• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2012

Objectives : ROS are involved in a wide spectrum of diseases including chronic inflammation and cancer. S.chinensis Baill, a perennial herb commonly called Chinese lizard's tail or Sam-baek-cho in Korea, is used for the treatment of edema and inflammatory diseases in the Oriental folk medicine. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory effects of the two extracts, water(WE) and ethyl acetate(EAE) from S.chinensis Baill. Methods : Anti-oxidant activity was evaluated using Fe2+ chelating and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. DNA cleavage assay, and western blot and immunostaining for phospho-p65 were performed to evaluate anti-oxidative effect. Anti-inflammatory effect was performed using NO generation assay and western blot in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell. Results : In Fe2+ chelating activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, WE showed more strong scavenging activity for hydroxyl radical than EAE. WE scavenged hydroxyl radical by 12% at 3.2 ${\mu}g/ml$, 21% at 16 ${\mu}g/ml$, 32% at 80 ${\mu}g/ml$, 66% at 400 ${\mu}g/ml$ and 82% at 2000 ${\mu}g/ml$, respectively. In addition, WE showed more strong chelating activity than EAE. WE chelated Fe2+ ion by 1.1% at 3.2 ${\mu}g/ml$, 8.2% at 16 ${\mu}g/ml$, 26.3% at 80 ${\mu}g/ml$, 72% at 400 ${\mu}g/ml$ and 89% at 2000 ${\mu}g/ml$, respectively. Also, WE inhibited oxidative damage via its anti-oxidant activity. In anti-inflammatory effect, EAE inhibited NO production and iNOS expression. In addition EAE suppressed the NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPK signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions : Together, these data indicate that S. chinensis Baill, shows anti-oxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.181-188
• /
• 2009

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effect of methyl gallate of Paeonia suffruticosa(Moutan Cortex Radicis) on inflammatory response in activated macrophages. Methods : RAW264.7 cells were incubated with different concentrations of methyl gallate of Paeonia suffruticosa for 30 min and then stimulated with or without LPS at indicated times. Cell toxicity was determined by MTT assay. The concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6) were measured in culture medium by Griess assay, enzyme-immuno assay, and ELISA, respectively. The expressions of iNOS, COX-2 and cytokine mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The $I{\kappa}-B{\alpha}$ degradation in cytosol and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 translocation into nuclear of the cells were determined by Western blot. Results : Methyl gallate was significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of NO and PGE2 in RAW264.7 cells. Methyl gallate was also suppressed LPS-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and protein in the cells. Methyl gallate was inhibited LPS-induced production of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-6 via suppression of their mRNA expressions. Methyl gallate blocked the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Conclusions : This study suggests that methyl gallate of Paeonia suffruticosa may have an antiinflammatory property through suppressing inflammatory mediator production in activated macrophages.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.65 no.6
• /
• pp.476-486
• /
• 2008

Background: TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand) is a newly identified member of the TNF gene family which appears to have tumor-selective cytotoxicity due to the distinct decoy receptor system. TRAIL has direct access to caspase machinery and induces apoptosis regardless of p53 phenotype. Therefore, TRAIL has a therapeutic potential in lung cancer which frequently harbors p53 mutation in more than 50% of cases. However, it was shown that TRAIL also could activates $NF-{\kappa}B$ in some cell lines which might inhibit TRAIL-induced apoptosis. This study was designed to investigate whether TRAIL can activate $NF-{\kappa}B$ in lung cancer cell lines relatively resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis and inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation using proteasome inhibitor MG132 which blocks $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation can sensitize lung cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Methods: A549 (wt p53) and NCI-H1299 (null p53) lung cancer cells were used and cell viability test was done by MTT assay. Apoptosis was confirmed with Annexin V assay followed by FACS analysis. To study $NF-{\kappa}B$-dependent transcriptional activation, a luciferase reporter gene assay was used after making A549 and NCI-H1299 cells stably transfected with IgG ${\kappa}-NF-{\kappa}B$ luciferase construct. To investigate DNA binding of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activated by TRAIL, electromobility shift assay was used and supershift assay was done using anti-p65 antibody. Western blot was done for the study of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation. Results: A549 and NCI-H1299 cells were relatively resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis showing only 20~30% cell death even at the concentration 100 ng/ml, but MG132 ($3{\mu}M$) pre-treatment 1 hour prior to TRAIL addition greatly increased cell death more than 80%. Luciferase assay showed TRAIL-induced $NF-{\kappa}B$ transcriptional activity in both cell lines. Electromobility shift assay demonstrated DNA binding complex of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activated by TRAIL and supershift with p65 antibody. $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ degradation was proven by western blot. MG132 completely blocked both TRAIL-induced $NF-{\kappa}B$ dependent luciferase activity and DNA binding of $NF-{\kappa}B$. Conclusion: This results suggest that inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ can be a potentially useful strategy to enhance TRAIL-induced tumor cell killing in lung cancer.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.83-92
• /
• 2014

Objective : This study was performed to investigate the antineoplastic effect of Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, Rhus verniciflua Stokes and Trichosanthes kirilowii on SNU-80 anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell line. Method : We examined whether our herbal medicines decreases cell growth rate of SNU-80 using MTT assay. We performed western blot analysis to verify that our herbal medicines induces apoptosis via caspase-dependent mechanism. We also performed wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay to investigate whether our herbal medicines affects the migration and invasion of anaplastic cancer cells, SNU-80. We also carried out ELISA assay to know our herbal medicines suppresses the expression of proinvasive molecules, such as VEGF and MMP-2 secreted from SNU-80. Results : MTT assay demonstrates that Angelica gigas, Rhus verniciflua Stokes, and Trichosanthes kirilowii suppressed strongly the growth of SNU-80. Western blot analysis demonstrates that Trichosanthes kirilowii induces apoptosis activating the cleavages of caspases (caspase-8, caspase-3) and PARP. Wound healing assay demonstrates that Rhus verniciflua Stokes, and Trichosanthes kirilowii inhibited the migration of SNU-80. Transwell invasion assay demonstrates that Rhus verniciflua Stokes, and Trichosanthes kirilowii inhibited the invasion of SNU-80. Elisa assay demonstrates that Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, Rhus verniciflua Stokes, and Trichosanthes kirilowii suppressed the expression of VEGF and MMP-2. Conclusion : We could conclude that several herbal medicines suppresses the growth and inhibits the migration and invasion of SNU-80 which is anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. Especially, Rhus verniciflua Stokes, Trichosanthes kirilowii had stronger anti-cancer effect suggesting that we can apply them to treat anaplastic thyroid cancer.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.29 no.6
• /
• pp.85-93
• /
• 2014

Objectives : We compared with the effects of different parts (root head, root body and hairy root) of Angelica gigas Nakai (Angelicae Gigantis Radix, AG) with on middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)-induced ischemic rats, and on LPS-induced inflammatory response in BV2 microglia. Methods : The 30% ethanol and water extracts of different parts of AG were prepared. Each extract (50 and 100 mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally once in MCAO-induced ischemic rats. We measured infarction volumes by TTC staining, and investigated the expression of iNOS, Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 by Western blot. BV2 cells were treated with each extract for 30 min, and then stimulated with LPS. The levels of NO was measured by Griess assay. The expression of iNOS, Cox-2 and proinflammatory cytokines ($TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, and IL-6) were determined RT-PCR and Western blot. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK was determined by Western blot. Results : Among different parts of AG, the 30% ethanol and water extracts of hairy root significantly decreased infarction volume in ischemic brains and inhibited the expression of iNOS, bax and caspase-3. The extracts of hairy root significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 in BV2 cells, and suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2. The hairy root extracts attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK in BV2 cells. Conclusions : Our results indicate that the root hairy of AG has a good neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in ischemic stroke compared to other parts.

• Research in Plant Disease
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.231-235
• /
• 2012

Indian citrus ring spot virus (ICRSV) is known to cause a serious disease to citrus, especially to Kinnow mandarin, the popular cultivated citrus species in India. In this study, we developed diagnostic systems based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In order to generate antibodies against ICRSV coat protein, we overexpressed the coat protein in Escherichia coli using the pET15b expression vector containing an optimized ICRSV coat protein gene. The recombinant ICRSV coat protein was overexpressed as soluble form at $37^{\circ}C$ upon IPTG induction. The protein was purified to 95% in purity by Ni-NTA column chromatography. The purified protein was immunized to rabbit for the generation of polyclonal antibody (PAb). The PAb showed a specific immunoreaction to recombinant ICRSV coat protein in western blot analysis and ELISA. Diluted rabbit antisera (10,000 fold) could detect less than 10 ng and 5 ng of the target protein in western blot and ELISA analysis, respectively.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.62-70
• /
• 2018

Purpose: Bone marrow has long been a source of primary cells. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of age and sex on the cellular viability and expression of stem cell markers of mRNA and on the protein expression of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) derived from healthy donors. Materials and Methods: Stem cells were isolated from human bone marrow and plated in culture plates. The shape of the BMSCs was observed under inverted microscope. Quantitative cellular viability was evaluated using a Cell-Counting Kit-8 assay. The expression of stem cell surface markers was tested and a series of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression in each group. Result: The shapes of the cells at 20s, 30s, and 50s were similar to each other. No significant changes in cellular viability were noted among different age groups or sex groups. The BMSCs expressed CD44, CD73, and CD90 surface markers but did not express CD14 and CD34. There were no noticeable differences in CD surface markers among the different age groups. The expressions of CD surface markers were similar between men and women. No significant differences in the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) were noted at Day 3 between different age groups. qRT-PCR regarding the expression showed differences between the age groups. However, Western blot analysis showed a decrease in expression but did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study clearly showed no significant differences in shape, cell viability, expression of stem cell surface markers, or secretion of human VEGF among different age groups. However, western blot analysis showed a tendency of age-related decrease which did not reach statistical significance. Collectively, autologous or allogeneic BMSCs should be meticulously applied to obtain optimal results regarding age and sex.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.50 no.5
• /
• pp.549-556
• /
• 2001

Background : IGF-I is an important mitogen in many types of malignancies. Tumors also express many IGF binding proteins, which modulate IGF action. The propose of this study was to evaluate the effect of IGF-I and IGFBP on cell proliferation in mouse lung cancer cells (3LL). Methods : The cellular proliferation of 3LL with the treatment of growth factors was evaluated using MTT assay. Western ligand blot was performed in order to determine whether 3LL cells secrete IGFBPs and we evaluated the effect of IGFBP on cellular proliferation. Results : The treatment of 3LL cells with IGF-I increased cellular proliferation in a serum free media. Western ligand blot of conditioned medium of 3LL with $^{125}I$-IGF-I demonstrated one single major band with an estimated molecular mass of 24 kDa. This band was identified as IGFBP-4 with immunoblot analysis using antisera. The addition of anti-IGFBP-4 antibody to abrogate the effect of IGFBP-4 resulted in increased cellular proliferation suggesting that IGFBP-4 inhibits cell growth. Conclusion : IGF-I increases cellular proliferation, however the secreted IGFBP-4 has an inhibitory function on cell growth in 3LL. These findings suggest that IGF-I and IGFBP are involved in the cell proliferation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.53 no.3
• /
• pp.275-284
• /
• 2002

Background : Gemcitabine is a new anti-cancer agent for treating non-small cell lung cancer. Functioning as an antimetabolite, it induces anti-cancer effects by suppressing DNA synthesis after being incorporated into the DNA as a cytosine arabinoside analogue. When Gemcitabine is incorporated into the DNA, the p53 gene may be activated by induction of the DNA defect. However, there are a few studies on the molecular mechanisms of Gemcitabine-induced cell death. This study examined the role of p53 in Gemcitabine-induced cell death. Methods : A549 and NCl-H358 lung cancer cells were used in this study. The cell viability test was done using a MTT assay at Gemcitabine concentrations of 10nM, 100nM, 1uM, 10uM and 100uM. A FACScan analysis with propium iodide staining was used for the cell cycle analysis. Western blot analysis was done to investigate the extent of p53 activation. For the functional knock-out of p53, stable A549-E6 cells and H358-E6 cells were transfected pLXSN-16E6SD which is over expresses the human papilloma virus E6 protein that constantly degrades p53 protein. The functional knock out of p53 was confirmed by Western blot analysis after treatment with a DNA damaging agent, doxorubicine. Results : Gemcitabine exhibited cell toxicity in dose-dependent fashion. The cell cycle analysis resulted in an S phase arrest. Western blot analysis significant p53 activation in time-dependent manner. Gemcitabine-induced cytotoxicity was reduced by 20-30% in the A549-E6 cells and the 30-40% in H358-E6 cells when compared with the A549-neo and H358-neo control cells. Conclusion : Gemcitabine induces an S phase arrest, as expected for the anti-metabolite, and activates the p53 gene, Furthermore, p53 might play an important role in Gemcitabine-induced cell death. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms on how Gemcitabine activates the p53 gene and its signaling pathway are recommended.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.269-275
• /
• 1998

Anti-Neospora caninum antibody was detected in anti-Toxoplasma gondii positive and negative human sera by ELISA, western blot and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Twelve cases out of 172 (6.7％) Toxoplasma-positive sera cross-reacted with both T. gondii and N. caninum antigens, and one out of 110 Toxoplasma-negative sera reacted with N. caninum antigen by ELISA. By western blot, all 12 sera reacted with T. gondii antigens with various banding patterns but specifically at 30 kDa (SAG 1), and 22 kDa （SAG2) bands. With N. caninum antigen, the number of reactive bands was reduced, however a 43 kDa band reacted in three cases in Toxoplasma-positive sera in addition to one in Toxoplasma-negative control sera. All sera of the Toxoplasma-positive group labeled surface membrane of T. gondii, but reacted differently with N. caninum. Fluorescence was detected in surface membrane, subcellular organelles, or both in N. caninum. And one case in the Toxoplasma-negative group also reacted with N. caninum strongly in subcellular organelles. This suggested that the antibody against N. caninum may be present in human sera although the positive rate was very low in this study. The possibility of human infection with N. caninum remains to be evaluated further.