Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Water Chestnut Extract on Cytokine Responses via Nuclear Factor-kappaB-signaling Pathway

Water chestnut (Trapa japonica Flerov.) is an annual aquatic plant. In the present study, we showed that the treatment of water chestnut extracted with boiling water resulted in a significant increase 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity and decrease the intracellular H2O2-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species. In addition, water chestnut extract (WCE) inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production and suppressed mRNA and protein expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene. The cytokine array results showed that WCE inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion. Also, WCE reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha- and interleukin-6-induced nuclear factor-kappaB activity. Furthermore, during sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-induced irritation of human skin, WCE reduced SLS-induced skin erythema and improved barrier regeneration. These results indicate that WCE may be a promising topical anti-inflammatory agent.

Hesperidin Suppresses Melanosome Transport by Blocking the Interaction of Rab27A-Melanophilin

We investigated the inhibitory effects of hesperidin on melanogenesis. To find melanosome transport inhibitor from natural products, we collected the structural information of natural products from Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) and performed pharmacophore-based in silico screening for Rab27A and melanophilin (MLPH). Hesperidin did not inhibit melanin production in B16F10 murine melanoma cells stimulated with alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), and also did not affect the catalytic activity of tyrosinase. But, hesperidin inhibited melanosome transport in melanocyte and showed skin lightening effect in pigmented reconstructed epidermis model. Therefore, we suggest that hesperidin is a useful inhibitor of melanosome transport and it might be applied to whitening agent.

Chondrodysplasia Punctata(Rhizomelic Type) Associated with Pneumothorax

Chondrodysplasia punctata is a rare congenital syndrome caused by a peroxisomal dysfunction. Chondrodysplasia punctata is classified into four main types-Coradi-Hunermann's type, rhizomelic type, X-linked dominant form and X-linked recessive form. A male patient with this condition was born at 39 weeks gestation, the pregnancy being complicated by polyhydroamnios, breech presentation, and anomalies of congenital limbs. At delivery, there was no activity and no initial crying. Physical examination revealed a flat nose, a short neck, scaled ichthyolytic skin, and bilaterally symmetrical shortening of the upper and lower extremities. Choromosomal analysis revealed a 46, XY karyotype. Radiologic examination disclosed stippling of the cartilage on the epiphyseal regions of the long bones, paravertebral regions, carpal bones and tarsal bones. In additions, a chest x-ray showed right pneumothorax. Chest and endotracheal tubes were inserted. However, the patient died due to respiratory failure at 19 days of life. We report a case of rhizomelic type of chondrodysplasia punctata assocoated with pneumothorax with a brief review of the related literatures.