A systematic exploration of ginsenoside Rg5 reveals anti-inflammatory functions in airway mucosa cells

Background

Hyperactivated airway mucosa cells overproduce mucin and cause severe breathing complications. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of saponins derived from Panax ginseng on inflammation and mucin overproduction.

Methods

NCI-H292 cells were pre-incubated with 16 saponins derived from P. ginseng, and mucin overproduction was induced by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Mucin protein MUC5AC was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA levels were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, we performed a transcriptome analysis of PMA-treated NCI-H292 cells in the absence or presence of Rg5, and differential gene expression was confirmed using qPCR. Phosphorylation levels of signaling molecules, and the abundance of lipid droplets, were measured by western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy.

Results

Ginsenoside Rg5 effectively reduced MUC5AC secretion and decreased MUC5AC mRNA levels. A systematic functional network analysis revealed that Rg5 upregulated cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism, resulting in the production of lipid droplets to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathways to regulate inflammatory responses. Rg5 induced the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased cellular ROS levels, and N-acetyl-l-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor, reduced MUC5AC secretion via Rg5. Furthermore, Rg5 hampered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 proteins, affecting the NF-κB signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory responses.

Conclusion

Rg5 alleviated inflammatory responses by reducing mucin secretion and promoting lipid droplet-mediated ROS clearance. Therefore, Rg5 may have potential as a therapeutic agent to alleviate respiratory disorders caused by hyperactivation of mucosa cells.

Charnley low friction arthroplasty in tuberculosis of the hip. An eight to 13-year follow-up

We report 60 patients with tuberculosis of the hip treated by Charnley low friction arthroplasty and followed for eight to 13 years. Eight of them had active tuberculosis of the hip at the time of operation, and all were covered by relatively short courses of antituberculous drugs. Our study suggests that arthroplasty can be recommended for these patients provided that adequate chemotherapy is given both before and after operation.

Arthroplasty using the Charnley prosthesis in old tuberculosis of the hip. Clinical experience with 8-10-year follow-up evaluation

Twenty patients with tuberculosis of the hip joint were treated by low-friction arthroplasty (LFA) and followed for eight to ten years. Five of the patients had reactivation of the infection and subsequent failure despite the use of chemotherapy. Successful revision arthroplasties have been performed on two of the five hips. LFA can be recommended for patients with old tuberculous hips, provided it is combined with adequate chemotherapy both before and after surgery.

Salvage procedures in failed hip arthroplasties

Results and observations based on a series of 90 patients who underwent revision hip arthroplasty are reported, including engineering notes on the removal of cement within the femur and assessment of the mechanisms of failure of the original arthroplasties. The authors state a preference for performing revision in two stages, and leaving original cement in the bottom of the femoral canal.

Determination of muscle and joint forces: a new technique to solve the indeterminate problem

Analytic determination of muscle force across human joints encounters an indeterminate problem. A new optimization approach, based on minimizing the upper bound of muscle stress, is introduced to obtain a unique solution. Mathematical and physiological justification of this new approach distinguishes it from previously described methods. A complex joint, the elbow, was studied. The results of muscle forces in resisting the elbow flexion moment were obtained and compared with electromyographic observation, as well as with solution from other optimizing techniques. The resultant humero-ulnar joint forces at various elbow joint positions are calculated. In normal daily activities, resultant joint forces of 0.3-0.5 times body weight are commonly encountered.

Replacement arthroplasty using the Charnley prosthesis in old tuberculosis of the hip

This report is based upon a retrospective study of a consecutive series of twenty patients who had tuberculosis of the hip in quiescent state. Two patients had only a short history but were included in this study. An interesting feature at the time of operation was that in many cases the bone showed old features of tuberculous disease despite the long history of quiescence. A modification of the Charnley technique is discussed. In addition, details of radiographic assessment before operation, antituberculous drug therapy and the use of Kanamycin in bone cement are given. The complications and results are recorded.