• Archives of Pharmacal Research
• /
• v.26 no.10
• /
• pp.832-839
• /
• 2003

Activated macrophages express inducible isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and produce excessive amounts of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E$_2$ (PGE$_2$), which play key roles in the processes of inflammation and carcinogenesis. The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., and the root cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., are important Chinese crude drugs used in many traditional prescriptions. 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-$\beta$-D-glucose (PGG) is a major bioactive constituent of both crude drugs. PGG has been shown to possess potent anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-$\beta$-D-glucose (PGG) isolated from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. on the COX-2 and iNOS activity in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells, COX-1 in HEL cells. To investigate the structure-activity relationships of gallate and gallic acid for the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 activity, we also examined (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallic acid, and gallacetophenone. The results of the present study indicated that PGG, EGCG, and gallacetophenone treatment except gallic acid significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO production in LPS-activated macrophages. All of the four compounds significantly inhibited COX-2 activity in LPS-activated macrophages. Among the four compounds examined, PGG revealed the most potent in both iNOS ($IC_{50}$ = 18 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$) and COX-2 inhibitory activity (PGE$_2$: $IC_{50}$ = 8 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$ and PGD$_2$: $IC_{50}$ = 12 $\mu\textrm{g}/mL$), respectively. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and structure-activity relationship by which PGG exerts its inhibitory actions, our results suggest that PGG might be a candidate for developing anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive agents.

• Journal of Science Education
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.184-192
• /
• 2009

Understanding about the Nature of Science (NOS) is element of scientific literacy. Its importance is emphasized, especially understanding about NOS was presented as goal of science education on the fifth curriculum in Korea. Attempt of teaching NOS has been continuous in school, that was limited by method of using History of Science. Except method of using History of Science, Experimenting is appropriate for method of teaching NOS. We expected that is effective to apply reflective approach method for understanding the NOS and composite lesson to emphasize reflection and discussion to general experiment class in the school. We applied experiment class to emphasize reflection and discussion to second grade students in the middle school and researched whether positive reflection and discussion is helpful understanding the NOS in science experiment class or not, through questionnaire about NOS and analysis of observation and interview. As a result, experiment class to emphasize reflection and discussion was effective for scientific inquiry skills and sociality of scientific inquiry, particularly for relation observation with deduction and possibility of variable analysis to experiment result. Therefore, experiment class to emphasize reflection and discussion is effective for understanding the NOS.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.166-178
• /
• 2003

Objectives : Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in normal and pathophysiological cells as a messenger molecule, neurotransmitter, microbiological agent, or dilator of blood vessels and arteriosclerosis, respectively. This study was undertaken to understand the mechanism of NO production and effect of Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) on NO production in cultured vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). Methods and Results : VSMC was isolated from aorta and cultured. Cultured primary cells were identified as VSMC with anti--smooth muscle actin antibody. A large amount of NO was produced in cultured VSMC treated with $IFN-{\gamma}$ plus TNF in a time- and dose-dependent manner. $TNF-{\alpha}$ was a more efficient stimulator than $IFN-{\gamma}$ in NO production of cultured VSMC. iNOS protein wasdetected within 3 hrs and it increased up to 12 hrs in a time-dependent manner. However, accumulated NO in cytokine-treated VSMC was not detected within 3 hrs. NO production in cytokine-treated VSMC showed the dose- and time-dependent manner, and increased up to 48 hrs. The activated VSMC produced a large amount of NO (about 60 uM). Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) alone did not induceNO production, but it potentiated the effect of $TNF-{\alpha}$ on NO production and increased NO production by about 20%. Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) did not affect the transcriptional activity of iNOS gene, but increased the accumulation of iNOS. These results indicate that Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) could modulate the translational level of iNOS. PKC did not modulate NO production, but calcium ionophore A23187 decreased NO production. However, Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) elevated the decreased NO production in A23187-treated VSMC by modulating the stability of iNOS transcripts. Half-life of the synthesized transcripts appeared to have about 6 hrs. PDTC, an $NF-{\kappa}B$ inhibitor, blocked the accumulation of iNOS mRNA, indicating that $NF-{\kappa}B$ served as an important modulator in the transcriptional regulation of iNOS. As Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) potentiated the effect of the $TNF-{\alpha}$ on NO production but had no additional effect on PDTC-modulated NO production, it is suggested that Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) enhances the $TNF-{\alpha}-mediated$ NO production of VSMC by modulating the iNOS activity and the stability of iNOS transcripts in activated VSMC having the elevated intracellular calcium ion. Conclusions : This study suggests that Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) has a potential capacity for preventing and treating diseases of the circulation system, including arteriosclerosis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.25 no.5
• /
• pp.105-116
• /
• 2008

Objectives : The objective of this study is to investigate the suppressing effect of the cervi pantotrichum cornu pharmacopuncture on the expression of iNOS mRNA and production of NO in synoviocytes from artificially arthritis-induced mice. Methods : In vitro test, synoviocytes extracted from a knee joint of a mouse were cultivated, and the herbal extract of cervi pantotrichum cornu($0.4mg/m{\ell}$, $0.6mg/m{\ell}$, $0.8mg/m{\ell}$, and $1.0mg/m{\ell}$) was added into the wells of synoviocytes to suppress the expression of iNOS mRNA and production of NO. In vivo test, each ten mice were allocated into three groups; Normal group, CIA-elicitated group(CIA), and group treated with cervi pantotrichum cornu pharmacopuncture after CIA elicitation(CCA). The extract of cervi pantotrichum cornu was injected into the acupoint of $SP_{10}$ to observe the changes of foot thickness in mice and the suppression of MIF, TNF-$\alpha$, NF-${\kappa}B$ p65, and iNOS. Results : In vitro test, the expression of iNOS mRNA and production of NO were dose-dependently decreased in the wells of synoviocytes treated with PMA. In vivo test, the suppression of MIF, TNF-$\alpha$, NF-${\kappa}B$ p65, and iNOS was clearly shown in the pieces of the synovial joint treated with the extract of cervi pantotrichum cornu. The foot thickness also decreased dose-dependently. Conclusions : It is speculated that the cervi pantotrichum cornu pharmacopuncture can be applicable to the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the expression of iNOS mRNA and production of NO.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.463-469
• /
• 2010

This research is performed to obtain positive evidences of Mori cortex, a kind of oriental medicinal herbs, in the cellular levels. The extracts of M. cortex have shown anti-inflammatory effects against cutaneous inflammation and clinical effects on pulmonary asthma and congestion in oriental medicine. Thus BV2 cells were chosen because microglia are considered as the main immunocompetent cells in the central nervous system. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial activation of cultured BV2 cells and subsequent release of nitric oxide (NO) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were effectively suppressed by methylene chloride extract of Morus alba L. (MEMA). From the inflammation-mediated mRNA and protein analyses, we showed that inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) and tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) induced by LPS were markedly decreased by MEMA treatment. From the observation of nuclear factor-kB (NF-${\kappa}B$) which is controlling and mediating inflammation through COX-2 and iNOS, there showed that p65, a subunit of NF-${\kappa}B$, was increased in nuclear and $I{\kappa}B$, a competitor of NF-${\kappa}B$, was recovered in cytosol after MEMA treatment. These are corresponding with results of iNOS, COX-2, IL-$1{\kappa}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$, and confirm some suppressive effect against transcriptional activation of NF-${\kappa}B$. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory action of M. cortex against BV2 microglia cells is expected to protect nerve tissues through suppression of neuronal inflammation in various neurodegenerative diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.1048-1060
• /
• 2008

Cirsii Japonici Herba(CJ) is a wild perennial herb found in many areas of Korea as well as China and Japan, which has been used to treat bleeding and inflammation. Silibinin is the main flavonoid extracted from milk thistle (Cirsii Japonici Herba). It exhibits potent antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, the effect of CJ and silibinin extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation was investigated using MTS assay, RT-PCR, western blot, and nitric oxide detection on mouse BV2 microglial cell lines. In the present results, CJ and silibinin extract suppressed nitric oxide production by inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated enhancement of COX-2 and iNOS gene expression in BV2 cells. Moreover, CJ and silibinin also repressed some lipopolysaccharide-induced signaling molecules. Importantly, catalase-induced COX-2 and iNOS expression needed activations of $NF-{\kappa}B$, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK, which were important for the transcriptional up-regulation of COX-2 and iNOS. CJ and silibinin interaction on BV2 cells down-regulated $NF-{\kappa}B$-dependent proinflammatory cytokine (IL-2,IL-6) expression. They are involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses. These data shows that CJ and silibinin exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, probably by suppression of COX-2 and iNOS synthase expression in BV2 microglial cells.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.19 no.5
• /
• pp.373-379
• /
• 2011

Paeoniae Radix Rubra is a preparation consisting of desiccated roots of Paeonia lactiflora PALL (belonging to Ranunculaceae). Paeoniae Radix Rubra is used as a medicinal herb in Asian countries to treat many diseases. Ethanol- or water-based extracts of Paeoniae Radix Rubra were prepared and tested on RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line. The expression of some pro-inflammatory proteins, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylated ERK1/2 was detected by Western blot analyses, while PGE2 expression was quantified by ELISA. Both the water and ethanol extracts of Paeoniae Radix Rubra suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and exhibited cell toxicity in accordance with increased NO production. Also, both extracts reduced the expression of COX-2 and iNOS, and inhibited phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Extracts prepared from Paeoniae Radix Rubra contain anti-inflammatory agents that inhibit the iNOS and MAPK pathways.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.947-952
• /
• 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of grape juice on colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and expression of NF-kB, iNOS and TNF-${\alpha}$. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups: G1, control; G2, 15 mg/kg AOM; G3, 1% grape juice 2 weeks before AOM; G4, 2% grape juice 2 weeks before AOM; G5, 1% grape juice 4 weeks after AOM; G6, 2% grape juice 4 weeks after AOM; G7, 2% grape juice without AOM. Histological changes and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were studied, while RNA expression of NF-kB, TNF- and iNOS was evaluated by qPCR. Results: The number of ACF was higher in G2, and G4 presented a smaller number of crypts per focus than G5 (p=0.009) and G6. Small ACF (1-3) were more frequent in G4 compared to G2, G5 and G6 (p=0.009, p=0.009 and p=0.041, respectively). RNA expression of NF-kB was lower in G3 and G4 compared to G2 (p=0.004 and p=0.002, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between TNF-${\alpha}$ and NF-kB gene expression (p=0.002). In conclusion, the administration of 2% grape juice before AOM reduced the crypt multiplicity, attenuating carcinogenesis. Lower expression of NF-kB was observed in animals exposed to grape juice for a longer period of time, regardless of concentration.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.87-95
• /
• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase $(TIMP)_{-3}$, and $TIMP_{-4}$ in the gingival tissues of periodontal patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Depending on the patient's systemic condition and clinical criteria of the gingiva, each gingival sample was classified into one of three groups. Sixteen clinically, systemically healthy patients (group 1), 16 periodontal patients (group 2), and 16 periodontal patients with DM (group 3) were included. Tissue samples in each group were collected, prepared, and analyzed by western blotting. Quantification of the relative amount of $TIMP_{-3}$, $TIMP_{-4}$, and iNOS was performed. Results: The expression levels of iNOS and $TIMP_{-3}$ both increased in group 1, group 2, and group 3 in increasing order, and were significantly higher in both group 2 and group 3 as compared to group 1 (P<0.05). The expression levels of $TIMP_{-4}$ increased in the same order, but significantly increased in group 2 as compared to group 1, in group 3 as compared to group 1, and group 3 as compared to group 2 (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that iNOS, $TIMP_{-3}$, and $TIMP_{-4}$ might be involved in the progression of periodontal inflammation associated with type 2 DM. It is thought that further study of these factors can be applied practically for the diagnosis and control of periodontitis in diabetics.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
• /
• 2005.06a
• /
• pp.303-305
• /
• 2005

3-Monochloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) is a contaminant of acid-hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Several reports have suggested that chronic exposure to 3-MCPD could produce neurotoxicity in vitro or neurobehavioral effects inaspects of experimental animals. Disturbance of the nitric oxide signaling pathway by chronic exposure to 3-MCPD may be a causal factor of neurological disorders in rats. In order to investigate the relationship between 3-MCPD administration and expression of inducibal nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), the numbers and distribution patterns of iNOS-immunoreactive neurons were examined. At the all three bregma level examined, the optical density of iNOS-postive neurons was significantly increased following exposure to 3-MCPD. The change was more severe in the upper layer than in deep layer of the cortex. These data suggest that 3-MCPD toxicity may be mediated through disturbances to the nitric oxide signaling pathway.