Evaluation of chemical-specific IgG antibodies in male workers from a urethane foam factory

BACKGROUND@#Plastic resins are complex chemicals that contain toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and/or trimellitic anhydride (TMA), which cause occupational allergies (OA), including respiratory allergies. Serum IgGs against TDI and TMA have been suggested as potential markers of the exposure status and as exploring cause of OA. Although TDI-specific IgG has been examined for suspected OA, TMA-specific IgG is not commonly evaluated in a urethane foam factory. This study therefore investigated both TDI- and TMA-specific IgGs in suspected OA patients and to evaluate the usefulness of the measurement of multiple chemical-specific IgG measurement for practical monitoring.@*METHODS@#Blood samples were collected from two male workers who developed respiratory allergies supposedly caused by occupational exposure to TDI and/or TMA for the presence of TDI- and TMA-specific IgGs. In addition, blood samples from 75 male workers from a urethane foam factory, along with 87 male control subjects, were collected in 2014 and tested for the same IgGs in 2014. The presence and levels of TDI- and TMA-specific serum IgGs were measured using dot blot assays.@*RESULTS@#We found that controls had mean concentrations of TDI- and TMA-specific IgGs of 0.98 and 2.10 μg/mL, respectively. In the two workers with respiratory allergies, the TDI-specific IgG concentrations were 15.6 and 9.51 μg/mL, and TMA-specific IgG concentrations were 4.56 and 14.4 μg/mL, which are clearly higher than those in controls. Mean concentrations of TDI- and TMA-specific IgGs in the factory workers were 1.89 and 2.41 μg/mL, respectively, and are significantly higher than those of the controls (P < 0.001 and P < 0.026 for TDI- and TMA-specific IgGs, respectively).@*CONCLUSION@#The workers suspected of OA showed an evidently high level of TDI- and TMA-specific IgG, and these levels in workers at the urethane foam factory were also significantly higher than those in controls. In conclusion, the measurement of TDI- and TMA-specific IgG among workers using plastic resins is helpful to monitor their exposure status.

Role of IL-10 in the Trimellitic Anhydride-induced Contact Dermatitis / 체질인류학회지

Trimellitic anhydride (TMA) is widely used industrially to make epoxy and alkyd resins, plasticizers and surfactants. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether contact dermatitis is induced by repeated TMA challenge and the role of interleukin (IL)-10 in the TMA-induced contact dermatitis. The repetition of the challenge enlarged the extent of an early and a late phase of contact dermatitis in IL-10(+/+) and IL-10(-/-) mice. In the late phase of TMA-induced contact dermatitis, the peak of ear swelling responses by single challenge showed at 12 h after challenge, but the peak was observed at 8 h after repeated challenge. In the IL-10(-/-) mice, the repetition of the TMA challenges enlarged the extent of the contact dermatitis, but less than those in IL-10(+/+) mice. These results indicate that mice sensitized by TMA could possibly offer a useful model to study the mechanism of contact dermatitis, and IL-10 may act as potential modulators in the TMA-induced contact dermatitis. IL-10 may provide therapeutic tools for the treatment of TMA-induced contact dermatitis.

Therapeutic effects of fermented soycrud on phenotypes of atopic dermatitis induced by phthalic anhydride / 한국실험동물학회지

Atopic dermatitis (AD), which is known as the most common pruritic skin disease, is caused by epidermal barrier dysfunction, allergies, microwave radiation, histamine intolerance, and genetic defects. To investigate the therapeutic effects of fermented soycrud (FSC) on AD pathology, alteration of AD phenotypes induced by phthalic anhydride (PA) treatment was assessed by ear thickness analysis, measurement of immune-related organ weights, ELISA, and histological and pathological analyses of ICR mice after FSC treatment for 2 weeks. Except for water content, the concentrations of most major components were lower in FSC compared to common tofu (CMT). Thymus and lymph node weights were significantly reduced in ICR mice treated with PA+CMT or PA+FSC, whereas spleen and body weights were maintained. Elevation of ear thickness induced by PA treatment was rapidly diminished in the CMT- and FSC-treated groups, although there was no significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, significant reduction of epidermal thickness was detected in both the PA+CMT- and PA+FSC-treated groups. However, IgE concentration and dermal thickness were reduced only by PA+FSC treatment, whereas PA+CMT treatment maintained levels comparable to PA+vehicle treatment. The number of infiltrated mast cells was higher in the PA+vehicle-treated group compared to the untreated control. Following CMT or FSC treatment, mast cell infiltration was slightly reduced, although the CMT-treated group showed greater cell numbers. These results indicate that FSC may significantly relieve the phenotypes of AD induced by PA treatment and should be considered as a potential candidate for AD therapy.

Antiviral activity of 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride-modified ovalbumin against herpes simplex virus 2 in vitro / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the antiviral activity of 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride-modified ovalbumin (HP-OVA) against herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>By chemical modification, ovalbumin (OVA) was treated with 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride (HP) to prepare HP-OVA. The anti-HSV-2 activity against HSV-2 333 virus in vitro and the cytotoxicity of HP-OVA in African green monkey kidney cells (Vero cells) were detected by MTT colorimetric assay. The inhibitory effects of HP-OVA on 17 strains of vaginal lactobacilli were observed by microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Anhydride-modified ovalbumin significantly inhibited the infection by HSV-2 with an IC(50) of 23.56±8.33 µg/ml. HP-OVA showed only low cytotoxicity to the host cells with a CC(50) over 1 mg/ml. HP-OVA did not produce significant inhibitory effect on the 17 strains of vaginal lactobacilli (MIC>1 mg/ml).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Anhydride-modified protein HP-OVA exhibits potent anti-HSV-2 activity in vitro and can be a good microbicide candidate for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.</p>

The Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice Were Significantly Relieved by the Water Extract of Liriope platyphylla / 한국실험동물학회지

Atopic dermatitis is an well-known skin disease showing inflammatory, chronically relapsing, non-contagious and pruritic symptoms. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of Liriope platyphylla (LP) on atopic dermatitis of NC/Nga mice. To achieve this, NC/Nga mice were treated with four different conditions including vehicle, phthalic anhydride (PA), PA+5% LP and PA+10% LP, and the changes of immune-related factors were detected after 2 weeks. The pathological phenotypes of atopic dermatitis such as erythema, ear thickness, edema, scab and discharge were significantly decreased in PA+10% LP cotreated groups compare to PA treated group. Also, the weight of lymph node and thymus in immune organs were gradually decreased in LP treated groups, while the weight of spleen was slightly increased in same group. Furthermore, toluidine blue staining analysis, a method used to specifically identify the mast cell, showed that the decrease of master cell infiltration into the dermis were statistically observed in PA+5% LP and PA+10% LP5% cotreated groups. Especially, the decrease of IgE concentration was detected only PA+10% LP cotreated group, although this level was maintained in PA+5% LP cotreated group. Therefore, these results suggested that the water extracts of LP may contribute the relieve of atopic dermatitis symptoms and be considered as an excellent candidate for a atopic dermatitis-therapeutic drug.

Operative Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformity in Male Patients / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the result of operative treatment of the hallux valgus in male patients. MATERAILS AND METHODS: Total 11 cases (10 patients) of the hallux valgus deformity that treated with operation were evaluated. Following Mann's radiological classification system, there was 1 cases of mild, 8 cases of moderate, and 2 cases of severe. Preoperative, postoperative, postoperative 3 months and postoperative 6 months follow up standing radiographs were used as radiologic evaluation. And we evaluated radiological outcomes by hallux valgus angle (HVA), first-second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), proximal phalangeal articular angle (PPAA) and clinical outcomes by hallux-metatarsophalangeal scale of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. RESULT: Radiologically, the mean preoperative HVA 37degrees and IMA 13.7degrees were improved postoperatively as HVA 11.9degrees and IMA 4.7degrees, and the mean preoperative DMMA 29.4degrees and PPAA 8.6degrees were improved postoperatively DMMA 13.9degrees and PPAA 7degrees. But, postoperative 6 months follow up HVA, IMA, DMMA and PPAA was increased at 14.2degrees, 6.3degrees, 16.1degrees and 8.3degrees. Average AOFAS score were improved from 61.2 points to 75.2 points. CONCULSION: In our study, operative treatment of hallux valgus in male patients with proximal metatarsal osteotomy and distal soft tissue procedure showed good results but it was necessary to pay attention to increase aspect of follow up radiologic measurements.

Determination of butylidenephthalide in Ligusticum chuanxiong by HPLC / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine butylidenephthalide in Ligusticum Chuanxiong with RP-HPLC.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The sample was extracted with methanol using sonication. The ESTD was used to quantify butylidenephthalide. HPLC separation was carried out in a Hypersil ODS columm (4.6 mm x 150 mm, 5 microm) , eluted at 1 mL x min(-1) with methanol-5% isopropyl alcohol (60: 40) at 25 degrees C. The detection wavelength was 230 nm.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The linear range was 0.07-0.7 microg for butylidenephthalide. The average recovery was 95.3%, and RSD was 2.3% (n =6).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This method was simple and could be used to determine butylidenephthalide with satisfactory accuracy and reproducibility.</p>

Microondas doméstico na síntese de derivados ftalimídicos / Use of domestic microwave oven in the synthesis of phthalimide derivatives

Microondas são utilizadas na síntese orgânica desde 1986, e mostra-se vantajosa em diversos aspectos como possibilidade de maiores rendimentos, maior seletividade e menor decomposição térmica. A ftalimida e derivados, constituem-se em uma importante classe de compostos utilizados na química orgânica sintética, e do ponto de vista da Química Farmacêutica e Medicinal, é considerada um importante bióforo constituindo subunidade estrutural de caráter farmacofórico para uma série de compostos com diferentes atividades farmacológicas, entre elas, a anemia falciforme. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver metodologia alternativa na síntese de derivados ftalimídicos explorando a condensação de anidrido ftálico com aminas funcionalizadas sob radiação de microondas doméstico. Os resultados mostraram que os compostos ftalímidicos sintetizados podem ser obtidos em menores tempos reacionais (5-10 minutos) e maiores rendimentos(60-89%) quando comparados ao aquecimento convencional (refluxo), demonstrando o potencial da utilização do microondas na obtenção destas moléculas...

Inhibitory effects of ligustilide and butylidenephthalide on bFGF-stimulated proliferation of rat smooth muscle cells / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the bio-affinities of ligustilide and butylidenephthalide to rat aortic smooth muscle cells and the inhibitory effects of them on bFGF-stimulated proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>VSMCs were cultured from rat aorta pectoralis and identified by an immunohistochemical method. The bio-affinities between solute (ligustilide or butylidenephthalide) and cell membrane were measured by rat aortic cell membrane chromatography (CMC). The inhibitory effects of ligustilide and butylidenephthalide on bFGF-stimulated VSMC proliferation were evaluated by MIT colorimetric method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both ligustilide and butylidenephthalide had selective affinities to rat aortic smooth muscle cell as the same as verapamil, one of the calcium ion antagonists. They could potently inhibit the bFGF-stimulated VSMC proliferation at the concentrations of 5.5 and 11.1 micromol x L(-1), separately (P < 0.05), but had no effects on the normal VSMC growth.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both ligustilide and butylidenephthalide can inhibit the abnormal proliferation of VSMC induced by bFGF.</p>

High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of radix Angelica sciensis / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To analyze the chemical components in Danggui (the roots of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diel).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HPLC-MS/MS was used to identify the main components in Danggui. Furthermore, the MS fragmentation regularity of the phthalides was proposed. The mobile phase of HPLC consisted of 0.5% acetic acid in water and 0.5% acetic acid in acetonitrile, analytical column was Hypersil ODS2 (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm), flow rate 1.0 mL x min(-1), injected volume 2 microL. The ionization source was ESI in positive ion mode.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ferulic acid, nine known phthalides and one unknown phthalide derivative were tentatively identified in chromatograms based on their MS data and the comparison of their UV spectra with those published in the literatures.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The structural information of phthalides was obtained via HPLC-MS/MS, which provides an accurate and fast method to identify the phthalides and provides more scientific information for quality control of Danggui.</p>

Roles of TNF-alpha and IgE in the late phase of contact hypersensitivity induced by trimellitic anhydride

Trimellitic anhydride (TMA) is widely used industrially to make epoxy and alkyd resins, plasticizers and surfactants. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is induced by repeated TMA challenge and the role of TNF-a and IgE in the TMA-induced CHS. The repetition of the challenge enlarged the extent of an early and a late phase of CHS in TNF-alpha+/+ (B6129SF2/J) and Balb/c mice. In the late phase of TMA-induced CHS, the peak of ear swelling responses by single challenge showed at 24 h after challenge, but the peak was observed at 8 h after repeated challenge. In the TNF-a knockout TNF-alpha-/- (B6;129S-Tnf(tm1Gk1) mice, the repetition of the TMA challenges enlarged the extent of the late phase of CHS, but less than those in TNF-alpha+/+ mice. Injection of anti-TNF-alpha antibody into the peritoneal cavity of Balb/c mice significantly decreased the extent of the late phase of CHS. Subcutaneous injection of anti-IgE antibody into Balb/c mice also decreased the extent of the late phase of CHS in dose-dependent manner. Histologically, infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and eosinophils was more pronounced in repeatedly TMA-challenged TNF-alpha+/+ and Balb/c mice than in the TNF-alpha-/- mice and anti-TNF-alpha or anti-IgE antibodies treated Balb/c mice. These results indicate that mice sensitized by TMA could possibly offer a useful model to study the mechanism of CHS, and TNF-a and IgE may act as potential modulators in the late phase of TMA-induced CHS. Neutralization of TNF-alpha and IgE by anti-TNF-a or anti-IgE antibodies may provide therapeutic tools for the treatment of TMA-induced CHS.

Synthesis and characterization of five phthalate phosphate, borate, phosphate-borate, polyglycol and alkanol esters as bases for hydraulic fluids

Phthalate esters of phosphate, borate, phosphate-borate, polyglycol and 2- [2-butoxy ethoxy methanol were prepared with the aim of producing hydraulic bas. fluids. Physico-chemical investigations of the prepared estrus were measured. Gas chromatography, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry results confirm the structures of these compounds. The improvement in the specification of the ester bases may be achieved by the incorporation of the phthalic acid anhydride in the ester reaction. Thus providing hydraulic base fluids that are capable of being produced more economically and can monitor any pollution caused by fluid operations ensuring environment safeguard