Camellia japonica oil suppressed asthma occurrence via GATA-3 & IL-4 pathway and its effective and major component is oleic acid.

BACKGROUND: In December 2016, WHO released a report stating that in 2015 there were 383,000 deaths caused by asthma and 235 million people suffering from asthma. As there are many adverse effects associated with the currently-used asthma drugs, new anti-asthmatic drugs need to be developed. PURPOSE: In order to find new drug candidates with safe and low side effects, the anti-asthmatic function and mechanism of C. japonica oil were evaluated, and its active ingredients were analyzed for use in an ovalbumin asthma murine model. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study consisted of six groups: control; ovalbumin group; and dexamethasone group as a positive control; and 10, 100, and 500 mg/kg C. japonica oil treatment groups. In order to measure the anti-asthmatic effect of C. japonica oil, WBC and differential cell count in BALF, IgE in serum, morphological changes in pulmonary system, and gene and protein levels such as IFN-γ, IL-12p40, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-6 were all evaluated. RESULTS: C. japonica oil had an anti-asthmatic effect and significantly controlled eosinophil in BALF, Th2-related factors such as GATA-3 that is Th2 cell transcription factor, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and TNF-α in the lung. It also dose-dependently modulated inflammatory cells, T-bet, IL-12p40, and IL-6. Oleci acid was the major gradient (52.89%) in C. japonica oil and also had anti-asthmatic effects such as the downregulation of inflammatory cells, WBC, and eosinophil in BALF, IgE in serum, and morphological changes in the lung. CONCLUSION: We concluded that C. japonica oil is a new anti-asthmatic drug candidate and that oleic acid is the major anti-asthmatic ingredient in C. japonica oil.

Opuntia humifusa modulates morphological changes characteristic of asthma via IL-4 and IL-13 in an asthma murine model.

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease that affects an estimated 235 million people worldwide, but asthma drugs have many adverse effects. Opuntia humifusa (eastern prickly pear) has been used as a food and traditional medicine worldwide; however, its anti-asthmatic effects have not been reported. We evaluated O. humifusa as a potential therapeutic or preventive component of anti-asthmatic drugs. We divided ovalbumin-sensitized mice into the following groups: normal control, asthma-induced control, dexamethasone-treated group (positive control), 50 mg/kg O. humifusa-treated group, 100 mg/kg O. humifusa-treated group, and 500 mg/kg O. humifusa-treated group. Levels of Th1/Th2/Th17-related cytokines were evaluated using RT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. O. humifusa dose-dependently suppressed the morphological changes typically observed in asthma, such as goblet cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, mucous hypersecretion, and relative basement membrane thickening in the respiratory system. These results may be attributable to regulation of Th1-/Th2-/Th17-related factors, especially interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. We conclude that O. humifusa is a potential anti-asthmatic functional food. Abbreviations: O. humifusa: Opuntia humifusa; Th: helper T; RT-PCR: real-time polymerase chain reaction; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IL: interleukin; WHO: World Health Organization; IFN-γ: interferon gamma; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-alpha; IgE: immunoglobulin E; CD: cluster of differentiation; OVA: ovalbumin; DEX: dexamethasone; BALF: bronchoalveolar fluid; H&E: hematoxylin and eosin; PAS: periodic acid-schiff; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; BM: basement membrane; cDNA: complementary deoxyribonucleic acid; RNA: ribo nucleic acid; RIPA: radioimmunoprecipitation assay; IHC: immunohistochemistry; HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography; SD: standard deviation; WBC: white blood cells; APCs: antigen-presenting cells.

[The effects of a group smoking cessation program among adult smokers in a rural community].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a community-based group smoking cessation program among adult smokers in a rural community. METHOD: The study design was quasi-experimental with a pre and posttest. A total of 55 adult smokers participated in the study. They were evaluated 1, 3, and 6 months after the program to identify the long-term effectiveness of the program. The program consisted of a total of 5 sessions provided twice a week. To test the effectiveness of the program, urine creatinine, expired air carbon monoxide, nicotine dependence, and smoking-related knowledge were used as dependent variables. Data was analyzed with the SPSS 10.0 program with a t-test, paired t-test, and Scheffe test. RESULT: Urine creatinine, expired air carbon monoxide, and nicotine dependence were significantly decreased after the program. Also, the rates of continuous abstinence were 81.8% at posttest, 65.5% at 1 month, 54.5% at 3 months, and 54.5% at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: This community-based group smoking cessation program implemented by a nurse and smoking cessation counselors was effective for quitting smoking and decreasing urine creatinine and nicotine dependence. Therefore, this smoking cessation program could be recommended to induce smoking cessation as health promotion management in the rural community.

[Nicotine dependence, smoking-related attitude, and subjective norms across the stages of change for smoking cessation among adults smokers in a rural area].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify nicotine dependence, smoking-related attitude, and subjective norms across the stages of change for smoking cessation among adult smokers in a rural area. METHOD: The subjects were 276 current smokers (male=243, female=33). There were 3 stages of change for smoking cessation: pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation stage. Data was collected by an interview or self-reporting from February 12th to March 5th 2004, and analyzed with frequency, percentage, chi- square-test, Fisher's exact probability test, ANOVA, and Scheffe test using the SPSS-PC program. RESULT: According to the stages of change, 114(41.3%) current smokers were in pre-contemplation, 110(39.9%) in contemplation, and 52(18.8%) in the preparation stage. There was a higher percentage of males than females (chi- square=8.99, p=.011) in the preparation stage. The mean score of the smoking-related attitude (F=7.43, p=.001) and subjective norm(F=27.41, p=.001) were both lowest in the pre-contemplation stage and increased positively during the stages of change for smoking cessation. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, the authors recommend that community-based smoking cessation programs should be developed by considering the intention or motives of current smokers and should be initiated in the preparation stage and primarily for male groups.

[Effects of a tilting training program on lower extremities function, depression, and self-efficacy among stroke inpatients].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify effects of a tilting training program on lower extremities function, depression, and self-efficacy among stroke inpatients. METHOD: The subjects were 60 stroke patients hospitalized in an oriental medical hospital; 31 in the experimental group and 29 in the control group. A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The tilting training program consisted of 3 sessions and was implemented for 30 minutes daily during 3 weeks. Data was collected from Feb to July 2003, and analyzed by percentage, Fisher's exact probability, chi2-test, and t-test using the SPSS/Win 10.0 computerized program. RESULT: After treatment with the tilting training program, the experimental group was significantly increased in the mean score for function of lower extremities (t=2.72, p=.009) compared to the control group, especially for keeping standing balance (t=2.78, p=.007) and standing by oneself (t=3.32, p=.002). However, in the mean scores of depression and self-efficacy, there were no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The tilting training program was effective for increasing the function of lower extremities and to improve walking ability earlier among stroke inpatients. Therefore, the tilting training program is applicable to increase the balance level in standing and walking ability at the early rehabilitation stage for stroke patients.

[Effects of an obesity control program based on behavior modification and self-efficacy in obese elementary school children].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of a school-based obesity control program based on behavior modification and self-efficacy for obese elementary school children. The program was composed of strategies to modify diet and exercise habits and to increase self-efficacy. METHOD: The subjects were 57 obese children (experimental group = 28, control group = 29) whose Röhler index was 150 and over. The program was implemented once a week for 12 weeks from September 16 to December 12, 2003. The data was analyzed by Fisher's exact probability, chi (2)-test, t-test, and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. RESULT: The Röhler index, fat mass and lean body mass of the experimental group positively changed after the intervention more than those of the control group, but there was a significant difference in the Röhler index only (t=2.06, p=.045). In addition, obesity stress significantly decreased (z=-2.86, p=.047) and dietary self-efficacy significantly increased (t=2.35, p=.023) in the experimental group than those of the control group. CONCLUSION: This study supports that a school-based obesity control program based on behavior modification and self-efficacy can be effective in decreasing obesity stress and increasing dietary self-efficacy. Parents, school nurses and the other support groups should be encouraged to participate from the planning stage of the program to be effective in weight control of obese elementary school children. Also school-based program should be implemented as an essential course in the curriculum, not as an elective.

[Health pattern of elderly according to age group who living alone in an urban area].

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify the differences of health patterns; health-related characteristics, health behaviors, health problems, and self-care levels of elderly, living alone in an urban area according to age group. METHOD: The study design was a descriptive survey and the subjects were 1,800 elderly consisting of 937 young old, 704 middle old, and 159 old old. Data was collected from May to July 2003 using the structured questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi(2)-test, Fisher's exact probability test, ANOVA and Scheffe test using SPSS/PC. RESULT: The health related characteristics which involved body mass index, mental status, use of assistant devices, perceived health, concern of health, and social support were different among the groups and more aggravated by aging. Health behaviors and health problems were also significantly aggravated in the old old group. The self-care levels measured by ADL, physical activity, and self-care ability scores were also significantly decreased in the old old group. CONCLUSION: For the level of health status, health behaviors and self-care ability were significantly decreased by aging, health care services for the elderly should be planned considering the difference in the health pattern by age group.

[The effects of stage based exercise program on the physical and psychological variables in stroke survivors].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop the exercise program based on the Transtheoretical Model, and to identify it's effects on physical and psychological variables in stroke survivors. METHOD: The subjects of this study were 42 stroke survivors in the preparation and action stages. The stage based exercise program was conducted in the experimental group 8 times for 8 weeks. For data collection, physical conditioning and psychological state were measured and decisional balance and exercise specific self-efficacy were compared within groups. RESULT: For the physical conditioning, there were significant improvements in shoulder's range of motion and walking speed. For the psychological state, the mean score of self esteem for the experimental group significantly increased in both stages. The pros of decisional balance increased in the preparation stage and the cons of decisional balance increased in the action stage, but the exercise specific self-efficacy scores were not significantly changed in both stages. CONCLUSION: The stage based exercise program using the Transtheoretical Model influenced on the physical and psychological variables positively for the stroke survivors. It was demonstrated that subjects became more active during the intervention.