• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.536-544
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• 2021

5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) is a standard therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate forms of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) whereas more severe forms involve the use of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan that has shown epithelium protective effects in experimental colitis recently. In this study, both 5-ASA (30 mg/kg) and HA (15 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg) were administered rectally and investigated for their potential complementary therapeutic effects in moderate or severe murine colitis models. Intrarectal treatment of moderate and severe colitis with 5-ASA alone or HA alone at a dose of 30 mg/kg led to a significant decrease in clinical activity and histology scores, myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in colitis mice compared to untreated animals. The combination of HA (30 mg/kg) and 5-ASA in severe colitis led to a significant improvement of colitis compared to 5-ASA alone. Combined rectal therapy with HA and 5-ASA could be a treatment alternative for severe cases of IBD as it was the only treatment tested that was not significantly different from the healthy control group. This study further underlines the benefit of searching for yet unexplored drug combinations that show therapeutic potential in IBD without the need of designing completely new drug entities.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.483-491
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• 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8), neutrophil collagenase, is a functional player in the progressive pathology of various inflammatory disorders. In this study, we administered an MMP-8 inhibitor (MMP-8i) in Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) G2019S transgenic mice, to determine the effects of MMP-8i on PD pathology. We observed a significant increase of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1)-positive activated microglia in the striatum of LRRK2 G2019S mice compared to normal control mice, indicating enhanced neuro-inflammatory responses. The increased number of Iba1-positive activated microglia in LRRK2 G2019S PD mice was down-regulated by systemic administration of MMP-8i. Interestingly, this LRRK2 G2019S PD mice showed significantly reduced size of cell body area of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons in SN region and MMP-8i significantly recovered cellular atrophy shown in PD model indicating distinct neuro-protective effects of MMP-8i. Furthermore, MMP-8i administration markedly improved behavioral abnormalities of motor balancing coordination in rota-rod test in LRRK2 G2019S mice. These data suggest that MMP-8i attenuates the pathological symptoms of PD through anti-inflammatory processes.

• 한국유기농업학회지
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.75-87
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• 2022

본 연구는 다량 미네랄 6종 및 미량 미네랄 8종이 함유된 천연 미네랄 워터의 기능성을 확인하기 위해 역류성 식도염 유발 동물모델을 이용하여 개선 효과를 분석하였다. RAW264.7에서의 세포 생존율 측정 결과를 통해 미네랄 워터는 세포에 대한 독성이 없음을 확인하였으며, 역류성 식도염 동물모델에서 위 내용물 역류에 의한 식도 손상을 감소시켰으며, 식도 점막 보호 작용으로 인해 세포 연접 단백질 발현을 억제하였다. 따라서, 미네랄 워터의 식도 보호 작용은 조직 내 염증성 단백질 및 점막 재생 관련 단백질을 조절함으로써 나타난 것으로 사료된다. 이러한 연구 결과를 통해, 미네랄 워터의 기능성을 확인함으로써 음용수, 식품 생산 등의 다양한 산업 분야에서의 활용성과 가축 생산에 있어 면역증진 및 염증 관련 질병에 대처할 수 있는 친환경 기능성 사료첨가제로서의 미네랄 워터의 이용 가치를 확인할 수 있었다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권4호
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• pp.526-535
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• 2022

Background: During the pathogenesis of tendinopathy, the chronic inflammation caused by the injury and apoptosis leads to the generation of scars. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is extracted from ginseng and has anti-inflammatory effects. Rg1 is a unique phytoestrogen that can activate the estrogen response element. This research aimed to explore whether Rg1 can function in the process of tendon repair through the estrogen receptor. Methods: In this research, the effects of Rg1 were evaluated in tenocytes and in a rat model of Achilles tendinitis (AT). Protein levels were shown by western blotting. qRT-PCR was employed for evaluating mRNA levels. Cell proliferation was evaluated through EdU assay and cell migration was evaluated by transwell assay and scratch test assay. Results: Rg1 up-regulated the expression of matrix-related factors and function of tendon in AT rat model. Rg1 reduced early inflammatory response and apoptosis in the tendon tissue of AT rat model. Rg1 promoted tenocyte migration and proliferation. The effects of Rg1 on tenocytes were inhibited by ICI182780. Rg1 activates the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF1R) and MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion: Rg1 promotes injured tendon healing in AT rat model through IGF1R and MAPK signaling pathway activation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제32권7호
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• pp.877-884
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• 2022

Probiotics are microorganisms that can benefit host health when ingested in a live state, and lactic acid bacteria are the most common type. Among fungi, Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is the only strain known to have a probiotic function with beneficial effects on colitis; however, information on other probiotic yeast strains is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to discover yeast strains expressing intestinal anti-inflammatory activities by exhibiting probiotic properties in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice model. Nuruk (Korean traditional fermentation starter) containing various microbial strains was used as a source for yeast strains, and S. cerevisiae 28-7 (SC28-7) strain was selected with in vitro and in vivo characteristics to enable survival in the intestines. After 14 days of pretreatment with the yeast strains, DSS was co-administered for six days to induce colitis in mice. The results revealed that the disease activity index score was lowered by SC28-7 treatment compared to the DSS group, and the colon length and weight/length ratio were recovered in a pattern similar to that of the normal group. SC28-7 administration significantly reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and modified the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor-β, and interferon-γ) and proteins involved in gut barrier functions (mucin 2, mucin 3, zonula occludens-1, and occludin) in colon tissues. These results indicate that SC28-7 attenuates DSS-induced colon damage and inflammation, supporting its future use as a probiotic yeast for treating and preventing intestinal inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.744-753
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• 2021

Background: Gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) is a new non-saponin component glycolipoprotein isolated from ginseng root. This study examined the effect of GEF on age-related sarcopenia in old C57BL/6J mice. Methods: Young (3-6 months) and old (20-24 months) C57BL/6J mice received oral GEF (50 mg/kg/day or 150 mg/kg/day) daily for 5 weeks. During the oral administration period, body weight and grip strength were measured weekly. After sacrifice, muscles from the hindlimb were excised and used for hematoxylin and eosin staining and western blotting to determine the effects of GEF on sarcopenia. The thymus was photographed to compare size, and flow cytometry was performed to examine the effect of GEF on immune homeostasis in the thymus and spleen. Blood samples were collected, and the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and IGF-1 were measured. Results: GEF caused a significant increase in muscle strength, mass, and fiber size in old mice. GEF restored age-related disruption of immune homeostasis by maintaining T cell compartments and regulating inflammatory biomarkers. Thus, GEF reduced common low-grade chronic inflammatory parameters, which are the main cause of muscle loss. Conclusion: GEF maintained immune homeostasis and inhibited markers of chronic inflammation, resulting in anti-sarcopenia effects in aged C57BL/6J mice. Thus, GEF is a potential therapeutic agent that slows sarcopenia in the elderly.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.223-230
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• 2021

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a principal regulator of inflammation and immunity. The proinflammatory properties of TNF-α can be attributed to its ability to activate the enzyme cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂), which generates potent inflammatory lipid mediators, eicosanoids. L-glutamine (Gln) plays physiologically important roles in various metabolic processes. We have reported that Gln has a potent anti-inflammatory activity via rapid upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphatase (MKP)-1, which preferentially dephosphorylates the key proinflammatory enzymes, p38 MAPK and cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂). In this study, we have investigated whether Gln could inhibit TNF-α-induced cPLA₂ activation. Gln inhibited TNF-α-induced increases in cPLA₂ phosphorylation in the lungs and blood levels of the cPLA₂ metabolites, leukotrine B4 (LTB4) (lipoxygenase metabolite) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (cyclooxygenase metabolite). TNF-α increased p38 and cPLA₂ phosphorylation and blood levels of LTB4 and PGE2, which were blocked by the p38 inhibitor SB202190. Gln inhibited TNF-α-induced p38 and cPLA₂ phosphorylation and production of the cPLA₂ metabolites. Such inhibitory activity of Gln was no longer observed in MKP-1 small interfering RNA-pretreated animals. Our data indicate that Gln inhibited TNF-α-induced cPLA₂ phosphorylation through MKP-1 induction/p38 inhibition, and suggest that the utility of Gln in inflammatory diseases in which TNF-α plays a major role in their pathogenesis.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.80-85
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• 2021

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report on the treatment of wound dressing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers in the dermatology clinic of Korean medicine. Methods : First, sufficient marginal resection of the ulcer and necrotic tissue on the foot of a patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy was performed. Inflammation was treated with Anti-inflammatory pharmacopuncture solution, and dressings were applied for one month using Cornu Cervi Parvum pharmacopuncture solution, and Haeboo ointment for granulation tissue formation and skin regeneration. Results : After 10 days of the treatment, the formation of new granulation tissue was observed in the necrotic tissue area, and the extent of the lesion decreased sharply from the 14th day. On the 40th day, epithelialization progressed so that the treatment was terminated, and complete keratinization of the site was observed at follow-up 3 weeks after the end of the treatment. Conclusions : In the treatment of wound dressings in diabetic foot ulcer patients, marginal resection treatment with the application of pharmacopuncture solution and herbal ointment showed good effect.

• 한국식품영양학회지
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• 제35권6호
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• pp.513-520
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Cheonggukjang pills with aronia and blueberries on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. There have been several reports that Cheonggukjang is effective for intestinal health, but the efficacy of Cheonggukjang containing fruits has not yet been reported. In this study, we showed the effect of cheonggukjang pills with blueberries and aronia (CPBA) on DSS-induced colitis in BALB/c mice. CPBA was obtained from Soonchang Moonokae foods and orally administered once a day for 2 weeks before DSS treatment. Colitis was induced in mice by feeding 5% (w/v) DSS drinking water for 7 days. The results showed that CPBA treatment significantly alleviated DSS-induced disease activity index associated with a decrease in colon length. CPBA improved DSS-induced histological changes and intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in mice colon. In addition, CPBA administration significantly reduced the levels of DSS-mediated interferon-γ and interleukin-6 in serum and tumor necrosis factor-α in colon tissue. Moreover, the gene expression of COX-2 and iNOS, which are factors involved in inflammatory signaling, was significantly reduced by CPBA treatment. These results suggest that CPBA have a protective effect against DSS-induced mice colitis and may be a candidate for colitis treatment.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.55-61
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• 2018

Objectives : Artemisia capillaris Thunberg (AC) and Artemisia iwayomogi Kitamura (AI) have been used without distinguishment since ancient times due to similar appearance. In this study, we compared the inhibitory effects of AC and AI on the expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in murine macrophages. Methods : AC and AI were extracted by reflux with distilled water (DW) and 70% ethanol (EtOH). We investigated the inhibitory effects of AC and AI on the expression of nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$($TNF-{\alpha}$) induced by LPS in macrophages. Results : Firstly, yield of the samples was higher in order of Artemisia iwayomogi DW Extract (AID), Artemisia iwayomogi 70% EtOH Extract (AIE), Artemisia capillaris DW Extract (ACD) and Artemisia capillaris 70% EtOH Extract (ACE). All of the samples were not toxic in macrophages. The inhibitory effect of the samples on LPS-induced NO expression was stronger in the order of AIE, ACE, AID and ACD. The inhibitory effect of the samples on LPS-induced inducible iNOS expression was stronger in the order of AIE, ACE and AID. Effect of ACD was same with that of AID. In addition, inhibitory effect of the samples on LPS induced $TNF-{\alpha}$expression wes stronger in the order of AIE, ACE, AID and ACD. Conclusion: These results showed that AI would be more effective than AC and 70% EtOH would be more effective than DW as an extraction solvent in inflammatory diseases.