Fig. 5.

Comparison of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and HSP70 expression according to extract solvent. (A) Isopropanol extracts of Artemisia significantly reduced endothelin-1 protein expression than ethanol extracts. ET-1 is known as strong vasoconstriction factor engaged in gastric mucosal damages as exemplified in stress-induced ulcer, Helicobacter pylori-associated ulcer, and duodenal ulcerogenesis. In protein array, isopropanol extracts significantly decreased ET-1 expression compared to ethanol extracts under LPS-stimulation, inferring cytoprotective characteristics of isopropanol extracts of Artemisia. (B) Isopropanol extracts induced HSP70 protein expression. The HSP70 as a molecular chaperone has been suggested to exert its gastroprotective action by protecting mitochondria and by interfering with the stress-induced apoptotic program. The treatment with the isopropanol extracts of Artemisia provoked significant up-regulation of HSP70 protein, while ethanol extracts did not increased the levels of these proteins.