Microarray analysis of immediate-type allergy in KU812 cells in response to fulvic acid. Cytotechnology. 2011;63:181-190. [PMID: 21331654 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-010-9333-6]

The sorption of Tebuconazole and Linuron from an Aqueous Environment with a Modified Sludge-Based Biochar: Effect, Mechanisms, and Its Persistent Free Radicals Study

In this study, the sludge-based biochar was prepared and utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of two commonly used pesticides in agriculture, namely tebuconazole (Teb) and linuron (Lin) in an aqueous solution. The main contributing factors such as biochar preparation conditions, persistent free radicals as well as contact time, agitation speed, biochar dose, temperature, and pH were investigated. The physicochemical properties were characterized by SEM + EDS, FTIR, BET, EPR, etc. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacities based on the Langmuir model was 7.8650 mg g−1 for tebuconazole and that based on Freundlich model was 9.0645 mg·g-1 for linuron at 25°C. The pseudo-second-order kinetic equations were all fitted well to the kinetic process of the adsorption of the two pesticides with all R2 ≥ 0.915. The maximum values of tebuconazole adsorption capacity occur at pH = 3. Meanwhile, linuron was not affected by pH. Both Cr6+ (r = −0.793∗∗/ −0.943∗∗) and humic acid (r = −0.798∗∗/ −0.947∗∗) significantly inhibited the adsorption amount of tebuconazole and linuron onto the biochar. Electron spin resonance signals (ESR) indicated that environmentally persistent radicals (EPFRs) are preferentially formed at lower pyrolysis temperatures and lower transition metal concentrations. The g-factors for BC400, BC600, BCF400, and BCF600 were 2.0036, 2.0035, 2.0034, and 2.0033, respectively, indicating that the EPFRs mainly have a carbon-centered structure with adjacent oxygen atoms. In addition, to close to the actual situation, natural water (from YanTai) was collected to simulate pesticide contamination. This study demonstrates that sludge-based biochar can achieve efficient removal of tebuconazole and linuron in aqueous environment in a short period of time with no secondary environmental risk especially on the waste activated sludge.

The Potential of 2-aza-8-Oxohypoxanthine as a Cosmetic Ingredient

In this study, we verified the effects of 2-aza-8-oxohypoxanthine (AOH) on human epidermal cell proliferation by performing DNA microarray analysis. Cell proliferation was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, which measures mitochondrial respiration in normal human epidermal keratinocyte (NHEK) cells. Gene expression levels were determined by DNA microarray analysis of 177 genes involved in skin aging and disease. AOH showed a significant increase in cell viability at concentrations between 7.8 and 31.3 μg/mL and a significant decrease at concentrations above 250 μg/mL. DNA microarray analysis showed that AOH significantly increased the gene expression of CLDN1, DSC1, DSG1, and CDH1 (E-cadherin), which are involved in intercellular adhesion and skin barrier functioning. AOH also up-regulated the expression of KLK5, KLK7, and SPIMK5, which are proteases involved in stratum corneum detachment. Furthermore, AOH significantly stimulated the expression of KRT1, KRT10, TGM1, and IVL, which are considered general differentiation indicators, and that of SPRR1B, a cornified envelope component protein. AOH exerted a cell activation effect on human epidermal cells. Since AOH did not cause cytotoxicity, it was considered that the compound had no adverse effects on the skin. In addition, it was found that AOH stimulated the expression levels of genes involved in skin barrier functioning by DNA microarray analysis. Therefore, AOH has the potential for practical use as a cosmetic ingredient. This is the first report of efficacy evaluation tests performed for AOH.

Exercise-induced anaphylaxis with an Ayurvedic drug as cofactor: A case report

BACKGROUND

The practice of Indian Ayurvedic medicine is spreading in Western countries and Shilajit is one of the most used drugs, for its antioxidant activities and immunomodulatory effects. Albeit Shilajit has showed a high degree of safety, it can act as cofactor of anaphylaxis, especially in condition at high risk, such as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). We reported this case to sensitize practitioners to investigate to the use of complementary and alternative medicine, in case of exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIAn).

CASE SUMMARY

A 43-year-old woman, working as a dance teacher, developed urticaria after ingestion of rice, tuna and Shilajit, which did not respond to intramuscular corticosteroids. Subsequently, she developed dyspnoea and hypotension with loss of consciousness that arose 1 h after sexual activity. The patient did not refer personal history of atopy. Specific IgE for main food allergens resulted negative, with total IgE levels of 14 IU/L. Oral provocation test with Shilajit was not perfomed because the patient refused, but we performed prick-by-prick and patch test that resulted negative. Serum tryptase at the time of anaphylaxis was 20.6 μg/L that fell down to of 10.6 μg/L after therapy, but has remained at the high value after two days and during the follow-up. We performed an analysis of the c-KIT gene in peripheral blood, which was negative. We felt the diagnosis consistent with EIAn in a patient with a possible MCAS.

CONCLUSION

In Western countries the use of drugs from Ayurvedic medicine is more common than in the past. These substances can be cofactors of anaphylaxis in patients with risk factors.

Exercise-induced anaphylaxis with an Ayurvedic drug as cofactor: A case report

BACKGROUND

The practice of Indian Ayurvedic medicine is spreading in Western countries and Shilajit is one of the most used drugs, for its antioxidant activities and immunomodulatory effects. Albeit Shilajit has showed a high degree of safety, it can act as cofactor of anaphylaxis, especially in condition at high risk, such as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). We reported this case to sensitize practitioners to investigate to the use of complementary and alternative medicine, in case of exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIAn).

CASE SUMMARY

A 43-year-old woman, working as a dance teacher, developed urticaria after ingestion of rice, tuna and Shilajit, which did not respond to intramuscular corticosteroids. Subsequently, she developed dyspnoea and hypotension with loss of consciousness that arose 1 h after sexual activity. The patient did not refer personal history of atopy. Specific IgE for main food allergens resulted negative, with total IgE levels of 14 IU/L. Oral provocation test with Shilajit was not perfomed because the patient refused, but we performed prick-by-prick and patch test that resulted negative. Serum tryptase at the time of anaphylaxis was 20.6 μg/L that fell down to of 10.6 μg/L after therapy, but has remained at the high value after two days and during the follow-up. We performed an analysis of the c-KIT gene in peripheral blood, which was negative. We felt the diagnosis consistent with EIAn in a patient with a possible MCAS.

CONCLUSION

In Western countries the use of drugs from Ayurvedic medicine is more common than in the past. These substances can be cofactors of anaphylaxis in patients with risk factors.

Fulvic acid attenuates homocysteine-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human monocytes

Background

Homocysteine and pro-inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) have been linked to vascular dysfunction and risks of cardiovascular diseases. Fulvic acid (FA), a class of compounds of humic substances, possesses various pharmacological properties. However, the effect of FA on inflammatory responses of the monocytes remains unclear. We investigated the regulatory effect of FA on homocysteine-induced COX-2 expression in human monocytes.

Methods

Peripheral blood monocytes and U937 cells were used for all experiments. Real-time PCR and ELISA assay were used to analyze the COX-2 mRNA expression and PGE2 secretion, respectively. Specific inhibitors were used to investigate the mechanism of homocysteine-mediating COX-2 mRNA expression and PGE2 secretion. Luciferase assay, transcription factor ELISA, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to determine the role of nuclear factor-κB in FA-mediated inhibition of homocysteine effect on monocytes.

Results

The results show that pretreating monocytes with FA inhibited the homocysteine-induced COX-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Stimulation of U937 monocytes with homocysteine induced rapid increases in the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK; the inhibitor for ERK and JNK attenuated the homocysteine-induced nuclear factor-κB activation and COX-2 expression. Transcription factor ELISA and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that FA blocked the homocysteine-induced increases in the binding activity and in vivo promoter binding of nuclear factor-κB in monocytes.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a molecular mechanism by which FA inhibits homocysteine-induced COX-2 expression in monocytes, and a basis for using FA in pharmaceutical therapy against inflammation.

Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo)

Shilajit (mumie; moomiyo, mummiyo) has been used for a wide variety of illnesses and conditions for many years. However, relatively few well-controlled human studies have been conducted on the effects of shiliajit, although a growing number of studies have been published in recent years involving animal and in vitro systems. The safety of shilajit is well documented based on animal and human studies. Various research studies indicate that shilajit exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and anti-dyslipidemic properties. Animal and human studies indicate that shilajit enhances spermatogenesis. Furthermore, animal and human data support its use as a 'revitalizer', enhancing physical performance and relieving fatigue with enhanced production of ATP. Key constituents in shilajit responsible for these effects appear to be dibenzo-α-pyrones and fulvic acid and their derivatives. Various mechanistic studies provide support for the above observed effects. Additional well-controlled human and animal studies involving the use of standardized products are needed.