Syntheses of the ω-pyridinium-containing very-long-chain ceramides PyrCer(24:1(15Z)) and PyrCer(24:0) and their anticancer activity.

Ceramides, crucial sphingolipids in cellular biology, play various roles ranging from structural membrane integrity to signaling pathway regulation. Structurally, a ceramide consists of a fatty acid connected to a sphingoid base. The characteristics of the fatty acid chain, including length and saturation, determine the physiological properties of the ceramide. Ceramides typically fall into the following categories based on chain length: medium, long, very-long, and ultra-long. Among them, two very-long-chain ceramides, Cer(24:1(15Z)) and Cer(24:0), have been extensively studied, and they are known for their regulatory functions. However, the hydrophobic natures of ceramides, arising from their long hydrocarbon chain impedes their solubilities and levels of cellular delivery. Although ω-pyridinium ceramide analogs (ω-PyrCers) have been developed to address this issue, ω-PyrCers with very-long fatty acid chains or unsaturation have not been developed, presumably due to limited access to the corresponding ω-bromo fatty acids required in their syntheses. In this study, we prepared the ω-PyrCers of Cer(24:1(15Z)) and Cer(24:0), PyrCer(24:1(15Z)) and PyrCer(24:0), respectively. The key in the synthesis is the Wittig reaction to prepare the ω-bromo fatty acid with an appropriate chain length and (Z)-double bond position. Preliminary evaluation of the PyrCer(24:1(15Z)) and PyrCer(24:0) revealed their potential in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

The Role of Protein Methyltransferases in Immunity.

The immune system protects our body from bacteria, viruses, and toxins and removes malignant cells. Activation of immune cells requires the onset of a network of important signaling proteins. Methylation of these proteins affects their structure and biological function. Under stimulation, T cells, B cells, and other immune cells undergo activation, development, proliferation, differentiation, and manufacture of cytokines and antibodies. Methyltransferases alter the above processes and lead to diverse outcomes depending on the degree and type of methylation. In the previous two decades, methyltransferases have been reported to mediate a great variety of immune stages. Elucidating the roles of methylation in immunity not only contributes to understanding the immune mechanism but is helpful in the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies. Hence, we review herein the studies on methylation in immunity, aiming to provide ideas for new approaches.

Hepatic TREM2+ macrophages express matrix metalloproteinases to control fibrotic scar formation.

Liver cirrhosis is characterized by the extensive deposition of extracellular matrix such as fibril collagen, causing dysfunction and failure of the liver. Hepatic macrophages play pivotal roles in the transition from inflammatory to restorative properties upon hepatic injury. In particular, scar-associated macrophages (SAMacs) control liver fibrosis with the representative expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). However, the heterogenic SAMac population has not been well characterized yet. This study profiled heterogeneous liver macrophages using public databases of single-cell transcriptomics and found T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin containing (TIM)4- macrophages exhibited elevated expression of MMPs. Scar-associated triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)2 was positively correlated with MMP expression, suggesting that TREM2+ subsets exert their fibrotic role via MMPs. During the progression of diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and drug-induced liver cirrhosis, monocyte-derived TREM2+ macrophages accumulate in the liver with the distinct expression of MMPs. A noticeable expansion of MMP- and TREM2- double positive macrophages was observed in fibrotic scar regions. Consistently, the analysis of single-cell transcriptomics for human cirrhotic livers supported the theory that TREM2+ SAMacs are strongly associated with MMPs. The results could expand the understanding of liver fibrosis and SAMac, offering potential therapeutic approaches for liver cirrhosis.

MEK1/2 inhibition rescues neurodegeneration by TFEB-mediated activation of autophagic lysosomal function in a model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, which is characterized by cognitive deficit due to synaptic loss and neuronal death. Extracellular amyloid ß plaques are one of the pathological hallmarks of AD. The autophagic lysosomal pathway is the essential mechanism to maintain cellular homeostasis by driving clearance of protein aggregates and is dysfunctional in AD. Here, we showed that inhibiting MEK/ERK signaling using a clinically available MEK1/2 inhibitor, trametinib (GSK1120212, SNR1611), induces the protection of neurons through autophagic lysosomal activation mediated by transcription factor EB (TFEB) in a model of AD. Orally administered trametinib recovered impaired neural structures, cognitive functions, and hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in 5XFAD mice. Trametinib also reduced Aß deposition via induction of autophagic lysosomal activation. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed upregulation of autophagic lysosomal genes by trametinib administration. In addition, trametinib inhibited TFEB phosphorylation at Ser142 and promoted its nuclear translocation, which in turn induced autophagic lysosomal related genes, indicating that trametinib activates the autophagic lysosomal process through TFEB activation. From these observations, we concluded that MEK inhibition provides neuronal protection from the Aß burden by increasing autophagic lysosomal activity. Thus, MEK inhibition may be an effective therapeutic strategy for AD.

Autodisplay of streptococcal protein G for construction of an orientation-controlled immunoaffinity layer.

An immunoaffinity layer with orientation-controlled antibodies was constructed to express streptococcal protein G in Escherichia coli cells using autodisplay technology. The sequence of protein G, a specific IgG-binding protein, was inserted into the autodisplay vector using recombinant technology and the constructed plasmid vector was transformed into E. coli cells. Protein G was confirmed to be autodisplayed with a high density of 2 × 105 copies per cell by SDS-PAGE analysis, and its IgG-binding affinity was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Autodisplayed protein G showed higher affinity than the IgG-binding Z-domain for goat IgG. Immunoassays based on E. coli cells were established to detect horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Protein G autodisplaying E. coli cells were utilized as a solid support and immunoassays showed improved sensitivity by orientation control of autodisplayed protein G. The outer membrane (OM) of protein G autodisplaying E. coli was isolated and layered to construct an immunoaffinity layer. The OM was coated on a microplate to perform the immunoassays, which showed limits of detection of 5 and 0.2 ng mL-1 for HRP and CRP, respectively. An OM layer with autodisplayed protein G was applied as the immunoaffinity layer of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor. After CRP detection, the SPR responses showed good linearity, with an R2 value of 0.99. The immunoaffinity layer with orientation control by autodisplayed protein G was confirmed to be applicable in immunoassays and immunosensors to improve sensitivity.

Immunopharmacological Activities of Luteolin in Chronic Diseases.

Flavonoids have been shown to have anti-oxidative effects, as well as other health benefits (e.g., anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor functions). Luteolin (3', 4', 5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid found in vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs, including celery, broccoli, green pepper, navel oranges, dandelion, peppermint, and rosemary. Luteolin has multiple useful effects, especially in regulating inflammation-related symptoms and diseases. In this paper, we summarize the studies about the immunopharmacological activity of luteolin on anti-inflammatory, anti-cardiovascular, anti-cancerous, and anti-neurodegenerative diseases published since 2018 and available in PubMed or Google Scholar. In this review, we also introduce some additional formulations of luteolin to improve its solubility and bioavailability.

Apigenin: A Therapeutic Agent for Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases and Cancer.

The skin is the main barrier between the body and the environment, protecting it from external oxidative stress induced by ultraviolet rays. It also prevents the entrance of infectious agents such as viruses, external antigens, allergens, and bacteria into our bodies. An overreaction to these agents causes severe skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, pruritus, psoriasis, skin cancer, and vitiligo. Members of the flavonoid family include apigenin, quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol. Of these, apigenin has been used as a dietary supplement due to its various biological activities and has been shown to reduce skin inflammation by downregulating various inflammatory markers and molecular targets. In this review, we deal with current knowledge about inflammatory reactions in the skin and the molecular mechanisms by which apigenin reduces skin inflammation.

Latent classes based on fall risk factors in community-dwelling older adults: The 2017 National Survey of Older Persons.

AIMS: This work aimed to classify the elderly according to fall risk factors and to identify the characteristics of the latent classes. BACKGROUND: Falls mainly occur due to combinations of various risk factors, and each older adult has a different combination of risk factors. DESIGN: This was a secondary data analysis using data from the 2017 National Survey of Older Persons conducted by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. METHODS: Latent class analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed using data from 1556 older adults who experienced at least one fall during 1 year (1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016). Indicator variables included eight fall risk factors. RESULTS: A 3-class solution was selected according to acceptable goodness of fit. The 'healthy falls risk class' included over half of the cohort, and the comprised older adults did not show typical health problems. The 'complex falls risk class' included older people with physical and mental problems, and the 'musculoskeletal falls risk class' included older people with osteoarthritis and back pain. CONCLUSION: The results identified combinations of fall risk factors and characteristics among community-dwelling older adults that may contribute to the planning of effective fall prevention programmes.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Menopausal, and Anti-Cancer Effects of Lignans and Their Metabolites.

Since chronic inflammation can be seen in severe, long-lasting diseases such as cancer, there is a high demand for effective methods to modulate inflammatory responses. Among many therapeutic candidates, lignans, absorbed from various plant sources, represent a type of phytoestrogen classified into secoisolariciresionol (Seco), pinoresinol (Pino), matairesinol (Mat), medioresinol (Med), sesamin (Ses), syringaresinol (Syr), and lariciresinol (Lari). Lignans consumed by humans can be further modified into END or ENL by the activities of gut microbiota. Lignans are known to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, together with activity in estrogen receptor-dependent pathways. Lignans may have therapeutic potential for postmenopausal symptoms, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and psychological disorders. Moreover, the antitumor efficacy of lignans has been demonstrated in various cancer cell lines, including hormone-dependent breast cancer and prostate cancer, as well as colorectal cancer. Interestingly, the molecular mechanisms of lignans in these diseases involve the inhibition of inflammatory signals, including the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. Therefore, we summarize the recent in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the biological effects of various lignans, focusing on their values as effective anti-inflammatory agents.

The Role of Thymoquinone in Inflammatory Response in Chronic Diseases.

Anti-inflammatory therapies have been shown to be effective in the prevention of various cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and cancer complications. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main active constituent of Nigella sativa, has shown promising therapeutic properties in many in vivo and in vitro models. However, TQ has poor bioavailability and is hydrophobic, prohibiting clinical trials with TQ alone. Studies have explored the combination of TQ with biological nanomaterials to improve its bioavailability. The TQ nanoparticle formulation shows better bioavailability than free TQ, and these formulations are ready for clinical trials to determine their potential as therapeutic agents. In this paper, we review current knowledge about the interaction between TQ and the inflammatory response and summarize the research prospects in Korea and abroad. We discuss the different biological activities of TQ and various combination therapies of TQ and nanomaterials in clinical trials.

Immune-Enhancing Effect of Submerged Culture of Ceriporia lacerata Mycelia on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice and the Underlying Mechanisms in Macrophages.

The white-rot fungi Ceriporia lacerata is used in bioremediation, such as lignocellulose degradation, in nature. Submerged cultures and extracts of C. lacerata mycelia (CLM) have been reported to contain various active ingredients, including ß-glucan and extracellular polysaccharides, and to exert anti-diabetogenic properties in mice and cell lines. However, the immunostimulatory effects have not yet been reported. This study aimed to identify the immunomodulatory effects, and underlying mechanisms thereof, of submerged cultures of CLM using RAW264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice. Compared to CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice, the spleen and thymus indexes in mice orally administered CLM were significantly increased; body weight loss was alleviated; and natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interferon [IFN]-γ, and interleukin [IL]-2) production were elevated in the serum. In RAW264.7 macrophages, treatment with CLM induced phagocytic activity, increased the production of nitric oxide (NO), and promoted mRNA expression of the immunomodulatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12. In addition, CLM increased the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) concentration in macrophages, similar to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Mechanistic studies showed that CLM induced the activation of the NF-κB, PI3k/Akt, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2 pathways. Moreover, the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκB induced by CLM in RAW264.7 cells was suppressed by specific MAPKs and PI3K inhibitors. Further experiments with a TLR4 inhibitor demonstrated that the production of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 induced by CLM was decreased after TLR4 was blocked. Overall, CLM protected against CTX-induced adverse reactions by enhancing humoral and cellular immune functions, and has potential as an immunomodulatory agent.

Effect of herbal extracts and supplement mixture on alcohol metabolism in Sprague Dawley-rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mixture of herbal extracts and supplementary formula (FNP-C) on hangovers and antioxidant enzymes in alcohol-induced liver damage in rats. HepG2 cells were used as the experimental cells and divided into five groups: non-treated control (normal), alcohol-induced control (control), mixture of herbal extracts (FNP-B), FNP-C, and a commercial treatment of liver diseases (Livers®); inhibition of detoxification and alcohol-induced damage was confirmed in vivo. Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentration after alcohol consumption were measured in a timely manner; alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione transferase (GST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured in the liver. FNP-C exhibited the highest effect. When FNP-C was administered to alcohol-induced animals, blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentration decreased compared to FNP-B and Livers®. FNP-C reduced ADH levels and improved LDH, GSH, GST, and SOD levels. The FNP-C group was effective in preventing alcohol-induced hangovers and liver damage. Thus, FNP-C improves hangovers and increases antioxidant activity in an alcohol-induced model. Adding amino acids and vitamins to natural ingredients can potentially enhance the effect of improving hangovers.

Covalently Immobilized Regenerable Immunoaffinity Layer with Orientation-Controlled Antibodies Based on Z-Domain Autodisplay.

A regenerable immunoaffinity layer comprising covalently immobilized orientation-controlled antibodies was developed for use in a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor. For antibody orientation control, antibody-binding Z-domain-autodisplaying Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells and their outer membrane (OM) were utilized, and a disuccinimidyl crosslinker was employed for covalent antibody binding. To fabricate the regenerable immunoaffinity layer, capture antibodies were bound to autodisplayed Z-domains, and then treated with the crosslinker for chemical fixation to the Z-domains. Various crosslinkers, namely disuccinimidyl glutarate (DSG), disuccinimidyl suberate (DSS) and poly (ethylene glycol)-ylated bis (sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate (BS(PEG)5), were evaluated, and DSS at a concentration of 500 µM was confirmed to be optimal. The E. coli-cell-based regenerable HRP immunoassay was evaluated employing three sequential HRP treatment and regeneration steps. Then, the Oms of E. coli cells were isolated and layered on a microplate and regenerable OM-based HRP immunoassaying was evaluated. Five HRP immunoassays with four regeneration steps were found to be feasible. This regenerable, covalently immobilized, orientation-controlled OM-based immunoaffinity layer was applied to an SPR biosensor, which was capable of quantifying C-reactive protein (CRP). Five regeneration cycles were repeated using the demonstrated immunoaffinity layer with a signal difference of <10%.

Rutaecarpine Increases Nitric Oxide Synthesis via eNOS Phosphorylation by TRPV1-Dependent CaMKII and CaMKKß/AMPK Signaling Pathway in Human Endothelial Cells.

Rutaecarpine (RUT) is a bioactive alkaloid isolated from the fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa that exerts a cellular protective effect. However, its protective effects on endothelial cells and its mechanism of action are still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated the effects of RUT on nitric oxide (NO) synthesis via endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation in endothelial cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. RUT treatment promoted NO generation by increasing eNOS phosphorylation. Additionally, RUT induced an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase ß (CaMKKß), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). Inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) attenuated RUT-induced intracellular Ca2+ concentration and phosphorylation of CaMKII, CaMKKß, AMPK, and eNOS. Treatment with KN-62 (a CaMKII inhibitor), Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor), and STO-609 (a CaMKKß inhibitor) suppressed RUT-induced eNOS phosphorylation and NO generation. Interestingly, RUT attenuated the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 induced by TNF-α and inhibited the inflammation-related NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that RUT promotes NO synthesis and eNOS phosphorylation via the Ca2+/CaMKII and CaM/CaMKKß/AMPK signaling pathways through TRPV1. These findings provide evidence that RUT prevents endothelial dysfunction and benefit cardiovascular health.

Olea europaea Suppresses Inflammation by Targeting TAK1-Mediated MAP Kinase Activation.

Possessing a variety of medicinal functions, Olea europaea L. is widely cultivated across the world. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Olea europaea is not yet fully elucidated. In this study, how the methanol extract of the leaves of Olea europaea (Oe-ME) can suppress in vitro inflammatory responses was examined in terms of the identification of the target protein. RAW264.7 and HEK293T cells were used to study macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses and to validate the target protein using PCR, immunoblotting, nuclear fraction, overexpression, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) under fixed conditions. Oe-ME treatment inhibited the mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in activated RAW264.7 cells. Oe-ME diminished the activation of activator protein (AP)-1 and the phosphorylation of its upstream signaling cascades, including extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6), p38, MKK7, and transforming growth factor-ß-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), in stimulated-RAW264.7 cells. Overexpression and CETSA were carried out to verify that TAK1 is the target of Oe-ME. Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of Oe-ME could be attributed to its control of posttranslational modification and transcription of TAK1.

Protective Effect of Potentilla glabra in UVB-Induced Photoaging Process.

Maintaining skin homeostasis is one of the most important factors for skin health. UVB-induced skin photoaging is a difficult problem that has negative impacts on skin homeostasis. So far, a number of compounds have been discovered that improve human skin barrier function and hydration, and are thought to be effective ways to protect skin homeostasis. Potentilla glabra var. mandshurica (Maxim.) Hand.-Mazz. Ethanol Extract (Pg-EE) is a compound that has noteworthy anti-inflammatory properties. However, its skin-protective effects are poorly understood. Therefore, we evaluated the capacity of Pg-EE to strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin hydration. Pg-EE can enhance the expression of filaggrin (FLG), transglutaminase (TGM)-1, hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS)-1, and HAS-2 in human keratinocytes. Moreover, Pg-EE down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulated the production of FLG, HAS-1, and HAS-2 suppressed by UVB through inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. Given the above, since Pg-EE can improve skin barrier, hydration and reduce the UVB-induced inflammation on skin, it could therefore be a valuable natural ingredient for cosmetics or pharmaceuticals to treat skin disorders.

TAK1/AP-1-Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Barringtonia augusta Methanol Extract.

Barringtonia augusta methanol extract (Ba-ME) is a folk medicine found in the wetlands of Thailand that acts through an anti-inflammatory mechanism that is not understood fully. Here, we examine how the methanol extract of Barringtonia augusta (B. augusta) can suppress the activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling pathway and study the activities of Ba-ME in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 macrophage cell line and an LPS-induced peritonitis mouse model. Non-toxic concentrations of Ba-ME downregulated the mRNA expression of cytokines, such as cyclooxygenase and chemokine ligand 12, in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Transfection experiments with the AP-1-Luc construct, HEK293T cells, and luciferase assays were used to assess whether Ba-ME suppressed the AP-1 functional activation. A Western blot assay confirmed that C-Jun N-terminal kinase is a direct pharmacological target of Ba-ME action. The anti-inflammatory effect of Ba-ME, which functions by ß-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) inhibition, was confirmed by using an overexpression strategy and a cellular thermal shift assay. In vivo experiments in a mouse model of LPS-induced peritonitis showed the anti-inflammatory effect of Ba-ME on LPS-stimulated macrophages and acute inflammatory mouse models. We conclude that Ba-ME is a promising anti-inflammatory drug targeting TAK1 in the AP-1 pathway.

Activating mutations and translocations in the guanine exchange factor VAV1 in peripheral T-cell lymphomas.

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas frequently associated with poor prognosis and for which genetic mechanisms of transformation remain incompletely understood. Using RNA sequencing and targeted sequencing, here we identify a recurrent in-frame deletion (VAV1 Δ778-786) generated by a focal deletion-driven alternative splicing mechanism as well as novel VAV1 gene fusions (VAV1-THAP4, VAV1-MYO1F, and VAV1-S100A7) in PTCL. Mechanistically these genetic lesions result in increased activation of VAV1 catalytic-dependent (MAPK, JNK) and non-catalytic-dependent (nuclear factor of activated T cells, NFAT) VAV1 effector pathways. These results support a driver oncogenic role for VAV1 signaling in the pathogenesis of PTCL.

Euodia pasteuriana Methanol Extract Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects by Targeting TAK1 in the AP-1 Signaling Pathway.

Euodia pasteuriana A. Chev. ex Guillaumin, also known as Melicope accedens (Blume) T.G. Hartley, is a herbal medicinal plant native to Vietnam. Although Euodia pasteuriana is used as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases, the pharmacological mechanisms related to this plant are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of a methanol extract of Euodia pasteuriana leaves (Ep-ME) on the production of inflammatory mediators, the mRNA expression of proinflammatory genes, and inflammatory signaling activities in macrophage cell lines. The results showed that Ep-ME strongly suppressed the release of nitric oxide (NO) in RAW264.7 cells induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), pam3CysSerLys4 (Pam3CSK), and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) without cytotoxicity. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction further confirmed that Ep-ME suppressed the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) at the transcriptional level and reduced the luciferase activities of activator protein 1 (AP-1) reporter promoters. In addition, immunoblotting analyses of the whole lysate and nuclear fraction, as well as overexpression assays demonstrated that Ep-ME decreased the translocation of c-Jun and suppressed the activation of transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) in the AP-1 signaling pathways. These results imply that Ep-ME could be developed as an anti-inflammatory agent that targets TAK1 in the AP-1 signaling pathway.

Relationship Between Types of Social Support, Coping Strategies, and Psychological Distress in Individuals Living With Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Many people with congenital heart disease (CHD) experience psychological distress related to medical complications and psychosocial issues related to the disease. Although studies show that social support and coping strategies are closely associated with psychological distress in people struggling with different chronic health challenges, very little is known about whether the same factors hold true for the psychological distress of people living with CHD. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between types of social support, coping strategies, and psychological distress for individuals living with CHD. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design with self-report questionnaires was used. METHOD: A convenience sample of 272 participants was obtained from the Adult Congenital Heart Disease program at a tertiary care hospital in Western Canada. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine hypothesized relationships among study variables. RESULTS: Perceived social support was directly related to both anxiety and depression. Received social support influenced anxiety and depression, but its effect was through perceived social support. Wishful-thinking coping strategies mediated the relationships between perceived social support and both anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: Individuals with CHD who have low perceived and received social support are vulnerable to experiences of psychological distress. Assessments of social support and facilitation of positive coping strategies are integral to nursing care for adults with CHD.