• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.678-683
• /
• 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the skin inflammation effects of three herb mixture extracts, Ligularia fischeri, Solidago virga-aurea and Aruncus dioicus, which are from Ullung island in Korea. Regulatory mechanisms of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) are involved in the immunological activity of Raw 264.7 cells. Tested cells were pretreated with 70% acetone extracts of Ligularia fischeri, Solidago virga-aurea and Aruncus dioicus (LSA-A) and further cultured for an appropriated time after lipopolyssacharide (LPS) addition. During the entire experimental period, 1, 10, and 100 ${\mu}g/ml$ of LSA-A had no cytotoxicity. In these concentrations, LSA-A inhibited the production of NO and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), tumor necorsis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-1${\beta}$ (IL-1${\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). LSA-A showed a 60% $PGE_2$ inhibition rate at 100 ${\mu}g/ml$. iNOS and COX-2 inhibition activities were 54%, and 65% at 100 ${\mu}g/ml$, respectively. In addition, LSA-A extract reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-a, IL-1${\beta}$ and IL-6. These results suggest that LSA-A may have significant effects on inflammatory factors, and may be a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.37 no.1
• /
• pp.54-63
• /
• 2013

Ginsenoside Rd is a primary constituent of the ginseng rhizome and has been shown to participate in the regulation of diabetes and in tumor formation. Reports also show that ginsenoside Rd exerts anti-oxidative effects by activating anti-oxidant enzymes. Treatment with ginsenoside Rd decreased nitric oxide and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-challenged RAW264.7 cells and in ICR mouse livers (5 mg/kg LPS; LPS + ginsenoside Rd [2, 10, and 50 mg/kg]). Furthermore, these decreases were associated with the down-regulations of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and of nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ activity in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that ginsenoside Rd treatment decreases; 1) nitric oxide production (40% inhibition); 2) $PGE_2$ synthesis (69% to 93% inhibition); 3) NF-${\kappa}B$ activity; and 4) the NF-${\kappa}B$-regulated expressions of iNOS and COX-2. Taken together, our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside Rd are due to the down-regulation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and the consequent expressional suppressions of iNOS and COX-2.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.175-188
• /
• 2022

Relaxin has been demonstrated to have regulatory functions on both the smooth muscle and extracellular matrix (ECM) of blood vessels and fibrotic organs. The diverse mechanisms by which relaxin acts on small resistance arteries and fibrotic organs, including the bladder, are reviewed here. Relaxin induces vasodilation by inhibiting the contractility of vascular smooth muscles and by increasing the passive compliance of vessel walls through the reduction of ECM components, such as collagen. The primary cellular mechanism whereby relaxin induces arterial vasodilation is mediated by the endothelium-dependent production of nitric oxide (NO) through the activation of RXFP1/PI3K, Akt phosphorylation, and eNOS. In addition, relaxin triggers different alternative pathways to enhance the vasodilation of renal and mesenteric arteries. In small renal arteries, relaxin stimulates the activation of the endothelial MMPs and EtB receptors and the production of VEGF and PlGF to inhibit myogenic contractility and collagen deposition, thereby bringing about vasodilation. Conversely, in small mesenteric arteries, relaxin augments bradykinin (BK)-evoked relaxation in a time-dependent manner. Whereas the rapid enhancement of the BK-mediated relaxation is dependent on IK_Ca channels and subsequent EDH induction, the sustained relaxation due to BK depends on COX activation and PGI₂. The anti-fibrotic effects of relaxin are mediated by inhibiting the invasion of inflammatory immune cells, the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and the differentiation and activation of myofibroblasts. Relaxin also activates the NOS/NO/cGMP/PKG-1 pathways in myofibroblasts to suppress the TGF-β1-induced activation of ERK1/2 and Smad2/3 signaling and deposition of ECM collagen.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.463-470
• /
• 2023

Desmarestia tabacoides Okamura is a brown macroalgae that is found worldwide. Although several genera of Desmarestia have been reported as having anti-tumorigenic, anti-melanogenic, and photoprotective properties, the anti-inflammatory activity of D. tabacoides Okamura has not yet been evaluated. In this study, we analyzed the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of D. tabacoides Okamura ethanol extract (DTEE) via the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) E₂ production and the expression of their corresponding enzymes, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. In addition, their upstream signaling molecules were evaluated by Western blot analysis, such as nuclear factor (NF)-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The DTEE treatment significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO and PGE₂ production as well as the expression of their corresponding enzymes, iNOS, and COX-2 without cytotoxicity. The stimulated transcription factor NF-κB and upstream signaling molecules extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 were attenuated by the DTEE treatment, which was statistically significant, while Akt did not provide any inhibitory effect. Moreover, the DTEE treatment significantly mitigated the LPS-activated adaptor molecules, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) in the RAW 264.7 cells. These results suggest that DTEE attenuates TLR4-mediated inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB activation and suppressing MAPK phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.740-746
• /
• 2014

The anti-inflammatory effects of Polygonum multiflorum water extracts (PMWs) and Polygonum multiflorum 70 % ethanol extracts(PMEs) were investigated using lipopolysaccharide-induce by inflammatory response. The inhibitory effects of PMWs and PMEs on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro - inflammatory cytokines in LPS - activated Raw 264.7 cells were investigated. The effects were examined after reducing production of Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein levels. RAW 264.7 cells were cultured with LPS ($1{\mu}g/mL$) in the presence or absence of PMWs and PMEs for 24 h to determine their NO, iNOS, COX-2 levels. During the entire experimental period 10, 25, 50 and $100{\mu}g/mL$ of PMWs and PMEs showed no cytotoxicity. At these concentrations, PMWs and PMEs concentration dependently reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$). PMWs and PMEs were inhibited the activittion of iNOS, COX-2 by 89%, 54%, 91% and 57% respectively, at $100{\mu}g/mL$. These results indicate that PMWs and PMEs significantly reduces the effect of oxidative and inflammatory cytokines.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.16 no.5
• /
• pp.326-331
• /
• 2008

To search for immunoactive natural products exerting anti-inflammatory activity, we have evaluated the effects on the water extracts of Artemisia princeps Pampanini (APP) on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$), and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production by RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Our data indicate that this extract is a potent inhibitor of NO production and it also significantly decreased PGE2 and TNF-$\alpha$ production. Consistent with these results, the protein and mRNA expression level of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was inhibited by water extracts of APP in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that APP may exert anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects possibly by suppressing the inducible NO synthase and COX-2 expressions.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.1051-1056
• /
• 2006

Rehmanniae radix preparata is the root of Rehmanniae glutinosa Liboschitz var. purpurea Makino which has been classified into Scrophulariaceae. Rehmanniae radix preparata has been used for the treatment of diabetes, for the relief of the pain, and for the anti-oxidative action. In this study, the effect of the aqueous extract of Rehmanniae radix preparata on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation was investigated by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, prostaglandin E2 immunoassay, and nitric oxide (NO) detection in mouse BV2 microglial cells. In the present results, the aqueous extract of Rehmanniae radix preparata suppressed prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis and nitric oxide production by inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein in mouse BV2 cells. These results show that Rehmanniae radix preparata exerts anti-inflammatory effect probably by suppressing of COX-2 and iNOS expressions.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.85-93
• /
• 2005

목적 : 본 연구는 봉독 약침액이 BV2 microglial cell에서 LPS로 유발된 염증반응에 대한 억제효과를 관찰하고자 하였다. 방법 : 봉독 약침액의 항염증작용을 관찰하기 위하여 BV2 microglial cell에 봉독약침액을 1시간전에 농도별$(0.1,\;1,\;100\;{\mu}g/ml)$로 전처치한 후 LPS $(5\;{\mu}g/ml)$로 24시간 동안 처리하여 RT-PCR, western blot, $PGE_2$, assay, NO synthesis assay등의 방법으로 관찰하였다. 결과 : LPS 염증유발에 의해서 BV2 microglial cell에서 COX-2 및 NOS 발현이 증가하였고, 이 러한 증가는 prostaglandin E2 및 NO 합성을 증가시켰다. 이에 반하여 봉독약침액으로 전처치한 군에서는 COX-2 및 NOS 발현을 억제시켜 결과적으로 prostaglandin 합성 및 NO 합성을 억제시킴을 확인할 수 있었다. 또한 LPS 염증유발에 의해서 활성화된 NF-kB의 발현을 억제 시켰다. 결론 : 봉독약침 액은 LPS 염증유발에 의해서 증가된 prostaglandin E2 및 NO 합성을 억제시킴으로써 여러 가지 염종질환의 치료에 유효한 효과가 있을 것으로 사려 된다.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.339-348
• /
• 2007

This study were designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of $genistein-4'-O-{\alpha}-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)-{\beta}-D-glucopyranoside$ (GRG) isolated from Sophora japonica (Leguminosae) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin ($PGE_2$) production by RAW 264.7 cell line. GRG significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO and $PGE_2$ production. Consistent with these observations, GRG reduced the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the protein and mRNA levels in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the release and the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})$ and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also reduced by GRG. Moreover, GRG attenuated the LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$), a transcription factor necessary for pro-inflammatory mediators, iNOS, COX-2, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 expression. These results suggest that the down regulation of iNOS, COX-2, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and IL-6 expression by GRG are achieved by the downregulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity, and that is also responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.13-26
• /
• 2010

Objectives : The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Gamroeum water extracts (GRE) in vivo and in vitro. Methods : The effects of GRE on anti-inflammation were measured by production of NO, $PGE_2$ (Prostaglandin $E_2$), iNOS (inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase), COX-2, $NF{\kappa}B$ (Nuclear Factor kappa B), TNF-$\alpha$ (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha) and IL-$1{\beta}$ (Interleukin-$1{\beta}$), IL-6 in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with LPS. Results : 1. In machrophage cells, LPS displayed significant stimulatory effects on the production of NO and $PGE_2$. However, GRE showed significant inhibitory effects on NO and $PGE_2$ release. The level of NO and $PGE_2$ was decreased by GRE in a concentration dependent manner as compared with LPS only group. 2. Immunoblot analysis verified that LPS stimulation significantly increased the iNOS and COX-2 protein level, but GRE suppressed the induction of iNOS and COX-2 protein at a concentration dependent manner. 3. GRE reduced the elevated production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 by LPS. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of GRE was occurred in a dose-dependent manner. 4. GRE significantly reduced the expression of NF-${\kappa}B$ protein in nuclear fraction. 5. GRE effectively inhibited the increases of hind paw skin thicknesses and inflammatory cell infiltrations induced by carrageenan treatment. It, therefore, considered that GRE will be favorably inhibited the acute edematous inflammations. Conclusions : These results indicated that GRE could have anti-inflammatory capacity by inhibiting the production of NO, $PGE_2$ and cytokines in vitro and by reducing the formation of carrageenan-induced paw edema in vivo. Moreover, inhibitory effects of GRE on the macrophage activation were attributable to the reduction of some of inflammatory factors by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 through the suppression of NF-${\kappa}B$.