• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.339-348
• /
• 2007

This study were designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of $genistein-4'-O-{\alpha}-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)-{\beta}-D-glucopyranoside$ (GRG) isolated from Sophora japonica (Leguminosae) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin ($PGE_2$) production by RAW 264.7 cell line. GRG significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO and $PGE_2$ production. Consistent with these observations, GRG reduced the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the protein and mRNA levels in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the release and the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})$ and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also reduced by GRG. Moreover, GRG attenuated the LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$), a transcription factor necessary for pro-inflammatory mediators, iNOS, COX-2, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 expression. These results suggest that the down regulation of iNOS, COX-2, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and IL-6 expression by GRG are achieved by the downregulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity, and that is also responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.125-138
• /
• 2010

Objective : The present study was examined to evaluate the effects of Ecliptae Herba on the production of inflammatory mediators in vivo and in vitro. Methods : In cell viability, all three doses of Ecliptae Herba extract (25, 50 and $100\;{\mu}g/ml$) had no significant cytotoxicity during the experimental period. The increases of NO production and iNOS expression were detected in LPS-activated cells compared to control, but these increases were dose-dependently attenuated by pre-treatment with Ecliptae Herba extract. Results : 1. LPS plays a pivotal roles in inducing to the massive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in macrophages. 2. Ecliptae Herba extract reduced the elevated production of cytokines by LPS. 3. Ecliptae Herba extract reduced $PGE_2$ levels in a dose-dependent manner as a consequence of inhibition of COX-2 activity. 4. Ecliptae Herba extract significantly reduced the nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ induced by LPS. 5. In histopathological study, Ecliptae Herba effectively inhibited the increases of hind paw edema, skin thicknesses and inflammatory cell infiltrations induced by carrageenan treatment. Conclusions : These results provide evidences that therapeutic effect of Ecliptae Herba on the acute inflammation is partly due to the reduction of some of inflammatory factors by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 through the suppression of $NF-{\kappa}B$.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.673-677
• /
• 2009

In order to verify the anti-inflammatory effects of Gelidium amansii, RAW264.7 macrophages were incubated with the extract of 70% ethanol solution (Ex), and activated with the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ex inhibited the expression of the pro-inflammatory enzymes, including inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the production of iNOS-mediated NO and COX-2-mediated prostglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production in a dose-dependent manner. Ex also reduced the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-1${\beta}$ (IL-1${\beta}$) and IL-6 in LPS-activated macrophages, The observed anti-inflammatory effects of Ex was associated with inactivation of the nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) that mediates the induction of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$, and IL-6. Further studies showed that Ex inactivated NF-${\kappa}B$ through inhibition of phosphorylation of the inhibitory ${\kappa}B$ ($l{\kappa}B$), Taken together, these results suggest that Gelidium amansii exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory enzymes and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines via inactivation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and/or $l{\kappa}B$.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.177-182
• /
• 2012

Camellia japonica oil (CJ oil) has been used traditionally in East Asia to nourish and soothe the skin as well as help restore the elasticity of skin. CJ oil has also been used on all types of bleeding instances. However, little is known about its anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory effects of CJ oil and its mechanisms of action were investigated. CJ oil inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, $PGE_2$, and TNF-${\alpha}$ in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, expression of COX-2 and iNOS genes was reduced. To evaluate the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of CJ oil, LPS-induced activation of AP-1 and NF-${\kappa}B$ promoters was found to be significantly reduced by CJ oil. LPS-induced phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, ERK, p38, and JNK was also attenuated. Our results indicate that CJ oil exerts anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating the expression of iNOS and COX-2 genes through inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 signaling.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.423-434
• /
• 2014

Objectives: Activated microglia cells play an important role in inflammatory responses in the central nervous system (CNS) which are involved in neurodegenerative diseases. We attempted to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Cheongnoimyungshin-hwan (CNMSH) in microglia cells. Methods: We examined the effect of CNMSH on the inflammatory responses in BV2 microglia cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and explored the mechanism underlying the action of CNMSH. Results: BV2 cells treated with LPS showed an up-regulation of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $PGE_2(PGE_2)$ and interleukin $1{\beta}(IL-1{\beta})$ release, whereas CNMSH suppressed this up-regulation. CNMSH inhibited the induction of COX-2, iNOS and $IL-1{\beta}$ proteins in LPS-treated BV2 cells and blocked the LPS-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor ${\kappa}B(NF-{\kappa}B$). Furthermore, CNMSH attenuated the LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), as well as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, but did not inhibit the LPS-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun amino terminal kinase. Conclusions: These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of CNMSH on the LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines in BV2 cells is associated with the suppression of the $NF-{\kappa}B$ and PI3KAkt signaling pathways.

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

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.468-478
• /
• 2019

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of cordyceps militaris extracts for the improvement of cognitive dysfunction in PC12 and BV2 cells. Cordyceps militaris extracts was prepared by extracting with distilled water. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay using PC12 cells and BV2 cells. Confirmed effects of L-glutamate induced cytotoxicity test, Acetylcoline (ACh) concentration, and Acetylcolinestase (AChE) activity in PC12 cells. Anti-inflammatory activities of cordyceps militaris extracts was measured through changes in the levels of nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 ($PGE_2$) on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced BV2 cell. In addition, we measured the expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, JNK, and caspase-3 in western blot analysis. Cordyceps militaris extracts showed no cytotoxicity at the concentrations of 1, 10, and $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ except for the concentration of $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Cordyceps militaris extracts protected the cell and exhibited significant increases in the ACh concentration and a significant decrease in the AChE activity in L-glutamate induced PC12 cells. Moreover, cordyceps militaris extracts inhibited the productions NO, and PGE2 level and the protein expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, JNK, caspase-3 in LPS-induced BV2 cells. These results indicate that cordyceps militaris extracts possible prevented and improved cognitive dysfuction symptoms. Thus, cordyceps militaris extracts may be a novel natural material option for the improvement of cognitive dysfunction.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.47 no.1
• /
• pp.119-125
• /
• 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of rosmarinic acid (RA) and luteolin from perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) leaves in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. A combination of RA and luteolin more strongly inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), inducible NOS (iNOS), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and COX-2 than higher concentrations of RA or luteolin alone in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The combined RA and luteolin synergistically inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$), in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, combined RA and luteolin more strongly suppressed NF-${\kappa}B$ activation than RA or luteolin alone, by inhibiting the degradation of inhibitor of NF-${\kappa}B(I{\kappa}B)$-${\alpha}$ and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-${\kappa}B$ in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Collectively, these results suggest that RA and luteolin in combination exhibit synergistic effects in suppression of LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.216-221
• /
• 2013

Aromadendrin, a flavonol, has been reported to possess a variety of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. However, the underlying mechanism by which aromadendrin exerts its biological activity has not been extensively demonstrated. The objective of this study is to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of aromadedrin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Aromadendrin significantly suppressed LPS-induced excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and $PGE_2$. In accordance, aromadendrin attenuated LPS-induced overexpression iNOS and COX-2. In addition, aromadendrin significantly suppressed LPS-induced degradation of $I{\kappa}B$, which sequesters NF-${\kappa}B$ in cytoplasm, consequently inhibiting the nuclear translocation of pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-${\kappa}B$. To elucidate the underlying signaling mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of aromadendrin, MAPK signaling pathway was examined. Aromadendrin significantly attenuated LPS-induced activation of JNK, but not ERK and p38, in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, the present study clearly demonstrates that aromadendrin exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through the suppression of nuclear translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and phosphorylation of JNK in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.268-282
• /
• 2016

In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Bark. (EUE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial BV-2 cells and found that EUE inhibited LPS-mediated up-regulation of pro-inflammatory response factors. In addition, EUE inhibited the elevated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mediators, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that EUE suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, glycogen synthase $kinase-3{\beta}$ ($GSK-3{\beta}$), and their downstream transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$). EUE also blocked the nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ and inhibited its binding to DNA. We next demonstrated that EUE induced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. We determined that the significant up-regulation of HO-1 expression by EUE was a consequence of Nrf2 nuclear translocation; furthermore, EUE increased the DNA binding of Nrf2. In contrast, zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), a specific HO-1 inhibitor, blocked the ability of EUE to inhibit NO and $PGE_2$ production, indicating the vital role of HO-1. Overall, our results indicate that EUE inhibits pro-inflammatory responses by modulating MAPKs, PI3K/Akt, and $GSK-3{\beta}$, consequently suppressing $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation and inducing Nrf2-dependent HO-1 activation.