• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.71-80
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• 2008

Objective: There is increasing evidence that chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is recognized to be a local inflammatory disease, and there is substantiating evidence to support the role of the inflammatory responses in its pathogenesis, and clinical value in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. Prunella vulgaris has been traditionally used in treatment of inflammatory diseases, including of scrofula, goiter, and allergy diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of Prunella vulgaris on inflammatory cytokines and cytopathological alternation in the rat model of non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and $17{\beta}-estradiol$ treatment. Methods: Two-month-old rats were treated with $17{\beta}-estradiol$ after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis, which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histopathological profiles. Prunella vulgaris as an experimental specimen, and testosterone as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological parameters including the epithelial score and epithelial-stromal ratio for glandular damage, and the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes including the interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-5, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$. Results: While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Prunella vulgaris showed a diminished range of tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in Prunella vulgaris over that of the control (P<0.05). The epithelial-stromal ratio was lower with Prunella vulgaris when compared to that of the control (P<0.05). In the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of inflammatory cytokine genes, Prunella vulgaris inhibited the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$ genes, while it modulated the expression of IL-5, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Prunella vulgaris may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with the immune modulation including the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokine. From theses results, we suggest that Prunella vulgaris could be a useful remedy agent for treating chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.64-69
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• 2020

The European honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) has multiple anti-microbial peptides, but many were unknown and demands for their characterization have increased. This study therefore focused on identifying novel anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) from A. mellifera L. To obtain high-throughput transcriptome data of the honeybee, we implemented next-generation sequencing (NGS), isolating novel AMPs from total RNA, and generated 15,314 peptide sequences, including 44 known, using Illumina HiSeq 2500 technology. The uncharacterized peptides were identified based on specific features of possible AMPs predicted in the sequencing analysis. AMP5, one such uncharacterized peptide, was expressed in the epidermis, body fat, and venom gland of the honeybee. We chemically synthesized this peptide and tested its anti-bacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (KACC 10005) and Gram-positive Bacillus thuringiensis (KACC 10168) by anti-microbial assay. AMP5 exhibited anti-bacterial activity against E. coli (MIC50=22.04±0.66 μM) but not against B. thuringiensis. When worker bees were injected with E. coli, AMP5 was up-regulated in the body fat. This study therefore identified AMP5 in adult European honeybees and confirmed its anti-bacterial activity against Gram-negative E. coli.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.54-59
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• 2011

Purpose: The aim of this study was to define the immunoreactive specificity of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) heat shock protein (HSP) 60 in periodontitis and atherosclerosis. Methods: In an attempt to define the cross-reactive bacterial heat-shock protein with human self-antigen at molecular level, we have introduced a novel strategy for cloning hybridoma producing anti-P. gingivalis HSP 60 which is polyreactive to bacterial HSPs or to the human homolog. Results: Five cross-reactive clones were obtained which recognized the #19 peptide (TLVVNRLRGSLKICAVKAPG) among 37 synthetic peptides (20-mer, 5 amino acids overlapping) spanning the whole molecule of P. gingivalis HSP 60. We have also established three anti-P. gingivalis HSP 60 monoclonal antibodies demonstrating mono-specificity. These clones recognized the #29 peptide (TVPGGGTTYIRAIAALEGLK). Conclusions: Peptide #19 and #29 of P. gingivalis HSP 60 might be important immunoreactive epitopes in the immuno-pathogenic mechanism of bacterial antigen-triggered autoimmune diseases.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.271-282
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to identify the antimicrobial effects of SSH(三神丸) and synerggy effects of the existing antibiotics Oxacillin and Ciprofloxacin on MRSA and to identify the mechanisms. In this case, the procedure and method for verifying anti-bacterial activity and active concentration of MARA by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the trichin is used to verify the potency and active concentration of MARA, to confirm the potency of the disease by treating antibiotics and trichine ethanol extract in parallel, and to confirm the anti-bacterial effect over time, when the trichine is activated as an anti-bacterial activity to MARA, and a compound. In addition, we hope that this research will not only serve as meaningful data for the development of new drugs to control MARA immunity, but also serve as an opportunity to further accelerate the research and development of antibiotics to overcome resistant strains.

• Fibers and Polymers
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.255-261
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• 2006

There is increasing interest in the many beneficial aspects of green tea to human such as anti-carcinogenic, anti-aggregant, anti-allergic, anti-bacterial, anti-mutagenic, and anti-oxidant activities. Besides these beneficial aspects, it has been reported that green tea ingredients, especially polyphenolic families (i.e., catechin), have some UV protection property both in vivo and in topical applications. In this study, green tea extract was used as a dyeing stock for cotton and the UV protection property of the dyed cotton fabric was examined. To increase the affinity of cotton fiber to the polyphenolic components in the green tea extract, a natural biopolymer, chitosan, was used as mordanting agent. The effects of chitosan concentration in mordanting on the dyeing characteristics and the UV protection property were examined. Chitosan mordanted green tea dyed cotton showed better dyeing characteristic and higher UV protection property compared with the unmordanted green tea dyed cotton. As the chitosan concentration in mordanting increased, the dyeing efficiency and the UV protection property also increased. Therefore, adapting chitosan mordanting in green tea dyeing can increase the UV protection property of cotton fabrics to some extent.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.99-107
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• 2008

Objectives : This experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of herbal eye drops(Sean-tang, Jinpi-san, Tangpo-san, Copitdis Rhizoma) on Staphylococcus aureus keratitis. Methods : After administering various herbal eye drops on Staphylococcus aureus, I measured MIC and the size of inhibition zone. MIC was measured by dropping from 20 to $50{\mu}{\ell}$ according to density. Anti-bacterial potency was measured by the size of inhibition zone with change of volume under 2 days culture condition. Also continuous antibacterial potency of herbal eye drops was measured by the size of inhibition zone according to 2 days and 6 days culture each under the $50{\mu}{\ell}$condition. Results : 1. MIC on Staphylococcus aureus in Sean-tang, Jinpi-san and Tangpo-san was 100%, $20{\mu}{\ell}$. 2. MIC on Staphylococcus aureus in Coptidis rhizoma was 10%, $30{\mu}{\ell}$. 3. MIC on Staphylococcus aureus in Cravit was 0.1%, $50{\mu}{\ell}$. 4. Under the 2 days culture condition, the size of inhibition zone on Staphylococcus aureus by volume for Sean-tang was 12.0mm in $50{\mu}{\ell}$, Jinpi-san was 19.0mm in $50{\mu}{\ell}$, Tangpo-san was 15.0mm in $50{\mu}{\ell}$, Coptidis rhizoma was 32.7 mm in $50{\mu}{\ell}$ and Cravit was 31mm in $50{\mu}{\ell}$, Coptidis rhizoma showed the highest anti-bacterial potency. 5. Under the $50{\mu}{\ell}$ condition, the size of inhibition zone on Staphylococcus aureus by 2 and 6 culture days for Sean-tang was 12.0mm, Jinpi-san was 19.0mm, Tangpo-san was 15.0mm, Coptidis rhizoma was 32.7mm and Cravit was 31.0 mm, which showed sameness anti-bacterial potency in 2 days and 6 days. Conclusions : The present author think that the herbal eye drops can be used to cure Staphylococcus aureus keratitis and if further study is performed, the use of the herbal eye drops will be valuable and beneficial in the clinical medicines.

• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.99-105
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• 2001

Sophoricoside was isolated as the inhibitor of IL-5 bioactivity from Sophora japonica (Leguminosae). It has been reported to has an anti-inflammatory effect on rat paw edema model. To develope as an anti-allergic drug, genotoxicity of sophoricoside was investigated in bacterial and mammalian cell system such as Ames bacterial reversion test, chromosomal aberration assay and single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay. As results, in the range of 1,250~40 $\mu\textrm{g}$/plate sophoricoside concentrations was not shown significant mutagenic effects in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98, TA 100, TA 1535 and TA 1537 strains in Ames test. The 80% cell growth inhibition concentration (IC/SUB 80/) of sophoricoside was determined as above 5,000 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ in Chinese hamster lung (CHL) fibroblast cell and L5178Y mouse lymphoma cell line for the chromosomal aberration and comet assay, respectively. Sophoricoside was not induced chromosomal aberration in CHL fibroblast cell at concentrations of 700, 350 and 175 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ or 600, 300 and 150 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ in the absence or presence of S-9 metabolic activation system, respectively. Also, in the comet assay, the induction of DNA damage was not observed in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cell line both in the absence or presence of S-9 metabolic activation system. From these results, no genotoxic effects of sophoricoside were observed in bacterial and mammalian cell systems used in these experiments.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.50-62
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• 2013

Objective : Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a major pathogenic bacteria for acne vulgaris. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Lithospermum erythrorhizon extracts on the inflammatory cytokines gene expression by P. acnes in human keratinocytes, HaCaT cell line. Methods : Anti-bacterial activity and cytotoxicity of LE extracts was analyzed by agar plate culture and XTT assay. The cytokines gene expressions were assessed by real time RT-PCR for IL-8, MCP-1 and TNF-${\alpha}$. During the cell culture and treatments, amounts of secreted TNF-${\alpha}$ were measured by ELISA. Translocation of transcription factor NF-${\kappa}B$ from cytoplasm into nucleus was observed by immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy. Results : There were no anti-bacterial effects and cytotoxicity as high as $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ of LE extracts in XTT assay. Transcription levels of inflammatory cytokines, IL-8, MCP-1 and TNF-${\alpha}$ were increased by P. acnes in HaCaT. LE extracts decreased the upregulated gene transcription levels. However, amounts of secreted TNF-${\alpha}$ were similar in HaCaT cells with P. acnes and LE extracts. Translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ into nucleus by P. acnes was significantly inhibited by LE extracts. Conclusions : From the results of this study, LE extracts have anti-inflammatory effects on HaCaT cells by P. acnes that decreased the mRNA expressions of IL-8, MCP-1 and TNF-${\alpha}$. This anti-inflammatory effects of LE extracts could provide the potential of therapeutic substance for acne vulgaris.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.645-650
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• 2019

Skin plays important roles in protecting the internal organs from the chemical-biological risk factors and ultraviolet light. Exposure to the chemical and biological stimuli has a detrimental effect on skin's structure and physiological regulation. Therefore, much attention has been paid to natural products that show biological activities such as anti-oxidation, anti-aging and anti-bacterial activities. In this study, we investigated the skin-related biological activities of Oenothera lamarckiana aerial part extract. The extract contained 229.35 mg TAE (tannic acid equivalents)/g total polyphenolic compounds and the extract showed relative high antioxidant activity ($SC_{50}$ value: $8.52{\mu}g/mL$). The $IC_{50}$ value against tyrosinase and elastase were 307.94 and $181.51{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. This suggested that O. lamarckiana can be applied to whiten skin and slow the aging of skin. O. lamarckiana extract showed a growth inhibitory effect on Staphylococcu epidermidis (minimum inhibitory concentration: $250{\mu}g/mL$). Interestingly, O. lamarckiana extract showed no inhibitory effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the paper disc assay. Yet the extract inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the broth dilution assay in a dose-dependent manners. Taken together, O. lamarckiana could have good potential for development as an additive in the cosmetic industry.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.2235-2240
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• 2007

3-Aryloxy methyl-4-(N-pyrazin-2'yl carboxamido)-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles (3a1-a14) were prepared starting from potassium dithio carbazinates (2a1-a14). These triazoles were then employed in the synthesis of 3-aryloxy methyl-4-(N-pyrazin-2'yl carboxamido)-5-hydrazino-1,2,4-triazoles (4a1-a14). All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by analytical, IR, NMR spectral studies. The compounds were screened for their antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Most of the compounds have shown significant antifungal activity while few have shown excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. An attempt is made to study the structure activity relationship (SAR).