• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.167-170
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• 2009

Nitric oxide is an important factor to regulate the biochemical reactions in the body such as expansion of blood vessel, neural conduction and antimicrobial activity. There are two forms of nitric oxide synthase and iNOS has attracted most attention because it is involved in the development of diabetes and cardiac disease condition. There are several regulatory sequences in the promoter region of iNOS gene. One of them is (CCTTT)n. It has been reported that the number of tandem repeat of (CCTTT)n varies from population to population. So, we analyzed (CCTTT)n polymorphism in Korean genome for the purpose of comparison. According to our present study Koreans are different from other Asians reported previously because $(CCTTT)_{10}$ is the highest incidence as opposed to $(CCTTT)_{12}$ for other countries. This study should facilitate the understanding of the expression of iNOS gene in different population.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.140-146
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• 2002

We have studied 73 pre-service science teachers' conceptions about the nature of science (NOS) using 120 true-false test items based on AAAS Benchmarks statements. We have found that participants have inadequate understanding of the NOS, especially in understanding of five categories of conceptions; change and continuity in science, bias in scientific investigations, hypothesis in scientific investigations, things common in science, and science ethics. The result also indicates that there is a difference between primary pre-service teachers and secondary pre-service teachers. From the analysis of consistency, we also found that this inadequate understanding comes from confusion rather than misconception. All the results support that there is a need of intense pre-service teacher education concerning thenature of science.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.169-180
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• 2004

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TENS on muscle pain induced by carrageenan. Muscle pain was induced in male Sprague-Dowley rats by intra-muscular injection of gastrocnemius with $3\%$ carrageenan. nNOS was measured to assess the effect of TENS on muscle pain induced by Carrageenan. The lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord was removed in different groups of animals 24 h after induction of muscle pain. The level of nNOS mRNA was measured in the lumbar section of the spinal cord using RT-PCT. The expression of nNOS was analyzed in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord by immunohistochemistry. TENS decreased nNOS immunoreactivity in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord when compared with controls(p<.05). In RT-PCR, TENS decreased nNOS mRNA level of lumbar spinal cord when compared with controls(p<.05). These results suggested that application of TENS attributed to decrease muscle pain.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.209-214
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• 2004

Lead has long been considered as a toxic environmental pollutant that severely damages the central nervous system. In various neurogenerative diseases, actrocytes become activated by proinflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we investigated whether lead (Pb$^{2+}$) affects inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in activated glial cells. Rat primary glial cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 ${\mu}$g/ml) plus IFN$_{\gamma}$(100 U/ml). Pre-treatment of Pb$^{2+}$ increased nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS/IFN$_{\gamma}$-stimulated glial cells. Lead itself, however, suppressed the basal production of NO in control glial cells. Addition of the iNOS inhibitors L-NAME (1 mM) and L-NNA (800 ${\mu}$M) prevented the Pb$^{2+}$-induced increase in NO production. Western blot analysis showed that pre-treatment of Pb$^{2+}$ augmented LPS/IFN$_{\gamma}$-induced increase in iNOS immunoreactivity, which was well correlated with the increased NO production. In addition, pre-treatment of Pb$^{2+}$ synergistically increased the iNOS mRNA expression induced by LPS and IFN${\gamma}$. The present results indicate that lead intoxication adversely affect brain function by potentiating iNOS expression and NO production in activated glial cells observed in various neurodegenerative diseases.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.467-473
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• 2024

In this study, we investigated the potential protective effects of (+)-afzelechin (AZC), a natural compound that is derived from Bergenia ligulata, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses. AZC is known to have antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and cardiovascular protective properties. However, knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of AZC against LPS-induced inflammatory responses is limited. Thus, we investigated the protective attributes of AZC against inflammatory damage caused by LPS exposure. We examined the effects of AZC on heme oxygenase (HO)-1, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in LPS-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, the effects of AZC on the expression of iNOS, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β were analyzed in the lung tissues of LPS-injected mice. Data revealed that AZC promoted the production of HO-1, inhibited the interaction between luciferase and nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and reduced the levels of COX-2/PGE2 and iNOS/NO, thereby leading to a decrease in the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1 phosphorylation. Moreover, AZC facilitated the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, increased the binding activity between Nrf2 and the antioxidant response elements (AREs), and lowered the expression of IL-1β in the LPS-treated HUVECs. In the animal model, AZC significantly reduced the expression of iNOS in the lung tissue structure and the TNF-α level in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These findings demonstrate that AZC possesses anti-inflammatory properties that regulate iNOS through the inhibition of both NF-κB expression and p-STAT-1. Consequently, AZC has potential as a future candidate for the development of new clinical substances for the treatment of pathological inflammation.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.178-183
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• 2017

This study examined a new functional cosmetic material possessing application possibility of Sambucus sieboldiana var. pendula (Nakai) (SS) extract. For this, we analyzed the toxic effect of the SS extract on macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells) by performing MTT assay. Results of the MTT assay showed ${\geq}100%$ cell viability after treatment with $500{\mu}g/ml$ SS extract. To determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the SS extract, we examined its inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells by performing Griess assay. Result of the Griess assay showed that the SS extract inhibited LPS-induced NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. Next, we examined the effect of the SS extract on the production of proinflammatory factors inducible NOS (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. First, we determined the inhibitory effect of 50, 100, and $500{\mu}g/ml$ SS extract on iNOS and COX-2 protein expression by performing western blot analysis, with ${\beta}$-actin as a positive control. Results of western blotting showed that treatment with $500{\mu}g/ml$ SS extract decreased iNOS and COX-2 protein expression by 31.2% and 54.7%, respectively. Next, we determined the inhibitory effect of 50, 100, and $500{\mu}g/ml$ SS extract on iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression by performing reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with GAPDH as a positive control. Results of reverse transcription-PCR showed that treatment with $500{\mu}g/ml$ SS extract decreased the mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2 by 72.2% and 89%, respectively. These results suggest that the SS extract is a highly valuable natural compound because of its functional components and anti-inflammatory activity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.16 no.7 s.80
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• pp.1181-1187
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• 2006

HS-1580 series (HS-1580, HS-1581, HS-1582) can produce anti-imflammatory effects were synthesized from the marine algae extraction in 2,3,6-tribromo-4,5-dihydroxy benzyl methyl ether (TDB). Raw 264.7 cells were pre-treated with $1{\mu}g/{\mu}l$ lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and later treated with HS-1580 series. These cells of inflammatory mediators were tested as well. Nitric oxide (NO) is related to autoimmune disease and is produced by inducible NOS (iNOS). When treated with HS-1580 series, the product of NO will reduce in a dose-dependent manner. HS-1580 series significantly inhibit the iNOS protein expression. Cyclooxygenase (COX) involves with the various physiologic events and catalyzes in prostaglandin. HS-1580 series also inhibit the COX-2 protein expression as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines production such as tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})\;and\;interluekin-1{\alpha]\;(IL-1{\beta})$. These upcoming results suggest that HS-1580 series have anti-inflammatory efforts in Raw 264.7 cells by inhibiting such as iNOS, COX-2, $TNF-{\alpha}\;and\;IL-1{\beta}$ as inflammatory mediators.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.15-24
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• 2012

Objectives : In recent years, many studies have been widely researching anti-inflammation effect of various medicinal plants. $Cinnamomi$ $Cortex$ was not enough in researching of the anti-inflammation. Moreover, there is no comparative study about extraction methods. Therefore, we investigated the inhibitory effects of $Cinnamomi$ $Cortex$ pharmacopuncture by EtOH and Hot water extraction on Nitric oxide(NO), Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) production, Cyclooxygenase(COX)-2, inducible NOS(iNOS) expression and extracellular signal regulate kinase(ERK)1/2 phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide(LPS) induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cell. Methods : $Cinnamomi$ $Cortex$ was extracted by EtOH and Hot water. RAW 264.7 macrophage cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Effect of $Cinnamomi$ $Cortex$ pharmacopuncture on NO and PGE2 production in LPS induced macrophages was accessed by Griess assay and enzyme-linked immunospecific assay(ELISA), respectively. Inhibition effect on COX-2, iNOS expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was examined by Immunoblotting assay. Results : 1. Cytotoxic effect of $Cinnamomi$ $Cortex$ pharmacopuncture by Hot water extraction in RAW 264.7 macrophages was not appeared, except $3125{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. And cytotoxic effect was not appeared in EtOH extraction method. 2. $Cinnamomi$ $Cortex$ pharmacopuncture by EtOH and Hot water extraction inhibited NO production in LPS induced macrophages significantly. 3. $Cinnamomi$ $Cortex$ pharmacopuncture by EtOH and Hot water extraction inhibited PGE2 production in LPS induced macrophages significantly. 4. $Cinnamomi$ $Cortex$ pharmacopuncture by EtOH and Hot water extraction inhibited COX-2, iNOS expression in LPS induced macrophages. Especially, it has been confirmed that COX-2, iNOS expression were effectively inhibited in Hot water extraction. 5. $Cinnamomi$ $Cortex$ pharmacopuncture by EtOH and Hot water extraction inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation in LPS induced macrophages. Especially, it has been confirmed that ERK1/2 phosphorylation was effectively inhibited in Hot water extraction. Conclusions : According to the results, $Cinnamomi$ $Cortex$ pharmacopuncture suppresses NO, PGE2 production, COX-2, iNOS expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in LPS induced macrophages. It has a potential for treating various inflammatory diseases, and Hot water extraction method could be used more extensively than EtOH extraction method.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.1689-1697
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• 2011

In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammation effect of Persicaria thunbergii (P. thunbergii) on RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The anti-inflammatory activity of P. thunbergii was determined by measuring expression of the LPS-induced inflammatory proteins, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$), and the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$). Methanol extract of P. thunbergii decreased the expression of iNOS, COX-2 and NF-${\kappa}B$, and increased the expression of HO-1 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Methanol extract was fractioned by n-butanol, hexane and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and each fraction was tested for inhibitory effects on inflammation. Among the sequential solvent fractions, the EtOAc soluble fraction was investigated by the expression of prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and showed decreasing form to the dose-dependent manner. EtOAc extract showed the most effective inhibitory activity of the expression of iNOS, COX-2 and NF-${\kappa}B$, and the production of NO. The study showed that P. thunbergii has anti-inflammatory activity through the decrease of NO and inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, $PGE_2$ and NF-${\kappa}B$ expression, and by the increase of HO-1 enzyme. This study needs for more investigation to find out the most effective single compound with anti-inflammatory activity.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.83-99
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• 2004

Objectives : Daeganghwal-Tang(DGHT) is one of the prescriptions used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) in oriental medicine. The present study aimed to examine the analgesic effect of DGHT on a rat model of CFA-induced arthritis, and the relations between DGHT-induced analgesia and endogenous nitric oxide(NO) and inducible NO synthase(iNOS)/neuronal NOS. Methods : CFA-induced arthritis model used to test the effect of DGHT was chronic pain model. After the induction of arthritis, rats subsequently showed a reduced stepping force of the affected limb for at least the next 18 days. the reduced stepping force of the limb was presumably due to a painful knee. DGHT dissolved in water was orally administrated. After the treatment, behavioral tests measuring stepping force were periodically conducted during the next 4 hours. Results : DGHT produced significant improvement of stepping force of the hindlimb affected by the arthritis lasting at least 2 hours. DGHT produced the improvement of stepping force of the affected hindlimb in a dose-dependent manner. Both NO production and nNOS/iNOS protein expression which is increased by arthritis were suppressed by DGHT administration. Conclusions : The data suggest 1) that DGHT produces a potent analgesic effect on the chronic knee arthritis pain model in the rat and 2) that DGHT-induced analgesia modulate endogenous NO through the suppression of nNOS/iNOS protein expression.