• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2845-2849
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• 2015

Overexpression of interleukin (IL)-35 has been found in a variety of malignancies, but the expression status in gastric cancer has yet to be elucidated clearly. In the present study, positive expression of EBI3 and p35 was 63.3% and 70.0% of cases, respectively. EBI3 expression was strongly related with larger tumor size and invasion depth (P<0.05). Similarly, expression of p35 was also correlated with larger tumor size (P<0.05). These results indicate that IL-35 might be involved in growth of gastric cancer. Interestingly, EBI3 and p35 expressions were positive correlated with Ki-67 expression. Moreover, EBI3 immunoreactivity was associated with Bcl-2 staining. Our data suggest IL-35 is correlated with genesis of gastric cancer by regulating growth and apoptosis.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.441-448
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• 2014

Inflammasomes are specialized signaling platforms critical for the regulation of innate immune and inflammatory responses. Various NLR family members (i.e., NLRP1, NLRP3, and IPAF) as well as the PYHIN family member AIM2 can form inflammasome complexes. These multiprotein complexes activate inflammatory caspases (i.e., caspase-1) which in turn catalyze the maturation of select pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-18. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome typically requires two initiating signals. Toll-like receptor (TLR) and NOD-like receptor (NLR) agonists activate the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes through an NF-${\kappa}B$-dependent priming signal. Following exposure to extracellular ATP, stimulation of the P2X purinoreceptor-7 ($P2X_7R$), which results in $K^+$ efflux, is required as a second signal for NLRP3 inflammasome formation. Alternative models for NLRP3 activation involve lysosomal destabilization and phagocytic NADPH oxidase and /or mitochondria-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In this review we examine regulatory mechanisms that activate the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Furthermore, we discuss the potential roles of NLRP3 in metabolic and cognitive diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and major depressive disorder. Novel therapeutics involving inflammasome activation may result in possible clinical applications in the near future.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.26-36
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• 2012

Objectives: To establish scientific and objective evidence for the use of a Korean medicine, articles regarding Hwangryeonhaedok-tang (HRHDT), a herbal medicine frequently used in Korean medical clinics and hospitals, were gathered and analyzed. Methods: The articles were classified as being from domestic or international journals, and by their year of publication. The mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of HRHDT were investigated. Results: Of the 25 articles analyzed, 7 were published from Korea, 7 were from China, and 11 were from Japan. HRHDT showed anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects through the regulation of the expression of Th1 cytokines including interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-8, interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$), and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$); and Th2 cytokines including IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12, which inhibit leukotriene B4 (LTB4), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and inflammatory cells. It also lowered preprodynorphin (PPD), and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the peripheral nerve system and hypothalamus. Conclusions: We speculate that the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects could be related to the therapeutic efficacy of HRHDT in removing pathogenic fire and heat.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.279-282
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• 2003

To investigate the effect of fluoxetine, one of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), on the immune system, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were treated with fluoxetine $(10^{-7}\;M)$ for 24 h, and immune-related genes were analyzed by cDNA microarray. Expression of the immunerelated genes such as CD107b (LAMP-2), CD47 receptor (thrombospondin receptor), CD5 antigen-like (scavenger receptor cysteine rich family), copine III (CPNE3), interleukin (IL)-18 (interferon-gammainducing factor), integrin alpha 4 (CD49d), integrin alpha L subunit (CD11a), IL-3 receptor alpha subunit, L apoferritin, and small inducible cytokine subfamily A (Cys-Cys) member 13 (SCYA13) was induced by fluoxetine. This result suggests that fluoxetine may affect the immune system, and provides fundamental data for the involvement of SSRIs on immunoregulation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.8
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• pp.1270-1281
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• 2018

Periodontal disease is triggered by the host immune response to pathogens in the microbial biofilm. Worsening of periodontal disease destroys the tooth-supporting tissues and alveolar bone. As oral inflammation can induce systemic diseases in humans, it is important to prevent periodontal disease. In this study, we demonstrated that Curcuma xanthorrhiza supercritical extract (CXS) and its active compound, xanthorrhizol (XAN), exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human gingival fibroblast-1 cells and anti-osteoclastic effects on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)-treated RAW264.7 cells. LPS-upregulated inflammatory factors, such as nuclear factor kappa B p65 and $interleukin-1{\beta}$, were prominently reduced by CXS and XAN. In addition, RANKL-induced osteoclastic factors, such as nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and cathepsin K, were decreased in the presence of CXS and XAN. CXS and XAN inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activator protein-1 (AP-1) signaling pathway. Collectively, these results provide evidence that CXS and XAN suppress LPS-induced inflammation and RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing the MAPK/AP-1 pathway.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.91-95
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• 2010

Meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (MDGA) is a medicinal herbal product isolated from the bark of Machilus thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc. (Lauraceae). It exhibits a neuroprotective effect and also exerts cytotoxicity to certain cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated whether or not MDGA inhibits inflammatory reaction through the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) generation. The results showed that MDGA (5~$25 {\mu}M$) inhibited 100 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced NO generation in macrophage Raw 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. We also measured the cytotoxic effects of MDGA on Raw 264.7 cells and found no evidence of cytotoxicity. The inhibition of NO generation by MDGA was consistent with the inhibitory effect on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In addition, MDGA inhibited the LPS-induced gene expression of $interleukin-1{\beta}$ $(IL-1{\beta})$ as well as tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ $(TNF-{\alpha})$. The present results may provide that MDGA has anti-inflammatory properties through inhibition of the toll-like receptors (TLRs) pathway, and suggest that MDGA can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.261-267
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• 2014

As a part of ongoing research to elucidate and characterize antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals, solvent-partitioned fractions from Spergularia marina were tested for their ability to scavenge radicals and suppress inflammation. The results of the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay indicate that solvent-partitioned fractions from S. marina scavenged intracellular radicals in $H_2O_2$-stimulated mouse macrophages. The tested fractions decreased the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of inflammation mediators, namely, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin (IL)-6, by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse macrophages, indicating that S. marina decreases inflammation. Among all tested fractions [i.e., $H_2O$, n-buthanol (n-BuOH), 85% aqueous methanol (aq. MeOH), and n-hexane], the 85% aq. MeOH fraction showed the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response. The 85% aq. MeOH fraction scavenged 80% of the free radicals produced by $H_2O_2$-induced control cells. In addition, NO production was 98% lower in 85% aq. MeOH fraction-treated cells compared to LPS-induced control cells. The mRNA expression of iNOS and IL-6 was also suppressed in 85% aq. MeOH fraction-treated cells. The results of the current study suggest that the phenolic compound components of S. marina are responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.29-33
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• 2012

Objectives: Much evidence exists that herbs have effective immunomodulatory activities. Chrysanthemi Flos (CF) is effective in clearing heat, reducing inflammation, dropping blood pressure and treating headache and is used as a pharmaceutical raw material for an immune enhancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the modulatory effect of Chrysanthemi Flos pharmacopuncture on nitric-oxide (NO) production in activating macrophages. Methods: After a murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, was cultured in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), immune-modulating abilities of CF were evaluated by using NO, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) production and phagocytic activity of macrophages. Results: CF enhanced the activities of macrophages by increasing the phagocytic activity and decreasing NO production. Especially, both LPS and CF, 200 ${\mu}g/ml$, treatment could significantly reduce the NO production, but did not change the production of IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that CF may be of immunomodulatory value, especially for adverse diseases due to increased NO production. It may have potential for use as immunoenhancing pharmacopuncture.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.1387-1394
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• 2020

Clam worms (Marphysa sanguinea) are a rich source of bioactive components such as the antibacterial peptide, perinerin. In the present study, we explored the physiological activities of a novel NCWPFQGVPLGFQAPP peptide (NCW peptide), which was purified from clam worm extract through high-performance liquid chromatography. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) revealed that NCW was a new peptide with a molecular weight of 1757.86 kDa. Moreover, NCW peptide exhibited significant antioxidant effects, causing a 50% inhibition of DPPH radical at a concentration of 20 μM without showing any cytotoxicity. These were associated with a reduction in the activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in LPS-stimulated RAW264. 7 cells. Furthermore, NCW peptide exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages via inhibition of the abnormal production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These anti-inflammatory effects of NCW peptide were associated with the inhibition of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Our results therefore suggest that this novel NCW peptide with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects could be a good therapeutic agent against inflammation-related diseases.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1272-1278
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Kyung Hee Allergic Disease Herbal Formula (KAHF) on atopic dermatitis (AD) and its mode of action. Our clinical study showed KAHF reduced Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) indexes and subjective symptom scores. In parallel, the decreased levels of interferon (IFN)-$\gamma$ and interleukin (IL)-5 in serum, which contributed to its AD-mitigating effect was observed. To reveal the underlying mechanisms of KAHF in AD, its anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced responses in RAW 264.7 cells was examined. KAHF was found to significantly inhibit the productions of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and IL-$1{\beta}$ in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Consistently, KAHF potently inhibited protein and mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Furthermore, KAHF inhibited LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)-$\kappa}B$. Taken together, our data suggest that KAHF has a beneficial effect on several eicosanoid-related skin inflammations, such as atopic dermatitis.