• Title/Summary/Keyword: Contrast Agents

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Herbal anti-inflammatory immunomodulators as host modulators in chronic periodontitis patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

  • Deore, Girish D.;Gurav, Abhijit N.;Patil, Rahul;Shete, Abhijeet R.;Naiktari, Ritam S.;Inamdar, Saurabh P.
    • Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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    • v.44 no.2
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    • pp.71-78
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    • 2014
  • Purpose: Host modulatory therapy has been proposed as a treatment for periodontal diseases. A class of herbal medicines, known to be immunomodulators, alters the activity of immune function through the regulation of informational molecules such as cytokines. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that herbal immunomodulator drugs act as an adjuvant to scaling and root planing (SRP) in alleviating periodontal inflammation by improving clinical and biochemical parameters. Methods: Sixty healthy subjects (30 in each group) with moderate and severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, double-masked randomised controlled trial. The control group was treated with SRP and a placebo, whereas the test group was treated with SRP followed by dietary supplementation of Septilin for 3 weeks. Periodontal clinical parameters and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated for all patients at the baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. Results: Improved gingival index scores found in the test group as compared to the control group were found to be statistically significant only after 3 weeks (P<0.001). In contrast, the decrease in the sulcus bleeding index and pocket depth scores was statistically highly significant in the test group as compared to the control group after 3 weeks and 6 weeks (P<0.001). However, reduced clinical attachment level and CRP scores, as reflected in the test group as compared to the control group, were not found to be statistically significant after both 3 weeks (P>0.05) and 6 weeks (P>0.05). Conclusions: The results of this clinical-biochemical study suggest that dietary supplementation with herbal immunomodulatory agents may be a promising adjunct to SRP and may aid in improving periodontal treatment outcomes.

GTP Induces S-phase Cell-cycle Arrest and Inhibits DNA Synthesis in K562 Cells But Not in Normal Human Peripheral Lymphocytes

  • Moosavi, Mohammad Amin;Yazdanparast, Razieh;Lotfi, Abbas
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.39 no.5
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    • pp.492-501
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    • 2006
  • Since differentiation therapy is one of the promising strategies for treatment of leukemia, universal efforts have been focused on finding new differentiating agents. In that respect, we used guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP) to study its effects on K562 cell line. GTP, at concentrations between 25-200 ${\mu}M$, inhibited proliferation (3-90%) and induced 5-78% increase in benzidine-positive cells after 6-days of treatments of K562 cells. Flow cytometric analyses of glycophorine A (GPA) showed that GTP can induce expression of this marker in more mature erythroid cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. These effects of GTP were also accompanied with inhibition of DNA synthesis (measured by [$^3H$]-thymidine incorporation) and early S-phase cell cycle arrest by 96 h of exposure. In contrast, no detectable effects were observed when GTP administered to unstimulated human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). However, GTP induced an increase in proliferation, DNA synthesis and viability of mitogen-stimulated PBL cells. In addition, growth inhibition and differentiating effects of GTP were also induced by its corresponding nucleotides GDP, GMP and guanosine (Guo). In heat-inactivated medium, where rapid degradation of GTP via extracellular nucleotidases is slow, the anti-proliferative and differentiating effects of all type of guanine nucleotides (except Guo) were significantly decreased. Moreover, adenosine, as an inhibitor of Guo transporter system, markedly reduced the GTP effects in K562 cells, suggesting that the extracellulr degradation of GTP or its final conversion to Guo may account for the mechanism of GTP effects. This view is further supported by the fact that GTP and Guo are both capable of impeding the effects of mycophenolic acid. In conclusion, our data will hopefully have important impact on pharmaceutical evaluation of guanine nucleotides for leukemia treatments.

Electron Microscopic Alterations in Pediculus humanus capitis Exposed to Some Pediculicidal Plant Extracts

  • El Akkad, Dina M.H.;El-Gebaly, Naglaa Saad M.;Yousof, Hebat-Allah Salah A.;Ismail, Mousa A.M.
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.54 no.4
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    • pp.527-532
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    • 2016
  • Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, infestation is an important public health problem in Egypt. Inadequate application of topical pediculicides and the increasing resistance to the commonly used pediculicides made the urgent need for the development of new agents able to induce irreversible changes in the exposed lice leading to their mortality. The aim of the present work is to evaluate pediculicidal efficacy of some natural products such as olive oil, tea tree oil, lemon juice, and ivermectin separately in comparison with tetramethrin-piperonyl butoxide (licid), as a standard pediculicide commonly used in Egypt. The effects of these products were evaluated by direct observation using dissecting and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). Results showed that after 1 hr exposure time in vitro, absolute (100%) mortalities were recorded after exposure to 1% ivermectin and fresh concentrate lemon juice. The mortalities were decreased to 96.7% after exposure to tea tree oil. Very low percentage of mortality (23.3%) was recorded after 1 hr of exposure to extra virgin olive oil. On the other hand, the reference pediculicide (licid) revealed only mortality rate of 93.3%. On the contrary, no mortalities were recorded in the control group exposed to distilled water. By SEM examination, control lice preserved outer smooth architecture, eyes, antenna, respiratory spiracles, sensory hairs, and legs with hook-like claws. In contrast, dead lice which had been exposed to pediculicidal products showed damage of outer smooth architecture, sensory hairs, respiratory spiracles and/or clinching claws according to pediculicidal products used.

Urine and Hair Metal Concentrations in Subjects with Long Term Intake of Herbal Medicine

  • Park Yeong-Chul;Lee Sun-Dong;Park Hae-Mo;Kim Jong-Bong
    • Toxicological Research
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    • v.22 no.1
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    • pp.47-54
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    • 2006
  • One of the main attractions of treatment with herbal medicine is its apparent lack of side effects compared with the drug therapies used in allopathic medicine. However, evidence from various countries suggest that Asian herbal medicine carry a significant risk of contamination with toxic heavy metals at levels that may seriously threaten health. The aims of this study were to analyze and compare concentrations of heavy metals in urine and hair from 184 patients taking herbal medicines in the form of decoctions and/or pills in comparison to 101 control subjects taking either Western or no medications. Levels of metal concentrations exceeding WHO reference values were observed in a number of hair and urine samples for all subjects. After adjusting for potential confounders, taking decoctions or pills was associated with higher levels of some metals (such as Cu, Pb in urine), as well a higher odds ratio of exceeding the upper limit of reference ranges for Pb, Hg in hair. In contrast, taking decoctions or pills was associated with lower levels of some metals (such as Cu in urine and Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb in hair), suggesting that some herbal medicines may have a chelating effect on heavy metals in the body. Overall, the results obtained in the study show a mixed picture and suggest that heavy metals contamination in herbs is sometimes present, but may also be counteracted by the potential for some herbal medicines to act as chelating agents. Further study must be followed to obtain more concrete evidence.

Preparation of Lysine-Coated Magnetic Fe2O3 Nanoparticles and Influence on Viability of A549 Lung Cancer Cells

  • Ma, Yu-Hua;Peng, Hai-Ying;Yang, Rui-Xia;Ni, Fang
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.15 no.20
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    • pp.8981-8985
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    • 2014
  • Objective: To explore the effect of lysine-coated oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Lys@MNPs) on viability and apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells. Methods: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Zeta potentiometric analyzer were employed to characterize Lys@MNPs. Then Lys@MNPs and lung cancer A549 cells were co-cultured to study the effect of Lys@MNPs on cell viability and apoptosis. The pathway of Lys@MNPs entering A549 cells was detected by TEM and cell imaging by 1.5 T MRI. Results: Lys@MNPs were 10.2 nm in grain diameter, characterized by small size, positive charge, and superparamagnetism. Under low-dose concentration of Lys@MNPs (< $40{\mu}g/mL$), the survival rate of A549 cells was decreased but remained higher than 95% while under high-dose concentration ($100{\mu}g/mL$), the survival ratewas still higher than 80%, which suggested Lys@MNPs had limited influence on the viability of A549 cells, with good biocompatibility and and no induction of apoptosis. Moreover, high affinity for cytomembranes, was demonstrated presenting good imaging effects. Conclusion: Lys@MNPs can be regarded as a good MRI negative contrast agents, with promising prospects in biomedicine.

In Vitro Studies on Phytochemical Content, Antioxidant, Anticancer, Immunomodulatory, and Antigenotoxic Activities of Lemon, Grapefruit, and Mandarin Citrus Peels

  • Diab, Kawthar AE
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.17 no.7
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    • pp.3559-3567
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    • 2016
  • Background: In recent years, there has been considerable research on recycling of agro-industrial waste for production of bioactive compounds. The food processing industry produces large amounts of citrus peels that may be an inexpensive source of useful agents. Objective: The present work aimed to explore the phytochemical content, antioxidant, anticancer, antiproliferation, and antigenotxic activities of lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin peels. Materials and Methods: Peels were extracted using 98% ethanol and the three crude extracts were assessed for their total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity using DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). Their cytotoxic and mitogenic proliferation activities were also studied in human leukemia HL-60 cells and mouse splenocytes by CCK-8 assay. In addition, genotoxic/antigenotoxic activity was explored in mouse splenocytes using chromosomal aberrations (CAs) assay. Results: Lemon peels had the highest of TPC followed by grapefruit and mandarin. In contrast, mandarin peels contained the highest of TFC followed by lemon and grapefruit peels. Among the extracts, lemon peel possessed the strongest antioxidant activity as indicated by the highest DPPH radical scavenging, the lowest effective concentration 50% ($EC_{50}=42.97{\mu}g\;extract/mL$), and the highest Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC=0.157). Mandarin peel exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity ($IC_{50}=77.8{\mu}g/mL$) against HL-60 cells, whereas grapefruit and lemon peels were ineffective anti-leukemia. Further, citrus peels possessed immunostimulation activity via augmentation of proliferation of mouse splenocytes (T-lymphocytes). Citrus extracts exerted non-cytotoxic, and antigenotoxic activities through remarkable reduction of CAs induced by cisplatin in mouse splenocytes for 24 h. Conclusions: The phytochemical constituents of the citrus peels may exert biological activities including anticancer, immunostimulation and antigenotoxic potential.

NSAID Activated Gene (NAG-1), a Modulator of Tumorigenesis

  • Eling, Thomas E.;Baek, Seung-Joon;Shim, Min-sub;Lee, Chang-Ho
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.39 no.6
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    • pp.649-655
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    • 2006
  • The NSAID activated gene (NAG-1), a member of the TGF-$\beta$ superfamily, is involved in tumor progression and development. The over-expression of NAG-1 in cancer cells results in growth arrest and increase in apoptosis, suggesting that NAG-1 has anti-tumorigenic activity. This conclusion is further supported by results of experiments with transgenic mice that ubiquitously express human NAG-1. These transgenic mice are resistant to the development of intestinal tumors following treatment with azoxymethane or by introduction of a mutant APC gene. In contrast, other data suggest a pro-tumorigenic role for NAG-1, for example, high expression of NAG-1 is frequently observed in tumors. NAG-1 may be like other members of the TGF-$\beta$ superfamily, acting as a tumor suppressor in the early stages, but acting pro-tumorigenic at the later stages of tumor progression. The expression of NAG-1 can be increased by treatment with drugs and chemicals documented to prevent tumor formation and development. Most notable is the increase in NAG-1 expression by the inhibitors of cyclooxygenases that prevent human colorectal cancer development. The regulation of NAG-1 is complex, but these agents act through either p53 or EGR-1 related pathways. In addition, an increase in NAG-1 is observed in inhibition of the AKT/GSK-$3{\beta}$ pathway, suggesting NAG-1 alters cell survival. Thus, NAG-1 expression is regulated by tumor suppressor pathways and appears to modulate tumor progression.

Preparation of 5-Fluorouracil-Loaded Poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) Wafer and Evaluation of In Vitro Release Behavior

  • Lee, Jin-Soo;Chae, Gang-Soo;An, Tae-Kun;Gilson Khang;Cho, Sun-Hang;Lee, Hai-Bang
    • Macromolecular Research
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    • v.11 no.3
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    • pp.183-188
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    • 2003
  • The controlled delivery of anticancer agents using biodegradable polymeric implant has been developed to solve the problem of penetration of blood brain barrier and severe systemic toxicity. This study was performed to prepare 5-FU-loaded poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) wafer fabricated microparticles prepared by two different method and to evaluate their release profile for the application of the treatment of brain tumor. 5-FU-loaded PLGA microparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). SEM observation of the 5-FU-loaded PLGA microparticles prepared by rotary solvent evaporation method showed that 5-FU was almost surrounded by PLGA and significant reduction of crystallinity of 5-FU was confirmed by XRD. In case of release profile of 5-FU from 5-FU-loaded PLGA wafer fabricated microparticles prepared by mechanical mixing, the release profile of 5-FU followed near first order release kinetics. In contrast to the above result, release profile of 5-FU from 5-FU-loaded PLGA wafer fabricated microparticles prepared by rotary solvent evaporation method followed near zero order release kinetics. These results indicate that preparation method of the 5-FU-loaded PLGA microparticles to fabricate into wafers was contributed to drug release profile.

Molecular Characterization of FprB (Ferredoxin-$NADP^+$ Reductase) in Pseudomonas putida KT2440

  • Lee, Yun-Ho;Yeom, Jin-Ki;Kang, Yoon-Suk;Kim, Ju-Hyun;Sung, Jung-Suk;Jeon, Che-Ok;Park, Woo-Jun
    • Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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    • v.17 no.9
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    • pp.1504-1512
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    • 2007
  • The fpr gene, which encodes a ferredoxin-$NADP^+$ reductase, is known to participate in the reversible redox reactions between $NADP^+$/NADPH and electron carriers, such as ferredoxin or flavodoxin. The role of Fpr and its regulatory protein, FinR, in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 on the oxidative and osmotic stress responses has already been characterized [Lee at al. (2006). Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 339, 1246-1254]. In the genome of P. putida KT2440, another Fpr homolog (FprB) has a 35.3% amino acid identity with Fpr. The fprB gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The diaphorase activity assay was conducted using purified FprB to identify the function of FprB. In contrast to the fpr gene, the induction of fprB was not affected by oxidative stress agents, such as paraquat, menadione, $H_2O_2$, and t-butyl hydroperoxide. However, a higher level of fprB induction was observed under osmotic stress. Targeted disruption of fprB by homologous recombination resulted in a growth defect under high osmotic conditions. Recovery of oxidatively damaged aconitase activity was faster for the fprB mutant than for the fpr mutant, yet still slower than that for the wild type. Therefore, these data suggest that the catalytic function of FprB may have evolved to augment the function of Fpr in P. putida KT2440.

Regulation of Choline Transport by Oxidative Stress at the Blood-Brain Barrier In Vitro Model

  • Kang, Young-Sook;Lee, Hyun-Ae;Lee, Na-Young
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.16 no.1
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    • pp.14-20
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    • 2008
  • In the present study, we examined how the transport of choline is regulated at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) under the central nervous system (CNS) cellular damages by oxidative stress using a conditionally immortalized rat brain capillary endothelial cells (TR-BBB), in vitro the BBB model. It was also tested whether the choline uptake is influenced by membrane potential, extracellular pH, protonophore (FCCP) and amiloride in TR-BBB cells. In result, $[^3H]choline$ uptake was inhibited by FCCP and dependent on extracellular pH. The treatment of TR-BBB cells with 20 ng/mL tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ $(TNF-{\alpha})$, 10 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 100 ${\mu}M$ diethyl maleate (DEM) and 100 ${\mu}M$ glutamate resulted in 3.0-fold, 2.6-fold, 1.8-fold and 2.0-fold increases of $[^3H]choline$ uptake at the respective peak time, respectively. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide and raffinose did not show any significant effects on choline uptake. In addition, choline efflux was significantly inhibited by $TNF-{\alpha}$, LPS and DEM producing cell damage states. In conclusion, the influx and efflux transport system for choline existed in TR-BBB cell line and this process was affected by several oxidative stress inducing agents.