• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.184-190
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• 2016

Rosa rugosa Thunb, a deciduous shrub of the genus Rosa, has been widely used to treat stomach aches, diarrhoea, pain, and chronic inflammatory disease in eastern Asia. In recent years, our research team has extensively studied the Rosa rugosa flower extract, and specifically undertook pharmacological experiments which have optimized the extraction process. Our methods have yielded a standard extract enriched in phenolic compounds, named PRE. Herein, we expand our efforts and evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of PRE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. PRE significantly inhibited production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, and interleukin $1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$), as well as expression of their synthesizing enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase2 (COX-2). Furthermore, PRE inhibited activity of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) as well as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) signaling pathway. Our findings are the first to explain the anti-inflammatory mechanism by PRE in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Given these results, we propose that PRE has therapeutic potential in the prevention of inflammatory disorders.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.495-501
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• 2018

Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure is a risk factor for skin damage resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) to improve its biological activities using a three-step steaming process. We investigated the protective effects of PG and steamed PG extracts on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) against UVB radiation-induced oxidative stress and inflammation as well as the underlying mechanisms. The antioxidant potential of the PG extracts was evaluated by measuring the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) scavenging activity. ABTS and DPPH were shown by the 0, 30, and 70% ethanol extracts of 2S-PG and 3S-PG ($IC_{50}$, 28~45 and $27{\sim}30{\mu}g/mL$, respectively). Treatment of UVB-irradiated cells with steamed PG ($25{\sim}400{\mu}g/mL$) did not affect their viability. The streamed PG extract suppressed UVB-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, streamed PG extract reduced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression in UVB-irradiated HDF, regulating nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$ expression. These findings suggest that steamed PG extract may be potentially effective against inflammation associated with UVB-induced oxidation stress.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.113-122
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• 2003

Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Gagamchunggan-tang on anti-inflammation reaction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced HepG2 cell. Method : We examined the effects of the Gagamchunggan-tang, a traditional drug for liver inflammation, on the process of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced nuclear factor-${\kappa}Bp65(NF-{\kappa}Bp65)$ activation in HepG2 cell. SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, Immunofluorescence staining were studied. Results : Immunoblot analysis showed that the level of nucleic $NF-{\kappa}Bp65$ was rapidly up-regulated and cytosolic inhibitory $I-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ was down-regulated by LPS challenge. While Gagamchunggan-tang inhibited an increase of $NF-{\kappa}Bp65$ and degradation of $I-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ in HepG2 cell. Besides LPS-induced expression of a group of genes, such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$, inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), are repressed by Gagamchunggan-tang. It may be concluded that Gagamchunggan-tang attenuates the progress of LPS-induced inflammation by reduction of $NF-{\kappa}Bp65$ activation. Conclusion : The Gagamchunggan-tang would be useful as a therapeutic agent for endotoxin-induced liver disease.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.357-365
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• 2022

Simultaneous myofibril and mitochondrial development is crucial for the cardiac differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Specifically, mitochondrial energy metabolism (MEM) development in cardiomyocytes is essential for the beating function. Although previous studies have reported that MEM is correlated with cardiac differentiation, the process and timing of MEM regulation for cardiac differentiation remain poorly understood. Here, we performed transcriptome analysis of cells at specific stages of cardiac differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and human induced PSCs (hiPSCs). We selected MEM genes strongly upregulated at cardiac lineage commitment and in a time-dependent manner during cardiac maturation and identified the protein-protein interaction networks. Notably, MEM proteins were found to interact closely with cardiac maturation-related proteins rather than with cardiac lineage commitment-related proteins. Furthermore, MEM proteins were found to primarily interact with cardiac muscle contractile proteins rather than with cardiac transcription factors. We identified several candidate MEM regulatory genes involved in cardiac lineage commitment (Cck, Bdnf, Fabp4, Cebpα, and Cdkn2a in mESC-derived cells, and CCK and NOS3 in hiPSC-derived cells) and cardiac maturation (Ppargc1α, Pgam2, Cox6a2, and Fabp3 in mESC-derived cells, and PGAM2 and SLC25A4 in hiPSC-derived cells). Therefore, our findings show the importance of MEM in cardiac maturation.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.159-170
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• 2009

Backgrounds and Objectives: A fracture means a loss of continuity in the substance of bone. Bone differs from other musculoskeletal tissue due to its ability to repair and heal itself without leaving a scar. The cutter head has multinucleated osteoclast cells to resorb the dead bone. The tail, with its conical surface, is lined with osteoblast cells laying down new bone. The conjugation of fracture is a unique biological process regulated by a complex array of signaling molecules and proinflammatory cytokines. Pyritum, one of the important prescriptions in the oriental medicine, has been used for conjugation fracture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of administration of Pyritum on activation of osteoblast cells in human body & on tibia bone fracture in mice. Materials and Methods : Four weeks aged 30 female DBA mice were used for this study. They were divided three groups, normal group, control group(fracture elicitate mice: FE group) and experimental group(Pyritum administered mice group after fracture elicitation : PA group). Left tibia bones of mice in FE and PA groups were fractured by bone cutters. MG-63 cells in human body th Pyritum in the ratio of 1 mg/m${\ell}$, and the cells were further incubated for 24 hours. Activation of osteoblast was identified using osteopontin, FGF in vitro test. In vivo test, regeneration of fractured tibia through the morphological changes was observed, and also activation of inflammation through NF-${\kappa}$B p65, iNOS, COX-2, osteoblast through osteopontin, FGF and osteoblast's proliferation in each group was measured. Results and Conclusions : 1. In vitro test for activation of osteoblast cells in human body by Pyritum, osteopontin and FGF production were remarkably increased in Pyritum treated MG-63 cells. 2. In regeneration of fractured tibia by Pyritum, fractured area in external tibia morphology was decreased more in the PA group than that of the FE group. Osteogenesis in fractured area was increased more in the PA group than that of the FE group. Also, endochodrial ossification in central area of fracture and osteoid in lateral area of fracture were increased more in the PA group than those of the FE group. 3. In activation of inflammation by Pyritum administered, activation of NF-${\kappa}$B p65, increase of iNOS and COX-2 production were higher in the PA and the FE groups than those of the control group. Especially, the PA group showed higher activation and increase than those of the FE group. 4. In activation of osteoblast by Pyritum, increase of osteopontin, FGF and osteoblast's proliferation were higher in the PA and the FE groups than those of the control group. Especially, the PA group showed higher increase and proliferation than those of the FE group.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.477-484
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger and processed (Beopje) ginger on colitis induced by 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in Balb/c mice. Beopje means a process that herbal medicines are treated by a specific Korean traditional method in order to obtain better pharmacological effects. Mice were fed saline or two different doses of ethanol extracts (ginger and processed (Beopje) ginger) once a day for 14 days. Colitis was induced from day 7 to 14 via administration of 2.5% DSS in drinking water. Experimental animals were divided into four groups: Nor (Normal, 200 ${\mu}L$ of saline without 2.5% DSS-treated group), Con (Control, 200 ${\mu}L$ of saline and 2.5% DSS treated group), G (500 mg/kg of ginger and 2.5% DSS treated group), and BG (500 mg/kg of Beopje ginger and 2.5% DSS treated group). Body weights of both ginger-administered groups increased compared to the control. Colon length increased to 7.6, and 8.0 cm in the G and BG groups, respectively, whereas that of control was 5.7 cm. Histological colon injury induced by DSS-induced colitis was reduced (P<0.05). In serum and DSS-treated colon tissues, mRNA expression levels of IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-12 of the Beopje ginger-treated group were significantly suppressed compared to those of the ginger-treated groups. Expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 of the Beopje ginger-treated group were significantly reduced compared to those of the ginger-treated groups (P<0.05), and BG showed stronger anti-inflammatory effects on colitis. These results indicated that ginger exerted anti-inflammatory effects on DSS-induced colitis in mice, and its effects could be increased through Beopje.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.545-554
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• 2016

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important macromolecule in medical and pharmaceutical fields. HA is a natural and linear polymer composed of repeating disaccharide units of β-1, 3-N-acetyl glucosamine and β-1, 4-glucuronic acid. This work aimed to confirm the structural characteristics and anti-inflammatory activities of HA and its chemically sulfated-HA. HA was produced from a fed-batch fermentation process using Streptococcus dysgalactiae in a 5 l bioreactor. HA was isolated water-soluble form (HA-WS) and water-insoluble form (HA-WI) from culture medium, and was obtained chemically sulfated-derivative (S-HA) that resulted in a 90% yield from HA-WI. The structural features of the sulfated- HA (S-HA) were investigated by FT-IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The FT-IR and NMR patterns revealed the similarity in both the FTIR spectrum as well as NMR spectrum of both reference standard and purified HA from S. dysgalactiae. The anti-inflammatory activities of HA and S-HA were examined on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. S-HA was significantly inhibited production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and PGE₂ and the gene levels of iNOS and COX-2, which are responsible for the production of NO and PGE₂, respectively. Furthermore, S-HA also suppressed the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (<80 pg/ml) and IL-6 (<100 pg/ml) compared to that of HA-WI. The present study clearly demonstrates that HA-S exhibits anti-inflammatory activities in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.11
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• pp.1612-1620
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• 2015

Inflammation is a complex process involving a variety of immune cells, which defend the body from harmful stimuli. However, pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators can also exacerbate diseases such as cancer. Onion peel contains several phenolic compounds, including quercetin at an amount 20 times greater in peel than edible flesh. Therefore, in this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of onion peel ethanol extract (OPEE) were investigated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response. In our results, NO production decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Secretion of IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and $IL-1{\beta}$ was suppressed by 44%, 53%, and 60% respectively, at $100{\mu}g/mL$. Moreover, OPEE also suppressed expression of COX-2, iNOS, $NF-{\kappa}B$, and MAPKs in a dose-dependent manner. Formation of mice ear edema was reduced at the highest dose tested compared to the control, and reduction of ear thickness was observed in the histological analysis as well. In the acute toxicity test, no morality was observed in mice administered 5,000 mg/kg body weight of OPEE over a 2-week observation period. These results suggest that OPEE may have significant effects on inflammatory factors and be a potential anti-inflammatory material.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.19-26
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• 2023

Hydrogen, a clean energy source free of COx emissions, is poised to replace fossil fuels, with its usage on the rise. Despite its high energy content per unit mass, hydrogen faces limitations in storage and transportation due to its low storage density and challenges in long-term storage. In contrast, ammonia offers a high storage capacity per unit volume and is relatively easy to liquefy, making it an attractive option for storing and transporting large volumes of hydrogen. While NH₃ decomposition is an endothermic reaction, achieving excellent low-temperature catalytic activity is essential for process efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The study examined the effects of different zeolite types (5A, NaY, ZSM5) on NH₃ decomposition activity, considering differences in pore structure, cations, and Si/Al-ratio. Notably, the 5A zeolite facilitated the high dispersion of Ni across the surface, inside pores, and within the structure. Its low Si/Al ratio contributed to abundant acidity, enhancing ammonia adsorption. Additionally, the presence of Na and Ca cations in the support created medium basic sites that improved N₂ desorption rates. As a result, among the prepared catalysts, the 15 wt%Ni/5A catalyst exhibited the highest NH₃ conversion and a high H₂ formation rate of 23.5 mmol/g_cat·min (30,000 mL/g_cat·h, 600 ℃). This performance was attributed to the strong metal-support interaction and the enhancement of N₂ desorption rates through the presence of medium basic sites.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.359-366
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• 2003

Objectives : This study was conducted to review the diffusion process and factors affecting the adoption of the Health Center Information System (HIS). Methods : Data were collected from POSDATA (private company), MOHW, other Ministries and local governments. To specify the date of adoption, supplementary information was collected from 40 health centers. The following three kinds of factors were analyzed. Internal factors included type, size, and innovativeness of health centers. Community factors were composed of population sire, economic status, and level of education. Organizational environmental factors consisted of information score of the municipalities, financial support of the from central government, and the neighborhoodness of innovator health centers. Results : All health centers in the metropolitan cities of Seoul, Gwangju and Jeju adopted the HIS. The laggards were those in the metropolitan cities of Busan (18.8%), Incheon (20.0%) and Daejun (20.0%), and cities with population more than 300,000 (54.8%) and counties with health center hospitals (47.1%). Financially supported rural health centers adopted the HIS more rapidly than those not supported. The factors identified as being statistically significant (p<0.05), from a univariate analysis by Kaplan-Meier method, were: (1) internal factors of the type, size and innovativeness of health centers; (2) community factors of population size and economic status; (3) organizational environmental factors of the central government financial support and the neighborhoodness of innovator health centers. A multivariate analysis, using a Cox proportional hazard method, proved the innovativeness of health centers, central government financial support and the neighborhoodness of innovator health centers, were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusions : The innovativeness of health centers, financial support from central government and the neighborhoodness of innovator health centers, rather than community factors related to regional socioeconomic status, affected ffe adoption of the HIS in health centers. Further in-depth studies, modifying the MOHW's strategy to propagate the HIS to the laggard health confers, are recommended.