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Biomedical subjects

Hyung-Min Kim

Publications and source records attributed to Hyung-Min Kim.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Inhibitory effect of Sihoga-Yonggol-Moryo-Tang on matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities and invasiveness potential of hepatocellular carcinoma.

A Korean traditional herbal formulation, Sihoga-Yonggol-Moryo-Tang (SGYMT), is being used for the treatment of many diseases such as tumor, neuropsychiatric, and vascular disorders. The extracts prepared from SGYMT and its herbal ingredients were assayed for the inhibitory effects on tumor-specific matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 (MMP-2/9) activities using gelatin zymography. The results showed that SGYMT decreased the gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2 and -9, which were secreted from SK-Hep1 cells. The IC(50) values of SGYMT against these enzymes were 85 and 145 micrograms ml(-1), respectively. The cytotoxocities of SGYMT and its ingredients on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell, SK-Hep1 cells, were very low (IC(50)>150 micrograms ml(-1)) as measured by the XTT assay method. The extract were then investigated the inhibitory effect on the invasion of SK-Hep1 cells using matrigel precoated transwell chambers. The results showed that SGYMT effectively inhibited the invasion of SK-Hep1 cells as compared with the control groups. In addition, among herbal ingredients of SGYMT, the bark of Cinnamomum cassia BLUME (Cinnamomi Cortex) and roots of Scutellaria baicalensis GEORGI (Scutelleria Radix) have shown significant inhibition against MMP-2 and -9 activity and invasion of SK-Hep1 cells. From these results, it was suggested that SGYMT could be used as potential anti-tumor agent.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Drynariae Rhizoma promotes osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells through regulation of bone morphogenetic protein-2, alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen and collagenase-1.

In a previous study (Jeong et al., 2003, Inhibition of Drynariae Rhizoma extracts on bone resorption mediated by processing of cathepsin K in cultured mouse osteoclasts. International Immunopharmacology 3, 1685-1697), treatment of osteoclasts-containing long bone cells with Drynariae Rhizoma (DR) extract prevented the intracellular maturation of cathepsin K and thus, it was considered that DR is a pro-drug of a potent bone resorption inhibitor. To further clarify the role of DR in ossification, we investigated the effects of DR on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cell lines in vitro. In this study, the bone effect of DR is studied. We assessed the effects of DR on osteoblastic differentiation in nontransformed osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) and rat bone marrow cells. DR enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. This stimulatory effect of the DR was observed at relatively low doses (significant at 50-150 microg/ml and maximal at 150 microg/ml). Northern blot analysis showed that the DR (100 microg/ml) increased in bone morphogenetic protein-2 as well as ALP mRNA concentrations in MC3T3-E1 cells. DR (60 microg/ml) slightly increased in type I collagen mRNA abundance throughout the culture period, whereas it markedly inhibited the gene expression of collagenase-1 between days 15 and 20 of culture. These results indicate that DR has anabolic effects on bone through the promotion of osteoblastic differentiation, suggesting that it could be used for the treatment of common metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Inhibitory effects of Polygonum cuspidatum water extract (PCWE) and its component resveratrol [correction of rasveratrol] on acyl-coenzyme A-cholesterol acyltransferase activity for cholesteryl ester synthesis in HepG2 cells.

The pharmacological effects of Polygonum cuspidatum water extract (PCWE) on lipid biosynthesis were investigated in cultured human hepatocyte HepG2 cells. The addition of PCWE (5 and 20 microg/ml), which had no effect on cell proliferation and cellular protein content, caused a marked decrease in the cellular cholesterol content, particularly, the cholesteryl ester content following 24 h of incubation. The incorporation of (14)C-oleate into the cellular cholesteryl ester fraction was also reduced remarkably during incubation for 6 and 24 h. The effect of PCWE on acyl-coenzyme A-cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity were studied in vitro to explore the mechanism by which PCWE inhibits cholesterol ester formation. The data confirmed that PCWE, in a dose dependent manner, remarkably inhibits ACAT activity. Among the main active chemicals of P. cuspidatum, resveratrol, a kind of flavonoid, decreased ACAT activity in a dose-dependent manner from the level of 10(-3) M. Theses results strongly suggest that PCWE reduces the cholesteryl ester formation in human hepatocytes by inhibiting ACAT.

Animals↗

Effect of a Korean traditional formulation, Hwaotang, on superoxide generation in human neutrophils, platelet aggregation in human blood, and nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 production and paw oedema induced by carrageenan in mice.

Hwaotang, a traditional Korean medicinal formulation, is a dried decoctum of a mixture of 7 herbal medicines, consisting of Angelica gigantis Radix, Rehmanniae radix, Paeoniae radix, Ciniamomi cortex, Cnidii rhizoma, Persicae semen and Carthami flos. We have investigated that Hwaotang water extract (HOT) has various effects on stimulus-induced superoxide generation in human neutrophils. The effects of HOT on superoxide generation in human neutrophils were investigated. HOT significantly inhibited N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced superoxide generation in a concentration-dependent manner, but not that induced by arachidonic acid (AA). On the other hand, HOT enhanced superoxide generation induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in a concentration-dependent manner. The superoxide generation induced by PMA with HOT was suppressed by staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, but was not suppressed by genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase. Tyrosyl phosphorylation of a 58 kDa protein, which was increased by fMLP, was inhibited by HOT. HOT also inhibited the generation of a 47 kDa protein and platelet aggregation in human blood. The results suggest that protein tyrosine kinase participates in fMLP-mediated superoxide generation by HOT-treated human neutrophils. HOT inhibited neutrophil functions, including degranulation, superoxide generation, and leukotriene B4 production, without any effect on 5-lipoxygenase activity. HOT reduced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 production in mouse peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, whereas no influence on the activity of iNOS, COX-2 or COX-1 was observed. HOT significantly reduced mouse paw oedema induced by carrageenan. Western blot analysis showed that HOT reduced the expression of iNOS and COX-2. The results indicate that HOT exerts anti-inflammatory effects related to the inhibition of neutrophil functions and of NO and prostaglandin E2 production, which could be due to a decreased expression of iNOS and COX-2.

Animals↗

MooPoong (Gye Young Jeong) increases HDL-cholesterol but decreases LDL cholesterol and body-weight.

MooPoong (MP, Gye Young Jeong), a Korean traditional wine, has been used as a prevention and treatment agent of blood circulatory trouble. To evaluate such an effect of MP, we analyzed whether the plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and body weight change after rats were fed on high fat diet with MP for 8 weeks. Plasma LDL cholesterol level decreased by 5.6% in 0.128% MP treated group and by 11.1% in 0.640% MP treated group. However, HDL cholesterol was increased by 6.7% in 0.128% MP diet group and 33.3% in 0.640% MP diet group. In addition, there was a significant weight loss in the MP treated group compared with the high-fat diet group (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that MP may contain compounds with actions which can treat blood circulatory trouble as well as overweight.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Inhibitory effect of Yunbutang on mast cell-dependent allergic reactions.

Yunbutang (YB) is an Oriental herbal prescription, which has been successfully applied for the treatment of allergic disorders, mainly atopic dermatitis in clinical medicine. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. Here, we report inhibitory effects of YB on mast cell-dependent immediate-type allergic reactions. YB inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80. YB dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from the mast cells activated by compound 48/80. YB also showed an inhibitory effect of anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction by oral administration. Furthermore, YB inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from stimulated mast cells. These findings provide evidence that YB inhibits the mast cell-dependent allergic reactions.

Animals↗

Molecular discrimination of medicinal Astragali radix by RAPD analysis.

The randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis has been applied for estimating genetic diversity in plant populations or cultivars. To discriminate geographical origin among Astragali radix populations, RAPD analysis was carried out using 20 mer-random primers. The similarity coefficient between the DNA of Astragali radix plants analyzed was 0.527. Although the coefficients of similarity were high, primer 7, 8 and 10 gave distinguishable bands between Korean and Chinese Astragali radix. We obtained the specific RAPD markers to discriminate between Korean and Chinese Astragali radix at a DNA level. These results suggest that this method is able to discriminate the concerned Astragali radix geographical origin species. Also, this is the first report on the genetic diversity in geographical origin among Astragali radix populations using RAPD analysis. Broader application of this approach to authenticate other morphologically similar medicinal materials is rationalized.

Astragalus propinquus↗

Isodon japonicus inhibits mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions.

The effect of aqueous extract of Isodon japonicus Hara (Labiatae) (IJAE) on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions was investigated. IJAE inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80. When IJAE was pretreated at the same concentrations with systemic allergic reaction test, the plasma histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. IJAE also inhibited local allergic reaction activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody. IJAE dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. IJAE inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-6 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells. In addition, the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in HMC-1 cells was inhibited by IJAE. These results indicate that IJAE may be beneficial in the regulation of immediate-type allergic reaction.

Animals↗

Differential inhibition of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (Lamiaceae) on HCG-promoted proliferation of cultured uterine leiomyomal and myometrial smooth muscle cells.

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (Lamiaceae)(SB) is a perennial herb which is natively distributed throughout Korea and southern China. This herb is known in traditional Chinese Medicine as Ban-Zhi-Lian and traditional Korean medicine as Banjiryun, respectively. SB has been used as an anti-inflammatory and antitumor agent. We aimed to determine the expressin of cell cycle-related signal molecules for growth inhibition after HCG treatment by the herb SB in two different human myometrial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and leiomyomal SMCs. Water-soluble ingredients of SB, myometrial SMCs and the leiomyomal cell lines were used in vitro. Uterine myomas often enlarge rapidly during pregnancy, implying that human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) may influences cell proliferation in uterine leiomyomata. We investigated the effects of SB on the cell proliferation and the expression of cell cycle-related proteins in these cells. Although HCG/LH receptor was present in both cultured myometrial and leiomyomal cells, as assayed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis, treatment with HCG significantly increased cell proliferation in both myometrial and leiomyomal cells. However, SB reduced the proliferative effect of HCG in leiomyoma and myometrial cells, respectively. In HCG-treated leiomyomal cells, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin E and cdc2 was significantly reduced by SB treatment. These results suggest that SB reduced the HCG-promoted proliferation of myometrial and leiomyomal cells.

Actins↗

Inhibitory effect of water-soluble chitosan on TNF-alpha and IL-8 secretion from HMC-1 cells.

Mast cells are known to play an active role as effector cells in allergic inflammation and in diverse immunological and pathological processes. Activated mast cell-derived pro-inflammatory cytokines are important pathologic factors of progression of allergic inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-8) can be induced by calcium stimulation in HMC-1 cells, and high molecular weight water-soluble chitosan (WSC) can inhibit the production of these cytokines. We provided evidence that the secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-8 from HMC-1 cells was induced by Ca2+-ionophore A23187 or Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor TSG. Treatment of WSC (10 microg/ml) prior to stimulation with calcium agonists significantly blocked the secretion of TNF-alpha by 65.1% for A23187 and 87.7% for TSG. IL-8 secretion in response to A23187 or TSG was inhibited by 49.2% for A23187 and 34.1% for TSG, respectively, compared to absence of WSC. These results suggest that WSC has potential regulatory effects on allergic inflammatory diseases by down-modulating Ca2+-induced mast cell activation.

Calcimycin↗

Effect of Boo Yong-Tang on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction.

Boo Yong-Tang (BYT) is an Oriental herbal prescription, which has been clinically applied for treatment of allergic disorders. Here, we report inhibitory effects of BYT on experimental allergic reactions. BYT increased interferon-gamma secretion from MOLT-4 T cells. When BYT (0.01, 0.1, or 1 g/kg) was orally administered for 1 h in mice, compound 48/80-induced ear swelling was significantly reduced. BYT also inhibited the histamine release from the mast cells activated by compound 48/80. In addition, BYT showed an inhibitory effect of anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction. These findings provide evidence that BYT is a potential prescription for the treatment of allergic reaction through down-modulating of mast cell activation.

Animals↗

Suppression of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB and nuclear factor of activated T cells by Younggaechulgam-tang.

Younggaechulgam-tang (YGCGT) is known to suppress inflammatory and autoimmune responses, and it has clinically been used among Oriental medical doctors in South Korea. We investigated YGCGT-mediated changes in downstream T cell signal transduction. The expression levels of nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB) subunit RelA and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1) in cytoplasm and nucleus were examined by western blot analysis. Interlukin-2 (IL-2) expression in MOLT-4 cells activated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. IL-2 secretion was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PHA-induced translocation of Rel A and NFATcl to the nucleus were markedly reduced by YGCGT treatment. Furthermore, IL-2 mRNA and protein levels and IL-2 secretion were significantly diminished by YGCGT treatment. In conclusion, YGCGT treatment of T cells inhibits selectively nuclear translocation of RelA and NFATc1, resulting in diminished production of IL-2. These results suggest that YGCGT may have potential as immunosuppressive drugs with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Inhibitory effect of inflammatory cytokines production from activated mast cells by Gamisopoonghwanghyul-tang.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease and its exact cause and pathophysiological process remain unclear. Because the mast cell contains potent mediators, including multifunctional cytokines, its potential contributions to the processes of inflammation and matrix degradation have recently become evident. Gamisopoonghwanghyul-tang (GSPHHT) has been used as a traditional Korean medicine for the treatment of RA. In this study, we investigated the effect of Gamisopoonghwanghyul-tang (GSPHHT) on the production of inflammatory cytokines by activated human mast cell line HMC-1 cells. When GSPHHT (1 mg/ mL) was added, the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 was inhibited by 36.3%, 36.3%, 30.8%, 48.7% respectively in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated HMC-1 cells. However, the production of IL-4 was significantly increased at 0.01 mg/mL. GSPHHT had no effect on TNF-alpha mRNA expression. These results suggest that GSPHHT regulates production of inflammatory cytokines from activated mast cells.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Interleukin-1 beta gene polymorphism related with allergic pathogenesis in Iris constitution.

Iridological constitution has a strong familial aggregation and is implicated in heredity. The aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease is still unknown. However, from genetic epidemiological studies there is considerable evidence that genetic factors are associated with both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. We investigated the relationships between Iridological constitution and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) gene polymorphism. IL-1beta is a major proinflammatiry cytokine, and the polymorphisms of this gene have been shown to be of importance in a number of diseases. Especially, IL-1 has been suspected of involvement in allergic pathogenesis. Also, IL-1beta genotype is one of the genetic markers of gastric cancer. Therefore, we classified 166 individuals according to Iris constitution, and determined IL-1beta genotype. The frequencies of Iris constitutions as follows: neurogenic type, 41 (24.7%); abdominal connective tissue weakness type, 53 (31.9%); cardio-renal connective tissue weakness type, 50 (30.1%); the others type, 22 (13.3%). Especially, the frequency of abdominal connective tissue weakness type was higher in C/T genotype than in the remaining constitutions although the statistical power was very weak. Furthermore, we first attempted to explore possible involvement of the IL-1beta polymorphism and the Iris constitution.

Complementary Therapies↗

Association between iris constitution and apolipoprotein e gene polymorphism in hypertensives.

OBJECTIVE: Iridology is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that involves the diagnosis of medical conditions by noting irregularities of the pigmentation in the iris. Iris constitution has a strong familial aggregation and heredity is implicated. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene polymorphism is one of the most well-studied genetic markers for vascular diseases, including hypertension. In this study, we investigated the relationship between iris constitution and apoE polymorphism in hypertensives. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: We classified 87 hypertensives and 79 controls according to iris constitution and determined the apoE genotype of each individual. RESULTS: A significantly higher percentage of individuals with neurogenic constitutions was found in the hypertensive group when compared with the control group (chi(2) = 40.244, p < 0.001). In addition, a neurogenic constitution increased the relative risk for hypertension for subjects with an apo epsilon2 or an epsilon4 allele (chi(2) = 4.086, p = 0.049, odds ratio = 2.633, confidence interval = 1.004-6.905). CONCLUSIONS: Our results imply that a neurogenic iris constitution enhances the relative risk for hypertension in subjects with the apo epsilon2 or epsilon4 allele. Furthermore, we attempted to evaluate the efficacy of iris constitutional medicine and to find an association with hypertension.

Adult↗

Effect of dang-gui-ji-hwang-yeum on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.

Dang-Gui-Ji-Hwang Yeum (DGJHY; an Oriental prescription), has been successfully used for the management of osteoporotic disorders in China, Japan and Korea. In this study, we have characterized the effect of DGJHY on osteoporosis-associated phenomena in ovariectomized (OVX) rats by measuring body weights and bone histomorphometries in sham, OVX and DGJHY-administered OVX rats. Light microscopic analyses showed a porous or an eroded appearance on the tibial trabecular bone surface in OVX rats, whereas those of the sham and DGJHY-administered OVX rats were composed of fine particles. The trabecular bone area and the trabecular thickness in OVX rats were significantly lower than those of sham rats. Moreover, these reductions in OVX rats were significantly reversed by the administration of DGJHY for 7 weeks, and osteoclast numbers were also significantly reduced. Although no differences were observed between OVX and DGJHY-administered OVX rats and the sham animals at the T3 level, we have found significant differences between these two groups at the T4 level. However, serum phosphorus, calcium, mechanical strength and the surface appearance of osteoblasts in the DGJHY-administered OVX rats were similar to those of OVX rats. These results suggest that DGJHY is effective at preventing bone loss in OVX rats.

Angelica sinensis↗

Water extract isolated from Chelidonium majus enhances nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor-alpha production via nuclear factor-kappaB activation in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Chelidonium majus is used to treat several inflammatory diseases and tumours. We have examined the effect of C. majus on nitric oxide (NO) production using mouse peritoneal macrophages. When C. majus was used in combination with recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma, 10 U mL(-1)), there was a marked cooperative induction of NO production. Treatment of rIFN-gamma plus C. majus (1 mgmL(-1)) in macrophages caused a significant increase in tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production. The increased production of NO and TNF-alpha from rIFN-gamma plus C. majus-stimulated cells was almost completely inhibited by nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (100 microM). These findings demonstrated that C. majus increased the production of NO and TNF-alpha by rIFN-gamma-primed macrophages and suggested that NF-kappaB played a critical role in mediating the effects of C. majus.

Animals↗

Herbkines increases physical stamina in mice.

Herbkines has been used for the purpose of development of physical strength. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Herbkines on performance of the forced swimming test (FST) and on blood biochemical parameters related to fatigue: blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase (CK), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose (Glc), and total protein (TP). Herbkines were orally administered to mice, 10 ml/kg, continuously once per day for 2 weeks using a feeding atraumatic needle. After 2 d, on FST, the immobility time was decreased in the Herbkines-fed group (178+/-8.2 s) in comparison with the control group (189+/-22 s); however, the statistical difference was very weak (p=0.596). After 2 weeks, the immobility time was significantly decreased in the Herbkines-fed group (196+/-4.5 s) in comparison with the control group (221+/-6.2 s). In addition, the content of BUN in the blood serum was significantly decreased. However, the levels of CK, LDH, Glc, and TP did not show a significant change. The results predict a potential benefit of Herbkines as an anti-fatigue treatment and for improving physical stamina.

Animals↗