Biomedical subjects

Hyung-Min Kim

Publications and source records attributed to Hyung-Min Kim.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Isodon japonicus decreases immediate-type allergic reaction and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production.

BACKGROUND: The immediate-type allergic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The discovery of drugs for the treatment of immediate-type allergic disease is a very important subject in human health. Isodon japonicus Hara (Labiatae) (IJAE) has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine in Korea and is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, its specific mechanism of action is still unknown. In this report, we investigated the effect of IJAE on the immediate-type allergic reaction and studied its possible mechanisms of action, focusing on the mast cell-mediated allergic reaction. METHODS: IJAE extracts were anally administered to mice for high and fast absorption. Compound 48/80-induced mortality and compound 48/80- or immunoglobulin E (IgE)-induced histamine release were measured to evaluate the antiallergic effects of IJAE. The effect of IJAE on the model of local allergic reaction in vivo, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), was investigated. The production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: IJAE inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic reactions and plasma histamine release in mice. IJAE decreased the PCA reaction activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody. IJAE dose-dependently reduced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Furthermore, IJAE decreased the production of TNF-alpha in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated human mast cells. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence that IJAE inhibits mast cell-derived immediate-type allergic reactions, and also demonstrate the involvement of TNF-alpha in these effects. We propose the clinical use of IJAE in mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic diseases.

Administration, Rectal↗

PubMed2004

Roles of p38 and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways during cantharidin-induced apoptosis in U937 cells.

Cantharidin is an active compound from blister beetles traditionally used for the treatment of cancer. It is known to exert its antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. However, its signaling pathway still remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the roles of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the tumor suppressor gene, p53, during cantharidin-induced apoptosis in U937 human leukemic cells. Cantharidin effectively activated ERK-1/2, p38 and JNK in U937 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cantharidin also exhibited a strong cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis in U937 cells. For the evaluation of the role of MAPKs, PD98059, SB202190 and SP600125 were used as MAPK inhibitors for ERK-1/2, p38 and JNK. PD98059 did not affect cantharidin-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, whereas SB202190 and SP600125 significantly interfered with cytotoxic and apoptotic activities induced by cantharidin. Cantharidin alone induced the apoptosis by phosphorylation of p53, up-regulation of downstream target genes, MDM2 and p21 and also cleaved caspase-3, whereas SB202190 and SP600125 caused the down-regulation of p53, MDM-2, p21 and cleaved caspase-3 after a co-treatment with cantharidin. Similarly, SB202190 and SP600125 significantly disturbed the caspase-3 activity after a co-treatment with cantharidin by colorimetric assay. Taken together, these results suggest that cantharidin can induce apoptosis by activation of p38 and JNK MAP kinase pathways associated with p53 and caspase-3.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2004

Effect of disodium cromoglycate on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions.

We investigated the effect of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) on mast cell-mediated immediate-type hypersensitivity. DSCG inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80 dose-dependently. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis was inhibited by 71.6% by oral administration of DSCG (1 g/kg). When DSCG was pretreated at concentration rang from 0.01-1000 g/kg, the serum histamine levels were reduced in a dose dependent manner. DSCG also significantly inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cell (RPMC) by compound 48/80. We confirmed that DSCG inhibited compound 48/80-induced degranulation of RPMC by alcian blue/nuclear fast red staining. In addition, DSCG showed a significant inhibitory effect on anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-mediated tumor necrosis factor-alpha production. These results indicate that DSCG inhibits mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reaction.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2004

Heyneanol A induces apoptosis via cytochrome c release and caspase activation in human leukemic U937 cells.

Heyneanol A, a tetramer of resveratrol, is isolated from the roots of Vitis amurensis by cytotoxicity based fractionation. In this study, the mechanism of apoptosis by heyneanol A was evaluated in human leukemic U937 cells. Heyneanol A (IC(50) = 6.6 microM at 24 h) exhibited stronger cytotoxic effect than resveratrol (IC(50) = 100 microM at 24 h) by 15-fold on human leukemic U937 cells by XTT assay. Apoptotic bodies were observed in U937 cells treated with 6 microM of heyneanol A by TUNEL assay. Heyneanol A effectively increased the portion of sub-G(1) DNA content in a time- and concentration-dependent manner by flow cytometric analysis. Heyneanol A also induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria into the cytosol and subsequent caspase activation involving caspase 9 and 3 to cleave PARP. However, it did not affect the expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 by western blotting. It was confirmed that the activation of caspase 8, 9 and 3 and the cleavage of PARP by heyneanol A were completely blocked by adding Z-VAD-FMK, a caspase inhibitor. These findings suggest that heyneanol A has anti-tumor activity, which may be mediated by apoptosis caused by cytochrome c release and caspase activation in human leukemic U937 cells.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2004

Tumor necrosis factor alpha gene polymorphism is associated with cerebral infarction.

We examined whether promoter region polymorphism in the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) gene at position -308 affects the odds of cerebral infarction (CI). We genotyped 366 CI patients and 610 healthy controls for the same polymorphism. A significant decrease was found for the TNFalpha A allele in CI patients compared with controls (P=0.003). Our finding suggests that TNFalpha promoter region polymorphism is responsible for susceptibility to CI in Koreans.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Taraxacum officinale induces cytotoxicity through TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha secretion in Hep G2 cells.

Taraxacum officinale (TO) has been frequently used as a remedy for women's disease (e.g. breast and uterus cancer) and disorders of the liver and gallbladder. Several earlier studies have indicated that TO exhibits anti-tumor properties, but its mechanism remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of TO on the cytotoxicity and production of cytokines in human hepatoma cell line, Hep G2. Our results show that TO decreased the cell viability by 26%, and significantly increased the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1alpha production compared with media control (about 1.6-fold for TNF-alpha, and 2.4-fold for IL-1alpha, P < 0.05). Also, TO strongly induced apoptosis of Hep G2 cells as determined by flow cytometry. Increased amounts of TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha contributed to TO-induced apoptosis. Anti-TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha antibodies almost abolished it. These results suggest that TO induces cytotoxicity through TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha secretion in Hep G2 cells.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2004

Effects of a Korean herbal formulation, Silsosangami, consisting of seven medicinal herbs, and its seven herbs on endotoxin-induced experimental thrombosis in rats.

A traditional Korean medicine, Silsosangami (SSG), consisting of seven different herbs of Typhae Pollen, Pteropi Faeces, Paeoniae Radicis rubra, Cnidii Rhizoma, Persicae Semen, Carthami Flos and Curcumae Tuber, has been reported to have a hypolipidemic effect in human subjects. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of SSG on a thrombosis in rats, induced by endotoxin treatment were examined. The anti-thrombic properties of SSG were also investigated with respect to blood parameters. The extracts of SSG and five of the seven herbs, except Cnidii Rhizoma and Carthami Flos, inhibited both endotoxin-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and thrombosis in rats. The extract also inhibited the endotoxin-induced decrease in blood platelets and fibrinogen, and the endotoxin-induced increase in fibrin degradation products (FDP) on disseminated intravascular coagulation in normal rats. In conclusion, the artificially induced, protective effects of SSG on ischemic infarction might be related to their inhibitory effects on DIC, platelet coagulation and thrombotic action.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Xanthii fructus inhibits inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Xanthii Fructus (XF) is an herb widely used in medicine for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory pathologies. In this study, using mouse peritoneal macrophages, we have examined whether XF affects nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interleukin (IL)-12p40 production induced by interferon (IFN)-gamma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). XF inhibits IFN-gamma and LPS-induced NO production in a dose dependent manner. The decrease in NO synthesis was reflected as a decreased amount of inducible NO synthase protein. Furthermore, we also found that XF inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha production. However, treatment of XF in peritoneal macrophages had no effect on IL-12p40 production. These findings suggest that XF may be used in controlling macrophages-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Regulatory effects of cytokine production in atopic allergic reaction by gammi-danguieumja.

Gammi-danguieumja (GD) is clinically used in South Korea for treating atopic dermatitis. However, its effects in experimental models remain unknown. We investigated a possible effect of GD on cytokines production using human T cell line (MOLT-4) or human mast cell line. As a result, GD (0.01 mg/mL)-containing medium in stimulated culture supernatants increased IL-2 and IFN-gamma, and decreased IL-4 secretion in MOLT-4. GD (0.01-1 mg/mL)-containing medium in stimulated culture supernatants dose-dependently and significantly decreased IL-8, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion on the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187-stimulated HMC-1. In addition, GD inhibited histamine release from activated mast cells. These results suggest that GD contributes to the regulation of atopic allergic reactions.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Polymorphism of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene and obesity.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines appear to be major regulators of adipose tissue metabolism. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) serum concentrations are increased in human obesity, and are under strong genetic control. We tested the hypothesis that the IL-1ra gene might be a candidate for obesity. METHODS: We investigated the frequency of a penta-allelic 86-bp tandem repeat (VNTR) in the intron 2 of IL-1ra gene in 52 lean (body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m(2)), 133 overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2)) and 76 obese (BMI > or =30.0 kg/m(2)) otherwise healthy Korean women. Total fat mass and percent body fat were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Genomic DNA was extracted and used for polymerase chain reaction-based genotyping of IL-1ra. RESULTS: Carriers of the allele 2 did not show a significant difference in physical and clinical characteristics. The genotypic, or allelic distribution did not differ markedly between the three groups. The relative risk of being obese in comparison with lean group tended to be higher in allele 2 carriers, but not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: We found no relationship between the IL-1ra polymorphism and BMI in Korean women.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Poncirus trifoliata fruit induces apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia cells.

BACKGROUND: Substances inducing apoptosis have shown efficacy in the treatment of cancers. Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. (Rutaceae) fruits (PTF) has been used for the treatment of various cancers among Korean Oriental Medical doctors. METHODS: PTF-induced cytotoxicity of human leukemia HL-60 cells was monitored by the MTT assay. The apoptosis was determined by (a) apoptotic morphology in microscopy; (b) DNA fragmentation in electrophoresis and FACS analysis; and (c) activation of caspase-3 and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage assay. RESULTS: The cytotoxic activity of PTF in HL-60 cells was increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. PTF caused the cell shrinkage, cell membrane blebbing, apoptotic body and DNA fragmentation. PTF-induced apoptosis is accompanied by the activation of caspase-3 and the specific proteolytic cleavage of PARP. However, PTF did not show cytotoxicity in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel finding provides evidence that PTF could be a candidate as an anti-leukemic agent through apoptosis of cancer cells.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2004

Methylene chloride fraction of Scutellaria barbata induces apoptosis in human U937 leukemia cells via the mitochondrial signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Scutellaria barbata D.Don has been applied to treat cancers, inflammation and urinary disease. However, its antitumor mechanism still remains unclear. METHODS: With methylene chloride fraction of Herba Scutellariae barbatae (MCSB), apoptosis-related experiments were carried out on human U937 leukemia cells by (a) 2,3-bis[2-4-nitro-5-sulphophenyl]2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay for cytotoxicity; (b) terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay for morphological changes; (c) cell cycle analysis; (d) Western blot analysis of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3 and Bax, Bcl-2 and cytochrome c expressions for apoptosis signaling pathway. RESULTS: MCSB inhibited the proliferation of human U937 leukemia cells in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = approximately 10 microg/ml). MCSB dose-dependently increased the sub-G1 DNA contents by cell cycle analysis. DNA fragments indicating induction of apoptosis were observed in MCSB-treated U937 cells by TUNEL assay. Caspase-9 and caspase-3 were activated while caspase-8 was intact by MCSB. Similarly, MCSB effectively cleaved PARP, increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and released the cytochrome c from mitochondria during apoptosis in U937 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that MCSB can induce apoptosis via the mitochondria-mediated signaling pathway.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2004

Paeonol inhibits anaphylactic reaction by regulating histamine and TNF-alpha.

Paeonol, a major phenolic component of Moutan Cortex, was known to have antiaggregatory, antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. In the present study, we tried to elucidate the effects of paeonol on anaphylactic reaction and its mode of action. Paeonol significantly inhibited histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) treated with compound 48/80, a mast cell degranulator. The release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mast cell activating cytokine was significantly suppressed in RBL-2H3 mast cells pretreated with anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE) in a dose-dependent manner. Paeonol significantly inhibited IgE production in B cells activated by anti-CD40 mAb, recombinant interleukin-4 (rIL-4) and recombinant histamine releasing factor (rHRF). Paeonol effectively downregulated the expression of IL-4 in the activated B cells by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We also confirmed that paeonol effectively inhibited anaphylactic shock in mice by 90% at a dose of 0.5 mg/mouse versus PBS treated control 2 h after the i.p. injection of compound 48/80. These results suggest that paeonol has antianaphylatic activity by regulating histamine and TNF-alpha.

Acetophenones↗

PubMed2004

Effect of Kuibitang on lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Kuibitang (KBT) is clinically used to treat patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in South Korea. However, its effect has not been investigated experimentally. Recent reports have shown that CFS patients display an altered cytokine production. We examined the effect of KBT on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced various cytokines production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of CFS patients and healthy controls. KBT (1 mg/ml) significantly inhibited LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-beta1 production in PBMC of CFS patients. However, LPS-induced interferon-gamma production was significantly increased by KBT (0.01 mg/ml). These results provide evidence of a novel activity of the KBT that regulate cytokines production related with CFS.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2004

Inhibition of mast cell-dependent immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions by purple bamboo salt.

Purple bamboo salt is a specially processed salt according to the traditional recipe using normal salt and bamboo etc. It has been used as a folk medicine for the purpose of prevention and treatment of various diseases in Korea. This report describes an inhibitory effect of purple bamboo salt on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. Purple bamboo salt (0.01-1 microg per site) significantly inhibited the ear swelling response induced by intradermal injection of compound 48/80 in mice. Purple bamboo salt (0.01-1 mg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) by compound 48/80. Purple bamboo salt (0.01-1 g/kg) also dose-dependently inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) by oral administration. Our results provide evidence that purple bamboo salt will be beneficial in the regulation of immediate-type of allergic reactions.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Effect of Powerdental on caries-inducing properties of Streptococcus mutans and TNF-alpha secretion from HMC-1 cells.

We studied the inhibitory effect of Powerdental on the growth and acid production of Streptococcus mutans as well as secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The growth of Streptococcus mutans was reduced by the presence of the Powerdental (1 mg/ml) and NaCl (1 mg/ml) significantly, and the positive control group (1% NaF) also exhibited a significant antibacterial activity. The decrease of pH was significantly inhibited in the presence of Powerdental (1 mg/ml) compared to the control group. The decrease in pH was also inhibited in the presence of positive control (1% NaF), but the bamboo salt alone did not show inhibitory activity. We also found that Powerdental (0.01 mg/ml) inhibited significantly the secretion of TNF-alpha with 46.5+/-0.2% from human mast cells. Our results suggest that Powerdental contributes to the prevention or treatment of periodontitis and other oral diseases or inflammatory diseases.

Acids↗

PubMed2004

Differential regulation by Seogak Jihwang-Tang on cytokines production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the cerebral infarction patients presenting with altered consciousness.

Seogak Jihwang-Tang (SJT) has been widely used to treat patients suffering from cerebral infarction. However, very little scientific investigation has been carried out. We investigated the effect of SJT on the production of various cytokines using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the cerebral infarction patients presenting with altered consciousness. The cytokines production was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The amount of IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-beta1 in culture supernatant significantly increased in the SJT, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or PHA-treated cells compared to unstimulated cells (P < 0.05). We also showed that increased IL-4 and IL-10 levels by LPS or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) were significantly inhibited by SJT in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal inhibition rate of IL-4 and IL-10 production by SJT was 45.6 +/- 3.3% and 61 +/- 4.7% for LPS-stimulated cells and 27.3 +/- 1.2% and 83.6 +/- 2% for PHA-stimulated cells, respectively (P < 0.05). On the other hand, SJT significantly increased the LPS or PHA-induced TGF-beta1 production (P < 0.05). These data suggest that SJT has a regulatory effect on the cytokines production, which might explain its beneficial effect in the treatment of cerebral infarction.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed2004

Decrease of immobility behavior in forced-swimming test and immune system enhancing effect of traditional medicine Gamisipjundaebo-tang.

Gamisipjundaebo-tang (GSDBT) has been used for the purpose of development of physical strength. In the present study, we investigated the immune enhancing effect induced by GSDBT. We investigated the anti-immobility effect of GSDBT via a forced-swimming test and blood biochemical parameters related to fatigue, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, lactic dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and total protein. GSDBT (0.1 and 1 g/kg) was orally administered to mice for 14 days. After 7 and 14 days, as assessed through a forced-swimming test, immobility time was decreased in the GSDBT-administrated group (0.1 and 1 g/kg) in comparison with the control group. In addition, after 8 days, the contents of glucose and lactate dehydrogenase in the blood serum were increased, and contents of blood urea nitrogen were decreased in the GSDBT-administrated group. After 15 days, the contents of glucose were increased, and the contents of lactate dehydrogenase and blood urea nitrogen were decreased in the GSDBT-administrated group. However, it had no effect on the elevation of creatine kinase and total protein level. We also investigated the effect of GSDBT on the production of cytokines in human T-cell line, MOLT-4 cells, and splenocytes. GSDBT significantly increased interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-2 levels compared with the media control but did not affect IL-4. GSDBT increased the protein expression of IFN-gamma in MOLT-4 cells. These results suggest that GSDBT may be useful in immune function improvement and may also have antifatigue properties.

Animals↗