• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.55-62
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• 2013

Swiprosin-1 exhibits the highest expression in $CD8^+$ T cells and immature B cells and has been proposed to play a role in lymphocyte biology through actin remodeling. However, regulation of swiprosin-1 gene expression is poorly understood. Here we report that swiprosin-1 is up-regulated in T cells by PKC pathway. Targeted inhibition of the specific protein kinase C (PKC) isotypes by siRNA revealed that $PKC-{\theta}$ is involved in the expression of swiprosin-1 in the human T cells. In contrast, down-regulation of swiprosin-1 by A23187 or ionomycin suggests that calcium-signaling plays a negative role. Interestingly, swiprosin-1 expression is only reduced by treatment with $NF-{\kappa}B$ inhibitors but not by NF-AT inhibitor, suggesting that the $NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway is critical for regulation of swiprosin-1 expression. Collectively, these results suggest that swiprosin-1 is a $PKC-{\theta}$-inducible gene and that it may modulate the late phase of T cell activation after antigen challenge.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.457-462
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• 2012

The stem-bark of Kalopanax pictus (KP, family Araliaceae), of which main constituent is kalopanaxsaponin B, has been used for asthma, rhinitis, and arthritis in Chinese traditional medicine. To clarify anticolitic effect of KP, we examined anti-inflammatory effect of KP extract and kalopanaxsaponin B in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophage and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitic mice. Of KP extracts, KP BuOH-soluble fraction most potently inhibited LPS-induced IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ expression, as well as NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. However, KP BuOH fraction increased IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. KP BuOH fraction also inhibited colon shortening and myeloperoxidase activity in TNBS-induced colitic mice. KP BuOH fraction also potently inhibited the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and TNF-${\alpha}$ as well as the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$. Kalopanaxsaponin B, a main constituent of KP, inhibited TNBS-induced colonic inflammation, including colon shortening, and TNBS-increased myeloperoxidase activity pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation in mice. Based on these findings, KP, particularly its main constituent, kalopanaxsaponin B, may ameliorate colitis by inhibiting NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.469-476
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• 2014

The aims of this study were to explore the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-naïve and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and to examine whether these effects affect the regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) production, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ($PPAR{\gamma}$) activation. Trans-10, cis-12(t10c12)-CLA increased the production of ROS, as well as TNF-${\alpha}$ in LPS-naïve RAW 264.7 cells. The CLA-induced TNF-${\alpha}$ production was suppressed by treatment of diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), a NADPH oxidase inhibitor. In addition, CLA enhanced the activities of NF-${\kappa}B$ and $PPAR{\gamma}$ in LPS-naïve RAW 264.7 cells, and this effect was abolished with DPI treatment. LPS treatment increased ROS production, whereas CLA reduced LPS-induced ROS production. LPS increased both TNF-${\alpha}$ production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activity, whereas t10c12-CLA reduced TNF-${\alpha}$ production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. DPI treatment suppressed LPS-induced ROS production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activity. Moreover, DPI enhanced the inhibitory effects of t10c12-CLA on TNF-${\alpha}$ production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. However, neither t10c12-CLA nor DPI affected $PPAR{\gamma}$ activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, these data indicate that t10c12-CLA induces TNF-${\alpha}$ production by increasing ROS production in LPS-naïve RAW 264.7 cells, which is mediated by the enhancement of NF-${\kappa}B$ activity via $PPAR{\gamma}$ activation. By contrast, t10c12-CLA suppresses TNF-${\alpha}$ production by inhibiting ROS production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation via a $PPAR{\gamma}$-independent pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These results suggest that t10c12-CLA can modulate TNF-${\alpha}$ production and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation through formation of ROS in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.143-151
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• 2004

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are capable of degrading extracellular matrix, a process that is necessary for angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis. Platelet-activating factor (PAP) increases angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis through nuclear factor (NF)-$\kappa$B activation. Based on these facts, the involvement of MMPs in PAF-induced pulmonary metastasis was investigated in murine sarcoma cells, MMSV-BALB/3T3. Messenger RNA expression and enzymatic activity of MMP-9 were assessed by RT-PCR and zymography, and cell migration and metastasis were done for the detection of MMP-9 functional activity. PAP induced mRNA expression and enzymatic activity of MMP-9, and its effects were either inhibited by the PAP antagonist, WEB 2170 or by the NF-$\kappa$B inhibitor, parthenolide, or p65 antisense oligonucleotide in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, PAF induced promoter activity of MMP-9, which was inhibited by WEB 2170, phenanthroline, NAC, PDTC. These results indicate that PAF induces mRNA expression and enzymatic activity of MMP-9 in NF-$\kappa$B dependent manner. Cell migration assay showed that PAF induced MMSV-BALB/3T3 migration, and its effect was significantly inhibited by treatment with phenanthroline. PAF enhanced pulmonary metastasis of murine sarcoma cells, MMSV-BALB/3T3 was also reduced by phenanthroline. These results suggest that PAF-enhanced cell migration and pulmonary metastasis is mediated through the expression of MMP. In conclusion, It is suggested that PAF enhances pulmonary metastasis by inducing MMP-9 expression via the activation of NF-$\kappa$B.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2014

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is an important pathogen in the development of localized aggressive periodontitis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a virulent factor of periodontal pathogens that contributes to alveolar bone loss and connective tissue degradation in periodontal disease. Our present study was designed to investigate the cytokine expression and signaling pathways regulated by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS (Aa LPS). Cytokine gene expression profiling in RAW 264.7 cells was performed by microarray analyses. The cytokine mRNA and protein levels and related signaling pathways induced by Aa LPS were measured by RT-PCR, ELISA and western blotting. Microarray results showed that Aa LPS strongly induced the expression of NF-${\kappa}B$, NF-${\kappa}B$-related genes, inflammatory cytokines, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in RAW 264.7 cells. NF-${\kappa}B$ inhibitor pretreatment significantly reduced the levels of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ mRNA and protein. In addition, the Aa LPS-induced TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ expression was inhibited by p38/JNK MAP kinase inhibitor pretreatment. These results show that Aa LPS stimulates TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ expression through NF-${\kappa}B$ and p38/JNK activation in RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting the essential role of this pathway in the pathogenesis of localized aggressive periodontitis.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1350-1357
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• 2005

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-$\kappa$B) regulates the expression of multiple cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules that are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. We investigated the anti-asthmatic effects and the mechanism of action of DA-9201, an extract of the black rice, in a mouse model of asthma. Mice immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) were administered with DA-9201 (30, 100 or 300 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (DEXA, 3 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and challenged with aerosolized OVA during the last 3 days. Anti-asthmatic effects were assessed by means of enhanced pauses, level of total lgE and Th2 cytokines in plasma or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the percentage of eosinophils in BALF, and histopathological examination. The expression of NF-$\kappa$B in nuclear and cytoplasmic fraction and its DNA-binding activity in lung tissues were analyzed by means of Western blotting and electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay (EMSA), respectively. DA-9201 significantly reduced airway hyperrespon-siveness (AHR), total lgE level in plasma and BALF, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in BALF, and the percentage of eosinophils in BALF. Tissue inflammation was significantly improved by DA­9201 treatment. In addition, DA-9201 dramatically suppressed the expression of NF-$\kappa$B and its DNA-binding activity. These results suggest that DA-9201 may be useful for the treatment of asthma and its efficacy is related to suppression of NF-$\kappa$B pathway.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.263-268
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• 2015

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) plays a pivotal role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Therefore, this study investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in 5-LO expression on monocytes induced by LPS. Stimulation of THP-1 monocytes with LPS ($0{\sim}3{\mu}g/ml$) increased 5-LO promoter activity and 5-LO protein expression in a concentration-dependent manner. LPS-induced 5-LO expression was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of the Akt pathway, but not by inhibitors of MAPK pathways including the ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK pathways. In line with these results, LPS increased the phosphorylation of Akt, suggesting a role for the Akt pathway in LPS-induced 5-LO expression. In a promoter activity assay conducted to identify transcription factors, both Sp1 and NF-${\kappa}B$ were found to play central roles in 5-LO expression in LPS-treated monocytes. The LPS-enhanced activities of Sp1 and NF-${\kappa}B$ were attenuated by an Akt inhibitor. Moreover, the LPS-enhanced phosphorylation of Akt was significantly attenuated in cells pretreated with an anti-TLR4 antibody. Taken together, 5-LO expression in LPS-stimulated monocytes is regulated at the transcriptional level via TLR4/Akt-mediated activations of Sp1 and NF-${\kappa}B$ pathways in monocytes.

• BMB Reports
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.201-206
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• 2013

Sulforaphane [1-isothiocyanato-4-(methylsulfinyl)-butane] is an isothiocyanate found in some cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli. Sulforaphane has been shown to display anti-cancer properties against various cancer cell lines. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM), plays an important role in cancer cell invasion. In this study, we investigated the effect of sulforaphane on 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion in MCF-7 cells. TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion were decreased by sulforaphane treatment. TPA substantially increased NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 DNA binding activity. Pre-treatment with sulforaphane inhibited TPA-stimulated NF-${\kappa}B$ binding activity, but not AP-1 binding activity. In addition, we found that sulforaphane suppressed NF-${\kappa}B$ activation, by inhibiting phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B $ in TPA-treated MCF-7 cells. In this study, we demonstrated that the inhibition of TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion by sulforaphane was mediated by the suppression of the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway in MCF-7 cells.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.1-18
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• 2009

Objective : Moutan Cortex (the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) is widely used in oriental medicine as a remedy for inflammation. However, as yet there is no clear explanation of how MC(Moutan Cortex) affects the production of inflammatory cytokine. This study was to determine the effects of Essence extracted MC on the mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses. Method : We observed the effect of MC on compound 48/80-induced histamine release of rat peritoneal mast cells and the effect of administering MC on PCA in rat. We measured the amount of inflammatory cytokine production induced by the phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore(A23187) in the human mast cell line (HMC-1) incubated with various concentrations of MC. The TNF-$\alpha$ protein levels were analysised by Western blot. The TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-8 secreted protein levels were measured by the ELISA assay. The TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels were measured by the RT-PCR analysis. NF-$\kappa$B, phospho-I$\kappa$B and MAPKs were exmined by Western blot analysis. The NF-$\kappa$B promoter activity was examined by luciferase assay. Result : 1. Enzyme immunoassay indicated that MC suppressed histamine secretion of rat peritoneal mast cells. 2. In PCA dependent on IgE, MC had anti-allergic effect of the internal surface of rat skin. 3. Western blot indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$ protein levels. 4. ELISA indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 but MC had no significant effect on IL-8 in HMC-1 cells. 5. RT-PCR indicated that MC decreased TNF-$\alpha$, IL-8 but MC had no significant effect on IL-6 in HMC-l cells. 6. Western blot indicated that MC suppressed the induction of MAPKs, NF-$\kappa$B & phospho-I$\kappa$B activity in HMC-1 cells. 7. Luciferase assay indicated that MC suppressed the PMA plus A23187-induced NF-$\kappa$B promoting activityin HMC-1 cells. Conclusion : In this study, we have found that MC is an inhibitor of NF-$\kappa$B, MAPKs & cytokines on the mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.43-51
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• 2017

Background: BIOGF1K, a compound K-rich fraction prepared from the root of Panax ginseng, is widely used for cosmetic purposes in Korea. We investigated the functional mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of BIOGF1K by discovering target enzymes through various molecular studies. Methods: We explored the inhibitory mechanisms of BIOGF1K using lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory responses, reporter gene assays involving overexpression of toll-like receptor adaptor molecules, and immunoblotting analysis. We used the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to measure the antioxidative activity. We cotransfected adaptor molecules, including the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and Toll/interleukin-receptor domain containing adaptor molecule-inducing interferon-${\beta}$ (TRIF), to measure the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). Results: BIOGF1K suppressed lipopolysaccharide-triggered NO release in macrophages as well as DPPH-induced electron-donating activity. It also blocked lipopolysaccharide-induced mRNA levels of interferon-${\beta}$ and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Moreover, BIOGF1K diminished the translocation and activation of IRF3 and NF-${\kappa}B$ (p50 and p65). This extract inhibited the upregulation of NF-${\kappa}B$-linked luciferase activity provoked by phorbal-12-myristate-13 acetate as well as MyD88, TRIF, and inhibitor of ${\kappa}B$ ($I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$) kinase ($IKK{\beta}$), and IRF3-mediated luciferase activity induced by TRIF and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Finally, BIOGF1K downregulated the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway by blocking $IKK{\beta}$ and the IRF3 pathway by inhibiting TBK1, according to reporter gene assays, immunoblotting analysis, and an AKT/$IKK{\beta}$/TBK1 overexpression strategy. Conclusion: Overall, our data suggest that the suppression of $IKK{\beta}$ and TBK1, which mediate transcriptional regulation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and IRF3, respectively, may contribute to the broad-spectrum inhibitory activity of BIOGF1K.