• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.405-416
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• 2021

Background: This study investigated the effect of intrathecal Sec-O-glucosylhamaudol (SOG) on the p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)-related inflammatory responses, and autophagy in a spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain model. Methods: The continuous administration of intrathecal SOG via an osmotic pump was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 50) with SNL-induced neuropathic pain. Rats were randomized into four groups after the 7th day following SNL and treated for 2 weeks as follows (each n = 10): Group S, sham-operated; Group D, 70% dimethylsulfoxide; Group SOG96, SOG at 96 ㎍/day; and Group SOG192, SOG at 192 ㎍/day. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) test was performed to assess neuropathic pain. Western blotting of the spinal cord (L5) was performed to measure changes in the expression of signaling pathway components, cytokines, and autophagy. Additional studies with naloxone challenge (n = 10) and cells were carried out to evaluate the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of SOG. Results: Continuous intrathecal SOG administration increased the PWT with p38/JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition, which induced a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines with the concomitant downregulation of autophagy. Conclusions: SOG alleviates mechanical allodynia, and its mechanism is thought to be related to the regulation of p38/JNK MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, associated with autophagy during neuroinflammatory processes after SNL.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.117-123
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• 2014

Objectives : Sinhyowoldo-san (SHWDS) is said to be a traditional medicine used for shigellosis, abdominal pain, diarrhea. But mechanism of SHWDS mediated-modulation of immune function is not sufficiently understood. To ascertain the molecular mechanisms of SHWDS 70% EtOH extract on pharmacological and biochemical actions in inflammation, we researched the effect of pro-inflammatory mediators in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)+ A23187-activated human mast cell line (HMC-1). Methods : In the present research, cell viability was measured by MTS assay. pro-inflammatory cytokine production was measured by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blot analysis to analyze the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($NF-{\kappa}B$). The investigation focused on whether SHWDS inhibited the expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), MAPKs and $NF-{\kappa}B$ in PMA+A23187-activated HMC-1 cells. Results : SHWDS has no cytotoxicity at measured concentration (50, 100, and $250{\mu}g/ml$). SHWDS ($250{\mu}g/ml$) inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in PMA+ A23187-activated HMC-1 cells. Moreover, SHWDS inhibited cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression. In activated HMC-1 cells, SHWDS suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2) and c-jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK 1/2). Then, SHWDS suppressed activation of nuclear factor $NF-{\kappa}B$ in nuclear, degradation of IkB ${\alpha}$ in cytoplasm. Conclusions : We propose that SHWDS has an anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential, which may result from inhibition of ERK 1/2, JNK 1/2 phosphorylation and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation, thereby decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.310-316
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• 2016

In this study, the anti-osteoarthritis effects of Cynanchum wilfordii, Phlomis umbrosa, and Angelica gigas extract (CPAE), observed and confirmed in previously clinical studies were further investigated by in vitro and in vivo studies. Anabolic biomarkers related to healthy cartilage maintenance, such as aggrecan, type II collagen ${\alpha}$-1 (Col2a1), sex determining region Y-box-9 (Sox-9), and catabolic biomarkers related to osteoarthritis, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), matrix metalloproteinase-13 (Mmp13), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($Nf{\kappa}b$), were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and reporter gene assay. In vitro study results showed significant changes in both anabolic and catabolic biomarkers. For anabolic factors, significant changes in the level of aggrecan (P<0.05), Col2a1 (P<0.05), and Sox-9 (P<0.01) activation were shown after treatment of cartilage cells with CPAE (50 ng/mL) with similar efficacy compared to insulin growth factor, the positive control (100 ng/mL). For catabolic factors, significant changes in the inhibition activity of Cox-2 (P<0.05), Mmp13 (P<0.01), and $Nf{\kappa}b$ (P<0.05) were shown for CPAE (50 ng/mL) with similar efficacy compared to Celecoxib, the positive control ($10{\mu}M$). In the in vivo carrageenan-induced paw edema model study results showed that CPAE-treated groups (100 mg/kg) and Celecoxib-treated groups (60 mg/kg) showed comparably significant efficacy of inhibition by 37.1% and 52.1%, respectively. Furthermore, CPAE (200 mg/kg) showed similar effect to Celecoxib (60 mg/kg) with an inhibition rate of 54.3%. This result confirms that CPAE effectively inhibited the inflammation-induced osteoarthritis symptoms.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.97-104
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• 2017

Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as tomato, is widely used in raw, cooked, or liquid forms because it contains nutritional compounds that are beneficial for human health, including carotenoids, lycopene, ascorbic acid, vitamins, and minerals. The tomato is perhaps the most widely studied fruit, especially with respect to its cardioprotective effects. In this study, we aimed to identify the anti-inflammatory mechanisms by which the tomato elicits its anti-inflammatory properties. We treated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells with a tomato ethanol extract and performed various biochemical assays including nitric oxide inhibition, cell viability, RNA extraction, expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and immunoblotting, as well we assessed cell survival rates. Our results have shown for the first time that a tomato ethanol extract treatment can suppress nitric oxide production in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. Moreover, it inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines and elicits its anti-inflammatory effects via the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($NF-{\kappa}B$) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. In addition, administration of tomato syrup potently rescued mice from septic shock induced by lipopolysaccharide injection. Collectively, our results elucidate details regarding the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of tomato.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.330-339
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• 2023

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is a crucial tumor suppressor involved in various cellular processes, including embryonic development, tumor initiation and progression, cell adhesion, apoptosis, and metabolism. However, the precise mechanisms underlying its functions remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that LKB1 interacts directly with malic enzyme 3 (ME3) through the N-terminus of the enzyme and identified the binding regions necessary for this interaction. The binding activity was confirmed to promote the expression of ME3 in an LKB1-dependent manner and was also shown to induce apoptosis activity. Furthermore, LKB1 and ME3 overexpression upregulated the expression of tumour suppressor proteins (p53 and p21) and downregulated the expression of antiapoptotic proteins (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)). Additionally, LKB1 and ME3 enhanced the transcription of p21 and p53 and inhibited the transcription of NF-κB. Moreover, LKB1 and ME3 suppressed the phosphorylation of various components of the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. Overall, these results suggest that LKB1 promotes pro-apoptotic activities by inducing ME3 expression.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.32-41
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• 2015

Objectives: Condurango (Gonolobus condurango) extract is used by complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners as a traditional medicine, including homeopathy, mainly for the treatment of syphilis. Condurango bark extract is also known to reduce tumor volume, but the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain unclear. Methods: Using a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) as our model, the molecular events behind condurango extract's (CE's) anticancer effect were investigated by using flow cytometry, immunoblotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Other included cell types were prostate cancer cells (PC3), transformed liver cells (WRL-68), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results: Condurango extract (CE) was found to be cytotoxic against target cells, and this was significantly deactivated in the presence of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting that its action could be mediated through ROS generation. CE caused an increase in the HeLa cell population containing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage at the G zero/Growth 1 (G0/G1) stage. Further, CE increased the tumor necrosis factor alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$) and the fas receptor (FasR) levels both at the ribonucleic acid (RNA) and the protein levels, indicating that CE might have a cytotoxic mechanism of action. CE also triggered a sharp decrease in the expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($NF-{\kappa}B$) both at the RNA and the protein levels, a possible route to attenuation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and caused an opening of the mitochondrial membrane's permeability transition (MPT) pores, thus enhancing caspase activities. Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest possible pathways for CE mediated cytotoxicity in model cancer cells.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.412-427
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was carried out to compare the effects of Eejin-tang, Hyangsaeejin-tang and Naeso-san extracts on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions in mice. Methods : Experimental mice were divided into six groups. The normal group had no gastro-inflammation. In the control group, gastro-inflammation was elicited by indomethacin. Misoprostol, Eejin-tang, Hyangsaeejin-tang and Naeso-san group were those in which misoprostol, Eejin-tang extract, Hyangsaeejin-tang extract and Naeso-san extract were administered after gastro-inflammation is elicited. This study examined the anti-inflammation effects and distribution of mucus secreting cells, zonula occludin-1 (ZO-1), heat shock protein (HSP) 70, periodic acid-schiff reaction stain (PAS), peanut agglutinin (PNA), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-${\kappa}B$) p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Results : 1. The hemorrhagic erosion and damaged mucus secreting cell, the positive reaction HSP70 increased in the control group, but decreased in the Eejin-tang, Hyangsaeejin-tang and Naeso-san groups. 2. The positive reaction of ZO-1, PAS, PNA, COX-1 and BrdU decreased in the control group, but increased in the Eejin-tang, Hyangsaeejin-tang and Naeso-san groups. 3. The positive reaction of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65, iNOS and COX-2 increased in the control group, but decreased in the Eejin-tang, Hyangsaeejin-tang and Naeso-san groups. Conclusions : Among the three extracts, the effects were in the order of Naeso-san, Hyangsaeejin-tang and Eejin-tang group, Naeso-san being the most effective.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.633-643
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• 2019

Long-term ultraviolet (UV) exposure accelerates the phenomenon of skin photo-aging by activating collagenase and elastase. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a combination of grapefruit and rosemary extracts (cG&Re) on UVB-irradiated damage in HaCaT cells and dorsal mouse skin. In HaCaT cells, cG&Re recovered UVB-reduced cell viability and inhibited protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as extracellular signal-regulated kinases (p-Erk), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK), and a class of MAPKs (p-P38). Also, cG&Re suppressed UVB-induced collagen and elastin degradation by decreasing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) expression, which is a transcription factor. Similar results were observed in dorsal mouse skin. Taken together, our data indicate that cG&Re prevent UVB-induced skin photo-aging due to collagen/elastin degradation via activation of MAPKs, MMPs, and the NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.46 no.11
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• pp.1300-1307
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• 2017

Cheonggukjang is well known as a traditional fermented food in Korea and has various biological activity. In this study, immune-enhancing activity of extract of cheonggukjang fermented with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (SRCM100730) was examined in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Treatment with extract augmented production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$) from RAW 264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, increased mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and $TNF-{\alpha}$ was observed. In addition, the extract synergistically enhanced production of NO and $TNF-{\alpha}$ from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. Analysis of intracellular pathways revealed that the immune-enhancing activity of cheonggukjang extract was related to activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($NF-{\kappa}B$). These results suggest that cheonggukjang fermented with B. amyloliquefaciens (SRCM100730) is a beneficial food effective for activation of immune responses.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.201-208
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• 2022

Neuroinflammation is defined as a neurological inflammation within the brain and the spinal cord. In neuroinflammation, microglia are the tissue-resident macrophages of the central nervous system, which act as the first line of defense against harmful pathogens. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has an anti-inflammatory effect in many neurological conditions. Additionally, the microRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p) mimic has been proven to be effective in macrophages in inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of both miR-30a-5p and Dex in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells. This study showed that miR-30a-5p and Dex decreased nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) translocation in LPS-induced BV2 cells. MiR-30a-5p and Dex alleviated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), LPS-induced phosphorylation c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38. Also, the expression of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome (NLRP3), cleaved caspase-1, and ASC was inhibited. Furthermore, LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression were attenuated by Dex and miR-30a-5p. Our results indicate that a combination of Dex and miR-30a-5p, attenuates NF-κB activation, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and inflammatory mediators involved in LPS-induced inflammation and inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in LPS-activated BV2 cells.