• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.1399-1404
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• 2005

In oriental medicine, Cheongpyehwadam-tang (CHT) has long been used for the cure of inflammatory diseases in the lung and bronchus such as bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia and tuberculosis. It's use is currently further extended for the treatment of allergic asthma. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of CHT, we investigated the effects of CHT on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines ($TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$) production, and on the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and proinflammatory cytokines expression in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. CHT alone did not affect NO or pro-inflammatory cytokines production. In contrast, CHT inhibited LPS-induced NO and proinflammatory cytokines and the levels of LPS-induced iNOS and proinflarnmatory cytokine mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. CHT also inhibited the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) activation. Taken together, these results suggested that CHT inhibits the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells through blockade of NF-kB activation.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.113-119
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• 2012

Guinea pigs were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (0.25 g/100 g cholesterol) and randomly allocated either to a Control group (n = 9) or to a Lutein (0.1 g/100 g) group (n = 10) for 12 weeks to evaluate oxidative stress and inflammation in both liver and eyes. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and inflammatory cytokines were measured as well as hepatic nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-${\kappa}B$) binding. Lutein concentrations were greater in eyes ($P$ < 0.01) and liver ($P$ < 0.001) in the Lutein group. All guinea pigs had high concentrations of hepatic cholesterol as well as high plasma ALT and AST levels indicative of liver injury. However, the Lutein group had 43% lower hepatic free cholesterol than the Controls ($P$ < 0.05). Hepatic MDA and MDA in the eye were lower in the Lutein compared to the Control group ($P$ < 0.05). Hepatic tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ was 32% lower in the Lutein group ($P$ < 0.05). Lastly, the Lutein group presented lower NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA binding activity than the Control group ($P$ < 0.001). These results suggest that in the presence of high cholesterol, lutein exerts both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can be explained by attenuated NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA binding activity. Furthermore, results also suggest that lutein accumulates in the eyes of guinea pigs to protect against oxidative stress.

• BMB Reports
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2009

The bio-complex "reaction pattern in vertebrate cells"(RiV) is mainly represented by characteristic exosome-like particles - probably as reaction products of cells to specific stress. The transcription factor NF-kappaB plays a central role in inflammation. We tested the hypothesis that RiV particle preparations (RiV-PP) reduce cellular adhesion molecule (CAM) expression (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin) by the attenuation of NF-kappaB translocation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). After 4 hours, pre-incubation of HUVEC with RiV-PP before stimulation with TNF-alpha significantly reduced ICAM-1 (65.5${\pm}$10.3%) and VCAM-1 (71.1${\pm}$12.3%) mRNA expression compared to TNF-alpha-treated cells (100%, n=7). ICAM-1 surface expression was significantly albeit marginally reduced in RiV/TNF-alpha- treated cells (92.0${\pm}$5.6%, n=4). No significant effect was observed on VCAM-1 surface expression. In RiV/TNF-alpha-treated cells (n=4), NF-kappaB subunits p50 (85.7${\pm}$4.1%) and p65 (85.0${\pm}$1.8%) nuclear translocation was significantly reduced. RiV-PP may exert an anti-inflammatory effect in HUVEC by reducing CAM mRNA expression via attenuation of p50 and p65 translocation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.33-42
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• 2013

Objective : Morus alba Linne Root Bark (MRAL) is a medicinal herb in Korean Medicine, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. However, its mechanisms of action and the cellular targets have not yet been found and the study was developed to investigate the allergic suppressive effect of MRAL. The purpose of this study is to investigate the allergic suppressive effects of MRAL on activation of MC/9 mast cells. Methods : Cytotoxic activity of MRAL (50, 100, 200, 400 ${\mu}g/mL$) on MC/9 mast cells measured using EZ-Cytox cell viability assay kit (WST reagent). The levels of interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-13 and IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13 mRNA expression were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time PCR respectively. The expression of transcription factors such as GATA-1, GATA-2, NFAT, AP-1 and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 DNA binding activity were measured by western blot and electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results : Our results indicated that MRAL (50 ${\mu}g/mL$, 100 ${\mu}g/mL$) significantly inhibited PMA/Ionomycin-induced production of IL-5 and IL-13 and the expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13 mRNA in MC/9 mast cells. Moreover, MRAL (50 ${\mu}g/mL$, 100 ${\mu}g/mL$) inhibited PMA/Ionomycin-induced GATA-1, GATA-2, NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-Fos protein expression and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 DNA binding activity in MC/9 mast cells. Conclusions : In conclusion, we suspect the anti-allergenic activities of MRAL, may be related to the regulation of transcription factors GATA-1, GATA-2, NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-Fos and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 DNA binding assay causing inhibition of Th2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 in mast cells.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2017

Objectives : Tribulus terrestris $Linn{\acute{e}}$ (Tribuli Fructus; TF) has been used to treat hypochondrium, agalactia, nebula, itching and vitiligo in traditional Korean medicine. In this study, we investigated the effects of TF 30% ethanol extract on inflammatory responses in IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells. Methods : TF extract was prepared by 30% ethanol. RBL-2H3 cells, a rat mast cell line, were treated with TF extract at different concentrations for 1 hr and then stimulated with DNP-IgE/HSA for indicated times. Cell viability was measured by WST-1 assay. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-13 and $IFN-{\gamma}$) mRNA was determined by reverse transcriptase-PCR, and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK MAP kinases (MAPKs) was determined by Western blot. The nuclear expression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 in the cells was detected by Western blot and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Results : The treatment of TF extract at 0.1 and $0.2mg/m{\ell}$ significantly decreased the expression of IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA in IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells, while significantly increased the expression of $IFN-{\gamma}$ mRNA. TF extract treatment was also inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK MAPKs in IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, TF extract significantly blocked the translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 into the nuclear of cells after IgE stimulation. Conclusions : These results indicate that TF extract inhibits inflammatory response in IgE-stimulated mast cells through blocking MAPKs/$NF-{\kappa}B$ pathway. This suggests that TF extract has an anti-inflammatory activity in mast cell activation.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.678-683
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• 2008

Aconitum pseudo-laeve var. erectum has traditionally been used for the treatment of water retention in the body. Administration of the aqueous extract of Aconitum pseudo-laeve var. erectum has the efficiency of anti-inflammatory activity and modulates the intestinal immune system. However, the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of Aconitum pseudo-laeve var. erectum has not been clarified yet. In the present study, the effect of Aconitum pseudo-laeve var. erectum against LPS-stimulated expressions of COX-2 and iNOS in cells of the murine RAW 264.7 macrophages was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), PGE2 immunoassay, and NO detection. The results of the present study indicate that Aconitum pseudo-laeve var. erectum is a potent inhibitor of the LPS-induced NO and $PGE_{2}$ production by blocking iNOS and $NF{\kappa}B$ activation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. These findings suggest that Aconitum pseudo-laeve var. erectum is a potential therapeutic for the treatment of inflammatory syndrome.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.973-980
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• 2014

This study was conducted to explore new nutraceutical resources from the plant kingdom possessing biological activities. To fulfill this purpose, the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of Decaisnea insignis ethanol extract (DIEE) were evaluated. First, DIEE possessed potent scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), similar to ascorbic acid used as a positive control. Moreover, DIEE inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, DIEE induced the expression of an anti-oxidative enzyme, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and its upstream transcription factor, nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), in a dose-dependent manner. The modulation of the HO-1 and Nrf2 expressions might be regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and their upstream signaling pathways. On the other hand, DIEE suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) formation without cytotoxicity. The inhibition of the NO formation was the result of the downregulation of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) by DIEE. The suppression of NO and iNOS by DIEE might be modulated by their upstream transcription factors, nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$), and activator protein 1 (AP-1) pathways. Taken together, these results provide important new insights that D. insignis possesses anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, it might be utilized as a promising material in the field of nutraceuticals.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.315-320
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• 2004

Alpha-viniferin was previously isolated as a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor from Carex humilis (Cyperaceae) and is an oligomeric stilbene compound with benzofuran (BF) moieties in its chemical structure. In the present study, a chemically synthetic BF compound, named as 3,3-dimethyl-2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18-hexadecahydro-1H-benzo[b] cyclopentadeca[d]furan-1-one, was discovered to inhibit bacterial lipo polysaccharide (LPS)-induced prostaglandin $E_2$ $(PGE_2)$ production in macrophages RAW 264.7. The BF compound exhibited a selectively preferred inhibitory effect on COX-2 activity over COX-1 activity. Furthermore, BF compound inhibited LPS-induced COX-2 expression at transcription level. As a down-regulatory mechanism of COX-2 expression shown by BF compound, suppression of nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$ activation has been demonstrated. BF compound inhibited LPS-induced $NF-{\kappa}B$ transcriptional activity and nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65, in parallel, but did not affect LPS-induced degradation of inhibitory ${\kappa}B{\alpha}$ protein $(I{\kappa}B{\alpha})$. Taken together, anti-inflammatory effect of BF compound on $PGE_2$ production was ascribed by its down-regulatory action on LPS-induced COX-2 synthesis in addition to inhibitory action on enzyme activity of COX-2.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.184-190
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• 2016

Rosa rugosa Thunb, a deciduous shrub of the genus Rosa, has been widely used to treat stomach aches, diarrhoea, pain, and chronic inflammatory disease in eastern Asia. In recent years, our research team has extensively studied the Rosa rugosa flower extract, and specifically undertook pharmacological experiments which have optimized the extraction process. Our methods have yielded a standard extract enriched in phenolic compounds, named PRE. Herein, we expand our efforts and evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of PRE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. PRE significantly inhibited production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, and interleukin $1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$), as well as expression of their synthesizing enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase2 (COX-2). Furthermore, PRE inhibited activity of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) as well as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) signaling pathway. Our findings are the first to explain the anti-inflammatory mechanism by PRE in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Given these results, we propose that PRE has therapeutic potential in the prevention of inflammatory disorders.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1272-1278
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Kyung Hee Allergic Disease Herbal Formula (KAHF) on atopic dermatitis (AD) and its mode of action. Our clinical study showed KAHF reduced Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) indexes and subjective symptom scores. In parallel, the decreased levels of interferon (IFN)-$\gamma$ and interleukin (IL)-5 in serum, which contributed to its AD-mitigating effect was observed. To reveal the underlying mechanisms of KAHF in AD, its anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced responses in RAW 264.7 cells was examined. KAHF was found to significantly inhibit the productions of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and IL-$1{\beta}$ in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Consistently, KAHF potently inhibited protein and mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Furthermore, KAHF inhibited LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)-$\kappa}B$. Taken together, our data suggest that KAHF has a beneficial effect on several eicosanoid-related skin inflammations, such as atopic dermatitis.