Biomedical subjects

K H Kim

Publications and source records attributed to K H Kim.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Endogenous gastrin stimulates regeneration of remnant pancreas after partial pancreatectomy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of endogenous gastrin on pancreatic regeneration after a partial pancreatectomy in the rat. Sixty rats were divided into 6 groups. Groups I and II received sham operation (splenectomy only), and groups III, IV, V, and VI received both 66% partial pancreatectomy (PPx) and splenectomy. Endogenous hypergastrinemia was induced in groups II, IV, and VI by gavage of Lansoprozole (LSP) for three weeks. In groups V and VI, gastrin receptor blocker, L365,260, was given continuously using an osmotic minipump. Following three weeks of treatment, PPx alone increased the pancreatic weight and protein content, but not RNA or DNA content (Group III). In the PPx groups, the pancreatic weight, and contents of protein, RNA, and DNA were significantly increased in the LSP treated rats (Group IV). This effect was abolished by L365,260 (Group VI). This results suggest that endogenous gastrin specifically stimulates regeneration of the remnant pancreas after partial pancreatectomy in rat. Induction of endogenous hypergastrinemia may be useful in patients following pancreatic resection for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic insufficiency.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

PubMed2001

P16INK4a protein expression is associated with poor survival of the breast cancer patients after CMF chemotherapy.

Immunohistochemical assay for p16 protein expession was performed in 192 breast carcinoma patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. p16 expression was observed in 78 cases (40.6%). The frequency of p16 expression significantly decreased in moderately differentiated (histologic grade II) cancers, 20 (19.6%) of 102. In poorly differentiated cancers (histologic grade III), p16 expression was not observed in all 16 cases. p16 expression was significantly associated with histologic grade of the breast carcinomas (p < 0.001). The proliferative index (PI: S + G2/M) of individual tumors was measured by DNA flow cytometry. In 114 tumors with PI less than 20%, p16 expression was observed in 59 tumors (49.1%). In the tumors with PI equal or more than 20%, p16 expression was observed in 22 (28.2%) of 78 cases. p16 expression was significantly decreased in the tumor with higher PI (p =0.003). For the other clinicopathologic variables, no significant association was found with p16 expression status. Immunohistochemical assay for p53 protein expression was performed on the same breast carcinomas. There was no significant association between p16 and p53 expression in breast carcinomas. During median follow-up period of 52 months (range: 40-72 months), 46 patients (25.8%) had recurrent disease and 32 patients (18.91%) died of recurrent disease. p16 expression was observed in 20 (43.5%) of 46 patients with recurrent disease, while its expression was observed in 58 patients (39.7%) of 146 patients who were free of recurrence during the study period. p16 expression had no significant impact on predicting recurrence of breast carcinoma. Fourteen patients (12.2%) of 114 patients whose tumors did not show p16 expression died of recurrent breast carcinoma, whereas 18 patients (23.1%) of 78 patients with p16 expressing tumor died during the follow-up period. There was a significant difference of patient survival according to p16 expression status (p = 0.039). These results indicate that p16 expression is useful in predicting response to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. p16 protein seems to have a role in tumor growth and differentiation of the breast carcinoma.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed2001

Ceramide inhibits cell proliferation through Akt/PKB inactivation and decreases melanin synthesis in Mel-Ab cells.

Ceramide is a bioactive sphingolipid that mediates a variety of cell functions. However, the effects of ceramide on cell growth and the melanogenesis of melanocytes are not known. In the present study, we investigated the actions of cell-permeable ceramide and its possible role in the signaling pathway of a spontaneously immortalized mouse melanocyte cell line, Mel-Ab. Our results show that C2-ceramide inhibits DNA synthesis in Mel-Ab cells and G361 human melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis confirmed the inhibition of DNA synthesis by a reduction in the S phase. To investigate the ceramide signaling pathway, we studied whether C2-ceramide is able to influence extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and/or Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) activation. We demonstrated that phosphorylated Akt/PKB is decreased by C2-ceramide, whereas phosphorylated ERK was only slightly affected. Therefore, the C2-ceramide-induced inactivation of Akt/PKB may be closely related to the reduced cell proliferation of Mel-Ab cells. Furthermore, we assessed the effects of C2-ceramide on the pigmentation of Mel-Ab cells. The results obtained showed that the melanin content of cells was significantly reduced by C2-ceramide at concentrations in the range of 1-10 microM, and that the pigmentation-inhibiting effect of C2-ceramide is much greater than that of kojic acid at 1-100 microM. In addition, we found that the activity of tyrosinase is reduced by C2-ceramide treatment. Our results demonstrate that C2-ceramide reduces the pigmentation of Mel-Ab cells by inhibiting tyrosinase activity.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

UVB-induced GM-CSF production is suppressed by dexamethasone in HaCaT cells.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal keratinocytes are important sources of a wide variety of cytokines that include the Granulocyte-macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF). Glucocorticoids have been shown to inhibit the production of several cytokines. However, their effect on GM-CSF synthesis by keratinocytes is still unknown. METHODS: The effects of glucocorticoid on GM-CSF production by keratinocytes were evaluated using ELISA and RT-PCR analysis. RESULTS: GM-CSF secretion by HaCaT cells increased with increasing UVB exposure. Dexamethasone suppressed basal release of GM-CSE In addition, it strongly inhibited both the UVB-mediated augmentation of GM-CSF protein production and mRNA expression. Lincomycin enhanced slightly the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on GM-CSF synthesis, while lincomycin itself had no effect on GM-CSF secretion. CONCLUSION: Results showed that dexamethasone suppressed basal release and UVB-induced production of GM-CSF by keratinocytes.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2001

Nuclear factor-kappaB regulates cyclooxygenase-2 expression and cell proliferation in human gastric cancer cells.

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a transcriptional regulator of inducible expression of genes including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), regulating cell proliferation. NF-kappaB is kept silent in the cytoplasm via interaction with the inhibitory protein IkappaBalpha and transmigrated into the nucleus upon activation. However, constitutive NF-kappaB has been found in the nucleus of some cancer cells. We investigated the role of NF-kappaB in COX-2 expression and cell proliferation in human gastric cancer AGS cells. AGS cells were treated with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS ODN) or sense oligodeoxynucleotide (S ODN) for the NF-kappaB subunit p50, or they were transfected with a mutated IkappaBalpha gene (MAD-3 mutant) or a control vector, pcDNA-3. AGS cells were treated with COX-2 inhibitors such as indomethacine and NS-398 or prostaglandin E2. mRNA expression for COX-2, and protein levels for p50, IkappaBalpha, and COX-2 were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The NF-kappaB levels were examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (6-keto-PGF1alpha) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by viable cell counting, [3H] thymidine incorporation, and colony formation. The nuclear level of p50 decreased in AGS cells treated with AS ODN. The IkappaBa mutant was observed in cells transfected with the mutated IkappaBa gene. NF-kappaB was inhibited in cells treated with AS ODN or transfected with the mutated IkappaBalpha gene, compared with the cells treated with S ODN or transfected with control vector. Cell proliferation, mRNA expression and protein level of COX-2, and production of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1alpha were inhibited in cells treated with AS ODN or transfected with the mutated IkappaBalpha gene, which had lower NF-kappaB levels than cells treated with S ODN or transfected with control vector. COX-2 inhibitors suppressed cell proliferation and production of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1alpha, in a dose-dependant manner. Prostaglandin E2 prevented the inhibition of proliferation in cells treated with AS ODN or transfected with the mutated IkappaBalpha gene. In conclusion, NF-kappaB mediates COX-2 expression, which may be related to cell proliferation, in human gastric cancer cells.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

PubMed2001

Aging- and photoaging-dependent changes of enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidants in the epidermis and dermis of human skin in vivo.

This is a comprehensive study of the changes in major antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant molecules during intrinsic aging and photoaging processes in the epidermis and dermis of human skin in vivo. We show that the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase are not changed during these processes in human skin in vivo. Interestingly, the activity of catalase was significantly increased in the epidermis of photoaged (163%) and naturally aged (118%) skin (n = 9), but it was significantly lower in the dermis of photoaged (67% of the young skin level) and naturally aged (55%) skin compared with young (n = 7) skin. The activity of glutathione reductase was significantly higher (121%) in naturally aged epidermis. The concentration of alpha-tocopherol was significantly lower in the epidermis of photoaged (56% of young skin level) and aged (61%) skin, but this was not found to be the case in the dermis. Ascorbic acid levels were lower in both epidermis (69% and 61%) and dermis (63% and 70%) of photoaged and naturally aged skin, respectively. Gluta thione concentrations were also lower. Uric acid did not show any significant changes. Our results suggest that the components of the antioxidant defense system in human skin are probably regulated in a complex manner during the intrinsic aging and photoaging processes.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

The neurosensory tachykinins substance P and neurokinin A directly induce keratinocyte nerve growth factor.

Nerve growth factor is an essential neurotrophic factor required for the growth and maintenance of cutaneous sensory nerves. In the skin, keratinocytes are a significant source of nerve growth factor; however, the regulation of cutaneous nerve growth factor production still remains to be fully understood. In this study we tested the hypothesis that neuropeptides released by cutaneous sensory nerves have the capacity to modulate directly the expression of keratinocyte nerve growth factor, which would have important implications for the maintenance and repair of nerves in the skin. In order to address this question experimentally we examined the effect of the neuropeptides, substance P and neurokinin A, on nerve growth factor expression in human keratinocytes and the murine keratinocyte PAM 212 cell line by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the PC-12 nerve growth factor bioassay. The results of these studies indicated that substance P and neurokinin A can directly induce nerve growth factor mRNA expression and the secretion of bioactive nerve growth factor protein in both human and murine keratinocytes. The specificity of these responses was demonstrated using neuropeptide receptor antagonists and nerve growth factor blocking antibodies. Additional studies also demonstrated a significant in vivo upregulation of keratinocyte nerve growth factor expression in murine epidermis after the topical application of the neuropeptide releasing agent capsaicin. This is the first report demonstrating the induction of cutaneous nerve growth factor by sensory nerve-derived neuropeptides such as substance P and neurokinin A. This direct effect of the neurosensory system on keratinocyte nerve growth factor production may have important consequences for the maintenance and regeneration of cutaneous nerves in normal skin and during inflammation and wound healing.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Modulation of skin collagen metabolism in aged and photoaged human skin in vivo.

To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted to date to directly compare the collagen metabolism of photoaged and naturally aged human skin. In this study, we compared collagen synthesis, matrix metalloproteinase-1 levels, and gelatinase activity of sun-exposed and sun-protected skin of both young and old subjects. Using northern blot analysis, immunohistochemical stain, and Western blot analysis, we demonstrated that the levels of procollagen type I mRNA and protein in photoaged and naturally aged human skin in vivo are significantly lower than those of young skin. Furthermore, we demonstrated, by northern blot analysis, that the procollagen alpha1(I) mRNA expression of photoaged skin is much greater than that of sun-protected skin in the same individual. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical stain were used to show that the expression of type I procollagen mRNA and protein in the fibroblasts of photoaged skin is greater than for naturally aged skin. In addition, it was found, by Western blot analysis using protein extracted from the dermal tissues, that the level of procollagen type I protein in photoaged skin is lower than that of naturally aged skin. The level of matrix metalloproteinase-1 protein and the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 were higher in the dermis of photoaged skin than in naturally aged skin. Our results suggest that the natural aging process decreases collagen synthesis and increases the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, whereas photoaging results in an increase of collagen synthesis and greater matrix metalloproteinase expression in human skin in vivo. Thus, the balance between collagen synthesis and degradation leading to collagen deficiency is different in photoaged and naturally aged skin.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Brain succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase: identification of reactive lysyl residues labeled with pyridoxal-5'-phosphate.

An NAD+ dependent succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase from bovine brain was inactivated by pyridoxal-5'- phosphate. Spectral evidence is presented to indicate that the inactivation proceeds through formation of a Schiff's base with amino groups of the enzyme. After NaBH(4) reduction of the pyridoxal-5'-phosphate inactivated enzyme, it was observed that 3.8 mol phosphopyridoxyl residues were incorporated/enzyme tetramer. The coenzyme, NAD+, protected the enzyme against inactivation by pyridoxal-5'-phosphate. The absorption spectrum of the reduced and dialyzed pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-inactivated enzyme showed a characteristic peak at 325 nm, which was absent in the spectrum of the native enzyme. The fluorescence spectrum of the pyridoxyl enzyme differs completely from that of the native enzyme. After tryptic digestion of the enzyme modified with pyridoxal-5'-phosphate followed by [3H]NaBH4 reduction, a radioactive peptide absorbing at 210 nm was isolated by reverse-phase HPLC. The sequences of the peptide containing the phosphopyridoxyllysine were clearly identical to sequences of other mammalian succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase brain species including human. It is suggested that the catalytic function of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase is modulated by binding of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate to specific Lys(347) residue at or near the coenzyme-binding site of the protein.

Aldehyde Oxidoreductases↗

PubMed2001

Ultraviolet radiation increases tropoelastin mRNA expression in the epidermis of human skin in vivo.

Photoaged skin contains elastotic materials in the upper reticular dermis. This phenomenon is commonly known as solar elastosis. Little is known about the mechanisms leading to the accumulation of elastotic materials in photoaged skin, however. In this study, it was demonstrated that ultraviolet irradiation induced tropoelastin mRNA expression in the keratinocytes of human skin in vivo and also in cultured human keratinocytes by in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. It was also shown by northern blot analysis (n = 5) that there were increased tropoelastin mRNA levels in the forearm (sun-exposed) skin of elderly persons, compared with upper-inner arm (sun-protected) skin of the same individuals. As demonstrated by in situ hybridization compared to sun-protected skin (upper-inner arm) (n = 5), tropoelastin mRNA expression in photoaged skin was higher in keratinocytes as well as in fibroblasts. Therefore, our results suggest that keratinocytes are another source of tropoelastin production after acute and chronic ultraviolet irradiation in human skin in vivo.

Epidermis↗

PubMed2001

Helicobacter pylori-induced expression of interleukin-8 and cyclooxygenase-2 in AGS gastric epithelial cells: mediation by nuclear factor-kappaB.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection might activate nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a transcriptional regulator of inducible expression of inflammatory genes, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). We studied the role of NF-kappaB on expression of IL-8 and COX-2 in H. pylori-stimulated AGS gastric epithelial cells by using antisense oligonucleotide (AS ODN) for NF-kappaB subunit p50 and an antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) as well as a NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). METHODS: AGS cells were treated with p50 AS ODN, GSH or PDTC in the presence of H. pylori. mRNA expression and protein levels for IL-8 and COX-2 were determined by Northern blot analysis and Western blot analysis. Levels of IL-8, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (6-keto-PGF1alpha) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) were measured in the medium by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NF-kappaB activation was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. RESULTS: H. pylori induced a time-dependent expression of mRNA and protein for IL-8 and COX-2 via activation of NF-kappaB and increased the levels of IL-8, 6-keto-PGF1alpha and TXB2, which were inhibited by GSH and PDTC. H. pylori-induced expression of IL-8 and COX-2 was blocked in AGS cells transfected with p50 AS ODN. CONCLUSION: NF-kappaB may play a novel role in expression of IL-8 and COX-2 in H. pylori-induced gastric inflammation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2001

Potential mechanisms for the inhibition of tumor cell growth by manganese superoxide dismutase.

Studies from many laboratories have shown that overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) inhibits the growth of numerous tumor cell types. The inhibition of tumor cell growth can be attributed to the increase in the steady-state levels of H2O2 as a result of the increased dismuting activity of MnSOD. Here we demonstrate that overexpression of MnSOD enhances the activity of the superoxide (O2*-)-sensitive enzyme aconitase, decreases the intracellular GSH/GSSG ratio, and dose-dependently inhibits pyruvate carboxylase activity. Thus, alterations in the steady-state concentrations of mitochondrial O2*- and H2O2 as a result of MnSOD overexpression can alter the metabolic capacity of the cell leading to inhibition of cell growth. Furthermore, we propose that MnSOD overexpression can modulate the activity of nitric oxide (*NO) by preventing its reaction with O2*-. This hypothesis suggests that the redox environment of the mitochondria can be altered to favor the activity of *NO rather than peroxynitrite (ONOO-) and may explain the enhanced toxicity of *NO-generating compounds toward MnSOD-overexpressing cell lines. These findings indicate that therapeutic strategies targeted at overexpressing MnSOD in tumor tissue may be more effective when used in combination with agents that deplete the oxidant-buffering and enhance the *NO-generating capacity of the tumor and host, respectively.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

PubMed2001

Transcriptional expression characteristics and subcellular localization of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase in the oil plant Perilla frutescens.

Three ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase clones were isolated from the cotyledon cDNA library of the oil plant, Perilla frutescens, and their intracellular localization investigated. Two of three cDNAs (PfagpS1 and PfagpS2) were homologous to the catalytic small subunit of AGPases found in other plants, while the third clone (PfagpL) was highly similar to the large subunit type. Transcripts for PfagpS1 and PfagpS2 were observed in both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic tissue, showing the highest expression in the stem, while PfagpL transcripts were abundantly expressed in stem and cotyledon. To evaluate the subcellular localization of PfagpS2 and PfagpL as well as the maize BT2, N-terminus-GFP DNA fusion were constructed and transformed into tobacco plants. Immunoblot analysis showed that the expressed PfagpS2- and PfagpL-GFP fusions were targeted to the plastid in the heterologous tobacco system whereas the BT2-GFP remained intact, suggesting a cytoplasmic location. These intracellular assignments were confirmed by direct confocal microscopic examination. GFP signals were localized to the cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus in BT2-GFP plants, and to the plastids in PfagpS2- and PfagpL-GFP plants. Our results indicate that Perilla cotyledons contain multiple AGPase subunits, of which at least two isoforms and very likely the third, are plastidial in nature.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

Sclerotherapy with picibanil (OK-432) for congenital lymphatic malformation in the head and neck.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Congenital lymphatic malformations of the head and neck (LMHN) present special challenges to the otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon. Recently, a number of sclerotherapy trials have shown promising results. In this study, we present our experiences with picibanil (OK-432) sclerotherapy for this lesion. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospectively review. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients who have undergone sclerotherapy with picibanil for LMHN. RESULTS: Satisfactory response with complete or nearly complete shrinkage of the lesions was observed in 15 cases after repeated sclerotherapy (average, two times). We did not observe any significant morbidity or complications in the patients treated with picibanil. Reduction in size of the mass was achieved in weeks to months. Some of the patients who had not had any other previous treatment showed remarkable reductions in size even after the first therapy. When we used picibanil sclerotherapy as a primary treatment for the LMHN, most of our patients showed satisfactory results regardless of the size or location of the lesions. CONCLUSION: Given with our experience and the reports that failure of picibanil sclerotherapy does not hinder subsequent surgical salvage procedures, we recommend trying picibanil sclerotherapy as a primary treatment for the LMHN and performing surgical excision as a secondary modality if the response to the sclerotherapy is not satisfactory.

Child↗

PubMed2001

A clinical analysis of gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy.

Gasless endoscopic surgery was applied to a thyroidectomy. Compared with the previous method of endoscopic thyroidectomy, this method is superior in obtaining hemostasis and minimizing the possible complications of gas-insufflating surgery, such as a hypercapnia or massive subcutaneous emphysema. We successfully removed 37 thyroid tumors in 35 patients by gasless endoscopic surgery without any significant complications. No scars remained in the neck, and all patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results. Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy is a safe and technically feasible alternative to conventional thyroidectomy for cases of benign thyroid tumors and has good cosmetic results.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Fecal occult blood testing in a noncompliant inner city minority population: increased compliance and adherence to screening procedures without loss of test sensitivity using stool obtained at the time of in-office rectal examination.

OBJECTIVES: Fecal occult blood screening is cost-effective, is easily administered to large groups of patients, and reduces mortality associated with colorectal cancer. Within our predominant African American and Latino inner city clinic populations, compliance with common screening procedures is suboptimal. A procedure with increased compliance is needed to adequately screen this population at high risk for colorectal cancer. The objective of this study was to compare the results of the 3-day at-home hemoccult test for occult blood to those of a hemoccult test performed from stool obtained at rectal examination in the office. METHODS: A total of 350 consecutive patients referred to the GI clinic of University Hospital or Jersey City Medical Center for colorectal cancer screening had both the 3-day at-home hemoccult test and an in-office hemoccult examination performed, followed by either sigmoidoscopy (for negative results) or by colonoscopy (for positive results). RESULTS: Patients were noncompliant with dietary restrictions, 3-day card return, follow-up appointments, and endoscopy with conventional screening methods. Decisions based on the in-office examination with direct scheduling of endoscopy significantly improved compliance with follow-up. There was no statistical difference between the two detection methods, suggesting that the in-office examination was the more effective screening test. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopy based on an in-office hemoccult examination is an acceptable alternative to using the 3-day at-home stool collection to govern endoscopic choices. In a noncompliant inner city population, use of the in-office examination increased compliance with follow up, potentially allowing more patients exposure to screening.

Black or African American↗

PubMed2001

Methimazole as an antioxidant and immunomodulator in thyroid cells: mechanisms involving interferon-gamma signaling and H(2)O(2) scavenging.

The antithyroid drug, methimazole (MMI) is used to treat patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism. The major action of MMI is to inhibit synthesis of thyroid hormone in the thyroid gland. However, MMI also has antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects on thyrocytes and/or immune cells. This study identifies novel antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of MMI involving the interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) signaling pathway in thyroid cells. MMI inhibits transcription of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene by modulating the function of transcription factor STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1), which binds to the IFN-gamma activated site of the ICAM-1 promoter. Furthermore, MMI rapidly eliminates H(2)O(2) produced by IFN-gamma treatment in thyroid cells and thus inhibits the H(2)O(2)-mediated phosphorylation of tyrosine 701 in STAT1. MMI also eliminates H(2)O(2) in vitro. MMI facilitates electron transfer from NADPH to H(2)O(2) using thioredoxin or glutathione, fulfilling a role similar to peroxiredoxin or glutathione peroxidase, respectively. MMI prevents the IFN-gamma and H(2)O(2)-mediated reversible inactivation of phosphatases. These effects inhibit full activation of the IFN-gamma-induced Janus kinase(JAK)/STAT signaling pathway in FRTL-5 thyroid cells. These results may in part explain the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of MMI in thyroid cells of Graves' disease patients.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2001

Effect of SKI 306X, a new herbal anti-arthritic agent, in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a double-blind placebo controlled study.

SKI 306X is a purified extract from a mixture of three oriental herbal medicines (Clematis mandshurica, Trichosanthes kirilowii and Prunella vulgaris) that have been widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as lymphadenitis and arthritis in far East Asia. A double-blind, controlled study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SKI 306X with placebo in 96 patients with classical osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients were randomized to four treatment groups: placebo, 200 mg, 400 mg and 600 mg of SKI 306X t.i.d.. Clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated for 4 weeks continuous treatment. SKI 306X demonstrated its clinical efficacy, as assessed by 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS), Lequesne index and patients' and investigators opinion of the therapeutic effect compared with placebo (p<0.01). No significant adverse events were observed in patients treated with SKI 306X. This study demonstrated that SKI 306X, a new herbal anti-arthritic agent provided clinical efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis.

Adult↗