Sika deer (Cervus nippon) velvet antler ameliorates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like clinical signs in a rodent model

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (10) ◽  
pp. 1357
Author(s):  
Young-Jin Choi ◽  
Meiqi Fan ◽  
Yonghai Yu ◽  
Xiaoli Wang ◽  
Yujiao Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Mast Cell ◽  
Lymph Node ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Cell Infiltration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Node Weight

Context Deer velvet is a rarely used component in traditional Chinese medicine and has beneficial effects against several diseases. As a substance that covers the bone and cartilage of immature antlers, deer velvet is a natural cytokine ‘storeroom’ that is rich in protein and proteoglycans. Recently, proteoglycans have been shown to have beneficial effects against inflammation. Aims To determine whether antler extract possesses therapeutic effects in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis (AD) and to explore the underlying mechanisms of action. Methods BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the following groups: control, AD, and AD + antler groups. We established an in vivo AD model by repeatedly exposing the ears of mice to Dermatophagoides farinae extract (house dust-mite extract) and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene once per week for 4 weeks. On the day after induction, ear thickness was measured. Antler extract (100 mg/kg) was administered orally once a day for 26 days. After 4 weeks of treatment with antler extract, the epidermal and dermal ear thickness, mast-cell infiltration, spleen weight, and lymph-node weight were measured. In addition, the mRNA levels of several pathogenic cytokines in the ears were measured. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-31 and IL-17 mRNA in the skin lesions of each group were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Key results Epidermal and dermal ear thickness, mast-cell infiltration, lymph-node weight, and gene expression levels of pathogenic cytokines in ear tissue were diminished following oral administration of antler extract, unlike in the control group. Conclusions The results of the present study strongly suggest that antler extract exhibits therapeutic activity against atopic dermatitis via regulation of inflammatory response. Implications Further exploration of the mechanisms of action of antler extract will be important for clinical application.

scholarly journals Bee Pollen Diet Alters the Bacterial Flora and Antimicrobial Peptides in the Oral Cavities of Mice

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1282
Author(s):  
Ariuntsetseg Khurelchuluun ◽  
Osamu Uehara ◽  
Durga Paudel ◽  
Tetsuro Morikawa ◽  
Yutaka Kawano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Buccal Mucosa ◽  
Bacterial Flora ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Bee Pollen ◽  
Alpha And Beta Diversity ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Metagenomic Study ◽  
Systemic Health

Background: Bee pollen (BP) has a broad range of beneficial effects on health. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of BP on the oral environment, including the microbiome and antimicrobial peptides. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups: control and BP. The BP group was fed with a 5% BP diet for 1 month. Swabs from the oral and buccal mucosa and samples of the intestinal stool were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted and the microbiome was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: BP inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis at a concentration of >2.5%. The metagenomic study showed that the abundance of genus Lactococcus was significantly elevated in the oral and intestinal microbiomes of the BP group when compared to those of the control group. Significant alterations in alpha and beta diversity were observed between the oral microbiomes of the two groups. The mRNA levels of beta-defensin-2 and -3 were significantly upregulated in the buccal mucosa of the BP group. Conclusion: A BP diet may have a beneficial effect on oral and systemic health by modulating the bacterial flora and antimicrobial peptides of the oral cavity. Further investigations are needed to clarify how a BP diet affects overall human health.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of Breed-Related Mast Cell Tumour Occurrence and Prognostic Significance of Clinical Features in a Defined Population of Dogs in West-Central Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Alessio Pierini ◽  
George Lubas ◽  
Eleonora Gori ◽  
Diana Binanti ◽  
Francesca Millanta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mast Cell ◽  
Lymph Node ◽  
Lymph Node Metastasis ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Distant Metastases ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Survival Times ◽  
Node Metastasis ◽  
Appropriate Treatment

Canine mast cell tumours (MCTs) present a wide variety of challenging clinical behaviours in terms of predicting the prognosis and choosing appropriate treatment. This study investigated the frequency, risk, and prognostic factors of MCTs in dogs admitted to a single veterinary teaching hospital (VTH). Breed, age, sex, and sexual status in ninety-eight dogs with MCTs (MCT-group) were compared with a control group of 13,077 dogs (VTH-group) obtained from the VTH clinical database from January 2010 to January 2016. Within the MCT-group, signalment, location, size, mass number, ulceration, histopathological grading, presence of lymph node, or distant metastases were compared with each other and with the outcome. Boxers (OR 7.2), American Pit Bull Terriers (OR 5.4), French Bulldogs (OR 4.4) and Labrador Retrievers (OR 2.6) were overrepresented. The MCT-group was significantly older than the VTH-group (p < 0.0001). In comparison with the VTH group, in the MCT-group neutered dogs (OR 2.1) and spayed females (OR 2.3) were predominant compared to intact dogs and intact females, respectively. Ulceration (OR 5.2) and lymph node metastasis (OR 7.1) occurred more frequently in larger MCTs. Both ulceration and MCTs > 3 cm were highly associated with lymph node metastasis (OR 24.8). Recurrence was associated with MCT-related death (OR 10.50, p = 0.0040), and the latter was associated with shorter survival times (p = 0.0115). Dogs with MCTs > 3 cm (p = 0.0040), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.0234), or elevated WHO stage (p = 0.0158) had shorter survival times. A significantly higher frequency of MCTs was found in specific breeds, and in older and neutered dogs. MCTs > 3 cm and lymph node or distant metastases were associated with shorter survival times.

scholarly journals Identification of Active Compounds of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction and Their Mechanisms of Action by LC-MS/MS and Network Pharmacology

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Xiao Liang ◽  
Chang-Shun Liu ◽  
Ting Xia ◽  
Qing-Fa Tang ◽  
Xiao-Mei Tan
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
T Cell Receptor Signaling ◽  
Therapeutic Mechanisms

The decoction is an important dosage form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) administration. The Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction (MFXD) is widely used to treat allergic rhinitis (AR) in China. However, its active compounds and therapeutic mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was to establish an integrative method to identify the bioactive compounds and reveal the mechanisms of action of MFXD. LC-MS/MS was used to identify the compounds in MFXD, followed by screening for oral bioavailability. TCMSP, BindingDB, STRING, DAVID, and KEGG databases and algorithms were used to gather information. Cytoscape was used to visualize the networks. Twenty-four bioactive compounds were identified, and thirty-seven predicted targets of these compounds were associated with AR. DAVID analysis suggested that these compounds exert their therapeutic effects by modulating the Fc epsilon RI, B-cell receptor, Toll-like receptor, TNF, NF-κB, and T-cell receptor signaling pathways. The PI3K/AKT and cAMP signaling pathways were also implicated. Ten of the identified compounds, quercetin, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, β-asarone, methylephedrine, α-linolenic acid, cathine, ferulic acid, nardosinone, and higenamine, seemed to account for most of the beneficial effects of MFXD in AR. This study showed that LC-MS/MS followed by network pharmacology analysis is useful to elucidate the complex mechanisms of action of TCM formulas.

scholarly journals Oral Administration of Herbal Mixture Extract Inhibits 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in BALB/c Mice

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soon Re Kim ◽  
Han-Seok Choi ◽  
Hye Sook Seo ◽  
Jin Mo Ku ◽  
Se Hyang Hong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mast Cells ◽  
Oral Administration ◽  
Inflammatory Cell ◽  
Ethanol Extract ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Cell Infiltration ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Th2 Cytokine

CP001 is four traditional herbal medicine mixtures with anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of oral administration of CP001 ethanol extract on the 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene- (DNCB-) induced AD mouse models. For that purpose, we observed the effects of oral administration of CP001 on skin inflammatory cell infiltration, skin mast cells, production of serum IgE, and expression of Th2 cytokine mRNA in the AD skin lesions of DNCB treated BALB/c mice. Histological analyses demonstrated that CP001 decreased dermis and epidermis thickening as well as dermal infiltration induced by inflammatory cells. In addition, CP001 decreased mast cell infiltration in count as well as dermal infiltration induced by inflammatory cells. In the skin lesions, mRNA expression of interleukin- (IL-) 4 and IL-13 was inhibited by CP001. CP001 also reduced the production of IgE level in mouse plasma. In addition, we investigated the effect of CP001 on the inflammatory allergic reaction using human mast cells (HMC-1). In HMC-1, cytokine production and mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-13, IL-6, and IL-8 were suppressed by CP001. Taken together, our results showed that oral administration of CP001 exerts beneficial effects in AD symptoms, suggesting that CP001 might be a useful candidate for the treatment of AD.

Differential plastic changes in synthesis and binding in the mouse somatostatin system after electroconvulsive stimulation

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 192-202
Author(s):  
Mikkel Vestergaard Olesen ◽  
Casper René Gøtzsche ◽  
Søren Hofman Christiansen ◽  
David Paul Drucker Woldbye
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Neuronal Excitability ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Receptor System ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Hippocampal Ca3 ◽  
Plastic Changes ◽  
Electroconvulsive Stimulation ◽  
Anticonvulsant Effects

ObjectiveElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is regularly used to treat patients with severe major depression, but the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects remain uncertain. Electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS) regulates diverse neurotransmitter systems and induces anticonvulsant effects, properties implicated in mediating therapeutic effects of ECT. Somatostatin (SST) is a candidate for mediating these effects because it is upregulated by ECS and exerts seizure-suppressant effects. However, little is known about how ECS might affect the SST receptor system. The present study examined effects of single and repeated ECS on the synthesis of SST receptors (SSTR1–4) and SST, and SST receptor binding ([125I]LTT-SST28) in mouse hippocampal regions and piriform/parietal cortices.ResultsA complex pattern of plastic changes was observed. In the dentate gyrus, SST and SSTR1 expression and the number of hilar SST immunoreactive cells were significantly increased at 1 week after repeated ECS while SSTR2 expression was downregulated by single ECS, and SSTR3 mRNA and SST binding were elevated 24 h after repeated ECS. In hippocampal CA1 and parietal/piriform cortices, we found elevated SST mRNA levels 1 week after repeated ECS and elevated SST binding after single ECS and 24 h after repeated ECS. In hippocampal CA3, repeated ECS increased SST expression 1 week after and SST binding 24 h after. In the parietal cortex, SSTR2 mRNA expression was downregulated after single ECS while SSTR4 mRNA expression was upregulated 24 h after repeated ECS.ConclusionConsidering the known anticonvulsant effects of SST, it is likely that these ECS-induced neuroplastic changes in the SST system could participate in modulating neuronal excitability and potentially contribute to therapeutic effects of ECT.

scholarly journals Anti-Atopic Dermatitis Effect of Seaweed Fulvescens Extract via Inhibiting the STAT1 Pathway

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae-Young Gil ◽  
Yun-Mi Kang ◽  
Ye-Jin Eom ◽  
Chul-Hee Hong ◽  
Hyo-Jin An
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Hacat Keratinocytes ◽  
Cellular Inflammation ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Necrosis Factor

Seaweed fulvescens (SF) is a green alga rich in chlorophyll with unique flavor and taste. It is also called Maesaengi which has antioxidant and other physiological activities. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of SF in a mouse model of Dermatophagoides farinae body-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) and in tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. SF treatment (200 mg/mouse) inhibited the development of AD symptoms, compared to that in the control group, as evidenced from the improved dorsal skin lesion, reduced thickness and infiltration of inflammatory cells and smaller lymph nodes, and reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines. In HaCaT keratinocytes, SF (10, 25, and 50 μg/mL) suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, SF reduced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, which is one of the major signaling molecules involved in cellular inflammation. These results suggested that SF could be a potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of AD.

scholarly journals Expression Profiles of Genes Encoding Cornified Envelope Proteins in Atopic Dermatitis and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 862
Author(s):  
Magdalena Trzeciak ◽  
Berenika Olszewska ◽  
Monika Sakowicz-Burkiewicz ◽  
Małgorzata Sokołowska-Wojdyło ◽  
Jerzy Jankau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Skin Barrier ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Barrier Dysfunction ◽  
Cornified Envelope ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
T Cell Lymphomas

The skin barrier defect in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) was recently confirmed to be similar to the one observed in atopic dermatitis (AD). We have examined the expression level of cornified envelope (CE) proteins in CTCL, AD and healthy skin, to search for the differences and their relation to the courses of both diseases. The levels of FLG, FLG2, RPTN, HRNR, SPRR1A, SPRR1B, SPRR3 and LELP-1 mRNA were determined by qRT-PCR, while protein levels were examined using the ELISA method in skin samples. We have found that mRNA levels of FLG, FLG2, LOR, CRNN and SPRR3v1 were decreased (p ≤ 0.04), whereas mRNA levels of RPTN, HRNR and SPRR1Av1 were increased in lesional and nonlesional AD skin compared to the healthy control group (p ≤ 0.04). The levels of FLG, FLG2, CRNN, SPRR3v1 mRNA increased (p ≤ 0.02) and RPTN, HRNR and SPRR1Av1 mRNA decreased (p ≤ 0.005) in CTCL skin compared to the lesional AD skin. There was a strong correlation between the stage of CTCL and increased SPRR1Av1 gene expression at both mRNA (R = 0.89; p ≤ 0.05) and protein levels (R = 0.94; p ≤ 0.05). FLG, FLG2, RPTN, HRNR and SPRR1A seem to play a key role in skin barrier dysfunction in CTCL and could be considered a biomarker for differential diagnosis of AD and CTCL. SPRR1Av1 transcript levels seem to be a possible marker of CTCL stage, however, further studies on a larger study group are needed to confirm our findings.

scholarly journals The Effects of Natural Iridoids and Anthocyanins on Selected Parameters of Liver and Cardiovascular System Functions

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Danielewski ◽  
Agnieszka Matuszewska ◽  
Beata Nowak ◽  
Alicja Z. Kucharska ◽  
Tomasz Sozański
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular System ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Food Pyramid ◽  
Liver Functions ◽  
Considerable Impact ◽  
One Year ◽  
Plant Compounds

The old adage says, “you are what you eat.” And although it is a banality repeated by many with a grain of salt, it also has quite a bit of truth in it, as the products we eat have a considerable impact on our health. Unfortunately, humanity is eating worse from one year to another, both in terms of product quality and eating habits. At the same time, it is brought up frequently that plant products should form the basis of our diet. This issue was also reflected in the new version of the food pyramid. Iridoids and anthocyanins are groups of plant compounds with proven beneficial effects on health. Both groups affect the cardiovascular system and the liver functions. Although many mechanisms of action and the therapeutic effects of these compounds have already been learned, intensive animal and clinical research is still underway to explore their new curative mechanisms and effects or to broaden our knowledge of those previously described. In this article, we review the effects of natural iridoids and anthocyanins on selected parameters of liver and cardiovascular system functions.

scholarly journals The therapeutic effects of methylphenidate and matrix-methylphenidate on addiction severity, craving, relapse and mental health in the methamphetamine use disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazanin Aryan ◽  
Hamid Reza Banafshe ◽  
Vahid Farnia ◽  
Jalal Shakeri ◽  
Mostafa Alikhani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Matrix Model ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Addiction Severity ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Link Type ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Model Treatment ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Little evidence has examined the therapeutic effects of methylphenidate (MPH) and Matrix Model treatment on addiction severity, craving, relapse and mental health in people who use methamphetamine (PWUM). This study was conducted to determine the effects of MPH, Matrix Model treatment, and Matrix-MPH on addiction severity, craving, relapse and mental health in PWUM. Methods This clinical trial was conducted among 100 patients with METH users. Participants were randomly divided into four groups who received: 1) 22 sessions of 45-min, twice a week for Matrix Model treatment (n = 25); 2) MPH 10 mg/day in the first month, 7.5 mg/day in the second month and 5 mg/day in the third month (n = 25); 3) Matrix Model treatment combined with MPH (n = 25); 4) control group (n = 25) for 12 weeks. Addiction severity, craving, relapse and mental status were evaluated at baseline and end-of-trial. Results Matrix Model treatment combined with MPH significantly reduced MA craving (P < 0.001) and addiction severity (P < 0.001). In addition, Matrix Model treatment combined with MPH resulted in a significant increase of mental health (P = 0.001), compared with Matrix Model treatment, MPH, and control group. Also, negative METH urine test significantly increased in the Matrix Model treatment combined with MPH group compared with the other groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions In conclusion, Matrix Model treatment combined with MPH for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on addiction severity, craving, relapse, and mental health in PWUM, compared with Matrix Model treatment, MPH, and control group. Trial registration This study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian website (www.irct.ir) for clinical trials registration (http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20171105037245N1). Registration date: 9 December 2017.

The Use of Neurodynamic Techniques in the Conservative Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – a Critical Appraisal of the Literature

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
Tomasz Wolny
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Passive Mobilization ◽  
Motor Abnormalities ◽  
And Function

Background. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy, characterized by the presence of many sensory and motor abnormalities. In the physiotherapy of patients with CTS, neurodynamic tech­niques are very common, while the scientific literature does not show clear evidence of beneficial effects obtained by using these techniques. Therefore, the aim of this work was to critically evaluate the use of neurodynamic techniques in the conservative treatment of CTS. Material and methods. Three electronic databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS and POL-index) and Google Scholar were queried to find articles. The search terms were combinations of words (in Polish, English and German) contain­ing abbreviated and full versions of the following expressions: carpal tunnel syndrome, CTS, neuromobilization, neurodynamic techniques and manual therapy. Results. Sixteen research papers met the conditions for inclusion in this review. Most of them used different methodologies of therapeutic intervention, making it difficult to interpret the results of individual works. Fourteen studies were randomized trials, one a case-control retrospective study and one was a clinical study without a control group. The most common evaluation variables were pain, nerve conduction, subjective symptoms and function, grip strength, sensation and range of motion. The therapy used neurodynamic techniques carried out by the patient or passive mobilization by the physiotherapist. Conclusions. 1. A review of existing studies evaluating the effec­tiveness of neurodynamic techniques in the treat­ment of CTS shows that most of them produced beneficial therapeutic effects. 2. Due to a considerable heteroge­n­ei­­ty of the parti­cipants, study design and metho­do­logy of thera­peutic interventions, it is difficult to for­mulate a general conclusion. 3. Hence the need arises for further research to assess the effectiveness of neu­ro­dynamic techniques in conservative therapy of CTS based on a similar therapeutic methodology.

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