Extract of Triticum aestivum Sprouts Suppresses Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the oldest known food crop, and many studies have reported that wheat shoots (i.e., wheatgrass) possess anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. However, the potentially ameliorative effect of wheat shoots on hepatotoxicity caused by high doses of N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (acetaminophen, APAP) has yet to be reported. C57BL/6 mice received daily oral TAE (100 or 200 mg/kg), positive control (silymarin 100 mg/kg), or negative control (saline vehicle) treatments for 7 days prior to intraperitoneal APAP injection. Histological, serum (ELISA), Western blotting, and quantitative PCR analyses of excised liver tissues were then performed. Pre-treatment with TAE (100 or 200 mg/kg) ameliorated APAP-induced pathological damage (i.e., hepatotoxic lesions), reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and also ameliorated APAP-induced increases in oxidative stress, thereby inhibiting oxidative liver damage and reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, TAE pre-treatment inhibited the expression of Cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), which is a key enzyme in the onset of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, suppressed the expression of the target proteins regulated by the antioxidant enzyme Nrf2, and suppressed hepatocyte apoptosis. These findings suggest that TAE is an attractive therapeutic candidate that exhibits potential hepatoprotective activity by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and liver damage.

Improvement of the Bonding Properties of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate by Elastin-Like Polypeptide Supplementation.

INTRODUCTION: Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) supplementation was previously reported to enhance the physical properties of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ELP supplementation on the bonding properties of MTA to dentin. METHODS: Two types of ELPs were synthesized and mixed with MTA in a 0.3 liquid/powder ratio. The push-out bond strength test and interfacial observation with scanning electron microscopy were performed for ELP-supplemented MTA. The porosity of MTA fillings in the cavity was observed with microcomputed tomography. The stickiness, flow rate, and contact angle were additionally measured for potential increased bonding properties. RESULTS: ELP supplementation improved the bond strength of MTA to dentin. MTA supplemented by a specific ELP exhibited a less porous structure, higher stickiness, and higher flow rate. ELPs also decreased the contact angle to dentin. CONCLUSIONS: This research data verifies that ELP improves the bonding properties of MTA to a tooth structure. The sticky and highly flowable characteristics of ELP-supplemented MTA may provide intimate contact with dentin and supply a less porous cement structure, which might improve the bonding properties of MTA.

Umbelliferone reduces the expression of inflammatory chemokines in HaCaT cells and DNCB/DFE-induced atopic dermatitis symptoms in mice.

Umbelliferone (UMB) is a coumarin derivative present in roots and barks of plants, such as Angelica decursiva, Artemisia capillaris, and orange. UMB has been previously reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects. However, the effect of UMB on atopic dermatitis (AD) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-atopic effects of UMB on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)- and house dust mite extract (Dermatophagoides farinae extract, DFE)-treated mice with AD-like skin lesions and on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ-treated HaCaT cells. In DNCB/DFE-treated mice, oral administration of UMB (20 and 40 mg/kg) for 28 days led to a significant decrease in ear thickness, spleen size and weight, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), IgG1, IgG2a, TNF-α, and interleukin 4 (IL-4), and mast cell infiltration; it also led to the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In addition, UMB reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in TNF-α/IFN-γ-treated HaCaT cells via regulation of MAPK, IkB-α/NF-κB, and STAT1 signaling pathways. Taken together, these results indicate that UMB ameliorates AD-associated symptoms and inflammation via regulation of various signaling pathways, suggesting that UMB might be a potential therapeutic agent of AD.

Simple and facile preparation of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 immobilized titanium implant via initiated chemical vapor deposition technique to promote osteogenesis for bone tissue engineering application.

Over the past few decades, titanium (Ti) implants have been widely used to repair fractured bones. To promote osteogenesis, immobilization of osteoinductive agents, such as recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP2), onto the Ti surface is required. In this study, we prepared rhBMP2 immobilized on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) deposited Ti surface through initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) technique. After preparation, the bio-functionalized Ti surface was characterized by physicochemical analysis. For in vitro analysis, the developed Ti was evaluated by cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and real-time polymerase chain reaction to verify their osteogenic activity against human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). The GMA deposited Ti surface was found to effectively immobilize a large dose of rhBMP2 as compared to untreated Ti. Additionally, rhBMP2 immobilized on Ti showed significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation and increased calcium deposition with nontoxic cell viability. These results clearly confirm that our strategy may provide a simple, solvent-free strategy to prepare an osteoinductive Ti surface for bone tissue engineering applications.

A Case of T Cell Lymphoma Treated by Korean Medicine Therapy Alone.

This case report is aimed to investigate the effects of Korean medicine therapy (KMT) alone including oral herbal medicine on treating a patient with atypical peripheral CD4 T cell lymphoma. The oral medicine used is Hyunamdan made of heat-processed ginseng and Hangamdan S. An 87-year-old man who was diagnosed as having atypical peripheral CD4 T cell lymphoma on November 30, 2015 was treated with KMT from December 23, 2015 until October 22, 2016. The effectiveness of therapies was evaluated with PET-CT scan as well as the change of the main sign of lymphoma. The sizes of the right axillar and right external iliac lymph nodes decreased. These results suggest that KMT can be an effective method to treat atypical peripheral CD4 T cell lymphoma.

A Case Report of Metastatic Breast Cancer Treated with Korean Medicine Therapy as a Substitute for Chemotherapy.

The purpose of this case report is to show the potential benefit of Korean medicine therapy for treating multiple metastatic breast cancer. A 45-year-old Korean woman was diagnosed with right breast invasive ductal carcinoma in August 2012 but did not receive any treatment until October 2015 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 right breast cancer with multiple liver, bone, mesentery, retroperitoneum, and axillary lymph node metastases. After chemo-port insertion, she was treated with palliative chemotherapy and the first line of trastuzumab and paclitaxel, and the port was removed due to port infection. To treat sepsis, vancomycin and tazoperan were administered, before the third line of trastuzumab and paclitaxel was carried out. However, the patient gave up chemotherapy due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci and general weakness. Later, she received Korean medicine therapy with wild ginseng pharmacopuncture, distilled Soramdan S, Hae, and Jeobgoldan for 8 months, which led to a significant decrease of the multiple metastases. The patient was able to start walking again with the help of a walking stick. However, a new metastatic lesion was found on the right adrenal gland. This case suggests that the combination of chemotherapy and Korean medicine therapy may be valuable. Further research is indicated.

Biodegradable Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanodots for Non-Invasive Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy.

Multifunctional nanoparticles have been widely investigated for biomedical applications, such as imaging, therapy, and drug delivery. Especially, photoactive nanoparticles have received great attention as theranostic agents because of their heat-generating abilities after exposure to laser irradiation. However, photostability and safety issues have been the technical hurdles for further clinical applications. Here, we designed nitrogen (N)-doped carbon nanodots (N-CNDs) that have strong absorption in the near-infrared region, high photostability, and excellent biodegradability. Optimized N-CNDs can be utilized not only as a new photoacoustic (PA) imaging agent but also as a superior photothermal therapy (PTT) agent in vivo because of their strong optical absorption at a specific wavelength. We used N-CNDs to perform in vivo/ex vivo noninvasive PA imaging of sentinel lymph nodes via local delivery and performed PTT for cancer ablation therapy. Finally, biodegradation and renal clearance were confirmed by performing whole-body PA monitoring and a degradation test.

Effect of Preferred Music on Agitation After Traumatic Brain Injury.

Agitation is a common behavioral problem after traumatic brain injury (TBI), which threatens the safety of patients and caregivers and disrupts the rehabilitation process. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a preferred music intervention on the reduction of agitation in TBI patients and to compare the effects of preferred music with those of classical "relaxation" music. A single group, within-subjects, randomized crossover trial design was formed, consisting of 14 agitated patients with cognitive impairment after severe TBI. Patients listened to preferred music and classical "relaxation" music, with a wash-out period in between. Patients listening to the preferred music reported a significantly greater reduction in agitation compared with the effect seen during the classical "relaxation" music intervention (p = .046). These findings provide preliminary evidence that the preferred music intervention may be effective as an environmental therapeutic approach for reducing agitation after TBI.

Korean medicine therapy as a substitute for chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer: a case report.

A 46-year-old Korean woman was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer and underwent 8 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, breast conservation surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. However, the cancer recurred in the right upper lung (RUL) and the right pulmonary hilum after 8 months. The RUL nodule was removed through a wedge resection, and the pathologic finding was revealed as a metastatic adenocarcinoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy was recommended, but she refused it because she feared adverse reactions to chemotherapy. Instead, Korean Medicine Therapy with intravenous wild ginseng pharmacopuncture (WGP), Cordyceps sinensis pharmacopuncture, Trichosanthes kirilowii pharmacopuncture, Euonymus alatus pharmacopuncture (EAP) and Astragalus membranaceus pharmacopuncture was started. After a month, the disease looked stable, but findings of newly occurring metastatic lymphadenopathies appeared on CT after 6 months. Salvage chemotherapy was recommended, but she also refused it. At this time, Prunella vulgaris pharmacopuncture was started. Finally, a complete resolution was confirmed on PET-CT after 5 months, and she has remained in stable condition for more than 6 months with WGP, EAP, a Soram nebulizer solution inhalation and the oral intake of Soramdan S and Hangamdan S.

A case of metastatic bladder cancer in both lungs treated with korean medicine therapy alone.

This case report is aimed to investigate the effects of Korean medicine therapy (KMT) including oral herbal medicine and herb nebulizer therapy in treating metastatic bladder cancer in the lungs. A 74-year-old man was diagnosed with metastatic bladder cancer in both lungs in August 2013. He refused any chemotherapy and was admitted to our hospital in a much progressed state on January 11, 2014. Since then, he was treated with KMT until May 17, 2014. The main oral herbal medicines were Hyunamdan made of heat-processed ginseng, Hangamdan S made of Cordyceps militaris, Panax ginseng radix, Commiphora myrrha, calculus bovis, margarita, Boswellia carteri, Panax notoginseng radix and Cremastra appendiculata tuber, and nebulizer therapy with Soram nebulizer solution made of wild ginseng and Cordyceps sinensis distillate. Their effect was evaluated considering the change of the main symptoms and using serial chest X-ray. The size and number of multiple metastatic nodules in both lungs were markedly decreased and the symptoms had disappeared. These results suggest that KMT can be an effective method to treat metastatic bladder cancer in the lungs.

A Case of Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Korean Medicine Therapy Alone.

This report presents a case that shows a significant anticancer effect of Korean medicine therapy (KMT). A 79-year-old man, who was diagnosed as stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in December 2012, was treated with KMT including intravenous pharmacopunctures and oral herbal medicine from February 22, 2013, until September 2013 without any surgical intervention, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The intravenous pharmacopunctures were the wild ginseng pharmacopuncture, Cordyceps sinensis pharmacopuncture and Trichosanthes kirilowii pharmacopuncture. The oral herbal medicine used was soramdan, made of cultivated wild ginseng. The effectiveness of this therapy was evaluated with computed tomography and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scale. The size of the tumor mass was markedly decreased and the ECOG performance scale was also improved. These results suggest that KMT alone can be an effective method to treat NSCLC.

Calcium-phosphorus product concentration is a risk factor of coronary artery disease in metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: High serum phosphorus and the calcium-phosphorus product concentration has been associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the relationship between calcium-phosphorus product concentration and the presence of coronary artery calcification in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 2056 general subjects with a mean age of 55.1 ± 9.9 years and a glomerular filtration rate of 88.9 ± 16.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2). The enrolled subjects consisted of 384 (18.7%) subjects with MetS and 1672 (81.3%) subjects without MetS. The severity of coronary artery calcification was assessed by the coronary artery calcification score (CACS) using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). RESULTS: The CACS correlated with calcium-phosphorus product concentration in subjects with MetS (r = 0.184, P < 0.01). The odds ratio of calcium-phosphorus product concentration having CACS >50 was 1.053 in subjects with MetS (P < 0.05). After adjustment for age, sex, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, calcium-phosphorus product concentrations had a positive correlation with CACS in subjects with MetS. In single regression analysis, calcium-phosphorus product concentration as independent variable was the significant predictor of CACS in subjects with MetS. Using a multivariate analysis, calcium-phosphorus product concentration remained a significant factor associated with CACS in subjects with MetS. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium-phosphorus product concentration was weakly associated with CACS and an independent factor predicting for CACS by MDCT in subjects with MetS. These results suggest that calcium-phosphorus product concentration might be considered as a risk factor of coronary artery disease in subjects with MetS.

Impact of rosiglitazone therapy on the lipid profile, glycemic control, and medication costs among type 2 diabetes patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of rosiglitazone therapy on lipid profiles, glycemic control, and costs associated with cholesterol-lowering and diabetic medications among Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in a standard practice setting. METHOD: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the General Practice Research Database during 1999-2006. T2DM patients were classified based on the addition of rosiglitazone versus either metformin or a sulfonylurea ('comparison group') to pre-existing glucose lowering agents. After propensity score matching to control for differences in baseline patient characteristics, 1450 matched pairs were identified. The mean changes in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glycosylated hemoglobin A1C (A1C), and daily medication costs were calculated. To investigate the incremental costs for lipid-lowering medications, a two-part model was utilized. RESULTS: The mean changes in TC and A1C for the rosiglitazone and metformin/sulfonylurea groups were 9 vs -10 mg/dL for TC, -2 vs -9 mg/dL for LDL-C, and -0.8% vs. -1.2% for A1C, respectively. The mean changes in daily medication costs of glucose- and lipid-lowering drugs were $3.95 for rosiglitazone patients and $0.27 for metformin/sulfonylurea patients. For patients with positive incremental lipid-lowering costs, rosiglitazone use was significantly associated with costs eight times greater than metformin/sulfonylureas. Generalizability of the study is limited due to cost estimates using the national formulary and potential selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of rosiglitazone to an existing antidiabetic medication regimen improved glycemic control to a lesser extent than metformin/sulfonylurea, and also deteriorated patients' lipid profiles, leading to significantly greater daily costs. Economic evaluations of alternative therapies should consider such costs to estimate the full impact of different therapeutic approaches in diabetes.