• BMB Reports
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.308-313
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• 2018

Small-molecule inhibitors are widely used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases. In this study, we found a novel anti-inflammatory compound, 1-[(2R,4S)-2-methyl-4-(phenylamino)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-1-yl]prop-2-en-1-one (MPQP). It showed strong anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. These effects were exerted through the inhibition of the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, $IL-1{\beta}$, and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$). Furthermore, MPQP decreased the expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Additionally, it mediated the inhibition of the phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the inhibitor of ${\kappa}B{\alpha}$ ($I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$), and their upstream kinases, $I{\kappa}B$ kinase (IKK) ${\alpha}/{\beta}$, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) 3/6, and MKK4. Furthermore, the expression of IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) that regulates $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, and the JNK signaling pathways, was also increased by MPQP. These results indicate that MPQP regulates the IRAK1-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways by targeting IRAK1 or its upstream factors.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.88-99
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• 2008

Objectives: In order to identify the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan-Sam), widely used in Korean traditional medicine, an in vitro screening system was designed using pGL3, a luciferase reporter vector, and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 as target genes. Methods: The promoter regions of each gene were generated by PCR using the human chromosome as template DNA, and inserted into pGL3 vector with Kpn I and Hind III. The final construct was transfected into human myelomonocytic leukemia cells (U-937) that could be differentiated and activated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Using this system, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of several herbal extracts regarded to have the medicinal effects of diminishing body heat and complementing Qi were tested. The chemicals PD98059 and berberine chloride were used as controls of the transcriptional inhibitors of TNF-${\alpha}$ and COX-2, respectively. Results: Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan-Sam) demonstrated significant decrease of TNF-${\alpha}$ and COX-2 mRNA in the in vitro assay system. In MTT assay, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan-Sam) did not significantly inhibit the survival and proliferation of human myelomonocytic leukemia cells (U-937). Conclusions: Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan-Sam) was found to exhibit the significant medicinal properties of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.1225-1232
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• 2005

Based on traditional medicine theories, GC, an extract from 5 herbs, has been formulated and prescribed for the treatment of human rheumatoid arthritis(hRA) for many years. The present studies was done to investigate whether GC has inhibitory effects on activation of fibroblast-like sinoviocytes isolated from a RA patient. In tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha}$)/ interleukin-IL-$1{\beta}$(IL-$1{\beta}$) treated human sinoviocytes, the mRNA expression of molecular indicators related to pathologic changes of the sinoviocytes were examined using quantitative real-time PCR. The treatment of GC($10{\mu}g/ml$) significantly suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6 and IL-8 compared with the control, but not $IL-1{\beta}$, The mRNA level of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) which is known to increase in the activated sinoviocytes of RA patients, was slightly decreased by GC. The expression of NOS-II was considerably reduced, which was accompanied by a decrease in the production of nitric oxide(NO). Furthermore, GC dramatically raised the mRNA levels of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), while those of matrix metalloproteinase-3 were significantly lowered. Taken together, these data suggested that GC might suppress the activation of sinoviocytes in hRA.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.173-180
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• 1991

The objective of this experiment was to examine the effect of polyamine depletion by polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors on microbicidal activity and tumoricidal activity in mouse mac-rophages. $\alpha$ -Difluoromethylomithine (DFMO), inhibitor of putrescine and spernidine biosynthesis, treatment in vivo for 6-8 days reduced chemiluminescence levels in thioglycollate-, lipo-polysaccharide (LPS), and BCG-treated mouse macrophages. An DFMO treatment in vitro inhibited production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), in dose-dependent manner, and tumoricidal activity by macrophages. The effect of polyamine depletion by MO on ThF production and tumoricidal activity could be reversed by the addition of exogenous putrescine. These result indicated that the obserbed effect of DFMO on macrophage activities were mediated through inhibition of polyamines are, must be, required for optimal activities of macrophages.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.425-437
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• 2004

Medicinal plants are of great importance in providing healthcare to a large portion of the population in Korea. A number of plants are described in Dong-Ui-Bo-Gam for use in the treatment of allergic disorders, namely psoriasis, eczema, bronchial asthma, etc. In this study, we evaluated the effect of AllerQ, which is multi-complexes of various plants extracts such like Mori folium, Scutellaria baicallensis, Glycyrrhiza uralnsis, Mentha sacharinensis and Poncirus trifoliata on compound 48/80 induced anaphylactic shock, ovalbumin induced asthma in vivo and anti-IgE antibody induced hypersensitivity in vitro. We found antianaphylactic or antiallergic properties of AllerQ when given orally. AllerQ for prophylactic treatment for anaphylactic shocks have produced good results. AllerQ may modulate various aspects of immune function and allergic inflammation. In the present study, we analyse the effects of AllerQ on mast cell degranulation, mortality, cAMP/cGMP, O₂, H₂O₂ level, cyokine production and on the elicitation of IgE-mediated mast cell-dependent allergic inflammation in vivo and in vitro. We have established that AllerQ inhibited histamine release, cAMP/cGMP, O₂, H₂O₂ level, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) and IL-6 production without having any significant physical change. These effects have been observed in mast cell(in vitro) and serum(in vivo) derived from three different origins that were activated by either immunological or non-immunological stimuli. These results suggest that the antianaphylactic and antiasthma tic action of AllerQ may be associated with an increase in the intracellular inhibition of the cAMP phosphodiesterase. Furthermore, AllerQ identified as potent inhibitors on O₂, H₂O₂ and cytokine activity. these data suggest that AllerQ may have an inhibitory role in mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation, and thus might be considered as an useful functional food.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.83-89
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• 2017

Objectives : The present study was designed to determine the effects of mixture of Achyranthis Japonicae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, and Acanthopanacis Cortex on monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis in rats. The mixture was composed of Achyranthis Japonicae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, and Acanthopanacis Cortex extracts. Methods : Arthritis was induced by injection of MIA into knee joints of rats. At the end of experiment, gross examination on the articular structures of knee joints were performed. Proteoglycan (PG) contents in articular cartilages were analysed as well. Tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$($TNF-{\alpha}$) and $interleukin-1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$) contents in synovial fluids were measured by ELISA method and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) mRNA were measured by a realtime PCR. Results : The surfaces of the articular cartilage were observed. The severity of osteoarthritis in the treated group were alleviated compared with control group. PG contents in articular cartilages of the treated group were increased compared with control group. $IL-1{\beta}$ contents in synovial fluids of the treated group were significantly decreased compared with control group. MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA contents in articular cartilages were significantly decreased compared with control group and TIMP1 mRNA contents were increased compared with control group. Conclusions : On the basis of these results, we concluded that Achyranthis Japonicae Radix-containing mixture treatment has anti-arthritic effects on the MIA-induced osteoarthritis in rats. And the effects were related with the reduction of $IL-1{\beta}$ in synovial membranes and the consequent reduction of MMP2 and MMP9 expressions.

• International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.156-162
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• 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive joint deterioration; Furthermore, RA can also affect body tissues, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. The early stages of RA can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. It is not known exactly what triggers the onset of RA and how to cure the disease. But recent discoveries indicate that remission of symptoms is more likely when treatment begins early with strong medications known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are typical examples of biotherapies that have been developed for RA. The substances may occur naturally in the body or may be made in the laboratory. Other biological therapies care biological response modifiers (BRMs)such as monoclonal antibodies, interferon, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and a protein binder using repeat units. These substances play significant anti-inflammatory roles. Proteins with recurrent, conserved amino acid stretches mediate interactions among proteins for essential biological functions; for example, ankyrin (ANK), Heat repeat protein (HEAT), armadillo repeat protein (ARM) and tetratricopeptide repeats (TPR). Here, we describe Leucine rich repeats (LRR) that ideally fold together to form a solenoid protein domain and is more applicable to our current study than the previously mentioned examples. Although BRMs have limitations in terms of immunogenicity and effector functions, among other factors, in the context therapeutic use and for proteomics research, We has become clear that repeat-unit-derived binding proteins will increasingly be used in biotechnology and medicine.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.9
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• pp.1363-1369
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• 2013

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can selectively induce apoptosis by targeting cancer cells. However, some cancer cells are resistant to TRAIL-induced cytotoxicity. One method of overcoming TRAIL resistance is combination treatment with reagents to sensitize cells to TRAIL. Luteolin, a flavonoid, has been shown to have anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in various cancer cell lines in vitro. In this study, we investigated the effects of combination treatment with non-toxic concentration of TRAIL and luteolin in T24 human bladder cancer cells. Combined treatment with luteolin and TRAIL significantly inhibits cell proliferation via activation of caspases by inducing Bid truncation, up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). However, the apoptotic effects of combination treatment with luteolin and TRAIL were significantly inhibited by specific caspases inhibitors. Taken together, these results indicate that combination treatment with TRAIL and luteolin can induce apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant cancer cells through down-regulation of XIAP and modulation of tBid and Bax expression.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.1174-1178
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• 2011

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are microbial polysaccharides that are released outside of the bacterial cell wall. There have been few studies on EPS-producing lactic acid bacteria that can enhance macrophage activity and the underlying signaling mechanism for cytokine expression. In the current study, EPS-overproducing Lactobacillus (L.) paracasei KB28 was isolated from kimchi and cultivated in conditioned media containing glucose, sucrose, and lactose. The whole bacterial cells were obtained with their EPS being attached, and the cytokine-inducing activities of these cells were investigated. Gas chromatography analysis showed the presence of glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, arabinose, and rhamnose in EPS composition. EPS-producing L. paracasei KB28 induced the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12 in mouse macrophages. This strain also caused the degradation of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and phosphorylation of the major MAPKs: Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2. The use of pharmacological inhibitors showed that different signaling pathways were involved in the induction of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and IL-12 by L. paracasei KB28. Our results provide information for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the immunomodulatory effect of food-derived EPS-producing lactic acid bacteria.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.423-430
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• 2020

Telmisartan is an angiotensin-II receptor blocker and acts as a selective modulator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Several studies have demonstrated that telmisartan ameliorates depression and memory dysfunction and reduces brain inflammation. We hypothesized that the beneficial effects of telmisartan on brain could be due to modulation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. Here, we examined the effect of telmisartan on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) which plays an important role in leukocyte transcytosis through the BBB. Telmisartan blocked TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression and leukocyte adhesion in U87MG human glioma cells but showed no effect on human brain microvascular endothelial cells. In U87MG cells, a PPAR antagonist, GW9662 did not block the effect of telmisartan on ICAM1 expression but rather potentiated. Moreover, GW9662 caused no change in TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression, suggesting no implication of PPARγ in the telmisartan effect. Further studies showed that telmisartan blocked TNF-α-induced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, and nuclear factorkappa B (NF-κB). In contrast, inhibitors of JNK, ERK1/2 and NF-κB but not p38, blocked ICAM-1 expression induced by TNF-α. Thus, our findings suggest that the beneficial effect of telmisartan is likely due to the reduction of astrocytic ICAM1 expression and leukocytes adhesion to astrocytes, and that this response was mediated by the inhibition of JNK/ERK1/2/NF-κB activation and in the PPAR-independent manner. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of the mechanism by which telmisartan exerts the beneficial brain function.