MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin' source. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:04:01 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664206&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293341%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang C, Wang ZJ, Lok KH, Yin M Abstract The deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and progressive loss of neurons are two main characteristics of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Supplement of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) is a promising strategy for repair of the neurodegenerative diseases. However, hostile microenvironment of neurodegenerative brain is harmful for the neuroregeneration. Aβ(42) promoted the proliferation of NSPCs. Moreover, Aβ(42) (10-1000 nM) promoted the migration of NSPCs in a dose-dependent manner. The attraction of NSPCs toward Aβ(42) was significantly offset by 10 μM cyclosporin H, a potent and selective formyl peptide receptor antagonist. After incubation with Aβ(42) for 9 d, the migration ability of NSPCs was significantly decreased (... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664206 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664205&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293342%26dopt%3DAbstract We reported that native curcumin, at a dosage of 50 mg/kg, prevented deterioration of the systolic function in rat models of heart failure. To achieve more efficient oral pharmacological therapy against heart failure by curcumin, we have developed a novel drug delivery system (DDS) which markedly increases plasma curcumin levels. At the dosage of 0.5 mg/kg, DDS curcumin but not native curcumin restored left ventricular fractional shortening in post-myocardial infarction rats. Thus, our DDS strategy will be applicable to the clinical setting in humans. PMID: 22293342 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664205 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664204&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293343%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu AC, Zhao LX, Xing J, Liu T, Du FY, Lou HX Abstract The study was carried out in the Wistar rats to investigate the effect of curcumin pre-treatment on the pharmacokinetics of the hypertension-treating drug losartan and its metabolite EXP3174 following single oral administration. In the treatment group, rats were gavaged with losartan 10 mg/kg after repeat oral doses of curcumin (100 mg/kg, for 7 d), while rats in the control group were administrated only with the same dose losartan. The results showed that curcumin significantly increased the plasma concentrations of losartan and its metabolite EXP3174. The present study implicated the existence of herb-drug interaction between curcumin and losartan, and further evaluation of the possible interaction during curcu... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664204 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664192&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293344%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Takekuma Y, Yagisawa K, Sugawara M Abstract Carvedilol is administered orally as a racemic mixture of R(+)- and S(-)-enantiomers for treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension and chronic heart failure. We have reported that enzyme kinetic parameters for carvedilol glucuronidation by human liver microsomes (HLM) differed greatly depending on the substrate form, namely, racemic carvedilol and each enantiomer. These phenomena were thought to be caused by mutual inhibition between carvedilol enantiomers during racemate glucuronidation. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of these phenomena in HLM and human intestinal microsomes (HIM) and its relevance to uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) 1A1, UGT2B4 and UGT2B7, which mainly metabolize ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664192 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664187&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293345%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we investigated the effects of TSA on cerebral apoptosis induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in which cerebral ischemia had been induced 2 h earlier. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, the rats were assessed for infarct volume etc. Intraperitoneal administration of 25and 40 mg/kg TSA 10 min after MCAO significantly diminished infarct volume and brain water content and improved neurological deficits in a dose-dependent manner. The 25 mg/kg dosage was more effective. Treatment with 25 mg/kg TSA significantly improved symptoms and reduce infarct volume at different points in time, of which 10 min after MCAO was the most significant. Nissl-staining and HE-staining of the 25 mg/kg TSA group were more appreciable in terms of improvement relative to t... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664187 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664181&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293346%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Teraoka R, Shimada T, Aburada M Abstract Oxidative damage and inflammation are implicated in the pathogenesis of liver injury and fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which gomisin A conferred a hepatoprotective effect, focusing on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects using rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced acute liver injury. Pretreatment with gomisin A prior to the administration of CCl(4) markedly prevented an increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and histological hepatic lesions. Gomisin A was also associated with a decrease in hepatic lipid peroxidation, and increased superoxide dismutase activity, suggesting that gomisin A has an antioxidant effect. In addition gomisin A treatmen... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664181 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664177&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293347%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Furuno T, Nakanishi M Abstract Kefir is a traditional fermented milk beverage produced by kefir grains in the Caucasian countries. Kefiran produced by Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens in kefir grains is an exopolysaccharide having a repeating structure with glucose and galactose residues in the chain sequence and has been suggested to exert many health-promoting effects such as immunomodulatory, hypotensive, hypocholesterolemic activities. Here we investigated the effects of kefiran on mast cell activation induced by antigen. Pretreatment with kefiran significantly inhibited antigen-induced Ca(2+) mobilization, degranulation, and tumor necrosis factor-α production in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) in a dose-dependent manner. The phosphorylation of Akt, glycogen synth... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664177 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664165&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293348%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tanaka S, Yagi Y, Yamazaki T, Mitsumoto A, Kobayashi D, Kudo N, Kawashima Y Abstract The fatty acid profile of hepatic lipid in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)/NDmcr-cp (cp/cp) rats (SHR/NDcp), which offer an animal model of the metabolic syndrome, was characterized by comparing those in Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), SHR, stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and SHR/NDmcr-cp (+/+) rats (SHR/ND+) . Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that SHR/NDcp and the other four strains and/or substrains of rats were clearly disparate in fatty acid profile of hepatic lipid and that the disparity observed was due to the drastic increases in the mass of monounsaturated fatty acids, especially palmitoleic acid and oleic acid, in the liver of SHR/NDcp. Activities of s... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664165 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664164&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293349%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Takeuchi H, Ishida M, Furuya A, Todo H, Urano H, Sugibayashi K Abstract The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of skin thickness on the in vitro permeabilities of 3 model drugs with different physicochemical properties (nicorandil (NR), isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and flurbiprofen (FP)) through Sprague-Dawley rat (rat) or Yucatan micropig (YMP) skin. Intact, dermis-split, stratum corneum-stripped or stratum corneum-stripped and dermis-split rat or YMP skin (rat skin thickness: approximately 0.4, 0.9 or 1.2 mm; YMP skin thickness: approximately 0.4, 0.9, 1.8 or 2.8 mm) were set in Franz-type diffusion cells to determine the permeation rate, lag time and resistance ratio of the viable epidermis and dermis against whole skin (R(ved)/R(tot)) of the drugs. T... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664164 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664162&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293350%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Oshima S, Suzuki C, Yajima R, Egawa Y, Hosoya O, Juni K, Seki T Abstract Studies on drug disposition in inflamed skin are important for safe and effective application of topical drugs. Here, the absorption of flurbiprofen (FP) through inflamed skin was examined in vivo and in a skin-mimicking artificial model system. The model skin system consisted of a silicone membrane acting as a model stratum corneum, laminated dialysis membranes acting as a model of viable skin, and 2 microdialysis probes-one used for determination of FP concentration and one acting as a model vessel. This model system could be used for quantitative evaluation of complicated permeation processes. In the in vivo experiments, FP absorption was suppressed in rats with inflamed skin induced by an intracut... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664162 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664161&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293351%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to examine whether a 50% ethanolic extract (MCS-ext) of the seeds of Morinda citrifolia (noni) and its constituents have matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) inhibitory activity in UVA-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). The MCS-ext (10 μg/mL) inhibited MMP-1 secretion from UVA-irradiated NHDFs, without cytotoxic effects, at 48 h after UV exposure. The ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of MCS-ext was the most potent inhibitor of MMP-1 secretion. Among the constituents of the fraction, a lignan, 3,3'-bisdemethylpinoresinol (1), inhibited the MMP-1 secretion at a concentration of 0.3 μM without cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, 1 (0.3 μM) reduced the level of intracellular MMP-1 expression. Other constituents, namely americanin A (2), querc... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664161 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664160&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293352%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li X, Lu Y, Yang JH, Jin Y, Hwang SL, Chang HW Abstract The high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE) (FcεRI)-mediated activation of mast cells plays an important role in various allergic diseases. To assess the anti-allergic activity of natural vanadium-containing Jeju groundwater (JW), an in vivo passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) animal model and in vitro mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) was used. JW inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) generation in a dose-dependent manner, with a concomitant reduction of COX-2 protein expression in IgE-induced BMMCs. In addition, JW inhibited 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)-dependent generation of leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) as well as degranulation in a dose-dependent manner. These resul... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664160 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664159&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293353%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we investigated the antiobesity activity of immature C. sunki peel extract (designated CSE) using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6 mice and mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In the animal study, body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, serum total cholesterol, and triglyceride in the CSE-administered group decreased significantly compared to the HFD group. Also, CSE supplementation reduced serum levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Moreover, it significantly decreased the accumulation of fatty droplets in liver tissue, suggesting a protective effect against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis. Dietary supplementation with CSE reversed the HFD-induced decrease in the phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein k... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664159 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664158&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293354%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ikarashi N, Fukazawa Y, Toda T, Ishii M, Ochiai W, Usukura M, Sugiyama K Abstract The purpose of this study was to clarify the anti-fatigue effect of Conclevan, which is mainly composed of liver hydrolysate, via a forced swimming test using mice. Conclevan was administered to mice for 6 weeks, and a forced swimming test was conducted to measure swimming time. After six weeks, the blood ammonia and glutamine concentrations were measured. In the Conclevan administration group, swimming time increased significantly compared to the swimming control group. In the swimming control group, an increase in blood ammonia and a decrease in blood glutamine were observed, relative to the non-swimming control group. In the Conclevan administration group, the increased blood ammonia and d... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664158 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664157&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293355%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, the analysis of kinetic parameters including k and τ using a one-exponential equation provided useful information for clarifying the anti-cataract effect of eye drops. ICR/f rats instilled with DSF eye drops using a low-substituted MC-based drug delivery system demonstrated a delay in cataract development, probably resulting from an increase in the retention of DSF eye drops on the cornea. PMID: 22293355 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664157 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664156&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293356%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kojima M, Ashino T, Yoshida T, Iwakura Y, Degawa M Abstract Hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1) are rate-limiting enzymes for cholesterol biosynthesis and catabolism, respectively. Involvement of inflammatory cytokines, particularly interleukin-1 (IL-1), in alterations of HMGR and Cyp7a1 gene expression during development of lead nitrate (LN)-induced hypercholesterolemia was examined in IL-1α/β-knockout (IL-1-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Lead nitrate treatment of WT mice led to not only a marked downregulation of the Cyp7a1 gene at 6-12 h, but also a significant upregulation of the HMGR gene at 12 h. However, such changes were not observed at significant levels in IL-1-KO mice, although a slight, transient ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664156 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664155&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293357%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined the in vivo effects of intravenously administered 2'-deoxycytidine (dCyd) on tumor growth and survival time in mice bearing SP2/0-Ag14 (SP2/0) myeloma tumors. Administration of dCyd tended to decrease the tumor volume and significantly decreased the tumor weight. A single intravenous administration of dCyd significantly increased survival time of the tumor-bearing mice. The effect of dCyd on tumor growth was maintained for at least 1 week after the final administration. The net amount of dCyd in the kidney, liver, and spleen of the tumor-bearing mice increased 2.5 to 5.3 fold compared with the amount in non-tumor-bearing mice. Our results suggest that the increase in dCyd in the mice inoculated SP2/0 myeloma cells plays an important role for the growth suppression of the tumor.... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664155 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664154&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293358%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kawasaki Y, Yamaji K, Matsunaga H, Sendo T Abstract This is the first study to detect 2-methyl-4'-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone (MTMP) from an intravenous injection bag solution by GC-MS. In previous studies, several other photoinitiators were reported to be very cytotoxic. Therefore, we theorized that photoinitiators such as MTMP might also have adverse cellular effects. The purpose of this study was to quantitate the amounts of contaminants from plastic containers such as those used for peripheral parenteral nutrition and to determine the cytotoxicity of such extracts on human monocytes. The sample extraction procedure for GC-MS analysis involved a liquid-phase extraction. The solvent was evaporated under a stream of nitrogen at 50°C. The residue was dissolved ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664154 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664153&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293359%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kim JH, Hong CO, Koo YC, Choi HD, Lee KW Abstract Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been reported to exhibit a variety of biological effects including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. The extent of an in vitro glycation reaction mixture of collagen and glycolaldehyde was assayed to investigate the inhibition of glycolaldehye-derived advanced glycation end products (glycol-AGEs) formation with GNPs in collagen, which is a major protein component of the human dermis. GNP-treated collagen showed significantly less glycation (56.3±4.2%) than an untreated glycation control. Moreover, GNP-treated glycation in a collagen lattice model significantly decreased the AGEs distribution in the model system. Taken together, these results suggest that GNPs have the potential f... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664153 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664152&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293360%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Inoue K, Ando N, Suzuki E, Hayashi H, Tsuji D, Itoh K Abstract It is known that the onset of major depressive disorder (MDD) would be associated with genetic factors. To investigate the susceptibility to psychiatric disorders, e.g. MDD, schizophrenia etc., it is necessary to compare the genetic differences of objective polymorphisms between in patients and in relative contol subjects. Recently, an increasing number of studies focused on the role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein 1 (CREB1) and Piccolo (PCLO) on MDD. However, there was no report about genetic characterization of polymorphisms in between MDD patients and healthy subjects in Japanese population. We analized genotype distributions and allele frequencies of CREB1 rs4675690 and PC... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664152 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5664151&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293361%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kaneko M, Saito R, Okuma Y, Nomura Y Abstract Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) selectively retro-transports and degrades unfolded proteins accumulated in the ER. We have demonstrated that the ubiquitin ligase HRD1 involved in ERAD was significantly decreased in the cerebral cortex of Alzheimer's disease patients. Furthermore, the HRD1 level was negatively correlated with amyloid β (Aβ) production levels. Here we found that the HRD1 protein level decrease was due to its insolubilization. Moreover, these protein levels extracted from detergent insoluble fraction were positively correlated with those of SEL1L and Aβs (Aβ40 and Aβ42). Thus, the insolubilization-induced decrease in the HRD1 and SEL1L levels might involve in Aβ generation. PMID:... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5664151 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100 5664151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580414&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223330%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, we have demonstrated that honokiol is a rexinoid that possesses distinct properties from bexarotene, and mainly has subsidiary roles in the activation of RXR heterodimers by potentiating the activation of RXR heterodimers by agonists for the partner NRs. PMID: 22223330 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580414 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580385&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223331%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ishibashi M, Arai M, Tanaka S, Onda K, Hirano T Abstract The effects of six lipophilic vitamins: tretinoin (ATRA), vitamin D(3) (VD(3)), VE, VK(1), VK(3), and VK(5) on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human A375 melanoma cells were investigated. VD(3), VK(3), and VK(5) were found to inhibit cell proliferation significantly at concentration ranges of 10-100 μmol/L (p<0.01), while the other vitamins did not show inhibitory effects at 100 μmol/L. VK(3) and VK(5) showed the strongest effects with IC(50) values of less than 10 μmol/L. Dacarbazine slightly inhibited the proliferation of A375 cells at a concentration range of 25-100 μmol/L, but the effects were not statistically significant. VK(3) and VK(5) increased annexin-V positive apoptotic cells, as well a... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580385 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580384&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223332%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kaneko M, Matsuda D, Ohtawa M, Fukuda T, Nagamitsu T, Yamori T, Tomoda H Abstract Most cancer cells have mutations in genes at the G1 checkpoint and repair DNA only in the G2 phase; therefore, the G2 checkpoint is a potential target to develop novel therapy. In the course of screening, a known compound, pycnidione, was isolated from the fungal culture broth of Gloeotinia sp. FKI-3416. Pycnidione irreversibly abrogated bleomycin-induced G2 arrest in Jurkat cells and synergically potentiated the cytotoxicity of bleomycin. To elucidate the mechanism of action, the effect of pycnidione on the signal transduction of the G2 checkpoint was analyzed, showing that the increased phospho-cyclin dependent kinase-1 (CDK1) level caused by bleomycin was abrogated in the presence of pycni... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580384 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580383&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223333%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, the extracellular hemin enhances the antimalarial activity of artemisinin as a result of the increasing oxidative effect of hemin. PMID: 22223333 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580383 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580382&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223334%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Park CH, Tanaka T, Cho EJ, Park JC, Shibahara N, Yokozawa T Abstract The protective effect of 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose (GS), isolated from Corni Fructus as an active component, against acute renal failure (ARF) induced by glycerol was investigated. The administration of GS led to a decline in the levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine; on the other hand, it did not have a significant effect on creatinine clearance. Furthermore, GS also significantly decreased the urine volume and fractional excretion of sodium, but it increased the urine osmolarity, suggesting the protective role of GS against renal dysfunction. Oxidative stress under ARF was attenuated by GS through the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and elevation o... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580382 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580381&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223335%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Uchiyama C, Ishida K, Tsutsui T, Naito A, Kurita K, Hanihara H, Serizawa T, Fujiwara M, Ohdera M Abstract Neurotrophin (NT)-4 is known to be an inducer of catagen in the hair cycle, but little is known of its role in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). We previously studied the gene expression of dermal papilla cells from AGA patients and controls and found that NT-4 was up-regulated in the AGA patients. In the present study, the etiological relationship between NT-4 and androgen, which is one of the causes of AGA, and the effect of an NT-4 inhibitor on hair growth were investigated. We established a NT-4 luciferase reporter assay system using a roughly 2-kb region upstream of the NT-4 transcriptional start site and investigated an accelerating effect of andro... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580381 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580380&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223336%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sakai K, Koyama N, Fukuda T, Mori Y, Onaka H, Tomoda H Abstract Staphyloxanthin, a yellow pigment produced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a virulent factor escaping from the host immune system. A new screening method for inhibitors of staphyloxanthin production by MRSA was established using paper disks. By this screening method, inhibitors of staphyloxanthin production were selected from the natural product library (ca. 300) and from actinomycete culture broths (ca. 1000). From the natural product library, four known inhibitors of lipid metabolism, cerulenin, dihydrobisvertinol, xanthohumol and zaragozic acid, were found to inhibit staphyloxanthin production; however, typical antibiotics used clinically, including vancomycin, had no effect on sta... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580380 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580375&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223337%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined SN-38L and SN-38C uptake from the apical side into Caco-2, and the effects of various compounds on the uptake of SN-38L. SN-38L and SN-38C in the cells were determined by HPLC with a fluorescence detector. When either SN-38L (0.5 µM) or SN-38C (0.5 µM) was added extracellularly at 37°C, the accumulation of SN-38L into the cells was about 10-fold higher than that of SN-38C, suggesting a dominant role of the lactone form in the uptake of SN-38 into Caco-2. The accumulation of SN-38L in Caco-2 increased time-dependently up to 10 min at 37°C, whereas the accumulation markedly decreased at 4°C. The initial uptake rate of SN-38L approached saturation at high concentrations with Michaelis-Menten constant and 'Hill coefficient,' 2.84±1.00 μM and 2.13±1.14, respectively ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580375 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580374&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223338%26dopt%3DAbstract This study aimed to identify the determinants and causal relationships that affect quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients before adjuvant systemic therapy for improving pharmacist counseling and guidance. This study analyzed 93 postoperative patients with breast cancer before pharmacist counseling for adjuvant systemic therapy. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires to assess QOL (the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 [EORTC QLQ-C30] and its breast cancer module [EORTC QLQ-BR23]) before pharmacist counseling. We analyzed factors affecting QOL by stepwise multiple linear regression analysis and evaluated causal association using path analysis. In the multiple linear regression model using variables selected by stepw... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580374 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580373&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223339%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tai ZF, Zhang GL, Wang F Abstract Type I interferons (IFN-α/β) have been widely used in the treatment of many viral and malignant diseases by activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway, but the side effects of protein-based IFN therapy severely limit their clinical use. Discovering small molecules to activate the JAK/STAT pathway will greatly facilitate the development of new drugs which have similar pharmacological function to IFNs but with fewer side effects. To screen a natural products-based library, we established a cell-based screening assay using human hepatoma HepG2 cells stably transfected with a plasmid where the luciferase reporter activity is driven by interferon α-stimulated response element ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580373 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580372&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223340%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, tamsulosin potently and selectively antagonized α(1A/1D)-adrenoceptor ligand binding, and slowly dissociated from the α(1A)-adrenoceptor subtype. PMID: 22223340 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580372 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580371&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223341%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to examine the effects of Morinda citrifolia (noni) extract and its constituents on α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated melanogenesis in cultured murine B16 melanoma cells (B16 cells). A 50% ethanolic extract of noni seeds (MCS-ext) showed significant inhibition of melanogenesis with no effect on cell proliferation. MCS-ext was more active than noni leaf and fruit flesh extracts. Activity guided fractionation of MCS-ext led to the isolation of two lignans, 3,3'-bisdemethylpinoresinol (1) and americanin A (2), as active constituents. To elucidate the mechanism of melanogenesis inhibition by the lignans, α-MSH-stimulated B16 cells were treated with 1 (5 μM) and 2 (200 μM). Time-dependent increases of intracellular melanin content and t... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580371 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580370&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223342%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we show that terminal aromatic substituted fatty acids, including 3-phenylpropionate (3-PPA), 4-PBA, 5-phenylvaleric acid, and 6-phenylhexanoic acid, prevented the aggregation of lactalbumin and bovine serum albumin. Aggregation inhibition increased relative to the number of carbons in the fatty acids. Moreover, these compounds protected cells against ER stress-induced neuronal cell death. The cytoprotective effect correlated with the in vitro chemical chaperone activity. Similarly, cell viability decreased on treatment with tunicamycin, an ER stress inducer, and was dependent on the number of carbons in the fatty acids. Moreover, the expression of glucose-regulated proteins 94 and 78 (GRP94, 78) decreased according to the number of carbons in the fatty acids. Furthermore, w... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580370 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580369&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223343%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Niijima-Yaoita F, Tsuchiya M, Ohtsu H, Yanai K, Sugawara S, Endo Y, Tadano T Abstract Exercise necessitates a large supply of O(2) and nutrients and rapid removal of CO(2) and waste products. Histamine is a regulator of the microcirculation (which performs these exchanges), suggesting a possible involvement of histamine in exercise. Histamine is released from either mast cells or non-mast cells. In the latter, histamine is newly formed via the induction of histidine decarboxylase (HDC) in response to an appropriate stimulus, and it is released without being stored. Here, in mice, we examined the role of histamine or HDC induction in exercise. Prolonged walking (PW) (in a cylindrical cage turned electrically) increased HDC mRNA and HDC activity in quadriceps femoris muscles... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580369 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580368&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223344%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cho MY, Park SY, Park S, Lee YR, Han GD, Kim JA Abstract Plant-derived polyhenols inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Recently, prenylflavonoids and alkyl-phloroacetophenones have been reported for their in vitro antitumor activity. In the present study, we examined the cytotoxic activity of prenyl (3-PAP) and geranyl (3-GAP) derivatives of phloroacetophenone, and xanthohumol (XN), a prenyl-chalcone, in human breast cancer (MCF-7) and human sarcoma (HT1080) cell lines in vitro. 3-GAP showed the strongest cytotoxicity in these cell lines with IC(50) values of less than 10 µM. In addition, we report that 3-GAP is a more potent anti-cancer agent for breast cancer than XN which is a well-known anticancer flavonoid. Moreover, 3-GAP did not induce cytotoxi... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580368 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580367&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223345%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we investigated PA activated AMPK, and this activity was related to proliferation and apoptosis in MCF7 breast cancer cells. PA inhibited cell proliferation and induced sub-G(1) arrest, elevating the mRNA levels of the apoptotic genes p53 and p21. PA activated caspase-3, -9, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and this effect was inhibited by z-VAD-fmk. AMPK activation was increased by treating cells with PA, inactivated by treating cells with a compound C, and co-treatment consisting of PA and aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) synergistically activated AMPK. These anti-cancer potentials of PA were accompanied by effects on de novo fatty acid synthesis as shown by the decreased expression of fatty acid synthase, and decreased acetyl-CoA carboxylase activation an... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580367 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580366&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223346%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zohra FT, Maitani Y, Akaike T Abstract It was believed for a long time that mRNA is very unstable, and can not be used for therapeutic purposes. In the last decade, however, many research groups proved its transfection feasibility along with advantages and applications. Our investigation is aimed at establishing a potent and efficient mRNA delivery system. We previously reported that an inorganic-organic hybrid carrier by exploiting the advantages of inorganic nano apatite particles onto organic carrier DOTAP {N-[1-(2,3-dioleoloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium chloride} and showed potential effect of carbonate apatite particles on each of the mRNA delivery steps in dividing and non-dividing cell. Here, we report on the development of a more efficient mRNA carrier by com... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580366 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580365&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223347%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yamazaki T, Okada H, Sakamoto T, Sunaga K, Tsuda T, Mitsumoto A, Kudo N, Kawashima Y Abstract The administration of fibrates (fenofibrate, bezafibrate and clofibric acid) to rats induced stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in the liver, and increased relative expression of mRNAs encoding SCD1 and SCD2 in dose- and time-dependent manners. The magnitudes of the increases in SCD2 mRNA level caused by fenofibrate and clofibric acid were much higher than those of SCD1 at relatively higher doses of the fibrates, and a relatively long time (7 or 14 d) was required for significant induction of SCD2 mRNA expression compared with that of SCD1. Although the absolute number of transcripts for SCD2 was 1,800 times lower than that of SCD1 in the control liver, it was strikingly increased by... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580365 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580364&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223348%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Suh KS, Oh S, Woo JT, Kim SW, Kim JW, Kim YS, Chon S Abstract Glucose toxicity contributes to progressive β-cell failure and the development of overt diabetes. Oxidative stress is an important aspect of glucose toxicity in pancreatic β-cells. We investigated whether the flavonoid apigenin protects pancreatic β-cells from 2-deoxy-D-ribose (dRib)-induced oxidative cell damage. HIT-T15 pancreatic β-cells were cultured with or without apigenin in the presence of dRib. Time- and dose-dependent cell viability was monitored using a cell counting kit (CCK-8), while the induction of apoptosis was analyzed using a cell death enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) was determined using the JC-1 kit. Intracellular oxidative stress ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580364 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580363&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22223349%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tobinaga S, Hashimoto M, Utsunomiya I, Taguchi K, Nakamura M, Tsunematsu T Abstract Cardanol (ginkgol) extracted from Ginkgo biloba leaves and cashew nutshell liquid enhances the growth of NSC-34 immortalized motor neuron-like cells and, when chronically administered to young rats, improves working memory-related learning ability as assessed by eight-arm radial maze tasks. These findings suggest that cardanol is one of the components in Ginkgo biloba leaves that improves cognitive learning ability. PMID: 22223349 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580363 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:02 +0100 5580363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5553004&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881216%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yamada K PMID: 21881216 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5553004 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:24:06 +0100 5553004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5553003&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881223%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yang Y, Cao MH, Wang Q, Yuan DD, Li L, Tao L Abstract 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) has recently been demonstrated to inhibit gap junction (GJ) channels, whereas the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. Using mouse TM₄ Sertoli cell which expresses connexin43 (Cx43), we explored the effects of 2-APB and its analogues on dye-coupling through junctional channels formed by Cx43 and on expression of Cx43. Exposure of the cells to 2-APB (1-50 µM) and one of its analogues diphenylboronic anhydride (DPBA) (1-30 µM) for 4 h leads to a significant decrease in dye coupling of GJ in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of 2-APB and DPBA are reversible since decreased GJ coupling resumes after the two compounds are washed out. The disfunction of GJ in... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5553003 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:24:06 +0100 5553003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497093&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130228%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ito F PMID: 22130228 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497093 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497092&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130229%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Takeuchi K, Ito F Abstract The majority of growth factor receptors are composed of extracellular, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase (TK) domains. Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation regulates many key processes including cell growth and survival. However, dysregulation of RTK has been found in a wide range of cancers, and it has been shown to correlate with the development and progression of numerous cancers. Therefore, RTK has become an attractive therapeutic target. One way to effectively block signaling from RTK is inhibition of its catalytic activity with small-molecule inhibitors. Low-molecular-weight TK inhibitors (TKIs), such as imatinib, targeting tumors with mutant c-Kit, and gefitinib, targeting non-small cell lung cancer with mutant epidermal ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497092 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497091&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130230%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kohno M, Tanimura S, Ozaki K Abstract The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is a major determinant in the control of diverse cellular processes such as proliferation, survival, and motility. This pathway is often upregulated in human cancers and as such represents an attractive target for mechanism-based approaches to cancer treatment. However, specific blockade of the ERK pathway alone induces mostly cytostatic rather than proapoptotic effects, resulting in limited therapeutic efficacy. Blockade of the constitutively activated ERK pathway by an ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor sensitizes tumor cells to apoptotic cell death induced by several cytotoxic anticancer agents including microtubule-destabilizing agents and histone deacetylase inhibitors, not only in v... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497091 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497088&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130231%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Takahashi S Abstract Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFRs) have crucial roles in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. The VEGF family consists of VEGF-A (generally called VEGF), VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and placental growth factor (PlGF). These peptides show different affinities for VEGFR subtypes. VEGFR exists as three subtypes, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, and is structurally related to platelet-derived growth factor receptors. All subtypes possess seven immunoglobulin-like domains in the extracellular region and a tyrosine kinase domain in the intracellular region. VEGF-A activates VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, whereas VEGF-B and PlGF bind to only VEFGR-1. VEGF-C and VEGF-D only bind to VEGFR-3. VEGFR-1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, Fl... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497088 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497087&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130232%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Arao T, Matsumoto K, Maegawa M, Nishio K Abstract Ten years have passed since the emergence of microarray technology. Recent microarray procedures have provided reliable results on all platforms and have enabled highly reproducible gene expression measurements. Thus, nearly all technical matters regarding microarray measurements are thought to have been resolved. Treatment stratification for molecular-targeted drugs can now be achieved based on the presence of somatic mutations, gene amplification, and/or protein overexpression. However, no clinically available biomarkers have been identified for molecular-targeted drugs using microarray analysis. Microarray data as a database for the gene expressions of clinical samples may be a critical issue, especially for the developm... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497087 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497085&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130233%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yuan YH, Hou BW, Xu HJ, Luo J, Ding XY Abstract The stems of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum RCHB.F. ex ANDRé can be processed into an important class of Traditional Chinese Medicine named "Huangcao Shihu," which has diverse curative effects, such as nourishing yin and clearing away unhealthy heat, benefiting the stomach, and promoting the production of body fluid. The identification of the geographical origin of D. thyrsiflorum is vital for preserving its natural resource and ensuring the quality of "Huangcao Shihu." In order to identify the origin of D. thyrsiflorum on Chinese herbal medicine market, 14 D. thyrsiflorum-specific microsatellite markers were developed in this study. Assignment tests were performed by the microsatellite marker analysis coupled with three new statis... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497085 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497069&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130234%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Park SH, Jeong YM, Kim JH, Chung HM, Suh W, Sung SH, Park SG, Sung JH Abstract Vasculogenic progenitor cells (VPCs) circulate in the blood and have the ability to differentiate into endothelial cells that make up the lining of blood vessels. Therefore, VPC transplantation is a new strategy for the treatment of ischemic diseases. Because priming/preconditioning of VPCs before transplantation enhances their regenerative potential, the present study investigated whether ent-16α,17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid (DHK) isolated from Siegesbeckia pubescens could stimulate/activate VPCs in vitro. Therefore, the effect of DHK (1-100 µM concentration) on the proliferation, migration, and tube forming of VPCs was examined in various systems, and related signaling pathways were ident... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497069 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497068&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130235%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hu X, Wang J, Yin QZ, Lu H, Yie SM Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not You Gui Wan (YGW), a classical herbal formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has an impact on rat uterine and vaginal atrophic processes induced by ovariectomy (OVX). Thirty-four OVX Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three sets, and orally administrated with YGW decoction, saline or estrogen for 11 weeks, respectively. Histomorphological changes of the uterus and vagina, and serum estradiol levels were then compared. Results showed that OVX caused a dramatic atrophy of the uterus and vagina in the rats. Estrogen replacement reversed the effect of OVX, but with a side effect of endometrial hyperplasia. YGW had no significant effect on blood estradiol ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497068 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497067&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130236%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yun J, Bae H, Choi SE, Kim JH, Choi YW, Lim I, Lee CS, Lee MW, Ko JH, Seo SJ, Bang H Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate whether hirsutenone affects the human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) K(+) channels. Many drugs promote formation of the acquired form of long QT syndrome (LQTS) by blocking the hERG K(+) channels. Hirsutenone, a new candidate for the treatment inflammatory skin lesions, induced a concentration-dependent decrease in hERG K(+) current amplitudes. Hirsutenone significantly decreased the time constants at the onset of inactivation. However, the reductions in the time constants of steady-state inactivation and the recovery from inactivation after hirsutenone treatment were not significant. In addition, the drug had no effect on the vol... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497067 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497051&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130237%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Okada Y, Maeda N, Takakura S, Miyata K, Koshiba M Abstract We investigated the effect of tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. After inducing colitis in C57BL/6 mice by administering DSS solution as drinking water for 7 d, the animals were treated with tacrolimus. Severity of colonic inflammation was evaluated based on colon weight per unit length. Levels of cytokines (interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) released from isolated inflamed colons of mice treated with tacrolimus or vehicle were also measured. Treatment with tacrolimus for 14 d reduced the colon weight per unit length and suppressed the release of IFN-γ and IL-1β, but not other cytokines, i... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497051 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497044&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130238%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Azuma Y, Nakagawa H, Dote K, Higai K, Matsumoto K Abstract Engulfment of apoptotic cells is regulated by 'eat me' and 'don't eat me' signals on the cell surface. Alterations to the 'eat me' signals have been well described; however, very little is known about the 'don't eat me' signals on the cell surface during apoptosis. In the present study, apoptosis of Jurkat cells was induced by treatment with topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide, and then the CD31 and CD47 levels on the apoptotic cell surface and in microparticles were estimated by flow cytometry and immunoblotting methods in the presence of caspase, metalloproteinase, and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) inhibitors. The CD31 and CD47 levels on the cell surface of apoptotic Jurkat cells... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497044 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497043&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130239%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Matsuo K, Ishii Y, Quan YS, Kamiyama F, Asada H, Mukai Y, Okada N, Nakagawa S Abstract The development of a simple, easy-to-use, and non-invasive vaccination system is in high demand. For transcutaneous immunization (TCI), we previously developed a hydrogel patch formulation that accelerates the penetration of an antigen (Ag) through the stratum corneum (SC) and effectively elicits Ag-specific immune responses. The present studies were performed to optimize the composition and assess the safety of the patch formulation. A hydrogel patch with a water content ratio of 5% more effectively induced an immune response compared to patches with a different composition, suggesting that the moisture content of the hydrogel patch formulation has optimal ratio for SC hydration to prom... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497043 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497042&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130240%26dopt%3DAbstract The objectives of the present study were to assess pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, tolerability and safety of intravenous administration of bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor, in healthy Chinese subjects. 48 subjects were equally divided into 4 groups (0.5 mg/kg, 0.75 mg/kg, 1.05 mg/kg intravenous bolus, and 0.75 mg/kg intravenous bolus followed by an infusion of 1.75 mg/kg per hour for 4 h) by a randomized, single-blind and placebo-controlled (bivalirudin groups: n=9/group; placebo groups: n=3/group) design. The safety observations showed that bivalirudin was well tolerated in the studied dose range, all adverse events were mild in severity. The half-life of bivalirudin was approximately 0.57 h (34 min), exposure increased in a dose-dependent manner. In group receiving a 0.75 mg... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497042 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497041&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130241%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, to verify the mode of action of mate on FI and consequently on BW, we examined the anorexic effects of mate on the appetite and satiety markers glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and leptin in high-fat diet-fed ddY mice. GLP-1 is a peptide signal generated by the gastrointestinal tract, which regulates appetite and influences BW, whereas leptin is an afferent signal from the periphery to the brain in a homeostatic feedback loop that regulates adipose tissue mass, thus leading to decreased appetite and FI and increased energy expenditure. Chronic administration of mate (50, 100 mg/kg) for 3 weeks significantly reduced FI, BW, and ameliorated blood fats, liver fats, and adipose tissue. Mate induced significant increases in GLP-1 levels and leptin levels compared with the control.... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497041 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497040&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130242%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Huong NQ, Nakamura Y, Kuramoto N, Yoneyama M, Nagashima R, Shiba T, Yamaguchi T, Hasebe S, Ogita K Abstract The organotin trimethyltin (TMT) is well known to cause neuronal degeneration in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of mice. The first purpose of the present study was to examine whether the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin could ameliorate neuronal degeneration in the dentate gyrus of mice following TMT treatment in vivo. The systemic injection into mice of TMT at 2.8 mg/kg produced activation of endogenous caspase-3 and calpain, enhanced the gene expression of COX-1 and COX-2, activated microglial cells, and caused the formation of the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal in the hippocampus. Given at 12-h post-TMT treatment, the systemic injection of i... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497040 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497039&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130243%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dou H, Song Y, Liu X, Gong W, Li E, Tan R, Hou Y Abstract Chaetoglobosin Fex (Cha Fex), a cytochalasan-based alkaloid, was isolated from marine-derived endophytic fungus Chaetomium globosum QEN-14. The knowledge of its biological function is still limited. We investigated the effects and mechanism of Cha Fex on inflammatory mediators via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in macrophages. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), TLR4 ligand, was therefore designed to active TLR4 signaling pathway, and Cha Fex significantly inhibited the LPS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in peritoneal macrophages and murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497039 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497038&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130244%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zarogiannis SG, Filippidis AS, Hatzoglou C, Molyvdas PA, Gourgoulianis K Abstract The formation of pleural effusion during pulmonary edema is an important physiological mechanism of resolution of alveolar flooding. In cases of pulmonary edema resulting from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) these effusions are exudative, having high protein load. To this end, the effect of salbutamol in the presence of protein, on the ion transport properties of the sheep parietal pleura was investigated by Ussing chamber experiments. Our results show that salbutamol increases ion transport in the presence of protein in sheep parietal pleura by stimulation of β(2)-adrenergic receptors since this effect was completely abolished by the specific β(2)-adrenergic blocker, ICI-118551.... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497038 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497037&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130245%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu M, Shen J, Liu H, Xu Y, Su YP, Yang J, Yu CX Abstract Gelsemium elegans BENTH and its crude extract are widely used to treat pain in China despite its apparent toxicity. The analgesic effects of gelsenicine, an active component of G. elegans, however, have not been reported. The current study examined potential analgesic effects of subcutaneously injected gelsenicine using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced nociceptive behavior, and thermal hyperalgesia caused by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in mice. Gelsenicine produced dose-dependent analgesic effects in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. The ED(50), for either the inflammatory pain (10.4 µg/kg for writhing test, 7.4 µg/kg for formalin test) or neuropathic pain (9.8 µg/kg for thermal h... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497037 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497036&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130246%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yoon CS, Nam SH, Jeon JY, Lee HS, Lee ML, Son HU, Lee SH Abstract Ovalicin, a secondary metabolite produced by an entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae, is currently used as an efficient biological control agent against various agricultural insect pests, but not so many biological activities have been investigated. To assess whether ovalicin has potential in ameliorating atopic dermatitis-related symptoms in mice, we first sensitized skin in the dorsal neck of Balb/c mice using compound 48/80, and scrutinized whether the compound affected the atopic dermatitis-related symptoms. The results revealed that ovalicin significantly reduces scratching behavior in a concentration-dependent fashion. Moreover, the treatment inhibits the levels of the degranu... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497036 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497035&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130247%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Miyata M, Sakaida Y, Matsuzawa H, Yoshinari K, Yamazoe Y Abstract Human fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is an enterohepatic hormone that is involved in the regulation of hepatic metabolism of bile acids, lipids, and glucose. Farnesoid X receptor (Fxr)-null mice exhibit steatosis-like symptoms, showing higher hepatic lipid levels than with the wild-type mice. We investigated the influence of FGF19 treatment on hepatic lipogenesis in Fxr-null mice. Recombinant FGF19 treatment (400 µg/kg/d) for 3 d prevented the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased serum alanine aminotransferase activity and hepatic lipid levels, including those of triglycerides and free fatty acids. The treatment significantly decreased the hepatic mRNA levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (Acc1),... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497035 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497034&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130248%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, using a special diet-induced mouse model of atopic dermatitis, we tested the effect of chitosan-containing lotion (CL) on itch-related scratching associated with barrier-disrupted dry skin. HR-1 hairless mice fed a special diet exhibited apparent dry skin symptoms characterized by decreased skin hydration and increased transepidermal water loss. In the special diet-fed mice, scratching behavior was markedly enhanced for 60 min after oral administration of ethanol. When CL was applied once immediately after ethanol administration, the enhanced scratching response was significantly suppressed, but this effect was abolished within 30-40 min; when applied twice immediately and at 30 min, CL almost completely blocked scratching throughout 60 min. Comparison of CL and the chitosan... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497034 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:42:03 +0100 5497034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5428391&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21415526%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ishihara K, Tachibana K, Kuroda A, Terakawa A, Baba S, Kanai S, Akiba S Abstract The accumulation of hepatocellular triacylglycerol (TG), a major symptom of fatty liver, is associated with the excessive incorporation of exogenous free fatty acids into hepatocytes, the free fatty acids inducing an increase in TG bearing acyl chains derived from not only themselves but also endogenous fatty acids. However, the mechanisms responsible for the supply of endogenous fatty acids, which are mainly esterified into phospholipids, remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the possible involvement of intracellular phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2))s including group IVA, IVC, VIA, and VIB PLA(2)s, which catalyze the release of endogenous fatty acids, in the deposition of TG in hepatocy... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5428391 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:18:02 +0100 5428391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363694&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040875%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sanbe A Abstract α-B-Crystallin (CryAB, gene map locus: 11q22.3-q23.1) is a member of the small heat shock protein (HSP) family, a group of proteins that prevent protein aggregation upon exposure of a cell to heat and/or restore the biological activity of cell substrates. The missense mutation and the deletion mutation of CryAB can cause various forms of muscular disorder, including restrictive, hypertrophic, and dilated cardiomyopathies, heart failure, and skeletal muscle weakness. Collectively, these diseases constitute a rare autosomal-dominant inherited disorder called α-crystallinopathy (crystallinopathy), also known as desmin-related cardiomyopathy. The disease is a misfolded protein-related disease characterized by the formation of insoluble protein aggregates con... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363694 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363693&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040876%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Inoue K, Naito Y, Takagi T, Hayashi N, Hirai Y, Mizushima K, Horie R, Fukumoto K, Yamada S, Harusato A, Hirata I, Omatsu T, Yoshida N, Uchiyama K, Ishikawa T, Handa O, Konishi H, Wakabayashi N, Yagi N, Ichikawa H, Kokura S, Yoshikawa T Abstract Heat shock protein (HSP) 47 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis. Daikenchuto (DKT), a traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine, has been reported to ameliorate intestinal inflammation. The aims of this study were to determine time-course profiles of several parameters of fibrosis in a rat model, to confirm the HSP47-expressing cells in the colon, and finally to evaluate DKT's effects on intestinal fibrosis. Colitis was induced in male Wistar rats weighing 200 g using an enema of trinitrobenzene ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363693 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363692&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040877%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ye JF, Zhu H, Zhou ZF, Xiong RB, Wang XW, Su LX, Luo BD Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of andrographolide (AP), a bioactive component isolated from Andrographis paniculata, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver injury as well as the possible mechanisms involved in this protection in mice. Acute liver injury was induced by CCl(4) intoxication in mice. Serum biological analysis, lipid peroxides and antioxidant estimation, histopathological studies, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot assay were carried out. CCl(4) treatment resulted in severe hepatic injury, as evidenced by significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and typical his... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363692 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363691&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040878%26dopt%3DAbstract This study aimed to determine the effect of ERW bathing on the UVB-induced skin injury in hairless mice. For this purpose, mice were irradiated with UVB to cause skin injury, followed by individually taken a bath in ERW (ERW-bathing) and tap water (TW-bathing) for 21 d. We examined cytokines profile in acute period, and histological and ultrastructural observation of skin in chronic period. We found that UVB-mediated skin injury of ERW-bathing group was significantly low compared to TW control group in the early stage of experiment. Consistently, epidermal thickening as well as the number of dermal mast cell was significantly lowered in ERW-bathing group. Defection of corneocytes under the scanning electron microscope was less observed in ERW-bathing group than in TW-bathing group. Further... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363691 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363690&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040879%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu Y, Ni B, Ren JD, Chen JH, Tian ZQ, Tang M, Li D, Xia P Abstract Inflammation and septic shock due to endotoxins from Gram-negative bacteria infection continue to pose significant challenges to human healthcare. It is, therefore, necessary to develop therapeutic strategies targeting endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to prevent their potentially systemic effects. Pathogenesis due to Gram-negative bacteria involves LPS binding to the host LPS-binding protein (LBP), causing detrimental downstream signaling cascades. Our previous study showed that CLP-19, a synthetic peptide derived from the Limulus anti-LPS factor (LALF), could effectively neutralize LPS toxicity; however, the detailed mechanisms underlying this anti-LPS effect remained unexplained. Thus, we ca... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363690 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363689&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040880%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ma Z, Zhang J, Du R, Ji E, Chu L Abstract Inhibition of Rho kinase (ROCK) ameliorates many cardiovascular dysfunctions. The aim of the current study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of fasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor, on high cholesterol diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats and its possible mechanisms. In hypercholesterolemic rats, we found the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and several inflammatory markers including interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, C-reaction protein (CRP) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1 significantly elevated, while those of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) decreased. Moreover, mRNA expressions of ROCK and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363689 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363688&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040881%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, arterial pressure lability occurs only in SAD rats, and their isolated aortas exhibit intense RCs. These RCs seem to be dependent of the gap-junction communication, since these oscillations are intensified by TEA and inhibited by heptanol. After SAD, aortas are more sensitive to heptanol and less sensitive to TEA. PMID: 22040881 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363688 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363687&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040882%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fujita M, Ohnishi K, Takaoka S, Ogasawara K, Fukuyama R, Nakamuta H Abstract To determine whether the antihypertensive effect of nattokinase is associated with the protease activity of this enzyme, we compared nattokinase with the fragments derived from nattokinase, which possessed no protease activity, in terms of the effect on hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the continuous oral administration test, the groups were given a basic diet alone (control), the basic diet containing nattokinase (0.2, 2.6 mg/g diet) or the basic diet containing the fragments derived from nattokinase (0.2, 0.6 mg/g diet). The group fed the basic diet containing high-dosage nattokinase (2.6 mg/g diet) showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastoli... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363687 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363686&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040883%26dopt%3DAbstract This study investigated the in vivo anti-hyperglycemia and anti-diabetic complication effects of the EtOAc-soluble portion of ethanolic extract of T. chebula fruit (EETC) containing 29.4% chebulic acid. Rats were divided into non-diabetic, untreated diabetic and diabetic groups. Streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight (BW))-induced diabetic rats were orally administered the aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg BW), high dose (500 mg/kg BW; HEETC) and low dose (100 mg/kg BW; LEETC) for 13 weeks. HEETC administration reduced the levels of blood glucose and serum lipids, decreased malondialdehyde concentrations of serum and thoracic aorta in diabetic rats, and significantly improved serum biochemical values and the pathomorphological changes of the liver and kidney in diabetic rats. Also, HEETC decreased t... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363686 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363685&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040884%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we used chromosome conformation capture (3C) technology and demonstrated that the Ig-β promoter physically interacted with the scattered regulatory regions. We found that the Ig-β promoter also interacted with two downstream promoters of ubiquitously expressed genes, rad motif 1 (RDM1) and Plekhm1, to form a transcription factory, but not with three ubiquitously expressed genes, BAF60b, p45/SUG, and RRMJ3, located upstream of the Ig-β gene. In this factory, the chromatin from the three promoters and the scattered regulatory regions of the Ig-β gene formed a complex structure with many chromatin loops. PMID: 22040884 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363685 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363684&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040885%26dopt%3DAbstract This study evaluated whether macrophages modulated proliferation and migration of SMC in close proximity, which was suppressed by 1-25 µg/ml sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) extract (SFE) inhibiting protein-tyrosine phosphatase-1B activity. The addition of conditioned media of THP-1-derived macrophages substantially promoted human aortic smooth muscle cell (HAoSMC) proliferation by ≍30%. HAoSMC proliferation was significantly attenuated by ≥10 µg/ml SFE most likely due to its diminution of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB secreted by neighbor macrophages. HAoSMC migration was also enhanced by culturing in THP-1 macrophage conditioned media, as evidenced by a scratch wound assay. However, the presence of ≥10 µg/ml SFE did not allow such migaration. When SFE was treated t... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363684 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363683&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040886%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Xu J, Itoh Y, Hayashi H, Takii T, Miyazawa K, Onozaki K Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease with significant gender differences in its prevalence and clinical features. Interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α produced by synoviocytes are principle inflammatory and destructive mediators of RA. We found that a potent androgen, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibits IL-1α-induced production and mRNA expression of IL-8, IL-6 and IL-1β from RA patient-derived fibroblast-like synovial cell line MH7A. Promoter analysis of the IL-8 gene revealed that nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation is critical for its transcriptional activation by IL-1α, and DHT inhibited the IL-1α-induced NF-κB activation in a manner dependent on the androgen receptor (AR). DHT a... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363683 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363682&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040887%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sakai T, Sako K, Hayashi M Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of nilvadipine (NiD) from disintegration-controlled matrix tablets (DCMT). A further purpose was to clarify biological factors that affect the absorption of NiD from DCMT. Two DCMT formulations, which released approximately 80% of NiD in 6 h (DCMT-M) and 10 h (DCMT-S) in vitro, were prepared and compared with immediate-release (IR) tablets. The T(max) and mean residence time from DCMT-M and DCMT-S were significantly longer than those from IR tablets in fasted dogs. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) (0-infinity) from DCMT-M in both fed and fasted dogs and IR tablets were comparable in both fed and fasted dogs, indicating complete drug release and abso... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363682 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363681&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040888%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we examined the protection against I/R injury by inhibition of NO generation. Wistar/ST rats were exposed to 1 h of ischemia, followed by reperfusion for 4 h. The rats were intravenously injected with 100 mg/kg aminoguanidine (AG), which is a selective inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, for 5 min before ischemia. The increase in NO(2)(-) by intestinal I/R was significantly inhibited by AG 1 h after reperfusion. Moreover, the increase in area under curve of 0 to 1 h after reperfusion (AUC(0-1)) of paracellular marker was inhibited. However, 3 h after reperfusion, the survival ratio of rats was significantly decreased in the intestinal I/R condition with AG. The amount of NO(2)(-) and AUC of 3 to 4 h after reperfusion (AUC(3-4)) of paracellular marker in intestinal I/R gr... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363681 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363680&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040889%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Uchida E, Kondo Y, Amano A, Aizawa S, Hanamura T, Aoki H, Nagamine K, Koizumi T, Maruyama N, Ishigami A Abstract It has been suggested that some food components, such as bioflavonoids, affect the bioavailability of ascorbic acid in humans. Since little is known in Japan about the effective intake of this dietary requirement, we tested young Japanese males after the ingestion of commercial ascorbic acid or acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) juice to compare the quantities absorbed and excreted. Healthy Japanese subjects received a single oral dose of ascorbic acid solution (50, 100, 200 or 500 mg) and received distilled water as a reference at intervals of 14 d or longer. All subjects were collected blood and urine until 6 h after ingestion and evaluated for time-dependent ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363680 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363679&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040890%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kim S, Lee SH, Kang S, Lee L, Park JD, Ryu DY Abstract Catalase protects cells from reactive oxygen species-induced damage by catalyzing the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water. Arsenite decreases catalase activity; it activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and its key downstream effector Akt in a variety of cells. The PI3K pathway is known to inhibit catalase expression. c-Met, an upstream regulator of PI3K and Akt, is also involved in the regulation of catalase expression. To examine the involvement of c-Met and PI3K pathways in the arsenite-induced downregulation of catalase, catalase mRNA and protein expression were analyzed in the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 treated with arsenite and either an inhibitor of c-Met (PHA665752 (PHA)) or of PI3K (... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363679 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363678&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040891%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Matsumoto Y, Murakami H, Hattori N, Yoshimoto K, Asano S, Inden M Abstract Accumulating evidence in humans demonstrates that visuo-spatial deficits are the most consistently reported cognitive abnormalities in Parkinson's disease (PD). Ezrin, radixin, and moesin are collectively known as ERM proteins. Although ERM proteins have important implications in cell-shape determination and relevant signaling pathway, they have not been studied in the hippocampus in association with visuo-spatial memory impairments. The purpose of the present study is to examine whether the expression level of ERM proteins in the hippocampus is changed by an intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in mice. The intrastriatal injection of 6-OHDA induced partial dopaminergic deficits and... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363678 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363677&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040892%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kwag J, Majid AS, Kang KD Abstract Hippocampus is one of the earliest brain regions that gets affected by ischemia, however, no pharmacological therapy exists yet that can fully counteract the ischemic damage. Here we study the effect of sulbutiamine, a synthetic thiamine analogue that can cross the blood-brain barrier easily, on hippocampal neurons under an in vitro model of ischemia, oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). We find that exposure to OGD in the presence of sulbutiamine significantly increases neuronal viability and enhances electrophysiological properties such as excitatory synaptic transmissions and intrinsic neuronal membrane input resistance in a concentration-dependent manner. Overall, here we report, for the first time, the neuroprotective evidence of sulbut... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363677 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363676&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040893%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, this cohort study demonstrated that gemcitabine-induced hematologic toxicity could be alleviated by treating patients at 9:00. PMID: 22040893 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363676 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5363675&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040894%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, manassantin A (Man A), an herbal medicine isolated from Saururus chinensis (S. chinensis), markedly inhibited 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO)-dependent leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) generation in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) in a concentration-dependent manner. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibition of LTC(4) generation by Man A, we assessed the effects of Man A on phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Inhibition of LTC(4) generation by Man A was accompanied by a decrease in cPLA(2) phosphorylation, which occurred via the MAPKs including extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) as well as p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways. Taken together, the present study... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5363675 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:50:14 +0100 5363675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5317618&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21628871%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sakai H PMID: 21628871 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5317618 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:50:02 +0100 5317618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5317617&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21628874%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bachmann O, Seidler U Abstract A number of transport mechanisms in the colonic epithelium contribute to HCO₃⁻ movement across the apical and basolateral membranes, but this ion has been largely regarded as a by-product of the transport functions it is involved in, such as NaCl or short chain fatty acid (SCFA) absorption. However, emerging data points to several specific roles of HCO₃⁻ for colonic epithelial physiology, including pH control in the colonic surface microenvironment, which is important for transport and immune functions, as well as the secretion and the rheological properties of the mucus gel. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that colonic HCO₃⁻ transporters are expressed in a highly segmental as well as species-specific manner. This re... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5317617 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:50:02 +0100 5317617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5317616&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21628876%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fujii T, Fujita K, Takeguchi N, Sakai H Abstract Gastric proton pump (H⁺, K⁺-ATPase) secretes H⁺ of acid (HCl) via the luminal membrane of parietal cells. For the HCl secretion, Cl⁻- and K⁺-transporting proteins are required. Recent our studies have demonstrated that K⁺-Cl⁻ cotransporters (KCC3a and KCC4) are expressed in gastric parietal cells. KCC3a is associated with Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in the basolateral membrane, and KCC4 is associated with H⁺, K⁺-ATPase in the apical canalicular membrane. This paper summarizes the functional association between KCCs and P-type ATPases and the contribution of these complexes to acid secretion in gastric parietal cells. PMID: 21628876 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5317616 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:50:02 +0100 5317616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5317615&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21628893%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kim YH, Choi JH, Rim HK, Kang HJ, Chang SG, Park JH, Park HJ, Choi JW, Kim SD, Lee KT Abstract The unripe fruits of Rubus coreanus (Rosaceae) are used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve kidney dysfunction. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of the triterpenoid glycoside niga-ichigoside F₁ (NIF₁) and of its aglycone 23-hydroxytormentic acid (23-HTA) isolated from the unripe fruits of Rubus coreanus (Rosaceae) against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in renal epithelial LLC-PK₁ cells. Pretreating LLC-PK₁ cells with 23-HTA or NIF₁ was found to prevent cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. In addition, 23-HTA or NIF₁ pretreatment significantly improved the changes associated with cisplatin toxicity by increasing levels of glutat... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5317615 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:50:02 +0100 5317615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284395&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963490%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, male beagle dogs received daily treatment of either LBP (20 mg/kg, per os (p.o.)) or EDA (2 mg/kg, intravenously (i.v.)) for 7 d and then followed by an intravenous injection of DOX (1.5 mg/kg). DOX (15 mg/kg) significantly induced acute cardiotoxicity in dogs characterized by conduction abnormalities (including decreased heart rate, ST segment elevation, QT intervals prolongation, inverted T wave, arrhythmia, and myocardial ischemia) and increased serum creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotrans-ferase (AST). Pretreatment with LBP or EDA effectively alleviated both DOX-associated conduction abnormalities and increased serum CK and AST. Moreover, physiological and serum biochemical evidences demonstrated that EDA is more effective than LBP in alleviating these abnormaliti... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284395 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284394&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963491%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, GCIP-27 could inhibit vascular remodeling effectively in vitro and in vivo. PMID: 21963491 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284394 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284393&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963492%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hokari T, Tsuboi I, Harada T, Oshima H, Hirabayashi Y, Kanno J, Inoue T, Aizawa S Abstract Mast-cell-development in the bone-marrow (BM) and the spleen is restrictedly controlled by stromal-cells which produce positive-regulators such as stem cell factor (SCF), and negative-regulators such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). How the balance between positive- and negative-regulation is achieved or maintained by stromal-cells is not well understood. We intravenously injected 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into C3H/HeN mice to disrupt mast-cell-development in order to reveal mechanisms of mast-cell-regulation. 5-FU treatment induces a rapid decrease in the number of mast-cell-progenitor (colony-forming unit (CFU)-mast) cells in the BM and spleen, fo... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284393 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284392&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963493%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Moteki H, Kimura M, Ogihara M Abstract We investigated the effects of α- and β-adrenergic agonists on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) isoforms in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were isolated and cultured with EGF (20 ng/ml) and/or α(1)-, α(2)- and β(2)-adrenergic agonists. Phosphorylated ERK isoforms (ERK1; p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ERK2; p42 MAPK) were detected by Western blotting analysis using anti-phospho-ERK1/2 antibody. The results show that EGF induced a 2.5-fold increase in ERK2-, but not ERK1-, phosphorylation within 3 min. This EGF-induced ERK2 activation was abolished by treatment with the EGF-receptor kinase inhibitor AG1478 (10(-7) M) or the MEK (MAPK kinase... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284392 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284391&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963494%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Khanal P, Kang BS, Yun HJ, Cho HG, Makarieva TN, Choi HS Abstract Rhizochalin is a two-headed sphingolipid-like compound isolated from the sponge Rhizochalina incrustata. It has been reported that rhizocalin and its derivates have a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effect. However, the molecular mechanism of these effects is not understood. Here, we demonstrate that aglycon of rhizochalin (AglRhz) from the Rhizochalina incrustata induces AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, and thereby inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-p70S6 kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling and activator protein 1 (AP-1) activity via phosphorylation of Raptor in HT-29 cells. In addition, AglRhz induced activation of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284391 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284390&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963495%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Park CH, Noh JS, Kim JH, Tanaka T, Zhao Q, Matsumoto K, Shibahara N, Yokozawa T Abstract The present study was conducted to examine whether morroniside has an ameliorative effect on diabetes-induced alterations such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the liver of type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Morroniside (20 or 100 mg/kg body weight/d, per os (p.o.)) was administered every day for 8 weeks to db/db mice, and its effect was compared with vehicle-treated db/db and m/m mice. The administration of morroniside decreased the elevated serum glucose concentration in db/db mice, and reduced the increased oxidative biomarkers including the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in the liver. The db/db mice exhibited the up-regulation of nicotinami... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284390 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284389&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963496%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we investigated the effect of sauchinone in suppressing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, leading to a reduction in COX-2-derived prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and iNOS-derived nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Present study also demonstrates the effects of sauchinone in inducing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and an increase in heme oxygenase (HO) activity in RAW264.7 macrophages. The effects of sauchinone on LPS-induced PGE(2), NO, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interlukine-1β (IL-1β) production were partially reversed by the HO-1 inhibitor Tin protoporphyrin was also seen in this study. In addition, we found that treatment with extracellular signal-regulated ki... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284389 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284388&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963497%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wan JX, Fukuda N, Ueno T, Watanabe T, Matsuda H, Saito K, Nagase H, Matsumoto Y, Matsumoto K Abstract Pyrrole-imidazole (PI) polyamide can bind to specific sequences in the minor groove of double-helical DNA and inhibit transcription of the genes. We designed and synthesized a PI polyamide to target the human connective tissue growth factor (hCTGF) promoter region adjacent to the Smads binding site. Among coupling activators that yield PI polyamides, 1-[bis(dimethylamino)methylene]-5-chloro-1H-benzotriazolium 3-oxide hexafluorophosphate (HCTU) was most effective in total yields of PI polyamides. A gel shift assay showed that a PI polyamide designed specifically for hCTGF (PI polyamide to hCTGF) bound the appropriate double-stranded oligonucleotide. A fluorescein isothiocya... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284388 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284387&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963498%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Takeuchi H, Matsuno N, Hirano T, Gulimire M, Hama K, Nakamura Y, Iwamoto H, Toraishi T, Kawaguchi T, Okuyama K, Unezaki S, Nagao T Abstract Though steroid withdrawal is done in many renal transplant recipients, some patients must restart steroids. Little report has investigated steroid withdrawal under pharmacodynamic monitoring. We assessed lymphocyte sensitivity to endogenous cortisol as a biomarker for determining the safety of steroid withdrawal in renal transplant patients, as we hypothesized that patients hyposensitive to cortisol could not be sufficiently immunosuppressed by their intrinsic cortisol as a substitute for the reduced or withdrawn steroid. Lymphocyte sensitivity to cortisol was examined in 30 long stable renal transplant recipients. Lymphocyte sensitivi... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284387 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284386&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963499%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we showed that two natural compounds, physalins A and B, both secosteriods from Physalisalkekengi var. franchetii, significantly inhibited the growth of two androgen-independent cell lines CWR22Rv1 and C42B, induced apoptosis via c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and/or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, and decreased AR expression. In addition, physalins A and B down-regulated the expression of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in C42B cells which is a target gene of AR. Our results suggest that physalin A and B might be useful agents in preventing the growth of androgen-independent prostate cancer (AI-PCa). PMID: 21963499 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284386 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284385&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963500%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Morimoto R, Obinata A Abstract Physiological cell death is an essential event in normal development and maintenance of homeostasis. Recently, the morphological and pharmacological characteristics of programmed cell death, which are distinct from those of apoptosis under physiological and pathological conditions, have been reported. However, the molecular mechanism and executioner of this type of cell death are unknown. We show that overexpression of hematopoietically expressed homeoprotein (Hex), a homeoprotein of divergent type, and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusion protein (Hex-EGFP) induces cell death in mouse chondrogenic cell line ATDC5. The expression rate of Hex-EGFP decreased more rapidly than that of EGFP 96 h after transfection. The time-lapse imag... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284385 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284384&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963501%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cardiovascular protective effects of Danshensu, a water-soluble active component of Danshen, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR (male, 9 weeks old, n=30) were divided into three groups: 1) saline control (n=10); 2) a Danshensu (10 mg/kg/d, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) treatment group (n=10); and 3) a Valsartan (10 mg/kg/d, intragastrically (i.g.)) treatment group (n=10). Age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats (n=10) were used as normotensive controls. Saline and drug treatments were administered for 6 weeks. When the rats were 15 weeks old, their hearts were excised and arrhythmias were induced by an ex vivo ischemia/reperfusion protocol. The heart weight to body weight index was significantly increased in SHR, and this increase was att... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284384 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284383&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963502%26dopt%3DAbstract This study indicates that indole-3-carbinol has apoptosis effects, including a production of hydroxyl radicals, cytochrome c release and activation of metacaspase. Both hydroxyl radicals and metacaspases triggered apoptosis in Candida albicans. PMID: 21963502 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284383 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284382&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963503%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ohnishi J, Miyake A, Kuwatsuka K, Onoue Y, Lee M, Koyama T, Sendo T, Kawasaki H, Kitamura Y Abstract The initiation of a pharmacist-implemented management program to ensure appropriate use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents at Mizushima Kyodo Hospital is described. In the present study, we examined the influence of having pharmacists actively manage hemoglobin levels on therapeutic outcome in a retrospective study of 84 outpatients receiving hemodialysis. We compiled in-hospital guidelines for the use of erythropoietin and iron for outpatients with renal anemia. Pharmacists made recommendations, particularly about changes in the dose of erythropoietin and administration of iron preparations, to physicians. Clinical test results were monitored for 12 months (between Novem... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284382 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284381&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963504%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kojima K, Shimada T, Nagareda Y, Watanabe M, Ishizaki J, Sai Y, Miyamoto K, Aburada M Abstract Accumulation of visceral fat induces various symptoms of metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance and abnormal glucose/lipid metabolism and eventually leads to the onset of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. Geniposide, which is iridoid glycoside from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides ELLIS, is recognized as being useful against hyperlipidemia and fatty liver. In order to clarify the effect of geniposide on metabolic disease-based visceral fat accumulation and the relevant molecular mechanism, experiments were performed in spontaneously obese Type 2 diabetic TSOD mice and the free fatty acid-treated HepG2 cells. In the TSOD mice, geniposide showed suppression of body weight ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284381 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284380&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963505%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yamamuro D, Uchida R, Takahashi Y, Masuma R, Tomoda H Abstract Microbial samples, including our library of known microbial compounds (ca. 300) and microbial culture broths (ca. 9000), were screened for small molecules affecting the phenotype of Caenorhabditis elegans. As a result, seven known compounds were found to induce phenotypic abnormality of C. elegans. Staurosporine exhibited morphological defects in the vulva and tail of C. elegans, avermectin B1a exhibited hatching inhibition of starting eggs on day 1 at 25-100 µM and growth inhibition at 0.01-12.5 µM, siccanin and antimycin A inhibited the growth of C. elegans, and fluorouracil inhibited hatching of eggs newly spawned by adult C. elegans. Toromycin induced morphological defects in the intestine. 5-(4-Methoxyph... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284380 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284379&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963506%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Isshiki M, Umezawa K, Tamura H Abstract Coffee is a beverage that is consumed world-wide on a daily basis and is known to induce a series of metabolic and pharmacological effects, especially in the digestive tract. However, little is known concerning the effects of coffee on transporters in the gastrointestinal tract. To elucidate the effect of coffee on intestinal transporters, we investigated its effect on expression of the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) in a human colorectal cancer cell line, Caco-2. Coffee induced BCRP gene expression in Caco-2 cells in a coffee-dose dependent manner. Coffee treatment of Caco-2 cells also increased the level of BCRP protein, which corresponded to induction of gene expression, and also increased cellular efflux activity, ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284379 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284378&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963507%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lee MS, Kim KJ, Kim D, Lee KE, Hwang JK Abstract Hepatic lipid accumulation is a major risk factor for dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance. The present study was conducted to evaluate hypolipidemic effects of meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (MDA), anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory compound isolated from the Myristica fragrans HOUTT., by oil red O staining, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot. MDA significantly inhibited insulin-induced hepatic lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. The lipid-lowering effect of MDA was accompanied by increased expression of proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation and decreased expression of lipid synthetic proteins. In addition, MDA activated AMP-activated pr... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284378 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284377&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963508%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zheng Z, Yang Y, Shao H, Liu Z, Lu X, Xu Y, He X, Jiang W, Jiang Q, Zhao B, Zhang H, Li Z, Si S Abstract In our previous study, two synthetic thiophenes such as IMB-05 and IMB-15 were found as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists and exhibited beneficial effects on glucose tolerance of diabetic mice in vivo. In the present study, their effect on the transactivity of other nuclear receptors was further investigated. IMB-05 and IMB-15 could not only activated PPARγ but also efficiently activate PPARα in GAL4-hPPARα/γ (ligand binding domain (LBD)) chimeric receptor assay and PPAR response element (PPRE)-luc reporter gene assay with EC(50) values of 1.8-5.2 µM, whereas no activity was observed in other nuclear receptor assays. In addition, th... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284377 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284376&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963509%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nemoto-Sasaki Y, Takai S, Takeuchi T, Arata Y, Nishiyama K, Yamada A, Takahashi H, Natsugari H, Kasai K Abstract Galectins comprise a large family of β-galactoside-binding proteins in animals and fungi. We previously isolated cDNAs of 10 galectin and galectin-like genes (lec-1 to lec-6 and lec-8 to lec-11) from Caenorhabditis elegans and characterized the carbohydrate-binding properties of their recombinant proteins. In the present study, we isolated cDNA corresponding to an open reading frame of the DC2.3a gene from C. elegans total RNA; this cDNA encodes another potential galectin. A recombinant DC2.3a protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and used for analysis. The protein displayed hemagglutinating activity against rabbit erythrocytes, bound to an asialofetuin-Sep... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284376 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284375&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963510%26dopt%3DAbstract This study demonstrated the different effects of pantethine and fursultiamine from the viewpoint of plasma gastrointestinal peptide changes. The pharmacological effects of pantethine may be closely related to the changes in plasma CGRP- and VIP-IS levels. PMID: 21963510 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284375 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284374&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963511%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, to clarify the role of IL-1 in the expression of the hepatic Cyp7a1 gene, we focused on Cyp7a1 transcriptional regulators such as α-fetoprotein transcription factor (FTF), liver X receptor α (LXRα), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) and small heterodimer partner (SHP) and examined the effects of IL-1 on their gene expression by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction using IL-1-KO and WT mice. We observed no significant differences between sex-matched IL-1-KO and WT mice with regard to gene expression levels of FTF, LXRα, and HNF4α, all of which are positive transcriptional regulators for the Cyp7a1 gene. However, interindividual differences in hepatic FTF and LXRα expression were closely dependent on the gene expression level(s) of hepatic IL-1 ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284374 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284373&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21963512%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nakamura K, Akiyama H, Ohmori K, Takahashi Y, Takabatake R, Kitta K, Nakazawa H, Kondo K, Teshima R Abstract Unauthorized genetically modified (GM) papaya (Carica papaya LINNAEUS) was detected in a commercially processed product, which included papaya as a major ingredient, in Japan. We identified the transgenic vector construct generated based on resistance to infection with the papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) YK strain. A specific detection method to qualitatively monitor papaya products for contamination with the GM papaya was developed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. PMID: 21963512 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284373 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:55:03 +0100 5284373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5249783&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21532146%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shi Q, Hou Y, Yang Y, Bai G Abstract It has been reported that treatment with β₂ adrenergic receptor (β₂AR) agonist bronchodilators may result in airway β₂ARs internalization and cardiac muscle cells apoptosis. This could lead to the loss of pharmacological effect of β₂AR agonists and increase adverse cardiovascular events in asthma patients receiving β₂AR agonist therapy. Glycyrrhizin, the major bioactive component of licorice root extract, has been reported to exhibit protective effect on respiratory system. Here, we investigate the effects of glycyrrhizin against β₂AR agonist salbutamol-induced receptor internalization and cell apoptosis. In our study, the live cell confocal imaging and fixed-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay reveale... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5249783 Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:04:02 +0100 5249783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5249782&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21532158%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Morioka Y, Nishimura M, Takehara H, Doi K, Naito S, Yamauchi A Abstract We investigated the disposition of ARTCEREB® irrigation and perfusion solution (Artcereb) during intrathecal perfusion in a lateral ventricle-cisternal perfusion model in conscious rats. In this perfusion model, the perfusion rate was set at 0.35 ml/kg/h, taking into consideration the clinical perfusion rate (500 ml/60 kg/d). The influence of Artcereb on electrolytes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood were then investigated. After 24 h of ventriculocisternal perfusion with Artcereb using the push-pull method, output of K(+), Na(+) and Cl(-) to the cistern magna was very similar to input of these electrolytes in Artcereb infused intraventricularly. Recovery rates of K(+), Na(+) and Cl(-) after perf... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5249782 Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:04:02 +0100 5249782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196022&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881216%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yamada K PMID: 21881216 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196022 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196021&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881217%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lu L, Mamiya T, Koseki T, Mouri A, Nabeshima T Abstract Accumulating evidence supports the existence of an overlap in genetic susceptibility with schizophrenia. Translation of human genetic mutations into animals is one of the most important strategies to study the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, identify potential drug targets, and test new medicines for antipsychotic treatment. Recent discoveries of susceptibility genes for schizophrenia make the possibility to develop newer genetic mouse models based on the neurodevelopmental hypotheses of schizophrenia. Although it is not possible to mimic all schizophrenic symptoms by these animal models, the genetic mouse models based on the neurodevelopmental hypothesis are widely developed to reproduce several schizophrenia-like beh... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196021 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196020&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881218%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nagai T, Ibi D, Yamada K Abstract Schizophrenia is a devastating psychiatric disorder that impairs mental and social functioning and affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide. Genetic susceptibility factors for schizophrenia have recently been reported, some of which are known to play a role in neurodevelopment; these include neuregulin-1, dysbindin, and disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1). Moreover, epidemiologic studies suggest that environmental insults, such as prenatal infection and perinatal complication, are involved in the development of schizophrenia. The possible interaction between environment and genetic susceptibility factors, especially during neurodevelopment, is proposed as a promising disease etiology of schizophrenia. Polyriboinosinic-polyribo... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196020 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196019&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881219%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Higashida H, Yokoyama S, Munesue T, Kikuchi M, Minabe Y, Lopatina O Abstract Oxytocin (OXT) in the hypothalamus is the biological basis of social recognition, trust, and bonding. We showed that CD38, a leukaemia cell marker, plays an important role in the hypothalamus in the process of OXT release in adult mice. Disruption of Cd38 (Cd38(-/-)) produced impairment of maternal behavior and male social recognition in mice, similar to the behavior observed in Oxt and OXT receptor (Oxtr) gene knockout (Oxt(-/-) and Oxtr(-/-), respectively) mice. Locomotor activity induced by separation from the dam was higher and the number of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) calls was lower in Cd38(-/-) than Cd38(+/+) pups. These phenotypes seemed to be caused by the high plasma OXT levels during ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196019 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196018&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881220%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Arime Y, Kubo Y, Sora I Abstract Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is a clinically heterogenous disorder including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Both psychostimulant and non-psychostimulant drugs such as methylphenidate and atomoxetine, respectively, to modulate catecholeamine neurotransmission are used as current pharmacotherapies for AD/HD. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that genetic factors play major roles in the etiology of AD/HD. meta-Analyses and pooled data analyses have suggested associations between AD/HD and polymorphisms in genes encoding monoamine neurotransmission molecules. There has been considerable research on this disorder using genetic, pharmacological, and neuroimaging approaches, and several animal models of AD/HD suc... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196018 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196017&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881221%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Xu F, Xu S, Wang L, Chen C, Zhou X, Lu Y, Zhang H Abstract Verticinone, an isosteroidal alkaloid separated from Bulbus Fritillaria (Chinese name "Bei-mu"), was evaluated for its analgesic activities in murine models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. It was shown that oral administarion of verticinone could significantly inhibit acetic acid-induced writhing response in a dose-dependent way, and the writhing inhibition of 3 mg/kg verticinone was 66.2%, which was approximately higher than that of 200 mg/kg aspirin. In the formalin test, a high dose of (3 mg/kg) verticinone could inhibit the nociceptive response of both phases, but the lower dose (1.5 mg/kg) could only inhibit the second phase response, which suggested that verticinone might exert its analgesic effect thro... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196017 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196016&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881222%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mizukoshi K, Matsumoto K, Hirose R, Fujita T, Ishida-Yamamoto A, Iizuka H Abstract Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) is involved in the ceramide synthesis pathway. We investigated the effects of ISP-I, a potent inhibitor of SPT, on the stratum corneum (SC) of hairless mouse skin. Application of ISP-I for one week resulted in a significant decrease in the amount of ceramide, which was associated with a decrease in SC hydration. However, there was an increase in the number of SC layers and less transepidermal water loss than control. Transmission Electron Microscopy observation revealed that the number of desmosome-like structures in the layers immediately above the stratum granulosum (SG) was significantly increased in ISP-I-treated skin compared to vehicle-treated skin. Th... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196016 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196015&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881223%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yang Y, Cao MH, Wang Q, Yuan DD, Li L, Tao L Abstract 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) has recently been demonstrated to inhibit gap junction (GJ) channels, whereas the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. Using mouse TM(4) Sertoli cell which expresses connexin43 (Cx43), we explored the effects of 2-APB and its analogues on dye-coupling through junctional channels formed by Cx43 and on expression of Cx43. Exposure of the cells to 2-APB (1-50 µM) and one of its analogues diphenylboronic anhydride (DPBA) (1-30 µM) for 4 h leads to a significant decrease in dye coupling of GJ in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of 2-APB and DPBA are reversible since decreased GJ coupling resumes after the two compounds are washed out. The disfunction of GJ in... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196015 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196014&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881224%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang LC, Li ZZ, Yu YS, Wang ZB, Wei X, Su DF, Li L Abstract The balance of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in high blood pressure variability (BPV) induced cardiovascular hypertrophy remains elusive. The aim of the present work was to investigate expression and activity of ACE and ACE2 in the heart and aorta of sinoaortic denervation (SAD) rats with high BPV and normal BP, and explore the potential role of ACE and ACE2 in high BPV-induced cardiovascular damage. Hemodynamics, cardiovascular hypertrophy, angiotensin II (Ang II) concentrations, ACE and ACE2 activity were determined. Cardiac-tissue ACE and ACE2 expression were assayed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Compared with sham-operated rats, systo... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196014 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196013&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881225%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu J, Chen HB, Guo BL, Zhao ZZ, Liang ZT, Yi T Abstract Astragali Radix (AR), prepared from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus (FISCH. ex LINK) BUNGE or its variey, A. membranaceus (FISCH. ex LINK) BUNGE var. mongholicus (BUNGE) HSIAO., is one of the most used and valuable traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Historically, Hunyuan, Shanxi Province in China is the geo-authentic producing area of AR and crude AR from here called "geo-authentic." According to tradition, geo-authentic TCMs define both authenticity and quality. However, no scientific investigation has ever determined whether the superior quality of Hunyuan AR is due to the genetic characteristics or to the local environment. In our study, seeds of 30 AR samples representing the two varieties from different ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196013 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196012&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881226%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sato S, Nakagawasai O, Tan-No K, Niijima F, Suzuki T, Tadano T Abstract It is well known that nutritional status during the fetal and/or lactation period is important for the development of the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast, the effect of malnutrition on postweaning development has not yet been thoroughly investigated. In the present study, we analyzed the behavioral and neuroanatomical effects of protein malnutrition (PM) postweaning in mice. Starting at 20-21 d of age, male ddY mice were maintained on a 5% casein diet (PM group) or 20% casein diet (control group) for 20 d. On the 20th d, body and brain weights of PM mice were lower than those of the control group. PM mice exhibited excessive alertness and spontaneous activity under novel conditions in the Irw... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196012 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196011&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881227%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we investigated the effect of 5-FU treatment on expression levels of drug transporters for SN-38 transportation and SN-38 absorption from the intestine following 5-FU treatment. Expression levels of several drug transporters and nuclear receptors in rats after 5-FU treatment were evaluated. SN-38 absorption from the intestine was evaluated by SN-38 concentration levels in serum following SN-38 injection into the intestine of 5-FU treated rats. The levels of renal multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2) on day 4 after treatment (400 mg/kg) showed significant upregulation, 359.2±33.2% (mean±S.E.) of control. Mrp2 levels in the intestine were downregulated to 26.2±8.4% of control. 5-FU treatment (400 mg/kg) also significantly downregurated expression levels of P-glycoprotein (... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196011 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196010&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881228%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Koizumi Y, Fukudome H, Hasumi K Abstract Malformin A(1), a cyclopentapeptide of fungal origin, enhances cellular fibrinolytic activity depending on the existence of a cofactor in blood plasma. However, the nature of this cofactor remains unknown. Here, we report that vitronectin acts as a plasma cofactor of malformin A(1). We purified the cofactor from bovine plasma by activity-based fractionation, and confirmed that vitronectin in conjunction with plasminogen supports the activity of malformin A(1) to promote the fibrinolytic activity of U937 cells. Malformin A(1) action was abolished by Arg-Gly-Asp peptide (a competitor of vitronectin-integrin binding), wortmannin (an inhibitor of signaling kinases), and cytochalasin B (an inhibitor of actin polymerization). Changes in a... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196010 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196009&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881229%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ha MK, Song YH, Jeong SJ, Lee HJ, Jung JH, Kim B, Song HS, Huh JE, Kim SH Abstract Chronic inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is promoted by proinflammatory cytokines and closely linked to angiogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-anthraquinone) isolated from the root of Rheum palmatum L. in interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RA synoviocytes under hypoxia. Emodin significantly inhibited IL-1β and LPS-stimulated proliferation of RA synoviocytes in a dose-dependent manner under hypoxic condition. Also, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed that emodin significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196009 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196008&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881230%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Matsui E, Takayama K, Sato E, Okamura N Abstract Daiokanzoto (DKT), a Kampo medicine that includes the combination of two crude drugs (rhubarb and glycyrrhiza), is clinically effective for constipation. The aim of this study is to clarify the influence of glycyrrhiza, three glycyrrhiza constituents (glycyrrhizin, liquiritin, and liquiritin apioside), and eight antibiotics on the purgative action of DKT, rhubarb, or sennoside A, a constituent of rhubarb, in mice. The purgative actions of rhubarb and sennoside A were significantly intensified when glycyrrhiza was co-administered orally to mice. Liquiritin and liquiritin apioside but not glycyrrhizin showed significant amplification of the purgative action in a dose-dependent manner. The purgative actions of DKT and sennoside... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196008 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196007&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881231%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, exposure to cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)) enhanced intracellular ROS generation and induced COS7 cell death. Moreover, exposure to Cd decreased the expression of EC-SOD at mRNA and protein levels, but not of other SOD isozymes, copper-and zinc-containing SOD and manganese-containing SOD. The reduction of EC-SOD and cell viability was partially attenuated by pretreatment with an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine. Further, we determined the involvement of p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) in the reduction of EC-SOD. From these observations, p38-MAPK signaling cascades activated by ROS play a pivotal role in the reduction of EC-SOD, and it is concluded that the reduction of EC-SOD leads to a decrease in the resistance to oxidative stress of Cd-exposed COS7 cells. PMI... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196007 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196006&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881232%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sato Y, Itagaki S, Oikawa S, Ogura J, Kobayashi M, Hirano T, Sugawara M, Iseki K Abstract Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the intestine is an important factor associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Intestinal I/R is a common clinical problem in the settings of severe burns, circulatory shock and strangulation ileus. Intestinal I/R damages remote organs and promotes multi-organ failure. It has been shown that enteral feeding before ischemic insults is beneficial for reducing organ injury and improving survival after intestinal I/R. In that study, the authors used a standard complex enteral diet and they suggested that it is important to find new nutrient formulas. Since reactive oxygen species are responsible for intestinal I/R injury, we focused on a d... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196006 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196005&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881233%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hamada-Kanazawa M, Narahara M, Takano M, Min KS, Tanaka K, Miyake M Abstract The compound β-citryl-L-glutamate (β-CG) was initially isolated from developing brains, though its functional roles remain unclear. In in vitro experiments, the [Fe(II)(β-CG)] complex activated aconitase in the presence of reducing reagents, whereas no Fe complex with citrate, glutamate, or deferoxamine displayed such an effect. β-CG and [Fe(II)(β-CG)] both bound to the fourth labile Fe atom (Fe(a)) in the [4Fe-4S] cluster of aconitase. Furthermore, [Fe(II)(β-CG)] reactivated aconitase damaged by ammonium peroxodisulfate (APS), while β-CG and citrate had no effect. These findings suggest that [Fe(II)(β-CG)] can transfer Fe to aconitase disassembled by APS. In intact mitochondria, both β-C... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196005 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196004&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881234%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Morita Y, Tsuchiya H, Harashima H, Kamiya H Abstract Tailed duplex (TD) DNAs, prepared by annealing an oligonucleotide to a several-hundred-base single-stranded (ss) DNA fragment, correct a base-substitution mutation with high efficiency. In the present study, the abilities of TD fragments to correct single-base insertion and deletion mutations were examined, using hygromycin-resistance and enhanced green fluorescent protein fusion (Hyg-EGFP) genes inactivated by +G and -C frameshift mutations. The 5'-TD and 3'-TD DNA fragments were co-transfected with plasmid DNA containing the inactivated Hyg-EGFP gene into CHO-K1 cells, and the gene correction efficiencies were determined by introducing the plasmid DNA recovered from the transfected cells into Escherichia coli cells. In... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196004 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196003&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881235%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Noguchi N, Nakaminami H, Nakase K, Sasatsu M Abstract Probiotics are additives containing live microbes that beneficially affect a host by improving the properties of the host intestinal microflora. Recently, advances in medical treatments have led to increased numbers of immunocompromised patients; some patients contract opportunistic infections of Enterococcus species, which are considered non-pathogenic bacteria. To evaluate the safety of probiotics containing Enterococcus strains, we isolated Enterococcus from six probiotic products and compared the pathogenic genes and antimicrobial susceptibility of the probiotic strains to those of clinical isolates. Our study showed that all Enterococcus strains contained in probiotic products were E. faecium, and no vancomycin-res... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196003 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196002&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881236%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion: junonius enhanced the expression and function of hERG by increasing Hsp70 and decreasing Hsc70. Ibotengutake decreased hERG expression via increase in Hsc70. Constituents of junonius may have the potential for use in treatment of arrhythmia. PMID: 21881236 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196002 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196001&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881237%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ishisaka M, Kakefuda K, Yamauchi M, Tsuruma K, Shimazawa M, Tsuruta A, Hara H Abstract Depression is a significant public health problem and some reports indicate an association between depression and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Luteolin is a flavonoid contained in many plants and with a variety of known pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and memory-improving effects, suggesting that luteolin penetrates into the brain. In the present study, we investigated the effects of luteolin on endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced neuronal cell death. Luteolin significantly suppressed tunicamycin-induced cell death at 1 to 10 µM in human neuroblastoma cells. Luteolin increased in the expression of the 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein and 94 kDa gluc... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196001 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5196000&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881238%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Inoue S, Aiba T, Masaoka Y, Shimizu K, Komori Y, Mio M, Takatori S, Kawasaki H, Kurosaki Y Abstract Vasodilation profiles following a short-term infusion of nitric oxide (NO), acetylcholine (ACh), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) into an isolated perfused mesenteric artery bed were analyzed in rats to examine their vasodilatory efficacy under physiological conditions. These compounds commonly increase the intracellular NO concentration to exert vasodilatory activity. In an experiment with exogenous NO infusion where 100 µl of 1 : 300 diluted NO-saturated solution (approx. 53 pmol of NO) was applied, the infusion caused transient vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner, with the peak vasodilation value being 74.7% of the maximum relaxation value. In experiments with ACh, the... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5196000 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5196000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195999&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881239%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we investigated the regulation of NGF by steroid diosgenin (DG) in a diabetic neuropathy rodent model. We found that DG, the primary spirostane-type steroid in several Dioscorea species, increased NGF levels in the sciatic nerve of diabetic rats. Additionally, DG increased neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and enhanced nerve conduction velocities in the diabetic neuropathy mouse model. DG-treated diabetic mice showed reduced disarrangement of the myelin sheath and increased area of myelinated axons by electron microscope studies and exhibited improvement in the damaged axons. Our data further suggest that DG increased the nerve conduction velocity through induction of NGF. Thus, our findings indicate that DG, a major sapogenin obtained from Dioscorea nipponica, reverses functi... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195999 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5195999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195998&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881240%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mendes LJ, Capettini LS, Lôbo LT, da Silva GA, Arruda MS, Lemos VS, Côrtes SF Abstract The present work aimed to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of isotirumalin, a dihydroflavonol isolated from Derris urucu (Leguminosae). The vasorelaxant effect of isotirumalin was investigated in the rat aorta, in the presence and in the absence of a functional endothelium. The production of nitric oxide (NO) induced by isotirumalin was measured simultaneously with its vasorelaxation using carbon microsensors. In endothelium-intact aortic rings, isotirumalin induced a concentration-dependent vasodilator effect the concentration required to produce 30% of relaxation (pIC(30)=4.84±0.24) that was abolished in endothelium-denuded aortic rings or in the presence of Nω-nitro-L-arginine-... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195998 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5195998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195997&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881241%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, cis-ampelopsin E, a stilbene isolated from the seeds of Paeonia suffruticosa, was shown to dose-dependently reduce the nitric oxide (NO) production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The reduction in the nitric oxide release occurred in parallel with the comparable inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme expression, which was achieved by cis-ampelopsin E's suppressive effect on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling activation. By inhibiting LPS-induced inhibitor kinase (IKKα/β) phosphorylation, cis-ampelopsin E significantly decreased LPS-induced IκBα phosphorylation, prevented IκBα degradation, and subsequently reduced the translocating of transcription factor p65 into the nucleus. As a result, the LPS-induced upregulatio... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195997 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5195997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195996&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881242%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sohn SI, Rim HK, Kim YH, Choi JH, Park JH, Park HJ, Choi JW, Kim SD, Jeong SY, Lee KT Abstract Previously, the authors demonstrated that the triterpenoid glycoside niga-ichigoside F(1) (NIF(1)) and its aglycone 23-hydroxytormentic acid (23-HTA) isolated from the unripe fruits of Rubus coreanus (Rosaceae) ameliorate cisplatin-induced toxicity in renal epithelial LLC-PK(1) cells. In the present study, the nephroprotective effects of NIF(1) and 23-HTA were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats with acute renal injury induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cisplatin (7 mg/kg). Pretreatment with 23-HTA (10 mg/kg/d, per os (p.o.)) significantly reduced cisplatin-induced elevations in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine level, whereas NIF(1) (10 mg/kg, p... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195996 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5195996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195995&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881243%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mine T, Ishii H, Nakajima S, Yoshikawa N, Miyamoto H, Nakashima M, Nakamura J, Fumoto S, Nishida K Abstract We have developed in vivo gene transfer to mesothelial cells on the peritoneal organs, including the stomach. Simple instillation of naked plasmid DNA onto the gastric serosal surface in mice resulted in effective but transient transgene expression. Here, we developed a simple method to improve not only the transfection efficiency but also the duration of transgene expression. Rubbing the gastric serosal surface using a medical spoon immediately after instillation of naked plasmid DNA onto the gastric serosal surface resulted in 59-fold higher transgene expression 24 h after administration in rats. Without rubbing, transgene expression decreased under the detection l... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195995 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5195995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5195994&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21881244%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, PPK was considered to be absorbed after oral administration and to exert its pharmacological action via kinins produced by kininogen degradation in dogs. PMID: 21881244 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5195994 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:16:03 +0100 5195994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5114667&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21804197%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kawabata A PMID: 21804197 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5114667 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:00:04 +0100 5114667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5114666&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21804198%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ueda H The injury-induced intense stimulation of spinal cord neurons causes lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) biosynthesis. LPA(1) receptor activation causes demyelination and sprouting of dorsal root fibers, leading to an induction of synaptic reorganization underlying allodynia, in which innocuous (tactile) stimuli cause intense pain. The LPA(1) signal also initiates the up-regulation of Ca(v)α2δ1 in dorsal root ganglion and PKCγ in the dorsal horn, underlying mechanisms for characteristic neuropathic hyperalgesia in myelinated sensory (A-type) fibers. On the other hand, the LPA(3) receptor mediates microglia activation at the early stage after nerve injury and LPA-induced LPA biosynthesis. Thus, both the LPA(1) and LPA(3) receptors play key roles in the initiation step using a... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5114666 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:00:04 +0100 5114666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5114665&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21804199%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tsuda M, Tozaki-Saitoh H, Inoue K Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid mediator that regulates the functions of a variety of cells in the peripheral tissues and in the nervous system. Findings that injection of PAF exogenously at the skin or in the spinal cord induced pain hypersensitivity gave us much attention to its role in pain signaling. Studies using pharmacological and genetic tools to control the functions of the PAF receptor (PAFR) revealed that the PAF/PAFR system plays a role in tissue injury-induced pain, but not in the acute physiological pain evoked by thermal and mechanical stimuli. Recent investigations have focused on the roles of PAFR in pathological chronic pain such as the neuropathic pain that occurs after nerve injury for which there is curr... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5114665 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:00:04 +0100 5114665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5114664&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21804200%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined whether LTs were implicated in neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury. Using the SNI model in rats, we investigated the expression of LT synthases and receptors mRNAs in the spinal cord and the roles on the pain behaviors. We found the expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), FLAP and the cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT1) mRNAs in spinal microglia, LTA4h and LTC4s mRNAs in both spinal neurons and microglia, and BLT1 mRNA in spinal neurons. Administration of the 5-LO inhibitor or the receptor antagonists suppressed mechanical allodynia. Our findings suggest that the increase of LT synthesis in spinal microglia produced via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays a role in the generation of neuropathic pain. We also examined the expression and roles on pain behavi... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5114664 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:00:04 +0100 5114664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5114663&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21804201%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kawabata A Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), a cyclooxygenase (COX) product, is the best known lipid mediator that contributes to inflammatory pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), inhibitors of COX-1 and/or COX-2, suppress inflammatory pain by reducing generation of prostanoids, mainly PGE(2), while they exhibit gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular toxicities. Selective inhibitors of microsomal PGE synthase-1 and subtype-selective antagonists of PGE(2) receptors, particularly EP(1) and EP(4), may be useful as analgesics with minimized side-effects. Protein kinase C (PKC) and PKA downstream of EP(1) and EP(4), respectively, sensitize/activate multiple molecules including transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) channels, purinergic P2X3 receptors, and v... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5114663 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:00:04 +0100 5114663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5114662&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21804202%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tokuyama S, Nakamoto K Fatty acids, which are the essential nutrients for humans, are an important source of energy and an essential component of cell membranes. They also function as signal transduction molecules in a range of biological phenomena. Recently, an increasing number of physiologic and pharmacologic reports on fatty acids have improved our understanding of the association of fatty acids with certain diseases. It has also become apparent that functional properties of fatty acids are modulated by factors such as the amount of individual fatty acid intake and their distribution among organs. Recently, the functional relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids and pain has been the focus of many studies. Both basic and clinical studies have shown that a dietary i... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5114662 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:00:04 +0100 5114662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5114661&cid=s_32516_13_f&fid=32516&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21804203%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, this solid SEDDS is a promising solid dosage form for poorly water-soluble curcumin. PMID: 21804203 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin) Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5114661 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:00:04 +0100 5114661