Inhibitory effects of berberine on lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase and the high-mobility group box 1 release in macrophages.

We investigated the molecular mechanism by which berberine reduces nitric oxide (NO) expression and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. Berberine significantly inhibited the LPS-stimulated NO production and HMGB1 release in macrophages. In addition, berberine also induced heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in a dose-dependent manner, which was mediated through activation of p38 MAPK and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling cascade in macrophages.

Factors associated with cervical cancer screening in busan, Korea.

Objective: Cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women in Busan. The Pap smear test could have a significant effect on detecting cervical cancer, and enhancing their rate of use is an important strategy for reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with the past use of the Pap smear test in Korean women.