• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.102-113
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• 2023

This review discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the endometrial estrogen and progesterone receptors regulate local estrogen production, expression of the specific estrogen receptors, progesterone resistance, inflammatory responses and the differentiation and survival of endometriotic cells in endometrial inflammation. The epigenetic aberrations of endometrial stromal cells play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of endometriosis. In particular, differential methylation of the estrogen receptor genes changes in the stromal cells the dominancy of estrogen receptor from ERα into ERβ, and results in the abnormal estrogen responses including inflammation, progesterone resistance and the disturbance of retinoid synthesis. These stromal cells also stimulate local estrogen production in response to PGE2 and the SF-1 mediated induction of steroidogenic enzyme expression, and the increased estradiol then feeds back into the ERβ to repeat the vicious inflammatory cycle through the activation of COX-2. In addition, high levels of ERβ expression may also change the chromatin structure of endometrial mesenchymal stem cells, and together with the repeated menstrual cycles can induce formation of the endometriotic tissue. The cascade of these serial events then leads to cell adhesion, angiogenesis and survival of the differentiation-disregulated stromal cells through the action of inflammatory factors such as ERβ-mediated estrogen, TNF-α and TGF-β1. Therefore, understanding of the dynamic hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and the corresponding signal transduction mechanisms of the related nuclear receptors in endometrium would provide new insights for treating inflammatory diseases such as the endometriosis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.1310-1314
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• 2011

Anti-inflammatory activities of septicine, a natural alkaloid product present in the leaves and stems of Tylophora ovata, were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages, RAW264.7 cells. Treatment with septicine inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ and interleukin-6 production in a concentration-dependant manner. In addition, septicine suppressed the expression of inducible NO synthase. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activities of septicine might be attributed to the inhibition of NO, iNOS and cytokine expression.

• Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.86-93
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• 2007

Chronic inflammation has been known to have a close relationship with several diseases including periodontitis, colitis, hepatitis and arthritis. Recently anti-inflammatory agents have been developed from marine natural resources. In this study, Ecklonia cava (EC) was found to have anti-inflammatory effect. Ethanolic extract of EC belonging to brown algae exhibited an excellent inhibitory effect on the production of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, interleukin-$1{\beta}$, interleukin-6 and prostaglandin $E_2$ by RA W264.7 cells. Furthermore, in reporter gene assay and western blot analysis, EC extract exerted anti-inflammatory effect via inactivation of NF-${\kappa}B$ transcription factor that regulates the expression of these inflammatory mediators in macrophages. In addition, EC extract inhibited the activity of matrix metalloproteinase that play an important role in chronic inflammation. These results suggest that EC extract may provide a pharmaceutical potential in inhibiting chronic inflammation.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 2021

Hemistepta lyrata Bunge (HL) has been used as a folk remedy to treat cancer, inflammation, bleeding, hemorrhoids and fever, and leaves and young shoots have been used as famine food. Nevertheless, the biological activities and underlying mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects remain unclear. In this study, it was undertaken to explore the functions of the aerial part of HL as a suppressor of inflammation by using RAW 264.7 cells. As immune response parameters, the productions of as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cytokines such tumor necrotic factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were evaluated. Although the release of TNF-α remained unchanged in HL-treated RAW 264.7 cells, the productions of NO, PGE2 and IL-6 were significantly increased at concentrations with no cytotoxicity. Furthermore, HL significantly attenuated the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway including decreasing the phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases. Collectively, this study provides evidence that HL inhibits the production of major pro-inflammatory molecules in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells via suppression of ERK and P38 MAPK signaling pathways. These findings suggest that the beneficial therapeutic effects of HL may be attributed partly to its ability to modulate immune functions in macrophages.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.600-610
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• 2017

It was common that the classification of itching was classified into four categories according to the neurophysiological mechanisms of pruritoceptive itching, neuropathic itching, neurogenic itching and psychogenic itching. Recently it was classified by clinical criteria. The neurotransmission pathway of itch is divided into histamine-dependent pathway and histamine-independent pathway. Different receptors and neuropeptides act on each itch mediator. Itch mediators such as histamine, BAM8-22, and chloroquine are transmitted through the histamine-dependent pathway. Cowhage spicule, protease, and TSLP (Thymic stromal lymphopoietin) have been reported to be related to the histamine-independent pathway. These itch mediators, receptors, and neuropeptides are the targets of treatment for itching. Although itching and pain are typical noxious stimuli, and in the past, it was argued that two senses were transmitted through one noxious stimulus receptor. It has recently been shown that itching and pain have an independent neurotransmitter system and both neuronal systems inhibit each other. In addition, the mutual antagonism between itching and pain is explained by various mechanisms. Recently, many new mediators and receptors are being studied. The studies on histamine 4 receptor (H4 receptor) have been actively conducted. And the H4 receptors are expressed in immune cells such as T cells. The therapeutic agent for blocking the H4 receptor can inhibit the inflammatory reaction itself, which is important for the itching and chronicization. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of itching and studying new itch mediators will lead to the development of effective therapies, and this is what I think the itching study will go on.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.15-25
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• 2023

Myriophyllum spicatum L. has been used as an ornamental in ponds and aquariums, and as a folk remedy for inflammation and pus. Nevertheless, the biological activity and underlying mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effects are unclear. This study is aimed at investigating the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Myriophyllum spicatum L. (EMS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Antioxidant activity of EMS was assessed by radical-scavenging effects on ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. As inflammatory response parameters produced by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were quantified to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of EMS. Our results showed that EMS increased FRAP and DPPH radical-scavenging activity. In EMS-treated RAW 264.7 cells, the production of NO, PGE₂, TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly inhibited at the non-cytotoxic concentration. In addition, EMS significantly attenuated LPS-stimulated the toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/myeloid differentiation protein (MyD) 88 signaling pathway, and inhibited nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB). Positive correlations were noted between anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant activity. In conclusion, it was indicated that EMS suppresses the transcription of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby suppressing LPS-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells. This study highlights the potential role of EMS against inflammation and associated diseases.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.18-29
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• 2000

호흡기 바이러스 감염은 모든 연령층의 천식에 상당한 영향을 미치는 데 영아에서 RSV는 천명을 야기하고 대부분 일시적이나 재발성 일수도 있다. 어릴 때 바이러스 감염은 면역체계 형성에 영향를 미쳐 알러지와 천식의 위험을 완하할 수있다고 한다. 또한 소아와 성인 천식에서 RV같은 감기 바이러스는 천식의 급성 증상을 유발한다. 호흡기 바이러스 감염에 대한 면역반응이, 기관지로 부터 바이러스 제거 기능외에 기도수축과 호흡기 증상에 관여한다고 한다. 이러한 변화가 일어나는 기전은 호흡기 바이러스가 proinflammatory 사이토카인과 매개체 생성을 유도하는 능력과 연관성이 있는 것 같고 이들이 상하기도 호흡기 증상 및 기도반응 변화에 관여하는 것으로 생각된다. 호흡기 바이러스 감염에 대한 면역반응을 요약하면 바이러스 감염으로 상피세포, 내피세포, 과립백혈구가 활성화되며, 상피세포는 사이토카인, 키모카인, 매개체들을 분비하여 항 면역 반응를 주도하다. 이와 같은 상피세포와 다른 기관지 세포들의 조기 활성화로 내피 세포에 유착분자 표현을 증가시켜 백혈구 동원 증가 및 혈관 투과성을 증가시켜 부종과 분비물을 증가시킨다. 바이러스 또는 바이러스 유발 사이토카인에 의해 활성화된 과립 백혈구, 대식세포, T세포들도 기도염증 증가, 기도폐쇄를 야기하고 기도반응을 증가시킨다. 세포독성 임파구에 의한 바이러스 감염세포의 분해, TGF-$\beta$ IL-10 같은 사이토카인에 의해 부분적으로 염증억제, 기도 remoldeling에 의한 기도구조의 재생등이 바이러스 감염후 기관지 기능의 지속적 변화를 결정한다. 끝으로 천식환자에서 RV 감염의 병인에 관한 기본적 문제는 RV감염이 정상인에서는 경한 증상을 나타내는 데 천식환자에서는 왜 심한 임상증상을 나타내는지 아직 완전히 밝혀지지 않았다. 항 바이러스에 대한 면역반응이 천식환자에서 손상되었는지 또는 천식환자에서 RV감염에 의한 중증의 임상증상은 어떤 다른 세포가 관여하는지? 이들에 대한 답은 기도염증이 천식에서 어떻게 조절되는지 또한 바이러스 감염에 의한 악화된 증상을 어떻게 치료할 것인가에 대한 방향을 제시해줄 것이다.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.225-235
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• 2018

Phellinus gilvus is a medicinal mushroom used that has been used in folk medicine in Asian countries for centuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-xanthine oxidase, anti-cholinesterase, and anti-inflammatory activities of methanol (ME) and hot water (HW) extracts prepared from fruiting bodies of Ph. gilvus. ME and HW had good anti-xanthine oxidase (XO) activities compared to allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase. ME showed comparable and slightly lower inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), respectively, than galanthamine, a standard AChE and BChE inhibitor. ME also showed a protective effect against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity at 40 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL in PC-12 cells. ME (0.5~2.0 mg/mL) significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Carrageenan-induced hind-paw edema in rats was significantly reduced 2~6 hr after treatment with 50 mg/kg of ME, which was comparable to administration of 5 mg/kg of indomethacin, the positive control. These results demonstrate that ME and HW of Ph. gilvus fruiting bodies possess good anti-xanthine oxidase, anti-cholinesterase, and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.213-219
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• 2019

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease outbreak in the sebaceous glands within the hair follicle. The proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) causes monocytes to stimulate secretion of inflammatory cytokines. A number of studies proposed the inhibitory effects of P. acnes-mediated inflammation by several natural extracts. However, studies on the effect of Eurya persicifolia Gagnep. (E. persicifolia) extracts on the inflammatory responses by P. acnes have not been explored yet. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of E. persicifolia extract in the inflammatory reactions induced by P. acnes. We found that E. persicifolia extract successfully diminished the expression levels of inflammatory mediators such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and iNOS in P. acnes-activated mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. We found that the immunosuppressive effect of E. persicifolia extract in the P. acnes-activated inflammatory signaling is mediated by the regulation of NF-${\kappa}B$ transcriptional activation, which is a key regulator of inflammatory cytokine expression. Our results suggest that E. persicifolia extract held potentials for the treatment of P. acnes by suppressing NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathways.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.118-126
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• 2002

배경: 체외순환에 의해 생성되는 염증매개체는 소아 환자에서 술 후 다기관 기능부전과 연관이 있다. 본 연구에서는 선천성 신장질환 소아환자에서 체외순환에 의한 전염증성 사이토카인과 케모카인의 유전자 발현 특성에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 개심술을 시행한 18명의 소아 환자의 요골 동맥에서 마취유도 후(기준치), 체외순환(0시간), 체외순환 2시간 후 24시간 후, 48시간 후에 혈액을 채취하였다. 모든 환자에서 인터루킨-1알파, 인터루킨-1베타 인터루킨-6, 인터루킨-8, 종양괴사자인자-알파, 인터루킨-15,인터페론 감마의 mRNA의 유전자 발현 정도를 반정량적으로 역전사 중합효소 연쇄반응으로 측정하였다. 6명의 환자에서 인터루킨-6단백치는효소결합면역흡착검사로 측정하였다. 결과: 전신적인 인터루킨-6 mRNA와 비슷한 양상을 보였으나 최고치는 인터루킨-6보다 낮은 값을 보였다. 인터루킨-1알파와 인터루킨-1베타의 mRNA의 발현은 체외순환 2시간 후에 최고치를 나타내었고 체외순환 2시간 후에 최고치를 나타내었고 체외순환 48시간 후에 감소하였다. 종양괴사자인자-알파는 체외 순환 24시간 후에 최고치를 나타내었고 체외순환 48시간 후에 감소하였다. 인터루킨-15 mRNA 발현은 체외순환 전후와 비교하여 유의한 변화가 없었다. 인터페론-감마는 시간이 지남에 따라 감소하였다. 결론: 선천성 심장질환으로 개심술을 시행한 소아환자의 혈청 내 인터루킨-6, 인터루킨-8, 인터루킨-1알파, 인터루킨-베타, 종양괴사자인자-알파의 유전자 발현은 체외 순환 전후로 유의한 변화를 보였다. 인터루킨-15는 유의한 변화가 없었고 인터페론-감마는 반대 양상의 변화를 보였다. 체외순환 후 전염증성 사이토카인과 케모카인의 높은 혈중 농도는 술 후 조직 손상과 연관되리라 생각한다.