Efficacy and safety of silymarin containing antioxidant serum as an adjuvant treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: A prospective, open-label pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Silymarin is the active component of milk thistle, which has antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and potential comedolytic properties. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 0.5% silymarin-loaded antioxidant serum (SAS) used to treat mild-to-moderate acne. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, open-label pilot study was conducted. We enrolled 22 Korean acne patients who applied the 0.5% SAS on the whole face twice daily while continuing the current anti-acne medications. Grade of acne severity, individual lesion counts, sebum output levels, skin erythema, and melanin pigmentation were assessed. RESULTS: After a 4-week application, the modified Global Acne Grading Score (mGAGS), Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) scale, and the acne lesion counts were significantly decreased. Sebum secretion, skin pigmentation, and erythema were also reduced during the study period, yet only the melanin pigmentation index reached statistical significance. Subgroup analysis revealed that the patients who took the low-dose oral isotretinoin during the study period showed more noticeable improvements in skin sebum output and melanin pigmentation. Additionally, no adverse event was associated with using the 0.5% SAS. CONCLUSION: The 0.5% silymarin-containing antioxidant formulation improved acne's clinical severity and related skin biophysical parameters.

Oral Supplementation of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptides Reduces Skin Wrinkles and Improves Biophysical Properties of Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Orally administered collagen peptides could contribute to antiaging by replacing the degraded extracellular matrix proteins caused by photoaging. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides for treating photoaged and dry skin. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blinded trial, we randomly assigned study participants (n = 100) to either the test product group or placebo group at a 1:1 ratio for 12 weeks. The wrinkle scale score, eye wrinkle volume, roughness parameters, such as the average maximum height of the wrinkle (Rz), arithmetic average within the total measuring length of the wrinkle (Ra), maximum profile valley depth of the wrinkle (Rv), and skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), overall elasticity (R2), and ratio of elastic recovery to total deformation (R7) were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Safety assessments with serial blood tests were also conducted. Efficacy assessments of data from 84 participants were conducted as the per-protocol analysis. After 12 weeks, the 10-grade crow's feet photo scale score, eye wrinkle volume, skin roughness parameters (Rz, Ra, and Rv), skin elasticity (R2 and R7), skin hydration, and TEWL were significantly improved in the test product group compared to the placebo group. There were no adverse events or abnormalities according to laboratory analysis associated with using the test material during the study period. This study showed that the oral supplementation of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides could improve the wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, and barrier integrity of photoaged facial skin. This clinical study was registered with the Korean Clinical Research Information Service and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (No: KCT0006500).

Inhibitory Effects of Acetyloctadecadienediynoic Acid Isolated from Leaves of Dendropanax morbiferus on Viability and Self-Renewal Activity of Glioma Stem-Like Cells.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most dangerous brain tumors in humans. The median survival of patients with GBM is <18 months. Glioma stem-like cells (GSCs), a small subpopulation of cells with stem cell-like characteristics found within GBM, are regarded as the main cause of GBM malignancy. Therefore, targeting GSCs presents an important therapeutic strategy for reducing the aggressiveness of tumors. In this study, we examined effects of (9Z,16S)-16-O-acetyl-9,17-octadecadiene-12,14-diynoic acid (AODA), a diacetylenic carboxylic acid isolated from leaves of Dendropanax morbiferus, on viability and self-renewal activity of GSCs. AODA substantially decreased GSC growth, causing apoptotic cell death as assessed by Annexin V/PI staining and morphological alterations by optical diffraction tomography. Interestingly, treatment with AODA suppressed ''stem-like features'' in vitro by limiting dilution assays and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. In addition, Western blotting revealed that AODA treatment decreased expression levels of phosphorylated AKT and phosphorylated ERK in GSC11 cells. Taken together, our results indicate that AODA could be considered a new therapeutic candidate to target GSCs.

Treatment with Commelina communis Extract Exerts Anti-inflammatory Effects in Murine Macrophages via Modulation of the Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway.

The incidence of severe inflammatory diseases caused by chronic inflammation has increased owing to unprecedented changes brought about by industrialization. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of treatment of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced murine macrophages with Commelina communis Linne extract (CCE) on synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), hypersecretion of proinflammatory cytokines, intranuclear transition of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor- (NF-) κB, and degradation of the NF-κB inhibitor IκBα. Notably, CCE treatment did not affect cell viability even at a final concentration of 1.5 mg/mL. At a high concentration of CCE, the LPS-induced high levels of NO, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin- (IL-) 1ß, and IL-6 were decreased via downregulation of inducible NO synthase and proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expression. Furthermore, phosphorylation of IκBα was significantly decreased upon CCE treatment, and the intranuclear transition of NF-κB p65 triggered by LPS was inhibited at a high concentration of CCE. Polyphenols and flavonoids, secondary metabolites in CCE that regulate the NF-κB pathway, may be responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity. We suggest that CCE has anti-inflammatory effects related to suppression of the NF-κB pathway and can be used to treat chronic inflammation.

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture for stroke: A protocol for overview of systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic overview of meta-analyses and published systematic reviews to identify whether and when acupunctureand electroacupuncture are deemed efficacious treatment options for stroke and stroke-related disorders. METHODS: Four databases, namely, PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library will be searched from their inception. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection, data extraction, and assessment. This will be followed by an assessment of the methodological and report quality using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 tool. Finally, the study will entail the assessment of evidence quality by employing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. RESULTS: This overview is expected to provide data on using acupuncture for stroke and stroke-related disorders on the basis of the included systematic reviews' qualitative and quantitative syntheses. CONCLUSION: This overview will assess the benefits as well as hazards of acupuncture for stroke, subsequently providing patients and practitioners with useful information and have implications for future studies on the topic. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Reviewregistry1263.

Hepatoprotective Effects of the Cichorium intybus Root Extract against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Experimental Rats.

The effects of the Cichorium intybus root extract (Cii) on alcohol-induced liver disease were investigated using Chang liver cells and male Sprague Dawley rats. Silymarin, a liver-protective agent, was used as a positive control. In cell experiments, after 24 h of treatment with the extract, no cytotoxicity was noted, and death by alcohol was avoided. Migration of Chang liver cells increased after exposure to the extract at a concentration of 400 µg/mL. In animal experiments, alcohol was injected into 6-week-old rats for 1, 3, and 50 days. Oral administration of the drug was performed 30 min before alcohol administration. The control was treated with distilled water, and the drug groups were administered EtOH (40% EtOH + 2.5 mL/kg), EtOH + Cii L (low concentration, 2 mg/kg), EtOH + Cii H (high concentration, 10 mg/kg), or EtOH + silymarin (100 mg/kg). Increased liver weight was observed in the alcohol group, as were increased blood-alcohol concentration and liver damage indicators (glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and triglycerides (TG)), decreased alcoholysis enzymes (ADH and ALDH), and increased CYP2E1. In the Cii treatment group, liver weight, blood-alcohol concentration, liver damage indicators (GOT, GPT, and TG), and CYP2E1 were decreased, while alcoholysis enzymes (ADH and ALDH) were increased. The degree of histopathological liver damage was compared visually and by staining with hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O. These results indicated that ingestion of Cii inhibited alcohol-induced liver damage, indicating Cii as a useful treatment for alcohol-induced liver injury.

The Effect of Conditioned Media From Human Adipocyte-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Androgenetic Alopecia After Nonablative Fractional Laser Treatment.

BACKGROUND: The conditioned media from adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned media (ADSC-CM) contains cytokines and growth factors that stimulate hair regeneration. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of human ADSC-CM treatment on patients who underwent nonablative fractional laser for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent nonablative fractional laser treatment were topically administered either ADSC-CM or placebo solution. As a primary outcome, phototrichograms were taken to measure changes in hair density at each visit. In addition, global improvement scores (GISs) were compared by clinical digital photographs, which were taken at the initial and final visits, and assessed by 2 independent dermatologists. Finally, the investigator's improvement score was measured by questionnaire response during the final visit. RESULTS: Hair density comparisons during the treatment period revealed that the ADSC-CM group had significantly higher final densities compared with the placebo group. The GIS of the ADSC-CM group was also significantly higher than the placebo group. Finally, no adverse effects associated with the application of ADSC-CM were noted during the study. CONCLUSION: The application of ADSC-CM after nonablative fractional laser treatment accelerated increases in hair density and volume in AGA patients.

Safety of Combined Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency and CO2 as an Early Intervention for Inflammatory Acne and Scarring Treated With Concomitant Isotretinoin.

BACKGROUND: Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMRF) systems are popular options for treating acne scars. However, treatment efficacy when used in combination with traditional ablative fractional laser (AFL) and the safety profile with concomitant use of isotretinoin remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of an early intervention combination treatment protocol for inflammatory acne and acne scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The electronic records of 71 patients with inflammatory acne and acne scars were included in this retrospective observational study. Data were collected for all patients who received combination FMRF and AFL. Within the study group, 43 patients were receiving low-dose isotretinoin or had completed isotretinoin within the past 3 weeks. RESULTS: The mean Scar Global Assessment score significantly decreased after 3 sessions of combination treatment (n = 71). Patients with inflammatory acne showed a significant decrease in the number of inflammatory lesions (n = 30). Patients with concomitant low-dose isotretinoin use reported a further decrease in Scar Global Assessment score (n = 43). There were no reported persistent side effects, including prolonged inflammatory reaction or scarring. CONCLUSION: Combination treatment with FMRF and AFL is an effective and well-tolerated treatment modality for acne scars and inflammatory acne.

Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Extrinsic skin aging caused by atmospheric pollutants is associated with a sustained inflammatory response which is a significant risk factor for lentigines and melasma. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical application of combination formulation of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid as an adjuvant to Q-switched Nd:YAG (QSNY) lasers treatment in individuals with lentigines and melasma. METHODS: A single blinded, prospective, randomized split-face trial was conducted. Eighteen men and women between 26 and 53 years old were treated with a combination antioxidant serum on one randomized side of their face immediately after QSNY laser and twice daily for 2 weeks. Patients were evaluated using digital photography and spectrometry to assess the melanin index and erythema index. Melasma severity score and global improvement scores also were assessed. RESULTS: The treated side of the face exhibited a significantly greater reduction in the melanin index. There was no significant difference in post-treatment erythema. More clinical improvement was observed on the treated side compared with the untreated side. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that topical application of a combination vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid antioxidant formula may be effective as an adjuvant option in QSNY lasers.

Simultaneous determination of illegal drug substances in dietary supplements for gout and osteoporosis using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

The aim of this study was to simultaneously determine the presence of unauthorized drug substances in health foods and herbal products used in the treatment of conditions such as gout and anti-osteoporosis. Therefore, we developed and optimised a rapid and accurate method to simultaneously measure 20 anti-gout and anti-osteoporosis drug substances using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) system equipped with a photodiode array (PDA) detector. The method was validated to fully meet internationally accepted standards. LODs and LOQs spiked in solid and liquid negative samples were ranged from 0.12 to 1.50 µg/mL, and ranged from 0.36 to 4.50 µg/mL. Linearities (R2> 0.999), stabilities (RSD ≤ 2.92%), accuracies (84.25∼106.62%, intra-day; 84.56∼105.85%, inter-day), precisions (RSD ≤ 3.71% on the intra-day; RSD ≤ 3.47% on the inter-day), recoveries spiked in various type of blank samples such as powder, liquid, tablet, and capsule were determined within 81.20-116.20 %, respectively. From a confirmation of matrix effects (88.06∼110.50% in solid blank; 89.16∼110.52% in liquid blank), it was confirmed that this method was not significantly affected by a sample matrix. The validated method was used to analyse 116 samples containing health foods, herbal products, and seized forensic samples advertised to be effective anti-gout and anti-osteoporosis agents. Of the 20 drug substances screened, dexamethasone was detected and confirmed by comparing the tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) fragment ion patterns of a reference standard and the sample using LC-quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-TOF)/MS. The concentrations of adulterants in seized forensic samples ranged from 0.013 to 0.022 %.

A new patient-derived iPSC model for dystroglycanopathies validates a compound that increases glycosylation of α-dystroglycan.

Dystroglycan, an extracellular matrix receptor, has essential functions in various tissues. Loss of α-dystroglycan-laminin interaction due to defective glycosylation of α-dystroglycan underlies a group of congenital muscular dystrophies often associated with brain malformations, referred to as dystroglycanopathies. The lack of isogenic human dystroglycanopathy cell models has limited our ability to test potential drugs in a human- and neural-specific context. Here, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a severe dystroglycanopathy patient with homozygous FKRP (fukutin-related protein gene) mutation. We showed that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene correction of FKRP restored glycosylation of α-dystroglycan in iPSC-derived cortical neurons, whereas targeted gene mutation of FKRP in wild-type cells disrupted this glycosylation. In parallel, we screened 31,954 small molecule compounds using a mouse myoblast line for increased glycosylation of α-dystroglycan. Using human FKRP-iPSC-derived neural cells for hit validation, we demonstrated that compound 4-(4-bromophenyl)-6-ethylsulfanyl-2-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyridine-5-carbonitrile (4BPPNit) significantly augmented glycosylation of α-dystroglycan, in part through upregulation of LARGE1 glycosyltransferase gene expression. Together, isogenic human iPSC-derived cells represent a valuable platform for facilitating dystroglycanopathy drug discovery and therapeutic development.

Combined Therapeutic Strategies for Keloid Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in keloid management favor the administration of combination therapy over monotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of combination therapy to treat keloids using fractional lasers, cryotherapy, and intralesional corticosteroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective study involving 35 Korean patients. Each patient underwent treatment using the 1,550 nm nonablative fractional erbium-glass laser, followed by the 10,600 nm ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser. Laser treatment was immediately followed by the administration of superficial cryotherapy and intralesional triamcinolone injection. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score and the 7-point patient self-assessment score. RESULTS: The mean total and subcategory VSS scores showed statistically significant improvements. The height and pliability scores showed the most significant and quickest responses to the combination therapy. The patients reported remarkable improvement in itching, pain, and limitations of motion after a single combination therapy session. Twenty patients were followed up for 1 year after the discontinuation of the combination treatment, and the recurrence was observed only in one patient. No significant adverse effects were observed throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Combination keloid therapy using fractional lasers, superficial cryotherapy, and intralesional triamcinolone injection is safe and more effective than individual monotherapies.

Dendrobium moniliforme Stem Extract Inhibits Lipoteichoic Acid-Induced Inflammatory Responses by Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1.

The stems of Dendrobium moniliforme have been used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of fever and lack of body fluid in Korea. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of D. moniliforme stems (DM) in response to lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a major constituent of the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria. DM inhibited LTA-induced expression of a pro-inflammatory mediator inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the murine macrophages. And DM induced expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) at the transcriptional level. Conversely, the knockdown of HO-1 expression by siRNA markedly reversed the inhibitory effects of DM on LTA-induced iNOS expression. We also demonstrated that nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was increased following treatment with DM. In addition, DM-mediated Nrf2 activation and HO-1 expression were suppressed by PI3K/Akt and p38 inhibitors; treatment with DM also resulted in phosphorylation of Akt and p38. These results suggest that DM inhibits the expression of iNOS in LTA-stimulated macrophages, and that these effects are mediated by the upregulation of HO-1 expression via PI3K/Akt/p38-Nrf2 signaling.

Determination of illegal adulteration of dietary supplements with synthetic hair-growth compounds by UPLC and LC-Q-TOF/MS.

In this study, we developed a UPLC-PDA and LC-Q-TOF/MS method to identify and measure the following prohibited substances that may be found in dietary supplements:triaminodil, minoxidil, bimatoprost, alimemazine, diphenylcyclopropenone, α-tradiol, finasteride, methyltestosterone, spironolatone, flutamide, cyproterone, dutasteride, and testosterone 17-propionate.The method was validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines in terms of specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD, LOQ, recovery, and stability. The method was completely validated showing satisfactory data for all method validation parameters. The linearity was good (R2 > 0.999) with intra- and inter-day precision values of 0.2-3.4% and 0.3-2.9%, respectively. Moreover, the intra- and inter-day accuracies were 87-102% and 86-103%, respectively, and the precision was better than 9.4% (relative standard deviation).Hence, the proposed method is precise and has high quality,and can be utilised to comprehensively and continually monitor illegal drug adulteration in various forms of dietary supplements. Furthermore, to evaluate the applicability of the proposed method, we analysed 13 hair-growth compounds in 78 samples including food and dietary supplements. Minoxidil and triaminodil were detected in capsules at concentrations of 4.69 mg/g and 6.54 mg/g. In addition, finasteride was detected in a tablet at 13.45 mg/g. In addition, the major characteristic fragment ions were confirmed once again using LC-Q-TOF/MS for higher accuracy.

Enhanced barrier functions and anti-inflammatory effect of cultured coconut extract on human skin.

Natural plant oils have been used as a translational alternative to modern medicine. Particularly, virgin coconut oil (VCO) has gained popularity because of its potential benefits in pharmaceutical, nutritional, and cosmetic applications. Cultured coconut extract (CCE) is an alternative end product of VCO, which undergoes a further bacterial fermentation process. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CCE on human skin. We analyzed the expression of skin barrier molecules and collagens after applying CCE on human explanted skin. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of CCE, the expression of inflammatory markers was analyzed after ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. The CCE-treated group showed increased expression of cornified cell envelope components, which contribute to protective barrier functions of the stratum corneum. Further, the expression of inflammatory markers was lower in the CCE-treated group after exposure to UVB radiation. These results suggest an anti-inflammatory effect of CCE against UVB irradiation-induced inflammation. Additionally, the CCE-treated group showed increased collagen and hyaluronan synthase-3 expression. In our study, CCE showed a barrier-enhancing effect and anti-inflammatory properties against ex vivo UVB irradiation-induced inflammation. The promising effect of CCE may be attributed to its high levels of polyphenols and fatty acid components.

Aqueous extract of unripe Rubus coreanus fruit attenuates atherosclerosis by improving blood lipid profile and inhibiting NF-κB activation via phase II gene expression.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The fruit of Rubus coreanus has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for alleviation of inflammatory and vascular diseases in Asian countries. AIM OF THE STUDY: The anti-atherogenic effect of unripe Rubus coreanus fruit extract (URFE) and its underlying mechanism were analyzed in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and in cell culture system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse was freely given HFD alone or supplemented with URFE for 14 weeks, followed by analysis of atherosclerotic lesions and serum lipid levels. For in vitro assay, macrophages were pretreated with URFE, followed by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Expression levels of inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and iNOS) and phase II genes (heme oxygenase-1, glutamate cysteine lygase, and peroxiredoxine-1) as well as intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and NF-κB activation pathway were analyzed in cultured macrophages as well as mouse sera and aortic tissues. RESULTS: URFE supplementation reduced HFD-induced atherosclerotic lesion formation which was correlated with decreased levels of lipids, lipid peroxides, and inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and nitric oxide) in sera as well as suppression of inflammatory gene in aortic tissues. In addition, pre-treatment of macrophages with URFE also suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation, ROS production, and inflammatory and phase II gene expressions. Inhibition of phase II enzyme and protein activities attenuated the suppressive effects URFE on ROS production, NF-κB activation, and inflammatory gene expression. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that URFE attenuates atherosclerosis by improving blood lipid profile and inhibiting NF-κB activation via phase II antioxidant gene expression.

Effect of high vs standard early parenteral amino acid supplementation on the growth outcomes in very low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2 different strategies for parenteral amino acid (AA) supplementation in the range of standard doses (>1.0-1.5 g/kg/d) on growth outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The unit policy of AA doses on the first day of life changed from 1.5 g/kg/d (n = 56; standard protein group, SP, in 2008) to 3.0 g/kg/d (n = 53; high protein group, HP, in 2009) with a daily advance to a target dose of 3.5-4.0 g/kg/d. Daily nutritive and laboratory profiles were collected for the initial 14 days, and patient weight, height, and head circumference on postnatal day 14 and again at 36 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months of corrected age were evaluated. RESULTS: During the first 14 days, AA intake was greater in the HP group than in the SP group (2.9 ± 0.4 vs 2.6 ± 0.4 g/kg/d, P < .001). The HP group demonstrated a lower peak plasma glucose level during the first 3 days (116 ± 24 vs 137 ± 39 mg/dL) and a higher serum urea nitrogen level for the first 14 postnatal days than the SP group (19.2 ± 7.0 vs 14.8 ± 6.7 mg/dL) (both P < .01). From birth to postnatal 14 days and to 36 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months of corrected age, the z score changes in all growth parameters did not differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: In the range of the standard AA protocol, there was no dose-response relationship between the early AA doses and the growth outcomes in VLBW infants.

Achyranthes japonica exhibits anti-inflammatory effect via NF-κB suppression and HO-1 induction in macrophages.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The roots of Achyranthes japonica Nakai have been used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of edema and arthritis in Korea. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism responsible for anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of A. japonica roots (AJ) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nitric oxide (NO) production and as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression were examined in TG-elicited peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells. Cell viability was monitored by MTT assay. Protein and mRNA expressions were determined by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. The activity of NF-κB and Nrf2 were examined by EMSA, immunocytochemistry or reporter assay. RESULTS: AJ inhibited LPS-induced NO secretion as well as iNOS expression, without affecting cell viability. Furthermore, AJ suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation, degradation of IκB-α, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. Further study demonstrated that AJ induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression via nuclear translocation and transactivation of Nrf2. In addition, the inhibitory effects of AJ on iNOS expression were abrogated by small interfering RNA-mediated knock-down of HO-1. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that AJ suppresses LPS-induced NO production and iNOS expression in macrophages through the inhibition of IκB/NF-κB and MAPK as well as the Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction. These findings provide the scientific rationale for anti-inflammatory therapeutic use of A. japonica roots.

Initial effect of an elastic chest band during inspiratory exercise on chest function improvement in people with limited rib mobility: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: While performing respiratory training, an elastic chest band has great benefits for clinical use due to its safety and easy application. However, to our knowledge, there is no published data on the clinical use of an elastic chest band into inspiratory training for people with limited rib mobility. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an elastic chest band integrated into inspiratory exercise for people with decreased chest function. METHOD: Sixteen subjects with limited rib mobility were randomly assigned to either experimental group (EG) or control group (CG), with eight subjects in each group. All subjects received an inspiratory exercise using incentive spirometer for 30 minutes. For the subjects of the EG, an elastic chest band was incorporated into the inspiratory exercises to provide compressive resistance to the chest. The chest function was measured using an electronic spirometer to determine the vital capacity (VC), tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV), FEV in 1-second (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1 to FVC (FEV1 %). RESULTS: Significant differences were found for the VC, TV, IRV, FVC and FEV1 between pre-test and post-test in the two groups (p < 0.05). Further, the changes in the values of VC (0.47 L vs. 0.22 L), FVC (0.55 L vs. 0.25 L) and FEV1 (0.65% vs. 0.21%) in the EG subjects were significantly greater than those in the CG subjects (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that an elastic chest band combined with inspiratory exercise produces additional positive effect on improving chest function in people with limited rib mobility.

Uncaria rhynchophylla inhibits the production of nitric oxide and interleukin-1ß through blocking nuclear factor κB, Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in macrophages.

The stems with hook of Uncaria rhynchophylla have been used in traditional medicine as an antipyretic, antihypertensive, and anticonvulsant in China and Korea. In this study, we investigated the mechanism responsible for anti-inflammatory effects of U. rhynchophylla in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The aqueous extract of U. rhynchophylla inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin (IL)-1ß secretion as well as inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression, without affecting cell viability. Furthermore, U. rhynchophylla suppressed LPS-induced nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation, phosphorylation, and degradation of inhibitory protein IκB (IκB)-α, phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38 kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. These results suggest that U. rhynchophylla has the inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO and IL-1ß production in macrophages through blockade in the phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases, following IκB-α degradation and NF-κB activation.