Saponin Extracts Induced Apoptosis of Endometrial Cells From Women With Endometriosis Through Modulation of miR-21-5p.

Among the several components in Korean red ginseng, the saponin components are known to have various pharmacologic activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate therapeutic effects of saponin extracts from Korean red ginseng on endometriosis and to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with saponin treatment. This is an in vitro study which used human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) obtained from patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and other benign conditions. Human endometrial stromal cells were treated with saponin extracts, and microarray profiling was performed. Human endometrial stromal cells were then transfected with miRNAs identified in the profiling. After the saponin extract treatment, the expression of caspase 3 was significantly increased in HESCs. Microarray profiling revealed several miRNAs that were differentially expressed, and miR-21-5p was further validated. Expression of miR-21-5p was significantly upregulated in the endometrium of patients with endometriosis, compared with controls. Transfection of a miR-21-5p inhibitor significantly increased caspase 3 expression in HESCs. The apoptotic potential of saponin extracts and the miR-21-5p inhibitor were further validated in HESCs using flow cytometry analysis. In conclusions, treatment with saponin extracts significantly decreased the expression of miR-21-5p in HESCs from patients with endometriosis. Inhibition of miR-21-5p effectively increased the apoptotic potential of HESCs. These findings suggest that saponin extract treatment may have therapeutic potential for endometriosis via modulation of specific miRNAs.

Peripheral nerve stimulation characteristics of an asymmetric head-only gradient coil compatible with a high-channel-count receiver array.

PURPOSE: To characterize peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) of an asymmetric head-only gradient coil that is compatible with a commercial high-channel-count receive-only array. METHODS: Two prototypes of an asymmetric head-only gradient coil set with a 42-cm inner diameter were constructed for brain imaging at 3T with maximum performance specifications of up to 85 mT/m and 708 T/m/s. Tests were performed in 24 volunteers to measure PNS thresholds with the transverse (x = left-right; y = anterior-posterior [A/P]) gradient coils of both prototypes. Fourteen of these 24 volunteers were also tested for the z-gradient PNS in the second prototype and were scanned with high-slew-rate echo planar imaging (EPI) immediately after the PNS tests. RESULTS: For both prototypes, the y-gradient PNS threshold was markedly higher than the x-gradient threshold. The z-gradient threshold was intermediate between those for the x- and y-coils. Of the 24 volunteers, only two experienced y-gradient PNS at 80 mT/m and 500 T/m/s. All volunteers underwent the EPI scan without PNS when the readout direction was set to A/P. CONCLUSION: Measured PNS characteristics of asymmetric head-only gradient coil prototypes indicate that such coils, especially in the A/P direction, can be used for fast EPI readout in high-performance neuroimaging scans with substantially reduced PNS concerns compared with conventional whole body gradient coils. Magn Reson Med 76:1939-1950, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.