• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.12-27
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• 2014

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Guibi-tang water extract (GB) on osteoporosis. Methods: We examined the effect of GB on osteoclast differentiation using murine pre-osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells treated with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). The effect of GB on osteoclast was measured by counting TRAP (+) multinucleated cells and measuring TRAP activity. The mRNA expressions of osteoclastogenesis-related genes (Cathepsin K, MMP-9, TRAP, NFATc1, MITF, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, COX-2) were measured by real-time PCR. We examined the effect of GB on osteoblast proliferation, ALP activity, bone matrix protein synthesis and collagen synthesis using murine calvarial cell. Results: GB decreased the number of TRAP (+) multinucleated cells and inhibited TRAP activity in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. GB decreased the expression of genes related osteoclastogenesis such as Cathepsin K, MMP-9, TRAP, NFATc1, MITF, COX-2 in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. But GB did not decrease the expression of iNOS and increased the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. These genes (iNOS, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6) are thought to be related with the inflammatory bone destruction. GB increased cell proliferation of rat calvarial cell and also increased ALP activity in rat calvarial cell. GB did not increase bone matrix protein synthesis but increased collagen synthesis in rat calvarial cell. Conclusions: This study suggests that GB may be effective in treating osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and its related gene expression and by increasing osteoblast proliferation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.83-89
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• 2017

Objectives : The present study was designed to determine the effects of mixture of Achyranthis Japonicae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, and Acanthopanacis Cortex on monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis in rats. The mixture was composed of Achyranthis Japonicae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, and Acanthopanacis Cortex extracts. Methods : Arthritis was induced by injection of MIA into knee joints of rats. At the end of experiment, gross examination on the articular structures of knee joints were performed. Proteoglycan (PG) contents in articular cartilages were analysed as well. Tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$($TNF-{\alpha}$) and $interleukin-1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$) contents in synovial fluids were measured by ELISA method and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) mRNA were measured by a realtime PCR. Results : The surfaces of the articular cartilage were observed. The severity of osteoarthritis in the treated group were alleviated compared with control group. PG contents in articular cartilages of the treated group were increased compared with control group. $IL-1{\beta}$ contents in synovial fluids of the treated group were significantly decreased compared with control group. MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA contents in articular cartilages were significantly decreased compared with control group and TIMP1 mRNA contents were increased compared with control group. Conclusions : On the basis of these results, we concluded that Achyranthis Japonicae Radix-containing mixture treatment has anti-arthritic effects on the MIA-induced osteoarthritis in rats. And the effects were related with the reduction of $IL-1{\beta}$ in synovial membranes and the consequent reduction of MMP2 and MMP9 expressions.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.1225-1232
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• 2005

Based on traditional medicine theories, GC, an extract from 5 herbs, has been formulated and prescribed for the treatment of human rheumatoid arthritis(hRA) for many years. The present studies was done to investigate whether GC has inhibitory effects on activation of fibroblast-like sinoviocytes isolated from a RA patient. In tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha}$)/ interleukin-IL-$1{\beta}$(IL-$1{\beta}$) treated human sinoviocytes, the mRNA expression of molecular indicators related to pathologic changes of the sinoviocytes were examined using quantitative real-time PCR. The treatment of GC($10{\mu}g/ml$) significantly suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6 and IL-8 compared with the control, but not $IL-1{\beta}$, The mRNA level of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) which is known to increase in the activated sinoviocytes of RA patients, was slightly decreased by GC. The expression of NOS-II was considerably reduced, which was accompanied by a decrease in the production of nitric oxide(NO). Furthermore, GC dramatically raised the mRNA levels of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), while those of matrix metalloproteinase-3 were significantly lowered. Taken together, these data suggested that GC might suppress the activation of sinoviocytes in hRA.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2010

Yuza (Citrus junos Sieb ex TANAKA) is a citrus fruit that is cultivated in northeast Asia. Citron is known for containing abundant antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, for example hesperidin and hesperetin, and terpenoids such as limononin. When mature citron is processed for tea or other beverage food products in Korea, massive amounts of seeds and pericarp are remained as waste. This study aimed to exploit the processed remnant of Citron for developing functional cosmetic applications. Ethanol extracts of Yuza seed and pericarp did not show significant radical scavenging activities measured by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. But they contained significantly high phenolic compounds. Cultured human dermal fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes were irradiated with 25 mJ UVB and the citron extracts were added to the medium of each culture. Cellular damages caused by UVB irradiation were prevented by the addition of the Yuza extract. In addition, the reduction of the enhanced MMP-1 expression after irradiation of UVB in human dermal fibroblasts was observed. Also the increased level of pro-inflammtory TNF-$\alpha$ in the UVB irradiated HaCaT cells was decreased. The collagen expression was enhanced by the extract. Yuza extract markedly inhibited melanin production from $\alpha$-MSH treated B16F1 melanoma cells. Melanin assay, tyrosinase zymography results indicated that Yuza extract had strong depigmenting activity. In conclusion, Yuza ethanol extracts have good anti-photoaging and strong anti-melanogenic efficacies.

• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.323-328
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• 2020

Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), a calcium-dependent zinccontaining collagenase, is involved in the initial degradation of native fibrillar collagen. Tissue necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is rapidly produced by dermal fibroblasts, monocytes/macrophages, and keratinocytes and regulates inflammation and damaged-tissue remodeling. MMP-1 is induced by TNFα and plays a critical role in tissue remodeling and skin aging processes. However, the regulation of the MMP1 gene by TNFα is not fully understood. We aimed to find additional cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of TNFα-induced MMP1 gene transcription in addition to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP1) sites. Assessments of the 5'-regulatory region of the MMP1 gene, using a series of deletion constructs, revealed the requirement of the early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1)-binding sequence (EBS) in the proximal region for proper transcription by TNFα. Ectopic expression of EGR-1, a zinc-finger transcription factor that binds to G-C rich sequences, stimulated MMP1 promoter activity. The silencing of EGR-1 by RNA interference reduced TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression. EGR-1 directly binds to the proximal region and transactivates the MMP1 gene promoter. Mutation of the EBS within the MMP1 promoter abolished EGR-1-mediated MMP-1 promoter activation. These data suggest that EGR-1 is required for TNFα-induced MMP1 transcriptional activation. In addition, we found that all three MAPKs, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 kinase, mediate TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression via EGR-1 upregulation. These results suggest that EGR-1 may represent a good target for the development of pharmaceutical agents to reduce inflammation-induced MMP-1 expression.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.143-150
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• 2019

Background: Skin is an organ that protects the human body from various environmental stimuli that can induce immune system activation. Skin aging can be largely divided into two categories: physiological aging, which is caused by the a decreased physiological function of the skin and structural changes with aging, and photoaging, which is caused by the chemical stress induced by external stimuli such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Methods and Results: The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-wrinkle and UV protective effect of catechin-rich green tea extract (CGTE) in activated keratinocyte (HaCaT cells) and UV-induced skin damage in hairless mice. The results showed that CGTE inhibits the tumor necrosis factor-alpha interferon-gamma ($TNF-{\alpha}+IFN-{\gamma}$)-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 in HaCaT cells. In addition, the CGTE treatment significantly reduced wrinkle formation, epidermal thickness, collagen deposition, and transepidermal water loss in dorsal skin irradiated with UVB. However, the ${\beta}$-glucosidase activity was significantly increased. The CGTE treatment inhibits mRNA expression and enzyme activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the dorsal skin irradiated with UVB. Conclusions: It is expected that CGTE can be effectively used as a functional food and cosmetic ingredient to improve skin moisture retention and reduce wrinkle formation.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 2021

Background: Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a major dental inflammatory disease with a very high prevalence; it is the main cause of tooth loss. Therefore, diagnostic biomarkers that can monitor gum inflammation are important for oral healthcare. Since the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) adequately reflects changes in the periodontal environment, they have become a target for the development of effective diagnostic biomarkers for periodontitis. In the present study, the level of the target molecules suggested as diagnostic biomarkers for periodontitis were analyzed in GCF samples collected from healthy individuals and periodontitis patients. In addition, useful targets for the diagnosis of periodontitis were evaluated. Methods: GCF samples were collected from healthy individuals and periodontitis patients using absorbent paper points. SDS-PAGE and Coomassie staining were performed for protein analysis. The protein concentrations of GCF specimens were determined using the Bradford method. The levels of the target molecules appropriate for diagnosing periodontal disease were measured by ELISA, according to the manufacturer's protocol. Results: The protein concentration of GCF collected from periodontitis patients was 3.72 fold higher than that in an equal volume of GCF collected from healthy individuals. ELISA analysis showed that the level of interukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), azurocidin, and odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein (ODAM) were higher in the GCF samples from the periodontitis patients than in those from the healthy individuals. However, the level of IL-6 and TNF-α were relatively low (> 5 pg/ml). The prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels were not significantly different between the two GCF samples. Conclusion: These results indicate that IL-8, MMP-2, MMP-9, azurocidin, and ODAM are potentially useful diagnostic biomarkers for periodontitis; combining multiple biomarkers will improve the diagnostic accuracy of periodontitis.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.60-68
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) to induce oxidation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and to determine whether the oxidized HDL induced by P. gingivalis exhibited altered antiatherogenic function or became proatherogenic. Methods: P. gingivalis and THP-1 monocytes were cultured, and the extent of HDL oxidation induced by P. gingivalis was evaluated by a thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay. To evaluate the altered antiatherogenic and proatherogenic properties of P. gingivalistreated HDL, lipid oxidation was quantified by the TBARS assay, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) levels and the gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were also measured. After incubating macrophages with HDL and P. gingivalis, Oil Red O staining was performed to examine foam cells. Results: P. gingivalis induced HDL oxidation. The HDL treated by P. gingivalis did not reduce lipid oxidation and may have enhanced the formation of MMP-9 and TNF-${\alpha}$. P. gingivalistreated macrophages exhibited more lipid aggregates than untreated macrophages. Conclusions: P. gingivalis induced HDL oxidation, impairing the atheroprotective function of HDL and making it proatherogenic by eliciting a proinflammatory response through its interaction with monocytes/macrophages.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.40-50
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• 2018

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of Kyungheechunggan-tang (KHCGT) on LPS- induced RAW 264.7 cells and LX-2 cells and anti-fibrotic effects of KHCGT on LX-2 cells. Materials and Methods: Three types of KHCGTs (KHCGT-A, -B, and -C) by narrowing down the number of constituent herbs from 9 (KHCGT-A) to 5 (KHCGT-B) and to 3 (KHCGT-C) were developed. To understand pharmacological effects of KHCGT, three types of KHCGTs were treated on RAW 264.7 cells and LX-2 cells. Anti-inflammatory activities of KHCGT were evaluated by ELISA assay for pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-10, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and for IL-6 production in LPS-induced LX-2 cells. In addition, anti-fibrotic effects of KHCGT were determined by quantitative real-time PCR assay for fibrosis-related genes, ${\alpha}-SMA$, collagen1A1, TIMP1, MMP-2, in LX-2 cells. Results: KHCGT-A and KHCGT-C showed inhibitory effects on secretion of IL-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and LX-2 cells. KHCGT-B and KHCGT-C exhibited inhibitory effects on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and IL-10 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The mRNA expression levels of collagen1A1 and MMP-2 were significantly reduced by KHCGT-C whereas TIMP-1 was suppressed by KHCGT-A and KHCGT-B in LX-2 cells. Among three different formulas, KHCGT-C demonstrated the most remarkable effects on inflammation and fibrosis. Conclusions: In this study, KHCGT showed both anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects which make it to be a prospective agent for chronic liver diseases with inflammation and fibrosis.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.86-92
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• 2019

Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is an environmental contaminant that is used as a plasticizer. Endometriosis is a complex disease with an unknown etiology that is believed to be associated with exposure to DEHP. The present study examined the potential toxicity of DEHP by exposing endometrial adenocarcinoma cells (Ishikawa cells) to DEHP. In the experiments, the cells were treated with stepwise DEHP concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and $5{\mu}M$) for different exposure times (24, 48, and 72 h). When the relationship between the resulting survival rate of the cells and initial inflammation was examined, the cell viability, expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$, an inflammatory mediator, and the expression of MMP-9, an ECM degradation protein, were increased remarkably when the cells were exposed to $5{\mu}M$ DEHP for 48 and 72 hours. These results suggest that the exposure of Ishikawa cells to certain concentrations of DEHP, estrogen mimics, may cause time-dependent toxicity that affects the cell viability and inflammation, implying a potential role in the etiology of endometriosis. Further research on the effects of endocrine disruptors on the pathogenesis of endometriosis may reveal strategies to prevent this disease.