BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is a very disturbing and expensive disorder in which the exact etiology is not known and it is yet to be treated completely well. Most alopecia patients exhibit some inflammation in the hair follicles regardless of the causes. The clinical symptoms of alopecia present very diversely while the prime symptom is local intermittent fever which are related to inflamed cells. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate how repetitive intermittent fever can damage the normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells and investigated the cytotoxic and proliferative effects after application of new candidate drugs (ibuprofen, menthol, cetirizine) for alopecia in comparison to minoxidil. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that ibuprofen, menthol, or/and cetirizine can prevent or slow down the damage of NHDF cells from intermittent fever in early alopecia. Aggressive preventative intervention with those drugs before complete destruction of hair follicle by excessive repetitive fever, is a very important step for alopecia therapy and these drugs are recommended as candidate drugs for alopecia in the future. CONCLUSION: Aggressive preventative intervention with drugs before complete destruction of hair follicles (NHDF cells) by excessive repetitive fever is a very important step for alopecia therapy or progression.
Alopecia Areata ; Alopecia* ; Cetirizine* ; Fever* ; Fibroblasts ; Hair Follicle ; Humans ; Ibuprofen* ; Inflammation ; Menthol* ; Minoxidil

To determine the concentration of menthol in rat plasma by GC. Rats were administered with single dose of Zhike Chuanbei Pipa dropping pills (ZCPDP) and different doses of menthol herbs. DAS 3. 1.6 software was used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters, and the accumulative absorption percentage of menthol was calculated by Loo-Riegelman method. The linear regression analysis was made in vitro/in vivo accumulative absorption percentages to detect the in vitro/in vivo correlation. The results of the study showed that the pharmacokinetics behavior of menthol in ZCPDP was in conformity with two-compartment model characteristics. The main parameters were: tmax was 10 min, t1/2beta was (183. 93 52. 75) min, CL/F was (0. 426 +/- 0. 194) L . min-1 . kg-1, all of which were no difference between ZCPDP and menthol herbs with the same dosage. There were significant differences in tmax, t1/2beta, CL/F between menthol herbs with different dosages (P <0. 05) , with indirect proportion between AUC0-infinity and dosage. The regression equation of ZCPDP's accumulative absorption percentage and accumulative release percentage was Fa = 1. 160 3Q - 19. 968, r = 0. 981 3. These results suggested that the pharmacokinetics behavior was similar between ZCPDP and menthol herbs with the same dosage in rats, with good in vitro/in vivo correlation. There were significant differences in pharmacokinetics of menthol in the range of 19.2-570 mg . kg-1.
Animals ; Antitussive Agents ; pharmacokinetics ; Chromatography, Gas ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Menthol ; pharmacokinetics ; Rats

Daily use of probiotic chewing gum might have a beneficial effect on oral health, and it is important that the viability of the probiotics be maintained in this food product. In this study, we examined the stability of probiotic chewing gum containing Weissella cibaria. We evaluated the effects of various factors, including temperature and additives, on the survival of freeze-dried probiotic W. cibaria powder. No changes in viability were detected during storage at 4degrees C for 5 months, whereas the viability of bacteria stored at 20degrees C decreased. The stability of probiotic chewing gum decreased steadily during storage at 20degrees C for 4 weeks. The viability of the freeze-dried W. cibaria mixed with various additives, such as xylitol, sorbitol, menthol, sugar ester, magnesium stearate, and vitamin C, was determined over a 4-week storage period at 20degrees C. Most of the freeze-dried bacteria except for those mixed with menthol and vitamin C were generally stable during a 3-week storage period. Overall, our study showed that W. cibaria was more stable at 4degrees C than that at 20degrees C. In addition, menthol and vitamin C had a detrimental effect on the storage stability of W. cibaria. This is the first study to examine the effects of various chewing gum additives on the stability of W. cibaria. Further studies will be needed to improve the stability of probiotic bacteria for developing a novel probiotic W. cibaria gum.
Ascorbic Acid ; Bacteria ; Chewing Gum ; Gingiva ; Magnesium ; Menthol ; Oral Health ; Probiotics ; Sorbitol ; Stearic Acids ; Weissella ; Xylitol

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of interleukin (IL) -13 combined with cold stimulation on synthesis and secretion of mucin (MUC) 5AC in human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE and explore the role of transient receptor potential 8 (TRPM8) and anti-apoptotic factor B-cell lymphoblast-2 (Bcl-2) in this process. METHODS: 16HBE cells were stimulated with 10 ng/mL IL-13, 1 mmol/L menthol, or both (1 mmol/L menthol was added after 6 days of IL-13 stimulation), and the changes in the expression of MUC5AC, intracellular Ca RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expressions of MUC5AC increased significantly in 16HBE cells following stimulation with IL-13, menthol, and both ( CONCLUSIONS Menthol combined with IL-13 produces a synergistic effect to promote the synthesis and secretion of MUC5AC in 16HBE cells possibly by activating TRPM8 receptor to upregulate the expression of Bcl-2.
Bronchi ; Epithelial Cells/drug effects* ; Humans ; Interleukin-13 ; Menthol/pharmacology* ; Mucin 5AC

Objective: To analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of hand,foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in China, explore the association of socioeconomic, population and health services factors with the incidence of HFMD in China, and provide information for the prevention and control of HFMD. Methods: Bayesian spatiotemporal model was used to fit the data of HFMD, evaluate the spatiotemporal variation of HFMD, and identify the potential association between the risk of HFMD and social, economic, population and health services. Results: From 2011 to 2018, a total of 17 118 050 HFMD cases, including 2 283 deaths, were reported in China. The reported incidence showed a fluctuating increase trend from 2011 to 2014, and a fluctuating decrease trend from 2014 to 2018. Meanwhile, there was a fluctuating decrease trend of mortality rate. The incidence of HFMD had spatial clustering, with the highest incidence in southern China with hot spot and high risk areas, and the lowest incidence in northwestern China where cold spot and low risk areas were found. The risk for HFMD was associated with GDP per capita (RR=3.54), number of industrial enterprises above designated size of 10 000 people (RR=1.61), urbanization rate (RR=3.00), birth rate (RR=2.36), number of beds in medical institutions per 10 000 people (RR=3.40), and green area in parks per capita (RR=0.57). Conclusions: The hotspot area for HFMD prevention and control in China was in the southeast coastal provinces from 2011 to 2018. In order to reduce the incidence of HFMD, it is necessary to increase the green area in parks per capita while accelerating urbanization process.
Humans ; Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease ; China/epidemiology* ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/epidemiology* ; Menthol

Here we reported a case of exogenous lipoid pneumonia from Peking University Third Hospital. A 62-year-old male presented with chronic cough and expectoration for 8 years, without chest pain, hemoptysis or short of breath. He was an ex-smoker. In his past medical history, the patient reported chronic rhinitis sicca for 20 years. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed patchy ground glass opacities in his bilateral lower lobe. In recent 3 years, his symptoms showed slowly deteriorative changes, as did his chest CT findings. No improvement of the patient's symptoms was observed, although he had been treated with many antibiotics. Then he was referred to our hospital for a detailed investigation for interstitial lung disease. On admission, the physical examination showed no abnormal findings except for inspiratory fine crackles in his bilateral lower lung field on auscultation. The results of the laboratory analysis, including complete blood cell count, biochemistry, arterial blood gas, urinalysis, antinuclear antibody (ANA), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and tumor markers were all within normal ranges. To exclude the possibility of infectious or malignant conditions, bronchoscopy was performed. Secretions from the left lower lobe bronchus were collected for bacterial, fungal and fast-acid cultures, which were all negative. A bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in the left lower lobe with a 30% recovery. The total cell count of the BAL fluid was 6.5×10⁴/mL, and the cellularity differential revealed increased neutrophils (20%) and lymphocytes (17%). The cytological examination in the BAL fluid showed no malignant cells. All the clinical data above did not reveal any conclusive information. However, the pathological findings of his transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) were highlighted with lipid-laden macrophages engulfed by large vacuoles occupying almost completely the cytoplasm of the cells, which were consistent with those of exogenous lipoid pneumonia. Given these findings, it emerged that the patient was taking twice daily inhalations of a compound menthol nasal drops (essential oil of camphor, menthol and liquid paraffin) for his chronic rhinitis sicca for at least 10 years. Then he discontinued oil nasal sprays and showed gradual improvement 3 months later without intensive treatment. The presenting case report emphasizes the fact that chronic inhalation of nasal sprays and decongestants containing mineral oils was a cause of exogenous lipoid pneumonia, and clinicians should bear it in mind.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; Humans ; Male ; Menthol ; Middle Aged ; Mineral Oil ; Pneumonia, Lipid

This study aimed to investigate the effects of nanoparticles PLGA-NPs and mesoporous silicon nanoparticles(MSNs) of different stiffness before and after combination with menthol or curcumol on the mechanical properties of bEnd.3 cells. The particle size distributions of PLGA-NPs and MSNs were measured by Malvern particle size analyzer, and the stiffness of the two nanoparticles was quantified by atomic force microscopy(AFM). The bEnd.3 cells were cultured in vitro, and the cell surface morphology, roughness, and Young's modulus were examined to characterize the roughness and stiffness of the cell surface. The changes in the mechanical properties of the cells were observed by AFM, and the structure and expression of cytoskeletal F-actin were observed by a laser-scanning confocal microscope. The results showed that both nanoparticles had good dispersion. The particle size of PLGA-NPs was(98.77±2.04) nm, the PDI was(0.140±0.030), and Young's modulus value was(104.717±8.475) MPa. The particle size of MSNs was(97.47±3.92) nm, the PDI was(0.380±0.016), and Young's modulus value was(306.019±8.822) MPa. The stiffness of PLGA-NPs was significantly lower than that of MSNs. After bEnd.3 cells were treated by PLGA-NPs and MSNs separately, the cells showed fine pores on the cell surface, increased roughness, decreased Young's modulus, blurred and broken F-actin bands, and reduced mean gray value. Compared with PLGA-NPs alone, PLGA-NPs combined with menthol or curcumol could allow deepened and densely distributed surface pores of bEnd.3 cells, increase roughness, reduce Young's modulus, aggravate F-actin band breakage, and diminish mean gray value. Compared with MSNs alone, MSNs combined with menthol could allow deepened and densely distributed surface pores of bEnd.3 cells, increase roughness, reduce Young's modulus, aggravate F-actin band breakage, and diminish mean gray value, while no significant difference was observed in combination with curcumol. Therefore, it is inferred that the aromatic components can increase the intracellular uptake and transport of nanoparticles by altering the biomechanical properties of bEnd.3 cells.
Animals ; Mice ; Menthol/pharmacology* ; Actins/metabolism* ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Nanoparticles/chemistry*

There are few reports on aggravation of asthma by mint flavor although it is a common ingredient of many products. A 40-year-old male patient with aspirin-sensitive asthma experienced anaphylaxis after using a gargle that contained mint flavor. Skin prick tests and ELISA for serum specific IgE to mint showed negative responses. Challenge tests with mint oil and menthol were positive and the immediate bronchoconstriction was completely inhibited by premedication with cromolyn sodium. These findings suggest that mast cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of mint-induced asthma or anaphylaxis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of mint-induced anaphylaxis. It is important to alert physicians to the possibility of aggravation of asthmatic symptoms or the development of anaphylaxis by mint flavor.
Adult ; Anaphylaxis* ; Asthma ; Bronchoconstriction ; Cromolyn Sodium ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Male ; Mast Cells ; Mentha* ; Menthol ; Premedication ; Skin

To evaluate the effect of cetylpyridinium chloride in a powder form when used concomitantly with a conmercial fleuride containing tooth paste on inhibition of plaque formation, on gingivitis, and on irritation of oral mucosa. a double-blind, randomized parallel study was set up. Cetylpyridinium chloride was incorporated into a light brown colored powder with menthol added for scent. There were no differences between the active agent and the placebo which did not contain cetylpyridinium chloride in appearance, color, smell, taste, or dispenser. 98 healthy volunteers were assigned to one of two groups: brushing 3 times a day with flouride toothpaste and cetylpyridinium chloride powder, or brushing 3 times a day with flouride toothpaste and placebo. Before the test period, the subjects received through tooth cleaning and polishing. At basteline, GI, PI, BOP, and GCF of the Ramfjord teeth were measured in the experimental and placebo groups including 58 and 42 subjects repectively. After 4 weeks, GI, PI, BOP, GCF, compliance, irritation of the oral mucosa(redness, pus drainage, edema) and adverse reactions were measured. The PI, GI, and BOP of the experimental group recorded at baseline are 0.19+/-0.19, 0.42+/-0.31, and 0.08+/-0. 15. These scores showed significant decrease after 4 weeks of test period(0.11+/-0.15, 0.22+/-0.24, 0.02+/-0.09 repectively at the end of the study) and inhibition of plaque accumulation and resolution of gingival inflammation could be observed. GCF shoed slight increase but this was not Statistically different. Comparison of changes in measured scores of control and experimental groupshow GI, PI of the test indices have decreased. Test group showed significantly greater decrease in gingivitis and plaque accumulation after 4 weeks. GCF and BOP also showed greater decrease thant the control group but this difference was not statistically significant. At no time of the study period did any of the subjects show signs of irritation of the oral mucosa or adverse reactions. Following conclusions could be obtained from this study. The combined use of cetl powder and flouride toothpaste showed greater inhibition of plaque accumulation and greater decrease of gingivitis than use of flouride toothpaste with placebo agent.
Cetylpyridinium* ; Compliance ; Dental Plaque ; Drainage ; Gingivitis ; Healthy Volunteers ; Inflammation* ; Menthol ; Mouth Mucosa ; Periodontitis ; Smell ; Suppuration ; Tooth ; Toothpastes

BACKGROUND: It is still difficult to prevent partial or full-thickness flap necrosis. In this study, the effects of a cream containing menthol and methyl salicylate on the viability of randompattern skin flaps were studied. METHODS: Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two equal groups. Caudally based dorsal random-pattern skin flaps were elevated, including the panniculus carnosus. In the study group, 1.5 mL of a cream containing menthol and methyl salicylate was applied to the skin of the flap, and saline solution (0.9%) was used in the control group. Upon completion of the experiment, flap necrosis was analyzed with imaging software and radionuclide scintigraphy. Histopathological measurements were made of the percentage of viable flaps, the number of vessels, and the width of the panniculus carnosus muscle. RESULTS: According to the photographic analysis, the mean viable flap surface area in the study group was larger than that in the control group (P=0.004). According to the scintigrams, no change in radioactivity uptake was seen in the study group (P>0.05). However, a significant decrease was observed in the control group (P=0.006). No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of the percentage of viable flaps, the number of vessels, or the width of the panniculus carnosus muscle (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, it is certain that the cream did not reduce the viability of the flaps. Due to its vasodilatory effect, it can be used as a component of the dressing in reconstructive operations where skin perfusion is compromised.
Animals ; Bandages ; Female ; Humans ; Menthol* ; Necrosis ; Perfusion ; Radioactivity ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin* ; Sodium Chloride ; Surgical Flaps ; Vasodilator Agents