• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.14-21
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• 2015

Background: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death, and inflammatory bowel disease is a risk factor for this malignancy. We previously reported colon cancer chemoprevention potential using American ginseng (AG) in a xenograft mice model. However, the nude mouse model is not a gut-specific colon carcinogenesis animal model. Methods: In this study, an experimental colitis and colitis-associated colorectal carcinogenesis mouse model, chemically induced by azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was established and the effects of oral AG were evaluated. The contents of representative ginseng saponins in the extract were determined. Results: AG significantly reduced experimental colitis measured by the disease activity index scores. This suppression of the experimental colitis was not only evident during DSS treatment, but also very obvious after the cessation of DSS, suggesting that the ginseng significantly promoted recovery from the colitis. Consistent with the anti-inflammation data, we showed that ginseng very significantly attenuated azoxymethane/DSS-induced colon carcinogenesis by reducing the colon tumor number and tumor load. The ginseng also effectively suppressed DSS-induced proinflammatory cytokines activation using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay array, in which 12 proinflammatory cytokine levels were assessed, and this effect was supported subsequently by real-time polymerase chain reaction data. Conclusion: AG, as a candidate of botanical-based colon cancer chemoprevention, should be further investigated for its potential clinical utility.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.44 no.9
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• pp.647-657
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• 2021

As a pancreatic inflammatory marker, regenerating islet-derived protein 3A (Reg3A) plays a key role in inflammation-associated pancreatic carcinogenesis by promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and regulating cancer cell migration and invasion. This study aimed to reveal a novel immuno-regulatory mechanism by which Reg3A modulates tumour-promoting responses during pancreatic cancer (PC) progression. In an in vitro Transwell system that allowed the direct co-culture of human peripheral blood-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and Reg3A-overexpressing/ silenced human PC cells, PC cell-derived Reg3A was found to downregulate CD80, CD83 and CD86 expression on educated DCs, increase DC endocytic function, inhibit DC-induced T lymphocyte proliferation, reduce IL-12p70 production, and enhance IL-23 production by DCs. The positive effect of tumour-derived Reg3A-educated human DCs on PC progression was demonstrated in vivo by intraperitoneally transferring them into PC-implanted severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice reconstituted with human T cells. A Reg3A-JAK2/STAT3 positive feedback loop was identified in DCs educated with Reg3A. In conclusion, as a tumour-derived factor, Reg3A acted to block the differentiation and maturation of the most important antigen-presenting cells, DCs, causing them to limit their potential anti-tumour responses, thus facilitating PC escape and progression.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.706-716
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• 2021

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and bowel habit changes. Although diverse complicated etiologies are involved in its pathogenesis, a dysregulated gut-brain axis may be an important factor. Red ginseng (RG), a traditional herbal medicine, is proven to have anti-inflammatory effects and improve brain function; however, these effects have not been investigated in IBS. Methods: Three-day intracolonic zymosan injections were used to induce post-infectious human IBS-like symptoms in mice. The animals were randomized to receive either phosphate-buffered saline (CG) or RG (30/100/300 mg/kg) for 10 days. Amitriptyline and sulfasalazine were used as positive controls. Macroscopic scoring was performed on day 4. Visceral pain and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed by colorectal distension and elevated plus maze and open field tests, respectively, on day 10. Next-generation sequencing of gut microbiota was performed, and biomarkers involved in gut-brain axis responses were analyzed. Results: Compared to CG, RG significantly decreased the macroscopic score, frequency of visceral pain, and anxiety-like behavior in the IBS mice. These effects were comparable to those after sulfasalazine and amitriptyline treatments. Moreover, RG significantly increased the proliferation of beneficial microbes, including Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Parabacteroides goldsteinii. RG significantly suppressed expression of IL-1β and c-fos in the gut and prefrontal cortex, respectively. Further, it restored the plasma levels of corticosterone to within the normal range, accompanied by an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone. Conclusion: RG may be a potential therapeutic option for the management of human IBS.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.769-777
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• 2018

The fermentation of Panax ginseng yields many compounds including ginsenosides that have various biological functions. The objective of this study was to investigate the modulation of nitric oxide (NO), Interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ in Raw 264.7 cells treated with ginseng fermented by Penibacillus MBT213. Nitric oxide production in the Raw 264.7 cells treated for 24 hours with fermented ginseng at 3, 7, and 14 days after the treatment decreased to 74, 43, and 36%, respectively, compared with the positive control. The production of IL-6 was inhibited in all the cells treated with fermented ginseng at 3, 7, and 14 days after the treatment except for the positive control. The $TNF-{\alpha}$ production in the Raw 264.7 cells treated with fermented ginseng for 6 hours at 3, 7, and 14 days after the treatment was about 40,000, 85,000 and 65,000 pg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the $TNF-{\alpha}$ production in the Raw 264.7 cells treated with fermented ginseng for 24 hours at 7 and 14 days after the treatment was about 160,000 and 180,000 pg/mL, respectively. However, $TNF-{\alpha}$ production was inhibited in the Raw 264.7 cells at 6 and 12 hours after the treatment with fermented ginseng. herefore, it was confirmed that the immunological activity of the Raw 264.7 macrophages was affected by the treatment with fermented ginseng. It was concluded that ginseng fermented by Paenibacillus MBT213 possesses a potential anti-inflammatory activity and could be used as an ingredient in functional foods and pharmaceutical products.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.103-111
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• 2019

The study is to investigate effects of andrographolide on experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). Lewis rats were immunized on day 0 with porcine cardiac myosin to establish EAM. The EAM rats were treated with either andrographolide (25, 50, 100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 21 days. An antigen-specific splenocytes proliferation assay was performed by using the cells from control rats immunized with cardiac myosin. Survival rates, myocardial pathology and myocardial functional parameters (left ventricle end-diastolic pressure, ${\pm}dP/dt$ and left ventricular internal dimension) of EAM rats received andrographolide were significantly improved. Andrographolide treatment caused an decrease in the infiltration of $CD3^+$ and $CD14^+$ positive cells in myocardial tissue. Moreover, andrographolide treatment caused a reduction in the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-17 (IL-17) and myosin-antibody, and an increase in the level of IL-10 in EAM rats. Oral administration of andrographolide resulted in the decreased expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt without any change of PI3K and Akt. Further results indicate andrographolide significantly inhibited myosin-induced proliferation in splenocytes, and this effect was inhibited by co-treatment of SC79 (Akt activator). Our data indicate andrographolide inhibits development of EAM, and this beneficial effect may be due to powerful anti-inflammatory activity and inhibitory effect on PI3K/Akt pathway.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.94-106
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• 2019

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Gwakhyangjeonggi-san(GJS) on atopic dermatitis(AD) induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB) in mice. Methods : The mice(Balb/c mice) were divided into three groups; normal Balb/c mice with oil treatment(Sham group), DNCB-induced AD mice(AD group), and GJS treated AD mice(GJS group). GJS group were orally administered GJS daily for 2 weeks. We observed changes of clinical skin severity score, the expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin(TSLP), interleukin(IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-${\alpha}$ in skin and mast cell infiltration. Also, serum immunoglobulinE(IgE), IL-4, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 were evaluated. Results : The clinical skin severity score of GJS group was decreased compared to AD group. In hematoxylin and eosin staining results, GJS group showed a significant reduction of epithelial skin thickness. In addition, expression of TSLP and mast cell infiltration in skin were also reduced by GJS treatment compared to those of AD group. Thus, we evaluated expression of IL-4, Th2-dependent cytokine, and $TNF-{\alpha}$, pro-inflammatory cytokine in skin. GJS significantly reduced both IL-4 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ compared to AD mice. Moreover, levels of IgE, IL-4, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 in plasma also significantly decreased by oral GJS treatment. Conclusion : The present study suggests that GJS can significantly reduced symptoms of AD, therefore it can be a promising candidate for anti-atopic dermatitis treatment.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2019

Background: Increased oxidative stress and inflammation play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of chronic tendinopathy. Melatonin is an endogenous molecule that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical and histopathological effects of exogenous melatonin administrations in supraspinatus overuse tendinopathy. Methods: Fifty rats were divided into the following four groups: cage activity, melatonin treatment, corticosteriod therapy, and control. Melatonin (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal; twice a day) and triamcinolone (0.3 mg/kg, subacromial; weekly) were administered to the treatment groups after the overuse period. Biochemical and histopathological evaluations were performed on serum samples and biopsies obtained from rats. Plasma inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were evaluated biochemically. Results: The TAS, TOS, OSI, iNOS, and VEGF values were significantly lower than the pre-treatment levels in rats receiving exogenous melatonin treatment (3 or 6 weeks) (p<0.05). TOS, iNOS, VEGF, and OSI values after 3 weeks of triamcinolone administration, and TOS, VEGF, and OSI levels after 6 weeks of triamcinolone application, were significantly lower than the pre-treatment levels (p<0.05). Conclusions: Exogenous melatonin application in overuse tendinopathy reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Melatonin might be an alternative potential molecule to corticosteroids in the treatment of chronic tendinopathy.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.1-11
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• 2021

Objectives: Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder, which is characterized by proteinuria, edema (swelling), and hyperlipidemia. Maydis Stigma (Corn silk) has been widely used in Asia as a traditional medicine and is known to have a diuretic effect and is used for the treatment of edema and indigestion. Methods: The aim of this study is to investigate the improvement effect of Maydis Stigma in treating nephrotic syndrome induced by puromycin aminonucleoside. Sprague-Dawley rats were intravenously injected with 75 mg/kg/day puromycin aminonucleoside, then treated with either Losartan or 200 mg/kg/day Maydis Stigma for seven days. Results: Maydis Stigma significantly decreased ascites and proteinuria level. Plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and plasma creatinine reduced significantly by Maydis Stigma. In addition, treatment with Maydis Stigma attenuated histological damage. Treatment with Maydis Stigma also restored podocin expression and reduced inflammation markers such as intracellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1). Conclusions: Maydis Stigma ameliorates kidney injury in nephrotic syndrome rat models. Maydis Stigma exerts a renoprotective effect owing to its anti-inflammatory effects and reductions of ascites and proteinuria. Thus, these results indicate that Maydis Stigma is likely to be a promising agent in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome.

• 대한상한금궤의학회지
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.21-44
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• 2021

Objective : This study aimed to assess the preventive effect of Bupleuri Radix aqueous extracts (BR) and red koji-fermented BR (fBR) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury in a rat model. Methods : Rats were administered 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg/day of fBR for 28 days before LPS treatments. All rats were sacrificed 5 h after LPS treatment (500 ㎍/head, intratracheal instillation). Body weights, lung weights, pulmonary transcapillary albumin transit, arterial gas parameters (pH, partial pressure [Pa] of O2, PaCO2), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), total cell numbers, neutrophil/alveolar macrophage ratios, lung malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured. In addition, histopathological changes including the luminal surface of alveoli (LSA), thickness of alveolar septum, and number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were checked. Results : LPS injection led to increases in lung weights, pulmonary transcapillary albumin transit, BALF protein, LDH, TNF-α and IL-1β contents, total cells, neutrophil and alveolar macrophage ratios, lung MDA, MPO, alveolar septum thickness, and PMNs, and decreases in PaCO2 and pH of arterial blood and LSA. However, these LPS-induced acute lung injuries were inhibited by pretreatment of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg of fBR. The most favorable effects were seen with 30 mg/kg fBR as compared with 60 mg/kg of α-lipoic acid and BR. Conclusions : fBR showed preventive effects on LPS-induced acute lung injury, which resembles acute respiratory distress syndrome. The mechanisms of action were likely via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory means.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.61.1-61.10
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• 2022

Background: Although there are growing demands for stem cell-based therapy for companion animals in various diseases, a few clinical trials have been reported. Moreover, most of them are the results from only one or a few times of stem cell injection. Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe a long-term treatment with allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in a dog with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is a rare canine disease. Methods: The dog with RA received intravascular injection of allogeneic ASCs derived from two healthy donors once a month for 11 months. To assess therapeutic effects of ASCs, orthopedic examination and clinical evaluation was performed. Cytokines of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in the plasma were measured using ELISA analysis. Results: Despite this repeated and long-term administration of allogeneic ASCs, there were no side effects such as immunorejection responses or cell toxicity. The orthopedic examination score for the dog decreased after ASCs treatment, and the clinical condition of the dog and owner's satisfaction were very good Conclusions: Although ASCs has been suggested as one of the options for RA treatment because of its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions, it has never been used to treat RA in dogs. The present report describes a case of canine RA treated with allogeneic ASCs for long-term in which the dog showed clinical improvement without adverse effects.