Triterpenoid saponins from Camellia sinensis roots with cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects.

Camellia sinensis L. (Theaceae) leaves have been used as a beverage in both Eastern and Western cultures for a long time, while its root has not been intensively studied. In this study, seven undescribed triterpenoid saponins (1-7) and twelve known saponins (8-19) with different combinations of substituents, such as oxygenated isoprenyl substituents and sugar moieties, and lengths of sugar chains, were isolated from the C. sinensis roots. Their structures were unequivocally determined using one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance data and acid hydrolysis analysis. Investigation of the biological activities of isolated compounds revealed that only those without functional acetyl groups exhibited cytotoxic activities against mouse and human cancer cells (B16F10) and human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) at 50 µM. Compounds with an aldehyde group at C-23 of aglycone showed immunomodulatory activity against Th1 and Th17 cells at 10 µM. Ten compounds with biological activities from C. sinensis roots extracts, including three previously undescribed ones (3, 6, and 7), were identified.

Association between knowledge and attitude about aging and life satisfaction among older koreans.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure knowledge and attitude about aging and life satisfaction among older Korean adults and to examine the influence of attitude and knowledge about aging on these adults' life satisfaction. METHODS: A cross-sectional and correlational design was used. A total of 405 older adults were surveyed using a written questionnaire at six elderly welfare centers in a metropolitan city in South Korea in mid April 2011. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple regression. RESULTS: The score of knowledge on aging was below the medium level. Attitude about aging was neutral, and life satisfaction was at the medium level. Variables such as female sex, age, economic status, monthly allowance, living with a spouse, self-rated overall health, knowledge and attitude about aging accounted for 33.8% of the total variance in predicting life satisfaction of the older adults. Older age and lower economic status reduced life satisfaction. Being female, having a monthly income of 300,000 Korea Republic Won or more, living with a spouse, and better knowledge and attitude about aging were associated with enhanced life satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The effect of knowledge and attitude about aging on life satisfaction is significant. Economic status, living with a spouse and self-rated overall health status are also predictive factors in life satisfaction. Consequently, nursing interventions for education and psychological support to increase knowledge about aging and induce a positive attitude towards it should be developed to improve older adults' life satisfaction.

In vitro study of osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells on heat-treated porcine trabecular bone blocks.

This in vitro study investigated the potential of the heat-treated porcine trabecular bone block as a bone substitute for the treatment of bone defects or related diseases. Chemical, mechanical, and morphological studies of bone blocks were performed. The resultant properties were compared with the properties of currently available commercial products from bovine trabecular bones. The major component of the bone block was hydroxyapatite, and the ratio of Ca/P was 1.65-1.66. The average values of the compressive Young's modulus and the ultimate strength were 346.33 +/- 83.15 and 6.66 +/- 1.62 MPa, respectively. The pore size of the heat-treated bone blocks was approximately 300-500 microm. For the biological investigations, expanded bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were isolated from the femurs of New Zealand White rabbits and were dynamically seeded into the heat-treated porcine bone block (10x10x5 mm3). Before the cells were seeded, the heat-treated porcine bone blocks were divided into two groups: collagen coated blocks (n=16) and uncoated blocks (n=16). Within each group, the blocks were again divided into two groups, depending on the culture method, i.e., static or rotating culture. Cells were cultured in the blocks for up to 6 weeks. Scanning electron microscopic examination after 4 weeks showed that the cell layers attached to the porcine bone block. Proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were analyzed by cell counting, an MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase activity, and total protein content. The deposition of extracellular substances and osteoid formation surrounded by osteoblast-like cuboidal cells were confirmed through histochemical staining and transmission electron microscopy. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that heat-treated porcine trabecular bone has great potential as a bone substitute and may even be superior to currently available commercial products.