The analysis of 2'-fucosyllactose concentration in Korean maternal milk using LC-MS/MS

Despite health benefits reported recently, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) concentration in maternal milk was not conclusively reported because it varies between countries and mothers. Particularly, its distribution among Korean mothers was not obtained from a reliable sample group yet. Thus, a dynamic range for 2'-FL concentration in Korean mothers' milk was investigated from 102 samples. A quantitative method using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) by triple-quadrupole-mass spectrometry has been evaluated by a standard procedure of method validation. The 2'-FL concentration was in the range of 0.4 to 2.6 g/L overall. While the samples from secretor mothers (n = 80) contained 1.0 to 2.8 g/L of 2'-FL, the maternal milk from non-secretor mothers (n = 22) had 0.01 to 0.06 g/L of 2'-FL only. In addition to the genetic variation of mothers, the lactation period impacted the 2'-FL concentration. The average 2'-FL concentration of the late-stage group (> 60 days) was 78% of that obtained from the first month of postpartum mothers.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01154-4.

Dynamic stability of cholesterol and desmosterol in human milk from four Asian countries

Cholesterol is one of the functional nutrients in human milk, which is indispensable for infant growth. In this study, the concentration of cholesterol and desmosterol in human milk from four Asian countries (n = 578), including Korea, China, Vietnam, and Pakistan, were investigated. The average cholesterol concentrations of Korea and China were similar ranging between 90.2-91.6 mg/L, but those from Vietnam and Pakistan were higher at 113.8 and 175.7 mg/L, respectively. The relative standard deviations were 31-36%, except for Pakistan (51%), showing a broad distribution of 48 to 612 mg/L. Desmosterol concentrations were similar, ranging between 11.2 and 12.8 mg/L except for Pakistan, which was lower than other countries at 9.4 mg/L. In addition, the cholesterol and desmosterol concentrations during the lactation periods were not significantly different in all four Asian countries. Mothers' BMI did not significantly impact the cholesterol and desmosterol concentration in maternal milk within the same country.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01141-9.

A partially hydrolyzed whey formula provides adequate nutrition in high-risk infants for allergy

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Hydrolyzed formula is often fed to infants with gastrointestinal or immune issues, such as malabsorption or cow's milk allergy, because enzymatic treatment has rendered it more digestible and less allergenic than standard cow's milk formula (SF). Partially hydrolyzed formula (PHF) should be considered for those infants who are intolerant to extensively hydrolyzed formula. However, there are concerns about the nutritional insufficiencies of PHF. We aimed to evaluate the effects of PHF on the growth and health indicators in infants who were at high-risk of allergic disease and potential candidates for consuming PHF.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A total of 83 infants aged 0–2 mon with a family history of allergies were assigned to consume either PHF or SF until 24 weeks of age. Anthropometric measures were obtained at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks; blood samples were drawn and evaluated at the end of the study.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in weight, height, and weight-for-height at any time point in each sex between the PHF and SF groups. At 24 weeks of age, the weight-for-age and height-for-age z-scores of the SF group were higher than those of the PHF group, but there was no significant difference in the weight-for-height z-score. There were no significant differences in levels of white blood cells, hemoglobin, ferritin, protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, eosinophil cationic protein, and immunoglobulin E.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, there were no differences in growth and blood panels between the infants consuming PHF or SF. Therefore, infants who are unable to tolerate SF can be fed PHF without nutritional concerns about growth.

Comprehensive analysis of fatty acids in human milk of four Asian countries

Human milk lipids provide not only energy but also indispensable bioactive components such as essential fatty acids. To establish the recommended daily intake value and guidelines for infant formula, a reference library of fatty acid composition has been generated from 4 Asian countries (South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Pakistan). Regardless of country, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:1), and linolenic acid (C18:2) were the 3 most abundant fatty acids in human milk and account for more than 75% of total fatty acids (total FA). However, there were several considerable differences between fatty acids, particularly n-3 and n-6 (omega-3 and omega-6) groups. Chinese mothers' milk had a high concentration of linoleic acid at 24.38 ± 10.02% of total FA, which may be due to maternal diet. Among the 4 countries, Pakistani mothers' milk contained a high amount of saturated fatty acid (56.83 ± 5.96% of total FA), and consequently, polyunsaturated fatty acids, including n-3 and n-6, were significantly lower than in other countries. It is noteworthy that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in Pakistani mothers' milk was 44.8 ± 33.3 mg/L, which is only 25 to 30% of the levels in the other 3 countries, suggesting the need for DHA supplementation for infants in Pakistan. Moreover, the ratio of n-6 to n-3 was also remarkably high in Pakistani mothers' milk (15.21 ± 4.96), being 1.4- to 1.7-fold higher than in other countries. The average DHA:ARA ratio in Asian human milk was 1.01 ± 0.79. Korean mothers' milk showed a high DHA:ARA ratio, with a value of 1.30 ± 0.98, but Pakistani mothers' milk had a significantly lower value (0.42 ± 0.12). The fatty acid compositions and anthropometric data of mother (body mass index, age) did not show any correlation. The obtained data might provide information about human milk compositions in the Asian region that could benefit from setting up recommended nutrient intake and infant formula for Asian babies.

A Comparison of Vitamin and Lutein Concentrations in Breast Milk from Four Asian Countries

Vitamins are the essential elements for human life and, particularly, for infant health. Human milk is the best source of nutrients for newborns, however, the information of vitamins in Asian maternal milk is still limited. In this study, we have collected 580 Asian maternal milk samples from Korea (n = 254), China (n = 137), Pakistan (n = 92), and Vietnam (n = 97). The vitamin concentrations, including vitamin B-groups (8 vitamins), fat-soluble vitamin (retinol, D, E, K) and lutein in the breast milk of were investigated. The concentration of thiamin (B1), biotin (B7), and folic acid (B9) in mother's milk of four countries were not considerably different, while riboflavin (B2), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6) level in Vietnam samples were significantly lower than those in other countries. In contrast, retinol (A) and tocopherol (E) were found to be higher levels in Vietnamese maternal milk. Korean and Chinese maternal milk had low concentrations of retinol that may cause vitamin A deficiency in children. However, Chinese mother's milk was distinguished with a high concentration of lutein. Pakistani mother's milk was observed as having a significant problem of folic acid (B9) deficiency. Regardless of the country, vitamin B12, K, and D did not seem to be provided sufficiently through maternal milk. The moderate positive correlations were found between vitamin concentrations in each country and the pooled sample. The data obtained in this study were able to provide vital information to assess the nutritional status of breast milk in Asian countries and contributed to the efforts of ensuring the best nutrition for Asian children.

Retinol, α-tocopherol, and selected minerals in breast milk of lactating women with full-term infants in South Korea

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to measure fat-soluble vitamins and minerals in breast milk of Korean lactating mothers who exclusively breastfed their babies.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Breast milk samples were collected from 334 mothers. Concentrations of retinol and α-tocopherol were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet spectrometry while concentrations of minerals were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

RESULTS

Retinol and α-tocopherol contents of breast milk were 39.58 ± 19.64 µg/dL and 0.23 ± 0.13 mg/dL, respectively. Average sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels in breast milk were 11.11 ± 5.16, 38.56 ± 9.01, 27.87 ± 6.10, 13.56 ± 3.30, and 3.05 ± 0.65 mg/dL, respectively. Contents of trace elements such as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese were 40.26 ± 46.21, 98.40 ± 62.47, 24.09 ± 9.03, and 0.90 ± 1.63 µg/dL, respectively. Fat-soluble vitamin concentration was positively correlated with total fat in milk samples, but no significant differences were observed in levels of retinol, α-tocopherol, or minerals based on whether or not lactating women were taking dietary supplements.

CONCLUSIONS

Micronutrient contents of breast milk samples from Korean lactating women were comparable to those of other nations. Retinol and α-tocopherol levels were correlated and also with total fat in breast milk.

Association between lutein intake and lutein concentrations in human milk samples from lactating mothers in South Korea

This study was performed to investigate the association between maternal lutein intake and lutein concentrations in human milk among exclusive breast-feeding and mixed-feeding groups of lactating mothers in South Korea. From 99 women who were recruited from March to July 2015, dietary data and breast milk samples were obtained. The means of the daily lutein intakes and breast milk lutein concentrations in lactating mothers were 4.04 mg/day and 10.06 μg/dl, respectively, and they did not differ according to the type of breast-feeding. Breast milk lutein concentrations were positively correlated with the dietary lutein intake of lactating mothers after adjustment for the infant's age and supplement use by the lactating women (r=0.3337, P=0.0008). These correlations appeared in both groups. Further research is needed to identify whether breast milk lutein levels influence infant health, especially eye health.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, 25 May 2016; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2016.84.

Macronutrient composition of human milk from Korean mothers of full term infants born at 37-42 gestational weeks

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Breast milk is the best available food for optimum growth and development of infants and the breastfeeding rate is increasing in Korea. The purpose of this study is to measure the concentrations of macronutrients and to evaluate their changes according to lactation period in breast milk from lactating Korean women.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Milk samples were obtained from 2,632 healthy lactating women (mean age; 32.0 ± 3.3 years), where the lactating period was up to a period of 8 months, who also volunteered to participate in the Human Milk Macronutrient Analysis Research. Lactose, protein, fat and water content in the breast milk samples were analyzed with infrared spectrometry using MilkoScan FT-2.

RESULTS

The mean macronutrient composition per 100 mL of mature breast milk was 7.1 g for lactose, 1.4 g for protein and 3.0 g for fat, and energy content was 61.1 kcal. The protein concentration was significantly lower in milk samples at 1-2 weeks (2.0 g/dL) to 2-3 months (1.4 g/dL) than those at 0-1 week (2.2 g/dL), but it was similar among samples from 3-4 months to 7-8 months (1.3 g/dL). Mean lipid levels varied among different lactational period groups (2.7-3.2 g/dL), but presented no significant difference. Lactose concentration in the milk samples did not differ with lactation period. Maternal body mass index was positively related to protein and lipid breast milk contents, but was negatively related to lactose content. General linear models examining the associations between maternal variables and milk macronutrient content revealed that lactation period had a major impact on protein and lipid, but not on lactose content in breast milk.

CONCLUSIONS

These results warrant future studies to explore factors that may be associated with changes in macronutrient content in human milk.

The FACT score in predicting pneumococcal antibody levels in asthmatics

BACKGROUND

There is no measure currently available to identify asthmatics with potential immune incompetence.

OBJECTIVE

We propose use of a novel scoring system called the FACT score, which is formulated based on four parameters: (1) Family history of asthma, (2) Atopic conditions, (3) Bacterial colonization and (4) Th1 versus Th2 immune profile.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study involving 16 asthmatics and 14 non-asthmatics. The first two parameters of the FACT score were obtained via a chart review and interview. For the third parameter, nasopharyngeal swab samples were cultured. The ratio of interleukin-5 to interferon-gamma for each patient was measured by peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured with house dust mite. Antibodies to 23 pneumococcal antigens were used for humoral immunity.

RESULTS

The FACT scores for asthmatics (mean ± SD: 5.2 ± 1.87) were higher than those for non-asthmatics (mean ± SD: 3.3 ± 1.5) (p = 0.008). Of the 16 asthmatics, 7 (44%) had 12 or more positive serotype-specific polysaccharide antibodies, whereas 12 of 14 (86%) of non-asthmatics subjects had 12 or more positive serotype-specific polysaccharide antibodies (p = 0.014). Overall, the FACT score was inversely correlated with the number of positive serotype-specific antibody levels [rho (ρ) = -0.38, p = 0.04]. The proportions of subjects with 12 or more positive serotype-specific antibodies among non-asthmatics and asthmatics below and above the median of the FACT scores were 86, 50 and 38%, respectively (p = 0.052).

CONCLUSIONS

The FACT score may help us identify a subset of asthmatics with immune incompetence. Study findings need to be replicated in a larger study.

Bioequivalence study of two imatinib formulations after single-dose administration in healthy Korean male volunteers

Imatinib mesylate is effective for chronic myeloid leukaemia and gastrointestinal tumours. We aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of a 200-mg imatinib tablet compared to 2×100-mg imatinib tablets in order to meet the regulatory requirements for marketing in Korea.An open-label, randomized, single-dose, 2-period, 2-treatment cross-over study was conducted in 28 healthy Korean male volunteers. Subjects were administered a 200-mg imatinib tablet and 2×100-mg imatinib tablets under a fasting state according to a randomly assigned order with a 2-week wash-out period. Serial blood samples were collected up to 72 h post-dose. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental methods.A total of 28 subjects were enrolled and 23 subjects completed the study. There were no serious adverse events during the study. 23 mild to moderate adverse events were reported (11 events with 200-mg imatinib vs. 12 events with 2×100-mg imatinib) and subjects recovered without sequelae. The Cmax value was 922.8±318.8 μg/L at 3.15 h for 200-mg imatinib tablet, and 986.3±266.0 μg/L at 2.91 h for the 2×100-mg imatinib tablet. The AUClast of 200-mg and 2×100-mg tablets were 13 084.3±39.1 and 14 131.7±3 826.2 h · μg/L, respectively. The geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) for Cmax and AUClast were 0.9121 (0.8188, 1.0161) and 0.9558 (0.8685, 1.0519), respectively.A newly developed 200-mg imatinib tablet was bioequivalent to 2×100-mg imatinib tablets in healthy Korean subjects. A single-dose of either of the 2 formulations was generally well tolerated.

Pharmacokinetics of a new once-daily controlled-release sarpogrelate hydrochloride compared with immediate-release formulation and the effect of food

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Sarpogrelate is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtype 2A antagonist that inhibits platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of a sarpogrelate controlled-release formulation (CR) with those of the immediate-release formulation (IR). The effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of CR sarpogrelate was also evaluated.

METHODS

A randomized, open-label, 3-period, 3-treatment crossover study was conducted in 50 healthy male subjects. Subjects were allocated into one of six sequence groups. In one period, a 100-mg IR formulation was administered three times at 6-h intervals, and in the other two periods, a 300-mg CR formulation was administered once to fasting and once to fed subjects. Each period was separated by a 7-day washout period. Serial blood samples were collected up to 24 h after the first drug administration in each period. The plasma concentrations of sarpogrelate were analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental methods.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

After the administration of the IR formulation, the plasma concentration reached a peak at 0·48 h and the drug was eliminated with a half-life (t1/2 ) of 0·7 h. After administration of the CR formulation, the plasma concentration reached a peak at 0·5 h and the drug was eliminated with a t1/2 of 3·23 h. The geometric mean ratios (CR/IR) for sarpogrelate area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and the maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) were 1·2040 (90% confidence interval (CI): 1·0992-1·3188) and 0·9462 (90% CI: 0·8504-1·0529). When CR was administered to fed subjects, the time to peak concentration was prolonged to 3·97 h and t1/2 was shortened to 1·45 h. The geometric mean ratios (fasting/fed) for sarpogrelate AUC and Cmax were 0·8573 (90% CI: 0·7687-0·9561) and 0·6452 (90% CI: 0·5671-0·7341).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

After the administration of CR and IR formulations of the same daily dose of sarpogrelate hydrochloride, the overall systemic exposure was slightly higher for the CR than for the IR formulation, whereas peak concentration was comparable between the two formulations. Food reduced the bioavailability of sarpogrelate CR.

Asthma and antibodies to pneumococcal virulence proteins

PURPOSE

We previously reported that asthmatics had lower anti-serotype-specific pneumococcal polysaccharide antibody levels than non-asthmatics, and the T-helper 2 (Th2) immune profile was associated with suboptimal pneumococcal polysaccharide antibody. Our objective was to determine the influence of asthma status on anti-pneumococcal protein antigen antibody levels.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study, which enrolled 16 children and adults with asthma and 14 subjects without asthma. Asthma was ascertained by predetermined criteria. Serum IgG antibody levels to pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), pneumococcal surface protein C (PspC), pneumococcal choline-binding protein A (PcpA), and pneumolysin (PLY) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). These antibody levels were compared between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. The Th2 immune profile was determined by IL-5 secretion from PBMCs cultured with house dust mite (HDM) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) at day 7. The correlation between the anti-pneumococcal antibody levels and the Th2-HDM and SEB-responsive immune profile was assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 30 subjects, 16 (53%) were male and the median age was 26 years. There were no significant differences in anti-PspA, anti-PspC, anti-PcpA, and anti-PLY antibody levels between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. The Th2 immune profile was inversely correlated with the anti-PspC antibody levels (r = -0.53, p = 0.003). This correlation was significantly modified by asthma status (r = -0.74, p = 0.001 for asthmatics vs. r = -0.06, p = 0.83 for non-asthmatics). Other pneumococcal protein antibodies were not correlated with the Th2 immune profile.

CONCLUSION

No significant differences in the anti-pneumococcal protein antigen antibody levels between asthmatics and non-asthmatics were found. Asthma status is an important effect modifier determining the negative influence of the Th2 immune profile on anti-PspC antibody levels.

Influence of asthma status on serotype-specific pneumococcal antibody levels

BACKGROUND

Asthma has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).

OBJECTIVE

We compared serotype-specific antibody responses with pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens of individuals with and without asthma.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted for 16 subjects with asthma and 14 subjects without asthma from the community of Rochester, MN. Asthma was determined by predetermined criteria based on comprehensive medical record reviews. Serotype-specific antibody to 23 pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and seropositivity was considered ≥ 1.3 μg/mL. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) were measured from peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured with house dust mites and staphylococcal enterotoxin B.

RESULTS

Of the 30 subjects, 16 (53%) were male, 21 (70%) were white, and the median age was 26 years. The median numbers of positive serotype-specific antibodies for asthmatics and nonasthmatics were 8.5 and 15.5, respectively (P = 0.034). There was an inverse relationship between the ratio of log-transformed IL-5/IFN-γ and the number of positive serotype-specific antibodies (r = -0.36; P = 0.052). As potential covariates and confounders, a history of pneumococcal vaccination (P = 0.84), having a high-risk condition for IPD (P = 0.68), and taking asthma medications, including inhaled/systemic corticosteroids (P = 0.79), were not associated with the number of positive serotype-specific antibodies.

CONCLUSION

Asthmatics had significantly lower serotype-specific pneumococcal antibody levels than nonasthmatics. House dust mite-induced T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokine immune profile may be related to the association. This may account for an increased risk of IPD in asthmatics and deserves further investigation.

Inflammatory bowel disease and asthma: a population-based, case-control study

BACKGROUND

A few cross-sectional studies reported an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among asthmatics. We conducted a population-based, case-control study that applied predetermined criteria for asthma and IBD to determine whether asthma, as a T-helper 2 (Th2) condition, reduces the risk of IBD, a Th1 condition.

METHODS

This was a population-based, case-control study using criteria-based ascertainment for IBD and asthma. Subjects were all Rochester, Minnesota, residents who had developed IBD between 1964 and 1983 and their age- and gender-matched controls, using 1:1 matching. Controls were randomly selected from the community using the Rochester Epidemiology Project database and confirmed not to have IBD. All cases and controls were merged with the database comprising all Rochester residents with or without asthma between 1964 and 1983.

RESULTS

Of the 231 IBD cases, 55% had ulcerative colitis and the remainder had Crohn's disease. Of these, 50.4% were male and 98.1% were Caucasians. The mean age at the time of IBD diagnosis was 33.8 years. Four cases (1.7%) had asthma prior to the index date of IBD, whereas two controls (0.9%) had asthma (unadjusted odds ratio [OR]: 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-28.84, P = 0.34). Similarly, 16 IBD cases (6.9%) had asthma ever while 12 controls (5.2%) had asthma ever (unadjusted OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 0.62-3.38, P = 0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Asthma as a Th2 condition does not reduce the risk of IBD as a Th1 condition. Because of the limitations of our study and others, the association between asthma and IBD needs to be further studied.

Increased risk of serious pneumococcal disease in patients with atopic conditions other than asthma

BACKGROUND

We reported an increased risk of serious pneumococcal disease (SPD) among patients with asthma. It is not known whether this is true for patients with other atopic conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between atopic conditions other than asthma and SPD.

METHODS

The study subjects were residents of Rochester, Minn, who developed SPD between 1964 and 1983 and their 2 sex-matched and age-matched controls. We used a population-based computer-linked medical diagnosis system to identify all individuals with potential SPD. All records were reviewed by using explicit predetermined criteria for SPD. All individuals with atopic conditions were identified by the physician diagnoses including atopic dermatitis or eczema, allergic rhinitis, and hay fever documented in medical records. The associations between these atopic conditions and SPD were assessed by using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 3941 records were reviewed, and we identified 174 SPD cases. Of these 174 cases, 50.6% were male, and 94.3% were Caucasian. Twenty-six (14.9%) of the SPD cases and 29 (8.3%) of the controls had atopy. Atopic conditions other than asthma were associated with an increased risk of SPD (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.04-4.35; P = .04) after adjusting for smoking status, previous high-risk conditions for SPD, educational status, and ethnicity.

CONCLUSION

Like asthma, other atopic conditions, particularly atopic dermatitis, are associated with an increased risk of SPD. There may be a common immunogenetic mechanism underlying increased risk of SPD among individuals with either asthma or other atopic conditions. Our study findings need to be studied further.

Ganglioneuroblastoma presenting as dilated cardiomyopathy

We report an unusual presentation of ganglioneuroblastoma with features of dilated cardiomyopathy in a 22 month old girl. She was admitted with cardiomegaly; during echocardiography a suspicious abdominal mass was detected by chance. Further imaging studies, including abdominal ultrasonography and spiral computed tomography, revealed a solid mass originating in the right adrenal gland. Metabolic studies and pathological findings were compatible with ganglioneuroblastoma. Following tumour removal and supportive therapy for cardiomyopathy, her clinical condition and laboratory findings improved. Although ganglioneuroblastoma with features of dilated cardiomyopathy is rare, because neurogenic tumours may be involved in its development, measurement of catecholamines in children with dilated cardiomyopathy is strongly recommended.

Effect of SKI 306X, a new herbal anti-arthritic agent, in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a double-blind placebo controlled study

SKI 306X is a purified extract from a mixture of three oriental herbal medicines (Clematis mandshurica, Trichosanthes kirilowii and Prunella vulgaris) that have been widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as lymphadenitis and arthritis in far East Asia. A double-blind, controlled study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SKI 306X with placebo in 96 patients with classical osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients were randomized to four treatment groups: placebo, 200 mg, 400 mg and 600 mg of SKI 306X t.i.d.. Clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated for 4 weeks continuous treatment. SKI 306X demonstrated its clinical efficacy, as assessed by 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS), Lequesne index and patients' and investigators opinion of the therapeutic effect compared with placebo (p<0.01). No significant adverse events were observed in patients treated with SKI 306X. This study demonstrated that SKI 306X, a new herbal anti-arthritic agent provided clinical efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis.

Salviae radix root extract inhibits immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic reaction

We investigated the effects of the aqueous extract of Salviae radix root (SRRAE) on immediate allergic reactions. SRRAE inhibited by 72.7% passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE). SRRAE dose dependently inhibited histamine release and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) by anti-DNP IgE. However, SRRAE showed no significant inhibitory effect on compound 48/80-induced systemic allergic reaction and histamine release from RPMCs. The level of cAMP in RPMCs, when SRRAE was added, significantly increased compared with that of a normal control. These results indicate that SRRAE may contain compounds with actions that inhibit anti-DNP IgE-induced mast cell degranulation in rats.

Rapid purification and characterization of nucleoside diphosphate kinase isoforms using ATP-sepharose affinity column chromatography

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDP kinases), products of the nm23 gene, catalyze the transfer of the terminal phosphate group of the nucleoside triphosphate to the corresponding diphosphate and may be involved in tumor metastasis suppression, development, and signal transduction. NDP kinase from various sources including human erythrocytes, rat brain tissue and E. coli strain BL21 transformed with pET3C expression plasmids containing nm23-H1 or nm23-H2, were purified in one step to homogeneity using ATP-sepharose affinity column chromatography. This method was applicable for the purification of various NDP kinases which show the same enzymatic activity and immunodetection, but have various molecular weight and quaternary structures.