• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.18
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• pp.8271-8279
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• 2016

Background: Hepato-carcinogenesis is multifaceted in its molecular aspects. Among the interplaying agents are altered gap junctions, the proteasome/autophagy system, and mitochondria. The present experimental study was designed to outline the roles of these players and to investigate the tumor suppressive effects of curcumin with or without mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: Adult female albino rats were divided into normal controls and animals with HCC induced by diethyl-nitrosamine (DENA) and $CCl_4$. Additional groups treated after HCC induction were: Cur/HCC which received curcumin; MSCs/HCC which received MSCs; and Cur+MSCs/HCC which received both curcumin and MSCs. For all groups there were histopathological examination and assessment of gene expression of connexin43 (Cx43), ubiquitin ligase-E3 (UCP-3), the autophagy marker LC3 and coenzyme-Q10 (Mito.Q10) mRNA by real time, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, along with measurement of LC3II/LC3I ratio for estimation of autophagosome formation in the rat liver tissue. In addition, the serum levels of ALT, AST and alpha fetoprotein (AFP), together with the proinflammatory cytokines $TNF{\alpha}$ and IL-6, were determined in all groups. Results: Histopathological examination of liver tissue from animals which received DENA-$CCl_4$ only revealed the presence of anaplastic carcinoma cells and macro-regenerative nodules. Administration of curcumin, MSCs; each alone or combined into rats after induction of HCC improved the histopathological picture. This was accompanied by significant reduction in ${\alpha}$-fetoprotein together with proinflammatory cytokines and significant decrease of various liver enzymes, in addition to upregulation of Cx43, UCP-3, LC3 and Mito.Q10 mRNA. Conclusions: Improvement of Cx43 expression, nonapoptotic cell death and mitochondrial function can repress tumor growth in HCC. Administration of curcumin and/or MSCs have tumor suppressive effects as they can target these mechanisms. However, further research is still needed to verify their effectiveness.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.21
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• pp.9211-9216
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• 2014

CXCR7 is involved in tumor development and metastasis in multiple malignancies. However, the function and molecular mechanisms of action of CXCR7 in human cervical cancer are still unclear. In the present study a loss of-function approach was used to observe the effects of recombinant CXCR7 specific small interfering RNA pBSilence1.1 plasmids on biological behavior including proliferative activity and invasive potential, as indicated by MTT assays with the cervical cancer SiHa cell line in vitro. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting revealed that CXCR7 was downregulated in transfected compared with control cells, associated with inhibited cell growth, invasiveness and migration. The expression of CXCR7 and CXCL12 was also determined immunohistochemically in 152 paraffin-embedded, cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), or normal cervical epithelial to assess clinico-pathological pattern and CXCR7 status with respect to cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis in Uighur patients with CSCC. CXCR7 and CXCL12 expression was higher in cervical cancer than CIN and normal cervical mucosa, especially in those with higher stage and lymph node metastasis. CXCL12 appeared to be positively regulated by CXCR7 at the post-transcriptional level in CSCC. We propose that aberrant expression of CXCR7 plays a role in carcinogenesis, differentiation and metastasis of CSCC, implying its use as a potential target for clinical biomarkers in differentiation and lymph node metastasis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.151-163
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• 2007

Objectives : Juglandis Semen herbal acupuncture solution(JSS) has a broad array of clinical applications in oriental medicine, including treatment of chronic musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis. This study was performed to investigate the global gene expression profiles using microarray assay in RAW 264.7 cell line treated with JSS and to advance our understanding of the pharmacologic effect of JSS. Methods : Change of the gene expression profile in RAW cell line following treatment with lipopolysaccharide(LPS) alone, or with LPS plus JSS was investigated with a cut-off level of 2 fold change in the expression. Especially, Change of the gene expression by treatment with LPS alone was compared with that by treatment with LPS plus JSS with a cut-off level of 1/2 fold change in the expression. Results: Of the 8170 genes profiled in this study, 51 were upragulated and 21 downregulated following LPS treatment, and 88 were upregulated and 69 downregulated following costimulation of JSS and LPS. Of the 51 genes upregulated following LPS treatment, 10 were downregulated following costimulation of JSS and LPS. Of the 21 genes downregulated following LPS treatment, 3 were upregulated following costimulation of JSS and LPS. Conclusion : JSS treatment induced upregulation of some genes including IL-10 and downregulation of that including MMP13 with its possible implication in an antiinflammatory action of JSS. However, further research on expression profile changes induced by JSS treatment is expected.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.51-60
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• 2010

Few studies have evaluated the apoptosis-inducing efficacy of NaF on cancer cells in vitro but there has been no previous investigation of the apoptotic effects of NaF on human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. In this study, we have investigated the mechanisms underlying the apoptotic response to NaF treatment in the YD9 human squamous cell carcinoma cell line. The viability of YD9 cells and their growth inhibition were assessed by MTT and clonogenic assays, respectively. Hoechst staining, DNA electrophoresis and TUNEL staining were conducted to detect apoptosis. YD9 cells were treated with NaF, and western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, FACScan flow cytometry, and MMP and proteasome activity assays were performed sequentially. The NaF treatment resulted in a time- and dose-dependent decrease in YD9 cell viability, a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, and the induction of apoptotic cell death. The apoptotic response of these cells was manifested by nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, the reduction of MMP and proteasome activity, a decreased DNA content, the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, the translocation of AIF and DFF40 (CAD) into the nucleus, a significant shift of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and the activation of caspase-9, caspase-3, PARP, Lamin A/C and DFF45 (ICAD). Furthermore, NaF treatment resulted in the downregulation of G1 cell cyclerelated proteins, and upregulation of p53 and the Cdk inhibitor $p27^{KIP1}$. Taken collectively, our present findings demonstrate that NaF strongly inhibits YD9 cell proliferation by modulating the expression of G1 cell cycle-related proteins and inducing apoptosis via mitochondrial and caspase pathways.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.23-33
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• 2014

Several studies have shown that curcumin, which is derived from the rhizomes of turmeric, possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antitumor properties of curcumin have also now been demonstrated more recently in different cancers. This study was undertaken to investigate the modulation of cell cycle-related proteins and the mechanisms underlying apoptosis induction by curcumin in the SCC25 human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Curcumin treatment of the SCC25 cells resulted in a time- and dose-dependent reduction in cell viability and cell growth, and onset of apoptotic cell death. The curcumin-treated SCC25 cells showed several types of apoptotic manifestations, such as nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, reduced MMP and proteasome activity, and a decreased DNA content. In addition, the treated SCC25 cells showed a release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, translocation of AIF and DFF40/CAD into the nuclei, a significant shift in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and the activation of caspase-9, caspase-7, caspase-6, caspase-3, PARP, lamin A/C, and DFF45/ICAD. Furthermore, curcumin exposure resulted in a downregulation of G1 cell cycle-related proteins and upregulation of $p27^{KIP1}$. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that curcumin strongly inhibits cell proliferation by modulating the expression of G1 cell cycle-related proteins and inducing apoptosis via proteasomal, mitochondrial, and caspase cascades in SCC25 cells.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.71-87
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• 2020

Objectives Even though the various alternative herbal medicine has applied for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment, its scientific proof remains uncertain. The aim of the present study evaluates the effects of Chulbu-tang on inflammatory responses in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rat model. Methods OA rat model was established by MIA injection in intra-joint of rats. 7 days after, OA rats except OA control rats were administrated Chulbu-tang (100 or 200 mg/kg) or Indomathacin (5 mg/kg) once a day for 14 days. The weight-bearing ability of hind paws were measured when group isolation 0, 7, and 14 days. Western blotting was performed to examine the knockdown/overexpressing efficiency of Chulbu-tang. In addition, cartilage destruction was measured histologically. Results Chulbu-tang treatment significantly reduced the protein expressions of inflammatory mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2, and inhibited inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 through nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inactivation. Moreover, anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase-1/2 through nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway significantly increased. Our findings indicate that Chulbu-tang has the potential therapeutic effect on OA through inhibiting the inflammatory responses via inactivating NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, upregulation of Nrf2 led to anti-oxidant effects. Conclusions Taken together, Chulbu-tang is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and cartilage protection for arthritis-causing rats.

• BMB Reports
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.618-625
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• 2006

The infiltration of both monocyte and activated T cells in the skin is one of critical steps in the development of UVB-induced inflammation. Upregulation of adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on the surface of keratinocytes plays an important role in this process. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism responsible for UVB-induced expression of ICAM-1 and subsequent monocyte adhesion by keratinocyte. We observed that (1) UVB induced protein and mRNA expression of ICAM-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner in human keratinocyte cell HaCaT; (2) UVB induced the translocation of NF-kappaB and inhibition of NF-kappaB by NF-kappaB inhibitors suppressed UVB-induced mRNA and protein expression of ICAM-1; (3) UVB increased the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by HaCaT cells; (4) UVB-induced increase of intracellular ROS level was suppressed by pre-treatment with diphenyl iodonium (DPI) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC); and (5) inhibition of UVB-induced ROS production by DPI or NAC suppressed UVB-mediated translocation of NF-kappaB, expression of ICAM-1 and subsequent monocyte adhesion in HaCaT cells. These results suggest that UVB-induced ROS is involved in the translocation of NF-kappaB which is responsible for expression of ICAM-1 and subsequent increased monocyte adhesion in human keratinocyte.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.121-134
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this in vivo study is to observe anti-amnesic effects of Yeongkyekamjotanggayonggolmoryo (YGYM), a novel mixed herbal prescription, Ossis Mastodi and Ostreae Testa added Yeongkyekamjo-tang, on scopolamine induced amnesia in C57BL/6 mice through acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA expression, and antioxidant effects. Methods: Six groups, total 20 intact or 100 Sco treated mice were used in this study after one week of acclimatization period. Half the animals were used for passive avoidance task tests and hippocampus ACh content, AChE activity, and ChAT mRNA expression were measured. The other half was subjected to an underwater maze test and then the cerebral cortex antioxidant defense system was measured. Results: In the passive avoidance experiment, there was significant decrease in residence time in the bright room and in the underwater maze test, escape latency to escape from the esophagus significantly increased compared with the normal control group. At the final sacrifice, ACh content and ChAT mRNA expression decreased, AChE activity increased, and cerebral cortical MDA increased GSH content, SOD and CAT activity in Sco control mice, as compared to intact vehicle control mice. However, these Sco treatment-related memory loss through AChE activation destroyed the cerebral cortex antioxidant defense system, and was inhibited dose-dependently by 28 days consecutive oral pretreatments of YGYM extracts 500, 250, 125 mg/kg. Conclusions: In the above results, YGYM extract that oral administration of YGYM extracts alleviates the antioxidant defense system, through preservation of ACh mediated by upregulation of ChAT mRNA expression, and increase of AChE inhibition and brain antioxidant defense systems.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.711-717
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• 2016

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that stimulates production of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which are important for innate immunity. NLRs, i.e., nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors, play a crucial role as innate immune sensors and form multiprotein complexes called inflammasomes, which mediate caspase-1-dependent processing of $pro-IL-1{\beta}$. To elucidate the role of inflammasome components in T. gondiiinfected THP-1 macrophages, we examined inflammasome-related gene expression and mechanisms of inflammasome-regulated cytokine $IL-1{\beta}$ secretion. The results revealed a significant upregulation of $IL-1{\beta}$ after T. gondii infection. T. gondii infection also upregulated the expression of inflammasome sensors, including NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP6, NLRP8, NLRP13, AIM2, and NAIP, in a time-dependent manner. The infection also upregulated inflammasome adaptor protein ASC and caspase-1 mRNA levels. From this study, we newly found that T. gondii infection regulates NLRC4, NLRP6, NLRP8, NLRP13, AIM2, and neuronal apoptosis inhibitor protein (NAIP) gene expressions in THP-1 macrophages and that the role of the inflammasome-related genes may be critical for mediating the innate immune responses to T. gondii infection.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.7
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• pp.604-609
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• 2015

The active metabolite of vitamin D such as $1{\alpha}$,25-dihydroxyvitamin ($D_3(1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3)$ is a well-known key regulatory factor in bone metabolism. However, little is known about the potential of vitamin D as an odontogenic inducer in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) in vitro. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin $D_3$ metabolite, $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$, on odontoblastic differentiation in HDPCs. HDPCs extracted from maxillary supernumerary incisors and third molars were directly cultured with $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ in the absence of differentiation-inducing factors. Treatment of HDPCs with $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ at a concentration of 10 nM or 100 nM significantly upregulated the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein1 (DMP1), the odontogenesis-related genes. Also, $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ enhanced the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization in HDPCs. In addition, $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), whereas the ERK inhibitor U0126 ameliorated the upregulation of DSPP and DMP1 and reduced the mineralization enhanced by $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$. These results demonstrated that $1{\alpha},25(OH)_2D_3$ promoted odontoblastic differentiation of HDPCs via modulating ERK activation.