Search

The present study investigated the photoprotective properties of an ethanol extract derived from the red alga Bonnemaisonia hamifera against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cell damage in human HaCaT keratinocytes. The Bonnemaisonia hamifera ethanol extract (BHE) scavenged the superoxide anion generated by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system and the hydroxyl radical generated by the Fenton reaction (FeSO4 + H2O2), both of which were detected by using electron spin resonance spectrometry. In addition, BHE exhibited scavenging activity against the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that were induced by either hydrogen peroxide or UVB radiation. BHE reduced UVB-induced apoptosis, as shown by decreased apoptotic body formation and DNA fragmentation. BHE also attenuated DNA damage and the elevated levels of 8-isoprostane and protein carbonyls resulting from UVB-mediated oxidative stress. Furthermore, BHE absorbed electromagnetic radiation in the UVB range (280–320 nm). These results suggest that BHE protects human HaCaT keratinocytes against UVB-induced oxidative damage by scavenging ROS and absorbing UVB photons, thereby reducing injury to cellular components.

Background The objective of this trial was to compare the blood-pressure lowering efficacy of amlodipine/losartan combination with amlodipine monotherapy after 6 weeks of treatment in Korean patients with stage 2 hypertension. Results In this multi-center, double-blind, randomized study, adult patients (n = 148) with stage 2 hypertension were randomized to amlodipine 5 mg/losartan 50 mg or amlodipine 5 mg. After 2 weeks, patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 140 mmHg were titrated to amlodipine 10 mg/losartan 50 mg or amlodipine 10 mg. After 4 weeks of titration, hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg could be optionally added to both groups. The change from baseline in SBP was assessed after 6 weeks. The responder rate (defined as achieving SBP < 140 mmHg or DBP < 90 mmHg) was also assessed at 2, 6 and 8 weeks as secondary endpoints. Safety and tolerability were assessed through adverse event monitoring and laboratory testing. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were generally similar between treatment groups. Least-square mean reduction in SBP at 6 weeks (primary endpoint) was significantly greater in the combination group (36.5 mmHg vs. 31.6 mmHg; p = 0.0117). The responder rate in SBP (secondary endpoints) was significantly higher in the combination group at 2 weeks (52.1% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.0213) but not at 6 weeks (p = 0.0550) or 8 weeks (p = 0.0592). There was no significant difference between groups in the incidence of adverse events. Conclusion These results demonstrate that combination amlodipine/losartan therapy provides an effective and generally well-tolerated first line therapy for reducing blood pressure in stage 2 hypertensive patients. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01127217

This study examined the chemical composition of Neolitsea aciculata essential oil (NAE) and its biological activities. NAE was obtained by hydrodistillation of N. aciculata leaves collected in Jeju Island and analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometer detector. 1-Dodecen-3-yne (12.5%), calarene (11.5%) and elemol (9.5%) were identified as the major components of NAE. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of NAE against skin pathogens were examined to determine the protective properties against acne vulgaris. NAE exhibited moderate to strong antibacterial activity against drug-susceptible and -resistant Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, which are known as acne-causing bacteria. In addition, NAE reduced the P. acnes-induced secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in THP-1 cells, highlighting its anti-inflammatory effects. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of NAE also revealed moderate antioxidant properties (IC50, 21.3 μL/mL). Overall, NAE is an attractive candidate as an ingredient in skin care products.

3-O-p-Coumaroyl-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-O-β-D-gulcopyranosylpropanol (ESQ10) is a naturally occurring phenylpropanoid derivative isolated from Sasa quelpaertensis (Gramineae). In the present study, we discovered that ESQ10 inhibits nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. ESQ10 attenuated LPS-induced synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in parallel and inhibited LPS-induced interleukin-6 production, as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the macrophages. The mechanism of the antiinflammatory action of ESQ10, i.e., suppression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, has been documented. However, ESQ10 could not influence LPS-mediated IκB-α degradation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase/c-Jun amino-terminal kinase phosphorylation at concentrations of up to 373 μM. To test the potential application of ESQ10 as a topical material, we also conducted a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay on human HaCaT keratinocytes as well as human dermal fibroblast cells. In this assay, ESQ10 did not induce cytotoxicity. Taken together, the results suggest that ESQ10 may be considered an antiinflammatory candidate for treating inflammatory and skin diseases.

Masseter muscle hypertrophy has been treated for cosmetic purposes using several modalities, including injection of type A or type B botulinum toxin into the masseter muscle. In this report, we compared the efficacy and safety of abobotulinum toxin A with onabotulinum toxin A treatment for masseteric hypertrophy in 25 Korean patients with a conversion factor of 2.5:1 through a controlled, split-face, and evaluator-blinded study. The mean grade of clinical improvement based on clinical assessment was 2.8 ± 0.9 for abobotulinum toxin A and 2.7 ± 0.8 for onabotulinum toxin A at 8 weeks after the injection. At 12 weeks after the injection, the mean grade of clinical improvement based on clinical assessment was 2.9 ± 0.9 for abobotulinum toxin A and 2.7 ± 0.8 for onabotulinum toxin A. More pronounced improvement was observed with abobotulinum toxin A than onabotulinum toxin A in three (12%) patients at 8 weeks and five (20%) patients at 12 weeks. We believe that our data can be used as an essential reference for determining the dose of type A botulinum toxin in the treatment of masseteric hypertrophy.

Phytochemical investigation of the branches of Ficus erecta var. sieboldii King resulted in the isolation of eight constituents: p-hydroxybenzoic acid (1), methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (2), vanillic acid (3), methyl vanillate (4), syringic acid (5), β-sitosterol (6), α-amyrin acetate (7), and ethyl linoleate (8). Their chemical structures were identified via spectroscopic means as well as by comparing their data with literature values. Studies on tyrosinase inhibition activities were conducted for the isolated compounds. Among them, p-hydroxybenzoic acid (1) and methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (2) were identified as active tyrosinase inhibitors with IC(50) values of 0.98 ± 0.042 and 0.66 ± 0.025 mM, respectively, showing comparable activities to that of arbutin (IC(50) = 0.32 ± 0.015 mM), a standard control. Inhibition kinetics, as analyzed by Lineweaver-Burk plots, indicated that compounds 1 and 2 were competitive inhibitors of diphenolase of mushroom tyrosinase. Notably, isolated compounds 1-8 were reported for the first time as constituents of F. erecta.

isolation and structure determination of orobol 4′-O-β-glucopyranoside (I) along with four known compounds

3-O-p-Coumaroyl-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-O-β-D-gulcopyranosylpropanol (ESQ10) is a naturally occurring phenylpropanoid derivative isolated from Sasa quelpaertensis (Gramineae). In the present study, we discovered that ESQ10 inhibits nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. ESQ10 attenuated LPS-induced synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in parallel and inhibited LPS-induced interleukin-6 production, as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the macrophages. The mechanism of the antiinflammatory action of ESQ10, i.e., suppression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, has been documented. However, ESQ10 could not influence LPS-mediated IκB-α degradation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase/c-Jun amino-terminal kinase phosphorylation at concentrations of up to 373 µM. To test the potential application of ESQ10 as a topical material, we also conducted a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay on human HaCaT keratinocytes as well as human dermal fibroblast cells. In this assay, ESQ10 did not induce cytotoxicity. Taken together, the results suggest that ESQ10 may be considered an antiinflammatory candidate for treating inflammatory and skin diseases.

Formaldehyde (HCHO) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce DNA base modifications and DNA strand breaks and contributes to mutagenesis and other pathological processes. DNA non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), a major mechanism for repairing DNA double-stranded breaks (DSB) in mammalian cells, involves the formation of a Ku protein heterodimer and recruitment of a DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) to the site of DNA damage. HCHO treatment induced DSB and decreased the protein expressions of Ku 70 and phosphorylated DNA-PKcs. Triphlorethol-A reduced DNA strand breaks and restored the expression of NHEJ-related proteins. In response to oxidative DNA base damage, 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) plays a vital role in repair of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG) via the base-excision repair (BER) process. In this study, HCHO significantly increased 8-OhdG levels, whereas triphlorethol-A lowered 8-OhdG levels. Suppression of 8-OhdG formation by triphlorethol-A was related to enhanced OGG1 protein expression. Triphlorethol-A also enhanced the expression of phosphorylated Akt (the active form of Akt), a regulator of OGG1, which was found to be decreased by HCHO treatment. The phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-specific inhibitor LY294002 abolished the cytoprotective effects induced by triphlorethol-A, suggesting that OGG1 restoration by triphlorethol-A is involved in the PI3K/Akt pathway. These results suggest that triphlorethol-A may protect cells against HCHO-induced DNA damage via enhancement of NHEJ and BER capacity.

Phloroglucinol (PG), a polyphenol compound of Eckloniacava known as brown algae abundant in Jeju island, has been proposed to exert the antioxidative and cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress. In this study, we confirmed that PG protected mice from damages caused by ionizing radiation and investigated its protection mechanism in detail. The result showed that PG increased the viability of splenocytes without cytotoxicity. Also, PG significantly enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes by limiting the increment of sub-G(1) DNA contents via the inhibition of reactive oxygen species production in 2 Gy-irradiated splenocytes. In addition, PG significantly decreased DNA damage and the number of apoptotic fragments in lymphocytes against oxidative stress. Also, PG increased the counts of endogenous spleen CFUs, compared with only ionizing radiation-irradiated mice. These results demonstrate the multi-faceted protection mechanisms of PG in mice against oxidative stress caused by ionizing radiation, providing the benefit of inhibiting apoptosis and strengthening hematopoiesis.

A new three-dimensional transition solid element was presented for the automated three-dimensional adaptive h-refinement or the local mesh refinement where the steep stress gradient exists. The proposed transition element was established by adding variable nodes(element nodes) to basic 8-node for an effective connection between the refined region and the coarse region with minimum degrees of freedom possible. To be consistent in accuracy with 8-node solid element with nonconforming modes, this transition element was also improved through the addition of the modified nonconforming modes. Numerical examples show that the performance of the element and the applicability to 3D adaptations are satisfactory.

Current neutron diodes for high energy neutron dosimetry are not sensitive to thermal neutrons. A set of pMOSFET dosimeters having a Gd (Gadolinium) layer for thermal neutron dosimetry has been developed and tested. The performance of Gd-pMOSFETs was tested at a low-energy neutron environment and a gamma ray environment to see net neutron response only. The resultant neutron response was distinguishable [2.5 mV/cGy(H2O)] and shows a reasonably linear relationship to the accumulated neutron dose.

Twenty compounds were isolated from the ethanol extract of Distylium racemosum branches and their inhibitory activities on tyrosinase, elastase and free radicals evaluated. The isolated compounds were identified as dibenzofurans (1-4), abscisic acid (5), 6'-O-galloylsalidroside (6), catechin derivatives (7-11), gallic acid derivatives (12-14), tyrosol (15), flavonoids (16-18), lupeol (19) and 1,2,3,6-tetragalloylglucose (20). For study of tyrosinase inhibition activities, when compared with arbutin (IC(50) 48.8 μg/mL), four compounds (8, 11, 13, 17) showed higher activities, with IC(50) values of 4.8, 30.2, 40.5 and 37.7 μg/mL, respectively. For the elastase inhibition test, dibenzofuran 1 showed greater activity than the positive control, oleanolic acid (IC(50) 9.7 μg/mL), with an IC(50) of 7.7 μg/mL. In the studies on DPPH radical scavenging activities, five compounds (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) showed higher activities than ascorbic acid (IC(50) 5.0 μg/mL), with IC(50) values of 4.6, 3.9, 2.9, 3.8 and 4.7 μg/mL, respectively.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radioprotective effects of diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC), isolated from the brown algae Ishige okamurae, in mice subjected to gamma irradiation. DPHC significantly decreased the level of radiation-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species in cultured Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (V79-4) cells (p < 0.05), enhanced cell viability that decreased after exposure to γ-rays, and reduced radiation-induced apoptosis in the V79-4 cells. Pretreatment with DPHC (100 mg/kg) in mice prior to irradiation significantly protected the intestinal crypt cells in the jejunum (p < 0.01) and maintained villi height (p < 0.01), compared with those of the vehicle-treated irradiated group. Mice pretreated with DPHC also exhibited dose-dependent increases in the bone marrow cell viability. The dose-reduction factor for gamma irradiation in the DPHC-pretreated mice was 2.05 at 3.5 days after irradiation. These results suggest that DHPC plays a role in protecting cells from irradiation-induced apoptosis, through the scavenging of reactive oxygen species in vitro, and that DPHC significantly protected intestinal progenitor cells and bone marrows cells that were decreased by gamma irradiation in vivo.

Nuclear energy has become a major energy source to worldwide, even though we are still debating the environmental and safety aspects. In order to cope with that safety issues related to the nuclear power plants, the uncertain human factors needs to be minimized by automating the inspection and maintenance work done by human workers. The demands of a robotic system in the nuclear industry have been growing to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities, to detect early an unusual condition of it through an inspection, to protect the human workers from an irradiation, and to maintain it efficiently.

The chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activities of hydrodistilled essential oil from Neolitsea sericea leaves (NSE) have been investigated for the first time. The chemical constituents of NSE were analysed by GC-MS and found to include sericenine (32.3%), sabinene (21.0%), trans-beta-ocimene (13.3%), beta-caryophyllene (4.8%), and 4-terpineol (4.2%). The effects of NSE on nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages were also examined. Pro-inflammatory cytokine and mediator tests indicated that NSE has excellent dose-dependent inhibitory activities. To further examine the mechanism responsible for the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by NSE, we examined the effect of NSE on nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). NSE inhibited NF-kappaB activation by LPS, and this was associated with the abrogation of IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation and subsequent decreases in nuclear p50 and p65 protein levels. Further, the phosphorylation of p38, ERK and JNK was suppressed by NSE in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that NSE exerts anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and MAPK phosphorylation, and, therefore, may be useful for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

A practical and highly effective process for the asymmetric epoxidation of several 2,2-dimethylchromene derivatives is reported. Catalysis by Mn(salen) complex 4 in all cases affords epoxychromans with >90% ee, and this method has been applied to the synthesis of two recently developed antihypertensive agents in enantiomerically pure form.

Asymmetric epoxidation of conjugated dienes and enynes catalyzed by (salen)Mn(III) complex 1 takes place with high chemoselectivity to afford monoepoxides exclusively. Reactions of cis-enynes proceed with very high levels of asymmetric induction, with trans-alkynyl epoxides as the major products.

Carbacyclins 7 and 8 are readily prepared by the palladium-promoted, tandem alkene insertion of enol silane 3 with 1-octen-3-one and subsequent elaboration involving the stereoselective reduction of an enone in the presence of a ketone.

The (salen)Mn(III)-catalyzed asymmetric epoxidation reaction exhibits regioselectivity for attack at cis double bonds of conjugated dienes to afford enantiomerically enriched trans-vinyl epoxides as the major products

Aromatic nitro compounds containing o-, m- or p-electron withdrawing groups, such as carbonyl, halogen and nitro, were selectively and rapidly reduced to their corresponding amino derivatives in good yields using Bakers' Yeast in basic solution.

Aromatic nitroso compounds containing halogen and other labile substituents were selectively and rapidly reduced to their corresponding amino derivatives in good yields using Bakers' Yeast at 80 °C.

Lindera erythrocarpa Makino (Lauraceae) is a deciduous tree widely distributed in Asian countries including China, Japan and Korea. This tree has been utilized as the timber for house- hold furniture in the local communities. Its dried fruits have been used for the alleviation of neuralgia and stomachache as a folk medicine in Japan. 1

Selectie oxidation of benzylic hydrocarbons to the carbonyl compounds was achieved using a racemic Mn(III) salen complex 1 as the catalyst. The reaction proceeds in good yields under mild reaction conditions using iodosobenzene or aq. sodium hypochlorite as a stoichiometric oxidant.

Three steroidal glycosides, wondosterols A-C (1–3) have been isolated from a marine two-sponge association. Their stereostructures were elucidated on the basis of the spectroscopic analysis of natural wondosterol and its derivatives.

Nam Ho Lee,* Jong Seok Baik, and Sung-bin HanDepartment of Chemistry, Cheju National University, Ara-1, Cheju 690-756, KoreaReceived May 29, 1999Oxygen molecule plays a pivot role in the biological sys-tems. In addition, it is probably the most desirable oxidant inorganic synthesis in terms of economical and environmentalviewpoints. Therefore, lots of efforts have long been focusedto utilize molecular oxygen for the oxidation of organiccompounds especially using transition metals as an activa-tor.

analogue 2a and its epimer 3 have been accomplished. Using aryl iodide 6 as thecommon intermediate, either radical or palladium-assisted tandem alkene insertion strategies have beenemployed for construction of the benzoprostacyclin framework. Keywords : Prostaglandin, Benzoprostacyclin, Synthesis, Free radical, Palladium.IntroductionProstacycline (PGI

To assess the prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Namil-myon area in central South Korea.A cross-sectional, epidemiologic study in a defined population.Residents aged ≥ 40 years in Namil-myon, a rural agricultural area in central South Korea.Each subject underwent a screening that consisted of an interview and ophthalmic examinations, including visual acuity measurement, autorefraction, anterior segment evaluation by optical biometry, slit-lamp examination, Goldmann applanation tonometry, binocular optic disc evaluation, fundus photography, pachymetry, gonioscopy, and screening visual field test using frequency doubling technology. Subjects with suspected glaucoma were referred for definitive examinations. Standard automated field tests and retinal nerve fiber layer analysis using optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT) or scanning laser polarimetry (GDx VCC) were performed. A diagnosis of glaucoma was made based on the optic disc shape, retinal nerve fiber layer appearance, perimetric results, and other ocular findings.Prevalence of POAG, mean intraocular pressure (IOP), and mean central corneal thickness (CCT).Of 1928 eligible residents in the area, 1532 (79.5%) participated in this study. The estimated prevalence of POAG in the population aged ≥ 40 years was 3.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7%-4.3%). The prevalence of POAG with an IOP of ≤ 21 mmHg was 2.7% (95% CI, 2.1%-3.3%), and the prevalence of POAG with an IOP of ≥ 22 mmHg was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.4%-1.2%). The mean IOP for POAG eyes (16.3 ± 4.6 mmHg) was significantly higher than nonglaucomatous eyes (13.3 ± 2.7 mmHg; P = .001). The mean CCT of POAG eyes with an IOP of ≤ 21 mmHg was 528 ± 26 μm, and that of POAG eyes with an IOP ≥ 22 mmHg was 531 ± 37 μm; these values were not significantly different from that of nonglaucomatous eyes (530 ± 31 μm; P = .943 and .996, respectively).The prevalences of POAG and POAG with an IOP ≤ 21 mmHg in the Namil-myon region of central South Korea were higher than that in most previous reports worldwide, but were similar to the reported rates in black and Japanese populations. The mean IOP of POAG eyes was higher than nonglaucomatous eyes, but the mean CCTs were not different.The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.

Seaweed has been used in traditional cosmetics and as a herbal medicine in treatments for cough, boils, goiters, stomach ailments, and urinary diseases, and for reducing the incidence of tumors, ulcers, and headaches. Despite the fact that seaweeds are frequently used in the practice of human health, little is known about the role of seaweed in the context of inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the influence of Jeju endemic seaweed on a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) under the stimulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ethyl acetate extracts obtained from 14 different kinds of Jeju seaweeds were screened for inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory mediators. Our results revealed that extracts from five seaweeds, Laurencia okamurae, Grateloupia elliptica, Sargassum thunbergii, Gloiopeltis furcata, and Hizikia fusiformis, were potent inhibitors of the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Based on these results, the anti-inflammatory effects and low cell toxicity of these seaweed extracts suggest potential therapeutic applications in the regulation of the inflammatory response.

A number of essential oils from citrus peels are claimed to have biological activities. Citrus peel, called 'Jin-Pi', is used in traditional medicine for digestion, severe cold, and fever. However, the antibacterial activities against skin pathogens and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oils of Citrus sunki (JinGyul) and Fortunella japonica var. margarita (GumGyul) have not yet been described. Therefore, in this study, the essential oils of the citrus species C. sunki (CSE) and F. japonica var. margarita (FJE), both native to the island of Jeju, Korea, were examined for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities against skin pathogens. Four human skin pathogenic microorganisms, Staphylococcus epidermidis CCARM 3709, Propionibacterium acnes CCARM 0081, Malassezia furfur KCCM 12679, and Candida albicans KCCM 11282, were studied. CSE and FJE exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against most of the pathogenic bacteria and yeast strains that were tested. Interestingly, CSE and FJE even showed antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant S. epidermidis CCARM 3710, S. epidermidis CCARM 3711, P. acnes CCARM9009, and P. acnes CCARM9010 strains. In addition, CSE and FJE reduced the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced secretion of nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 264.7 cells, indicating that they have anti-inflammatory effects. We also analysed the chemical composition of the oils by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and identified several major components, including dl-limonene (68.18%) and beta-myrcene (4.36%) for CSE, and dl-limonene (61.58%) and carvone (6.36%) for FJE. Taken together, these findings indicate that CSE and FJE have great potential to be used in human skin health applications.

The radioprotective effect of geraniin, a tannin compound isolated from Nymphaea tetragona Georgi var. (Nymphaeaceae), against γ-radiation-induced damage was investigated in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (V79-4) cells. Geraniin recovered cell viability detected by MTT test and colony formation assay, which was compromised by γ-radiation, and reduced the γ-radiation-induced apoptosis by the inhibition of loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Geraniin protected cellular components (lipid membrane, cellular protein, and DNA) damaged by γ-radiation, which was detected by lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation, and comet assay. Geraniin significantly reduced the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species generated by γ-radiation, which was detected using spectrofluorometer, flow cytometer, and confocal microscope after 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining. Geraniin normalized the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, which were decreased by γ-radiation. These results suggest that geraniin protects cells against radiation-induced oxidative stress via enhancing of antioxidant enzyme activities and attenuating of cellular damage.

In order to investigate the potential of Platycarya strobilacea fruit extract as an active ingredient for cosmetics, we measured their free-radical scavenging activity, elastase inhibitory activity, the expression of MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1), and type I collagen synthesis in normal human fibroblast cells. To isolate the main component compounds from P. strobilacea fruit extract, we purified the extract through solvent fractionation, column chromatography, and recrystallization. The component compounds were identified as ellagic acid and 4-O-xyloside of ellagic acid (ellagic acid 4-O-xylopyranoside). P. strobilacea fruit extract and ellagic acid increased the expression of type I collagen mRNA in a dose-dependent manner (up to 37% and 41% at 20 microg/ml and 1.0 microg/ml, respectively), comparable to that of ascorbic acid (up to 39% at 500 muM). A clinical study of measurements using visual evaluation and image analysis showed a statistically significant difference (p0.05) between the effects of the test and placebo products. This result suggests that P. strobilacea fruit extract could be used as an active ingredient for antiaging cosmetics.

This paper presents shear test results for large cast-in-place anchor bolts in concrete. The tests were performed to evaluate the shear performance of large anchors, that is, anchors with a diameter greater than 2 in. (50.8 mm) or an embedment depth greater than 25 in. (635.0 mm), which are not addressed by ACI 318-08, Appendix D and ACI 349-06, Appendix D. The tests were also intended to investigate the safety of such anchors for use in nuclear power plants, and the effects of regular (conventional) and special reinforcement on the shear strength of such anchors. The test results are used to assess the applicability of existing design formulas valid for smaller anchors to large anchors. Suggestions are made for incorporating the effects of deep embedment or large diameter in existing design provisions for cast-in-place anchor bolts under shear load.

Background: As well as fiberoptic bronchoscopy, chest computerized tomographic scan can now differentiate the benign from malignant causes and the obstructive from non-obstructive causes of lung collapse. This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of chest CT scan and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of middle lobe syndrome. Method: We reviewed the clinical features, roentgenographic changes, pathologic findings and bronchoscopic findings in 16 patients with middle lobe syndrome who were admitted to Severance Hospital during period of January, 1987 through January, 1992. Results: The male to female ratio was 1:1. The most common symptoms were cough and sputums. Crackle was the most common physical finding. Underlying disease was lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis and endobronchial tuberculosis in 3 each other, benign stenosis in 2, lung abscess, broncholithiasis, bronchial chondroma, pneumonia and nonspecific inflammation in 1 each other. Conclusion: We conclude that the combination of chest computerized tomogram and fiberoptic bronchoscopy was most desirable for the diagnosis of middle lobe syndrome.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation led to the isolation of two new phenylpropanoids, 3-O-p-coumaroyl-1-(4-hydroxy3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanone (1) and 3-O-p-coumaroyl-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-O-β-gulcopyranosylpropanol (2), together with three known compounds, N-p-coumaroylserotonin (3), N-feruloylserotonin (4) and p-coumaric acid (5) from the leaves of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D-NMR. Compared to arbutin (IC50 0.048 mM) as a control, compounds 3 and 4 exhibited stronger tyrosinase inhibition activities with an IC50 values of 0.027 mM and 0.026 mM, respectively. Compounds 1 (IC50 0.055 mM) and 2 (IC50 0.053 mM) also showed strong activities.

On Jeju Island, South Korea, the leaves of Eurya emarginata have been traditionally used to treat ulcers or as a diuretic. Eutigoside C isolated from the leaves has been reported to have in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. We evaluated the radioprotective effects of eutigoside C on jejunal cell apoptosis and crypt survival in mice subjected to gamma irradiation. In addition, the ability of eutigoside C to protect against radiation-induced oxidative stress was examined by evaluating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in radiation-induced hepatic injury. Eutigoside C was administered intraperitoneally at 48, 12, and 1 h before irradiation. The administration of eutigoside C (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg body weight) before irradiation protected the intestinal crypts from radiation-induced apoptosis (p0.05), and attenuated radiation-induced decrease of villous height (p0.05). Pretreating mice prior to irradiation with eutigoside C (100 mg/kg) significantly improved the survival of the jejunal crypt (p0.01). The dose reduction factor was 1.09 at 3.5 days after irradiation. Treatment of eutigoside C prior to irradiation significantly protected SOD and CAT activities in radiation-induced hepatic injury (p0.05). These results suggest that eutigoside C is a useful radioprotector capable of defending intestinal progenitor cells against indirect depletion, such as oxidative stress and inflammatory response caused by gamma irradiation.

In the present study, the chemical constituents of Artemisia fukudo essential oil (AFE) were investigated using GC-MS. The major constituents were alpha-thujone (48.28%), beta-thujone (12.69%), camphor (6.95%) and caryophyllene (6.01%). We also examined the effects of AFE on the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Western blotting and RT-PCR tests indicated that AFE has potent dose-dependent inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. We investigated the mechanism by which AFE inhibits NO and PGE(2) by examining the level of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which is an inflammation-induced signal pathway in RAW 264.7 cells. AFE inhibited LPS-induced ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation. Furthermore, AFE inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation and degradation of Ikappa-B-alpha, which is required for the nuclear translocations of the p50 and p65 NF-kappaB subunits in RAW 264.7 cells. Our results suggest that AFE might exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Such an effect is mediated by a blocking of NF-kappaB activation which consequently inhibits the generation of inflammatory mediators in RAW264.7 cells. AFE may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases.

This study sought to determine the efficacy of high-dose atorvastatin in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Previous randomized trials have demonstrated that statin pre-treatment reduced major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndrome. However, no randomized studies have been carried out with STEMI patients in a primary PCI setting.A total 171 patients with STEMI were randomized to 80-mg atorvastatin (n = 86) or 10-mg atorvastatin (n = 85) arms for pre-treatment before PCI. All patients were prescribed clopidogrel (600 mg) before PCI. After PCI, both groups were treated with atorvastatin (10 mg). The primary end point was 30-day incidence of MACE including death, nonfatal MI, and target vessel revascularization. Secondary end points included corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count, myocardial blush grade, and ST-segment resolution at 90 min after PCI.MACE occurred in 5 (5.8%) and 9 (10.6%) patients in the 80-mg and 10-mg atorvastatin pre-treatment arms, respectively (p = 0.26). Corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count was lower in the 80-mg atorvastatin arm (26.9 +/- 12.3 vs. 34.1 +/- 19.0, p = 0.01). Myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution were also higher in the 80-mg atorvastatin arm (2.2 +/- 0.8 vs. 1.9 +/- 0.8, p = 0.02 and 61.8 +/- 26.2 vs. 50.6 +/- 25.8%, p = 0.01).High-dose atorvastatin pre-treatment before PCI did not show a significant reduction of MACEs compared with low-dose atorvastatin but did show improved immediate coronary flow after primary PCI. High-dose atorvastatin may produce an optimal result for STEMI patients undergoing PCI by improving microvascular myocardial perfusion. (Efficacy of High-Dose AtorvaSTATIN Loading Before Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction [STATIN STEMI]; NCT00808717).

correlation with this carbon (134.5 ppm) in its HMBC spectrum. The methyl proton (H-11) in the ring B showed a NOESY peak with H-8 aromatic proton, which in turn showed NOESY correlation with anomeric proton (H-1') of a sugar moiety, thereby suggesting the sugar residue is placed at C-7 position. This was further confirmed by HMBC correlation observed between H-1' and C-7. The

The essential oil of air-dried Illicium anisatum (Illiciaceae), obtained by hydrodistillation was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Fifty-two components were identified in the essential oil and the main component was eucalyptol (21.8 %). The antioxidant and anti-elastase activities of the essential oil were also investigated; the essential oil exhibited moderate DPPH scavenging and anti-elastase activities. To clarify the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activities of I. anisatum essential oil (IAE), we evaluated whether it could modulate the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by activated macrophages. The results indicate that IAE is an effective inhibitor of LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production in RAW 264.7 cells. These inhibitory activities were accompanied by dose-dependent decreases in the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins and iNOS and COX-2 mRNA. In order to determine whether IAE can be safely applied to human skin, the cytotoxic effects of IAE were determined by colorimetric MTT assays in human dermal fibroblast and keratinocyte HaCaT cells. IAE exhibited low cytotoxicity at 100 microg mL-1. Based on these results, we suggest that IAE may be considered an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory candidate for cosmetic materials, but additional in vitro and in vivo tests have to be performed to prove its safety and efficacy.

= 9.0, 9.0 Hz, H-4'') all showed axial-axial coupling constants, which suggested that all substituents in this hexose are in equatorial positions. Therefore, the sugar was identified as glucose. In butanoyl substituted phloroglucinols, the glucose unit can be attached to either 1-OH (3-OH) or 5-OH positions. If the substitution is made at 5-OH, it leads to a symmetric benzene nucleus, which show only four aromatic

Distylium racemosum (Hamamelidaceae) is a large indeciduous tree distributed over Halla Mountain in Jeju Island, Korea. We are continuously searching for the bioactive compounds applicable as functional cosmetic ingredients from plants in Jeju. 1 From the ethanol extract of D. racemosum branches, we have found inhibition activities on elastase. Elastin degradation by elastase in dermis is associated with aged skinwrinkle. 2 Since no chemical investigation has been reported from the branches of this plant, we have conducted a phytochemical study to identify the active constituents. In this study, we have isolated new dibenzofuran compounds, 2,7-dihydroxy-1,6-dimethoxy-9-methyldibenzofuran (1) and 3,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-2,7-dimethyldibenzofuran (2). From the dried D. Recamosum collected in Jeju Island, ethanol extract was prepared. The extract was successively partitioned into hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The ethyl acetate fraction was further purified by column chromatography over celite, silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 to afford the compounds 1 and 2.

We previously showed that an ethanolic extract of the edible brown algae Petalonia binghamiae promotes the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and decreases hyperglycemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Here, we report that a water-soluble extract of P. binghamiae thalli, prepared by enzymatic digestion, inhibits preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. In differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, the extract (designated PBEE) decreased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins α and β, and fatty acid-binding protein aP2. It also inhibited the mitotic clonal expansion process of adipocyte differentiation, and it inhibited insulin-stimulated uptake of glucose into mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes by reducing phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1. In rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, PBEE exhibited potent anti-obesity effects. In this animal model, increases in body weight and fat storage were suppressed by the addition of PBEE to the drinking water at 500 mg/L for 30 days. PBEE supplementation reduced serum levels of glutamic pyruvic and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminases and increased the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, it significantly decreased the accumulation of lipid droplets in liver tissue, suggesting a protective effect against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis. Taken together, these data demonstrate that PBEE inhibits preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in cultured cells and in rodent models of obesity.

In this study, the chemical composition of Cryptomeria japonica essential oil (CJE) was analyzed and its biological activities were tested. CJE was obtained by steam distillation from leaves collected from Jeju Island and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC)-flame ionization detection (FID) and GC-MS. Kaurene (17.20%), elemol (10.88%), gamma-eudesmol (9.41%), and sabinene (8.86%) were the major components in CJE. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of CJE against drug-susceptible and -resistant skin pathogens have been not reported previously. Thus, we determined the anti-bacterial activities of CJE using the disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. CJE showed excellent antibacterial activities against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, which are acne-causing bacteria. The MIC of CJE against drug-susceptible and -resistant P. acens and S. epidermidis ranged from 0.16 to 10.0 microl/ml. In addition, the effects of CJE on nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages were also examined. Pro-inflammatory cytokine and mediator tests indicated that CJE has excellent dose-dependent inhibitory activities. Therefore, based on these results, we propose that CJE is an attractive acne-mitigating candidate for skin health.