Cervical ganglioneuroma as a rare cause of cervicogenic headache: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Cervicogenic headache is characterized by chronic posterior neck pain radiating to one side of the head, resulting from cervical spine bone or soft tissue diseases. Cervical ganglioneuroma (GN), a rare benign neuroblastic tumor, especially in the cervical spine, may cause cervicogenic headache-like symptoms. OBJECTIVE: We report a case of GN which was surgically removed successfully to relieve the symptom. CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old male presented with right posterior neck pain with referred pain to the ipsilateral occipital area in May 2020. Despite administration of medications, physical therapy, and spine interventions, the symptoms intermittently recurred over one year. In July 2021, the patient complained of painful limitation of neck motion, especially on right-sided bending; no motor or sensory deficits, except for subjective numbness of the finger tips, were detected. Plain radiography of the cervical spine showed moderate degenerative changes in the mid-cervical spine. Cervical MRI revealed a cystic mass (1.5 cm × 0.5 cm × 1 cm-in size) around the right C2 dorsal root ganglion adjacent to the C1-C2 facet joint. His symptoms significantly improved after complete tumor excision. CONCLUSION: GN of the upper cervical spine should be considered when persistent cervicogenic headache is refractory to conservative management. In such a case, advanced imaging studies such as MRI should be performed for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Composition and variability of core phyllosphere fungal mycobiota on field-grown broccoli.

BACKGROUND: Fresh vegetables harbor an assemblage of different microorganisms on their surfaces. The phyllosphere microbiota is important for maintaining plant health and managing crop quality before and after harvest. However, the diversity and ecology of fungal communities are largely unexplored in fresh vegetables. This study investigated the phyllosphere mycobiota of field-grown broccoli florets (n = 66) collected from 22 farms across four regions in Korea, using culturing, amplicon sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region, and microbial network analysis. RESULTS: Microbial network analysis identified core genera (Purpureocillium, Filobasidium, Cystofilobasidium, Papiliotrema, Aureobasidium, and unclassified genera of Capnodiales) specific to the broccoli phyllosphere. The composition and network complexity of core and unique populations varied among farming regions, and was associated with local agro-meteorological conditions. The complexity of microbial associations was higher in mature communities than in immature communities, but complexity was lost upon development of plant pathogenic disease. Broccoli mycobiota were classified according to the dominance of Purpurecillium. While Purpurecillium-type microbiota were prevalent in normal samples, Filobasidium-type microbiota were frequently observed in immature, damaged, or postharvest samples. CONCLUSIONS: Together, fungal communities were important components of phyllosphere microbiota on fresh vegetables, and have substantial potential for exploitation to enhance and stabilize plant health and growth.

HM15912, a Novel Long-Acting Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Analog, Improves Intestinal Growth and Absorption Capacity in a Male Rat Model of Short Bowel Syndrome.

Extensive bowel resection caused by various diseases that affect the intestines, such as Crohn's disease, volvulus, and cancer, leads to short bowel syndrome (SBS). Teduglutide is the only approved glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) drug for SBS; however, it requires daily administration. A novel GLP-2 analog with a prolonged duration of action to reduce dosing frequency and promote a greater efficacy may provide patients with a better quality of life. In the present study, the sustained exposure of HM15912 was characterized in normal male rats. The efficacy of HM15912 on intestinal growth and absorption capacity was also evaluated in normal male mice, rats, and SBS rats. HM15912 exhibited a remarkably extended half-life (42.3 hours) compared with teduglutide (0.6 hours) in rats. Despite somewhat lower in vitro potency on GLP-2 receptor than human GLP-2 or teduglutide, this longer-lasting mode of action promotes HM15912 to be more effective in terms of small intestinal growth than existing GLP-2 analogs even with a less frequent dosing interval of as little as once a week in rodents, including SBS rats. Furthermore, the small intestinal weight was approximately doubled, and the D-xylose absorption was significantly increased after pre-treatment of existing GLP-2 analogs on the market or under clinical development followed by HM15912 in rodents. These results indicate that HM15912 possesses a significant small bowel trophic effect driven by continuously increased exposure, supporting that HM15912 may be a novel treatment option with greater efficacy and the longest dosing interval among existing GLP-2 analogs for SBS with intestinal failure. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: HM15912, a novel long-acting glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog, has a significant small bowel hypertrophic effect in rodents with a reduced frequency of administration compared to the existing GLP-2 analogs on the market or currently under clinical development. This study supports the possibility that HM15912 could be administered much less frequently than other long-acting GLP-2 analogs for patients with short bowel syndrome.

Itaconate, Arginine, and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid: A Host Metabolite Triad Protective Against Mycobacterial Infection.

Immune metabolic regulation shapes the host-pathogen interaction during infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the pathogen of human tuberculosis (TB). Several immunometabolites generated by metabolic remodeling in macrophages are implicated in innate immune protection against Mtb infection by fine-tuning defensive pathways. Itaconate, produced by the mitochondrial enzyme immunoresponsive gene 1 (IRG1), has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, restricting intracellular mycobacterial growth. L-arginine, a component of the urea cycle, is critical for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and is implicated in M1-mediated antimycobacterial responses in myeloid cells. L-citrulline, a by-product of NO production, contributes to host defense and generates L-arginine in myeloid cells. In arginase 1-expressing cells, L-arginine can be converted into ornithine, a polyamine precursor that enhances autophagy and antimicrobial protection against Mtb in Kupffer cells. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a metabolite and neurotransmitter, activate autophagy to induce antimycobacterial host defenses. This review discusses the recent updates of the functions of the three metabolites in host protection against mycobacterial infection. Understanding the mechanisms by which these metabolites promote host defense will facilitate the development of novel host-directed therapeutics against Mtb and drug-resistant bacteria.

Clomiphene Citrate Shows Effective and Sustained Antimicrobial Activity against Mycobacterium abscessus.

Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) causes chronic pulmonary infections and is the most difficult non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) to treat due to its resistance to current antimicrobial drugs, with a treatment success rate of 45.6%. Thus, novel treatment drugs are needed, of which we identified the drug clomiphene citrate (CC), known to treat infertility in women, to exhibit inhibitory activity against M. abscessus. To assess the potential of CC as a treatment for M. abscessus pulmonary diseases, we measured its efficacy in vitro and established the intracellular activity of CC against M. abscessus in human macrophages. CC significantly inhibited the growth of not only wild-type M. abscessus strains but also clinical isolate strains and clarithromycin (CLR)-resistant strains of M. abscessus. CC's drug efficacy did not have cytotoxicity in the infected macrophages. Furthermore, CC worked in anaerobic non-replicating conditions as well as in the presence of biofilm. The results of this in vitro study on M. abscessus activity suggest the possibility of using CC to develop new drug hypotheses for the treatment of M. abscessus infections.

Combined MS/MS-NMR Annotation Guided Discovery of Iris lactea var. chinensis Seed as a Source of Viral Neuraminidase Inhibitory Polyphenols.

In this study, the chemical diversity of polyphenols in Iris lactea var. chinensis seeds was identified by combined MS/MS-NMR analysis. Based on the annotated chemical profile, the isolation of stilbene oligomers was conducted, and consequently, stilbene oligomers (1-10) were characterized. Of these, compounds 1 and 2 are previously undescribed stilbene dimer glycoside (1) and tetramer glycoside (2), respectively. Besides, to evaluate this plant seed as a rich source of stilbene oligomers, we quantified three stilbene oligomers of I. lactea var. chinensis seeds. The contents of three major stilbene oligomers-trans-ε-viniferin (3), vitisin A (6), and vitisin B (9)-in I. lactea var. chinensis seeds were quantified as 2.32 (3), 4.95 (6), and 1.64 (9) mg/g dry weight (DW). All the isolated compounds were tested for their inhibitory activities against influenza neuraminidase. Compound 10 was found to be active with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values at 4.76 µM. Taken together, it is concluded that I. lactea var. chinensis seed is a valuable source of stilbene oligomers with a human health benefit.

Lenz's Law-Based Virtual Net for Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria from Water.

We have developed a method for rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria from water using a virtual net comprising magnetic nanoparticle clusters (MNC). When an external magnetic field was applied to the antibody-functionalized MNC (Ab-MNC) solution in a glass tube (GT), the Ab-MNCs were aligned along the direction of the applied magnetic field to form a wall of MNCs. The injection of a liquid into the GT pushed the MNCs to flow when the drag force exceeded the magnetic force that held the MNCs. In contrast, injection of a liquid into the GT wrapped with a copper tape (Cu-GT) created a magnetic field in the opposite direction of the liquid flow according to Lenz's law, which retained the MNCs inside Cu-GT even at a flow rate 2.5 times higher than the maximum flow rate at which the MNCs were retained inside the GT. As proof of concept, E. coli O157:H7-spiked aqueous solutions were injected into Cu-GT containing Ab-MNCs. The structural flexibility of the Ab-MNC wall allowed the liquid to pass through but induced binding of the bacteria to the Ab-MNC wall, just as the wall acted like a virtual net. The detection limit was 102 CFU/mL of E. coli as measured by an ATP luminometer, and the total assay time was 15 min including 10 min for the isolation and separation steps.

Effect of Three Different Sedatives on Electroretinography Recordings in Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia).

This study was conducted to compare the effects of 3 different sedative agents on electroretinography (ERG) in domestic pigeons (Columba livia). Six pigeons were sedated with alfaxalone, xylazine, and medetomidine at separate times with a 1-week washout period between sedative administration. After sedation with each agent, pigeons underwent the modified ERG protocol adapted from the standardized protocol for dogs. The scotopic mixed rod and cone response was recorded after 20 minutes of dark adaptation, and the photopic cone response and photopic flicker response were recorded after 10 minutes of light adaptation. Either a 1-way analysis of variance or a Kruskall-Wallis test was used to compare the a-wave and b-wave implicit time and amplitude. No significant differences were observed in the scotopic mixed rod and cone response among all 3 sedatives used. Compared with alfaxalone, medetomidine significantly prolonged the a-wave implicit time, depressed the b-wave amplitude of photopic cone response, and prolonged the peak implicit time of the photopic flicker response (P < .05). These results show that medetomidine has a depressant effect on photopic ERG in pigeons at a dosage that produces light sedation.

Intraocular Pressure Measurement by Rebound Tonometry (TonoVet) in Normal Pigeons (Columba livia).

We evaluated the applicability of a rebound tonometer (TonoVet) in pigeon eyes and established normal reference intraocular pressure (IOP) values in healthy pigeons; 20 eyes of euthanized pigeons were used for calibration of the TonoVet and 48 eyes of 24 adult pigeons were used for measurement of reference IOP. First, IOP of pigeon eyes ex vivo were measured using the 'd' and the 'p' modes of the TonoVet and compared to manometric IOP values from 5 to 80 mm Hg. Then, to establish normal reference values, IOP was measured from clinically normal pigeons in vivo. The 'd' and the 'p' modes of the TonoVet showed a strong linear correlation with the manometric IOP (R2 = .996 and .991, respectively). The obtained regression formulas were: y1 = 0.439x + 2.059 and y2 = 0.330x - 0.673, respectively (y1, 'd' mode of TonoVet; y2, 'p' mode of TonoVet; x, manometric IOP). The 'd' and the 'p' modes consistently measured one-half and one-third of the actual IOP, respectively. Therefore, the formula obtained through the 'd' mode was applied to obtain reference values. The calibrated IOP of normal pigeon eyes was 19.5 ± 4.4 mm Hg. The actual IOP could be calculated using the presented formula. Considering the limitations of the 'p' mode, use of the 'd' mode is more appropriate. Therefore, the TonoVet rebound tonometry under the 'd' mode is a reliable method for measuring IOP in pigeons.

Assessment of the trueness and tissue surface adaptation of CAD-CAM maxillary denture bases manufactured using digital light processing.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Limited information is available evaluating the trueness and tissue surface adaptation of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) maxillary denture bases fabricated using digital light processing (DLP). PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the trueness of DLP-fabricated denture bases and to compare the tissue surface adaptation of DLP with milling (MIL) and pack and press (PAP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The maxillary denture bases were virtually designed on the reference cast and were fabricated using DLP and MIL. Their intaglio surfaces were scanned and superimposed on the reference computer-aided design denture base to evaluate the trueness. A total of 20 denture bases (10 per technique) were also fabricated on the duplicated master casts using DLP and MIL. Ten denture bases were additionally made using PAP. The intaglio surfaces of the dentures were scanned and superimposed on the corresponding casts to compare the degree of tissue surface adaptation among the 3 techniques. The Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA were used for statistical analyses (α=.05). RESULTS: The trueness of the DLP denture base was significantly better than that of the MIL denture base (P<.001). Statistically significant differences were detected with respect to tissue surface adaptation of the denture base among the groups (P<.001). The DLP denture base showed the best denture base fit among the 3 techniques with a small interquartile range. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the DLP maxillary denture base showed better trueness and tissue surface adaptation of ≤100 µm of the 3-dimensional surface deviation than the MIL and PAP denture bases.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Ternstroemia gymnanthera stem bark extracts in bacterial lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells.

CONTEXT: Ternstroemia gymnanthera Sprague (Theaceae) possesses various known pharmacological properties. However, its anti-inflammatory activity has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: The anti-inflammatory activity of Ternstroemia gymnanthera stem bark aqueous extract (TGSBE) was evaluated using LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay after 24 h with TGSBE (25-200 µg/mL). Further testing used TGSBE at 100 and 200 µg/mL. Griess and ELISA methods after 24 h with TGSBE determined NO and cytokine levels, respectively; then, mRNA levels (iNOS & cytokines) were analyzed by Quantitative-PCR after 12 h. NF-κB and MAPK were assessed by immunoblotting after TGSBE treatment for 12 h, followed by LPS for 30 min. Immunofluorescence assay was also performed for NF-κB. ROS and MMP, after 12 h with TGSBE, were determined by flow cytometry. The antioxidant potential of TGSBE was analyzed by ABTS assay. The Folin-Ciocalteu method determined the total phenolic content of TGSBE. LPS concentration was 0.5 µg/mL. RESULTS: TGSBE at 200 µg/mL showed about 96.2% viability while suppressing the production of NO (88.99%), TNFα (24.38%), IL-6 (61.70%) and IL-1ß (55.12%) and gene expression by 67.88, 45.24, 65.84, and 70.48%, respectively. TGSBE decreased ROS (79.26%) and improved MMP (48.01%); it inhibited translocation of NF-κB and MAPK activation. Radical scavenging activity was 50% at 402.17 µg/mL (ascorbic acid standard: 88.8 µg/mL). Total phenolic content was 240.9 mg GAE/g. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: TGSBE suppresses the inflammatory response by inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPK cascades exhibiting therapeutic potential to treat inflammatory diseases associated with increased activation of macrophages.

Protective Effects on Central Nervous System by Acidic Polysaccharide of Panax ginseng in Relapse-Remitting Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis-Induced SJL/J Mice.

Bearing pathologic and clinical similarities to human multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is used as a murine model to test potential therapeutic agents for MS. Recently, we reported the protective effects of an acidic polysaccharide of Panax ginseng (APG) in C57BL/6 strain-dependent EAE, a model of primary progressive MS. In this study, we extend our previous findings on the therapeutic capacity of APG in relapsing-remitting EAE (rr-EAE), the animal model to closely mimic recurrent inflammatory demyelination lesions of relapsing-remitting MS. Treatments with APG led to a significant reduction of clinical symptoms and the relapse rate of EAE than vehicle treatments. Consistent with this, histological examination revealed that APG markedly modulated the infiltration of CD4[Formula: see text] T cells and CD11b[Formula: see text] macrophages into the spinal cord and the APG-treated CNS was devoid of demyelination and axonal damages. In addition, APG decreased the proliferation of peripheral PLP-reactive T cells and the production of pro-inflammatory factors such as IFN-[Formula: see text], IL-17 and TNF-[Formula: see text]. The fact that APG can induce clinically beneficial effects to distinct types of EAE furthers our understanding on the basis of its immunosuppression in EAE and, possibly, in MS. Our results suggest that APG may serve as a new therapeutic agent for MS as well as other human autoimmune diseases, and warrants continued evaluation for its translation into therapeutic application.

Deoxyrhapontigenin, a Natural Stilbene Derivative Isolated From Rheum undulatum L. Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells.

Although current chemotherapeutic agents are active at the beginning of therapy, the most common risk is the development of resistance during later stages in almost all cancer types including breast cancer. Hence, investigation of novel drugs is still a priority goal for cancer treatment. The objective of the present study is to investigate the anticancer effect of a derivative of stilbene, deoxyrhapontigenin (DR) isolated from Rheum undulatum L. root extracts against the chemoresistant MCF-7/adr and its parental MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The morphological images indicate that DR induces an extensive cytoplasmic vacuolation in breast cancer cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed that DR treatment causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dilation and upregulated the expression of ER stress markers GRP78, IRE1α, eIF2α, CHOP, JNK, and p38. Subsequently, we also identified that DR increases the levels of apoptotic fragment of PARP (89 kDa) in breast cancer cells. Blocking the expression of one of the components of the ER stress-mediated apoptosis pathway, CHOP using siRNA significantly decreased DR-induced apoptotic cleavage of PARP. In summary, the present study suggests that the induction of ER stress-mediated apoptosis by DR may account for its cytotoxic effects in human breast cancer cells.

Demineralized deciduous tooth as a source of bone graft material: its biological and physicochemical characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To examine structural and physicochemical characteristics of demineralized deciduous tooth powder (DDTP) in relation to demineralization time and to present potential of using DDTP as a bone graft material. STUDY DESIGN: For structural and physicochemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis were performed. In in vivo experiments, DDTP was grafted in 20 Sprague-Dawley rats' calvarial defects, and radiographic and histologic examination and histomorphometric analysis were performed. RESULTS: In vitro studies confirmed physicochemical demands for collagen-based bone graft material, such as lowered calcium content, lowered crystallinity of hydroxyapatite, and exposed organic structures to demineralization. In vivo experiment indicated new bone formation in DDTP-grafted sites and gradual resorption of the grafted particles. Defect closure rate was significantly higher in the 8-week DDTP-grafted group compared with control (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Deciduous teeth had structural and physicochemical characteristics suitable for grafting with appropriate demineralization. Bone healing was observed to have successfully occurred in DDTP-grafted sites.

An alternative treatment option for a bony defect from large odontoma using recycled demineralization at chairside.

Odontoma is the most common odontogenic benign tumor, and the treatment of choice is generally surgical removal. After excision, bone grafts may be necessary depending on the need for further treatment, or the size and location of the odontoma. Although the osteogenic capacity of a demineralized tooth was verified as early as 1967 by Urist and many other investigators, the cumbersome procedure, including a long demineralization time, may be less than comfortable for clinicians. A modified ultrasonic technology, with periodic negative pressure and temperature control, facilitated rapid and aseptic preparation of demineralized teeth for bone grafts. This approach reduces the demineralization time dramatically (≤80 minutes), so that the graft material can be prepared chairside on the same day as the extraction. The purpose of this article is to describe two cases of large compound odonotomas used as graft material prepared chairside for enucleation-induced bony defects. These two clinical cases showed favorable wound healing without complications, and good bony support for future dental implants or orthodontic treatment. Finally, this report will suggest the possibility of recycling the benign pathologic hard tissue as an alternative treatment option for conventional bone grafts in clinics.

A survey of the satisfaction of patients who have undergone implant surgery with and without employing a computer-guided implant surgical template.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the degree of subjective pain and the satisfaction of patients who have undergone an implant treatment using a computer-guided template. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted for 135 patients who have undergone implant surgery with and without the use of the computer-guided template during the period of 2012 and 2013 in university hospitals, dental hospitals and dental clinics that practiced implant surgery using the computer-guided template. Likert scale and VAS score were used in the survey questions, and the independent t-test and One-Way ANOVA were performed (α=.05). RESULTS: The route that the subjects were introduced to the computer-guided implant surgery using a surgical template was mostly advices by dentists, and the most common reason for which they chose to undergo such surgery was that it was accurate and safe. Most of them gave an answer that they were willing to recommend it to others. The patients who have undergone the computer-guided implant surgery felt less pain during the operation and showed higher satisfaction than those who have undergone conventional implant surgery. Among the patients who have undergone computer-guided implant surgery, those who also had prior experience of surgery without a computer-guided template expressed higher satisfaction with the former (P<.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, it could be seen that the patients who have undergone computer-guided implant surgery employing a surgical template felt less pain and had higher satisfaction than those with the conventional one, and the dentist's description could provide the confidence about the safety of surgery.

Comparison of five-axis milling and rapid prototyping for implant surgical templates.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare and evaluate the accuracy of surgical templates fabricated using coordinate synchronization processing with five-axis milling and design-related processing with rapid prototyping (RP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Master phantoms with 10 embedded gutta-percha cylinders hidden under artificial gingiva were fabricated and imaged using cone beam computed tomography. Vectors of the hidden cylinders were extracted and transferred to those of the planned implants through reverse engineering using virtual planning software. An RP-produced template was fabricated by stereolithography in photopolymer at the RP center according to planned data. Metal sleeves were bonded after holes were bored (group RP). For the milled template, milling coordinates were synchronized using the conversion process for the coordinate synchronization platform located on the model's bottom. Metal bushings were set on holes milled on the five-axis milling machine, on which the model was fixed through the coordinate synchronization plate, and the framework was constructed on the model using orthodontic resin (group CS). A computed tomography image was taken with templates firmly fixed on models using anchor pins (RP) or anchor screws (CS). The accuracy was analyzed via reverse engineering. Differences between the two groups were compared by repeated measures two-factor analysis. RESULTS: From the reverse-engineered image of the template on the experimental model, RP-produced templates showed significantly larger deviations than did milled surgical guides. Maximum deviations of the group RP were 1.58 mm (horizontal), 1.68 mm (vertical), and 8.51 degrees (angular); those of the group CS were 0.68 mm (horizontal), 0.41 mm (vertical), and 3.23 degrees (angular). CONCLUSIONS: A comparison of milling and RP template production methods showed that a vector-milled surgical guide had significantly smaller deviations than did an RP-produced template. The accuracy of computer-guided milled surgical templates was within the safety margin of previous studies.

Geraniin down regulates gamma radiation-induced apoptosis by suppressing DNA damage.

Gamma ray irradiation triggers DNA damage and apoptosis of proliferating stem cells and peripheral immune cells, resulting in the destruction of intestinal crypts and lymphoid system. Geraniin is a natural compound extracts from an aquatic plant Nymphaea tetragona and possesses good antioxidant property. In this study, we demonstrate that geraniin rescues radiosensitive splenocytes and jejunal crypt cells from radiation-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Isolated splenocytes from C57BL/6 mice treated with geraniin were protected against radiation injury of 2 Gy irradiation through the enhancement of the proliferation and attenuation of DNA damage. Also, geraniin inhibited apoptosis in radiosensitive splenocytes by reducing the expression level and immunoreactivity of proapoptotic p53 and Bax and increasing those of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. In mice exposed to radiation, geraniin treatment protected splenocytes and intestinal crypt cells from radiation-induced cell death. Our results suggest that geraniin presents radioprotective effects by regulating DNA damage on splenocytes, exerting immunostimulatory capacities and inhibiting apoptosis of radiosensitive immune cells and jejunal crypt cells. Therefore, geraniin can be a radioprotective agent against γ-irradiation exposure.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: association with mutual regulation of RelA (p65)/NF-κB and phospho-IκB in the CNS.

Recently emerging evidence that the NF-κB family plays an important role in autoimmune disease has produced very broad and sometimes paradoxical conclusions. In the present study, we elucidated that the activation of RelA (p65) of NF-κB and IκB dissociation assumes a distinct role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) progression by altering IκB phosphorylation and/or degradation. In the present study of factors that govern EAE, the presence and immunoreactivity of nuclear RelA and phospho-IκB were recorded at the initiation and peak stage, and degradation of IκBα progressed rapidly at an early stage then stabilized during recovery. The immunoreactivity to RelA and phospho-IκB occurred mainly in inflammatory cells and microglial cells but only slightly in astrocytes. Subsequently, the blockade of IκB dissociation from NF-κB reduced the severity of disease by decreasing antigen-specific T cell response and production of IL-17 in EAE. Thus, blocking the dissociation of IκB from NF-κB can be utilized as a strategy to inhibit the NF-κB signal pathway thereby to reduce the initiation, progression, and severity of EAE.

Enzymatic extract from Ecklonia cava induces the activation of lymphocytes by IL-2 production through the classical NF-κB pathway.

Activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a well-known transcription factor, leads to the development, differentiation, and proliferation of T and B lymphocytes and the secretion of cytokines by the classical pathway. We have examined here whether an enzymatic extract (ECK) from the brown seaweed, Alariaceae Laminariales Ecklonia cava may contribute to activating lymphocytes through the NF-κB pathway for participation in immune responses. In our study, ECK dose-dependently enhanced the proliferation of lymphocytes. ECK significantly increased the phosphorylation of inhibitors of κB at 0.25 and 0.5 h of exposure, followed by its gradual decrease. In addition, NF-κB p65 was gradually activated, and its binding to nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid was observed from 0.25 h after stimulation (up to 0.5 h). Further experiments showed that the application of N-p-tosyl-L: -phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone, an NF-κB inhibitor, significantly blocked ECK-induced lymphocyte's proliferation and the interleukin (IL)-2 productions. Accordingly, our results suggest that ECK increases the production of IL-2 through the activation of NF-κB then induces the proliferation of lymphocytes with the coordinated stimulation of IL-2.