Coffee (Coffea spp.) is one of the most important agricultural commodities, being widely consumed in the world. Various beneficial health effects of coffee have been extensively investigated, but data on habitual coffee consumption and its bio-physiological effect have not been clearly explained as well as it is not proved the cause and effect between drinking coffee and its bio-physiological reactions. We made the dialyzed coffee extract (DCE), which is absorbable through gastrointestinal tract, in order to elucidate the cellular effect of whole small coffee molecules. RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage lineage, were directly treated with DCE, i.e., DCE-2.5 (equivalent to 2.5 cups of coffee a day), DCE-5, and DCE-10, for 12 hours, and their protein extracts were examined by immunoprecipitation high performance liquid chromatography (IP-HPLC). RAW 264.7 cells differently expressed the inflammation-related proteins depending on the doses of DCE. RAW 264.7 cells treated with DCE showed marked increase of cathepsin C, cathepsin G, CD20, CD28, CD31, CD68, indicating the activation of innate immunity. Particularly, the macrophage biomarkers, cathepsin G, cathepsin C, CD31, and CD68 were markedly increased after DCE-5 and DCE-10 treatments, and the lymphocyte biomarkers, CD20 and CD28 were consistently increased and became marked after DCE-10 treatment. On the other hand, RAW 264.7 cells treated with DCE showed consistent increase of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory factor, but gradual decreases of different pro-inflammatory proteins including TNFα, COX-2, lysozyme, MMP-2, and MMP-3. In particular, the cellular signaling of inflammation was gradually mitigated by the reduction of TNFα, COX-2, IL-12, and M-CSF, and also the matrix inflammatory reaction was reduced by marked deceases of MMP-2, MMP-3, and lysozyme. These anti-inflammatory expressions were consistently found until DCE-10 treatment. Therefore, it is presumed that DCE may have dynamic effects of innate immunity activation and pro-inflammation suppression on RAW264.7 cells simultaneously. These effects were consistently found in the highest dose of coffee, DCE-10 (equivalent to 10 cups of coffee a day in man), that might imply the small coffee molecules were accumulated in RAW 264.7 cells after DCE-10 treatment and produce synergistic cytokine effects for innate immunity activation and anti-inflammatory reaction concurrently.

Coffee is one of the most familiar beverages to modern human adults, but its bio-physiological effect has not been clearly elucidated. It was known that more than one thousand chemicals were included in the ordinary coffee extract. Among them, the caffein and chlorogenic acid (caffeoylquinic acids) are most abundant and have been investigated by many authors so far. In order to know the real cellular effect of whole coffee extract elements, the dialyzed coffee extract (DCE)1) was made to get coffee elements less than 1000 Da molecular weight, which are freely absorable through gastrointestinal tract. It was directly treated in the culture of RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage lineage. RAW 264.7 cells were treated with DCE equivalent to 2.5 cups of coffee (DCE-2.5), DCE-5, and DCE-10 for 12 hours, and their protein extracts were examined by histological observation and immunoprecipitation high performance liquid chromatography (IP-HPLC). RAW 264.7 cells differently expressed the proliferation-related proteins depending on the dose of DCE. DCE-2.5 and DCE-5 enhanced the cellular growth of RAW 264.7 cells by increasing the expression of β-actin, PCNA, Ki-67, MPM2, MAX, cMyc, E2F-1, and Rb-1, and by decreasing the expression of MAD and p21. These proliferation-related proteins were rarely affected by DCE-10. DCE-2.5 and DCE-5 induced the cellular proliferation of RAW 264.7 cells by the signaling of E2F-1 and cMyc, respectively, but these cellular effects almost disappeared in DCE-10. Therefore, it was presumed that the low dose of coffee, DCE-2.5 and DCE-5 might be effective for the proliferation of murine macrophages, RAW264.7 cells, contrast to the high dose of coffee, DCE-10. It was also suggested that the low dose of DCE-2.5 and DCE-5 be helpful to increase the innate immunity in vivo by increasing the cell number of macrophages in contrast to the high dose of DCE-10.

In order to perform the biological investigation of coffee extract containing different molecules, it would be necessary to develop in vitro experimental system rather than animal experiment. Although the animal experiment treated via oral intake or intravenous injection may disclose the whole systemic effect, the in vitro cell culture experiment would be more convenient to analyze direct cellular effect of coffee extract than animal experiment. Therefore, this study was aimed to develop a dialysis method for the crude coffee extract to perform the biological investigation using murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7. First of all, the RAW 264.7 cells treated with dialyzed coffee extract were observed, and subsequently their protein extracts were analyzed by gel filtration chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and immunoprecipitation high performance liquid chromatography (IP-HPLC). Resultantly, it was found that the low dose (20μg/mL) of dialyzed coffee extract, about 5 cups of ordinary coffee drinking for human adult, enhanced the growth of RAW 264.7 cells by increased expression of β-actin and Ki-67, and also induced the anti-inflammatory effect by decreased expression of NFkB, TNFα, and LC3 contrast to the high dose (40μg/mL) of dialyzed coffee extract. The low dose of dialyzed coffee extract produced almost no harmful effect on RAW cell culture for 12 hours, rather than it produced stimulatory effect on RAW cells by increasing the cell number and enhancing the protein expression of β-actin, Ki-67. Therefore, it was thought that the low dose of dialyzed coffee extract is applicable to cell culture experiment without difficult purification procedures of coffee elements. In addition, as the contrast cellular effect between the low and high dose of coffee extract was found in this study, it was also presumed that the low dose of coffee extract may play an important role in the inflammatory reaction of murine macrophages.

제주산 식용 고사리를 열수와 70% 에탄올로 추출한 후, 70% 에탄올 추출물을 순차적으로 헥산, 에틸아세테이트, 부탄올, 증류수로 분획하여 폴리페놀 함량과 항산화 활성 및 NO 생성 저해효과를 측정하였다. 총페놀 함량은 열수와 70% 에탄올 추출물이 각각 50.0과 43.4mg GAE/g이었고, 에틸아세테이트와 부탄올 분획물에서 각각 104.3과 58.7mg GAE/g로 높았다. DPPH 라디칼 소거활성(IC50)은 에틸아세테이트 분획물이 100.6μg/mL로 가장 높았고, 그 다음으로 부탄올 분획물(182.6), 70% 에탄올 추출물(231.5) 순이었다. ABTs 라디칼 소거활성(IC50)은 열수와 70% 에탄올 추출물이 각각 102.4와 119.4μg/mL이었고, 분획물에서는 에틸아세테이트가 70.7μg/mL으로 가장 높았으며 그 다음으로 부탄올(141.7)이었다. 활성산소 흡수능력(ORAC)은 열수와 70% 에탄올 추출물이 각각 267.8과 205.5mg TE/g이었고, 에틸아세테이트 분획물이 836.0mg TE/g로 가장 높았으며, 부탄올 분획물은 337.9mg TE/g이었다. NO 생성 저해활성(IC50)은 에틸아세테이트 분획물이 24.9μg/mL로 가장 높았으며, 그 다음으로 헥산과 부탄올 분획물이 34.9와 118.0μg/mL이었다. 결론적으로 제주산 고사리의 에틸아세테이트 분획물은 총페놀 함량은 물론 항산화 활성과 항염 활성이 가장 높아 기능성 소재로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 추정되었다.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is an important pathogen in the development of localized aggressive periodontitis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a virulent factor of periodontal pathogens that contributes to alveolar bone loss and connective tissue degradation in periodontal disease. Our present study was designed to investigate the cytokine expression and signaling pathways regulated by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS (Aa LPS). Cytokine gene expression profiling in RAW 264.7 cells was performed by microarray analyses. The cytokine mRNA and protein levels and related signaling pathways induced by Aa LPS were measured by RT-PCR, ELISA and western blotting. Microarray results showed that Aa LPS strongly induced the expression of NF-κB, NF-κB-related genes, inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β in RAW 264.7 cells. NF-κB inhibitor pretreatment significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA and protein. In addition, the Aa LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-1β expression was inhibited by p38/JNK MAP kinase inhibitor pretreatment. These results show that Aa LPS stimulates TNF-α and IL-1β expression through NF-κB and p38/JNK activation in RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting the essential role of this pathway in the pathogenesis of localized aggressive periodontitis.

This study examined the anti-osteoclastogenic effects of baicalin on receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL)- induced RAW264.7 cells. Baicalin is a flavonoid that is produced by Scutellaria baicalensis and is known to have multiple biological properties, including antibacterial, anti- inflammatory and analgesic effects. The effects of baicalin on osteoclasts were examined by measuring 1) cell via- bility; 2) the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) (+) multinucleated cells; 3) RANK/RANKL signa- ling pathways and 4) mRNA levels of osteoclast-associated genes. Baicalin inhibited the formation of RANKL-stimu- lated TRAP (+) multinucleated cells and also suppressed the RANKL-stimulated activation of p-38, ERK, cSrc and AKT signaling. Baicalin also inhibited the RANKL-stimu- lated degradation of IĸB in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the RANKL-stimulated induction of NFATc1 transcription factors was found to be abrogated by this flavonoid. Baica- lin was further found to decrease the mRNA expression of osteoclast-associated genes, including carbonic anhydrase II, TRAP and cathepsin K in the RAW264.7 cells. Our data thus demonstrate that baicalin inhibits osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the RANKL-induced activation of signaling molecules and transcription factors in osteoclast precursors.

Fraxinus rhynchophylla (Oleaceae), a deciduous tree, is known to have properties that include anti-inflammatory, convergence, febricide, antiblenophthalmia, antidiarrhea, antileukorrhea, and so forth. In addition, it has been used for traditional herbal medicine in East Asian countries, including Korea. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Fraxinus rhynchophylla ethanol extract (FRE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage Raw 264.7 cells with FRE pretreatment. We performed DPPH-assay, Western blot, and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). FRE showed 85% free radical scavenging activity at concentrations of 80 µg/ml. Results of this study also showed that FRE down-regulates Cox-2 and iNOS expression in mRNA and protein level. In conclusion, crude ethanol extract of Fraxinus rhynchophylla exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and it may potentially provide a valuable source of natural herbal agent to inhibit inflammation.

Veratric aicd is a phenolic compound, which is derived from medicinal mushrooms. In our study, veratric acid showed the effect on the reduction of nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The negative regulation of NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were caused by the modulation of iNOS at mRNA and protein levels. The transcription factors for iNOS expression, including NF-κB, STAT-1, c-Jun, ATF-2, and Elk-1, were down-regulated by veratric acid. Because c-Jun, ATF-2, and Elk-1 is induced by p38, we determined that the effect of veratric acid on p38 expression, which was inactivated. Additionally, Akt and p110β, the catalytic subunit of PI3K, were inactivated by veratric acid. In the inhibition of p38 and PI3K, the inhibition of p38 did not modulate the expression of iNOS, the inhibition of PI3K, although, induced the synergic effect on the reduction of NO production. The results indicated veratric acid required p38 to regulate the expression of iNOS in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

Macrophages can recognize antigens and microorganisms, and then initiate an appropriate defense. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive information regarding the genes that are modulated by commensal yeasts, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Saccharomyces exiguus. In addition, it is not clear to what extent the beneficial yeasts modulate the immune response against microbes and/or microbial toxins. Using DNA microarray, which contains approximately 25,000 genes, we studied interactions between host cells and yeast/bacterial toxin (LPS) by analyzing the transcriptional response of macrophages stimulated by Saccharomyces exiguus and/or Lipopolysaccharides. Thirty three genes were identified to be modulated by more than two folds between groups of macrophage cells. Pathway analysis provided insight into the mutual interactions. Of particular interest was the responses elicited by fungus in murine macrophage cells, including modulation of immunity/defense, cellular signal transduction, cell proliferation/differentiation, and transport. This finding indicates that the yeast induces immune response pathways as well as those associated with cell proliferation and transport. Among the 33 genes identified from the DNA microarray screening, eight genes were further checked by RT-PCR analysis using gene specific primers. Compared to those of negative control, sequential treatment with the yeast strain followed by LPS apparently induced expression of Tnfaip3, IL7R, and CD86, while it inhibited expression of Cxcl10 and CD83. In conclusion, this study identified the genes that are up-regulated by Saccharomyces exiguus. A further study is needed in order to determine whether these genes are modulated at the protein level, and also for their roles in control of immune responses.

The present study was investigated the antibacterial effect of several sodium salts and the sodium salt mixture composed with sodium chlorate, sodium azide and sodium cyanide on Salmonella gallinarum (S. gallinarum) infection in murine derived macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. In the infection assay of S. gallinarum in macrophage cells pretreated with 15 mM sodium chlorate, 0.3 mM sodium cyanide, 0.3 mM sodium azide and the sodium salt mixture (15 mM sodium chlorate, 0.3 mM sodium cyanide, 0.3 mM sodium azide), respectively, the numbers of S. gallinarum in all treated-groups tended to decrease in the process of time after treatment, but the group treated with sodium cyanide was no significant difference compared with control. After 24 hours of treatment, the number of S. gallinarum in sodium azide (p<0.05), sodium chlorate (p<0.001) and the sodium salt mixture (p<0.001) treated-group was significantly decreased compared with control, and that in the sodium salt mixture treated-group was decreased the higher than all groups. The results of this study demonstrated that the sodium salt mixture composed with sodium chlorate, sodium azide and sodium cyanide, has the antimicrobial activity for S. gallinarum and may be beneficial on the control of intracellular pathogens.

Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg LPS) is an important virulence factor in chronic periodontitis. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in Escherichia coli LPS (Ec LPS) and Pg LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Cells were treated with Ec LPS and Pg LPS for 18 hours, and the cytokine gene expression profile was assessed using microarrays and confirmed by real-time PCR. Microarray analysis showed that both types of LPS induced a significant increase in the expression of IL-17β, IL-2, Ccl4, Cxcl2 and TNFα compared with the control. However, LT-b was up-regulated by Pg LPS but not by Ec LPS. Real-time PCR analysis of these genes showed similar results for LT-b, Ccl4, Cxcl2, and TNF- but found that IL-17β and IL-2 were upregulated by Pg LPS but not by Ec LPS. These data indicate that Pg LPS stimulates the transcription of IL-17β, IL-2, Ccl4, Cxcl2, LT-b, and TNFα, all of which may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis.

The attachment and adhesion of RAW 264.7 and MC3T3-E1 cells to titanium (Ti) discs with various degrees of roughness was investigated. The attachment, adhesion, and proliferation of these cells were evaluated after 4 hr, 24 hr and 7 day incubations. Both RAW 264.7 and MC3T3-E1 cells showed a time-dependant correlation between attachment and adhesion on the surface of the titanium discs. Both types of cells tended to have higher survival rate on these discs as the surface roughness increased. The percentage of adherent inflammatory RAW 264.7 cells was greater than MC3T3-E1 cells at 24 hr, but this was reversed at 7 days in culture. The morphology of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells at 24 hr, determined using a surface emission microscope (SEM), appeared flattened and spread out while inflammatory RAW 264.7 cells were predominantly spherical in shape. The adhesion of both cell types on the titanium discs was dependant on the levels of fibronectin adsorbed on the disc surface, indicating that serum constituents modulate the efficient adhesion of these cells. Our data indicate that the cellular response to the titanium surface is dependent on the types of cells, surface roughness and serum constituents.

Nitric oxide(NO) is synthesized via the oxidation of L-arginine by a family of nitric oxide synthases(NOS), which are either constitutive(cNOS) or inducible(iNOS). The induction of iNOS in tissues can lead to the sustained production of high concentrations of NO which may exert pro-inflammatory effects including vasodilation, edema, cyototoxicity, and its activity can be mediated by various pro-inflammatory cytokine, including interferonγ(INF- γ), tumor necrosis factor, IL-1 and IL-6. The enzyme, iNOS, became a new target for pharmacologcal research with the aim to find new substances for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders. Murine macrophages produce large amounts of NO when activated with TFN-γ plus LPS. Murine macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7, is a suitable cell model to perform in vitro studies regarding the iNOS system. Artemisin feddei Lev. et Vnt.(Compositae) is a perennial herb growing in Korea. The aerial parts have been used in foik medicine as antiinflammatory, antipyretic, choleretic and diuretic agent. Sesquiterpenelactones were isolated from this plant. In the course of screening for NO inhibitory activity from medicnial plants, the aqueous extract of this plant was found to have a significant activity.