Biological and prognostic significance of NDRG2 downregulation in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Downregulation of N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), a tumor suppressor gene, has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in various cancers. However, the prognostic significance of NDRG2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of NDRG2 downregulation in OSCC and to elucidate the mechanism by which NDRG2 is downregulated and the biological role of NDRG2 in tumor progression. METHODS: Immunohistochemical and in silico analyses of NDRG2 expression were performed, and the correlation between NDRG2 expression and clinicopathological data was analyzed. The effect of NDRG2 knockdown on the biological behavior of OSCC cells was investigated and the effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) on NDRG2 expression was determined. RESULTS: NDRG2 expression was significantly downregulated and DNA hypermethylation of NDRG2 was frequently found in head and neck SCC, including OSCC. Low NDRG2 expression was significantly correlated with adverse clinicopathological features and worse survival in OSCC. NDRG2 knockdown could enhance the oncogenic properties of OSCC cells. NDRG2 mRNA levels in OSCC cells could be restored by 5-aza-dC. CONCLUSION: Downregulation of NDRG2 promotes tumor progression and predicts poor prognosis in OSCC. Therefore, restoration of NDRG2 expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy in OSCC.

Psychopathologic structure of bipolar disorders: exploring dimensional phenotypes, their relationships, and their associations with bipolar I and II disorders.

BACKGROUND: Given its diverse disease courses and symptom presentations, multiple phenotype dimensions with different biological underpinnings are expected with bipolar disorders (BPs). In this study, we aimed to identify lifetime BP psychopathology dimensions. We also explored the differing associations with bipolar I (BP-I) and bipolar II (BP-II) disorders. METHODS: We included a total of 307 subjects with BPs in the analysis. For the factor analysis, we chose six variables related to clinical courses, 29 indicators covering lifetime symptoms of mood episodes, and 6 specific comorbid conditions. To determine the relationships among the identified phenotypic dimensions and their effects on differentiating BP subtypes, we applied structural equation modeling. RESULTS: We selected a six-factor solution through scree plot, Velicer's minimum average partial test, and face validity evaluations; the six factors were cyclicity, depression, atypical vegetative symptoms, elation, psychotic/irritable mania, and comorbidity. In the path analysis, five factors excluding atypical vegetative symptoms were associated with one another. Cyclicity, depression, and comorbidity had positive associations, and they correlated negatively with psychotic/irritable mania; elation showed positive correlations with cyclicity and psychotic/irritable mania. Depression, cyclicity, and comorbidity were stronger in BP-II than in BP-I, and they contributed significantly to the distinction between the two disorders. CONCLUSIONS: We identified six phenotype dimensions; in addition to symptom features of manic and depressive episodes, various comorbidities and high cyclicity constructed separate dimensions. Except for atypical vegetative symptoms, all factors showed a complex interdependency and played roles in discriminating BP-II from BP-I.

Comparison of the effects of human dental pulp stem cells and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on ischemic human astrocytes in vitro.

This study assesses the cytoprotective effects of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and conditioned medium from hDPSCs (CM-hDPSCs) on ischemic human astrocytes (hAs) in vitro compared with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Ischemia of hAs was induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). CM-hDPSCs and hMSCs were collected after 48 hr of culture. Cell death was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthialzol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and cellular ATP assays. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and musashi-1 as markers of reactive astrogliosis was examined with immunochemical staining. mRNA expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by RT-PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. OGD increased cytotoxicity in a time-dependent manner and decreased cellular ATP content concomitantly in hAs. Pretreatment and posttreatment with hDPSCs were associated with greater recovery from OGD-induced cytotoxicity in hAs compared with hMSCs. Similarly, CM-hDPSCs had a greater effect on OGD-induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Pre- and posttreatment with CM-hDPSCs or CM-hMSCs attenuated OGD-induced GFAP, nestin, and musashi-1 expression in hAs. Furthermore, treatment of cells with CM-hDPSCs and hMSCs blocked OGD-induced ROS production and interleukin-1ß upregulation. This study demonstrates for the first time that hDPSCs and CM-hDPSCs confer superior cytoprotection against cell death in an in vitro OGD model compared with hMSCs as shown by cell viability assay. Reactive gliosis, ROS production, and inflammatory mediators might contribute to this protective effect. Therefore, hDPSCs could represent an alternative source of cell therapy for ischemic stroke.

CD33-Targeted Lipid Nanoparticles (aCD33LNs) for Therapeutic Delivery of GTI-2040 to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

CD33-targeted lipid nanoparticles (aCD33LNs) were synthesized for delivery of GTI-2040, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against the R2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). These LNs incorporated a deoxycholate-polyethylenimine (DOC-PEI) conjugate, which has shown significant activity to facilitate oligonucleotide delivery. Anti-CD33 scFv (aCD33) was added as a targeting ligand. The delivery efficiency of this system was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. When cells were treated with aCD33LN/GTI-2040, significant uptake was observed in CD33 positive Kasumi-1 cells. aCD33LNs loaded with GTI-2040 induced significant down-regulation of R2 mRNA and protein levels in AML cells. Moreover, aCD33LN/GTI-2040 showed a 15-fold reduction in the IC50 of antileukemic drug Ara-C in Kasumi-1 cells. In Kasumi-1 xenograft model, aCD33LN/GTI-2040 showed significant R2 downregulation compared to LN/GTI-2040. Furthermore, aCD33LN/GTI-2040 coadministered with Ara-C was shown to be highly effective in tumor growth inhibition and to greatly increase survival time of mice bearing Kasumi-1 xenograft tumors. The conjugate DOC-PEI has shown an ability to include calcein release from lipid nanoparticles, suggesting a potential mechanism contributing to efficient endosome release by DOC-PEI2K. These results indicate that aCD33LNs are a highly effective vehicle for the therapeutic delivery of antisense agents to AML.

Melatonin promotes hepatic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells: clinical implications for the prevention of liver fibrosis.

Melatonin's effect on hepatic differentiation of stem cells remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the action of melatonin on hepatic differentiation as well as its related signaling pathways of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and to examine the therapeutic effects of a combination of melatonin and hDPSC transplantation on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced liver fibrosis in mice. In vitro hepatic differentiation was assessed by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and mRNA expression for hepatocyte markers. Liver fibrosis model was established by injecting 0.5 mL/kg CCl4 followed by treatment with melatonin (5 mg/kg, twice a week) and hDPSCs. In vivo therapeutic effects were evaluated by histopathology and by means of liver function tests including measurement of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and ammonia levels. Melatonin promoted hepatic differentiation based on mRNA expression of differentiation markers and PAS-stained glycogen-laden cells. In addition, melatonin increased bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-2 expression and Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation, which was blocked by the BMP antagonist noggin. Furthermore, melatonin activated p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in hDPSCs. Melatonin-induced hepatic differentiation was attenuated by inhibitors of BMP, p38, ERK, and NF-κB. Compared to treatment of CCl4 -injured mice with either melatonin or hDPSC transplantation alone, the combination of melatonin and hDPSC significantly suppressed liver fibrosis and restored ALT, AST, and ammonia levels. For the first time, this study demonstrates that melatonin promotes hepatic differentiation of hDPSCs by modulating the BMP, p38, ERK, and NF-κB pathway. Combined treatment of grafted hDPSCs and melatonin could be a viable approach for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.

The role of p300 in the tumor progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: EP300 gene encoding p300 is a candidate tumor suppressor gene. This study investigated p300 expression and gene alteration in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) specimens to assess its role in OSCC development. METHODS: Genomic DNA extracted from 13 human OSCC cell lines and 40 OSCC patient specimens was subjected to methylation-specific PCR and exon sequencing. Immunohistochemical staining with primary antibodies against p300 and p53 was performed in 48 patients with OSCC. We analyzed the association between the data and clinicopathological factors of OSCC patients. RESULTS: Methylation-specific PCR revealed that the EP300 promoter region was not hypermethylated in OSCC. Only one cell line demonstrated a point mutation at exon 31. On immunohistochemical examination, patients with metastatic lymph nodes (P = 0.009) and advanced clinical stage (P = 0.046) tended to show increased expression of p300. There was no statistically significant relationship between p300 expression and p53 accumulation in OSCC tissue samples. Patient survival was not correlated with p300 expression. CONCLUSIONS: EP300 is not a tumor suppressor gene because there was neither epigenetic inactivation of the gene nor a mutation resulting in functional impairment. Based on p300 overexpression and its association with clinical factors in patients with OSCC, it is likely that p300 itself or one of its target genes plays a key role in the aggressive phenotypes of OSCC.

Lifetime experiences of hypomanic symptoms are associated with delayed and irregular sleep-wake cycle and seasonality in non-clinical adult samples.

OBJECTIVES: Disturbances of the sleep-wake cycle and seasonality have been reported in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Considering that BD seems to be a spectrum condition in terms of clinical and biological characteristics, circadian and seasonal rhythm related to BD could be detected in non-clinical individuals with subthreshold bipolarity. The aim of this study was to screen past hypomanic symptoms in non-clinical samples and investigate their association with deviated sleep-wake cycle and seasonality. METHODS: Lifetime history of hypomanic symptoms was assessed with the Hypomania Checklist-32 (HCL-32). Circadian preference, variability of sleep-wake time and seasonal changes in mood and behavior were evaluated on a lifetime-basis in non-clinical adult samples (n=313), using the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM), the Sleep Timing Questionnaire (STQ), and the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ). RESULTS: Two subdomains of hypomanic symptoms were identified through factor analysis of HCL-32, i.e., "active/elated" factor and "irritable/risk-taking" factor. The HCL-32 total score (p<0.001) and the "active/elated" factor score (p=0.028) were weakly correlated only with seasonality, whereas the "irritable/risk-taking" factor score was associated not only with seasonality (p<0.001), but also with evening preference (p<0.001) and irregularity of sleep-wake times (p=0.001~0.011). CONCLUSION: Circadian and seasonal characteristics related to BD are also associated with a past history of hypomanic symptoms in non-clinical samples, especially "irritable/risk-taking" symptoms, suggesting the existence of subclinical presentation of BD and their biological traits.

Helicobacter pylori γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-induced Ca(2+) release via PLC-IP3 receptors in AGS cells.

In our previous study, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) isolated from Helicobacter pylori induced apoptosis of AGS cells. Here, we investigate Ca(2+) effects on GGT-induced apoptosis. The GGT transiently and significantly increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in AGS cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The GGT-induced Ca(2+) increase resulted from Ca(2+) influx and release through the phospholipase C - inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (PLC-IP3) pathway. The GGT-induced apoptosis was significantly reduced by treatment with U73122 (a PLC inhibitor) and xestospongin (an IP3 receptor antagonist) (P < 0.05). These results indicate that GGT could induce apoptosis of AGS cells by high levels of [Ca(2+)]i.

Association between Genetic Polymorphism of GSTP1 and Toxicities in Patients Receiving Platinum-Based Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Platinum-based chemotherapy regimens have been proven to be effective in various cancers; however, considerable toxicities may develop and can even lead to treatment discontinuation. Diverse factors may influence adverse treatment events, with pharmacogenetic variations being one prime example. Polymorphisms within the glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) gene may especially alter enzyme activity and, consequently, various toxicities in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. Due to a lack of consistency in the degree of elevated complication risk, we performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine the level of platinum-associated toxicity in patients with the GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism. We conducted a systematic search for eligible studies published before January 2022 from PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the association between the rs1695 polymorphism and various toxicities. Ten eligible studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled ORs for hematological toxicity and neutropenia in the patients with the variant (G) allele were 1.7- and 2.6-times higher than those with the AA genotype (95% CI 1.06-2.73 and 1.07-6.35), respectively. In contrast, the rs1695 polymorphism resulted in a 44% reduced gastrointestinal toxicity compared to wild-type homozygotes. Our study found that the GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism was significantly correlated with platinum-induced toxicities. The study also revealed that rs1695 expression exhibited tissue-specific patterns and thus yielded opposite effects in different tissues. A personalized chemotherapy treatment based on these polymorphisms may be considered for cancer patients in the future.

Elevated Risk of Fluoropyrimidine-Associated Toxicity in European Patients with DPYD Genetic Polymorphism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Fluoropyrimidine is widely used owing to its clinical efficacy, however, patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency can experience fluoropyrimidine-associated toxicity. The dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) gene encodes DPD, and studies suggest that DPYD polymorphisms can result in DPD deficiency. Since there is not a complete consistency of how much the risk of complication is elevated, we aimed to conduct a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis to provide the risk of fluoropyrimidine-associated toxicity in patients with DPYD rs1801160 polymorphism. Methods: We searched for qualifying studies published before October 2021 from PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the association between rs1801160 polymorphism and toxicities. A sensitivity analysis using the leave-one-out method was performed on the overall toxicity. Results: The pooled OR for overall toxicity in the patients with A allele was elevated 1.73 times higher than those with the GG genotype (95% CI 1.44-2.07). Sensitivity analysis yielded similar results, showing the robustness of the result. Subjects with variants showed a 2.37-fold increased hematological toxicity (95% CI 1.48-3.81); especially a 1.87-fold increased neutropenia compared to patients with wildtype (95% CI 1.49-2.34). Patients with A allele revealed 1.22 times higher gastrointestinal toxicity compared to those with GG genotype (95% CI 0.93-1.61), and among gastrointestinal toxicity, the risk of diarrhea was elevated 1.43 times higher in those with variants than patients with wildtype (95% CI 1.12-1.83). Conclusions: rs1801160 polymorphism is associated with elevated fluoropyrimidine-associated toxicity. Therefore, rs1801160 can be a potential candidate for DPD deficiency screening prior to fluoropyrimidine-based regimen.

Liposomes containing (-)-gossypol-enriched cottonseed oil suppress Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression in breast cancer cells.

PURPOSE: We have demonstrated that (-)-gossypol-enriched cottonseed oil [(-)-GPCSO] can down-regulate Bcl-2 expression in MCF-7 and primary cultured human breast cancer epithelial cells (PCHBCECs). However, this agent has not been evaluated in vivo due to its limited solubility. We aimed to develop liposomes containing (-)-GPCSO to suppress Bcl-2/Bcl-xL expression. METHODS: (-)-GPCSO liposomes were prepared and evaluated for effects on breast cancer cell viability, MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor growth, cellular Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL mRNA levels, and chemosensitivity to paclitaxel. RESULTS: (-)-GPCSO liposomes prepared had excellent stability. Cytotoxicity of (-)-GPCSO liposomes was significantly reduced compared to (-)-GPCSO in culture medium. Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL mRNA expression was down-regulated by (-)-GPCSO in culture medium or (-)-GPCSO liposomes in MDA-MB-231 cells. In PCHBCECs, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression were down-regulated by (-)-GPCSO liposomes. (-)-GPCSO in culture medium induced only a mild reduction in Bcl-xL. In the MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor model, (-)-GPCSO liposomes exhibited tumor-suppressive activity and significantly reduced intratumoral Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. Cytotoxicity of paclitaxel was increased by pretreatment with (-)-GPCSO liposomes in MDA-MB-231 and PCHBCECs. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that (-)-GPCSO liposomes warrant continued investigation as a chemosensitizer for breast cancers exhibiting Bcl-2-/Bcl-xL-mediated drug resistance.

Multiple calcifying hyperplastic dental follicles: comparison with hyperplastic dental follicles.

BACKGROUND: Multiple calcifying hyperplastic dental follicles (MCHDF) is a rare disorder that is characterized by multiple impacted teeth and enlarged dental follicles that include calcifications. The current lack of information characterizing MCHDF impedes clinicians from making prompt differential diagnoses. We describe five cases of MCHDF and analyze their clinical and histopathological features in an effort to compare MCHDF with hyperplastic dental follicles (HDF) of singly impacted teeth. METHODS: Our five cases of MCHDF were examined and clinically/histologically compared with data from 50 singly impacted teeth with HDFs. RESULTS: The five patients described in this study were all male. The pattern of impaction varied, but every second molar was impacted in all the patients. Alterations in the number of teeth, such as supernumerary or congenitally missing teeth were observed. Upon microscopic examination, most of the calcifications consisted of basophilic droplets that were fused to one another, and were surrounded by whirling spindle cells. Another type of calcification that was observed less frequently resembled woven bone. These features were consistent with three previously reported cases and observed in HDFs of 20 singly impacted teeth. While the average period of impaction and the time to reach some level of calcification in MCHDFs was shorter than in single calcifying HDFs, the calcification was more generalized in MCHDFs. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that MCHDF is a separate pathologic entity with exclusive male predilection and earlier calcifications, different to HDF. Further studies are needed to understand the etiology of MCHDFs to provide various options for treatment, and to clarify the mechanisms of eruption.

Effects of ticlopidine on pharmacokinetics of losartan and its main metabolite EXP-3174 in rats.

AIM: Losartan and antiplatelet agent ticlopidine can be prescribed concomitantly for prevention or therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Hence, the effects of ticlopidine on the pharmacokinetics of losartan and its active metabolite EXP-3174 were evaluated in rats. METHODS: Ticlopidine (4 or 10 mg/kg po) was administered 30 min before administration of losartan (9 mg/kg po or 3 mg/kg iv). The activity of human CYP2C9 and 3A4 were measured using the CYP inhibition assay kit. The activity of P-gp was evaluated using rhodamine-123 retention assay in MCF-7/ADR cells. RESULTS: Ticlopidine (10 mg/kg) significantly increased the areas under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUCs) and peak plasma concentration (C(max)) of oral losartan (9 mg/kg), as well as the AUCs of the active metabolite EXP-3174. Ticlopidine (10 mg/kg) did not significantly change the pharmacokinetics of intravenous losartan (3 mg/kg). Ticlopidine inhibited CYP2C9 and 3A4 with IC50 values of 26.0 and 32.3 µmol/L, respectively. The relative cellular uptake of rhodamine-123 was unchanged. CONCLUSION: The significant increase in the AUC of losartan (9 mg/kg) by ticlopidine (10 mg/kg) could be attributed to the inhibition of CYP2C9- and 3A4-mediated losartan metabolism in small intestine and/or in liver. The inhibition of P-gp in small intestine and reduction of renal elimination of losartan by ticlopidine are unlikely to be causal factors.

Factors Associated with Thyroid-Related Adverse Events in Patients Receiving PD-1 or PD-L1 Inhibitors Using Machine Learning Models.

Targets of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) regulate immune homeostasis and prevent autoimmunity by downregulating immune responses and by inhibiting T cell activation. Although ICIs are widely used in immunotherapy because of their good clinical efficacy, they can also induce autoimmune-related adverse events. Thyroid-related adverse events are frequently associated with anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or anti-programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) agents. The present study aims to investigate the factors associated with thyroid dysfunction in patients receiving PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors and to develop various machine learning approaches to predict complications. A total of 187 patients were enrolled in this study. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association between such factors and adverse events. Various machine learning methods were used to predict thyroid-related complications. After adjusting for covariates, we found that smoking history and hypertension increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction by approximately 3.7 and 4.1 times, respectively (95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.338-10.496 and 1.478-11.332, p = 0.012 and 0.007). In contrast, patients taking opioids showed an approximately 4.0-fold lower risk of thyroid-related complications than those not taking them (95% CI 1.464-11.111, p = 0.007). Among the machine learning models, random forest showed the best prediction, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic of 0.770 (95% CI 0.648-0.883) and an area under the precision-recall of 0.510 (95%CI 0.357-0.666). Hence, this study utilized various machine learning models for prediction and showed that factors such as smoking history, hypertension, and opioids are associated with thyroid-related adverse events in cancer patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

Association between the Arylalkylamine N-Acetyltransferase (AANAT) Gene and Seasonality in Patients with Bipolar Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Bipolar disorder (BD) is complex genetic disorder. Therefore, approaches using clinical phenotypes such as biological rhythm disruption could be an alternative. In this study, we explored the relationship between melatonin pathway genes with circadian and seasonal rhythms of BD. METHODS: We recruited clinically stable patients with BD (n=324). We measured the seasonal variation of mood and behavior (seasonality), and circadian preference, on a lifetime basis. We analyzed 34 variants in four genes (MTNR1a, MTNR1b, AANAT, ASMT) involved in the melatonin pathway. RESULTS: Four variants were nominally associated with seasonality and circadian preference. After multiple test corrections, the rs116879618 in AANAT remained significantly associated with seasonality (corrected p=0.0151). When analyzing additional variants of AANAT through imputation, the rs117849139, rs77121614 and rs28936679 (corrected p=0.0086, 0.0154, and 0.0092) also showed a significant association with seasonality. CONCLUSION: This is the first study reporting the relationship between variants of AANAT and seasonality in patients with BD. Since AANAT controls the level of melatonin production in accordance with light and darkness, this study suggests that melatonin may be involved in the pathogenesis of BD, which frequently shows a seasonality of behaviors and symptom manifestations.

Effect of hesperidin on the oral pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its main metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study was to investigate the effect of hesperidin, an antioxidant, on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its active major metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, in rats. METHODS: A single dose of diltiazem was administered orally (15 mg/kg) in the presence or absence of hesperidin (1, 5 or 15 mg/kg), which was administered 30 min before diltiazem. KEY FINDINGS: Compared with the control group (given diltiazem alone), hesperidin (5 or 15 mg/kg) significantly altered the pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem, except for 1 mg/kg hesperidin. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 h to infinity (AUC(0-infinity)) was significantly (5 mg/kg, P < 0.05; 15 mg/kg, P < 0.01) increased by 48.9-65.3% and the peak plasma concentration (C(max)) was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 46.7-62.4% in the presence of hesperidin (5 or 15 mg/kg). Consequently, the absolute bioavailability (F) of diltiazem with hesperidin was significantly (5 mg/kg, P < 0.05; 15 mg/kg, P < 0.01) higher than that in the control group. Hesperidin (5 or 15 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) increased the AUC(0-infinity) and 15 mg/kg of hesperidin significantly (P < 0.05) increased the C(max) of desacetyldiltiazem. However, the metabolite-parent ratio (MR) of desacetyldiltiazem was not significantly changed in the presence of hesperidin. CONCLUSIONS: Hesperidin significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of diltiazem in rats. It might be considered that hesperidin increased the intestinal absorption and reduced the first-pass metabolism of diltiazem in the intestine and in the liver via an inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A or P-glycoprotein.

Changes in Dietary Quality among Vietnamese Women Immigrants in Korea and Comparison with Korean Women.

The dietary behavior of immigrants starts changing upon their arrival in a new country. We evaluated changes in dietary quality of Vietnamese women immigrants in Korea and compared dietary quality with that of Korean women. Fifty-six Vietnamese women immigrants and 56 age-matched Korean women were recruited. Dietary quality were assessed using index of nutritional quality (INQ) and diet quality index-international (DQI-I). Dietary habits were assessed according to 4 dietary behaviors: a prudent, calorie control, dietary fat control, and sodium or salt control diet. DQI-I scores of Vietnamese immigrants decreased after immigration, especially the moderation score, although the variety score increased. Scores were significantly lower than those of Korean subjects (45.1 vs. 64.5; p < 0.001). Vietnamese women immigrants had significantly poorer nutrient balance and calorie intake control, although their fat and sodium control was better than that of Korean woman (p < 0.001). INQs of protein, niacin, phosphorus, iron, zinc were lower in immigrants who had lived longer in Korea than more recent immigrants (p < 0.05). Lower INQs of protein, fiber, vitamin A, B1, B6, C, folate, and phosphorus were related to higher body fat in Vietnamese immigrants (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary quality of Vietnamese immigrants decreased after migration, and dietary intake was inadequate compared with that of Korean women. In addition, diet quality of Vietnamese immigrants decreased with length of residence in Korea. There was a negative correlation between diet quality and body fat percent in Vietnamese women immigrants. Findings from this study may help improve diet quality and prevent obesity in Vietnam women immigrants.

Effects of genetic variants of ST8SIA2 and NCAM1 genes on seasonal mood changes and circadian preference in the general population.

ST8SIA2 and NCAM1 are functionally related genes forming polysialic acid (PSA) - neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) complex in suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the regulating site of circadian biological rhythm. In this study, the relationship of ST8SIA2 and NCAM1 with circadian and seasonal rhythms of human behavior was explored. Subjects were 261 healthy Korean adults who were free of any history of clinically significant psychiatric symptoms. The phenotypes were circadian preference and seasonal change of mood and behavior (seasonality) measured by the Composite Scale of Morningness and the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire, respectively. Thirty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the ST8SIA2 region and 15 SNPs of NCAM1 were analyzed. A nominally significant association with seasonality and circadian preference was observed in 21 variants of both genes. After corrections for multiple testing, associations of 8 SNPs of ST8SIA2 and 2 SNPs of NCAM1 with seasonality remained significant. Some of these SNPs were also associated with psychiatric disorders in previous studies. This study demonstrated a meaningful and/or suggestive evidence of association between behavioral phenotypes reflecting human biological rhythm and two interplaying genes involved in the plasticity of SCN's neuronal network.

Long-term response to mood stabilizer treatment and its clinical correlates in patients with bipolar disorders: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and utility of long-term prophylactic treatment in patients with bipolar disorders (BDs) have not been fully explored. This study aims to estimate the long-term clinical response of patients with BDs to mood stabilizer treatment and to identify the clinical factors associated with that response. METHODS: The study subjects consisted of 80 patients with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder who had been receiving treatment with lithium and/or valproate for more than 2 years at a single bipolar disorder clinic. The long-term response to the best treatment option based on treatment algorithms was evaluated using the Alda scale. Clinical characteristics were evaluated on a lifetime basis. Patients were classified into two response groups based on frequentist mixture analysis using the total Alda scale score. RESULTS: Thirty-four percent of the patients were good responders, with a total Alda score of 5 or higher. The treatment response rate did not differ between the lithium and valproate groups, but lithium and valproate combination therapy was associated with poorer response. The number of previous mixed episodes was associated with a worse response (p = 0.026). Of individual symptoms, delusions during manic episodes (p = 0.008) and increased appetite (p = 0.035) during depressive episodes were more common in moderate/poor responders than in good responders. Co-morbid anxiety disorders were more frequently observed in the moderate/poor response group (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Psychotic, mixed, and atypical features of BDs were found to be correlated with long-term treatment outcomes. Lithium and valproate showed similar efficacy but moderate/poor responders preferred to use polypharmacy.

Durable Urushiol-Based Nanofilm with Water Repellency for Clear Overlay Appliances in Dentistry.

With increased esthetic needs, orthodontics is an indispensable medical treatment in dentistry, and transparent clear overlay appliances (COAs) are in general use to fix teeth. However, COAs are easily worn out because of the lack of durability. Here, we applied a nanofilm onto COAs using urushiol (U), a durable coating material from plant via a layer-by-layer assembly technique. In particular, polymerized urushiol (PU) provided COAs with higher mechanical strength in the large-scale assessment, lower cytotoxicity, and intrinsic hydrophobicity for antimicrobial use. In this report, we inceptively attempted to functionalize COAs with nanofilm for advanced biomedical use.