• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권14호
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• pp.5835-5842
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• 2015

Background: Melatonin, which is mainly produced by the pineal gland, has a good inhibitory effect on cell growth of multiple cancer types. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor activity for colon cancer have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of melatonin on migration in human colon cancer RKO cells and the potential molecular mechanisms. Materials and Methods: The viability of RKO cells was investigated by MTT assay after treatment with melatonin, SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, MAPK activator) alone or in combination for 48h. The effects of melatonin, and ML-7, a selective inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), and SB203580, and PMA on the migration of RKO cells were analyzed by in vitro scratch-wound assay. The relative mRNA levels of MLCK was assessed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Western blotting analysis was performed to examine the expression of MLCK, phosphorylation of myosin light chain (pMLC) and p38 (pp38). Results: The proliferation and migration of human colon cancer RKO cells were inhibited significantly after treatment with melatonin. The expression levels of MLCK and phosphorylation of MLC of RKO cells were reduced, and real-time quantitative RT-PCR showed that melatonin had significant effects on suppressing the expression of MLCK. Furthermore, the phosphorylation level of p38, which showed the same trend, was also reduced when cells were treated by melatonin. In addition, ML-7 (25umol/l) could down-regulate the phosphorylation of p38. Conclusions: Melatonin could inhibit the proliferation and migration of RKO cells, and further experiments confirmed that p38 MAPK plays an important role in regulating melatonin-induced migration inhibition through down-regulating the expression and activity of MLCK.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제44권3호
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• pp.197-207
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• 2006

This experiment focused on MAPK activation in host cell invasion and replication of T. gondii, as well as the expression of CC chemokines, MCP-1 and $MIP-1\alpha$, and enzyme, COX-2/prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ in infected cells via western blot, $[^3H]-uracil$ incorporation assay, ELISA and RT-PCR. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 in infected HeLa cells was detected at 1 hr and/or 6 hr postinfection (PI). Tachyzoite proliferation was reduced by p38 or JNK MAPK inhibitors. MCP-1 secretion was enhanced in infected peritoneal macrophages at 6 hr PI. $MIP-1\alpha$ mRNA was increased in macrophages at 18 hr PI. MCP-1 and $MIP-1\alpha$ were reduced after treatment with inhibitors of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPKs. COX-2 mRNA gradually increased in infected RAW 264.7 cells and the secretion of COX-2 peaked at 6 hr PI. The inhibitor of JNK suppressed COX-2 expression. $PGE_2$ from infected RAW 264.7 cells was increased and synthesis was suppressed by PD98059, SB203580, and SP600125. In this study, the activation of p38, JNK and/or ERK1/2 MAPKs occurred during the invasion and proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites in HeLa cells. Also, increased secretion and expression of MCP-1, $MIP-1\alpha$, COX-2 and $PGE_2$ were detected in infected macrophages, and appeared to occur via MAPK signaling pathways.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.227-231
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the MAPK signaling pathways involved in regulation of HO-1 and the odontoblast differentiation markers during the odontoblastic differentiation for HDPCs. We evaluated cell growth by MTT assay and differentiation marker mRNA expression by RT-PCR. When the cells were treated with p38 inhibitor (SB203580, $10{\mu}M$), JNK inhibitor (SP600125, $10{\mu}M$), and ERK inhibitor (PD98059, $20{\mu}M$) for 7 days, cell growth and expression of HO-1 and differentiation makers were significantly decreased in HDPCs. Our results suggest that odontoblastic differentiation is positively regulated by HO-1 induction in HDPCs via ERK, JNK, and p38 signaling pathways. Thus, pharmacological HO-1 induction might represent a potent therapeutic approach for pulp capping and the regeneration of HDPCs.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제32권9호
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• pp.1103-1109
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• 2022

Deoxypodophyllotoxin (DPT), a naturally occurring flavonolignan, possesses several pharmacological properties, including anticancer property. However, the mechanisms underlying DPT mode of action in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of DPT on OSCC and the underlying mechanisms. Results of the MTT assay revealed that DPT significantly reduced the cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that DPT induces apoptosis in OSCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, DPT enhanced the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in OSCC cells. Mechanistically, DPT induced apoptosis in OSCC cells by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway while activating the p38 MAPK signaling to regulate the expression of apoptotic proteins. Treatment with SC79, an AKT activator, reversed the effects of DPT on AKT signaling in OSCC cells. Taken together, these results provide the basis for the use of DPT in combination with conventional chemotherapy for the treatment of oral cancer.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제30권5호
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• pp.339-345
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• 2013

MAPKs는 다양한 세포자극에 반응하는 중요한 세포신호전달경로이며, 특히 세포의 생존과 사멸과정에 관여한다고 알려져 있다. 그러나 위궤양의 진행에 있어 MAPKs의 세포특이적 활성에 관한 연구결과들에 대해서는 잘 알려져 있지 않다. 본 연구에서는 이부프로펜에 의해 유도된 위궤양의 진행에 있어 활성화된 MAPKs가 다양한 세포들에 어떻게 분포하는지를 실험하였다. 위궤양 유발은 200 mg/kg 이부프로펜을 하루에 8시간간격으로 3번 투여하였다. 동물부검은 이부프로펜을 투여한 후 24, 48, 72시간에 실시하였고, 위조직은 면역조직화학 및 웨스턴블랏에 사용되었다. 활성화된 p-ERK는 정상 랫드 위점막상피의 위상피증식층에서만 주로 발현되었으나, 이부프로펜을 투여한 후 24시간째에는 위기저부의 벽세포들에서 강하게 발현되었다. 이부프로펜을 투여 후 48시간 경과한 군에 있어서는 위궤양에 인접한 위점막상피 또는 위궤양 기저부의 결합조직에 나타난 신생혈관, 염증세포 및 육아조직에서 p-ERK가 강하게 발현되었다. 반면에 p-JNK는 초기 위점막손상을 나타내는 위표면점막상피와 샘위의 점막상피세포의 핵에서 주로 발현되었다. 점차적으로 p-JNK는 위궤양 기저부의 결합조직내에 침윤된 염증세포, 섬유모세포에서 특히 강하게 염색되었다. P-p38 양성세포는 위점막의 결합조직내에서 분산되어 관찰되었으며, 특히 위궤양 기저부의 결합조직내로 침윤된 대식 세포에 강한 염색성을 나타내었다. 이상의 연구결과는 각각의 MAPK들이 위궤양진행에 있어 특정세포들의 활성화에 관여하는 것으로 보여진다.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.303-310
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• 2021

In the present study, kaempferol, a flavonoidal natural compound found in Polygonati Rhizoma, was investigated for its potential effect on the gene expression and production of airway MUC5AC mucin. A human respiratory epithelial NCI-H292 cells was pretreated with kaempferol for 30 min and stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), for the following 24 h. The effect on PMA-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway or EGF-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was investigated. Kaempferol suppressed the production and gene expression of MUC5AC mucins, induced by PMA through the inhibition of degradation of inhibitory kappa Bα (IκBα), and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Also, kaempferol inhibited EGF-induced gene expression and production of MUC5AC mucin through regulating the phosphorylation of EGFR, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 (p44/42), and the nuclear expression of specificity protein-1 (Sp1). These results suggest kaempferol regulates the gene expression and production of mucin through regulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, in human airway epithelial cells.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제60권6호
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• pp.181-188
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• 2017

Purpose: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Erythropoietin (EPO) is emerging as a therapeutic candidate for neuroprotection. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the neuroprotective role of recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO) and the possible mechanisms by which mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), JNK, and p38 MAPK is modulated in cultured cortical neuronal cells and astrocytes. Methods: Primary neuronal cells and astrocytes were prepared from cortices of ICR mouse embryos and divided into the normoxic, hypoxia (H), and hypoxia-pretreated with EPO (H+EPO) groups. The phosphorylation of MAPK pathway was quantified using western blot, and the apoptosis was assessed by caspase-3 measurement and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Results: All MAPK pathway signals were activated by hypoxia in the neuronal cells and astrocytes (P<0.05). In the neuronal cells, phosphorylation of ERK-1/-2 and apoptosis were significantly decreased in the H+EPO group at 15 hours after hypoxia (P<0.05). In the astrocytes, phosphorylation of ERK-1/-2, p38 MAPK, and apoptosis was reduced in the H+EPO group at 15 hours after hypoxia (P<0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment with rHuEPO exerts neuroprotective effects against hypoxic injury reducing apoptosis by caspase-dependent mechanisms. Pathologic, persistent ERK activation after hypoxic injury may be attenuateed by pretreatment with EPO supporting that EPO may regulate apoptosis by affecting ERK pathways.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권4호
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• pp.550-560
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• 2022

Background: The effect of ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects of G-Rh2 on OVA-induced asthmatic mice and on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis. Methods: Asthma model was established for evaluating airway changes and ear allergy. RPMCs and RBL-2H3 were used for in vitro experiments. Calcium uptake, histamine release and degranulation were detected. ELISA and Western blot measured cytokine and protein levels, respectively. Results: G-Rh2 inhibited OVA-induced airway remodeling, the production of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-8, IL-1β and the degranulation of mast cells of asthmatic mice. G-Rh2 inhibited the activation of Syk and Lyn in lung tissue of OVA-induced asthmatic mice. G-Rh2 inhibited serum IgE production in OVA induced asthmatic mice. Furthermore, G-Rh2 reduced the ear allergy in IgE-sensitized mice. G-Rh2 decreased the ear thickness. In vitro experiments G-Rh2 significantly reduced calcium uptake and inhibited histamine release and degranulation in RPMCs. In addition, G-Rh2 reduced the production of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-4 in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. Interestingly, G-Rh2 was involved in the FcεRI pathway activation of mast cells and the transduction of the Lyn/Syk signaling pathway. G-Rh2 inhibited PI3K activity in a dose-dependent manner. By blocking the antigen-induced phosphorylation of Lyn, Syk, LAT, PLCγ2, PI3K ERK1/2 and Raf-1 expression, G-Rh2 inhibited the NF-κB, AKT-Nrf2, and p38MAPK-Nrf2 pathways. However, G-Rh2 up-regulated Keap-1 expression. Meanwhile, G-Rh2 reduced the levels of p-AKT, p38MAPK and Nrf2 in RBL-2H3 sensitized IgE cells and inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway activation by activating the AKT-Nrf2 and p38MAPK-Nrf2 pathways. Conclusion: G-Rh2 inhibits mast cell-induced allergic inflammation, which might be mediated by the AKT-Nrf2/NF-kB and p38MAPK-Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathways.

• 대한예방한의학회지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.107-127
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• 2018

Objectives : The present study investigated the anti-obese and blood flow improvement activities of aqueous extracts of ginseng berry (GBe) on the mild diabetic obese mice as compared with metformin. Methods : After end of 56 days of continuous oral administrations of GBe 150, 100 and 50 mg/kg, or metformin 250 mg/kg, anti-obese and blood flow improvement effects - the changes of body weights, body and abdominal fat density by in live dual-energy x-ray absorptionmetry (DEXA), tail bleeding time, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, aorta and serum cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET)-1 levels, aorta phosphorylated PI3K (pPI3K), phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) and phosphorylated p38 MAPK (pp38 MAPK) levels were systemically analyzed. In addition, aorta vascular dilation and constriction related gene mRNA expressions - PI3K, Akt, eNOS, p38 MAPK and ET-1 were also analyzed by realtime RT-PCR. Results : The obesity and related blood flow impairment, induced by 84 days of continuous HFD supply, were significantly inhibited by 56 days of continuous oral treatment of GBe 150, 100 and 50mg/kg, dose-dependently, and they also dramatically normalized the changes of the aorta vascular dilation and constriction related gene mRNA expressions, also dose-dependently. Especially, GBe 150 mg/kg constantly showed favorable inhibitory activities against type II diabetes related obesity and vascular disorders through PI3K/Akt pathway and p38 MAPK mediated cGMP, NO and ET-1 expression modulatory activities, as comparable to those of metformin 250 mg/kg in HFD mice. Conclusion : By assessing the key parameters for anti-obese and blood flow improvement activities on the HFD-induced mild diabetic obese mice, the present work demonstrated that GBe 150, 100 and 50 mg/kg showed favorable anti-obese and blood flow improvement effects in HFD-induced type II diabetic mice, through PI3K/Akt pathway and p38 MAPK mediated cGMP, NO and ET-1 expression modulatory activities.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제14권6호
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• pp.365-369
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• 2010

In this study, we examined whether melatonin promotes apoptotic cell death via p53 in prostate LNCaP cells. Melatonin treatment significantly curtailed the growth of LNCaP cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Melatonin treatment (0 to 3 mM) induced the fragmentation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. Moreover, melatonin markedly activated Bax expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression in dose increments. To investigate p53 and p21 expression, LNCaP cells were treated with 0 to 3 mM melatonin. Melatonin increased the expressions of p53, p21, and p27. Treatment with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors, PD98059 (ERK inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) and SB202190 (p38 inhibitor), confirmed that the melatonin-induced apoptosis was p21-dependent, but ERK-independent. With the co-treatment of PD98059 and melatonin, the expression of p-p53, p21, and MDM2 did not decrease. These effects were opposite to the expression of p-p53, p21, and MDM2 observed with SP600125 and SB202190 treatments. Together, these results suggest that p53-dependent induction of JNK/p38 MAPK directly participates in apoptosis induced by melatonin.