bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture Induces Differential Effects between Yin and Yang: A Study using Cutaneous Blood Flow and Temperature Recordings of the Hand's Dorsum and Palm
Authors: Lu Chi-Chen , Jan Ya-Min , Li Tsai-Chung , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: August 2009

The underlying theory of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers that Yin and Yang are in the opposition with each other and play different roles in physiological responses. Several studies have reported that electroacupuncture (EA) produces a greater effect than manual acupuncture (MA), and that the effect of EA is similar to transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS). Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the differences between Yin and Yang induced by acupuncture. A total of 20 healthy volunteers were studied. The cutaneous blood flow and temperature were recorded by a laser doppler perfusion and temperature monitoring system on the dorsum and palm of the right hand. Four sessions of sham acupuncture (SA), MA, 2 Hz EA, and 2 Hz TENS were bilaterally applied to Zusanli (ST36) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints. Each of the subjects received four sessions in a random manner. The treatment interval was at least three days between sessions in order to prevent overlapping residual effects. Each of the four sessions was divided into pre-acupuncture period (BP), acupuncture period (AP), and post-acupuncture (PP) periods. Each treatment period was 15 min. Results indicated that the cutaneous blood flow recorded from the palm of the hand were greater than that recorded from the dorsum at the pre-acupuncture period; while the difference in the cutaneous temperature from the dorsum of the hand between AP and BP was greater in the 2 Hz EA session than in the SA and MA sessions. In conclusion, the results of the present study were consistent with the underlying theory of TCM that considers the fundamental differences between Yin and Yang.
Long-Term Effects of Panax Ginseng on Disposition of Fexofenadine in Ratsin vivo
Authors: Zhang Ruhong , Jie Jinjie , Zhou Yan'an , Cao Zhijian , Li Wenxin
Published: August 2009

This study was designed to explore the pharmacokinetic interaction of Panax Ginseng with fexofenadine in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were divided randomly into four groups: control oral and treatment oral dose groups ( n = 6, respectively); control intravenous and treatment intravenous dose groups ( n = 5, respectively). A single dose of fexofenadine (10 mg/kg for intravenous group rats and 100 mg/kg for oral dose group rats) was administered after 14 consecutive days of gastric gavage feeding of panax ginseng suspension (150 mg/kg/day) to treatment groups while the same volume of vehicle (1.6% ethanol) was administered as placebo to control groups. Blood samples were collected from 0 to 12 hours and levels of fexofenadine were measured by LC-MS/MS. Tissues were harvested to determine tissue/blood ratios. The pharmacokinetic parameters of fexofenadine were calculated using non-compartmental analysis. In the oral dose groups, (extravenous) panax ginseng decreased the area under the curve between 0–12 hours (AUC0–12) from 102490.7 ± 25273.5 to 49933.3 ± 12072.9 min*ng/ml ( p < 0.005), decreased Cmaxfrom 1102.0 ± 116.6 to 274.3 ± 180.6 ng/ml ( p < 0.001), and significantly decreased ratios of brain to plasma concentration (B/P) ( p < 0.05). In the intravenous groups, panax ginseng only reduced B/P ratios ( p < 0.05). The mean bioavailability ( Fev) of fexofenadine was decreased by 16.1% in the extravenous dose treatment group ( p < 0.05). Long term administration of panax ginseng to rats might induce both intestinal and brain endothelium p-glycoprotein (p-gp) expression. In addition, long term use of panax ginseng reduced the bioavailability of concurrently administered fexofenadine.
Efficacy of Different Fractions ofAnethum graveolensLeaves on Serum Lipoproteins and Serum and Liver Oxidative Status in Experimentally Induced Hypercholesterolaemic Rat Models
Authors: Bahramikia Seifollah , Yazdanparast Razieh
Published: August 2009

Over the last few years, many studies have focused on plants with therapeutic properties. Anethum graveolens L. (Umbilliferae) is used as an anti-hypercholesterolaemic plant in Iranian folk medicine. This study was to disclose the antioxidant and hypolipidaemic properties of different fractions of the Anethum graveolens extract (AGE), evaluated in hypercholesterolaemic rats. The animals were divided into five groups, Group I served as healthy control; groups II to V were made hypercholesterolaemic by feeding high-fat diet (HFD) for 3 weeks. After induction of hypercholesterolaemia, the rats in groups III to V received different fractions [diethyl ether (EEF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and water (WF) fractions, respectively] of the AGE at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight per day for 2 weeks. Feeding HFD increased serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and LDL-cholesterol significantly in Group II as compared to Group I. Treatments of rats with fractions EEF, EAF and WF caused a significant decrease in TC, TG and LDL-C levels by (53.8, 49.9 and 42.3%), (51.5, 38.45 and 30.5%) and (54.8, 51.4 and 41.8%), respectively, however the HDL-cholesterol level was increased. In an effort to gain some knowledge about the mechanism of action, the effects of different fractions on oxidative stress induced by HFD were also investigated. Treatment with different fractions of AGE significantly increased hepatic antioxidant system activities such as SOD, CAT and GSH, along with decreased lipid peroxidation in HFD treated rats. Among these fractions, EEF showed the highest and WF showed the lowest increase in the above mentioned factors. Based on these results, it can be concluded that different fractions of AGE especially EEF, besides its hypolipidaemic property, could protect the liver against the HFD-induced oxidative damage in rats.
(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) Increases the Viability of Serum-Starved A549 Cells Through Its Effect on Akt
Authors: Kim Myung Jin , Kim Hyung Il , Chung Jin , Jeong Tae Sung , Park Hae Ryoun
Published: August 2009

The effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on cell survival was studied by using serum-starved A549 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells. A MTT assay showed that EGCG significantly increased the viability of serum-starved A549 cells compared to the control cells, though EGCG at high concentration (~300 μM) had no protective effect against serum withdrawal-induced cell apoptosis. Western blots showed increased immunoreactivity for phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK3β in EGCG-treated cells. To determine the mechanism for Akt phosphorylation, cells were pretreated with various kinase inhibitors before exposure to EGCG. Only LY294002 inhibited Akt activation induced by EGCG, implying that EGCG-induced Akt activation is PI3K dependent. Both phospho-Raf-1 and Raf-1 proteins were significantly decreased, whereas B-raf expression was not altered. This suggests that the Raf kinases have no role in the increased cell survival caused by EGCG. This study has shown that EGCG protects A549 cells from apoptosis induced by serum deprivation via Akt activation and this protective effect may limit the clinical use of EGCG in treating and preventing NSCLC.
Protective Effect of Ursolic Acid fromCornus officinalison the Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Damage of HEI-OC1 Auditory Cells
Authors: Yu Hyeon-Hee , Hur Jong-Moon , Seo Se-Jeong , Moon Hae-Dalma , Kim Hyun-Jin , Park Rae-Kil , You Yong-Ouk
Published: August 2009

The fruits of Cornus officinalis have been used in traditional oriental medicine for treatment of inner ear diseases, such as tinnitus and hearing loss. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of C. officinalis on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in HEI-OC1 auditory cells. The results from bioassay-guided fractionation of methanol extract of C. officinalis fruits showed that ursolic acid is a major active component. Ursolic acid (0.05–2 μg/ml) had protective effect against the HEI-OC1 cell damage and reduced lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, pre-treatment with ursolic acid significantly attenuated the decrease of activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), but superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was not significantly affected by ursolic acid. These results indicate that ursolic acid protects hydrogen peroxide-induced HEI-OC1 cell damage through inhibition of lipid peroxidation and induction of antioxidant enzymes, CAT and GPX, and may be one of the active components responsible for these effects of C. officinalis fruits.
Total Saponins ofPanax GinsengInduces K562 Cell Differentiation by Promoting Internalization of the Erythropoietin Receptor
Authors: Zuo Guowei , Guan Tao , Chen Dilong , Li Chunli , Jiang Rong , Luo Chunyan , Hu Xiaoshu , Wang Yaping , Wang Jianwei
Published: August 2009

Ginseng is a commonly used herbal medicine with a wide range of therapeutic benefits. Total saponins of Panax ginseng (TSPG) is one of the main effective components of ginseng. Our previous studies have shown that TSPG could promote the production of normal blood cells and inhibition of the leukemia cell proliferation. However, whether ginseng can induce the differentiation of leukemia cells is still unclear. This study was to examine the effect of TSPG or the combination of erythropoietin (EPO) and TSPG on the erythroid differentiation of K562 cells, and their corresponding mechanisms regarding erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) expression. Under light and electron microscopes, the TSPG- or TSPG + EPO-treated K562 cells showed a tendency to undergo erythroid differentiation; early and intermediate erythroblast-like cells were observed. Hemoglobin and HIR2 expressions were significantly increased. As determined by Western blotting analysis, the EPOR protein level in the K562 cytoplasmic membrane was significantly decreased after TSPG treatment, while its cytoplasm level increased in a dose-dependent manner. However, the total cellular EPOR level was unchanged. These results indicate that TSPG-induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells may be accompanied by the internalization of EPOR. Thus, our study suggests that treatment with a combination of TSPG and EPO may induce erythroid differentiation of K562 cells at least in part through induction of EPOR internalization.
Inhibition of NMDA Receptors Underlies the Neuroprotective Effect of Ginsenoside Rb3
Authors: Peng Liang-Liang , Shen Hong-Mei , Jiang Zheng-Lin , Li Xia , Wang Guo-Hua , Zhang Yun-Feng , Ke Kai-Fu
Published: August 2009

In order to investigate the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rb 3, rat hippocampal neurons were primarily cultured, and exposed to 1 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase leakage were measured. Ca 2+ influx was determined by calcium imaging with a laser confocal microscopy. The influences of ginsenoside Rb 3 on these variables were examined. Patch-clamp technique was used to observe the effects of ginsenoside Rb 3 on NMDA-evoked current. The results show that treatment of Rb 3 raised the neuronal viability, reduced the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, and inhibited NMDA-elicited Ca 2+ influx in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of Rb 3, NMDA-evoked peak current was inhibited, and Ca 2+-induced desensitization of NMDA current was facilitated. It is suggested that ginsenoside Rb 3 could exert a neuroprotective role on hippocampal neurons, a role which was partly mediated by the facilitation of Ca 2+-dependent deactivation of NMDA receptors, and the resultant reduction of intracellular free Ca 2+ level.
The Augmented Anti-Tumor Effects of Antrodia camphorata Co-Fermented with Chinese Medicinal Herb in Human Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Li Shun-Lai , Huang Zih-Ning , Hsieh Hsiao-Hui , Yu Wen-Chun , Tzeng Win-Yu , Lee Guo-Yang , Chen Yi-Peng , Chang Chia-Yu , Chuu Jiunn-Jye
Published: August 2009

Antrodia camphorata, unique fungal specie, has been used as a folk medicine in Taiwan for many years. The purpose of this study was to compare the extracts from the solid-state culture of A. camphorata co-fermented with Chinese medicinal herb (AC-CF) with two other extracts from fruiting bodies (AC-FB) or solid-state culture (AC-SS), for their anti-tumor effects in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. We measured in vitro cell proliferation, percentage of apoptosis, population distribution of cell cycles, Western blot analysis of multiple drugs resistance-1 (MDR-1), and apoptosis-related proteins in HepG2 cells treated with three different preparations of A. camphorate extracts. Our results showed that AC-CF had better anti-proliferation effect on human hepatoma HepG2 cells than AC-FB or AC-SS dose-dependently. In addition, AC-CF in combination with anti-tumor agents (mitomycin C or methotrexate) showed better adjuvant anti-tumor effects than AC-FB or AC-SS. We further demonstrated the augmented adjuvant anti-tumor effects of AC-CF not only through down regulation of MDR-1 expression but also through a COX-2 dependent apoptosis pathway, involving down-regulation of COX-2 and p-AKT and up-regulation of PARP-1. In conclusion, in this study, we have demonstrated a novel strategy of fermenting A. camphorata with Chinese medicinal herb (AC-CF), which augmented their anti-tumor effects in human hepatoma HepG2 cells as compared to the traditional ones (AC-FB or AC-SS).
Protective Effect of Magnolol Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Lens Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yao Ke , Zhang Li , Ye Pan-Pan , Tang Xia-Jing , Zhang Yi-Dong
Published: August 2009

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the progression of cataract. We aimed to investigate the protective effect of magnolol, a compound extracted from the Chinese herb Magnolia officinalis, against oxidative stress in human lens epithelial (HLE) cells as well as the possible molecular mechanism involved. In this study, magnolol was observed to protect against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in HLE B-3 cells. Magnolol inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ ψ m) and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria caused by H2O2into cytosol in HLE B-3 cells. Magnolol also inhibited H2O2-induced expressions of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and reduction of Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Moreover, magnolol attenuated the deactivation of ERK/MAPK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen activated protein kinase) and the enhanced activation of p38, JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) induced by H2O2. Magnolol could be useful in protecting against oxidative stress in HLE cells, suggesting a potential protective effect against cataractogenesis effect against cataractogenesis.
A MULTIPLE-LAYER KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FRAMEWORK CONSIDERING USER KNOWLEDGE PRIVILEGES
Authors: CHEN TSUNG-YI
Published: August 2009

Success in a knowledge economy requires effectively using existing knowledge to create new knowledge. Security for knowledge sharing in enterprises is critical for protecting intellectual assets. This study develops the functional framework of a knowledge management system (KMS) with knowledge access control for effectively and securely sharing knowledge within an enterprise or across teams. The functional framework of the proposed KMS includes the following nine layers: user interface layer, knowledge access control and security layer, knowledge representation layer, knowledge process layer, conceptual knowledge layer, knowledge index layer, transport layer, middleware layer and physical knowledge layer. A method of conceptual knowledge representation in the knowledge representation layer is then proposed. Finally, an ontology-based knowledge access control model based on role-based access control (RBAC) model and the conceptual knowledge representation method is proposed for managing user knowledge privileges in a knowledge sharing enterprise. The proposed method can enhance (1) precision in describing knowledge and knowledge relationships, (2) ensure security of knowledge access and sharing within an enterprise and (3) accurately and rapidly identify user knowledge access privileges.
Bacterial/Fungal Interactions: From Pathogens to Mutualistic Endosymbionts
Authors: Kobayashi Donald Y. , Crouch Jo Anne
Published: August 2009

A fundamental issue in biology is the question of how bacteria initiate and maintain pathogenic relationships with eukaryotic hosts. Despite billions of years of coexistence, far less is known about bacterial/fungal interactions than the equivalent associations formed by either of these types of microorganisms with higher eukaryotes. This review highlights recent research advances in the field of bacterial/fungal interactions, and provides examples of the various forms such interactions may assume, ranging from simple antagonism and parasitism to more intimate associations of pathogenesis and endosymbiosis. Information derived from the associations of bacteria and fungi in the context of natural and agronomic ecosystems is emphasized, including interactions observed from biological control systems, endosymbiotic relationships, diseases of cultivated mushrooms, and model systems that expand our understanding of human disease. The benefits of studying these systems at the molecular level are also emphasized.
Salicylic Acid, a Multifaceted Hormone to Combat Disease
Authors: Vlot A. Corina , Dempsey D'Maris Amick , Klessig Daniel F.
Published: August 2009

For more than 200 years, the plant hormone salicylic acid (SA) has been studied for its medicinal use in humans. However, its extensive signaling role in plants, particularly in defense against pathogens, has only become evident during the past 20 years. This review surveys how SA in plants regulates both local disease resistance mechanisms, including host cell death and defense gene expression, and systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Genetic studies reveal an increasingly complex network of proteins required for SA-mediated defense signaling, and this process is amplified by several regulatory feedback loops. The interaction between the SA signaling pathway and those regulated by other plant hormones and/or defense signals is also discussed.
Enterovesical Fistula: A Rare Complication of Urethral Catheterization
Authors: Hawary Amr , Clarke Laurence , Taylor Alasdair , Duffy Peter
Published: August 2009

This report describes the case of an eighty-two-year old lady with an indwelling urethral catheter inserted eight years prior to her presentation to manage her urinary incontinence. She underwent radiotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (stage T2b) in 1991 and had a laparotomy and drainage of an appendicular abscess in her early twenties. She presented with a short history of fecaluria, pneumaturia, and passage of urine per rectum. On laparotomy she was found to have an inflated catheter balloon that has eroded through the bladder wall into the lumen of a terminal ileal segment. To our knowledge this is the first reported case in literature of a patient developing an enterovesical fistula as a result of a urethral catheter eroding through the bladder wall into the bowel lumen. There are numerous known complications of long-term urethral catheterization. They include recurrent urinary tract infections, recurrent pyelonephritis, sepsis, urethral stricture, blocked and retained catheters, among many other reported complications. This case describes an unusual presentation secondary to an even more unusual complication. This should be considered when handling patients with indwelling urethral catheters inserted in unhealthy bladders.
Unscented Filtering from Delayed Observations with Correlated Noises
Authors: Hermoso-Carazo A. , Linares-Pérez J.
Published: August 2009

A filtering algorithm based on the unscented transformation is proposed to estimate the state of a nonlinear system from noisy measurements which can be randomly delayed by one sampling time. The state and observation noises are perturbed by correlated nonadditive noises, and the delay is modeled by independent Bernoulli random variables.
Long-Term Prognosis of Probands With Brugada-Pattern ST-Elevation in Leads V
1
–V
3
Authors: Kamakura Shiro , Ohe Tohru , Nakazawa Kiyoshi , Aizawa Yoshifusa , Shimizu Akihiko , Horie Minoru , Ogawa Satoshi , Okumura Ken , Tsuchihashi Kazufumi , Sugi Kaoru , Makita Naomasa , Hagiwara Nobuhisa , Inoue Hiroshi , Atarashi Hirotsugu , Aihara Naohiko , Shimizu Wataru , Kurita Takashi , Suyama Kazuhiro , Noda Takashi , Satomi Kazuhiro , Okamura Hideo , Tomoike Hitonobu
Published: August 2009

Background—

The prognosis of patients with saddleback or noncoved type (non–type 1) ST-elevation in Brugada syndrome is unknown. The purpose of this study was to clarify the long-term prognosis of probands with non–type 1 ECG and those with coved (type 1) Brugada-pattern ECG.

Methods and Results—

A total of 330 (123 symptomatic, 207 asymptomatic) probands with a coved or saddleback ST-elevation ≥1 mm in leads V
1
–V
3
were divided into 2 ECG groups—type 1 (245 probands) and non–type 1 (85 probands)—and were prospectively followed for 48.7�15.0 months. The absence of type 1 ECG was confirmed by drug provocation test and multiple recordings. The ratio of individuals with a family history of sudden cardiac death (14%) was lower than previous studies. Clinical profiles and outcomes were not notably different between the 2 groups (annual arrhythmic event rate of probands with ventricular fibrillation; type 1: 10.2%, non–type 1: 10.6%, probands with syncope; type 1: 0.6%, non–type 1: 1.2%, and asymptomatic probands; type 1: 0.5%, non–type 1: 0%). Family history of sudden cardiac death at age <45 years and coexistence of inferolateral early repolarization with Brugada-pattern ECG were independent predictors of fatal arrhythmic events (hazard ratio, 3.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.42 to 7.60;
P
=0.005; hazard ratio, 2.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 6.71;
P
=0.03, respectively, by multivariate analysis), although spontaneous type 1 ECG and ventricular fibrillation inducibility by electrophysiological study were not reliable parameters.

Conclusions—

The long-term prognosis of probands in non–type 1 group was similar to that of type 1 group. Family history of sudden cardiac death and the presence of early repolarization were predictors of poor outcome in this study, which included only probands with Brugada-pattern ST-elevation.
The Economic Crisis of the Seventeenth Century after Fifty Years
Authors: de Vries Jan
Published: August 2009

Since its introduction more than fifty years ago, the concept of a general seventeenth-century crisis has met with skepticism from most historians of Europe. Yet this historiographical latecomer persists as a seemingly necessary feature of early modern periodization. The economic contraction of the era is broadly accepted, but the crisis concept makes a larger claim—that the economic reversals led, ultimately, to a regrouping, a transformation of basic patterns and possibilities of European economic life. The challenge has always been to find a common thread—a credible theory—capable of tying together the disparate events of the time. The theoretical apparatus of fifty years ago may no longer serve, but more recent research offers possibilities for a rehabilitation of the concept of economic crisis.
Historical Demography and the Crisis of the Seventeenth Century
Authors: McCants Anne E. C.
Published: August 2009

The seventeenth century, broadly conceived, marks an important turning point in the history of European population movements. Long cycles characterized, first, by population expansion and subsequently by mortality contractions due to famine or disease held long-term population growth largely in check. The subsistence and mortality crises of the middle decades of the seventeenth century and the fundamental shift in the capacity of the European population to grow after 1750 together suggest that the case for a “general crisis of the seventeenth century” has strong demographic support.
Distribution of arsenic in soils in a dump area in Tuscany (Scarlino, Follonica)
Authors: Focardi S , Tiezzi E
Published: August 2009

Arsenic (As) is ubiquitous in soils with an average concentration of 5–6 μg g−1 in uncontaminated soils. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe and Al) were determined using flame or graphite-furnace atomic absorption. The mean concentrations (mg kg−1) of As (29–500 ppm), Fe (8%), Cu (76 ppm), Pb (52 ppm), Ni (90 ppm), Zn (258 ppm), Mg (1.56%), V (143 ppm), Cr (155 ppm), Cd (<2), Sb (0.29) and Hg (0.54) in fallow land soils are within the normal range. The mean As (470 ppm), Fe (10.57%) and Mg (1.67 ppm). We have evaluated how soil spectral response of pyrite and hematite is distributed in order to obtain the discrimination among these different soil compositions and their distribution along the dump area.
Study of new ways of supplementary and combinatory therapy of rheumatoid arthritis with immunomodulators. Glucomannan and Imunoglukán® in adjuvant arthritis
Authors: Bauerová K , Paulovičová E , Mihalová D , Švík K , Poništ S
Published: August 2009

We studied the anti-arthritic activity of glucomannan (GM) isolated from Candida utilis and of Imunoglukán®, a beta-(1,3/1,6)-d-glucan (IMG) isolated from Pleurotus ostreatus. Adjuvant arthritis (AA) was induced intradermally by the injection of Mycobacterium butyricum in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant to Lewis rats. Blood for biochemical and immunological analysis was collected on experimental days 1, 14, 21, and 28. A clinical parameter – hind paw volume (HPV) – was also measured. The detection of IL-1 alpha, IL-4, TNF alpha, and MCP-1 was done by immunoflowcytometry. On day 28 – the end of the experiment – we determined spectrophotometrically: the total anti-oxidant status (TAS) of plasma samples along with thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS) levels in plasma and we assessed the activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in hind paw joint homogenate. The experiments included healthy animals, arthritic animals without treatment, and arthritic animals with administration of glucomannan (GM-AA) in the oral daily dose of 15 mg/kg b.w. and of IMG (IMG-AA) in the oral daily dose of 2 mg/kg b.w. The progress of AA was manifested by all parameters monitored. Both substances had beneficial effects on HPV, TBARS levels, GGT activity, and TAS levels. For cytokine assessment, only IMG-AA samples were selected, considering the significant HPV improvement accompanied with the observed anti-oxidant action. IMG administration had a positive immunomodulating effect on all cytokine plasma levels measured, changed markedly due to arthritis progression. Thus, IMG may be considered as a candidate for combinatorial therapy of rheumatoid arthritis.
Extra virgin olive oil phenolics: absorption, metabolism, and biological activities in the GI tract
Authors: Corona G , Spencer JPE , Dessì MA
Published: August 2009

Olive oil, a typical ingredient of the Mediterranean diet, possesses many beneficial health effects. The biological activities ascribed to olive oil consumption are associated in part to its phenolics constituents, and mainly linked to the direct or indirect antioxidant activity of olive oil phenolics and their metabolites, which are exerted more efficiently in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where dietary phenolics are more concentrated when compared to other organs. In this regard, we present a brief overview of the metabolism, biological activities, and anticancer properties of olive oil phenolics in the GI tract.
Protective effect of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol against oxidative stress in kidney cells
Authors: Loru D , Incani A , Deiana M , Corona G , Atzeri A , Melis MP , Rosa A , Dessì MA
Published: August 2009

Bioavailability studies in animals and humans fed with extravirgin olive oil demonstrated that hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol, the major simple phenolic compounds in extravirgin olive oil, are dose-dependently absorbed and excreted. Once absorbed, they undergo extensive metabolism; hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol concentrate mainly in the kidney, where they may exert an important role in the prevention of oxidative stress induced renal dysfunction. In this study we monitored the ability of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol to protect renal cells (LLC-PK1) following oxidative damage induced by H2O2. Oxidative stress was evaluated by monitoring the changes of the membrane lipid fraction. Hydroxytyrosol exerted a significant antioxidant action, inhibiting the production of MDA, fatty acids hydroperoxides and 7-ketocholesterol, major oxidation products of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol, and thus protecting the cells from H2O2-induced damage. Tyrosol, instead, in this experimental model, did not exert any protective effect.
Bioantioxidants: the systems reliability standpoint
Authors: Koltover VK
Published: August 2009

The antioxidant power of the so-called antioxidants is negligible because their rate constants and concentrations are too small to compete with the specialized defense enzymes, like superoxide dismutase (SOD), for the reactive oxygen species. In this short review, we present a number of experimental data of our group, along with the relevant literature data, to show that in-vivo antioxidants increase the systems reliability in other tacks. For example, butylated hydroxytoluene can prevent production of O2•– in mitochondria, whereas flavonoids can induce expression of antioxidant enzymes, SOD and catalase. We suggest that the timely introduction of antioxidants can provide the beneficial physiological effects through the prophylactic reliability maintenance against reactive forms of oxygen via the hormonal system.
Beta-carotene prevents ozone-induced proinflammatory markers in murine skin
Authors: Valacchi G , Pecorelli A , Mencarelli M , Maioli E , Davis PA
Published: August 2009

Beta-carotene has been thought to protect against oxidative stress generated by ultraviolet radiation and thus prevents skin cancer and skin aging (Biesalski and Obermueller-Jevic, 2001). However, nothing is known about its potential effects against other environmental sources of oxidative stress such as ozone (O3) in skin. Intake of oral β-carotene supplements before exposure to sunlight (and thus inevitably also to O3) has been recommended on a population-wide basis. However, although some studies have shown β-carotene as providing skin protection as an antioxidant, other studies using skin cells in culture have shown that β-carotene may have unexpected prooxidant properties (Obermüller-Jevic, et al., 2001). Given this, there is an ongoing debate regarding the protective or potentially harmful role(s) of β-carotene in human skin. In this study, the effect of β-carotene on ozone’s effects on the skin of hairless mice was assessed. After feeding a diet supplemented with 0.5% β-carotene for 1 month, mice were subjected to O3 exposure (0.8 ppm 6 h/day; 7 days) and the induction of proinflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and markers of oxidative stress, heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), were quantitated. The data showed that β-carotene downregulated the induction of TNFα, MIP2, iNOS, and HO-1 in response to O3. We conclude that β-carotene provides protection against O3-induced skin oxidative stress in vivo, which is consistent with a protective role for β-carotene in the skin.
Effects of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on rat cortical synaptosomes
Authors: Aldinucci C , Carretta A , Maiorca SM , Leoncini S , Signorini C , Ciccoli L , Pessina GP
Published: August 2009

Nerve cells are very responsive to weak pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Such non-ionizing radiation, with frequencies of 0–300 Hz and 0.1–100 mT, can affect several cellular activities, with unusual dose–response characteristics. The present study examined the effect of a 2-h exposure of synaptosomes on a system generating a peak magnetic field of 2 mT. We evaluated the changes of the synaptosomal mitochondrial respiration rate and ATP production, membrane potential, intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ concentration, and the release of free iron and F2-isoprostanes. O2 consumption and ATP production remained unchanged in exposed synaptosomes. The intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ concentration decreased slowly and no depolarization of the synaptosomal membrane was detected. Finally, the release of free iron and F2-isoprostanes by synaptosomal suspensions also remained unchanged after EMF exposure. These results indicate that the physiological behavior of cortical synaptosomes was unaffected by weak pulsed EMFs.
Monitoring antioxidant defenses and free radical production in space-flight, aviation and railway engine operators, for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress, immunological impairment, and pre-mature cell aging
Authors: De Luca C , Deeva I , Mariani S , Maiani G , Stancato A , Korkina L
Published: August 2009

Degenerative diseases, immune impairment, and premature ageing commonly affect professional categories exposed to severe environmental and psychological stress. Among these, cosmonauts routinely experience extreme conditions due to microgravity, space radiation, altered oxygen supply, physical and mental fatigue during training, spaceflight, and post-flight. Long route aviation pilots display elevated oncogenic risk, connected with cosmic radiation overexposure, and high mortality rates for cardiovascular causes. Engine drivers, like pilots, are affected by health consequences of psycho-emotional stress, and burnout syndrome. The free radical (FR)/antioxidant (AO) imbalance is a common feature in all these pathological conditions. To assess the effective relevance of oxidative stress, we analyzed blood and urine reliable markers of FR production and AO defenses in 12 Russian cosmonauts, 55 airline pilots, 63 train engine drivers, and 50 age-matched controls by measuring the following: (a) lipophilic/hydrophilic low-molecular weight AO and AO enzyme activities, (b) nitric oxide, superoxide anion, hydroperoxide production, and (c) urinary catecholamine/serotonine metabolites and lipoperoxidation markers. Cosmonauts showed elevated granulocyte superoxide and nitric oxide production, increased erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione oxidation, and drastically decreased plasma/leucocyte lipophilic AO levels ( P < 0.001–0.01). Aviation pilots, like train drivers, displayed a mild but constant oxidative stress, more pronounced in intercontinental routes pilots, and consistent with lymphocyte chromosomal alterations, DNA oxidation, and cardiovascular malfunction. Results obtained on these selected professionals operating under wearing conditions offer a solid molecular basis for advising the regular monitoring of clinical biochemistry laboratory markers of AO/FR status, to tailor individually specific AO supplementation and diet regimen, and monitor treatment outcomes.
Essential fatty acids and dietary stress
Authors: Wertz PW
Published: August 2009

There are two families of essential fatty acids that must be obtained from the diet: the ω-6 fatty acids consisting of linoleic and arachidonic acids and the ω-3 fatty acids consisting of linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (Prog Chem Fats Other Lipids 1968:9;275–348; Recent Pat Cardiovasc Drug Discov 2007;2:13–21; Mini Rev Med Chem 2008;8:107–115). Vegetables and vegetable oils are sources of linoleic and linolenic acids, and the higher ω-3s are obtained from fish. The estimated ratio of ω-6:ω-3 fatty acids in the typical Western diet is about 20:1, whereas, several lines of evidence indicate that a ration of 1:1 would be optimal. Both series of fatty acids can be oxidatively metabolized to a range of products. The oxidative metabolites of arachidonic acid are all proinflammatory and/or prothrombotic, while the corresponding ω-3 metabolites are anti-inflammatory and/or antithrombotic. The imbalanced consumption of the two families of essential fatty acids contributes to a range of diseases. Greater awareness of this problem is leading to increased use of dietary supplements and new products intended to decrease ω-6 consumption while increasing ω-3 intake.
In-vivo data on the influence of tobacco smoke and UV light on murine skin
Authors: Pavlou P , Rallis M , Deliconstantinos G , Papaioannou G , Grando SA
Published: August 2009

Inhaled tobacco smoke comes in direct contact with few organs such as mouth, lungs, and stomach. Cigarette smoke (CS) in lungs has been extensively studied. However, limited data exist on its effect on skin, and there are no long-term experimental studies suggesting toxic effects on skin. Even though it is generally accepted that CS is among the main factors of skin aging, the number of experimental studies showing this aging effect is limited. We hereby studied the effect of long-term exposure to CS on the skin of hairless mice in combination with or without ultraviolet (UV) light. In addition, we investigated potential skin protection by a potent antioxidant namely procyanidine-rich French maritime pine bark extract (PBE) pycnogenol. Male and female hairless SKH-2 mice were exposed for 10 months to tobacco smoke and/or UV light in vivo, and their effects on skin were investigated. Some biophysical parameters such as development of erythema, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin elasticity were measured. The results show that UV and CS may be acting synergistically, as shown by the enhanced TEWL, erythema values, epitheliomas, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) observed, whereas PBE seems to protect skin against SCC.
Comparative study of two evaluation methods for the genotoxic effects of environmental heavy metals on normal cells
Authors: Virag P , Brie I , Postescu ID , Perde-Schrepler M , Fischer-Fodor E , Soritau O , Irimie A , Cernea V
Published: August 2009

Genetic modifications caused by chronic exposure to low levels of toxic metals may activate stress-signaling pathways, thus increasing cancer incidence among affected individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between exposure to heavy metals and the incidence of chromosomal aberrations and DNA lesions in a chronically exposed population by using specific biomarkers. The study included 156 subjects divided into two major groups: exposed individuals (in a heavy metal contaminated region, Maramures, Romania) and non-exposed population, as control group (Cluj, Romania). We compared the results of two cytogenetic methods for the detection and quantification of DNA lesions and chromosomal aberrations in normal human cells: Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis or Comet assay and Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus assay. The methods were performed on lymphocytes isolated from whole blood in density gradient. The basal DNA lesions and chromosomal aberrations were evaluated, as well as the repair capacity of the supplementary lesions induced by genotoxic agents such as ionizing radiations. Our results showed a great interindividual variability in the basal level of the DNA lesions and chromosomal aberrations, between and within the groups, the most affected being the heavy metals-exposed groups. Non-exposed subjects from rural area Cluj appeared to be more susceptible to the induction of supplementary DNA lesions and chromosomal aberrations by irradiation. The most efficient repair capacity of the radio-induced DNA lesions was observed in the non-exposed Cluj urban group. Both cytogenetic assays (as tools for detection of DNA lesions and chromosomal aberrations) may be used in human biomonitoring studies as indicators of early biological effects induced by exposure to heavy metals.
Lipoperoxidation and antioxidant capacity in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lodovici M , Bigagli E , Bardini G , Rotella CM
Published: August 2009

Type 2 diabetes is a heterogeneous disease resulting from insulin resistance and/or from a β-cell secretory defect. Hyperglycemia, which occurs during type 2 diabetes, causes disorders of oxidative–antioxidative balance in the cells, leading to increased free-radical formation. Reduced antioxidant capacity is supposed to be one of the causes of the occurrence of complications in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate lipoperoxidation and plasma antioxidant status in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes with or without complications. In this study, 15 patients with type 2 diabetes without complications and 11 patients with type 2 diabetes with complications were enrolled. The ‘ferric-reducing ability of plasma’ showed no differences between the two experimental groups. A small, nonsignificant, Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity reduction was observed in patients with diabetes with complications when compared to those patients with diabetes without complications; on the contrary, we found increased lipoperoxidation in patients with diabetes with complications compared with those patients with diabetes without complications. We also observed a positive correlation between malondialdehyde levels and high density lipoprotein or vitamin E in all analyzed patients with type 2 diabetes. Data obtained from our study show that patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes with complications have higher lipoperoxidation than patients with complication-free diabetes, although a residual compensatory response to hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress occurs.
Percutaneous revascularization of persistent renal artery in-stent restenosis
Authors: Patel Pranav M , Eisenberg Jonathan , Islam M Ashequl , Maree Andrew O , Rosenfield Kenneth A
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Percutaneous renal artery stenting is a common means of treating atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. However, renal artery restenosis remains a frequent problem. The optimal treatment of restenosis has not been established and may involve percutaneous renal artery angioplasty or deployment of a second stent. Other modalities include cutting balloon angioplasty, repeat stenting with drug-eluting stents or endovascular brachytherapy. Most recently, use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered stents may offer a new and innovative way to treat recurrent renal artery stenosis. We describe a case in a patient who initially presented with renal insufficiency and multi-drug hypertension in the setting of severe bilateral renal artery stenosis. Her renal artery stenosis was initially successfully treated by percutaneous deployment of bilateral bare metal renal artery stents. After initial improvement of her hypertension and renal insufficiency, both parameters declined and follow-up duplex evaluation confirmed renal artery in-stent restenosis. Owing to other medical co-morbidities she was felt to be a poor surgical candidate and was subsequently treated first with bilateral cutting balloon angioplasty and second with drug-eluting stent deployment. Each procedure was associated with initial improvement of renal function and blood pressure control, which then later deteriorated with the development of further significant in-stent restenosis. It was then decided to treat the restenosis using PTFE-covered stents. At 12 months of follow-up, the blood pressure had remained stable and renal function had normalized. The covered stents remained free of any significant neointimal tissue or obstruction.
Physical activity during daily life and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Payvandi Laila , Dyer Alan , McPherson David , Ades Philip , Stein James , Liu Kiang , Ferrucci Luigi , Criqui Michael H , Guralnik Jack M , Lloyd-Jones Donald , Kibbe Melina R , Liang Susan T , Kane Bonnie , Pearce William H , Verta Michael , McCarthy Walter J , Schneider Joseph R , Shroff Adhir , McDermott Mary M
Published: August 2009

Abstract

We determined whether higher levels of physical activity in daily life are associated with better brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) among individuals with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Participants were 111 men and women with PAD (ankle–brachial index (ABI) ≤ 0.95) who completed baseline testing in the Study to Improve Leg Circulation (SILC). We evaluated FMD of the brachial artery at baseline and at 60 seconds following 4 minutes of suprasystolic blood pressure cuff inflation. Physical activity was measured continuously over 7 days using a vertical accelerometer (Caltrac) and a pedometer (Digiwalker). Adjusting for age, sex, race, ABI, cardiovascular risk factors and other potential confounders, higher levels of physical activity were associated with a greater percent change in brachial artery FMD at 60 seconds post cuff deflation for both Caltrac (1st tertile of activity +4.81% change; 2nd tertile +4.60% change; 3rd tertile +7.23% change; p-trend = 0.018) and the Digiwalker (1st tertile of activity +3.76% change; 2nd tertile +6.25% change; 3rd tertile +7.25% change; p-trend = 0.001). Similar findings were observed for absolute change in brachial artery FMD 60 seconds after cuff deflation. In conclusion, higher levels of physical activity during daily life are associated significantly and independently with better brachial artery FMD among individuals with PAD, even after adjusting for confounders. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00106327.
Carotid and femoral arterial wall changes and the prevalence of clinical cardiovascular disease
Authors: Griffin Maura , Nicolaides Andrew , Tyllis Theodosis , Georgiou Niki , Martin Richard M , Bond Dawn , Panayiotou Andrie , Tziakouri Chrysa , Doré Caroline J , Fessas Charris
Published: August 2009

Abstract

The Cyprus Study is a prospective cohort study of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Its aim is to determine the relationship of intima–media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid (IMTcc), maximum thickness of IMT in the carotid bifurcation (IMTmax), number of carotid and femoral bifurcations with plaque and total plaque thickness (TPT) (sum of the maximum plaque measurements taken from the four bifurcations scanned) with the prevalence of clinical CVD. A total of 767 individuals (46% male) over the age of 40 years were recruited from a mountain village and a town outside the capital Nicosia. In addition to clinical examination, carotid and common femoral bifurcations were scanned with ultrasound. After controlling for conventional risk factors, there was little evidence of an association of IMTcc with CVD prevalence. However, IMTmax and TPT were associated with 2.9-fold (1.22 to 7.07) and 6.87-fold (2.42 to 19.43) increased odds of CVD prevalence, respectively. In conclusion, the TPT and number of bifurcations with plaque are more strongly associated with the prevalence of CVD. These findings warrant investigation in prospective studies to document associations with incident CVD events.