• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.17-24
• /
• 2017

Objective : This study was designed to evaluate candidate materials as anti-inflammation agent from extracts of various Korean Compositae herbs in Hwaak mountain. Among Korea medicinal herbs, Ainsliaea acerifolia (AA) belongs to the Compositae family, has been used for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis. However, AA has not been previously reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of AA and its underlying molecular mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nitric oxide (NO) was measured with Griess reagent and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and p65 subunit of nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) were determined by Western blot analysis. Results : Among 8 extracts of Korean Compositae herbs tested, AA showed the inhibition of NO production without cytotoxicity. Consistent with the observation, AA reduced the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in dose-dependent manner. In addition, AA inhibited the productions of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. However, AA did not inhibit activation of p65 $NF-{\kappa}B$ in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusion : These results suggest that down-regulation of iNOS, COX-2 protein expression and $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 production by AA are responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.41 no.9
• /
• pp.1242-1247
• /
• 2012

Acer barbinerve Maxim belongs to the Aceraceae tree family and is often consumed as an Oriental medicine. In this study, we investigated whether or not ethanol extract from the bark of A. barbinerve Max. (EBA) inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in Raw264.7 macrophages. EBA was fractionated using n-hexane, $CH_2Cl_2$, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and water. Raw264.7 cells were treated with 20 ${\mu}g/mL$ of EBA and the EBA fractions. EBA inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. Among the three fractions, EtOAc fraction of EBA (EFEBA) was the most effective in inhibiting LPS-induced NO production without significant cytotoxicity in Raw264.7 cells. EFEBA futher reduced LPS-induced expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) proteins and its corresponding mRNA. Additionally, EFEBA decreased the mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ in LPS-treated Raw264.7 cells. Lastly, EFEBA inhibited LPS-induced degradation of the inhibitor of kappaBalpha ($I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$) as well as phosphorylation of p65 nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$). These results indicate that EFEBA exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects and can be developed as a potential anti-inflammatory agent.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.22 no.6
• /
• pp.1475-1481
• /
• 2008

This study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of Mori Fructus on the generation of peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion radical (${\cdot}O_2{^-}$) in the endothelial cells of rat vessels. The aim of this study was to investigate the $ONOO^-$, NO, ${\cdot}O_2{^-}$ scavenging and anti-inflammatory activitives of Mori Fructus. For this study, the fluorescent probes, namely dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123), 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) were used. Western blotting was performed using anti-NF-${\kappa}B$ (p50, p65), anti-COX-2, anti-iNOS antibodies, respectively. Mori Fructus prevented lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cell death in YPEN cells. Mori Fructus inhibited the generation of $ONOO^-$, NO and ${\cdot}O_2{^-}$ in the LPS-treated cells. Mori Fructus inhibited the expression of COX-2 and iNOS genes by means of decreasing the NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. These results suggest Mori Fructus is effective on inhibiting the generation of $ONOO^-$, NO and ${\cdot}O_2{^-}$, and that therefore it might have a potential role as a treatment for the inflammatory process and inflammation-related diseases.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.127-134
• /
• 2009

In the present study, we investigated the anti-allergic effect of the water extract of Bopyeoyangyeong-jun(BYJ) to cytokines and transcription. To investigate the biological effect of BYJ, We examined cytotoxicity and inflammatory cytokine secretion with RBL-2H3. We examined tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-$\alpha$), interleukin(IL)-4 secretion from RBL-2H3 cell after pre- treatment with Bopyeoyangyeong-jun of $1\;mg/m{\ell}$, $2\;mg/m{\ell}$. RBL-2H3 cell was stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA) and calcium ionophore A23187. We observed that Bopyeoyangyeong-jun reduced TNF-$\alpha$, IL-4 secretion and mRNA expression in RBL-2H3 cells. Moreover, the expression of levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) (p65) protein, ERK MAPK, and the degradation of level inhibitor kappa B-alpha ($I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$) were down-regulated by BYJ. Taken together, these results indicate that Bopyeoyangyeong-jun hascontrols TNF-$\alpha$, IL-4 secretion on allergic reaction.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.71-86
• /
• 2018

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Gardenia jasminoides for. grandiflora extracts' (GAJ) anti-inflammatory effect on RBL-2H3 mast cells and OVA/alum-sensitized mice. Methods In this study, IL-4 and IL-13 production was measured via ELISA analysis, and mRNA expressions of GM-CSF, IL-4, IL-5, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6 were analyzed by real-time PCR. In addition, MAPKs and $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 transcription factors were examined using western blotting, and ELISA was used to understand IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 production in ovalbumin-allergic mice in in vitro study. Results As a result of this study, 1. GAJ were observed to suppress the mRNA expression of GM-CSF, IL-4, IL-13, IL-5, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6 in comparison to PMA 50 ng/ml, ionomycin $0.5{\mu}M$ (PI) control group. 2. GAJ also inhibited the IL-4, IL-13 production in comparison to PI control group. 3. Western blot analysis showed decrease on the expression of mast-cell-specific transcription factors, including MAKPs (ERK, JNK, p38) and $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65. 4. Orally-administered GAJ group in OVA/alum induced Balb/c mice showed decreased level of OVA-specific IgE in the serum. This group also has shown decreased the level of IL-4, IL-13 in the splenocyte culture supernatant. Conclusions Obtained results suggest that GAJ may regulate the allergic inflammation by transcription factors MAKPs (ERK, JNK, p38) and $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 causing inhibition of Th2 cytokines in mast cells and OVA/alum-sensitized mice.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.32 no.11
• /
• pp.899-907
• /
• 2022

Quercetin is one of bio-flavonoids which are abundant in fruits and vegetables and has been reported to have various pharmacological potentials such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and anti-virus effects. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effects and its working molecular mecha- nism of quercetin were investigated in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Quercetin significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cell viability and decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, quercetin decreased phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and ERK, and inhibited phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 protein and its inhibitor IκBα indicating that quercetin has the anti-inflammatory effects via regulation of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathway. We also detected expression changes of four kinds of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes (CSF2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) with quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that quercetin decreased the expression of four pro-inflammatory genes in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Overall, our results showed that quercetin effectively suppressed inflammation responses induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells via regulating MAPK and NF-κB pathway and down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.45 no.4
• /
• pp.169-178
• /
• 2020

L-ascorbic acid (L-AA; vitamin C) induces apoptosis in cancer cells. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of L-AA-induced apoptosis in human laryngeal epidermoid carcinoma Hep-2 cells. L-AA suppressed the viability of Hep-2 cells and induced apoptosis, as shown by the cleavage and condensation of nuclear chromatin and increased number of Annexin V-positive cells. L-AA decreased Bcl-2 protein expression but upregulated Bax protein levels. In addition, cytochrome c release from the mitochondria into the cytosol and activation of caspase-9, -8, and -3 were enhanced by L-AA treatment. Furthermore, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (EndoG) were translocated into the nucleus during apoptosis of L-AA-treated Hep-2 cells. L-AA effectively inhibited the constitutive nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and attenuated the nuclear expression of the p65 subunit of NF-κB. Interestingly, L-AA treatment of Hep-2 cells markedly activated Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK]) and and LY294002 (Akt inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) or SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) decreased the levels of Annexin V-positive cells. These results suggested that L-AA induces the apoptosis of Hep-2 cells via the nuclear translocation of AIF and EndoG by modulating the Bcl-2 family and MAPK/Akt signaling pathways.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2018.10a
• /
• pp.98-98
• /
• 2018

In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of extracts of leaves (ST-L) and branches (ST-B) from Sageretia theezans in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. ST-L and ST-B significantly inhibited the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS, COX-2, $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. ST-L and ST-B blocked LPS-induced degradation of $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ and nuclear accumulation of p65, which resulted to the inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in RAW264.7 cells. ST-L and ST-B also attenuated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, ST-L and ST-B increased HO-1 expression in RAW264.7 cells, and the inhibition of HO-1 by ZnPP reduced the inhibitory effect of ST-L and ST-B against LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. Inhibition of p38 activation and ROS elimination attenuated HO-1 expression by ST-L and ST-B, and ROS elimination inhibited p38 activation induced by ST-L and ST-B. ST-L and ST-B dramatically induced nuclear accumulation of Nrf2, but this was significantly reversed by the inhibition of p38 activation and ROS elimination. Collectively, our results suggest that ST-L and ST-B exerts potential anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing $NF-{\kappa}B$ and MAPK signaling activation, and activating HO-1 expression through the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 via ROS-dependent p38 activation. These findings suggest that ST-L and ST-B may have great potential for the development of anti-inflammatory drug to treat acute and chronic inflammatory disorders.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.67 no.6
• /
• pp.528-535
• /
• 2009

Background: Dust clouds blown by the wind from the arid deserts of Mongolia and Northeast China are known as Asian dust storms. Ambient particulate matter with a diameter <10 ${\mu}m$ ($PM_{10}$) is associated with the exacerbation of respiratory diseases and increased mortality of heart and lung disease patients. The fibrotic effects of $PM_{10}$ of Asian dust to pulmonary fibroblast cells are unknown. This study examined the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), TGF-${\beta}$, NF-${\kappa}B$, PDGF-$\alpha$ and Fibronectin in fibroblasts exposed to Asian dust particles. Methods: Air samples were collected using a high volume air sampler (Sibata model HV500F) with an air flow of 500 L/min for at least 6 hours. The MRC-5 cells were exposed to 0, 50 and 100 ${\mu}g/mL$ of $PM_{10}$ for 24 hours. ROS was detected by measuring the level of oxidized DCF using FACS. TGF-$\beta$, NF-${\kappa}B$, PDGF-$\alpha$ and fibronectin were detected by western blotting. Results: There was no increase in the ROS, TGF-$\beta$ and PDGF-$\alpha$ levels in the MRC-5 cells exposed to $PM_{10}$. The NF-${\kappa}B$ level was higher in the MRC-5 cells exposed to 50 and 100 ${\mu}g/mL$ of $PM_{10}$ for 24 hours. The fibronectin level in the MRC-5 cells after 24 hours incubation with 50 ${\mu}g/mL$ $PM_{10}$ was significantly higher than the control group ($PM_{10}$ 50 ${\mu}g/mL$ 113.27${\pm}$8.65 of control, p=0.005). Conclusion: $PM_{10}$ from Asian dust increases the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and fibronectin expression in MRC-5 fibroblast cells.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2021.04a
• /
• pp.55-55
• /
• 2021

Hibiscus hamabo is a deciduous shrub that grows around salt marshes and is considered a semi-mangrove plant found in Asia. There are no studies on the biological activity of H. hamabo except for studies on the anthocyanin content. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of H. hamabo extract (HHE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. As nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) induced by LPS moves into the nucleus, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inflammatory cytokines are promoted and the inflammatory reaction begins. The nitric oxide (NO) production decreased by the treatment of HHE. Moreover, mRNA levels of inflammation-related cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, were significantly suppressed by HHE. Similarly, the expressions of iNOS and COX-2 were also decreased. The phosphorylation of p65, a subunit of NF-κB, was suppressed by HHE. As a result, HHE can be used as an effective natural material for the anti-inflammatory agent.