• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.131-138
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• 2012

Alcoholic hepatitis is a leading cause of liver failure in which the increased production of tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$ (TNF${\alpha}$) plays a critical role in progression of alcoholic liver disease. In the present study, we investigated the effects of cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of type III phosphodiesterase on ethanol-mediated TNF${\alpha}$ production in vitro and $in$ $vivo$, and the effect of cilostazol was compared with that of pentoxifylline, which is currently used in clinical trial. RAW264.7 murine macrophages were pretreated with ethanol in the presence or absence of cilostazol then, stimulated with lipopolysacchride (LPS). Cilostazol significantly suppressed the level of LPS-stimulated TNF${\alpha}$ mRNA and protein with a similar degree to that by pentoxifylline. Cilostazol increased the basal AMP- activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity as well as normalized the decreased AMPK by LPS. AICAR, an AMPK activator and db-cAMP also significantly decreased TNF${\alpha}$ production in RAW264.7 cells, but cilostazol did not affect the levels of intracellular cAMP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The $in$ $vivo$ effect of cilostazol was examined using ethanol binge drinking (6 g/kg) mice model. TNF${\alpha}$ mRNA and protein decreased in liver from ethanol gavaged mice compared to that from control mice. Pretreatment of mice with cilostazol or pentoxifylline further reduced the TNF${\alpha}$ production in liver. These results demonstrated that cilostazol effectively decrease the ethanol-mediated TNF${\alpha}$ production both in murine macrophage and in liver from binge drinking mice and AMPK may be responsible for the inhibition of TNF${\alpha}$ production by cilostazol.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.578-585
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• 2013

최근 식생활의 변화에 따라 당뇨병, 비만 등의 만성대사질환의 발병률이 증가함에 따라 예방과 치료를 위한 물질연구가 많이 진행되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 선행 연구에서 항당뇨 효능이 확인된 Vigna nakashimae (VN) 메탄올 추출물로부터 VN 클로로포름층 분획물과 물층 분획물을 얻어 각 분획물의 항당뇨 효능과 분자적 기전을 살펴보았다. 각각의 VN 분획물을 제 2형 당뇨병질환모델인 db/db 마우스에 경구투여하여 VN 분획물의 혈당 및 지질 대사 변화 등을 측정하였다. VN 클로로포름층 분획물은 공복 혈당과 당화혈색소를 물층 분획물보다 더 효과적으로 감소시켰다. 또한 내당능도 개선하였으며, 혈중 지방산과 중성지방도 감소시켰다. VN 클로로포름층 분획물은 HepG2와 C2C12세포에서 인산화된 AMPK와 AMPK 하위 유전자인 CPT-1의 유전자 발현을 증가시켰다. VN 클로로포름층 분획물은 AMPK의 활성화와 일치하게 HepG2에서 당 생성 효소인 PEPCK와 G-6Pase의 발현을 감소시켰으며, C2C12에서는 당 유입을 증가시켰다. 이상의 결과는 VN 클로로포름층 분획물은 AMPK의 활성화를 통해 공복혈당을 감소시켰으며, 이러한 효과는 물층 분획물보다 더 효과적이었다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.369-375
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• 2010

This study evaluated the protective effects of ginseng leaf extract (GLE) against high fat-diet-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, and explored the potential mechanism underlying these effects in C57BL/6J mice. The mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, high fat diet control (HFD), GLE-treated at 250 mg/kg, and GLE-treated at 500 mg/kg. To induce hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic states, mice were fed a high fat diet for 6 weeks and then administered GLE once daily for 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment, we examined the effects of GLE on plasma glucose, lipid levels, and the expression of genes related to lipogenesis, lipolysis, and gluconeogenesis. Both GLE groups lowered levels of plasma glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and non-esterified fatty acids when compared to those in HFD group. Histological analysis revealed significantly fewer lipid droplets in the livers of GLE-treated mice compared with HFD mice. To elucidate the mechanism, Western blots and RT-PCR were performed using liver tissue. Compared with HFD mice, GLE-treated mice showed higher levels of phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its substrate, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, but no differences in the expression of lipogenic genes such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1a, fatty acid synthase, sterol-CoA desaturase 1 and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase. However, the expression levels of lipolysis and fatty acid uptake genes such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-$\alpha$ and CD36 were increased. In addition, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression was decreased. These results suggest that GLE ameliorates hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and stimulating lipolysis, respectively, via AMPK activation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제49권6호
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• pp.420-428
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• 2016

본 연구에서는 Sprague-Dawley 종 흰 쥐 수컷을 정상 대조군 (C), 알코올 군 (E), 알코올 + 100 mg/kgBW 곤드레 에탄올 추출물군 (E+LCS), 알코올 + 500 mg/kgBW 곤드레 에탄올 추출물군 (E+HCS)으로 나누어 Lieber-DeCarli control diet 혹은 Lieber-DeCarli ethanol diet를 8주간 공급하였으며, 이때 곤드레 에탄올 추출물은 액상 사료에 직접 섞어 공급하였다. 알코올과 곤드레 에탄올 추출물의 식이 공급 종료 후 간 조직의 지방구 축적 정도를 살펴본 결과, E+LCS군과 E+HSC군은 E군에 비해 지방간 발생이 유의적으로 억제되었으며, 정상 대조군인 C군과 유의적인 차이가 없었다. 이와 비슷하게, 곤드레 에탄올 추출물의 공급은 알코올에 의해 증가된 간 조직과 혈청의 중성지방 농도를 유의적으로 낮추었으며, 혈청 AST와 혈청 ALT 활성도 정상 대조군 수준으로 회복시키는 것으로 나타났다. 한편, 곤드레 에탄올 추출물의 공급은 p-AMPK과 p-ACC 단백질 수준을 농도 의존적으로 증가시켰으며, 두 단백질 모두 E군에 비해 E+HSC군에서 유의적으로 높게 나타났다. 또한 FAS mRNA와 SCD1 mRNA 수준은 E군에 비해 E+HSC군에서 유의적으로 낮게 나타났다. 곤드레 에탄올 추출물은 간 조직에서 알코올 공급에 의해 증가된 $NF{\kappa}B$의 활성을 유의적으로 낮추었으며, $NF{\kappa}B$의 표적 단백질인 $TNF{\alpha}$ 단백질 수준을 농도의존적으로 낮추었다. 본 연구 결과를 통해 곤드레는 알코올에 의한 지방간 발생 및 관련된 간 손상을 유의적으로 억제할 수 있음을 확인하였으며 이 과정에서 AMPK 활성 증가와 $NF{\kappa}B$ 활성 억제가 관여함을 제시하였다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권6호
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• pp.790-800
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• 2022

Objective : EID3 (EP300-interacting inhibitor of differentiation) was identified as a novel member of EID family and plays a pivotal role in colorectal cancer development. However, its role in glioma remained elusive. In current study, we identified EID3 as a novel oncogenic molecule in human glioma and is critical for glioma cell survival, proliferation and invasion. Methods : A total of five patients with glioma were recruited in present study and fresh glioma samples were removed from patients. Four weeks old male non-obese diabetic severe combined immune deficiency (NOD/SCID) mice were used as transplant recipient models. The subcutaneous tumor size was calculated and recorded every week with vernier caliper. EID3 and AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1) expression levels were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. Colony formation assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays were performed for cell viability assessment. Trypan blue staining approach was applied for cell death assessment. Cell Apoptosis DNA ELISA Detection Kit was used for apoptosis assessment. Results : EID3 was preferentially expressed in glioma tissues/cells, while undetectable in astrocytes, neuronal cells, or normal brain tissues. EID3 knocking down significantly hindered glioma cell proliferation and invasion, as well as induced reduction of cell viability, apoptosis and cell death. EID3 knocking down also greatly inhibited tumor growth in SCID mice. Knocking down of AMPKα1 could effectively rescue glioma cells from apoptosis and cell death caused by EID3 absence, indicating that AMPKα1 acted as a key downstream regulator of EID3 and mediated suppression effects caused by EID3 knocking down inhibition. These findings were confirmed in glioma cells generated patient-derived xenograft models. AMPKα1 protein levels were affected by MG132 treatment in glioma, which suggested EID3 might down regulate AMPKα1 through protein degradation. Conclusion : Collectively, our study demonstrated that EID3 promoted glioma cell proliferation and survival by inhibiting AMPKα1 expression. Targeting EID3 might represent a promising strategy for treating glioma.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제11권3호
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• pp.180-189
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recent living condition improvements, changes in dietary habits, and reductions in physical activity are contributing to an increase in metabolic syndrome symptoms including diabetes and obesity. Through such societal developments, humankind is continuously exposed to metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and the number of the victims is increasing. This study investigated Cordyceps militaris water extract (CMW)-induced glucose uptake in HepG2 cells and the effect of CMW treatment on glucose metabolism. MATERIALS/METHODS: Colorimetric assay kits were used to determine the glucokinase (GK) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activities, glucose uptake, and glycogen content. Either RT-PCR or western blot analysis was performed for quantitation of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha ($HNF-1{\alpha}$), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3k), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, GK, PDH, and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta ($GSK-3{\beta}$) expression levels. The ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ inhibitory activities of acarbose and CMW were evaluated by absorbance measurement. RESULTS: CMW induced glucose uptake in HepG2 cells by increasing GLUT2 through $HNF-1{\alpha}$ expression stimulation. Glucose in the cells increased the CMW-induced phosphorylation of AMPK. In turn, glycolysis was stimulated, and glyconeogenesis was inhibited. Furthermore, by studying the mechanism of action of PI3k, Akt, and $GSK-3{\beta}$, and measuring glycogen content, the study confirmed that the glucose was stored in the liver as glycogen. Finally, CMW resulted in a higher level of ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ inhibitory activity than that from acarbose. CONCLUSION: CMW induced the uptake of glucose into HepG2 cells, as well, it induced metabolism of the absorbed glucose. It is concluded that CMW is a candidate or potential use in diabetes prevention and treatment.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.112-121
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• 2022

Calorie restriction (CR) and the activation of autophagy extend healthspan by delaying the onset of age-associated diseases in most living organisms. Because protein kinase CK2 (CK2) downregulation induces cellular senescence and nematode aging, we investigated CK2's role in CR and autophagy. This study indicated that CR upregulated CK2's expression, thereby causing SIRT1 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. CK2α overexpression, including antisense inhibitors of miR-186, miR-216b, miR-337-3p, and miR-760, stimulated autophagy initiation and nucleation markers (increase in ATG5, ATG7, LC3BII, beclin-1, and Ulk1, and decrease in SQSTM1/p62). The SIRT1 deacetylase, AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), AMPK, and forkhead homeobox type O (FoxO) 3a were involved in CK2-mediated autophagy. The treatment with the AKT inhibitor triciribine, the AMPK activator AICAR, or the SIRT1 activator resveratrol rescued a reduction in the expression of lgg-1 (the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of LC3B), bec1 (the C. elegans ortholog of beclin-1), and unc-51 (the C. elegans ortholog of Ulk1), mediated by kin-10 (the C. elegans ortholog of CK2β) knockdown in nematodes. Thus, this study indicated that CK2 acted as a positive regulator in CR and autophagy, thereby suggesting that these four miRs' antisense inhibitors can be used as CR mimetics or autophagy inducers.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제21권6호
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• pp.579-589
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• 2017

Anesthetics are used extensively in surgeries and related procedures to prevent pain. However, there is some concern regarding neuronal degeneration and cognitive deficits arising from regular anesthetic exposure. Recent studies have indicated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) are involved in learning and memory processes. Genistein, a plant-derived isoflavone, has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects. The present study was performed to examine the protective effect of genistein against isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Neonatal rats were exposed to isoflurane (0.75%, 6 hours) on postnatal day 7 (P7). Separate groups of rat pups were orally administered genistein at doses of 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg body weight from P3 to P15 and then exposed to isoflurane anesthesia on P7. Neuronal apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay and FluoroJade B staining following isoflurane exposure. Genistein significantly reduced apoptosis in the hippocampus, reduced the expression of proapoptotic factors (Bad, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3), and increased the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. RT-PCR analysis revealed enhanced BDNF and TrkB mRNA levels. Genistein effectively upregulated cAMP levels and phosphorylation of CREB and TrkB, leading to activation of cAMP/CREB-BDNF-TrkB signaling. PI3K/Akt signaling was also significantly activated. Genistein administration improved general behavior and enhanced learning and memory in the rats. These observations suggest that genistein exerts neuroprotective effects by suppressing isoflurane-induced neuronal apoptosis and by activating cAMP/CREB-BDNF-TrkB-PI3/Akt signaling.

• 한국식품영양학회지
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.506-512
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• 2016

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is used in traditional herbal medicine in many Asian countries for the treatment of several diseases such as diabetes, eczema, night blindness, psoriasis, and rheumatism. Especially, most reports concerning the biological activities of bitter melon have focused on its effects on diabetes and hyperglycemia. Also, bitter melon is regarded as a longevity food, suggesting that it has several beneficial effects on anti-aging and the maintenance of a healthy state. Thus, we investigated whether bitter melon could increase the capacity of exercise in this study. Interestingly, bitter melon fruit extract activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is important for regulating glucose homeostasis, mitochondrial content and exercise capacity. In addition, bitter melon extract increased the expression of enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation such as mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1b (CPT1b), and pyruvate dehydrogenase lipoamide kinase isozyme 4 (PDK4). Moreover, exercise tolerance was much more enhanced in bitter melon treated animals compared to the non-treated control group. These results suggest that bitter melon is a promising candidate for the development of functional foods beneficial for physical strength and the enhancement of exercise capacity.

• BMB Reports
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• 제43권12호
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• pp.824-829
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• 2010

Melanin synthesis is regulated by melanocyte specific enzymes and related transcription factors. $\beta$-carboline alkaloids including harmaline and harmalol are widely distributed in the environment including several plant families and alcoholic beverages. Presently, melanin content and tyrosinase activity were increased in melanoma cells by harmaline and harmalol in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Increased protein levels of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), and TRP-2 were also evident. In addition, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses revealed harmaline and harmalol increased cAMP response element binding protein phosphorylation and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression. In addition to studying the signaling that leads to melanogenesis, roles of the p38 MAPK pathways by the harmaline and harmalol were investigated. Harmaline and harmalol induced time-dependent phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Harmaline and harmalol stimulated melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity, as well as expression of tyrosinase and TRP-1 and TRP-2 indicating that these harmaline and harmalol induce melanogenesis through p38 MAPK signaling.