Biophotonic Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Soft Tissue Deficiency.

PURPOSES: The objectives of this study are to use diode lasers for low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and to assess its applicability and effects in adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) growth processes. METHODS: Studies were conducted on the diode laser with wavelengths of 622.7, 527.1, and 467.3 nm. The mechanism of action of LLL illumination was studied on ADSCs, isolated from human tissue, and then cultured by examining different wavelengths to determine the relevant light parameters for optimal responses. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain to determine the percentages of fibroblast-mediated procollagen type 1 and matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP-1), MMP-2, and MMP-9 production at different wavelengths. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase produced by ADSCs after LLL illumination were assessed as well. Clinical results from 20 patients treated for soft tissue deficiency were collected for assessment of ADSC-assisted lipotransfer. RESULTS: Low-level laser (622.7 nm) illumination on cell cultures in vitro increased ADSCs proliferation, type 1 procollagen expression, collagen production, as well as MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 relative expression. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference in red light (622.7 nm) versus green light (527.1 nm) and blue light (467.3 nm, P < 0.05). No significant differences were noted between the effects of green and blue lights. In clinical application, all patients attained significant improvement with treatment in the final outcome assessment after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Low-level laser illumination may affect ADSCs growth processes and ADSC-assisted lipotransfer for soft tissue deformity, scar treatment, wound healing, and other reconstructive surgery.

Alpinia officinarum Rhizome ameliorates the UVB induced photoaging through attenuating the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK.

BACKGROUND: Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure is one of the major external factors in skin aging, and repetitive UVB exposure induces extracellular matrix (ECM) damage as well as metabolic disease. Alpinia officinarum Rhizome (AOR) is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used for treating rheumatism and whooping cough. However, the antiphotoaging effects of AOR remain unclear. We investigated the protective effects of water extracts of AOR (WEAOR) in terms of UVB-mediated ECM damage, wrinkle formation, inflammatory responses, and intracellular signaling on hairless mice and NIH-3T3 skin fibroblast cells. METHODS: WEAOR was administered to UVB-irradiated hairless mice. Wrinkle formation was assessed using the replica assay, epidermal changes through H&E staining, and collagen contents in mice skin through Masson's trichrome staining. The expression of procollagen type-1 (COL1A1), metalloproteinase-1a (MMP-1a), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-3) in hairless mice skin and NIH-3T3 cells was investigated through qRT-PCR. The effects of WEAOR or signaling inhibitors on UVB-induced expression of intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were estimated by Western blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Topical WEAOR significantly attenuated the UVB-induced wrinkle formation and epidermal thickening in the skin of hairless mice. WEAOR treatment also attenuated the UVB-induced expression of MMP-1a and COL1A1 and recovered the reduction of collagen content in mouse skin. These effects were confirmed in NIH-3T3 skin fibroblast cells. WEAOR treatment restored the UVB-induced COL1A1 and MMP-1a gene expression and attenuated the UVB-induced expression of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-3 in NIH-3T3 cells. Notably, WEAOR attenuated UVB-induced phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, but not that of p38 and JNK in NIH-3T3 cells. In addition, the administration of AKT and ERK inhibitors restored the UVB-induced expression of MMP-1a and COL1A1 to an equal extent as WEAOR in NIH-3T3 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The antiphotoaging properties of WEAOR were first evaluated in this study. Our results suggest that WEAOR may be a potential antiphotoaging agent that ameliorates UVB-induced photoaging processes via the AKT and ERK signaling pathways.

An in vitro evaluation of luffa cylindrica stem sap in preadipocytes and dermal fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Luffa cylindrica stem sap (LuCS) has been ethnopharmacologically used as a cosmetic ingredients to improve the facial condition in Asians, but there is no scientific proof about the advantages of LuCS as a supplement for skin elasticity inducer. PURPOSE: Presently, we have validated the beneficial effect of LuCS in human preadipocyte and fibroblast. METHODS: In vitro activities of LuCS on expression of cellular elastin and collagen type I were validated using Western blot analysis in human fibroblasts. Effect of LuCS on preadipocyte development was performed using MDI medium containing isobutyl-methylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin and then evaluated using oil red O staining. RESULTS: Treatment of LuCS stimulated the expression of cellular elastin and type I procollagen in human skin fibroblasts. Exposure to LuCS induced lipid accumulation of preadipocytes via activation of CEBP/α signaling pathway in preadipocytes. Expression of collagen I, elastin, or CEBP/α mRNA was decreased by age. 3-bromo-3-methylisoxazol-5-amine enhanced the synthesis of cellular lipid in preadipocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these results suggest the rationale of LuCS treatment in enhancing the skin condition.

Protective effect of a mixture of marigold and rosemary extracts on UV-induced photoaging in mice.

UV irradiation exposure may induce photoaging of the skin tissue. Various plant extracts have been recognized as effective protectants against UV-induced damage. Here, a mixture of marigold and rosemary extracts was evaluated for its anti-photoaging effects as a potential nutraceutical product for skin health. Hexane extract of marigold and ethanolic extract of rosemary were prepared, and the formulated mixture was investigated. A UV-induced photoaged mouse model was prepared, and the protective effects of the extract mixture were compared with those of hyaluronic acid (positive control). Expression of various photoaging-related biomarkers such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, procollagen type I, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were determined. UV irradiation significantly enhanced the expression of these biomarkers through an inflammatory response, however, the mixture of marigold and rosemary extracts exerted inhibitory effects and protected from UV-induced damage. Suppression of inflammatory response were the mechanisms underlying this protective function of the mixture of marigold and rosemary extracts. Histological evaluation also supported these protective effects against photoaging.

Changes of Bone Turnover Markers and Bone Tissue Content After Severe Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture.

BACKGROUND The incidence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVCFs) has increased significantly in recent years. In order to assess osteoporotic fracture healing process, it is necessary to study the characteristics after this type of vertebral fracture. However, there are few researches on fracture healing process in severe OVCFs. We aim to investigate the histological healing process and the kinetics of bone turnover markers following severe OVCFs. MATERIAL AND METHODS There were 149 patients with severe OVCFs included in this study. Fasting blood samples were obtained to detect bone turnover markers levels. A transpedicular bone biopsy was performed to collect bone biopsy specimens during vertebroplasty surgery. Stratification of healing process was performed: stage I (1-3 days), stage II (4-10 days), stage III (11-20 days), stage IV (21-30 days), stage V (1-3 months), stage VI (3-6 months). RESULTS Quantitative analysis of bone histomorphometry showed that a large amount of necrotic bone tissue was observed in stage VI (12.92±3.66%). Bone turnover markers showed the concentration of ß-isomerized C-terminal telopeptide (ß-CTX) which reflects activity in osteoclast continued to increase in stage VI (0.9±0.33 ng/mL). These results differed from previous reports of other type vertebral fractures. CONCLUSIONS Bone histomorphometric analysis and bone turnover markers showed that severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures often associated with delayed union and nonunion during the healing process.

Assessment of Hepatoprotective Effect of Chokeberry Juice in Rats Treated Chronically with Carbon Tetrachloride.

The aim of this study was to compare the protective effects of chokeberry juice and silymarin against chemical-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4 administered two days a week for six weeks. Two groups of rats were co-treated with chokeberry juice, 10 mL/kg/day. or silymarin as a positive control, 100 mg/kg/day for six weeks. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was suppressed by 50% and the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes was increased by 19%-173% in rats co-treated with CCl4 and substances tested as compared to rats administered CCl4 alone. Hepatic hydroxyproline was decreased by 24% only in rats treated with silymarin. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of fibrosis-related molecules, procollagen I, α-SMA, TIMP-1, TGFß, and TNFα, which were significantly increased in the liver of CCl4-treated rats, were not modulated by substances tested. Histological evaluation revealed a slight protective effect of silymarin against fibrosis. However, in CCl4 + chokeberry-treated rats, the density of vacuolated hepatocytes was significantly lower than that in silymarin administered animals. Chokeberry juice did not demonstrate an antifibrotic effect in the applied experimental model of fibrosis, and the effect of the known antifibrotic agent, silymarin, was very limited.

The Antiaging Activity of Ergothioneine in UVA-Irradiated Human Dermal Fibroblasts via the Inhibition of the AP-1 Pathway and the Activation of Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Genes.

UVA irradiation induced ROS-mediated photo damage to the human skin leading to coarseness, wrinkling, pigmentation, and cutaneous malignancies. We investigated the dermatoprotective efficacies of submicromolar concentrations of ergothioneine (EGT, 0.125-0.5 µM), which occurs naturally as a sulfur-containing amino acid, in the mechanisms in human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells. UVA-induced AP-1 (c-Fos and c-Jun) translocation was found to be inhibited by EGT treatments with the parallel inhibition of the collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 1 activation and type I procollagen degradation. Moreover, EGT mitigated UVA-induced ROS generation. An increase in the amount of antioxidant genes (HO-1, NQO-1, and γ-GCLC) from EGT and were associated with upregulated Nrf2 expressions in a dose-dependent or time-dependent manner. We confirmed this from Nrf2 translocation and increased nuclear ARE promoter activity that underlie EGT dermatoprotective activities. Also, glutathione (GSH) levels (from γ-GCLC) were significantly increased. Moreover, we showed that mediated by ERK, JNK, and PKC, signaling cascades mediate Nrf2 translocation. We confirmed this phenomenon by the suppressed nuclear Nrf2 activation in cells that were treated with respective inhibitors (PD98059, SP600125, and GF109203X). However, antioxidant protein expressions were impaired in Nrf2 knockdown cells to confirm that ARE/Nrf2 pathways and the inhibition of AP-1 had significant roles in EGT-mediated protective effects. We can conclude that ergothioneine ameliorated UVA-induced skin aging and is a useful food supplement for skin care products.

Palmitate induces apoptosis and inhibits osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of palmitate on human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). DESIGN: PDLSCs were isolated from the third molars of healthy adult donors, and cultured in normal or osteogenic medium supplemented with palmitate (0, 100, or 250 µM) for 21 days. Cell proliferation was evaluated by measuring the amount of formazan at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h. Apoptosis was detected by ELISA and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay at days 3 and 7. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by measuring the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, production of procollagen type I C-peptide and osteocalcin, mineralization, and mRNA expression of Runx2 at days 3, 7, 14, and 21. In addition, mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-8 was measured at day 3. RESULTS: Palmitate inhibited the proliferation, ALP activity, production of procollagen type I C-peptide and osteocalcin, mineralization, and mRNA expression of Runx2 in the cultured PDLSCs. Palmitate also induced apoptosis and mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in the PDLSCs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrate that palmitate induces apoptosis and inhibits osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. These findings may help clarify the relationship between palmitate and periodontal tissue regeneration.

Zoledronic acid is more efficient than ibandronic acid in the treatment of symptomatic bone marrow lesions of the knee.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of different antiresorptive therapeutic regimens for treating symptomatic bone marrow lesions (BML) of the knee. METHODS: Patient records of 34 patients with radiologically diagnosed, painful BML of the knee treated with either a bisphosphonate (zoledronic, ibandronic, or alendronic acid) or with a human monoclonal antibody (denosumab) were retrospectively evaluated. Response to treatment was assessed, as change in patient-reported pain, by evaluation of BML expansion on MRI using the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS), and by laboratory analysis of bone turnover markers: C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide (CTx) and procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP). Tolerability was evaluated by documentation of adverse reactions. RESULTS: Zoledronic acid was more or at least equally effective as the other treatment regimens with response to treatment in 11 of 12 patients (92%). The highest rate of adverse events was noted in 4 of 12 patients (33%) treated with zoledronic acid. CTx and WORMS differentiated well between responders and non-responders, whereas P1NP failed to do so. Changes in pain correlated moderately with change in WORMS (r = - 0.32), weakly with change in CTx (r = - 0.07), and not at all with change in P1NP. CONCLUSION: Zoledronic acid appeared to be more effective than other antiresorptive medications-at the cost of more frequent adverse events. While radiological and laboratory evaluation methods may allow for objective treatment monitoring, they appear to capture different dimensions than patient-reported pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Anti-Aging Activity of Lavandula angustifolia Extract Fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus DK1 Isolated from Diospyros kaki Fruit in UVB-Irradiated Human Skin Fibroblasts and Analysis of Principal Components.

The effects of Lavandula angustifolia extract fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus DK1 on UVB-mediated MMP-1 expression and collagen decrease in human skin fibroblasts were determined, and the conversion of its components was also analyzed. Fermentation was performed at varying L. angustifolia extract and MRS medium concentrations, and optimal fermentation conditions were selected. L. angustifolia extracts showed decreased cytotoxicity after fermentation in the fibroblasts. UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extract showed MMP-1 expression 8.2-14.0% lower than that in UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with non-fermented extract. This was observed even at fermented extract concentrations lower than those of non-fermented extracts. Fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extract showed 20% less reduction in collagen production upon UVB irradiation than those treated with non-fermented extracts. UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extracts showed 50% higher inhibition of ROS generation than those treated with non-fermented extract. Luteolin and apigenin glycosides of L. angustifolia were converted during fermentation, and identified using RP-HPLC and LC/ESI-MS. Therefore, the effects of L. angustifolia extract on MMP-1 expression and collagen decrease in UVB-irradiated human skin fibroblasts were increased through fermentation by P. pentosaceus.

Suppressive Effect of Fermented Angelica tenuissima Root Extract against Photoaging: Possible Involvement of Hemeoxygenase-1.

Angelica tenuissima root has historically been used as a traditional medicine in Korea. Previous studies have identified the anti-melanogenic effects of the extract of A. tenuissima root fermented by Aspergillus oryzae (FAT). This study investigated the protective effects of FAT against ultraviolet light B exposure (UVB; 30 mJ/cm2) in HaCaT (human keratinocyte) or Hs68 (human foreskin fibroblast) skin cells. FAT treatment was able to stimulate wound healing rate at the basal condition. FAT also favored the maintenance and/or improvement of extracellular matrix impairment caused by UVB irradiation through: 1) upregulation of procollagen Type-1 synthesis and secretion; 2) suppression of MMP-1 and elastase expression. FAT was able to play a role in the attenuation of inflammatory responses caused by UVB irradiation via upregulation of photo-protective hemeoxygease-1 and suppression of proinflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 expression. After further verification of the anti-photoaging potential of FAT, it could be utilized as an effective ingredient in anti-aging and anti-wrinkle cosmetics.

Hawthorn Polyphenol Extract Inhibits UVB-Induced Skin Photoaging by Regulating MMP Expression and Type I Procollagen Production in Mice.

Ultraviolet (UV) B radiation can cause skin aging by increasing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production and collagen degradation, leading to the formation of wrinkles. This study investigated whether hawthorn polyphenol extract (HPE) protects against UVB-induced skin photoaging using HaCaT human keratinocytes, normal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and mice. Analysis of the phenol composition of HPE by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that chlorogenic acid (13.5%), procyanidin B2 (19.2%), and epicatechin (18.8%) collectively accounted for 51.4% of total phenol content and represent the active ingredients of hawthorn fruit. A cell viability assay revealed that HPE treatment promoted cell proliferation in HaCaT cells and HDFs. On the other hand, MMP-1 and type I procollagen production was decreased and increased, respectively, in UVB-exposed cells treated with HPE as compared with those without treatment, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin and eosin and Weigert staining of dermal tissue specimens from mice demonstrated that HPE also reversed UVB-induced epidermal thickening and dermal damage. The increase in production of reactive oxygen species and decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity as well as the increase in nuclear factor-κB activation and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation induced by UVB irradiation were reversed by HPE (100 or 300 mg/kg body weight), which also suppressed MMP expression and stimulated the production of type I procollagen in the dorsal skin of UVB-irradiated mice. These results suggest that HPE is a natural product that can prevent UVB radiation-induced skin photoaging.

Black rice (Oryza sativa L.) extract modulates ultraviolet-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinases and procollagen in a skin cell model.

Exposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes extracellular matrix (ECM) collapse in the dermis, owing to an increase in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production in both the epidermis and dermis, and a decrease in type I collagen expression in the dermis. Recently, black rice (Oryza sativa L.) was reported to have a wide range of pharmacological effects in various settings. However, the effects of black rice extract (BRE) on UV­irradiated skin cells have not yet been characterized. BRE treatment did not affect cell morphology and viability of HaCaT and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). We demonstrated that BRE downregulated basal and UV­induced MMP­1 expression in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, BRE significantly increased type I procollagen expression, and decreased MMP­1 and MMP­3 expression in UV­irradiated HDF. The underlying mechanisms of these results involve a decrease in p38 and c­Jun N­terminal kinase activity, and suppression of UV­induced activation of activator protein­1 (AP­1). BRE reduced UV­induced reactive oxygen species production in HaCaT cells in a dose­dependent manner. Indeed, mass spectrometry revealed that BRE contained antioxidative flavonoid components such as cyanidin­3­O­ß­D­glycoside and taxifolin­7­O­glucoside. These findings suggest that BRE attenuates UV­induced ECM damage by modulating mitogen­activated protein kinase and AP­1 signaling, and could be used as an active ingredient for preventing photoaging of the skin.

Antiphotoaging Effect of Prunus yeonesis Blossom Extract via Inhibition of MAPK/AP-1 and Regulation of the TGF-ßI/Smad and Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathways.

Cherry blossoms have attracted attention as an ingredient with potential for use in skincare products. However, no skin photoaging-related research has been performed with this plant. In this study, cherry blossom extract (CBE) at 1, 10 and 100 µg mL-1 was investigated for its skin antiphotoaging effects in UVB-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) cells in vitro. Our results showed that CBE markedly increased type-I procollagen during UVB exposure via two pathways. Firstly, transcription activator protein-1 expression and MAP kinases were downregulated, consequently reducing the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3. Secondly, transforming growth factor TGF-ßI secretion was upregulated by Smads. Application of CBE facilitated the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage, which is essential for the coordinated induction of cytoprotective enzymes. Together, our findings suggest that CBE may be a promising ingredient for skin aging therapy and provide a novel approach for alleviating cutaneous aging.

Pterocarpus santalinus L. Regulated Ultraviolet B Irradiation-induced Procollagen Reduction and Matrix Metalloproteinases Expression Through Activation of TGF-ß/Smad and Inhibition of the MAPK/AP-1 Pathway in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

Ultraviolet light-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage human skin and prematurely cause aging. A growing body of research is focusing on considering plants and plant-derived compounds as antiphotoaging therapeutic material. Pterocarpus santalinus L., as an Indian traditional medicine, possesses antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. Here, we studied the antiphotoaging effects of ethanolic extract of P. santalinus L. heartwood (EPS) on ultraviolet radiation B (UVB)-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Results showed that EPS significantly inhibited the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and IL-6 caused by UVB irradiation, and suppressed UVB-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Jun N-terminal kinase and p38, as well as the activation of AP-1 transcription factors. Further study indicated that UVB-induced production of MMP-1 and IL-6 could be inhibited by PD 98059 (an ERK inhibitor) and SP600125 (A JNK inhibitor), implied that EPS inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 and IL-6 secretion by inactivating MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, EPS possessed an excellent antioxidant activity, which could increase cytoprotective antioxidants such as HO-1, NQ-O1 expression by facilitating the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. Treatment of NHDFs with EPS also recovered UVB-induced procollagen type I reduction by activating TGF-ß/Smad pathway. These findings demonstrated that EPS had a potential effect against UVB-induced skin photoaging.

Essential oil obtained from micropropagated lavender, its effect on HSF cells and application in cosmetic emulsion as a natural protective substance.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the essential oils isolated from the field - grown and micropropagated in vitro narrow - leaved lavender of the 'Munstead' cultivar, on human skin cells, and their capability to synthesise procollagen. The amount of procollagen type I produced by fibroblast cells was determined using ELISA kit. Essential oil isolated from micropropagated lavender was further used as a protective ingredient against the development of microorganisms in O/W cosmetic emulsion. The presented results demonstrate that the use of 0.01, 0.001 and 0.0001% essential oils isolated from in vitro plants stimulate HSF cells to the production of procollagen. It was further performed that the tested essential oil used in the concentration of 0.1% in a cosmetic emulsion is characterised by preservative effect for cosmetic preparations for the period of 3 months.

Coagulation in hindbrain membrane meningioma patients treated with different injections using acute hypervolemic hemodilution.

The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in coagulation in meningioma patients treated with different injections using the method of acute hypervolemic hemodilution (AHH). One hundred fifty hindbrain membrane meningioma patients were randomly divided into 5 groups, 30 per group. The first group were injected 40ml/time with Danhong after anesthesia induction; the second group were injected with 40ml~60ml/time Kangai and combined with interventional chemotherapy and embolization procedure; the third group of AHH were injected with polygeline 15ml/kg; the fourth group were injected with hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) sodium chloride in doses of 15ml/kg; the control group underwent basic treatment for lowering blood pressure and lowering blood fat. The changes of coagulation index were recorded before and after surgery and before and after the injection of different medications. Compared to the control group, for the first group of AHH, after being treated for 10 days and 30 days, the concentrations of bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), bone Gla protein (BGP) and pro-collagen carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP) were higher than that of the control group, the levels of endotoxin (ET) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were decreased compared to the control group (p less than 0.05); for the second group of AHH, after being treated for 10 days, the index of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (Fg) were not significantly changed, but the related level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) significantly decreased (p less than 0.05). Comparing the coagulation function index after surgery in the third and fourth groups, there were no significant changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) level, heart rate (HR) value presented a low decrease, central venous pressure (CVP) level increased and the level of interleukin IL-6 showed a steady state after increasing. Analyzing the levels of interleukin IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) after surgery, it was seen that in the third group they increased and in the fourth group they decreased (p less than 0.05). Danhong injection improved the coagulation function and microcirculation of patients, Kangai injection and interventional chemotherapy and embolization restrained the appearance of tumor angiogenesis, AHH operation with polygeline injection and hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) sodium chloride kept blood flow in normal parameters.

[Effects of Curcumae Rhizoma/vinegar-processed Curcumae Rhizoma on immune hepatic fibrosis, proliferation of HSC-T6 and expression of α-SMA and Procollagen I].

To compare the effects of Curcumae Rhizoma/vinegar-processed Curcumae Rhizomaon immune hepatic fibrosis, proliferation of HSC-T6, and expressions of α-SMA and Procollagen I. The immunological liver fibrosis model was prepared through intraperitoneal injection with porcine serum 0.5 mL in each rat, twice a week, for 14 weeks. Expressions of serum ALT, AST, PC-Ⅲ, IV-C, LN, HA and HYP, MDA in liver tissues were observed after administration of Curcumae Rhizoma/vinegar-processed Curcumae Rhizoma (0.95, 1.90 g•kg⁻¹). The pathological changes in liver tissues were observed by HE staining. Masson staining and Sirius red staining were used to observe the expression of collagen in rat liver. HSC-T6 was cultured, and the proliferation of HSC-T6 was determined by MTT assay at different concentrations in 12, 24, 36, 48 h. The expressions of α-SMA and Procollagen I were detected by Real-time PCR. The results showed that expressions of serum ALT, AST, PC-Ⅲ, IV-C, LN and HA in Curcumae Rhizoma/vinegar-processed Curcumae Rhizoma groups (0.95, 1.90 g•kg⁻¹) were significantly lower than model group; in terms of effect, vinegar-processed Curcumae Rhizoma group was superior to Curcumae Rhizoma group. Curcumae Rhizoma/vinegar-processed Curcumae Rhizoma containing serum could inhibit the proliferation of HSC-T6 in a dose-effect and time-effect manner. Expressions of α-SMA and Procollagen I in HSC-T6 were decreased after 24 h, especially in 20% vinegar-processed Curcumae Rhizoma containing serum group (P<0.01). Both Curcumae Rhizoma/vinegar-processed Curcumae Rhizoma could reduce immune hepatic fibrosis to varying extent. Their anti-hepatic fibrosis mechanism may be correlated with inhibition of the proliferation of HSC-T6, and reduction of the formation of extracellular matrix and promotion of its degradation.

Site-Specific Onset of Low Bone Density and Correlation of Bone Turnover Markers in Exclusive Breastfeeding Mothers.

PURPOSE: Lactation often affects calcium metabolism and induces bone loss. Calcium supplementation and a high calcium diet are recommended to prevent bone loss, especially during inadequate calcium intake. Our study aimed at determining bone loss in breastfeeding mothers, and if it occurred, whether it was site specific and there were correlations between serum bone turnover markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since the 6-month exclusive breastfeeding is usually recommended in several countries, our study examined bone mineral density (BMD) in early (1-2 month), mid (3-4 month)-, and late (5-6 month) lactation compared with nonpregnant, nonlactating control women. Site-specific bone loss was monitored in lumbar vertebrae and femora. Bone turnover markers, that is, C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen and N-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (P1NP), were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. RESULTS: The onset of bone loss in exclusive breastfeeding mothers was site specific, for example, in the lumbar bone at mid-lactation and in the femoral bone in late lactation. Serum ionized calcium levels in late lactation were lower than the normal levels. In addition, a correlation was found between bone turnover marker, P1NP, and femoral BMD. CONCLUSIONS: The onset of bone loss in exclusive breastfeeding mothers was site specific, and the lumbar bone was a vulnerable and perhaps better representative site for bone loss detection. It was suggested that the optimal starting time for calcium supplementation should be before the mid-lactation when the bone loss was observed. In addition, the biochemical marker that best predicted the onset of bone loss in lactating women was P1NP.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Turnover Markers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are used to evaluate bone health together with bone mineral density and fracture assessment. Vitamin D supplementation is widely used to prevent and treat musculoskeletal diseases but existing data on vitamin D effects on markers of bone resorption and formation are inconsistent. We therefore examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation on bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP), osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP). This is a post-hoc analysis of the Styrian Vitamin D Hypertension Trial, a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) performed at the Medical University of Graz, Austria (2011-2014). Two hundred individuals with arterial hypertension and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels <75 nmol/L were randomized to 2800 IU of vitamin D daily or placebo for eight weeks. One hundred ninety-seven participants (60.2 ± 11.1 years; 47% women) were included in this analysis. Vitamin D had no significant effect on bALP (mean treatment effect (MTE) 0.013, 95% CI -0.029 to 0.056 µg/L; p = 0.533), CTX (MTE 0.024, 95% CI -0.163 to 0.210 ng/mL, p = 0.802), OC (MTE 0.020, 95% CI -0.062 to 0.103 ng/mL, p = 0.626), or P1NP (MTE -0.021, 95% CI -0.099 to 0.057 ng/mL, p = 0.597). Analyzing patients with 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L separately (n = 74) left results largely unchanged. In hypertensive patients with low 25(OH)D levels, we observed no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation for eight weeks on BTMs.