Investigating the molecular control of deer antler extract on articular cartilage.

BACKGROUND: Deer antler is considered as a precious traditional Chinese medicinal material and has been widely used to reinforce kidney's yang, nourish essence, and strengthen bone function. The most prominent bioactive components in deer antler are water-soluble proteins that play potential roles in bone formation and repair. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular control and therapeutic targets of deer antler extract (DAE) on articular cartilage. METHODS: DAE was prepared as previously described. All rats were randomly divided into Blank group and DAE group (10 rats per group) after 7-day adaptive feeding. The rats in DAE group were orally administrated with DAE at a dose of 0.2 g/kg per day for 3 weeks, and the rats in Blank group were fed with drinking water. Total RNA was isolated from the articular cartilage of knee joints. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) experiment combined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) verification assay was carried out to explore the molecular control and therapeutic targets of DAE on articular cartilage. RESULTS: We demonstrated that DAE significantly increased the expression levels of functional genes involved in cartilage formation, growth, and repair and decreased the expression levels of susceptibility genes involved in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS: DAE might serve as a candidate supplement for maintaining cartilage homeostasis and preventing cartilage degeneration and inflammation. These effects were possibly achieved by accelerating the expression of functional genes involved in chondrocyte commitment, survival, proliferation, and differentiation and suppressing the expression of susceptibility genes involved in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. Thus, our findings will contribute towards deepening the knowledge about the molecular control and therapeutic targets of DAE on the treatment of cartilage-related diseases.

Effect of Porcine Placenta Extract Supplement on Skin Condition in Healthy Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.

Placenta extract has been used as a component of ointments for skin dryness and beautification. However, little is known about the effect of oral intake of placenta extract on skin condition. The current study aimed to clinically explore the effect of oral intake of porcine placenta extract on human skin quality. A randomized controlled double-blind trial was performed on healthy women aged 40-59 years (n = 20), who were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 200 mg of porcine placenta extract once daily for 4 weeks from 28 January 2019 to 25 February 2019. Skin quality parameters and the Simplified Menopausal Index (SMI) were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, three parameters of skin quality were significantly improved in the porcine placenta group compared with the placebo group. These results suggest that porcine placenta extract can be used as a health food ingredient to maintain humans' skin condition in the dry winter season.

Dietary Supplementation with Sea Bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis and Inflammation in Macrophages through Inhibiting Toll-Like Receptor 4-Linked Pathways.

Sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) is a kind of food material commonly consumed in daily life. In traditional Chinese medicinal books, it has been indicated that sea bass can be applied for managing many inflammation-associated conditions. However, the studies on the pharmacological mechanisms of inflammation of sea bass remain scarce. Hence, this study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity of sea bass. Anti-inflammatory activities of sea bass were assessed using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a mice model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages model. Low body weight and short colon length were observed in DSS-fed mice that were significantly recovered upon sea bass treatments. Moreover, the colon histopathology score showed that sea bass-treated mice had decreased crypt damage, focal inflammation infiltration and the extent of inflammation, suggesting that treatment with sea bass could attenuate intestinal inflammation. In addition, the in-vitro study conjointly indicated that sea bass could suppress the inflammatory mediators in LPS-activated macrophage by inhibiting the TLR4-linked pathway. The present findings demonstrated that sea bass has an inhibitory effect on TLR4 signaling; thus, it could be a promising candidate for treating inflammation-associated conditions. A further justification for the clinical application of sea bass in treating inflammation-associated conditions is necessary.

Freshwater clam extract reduces liver injury by lowering cholesterol accumulation, improving dysregulated cholesterol synthesis and alleviating inflammation in high-fat, high-cholesterol and cholic acid diet-induced steatohepatitis in mice.

Freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) is a traditional liver-protective food in Asia. Recent studies have renewed attention on high cholesterol accumulation and dysregulated cholesterol synthesis in the liver as a critical factor in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we investigated the protective effects of freshwater clam extract (FCE) and its fat fraction (FCE oil) on high-fat, high-cholesterol and cholic acid (HFHC) diet-induced lean steatohepatitis in mice. Mice were fed a HFHC diet containing FCE or FCE oil for 6 weeks. FCE, but not FCE oil, feeding reduced liver injury as indicated by decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase activity. Liver total cholesterol accumulation was reduced after FCE and FCE oil treatment. Accumulation of squalene and desmosterol, the precursors of cholesterol, in the liver was reduced by FCE but not by FCE oil. The caspase-1 (p10) and interleukin (IL)-1ß (p17) protein expressions in the liver were suppressed by both FCE and FCE oil. Therefore, FCE may act as functional food that can reduce steatohepatitis and liver injury by reducing cholesterol accumulation, improving dysregulated cholesterol synthesis and attenuating inflammation.

Antler extracts stimulate chondrocyte proliferation and possess potent anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory properties.

The Sika deer antler is well known for its unique ability to regenerate repeatedly and grow rapidly. Furthermore, it is a precious traditional Chinese medicine and has been widely used for more than 20 centuries. The major bioactive components within the antlers are water-soluble proteins, polypeptides, and free amino acids. Many studies have shown that water-soluble antler extracts play pivotal roles in wound healing, immune system modulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammation. However, the exact effects on chondrocytes are still largely unknown. In this study, we prepared fresh, aqueous extracts from growing deer antlers in a rapid growth stage. We isolated the chondrocytes from neonatal mouse rib cartilage and investigated the effects of antler extracts on chondrocyte viability. We also used the RNA-Seq method to analyze the gene expression pattern under antler extract treatment. We demonstrated that fresh extracts from Sika deer antlers in a rapid growth stage significantly promoted chondrocyte viability and kept chondrocytes proliferating continuously, while blocking maturation and further differentiation. Additionally, our results indicated that antler extracts might serve as a potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and immune modulator to boost the abilities of chondrocytes against oxidative, inflammatory, and immune stresses. Thus, this study has greatly deepened our current knowledge of the molecular control of antler extracts on chondrocytes. It has also shed light on possible new strategies to further prevent and treat diseases of cartilage and other related diseases.

Hominis placenta Suppresses Acute Lung Inflammation by Activating Nrf2.

Hominis placenta (HP), a dried human placenta, has been known to target liver, lung, or kidney meridians, improving the functions associated with these meridians in traditional Chinese or Asian medicine (TCM). Since recent studies implicate an HP extract in suppressing inflammation, we investigated whether an aqueous HP extract can ameliorate inflammation that occurred in the lungs. When administered with a single intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS), C57BL/6 mice developed an acute neutrophilic lung inflammation along with an increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. However, this was diminished by the administration HP extract via an intraperitoneal route 2 h after LPS treatment. Western blot and semi-quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that while suppressing the activity of a proinflammatory factor NF-[Formula: see text]B marginally, the HP extract strongly activated an anti-inflammatory factor Nrf2, with concomitant expression of Nrf2-dependent genes. Mechanistically, the HP extract suppressed the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of Nrf2, functioning similarly to a 26S proteasome inhibitor, MG132. Collectively, these results suggest that the HP extract suppresses inflammation in mouse lungs, which is in part related to the HP extract perturbing the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of Nrf2 and thus increasing the function of Nrf2.

Therapeutic effect of acupuncture point injection with placental extract in knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture point injection (API) with placental extract on pain reduction and joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Fifty-two patients with knee OA, with an average age of 64, and having a symptom duration of more than 3 months were studied in this report. Placental extract was injected weekly into acupuncture point ST35, BL23, BL24 and BL25 for 5 weeks; 8 mL of placental extract into ST35 on the affected side, and 1 mL of placental extract to BL23, BL24 and BL25 bilaterally. RESULTS: After a five-week treatment of API with placental extract, pain was substantially decreased in patients of all Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grades. Improvement of knee joint swelling was also apparent. Decrease of pain and joint swelling improved daily working productive time among patients of all KL grades. CONCLUSION: Study results imply that API with placental extract is a potentially useful therapy to control pain and maintain joint functions in knee OA patients.

Preventive Intra Oral Treatment of Sea Cucumber Ameliorate OVA-Induced Allergic Airway Inflammation.

Sea cucumber extracts have potent biological effects, including anti-viral, anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammation effects. To understand their anti-asthma effects, we induced allergic airway inflammation in mice after 7 oral administrations of the extract. The hyper-responsiveness value in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-alum-induced asthma after oral injection of sea cucumber extracts was significantly lower than that in the OVA-alum-induced asthma group. In addition, the number of eosinophils in the lungs of asthma-induced mice pre-treated with sea cucumber extract was significantly decreased compared to that of PBS pre-treated mice. Additionally, CD4[Formula: see text]CD25[Formula: see text]Foxp3[Formula: see text]T (regulatory T; Treg) cells significantly increased in mesenteric lymph nodes after 7 administrations of the extract. These results suggest that sea cucumber extract can ameliorate allergic airway inflammation via Treg cell activation and recruitment to the lung.

Earthworm extract attenuates silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis through Nrf2-dependent mechanisms.

Silicosis is an occupational pulmonary fibrosis caused by inhalation of silica (SiO2) and there are no ideal drugs to treat this disease. Earthworm extract (EE), a natural nutrient, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptosis effects. The purpose of the current study was to test the protective effects of EE against SiO2-induced pulmonary fibrosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms using both in vivo and in vitro models. We found that treatment with EE significantly reduced lung inflammation and fibrosis and improved lung structure and function in SiO2-instilled mice. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that EE administration markedly inhibited SiO2-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HBE and A549 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Nrf2 activation partly mediates the interventional effects of EE against SiO2-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Our study has identified EE to be a potential anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic drug for silicosis.

Ameliorative effect of Allolobophora caliginosa extract on hepatotoxicity induced by silicon dioxide nanoparticles.

This study aims to evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of earthworm (Allolobophora caliginosa) extract (EE) against silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiNPs)-induced liver injury in male albino rats. The effectiveness of EE was compared with silymarin as a standard hepatoprotective drug. The present work demonstrates the antioxidant activity of EE by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Administration of SiNPs, for 15 consecutive days, caused changes in most of the biochemical parameters, namely, serum aminotransferase enzymes activities (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase), alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein, total and direct bilirubin level, malondialdehyde, glutathione reduced, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, administration of SiNPs induced changes in liver tissue architecture. Administration of EE, for subsequent 30 days, to SiNPs exposure demonstrated significant ameliorative effects on nearly all the studied parameters, and such effects were compatible with those of silymarin. In addition, the administration of EE repairs, to some extent, the abnormal architecture of the liver tissue induced by SiNPs.

Sipuleucel-T for the Treatment of Metastatic Hormone-Relapsed Prostate Cancer: A NICE Single Technology Appraisal; An Evidence Review Group Perspective.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) invited Dendreon, the company manufacturing sipuleucel-T, to submit evidence for the clinical and cost effectiveness of sipuleucel-T for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, metastatic, non-visceral hormone-relapsed prostate cancer patients in whom chemotherapy is not yet clinically indicated, as part of NICE's single technology appraisal process. The comparator was abiraterone acetate (AA) or best supportive care (BSC). The School of Health and Related Research at the University of Sheffield was commissioned to act as the Evidence Review Group (ERG). This paper describes the company submission (CS), ERG review, and subsequent decision of the NICE Appraisal Committee (AC). The ERG produced a critical review of the clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence of sipuleucel-T based upon the CS. Clinical-effectiveness data relevant to the decision problem were taken from three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of sipuleucel-T and a placebo (PBO) comparator of antigen-presenting cells (APC) being re-infused (APC-PBO) (D9901, D9902A and D9902B), and one RCT (COU-AA-302) of AA plus prednisone vs. PBO plus prednisone. Two trials reported a significant advantage for sipuleucel-T in median overall survival compared with APC-PBO: for trial D9901, an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.47; (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.29, 0.76) p < 0.002; for D9902B, adjusted HR 0.78 (95 % CI 0.61, 0.98) p = 0.03. There was no significant difference between groups in D9902A, unadjusted HR 0.79 (95 % CI 0.48, 1.28) p = 0.331. Sipuleucel-T and APC-PBO groups did not differ significantly in time to disease progression, in any of the three RCTs. Most adverse events developed within 1 day of the infusion, and resolved within 2 days. The CS included an indirect comparison of sipuleucel-T (D9902B) and AA plus prednisone (COU-AA-302). As trials differed in prior use of chemotherapy, an analysis of only chemotherapy-naïve patients was included, in which the overall survival for sipuleucel-T and AA was not significantly different, HR 0.94 (95 % CI 0.69, 1.28) p = 0.699. The ERG had several concerns regarding the data and assumptions incorporated within the company's cost-effectiveness analyses and conducted exploratory analyses to quantify the impact of making alternative assumptions or using alternative data inputs. The deterministic incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for sipuleucel-T vs. BSC when using the ERG's preferred data and assumptions was £ 108,585 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) in the whole licensed population and £ 61,204/QALY in the subgroup with low prostate-specific antigen at baseline. The ERG also conducted an incremental analysis comparing sipuleucel-T with both AA and BSC in the chemotherapy-naïve subgroup. Sipuleucel-T had a deterministic ICER of £ 111,682/QALY in this subgroup, when using the ERG's preferred assumptions, and AA was extendedly dominated. The ERG also concluded that estimates of costs and benefits for AA should be interpreted with caution given the limitations of the indirect comparison. The AC noted that the ICER for sipuleucel-T was well above the range usually considered cost effective, and did not recommend sipuleucel-T for the treatment of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, metastatic, non-visceral hormone-relapsed prostate cancer.

Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of isoalantolactone and alantolactone in rats after oral administration of Radix Inulae extract.

Radix Inulae is endemic to China and has been used in traditional medicine to treat upper body pain, emesis and diarrhoea, and to eliminate parasites. Here, an UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and applied to study the pharmacokinetics, distribution and excretion of isoalantolactone and alantolactone, which are two main active sesquiterpene lactones in Radix Inulae, in Sprague-Dawley rats following oral administration of total Radix Inulae extract. Isoalantolactone, alantolactone and osthole (internal standard) were prepared using acetonitrile precipitation, and the separation of isoalantolactone and alantolactone was achieved by isocratic elution using water (containing 0.1% formic acid) and acetonitrile as the mobile phase using a ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column. The total run time was 6.4 min. The present study showed poor absorption of isoalantolactone and alantolactone in vivo. The apparent Cmax, Tmax, T1/2 and total exposure (AUC0-12h) in rat plasma were 37.8 ng/mL, 120 min, 351.7 min and 6112.3 ng-min/mL for isoalantolactone and 25.9 ng/mL, 90 min, 321.0 min and 4918.9 ng-min/mL for alantolactone, respectively. It was shown that the highest concentration was achieved in the small intestine and feces clearance was shown to be the dominant elimination pathway of the lactones.

A pilot placebo-controlled, double-blind, and randomized study on the cognition-enhancing benefits of a proprietary chicken meat ingredient in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: It has long been postulated that the relative abundance of specific nutrients can affect cognitive processes and emotions. Newly described influences of dietary factors on neuronal function and synaptic plasticity have revealed some of the vital mechanisms that could be responsible for the action of diet on brain health and cognitive function. Here, through a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we asked if the newly discovered chicken meat ingredient-168 (CMI-168) could be beneficial to the cognitive function in healthy adults. METHODS: Normal, healthy subjects were supplemented with either placebo or CMI-168 for 6 weeks. The subjects were given a series of cognitive tests to examine their levels of cognitive functioning at the beginning and end of supplementation, as well as two weeks after termination of supplementation. The combination of these tests, namely Digit Span Backwards, Letter-Number Sequencing, and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), was used to assess the subjects' attention and working memory. For all comparisons, the probability level of p < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant using repeated measure 2-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test. RESULTS: Overall, subjects supplemented with CMI-168 showed significantly (p < 0.01) better performance in all cognitive tests after 6 weeks' supplementation compared to control and such superior performance was maintained even 2 weeks after termination of supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals the cognition-enhancing properties of a recently developed chicken meat ingredient, likely arising from the promotion of attention and prefrontal cortex functions.

Historical approach to the surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Throughout human history, erectile dysfunction has represented one of the most omnipresent health problems. This has resulted in a search for solutions that, one after the other, have been shown to be fruitless. In this context, the emergence of possible surgical solutions at the start of the 20th century represented a revolution that, even then, would take several decades to demonstrate their effectiveness. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: We performed a literature review that shows the process in the development of potential surgical treatments for hormonal restoration for erectile dysfunction, followed by the sudden emergence of vascular surgery, with new anastomosis techniques, and in the future, the development of penile prosthetic implants as alternative treatments. SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE: The publication of results from erectile dysfunction surgery has been lagging for decades due to a lack of objectivity, given that sexual function is a topic restricted by patients' privacy. This situation has led to a reliance on results reported by various authors whose actual credibility could not be verified, with subsequent demonstrations showing that some of these results were not reproducible. CONCLUSIONS: This article reviews some of the most important milestones in the progress of surgeries designed to treat erectile dysfunction. The achievements and apparent failures provide a reason for reflection on how we far we have come and how far we can go in the near future.

Experimental study on topical treatment of diabetic skin ulcers with yi medicine "yi bu a jie" extract.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role and mechanism of the Yi medicine, Yi Bu A Jie () extract, in topical treatment of diabetic skin ulcers, with a view to finding a breakthrough natural drug for the prevention and treatment of diabetic skin ulcers. METHODS: A model of diabetic skin ulcers in Kunming mice was developed. Yi Bu A Jie was extracted in a Soxhlet extractor. Two different concentrations of the extract (0.005 mg/mL and 0.01 mg/mL) were applied to the wound of diabetic skin ulcers once every 3 days, and local skin appearance and histopathological changes were observed. RESULTS: The shortest healing time was 25.25±2.06 day with a low concentration (P=0.0037 compared with the high concentration group, 33.14±2.21 day; P=0.0082 compared with control group, 28.21±2.14 days). The longest healing time was in the high concentration group (P=0.0025 compared with the control group). In both groups, a large number of inflammatory neutrophil cells were exuded during the experimental period. In the low concentration group, capillary-rich granulation tissue and actively growing fibroblasts appeared in the wound, while there was much necrotic tissue in the high concentration group. CONCLUSION: Yi Bu A Jie extract has an inhibitory effect on diabetic skin ulcers in mice, and the low concentration is more suitable.

Traditional Chinese medicine and sports drug testing: identification of natural steroid administration in doping control urine samples resulting from musk (pod) extracts.

The administration of musk extract, that is, ingredients obtained by extraction of the liquid secreted from the preputial gland or resulting grains of the male musk deer (eg, Moschus moschiferus), has been recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) applications and was listed in the Japanese pharmacopoeia for various indications requiring cardiovascular stimulation, anti-inflammatory medication or androgenic hormone therapy. Numerous steroidal components including cholesterol, 5α-androstane-3,17-dione, 5ß-androstane-3,17-dione, androsterone, etiocholanolone, epiandrosterone, 3ß-hydroxy-androst-5-en-17-one, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione and the corresponding urea adduct 3α-ureido-androst-4-en-17-one were characterised as natural ingredients of musk over several decades, implicating an issue concerning doping controls if used for the treatment of elite athletes. In the present study, the impact of musk extract administration on sports drug testing results of five females competing in an international sporting event is reported. In the course of routine doping controls, adverse analytical findings concerning the athletes' steroid profile, corroborated by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) data, were obtained. The athletes' medical advisors admitted the prescription of TCM-based musk pod preparations and provided musk pod samples for comparison purposes to clarify the antidoping rule violation. Steroid profiles, IRMS results, literature data and a musk sample obtained from a living musk deer of a local zoo conclusively demonstrated the use of musk pod extracts in all cases which, however, represented a doping offence as prohibited anabolic-androgenic steroids were administered.

Efficacy of frog skin lipids in wound healing.

BACKGROUND: Frog skin has been sequentially and scientifically evaluated by our group for its wound healing efficiency. Owing to the complex structure of skin, attempts were being made to analyse the role of individual constituents in different phases of healing. Our earlier papers have shown the significance of frog skin not only in wound healing but also enhancing the proliferating activity of the epidermal and dermal cells which are instrumental for normal healing process. We also have identified for the first time novel antimicrobial peptides from the skin of Rana tigerina and thereby reduce the complications involved in the sepsis. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY AND RESULTS: The current study envisages the role of frog skin lipids in the inflammatory phase of wound healing. The lipid moiety of the frog skin dominated by phospholipids exhibited a dose dependent acceleration of healing irrespective of the mode of application. The efficiency of the extract is attributed partially to the anti-inflammatory activity as observed by the histochemical and immunostimulatory together with plethysmographic studies. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, frog skin for the first time has been demonstrated to possess lipid components with pharmaceutical and therapeutic potential. The identification and characterization of such natural healing molecules and evaluating their mechanism of action would therefore provide basis for understanding the cues of Nature and hence can be used for application in medicine.

Safety and efficacy trial of adipose-tissue derived oral preparation V-6 Immunitor (V-6): results of open-label, two-month, follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammations, atherosclerosis and obesity, are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Immune modulation of the inflammatory response has shown promise in animal models of atherogenesis and metabolic disease. Tableted dietary supplement, V-6, containing pooled antigens derived from pig adipose tissue has been administered daily to 12 volunteers for 2 months. RESULTS: No significant changes were observed in liver ALT and AST enzymes, i.e., 28 vs 23.8 IU and 22.6 vs 24.8 IU, with p=0.07 and p=0.49, respectively. Creatinine decreased; 0.88 vs 0.84 mg/dL (p=0.05) while BUN moved upward; 14.5 vs 17.5 mg/dL (p=0.01), but both values remained within normal range. Blood glucose remained within normal range; 96.1 vs 101.1 mg/dL (p=0.04). Complete blood cell analysis has not revealed any change except slight increase in hemoglobin; 13.13 to 13.96 g/dL (p=0.0002); hematocrit and red blood cells count 40.3 to 42.3% (p=0.02) and 5.15 to 5.35x10(6) cells/mm3 (p=0.03) respectively. Blood pressure systolic and diastolic values were not affected, i.e., 116.1 vs 116.3 (p=0.12) and 76.8 vs 76.6 (p=0.99). Body weight and body mass index (BMI) remained same; 66.4 vs 66.3 kg (p=0.47) and 25.7 vs 25.6 kg/m2 (p=0.2). Body fat deposit indices, such as abdomen; mid-arm; and thigh circumferences declined by 3.5 cm (p=0.008); 1.2 cm (p=0.004); and 3.0 cm (p=0.0007) respectively. The total cholesterol and LDL levels did not change; 195.5 vs 195.1 (-0.2%; p=0.8) and 113.4 vs 120.3 (6.1%; p=0.08) respectively. Triglycerides have been reduced but not statistically significant; 168.1 vs 118 mg/dL (-29.8%; p=0.2). In contrast, HDL content had risen by 29.7% from 39.4 to 51.1 mg/dL in all 12 patients (p=0.000003). TG/HDL ratio--a marker of insulin resistance--was reduced from 4.78 to 2.56 (-46.5%; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that V-6 is safe and has a potential as an anti-atherogenic and overweight/obesity immune intervention.

Effects of powdered fertilized eggs on the stress response.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Effects of nutritional supplements on psychological wellbeing receive increasing attention. This double-blind placebo-controlled study investigated effects of a four week intake of powder of fertilized eggs (Young Tissue Extract; YTE) in a laboratory protocol (Trier Social Stress Test; TSST). METHODS: Aside the laboratory stress test, we examined differential effects on subjects with high and low levels of chronic stress. Thus, subjects were further divided into two subgroups with scores for chronic stress scores below and above average, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to placebo, a four week intake of YTE did not result in superior effects on general wellbeing. However, beneficial effects of YTE were observed in subjects with enhanced levels of chronic stress. When compared to placebo these subjects showed an improvement of both the psychological and endocrine stress response. CONCLUSIONS: Group differences suggest that YTE selectively improves adaptation to acute stress by normalizing the endocrine and the subjective stress response. Subjects with less chronic stress also reported less subjective stress but did not show beneficial effects on the endocrine stress response.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of earthworm extract-Lampito mauritii (Kinberg).

AIM OF THE STUDY: Experiments were conducted to understand the therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of biologically active extract isolated from whole earthworm (Lampito mauritii, Kinberg). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inflammation in the hind paw of Wistar albino rat, Rattus norvegicus, was induced by histamine, granuloma pouch was induced by turpentine and pyrexia induced by Brewer's yeast in rats were followed as earlier studies. Anti-inflammatory drug-indomethacin and anti-pyretic drug-paracetamol were used as standard drug for comparison. RESULTS: Administration of indomethacin (10mg/kg), paracetamol (150 mg/kg) and/or different doses of earthworm extract (EE) (50, 100 and 200mg/kg) reduced and restored to normal conditions in a dose-dependent manner of histamine and turpentine induced inflammation, and Brewer's yeast induced pyretic in rats. CONCLUSIONS: The most significant inhibition of paw oedema and granuloma and also the significant reduction in hyperpyrexia in rats when treated with standard drugs as well as different doses of EE, reflect the presence of anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic properties of EE similar to glycoprotein complex (G-90).