Protective effect of Lycium barbarum leaf extracts on atopic dermatitis:in vitro and in vivo studies

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease with an increasing incidence globally; therefore, there is a growing demand for natural compounds effective in treating dermatitis. In this study, the protective effects of Lycium barbarum leaves with and without chlorophyll (LLE and LLE[Ch-]) on AD were investigated in animal models of AD and HaCaT cells. Further, we investigated whether LLE and LLE(Ch-) show any differences in physiological activity.MATERIALS/METHODS: AD was induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for three weeks, while NC/Nga mice were fed LLE or LLE(Ch-) extracts for 7 weeks. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-4) concentrations and the degree of DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes were examined. A histopathological examination (haematoxylin & eosin staining and blue spots of toluidine) of the dorsal skin of mice was performed. To elucidate the mechanism of action, the expression of the thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) were measured in HaCaT cells. @*RESULTS@#Serum IgE and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) levels as well as DNA fragmentation of lymphocytes were significantly decreased in AD-induced mice treated with LLE or LLE(Ch-) compared to those of the control group. The epidermal thickness of the dorsal skin and mast cell infiltration in the LLE group significantly reduced compared to that in the control group. The LLE extracts showed no cytotoxicity up to 1,000 µg/mL in HaCaT cells. LLE or LLE(Ch-)-treated group showed a reduction of TARC and MDC in TNF-α-and IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. @*CONCLUSIONS@#These results suggest that LLE potentially improves inflammation by reducing the expression of chemokines that inhibit T helper 2 cell migration. LLE(Ch-) showed similar effects to LLE on blood levels of IgE, TNF-α and IL-6 and protein expression in HaCat cells, but the ultimate effect of skin improvement was not statistically significant.Therefore, both LLE and LLE(Ch-) can be used as functional materials to alleviate AD, but LLE(Ch-) appears to require more research to improve inflammation.

Protective effect of chlorophyllremoved ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum leaves against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#This study was conducted to establish whether an ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum leaves (LLE) and an ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum leaves from which chlorophyll has been removed, denoted as LLE(Ch−), have a protective effect against hepatic fat accumulation. @*Methods@#The inhibitory effects of LLE and LLE(Ch−) on liver fat accumulation were examined in C57BL/6 mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by an methionine and choline deficient diet and in HepG2 cells with palmitic acid-induced fat accumulation. @*Results@#The plasma triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels were lower in the LLE(Ch−) group, whereas the plasma ALT activity decreased significantly in the LLE group. In both the LLE and the LLE(Ch−) groups, the triglyceride and cholesterol contents in the hepatic tissue were significantly reduced. A greater inhibitory effect on tissue fat accumulation was observed in the LLE(Ch−) group than in the LLE group. In HepG2 cells, LLE and LLE(Ch−) were non-toxic up to a concentration of 1,000 µg/mL. Compared to the control group, intracellular fat accumulation in the LLE and LLE(Ch−) groups were significantly reduced at concentrations of 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively. The expression of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase in both LLE groups increased at the concentrations of 100 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL. The fatty acid synthase expression was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner at 10 μg/mL. @*Conclusion@#The examined two ethanol extracts of LLE inhibit hepatic fat accumulation in NAFLD. This effect was more pronounced in the LLE(Ch−) group. Therefore, these 2 extracts have an anti-steatosis effect and can be used for NAFLD treatment.

A Measles Outbreak in a Local Children’s Hospital in Korea, 2019

A measles outbreak with 20 confirmed cases occurred at a local children’s hospital in Daejeon from March 28 to April 21, 2019. The index patient was a 7-month-old girl with a recent history of travel to Vietnam. Contact tracing, active surveillance, and post-exposure prophylaxis were conducted by health authorities. Among the 20 patients, 11 (55%) were infants (0–11 months of age), three (15%) were aged 1–3 years, one (5%) was aged 4 years, and five (25%) were adults. Fifteen (75%) patients did not have a history of measles vaccination, and five (25%) had received only one vaccine dose. This study described the importance of prompt application of infection control measures in susceptible environments, including hospitals. Age-appropriate vaccination and providing information on infectious diseases to international travelers and multicultural families in Korea is vital.

Anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanol fraction of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora in RAW 264.7 cells / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#Natural medicinal plant extracts have recently attracted attention as health beneficial foods and potential therapeutic agents for prevention of various diseases. This study was undertaken to measure the anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanol-water fraction obtained from the above-ground portion of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora, a wild-growing plant in Korea. The final fraction used in this study was the H 2 O-EtOH (40:60) fraction (SP60), which had the highest antioxidant activity, as determined in previous studies. @*Methods@#The amounts of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β production were measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells exposed to SP60. Western blot was performed to measure the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. @*Results@#SP60 exerted no cytotoxicity up to concentrations of 125 μg/mL. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, were significantly decreased in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells exposed to SP60. In addition, the expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, and phosphorylated p65 showed a concentration-dependent decrease subsequent to SP60 treatment. These results indicate that SP60 inhibits the LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines, iNOS, and COX-2, by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, which is responsible for the expression of inflammatory mediators. @*Conclusion@#The results presented in this study indicate that the H 2 O-EtOH (40:60) fraction (SP60) extracted from the above-ground portion of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora has

First Case of Peroxisomal D-bifunctional Protein Deficiency with Novel HSD17B4 Mutations and Progressive Neuropathy in Korea

Peroxisomal D-bifunctional protein (DBP), encoded by the HSD17B4 gene, catalyzes β-oxidation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). The deficiency of this peroxisomal enzyme leads to the accumulation of VLCFAs, causing multisystemic manifestations including the brain, retina, adrenal gland, hearing, and skeletal system. Herein, we report the first Korean neonatal case of peroxisomal DBP deficiency and the clinical prognosis over 2 years. This patient showed craniofacial dysmorphism, club foot, and seizures with cyanosis one day after birth. Elevated VLCFAs levels were indicative of a peroxisomal disorder.Targeted exome sequencing was performed and two missense mutations p.Asp117Val and p.Phe279Ser in the HSD17B4 gene were identified. The patient had type III DBP deficiency;therefore, docosahexaenoic acid and non-soluble vitamins were administered. However, progressive nystagmus, optic nerve atrophy, and bilateral hearing defects were observed and follow-up brain imaging revealed leukodystrophy and brain atrophy. Multiple anti-epileptic drugs were required to control the seizures. Over two years, the patient achieved normal growth with home ventilation and tube feeding. Hereby, the subject's parents had support during the second pregnancy from the proven molecular information. Moreover, targeted exome sequencing is an effective diagnostic approach, considering genetic heterogeneity of Zellweger spectrum disorders.

Antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum's leaf with removal of chlorophyll / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to estimate the antioxidant activities of 50%, 70%, and 100% ethanol extracts of Lycium barbarum leaf and chlorophyll removal extract. METHODS: The antioxidant activities were estimated by measuring total polyphenol content and by assays of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfate) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA fragmentation, and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities of the extracts were measured in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-stressed HepG2 cells. RESULTS: The total polyphenol content, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, and FRAP value of the extracts increased in an ethanol concentration-dependent manner. The antioxidant activities of the chlorophyll-removal extracts were much higher than those of the chlorophyll-containing extracts. Cytotoxicity was not observed in HepG2 cells with extracts up to 1,000 µg/mL. All extracts inhibited ROS production in a concentration-dependent manner from 31.3 µg/mL and inhibited DNA damage at 250 µg/mL. The SOD and catalase activities of cell lines treated with the extracts and H2O2 were similar to those of normal cells, indicating a strong protective effect. CONCLUSION: Lycium barbarum leaf extracts had high antioxidant activities and protected H2O2-stressed HepG2 cells. Since the chlorophyll-removal extract exhibited higher antioxidant activities than the chlorophyll-containing ones and the cytoprotective effect was similar, chlorophyll removal extract of Lycium barbarum leaf could be developed as ingredients of functional food and cosmetics.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Lycium barbarum on polarized human intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has rapidly escalated in Asia (including Korea) due to increasing westernized diet patterns subsequent to industrialization. Factors associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are demonstrated to be one of the major causes of IBD. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) on ER stress. MATERIALS/METHODS: Mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell line and polarized Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cells were treated with crude extract of the L. chinense fruit (LF). Paracellular permeability was measured to examine the effect of tight junction (TJ) integrity. The regulatory pathways of ER stress were evaluated in MEF knockout (KO) cell lines by qPCR for interleukin (IL) 6, IL8 and XBP1 spliced form (XBP1s). Immunoglobulin binding protein (BiP), XBP1s and CCAAT/enhancer-binding homologous protein (CHOP) expressions were measured by RT-PCR. Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM) at high resolution was applied to observe morphological changes after treatments. RESULTS: Exposure to LF extract strengthened the TJ, both in the presence and absence of inflammation. In polarized Caco-2 pretreated with LF, induction in the expression of proinflammatory marker IL8 was not significant, whereas ER stress marker XBP1s expression was significantly increased. In wild type (wt) MEF cells, IL6, CHOP and XBP1 spliced form were dose-dependently induced when exposed to 12.5–50 µg/mL extract. However, absence of XBP1 or IRE1α in MEF cells abolished this effect. CONCLUSION: Results of this study show that LF treatment enhances the barrier function and reduces inflammation and ER stress in an IRE1α-XBP1-dependent manner. These results suggest the preventive effect of LF on healthy intestine, and the possibility of reducing the degree of inflammatory symptoms in IBD patients.

A Functional Polymorphism in the CHRNA3 Gene and Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Korean Population

A genome-wide association study has identified the 15q25 region as being associated with the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Caucasians. This study intended as a confirmatory assessment of this association in a Korean population. The rs6495309C > T polymorphism in the promoter of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha subunit 3 (CHRNA3) gene was investigated in a case-control study that consisted of 406 patients with COPD and 394 healthy control subjects. The rs6495309 CT or TT genotype was associated with a significantly decreased risk of COPD when compared to the rs6495309 CC genotype (adjusted odds ratio = 0.69, 95% confidence interval = 0.50-0.95, P = 0.023). The effect of the rs6495309C > T on the risk of COPD was more evident in moderate to very severe COPD than in mild COPD under a dominant model for the variant T allele (P = 0.024 for homogeneity). The CHRNA3 rs6495309C > T polymorphism on chromosome 15q25 is associated with the risk of COPD in a Korean population.

Polymorphisms in Apoptosis-Related Genes and TP53 Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Apoptosis plays an essential role in the elimination of mutated or transformed cells from the body. Therefore, polymorphisms of apoptosis-related genes may lead to an alteration in apoptotic capacity, thereby affecting the occurrence of TP53 mutations in lung cancer. We investigated the relationship between potentially functional polymorphisms of apoptosis-related genes and TP53 mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Twenty-seven single nucleotide polymorphisms in 20 apoptosis-related genes were genotyped by a sequenome mass spectrometry-based genotyping assay in 173 NSCLCs and the associations with TP53 mutations in the entire coding exons (exons 2-11), including splicing sites of the gene, were analyzed. None of the 27 polymorphisms was significantly associated with the occurrence of TP53 mutations. This suggests that apoptosis-related genes may not play an important role in the occurrence of TP53 mutations in lung cancer.

Interrelations Among Beverage Intake, Food Behavior and Personality in Adolescents / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study investigated the influences of the beverage intake on food behavior and personality for 1295 adolescents. The results were as follows. The favorite beverage was 'fruit juice', and preference of 'coffee' was the lowest. 'Milk and dairy product' was highest and 'milkshake' was lowest in intake frequency of beverage. The preference correlated positively(r = 0.391) with the intake frequency of beverage, especially high in 'green tea and black tea'(r = 0.622), 'coffee'(r = 0.581), 'carbonated drink'(r = 0.538), and 'milk and dairy product'(r = 0.501). The explanation power(R2) of beverage preference on beverage intake was 0.153. The explanation power(R(2)) of beverage intake on food behavior was 0.127, and 'carbonated drink' and 'coffee' as well as 'milkshake' had a negative influence on food behavior: however, 'milk and dairy product', 'green tea and black tea', and 'fruit juice' had a positive influence on food behavior. The relationship of beverage intake and sociality was very low(R(2)= 0.013), and 'isotonic drink' and 'green tea and black tea' had a positive influence on sociality. The relationship between beverage intake and anger expression was also very low. 'Coffee' showed a positive relationship with anger-in. 'Carbonated drink' and 'milkshake' showed a positive result with anger-out. 'Milkshake' showed a negative relation with anger-control, but 'green tea and black tea' and 'milk and dairy product' showed a positive relation. From these results, it was necessary to develop the practical nutritioneducation program on proper beverage choice for adolescents leading to better metal and physical status.

Guidelines for Economic Evaluation of Pharmaceuticals in Korea / 예방의학회지

An economic evaluation is required in order to apply to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) for a listing in the national drug formulary. To assist companies in preparing the necessary documents, HIRA published guidelines for the economic evaluation of pharmaceuticals in 2006. The guidelines are composed of two parts: guidance an explanatory notes. Each guideline reflects the best practice which meets both the theoretical consensus within the academic community and local situations, like data availability. To enhance the transparency of evaluation, guidelines emphasize the reproducibility of data and analysis result. That is, all evaluation processes are required to be described in enough detail to be replicated by reviewers. With growing experience and theoretical development in this area, HIRA guidelines will be revised periodically.

Development of the Computer-assisted Nutrition Education Program of Eating-out Guidance for Teenagers / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study aimed to develop a nutrition education internet program for correcting the eating-out behaviorial problems of youth. A survey was performed to investigate the eating-out behavior patterns of youth by questionnaires. A nutrition education program was developed on the basis of the survey results, and evaluated by teenagers. The results of the developed homepage are summarized as follows: The contents of this program (www.health14.net) consist of 'x Health (Teenager, My Health, Healthy life, Beautiful life)', '+ Nutrition (To find slow foods, Fast foods campaign, Selecting fast foods, The best menu for eating-out, Recipes for health, Golden bell nutrition quiz)', '/ Information (Diet mini-homepage, Q & A, My knowhow, Game, Community)' and 'Basic Menu (home, Log in, Information and news, Mini-homepage, Site map, Free bulletin board)'. It can be used as educational material for dietary behaviorial changes in school. Also teachers and parents could get information on eating-out menus. Through this site, we anticipate contributing to nutritional health promotion by correcting the eating-out habits of youth.

Interrelations Among Fast Food Intake, Food Behavior, and Personality in Adolescents / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Especially, the teenage period, an important lifetime to develop both physically and mentally, needs to be helpful to promote the growth of the body and to keep a well-balanced mind through a balanced and nourishing diet. It is well known that the western style fast food is the most liked meal by teenagers. Wrong recognition about fast food and its frequent intake by adolescents can lead to unbalanced diet and food behaviors which may also connect with a poor impact on their personalities as well as their physical health. In this study, therefore, relationships between fast food intake frequency and food behavior, sociability, and personality, such as anger expression, were surveyed from 1,295 adolescents (666 in Seoul, 316 in Changwon, and 313 in rural communities), and then analyzed using SPSS program. The results are shown as follows. The fast food preference score and the fast food intake frequency score showed no differences between male students (22.9/30, 14.4/30 respectively) and female students (23.0/30, 14.0/30 respectively). But, the fast food preference score correlated positively with the intake frequency score (r = 0.304) significantly (p < 0.001). The more frequently eating of fast food group showed significantly lower scores (r = -0.233, p < 0.001) in food behaviors. The frequency of fast food intake had no relationships with sociability, but it had a significantly effect on anger expression (r = 0.213, p < 0.001) and control (r =-0.147, p < 0.001). From these results, we could see the necessity of various nutrition education programs to build proper eating-out habits and also more studies are needed to find the relationships between fast food intake and growth and personality.

A Case of Human Gnathostomiasis Successfully Treated with Ivermectin

Cutaneous gnathostomiasis has also been called larva migrans profundus and nodular migratory eosinophilic panniculitis. Human gnathostomiasis is caused mainly by the nematode Gnathostoma spinigerum. It causes migratory cutaneous, erythematous, indurated plaques and serious visceral sequelae. Medical treatment with mebendazole, albendazole, and ivermectin has been disappointing. Surgical excision of the parasite is the treatment of choice when possible.

A Case of Bilateral Extensive Xanthelasma / 대한피부과학회지

Xanthelasma refers to planar xanthoma that occurs mainly on the eyelids. Lesions typically begin at the inner canthus, where they emanate in an arc like fashion into the medial portions of the upper or lower eyelids. A 75-year-old woman presented with multiple soft, velvety, yellow flat papules and plaques on both eyelids and cheeks. The lesion was diagnosed as xanthelasma histopathologically. We report an unusual case of extensive xanthelasma with normolipidemia.

A Case of Disseminated Herpes Zoster with Thrombocytopenia / 대한피부과학회지

Thrombocytopenia, a decrease in the number of blood platelets, can be observed in many varied conditions. It is a frequent finding in patients with leukemia, severe anemia, and blood dyscrasias due to drug sensitivity. Thrombocytopenia also accompanies the onset of a variety of infections, and during the convalescent period following viral diseases. We report a case of varicella zoster virus-associated thrombocytopenia in an adult following disseminated herpes zoster.

A Case of Mucocutaneous Candidiasis in a Baby with Extremely Very Low Birth Weight / 대한의진균학회지

Mucocutaneous infection with Candida spp. in infants ranges from such common conditions as thrush and diaper dermatitis to serious diseases with potential for systemic involvement. High-risk infants with mucosal or skin involvement with Candida spp. much more likely develop into systemic candidiasis. Consideration should be given to obtaining systemic cultures, skin biopsy and treating with systemic antifungal therapy in many such cases. We report a case of mucocutaneous candidiasis in a baby with extremely very low birth weight, who was treated with oral fluconazole.

A Case of Allergic Contact Dermatitis by Propolis / 대한피부과학회지

Propolis or bee glue is a product produced by bees, and has been used as a constituent in folk medicinal remedies in many parts of the world. Although allergic contact dermatitis to propolis is reported occasionally in beekeepers, its major occurrence is in persons who make use of natural- product remedies or of "biocosmetics", many of which are derived from beeswax or contain it. We report a case of non-occupational allergic contact dermatitis derived from the use of propolis ointment in the treatment of eczema. Our patient exhibited a simultaneous positive patch test to propolis and balsam of Peru.

A Case of Paronychia, Acneiform Eruption and Dry Skin Induced by Iressa(R) / 대한피부과학회지

Iressa(R) (ZD1839) is a new anticancer agent, acting as a selective epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Iressa(R) has been generally well-tolerated in cancer patients. Predominant adverse effects are an acne-like skin rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dry skin, and mild to moderate myelosuppression. The side effect of paronychia or alopecia is rare. We report a case of paronychia with granulation tissue induced by Iressa(R). Our patient complained of an acneiform eruption on his face and xerosis on his left arm and both feet as well as paronychia of several finger and toe nails.

Bilateral Segmental Neurofibromatosis Showing Different Dermatomal Distribution

A 43-year-old woman presented with numerous cutaneous neurofibromas, limited to the left anterior chest(T2-3) and the right lower back(L1-2). These had been present for 10 years. Neither cafe-au-lait spot, intertriginous freckle, nor Lisch nodule was found. The family history was negative for neurofibromatosis. Biopsy specimens showed circumscribed, nonencapsulated neurofibromas. The present case was a rare form of bilateral segmental neurofibromatosis in that while most of the reported cases involved the same dermatome bilaterally, she had bilaterally different dermatomal neurofibromas.