The preventive effect of on oxidative stress-induced cellular damage in skeletal L6 myoblasts through Nrf2-mediated activation of HO-1.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the preventive effect of water extract of (MRWE) on oxidative stress-mediated cellular damages in rat skeletal L6 myoblasts. Our results demonstrated that MRWE pretreatment markedly improved cell survival and suppressed cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and apoptosis in hydrogen peroxide (HO)-treated L6 cells. HO-triggered DNA damage was also notably reduced by MRWE, which since it was correlated with protection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

Mori Ramulus Suppresses Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Damage in Murine Myoblast C2C12 Cells through Activation of AMPK.

Mori Ramulus, the dried twigs of L., has been attracting attention for its potent antioxidant activity, but its role in muscle cells has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extracts of Mori Ramulus (AEMR) against oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide (HO) in C2C12 mouse myoblasts, and in dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophied models.

Saikosaponin a, an active compound of Radix Bupleuri, attenuates inflammation in hypertrophied 3T3-L1 adipocytes via ERK/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Bupleurum falcatum L. is employed in oriental medicine in Korea. This root has been used for anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and anti-hepatotoxic effects in the treatments of common cold, fever, and hepatitis.

[6]-Gingerol Prevents Disassembly of Cell Junctions and Activities of MMPs in Invasive Human Pancreas Cancer Cells through ERK/NF- κ B/Snail Signal Transduction Pathway.

To study the effects of [6]-gingerol, a ginger phytochemical, on tight junction (TJ) molecules, we investigated TJ tightening and signal transduction pathways in human pancreatic duct cell-derived cancer cell line PANC-1. The following methods were utilized: MTT assay to determine cytotoxicity; zymography to examine matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities; transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and paracellular flux for TJ measurement; RT-PCR and immunoblotting for proteins related to TJ and invasion; and EMSA for NF- κ B activity in PANC-1 cells. Results revealed that TER significantly increased and claudin 4 and MMP-9 decreased compared to those of the control.

(-)-Epigallocatechin 3-gallate inhibits invasion by inducing the expression of Raf kinase inhibitor protein in AsPC‑1 human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells through the modulation of histone deacetylase activity.

The aim of the present study was to assess whether (-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) via epigenetic modifications, regulates Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) expression and invasive metastatic activity in AsPC-1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Basal levels of RKIP were examined in various human pancreatic cancer cell lines and MTT assay was used to assess cell viability. AsPC-1 cells were treated with EGCG with/without trichostatin A (TSA), as the positive control, for 24 h.

The herbal composition GGEx18 from Laminaria japonica, Rheum palmatum, and Ephedra sinica reduces obesity via skeletal muscle AMPK and PPARα.

Context: Since AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in skeletal muscle of obese rodents stimulates fatty acid oxidation, it is reasonable to hypothesize that pharmacological activation of AMPK might be of therapeutic benefit in obesity.

Objective: To investigate the effects of the traditional Korean anti-obesity drug GGEx18, a mixture of three herbs, Laminaria japonica Aresch (Laminariaceae), Rheum palmatum L. (Polygonaceae), and Ephedra sinica Stapf (Ephedraceae), on obesity and the involvement of AMPK in this process.

Anticancer constituents from the roots of Rubia cordifolia L.

Activity-directed isolation of the methylene chloride fraction of the roots of Rubia cordifolia L. resulted in the identification of a new epoxymollugin (3) and eight known compounds (1, 2, 4-9). The structures of the compounds were elucidated from chemical and spectroscopic evidence.

Potential roles of GABA receptors in morphine self-administration in rats.

It is well established that the reinforcing effect of drugs of abuse is linked to the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system. Morphine produces an increase in DA release in the brain, which may provide positive reinforcement contributing to the development of motivational aspects of drug-seeking and maintenance behavior. Several studies suggest that the GABA receptor system may play a significant role in the modulating the mesolimbic DA system.

The essential oil from Angelica gigas NAKAI suppresses nicotine sensitization.

Behavioral sensitization, as evidenced by the progressive enhanced locomotor response to a subsequent injection of the drug, is the major behavioral outcome produced by repeated injections of nicotine, and a model for studying drug addiction. It is putatively regarded that the alteration of extracellular dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens is closely associated with nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of the essential oil from Angelica gigas NAKAI (on fragrance inhalation) on repeated nicotine-induced locomotor activity and extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens of rats using in vivo microdialysis.

Acupuncture normalizes the release of accumbal dopamine during the withdrawal period and after the ethanol challenge in chronic ethanol-treated rats.

Many studies have shown that acupuncture can contribute to the biochemical balance in the central nervous system and maintenance or recovery of homeostasis. It is well known that chronic administration of ethanol may produce depletion or sensitization of extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of acupuncture on chronic ethanol-induced changes in extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens shell (using in vivo microdialysis in unanesthetized rats).

Effect of acupuncture on behavioral hyperactivity and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens in rats sensitized to morphine.

Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention has been used for the treatment of many functional disorders including substance abuse. However, there are still many unanswered question about the basic mechanism underlying acupuncture's effectiveness in the treatment of drug addiction. Repeated injection of psycostimulants or morphine can produce behavioral and neurochemical sensitization and have been used as a model for studying drug addiction.

Acupuncture-mediated inhibition of ethanol-induced dopamine release in the rat nucleus accumbens through the GABAB receptor.

Clinical trials are currently underway to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of drug abuse. However, there are still many unanswered questions about the basic mechanisms of acupuncture. Studies have shown that the GABA(B) receptor system may play a significant modulatory role in the mesolimbic system in drug abuse, including ethanol.

Acupuncture attenuates repeated nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization and c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens and striatum of the rat.

Repeated injections of nicotine can produce behavioral sensitization, as evidenced by an enhanced locomotor response to a subsequent injection of the drug. Behavioral sensitization has been suggested as a model for studying drug addiction. Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention is widely used for treatment for many functional disorders, such as substance abuse and mental dysfunction.