• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.191-199
• /
• 2020

Noni has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 2,000 years in South Pacific Polynesia, China and India, and has been heavily ingested as an extract for its excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, a recent study found that the noni extract causes digestive disorders, kidney problems, and liver diseases, which made it necessary to use it for other purposes than as an extract. In this study, we want to evaluate the potential of noni as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkling agent. Methods: Noni was freeze-dried, extracted in water, and concentrated. Skin cells were treated with the noni extract for 24 hrs and then were exposed to UVB (55 mJ/cm²). After 48 hrs of incubation, pro-inflammatory cytokine, elastase, MMP-1 and type-1 procollagen levels were measured by ELISA. Results: To find out the antioxidant effect of the noni extract, the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity experiments were conducted and the noni extract showed 97.0 % and 92.0 % antioxidant efficacy at 200 ㎍/mL respectively. The noni extract (50 and 100 ㎍/mL) decreased IL-6 and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS in a concentration-dependent manner. In the RT-PCR experiment involving NO production, the noni extract (50 and 100 ㎍/mL) inhibited NO production by strongly inhibiting iNOS mRNA expression, and also inhibited the elevation of MMP-1 and elastases caused by UVB irradiation by 25.0 % and 7.0 % respectively. In addition, type-1 procollagen was elevated by 20.0 % by the noni extract treatment in HaCaT cells. Conclusion: The noni extract has photoprotective ability by reducing proinflammatory mediators, elastase and MMP-1 production, and elevation of collagen synthesis. Our findings suggest that the noni extract might be a good natural substance to protect against UVB-induced premature skin aging.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.444-455
• /
• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Adipocytes undergo angiogenesis to receive nutrients and oxygen needed for adipocyte' growth and differentiation. No study relating quercetin with angiogenesis in adipocytes exists. Therefore, this study investigated the role of quercetin on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells, acting through matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MATERIALS/METHODS: After proliferating preadipocytes into adipocytes, various quercetin concentrations were added to adipocytes, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation. Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity was investigated as an indicator of fat accumulation. The mRNA expressions of transcription factors related to adipocyte differentiation, CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs), peroxisomal proliferatoractivated receptors (PPAR)-γ, and adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), were investigated. The mRNA expressions of proteins related to angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-α, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2, MMP-2, and MMP-9, were investigated. Enzyme activities and concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were also measured. RESULTS: Quercetin treatment suppressed fat accumulation and the expressions of adipocyte differentiation-related genes (C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, PPAR-γ, and aP2) in a concentration-dependent manner in 3T3-L1 cells. Quercetin treatments reduced the mRNA expressions of VEGF-α, VEGFR-2, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in 3T3-L1 cells. The activities and concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were also decreased significantly as the concentration of quercetin increased. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that quercetin inhibits adipose tissue differentiation and fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, which could occur through inhibition of the angiogenesis process related to MMPs.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.49-55
• /
• 2013

Objectives : Mori Folium was popularly used as one of the traditional medicinal herbs. Although M. Folium has been cultivated for rearing silkworm historically, it's use has been expanded as natural therapeutic agent for the treatment of filariasis, diabetes and dropsy in East Asia. However, little has been known about the effect of M. Folium on liver fibrosis. Therefore, we would like to explore an anti-fibrogenic potential of M. Folium extract (MFE) using immortalized human hepatic stellate cell line, LX-2 cells. Methods : We examined the effects of MFE on the transforming growth factor ${\beta}1$ ($TGF{\beta}1$)-induced liver fibrosis in LX-2 cells. Cell viability, Smad binding element-driven luciferase activity, phosphorylations level of Smad 2/3, and expression level of $TGF{\beta}1$-dependent target genes were monitored in the MFE-treated LX-2 cells. Results : Up to 30 ${\mu}g/ml$ MFE treatment did not show any possible toxic effect in LX-2 cells. MFE inhibited $TGF{\beta}1$-inducible Smad binding element-driven luciferase activity and decreased the $TGF{\beta}1$-inducible phosphorylations of Smad 2 and Smad 3 in hepatic stellate cell in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, increases of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, $TGF{\beta}1$ and matrix metalloproteinases 2 genes by $TGF{\beta}1$ were also attenuated by MFE treatment. Conclusions : These findings suggested that MFE would be used as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment liver fibrosis, which might be mediated by the inhibition of $TGF{\beta}1$-inducible Smad 2/3 transactivation and target genes expression.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.106-115
• /
• 2023

Background Primary contraction of full-thickness graft has been traditionally quoted to be 40%. There are lacunae in literature to elaborate on the factors influencing it ever since. Methods About 75 subjects who underwent full-thickness grafting procedures to resurface small defects were included in the study. The initial and final graft dimensions after primary contraction were traced on X-ray templates and the percentage of contraction was evaluated using the graphical method. This was further correlated with age, collagen, elastic matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) and -2 content along with dermal thickness of the skin specimen sent from the graft. Results The primary contraction of the graft had a very significant correlation only with the initial size of graft harvested with a linear regression of 33.3% and a Spearman's correlation of 0.587 significant at a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion This study though preliminary tries to highlight an important factor that primary contraction of grafts is a physical phenomenon independent of its contents like collagen, elastin, or MMP-1 and -2 or age and dependent on its initial size of harvest instead.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.339-347
• /
• 2023

Transforming growth factor-β is a key factor in regulating adhesion formation during tendon healing. We investigated the effectiveness of SMAD family members, SMAD7 and SMAD3, in the TGF-β/Smad signaling during flexor tendon repair. Mouse flexor toe deep tendon rupture anastomosis models were made. On days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, the expressions of smad7 and smad3 in flexor tendon tissues were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. Furthermore, postoperative intraperitoneal injections of SMAD7 agonists or SMAD3 antagonists were given. The degree of tendon healing was evaluated by adhesion testing and biomechanical experiments. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expressions of collagen III, SMAD3, and SMAD7. The mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinases, Mmp2 and Mmp9, and scleraxis (SCX) in flexor tendon tissue were detected by RT-qPCR. Smad3 expression increased and Smad7 expression decreased in flexor tendon tissue after injury. In addition, the SMAD7 agonist blocked SMAD3 phosphorylation. SMAD7 agonist and SMAD3 antagonist both improved adhesion formation during flexor tendon healing, and decreased the expressions of collagen III, Mmp9, and SCX, while increasing Mmp2 expression. This study provides a possible theoretical basis for the SMAD7-SMAD3 signal cascade during flexor tendon adhesion healing.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.43 no.6
• /
• pp.1089-1104
• /
• 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the efficacy and underlying mechanism of cloves as an osteoarthritis (OA) treatment in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rat OA model. Osteoarthritis (OA) is nowadays one of the most prevalent degenerative joint diseases. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats treated with MIA (50 μL; 80 mg/mL) were used as in vivo OA models. Cloves (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) were administered orally once daily for 2 weeks from 7 days after MIA injection. Changes in hindpaw weight distribution (HWD) were measured as a joint discomfort index. Activation markers related to inflammatory responses and cartilage degeneration in the right knee joints were evaluated by serum analysis and western blotting. Results: HWD decreased in the MIA control group but showed a dose-dependent elevation after clove treatment. Clove treatment inhibited inflammatory factors by PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways, while also activating antioxidant factors through Sirt1/AMPK signaling pathways. Clove treatment also suppressed matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) overexpression and significantly increased the levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Conclusions: Treatment with cloves effectively reversed MIA-induced effects. Therefore, clove treatment could have the potential to protect against or treat OA.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.321-329
• /
• 2023

Anaplastic thyroid cancer has the highest mortality rate of all thyroid cancers and shows low responsiveness to most treatments. Hongyoung, a reddish-colored potato, is an excellent source of dietary polyphenol containing a large amount of anthocyanins, which has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the effects of Hongyoung extract on apoptosis and invasiveness in SNU-80 anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. The quantification of the total polyphenol content was done by spectrophotometric measurement. Cell growth was measured by using 2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl) 2H tetrazolium, monosodium salt (MTS) assay. Cell cycle was analyzed through FACS analysis. Induction of apoptosis in cells was investigated by annexin V staining using flow cytometer and the expression of caspase-3 and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) through western blot. mRNA expression and protein activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2/-9 were examined by RT-PCR and zymography. As a result, the TPC of Hongyoung was 292.43±8.42 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g dry extract. Hongyoung showed a dose-dependent cell growth inhibition, and the IC₅₀ values was 1,000 ㎍/mL. sub-G1 phase was more than doubled compared to the control group, and S and G2/M phase arrest were also induced. Hongyoung induced apoptosis by increasing FITC-Annexin V-positive cells and increased the activation of caspase-3 (cleaved caspase-3) and PARP (fragmented PARP). Hongyoung significantly inhibited mRNA expression and protein activation of MMP-2/-9 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-treated SNU-80 cells. Therefore, this study suggests the possibility of development of Hongyoung extract as an anti-cancer agent.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.224-230
• /
• 2024

Pinitol (3-O-Methyl-D-chiro-inositol) has been reported to possess insulin-like effects and is known as one of the anti-diabetic agents to improve muscle, liver, and endothelial cells. However, the beneficial effects of pinitol on the skin are not well known. Here, we investigated whether pinitol had effects on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and human dermal equivalents (HDEs) irradiated with ultraviolet A (UVA), which causes various damages including photodamage in the skin. We observed that pinitol enhanced wound healing in UVA-damaged HDFs. We also found that pinitol significantly antagonized the UVA-induced up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), and the UVA-induced down-regulation of collagen type I and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) in HDEs. Electron microscopy analysis also revealed that pinitol remarkably increased the number of collagen fibrils with regular banding patterns in the dermis of UVA-irradiated human skin equivalents. Pinitol significantly reversed the UVA-induced phosphorylation levels of ERK and JNK but not p38, suggesting that this regulation may be the mechanism underlying the pinitol-mediated effects on UVA-irradiated HDEs. We also observed that pinitol specifically increased Smad3 phosphorylation, which is representative of the TGF-β signaling pathway for collagen synthesis. These data suggest that pinitol exerts several beneficial effects on UVA-induced damaged skin and can be used as a therapeutic agent to improve skin-related diseases.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.26-36
• /
• 2011

Objectives: In the present study, three kinds of tissues cells (pulp, gingiva, and periodontal ligament) were investigated if those cells express MMP and TIMP when they were stimulated with neuropeptides (substance P, CGRP) or proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-$\alpha$. Materials and Methods: The cells cultured from human dental pulp (PF), gingiva (GF) and periodontal ligament were (PDLF) stimulated with Mock, SP, TNF-$\alpha$, and CGRP for 24 hrs and 48 hrs. for an RNase protection assay and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Cells (PF, GF and PDLF) seeded in 100 mm culture dish were stimulated with SP ($10^{-5}$, $10^{-8}\;M$) or only with medium (Mock stimulation) for 4hrs and for 24 hrs for RNase Protection Assay, and they were stimulated with CGRP ($10^{-5}\;M$) and TNF-$\alpha$(2 ng/mL) for 24 hrs and with various concentraion of TNF-$\alpha$(2, 10, and 100 ng/mL) for Rnase Protection Assay with a human MMP-1 probe set including MMP 1, 2, 8, 7, 8, 9, 12, and TIMP 2, 3. In addition, cells (PF, GF and PDLF) were stimulated with Mock and various concentraion of TNF-$\alpha$(2, 10, and 100 ng/mL) for 24 hrs and with TNF-$\alpha$(10 ng/mL) for 48 hrs, and the supernatents from the cells were collected for Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for MMP-1 and MMP-13. Results: The expression of MMPs in PF, GF, PDLF after stimulation with SP and CGRP were not changed compared with Mock stimulation for 4 hrs and 24 hrs. The expression of MMP-1, -12, -13 24 hrs after stimulation with TNF-$\alpha$ were upregulated, however the expression of TIMP-3 in PF, GF, PDLF after stimulation with TNF-$\alpha$ were downregulated. TNF-$\alpha$(2 ng/mL, 10 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL) increased MMP-1 and MMP-12 expression in PF dose dependently for 24 hrs. Conclusions: TNF-$\alpha$ in the area of inflammation may play an important role in regulating the remodeling of dentin, cementum, and alveolar bone.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.4
• /
• pp.2269-2272
• /
• 2013

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade various components of the extracellular matrix and functional polymorphisms in encoding genes may contribute to genetic susceptibility to many cancers. Up to now, associations between MMP-7 (-181A>G) and digestive system cancer risk have remained inconclusive. To better understand the role of the MMP-7 (-181A>G) genotype in digestive cancer development, we conducted this comprehensive meta-analysis encompassing 3,518 cases and 4,596 controls. Overall, the MMP-7 (-181A>G) polymorphism was associated with higher digestive system cancer risk on homozygote comparison (GG vs. AA, OR=1.21, 95% CI = 1.12-1.60) and in a dominant model (GG/GA vs. AA, OR=1.16, 95% CI =1.03-1.46). On subgroup analysis, this polymorphism was significantly linked to higher risks for gastric cancer (GG vs. AA, OR=1.22, 95% CI = 1.02-1.46; GA vs. AA, OR=1.82, 95% CI =1.16-2.87; GG/GA vs. AA, OR=1.13, 95% CI =1.01-1.27; GG vs. GA/AA, OR= 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06-2.39. We also observed increased susceptibility to colorectal cancer and esophageal SCC in both homozygote (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.06-1.26) and heterozygote comparisons (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.11-1.91). In the stratified analysis by controls, significant effects were only observed in population-based studies (GA vs. AA, OR=1.16, 95% CI=1.08-1.50; GA/AA vs. GG, OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.01-1.72). According to the source of ethnicity, a significantly increased risk was found among Asian populations in the homozygote model (GG vs. AA, OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.12-1.69), heterozygote model (GA vs. AA, OR=1.26, 95% CI=1.02-1.51), and dominant model (GG/GA vs. AA, OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.08-1.55). Our findings suggest that the MMP-7 (-181A>G) polymorphism may be a risk factor for digestive system cancer, especially among Asian populations.