• CELLMED
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.29.1-29.9
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• 2012

The prevalence of allergic disease has been increasing over the past few decades in the majority of Western industrialized nations. There are some socioeconomic disparities regarding allergic disease status and management. Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) is Korean medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease. It is known that KMP6 has an improving effect on the spleen and stomach functions in traditional Korean medical theory. Here, we hypothesized that KMP6 could be used to regulate the inflammatory reaction. We show the molecular mechanisms of Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) on inflammatory reactions. A molecular docking simulation showed that hesperidin, component of KMP6, regulate the enzymatic activity by interaction in the active site of caspase-1. KMP6 control the activity of caspase-1 in activated human mast cell line (HMC-1 cells). KMP6 reduced the expression of receptor interacting protein (RIP)-2 in HMC-1 cells. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin protein production and mRNA expression were inhibited by KMP6. In the activated HMC-1 cells, KMP6 suppressed the activation of mitogen-ativated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB. In addition, KMP6 significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Our findings indicate that KMP6 may attenuate allergic reactions via the regulation of caspase-1/RIP-2 signaling pathway. These studies will help advance the social welfare system.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.171-176
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• 2008

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) serve as molecular chaperones and play a role in cell protection from damage in response to stress stimuli. The aim of this article is to investigate whether HSP22 affects IL-8 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and which cellular factors are involved in the HSP-mediated IL-8 induction in that cell type in terms of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transcription element. Exposure of aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) to HSP22 not only enhanced IL-8 release but also induced IL-8 transcript via promoter activation. HSP22 activated ERK and p38 MAPK in AoSMCs. HSP22-induced IL-8 release was inhibited by U0126, but not by SB202190. A mutation in the IL-8 promoter region at the binding site of NF-${\kappa}$ B, but not AP-1 or C/EBP, impaired promoter activation in response to HSP22. Delivery of I ${\kappa}$ B, but not dominant negative c-Jun, lowered HSP22-induced IL-8 release from AoSMCs. These results suggest that HS P22 induces IL-8 in VSMCs via ERK1/2, and that transcription factor NF-kB may be required for the HSP22-induced IL-8 up-regulation.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.543-551
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• 2021

Nocardiopsis species produce bioactive compounds, such as antimicrobial and anti-cancer agents and toxins. However, no reports have described their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects during nasal polyp (NP) formation. In this study, we investigated whether marine-derived bacterial Nocardiopsis sp. 13G027 exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced NP-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs). Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) levels were analyzed. Extract from Nocardiopsis sp. 13G027 significantly inhibited the upregulation of NO and PGE₂ in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages was evaluated; smooth muscle alpha-actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (Col-1), and fibronectin also phosphorylated small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) 2 and 3 in TGF-β1-stimulated NPDFs. The Nocardiopsis sp. 13G027 extract suppressed the phosphorylation of MAPKs and Akt and the DNA-binding activity of activator protein 1 (AP-1). The expression of pro-fibrotic components such as α-SMA, Col-1, fibronectin, and SMAD2/3 was inhibited in TGF-β1-exposed NPDFs. These findings suggest that Nocardiopsis sp. 13G027 has the potential to treat inflammatory disorders, such as NP formation.

• ALGAE
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.81-92
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• 2023

Obesity-induced inflammation is crucial in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the effects of the Gracilaria chorda (GC) on lipid accumulation and obesity-induced inflammatory changes or glucose homeostasis in cell models (3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages). Samples of GC were extracted using solvents (water, methanol, and ethanol) and subcritical water (SW) at different temperatures (90, 150, and 210℃). The total phenolic content of GCSW extract at 210℃ (GCSW210) showed the highest content compared to others, and GCSW210 highly inhibited lipid accumulation and significantly reduced gene expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, and fatty acid synthase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, GCSW210 effectively downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokine regulator pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, signal transducers and activators of transcription and nuclear factor-κB. In co-culture of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages, GCSW210 significantly reduced nitric oxide production and interleukin-6 levels, and improved glucose uptake with dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that GCSW210 improves glucose metabolism by attenuating obesity-induced inflammation in adipocytes, which may be used as a possible treatment option for managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.137-145
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• 2012

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is the most important etiologic agent of aggressive periodontitis and can interact with endothelial cells. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are chemokines, playing important roles in periodontal pathogenesis. In our current study, the effects of A. actinomycetemcomitans on the production of MCP-1 and IL-8 by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were investigated. A. actinomycetemcomitans strongly induced the gene expression and protein release of both MCP-1 and IL-8 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Dead A. actinomycetemcomitans cells were as effective as live bacteria in this induction. Treatment of HUVEC with cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of endocytosis, did not affect the mRNA up-regulation of MCP-1 and IL-8 by A. actinomycetemcomitans. However, genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases, substantially inhibited the MCP-1 and IL-8 production by A. actinomycetemcomitans, whereas pharmacological inhibition of each of three members of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family had little effect. Furthermore, gel shift assays showed that A. actinomycetemcomitans induces a biphasic activation (early at 1-2 h and late at 8-16 h) of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) and an early brief activation (0.5-2 h) of activator protein-1 (AP-1). Activation of canonical NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway ($I{\kappa}B$ kinase activation and $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation) was also demonstrated in these experiments. Although lipopolysaccharide from A. actinomycetemcomitans also induced NF-${\kappa}B$ activation, this activation profile over time differed from that of live A. actinomycetemcomitans. These results suggest that the expression of MCP-1 and IL-8 is potently increased by A. actinomycetemcomitans in endothelial cells, and that the viability of A. actinomycetemcomitans and bacterial internalization are not required for this effect, whereas the activation of protein tyrosine kinase(s), NF-${\kappa}B$, and AP-1 appears to play important roles. The secretion of high levels of MCP-1 and IL-8 resulting from interactions of A. actinomycetemcomitans with endothelial cells may thus contribute to the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.784-790
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• 2005

In this study, we evaluate the effects of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on ultraviolet B(UVB)-irradiated living skin equivalents (LSEs). Histologically, UVB irradiation induced thinning of the LSE epidermis, whereas EGCG treatment led to thickening of the epidermis. Moreover, EGCG treatment protected LSEs against damage and breakdown caused by UVB exposure. Immunohistochemically, UVB-exposed LSEs expressed p53, Fas, and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), all of which are associated with apoptosis. However, EGCG treatment reduced the levels of UVB-induced apoptotic markers in the LSEs. In order to determine the signaling pathways induced by UVB, Western blot analysis was performed for both c-Jun $NH_2$-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which are associated with UVB-induced oxidative stress. UVB activated JNK in the epidermis and dermis of the LSEs, and EGCG treatment reduced the UVB-induced phosphorylation of JNK. In addition, p38 MAPK was also found to have increased in the UVB-exposed LSEs. Also, EGCG reduced levels of the phosphorylation of UVB-induced p38 MAPK. In conclusion, pretreatment with EGCG protects against UVB irradiation via the suppression of JNK and p38 MAPK activation. Our results suggest that EGCG may be useful in the prevention of UVB-induced human skin damage, and LSEs may constitute a potential substitute for animal and human studies.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.420-428
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• 2023

Background: Ginsenoside F2 (GF2), a minor component of Panax ginseng, has been reported to possess a wide variety of pharmacological activities. However, its effects on glucose metabolism have not yet been reported. Here, we investigated the underlying signaling pathways involved in its effects on hepatic glucose. Methods: HepG2 cells were used to establish insulin-resistant (IR) model and treated with GF2. Cell viability and glucose uptake-related genes were also examined by real-time PCR and immunoblots. Results: Cell viability assays showed that GF2 up to 50 μM did not affect normal and IR-HepG2 cell viability. GF2 reduced oxidative stress by inhibiting phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling components such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and p38 MAPK, and reducing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Furthermore, GF2 activated PI3K/AKT signaling, upregulated the levels of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2) and GLUT-4 in IR-HepG2 cells, and promoted glucose absorption. At the same time, GF2 reduced phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase expression as well as inhibiting gluconeogenesis. Conclusion: Overall, GF2 improved glucose metabolism disorders by reducing cellular oxidative stress in IR-HepG2 cells via MAPK signaling, participating in the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway, promoting glycogen synthesis, and inhibiting gluconeogenesis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.1397-1403
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• 2013

Fructus Sophorae, the dried ripe fruit of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.), is an herbal ingredient used in traditional Oriental medicine. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Fructus Sophorae extracts (FSE) on immune modulation in a murine RAW 264.7 macrophage model. As immune response parameters, the production of prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) and tumor necrotic $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$) were evaluated. Our data revealed that FSE increased the macrophage activation and the production of $PGE_2$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$, which was consistently correlated with upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and $TNF-{\alpha}$ expression at both transcriptional and translational levels. On comparative cytokine protein array, FSE significantly increased several cytokines, which was associated with phosphorylation of mitogen- activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and Akt in RAW 264.7 cells. However, each inhibitor of these molecules attenuated the FSE-induced $PGE_2$ production. These results indicate that FSE activated macrophages through the activation of MAPKs and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages. These findings suggest that FSE may provide a promising source of an immunoenhancing agent.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.899-916
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress is a fundamental neurodegenerative disease trigger that damages and decimates nerve cells. Neurodegenerative diseases are chronic central nervous system disorders that progress and result from neuronal degradation and loss. Recent studies have extensively focused on neurodegenerative disease treatment and prevention using dietary compounds. Heseperetin is an aglycone hesperidin form with various physiological activities, such as anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and antitumor. However, few studies have considered hesperetin's neuroprotective effects and mechanisms; thus, our study investigated this in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-treated SH-SY5Y cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: SH-SY5Y cells were treated with H₂O₂ (400 µM) in hesperetin absence or presence (10-40 µM) for 24 h. Three-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assays detected cell viability, and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining allowed us to observe nuclear morphology changes such as chromatin condensation and apoptotic nuclei. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection assays measured intracellular ROS production; Griess reaction assays assessed nitric oxide (NO) production. Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reactions quantified corresponding mRNA and proteins. RESULTS: Subsequent experiments utilized various non-toxic hesperetin concentrations, establishing that hesperetin notably decreased intracellular ROS and NO production in H₂O₂-treated SH-SY5Y cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, hesperetin inhibited H₂O₂-induced inflammation-related gene expression, including interluekin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 activation. In addition, hesperetin inhibited NF-κB translocation into H₂O₂-treated SH-SY5Y cell nuclei and suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinase protein expression, an essential apoptotic cell death regulator. Various apoptosis hallmarks, including shrinkage and nuclear condensation in H₂O₂-treated cells, were suppressed dose-dependently. Additionally, hesperetin treatment down-regulated Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratios and activated AMP-activated protein kinase-mammalian target of rapamycin autophagy pathways. CONCLUSION: These results substantiate that hesperetin activates autophagy and inhibits apoptosis and inflammation. Hesperetin is a potentially potent dietary agent that reduces neurodegenerative disease onset, progression, and prevention.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.275-281
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• 2013

Low temperature is one of the major environmental factors that affect productivity including reduced growth and budding of vines, and changes of metabolic processes in grape (Vitis spp.). To screen the specific expression of abiotic stress-related genes against cold treatment in 'Kyoho' and 'Campbell Early' grapevines, expression of various defense-related genes was investigated by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. Among the 67 genes analyzed by RT-PCR and real-time PCR, 17 and 16 types of cDNA were up-regulated, while 5 and 6 types were down-regulated in cold-treated 'Kyoho' and 'Campbell Early' grapevines, respectively. Genes encoding carotene (Cart3564 and Cart4472), chalcone isomerase (CHI), cytochrome P450 (CYP), flavonol synthase (FLS), endo-${\beta}$-glucanase precursor (Glu), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), leucine-rich repeats (LRR), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein (PGIP), proline rich protein 2 (PRP2), small heat shock protein (sHSP), temperature induced lipocalin (TIL), and thaumatin-like protein (TLP) were up-regulated, while those encoding CBF like transcription factor (CBF1), chitinase-like protein (CLP), cold induced protein (CIP), glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were down-regulated by low temperature treatment in both in 'Kyoho' and 'Campbell Early'.