Sambou Bamboo salt™ down-regulates the expression levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in activated human mast cells.

Mast cells have a detrimental impact on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Sambou Bamboo salt™ (BS) suppresses mast cell-mediated inflammatory response and enhances immunity. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of BS on expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease/serine subfamily member 2 (TMPRSS2) in human mast cell line (HMC)-1 cells. BS resulted in significant reductions in expression levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in activated HMC-1 cells. Levels of tryptase were reduced by BS. In addition, BS blocked activation of activator protein 1 (AP-1), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK), p38, and phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) in activated HMC-1 cells. Therefore, these results show that BS reduces levels of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and tryptase by inhibiting AP-1/JNK/p38/PI3K signaling pathways in mast cells. These findings can serve as valuable foundational data for the development of therapeutic agents aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Modulating effect of Eunkyo-san on expression of inflammatory cytokines and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in human mast cells.

Eunkyo-san is widely used in the treatment of severe respiratory infections. Mast cells not only serve as host cells for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but also they also exacerbate Coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) by causing a cytokine storm. Here we investigated whether Eunkyo-san and its active compound naringenin regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines and factors connected to viral infection in activated human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. Eunkyo-san and naringenin significantly reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and tumor necrosis factor-α without impacting cytotoxicity. Eunkyo-san and naringenin reduced levels of factors connected to SARS-CoV-2 infection such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2, SARS-CoV-2 receptor), transmembrane protease/serine subfamily member 2, and tryptase in activated HMC-1 cells. Treatment with Eunkyo-san and naringenin considerably reduced expression levels of ACE2 transcription factor, AP-1 (C-JUN and C-FOS) by blocking phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases signaling pathways. In addition, Eunkyo-san and naringenin effectively suppressed activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB, and activation of caspase-1 in activated HMC-1 cells. Furthermore, Eunkyo-san and naringenin reduced expression of ACE2 mRNA in two activated mast cell lines, RBL-2H3 and IC-2 cells. The overall study findings showed that Eunkyo-san diminished the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and ACE2, and these findings imply that Eunkyo-san is able to effectively mitigating the cytokine storm brought on by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Anti-tumor activity of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole against melanoma skin cancer through triggering allergic reaction and promoting immunity.

The anti-cancer impact of an allergic reaction is strongly linked to immunity enhancement. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), an antibiotic, has potential immunomodulatory effects, but has side effects such as allergies. Thus far, the effects and underlying mechanisms of TMP-SMX in melanoma have not been clarified. This study examined the potential roles of TMP-SMX in melanoma skin cancer using an immunodeficient mouse model. TMP-SMX significantly improved the survival rate and reduced the tumor weight and growth and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in melanoma skin cancer of immunodeficient mice. In the forced swimming test, TMP-SMX significantly reduced immobility time compared to the melanoma skin cancer of immunodeficient mice, indicating improved immunity. TMP-SMX significantly increased infiltration of mast cells and release of allergy-related mediators (IgE, histamine, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-33) and immune-enhancing mediators (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-12). In addition, the administration of TMP-SMX significantly increased the caspase-3, 8, and 9 activities. Furthermore, mice given TMP-SMX showed no adverse reactions according to the blood biochemical parameters. TMP-SMX significantly inhibits the growth of melanoma skin cancer by triggering an allergic reaction and promotingimmunity. Hence, we propose that TMP-SMX may be used as an immune booster in cancer chemotherapy.

Anti-fatigue effect of tormentic acid through alleviating oxidative stress and energy metabolism-modulating property in C2C12 cells and animal models.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress is caused by reactive oxygen species and free radicals that accelerate inflammatory responses and exacerbate fatigue. Tormentic acid (TA) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the aim of present study is to determine the fatigue-regulatory effects of TA in H2O2-stimulated myoblast cell line, C2C12 cells and treadmill stress test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) animal models. MATERIALS/METHODS: In the in vitro study, C2C12 cells were pretreated with TA before stimulation with H2O2. Then, malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) activity, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glycogen, and cell viability were analyzed. In the in vivo study, the ICR male mice were administered TA or distilled water orally daily for 28 days. FST and TST were then performed on the last day. In addition, biochemical analysis of the serum, muscle, and liver was performed. RESULTS: TA dose-dependently alleviated the levels of MDA, LDH, CK activity, TNF-α, and IL-6 in H2O2-stimulated C2C12 cells without affecting the cytotoxicity. TA increased the SOD and CAT activities and the glycogen levels in H2O2-stimulated C2C12 cells. In TST and FST animal models, TA decreased the FST immobility time significantly while increasing the TST exhaustion time without weight fluctuations. The in vivo studies showed that the levels of SOD, CAT, citrate synthase, glycogen, and free fatty acid were increased by TA administration, whereas TA significantly reduced the levels of glucose, MDA, LDH, lactate, CK, inflammatory cytokines, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, and cortisol compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: TA improves fatigue by modulating oxidative stress and energy metabolism in C2C12 cells and animal models. Therefore, we suggest that TA can be a powerful substance in healthy functional foods and therapeutics to improve fatigue.

Expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 by activating protein-1 in human mast cells.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection activates mast cells and induces a cytokine storm, leading to severe Coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 employs angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for cell entry. In the present study, the expression of ACE2 and its mechanism in activated mast cells were studied utilizing the human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells and it was elucidated whether dexamethasone used as a treatment for COVID-19 could regulate ACE2 expression. Here we documented for the first time that levels of ACE2 were increased by stimulation of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187 (PMACI) in HMC-1 cells. Increased levels of ACE2 were significantly diminished by treatment with Wortmannin, SP600125, SB203580, PD98059, or SR11302. The expression of ACE2 was most significantly reduced by the activating protein (AP)-1 inhibitor SR11302. PMACI stimulation enhanced the expression of the transcription factor AP-1 for ACE2. In addition, levels of transmembrane protease/serine subfamily member 2 (TMPRSS2) and tryptase were increased in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1 cells. However, dexamethasone significantly lowered levels of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and tryptase generated by PMACI. Treatment with dexamethasone also reduced activation of signaling molecules linked to ACE2 expression. According to these findings, levels of ACE2 were up-regulated through activation of AP-1 in mast cells, suggesting that suppressing ACE2 levels in mast cells would be a therapeutic approach to lessen the harm caused by COVID-19.

Caudatin attenuates inflammatory reaction by suppressing JNK/AP-1/NF-κB/caspase-1 pathways in activated HMC-1 cells.

One of the interfering factors in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the cytokine storm, which contributes to hyperinflammation. Mast cells cause COVID-19 hyperinflammation by increasing inflammatory cytokine levels. We investigated whether caudatin, an active compound of Cynanchum auriculatum, could suppress inflammatory response signaling in human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. Caudatin suppressed activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in HMC-1 cells. Caudatin suppressed nuclear translocation of catalytic subunit (p65) of nuclear factor (NF)-κB by blocking IκBα phosphorylation and degradation. Caudatin also reduced levels of activated-caspase-1 protein and activation of caspase-1. Non-toxic caudatin doses inhibited the mRNA expression and protein synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A significant finding was that caudatin inhibited JNK/AP-1/NF-κB/caspase-1 signaling molecules, reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Consequently, we propose that caudatin might be used as a material in health functional foods to alleviate mast cell-mediated inflammatory conditions like COVID-19.

Euscaphic acid relieves fatigue by enhancing anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in chronic fatigue. Euscaphic acid (EA) is an active compound of Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat) and has anti-oxidative effect. METHODS: The goal of present study is to prove whether EA could relieve fatigue through enhancing anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro/in vivo models. RESULTS: EA notably improved activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), while EA reduced levels of malondiadehyde (MDA) and inflammatory cytokines without cytotoxicity in H2O2-stimulated in myoblast cell line, C2C12 cells. EA significantly reduced levels of fatigue-causing factors such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatin kinase (CK), while EA significantly incresed levels of anti-fatigue-related factor, glycogen compared to the H2O2-stimulated C2C12 cells. In treadmill stress test (TST), EA significantly enhanced activities of SOD and CAT as well as exhaustive time and decreased levels of MDA and inflammatory cytokines. After TST, levels of free fatty acid, citrate synthase, and muscle glycogen were notably enhanced by oral administration of EA, but EA decreased levels of lactate, LDH, cortisol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, CK, glucose, and blood urea nitrogen compared to the control group. Furthermore, in forced swimming test, EA significantly increased levels of anti-fatigue-related factors and decreased excessive accumulations of fatigue-causing factors. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the results indicate that potent anti-fatigue effect of EA can be achieved via the improvement of anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, and this study will provide scientific data for EA to be developed as a novel and efficient component in anti-fatigue health functional food.

Compound of Cynanchum wilfordii and Humulus lupulus L. Ameliorates Menopausal Symptoms in Ovariectomized Mice.

Cynanchum wilfordii and Humulus lupulus L. have been used for their various pharmacological properties in South Korea as a traditional medicine or health functional food, respectively, and their intake may relieve menopausal symptoms. The purpose of current study was to determine the effect of compound of Cynanchum wilfordii and Humulus lupulus L. (CWHL) in menopausal symptoms of ovariectomized (OVX) mice. OVX mice received CWHL or caudatin (an active ingredient of CWHL) once daily for 7 weeks. Values for hypothalamic serotonin (5-HT), dopamine, norepinephrine, estrogen receptor (ER)-ß, 5-HT1A, and 5-HT2A were significantly enhanced, while value for hypothalamic monoamine oxidase A was reduced in CWHL and caudatin groups compared with the OVX group. CWHL and caudatin significantly reduced tail skin temperature and rectal temperature of OVX mice through partial recovering of the levels of serum estrogen, nitric oxide, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and receptor-activator of the NF-κB ligand (RANKL). Moreover, CWHL and caudatin improved bone mineral density via decreasing levels of serum RANKL, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and collagen type 1 cross-linked N-telopeptide and improving levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, osteoprotegerin, and osteocalcin compared with the OVX group without adverse effects such as dyslipidemia. CWHL increased uterine ER-ß levels but did not change uterus and vaginal weights. Taken together, the results indicate that CWHL may relieve menopausal symptoms by controlling depression-, hot flashes-, and osteoporosis-associated biomarkers. Therefore, we propose that CWHL might be a safe and potential candidate for management of menopause as a health functional food.

RANKL down-regulates the mast cell proliferation through inducing senescence.

An increase in the number of mast cells could contribute to inflammatory diseases and pathologic conditions. A receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK system is one of the key signaling pathways accelerating mast cell-mediated allergic inflammatory reactions. However, the biological functions of RANKL in mast cell proliferation remains to be clarified. The aim of the present study is to clarify the role of RANKL in mast cell proliferation. Surprisingly, RANKL remarkably reduced the proliferation of human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells through the inhibition of murine double minute 2 (MDM2) and Ki-67 mRNA expressions in a dose-dependent manner. RANKL significantly reduced cell viability, whereas it increased cellular senescence via increasing levels of p53, phosphorylated(p)-p53, p21, and p16 and decreasing levels of retinoblastoma protein (pRb) and p-pRb in HMC-1 cells. Even in rat peritoneal mast cells, RANKL induced cellular senescence by increasing filamentous-actin polymerization. In addition, RANKL remarkably reduced thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)-induced mast cell proliferation via the downregulation of MDM2 and Ki-67. RANKL decreased levels of p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 in TSLP-stimulated HMC-1 cells. The mast cell growth factor, interleukin-13 was remarkably down-regulated by treatment with RANKL in TSLP-stimulated HMC-1 cells. Furthermore, RANKL increased the number of senescence-associated ß-galactosidase-stained cells and protein levels of p53, p-p53, and p21 in TSLP-stimulated HMC-1 cells. These data suggest that RANKL down-regulates mast cell proliferation by inducing senescence.

Status and Risk of Noncompliance of Adherence to Medications for Metabolic Diseases According to Occupational Characteristics.

Thus far, little attention has been paid to adherence to medications focusing on the workers and occupational characteristics. This study aimed to assess the status and risk of noncompliance among workers compared to nonworkers, and the association between nonadherence to medication of metabolic diseases and occupational characteristics. Self-reported adherence to medications for hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia and occupational characteristics were evaluated using the Korea Health Panel Study (2008-2018). The status of adherence to medications was evaluated based on working status, with detailed reasons provided for noncompliance. The risk of noncompliance was estimated using the generalized estimating equation, and a subgroup analysis with age-standardized prevalence ratio according to occupational characteristics was also conducted. During the follow-up period, 19,660 (13.9%) person years were noncompliant with medication adherence for 141,807 person years. Workers had a higher prevalence (15.0%) of noncompliance than nonworkers (13.0%). Workers (OR:1.10, 95% CI:1.04-1.14) showed an increased risk of noncompliance compared to nonworkers. Workers who were manual, unpaid family workers, irregular, or dispatched workers showed an increased prevalence of noncompliance. This study found that workers were susceptible to nonadherence to metabolic disease medication. Future research on the role of working conditions in medication adherence would benefit metabolic disease prevention.

A calcium channel blocker, manoalide exerts an anti-allergic inflammatory effect through attenuating NF-κB activity.

BACKGROUND: Many people are troubled by allergic inflammation including ocular allergic diseases, anaphylaxis, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and eczema. Consequently, finding medications for use in allergic inflammation therapy is crucial in human health. Manoalide, a marine natural product isolated as an anti-bacterial metabolite from Luffariella variabilis, is a calcium channel blocker. However, its latent ability as an anti-allergic inflammatory agent has not yet been reported. Our research aimed to elucidate whether manoalide exerts an anti-allergic inflammatory effect in the human mast cell line, HMC-1. METHODS: Herein, we investigated the immunoregulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of manoalide in HMC-1 cells. RESULTS: Manoalide significantly alleviated secretion of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-8 via blockage of caspase-1 without cytotoxicity in activated HMC-1 cells. Activation of nuclear factor-κB increased by mast cell stimulation was attenuated by treatment with manoalide. In addition, we demonstrated that manoalide treatment remarkably attenuated the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in activated-HMC-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our findings indicate manoalide has an anti-allergic inflammatory role, and we propose that manoalide might have potential as a novel anti-allergic inflammatory agent.

An anti-cancer effect of Sambou bamboo saltTM in melanoma skin cancer both in vivo and in vitro models.

Bamboo salt has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, diabetics, anti-aging, and immune-enhancing effects, which are closely related to anti-cancer effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effects of Sambou bamboo saltTM (SBS) in melanoma skin cancer in vivo and in vitro models. SBS-administered mice effectively reduced tumor growth and increased survival rate compared with B16F10 cell-inoculated mice without tissue damage, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. SBS enhanced levels of immune-enhancing mediators, such as interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IgE in serum and melanoma tissues. Furthermore, SBS enhanced activities of caspases and levels of Bax and p53, whereas decreased levels of Bcl-2. This reduction was a consequence of apoptosis signaling pathway. In conclusion, these results suggest that SBS is a potential substance for cancer therapy. SBS has the potential to be developed either as Korean traditional medicine or as a health functional food for cancer therapy. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In these days cancer is one of the world's largest health problems. Bamboo salt is used as a Korean traditional food or medicine and has beneficial effect on inflammation. We have identified Sambou bamboo saltTM (SBS) is a potential substance for cancer therapy. These insights suggest that SBS can potentially be utilized for health functional foods for cancer treatment as well as improve various cancer diseases such as melanoma skin cancer.

Surfactin exerts an anti-cancer effect through inducing allergic reactions in melanoma skin cancer.

Surfactin is a mast cell degranulator, that increases the immune response via the degranulation of mast cells. Recently, numerous studies reported that allergic reactions play an important role in the reduction of melanoma development. So, this study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer effects of surfactin in a melanoma skin cancer in vivo model and a melanoma cell line, B16F10. Oral administration of surfactin significantly increased survival rate and reduced tumor growth and tumor weight on melanoma skin cancer in vivo model. Surfactin significantly increased infiltration of mast cells and levels of histamine. Surfactin significantly enhanced levels of IgE and immune-enhancing mediators, such as interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α in serum and melanoma tissues. Activities of caspase-3, 8, and 9 were significantly enhanced by oral administration of surfactin. In vitro model, surfactin significantly increased B16F10 cell death via activation of caspase-3, 8, and 9 in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, our results indicate that surfactin has a significant anti-cancer effect on melanoma skin cancer through indirectly or directly inducing apoptosis of B16F10 melanoma cells. Also, these findings suggest that it will contribute to a novel perception into the role of allergic reactions in melanoma.

Exposure of ovalbumin during pregnancy prevents the development of allergic rhinitis in offspring through the induction of mast cell autophagy.

Most allergic disease studies have focused on postnatal chemical or microbial exposure. Recent studies have indicated that allergic diseases are associated with the immunological interaction between the mother and her offspring, but the relevant mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether maternal exposure to allergens during pregnancy could affect allergic rhinitis (AR) in the offspring. Compared with offspring of naïve mothers, offspring of ovalbumin (OVA)-exposed mothers exhibited a significant reduction in AR clinical symptoms and levels of histamine, IgE, T helper type-2(Th2) cytokines, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, cyclooxygenase-2, chemokines, infiltration of inflammatory cell, and activity of caspase-1. Interestingly, we observed that offspring of OVA-exposed mothers regulated OVA-induced Th2 responses by inducing autophagy in mast cells. Our data demonstrated that maternal exposure to OVA during pregnancy decreased allergic sensitivity in offspring, suggesting that the vertical transmission of maternal immune responses may be involved. These findings have important implications in the regulation of AR. Furthermore, we propose that the autophagy of mast cells may be a potential target for AR prevention or treatment.

Dp44mT regulates the levels of inflammatory mediators through blocking NF-κB nuclear translocation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Inflammation is increased by infection with pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. High levels of inflammatory mediators and infiltration of macrophages into inflammatory lesions were reported in severe inflammatory diseases. Here, the aim of this study was to evaluate an anti-inflammatory activity of di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Dp44mT (1-100 ng/mL) had no effect on viability of RAW 264.7 macrophages. Dp44mT (100 ng/mL) significantly reduced LPS-induced release of nitric oxide and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. A significant upregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 by LPS stimulation was downregulated by treatment with Dp44mT. Dp44mT blocked activation of nuclear factor-κB by the interruption of IκBα phosphorylation. Dp44mT suppressed the phagocytosis. Furthermore, administration of Dp44mT significantly reduced the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-treated mice without side effects. In conclusion, these results indicate that Dp44mT has an anti-inflammatory activity and may be of therapeutic significant for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.

The immune-enhancing effect of anthocyanin-fucoidan nanocomplex in RAW264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice.

Aronia, a healthy fruit well known as black chokeberry, has health-promoting effects on hypertension, oxidative stress, and diabetes. Despite many reports of bioactivities of aronia, there is little scientific research on the potential for immune-enhancement. So, anthocyanin-fucoidan nanocomplex (AFNC, a nanocomplex of aronia extract and fucoidan) has been developed to improve immune-enhancement. This study aimed to identify immunomodulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of AFNC using RAW264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. As a result, AFNC-treated RAW264.7 macrophages elevated the production of IL-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and nitric oxide (NO). AFNC-enhanced inducible NO synthase expression via nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. AFNC dose-dependently increased levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, interferon-γ, or IL-4 in the serum and spleen of immunosuppressed mice. Taken together, AFNC encourages the immune-enhancing activity through immunostimulatory cytokine production by activation of macrophage. Therefore, these results suggest that AFNC is useful for immunodeficiency-related disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In these days of prevalence of infectious diseases, individual immunity is very important. AFNC has the immune-enhancing effects through immunostimulatory cytokine production by activation of macrophage. Therefore, AFNC could be widely applied to ameliorate a variety of diseases caused by immunosuppression such as infectious diseases.

Blockade of RANKL/RANK signaling pathway by epigallocatechin gallate alleviates mast cell-mediated inflammatory reactions.

Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) as an osteoclast differentiation factor induces inflammatory reactions via production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the major and the most active compound in green tea and has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective effects. However, the effect and molecular mechanisms of EGCG are still unknown in RANKL-induced inflammatory reactions. Here we investigated the immuno-regulatory effects and its molecular mechanisms of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in RANKL-stimulated human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. In this study, EGCG prevented expression of PI3 Kinase and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) Kinases in RANKL-stimulated HMC-1 cells. EGCG prevented caspase-1 activity and decreased transcriptional activity of nuclear factor (NF)-κB by suppressing inhibitory protein κBα phosphorylation in RANKL-stimulated HMC-1 cells. EGCG has been shown to prevent production and mRNA expression of TSLP, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 by RANKL without cytotoxicity. Furthermore, EGCG prevented degranulation of mast cell in RANKL-stimulated HMC-1 cells. Overall, these results suggest that EGCG acts as a natural agent for preventing and treating RANKL-mediated inflammatory diseases by targeting PI3 Kinase, MAP Kinase, caspase-1, and NF-κB signaling cascade in mast cells.

Low-dose Quetiapine-induced Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone in a Patient with Traumatic Brain Syndrome.

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is characterized by hyponatremia, low serum osmolality, and clinical euvolemia in the absence of diuretic medication. And the causes of SIADH are various, antipsychotic agents and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are well known. Quetiapine is often chosen to manage the maladaptive behavior of patients with post-TBI. Although a previous study reported that quetiapine doses ranging from 25 to 300 mg were effective and tolerable, the symptoms of the patient might be aggravated. The symptoms of TBI such as nausea, malaise, headache, lethargy, and mild cognitive deficits are similar to those of SIADH. So the differentiation between SIADH and TBI may be difficult. This paper reports a case of SIADH in a patient with a TBI after using a small dose of 25 to 50 mg quetiapine.

Potential anti-inflammatory effect of Madi-Ryuk and its active ingredient tannic acid on allergic rhinitis.

Madi-Ryuk (MDR) is a traditional Korean medicine and it has been widely used in Korea to treat arthritis and we previously reported the anti-allergic inflammatory effect of MDR in vitro model. However, therapeutic evidence of MDR on in vivo model of allergic inflammatory reaction has not yet been demonstrated. The research purpose was to investigate the efficacy of MDR and its active ingredient tannic acid (TA) in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mice model. OVA-challenged AR mice orally medicated MDR or its active ingredient TA daily for ten days. In mice having a AR, MDR and TA prominently diminished number of rubs and levels of histamine, IgE, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, protein expression levels and activities of caspase-1 were declined by oral medication of MDR and TA. Decline in levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and intercellular adhesion molecules-1 and reduction in penetrations of inflammatory cells into inflamed tissue were also noted in MDR and TA groups. Taken together, identification of MDR effect in preclinical models suggests that MDR may be a therapeutic drug for the treatment and prevention of AR.