• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.338-345
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• 2016

This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract from the flowers of Weigela subsessilis (WS-E) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content was 719.19±0.04 μg tannic acid equivalents/ml and 644.87±0.02 μg quercetin equivalents/ml, respectively. The antioxidant activities of WS-E were measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity. The antioxidant activities of WS-E increased markedly, in a dose-dependent manner. To screen for anti-inflammatory agents, the inhibitory effects of WS-E on the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages was examined. WS-E had no effect on cell viability at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. Nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin (IL)-6 production were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). WS-E had no effect on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α at a concentration of 0.16–20 μg/ml but induced TNF-α at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was also inhibited at lower concentrations (p<0.05). In addition, WS-E reduced the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB by inhibition of inhibitoy (I) κB phosphorylation in RAW 264.7 macrophages upon stimulation with LPS (100 ng/ml) for 24 h but not that of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These results suggest that WS-E may be a useful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in functional cosmetics.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.243-248
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• 2008

The Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) has been shown to regulate transcription of cell cycle genes essential for $G_1$-S and $G_2$-M progression, including $p27^{kip1}$. The $p27^{kip1}$ gene is a member of the universal cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor family. Immunohistochemical studies for FoxM1 and $p27^{kip1}$ were performed in 154 lung cancers (69 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and 85 adenocarcinomas (ADC)). Immunoreactivity for FoxM1 and $p27^{kip1}$ were found in 79 (51.3%) and 49 (31.8%) out of 154 cases, respectively. Forty-six (58.2%) of the 79 cases with a positive FoxM1 immunoreactivity showed a negative $p27^{kip1}$ expression in 154 lung cancers. According to histologic type, 22 (53.7%) of the 41 SCC cases with a positive FoxM1 immunoreactivity showed a negative $p27^{kip1}$ expression and 24 (63.2%) of the 38 ADC cases with a positive FoxM1 immunoreactivity showed a negative $p27^{kip1}$ expression. The expression of $p27^{kip1}$ was significantly higher in the SCC than in the ADC (P=0.050). There were no significant associations between the FoxM1 and $p27^{kip1}$ expressions and other clinicopathologic factors. These findings suggest that FoxM1 overexpression may diminish the expression of $p27^{kip1}$ protein in lung cancers. Further studies are needed to define the relation between FoxM1 and $p27^{kip1}$ for examining the mechanisms of tissue-specific FoxM1 expression.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.778-790
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• 2008

This experiment investigated the effect of mixed extracts obtained from Mylabris phalerata Pall. and Drynariae Rhizoma on hair growth activity of the normal and spontaneous alopecia areata model of C57BL/6N mice for 16 days. First, we examined morphological regrowth of hair in normal and spontaneous alopecia model of C57BL/6N mice. Second, we examined immunoreactive density of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), c-kit and protein kinase $C-{\alpha}(PKC-{\alpha})$ in skin of normal C57BL/6N mice by immunohistochemical methods. Third, we investigated expression of $TGF-{\beta}$, prolactin and placenta lactogen after topical application of mixed extracts of Mylabris phalerata Pall. and Drynariae Rhizoma to skin by RT-PCR. The results were as follows: Hair growth effect from middle and high concentration of mixed extracts of Mylabris phalerata Pall. and Drynariae Rhizoma was observed in 80% of normal mice in whose hair had been clipped in 15th days. Hair growth effect of all concentrations of mixed extracts of Mylabris phalerata Pall. and Drynariae Rhizoma was observed in 100% of spontaneous alopecia model of C57BL/6N mice in 15th days. Immunoreactive density of VEGF, c-kit and $PKC-{\alpha}$ in skin of all concentrations of mixed extracts of Mylabris phalerata Pall. and Drynariae Rhizoma were strongly stained in epidermis, bulge, secondary hair germ cells and cutaneous trunci m. compare to control group in 10th day. In experimental III group, Immunoreactive density of VEGF, c-kit and $PKC-{\alpha}$ in skin were strongly stained in inner and outer root sheath of skin. The treatment of mixed extracts of Mylabris phalerata Pall. and Drynariae Rhizoma increased the expression of $TGF-{\beta}$, placenta lactogen and prolactin in the skin of normal C57BL/6N mice compared to control group. These experiments suggest that mixed extracts of Mylabris phalerata Pall. and Drynariae Rhizoma may stimulate the topical hair growth activity and it can be useful for treatment of alopecia areata.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.209-218
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• 2014

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of human multiple sclerosis (MS), reflects pathophysiologic steps in MS such as the influence of T cells and antibodies reactive to the myelin sheath, and the cytotoxic effect of cytokines. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a member of animal lectins that plays an essential role in various biological functions. The expression of Gal-9 is significantly enhanced in MS lesions; however, its role in autoimmune disease has not been fully elucidated. To identify the role of Gal-9 in EAE, we measured changes in mRNA and protein expression of Gal-9 as EAE progressed. Expression increased with disease progression, with a sharp rise occurring at its peak. Gal-9 immunoreactivity was mainly expressed in astrocytes and microglia of the central nervous system (CNS) and macrophages of spleen. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that $Gal-9^+CD11b^+$ cells were dramatically increased in the spleen at the peak of disease. Increased expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-R1 and p-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was observed in the CNS of EAE mice, suggesting that TNF-R1 and p-JNK might be key regulators contributing to the expression of Gal-9 during EAE. These results suggest that identification of the relationship between Gal-9 and EAE progression is critical for better understanding Gal-9 biology in autoimmune disease.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.33 no.8
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• pp.1237-1245
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• 2004

Agaricus blazei Murill is a medicinal mushroom native to Brazil. It used to be a source of antitumor and immunoactive compounds and considered a health food in many countries. In the present study, it was examined the effects of water extract of A. blazei (WEAB) on the growth of human lung carcinoma cell line A549 in order to investigate the anti-proliferative mechanism by WEAB. Treatment of A549 cells to WEAB resulted in the growth inhibition, morphological change and induction of apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner as measured by MTT assay and flow cytometric analysis. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that WEAB caused G2/M phase arrest of the cell cycle, which was associated with a down-regulation of cyclin A in both transcriptional and translational levels. WEAB treatment induced a marked up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21, however, the levels of Cdk2, Cdc2, Wee1, Cdc25C and p53 expression were remained unchanged in WEAB treated cells. In addition, WEAB treatment inhibited the levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA and protein without alteration of COX-l expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that WEAB may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the control of human lung carcinorma cells and further studies will be needed to identify the active compounds that confer the anti-cancer activity of WEAB. Once such compounds are identified, the mechanisms by which they exert their effects can begin to be characterized.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.31-42
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• 2010

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity potential and mechanisms of action of Rhizoma Atractylodis(RA) herbal acupuncture in high fat diet- induced obese ICR mice. Methods : Sample solutions for herbal acupuncture were prepared from the Rhizoma Atractylodis water extract powder at concentration of 150mg/kg and 300mg/kg with distilled water. Five week-old ICR mice acclimatized to the laboratory environment for 1 week were allocated into four groups: regular diet group (RD), high fat diet group(HFD), groups fed HFD with 150mg/kg RA herbal acupuncture treatment (RAE 150) and with 300mg/kg RA herbal acupuncture treatment(RAE 300). Herbal acupuncture groups were injected with either 150mg/kg or 300mg/kg of Rhizoma Atractylodis(RA) subcutaneously onto both Sinsu($BL_{23}$) alternately on the same time everyday for 30days. Body weight, gross appearance of epididymal fat area, blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), non-esterified fatty acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, AST, ALT, histological analysis of white adipose tissue, gene expression responsible for adipocyte differentiation and AMPK activation were analyzed. Results : RA herbal acupuncture inhibited the development of weight gain, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, increases of AST and ALT, and the enlargement of fat cell size induced by HFD. Also, RA herbal acupuncture inhibited the expression of PPAR-${\gamma}$, C/$EBP{\alpha}$, aP2, LPL, FAS, SCD-1 and enhanced the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Conclusions : The results of this study demonstrate that RA herbal acupuncture can exert the anti-obesity effect and it is partially mediated by activation of AMPK and inhibition of the gene expressions responsible for adipocyte differentiation. Further studies will be required to ascertain the nti-obesity effect and mechanisms of action of RA herbal acupuncture in animal models and human for aclinical application.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1994.04a
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• pp.186-186
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• 1994

Many agonists have been known to activate the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids through the bindings with corresponding receptors on the various cells. Diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate(IP3) generated by the action of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) are well known second messengers for the activation of protein kinase C and the mobilization of Ca2+ in many cells. Three types of PI-PLC isozyme (${\alpha}$,${\gamma}$, and $\delta$) and several subtrpes for each type have been identified from mammalian sources by purification of enzymes and cloning of their cDNAs. Each type PI-PLC isozyme is coupled to different receptors and mediators, for example, ${\beta}$-types are coupled to the seven-transmembrane-receptors via Gq family of G-proteins and ${\beta}$-types directly to the receptor tyrosine kinases. Specific modulators for the signaling pathway through each type of PI-PLC should be very useful as potential potential candidates for lend substances in developing novel drugs. To establish the sensitive and convenient screening systems for searching modulators on PI-PLC mediated signaling, two kinds of approaches have been tried. (1) Establishment of in vitro assay condition for each type of PI-PLC isozyme: Overexpression by using vaccinia virus and purification of each isozyme was carried out for the preparation of large amounts of enaymes. Optimum and sensitive assay condition for the measurements of PI-ELC activities were established. (2) Development of the cell lines in which each type of PI-PLC is permanently overexpressed: A fibroblast cell line (3T3${\gamma}$1-7) in which PI-PLC-${\gamma}$1 was overexpressed by using pZip-neo expression vector was developed and used for the measurement of PDGF-induced IP3 formation. The responses for IP3 formed in 3T3${\gamma}$1-7 cells by the treatment of PDGF is 8 times more sensitive than those in control cells. 3T3${\gamma}$l-7 cell is useful for the screening of the inhibitors on the PDGF-induced cellular responses from large number of samples in a small volume(50 ${\mu}$l) and short time(5-15 min). Using these systems, we screened hundreds of herb-extracts for the inhibition of PDGF-induced IP3 formation and selected several extracts that showed the inhibition as the candidates for isolation and characterization of active substances. The determination of the acting point of selected extracts or fractions in the PDGF signaling pathway has been analyzing.

• BMB Reports
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.237-243
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• 2001

Taxol, a natural product extracted from the Taxus brevifolia, is known to have significant anti-tumor activities against many common cancers, including ovarian and breast cancers. Despite the pronounced anti-tumor activity of this compound, its poor solubility in aqueous solutions hampers its clinical applications. We studied the anticancer mechanisms of the water-soluble taxol diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) used for radiolabeling, and compared it to that of taxol. In vitro cytotoxicities of taxol and taxol-DTPA conjugate were tested in HT29 human colorectal cancer cells by the MTT method. As the result, the $IC_{50}$ value of the taxol-DTPA conjugate was about three fold higher than that of taxol. When analyzed by an agarose gel electrophoresis, the DNA ladders became evident after the incubation of cells with the taxol-DTPA conjugate for 24 h. We also found morphological changes of the cells undergoing apoptosis with electron microscopy Next, we examined the signal pathway of taxol-DTPA conjugate-induced apoptosis in HT29 cells. The activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) occurred at 10, 30, 60 and 120 min after 200 nM taxol-DTPA conjugate treatment. The pretreatment of the MEK inhibitor (PD98059) completely blocked the taxol-DTPA conjugate-induced ERK1/2 activation. The activated ERK1/2 translocated into the nucleus at the same time and phosphorylated its transcriptional factor, c-Jun. These results suggest that the taxol-DTPA conjugate has an apoptotic activity in HT29 cells, and that its proapoptic activity might be related with the signal transduction via ERK1/2 and c-Jun similar to that of taxol.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.135-145
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• 2018

Due to the critical location and physiological activities of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell, it is constantly subjected to contact with various infectious agents and inflammatory mediators. However, little is known about the signaling events in RPE involved in Toxoplasma gondii infection and development. The aim of the study is to screen the host mRNA transcriptional change of 3 inflammation-related gene categories, PI3K/Akt pathway regulatory components, blood vessel development factors and ROS regulators, to prove that PI3K/Akt or mTOR signaling pathway play an essential role in regulating the selected inflammation-related genes. The selected genes include PH domain and leucine- rich-repeat protein phosphatases (PHLPP), casein kinase2 (CK2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1). Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we found that T. gondii up-regulates PHLPP2, $CK2{\beta}$, VEGF, GCL, GST and NQO1 gene expression levels, but down-regulates PHLPP1 and PEDF mRNA transcription levels. PI3K inhibition and mTOR inhibition by specific inhibitors showed that most of these host gene expression patterns were due to activation of PI3K/Akt or mTOR pathways with some exceptional cases. Taken together, our results reveal a new molecular mechanism of these gene expression change dependent on PI3K/Akt or mTOR pathways and highlight more systematical insight of how an intracellular T. gondii can manipulate host genes to avoid host defense.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.802-808
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• 2013

Here we tried to uncover the potential anti-lipogenic effect and the underlying mechanism of Phaseolus angularis seed in a cellular model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced in HepG2 cells. Ethanol extract of Phaseolus angularis seed (JSD) was prepared. HepG2 cells were incubated in palmitate containing media to induce intracellular lipid accumulation, and co-treated with JSD for 16 hrs before examine intracellular lipid content. In control group, the cells were not co-treated with JSD. We measured the effects of JSD on liver X receptor ${\alpha}$ ($LXR{\alpha}$) and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1c (SREBP-1c) expression, transcription level of lipogenic genes, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in HepG2 cells. JSD markedly reduced palmitate-induced intracellular lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. JSD suppressed $LXR{\alpha}$/SREBP-1c expression, and SREBP-1c mediated induction of ACC, FAS, and SCD-1. Furthermore, JSD activated AMPK, which plays a major role in the control of hepatic lipid metabolism. Taken together, it is suggested that JSD has a potential to alleviate hepatic steatosis, at least in part, by suppressing $LXR{\alpha}$/SREBP-1c mediated induction of lipogenic genes. In addtion, the anti-lipogenic potential may be associated with activation of AMPK. Therefore, the Phaseolus angularis seed could be applied as a potential therapeutics for NAFLD with additional clinical studies.