Anti-Inflammatory, Barrier-Protective, and Antiwrinkle Properties of Agastache rugosa Kuntze in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes.

This work aimed to assess the skin-beneficial properties of Agastache rugosa Kuntze, an herbal medication used to treat different types of disorders in traditional folk medicine. The total phenolic compounds and total antiradical, nitrite scavenging, superoxide scavenging, antielastase, and antihyaluronidase activities of a hot water extract of A. rugosa Kuntze leaves (ARE) were spectrophotometrically determined. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was fluorometrically quantitated using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and filaggrin were evaluated using Western analysis. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure filaggrin mRNA. Caspase-14 activity was determined using a fluorogenic substrate. ARE contained the total phenolic content of 38.9 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract and exhibited 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide radical, and nitrite scavenging activities with the SC50 values of 2.9, 1.4, and 1.7 mg/mL, respectively. ARE exerted suppressive activities on nitric oxide (NO) and ROS levels elevated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in HaCaT keratinocytes. It attenuated the LPS-stimulated expression of iNOS. ARE augmented the UV-B-reduced filaggrin expression on both protein and mRNA levels and was capable of upregulating the UV-B-reduced caspase-14 activity. ARE inhibited in vitro elastase and hyaluronidase activities associated with the wrinkling process. ARE, at the concentrations used, did not interfere with the viability of HaCaT keratinocytes. These findings preliminarily imply that the leaves of A. rugosa possess desirable cosmetic potentials, such as anti-inflammatory, barrier protective, and antiwrinkle activities, which infers their skin healing potentials.

Efficacy of clomifene citrate combined Bushen Culuan Decoction for the treatment of infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome: A protocol of systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of clomifene citrate combined Bushen Culuan Decoction (CCBCD) in treating infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: We will carry out this study to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to the present. There are no limitations to the language and publication time. We will perform study selection, data extraction, and study quality assessment. If possible, a meta-analysis will be developed to judge the comparative efficacy and safety of CCBCD with other treatments. RESULTS: The results of this study will summarize current high quality RCTs to provide direct evidence of CCBCD in treating infertility in patients with PCOS. CONCLUSION: This study may provide evidence to determine whether CCBCD is effective and safe or not for the treatment of infertility caused by PCOS. STUDY REGISTRATION: INPLASY202050090.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Prevents Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment: Associations with Microglia-Mediated Cytokines, Neuroinflammation, and Neuroplasticity.

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, also known as "chemobrain," is a common side effect. The purpose of this study was to examine whether ginsenoside Rg1, a ginseng-derived compound, could prevent chemobrain and its underlying mechanisms. A mouse model of chemobrain was developed with three injections of docetaxel, adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide (DAC) in combination at a 2-day interval. Rg1 (5 and 10 mg/kg daily) was given 1 week prior to DAC regimen for 3 weeks. An amount of 10 mg/kg Rg1 significantly improved chemobrain-like behavior in water maze test. In vivo neuroimaging revealed that Rg1 co-treatment reversed DAC-induced decreases in prefrontal and hippocampal neuronal activity and ameliorated cortical neuronal dendritic spine elimination. It normalized DAC-caused abnormalities in the expression of multiple neuroplasticity biomarkers in the two brain regions. Rg1 suppressed DAC-induced elevation of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), but increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 in multiple sera and brain tissues. Rg1 also modulated cytokine mediators and inhibited DAC-induced microglial polarization from M2 to M1 phenotypes. In in vitro experiments, while impaired viability of PC12 neuroblastic cells and hyperactivation of BV-2 microglial cells, a model of neuroinflammation, were observed in the presence of DAC, Rg1 co-treatment strikingly reduced DAC's neurotoxic effects and neuroinflammatory response. These results indicate that Rg1 exerts its anti-chemobrain effect in an association with the inhibition of neuroinflammation by modulating microglia-mediated cytokines and the related upstream mediators, protecting neuronal activity and promoting neuroplasticity in particular brain regions associated with cognition processing.

Probiotic fermentation augments the skin anti-photoaging properties of Agastache rugosa through up-regulating antioxidant components in UV-B-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND: Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Kuntze (Korean mint) is used to treat diverse types of human disorders in traditional medicine. In recent years, its non-fermented leaf extract (ARE) has been shown to possess protective properties against ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation-induced photooxidative stress. The present work aimed to examine whether probiotic bacterial fermentation would potentiate the skin anti-photoaging activity of ARE or not, by comparing the protective properties of ARE and corresponding fermented extract (ARE-F) against UV-B radiation-induced photooxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes. METHODS: ARE-F was produced from ARE by the fermentation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HK-9, a type of Gram-positive probiotic bacterial strain. Anti-photoaging activities were evaluated by analyzing reactive oxygen species (ROS), promatrix metalloproteinases (proMMPs), total glutathione (GSH) and total superoxide dismutase (SOD) in UV-B-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes. Antiradical activity was determined using 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay. RESULTS: ARE-F contained higher attenuating activity on the UV-B-induced ROS generation than ARE. Similarly, ARE-F was able to diminish the UV-B-induced proMMP-9 and -2 more effectively than ARE. ARE-F displayed higher tendencies to augment the UV-B-reduced total GSH content and SOD activity than ARE. However, there were no significant difference between ARE and ARE-F in ABTS radical scavenging activities. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the UV-B radiation-protective activity of ARE is enhanced by probiotic bacterial fermentation, which might improve the therapeutic and cosmetic values of A. rugosa leaves.

Effects of Chinese Dietary Pattern of Fat Content, n-6/n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Ratio, and Cholesterol Content on Lipid Profile in Rats.

This study aims to investigate the effect of Chinese diet pattern of fat content (30% or 36.06%), n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio (5 : 1 or 9 : 1), and cholesterol content (0.04 or 0.057 g/kg total diet) on lipid profile using a rat model. Results showed that rats' body weights (BWs) were controlled by the simultaneous intakes of cholesterol level of 0.04 g/kg total diet and n-6/n-3 ratio of 5 : 1. In addition, under high-fat diet, increased cholesterol feeding led to increased total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and decreased triacylglycerols (TG) in rats' plasma. However, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level and the ratios of HDL-C/LDL-C and HDL-C/TC in rats' plasma increased in response to simultaneous intakes of low n-6/n-3 ratio (5 : 1) and cholesterol (0.04 g/kg total diet) even under high-fat diet. Moreover, as the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in the diet decreased, the proportion of n-3 PUFAs increased in plasma, liver, and muscle and resulted in the decrease of n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio.

Protective properties of geniposide against UV-B-induced photooxidative stress in human dermal fibroblasts.

CONTEXT: Geniposide (genipin-1-O-ß-d-glucoside) is a major bioactive ingredient in the fruits of gardenia [Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis (Rubiaceae)], a traditional herbal medicine in Asian countries. OBJECTIVE: This work assesses the skin anti-photoaging potential of geniposide in human dermal fibroblasts under UV-B irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-photoaging property of geniposide, at varying concentrations (5, 12 and 30 µM) treated for 30 min prior to UV-B irradiation, was evaluated by analysing reactive oxygen species (ROS), promatrix metalloproteinase-2 (proMMP-2), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and cellular viability. RESULTS: Geniposide suppressed the ROS elevation under UV-B irradiation, which was revealed using three ROS-sensitive fluorescent dyes. The use of 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), dihydroethidium (DHE) and dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR-123) elicited the IC50 values of 10.5, 9.8 and 21.0 µM, respectively. Geniposide attenuated proMMP-2 at activity and protein levels that were elevated under UV-B-irradiation. Geniposide at 5, 12 and 30 µM augmented the UV-B-reduced total GSH content to 1.9 ± 0.1-, 2.2 ± 0.2- and 4.1 ± 0.2-fold, respectively. Geniposide at 5, 12 and 30 µM upregulated total SOD activity to 2.3 ± 0.1-, 2.5 ± 0.3- and 3.3 ± 0.3-fold, respectively, under UV-B irradiation. The UV-B-reduced Nrf2 levels were also upregulated by geniposide treatment. Geniposide, at the concentrations used, was unable to interfere with cellular viabilities under UV-B irradiation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: After the skin anti-photoaging potential of geniposide may be further verified, it can be utilized as a safer resource in the manufacture of effective anti-aging cosmetics.

Fermented Platycodon grandiflorum Extract Inhibits Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether fermented Platycodon grandiflorum (FPG) inhibits lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. We evaluated the effect of FPG on antiadipogenic activity via regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), as well as protein expression of their target genes, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4). We further examined the antiobesity effects of FPG on HFD-induced obesity in mice. The FPG was orally administered to mice with a HFD at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. Our results show that FPG significantly inhibited fat accumulation during 3T3-L1 adipogenesis through downregulating adipogenic transcript factors. Moreover, FPG markedly reduced the final body weight with a decrease in epididymal adipose tissue mass and adipocyte size compared with the untreated HFD-induced group. The effects of FPG on HFD-induced obesity were primarily responsible for inhibiting adipogenesis in adipose tissue and regulating lipid metabolism, such as through lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. Additionally, FPG ameliorated serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Hence, FPG may be an alternative treatment for controlling obesity through downregulating lipid accumulation.

Attenuating properties of Agastache rugosa leaf extract against ultraviolet-B-induced photoaging via up-regulating glutathione and superoxide dismutase in a human keratinocyte cell line.

Agastache rugosa Kuntze, known as a Korean mint, is an herbal medicine that has been used for the treatment of diverse kinds of symptoms in traditional medicine. This work was undertaken to assess the protective properties of A. rugosa leaves against UV-B-induced photoaging in HaCaT keratinocytes. They were evaluated via analyzing reactive oxygen species (ROS), promatrix metalloproteinase-2 (proMMP-2) and -9 (proMMP-9), total glutathione (GSH), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), cellular viability, flavonoid content and in vitro radical scavenging activity. Total flavonoid content of ARE, a hot water extract of A. rugosa leaves, was 22.8±7.6mg of naringin equivalent/g ARE. ARE exhibited ABTS(+) radical scavenging activity with an SC50 of 836.9µg/mL. ARE attenuated the UV-B-induced ROS generation. It diminished the UV-B-induced elevation of proMMP-2 and -9 at both activity and protein levels. On the contrary, ARE was able to enhance the UV-B-reduced total GSH and total SOD activity levels. ARE, at the used concentrations, was unable to interfere with the cellular viabilities of HaCaT keratinocytes under UV-B irradiation. Taken together, ARE possesses a protective potential against UV-B-induced photoaging in HaCaT keratinocytes, possibly based upon up-regulating antioxidant components, including total GSH and SOD. These findings reasonably suggest the use of A. rugosa leaves as a photoprotective resource in manufacturing functional cosmetics.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 expression in spinal fusion masses enhanced by extracorporeal shock wave treatment: a rabbit experiment.

PURPOSE: Extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) has been introduced to enhance spinal fusion. This study was conducted to assess the effect of ESW on bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression in a spinal fusion experiment. METHODS: Twelve rabbits underwent fusion at bilateral L5-6 intertransverse spaces. They were evenly divided into two groups. In the study group, bilateral L5 and L6 transverse processes were treated with 1,000 impulses of ESW at 14 kV at 12 weeks. In the control group, the rabbits did not receive ESW treatment. All rabbits were sacrificed at 16 weeks, and their lumbar spines were harvested for radiographic and molecular biological study. RESULTS: In the study group (n = 6), the radiographs showed good fusion in all six rabbits, while in the control group (n = 6), good fusion was found only in three rabbits (50%). Although more rabbits in the study group had a good fusion result, the inter-group difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.182). In the molecular biological examination, the mean value of the normalized expression of BMP-2 mRNA in the fusion masses of the study group was 90 ± 8.4 while that of the control group was 77.33 ± 6.74. Statistical analysis showed the study group had a significantly higher BMP-2 mRNA expression in the fusion masses than the control group (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed that ESW treatment enhances BMP-2 mRNA expression in spinal fusion masses.

[Observation on the therapeutic effect of a red-hot needle therapy combined with blood-letting puncture and cupping for treatment of neurodermatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To search for an effective therapy for neurodermatitis. METHODS: Ninety-six cases were divided into 2 groups by random number table. The treatment group (n = 54) were treated by hot-red needle therapy combined with blood-letting puncturing and cupping at skin-injured area, and the control group (n = 42) were treated with external smearing of halometasone cream. RESULTS: The cured rate and the total effective rate were 51.9% and 96.3% in the treatment group, and 28.6% and 81.0% in the control group, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups in the therapeutic effect (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Red-hot needle therapy combined with blood-letting puncture and cupping has a definite therapeutic effect on neurodermatitis, without toxic and adverse effects.