There is growing evidence of the association between inflammation and stress-related disorders including depression. The positive correlation between the increased levels of inflammatory cytokines observed in patients with other diseases and the byproduct of the depressive symptoms may be caused by chronic stress. Increased neuroinflammatory responses are capable of activating microglia and astrocytes, which leads to release pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6 are causally related to various aspects of depression such as the behavioral symptomatology. Eventually, these elevated cytokines aggravate and propagate neuroinflammation, impairing brain functions. Thus, activated astrocytes and microglia may be potential mediators in neuroinflammatory processes contributing to the development of depression.

Brain diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, depression, schizophrenia, autism, and addiction lead to reduced quality of daily life through abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotional states, and behavior. While the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, human and animal studies have supported a role of neuroinflammation in the etiology of these diseases. In the central nervous system, an increased inflammatory response is capable of activating microglial cells, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. In turn, the pro-inflammatory cytokines aggravate and propagate neuroinflammation, degenerating healthy neurons and impairing brain functions. Therefore, activated microglia may play a key role in neuroinflammatory processes contributing to the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders and neurodegeneration.
Alzheimer Disease ; Animals ; Autistic Disorder ; Brain ; Brain Diseases ; Central Nervous System ; Cytokines ; Depression ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukins ; Microglia ; Necrosis ; Neurodegenerative Diseases* ; Neurons ; Parkinson Disease ; Schizophrenia

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) by the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme can cause inflammation. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is also involved in the inflammatory response through regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB). Areca catechu is one of the known fruit plants of the Palmaceae family. It has been used for a long time as a source of herbal medicine in Indonesia. In this study, we explored the effect of Indonesian Areca catechu leaf ethanol extract (ACE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and carrageenan-induced paw edema models. Recently, this natural extract has been in the spotlight because of its efficacy and limited or no toxic side effects. However, the mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory effect remains to be elucidated. MATERIALS/METHODS: We measured NO production by using the Griess reagent, and determined the expression levels of inflammation-related proteins, such as iNOS, COX2, and NF-kappaB, by western blot. To confirm the effect of ACE in vivo, we used the carrageenan-induced paw edema model. RESULTS: Compared to untreated cells, LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells treated with ACE showed reduced NO generation and reduced iNOS and COX-2 expression. We found that the acute inflammatory response was significantly reduced by ACE in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results suggest that ACE can inhibit inflammation and modulate NO generation via downregulation of iNOS levels and NF-kappaB signaling in vitro and in vivo. ACE may have a potential medical benefit as an anti-inflammation agent.
Areca* ; Blotting, Western ; Carrageenan ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Down-Regulation ; Edema ; Ethanol ; Fruit ; Herbal Medicine ; Humans ; Indonesia ; Inflammation ; NF-kappa B ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Artemisinin (AT), an active compound in Arternisia annua, is well known as an anti-malaria drug. It is also known to have several effects including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer activities. To date, the effect of AT on vascular disorders has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of AT on the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB). MATERIALS/METHODS: Aortic smooth muscle cells were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC migration was measured by the scratch wound healing assay and the Boyden chamber assay. Cell viability was determined by using an EZ-Cytox Cell Viability Assay Kit. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC was measured through H2DCF-DA staining. We also determined the expression levels of signal proteins relevant to ROS, including measures of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 measured by western blot analysis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: AT (10 microM and 30 microM) significantly reduced the proliferation and migration of PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC in a dose-dependent manner. The production of ROS, normally induced by PDGF-BB, is reduced by treatment with AT at both concentrations. PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC treated with AT (10 microM and 30 microM) have reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and inhibited MMP9 expression compared to untreated PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest, based on these results, that AT may exert an anti-atherosclerotic effect on PDGF-BB stimulated VSMCs by inhibiting their proliferation and migration through down-regulation of ERK1/2 and MMP9 phosphorylation.
Blotting, Western ; Cell Survival ; Down-Regulation ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular* ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; Phosphorylation ; Phosphotransferases ; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Wound Healing

This study was performed to determine the effects of dietary calcium (Ca) intake, milk and dairy product intake, and serum vitamin D level on bone mineral density. The survey data from the 2008-2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for adults (3,819 males, 5,625 females) aged > 20 years were examined; osteoporosis was defined according to the standards for Asian populations (T-score < -2.5). The risk for osteoporosis significantly decreased as Ca intake increased; this effect persisted (quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 of Ca intake: odds ratio [OR] 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50-0.87) even after adjustment for gender, age, and other factors (body mass index, serum vitamin D, menstruation, female hormone intake, menopausal status, and the number of days per week of muscular strength exercise). Additionally, the risk for osteoporosis significantly decreased as the Ca/P ratio increased (quartile 4 vs. quartile 1: OR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58-0.98). The degree of risk was 0.96 (0.66-1.38) in those who consumed < 1 portion of milk or dairy products daily, and 0.71 (0.53-0.96) in those who consumed > 1 portion per day, compared with those who had zero intake. The risk for osteoporosis significantly decreased as the serum 25(OH) vitamin D level increased. From these results, we advocate an increase in Ca, milk, and dairy product intake, and that serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels be maintained within the normal range, for the maintenance of bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis in adults.
Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Bone Density ; Calcium ; Calcium, Dietary ; Dairy Products ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Menstruation ; Milk ; Nutrition Surveys ; Odds Ratio ; Osteoporosis ; Reference Values ; Vitamin D ; Vitamins

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between knowledge of nutrition labeling and the effect on eating habits with 300 high school boys in Seoul. The subjects were divided into an underweight (UW) group (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, n = 42), a normal weight (NW) group (18.5 kg/m2 < or = BMI < 23 kg/m2, n = 129) and an overweight (OW) group (BMI > or = 23 kg/m2, n = 79) based on their body mass index (BMI). The average age of participants was 17.8 years old and their mean height and weight were 174.9 cm and 66.5 kg. The mean BMI of subjects was 21.7 kg/m2 which fell within the normal range. Seventy six point four percent of subjects perceived nutrition labeling and they acquired the information pertaining to it through TV and internet. The UW group and the OW group obtained it from their parents, relatives and friends, while NW group acquired it from school. There were significant differences among groups in the acquired source of the information on nutrition labeling (p < 0.05). The NW group and the OW group trusted nutrition labeling more than the UW group, but there were no significant differences among them. Forty five point five percent of the UW group and 40.7% the NW group were satisfied with nutrition labeling education, while only 15.8% of the OW group did it. The OW group checked nutrition labeling more than the UW group and the NW group at the point of food purchase. The primary reason for examining nutrition labeling was 'to check nutrient contents' in the UW group and the NW group, while the OW group examined it to improve health including regulation of body weight. There were significant differences among groups with regards to the reason for examining nutrition labeling (p < 0.001). The OW group was aware that nutrition labeling affected their eating habits significantly more than the other groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, application-centered education on nutrition labeling and the strong support of the government is needed in order to improve nutrition labeling use and to apply the information from nutrition labeling into student dietary life.
Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Eating ; Food Labeling ; Friends ; Humans ; Internet ; Obesity ; Overweight ; Parents ; Reference Values ; Thinness

The food and nutrient intakes on weekdays and weekends was examined with 196 high school girls residing in Seoul using the 3-day food record. Frequency for skipping breakfast was higher than that for lunch and dinner. Frequencies for skipping breakfast and lunch were significantly higher on weekends than on weekdays (p < 0.05). The daily average food, vegetable food, and animal food intakes were 1,074.8 g, 680.0 g, and 317.3 g, respectively. The total food and vegetable food intakes on weekdays were significantly higher than on weekends (p < 0.05). The daily average dietary variety score (DVS) was 20.5, and was significantly higher on weekdays (23.3) than on weekends (15.1)(p < 0.05). The daily averages of energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate intake were 1,732.9 kcal, 68 g, 56.2 g, and 240.9 g, respectively. Energy, protein, carbohydrate, phosphate, iron, sodium, potassium, thiamin, niacin, folate and vitamin C intakes were significantly higher on weekdays than on weekends (p < 0.05). Fat intake was significantly lower on weekdays than on weekends (p < 0.05). The daily average percentages of energy intake from carbohydrate, protein, and fat were 55.4%, 15.6%, and 29.0%: 56.1%, 15.8%, and 28.2% on weekdays and 54.7%, 15.3%, and 30.1% on weekends, respectively. The percentages of energy intake from carbohydrate on weekdays and weekends were below 60%, and that from fat was above 28% on weekdays and weekends. The daily averages of energy, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin and phosphate intake were above 80% as compared with the estimated energy requirement (EER) or the recommended intake (RI). The intakes of calcium, potassium and folate were below 50% as compared with the adequate intake (AI) or (RI). The daily average mean adequacy ratio (MAR), an index of overall dietary quality, was 0.77, and significantly high school girls was worse on weekends than on weekdays.
Animals ; Ascorbic Acid ; Breakfast ; Calcium ; Eating ; Energy Intake ; Folic Acid ; Humans ; Iron ; Lunch ; Meals ; Niacin ; Potassium ; Riboflavin ; Sodium ; Vegetables ; Vitamin A

investigated with high school girls residing in Seoul. As subjects, 159 girls were divided into a normal weight (NW) group (18.5 kg/m2 < or = BMI < 23 kg/m2, n = 110) and an overweight (OW) group (BMI > or = 23 kg/m2, n = 49) by body mass index (BMI). The food and nutrient intake data obtained by the 3-day food record were analyzed by Can pro 3.0 software. Anthropometric measurements were collected from each subject. Daily dietary GI (DGI) and dietary GL (DGL) were calculated from the 3-day food record. Body weights and BMI of NW were 52.4 kg and 20.4 kg/m2 and those of OW were 65.2 kg and 25.4 kg/m2, respectively. Total food, animal food, and other food intakes of NW were higher than those of OW, and vegetable food intakes of NW were lower than those of OW. Sugars intake of NW was significantly higher than OW. Nutrient intakes were not different between the two groups. Dietary fiber, calcium, and folate intakes of NW and OW were under 65% of the dietary reference intakes (DRIs). Major food sources of energy intake for both groups were rice, pizza, ice cream, pork, instant noodle, and chicken. Mean adequacy ratio (MAR), an index of overall dietary quality, was higher in NW (0.82) than in OW (0.80). Mean daily DGI of NW and OW was 66.5 and 66.4, respectively. Mean daily DGL of NW and OW was higher in NW (162.0) than in OW (155.9). DGI and DGL adjusted to energy intake were not significantly correlated with anthropometric data.
Animals ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Calcium ; Carbohydrates ; Chickens ; Dietary Fiber ; Eating ; Energy Intake ; Folic Acid ; Glycemic Index ; Humans ; Ice Cream ; Overweight ; Vegetables

This study was conducted to examine the dietary behaviors with 510 high school students (260 males and 250 females) residing in Seoul. The average age of male and female students were 16.3 and 16.4 years old, respectively. Mean height and weight of male students were 174.1 cm and 65.9 kg and those of female students were 161.6 cm and 52.5 kg. The body mass index (BMI) of male and female students were 21.7 kg/m2 and 20.1 kg/m2, respectively, which were within the normal range. Students skipped breakfast more than once a week were 41.1% of males and 44.4% of females. More than 40% of the male and female students skipped breakfast frequently. The mean mini dietary assessment index score of male and female students were 30.6 and 29.6 out of total 50 index scores, respectively. Female students perceived significantly less healthy and fatter than male students. Furthermore, body image satisfaction of the female students was lower than that of male students. Female students were more significantly concerned with body image and desired a thin body shape. Only 22.7% of male students and 6.4% of female students exercised regularly, and the frequency, time, and intensity of exercise in the male students were significantly higher than those of female students.
Body Image ; Body Mass Index ; Breakfast ; Consciousness ; Female ; Food Habits ; Humans ; Male ; Reference Values

This study was to investigate the role of complementary and alternative medicine in the prevention and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. For this purpose, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed over 12 months on 47 benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with average age of 53.3 years and international prostate symptom score over 8. Subjects received either sweet potato starch (group A, placebo, 320 mg/day), pumpkin seed oil (group B, 320 mg/day), saw palmetto oil (group C, 320 mg/day) or pumpkin seed oil plus saw palmetto oil (group D, each 320 mg/day). International prostate symptom score, quality of life, serum prostate specific antigen, prostate volume and maximal urinary flow rate were measured. In groups B, C and D, the international prostate symptom score were reduced by 3 months. Quality of life score was improved after 6 months in group D, while those of groups B and C were improved after 3 months, compared to the baseline value. Serum prostate specific antigen was reduced only in group D after 3 months, but no difference was observed in prostate volume in all treatment groups. Maximal urinary flow rate were gradually improved in groups B and C, with statistical significance after 6 months in group B and after 12 months in group C. None of the parameters were significantly improved by combined treatment with pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil. From these results, it is suggested that administrations of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil are clinically safe and may be effective as complementary and alternative medicine treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Complementary Therapies ; Cucurbita ; Humans ; Ipomoea batatas ; Male ; Prostate ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; Quality of Life ; Seeds ; Starch