Alpinia officinarum Rhizome ameliorates the UVB induced photoaging through attenuating the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK

Background

Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure is one of the major external factors in skin aging, and repetitive UVB exposure induces extracellular matrix (ECM) damage as well as metabolic disease. Alpinia officinarum Rhizome (AOR) is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used for treating rheumatism and whooping cough. However, the antiphotoaging effects of AOR remain unclear. We investigated the protective effects of water extracts of AOR (WEAOR) in terms of UVB-mediated ECM damage, wrinkle formation, inflammatory responses, and intracellular signaling on hairless mice and NIH-3T3 skin fibroblast cells.

Methods

WEAOR was administered to UVB-irradiated hairless mice. Wrinkle formation was assessed using the replica assay, epidermal changes through H&E staining, and collagen contents in mice skin through Masson’s trichrome staining. The expression of procollagen type-1 (COL1A1), metalloproteinase-1a (MMP-1a), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-3) in hairless mice skin and NIH-3T3 cells was investigated through qRT-PCR. The effects of WEAOR or signaling inhibitors on UVB-induced expression of intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were estimated by Western blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively.

Results

Topical WEAOR significantly attenuated the UVB-induced wrinkle formation and epidermal thickening in the skin of hairless mice. WEAOR treatment also attenuated the UVB-induced expression of MMP-1a and COL1A1 and recovered the reduction of collagen content in mouse skin. These effects were confirmed in NIH-3T3 skin fibroblast cells. WEAOR treatment restored the UVB-induced COL1A1 and MMP-1a gene expression and attenuated the UVB-induced expression of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-3 in NIH-3T3 cells. Notably, WEAOR attenuated UVB-induced phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, but not that of p38 and JNK in NIH-3T3 cells. In addition, the administration of AKT and ERK inhibitors restored the UVB-induced expression of MMP-1a and COL1A1 to an equal extent as WEAOR in NIH-3T3 cells.

Conclusions

The antiphotoaging properties of WEAOR were first evaluated in this study. Our results suggest that WEAOR may be a potential antiphotoaging agent that ameliorates UVB-induced photoaging processes via the AKT and ERK signaling pathways.

Anti-Photoaging Activity of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (Family Lamiaceae) on Ultraviolet B-Irradiated NIH-3T3 Skin Fibroblast and SKH-1 Hairless Mouse

We investigated whether Scutellaria barbata D. Don (Family Lamiaceae) (SBD), a traditional medicine used for heat clearing and detoxification, possesses antiphotoaging properties. Pretreatment of NIH-3T3 skin fibroblast cells with non-toxicological levels of water extract of SBD (WESBD) and ethanol extract of SBD (EESBD) restored the expression of procollagen type-1 (COL1A1), matrix metalloproteinase-1a (MMP-1a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP-3) genes following abnormal expression induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. WESBD/EESBD administration to the dorsal skin area of hairless mice significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited UVB-induced wrinkle formation and epidermal thickness. The WESBD and EESBD treatments also restored the dermal collagen content, which was decreased by the UVB treatment, and normal COL1A1 and MMP-1a expression. Interestingly, both the WESBD and EESBD pretreatments significantly attenuated UVB-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) but not that of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). This finding indicates that the antiphotoaging effects of WESBD and EESBD may be related to attenuation of UVB-induced overactivation of AKT phosphorylation. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry analysis revealed that isorhamentin and scutebarbatine I were major single components of EESBD. These results suggest that WESBD and EESBD may have potential in development as antiphotoaging agents.

Topically applied treatments for external genital warts in nonimmunocompromised patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Selecting a topical treatment from among the numerous topical agents for external genital warts remains challenging without clear evidence. Our aim was to evaluate comparatively the efficacy and safety of topical agents for external genital warts using a network meta-analysis. We included all randomized controlled trials that evaluated any topically applied treatment for external genital warts. Using the R package netmeta, network meta-analyses were performed with a frequentist approach. We identified 41 relevant studies comprising 6371 patients. Among conventional agents, podophyllotoxin 0·5% solution (odds ratio 1·94, 95% confidence interval 1·02-3·71) was significantly more efficacious than imiquimod 5% cream for lesion clearance; however, it was associated with a higher overall adverse event rate. Sinecatechins 15% ointment (odds ratio 0·21, 95% confidence interval 0·12-0·34) was significantly less efficacious than imiquimod 5% cream. Idoxuridine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, cidofovir and SB206 showed comparable therapeutic efficacies with conventional therapies. None of the treatments were significantly different from each other with respect to recurrence, patients with severe adverse events, or patients who withdrew because of treatment-related adverse events. Conventional modalities were efficacious and well tolerated, although each of them had their advantages and disadvantages. Additional efficacy and safety studies are warranted for unconventional agents.

Reference intervals for whole blood viscosity using the analytical performance-evaluated scanning capillary tube viscometer

OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to establish the reference intervals for whole blood viscosity (WBV) using the analytical performance-evaluated scanning capillary tube viscometer (SCTV).

DESIGN AND METHODS

The analytical performance of the SCTV was evaluated using three different levels of QC materials and sixty human EDTA-blood samples. To establish the reference intervals for WBV, 297 healthy individuals (123 men and 174 women) were selected from 1083 subjects.

RESULTS

Within-day precisions with QC materials and human whole blood and between-day precisions with QC materials were below 5.0%, 6.6% and 8.0% in CVs at all shear rates, respectively. Comparison tests between the SCTV and the Brookfield viscometer showed a significant correlation (R(2)=0.972, p<0.001). The reference intervals for WBV in healthy men were 3.66-5.41cP at 300s(-1) and 23.15-36.45cP at 1s(-1) while those in women were 3.27-4.32cP at 300s(-1) and 18.20-27.36cP at 1s(-1), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the analytical performance-evaluated SCTV, the reference intervals for WBV were established in healthy adults, which could be beneficial to the clinical utility of WBV in the aspect of appropriate modalities for the improvement of blood viscosity.

Mini-Mental Status Examination as predictors of mortality in the elderly

OBJECTIVE

Because the number of elderly is increasing worldwide, cognitive dysfunction becomes important health care issue. This study investigated the association between cognitive dysfunction and mortality in the elderly.

METHOD

Data were analyzed from a longitudinal mortality follow-up study of 2712 Korean elderly aged 60 and over, examined in 2002 with complete data followed an average 6.03 years. Measurements included socio-demographic and clinical factors and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). MMSE was categorized into groups with no, mild, or moderate cognitive dysfunction, and the subscores of MMSE domains were categorized into no dysfunction or dysfunction. The Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to examine the association between MMSE score and mortality, after adjusting for age, gender, education and other socio-demographic factors.

RESULTS

Death during follow-up occurred in 318 subjects. The mortality risk was significantly associated with the elderly with mild cognitive dysfunction [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.93] and with moderate cognitive dysfunction (HR = 2.66). 'Orientation-to-time' (HR = 1.39) and 'Attention' (HR = 1.48) domains of MMSE were independently associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that cognitive dysfunction independently predicted mortality in the elderly. Cognitive dysfunction should be considered part of identifying the elderly at high risk for mortality.

Verification by polymerase chain reaction of vertical transmission of Theileria sergenti in cows

To evaluate the transplacental transfer of Theileria sergenti infection in cattle, we used DNA probes to detect T. sergenti in 6 pregnant cows and their calves. All the animals were monitored by parasitologic, serologic, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for a predicted 875-base-pair (bp) DNA product and a 684-bp amplicon detected by nested PCR in the blood and spleens of aborted fetuses. An open reading frame (ORF) starting at nucleotide 170 and terminating at position 1021 was shown to code for a polypeptide of 283 amino acid residues. All 6 dams and 5 calves were positive for T. sergenti in all tests. One calf was positive only with nested PCR. We conclude that transplacental transmission of T. sergenti is a significant problem. The relevance of the data in the programmed introduction of new (especially pregnant) animals into established clean herds needs serious consideration with regard to control of theileriosis and other tickborne diseases.

Changes in ulnar variance in relation to forearm rotation and grip

We studied radiographs of the wrists of 120 healthy volunteers in order to determine the normal range of ulnar variance. They had been taken in various positions under both unloaded (static) and loaded (dynamic) conditions. Pronation posteroanterior, supination anteroposterior and neutral posteroanterior views were taken of each wrist before and during a maximum grip under identical conditions. The mean normal ulnar variance in neutral rotation was +0.74+/-1.46 mm, a value which was significantly lower in males than in females. We found negative variance in 26% of cases. We measured maximum ulnar variance (UVmax +1.52+/-1.56 mm) when gripping in pronation and minimum ulnar variance (UVmin +0.19+/-1.43 mm) when relaxed in supination. We subtracted UVmin from UVmax to calculate a mean maximum dynamic change in ulnar variance of 1.34+/-0.53 mm. We consider this database of normal values to be useful for both the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to discrepancy in radio-ulnar length and for clinical research.

Perfusion MR imaging in gliomas: comparison with histologic tumor grade

OBJECTIVE

To determine the usefulness of perfusion MR imaging in assessing the histologic grade of cerebral gliomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to determine relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), 22 patients with pathologically proven gliomas (9 glioblastomas, 9 anaplastic gliomas and 4 low-grade gliomas) underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced T2*-weighted and conventional T1- and T2-weighted imaging. rCBV maps were obtained by fitting a gamma-variate function to the contrast material concentration versus time curve. rCBV ratios between tumor and normal white matter (maximum rCBV of tumor / rCBV of contralateral white matter) were calculated and compared between glioblastomas, anaplastic gliomas and low-grade gliomas.

RESULTS

Mean rCBV ratios were 4.90 degrees +/- 1.01 for glioblastomas, 3.97 degrees +/- 0.56 for anaplastic gliomas and 1.75 degrees +/-1.51 for low-grade gliomas, and were thus significantly different; p <.05 between glioblastomas and anaplastic gliomas, p <.05 between anaplastic gliomas and low-grade gliomas, p <.01 between glioblastomas and low-grade gliomas. The rCBV ratio cutoff value which permitted discrimination between high-grade (glioblastomas and anaplastic gliomas) and low-grade gliomas was 2.60, and the sensitivity and specificity of this value were 100% and 75%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Perfusion MR imaging is a useful and reliable technique for estimating the histologic grade of gliomas.

Impact response of the intervertebral disc in a finite-element model

STUDY DESIGN

A three-dimensional nonlinear poroelastic finite-element model of a vertebra disc was used to analyze the biomechanical effects of impact loading on the spinal segment.

OBJECTIVES

To predict changes in biomechanical parameters such as intradiscal pressure, dynamic stiffness, stresses in the endplate region, and the shock-absorbing mechanism of the spine under different impact duration/loading rates, and to investigate the relation between the rate of loading and the fracture potential of the vertebral body.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

It is not practical to discern the role of impact duration using experimental protocols. Analytical studies are better suited to this purpose. However, previous poroelastic finite-element models of the motion segments have dealt mostly with creep phenomena.

METHODS

A three-dimensional, L3-L4 motion-segment, finite-element model was modified to incorporate the poroelastic properties of the disc, endplate, and cancellous core, and thus simulate the shock-absorbing phenomena. The results were analyzed under variable impact durations for a constant maximum compressive impact load of 3 kN.

RESULTS

For a shorter impact duration and a given F(max), relatively high cancellous core pressure was generated as compared with a case of long impact duration, although the amount of impulse was increased. In contrast, relatively constant pore pressures were generated in the nucleus regardless of the impact duration. The changes in spinal segment stiffness as a function of impact duration indicated that for a shorter duration of impact, high dynamic stiffness increases the stability of the spinal segment against the impact load. However, the corresponding increase in stresses within the vertebral body and endplate may produce fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

The finite-element technique was used to address the role of impact duration in producing trauma to the spinal motion segment. Within the limitations of the model, the results suggest that fractures are likely to occur under shorter impact duration conditions. Depending on the strength of the region, a fracture may be initiated in the endplate region or the posterior wall of the cortical shell. The nucleus pressure is independent of the impact duration and depends only on the magnitude of the impact force.

Transfer of extensor carpi radialis longus or brevis for opponensplasty

For the restoration of thumb opposition many types of tendon transfer techniques have been described. The flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) of the ring finger is commonly selected as a motor. On occasion, however, the quality of the flexor muscles of the fingers or wrist is not good enough for tendon transfer and another available muscle must be selected. In this situation, we have preferred to use an extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) or brevis (ECRB) transfer to restore opposition of the thumb. Follow-up examination, at an average 5 years and 10 months after operation, showed that the results of ten of 11 transfers were excellent and the other was good.

Increased levels of p21WAF1/Cip1 in human brain tumors

The cdk inhibitor p21WAF1/Cip1 (p21), which can be transcriptionally activated by p53, functions to block cell cycle progression. In this study, we analysed the expression of p21 in normal and reactive brain and in gliomas of various malignancy grades. Southern blotting showed no p21 gene deletion. Western blotting and immunohistochemical assay showed that the levels of p21 protein in normal and reactive brain tissue were very low; however, p21 was elevated in a majority of gliomas tested, regardless of their malignancy grades. In glioblastoma multiforme, marked elevation of p21 was observed in samples harboring either wild-type or mutant p53. But, in anaplastic astrocytomas, the level of p21 was not elevated in samples harboring mutant-type p53. Immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded astrocytomas and glioblastomas showed that tumor cells and not contaminating normal cells were positive for p21. Therefore, overexpression of p21 appears to be an early event in the development of glial neoplasms and p53-dependent p21 expression appears to be tumor grade specific.

Inhibition of human glioblastoma cell growth by WAF1/Cip1 can be attenuated by mutant p53

The WAF1/Cip1 protein is an important regulator at the G1 checkpoint in the cell cycle. The WAF1/Cip1 protein binds to the cyclin-dependent kinase complexes and inhibits the kinase activity that is required for cell cycle progression. We investigated the expression of WAF1/Cip1 protein in 14 glioblastoma cell lines and found that WAF1/Cip1 expression was detectable in many of the cell lines, even when mutant p53 was present. We also showed that WAF1/Cip1 protein level was very low in LN-Z308 cells that do not express endogenous p53. Transfection of the wild-type p53 into this cell line activated WAF1/Cip1 expression and inhibited cell growth. In contrast, transfection of the p53 mutant 248Trp failed to activate WAF1/Cip1 expression. Transfection of WAF1/Cip1 alone also inhibited LN-Z308 cell proliferation. However, cotransfection of the p53 mutant 248Trp with WAF1/Cip1 attenuated the growth-suppression effect of WAF1/Cip1. Our analysis with Western blot showed that the levels of cyclin E increased in cells transfected with p53 mutants. We conclude that p53 mutants may counter the negative regulators, such as WAF1/Cip1, by the elevation of positive cell cycle regulators, and the presence of WAF1/Cip1 in tumor cells is not sufficient for growth inhibition.

Application of dual internal standards for precise sizing of polymerase chain reaction products using capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is an analytical technique which provides rapid, high resolution analysis of amplified DNA fragments produced by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this study, two internal standards are used as size markers to bracket und precisely size PCR products. The technique is applied to typing PCR products from the short tandem repeat locus HUMTH01. HUMTH01 consists of five to seven major alleles in the size range of 179-203 bp, with each allele four bp apart. Using this genetic marker, a population containing 97 individuals was examined with both polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and CE. Identical genotypes were obtained with both techniques demonstrating the reliability of CE in DNA typing applications. The DNA analysis took place in sets of 10 with a calibration of the CE being performed between each set of samples. For the 97 samples examined, the pooled standard deviation was 0.3 bp. The observed genotype frequencies determined from the sample set did not deviate significantly from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. From these CE results, we conclude that HUMTH01 PCR products can be accurately and precisely sized by capillary electrophoresis using the method described.

Malignant intraventricular schwannoma. Case report

The authors present the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of a malignant schwannoma occurring in the right lateral ventricle of a 40-year-old man. Metastasis to both cerebellopontine angles and to the cerebellum was found 7 months after subtotal removal of the tumor.

Rapid analysis of the short tandem repeat HUMTH01 by capillary electrophoresis

Using capillary electrophoresis, we demonstrate separation and analysis of the short tandem repeat HUMTH01 in under 10 min with 3 bp resolution. Separation of the PCR products, which range in size from 179 to 203 bp, is achieved using hydroxyethyl cellulose as the separation medium and a novel single-step voltage gradient. Internal standards on either side of the alleles are used to size the PCR products with an average standard deviation of 0.5 bp. DNA typing patterns obtained with this system are compared to samples separated by polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis.

Quantitation of polymerase chain reaction products by capillary electrophoresis using laser fluorescence

In samples where the amount of DNA is limited, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can amplify specific regions of the DNA. A quantitative analysis of the PCR product would be desirable to ensure sufficient DNA is available for analysis. In this study, we examine the use of capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser fluorescence detection for quantitation of PCR products. A coated open tubular capillary was used with a non-gel sieving buffer and a fluorescent intercalating dye to obtain results within 20 minutes. Using an internal standard, peak migration time was below 0.1% relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) with a peak area precision of 3% R.S.D. In comparison to quantitation by hybridization, (i.e., slot blot) and spectrophotometric analysis, capillary electrophoresis shows distinct advantages due to its ability to separate unincorporated primers and PCR byproducts from the targeted PCR product. The results demonstrate that CE can be used to monitor the quality and quantity of the PCR product.

Swiss population data on three tetrameric short tandem repeat loci--VWA, HUMTHO1, and F13A1--derived using multiplex PCR and laser fluorescence detection

Allele and genotype frequencies for 3 tetrameric short tandem repeat loci VWA, HUMTHO1, and F13A1 were determined in a Swiss population sample using multiplex PCR and subsequent electrophoresis in DNA sequencing gels processed by automated laser fluorescence detection. The technique allows single base pair resolution and rapid typing, with a concomitant reduction in the potential for human transcriptional typing errors. All loci meet Hardy-Weinberg expectations. In addition, there is little evidence for association of alleles among the 3 loci. The allelic frequency data can be used in forensic analyses and paternity tests to estimate the frequency of a multiple STR locus DNA profile in the Swiss population.

Bacterial expression, purification of full length and carboxyl terminal fragment of Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein and their proteolytic processing by thrombin

Human amyloid protein precursor(APP770) and its carboxyl terminal portion (CT105) including beta/A4 domain were highly expressed using strong expression systems in E. coli. These recombinant APP peptides were purified with a combination of urea solubilization and ion-exchange chromatography and used for proteolytic processing by thrombin. Three thrombin cleavage sites were predicted by the decrease of APP770 and the appearance of M(r) 56, 27 and 18 kDa fragments containing beta/A4 domain on SDS-PAGE gel and on the immunoblot. A similar but limited proteolysis of platelet APPs exposed to thrombin resulted in the stimulated production of 60 and 27 KDa carboxyl terminal peptides containing the intact beta/A4. This thrombin mediated proteolysis was completely blocked by hirudin, the specific thrombin inhibitor. These results suggest that thrombin may play a role in altered processing of APP to generate potentially amyloidogenic intermediates in vivo leading to amyloid deposition.

Sodium dithiocarb as adjuvant immunotherapy for high risk breast cancer: a randomized study

Sixty-four patients with non metastatic high risk breast cancer were randomized in a double blind trial of adjuvant immunotherapy with sodium dithiocarb (DDC) versus placebo. All patients underwent prior surgery (mammectomy according to Patey) then adjuvant FAC chemotherapy +/- DDC. With a median follow-up of 5 years we observed 6 relapses and 5 deaths in DDC group; 13 relapses and 12 deaths in control group. At 6 years, overall survival is 81% in DDC group versus 55%. Disease free survival (DFS) is 76% in DDC group versus 55%. DDC associated to chemotherapy and locoregional treatment can improve survival and probably DFS in this high risk breast cancer subgroup.

Immune modulation of Prevotella intermedia colonization in squirrel monkeys

Colonization of the gingival crevice by black-pigmented Porphyromonas or Prevotella spp. (BP/P), including Porphyromonas gingivalis (formerly Bacteroides gingivalis) and Prevotella intermedia (formerly Bacteroides intermedius), is thought to be an important ecological event which may result in the destruction of connective tissues supporting the teeth. Theoretically, periodontal diseases could be prevented if these or other periodontal pathogenic microorganisms did not colonize the subgingival area. The humoral immune response is one mechanism which may modulate bacterial colonization in the gingival crevice. In the present study, we tested the effect of systemic humoral immunity on subgingival colonization by indigenous P. intermedia in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). Animals rendered essentially free of detectable BP/P by a single scaling, 10 days of tetracycline therapy, and toothbrushing three times per week were immunized with P. intermedia 1447 or were sham immunized with phosphate-buffered saline. Subsequently, all oral hygiene procedures were discontinued and five teeth in one quadrant were ligated with bacterium-soaked suture material to facilitate BP/P colonization. Immunization resulted in a significant increase in the level of immunoglobulin G anti-P. intermedia antibody in serum. Two weeks after ligation was initiated, P. intermedia could be detected in five of six sham-immunized and three of six immunized animals. Immunization was associated with a reduction in the emergence of indigenous P. intermedia in the gingival crevice.

Extraction strategy for obtaining DNA from bloodstains for PCR amplification and typing of the HLA-DQ alpha gene

A simple, practical approach for the extraction of PCR-amplifiable DNA for the HLA-DQ alpha gene from bloodstains deposited on various substrates is described. DNA from bloodstains is purified using Chelex 100 ion-exchange resin and then amplified. If amplification is not achieved, the extract is washed through a Centricon 100 dialysis/concentration tube. If the second amplification of this extract produces a negative result, the extract is processed with Chelex 100 again. This approach has been found to be reliable, safe, efficient and economical.