• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.217-225
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• 2011

Glatiramer acetate (GA; Copaxone) has been shown to be effective in preventing and suppressing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been recently shown that GA-reactive T cells migrate through the blood-brain barrier, accumulate in the central nervous system (CNS), secrete antiinflammatory cytokines and suppress production of proinflammatory cytokines of EAE and MS. Development of EAE requires coordinated expression of a number of genes involved in the activation and effector functions of inflammatory cells. Activation of inflammatory cells is regulated at the transcriptional level by several families of transcription factors. One of these is the nuclear factor kappa B ($NF{\kappa}B$) family which is present in a variety of cell types and involved in the activation of immune-relative genes during inflammatory process. Since it is highly activated at site of inflammation, $NF{\kappa}B$ activation is also implicated in the pathogenesis of EAE. In this study, we examined whether the inhibition of $NF{\kappa}B$ activation induced by GA can have suppressive therapeutic effects in EAE mice. We observed the expression of $NF{\kappa}B$ and phospho-$I{\kappa}B$ proteins increased in GA-treated EAE mice compared to EAE control groups. The immunoreactivity in inflammatory cells and glial cells of $NF{\kappa}B$ and phospho-$I{\kappa}B$ significantly decreased at the GA-treated EAE mice. These results suggest that treatment of GA in EAE inhibits the activation of $NF{\kappa}B$ and phophorylation of $I{\kappa}B$ in the CNS. Subsequently, the inhibition of $NF{\kappa}B$ activation and $I{\kappa}B$ phosphorylation leads to the anti-inflammatory effects thereby to reduce the progression and severity of EAE.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.844-850
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• 2013

In this study, the optimal extraction conditions for three medicinal herbs as functional sources against inflammatory and arthritic diseases were developed. Traditional medicinal herbs were screened for their inhibition of hyaluronidase (HAse) activity and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. For the screening of anti-inflammatory properties, ethanolic extracts of 53 species of traditional medicinal herb were examined. We confirmed that Astragalus membranaceus (A.R.), Schisandra chinensis (S.F.), and Platycodon grandiflorum (P.G.) inhibit NO production. For extraction from all three herbs simultaneously, an ethanol concentration of 95%, a 1:2:1 mixture ratio, and at 50 rpm mixing speed, for over 12 h and at $30^{\circ}C$ was the best condition for optimal extract yield and NO inhibition effects. HAse inhibition from the three herb extraction was three fold higher than single samples. The ethanol extracts were fractionated with various solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water). The ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the herb mixture showed the highest extract yield (13%) and NO inhibition effects (73%). In conclusion, this study provides experimental evidence that a mixture of P.G., A.R., and S.F. could be used as a source of antioxidant ingredients in the food industry.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.79-86
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• 2012

The conservative treatment for impingement and rotator cuff tear includes rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), local steroid injection and physiotherapy depending on the purpose to relieve the pain and inflammation, in addition, stretching exercise to recover flexibility and strengthening exercise to recover the function could be used. When these conservative treatments are divided into multiple steps, the first one contains pain relief, modification of daily activity and stretching exercise. Second step includes strengthening exercise of the anterior/posterior cuff and peri-scapular muscles and eventually. The third step includes training program to return to job, housework and hobby activities and maintain. Thus, the key of these step wise approach for the treatment of impingement and rotator cuff tear is exercise program. Understanding of various exercise program and apply to the patients properly is most important for the conservative treatment of impingement and cuff tear.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.33-42
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• 2006

Background: Calcineurin plays a crucial role in T cell activation, cell growth, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, and its over-expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy and stroke. However, the expression and function of calcineurin in the pathologic lesion of chronic inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid synovium, remain to be defined. This study was aimed to determine the role of calcineurin in inflammatory arthritis and investigate the expression and function of calcineurin in the rheumatoid synovium and synoviocytes, the actual site of chronic inflammation. Methods: Immuno-histochemical staining using specific antibody to calcineurin was perfomed in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients were isolated from RA and OA patients, and cultured with IL-1${\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ in the presence or absence of cyclosporin A, a calcineurin inhibitor. The calcineurin expression was assessed by phosphatase assay and Western blotting analysis. IL-6, -10, -17, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -2, -3, and -9 released into the culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. After transfection with GFP-Cabin 1 gene into synoviocytes, the levels of IL-6 and MMPs were measured by ELISA. Results: Calcineurin was highly expressed in the lining layer of synovium and cultured synoviocytes of RA patients. The elevated calcineurin activity in the rheumatoid synoviocytes was triggered by proin flammatory cytokines such as IL-1${\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$. In contrast, IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, failed to increase the calcineurin activity. The targeted inhibition of calcineurin by the over-expression of Cabin 1, a natural calcineurin antagonist, inhibited the production of IL-6 and MMP-2 by rheumatoid synoviocytes in a similar manner to the calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporin A. Conclusion: These data suggest that abnormal activation of calcineurin in the synoviocytes may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic arthritis, and thus provide a potential target for controlling inflammatory arthritis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.103-109
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• 2006

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the TLR-4 mediated anti-inflammatory effects of extract from Xanthii Fructus(XF) on the peritoneal macrophage. Methods : To evaluate of TLR-4 mediated inflammatory of XF, we examined NO and cytokine production in TRL-4 ligand(LPS-lipopolysacchride) induced macrophages. Furthermore, we checked molecular mechanism using western blot. Results : l.Extract from XF reduced LPS-induced Nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12 production in peritoneal macrophages 2.Extract from XF itself does not have any cytotoxic effect.XS inhibited degradation of IkBa in the TLR-4 mediated peritoneal macrophages Conclusion : XF down-regulated TLR4 ligand(LPS)-induced NO and cytokine productions.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.665-683
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• 2002

A novel glucanhydrolase from a mutant of Lipomyces starkeyi KSM 22 has additional amylase activity besides mutanolytic activity and has been suggested as promising anti-plaque agent. It has been shown effective in hydrolysis of mutan, reduction of mutan formation by Streptococcus mutans and removal pre-formed sucrose-dependent adherent microbial film and has been strongly bound to hydroxyapatitie. These in vitro properties of Lipomyces starkeyi KSM 22 glucanhydrolase are desirable for its application as a dental plaque control agent. In human experimental gingivitis　model and 6 month clinical trial, mouthrinsing with Lipomyces　starkeyi KSM 22 dextranase was comparable to 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash in inhibition of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation and local side effect was negligible. This study was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of Lipomyces starkeyi KSM 22 glucanhydrolase on human gingival fibroblasts. Primary culture of human gingival fibroblasts at the 4th to 6th passages were used. Glucanhydrolase solution was made from lyophilized glucanhydrolase powder from a mutant of Lipomyces stakeyi KSM 22 solved in PBS and added to DMEM medium to the final concentration of 0.5, 1, and 2 unit. Cells were exposed to glucanhydrolase solution or 0.1 % chlorhexidine and the cells cultured in DMEM with 10% FBS and 1% antibiotics as control. After exposure, the morphological change, cell attachment, and cell activity by MTT assay were evaluated in 0.5, 1.5, 3, 6, 24 hours after treatment. The cell proliferation and cell activity was also evaluated at 2 and 7 days after 1 minute exposure, twice a day. The cell morphology was similar between the Lipomyces smkeyi KSM 22 glucanhydrolase groups and control group during the incubation periods, while most fibroblasts remained as round cell regardless of incubation time in the chlorhexidine group. The numbers of the attached cells in the glucanhydrolase groups were comparable to that of control and significantly higher than the chlorhexidine group. The numbers of the proliferated cells in the glucanhydrolase groups at 7 days of incubation were comparable to the control group and higher than the chlorhexidine group. The cell activity in glucanhydrolase groups paralleled with the increased cell number by attachment and proliferation. According to these results, Lipomyces starkeyj KSM 22 glucanhydrolase has little harmful effect on attachment and proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts, in contrast to 0.1% chlorhexidine which was cytotoxic to human gingival fibroblasts. Therefore this glucanhydrolase preparation is considered as a safe and promising agent for new mouthwash formula in the near future.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.151-157
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• 1987

Cyclobuxine D, a steroidal alkaloid, was extracted from Buxus microphylla var. koreana Nakai. The effects of cyclobuxine D on carrageenin-induced pleurisy and croton oil-induced granuloma pouch in rats was investigated and compared with those of aspirin, hydrocortisone ana dexamethasone. Intrapleural injection of 2% carrageenin caused the accumulation of exudate. The rate of plasma exudation, measured by the exuded dye amounts for 20 min in the pleural cavity after intravenous injection of pontamine sky blue, showed a peak at 5 hr. Cyclobuxine D (5, 20 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) suppressed dose-dependently the accumulation of the pleural exudate and the exudation of dye. Among several methods used for screening and evaluation anti-inflammatory agents, granuloma pouch technic introduced by Hans Selye (Hans seyle, 1953) is considered as a simple and reliable method. An air pocket was produced in the subcutaneous tissue of the interscapular region by injection of 1 ml of 1% croton oil as irritant. Inflammatory exudate accumulated in the pouch during the succeding 14 days. Cyclobuxine D (5 and 20 mg/kg) decreased fluid volume in pouch and weight of pouch wall in granulomatous inflammation.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.314-330
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• 2010

Objective : This study was performed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic effect and changes of inflammation-related genes by YBR I and YBR II (YBR I: Arteisiae Capillaris Herba, Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba, Hoelen/ YBR II: YBR I +Sanguisorbae Radix, Biotae Cacumen, Cirsii Japonici Herba) on HSC(hepatic stellate cells)-T6 and TAA-induced rat liver tissue. Materials and Methods : HSC-T6 were treated with various concentrations of distilled-water extract YBR I and YBR II extract for 24, 48 and 72 hours. After the treatment, cell viability, proliferation, procollagen levels and IL-6 levels were measured by using MTT Assay, BrdU Assay, Procollagen Type 1 C-peptide EIA kit, and Murine IL-6 ELISA Development kit. Rat liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal TAA injection of 150mg/kg 3 times a week for 6 weeks. After the treatment, body weight, liver & spleen weights, liver function test, complete blood cell count and change of portal pressure were studied. In addition, gene expressions of ASMA, IL-6, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, all of which are known to be associated with liver fibrosis, were analyzed by using Real-Time PCR. After YBR I and YBR IItreatment, percentages of collagen in TAA-induced rat liver tissue were measured. Results : The viability and proliferation of the HSC-T6 decreased as the concentration increased. The production of procollagen decreased as the concentration increased. The production of IL-6 was little influenced by YBR I and YBR II. There was no difference in rat body weight between the TAA-only group and the YBR groups. Compared with rat liver weight of TAA-only group, that of the YBR groups increased. In the YBR I group, the serum level of AST elevated by TAA injection significantly decreased and in the YBR I and II group, the serum level of ALP and ALT elevated by TAA injection decreased. In the YBR I group, white blood cell count elevated by TAA injection decreased but platelets increased. In the YBR I group, the portal pressure elevated by TAA injection significantly decreased. Decreases in the gene expression of ASMA and MMP-2 were observed in the YBR I group. The gene expression of IL-6 was little influenced by YBR I and YBR II -treated groups. In the histological finding, TAA injections caused severe fibrosis, but YBR I and YBR II treatment significantly reduced the amounts of hepatic collagens. Conclusions : These results suggest that YBR I and II have inhibitory effects on the hepatic fibrogenesis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.1315-1321
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• 2008

Chan-Su (Venenum bufonis) has long been for a variety of other purposes including treatment of inflammation in the folk medicine recipe. Since nitric oxide (NO) is one of the major inflammatory parameters, we first studied the effects of Chan-Su on NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells, Chan-Su inhibited the secretion of NO in BV2 microglial cells, without affecting cell viability, The protein level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was decreased by Chan-Su, And Chan-Su also inhibited production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$ and IL-12, were inhibited by Chan-Su in a dose-dependent manner. And Chan-Su inhibited the degradation of ${IkB-\alpha}$, which was considered to be inhibitor of nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$, one of a potential transcription factor for the expression of iNOS, COX-2 and proinflammatory cytokines. These results suggest that Chan-Su could exert its anti-inflammatory actions by suppressing the synthesis of NO through inhibition of $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.12
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• pp.1356-1363
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• 2014

Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid orexigenic peptide hormone that is secreted predominantly by tX/A cells in the stomach, and it plays a major role in energy homeostasis. Activated ghrelin has an n-octanoyl group covalently linked to the hydroxyl group of the Ser3 residue, which is critical for its binding to the G-protein coupled growth hormone secretagogue receptor-1a (GHS-R1a). According to recent reports, both ghrelin and its receptor, GHS-R1a, are expressed by a variety of immune cells, including T- and B-lymphocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cells, and ghrelin stimulation of leukocytes provides a potent immunomodulatory signal controlling systemic and age-associated inflammation and thymic involution. Here, we report that ghrelin protected murine thymocytes from dexamethasone (DEX)-induced cell death both in vivo and in vitro. Subsequently, we explored the molecular mechanisms of the antiapoptotic effect of ghrelin. According to our experiments, ghrelin inhibited the expression of proapoptotic proteins via the regulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) phosphorylation. As a result, ghrelin inhibited the proapoptotic activation of proteins, such as Caspase-3, PARP, and Bim. These data suggest that ghrelin, through GHS-R, inhibits the pathway to apoptosis by regulation of the proapoptotic protein activation signal pathway. They provide evidence that blocking apoptosis is an essential function of ghrelin during the development of thymocytes.