ABSTRACT
Background. In Japan, "Shinrin-yoku" or forest bathing (spending time in forests) is a major practice used for relaxation. However, its effects on promoting human mental health are still under consideration. The objective of this study was to investigate the physiological and psychological relaxation effects of forest walking on adults. Sixty participants (50% males; 50% females) were trained to walk 15-minute predetermined courses in a bamboo forest and a city area (control). The length of the courses was the same to allow comparison of the effects of both environments. Blood pressure and EEG results were measured to assess the physiological responses and the semantic differential method (SDM) and STAI were used to study the psychological responses. Blood pressure was significantly decreased and variation in brain activity was observed in both environments. The results of the two questionnaires indicated that walking in the bamboo forest improves mood and reduces anxiety. Moreover, the mean meditation and attention scores were significantly increased after walking in a bamboo forest. The results of the physiological and psychological measurements indicate the relaxing effects of walking in a bamboo forest on adults.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the effects of rosuvastatin on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and periostin, cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) expression, and to explore rosuvastatin on ventricular remodeling in experimental rats after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: A total of 45 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 group, Sham operation group,n=15 and AMI group,n=30, the AMI model was established by left anterior descending coronary ligation. After 24 hours of AMI, the rats were further divided into 2 groups, AMI + rosuvastatin group, the rats received gastric rosuvastatin 1mg/(kg?d), and AMI group, the rats received gastric normal saline.n=15 in each group and all animals were treated for 6 weeks. The mRNA and protein expressions of CT-1 and periostin were examined by real time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, the contents of superoxide anion (O2-·) and hydroxy radical (OH·) were detected by colorimetric method among different groups. Results: Compared with Sham operation group and AMI + suvastatin group, the mRNA and protein expressions of CT-1, periostin, the contents of (O2-·), (OH·) and left heart weight index were increased in AMI group at non-infraction zone,P<005. Compared with Sham operation group, the mRNA and protein expressions of CT-1, periostin, the contents of (O2-·), (OH·) and left heart weight index were increased in AMI + suvastatin group at non-infraction zone,P<005. Compared with AMI group, the mRNA and protein expressions of CT-1 and periostin were decreased in AMI + rosuvastatin group,P<005. Conclusion: Rosuvastatin may improve ventricular remodeling via inhibiting ROS production and CT-1, periostin expression in experimental rats after AMI.
