• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.529-535
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• 2016

Atopic dermatitis (AD) results from gene and environment interactions that lead to a range of immunological abnormalities and breakdown of the skin barrier. Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) belongs to a family of G-protein coupled receptors and is expressed in suprabasal layers of the epidermis. PAR2 is activated by both trypsin and a specific agonist peptide, SLIGKV-$NH_2$ and is involved in both epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis and epithelial inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of lobaric acid on inflammation, keratinocyte differentiation, and recovery of the skin barrier in hairless mice. Lobaric acid blocked trypsin-induced and SLIGKV-$NH_2$-induced PAR2 activation resulting in decreased mobilization of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in HaCaT keratinocytes. Lobaric acid reduced expression of interleukin-8 induced by SLIGKV-$NH_2$ and thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC) induced by tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-${\alpha}$) and IFN-${\gamma}$ in HaCaT keratinocytes. Lobaric acid also blocked SLIGKV-$NH_2$-induced activation of ERK, which is a downstream signal of PAR2 in normal human keratinocytes (NHEKs). Treatment with SLIGKV-$NH_2$ downregulated expression of involucrin, a differentiation marker protein in HaCaT keratinocytes, and upregulated expression of involucrin, transglutamase1 and filaggrin in NHEKs. However, lobaric acid antagonized the effect of SLIGKV-$NH_2$ in HaCaT keratinocytes and NHEKs. Topical application of lobaric acid accelerated barrier recovery kinetics in a SKH-1 hairless mouse model. These results suggested that lobaric acid is a PAR2 antagonist and could be a possible therapeutic agent for atopic dermatitis.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.129-135
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• 2011

In this study we determined whether or not 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) has an effect on the pacemaker activities of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from the mouse small intestine. The actions of 5-HT on pacemaker activities were investigated using a whole-cell patch-clamp technique, intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) analysis, and RT-PCR in ICC. Exogenously-treated 5-HT showed tonic inward currents on pacemaker currents in ICC under the voltage-clamp mode in a dose-dependent manner. Based on RT-PCR results, we found the existence of 5-$HT_{2B,\;3,\;4,\;and\;7}$ receptors in ICC. However, SDZ 205557 (a 5-$HT_4$ receptor antagonist), SB 269970 (a 5-$HT_7$ receptor antagonist), 3-tropanylindole - 3 - carboxylate methiodide (3-TCM; a 5-$HT_3$ antagonist) blocked the 5-HT-induced action on pacemaker activity, but not SB 204741 (a 5-$HT_{2B}$ receptor antagonist). Based on $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ analysis, we found that 5-HT increased the intensity of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$. The treatment of PD 98059 or JNK II inhibitor blocked the 5-HT-induced action on pacemaker activity of ICC, but not SB 203580. In summary, these results suggest that 5-HT can modulate pacemaker activity through 5-$HT_{3,\;4,\;and\;7}$ receptors via $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ mobilization and regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.402-407
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• 2023

The regulation of platelet aggregation is crucial for maintaining normal hemostasis, but abnormal or excessive platelet aggregation can contribute to cardiovascular disorders such as stroke, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis. Therefore, identifying substances that can control or suppress platelet aggregation is a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of these conditions. Artemisinin, a compound derived from Artemisia or Scopolia plants, has shown potential in various areas such as anticancer and Alzheimer's disease research. However, the specific role and mechanisms by which artemisinin influences platelet activation and thrombus formation are not yet fully understood. This study investigated the effects of artemisinin on platelet activation and thrombus formation. As a result, cAMP production were increased significantly by artemisinin, as well as phosphorylated VASP and IP₃R which are substrates to cAMP-dependent kinase by artemisinin in a significant manner. The Ca²⁺ normally mobilized from the dense tubular system was inhibited due to IP₃R phosphorylation from artemisinin, and phosphorylated VASP by artemisinin aided in inhibiting platelet activity via αIIb/β3 platelet membrane inactivation and inhibiting fibrinogen binding. Finally, artemisinin inhibited thrombin-induced thrombus formation. Therefore, we suggest that artemisinin has importance with cardiovascular diseases stemming from the abnormal platelets activation and thrombus formation by acting as an effective prophylactic and therapeutic agent.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.548-555
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• 2017

Background: Korean Red Ginseng has been used for several decades to treat many diseases, enhancing both immunity and physical strength. Previous studies have documented the therapeutic effects of ginseng, including its anticancer, antiaging, and anti-inflammatory activities. These activities are mediated by ginsenosides present in the ginseng plant. Ginsenoside Rg3, an effective compound from red ginseng, has been shown to have antiplatelet activity in addition to its anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Platelets are important for both primary hemostasis and the repair of the vessels after injury; however, they also play a crucial role in the development of acute coronary diseases. We prepared ginsenoside Rg3-enriched red ginseng extract (Rg3-RGE) to examine its role in platelet physiology. Methods: To examine the effect of Rg3-RGE on platelet activation in vitro, platelet aggregation, granule secretion, intracellular calcium ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) mobilization, flow cytometry, and immunoblot analysis were carried out using rat platelets. To examine the effect of Rg3-RGE on platelet activation in vivo, a collagen plus epinephrine-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolism mouse model was used. Results: We found that Rg3-RGE significantly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation and $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ mobilization in a dose-dependent manner in addition to reducing ATP release from collagen-stimulated platelets. Furthermore, using immunoblot analysis, we found that Rg3-RGE markedly suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation (i.e., extracellular stimuli-responsive kinase, Jun N-terminal kinase, p38) as well as the PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase)/Akt pathway. Moreover, Rg3-RGE effectively reduced collagen plus epinephrine-induced mortality in mice. Conclusion: These data suggest that ginsenoside Rg3-RGE could be potentially be used as an antiplatelet therapeutic agent against platelet-mediated cardiovascular disorders.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.14 no.1_2
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• pp.33-40
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• 1978

1) The authors studied the effect of increasing age on the contraction and relaxation mechanism in the ureteral smooth muscle of the guinea pig. 2) Two to three week old, three month old, and two to three year old guinea pig ureters were used and the consistent amplitude of contratile responses were induced by using train stimulation. 3) After mounting the specimens in Tyrode's solution containing 2.6mM $Ca^{++}$, the ureter was stimulated, of which amplitude was initial contraction and next continuously superfused with $Ca^{++}$-free Tyrod's solution. When the contractile response stopped by electrical field stimulation, the muscle specimens was superfused with Tyrode's solution 0.25mM $Ca^{++}$ for 15min and stimulated with the same parameters. Thereafter, the contraction of $Ca^{++}$ in the solution was increased step by step up to 2.7mM. 4) The ureters of 2-3 week old guinea pigs needed less $Ca^{++}$ for the recovery of contractile response than those of three month and two to three year old did. In 2.7mM $Ca^{++}$, the ureters of 2-3 week and 3 month old guinea pigs recovered the contractile response of over 90% but those of 2-3 year old recovered the contractility of 77.2%. 5) Isoproterenol inhibited in dose dependent manner from $10^{-7}$ to $10^{-5}\;M$ ureteral contractility of both 2-3 week and 2-3 year old guinea pigs. The inhibition of the old ureter by isoproterenol was significantly less (P<0.025) than that of the younger ureter. However theophylline showed the strong inhibition independent of the function of age. 6) Dibutyryl cyclic AMP showed dose-dependent inhibition of the contraction of ureters of 2-3 week old guinea pigs but there was shown no inhibition in the old ureters. Further, the content of endogenous cyclic AMP in the two week old ureter was higher by 73% than that of 17 month old ureter. Cyclic GMP contents was not much different between two groups. 7) The ureteral smooth muscle of the younger guinea pig had more efficiency than that of the older animals in the mobilization and storage of calcium which concerned itself in the contraction and relaxation mechanism.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2014

Purpose: The aim of present investigation was to find out the influence of several times iatrogenic mobilization in the initial stage of implant installation on bone-implant osteointegration. Materials and methods: The experimental implants (3.75 mm in diameter, 8.0 mm in length) were made of commercially pure (Grade IV) titanium, and were treated with RBM ($MegaGen^{(R)}$: Ca-P) on lower 4.0 mm part. Only lower part of implant was inserted to bone and the implants were nonsubmerged. The 130 implants (two in each tibia) were inserted into the monocortical tibias of 33 rabbits which each weighed more than 3.5 kg (Female, New Zealand White). According to the removal torque interval, the groups were divided into 13 groups, group I (1 day), group II (1 day + 2 days), group III (1 day + 2 days + 3 days), group IV (1 day + 2 days + 3 days + 4 days), group V (2 days), group VI (2 days + 4 days), group VII (2 days + 4 days + 6 days), group VIII (2 days + 4 days + 6 days + 8 days), group IX (4 days), group X (4 days + 7 days), group XI (4 days + 7 days + 10 days), group XII (4 days + 7 days + 10 days + 14 days) and control group. In the control group, the removal torque was measured at 8 weeks with a digital torque gauge (Mark-10, USA). In the experimental groups, the removal torque was given once, twice, three times or four times by experiment design before the final removal torque and the value was measured each time. The implants were then screwed back to their original positions. All the experimental groups were given a final healing time of 8 weeks after placement, in which values were compared with the control groups and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th removal torque values in each experimental group. Results: In comparison of the final removal torque tests among experimental groups, the removal torque value of experimental groups except group XII were not statistically different that of control group. And the values of group I and II were significantly higher than the values of group VI, VIII, X, XI, and XII. In addition, the values of group III, IV, and V were significantly higher than group XI and XII. In comparison of the removal torque in the each experimental group, the final removal torque were significantly higher in all groups except group VIII, X, XI, and XII. Conclusion: If sufficient healing time was allowed, a few mobilization of fixture at the very early stage after the implant placement in the rabbits didn't interrupt the final bone to implant osseointegration.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.463-469
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• 2012

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the skin with increased transepidermal water loss. Both an abnormal inflammatory response and a defective skin barrier are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) belongs to a family of G-protein coupled receptors and is activated by both trypsin and a specific agonist peptide, SLIGKV-$NH_2$. PAR2 is expressed in suprabasal layers of the epidermis and regulates inflammatory responses and barrier homeostasis. In this study, we show that nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) inhibits the PAR2-mediated signal pathway and plays a role in skin barrier recovery in atopic dermatitis. Specifically, NDGA reduces the mobilization of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in HaCaT keratinocytes by down-regulating inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-8, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 in HaCaT keratinocytes. Also, NDGA decreases the protein expression of involucrin, a differentiation maker of keratinocyte, in both HaCaT keratinocytes and normal human epidermal keratinocytes. We examined NDGA-recovered skin barrier in atopic dermatitis by using an oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis model in hairless mice. Topical application of NDGA produced an increase in transepidermal water loss recovery and a decrease in serum IgE level, without weight loss. Accordingly, we suggest that NDGA acts as a PAR2 antagonist and may be a possible therapeutic agent for atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.706-713
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• 2023

Background and objective: The ability to inhibit aggregation has been demonstrated with synthetically derived ginsenoside compounds G-Rp (1, 3, and 4) and ginsenosides naturally found in Panax ginseng 20(S)-Rg3, Rg6, F4, and Ro. Among these compounds, Rk3 (G-Rk3) from Panax ginseng needs to be further explored in order to reveal the mechanisms of action during inhibition. Methodology: Our study focused to investigate the action of G-Rk3 on agonist-stimulated human platelet aggregation, inhibition of platelet signaling molecules such as fibrinogen binding with integrin α_IIbβ₃ using flow cytometry, intracellular calcium mobilization, dense granule secretion, and thromboxane B₂ secretion. In addition, we checked the regulation of phosphorylation on PI3K/MAPK pathway, and thrombin-induced clot retraction was also observed in platelets rich plasma. Key Results: G-Rk3 significantly increased amounts of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and led to significant phosphorylation of cAMP-dependent kinase substrates vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP₃R). In the presence of G-Rk3, dense tubular system Ca²⁺ was inhibited, and platelet activity was lowered by inactivating the integrin αIIb/β₃ and reducing the binding of fibrinogen. Furthermore, the effect of G-Rk3 extended to the inhibition of MAPK and PI3K/Akt phosphorylation resulting in the reduced secretion of intracellular granules and reduced production of TXA₂. Lastly, G-Rk3 inhibited platelet aggregation and thrombus formation via fibrin clot. Conclusions and implications: These results suggest that when dealing with cardiovascular diseases brought upon by faulty aggregation among platelets or through the formation of a thrombus, the G-Rk3 compound can play a role as an effective prophylactic or therapeutic agent.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2003.10b
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• pp.110.3-111
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• 2003

In the previous studies, we have reported that NQ30l, a synthetic l,4-naphthoquinone derivative, displayed a potent antithrombotic activity, and that this might be due to antiplatelet effect, which was mediated by inhibition of cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization in activated platelets. In the present study, the effect of NQ301 on arachidonic acid cascade in activated platlets was examined. NQ301 concentration-dependently inhibited washed rabbit platelet aggregation induced by collagen (10 $\mu$g/ml), arachidonic acid (100 $\mu$M) and U46619 (1 $\mu$M), a thromboxane $A_2$receptor agonist, with $IC_50$ values of 0.60$\pm$0.02, 0.79$\pm$0.04 and 0.58$\pm$0.04 $\mu$M, respectively. (omitted)

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.31 no.1 s.57
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• pp.63-74
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• 1995

It has been known that, during hypoxia, the adrenal medulla is activated to release catecholamines (CA) while hypoxia also inhibits high $K^+$ -induced CA secretion in the cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. The present study was attempted to examine the effect of hypoxia on CA secretion evoked by chlinergic stimulation and membrane-depolarization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal glands and also to clarify its mechanism of action. For this purpose, using the isolated rat adrenal glands, the effects of hypoxia on CA release evoked by nicotinic ($N_1$) and muscarinic ($M_1$) receptor agonists, membrane-depolarizing agent, $Ca^{++}$-channel activator, intracellular $Ca^{++}$-releaser and ACh were determined. Experiments were carried out, perfusing Krebs solution pre-equilibrated with a gas mixture of 95% N_2$ and 5% $CO_2$. Hypoxia was maintained for $3{\sim}4$ hours through the experiments. Hypoxia gradually caused a time-dependent seduction in CA secretion evoked by DMPP ($100{\mu}M$), McN-A-343 ($100{\mu}M$), ACh (5.32 mM), Bay-K-8644 ($10{\mu}M$) and high $K^+$ (56 mM) respectively. How-ever, it did not affect CA secretion evoked by cyclopiazonic acid ($10{\mu}M$). Hypoxia itself also did fail to produce any influence on spontaneous secretory response of CA. These experimental results suggest that hypoxia depresses CA release evoked by both cholinergic stimulation and membrane-depolarization from the isolated rat adrenal medulla, and that this inhibitory activity may be due to the result of the direct inhibition of $Ca^{++}$ influx into the chromaffin cells without any effect on the calcium mobilization from the intracellular store.