• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.55-60
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• 2014

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate whether herb mixture extract (HME) would affect allergic contact dermatitis induced by 1-chloro-2,4-dinitro-chlorobenzene (DNCB) in mice. For this, the level of blood IgE was identified. To evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of HME, we tested HMC-1 cells stimulated by PMA+A231867. Methods : In order to evaluate allergic contact dermatitis effects we observed HME on contact-hypersensitive skin of Balb/cmice induced by 0.5% DNCB and measured concentration of IgE in blood of Balb/c mice. In order to evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of cytokine expression we used the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results : We confirmed deep wounds, erosions, progress of keratinization and drop out of dead skin cells from Balb/c mice induced by 0.5% DNCB. We also observed a remarkable decrease in symptoms of atopic dermatitis in the group that received injection of 200mg/kg HME. In addition, in the measurement outcome for IgE concentration in blood, we confirmed that IgE concentration was increased by treatment with DNCB only, while it was markedly decreased by treatment with HME. We confirmed that cytokine expression decreased through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and pERK, pJNK, and pp38 also decreased through western blot test Conclusions : According to the above results, HME has some effect on alleviating symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis and has anti-inflammatory effects.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.77-85
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• 2017

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the unknown mechanisms behind the anti- inflammatory activity of Hyeonto-dan(HT) 70% ethanol extract on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : Cells were treated with Hyeonto-dan 1 h prior to addition of 200 ng/mL of LPS. Cell viability was measured by the MTS assay. Nitric oxide levels were determined by the Griess assay. $PGE_2$ were measured using EIA kit. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of COX-2, iNOS, and MAPKs was investigated by Western blot, qRT-PCR. $NF-{\kappa}B$/p65 localization and interaction of the TLR-4 receptor with LPS was examined by immunofluorescence assays. Results : Hyeonto-dan had no cytotoxicity at the measured concentration. Hyeonto-dan inhibited NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and PGE2 as well as the protein and mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2. Moreover, Hyeonto-dan inhibited the interaction between LPS and TLR-4 in murine macrophages. It suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2), c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK 1/2) and p38. Finally, it inhibited translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ in response to competitive LPS. Conclusions : Based on the results of this study, Hyeonto-dan inhibited the binding of TLR-4 receptor to LPS and inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signaling pathway MAPKs. These inhibitory effects are thought that the amount of $NF-{\kappa}B$ delivered to the nucleus was decreased and the inflammatory reaction was prevented by decreasing the production of LPS-induced $PGE_2$, NO, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2000

Many natural products elicit diverse pharmacological effects. Using two classes of potential chemopreventive compounds, the phenolic compounds and the isothiocyanates, we review the potential utility of two signaling events, the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the ICE/Ced-3 proteases (caspases) stimulated by these agents in mammalian cell lines. Studies with phenolic antioxidants (BHA, tBHQ), and natural products (flavonoids; EGCG, ECG, and isothiocyanates; PEITC, sulforaphane), provided important insights into the signaling pathways induced by these compounds. At low concentrations, these chemicals may activate the MAPK (ERK2, JNK1, p38) leading to gene expression of survival genes (c-Fos, c-Jun) and defensive genes (Phase II detoxifying enzymes; GST, QR) resulting in survival and protective mechanisms (homeostasis response). Increasing the concentrations of these compounds will additionally activate the caspase pathway, leading to apoptosis (potential cytotoxicity). Further increment to suprapharmacological concentrations will lead to nonspecific necrotic cell death. The wider and narrow concentration ranges between the activation of MAPK/gene induction and caspases/cell death exhibited by phenolic compounds and isothiocyanates, respectively, in mammalian cells, may reflect their respective therapeutic windows in vivo. Consequently, the studies of signaling pathways elicited by natural products will advance our understanding of their efficacy and safety, of which many man become important therapeuitc drugs of the future.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.653-664
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• 2012

Objective: This study assessed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of $E.$ $foetidum$ leaf extract on LPS-activated murine macrophages. Methods: RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with or without $E.$ $foetidum$ extract for 1 h prior to incubation with LPS for 24 h. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with reference to iNOS, COX-2, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 gene expression. In addition, NO and intracellular ROS generation were determined by Griess method and fluorescence intensity and activation of MAPKs and $I{\kappa}B$ by Western blotting. Results: Prior treatment with $E.$ $foetidum$ leaf extract inhibited elevation of IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, iNOS and COX-2, together with their cognate mRNAs in a dose-dependent manner. NO and intracellular ROS contents were similarly reduced. These effects were due to inhibition of LPS-induced phosphorylation of JNK and p38 as well as $I{\kappa}B$. $E.$ $foetidum$ ethanol extract were shown to contain lutein, ${\beta}$-carotene, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol and caffeic acid, compounds known to exert these bioactive properties. Conclusions: $E.$ $foetidum$ leaf extract possesses suppressive effects against pro-inflammatory mediators. Thus, $E.$ $foetidum$ has a high potential to be used as a food supplement to reduce risk of cancer associated with inflammation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.519-527
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• 2017

Excessive activation of microglia causes the continuous production of neurotoxic mediators, which further causes neuron degeneration. Therefore, inhibition of microglial activation is a possible target for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Balanophonin, a natural neolignoid from Firmiana simplex, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects and mechanism of balanophonin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. BV2 microglia cells were stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of balanophonin. The results indicated that balanophonin reduced not only the LPS-mediated TLR4 activation but also the production of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), $Interleukin-1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$), and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), in BV2 cells. Balanophonin also inhibited LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) protein expression and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK. Interestingly, it also inhibited neuronal cell death resulting from LPS-activated microglia by regulating cleaved caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage in N2a cells. In conclusion, our data indicated that balanophonin may delay the progression of neuronal cell death by inhibiting microglial activation.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.368-373
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of water extract from Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Sieb. (EAS) on the RAW 264.7 cells. To evaluate of anti-inflammatory of EAS, we examined the cytokine productions on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells and also inhibitory mechanisms using Western blot. EAS reduced LPS-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) in RAW 264.7 cells. EAS inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as p38, extracelluar signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) but not of inhibitory kappa B a (Ik-Ba) degradation in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, EAS down-regulated LPS-induced NO and cytokines production, which could provide a clinical basis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.109-114
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• 2011

Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba is commonly used herbal medicine and it has been known that has immuno-regualtory effects and anti-cancer effects. The inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is essential for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba on osteoclast differentiation in vitro and on resorbing activity of osteoclast. Osteoclast formation was evaluated in bone marrow cells (BMC) in the presence or absence of Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba. The expression of c-fos, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), OSCAR, DC-STAMP, cathepsin K, MafB and NFATc1 mRNA in osteoclast precursor were assessed by RT-PCR. The levels of TNF receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF-6), c-fos and NFATc1 protein were assessed by Western blot analysis. Also the correlation with MAPKs and NF-${\kappa}B$ pathways were measured by using Western blot analysis. With bone resorption study, I tried to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba on mature osteoclast function. Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba inhibited the RANKL induced osteoclastic differentiation from bone marrow macrophage in a dose dependant manner without cellular toxicity. Gene expression of c-fos and NFATc1 was significantly down regulated with Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba treatment. Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba markedly inhibited the RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis through suppression of nuclear factor kappa b (NF-${\kappa}B$) pathway, down stream pathway of p38, ERK and JNK pathway. Taken together, I concluded that Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba have beneficial effect on osteoporosis by inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and by inhibition of functioning osteoclast. Thus I expect that Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba could be a treatment option for osteoporosis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2011

Nardostachyts chinensis (N. chinensis) belonging to the family Valerianaceae has been used to elicit stomachic and sedative effects. The MAPKs are serine/threonine kinases involved in the regulation of various cellular responses, such as cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The PKC also plays a key role in regulating the response of hematopoietic cells to both physiological and pathological inducers of proliferation and differentiation. This study investigated the signaling pathways on the U937 cell differentiation induced by N. chinensis. N. chinensis induced the differentiation of U937 cells, as shown by increased of differentiation surface antigen CD11b. Activation of ERK increased time-dependently in differentiation of U937 cells induced by N. chinensis, but activations of JNK and p38 were unaffected. Inhibitor of ERK (PD98059) significantly reduced CD11b expression induced by N. chinensis in U937 cells. In addition, N. chinensis increased protein level of PKC ${\beta}$I and PKC ${\beta}$II isoforms, but the protein level of PKC ${\alpha}$ and PKC ${\gamma}$was constant. PKC inhibitors (GF 109203X and H-7) inhibited U937 cell differentiation and the ERK activation induced by N. chinensis. These results indicated that PKC and ERK may be involved in U937 cell differentiation induced by N. chinensis.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.153-158
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• 2010

To fine out the anti-inflammatory activities of the C. fragile. and its mechanism were investigated in macrophages induced by Peptidoglycan (PGN). Treatments of macrophages with 100 ug/ml of ethanol extract of Codium fragile (EECF) inhibited PGN-induced IL-6, NO and PGE2 production in a dose-dependent manner as well as expression of iNOS and COX-2. EECF inhibited PGN-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, JNK 1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, which suggests that EECF inhibits IL-6 and NO secretion by blocking MAPKs phosphorylation. These findings may help elucidate the mechanism by which EECF modulates RAW 264.7 cell activation under inflammatory conditions.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.99-107
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• 2016

Triclosan is an antimicrobial or sanitizing agent used in personal care and household products such as toothpaste, soaps, mouthwashes and kitchen utensils. There are increasing evidence of the potentially harmful effects of triclosan in many systemic and cellular processes of the body. In this study, we investigated the effects of triclosan in the survivability of cultured rat neural stem cells (NSCs). Cortical cells from embryonic day 14 rat embryos were isolated and cultured in vitro. After stabilizing the culture, triclosan was introduced to the cells with concentrations ranging from $1{\mu}M$ to $50{\mu}M$ and in varied time periods. Thereafter, cell viability parameters were measured using MTT assay and PI staining. TCS decreased the cell viability of treated NSC in a concentration-dependent manner along with increased expressions of apoptotic markers, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, while reduced expression of Bcl2. To explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of TCS in NSC, we measured the activation of MAPKs and intracellular ROS. TCS at $50{\mu}M$ induced the activations of both p38 and JNK, which may adversely affect cell survival. In contrast, the activities of ERK, Akt and PI3K, which are positively correlated with cell survival, were inhibited. Moreover, TCS at this concentration augmented the ROS generation in treated NSC and depleted the glutathione activity. Taken together, these results suggest that TCS can induce neurodegenerative effects in developing rat brains through mechanisms involving ROS activation and apoptosis initiation.