• BMB Reports
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• 제47권6호
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• pp.336-341
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• 2014

Endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) plays important roles in blood coagulation and inflammation. EPCR activity is markedly changed by ectodomain cleavage and release as the soluble EPCR. EPCR can be shed from the cell surface, which is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ converting enzyme (TACE). Oroxylin A (OroA), a major component of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, is known to exhibit anti-angiogenic, antiinflammation, and anti-invasive activities. However, little is known about the effects of OroA on EPCR shedding. Data showed that OroA induced potent inhibition of phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced EPCR shedding through suppression of TACE expression and activity. In addition, treatment with OroA resulted in reduced PMA-stimulated phosphorylation of p38, extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). These results demonstrate the potential of OroA as an anti-sEPCR shedding reagent against PMA and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.187-194
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• 2004

Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) results in cell death by activation of complex signal pathways for cell death and survival. Hypothermia is a robust neuroprotectant, and its effect has often been attributed to various mechanisms, but it is not yet clear. Upstream from the cell death promoters and executioners are several enzymes that may activate several transcription factors involved in cell death and survival. In this study, we immunohistochemically examined the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 kinase during early period of the ischemic injury, following 2 hours (h) of transient MCAO. Increased phosphorylation of ERK and p38 was observed in the vessels at 3 h, neuron-like cells at 6 and 12 h and glia-like cells at 12 h. Activation of JNK was not remarkable, and a few cells showed active JNK following ischemia. Phosphorylation of Elk-1, a transcription factor, was reduced by ischemic insult. Hypothermia attenuated the activation of ERK, p38 and JNK, and inhibited reduction of Elk-1. These data suggest that signals via different MAPK family members converge on the cell damage process and hypothermia protects the brain by interfering with these pathways.

• BMB Reports
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• 제40권6호
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• pp.966-972
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• 2007

Pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG1) is widely detected in many tumors. Increasing evidence reveals that PTTG1 is associated with cell proliferation, cellular transformation and apoptosis. However, the functions of PTTG1, especially its role in DNA damage-induced apoptosis, remain largely unclear. In this report, we used UV irradiation to induce apoptosis in HeLa cells to examine the role of PTTG1 in UV-induced apoptosis by RNAi-mediated knockdown and overexpression of PTTG1. RNAi-mediated knockdown of PTTG1 expression increased and overexpression of PTTG1 decreased the UV-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, UV irradiation decreased PTTG1 mRNA and protein expression. These effects were found to be mediated by JNK pathway. Therefore, PTTG1 had an important anti-apoptotic role in UV-induced apoptosis and this role was mediated by JNK pathway. These results may provide important information for understanding the exact role and the regulation mechanism of PTTG1 in UV-induced apoptosis.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.152-165
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• 2008

Purpose: It is the purpose of this study to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of cheukbaekjurpihwan(CBJPH) extract on LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-induced inflammatory mediators in murine peritoneal macrophages. Methods: To evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of CBJPH extract, the production of cytokines(TNF-${\alpha}$(tumor necrosis factor-alpha), IL(interleukin)-6, IL-12) and NO(nitric oxide) was measured in vitro and in vivo. And western blot analysis has been done to look into the mechanism. Results: CBJPH extract reduced LPS-induced NO, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6, IL-12 productions in peritoneal macrophages. CBJPH extract inhibited the activation of JNK(c-Jun N-terminal kinase), but didn't inhibit the activation of MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) such as p38, ERK1/2(extracelluar signal-regulated kinase1/2) and the degradation of $I_{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$(inhibitory kappa B-alpha) in the LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. CBJPH extract suppressed LPS-induced endotoxin shock and the productions of TNF-${\alpha}$, but not of IL-6, after an oral administration of CBJPH extract Conclusion: CBJPH extract suppressed the productions of LPS-induced NO and cytokines by preventing JNK from phosphorylation, which may provide a clinical basis for anti-inflammatory properties of CBJPH.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.501-507
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• 2005

Shikonin is a chemically characterized component of traditional herbal medicine, the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and has been shown to possess antitumor activities. Here we investigated anticancer potential of shikonin and its possible mechanism of action in LLC cells. Shikonin inhibited the proliferation of LLC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. It was also demonstrated that shikonin induced apoptosis in LLC cells by Annexin V staining and TUNEL staining analysis. Shikonin treatment was caused that decrease of Bcl-2, activation of caspases and cleavage of PARP. And shikonin also induced that the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. Interestingly, the cell proliferation inhibition induced by shikonin was recovered by specific inhibitors of JNK and p38 but the inhibitor of MEK, the upstream kinase of ERK, did not recover. Additionally, shikonin administration at doses of 5 mg/kg in C57BL/6 mice strongly inhibited the primary tumor growth of LLC. Taken together, these results suggest that shikonin may suppress LLC cell proliferation by inducing an apoptotic process via activation of caspases and MAPKs

• 운동영양학회지
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.19-24
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• 2020

[Purpose] Although physical activity is required to prevent or ameliorate osteoporosis, medicine prescription should precede it, since it may be limited in severe osteoporosis patients. Furthermore, osteoporosis has a great effect on physical activity disorders that accompany fractures and pain, and therefore, research on treatment or prevention to decrease the number of patients is required. The purpose of this study was to discover candidate substances from natural products with an effective pharmacological action and to prepare basic data to help patients. [Methods] To prepare the osteoporosis model, ovariectomy (OVX) was performed using surgical methods. The prepared prescription [Shinkiwhan (SKH), a Korean medicine] was administered orally at a dose of 210 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. After completion of the animal experiment, the bone mineral density (BMD) was analyzed using double-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The analysis of the effect of drugs on bones was performed using histological analysis and immunostaining. [Results] SKH increased the BMD in the OVX rats. Furthermore, SKH significantly increased the expression of osteoprotegerin and downregulated receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand and phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinases in the bones of the OVX model. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest a protective effect of SKH against BMD loss in the OVX model.

• 한국해양바이오학회지
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.12-23
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• 2023

Sargassum horneri (SH), a brown macroalgae, has medicinal properties. The present study investigated the immune-enhancing effects of SH extract on peritoneal macrophages (PM). The SH significantly increased the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide (NO) in PM. It was confirmed that SH significantly increased NO expression through the increase of iNOS protein expression, which is the up-regulation pathway. Additionally, it was determined if SH activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, an upper regulatory mechanism that influences TNF-α, IL-6, and NO expression. Consequently, SH significantly increased the phosphorylation of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), all of which are MAPK pathway proteins. Moreover, the immune-enhancing effects of SH on another macrophage cell line, bone marrow-derived macrophages were investigated. It was observed that SH significantly enhanced TNF-α, IL-6, and NO production. Overall, this study demonstrates the immune-enhancing effects of SH on macrophages via activated MAPK pathway. Therefore, it suggests that SH has the potential to improve immunological activity in various macrophage cell lines and can be useful as an immune-enhancing treatment.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.405-416
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• 2021

Background: This study investigated the effect of intrathecal Sec-O-glucosylhamaudol (SOG) on the p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)-related inflammatory responses, and autophagy in a spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain model. Methods: The continuous administration of intrathecal SOG via an osmotic pump was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 50) with SNL-induced neuropathic pain. Rats were randomized into four groups after the 7th day following SNL and treated for 2 weeks as follows (each n = 10): Group S, sham-operated; Group D, 70% dimethylsulfoxide; Group SOG96, SOG at 96 ㎍/day; and Group SOG192, SOG at 192 ㎍/day. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) test was performed to assess neuropathic pain. Western blotting of the spinal cord (L5) was performed to measure changes in the expression of signaling pathway components, cytokines, and autophagy. Additional studies with naloxone challenge (n = 10) and cells were carried out to evaluate the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of SOG. Results: Continuous intrathecal SOG administration increased the PWT with p38/JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition, which induced a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines with the concomitant downregulation of autophagy. Conclusions: SOG alleviates mechanical allodynia, and its mechanism is thought to be related to the regulation of p38/JNK MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, associated with autophagy during neuroinflammatory processes after SNL.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.450-461
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• 2001

서 론 : 폐암의 치료에 사용되는 방사선 조사는 흉곽 및 여러장기에 다양한 합병증을 발생시키며, 특히 방사선 섬유화증과 방사선 폐렴을 일으킨다. 방사선 조사의 초기 효과는 보통 염증 세포들의 침윤, 간질 및 폐포 부종, 상피세포의 탈락에 의한 방사선 폐렴이며 후기 효과는 방사선 섬유화증을 초래한다. 방사선 조사는 폐장의 염증 세포에서 TGF-beta의 단백 합성 및 활성도를 증가시키고, 생체외 실험에서 TGF-beta는 mitogen activated protein kinases(MAPKs)를 활성화시킨다는 것이 알려져 있다. c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)는 MAPKs중의 하나로 핵단백질인 c-Jun을 인산화(phosphorylation) 시켜 전사(transcription)를 증가시키는데 생체외 실험에서 자외선 조사후 대식 세포에서 JNK의 활성이 증가되는 것으로 알려져 있다. 하지만 현재 까지 생체내에서 JNK가 방사선 조사에 의해 활성화되는지 그리고 이들 활성화가 방사선 섬유화증의 병인에 관계하는 지는 알려진 바 없다. 본 연구는 흉부에 방사선을 조사한 백서를 이용하여 방사선 섬유화증의 병인에 JNK가 신호 전달 체계에서 주요한 역할을 담당하는 지를 알아보고자 시행하였다. 대상 및 방법 : C57BL/6 백서의 전 흉부에 14 Gy의 $^{60}CO{\gamma}$-ray를 조사한 후 일정한 간격(1주, 4주, 8주)으로 폐장의 세포 분석을 위한 기관지 폐포 세척술, elastin의 합성 정도를 측정하기 위한 Verhoeff stain, collagen 합성 양을 알기 위한 hydroxyproline의 측정, JNK 활성도를 알기 위한 in vitro JNK assay를 시행하였다. 결 과 : 폐장의 기관지 폐포 세척 소견상 총세포수는 방사선 조사 4주, 8주후에 증가하는 소견을 보였다. 세포의 감별 분석상 림프구는 4주후 증가되는 경향을 보였다. Verhoeff 염색상 폐포 조직의 특이 변화 소견은 없었으며 hydroxyproline의 양은 방사선 조사전에 비해 4주, 8주후에 증가하는 소견을 보였다. 방사선 조사 후 시간이 경과함에 따라 4주 후에 c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)의 활성도가 가장 높았으며 8주 후에는 4주 후와 비슷한 활성도를 보였다. 결 론 : 흉곽에 방사선 조사 후 hydroxyproline양의 증가와 함께 JNK 활성도의 증가 소견을 보여 방사선 폐섬유화증의 병인에 JNK가 관여될 것으로 사료된다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제33권11호
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• pp.859-867
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• 2023

루페올은 5환성 트리테르펜의 일종으로 많은 질병에 치료 효과가 있는 것으로 보고되었으나, 인슐린 저항성에 미치는 영향은 명확하지 않다. 본 연구에서는 3T3-L1 지방세포에서 루페올의 IRS-1 인산화 억제능을 통해 인슐린 저항성 개선효과를 조사하였다. 3T3-L1 세포를 배양하고 TNF-α를 24시간 동안 처리하여 인슐린 저항성을 유도하였다. 서로 다른 농도의 루페올(15, 30 μM) 또는 100 nM의 rosiglitazone을 처리한 세포를 배양한 후, 용해된 세포를 이용하여 western blotting을 시행하였다. 실험결과 루페올은 지방세포에서 TNF-α에 의해 유발되는 인슐린 신호전달의 음성 조절자와 염증 활성화 단백질 kinase에 대한 개선 효과를 나타냈다. 인슐린 신호전달의 음성 조절자인 PTP-1B와 JNK의 활성 및 IKK와 염증활성화 단백질키나아제의 활성을 억제하였다. 또한, 루페올은 IRS-1의 serine 인산화는 하향 조절하고 tyrosine 인산화는 상향 조절하였다. 그 후, 하향 조절된 PI3K/AKT 경로가 활성화되고, GLUT 4의 세포막 전위가 자극되어, 결과적으로 인슐린 저항성이 유도된 3T3-L1 지방세포에서에서 세포내 포도당 흡수가 증가하였다. 본 연구결과, 루페올은 3T3-L1 지방세포에서 인슐린 신호전달 및 염증 활성화 단백질 kinsase들의 음성 조절인자를 억제하여, IRS-1의 serine 인산화를 하향 조절함으로써 TNF-α 유발 인슐린 저항성을 개선할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.