Effects of Standardized Eriobotrya japonica Extract in LP-BM5 Murine Leukemia Viruses-Induced Murine Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Folk medicine has long employed leaves from Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. (Rosaceae) (LEJ) as relieving many diseases including chronic bronchitis and high fever. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of leaves from LEJ water extracts (LEJE) in LP-BM5 murine leukemia viruses (MuLV)-induced immune-deficient animal model. Dietary supplementation of LEJE (100, 300, 500 mg/kg) began on the day of LP-BM5 MuLV infection and continued for 12 weeks. Dietary supplementation of LEJE inhibited LP-BM5 MuLV-induced splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Moreover, LEJE attenuated reductions of T- and B-cell proliferation and Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance in LP-BM5. We found that dietary supplements of LEJE suppressed the hypergammaglobulinemia by ameliorating LP-BM5 MuLV infection-induced B-cell dysfunction and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We suggest that Eriobotrya japonica may have beneficial immunomodulatory effects, improving the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines and anti-inflammatory effects.     

Emerging Biomarkers Beyond Leukotrienes for the Management of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is a unique condition characterized by aspirin/NSAID hypersensitivity, adult-onset asthma, and/or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Arachidonic acid metabolism dysregulation and intense eosinophilic/type 2 inflammation are central mechanisms in NERD. Studies have been conducted on various biomarkers, and urinary leukotriene E4 is considered the most available biomarker of NERD. However, the pathophysiology of NERD is heterogeneous and complex. Epithelial cells and platelets can interact with immune cells in NERD, and novel biomarkers related to these interactions have recently been investigated. We summarize emerging novel biomarkers of NERD and discuss their roles in the management of NERD.     

Enhanced superoxide release and elevated protein kinase C activity in neutrophils from diabetic patients: association with periodontitis

Inflammation and oxidative stress are important factors in the pathogenesis of diabetes and contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that is characterized by increased oxidative stress, and the risk for periodontitis is increased significantly in diabetic subjects. In this study, we examined the superoxide (O(2)(-))-generating reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase complex and protein kinase C (PKC) activity in neutrophils. Fifty diabetic patients were grouped according to glycemic control and the severity of periodontitis. Neutrophils from diabetic patients with moderate [amount of glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) between 7.0% and 8.0%] or poor (HbA(1c) >8.0%) glycemic control released significantly more O(2)(-) than neutrophils from diabetic patients with good glycemic control (HbA(1c) <7.0%) and neutrophils from nondiabetic, healthy individuals upon stimulation with 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe. Depending on glycemic status, neutrophils from these patients also exhibited increased activity of the soluble- and membrane-bound forms of PKC, elevated amounts of diglyceride, and enhanced phosphorylation of p47-phox during cell stimulation. In addition, we report a significant correlation between glycemic control (HbA(1c) levels) and the severity of periodontitis in diabetic patients, suggesting that enhanced oxidative stress and increased inflammation exacerbate both diseases. Thus, hyperglycemia can lead to a novel form of neutrophil priming, where elevated PKC activity results in increased phosphorylation of p47-phox and O(2)(-) release.     

Pulsed and Continuous Ultrasound Increase Chondrogenesis through the Increase of Heat Shock Protein 70 Expression in Rat Articular Cartilage

[Purpose] The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of pulsed and continuous ultrasound (US) irradiation on heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and mRNA levels of chondrogenesis-related gene expression in rat tibial articular cartilage. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-eight rats with body weights of 200−250 g were randomly divided into three groups. In the control (CON) group, three rats were treated with sham sonication. The pulsed US irradiation group was irradiated with a pulse rate of 20%, a frequency of 1 MHz, and an intensity of 1.5 W/cm² for 10 minutes. The continuous US irradiation group was continuously with a frequency of 1 MHz and an intensity of 1.5 W/cm² for 10 minutes. Immunohistochemistry for evaluation of HSP 70 and RT-PCR for expression of the chondrogenesis-related mRNA were used. [Results] The expression of HSP70 protein was increased in the pulsed and continuous US groups. The increase in the continuous US group was more prominent than in the pulsed US group. In addition, pulsed and continuous US irradiation increased the expression of Mustn1 and Sox9. [Conclusion] The results of this study show that US increases chondrogenesis via the increase of HSP 70 and chondrogenesis-related mRNA expressions in rat articular cartilage.Key words: Articular cartilage, Heat shock protein 70, Ultrasound     

Hydrogen sulfide protects colon cancer cells from chemopreventative agent β-phenylethyl isothiocyanate induced apoptosis

AIM: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a prominent gaseous constituent of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with known cytotoxic properties. Endogenous concentrations of H2S are reported to range between 0.2-3.4 mmol/L in the GI tract of mice and humans. Considering such high levels we speculate that, at non-toxic concentrations, H2S may interact with chemical agents and alter the response of colonic epithelium cells to such compounds. The GI tract is a major site for the absorption of phytochemical constituents such as isothiocyanates, flavonoids, and carotenoids, with each group having a role in the prevention of human diseases such as colon cancer. The chemopreventative properties of the phytochemical agent β-phenyethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) are well recognized. However, little is currently known about the physiological or biochemical factors present in the GI tract that may influence the biological properties of ITCs. The current study was undertaken to determine the effects of H2S on PEITC mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells.METHODS: Induction of apoptosis by PEITC in human colon cancer HCT116 cells was assessed using classic apoptotic markers namely SubG1 population analysis,caspase-3 like activity and nuclear fragmentation and condensation coupled with the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrasodium bromide) viability assay and LDH leakage.RESULTS: PEITC significantly induced apoptosis in HGT116cells as assessed by SubG1 population formation, nuclear condensation, LDH leakage and caspase-3 activity after 24 h, these data being significant from control groups (P＜0.01). In contrast, co-treatment of cells with physiological concentrations of H2S (0.1-1 mmol/L) prevented PEITC mediated apoptosis as assessed using the parameters described.CONCLUSION: PEITC effectively induced cell death in the human adenocarcinoma cell line HCT116 in vitro through classic apoptotic mechanisms. However, in the presence of H2S, apoptosis was abolished. These data suggest that H2S may play a significant role in the response of colonic epithelial cells to beneficial as well as toxic agents present within the GI tract.     

Effects of a 12-week home-based exercise program on the level of physical activity, insulin, and cytokines in colorectal cancer survivors: a pilot study

Purpose

The purposes of this study are to examine (1) the feasibility and efficacy of two different home-based exercise protocols on the level of physical activity (PA), and (2) the effect of increased PA via home-based exercise program on biomarkers of colorectal cancer.

Methods

Seventeen patients (age 55.18 ± 13.3 years) with stage II–III colorectal cancer completed the 12-week home-based exercise program. Subjects were randomized into either casually intervened home-based exercise group (CIHE) or intensely intervened home-based exercise group (IIHE). The primary outcome was the level of PA. Furthermore, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, insulin-like growth factor axis, and adipocytokines were measured.

Results

Both CIHE and IIHE program significantly increased the level of PA at 12 weeks compared to its level at baseline (CIHE, 10.00?±?8.49 vs. 46.07?±?45.59; IIHE, 12.08?±?11.04 vs. 35.42?±?27.42 MET hours per week). Since there was no difference in PA change between groups (p?=?0.511), the data was combined in analyzing the effects of increased PA on biomarkers. Increase in PA significantly reduced insulin (6.66?±?4.58 vs. 4.86?±?3.48 μU/ml, p?=?0.006), HOMA-IR (1.66?±?1.23 vs. 1.25?±?1.04, p?=?0.017), and tumor necrosis alpha-α (TNF-α 4.85?±?7.88 vs. 2.95?±?5.38 pg/ml, p?=?0.004), and significantly increased IGF-1 (135.39?±?60.15 vs. 159.53 ng/ml, p?=?0.007), IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 (2.67?±?1.48 vs. 3.48?±?1.00 ng/ml, p?=?0.013), and adiponectin (6.73?±?3.07 vs. 7.54?±?3.96 μg/ml, p?=?0.015).

Conclusion

CIHE program was as effective as IIHE program in increasing the level of PA, and the increase in PA resulted in significant change in HOMA-IR, IGF-1 axis, TNF-α, and adiponectin levels in stage II–III colorectal cancer survivors.     

Best Core Stabilization for Anticipatory Postural Adjustment and Falls in Hemiparetic Stroke

Objectives

To compare the effects of conventional core stabilization and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) on anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) time, balance performance, and fear of falls in chronic hemiparetic stroke.