Luteolin Promotes Apoptosis of Endometriotic Cells and Inhibits the Alternative Activation of Endometriosis-Associated Macrophages

Luteolin, a flavonoid present in several fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs reportedly exhibits anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of luteolin on endometriosis, a painful condition characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial tissue and pelvic inflammation, remains elusive. Herein, we observed that luteolin inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis of 12Z human endometriotic cells by activating caspase-3, -8, and -9. Additionally, luteolin significantly inhibited the expression of key chemokines, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and CCL5, required for monocyte/macrophage influx at endometriotic sites. In macrophages stimulated by endometriotic cells, luteolin treatment suppressed the intracellular expression of M2 markers and endometriosis-promoting factors. Collectively, our data suggest that luteolin exerts anti-endometriotic effects by stimulating endometriotic cell apoptosis and hindering the alternative activation of macrophages.

Hematological Effects of Water Extracts of Cham-Dang-Gui on Dietary Induced Iron Deficient Anemia Rat

Cham-dang-gui (Angelica gigas nakai) has been used in traditional Korean medicine to treat hemotological disorders. The purpose of this study is to investigate the hematological effects of water extracts of Cham-dang-gui in rats with anemia induced by iron-free diets. Rats were divided into two groups, a regular diet group (RD) and an iron-free diet group (FeD). The iron-free diet group was then subdivided into the following three treatment groups: saline (1.0 ml/kgBW/day, FeDS), Cham-dang-gui (1.0 g/kgBW/day, FeDA), and iron (iron succinylate 14 mg/kgBW/day, FeDFe) groups. Rats were fed an iron-free diet for 6 weeks to induce iron-deficient anemia, and subsequently underwent the treatments, during which they were fed an iron-free diet for 3 weeks followed by a regular diet for 3 weeks. Body weights of the iron-diet groups (FeDS, FeDA, FeDFe) were lower than that of RD group. The blood levels of Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH and TIBC were significantly higher in RD and FeDFe groups than those of other groups. The water extract of Cham-dang-gui with iron-free diet has no hematological effects. A regular diet followed by iron-free diets significantly increased blood levels of Hgb, Hct, and MCH.