The efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the effectiveness of Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) in treating poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), focusing on functional outcomes, mortality, and complications such as vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and hydrocephalus. METHODS: Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central, up to November 2023. Nine studies involving 368 patients were selected based on eligibility criteria focusing on TH in poor-grade SAH patients. Data extraction, bias assessment, and evidence certainty were systematically performed. RESULTS: The primary analysis of unfavorable outcomes in 271 participants showed no significant difference between the TH and standard care groups (risk ratio [RR], 0.87). However, a significant reduction in vasospasm was observed in the TH group (RR, 0.63) among 174 participants. No significant differences were found in DCI, hydrocephalus, and mortality rates in the respective participant groups. CONCLUSIONS: TH did not significantly improve primary unfavorable outcomes in poor-grade SAH patients. However, the reduction in vasospasm rates indicates potential specific benefits. The absence of significant findings in other secondary outcomes and mortality highlights the need for further research to better understand TH's role in treating this patient population.

Ginsenosides Rh1, Rg2, and Rg3 ameliorate dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 myotubes.

High doses or prolonged use of the exogenous synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) can lead to muscle atrophy. In this study, the anti-atrophic effects of ginsenosides Rh1, Rg2, and Rg3 on Dex-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy were assessed by XTT, myotube diameter, fusion index, and western blot analysis. The XTT assay results showed that treatment with Rh1, Rg2, and Rg3 enhanced cell viability in Dex-injured C2C12 myotubes. Compared with the control group, the myotube diameter and fusion index were both reduced in Dex-treated cells, but treatment with Rh1, Rg2, and Rg3 increased these parameters. Furthermore, Rh1, Rg2, and Rg3 significantly downregulated the protein expression of FoxO3a, MuRF1, and Fbx32, while also upregulating mitochondrial biogenesis through the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway. It also prevents myotube atrophy by regulating the IGF-1/Akt/ mTOR signaling pathway. These findings indicate that Rh1, Rg2, and Rg3 have great potential as useful agents for the prevention and treatment of muscle atrophy.

The Mechanism of the Anti-Obesity Effects of a Standardized Brassica juncea Extract in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6J Mice.

Obesity is a global health concern. Recent research has suggested that the development of anti-obesity ingredients and functional foods should focus on natural products without side effects. We examined the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of Brassica juncea extract (BJE) in combating obesity via experiments conducted in both in vitro and in vivo obesity models. In in vitro experiments conducted in a controlled environment, the application of BJE demonstrated the ability to suppress the accumulation of lipids induced by MDI in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, it downregulated adipogenic-related proteins peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), and lipid synthesis-related protein acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). It also upregulated the heat generation protein peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and fatty acid oxidation protein carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). The oral administration of BJE decreased body weight, alleviated liver damage, and inhibited the accumulation of lipids in mice with diet-induced obesity resulting from a high-fat diet. The inhibition of lipid accumulation by BJE in vivo was associated with a decreased expression of adipogenic and lipid synthesis proteins and an increased expression of heat generation and fatty acid oxidation proteins. BJE administration improved obesity by decreasing adipogenesis and activating heat generation and fatty acid oxidation in 3T3-L1 cells and in HFD-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. These results suggest that BJE shows potential as a natural method for preventing metabolic diseases associated with obesity.

Identification of marker compounds in fermented Benincasa hispida and validation of the method for its analysis.

Fermentation is a process that improves health functionality by inducing the production and increase of bioactive compounds. In this study, to standardize the fermentation process for Benincasa hispida, marker compounds that are increased or produced during fermentation were identified based on UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Analysis method verification and content analysis were conducted using HPLC-PDA. The marker compounds produced or increased in content were identified as 2-furoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and rubinaphthin A by comparing their retention times, UV and MS spectra, and molecular formulas with those reported in previous studies. In addition, the increase in the content of the marker compounds by fermentation was confirmed, and the analytical method was validated by measuring its specificity, linearity, limit of detection and quantitation, precision, and accuracy. These results suggest that the developed fermentation process, marker compound identification, and verified analysis method can be applied to develop potential functional food ingredients from fermented B. hispida.

Plant sources, extraction techniques, analytical methods, bioactivity, and bioavailability of sulforaphane: a review.

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate commonly found in cruciferous vegetables. It is formed via the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucoraphanin by myrosinase. SFN exerts various biological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory effects, and is widely used in functional foods and clinical medicine. However, the structure of SFN is unstable and easily degradable, and its production is easily affected by temperature, pH, and enzyme activity, which limit its application. Hence, several studies are investigating its physicochemical properties, stability, and biological activity to identify methods to increase its content. This article provides a comprehensive review of the plant sources, extraction and analysis techniques, in vitro and in vivo biological activities, and bioavailability of SFN. This article highlights the importance and provides a reference for the research and application of SFN in the future.

Higher Intake of Total Dietary Essential Amino Acids Is Associated with a Lower Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Korean Adults.

We hypothesized that a well-balanced intake of total essential amino acids (EAAs) may be associated with lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Korean adults. This population-based cross-sectional study included 25,787 participants aged ≥30 years from the 2008-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dietary information was obtained from 24 h recall data. Demographic and lifestyle factors were assessed using self-administered questionnaires, and metabolic biomarkers were obtained from a health examination. Total essential amino acid score (EAAS) was calculated to determine whether essential amino acid (EAA) intake meets the recommended nutrient intake (RNI). Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression models. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, participants with higher EAAS had a significantly lower prevalence of high blood pressure (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.75-0.98), hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.98), and Metabolic syndrome (MetS) (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74-0.996). Spline regression analysis confirmed linearity of the association between total EAAS and MetS. EAA intake and MetS are associated with an inverse dose-response relationship in which metabolic disease may be prevented when the overall EAA intake meets the RNI.

Dietary Essential Amino Acid Intake Is Associated with High Muscle Strength in Korean Older Adults.

The relationship between daily dietary intake of an individual or all essential amino acids (EAAs) and muscle strength in older adults is still inadequately characterized. This population-based cross-sectional study included 5971 participants aged ≥65 years from the 2014-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dietary information was derived from the 24 h recall data. Total essential amino acid score (EAAS) was calculated with an intake that satisfied the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) in each essential amino acid (EAA). The mean handgrip strength was estimated from triplicate measurements obtained using the dominant hand, and high muscle strength was defined as handgrip strength ≥28 kg for men and ≥18 kg for women. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression models. After multivariable adjustment, we found that a high total EAAS was associated with high muscle strength in Korean older adults (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.07-1.79). High muscle strength was significantly enhanced with increased total EAA intake from animal sources (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02-1.58), but there was no significant association with total EAA intake from non-animal sources. EAA intake and high muscle strength are associated based on a positive dose-response relationship in which high muscle strength is further increased when the overall EAA intake meets the RNI. Thus, Korean older adults should ensure an adequate intake of all EAAs from various food sources (especially animal sources) to meet the RNI as a prerequisite for achieving high muscle strength.

Association between Soy Food and Dietary Soy Isoflavone Intake and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Women: A Prospective Cohort Study in Korea.

The association between soy food and soy isoflavone intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is uncertain, especially in women. We aimed to investigate this association in Korean women. We analyzed data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, including 4713 Korean women aged 40-69 years with no CVD or cancer at baseline. Dietary information was obtained using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and the incidence of CVD was assessed using biennial self-reported questionnaires on medical history. The mean follow-up time was 7.4 years, during which 82 premenopausal and 200 postmenopausal women reported CVD incidence. The highest tofu, total soy foods, and dietary soy isoflavone intake groups were significantly associated with a decreased CVD risk in premenopausal women (tofu: hazard ratio (HR) 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.19-0.80; total soy food: HR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.18-0.70; dietary soy isoflavones: HR 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.89), whereas no association was observed in postmenopausal women. Other soy foods showed no association with CVD incidence. Dietary soy isoflavones and total soy foods are associated with a decreased CVD risk in premenopausal women. Among soy foods, only tofu showed significant health benefits.

Adherence to Dietary Guidelines among Diabetes Patients: Comparison between Elderly and Non-Elderly Groups.

This study aimed to compare adherence to dietary guidelines between elderly and non-elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Korea. Data of 4,577 participants with T2DM were collected from the 1998-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. The participants were classified into two groups based on age: non-elderly T2DM group comprising participants aged 30-64 years and elderly T2DM group comprising participants aged ≥ 65 years. Adherence to dietary guidelines was assessed using the Korean Diabetes Association-Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare (KDA-KMHW) index, comprising six components of dietary guidelines for T2DM patients. Multivariable generalized linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the KDA-KMHW index scores. The adherence levels to the individual components of the KDA-KMHW index were mostly lower in non-elderly group (p < 0.001) than elderly group, except for moderate carbohydrate consumption. The total KDA-KMHW index score was significantly lower in non-elderly T2DM group than in the elderly T2DM group (p < 0.001). The study results suggest the need for developing patient-specific education programs that focus on adherence to dietary guidelines, particularly for non-elderly patients, to adequately intervene with the difficulties experienced in T2DM dietary management.

Association between the Phytochemical Index and Lower Prevalence of Obesity/Abdominal Obesity in Korean Adults.

The relatively high levels of vegetable consumption have highlighted the need to examine the association between phytochemical intake and disease prevention. We examined the association between the phytochemical index (PI) and obesity/abdominal obesity among Korean adults. We analyzed the data of 57,940 adults aged ≥ 19 years obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We calculated PI using the 24 h recall data, and multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression models. Dose-response patterns were analyzed using restricted cubic spline regression. After multivariable adjustment, a higher PI was found to be associated with a lower prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity; this association was notable in women (obesity, OR: 0.86, CI: 0.78-0.94, p for trend = 0.01; abdominal obesity, OR: 0.81, CI: 0.73-0.90, p for trend < 0.001). Spline regression showed linearity of the associations between PI and obesity/abdominal obesity in women. Our findings suggested that maintaining a phytochemical-rich diet may help to prevent obesity and abdominal obesity, especially in women, as an increased PI corresponded to lower prevalence of obesity. This study, using evidence-based data, highlighted the importance of consuming plant-derived foods to prevent obesity.

Euphorbia humifusa Willd exerts inhibition of breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis through inhibition of TNFα-induced MMP-9 expression.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancy in women worldwide. Euphorbia humifusa Willd (EuH) is a plant that is widely used as a traditional medicine. However, no systemic studies on the anti-cancer effects of EuH have been reported. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-metastatic effect of the EuH. METHODS: Ethyl acetate fraction was prepared from EuH methanol extracts (EA/EuH). Inhibitory effect of EA/EuH on cell migration was determined using an in vitro scratch-wound healing assay. The anti-invasive activity was determined by in vitro three-dimensional spheroid culture system and in vivo syngenic experimental lung metastasis experiment. Gene expression profiles were analyzed by using RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and luciferase reporter assay systems. RESULTS: Ethyl acetate fraction from the EuH extract (EA/EuH) inhibited the migration and invasive capabilities of highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and attenuated syngeneic lung metastasis of mouse 4 T1 breast cancer cells in vivo. Mechanistically, EA/EuH decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 mRNA expression through the inhibition of NF-κB activity in MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSION: EuH may be beneficial in the prevention of invasion and metastasis of early stage breast cancer and can be served as an anti-metastatic agent or adjuvant therapy against metastatic breast cancer.

Rapid visual identification of PCR amplified nucleic acids by centrifugal gel separation: Potential use for molecular point-of-care tests.

Recently, nucleic acid amplification and detection techniques have progressed based on advances in in microfluidics, microelectronics, and optical systems. Nucleic acids amplification based point-of-care test (POCT) in resource-limited settings requires simple visual detection methods. Several biosensing methods including lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA) were previously used to visually detect nucleic acids. However, prolonged assay time, several washing steps, and a need for specific antibodies limited their use. Here we developed a novel, rapid method to visualize amplified nucleic acids with naked eyes in clinical samples. First, we optimized conditions based on separation using very low centrifugal force and a density medium to detect human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 DNA in cervical specimens. After DNA extraction, HPV16 PCR was performed with biotin-labeled forward primer and Cy3-labeled reverse primer. PCR amplicon was mixed with streptavidin-magnetic beads, introduced into the density medium. After two-minute centrifugation, the result was visually identified. This system showed identical results with commercial HPV real-time PCR for 30 clinical samples and could detect up to 10(2)copies/mL of HPV DNA without any optical instruments. This robust and sensitive visual detection system is suitable for non-specialist personnel and point-of-care diagnosis in low-resource settings.

Antiplatelet activity of beta-carboline alkaloids from Perganum harmala: a possible mechanism through inhibiting PLCgamma2 phosphorylation.

Beta-carboline alkaloids including harmalol, harmaline, norharmane, harmol, harmine and harmane are important constituents of the medicinal plant, Perganum harmala L. (Zygophylaceae), which has been used in traditional medicine. In the present study, the antiplatelet activities of six beta-carboline alkaloid compounds were investigated in vitro. At a concentration of 200 microM, these compounds have no effect on arachidonic acid (AA)-, thrombin- and U46619 (a thromboxane A2 mimic)-stimulated platelet aggregation. On the contrary, it was revealed that collagen-induced platelet aggregation could be inhibited by these compounds with different potencies (harmane and harmine were most potent, harmol had medium potency, and harmol, norharmane, harmalol and harmaline had a weak, non significant effect), indicating a selective inhibition on collagen-mediated platelet activation. Consistently, further study revealed that collagen-mediated phospholipase (PL) Cgamma2 and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, cytosolic calcium mobilization and arachidonic acid liberation were completely inhibited by harmane and harmine in a concentration-dependent manner, while the other compounds were only partially or not effective at all. Taken together, these results indicate that three of these six beta-carboline alkaloids can selectively affect collagen-induced platelet aggregation with different potencies; in particular, harmane and harmine were most potent, and their antiplatelet activities may be mediated by inhibiting PLCgamma2 and protein tyrosine phosphorylation with sequential suppression of cytosolic calcium mobilization and arachidonic acid liberation, indicating that harmane and harmine have a potential to be developed as a novel agent for atherothrombotic diseases.

Antiplatelet activity of epigallocatechin gallate is mediated by the inhibition of PLCgamma2 phosphorylation, elevation of PGD2 production, and maintaining calcium-ATPase activity.

We have previously reported that green tea catechins displayed a potent antithrombotic effect by inhibition of platelet aggregation. In the present study, the antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major catechin derived from green tea, were extensively investigated. EGCG inhibited arterial thrombus formation and U46619-, collagen-, and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced washed rabbit platelet aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 61 +/- 3, 85 +/- 4, and 99 +/- 4 microM, respectively. In line with the inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation, EGCG revealed blocking of the collagen-mediated phospholipase (PL) Cgamma2 and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and it caused concentration-dependent decreases of cytosolic calcium mobilization, AA liberation, and serotonin secretion. In addition, the platelet aggregation, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation induced by thapsigargin, a Ca2(+)-ATPase pump inhibitor, were completely blocked by EGCG. Contrary to the inhibition of AA-induced platelet aggregation, EGCG failed to inhibit cyclooxygenase and thromboxane (TX) A2 synthase activities, but it concentration-dependently elevated AA-mediated PGD2 formation. In contrast, epigallocatechin (EGC), a structural analogue of EGCG lacking a galloyl group in the 3' position, slightly inhibited collagen-stimulated cytosolic calcium mobilization, but failed to affect other signal transductions as did EGCG in activated platelets and arterial thrombus formation. These results suggest that antiplatelet activity of EGCG may be attributable to its modulation of multiple cellular targets, such as inhibitions of PLCgamma2, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and AA liberation, and elevation of cellular PGD2 levels, as well as maintaining Ca2(+)-ATPase activity, which may underlie its beneficial effect on the atherothrombotic diseases.

Antithrombotic and antiplatelet activities of Korean red ginseng extract.

The antithrombotic and antiplatelet activities of Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) were examined on rat carotid artery thrombosis in vivo and platelet aggregation in vitro and ex vivo. The KRGE significantly prevented rat carotid arterial thrombosis in vivo in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of the KRGE to rats significantly inhibited adenosine diphosphate (ADP)- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation ex vivo, although it failed to prolong coagulation times such as activated partial thromboplastin and prothrombin time indicating that the antithrombotic effect of the red ginseng may be due to its antiplatelet aggregation rather than anticoagulation effect. In line with the above observations, the red ginseng inhibited the U46619-, arachidonic acid-, collagen- and thrombin-induced rabbit platelet aggregations in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC(50) values of 390 +/- 15, 485 +/- 19, 387 +/- 11 and 335 +/- 15 microg/ml, respectively. Consistently, serotonin secretion was also inhibited by ginseng in the same pattern. These results suggest that the red ginseng has a potent antithrombotic effect in vivo, which may be due to the antiplatelet rather than the anticoagulation activity, and the red ginseng intake may be beneficial for individuals with high risks of thrombotic and cardiovascular diseases.

Antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities of Korean Red Ginseng.

The antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) were examined on rat carotid artery thrombosis in vivo, and platelet aggregation in vitro and ex vivo. Administration of KRG to rats not only prevented carotid artery thrombosis in vivo in a dose-dependent manner, but also significantly inhibited ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation ex vivo, while failed to prolong coagulation times such as activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT), indicating the antithrombotic effect of KRG might be due to its antiplatelet aggregation rather than anticoagulation effect. In line with the above observations, KRG inhibited U46619-, arachidonic acid-, collagen- and thrombin-induced rabbit platelet aggregation in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 620 +/- 12, 823 +/- 22, 722 + 21 and 650 +/- 14 microg/mL, respectively. Accordingly, KRG also inhibited various agonists-induced platelet serotonin secretions as it suppressed platelet aggregation. These results suggest that KRG has a potent antithrombotic effect in vivo, which may be due to antiplatelet rather than anticoagulation activity, and KRG intake may be beneficial to the individuals with high risks of thrombotic and cardiovascular diseases.