Feasibility of Emotional Freedom Techniques in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: a pilot study

Objectives

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent mental health condition, and techniques using sensory stimulation in processing traumatic memories have gained attention. The Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a psychotherapy that combines tapping on acupoints with exposure to cognitive reframing. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of EFT as a treatment for PTSD by answering the following research questions 1) What is the compliance and completion rate of patients with PTSD with regard to EFT protocol? Is the dropout rate reasonable? 2) Is the effect size of EFT protocol for PTSD sufficient to justify a future trial?

Methods

Thirty participants diagnosed with PTSD were recruited. They received weekly EFT sessions for five weeks, in which they repeated a statement acknowledging the problem and accepting themselves while tapping the SI3 acupoint on the side of their hand. PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) before and after the intervention.

Results

Of the 30 PTSD patients (mean age 34.1 ± 9.1, 80% female), 96.7% showed over 80% compliance to the EFT sessions, and 86.7% completed the entire study process. The mean PCL-5 total score decreased significantly after the intervention, with a large effect size (change from baseline -14.33 [95% CI -19.79, -8.86], p < 0.0001, d = 1.06).

Conclusion

The study suggests that EFT is a feasible treatment for PTSD, with high session compliance and low dropout rates. The effect size observed in this study supports the need for a larger trial in the future to further investigate EFT as a treatment for PTSD. However, the lack of a control group and the use of a self-rated questionnaire for PTSD symptoms are limitations of this study. The findings of this pilot study can be used to plan a future trial.

Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Pagrus major by the Dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi

Karenia mikimotoi is a common species of red tide dinoflagellate that causes the mass mortality of marine fauna in coastal waters of Republic of Korea. Despite continuous studies on the ecophysiology and toxicity of K. mikimotoi, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Red sea bream, Pagrus major, is a high-value aquaculture fish species, and the coastal aquaculture industry of red sea bream has been increasingly affected by red tides. To investigate the potential oxidative effects of K. mikimotoi on P. major and the molecular mechanisms involved, we exposed the fish to varying concentrations of K. mikimotoi and evaluated its toxicity. Our results showed that exposure to K. mikimotoi led to an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative DNA damage in the gill tissue of P. major. Furthermore, we found that K. mikimotoi induced the activation of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, in the gill tissue of P. major, with a significant increase in activity at concentrations above 5000 cells/mL. However, the activity of glutathione S-transferase did not significantly increase at the equivalent concentration. Our study confirms that oxidative stress and DNA damage is induced by acute exposure to K. mikimotoi, as it produces ROS and hypoxic conditions in P. major. In addition, it was confirmed that gill and blood samples can be used as biomarkers to detect the degree of oxidative stress in fish. These findings have important implications for the aquaculture of red sea bream, particularly in the face of red tide disasters.

Efficacy, Safety and Economic Evaluation of Wolbigachul-Tang for Chronic Cough Due to Upper Airway Cough Syndrome (UACS): A Study Protocol for Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Comparator Controlled, Parallel, Exploratory Clinical Trial

Upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) is a common cause of chronic cough characterized by upper airway symptoms, including nasal discharge and throat discomfort. Empirical treatments for UASC-induced chronic cough, such as first-generation antihistamines, have been used; however, the long-term use of these medicines has adverse effects. Therefore, we evaluate the efficacy, safety, and economic feasibility of Wolbigachul-tang (WBGCT), an herbal medication for UASC-induced chronic cough. This is a randomized, double-blind, active-comparator-controlled, parallel, and exploratory clinical trial. Thirty patients with UASC-induced chronic cough will be recruited and randomly allocated to the WBGCT and control groups in a 1:1 allocation ratio. The investigational medicine will be administered three times per day for 2 weeks (3 g of WBGCT at a time). The primary outcome measure is the cough symptom score measured at screening, before starting the trial, and after 2 and 4 weeks. Secondary outcome measures include the cough visual analog scale, nasal discharge score, questionnaire of clinical symptoms of cough and sputum, Leicester cough questionnaire-Korean version, integrative medicine outcome scale, integrative medicine patient satisfaction scale, and 5-level EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire, which will be assessed before starting the trial and after 2 and 4 weeks. This study aims to investigate the efficacy, safety, and economic feasibility of WBGCT in the treatment of chronic cough. Therefore, the results of this trial provide evidence for the application of WBGCT in the treatment of UACS-induced chronic cough.

Emotional freedom technique versus written exposure therapy versus waiting list for post-traumatic stress disorder: protocol for a randomised clinical MRI study

INTRODUCTION

The emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an acupuncture-based psychotherapy that combines tapping on acupoints with cognitive reframing. EFT has been previously shown to have potential for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, further clinical evidence and underlying mechanisms of EFT are yet to be fully explored. This proposed clinical trial aims to examine the effect of EFT on patients with PTSD compared with the waitlist (WL) and active controls.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study was designed as a randomised, assessor-blinded, three-arm clinical MRI study. A total of 120 eligible patients with PTSD will be recruited and randomised into EFT, written exposure therapy (WET) or WL groups. EFT and WET will be applied once a week for 5 weeks. For patients in the WL group, EFT will be performed after 12 weeks. PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms and quality of life will be evaluated. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (week 0), post-treatment (week 6) and follow-up (week 12). Structural and functional brain images and recording videos of facial expressions to emotional stimuli will be obtained before and after treatment. Sixty participants without lifetime traumatic experiences will be enrolled as healthy controls. The primary objective of the study is to compare the change from baseline in the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale after treatment (week 6) between EFT and WL groups and between EFT and WET groups.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital. The research findings will be shared at national and international conferences and will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinical Research Information Service KCT0007360 https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/21974.

The Psychometric Properties of the Trunk Impairment Scale in Children with Cerebral Palsy

The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) measures static and dynamic seated trunk control in children with cerebral palsy (CP) who have postural control problems. Studies have investigated the reliability and validity of the TIS. However, the fitness and difficulty of the scale items have not been investigated. This study used Rasch analysis to test the construct validity of TIS for children with CP. TIS data were collected from 60 children with CP and analyzed for person and item fit, item difficulty, rating scale suitability, and separation reliability. Principal component analyses of residuals revealed that TIS had unidimensionality. Five misfit items (static sitting balance (SSB) items 2 and 3, dynamic sitting balance (DSB) items 4 and 5, and coordination (COO) item 3) were identified. DSB8 is the most difficult item, followed by DSB3 and COO4. On the other hand, the SSB3 item was found to be a relatively easy item. The rating scales demonstrated that out of the three subscales, SSB, DSB, and COO, only the SSB subscale did not meet the appropriate criteria. We demonstrated that statistical item analysis with the Rasch model could provide valuable information related to psychometric properties.

Sensory Processing as a Predictor of Leisure Participation in Early Adolescents

Sensory processing may be associated with adolescents’ preferences for different leisure activities. However, knowledge about how different sensory processing patterns may relate to adolescents’ participation in leisure activities is scarce. This study sought to investigate the relationship between sensory processing and leisure participation in early adolescents. Study participants were typical early adolescents aged from 11 to 12 years (mean = 11.88 ± 0.33, n = 140). The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and Children’s Assessment for Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) were used to determine the participants’ sensory processing abilities. Correlational and multiple regression methods were employed to analyze the relationship between sensory processing and leisure participation. There were significant positive relationships between sensory seeking and participation (r = 0.177–0.350, p = 0.000–0.037). There were also significant negative relationships between low registration, sensory sensitivity, and overall participation (r = −0.202, p = 0.017, r = −0.212, p = 0.012). We found that formal activities, skill-based activities, and self-improvement activities were the main distinguishing factors between sensory processing types. Results suggest that sensation seeking and sensory sensitivity from the AASP were predictive of leisure participation. This study provides evidence to inform practices regarding the association of sensory processing and leisure participation and supports the need for assessing sensory processing in early adolescents.

KAI1(CD82) is a key molecule to control angiogenesis and switch angiogenic milieu to quiescent state

BACKGROUND

Little is known about endogenous inhibitors of angiogenic growth factors. In this study, we identified a novel endogenous anti-angiogenic factor expressed in pericytes and clarified its underlying mechanism and clinical significance.

METHODS

Herein, we found Kai1 knockout mice showed significantly enhanced angiogenesis. Then, we investigated the anti-angiogenic roll of Kai1 in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

KAI1 was mainly expressed in pericytes rather than in endothelial cells. It localized at the membrane surface after palmitoylation by zDHHC4 enzyme and induced LIF through the Src/p53 pathway. LIF released from pericytes in turn suppressed angiogenic factors in endothelial cells as well as in pericytes themselves, leading to inhibition of angiogenesis. Interestingly, KAI1 had another mechanism to inhibit angiogenesis: It directly bound to VEGF and PDGF and inhibited activation of their receptors. In the two different in vivo cancer models, KAI1 supplementation significantly inhibited tumor angiogenesis and growth. A peptide derived from the large extracellular loop of KAI1 has been shown to have anti-angiogenic effects to block the progression of breast cancer and retinal neovascularization in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

KAI1 from PC is a novel molecular regulator that counterbalances the effect of angiogenic factors.

Effects of Sihogayonggolmoryeo-tang (Saikokaryukotsuboreito or Chai-Hu-Jia-Long-Gu-Mu-Li-Tang) for insomnia disorder with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Insomnia and hypertension are diseases with a high prevalence and a known association with each other. Sihogayonggolmoryeo-tang (SYM) is an herbal medicine traditionally used for the treatment of insomnia disorder concurrent with hypertension. However, no scientific clinical evidence exists supporting the effects of SYM on these disorders. This study aims to explore the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of SYM for the treatment of insomnia disorder with concurrent prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, wait-list controlled, parallel, pilot clinical trial has been designed for a study to be conducted in Daejeon, Republic of Korea. Thirty insomnia disorder patients with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension will be randomly assigned to a SYM or wait-list group at a 1:1 ratio. The SYM group will be administered SYM granules twice a day for 4 weeks and followed-up for 2 weeks while the wait-list group will not receive SYM granules. All participants in both groups will be given brochures with instructions for maintaining sleep hygiene and lifestyle modifications to reduce hypertension. Data will be collected at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after allocation. The primary outcome is the Insomnia Severity Index score at 4 weeks post-treatment. The secondary outcomes will consist of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, sleep diary, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index, atherosclerosis biomarkers, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the 5-level EuroQol-5 dimensions, and the Patient Global Impression of Change. Adverse events and laboratory test results will be monitored to assess the safety. Data will be recorded in electronic case report forms and analyzed using SPSS Statistics, Version 24.0.

DISCUSSION

This is the first clinical trial to explore the effectiveness and safety of SYM for the treatment of insomnia disorder concurrent with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension. The results of this study can form the foundation for a future multicenter, large-scale, confirmatory clinical trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0005001 (registered on May 8, 2020).

Effects of a 6-week intrinsic foot muscle exercise program on the functions of intrinsic foot muscle and dynamic balance in patients with chronic ankle instability

We aimed to evaluate the effects of a 6-week intrinsic foot muscle exercise program on the activation of intrinsic foot muscle movement and dynamic balance in adults with chronic ankle stability. A total of 30 adults with chronic ankle instability were recruited. The participants were randomly assigned to a group performing intrinsic foot muscle exercises and a control group doing no exercises. We measured the activation rate and dynamic balance of the abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, flexor hallucis brevis, and quadratus plantae before and after the intervention. We found that the activation rate and dynamic balance significantly increased in all intrinsic foot muscles in the experimental group. These results suggest that intrinsic foot muscle exercise for patients with chronic ankle stability is an effective treatment for improving the functions and balance ability of the intrinsic foot muscles.

Gata6 in pluripotent stem cells enhance the potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes

Pluripotent stem cell (PSC) variations can cause significant differences in the efficiency of cardiac differentiation. This process is unpredictable, as there is not an adequate indicator at the undifferentiated stage of the PSCs. We compared global gene expression profiles of two PSCs showing significant differences in cardiac differentiation potential. We identified 12 up-regulated genes related to heart development, and we found that 4 genes interacted with multiple genes. Among these genes, Gata6 is the only gene that was significantly induced at the early stage of differentiation of PSCs to cardiomyocytes. Gata6 knock-down in PSCs decreased the efficiency of cardiomyocyte production. In addition, we analyzed 6 mESC lines and 3 iPSC lines and confirmed that a positive correlation exists between Gata6 levels and efficiency of differentiation into cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, Gata6 could be utilized as a biomarker to select the best PSC lines to produce PSC-derived cardiomyocytes for therapeutic purposes. [BMB Reports 2018; 51(2): 85-91].

Abstract 917: CD82/KAI1 maintains the dormancy of long-term hematopoietic stem cells through interaction with DARC-expressing macrophages

Hematopoiesis is regulated by crosstalk between long-term repopulating hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) and supporting niche cells in the bone marrow (BM). Here, we examine the role of CD82/KAI1 (CD82 hereafter) in niche-mediated LT-HSC maintenance. We found that CD82 is expressed predominantly on LT-HSCs and rarely on other hematopoietic stem-progenitor cells (HSPCs). In Cd82-/- mice, LT-HSCs were selectively lost as they exited from quiescence and differentiated. Mechanistically, CD82-based TGF-b1/Smad3 signaling leads to induction of CDK inhibitors and cell-cycle inhibition. The CD82 binding partner DARC/CD234 is expressed on macrophages and stabilizes CD82 on LT-HSCs, promoting their quiescence. When DARC+ BM macrophages were ablated, the level of surface CD82 on LT-HSCs decreased, leading to cell-cycle entry, proliferation, and differentiation. A similar interaction appears to be relevant for human HSPCs. Thus, CD82 is a functional surface marker of LT-HSCs that maintains quiescence through interaction with DARC-expressing macrophages in the BM stem cell niche. Finally, we hope that further development of our study will allow us to improve leukemia treatment by awakening not only “good” stem cells to keep beneficial stem cell functions, but also “bad” stem cells (e.g. cancer stem cells) in order to increase the sensitivity to treatment and avoid relapse.

Citation Format: Jae-Il Choi, Jin Hur, Hwan Lee, Pniel Nham, Cheong-Whan Chae, Young-Eun Choi, Taewan Kim, Ga-Young Lee, Sung Hee Baek, Hyo-Soo Kim. CD82/KAI1 maintains the dormancy of long-term hematopoietic stem cells through interaction with DARC-expressing macrophages [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 917. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-917

Trends in socioeconomic costs of morbid obesity among Korean adults, 2009-2013: Data from National Health Insurance Service

As the prevalence of morbid obesity increased in Korea, the estimation of the accurate socioeconomic costs by morbid obesity was required; we analysed national medical costs through the big data. From 2009 year to 2013 year, Direct Costs (DC) for medical costs, transit costs and nursing costs and Indirect Costs (IC) for Future Income Loss (FIL) and Productivity Loss (PL) of morbid obesity (BMI≥30) were calculated, and socioeconomic costs were estimated by applying Population Attributable Risk (PAR) proportion according to obesity related diseases. From 10 year follow up research, Relative risk (RR) for morbid obesity related disease was analysed in comparison with control group. The high RR disease were congestive heart failure (RR 3.204 CI 2.421-3.987), hypertension (RR 3.13 CI 3.058-3.202), type 2 DM (RR 3.112 CI 2.973-3.251), pulmonary embolism (RR 2.969 CI 1.812-4.126), dyslipidemia (RR 2.283 CI 2.221-2.345) and ischaemic heart disease (RR 2.187 CI 2.068-2.306) in order. The socioeconomic costs by morbid obesity tended to increase 1.47 times from 2009 year (492 billion KRW) to 2013 year (726.2 billion KRW). The growth of the prevalence and the socioeconomic costs by morbid obesity in Korea are required not only the personal care issue but also social and national strategies for the future morbid obesity control.

Diabetes-Induced Jagged1 Overexpression in Endothelial Cells Causes Retinal Capillary Regression in a Murine Model of Diabetes Mellitus: Insights Into Diabetic Retinopathy

BACKGROUND

Several mechanisms have been proposed to account for diabetes-induced microvasculopathy (DMV). Although Notch signaling was reported to be affected by glucose metabolism in endothelial cells during developmental angiogenesis, it has not been investigated in vascular remodeling of adult capillaries in relation to diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We induced diabetes mellitus in 8-week-old adult mice by intravenously administering streptozotocin. After 6 weeks, we harvested organs, including retina, heart, and skeletal muscle, and evaluated the capillaries with immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. We modulated endothelial Notch signaling using chemical inhibitors in wild-type mice or transgenic mice, inducing conditional knockout of Jagged1 or Mib1.

RESULTS

DMV was characterized by capillary remodeling, regression, and decreased density. Notch ligand Jagged1, but not δ-like ligand 4, was markedly increased in endothelial cells of diabetic mice. Using endothelium-specific Jagged1 knockdown mice, we found that blocking Jagged1 prevented DMV even under diabetic conditions. Furthermore, in the inducible endothelium-specific Jagged1 knockdown mice, blocking Jagged1 even at 4 weeks after the establishment of DMV could reverse it, leading to normalization of retinal vasculature. A search for downstream signals revealed that diabetes mellitus decreased the nuclear localization of Notch1 intracellular domain and reduced the expression of VE-cadherin and N-cadherin in endothelial cells. Chemical Notch inhibition phenocopied DMV in normal mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that diabetes mellitus induces Jagged1 overexpression and suppresses Notch signaling in endothelial cells, leading to DMV in adult mice. We conclude that dysregulated intercellular Notch signaling may be a novel mechanism of DMV.

Development and comparative evaluation of new shapes of pillows

The purpose of this study was to determine pillow designs suitable for supine and side-lying positions. [Subjects] Twenty female and twenty male subjects with a mean age of 22.7 years (SD = 1.3) participated in the study. [Methods] First, a three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to analyze the movements of the head and the shoulder joints during changes from supine positions to side-lying positions. Second, the height from the face to the shoulder and the height from the floor to the middle of the neck in a side-lying position were measured. Third, the weight distribution ratios of the head and the trunk were compared using general pillows (polyester sponge), memory foam, and prototype pillows. [Results] During position changes from supine positions to side-lying positions, the head moved in a fan shape, and the shoulder joint moved an average of 4.4 cm upward. The height from the face to the shoulder was 9 cm on average. The height from the floor to the middle of the neck was 11 cm on average. The weight distribution ratios between the head and the trunk were compared among general pillows (polyester sponge), memory foam, and prototype pillows. The results showed significant differences in the side-lying position. [Conclusion] Pillows with uniform heights are not suitable for a supine or side-lying position. In the case of both positions, users should be allowed to select pillows in shapes that can support the neck.

Abstract C74: Stabilization of mutant BRCA1 confers PARP inhibitor and platinum resistance

The BRCA1 gene is commonly mutated in hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The BRCA1 protein has multiple domains that mediate protein interactions; BRCA1 gene mutations may produce truncated proteins that lose the ability to interact with associated proteins. Additionally, mutations in the BRCT domain of BRCA1 create protein folding defects that result in protease-mediated degradation. Cells that contain dysfunctional BRCA1 proteins are hypersensitive to DNA damaging agents. In particular, BRCA1-deficient cell lines are exquisitely sensitive to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor treatment. Despite initial responses of BRCA1 mutant cancers to PARP inhibitor treatment, acquired resistance develops. To study PARP inhibitor resistance, specifically in the setting of BRCA1 C-terminal truncating mutations, we cultured the triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-436 (5396+1G&gt;A) in the presence of the PARP inhibitor rucaparib. Drug resistant clones emerged approximately 2-4 months after initial exposure. Clones were highly resistant to rucaparib, and cross-resistant to olaparib, as well as cisplatin. No changes in the mutant BRCA1 DNA or mRNA sequences were detected and the PARP enzyme was efficiently inhibited by rucaparib. The mutant BRCA1 protein was undetectable in MDA-MB-436 parent cells, but was abundant in resistant clones by western blot. HSP90 co-immunoprecipitated with the stabilized mutant BRCA1 protein and treatment of resistant cells with the HSP90 inhibitor 17-DMAG reduced mutant BRCA1 protein levels and restored their sensitivity to PARP inhibition. The stabilized mutant BRCA1 protein also interacted with PALB2-BRCA2-RAD51, was essential for RAD51 focus formation and PARP inhibitor resistance. Resistant cells also acquired a TP53BP1 mutation that facilitated DNA end resection in the absence of a BRCA1 protein capable of binding CtIP. Finally, concomitant increased mutant BRCA1 and decreased 53BP1 protein expression occurs in clinical samples of BRCA1-mutated recurrent ovarian carcinomas that have developed resistance to platinum. These results provide evidence for a novel mechanism by which BRCA1-mutant tumors acquire anti-cancer therapy resistance.

Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):C74.

Citation Format: Neil Johnson, Shawn F. Johnson, Yifan Wang, Andrea Bernhardy, Wei Yao, Young-Eun Choi, Marzia Capelletti, Kristopher Sarosiek, Lisa Moreau, Dipanjan Chowdhury, Joyce Liu, Alan D'Andrea, Alexander Miron, Anneka Wickramanayake, Maria Harrell, Elizabeth M. Swisher, Geoffrey I. Shapiro. Stabilization of mutant BRCA1 confers PARP inhibitor and platinum resistance. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C74.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ activates endothelial progenitor cells to induce angio-myogenesis through matrix metallo-proteinase-9-mediated insulin-like growth factor-1 paracrine networks

AIMS

The roles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-δ in vascular biology are mainly unknown. We investigated the effects of PPAR-δ activation on the paracrine networks between endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial cells (ECs)/skeletal muscle.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Treatment of EPCs with GW501516, a PPAR-δ agonist, induced specifically matrix metallo-proteinase (MMP)-9 by direct transcriptional activation. Subsequently, this increased-MMP-9 broke down insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3, resulting in IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) activation in surrounding target cells. Treatment of conditioned medium from GW501516-stimulated EPCs enhanced the number and functions of human umbilical vein ECs and C2C12 myoblasts via MMP-9-mediated IGF-1R activation. Systemic administration of GW501516 in mice increased MMP-9 expression in EPCs, and augmented IGFBP-3 degradation in serum. In a mouse hindlimb ischaemia model, systemic treatment of GW501516 or local transplantation of GW501516-treated EPCs induced IGF-1R phosphorylation in ECs and skeletal muscle in the ischaemic limbs, leading to augmented angiogenesis and skeletal muscle regeneration. It also enhanced wound healing with increased angiogenesis in a mouse skin punch wound model. These pro-angiogenic and muscle-regenerating effects were abolished by MMP-9 knock-out.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that PPAR-δ is a crucial modulator of angio-myogenesis via the paracrine effects of EPCs, and its agonist is a good candidate as a therapeutic drug for patients with peripheral vascular diseases.

Thioredoxin-related mechanisms in hyperoxic lung injury in mice

Reduction of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) to glutathione (GSH) by glutathione reductase (GR) enhances the efficiency of GSH-dependent antioxidant activities. However, GR-deficient (a1Neu) mice are less susceptible to acute lung injury from continuous exposure to > 95% O(2) (96 h: 6.9 +/- 0.1 g right lung/kg body versus room air 3.6 +/- 0.3) than are C3H/HeN control mice (10.6 +/- 1.3 versus 4.2 +/- 0.3, P < 0.001). a1Neu mice have greater hepatic thioredoxin (Trx)1 and Trx2 levels than do C3H/HeN mice, suggesting compensation for the absence of GR. a1Neu mice exposed to hyperoxia for 96 hours showed lower levels of inflammatory infiltrates in lungs than did similarly exposed C3H/HeN mice. Pretreatment with aurothioglucose (ATG), a thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibitor, exacerbated the effects of hyperoxia on lung injury in a1Neu mice (11.6 +/- 0.8, P < 0.001), but attenuated hyperoxic lung edema and inflammation in C3H/HeN mice (6.3 +/- 0.4, P < 0.001). No consistent alterations were observed in lung GSH contents or liver GSH or GSSG levels after ATG pretreatment. The data suggest that modulation of Trx/TrxR systems might provide therapeutically useful alterations of cellular resistance to oxidant stresses. The protective effects of ATG against hyperoxic lung injury could prove to be particularly useful therapeutically.

MLN51 and GM-CSF involvement in the proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of unclear etiology. This study was conducted to identify critical factors involved in the synovial hyperplasia in RA pathology. We applied cDNA microarray analysis to profile the gene expressions of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from patients with RA. We found that the MLN51 (metastatic lymph node 51) gene, identified in breast cancer, is remarkably upregulated in the hyperactive RA FLSs. However, growth-retarded RA FLSs passaged in vitro expressed small quantities of MLN51. MLN51 expression was significantly enhanced in the FLSs when the growth-retarded FLSs were treated with granulocyte – macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or synovial fluid (SF). Anti-GM-CSF neutralizing antibody blocked the MLN51 expression even though the FLSs were cultured in the presence of SF. In contrast, GM-CSF in SFs existed at a significant level in the patients with RA (n = 6), in comparison with the other inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and TNF-α. Most RA FLSs at passage 10 or more recovered from their growth retardation when cultured in the presence of SF. The SF-mediated growth recovery was markedly impaired by anti-GM-CSF antibody. Growth-retarded RA FLSs recovered their proliferative capacity after treatment with GM-CSF in a dose-dependent manner. However, MLN51 knock-down by siRNA completely blocked the GM-CSF/SF-mediated proliferation of RA FLSs. Taken together, our results imply that MLN51, induced by GM-CSF, is important in the proliferation of RA FLSs in the pathogenesis of RA.

Production of eleutherosides in in vitro regenerated embryos and plantlets of Eleutherococcus chiisanensis

High frequency somatic embryogenesis of Eleutheorcoccus chiisanensis was achieved through suspension culture of embryogenic cells in hormone-free Murashige and Skoog liquid medium supplemented with 30 g sucrose l-1. Cotyledonary somatic embryos were germinated and converted into plantlets using 20 microM: gibberellic acid which were then grown in a 10 l airlift bioreactor. HPLC analysis revealed the accumulation of eleutheroside B, E and E1 in the embryos and plantlets. Thus mass production of embryos and plantlets of E. chiisanensis can be achieved in liquid cultures and the biomass produced may become an alternative source of eleutherosides.

Enhanced post-germinative growth of encapsulated somatic embryos of Siberian ginseng by carbohydrate addition to the encapsulation matrix

This experiment was carried out to enhance conversion and ex vitro survival of encapsulated somatic embryos of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Cotyledonary somatic embryos were encapsulated with 3.0% sodium alginate; 96% of the encapsulated embryos converted to plantlets with well-elongated epicotyls in Perlite containing sucrose as a carbon source. However, although they germinated, post-germinative growth of encapsulated embryos was suppressed on Perlite that did not contain sucrose. Instead of sucrose addition to Perlite, addition of carbon sources to the encapsulation matrix enhanced post-germinative growth of encapsulated embryos. In the encapsulation matrix with 2% sucrose, post-germinative growth of encapsulated embryos was more than twice (23.5%) that of the control capsules without sucrose (10.0%). Embryos encapsulated with both 2% sucrose and 1% starch powder showed the highest post-germinative growth percentage (42.1%). Iodine staining and analysis of starch content in the encapsulation matrix revealed that starch in the encapsulation matrix decomposed during embryo germination. This result indicates that carbohydrate treatment in the encapsulation matrix enhanced post-germinative growth of encapsulated embryos of Siberian ginseng.

Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation of Taraxacum platycarpum and changes of morphological characters

Transformed hairy roots were efficiently induced from seedlings of Taraxacum platycarpum by infection with Agrobacterium rhizogenes 15834. Root explants produced transformed roots at a higher frequency (76.5+/-3.5%) as compared to stem (32.7+/-4.8%) or cotyledon (16.2+/-5.7%). Hairy roots exhibited active elongation with high branching of roots on growth regulator-free medium. The competence of plant regeneration from non-transformed adventitious roots and transformed hairy roots was compared. The frequency of adventitious shoot formation from transformed roots was much higher (88.5+/-9.8%) than that of non-transformed roots (31.7 +/-9.5%) on hormone-free medium. Rooting of hairy root-derived adventitious shoots occurred easily on growth regulator-free medium but no rooting was observed on non-transformed shoots. The stable introduction of rol genes into Taraxacum plants was confirmed by PCR and Southern hybridization. Transgenic plantlets showed considerable differences in their morphology when compared to the corresponding wild-type (non-transgenic) plants. Plantlets formed from transformed roots had numerous fibrous roots with abundant lateral branches instead of the thickened taproots in non-transformed plants. The differences observed may reflect the modification of morphological root characters by introduction of rol genes.

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of niger [ Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass.] using seedling explants

A protocol was developed for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of niger [ Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.] using hypocotyl and cotyledon explants. Hypocotyls and cotyledons obtained from 7-day-old seedlings were co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA101/pIG121Hm that harbored genes for beta-glucuronidase (GUS), kanamycin, and hygromycin resistance. Following co-cultivation, the hypocotyl and cotyledon explants were cultivated on MS medium containing 1 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) for 3 days in darkness. Subsequently, hypocotyl and cotyledon explants were transferred to selective MS medium containing 1 mg/l BA, 10 mg/l hygromycin, 10 mg/l kanamycin, and 500 mg/l cefotaxime. After 6 weeks, hypocotyls and cotyledons produced multiple adventitious shoot buds, and these explants were subcultured to MS medium containing 1 mg/l BA, 30 mg/l hygromycin, and 30 mg/l kanamycin. After a further 3 weeks, the explants (along with developing shoot buds) were subcultured to MS medium containing 1 mg/l BA, 50 mg/l kanamycin, and 50 mg/l hygromycin for further selection. Transgenic plants were obtained after rooting on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid, 50 mg/l kanamycin, and 50 mg/l hygromycin and were confirmed by GUS histochemical assay and polymerase chain reaction analysis. Genomic Southern blot hybridization confirmed the incorporation of the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene into the host genome.

Production of herbicide-resistant transgenic Panax ginseng through the introduction of the phosphinothricin acetyl transferase gene and successful soil transfer

Herbicide-resistant transgenic Panax ginseng plants were produced by introducing the phosphinothricin acetyl transferase (PAT) gene that confers resistance to the herbicide Basta (bialaphos) through Agrobacterium tumefaciens co-cultivation. Embryogenic callus gathered from cotyledon explants of P. ginseng were pre-treated with 0.5 M sucrose or 0.05 M MgSO(4 )before Agrobacterium infection. This pre-treatment process markedly enhanced the transient expression of the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene. Embryogenic callus was initially cultured on MS medium supplemented with 400 mg/l cefotaxime for 3 weeks and subsequently subcultured five times to a medium containing 25 mg/l kanamycin and 300 mg/l cefotaxime. Somatic embryos formed on the surfaces of kanamycin-resistant callus. Upon development into the cotyledonary stage, these somatic embryos were transferred to a medium containing 50 mg/l kanamycin and 5 mg/l gibberellic acid to induce germination and strong selection. Integration of the transgene into the plants was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and Southern analyses. Transfer of the transgenic ginseng plantlets to soil was successfully accomplished via acclimatization in autoclaved perlite. Not all of the plantlets survived in soil that had not been autoclaved because of fungal infection, particularly in the region between the roots and leaves. Transgenic plants growing in soil were observed to be strongly resistant to Basta application.

Evaluation of factors promoting astaxanthin production by a unicellular green alga, Haematococcus pluvialis, with fractional factorial design

Factors affecting the astaxanthin production by a unicellular green alga, Haematococcus pluvialis UTEX 16, were evaluated with sequential fractional factorial design. To simulate an actual production mode, a two-stage process was adapted for astaxanthin production: the alga was first cultivated under vegetative growth conditions, and then astaxanthin production was induced by applying various induction methods. A high dose of irradiation was most effective for the production of astaxanthin both in weight (mg/g) and in cellular (pg/cell) contents. A combination of nitrogen deficiency and acetate addition also significantly increased the astaxanthin content of cells on a dry weight basis. Meanwhile, the acetate addition alone increased only the cellular content of astaxanthin. Although the addition of ferrous ion alone had a negative effect on the weight content of astaxanthin, simultaneous addition of ferrous ion and acetate was effective for increasing the cellular content of astaxanthin.

Detoxification of cadmium in tobacco plants: formation and active excretion of crystals containing cadmium and calcium through trichomes

In tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), long and short trichomes can be distinguished morphologically. The established function of long trichomes is to exude a sticky gum containing diterpenes, whereas that of short trichomes is not known. When tobacco seedlings were exposed to toxic levels of cadmium (Cd), growth was retarded, but trichome number was increased up to 2-fold in comparison with untreated samples. Observation by variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM) indicated that large crystals of 150 microm in size were formed on head cells of both short and long trichomes. An energy-dispersive X-ray analysis system fitted with VP-SEM revealed the crystals to contain amounts of Cd and calcium (Ca) at much higher concentrations than in the head cells themselves. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated crystal formation in amorphous osmiophilic deposits in vacuoles. When seedlings were treated with Cd in the presence of Ca, tolerance was increased in proportion to the increase in Ca concentration. These results indicate that tobacco plants actively exclude toxic Cd by forming and excreting Cd/Ca-containing crystals through the head cells of trichomes.

Polyacetylenes from angelica gigas and their inhibitory activity on nitric oxide synthesis in activated macrophages

In activated macrophages the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS) generates high amounts of the toxic mediator, nitric oxide (NO) which contributes to the circulatory failure associated with septic shock. Two polyacetylenes were isolated from the medicinal plant Angelica gigas and their structures were elucidated as octadeca-1,9-dien-4,6-diyn-3,8,18-triol (1) and 18-acetoxy-octadeca-1,9-dien-4,6-diyn-3,8-diol (2) by spectroscopic method. These polyacetylenes and their peracetate, 3, 8, 18-triacetoxy-octadeca-1, 9-dien-4, 6-diyn (3) inhibited the production of NO in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells by suppressing the i-NOS enzyme expression. These new inhibitors of i-NOS expression may have potential in the treatment of endotoxemia and inflammation accompanied by the overproduction of NO.

Transgenic plants of coffee Coffea canephora from embryogenic callus via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation

 Embryogenic calli were induced from leaf explants of coffee (Coffea canephora) on McCown's woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with 5 μM N⁶-(2-isopentenyl)-adenosine (2-iP). These calli were co-cultured with Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA101 harboring pIG121-Hm, containing β-glucuronidase (GUS), hygromycin phosphotransferase (HPT), and neomycin phosphotransferase II genes. Selection of putative transgenic callus was performed by gradual increase in hygromycin concentration (5, 50, 100 mg/l). The embryogenic calli surviving on medium containing 100 mg/l hygromycin showed a strong GUS-positive reaction with X-Gluc solution. Somatic embryos were formed from these putative transgenic calli and germinated on WPM medium with 5 μM 2-iP. Regenerated small plantlets with shoots and roots were transferred to medium containing both 100 mg/l hygromycin and 100 mg/l kanamycin for final selection of transgenic plants. The selected plantlets exhibited strong GUS activity in leaves and roots as indicated by a deep blue color. GUS and HPT genes were confirmed to be stably integrated into the genome of the coffee plants by the polymerase chain reaction.

Regenerative ability of somatic single and multiple embryos from cotyledons of Korean ginseng on hormone-free medium

Cotyledon explants of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) produced somatic embryos directly on growth regulator-free medium. Somatic embryos developed as either multiple or single-state forms, depending on the degree of maturity of the cotyledons. Cotyledon explants from midmature zygotic embryos formed multiple embryos, while cotyledons from fully mature zygotic embryos formed single embryos. Somatic single embryos regenerated into normal plantlets with both roots and shoots, while multiple embryos did not produce roots but regenerated only into multiple shoots. In full-strength MS basal medium, the root growth of plantlets derived from single embryos was weak compared to that of shoots. Deletion of ammonium nitrate from the MS medium promoted the root growth of the plantlets. The ginseng plants with well-developed shoots and roots regenerated from single embryos were successfully acclimatized in a greenhouse when they were planted in soil.

Distribution and changes of reserve materials in cotyledon cells of Panax ginseng related to direct somatic embryogenesis and germination

Cotyledon explants from zygotic embryos of Panax ginseng produced somatic embryos on Murashige and Skoog basal medium without growth regulators. Somatic embryos developed directly from epidermal cells at the cotyledon base. Somatic embryos were always formed from the side of the cotyledon opposite to the one attached to the medium surface regardless of cotyledon orientation. The frequency of somatic embryo formation from the abaxial epidermis (66%) was much higher than that from the adaxial epidermis (12%). Differences in embryogenic response were likely related to cell structure. Abaxial epidermal cells were filled with reserve materials (lipid bodies), while adaxial epidermal cells were devoid of any prominent reserves. During germination, the reserve materials in the cells of the cotyledons disappeared rapidly. At the same time, the competency of somatic embryo formation from cotyledon explants declined rapidly to zero. Upon culture of the cotyledon explants (for somatic embryo induction), lipid bodies slowly disappeared, but starch grains accumulated prominently. Reserve materials disappeared after commencement of embryogenic cell division. During germination, lipid bodies rapidly disappeared, and chloroplasts developed instead of starch grains.

Developmental and structural aspects of somatic embryos formed on medium containing 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid

Cotyledon explants of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) zygotic embryos produced somatic embryos at a high rate (68%) on medium without any growth regulators. Under this culture condition, apparent polar somatic embryogenesis occurred near the basal-excised portion of the cotyledons. When the cotyledon explants were cultured on medium containing 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), an auxin polar-transport inhibitor, the frequency of somatic embryo formation markedly decreased and was completely inhibited on medium containing 20 µM TIBA. On medium containing 5-10 µM, somatic embryos developed sporadically on the surface of the cotyledons and had a normal embryo axis but jar-shaped cotyledons. Embryos with jar-shaped cotyledons were also observed to occur at a high frequency when the early globular embryos formed on hormone-free medium were transferred to medium containing 20 µM TIBA. From these results, it was deduced that endogenous auxin in the cotyledon explants plays an important role in the induction of somatic embryos and that the cotyledon development in somatic embryos is also related to the polar transport of endogenous auxin.