• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.839-848
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• 2018

Coptis chinensis (CC) is widely used in Asian countries to treat inflammatory diseases. We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous fraction separated from CC extract and of berberine, its key bioactive component, in human keratinocytes and the possible molecular mechanisms underlying this. Treating HaCaT keratinocytic cells with heat-killed Propionibacterium acnes induced nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokine (e.g., tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, and IL-8) production and their mRNA expression; these effects were suppressed by pretreatment with the aqueous fraction or berberine, which also suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 kinases and the nuclear expression of nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$ p65 in P. acnes-stimulated cells. Thus, the aqueous fraction and berberine effectively exerted anti-inflammatory activities by suppressing mitogen-activated protein kinase and $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathways in human keratinocytes and may be used for treating P. acnes-induced inflammatory skin diseases.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.23.1-23.16
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• 2023

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder (FBD). Objectives: To assess the therapeutic effects of paeoniflorin (PF) on IBS in rats. Method: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal, model, positive drug, low-dose PF, medium-dose PF and high-dose PF groups (n = 10). After gavage for 2 consecutive weeks, the effect of PF on abdominal pain symptoms was assessed based on the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score, fecal water content and pathological changes in colon tissues. D-lactate, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-κB) p65 was detected by Western blotting. The abundance and diversity changes of intestinal flora were explored using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Result: In PF groups, the mucosal morphology of colon tissues was intact, and the glands were arranged neatly and structured clearly, without obvious inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group, PF groups had significantly elevated pain threshold, and mRNA and protein levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin, decreased AWR score at 20 mmHg pressure, fecal water content, mRNA levels of IL-1β, TGF-β, and TNF-α, protein level of p-NF-κB p65 and level of serum D-lactate, and reduced levels of serum IL-1β, TGF-β, and TNF-α (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). PF groups had higher abundance of Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, Alistipes, and Bacteroides, but lower abundance of Desulfovibrio, Parasutterella, and Enterococcus than those of the model group. Conclusions: PF exerts therapeutic effects on IBS in rats probably by regulating the intestinal flora, and then up-regulating the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in colon tissue while down-regulating the levels of IL-1β, TGF-β, TNF-α, D-lactate and p-NF-κB p65.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.261-272
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• 2021

Doxorubicin (Dox) is widely used to the treatment of cancer, however, it could cause damage to gastric mucosa. To investigate the protective effects and related mechanisms of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin C (VC) on Dox-induced gastric mucosal injury, we presented the survey of the 4 groups of the rats with different conditions. The results showed Dox treatment significantly induced GES-1 apoptosis, but preconditioning in GES-1 cells with VC or CoQ10 significantly inhibited the Dox-induced decrease and other harm effects, including the expression and of IκKβ, IκBα, NF-κB/p65 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in GES-1 cells. Moreover, high-throughput sequencing results showed Dox treatment increased the number of harmful gut microbes, and CoQ10 and VC treatment inhibited this effect. CoQ10 and VC treatment inhibits Dox-induced gastric mucosal injury by inhibiting the activation of the IkKB/IκBα/NF-κB/p65/TNF-α pathway, promoting anti-inflammatory effects of gastric tissue and regulating the composition of the intestinal flora.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.73-83
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• 2008

Objectives : The root of Zingiber officinale ROSC. (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens; Ginger) has been widely used as one of folk remedies and food materials in many traditional preparations. Ginger is known as an effective appetite enhancer and anti-inflammatory agent. This study was performed to investigate the effect of ginger chloroform fraction (GCF) in microglia which play a central role on brain inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Methods : Dried ginger was extracted with 80% methanol, and then fractionated with chloroform. BV2 mouse microglial cells were cultured with different concentrations of GCF and then stimulated with LPS (1 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$) at indicated times. The cell toxicity of GCF was determined by MTT assay. The concentrations of NO, PGE2 and cytokines were measured by Griess assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. The mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS, COX-2 and cytokines were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The phosphorylation of three MAPKs (p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK) and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation were determined by Western blotting. Results : GCF significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators, NO, $PGE_2$ and proinflammatory cytokines ($TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}$) in a dose-dependent manner. GCF attenuated LPS-induced expression of mRNA and protein of inflammatory enzymes, iNOS, COX-2 and proinflammatory cytokines through suppressing the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and the activation of p65 $NF-{\kappa}B$ in BV2 cells. Conclusions : This study suggests that GCF may have an anti-inflammatory property through suppressing the inflammatory mediator production released by activated microglia after the brain injury.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2019

Inula helenium L. is rich source of eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones, mainly alantolactone and isoalantolactone, which have the various pharmacological functions. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of nitric oxide (NO) production of hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water fractions from I. helenium and investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of hexane fraction of I. helenium (HFIH) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Quantification of alantolactone and isoalantolactone from HFIH was carried out for the standardization by multiple reaction monitoring using triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. HFIH significantly inhibited inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein as well as their downstream products NO and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, HFIH suppressed $NF-{\kappa}B$ transcriptional activity by decreasing the translocation of p65 to the nucleus. The in vivo study further confirmed that HFIH attenuated the paw edema induced by carrageenan in an acute inflammation model. These findings suggest that HFIH may be useful as a promising phytomedicine for inflammatory-associated diseases.

• BMB Reports
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.265-270
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• 2009

Due to their multiple biological activities, flavonoids have gained attention as potentially useful therapeutics for a variety of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that several flavonoids, including kaempferol, quercetin, fisetin, and chrysin block TNF-$\alpha$ induced IL-8 promoter activation and gene expression in HEK 293 cells. In addition, phosphorylation and degradation of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 were inhibited by these flavonoids in TNF-$\alpha$-stimulated HEK 293 cells. Furthermore, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to TNF-$\alpha$ was reduced by the flavonoids. Moreover, although pretreatment with fisetin, quercetin, or chrysin decreased cell viability, kaempferol did not. Taken together, these findings suggest that kaempferol would be useful for the treatment of TNF-$\alpha$-induced inflammatory diseases.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2018

Objectives This study investigated the effects of Hataedock treatment with Douchi on induction of allergic rhinitis in obese induced NC/Nga mice. Methods NC/Nga mice were divided into control group (Ctrl), allergic rhinitis induced obese mice group (ARE), and allergic rhinitis induced obese mice group with Douchi Hataedock treatment (FGT). The 3-week-old mice of the FGT group were given one 10 mg/kg dose of Douchi Hataedock extract and sensitized with allergic antigens at weeks 4, 5, and 6. After 1 week of final sensitization, allergic rhinitis was induced primarily in mice nasal cavities for five days. After one week of the completion with the first induction, the second induction was introduced by the same method. After 1 week, few samples of the nasal mucosal tissues of each group were prepared. The factor of Th2 differentiation and inflammation control such that IL-4, STAT6, CD40, $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$, substance P, MMP-9, $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65, p-IkB, iNOS and COX-2 were observed by immunohistochemistry. Also, the difference in nasal mucosal injury was observed by histochemical method (PAS staining). Results The FGT group showed that reduced IL-4 production, STAT6 expression and CD40 expression by regulating excessive Th2 differentiation. Also, production of substance P and MMP-9 and activity of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ in mast cells were decreased. Inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 activity was induced by inhibition of p-IkB, and the production of inflammatory enzymes iNOS and COX-2 were decreased. In addition, the damage of intramural respiratory epithelium was low and excessive mucin secretion in goblet cells was low. Conclusions This study confirmed the possibility of controlling the allergic rhinitis in obese children who are expected to have an overactive inflammation.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.10a
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• pp.96-96
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• 2018

Although the roots of Heracleum moellendorffii (HM-R) have been long treated for inflammatory human diseases, scientific evidence for the anti-inflammatory activity of HM-R is not sufficient. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of action of HM-R in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. HM-R blocked LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production, but not HM-L. HM-R inhibited LPS-induced overexpression of iNOS, COX-2, $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells. HM-R inhibited LPS-induced $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling activation through blocking $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation and p65 nuclear accumulation. In addition, HM-R inhibited MAPK signaling activation by attenuating the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK. Furthermore, HM-R inhibited attenuated LPS-mediated overexpression of the osteoclast-specific factors such as NFATc1, cathepsin K, MCP-1 and TRAP. These results indicate that HM-R may exert anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting $NF-{\kappa}B$ and MAPK signaling activation. From these findings, HM-R has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemopreventive or therapeutic agents for the inflammation and inflammatory diseases.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.10a
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• pp.97-97
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• 2018

Honey used as conventional medicine has various pharmacological properties. In the honey and anti-inflammatory effect, Gelam honey and Manuka honey has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory activity. However, the anti-inflammatory effect and potential mechanisms of acacia honey (AH) are not well understood. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of action of AH in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. AH attenuated NO production through inhibition of iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. AH also decreased the expressions of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ as pro-inflammatory cytokines, and MCP-1 expression as a pro-inflammatory chemokine. In the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms, AH decreased LPS-mediated $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation and subsequent nuclear accumulation of p65, which resulted in the inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in RAW264.7 cells. AH dose-dependently suppressed LPS-mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, AH significantly inhibited ATF2 phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of ATF2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that AH has an anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, $IL-1{\beta}$ and MCP-1 via interruption of the $NF-{\kappa}B$ and MAPK/ATF2 signaling pathways.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.10a
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• pp.66-66
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• 2019

Heracleum moellendorffii roots (HM-R) have been long treated for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, backache and fever. However, an anti-inflammatory effect and the specific mechanism of HM-R were not yet clear. In this study, we for the first time explored the anti-inflammatory of HM-R. Results: HM-R dose-dependently blocked LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production. In addition, HM-R inhibited LPS-induced overexpression of iNOS, COX-2, $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells. HM-R inhibited LPS-induced $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling activation through blocking $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation and p65 nuclear accumulation. Furthermore, HM-R inhibited MAPK signaling activation by attenuating the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK. HM-R increased nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. However, NAC reduced the increased nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression by HM-R. In HPLC analysis, falcarinol was detected from HM-R as an anti-inflammatory compound. These results indicate that HM-R may exert anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting $NF-{\kappa}B$ and MAPK signaling, and activating ROS/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. From these findings, HM-R may have potential to be a candidate for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.