Role of protein kinase C in opioid modulation of glycine-gated Cl(-) current in rat periaqueductal gray neuron

The Role of protein kinase C in the modulatory effect of a mu-opioid receptor agonist, [D-Ala(2),N-Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO), on the glycine-gated Cl(-) current was examined in acutely dissociated rat periaqueductal gray neurons. Using the nystatin-perforated patch-clamp technique, the neurons were voltage-clamped at -60 mV. The glycine-gated Cl(-) current (I(Gly)) was sensitive to strychnine. On pretreatment with 1 microM DAMGO, the 30-microM glycine response increased with time and showed a maximum amplitude of 209+/-37% of control. After a protein kinase C activator, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA, 0.1 microM) as pretreatment, I(Gly) increased to 138+/-6% of control. The DAMGO potentiation of I(Gly) was not altered by coapplication with PMA. Although protein kinase C inhibitors, chelerythrine (3 microM) and 2-[1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)indol-3-yl]-3-(indol-3-yl) maleimide (GF109203X, 1 microM), did not alter I(Gly), the DAMGO-induced potentiation of I(Gly) was reduced to 161+/-21% or 164+/-31% of the control after coapplication with chelerythrine or GF109203X, respectively. These results indicate that the potentiation of I(Gly) by a mu-opioid receptor agonist is partly mediated by activation of protein kinase C.

Effect of allergina on mast cell-mediated allergic reactions

The herbal formulation ALLERGINA has been used against allergic inflammation disease for generations, and still occupies an important place in traditional medicine in Korea. In this study, we investigated the effect of ALLERGINA by oral administration in mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis responses. ALLERGINA dose-dependently inhibited compound 48/48-induced systemic anaphylaxis with doses of 10(-2) to 5 g/kg 1 h before orally administered. Of special note, ALLERGINA inhibited systemic anaphylaxis completely with doses of 1 g/kg and 5 g/kg. ALLERGINA (1 g/kg) also inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis by 84%. ALLERGINA dose-dependently inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. When ALLERGINA (0.01 mg/ ml) was added, ALLERGINA inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, 80% and 26%, respectively in anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody-stimulated mast cells. Our studies provide evidence that ALLERGINA may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic inflammation diseases.

Focal pulmonary uptake during Tc-99m myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence and origin of abnormal focal pulmonary uptake during myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging (MSPECT).

METHODS

For evaluation of chest pain, 790 men and 581 women (mean age, 56 +/- 13 years) underwent MSPECT. All of them received adenosine for pharmacologic stress and Tc-99m tetrofosmin (TF, n = 817) or Tc-99m sestamibi (MIBI, n = 554) for myocardial perfusion imaging.

RESULTS

Review of chest radiography with or without computed tomography revealed 111 (8.1%) focal pulmonary diseases. Among them, 38 (34.2%) showed focal pulmonary uptake (TF, 22; MIBI, 16); 27 (30.7%) of 88 showed previous pulmonary tuberculosis; 2 of 10 (20%) benign pulmonary nodules; 4 of 5 (80%) metastatic lung cancers; 2 of 4 (50%) primary lung cancers; and 3 of 4 (75%) pneumonias. No difference in uptake was noted for the two imaging agents. Intensity of uptake did not vary with origin of the uptake. Focal abnormal pulmonary uptake was found in 2.8% of patients undergoing MSPECT and in 34.2% of patients in whom radiological examinations showed regional pulmonary disease. In patients with abnormal pulmonary uptake on MSPECT, 16% had a malignant lesion, whereas 75% of patients with a pulmonary nodule shown on radiography and focal pulmonary uptake on MSPECT had a malignant lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of abnormal pulmonary uptake during MSPECT was very low, the incidence of malignant lesions in the patients with nodular pulmonary uptake was relatively high.

Effects of 6-arylamino-5,8-quinolinediones and 6-chloro-7-arylamino-5,8-isoquinolinediones on NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) activity and their cytotoxic potential

Synthesized 6-arylamino-5,8-quinolinediones 4a-4j and 6-chloro-7-arylamino-5,8-isoquinolinediones 5a-5g were evaluated for effects on NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) activity with the cytosolic fractions derived from cultured human lung cancer cells and their cytotoxicity in cultured several human solid cancer cell lines. The 5,8-quinolinediones 4 and 5,8-isoquinolinediones 5 affected the reduction potential by NQO1 activity and showed a potent cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines. The tested compounds 4a, 5c, 5f, and 5g were considered as more potent cytotoxic agents. The compounds 4d, 5b, 5c, 5e and 5g were comparable modulators of NQO1 activity.

Contribution of the Na-K-Cl cotransporter on GABA(A) receptor-mediated presynaptic depolarization in excitatory nerve terminals

GABA(A) receptor-mediated responses manifest as either hyperpolarization or depolarization according to the intracellular Cl(-) concentration ([Cl(-)](i)). Here, we report a novel functional interaction between the Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC) and GABA(A) receptor actions on glutamatergic presynaptic nerve terminals projecting to ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) neurons. The activation of presynaptic GABA(A) receptors depolarizes the presynaptic nerve terminals and facilitates spontaneous glutamate release by activating TTX-sensitive Na(+) channels and high-threshold Ca(2+) channels. This depolarizing action of GABA was caused by an outwardly directed Cl(-) driving force for GABA(A) receptors; that is, the [Cl(-)](i) of glutamatergic nerve terminals was higher than that predicted for a passive distribution. The higher [Cl(-)](i) was generated by bumetanide-sensitive NKCCs and was responsible for the GABA-induced presynaptic depolarization. Thus, GABA(A) receptor-mediated modulation of spontaneous glutamatergic transmission may contribute to the development and regulation of VMH function as well as to the excitability of VMH neurons themselves.

5-HT1A receptor-mediated activation of G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ current in rat periaqueductal gray neurons

5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) has been reported to modulate analgesia produced by opioids or electrical stimulation of the periaqueductal gray (PAG). 5-HT increases K+ conductance and inhibits the firing activity of the PAG neurons. We examined the electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics of the K+ current involved in 5-HT-induced hyperpolarization of dissociated rat PAG neurons. Among the neurons tested, 5-HT activated inward K+ currents in 30-40%, whilst the remaining 60-70% did not respond to 5-HT. 5-HT activated an inwardly rectifying K+ current (I5-HT) in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner. I5-HT was mimicked by a 5-HT1A receptor selective agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, and was reversibly blocked by a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, piperazine maleate, but not by a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, ketanserin. I5-HT was sensitive to K+ channel blockers such as quinine and Ba2+, but insensitive to 4-aminopyridine, Cs+ and tetraethylammonium. I5-HT was inhibited by GDP(beta)s and was irreversibly activated by GTP(gamma)s. I5-HT was significantly suppressed by N-ethylmaleimide and pertussis toxin, but not by cholera toxin. Second messenger modulators such as staurosporin, forskolin, and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate did not alter I5-HT. The present study indicates that 5-HT-induced hyperpolarization of the PAG neurons results from activation of the pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ currents through 5-HT1A receptors.

Granzyme B and TIA-1 expression in chronic and acute on chronic renal allograft rejection

Although active inflammation may be deleterious and indicate immunologic activation in chronically rejected grafts, the underlying mechanism of tissue destruction has been little studied. Twenty-four cases of chronic rejection (CR) with or without acute rejection (AR) were stained with antibodies against CD3, CD8, CD68, granzyme B and TIA-1, and the number of positive cells were counted. Eleven cases of AR served as controls. The number of CD3 and CD8 positive cells increased in the acute on CR group compared to the CR group. About a half of CD3 positive T cells were CD8 positive in both groups, however, the proportion of TIA-1 or granzyme B positive cells was higher in the acute on CR group. The numbers of CD3, CD68, granzyme B and TIA-1 positive cells were higher in the AR group than the acute on CR group, however, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Serum creatinine level and proteinuria at the time of biopsy and the percentages of late onset AR and graft failure rate were higher in the acute on CR group than the CR group. Summarizing, these results suggest that infiltration of activated T cells containing cytotoxic granules plays a role in graft destruction in acute on CR.

Kunbi-Boshin-Hangam-Tang stimulates nitic oxide production through activation of nuclear factor-kappaB

The objective of the currently study was to determine the effect of Kunbi-Boshin-Hangam-Tang (KBH-Tang) on the production of nitric oxide (NO). Stimulation of RAW 264.7 cells with KBH-Tang after the treatment of recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) resulted in increased NO synthesis. KBH-Tang partially increased NO synthesis by itself. When KBH-Tang was used in combination with rIFN-gamma, there was a marked cooperative induction of NO synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. This increase in NO synthesis was reflected as increased amount of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein. NO production was inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NGMMA). Furthermore, activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB was increased by KBH-Tang. These results suggest that KBH-Tang may stimulate the NO production through the activation of the NF-kappaB.

Growth and grazing rates of the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Polykrikos kofoidii on red-tide and toxic dinoflagellates

We investigated growth rates, grazing rates, and prey selection of Polykrikos kofoidii when feeding on several species of red-tide and/or toxic dinoflagellates. Polykrikos kofoidii ingested all prey species used in this study, exhibiting positive growth on Lingulodinium polyedrum, Scrippsiella trochoidea, Ceratium furca, Gymnodinium catenatum, Gyrodinium impudicum, Prorocentrum micans, and the toxic dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae, but not on P. minimum. Specific growth rates of P. kofoidii increased rapidly with increasing density of L. polyedrum, S. trochoidea, C. furca, and G. catenatum before saturating between 500-2,000 ng C ml(-1). Specific growth rates increased continuously when P. kofoidii was fed the other prey species. Maximum specific growth rates of P. kofoidii on G. catenatum (1.12 d(-1)), S. trochoidea (0.97 d(-1)), and L. polyedrum (0.83 d(-1)) were higher than those on C. furca (0.35 d(-1)), A. carterae (0.10 d(-1)), P. micans (0.06 d(-1)), G. impudicum (0.06 d(-1)), and P. minimum (-0.03 d(-1)). Threshold prey concentrations (where net growth = 0) were 54-288 ng C ml(-1). Maximum ingestion and clearance rates of P. kofoidii on these dinoflagellates were 5-24 ng C pseudocolony(-1) d(-1) and 1.0-5.9 microl pseudocolony(-1) h(-1), respectively. Polykrikos kofoidii strongly selected L. polyedrum over S. trochoidea in prey mixtures. Polykrikos kofoidii exhibited higher maximum growth, ingestion, and clearance rates than previously reported for the mixotrophic dinoflagellate Fragilidium cf. mexicanum or the heterotrophic dinoflagellates Protoperidinium cf. divergens and P. crassipes, when grown on the same prey species. Grazing coefficients calculated by combining field data on abundances of Polykrikos spp. and co-occurring red-tide dinoflagellate prey with laboratory data on ingestion rates obtained in the present study suggest that Polykrikos spp. sometimes have a considerable grazing impact on prey populations.

Long-term outcome of kidney transplantation in adult recipients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is an important cause of nephrotic syndrome and end-stage renal disease. FSGS recurrence after renal transplantation has a potentially detrimental course leading to the loss of renal function. In order to establish FSGS recurrence rates and evaluate the course of the disease on living-related-donor renal transplantation in ethnic Korean adults (> or = 18 years), we reviewed our experiences of 27 kidney transplantations with FSGS over the last 15 years. Of the 27 renal allografts, 13 were found to have recurrent FSGS by graft biopsy. In comparison with background data upon patients with and without recurrence of FSGS, the donor age of patients with recurrent FSGS was significantly higher than that of those without recurrence (median, 39 years vs 26, p < 0.05). In terms of, age at transplantation, length of dialysis period, and mode of dialysis no differences were found between recurrent and nonrecurrent cases. The graft survival rate of recipients from a kidney donor of age less than 40 years was significantly higher than that of recipients from a kidney donor of age more than 40 years, at 5 and 10 years, respectively (87% vs 33%, 41% vs 0%, p < 0.05). The association between clinical variables and recurrence was assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis, and donor age was found to be a risk factor of FSGS recurrence (p<0.05). Variables such as HLA-mismatch numbers and immunosuppression were not found to be associated. In conclusion, the recurrence rate of FSGS in adult recipients with FSGS was 48% and patients that received kidney from an older donor appear to be at higher risk of developing recurrence. The use of a renal graft from a younger donor is considered advisable for adult recipients with FSGS.

An analysis of 4,514 cases of renal biopsy in Korea

To evaluate the distribution and changing patterns of renal diseases in Korea, a total of 4,514 cases of renal biopsy collected over a 23-year period between 1973 and 1995 were reviewed. Of 4,200 cases excluding 314 unsatisfactory biopsies, adult cases comprised 59.5% and pediatric cases, 40.5%. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1 in adults and 2.2:1 in children. Glomerulonephritis (GN) comprised 80.0% of the total. The most common primary GN in adults was minimal change disease (MCD) (26.6%), followed by IgA nephropathy (IgAN) (22.1%), membranous GN (MGN) (11.8%), and membranoproliferative GN (MPGN) (5.9%). In children, the primary GN incidence rates were MCD (24.8%), IgAN (10.3%), poststreptococcal (including postinfectious) GN (PSGN) (8.6%), and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (4.0%). The most common secondary GN in adults was lupus nephritis and in children Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis. The most common cause of nephrotic syndrome was MCD in both adults and children, followed by MGN and FSGS. The elderly, aged sixty years and older, comprised 2.7% of cases and recorded equal numbers of MCD and MGN. The proportion of the biopsies found to be seropositive for HBs antigen was 27.9%, and these showed either MGN or MPGN pattern. Repeat biopsy was performed in 168 patients, due to previous biopsy failure in 15.5%. When the primary GN cases were analyzed at 5-year intervals, the prevalence of PSGN, which was greater than 25% during the 1973-1982 period, decreased abruptly in children thereafter, whereas the prevalence of FSGS increased slowly since the 1988-1992 period in both adults and children. The decrease of PSGN and the increase of FSGS suggest a role for socioeconomic and environmental factors in Korea.

Inhibition of immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions by water extract of white eggplant (solanum melongena)

We investigated the effect of water extract of Solanum melongena(SMWE) on immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions. Nonimmunologic anaphylactic reaction was induced by compound 48/80 injection. Oral administration of SMWE (1 g kg(-1)) completely inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reaction. Immunologic anaphylactic reaction was generated by sensitizing the skin with anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE followed 48 h later with an injection of antigen. Oral administration of SMWE (0.01--1 g kg(-1)) significantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction activated by anti-DNP IgE to between 83.10 +/- 1.67% and 70.17 +/- 2.17%. SMWE (0.01--1 mg ml(-1)) also inhibited histamine release activated by compound 48/80 to between 93 +/- 2.65 and 70 +/- 1.50%. Moreover, SMWE (0.01--1 mg ml(-1)) had a significant inhibitory effect on IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells. These results indicate that SMWE inhibits immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions and TNF-alpha secretion from mast cells.

Glomerular growth under cyclosporine treatment in childhood nephrotic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Glomerular hypertrophy is important in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in regard to diagnosis and pathogenesis. Moreover, glomerular growth may be altered by cyclosporine (CsA) treatment in these patients.

METHODS

Bowman's area (BA) and the glomerular tuft area (GA) of pre- and post-treatment biopsies was measured by morphometry in 47 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (39 MCD and 8 FSGS) treated with CsA and low-dose prednisolone for up to 2 years.

RESULTS

BA and GA increased with age. The mean BA and GA were 1.2 times larger in FSGS than in MCD and the proportional increase was similar in both diseases after treatment. BA and GA decreased in 48.9% and 40.4% of cases after treatment, respectively, whereas tubulointerstitial lesion (TIL) developed in 27.7%. BA and GA decreased to 10.4% and 8.3%, respectively in children who developed TIL after treatment and the values were largely unchanged in those treated for more than 16 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Glomerular growth is hampered by CsA nephrotoxicity, which is a more common complication than TIL. The impairment of glomerular growth is related to the duration of treatment and the development of TIL, but not to age or diagnosis.

Inhibitory action of water soluble fraction of Terminalia chebula on systemic and local anaphylaxis

We investigated the effects of the water soluble fraction of Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) (WFTC) on systemic and local anaphylaxis. WFTC administered 1h before compound 48/80 injection inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock 100% with doses of 0.01-1.0 g/kg. When WFTC was administered 5 or 10 min after compound 48/80 injection, the mortality also decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis was inhibited by 63.5+/-7.8% by oral administration of WFTC (1.0 g/kg). When WFTC was pretreated at concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 1.0 g/kg, the serum histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. WFTC (0.01-1.0 mg/ml) also significantly inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80. However, WFTC (1.0 mg/ml) had a significant increasing effect on anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from RPMC. These results indicate that WFTC may possess a strong antianaphylactic action.

Inhibitory effects of mast cell-mediated allergic reactions by cell cultured Siberian Ginseng

The crude drug "Siberian Ginseng (SG)" has long been used in empirical Oriental medicine for the nonspecific enhancement of resistance in humans and animals. In this study, we investigated the effect of cell cultured SG by oral administration in mast cell-mediated allergic reactions. SG dose-dependently inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic allergy with doses of 10(-2) to 1 g/kg 1 h before oral administration. Of special note, SG inhibited systemic allergy with the dose of 1 g/kg by 25%. SG (1 g/kg) also inhibited passive cutaneous allergic reaction by 51%. SG dose-dependently inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. When SG (0.01 mg/ml) was added, the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 in antidinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody-stimulated mast cells was inhibited 39.5% and 23.3%, respectively. In addition, SG inhibited anti-DNP IgE antibody-stimulated TNF-alpha protein expression in mast cells. Our studies provide evidence that SG may be beneficial in the treatment of various types of allergic diseases.

Live donor renal allograft in end-stage renal failure patients from immunoglobulin A nephropathy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to attempt to resolve two important issues, i.e. to determine (1) whether the course of recurrent immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is benign, and (2) whether it is advisable to use a related donor.

METHODS

We evaluated the long-term outcome, in terms of recurrence and graft survival, after live related or unrelated donor renal transplantation, and assessed the validity of the use of related donors in 90 grafts in 89 IgAN patients.

RESULTS

Ten-year graft survival for IgAN patients was 66%, compared with 84% for 107 reference recipients who had other kinds of glomerulonephritis (GN), and with 69% in 90 other recipients who had non-GN renal failure (P=0.27). In 43 grafts, 54 event graft biopsies were performed, documenting the presence of mesangial IgA deposits in 19 of those grafts. In eight grafts, lesions were accompanied by chronic rejection (CR). Ten-year cumulative recurrence was 44%. Ten grafts were lost: by CR (n=3) or acute rejection (n=1) in 24 recurrence-free recipients, by CR (n=2) or recurrence (n=2) in 19 recurrent patients, and by patient death (n=2) in 46 patients devoid of graft biopsy. We found no difference in 10-year graft survival between the recurrent and recurrence-free patients (63% vs. 74%, P=0.98), or the proportion of related donors (68% vs. 83%, P=0.25). The presence or matching of HLA B12, B35, or DR4 did not affect the recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence increased to 44% with longer follow-up, but this did not limit the graft outcome. Recurrence was not affected by the kind of live donor. We conclude that live related or unrelated kidneys should be offered to IgAN patients.

Modulation of Nad(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) activity mediated by 5-arylamino-2-methyl-4,7-dioxobenzothiazoles and their cytotoxic potential

Synthesized 5-arylamino-2-methyl-4,7-dioxobenzothiazoles 3a-3o were evaluated for modulation of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) activity with the cytosolic fractions derived from cultured human lung cancer cells and their cytotoxicity in cultured several human solid cancer cell lines. The 4,7-dioxobenzothiazoles affected the reduction potential by NQO1 activity and showed a potent cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines. The tested compounds 3a, 3b, 3g, 3h, 3n and 3o were considered as more potent cytotoxic agents, and comparable modulators of NQO1 activity.

Nitric oxide production by high molecular weight water-soluble chitosan via nuclear factor-kappaB activation

High molecular weight water-soluble chitosan (WSC), having an average molecular weight of 300000 Da and a degree of deacethylation over 90%, can be produced using a simple multi-step membrane separation process. In this study, the effect of WSC on the production of nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 264.7 macrophages was evaluated. Water-insoluble chitosan alone has been previously shown to exhibit in vitro stimulatory effect on macrophages NO production. However, WSC had no effect on NO production by itself. When WSC was used in combination with recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma), there was a marked cooperative induction of NO synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal effect of WSC on NO synthesis was shown 24 h after treatment with rIFN-gamma. The increased production of NO from rIFN-gamma plus WSC-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages was decreased by the treatment with N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (N(G)MMA). The increase in NO synthesis was reflected, as an increased amounts of inducible NO synthase protein. In addition, synergy between rIFN-gamma and WSC was mainly dependent on WSC-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. The present results indicate that the capacity of WSC to increase NO production from rIFN-gamma-primed RAW 264.7 macrophages is the result of WSC-induced TNF-alpha secretion via the signal transduction pathway of NF-kappaB activation.

Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis by Asparagus cochinchinensis in Hep G2 cells

A human hepatoma cell line, Hep G2 cells, is a reliable system for the study of alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Asparagus cochinchinensis(MERRIL) (Liliaceae) roots (ACAE) on ethanol (EtOH)-induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells. ACAE (1-100 microg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited the EtOH-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion. ACAE (1-100 microg/ml) also inhibited the EtOH and TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we found that ACAE inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis of Hep G2 cells. These results suggest that ACAE may prevent the EtOH-induced cytotoxicity through inhibition of the apoptosis of Hep G2 cells.

Effect of Vitex rotundifolia on immediate-type allergic reaction

We investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Vitex rotundifolia (L.) (Verbenaceae) fruits (VRFE) on the immediate-type allergic reactions in vivo and in vitro. VRFE (10(-4)-1.0 g/kg) dose-dependently inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80. When VRFE was employed in a systemic allergic reaction test, the plasma histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. VRFE (5x10(-1) and 1.0 g/kg) inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. VRFE (10(-3)-1.0 mg/ml) also dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Moreover, VRFE (10(-3) mg/ml) had a significant inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from RPMC. These results suggest that VRFE may be beneficial in the regulation of immediate-type allergic reaction.

Inhibitory effect of interleukin-1alpha-induced apoptosis by Polygala tenuifolia in Hep G2 cells

A human hepatoma cell line, Hep G2 cells are reliable for the study of alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Polygala tenuifolia WILLDENOW (Polygalaceae) roots (PTAE) on ethanol (EtOH)-induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells. PTAE (0.01-1 microg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited the EtOH-induced interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) secretion. PTAE (0.01-1 microg/ml) also inhibited the EtOH- and IL-1alpha-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we found that PTAE inhibited the IL-1alpha-induced apoptosis of Hep G2 cells. These results suggest that PTAE may prevent the EtOH-induced cytotoxicity through inhibition of the apoptosis of Hep G2 cells.

Alterations in extracellular matrix components in transplant glomerulopathy

The distribution pattern of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in transplant glomerulopathy was studied in relation to light microscopic features, actin expression of mesangial cells, and intraglomerular inflammatory cells. Nine cases of mild (group I) and nine cases of severe (group II) transplant glomerulopathy were stained with antisera against fibronectin (FN), tenascin (TN), collagen types III and IV, smooth muscle actin, CD45RO, CD68, and Ki-67 antigen. The composition of ECM was similar in the two groups. The expanded mesangium was diffusely stained by type-IV collagen, FN and TN, and focally and weakly stained by type-III collagen and smooth muscle actin. Type-IV collagen was linearly stained along the capillary walls, imparting a double-contour feature, whereas FN and TN showed granular staining along the capillary walls. CD68 positive cells were increased in severe transplant glomerulopathy, but this increase was not related to ECM deposition. These findings suggest that increased glomerular deposition of normal and abnormal ECM components participate in the evolution of transplant glomerulopathy.

Reduced IL-2 but elevated IL-4, IL-6, and IgE serum levels in patients with cerebral infarction during the acute stage

Cytokines in the central nervous system (CNS) may play an important role in functioning as intercellular signals that orchestrate the response to injury. Whether this is a cause or result of the brain disease process is uncertain. We investigated IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IgE in the sera of 38 patients with cerebral infarction during the acute stage and 10 normal controls using an originally devised sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that serum levels of IL-2 derived from T helper 1 (Th1) cells were slightly reduced in patients with cerebral infarction, whereas serum levels of IL-4 and IL-6 derived from Th2 cells were elevated significantly. IL-4 induces synthesis of IgE in human B cells. Endogenous IL-6 plays an obligatory role in IL-4-dependent human IgE synthesis. We observed that serum IgE levels were elevated significantly in patients with cerebral infarction. However, serum IFN-gamma levels were not elevated significantly in cerebral infarction patients. These findings suggest that elevated IL-4, IL-6, and IgE levels in the human serum may be an important factor in cerebral infarction during the acute stage. Decrease of IL-2 levels in the serum of patients with cerebral infarction may be a regulatory mechanism.

Aromatase inhibitors from Isodon excisus var. coreanus

The diethyl ether extract of Isodon excisus var. coreanus exhibited significant inhibitory activity in aromatase assay. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of three active compounds: inflexin (ent-1alpha-hydroxy-3beta,6a-diacetoxykaur-16-en-11,15-dione ) (1), ursolic acid (2), and ursolic acid 3-O-acetate (3).

Regulatory effect of cytokine production in patients with cerebral infarction by Yulda-Hanso-Tang

Yulda-Hanso-Tang (YH-Tang) is a prescription for the Taeumin cerebral infarction (CI) patients according to Sasang constitution philosophy. Taeumin patients with CI were treated with YH-Tang during the acute stage. Clinical signs of CI disappeared markedly in about 2 weeks after oral administration of YH-Tang in all patients. The mean interleukin (IL)-2 serum levels were lower in the patients with CI than in the normal groups, whereas the mean IL-4, IL-6 and IgE levels were significantly higher in the patients. There were no significant differences in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels between the groups. Serum IFN-gamma and IL-2 levels derived from T helper (Th)1 cells elevated significantly in the patients with CI by YH-Tang administration. Significant reduced serum levels of IL-4 and IL-6 derived from Th2 cells and IgE were observed in the patients treated with YH-Tang. During the period of YH-Tang administration, there were no other adverse effects. The data indicate that YH-Tang has a good CI treatment effect, and that its action may be due to regulation of cytokine production.