Identification of modulated mRNAs and proteins in human primary hepatocytes treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Effects of essential oil of Origanum onites and its major component carvacrol on the expression of toxicity pathway genes in HepG2 cells

BACKGROUND

Origanum species have been used in various commercial constructions as a remedy against burns and wounds, agriculture, alcoholic drinks, fragrance, and flavoring substances of food products. The essential oil of Origanum onites L. (EOOO) and its component carvacrol (CV) possesses a wide range of biological activities including anti-cancer activity.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the growth inhibitory activity of the essential oil and its major component CV and then hepatotoxicity pathway-related genes in HepG2 cells.

METHODS

The effects of the EOOO and CV on cell growth and mRNA expressions of 84 hepatotoxicity pathway-related genes were investigated in HepG2, using trypan blue exclusion/ bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation tests and real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) array, respectively.

RESULTS

The EOOO and CV inhibited cell growth with IC50 values of 0.08 µg/mL and 45 µg/mL, respectively, after 24 h. Real-time, reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT2-PCR) array analysis revealed that expressions of 32 genes out of 84 were changed at least 2-fold or more in the EOOO-treated cells. Among them, expression levels of 17 genes were elevated, while expression levels of 15 genes were diminished. Furthermore, after exposure of cells to 45 µg/mL of CV, the expression of 8 genes was increased while the other 8 genes were decreased. Both the EOOO and carvacrol affected the expression of 48 genes of HepG2 cells which are involved in the hepatotoxicity pathway, indicating their hepatoprotective and possible anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that the essential oil of Origanum onites and carvacrol can be used in various applications such as anticancer or herbal drugs, since its non-hepatotoxicity.

Hazardous impact of diclofenac on mammalian system: Mitigation strategy through green remediation approach

Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug used as an analgesic. It is often detected in various environmental sources around the world and is considered as one of the emerging contaminants (ECs). This paper reviews the distribution of diclofenac at high concentrations in diverse environments and its adverse ecological impact. Recent studies observed strong evidence of the hazardous effect of diclofenac on mammals, including humans. Diclofenac could cause gastrointestinal complications, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hematotoxicity, genotoxicity, teratogenicity, bone fractures, and skin allergy in mammals even at a low concentration. Collectively, this comprehensive review relates the mode of toxicity, level of exposure, and route of administration as a unique approach for addressing the destructive consequence of diclofenac in mammalian systems. Finally, the mitigation strategy to eradicate the diclofenac toxicity through green remediation is critically discussed. This review will undoubtedly shed light on the toxic effects of pseudo-persistent diclofenac on mammals as well as frame stringent guidelines against its common usage.

Antioxidant effects of selenocysteine on replicative senescence in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

In most clinical applications, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are expanded in large scale before their administration. Prolonged culture in vitro results in cellular senescence-associated phenotypes, including accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased cell viabilities. Profiling of stem cell-related genes during in vitro expansion revealed that numerous canonical pathways were significantly changed. To determine the effect of selenocysteine (Sec), a rare amino acid found in several antioxidant enzymes, on the replicative senescence in hMSCs, we treated senescent hMSCs with Sec. Supplementation of Sec in the culture medium in late-passage hMSCs reduced ROS levels and improved the survival of hMSCs. In addition, a subset of key antioxidant genes and Sec-containing selenoproteins showed increased mRNA levels after Sec treatment. Furthermore, ROS metabolism and inflammation pathways were predicted to be downregulated. Taken together, our results suggest that Sec has antioxidant effects on the replicative senescence of hMSCs.

Differences in respirogram phase between taekwondo poomsae athletes and nonathletes

[Purpose] Respiratory physiotherapy is an effective approach to improving lung function in patient, including athletes with respiratory dysfunction caused by sports injury. The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in the respirograms between taekwondo poomsae athletes and nonathletes according to the respirogram phase. [Subjects and Methods] Respiratory measurements for 13 elite taekwondo poomsae athletes were obtained. Respiratory function was measured using spirometry while the participant was seated. [Results] In respirogram phasic analysis, the inspiratory area of forced vital capacity were significantly increased in the athletes than in the nonathletes. The slopes of the forced vital capacity for athletes at slopes 1, 2, and 3 of the A area were significantly higher than those for the nonathletes. In correlation analysis, chest circumference was significantly correlated with slope 1 of the A area of the forced vital capacity. [Conclusion] Results indicate that differences in respirogram phasic changes between athletes and nonathletes may contribute to better understanding of respiratory function, which is important to sports physiotherapy research.

Differences in the body pressure-related sensory changes between the floor and mattress in a static supine position for physiotherapy research: a randomized controlled pilot trial

[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the difference in body pressure-related sensory changes between the floor and mattress in a static supine position for physiotherapy research. [Subjects and Methods] To analyze body pressure, the Body Pressure Measurement System was used. Body pressure sensors were attached to mattresses and the floor beneath the subjects. The level of pain was evaluated using pain score tools before the static supine position was adopted, at 1, 5, 10, and 15 min, and in total for specific body points. [Results] In analysis of digitized images, there was no significant difference observed between floor and mattress body pressure values at the start position. However, the head pressure intensity was significantly higher than that of the other body parts. In analysis of pain scores, all body part pain scores except those for both legs were significantly higher for the floor than for the mattress. Furthermore, the pain scores of the floor group were significantly increased at minute 1 compared with those of the mattress group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that properties that change in a time-dependent manner and postural changes need to be carefully considered when applying physical therapy.