Discrete prognostic implication of sarcopenia according to nutritional status in surgically treated patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional status and sarcopenia affects the prognosis of head and neck cancers including hypopharyngeal cancer. Hypopharyngeal cancer patients tend to exhibit sarcopenia, which is associated with poor treatment outcomes. This study aims to determine the correlation between nutritional status and sarcopenia, and their prognostic role in surgically treated hypopharyngeal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma originating from the hypopharynx and underwent surgery between January 2009 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. The median neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) of the cohort were considered the cut-off values. Sarcopenia was evaluated by measuring skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra. Clinical and serological factors predictive of survival outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients with high PNI showed better 5-year Overall survival (OS) (52.8% vs. 27.2%, p = 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (59.6% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.033) than those with low PNI. Likewise, patients with low SMI showed worse 5-year OS (25.0% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.002) and DFS (42.4% vs. 68.7%, p = 0.034) than patients with high SMI. Among the patients with high PNI, those with sarcopenia displayed significantly worse OS than those with high SMI (78.0% vs. 34.4%, p = 0.049). High PNI with high SMI presented better overall (p = 0.010) and DFS (p = 0.055) than any other group. CONCLUSIONS: Both sarcopenia and PNI were associated with the prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer. Considering that PNI and sarcopenia indicate the nutritional status, nutritional status may be a significant risk factor. Therefore, nutritional support that ameliorates sarcopenia may improve survival outcomes in surgically treated patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.

The secreted protein Amuc_1409 from Akkermansia muciniphila improves gut health through intestinal stem cell regulation.

Akkermansia muciniphila has received great attention because of its beneficial roles in gut health by regulating gut immunity, promoting intestinal epithelial development, and improving barrier integrity. However, A. muciniphila-derived functional molecules regulating gut health are not well understood. Microbiome-secreted proteins act as key arbitrators of host-microbiome crosstalk through interactions with host cells in the gut and are important for understanding host-microbiome relationships. Herein, we report the biological function of Amuc_1409, a previously uncharacterised A. muciniphila-secreted protein. Amuc_1409 increased intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation and regeneration in ex vivo intestinal organoids and in vivo models of radiation- or chemotherapeutic drug-induced intestinal injury and natural aging with male mice. Mechanistically, Amuc_1409 promoted E-cadherin/ß-catenin complex dissociation via interaction with E-cadherin, resulting in the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Our results demonstrate that Amuc_1409 plays a crucial role in intestinal homeostasis by regulating ISC activity in an E-cadherin-dependent manner and is a promising biomolecule for improving and maintaining gut health.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition prevents l-dopa-induced dyskinesia in a 6-ohda-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterised by severe movement defects and the degeneration of dopaminergic neurones in the midbrain. The symptoms of PD can be managed with dopamine replacement therapy using L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa), which is the gold standard therapy for PD. However, long-term treatment with L-dopa can lead to motor complications. The central renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases in the brain. However, the role of the RAS in dopamine replacement therapy for PD remains unclear. Here, we tested the co-treatment of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) with L-dopa altered L-dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned mouse model of PD. Perindopril, captopril, and enalapril were used as ACEIs. The co-treatment of ACEI with L-dopa significantly decreased LID development in 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. In addition, the astrocyte and microglial transcripts involving Ccl2, C3, Cd44, and Iigp1 were reduced by co-treatment with ACEI and L-dopa in the 6-OHDA-lesioned striatum. In conclusion, co-treatment with ACEIs and L-dopa, such as perindopril, captopril, and enalapril, may mitigate the severity of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a mouse model of PD.

Agathobaculum butyriciproducens improves ageing-associated cognitive impairment in mice.

AIMS: The gut microbiota is increasingly recognised as a pivotal regulator of immune system homeostasis and brain health. Recent research has implicated the gut microbiota in age-related cognitive impairment and dementia. Agathobaculum butyriciproducens SR79 T (SR79), which was identified in the human gut, has been reported to be beneficial in addressing cognitive deficits and pathophysiologies in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. However, it remains unknown whether SR79 affects age-dependent cognitive impairment. MAIN METHOD: To explore the effects of SR79 on cognitive function during ageing, we administered SR79 to aged mice. Ageing-associated behavioural alterations were examined using the open field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), novel object recognition test (NORT), Y-maze alternation test (Y-maze), and Morris water maze test (MWM). We investigated the mechanisms of action in the gut and brain using molecular and histological analyses. KEY FINDINGS: Administration of SR79 improved age-related cognitive impairment without altering general locomotor activity or depressive behaviour in aged mice. Furthermore, SR79 increased mature dendritic spines in the pyramidal cells of layer III and phosphorylation of CaMKIIα in the cortex of aged mice. Age-related activation of astrocytes in the cortex of layers III-V of the aged brain was reduced following SR79 administration. Additionally, SR79 markedly increased IL-10 production and Foxp3 and Muc2 mRNA expression in the colons of aged mice. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest that treatment with SR79 may be a beneficial microbial-based approach for enhancing cognitive function during ageing.

Agathobaculum butyriciproducens Shows Neuroprotective Effects in a 6-OHDA-Induced Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by dopaminergic neuronal death in the midbrain. Recently, the association between alterations in PD pathology and the gut microbiota has been explored. Microbiota-targeted interventions have been suggested as a novel therapeutic approach for PD. Agathobaculum butyriciproducens SR79T (SR79) is an anaerobic bacterium. Previously, we showed that SR79 treatment induced cognitive improvement and reduced Alzheimer's disease pathologies in a mouse model. In this study, we hypothesized that SR79 treatment may have beneficial effects on PD pathology. To investigate the therapeutic effects of SR79 on PD, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced mouse models were used. D-Amphetamine sulfate (d-AMPH)-induced behavioral rotations and dopaminergic cell death were analyzed in unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. Treatment with SR79 significantly decreased ipsilateral rotations induced by d-AMPH. Moreover, SR79 treatment markedly activated the AKT/GSK3ß signaling pathway in the striatum. In addition, SR79 treatment affected the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and its downstream target genes in the striatum of 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. Our findings suggest a protective role of SR79 in 6-OHDA-induced toxicity by regulating the AKT/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and astrocyte activation. Thus, SR79 may be a potential microbe-based intervention and therapeutic strategy for PD.

Humulus japonicus attenuates LPS-and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice.

BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation plays an important role in cognitive decline and memory impairment in neurodegenerative disorders. Previously, we demonstrated that Humulus japonicus (HJ) has anti-inflammatory effects in rodent models of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The present study aimed to examine the protective potential of HJ extracts against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive impairment and scopolamine-induced amnesia in mouse models. Cognitive improvement of mice was investigated by novel object recognition test. For analyzing effects on neuroinflammation, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays were performed. RESULTS: We found that the oral administration of HJ significantly improved cognitive dysfunction induced by LPS in a novel object recognition test. The LPS-induced activation of microglia was notably decreased by HJ treatment in the cortex and hippocampus. HJ administration with LPS also significantly increased the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and decreased the mRNA expression of IL-12 in the parietal cortex of mice. The increased expression of LPS-induced complement C1q B chain (C1bq) and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2) genes was significantly suppressed by HJ treatment. In addition, HJ administration significantly improved novel object recognition in a scopolamine-induced amnesia mouse model. CONCLUSIONS: These findings revealed that HJ has a beneficial effect on cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation induced by systemic inflammation and on amnesia induced by scopolamine in mice.

Humulus japonicus rescues autistic­like behaviours in the BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse model of autism.

Humulus japonicus (HJ) is a traditional herbal medicine that exhibits anti­inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti­tumor effects that is used for the treatment of hypertension, pulmonary disease and leprosy. Recently, it has also been reported that HJ demonstrates neuroprotective properties in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. The current study hypothesised that the administration of HJ would exhibit therapeutic effects in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder with lifelong consequences. The BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse model of ASD was used to investigate the anti­autistic like behavioural effects of HJ. Chronic oral administration of the ethanolic extract of HJ significantly increased social interaction, attenuated repetitive grooming behaviour and improved novel­object recognition in BTBR mice. Anti­inflammatory effects of HJ in the brain were analysed using immunohistochemistry and reverse­transcription quantitative PCR analysis. Microglia activation was markedly decreased in the striatum and hippocampus, and pro­inflammatory cytokines, including C­C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2, interleukin (IL)­1ß and IL­6, were significantly reduced in the hippocampus following HJ treatment. Moreover, HJ treatment normalised the phosphorylation levels of: N­methyl­D­aspartate receptor subtype 2B and calcium/calmodulin­dependent protein kinase type II subunit α in the hippocampus of BTBR mice. The results of the present study demonstrated that the administration of HJ may have beneficial potential for ameliorating behavioural deficits and neuroinflammation in ASD.

Sodium phenylbutyrate reduces repetitive self-grooming behavior and rescues social and cognitive deficits in mouse models of autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and restrictive, repetitive, and stereotypical patterns of behavior. However, there is no pharmacological drug that is currently used to target these core ASD symptoms. Sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPB) is a well-known long-term treatment of urea cycle disorders in children. In this study, we assessed the therapeutic effects of NaPB, which is a chemical chaperone as well as histone deacetylase inhibitor on a BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice model of ASD. We found that acute and chronic treatment of NaPB remarkably improved, not only core ASD symptoms, including repetitive behaviors and sociability deficit, but also cognitive impairment in the BTBR mice. NaPB substantially induced histone acetylation in the brain of the BTBR mice. Intriguingly, the therapeutic effects of NaPB on autistic-like behaviors, such as repetitive behaviors, impaired sociability, and cognitive deficit also showed in the valproic acid (VPA)-induced mouse model of autism. In addition, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure was significantly attenuated by NaPB treatment in C57BL/6J and BTBR mice. These findings suggest that NaPB may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with ASD.

Human gut microbiota Agathobaculum butyriciproducens improves cognitive impairment in LPS-induced and APP/PS1 mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, and is characterized by the accumulation and presence of amyloid plaques (Aß), tangles, dementia, and cognitive impairment. Currently, there is no known cure for AD; however, recently, the association between alteration of the gut microbiota and AD pathology has been explored to find novel therapeutic approaches. Microbiota-targeted intervention has been suggested as an attractive therapeutic approach for AD. Agathobaculum butyriciproducens (SR79) is a strict anaerobic and butyric acid-producing bacteria. We hypothesized that administration of SR79 might have a beneficial effect on cognitive deficits and AD pathologies. To determine the therapeutic effects of SR79 on AD pathologies, APP/PS1 transgenic and lipopolysaccharide -induced cognitive impairment mouse models were used. In the lipopolysaccharide -induced cognitive deficit model, the administration of SR79 improved cognitive function and decreased microglia activation. In addition, the administration of SR79 to APP/PS1 mice significantly improved novel object recognition and percent alteration results in novel object recognition and Y-maze alteration tests. Furthermore, Aß plaque deposition and microglial activation were markedly reduced in the parietal cortex and hippocampus after SR79 treatment in APP/PS1 mice. SR79 treatment significantly decreased gene expression levels of IL-1ß and C1QB and increased the gene expression levels of IGF-1 and thereby the downstream signaling pathway in the cortex of APP/PS1 mice. In conclusion, SR79 administration improved cognitive function and AD pathologies through the regulation of neuroinflammation and IGF-1 signaling in an animal model.

ß­Lapachone ameliorates L­DOPA­induced dyskinesia in a 6­OHDA­induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

The dopamine precursor 3,4­dihydroxyphenyl­ l­alanine (L­DOPA) is the most widely used symptomatic treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD); however, its prolonged use is associated with L­DOPA­induced dyskinesia in more than half of patients after 10 years of treatment. The present study investigated whether co­treatment with ß­Lapachone, a natural compound, and L­DOPA has protective effects in a 6­hydroxydopamine (6­OHDA)­induced mouse model of PD. Unilateral 6­OHDA­lesioned mice were treated with vehicle or ß­Lapachone (10 mg/kg/day) and L­DOPA for 11 days. Abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) were scored on days 5 and 10. ß­Lapachone (10 mg/kg) co­treatment with L­DOPA decreased the AIMs score on both days 5 and 10. ß­Lapachone was demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on the axial and limb AIMs scores on day 10. There was no significant suppression in dopamine D1 receptor­related and ERK1/2 signaling in the DA­denervated striatum by ß­Lapachone­cotreatment with L­DOPA. Notably, ß­Lapachone­cotreatment with L­DOPA increased phosphorylation at the Ser9 site of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK­3ß), indicating suppression of GSK­3ß activity in both the unlesioned and 6­OHDA­lesioned striata. In addition, astrocyte activation was markedly suppressed by ß­Lapachone­cotreatment with L­DOPA in the striatum and substantia nigra of the unilateral 6­OHDA model. These findings suggest that ß­Lapachone cotreatment with L­DOPA therapy may have therapeutic potential for the suppression or management of the development of L­DOPA­induced dyskinesia in patients with PD.

Metformin regulates astrocyte reactivity in Parkinson's disease and normal aging.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor symptoms. Despite the remarkable improvements in the management of PD in recent decades, many patients remain significantly disabled. Metformin is a primary medication for the management of type 2 diabetes. We previously showed that co-treatment with metformin and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-l-alanine (l-DOPA) prevented the development of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned animal model of PD. However, effects of metformin on PD- and aging-induced genes in reactive astrocytes remain unknown. In this study, we assessed the effect of metformin on motor function, neuroprotection, and reactive astrocytes in the 6-OHDA-induced PD animal model. In addition, the effects of metformin on the genes expressed by specific types of astrocytes were analyzed in PD model and aged mice. Here, we showed that metformin treatment effectively improves the motor symptoms in the 6-OHDA-induced PD mouse model, whereas metformin had no effect on tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons. The activation of AMPK and BDNF signaling pathways was induced by metformin treatment on the 6-OHDA-lesioned side of the striatum. Metformin treatment caused astrocytes to alter reactive genes in a PD animal model. Moreover, aging-induced genes in reactive astrocytes were effectively regulated or suppressed by metformin treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that metformin should be evaluated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and related neurologic disorders characterized by astrocyte activation.

NQO1 regulates pharmaco-behavioral effects of d-amphetamine in striatal dopaminergic system in mice.

The NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) gene encodes a cytosolic flavoenzyme that catalyzes the two-electron reduction of quinones to hydroquinones. A polymorphic form of NQO1 is associated with mood disorders such as schizophrenia. However, the role of NQO1 in dopaminergic system has not yet been elucidated. To determine the role of NQO1 in the dopaminergic system, we investigated pharmaco-behavioral effects of d-amphetamine using NQO1-deficienct mice. According to our comparative study involving NQO1+/+ and NQO1-/- mice, NQO1 deficiency increased d-amphetamine-induced psychomotor activity and psychological dependency compared to wild-type mice. Basal and d-amphetamine-induced dopamine levels were also enhanced by NQO1 deficiency. In NQO1-/- mice, neural activation induced by d-amphetamine was higher in dorsolateral striatum, but not in dorsomedial and ventral striata. Although protein level of CaMKIIα, which is a key player in amphetamine-induced dopamine efflux, was decreased in striata of NQO1-/- mice, phosphorylation of CaMKIIα was markedly enhanced in NQO1-/- mice compared to wild-type mice. Interestingly, experiments with pharmacological antagonist showed that D2 antagonist-induced suppression of locomotion required activation of NQO1. Moreover, the rewarding effect in response to D1 agonist was increased by NQO1 deficiency. These results suggest that striatal NQO1 is of considerable interest to understand the mechanism of dopaminergic regulation of psychiatric disorders.

Spicatoside A in red Liriope platyphylla displays a laxative effect in a constipation rat model via regulating mAChRs and ER stress signaling.

Red Liriope platyphylla extract (EtRLP) has been used as an oriental medicine for treatment of several chronic conditions, such as neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and obesity. To investigate the laxative activity of EtRLP, the levels of key constipation markers and their molecular regulators were examined following administration of EtRLP in constipation Sprague Dawley (SD) rats treated with loperamide (Lop). Compared with the Lop+Vehicle­treated group, the excretion levels of urine and stool were significantly enhanced in the Lop+EtRLP­treated group, even though feeding levels were kept constant. There was a significant improvement in histological structure, cytological ultrastructure and mucin secretion in transverse colon sections from the Lop+EtRLP­treated group, compared with the Lop+Vehicle­treated group. The Lop+EtRLP­treated group exhibited a rapid recovery of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) signaling pathway and of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, compared with Lop+Vehicle­treated group. Spicatoside A, one of the key components detected in EtRLP, recovered the levels of inositol triphosphate (IP3) and Gα in primary rat intestinal smooth muscle cells (pRISMCs). Taken together, the present results indicated that spicatoside A­containing EtRLP had therapeutic effects against Lop­induced constipation in SD rats via improvement of the mAChR downstream signaling pathway and the ER stress response.

Impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen on Tissue Healing around Dental Implants in Beagles.

BACKGROUND The impact of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the healing of soft tissues around dental implants was studied in a beagle model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Beagle dogs were randomized to receive implants, followed by postoperative HBO therapy or not (n=10 per group). On postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, tissue specimens were paraffin-embedded and analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining, as well as immunohistochemistry against CD31. RESULTS Scores for inflammation pathology based on hematoxylin-eosin staining and mean optical density of collagen fibers were significantly different between the HBO and control groups on postoperative days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), but not on day 14. Mean optical density due to anti-CD31 staining was significantly higher in the HBO group on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that HBO may promote early osteogenesis and soft tissue healing after implantation.

Piperlongumine decreases cognitive impairment and improves hippocampal function in aged mice.

Piperlongumine (PL), a biologically active compound from the Piper species, has been shown to exert various pharmacological effects in a number of conditions, including tumours, diabetes, pain, psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative disease. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of PL on hippocampal function and cognition decline in aged mice. PL (50 mg/kg/day) was intragastrically administrated to 23­month­old female C57BL/6J mice for 8 weeks. Novel object recognition and nest building behaviour tests were used to assess cognitive and social functions. Additionally, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were performed to examine the effects of PL on the hippocampus. We found that the oral administration of PL significantly improved novel object recognition and nest building behaviour in aged mice. Although neither the percentage area occupied by astrocytes and microglia nor the level of 4­hydroxynonenal protein, a specific marker of lipid peroxidation, were altered by PL treatment, the phosphorylation levels of N­methyl­D­aspartate receptor subtype 2B (NR2B), calmodulin­dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) and extracellular signal­regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were markedly increased in the hippocampus of aged mice following the administration of PL. We also found that PL treatment resulted in a CA3­specific increase in the phosphorylation level of cyclic AMP response element binding protein, which is recognized as a potent marker of neuronal plasticity, learning and memory. Moreover, the number of doublecortin­positive cells, a specific marker of neurogenesis, was significantly increased following PL treatment in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. On the whole, these data demonstrate that PL treatment may be a potential novel approach in the treatment of age­related cognitive impairment and hippocampal changes.

Effects of histone acetyltransferase inhibitors on L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a murine model of Parkinson's disease.

Histone acetylation is a key regulatory factor for gene expression in cells. Modulation of histone acetylation by targeting of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) effectively alters many gene expression profiles and synaptic plasticity in the brain. However, the role of HATs on L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia of Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been reported. Our aim was to determine whether HAT inhibitors such as anacardic acid, garcinol, and curcumin from natural plants reduce severity of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia using a unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned PD mouse model. Anacardic acid 2 mg/kg, garcinol 5 mg/kg, or curcumin 100 mg/kg co-treatment with L-DOPA significantly reduced the axial, limb, and orofacial (ALO) score indicating less dyskinesia with administration of HAT inhibitors in 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. Additionally, L-DOPA's efficacy was not altered by the compounds in the early stage of treatment. The expression levels of c-Fos, Fra-2, and Arc were effectively decreased by administration of HAT inhibitors in the ipsilateral striatum. Our findings indicate that HAT inhibitor co-treatment with L-DOPA may have therapeutic potential for management of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in patients with PD.

Metformin Inhibits the Development of L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia in a Murine Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Metformin is a medication that is widely prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. In addition to its anti-diabetic uses, metformin has been proposed as a therapeutically effective drug candidate in various central nervous system disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by severe movement defects and is commonly treated with the dopamine (DA) precursor 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-l-alanine (L-DOPA). However, prolonged use of L-DOPA can lead to the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). Here, we hypothesized that metformin co-treatment would improve LID in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned mouse model of PD. Metformin did not interfere the pharmacotherapeutic effects of L-DOPA in the cylinder test. Furthermore, metformin co-treatment with L-DOPA attenuated the development of LID in unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. Metformin showed a long-lasting effect on axial, limb, and orofacial abnormal involuntary movement scores for up to 20 days after treatment initiation. Interestingly, persistent enhancement of the mammalian target of rapamycin, dopamine D1 receptor, and extracellular signaling-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling was maintained in the DA-denervated striatum during metformin treatment. Metformin globally normalized the increased glycogen synthase kinase 3ß activity induced by chronic treatment of L-DOPA in a manner associated with Akt activation in unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. These findings suggest that metformin may have therapeutic potential for the suppression or management of L-DOPA-induced motor complications in patients with PD.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Gallotannin-enriched Extract Isolated from Gall on Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Cytotoxicity in HepG2 Cells.

BACKGROUND: Gall (Galla Rhois [GR]) is known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic, and anti-invasion activities and exert hepatoprotective effects. However, the hepatoprotective effects of gallotannin-enriched GR (GEGR) and their mechanisms have not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVE: The potential protective effect of GEGR against hepatotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Changes in cell viability, apoptosis protein expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were determined in HepG2 cells that were pretreated with four different concentrations of GEGR (6.25-50 µg/ml) for 24 h before H2O2 exposure. RESULTS: GEGR consisted of gallotannin (69.2%), gallic acid (26.6%), and methyl gallate (4.2%) and showed remarkable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity (inhibitory concentration 50% = 0.212 µg/ml). The lethal dose 50% and effective dose 50% values for the response of HepG2 cells to GEGR were determined to be 178 and 6.85 µg/ml, respectively. Significant reductions in the immunofluorescence intensity indicating apoptosis were also detected in the nuclei of HepG2 cells stained with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and Annexin V after GEGR treatment. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and active caspase-3 level were higher in H2O2 + vehicle-treated cells. However, these levels gradually decreased to those of the No-treated group in the GEGR pretreated group even though little or no decrease was observed in response to low GEGR concentrations. Furthermore, the GEGR pretreated group showed a reduced level of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate stained cells, indicating ROS generation relative to the H2O2 + vehicle-treated group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide strong evidence that GEGR can prevent cell death induced by H2O2 in HepG2 cells through the induction of antioxidant conditions. SUMMARY: The gallotannin (69.2%), gallic acid (26.6%), and methyl gallate (4.2%) are the main constituents of water extracts of GRGEGR was more potent in DPPH scavenging, and gallotannin contributes to this extract activityGEGR significantly reduced the increase of apoptosis, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and active caspase-3 level after H2O2 treatmentGEGR pretreatment showed protection against H2O2-induced ROS production in DCFH-DA staining analysis. Abbreviations used: COX: Cyclooxygenase; DAPI: 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; GEGR: Gallotannin-enriched Galla Rhois; GR: Galla Rhois; HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography; H2O2: Hydrogen peroxide; MMP: Metallopeptidase; MTT: 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; UV-Vis: Ultraviolet-visible.

A supraclavicular cephalic vein drained into the subclavian vein.

Although the cephalic vein follows a fairly consistent course, numerous variants have been reported. We found a rare anatomical presentation of the cephalic vein in a 75-year-old Korean male cadaver. The left cephalic vein was identified in the deltopectoral groove, ascended over the clavicle, and terminated into the left subclavian vein just before its union with the left internal jugular vein. The detailed knowledge on the variations of the cephalic vein is important for clinicians as well as anatomists since the approach through the axillary base is favored in many invasive clinical procedures.