• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.128-134
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• 2016

L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a cell surface molecule to initiate a variety of cellular responses through interacting with other cell adhesion molecules in a homophilic or heterophilic manner. Although its expression was found to be upregulated in some tumor cells, including cholangiocarcinomas, and ovarian cancers, and many studies have investigated the role of L1CAM in these cancers, its role in inflammatory responses has been poorly understood. In this study, we explored the role of L1CAM in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses. L1CAM significantly suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO), but induced cell proliferation in RAW264.7 cells. L1CAM expression was detectable, but its expression was markedly decreased by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by LPS was dramatically suppressed by L1CAM in RAW264.7 cells. L1CAM inhibited the transcriptional activities of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 while its cytoplasmic domain deletion form, $L1{\Delta}CD$ did not suppressed their activities in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, L1CAM suppressed nuclear translocation of p65 and p50 as well as c-Jun, c-Fos and p-ATF2 which are transcription factors of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1, respectively. In conclusion, L1CAM suppressed inflammatory responses in macrophages through inhibiting NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 pathways.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.68-77
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• 2012

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of processed Panax ginseng, sun ginseng (SG) against the UVB-irradiation on epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Pretreatment of SG in HaCaT keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts reduced UVB-induced cell damage as seen by reduced lactate dehydrogenase release. We also found that SG restored the UVB-induced decrease in anti-apoptotic gene expression (bcl-2 and bcl-xL) in these cells, indicating that SG has an anti-apoptotic effect and thus can protect cells from cell death caused by strong UVB radiation. In addition, SG inhibited the excessive expression of c-jun and c-fos gene by the UVB in HeCaT cells and human dermal fibroblasts. We also demonstrated that SG may exert an anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA synthesis in HaCaT keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts. This was further supported by its inhibitory effects on the elevated cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ transcription which was induced by UVB-irradiation in HaCaT cells. In addition, SG may have anti-aging property in terms of induction of procollagen gene expression and inhibition of the matrix metalloprotease-1 gene expression caused by UVB-exposure. These findings suggest that SG can be a potential agent that may protect against the dermal cell damage caused by UVB.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.218-224
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• 2004

The adhesion and proliferation of mammalian cells on polymeric biomaterials depend on the surface characteristics such as wettability, chemistry, charge and roughness. In order to recognize the correlation between the adhesion and proliferation of human bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSCs) and surface property, radio frequency generated plasma treatment on low density polyethylene (LDPE) has been carried out. The modified LDPE surfaces were characterized by measuring the static water contact angle. The adhesion and proliferation of cells on LDPE films were characterized by cell counting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The water contact angle of the film surface decreased with plasma treatment time. Proto-oncogenes (c-myc, c-fos) and tumor suppressor gene (p153) showed maximum expression with contact angle of 60 ∼ 70$^{\circ}$ range of LDPE film. By cell counting, we confirmed that the rate of cell proliferation appeared the higher on the film surface of the contact angle of 60∼70$^{\circ}$ We concluded that the surface wettability is an important role for the growth and differentiation of BMSCs.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.690-699
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• 2022

Background: Few studies reported the therapeutic effect of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) in lung inflammatory diseases. However, the anti-inflammatory role and underlying molecular in cadmium-induced lung injury have been poorly understood, directly linked to chronic lung diseases (CLDs): chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer etc. Therefore, in this study we aim to investigate the therapeutic activities of water extract of KRG (KRG-WE) in mouse cadmium-induced lung injury model. Method: The anti-inflammatory roles and underlying mechanisms of KRG-WE were evaluated in vitro under cadmium-stimulated lung epithelial cells (A549) and HEK293T cell line and in vivo in cadmium-induced lung injury mouse model using semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), luciferase assay, immunoblotting, and FACS. Results: KRG-WE strongly ameliorated the symptoms of CdSO4-induced lung injury in mice according to total cell number in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and severity scores as well as cytokine levels. KRG-WE significantly suppressed the upregulation of inflammatory signaling comprising mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and their upstream enzymes. In in vitro study, KRG-WE suppressed expression of interleukin (IL)-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and IL-8 while promoting recovery in CdSO₄-treated A549 cells. Similarly, KRG-WE reduced phosphorylation of MAPK and c-Jun/c-Fos in cadmium-exposed A549 cells. Conclusion: KRG-WE was found to attenuate symptoms of cadmium-induced lung injury and reduce the expression of inflammatory genes by suppression of MAPK/AP-1-mediated pathway.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.593-602
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• 2022

The human papillomavirus (HPV)-18 E7 (E7) oncoprotein is a major transforming protein that is thought to be involved in the development of cervical cancer. It is well-known that E7 stimulates tumour development by inactivating pRb. However, this alone cannot explain the various characteristics acquired by HPV infection. Therefore, we examined other molecules that could help explain the acquired cancer properties during E7-induced cancer development. Using the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) method, we found that the Elk-1 factor, which is crucial for cell proliferation, invasion, cell survival, anti-apoptotic activity, and cancer development, binds to the E7. By determining which part of E7 binds to which domain of Elk-1 using the Y2H method, it was found that CR2 and CR3 of the E7 and parts 1-206, including the ETS-DNA domain of Elk-1, interact with each other. As a result of their interaction, the transcriptional activity of Elk-1 was increased, thereby increasing the expression of target genes EGR-1, c-fos, and E2F. Additionally, the colony forming assay revealed that overexpression of Elk-1 and E7 promotes C33A cell proliferation. We expect that the discovery of a novel E7 function as an Elk-1 activator could help explain whether the E7 has novel oncogenic activities in addition to p53 inactivation. We also expect that it will offer new methods for developing improved strategies for cervical cancer treatment.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.1-8
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• 2021

Objective : Reflux esophagitis (RE), one of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a disease that causes inflammation due to reflux of stomach contents such as stomach acid and pepsin due to the unstable gastroesophageal sphincter, and is currently increasing worldwide. The currently used treatment for reflux esophagitis has various side effects. Therefore, in this study the effect of Toosendan Fructus extract on chronic acid reflux esophagitis in rats was evaluated in order to find a new treatment material for reflux treatment. Methods : After inducing reflux esophagitis through surgery, the group was separated and the drug was administered for 2 weeks; Normal rats (Normal, n=8), chronic acid reflux esophagitis rats (Control, n=8), Toosendan Fructus 200 mg/kg body weight/day-treated chronic acid reflux esophagitis rats (TF, n=8). After, we were taken esophageal tissue and esophageal mucosa damage was identified, and analyzed the expression of NADPH oxidase, AP-1/MAPK-related proteins, and tight junction proteins by western blot in esophageal tissue. Results : Toosendan Fructus administration significantly protected the esophageal mucosal damage of reflux esophagitis. Also, Toosendan Fructus significantly reduced the expression of NADPH oxidases (NOX2 and p22^phox) and AP-1/MAPK-related proteins (c-Fos, c-Jun, p-p38, p-ERK, and p-JNK). In addition, it significantly increased the expression of tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin-3, and Claudin-4). Conclusions : These results suggest that Toosendan Fructus reduced damage to the esophageal mucosa by protecting the esophageal mucosa by upregulating tight junctions proteins as well as inhibiting the AP-1/MAPK pathway through reducing NADPH oxidases expression.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.205-213
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• 2024

Hydroxychavicol, a primary active phenolic compound of betel leaves, previously inhibited bone loss in vivo by stimulating osteogenesis. However, the effect of hydroxychavicol on bone remodeling induced by osteoclasts is unknown. In this study, the anti-osteoclastogenic effects of hydroxychavicol and its mechanism were investigated in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclasts. Hydroxychavicol reduced the number of tartrate resistance acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated, F-actin ring formation and bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts differentiated from RAW264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, hydroxychavicol decreased the expression of osteoclast-specific genes, including cathepsin K, MMP-9, and dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP). For mechanistic studies, hydroxychavicol suppressed RANKL-induced expression of major transcription factors, including the nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFATc1), c-Fos, and c-Jun. At the early stage of osteoclast differentiation, hydroxychavicol blocked the phosphorylation of NF-κB subunits (p65 and Iκβα). This blockade led to the decrease of nuclear translocation of p65 induced by RANKL. In addition, the anti-osteoclastogenic effect of hydroxychavicol was confirmed by the inhibition of TRAP-positive multinucleated differentiation from human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In conclusion, hydroxychavicol inhibits osteoclastogenesis by abrogating RANKL-induced NFATc1 expression by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.88-95
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to improve the quality characteristics of soy ice cream supplemented with oligosaccharide, and to test its blood glucose lowering effect. Boiled soybean powder was compared to parched soybean powder and to milk, as an ingredient. The soybean powder base was prepared by incubating with fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and apple juice, along with Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. bulgaricus at $30-40^{circ}C$ for 24 hr. With the fermentation process, the fishy smell of the soybean was removed and the taste improved. The overrun and melt-down values of the boiled soybean ice cream were significantly higher than those of the parched soybean ice cream, although they were significantly lower than those of the milk ice cream. The sensory characteristics of the soy ice cream prepared with the fermented base of boiled soybeans were significantly improved, as compared to those of the ice cream made using parched soybeans, but they were not significantly different from those of the milk ice cream. The blood glucose level at 120 min after ingestion of the ice cream prepared with FOS and the fermented base of boiled soybean powder was significantly lower than that occurring with the milk ice cream made with sugar.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.264-275
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• 2014

This study evaluated the improving efficacy of Lespedeza cuneata ethanol extract on skin photoaging induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of the extract were respectively $134.98{\pm}1.70$ and $16.20{\pm}0.05$ mg/g, respectively. The superoxide anion radical scavenging activity and electron-donating ability of the extract were shown to be dependent on concentration, and the antioxidant ability was shown to be more effective in superoxide anion radical scavenging activity than in electron-donating ability under the same concentration conditions. In the in vivo test conducted using hairless mouse with skin photoaging induced by UVB irradiation, the skin erythema of the groups treated with the extract (AS) reduced to 28% of the control, and the skin moisture content increased to 131%.. The extract treatment of the UV-damaged skin improved the morphological and histopathological state of the skin. Furthermore, the SOD, GST and CAT activities in the skin tissue of the AS group increased, and the XO activity and TBARS generation decreased. With regard to the genes related to the photoaging skin, the expression of PAK, p38, c-Fos, c-Jun, TNF-${\alpha}$ and MMP-3 in the skin of the AS group were found to have decreased. It was therefore concluded that Lespedeza cuneata ethanol extract can reduce wrinkle formation in the skin due to the regulation of the gene expression caused by the exposure to UVB light.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.37-48
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• 2024

Songla (Usnea diffracta Vain.) is one of the lichens belonging to the genus Usnea, and pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and cardiovascular protection have been reported in previous studies, but its efficacy in skin and hair is not well known. In this study, the effect of Usnea diffracta extract (UDE) on anti-aging and dermal papilla cell proliferation was verified in vitro. As a result of the experiment, it was confirmed that the UDE significantly reduced the expression of MMP-1 and the activity of MAPKs (ERK, p38, JNK) and AP-1 (c-Fos, c-Jun), which were increased by UVA in HDFn. In addition, the UDE significantly increased the proliferation of HFDPC and significantly increased the mRNA expression of VEGF and KGF, which are hair growth factors. Accordingly, the phosphorylation of ERK/CREB involved in hair proliferation and expression of growth factors was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The main component represented by the main peak was separated and purified using Prep LC by concentrating the UDE, which was confirmed as diffractaic acid through NMR and Mess analysis. Isolated diffractaic acid significantly reduced the expression of MMP-1 increased by UVA in HDFn and increased the proliferation of HFDPC in a concentration-dependent manner. The result suggest that UDE proved its usability as a natural cosmetic material with anti-aging and dermal papilla cell activation effects.