• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.38 no.6
• /
• pp.1226-1236
• /
• 2018

Ovotransferrin (OTF) is a well-known protein of the transferrin family with strong iron chelating activity, resulting in its antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, OTF is known to have antioxidant, anticancer, and antihypertensive activities. However, there have been few studies about the immune-enhancing activity of OTF. In current study, we investigated the immune-enhancing activity of OTF using the murine macrophage cells in vitro. The effect of OTF on production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines were determined using Griess assay and quantitative real-time PCR. Using Neutral Red uptake assay, we confirmed the effect of OTF on phagocytic activity of macrophages. Ovotransferrin significantly increased the production of nitric oxide (NO) and secretion of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA with no cytotoxic activity. Ovotransferrin (2 mg/mL) stimulated NO production up to $31.9{\pm}3.5{\mu}M$. Ovotransferrin significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines which are tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), Interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$), and IL-6: OTF (2 mg/mL) treatment increased the secretion of mRNA for TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 by 22.20-, 37.91-, and 6.17-fold of the negative control, respectively. The phagocytic activity of macrophages was also increased by OTF treatment significantly compared with negative control. Also, OTF treatment increased phosphorylation level of MAPK signaling pathways. These results indicated that OTF has immune-enhancing activity by activating RAW 264.7 macrophages via MAPK pathways.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.17.1-17.10
• /
• 2019

Objectives: Root resorption is an unexpected complication after replantation procedures. Combining anti-osteoclastic medicaments with retrograde root filling materials may avert this resorptive activity. The purpose of this study was to assess effects of a cathepsin K inhibitor with calcium silicate-based cements on osteoclastic activity. Methods: MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured for biocompatibility analyses. RAW 264.7 cells were cultured in the presence of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B and lipopolysaccharide, followed by treatment with Biodentine (BIOD) or ProRoot MTA with or without medicaments (Odanacatib [ODN], a cathepsin inhibitor and alendronate, a bisphosphonate). After drug treatment, the cell counting kit-8 assay and Alizarin red staining were performed to evaluate biocompatibility in MC3T3-E1 cells. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed in RAW 264.7 cells to determine the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-6, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: Biocompatibility results showed that there were no significant differences among any of the groups. RAW 264.7 cells treated with BIOD and ODN showed the lowest levels of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and PGE2. Treatments with BIOD + ODN were more potent suppressors of inflammatory cytokine expression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The cathepsin K inhibitor with calcium silicate-based cement inhibits osteoclastic activity. This may have clinical application in preventing inflammatory root resorption in replanted teeth.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.45 no.4
• /
• pp.154-162
• /
• 2018

Objective: The fallopian tubes play a critical role in the early events of fertilization. The rapid innate immune defense is an important part of the fallopian tubes. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), as a part of the innate immune system, plays an important role in detecting viral infections. In this basic and experimental study, the effect of sex hormones on the function of TLR3 in the OE-E6/E7 cell line was investigated. Methods: The functionality of TLR3 in this cell line was evaluated by cytokine measurements (interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-1b) and the effects of sex hormones on TLR3 were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Additionally, TLR3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and a TLR3 function-blocking antibody were used to confirm our findings. Results: The production of IL-6 significantly increased in the presence of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) as the TLR3 ligand. Using a TLR3-siRNA-ransfected OE-E6/E7 cell line and function-blocking antibody confirmed that cytokine production was due to TLR3. In addition, 17-${\beta}$ estradiol and progesterone suppressed the production of IL-6 in the presence and absence of poly(I:C). Conclusion: These results imply that sex hormones exerted a suppressive effect on the function of TLR3 in the fallopian tube cell line when different concentrations of sex hormones were present. The current results also suggest that estrogen receptor beta and nuclear progesterone receptor B are likely to mediate the hormonal regulation of TLR3, as these two receptors are the main estrogen and progesterone receptors in OEE6/E7 cell line.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.57-64
• /
• 2022

Objectives The purpose of this study is to confirm the regulate effect of T helper (Th) 2 differentiation that Sabaek-san extract may produce to improves skin lipid barrier damage. Methods Four-weeks-old NC/Nga mice were divided into four groups: control group (Ctrl, n=10), lipid barrier eliminated group (LBE, n=10), Dexamethasone treatment after lipid barrier elimination group (DXT, n=10), and Sabaek-san extract treatment group after lipid barrier elimination (SBT, n=10). Sabaek-san extract was administered for 3 d after removal of the skin fat barrier in SBT group. Then, we identified changes in external symptoms of the skin, factors affecting skin barrier such as potential of hydrogen (pH), filaggrin, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and Th2 differentiation factors like Interleukin (IL)-4, Kallikrein Related Peptidase 7 (KLK7), and protease activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) through our immunohistochemistry. Results After lipid barrier elimination, the reduction of morphological skin inflammations was less in SBT group than in LBE and DXT group. Also, pH and TEWL were significantly decreased with SBT group. However, filaggrin was significantly increased in SBT group compared to LBE, DXT, and Ctrl group. All kinds of Th2 differentiation factors (IL-4, KLK7 and PAR-2) were also decreased in SBT compared to the LBE and DXT. Conclusions As a result of this study, SBT administration decreased pH, TEWL, and increased filaggrin, thus participating in recovering damaged skin barrier. Since Th2 differentiation factors were decreased as well, SBT's regulatory effect in sequential immune reactions may be a possible explanation of how it enhances recovery of the damaged lipid barrier.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
• /
• v.37 no.5
• /
• pp.438-445
• /
• 2022

Laminaria japonica is a type of brown algae widely consumed in Asian countries and contains many essential nutrients and exhibits anti-obesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of a Laminaria japonica water extract (LJE) were investigated using an in vitro model. Mean total polyphenol content of LJE was 2.16±0.11 ㎍ GAE/mg, and LJE dose-dependently inhibited ABTS radical activity but did not scavenge DPPH radicals. In addition, LJE enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production and upregulated the mRNA expressions of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) in RAW 264.7 cells. On the other hand, LJE inhibited NO production and downregulated proinflammatory cytokine mRNA levels in endotoxin-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Thus, our data show that LJE has moderate antioxidant activity and biphasic immunomodulatory effects on RAW 264.7 cells. In summary, the study indicates that LJE has potential therapeutic use as a novel biphasic immuno-modulator.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.55-61
• /
• 2012

Objectives : Allium Hookeri (AH) is a traditional herb to treat inflammatory diseases in India and Myanmar. Recently, AH cultivation was succeeded in South Korea. This study was performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Korean AH in RAW264.7 cells, mouse macrophage cell line. Methods : To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of root of AH, we prepared the 70% ethanol extract, then we examined the productions of nitrite, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. To examine the nitrite, and cytokines, the RAW264.7 cells were treated with AH, then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 500 ng/ml) for 24 h. Then the cells were harvested for griess assay, ELISA and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Also to detect the ability of AH to induce heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), we examined the HO-1 expression using real time RT-PCR and western blot. Furthermore, we examined the mitogen activated-protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) activation to find out the underlying mechanisms. Results : AH ethanol extract significantly inhibited the productions of nitrite and interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$. AH treatment increased the HO-1 expression dramatically at 1 h, then peaked at 3 h. When the HO-1 was inhibited by tin (Sn) protoporphryin-IX (SnPP), the anti-inflammatory action of AH was reversed. AH treatment inhibited the activation of p38, but not extracelluar signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2) and c-Jun $NH_2$-terminal kinase (JNK) and also the degradation of inhibitory kappa B a (Ik-$B{\alpha}$) in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions : These data could suggest that AH exerts anti-inflammatory influences through up-regulation of HO-1 and deactivation of p38.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.13-20
• /
• 2014

Objectives : Atotang was composed of 10 kinds of traditional medicinal herb. This research was performed to examine biological effects of Atotang for the development of prescription on atopic dermatitis. Methods : Atotang was extracted with 80% EtOH. Free radical scavenging assay has tested for anti-oxidative activity as well as the contents of total polyphenol. We observed the production of ROS, nitric oxide(NO) and the inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1beta(IL-${\beta}$), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-${\alpha}$), Prostaglandin E2($PGE_2$) in Raw 264.7 cells stimulated by LPS. We used Disc diffusion method to investigate antibacterial activity on Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis. Result : Content of total phenolic compound of Atotang was 36.3 mg/g ext. DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities were 77% and 46% at 200 ug/ml respectively, showing dose-dependent increase. The amounts of ROS and NO in RAW 264.7 cells were decreased by 30% and 19% at 200 ug/ml, respectively, showing dose-dependent decrease. The prodcution of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha in RAW 264.7 cells were decreased dose-dependently by 81%, 67%, and 20% at 200 ug/ml, respectively. Atotang was reduced LPS-stimulated production of $PGE_2$ by 33%. Atotang on C. albicans, S. aureus and S. epidermis was selected by a disc diffusion method and inhibition effect of the Atotang on the growth of S. epidermis was the greatest. Conclusion : The results indicated that Atotang showed biological activities showing anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Based on these results, it is concluded that Atotang can be applied to the prescription on atopic dermatitis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.1-7
• /
• 2017

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Scrophulariae Radix Water Extract (SR) on the production of inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Method : We examined effect of Scrophulariae Radix Extract on the cell viability of mouse macrophages cells. Futhermore, After 24 hours treatment we investigated anti-inflammatory effect of Scrophulariae Radix Extract by the production of Bio-Plex cytokine assay, concentrations of various cytokines such NO, $interleukin(IL)-1{\alpha}$, IL-3 and interferon inducible protein-10(IP-10). Result : No significant changes have been found in the mouse macrophge cell viability by the Scrophulariae Radix Extract at the concentration of 25, 50, 100 and $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. The water extract of Scrophulariae Radix significantly inhibited the production of NO in the LPS-induced macrophage at the concentration of 25, 50, 100 and $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. The water extract of Scrophulariae Radix significantly inhibited the production of $IL-1{\alpha}$, IL-3 and IP-10 in the LPS-induced macrophage at the concentration of 50, 100 and $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Conclusion : The water extract of Scrophulariae Radix significantly inhibited the production of NO, $IL-1{\alpha}$, IL-3 and IP-10 at the concentration of $50{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ or higher in the LPS-induced macrophages with no changes in the cell viability of them. These results suggest that water extract of Scrophulariae Radix has anti-inflammatory effect related with its inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines such as $IL-1{\alpha}$, IL-3 and IP-10 in the LPS-induced macrophages.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.10-24
• /
• 2021

Objectives: Yongdamsagan-tang (YST) and Paljung-san (PJS) in traditional medicine and finasteride in modern medicine are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In recent, the use of combination herbal remedies with conventional drugs has been increasing. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs to treat BPH and the influence of herbal formulas on finasteride metabolism. Methods: The inhibitory effects of the herbal formulas and finasteride on the production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines were determined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, the influence of herbal formulas on activities of human drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) was assessed using human microsomal enzymes. Results: We observed that YST, PJS and finasteride inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in RAW 264.7 cells. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of YST on PGE₂ production was calculated to be below 25 ㎍/mL. YST inhibited the activity of uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransterase (UGT) 1A4 with an IC₅₀ value of 49.35 ㎍/mL. The activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and UGT1A1 were inhibited by PJS (IC₅₀ < 100 ㎍/mL, each). Although PJS and YST inhibited the activities of CYP3A4 and UGT1A4, respectively, these formulas may not influence the metabolism of finasteride because the IC₅₀ values of herbal formulas on DMEs are too high to affect metabolism. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the combination of finasteride and YST or PJS might not influence their drug metabolism and that the drugs may have synergistic effects against BPH.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.42 no.6
• /
• pp.1031-1045
• /
• 2022

Postbiotics are defined as probiotics inactivated by heat, ultraviolet radiation, sonication, and other physical or chemical stresses. Postbiotics are more stable than probiotics, and these properties are advantageous for food additives and pharmacological agents. This study investigated the immunostimulatory effects of heat-treated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LM1004 (HT-LM1004). Cellular fatty acid composition of L. plantarum LM1004 isolated form kimchi was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detection system. The nitric oxide (NO) content was estimated using Griess reagent. Immunostimulatory cytokines were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Relative protein expressions were evaluated by western blotting. Phagocytosis was measured using enzyme-labelled Escherichia coli particles. L. plantarum LM1004 showed 7 kinds of cellular fatty acids including palmitic acid (C16:0). The HT-LM1004 induced release of NO and upregulated the inducible NO synthase in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels were also increased compared to control (non-treated macrophages). Furthermore, HT-LM1004 modulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) subfamilies including p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Therefore, these immunostimulatory effects were attributed to the production of transcriptional factors, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the activator protein 1 family (AP-1). However, HT-LM1004 did not showed significant phagocytosis of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Overall, HT-LM1004 stimulated MAPK/AP-1 and NF-κB expression, resulting in the release of NO and cytokines. These results will contribute to the development of diverse types of food and pharmacological products for immunostimulatory agents with postbiotics.