• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.607-615
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• 2021

Cytokines are protein mediators that possess the ability to assist cell-to-cell communication in immune system-related activities. In general, pathogen endotoxins activate the release of inflammatory mediators, and with time, there is an increase in the cytokine levels in the body. Interleukin (IL)-6 mediates the acute-phase inflammatory response, and elevated IL-6 levels have been reported in peritoneal fluids of women with pelvic inflammation and endometriosis, thereby associating it with oocyte quality and infertility. To overcome subfertility or infertility in humans and animals, the present study was done to examine the effect of recombinant IL-6 on porcine oocytes matured in vitro and subsequently to determine the fertilization rate and embryo development. Porcine oocytes were incubated with varying concentrations of IL-6 (0 - 2 ㎍·mL^-1) for 44 h followed by in vitro fertilization and culturing of the oocytes. The oocytes or embryos were fixed with 3.7% paraformaldehyde (PFA) and stained with fluorescence dyes, and the meiotic spindle, chromosome organization, fertilization status and embryo development were subsequently assessed under a fluorescence microscope. We observed induction of an abnormal meiotic spindle alignment in the oocytes incubated with IL-6 compared to the control oocytes incubated without IL-6. Moreover, significantly decreased fertilization rates and embryo development were observed for oocytes incubated with IL-6 (p < 0.05). Thus, an increased IL-6 level during oocyte maturation could be associated with fertilization failure due to an aberrant chromosomal alignment and a disruption of the cortical granules. Taken together, our results indicate that successful assisted reproduction can be achieved by controlling the levels of inflammatory cytokines.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.144-153
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• 2021

Astrocytes play various important roles such as maintaining brain homeostasis, supporting neurons, and secreting inflammatory mediators to protect the brain cells. In aged subjects, astrocytes show diversely changed phenotypes and dysfunctions. But, the study of aged astrocytes or astrocytes from aged subjects is not yet sufficient to provide a comprehensive understanding of their important processes in the regulation of brain function. In this study, we induced an in vitro aged astrocyte model through late passage cultivation of rat primary cultured astrocytes. Astrocytes were cultured until passage 7 (P7) as late passage astrocytes and compared with passage 1 (P1) astrocytes as early passage astrocytes to confirm the differences in phenotypes and the effects of serial passage. In this study, we confirmed the morphological, molecular, and functional changes of late passage astrocytes showing aging phenotypes through SA-β-gal staining and measurement of nuclear size. We also observed a reduced expression of inflammatory mediators including IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, iNOS, and COX2, as well as dysregulation of wound-healing, phagocytosis, and mitochondrial functions such as mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate. Culture-conditioned media obtained from P1 astrocytes promoted neurite outgrowth in immature primary cultures of rat cortices, which is significantly reduced when we treated the immature neurons with the culture media obtained from P7 astrocytes. These results suggest that late passage astrocytes show senescent astrocyte phenotypes with functional defects, which makes it a suitable model for the study of the role of astrocyte senescence on the modulation of normal and pathological brain aging.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.41-50
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• 2022

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of water extract of Agastache rugosa (AR) on productions of inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. Methods : Cell viabilities were measured with MTT assay. The production of nitric oxide (NO) from RAW 264.7 cells was measured with Griess reagent assay. The production of cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells was measured with multiplex cytokine assay. Results : AR showed no cytotoxicity on RAW 264.7 cells. AR at concentrations of 25, 50, 100, and 200 ㎍/mL significantly inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. AR at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 ㎍/mL significantly inhibited productions of TNF-α and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells; AR at concentrations of 50 and 200 ㎍/mL significantly inhibited productions of RANTES (CCL5) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells; AR at concentrations of 100 ㎍/mL significantly inhibited productions of macrophage inflammatory protein-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells; AR at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 ㎍/mL significantly increased productions of IP-10 (CXCL10) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells; AR at concentrations of 100 and 200 ㎍/mL significantly increased MCP-1 (CCL-2) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells; AR at concentrations of 50 and 100 ㎍/mL significantly increased productions of IL-10 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions : AR might have immunomodulatory effects on productions of NO, cytokines, and chemokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages.

• Mycobiology
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.86-95
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• 2022

Inflammaging in male reproductive organs covers a wide variety of problems, including sexual dysfunction and infertility. In this study, the beneficial effects of cordycepin (COR), isolated from potential medicinal fungi Cordyceps militaris, in aging-associated testicular inflammation and serum biochemical changes in naturally aged rats were investigated. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into young control (YC), aged control (AC), and COR (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) treated aged rat groups. Aging-associated serum biochemical changes and inflammatory parameters were analyzed by biochemical assay kits, Western blotting, and real-time RT-PCR. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) alteration in the total blood cell count, lipid metabolism, and liver functional parameters in AC group when compared with YC group. However, COR-treated aged rats ameliorated the altered biochemical parameters significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, respectively). Furthermore, the increase in the expression of inflammatory mediators (COX-2, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tissue necrosis factor-alpha) in aged rat testis was significant (p < 0.05) when compared with YC group. Treatment with COR at 20 mg/kg to aged rats attenuated the increased expression of inflammatory mediators significantly (p < 0.05). Mechanistic studies revealed that the potential attenuating effects exhibited by COR in aged rats was mediated by regulation of NF-κB activation and MAPKs (c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and p38) signaling. In conclusion, COR restored the altered serum biochemical parameters in aged rats and ameliorated the aging-associated testicular inflammation proving the therapeutic benefits of COR targeting inflammaging-associated male sexual dysfunctions.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.1-7
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• 2013

Objectives : The root of Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg (Peucedani Japonici Radix; PJR) has been traditionally used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of anti-headache, anti-paralysis, anti-cancer, vascular protection, and blood pressure regulation. In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic effect of PJR water extract on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma in mice. Methods : Mice were sensitized at days 1, 8 and 15 with OVA and airway challenged at days 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 to induced allergic asthma. PJR-W extract at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg/body weight (bw) was orally administered during OVA challenge once per a day. The levels of allergic mediators such as immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and Th1/Th2 cytokines (IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-4) were measured in the sera of mice by ELISA. The histological change of lung tissue was observed with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results : The administration of PJR-W extract significantly decreased the serum levels of IgE, IL-4, and IFN-${\gamma}$ compared with those of OVA control group. In H&E staining, PJR-E extract inhibited OVA-induced airway inflammation and the inflammatory cells infiltration in the peribronchial regions of the lung. Conclusions : These results indicate that PJR-W extract has an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect on allergic response through the down-regulation of allergic mediators, suggesting that this herb may be used as a useful source for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases such as asthma.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.113-119
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Angelicae Gigantis Radix Water Extract(AG) on the production of proinflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Method : RAW 264.7 cells were cotreated with AG(50 and 100 ug/mL) and lipopolysaccharide(LPS; 1 ug/mL) for 24 hours. After 24 hour treatment, using Bead-based multiplex cytokine assay, concentrations of various cytokines such as interleukin(IL)-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-${\alpha}$), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF), interferon inducible protein-10(IP-10), leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF), lipopolysaccharide-induced chemokine(LIX), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), macrophage colony-stimulating factor(M-CSF), macrophage inflammatory protein(MIP)-$1{\alpha}$, MIP-$1{\beta}$, MIP-2, Regulated on Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted(RANTES) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) were measured. Result : AG significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of TNF-${\alpha}$, MIP-$1{\alpha}$, G-CSF, RANTES, IL-10, and M-CSF from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells at the concentrations of 50 and 100 ug/mL. AG significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of MIP-$1{\beta}$, MIP-2, GM-CSF, and IL-6 from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells at the concentrations of 50 ug/mL. AG significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of VEGF from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells at the concentrations of 100 ug/mL. But AG did not show any significant effect on the production of MCP-1, LIF, LIX, IP-10 and IL-$1{\beta}$ from LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion : These results suggest that AG has anti-inflammatory effect related with its inhibition of proinflammatory mediators such as TNF-${\alpha}$, MIP-$1{\alpha}$, G-CSF, RANTES, IL-10, MIP-$1{\beta}$, MIP-2, GM-CSF, IL-6, VEGF and M-CSF in LPS-induced macrophages.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.1-14
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• 2019

Objective : This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Rehmanniae Radix Crudus (RC) in 150 mM HCl/ethanol induced acute gastritis mice. Methods : ICR mice were divided into 5 groups (normal group, control group, 10 mg/kg sucralfate treated group, 50 mg/kg RC treated group, 100 mg/kg RC treated group, n=8). Normal group was not take any treatment. Control group induced gastritis 1 hour after ingestion of distilled water. 10 mg/kg sucralfate induced group was induced gastritis 1 hour after ingestion of distilled of sucralfate 10 mg/kg. 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg RC treated groups were induced gastritis 1 hour after ingestion of distilled of RC 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. After 1 hour of gastritis induction, removed the stomach tissue. We examined histological observations, oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant proteins, inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Results : In this study, the RC treatment group showed gastritis and gastric ulcer inhibition, and the area of injury decreased. The oxidative stress biomarkers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxy nitrite ($ONOO^-$) in the serum were reduced in the RC treated group. Inaddition, antioxidant proteins (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Heme oxygenase 1) were increased in RC treated group, and the expression of inflammatory mediators and cytokines induced by nuclear factor-kappa B activation was inhibited. Conclusion : According to the results, RC may have an excellent inhibitory effect on acute gastritis and gastric ulcer.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.368-376
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• 2023

Background: Although bee venom (BV) has clinical benefits in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, it has not been tested as treatment for gouty arthritis. Moreover, in vitro, BV has been proven to exhibit anti-inflammatory and positive effects on osteoarthritis, but only limited evidence can confirm its beneficial effects on gout. Thus, this study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of BV on monosodium urate (MSU)-induced THP-1 monocytes. Methods: THP-1 monocytes were differentiated into mature macrophages using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and pretreated for 6 hours with BV and a Caspase-1 inhibitor in a physiologically achievable range of concentrations (BV, 0.1-1 ㎍/mL; Caspase-1 inhibitor, 1-10 μM), followed by MSU crystal stimulation for 24 hours. The secretions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-8, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) were increased in the MSU crystal-stimulated THP-1 cells. Results: Caspase-1 inhibitors suppressed the production of all mediators in a dose-dependent manner. BV worked on equal terms with Caspase-1 inhibitors and showed more satisfactory effects on TNF-α, PGE2, COX-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, the western blot analysis revealed that BV regulated the transcriptional levels of these mediators via the suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway activation. Conclusion: The results of the present study clearly suggest that BV inhibits MSU-induced inflammation in vitro, suggesting a possible role for BV in gout treatment.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.315-325
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• 2023

Objectives : Recently, research has been actively conducted on the efficacy of complexes based on oriental medicine prescriptions for improving immune activity and allergies. In this study, In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of Angelica gigas Nakai and Corni fructus extract (AC), medicinal herbs, among candidate drugs derived through preliminary experiments with various components of oriental medicine prescriptions for allergies, on allergies in RBL-2H3 cells. Methods : We evaluated the effect of the ethanol extract of Ulmus on the allergic inflammatory response in anti-DNP-IgE activated DNP-HSA in RBL-2H3 cells. Cell toxicity was determined by WST-1 assay and the markers of degranulation such as beta-hexosaminidase, histamine, TNF-α and IL-6 production of inflammatory mediators and FcεRI-mediated expression. Results : The results showed that treatment with AC extract (20, 40 and 80㎍/㎖) noncytotoxic levels and significantly inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase, histamine and the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in RBL-2H3 by the antigen stimulation. Conclusions : These results indicate that AC extract exhibits anti-allergic activity through inhibition of degranulation and inhibition of inflammatory mediators and cytokine release. These findings suggest that AC extract may have potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for the treatment of various allergic diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.100-111
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• 2020

Objectives : The aim of experiment is to examine anti-inflammatory effect and anti-oxidant effect of Naesohwangryun-tang (NSHRT) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Methods : In the present study, The cell viability was performed by MTT assay. Nitric oxide (NO) production and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) synthesis were performed by NO assay and ELISA KIT. The anti-oxidant effect was performed by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. The inhibitory effects of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines were confirmed by realtime PCR and western blotting. Results : NSHRT was no cytotoxicity at treated group. NO and PGE2 production were inhibited compared to the LPS treated group and also mRNA and protein expressions were significantly decreased compared to the LPS treated group. Conclusions : According to the above experiments, we confirmed that NSHRT has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. It is suggested that NSHRT is potential ingredient of skin diseases.