• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.83-89
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• 2017

Objectives : The present study was designed to determine the effects of mixture of Achyranthis Japonicae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, and Acanthopanacis Cortex on monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis in rats. The mixture was composed of Achyranthis Japonicae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, and Acanthopanacis Cortex extracts. Methods : Arthritis was induced by injection of MIA into knee joints of rats. At the end of experiment, gross examination on the articular structures of knee joints were performed. Proteoglycan (PG) contents in articular cartilages were analysed as well. Tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$($TNF-{\alpha}$) and $interleukin-1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$) contents in synovial fluids were measured by ELISA method and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) mRNA were measured by a realtime PCR. Results : The surfaces of the articular cartilage were observed. The severity of osteoarthritis in the treated group were alleviated compared with control group. PG contents in articular cartilages of the treated group were increased compared with control group. $IL-1{\beta}$ contents in synovial fluids of the treated group were significantly decreased compared with control group. MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA contents in articular cartilages were significantly decreased compared with control group and TIMP1 mRNA contents were increased compared with control group. Conclusions : On the basis of these results, we concluded that Achyranthis Japonicae Radix-containing mixture treatment has anti-arthritic effects on the MIA-induced osteoarthritis in rats. And the effects were related with the reduction of $IL-1{\beta}$ in synovial membranes and the consequent reduction of MMP2 and MMP9 expressions.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.816-822
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• 2005

Catharsius protease-2 (CPM-2) was isolated from the body of dung beetles, Catharsius molossus, using a three step purification process (ammonium sulfate fractionation, gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-60, and affinity chromatography on DEAE Affi-Gel blue). The purified CPM-2, having a molecular weight of 24 kDa, was assessed homogeneously by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of CPM-2 was composed of X Val Gin Asp Phe Val Glu Glu lie Leu. CPM-2 was inactivated by $Cu^{2+}\;and\;Zn^{2+}$ and strongly inhibited by typical serine proteinase inhibitors such as TLCK, soybean trypsin inhibitor, aprotinin, benzamidine, and ${\alpha}_1$-antitrypsin. However, EDTA, EGTA, cysteine, $\beta$-mercaptoethanol, E64, and elastatinal had little effect on enzyme activity. In addition, antiplasmin and antithrombin III were not sensitive to CPM-2. Based on the results of a fibrinolytic activity test, CPM-2 readily cleaved $A{\alpha}-$ and $B{\beta}$-chains of fibrinogen and fibrin, and y-chain of fibrinogen more slowly. The nonspecific action of the enzyme resulted in extensive hydrolysis, releasing a variety of fibrinopeptides of fibrinogen and fibrin. Polyclonal antibodies of CPM-2 were reactive to the native form of antigen. The ELISA was applied to detect quantities, in nanograms, of the antigen in CPM-2 protein.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.194-202
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• 2023

Background/Aims: Endoscopic therapy for neoplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE) has become the standard of care over the past two decades. In clinical practice, we regularly encounter patients who fail to achieve complete squamous epithelialization of the esophagus. Although the therapeutic strategies in the individual stages of BE, dysplasia, and esophageal adenocarcinoma are well studied and largely standardized, the problem of inadequate healing after endoscopic therapy is only marginally considered. This study aimed to shed light on the variables influencing inadequate wound healing after endoscopic therapy and the effect of bile acid sequestrants (BAS) on healing. Methods: Retrospective analysis of endoscopically treated neoplastic BE in a single referral center. Results: In 12.1% out of 627 patients, insufficient healing was present 8 to 12 weeks after previous endoscopic therapy. The average follow-up duration was 38.8±18.4 months. Complete healing was achieved in 13 patients already after intensifying proton pump inhibitor therapy. Out of 48 patients under BAS, 29 patients (60.4%) showed complete healing. An additional eight patients (16.7%) improved, but only partial healing was achieved. Eleven (22.9%) patients showed no response to BAS augmented therapy. Conclusions: In cases of insufficient healing even under exhaustion of proton pump inhibitors, treatment with BAS can be an option as an ultimate healing attempt.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.139-148
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• 2004

MMPs(Matrix metalloproteinases)는 치주질환에서 주된 조직파괴단백분해효소인 것은 알려져 있고 TIMPs(Tissue inhibitor of Matrix metalloproteinase)는 MMPs의 작용을 억제한다라고 알려져 있다. 이 둘간의 불균형으로 인해서 조직파괴가 더 가속화될 수 있다. 이 두 연구의 목적은 ELISA kit를 사용하여 특정 MMPs(1,2,3,8,9,13)과 TIMPs(1,2)의 양이 건강한 환자와 비교하여서 치주염 환자에서 달라지는지 알아보고 MMPs(1,2,3,8,9,13), TIMPs(1,2)와 치은열구깊이와 GI score와의 관계를 알아보기로 한다. 8명의 만성 치주염 환자와 4명의 급속진행형 치주염 환자가 실험군으로 참여하였고 5명의 건강한 치주조직을 환자가 대조군으로 참여하였다. 임상적인 측정은 GI score와 치주낭측정을 통하여 이루어졌다. 8명의 만성 치주염을 가진 환자와 4명의 급속진행형 치주염을 가진 환자에서 각각 치주낭 깊이가 3mm이하인 부위에서 6개의 치은열구액 표본과 치주낭 깊이가 6mm 이상인 곳에서 6개의 치은열구액 표본을 채취하였다. 건강한 치주조직을 가진 5명의 환자는 단지 치주낭깊이가 3mm 이하인 건강한 부위에서만 치은열구액 표본을 제공하였다. MMPs(1,2,3,8,9,13)과 MIMPs(1,2)의 측정은 Human Biotrack ELISA kit를 사용하여서 측정하였다. 통계처리는 MMPs, MIMPs의 실험군과 대조군의 차이는 Kruskal-Wallis test를 사용하였고 MMPs, TIMPs와 치주낭 깊이와 GI score의 관계정도는 Pearson's correlation coefficient를 사용하였다. 실험결과 대조군과 비교하여 만성 치주염 환자에서 치주낭 깊이가 6mm 이상인 부위에서 MMP9의 수치가 통계적으로 유의할만하게 높았으며(p=0.04) MIMP2의 수치가 대조군과 비교하여 치주낭 깊이가 3mm 이하인 부위를 가진 만성치주염 환자에서 통계적으로 유의할만하게 높았다(=0.049). MMPs(1,2,3,8,9,13), MIMPs(1,2)의 활동성과 치주낭 깊이의 관계에서 둘간의 통계적으로 유의할만한 관계는 존재하지 않았으나 MMP1(r=0.35)과 MMP2(r=0.31)가 상대적으로 높은 관계를 보였다. 또한 MMPs(1,2,3,8,9,13), MIMPs(1,2)의 활동성과 GI score의 관계에서도 둘간의 통계학적으로 유의할만한 관계는 존재하지 않으나 MMP1(r=0.4), MMP2(r=0.29), MMP9(r=0.26)가 상대적으로 높은 관계를 보였다. 이 실험의 결과로 볼 때 MMP9가 만성치주염 환자의 질환이 있는 부위에서만 염증의 지표가 될 수 있으며 MIMP2가 만성치주염 환자의 염증이 없는 부위에서 높은 농도로 존재하는 것으로 보아서 MIMP2가 MMPs에 대한 억제작용을 하여서 염증의 진행을 방해하는 역할을 한다라고 볼 수 있다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.38-46
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• 2003

Background: Platelet-activating factor (PAF) induces nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$ activation and angiogenesis and increases tumor growth and pulmonary tumor metastasis in vivo. The role of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in PAF-induced angiogenesis in a mouse model of Matrigel implantation, and in PAF-mediated pulmonary tumor metastasis were investigated. Methods: Angiogenesis using Matrigel and experimental pulmonary tumor metastasis were tested in a mouse model. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was done for the assessment of $NF-{\kappa}B$ translocation to the nucleus. Expression of angiogenic factors, such as tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, interleukin $(IL)-1{\alpha}$, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were tested by RT-PCR and ELISA. Results: PAF induced a dose- and time-dependent angiogenic response. PAF-induced angiogenesis was significantly blocked by PAF antagonist, CV6209, and inhibitors of $NF-{\kappa}B$ expression or action, including antisense oligonucleotides to p65 subunit of $NF-{\kappa}B$ (p65 AS) and antioxidants such as ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. In vitro, PAF activated the transcription factor, $NF-{\kappa}B$ and induced mRNA expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, bFGF, VEGF, and its receptor, KDR. The PAF-induced expression of the above mentioned factors was inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. Also, protein synthesis of VEGF was increased by PAF and inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. The angiogenic effect of PAF was blocked when anti-VEGF antibodies was treated or antibodies against $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, and bFGF was co-administrated, but not by antibodies against $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\alpha}$, and bFGF each alone. PAF-augmented pulmonary tumor metastasis was inhibited by p65 AS or antioxidants. Conclusion: These data indicate that PAF increases angiogenesis and pulmonary tumor metastasis through $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation and expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$-dependent angiogenic factors.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.328-334
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• 2004

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of female death. Viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 are selectively retained and expressed in carcinoma cells infected with HPV (Human pa pilloma virus) type 16 and cooperated in immotalization and transformation of primary keratinocyte. E6 and E7 oncoproteins interfere the functions of tumor suppressor proteins p53 and retinoblasoma protein (pRb), respectively. Among a lots of natural products, Mentha arvensis Linne var.piperascens have inhibitory effects on bindings between E6 oncoprotein and tumor suppressor p53, E3 ubiqutin- protein ligase (E6AP). HPV oncoprotein inhibitors from Mentha piperita L. were isolated by solvent partition and column chromatography (Silica gel, RP-18) and inhibitory compounds were finally purified by HPLC using an ELISA screening system based on binding between E6 and E6AP. The aim of this study is to identify the structure of inhibitory compounds and to investigate whether these compounds have inhibitory effects on functions of E6 oncoprotein. We investigated whether caffeic acid methyl ester (CAM) extracted from Mentha piperita L. could inhibit the function of E6 oncoprotein. CAM inhibited the in vitro binding of E6 and E6AP which are essential for the binding and degradation of the tumor suppressor p53 and also inhibited the proliferation of human cervical cancer cell lines (SiHa and CaSKi) in a dose response manner. These results suggest that CAM inhibited the function of E6 oncoprotein, suggesting that it can be used as a potential drug for the treatment of cervical cancers infected with HPV.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.123-132
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• 2005

중등도 이상의 치주염 환자에서 치은 열구액내의 MMPs 및 TIMP-1 과 치주염과의 연관성을 규명하고, 치주 수술이 MMPs 및 TIMP-1의 정량에 미치는 영향을 연구하고자 하였다. 총 14명의 치주낭 깊이 6mm 이상의 중등도 이상의 치주 질환 이환자에서 치아를 선정하여, 치주낭 심도, 치은 지수(gingival index)를 측정하고, 치은의 조직학적 염증의 정도를 측정하기 위해, 해당 치아의 치주낭 연조직을 절취하여 H-E염색을 하고, 치은 절편에서 염증세포 침윤의 정도 및 분포를 비교하였다. Perio-paper를 이용하여 치은열구액을 얻고, pyrogen-free water에서 추출하였다. 채취한 치은 열구액에서 ELISA-kit를 이용하여 MMP-1, 8, 9, 13과 TIMP-1을 측정하여 수술 전과, 수술 후, 그리고 건강한 조직인 대조군을 비교하였으며, 통계처리는 Wilcoxon 검정을 사용하였다. 또한 MMPs 혹은 TIMP-1이 치주낭 심도나 치은지수등의 임상적 지표와 가지는 연관성을 Spearman's correlation coefficient를 이용하여 알아보았다. TIMP-1을 제외한 MMP-1, 8 ,9, 13 에서 수술 전보다 수술 후에 치은 열구액 내의 양이 현저하게 줄어든 것을 관찰할 수 있었으나, MMP-1(p=0.025), MMP-9(p=0.016) 와 MMP-13(p=0.009) 에서만 통계적으로 유의성있는 차이를 보였다. 한편 MMP-9 (p=0.011) 나 MMP-13(p=0.026) 은 건강한 대조군과 수술 전 사이에도 유의성있는 차이를 보였다. 연조직의 조직학적 관찰을 통하여 치은지수의 임상적 신뢰도를 평가한 결과 통계학적으로 유의한 결과를 얻을 수 있었으며, 치주 치료 전의 치주낭 심도와 치은지수와의 관계나, 수술 전과 수술 후의 치주낭 심도등의 변화도 통계적으로 유의성있는 결과를 보였다. 하지만 치주낭 심도나 치은지수등의 임상적 지표는 MMPs나 TIMP의 정량과는 별다른 연관성을 보이지 않았다. 이 실험의 결과로 보아 MMP-1, MMP-9나 MMP-13을 치주 수술 전과 수술 후의 치주염의 심도 변화를 반영할 수 있는 지표로 생각할 수 있으며, 특히 MMP-9와 MMP-13가 치주염과 가지는 연관성은 크다고 할 수 있겠다.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.287-294
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• 2019

Calystegia soldanella is distributed in coastal sand dunes and has high environmental adaptability; it is also known to be effective for anti-oxidant, anti-pyretic, anti-septic, and diuretic action. This study investigated the effect of crude extracts and organic solvent fractions of C. soldanella on MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, MMP activity, and cell mobility in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells. C. soldanella was twice extracted, once with methylene chloride (MC) and once with methanol (MeOH). After the MC and MeOH extracts were combined, their suppressive effects on MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, MMP enzymatic activity, and gene and protein expression were measured by gelatin zymography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and western blot method. Cell mobility for the HT-1080 cells was observed by wound healing assay. The combined crude extracts showed a significant suppressive effects on MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. To explore active inhibitory elements, the combined extracts were fractionated according to polarity into with n-hexane, 85% aqueous methanol, n-butanol, and water. Across these four solvent fractions, MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity and cell mobility in the HT-1080 cells were all strongly inhibited by the n-hexane fraction. These results suggest that C. soldanella extract and organic solvent fractions could be used as potent MMP inhibitors for effective anti-cancer treatments to suppress cancer invasion and metastasis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.408-419
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• 2021

Background: The decreased renal function is known to be associated with biological aging, of which the main pathological features are chronic inflammation and renal interstitial fibrosis. In previous studies, we reported that total saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJs) can availably protect acute myocardial ischemia. We proposed that SPJs might have similar protective effects for aging-associated renal interstitial fibrosis. Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the overall effect of SPJs on renal fibrosis. Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) aging rats were given SPJs by gavage beginning from 18 months old, at 10 mg/kg/d and 60 mg/kg/d, up to 24 months old. After the experiment, changes in morphology, function and fibrosis of their kidneys were detected. The levels of serum uric acid (UA), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and cystatin C (Cys C) were assayed with ELISA kits. The levels of extracellular matrix (ECM), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), inflammatory factors and changes of oxidative stress parameters were examined. Results: After SPJs treatment, SD rats showed significantly histopathological changes in kidneys accompanied by decreased renal fibrosis and increased renal function; As compared with those in 3-month group, the levels of serum UA, Cys C and β2-MG in 24-month group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the 24-month group, the levels of serum UA, Cys C and β2-MG in the SPJ-H group were significantly decreased. While ECM was reduced and the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased, the levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling were decreased; the expression level of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) was down-regulated with reduced inflammatory factors; meanwhile, the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) signaling was aggrandized. Conclusion: These results suggest that SPJs treatment can improve age-associated renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad, NFκB signaling pathways and activating Nrf2-ARE signaling pathways and that SPJs can be a potentially valuable anti-renal fibrosis drug.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.420-430
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• 2002

Background : Excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition by airway inflammation is presumed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of worsening airflow obstruction (Ed- acceptable three-word noun) seen during acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Although many proteases can cleave ECM molecules, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors are likely to be the physiologically relevant mediators of ECM degradation. Objectives ; The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that antibiotic treatment can change airway MMPs and TIMP-1 concentrations/levels by controlling airway inflammation in acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. Methods : We studied 40 patients, all of whom had an acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. The patients were treated with two different antibiotics, moxifloxacin and clarithromycin, in a double-blind manner for 7 days. Sputum samples were induced and collected before and after antibiotic therapy. We measured the sputum concentration of MMP-1,-9, TIMP-1, IL-8 and secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) in sputum supernatants by ELISA method. Results : There was no difference after antibiotic treatment in the sputum concentrations of MMP-1,-9, TIMP-1, IL-8 and SLPI between the patients treated with moxifloxacin and those treated with clarithromycin. But the sputum concentrations of TIMP-1, and SLPI, and the TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio were significantly reduced by the antibiotic therapy. There were significant positive correlations between sputum TIMP-1 levels and IL-8 levels (p<0.01, r=0.751), and between the sputum TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio and IL-8 levels (p<0.01, r=0.752). The sputum SLPI levels were significantly elevated by antibiotic treatment and were negatively correlated with sputum TIMP-1 levels (p<0.01, r=-0.496) and TIMP-1/MMP-1 levels (p<0.01, r=-0.456). Conclusion : The study shows that the worsening of airway inflammation in acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis is associated with an imbalance between the concentrations/levels of TIMP-1 and MMPs. Antibiotic treatment can prevent progression of airway narrowing in acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis by modulation of the protease and anti-protease imbalance.