Factors associated with posttraumatic growth in patients with severe burns by treatment phase.

Aim: This study aimed to identify differences in the level of depressive symptoms, social support and posttraumatic growth among patients with severe burns by treatment phase and the factors associated with posttraumatic growth in the acute and rehabilitation phases. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive design. Methods: The factors associated with posttraumatic growth in 179 patients with severe burns were assessed using regression analysis. Results: Compared with those in the acute phase (mild depression), those in the rehabilitation phase showed moderate depression and lower positive self-perception, resulting in a significant difference in the means. Social support was significantly correlated with posttraumatic growth and explained 14.9% of its variance in the acute phase. Depressive symptoms and social support were significantly associated with posttraumatic growth and explained 28.2% of its variance in the rehabilitation phase. Therefore, the need for counselling support and intervention for patients with severe burns is evident.

Investigation on Electroreduction of CO2 to Formic Acid Using Cu3(BTC)2 Metal-Organic Framework (Cu-MOF) and Graphene Oxide.

A recent class of porous materials, viz., metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), finds applications in several areas. In this work, Cu-based MOFs (Cu-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid) along with graphene oxide, viz., Cu-MOF/GO, are synthesized and used further for reducing CO2 electrochemically. The reduction was accomplished in various supporting electrolytes, viz., KHCO3/H2O, tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB)/dimethylformamide (DMF), KBr/CH3OH, CH3COOK/CH3OH, TBAB/CH3OH, and tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP)/CH3OH to know their effect on product formation. The electrode fabricated with the synthesized material was used for testing the electroreduction of CO2 at various polarization potentials. The electrochemical reduction of CO2 is carried out via the polarization technique within the experimented potential regime vs saturated calomel electrode (SCE). Ion chromatography was employed for the analysis of the produced products in the electrolyte, and the results showed that HCOOH was the main product formed through reduction. The highest concentrations of HCOOH formed for different electrolytes are 0.1404 mM (-0.1 V), 66.57 mM (-0.6 V), 0.2690 mM (-0.5 V), 0.2390 mM (-0.5 V), 0.7784 mM (-0.4 V), and 0.3050 mM (-0.45 V) in various supporting electrolyte systems, viz., KHCO3/H2O, TBAB/DMF, KBr/CH3OH, CH3COOK/CH3OH, TBAB/CH3OH, and TBAP/CH3OH, respectively. The developed catalyst accomplished a significant efficiency in the conversion and reduction of CO2. A high faradic efficiency of 58% was obtained with 0.1 M TBAB/DMF electrolyte, whereas for Cu-MOF alone, the efficiency was 38%. Thus, the work is carried out using a cost-effective catalyst for the conversion of CO2 to formic acid than using the commercial electrodes. The synergistic effect of GO sheets at 3 wt % concentration and Cu+OH- interaction leads to the formation of formic acid in various electrolytes.

Brain education-based meditation for patients with hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and type 2 diabetes are chronic diseases, which generally require lifetime care. Meditation and yoga can be complementary to pharmacological therapies according to the scientific evidences so far. Brain education-based meditation (BEM) is a technique, which has been known to change brain structure, psychology, and physiology of healthy adult participants. This randomized, nonblinded pilot trial aimed to examine whether BEM affects the conditions of patients with hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes compared with health education classes. METHODS: We randomly allocated 48 patients with hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes to BEM (n = 24) or health education (n = 24) classes in the Ulsan Junggu Public Health Center in Korea, where the classes were run during the same period and explored the impact of 8-week practice on the serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, creatinine, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Total RNA was extracted to examine inflammatory gene expressions from the whole blood using PAXgene blood RNA System. In addition, self-reports on mental/physical health were evaluated. The Student's t test, chi-squared test, and analysis of covariance were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The number of people who participated until the completion of the study was 14 in the control and 21 in the BEM group. After 8 weeks, LDL cholesterol level was significantly decreased in the BEM group after the intervention (13.82 mg/dL reduction, P < .05), while it was not significantly altered in the control group. The expression of inflammatory genes was significantly reduced after 8 weeks of the BEM training (0.3-, 0.5-, and 0.2-fold change for NFKB2, RELA, and IL1B, respectively, all P < .05). In the item analysis of mental/physical health self-reports, a significant improvement was confirmed as follows: increases in focus, confidence, relaxation, and happiness; decreases in fatigue, anger, and loneliness (all P < .05). There were no important adverse events or side-effects by BEM intervention. CONCLUSION: Compared to health education, BEM helps lower LDL cholesterol level and the inflammatory gene expression in the patients with hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes. Moreover, BEM induces positive effects on the self-reported mental/physical states, warranting further study.

Highly Durable Supportless Pt Hollow Spheres Designed for Enhanced Oxygen Transport in Cathode Catalyst Layers of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Supportless Pt catalysts have several advantages over conventional carbon-supported Pt catalysts in that they are not susceptible to carbon corrosion. However, the need for high Pt loadings in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) to achieve state-of-the-art fuel cell performance has limited their application in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Herein, we report a new approach to the design of a supportless Pt catalyst in terms of catalyst layer architecture, which is crucial for fuel cell performance as it affects water management and oxygen transport in the catalyst layers. Large Pt hollow spheres (PtHSs) 100 nm in size were designed and prepared using a carbon template method. Despite their large size, the unique structure of the PtHSs, which are composed of a thin-layered shell of Pt nanoparticles (ca. 7 nm thick), exhibited a high surface area comparable to that of commercial Pt black (PtB). The PtHS structure also exhibited twice the durability of PtB after 2000 potential cycles (0-1.3 V, 50 mV/s). A MEA fabricated with PtHSs showed significant improvement in fuel cell performance compared to PtB-based MEAs at high current densities (>800 mA/cm2). This was mainly due to the 2.7 times lower mass transport resistance in the PtHS-based catalyst layers compared to that in PtB, owing to the formation of macropores between the PtHSs and high porosity (90%) in the PtHS catalyst layers. The present study demonstrates a successful example of catalyst design in terms of catalyst layer architecture, which may be applied to a real fuel cell system.

Self-Supported Mesostructured Pt-Based Bimetallic Nanospheres Containing an Intermetallic Phase as Ultrastable Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts.

Developing highly active and stable cathode catalysts is of pivotal importance for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). While carbon-supported nanostructured Pt-based catalysts have so far been the most active cathode catalysts, their durability and single-cell performance are yet to be improved. Herein, self-supported mesostructured Pt-based bimetallic (Meso-PtM; M = Ni, Fe, Co, Cu) nanospheres containing an intermetallic phase are reported, which can combine the beneficial effects of transition metals (M), an intermetallic phase, a 3D interconnected framework, and a mesoporous structure. Meso-PtM nanospheres show enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity, compared to Pt black and Pt/C catalysts. Notably, Meso-PtNi containing an intermetallic phase exhibits ultrahigh stability, showing enhanced ORR activity even after 50 000 potential cycles, whereas Pt black and Pt/C undergo dramatic degradation. Importantly, Meso-PtNi with an intermetallic phase also demonstrated superior activity and durability when used in a PEMFC single-cell, with record-high initial mass and specific activities.

Predictive factors for early response to methimazole in children and adolescents with Graves disease: a single-institute study between 1993 and 2013.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the predictive factors for early response to methimazole (MMI) in pediatric patients with Graves disease (GD). METHODS: Our study included 44 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with GD between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 2013, and were available for follow-up, achieving a normalization of thyroid functions (TFs) at the Chonbuk National University Hospital Pediatric Department. We retrospectively analyzed TFs such as tri-iodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid antibody levels at diagnosis. We also examined their family history of thyroid disease, symptoms at presentation, and normalization time for TF after treatment. We divided our clinical series of patients into the following 4 age groups: <7 years old, 7-12 years old, 13-15 years old, and 16-18 years old. RESULTS: At diagnosis, the time of normalization of T3 was significantly shorter in the higher antimicrosomal antibody (AMA) group compared with the lower AMA group (2.53 months vs. 6.18 months) (P<0.05). However, the time of normalization of T3/fT4/TSH had no significant correlations with other variables such as age, sex, a family history of thyroid diseases, thyroglobulin, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin, or antithyroglobulin antibody (ATA). CONCLUSION: Higher serological titers of AMA at diagnosis may have prognostic value in the response to initial MMI treatment in pediatric hyperthyroid GD patients.

Highly Platinum-Loaded Magnéli Phase Titanium Oxides as a High Voltage Tolerant Electrocatalyst for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells.

Magnéli phase titanium oxides (MPTOs), possess high electrical conductivity and chemical stability, are promising support materials for the development of novel electrocatalyst in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Despite MPTO's extremely low specific surface area (1 m2/g or less), high Pt loading (40 wt%) and excellent Pt particle-size distribution were obtained by the modified borohydride method. The reasons were discussed and compared with polyol method. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) performance of those Pt/MPTO catalysts were found to be 169.7 and 366.2 mA/cm2 at 0.7 V for H2/air and H2/O2, respectively. The accelerated stress tests (ASTs) showed superior durability of the Pt/MPTO catalyst as a cathode electrode. After 10,000 cycles of high-voltage cycling test from 0.9 V and 1.3 V RHE, no significant performance degradation of the Pt/MPTO electrode was observed comparing with Pt/C. Thus, MPTOs can be considered as a good substitute of carbon supports in fuel cells.

Simultaneous presentation of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and moyamoya disease associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 in a child.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is a rare hereditary disorder, which is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. It is characterized by multiple caféau- lait spots of the skin, benign cutaneous neurofibromas, skeletal dysplasia and learning disability. The association of NF-1 with benign and malignant tumors is well established. The lifetime risk of patients with NF-1 developing malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) has been estimated to be 8-13%. Such tumors can develop in any part of the body, but their occurrence in the gastrointestinal tract is rare. Patients with NF-1 have a wide spectrum of vascular abnormalities. Cerebrovascular lesions have been found in approximately 2.5% of children with NF1. We encountered a case of NF-1 with MPNSTs in the gastrointestinal tract and moyamoya disease.

Prevalence of orofacial clefts in Korean live births.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of orofacial clefts and identify the characteristics of other birth defects associated with orofacial clefts in Korea. METHODS: This study used data from the Congenital Anomaly Survey conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. The survey was conducted on birth defects documented during 2005 to 2006 in 2,348 medical institutes in Korea. This study was performed using data from medical insurance claims of the National Health Insurance Corporation. The prevalence of orofacial clefts was defined as the number of cases per 10,000 live births. RESULTS: Among the 883,184 live births, 25,335 infants had birth defects, which included 980 infants with orofacial clefts. The prevalence of total orofacial clefts in the total live births was 11.09 per 10,000, accounting for 3.9% of all birth defects. The most common orofacial cleft was cleft palate only (n=492), followed by cleft lip only (n=245) and cleft lip with cleft palate (n=243), with prevalence rates of 5.57, 2.77, 2.75 per 10,000 live births, respectively. While malformations of the circulatory system; digestive system; eyes, ears, face, and neck; and musculoskeletal system were most frequently encountered among infants with a cleft lip with or without a cleft palate, anomalies of most organ systems were notably observed among infants with cleft palate only. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of orofacial clefts in Korea was similar or slightly lower than that of other countries. This study informs present status of orofacial clefts and gives baseline data to lay the foundation stone for Korea's registry system of orofacial clefts.

Clinical features of thoracic endometriosis: A single center analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the diagnostic profiles and treatment outcomes of patients with thoracic endometriosis at a university hospital. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was performed for patients diagnosed with thoracic endometriosis at Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, between January 2007 and January 2014. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (median age, 35 years; range, 23-48 years) were evaluated. Patients presented with catamenial hemoptysis (n=8), or catamenial pneumothorax (n=7). Patients with catamenial pneumothorax were significantly older than those presenting with hemoptysis (P=0.0002). Only 3 patients (20%) had coexisting pelvic endometriosis. All patients underwent chest computed tomography; lesions were shown to predominantly affect the right lung (right lung, n=13, 86.7%; left lung, n=2, 13.3%), and were mainly distributed on the right upper lobe (n=9, 60%). Ten patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and 1 patient underwent a thoracotomy. Intraoperatively, endometriosis-specific findings were observed in 8/11 patients (72.7%); a further 5/11 patients (45.4%) had histologically detectable endometriosis. Over the follow-up period (mean, 18.4 months; range, 2-65 months) 5/15 patients (33%) had clinical signs of recurrence. Recurrence was not detected in any of the 5 catamenial pneumothorax patients that received adjuvant hormonal therapy after surgery. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and management of thoracic endometriosis requires a multidisciplinary approach, based upon skillful differential diagnosis, and involving careful gynecologic evaluation and assessment of the cyclicity of pulmonary symptoms. Imaging findings are non-specific, though there may be laterality towards the right lung. Since symptom recurrence is more common in those with presenting with pneumothorax, post-operative adjuvant medical therapy is recommended.

Single-port access versus conventional multi-port access total laparoscopic hysterectomy for very large uterus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of single-port access (SPA) and conventional multi-port access total laparoscopic hysterectomies (TLH) among patients with very large uteri (500 g or more). METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients who received TLH for large uterine myomas and/or adenomyoses weighing 500 g or more between February 2009 and December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. SPA and conventional TLH were each performed in 25 patients. Surgical outcomes, including operation time, estimated blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin change, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pain, and perioperative complications, were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant demographic differences between the two groups. All operations were completed laparoscopically with no conversion to laparotomy. Total operation time, uterus weight, estimated blood loss, and postoperative hemoglobin change did not significantly differ between the two groups. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter for the SPA-TLH group compared to that of the conventional TLH group (median [range], 3 [2.0-6.0] vs. 4 [3-7] days; P=0.004]. There were no inter-group differences in postoperative pain at 6, 24, and 72 hours after surgery. There was only one complicated case in each group. CONCLUSION: SPA-TLH in patients with large uteri weighing 500 g or more is as feasible as conventional TLH. SPA-TLH is associated with shorter hospital stays compared to that of conventional TLH.

Designing an ultrathin silica layer for highly durable carbon nanofibers as the carbon support in polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

A critical issue for maintaining long-term applications of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is the development of an innovative technique for the functionalization of a carbon support that preserves their exceptional electrical conductivity and robustly enriches their durability. Here, we report for the first time how the formation of a partially coated, ultrathin, hydrophobic silica layer around the surfaces of the carbon nanofiber (CNF) helps improve the durability of the CNF without decreasing the significant electrical conductivity of the virgin CNF. The synthesis involved the adsorption of polycarbomethylsilane (PS) on the CNF's sidewalls, followed by high temperature pyrolysis of PS, resulting in a highly durable, conductive carbon support in PEFCs. The Pt nanoparticles are in direct contact with the surface of the carbon in the empty spaces between unevenly coated silica layers, which are not deposited directly onto the silica layer. The presence of a Pt nanoparticle layer that was thicker than the silica layer would be a quite advantageous circumstance that provides contact with other neighboring CNFs without having a significant adverse effect that deeply damages the electrical conductivity of the neighboring CNF composites with the silica layer. Furthermore, the ultrathin, hydrophobic silica layer around the surfaces of the CNF provides great potential to reduce the presence of water molecules in the vicinity of the carbon supports and the ˙OH radicals formed on the surface of the Pt catalyst. As a result, the CNF with a 5 wt% silica layer that we prepared has had extremely high initial performance and durability under severe carbon corrosion conditions, starting up with 974 mA cm(-2) at 0.6 V and ending up with more than 58% of the initial performance (i.e., 569 mA cm(-2) at 0.6 V) after a 1.6 V holding test for 6 h. The beginning-of-life and end-of-life performances based on the virgin CNF without the silica layer were 981 and 340 mA cm(-2) at 0.6 V, respectively. The CNF having a silica layer had long-term durability which was superior to that of the virgin CNF.

Anti-Proliferative Effect of an Aqueous Extract of Prunella vulgaris in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

The abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in arterial walls is an important pathogenic factor of vascular disorders such as diabetic atherosclerosis. We have reported the anti-inflammatory effect of an aqueous extract from Prunella vulgaris (APV) in vascular endothelial cell. In the present study, APV exhibited inhibitory effects on high glucose-stimulated VSMC proliferation, migration, and invasion activities, inducing G1 cell cycle arrest with downregulation of cyclins and CDKs and upregulation of the CKIs, p21(waf1/cip1) and p27(kip1). Furthermore, APV dose dependently suppressed the high glucose-induced matrix metalloproteinase activity. High glucose-induced phosphorylation of ERK, p38 MAPK, was decreased by the pretreatment of APV. NF- κ B activation by high glucose was attenuated by APV, as an antioxidant. APV attenuated the high glucose-induced decrease of nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) translocation and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Intracellular cGMP level was also increased by APV treatment. These results demonstrate that APV may inhibit VSMC proliferation via downregulating ROS/NF- κ B /ERK/p38 MAPK pathways. In addition, APV has a beneficial effect by the interaction of Nrf2-mediated NO/cGMP with HO-1, suggesting that Prunella vulgaris may be useful in preventing diabetic atherosclerosis.

Anti-diabetic atherosclerosis effect of Prunella vulgaris in db/db mice with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of vascular complications such as atherosclerosis. This study was designed to investigate whether Prunella vulgaris (APV) would inhibit diabetic atherosclerosis in db/db mice with type 2 diabetes. The db/db mice were treated with high fat/high cholesterol (HFHC) diet and an aqueous extract of APV (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) for eight weeks to examine the long-term effect on metabolic abnormalities and diabetic atherosclerosis. APV treatment markedly lowered blood glucose and systolic blood pressure. The db/db mice experienced an increase in blood urea nitrogen as well as a decrease of creatinine clearance, the latter of which was restored by treatment with APV. Treatment with APV markedly decreased total plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol and also increased the HDL-cholesterol. In addition, malondialdehyde and TGF-ß1 were decreased by treatment of APV. On the other hand, total NO level was decreased in db/db mice. However, the NO level was increased by treatment with APV, suggesting an association with vascular dysfunction. Vascular relaxation of aortic rings by acetylcholine or SNP-inducement was ameliorated by APV in a dose-dependent manner. Damage of vascular intima and hypertrophic of media were observed in db/db mice; however its dysfunction was improved by the treatment of APV. APV treatment significantly reduced the aortic expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, ET-1, and nitrotyrosine. Furthermore, expression of eNOS in aortic was remarkably increased by APV treatment. Taken together, APV suppressed hyperglycemia and diabetic vascular dysfunction in HFHC diet-db/db mice. The present data suggest that Prunella vulgaris may prevent development of diabetic atherosclerosis.

Prunella vulgaris suppresses HG-induced vascular inflammation via Nrf2/HO-1/eNOS activation.

Vascular inflammation is an important factor which can promote diabetic complications. In this study, the inhibitory effects of aqueous extract from Prunella vulgaris (APV) on high glucose (HG)-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) are reported. APV decreased HG-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin. APV also dose-dependently inhibited HG-induced adhesion of HL-60 monocytic cells. APV suppressed p65 NF-κB activation in HG-treated cells. APV significantly inhibited the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). HG-stimulated HUVEC secreted gelatinases, however, APV inhibited it. APV induced Akt phosphorylation as well as activation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), eNOS, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which may protect vascular inflammation caused by HG. In conclusion, APV exerts anti-inflammatory effect via inhibition of ROS/NF-κB pathway by inducing HO-1 and eNOS expression mediated by Nrf2, thereby suggesting that Prunella vulgaris may be a possible therapeutic approach to the inhibition of diabetic vascular diseases.

Inhibitory effect of Thuja orientalis on TNF-α-induced vascular inflammation.

Vascular inflammation is involved in the initiation and progression of vascular diseases including atherosclerosis. While conducting in vitro screening of 600 medicinal plant extracts, an aqueous extract of Thuja orientalis (ATO) was found to exhibit antiinflammatory activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In the current study, the antiinflammatory activity of ATO and possible mechanisms for this were investigated in HUVEC. Preincubation with ATO (20 µg/mL) suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced expression of adhesion molecules including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin at both the protein and mRNA levels. ATO also inhibited U937 monocyte adhesion to HUVEC stimulated by TNF-α. In addition, ATO attenuated TNF-α-induced p65 NF-κB translocation into the nucleus and phosphorylation of IκB-α. Furthermore, ATO significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Overall, the present data suggest that ATO can suppress TNF-α-induced vascular inflammatory processes, possibly via inhibition of ROS and NF-κB activation, in HUVEC.

Anti-Inflammatory effect of Buddleja officinalis on vascular inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Vascular inflammation process has been suggested to be an important risk factor in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated whether and by what mechanisms an aqueous extract of Buddleja officinalis (ABO) inhibited the expressions of cellular adhesion molecules, which are relevant to inflammation and atherosclerosis. Pretreatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with ABO (1-10 microg/ml) for 18 hours dose-dependently inhibited TNF-alpha-induced adhesion U937 monocytic cells, as well as mRNA and protein expressions of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Pretreatment with ABO also blocked TNF-alpha-induced ROS formation. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) is required in the transcription of these adhesion molecule genes. Western blot analysis revealed that ABO inhibits the translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB to the nucleus. ABO inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced degradation of IkappaB-alpha, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB, by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IkappaB-alpha in HUVEC. Taken together, ABO could reduce cytokine-induced endothelial adhesiveness throughout down-regulating intracellular ROS production, NF-kappaB, and adhesion molecule expression in HUVEC, suggesting that the natural herb Buddleja officinalis may have potential implications in atherosclerosis.

Gardenia jasminoides inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced vascular inflammation in endothelial cells.

Inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) enhance binding of low-density lipoprotein to endothelium and upregulate the expression of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecules during atherogenesis. The present study examined the effect of ethanol extract of Gardenia jasminoides (EGJ) on vascular inflammation in primary cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). TNF-alpha-induced the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and endothelial cell-selectin (E-selectin) expression was inhibited in HUVEC pretreated with EGJ. In a functional study, EGJ dose-dependently attenuated adhesion of HL-60 monocytes to endothelial monolayers. A further analysis indicated that EGJ attenuated TNF-alpha-induced nuclear p65 nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) translocation, suggesting that EGJ primarily affects the TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB signaling pathway. Taken together, we provided here the first evidence showing that EGJ is able to inhibit TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation, adhesion molecule expression, and monocyte-endothelial interaction, suggesting an anti-inflammatory role of EGJ, which may be useful in preventing vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis.

Effect of Gastrodia elata on tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced matrix metalloproteinase activity in endothelial cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether an ethanol extract of Gastrodia elata (EGE) rhizome, a traditional Korean herbal medical food, suppresses the endothelial extracellular matrix degradation induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Gelatin zymography results showed that pretreatment with EGE to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) decreased TNF-alpha-induced increase of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9 activities in the range of 1-50 microg/ml. Real-time qRT-PCR results also revealed that TNF-alpha-induced MMP-2/-9 mRNA expression levels were attenuated by pretreatment with EGE. These results provide new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms for the anti-atherosclerotic properties of EGE in vascular diseases.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Gastrodia elata rhizome in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Vascular inflammation is a pivotal factor of a variety of diseases, such as atherosclerosis and tumor progression. The present study was designed to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of ethanol extract of Gastrodia elata rhizome (EGE) in primary cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Pretreatment of cells with EGE attenuated TNF-alpha-induced increase in expression levels of cell adhesion molecules such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin. Real time qRT-PCR also showed that EGE decreased the mRNA expression levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin as well as macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). In addition, EGE significantly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced increase in monocyte adhesion of HUVEC in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, EGE significantly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and p65 NF-kappaB activation by preventing IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation. In conclusion, the present data suggest that EGE could suppress TNF-alpha-induced vascular inflammatory process via inhibition of oxidative stress and NF-kappaB activation in HUVEC.