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The fungi and bacteria on the human scalp play important roles in both health and disease. Scalp biofilms have pathogenic effects on cutaneous tissues, such as seborrheic dermatitis. However, investigations into scalp biofilms and their physiological effects on scalp skin are limited. In this study, we suggest an evaluation method through which the scalp is stained a reddish color using erythrosine to visualize scalp biofilms, which strongly depends on the presence of bacteria and fungi. We found that the physiological properties of the scalp significantly differed between high and low levels of stained red areas (sRAs) on the scalp. The sRA levels showed a strong positive correlation with IL-8 levels and sebum production. It is worth noting that the production of sebum has a dominant effect on the scalp microbiome via the growth of microbes, leading to the formation of a biofilm, as evidenced by changes in the sRA levels. Furthermore, the sRA levels could be reduced through the use of antimicrobial agents, such as climbazole and hexamidine diisethionate (HD), as well as the manipulation of the physical properties of the scrubs used in scalp care products. These scalp care products could potentially disrupt the formation and accumulation of a biofilm on the scalp, providing strong evidence for the importance of considering the scalp microbiome and its interactions with sebum in the development of biofilms. Consequently, we suggested that the administration of anti-microbial agents, such as climbazole and HD, could be an effective strategy to alleviate biofilm accumulation for the maintenance of scalp health.

Abstract Background Radial pressure pulse wave (RPPW) examination has been a key diagnostic component of traditional Chinese medicine. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in RPPW along with various hemodynamic variables after acupuncture stimulation and to examine the validity of pulse diagnosis as a modern diagnostic tool. Methods We conducted acupuncture stimulation at both ST36 acupuncture points in 25 healthy volunteers. We simultaneously assessed the RPPW by pulse tonometry; heart rate variability (HRV) by electrocardiogram; photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals, respiration rate, peripheral blood flow velocity and arterial depth by ultrasonography; and cardiac output by impedance cardiography, before, during and after a session of acupuncture stimulation. Results We observed consistent patterns of increased spectral energy at low frequency (

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the effects of acupuncture stimulation on the radial artery’s pressure pulse wave, along with various hemodynamic parameters, and to explore the possible underlying mechanism of pulse diagnosis in healthy participants in their twenties. Methods and analysis: This study is a prospective, si

Abstract Background Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) play a key role in hair growth among the various cell types in hair follicles. Especially, DPCs determine the fate of hair follicle such as anagen to telogen transition and play a pivotal role in androgenic alopecia (AGA). This study was performed to elucidate the hair growth promoting effects of Polygonum multiflorum extract (PM extract) in cultured human DPCs and its underlying mechanisms. Methods The effects of PM extract on cultured DPCs were investigated. Cell viability and mitochondrial activity were measured by CCK-8 and JC-1 analysis, respectively. Western blotting, dot blotting, ELISA analysis, immunocytochemistry and real-time PCR analysis were also performed to elucidate the changes in protein and mRNA levels induced by PM extract. 3D cultured DPC spheroids were constructed for mimicking the in vivo DPs. The hair growth stimulatory effect of PM extract was evaluated using human hair follicle organ culture model. Results PM extract increased the viability and mitochondrial activity in cultured human DPCs in a dose dependent manner. The expression of Bcl2, an anti-apoptotic protein expressed dominantly in anagen was significantly increased and that of BAD, a pro-apoptotic protein expressed in early catagen was decreased by PM extract in cultured DPCs and/or 3D DPC spheroid culture. PM extract also decreased the expression of catagen inducing protein, Dkk-1. Growth factors including IGFBP2, PDGF and VEGF were increased by PM extract, revealed by dot blot protein analysis. We also have found that PM extract could reverse the androgenic effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the most potent androgen. Finally, PM extract prolonged the anagen of human hair follicles by inhibiting catagen entry in human hair follicle organ culture model. Conclusion Our data strongly suggest that PM extract could promote hair growth by elongating the anagen and/or delaying the catagen induction of hair follicles through activation of DPCs.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different extracts of Diospyros lotus leaves in atopic dermatitis Methods: Diospyros lotus leaves were extracted in ethanol and treated with or without hydrochloric acid or α-rhamnosidase to obtain three different extracts-ethanol, acid-hydrolyzed, and enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extracts of date plum. The myricitrin content in all samples was measured using HPLC analysis. In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were determined by measuring DPPH radical scavenging activities and nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells, respectively. Seven- week-old male hairless mice were used to evaluate the anti-atopic dermatitis effects of three extracts in vivo. Splenocytes and mast cells were used to further determine the anti-atopic dermatitis effects of the major compound in the ethanol leaf extract. Results: Enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract showed significant in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and attenuated atopic dermatitis-like skin symptoms and clinical signs more significantly than ethanol and acid-hydrolyzed leaf extracts in 1-fluoro-2,4- dinitrobenzene and house dust mite antigen-treated hairless mice. Enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract also suppressed the serum level of immunoglobulin E, interleukin (IL)-4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine in mice with atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, histological analysis revealed that enzyme- hydrolyzed leaf extract suppressed the increased epidermal thickness, dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells, and infiltration and degranulation of mast cells more markedly than the other two extracts in atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions. In addition, this extract effectively inhibited the production of IFN-γ, IL-4,and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine compared with the other two extracts in concanavalin A-stimulated splenocytes. Myricitrin, a major compound of enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract, suppressed atopic dermatitis biomarkers in stimulated mouse splenocytes and HMC-1 human mast cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract might be a potential candidate to treat atopic dermatitis.

Introduction Fluoroscopy can improve the success rate of thoracic epidural catheter placement (TECP). Real-time ultrasound (US)-guided TECP was recently introduced and showed a high first-pass success rate. We tested whether real-time US-guided TECP results in a non-inferior first-pass success rate compared with that of fluoroscopy-guided TECP. Methods In this single-center, non-inferiority, randomized trial, the primary outcome was the comparison of the first-pass success rate of TECP between real-time US guidance (US group) and fluoroscopic guidance (fluoroscopy group). Secondary outcomes included time to identifying epidural space, procedure time, total number of needle passes, number of skin punctures, final success, and cross-over success. Results We randomly assigned 132 patients to the allocated groups. The difference in the first-pass success rate between the groups did not exceed the non-inferiority margin of 15% (US group: 66.7% vs fluoroscopy group: 68.2%; difference -1.5%, 95% exact CI: -14.9% to 11.9%). The difference in the final success rate also did not differ between the groups (98.5% vs 100.0%; difference -1.5%, 95% exact CI: -4.0% to 1.0%). The time to identifying epidural space (45.6 (34-62) vs 59.0 (42-77) s, p=0.004) and procedure time (39.5 (28-78) vs 1 12.5 (93-166) s, p<0.001) were significantly shorter in the US group. Conclusions Real-time US guidance provided a non-inferior success rate and shorter time spent on preparation and procedure compared with fluoroscopic guidance in TECP. Trial registration number KCT0006521. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Although the contralateral oblique (CLO) view at 50°±5° is clinically useful for cervical epidural access, no previous studies have confirmed its safety. This prospective observational study was conducted to assess the safety profile, including the risk of dural puncture, in fluoroscopically guided cervical epidural access using the CLO view. Methods In cervical epidural access using the CLO view, the incidence of dural puncture was investigated as the primary outcome. Other intraprocedural complications, including intravascular entry, subdural entry, spinal cord injury and vasovagal injury, and postprocedural complications were investigated as secondary outcomes. Procedural variables including first-pass success, final success, needling time, total number of needle passes and false loss of resistance (LOR) were evaluated. Results Of the 393 patients who underwent cervical interlaminar epidural access were included for analysis, no instances of dural puncture or spinal cord injury were observed. The incidence of intravascular entry, vasovagal reaction and subdural entry were 3.1%, 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively. All procedures were successfully performed, with 85.0% of first-pass success rate. The mean needling time was 133.8 (74.9) s. The false-positive and false-negative LOR rates were 8.2% and 2.0%, respectively. All needle tips were visualized clearly during the procedure. Conclusions The fluoroscopy-guided CLO view at 50°±5° avoided dural puncture or spinal cord injury and decreased the incidence of false LOR during cervical epidural access with a paramedian approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-31 is a recently discovered cytokine that is produced not only in T-cells but also in mast cells. It is strongly implicated to play a key role in inflammatory diseases and in the pathogenesis of itch in atopic dermatitis. Apigenin, a flavonoid of plant origin has numerous biological applications. In this study, we showed that apigenin modulates IL-31 mRNA, protein expression, and release in stimulated human mast (HMC-1) by inhibiting the phosphorylation activation of MAPK and NF-κB. To determine whether apigenin has similar effects in vivo, using Compound 48/80, we developed an atopic dermatitis itch model in mice and found an increase in IL-31 expression in the skin. We also revealed that apigenin prevents the infiltration and degranulation of mast cells and suppressed mRNA and protein expression of IL-31 in the skin of mice. These results provide a new suggestion of the potential applicability of apigenin for treatment of various inflammatory diseases and itch mediated by IL-31.

Objective: To explore the possible neuroprotective activities of Humulus japonicus extract against Parkinson's disease (PD) in a cellular model. Methods: PD was modeled in PC12 cells using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The cell activity, intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects, and other related indicators and related signaling pathways were evaluated to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of Humulus japonicus extract. Results: Humulus japonicus extract exhibited anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects in 6-OHDA-stimulated PC12 cells. It also reduced oxidative stress-induced ROS accumulation; upregulated antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione, catalase, heme oxidase-1, and 8-oxguanine glycosylase 1; promoted cell survival by decreasing BAX and increasing Bcl-2 and sirtuin 1 expression via the MAPK and/or Nrf2 signaling pathways. Conclusions: Humulus japonicus extract has antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects and could be developed as a promising candidate for preventing and treating oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) colonization in maternal low genitourinary tract can cause preterm labor, spontaneous abortion, and chorioamnionitis. Also preterm babies suffer from perinatal mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical effect of UU colonization in maternal vaginal fluids and premature respiratory secretions on neonatal adverse outcomes. Methods: Retrospective review were performed on preterm baby less than 35 weeks and their mother who were admitted at Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University from October, 2010 to June, 2012. Maternal vaginal specimen, preterm baby's tracheal fluid and nasopharynx secretion were collected and PCR and/or culture tests were done. The subjects were divided into 4 groups; both maternal and preterm colonization positive were 'UUA' group, only maternal colonization positive as 'UUB', only preterm colonization positive as 'UUC', and both maternal and preterm colonization negative as 'UUD'. Variable clinical outcome were investigated. Results: A total of 170 data were collected from the preterm delivery mother and their babies. The overall prevalence of maternal UU was 51% (86/170) and the prevalence of neonatal colonization was 39% (66/170). Of those 4 groups, gestational age (28.5±3.0 week, P =0.000) and birth weight (1,208.8±451 g, P =0.000)were the smallest in UUA. Also, prevalence of histological chorioamnionitis (P =0.040) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P=0.000) were statistical higher in UUA. Conclusion: Maternal colonization of UU was associated with histological chorioamnionitis. Maternal UU colonization and preterm respiratory secretion was associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platycladus orientalis is a traditional oriental herbal medicinal plant that is widely used as a component of complex prescriptions for alopecia treatment in Eastern Asia. The effect of PO on hair growth and its underlying mechanism, however, have not been demonstrated or clarified. In this study, we investigated the hair-growth-promoting effect of PO in cultured human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). Platycladus orientalis leaf extract (POLE) was found to stimulate the proliferation of hDPCs. POLE with higher quercitrin concentration, especially, showed a high level of cellular viability. In the context of cellular senescence, POLE decreased the expression of p16 (CDKN2A) and p21(CDKN1A), which resulted in enhanced proliferation. In addition, growth factor receptors, FGFR1 and VEGFR2/3, and non-receptor tyrosine kinases, ACK1 and HCK, were significantly activated. In addition, LEF1, a transcription factor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, was enhanced, but DKK1, an inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, was downregulated by POLE treatment in cultured hDPCs. As a consequence, the expression of growth factors such as bFGF, KGF, and VEGF were also increased by POLE. We further investigated the hair-growth-promoting effect of topically administered POLE over a 12-week period. Our data suggest that POLE could support terminal hair growth by stimulating proliferation of DPCs and that enhanced production of growth factors, especially KGF, occurred as a result of tyrosine kinase ACK1 activation.

The healing process after acne lesion extraction provides a miniature model to study skin wound repair mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to identify solutions for acne scars that frequently occur on our faces. We performed acne scar cytokine profiling and found that Interleukin 8 (IL8) and Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2) were significant factors at the wounded site. The effect of chlorogenic acid and taurine on human epidermal cells and irritated human skin was investigated. Chlorogenic acid and taurine regulated IL8 and TIMP2 expression and accelerated keratinocyte proliferation. Moreover, tight junction protein expression was upregulated by chlorogenic acid and taurine synergistically. Further, these compounds modulated the expression of several inflammatory cytokines (IL1α, IL1β, and IL6) and skin hydration related factor (hyaluronan synthase 3; HAS3). Thus, chlorogenic acid and taurine may exert their effects during the late stages of wound healing rather than the initial phase. In vivo experiments using SLS-induced wounds demonstrated the efficacy of chlorogenic acid and taurine treatment compared to natural healing, reduced erythema, and restored barrier function. Skin ultrasound analysis revealed their potential to promote denser skin recovery. Therefore, the wound-restoring effect of chlorogenic acid and taurine was exerted by suppression of inflammatory cytokines, and induction of cell proliferation, tight junction expression, and remodeling factors.

Skin barrier dysfunction and thin epidermis are hallmarks of sensitive skin and contribute to premature aging. Avenanthramides are the primary bioactive components of colloidal oatmeal, a commonly used treatment to enhance skin barrier function. This study investigated the relationship between skin barrier function and epidermal characteristics and explored the potential of dihydroavenanthramide D (dhAvD), a synthetic avenanthramide, to improve the skin barrier. We observed a significant correlation between impaired skin barrier function and decreased epidermal thickness, suggesting that a weakened barrier contributes to increased sensitivity. Our in vitro results in HaCaT cells demonstrated that dhAvD enhances keratinocyte proliferation, migration, and tight junction protein expression, thereby strengthening the skin barrier. To mimic skin barrier dysfunction, we treated keratinocytes and full-thickness skin equivalents with IL-4 and IL-13, cytokines that are implicated in atopic dermatitis, and confirmed the downregulation of tight junction and differentiation markers. Furthermore, dhAvD treatment restored the barrier function and normalized the expression of key epidermal components, such as tight junction proteins and natural moisturizing factors, in keratinocytes treated with inflammatory cytokines. In the reconstructed human skin model, dhAvD promoted both epidermal and dermal restoration. These findings suggest that dhAvD has the potential to alleviate skin sensitivity and improve skin barrier function.

Abnormal inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in skin diseases like androgenetic alopecia, vitiligo and canities, but small-molecule activators are rarely described. In this study, we investigated the stimulatory effects of escin on the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cultured human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). Escin stimulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, resulting in increased β-catenin and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), the accumulation of nuclear β-catenin and the enhanced expression of Wnt target genes in cultured hDPCs. Escin drastically reduced the protein level of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, a key regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, while the presence of the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 fully restored the GSK-3β protein level. The treatment of secreted frizzled-related proteins (sFRPs) 1 and 2 attenuated the activity of escin in Wnt reporter assays. Our data demonstrate that escin is a natural agonist of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and downregulates GSK-3β protein expression by facilitating the proteasomal degradation of GSK-3β in cultured hDPCs. Our data suggest that escin likely stimulates Wnt signaling through direct interactions with frizzled receptors. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of escin for Wnt-related diseases such as androgenetic alopecia, vitiligo and canities.

Sophora flavescens has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as viral hepatitis, fever, cancer, and pain. It is known to contain many bioactive compounds including prenylated flavonoids such as kurarinone, sophoraflavanone G, kuraridine and isoxanthohumol. These flavonoids have been confirmed to have anti-inflammatory, α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant performances. However, the protective activities against UV-induced skin damage of kushenol C from S. flavescens have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we explored the protective effect of kushenol C against the skin damage induced by UVB in mice. Our results showed that kushenol C treatment significantly recovered UVB-induced skin damage, the degradation of collagen, mast cell infiltration, together with epidermal hyperplasia in mice. Furthermore, the treatment of kushenol C remarkably suppressed the generation of pro-inflammatory mediators in the mice irradiated by UVB. More so, treatment with kushenol C suppressed the oxidative stress in mice irradiated by UVB. In conclusion, these results showed that kushenol C from S. flavescens has potentialities to treat skin injury via suppressing skin damage induced by UVB and oxidative stress.

Dexpanthenol (D-panthenol) is a precursor of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and is widely used for dietary supplements and topical applications. D-panthenol has long been used in hair care products for the purpose of anti-hair loss, its effects and the underlying mechanisms, however, were barely reported. In this study, the effects of D-panthenol on human hair follicle cells, including dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and outer root sheath cells (hORSCs), were investigated. D-panthenol enhanced the cell viability, increasing the cellular proliferation marker Ki67 in cultured hDPCs. The markers for apoptosis (Caspase3/9) and cell senescence (p21/p16), reported to be expressed in aged or resting phase follicles, were significantly reduced by D-panthenol. Anagen-inducing factors (ALP; β-catenin; versican), which trigger or elongate the anagen phase, were stimulated by D-panthenol. On the other hand, D-panthenol reduced TGF-β1 expressions in both mRNA and protein levels. The expression of VEGF, which is important for peripheral blood vessel activation; was up-regulated by D-panthenol treatment. In cultured hORSCs, cell proliferation and viability were enhanced, while the mRNA expression of cell senescence markers (p21/p16) was significantly down-regulated. The expressions of both VEGF and its receptor (VEGFR) were up-regulated by D-panthenol. In conclusion, our data suggest that the hair growth stimulating activity of D-panthenol was exerted by increasing the cell viability, suppressing the apoptotic markers, and elongating the anagen phase in hair follicles.

In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of adenosine for its hair growth promoting effect. Adenosine stimulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by modulating the activity of Gsk3β in cultured human dermal papilla cells. It also activated adenosine receptor signaling, increasing intracellular cAMP level, and subsequently stimulating the cAMP mediated cellular energy metabolism. The phosphorylation of CREB, mTOR, and GSK3β was increased. Furthermore, the expression of β-catenin target genes such as Axin2, Lef1, and growth factors (bFGF, FGF7, IGF-1) was also enhanced. The inhibitor study data conducted in Wnt reporter cells and in cultured human dermal papilla cells demonstrated that adenosine stimulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling through the activation of the adenosine receptor and Gsk3β plays a critical role in transmitting the signals from the adenosine receptor to β-catenin, possibly via the Gαs/cAMP/PKA/mTOR signaling cascade.

Sophora flavescens, also known as Kushen, has traditionally been used as a herbal medicine. In the present study we evaluated the ameliorative effects of kushenol C (KC) from S. flavescens against tBHP (tert-Butyl hydroperoxide)-induced oxidative stress in hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG2) cells and acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. KC pretreatment protected the HEPG2 cells against oxidative stress by reducing cell death, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. KC pretreatment also upregulated pro-caspase 3 and GSH (glutathione) as well as expression of 8-Oxoguanine DNA Glycosylase (OGG1) in the HEPG2 cells. The mechanism of action was partly related by KC’s activation of Akt (Protein kinase B (PKB)) and Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) in the HepG2 cells. In in vivo investigations, coadministration of mice with KC and APAP significantly attenuated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and liver damage, as the serum enzymatic activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, as well as liver lipid peroxidation and cleaved caspase 3 expression, were reduced in APAP-treated mice. Coadministration with KC also up-regulated antioxidant enzyme expression and prevented the production of proinflammatory mediators in APAP-treated mice. Taken together, these results showed that KC treatment has potential as a therapeutic agent against liver injury through the suppression of oxidative stress.

The calculation of lashing forces on containerships is one of the most important aspects in terms of cargo safety, as well as slot utilization, especially for large containerships such as more than 10,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). It is a challenge for stowage planners when large containerships are in the last port of region because mostly the ship is full and the stacks on deck are very high. However, the lashing force calculation is highly dependent on the Classification society (Class) where the ship is certified; its formula is not published and it is different per each Class (e.g., Lloyd, DNVGL, ABS, BV, and so on). Therefore, the lashing result calculation can only be verified by the Class certified by the Onboard Stability Program (OSP). To ensure that the lashing result is compiled in the stowage plan submitted, stowage planners in office must rely on the same copy of OSP. This study introduces the model to extract the features and to predict the lashing forces with machine learning without explicit calculation of lashing force. The multimodal deep learning with the ANN, CNN and RNN, and AutoML approach is proposed for the machine learning model. The trained model is able to predict the lashing force result and its result is close to the result from its Class.

The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of quercitrin, a major constituent of Hottuynia cordata extract, for its hair growth stimulating activities in cultured human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). Quercitrin enhanced the cell viability and cellular energy metabolism in cultured hDPCs by stimulating the production of NAD(P)H and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ). The expression of Bcl2, an essential marker for anagen hair follicle and cell survival, was increased by quercitrin treatment. Quercitrin also increased the cell proliferation marker Ki67. The expression of growth factors—such as bFGF, KGF, PDGF-AA, and VEGF—were increased by quercitrin both in mRNA and protein levels. In addition, quercitrin was found to increase the phosphorylation of Akt, Erk, and CREB in cultured hDPCs, while inhibitors of MAPKs reversed the effects of quercitrin. Finally, quercitrin stimulated hair shaft growth in cultured human hair follicles. Our data obtained from present study are in line with those previously reported and demonstrate that quercitrin is (one of) the active compound(s) of Hottuynia cordata extract which showed hair growth promoting effects. It is strongly suggested that the hair growth stimulating activity of quercitrin was exerted by enhancing the cellular energy metabolism, increasing the production of growth factors via activation of MAPK/CREB signaling pathway.

Kushenol C (KC) is a prenylated flavonoid isolated from the roots of Sophora flavescens aiton. Little is known about its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress activities. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of KC in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells. The results demonstrated that KC dose-dependently suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators, including NO, PGE2, IL-6, IL1β, MCP-1, and IFN-β in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The study demonstrated that the inhibition of STAT1, STAT6, and NF-κB activations by KC might have been responsible for the inhibition of NO, PGE2, IL-6, IL1β, MCP-1, and IFN-β in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. KC also upregulated the expression of HO-1 and its activities in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The upregulation of Nrf2 transcription activities by KC in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages was demonstrated to be responsible for the upregulation of HO-1 expression and its activity in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. In HaCaT cells, KC prevented DNA damage and cell death by upregulating the endogenous antioxidant defense system involving glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, which prevented reactive oxygen species production from tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells. The upregulated activation of Nrf2 and Akt in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway by KC was demonstrated to be responsible for the anti-oxidative stress activity of KC in HaCaT cells. Collectively, the study suggests that KC can be further investigated as a potential anti-inflammatory candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Abundant evidence from previous fMRI studies on acupuncture has revealed significant modulatory effects at widespread brain regions. However, few reports on the modulation to the default mode network (DMN) of stroke patients have been investigated in the field of acupuncture. To study the modulatory effects of acupuncture on the DMN of stroke patients, eight right hemispheric infarction and stable ischemic stroke patients and ten healthy subjects were recruited to undergo resting state fMRI scanning before and after acupuncture stimulation. Functional connectivity analysis was applied with the bilateral posterior cingulate cortices chosen as the seed regions. The main finding demonstrated that the interregional interactions between the ACC and PCC especially enhanced after acupuncture at GB34 in stroke patients, compared with healthy controls. The results indicated that the possible mechanisms of the modulatory effects of acupuncture on the DMN of stroke patients could be interpreted in terms of cognitive ability and motor function recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]