• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.68-77
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• 2007

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of green tea extract (CUMS6335) on the release of CA evoked by cholinergic stimulation and direct membrane-depolarization in the perfused model of the adrenal gland isolated from the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and to establish the mechanism of action. Furthermore, it was also to test whether there is species difference between animals, and between CUMS6335 and EGCG, one of biologically the most powerful catechin compounds found in green tea. CUMS6335 $(100\;{\mu}g/ml)$, when perfused into an adrenal vein for 60 min, time-dependently inhibited the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32mM), high $K^+$(56 mM), DMPP $(100\;{\mu}M)$, and McN-A-343 $(100\;{\mu}M)$ from the isolated perfused adrenal glands of SHRs. However, CUMS6335 itself did fail to affect basal catecholamine output. Also, in adrenal glands loaded with CUMS6335 $(100\;{\mu}g/ml)$, the CA secretory responses evoked by Bay-K-8644 $(10\;{\mu}M)$ and cyclopiazonic acid $(10\;{\mu}M)$ were also inhibited in a relatively time-dependent fashion. However, in the Presence of EGCG $(8.0\;{\mu}g/ml)$ for 60 min, the CA secretory response evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid were not affected except for last period. Collectively, these results indicate that CUMS6335 inhibits the CA secretion evoked by stimulation of cholinergic (both nicotinic and muscarinic) receptors as well as by direct membrane-depolarization from the perfused adrenal gland of the SHR. It seems that this inhibitory effect of CUMS6335 is exerted by blocking both the calcium influx into the rat adrenal medullary chromaffin cells and the uptake of $Ca^{2+}$ into the cytoplasmic calcium store, which are at least partly relevant to the direct interaction with the nicotinic receptor itself. It seems likely that there is much difference in mode of the CA-releasing action between CUMS6335 and EGCG.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.276-280
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• 1992

Quantutative analysis of catechins by HPLC was studied. When the mobile phase was switched from the conventional(AOAC) Methanol, Acetonitril and Acetic acid solution in $H_2O$ to 0.06% Phosphate solution with Acetonitrile, N,N-Dimethyl formamide, and Ethyl acetate, retention time could be reduced from 45 min to 28 min, especially, we obtained sharper chromatogram of the compounds, either (-)EGCG or (-)ECG, which resulted in minimization of analytical erros. CVs of retention time $(0.32{\sim}3.97%)$ and peak area $(1.61{\sim}7.01%)$ indicated that the data were more reliable. Content of catechins in commerical teas analyzed by the method was $120.3{\sim}153.7\;mg/g$ in green teas which was about 4 times that in black tea.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.410-415
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• 2008

Previously, we identified albumin as an inhibitory factor in serum for cell adhesion of T cells such as human Jurkat T and primary cultured human T cells. In the present study, we found that other hematopoietic cell lines including U-937 human monocytes, THP-1 human monocytes, K-562 promyelocytic leukemia cells, and HL-60 human leukemia cells, also adhere to tissue culture flasks when serum is withdrawn, and albumin exerts an inhibitory effect on cell adhesion by those cells, implying that this inhibition is a common phenomenon in hematopoietic cells. Furthermore, we found that cell adhesion is inhibited by antioxidants such as (-)-epigallocatechin- 3-gallate (EGCG), morin, and a-tocopherol. Our results suggest that albumin may inhibit basal cell adhesion of hematopoietic cells and that the oxidative balance in the plasma may be important for cell adhesion of hematopoietic cells in vivo.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.561-571
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• 2002

The action mechanisms of several chemopreventive agents derived from herbal medicine and edible plants have become attractive issues in cancer research. Tea is the most widely consumed beverage worldwide. Recently, the cancer chemopreventive actions of tea have been intensively investigated. It have been demonstrated that the active principles of tea were attributed to their tea polyphenols. Recently, tremendous progress has been made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cancer chemoprevention by tea and tea polyphenols. The suppression of various tumor biomarkers including growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases, cytokine receptor kinases, P13K, phosphatases, ras, raf, MAPK cascades, NㆍFB, IㆍB kinase, PKA, PKB, PKC, c-jun, c-fos, c-myc, cdks, cyclins, and related transducing proteins by tea polyphenols has been studied in our laboratory and others. The IㆍB kinase (IKK) activity in LPS-activated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells) was found to be inhibited by various tea polyphenols including (-) epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), theaflavin (TF-1), theaflavin-3-gal-late (TF-2) and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF-3). TF-3 inhibited IKK activity in activated macrophages more strongly than did the other tea polyphenols. TF-3 inhibited both IKK1 and IKK2 activity and prevented the degradation of IㆍBㆍand IㆍBㆍin activated macrophage cells. The results suggested that the inhibition of IKK activity by TF-3 and other tea polyphenols could occur by a direct effect on IKKs or on upstream events in the signal transduction pathway. TF-3 and other tea polyphenols blocked phosphorylation of IB from the cytosolic fraction, inhibited NFB activity and inhibited increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase levels in activated macrophage. TF-3 and other tea polyphenols also inhibited strongly the activities of xanthine oxidase, cyclooxygenase, EGF-receptor tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C. These results suggest that TF-3 and other tea polyphenols may exert their cancer chemoprevention through suppressing tumor promotion and inflammation by blocking signal transduction. The mechanisms of this inhibition may be due to the blockade of the mitogenic and differentiating signals through modulating EGFR function, MAPK cascades, NFkB activation as wll as c-myc, c-jun and c-fos expression.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.832-839
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• 2003

Activated macrophages express inducible isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and produce excessive amounts of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E$_2$ (PGE$_2$), which play key roles in the processes of inflammation and carcinogenesis. The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., and the root cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., are important Chinese crude drugs used in many traditional prescriptions. 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-$\beta$-D-glucose (PGG) is a major bioactive constituent of both crude drugs. PGG has been shown to possess potent anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-$\beta$-D-glucose (PGG) isolated from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. on the COX-2 and iNOS activity in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells, COX-1 in HEL cells. To investigate the structure-activity relationships of gallate and gallic acid for the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 activity, we also examined (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallic acid, and gallacetophenone. The results of the present study indicated that PGG, EGCG, and gallacetophenone treatment except gallic acid significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO production in LPS-activated macrophages. All of the four compounds significantly inhibited COX-2 activity in LPS-activated macrophages. Among the four compounds examined, PGG revealed the most potent in both iNOS ($IC_{50}$ = 18 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$) and COX-2 inhibitory activity (PGE$_2$: $IC_{50}$ = 8 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$ and PGD$_2$: $IC_{50}$ = 12 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$), respectively. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and structure-activity relationship by which PGG exerts its inhibitory actions, our results suggest that PGG might be a candidate for developing anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive agents.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.1717-1722
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• 2008

The 70 kDa heat-shock protein (Hsp70) involved in various cellular functions, such as protein folding, translocation and degradation, regulates apoptosis in cancer cells. Recently, it has been reported that the green tea flavonoid (−)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) induces apoptosis in numerous cancer cell lines and could inhibit the anti-apoptotic effect of human Hsp70 ATPase domain (hATPase). In the present study, docking model between EGCG and hATPase was determined using automated docking study. Epi-gallo moiety in EGCG participated in hydrogen bonds with side chain of K71 and T204, and has metal chelating interaction with hATPase. Hydroxyl group of catechin moiety also participated in metal chelating hydrogen bond. Gallate moiety had two hydrogen bondings with side chains of E268 and K271, and hydrophobic interaction with Y15. Based on this docking model, we determined two pharmacophore maps consisted of six or seven features, including three or four hydrogen bonding acceptors, two hydrogen bonding donors, and one lipophilic. We searched a flavonoid database including 23 naturally occurring flavonoids and 10 polyphenolic flavonoids with two maps, and myricetin and GC were hit by map I. Three hydroxyl groups of B-ring in myricetin and gallo moiety of GC formed important hydrogen bonds with hATPase. 7-OH of A-ring in myricetin and OH group of catechin moiety in GC are hydrogen bond donors similar to gallate moiety in EGCG. From these results, it can be proposed that myricetin and GC can be potent inhibitors of hATPase. This study will be helpful to understand the mechanism of inhibition of hATPase by EGCG and give insights to develop potent inhibitors of hATPase.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.784-790
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• 2005

In this study, we evaluate the effects of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on ultraviolet B(UVB)-irradiated living skin equivalents (LSEs). Histologically, UVB irradiation induced thinning of the LSE epidermis, whereas EGCG treatment led to thickening of the epidermis. Moreover, EGCG treatment protected LSEs against damage and breakdown caused by UVB exposure. Immunohistochemically, UVB-exposed LSEs expressed p53, Fas, and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), all of which are associated with apoptosis. However, EGCG treatment reduced the levels of UVB-induced apoptotic markers in the LSEs. In order to determine the signaling pathways induced by UVB, Western blot analysis was performed for both c-Jun $NH_2$-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which are associated with UVB-induced oxidative stress. UVB activated JNK in the epidermis and dermis of the LSEs, and EGCG treatment reduced the UVB-induced phosphorylation of JNK. In addition, p38 MAPK was also found to have increased in the UVB-exposed LSEs. Also, EGCG reduced levels of the phosphorylation of UVB-induced p38 MAPK. In conclusion, pretreatment with EGCG protects against UVB irradiation via the suppression of JNK and p38 MAPK activation. Our results suggest that EGCG may be useful in the prevention of UVB-induced human skin damage, and LSEs may constitute a potential substitute for animal and human studies.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.10
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• pp.1354-1360
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• 2007

Theaflavins (TF) and thearubigins (TR) are constituents of tea pigments which are polyphenols derived from Korean fermentation tea. After TF, TR and [(-) epigallocatechin-3-gallate](EGCG) have been applied to macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and cytokines production were estimated. Cytokines production by enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) determined. NO production was increased by about 1.5-folds at the dose of $80\;{\mu}g/ml$ compared to control and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation when TF, TR and EGCG were applied to a RAW264.7 cell. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor ($TNF-{\alpha}$) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) increased depended on concentrations of TF, TR and EGCG. The production of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ increased highly in TR, TF and EGCG group with LPS. These results suggest that TF, TR and EGCG have immune-enhancement effect through the cytokine production. TF, TR and EGCG inhibited cancer cell viability, the anticancer effect of these polyphenols may explain the anti-tumor promotion action and antioxidant activity of these tea constituents.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.73-82
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• 2018

Cancer preventive activities of green tea and its main constituent, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been extensively studied by scientists all over the world. Since 1983, we have studied the cancer chemopreventive effects of EGCG as well as green tea extract and underlying molecular mechanisms. The first part of this review summarizes groundbreaking topics with EGCG and green tea extract: 1) Delayed cancer onset as revealed by a 10-year prospective cohort study, 2) Prevention of colorectal adenoma recurrence by a double-blind randomized clinical phase II trial, 3) Inhibition of metastasis of B16 melanoma cells to the lungs of mice, 4) Increase in the average value of Young's moduli, i.e., cell stiffness, for human lung cancer cell lines and inhibition of cell motility and 5) Synergistic enhancement of anticancer activity against human cancer cell lines with the combination of EGCG and anticancer compounds. In the second part, we became interested in cancer stem cells (CSCs). 1) Cancer stem cells in mouse skin carcinogenesis by way of introduction, after which we discuss two subjects from our review on human CSCs reported by other investigators gathered from a search of PubMed, 2) Expression of stemness markers of human CSCs compared with their parental cells, and 3) EGCG decreases or increases the expression of mRNA and protein in human CSCs. On this point, EGCG inhibited self-renewal and expression of pluripotency-maintaining transcription factors in human CSCs. Human CSCs are thus a target for cancer prevention and treatment with EGCG and green tea catechins.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.249-255
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• 2013

In this study, the protective effects of EGCG on L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)-induced oxidative cell death in catecholaminergic PC12 cells, the in vitro model of Parkinson's disease, were investigated. Treatment with L-DOPA at concentrations higher than $150{\mu}M$ caused cytotoxicity in PC12 cells, as determined using the 3-(4,5-dimetylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry detection. The apoptotic ratio was similar in cells treated with $100{\mu}M$ EGCG plus $150{\mu}M$ L-DOPA (5.02%) and the control (0.96%) (P > 0.05), and was lower than that of cells treated with L-DOPA only (32.24%, P < 0.05). The generation level of ROS (% of control) in cells treated with EGCG plus L-DOPA was lower than that in cells treated with L-DOPA only (123.90% vs 272.32%, P < 0.05). The optical density in production of TBARS in cells treated with L-DOPA only was higher than that in the control ($0.27{\pm}0.05$ vs $0.08{\pm}0.04$, P < 0.05), and in cells treated with EGCG only ($0.14{\pm}0.02$, P < 0.05), and EGCG plus L-DOPA ($0.13{\pm}0.02$, P < 0.05). The intracellular level of GSH in cells treated with EGCG plus L-DOPA was higher than that in cells treated with L-DOPA only ($233.25{\pm}16.44$ vs $119.23{\pm}10.25$, P < 0.05). These results suggest that EGCG protects against L-DOPA-induced oxidative apoptosis in PC12 cells, and might be a potent neuroprotective agent.