Outcomes of an Acute Palliative Care Unit at a Comprehensive Cancer Center in Korea.

Background: The acute palliative care unit (APCU) bridges between active cancer treatment and hospice care. However, no study has proven the efficacy of APCU in Korea. Objective: To evaluate the first-year outcomes of the patients admitted to an APCU at a tertiary hospital in Korea. Design: The APCU admitted 205 patients between April 14, 2014, and April 30, 2015. Of these patients, 57 were evaluable for baseline and one-week follow-up Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Results: Of the 57 participants, 56.1% were male, with a median age of 60 years (range, 52.8-69.5 years). All patients had advanced cancer, and 42 out of 57 had terminal illnesses. The median APCU stay was 14 days (range, 10-17 days). The 42 (73.7%) patients were referred to the APCU after anticancer treatment was completed. Ten (17.5%) patients died during their stay, and 20 (35.1%) were discharged home. Among those who completed the ESAS, there were significant improvements in scores in the following symptoms: fatigue, depression, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. Physical symptoms (pain, fatigue, nausea, drowsiness, appetite, and shortness of breath) and the total ESAS scores were significantly improved (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005, respectively). Each non-medical palliative care program, such as art and music therapy, yoga, foot massage, haircut, and body care, showed no significant differences between the group who received them and those who did not. Conclusion: During the APCU stay, the overall symptoms of inpatients were reduced. A comprehensive and multidisciplinary team approach is essential for patients who need palliative care.

Anticancer and Apoptotic Activity in Cervical Adenocarcinoma HeLa Using Crude Extract of Ganoderma applanatum.

Cancer is currently one of the foremost health challenges and a leading cause of death worldwide. Cervical cancer is caused by cofactors, including oral contraceptive use, smoking, multiparity, and HIV infection. One of the major and considerable etiologies is the persistent infection of the oncogenic human papilloma virus. G. applanatum is a valuable medicinal mushroom that has been widely used as a folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. In this study, we obtained crude extract from G. applanatum mushroom with a subcritical water extraction method; cell viability assay was carried out and the crude extract showed an antiproliferative effect in HeLa cells with IC50 of 1.55 ± 0.01 mg/mL; however, it did not show any sign of toxicity in HaCaT. Protein expression was detected by Western blot, stability of IκBα and downregulation of NFκB, IKKα, IKKß, p-NFκB-65(Ser 536) and p-IKKα/ß(Ser 176/180), suggesting loss of survival in a dose-dependent manner. RT-qPCR revealed RNA/mRNA expression; fold changes of gene expression in Apaf-1, caspase-3, cytochrome-c, caspase-9, Bax and Bak were increased, which implies apoptosis, and NFκB was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. DNA fragmentation was seen in the treatment groups as compared to the control group using gel electrophoresis. Identification and quantification of compounds were carried out by GC-MS and HPLC, respectively; 2(5H)furanone with IC50 of 1.99 ± 0.01 µg/mL could be the responsible anticancer compound. In conclusion, these findings suggest the potential use of the crude extract of G. applanatum as a natural source with anticancer activity against cervical cancer.

Kurarinone induced p53-independent G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by degradation of K-RAS via WDR76 in human colorectal cancer cells.

Kurarinone (KR), a naturally occurring flavonoid in Sophora flavescens Aiton and a traditional herbal medicine, reportedly has anti-cancer activity against various cancer types both in vitro and in vivo. However, the cellular mechanism of KR remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of cell cycle arrest induced by KR in human colorectal cancer cells. KR not only reduced cell proliferation but also induced G0/G1 arrest of colorectal cancer cell lines. The results of western blotting analysis showed that KR reduced the protein levels of cyclin D1/D3 and CDK4/6 by downregulating signaling proteins such as K-RAS, c-MYC, and p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Additionally, KR arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase in a p53-independent manner, and decreased the protein level of K-RAS by proteasomal degradation dependent on WDR76, an E3 ubiquitin ligase. From these results, we propose that KR could be a potent anti-cancer agent, acting through the degradation of K-RAS dependent on WDR76, regardless of the p53 status.

Split-face comparative trial of 785-nm picosecond neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser and precision cryotherapy combination treatment for facial benign pigmented lesions.

Cryotherapy (or cryosurgery) has been performed to treat various skin lesions in the field of dermatology; however, to the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated its efficacy and safety for benign pigmented lesions. Therefore, we conducted a split-face study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cryotherapy in the treatment of benign pigmented lesions. A total of five subjects were included. Picosecond laser therapy was performed to treat the whole face and cryotherapy for half the face. Four weeks after completing the treatment sessions, patients showed more clinical improvement on the laser and cryotherapy combination treatment side than on the laser-only side, with no adverse events. Our study demonstrated that cryotherapy is a potential adjuvant therapeutic modality for benign pigmented lesions.

Mixture of Phlorotannin and Fucoidan from Ecklonia cava Prevents the Aß-Induced Cognitive Decline with Mitochondrial and Cholinergic Activation.

The anti-amnesic effect of a mixture (4:6 = phlorotannin:fucoidan from Ecklonia cava, P4F6) was evaluated on amyloid-beta peptide (Aß)-induced cognitive deficit mice. The cognitive function was examined by Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests, and the intake of the mixture (P4F6) showed an ameliorating effect on Aß-induced learning and memory impairment. After the behavioral tests, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) contents were confirmed in brain tissue, and in the results, the mixture (P4F6) attenuated Aß-induced oxidative stress. In addition, mitochondrial activity was evaluated by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway, and the mixture (P4F6) enhanced mitochondrial function. Furthermore, the mixture (P4F6) effectively regulated tau hyperphosphorylation by regulating the protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, and promoted brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain tissue. Moreover, in the cholinergic system, the mixture (P4F6) ameliorated acetylcholine (ACh) content by regulating acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression in brain tissue. Based on these results, we suggest that this mixture of phlorotannin and fucoidan (P4F6) might be a substance for improving cognitive function by effectively regulating cognition-related molecules.

In vitro characterization of bioactive compounds extracted from sea urchin (Stomopneustes variolaris) using green and conventional techniques.

This study investigated the in vitro bioactivities of extracts obtained from viscera, spines, shells, and gonads of Stomopneustes variolaris using subcritical water extraction (SWE) at 110 °C, 150 °C, 190 °C, and 230 °C and Soxhlet extraction. The highest amounts of phenolics (22.68 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (27.11 ± 0.10 mg RE/g), and proteins (40.25 ± 0.84 mg BSA/g) were recorded from gonads at 230 °C, whereas maximum sugar content (23.38 ± 1.30 mg glucose/g) was in viscera at 150 °C. Gonads at 230 °C exhibited the highest DPPH activity (78.68 ± 0.18%), whereas viscera at 150 °C exhibited the highest ABTS+ (98.92 ± 1.27%) and protein denaturation inhibition activity (37.13 ± 9.94%). Viscera at 110 °C claimed the highest amylase inhibition (42.46 ± 0.83%), and spines at 150 °C had the highest anticancer activity (IC50 = 767.47 µg/mL). SWE achieved superior results in bioactive compound recovery and detected higher levels of bioactivities (p < 0.05). Results suggest processing sea urchin extracts via SWE has potential application to the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The KAAACI/KDA Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in Korean Adults and Children: Part 2. Management of H1-Antihistamine-Refractory Chronic Urticaria.

Quite a few patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) are refractory to H1-antihistamines, even though the dose of H1-antihistamines is increased up to 4-fold. CSU that is not controlled with H1-antihistamines results in increased disease burden. Several immunomodulators have been used to manage these patients. The guidelines reported herein are connected to Part 1 of the KAAACI/KDA Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in Korean Adults and Children, and aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU. Part 2 focuses on the more commonly used additional treatment options for refractory CSU, including omalizumab, cyclosporine, leukotriene receptor antagonist, dapsone, methotrexate, and phototherapy. The evidence to support their efficacy, dosing, safety, and selection of these agents is systematically reviewed. To date, for patients with refractory CSU, the methodologically sound data to evaluate the use of omalizumab has been growing; however, the evidence of other immunomodulators and phototherapy is still insufficient. Therefore, an individualized stepwise approach with a goal of achieving complete symptom control and minimizing side effects can be recommended. Larger controlled studies are needed to elevate the level of evidence to select a rational therapeutic agent for patients with refractory CSU.

Mori Cortex Radicis Attenuates High Fat Diet-Induced Cognitive Impairment via an IRS/Akt Signaling Pathway.

Present study was conducted to investigate ameliorating effects of Mori Cortex radicis on cognitive impair and neuronal defects in HFD-induced (High Fat Diet-Induced) obese mice. To induce obesity, C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD for 8 weeks, and then mice were fed the HFD plus Mori Cortex radicis extract (MCR) (100 or 200 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Prior to sacrifice, body weights were measured, and Y-maze test and oral glucose tolerance test were performed. Serum lipid metabolic biomarkers (TG, LDL, and HDL/total cholesterol ratio) and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), malondialdehyde (MDA), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels were measured in brain tissues. The expressions of proteins related to insulin signaling (p-IRS, PI3K, p-Akt, and GLUT4) and neuronal protection (p-Tau, Bcl-2, and Bax) were examined. MCR suppressed weight gain, improved serum lipid metabolic biomarker and glucose tolerance, inhibited AChE levels and MDA production, and restored antioxidant enzyme levels in brain tissue. In addition, MCR induced neuronal protective effects by inhibiting p-Tau expression and increasing Bcl-2/Bax ratio, which was attributed to insulin-induced increases in the expressions p-IRS, PI3K, p-Akt, and GLUT4. These indicate MCR may reduce HFD-induced insulin dysfunction and neuronal damage and suggest MCR be considered a functional material for the prevention of T2DM-associated neuronal disease.

Psoralea corylifolia L. extract ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in free-fatty-acid-incubated HEPG2 cells and in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease that is closely related to metabolic syndrome. We investigated the effect of a Psoralea corylifolia L. (PC) seeds extract (PCE) on NAFLD. PC seeds were extracted using different ethanol concentrations to produce five extracts, and the 70% ethanol PCE, which had the highest phenolic content, was used in subsequent in vitro and in vivo experiments. The inhibitory effect of PCE on hepatic steatosis was estimated using HepG2 cells treated with oleic acid (OA). In addition, an in vivo NAFLD model was established using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6 mice. Obesity was induced in mice over 14 weeks. PCE (100 or 200 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to mice after 8 weeks of the 14-week treatment period for 6 weeks. PCE suppressed lipid accumulation in OA-treated HepG2 cells. PCE ameliorated the antioxidant activity suppressions induced by the HFD. In addition, both PCE100 and PCE200 groups reduced lipid accumulation and the expression levels of inflammatory proteins as compared with HFD group. PCE administration significantly attenuated hepatic steatosis in liver tissues by decreasing the expression of lipogenic protein sterol regulatory element binding protein 1-c (SREBP-1c) and its downstream protein fatty acid synthase (FAS) in HFD-fed mice and in OA-treated HepG2 cells. Furthermore, PCE administration increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. These results suggest that PCE could be used as a functional material to prevent or ameliorate NAFLD by inhibiting lipid accumulation in liver. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Psoralea corylifolia L. is rich in polyphenol and other phytochemicals. In this study, we identified the beneficial effects of Psoralea corylifolia L. extract on hepatic steatosis in oleic-acid-induced HepG2 cells and high-fat diet-fed mice. The result of this study will provide the evidence that a Psoralea corylifolia L. extract has potential use as a functional material for the prevention and amelioration of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Fat-1 expression enhance hippocampal memory in scopolamine-induced amnesia.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are critical for optimal brain health and are involved in psychiatric and neurological ailments. Here, we report the effects of higher endogenous omega-3 PUFA on memory impairment in the hippocampus by studying mice with transgenic expression of the fat-1 gene that converts omega-6 to omega-3 PUFA. We performed Y-maze and passive avoidance tests to evaluate the memory function of fat-1 mice treated with scopolamine. Fat-1 mice showed induced alternation in the Y-maze test and increased latency in the passive avoidance test. The effects of scopolamine on hippocampal neurogenesis were confirmed by increases in the number of Ki-67- and DCX-positive cells in the fat-1 mice. Western blotting revealed increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein levels, and lower scopolamine-induced apoptosis based on the cleaved-caspase 3 protein level in fat-1 mice. These findings suggest that higher endogenous omega-3 PUFA prevented granular cell loss, increased BDNF signaling, and decreased apoptosis signaling in scopolamine-treated fat-1 mice. These processes may underlie granular cell survival and suggest potential therapeutic targets for memory impairment.

Green extraction of polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates from Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk.: Chemical profile and anticoagulant activity.

In this study, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) of polyphenolic-polysaccharide (PP) from Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk. leaves was carried out and compared with a conventional technique using 0.1 M sodium hydroxide. The extracts were purified according to the method reported previously to obtain PP conjugates which were further studied about chemical profiles and anticoagulant activity. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and spectrophotometry analysis were used to characterize the selected PP conjugates. The results showed that PP conjugates comprised of carbohydrate, phenolic, and protein constituents with the yield ranged from 2.76% to 14.34%. Seven mono sugars containing in all conjugates were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), namely, arabinose, fucose, galactose, glucose, mannose, rhamnose, and xylose. PP conjugates obtained from PLE at 150 °C (PP-PLE5) exhibited better anticoagulant activity than those found at 200 °C and comparable to that of the conventional technique. On gel permeation chromatography, PP-PLE5 showed a broad molecular mass from 6 to 642 kDa. From the obtained results, PLE can be used as a green effective technique for the recovery of PP conjugate from P. palatiferum leaves.

Effect of catechins and high-temperature-processed green tea extract on scavenging reactive oxygen species and preventing Aß1-42 fibrils' formation in brain microvascular endothelium.

The present study investigated the effect of high-temperature-processed green tea extract (HTP_GTE) and its bioactive components on the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and amyloid-beta (Aß) protein in human microvascular endothelial cells. Compared to Aß1-42-only treatment, pretreatment of HTP_GTE was revealed to effectively inhibit ROS generation (P<0.05). HTP_GTE and catechins not only inhibit Aß1-42 fibril formation but also destabilize preformed Aß1-42 fibrils. The presence of HTP_GTE, Aß1-42 fibril formation was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner at 12.5-100 µg/ml of HTP_GTE, showing 86-56%, respectively. Treatment of various concentrations of HTP_GTE and catechins steadily destabilized the preformed Aß1-42 fibrils for 24 h in a dose-dependent manner. It was observed that the gallated groups such as epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, and catechin gallate more effectively disturbed Aß1-42 fibril formation and destabilized the preformed Aß1-42 fibrils than the non-gallated group. Taken together, these findings supported that sterilized green tea could be promising natural anti-amyloidogenic agents associated with therapeutic approaches in Alzheimer's disease by scavenging ROS generation and Aß fibril in the brain tissue.

Phenolic components rich ethyl acetate fraction of Orostachys japonicus inhibits lipid accumulation by regulating reactive oxygen species generation in adipogenesis.

In this study, Orostachys japonicus was extracted with ethyl alcohol and fractionated by a serial of organic solvents. The ethyl acetate fraction was found to be the most effective among the tested five fractions. High-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction presented epicatechin gallate, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside. Treatment with O. japonicus inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid accumulation during adipogenesis. The gene expression of enzymes involved in the antioxidant system increased in O. japonicus-treated cells. messeanger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of the pro-oxidant enzymes such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen oxidase4 and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase suppressed in O. japonicus-treated cells. O. japonicus also inhibited the mRNA and protein levels of adipogenic transcription factors (including proliferator activated receptor-γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α) and their target gene (adipocyte protein 2). These results suggest that O. japonicus inhibits adipogenesis by controlling pro-/anti-oxidant enzyme responses and adipogenic transcription factors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: ROS generation is markedly related to the pathogenesis and development of metabolic disorders. Treatment with O. japonicus inhibited ROS generation and lipid accumulation during adipogenesis. This result indicates that O. japonicus inhibit adipogenesis by controlling pro-/anti-oxidant enzyme responses and adipogenic mediators.

Protective effect of Mori Cortex radicis extract against high glucose-induced oxidative stress in PC12 cells.

This study was undertaken to investigate the neuroprotective effect of an ethanolic extract of Mori Cortex radicis (MCR) against high glucose (HG)-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells. Cell cytotoxicity was examined using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays. To examine the antioxidative effects, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured. The expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins were assessed. MCR was found to increase the viabilities of HG-induced PC12 cells and to inhibit ROS and MDA production and to promote antioxidative enzyme activities. Furthermore, MCR reduced apoptosis by upregulating p-Akt and Bcl-2/Bax ratio and reducing cytochrome c level. The main flavonoids in MCR were identified by HPLC to be kuwanon G and morusin. These results suggest the antioxidative effects of MCR protect against HG-induced oxidative stress and that MCR has potential therapeutic use for the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuro-degeneration.

Ecklonia cava Extract Containing Dieckol Suppresses RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis via MAP Kinase/NF-κB Pathway Inhibition and Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction.

Ecklonia cava, an edible marine brown alga (Laminariaceae), is a rich source of bioactive compounds such as fucoidan and phlorotannins. Ecklonia cava extract (ECE) was prepared using 70% ethanol extraction and ECE contained 67% and 10.6% of total phlorotannins and dieckol, respectively. ECE treatment significantly inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation of RAW 264.7 cells and pit formation in bone resorption assay (p ＜0.05). Moreover, it suppressed RANKL-induced NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in a dose dependent manner. Downregulated osteoclast-specific gene (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, cathepsin K, and matrix metalloproteinase-9) expression and osteoclast proliferative transcriptional factors (nuclear factor of activated T cells-1 and c-fos) confirmed ECE-mediated suppression of osteoclastogenesis. ECE treatment (100 µg/ml) increased heme oxygenase-1 expression by 2.5-fold and decreased intercellular reactive oxygen species production during osteoclastogenesis. The effective inhibition of RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation and oxidative stress by ECE suggest that ECE has therapeutic potential in alleviating osteoclast-associated disorders.

Induction of apoptosis and G1 phase cell cycle arrest by Aster incisus in AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells.

In recent decades, various bioactive compounds from plants have been investigated for their potential use in the treatment of diseases in humans. Aster incisus extract (AIE) is the extract of a common plant that is mostly found in Asia. It has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes in South Korea. In this study, we evaluated the potential anticancer effects of a methanolic extract of Aster incisus in a normal human cell line (HaCaT keratinocytes) and in 4 different types of human cancer cell lines (A549, lung cancer; Hep3B, liver cancer; MDA­MB­231, breast cancer; and AGS, gastric cancer). The HaCaT, A549, Hep3B, MDA­MB­231 and AGS cells were treated with various concentrations of AIE and following treatment, cell survival was evaluated. Additional analyses, such as WST-1 assay, western blot analysis, DAPI staining, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining and wound healing assay were performed to elucidate the mechanisms and pathways involved in the cell death induced by AIE. Treatment with AIE induced morphological changes and considerably reduced the viability of the both normal and cancer cell lines. Further analysis of the AGS gastric cancer cells revealed that AIE led to the induction of apoptosis and a high accumulation of cells in the G1 cell phase following treatment with AIE in a dose-dependent manner. The results also revealed that AIE successfully suppressed the migration of the AIE-treated AGS cells. The results of western blot analysis indicated that AIE increased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, particularly Bid, Bad, Bak, cytochrome c, apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), cleaved caspase­3, -8 and -9 and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Additionally, AIE decreased the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. On the whole, the findings of this study demonstrate that AIE induces apoptosis through the activation of the caspase­dependent pathway mediated by the mitochondrial pathway and by arresting the cell cycle in AGS cells.

Acer okamotoanum Nakai Leaf Extract Inhibits Adipogenesis Via Suppressing Expression of PPAR γ and C/EBP α in 3T3-L1 Cells.

The genus Acer contains several species with various bioactivities including antioxidant, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties. However, Acer okamotoanum Nakai, one species within this genus has not been fully studied yet. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the anti-adipogenic activities of leaf extract from A. okamotoanum Nakai (LEAO) on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Adipogenesis is one of the cell differentiation processes, which converts preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. Nowadays, inhibition of adipogenesis is considered as an effective strategy in the field of anti-obesity research. In this study, we observed that LEAO decreased the accumulation of lipid droplets during adipogenesis and down-regulated the expression of key adipogenic transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR γ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBP α). In addition, LEAO inactivated PI3K/Akt signaling and its downstream factors that promote adipogenesis by inducing the expression of PPAR γ. LEAO also activated ß-catenin signaling, which prevents the adipogenic program by suppressing the expression of PPAR γ. Therefore, we found that treatment with LEAO is effective for attenuating adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Consequently, these findings suggest that LEAO has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for preventing obesity.

Antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Madhuca longifolia flower extract as a green resource.

The green and one-step synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been proposed as simple and ecofriendly. In the present study, a flower extract of Madhuca longifolia was used for the reduction of silver nitrate into AgNPs, with phytochemicals from the flower extract as a reducing and stabilizing agents. The synthesized AgNPs were spherical and oval shaped and about 30-50 nm sizes. The appearance of a brown color in the reaction mixture is a primary indication of AgNPs formation, and it was confirmed by observing UV-visible spectroscopy peak at 436 nm. The Energy Dispersive X-ray spectra and X-ray diffraction analysis results together confirm that the synthesized nanoparticles contain silver and silver chloride nanoparticles. The Zeta potential analysis indicates presence of negative charges on synthesized AgNPs. The FT-IR study represents involvement of functional groups in AgNPs synthesis. Synthesized AgNPs shows potential antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. M. longifolia flower is a good source for AgNPs synthesis and synthesized AgNPs are applicable as antibacterial agent in therapeutics.

Morphological changes of bacterial cells upon exposure of silver-silver chloride nanoparticles synthesized using Agrimonia pilosa.

Facile, eco-friendly synthesis of metal nanoparticles has been proposed as a cost effective method. In the present study, we propose the facile synthesis of silver-silver chloride (Ag-AgCl) nanoparticles (NPs) using the medicinally important Agrimonia pilosa plant extract without addition of capping or stabilizing agents. The Ag-AgCl NPs synthesis was observed at 40 °C after 10 min incubation; the synthesis of Ag-AgCl NPs was indicated by color change and confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopic peak at 454 nm. TEM analysis confirmed Ag-AgCl NPs were 10-20 nm in size and spherical, and oval in shape. Elemental composition was determined by energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and crystalline structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Different phytocomponents present in the plant extract were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry, and the interaction of biomolecules in reduction process was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies. The synthesized Ag-AgCl NPs showed significant antibacterial efficiency, analyzed by well diffusion assay against pathogenic bacteria including Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were evaluated by microbroth dilution, and spread plate method, respectively. The possible mechanism of bacterial growth inhibition is due to changes in bacterial cell wall morphology that was studied by FE-SEM analysis.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Aster incisus through the Inhibition of NF-κB, MAPK, and Akt Pathways in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

Aster incisus is a common flower found in almost all regions of South Korea. In the current study, we investigated the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the Aster incisus methanol extract in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. We analyzed the phytochemicals contained in the extract by GC-MS. GC-MS results showed that the Aster incisus extract contains 9 known compounds. Later on, DPPH assay, WST-1 assay, nitric oxide (NO) assay, Western blot, and RT-PCR were conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. Our WST-1 assay results revealed that Aster incisus did not affect the viability of all tested cell lines up to a concentration of 200 µg/ml; therefore, lower concentrations (50 µg/ml and 150 µg/ml) were used for further assays. Aster incisus scavenged DPPH and inhibited the production of NO. Aster incisus also reduced significantly the production of inflammation-related enzymes (iNOS, Cox-2) and cytokines (TNFα, IL-1ß, and IL-6) and the gene expression of the proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, further Western blot results indicated that Aster incisus inhibited the expression of p-PI3K, p-IκBα, p-p65 NF-κB, p-ERK1/2, p-SAPK/JNK, and p-Akt. Our results demonstrated that Aster incisus suppressed the expression of the inflammation mediators through the regulation of NF-κB, MAPK, and Akt pathways.