The Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Function Recovery Effects of Schisandra chinensis in Mice with Atopic Dermatitis.

Background and Objectives: The fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. is widely used medicinally to treat coughs, asthma, exhaustion, eczema, and pruritus in Northeast Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan. This study was designed to investigate the effects of S. chinensis on dermatitis in mice with calcipotriol (MC-903)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD), and its effects on skin barrier dysfunction was also investigated. Materials and Methods: The inhibitory effects of an ethanolic extract of S. chinensis (EESC) on skin lesions, water content, water-holding capacity (WHC), histopathological abnormalities, and inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels were evaluated in mice with AD induced by MC903. Results: Topical EESC ameliorated skin lesions, reduced skin water content, and increased MC903-induced WHC. EESC also prevented MC-903-induced histopathological abnormalities such as epidermal disruption, hyperkeratosis, spongiotic changes, and immune cell infiltration in inflamed tissue. Moreover, topical EESC reduced MC-903-induced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Furthermore, unlike dexamethasone, EESC did not reduce the spleen/body weight ratio. Conclusions: These results suggest that S. chinensis can be used as an alternative to external corticosteroids and that its anti-inflammatory and skin barrier dysfunction-restoring effects are related to the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and TSLP.

Tumor-targeted redox-regulating and antiangiogenic phototherapeutics nanoassemblies for self-boosting phototherapy.

Cancer cells are equipped with abundant antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH) that eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to deteriorate the therapeutic efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Another challenge in PDT is circumventing PDT-induced hypoxic condition that provokes upregulation of pro-angiogenic factor such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is therefore reasonable to expect that therapeutic outcomes of PDT could be maximized by concurrent delivery of photosensitizers with GSH depleting agents and VEGF suppressors. To achieve cooperative therapeutic actions of PDT with in situ GSH depletion and VEGF suppression, we developed tumor targeted redox-regulating and antiangiogenic phototherapeutic nanoassemblies (tRAPs) composed of self-assembling disulfide-bridged borylbenzyl carbonate (ssBR), photosensitizer (IR780) and tumor targeting gelatin. As a framework of tRAPs, ssBR was rationally designed to form nanoconstructs that serve as photosensitizer carriers with intrinsic GSH depleting- and VEGF suppressing ability. tRAPs effectively depleted intracellular GSH to render cancer cells more vulnerable to ROS and also provoked immunogenic cell death (ICD) of cancer cells upon near infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. In mouse xenograft models, tRAPs preferentially accumulated in tumors and dramatically eradicated tumors with laser irradiation. The design rationale of tRAPs provides a simple and versatile strategy to develop self-boosting phototherapeutic agents with great potential in targeted cancer therapy.

Dual Imaging-Guided Oxidative-Photothermal Combination Anticancer Therapeutics.

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a stress-response protein with potent cytoprotective and antioxidant activity, and its expression in cancer cells is enhanced in response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. HO-1 is known to serve as a shield to protect cancer cells from anticancer therapy and attenuate apoptotic signals. It can be therefore reasoned that inhibition of HO-1 reduces the antioxidant level, making cancer cells more sensitive to photothermal heating. In this work, we developed dual imaging-guided oxidative-photothermal combination nanotherapeutics (OPCN) consisting of amphiphilic polymers conjugated with zinc protoporphyrin as a HO-1 inhibitor and fluorescent IR820 as a photothermal agent. A combination of OPCN and near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation markedly increased the temperature and exerted significant toxicity through induction of apoptosis. In a mouse model of xenografts, tumors were identified by the strong fluorescence and photoacoustic signals. OPCN combined with NIR laser irradiation resulted in effective and complete thermal ablation of tumors without discernable side effects and tumor recurrence. We believe that OPCN hold tremendous translational potential for dual imaging-guided oxidative-photothermal combination anticancer therapy.

Effectiveness of Pilates exercise: A quality evaluation and summary of systematic reviews based on randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review were to summarize evidence for the effectiveness of Pilates exercise (PE) and to assess the quality of systematic review (SRs) based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of SRs based on RCTs. METHODS: Studies were eligible if they were RCTs. Studies included those with one treatment group in which PE was applied. We searched the following databases from 1995 up to August 20, 2014: MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Global Health Library, and Ichushi-Web. We also searched All Cochrane Database and Campbell Systematic Reviews up to August 20, 2014. Based on the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10), we identified a disease targeted for each article. RESULTS: Nine studies met all inclusion criteria. As a whole, the quality of the articles was good. Seven studies were about "Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M5456)". There were two studies in "Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z723)". The traits of participants were for females and the comparatively young- and middle-aged. Five SRs for chronic low back pain (CLBP) concluded that there was pain-relief and functional improvement of the intervention in the short term, but two SRs were inconclusive about the effectiveness of PE. There were no adverse events described in any of the studies. CONCLUSION: Although no SR reported any adverse effect or harm by PE, there was pain-relief and functional improvement attributed to PE in the short term in participants with CLBP. There was also evidence of improved flexibility and dynamic balance, and of enhanced muscular endurance in healthy people in the short term. In addition, there may have been an effect on body composition in the short term.

MRI Monitoring of Tumor-Selective Anticancer Drug Delivery with Stable Thermosensitive Liposomes Triggered by High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound.

Monitoring of drug release from a heat-activated liposome carrier provides an opportunity for real-time control of drug delivery and allows prediction of the therapeutic effect. We have developed short-chain elastin-like polypeptide-incorporating thermosensitive liposomes (STLs). Here, we report the development of STL encapsulating gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA), a MRI contrast agent, and doxorubicin (Dox) (Gd-Dox-STL). The Dox release profile from Gd-Dox-STL was comparable to Gd-Dox-LTSL; however, the serum stability of Gd-Dox-STL was much higher than Gd-Dox-LTSL. MRI studies showed that the difference in T1 relaxation time between 37 and 42 °C for Gd-Dox-STL was larger than the difference for Gd-Dox-LTSL. Although relaxivity for both liposomes at 42 °C was similar, the relaxivity of Gd-Dox-STL at 37 °C was 2.5-fold lower than that of Gd-Dox-LTSL. This was likely due to Gd-BOPTA leakage from the LTSL because of low stability at 37 °C. Pharmacokinetic studies showed plasma half-lives of 4.85 and 1.95 h for Gd-Dox-STL and Gd-Dox-LTSL, respectively, consistent with in vitro stability data. In vivo MRI experiments demonstrated corelease of Dox and Gd-BOPTA from STL under mild hyperthermia induced by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), which suggests STL is a promising tumor selective formulation when coupled with MR-guided HIFU.

Effectiveness of horticultural therapy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

AIM: To summarize the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of horticultural therapy (HT). METHODS: Studies were eligible if they were RCTs. Studies included one treatment group in which HT was applied. We searched the following databases from 1990 up to August 20, 2013: MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Ichushi-Web, GHL, WPRIM, and PsyclNFO. We also searched all Cochrane Database and Campbell Systematic Reviews up to September 20, 2013. RESULTS: Four studies met all inclusion criteria. The language of all eligible publications was English and Korean. Target diseases and/or symptoms were dementia, severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, frail elderly in nursing home, and hemiplegic patients after stroke. These studies showed significant effectiveness in one or more outcomes for mental health and behavior. However, our review especially detected omissions of the following descriptions: method used to generate randomization, concealment, blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis. In addition, the results of this study suggested that the RCTs conducted have been of relatively low quality. CONCLUSION: Although there was insufficient evidence in the studies of HT due to poor methodological and reporting quality and heterogeneity, HT may be an effective treatment for mental and behavioral disorders such as dementia, schizophrenia, depression, and terminal-care for cancer.

Effectiveness of music therapy: a summary of systematic reviews based on randomized controlled trials of music interventions.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to summarize evidence for the effectiveness of music therapy (MT) and to assess the quality of systematic reviews (SRs) based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). STUDY DESIGN: An SR of SRs based on RCTs. METHODS: Studies were eligible if they were RCTs. Studies included were those with at least one treatment group in which MT was applied. We searched the following databases from 1995 to October 1, 2012: MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Web of Science, Global Health Library, and Ichushi-Web. We also searched all Cochrane Database and Campbell Systematic Reviews up to October 1, 2012. Based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, we identified a disease targeted for each article. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies met all inclusion criteria. This study included 16 Cochrane reviews. As a whole, the quality of the articles was very good. Eight studies were about "Mental and behavioural disorders (F00-99)"; there were two studies on "Diseases of the nervous system (G00-99)" and "Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-99)"; and there was one study each for "Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-90)", "Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-99)", and "Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O60)". MT treatment improved the following: global and social functioning in schizophrenia and/or serious mental disorders, gait and related activities in Parkinson's disease, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. CONCLUSION: THIS COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF SRS DEMONSTRATED THAT MT TREATMENT IMPROVED THE FOLLOWING: global and social functioning in schizophrenia and/or serious mental disorders, gait and related activities in Parkinson's disease, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. MT may have the potential for improving other diseases, but there is not enough evidence at present. Most importantly, no specific adverse effect or harmful phenomenon occurred in any of the studies, and MT was well tolerated by almost all patients.

Effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

The objectives of this review were to summarize the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Studies were eligible if they were RCTs. Studies included one treatment group in which AAT was applied. We searched the following databases from 1990 up to October 31, 2012: MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Ichushi Web, GHL, WPRIM, and PsycINFO. We also searched all Cochrane Database up to October 31, 2012. Eleven RCTs were identified, and seven studies were about "Mental and behavioral disorders". Types of animal intervention were dog, cat, dolphin, bird, cow, rabbit, ferret, and guinea pig. The RCTs conducted have been of relatively low quality. We could not perform meta-analysis because of heterogeneity. In a study environment limited to the people who like animals, AAT may be an effective treatment for mental and behavioral disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol/drug addictions, and is based on a holistic approach through interaction with animals in nature. To most effectively assess the potential benefits for AAT, it will be important for further research to utilize and describe (1) RCT methodology when appropriate, (2) reasons for non-participation, (3) intervention dose, (4) adverse effects and withdrawals, and (5) cost.

Electrical characterization of proposed transpositional acupoints on the urinary bladder meridian in a rat model.

Specific electrical characteristicsof acupointswere investigated on the urinary bladder (BL) meridian in 14 rats. BL acupointsand non-acupoints on the back were selected and their electrical voltages were measured by using aSPACsystem.The mean voltages of each point or each line were statistically analyzed by using the ANOVA test.The BL meridian showed voltages higher than those of the reference line (P < .05). Bilateral 1st BL lines presented higher voltages than bilateral 2nd BL lines (P < .05). Most BL acupoints had voltageshigher than those for the corresponding reference points (P < .05). In particular, theright BL16 exhibited the biggest difference from the reference point, followed by the left extra BL point-2, the right BL27, the left BL17, and theleft BL45. Additionally, the distributions of neurofilamentsfor several points were investigated by using immunohistochemistry. There was a trend for the BL acupoints to have larger numbers of neurofilaments than the reference points, and that trend seemed to be directly proportional to the difference in voltage between the points.In conclusion, BL acupoints on the back in ratsexhibited specific electric and histologic characteristics. Therefore, those acupointsmay be utilized to investigate the efficacy of acupuncturewith laboratory animals.

Primo-vessels as new flow paths for intratesticular injected dye in rats.

After intratesticular injection of a chromium hematoxylin and fluorescent nanoparticle solution, we found a novel flow path in the abdominal cavity consisting of primo-vessels and primo-nodes. This flow path formed a network that crossed over the surfaces of abdominal organs, and generally linked to the greater omentum and adjacent visceral peritoneum. Some of these structures terminated at organs such as the small intestine and the urinary bladder; occasionally, the network entered the parenchyma of organs. The semitransparent primo-vessels and nodes were wholly or partially stained dark-blue by chromium hematoxylin. Injected nanoparticles were also observed in primo-vessels and nodes as well as the parenchyma of organs which were the site of primo-vessel termination. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the primo-vessels consist of many sinuses (4-6 mum), surrounded by collagen fibers, specific granules, cellular remnants, immune cells, extracellular matrices, and hematopoietic cells. These histological features are completely different from blood and lymph vessels indicating that primo-vessels are novel structures that allow the flow of dye.