Allicin Inhibits Glutamate Release from Rat Cerebral Cortex Nerve Terminals Through Suppressing Ca2+ Influx and Protein Kinase C Activity

Cheng Wei Lu,Chi-Feng Hung,Tzu Yu Lin,Ting Yang Hsieh,Su-Jane Wang 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Journal of medicinal food Vol.22 No.7

Evidence indicates that indirect inhibitory regulation of glutamatergic transmission, via reducing glutamate release, may induce neuroprotection. The present work was designed to examine whether allicin, a major component of garlic with neuroprotective effects, affected the release of glutamate evoked by 4-aminopyridine in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). Allicin caused a potent inhibition on the release of glutamate evoked by 4-aminopyridine, and this inhibitory effect was abolished in the presence of Ca2+-free medium and vesicular transporter inhibitor. Allicin decreased the 4-aminopyridine-evoked elevation of intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ levels, but had no effect on the synaptosomal plasma membrane potential. The allicin-mediated inhibition of glutamate release was prevented by the N- and P/Q-type channel blocker and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, but was not affected by the intracellular Ca2+-release inhibitors, mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, and protein kinase A inhibitor. Western blotting data also showed that allicin significantly reduced the phosphorylation of PKC. Together, these data indicate that in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals, allicin depresses glutamate release and appears to decrease N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channel and PKC activity.

Echinacoside, an active constituent of Herba Cistanche, suppresses epileptiform activity in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons

Cheng Wei Lu,Shu-Kuei Huang,Tzu Yu Lin,Su-Jane Wang 대한약리학회 2018 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.22 No.3

Echinacoside, an active compound in the herb Herba Cistanche, has been reported to inhibit glutamate release. In this study, we investigated the effects of echinacoside on spontaneous excitatory synaptic transmission changes induced by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), by using the in vitro rat hippocampal slice technique and whole-cell patch clamp recordings from CA3 pyramidal neurons. Perfusion with echinacoside significantly suppressed the 4-AP-induced epileptiform activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Echinacoside reduced 4-AP-induced increase in frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) but it did not affect the amplitude of sEPSCs or glutamate-activated currents, implicating a presynaptic mechanism of action. Echinacoside also potently blocked sustained repetitive firing, which is a basic mechanism of antiepileptic drugs. These results suggest that echinacoside exerts an antiepileptic effect on hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons by simultaneously decreasing glutamate release and blocking abnormal firing synchronization. Accordingly, our study provides experimental evidence that echinacoside may represent an effective pharmacological agent for treating epilepsy.

Echinacoside, an active constituent of Herba Cistanche, suppresses epileptiform activity in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons

Lu, Cheng-Wei,Huang, Shu-Kuei,Lin, Tzu-Yu,Wang, Su-Jane The Korean Society of Pharmacology 2018 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.22 No.3

Echinacoside, an active compound in the herb Herba Cistanche, has been reported to inhibit glutamate release. In this study, we investigated the effects of echinacoside on spontaneous excitatory synaptic transmission changes induced by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), by using the in vitro rat hippocampal slice technique and whole-cell patch clamp recordings from CA3 pyramidal neurons. Perfusion with echinacoside significantly suppressed the 4-AP-induced epileptiform activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Echinacoside reduced 4-AP-induced increase in frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) but it did not affect the amplitude of sEPSCs or glutamate-activated currents, implicating a presynaptic mechanism of action. Echinacoside also potently blocked sustained repetitive firing, which is a basic mechanism of antiepileptic drugs. These results suggest that echinacoside exerts an antiepileptic effect on hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons by simultaneously decreasing glutamate release and blocking abnormal firing synchronization. Accordingly, our study provides experimental evidence that echinacoside may represent an effective pharmacological agent for treating epilepsy.

RESEARCH PAPERS : Effect of Impeller Blade Number on KLa in Mechanically Agitated Vessels

(Wei Ming Lu),(Hong Zhang Wu),(Cheng Ying Chou) 한국화학공학회 1999 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.16 No.5

Effects of impeller blade number on gas dispersion and mass transfer rate were thoroughly investigated for mechanically agitated vessels equipped with 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-straight blades disk turbine impellers. The results show that under the same rotational speed, the impeller with more blades always can disperse gas more effectively, which induces a higher value of $lt;K_La$gt;. However, with the same total power consumption, the 4-blade impeller can obtain a higher $lt;K_La$gt; value than the 6- and 8-blade impellers under a lower gassing rate condition (Q-g$lt;0.5vvm), but if Q_g) exceeds 0.5vvm, the 6-blade impeller will perform better than the 4- and 8- blade impellers. To examine the results obtained from the single impeller systems, the same approach is applied to measure $lt;K_La$gt; values for the triple stage 6-blade impeller system (3×6) and quadruple stage 4-blade impeller system (4×4). From the experimental results, it can be found that the 4×4 system gives higher $lt;K_La$gt; value than the 3×6 system under gas completely dispersed conditions. By correlating $lt;K_La$gt; with n_b, N and V_s, the following correlation can be given as: $lt;K_La$gt; = 0.00119n^(0.62)_bN^(1.56)V^(0.4)_s $lt;K_La$gt; = 0.0297n^(0.1)_b(P_s/V)^(0.34)V^(0.48)_s These two correlations can also be used to evaluate the mass transfer coefficient of each impeller region for the multiple impeller systems and the deviation is always less than 10%.

Prevalence of Anti-deamidated Gliadin Peptide Antibodies in Asian Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

( Wei Lu ),( Kok Ann Gwee ),( Kewin Tien Ho Siah ),( Jin Yong Kang ),( Ru Min Lee ),( Cecilia Cheng Lai Ngan ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회 2014 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.20 No.2

Background/AimsNon-celiac gluten sensitivity has been increasingly recognized as a predisposing factor for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-likesymptoms in Western populations where celiac disease (CD) is relatively common. In Asia where CD is rare, we wish to determinethe prevalence of gluten protein associated serology in IBS patients, which has not been formally studied, and its relationto histological and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers. MethodsWe reviewed a consecutive cohort of Asian patients with IBS, who had undergone serologic testing for IgA against deamidatedgliadin peptide antibodies (IgA DGP) and IgA anti-endomysium antibodies, and who also had duodenal biopsies during clinicalworkup. In addition, a subset of Chinese patients with positive serology was further tested for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. ResultsOf 186 patients, 34 (18%) were positive for IgA DGP; bloating, abdominal pain, belching and diarrhea were the most com -monly reported symptoms but diarrhea as the most bothersome symptom was significantly more common in IgA DGP positivepatients. Mildly increased intra-epithelial lymphocytes on duodenal biopsy was also more common (29% vs. 9%, P = 0.001). Nine of 21 Chinese patients tested as IgA DGP positive undertook HLA-DQ2/DQ8 testing, with only 2 being positive forHLA-DQ8. All patients with positive IgA DGP reported symptom improvement with gluten withdrawal. ConclusionsWe have described a series of Asian, mainly Chinese, patients with IBS who were tested positive for IgA DGP, and improvedon a gluten exclusion diet. We believe this is the first report of non-celiac gluten sensitivity in Asia, a region where CD isuncommon

Mental Disorders and Interferon Nontreatment in Hepatitis C Virus Infection-a Population Based Cohort Study

Wei-Che Chiu,Mong-Liang Lu,Cheng-Chen Chang 대한신경정신의학회 2020 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.17 No.3

Objective This study investigates the association between mental disorders and interferon nontreatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a large national sample. Methods Using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, we conducted a nationwide population-based study. Each case was matched to five controls by age, sex, urbanization, and income. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess odds of HCV nontreatment in different mental disorders. Results From 1999 to 2013, we identified 92,970 subjects with HCV infection and 15,495 HCV cases (16.7%) had received IFN therapy. Other than chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the medical diseases and mental disorders were significantly different between IFN and non-IFN treated HCV patients. After adjusting for medical diseases, depressive disorder and anxiety disorder was positively associated with receiving IFN therapy. Patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and alcohol use disorders were significantly less likely to receive interferon. Antidepressant exposure (cumulative daily exposure or cumulative daily dose) was associated with lower odds of IFN treatment. Conclusion Our nationwide cohort study demonstrated that INF nontreatment rate was lower in certain mental disorders. Antidepressant exposure might lower the chance of receiving IFN treatment. Our results may help to identify and to overcome the obstacles for HCV treatment and further apply to DAAs regimen.

CT Perfusion Imaging Can Predict Patients’ Survival and Early Response to Transarterial Chemo-Lipiodol Infusion for Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancers

Wei-Fu Lv,Jian-Kui Han,De-Lei Cheng,Chun-Ze Zhou,Ming Ni,Dong Lu 대한영상의학회 2015 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.16 No.4

To prospectively evaluate the performance of computed tomography perfusion imaging (CTPI) in predicting the early response to transarterial chemo-lipiodol infusion (TACLI) and survival of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). Computed tomography perfusion imaging was performed before and 1 month after TACLI in 61 consecutive patients. Therapeutic response was evaluated on CT scans 1 month and 4 months after TACLI; the patients were classified as responders and non-responders based on 4-month CT scans after TACLI. The percentage change of CTPI parameters of target lesions were compared between responders and non-responders at 1 month after TACLI. The optimal parameter and cutoff value were determined. The patients were divided into 2 subgroups according to the cutoff value. The log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates of the 2 subgroups. Four-month images were obtained from 58 patients, of which 39.7% were responders and 60.3% were non-responders. The percentage change in hepatic arterial perfusion (HAP) 1 month after TACLI was the optimal predicting parameter (p = 0.003). The best cut-off value was -21.5% and patients who exhibited a ≥ 21.5% decrease in HAP had a significantly higher overall survival rate than those who exhibited a < 21.5% decrease (p < 0.001). Computed tomography perfusion imaging can predict the early response to TACLI and survival of patients with CRLM. The percentage change in HAP after TACLI with a cutoff value of -21.5% is the optimal predictor.

Effect of Impeller Blade Number on Kla in Mechanically Agitated Vessels

Lu Wei Ming,Wu Hong Zhang,Chou Cheng Ying 한국화학공학회 1999 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.16 No.5

Effects of impeller blade number on gas dispersion and mass transfer rate were thoroughly investigated for mechanically agitated vessels equipped with 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-straight blades disk turbine impellers. The results show that under the same rotational speed, the impeller with more blades always can disperse gas more effectively, which induces a higher value of $lt;K_La$gt;. However, with the same total power consumption, the 4-blade impeller can obtain a higher $lt;K_La$gt; value than the 6- and 8-blade impellers under a lower gassing rate condition (Q-g$lt;0.5vvm), but if Q_g) exceeds 0.5vvm, the 6-blade impeller will perform better than the 4- and 8- blade impellers. To examine the results obtained from the single impeller systems, the same approach is applied to measure $lt;K_La$gt; values for the triple stage 6-blade impeller system (3×6) and quadruple stage 4-blade impeller system (4×4). From the experimental results, it can be found that the 4×4 system gives higher $lt;K_La$gt; value than the 3×6 system under gas completely dispersed conditions. By correlating $lt;K_La$gt; with n_b, N and V_s, the following correlation can be given as: $lt;K_La$gt; = 0.00119n^(0.62)_bN^(1.56)V^(0.4)_s $lt;K_La$gt; = 0.0297n^(0.1)_b(P_s/V)^(0.34)V^(0.48)_s These two correlations can also be used to evaluate the mass transfer coefficient of each impeller region for the multiple impeller systems and the deviation is always less than 10%.

Weight Loss Correlates with Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokine-1 Expression and Might Influence Outcome in Patients with Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Lu, Zhi-Hao,Yang, Li,Yu, Jing-Wei,Lu, Ming,Li, Jian,Zhou, Jun,Wang, Xi-Cheng,Gong, Ji-Fang,Gao, Jing,Zhang, Xiao-Tian,Li, Jie,Li, Yan,Shen, Lin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.15

Background: Weight loss during chemotherapy has not been exclusively investigated. Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) might play a role in its etiology. Here, we investigated the prognostic value of weight loss before chemotherapy and its relationship with MIC-1 concentration and its occurrence during chemotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Materials and Methods: We analyzed 157 inoperable locally advanced or metastatic ESCC patients receiving first-line chemotherapy. Serum MIC-1 concentrations were assessed before chemotherapy. Patients were assigned into two groups according to their weight loss before or during chemotherapy:>5% weight loss group and ${\leq}5%$ weight loss group. Results: Patients with weight loss>5% before chemotherapy had shorter progression-free survival period (5.8 months vs. 8.7 months; p=0.027) and overall survival (10.8 months vs. 20.0 months; p=0.010). Patients with weight loss >5% during chemotherapy tended to have shorter progression-free survival (6.0 months vs. 8.1 months; p=0.062) and overall survival (8.6 months vs. 18.0 months; p=0.022), and if weight loss was reversed during chemotherapy, survival rates improved. Furthermore, serum MIC-1 concentration was closely related to weight loss before chemotherapy (p=0.001) Conclusions: Weight loss both before and during chemotherapy predicted poor outcome in advanced ESCC patients, and MIC-1 might be involved in the development of weight loss in such patients.

The Antiproliferation Activity of Ganoderma formosanum Extracts on Prostate Cancer Cells

( Cheng-yen Chiang ),( Kai-di Hsu ),( Yen-yi Lin ),( Chang-wei Hsieh ),( Jui-ming Liu ),( Tze-ying Lu ),( Kuan-chen Cheng ) 한국균학회 2020 Mycobiology Vol.48 No.3

Androgen-independent prostate cancer accounts for mortality in the world. In this study, various extracts of a medical fungus dubbed Ganoderma formosanum were screened for inhibition of DU145 cells, an androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line. Results demonstrated that both hexane (GF-EH) and butanol (GF-EB) fraction of G. formosanum ethanol extract inhibited DU145 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. GF-EH induced cell-cycle arrest in G1 phase of DU145 cells via downregulation of cyclin E2 protein expression. In addition, GF-EB triggered extrinsic apoptosis of DU145 cells by activating caspase 3 gene expression resulting in programed cell death. Above all, both GF-EH and GF-EB show lower toxicity to normal human fibroblast cell line compared to DU145 cell, implying that they possess specific drug action on cancer cells. This study provides a molecular basis of G. formosanum extract as a potential ingredient for treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer.