• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2020.08a
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• pp.87-87
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• 2020

In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing activity of water extracts from Hydrangea macrophylla subsp. serrata (WE-HML). WE-HML increased cell viability and production of immunomodulators, which contributed to activating phagocytic activity in RAW264.7 cells. Inhibition of JNK and NF-κB reduced the production of immunomodulators by WE-HML. ROS inhibition suppressed the production of immunomodulators, and the activation of JNK and NF-κB signaling by WE-HML. TLR4 inhibition attenuated the production of immunomodulators, and activation of JNK and NF-κB signaling by WE-HML. In the immunosuppressed mouse model, WE-HML increased the spleen index, the levels of the cytokines, the numbers of white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. However, WE-HML inhibited LPS-mediated overproduction of pro-inflammatory mediators in RAW264.7 cells, which indicated that WE-HML may have anti-inflammatory activity under excessive inflammatory conditions. Taken together, WE-HML may be considered to have immune-enhancing activity and expected to be used as a potential immune-enhancing agent.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.141-145
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• 2002

In order to clarify the neuroprotective effect of Gamibojungikki-tang (GBJIKT) water extract on cultured mouse spinal sensory neuron damaged by glucose Oxidase (GO), MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay and SRB (Sulforhodamine B) assay were carried out after the cultured mouse spinal sensory neuron were preincubated with various concentrations of GBJIKT water extract for 3 hours prior to exposure of GO. Cell viability of cultured mouse spinal sensory neurons exposed to various concentrations of GO for 8 hours was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. MTT50 values were 45 mU/ml GO. Cultured mouse spinal sensory neurons in the medium containing various concentration of GO for 8 hours showed decreasing of total protein synthesis. GO was toxic on cultured spinal sensory neurons. Pretreatment at GBJIKT water extract for 3 hours following GO prevented the GO-induced neurotoxicity such as decreasing of total protein synthesis. These results suggest that GO shows toxic effect on cultured spinal sensory neurons and GBJIKT water extract is highly effective in proecting the neurotoxicity induced by GO.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.398-404
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• 2007

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) are involved in various pathophysiological processes such as inflammation and carcinogenesis. In a search for inhibitors of COX-2 and iNOS production we found that extracts of Stewartia koreana strongly inhibited NO and $PGE_2$ production in LPS-treated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. We have now shown that the mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and COX-2 are reduced by the Stewartia koreana extract (SKE). SKE inhibited expression of an NF-${\kappa}B$ reporter gene in response to LPS, and gel mobility shift assays revealed that SKE reduced NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA-binding activity. The extract also inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ and nuclear translocation of p65. Administration of the extract reduced the symptoms of arthritis in a collagen-induced arthritic mouse model. These results indicate that Stewartia extracts contain potentially useful agents for preventing and treating inflammatory diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.152-160
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• 2004

Backgrounds : Androgenetic alopecia is a relatively common disorder, but its precise mechanism is not elucidated. There are two commercial drugs approved by FDA. One(finasteride) has an inhibition activity of 5$\alpha$-reductase(type 2) and the other(minoxidil) has a vasodilation activity. Objectives : A verified herbal remedy for baldness is needed for medicinal treatment or preventing alopecia, which could be demonstrated by alopecia-related in vitro & in vivo tests Methods : On the basis of oriental pharmacognosy, we classified many herbal medicines into four groups (malnutrition, aging, alopecia and gray hair) according to its effect. The mitosis induction of hairy dermal papillae cell and the metabolic inhibition for type 2 $5{\alpha}-reductase$ were tested with five herbal extracts. Also, five herbal extracts were added to the normal essence formulation (HHRHG0202-80) in ranges of 0.1~0.3%, which was applied two-mouse models to validate each hair growing activity in vivo. Results : Stimulation of follicular papillae cell proliferation was observed in treatment of three herbal extracts (Glycyrrhizae radix:159.7%, Corni fructus : 144.7%, and Coicis semen : 136.6%) at a dose of $10\mu\textrm{g}/ml$. Three herbal extracts (Biotae semen. Glycyrrhizae radix and Coicis semen) showed inhibitory activity for $5{\alpha}-reductase$(type 2) at 93.18%, 73.36% and 47.6%, respectively at the same dose. We observed the enhancement of hair growth activity in C57b1/6 mouse and the inhibition of alopecia in AGA mouse after topical administration of the hair essence. Conclusions : Hair essence product, which contains five medicinal plants, would be used for the remedy for male pattern baldness (MPB) and the other alopecia diseases.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.213-219
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• 2017

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease characterized by chronic and relapsing inflammatory dermatitis with immunological disturbances. Spleen deficiency (脾虛) is one of the major causes of AD, so development of animal model is required for AD research that reflects the pattern identification. The groups that we have used in this study included Senna folium extracts (SFE), 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), and normal mice. Therefore, the present study was developed to atopic dermatitis mouse model with spleen deficiency in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and senna leaves extracts induced AD in NC/Nga mice. The results demonstrated that senna leaves extract treatment significantly increased the dermatitis clinical score and epidermal thickness in AD-like skin lesions. We also proved beyond doubt that there was occurrence of erythema and skin moisture indices in the senna leaves extract groups. Further, we also found that the level of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the senna leaves extract-treated group was increased. The amount of IL-4, IL-13, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $TGF-{\beta}$ mRNA determined by real-time PCR was increased remarkably when senna leaves extract groups were treated on dorsal skin. Senna leaves extract groups significantly promoted the number of CD11B+/Gr-1 cell in skin, as well as the number of CD4+/CD8+ cell in dorsal skin compared with control. The review summarizes recent process in our understanding of the immunopathophysiology of spleen deficiency AD and the implications for spleen deficiency mouse models of AD on drug discovery from medical plants.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.49.1-49.15
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• 2022

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could protect against myocardial infarction (MI). TLR4 is reported to play an important role in MI, while microRNA-182-5p (miR-182-5p) negatively regulates TLR4 expression. Therefore, we hypothesize that MSCs-derived exosomes overexpressing miR-182-5p may have beneficial effects on MI. We generated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and overexpressed miR-182-5p in these cells for exosome isolation. H₂O₂-stimulated neonatal mouse ventricle myocytes (NMVMs) and MI mouse model were employed, which were subjected to exosome treatment. The expression of inflammatory factors, heart function, and TLR4 signaling pathway activation were monitored. It was found that miR-182-5p decreased TLR4 expression in BM-MSCs and NMVMs. Administration of exosomes overexpressing miR-182-5p to H₂O₂-stimulated NMVMs enhanced cell viability and suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, they promoted heart function, suppressed inflammatory responses, and de-activated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in MI mice. In conclusion, miR-182-5p transferred by the exosomes derived from BM-MSCs protected against MI-induced impairments by targeting TLR4.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.35-46
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• 2023

Objectives : Gumiganghwal-tang and its main components have been used for treatment of cough, headache, joint pain and fever. Using a respiratory inflammatory model, we intend to demonstrate the its anti-inflammatory effect and immune mechanism of Gumiganghwal-tang. Methods : We induced the respiratory inflammation mouse model by papain treatment. Female BALB/C mice (8 weeks old) were divided into three groups as follows: saline control group, papain treatment group (vehicle), papain and Gumiganghwal-tang (200 mg/kg) treatment group (n=4). To verify the anti-inflammatory effect of Gumiganghwal-tang extracts, we measured the infiltration of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and nasal lavage fluid (NALF). Additionally, the efficacy of Gumiganghwal-tang extracts on Th2 cell population and alveolar macrophage in lung were analyzed by using flow cytometry. Results : Gumiganghwal-tang extracts administration decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in BALF and NALF, especially of eosinophils. Furthermore, interleukin-5 level was reduced in lung by drug administration. Interestingly, Gumiganghwal-tang extracts treatment also decreased the Th2 cell (CD4⁺GATA3⁺) population and increased the alveolar macrophage (CD11b⁺CD11c⁺) population in lung. Conclusions : Our findings indicate that Gumiganghwal-tang extracts have anti-inflammatory effects by mediating Th2 cell and alveolar macrophage cell activation.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.18.1-18.12
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• 2021

Background: We previously elucidated the protective mechanism of Korean red ginseng oil (RGO) against Brucella abortus infection, and our phytochemical analysis revealed that palmitic acid (PA) was an abundant component of RGO. Consequently, we investigated the contribution of PA against B. abortus. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of PA against B. abortus infection using a murine cell line and a murine model. Methods: Cell viability, bactericidal, internalization, and intracellular replication, western blot, nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide (O₂^-) analyses and flow cytometry were performed to determine the effects of PA on the progression of B. abortus infection in macrophages. Flow cytometry for cytokine analysis of serum samples and bacterial counts from the spleens were performed to determine the effect of PA in a mouse model. Results: PA did not affect the growth of B. abortus. PA treatment in macrophages did not change B. abortus uptake but it did attenuate the intracellular survivability of B. abortus. Incubation of cells with PA resulted in a modest increase in sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression. Compared to control cells, reduced nitrite accumulation, augmented O₂^-, and enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine production were observed in PA-treated B. abortus-infected cells. Mice orally treated with PA displayed a decreased serum interleukin-10 level and enhanced bacterial resistance. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PA participates in the control of B. abortus within murine macrophages, and the in vivo study results confirm its efficacy against the infection. However, further investigations are encouraged to completely characterize the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of B. abortus infection by fatty acids.

• Yonsei Medical Journal
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• v.59 no.9
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• pp.1096-1106
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• 2018

Purpose: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the sixth most common cause of death in the United States. MicroRNAs have been identified as vital players in neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. microRNA-128 (miR-128) has been shown to be dysregulated in AD. This study aimed to explore the roles and molecular mechanisms of miR-128 in AD progression. Materials and Methods: Expression patterns of miR-128 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ($PPAR-{\gamma}$) messenger RNA in clinical samples and cells were measured using RT-qPCR assay. $PPAR-{\gamma}$ protein levels were determined by Western blot assay. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell apoptotic rate was detected by flow cytometry via double-staining of Annexin V-FITC/PI. Caspase 3 and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity was determined by a Caspase 3 Activity Assay Kit or $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 Transcription Factor Assay Kit, respectively. Bioinformatics prediction and luciferase reporter assay were used to investigate interactions between miR-128 and $PPAR-{\gamma}$ 3'UTR. Results: MiR-128 expression was upregulated and $PPAR-{\gamma}$ expression was downregulated in plasma from AD patients and $amyloid-{\beta}$ $(A{\beta})-treated$ primary mouse cortical neurons (MCN) and Neuro2a (N2a) cells. Inhibition of miR-128 decreased $A{\beta}-mediated$ cytotoxicity through inactivation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ in MCN and N2a cells. Moreover, $PPAR-{\gamma}$ was a target of miR-128. $PPAR-{\gamma}$ upregulation attenuated $A{\beta}-mediated$ cytotoxicity by inactivating $NF-{\kappa}B$ in MCN and N2a cells. Furthermore, $PPAR-{\gamma}$ downregulation was able to abolish the effect of anti-miR-128 on cytotoxicity and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity in MCN and N2a cells. Conclusion: MiR-128 inhibitor decreased $A{\beta}-mediated$ cytotoxicity by upregulating $PPAR-{\gamma}$ via inactivation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ in MCN and N2a cells, providing a new potential target in AD treatment.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.217-231
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• 2011

Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Saengmaekcheongpye-eum (SCE) on a LPS-induced COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) model. Materials and Methods : The extract of SCE was treated to A549 cells and and LPS-induced COPD mouse model. Then, various parameters such as cell-based cyto-protective activity and histopathological finding were analyzed. Results : SCE showed a protective effect on LPS-induced cytotoxicity in A549 cells. This effect was correlated with analysis for caspase 3 levels, elastin contents, protein levels of cyclin B1, Cdc2, and phospho-Erk1/2, and gene expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in A549 cells. SCE treatment also revealed a protective effect on LPS-induced lung injury in COPD mouse model. This effect was evidenced via histopathological findings including immunofluorescence stains against elastin and caspase 3, and protein levels of cyclin B1, Cdc2, and Erk1/2 in lung tissue. Conclusions : These data suggest that SCE has pharmaceutical properties on lung injury. This study thus provides scientific evidence for the efficacy of SCE for clinical application to patients with COPD.