Ameliorative effect of atractylenolide III in the mast cell proliferation induced by TSLP.

Atractylenolide III (ATL-III) is an active compound of Atractylodes lancea, which has been widely used for the treatment of cancer. Cancer is closely connected with inflammation, and many anti-inflammatory agents are also used to treat cancer. We investigated the influence of ATL-III on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)-induced inflammatory reactions. Pretreatment with ATL-III suppressed murine double minute 2 levels and promoted p53 levels in TSLP-treated human mast cell, HMC-1 cells. Mast cell proliferation increased by TSLP or IL-3 stimulation was significantly decreased by ATL-III pretreatment. Interleukin (IL)-13 and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, 5, and 6 levels in TSLP-treated HMC-1 cells were also decreased by ATL-III pretreatment. In addition, ATL-III decreased the TSLP-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-8). ATL-III decreased the levels of Bcl2 and procaspase-3 and increased caspase-3 activation and cleaved PARP levels. Furthermore, ATL-III decreased TSLP-induced mast cell proliferation and the production of inflammatory cytokine by LAD2 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that ATL-III plays a useful role as an anti-inflammatory agent and should be viewed as a potential anti-cancer agent.

Cordycepin Suppresses Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Expression via Blocking Caspase-1 and Receptor-Interacting Protein 2 Signaling Pathways in Mast Cells.

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) is one of the active components isolated from Cordyceps militaris, and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, and anti-cancer effects. Mast cell-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammatory reactions. Here, we investigated the regulatory effect and mechanisms of cordycepin on the expression of TSLP in the human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells, and in the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT cells. Cordycepin significantly decreased the production and mRNA expression of TSLP through the inhibition of caspase-1 and nuclear factor-κB activation. Cordycepin also significantly reduced the phosphorylation of receptor-interacting protein 2 and inhibitory kappa B (IκB) kinase ß. Cordycepin significantly decreased the production and mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in activated HMC-1 cells. Moreover, cordycepin significantly decreased the levels of TSLP in activated HaCaT cells. Our studies suggest that cordycepin can be applied to the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases exacerbated by TSLP.

Effects of electroacupuncture on capsaicin-induced model of atopic dermatitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Electroacupuncture (EA) is used as a prescription to treat pruritus and atopic dermatitis. Whether EA affects experimental itch in rat models of immunologic or neuronal damages, however, is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to determine the therapeutic effects of high-frequency EA on atopic dermatitis-like lesions in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Capsaicin (50mg/kg) was subcutaneously administered rat pups within 48h after birth. Rats then underwent 30min of EA at six acupoints (bilateral BL13, and unilateral LI11, ST36, SP10, SP6) every other day (EA group) for 3 weeks. Measurements of IgE, mast cells, scratching behavior, dynorphin release, skin thickness and dermatitis score were obtained. RESULTS: Only the dermatitis score and dynorphin expression were decreased in the EA group compared with the control non-EA group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that high-frequency EA alleviates pruritus of atopic dermatitis-like lesions in rats induced by capsaicin injection, via the release of dynorphin. These findings indicate a new potential therapeutic approach for the amelioration of symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Kimchi, a fermented vegetable, improves serum lipid profiles in healthy young adults: randomized clinical trial.

Vegetable-based diets have generally focused on their health benefits including negative associations with the serum cholesterol concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum lipid concentrations are influenced by the amount of kimchi intake. For the study, 100 volunteers were assigned to 2 dietary groups, low (15 g/day, n=50) and high (210 g/day, n=50) kimchi intake, and were housed together in a dormitory for 7 days. Identical meals except with different amount of kimchi were provided and subjects were instructed to maintain their normal physical activity. Concentrations of fasting blood glucose (FBG), total glucose, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-C significantly decreased in both groups after 7 days of kimchi intake, but the effects were dose dependent. Lipid lowering effects of kimchi were more profound in the subjects with total cholesterol and LDL-C level over 190 and 130 mg/dL, respectively, in both groups. FBG was significantly decreased in the high kimchi intake as compared to the low intake group (P=.003). In conclusion, greater consumption of kimchi improved FBG and serum total cholesterol in young healthy adults.

SoSoSo or its active ingredient chrysophanol regulates production of inflammatory cytokines & adipokine in both macrophages & adipocytes.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Obesity is now considered as a major risk factor for the development of fatty liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and atherosclerosis. SoSoSo is a newly developed dietary supplement made of seven medicinal herbs. This study was aimed at examining the anti-obesity effect of SoSoSo or its active ingredient chrysophanol on the production of inflammatory cytokines and adipokine in macrophyage cell line RAW264 and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. METHODS: No release was measured as a form of nitrite by Griess method. The production of inflammatory cytokines and adipokine were measured with the ELISA method. The m-RNA expression of each cytokine and adipokine were measured using RT-PCR. The nuclear proteins for NF-κB were analyzed with western blotting. RESULTS: SoSoSo or chrysophanol significantly inhibited the nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264 cells as well as in RAW264 cells-conditioned medium (CM)-treated 3T3-L1 cells. The production of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were inhibited by SoSoSo or chrysophanol. In addition, SoSoSo or chrysophanol inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB in RAW264 cells. SoSoSo or chrysophanol inhibited the productions of IL-6, TNF-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 as well as the reduction of adiponectin production in CM-treated 3T3-L1 cells. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a potential of SoSoSo or chrysophanol as a source of anti-inflammatory agent for obesity. Further in vivo studies would be required to confirm these findings.

The effect of TJ-15 plus TJ-17 on atopic dermatitis: a pilot study based on the principle of pattern identification.

AIM: Hwang-Yeon-Hae-Dok-San (TJ-15) and Ou-Ryung-San (TJ-17) are two common herbal formulas that have been used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD), especially the Dampness-Heat pattern of AD. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of TJ-15 plus TJ-17 for patients with the Dampness-Heat pattern of AD based on pattern identification. METHODS: This study was a parallel, randomized, active-controlled, double-blind trial. A total of 24 patients were enrolled. Either a combination of TJ-15 plus TJ-17, or TJ-15 alone was orally administered 3 times daily for 4 weeks. Of the patients enrolled, 19 patients completed the 4-week treatment course (TJ-15 plus TJ-17: n=8, TJ-15: n=11). Efficacy was assessed using the scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index; area of eczema and severity index (EASI); as well as the symptoms related to the Dampness-Heat by pattern identification. Efficacy measures were evaluated at the baseline and at 4 weeks. Safety was assessed throughout the study using ongoing laboratory tests. RESULTS: Both the SCORAD and EASI showed more improvement in the TJ-15 plus TJ-17 group than in the TJ-15 group; however, the differences were not statistically significant. The symptoms related to the Dampness-Heat pattern were reduced in both groups, and the changes were similar. There were no reported adverse events during this study, or abnormalities observed on aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine testing. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that both the TJ-15 plus TJ-17 and the TJ-15 provided safe and effective treatment for patients with the Dampness-Heat pattern type of AD.

Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate inhibits the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin by the blockade of caspase-1/NF-κB pathway in mast cells.

The cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) has been implicated in the development and progression of allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, it has not yet been clarified the effect of epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) on the production of TSLP. Thus, we investigated how EGCG inhibits the production of TSLP in the human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, luciferase assay, and Western blot analysis were used to investigate the effects of EGCG. EGCG inhibited the production and mRNA expression of TSLP in HMC-1 cells. EGCG also inhibited the nuclear factor-κB luciferase activity induced by phorbol myristate acetate plus A23187. Furthermore, EGCG inhibited the activation of caspase-1 in HMC-1 cells. These results provide evidence that EGCG can help us to treat inflammatory and atopic diseases through the inhibition of TSLP.

Naringenin suppresses the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin through the blockade of RIP2 and caspase-1 signal cascade in mast cells.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays a critical role in allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Naringenin has various effects such as anti-atherogenic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of naringenin on the production of TSLP has not been clarified. Thus, we investigated how naringenin inhibits the production of TSLP in the human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells. Naringenin inhibited the production and mRNA expression of TSLP in HMC-1 cells. The maximal inhibition rate of TSLP production by naringenin (100 µM) was 62.27 ± 10.79%. Naringenin also inhibited the nuclear factor-κB luciferase activity induced by phorbol myristate acetate plus A23187. In the activated HMC-1 cells, the activations of receptor-interacting protein (RIP)2 and caspase-1 were increased, whereas the activations of RIP2 and caspase-1 were decreased by pretreatment with naringenin. These results suggest that naringenin can be used to treat inflammatory and atopic diseases through the inhibition of TSLP.

Berberine inhibits the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin by the blockade of caspase-1/NF-κB pathway in mast cells.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays a pivotal role in allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, it has not been clarified the effect of berberine (BER) on the production of TSLP yet. Thus, we investigated how BER inhibits the production of TSLP in the human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, luciferase assay, and Western blot analysis to investigate the effects of BER. BER inhibited the production and mRNA expression of TSLP in HMC-1 cells. BER also inhibited the nuclear factor-κB luciferase activity induced by phorbol myristate acetate plus A23187. BER inhibited the activation of caspase-1 in HMC-1 cells. Furthermore, BER inhibited the production of TSLP in primary mast cells. These results provide evidence that BER can help to treat inflammatory and atopic diseases through the inhibition of TSLP.

Effect of Orostachys japonicus on cell growth and apoptosis in human hepatic stellate cell line LX2.

Orostachys japonicus (O. japonicus), used to treat diseases such as various cancers, gastric ulcers, fever, hepatitis, arthritis, eczema, for hemostasis, and intoxication in folk medicine, has been an important constituent in many herbal formulae. We demonstrated that the water extract of O. japonicus led to growth inhibition of LX2 cells by inducing apoptosis through the caspase activation, related to the MAPK pathway. O. japonicus inhibited proliferation of LX2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, increased the apoptosis fraction at cell cycle progression with an accompanying DNA fragmentation, and resulted in a significant decrease in Bcl-2 and an increase in Bax mRNA levels. Exposure of LX2 cells to O. japonicus induced caspase-3 activation, however when the LX2 cells were also treated with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK and the caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVE-FMK, apoptosis was blocked. O. japonicus inhibited anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 protein and MEK/ERK phosphorylation in LX2 cells. The results indicate that O. japonicus inhibits the cell growth of LX2 cells by inducing apoptosis through caspase activity. O. japonicus down-regulated Mcl-1 protein levels and inhibited the phosphorylation of MEK/ERK, suggesting that it mediates cell death in LX2 cells through the down-regulation of Mcl-1 protein via a MEK/ERK-independent pathway.

Ameliorative effect of purple bamboo salt-pharmaceutical acupuncture on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that purple bamboo salt (PBS)-pharmaceutical acupuncture has an ameliorative effect on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. OBJECTIVES: We have previously reported that PBS exhibited anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory actions in vitro and in vivo. Pharmaceutical acupuncture is a traditional oriental therapeutic technique that combines acupuncture with herbal treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of PBS-pharmaceutical acupuncture against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in the auditory cell line, HEI-OC1, and in vivo. METHODS: The ELISA method, a caspase-3 assay, an MTT assay, Western blot analysis, and a luciferase assay were utilized to investigate the effect of PBS in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: When it was acupunctured at the Ermen acupoint (triple energizer meridian 21) after an administration of cisplatin, PBS-pharmaceutical acupuncture significantly suppressed interleukin (IL)-6 production and caspase-3 activation induced by cisplatin in the cochlea. In addition, PBS significantly inhibited cisplatin-induced apoptosis and IL-6 production in HEI-OC1 cells. PBS also suppressed cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation, and it inhibited extracellular signal-related kinase and nuclear factor-κB activation in HEI-OC1 cells.

Efficacy of ah shi point acupuncture on acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Ah shi point acupuncture involves inserting needles at painful or pathological sites. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of ah shi point and general acupuncture point treatment of acne vulgaris. METHODS: 36 subjects were recruited and randomised in a double-blind (patient-blind and observer-blind) controlled trial to receive acupuncture either at general acupuncture points only, or at both general acupuncture points and ah shi points 12 times over 6 weeks. The subjects were evaluated using the following outcome measurements: an inflammatory lesion count, a quality-of-life scale (Skindex-29) and a subjective symptom score. RESULTS: After 12 treatment sessions, there was a significant reduction in the inflammatory acne lesion counts, the Skindex-29 scores and the subjective symptom scores from baseline in both groups, but no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture treatment of moderate acne vulgaris was associated with reduction of inflammatory lesions and improvement of the quality of life.