Sedation Therapy in Intensive Care Units: Harnessing the Power of Antioxidants to Combat Oxidative Stress.

In critically ill patients requiring intensive care, increased oxidative stress plays an important role in pathogenesis. Sedatives are widely used for sedation in many of these patients. Some sedatives are known antioxidants.

Molecular hydrogen in the treatment of acute and chronic neurological conditions: mechanisms of protection and routes of administration.

Oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species is considered a major mediator of tissue and cell injuries in various neuronal conditions, including neurological emergencies and neurodegenerative diseases. Molecular hydrogen is well characterized as a scavenger of hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. Recently, the neuroprotective effects of treatment with molecular hydrogen have been reported in both basic and clinical settings.

Vitamin C Induces the Reduction of Oxidative Stress and Paradoxically Stimulates the Apoptotic Gene Expression in Extravillous Trophoblasts Derived From First-Trimester Tissue.

Aim: To investigate the effects of vitamin C on the expression of the genes related to apoptosis in extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) in the first trimester.

Methods: Extravillous trophoblasts were cultured under 2% O2 followed by 2% O2 or 8% O2 with or without vitamin C. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cultured medium was estimated using electron spin resonance spectroscopy.

A nucleoprotein-enriched diet suppresses dopaminergic neuronal cell loss and motor deficit in mice with MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an obstinate progressive neurodegenerative disease and characterized by locomotor impairment and dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). We examined in here the dietary effect of nucleoprotein (NP) extracted from salmon soft roe on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-injected PD-like mice model to prevent the symptom as an alternative medicine. Male C57/BL6 mice were given either an artificially modified NP-free diet (NF) or NF supplied with 1.

Efficient utilization of licorice root by alkaline extraction.

Compared to studies of water extracts of plants, those utilising alkaline extracts are limited. Both water and alkaline extracts from licorice root were compared regarding their biological activities. Licorice root was successively extracted first with water or alkaline solution (pH 9 or 12), and the alkaline (pH 12.

PACAP38 suppresses cortical damage in mice with traumatic brain injury by enhancing antioxidant activity.

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the resulting oxidative stress in mice in response to a controlled cortical impact (CCI) are typical exacerbating factors associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 38 (PACAP38) is a multifunctional peptide that has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects in response to a diverse range of injuries to neuronal cells. We recently reported that PACAP38 might regulate oxidative stress in mice.

Therapeutic time window for edaravone treatment of traumatic brain injury in mice.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in young people. No effective therapy is available to ameliorate its damaging effects. Our aim was to investigate the optimal therapeutic time window of edaravone, a free radical scavenger which is currently used in Japan.

Biological interaction between Sasa senanensis Rehder leaf extract and toothpaste ingredients.

Background: Previous studies have shown antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity of alkaline extract of the leaves of Sasa senanensis Rehder (SE). In order to manufacture an SE-containing toothpaste for combating oral diseases, we investigated the possible interaction between the candidate ingredients of toothpaste: SE, isopropyl methylphenol (IPMP, antibacterial agent) and charcoal prepared from Sasa senanensis Rehder.

Materials And Methods: Cell viability of mock-infected, HIV-infected and UV-irradiated cells was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method.

In search of new biological activities of isolates from Odontoglossum Harvengtense 'Tutu'.

Background: In the current study, we isolated four known compounds, two phenanthrenes, 2,5-dihydroxy-4,9-dimethoxy phenanthrene [1] and 4-methoxyphenanthrene-2,7-diol (flavanthrinin) [2], one phenanthrenequinone, 5-hydroxy-2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-phenanthrenequinone [3], and one flavone, 3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (galangin) [4], from the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of Odontoglossum Harvengtense 'Tutu' through bioassay-guided fractionation, and investigated their biological activities.

Materials And Methods: The isolated compounds were identified with spectroscopic analysis and through comparison to literature values. Cytotoxic activity towards human tumor and normal cells was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method.

Biological activity of SE-10, granulated powder of Sasa senanensis Rehder leaf extract.

Background: We have previously reported that alkaline extract of Sasa senanensis leaves (SE) showed potent anti-HIV, anti-UV and radical scavenging activity. In the present study, we investigated the biological activities of SE-10, a granulated powder of SE supplemented with lactose, lactitol, trehalose and tea extract.

Materials And Methods: Cell viability of mock-infected, HIV-infected, and UV-irradiated cells was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method.

Carotenoid composition and in vitro pharmacological activity of rose hips.

The aim of the present study was to compare carotenoid extracts of Rose hips (Rosa canina L.) with regard to their phytochemical profiles and their in vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), cytotoxic, multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal and radical scavenging activity.

Comparative study of biological activity of three commercial products of Sasa senanensis Rehder leaf extract.

Background: We have previously reported that alkaline extract of Sasa senanensis leaves (SE) has several biological activities characteristic of lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC). In the present study, we compared the biological activity of three commercially available products of SE (products A, B and C).

Materials And Methods: Cell viability of mock-infected, HIV-infected, UV-irradiated cells was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method.

Seeking gene candidates responsible for developmental origins of health and disease.

Human epidemiological evidence has led scientists to theorize that undernutrition during gestation is an important early origin of adult diseases. Animal models have successfully demonstrated that maternal diet could contribute to some adult diseases. Undernutrition is perceived harmful in pregnant women, whereas calorie restriction is a strategy proven to extend healthy and maximum lifespan in adult.

Biological activity of luteolin glycosides and tricin from Sasa senanensis Rehder.

Background: In contrast to the several reports of alkaline extracts (Sasa-health, SE), no study of flavonoids from the leaves of S. senanensis has been reported. Four flavonoids were isolated from this plant species and their biological activities were investigated.

Anti-HIV and immunomodulation activities of cacao mass lignin-carbohydrate complex.

Background: Recently, a prominent antiviral and macrophage stimulatory activity of cacao lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) has been reported. However, the solubility and sterility of LCC have not been considered yet. In the present study, complete solubilisation and sterilisation was achieved by autoclaving under mild alkaline conditions and the previously reported biological activities were re-examined.

Distribution of the longevity gene product, SIRT1, in developing mouse organs.

A longevity gene product, Sir2 (silent information regulator 2) is a NAD-dependent histone deacetylase involved in longevity in yeasts, worms and flies. The mammalian homolog of Sir2, SIRT1(sirtuin 1), has been shown to play important roles related to anti-aging effects (regulating apoptosis, stress tolerance, insulin resistance, and fat metabolism). Recently, SIRT1 expression has been demonstrated to occur at as early as embryonic day 10.

Effect of itraconazoles on the production of pro-inflammatory substances in mouse macrophage-like cells.

Background, Materials And Methods: Synthetic triazoles are widely used for the treatment of fungal infection. In order to understand their possible anti-inflammatory action, we investigated the effect of itraconazole and its hydroxylated derivative (hydroxyitraconazole) on the production of various pro-inflammatory substances by mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells.

Lignin-like activity of Lentinus edodes mycelia extract (LEM).

Background: In order to investigate the physiological role of lignin carbohydrate complex present in Lentinus edodes mycelia extract (LEM), this material was separated into seven fractions.

Materials And Methods: Three high molecular weight fractions (Frs. I-III) were prepared from the water extract by successive ethanol fractionation, dialysis and lyophilization.

Gp91phox (NOX2) in classically activated microglia exacerbates traumatic brain injury.

Background: We hypothesized that gp91phox (NOX2), a subunit of NADPH oxidase, generates superoxide anion (O2-) and has a major causative role in traumatic brain injury (TBI). To evaluate the functional role of gp91phox and reactive oxygen species (ROS) on TBI, we carried out controlled cortical impact in gp91phox knockout mice (gp91phox-/-). We also used a microglial cell line to determine the activated cell phenotype that contributes to gp91phox generation.

Two amino acids mutation of ferric uptake regulator determines Helicobacter pylori resistance to metronidazole.

Metronidazole (Mtz) is a prodrug that is converted to its active form when its nitro group is reduced and superoxide radicals are generated. The superoxide radicals are directly toxic to the bacterium. On the other hand, the transcriptional regulator, ferric uptake regulator (Fur), of Helicobacter pylori is a direct suppressor of the iron-cofactored superoxide dismutase SodB, which is essential for protection against superoxide attack.

Nucleoprotein Diet Ameliorates Arthritis Symptoms in Mice Transgenic for Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type I (HTLV-1).

Because rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease, the patients often recognize side-effects due to the medication, alternative therapeutic strategies might potentially offer a clinical advantage. We evaluated the effect of nucleoprotein from salmon soft roe on animal model of arthritis. Mice transgenic for human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1 Tg) were divided into three experimental groups and supplemented on either nucleoprotein-free (nonNP), or 0.

Novel free radical monitoring in patients with neurological emergency diseases.

Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress has important roles in various neuronal conditions. Stroke and traumatic brain injury are also related to oxidative stress. However few studies prove the existence of free radicals in humans because they are difficult to measure.

Effect of Sasa senanensis Rehder extract on NO and PGE2 production by activated mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells.

Alkaline extract of Sasa senanensis Rehder (SE) has shown diverse biological activity. As an extension, whether SE affects the function of activated macrophages was investigated. SE inhibited the nitric oxide (NO) production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated mouse macrophage-like RAW264.

Inhibition of NO production in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage-like cells by benzo[b]cyclohept[e] [1,4]oxazine and 2-aminotropone derivatives.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a total of twenty benzo[b]cyclohept[e][1,4]oxazines and their S-analogs, and 2-aminotropone derivatives affect the function of activated macrophages. These compounds inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory substances such as nitric oxide (NO) by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells to different extents.

Antitumor potential of three herbal extracts against human oral squamous cell lines.

Three Chinese herbal extracts of Drynaria baronii, Angelica sinensis and Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc (referred to as DB, AS, CO, respectively) were investigated for their antitumor potential. These extracts showed very weak cytotoxicity against all nine cultured human cells (normal and tumor cells), but with some tumor-specific cytotoxicity displayed by DB and CO.