• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.43-51
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• 2017

Background: BIOGF1K, a compound K-rich fraction prepared from the root of Panax ginseng, is widely used for cosmetic purposes in Korea. We investigated the functional mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of BIOGF1K by discovering target enzymes through various molecular studies. Methods: We explored the inhibitory mechanisms of BIOGF1K using lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory responses, reporter gene assays involving overexpression of toll-like receptor adaptor molecules, and immunoblotting analysis. We used the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to measure the antioxidative activity. We cotransfected adaptor molecules, including the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and Toll/interleukin-receptor domain containing adaptor molecule-inducing interferon-${\beta}$ (TRIF), to measure the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). Results: BIOGF1K suppressed lipopolysaccharide-triggered NO release in macrophages as well as DPPH-induced electron-donating activity. It also blocked lipopolysaccharide-induced mRNA levels of interferon-${\beta}$ and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Moreover, BIOGF1K diminished the translocation and activation of IRF3 and NF-${\kappa}B$ (p50 and p65). This extract inhibited the upregulation of NF-${\kappa}B$-linked luciferase activity provoked by phorbal-12-myristate-13 acetate as well as MyD88, TRIF, and inhibitor of ${\kappa}B$ ($I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$) kinase ($IKK{\beta}$), and IRF3-mediated luciferase activity induced by TRIF and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Finally, BIOGF1K downregulated the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway by blocking $IKK{\beta}$ and the IRF3 pathway by inhibiting TBK1, according to reporter gene assays, immunoblotting analysis, and an AKT/$IKK{\beta}$/TBK1 overexpression strategy. Conclusion: Overall, our data suggest that the suppression of $IKK{\beta}$ and TBK1, which mediate transcriptional regulation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and IRF3, respectively, may contribute to the broad-spectrum inhibitory activity of BIOGF1K.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.1026-1032
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• 2016

Citrus platymamma hort. ex Tanaka is widely used in traditional Korean medicine because of its medicinal benefits including an anti-inflammatory effect. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the flavonoid content and anti-inflammatory activities of C. platymamma during its harvest period. Fruit peel samples were obtained between September 2015 and February 2016. The results indicate that C. platymamma peel extract (CPE) was an effective inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. The inhibitory effects of CPE at $100{\mu}g/mL$ concentration included dose-dependent decreases in the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins. In addition, CPE decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6. The highest anti-inflammatory activity and flavonoid content were observed in CPE of C. platymamma peel harvested during the immature fruit period in September. Further, to assess the suitability of CPE for cosmetic use, we performed MTT assays using HaCaT keratinocytes and observed that CPE did not exhibit any cytotoxicity. To test the potential application of CPE as a cosmetic material, we also performed primary skin irritation tests on normal skin of 30 volunteers and no adverse reactions were observed. The results of this study indicate that CPE may be considered as an anti-inflammatory candidate for inclusion in cosmetic materials.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2012

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, allergic inflammatory skin disease that is accompanied by pruritic chronic eczema and markedly increased levels of inflammatory cells in endothelial cells. Arctium lappa L. is a popular edible vegetable cultivated in Asia. This study examined the effect of butanol extracts of A. lappa (ALBE) on the expression of adhesion molecule, ICAM-1 and the production of NO-iNOS induced by TNF-alpha in A549 endothelial cells. We also studied the effects of ALBE on the proliferation of keratinocyte. We observed significant inhibition of NO-iNOS production in dose-dependant manners and ALBE at $100\;{\mu}g$/mL suppressed the expression of ICAM-1 in TNF-${\alpha}$-induced A549 cells. In addition, the treatment of ALBE for 48 hrs increased the proliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes. These results support that ALBE has an anti-inflammatory effects for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.561-567
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• 2012

Ellagic acid (EA) is a phenolic compound in fruits and nuts including raspberries, strawberries, grapes and walnuts. Previous studies have indicated that EA possesses antioxidant activity, growth-inhibition and apoptosis-promoting activity in cancer cells. However, macrophage mediated cytotoxicity and immunomodulating effects on cancer cells have not been clarified. In the present study, we show that EA increased effects on macrophage mediated tumoricidal activity and NO production without direct tumor cell cytotoxicity. To further determine whether TLR4 (toll like receptor 4) is involved in anti-tumor activity, cells were treated TLR4 signaling inhibitor, CLI-095 in the presence of EA. CLI-095 treatment partially reduced macrophage-mediated tumoridial activity. EA also has inhibitory effects of NO production induced by LPS, whereas phagocytic activity was not changed. These results suggest that EA induces macrophage mediated tumoricidal activity which is partially related to TLR4 signaling and has a potential adjuvant in cancer therapy.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.9
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• pp.1254-1260
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• 2012

The moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) plant is used both as food and an anti-allergic agent. In this study, we investigated skin protection effects of methanol extracts from the root, seed, fruit, and leaves of moringa in HaCaT keratinocyte cells. To investigate the pharmacological potential of various moringa extracts on TNF-${\alpha}$-induced collagen degradation in HaCaT cells, we measured the activity of matrix metallopeptidase-9,2 (MMP-9,2) by zymography analysis. Our results showed that all the moringa extracts inhibit the TNF-${\alpha}$-induced enzyme activity of MMP-9. In particular, moringa root extracts significantly suppressed MMP-9 and MMP-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Next, to investigate the anti-inflammation effect of the moringa extracts, we examined cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression of the extracts. The results showed that both the root extracts and the seed extracts decreased the TNF-${\alpha}$-induced expression of COX-2. In addition, the root and leaf extracts reduced the expression of IL-6. However, none of the moringa extracts affected the expression of iNOS. The results suggest that moringa root extracts down-regulate MMP-9, COX-2, and IL-6 and that the root extracts offer superior skin protection effects compared with other extracts of moringa in HaCaT cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.7
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• pp.976-982
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• 2009

Little is known about the cardiovascular roles of alliin, a functional component in garlic that has been used as food material. Thus, we examined a broad range of cardiovascular activities of alliin in this study. From our in vitro experiments, alliin was determined to act as a stimulant to induce endothelial cell proliferation and endothelial cell migration. Since endothelial cell proliferation and migration are highly associated with angiogenesis and wound healing, alliin is suggested as a regulator to control angiogenesis and wound healing. In addition, alliin was elucidated to prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced adhesion of THP-1 leukocytes to endothelial cells and LPS-induced homotypic THP-1 cell aggregation. These inhibitory effects indicate that alliin is likely to act as an anti-atherosclerotic and anti-thrombotic factor, because leukocytic adhesion to endothelial cells and homotypic leukocyte aggregation are highly associated with atherosclerosis and thrombosis, respectively. Our additional findings show that alliin has no effect on the production of nitric oxide (NO), an important vasoregulator. In conclusion, alliin is suggested as a regulator for controlling various cardiovascular functions.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.7
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• pp.968-975
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• 2009

The purpose of the present study was to examine effects of different exercise training modes (Aerobic Training, Resistance Training) on exercise specificity and transability. The tested subjects, composed of 10 healthy males without known family history or medical illnesses, were divided into two groups: Aerobic Training Group (ATG; n=5) and Resistance Training Group (RTG; n=5). An aerobic training program, based on maximum oxygen consumption rates taken during standard testing, was conducted in 60 minute sessions 3 times a week, and the Heart Rate Reserve (HRR) at 70% of maximum oxygen consumption rate was measured the using Polar. In the weight training program, based on repetition maximum rate (1-RM) taken during standard testing, the weight at 70% of such rates was measured during 60 minute sessions of 7 categories of exercise (Bench press, Leg press, Squat, Shoulder press, Arm curt Lat pull down, Triceps pull down), conducted 3 times a week. The data collected from this research were calculated to obtain average and differences compared to standards using an SPSS 11.0 statistics package. In conclusion, increase in V0$_{2max}$ and production of NO$_x$ (NO$_2$/NO$_3$), reduction of %fat, MAPwere shown effective in aerobic training and in different exercise tests, and aerobic testing within the aerobic training group (ATG) was shown to be more effective. In contrast, resistance training was shown to be more effective for the reduction of CK and LDH, and even in different tests, the resistance test within the resistance training group (RTG) showed to be more effective. Exercise specificity also significantly increased in both groups (ATG, RTG). but there was no significant difference in transability in both groups (ATG, RTG).

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.973-980
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• 2014

This study was conducted to explore new nutraceutical resources from the plant kingdom possessing biological activities. To fulfill this purpose, the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of Decaisnea insignis ethanol extract (DIEE) were evaluated. First, DIEE possessed potent scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), similar to ascorbic acid used as a positive control. Moreover, DIEE inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, DIEE induced the expression of an anti-oxidative enzyme, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and its upstream transcription factor, nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), in a dose-dependent manner. The modulation of the HO-1 and Nrf2 expressions might be regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and their upstream signaling pathways. On the other hand, DIEE suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) formation without cytotoxicity. The inhibition of the NO formation was the result of the downregulation of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) by DIEE. The suppression of NO and iNOS by DIEE might be modulated by their upstream transcription factors, nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$), and activator protein 1 (AP-1) pathways. Taken together, these results provide important new insights that D. insignis possesses anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, it might be utilized as a promising material in the field of nutraceuticals.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.1012-1018
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• 2014

Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (Korean name, Jeju-Joritdae) is one of the most abundant plants on Mt. Halla, Jeju Island, and it has long been used in traditional medicines. Recent studies have reported it as possessing various beneficial functions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertension, anti-gastritis, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of its anti-cancer activity have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects and mechanism of S. quelpaertensis on human colon cancer HT-29 cells. Cell growth inhibition by S. quelpaertensis was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis was performed by DNA fragmentation, flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining (PI), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to confirm the anti-apoptotic factors, such as inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family members. $NO^{\bullet}$ production was determined by Griess assay. S. quelpaertensis treatment resulted in the time- and dose-dependent inhibition of the cell viability of HT-29 cells by inducing apoptosis, as evidenced by the accumulation of the sub-G1 cell population stained by PI, as well as the ladder-like DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner. S. quelpaertensis-inducing apoptosis was accompanied by the induction of S cell cycle arrests, increasing $NO^{\bullet}$ concentrations, and the down-regulation of IAPs, including X-chromosome-linked IAP (XIAP), cellular IAP-1 (cIAP-1), cIAP-2, and survivin. Taken together, these findings have important implications for future clinical developments of S. quelpaertensis in colon cancer treatment.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.981-987
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• 2014

Foeniculum vulgare has long been prescribed in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of the fruits of F. vulgare on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells under non-cytotoxic ($100{\mu}g/ml$) conditions. The 80% methanol extract was subsequently partitioned successively with hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, and the fractions so obtained were also examined for their anti-inflammatory effects. Among them, the hexane, methylene chloride, and ethyl acetate fractions inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in LPS stimulated macrophages. The methylene chloride and ethyl acetate fractions also suppressed the productions of interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 by down-regulating their mRNA levels in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate fraction strongly suppressed tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ at the protein and mRNA levels in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These observations suggest that the anti-inflammatory actions of F. vulgare are due to inhibitions of the productions of NO, PGE2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.