• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.61-67
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• 2023

Objective : Mori Fructus has been used to relieve thirst, and treat dizziness, tinnitus, and insomnia caused by poor constitution. This study was performed to investigate the protective effect of the ethanol extract of Mori Fructus (MF) in ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced apoptotic cell death in human keratinocyte cells. Methods : MF was prepared by extracting 100 g of Mori Fructus in 1 L of 100% ethanol for 48 h. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to measure cell viability. Apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was observed by Western blot. Tyrosinase activity was measured with a colorimetric commercial kit. Results : MF promoted cell vitality and inhibited apoptosis of UVB-induced HaCaT cells. MF pretreatment reduced TUNEL-positive cells and increased the expression of caspase-3 and -9. MF also displayed antioxidant effect with high radical scavenging ability. At 2 ㎎/㎖ concentration, the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition rates were 55.3 ± 4.6% and 48.5 ± 1.3%, respectively. Furthermore, MF showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on tyrosinase. Conclusion : These results suggest that MF functions as a protective regulator in UVB-induced HaCaT cells by regulating apoptosis and partially exerting antioxidant effects. In addition, the tyrosinase inhibitory effect of MF shows the potential for MF to be used for skin pigmentation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.454-464
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• 2018

Black soybeans are used as food sources as well as for traditional medicines because they contain an abundance of natural phenolic compounds. In this study, total phenolic contents (TPCs) of Korean black seed coat soybean varieties Socheongja (SCJ), Socheong 2 (SC2) and Cheongja 2 (CJ2) as well as their antioxidant capacities were investigated. Among them, TPCs were abundantly present in the order of CJ2$H_2O_2$-stimulated HaCaT human keratinocytes. Our results revealed that treatment with SCJ and SC2 prior to $H_2O_2$ exposure significantly increases the viability of HaCaT cells, indicating that the exposure of HaCaT cells to SCJ and SC2 conferred a protective effect against oxidative stress. SCJ and SC2 also effectively inhibited $H_2O_2$-induced apoptotic cell death through the blocking of mitochondrial dysfunction. SCJ and SC2 also attenuated the phosphorylation of Histone H2AX. Furthermore, they effectively induced the levels of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) 1, a potent antioxidant enzyme, which is associated with the induction of nuclear transcription factor erythroid-2-like factor 2 (Nrf2); however, the protective effects of SCJ and SC2 were significantly reversed by Auranofin, a TrxR inhibitor. These results indicate that they have protective activity through the blocking of cellular damage related to oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study indicated that SCJ and SC2 might potentially serve as novel agents for the treatment and prevention of skin disorders 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 Korean Dental Society of Anesthesiology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 2014

Background: Autophagy is a self-eating process that is important for balancing sources of energy at critical times in development and in response stress. Autophagy also plays a protective role in removing clearing damaged intracellular organelles and aggregated proteins as well as eliminating intracellular pathogens. The purpose of the present study was to examine the protective effect of propofol against hypoxic damage using keratinocytes. Methods: Human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection. Propofol which were made by dissolving them in DMSO were kept frozen at $-4^{\circ}C$ until use. The stock was diluted to their concentration with DMEM when needed. Prior to propofol treatment cells were grown to about 80% confluence and then exposed to propofol at different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, $100{\mu}M$) for 2 h pretreatment. Cell viability was measured using a quantitative colorimetric assay with thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT assay), and fluorescence microscopy and western blot analysis were used for evaluation of autophagy processes. Results: The viability of propofol-treated HaCaT cells was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Propofol did not show any significant toxic effect on the HaCaT cells. The autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine, reduced cell viability of hypoxia-injured HaCat cells. Fluorescence microscopy and western blot analysis showed propofol induce autophagy pathway signals. Conclusions: Propofol enhanced viability of hypoxia-injured HaCaT cells and we suggest propofol has cellular protective effects by autophagy signal pathway activation.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Oriental Medical Informatics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.57-66
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• 2009

Objectives : The aim of the present study is to evaluate the wound healing-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects of Pinus densiflora, Cornus officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Ganoderma japonicum and Scutellaria baikalensison human keratinocyte, HaCaT cells. Methods : We adopted in vitro wound healing assay to measure the proliferation-and migration-enhancing effects in HaCaT cells. The expressions of cytokine genes were measured in HaCaT cells using real-time PCR analysis. Results : The extracts of Pinus densiflora, Cornus officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Ganoderma japonicum and Scutellaria baikalensis enhanced the proliferation and migration of HaCaTcells. The expression of keratinocyte growth factor receptor(FGFR2-IIIb) gene was also induced. The extracts inhibited iNOS, IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-$\alpha$ gene expression. Conclusions : The extract of Pinus densiflora, Cornus officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Ganoderma japonicum and Scutellaria baikalensis has wound healing-enhancing effects and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.414-421
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• 2023

Cnidium japonicum (C. japonicum) is a type of halophyte that inhabits soil of a high salinity, and according to previous studies, it is known to have antitumor effects. However, the skin's protective effect, particularly against UVB irradiation, has not been revealed. In this study, C. japonicum crude extract was studied to determine its effect on damage to human keratinocytes (HaCaT) induced by UVB irradiation, and ROS assays were performed, the results of which showed that C. japonicum crude extract affects UVB-induced photoaging damage in human keratinocytes. To examine inhibitory effects against the expressions of MMPs, RT-PCR and Western blot assay were performed by treating the crude extract at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 ㎍/ml by irradiating UVB at 15 mJ/cm². As a result, it was confirmed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 decreased in the group treated with C. japonicum crude extract, which also effectively regulated the antioxidant defense mechanism pathway by activating JNK, ERK, and p38. In conclusion, the current study suggested the possibility that C. japonicum could be used as a raw material for anti-photoaging cosmeceuticals in the future.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.110-110
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• 2003

It is well-documented that decreased antioxidant defense system by ultraviolet(UV) irradiation is the most important reason to induce the skin aging, especially photoaging. Chlorogenic acid(CA), a nonflavonoid catecholic compound, is present in the diet as part of fruits, tea, coffee and wine and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities. In this study, we examined the effects of CA on the UV -induced photoaging. Firstly, we investigated the protective effect of CA on antioxidant defense system in HaCaT human keratinocytes after UV irradiation treatment. UV irradiation decreased antioxidant defence enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and GSH contents, which were restored by CA. To elucidate the effect of CA, 1% of CA and vehicle were applied to human buttock skin before and after UV irradiation (2MED). CA prevented UV -induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 mRNA expression and procollagen mRNA depression. And CA also increased CD1a(Langerhans cell) expression significantly. Our results suggest that CA has protective effects on UV -induced photoaging by increasing cellular antioxidant defense system. Therefore, CA may be a useful anti-aging agent for cosmetic purpose.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2011

Skin is a physical barrier against diverse injury and damages. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes detrimental skin injuries such as inflammation and cell death. The value of natural pigments could be applied to many usages including cosmetics. This study was conducted to examine the protective effect of natural pigments extracted from mulberry, balsam pear, purple-colored sweet potato, pehmannia root, gardenia fruit, and black rice against UV-induced cell death in HaCaT cells, human keratinocyte cell lines. In the present study, the exposure of 50 mJ/$cm^2$ UV-B for 24 hr induced cell death in HaCaT cells, which was prevented by the pretreatment of extracts of mulberry, balsam pear, purple-colored sweet potato, rehmannia root, gardenia fruit, and black rice. In addition, the exposure of 50 mJ/$cm^2$ UV-B for 24 hr also increased lipid peroxide (LPO) formation, compared to control in HaCaT cells, which was prevented by the pretreatment of extracts of mulberry, balsam pear, purple-colored sweet potato, rehmannia root, gardenia fruit, and black rice. In conclusion, the extracts of mulberry, balsam pear, purple-colored sweet potato, rehmannia root, gardenia fruit, and black rice prevented the UV-B-induced cell apoptosis via the inhibition of oxidative stress in HaCaT cells.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.205-209
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• 2015

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide is found in several types of edible brown algae. It has shown numerous biological activities; however, the molecular mechanisms on the activity against atopic dermatitis have not been reported yet. We now examined the effects of fucoidan on chemokine production co-induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ, and the possible mechanisms underlying these biological effects. Our data showed that fucoidan inhibited the TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced production of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophagederived chemokine (MDC) mRNA in human keratinocytes HaCaT cells. Also, fucoidan suppressed phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, fucoidan significantly inhibited activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) phosphorylation. These data indicate that fucoidan shows anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the expression of TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced chemokines by blocking NF-κB, STAT1, and ERK1/2 activation, suggestive of as used as a therapeutic application in inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.168-173
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• 2015

Bangpungtongseong-san(BPTSS, Fangfengtongsheng-san in Chineses) is a traditional herbal formula comprising 18 medicinal herbs. In the present study, we performed the simultaneous analysis for four compounds of BPTSS and examined anti-allergic effects in human keratinocytes and mouse splenocytes. The column for separation of four compounds was used Luna C18 column and maintained at 40℃. The mobile phase for gradient elution consisted of two solvent systems. The analysis was carried out at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with PDA detection at 254 and 280 nm. To evaluate production and expression of Th2 chemokines, ELISA and RT-PCR were conducted in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells with or without BPTSS or silymarin, a positive control for skin inflammation. To measure Th2 cytokines, primary mouse splenocytes were treated with BPTSS and performed ELISA for interleukin (IL)-4, 5, 13. Calibration curves were acquired with r2>0.9999. The contents of geniposide, liquiritin, baicalin, and glycyrrhizin in BPTSS were 5.06 ㎎/g, 7.33 ㎎/g, 27.56 ㎎/g, and 7.81 ㎎/g, respectively. BPTSS reduced TARC and RANTES production and mRNA expression in TNF-α and IFN-γ-treated HaCaT cells. BPTSS inhibited IL-4, 5, and 13 production in mouse splenocytes. Our data will be a helpful information to upgrade quality control and anti-allergic effects of BPTSS.