• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.145-150
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• 2015

Continuous intra- and extracellular stresses induce disorder of $Ca^{2+}$ homeostasis and accumulation of unfolded protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which results in ER stress. Severe long-term ER stress triggers apoptosis signaling pathways, resulting in cell death. Neural epidermal growth factor-like like protein 2 (NELL2) has been reported to be important in protection of cells from cell death-inducing environments. In this study, we investigated the cytoprotective effect of NELL2 in the context of ER stress induced by thapsigargin, a strong ER stress inducer, in Cos7 cells. Overexpression of NELL2 prevented ER stress-mediated apoptosis by decreasing expression of ER stress-induced C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and increasing ER chaperones. In this context, expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL was increased by NELL2, whereas NELL2 decreased expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, such as cleaved caspases 3 and 7. This anti-apoptotic effect of NELL2 is likely mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling, because its inhibitor, U0126, inhibited effects of NELL2 on the expression of anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins and on the protection from ER stress-induced cell death.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.10
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• pp.851-858
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• 2015

Disturbed blood flow with low-oscillatory shear stress (OSS) is a predominant atherogenic factor leading to dysfunctional endothelial cells (ECs). Recently, it was found that disturbed flow can directly induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in ECs, thereby playing a critical role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a naturally occurring bile acid, has long been used to treat chronic cholestatic liver disease and is known to alleviate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress at the cellular level. However, its role in atherosclerosis remains unexplored. In this study, we demonstrated the anti-atherogenic activity of UDCA via inhibition of disturbed flow-induced ER stress in atherosclerosis. UDCA effectively reduced ER stress, resulting in a reduction in expression of X-box binding protein-1 (XBP-1) and CEBP-homologous protein (CHOP) in ECs. UDCA also inhibits the disturbed flow-induced inflammatory responses such as increases in adhesion molecules, monocyte adhesion to ECs, and apoptosis of ECs. In a mouse model of disturbed flow-induced atherosclerosis, UDCA inhibits atheromatous plaque formation through the alleviation of ER stress and a decrease in adhesion molecules. Taken together, our results revealed that UDCA exerts anti-atherogenic activity in disturbed flow-induced atherosclerosis by inhibiting ER stress and the inflammatory response. This study suggests that UDCA may be a therapeutic agent for prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.22-27
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• 2017

In this study, the authors aim to evaluate a structural and fatigue safety of a new type anti-loose nut system with dual nuts composed of main nut and outer nut to enhance the long-term workability and durability so as to improve the performance of conventional anti-loose nut system. Also, a three-dimensional finite-element method analysis was performed to consider the actual geometry and material property of anti-loose nut system with dual nuts and the effect of static and dynamic loads and loading directions. The analytical results showed that the overall static and dynamic stress of the components of the anti-loose nut system with dual nuts were found to be less than that of the fatigue limit of Goodman-smith diagram and allowable stress of each materials, therefore the anti-loose nut system with dual nuts was sufficient to ensure a structural and fatigue safety.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.188-195
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• 1989

Hyangsayangwee-Tang, a combined preparation of crude drugs, which has been used for stomach and intestinal disorder, was examined for anti-spasmodic, anti-ulcerative and anti-emetive effects. Spontaneous motility of isolated ileum was strongly suppressed and inhibitory effects against contraction of isolated ileum induced by acetylcholine and barium chloride were shown in mice. And, contraction of isolated guinea-pig ileum by histamine was inhibited. In rats fundus preparations, Hyangsayangwee-Tang elicited strong relaxation and had antagonist effects against the spasm induced by acetylcholine and barium chloride. A significant inhibitory effect on the intestinal propulsion of barium sulfate in mice was shown. In pylorus-ligated rats, Hyangsangwee-Tang inhibited gastric secretion and showed a strong anti-peptic activity. Protective effects against gastric ulceration induced by pyloric ligation, water-immersion stress, histamine and aspirin were significantly recognized in mice and rats. Hyangsayangwee-Tang decreased cupric sulfate-induced vomitting in frogs.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2010.05a
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• pp.4-4
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• 2010

The aim of this study is to investigate anti-stress effect of Nelumbo nucifera extract (NNE) inimmobilization - stressed ICR mice. Stress exposure has induced adrenal gland weight, plasma glucose and level in NNE. The experiments were performed with the use of 9 weeks of age male ICR mice (20-25g) at the time of first treatment with NNE. Animals of the normal group were not exposed to any stress and the control group were exposed to stress. The rats of NNE and Diazepam (BZ) supplementary group were orally administered once a day, 100 mg of NNE, 5 mg of BZ extract/kg body weight and they were exposed to stress. Animals were given supplements for 7 days without stress, and then were given supplements for 5 days with restraining. NNE was effective in decreasing scopolamine induced deficit in passive avoidance test and levels of blood corticosterone which was increased by stress in the mice.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.579-585
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Sonchus asper is used extensively as an herbal anti-inflammatory for treatment of bronchitis, asthma, wounds, burns, and cough; however, further investigation is needed in order to understand the underlying mechanism. To determine its mechanism of action, we examined the effects of an ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of S. asper on nitric oxide (NO) production and prostaglandin-E2 levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. MATERIALS/METHODS: An in vitro culture of RAW264.7 macrophages was treated with LPS to induce inflammation. RESULTS: Treatment with EAF resulted in significant suppression of oxidative stress in RAW264.7 macrophages as demonstrated by increased endogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and intracellular glutathione levels, decreased generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, and restoration of the mitochondrial membrane potential. To confirm its anti-inflammatory effects, analysis of expression of inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 was performed using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. EAF treatment resulted in significantly reduced dose-dependent expression of all of these factors, and enhanced expression of the antioxidants MnSOD and heme oxygenase-1. In addition, HPLC fingerprint results suggest that rutin, caffeic acid, and quercetin may be the active ingredients in EAF. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, findings of this study imply that the anti-inflammatory effect of EAF on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells is mediated by suppression of oxidative stress.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.138-144
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• 2010

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) has been shown to have anti-stress effects in animal studies. However, most studies have only managed to detect altered levels of biomarkers or enzymes in blood or tissue, and the actual molecular mechanisms by which ginseng exerts these effects remain unknown. In this study, the anti-oxidative effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) was examined in human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. Incubation of SK-N-SH cells with the oxidative stressor hydrogen peroxide resulted in significant induction of cell death. In contrast, pre-treatment of cells with KRG decreased cell death significantly. To elucidate underlying mechanisms by which KRG inhibited cell death, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was examined by Western blot analysis. KRG pre-treatment decreased the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene caspase-3, whereas it increased expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2. Consistent with this, immunoblot analysis showed that pre-treatment of the SK-N-SH cells with KRG inhibited expression of the pro-inflammatory gene cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). RT-PCR analysis revealed that the repression of COX-2 expression by KRG pre-treatment occurred at the mRNA level. Taken together, our data indicate that KRG can protect against oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death by repressing genes that mediate apoptosis and inflammation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.162-167
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• 2009

Adipocytes undergo adipocyte stress in the excessive presence of lipid. Adipocyte stress accompanies the typical signs of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress: unfolded protein response and overexpression of molecular chaperones. Apoptotic induction in adipocytes is known as a good strategy for treating obesity. The drug "tunicamycin" was tested for its therapeutic potential in inducing apoptosis on differentiating adipocytes of 3T3-L1. When the 3T3-L1 cells, stimulated for adipogenesis, were treated with tunicamycin, they showed typical ER stress symptoms. Despite progression in ER stress, however, the differentiated 3T3-L1 hardly proceeded to apoptosis based on the CHOP protein expression and FACS analysis. This is very different from C2C12, the myogenic counterpart of 3T3-L1, which showed significant apoptosis along with ER stress. This study also characterizes a potential mechanism whereby adipocyte may avoid apoptosis to sustain the pathological state of obesity. The level of GRP94 expression significantly upholds in 3T3-L1 under tunicamycin treatment compared to preadipocytes and C2C-12. When GRP94 expression was inhibited by siRNA, 3T3-L1 showed a higher level of CHOP expression compared to C2C12 cells. In conclusion, adipocytes exert an anti-apoptotic mechanism under ER stress caused by tunicamycin; thus, apoptotic induction in adipocyte is not a viable anti-obesity option. The unusual level of GRP94 may serve as a key role whereby adipocytes reach to the obesity level circumventing the apoptosis.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.27
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• pp.7.1-7.7
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• 2012

Objectives: Modafinil is a waking drug prescribed to narcolepsy patients, but its usage among healthy individuals is increasing to enhance their alertness or to mitigate fatigue. This study was conducted to investigate practical use and toxic effects on neuro-immune interaction of modafinil. Methods: This study reviewed the significance of psychoactive drugs, and discussed the benefits and risks of the application of modafinil, which seems to be ideal as an anti-psychotic or anti-fatigue agent. Results: Modafinil is known to have less or no adverse effects than those found in traditional psychostimulants such as amphetamine, methylphenidate or cocaine. It can be applied as an anti-psychotic or anti-fatigue agent. However, the waking mechanism of modafinil is yet to be fully revealed. Recent studies reported that modafinil may be subject to abuse and addiction. In addition prolonged sleeplessness induces stress responses and impairs immune function. Conclusions: Modafinil can be used by anyone, who wishes to work late, stay awake, enhance their cognitive reactions, or brighten their moods. Users may already be under a great level of stress, i.e. cancer patients or soldiers in a battle field. A psychoneuroimmunological approach is thus needed to investigate the multi-functional effects of modafinil.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.91-98
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• 2012

Objectives : Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) is a plant living at the areas of high-altitude mountain, and Rhodiolae Radix(the root of R. rosea) has been used as a traditional medicine to decrease the symptoms of mental- or physical-stress in Asia and Europe. To examine the efficacy of Rhodiolae Radix on the oxidative stress, the anti-oxidative effects of the radix were examined, Methods : The effects of Rhodiolae Radix on several oxidative factors were examined in vitro, and also the effects were tested in the liver of rats which were treated with a high dose of alcohol during 2 weeks. Results : The extract of Rhodiolae Radix in vitro scavenged some oxidants, such as DPPH, Superoxide anion radical and LDL, and the extract also inhibited the oxidative capacity of linoleic acid, significantly. Meanwhile, in the in vivo test, the methanol-extract decreased some oxidation parameters, such as relative liver weight, TBARS and SOD activities, and also increased catalase activity in the liver of alcohol-loaded rats, But, the extract had no effects on GSH content and GSH-px activiy in the rats. Conclusion : The root of Rhodiola rosea has a strong anti-oxidative capacity, and also has some preventive properties aginst the alcoholic stress.