• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.1-11
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• 2021

Objectives Hwanggeumjakyak-tang (HJT) has traditionally been used to treat gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases; however, its protective effects against neuronal inflammation are still undiscovered. Methods We investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of HJT water extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 mouse microglia cells. BV2 cells were treated with LPS (1 ㎍/mL) 1 hour prior to the addition of HJT. We measured cell viability using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and nitrite production using the Griess assay. We performed a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay to measure messenger RNA expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Western blot analysis was performed to determine protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)α. Results HJT inhibited excessive nitrite release in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells and also significantly inhibited inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Moreover, HJT significantly suppressed LPS-induced MAPK and NF-κB activation and inhibited the elevation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the brain of LPS-injected mice. Conclusions Our study highlights the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of HJT via MAPK and NF-κB deactivation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.509-516
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• 2017

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. sprouts (PFS) is a plant of the labiatae family. The purpose of this work was to assess the preventive effects of PFS ethanolic extracts (PFSEs) on cytokine-induced ${\beta}$-cell damage. Cytokines, which are released by the infiltration of inflammatory cells around the pancreatic islets, are involved in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The combination of interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-1), interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$), and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) induced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accumulation of intracellular ROS led to ${\beta}$-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. PFSEs possess antioxidant activity and thus lead to downregulation of ROS generation. Cytokines decrease cell viability, stimulate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and induce the production of nitric oxide (NO). PFSEs prevented cytokine-induced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Incubation with PFSE resulted in significant reduction in cytokine-induced NO production that correlated with reduced levels of the iNOS and COX-2 protein expression. Furthermore, PFSE significantly decreased the activation of nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) by inhibition of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ phosphorylation in RINm5F cells. In summary, our results suggest that the protective effects of PFSE might serve to counteract cytokine-induced ${\beta}$-cell destruction. Findings indicate that consumption of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. sprouts alleviates hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced ${\beta}$-cell damage and thus has beneficial anti-diabetic effects.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.382-390
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• 2015

Momordica charantia L. is a valuable food and medicinal plant of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) that is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Physicochemical properties of M. charantia based on cultivars, parts and growing stage were investigated. Crude protein contents of leaf were 27.5%, 26.9%, and 23.6% in native leaf (NL), cv. Erabu leaf (EL), and cv. Dragon leaf (DL), respectively. In particular, the crude protein content was the highest in leaves. The crude fat content was in the order of developmental stage 1 of cv. Erabu fruit (EF1) and developmental stage 1 of native fruit (NF1) with values of 4.0%, and 3.9%, respectively. There was also high amount of crude fiber in stem of all three cultivars. The crude ash content was in the order of cv. Erabu leaf, cv. Dragon leaf, and developmental stage 3 of native fruit (NF3) with values of 23.2%, 17.4%, and 13.6%, respectively. The major minerals found in M. charantia were K, Ca, and Mg. The potassium contents of developmental stage 3 of native fruit (NF3), developmental stage 3 of cv. Dragon fruit (DF3), cv. Dragon stem (DS), and developmental stage 2 of native fruit (NF2) were 498.37, 339.21, 314.30, and 307.34 ㎎ /100g, respectively, while the calcium contents were decreased of EL, DL, and NL with values of 513.45, 371.69, and 209.43 ㎎/100g, respectively. The calcium content was higher in leaves and stems than fruits. On the otherhand, the highest magnesium content was measured in EL (69.92 ㎎/100g). The highest contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll were found in NL (442.9 ㎎/100g dw), EL (759.6 ㎎/100g dw), and EL (1164.9 ㎎/100g dw), respectively. The vitamin C contents from developmental stage 2 of cv. Erabu fruit (EF2), NF3, developmental stage 3 of cv. Erabu on fruit (EF3), and NF2 were found with values of 2849.9, 2330.5, 1985.1, and 1844.5 ㎎/㎏, respectively, and found to be higher in Korean cultivar and Erabu fruit than in Dragon. The charantin contents of leaf were higher than the fruit found to be 547.71, 506.04 and 395.62 ㎍/g dw in DL, EL and EF2, respectively. According to the results, mineral contents, total chlorophyll and charantin contents of M. charantia were higher in the leaves (EL and DL) than the fruits. And, vitamin C content was the highest in the fruit (EF2 and EF3). Therefore, much more research needs to be undertaken to use of the leaves as well as fruits. The data showed that M. charantia can be considered a good source of nutrient for application in food system.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2008

Parkinson's disease (PD) progresses severely by a gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Epidemiological studies showed that the incidences of PD were reduced by smoking of which the major component, nicotine might be neuroprotective. But the function of nicotine, which might suppress the incidences of PD, is still unknown. Fortunately, recently it was reported that a glial reaction and inflammatory processes might participate in a selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the SN. The levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ synthesised by astrocytes and microglia are elevated in striatum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in PD. TNF-${\alpha}$ kills the cultured dopaminergic neurons through the apoptosis mechanism. TNF-${\alpha}$ release from glial cells may mediate progression of nigral degeneration in PD. Nicotine pretreatment considerably decreases microglial activation with significant reduction of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression and TNF-${\alpha}$ release induced by lipopholysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Thus, this study was intended to explore the role of nicotine pretreatment to inhibit the expressions of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA in human fetal astrocytes (HFA) stimulated with IL-$1{\beta}$. The results are as follows: HFA were pretreated with 0.1, 1, and $10{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine and then stimulated with IL-$1{\beta}$ (100 pg/mL) for 2h. The inhibitory effect of nicotine on expressions of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA in HFA with pretreated $0.1{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine was first noted at 8hr, and the inhibitory effect was maximal at 12 h. The inhibitory effect at $1{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine was inhibited maximal at 24 h. Cytotoxic effects of nicotine were noted above $10{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine. Moreover, Nicotine at 0.1, 1 and $10{\mu}g/mL$concentrations significantly inhibited IL-$1{\beta}$-induced TF-${\kappa}B$ activation. Collectively, these results indicate that in activated HFA, nicotine may inhibit the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA through the pathway which suppresses the NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. This study suggests that nicotine might be neuroprotective to dopaminergic neurons in the SN and reduce the incidences of PD.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.173-182
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• 2013

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease associated with dysfunction of skin barrier and cutaneous hyper-reactivity to environmental triggers. In the previous study, cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities were investigated for various herbal extracts such as Aloe vera L. (AV), Viola mandshurica W. Becker (VM), Punica granatum L. (PG), and Dendrobium nobile L. (DN) in order to develop effective therapeutic herbal extracts for atopic dermatitis, In this study, anti-inflammatory activities of these herb extracts in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage RAW264.7 cells were further examined to find the underlying molecular mechanisms. The RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) analysis showed that PG, DN and AV inhibited effectively the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-$1{\beta}$ in LPS-stimulated macrophages, while VM did not. The transfection and luciferase analysis exhibited that all herbal extracts hindered the activation of transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$). The western blot analysis indicated that AV blocked the activation of only JNK MAP (c-Jun N-terminal kinase mitogen-activated protein) kinase not p38 MAP kinase, while VM, PG and DN did not show the activation of both JNK and p38 MAP kinases. These results suggest that AV, VM, PG, and DN have anti-inflammatory activities and thus have the potential to reduce and alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.497-507
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• 2004

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Ikwitang extract on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions in mice. Experimental groups were classified into a non-treated group(NM group), a non-administered group(CON group), the Misoprostol-administered group(MI group) and the Ikwitang-extract-administered group(IW group). This study examined the morphological change, distribution of mast cells, mucous surface cells, acid mucose secreted cells, and apoptic cells, BrdU, COX-1, Hsp70, $NF-{\kappa}B\;p50$, PKC, COX-2 and IL-12B of gastric mucosa. Results : The results of this study were as follows: 1. In the Misoprostol-administered group and the Ikwitang-extract-administered group, the hemorrhagic erosion of gastric mucous and infiltrated mast cells decreased. 2. Mucous surface cells and acid mucose secreted cells abserved in the Misoprostol-administered group and the Ikwitang-extract administered group. 3. The distribution of apoptic cells, Hsp70, $NF-{\kappa}B\;p50$, PKC, COX-2, and IL-12B increased in the Control group, but decreased in the Misoprostol-administered group and Ikwitang-extract-administered group. 4. Cells proliferation of gastric mucosa and the COX-l positive cells decreased in the Control group, but increased in the Misoprostol-administered group and the Ikwitang-extract -administered group. The above results suggest the lkwitang extract had beneficial effects on indomethacin induced gastric mucosal lesions.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3 s.63
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• pp.215-227
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• 2005

Objectives : This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Pyungjintang on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions of mire. Methods : Experimental mice were classified into not-treated group (NOR group), gastro-inflammation elicitated group (CON group), misoprostol-administered group after gastro-inflammation elicitation (MA group), and Pyungjintang-administered group after gastro-inflammation elicitation (PA group). This study examined the morphological change, distribution of mast cells, mucus surface cells, neutral mucus secreting cells, acid mucus secreting cells, PNA reaction, angiogenesis (MIP-2), COX-1, Hsp70, NF-kB p50, COX-2IL-12B, ICAM-1, BrdU and apoptotic cells of gastric mucosa. Results : 1. The scars of diapedesis, dilatation of right gastric artery and the hemorrhagic erosions of gastric mucosa were reduced in the MA and PA groups. 2. Gastric perforation was observed in the gastro-inflammation elicitated group, but not in the MA and PA groups. 3. The COX-1 positive cellsl, cell proliferation of gastric mucosa, neutral mucus secreting ce31s, acid mucus secreting cells and PNA positive reaction of surface mucus cells were increased in the MA and PA groups. 4. The distribution of apoptotic cells, mast cells, MIP-2, Hsp70, NF-kB p50, COX-2, IL-l2B and ICAM-1 were decreased in the MA and PA groups. Conclusions : Pyungjintang had excellent effects on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions in mice.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SD
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• v.40 no.8
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• pp.549-554
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• 2003

In this paper, we have designed and implemented by a monolithic microwave integrated circuit(MMIC) of a 5.8GHz-band low noise amplifier (LNA) composed of receiver front-end(RFE) in a on-board equipment system for dedicated short range communication. The designed LNA is provided with two active devices, matching circuits, and two drain bias circuits. Operating at a single supply of 3V and a consumption current of 18mA, The gain at center frequency 5.8GHz is 13.4dB, NF is 1.94dB, Input IP3 is -3dBm, S$_{11}$ is -18dB, and S$_{22}$ is -13.3dB. The circuit size is 1.2 $\times$ 0.7 $\textrm{mm}^2$.>.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.249-257
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• 2019

Ulmus davidiana Nakai (UDN) has been traditionally used as a herbal medicine to treat inflammatory diseases in Korea. In the present study, we investigated the anti-ecotoxic potential of a 116 kDa glycoprotein isolated from UDN (UDN glycoprotein) in human intestinal epithelial INT-407 cells. We demonstrated that UDN glycoprotein ($20{\mu}g/mL$) could inhibit the production of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) induced by toluene, an ecotoxic substance. Additionally, we found that the toluene-induced intestinal cytotoxicity was mediated by the phosphorylation of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) via the production of intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The UDN glycoprotein significantly decreased the levels of ROS production and p38 MAPK activation in toluene-stimulated INT-407 cells. Moreover, the UDN glycoprotein inhibits the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$), which is responsible for the production of LDH, in toluene-stimulated INT-407 cells. Collectively, our data indicate that UDN glycoprotein is a natural antioxidant and a modulator of ecotoxicity signaling pathways in human intestinal epithelial cells.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.04a
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• pp.115-115
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• 2019

Arctium minus (AM), commonly known as lesser burdock, is a dried fruit (seed) of Aructium lappa L. that belong to Asteraceae. It has been used traditionally as herbal medicine because of its anti-inflammatory effects, and it has been applied to treat various diseases like allergies, skin aging, hyperlipidemia and urinary stone. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of AM on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Pre-treatment of the RAW 264.7 cells with AM considerably inhibited and reduced production of Nitric Oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), and also shows suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) translocation. In addition, AM treatment considerably reduced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Our results indicate that the AM has potential to inhibit inflammation through suppressing production of inflammatory mediators via both the NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPK signaling pathway. We therefore suggest that AM might be effective therapeutics for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.