Galgravin Isolated from Piper kadsura Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Endotoxemia in Mice.

Sepsis results from uncontrolled inflammation, characterized by cytokine storm and immunoparalysis. To assess whether galgravin, a natural lignan isolated from Piper kadsura, can be used to treat sepsis, models of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages and LPS-induced endotoxemia mice were used. Galgravin suppressed NF-κB activation in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages without causing significant cytotoxicity, in which proinflammatory molecules like TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 were downregulated. In addition, the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 was also suppressed by galgravin in LPS-activated murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. Moreover, galgravin significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS in the lungs and decreased TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum and IL-6 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of LPS-challenged mice. The COX-2 expression in tissues, including the lung, liver, and kidney, as well as the lung alveolar hemorrhage, was also reduced by galgravin. The present study reveals the anti-inflammatory effects of galgravin in mouse models and implies its potential application in inflammation diseases.

Hypericum sampsonii exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in a lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis mouse model.

Background and aim: Sepsis causes an uncontrolled systemic response characterized by excessive inflammation and immune suppression, leading to multiple organ failure and death. An effective therapeutic strategy for sepsis-related syndromes is urgently needed. Hypericum sampsonii Hance (HS) is a folk herbal plant used to treat arthritis and dermatitis, but the anti-inflammatory properties of HS and its related compounds have rarely been investigated. In this study, we aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of HS. Experimental procedure: Models of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activated macrophages and endotoxemia mice were used, in which the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway is upregulated to trigger inflammatory responses. The HS extract (HSE) was delivered into LPS-induced endotoxemia mice via oral administration. Three compounds were purified using column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography and were validated by physical and spectroscopic data. Results: HSE suppressed NF-κB activation and proinflammatory molecules (TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS) in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, oral administration of HSE (200 mg/kg) to LPS-treated mice improved the survival rate, restored body temperature, decreased TNF-α and IL-6 in serum, and reduced IL-6 expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In lung tissues, HSE reduced LPS-induced leukocyte infiltration and the expression of proinflammatory molecules (TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, CCL4 and CCL5). Three pure compounds isolated from HSE, including 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzophenone-4-O-geranyl ether, 1-hydroxy-7 methoxyxanthone and euxanthone, were demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of HS in vitro and in vivo. Further clinical studies of HS in human sepsis are warranted.

Enhancing risk communication for more effective epidemic control in Taiwan.

This article investigates how to more effectively conduct risk communication to increase the probability of successful control of an epidemic in Taiwan. The epidemic control of H1N1 in Taiwan in 2010 was studied. We used factor analysis and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) to obtain the total influence for each factor and to determine the critical factors among them. After being processed using proposed operational procedures, we obtained the critical factors and found that the government plays the key role in successful epidemic control. To reduce the resistance to efforts that seek to prevent pandemic crises, some necessary intervention activities, such as fairly and honorably exploring the complete relevant information and revealing the side effects of vaccines in a manner that is easily understood, were recommended. These could lead to an increase in immunizations among Taiwanese people by gaining their trust and commitment, thus achieving control of this epidemic.

Testicular microlithiasis in Taiwanese men.

Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is an unusual ultrasonographic manifestation in testicular parenchyma. Limited information is available about TM in Taiwanese men. We performed a retrospective analysis to investigate the characteristics of TM and its association with testicular cancer and infertility in Taiwan. Male patients who had received scrotal ultrasonography because of scrotal symptoms or infertility between January 2000 and December 2003 were recruited. The incidence of TM was 7.6%. Both testicular microlithiasis and testicular cancer occurred chiefly in the third decade. Patients with TM exhibit a higher chance of testicular cancer (6% vs. 0.9%). No local field effect between TM and testicular cancer was observed. Testicular microlithiasis severity is not positively correlated with sperm quality and sterility. Forty-eight patients (32%) were available at follow-up. No patient developed a testicular tumor or elevated tumor markers (AFP, beta-hCG) during follow-up. We suggest monthly self-examination, annual scrotal ultrasonography and tumor markers screening between the age of 20 and 30 years of patients with TM.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury--a report of two and the possible role of steroid.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a rare but potentially fatal clinical syndrome associated with transfusion. Dyspnea, hypoxemia, hypotension, and fever are the typical symptoms which mimic those of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The onset of TRALI is usually within 4-6 hours after transfusion. According to literature, TRALI is possibly underdiagnosed and underreported. Differential diagnosis includes fluid overload, allergy and sepsis. No definite protocol except supportive treatment is recommended up to now. We present two cases of TRALI and discuss the possible mechanisms and the role of steroid therapy.