Protective effects of Fructus sophorae extract on collagen-induced arthritis in BALB/c mice.

(L.) is utilized in Korean medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of Fructus sophorae extract (FSE) isolated from the dried ripe fruit of (L.

Pulse Wave Variation during the Menstrual Cycle in Women with Menstrual Pain.

Objective. This study is performed to obtain objective diagnostic indicators associated with menstrual pain using pulse wave analysis. Methods.

Ameliorative effects of Artemisia argyi Folium extract on 2,4‑dinitrochlorobenzene‑induced atopic dermatitis‑like lesions in BALB/c mice.

Artemisia argyi Folium has been used to treat skin diseases, including eczema and dermatitis, in South Korean medicine. The present study investigated the curative effects of Artemisia argyi Folium extract (AAFE) on 2,4‑dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)‑induced atopic dermatitis (AD)‑like skin lesions in a BALB/c mouse model. Briefly, the dorsal skin of the BALB/c mice was sensitized three times with DNCB, whereas the ears were challenged twice.

Combination of transcranial direct current stimulation and methylphenidate in subacute stroke.

Noninvasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and methylphenidate (MP) are associated with motor recovery after stroke. Based on the potentially complementary mechanisms of these interventions, we examined whether there is an interactive effect between MP and tDCS. In this preliminary study, we randomized subacute stroke subjects to receive tDCS alone, MP alone or combination of tDCS and MP.

Importance of membrane selection in the development of immunochromatographic assays for low-molecular weight compounds.

This study was performed to demonstrate the importance of selecting an appropriate membrane when developing immunochromatographic assays (ICAs) for the sensitive detection of low-molecular weight compounds. Based on our findings, we propose a theoretical basis for selecting such a membrane. When eluting the sample solution for the competitive ICA using colloidal gold label for low-molecular analytes, the degree of binding inhibition is proportional to the collision frequency between the antibody-colloidal gold (Ab-CG) and analyte before Ab-CG binding to the capture antigen and a higher concentration of pesticides around the Ab-CG leads to a greater degree of inhibition.

Competitive immunochromatographic assay for the detection of the organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos.

An immunochromatographic assay (ICA) based on competitive antigen-coated format using colloidal gold as the label was developed for the detection of the organophosphorus insecticide chlorpyrifos. The ICA test strip consisted of a membrane with a detection zone, a sample pad and an absorbent pad. The membrane was separately coated with chlorpyrifos Hapten-OVA conjugate (test line) and anti-mouse IgG (control line).

A sensitive enzyme immunoassay for measuring cotinine in passive smokers.

Background: Both active smoking and passive exposure to tobacco smoke are major risk factors for cardiovascular, pulmonary, and oncological diseases. The serum level of cotinine, a major proximate metabolite of nicotine, reflects active or passive exposure to tobacco smoke. However, currently available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for cotinine have limited sensitivity, and a high-throughput quantification of the severity of passive exposure to tobacco smoke has not been possible thus far.

Monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the organophosphorus insecticide O-ethyl O-4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate (EPN).

This study aimed at developing competitive direct and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the organophosphorus insecticide O-ethyl O-4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate (EPN) using a monoclonal antibody (mAb). Of the five EPN derivatives (haptens) prepared for use as an immunogen or as a competitor, two of them were used as the immunogen for the production of the mAbs. By using the antibody with the highest specificity and a coating antigen (hapten-OVA conjugate), a competitive indirect ELISA was developed, which showed an IC(50) of 2.

Development of ELISAs for the class-specific determination of organophosphorus pesticides.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the class-specific determination of organophosphorus (OP) pesticides were developed from monoclonal antibodies raised against haptens with the functional group common to OP pesticides. To develop antigen-coated, indirect, competitive ELISAs, four haptens with different spacer arm structures were used to prepare antibodies, while eight haptens were tested for use as coating antigens. A total of 32 ELISAs were developed with one selected as the most suitable one based on average IC(50) and % CV values.

Molecular cloning, gene expression, and tissue distribution of adiponectin and its receptors in the Japanese monkey, Macaca fuscata.

Background: Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that affects regulation of metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes, and obesity. It functions via seven transmembrane domain receptors [i.e.

Development of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the organophosphorus insecticide EPN.

Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in indirect and direct format were developed for the quantitative detection of the organophosphorus insecticide EPN. Five EPN derivatives (haptens) were synthesized and coupled to carrier proteins to use as an immunogen or as a competitor. Rabbits were immunized with two of the five haptens coupled to KLH for production of polyclonal antibodies, and the sera were screened against one of the haptens coupled to ovalbumin (OVA).

Effects of protein phosphatase inhibitors on the phosphorylation of spinal cord N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors following electroacupuncture stimulation in rats.

The present study investigated the role of inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A on the modulation of the phosphorylation of the spinal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) NR1 and NR2B subunits following electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation in rats. Bilateral 2Hz EA stimulations with 1.0 mA were delivered at those acupoints corresponding to Zusanli and Sanyinjiao to men via needles for 30 min.

Development of homogeneous enzyme immunoassay for the organophosphorus insecticide fenthion.

A rapid, convenient homogeneous competitive enzyme immunoassay for estimating the amount of fenthion is described. The assay utilizes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-hapten conjugates that are inhibited in solution by antibodies obtained from bovine serum albumin-hapten conjugates. In order to investigate the effects of bridging group recognition on the sensitivity of dose response characteristics, the bridging groups of varying alkyl chain length were attached at the phosphate position of fenthion.

Cholinesterase-based dipstick assay for the detection of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides.

A cholinesterase (ChE)-based dipstick-type assay for the class-specific detection of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CM) pesticides was developed. The principle of the assay is based on inhibition of the activity of a ChE by these two families of pesticides, which is dependent on the concentration of pesticides. The proposed assay system is composed of a test strip with an acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-coated membrane and an enzyme substrate solution.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the insecticide fenitrothion. Influence of hapten conformation and sample matrix on assay performance.

This study aimed at developing competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the organophosphorus (OP) insecticide fenitrothion using a monoclonal antibody. The hapten used to obtain the antibody had an ideal structural feature that allowed minimal functional group sacrifice. By using the antibody and a coating antigen, a competitive indirect ELISA was developed, which showed an IC50 of 14 ng mL(-1) with a detection limit of 3.

Electroacupuncture inhibits inflammatory edema and hyperalgesia through regulation of cyclooxygenase synthesis in both peripheral and central nociceptive sites.

We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on carrageenan-induced inflammatory model in association with peripheral and spinal COX-2 expression. EA with 2, 15 and 120 Hz, especially 2 Hz, had significant inhibitory effects on the developing of edema and hyperalgesia, which was measured in 30-min intervals after carrageenan injection. Therefore, we investigated whether the effect of 2 Hz EA on carrageenan-induced edema and hyperalgesia is associated with peripheral and spinal expression of inflammatory proteins.

Induction of apoptosis by Chan Su, a traditional Chinese medicine, in human bladder carcinoma T24 cells.

Chan Su is a traditional Chinese medicine prepared from the dried white secretion of the auricular and skin glands of toads, and has been used as an Oriental drug. However, little is known about the effect of Chan Su on the growth of human cancer cells. This study was undertaken to investigate the underlying mechanism of Chan Su-induced apoptosis in a human bladder carcinoma cell line, T24.

Direct block of cloned hKv1.5 channel by cytochalasins, actin-disrupting agents.

The action of cytochalasins, actin-disrupting agents on human Kv1.5 channel (hKv1.5) stably expressed in Ltk(-) cells was investigated using the whole cell patch-clamp technique.

Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of telomerase activity by aqueous extract from Platycodon grandiflorum in human lung carcinoma cells.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract from the root of Platycodon grandiflorum (AEPG) on the cell growth and apoptosis in human lung carcinoma cell line A549. Exposure of A549 cells to AEPG resulted in growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner as measured by hemocytometer counts, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis. This increase in apoptosis was associated with a decrease in Bcl-2 expression, an increase of Bax and an activation of caspase-3.

Resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis of human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells.

Resveratrol, which is found in grapes and wine, has been reported to have a variety of important pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, and anti-carcinogenetic properties. In this study, using the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, we have analyzed a possible mechanism by which resveratrol could interfere with cell cycle control and induce cell death. Resveratrol treatment of MCF-7 cells resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of the cell growth and the cells accumulated at the S phase transition of the cell cycle at low concentrations, but high concentrations do not induce S phase accumulation.

Development of a microtiter plate ELISA and a dipstick ELISA for the determination of the organophosphorus insecticide fenthion.

In previous studies, polyclonal antibodies against the organophosphorus insecticide fenthion were obtained and an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for this pesticide. In this study, using these antibodies and an enzyme tracer, direct competitive ELISAs for fenthion in microtiter plate and dipstick formats were developed. The microtiter plate ELISA showed an IC(50) value of 1.

Papaverine blocks hKv1.5 channel current and human atrial ultrarapid delayed rectifier K+ currents.

Papaverine, 1-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-6,-7-dimethoxyisoquinoline, has been used as a vasodilator agent and a therapeutic agent for cerebral vasospasm, renal colic, and penile impotence. We examined the effects of papaverine on a rapidly activating delayed rectifier K(+) channel (hKv1.5) cloned from human heart and stably expressed in Ltk(-) cells as well as a corresponding K(+) current (the ultrarapid delayed rectifier, I(Kur)) in human atrial myocytes.

Tetrandrine-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in A549 human lung carcinoma cells.

Tetrandrine, isolated from the root of Stephania tetrandra, has been used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of silicosis and arthritis, and it also has anti-tumor/growth activities. However, the signaling pathways of tetrandrine-induced growth arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells remain unclear. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of tetrandrine-induced apoptosis and growth arrest in human lung carcinoma cells.

Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the organophosphorus insecticide bromophos-ethyl.

A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the quantitative detection of the organophosphorus insecticide bromophos-ethyl. Four bromophos-ethyl derivatives (haptens) were synthesized and were coupled to carrier proteins through the pesticide thiophosphate group to use as an immunogen or as a coating antigen. Rabbits were immunized with either one of two haptens coupled to bovine serum albumin for production of polyclonal antibodies, and the sera were screened against one of the haptens coupled to ovalbumin.

Oxidation of organophosphorus pesticides for the sensitive detection by a cholinesterase-based biosensor.

A potentiometric flow injection-type biosensor developed in our laboratory was used for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). The principle of the biosensor is that the degree of inhibition of a sensor enzyme by an OP is dependent on the concentration of the pesticide. The sensor system consisted of a reactor with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) immobilized on a controlled pore glass and a detector with a tubular H(+)-selective membrane electrode.