The anti-inflammatory effect of PHBV/Collagen (PHCP) was examined in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced skin inflammation. Vascular permeability on the back skin was measured by the local accumulation of Evan’s blue dye after subcutaneous injection of LPS (30 µg site^-1 ). Dye leakage in the skin showed a significant increase at 2 h after injection of LPS. This LPS-induced dye leakage was also completely inhibited by HO-1 inhibitor, ZnPP, and antioxidants, including methyl gallate, trolox, and mannitol. To study the possible mechanisms underlying the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of PHCP against LPS-induced inflammation, we also examined the effects of PHCP on malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione levels in skin tissues and found that pretreatment with PHCP resulted in inhibited MDA elevation and a remarkable reduction of glutathione level. In addition, similar results were obtained after pretreatment with antioxidants, including trolox and mannitol, and HO-1 inhibitor, ZnPP. Histopathologically, an influx of neutrophils into the skin dermis was detected between 24 h and 72 h after LPS injection (30, 100 µg site^-1), compared to control animals after injection of saline. This increase was greater in mice treated with 100 µg of LPS than in those treated with 30 µg of LPS and was significantly suppressed by pretreatment with PHCP, antioxidants, and HO-1 inhibitor. These results collectively suggest that PHCP has an anti-inflammatory effect against LPS-induced inflammation model in vivo and may be a good candidate for the skin tissue engineering biomedical application primarily through manipulation of the redox state.

This study was conducted for evaluation of the alleviating effects of Phellodendrin cortex water extract (PCWE) on skin inflammation in hairless mice. Skin inflammation was induced by UVB irradiation and application of squalene monohydroperoxide (Sq-OOH) to the back skin of hairless mice for six weeks. At the same time, saline (C), jojoba oil (VC), PCWE (E), and 0.01% retinoic acid diluted with polyethylene glycol (PC) were applied topically twice per day, six days per week for a period of six weeks. The skin erythema index of the E group was lower than that of the C group. Epidermis and dermis of the C group were remarkably thickened, compared to the PC or E group. In the C group, infiltration of many inflammatory cells, including neutrophils and lymphocytes, was observed in dermis, and a large number of mast cells were observed in dermis and hypodermis; the degree of degranulation was remarkable. However, these phenomena were alleviated in the PC and E2 groups. The E group showed a lower activity in skin xanthine oxidase but a higher activity in skin superoxide dismutase, compared to the C group (P<0.05). The VC, PC, and E groups also showed a high activity of skin catalase by 25.3%, 58%, and 42%, respectively, compared to the C group. Taken together, these results indicate that PCWE could have an alleviating efficacy on skin inflammation induced by UVB irradiation and application of Sq-OOH in hairless mice.

Taraxaci Herba has long been used in herbal medicine for their choleretic, anti-heumatic and diuretic properties. In the present study, we investigated the effects of origin plants of Taraxaci Herba, Taraxacum coreanum Nakai, as an anti-inflammatory agent in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced microglial activation in BV2 cells. NNMBS273, the EtOH extracts of roots T. coreanum was examined for anti-neuronal inflammatory activity as new drug development. The roots of T. coreanum, showed the potent anti-neuroinflammatory effects on LPS-induced inflammation in microglial BV2 cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of NNMBS273, the EtOH extracts of roots T. coreanum was demonstrated by the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including pro-inflammatory enzymes (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β). These results suggest that the roots T. coreanum may be a promising candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases related to neuroinflammation.

Coumarin derivatives were shown to possess valuable pharmacological properties such as anticancer/anti carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti helicobacter, anti genotoxic, neuroprotective and dietary effect. In this study, novel coumarin derivatives structurally related to 7-geranyloxycoumarin were effectively synthesised in good yields by Cs2CO3/acetonitrile in mild condition. The synthesis of geranyloxycoumarin derivatives in weak base(Na2CO3, K2CO3, Cs2CO3 etc)/CH3CN at room temperature obtained in good yield. On the other hand, the reaction of geranyloxycoumarin formation in strong base(NaOH, KOH, CsOH etc)/CH3CN at reflux condition obtained in low yield.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the alleviative effects of a nude pack containing black tea water extract (NPBT) on inflammation and skin barrier damage in hairless mice. Skin inflammation and skin barrier damage were induced by UVB irradiation to the backs of hairless mice for five weeks. And, at the same time, saline (C), NPBT (1%: E1, 2%: E2), and 0.01% retinoic acid diluted with polyethylene glycol (PC) were applied topically twice per day, five days per week, for a period of five weeks. The skin erythema indices of the E1 and E2 groups were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the C group through one week after the beginning of the experiment. Meanwhile, water contents of the E1 and E2 groups were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of the C group through two weeks after the beginning of the experiment. Remarkable thickening of epidermis and dermis was observed in the C group, compared with the PC, E1, or E2 groups. In the C group, infiltration of many inflammatory cells, including neutrophils and lymphocytes, was observed in dermis and a large number of mast cells were observed in dermis and hypodermis, and the degree of degranulation was remarkable. However, these phenomena were alleviated in the PC, E1, and E2 groups. Therefore, NPBT could have considerable inhibitory efficacy on inflammation and skin barrier damage induced by UVB irradiation.

We investigated the role of the central MAPK pathways in extra-territorial (referred) pain resulting from inflammation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Experiments were carried out on male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220-280 g. Under anesthesia, these animals were injected with 50 μL of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the TMJ using a Hamilton syringe. In the control group, saline was injected into the TMJ. To identify the extent of inflammation of the TMJ, Evans blue dye (0.1%, 5 mg/kg) was injected intravenously at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days after CFA injection. The concentration of Evans blue dye in the extracted TMJ tissue was found to be significantly higher in the CFA-treated animals than in the saline-treated group. Air-puff thresholds in the vibrissa pad area were evaluated 3 days before and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 days after CFA injection into the TMJ. Referred mechanical allodynia was established at 3 days, remained until 12 days, and recovered to preoperative levels at 18 days after CFA injection. This referred mechanical allodynia was observed in contralateral side area. To investigate the role of central MAPK pathways, MAPK inhibitors (10 μg) were administrated intracisternally 9 days after CFA injection. SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, significantly attenuated referred mechanical allodynia, as compared with the vehicle group. PD98059, a MEK inhibitor, also reduced CFA-induced referred mechanical allodynia. These results suggest that TMJ inflammation produces extra-territorial mechanical allodynia, and that this is mediated by central MAPK pathways.

Periodontal disease is a major oral disorder and comprises a group of infections that lead to inflammation of the gingiva and the destruction of periodontal tissues. PPARy plays an important role in the regulation of several metabolic pathways and has recently been implicated in inflammatory response pathways. However, its effects on periodontal inflammation have yet to be clarified. In our current study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of PPARy on periodontal disease. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) showed high levels of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and -9 (MMP-9). Moreover, these cells also showed upregulated activities for extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygnase-2. However, cells treated with Ad/PPARy and rosiglitazone in same culture system showed reduced ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MMP-2, -9 and COX-2. Finally, the anti-inflammatory effects of PPARy appear to be mediated via the suppression of the ERK1/2 pathway and consequent inhibition of NF-kB translocation. Our present findings thus suggest that PPARy indeed has a pivotal role in gingival inflammation and may be a putative molecular target for future therapeutic strategies to control chronic periodontal disease.

This study was carried out to investigate inflammation-related gene expression altered in ovary and endometrium of Korean cattle with reproductive disorders using microarray. In the present study, nine inflammation-related differential1y expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the cystic ovary and endometrium with endometritis. In the follicular cyst, eotaxin and alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG) were up-regulated, whereas complement component 3 (C3) and oxidised low density lipoprotein (lectin-like) receptor 1 (OLR1) were down-regulated. Complement component 4A (C4A) was up-regulated in luteal cyst. In the endometritis, chemokine 1igand l and 2 (CXCL1 and CXCL2), protein C (inactivator of coagulation factors Va and VIIIa), and complement component C5 were up-regulated, whereas kininogen was down-regulated. Of these genes, we focused on eotaxin and kininogen, which were highly regulated in the follicular cyst and endometritis, respectively and on C3 commonly regulated in both reproductive disorders. The microarray data of eotaxin, kininogen, and C3 were validated by semi-quantitative PCR. Consistent with microarray data, eotaxin was up-regulated by 4-fold in the follicular cyst, while kininogen was down-regulated by 5-fold in the endometritis. C3 was down-regulated in the both follicular cyst and endometritis. Our results suggest that these inflammation-related genes could be useful markers for diagnosis of cystic ovary and endometritis of Korean cattle.

Anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic extract of Angelica gigas (EAG 50, 150, and 500 mg/kg) were investigated in thermal burn-paw edema model. Immersion of rat hind legs into 48.5℃ water for 50 scincreased the leg volume by 0.46-0.55 ml. EAG attenuated not only the paw volume in a dose-dependent manner, but also blood lymphocyte counts and interleukin-6 level increased by burns, without influence on the level of tumor-necrosis factor-α. Moreover, EAG reduced alkaline phosphatase level, a parameter of hepatic injury, which was increased by thermal burns. The results indicate that EAG attenuates inflammatory aymptoms induced by thermal burn and EAG or its conmarin derivatives could be a promising anti-inflammatory drug candidate in inflammation diseases.

까le orofacial pain is one of the most common types of acute or chronic pain, and many forms of orofacial pain have an inflammatory component. The aim of this study was to develop a behavioral model of orofacial pain associated with chronic int1ammation in rats. 까le int1ammatory agent, CFA suspended in an oil/saline (1 :1) emulsion (50 씨) was injected into the vibrissal pad of adult male rats. A s따피ar application of saline was served as control. Spontaneous and mechanically evoked behaviours were monitored daily in awake rats before and up to 6 weeks after injection. As for the spontaneous behaviour, total time rat spent in face gr∞ming was counted. For the measurement of mechanically evoked behaviour, the threshold and frequency of head withdrawal response (HWR) were determined at the vibrissal pad with the use of von Frey nylon monofilaments. CFA injection did not produce any significant changes in face gr∞ming， but produced a s핑nificant reduction in HWR threshold and a s핑nificant increase in HWR frequency to mechanical stimulation of the vibrissal pad on the ipsilateral side for approximately 4-6 weeks. Saline injection into the vibrissal pad did not produce any significant changes in spontaneous and mechanically evoked behaviours. These results indicate that the injection of CFA into orofacial cutaneous tissues can induce persistent behavioral allodynia and hyperalgesia, and easily quantified behavioral model will provide a better understanding of mechanisms and control of orofacial chronic pain conditions associated with int1ammation.

Adenophorae Radix (AR) has been used as a traditional medicine for various diseases. However, the regulatory mechanisms of AR in allergic inflammation are not yet understood. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect and mechanisms of AR on the mast cell-mediated allergic response. To determine the pharmacological mechanisms of AR in allergic inflammation, we evaluated the effects of AR on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and IL-8 as well as the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and caspase-1 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). Our results demonstrated that AR effectively attenuated the PMACI-induced production of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 in stimulated HMC-1. Additionally, we showed that the inhibitory effect of AR on inflammatory cytokines in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1 cells involved the suppression of the activation NF-kB/caspase-1 in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1. Collectively, these findings provide experimental evidence that AR may be a useful candidate for the treatment of allergic inflammation.

Lilium lancifolium (LL) is widely cultivated in East Asia and used to attenuate airway diseases. Our current study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of LL on pain level and inflammatory response in a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA). We first examined the effect of LL on inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators in IL-1β-treated HTB-94 cells. The LL extract was found to significantly inhibit the levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE-2) in Interleukin-1 β (IL-1β)-stimulated HTB-94 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, chronic oral administration of LL effectively restored the weight-bearing distribution in the rat model of MIA-induced OA. In addition, administration of LL inhibited inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, leukotriene B4 (LTB-4), PGE-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Our findings collectively suggested LL as one of the potential therapeutic agents for OA, owing to its properties of reducing pain and inflammatory responses.

염증은 신체 특정 조직의 감염 및 손상에 관한 생체 반응이며, 매개하는 주요 대상은 면역세포이다. 염증은 급성과 만성 염증으로 나뉘며 신체 조직의 감염 및 손상부위의 규모에 따라 구분 할 수 있다. 염증의 범위가 크게 발현되거나 급성염증 형태로 진행되지 않을 때 만성 염증으로 진행되며 대표적인 만성 염증 질환인 장 질환(Inflammatory bowel disease)의 일종인 크론병 (Crohn’s disease)이나 관절질환인 류머티스성 관절염(Rheumatoid arthritis)으로 나타난다. 낮은 수준이기는 하나 비만 역시 염증성 질환으로 분류할 수 있다. 연리초속 식물이 고래에 신장염을 치료하는 민간처방으로 주로 사용됐기에 이에 착안하여 털연리초(Lathyrus palustris)를 이용하여 세포독성과 항염증 활성 효과를 평가하였다. 대식세포인 RAW 264.7 세포에서 염증 유발 인자인 lipopolysaccharide (LPS)로 자극 후 NO와 PGE2 같은 염증 매개 물질들의 억제 효과를 확인하였다. 털연리초 에탄올 추출물을 처리한 후 염증 매개 물질의 저해율(%)을 측정했을 때 NO 및 PGE2 생성을 농도 의존적으로 현저하게 억제하는 농도는 40 ㎍/mL이었으며 특이적으로 PGE2 발현을 74% 이상 강력히 억제함을 확인하였다. 따라서 본 연구결과는 털연리초의 에탄올 추출물이 유의성 있는 항염증 효과를 나타내었고 이러한 생리활성 효과는 예방의학적 소재로서의 가능성을 충분히 제시할 수 있기에 염증 질환의 예방 및 비만 억제를 위한 기능성 건강식품의 개발로 이어질 것으로 기대된다. 또한 염증 과 관련된 사이토카인 물질인 IL-4, IL-13 및 염증 지표 단백질 인 iNOS, COX-2의 억제 메커니즘과 항염증 활성을 나타내는 핵심 성분의 추가적인 연구가 차후 필요할 것으로 판단된다.

Avocado, superfood, contains a variety of essential nutrients and phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to explore whether avocado could modulate skin inflammation in vivo. We elucidated the pharmacological effects of avocado on compound 48/80- or histamine-induced scratching behaviors and 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in mice. Additionally, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of avocado and its underlying mechanism including its effect on the expression levels of inflammatory-related genes and nuclear factor -κB (NF-κB) in DNCB-induced AD-like skin lesions. The findings of this study demonstrate that avocado attenuated AD clinical symptoms including itching, eczematous, erythema and dryness and histamine levels in mice. Moreover, avocado suppressed both inflammatory cytokines expression as well as NF-κB and caspase-1 activation in AD-like skin lesions in mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate that avocado may be a potential candidate for treating skin inflammatory diseases like AD.

본 연구는 레몬밤 추출물 및 용매 분획물의 항산화 활성, 항염활성 및 미백 활성을 평가하기 위해 수행하였다. 레몬밤의 용매별 추출물의 총 폴리페놀 함량은 33.02-302.76 mg GAE/g, 총 플라보노이드 함량은 9.98-325.07 mg CE/g으로 확인되었다. 레몬밤 추출물 및 용매 분획물의 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) 라디칼소거활성을 평가한 결과 전반적으로 레몬밤 용매별 추출물 및 물 분획물들이 대조구인 ascorbic acid (30 μ M)와 유사한 DPPH 라디칼소거능이 확인되었다. 또한 레몬밤 추출물 및 용매 분획물 중 클로로폼 분획물이 상대적으로 가장 우수한 RAW 264.7 세포의 NO생성 억제효과가 확인되었다. Tyrosinase 억제 활성은 100% 에탄올 환류 추출물의 200 μ g/mL 농도가 통계적으로 유의한 수준에서 arbutin 처리구 보다 우수한 억제 활성을 나타내었다. 이러한 결과들은 레몬밤이 항산화, 항염 및 미백활성을 가지는 효과적인 화장품 소재로 활용 가능하다는 것을 시사한다.

Veronica persica (V. persica) is a perennial plant that is broadly distributed in Europe, Asia and so on. V. persica is used for pain about the lower abdomen and low back. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory effects of V. persica ethanol extract in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. To evaluate the anti-oxidant activity, the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, and reducing power activity were carried out. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity were evaluated as 72.0% and 73.0% at the concentrations of 200 and 500 μg/mL, respectively. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of V. persica extracts were measured as 65.22 mg/g and 43.82 mg/g at the concentration of 1 mg/mL. The reducing power activity measurement showed 53.0% activity at 1 mg/mL. The anti-inflammatory effects of the V. persica extract were evaluated in LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells. In the evaluation of cell viability by proliferation ＆ cytotoxicity assay kit, the cytotoxicity of the extract was not confirmed at 0~800 μg/mL concentration. And the V. persica significantly inhibited NO production in a concentration dependent manner. The inhibition effects of NO in cell medium of V. persica was over 80% at 800 μg/mL. The V. persica also suppressed the expression of iNOS, COX-2, and phosphorylation of NF-κB and IkB-α proteins. These results indicate that the V. persica has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by modulating NF-κB signaling pathways and can be used as natural functional materials.

Background : Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau belonging to the mulberry family has attracted much attention as a nutrition ingredient many times as many as the mulberry tree. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effect of hot water extract of Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau fruits (CT-F) on inflammation and inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and gastiritis in cell-level experiments and animal models using mice. Methods and Results : The inhibitory effect of CT-F was investigated in LPS_stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Treatment with CT-F significantly inhibited the production of inflammatory mediators such as NO, IL-6 and TNF-a. The inhibitory effect of CT-F was shown to be related to inhibition of NF-kB activation in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In in vivo diabetic models using mice, treatment of CT-F lowered the level of blood glucose in alloxan-induce type-1 diabetic model as well as db/db type-2 mice model. CT-F also dramatically inhibited gastiritis induced by EtOH/HCl in mice. Conclusion : Hot water extract of Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau fruits was effective for inhibition of inflammation, diabetes and gastirits. Therefore, CT-F is thought to be a beneficial candidate for development of functional foods to prevent inflammation-associated diseases.

Backgound : Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic disorders that are characterized by intestinal epithelial inflammation and injury. Currently, the most employed therapies are antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs; however, the side effects limit long-term effectiveness. Methods and Results : We evaluated the impact of glucose-lysine Maillard reaction products (Glc-Lys MRPs) on colitis, induced in rats by an administration of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water. Glc-Lys MRPs ameliorate DSS-induced colitis, as determined by a decrease in disease. index activity, colon weight/length ratio, nitric oxide levels in serum, recovery of body weight loss, colon length and serum lysozyme levels. Furthermore, Glc-Lys MRPs increase the glutathione content and the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and inhibit lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase activity in colon tissues. In particular, Glc-Lys MRPs suppress the mRNA level of the inflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor-κB in colon tissues. Conclusion : This study suggests the potential of Glc-Lys MRPs in preventing or treating IBDs.