Appropriateness of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management.

Type 2 diabetes is a significant global health concern. It often causes diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which affect millions of people and increase amputation and mortality rates. Despite existing guidelines, the complexity of DFU treatment makes clinical decisions challenging. Large language models such as chat generative pretrained transformer (ChatGPT), which are adept at natural language processing, have emerged as valuable resources in the medical field. However, concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the information they provide remain. We aimed to assess the accuracy of various artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, including ChatGPT, in providing information on DFUs based on established guidelines. Seven AI chatbots were asked clinical questions (CQs) based on the DFU guidelines. Their responses were analyzed for accuracy in terms of answers to CQs, grade of recommendation, level of evidence, and agreement with the reference, including verification of the authenticity of the references provided by the chatbots. The AI chatbots showed a mean accuracy of 91.2% in answers to CQs, with discrepancies noted in grade of recommendation and level of evidence. Claude-2 outperformed other chatbots in the number of verified references (99.6%), whereas ChatGPT had the lowest rate of reference authenticity (66.3%). This study highlights the potential of AI chatbots as tools for disseminating medical information and demonstrates their high degree of accuracy in answering CQs related to DFUs. However, the variability in the accuracy of these chatbots and problems like AI hallucinations necessitate cautious use and further optimization for medical applications. This study underscores the evolving role of AI in healthcare and the importance of refining these technologies for effective use in clinical decision-making and patient education.

Jumping Extracorporeal Free Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap for Aesthetic Reconstruction After Anterior Skull Base and Orbital Cancer Resection.

ABSTRACT: The authors introduce successful free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer, which was temporarily placed onto the face extracorporeally because the position of orbital defect is far from the submandibular microvascular anastomosis region. The authors then secondarily resected the excess part of the flap after 3 weeks of neovascularization period. Although multistage surgery is needed, jumping extracorporeal flap is a useful option to achieve aesthetic outcomes especially in a challenging situation.

Aesthetic Reconstruction of a Facial Defect After Subtotal Resection of the Parotid Gland Using a Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Pure Skin Perforator Flap.

ABSTRACT: In the reconstruction of facial defects, thin and flexible coverage of the defect is desirable for cosmetic reasons. A free flap is 1 possible surgical option; however, a flap containing a fatty layer is bulky. in this study, the authors describe the reconstruction of a facial defect after subtotal parotidectomy for right parotid carcinoma using a superficial circumflex iliac artery pure skin perforator flap, with consideration given to facial contour. The superficial circumflex iliac artery pure skin perforator flap is a viable option to achieve the desired clinical and aesthetic outcome.

LIPOSA pharmacopuncture, a new herbal formula, affects localized adiposity by regulating lipid metabolism in vivo.

Localized adiposity is a serious aesthetic problem and a well-known health risk factor. There is a growing interest in minimally invasive treatment options for excessive fat accumulation, such as pharmacopuncture. LIPOSA is a newly developed pharmacopuncture formula from three natural herbs: The tuber of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breitenb., the whole plant of Taraxacum platycarpum Dahlst. and the root of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge. The present study investigated the effects of pharmacopuncture treatment with LIPOSA on localized adiposity. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed high fat diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity. Then, 100 µl LIPOSA was injected into the left-side inguinal fat pad at various concentrations, including 13.35, 26.7 and 53.4 mg/ml. Normal saline was injected into the right-side inguinal fat pad of each mouse as a control. The treatment was performed three times per week for 2 weeks. The weight and histological changes were analyzed in the inguinal fat pad of the obese mice. The expression levels of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), autophagy-related gene (ATG)5, ATG7 and LC3-II, as lipophagy-related factors, were evaluated to confirm the lipid-catabolic effects of LIPOSA. LIPOSA pharmacopuncture markedly decreased the weight of the fat tissue and the size of the adipocytes in the inguinal region of the mouse models of obesity in a dose-dependent manner. The expression levels of ATGL, HSL, ATG5, ATG7 and LC3-II were significantly increased by the LIPOSA treatments. In addition, LIPOSA pharmacopuncture was found to decrease the expression levels of ACC, PPAR-γ and PEPCK. The results indicated that subcutaneous injection of LIPOSA can degrade local fat and induce lipophagic and lipase activation effects. In addition, lipid metabolism related to fat accumulation was regulated by the LIPOSA treatment. The present study suggests that LIPOSA pharmacopuncture can be a non-surgical alternative in the treatment of localized adiposity.

Lipolytic and Lipophagic Effects of Pinellia ternata Pharmacopuncture on Localized Adiposity.

Localized adiposity is not only a common aesthetic issue but also a health risk factor. Pharmacopuncture can be a therapeutic option for the imbalance of regional fat distribution. The tuber of Pinellia ternata has been prescribed as antitussive and expectorant as a traditional Korean medicine. This study investigated the effects of pharmacopuncture with P. ternata water extract (PT) on localized adiposity. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks. 100 µL of 10 mg/mL of PT was injected into the left-side inguinal fat pad, while saline was injected into the right-side inguinal fat pad as self-control. Treatments were performed 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The inguinal fat weight was analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. PT pharmacopuncture significantly decreased the weight of the inguinal fat pad. The adipocyte size was reduced with increases of lipolytic enzymes and lipophagy-related factors by PT pharmacopuncture. There was marked inhibition of lipid accumulation content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by PT treatment. The expressions of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), autophagy-related gene (ATG) 5, ATG7, and LC3 were markedly increased by PT treatments in vivo and in vitro. This study suggests that pharmacopuncture of Pinellia ternata has ameliorative effects on adiposity by lipid catabolic effects via activating both lipolysis and lipophagy in a localized region.

Ameliorative effects of Osteo-F, a newly developed herbal formula, on osteoporosis via activation of bone formation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The fruit of Schizandra chinensis and Lycium chinense, and the root of Eucommia ulmoides, components of Osteo-F, has traditionally been used for treating bone diseases in Korean Medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: The exact role and underlying mechanism of Osteo-F herbal formula on bone formation in osteoporosis was investigated in the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OVX mice were treated with 0.9, 9 and 90 mg/kg of Osteo-F for 4 weeks. Bone tissues including fourth to sixth lumbar vertebrae (LV) and femur were collected to analyze the bone mineral density (BMD). In addition, serum biomarkers were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of collagen, BMP-2 and osteopontin were determined in tibia to clarify the bone anabolic effects of Osteo-F in osteoporosis. RESULTS: The levels of BMD in both of fourth to sixth LV and femur were significantly increased by Osteo-F treatment in OVX mice. Bone mineral content (BMC) was also elevated in Osteo-F-treated LV and femoral bone tissues. In addition, serum osteocalcin was markedly increased by Osteo-F in osteoporotic mice. Serum ALP and bALP levels were neutralized in Osteo-F 90 mg/kg-administered mice. Furthermore, Osteo-F treatment dramatically increased the mRNA expressions of collagen type I, BMP-2 and OPN in tibial bone specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Osteo-F ameliorated bone loss by increasing bone forming molecules including BMP-2 and OPN in osteoporosis. Osteo-F, a newly developed herbal formula, may be an alternative material for the management of osteoporosis with bone anabolic effects.

Zanthoxylum piperitum alleviates the bone loss in osteoporosis via inhibition of RANKL-induced c-fos/NFATc1/NF-κB pathway.

BACKGROUND: The fruit of Zanthoxylum piperitum (ZP) is an herbal medicine as well as a spice agent in Asia to treat carminative, stomachic, anthelmintic and degenerative diseases. Z. piperitum was reported to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoarthritic and osteosarcoma proliferation-control effects. PURPOSE AND STUDY DESIGN: This study was conducted to determine the anti-osteoporotic effects and mechanisms of action of ZP. METHODS: Female ICR mice underwent ovariectomies (OVX) and were orally administered ZP at 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg for 6 weeks. The femoral and tibial bones were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and histology to analyze the bone mineral density (BMD) and the number of osteoclasts. Raw 264.7 cells were stimulated by 100 ng/ml receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) for 7 days in the presence of ZP. RANKL-induced signaling molecules were analyzed in osteoclasts. RESULTS: The levels of femoral and tibial BMD were significantly increased by ZP administration. Serum biomarkers such as osteocalcin, calcium, alkaline phosphatase and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase concentrations were markedly recovered to normal levels in ZP-treated osteoporotic mice. In addition, the number of osteoclasts in the head, trochanter and body of the femur was obviously decreased in the ZP treatment groups. Moreover, ZP treated-cells showed a reduction in the number of TRAP-positive multinuclear cells in RANKL-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. ZP decreased the RANKL-activated NFATc1 and c-fos, transcription factors of osteoclast formation. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB and phosphorylation of ERK42/44 were inhibited by the ZP treatment in RANKL-induced osteoclasts. CONCLUSION: Collectively, ZP exerts its inhibitory effect against bone resorption by regulating RANKL-mediated c-fos/NFATc1/NF-κB in osteoclast. ZP may prove to be a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.

The Effects of Gardenia Jasminoides on Periodontitis in Ligature-Induced Rat Model.

PURPOSE: Periodontitis is characterised by inflammation of periodontium and alveolar bone loss. Gardenia jasminoides is reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of aqueous extract of G. jasminoides (GJ) on periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 7 weeks were randomly placed in three groups (n = 7); non-ligatured and non-treated (NL group), ligatured and distilled water-treated (L group) and ligatured and 100 mg/kg GJ-treated (GJ group). After oral administration of GJ for 14 days, the mandibles were removed for histology. In addition, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with 100 ng/ml receptor activator of nuclear factor-κΒ ligand (RANKL) and 1, 10 and 100 µg/ml GJ for 7 days to analyse the expression of periodontitis-related factors. RESULTS: In GJ-treated mice, the score of alveolar bone loss was statistically significantly attenuated compared with the L group. GJ treatment showed inhibition effect in the progress of cementum demineralisation. The expressions of proinflammatory cytokines in gingival tissue were statistically significantly regulated by GJ treatment. Additionally, GJ treatment showed the dose-dependent inhibition of RANKL-induced osteoclast formation. Furthermore, GJ treatment downregulated the RANKL-induced cytokine production in RAW 264.7 cells. CONCLUSION: In summary, GJ ameliorated periodontitis-induced alveolar bone loss via inhibiting transcription factors including nuclear factor-κB, c-fos and extracellular signal-regulated kinase signalling. Therefore, GJ might be a therapeutic option for treating periodontitis.

Ameliorative and Synergic Effects of Derma-H, a New Herbal Formula, on Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is characterized by itching, skin inflammation, and allergic responses caused by release of immunoglobulin E and T helper 2-specific cytokines. The aim of this study is to investigate the ameliorative and synergic effects of herbal formula, Derma-H, containing Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge (AM) and Nepeta tenuifolia Benth (NT) which have been used as traditional medicinal herbs for the cure of dryness, edema, and pruritus. 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was applied for ACD induction. AM, NT, and a mixture of AM and NT was topically applied to skin lesions for 11 days. Dermatitis score and number of scratches were significantly diminished in AM, NT, and AM + NT (Derma-H)-treated groups. Especially, Derma-H was more effective than single treatment of AM and NT on skin hyperplasia and mast cell infiltration. Also, NGF expression decreased by NT and a mixture of AM and NT. Additionally, series of TrkA, Raf-1, MEK, and ERK were significantly inhibited by topical AM and NT application. Those findings suggested AM and NT treatment has a synergic effect on DNCB-induced ACD in mice.

Human placenta induces hair regrowth in chemotherapy-induced alopecia via inhibition of apoptotic factors and proliferation of hair follicles.

BACKGROUND: The human placenta (HP) is a complex organ used to alleviate tiredness and promote wound healing. Previous research showed the hair growth-promoting effect of HP. However, no reports have addressed the effects of HP on hair regrowth in chemotherapy-induced alopecia. In this study, we investigated the effects of HP on the apoptosis and proliferation of hair follicles in chemotherapy-induced alopecia. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice in telogen were depilated to enter anagen. After 9 days, dystrophic catagen was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg cyclophosphamide. During 9 to 16 days, 0.1 and 1 mg/mL HP were topically applied to depilated dorsal skin. RESULTS: Dystrophic hair follicles by cyclophosphamide were recovered by HP treatment. New hair shafts containing hair fibers appeared to be straight after HP treatment. Immunohistological staining revealed a significant increase of Ki67-positive cells in hair follicles treated with 1 mg/mL HP. Topical HP treatment increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, while it attenuated the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax, p53, and cytochrome c with caspase-9 and -3. In addition, the expression of KGF and the phosphorylation of AKT were upregulated by HP treatment. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HP treatment induced hair growth by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting the proliferation of hair follicles. HP may be useful for treating chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

Soshiho-tang protects LPS-induced acute liver injury by attenuating inflammatory response.

Soshiho-tang (SSHT) has traditionally been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In this experiment, we investigated the protective effect of SSHT on inflammatory liver injury in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-sensitized mice. Male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 weeks were randomly placed in 6 groups (n = 5): normal mice (CTR), LPS-sensitized mice (LPS), LPS-sensitized mice treated with dexamethasone (DEX) and LPS-sensitized mice treated with 0.05, 0.55, and 5.55 g/kg of SSHT (SSHT 0.05, SSHT 0.55, and SSHT 5.55). Various doses of SSHT was given once a day for 7 days. After 2 h of LPS injection, the liver tissue was collected. SSHT pretreatment recovered hemorrhage of liver tissues in LPS-induced acute liver injury. The expressions of MAP Kinase, NF-κB, IκBα, p-IκBα, COX-2, and iNOS protein levels were markedly decreased by SSHT-treated liver tissues. Additionally, SSHT pretreatment significantly regulated the expressions of MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 cytokines. These results suggest the potential of SSHT on the protection of acute liver injury.

Osteogenic effects of Phlomis umbrosa via up-regulation of Runx2 in osteoporosis.

Phlomis umbrosa Turcz (labiatae) has been suggested to promote bone growth. However, the anti-osteoporotic effects of P. umbrosa have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, the osteogenic effects of P. umbrosa were investigated in an osteoporosis model. ICR female mice were ovariectomized (OVX) to induce osteoporosis for 7 weeks. Treatment with 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg P. umbrosa was administrated orally to the OVX mice for 6 weeks. At the end of experiment, the microstructure of the capital femoral epiphysis was investigated. The levels of bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and serum osteocalcin concentration were evaluated. In addition, mineralized Saos-2 osteoblast cells were treated with 0.01, 0.1 and 1 µg/ml P. umbrosa to analyze the expression of osteoblast differentiation-associated factors. Hyperplasia of the growth plate in the femur was recovered by P. umbrosa treatment. BMD and BMC were significantly increased in P. umbrosa-treated femurs. Serum calcium concentration was increased following P. umbrosa treatment. In addition, the ratio of mineralization was markedly increased in P. umbrosa-treated differentiated osteoblasts along with increases in Runx2 levels. P. umbrosa conferred its osteogenic effects by upregulating Runx2 in osteoporosis. P. umbrosa may be a potential therapeutic material for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Inhibition of RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation by Schisandra chinensis through down-regulation of NFATc1 and c-fos expression.

BACKGROUND: Schisandra chinenesis (SC) has been reported to have ameliorative effect on osteoporosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the anti-osteoporosis activity of SC have not been clearly elucidated. In the present study, we determined the effects of SC on The receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and its potential mechanism. METHODS: Raw 264.7 cells were treated with 0.6, 6 and 60 µg/mL SC in the presence of 100 ng/mL RANKL for 7 days. RANKL-induced osteoclast formation was analyzed by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. The osteoclast differentiation-related factors were confirmed along with TNF-α. RESULTS: SC inhibits the RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in dose-dependent manner within non-toxic concentrations. The supernatant concentrations of TNF-α were significantly decreased by SC treatment. In addition, osteoclastogenesis-related factors, TRAP6 and NF-κB, were markedly decreased by SC in RANKL-induced osteoclasts. Mechanistically, SC reduced the RANKL-triggered NFATc1 and c-fos expressions. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data suggest that SC can modulate bone metabolism by suppressing RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation.

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge ameliorates osteoporosis by suppressing osteoclastogenesis.

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge has been traditionally used in Korean medicine for its antipyretic, diuretic, sedative, and antitussive effects. In the present study, the effects of an ethanol extract of A. asphodeloides Bunge (AAB) on osteoporosis and its underlying mechanisms on bone remodeling were investigated. Osteoporosis was induced in ICR strain mice by ovariectomy. The mice were divided into four groups: sham, ovariectomized, 17ß­estradiol and 100 mg/kg AAB. The treatment was continued for 4 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured using dual­energy X­ray absorptiometry. In addition, Raw 264.7 cells were treated in the presence of 0.1, 1 and 10 µg/ml AAB with 100 ng/ml receptor activator of nuclear factor κΒ ligand (RANKL) to induce osteoclast formation and stained with tartrate resistant acid phosphatase. In addition, levels of osteoclast­related factors were analyzed to investigate the signaling cascades in osteoclasts. The results demonstrated that AAB treatment reversed the decreases of both BMD and BMC in osteoporotic femurs. Additionally, the formation of osteoclasts was significantly suppressed by the AAB treatment in RANKL­stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. Compared with cells treated with RANKL alone, the AAB­treated osteoclasts had significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor­α and interleukin­6. The protein levels of c­fos were also decreased in the AAB­treated osteoclasts. Furthermore, the RANKL­induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor­κB was attenuated in osteoclasts by the AAB treatment compared with cells treated with RANKL alone. Finally, AAB treatment downregulated the phosphorylation of mitogen­activated protein kinases. The present results demonstrated that AAB exhibited ameliorative effects on osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, and suggested that AAB may be a potential candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis.

(R)-(+)-pulegone suppresses allergic and inflammation responses on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in mice model.

BACKGROUND: (R)-(+)-pulegone (PLG), a biotransformation of monoterpene ketones, is one of essential oils of Labiatae family. Although PLG was reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effects, the therapeutic effects of PLG on atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been reported yet. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the anti-AD effects and underlying mechanisms of PLG in AD-induced mice. METHODS: BALB/c male mice were challenged with 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB, 1%) to induce AD. After 4 days of rest, PLG (0.1, 1 and 10 µM) were topically applied to dorsal skin for 2 weeks with secondary elicitation using 0.5% DNCB. Histological changes were identified by H&E staining and mast cells were evaluated by toluidine blue staining. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and serum IgE levels were analyzed by ELISA. Inflammatory mediators were measured by western blotting assay. RESULTS: Topical treatment with PLG significantly suppressed skin thickness and scratching behavior compared with control group. Expression of nerve growth factor was also decreased by PLG treatment. PLG administration decreased serum IgE levels and the number of mast cells in mice model of DNCB-induced AD. The levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1ß in dorsal skin of PLG-treated group were lower than those in the control group. PLG inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPKs, as well as IκBα degradation and NF-κB activation. CONCLUSIONS: PLG attenuated the symptoms of AD by suppressing cytokines production, the phosphorylation of MAPKs and the activation of NF-κB signaling. These data suggest that PLG may be an effective natural compound for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

Angelica gigas ameliorates the destruction of gingival tissues via inhibition of MMP-9 activity.

Angelica gigas (AG) has been used for periodontal diseases in traditional Korean medicine. However, the effects of AG on periodontitis have not been clarified yet. In this study, we investigated the ameliorative effects of AG against ligature-induced periodontitis. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups; non-ligatured (normal), ligatured and treated with vehicle (ligatured), ligatured and treated with 1 mg mL-1 AG (AG1), and ligatured and treated with 100 mg mL-1 AG (AG100). 70% ethanol extracts of AG were topically applied onto both sides of the first molar daily for 14 days. In addition, human dermal fibroblast cells were treated with 1, 10 and 100 µg mL-1 AG to characterize the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9). Topical AG treatment reduced alveolar bone resorption, as assessed by methylene blue staining. The structures of soft gingival tissues (periodontal pocket) were recovered in the AG-treated groups. The expression of MMP-9 was decreased, and that of type 1 collagen was significantly increased in AG-treated gingival tissues. In addition, AG treatment inhibited the activity of MMP-9 in LPS-treated human dermal fibroblast cells. This study reveals that topical AG treatment has the potential to ameliorate the destruction of gingival tissues by inhibiting MMP-9 activity. AG may be a candidate for the treatment of periodontitis.

Effects of Cynanchum wilfordii on osteoporosis with inhibition of bone resorption and induction of bone formation.

Cynanchum wilfordii Hemsley has been used for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases in traditional Republic of Korean medicine. The present study investigated the effects of C. wilfordii water extract (CW) on postmenopausal osteoporosis. Female mice were used and randomly assigned into a normal group and three ovariectomized (OVX) groups: OVX with vehicle (OVX + vehicle); OVX with 17ß­estradiol (E2; 10 µg/kg/day); and OVX with CW (1 mg/kg/day). Oral administration of CW or E2 intraperitoneal injection began 9 weeks after OVX and continued for 3 weeks. Following sacrifice, bone histology, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the femur were observed. Serum osteocalcin concentration was analyzed. In addition, the expression levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osterix were evaluated in human osteoblast­like Saos­2 cells. In the lateral and medial epicondyles of the CW­administrated group, dense and well­formed bone marrow cells with reduced bone marrow pores were observed. CW decreased the number of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase­positive multinucleated osteoclasts. BMD and BMC were increased following increased serum osteocalcin levels by CW treatment. The expression levels of OPG and osterix were upregulated by CW treatment in vitro. The results suggested that C. wilfordii has an advantageous effect on osteoporosis and possesses the potential to be used in osteoporosis treatment.

Scutellaria baicalensis ameliorates the destruction of periodontal ligament via inhibition of inflammatory cytokine expression.

BACKGROUND: Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) is widely used as a medicinal plant to treat various inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SB on periodontitis in ligature-induced experimental rat model. METHODS: Rats were subjected to a ligature placement around the first molar of the mandible to induce periodontitis. 100 mg/kg SB extracts were orally administered for 14 days. The molar tissues were stained with 1% methylene blue. Histopathological changes of the periodontium were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of cytokines were measured in the gingival tissue. RESULTS: Alveolar bone resorption was statistically lower in the SB group compared to the ligatured group. SB inhibited the mineralization of cementum. In addition, SB reduced the production of IL-1ß, 6, -8 and TNF-α cytokine mRNA expression in gingival tissues. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SB showed ameliorative effects in the ligature-induced periodontitis by inhibition of inflammatory cytokine expression.

Angelica dahurica ameliorates the inflammation of gingival tissue via regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators in experimental model for periodontitis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Anti-inflammatory effects of Angelica dahurica (AD) have been reported in previous studies. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of AD on periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 7 weeks (n=7) were subjected to ligature around bilateral mandibular first molars. 1 and 100mg/mL of AD were topically applied to first molars for 14 days. Histological changes were observed in gingival epithelial layer, and the thickness of the gingival epithelial layer as well as the number of epithelial cells were quantified. To investigate the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in gingival tissues, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed. To confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of AD, pro-inflammatory mediators including cytokines and NF-kB, COX-2, and iNOS were analyzed in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. RESULTS: Topical application of AD attenuated not only the thickness of epithelial layer, also the number of epithelial cells in gingival tissue. The expressions of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ in gingiva were significantly reduced by AD treatment. Additionally, the expressions of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and IFN-γ mRNA were inhibited by AD in LPS-treated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Furthermore, AD treatment decreased LPS-induced elevation of NF-κB, COX-2 and iNOS protein levels in RAW264.7 cells. CONCLUSION: Taken together, AD application ameliorated the hyperplasia of gingival epithelial layer by down-regulating pro-inflammatory mediators. AD might have therapeutic potentials for periodontal diseases.

Cynanchum atratum inhibits the development of atopic dermatitis in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced mice.

Cynanchum atratum Bunge (Apocynaceae) is a folk medicine to treat skin inflammatory diseases. However, the effects of C. atratum on atopic dermatitis have not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of C. atratum (CA) and its molecular mechanism on atopic dermatitis (AD). 1 and 100mg/mL CA were topically applied to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions for 11 days. The number of scratching behavior was evaluated for 20min. AD-like symptoms including elevated serum IgE, skin hyperplasia and mast cell infiltration were investigated. The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators were analyzed in AD-like skin legions. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokine production was confirmed in human mast cells (HMC)-1 stimulated with PMA plus A23187 (PMACI). Topical application of CA attenuated total serum IgE level and scratching behavior. Skin hyperplasia including epidermis and dermis was ameliorated in CA-treated skin legions. The number of infiltrated mast cells was significantly decreased by CA treatment. In addition, CA reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α and Th2 cytokine, IL-4, in both of AD-like skin lesions and PMACI-sensitized HMC-1 cells. Furthermore, CA decreased the expressions of NF-κB, phospho-IκBα and MAP kinase. These results suggest the inhibitory effects of CA on the development of AD by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. CA could be an effective substance for the treatment of AD.