Anti-inflammatory effect of fucoxanthin on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

The anti-inflammatory activities of fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid derived from the macroalgae and microalgae, have been demonstrated in the previous studies. However, the effect of fucoxanthin on ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease, was still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of fucoxanthin on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice.

Alcoholic liver disease. Are there any differences between China and Western countries in clinical features?

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in hospitalized Chinese patients, and their differences compared with western countries.

Methods: Four hundred and eight hospitalized patients with ALD at First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, from January 2008 to December 2010 were studied retrospectively. Clinical data were analyzed and compared with western countries through literature review.

Tea polyphenols inhibit expressions of iNOS and TNF-alpha and prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in rats.

Background: Tea polyphenols have been shown to protect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury, liver fibrosis, hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, we examined the effect of tea polyphenols on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury, and explored its mechanisms.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats received tea polyphenols (100 mg.

Expression and activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase correlate with ethanol-induced liver injury.

Aim: To study the expression and activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in rats with ethanol-induced liver injury and their relation with liver damage, activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression in the liver.

Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were given fish oil (0.5 mL) along with ethanol or isocaloric dextrose daily via gastrogavage for 4 or 6 wk.

Modulation of liver oxidant-antioxidant system by ischemic preconditioning during ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Aim: To investigate effects of ischemic pre-conditioning on the liver endogenous oxidant-antioxidant system during ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operated (Sham), ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), ischemic pre-conditioning plus ischemia/reperfusion (IPC) groups. Serum ALT, AST and hyaluronic acid levels were assayed and pathologic alterations observed.