1
|
Wei Z, Gu X, Zhang J, Chen Y, Jiang T, Hu D, Miao M, Zhou H, Cheng R, Teichmann AT, Yang Y. Beneficial biological effects of Flavokawain A, a chalcone constituent from kava, on surgically induced endometriosis rat model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116896. [PMID: 37437790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shrub kava has long been grown and utilized, primarily in the South Pacific region, for ceremonial, religious, and social occasions. It has been used as a pain reliever and muscle relaxant in medicinal practices from the eighteenth century. Interestingly, relatively low incidence of lung cancer may attribute to the high consumption of kava products in this region. AIM OF THE STUDY Kava extracts were used to produce the kava chalcones Flavokawain A, B and C, which have a variety of bioactivities. In the present study, we show that Flavokawain A has positive effects on endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The endometriosis rat model was surgically induced by the autologous transplantation of endometrial tissue. Rats were evaluated for clinical ratings and lesion volume following a 6-week Flavokawain A therapy. Peritoneal fluid and blood samples were taken and ELISA assay was used to measure the cytokines and chemokines levels. Transcriptional and expression levels of Akt, PI3K, NF-kB, iNOS, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 were evaluated by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. Implanted tissue sections of the rats were also analyzed by immunofluorescent and histopathological staining. RESULTS Lesion volumes and adhesion scores were successfully decreased. Blood and peritoneal fluid levels of associated cytokines and chemokines were markedly down-regulated. Besides, Flavokawain A also mediated cell apoptosis of endometrial implants. Additionally, VEGF expression was reduced, which inhibited the angiogenesis process. As for the expression of Akt, p-Akt, PI3K, p-PI3K, and NF-kB in endometriosis lesions, Flavokawain A significantly reduced them. CONCLUSION Flavokawain A has beneficial effects on the surgically induced endometriosis rat model, by reducing inflammation, promoting apoptosis, and decreasing angiogenesis. Our findings suggest that these effects may be mediated through the regulation of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wei
- Division of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science and Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato City, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Xia Gu
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, 646000, PR China
| | - Jinrui Zhang
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, 610039, PR China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China
| | - Daifeng Hu
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China
| | - Mengyue Miao
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China
| | - Rui Cheng
- Chengdu Good Doctor Chaoyue Biomedical Co., Ltd., Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Alexander Tobias Teichmann
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China.
| | - Youzhe Yang
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, 646000, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen J, Rao Z, Li Q, Jiang T, Chen Y, Gu X, Miao M, Hu D, Zhou H, Teichmann AT, Yang Y. Synthetic flavokawain analog (E)-1-(2′-hydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(3-methoxy-4-(3-morpholinopropoxy)phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (FK-morph) effectively regresses endometriotic implants in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 933:175240. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
3
|
Pan H, Liu F, Wang J, Zhao M, Wang D, Jia C, Wang T, Chen Z, Fan Y, Liang D, Meng Q. Dihydromethysticin, a natural molecule from Kava, suppresses the growth of colorectal cancer via the NLRC3/PI3K pathway. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:575-589. [PMID: 32187756 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dihydromethysticin (DHM), a natural compound derived from Kava, has been reported to be effective against mental disorders and some malignant tumors. However, little is known about the inhibitory effect of DHM on colorectal cancer (CRC). First, we examined the impact of DHM on human colon cancer cell lines, which demonstrated that DHM inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion and promotes apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in colon cancer cells in vitro. Using small hairpin RNA, we inhibited nucleotide-oligomerization domain-like receptor subfamily C3 (NLRC3)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway to elucidate the partial signaling of DHM-mediated tumor suppression. Additionally, using an ectopic human CRC model, we verified whether DHM inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis via the NLRC3/PI3K pathway in vivo. Overall, DHM showed an inhibitory effect on CRC by altering cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle, and angiogenesis, possibly via the NLRC3/PI3K pathway. Thus, DHM may be a promising candidate for CRC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huayang Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Fukai Liu
- Animal Laboratory Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jinge Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and College of Nursing, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chen Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ze Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuying Fan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and College of Nursing, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Desen Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qinghui Meng
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang Y, Wei Z, Teichmann AT, Wieland FH, Wang A, Lei X, Zhu Y, Yin J, Fan T, Zhou L, Wang C, Chen L. Development of a novel nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitor with potential therapeutic effect on chronic inflammation. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 193:112216. [PMID: 32208222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a complex biological response to stimuli. Activated macrophages induced excessively release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators such as endogenous radical nitric oxide (NO) play a significant role in the progression of multiple inflammatory diseases. Both natural and synthetic chalcones possess a wide range of bioactivities. In this work, thirty-nine chalcones and three related compounds, including several novel ones, based on bioactive kava chalcones were designed, synthesized and their inhibitory effects on NO production in RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated. The novel compound (E)-1-(2'-hydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(3-methoxy-4-(3-morpholinopropoxy)phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (53) exhibited a better inhibitory activity (84.0%) on NO production at 10 μM (IC50 = 6.4 μM) with the lowest cytotoxicity (IC50 > 80 μM) among the tested compounds. Besides, western blot analysis indicated that compound 53 was a potent down-regulator of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein. Docking study revealed that compound 53 also can dock into the active site of iNOS. Furthermore, at the dose of 10 mg/kg/day, compound 53 could both significantly suppress the progression of inflammation on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) models. In addition, the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the kava chalcones based analogs was also depicted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youzhe Yang
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Zhe Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Alexander Tobias Teichmann
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China
| | - Frank Heinrich Wieland
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China
| | - Amu Wang
- School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu, 610039, PR China
| | - Xiangui Lei
- School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu, 610039, PR China
| | - Yue Zhu
- School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu, 610039, PR China
| | - Jinxiang Yin
- School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu, 610039, PR China
| | - Tiantian Fan
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Chao Wang
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Lijuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Novel drugs of abuse are synthetic illicit drugs, or analogues of known illicit drugs, that can be more potent. Novel drugs of abuse are often labeled as designer drugs, research chemicals, legal highs, or psychoactive substances. They are often sold as designated legal or nondrug products, such as incense, plant food, or bath salts, with labeling such as "Not for Human Consumption" or "For Use in Research Only." The prevalence of use of novel drugs of abuse is difficult to determine because specific drugs, compounds, and availability of these drugs are constantly evolving. Changes in chemical structures lead to heterogeneity in physiologic response and clinical symptoms, even within the same category of drug. Pediatricians and emergency medicine physicians should be knowledgeable about novel drugs of abuse and their resulting symptoms for prevention and identification of their use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Sam Wang
- Section of Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO.,Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health Hospital, Denver, CO
| | - Christopher Hoyte
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health Hospital, Denver, CO.,Department of Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, University Hospital, Aurora, CO
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pantano F, Tittarelli R, Mannocchi G, Zaami S, Ricci S, Giorgetti R, Terranova D, Busardò FP, Marinelli E. Hepatotoxicity Induced by "the 3Ks": Kava, Kratom and Khat. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:580. [PMID: 27092496 PMCID: PMC4849036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3Ks (kava, kratom and khat) are herbals that can potentially induce liver injuries. On the one hand, growing controversial data have been reported about the hepatotoxicity of kratom, while, on the other hand, even though kava and khat hepatotoxicity has been investigated, the hepatotoxic effects are still not clear. Chronic recreational use of kratom has been associated with rare instances of acute liver injury. Several studies and case reports have suggested that khat is hepatotoxic, leading to deranged liver enzymes and also histopathological evidence of acute hepatocellular degeneration. Numerous reports of severe hepatotoxicity potentially induced by kava have also been highlighted, both in the USA and Europe. The aim of this review is to focus on the different patterns and the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity induced by “the 3Ks”, while trying to clarify the numerous aspects that still need to be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Pantano
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberta Tittarelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulio Mannocchi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Simona Zaami
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Serafino Ricci
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Section of Legal Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Daniela Terranova
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco P Busardò
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrico Marinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shimoda LMN, Showman A, Baker JD, Lange I, Koomoa DL, Stokes AJ, Borris RP, Turner H. Differential regulation of calcium signalling pathways by components of Piper methysticum ('Awa). Phytother Res 2015; 29:582-90. [PMID: 25640812 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Kava is a soporific, anxiolytic and relaxant in widespread ritual and recreational use throughout the Pacific. Traditional uses of kava by indigenous Pacific Island peoples reflect a complex pharmacopeia, centered on GABA-ergic effects of the well-characterized kavalactones. However, peripheral effects of kava suggest active components other than the CNS-targeted kavalactones. We have previously shown that immunocytes exhibit calcium mobilization in response to traditionally prepared kava extracts, and that the kavalactones do not induce these calcium responses. Here, we characterize the complex calcium-mobilizing activity of traditionally prepared and partially HPLC-purified kava extracts, noting induction of both calcium entry and store release pathways. Kava components activate intracellular store depletion of thapsigargin-sensitive and -insensitive stores that are coupled to the calcium release activated (CRAC) current, and cause calcium entry through non-store-operated pathways. Together with the pepper-like potency reported by kava users, these studies lead us to hypothesize that kava extracts contain one or more ligands for the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels. Indeed, TRP-like conductances are observed in kava-treated cells under patch clamp. Thus TRP-mediated cellular effects may be responsible for some of the reported pharmacology of kava.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M N Shimoda
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Contemporary Pacific and Western perspectives on `awa (Piper methysticum) toxicology. Fitoterapia 2014; 100:56-67. [PMID: 25464054 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In 2010, a National Science Foundation project in Hawai`i assembled a collaboration of Pacific indigenous scientists, Hawaiian cultural practitioners and scientists trained in Western pharmacology. The objective of the collaborative project was to study Kava, a culturally significant Pacific beverage, and to address and ultimately transcend, long-standing barriers to communication and collaboration between these groups. Kava is a product of the `awa plant (Piper methysticum) that has been used ceremonially and medicinally throughout the history of Pacific Island cultures, and is now in widespread recreational and nutraceutical use in the US. This project, culminating in 2015, has enriched the participants, led to published work that integrates cultural and Western pharmacologic perspectives and established a paradigm for collaboration. This review paper integrates cultural and Western perspectives on efficacy, toxicity and the future cultural and commercial significance of `awa in the Pacific. Here we present a detailed review of traditional and non-traditional kava usage, medicinal efficacy and potential toxicological concerns. Recent mechanistic data on physiological action and potential pathological reactions are evaluated and interpreted.
Collapse
|
9
|
Hannam S, Murray M, Romani L, Tuicakau M, J Whitfeld M. Kava dermopathy in Fiji: an acquired ichthyosis? Int J Dermatol 2014; 53:1490-4. [DOI: 10.1111/ijd.12546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hannam
- Skin and Cancer Foundation Victoria Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Michael Murray
- Discipline of Pharmacology School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Lucia Romani
- Kirby Institute University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Margot J Whitfeld
- Faculty of Medicine University of NSW Sydney New South Wales Australia
- St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Juszczak GR, Swiergiel AH. Recreational Use of D-Lysergamide from the Seeds of Argyreia Nervosa, Ipomoea Tricolor, Ipomoea Violacea, and Ipomoea Purpurea in Poland. J Psychoactive Drugs 2013; 45:79-93. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2013.763570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz R. Juszczak
- a Department of Animal Behavior , Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding , Jastrzebiec , Poland
| | - Artur H. Swiergiel
- a Department of Animal Behavior , Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding , Jastrzebiec , Poland
- b Department of Human and Animal Physiology , Institute of Biology, University of Gdansk , Gdansk , Poland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shimoda LMN, Park C, Stokes AJ, Gomes HH, Turner H. Pacific island 'Awa (Kava) extracts, but not isolated kavalactones, promote proinflammatory responses in model mast cells. Phytother Res 2012; 26:1934-41. [PMID: 22473598 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2011] [Revised: 01/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Kava ('Awa) is a traditional water-based beverage in Pacific island communities, prepared from the ground root and stems of Piper methysticum. Kava use is associated with an ichthyotic dermatitis and delayed type hypersensitivity reactions. In the current study we collated preparative methodologies from cultural practitioners and recreational kava users in various Pacific communities. We standardized culturally informed aqueous extraction methods and prepared extracts that were subjected to basic physicochemical analysis. Mast cells exposed to these extracts displayed robust intracellular free calcium responses, and concomitant release of proinflammatory mediators. In contrast, mast cells were refractory to single or combinatorial stimulation with kavalactones, including methysticin, dihydromethysticin and kavain. Moreover, we reproduced a traditional modification of the kava preparation methodology, pre-mixing with the mucilage of Hibiscus tiliaceus, and observed its potentiating effect on the activity of aqueous extracts in mast cells. Taken together, these data indicate that water extractable active ingredients may play a role in the physiological and pathophysiological effects of kava, and suggests that mast cell activation may be a mechanistic component of kava-related skin inflammations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lori M N Shimoda
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, Chaminade University, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|