• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.81-88
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• 2018

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of an aqueous extract from Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser (TCE) in Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) rat model. Methods : Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into the following four groups (n=6 per group): Normal (saline control), MIA (MIA-induced OA with vehicle), TCE (MIA-induced with TCE treatment), and IM (MIA-induced with indomethacin treatment). Rats in which OA was induced by MIA were treated with TCE (200 mg/kg) or indomethacin (1 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Weight-bearing on the hind legs and body weights were measured weekly. At the end of the experiment (3 weeks after MIA injection), serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were measured to assess the liver toxicity induced by TCE. Its effects on serum inflammatory cytokine levels and tissue histopathology were also evaluated. Results : TCE restored the hind limb weight-bearing distribution. Serum levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were significantly higher in the MIA group than in the Normal group, but serum IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the TCE group. In the TCE group, the synovial membrane was protected in hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin-O staining, respectively. Conclusions : TCE recovered the hind paw weight bearing distribution, inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokine, and protected synovial tissue and cartilage in the OA rat model. Therefore, TCE appears to be an effective therapeutic agent for treating OA and OA-related symptoms.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.19-28
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• 2018

Objectives : Epimedii Herba has been frequently used in Korean Traditional Medicine to treat impotence, spermatorrhoea, exophthalmos, and forgetfulness. Present study investigated anti-inflammatory effects of Epimedii Herba water extract (EWE) and attempted to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved. Methods : To explore anti-inflammatory effects of EWE, RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line, were pretreated with $10-100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of EWE, and then subsequently exposed to $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Levels of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6, $interleukin-1{\beta}$, and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ were monitored in the medium. Expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 were determined by immunoblot and real-time PCR analyses. Signaling pathways related with nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) and mitogen-activated protein kinases were monitored to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved. Finally, the role of three flavonoid compounds in EWE on LPS-mediated NO production were investigated. Results : In conditioned medium, pretreatment of EWE ($100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated NO and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. In addition, EWE attenuated the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 by LPS. EWE prevented the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory ${\kappa}B{\alpha}$, nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$, and DNA binding of $NF-{\kappa}B$, while EWE did not change the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by LPS. Moreover, icariin, icaritin, and quercetin partly, but significantly, inhibited the LPS-stimulated NO production. Conclusions : These results suggest that EWE has an ability to prevent inflammation in macrophages through inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathway.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.75-80
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• 2019

Objectives : Dictamni Radicis Cortex (DRC) has been used as an important traditional medicine for inflammation and fungal diseases. However, the protective effect of DRC water extract on acute pancreatitis (AP) has not been deeply reported. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the protective effects of DRC water extract on cerulein-induced AP. Methods : AP was induced via intraperitoneal injection of supramaximal concentrations of stable cholecystokinin analogue cerulein ($50{\mu}g/kg$) every hour for 6 times. DRC water extract (0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 g/kg) or saline was administrated intraperitoneally 1 h before to the first injection of cerulein. The mice were sacrificed at 6 h after the final cerulein injection. Pancreas was rapidly removed for histochemical examination and myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to examine mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and Tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$. Results : Administration of DRC water extract significantly inhibited the pancreatic weight to body weight ratio, pancreas histological damages and increase of pancreatic MPO activity during cerulein-induced AP. In addition, increased pancreatic mRNA levels of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 but not $TNF-{\alpha}$ were significantly inhibited by treatment of DRC water extract against cerulein-induced AP. Conclusions : In conclusion, we have revealed that pre-treatment of DRC water extract reduces the severity of cerulein-induced AP. Accordingly, our results could give a clinical basis that DRC could be used as a drug or agent to prevent AP.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 2020

Objectives : The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of Corni Fructus 30% ethanol extract (CFE) on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods : The subjects were divided into 4 groups ; Normal group (N, n=10), MIA-induced osteoarthritis control group (Con, n=10), indomethacin 5 mg/kg treated group (INDO, n=10), CFE 200 mg/kg treated group (CFE, n=10). Blood and articulation tissues were collected after two weeks of drug administration. Oxidative stress was analyzed with reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite (ONOO-). And the Nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase-1/2 (GPx-1/2), Nuclear Factor Kappa B p65 (NF-κBp65), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) were investigated by western blot. Results : The administration of CFE showed a significant reduction of changes in relative hind paw weight distribution. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxy nitrite (ONOO-) levels of articulation tissues were significantly decreased in CFE compared to the control group. Western blot measurements of Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, catalase, GPx-1/2 showed that the CFE group was increased compared to the Con group. And western blot measurements of NF-κBp65, COX-2, iNOS, TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β showed that the CFE group was reduced compared to the Con group. Also CFE group decreased MMP-1 and increased TIMP-1. Conclusion : Based on the above results, it can be seen that osteoarthritis is improved when Corni Fructus 30% ethanol extract treated.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.17-24
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• 2020

Objectives : The objective of this study was to evaluate the gastric protective effect of Curcuma Longae Rhizoma (CLR) in 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol induced gastric ulcer (GU) in mice. Methods : Forty ICR mice were divided into five groups (n=8/Group): Nor group; Normal, Veh group; GU control, SC group; GU + sucralfate 10 mg/kg, CL; GU + CLR 30% ethanol extract 100 mg/kg, CH group; GU + CLR 30% ethanol extract 200 mg/kg. Then, mice were orally administered with 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol and caused GU. After 1 hr, mice were sacrificed, and blood and stomach tissue were collected. Results : CLR showed significance scavenging effects in 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activities (DPPH IC₅₀; 78.18 ± 0.60 ㎍/㎖, ABTS IC₅₀; 55.91 ± 1.86 ㎍/㎖). CLR significance reduce inflammatory-related factors such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) via nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inactivation. In addition, the activation of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) significantly led to up-regulation of anti-oxidant enzymes including factors heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), super oxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase-1/2 (GPx-1/2). Conclusions : Our discovery provides that CLR possesses anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, CLR may ameliorate the development of gastric ulcer though the inhibition of NF-κB inflammatory pathway and the elevation of Nrf2 anti-oxidant pathway.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2022

Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the healing effect of Cordyceps Militaris (CM) on collagen II-induced arthritis rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (normal, control, positive control, CM with low/medium/high dosage each). Type II collagen mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant (with 1:1 v/v) was injected subcutaneously, and the mixture was injected in a same manner one week after the first injection to boost arthritis. Arthritis index, paw thickness and von Frey test were conducted to observe physical changes. hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe knee cartilage. The levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of interleukin (IL)-1𝛽, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-𝛼) in spleen were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs on multiple joints and can lead to temporary shape change of bones or organ failure in severe cases. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of CM extract on rheumatoid arthritis by measuring paw thickness, arthritis index, conducting von Frey test and H&E staining, and evaluating the level of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, TNF-𝛼. As a result, paw thickness, arthritis index significantly decreased in low concentration group, hind leg became less sensitive in all expermental groups. Also, histological analysis showed that the damage of knee cartilage was prevented in all experimental groups. The level of mRNA of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, and TNF-𝛼 in spleen was analyzed to decide the effectiveness of CM extract. IL-1𝛽 did not show significant change, but IL-6 and TNF-𝛼 showed significant decrease in at least one of the experimental groups. Conclusions CM showed protective effect on knee tissue destruction and improved the physical conditions of the leg involving arthritis. Also, it showed that CM has anti-inflammatory effect on specific cytokines inducing rheumatoid arthritis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the therapeutic potential of CM for the treatment rheumatoid arthritis, and set the foundation for the further studies.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.46.1-46.18
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• 2020

Background: High concentrations of particulate matter less than 2.5 ㎛ in diameter (PM2.5) in poultry houses is an important cause of respiratory disease in animals and humans. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can induce severe respiratory disease in animals under stress or with abnormal immune functions. When excessively high concentrations of PM2.5 in poultry houses damage the respiratory system and impair host immunity, secondary infections with P. aeruginosa can occur and produce a more intense inflammatory response, resulting in more severe lung injury. Objectives: In this study, we focused on the synergistic induction of inflammatory injury in the respiratory system and the related molecular mechanisms induced by PM2.5 and P. aeruginosa in poultry houses. Methods: High-throughput 16S rDNA sequence analysis was used for characterizing the bacterial diversity and relative abundance of the PM2.5 samples, and the effects of PM2.5 and P. aeruginosa stimulation on inflammation were detected by in vitro and in vivo. Results: Sequencing results indicated that the PM2.5 in poultry houses contained a high abundance of potentially pathogenic genera, such as Pseudomonas (2.94%). The lung tissues of mice had more significant pathological damage when co-stimulated by PM2.5 and P. aeruginosa, and it can increase the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α through nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions: The results confirmed that poultry house PM2.5 in combination with P. aeruginosa could aggravate the inflammatory response and cause more severe respiratory system injuries through a process closely related to the activation of the NF-κB pathway.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.166-182
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• 2022

Deer antler velvet is widely used in traditional medicine for its anti-aging, antioxidant, and immunity-enhancing effects. However, few studies have reported on the discovery of probiotic strains for deer antler fermentation to increase functional ingredient absorption. This study evaluated the ability of probiotic lactic acid bacteria to enhance the concentrations of bioactive molecules (e.g., sialic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) in extracts of deer antler velvet. Seventeen strains of Lactobacillus spp. that were isolated from kimchi and infant feces, including L. sakei, L. rhamnosus, L. brevis, and L. plantarum, and those that improved the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans were selected for evaluation. Of the 17 strains, 2 (L. rhamnosus LFR20-004 and L. sakei LFR20-007) were selected based on data showing that these strains increased both the sialic acid and GABA contents of deer antler extract after fermentation for 2 d and significantly improved the life span of C. elegans. Co-fermentation with both strains further increased the concentrations of sialic acid, GABA, and metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and amino acids. We evaluated the biological effects of the fermented antler velvet (FAV) on the antibacterial immune response in C. elegans by assessing worm survival after pathogen infection. The survival of the C. elegans conditioned with FAV for 24h was significantly higher compared with that of the control worm group fed only normal feed (non-pathogenic E. coli OP50) exposed to E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhi, and Listeria monocytogenes. To evaluate the protective effects of FAV on immune response, cyclophosphamide (Cy), an immune-suppressing agent was treated to in vitro and in vivo. We found that FAV significantly restored viability of mice splenocytes and immune promoting-related cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], interferon [IFN]-γ, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) were activated compared to non-fermented deer antlers. This finding indicated the protective effect of FAV against Cy-induced cell death and immunosuppressed mice. Taken together, our study suggests that immune-promoting antler velvet can be produced through fermentation using L. rhamnosus LFR20-004 and L. sakei LFR20-007.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.916-926
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• 2022

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) with organic acids (OA) on growth performance, fecal score, blood profiles, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in weaning pigs. Methods: A total of 120 weaning pigs ([Yorkshire×Landrace]×Duroc) with an average body weight (BW) of 8.00±0.87 kg were assigned in five treatments considering sex and initial BW in 3 replications with 8 pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. The experimental diets included a corn-soybean meal based basal diet with or without 0.1% or 0.2% MCT and 0.1% OA. The pigs were fed the diets for 5 weeks (phase 1, 0 to 2 weeks; phase 2, 3 to 5 weeks). A total of 15 barrows with an average BW of 12.48±0.37 kg were used to evaluate the nutrient digestibility by total collection method. The BW and feed intake were measured at the end of each phase. Blood samples and small intestine samples were collected at the end of each phase, too. Results: Supplementing 0.1% MCT with 0.1% OA showed greater BW for week 5 and average daily gain (ADG) for overall period than control diet. Supplementing 0.1% MCT increased (p<0.05) ADG and improved (p<0.05) gain:feed ratio for phase 1. Dietary MCT and OA did not affect the fecal score and blood concentration of cortisol, immunoglobulin G, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-10 in weaning pigs. Pigs fed the diets with 0.1% MCT had greater (p<0.05) villus height of duodenum and ileum for phase 1. Also, pigs fed the diet with 0.1% OA showed greater (p<0.05) villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio of duodenum for phase 2. There was no significant difference in nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention of pigs. Conclusion: Addition of 0.1% MCT with 0.1% OA in weaning pig's diet improved growth performance partly by enhancing intestinal morphology in weaning pigs.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.589-603
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have reported that protein supplementation contributes to the attenuation of inflammation. Serious trauma such as burn injury usually results in the excessive release of inflammatory factors and organs dysfunction. However, a few reports continued to focus on the function of protein ingestion in regulating burn-induced inflammation and organ dysfunction. MATERIALS/METHODS: This study established the rat model of 30% total body surface area burn injury, and evaluated the function of blended protein (mixture of whey and soybean proteins). Blood routine examination, inflammatory factors, blood biochemistry, and immunohistochemical assays were employed to analyze the samples from different treatment groups. RESULTS: Our results indicated a decrease in the numbers of white blood cells, monocytes, and neutrophils in the burn injury group administered with the blended protein nutritional support (Burn+BP), as compared to the burn injury group administered normal saline supplementation (Burn+S). Expressions of the pro-inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and chemokines (macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted factor, and C-C motif chemokine 11) were dramatically decreased, whereas anti-inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13) were significantly increased in the Burn+BP group. Kidney function related markers blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, and the liver function related markers alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were remarkably reduced, whereas albumin levels were elevated in the Burn+BP group as compared to levels obtained in the Burn+S group. Furthermore, inflammatory cells infiltration of the kidney and liver was also attenuated after burn injury administered with blended protein supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, nutritional support with blended proteins dramatically attenuates the burn-induced inflammatory reaction and protects organ functions. We believe this is a new insight into a potential therapeutic strategy for nutritional support of burn patients.