• Animal cells and systems
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2008

Nitric oxide(NO) has been known to play important roles in numerous physiologic processes including neurotransmission, vasorelaxation, and cellular apoptosis. Using a mouse cDNA gene chip, we examined expression patterns and time course of NO-dependent genes in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Genes shown to be upregulated more than two fold or at least at two serial time points were further selected and validated by RT-PCR. Finally, 81 selected genes were classified by function as signaling, apoptosis, inflammation, transcription, translation, ionic homeostasis and metabolism. Among those, genes related with signaling, apoptosis and inflammation, such as guanylate cyclase 1, soluble, alpha3(Gucy1a3); protein kinase C, alpha($Pkc{\alpha}$); lymphocyte protein tyrosine kinase(Lck); BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa-interacting protein(Bnip3); apoptotic protease activating factor 1(Apaf1); X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis(Xiap); cyclin G1(Ccng1); chemokine(C-C motif) ligand 4(Ccl4); B cell translocation gene 2, anti-proliferative(Btg2); lysozyme 2(Lyz2); secreted phosphoprotein 1(Spp1); heme oxygenase(decycling) 1(Hmox1); CD14 antigen(Cd14); and granulin(Grn) may play important roles in NO-dependent responses in murine macrophages.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.8
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• pp.873-878
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• 2017

We previously reported that NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)-knockout (KO) mice exhibited spontaneous inflammation in the gut. We also found that NQO1-KO mice showed highly increased inflammatory responses compared with NQO1-WT control mice when subjected to DSS-induced experimental colitis. In a Clostridium difficile toxin-induced mouse enteritis model, NQO1-KO mice were also sensitive compared with NQO1-WT mice. Moreover, numerous studies have shown that NQO1 is functionally associated with immune regulation. Here, we assessed whether NQO1 defects can alter macrophage activation. We found that peritoneal macrophages isolated from NQO1-KO mice produced more IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ than those isolated from NQO1-WT mice. Moreover, the dicumarol-induced inhibition of NQO1 significantly increased IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ production in peritoneal macrophages isolated from NQO1-WT mice, as well as in the cultured mouse macrophage cell line, RAW264.7. These results indicate that NQO1 may negatively regulate the activation of macrophages. Knockout or chemical inhibition of NQO1 markedly reduced the expression of $I{\kappa}B$ (inhibitor of $NF{\kappa}B$) in both mouse peritoneal macrophages and RAW264.7 cells. Finally, RAW264.7 cells treated with dicumarol exhibited morphological changes reflecting macrophage activation. Our results suggest that NQO1 may suppress the $NF{\kappa}B$ pathways in macrophages, thereby suppressing the activation of these cells. Thus, immunosuppressive activity may be among the many possible functions of NQO1.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.63-84
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• 2004

Objective & Methods : To study the effects of anti-cancer, anti-metastasis and immune response improvement of herbal-acupuncture with Eclipta prostrata diffusae herba infusion solution(ELP-HAS), we injected ELP-HAS into Chung-wan(CV12) of C57BL/6 mice implanted intravenously with B16-F10 melanoma. We have reached the following conclusion through the effect on the percentage of $CD25^+/CD4^+$, $CD8^+/CD3e^+$, $CD69^+/B220^+$, $NK1.1^+/CD3e^+$cells in mouse PBMCs, the effect on the pulmonary colony formation number, and the effect on MST(Median Survival Time) and ILS(Increase of Life Span) of C57BL/6 mice implanted intravenously with B16-F10 melanoma. Results : The results were obtained as follows : 1. In the experiment groups treated with ELP(Ecliptae Herba) Herbal acupuncture, the spleen cell proliferation in BALB/c mouse was significantly increased compared with control group. 2. In the experiment groups treated with ELP(Ecliptae Herba) Herbal acupuncture, the percentage of $CD25^+/CD4^+$, $CD8^+/CD3e^+$, $CD69^+/B220^+$, $NK1.1^+/CD3e^+$cells in C57BL/6 mouse PBMCs was increased compared with control group. 3. In the experiment groups treated with ELP(Ecliptae Herba) Herbal acupuncture, the pulmonary colony formation number of C57BL/6 mice implanted intravenously with B16-F10 melanoma was decreased significantly compared with control group. 4. In the experiment groups treated with ELP(Ecliptae Herba) Herbal acupuncture, MST(Median Survival Time) and ILS(Increase of Life Span) of C57BL/6 mice implanted intravenously with B16-F10 melanoma were increased significantly compared with control group. Conclusions : ELP Herbal acupuncture injection into Chung-wan(CV12) of C57BL/6 mice is considered to be effective in anti-cancer, anti-metastasis and immune response improvement.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.87-116
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to examine of the effect of Kami-chungsimyeunjatang(KCSYJT) medicine on the atopy eruption control. Methods : The expression of IgE, IL-4, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IgG2b, IgM, IgG2a and IgG1 level in serum, and $IFN-{\gamma}$ production by KCSYJT were analyzed. CD3e+/CD69+, CD4+/CD25+, B220+/IgE+ and B220+/CD23+ positive cells by flow cytometry in splenocytes were assayed and the revelation of CD3e+/CD69+, CD4+/CD8+ and CD4+/CD25+ marker in PBMC, spleen and DLN were observed. The outturn of IL-4, eotaxin 2, CCR3, TARC mRNA in splenocytes werw observed. We also analyzed NC/Nga mice's ear, DLN and neck-back skin after biopy and dye by H&E, and toluidine staining (mast cells marker) method, measured about epidermis and dermis part in comparison with control group. Results : NC/Nga mice suffered from dermatitis very similar to human AD with IgE hyperproduction. Specially, result that measure IgE content in serum on 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks decreased remarkably than control group. After experiment end, result that observe revelation CD3e+/CD69+, CD4+/CD8+ and CD4+/CD25+ marker in PBMC, spleen and DLN establishment observed recover as normal with political background. And decreased than result control group which measure IL-4, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IgG2b, IgM, IgG2a, IgG1 level in serum, and $IFN-{\gamma}$ production secreted in Th1 cell displayed increase by KCSYJT medicines. Ear thickness decrease than control group in result that observe effect that get in ear of a NC/Nga mouse. Course inflammation immunocyte etc.. permeated of result that effect that KCSYJT medicines get to NC/Nga mouse's skin establishment analyzes ear, DLN and neck-back skin after biopy, and dye by H&E, and toluidine staining (mast cells marker) method decreased about epidermis. and inflammation of dermis part remarkably than control group. Immunohistochemical examination of the skin lesion showed decrease by KCSYJT medicines on numbers of mast cells (CCR3) and CD4+ T cells containing IL-4 necessary for IgE. Conclusions : Th1 cell and Th2 cell was observed to be shift by secretion amount of IL-4 and $IFN-{\gamma}$ by KCSYJT medicines. Therefore, the KCSYJT medicine turned out to be useful in allergy autoimmune disease.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.1106-1115
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• 2009

Mori Ramulus has multiple applications in Korean traditional medicine prescription because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing macrophage activities. Yet, no studies on the anti-arthritic activity of EMR (extract of Mori Ramulus) have been reported in vitro and in vivo. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with chronic inflammation characterized by hyperplasia of synovial cells in affected joints, which ultimately leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone. Because collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is similar to RA in pathological symptoms and immune reactions, there have been several reports concerning RA using CIA mouse model. Here, we investigated the effects of Mori Ramulus on RA using CIA mice. The importance of CD4+ Th1 cells in RA progress was previously indicated and studies further showed that Th17 cells play a prime role in severity of disease. Accordingly, the present study was focused on CIA associated with CD4+ Th1 cells and Th1 7 cells. DBA/1OlaHsd mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen (CII). After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with EMR once a day for 4 weeks. The severity of arthritis within the paw joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction and pannus formation. Immune cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), draining lymph node (DLN) and paw joints, cytokine production and gene expression were assessed from CIA mouse using ELISA, FACS and real-time PCR analysis. Administration of EMR significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and inhibited the production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-17 in the serum. The erosion of cartilage was dramatically reduced in mouse knees after treatment with EMR. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EMR significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and that this action was mediated by the decreased production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-17 and collagen II-specific antibody in the serum. EMR suppressed Th17 cells and reduced level of IL-6 via B cell suppression, and thus, the levels of autoantibodies produced from B cells were decreased. Furthermore, EMR suppressed NKT cells which directly stimulate B cells and develop imbalance of Th1/Th2 cell. Oral administration of EMR (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the progression of CIA, which is comparable to that of methotrexate (MTX, 0.3 mg/kg) used as a positive control. We are currently studying the mechanism underlying the therapeutic role for EMR in CIA mice.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.9-20
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• 1999

The genetic defects in human gametes and embryos can cause adverse effects on overall reproductive events. Biopsy of embryos for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) offers a new possibility of having children free of the genetic disease. In addition, advanced embryo culture method may enhance the effectiveness of embryo biopsy for the practical application of PGD. This experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of coculture on the development in vitro of biopsied mouse embryos as a preclinical model for PGD of human embryos. Embryos were obtained after in vitro fertilization (IVF) from F1 hybrid mice (C57BLfemale/CBAmale). Using micromanipulation, 1, 2, 3 or 4 blastomeres of 8-cell stage embryos were aspirated through a hole made in the zona pellucida by zona drilling (ZD) with acidic Tyrode's solution (ATS). After biopsy of blastomeres, embryos were cultured in vitro for 110 hours in Ham's F-10 supplemented with 0.4% BSA or cocultured on the monolayer of Vero cells in the same medium. The frequence of blastocyst formation were recorded, and the embryos beyond blastocyst stage were stained with 10% Giemsa to count the total number of nuclei in each embryo. There was no significant difference in the blastocyst formation between the zona intact control group and the zona drilling (ZD) only, or biopsied groups. The hatching rate of all the treatment groups except 4/8 group was significantly higher than that of control group. In all the treatment groups, there was a significant reduction in the mean cell number of embryos beyond blastocyst stage ($50.2{\pm}14.0$ in control group vs. $41.2{\pm}7.9$ in ZD, $39.3{\pm}8.8$ in 7/8, $29.7{\pm}6.4$ in 6/8, $25.1{\pm}5.7$ in 5/8, and $22.1{\pm}4.3$ in 4/8 groups, p<0.05). When the same treatments were followed by coculture with Vero cells, a similar pattern was seen in the blastocyst formation and the hatching rate. However, in all the treatment groups, there was a significant increase in the mean cell number of embryos beyond blastocyst stage with coculture, compared with the parallel groups without coculture. In the cleavage rate of biopsied blastomeres cultured for 110 hours after IVF, there was no significant difference between coculture and non-coculture groups (87.2% vs. 78.7%). However, the mean cell number of embryos developed from the biopsied blastomeres was significantly higher in coculture group ($11.5{\pm}4.7\;vs.\;5.9{\pm}1.9$, p<0.05). In conclusion, biopsy of mouse embryos after ZD with ATS is a safe and highly efficient method for PGD, and coculture with Vero cells showed a positive effect on the development in vitro of biopsied mouse embryos and blastomeres as a preclinical model for PGD of human embryos.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.3815-3819
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• 2012

The CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell (Treg) is a special kind of T cell subset. Studies have showed that Treg cells are involved in a number of physiological processes and pathologic conditions such as autoimmune diseases, transplantation tolerance and cancer. Tregs with unique capacity for immune inhibition can impair anti-tumour immunity and help tumor cells to escape from immune surveillance. The aim of our study was to investigate whether Tregs are involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A BABL/C mouse with HCC in situ model was established to evaluate the Treg existence in carcinoma tissues and the changes of Tregs in spleen using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry methods. Granzyme B expression in carcinoma tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry to investigate the tumor local immune status.The proportion of CD4+CD25+/CD4+ spleen lymphocytes of tumor bearing mice ($18.8%{\pm}1.26%$) was found to be significantly higher than that in normal mice ($9.99%{\pm}1.90%$) (P<0.01 ). Immunohistochemistry of spleen tissue also confirmed that there was an increase in Treg in tumor-bearing mice, while in carcinomas it showed Treg cells to be present in tumor infiltrating lymphocyte areas while Granzyme B was rarely observed. Anti-tumour immunity was suppressed, and this might be associated with the increase of Tregs. Our observations suggest that the CD4+CD25+Treg/CD4+ proportion in spleen lymphocytes can be a sensitive index to evaluate the change of Tregs in hepatocellular carcinoma mice and the Treg may be a promising therapeutic target for cancer.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.293-299
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• 2002

Cytotoxic and antimutagenic effects of a novel cis-$\varepsilon$-viniferin and five known stilbenes, transresveratrol, trans-$\varepsilon$-viniferin, gnetin H, suffruticosols A and B, isolated from the seeds of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Paeoniaceae) were determined against five different cancer cell lines, and mutagenicity of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in Salmonella typhimurium TA100, respectively. Six stilbenes showed cytotoxic activity in a dose-dependent manner, and especially did potent cytotoxic activity against C6 (mouse glioma) cancer cell with $IC_{50}$ values ranging from 8.2 to $20.5{\;}{\mu\textrm{g}}/ml$. trans-Resveratrol showed significant cytotoxic activity against HepG2 (liver hepatoma) and HT-29 (colon) human cancer cell lines with $IC_{50}$ values of 11.8 and 25.2 g/ml, respectively. In contrast, trans-$\varepsilon$-viniferin and cis--viniferin, and gnetin H exhibited marked cytotoxic activity against Hela (cervicse) and MCF-7 (breast) human cancer cell lines with $IC_{50}$ values of 20.4, 21.5, and $12.9{\;}{\mu\textrm{g}}/ml$, respectively. However, suffruticosol A and B had less cytotoxic effect against all cancer cells except C6. Meanwhile, six stilbenes exerted antimutagenic activity in a dose-dependent fashion. Of them, trans-resveratrol exhibited the strongest antimutagenic effect against MNNG with $IC_{50}$ value of $27.0{\;}{\mu\textrm{g}}/plate$, while other five resveratrol oligomers also did moderate antimutagenic activity with $IC_{50}$ values ranging from 31.7 to $35.2{\;}{\mu\textrm{g}}/plate$.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.11
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• pp.2012-2018
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• 2016

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is the main cause of acute myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Plant extracts are considered as useful materials to develop new antiviral drugs. We had previously selected candidate plant extracts, which showed anti-inflammatory effects. We examined the antiviral effects by using a HeLa cell survival assay. Among these extracts, we chose the Amomi Cardamomi (Amomi) extract, which showed strong antiviral effect and preserved cell survival in CVB3 infection. We investigated the mechanisms underlying the ability of Amomi extract to inhibit CVB3 infection and replication. HeLa cells were infected by CVB3 with or without Amomi extract. Erk and Akt activities, and their correlation with virus replication were observed. Live virus titers in cell supernatants and viral positive- and negative-strand RNA amplification were measured. Amomi extract significantly increased HeLa cell survival in different concentrations ($100-10{\mu}g/ml$). CVB3 capsid protein VP1 expression (76%) and viral protease 2A-induced eIF4G1 cleavage (70%) were significantly decreased in Amomi extract ($100{\mu}g/ml$) treated cells. The levels of positive- (20%) and negative-strand (80%) RNA were dramatically decreased compared with the control, as revealed by reverse transcription-PCR. In addition, Amomi extract improved mice survival (51% vs 26%) and dramatically reduced heart inflammation in a CVB3-induced myocarditis mouse model. These results suggested that Amomi extract significantly inhibited Enterovirus replication and myocarditis damage. Amomi may be developed as a therapeutic drug for Enterovirus.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.476-484
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• 2018

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (steamed and dried white ginseng, Panax ginseng Meyer) is well known for enhancing vital energy and immune capacity and for inhibiting cancer cell growth. Some clinical studies also demonstrated a therapeutic potential of ginseng extract for treating lung inflammatory disorders. This study was conducted to establish the therapeutic potential of ginseng saponins on the lung inflammatory response. Methods: From Korean Red Ginseng, 11 ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1, Rg2, Rg3, and Rh2) were isolated. Their inhibitory potential and action mechanism were evaluated using a mouse model of lung inflammation, acute lung injury induced by intranasal lipopolysaccharide administration. Their anti-inflammatory activities were also examined in lung epithelial cell line (A549) and alveolar macrophage (MH-S). Results: All ginsenosides orally administered at 20 mg/kg showed 11.5-51.6% reduction of total cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Among the ginsenosides, Rc, Re, Rg1, and Rh2 exhibited significant inhibitory action by reducing total cell numbers in the BALF by 34.1-51.6% (n = 5). Particularly, Re showed strong and comparable inhibitory potency with that of dexamethasone, as judged by the number of infiltrated cells and histological observations. Re treatment clearly inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$, and the c-Fos component in the lung tissue (n = 3). Conclusion: Certain ginsenosides inhibit lung inflammatory responses by interrupting these signaling molecules and they are potential therapeutics for inflammatory lung diseases.