• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.40-46
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• 2012

Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng Meyer, has been used frequently in traditional oriental medicine and is popular globally. Ginsenosides, which are the saponins in ginseng, are the major components having pharmacological and biological activities, including anti-diabetic and anti-tumor activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of total saponin from Korean red ginseng(TSKRG) on thrombin-produced thromboxane $A_2$ ($TXA_2$), an aggregating thrombogenic molecule, and its associated microsomal enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and $TXA_2$ synthase (TXAS). Thrombin (0.5 U/mL) increased $TXA_2$ production up to 169 ng/$10^8$ platelets as compared with control (0.2 ng/$10^8$ platelets). However, TSKRG inhibited potently $TXA_2$ production to the control level in a dose-dependent manner, which was associated with the strong inhibition of COX-1 and TXAS activities in platelet microsomes having cytochrome c reductase activity. The results demonstrate TSKRG is a beneficial traditional oriental medicine in platelet-mediated thrombotic diseases via suppression of COX-1 and TXAS to inhibit production of $TXA_2$.

• 한국동물학회지
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.7-12
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• 1961

1) Respiratory metabolism patterns and its enzyme systems in the gill tissue of the fresh water mussels, Cristaria plicata were investigated through the examination on the effects of respiratory enzyme inhibitors, (KCN, NAF) and succinoxidase assay, while studying the effects of neutral salts (NaCL, KCL, CaCl2) and pH on oxygen consumption of the gill tissue. 2) In the limited concentration of KCL (0.3mM) and NaCl (0.4mM) solutions, oxygen consumption of the intact gill tissue was accelerated, but in CaCl2(0.5mM) solution, it showed no significant effect. The oxygen consumption was gradually decreased at the above concentrations of these limitations. The optimum pH for the respiration of the gill was 7.3. 3)Cyanide in 10-8M solution inhibited 88.8% of the respiration of the intact gill tissue. Methylene blue accelerated the respiration of the noral gill tissue, and slightly but significantly reversed the cyaniide poisoned respiration. 4)Oxygen consumption of the gill homogenate was apparently increased by the mixed addition of succinate, cytochrome c and activators (AlCl3 and CaCl2). This results suggested that succinoxidase system acts on the respiratory pattern of the gil tissue. 5) It was able to recognize that the enolase, which acts on the anaerobic glycolytic system, participated in the tissue respiration of the gill for NaF in 5$\times$10-2 M solution inhibited 55.5% of the respiration of the same intact tissue.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.1-11
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was performed to inquire into the protective effects of acupuncture on oxidative stress caused by cadmium accumulation in the kidney. Methods : Sprague-Dawley male($150{\pm}30g$) rats were stabilized for 1 week and divided into 5 groups: normal, control, $LR_3$ acupuncture, $BL_{23}$ acupuncture and sham acupuncture. For three days experimental groups received oral doses of cadmium 2 mg/kg twice a day. Acupuncture was applied bilaterally at each point 10 times for two weeks. The depth of stimulation was 1 mm at right angles and torsion of acupuncture was produced 2 times per second for 1 minute. The kidneys were extracted and weighed after two weeks, and renal function was confirmed through blood urea nitrogen(BUN). We measured reactive oxygen species of the serum and kidney, and compared expression levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase(Gpx), nuclear factor erythroid derived 2-related factor 2(Nrf-2), heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$(NF-${\kappa}B)$, cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Bax and Cytochrome c. Results : The $LR_3$ acupuncture group and $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group experienced significantly increased kidney weight, and decreased BUN compared to control group. In terms of oxidative stress, the $LR_3$ acupuncture group and $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group experienced significantly reduced reactive oxygen species compared to the control group. Conclusions : The $LR_3$ acupuncture group and $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group experienced showed the effects of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and apoptosis protection. The $BL_{23}$ acupuncture group was more effective than $LR_3$ acupuncture group.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.33-42
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• 2006

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticancer effects of Bodusan (BDS) on SNU-1 cells, a human gastric cancer cell line. Methods : To study the cytotoxic effect of BDS on SNU-1 cells, the cells were treated with various concentrations of BDS and then cell viability was determined by XTT reduction method and trypan blue exclusion assay. The typical signs of apoptosis, was examined by western blot analysis. BDS-induced MAPK activation was also examined by Western blot for phosphorylated ERK and p38. Results : BDS reduced proliferation of SNU-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner and decreased procaspase 3 level in a dose-dependent manner and induced the clevage of PARP at concentration > 500 ${\mu}g/ml$. BDS also triggered the mitochondrial apoptotic signaling by increasing the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria to cytosol and reducing the level of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. BDS significantly decreased ERK phosphorylation and increased p38 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. Futhermore, BDS treatment up-regulated p53 and p21waf expression in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : BDS-induced apoptosis is MAP kinase-dependent apoptoric pathway and arrested SNU-1 cells at the G0/G1 of cell cycle. These results suggest that BDS is potentially useful as a chemotherapeutic agent in human gastric cancer.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.106-114
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• 2009

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the world's most common primary malignant tumor of the liver. In-Jin-ho-Tang (IJHT) has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine since ancient times, and today it is widely used as a medication for jaundice associated with inflammation of the liver. In-Jin-Ho-Tang is a drug preparation consisting of three herbs: Artemisiae Capillaris Herba (Artemisia capillaries $T_{HUNS}$, Injinho in Korean), Gardeniae Fructus (Gardenia jasminodes $E_{LLIS}$, Chija in Korean) and Rhei radix et rhizoma (Rheum palmatum L., Daehwang in Korean). This study investigated whether or not methanol extract of IJHT could induce HepG2 cancer cell death. Cytotoxic activity of IJHT on HepG2 cells was measured using an XTT assay, with an $IC_{50}$ value of $700{\mu}g/ml$ at 24 h Apoptosis induction by IJHT in HepG2 cells was verified by the cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase, and a decrease in procaspase-3, -8, -9. Treatment of IJHT resulted in the release of cytochrome c into cytosol, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}_m$), decrease in anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and an increase in pro-apoptotic Bax expression. Thus, IJHT induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells via activation of caspase and mitochondria pathway. These results indicate that IJHT has potential as an anti-cancer agent.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.67-76
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• 2005

Purpose : 귀전우(Euonymus alatus, EA)는 현재까지 항종양활성을 나타낸다고 보고되었지만 그 작용 메커니즘에 대해서는 아직 밝혀지지 않은 채 남아 있다. 본 연구에서는, 자궁근종세포(ULSMC)에서 EA의 분자적 수준에서의 작용메커니즘을 연구${\cdot}$검토하고자 하였다. Methods : EA의 열수추출액이 자궁근종세포(ULSMC)와 caspase-3 pretense의 활성도에 미치는 영향을 측정하였다. Results : 우리는 자궁근종에서 EA 유도 세포독성의 메커니즘을 검토하였는바, 근종 세포들은 20-200g/ml 농도의 EA추출물에 6시간 배양될 때, caspase-3가 활성화되고, 그때 세포들은 apoptosis를 유발하게 되었다. EA에 의한 apoptosis의 유도가 진행되었으며, cytochrome- c의 세포질분획에서 양적증가가 caspase-3의 활성보다도 우세하였다. GSH합성의 저해제인 5mM buthionine용액에 전처리는 EA유도 apoptosis를 용이하게 하지만 pan-caspase inhibitor인 Z-VAD-fmk용액 전 처리는 부분적으로 apoptosis유도를 억제하였다. 한편, EA는 건강한 지원자들로 부터 채취한 말초혈액 단핵세포들에 있어서는 독성의 효과는 없었다. Conclusion : 이들 결과들은 EA가 prooxidant로 작용을 하고 그리고 caspase-3 activation과 mitochondrial pathway를 경유하는 apoptosis를 유발한다는 것을 나타낸다. EA의 탕제약제로서 열수추출액이 항산화활성뿐만 아니라, 종양세포에 대한 세포독성효과를 나타낸다고 보고된 바, 이에 향후 근종치료에 대한 임상연구가 필요할 것으로 보인다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제38권12호
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• pp.1054-1063
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• 2015

Mitochondria play a crucial role in eukaryotic cells; the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) generates adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which serves as an energy source for numerous critical cellular activities. However, the ETC also generates deleterious reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a natural byproduct of oxidative phosphorylation. ROS are considered the major cause of aging because they damage proteins, lipids, and DNA by oxidation. We analyzed the chronological life span, growth phenotype, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and intracellular ATP and mitochondrial superoxide levels of 33 single ETC component-deleted strains during the chronological aging process. Among the ETC mutant strains, 14 ($sdh1{\Delta}$, $sdh2{\Delta}$, $sdh4{\Delta}$, $cor1{\Delta}$, $cyt1{\Delta}$, $qcr7{\Delta}$, $qcr8{\Delta}$, $rip1{\Delta}$, $cox6{\Delta}$, $cox7{\Delta}$, $cox9{\Delta}$, $atp4{\Delta}$, $atp7{\Delta}$, and $atp17{\Delta}$) showed a significantly shorter life span. The deleted genes encode important elements of the ETC components succinate dehydrogenase (complex II) and cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV), and some of the deletions lead to structural instability of the membrane-$F_1F_0$-ATP synthase due to mutations in the stator stalk (complex V). These short-lived strains generated higher superoxide levels and produced lower ATP levels without alteration of MMP. In summary, ETC mutations decreased the life span of yeast due to impaired mitochondrial efficiency.

• 한국임상약학회지
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.206-212
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• 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nimodipine on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin after oral and intravenous administration of warfarin in rats. Methods: Warfarin was administered orally (0.2 mg/kg) or intravenously (0.05 mg/kg) without or with oral administration of nimodipine (0.5 or 2 mg/kg) in rats. The effect of nimodipine on the P-glycoprotein as well as cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 activity was also evaluated. Results: Nimodipine inhibited CYP3A4 enzyme activity with 50% inhibition concentration ($IC_{50}$) of $10.2{\mu}M$. Compared to those animals in the oral control group (warfarin without nimodipine), the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of warfarin was significantly greater (0.5 mg/kg, P<0.05; 2 mg/kg, P<0.01) by 31.3-57.6%, and the peak plasma concentration ($C_{max}$) was significantly higher (2 mg/kg, P<0.05) by 29.4% after oral administration of warfarin with nimodipine, respectively. Consequently, the relative bioavailability of warfarin increased by 1.31- to 1.58-fold and the absolute bioavailability of warfarin with nimodipine was significantly greater by 64.1-76.9% compared to that in the control group (48.7%). In contrast, nimodipine had no effect on any pharmacokinetic parameters of warfarin given intravenously. Conclusion: Therefore, the enhanced oral bioavailability of warfarin may be due to inhibition of CYP 3A4-mediated metabolism rather than P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux by nimodipine.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제23권6호
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• pp.1449-1459
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• 2009

Coptidis rhizoma (huanglian) is an herb that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine that has recently been shown to possess anticancer activity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer effects of this herb is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of a combination of CR extract and arsenic trioxide, as well as the apoptotic pathway associated with its mechanism of action in human lung cancer H157 cells. Combined treatment of H157 cells with CR extract and arsenic trioxide resulted in significant apoptotic death. In addition, combined treatment with CR extract and arsenic trioxide acted in concert to induce a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}$), the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and an increase in the expression of pro-apoptotic p53 and Bax protein, which resulted in activation of caspases and apoptosis. CR extract combined with arsenic trioxide also increased the lipid peroxidation, mRNA expression of DR4 and DR5 and caspase-8 activity. These data indicate that combined treatment with CR extract and arsenic trioxide enhanced apoptotic cell death in H157 cells through diverse pathways, including mitochondrial dysfunction and death receptors, particularly DR4 and DR5. Thus, this treatment may be an effective from of chemotherapy.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.86-87
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• 2015

Objectives: Condurango is widely used in various systems of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) against oesophageal and stomach ailments including certain types of cancer. However, until now no systematic study has been conducted to verify its efficacy and dose with proper experimental support. Therefore, we examined if ethanolic extract of Condurango could ameliorate benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-induced lung cancer in rats in vivo to validate its use as a traditional medicine. Methods: After one month of scheduled BaP feeding (50 mg/kg body-weight), lung cancer developed after four months. BaP-intoxicated rats were then treated with Condurango (0.06 mL) twice daily starting at the end of the four months for an additional one, two and three months, respectively. Effects of Condurango were evaluated by analyzing lung histology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant biomarkers, DNA-fragmentation, RT-PCR (Reverese Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction), ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) and western blot of several apoptotic signalling markers and comparing the results against those obtained for controls. Results: A histological study revealed gradual progress in lung tissue-repair activity in Condurango-fed cancer-bearing rats, showing gradual tissue recovery after three months of drug administration. Condurango has the capacity to generate ROS, which may contribute to a reduction in anti-oxidative activity and to an induction of oxidative stress-mediated cancer-cell death. Condurango-activated pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, p53, cytochrome-c, apaf-1, ICAD and PARP) and down-regulated antiapoptotic-Bcl-2 expression were noted both at mRNA and protein levels. Studies on caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage by western blot analysis revealed that Condurango induced apoptosis through a caspase-3-dependent pathway. Conclusions: The anticancer efficacy of an ethanolic extract of Condurango for treating BaP-induced lung cancer in rats lends support for its use in various traditional systems of medicine.