bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlamydial Antigens Colocalize within IncA-Laden Fibers Extending from the Inclusion Membrane into the Host Cytosol
Authors: Brown W. J. , Skeiky Y. A. W. , Probst P. , Rockey D. D.
Published: September 2002

Chlamydial IncA localizes to the inclusion membrane and to vesicular fibers extending away from the inclusion. Chlamydial outer membrane components, in the absence of developmental forms, are found within these fibers. This colocalization may explain how chlamydial developmental form antigens are localized outside of the inclusion within infected cells.
A Uropathogenicity Island Contributes to the Pathogenicity of
Escherichia coli
Strains That Cause Neonatal Meningitis
Authors: Houdouin Véronique , Bonacorsi Stéphane , Brahimi Naima , Clermont Olivier , Nassif Xavier , Bingen Edouard
Published: September 2002

We report that the archetypal
Escherichia coli
strain C5 causing neonatal meningitis harbors a pathogenicity island (PAI) designated PAI I
C5
that is similar to the PAI II
J96
of uropathogenic
E. coli
J96 inserted in the
leuX-
tRNA gene. PAI-negative C5 mutants had a lower capacity than C5 to induce high-level bacteremia in a neonatal rat model. However, no change in their resistance to the bactericidal effect of serum and their capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier was observed.
Macrophage-Enhanced Germination of
Bacillus anthracis
Endospores Requires
gerS
Authors: Ireland John A. W. , Hanna Philip C.
Published: September 2002

Germination of
Bacillus anthracis
Sterne and plasmidless Δ-Sterne endospores was dramatically enhanced in RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells, while germination of nonpathogenic
Bacillus
endospores was not. Elimination of
gerS
, a germinant receptor locus, caused a complete loss of cell-enhanced germination, implicating
gerS
in the breaking of endospore dormancy in vivo.
A Monoclonal Antibody to the Amebic Lipophosphoglycan-Proteophosphoglycan Antigens Can Prevent Disease in Human Intestinal Xenografts Infected with
Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Duchêne Michael , Stanley Samuel L.
Published: September 2002

Entamoeba histolytica
trophozoites are covered by lipophosphoglycan-peptidoglycan molecules which may be key virulence factors. We found that pretreatment of severe combined immunodeficient mice bearing human intestinal xenografts with a monoclonal antibody to the amebic lipophosphoglycan-peptidoglycan molecules can prevent or significantly reduce the human intestinal inflammation and tissue damage that are normally seen with
E. histolytica
colonic infection.
Two Predicted Chemoreceptors of
Helicobacter pylori
Promote Stomach Infection
Authors: Andermann Tessa M. , Chen Yu-Ting , Ottemann Karen M.
Published: September 2002

Helicobacter pylori
must be motile or display chemotaxis to be able to fully infect mammals, but it is not known how this chemotaxis is directed. We disrupted two genes encoding predicted chemoreceptors,
tlpA
and
tlpC. H. pylori
mutants lacking either of these genes are fully motile and chemotactic in vitro and are as able as the wild type to infect mice when they are the sole infecting strains. In contrast, when mice are coinfected with the
H. pylori
SS1
tlpA
or
tlpC
mutant and the wild type, we find more wild type than mutant after 2 weeks of colonization. Neither strain has an in vitro growth defect. These results suggest that the
tlpA
- and
tlpC
-encoded proteins assist colonization of the stomach environment.
Expression and Characterization of Flagella in Nonmotile Enteroinvasive
Escherichia coli
Isolated from Diarrhea Cases
Authors: Andrade Agda , Girón Jorge A. , Amhaz Juliana M. K. , Trabulsi Luiz R. , Martinez Marina B.
Published: September 2002

We report that enteroinvasive
Escherichia coli
(EIEC) serotypes considered to be nonmotile produce an unusually large (77 kDa) flagellin that is assembled into functional flagellum filaments that allow the bacteria to swim in modified motility agar. The EIEC flagellin showed N-terminal identity to most common enterobacterial flagellins, especially those of the
E. coli
H7 serotype. These data are important in terms of the epidemiology, evolution, and biology of EIEC.
Identification and Characterization of the
N
-Acetylglucosamine Glycosyltransferase Gene of
Haemophilus ducreyi
Authors: Sun Shuhua , Scheffler N. Karoline , Gibson Bradford W. , Wang Jing , Munson Robert S.
Published: September 2002

Haemophilus ducreyi
is the causative agent of chancroid, a sexually transmitted ulcerative disease. In the present study, the
Neisseria gonorrhoeae lgtA
lipooligosaccharide glycosyltransferase gene was used to identify a homologue in the genome of
H. ducreyi
. The putative
H. ducreyi
glycosyltransferase gene (designated
lgtA
) was cloned and insertionally inactivated, and an isogenic mutant was constructed. Structural studies demonstrated that the lipooligosaccharide isolated from the mutant strain lacked
N
-acetylglucosamine and distal sugars found in the lipooligosaccharide produced by the parental strain. The isogenic mutant was transformed with a recombinant plasmid containing the putative glycosyltransferase gene. This strain produced the lipooligosaccharide glycoforms produced by the parental strain, confirming that the
lgtA
gene encodes the
N
-acetylglucosamine glycosyltransferase.
Differential Survival of Lyme Borreliosis Spirochetes in Ticks That Feed on Birds
Authors: Kurtenbach Klaus , Schäfer Stefanie M. , Sewell Henna-Sisko , Peacey Mick , Hoodless Andrew , Nuttall Patricia A. , Randolph Sarah E.
Published: September 2002

The abilities of the most common European genospecies of
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato to survive blood meals taken by ticks feeding on birds were analyzed. A pattern of differential survival of the spirochetes in feeding ticks was observed. The result is consistent with the concept of selective transmission of Lyme borreliosis spirochetes.
Production and Characterization of Protective Human Antibodies against Shiga Toxin 1
Authors: Mukherjee Jean , Chios Kerry , Fishwild Dianne , Hudson Deborah , O'Donnell Susan , Rich Stephen M. , Donohue-Rolfe Arthur , Tzipori Saul
Published: September 2002

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious complication which is predominantly associated in children with infection by Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC). By using HuMAb-Mouse (Medarex) animals, human monoclonal antibodies (Hu-MAbs) were developed against Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) for passive immunotherapy of HUS. Ten stable hybridomas comprised of fully human heavy- and light-chain immunoglobulin elements and secreting Stx1-specific Hu-MAbs (seven immunoglobulin M(κ) [IgM(κ)] elements [one specific for the A subunit and six specific for the B subunit] and three IgG1(κ) elements specific for subunit B) were isolated. Two IgM(κ) Hu-MAbs (2D9 and 15G9) and three IgG1(κ) Hu-MAbs (5A4, 10F4, and 15G2), all specific for subunit B, demonstrated marked neutralization of Stx1 in vitro and significant prolongation of survival in a murine model of Stx1 toxicosis.
Effects ofInula Britannicaon the Production of Antibodies and Cytokines and on T Cell Differentiation in C57BL/6 Mice Immunized by Ovalbumin
Authors: Song Qing-Hua , Kobayashi Takao , Hong Tie , Cyong Jong-Chol
Published: September 2002

In this study, we investigated the effects of Inula Britannica on the production of antibodies against ovalbumin, and the differentiation of T cells, in C57BL/6 mice. The oral administration of Inula Britannica suppressed IL-4 and IL-6 production in lymphocytes collected from an inguinal lymph node in the immunized leg. On the other hand, the intraperitoneal administration of Inula Britannica suppressed IgG1 production, the ratio of IFN-γ+IL-4-/IFN- γ-IL-4+cells and cytokine production of IL-6. It was presumed that the effects of Inula Britannica on the production of antibodies were induced by regulation of the balance of Th1 and Th2. Further, IL-4 and IL-6 production by lymphocytes collected from an inguinal lymph node in the immunized leg were suppressed, and therefore production of antibodies was suppressed.
Extract from the Leaves ofToona sinensis RoemorExerts Potent Antiproliferative Effect on Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Chang Hui-Chiu , Hung Wen-Chun , Huang Ming-Shyan , Hsu Hseng-Kuang
Published: September 2002

Recent study indicated that the components of Toona sinensis Roemor have potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. These components have also been reported to inhibit the growth of boils in vivo. In this study, we investigated the effect of crude extract from the leaves of Toona sinensis Roemor on the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells. We found that the extract effectively blocked cell cycle progression by inhibiting the expression of cyclin D1 and E in A549 cells. Additionally, incubation of the extract led to activation of caspase-3-like proteases and apoptotic cell death. Conversely, the extract did not show any significant cytotoxic effect on primarily cultured human foreskin fibroblasts or MRC-5 human lung fibroblasts. Therefore, antiproliferative action of the extract is specific for tumor cells. Our results suggest that the components of Toona sinensis Roemor have potent anticancer effects in vitro and identification of the useful components in the extract may lead to the development of a novel class of anticancer drugs.
Antioxidant and Anticonvulsant Effect of a Modified Formula of Chaihu-Longu-Muli-Tang
Authors: Wu Hung-Ming , Liu Chin-San , Tsai Jing-Jane , Ko Lie-Yon , Wei Yau-Huei
Published: September 2002

Antiepileptic drug therapy in individuals with epilepsy can induce free radical generation and profound lipid peroxidation. Some Chinese herbs with antiepileptic potential show antioxidant effects. We performed an open add-on study of TW970, a modified formula of the Chinese medicine "Chaihu-Longu-Muli-Tang", on 20 patients with refractory epilepsy and a seizure frequency of at least four fits per month, and another 20 patients with benign epilepsy and a seizure frequency of less than four fits per month. The control group consisted of 20 age-matched healthy adults. Seizure frequency, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) were investigated in patients with refractory and benign epilepsy before and after four months add-on treatment of TW970. There was a decrease in seizure frequency in refractory epileptics from 13.4 ± 3.4 to 10.7 ± 2.5/per month, although the p value was 0.084. Before TW970 add-on treatment, a significant enhancement of lipid peroxidation with increased MDA and Cu,Zn-SOD activities together with decreased GSH were seen in refractory epileptics compared with normal controls. After TW970 add-on treatment of refractory epileptics for four months, normalization of MDA and Cu,Zn-SOD levels was achieved. Before and after TW970 add-on treatment, there were no statistically significant changes of the above-mentioned parameters in the patients with benign epilepsy. These results suggest that TW970 can reduce the seizure frequency in patients with refractory epilepsy and this may be due to the antioxidant effects of the modified formula of Chaihu-Longu-Muli-Tang.
The Improvement of Luteal Insufficiency in Fecund Women by Tokishakuyakusan Treatment
Authors: Usuki Satoshi , Nakauchi Tomoko , Higa Sawako , Someya Katsumi
Published: September 2002

The effect of Tokishakuyakusan, a Chinese herbal medicine, was examined, in vivo, in women with luteal insufficiency and in women with normal menstrual cycles. Luteal insufficiency was determined by daily measurement of basal body temperature and plasma progesterone levels. Tokishakuyakusan improved luteal insufficiency. Furthermore, the effects of Tokishakuyakusan on prolactin, gonadotropins, steroids, angiotensin II, ANP and renin levels in the blood of women with normal menstrual cycles were studied, as were the medicine's effects on estrogens, pregnenediol and LH in the urine of the same women. Tokishakuyakusan had no adverse effect on hormonal levels in either blood or urine. Furthermore, no clinical side effects were detected. These results suggest that Tokishakuyakusan improves luteal insufficiency in women but does not affect the hormonal levels of women with normal menstrual cycles.
The Physiological Mechanisms of 2 Hz Electroacupuncture: A Study Using Blink and H Reflex
Authors: Hsieh Ching-Liang , Wu Chin-Hsin , Lin Jaung-Geng , Chiu Chuang-Chien , Chen Mike , Hsieh Ching-Tou
Published: September 2002

Our previous studies have shown that the cerebral cortex modulates the physiological mechanisms of acupuncture. However, the role of the brain stem and spinal cord in acupuncture remains unclear. The present study investigated the action of the brain stem and spinal cord in acupuncture. A total of eight healthy adult volunteers were studied. Electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve in the supraorbital foramen was used to evoke the blink reflex. Electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve in the right popliteal fossa was used to evoke the H reflex. Electroacupuncture (EA) of 2 Hz was applied to the Zusanli acupoint in the right or left leg. The area of the R1 and R2 components of the blink reflex, and the greatest H/M ratio and H-M interval of the H reflex were measured before EA, during EA and at various post-EA periods. These data were analyzed quantitatively by a computerized electromyographic examination system. The results indicate that EA did not change the R1 and ipsilateral R2 components of the blink reflex. EA depressed the contralateral R2 component of the blink reflex 10 minutes and 40 minutes after the start of EA, but not after 5 minutes. EA applied to the Zusanli acupoint did not change the H/M ratio or the H-M interval of the H reflex. The results of this study indicate that 2 Hz EA of the Zusanli acupoint does not change the R1 component of the blink reflex, and the H/M ratio and the H-M interval of the H reflex, suggesting that 2 Hz EA does not change the monosynaptic reflex in the brain stem and spinal cord in humans. We also found that EA at 2-Hz depressed the contralateral but not the ipsilateral R2 component of the blink reflex, suggesting that longer pathways, perhaps including the cerebral cortex, may play a role in the physiological mechanisms responsible for the effectiveness of acupuncture.
Chinese Medicine Induces Neurite Outgrowth in PC12 Mutant Cells Incapable of Differentiation
Authors: Kano Yoshio , Takaguchi Shinichiro , Nohno Tsutomu , Hiragami Fukumi , Kawamura Kenji , Iwama Michael K. , Miyamoto Kanji , Takehara Manabu
Published: September 2002

During continuous culture of neural PC12 cells, we obtained a drug-hypersensitive PC12 mutant cell that showed high stimulation of neurite outgrowth by various drugs. When several Chinese medicines such as Shu-Jing-Huo-Xie-Tang and Wu-Ling-San were provided to these PC12 mutant cells, the frequency of nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth increased approximately 30-fold compared to NGF alone. Neurite outgrowth induced by NGF in PC12 cells is accompanied by sustained activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK); however, these Chinese medicines did not induce MAPK activity. The findings thus indicate that certain Chinese medicines may induce neurite outgrowth by a novel mechanism which is distinct from the NGF-activated pathway in PC12 mutant cells.
CHANGES IN EEG OF CHILDREN DURING BRAIN RESPIRATION-TRAINING
Authors: Kim Young Youn , Choi Jung Mi , Kim Soo Yong , Park Sang Kyu , Lee Seung Heun , Lee Kun Ho
Published: September 2002

Brain Respiration (BR)-training is a unique form of breathing exercise that develops potential ability by facilitating brain function. It is recognized as an effective method of improving the scholastic aptitude and emotional stability of children. The present study was designed to investigate the characteristics of the EEG during this training. Spectral analysis was used to examine the relative power in the EEG of 12 children while they practiced BR-training, and these were compared to those of 12 matched controls. BR-trainees showed a lower θ rhythm than the controls before the training session began and lower β2 power before, during and after the session. In contrast, the BR subjects showed greater relative α1 power than the controls in the left frontal region during BR-training, which persisted throughout the BR-training schedule. There is evidence that decreased θ and β waves may be correlated with emotional maturation, whilst increased α waves are associated with educational achievement. These findings enhance our understanding of the neurophysiological basis of the effects of BR-training upon emotion and maturation.
The Efficacy of Herbal Medicine (Kampo) in Reducing the Adverse Effects of IFN-β in Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Kainuma Mosaburo , Hayashi Jun , Sakai Shinya , Imai Kazuaki , Mantani Naoki , Kohta Kazufumi , Mitsuma Tadamichi , Shimada Yutaka , Kashiwagi Seizaburo , Terasawa Katsutoshi
Published: September 2002

The purpose of this study was to determine if the adverse effects of interferon (IFN) in hepatitis C patients could be reduced by treatment with Japanese Oriental (Kampo) medicine. Twelve patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with a combination of IFN-β and either Mao-to or Dai-seiryu-to (groups A and B), and 16 patients were treated with IFN-β alone (group C). Mao-to was administered to eight patients and Dai-seiryu-to was administered to four in groups A and B, respectively. Adverse effects were evaluated by clinical and laboratory examinations. The severity of symptoms was daily self-classified into four categories (1: none, 2: very slight, 3: moderate, and 4: serious), using a questionnaire consisting of 29 items. Scores of symptom such as discomfort and fever in group A, and discomfort, general malaise, paresthesia and arthralgia in group B were significantly lower than those in group C (p > 0.05). In all patients, HCV-RNA was negative at the end of the treatment, and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels had normalized transiently in all group A and B patients with genotype 1b by 2 weeks after cessation of IFN treatment. This study indicates that Kampo medicines are useful for reducing the adverse effects accompanying IFN treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C without reducing the antiviral effects.
Aquapuncture Therapy of Repeat Breeding in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Lin J. H. , Wu L. S. , Wu Y. L. , Lin C. S. , Yang N. Y. J.
Published: September 2002

Repeat breeders cause great economic loss in dairy herds. This study determined the efficacy of simple aquapuncture therapy (acupuncture combined with injection) to treat repeat breeders in two dairy herds (one in Hsinchu County and the other in Tainan County). Both herds had used gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) beforehand to treat the symptom but the success rate was poor — about 30%. Therefore, cows that failed to respond to GnRH were given the aquapuncture treatment. A total of 18 animals (two heifers and 16 cows) that had failed to conceive to 3-9 services were treated by aquapuncture, in which 10 ml and 5 ml of 50% glucose solution were injected at Baihui (Hundred Meetings, the depression in the center of the lumbosacral space) and Shenpeng (Kidney Shelf, the depression in the space between the lumbar vertebral transverse processes 5-6) acupoints, respectively with a 21G, 1.5-inch hypodermic needle. Both acupoints belong to the traditional acupuncture points of bovine and equine systems. Most animals showed heat within 14 days after aquapuncture and were inseminated artificially. Serum progesterone concentrations and rectal palpation were used for pregnancy diagnosis. The pregnancy rate after the treatment was 14/18 (77.7%) and 12/18 (66.6%) based on progesterone concentration and rectal palpation respectively, suggesting acupuncture as a simple and effective method to treat repeat breeders in dairy herds. However, the final result obtained from actual delivery of fetus in the experimental animals was only 8/18 (44.4%).
Effects of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantiaL.) or Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber offifinale Rosc) on Spontaneous Mammary Tumorigenesis in SHN Mice
Authors: Nagasawa Hiroshi , Watanabe Katsuto , Inatomi Hideo
Published: September 2002

The effects of chronic treatment with hot water extract of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) or Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber offifinale Rosc) on spontaneous mammary tumorigenesis were examined in SHN virgin mice. In mice given free access to extract of Bitter Melon (0.5%) or Ginger (0.125%) in drinking water, the development of mammary tumors was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, the former inhibited uterine adenomyosis with a common pathological background to mammary tumors and the latter inhibited mammary tumor growth. While the mechanism of the effects of these natural products remains to be clarified, there were no adverse effects of chronic treatment with these agents as estimated from body weight, food and water intake and various plasma component levels as well as external appearance. Thus, these natural products, popular in Japan as foodstuffs, also appear to have a health benefit.
Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Xiao-Ban-Xia-Tang on Gastric Emptying in Mice
Authors: Chen Duo , Wu Chun Fu , Huang Li , Ning Zhuo
Published: September 2002

Gastric emptying effect of the aqueous extract of Xiao-Ban-Xia-Tang (XBXT) was investigated in mice. Mice with food deprived for 18 hours were orally administered a certain amount of test meal (ca. 0.8 g) equaling 0.8 ml in volume. The percentage of 0.8 g test meal remaining in the stomach after 20 minutes was estimated. It was shown that XBXT significantly antagonized dopamine- (0.56 mg/kg, i.p.), not atropine- (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.), induced gastric emptying inhibition. It also significantly restored metoclopramide-induced (8 mg/kg, p.o.) propulsion and potentiated methylneostigmine-induced (2 mg/kg, p.o.) gastric emptying enhancement. The aqueous extract of Pinellia ternata, but not that of Zingiber officinale showed an inhibitory activity on gastric emptying. The present results suggest that XBXT possesses a regulative effect on gastric motility.
Toxicity of Nerium oleander and Rhazya stricta in Najdi Sheep: Hematologic and Clinicopathologic Alterations
Authors: Adam S. E. I. , Al-Yahya M. A. , Al-Farhan A. H.
Published: September 2002

The toxic effects of oral administration of 0.25 g/kg Nerium oleander leaves, 0.25 g/kg Rhazya stricta leaves or their mixture at 0.25 g/kg N. oleander leaves plus 0.25 g/kg R. stricta leaves on Najdi sheep were investigated. Daily oral dosing of R. stricta leaves for 42 days was not fatal to sheep while single oral doses of either N. oleander leaves or the mixture with R. stricta leaves proved fatal to animals within 24 hours with dyspnea, grunting, salivation, grinding of the teeth, ruminal bloat, frequent urination, ataxia and recumbency prior to death. The main lesions were widespread congestion or hemorrhage, pulmonary cyanosis, emphysema, bronchotracheal froths, and hepatonephropathy. The clinical and pathological changes were correlated with alterations in serum LDH and AST activities and concentrations of cholesterol, bilirubin, urea, total protein, albumin, and globulin and hematological values.
Effects of Garlic Components Diallyl Sulfide and Diallyl Disulfide on Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase Activity and 2-Aminofluorene-DNA Adducts in Human Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Lin J. G. , Chen G. W. , Su C. C. , Hung C. F. , Yang C. C. , Lee J. H. , Chung J. G.
Published: September 2002

Two components of garlic, diallyl sulfide (DAS) and diallyl disulfide (DADS), inhibited arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity and 2-aminofluorene-DNA adduct in human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60). The NAT activity was measured by high performance liquid chromatography assaying for amounts of N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene (2-AAF) and remaining 2-aminofluorene (2-AF). Cellular cytosols and intact cell suspensions were assayed. The inhibition of NAT activity and 2-AF-DNA adduct formation in human leukemia cells by DAS and DADS were dose-dependent and were directly proportional. The data also indicated that DAS and DADS decrease the apparent values of Km and Vmax from human leukemia cells in both assays. This is the first report of garlic components affecting human leukemia cell NAT activity and 2-AF-DNA adduct formation.
Effect of Ninjin-Youei-To on Th1/Th2 Type Cytokine Production in Different Mouse Strains
Authors: Nakada Tsutomu , Watanabe Kenji , Jin Guang-Bi , Toriizuka Kazuo , Hanawa Toshihiko
Published: September 2002

Ninjin-Youei-To (NYT; Ren-Shen-Yang-Rong-Tang in Chinese) is a traditional herbal formula, which is widely used in Japan, Korea and China to modulate physiological immunity. The effects of oral administration of NYT on cytokine production from splenocytes were investigated in both C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice in which Th1 and Th2 were dominant, respectively. Splenocytes from C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, which took NYT orally for four weeks, were cultured with anti-mouse CD3 mAb, and the supernatant was examined for cytokine production using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Administration of NYT to C57BL/6 mice, increased the production of interleukin-4 (IL-4) significantly, and slightly decreased interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production from splenocytes. In contrast, the same treatment significantly increased IFN-γ secretion from splenocytes of BALB/c mice. No remarkable changes of IL-12 production from splenocytes were observed in either strain of mice. These results suggest that oral administration of NYT ameliorates the excessive inclination of Th1 and Th2 type cytokine production, and NYT may provide a beneficial effects for the treatment of diseases caused by a skewed Th1-Th2 balance in the immune system.
The Effect of Chinese Medicine on Bone Cell Activities
Authors: Lin Chun-Yu , Sun Jui-Sheng , Sheu Shiow-Yunn , Lin Feng-Huei , Wang Yng-Jiin , Chen Li-Ting
Published: September 2002

In this experiment, we investigate the biochemical effects of traditional Chinese medicines via an in vitro bone cell culture. Ten different Chinese medicines were used in this study. The rat osteoblast-osteoclast co-culture system was used as the experimental model. After the cells grew to 80% confluence, various tested materials were added. The mitochondria activity of the bone cells after exposure to various preparations of Chinese medicines was determined by colorimetric assay. Biochemical markers such as protein content, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and acid phosphatase (ACP) titer were analyzed to evaluate the bone cell activity. When cultured with various Chinese medicines for 24 hours, only four of these ten Chinese medicines had potential beneficial effects on the bone cell culture; and only Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm. had a universal beneficial effect on bone cell metabolism. The major beneficial effect of Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm. on bone cells is probably mediated by the induction of apoptosis of the osteoclast cell population. Continued study of alterations in gene expression of bone cells caused by Chinese medicines will improve our understanding of bone cell responses to various pharmacological interventions.
The Effect of Acupuncture on the Coronary Arteries as Evaluated by Coronary Angiography: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Kurono Y. , Egawa M. , Yano T. , Shimoo K.
Published: September 2002

The Neiguan acupuncture point (EH-6) of the heart meridian is often used for circulatory disorders. To clarify this effect, we measured coronary diameters in patients with angina pectoris following acupuncture stimulation using cardioangiography. Two kinds of acupuncture stimulation, the leaving needle (LN) and the sparrow pecking method (SPM), were employed for this study. No significant differences were found between LN and SPM. Concerning the pattern of coronary reaction, coronary constriction following acupuncture showed a relationship to patients with vasospastic angina. Coronary dilation following acupuncture showed a relationship to patients with Syndrome X. The mean dilatation with acupuncture was 68.8% of that caused by isosorbide dinitrate. These findings may help to clarify the mechanism of acupuncture treatment.
Effects of Kakkon-to and Sairei-to on Aqueous Flare Elevation after Complicated Cataract Surgery
Authors: Ikeda Nariko , Hayasaka Seiji , Nagaki Yasunori , Hayasaka Yoriko , Kadoi Chiharu , Matsumoto Masayuki
Published: September 2002

We evaluate prospectively the effects of traditional herbal medicines on elevation of aqueous flare after complicated cataract surgery. Twenty-seven patients with bilateral complicated cataract undergoing phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were studied. The patients received no herbal medicine when the right eyes underwent cataract surgery. Fifteen patients were given Kakkon-to (Ge-Gen-Tang in Chinese) granules (7.5 g daily) and 12 patients were given Sairei-to (Cai-Ling-Tang in Chinese) granules (9.0 g daily), for 3 days before surgery, the day of surgery, and for 7 days after surgery when the left eyes underwent cataract surgery. Diclofenac eyedrops were instilled in all patients. Aqueous flare was measured before and after surgery. The differences in preoperative flare intensities between groups treated with Kakkon-to and Sairei-to were not significant. In the untreated right eyes of the Kakkon-to and Sairei-to groups, the flare was 99.1 and 89.6 photon counts/msec, respectively, on day 1, and then gradually decreased. The flare intensities on days 1, 3, and 5 in the Kakkon-to treated left eyes were significantly lower than in those of the untreated right eyes (Fig. 1). The flare intensities in the Sairei-to treated left eyes were the same as those in the untreated right eyes. Kakkon-to contributed to a reduction of aqueous flare elevation after surgery for complicated cataract.
Cytoprotection by Propolis Ethanol Extract of Acute Absolute Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Lesions
Authors: Liu Chi-Feng , Lin Chun-Ching , Lin Mei-Hsiu , Lin Yi-Shiu , Lin Song-Chow
Published: September 2002

Acute p.o. administration of absolute ethanol (1.0 ml/kg) to fasted rats produced extensive necrosis of gastric mucosa. Pretreatment with p.o. administration of propolis ethanol extract (PEE) could effectively and dose-dependently prevent such necrosis. This protective effect is called "cytoprotection." The maximal cytoprotective effect against absolute ethanol (AE)-induced gastric mucosal lesion was observed 1 hour after PEE administration. A gross examination of the gastric mucosa showed a marked improvement in groups receiving PEE. In order to further investigate the gastric protective mechanism of PEE, lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels in vivo and in vitro were estimated. PEE exhibited dose-dependent superoxide scavenging activity and antioxidant effects on AE-induced LPO in rat gastric mucosal homogenates. It was concluded that the gastric protective mechanism of PEE was due, at least in part, to its ability to inhibit LPO, and hence indirectly protect the gastric mucosa from oxidative stress.
Acupuncture Stimulation of the Vision-Related Acupoint (Bl-67) Increases c-Fos Expression in the Visual Cortex of Binocularly Deprived Rat Pups
Authors: Lee Hyangsook , Park Hi-Joon , Kim Soon Ae , Lee Hee Jae , Kim Mi Ja , Kim Chang-Ju , Chung Joo-Ho , Lee Hyejung
Published: September 2002

Our previous study with functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated that acupuncture stimulation of the vision-related acupoint, Bl-67, activates the visual cortex of the human brain. As a further study on the effect of Bl-67 acupuncture stimulation on the visual cortex, we examined c-Fos expression in binocularly deprived rat pups. Binocular deprivation significantly reduced the number of c-Fos-positive cells in the primary visual cortex, compared with that of normal control rat pups. Interestingly, acupuncture stimulation of Bl-67 resulted in a significant increase in the number of c-Fos-positive cells in the primary visual cortex, while acupuncture stimulation of other acupoints less important for visual function had no significant effect on c-Fos expression in the primary visual cortex. The results suggest the possibility of vision-related acupoint (Bl-67) having an influence over the activity of the primary visual cortex.
Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Activity of Peh-Hue-Juwa-Chi-Cao in Male Rats
Authors: Lin Chun-Ching , Ng Lean-Teik , Yang Jenq-Jer , Hsu Yu-Fang
Published: September 2002

Peh-Hue-Juwa-Chi-Cao (PHJCC) is a common commercial name for the herbal extract of either Hedyotis diffusa (HD), H. corymbosa (HC), or Mollugo pentaphylla (MP). The present study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of these three extracts in rats. The results indicated that extracts of HC, HD and MP possess anti-inflammatory activity, and that MP has the greatest inhibition against carrageenan-induced paw edema. In the hepatoprotective study, results indicated that the three plant extracts significantly reduced the acute elevation of serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (sGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (sGPT) concentration, and alleviated the degree of liver damage 24 hours after the intraperitoneal administration of hepatotoxins.
Ameliorative Effect ofSilene apricaon Liver Injuries Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride and Acetaminophen
Authors: Ko Yu-Jen , Hsieh Wen-Tsuan , Wu Yueh-Wern , Lin Wen-Chuan
Published: September 2002

The effect of oral administration of a 50% ethanol extract of Silene aprica (SA) on acute liver injury was examined in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and acetaminophen. The results indicated that SA protected the liver from CCl4- and acetaminophen-induced injury as judged by morphological and biochemical observations. An increase in both lipid peroxidation (LPO) and triglyceride concentrations occurred in the liver with CCl4injection , SA administration significantly reduced these changes.
The Male Silkworm Moth (Antheraea pernyi) is a Key Ingredient in Hu-Bao and Sheng-Bao for Specific Prolongation of the Life-Span of the Male Fruit Fly (Drosophila melanogaster)
Authors: Hu Kai , Wang Qiongmei , Hu Paul Q.
Published: September 2002

It is well established in Traditional Chinese Medicine that certain natural products, such as male silkworm moths, have different therapeutic effects on men than on women. These natural products have been used as dietary supplements specifically formulated for men or for women. However, this presumed sex-specific effect of certain natural products has not yet been confirmed experimentally with animal models or in human clinical trials. Here, using the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) as a longevity model, we examined the effect of Hu-Bao (HB) and Seng-Bao (SB), two marketed health products made from a mixture of natural ingredients. Our results convincingly demonstrate that the effect of HB and SB are indeed specific for the male fly. The life-span of the male was significantly increased when HB or SB was added to the culture medium. In contrast, neither HB nor SB had much effect on the female fly. Upon removal of the male silkworm moth ingredient from HB or SB, the life-span prolongation effect of HB and SB was drastically diminished. Only with the addition of the male silkworm moth did the culture medium show a statistically significant life-span prolongation effect. This result suggests that the male silkworm moth is a key ingredient, in combination with other components, for specific prolongation of the life-span of male flies.
Effects of American Ginseng Berry Extract on Blood Glucose Levels in ob/ob Mice
Authors: Xie Jing-Tian , Aung Han H. , Wu Ji An , Attele A. S. , Park Jongbae
Published: September 2002

In this study, we evaluated antihyperglycemic effects of American ginseng berry extract in diabetic ob/ob mice. Animals received daily intraperitoneal (IP) injections of the extract 150 mg/kg for 12 days. On days 5 and 12, the extract-treated ob/ob mice had significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to day 0 (both p < 0.05). Glucose tolerance improved significantly, which was shown by overall glucose excursion, calculated as area under the curve (AUC) during the two-hour IP glucose tolerance test. The AUC decreased by 31.8% on day 12 compared to day 0 (p < 0.01). In addition, after 12 days of the berry extract treatment, a significant reduction in body weight (p < 0.01 compared to day 0) and a significant increase in body temperature (p < 0.01 compared to day 0) was noticeable. Our results support in vivo antihyperglycemic and antiobese activity of American ginseng berry extract that may prove to be of clinical importance in the prevention and treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
Peroxidase Properties of Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase
Authors: Hink H. Ulrich , Santanam Nalini , Dikalov Sergey , McCann Louise , Nguyen Andrew D. , Parthasarathy Sampath , Harrison David G. , Fukai Tohru
Published: September 2002

Objective—

The cytosolic form of Cu/Zn-containing superoxide dismutase (SOD1) has peroxidase activity, with H
2
O
2
used as a substrate to oxidize other molecules. We examined peroxidase properties of the extracellular form of SOD (SOD3), a major isoform of SOD in the vessel wall, by using recombinant SOD3 and an in vivo model of atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

In the presence of HCO
3
−
, SOD3 reacted with H
2
O
2
to produce a hydroxyl radical adduct of the spin trap 5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5methyl-1-pyrroline
N
-oxide (DEMPO). SOD1 and SOD3 were inactivated by H
2
O
2
in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, and this was prevented by physiological levels of uric acid. To examine the in vivo role of uric acid on SOD1 and SOD3, control and apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE
−/−
) mice were treated with oxonic acid, which inhibits urate metabolism. This treatment increased plasma levels of uric acid in control and ApoE
−/−
mice by ≈3-fold. Although increasing uric acid levels did not alter aortic SOD1 and SOD3 protein expression, aortic SOD1 and SOD3 activities were increased by 2- to 3-fold in aortas from ApoE
−/−
mice but not in aortas from control mice.

Conclusions—

These studies show that SOD1 and SOD3 are partially inactivated in atherosclerotic vessels of ApoE
−/−
mice and that levels of uric acid commonly encountered in vivo may regulate vascular redox state by preserving the activity of these enzymes.
Connexin37 Is the Major Connexin Expressed in the Media of Caudal Artery
Authors: Rummery Nicole M. , Hickey Haruyo , McGurk Gordon , Hill Caryl E.
Published: September 2002

Objective—To determine the connexins (Cxs) involved in intercellular coupling within vascular muscle, the present study has quantified mRNA and protein expression for Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45 in the caudal artery (CA) and thoracic aorta (ThA) of the rat.

Methods and Results—Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry identified Cx37 as the most abundantly expressed Cx in the CA, with fine punctate staining observed in the media. Conversely, mRNA for Cx43 was 40-fold greater in the ThA than in the CA, with punctate staining in the endothelium and media of the ThA but confined to the endothelium in the CA. Western blotting confirmed the differences in the relative amounts of Cx43 between the 2 vessels. For both arteries, Cx45 was expressed to a lesser degree in the media but not in the endothelium, whereas Cx40 was found only in the endothelium. Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 were expressed in the endothelium of both vessels, although the density of Cx40 plaques was significantly greater in the CA.

Conclusions—The demonstration of Cx37 as the dominant Cx in the media of the CA highlights the potential heterogeneity in Cx involvement in vascular smooth muscle.
Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Regulation of Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression by Fluid Shear Stress in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Inoue Hiroyasu , Taba Yoji , Miwa Yoshikazu , Yokota Chiaki , Miyagi Megumi , Sasaguri Toshiyuki
Published: September 2002

Objective—

Fluid shear stress induces cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 gene expression in vascular endothelial cells. We investigated the underlying mechanism of this induction.

Methods and Results—

Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to laminar shear stress in the physiological range (1 to 30 dyne/cm
2
) upregulated the expression of COX-2 but not COX-1, a constitutive isozyme of COX. The expression of COX-2 mRNA began to increase within 0.5 hour after the loading of shear stress and reached a maximal level at 4 hours. Roles of the promoter region and the 3′-untranslated region in the human COX-2 gene were evaluated by the transient transfection of luciferase reporter vectors into bovine arterial endothelial cells. Shear stress elevated luciferase activity via the region between −327 and 59 bp. Mutation analysis indicated that cAMP-responsive element (−59/−53 bp) was mainly involved in this response. On the other hand, shear stress selectively stabilized COX-2 mRNA. Moreover, shear stress elevated luciferase activity when a 3′-untranslated region of COX-2 gene containing 17 copies of the AUUUA mRNA instability motif was inserted into the vector.

Conclusions—

Transcriptional activation and posttranscriptional mRNA stabilization contribute to the rapid and sustained expression of COX-2 in response to shear stress.
Contribution of Double-Stranded RNA-Activated Protein Kinase Toward Antiproliferative Actions of Heparin on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Patel Rekha C. , Handy Indhira , Patel Chandrashekhar V.
Published: September 2002

Objective—

The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in blood vessels after endothelial injury contributes to the onset of atherosclerosis. Heparin is a potent antiproliferative agent for VSMCs in vivo and in vitro. Although heparin has shown promise in suppressing VSMC proliferation after invasive procedures in laboratory animals, the mechanism of its antiproliferative actions is largely unknown. Here, we present evidence for the first time that the antiproliferative action of heparin is in part mediated by its ability to activate double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), an interferon-induced protein kinase.

Methods and Results—

We have analyzed the VSMC proliferation by cell-cycle analysis and correlated it to the kinase activity of PKR in the presence of heparin. Heparin treatment of VSMCs results in activation of PKR by direct binding and results in a block in G
1
- to S-phase transition. PKR-null cells are largely insensitive to the antiproliferative actions of heparin, and inhibition of PKR in VSMCs results in a partial abrogation of the antiproliferative effects of heparin.

Conclusions—

These results invoke the involvement of novel PKR-dependent regulatory pathways in mediating the antiproliferative actions of heparin.
Inhibition of Renin-Angiotensin System Ameliorates Endothelial Dysfunction Associated With Aging in Rats
Authors: Mukai Yasushi , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Higashi Midoriko , Morikawa Keiko , Matoba Tetsuya , Hiroki Junko , Kunihiro Ikuko , Talukder Hassan M.A. , Takeshita Akira
Published: September 2002

Objective—Endothelial vasodilator functions are progressively impaired with aging, which may account in part for the increased incidence of cardiovascular events in elderly people. We examined what treatment could ameliorate the endothelial dysfunction associated with aging in rats.

Methods and Results—Aged (12-month-old) Wistar-Kyoto rats were treated with vehicle, temocapril, CS-866 (an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist), cerivastatin, or hydralazine for 2 weeks. Endothelium-dependent relaxations (EDRs) of aortas from aged rats were markedly impaired compared with EDRs of aortas from young (3-month-old) rats. Indomethacin, NS-398 (a cyclooxygenase [COX]-2 inhibitor), and SQ-29548 (a thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2receptor antagonist) acutely restored EDRs in aged rats, suggesting an involvement of COX-2–derived vasoconstricting eicosanoids. Tiron, a superoxide scavenger, also partially improved EDRs, suggesting an involvement of superoxide. EDRs were significantly ameliorated in aged rats after long-term treatment with temocapril or CS-866 but not after treatment with cerivastatin or hydralazine. Indomethacin induced no further improvement of EDRs after treatment with temocapril or CS-866. COX-2 protein expression and superoxide production were increased in the aortas of aged rats and were also attenuated by treatment with temocapril or CS-866.

Conclusions—These results demonstrate that long-term inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system ameliorates endothelial dysfunction associated with aging through the inhibition of the synthesis of COX-2–derived vasoconstricting factors and superoxide anions.
Mast Cell Chymase Degrades ApoE and ApoA-II in ApoA-I–Knockout Mouse Plasma and Reduces Its Ability to Promote Cellular Cholesterol Efflux
Authors: Lee Miriam , Calabresi Laura , Chiesa Giulia , Franceschini Guido , Kovanen Petri T.
Published: September 2002

Objective—

Mast cell chymase is a chymotryptic heparin proteoglycan–bound neutral protease that exerts its activity in extracellular fluids. We studied the effect of chymase on the apolipoprotein compositions and the abilities of plasmas from apolipoprotein (apo)A-I–knockout (A-I-KO) and wild-type (C57BL/6J) mice to stimulate efflux of cellular cholesterol from mouse macrophage foam cells.

Methods and Results—

The A-I-KO apolipoproteins compared with the wild-type (apoA-I, apoA-II, apoA-IV, and apoE) showed total lack of apoA-I, unaltered apoA-II, an absence of apoA-IV, and an increase of apoE. Despite these major differences, the 2 plasmas induced similar high-affinity efflux of cholesterol from the foam cells. Quantitative analysis of chymase-treated plasmas revealed (1) in A-I-KO plasma, complete loss of apoE and apoA-II, and (2) in wild-type plasma, slight reduction of apoA-I associated with complete depletion of the minor pre-β-high density lipoprotein fraction, strong reduction of apoA-II, and complete depletion of apoA-IV and apoE. Both proteolyzed plasmas had lost the ability to induce cellular cholesterol efflux with high affinity. Addition of discoidal pre-β-migrating reconstituted high density lipoprotein particles containing human apoA-I or apoA-II to the chymase-treated A-I-KO plasma fully restored its cholesterol efflux–inducing ability, indicating functional replacement of the proteolyzed apoE and apoA-II. Thus, chymase degraded all the nondeleted apolipoproteins of the A-I-KO plasma involved in the high-affinity efflux of cellular cholesterol.

Conclusions—

This is the first indication that genetically engineered mice could be used as models for examining the hypothesis that extracellular proteases are involved in the development of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the apolipoprotein-mediated removal of macrophage cholesterol.
Factors Contributing to Individual Propensity for Arterial Thrombosis
Authors: Karnicki Krzysztof , Owen Whyte G. , Miller Randall S. , McBane Robert D.
Published: September 2002

Objective—

Occurrence of arterial thrombosis secondary to vascular disease in an individual is not easily predicted. After establishing that this poor predictability arises at least in part from an intrinsic thrombosis propensity of the individual, we sought to determine whether the propensity for arterial thrombosis is governed by blood or arterial wall factors.

Methods and Results—

To evaluate the variability arising from the blood, autologous
111
In-labeled platelet deposition was measured after high-shear perfusion of compressed aortic strips, prepared from a single pig, with heparinized blood from 25 pigs. To evaluate the variability arising from the vessel wall, aortic strips from 8 pigs were superfused with blood from a single animal. Blood samples from 25 animals superfused over aortic substrate from a single source yielded a 24-fold range of platelet deposition. In contrast, when aortic substrates from 8 different animals were superfused with blood from a single animal, platelet deposition spanned a 3-fold range. Platelet deposition was significantly correlated with whole-blood lymphocyte counts and with platelet counts
.

Conclusions—

Individual propensity for arterial thrombosis in pigs is more greatly influenced by blood components than by elements within the arterial wall.