Xanthone and Flavonoid Derivatives from the Leaves of Maclura tricuspidata with Antioxidant and Anti-tyrosinase Activity

Masclura tricuspidata, also called as Cudrania tricuspidata, is one of the most common Moraceae family plants in East Asia. Its trivial name follows mulberry due to the similar morphology. Investigation of the bioactive constituents of M. tricuspidata leaves yielded a new xanthone derivative along with twenty known compounds through various chromatographic techniques. A new compound was defined as mascluraxanthone (3), a prenylated xanthone glucoside on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and MS data. Twenty known compounds were identified as four xanthone derivatives (1-2 and 4-5), two flavans (6-7), six flavanol derivatives (8-13), a flavonone (14) and seven flavonol derivatives (15-21). Among the isolated compounds, flavanol and flavonoid derivatives with 3′,4′-OH groups showed antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. Conclusively, the leaves of M.tricuspidata are rich in aromatic compounds including xanthones and flavonoids. In addition, these constituents showed antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase potentials, which might be useful for oxidative stress related diseases.

Association of Serum Vitamin D Status with Prediabetes and Prehypertension in Korean Adults: An Analysis of the 2013–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data

Background@#Recent studies have indicated that vitamin D deficiency is associated with diabetes and hypertension in adults. However, this association has not been sufficiently studied in cases of prediabetes and prehypertension. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the relationship between vitamin D levels and prediabetes and prehypertension in Korean adults. @*Methods@#Data from 1,808 adults aged ≥19 years who participated in the 2013–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in this study. The odds ratio of prediabetes and prehypertension according to the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) status was calculated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. @*Results@#Mean serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly different among females with normal glucose levels, prediabetes, and diabetes mellitus. Further, the mean levels were not significantly different in both males and females of all ages with normal blood pressure, prehypertension, and hypertension. In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that serum 25(OH)D levels were not significantly associated with the odds ratio of prediabetes and prehypertension after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, calcium supplement intake, income, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and fasting glucose. @*Conclusion@#Serum vitamin D status was not independently associated with the risks of prediabetes and prehypertension in Korean adults.

Associations of Physical Activity and Sitting Time with Serum Vitamin D Status in Korean Adults: Results from the 2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background@#Recent evidence has reported the relationships between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) insufficiency and chronic diseases. This study examined the association of physical activity and sitting time with vitamin D status. @*Methods@#This study analyzed the data of 1,598 adults aged ≥19 who participated in the 2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as a serum 25(OH)D level of ≤20 ng/mL. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of vitamin D insufficiency according to physical activity and sitting time were calculated using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. @*Results@#The mean levels of serum 25(OH)D were 16.5 ng/mL in males and 15.2 ng/mL in females, respectively and was significantly higher in the participants with sitting times of <5 hours/day than those with sitting times of ≥5 hours/day. After adjusting for confounding variables, sitting time of <5 hours/day was associated with decreased odds of vitamin D insufficiency as compared with sitting time of ≥5 hours/day in the total participants and females. In addition, the odds ratio for vitamin D insufficiency was significantly lower in the group with sitting times of <5 hours/ day than in the group with sitting times of ≥5 hours/day even among people with low physical activity in the total participants and females. @*Conclusion@#Serum 25(OH)D level was insufficient in the Korean adults and shorter sitting time was related to lower odds ratio of vitamin D insufficiency. Our findings suggest that sitting time is an independent factor of serum vitamin D status.

In Vivo Validation Model of a Novel Anti-Inflammatory Scaffold in Interleukin-10 Knockout Mouse

BACKGROUND: We fabricated anti-inflammatory scaffold using Mg(OH)2-incorporated polylactic acid-polyglycolic acid copolymer (MH-PLGA). To demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of the MH-PLGA scaffold, an animal model should be sensitive to inflammatory responses. The interleukin-10 knockout (IL-10 KO) mouse is a widely used bowel disease model for evaluating inflammatory responses, however, few studies have evaluated this mouse for the anti-inflammatory scaffold. METHODS: To compare the sensitivity of the inflammatory reaction, the PLGA scaffold was implanted into IL-10 KO and C57BL/6 mouse kidneys. Morphology, histology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analyses were carried out at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12. The anti-inflammatory effect and renal regeneration potency of the MH-PLGA scaffold was also compared to those of PLGA in IL-10 KO mice. RESULTS: The PLGA scaffold-implanted IL-10 KO mice showed kidneys relatively shrunken by fibrosis, significantly increased inflammatory cell infiltration, high levels of acidic debris residue, more frequent CD8-, C-reactive protein-, and ectodysplasin A-positive cells, and higher expression of pro-inflammatory and fibrotic factors compared to the control group. The MH-PLGA scaffold group showed lower expression of pro-inflammatory and fibrotic factors, low immune cell infiltration, and significantly higher expression of anti-inflammatory factors and renal differentiation related genes compared to the PLGA scaffold group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the MH-PLGA scaffold had anti-inflammatory effects and high renal regeneration potency. Therefore, IL-10 KO mice are a suitable animal model for in vivo validation of novel anti-inflammatory scaffolds.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Schizophrenia in Korea: A Multicenter Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: We designed a nationwide study with limited exclusion criteria to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korea and its relationship with antipsychotic medications. METHODS: This multicenter, cross-sectional, and observational study included patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Sixteen hospitals enrolled 845 patients aged 18 to 65 years prescribed any antipsychotic medication between August 2011 and August 2013. MetS was diagnosed using the criteria of the modified Adult Treatment Panel III of the National Cholesterol Education Program with the Korean abdominal obesity definition (waist circumference ≥85 cm in women, ≥90 cm in men). RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS in all patients was 36.5% and was significantly higher in men than women (men, 40.8%; women, 32.2%) and was significantly correlated with age [odds ratio (OR) 1.02] and duration of illness (OR 1.03). The prevalence of MetS across antipsychotic drugs in the major monotherapy group was as follows: 18.8% for quetiapine, 22.0% for aripiprazole, 33.3% for both amisulpride and paliperidone, 34.0% for olanzapine, 35% for risperidone, 39.4% for haloperidol, and 44.7% for clozapine. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS is very high in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Screening and monitoring of MetS is also strongly recommended.

Relationship between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Liver Fibrosis as Assessed by Transient Elastography in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Deficiencies of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) are prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Liver fibrosis is the main determinant of CLD prognosis. The present study was performed to evaluate the correlation between 25(OH)D levels and liver fibrosis as assessed by transient elastography (TE) in patients with compensated CLD. METHODS: Serum 25(OH)D levels and liver stiffness were determined in a total of 207 patients who were subjected to the following exclusion criteria: patients with decompensated CLD; patients who had malignancies; patients who were taking medications; and patients who were pregnant. RESULTS: The most common etiology was chronic hepatitis B (53.1%). Advanced liver fibrosis (defined by TE [≥9.5 kPa]) was present in 75 patients (36.2%). There was a significant correlation between 25(OH)D deficiency and liver stiffness. Based on the multivariate analysis, the following factors were independently associated with advanced liver fibrosis: 25(OH)D deficiency (odds ratio [OR], 3.46; p=0.004), diabetes mellitus (OR, 3.04; p=0.041), and fibrosis-4 index (OR, 2.01; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with compensated CLD exhibit a close correlation between vitamin D level and liver stiffness as assessed by TE. Vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with advanced liver fibrosis.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Paliperidone Extended-release in the Treatment of First-episode Psychosis: An Eight-week, Open-label, Multicenter Trial

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone extended-release (ER) tablets in patients with first-episode psychosis (n=75). METHODS: This was an 8-week, open-label, multicenter trial. The primary outcome variable was scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS); secondary measures included the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), the Cognitive Assessment Interview (CAI), and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). To assess safety, we measured drug-related adverse events, weight, lipid-related variables, and prolactin and administered the Simpson–Angus Rating Scale (SARS), the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), the Barnes Akathisia Scale (BAS), the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), and the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser side effect rating scale (UKU). RESULTS: The administration of paliperidone ER resulted in significant improvement in the PANSS, SANS, CAI, and GAF scores (p<0.001) over time. This improvement was evident as early as 1 week. The most frequent adverse events were akathisia, somnolence, anxiety, and sedation, which were well tolerated. Modest increases in weight and lipid profiles were also noted. Prolactin levels were substantially increased at the endpoint in both male and female patients. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that paliperidone ER is effective and is characterized by good tolerability in the treatment of positive and negative symptoms and cognitive functioning in first-episode psychosis.

Effects of sun exposure and dietary vitamin D intake on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency is common in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to identify whether or not sun exposure and dietary vitamin D intake have effects on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The objective was to identify the main determinants of serum vitamin D status in the study subjects. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 47 HD patients (19 males and 28 females) was performed. We assessed serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D levels between August and September 2012 and analyzed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in HD patients. To evaluate the determinants of serum 25(OH)D levels, we surveyed dietary vitamin D intake, degree of sun exposure, and outdoor activities. To compare biological variables, serum 25(OH)D was stratified as below 15 ng/ml or above 15 ng/ml. RESULTS: Mean 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D levels were 13.5 +/- 5.8 ng/ml and 20.6 +/- 11.8 pg/ml, respectively. The proportions of serum 25(OH)D deficiency ( or = 30 ng/ml) in subjects were 72.4%, 23.4%, and 4.3%, respectively. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in female patients was 78.6%, whereas that in males was 63.2% (P = 0.046). Vitamin D intake and sun exposure time were not significantly different between the two stratified serum 25(OH)D levels. Dietary intake of vitamin D did not contribute to increased serum 25(OH)D levels in HD patients. The main effective factors affecting serum 25(OH)D status were found to be the sun exposure and active outdoor exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D is common in HD patients and is higher in females than in males. Sun exposure is the most important determinant of serum 25(OH)D status in HD patients.

Effects of sun exposure and dietary vitamin D intake on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency is common in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to identify whether or not sun exposure and dietary vitamin D intake have effects on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The objective was to identify the main determinants of serum vitamin D status in the study subjects. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 47 HD patients (19 males and 28 females) was performed. We assessed serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D levels between August and September 2012 and analyzed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in HD patients. To evaluate the determinants of serum 25(OH)D levels, we surveyed dietary vitamin D intake, degree of sun exposure, and outdoor activities. To compare biological variables, serum 25(OH)D was stratified as below 15 ng/ml or above 15 ng/ml. RESULTS: Mean 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D levels were 13.5 +/- 5.8 ng/ml and 20.6 +/- 11.8 pg/ml, respectively. The proportions of serum 25(OH)D deficiency ( or = 30 ng/ml) in subjects were 72.4%, 23.4%, and 4.3%, respectively. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in female patients was 78.6%, whereas that in males was 63.2% (P = 0.046). Vitamin D intake and sun exposure time were not significantly different between the two stratified serum 25(OH)D levels. Dietary intake of vitamin D did not contribute to increased serum 25(OH)D levels in HD patients. The main effective factors affecting serum 25(OH)D status were found to be the sun exposure and active outdoor exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D is common in HD patients and is higher in females than in males. Sun exposure is the most important determinant of serum 25(OH)D status in HD patients.

Changes of biomarkers with oral exposure to benzo(a)pyrene, phenanthrene and pyrene in rats

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants present in air and food. Among PAHs, benzo(a)pyrene(BaP), phenanthrene (PH) and pyrene (PY) are considered to be important for their toxicity or abundance. To investigate the changes of biomarkers after PAH exposure, rats were treated with BaP (150 microgram/kg) alone or with PH (4,300 microgram/kg) and PY (2,700 microgram/kg) (BPP group) by oral gavage once per day for 30 days. 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity in liver microsomal fraction was increased in only BaP groups. The highest concentration (34.5 ng/g) of BaP, was found in muscle of rats treated with BaP alone at 20 days of treatment; it was 23.6 ng/g in BPP treated rats at 30 days of treatment. The highest PH concentration was 47.1 ng/g in muscle and 118.8 ng/g in fat, and for PY it was 29.7 ng/g in muscle and 219.9 ng/g in fat, in BPP groups. In urine, 114-161 ng/ml 3-OH-PH was found, while PH was 41-69 ng/ml during treatment. 201-263 ng/ml 1-OH-PY was found, while PH was 9-17 ng/ml in urine. The level of PY, PH and their metabolites in urine was rapidly decreased after withdrawal of treatment. This study suggest that 1-OH-PY in urine is a sensitive biomarker for PAHs; it was the most highly detected marker among the three PAHs and their metabolites evaluated during the exposure period and for 14 days after withdrawal.

Adaptive Change of AP DNA Endonuclease Against Genotoxic Agents in Normal and Transformed Cells / 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: AP DNA endonuclease (APE), an enzyme responsible for the repair of damaged DNAs, is essential for the maintenance of genetic information of cells. Deficiency of APE in certain hereditary skin tumor and senescent cells has been implicated but the regulation of APE activity as well as the expression of APE gene in response to DNA damage has not been well documented. Genotoxic agents including ultimate carcinogens that can damage DNA were treated to cultured normal and transformed human cells and adaptive response of APE gene expression to these treatments was measured in order to evaluate the role of APE in chemical carcinogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hydroxyl radical ('OH) generated from H2O2 (60 uM) through Fenton reaction, each 100 uM of N-nitrosomethylurea (NMU), 3-methyl-4-monomethyl- aminoazobenzene (3'-MeMAB) and N-acetoxy-2-acetaminofluorene (AAAF) were treated to umbilical cord blood cells (UCBC), HepG2 cells and HL-60 cells. APEX mRNA and APEX protein contents expressed in these cells exposed to each of these agents were measured by Northern blot hybridization and Western blot immunodetection analysis. The changes of APE activity in cells exposed to these genetoxic agents were measured. RESULTS: Treatment of H2O2 (60 uM) to UCBC, HepG2, and HL-60 cells increased APE activity significantly and pretreatment of a catalytic agent for OH, FeSO4 (60 pM) to the cells prior to H2O2 exposure did not further increase the APE activity in cells. Adaptive response to H2O2 in HL-60 cells increased in proportion to the concentration of H2O2 up to 60 pM. However, further increase in H2O2 concentration had no effect on the enzyme activity. Treatment of NMU (100 pM), 3-MeMAB (100 pM) and AAAF (100 pM) to these cells brought about a slight increase in the APE activity. APEX mRNA expression in UCBC and HepG2 cells exposed to H2O2, NMU, 3-MeMAB was markedly increased in APEX mRNA expression. APEX mRNA expression was also increased in HL-60 cells exposed to H2O2 (60 pM) and 3-MeMAB (100 uM) but NMU (100 pM) exposure to the cells resulted in a slight increase of it (Fig. 2). APEX protein expression was increased in all UCBC, HepG2 and HL-60 cells exposed to these genotoxic agents (Fig. 3). CONCLUSION: These results implicate that exposure of genotoxic agents to the cultured cells may cause DNA damage and lead to adaptive increase in APE activity as well as APE gene expression. It is probable that APE gene is transcriptionally regulated in response to the exposure of H2O2 or 3-MeMAB in cultured human cells as a consequence of activation of DNA repair system for the adaptation to the crisis.

Acute Ulcerative Contact Dermatitis from Ready Mixed Conerete / 대한산업의학회지

The case was described of a 43 year old male who developed burns of the both shins as a result of handling wet cement. After wet cement was spilled into the rubber boots he was wearing, he experienced painful erythema of both lower legs. Several weeks later, medical examination revealed dirty and granulated ulceration of the both shins. The largest ulcer, about 18 by 10 centimeters, was located on the anterior aspect of left lower leg. We coneluded that this skin problem resulted from the ertreme alkalinity of calcium hydroxide in wet cement, combined with the effects of pressure and occlusion against the skin.

The effects of chromium exposure on sister chromatid exchange and concentration of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine / 예방의학회지

To elucidate some DNA adducts as a biological marker for workers of chromate pigment, the effects of chromium exposure on the formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine(8-OH-dG) and sister chromatid exchanges(SCEs) frequency in 38 workers of a pigment plant in Bucheon which utilized lead chromates, were examined. The chromium contents of venous blood and urine were measured as working environmental exposure level. The concentrations of 8-OH-dG in DNA isolated from lymphocytes were determined with high performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detector and denoted as a molar ratio of 8-OH-dG to deoxyguanosine(dG). The SCEs frequency were analyzed in DNA isolated from lymphocytes. A significant correlation was found between creatinine adjusted urine chromium concentration and the molar ratio of 8-OH-dG to dG(r=0.47, p<0.01). After adjusting the current smoking habit, the correlation coefficient was increased(r=0.62, p<0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between the SCE frequency and chromium exposure. This significant results between molar ratio of 8-OH-dG to dG and chromium exposure are in good agreement with in vitro studies that support the importance of DNA adduct formation for the carcinogenic effect of chromium.