Korean Red Ginseng and Rb1 facilitate remyelination after cuprizone diet-induced demyelination.

Background: Demyelination has been observed in neurological disorders, motivating researchers to search for components for enhancing remyelination. Previously we found that Rb1, a major ginsenoside in Korean Red Ginseng (KRG), enhances myelin formation. However, it has not been studied whether Rb1 or KRG function in remyelination after demyelination in vivo. Methods: Mice were fed 0.2% cuprizone-containing chow for 5 weeks and returned to normal chow with daily oral injection of vehicle, KRG, or Rb1 for 3 weeks. Brain sections were stained with luxol fast blue (LFB) staining or immunohistochemistry. Primary oligodendrocyte or astrocyte cultures were subject to normal or stress condition with KRG or Rb1 treatment to measure gene expressions of myelin, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, antioxidants and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Results: Compared to the vehicle, KRG or Rb1 increased myelin levels at week 6.5 but not 8, when measured by the LFB+ or GST-pi+ area within the corpus callosum. The levels of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, astrocytes, and microglia were high at week 5, and reduced afterwards but not changed by KRG or Rb1. In primary oligodendrocyte cultures, KRG or Rb1 increased expression of myelin genes, ER stress markers, and antioxidants. Interestingly, under cuprizone treatment, elevated ER stress markers were counteracted by KRG or Rb1. Under rotenone treatment, reduced myelin gene expressions were recovered by Rb1. In primary astrocyte cultures, KRG or Rb1 decreased LIF expression. Conclusion: KRG and Rb1 may improve myelin regeneration during the remyelination phase in vivo, potentially by directly promoting myelin gene expression.

Beneficial Effects of Fermentation of Red Chili Pepper Using Lactococcus lactis subs. Cremoris RPG-HL-0136 in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Red chili pepper is a beneficial natural spicy food that has antiobesity and antitype II diabetes effects, but it is not conducive to in-depth research as a dietary strategy to treat obesity. This study aims to investigate the beneficial effects of red chili pepper, fermented with a novel Lactococcus lactis subs. cremoris RPG-HL-0136. LC-MS/MS analysis is conducted to detect the content of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, and no significant difference is observed between the nonfermented red chili pepper (NFP) (W/W) and the prepared L. lactis subs. cremoris RPG-HL-0136-fermented chili mixture (LFP). After establishing a high-fat diet-induced obese type II diabetic mouse model, the effects on weight gain, weight loss of liver and testicular fat, total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance in LFP were evaluated to be better than those in NFP following 10 weeks of interventions. All animal experiments were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Xinxiang medical university. NFP and LFP could increase the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha and caspase-2 in the high-fat mice. Compared with unfermented red chili pepper, the fermented red chili pepper complex significantly reduced LPS, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 in serum (P < .05). Intake of LFP significantly increased the expression of claudin-1 and occludin in the colon of the high-fat mice (P < .05), and there was no damage to the stomach and colon. This study provides scientific evidence that red chili pepper, fermented with L. lactis subs. cremoris RPG-HL-0136, may be beneficial for future treatment of obesity and accompanying diabetes. (IACUC.No.XYLL-20200019).

The Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer on Daily Intake of Low-Dose BaP in C57BL/6 for 60 Days.

BACKGROUND: Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a carcinogenic compound in contaminated foodstuffs. The effect of oral intake of the environmental carcinogen BaP under low doses and frequent exposure on a digestive system has not been thoroughly verified. METHODS: In this regard, this study was conducted to prove the toxicity effects of BaP on the stomach and colon tissue after exposure to C57BL/6 mouse (3 and 6 µg/kg) following daily oral administration for 60 days. This study investigated acute gastric mucosal injury, severe gastric edema, cell infiltration, and mononuclear cells, multifocal cells, and tumoral inflammatory cells. RESULTS: The results of ELISA showed that the expression of serum interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the BaP exposure group were significantly increased, and a high level of DNA adduct distribution in their stomach and colon. Moreover, this study has confirmed the expression of early carcinogenesis markers: nuclear factor (NF)-κB, p53, IL-6, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), mucin (MUC1 and MUC2), and ß-catenin in the stomach and colon, and showed that there was a significant increase in IL-6, NF-κB, SOD1, ß-catenin, and MUC1 (P < 0.05). At the same time, there was a significant decrease in MUC2 and p53 (P < 0.05). Thus, even in low doses, oral intake of BaP can induce DNA damage, increasing the potential risk of gastrointestinal cancer. CONCLUSION: This study will provide a scientific basis for researching environmental contaminated food and intestinal health following daily oral administration of BaP.

Positional deformation of the parotid gland: Application to minimally invasive procedures.

Anatomical studies of the parotid gland are important for mid- and lower face filler, botulinum toxin, and thread lifting procedures. The purpose of this study was to observe the topographic anatomy of the parotid gland using cadaveric dissections. The superficial lobe of the parotid gland was studied in 30 hemisected heads. Reference lines were made on the lateral aspect of the face. A reference line (the line connecting the mandibular angle to the upper margin of the zygomatic arch, along the posterior border of the ramus) was divided into four sections (P1, P2, P3, and P4). The superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior borders of the parotid gland were measured using the reference lines and sections. Using these measurements, we categorized the superficial lobe of the parotid gland into two types: type Ia, pistol-shaped; Ib, pistol-shaped with an accessory lobe; and type II, oval-shaped. The superior border of the parotid gland started just below the inferior margin of the zygomatic arch. The parotid gland covered the posterior part of the masseter muscle near P1 and P2, but at P3 and below P3, the tail of the parotid gland was located posterior to the ramus and covered the anterior part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The topographic anatomy of the parotid gland serves as a reliable reference for esthetic procedures in the lower face and neck region.

Identification of a suitable layer for injecting calcium hydroxylapatite fillers in the hands.

BACKGROUND: Hand rejuvenation has become increasingly popular in esthetic medicine. Hand rejuvenation with injectables remains challenging, and there are no established practice guidelines. The calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler injection is currently one of the most common procedures. This study aimed to identify the layer of the hand dorsum that is lifted by skin pinching and to identify the layer where an injectable filler would be placed based on the anatomical study and ultrasound findings. METHODS: The anatomic layers of the cadaveric hands were examined using the skin pinching method. Anatomic dissections and histological examinations were performed on four fixed and five fresh cadaveric hands to reveal the anatomical layers in which the CaHA filler was administered. Furthermore, 20 patients were treated with the CaHA filler, and the Doppler ultrasound was used to reveal the proper anatomical layers for filler placement. RESULTS: The study of the cadaveric hands showed that skin pinching can ensure safe entry points and can guide the cannula into safe planes without compromising the large superficial veins. A filler injection with skin pinching in cadaveric hands demonstrated that the filler was introduced primarily in the dorsal intermediate lamina where the veins are present. This was further confirmed by ultrasound findings. CONCLUSION: The dorsal intermediate lamina, which has the veins is a relatively loose structure, and the cannula was moved along this space. When the layer is stretched by skin pinching, the veins run underneath. The dorsal intermediate lamina is the appropriate layer to inject the filler.

Development and Usability of a Virtual Reality-Based Filler Injection Training System.

PURPOSE: As filler procedures have increased in popularity, serious injection-related complications (e.g., blindness and stroke) have also increased in number. Proper and effective training is important for filler procedure safety; however, limitations exist in traditional training methods (i.e. anatomical illustrations and cadaver studies). We aimed to describe the development process and evaluate the usability of a virtual reality (VR)-based aesthetic filler injection training system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed the virtual reality hardware for the training system and a short guide, with a lecture regarding safe filler injection techniques. One hundred clinicians who attended a conference tested the training system. Participants completed system usability scale (SUS) and satisfaction questionnaires. RESULTS: Nearly half of the participants were aged 35-50 years, and 38% had more than 5 years of aesthetic experience. The mean SUS score was 59.8 (standard deviation, 12.23), with no significant differences among the evaluated subgroups. Approximately 76% of participants provided SUS scores of more than 51, indicating acceptable usability. Participants aged 35-50 years were more likely to rate the system as having poor usability than were those aged < 35 years (odds ratio = 5.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.35-20.08). CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to develop and explore the usability of a VR-based filler training system. Nearly three-fourths of participants indicated that the training system has an acceptable level of usability. However, assessments in precise target audiences and more detailed usability information are necessary to further refine the training system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Pyropia yezoensis Extract Suppresses IFN-Gamma- and TNF-Alpha-Induced Proinflammatory Chemokine Production in HaCaT Cells via the Down-Regulation of NF-κB.

Pyropia yezoensis, a red alga, is popular and harvested a lot in East Asia and is famous for its medicinal properties attributable to its bioactive compounds including amino acids (porphyra-334 and shinorine, etc.), polysaccharides, phytosterols, and pigments, but its anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigate the anti-AD effect of P. yezoensis extract (PYE) on mRNA and protein levels of the pro-inflammatory chemokines, thymus, and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22), in human HaCaT keratinocyte cells treated to interferon (IFN)-γ or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (10 ng/mL each). The effect of the PYE on extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and other mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was related to its suppression of TARC and MDC production by blocking NF-κB activation in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, astaxanthin and xanthophyll from P. yezoensis were identified as anti-AD candidate compounds. These results suggest that the PYE may improve AD and contained two carotenoids by regulating pro-inflammatory chemokines.

Comparative Effectiveness of Different Interventions of Perivascular Hyaluronidase.

BACKGROUND: Soft-tissue necrosis caused by vascular compromise is a frequent and troublesome complication of hyaluronic acid filler injection. Hyaluronidase has been proposed as a treatment for this condition. This study aimed to determine the effective dose and administration interval of hyaluronidase injection in a skin necrosis animal model. METHODS: New Zealand rabbits were used to simulate the hyaluronic acid-associated vascular occlusion model. Hyaluronic acid filler (0.1 ml) was injected into the central auricular artery to create an occlusion. Three rabbit auricular flaps were injected with 500 IU of hyaluronidase once (group A) and three flaps each were injected at 15-minute intervals with 250 IU of hyaluronidase twice (group B), 125 IU of hyaluronidase four times (group C), 100 IU of hyaluronidase five times (group D), and 75 IU of hyaluronidase seven times (group E), all at 24 hours after occlusion. No intervention was administered after occlusion in the control group. Flap fluorescence angiography was performed immediately after hyaluronidase injection and on postoperative days 2, 4, and 7. Flap necrotic areas were analyzed. RESULTS: All control and experimental flaps demonstrated total occlusion after hyaluronic acid injection. The average total survival rate (positive area/total area ×100 percent) of control flaps was 37.61 percent. For experimental groups, the average total survival rates were 74.83 percent, 81.49 percent, 88.26 percent, 56.48 percent, and 60.69 percent in groups A through E, respectively. CONCLUSION: A better prognosis can be obtained by administering repeated doses rather than a single high dose of hyaluronidase.

Practical Guidelines for Hyaluronic Acid Soft-Tissue Filler Use in Facial Rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most commonly used fillers for soft-tissue augmentation. The face is a dynamic structure. Facial rejuvenation by filler products depends on mechanical forces on the region of the face. The successful use of injectable HA fillers requires an understanding of the options available. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to measure the rheological properties of HA fillers and to clarify how to select these fillers considering their rheological properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rheological characterization was performed on 41 fillers. Physical parameters directly linked to product performance were measured. RESULTS: The properties of the HA fillers varied. These findings provide a basis for selection guideline regarding rheological properties in facial rejuvenation. CONCLUSION: The authors' report is the largest study to determine the rheological properties of HA fillers to date. Understanding the fillers' properties can help physicians select the appropriate fillers for more predictable and sustainable results.

Soft Tissue Filler Properties Can Be Altered by a Small-Diameter Needle.

BACKGROUND: Small-bore needles reduce the complications associated with soft tissue filler injection. Gel particles must be sized appropriately to pass through fine-bore needles with an acceptable extrusion force. However, most soft tissue filler particles are larger than the inner diameter of the needle. The authors hypothesized that the physical properties of these particles change as the gel passes through the needle. OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to investigate whether the predesigned physical and rheological properties of the filler change after passage through the small-bore needle. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Particle sizes of 4 hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers were analyzed using a particle size analyzer. Five soft tissue fillers with different particle sizes were subjected to rheological characterization. All tests were performed using fillers with and without a 30-G needle. RESULTS: Monophasic HA fillers with smaller particle sizes exhibited small changes between particle sizes but no differences in rheological properties. Biphasic HA fillers with larger particle sizes exhibited remarkable changes in particle size and rheological properties. Calcium fillers exhibited changes in rheological properties. CONCLUSION: Injection through small-bore needles can alter the physical properties and rheological equilibrium of soft tissue fillers. The authors suggest avoiding small-bore needles as they may affect the rheological equilibrium and clinical performance of fillers.

Effectiveness of Retrobulbar Hyaluronidase Injection in an Iatrogenic Blindness Rabbit Model Using Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection.

BACKGROUND: Blindness caused by soft-tissue filler injection is the most tragic complication, with no standard treatments until recently. Retrobulbar hyaluronidase injection has been proposed as the treatment, but its effectiveness in visual compromise remains to be determined. The authors aimed to determine the effectiveness of retrobulbar hyaluronidase using soft-tissue filler in an iatrogenic blindness animal model. METHODS: New Zealand White rabbits were used to simulate the hyaluronic acid-associated vascular occlusion model. A volume of 0.7 to 1.6 ml of hyaluronic acid filler was injected into the internal carotid artery to create a retinal artery occlusion. The rabbits were administered retrobulbar hyaluronidase (3000 IU) at different postobstruction time points (5 and 10 minutes). No intervention was given to the control group. Fundus photography was performed before and immediately after the filler injection and immediately after the administration of retrobulbar hyaluronidase. Electroretinography was performed after 60 minutes to confirm the retinal reperfusion and electrophysiologic function. RESULTS: All of the experimental eyes recorded total occlusion after hyaluronic acid injection. Three eyes with a completely occluded retinal artery following retrobulbar hyaluronidase treatment showed improved retinal reperfusion by fundus photography and corresponding electroretinography. Despite administration of the retrobulbar hyaluronidase injection, one completely occluded eye showed no improvement in perfusion. All of the control eyes recorded complete occlusion 1 hour after hyaluronic acid filler injection. CONCLUSIONS: Retrobulbar hyaluronidase may be an effective evidence-based treatment option for humans. Hyaluronidase concentration and injection time are the important factors for faster recovery, but additional studies are still required.

Leathesia difformis Extract Inhibits α-MSH-Induced Melanogenesis in B16F10 Cells via Down-Regulation of CREB Signaling Pathway.

Leathesia difformis (L.) Areschoug (L. difformis) is a species of littoral brown algae of the class Phaeophyceae. Only a few studies on the apoptotic, antiviral, and antioxidant properties of L. difformis have been reported, and its inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis has not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-melanogenic effect of L. difformis extract on α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced B16F10 melanocytes and its mechanism of action. L. difformis was extracted using 80% ethanol (LDE) and then fractioned between ethyl acetate (LDE-EA) and water (LDE-A). Our data demonstrated that LDE-EA significantly inhibited melanin level and cellular tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-stimulated B16 cells. In addition, the expression of genes associated with melanin synthesis, such as microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf), tyrosinase (Tyr), tyrosinase-related protein-1 (Trp-1), dopachrome tautomerase (Dct), and melanocortin 1 receptor (Mc1r) was down-regulated by LDE-EA treatment. Moreover, LDE-EA decreased p-CREB levels, which suggests that the inhibition of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathways may be involved in the anti-melanogenic effect of LDE-EA. Thus, this study revealed that LDE-EA is an effective inhibitor of hyperpigmentation through inhibition of CREB pathways and may be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for hyperpigmentation disorders.

N,N-disubstituted azines attenuate LPS-mediated neuroinflammation in microglia and neuronal apoptosis via inhibiting MAPK signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Activated microglia interact with astrocytes and neuronal cells to induce neuroinflammation, which can contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. To identify the most effective anti-neuroinflammatory agent, we designed and synthesized a family of 13 new azine derivatives and investigated their anti-neuroinflammatory activities in LPS-activated BV-2 microglial cells. RESULTS: Out of 13 derivatives, compound 3 [4,4'-(1E,1'E,3E,3'E)-3,3'-(hydrazine-1,2-diylidene) bis-(prop-1-ene-1-yl-3-ylidene) bis-(2-methoxyphenol)] exhibited excellent anti-neuroinflammatory activities (IC50 = 12.47 µM), which protected neurons from microglia-mediated neurotoxicity. Specifically, the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of compound 3 inhibited MAPK signaling pathways through the inhibition of p38 and JNK mediated signaling and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inflammatory mediators. Additionally, compound 3 strongly exhibited neuroprotective effect by inhibiting LPS-mediated necrosis and apoptosis. Preliminary SAR analysis suggests that the presence of methoxyphenol and the substitution pattern within hydrazine may influence the anti-neuroinflammatory activity. FACS analysis also strongly supports the neuroprotective effect of compound 3. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, the compound 3 exhibited excellent anti-neuroinflammatory activity against LPS-activated microglia, which resulted in the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and neuronal degeneration.

Wasabisides A-E, Lignan Glycosides from the Roots of Wasabia japonica.

Five new lignan glycosides, wasabisides A-E (1-5), and four known phenolic compounds (6-9), were isolated from the roots of Wasabia japonica. The chemical structures of the new compounds (1-5) were determined through spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. All isolated compounds (1-9) were evaluated for their potential neuroprotective effects through induction of nerve growth factor in C6 glioma cells, for their effects on nitric oxide levels in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine microglia BV2 cells, and for their cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and BT549).

Neuroprotective effect of 6-paradol in focal cerebral ischemia involves the attenuation of neuroinflammatory responses in activated microglia.

Paradols are non-pungent and biotransformed metabolites of shogaols and reduce inflammatory responses as well as oxidative stress as shogaols. Recently, shogaol has been noted to possess therapeutic potential against several central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including cerebral ischemia, by reducing neuroinflammation in microglia. Therefore, paradol could be used to improve neuroinflammation-associated CNS disorders. Here, we synthesized paradol derivatives (2- to 10-paradols). Through the initial screening for anti-inflammatory activities using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia, 6-paradol was chosen to be the most effective compound without cytotoxicity. Pretreatment with 6-paradol reduced neuroinflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia by a concentration-dependent manner, which includes reduced NO production by inhibiting iNOS upregulation and lowered secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). To pursue whether the beneficial in vitro effects of 6-paradol leads towards in vivo therapeutic effects on transient focal cerebral ischemia characterized by neuroinflammation, we employed middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion (M/R). Administration of 6-paradol immediately after reperfusion significantly reduced brain damage in M/R-challenged mice as assessed by brain infarction, neurological deficit, and neural cell survival and death. Furthermore, as observed in cultured microglia, 6-paradol administration markedly reduced neuroinflammation in M/R-challenged brains by attenuating microglial activation and reducing the number of cells expressing iNOS and TNF-α, both of which are known to be produced in microglia following M/R challenge. Collectively, this study provides evidences that 6-paradol effectively protects brain after cerebral ischemia, likely by attenuating neuroinflammation in microglia, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic agent to treat cerebral ischemia.

Five new oxylipins from Chaenomeles sinensis.

In the course of our continuing search for bioactive constituents of Korean medicinal plants, we isolated five new oxylipins, chaenomic acid A-E (1-5), and six known ones (6-11) from the twigs of Chaenomeles sinensis. The structures of the new compounds (1-5) were determined by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR ((1)H and (13)C NMR, (1)H-(1)H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY), olefin cross-metathesis, and LC/MS analysis. The known compounds (6-11) were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data and specific optical rotation with the reported data. The isolated compounds (1-11) were tested for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated murine microglial cells and for their cytotoxic activities against four human cancer cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, A498, and HCT-15).

Phenolic Glycosides from the Twigs of Salix glandulosa.

As a part of an ongoing search for bioactive constituents from Korean medicinal plants, the phytochemical investigations of the twigs of Salix glandulosa afforded 12 new phenolic glycosides (1-12) and a known analogue (13). The structures of 1-13 were characterized by a combination of NMR methods ((1)H and (13)C NMR, (1)H-(1)H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC), chemical hydrolysis, and GC/MS. The absolute configuration of 13 [(1R,2S)-2-hydroxycyclohexyl-2'-O-trans-p-coumaroyl-ß-d-glucopyranoside] was determined for the first time. Compounds 1-3, 6, and 7 exhibited inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated murine microglial cells (IC50 values in the range 6.6-20.5 µM).

Phenolic derivatives from the rhizomes of Dioscorea nipponica and their anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective activities.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dioscorea nipponica (Dioscoreaceae) have been used as traditional medicines for diabetes, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases in Korea. The aim of the study was to isolate the bioactive components from the rhizomes of Dioscorea nipponica and to evaluate their anti-neuroinfalmmatory and neuroprotective activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The phytochemical investigation of 50% EtOH extract of Dioscorea nipponica using successive column chromatography over silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulted in the isolation and identification of 17 phenolic derivatives, including four new phenolic compounds (1-4). The structural elucidation of these compounds was based on spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques, mass spectrometry, and optical rotation. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their effects on nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion in a C6 rat glioma cell line and nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV2 cells. The neurite outgrowth of compound 16 was further evaluated by using mouse neuroblastoma N2a cell lines. RESULTS: Three new stilbene derivatives, diosniponol C (1), D (2) and diosniposide A (3) and one new phenanthrene glycoside, diosniposide B (4), together with 13 known compounds were isolated from the rhizomes of Dioscorea nipponica. Of the tested compounds (1-17), phenanthrene, 3,7-dihydroxy-2,4,6-trimethoxy-phenanthrene (16) was the most potent NGF inducer, with 162.35±16.18% stimulation, and strongly reduced NO levels with an IC50 value of 19.56 µM in BV2 microglial cells. Also, it significantly increased neurite outgrowth in N2a cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the ethnopharmacological use of Dioscorea nipponica rhizomes as traditional medicine.

Bioactive lignans from the trunk of Abies holophylla.

Six new lignans (1-6) were isolated from the trunk of Abies holophylla MAXIM, together with 11 known lignans (7-17). The structures of 1-7 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, acid hydrolysis, and use of the modified Mosher's method. The effects of the isolates on nerve growth factor induction in a C6 rat glioma cell line were evaluated. Compounds 6, 7, and 13 showed significant induction of nerve growth factor secretion at concentrations of 10 µM. Compounds 1, 5, 6, and 16 showed moderate inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated BV-2 cells (IC50 28.5-36.4 µM).