Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Aster incisus through the Inhibition of NF-κB, MAPK, and Akt Pathways in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages

Aster incisus is a common flower found in almost all regions of South Korea. In the current study, we investigated the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the Aster incisus methanol extract in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. We analyzed the phytochemicals contained in the extract by GC-MS. GC-MS results showed that the Aster incisus extract contains 9 known compounds. Later on, DPPH assay, WST-1 assay, nitric oxide (NO) assay, Western blot, and RT-PCR were conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. Our WST-1 assay results revealed that Aster incisus did not affect the viability of all tested cell lines up to a concentration of 200 μg/ml; therefore, lower concentrations (50 μg/ml and 150 μg/ml) were used for further assays. Aster incisus scavenged DPPH and inhibited the production of NO. Aster incisus also reduced significantly the production of inflammation-related enzymes (iNOS, Cox-2) and cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6) and the gene expression of the proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, further Western blot results indicated that Aster incisus inhibited the expression of p-PI3K, p-IκBα, p-p65 NF-κB, p-ERK1/2, p-SAPK/JNK, and p-Akt. Our results demonstrated that Aster incisus suppressed the expression of the inflammation mediators through the regulation of NF-κB, MAPK, and Akt pathways.

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Der p 1‐specific regulatory T cell response during house dust mite allergen immunotherapy

Abstract

Background

Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only available treatment for allergic diseases that can induce specific immune tolerance to allergens. The key mechanisms involved in this process include changes in allergen‐specific regulatory T (Treg) cells.

Methods

We studied 25 allergic rhinitis patients undergoing subcutaneous house dust mite‐specific immunotherapy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were studied before, after 10 weeks, 30 weeks and 3 years of AIT. Der p 1‐specific T regulatory cell responses was investigated by characterization of Der p 1‐MHC‐class II tetramer‐positive cells and correlated with nasal symptom score.

Results

Twelve of 25 AIT patients matched with their MHC‐class II expression to the Der p 1 peptide‐MHC‐class II tetramers. A significant increase in the numbers of Der p 1‐specific FOXP3⁺Helios⁺CD25⁺CD127^‐ Treg cells after 30 weeks was observed, which slightly decreased after 3 years of AIT. In contrast, Der p 1‐specific immunoglobulin‐like transcript 3 (ILT3)⁺CD25⁺ Treg cells decreased substantially from baseline after 3 years of AIT. ILT3⁺ Treg cells displayed compromised suppressive function and low FOXP3 expression. In addition, Der p 1‐specific IL‐10 and IL‐22 responses have increased after 30 weeks, but only IL‐10⁺ Der p 1‐specific Treg cells remained present at high frequency after 3 years of AIT. Increased number of FOXP3⁺Helios⁺, IL‐10⁺ and decreased ILT3⁺ Treg cell responses correlated with improved allergic symptoms.

Conclusion

The results indicate that AIT involves upregulation of the activated allergen‐specific Treg cells and downregulation of dysfunctional allergen‐specific Treg cells subset. Correction of dysregulated Treg cells responses during AIT is associated with improved clinical response.

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The efficiency of extended postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in orthognathic surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Postoperative antibiotics are commonly administered in orthognathic surgery, despite the fact that there is no consensus regarding their efficacy. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of postoperative antibiotics in orthognathic surgery by conducting a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Patients were randomly allocated into one of two study groups: the intervention group (treated with 1 gram of intravenous (IV) amoxicillin-clavulanate TID) or the placebo group (treated with 50 mL of IV 0.9% NaCl TID).

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Computer-assisted surgery for reconstruction of complex mandibular defects using osteomyocutaneous microvascular fibular free flaps: Use of a skin paddle-outlining guide for soft-tissue reconstruction. A technical report

We present our pre-operative virtual planning of complex mandibular reconstruction with a microvascular fibular composite free flap and its harvesting using our novel cutaneous positioning guide based on the perforator vessels for our soft tissue reconstructive surgery.

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A pilot study of modified resection for anterior floor of the mouth squamous cell carcinoma without infiltration of the mandible

To explore the application of modified resection compared with traditional segmental resection of the mandible for patients with anterior floor of the mouth and tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) without infiltration of the mandible.

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Acoustic Predictors of Gender Attribution, Masculinity–Femininity, and Vocal Naturalness Ratings Amongst Transgender and Cisgender Speakers

This study aimed to identify the most salient set of acoustic predictors of (1) gender attribution; (2) perceived masculinity–femininity; and (3) perceived vocal naturalness amongst a group of transgender and cisgender speakers to inform voice and communication feminization training programs. This study used a unique set of acoustic variables and included a third, androgynous, choice for gender attribution ratings.

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Influence of the anatomical form of the posterior maxilla on the reliability of superior maxillary repositioning by Le Fort I osteotomy

Certain patients with facial deformities require superior repositioning of the maxilla via Le Fort I osteotomy; however, the magnitude of superior repositioning of the maxilla is often less than expected. In this study, the correlation between the accuracy of superior repositioning of the maxilla and the anatomical form of the maxillary posterior region was examined. Seventy-five patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy without forward movement of the maxilla but with superior repositioning of the maxilla were included in this study.

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