• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.743-748
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• 2008

Amyloid $\beta$ peptide ($A{\beta}$) is known to increase oxidative stress in nerve cells, leading to apoptosis that is characterized by free radical formation and lipid peroxidation. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are characterized by large deposits of $A{\beta}$ in the brain. In our study, neuronal protective effects of green tea, along with water activity (0.813), and leaf storage periods (fresh leaf, or leaf stored for up to 4 weeks) were investigated. We measured protective effects against $A{\beta}$-induced cytotoxicity in neuron-like PC12 cells. Powdered green tea was extracted with distilled water at $70^{\circ}C$ for 5 min, and this extract was freeze-dried and stored at $-20^{\circ}C$ until use. In cell viability assays using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), the fresh extract, and that obtained after 1 week of leaf storage, showed the best protective effects against $A{\beta}$-induced neurotoxicity. As oxidative stress causes membrane breakdown, the protective effect of green tea extracts was investigated using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and trypan blue exclusion assays. LDH release into the medium was inhibited (by 20-25%) in all tests. In addition, all green tea extracts (fresh, or stored before extraction for up to 4 weeks) showed better cell protective effects ($93.3{\pm}1.8-96.2{\pm}2.4$) than did vitamin C ($91.0{\pm}1.6$), used as a positive control. The results suggest that effectiveness of green tea extracts falls with prolonged leaf storage.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.561-574
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• 2000

Poly-P has been used to prevent decomposition of foods and has been shown to have inhibitory effect on the growth of gram positive bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of poly-P on the growth of Porphyromonas endodontalis, a gram negative obligate anaerobic rod, endodontopathic bacterium. P. endodontalis ATCC 35406 was in BHI broth containing hemin and vitamin K with or without poly-P. Inhibitory effect of each poly-P which was added at the beginning(lag phase) or during(exponential phase) the culture, MIC(minimum inhibitory concentration) was determined by measuring the optical density of the bacterial cell at 540nm. Viable cell counts were measured to determined whether poly-P has a bactericidal effect. Leakage of intracellular nucleotides from P. endodontalis was determined at 260nm and morphological change of P. endodontalis was observed under the TEM(transmission electron microscope). Binding of 32P-labeled poly-P to P. endodontalis was examined. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and zymography were performed to observe the changes in protein and enzyme profiles of P. endodontalis, respectively. The results from this study were as follows : 1. The minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC) of poly-P to P. endodontalis appeared to be 0.04~0.05%. 2. Poly-P added to the P. endodontalis culture during the exponential phase of P. endodontalis was as much effective as poly-P added at the begining of the culture, suggesting that the antibacterial effect of poly-P is not much dependent on the initial inoculum size of P. endodontalis. 3. Poly-P are bactericidal to P. endodontalis, demonstrating the decrease of the viable cell counts. 4. Intracellular nucleotide release from the P. endodontalis, was not increased in the presence of poly-P and was not reversed by the addition of divalent cations like $Ca^{2+}$ and $Mg^{2-}$. 5. Under the TEM, it was observed that fine electro-dense materials were prominent in the poly-P grown P. endodontalis, appearing locally in the cell, and the materials were more abundant and more dispersed in the cell as the incubation time with poly-P increased. In addition, highly electron dense granules accumulated in many poly-P grown cells, most of which were atypical in their shape. 6. Binding of 32P-labeled poly-P to P. endodontalis appeared to be 32.8 and 45.5 and 53.4% at 30 minutes, 1 hours and 2 hours, respectively. 7. In the presence of poly-P. the synthesis of proteins with apparent molecular masses of 25, 27, 35, 45 was lost or drastically decreased whereas expression of a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 75 was elevated. 8. Proteolytic activity of P. endodontalis was decreased by poly-P. The overall results suggest that use of poly-P may affect the growth of P. endodontalis, and the anti-bacterial activity of poly-P seems largely bactericidal. Changes in shape, protein expression, and proteolytic activity of P. endodontalis by poly-P may be directly and indirectly attributed to the antibacterial effect of poly-P. Further studies will be needed to confirm the effect of poly-P.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.206-213
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• 2009

Sophora flavescens, as a traditional herbal medicine, has been used to treat with a variety of disesases, In previous reports, S. flavescens and sophoraflavanone G (a prenylated flavonoid from S. flavescens) inhibited cytokines productions in LPS-induced Raw 264.7 macrophages cells and BV2 microglial cells. We examined on the anti-allergic effect of S. flavescens on the PMA plus A23187-induced rat leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. S. flavescens inhibited the release of $\beta$-hexosaminidase and productions and expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$, interleukin (IL)-4 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in a dose-dependent manner on stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, however, S. flavescens not affect cell viability. The protein expression level of nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ (p65) was decreased in the nucleus and suppressed the degradation of inhibitory protein $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ protein, the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) by S. flavescens. These results suggest that S. flavescens could be involved anti-allergic effect by control of $NF-{\kappa}B$ (p65) translocation into the nucleus through inhibition of $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines expression.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.431-439
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• 2014

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ginsenoside-Rb2 (Rb2) can affect the secretion of catecholamines (CA) in the perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla. Rb2 ($3{\sim}30{\mu}M$), perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min, inhibited ACh (5.32 mM)-evoked CA secretory response in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Rb2 ($10{\mu}M$) also time-dependently inhibited the CA secretion evoked by DMPP ($100{\mu}M$, a selective neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist) and high $K^+$ (56 mM, a direct membrane depolarizer). Rb2 itself did not affect basal CA secretion (data not shown). Also, in the presence of Rb2 ($50{\mu}g/mL$), the secretory responses of CA evoked by veratridine (a selective $Na^+$ channel activator ($50{\mu}M$), Bay-K-8644 (an L-type dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channel activator, $10{\mu}M$), and cyclopiazonic acid (a cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase inhibitor, $10{\mu}M$) were significantly reduced, respectively. Interestingly, in the simultaneous presence of Rb2 ($10{\mu}M$) and L-NAME (an inhibitor of NO synthase, $30{\mu}M$), the inhibitory responses of Rb2 on ACh-evoked CA secretory response was considerably recovered to the extent of the corresponding control secretion compared with the inhibitory effect of Rb2-treatment alone. Practically, the level of NO released from adrenal medulla after the treatment of Rb2 ($10{\mu}M$) was greatly elevated compared to the corresponding basal released level. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Rb2 inhibits the CA secretory responses evoked by nicotinic stimulation as well as by direct membrane-depolarization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal medulla. It seems that this inhibitory effect of Rb2 is mediated by inhibiting both the influx of $Ca^{2+}$ and $Na^+$ into the adrenomedullary chromaffin cells and also by suppressing the release of $Ca^{2+}$ from the cytoplasmic calcium store, at least partly through the increased NO production due to the activation of nitric oxide synthase, which is relevant to neuronal nicotinic receptor blockade.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.149-159
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• 2000

Bee-venom Acupucture has good effect on pain control but We may be anxious about the problem of side-effect. Bee-venom components are composed of phospholipase $A_2$, hyaluronidase, melitin, apamin, MCD peptide, citrate and so on. Especially Apamin, MCD peptide and histamine cause severe reacting that is named Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a clinical syndrome characterized by the acute system reaction of multiple organ systems to an IgE-mediated immunologic mediator release in previously sensitized individuals. Respiratory and dermatologic manifestations are the most commonly expressed clinical features of anaphylaxis, and a majority of anaphylactic reactions initially appear to be localized to these two systems. Anaphylatic reaction of bee-venom are expressed clinically ulticaria, itching sensation, erythema, dizziness, nausea, hypotension and so on. Especially ulticaria and erythema are end points of increased vascular permeability and vasodilatation at the other extreme of the clinical spectrum, Gastrointestinal mucosal edema and smooth muscle contraction can result in cramping abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, we have observed anaphylatic reaction of bee-venom in 11 patients, who visited WonKwang University Kunpo Oriental Medical Center, treated bee venom. The results were summarized as follows : 1. The patient distribution ratio, in regard to sex, was shown to be 1 : 2.67 for male to females. In regard to age, it was shown that people in their 30's was the most predominant case, followed by people in their 20's, 30's, 50's and 60's, respectively. 2. When Anaphylaxis was occured, it was observed to abnormality of CBC, LFT, IgE, IgG. 3. In regard to patient condition, it was observed that fatigue was most frequent. 4. In regard to the number of times and quantity of bee venom inj., it was observed that anaphylaxis is most frequent at 7-10 times(1.6-2.0cc) 5. In regard to duration of reaction, it was observed that people in their l0min' was most frequent. In disappearing duration of anaphylaxic reaction, The results showed under 60min lcases(9%), 60-120min 7cases(64%) and 180-240min 3cases(27%). 6. In symptoms of anaphylaxis, The results showed hypotension 8cases(19%), itching sensation 7cases(16%), nausea 4cases(9%), erythema 4cases(9%) and dizziness 4cases(9%). In mentality, The results showed drowsy 8case(73%) and alert 3cases(27%). 7. Generally, patients were treated with Avil, Dexa IM and PDS, peniramine, cimetidine, Q-zyme per os after H/S, N/S inj. $O_2$ was supplied according to patient's symptom. In 1 severe case, Dopamine was iv injected.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.11
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• pp.1600-1608
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• 2005

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of exogenous bovine somatotropin on water metabolism in relation to mammary function in early lactation of crossbred Holstein cattle. Ten, 87.5% crossbred Holstein cattle were divided into two groups of 5 animals each. At day 60 of lactation, the control group was given placebo while animals in the experimental group were given recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) by subcutaneous injection with 500 mg of rbST (14-days prolonged-release rbST). In rbSTtreated animals, milk yield increased 19.8%, which coincided with a significant increase in water intake (p<0.01), while DM daily intake was not different when compared to the control animals. Water turnover rate as absolute values significantly increased (p<0.05), while the biological half-life of water did not change in rbST-treated animals. Total body water (TBW) and total body water space (TOH) as absolute values significantly increased (p<0.01) in rbST-treated animals, while it was decreased in the control animals. Absolute values of empty body water (EBW) markedly increased (p<0.05), which was associated with an increase in the extracellular fluid (ECF) volume. Absolute values of plasma volume and blood volume were also significantly increased (p<0.05) in rbST-treated animals. The increase in mammary blood flow in rbST-treated animals was proportionally higher than an increase in milk production. The plasma IGF-1 concentration was significantly increased (p<0.01) in rbST-treated animals when compared with those of control animals during the treatment period. Milk fat concentration increased during rbST treatment, while the concentrations of both protein and lactose in milk were not affected. The present results indicate that rbST exerts its effect on an increase in both TBW and EBW. An increased ECF compartment in rbST-treated animals might partly result from the decrease in fat mass during early lactation. The action of rbST on mammary blood flow might not be mediated solely by the action of IGF-1 for increase in blood flow to mammary gland. An elevation of body fluid during rbST treatment in early lactation may be partly a result of an increase in mammary blood flow in distribution of milk precursors to the gland.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.23 no.1 s.53
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• pp.38-43
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• 1999

Ginseng total saponins (ginsenosides) are biologically active main ingredients of Panax ginseng. In present study, we have investigated whether pretreatment of ginsenosides inhibited capsaicin-induced pain at the spinal level, in the view that capsaicin causes substance P (SP) release from primary afferents. Ginsenosides relieved capsaicin-induced pain in a dose-dependent manner. The $ED_{50}$ of the effect was 43 (20-93, $95\%$ C.I.) ${\mu}g/mouse$. We investigated excitatory amino acids-induced nociceptive responses in mice, because these agents are also involved in nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord. Coadministration of ginsenosides with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or kainate via i.t. inhibited NMDA- but not kainate-induced pain behaviors. The $ED_{50}$ for the inhibition of NMDA-induced pain by ginsenosides was 37 (21-66, $95\%$ C.I.) ${\mu}g/mouse$. These results suggest that the ginsenosides-induced antinociception results from blocking of pain transmitter-induced nociceptive information at the spinal level.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.499-502
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• 2007

The study was performed to assess the antinociceptive efficacy of Korean bee venom(BV) in the rat formalin test. Korean BV was collected using BV collector devices in which an electrical impulse is used to stimulate the worker bee(Apis mellifera L.) to sting and release venom. After collection, whole Korean BV was evaporated until dry using BV collector. Experiments were performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats(weighing 260-270, 6 weeks old). Rats divided into 4 groups, each comprising 8 rats. BV was diluted and amounts of 6 mg/kg body weight(BW), 0.6 mg/kg BW and 0.06 mg/kg BW were tested. BV was subcutaneously injected to produce an antinociceptive effect and the antinociceptive efficacy was evaluated using a rat formalin test. BV was subcutaneously injected into an acupoint(Zusanli, ST36) at 15 min prior to 1% formalin($50{\mu}l$) injection. The antinociceptive effect observed during 60 min following formalin administration. BV produced antinociceptive efficacy from 10 to 60 min after formalin injection. The antinociceptive efficacy of Korean BV showed a dose-dependent response. These results suggest that Korean BV may be a suitable and preferred choice for antinociceptive efficacy in pain management.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.767-773
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• 2004

Substantial evidence suggests that repeated injections of nicotine produce increase in locomotor activity and expression of the immediate-early gene, c-fos in the dopaminergic target areas. Herbal medicine as a therapeutic intervention has been widely used for the treatment of mental dysfunction. Many studies have shown that Cortex Phellodendris (CP) can affect the biochemical balance in the central nervous system. In order to investigate whether CP have an influence on their nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization, we examined the effect of CP on nicotine-induced locomotor activity and c-Fos expression in the striatum and nucleus accumbens utilizing the Fos-like immunohistochemistry (FLI). Male SD rats received CP (200㎎/㎏, i.p.) 30 min before repeated daily injections of nicotine (0.4㎎/㎏, s.c.) for 7 days. Rats were followed withdrawal for 3 days and one challenge for 1 day. System challenge with nicotine produced a much larger increase in locomotor activity and accumbal FLI. Pretreatment with CP significanly inhibited nicotine-induced locomotor activity and FLI in the striuatum and nucleus accumbens. These results demonstrated that reduction in locomotor activity by CP may be reflected by reduction of dopamine release and postsynaptic neuronal activity in the striatum and nucleus accumbens. Our results suggest that CP may have therapeutic effect on nicotine addiction. Supported by a fund (99-PJ9-PG1-002-0004).

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.137-145
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• 2012

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is the most important etiologic agent of aggressive periodontitis and can interact with endothelial cells. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are chemokines, playing important roles in periodontal pathogenesis. In our current study, the effects of A. actinomycetemcomitans on the production of MCP-1 and IL-8 by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were investigated. A. actinomycetemcomitans strongly induced the gene expression and protein release of both MCP-1 and IL-8 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Dead A. actinomycetemcomitans cells were as effective as live bacteria in this induction. Treatment of HUVEC with cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of endocytosis, did not affect the mRNA up-regulation of MCP-1 and IL-8 by A. actinomycetemcomitans. However, genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases, substantially inhibited the MCP-1 and IL-8 production by A. actinomycetemcomitans, whereas pharmacological inhibition of each of three members of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family had little effect. Furthermore, gel shift assays showed that A. actinomycetemcomitans induces a biphasic activation (early at 1-2 h and late at 8-16 h) of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) and an early brief activation (0.5-2 h) of activator protein-1 (AP-1). Activation of canonical NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway ($I{\kappa}B$ kinase activation and $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation) was also demonstrated in these experiments. Although lipopolysaccharide from A. actinomycetemcomitans also induced NF-${\kappa}B$ activation, this activation profile over time differed from that of live A. actinomycetemcomitans. These results suggest that the expression of MCP-1 and IL-8 is potently increased by A. actinomycetemcomitans in endothelial cells, and that the viability of A. actinomycetemcomitans and bacterial internalization are not required for this effect, whereas the activation of protein tyrosine kinase(s), NF-${\kappa}B$, and AP-1 appears to play important roles. The secretion of high levels of MCP-1 and IL-8 resulting from interactions of A. actinomycetemcomitans with endothelial cells may thus contribute to the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis.