Dipterocarpus tuberculatus as a promising anti-obesity treatment in Lep knockout mice.

Introduction: The therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Dipterocarpus tuberculatus (D. tuberculatus) extracts have been examined concerning inflammation, photoaging, and gastritis; however, their effect on obesity is still being investigated. Methods: We administered a methanol extract of D. tuberculatus (MED) orally to Lep knockout (KO) mice for 4 weeks to investigate the therapeutic effects on obesity, weight gain, fat accumulation, lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, and ß-oxidation. Results: In Lep KO mice, MED significantly reduced weight gains, food intake, and total cholesterol and glyceride levels. Similar reductions in fat weights and adipocyte sizes were also observed. Furthermore, MED treatment reduced liver weight, lipid droplet numbers, the expressions of adipogenesis and lipogenesis-related genes, and the expressions of lipolysis regulators in liver tissues. Moreover, the iNOS-mediated COX-2 induction pathway, the inflammasome pathway, and inflammatory cytokine levels were reduced, but ß-oxidation was increased, in the livers of MED-treated Lep KO mice. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that MED ameliorates obesity and has considerable potential as an anti-obesity treatment.

Evaluation of Deodorizing Effects of Saccharina japonica in 10-Month-Old ICR Mice Using a Novel Odor Marker Associated with Aging.

The potential deodorizing effects of Saccharina japonica have been evaluated by determining their deodorizing performance, but they are yet to be validated in experimental animals. The deodorizing effects of S. japonica were examined in an animal model using a novel odor marker associated with aging by comparing the concentration of odor component in urine obtained from two- and 10-month-old ICR mice using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the changes in the trimethylamine (TMA) concentration, ammonia level, and structure of sweat gland were determined after exposing 10-month-old ICR mice to 70% ethanol extract of S. japonica (EESJ) for four weeks. In vitro analysis was performed to confirm the composition of EESJ with respect to the total flavonoid contents (TFC, 28.6 ± 2.5 mg/g), total polyphenol contents (TPC, 107.3 ± 8.9 mg/g), and total condensed tannin contents (TTC, 65.7 ± 5.2 mg/g) contents, as well as to the deodorizing performance to ammonia and acetic acid (91.2 ± 7.8% and 54.8 ± 6.3%, respectively). In vivo analysis revealed TMA to be the novel odor marker associated with aging among the 19 odor components evaluated, considering the higher concentration in the urine of 10-month-old ICR mice. The peak area of TMA on the gas chromatogram was significantly lower in the 10-month-old ICR mice treated with EESJ than in the two-month-old mice. A similar decrease was observed in the level of ammonia obtained from the dirty bedding of the EESJ-treated group. Moreover, tissues obtained from the mouse foot of the group exposed to EESJ showed a dose-dependent decrease in the gland tube number of sweat glands and the TMA dehydrogenase transcription level. Overall, these results provide novel evidence that the administration of EESJ helps reduce the body TMA and ammonia concentrations, resulting in reduced odor and a decrease in the number of sweat glands and the expression of TMA dehydrogenase in the ICR mouse feet.

Promoting Effects of Titanium Implants Coated with Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Extract on Osseointegration.

Titanium (Ti) is the most commonly used biomaterial for dental implants. When inserting Ti implants into jawbones, the main issue is the lack of strong bonding between the Ti implant and the host bone (osseointegration). Inspired by the outstanding adhesion performance of natural phenolic compounds on metal substrates and promoting effect for cell adhesion, we coated a natural plant extract, Dipterocarpus tuberculatus (MED), on Ti implants. We tested three groups of Ti plates and screw-shaped fixtures: nontreated Ti as commercially produced, ozone-treated Ti as commonly used surface modification for dental implants, and MED-coated Ti. Interestingly, the MED coating on the Ti plate preserved the surface wetting property for 20 days, whereas the hydrophilic wetting of ozone-treated Ti was readily transformed to hydrophobic within a day. Computerized tomography and histopathological analysis revealed that MED coating enhanced new bone tissue formation and regeneration. The gene expression level of integrin as a bone cell adhesion receptor and its downstream key regulators was significantly increased than that of ozone-treated Ti. Therefore, we suggest considering MED-mediated cell signaling pathways in screening natural products for cell adhesion and osseointegration, and MED as a suitable coating agent for improving Ti implantation.

Loperamide-induced Constipation Activates Inflammatory Signaling Pathways in the Mid Colon of SD Rats Via Complement C3 and its Receptors.

BACKGROUND: Complement component 3 (C3) receptors play an important role as inflammatory mediators in the innate immune system, although their mechanisms were not well studied during constipation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the regulatory role of C3 and its receptors' downstream signaling during constipation. METHODS: Alterations in the C3, C3a receptor (C3aR), and C3b receptor (C3bR) expressions, PI3K/AKT pathway, RhoA/MLC pathway, MAP kinase pathway, and inflammatory cytokine expressions were measured in the mid colon of loperamide (Lop) treated SD rats. RESULTS: Lop treatment successfully induced constipation phenotypes, including decreased stool parameters and histological structure alterations. The expression levels of C3 were significantly increased, whereas expressions of C3aR and C3bR were decreased during Lop-induced constipation. Moreover, significant upregulation was observed in the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT, and GSK3ß in mid colons of Lop treated SD rats. The expression of RhoA and phosphorylation of MLC were also enhanced in the Lop treated group. Furthermore, a similar pattern was detected in the MAP kinase pathway and inflammatory cytokine expressions. Subsequent to the Lop treatment, the phosphorylation of ERK and p38, as well as the mRNA levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1α were remarkably increased in the mid colon. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that Lop-induced constipation is tightly linked to the downregulation of C3aR and C3bR expressions, and upregulation of the C3 and C3Rs downstream signaling pathway, including PI3K/AKT, RhoA/MLC, and MAP kinase pathways as well as inflammatory cytokine expressions in the mid colon of SD rats.

Laxative Effects of Phlorotannins Derived from Ecklonia cava on Loperamide-Induced Constipation in SD Rats.

This study investigated the laxative effects of phlorotannins (Pt) derived from Ecklonia cava (E. cave) on chronic constipation by evaluating alterations in stool parameters, gastrointestinal motility, histopathological structure, mucin secretion, gastrointestinal hormones, muscarinic cholinergic regulation, and fecal microbiota in SD rats with loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation subjected to Pt treatment. Stool-related parameters (including stool number, weight, and water contents), gastrointestinal motility, and length of intestine were significantly enhanced in the Lop+Pt-treated group as compared to the Lop+Vehicle-treated group. A similar recovery was detected in the histopathological and cytological structure of the mid-colon of Lop+Pt-treated rats, although the level of mucin secretion remained constant. Moreover, rats with Lop-induced constipation subjected to Pt treatment showed significant improvements in water channel expression, gastrointestinal hormone secretions, and expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors M2/M3 (mAChRs M2/M3) and their mediators of muscarinic cholinergic regulation. Furthermore, the Lop+Pt-treated group showed a significant recovery of Bifidobacteriaceae, Muribaculaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Eubacteriaceae families in fecal microbiota. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that exposure of SD rats with Lop-induced constipation to Pt improves the constipation phenotype through the regulation of membrane water channel expression, GI hormones, the mAChR signaling pathway, and fecal microbiota.

Antioxidant activity and laxative effects of tannin-enriched extract of Ecklonia cava in loperamide-induced constipation of SD rats.

To investigate the role of tannin-enriched extracts of Ecklonia cava (TEE) on the regulation of oxidative balance and laxative activity in chronic constipation, we investigated alterations after exposure to TEE, on constipation phenotypes, muscarinic cholinergic regulation, and oxidative stress responses in the transverse colons of SD rats with loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation. This extract contains high levels of total condensed tannin content (326.5 mg/g), and exhibited high inhibitory activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. TEE treatment induced significant improvements in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) phosphorylation in primary smooth muscles of rat intestine cells (pRISMCs) and transverse colon of constipation model. Also, Lop+TEE treated groups showed alleviated outcomes for the following: most stool parameters, gastrointestinal transit, and intestine length were remarkably recovered; a similar recovery pattern was observed in the histopathological structure, mucin secretion, water channel expression and gastrointestinal hormones secretion in the transverse colon; expressions of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors M2/M3 (mAChR M2/M3) and their mediators on muscarinic cholinergic regulation were significantly recovered. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that TEE stimulates oxidative stress modulation and muscarinic cholinergic regulation when exerting its laxative effects in chronic constipation models.

IOX1 activity as sepsis therapy and an antibiotic against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Sepsis is caused by organ dysfunction initiated by an unrestrained host immune response to infection. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has rapidly increased in the last decades and has stimulated a firm research platform to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cannot be eradicated with conventional antibiotics. Strategies like epigenetic regulators such as lysine demethylase (Kdm) has received attention as a new target. Thus, we sought to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms in sepsis pathophysiology with the aim of discovering new concepts for treatment. A transcriptome analysis of dendritic cells during their inflammatory state identified Kdm as a critical molecule in sepsis regulation. Next, 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-carboxylic acid (IOX1) ability to control endotoxemia induced by Lipopolysaccharide and bacterial sepsis was demonstrated. IOX1 has been shown to regulate endotoxemia and sepsis caused by Escherichia coli and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and has also contributed to the suppression of multidrug-resistant bacterial growth through the inhibition of DNA Gyrase. These findings show that IOX1 could be a component agent against bacterial sepsis by functioning as a broad-spectrum antibiotic with dual effects.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Capparis ecuadorica extract in phthalic-anhydride-induced atopic dermatitis of IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic mice.

CONTEXT: The natural products derived from Capparis ecuadorica H.H. Iltis (Capparaceae) could have great potential for anti-inflammation since they inhibited the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. OBJECT: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanism of methanol extract of C. ecuadorica leaves (MCE) during atopic dermatitis (AD) responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Alterations in the phenotypical markers for AD, luciferase signal, iNOS-mediated COX-2 induction pathway, and inflammasome activation were analysed in non-Tg (n = 5) and 15% phthalic anhydride (PA) treated IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic (Tg) HR1 mice (n = 5 per group), subsequent to treatment with acetone-olive oil (AOO), vehicle (DMSO) and two dose MCE (20 and 40 mg/kg) three times a week for 4 weeks. RESULTS: MCE treatment reduced the intracellular ROS level (48.2%), NO concentration (7.1 mmol/L) and inflammatory cytokine expressions (39.1%) in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. A significant decrease was detected for ear thickness (16.9%), weight of lymph node (0.7 mg), IgE concentration (1.9 µg/mL), and epidermal thickness (31.8%) of the PA + MCE treated Tg mice. MCE treatment induced the decrease of luciferase signal derived from the IL-4 promoter and the recovery of the IL-4 downstream regulator cytokines. PA + MCE treated Tg mice showed decreasing infiltration of mast cells (42.5%), iNOS-mediated COX-2 induction pathway, MAPK signalling pathway and inflammasome activation in the ear tissue. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide the first evidence that MCE may have great potential to suppress chemical-induced skin inflammation through the suppression of IL-4 cytokine and the iNOS-mediated COX-2 induction pathway, and activation of inflammasome.

α-Linolenic Acid-Enriched Cold-Pressed Perilla Oil Suppress High-Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis through Amelioration of the ER Stress-Mediated Autophagy.

Perilla oil has been considered to have excellent potential for treating various diseases due to its contents of beneficial fatty acids, such as α-linolenic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. The therapeutic effects and molecular mechanism of an α-linolenic acid-enriched cold-pressed perilla oil (LEP) on hepatic steatosis of an obesity model were investigated by analyzing alterations in fat accumulation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated autophagy, in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity C57BL/6N mice treated with LEP for 16 weeks. Although no significant alterations were detected in body weight and most organ weights, the liver weight and accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver section were significantly lower in HFD + LEP treated group as compared to the HFD + Vehicle treated group. Reduced mRNA expression levels of adipogenesis and lipogenesis regulating factors, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)α, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein 2 (aP2) were observed after LEP treatment for 16 weeks, while the levels of lipolysis were remarkably increased in the same group. Moreover, the LEP-treated groups showed suppression of ER stress-regulating factors, such as the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), inositol-requiring protein 1 (IRE1)α, and Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) during anti-hepatic steatosis effects. The expression level of the microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) protein and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway for the autophagy response showed a significant decrease in the HFD+LEP-treated group. Furthermore, ER stress-mediated autophagy was accompanied with enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), JNK, and p38 protein in the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that treatment with LEP inhibits hepatic steatosis in the HFD-induced obese model through regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis. We believe our results are the first to show that the anti-hepatic steatosis activity of α-linolenic acid from cold-pressed perilla oil might be tightly correlated with the amelioration of ER stress-mediated autophagy.

Therapeutic Effects of Cold-Pressed Perilla Oil Mainly Consisting of Linolenic acid, Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid on UV-Induced Photoaging in NHDF Cells and SKH-1 Hairless Mice.

Positive physiological benefits of several plant oils on the UV-induced photoaging have been reported in some cell lines and model mice, but perilla oil collected from the seeds of Perilla frutescens L. has not been investigated in this context. To study the therapeutic effects of cold-pressed perilla oil (CPO) on UV-induced photoaging in vitro and in vivo, UV-induced cellular damage and cutaneous photoaging were assessed in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) and HR-1 hairless mice. CPO contained five major fatty acids including linolenic acid (64.11%), oleic acid (16.34%), linoleic acid (11.87%), palmitic acid (5.06%), and stearic acid (2.48%). UV-induced reductions in NHDF cell viability, ROS production, SOD activity, and G2/M cell cycle arrest were remarkably improved in UV + CPO treated NHDF cells as compared with UV + Vehicle treated controls. Also, UV-induced increases in MMP-1 protein and galactosidase levels were remarkably suppressed by CPO. In UV-radiated hairless mice, topical application of CPO inhibited an increase in wrinkle formation, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema value, hydration and melanin index on dorsal skin of UVB-irradiated hairless mice. CPO was observed to similarly suppress UV-induced increases in epidermal thickness, mast cell numbers, and galactosidase and MMP-3 mRNA levels. These results suggest CPO has therapeutic potential in terms of protecting against skin photoaging by regulating skin morphology, histopathology and oxidative status.

Multicenter retrospective analysis of the safety and efficacy of regorafenib after progression on sorafenib in Korean patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background The pivotal RESORCE trial showed that regorafenib was effective as second-line therapy for patients with advanced HCC who progressed on first-line sorafenib. Real-world data are needed to assess clinical outcomes and adverse events in the setting of daily practice. Methods Between April 2017 and August 2017, the Named Patient Program (NPP) was activated to provide controlled, pre-approval access of regorafenib in Korea. This analysis is a multicenter retrospective study of patients who received regorafenib under the NPP. Results A total of 49 patients entered into this NPP, and 40 patients received regorafenib in five Korean institutions. All but one patient received regorafenib as second-line therapy after progression on sorafenib, and 36 (90%) and 34 (85%) patients were classified as Child-Pugh A and BCLC stage C, respectively. The response rate was 10% (n = 4). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.7 months (95% CI, 2.5-4.9 months), and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The 1 year OS rate was 54.6%. The time-to-progression (TTP) on prior sorafenib was significantly associated with PFS and OS. The most common grade 3-4 toxicities were hand-foot skin reaction (n = 3, 8%), hypertension (n = 2, 5%), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (n = 2, 5%). Conclusion Regorafenib was well-tolerated and effective in patients with advanced HCC who progressed on first-line sorafenib, with efficacy and safety outcomes consistent with those of the previous RESORCE trial. TTP on first-line sorafenib may predict the efficacy of subsequent regorafenib.

Inactivation of influenza A virus via exposure to silver nanoparticle-decorated silica hybrid composites.

Influenza A virus (IFV-A) is one of the main cause of seasonal flu and can infect various of host species via the reassortment of segmented RNA genomes. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been known as excellent antiviral agent against IFV. However, the use of free AgNPs has several major drawbacks, including the inherent aggregation among AgNPs and unwanted cytotoxic or genotoxic damages for human body via inhalation or ingestion. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of our novel ~ 30-nm-diameter AgNP-decorated silica hybrid composite (Ag30-SiO2; ~ 400 nm in diameter) for IFV-A inactivation. Ag30-SiO2 particles can inhibit IFV-A effectively in a clear dose-dependent manner. However, when real-time RT-PCR assay was used, merely 0.5-log10 reduction of IFV-A was observed at both 5 and 20 °C. Moreover, even after 1 h of exposure to Ag30-SiO2 particles, more than 80% of hemagglutinin (HA) damage and 20% of neuraminidase (NA) activities had occurred, and the infection of Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells by IFV-A was reduced. The results suggested that the major antiviral mechanism of Ag30-SiO2 particles is the interaction with viral components located at the membrane. Therefore, Ag30-SiO2 particles can cause nonspecific damage to various IFV-A components and be used as an effective method for inactivating IFV-A.

Hepatocellular carcinoma treatment: a comparative review of emerging growth factor receptor antagonists.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Over the last decade, sorafenib has been the only available therapeutic option for advanced HCC, although regorafenib recently showed a survival benefit compared with placebo in a second-line setting. Areas covered: This review discusses key published and ongoing studies with targeted agents in HCC, molecular targets of HCC, the mechanism of resistance to sorafenib, and the role of biomarker-enriched clinical trials. Expert opinion: The multiplicity of drivers and the existence of substantial molecular heterogeneity limit the benefits of targeted therapies in HCC. Based on molecular biology developments, a few biomarker-enriched clinical trials that target candidate driver genes are ongoing, and the outcomes of these are highly anticipated. Poor availability of tumor tissue and tumor heterogeneity in patients with HCC make liquid biopsy a very attractive option, although this technique remains to be validated.

Behavioral and Electrophysiological Alterations for Reinforcement Learning in Manic and Euthymic Patients with Bipolar Disorder.

AIMS: Bipolar disorder is characterized by behavioral changes such as risk-taking and increasing goal-directed activities, which may result from altered reward processing. Patients with bipolar disorder show impaired reward learning in situations that require the integration of reinforced feedback over time. In this study, we examined the behavioral and electrophysiological characteristics of reward learning in manic and euthymic patients with bipolar disorder using a probabilistic reward task. METHODS: Twenty-four manic and 20 euthymic patients with bipolar I disorder and 24 healthy control subjects performed the probabilistic reward task. We assessed response bias (RB) as a preference for the stimulus paired with the more frequent reward and feedback-related negativity (FRN) to correct identification of the rich stimulus. RESULTS: Both manic and euthymic patients showed significantly lower RB scores in the early learning stage (block 1) in comparison with the late learning stage (block 2 or block 3) of the task, as well as significantly lower RB scores in the early stage compared to healthy subjects. Relatively more negative FRN amplitude is elicited by no presentation of an expected reward, compared to that elicited by presentation of expected feedback. The FRN became significantly more negative from the early (block 1) to the later stages (blocks 2 and 3) in both manic and euthymic patients, but not in healthy subjects. Changes in RB scores and FRN amplitudes between blocks 2 and 3 and block 1 correlated positively in healthy controls, but correlated negatively in manic and euthymic patients. The severity of manic symptoms correlated positively with reward learning scores and negatively with the FRN. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that patients with bipolar disorder during euthymic or manic states have behavioral and electrophysiological alterations in reward learning compared to healthy subjects. This dysfunctional reward processing may be related to the abnormal decision-making or altered goal-directed activities frequently seen in patients with bipolar disorder.

Interruption of progerin-lamin A/C binding ameliorates Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome phenotype.

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease that is caused by a silent mutation of the LMNA gene encoding lamins A and C (lamin A/C). The G608G mutation generates a more accessible splicing donor site than does WT and produces an alternatively spliced product of LMNA called progerin, which is also expressed in normal aged cells. In this study, we determined that progerin binds directly to lamin A/C and induces profound nuclear aberrations. Given this observation, we performed a random screening of a chemical library and identified 3 compounds (JH1, JH4, and JH13) that efficiently block progerin-lamin A/C binding. These 3 chemicals, particularly JH4, alleviated nuclear deformation and reversed senescence markers characteristic of HGPS cells, including growth arrest and senescence-associated ß-gal (SA-ß-gal) activity. We then used microarray-based analysis to demonstrate that JH4 is able to rescue defects of cell-cycle progression in both HGPS and aged cells. Furthermore, administration of JH4 to LmnaG609G/G609G-mutant mice, which phenocopy human HGPS, resulted in a marked improvement of several progeria phenotypes and an extended lifespan. Together, these findings indicate that specific inhibitors with the ability to block pathological progerin-lamin A/C binding may represent a promising strategy for improving lifespan and health in both HGPS and normal aging.

Potential Skin Regeneration Activity and Chemical Composition of Absolute from Pueraria thunbergiana Flower.

The flower of Pueraria thunbergiana BENTH (PTBF) contains isoflavonoids and essential oil components. It has many biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-diabetes, anti-oxidant, and weight loss. However, its effect on skin regeneration remains unknown. In the present study, we isolated the absolute from PTBF through solvent extraction and determined the role of the absolute on skin regeneration-associated responses in human epidermal-keratinocytes (HaCats). The PTBF absolute, which contained 10 compounds, stimulated migration and proliferation and increased the phosphorylation of serine/threonine-specific protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinasel/2 in HaCats. It induced type I and IV collagen synthesis in HaCats. In addition, treatment with PTBF absolute resulted in increased sprout outgrowth in HaCats. These findings suggest that PTBF absolute may participate in skin regeneration, probably through promotion of migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis.

Adjuvant chemoradiation with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin versus S-1 in gastric cancer patients following D2 lymph node dissection surgery: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively analyzed the feasibility and adverse events for two regimens, postoperative chemoradiation (CRT) with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV) compared to S-1 in D2-resected gastric cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 405 gastric cancer patients who underwent curative gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection and received adjuvant therapy between January 2008 and July 2009. Feasibility and adverse events for the CRT and S-1 regimens were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of the 405 patients, 244 (60.2%) had CRT and 161 (39.8%) had S-1 treatment. The regimen was selected based on the preferences of the physician and the patient. S-1 was more frequently administered to patients with older age (age≥70) and those with early-stage disease (stage II). The stage was significantly more advanced in the CRT group compared to the S-1 group (S-1 vs. CRT: stage II, 59.6% vs. 36.1%; stage III/IV, 28.0% vs. 48.3%, respectively; p<0.001). The completion rate of the planned therapy was significantly higher in the CRT group than in the S-1 group (95.1% vs. 72.8%, respectively; p<0.001). Regarding severe adverse events (grade 3-4), neutropenia (CRT vs. S-1; 40.2% vs. 8.7%, respectively, p<0.001), nausea (CRT vs. S-1; 5.7% vs. 0%, respectively; p=0.002) and stomatitis (CRT vs. S-1; 7.4% vs. 2.5%, respectively; p=0.034) were significantly more frequent in the CRT cohort compared to the S-1 group. CONCLUSION: Both adjuvant CRT with 5-FU/LV and adjuvant S-1 are safe and feasible in D2-resected gastric cancer patients. Patients with old age or early stage disease tend to prefer S-1 therapy to chemoradiation.

Attenuation of acetylcholine activated potassium current (I KACh) by simvastatin, not pravastatin in mouse atrial cardiomyocyte: possible atrial fibrillation preventing effects of statin.

Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors, are associated with the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) by pleiotropic effects. Recent clinical trial studies have demonstrated conflicting results on anti-arrhythmia between lipophilic and hydrophilic statins. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for anti-arrhythmogenic effects of statins are largely unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the different roles of lipophilic and hydrophilic statins (simvastatin and pravastatin, respectively) in acetylcholine (100 µM)-activated K+ current (IKACh, recorded by nystatin-perforated whole cell patch clamp technique) which are important for AF initiation and maintenance in mouse atrial cardiomyocytes. Our results showed that simvastatin (1-10 µM) inhibited both peak and quasi-steady-state IKACh in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, pravastatin (10 µM) had no effect on IKACh. Supplementation of substrates for the synthesis of cholesterol (mevalonate, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate or farnesyl pyrophosphate) did not reverse the effect of simvastatin on IKACh, suggesting a cholesterol-independent effect on IKACh. Furthermore, supplementation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, extracellular perfusion of phospholipase C inhibitor or a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor had no effect on the inhibitory activity of simvastatin on IKACh. Simvastatin also inhibits adenosine activated IKACh, however, simvastatin does not inhibit IKACh after activated by intracellular loading of GTP gamma S. Importantly, shortening of the action potential duration by acetylcholine was restored by simvastatin but not by pravastatin. Together, these findings demonstrate that lipophilic statins but not hydrophilic statins attenuate IKACh in atrial cardiomyocytes via a mechanism that is independent of cholesterol synthesis or PKC pathway, but may be via the blockade of acetylcholine binding site. Our results may provide important background information for the use of statins in patients with AF.

Pyogenic liver abscess following acupuncture and moxibustion treatment.

Acupuncture treatment is generally regarded as a relatively safe procedure. However, most procedures have some complications and acupuncture treatment is no exception. Reported complications of acupuncture treatment were mostly mild or temporary symptoms, but certain severe adverse effects were also observed. We report here for the first time a case of liver abscess following acupuncture and moxibustion treatment.

Incidental focal uptake in oropharynx due to lingual thyroid on diagnostic 131I whole-body scan after total thyroidectomy.

After total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma, a 37-year-old woman underwent a 2-mCi (131)I whole-body scan which demonstrated focal uptake in the anterior neck and in the oropharynx. Preoperative contrast-enhanced neck computed tomography demonstrated a small enhancing nodule typical for ectopic thyroid at the tongue base. She was then treated with 150 mCi (131)I. Small asymptomatic lingual thyroid remnants typically do not affect high-dose (131)I therapy.