• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.170-177
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• 2022

In mountainous regions, wild herbs which can also be edible in nature for humans and animals possess a wide array of biologically diversified properties. It is because of the fact that due to the cold weather of mountains; they are enriched in certain kinds of phytochemicals such as anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and many more. One such kind of an herb is Aster scaber (AS) in Korean. It is a widely cultivated culinary herb in Korean peninsula and used as a side dish in Korean culinary cuisine. In view of its extensive use in cuisine, we geared to unravel the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of AS in murine alveolar macrophage cell line (MH-S). 2,2'-Azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assays revealed a dose dependent (7.8~1,000 ㎍/mL) inhibition of oxidation by AS 70% ethanol (ASE) extract as compared to Trolox and Ascorbic acid respectively. Nitric oxide assay (NO) showed a dose dependent decrease (5~40 ㎍/mL) in MH-S cells with ASE when stimulated with Coal Fly Ash (CFA). Moreover, this dose for NO reduction was also found to be least cytotoxic for cells as determined by cellular viability (MTT) assay. The gene expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS and COX-2) and cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1β) and were also dose dependently inhibited by ASE in MH-S cells through RT-PCR. Therefore, in light of these findings, AS exhibited a strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. These results also justify the extensive use of this mountainous herb in culinary practices for beneficial effects on human health.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.9-18
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• 2022

Objectives This study was conducted to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of Naetakbaekryeom-san (NTB), and whether it could be another treatment for inflammatory diseases. Methods The NTB water extract was extracted with hot water at 100℃ for 2 hours, concentrated at 80℃ under reduced pressure, and used. After 2 hours of pretreatment with NTB and positive control Bay11-7082, nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1𝛽, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-𝛼) were measured in RAW264.7 cells activated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) 500 ng/mL. After 2 hours of pretreatment with NTB, the anti-inflammatory effect of NTB was evaluated by measuring nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-𝜅B) in RAW264.7 cells and 293T cells activated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetic acid (PMA) 30 ng/mL. Results In RAW264.7 cells activated with LPS, NTB at concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/mL showed no cytotoxicity, significantly inhibited NO production and inhibition of iNOS expression. TNF-𝛼 cytokine levels was not regulated, but NTB at each concentration inhibited the production of IL-1𝛽 and IL-6, and the effect was higher than that of the positive control Bay11-7082 (20 𝜇M). In PMA-activated RAW264.7 cells and 293T cells, each concentration of NBT decreased the NF-𝜅B transcriptional activity, with the greatest decrease at 1 mg/mL. Conclusions These results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of NTB water extracts, but further studies such as comparison of anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant effects by NTB component, comparison of effects according to extraction solvents, and clinical studies are needed.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.579-586
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• 2022

Research on the potential biological activity of red alga Symphyocladia spp. has been limited to Symphyocladia latiuscula, which is widely used as a food ingredient in Korea. Here, we examined the biological activity of another species, Symphyocladia linearis, which is found in Korea and was reported as a new species in 2013. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties of a 70% ethanol extract of S. linearis. Antioxidant activity, which was evaluated using radical scavenging assays, revealed half maximal inhibitory concentration values for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) of 34.57 and 11.70 ㎍/mL algal extract, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity of the S. linearis ethanolic extract was evaluated using RAW 264.7 cells by measuring the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production. The potential cytotoxicity of NO and PGE₂ was first examined, confirming no toxicity at concentrations ranging from 10-100 ㎍/mL. NO production was inhibited 61.1% and 78.0% at 50 and 100 ㎍/mL S. linearis extract, respectively; and PGE₂ production was inhibited 69.1%, 83.2%, and 94.8% at 25, 50, and 100 ㎍/mL S. linearis extract, respectively. Thus, the S. linearis extract showed very strong efficacy against PGE₂ production. The cellular production of reactive oxygen species, measured using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate fluorescence, was inhibited 48.8% by the addition of 100 ㎍/mL S. linearis extract. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). S. linearis was effective only against gram-positive bacteria, exhibiting antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC of 256 ㎍/mL extract and against Bacillus cereus with a MIC of 1,024 ㎍/mL extract. Based on these results, we infer that a 70% ethanolic extract of S. linearis possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore has the potential to be used in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and immune diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.119-131
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• 2009

Purpose: The depression accompanied with menopuase shows the relation with the dopamine secretion. These studies were undertaken to evaluate the anti- oxidative and neuroprotective effects of Bunsimgieum(BSGE) on dopaminergic neurons. Methods: To estimate the antioxidant effects, we carried out 1.1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline -6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical cation decolorization assay, and measurement of total polyphenolic content. To evaluate neuroprotective effect of BSGE in vitro, We performed thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) creation in SH-SY5Y. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunocytochemistry, nitric oxide (NO) assay, and TNF-${\alpha}$ assay in primary rat mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Results: The DPPH free radical and the ABTS radical cation inhibition activities were increased at a dose dependent manner. Total polyphenolic content was 0.83%. In SH-SY5Y culture, BSGE significantly increased the decreased cell viability by 6-OHDA at the concentrations of 10${\mu}$g/m${\ell}$ in pre-treatment group, 0.1-200${\mu}$g/m${\ell}$ in post-treatment group. The production of ROS induced by 6-OHDA was significantly inhibited in BSGE treated group. In mesencephalic dopaminergic cell culture, the BSGE group reduced the dopaminergic cell loss against 6-OHDA toxicity and the production of No and TNF-${\alpha}$ at the concentration of 5${\mu}$g/m${\ell}$. Conclusion: These results shows that BSGE has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects in the dopaminergic cells through decreasing the production of ROS, NO and TNF-${\alpha}$ which can cause many neurodegenerative changes in brain cell. We suggest that BSGE could be useful for the treatment of postmenopausal depression related with the decrease of dopamine.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.134-147
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• 2022

The anti-oxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is known to exert anti-inflammatory effects. From a library of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines, we identified a novel compound KKC080096 that upregulated HO-1 at the mRNA and protein levels in microglial BV-2 cells. KKC080096 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects via suppressing nitric oxide, interleukin1β (IL-1β), and iNOS production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged cells. It inhibited the phosphorylation of IKK and MAP kinases (p38, JNK, ERK), which trigger inflammatory signaling, and whose activities are inhibited by HO-1. Further, KKC080096 upregulated anti-inflammatory marker (Arg1, YM1, CD206, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β [TGF-β]) expression. In 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinetreated mice, KKC080096 lowered microglial activation, protected the nigral dopaminergic neurons, and nigral damage-associated motor deficits. Next, we elucidated the mechanisms by which KKC080096 upregulated HO-1. KKC080096 induced the phosphorylation of AMPK and its known upstream kinases LKB1 and CaMKKbeta, and pharmacological inhibition of AMPK activity reduced the effects of KKC080096 on HO-1 expression and LPS-induced NO generation, suggesting that KKC080096-induced HO-1 upregulation involves LKB1/AMPK and CaMKKbeta/AMPK pathway activation. Further, KKC080096 caused an increase in cellular Nrf2 level, bound to Keap1 (Nrf2 inhibitor protein) with high affinity, and blocked Keap1-Nrf2 interaction. This Nrf2 activation resulted in concurrent induction of HO-1 and other Nrf2-targeted antioxidant enzymes in BV-2 and in dopaminergic CATH.a cells. These results indicate that KKC080096 is a potential therapeutic for oxidative stress-and inflammation-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.16.1-16.13
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• 2022

Background: Xylazole (Xyl) is a veterinary anesthetic that is structurally and functionally similar to xylazine. However, the effects of Xyl in vitro remain unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the anesthetic mechanism of Xyl using fetal rat nerve cells treated with Xyl. Methods: Fetal rat nerve cells cultured for seven days were treated with 10, 20, 30, and 40 ㎍/ mL Xyl for 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. Variations of amino acid neurotransmitters (AANTs), Nitric oxide-Cyclic GMP (NO-cGMP) signaling pathway, and ATPase were evaluated. Results: Xyl decreased the levels of cGMP and NO in nerve cells. Furthermore, Xyl affected the AANT content and Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase activity in nerve cells. These findings suggested that Xyl inhibited the NO-cGMP signaling pathway in nerve cells in vitro. Conclusions: This study provided new evidence that the anesthetic and analgesic effects of Xyl are related to the inhibition of the NO-cGMP signaling pathway.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1084-1098
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Previous research has shown maternal betaine supplementation alleviates fetal-derived hepatic steatosis. Therefore, this study examined the anti-inflammatory effect of maternal betaine intake in offspring mice and its mechanism. MATERIALS/METHODS: Female C57BL/6J mice and their offspring were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the treatment received during gestation and lactation: control diet (CD), fatty liver disease (FLD), and fatty liver disease + 1% betaine (FLD-BET). The FLD group was given a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (HFD + STZ), and the FLD-BET group was treated with HFD + STZ + 1% betaine. After weaning, the offspring mice were given a normal diet for 5 weeks and then dissected to measure the relevant indexes. RESULTS: Compared to the CD group, the offspring mice in the FLD group revealed obvious hepatic steatosis and increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; maternal betaine supplementation reversed these changes. The hepatic mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IL-18, and Caspase-1 were significantly higher in the FLD group than in the CD group. Maternal betaine supplementation reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC). Maternal betaine supplementation also reversed the increasing protein expressions of nitric oxide dioxygenase-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in offspring mice exposed to HFD + STZ. Maternal betaine supplementation decreased the homocysteine (Hcy) and s-adenosine homocysteine (SAH) levels significantly in the livers. Furthermore, the hepatic Hcy concentrations showed significant inverse relationships with the mRNA expression of TNF-α, NLRP3, ASC, and IL-18. The hepatic SAH concentration was inversely associated with the IL-1β mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: The lipotropic and anti-inflammatory effect of maternal betaine supplementation may be associated with the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome in the livers of the offspring mice.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.57-67
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• 2024

Objectives : The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential biological activity of Veronica incana extracts (VIE) through in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments. Methods : In vitro, we conducted analyses on the total polyphenol (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) levels, alongside DPPHand ABTS radical scavenging activities. Ex vivo evaluations on adipose tissue measured glycerol release as a marker of lipolysis. In LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, we quantified nitric oxide (NO) production. Following H₂O₂ induction in U2OS cells, we performed mitochondrial assays such as MitoSox and MitoTracker. Moreover, Bodipy assays were conducted in 3T3-L1 cells. In vivo, we performed anti-osteoarthritis effect of VIE against monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis in rats. Results : The results presented encompass a myriad of models, from cell culture to animal experiments as well as ex vivo studies. VIE demonstrated high TP and TF contents, potent DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities, and regulated glycerol release. Moreover, the inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced inflammation was notably confirmed and the reduction of lipid droplets was distinctly shown. Furthermore, in H₂O₂-induced U2OS cells, MitoSox was effectively reduced while MitoTracker noticeably increased. In vivo assays confirmed a significant increase in hindpaw weight distribution (HWD) decreased by MIA after VIE treatment. Additionally, VIE inhibited serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-𝛼, IL-6, and IL-1𝛽) and MDA levels in joint tissue. Conclusion : In conclusion, Veronica incana exhibited various pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.48.1-48.21
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• 2023

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) possess immunoregulatory properties and their regulatory functions represent a potential therapy for acute lung injury (ALI). However, uncertainties remain with respect to defining MSCs-derived immunomodulatory pathways. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of human recombinant bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) primed ES-MSCs (MSC^BMP2) in promoting Tregs in ALI mice. MSC were preconditioned with 100 ng/ml rhBMP-2 for 24 h, and then administrated to mice by intravenous injection after intratracheal injection of 1 mg/kg LPS. Treating MSCs with rhBMP-2 significantly increased cellular proliferation and migration, and cytokines array reveled that cytokines release by MSC^BMP2 were associated with migration and growth. MSC^BMP2 ameliorated LPS induced lung injury and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and permeability in mice exposed to LPS. Levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase were decreased while levels of total glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity were further increased via inhibition of phosphorylated STAT1 in ALI mice treated with MSC^BMP2. MSC^BMP2 treatment increased the protein level of IDO1, indicating an increase in Treg cells, and Foxp3⁺CD25⁺ Treg of CD4⁺ cells were further increased in ALI mice treated with MSC^BMP2. In co-culture assays with MSCs and RAW264.7 cells, the protein level of IDO1 was further induced in MSC^BMP2. Additionally, cytokine release of IL-10 was enhanced while both IL-6 and TNF-α were further inhibited. In conclusion, these findings suggest that MSC^BMP2 has therapeutic potential to reduce massive inflammation of respiratory diseases by promoting Treg cells.

• Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.55-65
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• 2013

Sterilization of Neurospora crassa has been investigated in this research by using a surface air plasma with dielectric barrier discharged (DBD) structure under atmospheric pressure. The sinusoidal alternating current has been used in this experiment with discharge voltage of 1.4~2.3 kV. The phase difference between the voltage and current signals are found to be almost 80 degree due to the capacitive property of dielectric barrier. Temperature on the biomaterials has been minimized by radiating the heat with the air cooling system. It is noted that the substrate temperature remains under 37 degree for plasma exposure time of 10 minutes with operation of cooler system. It is found that the ozone, $O_3$, has been measured to be about 25~30 ppm within 1 cm region and to be about 5 ppm at the 150 cm downstream region away from the suface plasma. It is also noted that the nitric oxide, NO, and nitric dioxide, $NO_2$, are not nearly detected. Germination rate and mitochodrial activity of Neurospora crassa immersed in the deionized water have been found to be drastically decreased as the plasma treatment time and its electrical power are increased in this experiment. Here, the mitochondrial activity has been analyzed by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethy lthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. However, sterilization of Neurospora crassa immersed in the Vogel's minimal media has been found to be low by plasma treatment, which is caused by surrounding background solution. This research shows the sterilization possibility of Neurospora crassa by using the noncontated surface DBD plasma, which is different from the plasma jet. This is mainly attibuted to the reactive species generated by the surface plasma, since they play a major role for inhibition of micobes such as Neurospora crassa.