Improvement effects of a mixed extract of flowers of <i>Pueraria thomsonii</i> Benth. and peels of <i>Citrus unshiu</i> Markovich on postmenopausal symptoms of ovariectomized mice

Han, Na-Ra,Nam, Sun-Young,Hong, Sungwei,Kim, Hee-Yun,Moon, Phil-Dong,Kim, Hyeong-Jin,Cho, Hosong,Lee, Boyoung,Kim, Hyung-Min,Jeong, Hyun-Ja Elsevier 2018 BIOMEDICINE AND PHARMACOTHERAPY Vol.103 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P><B>Background</B></P> <P>Menopausal hot flushes occur frequently in postmenopausal women. In the present study, we investigated a regulatory effect of a mixed extract of flowers of <I>Pueraria thomsonii</I> Benth. and peels of <I>Citrus unshiu</I> Markovich (PCE17), an extract of flowers of <I>Pueraria thomsonii</I> Benth. (PE), an extract of peels of <I>Citrus unshiu</I> Markovich (CE), a mixture of tectorigenin 7-<I>O</I>-xylosylglucoside, tectoridin, and tectorigenin (Tec, the active compounds of PE), and hesperidin (Hes, an active compound of CE) on menopausal hot flushes.</P> <P><B>Methods</B></P> <P>We examined the anti-hot flushes properties of PCE17, PE, CE, Tec, or Hes using a mouse model of ovariectomy-induced hot flushes.</P> <P><B>Results</B></P> <P>The ovariectomy-induced rise in the tail skin temperature was significantly prevented by PCE17, PE, CE, Tec, or Hes. PCE17, PE, CE, Tec, or Hes significantly enhanced 5-HT levels and attenuated RANKL levels in the hypothalamus of ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Treatment with PCE17, PE, CE, Tec, or Hes significantly enhanced the levels of estrogen receptor (ER)-β, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and tryptophan hydroxylase mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of OVX mice. PCE17, PE, or CE decreased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, but did not increase estrogen levels in the serum of OVX mice. Tec or Hes decreased FSH or LH levels and increased estrogen levels. Treatment with PCE17, PE, CE, or Tec ameliorated vaginal atrophy in OVX mice. Finally, PCE17, PE, CE, Tec, or Hes significantly increased norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the hypothalamus of OVX mice.</P> <P><B>Conclusion</B></P> <P>Thus, these results imply that PCE17 has protective effects against hot flushes.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> PCE17 prevented a rise in the tail skin temperature of OVX mice. </LI> <LI> PCE17 regulated the levels of 5-HT, RANKL, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, TPH, and MAO in OVX mice. </LI> <LI> PCE17 ameliorated vaginal atrophy in OVX mice. </LI> <LI> PCE17 has protective effects against hot flushes. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Polydopamine-mediated all-in-one device with superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity for one-step oil/water separation and pollutant purification

Han, Nara,Lim, Yong Taek,Jang, Wooree,Koo, Hye Young,Choi, Won San Elsevier 2016 Polymer Vol.107 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Polydopamine (Pdop) is coated on copper mesh (Cu mesh/Pdop). Upon heat treatment of the Cu mesh/Pdop, Pdop particles are newly formed at the surface of the Cu mesh/Pdop, which is used as a superhydrophilic mesh. After octadecylamine (ODA) is coated on the heat-treated Cu mesh/Pdop, hierarchical and strong ODA crystals are formed by special interactions between the ODA and the Pdop. The surface morphologies of the ODA crystals are tuned by varying the amount of Pdop particles. Similar results are obtained when the sponge is used as a template in lieu of the Cu mesh, and this sponge is used as a superhydrophobic sponge. A self-floating all-in-one device that simultaneously coexists in water as well as in oil is also prepared by combining the Pdop particle-mediated superhydrophilic mesh and superhydrophobic sponge composites. The self-floating all-in-one device simultaneously exhibits excellent removal performance for heavy metal ions in the water layer and excellent separation efficiency of oil in the oil layer due to its amphiprotic nature.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> All-in-one device with superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity is prepared. </LI> <LI> This self-floating device can simultaneously coexist in water as well as in oil. </LI> <LI> This device is used for simultaneous oil/water separation and pollutant purification. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Regulatory effects of chrysophanol, a bioactive compound of AST2017-01 in a mouse model of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis

Han, Na-Ra,Moon, Phil-Dong,Yoo, Min-Sun,Ryu, Ka-Jung,Kim, Hyung-Min,Jeong, Hyun-Ja Elsevier 2018 INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY Vol.62 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The aim of this study is to determine whether AST2017-01 which consists of <I>Rumex crispus</I> and <I>Cordyceps militaris</I> would improve atopic dermatitis (AD). We analyzed anti-AD effects of AST2017-01 and chrysophanol, a bioactive compound of AST2017-01, using a 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced AD murine model. AST2017-01 and chrysophanol relieved clinical severity in AD-like skin lesions and significantly decreased scratching behavior. The thickness of epidermis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in AD-like skin lesions were reduced by AST2017-01 or chrysophanol. AST2017-01 and chrysophanol significantly suppressed the levels of histamine, immunoglobulin E, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in serum of AD mice. The protein levels of TSLP, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 were significantly inhibited in the skin lesions. The mRNA expressions of TSLP, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine/CCL17, and C-C chemokine receptor 3 were inhibited in the skin lesions by AST2017-01 or chrysophanol. In addition, AST2017-01 and chrysophanol significantly suppressed the expressions and activities of caspase-1 in the skin lesions. Taken together, these results suggest that AST2017-01 has beneficial effects on AD and may be used as a health functional food in AD.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> AST2017-01 and chrysophanol relieve clinical symptoms of AD mice. </LI> <LI> AST2017-01 and chrysophanol reduce the number of inflammatory cells in lesions. </LI> <LI> AST2017-01 and chrysophanol lower histamine, IgE, cytokines, and chemokines levels. </LI> <LI> AST2017-01 and chrysophanol reduce caspase-1 levels in lesions. </LI> <LI> AST2017-01 and chrysophanol has beneficial effects on AD. </LI> </UL> </P>

Protective effect of porcine placenta in a menopausal ovariectomized mouse

Han, Na-Ra,Park, Chan-Lee,Kim, Na-Rae,Kim, Hee-Yun,Yoou, Myoung-Schook,Nam, Sun-Young,Moon, Phil-Dong,Jeong, Hyun-Ja,Kim, Hyung-Min BioScientifica 2015 Reproduction Vol.150 No.3

<P>Menopause is a significant physiological phase that occurs as women's ovaries stop producing ovum and the production of estrogen declines. Human placenta and some amino acids are known to improve menopausal symptoms. In this study, we investigated that porcine placenta extract (PPE) and arginine (Arg), a main amino acid of PPE, would have estrogenic activities in ovariectomized (OVX) mice as a menopause mouse model, human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) cells, and human osteoblast cell line (MG-63) cells. PPE or Arg significantly inhibited the body weight and increased the vagina weight compared to the OVX mice. PPE or Arg ameliorated the vaginal atrophy in the OVX mice. The levels of 17β-estradiol and the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly increased by PPE or Arg in the serum of OVX mice. Trabecular bone parameters such as bone mineral density and porosity were also improved by PPE or Arg in the OVX mice. In the MCF-7 and MG-63 cells, PPE or Arg significantly increased the cell proliferation, estrogen receptor β mRNA expression, and estrogen-response elements luciferase activity. Finally, PPE or Arg increased the activations of ALP and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in the MG-63 cells. These results indicate that PPE or Arg would have estrogenic and osteoblastic activity. Therefore, PPE or Arg may be useful as new pharmacological tools for treating menopausal symptoms including osteoporosis.</P><P><B>Free Korean abstract</B>: A Korean translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/150/3/173/suppl/DC1.</P>

The regulatory effect of AST cream on atopic dermatitis-like skin disease.

Han, Na-Ra,Kim, Hyung-Min,Jeong, Hyun-Ja Cellmed Orthocellular Medicine and Pharmaceutical 2019 셀메드 (CellMed) Vol.9 No.3

In this study, we investigated an inhibitory effect of AST cream on atopic dermatitis (AD) using a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD murine model. Topical treatment with AST cream ameliorated the severity of AD-like lesional skin through decreases in infiltration of inflammatory cells and time of scratching behaviors. Also, AST cream reduced histamine and IgE levels in serum. The protein levels of IL-4 and IL-6 in AD-like lesional skin were suppressed by AST cream. These findings suggest that AST cream would be an alternative therapeutic agent for AD-like skin diseases.

<i>Schisandra chinensis</i> and Its Main Constituent Schizandrin Attenuate Allergic Reactions by Down-Regulating Caspase-1 in Ovalbumin-Sensitized Mice

Han, Na-Ra,Moon, Phil-Dong,Kim, Na-Rae,Kim, Hee-Yun,Jeong, Hyun-Ja,Kim, Hyung-Min Institute for Advanced Research in Asian Science a 2017 The American journal of Chinese medicine Vol. No.

<P><I>Schisandra chinensis</I> (SC) and its main constituent, schizandrin (SCH) exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities. Allergic and inflammatory reactions are aggravated via caspase-1 signaling pathway. However, the regulatory effects of SC and SCH on caspase-1 activation have not been clarified yet. In this study, we aimed to clarify the anti-allergic effects of SC and SCH using an ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice and anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies-stimulated splenocytes. SC or SCH significantly inhibited the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)E, IgG1, or interleukin (IL)-4 in serum of OVA-sensitized mice. SC or SCH significantly inhibited the levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-<TEX>$ \alpha $</TEX>, and IL-1<TEX>$ \beta $</TEX> in spleen of the OVA-sensitized mice. SC or SCH significantly suppressed the expression of caspase-1 and receptor-interacting protein (RIP)-2 in spleen of the OVA-sensitized mice. In activated splenocytes, SC or SCH significantly decreased the expression of caspase-1 and RIP-2 as well as the production of IL-6 and TNF-<TEX>$ \alpha $</TEX>. We suggest that SC and SCH exert an anti-allergic effect by down-regulating caspase-1 signaling.</P>

The β-sitosterol attenuates atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions through down-regulation of TSLP.

Han, Na-Ra,Kim, Hyung-Min,Jeong, Hyun-Ja The Society 2014 Experimental biology and medicine Vol.239 No.4

<P>The compound β-sitosterol (BS) is one of the most common forms of phytosterols and has anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of BS on atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated whether BS would be an effective treatment against AD. We treated BS on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice, anti-CD3/anti-CD28-stimulated splenocytes, and phorbol myristate acetate/calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells. Histological analysis, ELISA, PCR, caspase-1 assay, and Western blot analysis were performed. BS reduced the total clinical severity in DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice. Infiltration of inflammatory cells and number of scratching were clearly reduced in the BS-treated group compared with the DNFB-treated group. BS significantly reduced the levels of inflammation-related mRNA and protein in the AD skin lesions. BS significantly reduced the levels of histamine, IgE, and interleukin-4 in the serum of DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice. The activation of mast cell-derived caspase-1 was decreased by treatment with BS in the AD skin lesions. BS also significantly decreased the production of tumor necrosis factor-α from the stimulated splenocytes. In the stimulated human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells, increased intracellular calcium levels were decreased by treatment with BS. Further, BS inhibited the production and mRNA expression of TSLP through blocking of caspase-1 and nuclear factor-κB signal pathways in the stimulated HMC-1 cells. These results provide additional evidence that BS may be considered an effective therapeutic drug for the treatment of AD.</P>

Pyeongwee-San extract (KMP6): a new anti-allergic effect : KMP6 inhibits the allergic reactions

Han, Na-Ra,Kim, Hyung-Min,Jeong, Hyun-Ja Wiley Blackwell (Blackwell Publishing) 2012 Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology Vol.64 No.2

Inactivation of Cystein-Aspartic Acid Protease (Caspase)-1 by Saikosaponin A

Han, Na-Ra,Kim, Hyung-Min,Jeong, Hyun-Ja Pharmaceutical Society of Japan 2011 Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin Vol.34 No.6

<P>This work investigates the anti-inflammatory mechanism of saikosaponin A (SA), a major component of <I>Bupleurum falcatum</I> L<SMALL>INNE</SMALL>. SA significantly inhibited phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus A23187-induced the production and expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in human mast cell (HMC)-1 cells. SA suppressed PMA plus A23187-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38. When HMC-1 cells were treated with SA, translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB/<I>Rel A</I> into nucleus and degradation of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) in cytoplasm were inhibited. SA decreased PMA plus A23187-induced cystein-aspartic acid protease (caspase)-1 activity. IL-1β production was also inhibited by SA. Finally, SA significantly decreased the number of nasal rubs and serum TNF-α level in the ovalbumin-sensitized allergic rhinitis mouse model. The underlying mechanism involves, at least in part, inactivation of caspase-1, which provides new evidence for therapeutic application of SA to target inflammatory processes.</P>

Phenethyl isothiocyanate decreases thymic stromal lymphopoietin-induced inflammatory reactions in mast cells

Han, Na-Ra,Moon, Phil-Dong,Ryu, Ka-Jung,Kim, Hyung-Min,Jeong, Hyun-Ja Wiley (Blackwell Publishing) 2018 Journal of Food Biochemistry Vol.42 No.1