• Molecules and Cells
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.151-160
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• 2019

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation of the sunlight, especially UVA and UVB, is the primary environmental cause of skin damage, including topical inflammation, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. Previous reports show that activation of nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) in human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes after UV exposure induces the expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), and subsequently leads to the production of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and growth factor basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Here, we demonstrated that TNFR2-SKEE and TNFR2-SKE, oligopeptides from TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2)-binding site of TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2), strongly inhibited the interaction of TNFR1 as well as TNFR2 with TRAF2. In particular, TNFR2-SKE suppressed UVB- or $TNF-{\alpha}$-induced nuclear translocalization of activated $NF-{\kappa}B$ in mouse fibroblasts. It decreased the expression of bFGF, MMPs, and COX2, which were upregulated by $TNF-{\alpha}$, and increased procollagen production, which was reduced by $TNF-{\alpha}$. Furthermore, TNFR2-SKE inhibited the UVB-induced proliferation of keratinocytes and melanocytes in the mouse skin and the infiltration of immune cells into inflamed tissues. These results suggest that TNFR2-SKE may possess the clinical potency to alleviate UV-induced photoaging in human skin.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.12
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• pp.5273-5280
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• 2016

Objective: To evaluate stromal cells of the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) in bone marrow trephine biopsy (BMTB) specimens, with a focus on fibronectin, tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and L-selectin in Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients, before and after therapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 de novo NHL patients, 64 with B-cell lymphomas 80%, (follicular cell lymphoma (FCL) in 32, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) in 12, and diffuse large cell lymphoma in 20) and 16 with T-cell lymphomas (20%) all diagnosed as T-Lymphoblastic lymphomas, were evaluated before and after therapy. For comparison, 25 age and sex matched BM donors, were included as a control group. BMTB material and BM aspirates were taken for morphological assessment of stromal cells, the plasma of these samples being examined for $TNF{\alpha}$ and L-selectin by ELISA, and fibronectin by radial immunodiffusion (RID). Results: BM stromal cells comprising reticular macrophages and fibroblasts were elevated in 53.3% of NHL cases at diagnosis, while BM fibronectin levels were decreased and BM $TNF{\alpha}$ and L-selectin were higher than in controls (p<0.05). In NHL cases, elevated values of BM $TNF{\alpha}$ and BM L-selectin were associated with signs of aggressive disease, including >1 extra nodal sites, detectable B symptoms, high grade, BM and CNS invasion, and a high International prognostic index (IPI) (p<0.05). Conclusion: BMM components, $TNF{\alpha}$, L-selectin and fibronectin, in NHL can be useful in evaluating disease activity, extent and response to treatment and as prognostic markers according to the IPI.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.646-656
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• 2022

Background: In addition to its use as a health food, ginseng is used in cosmetics and shampoo because of its extensive health benefits. The ginsenoside, Rh2, is a component of ginseng that inhibits tumor cell proliferation and differentiation, promotes insulin secretion, improves insulin sensitivity, and shows antioxidant effects. Methods: The effects of Rh2 on cell survival, extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression, and cell differentiation were examined. The antioxidant effects of Rh2 in UV-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells were also examined. The effects of Rh2 on mitochondrial function, morphology, and mitophagy were investigated in UV-irradiated NHDF cells. Results: Rh2 treatment promoted the proliferation of NHDF cells. Additionally, Rh2 increased the expression levels of ECM proteins and growth-associated immediate-early genes in ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated NHDF cells. Rh2 also affected antioxidant protein expression and increased total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, treatment with Rh2 ameliorated the changes in mitochondrial morphology, induced the recovery of mitochondrial function, and inhibited the initiation of mitophagy in UV-irradiated NHDF cells. Conclusion: Rh2 inhibits mitophagy and reinstates mitochondrial ATP production and membrane potential in NHDF cells damaged by UV exposure, leading to the recovery of ECM, cell proliferation, and antioxidant capacity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.9
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• pp.5317-5323
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• 2013

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and one of the leading causes of death among women in the world. Plants and herbs may play an important role in complementary or alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-proliferative potential of Urtica dioica. The anti oxidant activity of an aqueous extract of Urtica dioica leaf was measured by MTT assay and the FRAP method while its anti-proliferative activity on the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and fibroblasts isolated from foreskin tissue was evaluated using MTT assay. Mechanisms leading to apoptosis were also investigated at the molecular level by measuring the amount of anti and pro-apoptotic proteins and at the cellular level by studying DNA fragmentation and annexin V staining by flow cytometry. The aqueous extract of Urtica dioica showed antioxidant effects with a correlation coefficient of $r^2$=0.997. Dose-dependent and anti-proliferative effects of the extract were observed only on MCF-7 cells after 72 hrs with an $IC_{50}$ value of 2 mg/ml. This anti proliferative activity was associated with an increase of apoptosis as demonstrated by DNA fragmentation, the appearance of apoptotic cells in flow cytometry analysis and an increase of the amount of calpain 1, calpastatin, caspase 3, caspase 9, Bax and Bcl-2, all proteins involved in the apoptotic pathway. This is the first time such in vitro antiproliferative effect of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica leaf has been described for a breast cancer cell line. Our findings warrant further research on Urtica dioica as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.266-279
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• 2021

The present study examined the cytotoxic effects of a Smilax china L. extract (SCLE) in human cancer (A-549, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, U87-MG, AGS, MKN-74, and SNU-601) and normal MRC-5 fibroblasts, as well as in mesenchymal stem cells derived from dental tissue (DSC). The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for SCLE were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the cancer cell lines (A-549, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, U87-MG, AGS, MKN-74 and SNU-601) than in the MRC-5 and DSC cells. Cell growth was significantly (p<0.05) more inhibited in the cancer cell lines treated with 200 ㎍/ml SCLE than in the normal MRC-5 and DSC, and anoikis-like floating cell morphology was observed in the SCLE-treated cancer cells. The cells detached by SCLE treatment were retrieved daily and assayed for viability and telomerase activity. Cells retrieved at 4 days showed significantly decreased viability and telomerase activity (p<0.05), as well as apoptosis-like abnormal morphology, when compared to cells retrieved in the previous 3 days. The ratio of apoptosis and cells in the G1 phase was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the A-549, AGS, and MCF-7 cancer cells treated with SCLE for 4 days compared to untreated controls. However, after SCLE treatment, cell adhesion was not increased by application of an inhibitor of the associated protein kinase (ROCK) that mainly contributes to the increase in cell attachment. This suggests that the cellular detachment by SCLE is probably controlled by a Rho-independent mechanism(s). These observations indicate that SCLE readily induces anoikis in cancer cells and could serve as a potent agent for cancer chemotherapy.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1321-1328
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• 2019

Intermediate-wavelength solar radiation, also known as ultraviolet B (UVB: 290-320 nm) radiation, may cause premature aging and oxidative damage-dependent skin cancer in humans. UVB-induced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-often a consequence of excessive exposure to these rays-could activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) such as MMP-1 and MMP-3. These enzymes break down type I collagen in human fibroblasts. In this study, we assessed the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of ethyl acetate extract of blueberry (EEB). An antioxidant test in blueberries evaluated ROS production using CCD-986sk cells and DPPH assay. In order to evaluate the anti-wrinkle efficacy of blueberries, the MMP-1 production and type 1 procollagen synthesis evaluated and the expression of MMP 1, 3 were tested through Western blot and RT- PCR. EEB exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reduced the production of UVB-induced ROS. Also, EEB inhibited UVB-induced processes associated with photoaging and skin cancer, such as reduction in procollagen production and increase in MMP-1 production. More precisely, EEB (50 ㎍/ml) markedly suppressed mRNA and protein levels of MMP-1 and -3. The anti-aging effects are attributable to the antioxidant activity of EEB. These findings indicate that EEB has a protective effect against UVB-induced aging in human fibroblast cells by regulating the levels of type-1 procollagen, MMP-1, and MMP-3.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.7285-7290
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• 2015

Background: Although radiotherapy is one of the most effective strategies in the treatment of cancers, it is associated with short and long term side effects on normal tissues. Zataria multiflora Boiss (Laminacea) (ZM) has several biological properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities.Here we investigated cell killing effects of a hydroalcoholic Zataria multiflora extract on cell death induced by ionizing radiation in a human glioblastoma cell line (A172) and human non-malignant fibroblasts (HFFF2) in vitro. Materials and Methods: A172 and HFFF2 cells were treated with a hydroalcoholic extract of dried aerial parts of Zataria multiflora at different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 150 and $200{\mu}g/ml$) and then exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Cell proliferation and DNA fragmentation were evaluated. Thymol content in the extract was analyzed and quantified by HPLC methods. Results: A172 cell proliferation was significantly inhibited by ZM. The percentage cell survival was $91.8{\pm}8.57$ for cells treated with $200{\mu}g/ml$ of ZM extract alone while it was $76.0{\pm}4.27$ and $66.2{\pm}8.42$ for cells treated with ZM and exposed to IR at doses of 3Gy and 6Gy, respectively. Radiation-induced apoptosis in A172 cells was significantly increased following treatment with ZM at doses of $200{\mu}g/ml$. ZM extract did not exhibit any enhanced cell killing effects and apoptosis caused by IR on HFFF2 cells. Conclusions: These data show selective radiosensitization effects of ZM in A172 cells apparently due to increased radiation-induced apoptosis.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.391-400
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• 2020

Objective: Increased gingival elasticity has been implicated as the cause of relapse following orthodontic rotational tooth movement and approaches to reduce relapse are limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sulforaphane (SFN), an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, on gene expression in gingival fibroblasts and relapse after rotational tooth movement in beagle dogs. Methods: The lower lateral incisors of five beagle dogs were rotated. SFN or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) were injected into the supra-alveolar gingiva of the experimental and control group, respectively, and the effect of SFN on relapse tendency was evaluated. Changes in mRNA expression of extracellular matrix components associated with gingival elasticity in beagles were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Morphology and arrangement of collagen fibers were observed on Masson's trichrome staining of buccal gingival tissues of experimental and control teeth. Results: SFN reduced the amount and percentage of relapse of orthodontic rotation. It also decreased the gene expression of lysyl oxidase and increased the gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1 and MMP 12, compared with DMSO control subjects. Histologically, collagen fiber bundles were arranged irregularly and were not well connected in the SFN-treated group, whereas the fibers extended in parallel and perpendicular directions toward the gingiva and alveolar bone in a more regular and well-ordered arrangement in the DMSO-treated group. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that SFN treatment may be a promising pharmacologic approach to prevent orthodontic rotational relapse caused by increased gingival elasticity of rotated teeth in beagle dogs.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.11
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• pp.1320-1329
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• 2016

The present study examined the cytotoxic effects of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6-penta-O-galloyl-${\beta}$-D-glucose (PGG), known as the pentahydroxy gallic acid ester of glucose, in the various human cancer cell lines (A-549, MDA-MB-231, U87-MG, MCF-7 and PANC-1), normal MRC-5 fetal fibroblasts, and dental papilla tissue- derived mesenchymal stem cells (DPSCs). Significantly (p<0.05) lower half maximal inhibitory concentration ($IC_{50}$) values were observed in the A-549 and MDA-MB-231 cells showing a high proliferation capacity, compared with other cancer and normal cell lines with a relatively low proliferation capacity. The population doubling time (PDT) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the $10{\mu}M$ PGG-treated cell lines than those of untreated control cell lines. The present study demonstrated that the $IC_{50}$ value increases proportionally to the extending PDT. A high cell number with senescence-associated ${\beta}-galactosidase$ activity was also observed in the $10{\mu}M$ PGG-treated cells compared with those of untreated control cells. Moreover, the level of telomerase activity was significantly (p<0.05) decreased with $10{\mu}M$ PGG treatment, especially in A-549 and MDA-MB-231 cells showing a high proliferation capacity. Based on these observations, PGG could serve as a potent agent for cancer chemotherapy, as its treatment was more effective in cells with a high proliferation capacity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.724-734
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• 2019

The present study investigated the cytotoxicity of particulate matter (PM) derived from car air filter (outdoor PM) and home cleaner filter (indoor PM) in the various human cell lines. Each outdoor and indoor PM were harvested by ethanol extraction method, subsequently sieved with 10 um filter paper, sterilized with autoclave and added to culture media. The half maximal inhibitory concentration ($IC_{50}$) values was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the outdoor PM, compared with indoor PM, and the significantly (p<0.05) higher $IC_{50}$ values were observed in the cancer cell lines (A-549 lung adenocarcinoma and AGS stomach adenocarcinoma), than those of normal MRC-5 fibroblasts and dental papilla tissue derived-mesenchymal stem cells (DSC). After being exposed to $100{\mu}g/ml$ outdoor PM for 7 days, the population doubling time (PDT) was significantly (p<0.05) increased in especially MRC-5 and DSC cell lines, compared with untreated cell lines. Further, the expression of senescence-associated ${\beta}$-galactosidase activity was up-regulated in all the cells exposed to outdoor PM than those of untreated control. Besides, the expression level of inflammation-associated genes, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was found to be significantly (p<0.05) increased in the outdoor PM-treated cell lines than those of untreated cell lines. Our results showed that PM induces the cytotoxicity via arrest of cell growth, cell damage and inflammation response.