• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 2013

Objectives : We investigated differances of physiological functionalities in the steamed Schisandrae Fructus. Methods : The samples were extracts of dryed schisandrae fructus without steaming process (S0), extracts of schisandrae fructus with three times steamed (S3), extracts of schisandrae fructus with five times steamed (S5) and extracts of schisandrae fructus with seven times steamed (S7). We analyzed contents of schisandrin, gomisin, total polyphenol and flavonoid and antioxidant activities. We researched antiinflammation effects for Raw264.7 cells. To evaluate liver protective activity, we measured AST, ALT and gamma-GTP in serum of alcoholic mice. Results : As the steaming number of schisandrae fructus increase, the contents of schisandrin and gomisin were more increased. The contents of total polyphenol of S5 and S7 were significantly increased compared to that of S0. DPPH free radical scavenging activities of S5 and S7 were significantly increased compared to that of S0, ABST radical scavenging activities of S3 and S5 were significantly increased compared to that of S0 in vitro. The NO production of all sample was significantly decreased compared to control, PGE2 release of S3, S5 and S7 were significantly decreased compared to control. IL-$1{\beta}$ release of S5 and S7 were significantly decreased. AST, ALT and gamma-GTP of S3, S5 and S7 were significantly decreased compared to control. Conclusions : We think that extracts of schisandrae fructus with steaming process may have more potential efficacy than a schisandrae fructus without steaming process.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.99-107
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• 2019

Objectives : Cudrania tricuspidata (C. tricuspidata) is well-known traditional herbal remedy and its root, leaf and fruit were used for treatment of inflammation, tumor and painkilling. However, effect of C. tricuspidata fruit on tight junction is still unknown. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of C. tricuspidata fruit extract on human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Methods : The antioxidant effects of water extract of C. tricuspidata (WECT) and ethanol extract of C. tricuspidata (EECT) were analyzed by using an ABTS assay. To confirm the cytotoxicity of WECT and EECT, MTS assay was performed. The mRNA expression levels of tight junction related genes were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Furthermore, dispase assay was used to investigate the alteration of cell-cell adhesion strength of EECT treated HaCaT cells. Results : WECT and EECT showed strong antioxidant activity. No obvious cytotoxicity was observed in both WECT and EECT until $2.0mg/m{\ell}$ concentration. The mRNA expression level of Claudin 6 were significantly increased by EECT treatment, whereas the WECT did not affect the expression of Claudin 6. Furthermore, EECT treatment enhances cell-cell adhesion strength. Conclusions : In this study, we investigated the physiological activities of the extracts of Cudrania tricuspidata fruit extracts on human keratinocytes by two different extraction methods. EECT might have an anti-aging activity on the skin by reducing oxidative stress. Moreover, it may be a useful ingredient in atopic dermatitis and skin-moisturizing, given its effects of altering Claudin 6 gene expression and enhancing cell-cell adhesion strength.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.61.1-61.16
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• 2020

Background: Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are bioactive substances extracted from P. notoginseng that are widely used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and interstitial diseases. PNS have the functions of scavenging free radicals, anti-inflammation, improving blood supply for tissue and so on. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PNS on the oxidative stress of immune cells induced by porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Using an oxidative stress model of PCV2 infection in a porcine lung cell line (3D4/2 cells) and mice, the levels of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), total glutathione (T-GSH), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and the activities of xanthine oxidase (XOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) were determined to evaluate the regulatory effects of PNS on oxidative stress. Results: PNS treatment significantly reduced the levels of NO and ROS, the content of GSSG and the activities of XOD, MPO, and iNOS (p < 0.05), while significantly increasing GSH and the ratio of GSH/GSSG in infected 3D4/2 cells (p < 0.05).Similarly, in the in vivo study, PNS treatment significantly decreased the level of ROS in spleen lymphocytes of infected mice (p < 0.05), increased the levels of GSH and T-GSH (p < 0.05), significantly decreased the GSSG level (p < 0.05), and decreased the activities of XOD, MPO, and iNOS. Conclusions: PNS could regulate the oxidative stress of immune cells induced by PCV2 infection in vitro and in vivo.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.153-161
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• 2022

Cotoneaster mongolicus Pojark. (CM), in the family Rosaceae is an endemic plant to the Mongolian region (its name: Moнroл чapraй). In Mongolia, Cotoneaster species as a crude drug is mainly used for inflammatory diseases, diarrhea, and stomach indigestion. In this study, we evaluated the gastro-protective activity underlying mechanism of CM. For in vivo experiments, mice were divided into 5 groups; normal mice (Normal), gastritis mice (Control), gastritis mice treated with sucralfate 10 mg/kg (SC), gastritis mice treated with CM 100 mg/kg (CML), gastritis mice treated with CM 200 mg/kg (CMH). Gastritis was provoked by HCl/ethanol (60% ethanol in 150 mM HCl). After oral administration of each drug, HCl/ethanol was orally administered 90 mins later to induce gastritis. CM alleviated the damage to the gastric mucosa caused. As a result of confirming the expression of protein in gastric tissue through western blot, CM significantly reduced the expression of NF-κB activated due to gastritis. Also, it significantly modulated the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. These results indicate that CM not only inhibits the nuclear metastasis of NF-𝛋B but also modulates the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway to relieve inflammation of the gastric mucosa.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.95-111
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• 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important healthcare problem worldwide. Often, glucocorticoid (GC) resistance develops during COPD treatment. As a classic hypoglycemic drug, metformin (MET) can be used as a treatment strategy for COPD due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but its specific mechanism of action is not known. We aimed to clarify the role of MET on COPD and cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced GC resistance. Through establishment of a COPD model in rats, we found that MET could improve lung function, reduce pathological injury, as well as reduce the level of inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD, and upregulate expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1), and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2). By establishing a model of GC resistance in human bronchial epithelial cells stimulated by CSE, we found that MET reduced secretion of interleukin-8, and could upregulate expression of Nrf2, HO-1, MRP1, and HDAC2. MET could also increase the inhibition of MRP1 efflux by MK571 significantly, and increase expression of HDAC2 mRNA and protein. In conclusion, MET may upregulate MRP1 expression by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, and then regulate expression of HDAC2 protein to reduce GC resistance.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.214-218
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the PMF in the treatment of acidosis and inflammation by monitoring the pH change for the continuity of PMF effect on the blood in the micro-circulation system that mimics the capillaries in the human body. Micro-tubes and micro-channels similar in diameter to those of arteries and arterioles were fabricated using PDMS and connected to a micro-pump for blood circulation. The continuity of PMF effect was verified in a micro-circulation system in-vitro. The pH changes for the circulating blood and for persistence time of PMF stimulus effect were confirmed using the optimized PMF conditions based on the previous studies. Also pH changes were observed by continuously stimulating PMF for a set period of time. The result was observed that the pH of the blood acidified using tBHP continued to rise from immediately after stimulation of PMF to 70 minutes of stimulation, reaching a normal pH range, and then decreasing. Our study showed that PMF has a positive effect on the control of blood pH homeostasis, so it is suggested the possibility of being used as a noninvasive treatment for acidosis treatment and anti- inflammatory treatment.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.67-76
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• 2023

Under constant environmental pollution, the incidence of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) caused by air pollutants and allergens has increased. AD is an allergy inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus, eczema, and skin dryness. In herbal medicine, Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma; AR) has been utilized to treat Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, and inflammation. The purpose of study evaluated the effect of AR in a mouse model of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions. After acclimatization for 5 days, the mice (6-week-old, male Balb/c) were divided into five groups (n=6/group): NC (normal control), DNCB (control), Dex (5 mg·kg-1, p.o.), AR100 (100 mg·kg-1, p.o.), and AR300 (300 mg·kg-1, p.o.). On days 1 and 3, 1% DNCB was applied to the skin and ears. After 4 days, 0.5% DNCB was applied once every 2 days for 2 weeks. Then, skin and ears eczema area and severity index (EASI); skin nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels; and plasma immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were examined. The AR groups showed lower EASI, skin and ear thickness, mast cell count, and IgE levels than the control groups. Moreover, AR reduced iNOS, COX-2, and PGE2 levels. Therefore, AR possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can improve skin damage, indicating its therapeutic potential against AD.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.1589-1598
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• 2022

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is a valuable material with wide industrial applications, particularly for the food and cosmetics industries, owing to its excellent physiochemical properties. Here, we prepared high-solid microfibrillated cellulose (HMFC) from the centrifugation of Gelidium amansiiderived MFC right after fibrillation. Dispersion properties, morphology, and structural changes were monitored during processing. HMFC has a five-fold higher solid concentration than MFC without significant changes to dispersion properties. SEM images and FTIR spectra of HMFC revealed a stable surface and structure against centrifugal forces. HMFC exhibited 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, although it could not scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Moreover, HMFC inhibited the generation of LPS-induced excessive nitrite and radial oxygen species in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, HMFC suppressed LPS-induced Keap-1 expression in the cytosol but did not alter iNOS expression. HMFC also attenuated the UVB-induced phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2, and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, as well as the phosphorylation of c-Jun in the immortalized human skin keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Therefore, the application of centrifugation is suitable for producing high-solid MFC as a candidate material for anti-inflammatory and antioxidative marine cosmeceuticals.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.390-395
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• 2022

Objectives: Sweet bee venom (sBV) is purified from Apis mellifera, containing a high level of melittin-its main component. It has been used as a therapeutic agent for pain relief and anti-inflammation, as well as for treating neuronal abnormalities. Recently, there have been studies on the therapeutic application of sBV for anticancer treatment. In the present study, we investigated the pharmacological effect of sBV treatment in A549 human lung cancer cells. Methods: We used microscopic analysis to observe the morphological changes in A549 cells after sBV treatment. The MTT assay was used to examine the cytotoxic effect after dose-dependent sBV treatment. Molecular changes in sBV were evaluated by the expression of apoptosis marker proteins using western blot analysis. Results: Microscopic analysis suggested that the growth inhibitory effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner; however, cell lysis occurred at a concentration over 20 ㎍/mL of sBV. The MTT assay indicated that sBV treatment exhibited a growth inhibitory effect at a concentration over 5 ㎍/mL. On fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis, G0 dead cells were observed after G1 arrest at treatment concentrations up to 10 ㎍/mL. However, rapid cell rupture was observed at a concentration of 20 ㎍/mL. Western blot analysis demonstrated that sBV treatment modulated the expression of multiple cell death-related proteins, including cleaved-PARP, cleaved-caspase 9, p53, Bcl2, and Bax. Conclusion: sBV induced cell death in A549 human lung cancer cells at a pharmacological concentration, albeit causing hemolytic cell death at a high concentration.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.543-551
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• 2023

Background: Panax ginseng Meyer is a representative Chinese herbal medicine with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD) has been isolated from ginseng and shown to have promising pharmacological activities. However, effects of PDD on pulmonary fibrosis (PF) have not been reported. We hypothesize that PDD may reverse inflammation-induced PF and be a novel therapeutic strategy. Methods: Adult male C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a model of PF induced by bleomycin (BLM). The pulmonary index was measured, and histological and immunohistochemical examinations were made. Cell cultures of mouse alveolar epithelial cells were analyzed with Western blotting, coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, siRNA transfection, cellular thermal shift assay and qRT-PCR. Results: The survival rate of PPD-treated mice was higher than that of untreated BLM-challenged mice. Expression of fibrotic hallmarks, including α-SMA, TGF-β1 and collagen I, was reduced by PPD treatment, indicating attenuation of PF. Mice exposed to BLM had higher STING levels in lung tissue, and this was reduced by phosphorylated AMPK after activation by PPD. The role of phosphorylated AMPK in suppressing STING was confirmed in TGF-b1-incubated cells. Both in vivo and in vitro analyses indicated that PPD treatment attenuated BLM-induced PF by modulating the AMPK/STING signaling pathway. Conclusion: PPD ameliorated BLM-induced PF by multi-target regulation. The current study may help develop new therapeutic strategies for preventing PF.