Phloretin Ameliorates Succinate-Induced Liver Fibrosis by Regulating Hepatic Stellate Cells

Background@#Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cells which play a pivotal role in liver fibrosis. During injury, extracellular stimulators can induce HSCs transdifferentiated into active form. Phloretin showed its ability to protect the liver from injury, so in this research we would like to investigate the effect of phloretin on succinate-induced HSCs activation in vitro and liver fibrosis in vivo study. @*Methods@#In in vitro, succinate was used to induce HSCs activation, and then the effect of phloretin on activated HSCs was examined. In in vivo, succinate was used to generated liver fibrosis in mouse and phloretin co-treated to check its protection on the liver. @*Results@#Phloretin can reduce the increase of fibrogenic markers and inhibits the proliferation, migration, and contraction caused by succinate in in vitro experiments. Moreover, an upregulation of proteins associated with aerobic glycolysis occurred during the activation of HSCs, which was attenuated by phloretin treatment. In in vivo experiments, intraperitoneal injection of phloretin decreased expression of fibrotic and glycolytic markers in the livers of mice with sodium succinate diet-induced liver fibrosis. These results suggest that aerobic glycolysis plays critical role in activation of HSCs and succinate can induce liver fibrosis in mice, whereas phloretin has therapeutic potential for treating hepatic fibrosis. @*Conclusion@#Intraperitoneal injection of phloretin attenuated succinate-induced hepatic fibrosis and alleviates the succinate-induced HSCs activation.

Gemigliptin Alleviates Succinate-Induced Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation by Ameliorating Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Background@#Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4Is) are used clinically as oral antidiabetic agents. Although DPP-4Is are known to ameliorate liver fibrosis, the protective mechanism of DPP-4Is in liver fibrosis remains obscure. In this study, gemigliptin was used to investigate the potential of DPP-4Is to alleviate the progression of liver fibrosis. @*Methods@#To clarify the effects and mechanisms of gemigliptin, we conducted various experiments in LX-2 cells (immortalized human hepatic stellate cells [HSCs], the principal effectors of hepatic fibrogenesis), which were activated by succinate and exhibited elevated expression of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type 1, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased cell proliferation. In vivo, we examined the effects and mechanisms of gemigliptin on a high-fat, high-cholesterol–induced mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). @*Results@#Gemigliptin decreased the expression of fibrogenesis markers and reduced the abnormal proliferation of HSCs. In addition, gemigliptin reduced the succinate-induced production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular ROS, and mitochondrial fission in HSCs. Furthermore, in the mouse model of NASH-induced liver fibrosis, gemigliptin alleviated both liver fibrosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. @*Conclusion@#Gemigliptin protected against HSC activation and liver fibrosis by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production, indicating its potential as a strategy for preventing the development of liver disease.

Comparing the Self-Report and Measured Smartphone Usage of College Students: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: Nowadays smartphone overuse has become a social and medical concern. For the diagnosis and treatment, clinicians use the self-report information, but the report data often does not match actual usage pattern. The paper examines the similarity and variance in smartphone usage patterns between the measured data and self-reported data. METHODS: Together with the self-reported data, the real usage log data is collected from 35 college students in a metropolitan region of Northeast Asia, using Android smartphone monitoring application developed by the authors. RESULTS: The unconscious users underestimate their usage time by 40%, in spite of 15% more use in the actual usage. Messengers are most-used application regardless of their self-report, and significant preference to SNS applications was observed in addict group. The actual hourly pattern is consistent with the reported one. College students use more in the afternoon, when they have more free time and cannot use PCs. No significant difference in hourly pattern is observed between the measured and self-report. CONCLUSION: The result shows there are significant cognitive bias in actual usage patterns exists in self report of smartphone addictions. Clinicians are recommended to utilize measurement tools in diagnosis and treatment of smartphone overusing subjects.

Prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini-Like Fluke Infection in Ducks in Binh Dinh Province, Central Vietnam

Following the first report of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in a domestic duck in Phu My District of Binh Dinh Province, Central Vietnam, many other cases were observed in the province. We determined the infection rate and intensity of O. viverrini infection in ducks in 4 districts of the province. A total of 178 ducks were randomly selected from 34 farms for examination of flukes in the liver and gall bladder. An infection rate of 34.3% (range 20.7-40.4% among districts) was found; the intensity of infection was 13.8 worms per infected duck (range 1-100). These findings show the role of ducks as a host for O. viverrini, duck genotype, which is sympatric with the human O. viverrini genotype in this province. It also stresses the need for investigations on the zoonotic potential and the life cycle of this parasite.

Experimental analgesic and acute anti-inflammatory effects of VK2

Background: In traditional medicine, liquid extract VK2 has good effects in the treatment of osteoarticular pain. This remedy has its origin from \u201cTam ty thang\u201d of the Eastern traditional medicine. Objective: To evaluate the analgesic and acute anti-inflammatory effects of liquid extract VK2. Subjects and method: The trial was performed on white mice (18-22 g body weight) and albino rats (120 +/- 20 g body weight). These animals were healthy. The prescribed amount of VK2 doses were 27.5 g and 55 g per kg body weight of the mice, 19.25 g and 38.5 g per kg body weight of the rats. Results: The liquid extract of VK2 doses had analgesic effect on acetic acide and themal-induced pain in the mice. The liquid extract of VK2 doses had also acute anti-inflammatory effect through inhibiting carrageenine-induced edema in the hind paw. Conclusion: VK2 had analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on experimental animals.

Study the effectiveness of Morinda Officinalis How (MOH) on the Genital Organs of Male Rats

Introduction: To date, there has not been any systematical and experimental research aimed at indicating the effects of Morinda officinalis How on the genital organs of male rats. \r\n', u"Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of Morinda officinalis How (MOl-I) on the genital organs of male rats, to describe the changes in histology of testicles, and evaluate the testosterone concentration in mature male rats' bloods when dosed with MOH.\r\n", u'Subjects and method: Mature and immature rats were divided into 3 groups: mature rats, castrated and non - castrated immature rats. The rats have a daily dosage of MOH: 20g/kg. The above groups of rats were euthanized after 10 days; their testicles, seminal vesicles, prostates and Cowper land were weighed; specimens of histology of testicles were made; testosterone concentration in the bloods of the mature rats was measured. Results were compared amongst experimental groups. \r\n', u'Results and conclusion: Compared with the control group, MOH (dosage 20g/kg) increased the weight of testicles, seminal vesicles, prostates, and Cowper lands (p < 0.05). In mature rats, MOH increased the testosterone concentration in the blood in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). MOH did not change the histology of testicles, diameter of seminal ducts, but it did change the rate of seminal ducts having sperm compared with the control group and the testosterone injected group (p < 0.05). \r\n', u'

Studying the therapeutic effects of the traditional remedy of "tu than hoan" in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome of diarrhea state

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any detectable organic cause."Tu than hoan" is a traditional remedy applied for the treatment of syndromes of traditional medicine which have the similar characteristics to irritable bowel syndrome of diarrhea state of modern medicine. Objectives: The study had two purposes: (1)To evaluate the therapeutic effects of the remedy on the clinical symptoms of patients with irritable bowel syndrome of diarrhea state comparing with Duspatalin; (2)To evaluate the side effects of the remedy. Subjects and method:162 patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome of diarrhea state were treated at Bach Mai hospital from March to August 2005. They divided into 2 groups, the control group included 77 patients and the study group included 85 patients. : clinical test, comparing with controls. Results: 80% of patients recovered from diarrhea; 82.4% of patients with defecation returned to normal; 93.6% stopped mucous feces; 76.5% stopped bellyache. Good therapeutic effect was 61.2% (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Tu than hoan had good therapeutic effects in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome of diarrhea state. None of patients had to discontinue the medicine due to side effects. \r\n', u' \r\n', u'

Study on influences of the fixed combination anti-malarial drug dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine in constitutions and some biochemical and haematological indices of rabbits

Background: The combination of dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine is interested because of its efficiency and safety in treating malaria. Objective: To evaluate the influences of the fixed combination anti-malarial drug dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine in constitutions and some biochemical and haematological indices of rabbits. Subject and Method: The sub-chronic toxicity of the fixed combination anti-malarial drug of 40 mg dihydroartemisinin plus 320 mg piperaquine phosphate (DHA-PQP), with the materials produced by Institute of Chemistry, in rabbits was investigated. Rabbits were treated daily by oral route with DHA-PQP at the dose regimens of 64 and 100 mg/kg per day for 28 consecutive days. Result and Conclusion: DHA-PQP did not affect on rabbits' constitutions. Generally, all rabbits had normal ingestions, activities, and defecations. Rabbits' body weights increased regularly along the study period and significantly increased between day 28 and day 0 (P < 0.05). At the dose regimen of 64 mg/kg per day for 28 consecutive days, DHA-PQP did not change significantly rabbits' biochemical indices (including GOT, GPT, bilirubin, creatinine and protein) and haematological. These changes were insignificantly different between the treated and control groups at the same study points (P > 0.05). With the dose regimen of 100 mg/kg, the combination did not affect significantly (P>0.05) on some rabbits' biochemical and haematological indices. But hemoglobin, erythrocyte count and rate of monocytes increased significantly on day 14 comparing to that the control group (P < 0.05) and became in normal limits on day 29 (P > 0.05). Protein concentration also increased significantly on days 14 and 29 comparing to that of day 0 (P < 0.05).

Study on acute oral toxicities of Piperaquine phosphate and the fixed combination anti-malarial drug Dihydroartemisinin plus Piperaquine in mice

Background: Piperaquin (PQ) is an anti-malaria drug, which belong to bisquinoline class. Vietnam has successfully produced PQ (both base and phosphate) since 2004. Objective: To evaluate acute oral toxicities of Piperaquine phosphate and the fixed combination anti-malarial drug Dihydroartemisinin plus Piperaquine in mice. Subject and Method: This study was conducted at National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology between June and October, 2005. The acute oral toxicities of piperaquine phosphate (PQP) and the fixed combination anti-malaria drug (40 mg dihydroiutemisinin plus 320 mg piperaquine phosphate (DHA-PQP), with the materials produced by Institute of chemistry) in mice were investigated. Result: PQP had a medium toxicity. Inhibition of mice's central nervous systems was the main toxicity exhibition. At the high doses of PQP, mice's convulsion was observed before their deaths. The infralethal dose (LDo), absolute lethal dose (LD100) and mean lethal dose (LD50) of PQP were 900, 2300 and 1643.98 (1537.6 \u2013 1758.92) mg/kg, respectively. The fixed combination DHA-PQP had a less toxicity than PQP powder, with LDo, LD100 and LD50 were 1400, 2800 and 2050.06 (1943.63 \u2013 2157.14) mg per kg of body weight, respectively. Conclusion: At the high doses of DHA-PQP, this combination also inhibited mice's central nervous systems. Mice convulsed strongly before their deaths. All died mice were operated for observing visually their organs such as hearts, livers, kidneys, lungs, vesicles and intestines. No abnormal signals were found.

Study on influences of the fixed combination antimalaria drug dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine in reproductive progress of mice

Background: Dihydroartemisinin 40mg and piperaquine phosphate 320mg (DHA-PQP) drug combination and piperaquin phosphate (PQP) material was first successfully produced in Vietnam \r\n', u'Objective: to study influences of the fixed combination antimalaria drug dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine in reproductive progress of mice\r\n', u"Subjects and methods: This study was carried out at the Department of Malaria treatment and research, National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (NIMPE), between September, 2006 and March, 2007. The influences of the fixed combination antimalarial drug 40 mg dihydroartemisinin (DHA) plus 320 mg piperaquine phosphate (PQP), with PQP produced firstly in Vietnam, in mice's reproductive progresses were investigated in three generations (including the parent and FI, F2 child generations). \r\n", u'Results: In all three generations, study indices among the treated and control groups were not significantly different (the values P > 0.05). These indices included the rate of fecundation, numbers of fetuses of each mother mouse, numbers of offspring of each mother mouse, mean body weights of offspring. Early lethal fetuses, lately lethal fetuses, monsters and innate abnormally offspring were not found in P, FI and F2 generations. The necessary feeding - day numbers that offspring of P and F 1 generations reached their body weights about 20g were different insignificantly (the values P> 0.05) among the treated and control groups. \r\n', u'Conclusion: The combination DHA-PQP was found to cause no genome mutations in mice at the oral dose of 120 mg per kg per day for 5 consecutive days. \r\n', u'

Study on anti-hypertensive effects of Bach Hac Acaranthus nasutus Acanthaceae

Subjects: liquid extraction (1/1) of acaranthus; frog; dog; rabbit; mice. Method: effects of extraction on blood pressure of dog (effects on adrenaline and nicotine), on isolated heart of frog, on the narcotic effect of hexobarbital in mice. Results: Liquid extraction has synergic effect with hexobarbital, rapid and long hypotension because of adrenaline blocking (a partly block of gland of autonomic nervous system) and vasodilator

Investigation of anti acute inflammatory activity of beta-aminoceton which is derivative of anilin

Healthy rats with weight of 120-180 g were randomly divided into 4 groups. They tested the anti-acute inflamatory activity of T1 (3 -methoxy 4 hydroxy-5 bromobenzylidien para bromo anilin) and T2 (3-methoxy 4 hydroxy-5 nitrobenzylidien p-nitro anilin). The results have shown that T1 had a significant antiinflamatory activity after 2 h and 4 h of the test but had no antiflamatory activity after 6 h of the test comparing with the control. While the anti-inflamatory activity of T2 was not different from this in the control. This study concluded that the anti-inflamatory activity of derivatives of 5 bromo vanilin was better than this of derivatives of 5 -nitroanilin.