Fisetin Inhibits UVA-Induced Expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 through the NOX/ROS/MAPK Pathway in Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Human Epidermal Keratinocytes

Fisetin is a flavonoid found in plants and has been reported to be effective in various human diseases. However, the effective mechanisms of ultraviolet-A (UVA)-mediated skin damage are not yet clear. In this study, we investigated the protective mechanisms of fisetin regarding UVA-induced human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) damages. Fisetin showed a cytoprotective effect against UVA irradiation and suppressed matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-1, and MMP-3 expression. In addition, fisetin was rescued, which decreased mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species production, and the downregulation of MAPK/AP-1 related protein and NADPH oxidase (NOX) mRNA levels. Furthermore, UVA-induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 were effectively inhibited by siRNAs to NOX 1 to 5 in HDFs and HEKs. These results indicate that fisetin suppresses UVA-induced damage through the NOX/ROS/MAPK pathway in HDFs and HEKs.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids Complex Regulates Inflammatory Cytokine Production through the Hyaluronic Acid Pathway

In this study, we aimed to develop natural and/or functional materials with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We obtained extracts from natural plants through an oil and hot-water extraction process and prepared an extract composite of an effective unsaturated fatty acid complex (EUFOC). Furthermore, the antioxidant effect of the extract complex was evaluated, and the anti-inflammatory effect was explored by assessing its inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production through its HA-promoting effect. We conducted a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay to evaluate the cell viability of the EUFOC, and the results showed that EUFOC was not cytotoxic at the test concentrations. In addition, it showed no endogenous cytotoxicity in HaCaT (human keratinocyte) cells. The EUFOC showed excellent 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl- and superoxide-scavenging abilities. Moreover, it exerted an inhibitory effect on NO production at concentrations that did not inhibit cell viability. The secretion of all the cytokines was increased by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment; however, this was inhibited by the EUFOC in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, hyaluronic acid content was markedly increased by the EUFOC in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the EUFOC has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and hence, it can be used as a functional material in various fields.

Hemodynamics and Wall Shear Stress of Blood Vessels in Aortic Coarctation with Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation

The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of blood flow in aortic coarctation based on stenotic shape structure, stenosis rate, and the distribution of the wall load delivered into the blood vessels and to predict the impact on aneurysm formation and rupture of blood vessels by using a computational fluid dynamics modeling method. It was applied on the blood flow in abdominal aortic blood vessels in which stenosis occurred by using the commercial finite element software ADINA on fluid-solid interactions. The results of modeling, with an increasing stenosis rate and Reynolds number, showed the pressure drop was increased and the velocity was greatly changed. When the stenosis rate was the same, the pressure drop and the velocity change were larger in the stenosis with a symmetric structure than in the stenosis with an asymmetric one. Maximal changes in wall shear stress were observed in the area before stenosis and minimal changes were shown in stenosis areas. The minimal shear stress occurred at different locations depending on the stenosis shape models. With an increasing stenosis rate and Reynolds number, the maximal wall shear stress was increased and the minimal wall shear stress was decreased. Through such studies, it is thought that the characteristics of blood flow in the abdominal aorta where a stenosis is formed will be helpful in understanding the mechanism of growth of atherosclerosis and the occurrence and rupture of the abdominal aortic flow.

Limits on the Existence of sub-MeV Sterile Neutrinos from the Decay of ^{7}Be in Superconducting Quantum Sensors

Sterile neutrinos are natural extensions to the standard model of particle physics and provide a possible portal to the dark sector. We report a new search for the existence of sub-MeV sterile neutrinos using the decay-momentum reconstruction technique in the decay of ^{7}Be. The experiment measures the total energy of the ^{7}Li daughter atom from the electron capture decay of ^{7}Be implanted into sensitive superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) quantum sensors. This first experiment presents data from a single STJ operated at a low count rate for a net total of 28 days, and provides exclusion limits on sterile neutrinos in the mass range from 100 to 850 keV that improve upon previous work by up to an order of magnitude.

Direct Measurement of the ^{7}Be L/K Capture Ratio in Ta-Based Superconducting Tunnel Junctions

We report a high-statistics measurement of the L/K orbital electron capture ratio in ^{7}Be embedded in cryogenic Ta. The thin Ta film formed part of a high-resolution superconducting tunnel junction radiation detector that was used to identify the signals from different decay channels. The measured L/K capture ratio of 0.070(7) is significantly larger than the only previous measurement of this quantity and the theoretical predictions that include in-medium effects. This value is a uniquely sensitive probe of the 1s and 2s orbital overlaps with the nucleus and is of relevance to nuclear and atomic physics, as well as Li production in novae and other astrophysical scenarios. This is the first experiment that uses superconducting tunnel junctions for nuclear-recoil detection, opening a new experimental avenue for low-energy precision measurements with rare isotopes.

Oral administration of Ulmus davidiana extract suppresses interleukin-1β expression in LPS-induced immune responses and lung injury

BACKGROUND

Ulmus davidiana (UD) is a traditional Korean herb medicine that is used to treat inflammatory disorders. UD has been shown to modulate a number of inflammatory processes in vitro or in vivo studies. However, the molecular mechanisms of UD on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury remain to be understood.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study is to determine the effect of UD bark water extract on LPS-induced immune responses and lung injury using both in vitro and in vivo models.

METHODS

RAW 264.7 cells and a rat model of acute lung injury (ALI) were used to study the effects of UD on several parameters. Nitrite level, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and plasma transaminase activities in blood were also determined. Pathological investigations were also performed.

RESULTS

LPS infusion resulted in elevated IL-1β mRNA expression, nitrite levels, TNF-α expression, and IL-1β expression in RAW 264.7 cells. LPS infusion also increased levels of nitrite/nitrate, total protein, LDH, and TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, but reduced SOD levels in ex vivo and in vivo models. UD administration ameliorated all these inflammatory markers. In particular, treatment with UD reduced LPS-induced nitrite production in RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. UD treatment also counteracted the LPS-induced increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity in rat plasma, leading to a significant reduction in ALT and AST activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results revealed that UD treatment reduces LPS-induced nitrite production, IL-1β mRNA expression, and TNF-α expression. In addition, LPS-induced decrease in SOD level is significantly elevated by UD administration. These results indicate that UD extract merits consideration as a potential drug for treating and/or preventing ALI.

Red Ginseng Reduces Inflammatory Response via Suppression MAPK/P38 Signaling and p65 Nuclear Proteins Translocation in Rats and Raw 264.7 Macrophage

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) cause systemic inflammatory responses, which are characterized by high mortality and multiple signs, including metabolic disturbances, respiratory acidosis, hypotension, and vital organs disorder. Cytokines secretion and oxidative stress are the main features of the disease. Diagnosis and treatment of systemic inflammation (SI) remain a challenge. Korean Red Ginseng (RG) is one of medicinal herbs that showed a potent anti-oxidant effect. We aimed to study the protective effects of RG on systemic inflammatory response in rats and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells induced by LPS. The rats were treated with water and alcohol extracts of RG for four weeks to prevent the inflammatory response. The result showed that LPS toxin increased morbidity and mortality, and induced liver, kidney, and lung injuries manifested by deteriorated biomarkers. Hypotension, hypomagnesemia, acidosis, and oxidative stress were observed in septic rats. However, RG extracts attenuated liver, kidney, and lung enzymes and metabolites in treated groups via its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Furthermore, RG improved magnesium and blood pressure in the treated groups. RAW 264.7 macrophage cells exposed to LPS disturbance in translocation of p65 and MAPK/p38. Nevertheless, RG-pretreated cells did not significantly alter. In conclusion, RG reduced the rates of mortality and morbidity of treated rats - liver, kidney, and lung injuries were protected in the treated groups through the potentiation of anti-oxidant defense. RG was able to conserve mitochondrial function, inhibiting the activation of MAPK/p38 signaling and suppressing NF-κB p65 cytoplasm-nucleus transport. Further studies are needed to examine the effects on chronic conditions in animal models and human.

Effects of acute lipopolysaccharide-induced toxemia model on some neglected blood parameters

The presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in blood induces an inflammatory response which leads to multiple organ dysfunction and numerous metabolic disorders. Uncontrolled, improper or late intervention may lead to tissue hypoxia, anaerobic glycolysis and a disturbance in the acid -base balance. The effects of LPS-induced toxemia on biological and immunological markers were well studied. However, parameters such as base excess, ions, and acid-base balance were not fully investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine these blood parameters collectively in LPS-induced inflammatory toxemia in rat's model. After induction of toxemia by injecting LPS at a rate of 5 mg/kg body weight intravenously, blood was collected from the tail vein of twenty rats and immediately analyzed. After 24 hours, the animals were sacrificed and the blood was collected from the caudal vena cava. The results revealed that the levels of pH, bicar- bonate, partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation, Alveolar oxygen, hemoglobin, hematocrit, magnesium (Mg2+), and calcium (Ca2+) were significantly decreased. On the other side, the levels of Base excess blood, Base excess extracellular fluid, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, lactate, Ca2+/Mg2+, potassium, and chloride were significantly increased compared to those found pre toxemia induction. However, sodium level showed no significant change. In conclusion, Acute LPS-toxemia model disturbs acid-base balance, blood gases, and ions. These parameters can be used to monitor human and animal toxemic inflammatory response induced by bacterial LPS conditions to assist in the management of the diagnosed cases.

Nigella sativa seed extract attenuates the fatigue induced by exhaustive swimming in rats

In previous studies, Nigella sativa (NS) has been studied due to its various physiological and pharmacological activities. However, evidence on the effects of NS on physical fatigue following exhaustive swimming remains limited. In the present study, the authors evaluated the potential beneficial effects of NS against the fatigue activity following exhaustive swimming. Rats were orally administered with NS extract (2 g/kg/day) for 21 days, and the anti-fatigue effect was assessed by exhaustive swimming exercise. The presented results indicated that pre-treatment of NS extract significantly increased the time to exhaustion. In hemodynamic parameters, NS extract increased blood pO₂ and O_2sat, but decreased pCO₂. For underlying mechanisms, NS extract protected depletion of energy, indicated by increased levels of blood pH, glucose and tissue glycogen contents, and decreased levels of blood lactate, tissue lactic dehydrogenase and creatine kinase, when the NS extract was pre-treated. In addition, the NS extract inhibited oxidative stress following exhaustive swimming, as reflected by the results of increased levels of superoxide dismutase and redox ratio, and decreased the level of malondialdehyde when the NS extract was pre-treated. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that NS extract has an anti-fatigue activity against exhaustive swimming by energy restoration and oxidative-stress defense.

An accidental fatal attack on domestic pigeons by honey bees in Bangladesh

Fatalities among avian species due to multiple bee stings are rare. Sixteen pigeons on a farm in Bangladesh each suffered multiple bee stings. Ten of the pigeons died before treatment, 5 (4–11 stings) died within 12 hr after treatment, and 1 pigeon (only 3 stings) survived. Body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, thrombocytes, MCV, MCH and MCHC decreased significantly after the incident, but leucocytes, heterophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, ALT, AST, LDH, CK, creatinine, BUN and UA increased markedly. Overall, the hematological and biochemical changes in the bee-stung pigeons were similar to those of mammals; however, avian species may be more sensitive to bee stings than mammals.

Relationships between blood Mg2+ and energy metabolites/enzymes after acute exhaustive swimming exercise in rats

Magnesium (Mg) plays a central role in neuronal activity, cardiac excitability, neuromuscular transmission, muscular contraction, vasomotor tone, and blood pressure, all of which are significantly related to physical performance. To date, the available data about detection of blood total Mg (tMg; free-ionized, protein-bound, and anion-complex forms) are inconsistent, and there is limited information on blood free-ionized Mg (Mg(2+)) in relation to physical exercise. The aim of this study was to determine the biochemical changes related to energy metabolism after acute exhaustive swimming exercise (AESE) in rats in an attempt to correlate the role of blood Mg(2+) with metabolites/enzymes related to energy production. After AESE, blood Mg(2+), tMg, K(+), partial pressure of carbon dioxide, lactate, total protein (T-PRO), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatinine kinase (CK) were significantly increased, whereas pH, partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation, the Mg(2+)/tMg and Ca(2+)/Mg(2+) ratios, HCO3 (-), glucose, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly decreased. During AESE, lactate, T-PRO, albumin, AST, ALP, LDH, CK, CRE, BUN, and UA showed significant positive correlations with changes in blood Mg(2+), while glucose, TG, and LDL correlated to Mg(2+) in a negative manner. In conclusion, AESE induced increases in both blood Mg(2+) and tMg, accompanied by changes in blood metabolites and enzymes related to energy metabolism due to increased metabolic demands and mechanical damages.

Spatial heterogeneity and stability of bacterial community in the gastrointestinal tracts of broiler chickens

Bacterial communities in the different regions of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of broiler chickens were analyzed by pyrosequencing approach to understand microbial composition and diversity. The DNA samples extracted from 7 different regions along the GIT were subjected to bacterial-community analysis by pyrosequencing of the V1-V3 region of 16S rRNA gene. Major bacterial phyla in the chicken-gut microbiota included Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria, but Firmicutes were mostly dominant (67.3 ± 16.1% of the total sequence reads identified). Among Firmicutes, Lactobacillales, including the genera Lactobacillus and Enterococcus, were the most dominant (51.8 ± 34.5% of the total sequence reads identified) from the crop to ileum. In contrast, in the cecum and large intestine, those genera were rarely detected, and Clostridiales were dominant (55.9 ± 31.4%). Fast UniFrac analysis showed that microbial communities from the crop to jejunum of the same individual chicken were grouped together, and those from ileum, cecum, and large intestine were clustered in a more GIT-specific manner. The numbers of shared operational taxonomic units between the neighboring segments of GIT were low, ranging from 2.9 to 20.3%. However, the abundance of shared operational taxonomic units in each segment was relatively high, ranging from 61.7 to 85.0%, suggesting that substantial proportions of microbial communities were shared between each segment and its neighboring segments, comprising a core microbiota. Our results suggested that the microbial communities of 7 main segments in the chicken GIT were distinctive according to both individuals and the different segments of GIT, but their stability was maintained along the GIT.

Fluoxetine-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

In addition to being used to treat mental disorders, a serious complication of cancer, antidepressants have been reported to improve cancer patient immunity, inhibit cell growth and have an antitumor effect on various cancer cell lines. We investigated the apoptotic effect of fluoxetine against the Hep3B human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After treatments of Hep3B cells with fluoxetine, we measured cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK).

RESULTS

Fluoxetine reduced the viability of cancer cells, induced loss of MMP and formation of ROS, reduced expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and increased expression of c-JUN N-terminal kinase and p38 MAPK. N-Acetylcysteine, an oxidant-scavenger, and 1,2-bis (o-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM), an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator, prevented fluoxetine-induced modulation of MAPK.

CONCLUSION

Fluoxetine appears to exhibit an apoptotic effect against Hep3B cells through the loss of MMP, formation of ROS and modulation of MAPK activities.

A case of isolated bilateral pulmonary arterial calcification diagnosed in utero

We report a very rare case of isolated multiple pulmonary arterial calcification with severe bilateral peripheral pulmonary arterial stenosis diagnosed in utero. Despite treatment with bisphosphonate for 6 months, systolic right ventricular pressure increased persistently and surpassed left ventricular pressure. After successful bilateral pulmonary arterioplasty at 13 months of age, the patient showed decreased systolic right ventricular pressure with normal interventricular septal configuration. This is the first case report for an isolated pulmonary artery calcification without other arterial calcification proven by non-contrast computed tomography of a living patient.

Korean red ginseng and its primary ginsenosides inhibit ethanol-induced oxidative injury by suppression of the MAPK pathway in TIB-73 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants due to its wide spectrum of medicinal effects. Among the currently available Panax ginseng products, Korea red ginseng (KRG) has been shown to exhibit a variety of antioxidative and hepatoprotective action.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our aim was to investigate the effects of KRG and its primary ginsenosides (Rg3 and Rh2) on EtOH-induced injury to mouse hepatocytes (TIB-73).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the effects of KRG and its primary ginsenoside on EtOH-induced injury to TIB-73 cells and evaluated MAPKs signals as a possible mechanism of action. Hepatocytic injury was evaluated by biochemical assays as cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ROS and mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) level in TIB-73 cells. The levels of MAPK activation were analyzed by Western blots.

RESULTS

The results showed that exposure of EtOH to TIB-73 cells led to cell death and membrane damage, accompanied by a decrease in cell viability, MMP, and Mg(2+) concentrations, but an increase in LDH, AST, ROS and MAPK activation. KRG and its primary ginsenosides reduced EtOH-induced generation of ROS and the activation of ERK and JNK, and increased Mg(2+) concentrations.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that KRG and its primary ginsenosides inhibit EtOH-induced oxidative injury by suppression of the MAPK pathway in TIB-73 cells.

Development of decay energy spectroscopy using low temperature detectors

We have developed a high-resolution detection technique for measuring the energy and activity of alpha decay events using low-temperature detectors. A small amount of source material containing alpha-emitting radionuclides was enclosed in a 4π metal absorber. The energy of the alpha particles as well as that of the recoiled nuclides, low-energy electrons, and low-energy x-rays and γ-rays was converted into thermal energy of the gold absorber. A metallic magnetic calorimeter serving as a fast and sensitive thermometer was thermally attached to the metal absorber. In the present report, experimental demonstrations of Q spectroscopy were made with a new meander-type magnetic calorimeter. The thermal connection between the temperature sensor and the absorber was established with annealed gold wires. Each alpha decay event in the absorber resulted in a temperature increase of the absorber and the temperature sensor. Using the spectrum measured for a drop of (226)Ra solution in a 4π gold absorber, all of the alpha emitters in the sample were identified with a demonstration of good detector linearity. The resolution of the (226)Ra spectrum showed a 3.3 keV FWHM at its Q value together with an expected gamma escape peak at the energy shifted by its γ-ray energy.

Improvement of gas transfer by hemosome

Intravascular oxidation is a respiratory assist method used to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However intravascular oxidation through higher gas exchange is needed for successful clinical applications. In this study, an attempt was made to improve the gas exchange of an intravascular lung assist device by decreasing the level of damage to the blood through the microencapsulation of hemoglobin. The results showed that a hemosome 0.8 microm in diameter could be produced by microencapsulating the hemoglobin extracted from fresh bovine blood with the phospholipids extracted from egg yolk. The oxygen saturation curve of hemosome was S-shaped, which is similar to that found in normal blood, and the P50 was 24 mmHg. The oxygen saturation in the mixed solution of hemosome and blood at a 1:4 (v/v%) ratio was similar to that of normal blood. The gas exchange of the blood-hemosome mixed solution was more effective than whole blood. Therefore, the hemosome solution is expected to improve oxygen transfer.

Taurine reduces FK506-induced generation of ROS and activation of JNK and Bax in Madin Darby canine kidney cells

The immunosuppressive compound FK506 has been successfully used in kidney and liver transplant recipients. However, the compound can induce significant side effects on kidney function. Taurine is a potent free radical scavenger that attenuates a variety of renal diseases that are the consequence of excessive oxygen free radical damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate FK506-mediated death of Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, in relation to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. We determined the calcium (Ca(2+)) and magnesium (Mg(2+)) concentration in cultured MDCK cells by microfluorescence techniques and the level of activation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERK), Bcl-2 and Bax proteins by Western blot. Treatment with 10 muM FK506 induced apoptosis in MDCK cells by increasing the level of intracellular ROS and Ca(2+) and by decreaseing the level of intracellular Mg(2+). This increase in intracellular ROS promoted JNK and Bax activation, which increased FK506-induced MDCK cell death. Taurine reduced the FK506-induced generation of ROS and activation of JNK and Bax. The results indicate that taurine can prevent FK506-induced kidney toxicity.

Nitrite-induced methemoglobinaemia affects blood ionized and total magnesium level by hydrolysis of plasma adenosine triphosphate in rat

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium nitrite (NaNO(2))-induced methemoglobinaemia on plasma ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and corresponding changes of blood-ionized magnesium (iMg(2+)) as well as total magnesium (tMg(2+)) in a time-dependent manner. This study was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats to which NaNO(2) was injected (10 mg/kg i.p.) to induce methemoglobinaemia. Methemoglobin (MetHb) in blood was measured before (0 min.) and after 10, 30, 60 and 120 min. of NaNO(2) injection. At respective time points, the tMg(2+), blood ions and gases were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry and ion selective electrode, respectively. Haematological parameters were checked by automatic blood cell count, and blood films were observed under light microscope. Plasma ATP was measured by bioluminescence assay using a luminometer, and plasma proteins were measured by an automatic analyser. Blood cell count (RBC, WBC and platelet), haematocrit, and haemoglobin were found to be decreased with the advancement of MetHb concentration. With the gradual increase of MetHb concentration, the plasma ATP decreased and blood iMg(2+) and plasma tMg(2+) increased significantly as time passed by in comparison with the pre-drug values. A significant decrease of the ratio of ionized calcium to iMg(2+), Na(+) and increase of K(+) was observed. In conclusion, NaNO(2)-induced methemoglobinaemia is a cause of hydrolysis of plasma ATP which is responsible for the increase of blood iMg(2+) and plasma tMg(2+) in rats.

The antioxidant, taurine reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced generation of ROS, and activation of MAPKs and Bax in cultured pneumocytes

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can cause damage to the epithelia of the respiratory tract. However, taurine can protect the lung tissue from such oxidant-induced inflammation. This study examined the effects of a LPS treatment on the intracellular calcium levels ([Ca(2+)]i) as well as the specific mechanisms of LPS-induced cell death in pneumocytes. In addition, the effects of taurine on the LPS-induced increase in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pneumocytes were investigated. The [Ca(2+)]i in cultured pneumocytes was determined using microfluorescence techniques. The level of activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Bax protein were measured by Western blotting. LPS at 10 and 100 ng/ml induced cell death and decreased the viability of MRC-5 cells. Moreover, the intracellular Ca(2+) and ROS levels were increased by LPS. The LPS treatment led to the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK and the activation of Bax. A pretreatment with 20 mM taurine reduced the LPS-induced production of ROS and MARK activity. These results show that a LPS treatment induces cell death in MRC-5 cells by increasing the intracellular ROS and Ca(2+) levels. The increase in the intracellular level of ROS promotes MAPKs activation and Bax translocation. Overall, LPS induces lung cell death by activating MAPKs. Furthermore, taurine decreased the LPS-induced generation of ROS and activation of MAPK and Bax.

Taurine increases cell proliferation and generates an increase in [Mg2+]i accompanied by ERK 1/2 activation in human osteoblast cells

Taurine has been reported to influence bone metabolism, and its specific transport system, the taurine transporter, is expressed in osteoblasts. The mean [Mg2+]i was 0.51+/-0.01 mM in normal culture media. Taurine caused an increase in [Mg(2+)]i by 0.72+/-0.04 mM in human osteoblast (HOB) cells. This increment in [Mg2+]i was inhibited significantly by PD98059, nifedipine, lidocaine, and imipramine. Taurine was also shown to stimulate the activation of ERK 1/2. This taurine-stimulated ERK 1/2 activation was inhibited by PD98059. In the present study, taurine was shown to increase cell proliferation and generate an increase in [Mg2+]i accompanied by ERK 1/2 activation in HOB cells.

Design of an intravenous oxygenator

The aim of this study was to design a new intravenous blood-gas exchange device and to estimate the design characteristics of the device with a dimensionless function by using a substance that can be used instead of bovine blood. In addition, the characteristics of oxygen transfer were estimated using empirical formulas and the reliability of the equations was ascertained by comparing their output with an experiment performed using bovine blood. The dimensionless function was derived using distilled water and bovine blood to estimate the oxygen transfer rate. Using the derived equations, the calculated oxygen transfer rates for bovine blood and distilled water were similar for Reynolds numbers ranging from 0.7 to 7.0. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the oxygen transfer rate in bovine blood, which is a non-Newtonian fluid, using distilled water, which is a Newtonian fluid. Moreover, it was possible to verify the related equations because the oxygen transfer rate could be estimated using the derived equations, according to the diameters of the various device modules.

Development of Gerontological Nursing Curriculum Model

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to develop gerontological curriculum model which reflects the need of Korean society.

METHOD

Three round Delphi survey method was applied to find consensus of gerontological nursing competencies (knowledge, attitudes and skills) for graduates of nursing schools from the panel of gerontological nursing practice experts. Important concepts in gerontological nursing were delineated from literature review and discussions of gerontological nursing educators. Based on these results the gerontological nursing curriculum model was developed and course structure outlined by the researchers as a group.

RESULT

As the result of delphi survey, 32 items of knowledge, 29 items of attitude, and 21 items of skill were identified. The curriculum model constructed around a cube with three plane- functional capacity levels, settings, and nursing practice. Specific knowledge, attitudes and skills for gerontological theory and practicum course were suggested. Competency items were assigned to theory and/or practice.

CONCLUSION

A curriculum model for gerontological nursing has been developed by a group of gerontological nursing educators. The curriculum model should be further tested and developed with detailed theory and practicum course outline and textbooks.

Comet assays to assess DNA damage and repair in grass shrimp embryos exposed to phototoxicants

Exposure of grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) embryos to four compounds (anthracene, pyrene, alpha-terthienyl, methylene blue) along with solar exposure resulted in extensive DNA strand damage using the comet assay. DNA tail moments of embryos exposed to these chemicals in the dark ranged from 1.8 to 4.3, while exposure to chemicals and solar resulted in tail moments of 14.3-15.3. Reduction of DNA tail moments when solar exposed embryos were transferred to the dark, suggested DNA repair systems were active. The comet assay can be used to follow both DNA damage and repair following exposure to phototoxic chemicals.

Induction of the P450 reporter gene system bioassay by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Ulsan Bay (South Korea) sediments

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and induction of the P450 reporter gene system (RGS) for 6- and 16-h exposure periods were determined in organic extracts of Ulsan Bay (South Korea) sediments to assess the utility of this bioassay as a screening tool for PAH contamination. The sum of the concentrations of 23 individual PAHs in 30 sediment samples (sigma PAH) based on GC-MS analysis ranged from 0.05 to 6.1 micrograms/g dry wt. P450 RGS fold induction ranged from 4.0 to 320 micrograms/g based on benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalents (BaPEq). P450 RGS BaPEq and the 'chemical BaPEq', defined as the sum of the products of individual PAH concentrations and pre-determined toxic equivalency factors, exhibited very strong positive correlations with sigma PAH (r2 > 0.90; P < 0.001). Fold induction did not increase (and in some cases decreased) after the optimal incubation period (6 h) for PAHs, indicating that other compounds known to induce the P450 RGS (e.g. chlorinated organics) were not present at levels effecting significant induction. This was supported by GC-ECD analysis where non-ortho and mono-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) known to be strong P450 RGS inducers were found to be at very low or non-detectable levels in samples with the highest P450 RGS responses. The profound difference in PAH profiles for the two most contaminated sites suggested that this assay is especially sensitive for selected PAHs with greater than four rings. Combined with previous results, the P450 RGS shows promise as a useful screening tool for predicting deleterious biological effects resulting from CYP1A1-inducing, sediment-associated chemicals, particularly high molecular weight PAHs.

DNA strand breaks (comet assay) and embryo development effects in grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) embryos after exposure to genotoxicants

Grass shrimp embryos develop in egg sacs (stages 1-10) attached to the female for 14-20 days after which they 'hatch' from the egg sacs into a swimming zoea stage (stage 11). Until they emerge from the egg sacs, embryos depend on lipids and lipovitellin stored within the egg. The percent of embryos which hatch after exposure to toxicants relative to controls was the basis of an embryo development assay. Exposure of embryos to chromium(III) chloride, sodium chromate, mercuric chloride, and 2-methyl-1,2-naphthoquinone (MNQ) resulted in a reduced hatching rate. In addition to effects on embryo development, DNA strand damage tests were carried out on contaminant-exposed embryos, using the single-cell electrophoresis method often referred to as comet assay. Development of stage 4 embryos was more affected by MNQ exposure than stage 7 embryos. The hatching rates of stages 4 and 7 embryos exposed to MNQ (172 micrograms/l) were 0 and 90%, respectively. DNA strand damage, measured as DNA tail moments, were 3.4 and 4.4, respectively. Thus, exposure of an early embryo stage to MNQ prevented full embryo development while development of later embryo stages was not affected. It may be that the DNA repair systems are more efficient in later embryo stages than in early stages and thus DNA damaged in the early stages affects development.

Pharmacokinetics, skin absorption, stability, blood partition, and protein binding of AS 2-006A, a new wound healing agent

After intravenous administration of AS 2-006A, 20, 50, and 90 mg/kg, to rats, the pharmacokinetic parameters, terminal half-life (69.8-86. 6 min), mean residence time (56.2-75.2 min), apparent volume of distribution at steady state (809-1040 mL/kg), and total body clearance (11.4-11.9 mL/min/kg), were dose-independent. After topical application of 0.5 or 1% AS 2-006A ointment, 300 mg, to abraded rat skin, the absorbed amounts were dose (0.5 and 1%) and time (30, 60, 120, 240, 360 and 480 min)-independent; the value was approximately 20%. The tissue-to-plasma ratios of AS 2-006A were greater than unity in all rat tissues studied, except in the muscle and large intestine. AS 2-006A was stable for up to 24 h incubation in rat plasma, and human plasma and urine; however, it seemed not to be stable in rat urine; the disappearance rate constant was 0.0218/h. AS 2-006A reached equilibrium fast between plasma and blood cells, and the equilibrium plasma/blood cells partition ratios were independent of the initial rabbit blood concentrations of AS 2-006A, 10, 20, and 50 microg/mL; the mean values were in the range of 2.38-2.75 for three rabbit blood. The protein binding of AS 2-006A to rat plasma was high, as the drug was under detection limit in the filtrate at the plasma concentrations of the drug, ranging from 7.21 to 228 microg/mL.

Determination of a new asiatic acid derivative, AS 2-006A in rat plasma and urine, and human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of a new wound healing agent, AS 2-006A (ethoxymethyl 2-oxo-3, 23-O-isopropylideneasiatate), in rat plasma and urine, and human plasma. The sample preparation was simple: 2 volumes of acetonitrile were added to the biological samples to deproteinize it. A 50-microl aliquot of the supernatant was injected onto the reversed-phase column. The mobile phase employed was acetonitrile : H2O (9:1, v/v) and run at a flow rate of 1.1 ml/min. The column effluent was monitored by a UV detector set at 205 nm. The retention time for AS 2-006A was approximately 29.5 min. The detection limits for AS 2-006A in rat and human plasma were both 1 microg/ml, and in rat urine was 2 microg/ml. The coefficients of variation of the assay (within-day and between-day) were generally low (below 10.8%) for rat plasma and urine, and human plasma. No interferences from endogenous substances were found.

Psoriasiform eruption triggered by recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (rGM-CSF) and exacerbated by granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rG-CSF) in a patient with breast cancer

Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are commonly used for the treatment of neutropenia following chemotherapy and for the mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC). We recently experienced a rare case of a new onset of psoriasiform eruption by GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) which was exacerbated by G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) in a patient with breast cancer. A 36-year-old woman had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, epirubicin and 5-fluorouracil), modified radical mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and mitoxantrone followed by GM-CSF administration for the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. She had developed a psoriatic skin lesion on face and both upper arms during leukocyte recovery in spite of no previous history of psoriasis. Next, the chemotherapy course was complicated by a flare of mild psoriatic skin lesion, although CSF was changed into G-CSF due to GM-CSF-associated psoriasis. Subsequently, she had had high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for consolidation therapy. GM-CSF was administered for the mobilization of PBSC and post-transplant period, but psoriatic skin lesion did not appear. During 6 months after PBSCT, psoriasiform eruption did not appear.

In vitro inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450 and enzyme activity by butyltin compounds in marine mammals

The present study attempted to examine the in-vitro inhibition of hepatic microsomal P450 content and activity by butyltins in marine mammals and discussed on their possible effects in animals in the wild. Decreases in P450 content and the activities of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD, catalyzed by CYPIA subfamily) and penthoxyresorufin O-depentylase (PROD, catalyzed by CYP2B subfamily) by tributyltin (TBT) were observed in in-vitro experiments using hepatic microsomes of a pinniped and a cetacean. Among P450 family, EROD activity is more sensitive to TBT than P450 content and PROD activity, indicating a specific mode of action of TBT on different P450 forms. On the other hand, dibutyltin and monobutyltin have no inhibitory effect on EROD activity at concentrations less than 0.5 mM, indicating that the inhibition of enzyme activity in hepatic microsome of marine mammal is mainly by TBT. TBT concentrations that affect P450 contents and activities are above 10 times higher than the values found in the liver of various marine mammals.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome: imaging findings in patients with hepatic involvement

OBJECTIVE

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (eosinophilia without demonstrable cause) commonly involves eosinophilic infiltration of the liver and spleen, but few reports have described the imaging findings. Accordingly, we reviewed the imaging findings in five patients with this syndrome in whom the liver was involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five patients who had hypereosinophilic syndrome with hepatic involvement were included in the study. The diagnosis of hepatic involvement was based on pathologic proof in two patients and on imaging and laboratory findings in the other three. Histologic examination of the hepatic lesions showed extensive eosinophilic infiltration in two patients and centrilobular necrosis in one. All patients had chest radiography, barium studies of the gastrointestinal tract, abdominal CT, and sonography. Four patients had hepatosplenic scintigraphy. All patients were followed up for 4-24 months.

RESULTS

All patients had mild to marked hepatomegaly with multiple focal lesions. Focal lesions were detected on sonograms in three patients, on CT scans in four, and on scintigrams in three. On sonograms, the lesions were usually small (less than 2 cm in diameter), sharply or poorly defined nodules with varied echogenicity scattered throughout the liver. The lesions were hypodense with poorly defined margins on CT scans and appeared as variably sized areas of decreased radionuclide uptake on scintigrams. For each patient, the number, size, and shape of the lesions varied considerably from one imaging study to another. On follow-up studies 2-6 months after treatment, the appearance of the liver was normal. Other radiologic findings included transient pulmonary infiltrates (two patients), mild cardiomegaly (one patient), and mild lymphadenopathy (three patients).

CONCLUSION

Hypereosinophilic syndrome is a cause of focal hepatic lesions seen on sonograms, CT scans, or scintigrams. The lesions are characterized by the varied appearance on the different types of images and the disappearance of the lesions with treatment.