• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.459-471
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• 2024

In modern society, where tension and stress are ubiquitous, individuals often experience psychological imbalances. These stressors not only affect mental well-being but also manifest physically, through the skin. Consequently, a new term psychodermatology combining psychiatry and dermatology, has emerged, garnerning attention and research focus. In this study, we aimed to develop materials improving chronic skin conditions caused by stress by utilizing a compound of Cucurbita moschata, Paeonia japonica, and Prunus cerasus known to alleviate skin disorders. We sought to develop and validate the efficacy of materials alleviating chronic skin conditions induced by stress in keratinocytes..Therefore, in this study we analyzed the effects of a complex extract using Cucurbita moschata, Paeonia japonica, and Prunus cerasus on HaCaT keratinocyte cells to understand how it influences them. The complex extract on HaCaT keratinocyte cells showed a concentration-dependent decrease in the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDC, and TARC at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 ㎍/mL. Particularly noteworthy was the efficacy observed in inhibiting IL-1β, with a reduction of over 40% at a concentration of 100 ㎍/mL. Additionally, the production levels of AQP-3, HA, and filaggrin exhibited a significant concentration-dependent increase. The protein expression of p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-p38, which were elevated by TNF-α/IFN-γ, was significantly decreased with the treatment of the complex extract. These findings suggest that the compound extract may be utilized as a material for treating and preventing skin conditions, potentially mitigating the adverse effects of the mutual relationship between skin disorders and stress.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.520-529
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of Yukmijiwhang-tang(YM) water extracts against the UVB irradiation on the human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. We observed the effects of YM on the oxidative stress, gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine such as TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. On the effects of oxidative stress and antioxidant function on the treatment with YM, The activity of xanthine oxidase(XO) was significantly decreased by treatment of YM in all the concentrations(p<0.01). The activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase(CAT) was significantly increased by treatment of YM in a dose dependent manner(p<0.05 and p<0.01). DPPH radical was erased by treatment of YM under dose of $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ concentration. Treatment of HaCaT cells with YM had also significantly reduced intracellular ROS produced by UVB irradiation in a dose dependent manner(p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001). Gelatin zymography assay showed that YM downregulated the MMP-9 activity in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed that YM suppressed the expression of IL-$1{\beta}$ and MMP-9 however, it has no effects on the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ and MMP-3. Our study suggests that Yukmijiwhang-tang exert protective actions on the UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells largely by anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory processes.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.371-376
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) are commonly involved in the pathogenesis of skin damage by activating the metalloproteinases (MMP) that break down type I collagen. Adenophora remotiflora (AR) is a perennial wild plant that inhabits Korea, China, and Japan. The present study investigated the protective effects of AR against UVB-induced photo-damage in keratinocytes. MATERIALS/METHODS: An in vitro cell-free system was used to examine the scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and nitric oxide (NO). The effect of AR on ROS formation, antioxidant enzymes, elastase, MMP-1 level, and mRNA expression of MMP-1 were determined in UVB-irradiated human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. RESULTS: AR demonstrated strong DPPH free radical and NO scavenging activity in a cell-free system exhibiting $IC_{50}$ values of 1.88 mg/mL and 6.77 mg/mL, respectively. AR pretreatment dose-dependently attenuated the production of UVB-induced intracellular ROS, and antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were enhanced in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, pretreatment of AR prevented UVB-induced elastase and collagen degradation by inhibiting the MMP-1 protein level and mRNA expression. Accordingly, AR treatment elevated collagen content in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. CONCLUSION: The present study provides the first evidence of AR inhibiting UVB-induced ROS production and induction of MMP-1 as a result of augmentation of antioxidative activity in HaCaT human keratinocytes. These results suggest that AR might act as an effective inhibitor of UVB-modulated signaling pathways and might serve as a photo-protective agent.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.109-123
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• 2018

Purpose : In this study, we intended to observe the anti-wrinkle and moisturizing effects of dried pomegranate juice concentration powder (PCP) using in vitro test. Materials and methods : Antioxidant effects of PCP were determined by free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH assay) and the cytotoxicity of PCP was examined in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and human primary dermal fibroblast-neonatal (HDF) cells. To investigate the moisturizing effect of PCP, hyaluronan synthesis was examined in HaCaT cells. Activity of procollagen production were assessed in HDF cells and elastase inhibition properties of PCP were evaluated in cell free condition, to determine their anti-wrinkle effects. Metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) activity was also assessed following UVB irradiation, in the current in vitro experiment. Results : No PCP treatment related significant cytotoxic effects were demonstrated against to the both HDF and HaCaT cells. PCP showed favorable free radical scavenging activities in dose-dependent manner. In PCP-treated HaCaT cells, hyaluronan synthesis was non-significantly but markedly increased, and pro-collagen productions were significantly increased in HDF cells, at all three different concentrations (0.25, 0.75 and 1 mg/ml), and elastase inhibitory activities were observed by PCP treatment. A significant decrease in UVB-induced MMP-1 activity was also observed in 1 mg/ml PCP-treated HDF cells as compared to those of UVB-exposed cells. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that PCP has favorable antioxidant, anti-wrinkle and moisturizing effects without meaningful cytotoxicity on HDF and HaCaT cell lines.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.93-99
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• 2021

Objective : Caryophylli Flos has been used in Korean medicine to relieve vomiting and pains caused by chills that make fluid circulation difficult. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of ethanol extract of Caryophylli Flos (CF) in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced apoptotic cell death in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Methods : CF was prepared by extracting 200 g of Caryophylli Flos in 2 L of ethanol for 48 h. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and the protein expression was monitored by Western blot analysis. Apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using fluorescent dye, and reduced glutathione (GSH) was determined with a colorimetric commercial kit. Results : CF protected HaCaT cells from cell death caused by oxidative stress after H₂O₂ treatment. H₂O₂ amplified generation of ROS and induced depletion of GSH, whereas these changes in ROS and GSH were inhibited by GF treatment. In addition, H₂O₂ resulted in apoptosis as assessed by TUNEL assay and the expression of apoptosis regulator proteins. However, cells treated with CF showed a decrease in TUNEL-positive cells and restored the reduced expression of procaspase-9, -3 and PARP. Conclusion : This study showed cytoprotective effects of CF by anti-apoptotic activity while exerting antioxidative activity in H₂O₂-treated HaCaT cells. These results suggest that CF could be beneficial in skin damage caused by oxidative stress.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.536-542
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• 2022

Background: In aged skin, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induces degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to visible aging signs. Collagens in the ECM are cleaved by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Syringaresinol (SYR), isolated from Panax ginseng berry, has various physiological activities, including anti-inflammatory action. However, the anti-aging effects of SYR via antioxidant and autophagy regulation have not been elucidated. Methods: The preventive effect of SYR on skin aging was investigated in human HaCaT keratinocytes in the presence of H₂O₂, and the keratinocyte cells were treated with SYR (0-200 ㎍/mL). mRNA and protein levels of MMP-2 and -9 were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Radical scavenging activity was researched by 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays. LC3B level was assessed by Western blotting and confocal microscopy. Results: SYR significantly reduced gene expression and protein levels of MMP-9 and -2 in both H₂O₂-treated and untreated HaCaT cells. SYR did not show cytotoxicity to HaCaT cells. SYR exhibited DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities with an EC₅₀ value of 10.77 and 10.35 ㎍/mL, respectively. SYR elevated total levels of endogenous and exogenous LC3B in H₂O₂-stimulated HaCaT cells. 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor, counteracted the inhibitory effect of SYR on MMP-2 expression. Conclusion: SYR showed antioxidant activity and up-regulated autophagy activity in H₂O₂-stimulated HaCaT cells, lowering the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 associated with skin aging. Our results suggest that SYR has potential value as a cosmetic additive for prevention of skin aging.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.343-347
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• 2018

We synthesized 1, 2-hexanediol galactoside (HD-Gal) from HD using Escherichia coli (E. coli) ${\beta}-galactosidase$ (${\beta}-gal$), in which the reaction is generally called as transgalactosylation (reverse hydrolysis). In this study, we investigated how much HD-Gal and HD had a cytotoxic effect on HaCaT cell, in order to compare HD-Gal with HD in terms of the cytotoxicity of human skin cell. Cell proliferation assay and phase-contrast microscope observation were used for investigating the cytotoxicity. As a result, HD-Gal had not cytotoxic effect on HaCaT cell in the concentration range from 42.2 to 211 mM. In addition, when we observed the cells using microscopy, there was no change in the cell morphology. Meanwhile, when 42.2 mM and 84.4 mM HD were treated on HaCaT cell, we did not observe the cytotoxicity; however, when 168.8 mM and 211 mM HD were on HaCaT cell, HD had a higher cytotoxic effect on HaCaT cell. In addition, when HD was treated on the cells regardless of the concentration of HD, there were obvious changes in cell morphology and cell number. It was expected hopefully that HD-Gal would be applicable as a substitute for HD as a less toxic preservative in views of safety, health, and well-being.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1164-1170
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• 2019

The present study was carried out to evaluate extracts of Ginko biloba's outer seed coat, their antioxidative effects, and their ability to protect against DNA damage due to hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) treatments in cultured human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. The bioassays applied for determining the antioxidant effects of a G. biloba outer seed coat water extract (GOSWE) and a G. biloba outer seed coat methanol extract (GOSME) included the DPPH and $H_2O_2$ radical scavenging assays. Our results revealed that GOSME had higher activity than GOSWE against $H_2O_2$ radical scavenging activity in in vitro and in vivo bioassays. Treatment with GOSME significantly increased the viability of $H_2O_2-treated$ HaCaT cells. GOSME's ability to protect against DNA damage was observed via the analysis of plasmids in vitro and genomic DNA in $H_2O_2-treated$ HaCaT cells. According to our data, GOSME is able to protect HaCaT cells from $H_2O_2-induced$ DNA damage and apoptosis by blocking cellular damage related to oxidative stress. In conclusion, our study indicated GOSME might serve as a novel agent for the treatment and prevention of skin disorders caused by oxidative stress.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2019

Objectives : Nypa fruticans Wurmb. (NF) have been used as a traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases in East-South Asia. However, it is largely undiscovered whether NF water extract could exhibit anti-inflammatory activities against tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$)-induced inflammatory responses on human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of NF water extract on TNF-${\alpha}$-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells. Methods : To investigate the anti-inflammatory activites of NF water extract in HaCaT cells, the inflammatory model of HaCaT cells was established under a suitable concentration (10 ng/ml) of human TNF-${\alpha}$ (hTNF-${\alpha}$). HaCaT keratinocyte cells were pre-treated with NF water extract for 1 h, and then stimulated with hTNF-${\alpha}$. Then, the cells were harvested to measure the inflammatory mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and pro-inflammatory cytokine including TNF-${\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6. In addition, we examined the inhibitory mechanisms of NF, mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and inhibitory kappa B alpha ($I{\kappa}-B{\alpha}$) Results : The treatment of NF inhibited the hTNF-${\alpha}$-induced elevation of iNOS, COX-2, and $PGE_2$ in HaCaT cells. In addition, NF treatment inhibited the hTNF-${\alpha}$-induced elevation of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6. Furthermore, NF treatment inhibited the activation of MAPKs but not degradation of $I{\kappa}-B{\alpha}$. Conclusions : Taken together, our result suggest that treatment of NF could inhibit the hTNF-${\alpha}$-induced inflammatory responses via deactivation of MAPKs in HaCaT cells. This study could suggest that NF could be a beneficial agent to prevent skin damage or inflammation.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2009

Quantum Dot (QD) nanoparticles are used in various industrial applications, such as diagnostic, drug delivery, and imaging agents of biomedicine. Although QDs are extensively used in many medical science, several studies have been demonstrated the potential toxicity of nanoparticles. The first objective of this study was to investigate the nanotoxicity of QDs in the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line by focusing on gene expression pattern. In order to evaluate the effect of QDs on gene expression profile in HaCaT cells, we analyzed the differential genes which related to oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms by using human cDNA microarray and PCR array. A human cDNA microarray was clone set, which was sorted for a list of genes correlated with cell mechanisms. We tried to confirm results of cDNA microarray by using PCR array, which is pathway-focused gene expression profiling technology using Real-Time PCR. Although we could not find the exactly same genes in both methods, we have screened the effects of QDs on global gene expression profiles in human skin cells. In addition, our results show that QD treatment somehow regulates cellular pathways of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Therefore, we suggest that this study can enlarge our knowledge of the transcriptional profile and identify new candidate biomarker genes to evaluate the toxicity of nanotoxicology.