Is the occurrence of extra-articular calcaneal fractures of the joint depression type related to osteoporosis and aging?

PURPOSE: The authors experienced several cases of extra-articular calcaneal fracture accompanied by joint depression involving the entire posterior facet without joint involvement. This type of fracture and its characteristics and treatment outcomes have not been previously reported. The study was performed to analyze the characteristics of extra-articular calcaneal fractures of the joint depression type and their postoperative clinical and radiographic results and complications. METHODS: Between February 2013 and March 2021, 23 extra-articular calcaneal fractures of the joint depression type were consecutively treated by a single surgeon. Relationships between fracture characteristics and patient demographics were assessed. Clinical results were quantified using visual analog scale, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale, and Foot Function Index, radiographic results were evaluated using Böhler's angles, and calcaneal widths were determined using calcaneal axial and lateral radiographs obtained preoperatively and at last follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty (87%) of the 23 cases occurred in women, and the mean age of all patients was 65.8 years (43-90). The three men were older than 65. Five (21.7%) patients had osteopenia, and 12 (52.2%) had osteoporosis. Bone mineral density testing could not be performed in the other six patients. Clinical and radiographic results were significantly improved after surgery. CONCLUSION: Extra-articular calcaneal fractures of the joint depression type are much more common in women and occur at an older age than calcaneal fractures commonly occur. These fractures are also more common in patients with a low bone mineral density. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Comprehensive understanding of the mutant 'giant' Arthrospira platensis developed via ultraviolet mutagenesis.

Introduction: Cyanobacteria are typically of a size that can be observed under a microscope. Here, we present cyanobacteria of a size that can be observed with the naked eye. Arthrospira platensis NCB002 strain showed differentiated morphological characteristics compared to previously reported Arthrospira spp. Methods: Arthrospira platensis NCB002 was obtained by the UV irradiation of Arthrospira sp. NCB001, which was isolated from freshwater and owned by NCell Co., Ltd. A. platensis NIES-39 was obtained from the National Institute for Environmental Studies (Tsukuba, Japan). We used various analytical techniques to determine its overall characteristics. Results and discussion: The draft genome of strain NCB002 consists of five contigs comprising 6,864,973 bp with a G+C content of 44.3 mol%. The strain NCB002 had an average length of 11.69 ± 1.35 mm and a maximum of 15.15 mm, which is 23.4-50.5 times longer than the length (0.3-0.5 mm) of previously known Arthrospira spp., allowing it to be harvested using a thin sieve. Transcriptome analysis revealed that these morphological differences resulted from changes in cell wall formation mechanisms and increased cell division. Our results show that NCB002 has outstanding industrial value and provides a comprehensive understanding of it.

Study on Sustentaculum Tali Fragment Constancy in Intraarticular Calcaneus Fracture.

OBJECTIVES: To establish reproducible measurements of the sustentaculum tali (ST) fragment regarding fracture classification and patient-related factors. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Trauma center, University Hospital. PATIENTS: A retrospective analysis of the 142 fractured calcanei of 122 patients (101 men and 21 women) treated at our institution between 2012 and 2020 was performed. As control, 62 unaffected calcanei were used. INTERVENTION: Radiographic images were evaluated twice within 2 weeks by 2 orthopaedic surgeons and 1 postgraduate student. Angulation and diastasis were used to distinguish ST fragment constancy based on computed tomography. Using these parameters, the prevalence of inconstant ST fragments was assessed. We also analyzed factors related to ST fragment inconstancy. Patient factors included age, body mass index, smoking, and diabetes. Radiographic factors included the Sanders classification, location of the outermost fracture line of the posterior facet, presence of an intraarticular fracture of the ST, and ST fragment width. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Angulation and diastasis were used to confirm the ST fragment constancy. Potential risks for inconstant ST fragment subsequently defined. RESULTS: According to the criteria, ST fragment inconstancy was observed in 34.5%. ST fragment width was significantly smaller in the inconstant group ( P < 0.001). Severe comminution of the posterior facet ( P < 0.05), intraarticular fracture of the ST ( P < 0.001), and diabetes ( P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the inconstant group. The cut-off value of the ST fragment width was 20.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: In intraarticular calcaneus fractures, small ST fragment width, comminuted fracture, intraarticular fracture of the ST, and diabetes were associated with the inconstant group. The ST fragment was expected to be inconstant when the width was less than 20.5 mm.

Misdiagnosis of Pyoderma Gangrenosum Increases Medical Costs and Prolongs Hospital Stay: A Case Report.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, immunological ulcerative, and necrotic inflammatory skin disease that can be easily misdiagnosed as cellulitis, abscess, diabetic foot ulcer, and other infectious diseases. Misdiagnosing PG leads to unnecessary surgical incision and debridement, which further exacerbates the lesion, ultimately leading to longer treatment periods and higher medical costs. Therefore, early and accurate diagnosis of PG is extremely important for its treatment. In particular, PG should be suspected in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Clinical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Repair Using Ring Forceps for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture.

Mini-open techniques using special devices, introduced to preclude the complications of open and percutaneous techniques, have limited usefulness because of the need for the devices and the weak strength of the repair. We developed a mini-open technique using a ring forceps. This technique is easy to use and increases the strength of the repair with crossed sutures. Twenty-six consecutive patients were treated using a mini-open technique using a ring forceps for acute Achilles tendon rupture. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and Achilles tendon total rupture scores (ATRS) were evaluated at the last follow-up. The active range of motion of ankle joint and maximum calf circumference (MCC) were measured and compared with the uninjured side at the last follow-up, as well as hopping and single-limb heel-rise (SLHR) tests and isokinetic tests for ankle plantarflexion. AOFAS score and ATRS were 92.2 ± 9.4 and 89.9 ± 10.9, respectively, at the last follow-up. The MCC (p = .035) and maximum height of SLHR (p = .001) were significantly different between uninvolved and involved legs. No significant differences in mean peak torques for plantarflexion at angular speeds of 30°/s (60.9 ± 23.6 vs 50.8 ± 20.4 Nm/kg; p = .299) and 120°/s (31.6 ± 16 vs 29.6 ± 17.7 Nm/kg; p = .776) were observed between uninvolved and involved legs. The mini-open technique using a ring forceps for acute Achilles tendon rupture showed satisfactory clinical outcomes and favorable functional outcomes without complications.

Production of Algal Biomass and High-Value Compounds Mediated by Interaction of Microalgal Oocystis sp. KNUA044 and Bacterium Sphingomonas KNU100.

There is growing interest in the production of microalgae-based, high-value by-products as an emerging green biotechnology. However, a cultivation platform for Oocystis sp. has yet to be established. We therefore examined the effects of bacterial culture additions on the growth and production of valuable compounds of the microalgal strain Oocystis sp. KNUA044, isolated from a locally adapted region in Korea. The strain grew only in the presence of a clear supernatant of Sphingomonas sp. KNU100 culture solution and generated 28.57 mg/l/d of biomass productivity. Protein content (43.9 wt%) was approximately two-fold higher than carbohydrate content (29.4 wt%) and lipid content (13.9 wt%). Oocystis sp. KNUA044 produced the monosaccharide fucose (33 µg/mg and 0.94 mg/l/d), reported here for the first time. Fatty acid profiling showed high accumulation (over 60%) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) compared to saturated (29.4%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (9.9%) under the same culture conditions. Of these PUFAs, the algal strain produced the highest concentration of linolenic acid (C18:3 ω3; 40.2%) in the omega-3 family and generated eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 ω3; 6.0%), also known as EPA. Based on these results, we suggest that the application of Sphingomonas sp. KNU100 for strain-dependent cultivation of Oocystis sp. KNUA044 holds future promise as a bioprocess capable of increasing algal biomass and high-value bioactive by-products, including fucose and PUFAs such as linolenic acid and EPA.

Assessment of biomass potentials of microalgal communities in open pond raceways using mass cultivation.

Metagenome studies have provided us with insights into the complex interactions of microorganisms with their environments and hosts. Few studies have focused on microalgae-associated metagenomes, and no study has addressed aquatic microalgae and their bacterial communities in open pond raceways (OPRs). This study explored the possibility of using microalgal biomasses from OPRs for biodiesel and biofertilizer production. The fatty acid profiles of the biomasses and the physical and chemical properties of derived fuels were evaluated. In addition, the phenotype-based environmental adaptation ability of soybean plants was assessed. The growth rate, biomass, and lipid productivity of microalgae were also examined during mass cultivation from April to November 2017. Metagenomics analysis using MiSeq identified ∼127 eukaryotic phylotypes following mass cultivation with (OPR 1) or without (OPR 3) a semitransparent film. Of these, ∼80 phylotypes were found in both OPRs, while 23 and 24 phylotypes were identified in OPRs 1 and 3, respectively. The phylotypes belonged to various genera, such as Desmodesmus, Pseudopediastrum, Tetradesmus, and Chlorella, of which, the dominant microalgal species was Desmodesmus sp. On average, OPRs 1 and 3 produced ∼8.6 and 9.9 g m-2 d-1 (0.307 and 0.309 DW L-1) of total biomass, respectively, of which 14.0 and 13.3 wt% respectively, was lipid content. Fatty acid profiling revealed that total saturated fatty acids (mainly C16:0) of biodiesel obtained from the microalgal biomasses in OPRs 1 and 3 were 34.93% and 32.85%, respectively; total monounsaturated fatty acids (C16:1 and C18:1) were 32.40% and 31.64%, respectively; and polyunsaturated fatty acids (including C18:3) were 32.68% and 35.50%, respectively. Fuel properties determined by empirical equations were within the limits of biodiesel standards ASTM D6751 and EN 14214. Culture solutions with or without microalgal biomasses enhanced the environmental adaptation ability of soybean plants, increasing their seed production. Therefore, microalgal biomass produced through mass cultivation is excellent feedstock for producing high-quality biodiesel and biofertilizer.

Treatment of Modified Mason Type III or IV Radial Head Fracture: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation versus Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of modified Mason Type III or IV fractures is controversial. Many authors report open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with reconstruction of the radial head, but others advocate radial head arthroplasty (RHA). This study compares the clinical and radiological outcomes of ORIF and RHA in modified Mason Type III or IV radial head fracture and evaluates correlations between prognostic factors and postoperative clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 42 patients with modified Mason Type III or IV radial head fractures who were surgically treated between January 2010 and January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed (20 patients with RHA and 22 patients with ORIF group were selected). Clinically, the patient rated elbow evaluation (PREE), the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH), and the range of motion (ROM) were measured. Radiologically, plain radiographs and computed tomography scans were taken. RESULTS: The mean PREE scores were 13.9 for the RHA group and 13.0 for the ORIF group, and mean DASH scores were 9.5 and 10.7, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant. When comparing ROM, the patients in the RHA group showed greater movement at all measured angles. In multiple regression analysis, age was the only variable significantly associated with both PREE and DASH. CONCLUSION: Overall, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes of modified Mason Type III or IV radial head fractures treated with ORIF or RHA. However, a subgroup of younger patients had better clinical outcomes with ORIF treatment. Therefore, ORIF should be the First line of treatment, particularly if the reduction is possible.

Diagnostic Tools for Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: GNRB, Lachman Test, and Telos.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of the GNRB arthrometer (Genourob), Lachman test, and Telos device (GmbH) in acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and to evaluate the accuracy of each diagnostic tool according to the length of time from injury to examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2015 to September 2016, 40 cases of complete ACL rupture were reviewed. We divided the time from injury to examination into three periods of 10 days each and analyzed the diagnostic tools according to the time frame. RESULTS: An analysis of the area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver operating characteristic curve showed that all diagnostic tools were fairly informative. The GNRB showed a higher AUC than other diagnostic tools. In 10 cases assessed within 10 days after injury, the GNRB showed statistically significant side-to-side difference in laxity (p＜0.001), whereas the Telos test and Lachman test did not show significantly different laxity (p=0.541 and p=0.413, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: All diagnostic values of the GNRB were better than other diagnostic tools in acute ACL injuries. The GNRB was more effective in acute ACL injuries examined within 10 days of injury. The GNRB arthrometer can be a useful diagnostic tool for acute ACL injuries.

High Tibial Osteotomy versus Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty for Medial Compartment Arthrosis with Kissing Lesions in Relatively Young Patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicompartmental arthroplasty (UKA) in advanced medial compartment arthritis accompanied by kissing lesions in relatively young patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients were divided into the HTO (n=23) and UKA (n=22) groups. Clinically, we evaluated the Lysholm knee scoring scale, visual analogue scale, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index scores preoperatively, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. Radiographically, we measured the femoral-tibial angle and mechanical axis deviation preoperatively and at the final follow-up. RESULTS: All clinical outcomes gradually improved in both groups from the postoperative period to the final follow-up. At the final follow-up, all clinical outcomes were slightly better in the UKA group than in the HTO group; however, differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: HTO is comparable to UKA in terms of clinical outcomes. Thus, the results of this study suggest that HTO might be a good alternative treatment to UKA for medial unicompartmental arthritis accompanied by kissing lesions in relatively young patients.

Arthroscopic Excision of Delayed Diagnosed Intra-articular Osteoid Osteoma of the Elbow: A Case Report.

An intra-articular osteoid osteoma is a very rare cause of elbow pain, and its diagnosis and treatment remain challenging. Delayed diagnosis may lead to arthritic change of the joint. In this study, the authors present the occurrence of intra-articular osteoid osteoma in the right elbow of a 15-year-old male patient who presented with prolonged pain and limited motion owing to delayed diagnosis. After confirming the nidus of osteoid osteoma from radiographic evaluation, the lesion was completely removed arthroscopically. The patient presented a complete relief of symptoms and full range of motion. This is the first domestic report of successful arthroscopic treatment of an intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the elbow.

Inhibition of reactive oxygen species downregulates the MAPK pathway in rat spinal cord after limb ischemia reperfusion injury.

INTRODUCTION: We examined the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, in rats pinal cord after hind limb ischemia reperfusion (IR) and analyzed the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as mediators of MAPK signaling under these conditions. METHODS: In experiment 1, hind limb IR rats were treated intraperitoneally with one of following agents at 30 min before reperfusion: allopurinol (4, 40 mg/kg), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 4000 U/kg), N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 10 mg/kg), or SOD (4000 U/kg) + l-NAME (10 mg/kg). In experiment 2, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis (N-methyl-4'-pyridyl) porphyrinato iron (III) (FeTMPyP) was administered intraperitoneally (1, 3, or 10 mg/kg) 30 min before reperfusion. After 3 d reperfusion period, the spinal cord (L4-6) was harvested to investigate MAPK signaling activity. RESULTS: In experiment 1, p-ERK and p-JNK levels were significantly higher in the IR group than sham group. Administration of allopurinol, SOD, l-NAME, or SOD + l-NAME significantly reduced the IR-induced increase in p-ERK and p-JNK levels. There were no significant differences in p-p38 levels. In experiment 2, FeTMPyP significantly reduced the IR-induced increase in p-ERK and p-JNK levels in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of ERK and JNK in the spinal cord was induced by hind limb IR and was not accompanied by p38 activation. IR-induced MAPK phosphorylation was reduced by inhibition of superoxide, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite, indicating that ROS produced by hind limb IR mediate the activation of these signaling pathways in the spinal cord, potentially affecting distant organs.

Biomarkers of eosinophil involvement in allergic and eosinophilic diseases: review of phenotypic and serum markers including a novel assay to quantify levels of soluble Siglec-8.

There remains considerable controversy in the management of eosinophilic disorders, mainly due to a paucity of information regarding the clinical interpretation of total blood eosinophil counts versus surface activation markers versus eosinophil-derived or eosinophil-influencing mediator levels. Regrettably, few tests have been validated that define a unique clinical or prognostic phenotype that is more useful than simply monitoring total blood eosinophil counts. In this manuscript, phenotypic (cell surface) markers, along with serum and tissue-based markers that have been examined in the context of disease activity, are reviewed. We also report the development of a novel assay for detecting soluble Siglec-8 (sSiglec-8), a protein likely derived largely from eosinophils, as a potential serum biomarker. The assay consists of a competitive ELISA using a recombinant Siglec-8-Fc fusion protein. The goal of this preliminary study was to determine if sSiglec-8 is a useful biomarker that differentiates among patients with various eosinophil-associated diseases. In the final analysis, it is fair to say that further research is sorely needed to fully understand and validate the utility of various biomarkers, including sSiglec-8, before their use in clinical practice can be recommended with confidence.

IL-33 enhances Siglec-8 mediated apoptosis of human eosinophils.

IL-33 activates eosinophils directly via the ST2 receptor. Like IL-5, IL-33 induces eosinophilia and eosinophilic airway inflammation in mouse models and primes human eosinophil responses. Previously, we reported that IL-5 priming enhances Siglec-8 mediated mitochondrial and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent eosinophilic apoptosis and eliminates caspase dependence of this cell death process. Whether IL-33, like IL-5, augments pro-apoptotic pathways involving receptors such as Siglec-8 and in a similar manner has not been explored. Annexin-V labeling was performed to detect apoptosis in human eosinophils pre-incubated with or without a range of concentrations of IL-33 and/or IL-5 in the presence or absence of Siglec-8 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2C4 and inhibitors of caspases. Tetramethyl-rhodamine staining was used as a marker of mitochondrial membrane potential loss and injury. ROS production was determined by measuring the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of cytochrome c. Cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was assessed using Western blotting. Eosinophils cultured alone or with mAb 2C4 underwent low levels of apoptosis at 24h. 2C4-induced eosinophil apoptosis was markedly and equally enhanced after culture for 24h with either IL-33 or IL-5, although IL-5 was more potent. Effects on apoptosis with IL-33 and IL-5 were synergistic. In contrast, percentages of cells exhibiting reduced mitochondrial membrane potential were greater with IL-33 than IL-5 and effects of these cytokines were also synergistic. Antimycin, an inhibitor of mitochondrial electron transport, almost completely inhibited 2C4-induced apoptosis with either IL-33 or IL-5. Surprisingly, 2C4-induced eosinophil ROS production was significantly enhanced with IL-5 but not IL-33. Siglec-8-mediated apoptosis in the presence of IL-33 was more sensitive in magnitude than IL-5 to inhibition by the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, yet both cytokine conditions were associated with PARP cleavage. These data demonstrate that IL-33 is as effective but less potent than IL-5 in enhancing Siglec-8-mediated eosinophil apoptosis, and can synergize with IL-5. Eosinophils primed by IL-33 and/or IL-5 in vivo would be expected to display enhanced susceptibility to undergoing Siglec-8-induced apoptosis.

Characterization of expression of glycan ligands for Siglec-F in normal mouse lungs.

Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec)-F, an inhibitory receptor on mouse eosinophils, preferentially recognizes the glycan ligand 6'-sulfated sialyl Lewis X, but little is known about the requirements for its lung expression. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect and localize the sulfotransferase keratin sulfate galactose 6-O sulfotransferase (KSGal6ST, also known as carbohydrate sulfotransferase 1; gene name, Chst1) that is putatively required for 6'-sulfated Sialyl Lewis X synthesis. RT-PCR detected the greatest constitutive expression of Chst1 in lung, liver, and spleen tissue. Immunohistochemistry localized the expression of KSGal6ST in lung tissue primarily to airway epithelium. Siglec-F-Ig fusion protein selectively bound in a similar pattern, and was unaffected in lung tissue treated with methanol or deficient in Type 2 α2,3 sialyltransferase (St3gal2), but was eliminated by proteinase K or sialidase, and was absent in tissue deficient in the Type 3 α2,3 sialyltransferase (St3gal3). Binding of the Siglec-F-Ig fusion protein was similar in pattern to, and completely blocked by, a plant lectin recognizing α2,3-linked sialic acid. Thus, α2,3-linked sialic acid-containing glycoprotein Siglec-F ligands and the enzymes required for their synthesis are constitutively expressed in murine lungs, especially by airway epithelium. St3gal3, but not St3gal2, is required for constitutive Siglec-F ligand synthesis. The survival of eosinophils entering the lung may be shortened by encountering these Siglec-F sialoside ligands.

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase as a regulator of the retinoic acid signalling in melanocytes.

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) catalyses the formation of prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) and also functions as a transporter for lipophilic ligands, including all-trans retinoic acid (RA). Here, we show that human epidermal melanocytes produce and secrete L-PGDS and PGD(2) in culture medium, whereas L-PGDS is not expressed in human melanoma cell lines, HMV-II, SK-MEL-28, 624 mel and G361. Treatment with RA (1 or 10 microM) for 4 days decreased the proliferation of melanocytes (30% decrease), but not melanoma cells. We therefore isolated L-PGDS-expressing cell lines from 624 mel cells. Treatment with RA decreased the proliferation of L-PGDS-expressing cells by 20%, but not mock-transfected cell lines lacking L-PGDS expression. RA induced expression of a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(Cip1) in L-PGDS-expressing cells, but not mock-transfected cells. Moreover, RA increased the transient expression of a reporter gene carrying the RA-responsive elements in L-PGDS-expressing cell lines (at least 5-fold activation), compared to the 2-fold activation in mock-transfected cell lines, suggesting that L-PGDS may increase the sensitivity to RA. Lastly, the knockdown of L-PGDS expression by RNA interference was associated with the restoration of the RA-mediated decrease in proliferation of human and mouse melanocytes. In conclusion, L-PGDS may fine-tune the RA signalling in melanocytes.

Libanoridin inhibits the mast cell-mediated allergic inflammatory reaction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Corydalis heterocarpa is a biennial herb in South Korea, with spikes of yellow flowers. It has been used for as a folk medicine to cure travail and spasm. However, studies on this herb and its secondary metabolites have rarely been reported. In the present study, we isolated secondary metabolite libanlibanoridin from Corydalis heterocarpa. We have also examined the effect of libanoridin on the inflammatory cytokines production in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore, A2318 stimulated human mast cell line, HMC-1. PMA plus A23187 significantly increased interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production compared to media control (P < 0.05). RESULTS: We report that treatment with libanlibanoridin can inhibit PMA plus A23187-induced IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha production in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 of 0.002, 1.38, 1.48, and 0.36 mug/ml, respectively. Maximal inhibition rates of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha production by libanlibanoridin were about 117.5%, 86.22%, 86.41%, and 90.74%, respectively. libanoridin inhibits the mRNA expression of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha. libanoridin also inhibits the expression of cyclooxygenase-2. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that libanlibanoridin may be helpful in regulating mast cell-mediated allergic inflammatory response.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Columbianetin on activated human mast cells.

In the present study, we extracted Corydalis heterocarpa with various solvents in order to find the bioactive constituents that demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. We isolated the active compound, Columbianetin. Anti-inflammatory effect of Columbianetin has been reported but the precise effects of Columbianetin in experimental models have remained unknown. In the present study, we investigate the effect of Columbianetin on the production of histamine, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by using the human mast cell line (HMC-1). Various concentrations of Columbianetin were treated before the activation of HMC-1 cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore, A23187. PMA plus A23187 significantly increased IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha production compared with media control (p<0.05). We also show that the increased cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha level was significantly inhibited by Columbianetin in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). Maximal inhibition rates of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha production by Columbianetin were about 102.6%, 101.1%, 95.8%, and 103.9%, respectively. Columbianetin inhibited expression of COX-2. In addition, the effect of Columbianetin was investigated on the histamine release from HMC-1 stimulated by substance P, which promotes histamine release. Columbianetin also inhibited the histamine release by substance P. In conclusion, these results indicate that Columbianetin may be helpful in regulating mast cell-mediated allergic inflammatory responses.

Scrophularia buergeriana regulates cytokine production in vitro.

The Scrophularia buergeriana (SB) has long been used to treat various diseases an account of its antimicrobial and anti-virus activity. However, it is unclear how SB regulates the immune responses. This study investigated the effect of SB on the production of cytokines in a human T-cell line, MOLT-4 cells, and mouse peritoneal macrophages. The MOLT-4 cells were cultured for 24 h in the presence or absence of SB plus concanavalin (con) A. SB plus con A significantly increased the level of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma production compared with that of con A alone (approximately 1.79-fold for IL-2, 2-fold for IL-4, and 1.85-fold for IFN-gamma, p < 0.05). SB plus recombinant IFN-gamma (rIFN-gamma) increased the level of IL-12 and NO production compared with rIFN-gamma alone. In addition, SB plus rIFN-gamma increased the level the iNOS expression on mouse peritoneal macrophages. Overall, SB may have an immune-enhancement effect through cytokine production.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Schizonepeta tenuifolia through the inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Schizonepeta tenuifolia (ST) is a well-known herb to treat the cold and its associated headache. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ST in mouse peritoneal macrophages is not clear. In this study, we demonstrated that ST inhibited lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 production. The maximal inhibition rate of TNF-alpha and IL-6 production by ST (2 mg/ml) was 48.01 +/- 2.8% and 56.45 +/- 2.8%, respectively. During the inflammatory process, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were increased in mouse peritoneal macrophages. However, treated with ST decreased the protein level of COX-2 and iNOS, as well as the production of PGE(2) and NO in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. In addition, ST inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK. Taken together, the results of this study suggest an important molecular mechanism by which ST reduces inflammation, which may explain its beneficial effect in the regulation of inflammatory reactions.