• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.1260-1270
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• 2007

The discovery of drugs on the treatment of mast cell-mediated allergic disease is a very important subject in human heath. The Socheongyoug-tang(SCYT) has been used for centruries as a traditional medicine in Korea and is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, its specific mechanism of action is still unknown. In this report, we investigated the effect of hot water extract from SCYT on RBL-2H3 mast cell-mediated allergic reaction and studied its possible mechanism of action. SCYT inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and serum histamine release in mice. SCYT decreased the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction activated by Anti-lgE antibody-HSA. SCYT dose-dependently reduced histamine release from mice peritoneal mast cells activated by Anti-lgE antibody-HSA. SCYT increased cAMP and decreased compound 48/80-induced intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ levels. Our findings provide evidence that SCYT inhibits mast-derived allergic reactions, and also demonstrate the involvement of cAMP and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in these effects.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.500-506
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• 2004

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of aqueous extract from the healthful decoction utilizing Phellinus linteus (HDPL) on the growth of human lung carcinoma A549 cells. HDPL treatment declined the cell viability of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner and the anti-proliferative effects by HDPL treatment were associated with morphological changes such as membrane shrinking and cell rounding up. HDPL treatment did not affect the distribution of the cell cycle. Western blot analysis and RT-PCT data revealed that the levels of tumor suppressor p53 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 in HDPL-treated A549 cells were remained unchanged. However, HDPL treatment inhibited the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein in a concentration-dependent fashion. Additionally, the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), a main determinant of the telomerase enzymatic activity, was progressively down-regulated by HDPL treatment. Taken together, these findings suggest that HDPL-induced inhibition of human lung cancer cell proliferation is associated with the inhibition of several major growth regulatory gene products, such as COX-2 and hTERT, and HDPL may have therapeutic potential in human lung cancer.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.1309-1314
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• 2003

We examined the effects of Oak Smoke Flavoring (OSF, Holyessing) on the cell proliferation of DU145 and PC3 human prostate carcinoma cell line. OSF treatment resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of the cell viability in both DU145 and PC3 cell lines. The anti-proliferative effects by OSF treatment in DU145 and PC3 cells were associated with morphological changes such as membrane shrinking and cell rounding up. DNA flow cytometric histograms showed that population of S phase of the cell cycle was increased by OSF treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that cyclin B1 and cdc2 proteins were reduced by OSF treatment in DU145 cells, whereas cyclin A was markedly inhibited in PC3 cells. Furthermore, we observed an increase of Cdk inhibitor p16 and p27 protein, and an inhibition of phosphorylation of pRB by OSF treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The present results indicated that OSF-induced inhibition of human prostate carcinoma cell proliferation is associated with the blockage of S phase progression.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.404-409
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• 2006

Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh) has been used as therapeutics for pain and inflammation in Korean folk medicine. The potential effects of cimicifuga racemosa extract on mast cell dependent allergy reaction, however, have not been well elucidated yet. In the present study, we investigated the effect of cimicifuga racemosa extract on the allergy reaction using mast cell dependent in vivo and in vitro models. The oral administration of cimicifuga racemosa extract showed inhibitory potential on the compound 48/80 induced active systemic anaphylactic shock. cimicifuga racemosa extract also significantly inhibited the anti DNP IgE induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction and acetic acid induced vascular permeability. In addition, cimicifuga racemosa extract inhibited the beta hexosaminidase release and TNF alpha and IL 4 mRNA induction by DNP HSA in rat leukemia mast cells, RBL 2H3. but cimicifuga racemosa extract didn't affected to RBL 2H3 cell viability. These results demonstrated that cimicifuga racemosa extract has an anti allergic potential and it may be due to the inhibition of histamine release and cytokine gene expression in the mast cells.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.446-454
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• 2012

In order to evaluate the efficacy of SHT against atopic dermatitis (AD), various immune related cytokines as well as histological comparison were performed in animal models, and the results are described. Clinical skin index of the SHT treated group decreased significantly in weeks 11 and 13, compared to the control group. Also, CD4+ immune cell ratio in the dorsal skin was significantly decreased to 69%, and both epidermal and dermal skin thickness was decreased. Serum IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-${\alpha}$, which are all important markers of inflammation, were decreased to 64%, 44%, 87%, 48%, and 45%, respectively. The expression of histamine, a chemical transmitter increasingly released during the progression of inflammation, was significantly decreased to 47%. The production of IgE immunoglobulin was significantly decreased to 16% compared to the control group. In conclusion, SHT pacifies the activation of T cells, leading to suppression of both Th2 cytokine overexpression and infiltration of immune cells into skin. As a result, relative thinning of both epidermis and dermis were observed. With the results obtained from in vitro studies, the immune modulatory effect of SHT in AD animal models was experimentally demonstrated. This study should provide solid information to construct EBM and for clinical practice.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.403-411
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• 2003

For evaluating the effect of Siegesbeckiae Herba (here after abbreviated as SBH) on rheumatoid arthritis, the experiment was carried out; Incidence of rheumatoid arthritis, IRA(indices of rheumatoid arthritis), immunophenotypes by flow cytometer and histopathological changes in MRL/MpJ-Ipr-Ipr Mice in vivo were studied. The results were obtained as follows: 1. Incidence of RA in MRL/Ipr mice was suppressed to 60% of control by SBH. 2. IRA was significantly reduced for IgG3 and IgM at 20 weeks of age and for IgG2b at 12 and 20 weeks of age in mice by SBH compared with control. 3. Immunophenotypes such as CD4/sup +//CD25/sup +/, CD8/sup +//CD3e/sup +/, CD69/sup +//B220/sup +/, NK/sup +//CD3e/sup +/ were significantly increased by SBH compared with control. 4. In histopathological analysis, SBH suppressed the progression of PMN(polymorphonuciear leukocyte), leukocyte and fibroblast infiltration, and subsynovial soft tissue edema frequently showing in the early stage of the arthritis, and also effectively reduced the degeneration of cartilages and degenerative bone symptoms. These results suggest Siegesbeckiae Herba can be effectively applied to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and it is still necessary to isolate effective compound from Siegesbeckiae Herba in the near future.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.1240-1249
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• 2008

Kamigingansikpung-tang(KGST) has been used for many years as a therapeutic agent for acute stage of cerebrovascular disease and hypertension in oriental medicine. But the effect of KGST on hypertension and vascular system is not well-known. This study was done to investigate the effects of KGST on hypertension. The results were obtained as follow: KGST showed scavenging activity on DPPH free radical. KGST showed the inhibitory effect on ROS and ACE, and the accelerated SOD activity. KGST significantly decreased the blood pressure and pulse in DOCA-salt induced hypertensive rat. KGST significantly decreased the levels of aldosterone in DOCA-salt induced hypertensive rat. KGST significantly decreased the levels of dopamine, epinephrine in DOCA-salt induced hypertensive rat. KGST significantly decreased the levels of potassium(K+) and chloride(Cl-) in DOCA-salt induced hypertensive rat. KGST significantly decreased the levels of uric acid and creatine in DOCA-salt induced hypertensive rat. KGST has an effect on inhibiting cell damage of the heart, liver, kidney, and adrenal gland. results suggest that KGST might be effective in treatment and prevention of hypertension.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.542-547
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• 2008

In order to examine anti-inflammatory effect of Cinnamomi Ramulus (CR) alcohol extract on rheumatoid arthritis, the present study investigated the viability and TNF-${\alpha}$ production in Raw264.7 cells treated with CR and collagen induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice which were orally administered with CR prior to immunization. The results are as follows: CR extract at $20{\mu}g/ml$ inhibited the viability of Raw264.7 by 50%. CR at 15 and $20{\mu}g/ml$ showed a significant decrease in TNF-${\alpha}$ levels from Raw264.7 cells treated with LPS. CR administration decreased arthritic index in DBA/1J mice immunized with bovine collagen type II but it did not reach statistical significance. CR administration significantly decreased spleen weights obtained from mice in 6 weeks after immunization. CR administration significantly decreased serum anti-type II collagen antibody levels compared with control group. CR administration decreased serum IL-6 levels compared with control group but it did not reach statistical significance.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.649-653
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• 2008

The aqueous extract from Asiasari radix (AEAR) was used to investigate the effect of ${\alpha}$-melanocyte stimulating hormone induced melanogenesis in B16F10 mouse melnoma cells. The treatment with AEAR at the 1.0 and 2.0 mg/ml level significantly inhibited the biosynthesis of melanin without changes of cell growth and morphology compared with untreated control. The AEAR-treated cells at the 2.0 mg/ml level were more efficient than commercial arbutin at 0.1 mg/ml. The tyrosinase activity also significantly decreased in AEAR-treated cells at the 1.0 and 2.0 mg/ml level. The Western analyses confirmed the slightly decreased expression of tyrosinase by AEAR treatment. These results indicate that AEAR may contribute to the inhibition of melanin biosynthesis through regulating tyrosinase activity and expression and serve as a new candidate in the design of new skin-whitening or therapeutic agents.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.114-121
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• 2004

We investigated the effects of healthful decoction utilizing Phellinus linteus(HDPL) for suppression in the process of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄4)-induced inflammation(50% CCl₄ : olive oil=1:1, 1 ㎖/KgㆍB.W.) of rat using biochemical, Western, histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Biochemical analysis of serum showed that the level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate Dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and triglyceride were significantly decreased by pretreatment of HDPL, but albumin and nitric oxide were increased. Immunoblot analysis of the liver showed that CCl₄-induced expression of interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) was inhibited by pretreatment of HDPL. More severe histopathological changes of the liver such as Kupffer cell reaction, inflammatory cell infiltration and focal necrosis were demonstrated in the rats challenged with CCl₄ compared with normal. Fewer scores of these changes were observed in the HDPL pretreated rats. Immunohistochemical analysis of the liver showed that while the expression of IL-1β, iNOS, tumor necrosis factor-α, COX(cyclooxygenase)-1 and COX-2 tended to increase, a decline of these immunoreaction of HDPL pre-treated groups were observed in the hepatocytes, especially in the focal necrotic sites. These results suggest that HDPL may act as a therapeutic agent for liver disease through a regulation of inflammation-related proteins.