6-Shogaol and 10-Shogaol Synergize Curcumin in Ameliorating Proinflammatory Mediators via the Modulation of TLR4/TRAF6/MAPK and NFκB Translocation.

Extensive research supported the therapeutic potential of curcumin, a naturally occurring compound, as a promising cytokinesuppressive anti-inflammatory drug. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory and anti-cytokine activities by combining 6-shogaol and 10-shogaol to curcumin, and associated mechanisms in modulating lipopolysaccharides and interferon-ɣ-induced proinflammatory signaling pathways. Our results showed that the combination of 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin synergistically reduced the production of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor and interlukin-6 in lipopolysaccharides and interferon-γ-induced RAW 264.

Synergistic Inhibition of Pro-Inflammatory Pathways by Ginger and Turmeric Extracts in RAW 264.7 Cells.

Synergy plays a prominent role in herbal medicines to increase potency and widen the therapeutic windows. The mechanism of synergy in herbal medicines is often associated with multi-targeted behavior and complex signaling pathways which are challenging to elucidate. This study aims to investigate the synergistic mechanism of a combination (GT) of ginger (G) and turmeric (T) extracts by exploring the modulatory activity in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammatory pathways and key molecular targets.

Sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic device used for influenza rapid test in Taiwan.

The pandemic influenza A/H1N1 outbreak resulted in 18,449 deaths in over 214 countries. In Taiwan, the influenza rapid test, an diagnostic device (Flu-IVD), only requires documented reviews for market approval by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the analytical sensitivity and specificity of Flu-IVDs used in Taiwan.

The growth-promoting effect of KGF on limbal epithelial cells is mediated by upregulation of DeltaNp63alpha through the p38 pathway.

Corneal epithelial stem cells are thought to reside in the limbus, the transition zoon between cornea and conjunctiva. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are two paracrine factors that regulate the proliferation, migration and differentiation of the limbal epithelial cells; however, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. In an ex vivo limbal explant culture, we found that KGF is a more potent growth stimulator for the epithelial outgrowth than HGF.

Regulation of limbal keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation by TAp63 and DeltaNp63 transcription factors.

Purpose: To examine the effects of TAp63 and DeltaNp63 on the proliferation and differentiation of rabbit limbal keratinocytes cultured on human amniotic membrane.

Method: Real-time Q-RT-PCR was used to quantify the relative abundance of TAp63 and DeltaNp63 transcripts in limbal, peripheral corneal, and central corneal epithelia. Antisense oligonucleotides were designed specifically to suppress the expression of TAp63 or DeltaNp63 in limbal keratinocytes, and their effects on cell proliferation and differentiation were examined.