Wikstroemiaganpi Extract Improved Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions via Suppression of Interleukin-4 in 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced SKH-1 Hairless Mice.

Plants of the genus Wikstroemia are used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The present study was designed to determine whether Wikstroemia ganpi (Siebold and Zucc.) Maxim. offers a potential means of treating 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) in mice. Symptoms such as redness, edema, and keratinization in AD mice induced by DNCB were alleviated by the co-application of an ethanolic extract of W. ganpi for 2 weeks. The severity of skin barrier function damage was evaluated by measuring TEWL (transepidermal water loss). TEWLs of DNCB sensitized mouse dorsal skin were reduced by the application of a W. ganpi ethanolic extract, and skin hydration was increased. In addition, the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the dermis was significantly reduced, as were blood levels of IgE and IL-4, which play an important role in the expression of AD. The results of this experiment suggest that W. ganpi is a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

The effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide prolotherapy on posterior tibial tendon dysfunction after ankle syndesmotic surgery: A case report.

RATIONALE: Ankle syndesmotic injuries occasionally require long-term therapy for recovery and can result in tendon injury. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is an acquired deformity that can cause flatfoot deformity. The current nonoperative management of PTTD includes nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), orthopedic devices. Although various treatment options have been attempted, optimal treatments for each stage of the condition are debated. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is effective in healing of chronic wounds associated with tissue damage by attracting tissue growth factors. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 67-year-old woman who presented at our pain clinic with pain on the inside of ankle. She had a syndesmotic screw fixation 3 years prior. Her ankle pain had persisted after the removal of screws and edema for about 1 month resulting from long-term NSAIDs administration. DIAGNOSES: The origin of the pain was possibly tibialis posterior muscle and posterior tibial tendon and she was diagnosed as PTTD after syndesmosis surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Sono guided prolotherapy with PDRN was carried out. OUTCOMES: Patient showed improvement in the arch of the foot, experienced pain relief, and was able to wear regular shoes without any orthopedic device. LESSONS: This case report highlights that PDRN prolotherapy is a safe and efficient therapeutic option for the treatment of PTTD.

Effects of Chromium (VI) Exposure on the Placental Function and Reproduction in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of chromium (VI) on the placental function and reproduction in rats. For the study, the placental prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) gene expression, placental trophoblast cell differentiation and reproductive data were analyzed. METHODS: The pregnancies of F344 Fisher rats were checked by the presence of a copulatory plug or sperm in the vaginal smear, which was defined as day 0 of the pregnancy. Pregnant rats were divided into the three groups. The control group was given tap water (chromium level < 0.001 ppm) and the remaining groups were given 250 or 750 ppm of chromium (VI) [as potassium dichromate], from day 7 to 19 of the pregnancy. Rats were sacrificed at days 11 and 20 of pregnancy. The mRNA levels of PRL-GH and Pit-1a and b isotype genes were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The hormonal concentration was analyzed by radioimmunoassay, and the differentiation of placental trophoblast cells were observed by histochemical studies. Reproductive data, such as placental and fetal weights, pregnancy period, and litter size, were surveyed at day 20 of pregnancy and after birth. A statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS program (version 8.1). RESULTS: The mRNA levels of the prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) family of genes were dose dependently reduced by chromium exposure. The mRNA levels of Pit-1a and b isotype genes that induce the expression of the PRL-GH family of genes were also reduced by chromium exposure. The PRL-GH hormonal concentration in the rat placenta, fetus and maternal blood were decreased by chromium exposure. In the middle stage of pregnancy (day 11), a high dose of chromium suppressed the differentiation of spongiotrophoblast cells that secret the PRLGH hormones. In the last stage of pregnancy (day 20), a high dose of chromium induced apoptosis of placental cells. Reproductive data, such as placental and fetal weights, litter size, were reduced, but the pregnancy period was extended in the group exposed to chromium compared with the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Chromium (VI) disrupts the ordered functions of the placenta, which leads to reproductive disorders in rats.

The structure-activity relationship of flavonoids as scavengers of peroxynitrite.

Peroxynitrite is a cytotoxic intermediate produced by the reaction between a superoxide anion radical and nitric oxide. The scavenging activities of flavonoids on peroxynitrite were investigated to illustrate the structure-activity relationship. Peroxynitrite was scavenged by the presence of various flavonoids, whose structures seem to be closely related to the degree of scavenging. Of 31 compounds tested, the most active was quercetin, with an IC50 value of 0.93 microM. Others had IC50 values ranging from 0.96 to more than 10 microM. The scavenging activity was postulated to be governed by the position of the hydroxyl group. Ortho-hydroxyl structures increased the scavenging activity on peroxynitrite.