• Toxicological Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.115-121
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• 2016

This study was conducted to examine the cellular regulatory mechanisms of sulfasalazine (SSZ) in rabbit articular chondrocytes treated with sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Cell phenotype was determined, and the MTT assay, Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining of type II collagen was performed in control, SNP-treated and SNP plus SSZ ($50{\sim}200{\mu}g/mL$) rabbit articular chondrocytes. Cellular proliferation was decreased significantly in the SNP-treated group compared with that in the control (p < 0.01). SSZ treatment clearly increased the SNP-reduced proliferation levels in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.01). SNP treatment induced significant dedifferentiation and inflammation compared with control chondrocytes (p < 0.01). Type II collagen expression levels increased in a concentration-dependent manner in response to SSZ treatment but were unaltered in SNP-treated chondrocytes (p < 0.05 and < 0.01, respectively). Cylooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression increased in a concentration-dependent manner in response to SSZ treatment but was unaltered in SNP-treated chondrocytes (p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that SSZ treatment increased type II collagen expression compared with that in SNP-treated chondrocytes. Furthermore, phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase (pERK) expression levels were decreased significantly in the SNP-treated group compared with those in control chondrocytes (p < 0.01). Expression levels of pERK increased in a concentration-dependent manner by SSZ but were unaltered in SNP-treated chondrocytes. pp38 kinase expression levels increased in a concentration-dependent manner by SSZ but were unaltered in control chondrocytes (p < 0.01). In summary, SSZ significantly inhibited nitric oxide-induced cell death and dedifferentiation, and regulated extracellular regulated kinases 1 and 2 and p38 kinase in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.181-191
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• 2022

As the incidence of skin cancer increases every year, non-surgical treatment methods for cancer are being sought. Esculetin, a natural dihydroxy coumarin, is attracting attention as a therapeutic agent for certain diseases, such as cancer, based on its broad pharmacological activity. In this study, the anticancer ability of esculetin was evaluated using the epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431. As a result of evaluating the apoptosis ability of esculetin by MTT assay, apoptosis was observed in a time-concentration-dependent manner regardless of the presence or absence of FBS. As a result of quantitative real-time PCR, esculetin reduced cyclin D1 mRNA in a time-concentration-dependent manner. In addition, as a result of western blotting, esculetin significantly inhibited phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of this study suggest that esculetin has the potential to be used as an effective natural medicine for the treatment of skin cancer.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.1-24
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• 2023

Objectives: Boeum-jeon (BEJ) is a herbal formula composed 8 Korean medicinal herbs and is traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases. In this study, the authors tried to confirm the antioxidant efficacy of BEJ and its anti-inflammatory effect in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: In this experiment, results of BEJ on the following two were measured as follows: (1) Antioxidant effects was measured by DPPH Radical scavenging Activity, ABTS Radical scavenging Activity. (2) Anti-Inflammatory effects were evaluated by the production amount of ROS, NO, Cytokine (PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, HO-1, NQO1 (the previous seven are "mRNA Expression"), COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, HO-1, NQO1, NRF2 (the previous eight are "Protein Expression") ERK, JNK, p38 (the previous three are "Protein Phosphorylation") in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Results: The experimental measurement results are as follows: (1) DPPH Radical scavenging Activity, ABTS Radical scavenging Activity increased in a concentration -dependent manner in the BEJ-treated group. (2) As a result of measuring anti-inflammatory efficacy, the production of ROS, NO, and Cytokine (PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in the BEJ-administered group was significantly reduced compared to the control group. (3) Among mRNA Expression levels, COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner than in the control group, and HO-1 and NQO1 were significantly increased in a concentration -dependent manner than in the control group. (4) Among the Protein Expression levels, COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was significantly decreased in a concentration -dependent manner compared to the control group, and HO-1, NQO1 and NRF2 was significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the control group. (5) As a result of Protein Phosphorylation, ERK, p38 and JNK was significantly decreased compared to the control group in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusions: Boeum-jeon has been experimentally confirmed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and if the evidence for efficacy is reinforced through further studies such as in vivo studies and clinical trials in the future, it can be effectively used to treat various inflammatory diseases such as bladder inflammation and chronic pelvic inflammation.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.355-361
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• 2011

Effects of aluminum (Al) on plasma vitellogenin (VTG), alkaline-labile phosphorus (ALPP), calcium (Ca), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), the hepatosomatic index (HSI), and hepatic Al concentration were examined in estradiol-$17{\beta}$ ($E_2$)-administered immature rockfish Sebastes schlegeli. Fish were injected intraperitoneally with $E_2$ (5 mg/kg body weight [BW]) and/or Al (0, 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg BW) and plasma and liver samples were extracted 7 days later. After sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the relative amount of VTG was determined by integrated optical density. VTG accounted for 23.6% of the total proteins in the control group, but this value decreased with increasing Al administration. Al reduced the concentrations of ALPP and Ca in a concentration-dependent manner and significant reduction occurred at Al concentrations greater than 5 mg/kg. The concentration of GPT increased in a concentration-dependent manner in all Al-administered rockfish. The concentrations of Al in the liver also increased, and HSI was decreased, in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that Al inhibits $E_2$-induced VTG production by being toxic to hepatocytes in marine fish.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.21 no.1 s.33
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• pp.97-111
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• 1991

It is the aim of this study to investigate the effects of sodium fluoride and sodium orthovanadate upon the proliferation and activity of the osteoblast (MC3T3-E1 cells). MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in $\alpha-MEM$ containing $10\%$ FBS and various concentration of sodium fluoride and sodium orthovanadate was appended to serum free media. DNA synthesis was examined through the $[^3H]$ thymidine incorporation into DNA. Collagen synthesis was examined through the $[^3H]$ proline incorporation into collagenase digestible protein and noncollagen protein. The following results were drawn; 1. Sodium fluoride stimulated the DNA synthesis of osteoblast significantly in dose-dependent manner within the concentration from $2{\mu}M$ to $10{\mu}M$ (P < 0.005). 2. Sodium orthovanadate stimulated the DNA synthesis of osteoblast significantly in dose-dependent manner within the concentration from $2{\mu}M\;to\;8{\mu}M$, however showed diminution at $10{\mu}M$ (P < 0.001). 3. Sodium fluoride and sodium orthovanadate stimulated the percent collagen synthesis of osteoblast significantly in dose-dependent manner within the concentration from $5{\mu}M$ to $10{\mu}M$ (P < 0.001). 4. Sodium fluoride and sodium orthovanadate stimulated the noncollagen synthesis of osteoblast significantly in dose-dependent manner within the concentration from $5{\mu}M\;to\;10{\mu}M$ (P < 0.001). In conclusion, sodium fluoride and sodium orthovanadate stimulate the proliferation and activity of osteoblast by stimulation of DNA synthesis and collagen and noncollagen synthesis in osteoblast.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.155-160
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• 2009

Mast cells and basophils perform important functions as pivotal effector cells in IgE-mediated allergic reactions. KU812F cells, a human basophilic cell line isolated originally from chronic myelocytic leukemia, express a high affinity receptor of IgE, $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$. Kaempferol was extracted and isolated from a methanolic extract of flavonoid-rich Nelumbo nucifera stamens. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of kaempferol on $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ expression in human basophilic KU812F cells was examined. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ expression on the cell surface was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner when the cells were cultured with kaempferol. Moreover, RT-PCR analysis showed that the mRNA levels for $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}-\;and\;{\gamma}$-chains were reduced as the result of kaempferol treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Kaempferol showed its suppressive effects on intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration and histamine release from anti-$Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}$-chain antibody-stimulated cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These observations indicate that kaempferol may exert antiallergic effect via down regulation of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ expression and degranulation.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.100-107
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• 2008

The purpose of this research was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Gagamtunong-san(GTNS) which has been medicated the patient such as mastitis. The results were as follows. The cytotoxicity on mouse lung fibroblast Cells(mLFC) was not served at all concentration of GTNS. GTNS in RAW264.7 cell inhibited $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, COX-2 and NOS-II mRNA genes expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Specially GTNS inhibited NOS-II production very significantly at 100 ${\mu}g/ml$. GTNS inhibited NO production significantly in a concentration-dependent manner. GTNS inhibited ROS production in a concentration-dependent manner. GTNS inhibited $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ production significantly in serum of acute anti-inflammation-induced mice. GTNS increased the survival rate from the 3rd day on LPS-induced lethal endotoxemia. These results suggest that Gagamtunong-san(GTNS) can be useful in treating a lot of women mammary diseases caused by inflammation such as acute and chronic mastitis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.119-125
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• 2005

The previous reports demonstrated that ginseng saponins, active ingredient of Panax ginseng, inhibited blood vessel contraction induced by various hormones or high $K^+$. Recently, we demonstrated that 20(R)- and 20(S)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$. regulate ion channel activities with differential manners. The aim of this study was to examine whether ginsenoside $Rg_3$ isomers also show differential effects on swine coronary artery contractionresponses induced by high $K^+$, serotonin (5-HT) or acetylcholine. Treatment of 20(S)- but not 20(R)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$ caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of coronary artery contracted by 25mM KCI. 20(S)- and 20(R)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$ induced significant relaxations of coronary artery contraction induced by 5-HT $(3{\mu}M)$ in the presence of endothelium with concentration-dependent manner and, also in the absence of endothelium only 20(S)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$ induced a strong Inhibition of coronary artery contraction induced by 5-HT in a concentration-dependent manner. 20(S)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$ caused relaxation of coronary artery in the absence and presence of endothelium. In contrast, treatment of 20(S)- and 20(R)-ginsenoside $Rg_3\;(100{\mu}M)$ did not show significant inhibition of coronary artery contraction induced by acetylcholine $(0.01\;to\;30{\mu}M)$ in the presence of endothelium, whereas both isomers caused significant inhibition of coronary artery contraction induced by acetylcholine $(0.01\;to\;30{\mu}M)$ in the absence of endothelium in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings indicate that 20(S)-or 20(R)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$ exhibits differential relaxation eff3cts of swine coronary artery contractions caused by high $K^+$, acetylcholine, and 5-HT treatment and that this differential vasorelaxing effects of ginsenoside $Rg_3$ isomers also might be dependent on endothelium.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.87-93
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• 1999

Antioxidative and scavenging effects were investigated by using two hyaroxycinnamic acids (caffeetannins). such as caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, on oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity that induced by paraquat. The results are summerized as follows: 1. To assess radical scavenging ability, reduction concentration (IC$\sub$50/) of 1.1 diphenyl-2-dipicrylhydrazine (DPPH) were measured. IC$\sub$50/ values of caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid were 29.7 ${\pm}$0.6 ${\mu}$M and 26.0${\pm}$0.5 ${\mu}$M respectively. Their radical scavenging activities showed concentration-dependent manner. 2. In H$_2$O$_2$-induced hemolysis assay to rat blood, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid led to different effects, whose hemolysis inhibition ratios at 100 ${\mu}$M were 45.2${\pm}$7.1% and 11.6${\pm}$3.1% respectively 3. In hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase system producing superoxide anion, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid showed different inhibitory activities of xanthine oxidase showing 36.8${\pm}$4.3% and 5.4${\pm}$2.3% respectively. 4. To microsomal NADPH dependent cytochrome p-450 reductase in rat liver, paraquat consumed NADPH at a dose-dependent manner from 0 to 1 ${\mu}$M paraquat concentration. Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid blocked NADPH consumption rates at concentration-dependent manner and inhibition ratios at 100 ${\mu}$M were 67.6% and 59.2% respectively. 5. Administration (30mg/kg, iv) of paraquat to rats caused the marked elevation of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lipid peroxides (LPO) in the serum and lipid peroxides in the microsome as compared to the control group. Serum GOT, GPT, LDH, ALP and LPO and liver microsomal LPO were reduced significantly by caffeic acid (50mg/kg), chlorogenic acid (25mg/kg) and silymarin (150 mg/kg) as compared to the paraquat group. From these results, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid exerted their antioxidative agents by removing reactive oxygen substance (ROS) and scavenging effects by inhibiting ROS generating enzyme. As a general, two hydroxyeinnamic acids showed the useful compounds for scavenger and reducer on the paraquat induced hepatotoxicity.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2017

Vaccinium angustifolium, commonly known as the lowbush blueberry, is a rich source of flavonoids, with which various human physiological activities have been associated. The present study focuses on the investigation of the effect of the methanolic extract of V. angustifolium root extract (VAE) on high affinity immunoglobulin E receptor ($Fc{\varepsilon}RI$) ${\alpha}$ chain antibody (CRA-1)-induced allergic reaction in human basophilic KU812F cells. The total phenolic content of VAE was found to be $170{\pm}1.9mg$ gallic acid equivalents/g. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the cell surface expression of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner upon culture with VAE. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the mRNA level of the $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}$ chain was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner as a result of VAE treatment. Western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 were concentration-dependently inhibited by VAE. We determined that VAE inhibited anti-CRA-1-induced histamine release, in addition to the elevation of intracellular calcium concentration ([$Ca^{2+}$]i), in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that VAE may exert an anti-allergic effect via the inhibition of calcium influx and histamine release, which occurs as a result of the down-regulation of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ expression through inhibition of ERK 1/2 activation.