Antioxidative and Hepatoprotective Effects of Magnolol on Acetaminophen-induced Liver Damage in Rats

Yung-Hsiang Chen,Feng-Yen Lin,Po-Len Liu,Yi-Tsau Huang,Jen-Hwey Chiu,Yi-Chun Chang,Kee-Ming Man,Chuang-Ye Hong,Yen-Yi Ho,Ming-Tsung Lai 대한약학회 2009 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.32 No.2

Acute liver failure (ALF), an often fatal condition characterized by massive hepatocyte necrosis, is frequently caused by drug poisoning, particularly with acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol/APAP). Hepatocyte necrosis is consecutive to glutathione (GSH) depletion and mitochondrial damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. Magnolol, one major phenolic constituent of Magnolia officinalis, have been known to exhibit potent antioxidative activity. In this study, the anti-hepatotoxic activity of magnolol on APAP-induced toxicity in the Sprague-Dawley rat liver was examined. After evaluating the changes of several biochemical parameters in serum, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were elevated by APAP (500 mg/kg) intraperitoneal administration (8 and 24 h) and reduced by treatment with magnolol (0.5 h after APAP administration; 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg/kg). Histological changes around the hepatic central vein, lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance/TBARS), and GSH depletion in liver tissue induced by APAP were also recovered by magnolol treatment. The data show that oxidative stress followed by lipid peroxidation may play a very important role in the pathogenesis of APAP-induced hepatic injury; treatment with lipid-soluble antioxidant, magnolol, exerts anti-hepatotoxic activity. Our study points out the potential interest of magnolol in the treatment of toxic ALF.

Will My Customers Come Back? A Study of Beauty Salons in Taiwan

Yun-Yung Lin,Tzong-Ru (Jiun-Shen) Lee,Hooi Hooi Lean,Hsiang-Ying Lan 한국유통과학회 2018 유통과학연구 Vol.16 No.1

Purpose – The beauty salon industry is a highly competitive market. Every beauty salon shop aims to keep its customers satisfied and hopes that they will revisit several times. Hence, this paper investigates the key factors affecting the repurchase intention of consumers in the beauty salon industry in Taiwan. Research design, data, and methodology – We first use the content analysis of free-response narratives from beauticians to classify the key factors objectively and develop the questionnaire accordingly. We then distribute the questionnaire to 130 beauty salon consumers to complete the questionnaire. Next, the Grey Relation Analysis is employed to identify the key factors that affect the repurchase intention of consumers in the beauty salon industry. Results – From the perspectives of the beauty salon customers, the factors affecting the repurchase intention of consumers are (1) obvious treatment results, (2) the treatment space considers personal privacy, (3) the offer of promotional prices for treatment/product trials, and (4) the product knowledge of the beauticians. From the perspectives of the beauticians, the factors include (1) the treatment space is well-designed and makes the customers feel relaxed, (2) enhancement of the customer relationship, (3) the treatment space considers personal privacy, and (4) the positive service attitude of the beauticians. Conclusions – We analyze all the key factors and offer some suggestions as a conclusion.

Predatory efficacy of Orius strigicollis (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) against Tetranychus urticae (Acarina: Tetranychidae) on strawberry

Shu-Jen Tuan,Yung-Hsiang Lin,Shu-Chen Peng,Wei-Han Lai 한국응용곤충학회 2016 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.19 No.1

In this study, the predatory efficacy of Orius strigicollis (Poppius), a predacious flower bug, against the twospotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch, on strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) was investigated. Our results showed that release of 2, 4, 6, and 12 neonates of O. strigicollis per strawberry plant could suppress 58.9, 72.6, 88.6, and 92.8% of T. urticae, respectively, at 14 days after treatment. A single release of 12 neonate bugs per plant achieved and maintained, over a period of 3 months, 82% to 98% control of T. urticae population. A biweekly release of 6 neonate bugs per plant; likewise, suppressed ca. 90% of T. urticae population throughout the same period. However, predatory efficacy was reduced by an over-release of predators which may cause cannibalism as well as lower possibility of finding prey. Since the released neonates survived well to adults with offspring that retained their predatory ability, this study has demonstrated that O. strigicollis is a predatorwith good potential for sustainable suppression of T. urticae on strawberry, and one application of O. strigicollis neonates at a predator:prey ratio of 1:200 egg plus motile TSSM or 1:60 motiles per strawberry plant promises a season-long control and substantial management of spider mite infestation.

Mutual intercropping-inspired co-silanization to graft well-oriented organosilane as adhesion promotion nanolayer for flexible conductors

Yi-Hsuan Chen,Yi-Hsiang Lai,Ping-Heng Wu,Li-Syuan Chen,Yung-Sen Lin,Chih-Ming Chen 한국공업화학회 2020 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.83 No.-

Surface metallization of polymer substrate andfilm adhesion are crucial to the development offlexibleelectronics. This study demonstrates the co-silanization engineering on the polyimide (PI)film by mutualintercropping of two organosilane molecules to improve their grafting orientability and enhance theadsorbability toward the PI substrate and loaded metal atoms. The mutual intercropping-inspired cosilanizationengineering is implemented by using 3-[(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]pyridine (TEP) as asupporting organosilane to spatially confine the grafting orientation of the supported aminosilane, 3-[2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethylamino]propyl-trimethoxysilane (ETAS), leading to the formation of a wellorientedorganosilane composite nanolayer as adhesion promotion layer forflexible conductors. Theflexible Cu conductor electrolessly deposited on the PIfilm by co-silanization shows improved adhesionstrength (0.9 kgf/cm) compared to those based on mono-silanization (0.51 kgf/cm) and sputtered Ta/Cu(0.4 kgf/cm). Superior deformability (bendability) was also achieved for the co-silanized Cu/PI sample byretaining good electrical property after bending cycle up to 1000.

Traditional Chinese medicine attenuates hospitalization and mortality risks in diabetic patients with carcinoma in situ in Taiwan

Tsai Li-Jen,Chung Chi-Hsiang,Lin Chien-Jung,Su Sheng-Chiang,Kuo Feng-Chih,Liu Jhih-Syuan,Chen Kuan-Chan,Ho Li-Ju,Kuo Chih-Chun,Chang Chun-Yung,Lin Ming-Hsun,Chu Nain-Feng,Lee Chien-Hsing,Hsieh Chang-H 한국한의학연구원 2022 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.11 No.2

Background: Diabetic patients are at high risk of developing cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become increasingly popular as an adjuvant treatment for patients with chronic diseases, and some studies have identified its beneficial effect in diabetic patients with cancer. The purpoes of this study was to outline the potential of TCM to attenuate hospitalization and mortality rates in diabetic patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS). Methods: A total of 6,987 diabetic subjects with CIS under TCM therapy were selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, along with 38,800 of 1:1 sex-, age-, and index year-matched controls without TCM therapy. Cox proportional hazard analysis was conducted to compare hospitalization and mortality rates during an average of 15 years of follow-up. Results: A total of 3,999/1,393 enrolled-subjects (28.62%/9.97%) had hospitalization/mortality, including 1,777/661 in the TCM group (25.43%/9.46%) and 2,222/732 in the control group (31.80%/10.48%). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed a lower rate of hospitalization and mortality for subjects in the TCM group (adjusted HR=0.536; 95% CI=0.367–0.780, P<0.001; adjusted HR=0.783; 95% CI=0.574– 0.974, P = 0.022). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the cumulative risk of hospitalization and mortality in the case and control groups was significantly different (log rank, P<0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions: Diabetic patients with CIS under TCM therapy were associated with lower hospitalization and mortality rates compared to those without TCM therapy. Thus, TCM application may reduce the burden of national medical resources.

Improved Urothelial Cell Proliferation, Cytoskeleton and Barrier Function Protein Expression in the Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome After Intravesical Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection

Jia-Fong Jhang,Yuan-Hong Jiang,Yung-Hsiang Hsu,Han-Chen Ho,Lori A Birder,Teng-Yi Lin,Hann-Chorng Kuo 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2022 International Neurourology Journal Vol.26 No.S1

Purpose: To investigate urothelial cell proliferation, cytoskeleton, inflammation, and barrier function protein expressions in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) after intravesical platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections Methods: A total of 19 patients with IC/BPS underwent 4 monthly intravesical PRP injections. Bladder biopsies were taken at the first and fourth PRP treatment. The bladder specimens were analyzed using the Western blot and immunochemical staining for progenitor cell markers for sonic hedgehog (Shh), CD34, and cytoskeleton proteins cytokeratin 5 (CK5), CK14, CK20; barrier function markers for zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), E-cadherin, and intercellular adhesive molecule-1, tryptase and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Global response assessment (GRA) was used to evaluate treatment outcomes. Results: The mean age of patients was 55.6 years. After PRP injections, the functional bladder capacity and maximum flow rate increased, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, interstitial cystitis (IC) symptom index, IC problem index, O’Leary-Sant symptom score, and GRA improved in all patients. Urothelium Shh, CK5, ZO-1, E-cadherin, and TGF-β expressions increased significantly after repeated PRP injections. By subgrouping, according to PRP treatment outcomes, significant increases in Shh, E-cadherin, and ZO-1 expressions were noted only in patients with GRA ≥1 or improved VAS, but not in patients with GRA=0 and no improvement in VAS. Conclusions: The level of urothelial barrier function protein and cell proliferation protein expression in the patients with IC/ BPS was increased after repeat intravesical PRP injections. Intravesical repeat PRP injections may have potential to improve urothelial health and result in symptoms improvement in the patients with IC/BPS.

Factors Related to Treatment Refusal in Taiwanese Cancer Patients

Chiang, Ting-Yu,Wang, Chao-Hui,Lin, Yu-Fen,Chou, Shu-Lan,Wang, Ching-Ting,Juang, Hsiao-Ting,Lin, Yung-Chang,Lin, Mei-Hsiang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.8

Background: Incidence and mortality rates for cancer have increased dramatically in the recent 30 years in Taiwan. However, not all patients receive treatment. Treatment refusal might impair patient survival and life quality. In order to improve this situation, we proposed this study to evaluate factors that are related to refusal of treatment in cancer patients via a cancer case manager system. Materials and Methods: This study analysed data from a case management system during the period from 2010 to 2012 at a medical center in Northern Taiwan. We enrolled a total of 14,974 patients who were diagnosed with cancer. Using the PRECEDE Model as a framework, we conducted logistic regression analysis to identify independent variables that are significantly associated with refusal of therapy in cancer patients. A multivariate logistic regression model was also applied to estimate adjusted the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: A total of 253 patients (1.69%) refused treatment. The multivariate logistic regression result showed that the high risk factors for refusal of treatment in cancer patient included: concerns about adverse effects (p<0.001), poor performance(p<0.001), changes in medical condition (p<0.001), timing of case manager contact (p=.026), the methods by which case manager contact patients (p<0.001) and the frequency that case managers contact patients (${\geq}10times$) (p=0.016). Conclusions: Cancer patients who refuse treatment have poor survival. The present study provides evidence of factors that are related to refusal of therapy and might be helpful for further application and improvement of cancer care.

Magnolol induces apoptosis via caspase-independent pathways in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Tsai, Jong-Rung,Chong, Inn-Wen,Chen, Yung-Hsiang,Hwang, Jhi-Jhu,Yin, Wei-Hsian,Chen, Hsiu-Lin,Chou, Shah-Hwa,Chiu, Chien-Chih,Liu, Po-Len 대한약학회 2014 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.37 No.4

Magnolol, a hydroxylated biphenyl agent isolated from herbal planet Magnolia officinalis, is a component of traditional Asian herbal teas. It has been reported to have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines (A549, H441 and H520) and normal human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) were used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of magnolol. We show that magnolol inhibited cellular proliferation, increased DNA fragmentation, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in all NSCLC cells, but had no cytotoxic effect on HBECs. Magnolol triggered the release of pro-apoptotic proteins: Bid, Bax and cytochrome c from mitochondria, but did not activate the caspase-3, -8, and -9, suggesting that magnolol induces apoptosis of NSCLC cell lines via a caspase-independent pathway. The caspase-independent pathway is mediated through the activation of nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor, endonuclease G and cleaved poly(-ADP-ribose) polymerase, which played important roles in mediating cell death. Furthermore, magnolol inhibited PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 activity, but up-regulated p38 and JNK activity in A549 cell lines. The results of this study provided a basis for understanding and developing magnolol as a novel treatment of NSCLC.

Magnolol induces apoptosis via caspase-independent pathways in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Jong-Rung Tsai,Inn-Wen Chong,Yung-Hsiang Chen,Jhi-Jhu Hwang,Wei-Hsian Yin,Hsiu-Lin Chen,Shah-Hwa Chou,Chien-Chih Chiu,Po-Len Liu 대한약학회 2014 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.37 No.4

Magnolol, a hydroxylated biphenyl agent isolatedfrom herbal planet Magnolia officinalis, is a componentof traditional Asian herbal teas. It has been reported tohave anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-canceractivity. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines(A549, H441 and H520) and normal human bronchialepithelial cells (HBECs) were used to evaluate the cytotoxiceffect of magnolol. We show that magnolol inhibitedcellular proliferation, increased DNA fragmentation, anddecreased mitochondrial membrane potential in all NSCLCcells, but had no cytotoxic effect on HBECs. Magnololtriggered the release of pro-apoptotic proteins: Bid, Bax and cytochrome c from mitochondria, but did not activatethe caspase-3, -8, and -9, suggesting that magnolol inducesapoptosis of NSCLC cell lines via a caspase-independentpathway. The caspase-independent pathway is mediatedthrough the activation of nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor, endonuclease G and cleaved poly(-ADP-ribose) polymerase, which played important roles inmediating cell death. Furthermore, magnolol inhibitedPI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 activity, but up-regulated p38 andJNK activity in A549 cell lines. The results of this studyprovided a basis for understanding and developing magnololas a novel treatment of NSCLC.

Probiotic BSH Activity and Anti-Obesity Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain TCI378 Isolated from Korean Kimchi

Chu-Han Huang,Cheng-Yu Ho,Ciao-Ting Chen,Hsin-Fen Hsu,Yung-Hsiang Lin 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Vol.24 No.4

Lactobacillus (Lab.) is a human probiotic beneficial for the prevention and improvement of disease, yet properties of different Lab. strains are diverse. To obtain a Lab. strain that possesses greater potential against gastrointestinal dysfunction, we isolated Lactobacillus plantarum TCI378 (TCI378) from naturally fermented Korean kimchi. TCI378 has shown potential as probiotic since it can survive at pH 3.0 and in the presence of 0.3% bile acid. The bile salt hydrolase activity of TCI378 was shown by formation of opaque granular white colonies on solid de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) medium supplemented with taurodeoxycholic acid, and its cholesterol-lowering ability in MRS medium supplemented with cholesterol. The metabolites of TCI378 from liquid culture in MRS medium prevented emulsification of bile salts. Moreover, both the metabolites of TCI378 and the dead bacteria reduced oil droplet accumulation in 3T3-L1, as detected by Oil red O staining. The expressions of adipocyte-specific genes perilipin 1 and glucose transporter type 4 were suppressed by the metabolites of TCI378, indicating TCI378 may have anti-obesity effects in adipocytes. These in vitro data show the potential of the prophylactic applications of TCI378 and its metabolites for reducing fat and lowering cholesterol.