• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.887-893
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the wound healing effects of Danggwieumja (DG), which is commonly used for skin inflammation, skin wound, skin pruritus, and chronic hives etc. The 1.5 cm ${\times}$ 1.5 cm full-thickness skin wound was induced to two groups, DG (n=16) and Saline (n=16) group. The DG extract and Saline were orally administrated daily for 15 days after skin wound induction. Then, the body weight of rats and the congestion indices were daily measured for 15 days after skin wound induction. The wound contractions and epithelizations were also measured. The wound contractions were daily measured for 15 days after wound induction and wound epithelizations were measured for 8 days from day 7 after wound induction. For evaluating angiogenesis, the immunoreactivities of vWF and VEGF protein were measured immunohistochemistrically on day 15. In results, although the percentage increases in mean body weight of rats in the DG and Saline groups hve no significant differences, DG extract decreased the time of wound healing and congestion around wound, and improved wound contraction and epithelization. The contraction percentage of DG group was significantly increased on day 5 (P<0.05) and day 7 (P<0.01) than that of Saline group. DG group showed significant increase of wound epithelization on day 7 (P<0.05) as compared to Saline group. Moreover, DG extract reduced the inflammation of skin dermis and promoted the growth of vascular vessels of dermis by accelerating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein. These results suggest that DG has the beneficial effects on skin incision wound and can be the suitable wound healing agent for various surgical wounds.

• BMB Reports
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.469-478
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• 2006

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, a major regulator for angiogenesis, binds and activates two tyrosine kinase receptors, VEGFR1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR2 (KDR/Flk-1). These receptors regulate physiological as well as pathological angiogenesis. VEGFR2 has strong tyrosine kinase activity, and transduces the major signals for angiogenesis. However, unlike other representative tyrosine kinase receptors which use the Ras pathway, VEGFR2 mostly uses the Phospholipase-$C{\gamma}$-Protein kinase-C pathway to activate MAP-kinase and DNA synthesis. VEGFR2 is a direct signal transducer for pathological angiogenesis including cancer and diabetic retinopathy, thus, VEGFR2 itself and the signaling appear to be critical targets for the suppression of these diseases. VEGFR1 plays dual role, a negative role in angiogenesis in the embryo most likely by trapping VEGF-A, and a positive role in adulthood in a tyrosine kinase-dependent manner. VEGFR1 is expressed not only in endothelial cells but also in macrophage-lineage cells, and promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and inflammation. Furthermore, a soluble form of VEGFR1 was found to be present at abnormally high levels in the serum of preeclampsia patients, and induces proteinurea and renal dysfunction. Therefore, VEGFR1 is also an important target in the treatment of human diseases. Recently, the VEGFR2-specific ligand VEGF-E (Orf-VEGF) was extensively characterized. Interestingly, the activation of VEGFR2 via VEGF-E in vivo results in a strong angiogenic response in mice with minor side effects such as inflammation compared with VEGF-A, suggesting VEGF-E to be a novel material for pro-angiogenic therapy.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.29-38
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• 2008

Objectives : Evodia officinalis DODE (EO), an herbal plant, has been widely used in traditional Korean medicine for the treatment of vascular diseases such as hypertension. The crude extract of EO contains phenolic compounds that are effective in protecting liver microsomes, hepatocytes, and erythrocytes against oxidative damage. But EO has been little found to have an anti-inflammatory activity. We investigated anti-inflammatory activity of EO in RAW 264.7 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods : Cytotoxic activity of EO on RAW 264.7 cells was investigated by using 5-(3-caroboxymeth-oxyphenyl)-2H-tetra-zolium inner salt (MTS) assay. The nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by Griess reagent system. And proinflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA kit. The levels of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression were measured by flow cytometer. Results : EO decreased LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. The inhibitory activity of EO on LPS-induced NO release is probably associated with suppressing TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and MCP-1 formation. These results indicate that EO has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Moreover, EO decreased TNF-${\alpha}$-induced IL-8, IL-6 production, and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in HUVECs. Conclusions : EO inhibits TNF-${\alpha}$-induced inflammation via decreasing cytokines production and adhesion molecules expression. These results indicate that EO has potential as an anti-inflammation and anti-artherosclerosis agent.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.265-282
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• 1988

The pulp response of posterior composite resins in relation to the thickness of remaining dentin was studied with 120 teeth from 6 dogs, Class V. cavities were prepared on the cervical area of facial surfaces. The thickness of remaining dentin was controlled with Caries Meter$^{(R)}$. The cavities of group A were prepared to show the electrical impedance of 22-26$K{\Omega}$(thickness of remaining dentin:0.4-0.5mm). The cavities of group B, 50-55$K{\Omega}$(thickness of remaining dentin: 0.8-0.9mm). Zinc - Oxide Eugenol cement, Estilux$^{(R)}$ posterior, Heliomolar$^{(R)}$ radiopaque, P-30$^{(R)}$ and Scotchbond$^{(R)}$+P-30$^{(R)}$ were filled in each cavity. After 3days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 9 weeks and 13 weeks, the teeth and pulp tissue were processed routinely and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Pathological tissue changes were observed with light microscope. The following results were obtained. I. The pulp response of group A cavties was severer than that of group B cavities. 2. In the pulp of group A cavities which were filled with Zinc-Oxide Eugenol Cement, only vascular changes were observed after 3 days and 1 week, severe acute inflammation after 4 weeks, moderate acute inflammation after 9 weeks, and chronic inflammation and formation of granulation tissue after 13 weeks. 3. In the pulp of group A cavities which were filled with Estilux$^{(R)}$ posterior, only vascular changes were observed after 3 days and 1 week. But the inflammatory response has became much severer with the elapsed experimental period. 4. In the pulp of group A cavities which were filled with Heliomolar$^{(R)}$ radiopaque, the inflammatory response with the elapsed experimental period was not severer than that of the pulp of group A cavities which were filled with other materials. 5. In the group B cavities, the difference of pulp response by filling materials was not recognizable. In the group A cavities, the pulp response of Estilux$^{(R)}$ posterior was severest and in order P-30$^{(R)}$, Heliomolar$^{(R)}$ radiopaque was slighter.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.95-104
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• 2019

Background: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) causes vascular endothelial cell inflammatory response and apoptosis and plays an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), a metabolite produced by the hydrolysis of ginsenoside Rb1, possesses strong anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether or not CK protects ox-LDL-damaged endothelial cells and the potential mechanisms have not been elucidated. Methods: In our study, cell viability was tested using a 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2yl-)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Expression levels of interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting. Mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}m$) was detected using JC-1. The cell apoptotic percentage was measured by the Annexin V/ propidium iodide (PI) assay, lactate dehydrogenase, and caspase-3 expression. Apoptosis-related proteins, nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways protein expression were quantified by Western blotting. Results: Our results demonstrated that CK could ameliorate ox-LDL-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) inflammation and apoptosis, $NF-{\kappa}B$ nuclear translocation, and the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, anisomycin, an activator of p38 and JNK, significantly abolished the anti-apoptotic effects of CK. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that CK prevents ox-LDL-induced HUVECs inflammation and apoptosis through inhibiting the $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, and JNK MAPK signaling pathways. Thus, CK is a candidate drug for atherosclerosis treatment.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2023

Cirsium japonicum var. maackii is a traditional Korean wild perennial herb used to treat blood circulation, high blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, and kidney damage. However, it is not known whether C. japonicum var. maackii directly improves endothelial dysfunction. In this study, the effect of C. japonicum var. maackii (CJE) on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced vascular inflammation was investigated in vitro using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). As a result, CJE inhibited the production of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and ROS increased by TNF-α in HUVECs. In addition, treatment with CJE attenuated IκB phosphorylation and translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus. These results suggest that CJE can suppress TNFα-induced adhesion molecule expression by blocking NF-κB signaling and inhibiting ROS generation. The results of this study show that CJE has the potential to be used to treat and prevent inflammation associated with endothelial cell damage.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.123-130
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• 2013

Objectives : During several thousand years, Peucedanum Japonicum Thunberg has been considered as a vegetable side dish in Korea. There is folk knowledge that Peucedanum Japonicum Thunberg prevents vascular disease such as stroke. To identify the effects Peucedanum Japonicum Thunberg, we made up its extract and named it as KH020. Then, we employed common carotid artery ligation (CCAl) surgery for vascular dementia model (VDM), and two types doses of per os (per oral: p.o) treatment. Methods : To confirm prevention and recovery effects for vascular dementia, we treated two doses (100, 400 mg/kg) KH020 in male C57BL/6 mouse during 7 days. After treatment, animals were CCAl operated, and given time to recover. Then, animal were tested in a Y-maze and passive avoidance test. Results : Y-maze results demonstrated that cognition and memory performance were decreased in the VDM group, compared to the sham group. KH020 treatment abolished these effects significantly. The results from the passive avoidance test showed the same phenomenon, but it was not statically significant. Conclusions : Therefore, KH020 prevents the onset of vascular dementia. In future studies, we will evaluate KH020 in regard to alzheimer dementia.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.351-362
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• 2010

Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized from L-arginine by three isoforms of NO synthase (NOS), is a gaseous signaling molecule with an astonishingly wide range of biological and pathophysiological activities, including vasorelaxation, angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis in mammalian cells. Recent studies have shown that NO donors and inhaled NO convert to biologically active NO under biological conditions and act as a signaling molecule in pathophysiological conditions. This review will discuss the roles of NO and its potential therapeutic implication in various human diseases, such as tumor, vascular regeneration, hypertension, wound healing, and ischemia-reperfusion injury.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.530-539
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• 2001

Background : Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that is associated with airway remodeling. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent, multifunctional cytokine that contributes to angiogenesis and inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a major proteolytic enzyme that in duces bronchial remodeling in asthma. However, there is no data available on the possible role of the VEGF or on the potential relationship between the VEGF and MMP-9 in acute asthma. Therefore, the VEGF was studied to determine whether or not it participates in airway inflammation during acute asthma. An additional aim of this study was to determine whether or not the VEGF levels correlated with the MMP-9 levels in the sputum of acute asthma patients. Methods: Both the VEGF and MMP-9 levels were measured by an enzyme immunoassay and zymographic analysis in the sputum of patients with either stable asthma or with acute asthma. The VEGF and MMP-9 levels were also evaluated during a spontaneous asthma attack. Results : The VEGF levels were significantly higher in the sputum of acute asthmatic patients than in either the stable patients the control subjects. The VEGF levels in the sputum during asthma exacerbation were significantly higher than those on the remission days, and those levels decreased after asthma therapy. In acute asthmatic patients, the VEGF levels in the sputum correlated with the number of neutrophils and eosinophils. In addition, a significant correlation was established between the VEGF and MMP-9 levels in the sputum. Conclusion : These results suggest that VEGF overproduction is associated with airway inflammation during acute asthma and is related to the MMP-9 function.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.445-450
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• 2011

In order to validate the use of Olibanum as an anti-inflammatory drug in the traditional Korean medicine, I have investigated the effect of water-soluble extract of Olibanum (EO) on the expression of pro-inflammatory vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$. The extract inhibited dose-dependently VCAM-1 expression without its cytotoxic effect on HUVECs, as measured by a flow cytometer using fluorescence-enhanced anti-VCAM-1 antibody, and significantly decreased mRNA levels of VCAM-1, as determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. These results suggest that Olibanum may have therapeutic potential in the control of endothelial disorders caused by inflammation.