Decursinol Angelate Ameliorates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis by Modulating Type 17 Helper T Cell Responses

Angelica gigas has been used as a Korean traditional medicine for pain relief and gynecological health. Although the extracts are reported to have an anti-inflammatory property, the bioactive compounds of the herbal plant and the effect on T cell responses are unclear. In this study, we identified decursinol angelate (DA) as an immunomodulatory ingredient of A. gigas and demonstrated its suppressive effect on type 17 helper T (Th17) cell responses. Helper T cell culture experiments revealed that DA impeded the differentiation of Th17 cells and IL-17 production without affecting the survival and proliferation of CD4 T cells. By using a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model, we determined the therapeutic potential of DA for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. DA treatment attenuated the severity of colitis including a reduction in weight loss, colon shortening, and protection from colonic tissue damage induced by DSS administration. Intriguingly, Th17 cells concurrently with neutrophils in the colitis tissues were significantly decreased by the DA treatment. Overall, our experimental evidence reveals for the first time that DA is an anti-inflammatory compound to modulate inflammatory T cells, and suggests DA as a potential therapeutic agent to manage inflammatory conditions associated with Th17 cell responses.

The Erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate Concentration and Its Related Factors in Patients with End-stage Liver Disease / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: It is believed that an increase in the level of erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate is an important compensatory mechanism that allows satisfactory tissue oxygenation in hypoxic patients. This study measured the level of 2,3-diphophoglycerate and the factors affecting its concentration, as well as the position of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve in patients with end-stage liver disease. METHODS: Fifty patients receiving liver transplantation (experimental group) and forty-five healthy donors (control group) were enrolled in this study. Arterial-mixed venous oxygen content difference, whole body oxygen delivery and consumption were measured after determining the hemodynamic parameters including cardiac output in the experimental group. The erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate level was measured using assay procedures. The P50 value was used to determine the position of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve. RESULTS: The 2,3-diphosphoglycerate level was higher in patients with end-stage liver disease than in the controls. A 0.3 g/L increase in the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentration corresponded to a P50 increase in 1.2 mmHg with a rightward displacement of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve. The 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentration showed a significant correlation with the PaO2, Ca-vO2, P50, and blood lactate level, but not with the hemodynamic parameters such as the cardiac index, oxygen delivery index, and pH. CONCLUSIONS: End-stage liver disease is associated with an increase in the level of the erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and P50. This is believed to be an important compensatory mechanism to allow better tissue oxygenation. An increase in the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate level correlates well with the oxygenation parameters, rather than with the hemodynamic parameters.

Tourniquet-induced Tibial and Peroneal Nerve Palsy Complicating Knee Ligament Reconstruction: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

In this case report, an unremarkable anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of knee was complicated by a tourniquet-induced tibial and peroneal nerve palsy. The patient sustained the nerve palsy after the surgery under bloodless field for 2 h 30 min with a tourniquet pressure of 300 mmHg. The case underlines the necessity of being aware of the potential for complications associated with tourniquets, despite following recommended guidelines of tourniquet time and pressure.