Analysis of PC20-FEF25%-75% and △FVC in the methacholine bronchial provocation test

Purpose@#Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% (FEF 25%-75%) is known to sensitively reflect bronchial obstruction. Methacholine challenge test (MCT) has shown varying reduction levels of forced vital capacity (FVC) with the reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical implication of provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in FEF 25%-75%(PC 20-FEF 25%-75%) and the percentage fall in FVC at the PC 20 dose of methacholine (△FVC). @*Methods@#A total of 194 children who visited the hospital due to respiratory symptoms and underwent MCT were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 3 groups. Group I had both PC 20-FEV1 and PC 20-FEF 25%-75% above 16 mg/mL; group II had a PC 20-FEF 25%-75% that fell below 16 mg/mL but PC 20-FEV1 was 16 mg/mL or above; group III had a PC 20-FEV1and a PC 20-FEF 25%-75% that both fell below 16 mg/mL. @*Results@#In group II, PC 20-FEV1 was lower (P = 0.026) and the rate of change in FEV1 and FEF 25%-75% from baseline to 16 mg/mL of methacholine concentration was greater than in group I (both P< 0.001). Levels of PC 20-FEF 25%-75% were higher in group II compared to group III (P < 0.001). △FVC showed a correlation with PC 20-FEV1 (P < 0.001) only in the whole group. @*Conclusion@#In asthmatic children, PC 20-FEF 25%-75% may be associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness. △FVC was not associated with other parameters in either group. For subjects with a positive finding of PC 20-FEF 25%-75% and a negative finding of MCT, the progression to asthma can be suspected.

Acute pancreatitis associated with indigo naturalis in pediatric severe Crohn’s disease

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rapidly increasing worldwide. Indigo naturalis is known to have an antiinflammatory effect. Indigo naturalis has been traditionally used in the treatment of IBD in China and Japan. Currently, it is used as a primary or adjunctive drug in patients with ulcerative colitis. There are some reports of the effects of indigo naturalis when used in patients with ulcerative colitis. However, its usage has been associated with adverse events, including liver dysfunction, headache, gastrointestinal disturbance, and pulmonary hypertension. Pancreatitis as an adverse event during treatment using indigo naturalis has not yet been reported. We report a case of recurrent events of pancreatitis that occurred briefly after starting medication with indigo naturalis in a child with severe Crohn’s disease. The pancreatitis improved after indigo naturalis was discontinued in 2 events. This is the first case to report the association between pancreatitis and indigo naturalis in the English literature.

Iron status in small for gestational age and appropriate for gestational age infants at birth / 소아과

PURPOSE: This study compared the iron statuses of small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants at birth. METHODS: The clinical data of 904 newborn infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were reviewed. Blood samples were drawn from the infants within 24 hours after birth. Serum ferritin level was used as a marker of total iron status. RESULTS: In this study, 115 SGA (GA, 36.5±2.9 weeks; birth weight [BW], 1,975±594.5 g) and 717 AGA (GA, 35.1±3.5 weeks; BW, 2,420.3±768.7 g) infants were included. The SGA infants had higher hematocrit levels (50.6%±5.8% vs. 47.7%±5.7%, P<0.05) than the AGA infants. No difference in serum ferritin level (ng/mL) was found between the groups (mean [95% confidence interval]: SGA vs. AGA infants, 139.0 [70.0–237.0] vs. 141.0 [82.5–228.5]). After adjusting for gestational age, the SGA infants had lower ferritin levels (147.1 ng/mL [116.3–178.0 ng/mL] vs. 189.4 ng/mL [178.0–200.8 ng/ mL], P<0.05). Total body iron stores were also lower in the SGA infants than in the AGA infants (185.6 [153.4–211.7] vs 202.2 [168.7–241.9], P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The SGA infants had lower ferritin and total body iron stores than the AGA infants. The SGA infants affected by maternal hypertension who were born at late preterm had an additional risk of inadequate iron store. Iron deficiency should be monitored in these infants during follow-up.

Antitumor profiles and cardiac electrophysiological effects of aurora kinase inhibitor ZM447439

Aurora kinases inhibitors, including ZM447439 (ZM), which suppress cell division, have attracted a great deal of attention as potential novel anti-cancer drugs. Several recent studies have confirmed the anti-cancer effects of ZM in various cancer cell lines. However, there have been no studies regarding the cardiac safety of this agent. We performed several cytotoxicity, invasion and migration assays to examine the anti-cancer effects of ZM. To evaluate the potential effects of ZM on cardiac repolarisation, whole-cell patch-clamp experiments were performed with human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and cells with heterogeneous cardiac ion channel expression. We also conducted a contractility assay with rat ventricular myocytes to determine the effects of ZM on myocardial contraction and/or relaxation. In tests to determine in vitro efficacy, ZM inhibited the proliferation of A549, H1299 (lung cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer) and HepG2 (hepatoma) cell lines with IC₅₀ in the submicromolar range, and attenuated the invasive and metastatic capacity of A549 cells. In cardiac toxicity testing, ZM did not significantly affect I(Na), I(Ks) or I(K1), but decreased I(hERG) in a dose-dependent manner (IC₅₀: 6.53 µM). In action potential (AP) assay using hiPSC-CMs, ZM did not induce any changes in AP parameters up to 3 µM, but it at 10 µM induced prolongation of AP duration. In summary, ZM showed potent broad-spectrum anti-tumor activity, but relatively low levels of cardiac side effects compared to the effective doses to tumor. Therefore, ZM has a potential to be a candidate as an anti-cancer with low cardiac toxicity.

Red pepper seed water extract inhibits preadipocyte differentiation and induces mature adipocyte apoptosis in 3T3-L1 cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Reducing the number of adipocytes by inducing apoptosis of mature adipocytes as well as suppressing differentiation of preadipocytes plays an important role in preventing obesity. This study examines the anti-adipogenic and pro-apoptotic effect of red pepper seed water extract (RPS) prepared at 4℃ (RPS4) in 3T3-L1 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Effect of RPS4 or its fractions on lipid accumulation was determined in 3T3-L1 cells using oil red O (ORO) staining. The expressions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and adipogenic associated proteins [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins α (C/EBP α), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC)] were measured in 3T3-L1 cells treated with RPS4. Apoptosis and the expression of Akt and Bcl-2 family proteins [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad), Bcl-2 like protein 4 (Bax), Bal-2 homologous antagonist/killer (Bak)] were measured in mature 3T3-L1 cells treated with RPS4. RESULTS: Treatment of RPS4 (0–75 µg/mL) or its fractions (0–50 µg/mL) for 24 h did not have an apparent cytotoxicity on pre and mature 3T3-L1 cells. RPS4 significantly suppressed differentiation and cellular lipid accumulation by increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK and reducing the expression of PPAR-γ, C/EBP α, SREBP-1c, FAS, and ACC. In addition, all fractions except ethyl acetate fraction significantly suppressed cellular lipid accumulation. RPS4 induced the apoptosis of mature adipocytes by hypophosphorylating Akt, increasing the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins, Bak, Bax, and Bad, and reducing the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and p-Bad. CONCLUSIONS: These finding suggest that RPS4 can reduce the numbers as well as the size of adipocytes and might useful for preventing and treating obesity.

Pear pomace ethanol extract improves insulin resistance through enhancement of insulin signaling pathway without lipid accumulation

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The anti-diabetic activity of pear through inhibition of α-glucosidase has been demonstrated. However, little has been reported about the effect of pear on insulin signaling pathway in obesity. The aims of this study are to establish pear pomace 50% ethanol extract (PPE)-induced improvement of insulin sensitivity and characterize its action mechanism in 3T3-L1 cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Lipid accumulation, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) secretion and glucose uptake were measure in 3T3-L1 cells. Mice were fed HFD (60% kcal from fat) and orally ingested PPE once daily for 8 weeks and body weight, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum lipids were measured. The expression of proteins involved in insulin signaling pathway was evaluated by western blot assay in 3T3-L1 cells and adipose tissue of mice. RESULTS: In 3T3-L1 cells, without affecting cell viability and lipid accumulation, PPE inhibited MCP-1 secretion, improved glucose uptake, and increased protein expression of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1 [p-IRS-1, (Tyr⁶³²)], p-Akt, and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4). Additionally, in HFD-fed mice, PPE reduced body weight, HOMA-IR, and serum lipids including triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol. Furthermore, in adipose tissue, PPE up-regulated GLUT4 expression and expression ratio of p-IRS-1 (Tyr⁶³²)/IRS, whereas, down-regulated p-IRS-1 (Ser³⁰⁷)/IRS. CONCLUSIONS: Our results collectively show that PPE improves glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells and insulin sensitivity in mice fed a HFD through stimulation of the insulin signaling pathway. Furthermore, PPE-induced improvement of insulin sensitivity was not accompanied with lipid accumulation.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaf extract inhibits the growth of MDA-MB-231 tumors in nude mouse xenografts and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to examine the inhibitory effect of loquat leaves on MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and invasion. MATERIALS/METHODS: Female athymic nude mice were given a subcutaneous (s.c.) inoculation of MDA-MB-231 cells and randomly grouped to receive a s.c. injection of either 500 mg/kg ethanol, water extract or vehicle five times a week. Tumor growth, mitotic rate and necrosis were examined. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured with DMSO or with various concentrations of loquat water or ethanol extract. Proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity were examined. RESULTS: Tumor growth of xenograft nude mouse was significantly reduced by loquat extracts. The results of mitotic examination revealed that loquat extracts reduced tumor cell division. Both ethanol and water extracts significantly inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation. The protein expression of ErbB3 was significantly down-regulated by loquat leaf extracts. Loquat leaf extracts increased apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells following 24 hour incubation and the ethanol extract was more potent in inducing apoptosis than the water extract. Furthermore, loquat extracts inhibited adhesion, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. MMP activity was significantly inhibited by loquat extracts. CONCLUSION: Our results show that extracts of loquat inhibit the growth of tumor in MDA-MB-231 xenograft nude mice and the invasion of human breast cancer cells, indicating the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and invasion.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) stimulates human osteoblastic MG-63 cell proliferation and attenuates trabecular bone loss induced by ovariectomy

BACKGROUND/OBJECFTIVES: The effect of St. John's Wort extract (SJW) on MG-63 cell proliferation and trabecular bone loss induced by ovariectomy was examined. MATERIALS/METHODS: Proliferation, expression of estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and ER beta, and gene expressions of osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteocalcin (OC) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were examined in MG-63 cells treated with or without SJW. Ovariectomized rats were treated with SJW at the dose of 100 or 200 mg/kg/day, beta-estradiol-3-benzoate (E2), or vehicle only (OVX-C), and sham operated rats were treated with vehicle only (Sham-C). Serum ALP and C-telopeptide (CTX), and femoral trabecular bone loss were examined. RESULTS: SJW increased MG-63 cell proliferation and expression of ER alpha and ER beta, and positive effect was shown on gene expressions of ALP, OC and OPG. SJW also showed estrogen like effect on bone associated with slowing down in trabecular bone loss. Histopathology by H&E showed rats treated with SJW displayed denser structure in metaphyseal region of distal femur compared with rats in OVX-C. SJW was shown to reduce serum CTX in OVX rats. CONCLUSION: The present study provides new insight in preventing estrogen deficiency induced bone loss of SJW and possibility for its application in bone health supplement.

Inhibitory effect of Erythronium japonicum on the human breast cancer cell metastasis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In this study, the inhibitory effect of Erythronium japonicum extracts on the metastasis of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line was determined. MATERIALS/METHODS: Cells were cultured with DMSO or with 50, 75, 100 or 250 microg/ml of Erythronium japonicum methanol or ethanol extract. RESULTS: Both methanol and ethanol extracts significantly inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Erythronium japonicum extracts inhibited the adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells. The invasion of breast cancer cells was suppressed by Erythronium japonicum extracts in a dose-dependent manner. The motility and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were also inhibited by both methanol and ethanol extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results collectively indicate that Erythronium japonicum extracts inhibit the growth, adhesion, migration and invasion as well as induce the apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. Clinical application of Erythronium japonicum as a potent chemopreventive agent may be helpful in limiting breast cancer invasion and metastasis.

Pear pomace water extract inhibits adipogenesis and induces apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Obesity occurs when a person's calorie intake exceeds the amount of energy burns, which may lead to pathologic growth of adipocytes and the accumulation of fat in the tissues. In this study, the effect and mechanism of pear pomace extracts on 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and apoptosis of mature adipocytes were investigated. The effects of pear pomace extract on cell viability and the anti-adipogenic and proapoptotic effects were investigated via MTT assay, Oil red O staining, western blot analysis and apoptosis assay. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were stimulated with DMEM containing 10% FBS, 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), 5 microg/ml insulin and 1 microM dexamethasone for differentiation to adipocytes. 3T3-L1 cells were cultured with PBS or water extract of pear pomace. Water extract of pear pomace effectively inhibited lipid accumulations and expressions of PPAR-gamma and C/EBPalpha in 3T3-L1 cells. It also increased expression of p-AMPK and decreased the expression of SREBP-1c and FAS in 3T3-L1 cells. The induction of apoptosis was observed in 3T3-L1 cells treated with pear pomace. These results indicate that pear pomace water extract inhibits adipogenesis and induces apoptosis of adipocytes and thus can be used as a potential therapeutic substance as part of prevention or treatment strategy for obesity.

Effect of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) on obesity, lipid metabolism and uterine epithelial proliferation in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the potential of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) to prevent obesity and abnormalities in lipid metabolism induced by ovariectomy in a rat model without stimulatory activity on uterus. MATERIALS/METHODS: Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were treated for 6 weeks with 70% ethanol extracts of Hypericum perforatum [HPEs: whole plant (WHPE) and flower and leaves (FLHPE)], beta-estradiol-3-benzoate at a dose of 50 microg/kg/day (E2) or vehicle (distilled water). RESULTS: As expected, OVX increased body weight gain and adiposity and showed higher food efficacy ratio. OVX also increased the serum cholesterol as well as insulin resistance, while reducing uterus weight and uterine epithelial proliferation rate. HPEs (WHPE and FLHPE) showed estrogen-like effect on body weight gain, adipose tissue weight and food efficacy ratio in OVX rats. HPEs prevented hypercholesterolemia induced by OVX more effectively than E2. E2 increased uterus weight and epithelial proliferation rate in OVX rats, while HPEs maintained them at the level of the sham-operated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding demonstrates that HPEs can be considered as an effective agent to prevent OVX-induced obesity without stimulatory activity on uterus.

The Effects of Topical Agent (Kelo-Cote or Contractubex) Massage on the Thickness of Post-Burn Scar Tissue Formed in Rats

BACKGROUND: We conducted an experimental study to compare the effect of massage using topical agents (Kelo-cote or Contractubex) on scar formation by massaging the healed burn wound on the dorsal area of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. METHODS: Four areas of second degree contact burn were made on the dorsal area of each of 15 SD rats, using a soldering iron 15 mm in diameter. After gross epithelialization in the defect, 15 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: the Kelo-cote group, Contractubex group, Vaseline group, and control group. Rats in three of the groups (all but the Control group) were massaged twice per day for 5 minutes each day, while those in the Control group were left unattended. For histologic analysis, we performed a biopsy and evaluated the thickness of scar tissue. RESULTS: In the Kelo-cote and Contractubex groups, scar tissue thicknesses showed a significant decrease, compared with the Vaseline and control groups. However, no significant differences were observed between the Kelo-cote and Contractubex groups. In the Vaseline group, scar tissue thicknesses showed a significant decrease, compared with the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that massage using a topical agent is helpful in the prevention of scar formation and that massage only with lubricant (no use of a topical agent) also has a considerable effect, although not as much as the use of a topical agent. Thus, we recommend massage with a topical agent on the post-burn scar as an effective method for decreasing the scar thickness.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) extracts suppress the adhesion, migration and invasion of human breast cancer cell line

We examined the inhibitory effects of loquat methanol extract on the adhesion, migration, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line. Cells were cultured with DMSO or with 10, 25, or 50 microg/ml of loquat methanol extract. Both leaf and seed extracts significantly inhibited growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner, although leaf extract was more effective. Adhesion and migration were significantly inhibited by loquat extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Loquat extract also inhibited the invasion of breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner and leaf extract was more effective than seed extract. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were also inhibited by loquat extract. Our results indicate that methanol extracts of loquat inhibit the adhesion, migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells partially through the inhibition of MMP activity and leaf extract has more anti-metastatic effects in cell based assay than seed extract. Clinical application of loquat extract as a potent chemopreventive agent may be helpful in limiting breast cancer invasion and metastasis.

Alterations in the blood glucose, serum lipids and renal oxidative stress in diabetic rats by supplementation of onion (Allium cepa. Linn)

This study examined the anti-diabetic effect of onion (Allium cepa. Linn) in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into normal rats fed control diet or supplemented with onion powder (7% w/w) and diabetic rats fed control diet or supplemented with onion powder. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg, ip) in citrate buffer. The animals were fed each of the experimental diet for 5 weeks. Blood glucose levels of rats supplemented with onion were lower than those of rats fed control diet in the diabetic rats. Onion also decreased the total serum lipid, triglyceride, and atherogenic index and increased HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio in the diabetic rats. Glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities were high in the diabetic rats compared to normal rats and reverted to near-control values by onion. These results indicate that onion decreased blood glucose, serum lipid levels and reduced renal oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats and this effect might exert the anti-diabetic effect of onion.

A Study on the School Lunch Program Served by the Elementary Schools in Muan: An Analysis of Nutrients and Diversity of Menu / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study evaluated the quality of meals served by the elementary schools in Muan based on nutrient contents and food diversity. The contents, nutrient densities and nutrient adequacy ratios(NAR) of most nutrients were higher than those calculated from the Korean RDA. However, the content, nutrient density, and NAR of iron were lower than those calculated from the RDA for 10 to 12 year old girls. The content of sodium was somewhat high. The average number of different kinds of food and dishes per meal were 19.2 and 6.0, respectively. The more the number of dishes, the higher the NARs of calcium, calories, niacin, phosphorus and protein. However, the NAR of iron showed no correlation with the number of dishes. The meals belonging to the food group intake pattern containing fruits had more vitamin C and fiber, and less protein, lipid, and phosphorus than those belonging to the food group intake pattern not containing fruits. In conclusion, the quality of nutrition of meals served by school lunch program(SLP) was considered fairly good. However, the nutritionists should consider the iron for 10 to 12 year old girls and cut down the amount of sodium. In addition, unless the children prefer the foods served by SLP or adjust to the general aspects of SLP, SLP can't accomplish its purposes. Therefore, we suggest that nutritionists should survey children's food preference and satisfaction with the general aspects of SLP.

An Assessment of Obesity and Dietary Habits of College Students Taking the Course Health and Diet / 대한지역사회영양학회지

We examined the obesity levels and dietary habits of 323 college students taking the course 'Health and Diet' as a part of theirnutritional education. The average percentages of body fat, BMI and RBW for subjects in this study were 16.7%, 21.5kg/m2 and -1.2% in male students and 27.3%, 21.2kg/m2 and 1.0% in female students, respectively. BMI and RBW indicated fewer cases of obesity among female students than BIA did. The average intake of energy by subjects was lower than the RDA of energy. In particular, the average intakes of calcium, iron, and vitamin A by female students were much lower than the RDA of energy. In particular, the average intakes of calcium, iron, and vitamin A by female students were much lower than the RDAs of each of those nutrients. The percent RDAs of nutrient intakes of energy, protein, thiamin, and riboflavin were lower in underweight students than in students of normal and over-weight. Female students were found to skip mealsand consume sweet foods more frequently than male students. The obesity levels of students related to the number of meals eaten per day as well as the frequency of consuming sweet foods. Although, it was not possible to determine statistically, the levels obesity also seemed to correspond to the speed at which meals were eate as well as the frequency of eating salty foods. These results suggest that in order to assess obesity propertly, more research that focuses on subjects' gender should be conducted. In addition, nutritional education should emphasize the importance of intakes of energy and phosphorus for male students, and the danger of iron and calcium deficiencies for female students. We should also educate students about dietary habits which contribute to obesity such as overeating and the intake of sweet foods.

A Study on Housewives' Perception, Interest and Consumption of Health Drinks Made in a Health Food Stores / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to investigate housewives' perception, interest and consumption of health drinks made in a health food stores, and to assess the relationship between nutritionally-related-variables and the consumption of health drinks. Data was collected from 518 housewives in Chonnam province. Among many items which housewives perceived about health drinks, three factors of 'preference health-care', 'quality convenience' and 'price' were found to be represented. Housewives' perception of 'preference health-care' was negatively correlated with nutritional knowledge. However, a positive correlation between the 'quality convenience' and eating habits was found. Consumption of health drinks was positively correlated with the diet management score, the perception and interest in health drinks. However, the inverse relationship between consumption of health drinks and nutritional knowledge was observed. Multiple regression analysis showed that the interest and factors of perception of health drinks. Consumption of health drinks was not based upon accurate knowledge concerning nutrition, but was based upon the consumers' perception of taste preference and healthful quality. Therefore, there is a need to educate consumers about the nutritional value of health drinks and how to use nutritional supplements.

The role of adenosine receptors on acetylcholine release in the rat striatum

As it has been reported that the depolarization induced acetylcholine (ACh) release is modulated by activation of presynaptic A-1 adenosine heteroreceptor and various evidence suggest that indicate the A-2 adenosine receptor is present in the striatum, this study was undertaken to delineate the role of adenosine receptors on the striatal ACh release. Slices from the rat striatum were equilibrated with (3H)choline and then the release amount of the labelled product, (3H)ACh, which was evoked by electrical stimulation (rectangular pulses, 3 Hz, 2 ms, 24 mA, 5 Vcm-1, 2 min), was measured, and the influence of various agents on the evoked tritium outflow was investigated. And also, quantitative receptor autoradiography and drug-receptor binding assay were performed in order to confirm the presence and characteristics of A-1 and A-2 adenosine receptors in the rat striatum. Adenosine (10 ~ 100 micrometer) and N-6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, 1 ~ 100 micrometer) decreased the (3H)ACh release in a dose-dependent manner without changing the basal rate of release in the rat striatum. The reducing effects of ACh release by adenosine and CPA were abolished by 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropy-lxanthine (DPCPX, 2 micrometer), a selective A-1 adenosine receptor antagonist, treatment. The effect of adenosine was potentiated markedly by 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX, 10 micrometer), a specific A-2 adenosine receptor antagonist. 2-P-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamimo-5'-N- ethylcarboxamidoadenosine hydrochloride (CGS-21680C), in concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 micrometer, a recently introduced potent A-2 adenosine receptor agonist, increased the(3 H)ACh release in a dose related fashion without changing the basal rate of release. These effects were completely abolished by DMPX (10 micrometer). In autoradiogaphy experiments, (3H)2-chloro-N-6-cyclopentyladenosine ((3 H)CCPA) bindings were highly localized in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex. Additionally, lower levels of binding were found in the striatum. However, (3H)CGS-21680C bindings were highly localized in the striatal region with the greatest density of binding found in the caudate nucleus and putamen. Lower levels of binding were also found in the nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle. In drug-receptor binding assay, binding of (3H)CCPA to A-1 adenosine receptors of rat striatal membranes was inhibited by CPA (K-i = 1.6nM) and N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, K-i = 12.9 nM), but not by CGS-21680C (K-i = 2609.2 nM) and DMPX (K-i = 19,386 nM). In contrast, (3H)CGS-21680C binding to A-2 adenosine receptors was inhibited by CGS-21680C (K-i = 47.6 rim) and NECA (K-i = 44.9 nM), but not by CPA (K-i = 2099.2 nM) and DPCPX (K-i = 19,207 nM). The results presented here suggest that both types of A-1 and A-2 adenosine heteroreceptors exist and play an important role in ACh release in the rat striatal cholinergic neurons.

Study of Serum Lipids and the Obesity of Housewives in Mooan, Chonnam / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was to investigate the level of serum lipids and obesity in housewives in Mooan, and relationships between them. The average age, height and weight were 51.1 years, 154.3 cm and 58.3 kg respectively. The level of obesity of subjects was higher than that of housewives in other areas investigated in other studies. BMI and RBW underestimated in the obese compared to BIA. The amounts of lean body mass and total body water of subjects above 60 years old were smaller than those of forties and their BMI and RBW were lower than those of forties. However, their body fat percentage was nearly same as that of forties. Serum HDL-cholesterol(HDL-C) of subjects was lower than 55 mg/dl, the lower limit of normal range. Triglyceride of subjects above 60years old was higher than the 95th percentile of those of the same age with reference to Mayo clinic. The serum total cholesterol(TC) showed positive correlation with LDL-cholesterol(LDL-C) and TC/HDL-C(p<0.001). LDL-C showed positive correlation with TC(p<0.001), but negative correlation with HDL-C(p<0.05). HDL-C showed negative correlation with triglyceride(p<0.05). TC/HDL-C showed a positive correlation with triglyceride(p<0.05). HDL-C was the serum lipid which showed the highest correlation with obesity and body composition. It showed a negative correlation with the percentage of body fat(p<0.001), total body fat(p<0.001), BMI(p<0.05) and RBW(p<0.05). TC/HDL-C showed positive correlation with the percentage of body fat(p<0.01) and total body fat(p<0.05). As the result of above, it is needed to make more researches to find out the proper method to estimate the obesity of subjects and educate subjects in Mooan about nutritional information for obesity.