• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.244-254
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• 2020

Atractylodes macrocephala is a perennial herb and is a member of the Compositae family. This plant is known to contain various bioactive constituents indicating anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-oxidant, immunological enhancement, and gastroprotective effects. In this investigation, we isolated four compounds with similar chemical structures from A. macrocephala, and evaluated their anti-inflammatory effects. Among the four compounds, compound 2(atractylenolide II) showed the second-best inhibitory effect on the lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide in RAW264.7 macrophages and BV2 microglial cells. Compound 2 also inhibited the LPS-induced the production of prostaglandin E2(PGE2), and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 proteins in both cells. In addition, compound 2 suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α. These inhibitory effects were contributed by inactivation of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs) pathways by treatment with compound 2. This compound did not induce the expression of heme oxygenase(HO)-1 protein indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of compound 2 was independent with HO-1 protein. Taken together, these results suggested that atractylenolide II can be a candidate material to treat inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.7 s.87
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• pp.923-930
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• 2007

Thymus can regenerate to its normal mass within 14 days after acute involution induced by cyclophosphamide (CY) in adult rat. Despite the established role of Wnt pathways in the process of thymus development, they have not yet been associated with the regeneration of adult thymus. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Wnt7b, which is expressed in developing thymic epithelial cells rather than in thymocytes, is modulated during thymic regeneration in adult rat. Here, we show that Wnt7b expression was up-regulated in the regenerating thymus. Cells immunolabeled for the Wnt7b were identified as macrophages. Furthermore, Wnt7b gene expression was decreased by the treatment of receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL). Taken together, our results demonstrate that Wnt7b gene expression was increased in macrophages during thymic regeneration and negatively regulated by RANKL.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.36-51
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• 2014

Objectives: cDNA microarray is an effective method to snapshot gene expression. Functional clustering of gene expressions can identify herbal medicine mechanisms. Much microarray data is available for various herbal medicines. This study compares regulated genes with herbal medicines to evaluate the nature of the drugs. Methods: Published microarray data were collected. Total RNAs were prepared from dissociated hippocampal dissociate cultures which were given hypoxic shock in the presence of each herbal medicine. Up- or downregulated genes higher than Global M value 0.5 were selected, clustered in functional groups, and compared with various herbal treatments. Results: 1. Akt2 was upregulated by Acorus gramineus SOLAND, Arisaema amurense var. serratum $N_{AKAI}$ and Coptis chinensis $F_{RANCH}$, and they belong to Araceae herb. 2. Nf-${\kappa}b1$, Cd5, $Gn{\gamma}7$ and Sgne1 were upregulated by Arisaema amurense var. serratum $N_{AKAI}$, Coptis chinensis $F_{RANCH}$ and Rheum coreanum $N_{AKAI}$. 3. Woohwangcheongsim-won, Sohaphyang-won and Scutellaria baicalensis $G_{EORGI}$ downregulated Scp2 and upregulated Tsc2. Woohwangcheongsim-won and Sohaphyang-won upregulated Hba1 and downregulated Myf6. 4. Sohaphyang-won and Scutellaria baicalensis $G_{EORGI}$ downregulated Slc12a1. 5. Woohwangcheongsim-won and Arisaema amurense var. serratum $N_{AKAI}$ upregulated $Rar{\alpha}$, Woohwangcheongsim-won and Coptis chinensis $F_{RANCH}$ downregulated Rab5a and $Pdgfr{\alpha}$, and Woohwangcheongsim-won and Rheum coreanum $N_{AKAI}$ upregulated $Plc{\gamma}1$ and downregulated Pla2g1b and Slc10a1. Conclusions: By clustering microarray, genes are commonly identified to be either up- or downregulated. These results will provide new information to understand the efficacy of herbal medicines and to classify them at the molecular level.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.291-298
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• 2019

Phlox subulata is a perennial herbaceous flower and is a member of the Polemoniaceae family. This plant is known to resist to various stresses including salt, drought, heat, and cold stresses. In this investigation, we evaluated the ant-inflammatory effect of the methanolic extract of P.subulata(PSM) on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and BV2 microglia. PSM reduced the production of nitric oxide(NO) in LPS-stimulated both RAW264.7 and BV2 cells, but did not affect to the production of prostaglandin E2(PGE₂). It inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 in both cells. In addition, PSM suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin(IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α. These inhibitory effects were contributed by inactivation of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs) pathways by PSM. Thus, these results suggested that P.subulata can be a candidate material to treat inflammatory diseases.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.511-516
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• 2018

Macrophages play a crucial role in the host immune defense system. The current study investigated immunomodulatory activities induced by polysaccharides extracted from Cudrania tricuspidata (CTPS) fruits in murine macrophages and their role in signaling pathways. In macrophages, CTPS predominantly induced nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-a, and interleukin-6 production. In addition, CTPS significantly up-regulated expression of the macrophage surface marker (CD80/86 and MHC class I/II). These results indicate that polysaccharides extracted from CTPS may potentially play an immunomodulatory role in macrophages via mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-B signaling. These findings may be useful in the development of immune enhancing adjuvant materials obtained from natural sources.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.59-70
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effect of ursolic acid from Prunella vulgaris on osteoclast differentiation. Methods: MTT-assay was performed to estimate cytotoxicity of ursolic acid from Prunella vulgaris in BMMs stimulated with M-CSF. TRAP staining, TRAP activity and Real-time PCR were performed to know the inhibitory effect on osteoclast differentiation. Actin ring formation were analysed to observe the effect of ursolic acid from Prunella vulgaris. Results: Ursolic acid from Prunella vulgaris has no cytotoxicity at the concentration of $1{\mu}g/ml$ or lower. Ursolic acid decreased the number of TRAP positive cells and the expression of NFATc1 gene, c-Fos gene, TRAP and OSCAR in BMMs stimulated with RANKL. Ursolic acid restrained the formation of actin ring. Ursolic acid inhibited NF-${\kappa}B$ activity by inducing degradation of p-$IkB{\alpha}$. Conclusions: Ursolic acid from Prunella vulgaris has the inhibitory effect of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Futher studies are needed to treat osteoporosis by usolic acid from Prunella vulgaris.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.298-303
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• 2011

A large number of edible seaweeds are consumed by the coastal peoples of Asia. Some of them are used in traditional remedies in many parts of the world. In this study we investigated effects of supplementation with ethyl acetate extracts of the brown alga Eisenia bicyclis (EBE) on rat macrophage to evaluate the possibilities as immune-modulators. Twelve male SD rats were divided into two groups and the treatments were as follows: A, no Eisenia bicyclis extract (EBE) intake and distilled water ; B, oral supplemented with EBE 200 mg/kg. After 5 weeks of supplementation, rats were sacrificed to assess the effect on peritoneal macrophage functions. We showed no increasing effects on tumoricidal activity, phagocytic activity and NO production in macrophages in EBE supplementation group. However, EBE supplementation suppressed NO-iNOS production and p65 translocation into the nucleus in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Overall, these results suggest that the supplementation of EBE might have an anti-inflammatory effects on NO-iNOS production in macrophages throughout the inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation.

• CELLMED
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.25.1-25.7
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• 2020

Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is an IgE (immunoglobin-E) mediated inflammatory condition of upper respiratory tract; main clinical features involve runny nose, sneezing, nasal obstruction, itching and watery eyes. AR is a global problem and has large variations in incidences, currently affects up to 20% - 40% of the population worldwide. It may not be a life-threatening disease per se but indisposition from the condition can be severe and has the potential to adversely affect the daily functioning of life. Classical yoga literature indicates that, components of yoga have been used to treat numerous inflammatory conditions including upper respiratory tract. A few yoga intervention studies reported improvement in lung capacity, Nasal air flow and symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This review examined various anti-inflammatory pathways mediated through Yoga that include downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The hypothalaminic-pitutary-adrenal (HPA) axis and vagal efferent stimulation has been reported to mediate anti-inflammatory effect. A significant reduction is also reported in other inflammatory biomarkers like- TNF-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), plasma CRP and Cortisol level. Neti, a yogic nasal cleansing technique, reported beneficial effect on AR by direct physical cleansing of thick mucus, allergens, and inflammatory mediator from nasal mucosa resulting in improved ciliary beat frequency. We do not find any study showing effect of yoga on neurogenic inflammation. In summary, Integrated Yoga Therapy may have beneficial effect in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with allergic rhinitis. Yoga may reduce inflammation through mediating neuro-endocrino-immunological network. Future studies are needed to explore the mechanism how yoga might modulate immune inflammation cascade and neurogenic inflammation at the cellular level in relevance to allergic rhinitis; the effects of kriyas (yogic cleansing techniques) also need to be evaluated in early and late phase of AR. So the proposed model could guide future research.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.1947-1959
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• 2016

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, being the second most common type of cancer worldwide in both men and women. It accounts yearly for approximately 9% of all new cases of cancers. Furthermore, the current chemotherapeutic regimens seem unsatisfactory, so that exploration of novel therapeutic modalities is needed. The present study was undertaken to investigate the inhibitory effects of a crude alkaloid extract (CAERS) of a medicinal herb, Rhazya stricta, on proliferation of CRC HCT116 cells and to elucidate mechanisms of action. To achieve these aims, we utilized MTT, comet, DNA laddering and gene reporter assays, along with Western blot and RT-PCR analyses. Results: We found that CAERS inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptotic cell death in HCT116 cells. Hallmarks of morphological and biochemical signs of apoptosis were clearly evident. CAERS down-regulated DNA-binding and transcriptional activities of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 proteins, while up-regulating expression of the Nrf-2 protein. It also down-regulated expression levels of the ERK MAPK, Bcl-2, cyclin D1, CDK-4, survivin and VEGF and up-regulated levels of Bax, caspase-3/7 and -9, p53, p21, Nrf-2. Markedly, it promoted mRNA expression levels of cytoprotective genes including the hemeoxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1 and UDP-glucuronyltransferase. Conclusions: These findings indicate that CAERS exerts antiproliferative action on CRC cells through induction of apoptotic mechanisms, and suggest CAERS could be a promising agent for studying and developing novel chemotherapeutic agents aimed at novel molecular targets for the treatment of CRC.

• The Journal of Korean Society of Virology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.107-118
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• 1999

To characterize the molecular nature of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1, we determined the full-length HIV-1 sequences from cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of a Korean long-term nonprogressor (LTNP). Without antiretroviral therapy, the individual has maintained CD4+ T counts over $500/{\mu}l$ from 1989 to 1999. Plasma viral RNA copy was 992 U/ml in 1998. Culture supernatant showed positive from culture days 9. A series of 9 overlapping PCR products were amplified from cultured PBMC and cloned About 9.2 kb from R of 5' LTR to R of 3' LTR was determined by automated sequencing. The G-to-A hypermutations were shown throughout the entire region. As a result of G to A hypermutations, premature stop codon was found in integrase coding region. Though there was no recombination between subtypes over all genomes, TATA box in both LTRs was TAAAA which is detected in subtype E instead of TATAA in subtype B. And, there were nucleotide GC insertion between $NF-{\kappa}B$ I and Sp1 III, and duplication of $TCF-1{\alpha}$ in LTR. We could not find any deletion of amino acid in Nef, Gag, Pol and Env gene. This study is the first report on molecular nature of full genomes of HIV-1 isolated in Korea.