• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.48-55
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• 2013

Objective: The use of nanoparticle products is expected to present a potential harmful effect on consumers. Also, the lack of information regarding inhaled nanoparticles may pose a serious problem. In this study, we addressed this issue by studying pulmonary toxicity after nasal instillation of Al-NPs in SD rats. Methods: The animals were exposed to Al-NPs at 1 mg/kg body weight (low dose), 20 mg/kg body weight (medium dose) and 40 mg/kg body weight (high dose). To determine pulmonary toxicity, bronchoalveolar lavage (ts.AnBAL) fluid analysis and histopathological examination were conducted in rats. In addition, cell viability was investigated at 24 hours after the treatment with Al-NPs. Results: BAL fluid analysis showed that total cells (TC) count and total protein (TP) concentrations increased significantly in all treatment groups, approximately two to three times. Also, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6 dose-dependently increased following nasal instillation of Al-NPs. However, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) levels showed no significant changes in a dose dependant manner in BAL fluid. In the cytotoxicity analysis, the treatment of Al-NPs significantly and dose-dependently induced cell viability loss (20 to 30%) and damage of cell membrane (5 to 10%) in rat normal lung epithelial cells (L2). Conclusions: Our results suggest that inhaled Al-NPs in the lungs may be removed quickly by alveolar macrophages with minimal inflammatory reaction, but Al-NPs have the potential to affect lung permeability. Therefore, extensive toxicity evaluations of Al-NPs are required prior to their practical application as consumer products.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.431-437
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• 2011

Aberrant activation of microglia has been reported to cause neuronal damages by releasing a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Besides where microglia become active, damages have been also observed in remote places, which is considered due to the migration of activated microglia. Therefore, an agent that could suppress abnormal activation of microglia and their subsequent migration might be valuable in activated microglia-related brain pathologies. The objective of the present study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of betulinic acid on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Pretreatment of betulinic acid significantly attenuated LPS-induced NO production and protein expression of iNOS. Betulinic acid also significantly suppressed LPS-induced release and expression of cytokines such as TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$. Furthermore, betulinic acid significantly uppressed LPS-induced MMP-9 expression, which has been suggested to play an important role in the migration of activated microglia. In order to understand the possible mechanism by which betulinic acid suppresses LPS-induced cytokine production and migration of microglia, the role of NF-kB, a major pro-inflammatory transcription factor, was examined. Betulinic acid significantly suppressed LPS-induced degradation of IKB, which retains NF-kB in the cytoplasm. Therefore, nuclear translocation of NF-kB upon LPS stimulation was significantly suppressed with betulinic acid. Taken together, the present study for the first time demonstrates that betulinic acid possesses anti-inflammatory activity through the suppression of nuclear translocation of NF-kB in BV2 microglial cells.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.295-301
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• 2015

The functions of probiotics, particularly Lactic acid bacteria, have been studied in a range of human diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and allergies. Among the many benefits associated with the consumption of probiotics, modulation of immune activity has received the most attention. This study aimed at investigating the improved immune stimulatory and stability of L. plantarum when cultivated on modified basal media supplemented with the Undaria pinnatifida co-cultured with L. plantarum. An in vitro test showed that U. pinnatifida media cultured L. plantarum is strong enough to survive in the gastric juice (gastric and bile acid). Mouse macrophage-derived cell lines RAW 264.7 was used to measured immune stimulating activity of L. plantarum. When U. pinnatifida media cultured by L. plantarum was NO and $TNF-{\alpha}$ production is significantly increased compared to basal media cultured L. plantarum. These results show that U. pinnatifida could be applied for a component for cultivation of L. plantarum. This optimized U. pinnatifida medium can be used the improving of stability and immune function on production of probiotics.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.1-9
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• 2016

Objectives : Gamisoyosan (GMS) is a useful prescription for treating insomnia, dysmenorrhea and infertility induced by a stress. Also, GMS has been used traditionally to improve systemic circulation and biological energy production. The purpose of this study was to assess the anti-oxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects of Gamisoyosan Formulation (Soft extract, GMS-SE). Methods : The biological activities such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were measured through cell line-based in vitro assay. We investigated the anti-oxidant properties of GMS-SE on the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, contents of total flavonoid and polyphenol. GMS-SE compared to butyl hydroxy anizole (BHA). Furthermore, based on this result the anti-inflammatory effects of GMS-SE have verified by mechanism from LPS- treated Raw264.7 macrophages. Results : The anti-oxidant activities of GMS-SE increased markedly, in a dose-dependent manner. The GMS-SE showed significant scavenging activity (GMS-SE $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ : $32.77{\pm}1.65%$, GMS-SE $1000{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ : $45.06{\pm}1.04%$ and BHA $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ : $39.25{\pm}2.41%$ for DPPH assay). and, The total phenolic compound and flavonoids contents of GMS-SE were $73.93{\pm}6.87{\mu}g/mg$ and $698.75{\pm}6.78{\mu}g/mg$. GMS-SE which is LPS has diminished in the LPS-induced release of inflammatory mediators (NO, iNOS, COX2 and PGE2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and IL-$1{\beta}$) from the RAW264.7 macrophages. Moreover, GMS-SE inhibited the activation of phosphorylation of p38 and ERK MAPKs by induced LPS. Conclusion : The present results indicate that GMS-SE has an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, therefore may be beneficial in diseases which related to oxidative stress-mediated inflammatory disorders.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2019

In order to examine the functionality of broccoli sprout (Brassica oleracea, BS), solvent extracts were prepared and their anti-oxidative and immunomodulating activities were compared with those of broccoli (B). EtOH extracts (E) were potently higher than hot-water extracts (HW) in the antioxidant contents and radical scavenging activity. In particular, the total polyphenolic contents in addition to ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity were significantly higher in EtOH extract of broccoli sprout (BS-E; 9.15 mg GAE/g, 4.52 mg AEAC/g, and 1.14 mg AEAC/g) compared with that of broccoli (B-E; 7.83 mg GAE/g, 3.63 mg AEAC/g, and 0.97 mg/AEAC/g). Whereas, total flavonoid content was significantly higher in B-E (1.60 mg QE/g) than BS-E (1.43 mg QE/g). Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using LPS-induced cell line model at a concentration of $10{\sim}100{\mu}g/mL$, in which all solvent extracts of both broccoli sprouts and broccoli were not toxic to RAW 264.7 cell lines. In anti-inflammatory activity of broccoli sprouts, EtOH extracts also showed significantly more potent activity than hot-water extracts in all sample concentrations tested. In addition, BS-E ($100{\mu}g/mL$) inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and IL-6 production to 60.9% and 68.9% compared with the LPS inflammation group (without extracts), whereas B-E inhibited 49.6% and 54.9%. On the other hand, in immunostimulating activity by splenocytes and macrophages, hot-water extract showed significantly higher activity than EtOH extract. Especially, BS-HW stimulated the splenocyte proliferation (1.2-fold against saline group) and IFN-${\gamma}$ production (264.39 pg/mL) at $100{\mu}g/mL$, and the production of IL-6 (1.33-fold), IL-12 (1.09-fold) and TNF-${\alpha}$ (1.49-fold) from macrophages was also significantly enhanced over broccoli. In conclusion, broccoli sprouts showed more potent anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating activity than broccoli, suggesting the possibility of using broccoli sprouts as functional food materials.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.58-76
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• 2019

Objectives : This study was designed to examine the effects of Daecheonglyong-tang(DCL) on atopic dermatitis induced by DNCB in mice Methods : The Nc/Nga mice were divided into 5 groups, and four groups excluding the normal group were applied by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB), to cause AD and were orally administered with distilled water(negative control), dexamethasone(positive control), and DCL 200 or 400mg/kg once a day for 4 weeks respectively. The visual changes on skin, changes in skin tissue thickness and eosinophil infiltration were observed. IgE, Histamine, Cytokines, immune cells and the amount of gene expression of filaggrin, VEGF, $TGF-{\beta}1$, EGF were measured. Results : Dermatitis score showed a gross improvement on all DCL groups, similar to or better than positive control. All DCL groups showed no significant change in the basophils, while neutrophils and eosinophils decreased. In only DCL 400 mg/kg groups, white blood cells and mononuclear cells were decreased and lymphocytes were increased. In particular, neutrophils had similar or better effects than the positive control. In all DCL groups, IgE, Histamine, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ were decreased and IL-2 was increased. In only DCL 400 mg/kg groups, IL-10 decreased and $IFN-{\gamma}$ increased. In particular, $IL-1{\beta}$ and $IFN-{\gamma}$ showed a similar rate of increase and decrease comparing positive control in DCL 400 mg/kg. $TGF-{\beta}$1 was increased in all DCL groups, filaggrin and VEGF were increased in only DCL 400 mg/kg groups. EGF did not make any changes. Epidermis, dermis thickness and eosinophil infiltration were also decreased in all DCL groups. Conclusions : By increasing Th1 cytokine and decreasing Th2 cytokine, DCL extracts appear to be effective in controlling immune response imbalances, anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration and are likely to be available as a treatment for AD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.335-341
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• 2013

Kyungokgos purchased in local markets in Korea vary in their combination and mixing ratios during processing. This study was investigated qualities of Kyungokgos manufactured traditionally to evaluating its qualities. The general components of Kyungokgos were moisture (18.62~49.78%), ash (0.198~1.211%), protein (0.89~3.58%), lipid (0.16~1.14%) and carbohydrates (47.95~77.08%). The color values of L, a, and b were 26.49~73.87, 16.51~38.64, and 45.41~88.94, respectively. The viscosity was classified into three non-Newtonian type groups: high, medium, and non-dilatant, according to the increase of loop execution times. Three extracts (KOG-1, -7, and -8, in a 30-fold dilution) showed no cytotoxicity toward RAW 264.7 cells, while the extracts of KOG-2, -4, and -5 showed a low cytotoxic effect. KOG-1 and -2 extracts with low cytotoxicity markedly inhibited the production of the inflammatory mediators-nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These results indicate that KOG-1 and -2 extracts have anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.664-672
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• 2015

In order to develop new immuno-stimulating ingredients from mature leaves of green tea, crude polysaccharides were isolated from pectinase digests of tea leaves (green tea enzyme digestion, GTE-0), after which their immuno-stimulating activities and chemical properties were examined. GTE-0 mainly contained neutral sugars (54.9%) such as glucose (14.2%), arabinose (12.2%), rhamnose (11.1%), and galacturonic acid (45.1%), which are characteristic of pectic polysaccharides. The anti-complementary activity of GTE-0 was similar to that of polysaccharide K (used as positive control). Number of morphologically activated macrophages was significantly increased in the GTE-0-treated group. GTE-0 significantly augmented $H_2O_2$ and reactive oxygen species production by murine peritoneal macrophage cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas production of nitric oxide showed the highest activity at a dose of $100{\mu}g/mL$ among all tested concentrations. Murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated with GTE-0 showed enhanced production of various cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factors-${\alpha}$ in a dose-dependent manner. Further, GTE-0 induced higher phagocytic activity in a dose-dependent manner. In ex vivo assay for cytolytic activity of murine peritoneal macrophages, GTE-0-treated group showed significantly higher activity compared to the untreated group at an effector-to-target cell ratio of 20. The above results lead us to conclude that polysaccharides from leaves of green tea have a potent immuno-stimulating effect on murine peritoneal macrophage cells.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.205-211
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• 2018

Rebaudioside A is a natural sweetener isolated from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, one of the glycosides based on steviol. Recent studies have shown that rebaudioside A inhibits the inflammatory response by inhibiting cytokines secretion such as interleukin-$1{\alpha}/1{\beta}$ in activated RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells by LPS. However, the inhibitory mechanism of inflammation by rebaudioside A in the presence of LPS has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we tried to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of rebaudioside A at the protein level when RAW264.7 cells were stimulated by LPS. The inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression level was reduced in the group treated with $250{\mu}M$ rebaudioside A compared to the LPS-treated group. In addition, the mRNA expression level of $NF-{\kappa}B$, which is a representative nuclear transcription factor by inflammatory signal, was also decreased as compared with that of LPS-treated group. In addition, $NF-{\kappa}B$ and inhibitor-${\kappa}B$ ($I-{\kappa}B$) complexes that are known to be dissociated by $I-{\kappa}B$ phosphorylation and ubiquitination were less phosphorylated than LPS treated group in the presence rebaudioside A. Finally, we could find that rebaudioside A was involved in the $NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway through reducing extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that rebaudioside A might suppress inflammatory reaction through MAPK and $NF-{\kappa}B$ regulation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.110-117
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• 2017

The anti-inflammatory effect of Sargassum patens C. Agardh ethanol extract (SPEE) was examined based on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in this study. SPEE treatment was not cytotoxic to macrophages compared to the control. The production of NO was suppressed by SPEE by approximately 28% at $100{\mu}g/ml$, and levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, and $interleukin-1{\beta}$ decreased in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ was suppressed by SPEE treatment. In vivo, croton oil-induced mouse ear edema was attenuated by SPEE and the infiltration of mast cells into the tissue decreased. Based on these results, SPEE inhibits the release of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, suggesting that SPEE is a potential agent for anti-inflammatory therapies.