• 한방비만학회지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.1-10
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• 2022

Objectives: To investigate the protective effect of hesperidin and hesperetin against oxidative stress in 2,2'-azobis (2-aminopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced liver toxicity in rats. Methods: Hesperidin or hesperetin (200 mg/kg/day, respectively) was orally administered for 7 days once daily in rats. Subsequently, AAPH (50 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally. Lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide production, catalase activity, and protein expressions of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the liver tissues were measured. Results: Administration of hesperidin and hesperetin significantly decreased serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels in AAPH-induced oxidative stress liver tissues compared with control group. Lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) production were also significantly reduced by hesperidin and hesperetin in AAPH-induced oxidative stress liver tissues. In particular, lipid peroxidation levels of hesperetin-administered group significantly decreased to 5.02 nmole/mg protein in oxidative stress rats. Hesperidin and hesperetin significantly increased antioxidant activity, such as that of catalase. Furthermore, administration of hesperidin and hesperetin substantially down-regulated the expression of NF-κB and iNOS in liver tissues. Administration of hesperidin reduced NO levels and iNOS expression more than in the hesperetin-administered group. Conclusions: Administration of hesperidin and hesperetin led to a reduction in AAPH-induced liver toxicity by regulating oxidative stress.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.50-55
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• 2023

본 연구는 Rosa davurica Pall. 잎 추출물의 염증 억제 효과 및 그 조절 기전을 알아보기 위해 수행되었다. Rosa davurica Pall. 잎 추출물의 항염 평가는 LPS로 자극한 Raw 264.7 대식세포에서 생성되는 NO와 iNOS 분석을 통해 확인하였다. Rosa davurica Pall. 추출물의 처리는 농도의존적으로 LPS에 의한 NO 생성과 iNOS 단백질의 발현을 유의미하게 억제하였고 500 ㎍/ml의 고농도에서는 세포 독성을 나타내었다. Rosa davurica Pall. 추출물은 LPS에 의해 인산화된 IκB 발현을 억제하였고 LPS에 의해 활성화된 NF-κB의 인산화를 약화시킴으로써 NF-κB의 활성화를 억제하였다. 또한, NF-κB signaling 특이 저해제인 PDTC와 Rosa davurica Pall. 추출물의 동시 처리는 각각 처리군에 비해 NO 생성과 iNOS 단백질 발현을 더욱 억제하였다. 이상의 결과는 Rosa davurica Pall. 추출물이 NF-κB signaling 조절에 의해 NO 생성을 억제함으로써 LPS에 의한 대식세포 염증 반응을 제어하고 있음을 제시해 주고 있다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.183-192
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• 2023

Viral infections are known as one of the major factors causing death. Ginseng is a medicinal plant that demonstrated a wide range of antiviral potential, and saponins are the major bioactive ingredients in the genus Panax with vast therapeutic potential. Studies focusing on the antiviral activity of the genus Panax plant-derived agents (extracts and saponins) and their mechanisms were identified and summarized, including contributions mainly from January 2016 until January 2022. P. ginseng, P. notoginseng, and P. quinquefolius were included in the review as valuable medicinal herbs against infections with 14 types of viruses. Reports from 9 extracts and 12 bioactive saponins were included, with 6 types of protopanaxadiol (PPD) ginsenosides and 6 types of protopanaxatriol (PPT) ginsenosides. The mechanisms mainly involved the inhibition of viral attachment and replication, the modulation of immune response by regulating signaling pathways, including the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE)/hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) pathway, phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1)/ protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/activator protein-1 (AP-1) pathway, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway. This review includes detailed information about the mentioned antiviral effects of the genus Panax extracts and saponins in vitro and in vivo, and in human clinical trials, which provides a scientific basis for ginseng as an adjunctive therapeutic drug or nutraceutical.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.21.1-21.15
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• 2023

Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of Biodentine (BD), Bio-C Repair (BCR), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plug on the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth with replacement root resorption (RRR) and in vitro-induced osteoclastogenesis. Materials and Methods: Sixty bovine incisors simulating immature teeth and RRR were divided into 5 groups: BD and BCR groups, with samples completely filled with the respective materials; MTA group, which utilized a 3-mm apical MTA plug; RRR group, which received no root canal filling; and normal periodontal ligament (PL) group, which had no RRR and no root canal filling. All the teeth underwent cycling loading, and compression strength testing was performed using a universal testing machine. RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with 1:16 extracts of BD, BCR, and MTA containing receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) for 5 days. RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation was assessed by staining with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. The fracture load and osteoclast number were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results: No significant difference in fracture resistance was observed among the groups (p > 0.05). All materials similarly inhibited osteoclastogenesis (p > 0.05), except for BCR, which led to a lower percentage of osteoclasts than did MTA (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The treatment options for non-vital immature teeth with RRR did not strengthen the teeth and promoted a similar resistance to fractures in all cases. BD, MTA, and BCR showed inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation, with BCR yielding improved results compared to the other materials.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제33권5호
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• pp.634-643
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• 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), one of the leading causes of death worldwide, is caused by repeated exposure to harmful matter, such as cigarette smoke. Although Lilium longiflorum Thunb (LLT) has anti-inflammatory effects, there is no report on the fermented LLT bulb extract regulating lung inflammation in COPD. Thus, we investigated the protective effect of LLT bulb extract fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus 803 in COPD mouse models induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and porcine pancreas elastase (PPE). Oral administration of the fermented product (LS803) suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators and the infiltration of immune cells involving neutrophils and macrophages, resulting in protective effects against lung damage. In addition, LS803 inhibited CSE- and LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production in airway epithelial H292 cells as well as suppressed PMA-induced formation of neutrophil extracellular traps in HL-60 cells. In particular, LS803 significantly repressed the elevated IL-6 and MIP-2 production after CSE and LPS stimulation by suppressing the activity of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B (NFκB) in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Therefore, our results suggest that the fermented product LS803 is effective in preventing and alleviating lung inflammation.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.99-109
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• 2023

Objectives : Sihosogan-tang (SST) is one of the traditional herbal formula and also one of the Korean medical insurance medicines. It commonly used in the treatment of hepatitis, chronic gastritis, intercostal neuralgia, pleurisy, and depression in East Asia. In the present study, we have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of SST in macrophage cell line. Methods : To investigate mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of SST, we examined the productions of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) on RAW 264.7 cells activated by LPS. Results : SST significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS increased by LPS, and also significantly inhibited the production of NO. In addition, SST significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF- α and interleukines. SST inhibited the expression of NF-κB and MAPK activation. Conclusions : These results suggest that SST ameliorates inflammatory response in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells through the inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK pathway. Therefore, this study supplies objective evidence for the anti-inflammatory effect of SST.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.85-95
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• 2024

Objectives : We proposed the hypothesis that administering Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract (TSE) could alleviate menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis resulting from estrogen deficiency. Methods : Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were administered TSE at doses of 300 or 600 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks, followed by measurement of serum lipid profile and serum bone markers using ELISA kits. Additionally, analysis of related genes in the femur and uterus was performed using Western blot and real-time PCR. Additionally, micro-CT analysis was performed to investigate the protective effect of TSE against bone loss due to oophorectomy. Results : The administration of TSE led to significant reductions in triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and glucose levels in the serum of OVX rats. Furthermore, TSE increased estradiol levels in the serum and notably improved the levels of biochemical markers associated with bone metabolism. Additionally, TSE exerted significant regulatory effects on the mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-genes closely associated with bone metabolism in the femur. TSE also demonstrated pronounced effects on uterine tissue, with improvements observed in gene expression related to estrogen receptors. Conclusion : Our findings confirm the efficacy of TSE in ameliorating menopause symptoms by modulating elements associated with both bone and lipid metabolism in the serum, uterine tissue, and femur of OVX rats. The present findings suggest that TSE may offer potential therapeutic effects for symptoms related to menopause and osteoporosis in females.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.323-332
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• 2024

Background: Studies have reported that the combination of two or more therapeutic compounds at certain ratios has more noticeable pharmaceutical properties than single compounds and requires reduced dosage of each agent. Red ginseng and velvet antler have been extensively used in boosting immunity and physical strength and preventing diseases. Thus, this study was conducted to elucidate the skin-protective potentials of red ginseng extract (RGE) and velvet antler extract (VAE) alone or in combination on ultraviolet (UVB)-irradiated human keratinocytes and SKH-1 hairless mice. Methods: HaCaT cells were preincubated with RGE/VAE alone or in combination for 2 h before UVB (30 mJ/cm²) irradiation. SKH-1 mice were orally given RGE/VAE alone or in combination for 15 days before exposure to single dose of UVB (600 mJ/cm²). Treated cells and treated skin tissues were collected and subjected to subsequent experiments. Results: RGE/VAE pretreatment alone or in combination significantly prevented UVB-induced cell death, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species production, and DNA damage in keratinocytes and SKH-1 mouse skins by downregulating mitogen-activated protein kinases/activator protein 1/nuclear factor kappa B and caspase signaling pathways. These extracts also strengthened the antioxidant defense systems and skin barriers in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells and SKH-1 mouse skins. Furthermore, RGE/VAE co-administration appeared to be more effective in preventing UVB-caused skin injury than these extracts used alone. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that the consumption of RGE/VAE, especially in combination, offers a protective ability against UVB-caused skin injury by preventing inflammation and apoptosis and enhancing antioxidant capacity.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.28-41
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• 2024

Objective: Chronic scrotal hyperthermia (SHT) can lead to serious disorders of the male reproductive system, with oxidative stress playing a key role in the onset of these dysfunctions. Thus, we evaluated the impact of caffeine, a potent antioxidant, on cellular and tissue disorders in mice with chronic SHT. Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male NMRI mice were allocated into seven equal groups. Apart from the non-treated control group, all were exposed to heat stress. Two groups, termed "preventive" and "curative," were orally administered caffeine. The preventive mice began receiving caffeine immediately prior to heat exposure, while for the curative group, a caffeine regimen was initiated 15 consecutive days following cessation of heat exposure. Each treated group was subdivided based on pairing with a positive control (Pre/ curative [Cur]+PC) or a vehicle (Pre/Cur+vehicle). Upon conclusion of the study, we assessed sperm characteristics, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, apoptosis, antioxidant and oxidant levels, and molecular markers. Results: Sperm parameters, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, biochemical factors (excluding malondialdehyde [MDA]), and c-kit gene expression were significantly elevated in the preventive and curative groups, especially the former, relative to the other groups. Conversely, expression levels of the heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) genes, MDA levels, and apoptotic cell density were markedly lower in both caffeine-treated groups relative to the other groups, with more pronounced differences observed in the preventive group. Conclusion: Overall, caffeine attenuated cellular and molecular abnormalities induced by heat stress in the testis, particularly in the mice treated under the preventive condition.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제44권6호
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• pp.1243-1255
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• 2023

Objective: This study aims to explore the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of enzyme (Viscozyme)-treated garlic extract (EG) in an animal model of acute enteritis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: The experiment included four subgroups: normal, control, EG200 (treated with 200 mg/kg EG), and EG400 (treated with 400 mg/kg EG). Drug administration lasted 3 days, followed by the induction of acute enteritis in all groups (except normal) through the intraperitoneal administration of 20 mg/kg of LPS 1 h after the last oral dose. Autopsy was conducted 24 h later to collect serum and colon tissue. Serum was analyzed for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and C-reactive protein (CRP), while Western blotting was performed on the colon tissue. Results: After analyzing the ROS and CRP levels in serum, the EG treatment group exhibited a significant decrease compared with the control group. The EG treatment group exhibited a significant decrease in the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB) pathway compared with the control group. EG administration significantly regulated apoptosis-related factors, including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X, cysteine aspartyl-specific protease-3, and cytochrome C. Conclusions: EG treatment in mice with LPS-induced acute colitis reduced the ROS and CRP levels, suppressed the MAPKs/NF-κB pathway in the colon, and effectively alleviated acute enteritis by modulating apoptosis-related factors. Based on these findings, EG emerges as a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of acute colitis, showing its potential therapeutic efficacy in this experimental model.