Ceramide NPs Derived from Natural Oils of Korean Traditional Plants Enhance Skin Barrier Functions and Stimulate Expressions of Genes for Epidermal Homeostasis

BACKGROUND

New ceramide (CER) NPs were prepared by linking fatty acids derived from oils of Korean traditional plants to phytosphingosine(PHS). The oils of Korean traditional plants were extracted from the seeds of Panax ginseng, Camellia sinensis, Glycine max napjakong, Glycine max seoritae and Camellia japonica as sources of diverse fatty acids AIMS: To investigate signaling bioactivities of HP-C. sinensis ceramide NP that was column purified to remove any residual PHS and to evaluate the skin barrier functions of the HP-C. sinensis ceramide NP in human skin.

METHODS

The expressions of genes related with epidermal differentiation was analyzed in vitro by qPCR. Human studies were also performed to determine the skin barrier functions with respect of TEWL and SC cohesion.

RESULTS

The HP-C. sinensis CER NP significantly enhanced the expressions of FLG, CASP14 and INV indicates that the signaling biological activities of oil-derived ceramide NPs could be different depend on the natural oils. The control ceramide, C18-CER NP had no effect on the expression of the three genes. HP-C. sinensis CER NP was selected for the in vivo human studies. Application of 0.5% HP-C. sinensis CER NP cream stimulated significantly faster recovery of a disrupted skin barrier than that of the control C18-CER NP. A significant enhancement of SC cohesion of the skin treated with 0.5% HP-C. sinensis CER NP was also observed.

CONCLUSION

Taken all together, our results clearly demonstrate that HP-C. sinensis CER NP, P. ginseng CER NP and other oil-derived CER NP could be a better choice for developing moisturizers to improve skin barrier function as they more closely mimic the endogenous CER composition of the actual human skin barrier.

Effect of a new herbal composition comprised of red clover and hop extract on human endothelial cell damage and vasorelaxant activity

Hormone replacement therapy may cause various side effects, including enhancing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women. Here, we investigated the effect of red clover and hop extract combination (RHEC) on estrogen receptor (ER) binding and endothelial function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to develop an herbal agent for reducing the risk of CVDs. In ER competitor assay, RHEC showed binding affinity toward ERα and ERβ with IC50 values of 5.92 µg/ml and 1.66 µg/ml, respectively. In HUVECs, RHEC significantly increased the cell viability and reduced the reactive oxygen species production against oxidative stress-induced damage. We also showed that RHEC increased the NO production through upregulating the endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression via ER activation in estrogen depleted condition. In particular, RHEC showed greater efficacy with increase in NO and decrease in endothelin-1 than red clover or hop treatment alone. Additionally, 0.3-0.5 mg/ml of RHEC-induced vasorelaxation of rat aortic rings precontracted by phenylephrine. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Recently, a large interest has grown in the synergistic effects of phytochemicals for better therapies to treat various diseases. Red clover and hop are well-known edible plants which are widely used to help relieve postmenopausal symptoms including CVD. However, their combination has not been studied so far. For the first time, we demonstrated that RHEC, a new herbal combination comprising the extracts from red clover and hop, appeared to be effective in protection of endothelial function against oxidative stress and estrogen depletion. Therefore, RHEC could be a potent herbal agent for reducing the risk of endothelial damage.

APE1/Ref-1 Inhibits Phosphate-Induced Calcification and Osteoblastic Phenotype Changes in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Vascular calcification plays a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease; however, the role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) in inorganic phosphate (Pi)-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the possible role of APE1/Ref-1 in Pi-induced VSMC calcification. We observed that Pi decreased endogenous APE1/Ref-1 expression and promoter activity in VSMCs, and that adenoviral overexpression of APE1/Ref-1 inhibited Pi-induced calcification in VSMCs and in an ex vivo organ culture of a rat aorta. However, a redox mutant of APE1/Ref-1(C65A/C93A) did not reduce Pi-induced calcification in VSMCs, suggesting APE1/Ref-1-mediated redox function against vascular calcification. Additionally, APE1/Ref-1 overexpression inhibited Pi-induced intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, and APE1/Ref-1 overexpression resulted in decreased Pi-induced lactate dehydrogenase activity, pro-apoptotic Bax levels, and increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein levels. Furthermore, APE1/Ref-1 inhibited Pi-induced osteoblastic differentiation associated with alkaline phosphatase activity and inhibited Pi-exposure-induced loss of the smooth muscle phenotype. Our findings provided valuable insights into the redox function of APE1/Ref-1 in preventing Pi-induced VSMC calcification by inhibiting oxidative stress and osteoblastic differentiation, resulting in prevention of altered osteoblastic phenotypes in VSMCs.

Novel phytoceramides containing fatty acids of diverse chain lengths are better than a single C18-ceramide N-stearoyl phytosphingosine to improve the physiological properties of human stratum corneum

Ceramides in the human stratum corneum (SC) are a mixture of diverse N-acylated fatty acids (FAs) with different chain lengths. C24 is the major class of FAs of ceramides. However, there are also other classes of ceramides with diverse chain lengths of FAs, and these lengths generally range from C16 to C26. This study aimed to prepare several types of phytoceramide containing diverse chain lengths of N-acylated FAs and compare them with C18-ceramide N-stearoyl phytosphingosine (NP) in terms of their effects on the physiological properties of the SC. We chose natural oils, such as horse fat oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, and a mixture of macadamia nut, shea butter, moringa, and meadowfoam seed oil, as sources of FAs and phytosphingosine as a sphingoid backbone to synthesize diverse phytoceramides. Each phytoceramide exhibited a distinctive formation of the lamellar structure, and their FA profiles were similar to those of their respective natural oil. The skin barrier properties, as analyzed in human skin, clearly demonstrated that all the phytoceramides improved the recovery rate of the damaged SC and enhanced hydration better than C18-ceramide NP did. In conclusion, natural oil-derived phytoceramides could represent a novel class of ceramides for cosmetic applications in the development of an ideal skin barrier moisturizer.

Ethanol Extract of Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis Suppresses Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Inflammatory Response in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis, commonly known as Chinese cabbage, is a cruciferous vegetable traditionally consumed in east Asia. Although its habitual consumption could account for the low incidence of chronic vascular inflammation, the therapeutic and protective potential of phytochemicals derived from Chinese cabbage has been poorly studied. In this study, we identified the phenolic compounds, kaempferol and quercetin, from the ethanol extract of Chinese cabbage (EtCC). We show for the first time that EtCC contains effective phytochemicals that suppress tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced inflammatory response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The EtCC inhibited TNF-α-induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. The antiadhesive activity of EtCC directly correlated with downregulation of expression and transcription of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). It was caused by an Nrf-2-dependent mechanism, leading to activation of antioxidant responsive element-driven promoter. Taken together, these results suggest that EtCC inhibits the expression of TNF-α-induced adhesion molecules through the indirect transcriptional modulation of VCAM-1 in endothelial cells. In conclusion, regular consumption of vegetables containing dietary phytochemicals might be a potential therapeutic strategy to protect against various stresses, to prevent several pathological conditions, and to treat chronic vascular inflammation, such as atherosclerosis.

Abstract 2119: Acetylated secretory APE1/Ref-1 induces apoptotic cell death in orthotopic xenografts of triple-negative breast cancer

The anticancer properties of acetylated secretory apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1 (Ape1/Ref-1) was suggested in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells; Posttranslational modification, hyperacetylation in MDA-MB-231 cells caused extracellular secretion of acetylated-APE1/Ref-1 (Ac-APE1/Ref-1) and initiated apoptotic cell death by auto-, paracrine binding to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). In the present study, we observed potential therapeutic efficacy of Ac-APE1/Ref-1 in preclinical orthotopic models of TNBC in response to hyperacetylation. The extracellular Ac-APE1/Ref-1 was confirmed by proximity ligation assay in hyperacetylated tumor tissue, showing direct binding of Ac-APE1/Ref-1 and RAGE. Treatment of orthotopic TNBC xenografts with acetylating agents induced a strong growth inhibition in the tumor development as observed in computed tomography: it caused an increase of RAGE expression and activation of caspase-3 and PARP. The tumors also exhibited markedly higher count of apoptotic bodies and reduced proliferation index and neovascularization compared with control tumors. However, the Ac-APE1/Ref-1-stimulated apoptotic cell death was remarkably retarded in RAGE-knockout tumor even in hyperacetylation compared with RAGE-overexpressed one. The functional role of secreted Ac-APE1/Ref-1 in hyperacetylated TNBC was confirmed in vivo, demonstrating its relevance to the anticancer agent. Our findings suggest that Ac-APE1/Ref-1 protein possesses potent chemotherapeutic efficacy against TNBC, resistant to standard chemotherapeutic agents, warranting further evaluation as an anticancer agent

Citation Format: Yu Ran Lee, Hee Kyoung Joo, Eun Ok Lee, Myoung Soo Park, Byeong Hwa Jeon, Sunga Choi. Acetylated secretory APE1/Ref-1 induces apoptotic cell death in orthotopic xenografts of triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2119. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2119

Norepinephrine provides short-term neuroprotection against Aβ1-42 by reducing oxidative stress independent of Nrf2 activation

Pathophysiological evidence correlating locus ceruleus neuron loss with increased Alzheimer's disease pathology suggests that norepinephrine (NE) is neuroprotective. Here, we evaluated the effects of NE on amyloid-β (Aβ)1-42-induced neurotoxicity and determined how NE exerts its actions in human SK-N-SH neurons. NE protected SK-N-SH cells against Aβ1-42-induced neurotoxicity only after a 4-hour treatment. The ability of NE to reduce Aβ1-42-induced neurotoxicity was independent of the adrenoceptor signaling pathway. Notably, NE downregulated Aβ1-42-mediated increases in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, NE did not affect Aβ1-42-induced activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) redox signaling pathway, known to be involved in oxidative stress. Among the antioxidants tested, N-acetyl cysteine and glutathione, which are not only ROS scavengers but also thiol-reducing agents, mimicked the protective effects of NE. Consistently, Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1 inhibitors, which activated the Nrf2 pathway, failed to decrease Aβ1-42-induced ROS generation and elicited no protection against Aβ1-42. Taken together, these findings suggest that NE could exert neuroprotective function against Aβ1-42 via redox cycling and reduction of intracellular oxidative stress regardless of downstream activation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Amyloid-β peptide-induced extracellular S100A9 depletion is associated with decrease of antimicrobial peptide activity in human THP-1 monocytes

Background

S100A9 protein (myeloid-related protein MRP14, also referred to as calgranulin B) is a reliable marker of inflammation, an important proinflammatory factor of innate immunity and acts as an additional antimicrobial peptide in the innate immune system. Evidence indicates that S100A9 contributes to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology, although the precise mechanisms are not clear.

Methods

We were interested to study the mechanisms of S100A9 release upon Aβ1-42 stimulation, the potential roles of extracellular S100A9 depletion in Aβ-induced cytotoxicity, and the interaction with innate immune response in THP-1 monocytic cells that have been challenged with mostly Aβ1-42 monomers instead of oligomers. We used protein preparation, Ca²⁺ influx fluorescence imaging, MTT assay, siRNA knockdown, colony forming units (CFUs) assay and western blotting techniques to perform our study.

Results

Aβ1-42 monomers elicited a marked decrease of S100A9 release into the cell culture supernatant in a dose-dependent manner in human THP-1 monocytes. This reduction of S100A9 release was accompanied by an increase of intracellular Ca²⁺ level. Aβ1-42-mediated decrease of S100A9 release was not associated with Aβ1-42-induced cytotoxicity as measured by MTT reduction assay. This observation was confirmed with the recombinant S100A9, which had little effect on Aβ1-42-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, depletion of S100A9 with siRNA did not significantly evoke the cell toxicity. On the other hand, Aβ1-42-induced extracellular S100A9 depletion resulted in decreased antimicrobial activity of the culture supernatant after Aβ1-42 stimulation. Immunodepletion of S100A9 with anti-S100A9 also decreased the antimicrobial peptide activity of the vehicle treated culture supernatant. Consistently, the recombinant S100A9 clearly elicited the antimicrobial peptide activity in vitro, confirming the observed antimicrobial activity of S100A9 in the culture supernatant.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings suggest that the mostly monomeric form of Aβ1-42 negatively regulates the innate immune system by down-regulating the secretion of S100A9, which is likely a main mediator of antimicrobial activity in the conditioned media of human THP-1 monocytes.

15-deoxy-Δ¹²,¹⁴ -prostaglandin J₂ inhibits human immunodeficiency virus-1 tat-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CCL2 production by blocking the extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 signaling pathway independently of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and heme oxygenase-1 in rat hippocampal slices

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced inflammation, and its consequences within the central nervous system (CNS), must be countered by multiple pharmacologic agents, and 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14) -prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ2) may hold promise in the treatment of pathologies associated with this inflammatory response. 15d-PGJ2 can repress the inflammatory response by means of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ)-dependent and -independent mechanisms. However, its precise role and antiinflammatory mechanism in the hippocampus remain poorly understood. In the present study, rat hippocampal slices were stimulated with full-length HIV-1 Tat protein to investigate the role of 15d-PGJ2 8in the hippocampal inflammatory response. Pretreatment of slices with 15d-PGJ2 markedly reduced Tat-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) production. Interestingly, the PPARγ antagonist GW9662 did not inhibit action of 15d-PGJ2, confirming the latter's PPARγ-independent mechanism of mediating antiinflammatory effects. Despite 15d-PGJ2's increasing the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), its action was not abrogated by the HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX), nor was it recapitulated by HO-1 inducers such as cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP). Moreover, short interfering RNA (siRNA)-directed knockdown of HO-1 did not abolish the antiinflammatory action of 15d-PGJ2 against Tat-induced MCP-1 production in human microglia-like THP-1 cells. Conversely, 15d-PGJ2 suppressed Tat-induced ERK1/2 activation, decreasing MCP-1 production upon Tat stimulation. The NADPH oxidase inhibitors DPI and apocynin also abrogated Tat-stimulated ERK1/2 activation, reducing MCP-1 production. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the antiinflammatory effects of 15d-PGJ2 on the hippocampus are exerted through inhibition of Tat-mediated ERK1/2 activation, coupled with that of a redox-sensitive pathway, independent of PPARγ and HO-1.

Norepinephrine differentially modulates the innate inflammatory response provoked by amyloid-β peptide via action at β-adrenoceptors and activation of cAMP/PKA pathway in human THP-1 macrophages

Evidence indicates that norepinephrine (NE) has antiinflammatory activities and plays a neuroprotective role where inflammatory events contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathology. Here, we evaluated the effects of NE on amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ1-42)-induced cytotoxicity and proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine secretion, and determined the mechanisms through which NE exerts its actions in human THP-1 macrophages. NE clearly reduced the Aβ1-42-mediated production of the proinflammatory chemokine, monocytic chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2). In contrast to its ability to reduce MCP-1 secretion, NE enhanced the amounts of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β secreted from Aβ1-42 treated cells. NE significantly reduced the Aβ1-42-induced cytotoxicity in situations where it contributed to the increased IL-1β and decreased MCP-1 during Aβ1-42 stimulation. The ability of NE to differentially modulate the Aβ1-42-induced immune responses was mediated by β-adrenoceptors, as the aforementioned effects were replicated by the β-adrenoceptor agonist, isoproterenol, and blocked by the β-adrenoceptor antagonist, dl-propranolol. Of note, the NE effects on Aβ1-42-induced responses were mimicked by dbcAMP and forskolin, but significantly blocked by H89, an inhibitor of PKA. Moreover, NE abolished Aβ1-42-mediated decline of CREB phosphorylation. Overall, NE suppresses Aβ1-42-mediated cytotoxicity and MCP-1 secretion, but enhances Aβ-mediated IL-1β secretion through action at β-adrenoceptors, accompanied by activation of cAMP/PKA pathway and CREB in human microglia-like THP-1 cells.

Extracellular HIV-1 Tat upregulates TNF-α dependent MCP-1/CCL2 production via activation of ERK1/2 pathway in rat hippocampal slice cultures: inhibition by resveratrol, a polyphenolic phytostilbene

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) associated dementia (HAD) has been attributed to an encephalitis resulting from intense infiltration of monocytes. Evidence suggests that the viral protein Tat, which is released actively from HIV-1 infected cells, can contribute significantly to this process. Therefore, the principal objective of this study was to evaluate the potential molecular basis for the role of extracellular HIV-1 Tat in the induction of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) in the hippocampus, which is primarily linked to cognitive function and most commonly damaged in HAD. We also attempted to identify the mechanism by which resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) modulates MCP-1 release in hippocampal tissues exposed to Tat. An ex vivo study using rat hippocampal slices demonstrated a time- and dose-dependent increase in MCP-1 production from Tat-treated hippocampal tissues. This increase was accompanied by the activation of the MEK/ERK pathway and TNF-α production. Tat-induced MCP-1 release was abrogated by inhibitors of tyrosine kinases (TK), herbimycin A or genistein, a finding that supports the MAPK signaling mechanism. The inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway with SL327 induced a near-complete abolition of the observed Tat-induced effects. Furthermore, anti-TNF-α antibodies suppressed Tat-induced MCP-1 release. Resveratrol, to a level similar to that of SL327, downregulated Tat-induced proinflammatory responses via the inactivation of ERK1/2. These results indicate that the activation of the ERK1/2 pathway and TK are critical factors in the production of TNF-α and MCP-1 in the Tat-exposed hippocampus. Additionally, the inhibition of Tat-induced production of MCP-1 and TNF-α via the inactivation of the ERK1/2 pathway may represent the anti-inflammatory mechanism of resveratrol in the hippocampus.

Feasibility and effects of a tai chi self-help education program for Korean gastric cancer survivors

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility of conducting a study of a tai chi self-help education program in Korean adults with gastric cancer and to describe the effects of a six-month tai chi self-help education program on depression, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and immune markers.

DESIGN

One-group, pre- and post-test design.

SETTING

Outpatient clinics of two large hospitals in the Republic of Korea.

SAMPLE

Convenience sample of 33 Korean adults with gastric cancer diagnoses after gastrectomy.

METHODS

The Korean gastric cancer survivors participated in a 24-week tai chi self-help education program. The participants completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (Korean version) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (Korean version) for HRQOL and provided blood samples for immune markers. All measurements were conducted at baseline and at one week following the 24-week intervention.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Feasibility was determined as the percentage of participants completing the 24-week protocol. Preliminary data on depression, HRQOL, and immune markers were obtained.

FINDINGS

The dropout rate was 36.4%; 21 of 33 survivors participated in the tai chi self-help education program for 24 weeks. No complications or injuries occurred to the participants during the program. No significant differences were noted in depression, HRQOL, and immune markers before and after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Tai chi exercise, in combination with a self-help program, can be safe and feasible for Korean gastric cancer survivors. This feasibility study did not show that the tai chi self-help education program improves depression, HRQOL, and immune markers in Korean gastric cancer survivors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Additional studies are needed to determine the long-term impact relative to usual care.

Resveratrol reduces glutamate-mediated monocyte chemotactic protein-1 expression via inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway in rat hippocampal slice cultures

Published evidence has linked glutamate with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the up-regulation of a variety of chemokines, including monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)/chemokine ligand 2, with AD-associated pathological changes. In this study, we assessed the potential molecular basis for the role of glutamate in hippocampal inflammation by determining its effects on MCP-1 induction. We also attempted to identify the mechanism by which resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene), a polyphenolic phytostilbene, modulates the expression of MCP-1 in the glutamate-stimulated hippocampus. An ex vivo study using rat hippocampal slices demonstrated a time- and dose-dependent increase in MCP-1 release from glutamate-exposed hippocampus. This increase was accompanied by enhanced MCP-1 gene expression via the activation of the MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) expression. The inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway with SL327, which is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, nearly abolished the observed glutamate-induced effects. Furthermore, anti-IL-1beta antibodies suppressed the glutamate-induced expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein, whereas an isotype-matched antibody exerted only minimal effects. It is worthy of note that resveratrol, to a similar degree as SL327, down-regulated glutamate-induced IL-1beta expression and reduced the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein release via the inactivation of ERK1/2. These results indicate that the activation of the MEK/ERK pathway and the consequent IL-1beta expression are essential for glutamate-stimulated MCP-1 production in the hippocampus. Additionally, our data reveal an anti-inflammatory mechanism of resveratrol involving the inactivation of the ERK1/2 pathway in the hippocampus, which is linked principally to AD-associated cognitive dysfunction.

Adhering to a t'ai chi program to improve glucose control and quality of life for individuals with type 2 diabetes

PURPOSE

This study was to examine the effects of adherence to a 6-month t'ai chi exercise program on glucose control, diabetic self-care activities, and quality of life among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHOD

The data from a quasi-experimental study at multisite health-promotion centers in Korea with pretest and 3- and 6-month post-test measures were used. Ninety-nine (99) adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c 6.0 or higher were included in the analysis. The t'ai chi intervention consisted of 19 movements from Yang and Sun styles provided twice a week for 6 months. Sixty-two (62) subjects completed both pretest and post-test measures. To achieve the desired outcomes, subjects needed to complete 80% of the sessions of the t'ai chi program, and 31 subjects who met this criteria were compared to those who did not (n = 31). Outcome measures included glucose control (fasting blood sugar, HbA1c), diabetic self-care activities, and quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey, version 2).

RESULTS

Using repeated measure analysis of variance for baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, the adherent group had greater decline in fasting glucose (interaction effect F = 5.60, df = 2, p < 0.05) and HbA1c (interaction effect F = 4.15, df = 2, p < 0.05) than the nonadherers. The adherent group performed significantly more diabetic self-care activities (interaction effect F = 5.13, df = 2, p < 0.05), and had better quality of life in mental component summary, social functioning, mental health, and vitality as compared to the nonadherent group. The significant differences in quality of life remained after adjusting for self-care activities except for mental health, which was no longer significant.

CONCLUSION

For those with type 2 diabetes, t'ai chi could be an alternative exercise intervention to increase glucose control, diabetic self-care activities, and quality of life. Whether t'ai chi can reduce or prevent diabetic complications requires further study.

In vivo anti-cancer activity of Korean Angelica gigas and its major pyranocoumarin decursin

We have reported that a 10-herbal traditional formula containing Korean Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) exerts potent anti-cancer efficacy and identified decursin and decursinol angelate (DA) from AGN as novel anti-androgens. Here, we determined whether AGN would exert in vivo anti-cancer activity and whether decursin or DA could account for its efficacy. The AGN ethanol extract was tested against the growth of mouse Lewis lung cancer (LLC) allograft in syngenic mice or human PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer xenograft in immunodeficient mice. The pharmacokinetics of decursin and DA were determined. The AGN extract significantly inhibited LLC allograft growth (30 mg/kg) and PC-3 and DU145 xenograft growth (100 mg/kg) without affecting the body weight of the host mice. Biomarker analyses revealed decreased cell proliferation (Ki67, PCNA), decreased angiogenesis (VEGF, microvessel density) and increased apoptosis (TUNEL, cPARP) in treated tumors. Decursin and DA injected intraperitoneally were rapidly hydrolyzed to decursinol. Decursinol and decursin at 50 mg/kg inhibited LLC allograft growth to the same extent, comparable to 30 mg AGN/kg. Therefore the AGN extract possessed significant in vivo anti-cancer activity, but decursin and DA only contributed moderately to that activity, most likely through decursinol.

Concomitant degradation of beta-catenin and GSK-3 beta potently contributes to glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in rat hippocampal slice cultures

Increasingly, published evidence links glutamate with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. We investigated the molecular mechanism underlying glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampus, which is primarily linked to cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Acute exposure of rat hippocampal slices to glutamate significantly induced cell death, as determined by media lactate dehydrogenase levels and PI staining. Moreover, this was accompanied by Ca2+ influx and calpain-1 activation, as confirmed by the proteolytic pattern of spectrin. Notably, glutamate-induced calpain-1 activation decreased the level of beta-catenin, and this process appeared to be independent of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta), since glutamate also led to loss of GSK-3beta. Calpeptin, a calpain inhibitor, attenuated the glutamate-mediated degradations of spectrin, synaptophysin, and beta-catenin except GSK-3beta and modestly increased cell survival. In contrast, the NMDA receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (APV) effectively reduced all glutamate-evoked responses, i.e., the breakdowns of spectrin, synaptophysin, beta-catenin and GSK-3beta, and cell death. Pharmacological studies and in vitro calpain-1 proteolysis confirmed that in the glutamate-treated hippocampus, calpain-1-mediated decrease of beta-catenin could occur independently of GSK-3beta and of proteasome, and that GSK-3beta degradation is independent of calpain-1. These findings together provide the first direct evidence that glutamate promotes the down-regulations of beta-catenin and GSK-3beta, which potently contribute to neurotoxicity in hippocampus during excitotoxic cell death, and a molecular basis for the protection afforded by calpeptin and APV from the neurotoxic effect of glutamate.

Effects of regular exercise on pain, fatigue, and disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major health problem in Korea. To explore the effects of regular exercise on pain, fatigue, and disability, a descriptive study was conducted in 435 Korean patients with RA. Exercisers were defined as those who are currently exercising more than 3 times a week, for at least 20 minutes, and for more than 6-consecutive months after being diagnosed with RA. The primary finding was that exercisers had significantly less fatigue and disability compared with nonexercisers. Results suggest that regular exercise has advantages for patients with RA to decrease fatigue and disability.

ERK1/2 activation mediates Abeta oligomer-induced neurotoxicity via caspase-3 activation and tau cleavage in rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures

In this study, we investigated the molecular basis for the altered signal transduction associated with soluble amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) oligomer-mediated neurotoxicity in the hippocampus, which is primarily linked to cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer disease (AD). As measured by media lactate dehydrogenase levels, and staining with propidium iodide, acute exposure to low micromolar concentrations of the Abeta1-42 oligomer significantly induced cell death. This was accompanied by activation of the ERK1/2 signal transduction pathway in rat organotypic hippocampal slices. Notably, this resulted in caspase-3 activation by a process that led to proteolytic cleavage of Tau, which was recently confirmed to occur in AD brains. Tau cleavage likely occurred in the absence of overt synaptic loss, as suggested by the preserved levels of synaptophysin, a presynaptic marker. Moreover, among the pharmacological agents tested to inhibit several kinase cascades, only the ERK inhibitor significantly attenuated Abeta1-42 oligomer-induced toxicity concomitant with the reduction of activation of ERK1/2 and caspase-3 to a lesser extent. Importantly, the caspase-3 inhibitor also decreased Abeta oligomer-induced cell death, with no appreciable effect on the ERK signaling pathway, although such treatment was effective in reducing caspase-3 activation and Tau cleavage. Therefore, these results suggest that local targeting of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway to reduce Tau cleavage, as occurs with the inhibition of caspase-3 activation, may modulate the neurotoxic effects of soluble Abeta oligomer in the hippocampus and provide the rationale for symptomatic treatment of AD.

The amyloid-beta peptide suppresses transforming growth factor-beta1-induced matrix metalloproteinase-2 production via Smad7 expression in human monocytic THP-1 cells

Accumulation of the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide in the brain is a crucial factor in the development of Alzheimer disease. Expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), an immunosuppressive cytokine, has been associated in vivo with Abeta accumulation in transgenic mice and recently with Abeta clearance by activated microglia, suggesting its deleterious and beneficial effects in neuronal cells. In this study, we demonstrated that TGF-beta1 stimulated the production of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in a time- and dose-dependent manner in a human monocytic THP-1 cell line. Notably, we found that Abeta1-42 consistently inhibited the TGF-beta1-induced production of MMP-2, the endogenous gene containing Smad response elements, whereas the reverse peptide, Abeta42-1, evidenced little effect. Additionally, Abeta1-42 reduced TGF-beta1-induced increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). This inhibitory effect of Abeta1-42 was also seen in human astroglial T98G cell line. Furthermore, Abeta1-42 significantly induced the expression of Smad7, which appears in turn to mediate the Abeta suppression of the TGF-beta1-induced MMP-2 production. Indeed, Smad7 overexpression mimicked the inhibitory effect of Abeta1-42 on TGF-beta1-induced MMP-2 production. Importantly, Abeta1-42 markedly suppressed the transactivation of the transfected reporter construct, p3TP-Lux, which contains TGF-beta1-inducible Smad response elements. This was concomitant with a decreased MMP-2 production in TGF-beta1-treated cells. Inhibition of cellular Smad7 levels via the small interference RNA method significantly ameliorated the Abeta1-42-mediated suppression of TGF-beta1-inducible transcription reporter activity, thereby restoring MMP-2 induction, whereas Smad7 transfection down-regulated TGF-beta1-inducible transcription reporter activity. Collectively, these data suggest that Abeta1-42 may play an important role in the negative regulation of TGF-beta1-induced MMP-2 production via Smad7 expression.

Mechanisms involved in prostaglandin E2-mediated neuroprotection against TNF-α: possible involvement of multiple signal transduction and β-catenin/T-cell factor

Cerebrospinal fluid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels are elevated in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), which suggests that they are involved in neurodegeneration. We previously reported that TNF-alpha derived from human macrophages, in response to beta-amyloid or amyloidogenic C-terminal peptide, is a main mediator of inflammatory neurotoxicity. In a continuation of this work, the present study investigated the direct effect of PGE2, one of the major prostaglandins produced in the brain, on cell viability in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells treated with TNF-alpha. PGE2 did not promote neurotoxicity, but rather had a strong protective effect against TNF-alpha by ameliorating TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis and also by rescuing the intracellular level of beta-catenin, a key transducer of the Wnt signaling pathway. PGE2-mediated stabilization of beta-catenin was accompanied by T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (Tcf/Lef)-mediated transcriptional activation, which was followed by an increase in the cyclinD1 level. Pharmacological studies provided further evidence supporting the notion that PGE2-mediated neuroprotection against TNF-alpha involves the stimulation of Tcf/Lef signaling through EP1-, EP2-, and EP4-mediated increases of beta-catenin in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, this PGE2 effect appears to be dependent on the activation of protein kinase A, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, phospholipase C, and to a lesser extent protein kinase C. Thus, the molecular mechanism governing the inhibitory effect of PGE2 against TNF-alpha may involve the activation and cross talk of multiple signal transduction and play an important role in regulating the survival of neurons during the neurotoxic inflammatory response associated with neurodegenerative diseases including AD.

Korean women's attitudes toward breast cancer screening tests

The purpose of the study was to explore Korean women's attitudes toward breast cancer screening tests from a feminist perspective. Twenty Korean women working in Dong-Dae-Moon Market in Seoul, South Korea were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using an interview guideline that was developed for the study. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The themes emerged from the analysis process included: "importance of breasts to women", "fearful, but not related to me", "bad previous experience", and "no need for a breast exam." Based on the findings, implications for nursing practice are proposed.

Korean women's breast cancer experience

The purpose of this study was to explore cultural meanings of breast cancer among Korean women in South Korea. A descriptive longitudinal study using methodological triangulation was conducted, and only qualitative findings are presented in this article. Ten Korean women who were newly diagnosed with a plan of surgery and subsequent chemotherapy, who did have severe fatigue at the time of recruitment, were recruited through Seoul National University Hospital. Data were collected using in-depth, 2-hour interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The themes emerged through the analysis process included: (a) "I did wrong," (b) "I cannot ask male physicians." (c) "I don't want to show the operation site to my husband." and (d) "I do household tasks by myself." The overriding theme was marginalization of the women within the context of their patriarchal culture. The findings suggest that culture is an important context circumscribing women's health/illness experience.

Hemolytic and antifungal activity of liposome-entrapped amphotericin B prepared by the precipitation method

A new method of preparing liposomes containing amphotericin B (AmB) was developed with the purpose of reducing the toxicity of AmB without causing a loss in its antifungal activity. The procedure involved the precipitation of AmB and egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) or tris buffered saline (TBS, pH 7.4) by evaporating methanol and chloroform, which had been previously mixed in the buffer solution, at 4 degrees C and 600 mm Hg. The in vitro toxicity of the precipitated liposomes containing 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 wt% AmB was compared with that of the film-swollen liposomes containing the equivalent contents of the drug. The hemolytic ability of the precipitated liposomes at 37 degrees C was 50.3% at maximum of the film-swollen liposomes at a dose of 30 micrograms AmB/ml, as measured after 17-hr incubation. The significant reduction in the hemolysis effect may in fact be attributed to the reduced rate of drug release from the precipitated liposomes. The precipitated liposomes were multilayered and aggregates of AmB were embedded in the bilayers. These aggregates of AmB would be responsible for an intensive positive peak around 330 nm and reduced toxicity. Despite the decrease in toxicity, the activity of the precipitated liposomes against Candida albicans remained almost equipotent to that of the film-swollen liposomes. Therefore, liposomes prepared by the precipitation method are less toxic but equally as active.

[Development in the National Hospice Care Service in Korea]

The urgent needs to establish hospice care systems in Korea arise from the following reasons: (1) a drastic increase in chronically ill patients with the increase of aged population: (2) rapid changes in living environment from the traditional habitation (e.g., Many Koreans living in apartment complexes, which is the most popular form of modern residence in recent years, prefer to die in the hospital.): the overall increase in patients with advanced cancer: (4) recent trends in early discharge of terminally ill patients from the limited hospital facilities to accommodate other medical insurance beneficiaries: (5) easy acceptance of euthanasia owing to the recent social atmosphere that belittles the dignity of human life: (6) medical and nursing care of AIDS patient in terminal stage: (7) and the problem associated with inhumane medical care system, overtreatment, and groundless fears against narcotics. Terminally ill patients were used to be treated in the hospital in the past. In these days, however, they are forced to have home cares with little assistance from the qualified medical personnel because of insufficient hospital facilities, which are even short for the need of emergency patients and provide priority cares to medical insurance beneficiaries with other acute problems. And yet, neither are there any administrative organizations nor systematic medical studies that deal with the level of terminally ill patient's need, their family's problems and resources of hospice care systems in Korea. Thus, most patients are not able to get appropriate medical care at the terminal stage of their lives. The objective of this study is to make comprehensive database for various hospice care organization currently in operation, link them through medical information system, and develop an easily accessible hospice care model that meets the need of most Korean people. Our survey results may be summarized as follows: Nationally there are 40 organizations that provide partial or full hospice care. However, these organizations are not linked to any formal medical service network. Furthermore, the objective of hospice care, care principles, personnel with appropriate training, educational programs, standard for care, costs, consulting service to patients' family members, the extent of medical care from professional staff members, status of hospice facility, and management of those institutions are neither clearly defined nor organized compared to the international hospice care standards. The surveys on patients of terminal stage, grouped in hospice and non-hospice care patients, reveal what they want visiting nursing care to help their pain control, psychological, social and spiritual demands. While the more than 90% of hospice care patients want to reduce their pains, the non-hospice care patients, in addition to their desire for pain control, demanded more psychological, social and spiritual helps as well. The results of this research could be utilized to (1) define the standard of hospice care, (2) provide the guidance for hospice medical care costs, (3) establish the database of hospice care systems, (4) develop softwares, (5) build communication network through Medinet, and (6) provide an organized visiting home nursing care system. These information should be a valuable resource to many medical staffs who are involved in cancer therapy, nursing care, and social welfare programs.

Development of a functional capacity model for the elderly

This study is based on the belief that the amount of nursing care each elderly client requires is determined more by his/or her functional capacity than by diagnosis of medical problems. A functional capacity theoretical model was developed, based on an ecological framework. Environment and personal competence (sensory competence) were hypothesized as predictor constructs, depression as a mediator, and functional capacity as an outcome variable in this model. The model was tested for fit with data from 209 female outpatients of two eye clinics in Seoul, Korea. The results indicated that the hypothesized model fit with the data. Environmental subconcepts showed an indirect effect on functional capacity through depression. This mediating effect of depression was not shown between sensory competence and functional capacity.

Patterns of pain experiences and use of analgesics among hospitalized cancer patients in Korea

Four hundred fifty cancer patients were selected from two public university hospitals and two private university hospitals in a large-sized city (Seoul) as well as a medium-sized city (Taegu) in Korea. Patients were interviewed regarding their experiences with pain during hospitalization and their medical records were reviewed. About 70% of cancer patients had cancer-related pain. Over 50% of the patients with pain had metastases. These findings indicate that Korean patients have relatively advanced cancer status and more severe pain compared with cancer patients hospitalized for treatment in the United States. The mean daily morphine equivalent dose, however, was 55.7 mg, which is lower than practices in the United States. Health professionals seem to rely on their preconceptions about pain and pain management. The results suggest the need for standardization of pain assessment, individualization of pain treatment, and development of educational programs for pain relief measures to improve the care of cancer patients who suffer from pain.

Palmitoyl lysozyme-induced stabilization of PE (phosphatidylethanolamine) liposomes and their interaction with Candida albicans

The interaction with fungal cells of dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine liposomes coated with palmitoyl lysozyme was investigated using lysozyme as a stabilizer for an unstable bilayer as well as a recognizer for a specific target cell. Lysozyme, which interacts with chitin in the fungal cell wall, lyses chitin and kills the cells, was acylated with N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of palmitic acid (NHSP) and incorporated into the lipid bilayer. Lysozyme was optimally modified when the ratio of NHSP to lysozyme was 15 at pH 8.0. Modification of lysozyme was detected by SDS-PAGE, and its molecular weight was about 1,500 greater than that of the intact lysozyme at the optimal ratio of NHSP to lysozyme. The activity of palmitoyl lysozyme toward glycolchitin was reduced to 35% of that of intact lysozyme. Both lysozyme and palmitoyl lysozyme had antifungal activities, but palmitoyl lysozyme was more effective than intact lysozyme against Candida albicans. The minimal molar ratio of palmitoyl lysozyme to phosphatidylethanolamine required to form stable liposomes was 2.4 x 10(-4), and the optimal ratio was about 2.4 x 10(-3). The percentage survival of cells treated with the inserted palmitoyl lysozyme was lower than that of cells treated with free palmitoyl lysozyme. These findings suggest that palmitoyl lysozyme-incorporated liposomal membrane is more effectively adsorbed by Candida albicans than free palmitoyl lysozyme is.

Induction of vesicle-to-micelle transition by bile salts for DOPE vesicles incorporating immunoglobulin G

The vesicle-to-micelle transition of immunoliposomes formed by dioleoylphosphatidyl-ethanolamine (DOPE) and palmitoyl-immunoglobulin G (p-IgG) was investigated in the presence of bile salts and conjugated bile salts. Turbidity and the release of calcein from liposomes were measured as a function of the amount of bile salts added and compared with the solubilizing profiles of the salts according to the number and configurational state of hydroxy groups in the cholate. The solubilizing phenomena by bile salts conjugated with glycine or taurine were investigated in comparison with non-conjugated bile salts. The solubilizing effect of bile salts on the bilayer of immunoliposomes increased remarkably with the number of hydroxy groups, but was not influenced by the configurational state of the hydroxy group. The half-maximal concentration of bile salts, defined as the concentration giving the half-maximum turbidity of liposome solutions, decreased with hydrophobicity in the phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayer. The increase in the hydrophobicity of bile salts induces the ability to permeabilize and solubilize phospholipid vesicles. In the case of PC or PE liposome bilayers with inserted protein, bile salts conjugated with taurine or glycine had lower hydrophobicity than non-conjugated bile salts and showed a lower half-maximal concentration. The conjugated bile salts are believed to interact with lipids and solubilize the bilayers, while the head groups of bile salts interact with the inserted protein and extract it from the lipid bilayer.

[Health belief model and sick role behavior of Korean chronically ill patients]

This article reviewed & analyzed 33 studies of the Health Belief Model applied to korean chronic ill patients which were published from 1975 to 1990. The findings of analysis are as follows. The subjects of researchs are patients with various chronic illness including Pulmonary Tb., DM., Hemodialysis & Kidney Transplantation, Hypertension, etc. The type of research is retrospective survey in all studies. The measurement of health belief in all studies & sick role behavior in most studies have relied on self report. The analysis of the relationship between health belief and sick role behavior was done using correlation coefficient in most studies. To analyze empirical support for the relationship between health belief and sick role behavior, Significance ratio was computed. This ratio is value wherein the number of statistically significant findings with relationship in the expected direction for an HBM dimension are divided by total number of studies which reported significance levels for that dimension. Examination of this ratio across the 33 studies reveals susceptibility (30.3%), severity (34.4%), benefit (65.6%), barrier (50%). The following suggestions are based on the above findings and literature review. 1. It is necessary to develop the reliable, valid and standardized instrument for measurement of health beliefs. 2. In the further measurement of perceived susceptibility of the chronic ill patients. It is considering that the perceived susceptibility and perceived severity are measured together or the measurement of perceived susceptibility is eliminated. 3. Relationship between perceived severity and sick role behavior is suggested to be analized using ANOVA, chi 2 square instead of correlation coefficient. 4. Sick role behaviors should be measured by both self report and objective measurement. 5. Prospective, longitudinal survey should be needed. 6. Other factors influencing sick role behaviors of chronic ill patients should be investigated further.

[A study for assessing accuracy rates of pain rating scales (KPRS and VAS)]

The purpose of this study was to identify the accuracy rates(hit ratio) which mean the degree of concordance between pain rating scale differences over time & subjective comparisons. Subjective comparisons mean the responses to the question "how does the pain you are now experiencing compare with the one at the time of the assessment yesterday?". Answers to this question were translated into 'greater', 'same', or 'less'. KPRS (Korean Pain Rating Scale) was developed through 4 consecutive studies to assess pain extensively & accurately by Lee etc. VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) was reported as valid & reliable measure for the intensity of pain by many researchers. Thirty hospitalized patients with complaints of headache participated in this study during the period from May 1 to July 31, 1987. In conclusion, the accuracy rates of KPRS and VAS were 60%, 67%, respectively.