• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.188-202
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Brain aging is a major risk factor for severe neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, L-histidine and L-carnosine are known to exhibit neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to examine the potential for L-histidine, L-carnosine, and their combination to mediate anti-brain aging effects in neuronal cells subjected to D-galactose-induced aging. MATERIALS/METHODS: The neuroprotective potential of L-histidine, L-carnosine, and their combination was examined in a retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiated SH-SY5Y cell line exposed to D-galactose (200 mM) for 48 h. Neuronal cell proliferation, differentiation, and expression of anti-oxidant enzymes and apoptosis markers were subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: Treatment with L-histidine (1 mM), L-carnosine (10 mM), or both for 48 h efficiently improved the proliferation, neurogenesis, and senescence of D-galactose-treated SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, protein expression levels of both neuronal markers (β tubulin-III and neurofilament heavy protein) and anti-oxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase-1 and superoxide dismutase-1 were up-regulated. Conversely, protein expression levels of amyloid β (1-42) and cleaved caspase-3 were down-regulated. Levels of mRNA for the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α were also down-regulated. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence that L-histidine, L-carnosine, and their combination mediate anti-aging effects in a neuronal cell line subjected to D-galactose-induced aging. These results suggest the potential benefits of L-histidine and L-carnosine as anti-brain aging agents and they support further research of these amino acid molecules.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.58-68
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• 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of treadmill exercise treadmill exercise (TE) and environmental enrichment (EE) interventions on cognitive function, muscle function, and the expression of tight junction proteins in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) animal model. To create the AD animal model, aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) was administered for 90 days (40mg/kg/day), while simultaneously exposing the animals to TE (10-12m/min, 40-60min/day) or EE. The results showed that cognitive impairment and muscle dysfunction induced by AlCl₃ administration were alleviated by TE and EE. Furthermore, TE and EE reduced the increased expression of β-amyloid(Aβ), alpha-synuclein, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) proteins observed in AD pathology. Additionally, TE and EE significantly increased the expression of decreased adhesive adjacent proteins (Occludin, Claudin-5, and ZO-1) induced by AlCl₃ administration. Lastly, correlation analysis between Aβ protein and tight junction proteins showed negative correlations (Occludin: r=-0.853, p=0.001; Claudin-5: r=-0.352, p=0.915; ZO-1: r=-0.424, p=0.0390). In conclusion, TE or EE interventions are considered effective exercise methods that partially alleviate pathological features of AD, improving cognitive and muscle function.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.59-67
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• 2024

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) has memory impairment associated with aggregation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Although anti-amyloid β (Aβ) protein antibody and chemical drugs can be prescribed in the clinic, they show adverse effects or low effectiveness. Therefore, the development of a new drug is necessarily needed. We focused on the cognitive function of Panax ginseng and tried to find active ingredient(s). We isolated panaxcerol D, a kind of glycosyl glyceride, from the non-saponin fraction of P. ginseng extract. Methods: We explored effects of acute or sub-chronic administration of panaxcerol D on cognitive function in scopolamine- or Aβ_25-35 peptide-treated mice measured by several behavioral tests. After behavioral tests, we tried to unveil the underlying mechanism of panaxcerol D on its cognitive function by Western blotting. Results: We found that pananxcerol D reversed short-term, long-term and object recognition memory impairments. The decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) or Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in scopolamine-treated mice was normalized by acute administration of panaxcerol D. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), caspase 3, NF-kB p65, synaptophysin and brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression levels in Aβ_25-35 peptide-treated mice were modulated by sub-chronic administration of panaxcerol D. Conclusion: Pananxcerol D could improve memory impairments caused by cholinergic blockade or Aβ accumulation through increased phosphorylation level of ERK or its anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, panaxcerol D as one of non-saponin compounds could be used as an active ingredient of P. ginseng for improving cognitive function.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.39 no.7
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• pp.543-549
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• 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in many neurodegenerative diseases. The present study focused on the role of hsa-miR-144-3p in one of the neuro-degenerative diseases, Parkinson's disease (PD). Our study showed a remarkable down-regulation of miR-144-3p expression in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated SH-SY5Y cells. MiR-144-3p was then overexpressed and silenced in human SH-SY5Y cells by miRNA-mimics and miRNA-inhibitor transfections, respectively. Furthermore, ${\beta}$-amyloid precursor protein (APP) was identified as a target gene of miR-144-3p via a luciferase reporter assay. We found that miR-144-3p overexpression significantly inhibited the protein expression of APP. Since mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to be one of the major pathological events in PD, we also focused on the role of miR-144-3p and APP in regulating mitochondrial functions. Our study demonstrated that up-regulation of miR-144-3p increased expression of the key genes involved in maintaining mitochondrial function, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$ coactivator-$1{\alpha}$(PGC-$1{\alpha}$), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Moreover, there was also a significant increase in cellular ATP, cell viability and the relative copy number of mtDNA in the presence of miR-144-3p overexpression. In contrast, miR-144-3p silencing showed opposite effects. We also found that APP overexpression significantly decreased ATP level, cell viability, the relative copy number of mtDNA and the expression of these three genes, which reversed the effects of miR-144-3p overexpression. Taken together, these results show that miR-144-3p plays an important role in maintaining mitochondrial function, and its target gene APP is also involved in this process.

• BMB Reports
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• v.50 no.12
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• pp.634-639
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• 2017

We aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of KHG26792, a novel azetidine derivative, in amyloid ${\beta}$ ($A{\beta}$)-treated primary microglial cells. KHG26792 attenuated the $A{\beta}-induced$ production of inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, $IL-1{\beta}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and nitric oxide. The levels of protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, ROS, and NADHP oxidase enhanced by $A{\beta}$ were also downregulated by KHG26792 treatment. The effects of KHG26792 against the $A{\beta}-induced$ increases in inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative stress were achieved by increasing the phosphorylation of $Akt/GSK-3{\beta}$ signaling and by decreasing the $A{\beta}-induced$ translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$. Our results provide novel insights into the use of KHG26792 as a potential agent against $A{\beta}$ toxicity, including its role in the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, further investigations of cellular signaling are required to clarify the in vivo effects of KHG26792 against $A{\beta}-induced$ toxicity.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.593-605
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease is common age-related neurodegenerative condition characterized by amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation that leads cognitive impairment. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of paeoniflorin (PF) against Aβ-induced neuroinflammation and the underlying mechanism in C6 glial cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: C6 glial cells were treated with PF and Aβ_25-35, and cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) production, and pro-inflammatory cytokine release were measured. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the effect of PF on inflammatory responses and Aβ degradation was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Aβ_25-35 significantly reduced cell viability, but this reduction was prevented by the pretreatment with PF. In addition, PF significantly inhibited Aβ_25-35-induced NO production in C6 glial cells. The secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha was also significantly reduced by PF. Further mechanistic studies indicated that PF suppressed the production of these pro-inflammatory cytokines by regulating the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. The protein levels of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 were downregulated and phosphorylation of NF-κB was blocked by PF. However, PF elevated the protein expression of inhibitor kappa B-alpha and those of Aβ degrading enzymes, insulin degrading enzyme and neprilysin. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that PF exerts protective effects against Aβ-mediated neuroinflammation by inhibiting NF-κB signaling, and these effects were associated with the enhanced activity of Aβ degradation enzymes.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.263-273
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• 2020

In this study, in order to confirm the ameliorative effects of onion (Allium cepa L.) flesh and peel on amyloidbeta (Aβ)-induced cognitive dysfunction, we evaluated their in vitro neuroprotection and in vivo cognitive functions. As the result of in vitro neuroprotection, the protective effect of the ethyl acetate fraction of onion flesh (EOF) on Aβ-induced cytotoxicity was similar to that of the ethyl acetate fraction of onion peel (EOP). In the behavioral tests, the EOF and EOP effectively improved the Aβ-induced learning and memory impairments. For this reason, it could be concluded that the EOF and EOP improved the antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, oxidized glutathione/total glutathione, and malondialdehyde) in brain tissue. In addition, the EOF and EOP effectively activated mitochondrial functions by protecting the mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP, mitochondria-mediated protein (BAX and cytochrome c), and caspase 3/7 activities. The EOF and EOP also improved the cholinergic system (acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholine). Therefore, we suggest that onion could be used for management of Aβ-induced cognitive dysfunction.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.418-428
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• 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance exercise(RE) on beta-amyloid(Aβ) metabolism, neuronal cell death, and cognitive function in the transgenic mice model of Alzheimer's disease(AD). Fourteen transgenic(tg) mice and fourteen non-transgenic(non-tg) mice were divided into four groups: (1)non-tg-control(NTC, n=7) (2)non-tg-RE(NTRE, n=7) (3)tg-control(TC, n=7), and (4)tg-RE(TRE, n=7). The groups with RE were performed to progressive RE on ladder equipment for 8 weeks. The groups with RE were performed to progressive RE on ladder equipment for 8 weeks. After then, the cognitive function was measured by using the water maze test, and Aβ metabolism-related proteins, neuronal cell death, and SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway were also measured. Here, we found escape latency and time were significantly increased in the TC compared to the NTC group, but it was significantly reduced in the TRE group, indicating RE may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction. Next, we found an increased in Aβ protein of TC compared to NTC, but it was significantly reduced in the TRE group following RE. In neuronal cell death, Bcl-2 was also significantly decreased and Bax was significantly increased in the TC compared to the NTC group, but RE can increase Bcl-2 and reduce Bax, which may elevate the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. We further found a decrease in the level of ADAM10 and RARβ protein was significantly increased whereas increased in ROCK1 and BACE1 expression level was significantly reduced following RE in the TRE compared to the TC group. In addition, the level of SIRT1/PGC-1α proteins was decreased in the TC group compared to NTC group, but, these markers were significantly increased in the TRE group following RE. Therefore, our finding indicated that RE may ameliorate cognitive deficits by reducing Aβ protein and neuronal cell death via regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α, amyloidogenic pathway, and non-amyloidogenic pathway, which may play a role in an effective strategy for AD.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.145-159
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• 2012

Objectives : This research investigates the effect of the JCT extract regarding Alzheimer's disease. Methods : The effects of the JCT extract on IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, COX-2, NOS-II mRNA, APP mRNA, BACE mRNA, Nitric oxide(NO), and ${\beta}A$ protein production in the BV2 microglia cell lines treated with LPS and ${\beta}A$ were investigated. Results : 1. The JCT extract suppressed the expression of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, COX-2, and NOS-II mRNA in BV2 microglial cell line treated with LPS and ${\beta}A$. 2. The JCT extract suppressed the expression of BACE and APP mRNA in BV2 microglial cell line treated with LPS and ${\beta}A$. 3. The JCT extract suppressed the expression of Nitric oxide(NO) in BV2 microglial cell line treated with LPS and ${\beta}A$. 4. The JCT extract suppressed the expression of ${\beta}A$ protein production in BV2 microglial cell line treated with LPS and ${\beta}A$. Conclusions : These results suggest that the JCT group may be effective for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Thus, JCT could be considered among the future therapeutic drugs indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.461-470
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• 2000

Objective : Many investigators have demonstrated the protective effects of hypothermia following traumatic brain injury(TBI) in both animals and humans. It has long been recognized that mild to moderate hypothermia improves neurologic outcomes as well as reduces histologic and biochemical sequelae after TBI. In this study, two immunohistochemical staining using terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated biotin dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL), staining of apoptosis, and ${\beta}$-amyloid precursor protein(${\beta}$-APP), a marker of axonal injury, were done and the authors evaluated the protective effects of hypothermia on axonal and neuronal injury after TBI in rats. Material and Method : The animals were prepared for the delivery of impact-acceleration brain injury as described by Marmarou and colleagues. TBI is achieved by allowing of a weight drop of 450gm, 1 m height to fall onto a metallic disc fixed on the intact skull of the rats. Fourty Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 400 to 450g were subjected to experimental TBI induced by an impact-acceleration device. Twenty rats were subjected to hypothermia after injury, with their rectal temperatures maintained at $32^{\circ}C$ for 1 hour. After this 1-hour period of hypothermia, rewarming to normothermic levels was accomplished over 30-minute period. Following 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 week and 2 weeks later the animals were killed and semiserial sagittal sections of the brain were reacted for visualization of the apoptosis and ${\beta}$-APP. Results : The density of ${\beta}$-APP marked damaged axons within the corticospinal tract at the pontomedullary junction and apoptotic cells at the contused cerebral cortex were calculated for each animal. In comparison with the untreated controls, a significant reduction in ${\beta}$-APP marked damaged axonal density and apoptotic cells were found in all hypothermic animals(p<0.05). Conclusion : This study shows that the posttraumatic hypothermia result in substantial protection in TBI, at least in terms of the injured axons and neurons.