• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.71-80
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• 2008

Objective: There is increasing evidence that chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is recognized to be a local inflammatory disease, and there is substantiating evidence to support the role of the inflammatory responses in its pathogenesis, and clinical value in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. Prunella vulgaris has been traditionally used in treatment of inflammatory diseases, including of scrofula, goiter, and allergy diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of Prunella vulgaris on inflammatory cytokines and cytopathological alternation in the rat model of non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and $17{\beta}-estradiol$ treatment. Methods: Two-month-old rats were treated with $17{\beta}-estradiol$ after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis, which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histopathological profiles. Prunella vulgaris as an experimental specimen, and testosterone as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological parameters including the epithelial score and epithelial-stromal ratio for glandular damage, and the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes including the interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-5, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$. Results: While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Prunella vulgaris showed a diminished range of tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in Prunella vulgaris over that of the control (P<0.05). The epithelial-stromal ratio was lower with Prunella vulgaris when compared to that of the control (P<0.05). In the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of inflammatory cytokine genes, Prunella vulgaris inhibited the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$ genes, while it modulated the expression of IL-5, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Prunella vulgaris may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with the immune modulation including the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokine. From theses results, we suggest that Prunella vulgaris could be a useful remedy agent for treating chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.165-173
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• 2003

Cytokines represent an essential part of the innate immune response in mammals. Recently, several studies have reported the presence of cytokine-like activities and molecules in the invertebrates such as echinoderms, tunicates, mollusks and insects. In our serial study, we investigated presence of cytokines in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, infected with several immune inducers. Western blotting analysis using rabbit anti-human cytokines showed the presence of IL-6-like molecule in the hemolymph collected at 8 and 24 hrs after infection with peptidoglycan and oligodeoxynucleotide, and the molecular weight of the proteins was ∼45 kDa. We attempted to isolate the molecule by gel permeation HPLC, anion exchange chromatography, ultra centrifugation, and immuno-dot-blot assay, but until now the effort was not much successful yet. It, however, does not appear that the IL-6-like molecule in the silkworm larvae is a mere experimental artifact happened by Western blotting analysis. Instead, further experiment on this subject probably will provide us more fruitful result as detected in other invertebrates including insects.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.83-87
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• 2015

Omega-3, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, is an essential fatty acid necessary for human health, and it protects against cardiovascular disease, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In the present study, we investigated the effects of omega-3-rich harp seal oil (HSO) on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin-(IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and IL-12/IL-23 (p40) in peritoneal macrophages of mice. The culture supernatants of murine macrophages exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), HSO, or HSO+LPS were harvested to assay IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, and IL-12/IL-23 (p40) cytokines and NO. TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-12/IL-23 (p40) levels, except IL-6, were lower in the culture supernatants of mouse peritoneal macrophages exposed to LPS plus HSO than those of the groups exposed to LPS alone. These observations demonstrate that omega-3-rich harp seal oil downregulates the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-12/IL-23 (p40). These results suggest that HSO could be potentially used as a preventive agent or as an adjunct in anti-inflammatory therapy, if more research results were accumulated.

• BMB Reports
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• v.41 no.11
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• pp.814-819
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• 2008

Interleukin-32 (IL-32) induces a variety of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The IL-32 transcript was reported originally in activated T cells; subsequently, it was demonstrated to be abundantly expressed in epithelial and endothelial cells upon stimulation with inflammatory cytokines. IL-32 is regulated robustly by other major proinflammatory cytokines, thereby suggesting that IL-32 is crucial to inflammation and immune responses. Recently, an IL-32$\alpha$-affinity column was employed in order to isolate an IL-32 binding protein, neutrophil proteinase 3 (PR3). Proteinase 3 processes a variety of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-8, and IL-32, thereby enhancing their biological activities. In the current study, we designed four PR3-cleaved IL-32 separate domains, identified by potential PR3 cleavage sites in the IL-32$\alpha$ and $\gamma$ polypeptides. The separate domains of the IL-32 isoforms $\alpha$ and $\gamma$ were more active than the intrinsic $\alpha$ and $\gamma$ isoforms. Interestingly, the N-terminal IL-32 isoform $\gamma$ separate domain evidenced the highest levels of biological activity among the IL-32 separate domains.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.93-102
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• 2008

Objectives : Forsythiae Fructus (Forsythia koreana Nakai) has been used anti-inflammatory, diuretics, antidote, and antibacterials in traditional herbal medicine. The present study is focused on the inhibitory effect of Forsythiae Fructus ethanol extract (FF-E) on the production of inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines ($TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells, a mouse microglial cell line, and investigated the scavenging activity of FF-E. Methods : BV-2 cells were pre-incubated with FF-E for 30 min and then stimulated with LPS (1 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$) at indicated times. Cell toxicity of GCF was determined by MTT assay. The levels of NO, PGE2 and cytokines were measured by Griess assay and ELISA. The mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS and cytokines were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Free radical scavenging activity of GCF was determined by DPPH assay in tube test. Results : FF-E significantly inhibited the excessive production of NO, $PGE_2$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and $IL-1{\beta}$ in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. In addition, FF-E attenuated the mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS, and proinflammatory cytokines. FF-E also significantly scavenged the DPPH free radicals in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions : These results indicate that FF-E exhibits anti-inflammatory property by suppressing the transcription of inflammatory mediator genes, suggesting the anti-inflammatory property of FF-E may make it useful as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.26.1-26.9
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• 2020

Cereblon (CRBN), a negative modulator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), is highly expressed in the retina. We confirmed the expression of CRBN in ARPE-19 human retinal cells by Western blotting. We also demonstrated that CRBN knock-down (KD) could effectively downregulate IL-6 and MCP-1 protein and gene expression in LPS-stimulated ARPE-19 cells. Additionally, CRBN KD increased the phosphorylation of AMPK/acetylcoenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) and the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in ARPE-19 cells. Furthermore, CRBN KD significantly reduced LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and activation of NF-κB promoter activity. However, these processes could be inactivated by compound C (inhibitor of AMPK) and zinc protoporphyrin-1 (ZnPP-1; inhibitor of HO-1). In conclusion, compound C and ZnPP-1 can rescue LPS-induced levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and MCP-1) in CRBN KD ARPE-19 cells. Our data demonstrate that CRBN deficiency negatively regulates proinflammatory cytokines via the activation of AMPK/HO-1 in the retina.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.1-9
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• 2014

Objectives: This study was designed to find the effect of Phragmitis Rhizoma (PR) herbal-acupuncture solution on the inflammatory cytokine and chemokine secretion in human mast cell (HMC) and human alveolar epithelial cell 549 (A549) lines. Methods: Histamine levels in HMC after PR herbal-acupuncture solution treatment were measured with ELISA. Other cytokines and chemokines levels such as interleukin 8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (Ccl5, RANTES) in A549 were measured with flow cytometry CBA system. Results: In the PR herbal-acupuncture solution treatment group, the expression of histamine, IL-8, MPC-1, Ccl5, and RANTES decreased significantly. Conclusions: The results support that PR herbal-acupuncture solution had a suppressive effect on cytokine-induced inflammation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4295-4300
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• 2012

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic potential of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a vaccine to induce an immune response and provide antitumor protection in a rat model. Methods: Cross-reactivity of antigens between hESCs and tumour cells was screened by immunohistochemistry. Fischer 344 rats were divided into 7 groups, with 6 rats in each, immunized with: Group 1, hESC; Group 2, pre-inactivated mitotic NuTu-19; Group 3 PBS; Group 4, hESC; Group 5, pre-inactivated mitotic NuTu-19; Group 6, PBS; Group 7, hESC only. At 1 (Groups 1-3) or 4 weeks (Groups 4-6) after the last vaccination, each rat was challenged intraperitoneally with NuTu-19. Tumor growth and animal survival were closely monitored. Rats immunized with H9 and NuTu-19 were tested by Western blot analysis of rat orbital venous blood for cytokines produced by Th1 and Th2 cells. Results: hESCs presented tumour antigens, markers, and genes related to tumour growth, metastasis, and signal pathway interactions. The vaccine administered to rats in Group 1 led to significant antitumor responses and enhanced tumor rejection in rats with intraperitoneal inoculation of NuTu-19 cells compared to control groups. In contrast, rats in Group 4 did not display any elevation of antitumour responses. Western blot analysis found cross-reactivity among antibodies generated between H9 and NuTu-19. However, the cytokines did not show significant differences, and no side effects were detected. Conclusion: hESC-based vaccination is a promising modality for immunotherapy of ovarian cancer.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.45-49
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• 2015

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate anti-inflammatory activity using various extracts of rice straw (DaoCao) extract (RS).Methods : To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of RS, we examined the effect of RS on cytokines production on THP-1 cell. Cells were cultured in incubator (37℃, CO₂5%, 0.5% FBS-RPMI, 1X10⁶cells/ml). One hour after,Dermatophagoides pteronissinus(Dp., 10 ug/ml) was treated into cell and at 6 hour after, each different concentrations(0.1, 1 and 10 ug/ml) of RS were treated. The cells were incubated for 16 hours and harvest the supernatant. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and TNF-αwere determined using a commercially available ELISA kit.Results : We investigated whether RS has the inhibition of inflammatory response in Jurkat cells and THP-1 cells. RS suppressed secretion of IL-4, IL-5, and TNF-αinduced by house dust mites in Jurkat cells. It showed significant effects for all concentrations. RS suppressed the increased expression of IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 after treatment with mite in THP-1 cells. These results suggest that RS may be used as a valuable agent for treating allergic diseases such as atopy due to its anti-inflammatory property.Conclusions : RS showed significant biological activities with anti-inflammatory in the human T cells. These results suggest that RS may be used as a valuable agent for treating allergic diseases such as atopy due to its anti-inflammatory property. In terms of Korean traditional medicine, we expect the results to contribute to building of EBM (Evidence-Based Medicine).

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.74-83
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• 2003

Background : Production of cytokines by bronchial epithelial cells may contribute to the local accumulation of inflammatory cells in patients with bronchial asthma. In many recent studies, molecular biological methods have been used to investigate the role of cytokines in pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets of asthma. Objective : We aimed to identify the dose-dependent inhibitory effects of Socheongryong-tang and Socheongryong-tang plus Sasam (Adenophorae Radix) on the mRNA expressions of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) involved in the asthma model. Materials and Methods : In this study, BEAS-2B cell lines, human epithelial cells, were used. These cells were stimulated by tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha},{\;}IL-1{\beta}$ and histamine for artificial inflammatory expression. ${\beta}-actin$ messenger RNA (mRNA) was used for the internal standard. After each 24 hours of the Socheongryong-tang (小靑龍湯) and Socheongryong-tang plus Sasam (小靑 龍湯加沙蔘) treatment, total cellular RNAs were collected by applying RNAzol directly to the living cells. Then the transcriptional activities of IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF were measured by RT-PCR with electrophoresis. Results : In the Socheongryong-tang (小靑龍湯) study, the mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF were significantly inhibited compared to that of the control group (p<0.05). In the Socheongryong-tang plus Sasam (小靑龍湯加沙蔘) study, the mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF were significantly inhibited compared to that of the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions : This study shows that Socheongryong-tang (小靑龍湯) and Socheongryong-tang plus Sasam (小靑龍湯加沙蔘) have dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF in human epithelial cells, so these herbal medicines may inhibit the inflammatory process of asthma. Advanced studies are required to investigate the mechanisms of inhibition by herbal medicine in the asthma model.