Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Superbacterial Properties of Sulforaphane from Shepherd's Purse

Shepherd's purse, Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., has been considered a health food for centuries in Asia and is known to contain the isothiocyanate compound sulforaphane. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of a sulforaphane-containing solution (SCS) isolated from shepherd's purse. SCS had significant anti-inflammatory activity indicated by the decreased levels of nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (interleukin 1beta [IL-1beta], IL-6, and IL-10), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. In addition, SCS decreased the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) levels, which confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of SCS. Further, SCS inhibited vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and Bacillus anthracis. The minimal inhibitory concentration was 250 microg/ml for VRE and 1,000 microg/ml for B. anthracis. Taken together, these data indicate that SCS has potential anti-inflammatory and anti-superbacterial properties, and thus it can be used as a functional food or pharmaceutical.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Superbacterial Activity of Polyphenols Isolated from Black Raspberry

The fruit of the black raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miquel) has been employed in traditional medicine, and recent studies have demonstrated its measureable biological activities. However, the root of the black raspberry has not been studied. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the root and unripe fruit polyphenols of the black raspberry. Both polyphenols proved to have anti-inflammatory activity as evidenced by the decreased nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (IL-1beta , IL-6, and IL-10) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. However, root polyphenols showed stronger anti-inflammatory activity than fruit polyphenols. LPS-induced mRNA and protein expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 levels were also decreased, confirming the anti-inflammatory activity. Root polyphenols showed lethal activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), and Bacillus anthracis. In contrast, the black raspberry fruit did not demonstrate these properties. These data provide the first demonstration that black raspberry root has potential anti-inflammatory and anti-superbacterial properties that can be exploited as alternatives for use in the food and cosmetic industries and/or as pharmaceuticals.

Rifampicin Inhibits the LPS-induced Expression of Toll-like Receptor 2 via the Suppression of NF-kappaB DNA-binding Activity in RAW 264.7 Cells

Rifampicin is a macrocyclic antibiotic which is used extensively for treatment against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections. Recently, a number of studies have focused on the immune-regulatory effects of rifampicin. Therefore, we hypothesized that rifampicin may influence the TLR2 expression in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. In this study, we determined that rifampicin suppresses LPS-induced TLR2 mRNA expression. The down-regulation of TLR2 expression coincided with decreased production of TNF-alpha. Since NF-kappaB is a major transcription factor that regulates genes for TLR2 and TNF-alpha, we examined the effect of rifampicin on the LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation. Rifampicin inhibited NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells, while it did not affect IKKalpha/beta activity. However, rifampicin slightly inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB p65. In addition, rifampicin increased physical interaction between pregnane X receptor, a receptor for rifampicin, and NF-kappaB p65, suggesting pregnane X receptor interferes with NF-kappaB binding to DNA. Taken together, our results demonstrate that rifampicin inhibits LPS-induced TLR2 expression, at least in part, via the suppression of NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity in RAW 264.7 cells. Thus, the present results suggest that the rifampicin-mediated inhibition of TLR2 via the suppression of NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity may be a novel mechanism of the immune-suppressive effects of rifampicin.

Intracystic Papillary Carcinoma in the Male Breast: A Case Report / 한국유방암학회지

Intracystic papillary carcinoma of the breast is a variant of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) characterized by the presence of papillary carcinoma within a cystically dilated duct. DCIS of the male breast is an uncommon disease, accounting for approximately 7% of all male breast carcinomas. Most DCIS in men is of the papillary type. We experienced one case of intracystic papillary carcinoma in the right breast of a 49-yr-old male and report the case with a review of the literature.

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma in the Breast: A Case Report / 한국유방암학회지

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is the most common form of soft tissue sarcoma during middle and late adulthood in the deep connective tissues of the extremities, abdominal cavity, and retroperitoneum. Primary breast sarcoma is a rare disease entity, comprising less than 1% of all breast malignancies. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the breast is very rare. We presented one case of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the right breast in a 49-year-old woman and report the case with a review of the literature.

Detection of Point Mutations in the rpoB gene Related to Drug Susceptibility in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis using an Oligonucleotide Chip / 결핵

BACKGROUND: The appearance of multiple-drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains has been seriously compromising successful control of tuberculosis. Rifampin-resistance, caused by mutations in the rpoB gene, can be indicative of multiple-drug-resistance, and its detection is of great importance. The present study aimed to develop an oligonucleotide chip for accurate and convenient screening of drug-resistance. METHODS: In order to detect point mutations in the rpoB gene, an oligonucleotide chip was prepared by immobilizing specific probe DNA to a microscopic slide glass by a chemical reaction. The probe DNA that was selected from the 81 bp core region of the rpoB gene was designed to have mutation sites at the center. A total of 17 mutant probes related to rifampin-resistance including 8 rifabutin-sensitive mutant probes were used in this study. For accurate determination, wild type probes were prepared for each mutation position with an equal length, which enabled a direct comparison of the hybridization intensities between the mutant and wild type. RESULTS: Mycobacterial genomic DNA from clinical samples was tested with the oligonucleotide chip and the results were compared with those of the drug-susceptibility test in addition to sequencing and INNO-LiPA Rif. TB kit test in some cases. Out of 15 samples, the oligonucleotide chip results of 13 samples showed good agreement with the rifabutin-sensitivity results. The two samples with conflicting result also showed a discrepancy between the other tests, suggesting such possibilities as existence of mixed strains and difference in drug-sensitivity. Further verification of these samples in addition to more case studies are required before the final evaluation of the oligonucleotide chip can be made. CONCLUSION: An oligonucleotide chip was developed for the detection of rpoB gene mutations related to drug-susceptibility. The results to date show the potential for using the oligonucleotide chip for accurate and convenient screening of drug-resistance to provide useful information in antituberculosis drug therapy.

A Study on the Injury Mechanism and Types of the Ocular Trauma

The study was the clinical analysis of 509 patients with pure ocular injuries who visited to Chonnam University Hospital Emergency center from July 1, 1996 to June 30, 1997 retrospectively. Clinical data survey including sex and age distribution, causes of trauma, injury site, ocular disease, and surgical intervention was done. Most of ocular injury patients were male. 3rd and 4th decade who were socially active were nearly 50%. Direct and indirect injury from foreign body was the most common cause of ocular injuries followed by fist blow, traffic accident, falling down, and sport injury. Cornea was the most common ocular injury site (209 patients, 41.1%). The incidence of the traumatic ocular disease showed corneal erosion (117 patients, 22.9%) and then eyeball perforation, traumatic hyphema etc. by frequency of order. Eyeball perforation was the most common ocular injury which needed a emergency surgical intervention. As a results, emergency physicians have to pay attention to the cornea in case of any type of ocular injuries and eyeball perforation which caused by direct and indirect injury from foreign body.

Emergency Center Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Hemoperitoneum and solid Organ Injury

The reliability of emergency ultrasonographic(US) detection of hemoperitoneum and solid organ injury in blunt abdominal trauma was evaluated retrospectively. From October 1,1995 to August 31,1996,90 patients were included in the study. Ultra- sonographic findings showed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 97.6%, 97.9%, and 98.1%, respectively, in detecting intraabdominal fluid collection. We believe that US in an emergency center is a quick, safe screening method in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma. In our department, US has replaced diagnostic peritonaeal lavage(DPL) and computed tomography(CT) as the screening study of first choice.