Zaluzanin C Alleviates Inflammation and Lipid Accumulation in Kupffer Cells and Hepatocytes by Regulating Mitochondrial ROS.

Zaluzanin C (ZC), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Laurus nobilis L., has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the mechanistic role of ZC in its protective effects in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of action of ZC in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. ZC inhibited LPS-induced mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production and subsequent mtROS-mediated NF-κB activity in Kupffer cells (KCs). ZC reduced mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il1b and Tnfa) and chemokines (Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4, Cxcl2 and Cxcl9). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced hepatocyte mtROS production was inhibited by ZC. ZC was effective in alleviating mtROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. ZC enhanced mitophagy and increased mRNA levels of fatty acid oxidation genes (Pparα, Cpt1, Acadm and Hadha) and mitochondrial biosynthetic factors (Pgc1α, Tfam, Nrf1 and Nrf2) in hepatocytes. ZC has proven its anti-lipid effect by improving lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by enhancing mitochondrial function to facilitate lipid metabolism. Therefore, our study suggests that ZC may be an effective compound for hepatoprotection by suppressing inflammation and lipid accumulation through regulating mtROS.

Ultraviolet photodetector using pn junction formed by transferrable hollow n-TiO2 nano-spheres monolayer.

We report an ultraviolet (UV) photodetector with a universally transferable monolayer film with ordered hollow TiO2 spheres on p-GaN. After forming a TiO2 monolayer film by unidirectional rubbing of hollow TiO2 spheres on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) supporting plate, we used a 5% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) aqueous solution to transfer the film onto the target substrate. The PVA/TiO2 monolayer film was detached from the PDMS film and transferred to the p-GaN/Al2O3 substrate. To investigate the effects of crystallized phases of the TiO2 hollow spheres, anatase and rutile TiO2 sphere monolayers prepared by combining template synthesis and thermal treatment. The responsiveness of the UV photodetectors using anatase and rutile hollow n-TiO2 monolayer/p-GaN was 0.203 A/W at 312 nm and 0.093 A/W at 327 nm, respectively.

Hepatoprotective effects of zingerone on carbon tetrachloride- and dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver injuries in rats.

In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective and anti-fibrotic effects of zingerone, one of the active components of ginger, against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- and dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver injuries in rats, respectively. Oral administration of zingerone (10 mg/kg) reduced CCl4-induced abnormalities in liver histology, serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and liver malondialdehyde levels. Zingerone treatment attenuated CCl4-induced increases in inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA levels. Western blot analysis showed that zingerone suppressed activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Liver fibrosis induced by DMN (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was ameliorated by administration of zingerone (10 and 20 mg/kg, orally). Zingerone treatment reduced DMN-induced elevation of hydroxyproline content and hepatic stellate cell activation. In conclusion, zingerone showed antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in CCl4-intoxicated rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and NF-κB activation via blockade of the activation of upstream MAPKs. Moreover, zingerone had hepatoprotective and anti-fibrotic effects against DMN-induced liver injury suggesting its usefulness in the prevention of liver inflammation and the development of hepatic fibrosis.

Enhancement of Device Performances in GaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes Using Nano-Sized Surface Pit.

We report the improvement in optical and electrical properties of GaN-based green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with nano-sized etch pits formed by the surface chemical etching. In order to control the density and sizes of etch pits formed on top surface of green LEDs, H3PO4 solution is used as a etchant with different etching time. When the etching time was increased from 0 min to 20 min, both the etch pit size and density were gradually increased. The improvement of extraction efficiency of LEDs using surface etching method can be attributed to the enlarged escape angle of generated photon by roughened p-GaN surface. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation results well agreed with experimentally observed results. Moreover, the LED with etched p-GaN surface for 5 min shows the lowest leakage current value and the further increase of etching time resulting in increase of densities of the large-sized etch pit makes the degradation of electrical properties of LEDs.

Adhesion of Poly(phenylene sulfide) Resin with Polymeric Film of Triazine Thiol on Aluminum Surface Modified by Anodic Oxidation.

Various surface modifications have been applied to improve the adhesion properties of aluminum for the cap plate and sealing quality of electrolyte on Li ion batteries. In this study, we have tried to find the effective condition for the polymerization of triazine thiols (TT) on modified aluminum surfaces by anodic aluminum oxide. Characterization of polymerized films on aluminum was explored by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis. Scanning electron microscopy results reveal that meaningful roughness was formed on aluminum surfaces by anodic oxidation. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis results represent that the peel strength was found to depend on film thickness and the composition of the adhesion layer. As a result, Al/PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) resin assemblies developed in this study have superior adhesive property. Therefore, these assemblies might be a viable candidate for a sealing technique for Li ion batteries.

Enhanced light extraction from GaN based light-emitting diodes using a hemispherical NiCoO lens.

We report on the improvement of light extraction efficiency from GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) using Ni(1-x)Co(x)O nanoparticles (NPs) formed on the p-GaN layer. After formation of Ni(1-x)Co(x)O hemispherical lens arrays on the blue LEDs by drop-casting colloidal NPs, electroluminescence (EL) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements are conducted to investigate the electrical and optical properties. The PL and EL intensities from the blue LEDs with the Ni(1-x)Co(x)O NPs are 1.74 and 1.61 times greater, respectively, than a conventional LED. Finally, a hybrid approach using ZnO nanorod arrays grown on the NiCoO hemispherical lens shows further increase of light extraction by 3.8 and 6.2 times compared to LEDs with bare NiCoO NPs and without any NPs, respectively. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation results also agree well with the experimental results. The enhancement of light extraction from LEDs with ZnO nanorods and NiCoO NPs can be attributed to an enlarged escape angle cone and increased probability of light scattering.

Effect of sinapic acid against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatic injury in rats.

Acute hepatic inflammation is regarded as a hallmark of early stage fibrosis, which can progress to extensive fibrosis and cirrhosis. Sinapic acid is a phenylpropanoid compound that is abundant in cereals, nuts, oil seeds, and berries and has been reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of sinapic acid in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute hepatic injury in rats. Sinapic acid was administered orally (10 or 20 mg/kg) to rats at 30 min and 16 h before CCl4 intoxication. Sinapic acid treatment of rats reduced CCl4-induced abnormalities in liver histology, serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities, and liver malondialdehyde levels. In addition, sinapic acid treatment significantly attenuated the CCl4-induced production of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1ß mRNA levels, and increased the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB p65). Sinapic acid exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity in vitro. Thus, sinapic acid protected the rat liver from CCl4-induced inflammation, most likely by acting as a free radical scavenger and modulator of NF-κB p65 activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression. Sinapic acid may thus have potential as a therapeutic agent for suppressing hepatic inflammation.

Effect of sinapic acid against dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.

Sinapic acid is a member of the phenylpropanoid family and is abundant in cereals, nuts, oil seeds, and berries. It exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties. In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of sinapic acid on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced chronic liver injury in rats. Sinapic acid remarkably prevented DMN-induced loss of body weight. This was accompanied by a significant increase in levels of serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and liver malondialdehyde content. Furthermore, sinapic acid reduced hepatic hydroxyproline content, which correlated with a reduction in the expression of type I collagen mRNA and histological analysis of collagen in liver tissue. Additionally, the expression of hepatic fibrosis-related factors such as α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), were reduced in rats treated with sinapic acid. Sinapic acid exhibited strong scavenging activity. In conclusion, we find that sinapic acid exhibits hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects against DMN-induced liver injury, most likely due to its antioxidant activities of scavenging radicals, its capacity to suppress TGF-ß1 and its ability to attenuate activation of hepatic stellate cells. This suggests that sinapic acid is a potentially useful agent for the protection against liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

A comparison of two brands of clopidogrel in patients with drug-eluting stent implantation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although generic clopidogrel is widely used, clinical efficacy and safety between generic and original clopidogrel had not been well evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of 2 oral formulations of clopidogrel 75 mg tablets in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between July 2006 and February 2009, 428 patients that underwent implantation with DES for CAD and completed >1 year of clinical follow-up were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into the following 2 groups based on treatment formulation, Platless® (test formulation, n=211) or Plavix® (reference formulation, n=217). The incidence of 1-year major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) and stent thrombosis (ST) were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The baseline demographic and procedural characteristics were not significantly different between two treatment groups. The incidence of 1-year MACCEs was 8.5% {19/211, 2 deaths, 4 myocardial infarctions (MIs), 2 strokes, and 11 target vessel revascularizations (TVRs)} in Platless® group vs. 7.4% (16/217, 4 deaths, 1 MI, 2 strokes, and 9 TVRs) in Plavix® group (p=0.66). The incidence of 1-year ST was 0.5% (1 definite and subacute ST) in Platless® group vs. 0% in Plavix® group (p=0.49). CONCLUSION: In this study, the 2 tablet preparations of clopidogrel showed similar rates of MACCEs, but additional prospective randomized studies with pharmacodynamics and platelet reactivity are needed to conclude whether generic clopidgrel may replace original clopidogrel.

Prognostic implication of interdialytic fluid retention during the beginning period in incident hemodialysis patients.

Patient with end stage renal disease have characteristics in common with heart failure patients, and volume overload in heart failure is associated with poorer outcomes. Fluid removal during the hemodialysis (HD) is the cornerstone of volume management in this population. The objective of this study is to assess the long-term prognostic effect of interdialytic fluid retention (IDFR) and its relationship with cardiovascular (CV) events in incident HD patients who newly started dialysis. IDFR is defined as the difference between the predialysis weight and the weight at the end of the previous dialysis session, and it mainly reflects the consequence of salt and water intake between two consecutive dialysis sessions. We retrospectively reviewed the 172 patients who newly started and maintained HD over 6 months at Gachon University Gil Hospital between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2008. The average data were collected for 3 months during the beginning period, including total IDFR and IDFR/dry weight (IDFR%), nutritional parameters, blood pressure, and other biochemical parameters. Patients were classified into 3 cohorts according to the tertile of IDFR%; low (T1; ≤ 3.21%), intermediate (T2; 3.21%-4.56%), and high (T3; ≥ 4.56%). The high IDFR% group showed higher prevalence of diabetes and better nutritional status. The adjusted odds ratio for CV events was 1.562 (95% confidence interval, 1.026-2.378) for high IDFR% group, compared with the low IDFR% group. In incident HD patients, greater IDFR% soon after HD initiation showed an independent association with higher risk for CV events.

Volume control by using the body composition monitor in a puerperal patient on hemodialysis.

Accurate measurement of the volume status in hemodialysis patients is important as it can affect mortality. However, no studies have been conducted regarding volume management in cases where a sudden change of body fluid occurs, such as during puerperium in hemodialysis patients. This report presents a case in which the patient was monitored for her body composition and her volume status was controlled using a body composition monitor (BCM) during the puerperal period. This case suggests that using a BCM for volume management may help maintain hemodynamic stability in patients with a rapidly changing volume status for a short term period, such as during puerperium.

Neurochemical Characterization of the TRPV1-Positive Nociceptive Primary Afferents Innervating Skeletal Muscles in the Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily type 1 (TRPV1), a most specific marker of the nociceptive primary afferent, is expressed in peptidergic and non-pepetidergic primary afferents innervating skin and viscera. However, its expression in sensory fibers to skeletal muscle is not well known. In this study, we studied the neurochemical characteristics of TRPV1-positive primary afferents to skeletal muscles. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with total 20 microl of 1% fast blue (FB) into the gastrocnemius and erector spinae muscle and animals were perfused 4 days after injection. FB-positive cells were traced in the L4-L5 (for gastrocnemius muscle) and L2-L4 (for erector spinae muscle) dorsal root ganglia. The neurochemical characteristics of the muscle afferents were studied with multiple immunofluorescence with TRPV1, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and P2X(3). To identify spinal neurons responding to noxious stimulus to the skeletal muscle, 10% acetic acids were injected into the gastrocnemius and erector spinae muscles and expression of phospho extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) in spinal cords were identified with immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: TRPV1 was expressed in about 49% of muscle afferents traced from gastrocnemius and 40% of erector spinae. Sixty-five to 60% of TRPV1-positive muscles afferents also expressed CGRP. In contrast, expression of P2X(3) immnoreaction in TRPV1-positive muscle afferents were about 20%. TRPV1-positive primary afferents were contacted with spinal neurons expressing pERK after injection of acetic acid into the muscles. CONCLUSION: It is consequently suggested that nociception from skeletal muscles are mediated by TRPV1-positive primary afferents and majority of them are also peptidergic.