• 한국약용작물학회지
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• 제19권5호
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• pp.373-379
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• 2011

Paeoniae Radix Rubra is a preparation consisting of desiccated roots of Paeonia lactiflora PALL (belonging to Ranunculaceae). Paeoniae Radix Rubra is used as a medicinal herb in Asian countries to treat many diseases. Ethanol- or water-based extracts of Paeoniae Radix Rubra were prepared and tested on RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line. The expression of some pro-inflammatory proteins, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylated ERK1/2 was detected by Western blot analyses, while PGE2 expression was quantified by ELISA. Both the water and ethanol extracts of Paeoniae Radix Rubra suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and exhibited cell toxicity in accordance with increased NO production. Also, both extracts reduced the expression of COX-2 and iNOS, and inhibited phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Extracts prepared from Paeoniae Radix Rubra contain anti-inflammatory agents that inhibit the iNOS and MAPK pathways.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제8권5호
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• pp.521-525
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Artemisinin (AT), an active compound in Arternisia annua, is well known as an anti-malaria drug. It is also known to have several effects including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer activities. To date, the effect of AT on vascular disorders has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of AT on the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB). MATERIALS/METHODS: Aortic smooth muscle cells were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC migration was measured by the scratch wound healing assay and the Boyden chamber assay. Cell viability was determined by using an EZ-Cytox Cell Viability Assay Kit. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC was measured through $H_2DCF$-DA staining. We also determined the expression levels of signal proteins relevant to ROS, including measures of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 measured by western blot analysis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: AT ($10{\mu}M$ and $30{\mu}M$) significantly reduced the proliferation and migration of PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC in a dose-dependent manner. The production of ROS, normally induced by PDGF-BB, is reduced by treatment with AT at both concentrations. PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC treated with AT ($10{\mu}M$ and $30{\mu}M$) have reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and inhibited MMP9 expression compared to untreated PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest, based on these results, that AT may exert an anti-atherosclerotic effect on PDGF-BB stimulated VSMCs by inhibiting their proliferation and migration through down-regulation of ERK1/2 and MMP9 phosphorylation.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.10-16
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• 2013

Background: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are well-known pattern recognition receptors. Among the 13 TLRs, TLR2 is the most known receptor for immune response. It activates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are counterbalanced by MAPK phosphatases [MKPs or dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs)]. However, the regulatory mechanism of DUSPs is still unclear. In this study, the effect of a TLR2 ligand (TLR2L, Pam3CSK4) on DUSP4 expression in Raw264.7 cells was demonstrated. Methods: A Raw264.7 mouse macrophage cell line was cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% antibiotics (100 U/mL penicillin and 100 g/mL streptomycin) at $37^{\circ}C$ in 5% $CO_2$. TLR2L (Pam3CSK4)-mediated DUSP4 expressions were confirmed with RT-PCR and western blot analysis. In addition, the detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured with lucigenin assay. Results: Pam3CSK4 induced the expression of DUSP1, 2, 4, 5 and 16. The DUSP4 expression was also increased by TLR4 and 9 agonists (lipopolysaccharide and CpG ODN, respectively). Pam3CSK4 also induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and ROS production, and the Pam3CSK4-induced DUSP4 expression was decreased by ERK1/2 (U0126) and ROS (DPI) inhibitors. U0126 suppressed the ROS production by Pam3CSK4. Conclusion: Pam3CSK4-mediated DUSP4 expression is regulated by ERK1/2 and ROS. This finding suggests the physiological importance of DUSP4 in TLR2-mediated immune response.

• Animal cells and systems
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.190-197
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• 2012

Depression is one of the most prevalent diseases of alcohol abuse. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in cell survival in the hippocampus. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) is induced by BDNF, and it regulates cell proliferation and differentiation in the brain. We investigated the effects of alcohol intake on depression-like behavior, cell proliferation, expressions of BDNF and its downstream molecules in the hippocampus using Mongolian gerbils. The gerbils were divided into four groups: control group, 0.5 g/kg alcohol-treated group, 1 g/kg alcohol-treated group, 2 g/kg alcohol-treated group. Each dose of alcohol was orally administered for 3 weeks. The present results demonstrated that alcohol intake induced depression-like behavior. Both 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis and its synthesizing enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase expression in the dorsal raphe and cell proliferation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were decreased by alcohol intake. Alcohol intake suppressed BDNF expression, and resulted in the decrease of its downstream molecules, pERK1/2 and Bcl-2, in the hippocampus. We showed that alcohol intake may lead to a depressed-like state with reduced hippocampal cell proliferation through inhibition of the BDNF-ERK signaling pathway.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.319-329
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• 2023

Resistance to hypomethylating agents (HMAs) in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a concerning problem. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a key cell cycle modulator and is known to be associated with an activation of the PI3K pathway, which is related to the stabilization of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), a target of HMAs. We investigated the effects of volasertib on HMA-resistant cell lines (MOLM/AZA-1 and MOLM/DEC-5) derived from MOLM-13, and bone marrow (BM) samples obtained from patients with MDS (BM blasts >5%) or AML evolved from MDS (MDS/AML). Volasertib effectively inhibited the proliferation of HMA-resistant cells with suppression of DNMTs and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK pathways. Volasertib also showed significant inhibitory effects against primary BM cells from patients with MDS or MDS/AML, and the effects of volasertib inversely correlated with DNMT3B expression. The DNMT3B-overexpressed AML cells showed primary resistance to volasertib treatment. Our data suggest that volasertib has a potential role in overcoming HMA resistance in patients with MDS and MDS/AML by suppressing the expression of DNMT3 enzymes and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK pathways. We also found that DNMT3B overexpression might be associated with resistance to volasertib.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.242-250
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• 2011

본 연구에서는 C2C12 근육 세포에서 IGF-I이 리간드 비의존적으로 엔드로젠 수용체 coactivator 유전자 발현에 미치는 영향에 대해 알아보았다. 그 결과 IGF-I 이 리간드 비의존적으로 엔드로젠 수용체의 coactivator인 GRIP-1, SRC-1, ARA70 유전자들의 단백질과 mRNA 발현을 증가시켰으며, p38 MAPK와 ERK1/2 신호전달 경로 억제제인 SB203580과 PD98059를 IGF-I과 함께 처리한 결과 IGF-I에 의한 엔드로젠 수용체 coactivator 유전자 발현의 증가를 감소시켰음을 알 수 있었다. 엔드로젠 수용체 coactivator가 엔드로젠 물질이 없이도 IGF-I에 의해 발현이 증가하였다는 사실은 운동에 의해 근육에서 분비가 증가하는 IGF-I이 리간드 비의존적으로 근육 세포에서 엔드로젠 수용체 활성화 안정에 기여하는 엔드로젠 수용체 coactivator를 활성화 시킬 수 있다는 사실을 증명 하였다는데 의의가 있다고 사료된다. 또한, IGF-I의 하부신호전달 경로로 잘 알려진 p38 MAPK와 ERK1/2 신호전달 경로를 차단하였을 때는 발현이 억제되었는데 이를 통해 IGF-I이 근육세포 내에서 p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 경로를 통해 엔드로젠 수용체 coactivator 발현에 중요한 역할을 한다는 사실을 확인할 수 있었다. 이러한 결과는 근육에서 중요한 기능을 담당하는 IGF-I이 엔드로젠 수용체 coactivator 유전자 발현을 조절하는 기능이 있으며 이러한 IGF-I에 의한 리간드 비의존적인 엔드로젠 수용체 coactivator 유전자 발현 조절에 있어 p38 MAPK와 ERK1/2는 필수적인 신호전달 경로임을 확인하였다는 데서 그 의의가 있다고 할 수 있겠다. 향후 다양한 성장인자들에 의한 coactivator 발현에 관한 연구를 비롯하여, corepressor의 발현 억제 기능 및 신호전달 경로에 관한 연구가 추가적으로 이루어져야 할 것이다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.241-248
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• 2020

Luminespib (AUY922), a heat shock proteins 90 inhibitor, has anti-neoplastic and antitumor effects. However, it is not clear whether AUY922 affects events in vascular diseases. We investigated the effects of AUY922 on the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-stimulated proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). VSMC viability was detected using the XTT (2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) reagent. To detect the attenuating effects of AUY922 on PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs migration in vitro, we performed the Boyden chamber and scratch wound healing assays. To identify AUY922-mediated changes in the signaling pathway, the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was analyzed by immunoblotting. The inhibitory effects of AUY922 on migration and proliferation ex vivo were tested using an aortic ring assay. AUY922 was not cytotoxic at concentrations up to 5 nM. PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation, migration, and sprout outgrowth were significantly decreased by AUY922 in a dose-dependent manner. AUY922 significantly reduced the PDGF-BB-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. Furthermore, PD98059 (a selective ERK1/2 inhibitor) and LY294002 (a selective Akt inhibitor) decreased VSMC migration and proliferation by inhibiting phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. Greater attenuation of PDGF-BB-induced cell viability and migration was observed upon treatment with PD98059 or LY294002 in combination with AUY922. AUY922 showed anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects towards PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs by regulating the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt. Thus, AUY922 is a candidate for the treatment of atherosclerosis and restenosis.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.207-215
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• 2003

목적: Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)는 mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade의 일원으로 다양한 세포독성 자극에 의해 유도되는 apoptosis에 반대되는 역할을 한다. 따라서 ERK의 억제는 항암제로서 유용하게 사용될 것으로 생각되어진다. 대상 및 방법: 마우스 간암인 HCa-I는 TCD50가 80 Gy 이상으로 강한 방사선 내성종양으로 알려져 있으며, 방사선 민감성의 증진을 위해 다양한 항암제가 실험되었으나 뚜렷한 효과를 나타내지 못했다. 이 실험을 통해 in vivo,, 특히 방사선 내성종양에서 ERK의 억제가 방사선에 의한 항암 작용을 증진시키는지 알아보고자 하였다. C3H/HeJ 마우스에 종양의 크기가 $7.5\~8\;mm$가 되었을 때 PD98059 ($0.16\;\mug/50\;\mul$로 종양에 직접 주사)를 처리하였다. 결과: 처리 1시간째에 p-ERK가 0.5배로 억제되었다. 종양 성장 지연 분석에서 증강 지수가 전 처리군과 후 처리군에서 각각 1.6과 1.87로 PD98059가 종양의 방사선 감수성을 증가시키는 것으로 관찰되었다. 25 Gy 방사선과 PD98059 복합처리 시 apoptosis가 크게 증가되었다. 각 실험군의 apoptosis 최대치는 방사선 조사군에서 $1.4\%$, PD98059 처리군에서 $0.9\%$ 복합처리군의 전 처리군과 후 처리군에서 각각 $4.9\%\;5.3\%$를 나타냈다. Apoptosis 조절 물질의 변화는, p53의 발현이 복합 처리군에서 PD98059 전 처리군과 후 처리군 모두에서 24시간까지 대조군에 비해 2.7배, 3.2배의 높은 발현 수준을 유지하여 처리 1시간째부터 발현 증가를 하여 24시간까지 지속되는 것이 관찰되었다. $p21^{WAF1/CIP1}$의 발현은 p53 발현 변화와 유사한 양상으로 특히 PD98059 후 처리군에서 방사선 조사군이나 PD98059 전 처리군과 비교하여 높은 발현수준을 보였으며, 24시간까지 3.2배의 높은 발현 수준을 유지하는 것으로 나타났다. Bcl-Xs는 25 Gy 방사선 조사군이나 PD98059 처리군에서는 뚜렷한 변화를 보이지 않았으나 복합 처리군중 전 처리군에서 4시간 째 대조군에 비해 1.93배 증가를 보였으며, 후 처리군에서는 1시간 후에 1.83배의 증가를 보였다. 모든 실험군에서 Bcl-2, $Bcl-X_L$, BaX는 뚜렷한 발현 변화를 보이지 않았다. 결론: 방사선 내성 종양인 간암에 MEK 억제제를 방사선 조사와 복합 처리하여 방사선 감수성을 향상시켜 치료 효율의 상승을 유도 할 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.537-551
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• 2017

Objectives : Jinnoe-san (JNS) is a novel herbal formula consisting of five oriental medicinal herbs including Polygalae Radix, Prunellae Spica, Perillae Herba, Betulae Cortex, and Lonicerae Flos. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanism of JNS on Parkinson's disease in vitro model. Methods : The effects of JNS on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ($MPP^+$)-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells were evaluated with a cell viability assay, flow cytometry, and western blots analysis. The effects of JNS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia were determined with a nitric oxide (NO) assay, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, and western blots analysis. Result : $MPP^+$-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells was significantly reduced by JNS pre-treatment in a dose-dependent manner. JNS inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondria dysfunction, and apoptosis induced by $MPP^+$ in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, JNS significantly activated Akt and ERK in SH-SY5Y cells and the ability of JNS to prevent mitochondria dysfunction by $MPP^+$ was antagonized by pre-treatment of LY294002 and PD98059, an Akt and ERK inhibitor, respectively. In addition, JNS inhibited LPS-induced NO and $PGE_2$ production as well as iNOS expression and secretion of TNF-${\alpha}$, pro-inflammatory cytokines without affecting the cell viability. JNS also suppressed LPS-induced ERK activation. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that JNS has a protective effect on the dopaminergic neurons against $MPP^+$-induced neurotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effect on the LPS-stimulated microglia. These findings provide evidences for JNS to be considered as a new prescription for treating Parkinson's disease.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제11권5호
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• pp.163-169
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• 2007

The neurotoxicity of amyloid $\beta(A\beta)$ is associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis, and it has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. While(-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) suppresses $A\beta$-induced apoptosis, the mechanisms underlying this process have yet to be completely clarified. This study was designed to investigate whether EGCG plays a neuroprotective role by activating cell survival system such as protein kinase C(PKC), extracellular-signal-related kinase(ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK), and anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic genes in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. One ${\mu}M\;A{\beta}_{1-42}$ decreased cell viability, which was correlated with increased DNA fragmentation evidenced by DAPI staining. Pre-treatment of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with EGCG($1{\mu}M$) significantly attenuated $A{\beta}_{1-42}$-induced cytotoxicity. Potential cell signaling candidates involved in this neuroprotective effects were further examined. EGCG restored the reduced PKC, ERK, and JNK activities caused by $A{\beta}_{1-42}$ toxicity. In addition, gene expression analysis revealed that EGCG prevented both the $A{\beta}_{1-42}$-induced expression of a pro-apoptotic gene mRNA, Bad and Bax, and the decrease of an anti-apoptotic gene mRNA, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. These results suggest that the neuroprotective mechanism of EGCG against $A{\beta}_{1-42}$-induced apoptotic cell death includes stimulation of PKC, ERK, and JNK, and modulation of cell survival and death genes.