• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.33-46
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• 2021

Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of Sogyunghwalhyel-tang-gamibang (SGHHTGB) in cell and animal models and also to suggest one of putative mechanisms underlying its anti-arthritic effects. Methods Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to measure the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in culture medium and blood serum and nitric oxide (NO) was assayed by Griess reagent. The expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were analyzed by Western blot method. Results In a cell model using RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated with the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the drug, at its non-cytotoxic concentrations, inhibited the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. In addition, it suppressed the expression of the inflammatory enzyme iNOS and COX-2, and reduced the synthesis of the enzyme product NO (as stable nitrite) and PGE2 in activated macrophages. Meanwhile, in an animal model using rheumatic arthritis (RA) mice induced with injection of type II collagen antibody (CAb) and LPS, the drug improved clinical symptom of arthritis and reduced paw thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration. In blood of RA mice, the drug reduced serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, nitrite, and PGE2, all inflammatory mediators produced by activated macrophages. Conclusions SGHHTGB may ameliorate CAb and LPS-induced RA in mice, presumably by inactivating macrophages that are capable of initiating joint inflammation by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and expressing inflammatory enzymes.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.3-7
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• 2009

Background and Objectives : Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is a medical plant that has been widely utilized as a tonic and nutritional agent since ancient times in Korea. Ginseng has anti-metastatic property of cancer and immunomodulating activity. The novel acidic polysaccharide compound(MB40) was isolated from the leaves of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer. To determine immunomodulating activities of MB40, we evaluate anti-cancer and anti-metastatic effects of MB40 in tumor bearing immune competent mice. Material and Methods : C3H mice were divided into three equal groups(Cisplatin treatment group, MB40 treat-ment group, Cisplatin and MB40 treatment group) and were transplanted SCC(Squamous Cell Carcinoma) cells(2${\times}$106) to the lateral side of abdomen. From day 4 after transplantation, MB40 was administrated at dose of 10mg/kg, respectively, every other day by intratumoral injection. Cisplatin was systemically administrated at doses of 1mg/kg, respectively, every week by intraperitoneal injection. Results : 5 days after administration, tumors can be palpated in every mice group. After 13 days of administration, the mice group to which MB40 were administrated exhibited reduction in tumor size respectively, compared to cisplatin group. Overall status of mice such as body weight and activity were superior in MB40 group than cisplatin group. Conclusion : The result of this study indicates MB40 may have significant therapeutic effect and decreases complications induced by systemic chemotheraphy. MB40 may be developed as a novel and potent immunotropics to improve the cell immune system and anti-cancer drug for the treatment of cancer patients in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.20 no.1 s.32
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• pp.80-98
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was carried out to evaluate anti-oxydative, anti-tumor effect for clinical application of Whakijogyungtang (WJT) Results : 1. DPPH radical scavenging activities of WJT water extracts(Exts) were in proportion as concentration of WJT.(3 ${\mu}g/ml:12.6{\pm}2.3$ %) 2. ABTS+ scavenging activities of WJT water Exts were more effective in high density.(3 ${\mu}g/ml:4.3{\pm}1.6$ %, 10 ${\mu}g/ml$: $11.8{\pm}2.5$ %, 30 ${\mu}g/ml:45.3{\pm}3.2%$ 100 ${\mu}g/ml$: $62.7{\pm}4.8%$) 3. Hydrogen peroxide$(H_2O_2)$ scavenging activities of WJT water Exts were effective.(3 ${\mu}g/ml:4.7{\pm}0.8$ %, 10 ${\mu}g/ml: $8.2{\pm}1.6$ %, 30 ${\mu}g/ml:19.5{\pm}3.2$ % 100 ${\mu}g/ml$: $24.6{\pm}3.8$ %) 4. Anti oxidative effects against linoleic acid were not effective. 5. The generation of $O_2\;^-$ in S-180 cells were according to the concentration of WJT water Exts, specially effective over 100 ${\mu}g/ml$ concentration. 6. The SOD activities in S-180 cells were in proportion as cytotoxicity against S-180 cells of WJT water Exts. 7. The GPx activities in S-180 cells were in proportion as cytotoxicity against S-180 cells of WJT water Exts(more effective on 300 ${\mu}g/ml$ and 1000 ${\mu}g/ml$ concentration), but the catalase activities in S-180 cells were not effective. 8. The results of activites against multi-drug-resistance(MDR) of WJT were as follows. 1) In water Exts from WJT, cytotoxicity against AML-2/D100 with vincristine($IC_{50:}39.78$ ${\mu}g/ml$) was more effective than without vincristine($IC_{50:}$ 183.58 ${\mu}g/ml$), Cross resistance(CR:3.85) was not effective, and anti-MDR activites(RF) was effective.(RF:3.85) 2) In hexane fraction, cytotoxicity against AML-2/D100 with vincristine ($IC_{50:}130.88$ ${\mu}g/ml$) was more effective than without vincristine ($IC_{50:}293.10$ ${\mu}g/ml$) and anti-MDR activites(RF) was effective.(RF:4.61) 3) In chloroform fraction, the cytotoxicity against AML-2/WT and AML-2/D100 was not effective. 4) In ethyl acetate fraction, cytotoxicity against AML-2/D100 with vincristine($IC_{50:}36.43$ ${\mu}g/ml$) was more effective than without vincristine ($IC_{50:}73.07$ ${\mu}g/ml$), Cross resistance(CR:0.53) was not effective, and anti-MDR activites(RF) was effective.(RF:2) 5) In butanol fraction, the cytotoxicity against AML-2/WT and AML-2/D100 was not effective. 6) In $H_2O$ fraction, the cytotoxicity against AML-2/WT and AML-2/D100 was not effective. Conclusion : These result suggest that WJT has antioxidative effects, anti-tumor effects by apoptosis of free radical$(O_2\;^-)$ activity, and anti-MDR activites(especially hexane and ethyl acetate fraction).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2619-2623
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• 2014

Aim: To investigate signaling pathways for reversal of EGF-mediated multi-drug resistance (MDR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models. Materials and Methods: HCC MDR cell strain HepG2/adriamycin (ADM) and SMMC7721/ADM models were established using a method of exposure to medium with ADM between low and high concentration with gradually increasing concentration. Drug sensitivity and reversal of multi-drug resistance by EGF were determined and the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Phosphorylation of ERK1, ERK2, ERK5 and expression of Bim were detected by Western blotting. Results: The results showed that HepG2/ADM and SMMC7721/ADM cells were resistant not only to ADM, but also to multiple anticancer drugs. When used alone, EGF had no anti-tumor activity in HepG2/ADM and SMMC7721/ADM cells in vitro, while it increased the cytotoxicity of ADM. EGF induced cell apoptosis and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in HepG2/ADM And SMMC7721/ADM cells, while enhancing activity of p-ERKs and up-regulated expression of BimEL. Conclusions: EGF might enhance the chemosensitivity of HepG2/ADM and SMMC7721/ADM cells via up-regulating p-ERKs and BimEL protein.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.122-131
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• 1995

Five human cancer cell lines (HeLa S3, Hep 3B, KATO III, Hs 683, HeLa MR) and one human normal cell line (WI-38) were examined cell viability, northern blot analysis, western blot analysis, and in situ hybridization for the expression $O_{6}$ -methylguanine-DNAmethyltransferase (MGMT), which can repair $O_{6}$ -methylguanine produced in DNA by alkylating agents. In cell viability test, the lethal sensitivities of each strain against anti-tumor drug N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)- N-nitrosourea (BCNU) were counted, and both BCNU treated and untreated cell extracts were examined for their MGMT inducibility by RNA dot blot analysis. Cell lines did not show MGMT induction by BCNU pretreatment. Tlle MGMT activity was assayed by measuring the $^3$H radioactivity transferred from the substrate DNA containing [methyl-$^3$H)-O$_{6}$ -methylguanine to acceptor molecules in the cell extracts. Extracts from the majority of tumor strains and normal cells contained substantial MGMT activity of varying degree, while the known Mer$^{[-10]}$ cell (lacked or severely depleted in MGMT activity) Hela MR, and Hs 683 (proved to be Mer$^{[-10]}$ ) were much more sensitive to BCNU than the rest of tumor strains, as measured by cell viability test. Overall results above, KATO III showed the highest expression level of MGMT among the strains examined. Furthermore, with all the tumor and normal strains tested, a good correlation was observed between MGMT expression and cellular resistance to BCNU. The varying levels of expression of MGMT in human cancer cells found in this study should provide a molecular basis for MGMT expression among tumor strains from different tissue origin, the information of antitumor agents selection for chemotherapy of cancers.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.35-39
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• 2017

D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is a secondary messenger in insulin signal transduction. It is produced in vivo from myo-inositol via action of epimerase. In this study, we evaluated antitumor activity of DCI against human breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. In order to determine the inhibitory effects of DCI on growth of human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), two different assessment methods were implemented: MTT assay and mouse xenograft assay. MTT assay demonstrated downturn in cell proliferation by DCI treatment (1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mM) groups by 18.3% (p < 0.05), 17.2% (p < 0.05), 17.5% (p < 0.05), 18.4% (p < 0.05), and 24.9% (p < 0.01), respectively. Also, inhibition of tumor growth was investigated in mouse xenograft model. DCI was administered orally at the dose of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight to treat nude mouse for 45 consecutive days. On the 45th day, tumor growth of DCI (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) groups was suppressed by 22.1% and 67.6% as mean tumor volumes were $9313.8{\pm}474.1mm^3$ and $3879.1{\pm}1044.1mm^3$, respectively. Furthermore, breast cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype ($CD44^+/C24^-$) was measured using flow cytometry. On the 46th day, CSC ratios of DCI (500 mg/kg) and co-treatment with doxorubicin (4 mg/kg) and DCI (500 mg/kg) group decreased by 24.7% and 53.9% (p < 0.01), respectively. Finally, from tumor recurrence assay, delay of 5 days in the co-treatment group compared to doxorubicin (4 mg/kg) alone group was observed. Based on these findings, we propose that DCI holds potential as an anti-cancer drug for treatment of breast cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.824-835
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• 2019

In recent decades, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have extensively been investigated as a potential cancer drug. Oncolytic viruses have primarily the unique advantage in the fact that they can only infect and destroy cancer cells. Secondary, oncolytic viruses induce the activation of specific adaptive immunity which targets tumor-associated antigens that were hidden during the initial cancer progression. In 2015, one genetically modified oncolytic virus, talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), was approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of melanoma. Currently, various oncolytic viruses are being investigated in clinical trials as monotherapy or in combination with preexistent cancer therapies like immunotherapy, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy relies on the balance between the induced anti-tumor immunity and the anti-viral response. Despite the revolutionary outcome, the development of oncolytic viruses for the treatment of cancer faces a number of obstacles such as delivery method, neutralizing antibodies and induction of antiviral immunity due to the complexity, variability and reactivity of tumors. Intratumoral administration has been successful reducing considerably solid tumors with no notable side effects unfortunately some tumors are not accessible (brain) and require a systemic administration of the oncolytic viruses. In order to overcome these hurdles, various strategies to enhance the efficacy of oncolytic viruses have been developed which include the insertion of transgenes or combination with immune-modulatory substances.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.74-86
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• 2017

Objectives : This study aimed to assess the scientific evidence for the use of Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang, a traditional herbal formula, in the treatment of rhinitis, and prepare the basis for the investigational new drug application by analyzing the experimental studies. Methods : Ten electronic databases were searched up to December, 2016 without language limitation. Experimental studies on the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang against rhinitis were included. We extracted data about study design, characteristics of intervention, outcomes, and pharmacological effects from the included studies and summarized them. Results : Eight hundred and thirty-three potentially relevant studies were identified, of which 18 experimental studies met our inclusion criteria. Of 18 included studies, 5 had conducted cell viability test, and all studies had reported that Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang was non-cytotoxic. Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang exhibits anti-inflammatory effect by regulating the inflammation-related cytokines including nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$, interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$ in vitro and in vivo. Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang exhibits anti-allergic effect by suppressing eosinophil, and histamine levels. Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang helps in the recovery of nasal mucous membrane by supressing goblet cells, heat shock protein 70, and substance P. Conclusions : This study suggests that Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang has the potential to be developed as therapeutic agent for rhinitis. Further experimental and clinical studies needed to be performed to prove the safety and efficacy.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.27-39
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• 2023

Extensive research supported the therapeutic potential of curcumin, a naturally occurring compound, as a promising cytokine-suppressive anti-inflammatory drug. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory and anti-cytokine activities by combining 6-shogaol and 10-shogaol to curcumin, and associated mechanisms in modulating lipopolysaccharides and interferon-γ-induced proinflammatory signaling pathways. Our results showed that the combination of 6-shogaol-10-shogaolcurcumin synergistically reduced the production of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor and interlukin-6 in lipopolysaccharides and interferon-γ-induced RAW 264.7 and THP-1 cells assessed by the combination index model. 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin also showed greater inhibition of cytokine profiling compared to that of 6-shogaol-10-shogaol or curcumin alone. The synergistic anti-inflammatory activity was associated with supressed NFκB translocation and downregulated TLR4-TRAF6-MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, SC also inhibited microRNA-155 expression which may be relevant to the inhibited NFκB translocation. Although 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin synergistically increased Nrf2 activity, the anti-inflammatory mechanism appeared to be independent from the induction of Nrf2. 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin provides a more potent therapeutic agent than curcumin alone in synergistically inhibiting lipopolysaccharides and interferon-γ induced proinflammatory mediators and cytokine array in macrophages. The action was mediated by the downregulation of TLR4/TRAF6/MAPK pathway and NFκB translocation.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.696-700
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• 2009

Purpose : We screened more than 350 compounds with an endoperoxide ring structure in search of an anti-leukemic drug and found that compound 127 (c-127) could induce significant cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of compound 127-induced antitumor activity on HL-60 cells. Methods : HL-60 cells were cultured in Rosewell Park Memorial Institute 1640 and cell viability was measured by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide], a tetrazole assay. Apoptosis was assessed by a DNA fragmentation test. Apoptotic machineries were determined by Western blot analysis. Results : C-127 could induce a cytotoxic effect at 24 h and apoptosis at 6 h, which was demonstrated with MTT assay and DNA fragmentation test, respectively. The apoptotic effect of this drug was caused by the activation of the intracellular caspase-8,3 activation, the cleavage of pro-apoptotic Bid, and the increase of c-Jun expression accompanied with JNK (Jun N-terminal kinases) phosphorylation. On the contrary, it increased the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 levels, leading to the induction of the induction of anti-apoptotic effect. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that c-127 was a potent inducer of cytotoxicity on HL-60 cells through apoptotic mechanisms, which included the activation of caspase family, the regulation of Bcl-2 family, and the activation of JNK signaling pathway. Conclusion : Our results suggest that c-127 has a strong antitumor activity through the regulation of various apoptotic machineries on HL-60 cells. The compound may be utilized as an effective and potentially therapeutic drug in leukemia.