Jae-Bum Jang

Genuine traditional Korean medicine, Naju Jjok (Chung-Dae, Polygonum tinctorium) improves 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like lesional skin

PURPOSE Naju Jjok (NJJ, Polygonum tinctorium) is a clear heat and release toxin medicinal. It has been used to treat various inflammatory diseases and as a dye in clothing in traditional Korean medicine. However, the effect of NJJ on atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been elucidated. Therefore, we examined whether NJJ would have an inhibitory effect on AD using the mimic AD murine model and in vitro model. METHODS We treated NJJ on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice, phorbol myristate acetate/calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells, and anti-CD3/anti-CD28-stimulated splenocytes. Histological analysis, ELISA, PCR, and Western blot analysis were performed. RESULTS The oral administration with NJJ suppressed the total clinical severity in DNFB-induced AD-like lesional skin. NJJ significantly suppressed the levels of inflammatory mRNA and protein in AD-like lesional skin. NJJ significantly suppressed the levels of IgE and interleukin-4 in the serum of DNFB-induced AD mice. The expression of mast cells-derived caspase-1 was suppressed by NJJ in AD-like lesional skin. In addition, topical application with NJJ improved clinical symptoms in DNFB-induced AD mice. The topical application with NJJ significantly suppressed the levels of IgE and histamine in the serum of DNFB-induced AD mice. NJJ suppressed the production and mRNA expression of TSLP by blockade of caspase-1 signal pathway in the activated HMC-1 cells. Furthermore, NJJ significantly decreased the production of tumor necrosis factor-α from the stimulated splenocytes. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, these results propose curative potential of natural dye, NJJ by showing the scientific evidence on anti-AD effect of NJJ which has been used traditionally.

Antidepressant effect of Stillen

Stillen™ has been used to treat patients with gastric mucosal ulcers and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is well-known that neuro-inflammatory reactions are related to depression. Here we evaluated the antidepressant-like effect of Stillen™ on mice subjected to the forced swimming test (FST). Stillen™ and eupatilin (a major component of Stillen™) significantly decreased immobility times compared with the FST control group. In the Stillen™-administered group, increased levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein were observed in the hippocampus. Nissl bodies also increased in the hippocampus neuronal cytoplasm of the Stillen™-administered group. Stillen™ decreased levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (at the mRNA and protein levels) in the hippocampus and serum, compared with the control group. In addition, the mRNA expression of estrogen receptor-β increased after Stillen™ administration in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that Stillen™ should be viewed as a candidate antidepressant.

β-eudesmol suppresses allergic reactions via inhibiting mast cell degranulation.

The regulatory effect of β‐eudesmol, which is an active constituent of Pyeongwee‐San (KMP6), is evaluated for allergic reactions induced by mast cell degranulation. Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187‐stimulated human mast cell line, HMC‐1 cells, and compound 48/80‐stimulated rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) are used as the in vitro models; mice models of systemic anaphylaxis, ear swelling, and IgE‐dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) are used as the in vivo allergic models. The results demonstrate that β‐eudesmol suppressed the histamine and tryptase releases from the PMA plus calcium ionophore A23187‐stimulated HMC‐1 cells. β‐eudesmol inhibits the expression and activity of histidine decarboxylase in the activated HMC‐1 cells. In addition, β‐eudesmol inhibits the levels of histamine and tryptase released from the compound 48/80‐stimulated RPMCs. Furthermore, β‐eudesmol decreases the intracellular calcium level in the activated RPMCs. β‐eudesmol also decreases the compound 48/80‐induced mortality and ear swelling response. β‐eudesmol suppresses the serum levels of histamine, IgE, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐13, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) under PCA mice as well as PCA reactions. Therefore, the results from this study indicate the potential of β‐eudesmol as an anti‐allergic drug with respect to its pharmacological properties against mast cell‐mediated allergic reactions.

A natural dye, Niram improves atopic dermatitis through down-regulation of TSLP

Naju Jjok (Polygonum tinctorium Lour.) has been known to treat skin diseases in traditional Korean medicine. A natural textile dye, Niram made from Naju Jjok has traditionally been used to dye clothes. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays an important role in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). Thus, we investigated that Niram might ameliorate AD through regulation of TSLP. Niram significantly inhibited the levels of TSLP through blockade of caspase-1/receptor-interacting protein 2 pathway in stimulated mast cells. Further, Niram ameliorated clinical symptoms in AD mouse. Niram significantly inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells in lesional skin. The levels of TSLP, caspase-1, IL-4, and IL-6 were inhibited in lesional skin applied topically with Niram. Niram significantly inhibited the serum levels of IgE and histamine in AD mouse. Finally, Niram significantly inhibited the levels of TSLP in polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid-stimulated human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. These results establish Niram as a functional dye embracing the aspects of not only a traditional use but also a pharmacological effect.

A novel compound 2-(4-{2-[(phenylthio)acetyl]carbonohydrazonoyl}phenoxy)acetamide downregulates TSLP through blocking of caspase-1/NF-κB pathways

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is regarded as the main factor responsible for the pathogenesis of allergic disorders such as atopic dermatitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and allergic rhinitis. As part of our continuing search for novel anti-inflammatory compounds, 2-(4-{2-[(phenylthio)acetyl]carbonohydrazonoyl}phenoxy)acetamide (PA) was analyzed. In the present study, we examined how PA regulates the mRNA expression and production of TSLP in the human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. Computer-aided docking simulation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, caspase-1 assay, and Western blotting were used to investigate the effects of PA. PA decreased the mRNA expression and production of TSLP in HMC-1 cells. PA (1μM) inhibited the TSLP production up to 87.710±5.201%. PA also improved the activation and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB as well as the degradation and phosphorylation of IκBα. Caspase-1 activation was up-regulated in activated HMC-1 cells, whereas caspase-1 activation was down-regulated by PA. Finally, PA inhibited ear swelling response induced by phorbol myristate acetate in mice. These results indicate that PA would be effective to treat inflammatory and atopic disorders through the down-regulations of TSLP.

2-(4-{2-[(phenylthio)acetyl]carbonohydrazonoyl}phenoxy)acetamide as a new lead compound for management of allergic rhinitis

ObjectiveWe selected a hit compound, 2-(4-{2-[(phenylthio)acetyl]-carbonohydrazonoyl}-phenoxy)acetamide (PA), by a molecular docking simulation between 636,565 compounds and caspase-1 protein. We examined the effect of PA on allergic rhinitis (AR) animal model.MethodsWe assessed the therapeutic effects and the regulatory mechanisms of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mouse model of AR.ResultsA molecular docking simulation and a kinetic assay indicated that PA regulates the caspase-1 activation through the interaction with the caspase-1 active site. In the AR animal model, PA significantly reduced the rub scoring increased by OVA. The up-regulated IgE, histamine, interleukin (IL)-1β, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels in the serum of OVA-sensitized mice were significantly decreased by the treatment with PA. Protein levels of IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor-α, TSLP, cyclooxygenase-2, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were also significantly inhibited by the treatment with PA in the nasal mucosa tissues of the OVA-sensitized mice. In the PA-treated mice, the number of eosinophils and mast cells infiltrated by OVA-sensitization were also reduced. In addition, PA reduced the mast cell-derived caspase-1 activity and expression in the nasal mucosa tissues of the OVA-sensitized mice.ConclusionsPA showed the possibility to regulate AR in OVA-induced AR models, suggesting that it has therapeutic potential for the management of AR as a lead compound.

Functions of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6 in a Behavioral Animal Model of Depression

Aims: Depression is one of the most common inflammatory and mental disorders. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) plays a crucial role in the pathology of mental disorders as well as inflammatory diseases. Methods: Here we determined the role of STAT6 in the pathogenesis of depression using STAT6-deficient mice in a forced swimming test. Results: The immobility time was significantly decreased in STAT6-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice without alteration of locomotor activity. STAT6-deficient mice exhibited a significantly enhancing dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) in brain. In addition, the expression of serotonin transporter in the hippocampus was markedly downregulated in STAT6-deficient mice. These results provide the first evidence that STAT6 affects depressive-like behavior through downregulating monoamines, including dopamine and 5-HT in the hippocampus of brain. Conclusions: In conclusion, identification of STAT6 signaling pathways on depression might open new perspectives for antidepressant therapies.

Evaluation of Dermal Absorption Rate of Pesticide Chlorpyrifos Using In Vitro Rat Dermal Tissue Model and Its Health Risk Assessment

All pesticides must be assessed strictly whether safe or not when agricultural operators are exposed to the pesticides in farmland. A pesticide is commonly regarded as safe when estimated dermal absorption amount is lower than the acceptable operators exposure level (AOEL). In this study, dermal absorption rate of chlorpyrifos, a widely used organophosphate insecticide, was investigated using rat dermal tissue model. Chlorpyrifos wettable powder solved in water (250, 500 and 2,500 ppm) was applied to freshly excised rat dermal slices (341~413 μm thickness) on static Franz diffusion cells at 32℃ for 6 hours. After exposure period of 6 hours, and then washing-at residual amount of chlorpyrifos was analyzed in dermal tissues, tape strips, washing solution, washing swabs of receptor bottles and receptor fluids at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours. Chlorpyrifos was only detected in dermal tissue but not found in receptor fluid at each concentration and time point, and the absorption rate of 250, 500 and 2,500 ppm was 2.36%, 1.96% and 1.69%, respectively. The estimated exposure level of chlorpyrifos was calculated as 0.012 mg/kg bw/day. The health risk for farmers in this condition is a level of concern because the estimated exposure level is 12 times higher than AOEL 0.001 mg/kg bw/day. However, actual health risk will be alleviated than estimated because absorbed chlorpyrifos is not permeated into internal body system and only retained in skin layer.

Chelidonic acid evokes antidepressant-like effect through the up-regulation of BDNF in forced swimming test.

Depression is usually accompanied by neuro-inflammatory reactions. Chelidonic acid, in particular, has shown anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-depressant effects of chelidonic acid and to discuss the potential mechanisms of a forced swimming test. Chelidonic acid was administered orally once a day for 14 days. On the 14th day, chelidonic acid resulted in a significant decrease in immobility time during the forced swimming test without alteration of locomotor activity, in an open field test. Chelidonic acid also increased the number of nissl bodies in the hippocampus. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase phosphorylation in the hippocampus were up-regulated by the administration of chelidonic acid. Chelidonic acid administration significantly increased the mRNA expression of hippocampal estrogen receptor-β. The levels of hippocampal interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were effectively attenuated by the administration of chelidonic acid. In addition, chelidonic acid significantly increased the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), dopamine, and norepinephrine compared with those levels for the mice that were administered distilled water in the hippocampus. These results suggest that chelidonic acid might serve as a new therapeutic strategy for the regulation of depression associated with inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory effects of a traditional Korean medicine: Ojayeonjonghwan

Abstract Objective: To study the anti-inflammatory properties of OJ. Context: Ojayeonjonghwan (OJ) is a traditional Korean prescription, which has been widely used for the treatment of prostatitis. However, no scientific study has been performed of the anti-inflammatory effects of OJ. Materials and methods: Peritoneal macrophages were isolated 3–4 days after injecting a C57BL/6J mouse with thioglycollate. They were then treated with OJ water extract (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL) for 1 h and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for different times. Nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and proinflammatory cytokine levels were determined by NO assay, Western blotting, RT-PCR and ELISA. Results: NO generation and iNOS induction were increased in the LPS-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages. However, NO generation and iNOS induction by LPS were suppressed by treatment with OJ for the first time. The IC50 value of OJ with respect to NO production was 0.09 mg/mL. OJ did not influence LPS-stimulated COX-2 induction, but did significantly decrease LPS-stimulated secretions and mRNA expressions of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. Inhibition rates of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β at an OJ concentration of 1 mg/mL were 77%, 88%, and 50%, respectively. OJ also suppressed the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB. High-performance liquid chromatography showed schizandrin and gomisin A are major components of OJ. Conclusions: OJ reduces inflammatory response, and this probably explains its positive impact on the prostatitis associated inflammation.