account. In this study, the apoptotic action of PRL was assessed in cultured cells prepared from rat luteal tissue and underlying molecular /cellular mechanism of PRL-induced luteolysis was analyzed. The latest crop of corpora lutea (CLs) were enucleated from rat ovaries at 18:00 h on the proestrous day before the next ovulation. Donor rats were pretreated with CB154, a dopamine agonist, in order to he exempted from the endogenous PRL surge. The harvested GLs were dispersed and cultured with or without PRL (2$\mu$g /ml) for 24 or 48 h. An addition of PRL to the culture medium changed the parameters indicative of cell death via apoptosis: a decrease in cell viability (MTT) and an increase in chromatin condensation. Most of the DNA breakdown in nuclei induced by PRL occurred in steroidogenic cells which were identified by 3$\beta$-HSD activity staining, and the number of 3$\beta$-HSD-positivecells were significantly decreased. Interestingly, most of the cells with an apoptotic nucleus adhered to one or more intact and seemingly non-steroidogenic cells. Because the expression of Fas has heen shown to be abundant in murine ovary, and Fas is known to have an exact physiological role in occurrence of apoptotic cell death, the membrane form-Fas ligand (rnFasL) was quantified in the cell lysate. An addition of PRL increased expression of mFasL. Moreover, an addition of concanavalin A (ConA), a T-cell specific activator, in place of PRL, enhanced the apoptotic parameters. Cumulatively, the apoptotic PRL action was addressed to cells unknown than steroidogenic lute~ cells. The most prohable candidate for the direct target cells is Tcells in the luteal tissue that can express mFasL in response to PRL.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.127-133
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Non-small cell lung cancer is mostly recognized among other types of lung cancer with a poor prognosis by cause of chemotherapeutic resistance and increased metastasis. Luteolin has been found to decrease cell metastasis. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. The objective of this study was to examine the effect (and its mechanism) of luteolin on the migration and invasion of human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Cell viability was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Wound healing and transwell assays were evaluated to assess migration and invasion, respectively. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence were further performed to investigate the role of luteolin and its mechanisms of action. RESULTS: Administration with up to 40 μM luteolin showed no cytotoxic activity on lung cancer A549 cells or non-cancer MRC-5 cells. Additionally, luteolin at 20-40 μM significantly suppressed A549 cells' migration, invasion, and the formation of filopodia in a concentration-dependent manner at 24 h. This is similar with western blot analysis, which revealed diminished the phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (pFAK), phosphorylated non-receptor tyrosine kinase (pSrc), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), cell division control protein 42 (Cdc42), and Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our data indicate that luteolin plays a role in controlling lung cancer cells' migration and invasion via Src/FAK and its downstream Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA pathways. Luteolin might be considered a promising candidate for suppressing invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2 s.62
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• pp.1-12
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• 2005

Objectives: Malignant gliomas are often treated with cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II), CDDP) and radiation but results remain unsatisfactory. Since malignant glioma displays moderate resistance to conventional therapy, a new treatment modality is needed to improve the outcome of patients with these tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the combined use of Jongjihwan(JJH) and cisplatin(CDDP) on cultured malignant glioma cells, A172. Methodss & Results: The combined use of cisplatin and Jeongjihwan had synergistic effects on Al72 cells during 24 hr-incubation, This treatment resulted in a decrease of cell viability, Which was revealed as apoptosis Characterized by activation of caspase-3 protease as well as cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) with change of mitochondria membrane potential transition. The expression of members of the Bcl-2 protein family was modulated during co-treatment with Jeongjihwan and cisplatin. Activation of caspase-3 and mitochondrial alterations were central to co-treatment with Jeongjihwan and cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: We conclude that co-treatment with Jeongjihwan and cisplatin-induced activation of the mitochondrial pathway enables cell death. Also, we suggest the combined theory of JJH and cisplatin could be a useful method for glioblastoma.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.409-416
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• 2018

Vasicinone, a quinazoline alkaloid from Adhatoda vasica Nees. is well known for its bronchodilator activity. However its anti-proliferative activities is yet to be elucidated. Here-in we investigated the anti-proliferative effect of vasicinone and its underlying mechanism against A549 lung carcinoma cells. The A549 cells upon treatment with various doses of vasicinone (10, 30, 50, $70{\mu}M$) for 72 h showed significant decrease in cell viability. Vasicinone treatment also showed DNA fragmentation, LDH leakage, and disruption of mitochondrial potential, and lower wound healing ability in A549 cells. The Annexin V/PI staining showed disrupted plasma membrane integrity and permeability of PI in treated cells. Moreover vasicinone treatment also lead to down regulation of Bcl-2, Fas death receptor and up regulation of PARP, BAD and cytochrome c, suggesting the anti-proliferative nature of vasicinone which mediated apoptosis through both Fas death receptors as well as Bcl-2 regulated signaling. Furthermore, our preliminary studies with vasicinone treatment also showed to lower the ROS levels in A549 cells and have potential free radical scavenging (DPPH, Hydroxyl) activity and ferric reducing power in cell free systems. Thus combining all, vasicinone may be used to develop a new therapeutic agent against oxidative stress induced lung cancer.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.351-356
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• 2009

Many isoquinoline alkaloids including berberine lower dopamine content by reducing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and aggravate L-DOPA-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. In this study, the effects of berberine on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells and on unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned rat models were investigated. Berberine at 10-30 ${\mu}M$ did not affect cell viability in PC12 cells. However, berberine at concentrations higher than $50{\mu}M$ caused cytotoxicity at 24 h. Berberine (10-50 ${\mu}M$) also enhanced 6-OHDA (10-50 ${\mu}M$)-induced cytotoxicity at 24 h compared to 6-OHDA alone with an apoptotic process. In addition, treatment with berberine (5 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) for three weeks showed a dopaminergic cell loss in substantia nigra of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats: 30 mg/kg berberine was more intensive cytotoxic. The levels of dopamine were also decreased by berberine (5 and 30 mg/kg) in the ipsilateral substantia nigra of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. These results suggest that berberine aggravated 6-OHDA-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells and treatment with berberine (5 and 30 mg/kg) in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats also enhanced the degeneration of dopaminergic cell death and the decrease in dopamine levels in substantia nigra. Therefore, the long-term L-DOPA therapeutic patients with isoquinoline compounds including berberine may need to be checked for the adverse symptoms.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.201-206
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• 1999

For the mass production of plug seedlings in cultivar ‘Dejima’ potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) the optimal apical cutting diameter for rooting and rapid multiplication of stem cuttings in hydroponics were determined. In addition, the best planting date was predicted to increase tuber yield of plug seedlings at fall cropping in Cheju-Do, Korea. Days to initial rooting decreased as the cutting diameter was reduced. Plant height, leaf number, root length and root weight per plant were favorable as the cutting diameter was small. The ideal cutting diameter was 1-2 mm in this experiment. In the hydroponic cultures, the Japanese standard (JS) nutrient solution was the most effective for multiplication of stem cuttings. It was able to propagate more than 20 times a month from a single mother plant. Viability of plants, which were derived from plug seedlings using stem cuttings, was excellent when transplanted to the field. The number of tubers and tuber yield in both of the plug seedlings and seed potato planting plots were high when planted on 25 August. The number and yield were reduced when planted on 15 August, 5 September and 15 September. The degree of decrease of tuber yield in the plug seedling planting plot however, was lower than that of seed potatoes when the planting date was late. In the case of small tubers (under 30 g), the number of tubers and tuber yield were evidently increased in the seed potato tuber planting plot; the yield of large tuber (over 80g) in the plug seedling planting plot was higher than that of the seed potato. The total tuber yield per plant in the plug seedling planting plot was less than that of the seed potato; therefore, in order to increase tuber yield it was necessary to increase field plant density.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.117-125
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• 2015

Iron is required for cell viability but is toxic in excess. While the iron-mediated malfunction of testicular cells is well appreciated, the underlying mechanism(s) of this effect and its relationship with fertility are poorly understood. Ferritin is a ubiquitous intracellular protein that controls iron storage, ferroxidase activity, immune response, and stress response in cells. Ferritin light chain protein (FTL) is the light subunit of the Ferritin. Previously, we had identified the FTL in bovine spermatozoa following capacitation. In present study, to investigate the role of Ferritin in sperm function, mice spermatozoa were incubated with multiple doses (1, 10 and $100{\mu}M$) of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an iron donor. SNP was increased Ferritin levels in a dose-dependent manner. The Ferritin was detected on the acrosome in spermatozoa by immunocytochemistry. Short-term exposure of spermatozoa to SNP increased tyrosine phosphorylation and the acrosome reaction (AR). Finally, SNP affected a significant decrease in the rate of fertilization as well as blastocyst formation during early embryonic development. On the basis of these results, we propose that the effects of Ferritin on the AR may reduce overall sperm function leads to poor fertility in males and compromised embryonic development.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.391-397
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• 2010

E2F transcription factors and their target genes have been known to play an important role in cell growth control. We found that curcumin, a polyphenolic phytochemical isolated from the plant Curcuma longa, markedly suppressed E2F4 expression in HCT116 colon cancer cells. Hydrogen peroxide was also found to decrease E2F4 protein level, indicating the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in curucmin-induced downregulation of E2F4 expression. Involvement of ROS in E2F4 downregulation in response to curcumin was confirmed by the result that pretreatment of cells with N-acetylcystein (NAC) before exposure of curcumin almost completely blocked the reduction of E2F4 expression at the protein as well as mRNA level. Anti-proliferative effect of curcumin was also suppressed by NAC which is consistent to previous reports showing curcumin-superoxide production and induction of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage as well as apoptosis. Expression of several genes, cyclin A, p21, and p27, which has been shown to be regulated in E2F4-dependent manner and involved in the cell cycle progression was also affected by curcumin. Moreover, decreased (cyclin A) and increased (p21 and p27) expression of these E2F4 downstream genes by curcumin was restored by pretreatment of cells with NAC and E2F4 overexpression which is induced by doxycycline. In addition, E2F4 overexpression was observed to partially ameliorate curcumin-induced growth inhibition by cell viability assay. Taken together, we found curcumin-induced ROS down-regulation of E2F4 expression and modulation of E2F4 target genes which finally lead to the apoptotic cell death in HCT116 colon cancer cells, suggesting that E2F4 appears to be a novel determinant of curcumin-induced cytotoxicity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1465-1470
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• 2014

Inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (Id1) plays an important role in genesis and metastatic progression of prostate cancer. We previously reported that down regulation of Id1 by small interfering RNA could inhibit the proliferation of PC3 cells and growth of its xenografted tumors. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, has shown anti-cancer properties via modulation of a number of different molecular regulators. Here we investigated whether Id1 might be involved in the anti-cancer effects of curcumin in vivo and in vitro. We firstly confirmed that curcumin inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent fashion, and induced apoptosis in PC3 cells, associated with significant decrease in the mRNA and protein expression of Id1. Similar effects of curcumin were observed in tumors of the PC3 xenografted mouse model with introperitoneal injection of curcumin once a day for one month. Tumor growth in mice was obviously suppressed by curcumin during the period of 24 to 30 days. Both mRNA and protein levels of Id1 were significantly down-regulated in xenografted tumors. Our findings point to a novel molecular pathway for curcumin anti-cancer effects. Curcumin may be used as an Id1 inhibitor to modulate Id1 expression.