PMID: 

Biomol Ther (Seoul). 2018 Mar 1 ;26(2):109-114. PMID: 28554200

Abstract Title: 

The Memory-Enhancing Effects of Liquiritigenin by Activation of NMDA Receptors and the CREB Signaling Pathway in Mice.

Abstract: 

Liquiritigenin (LQ) is a flavonoid that can be isolated fromradix. It is frequently used as a tranditional oriental medicine herbal treatment for swelling and injury and for detoxification. However, the effects of LQ on cognitive function have not been fully explored. In this study, we evaluated the memory-enhancing effects of LQ and the underlying mechanisms with a focus on the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) in mice. Learning and memory ability were evaluated with the Y-maze and passive avoidance tests following administration of LQ. In addition, the expression of NMDAR subunits 1, 2A, and 2B; postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95); phosphorylation of Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII); phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2); and phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding (CREB) proteins were examined by Western blot., we found that treatment with LQ significantly improved memory performance in both behavioral tests., LQ significantly increased NMDARs in the hippocampus. Furthermore, LQ significantly increased PSD-95 expression as well as CaMKII, ERK, and CREB phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Taken together, our results suggest that LQ has cognition enhancing activities and that these effects are mediated, in part, by activation of the NMDAR and CREB signaling pathways.

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PMID: 

Arch Pharm Res. 2017 Oct ;40(10):1209-1217. Epub 2017 Sep 22. PMID: 28940173

Abstract Title: 

Liquiritigenin ameliorates memory and cognitive impairment through cholinergic and BDNF pathways in the mouse hippocampus.

Abstract: 

Liquiritigenin (LQ), a flavonoid extracted from the radix of Glycyrrhiza, has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. In this study, we evaluated the cognitive enhancing effects of LQ on learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), a muscarinic antagonist, using the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and novel object recognition tests. A single administration of LQ significantly improved scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in these behavioral tests. In addition, LQ dramatically inhibited acetylcholinesterase andthiobarbituric acid reactive substance activities in the hippocampus of scopolamine-induced mice in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, LQ markedly increased the protein level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cAMP response element binding (CREB) in the hippocampus of scopolamine-induced mice. Taken together, our results indicate that LQ may be useful for the treatment of learning and memory impairments, and that the beneficial effects of LQ are mediated, in part, by cholinergic and BDNF/ERK/CREB signaling enhancement and/or protection.

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PMID: 

Oncol Res. 2019 Feb 5 ;27(2):139-146. Epub 2018 Feb 22. PMID: 29471888

Abstract Title: 

Liquiritigenin Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Proliferation, Invasion, and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Decreasing Expression of Runt-Related Transcription Factor 2.

Abstract: 

Inhibition of tumor metastasis is one of the most important purposes in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. This study aimed to explore the effects of liquiritigenin, a flavonoid extracted from the roots ofFisch, on HCT116 cell proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We found that liquiritigenin significantly inhibited HCT116 cell proliferation, invasion, and the EMT process, but had no influence on cell apoptosis. Moreover, liquiritigenin remarkably reduced the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in HCT116 cells. Overexpression of Runx2 obviously reversed the liquiritigenin-induced invasion and EMT inhibition. Furthermore, liquiritigenin inactivated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway in HCT116 cells. Upregulation of Runx2 reversed the liquiritigenin-induced PI3K/AKT pathway inactivation. In conclusion, our research verified that liquiritigenin exerted significant inhibitory effects on CRC invasion and EMT process by downregulating the expression of Runx2 and inactivating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Liquiritigenin could be an effective therapeutic and preventative medicine for CRC treatment.

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PMID: 

Biomed Pharmacother. 2018 Oct ;106:976-982. Epub 2018 Jul 14. PMID: 30119269

Abstract Title: 

Liquiritigenin attenuates high glucose-induced mesangial matrix accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation by suppression of the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways.

Abstract: 

Oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperglycemia are considered to play crucial roles in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Liquiritigenin, one of the flavonoid compounds, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-oxidative properties. Our study aimed to explore the effects of liquiritigenin on high glucose (HG)-induced extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, oxidative stress and inflammatory response and delineate the underlying mechanism. In our study, glomerular mesangial cells (HBZY-1) were co-treated with various doses of liquiritigenin and HG. We found that HG, but not normal glucose or mannitol, promoted the proliferation of HBZY-1 cells, which was suppressed by liquiritigenin. Liquiritigenin inhibited HG-induced ECM accumulation in HBZY-1 cells by reducing the expressions and production of collagen IV (Col IV) and fibronectin (FN). Moreover, liquiritigenin attenuated HG-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by the decreased MDA content and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression, and the increased SOD activity in HBZY-1 cells. Liquiritigenin suppressed HG-induced inflammatory response, as demonstrated by the reduced expressions and secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β in HBZY-1 cells. Furthermore, we found that liquiritigenin inhibited HG-induced activation the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathways. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that liquiritigenin attenuated HG-induced ECM accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation by suppression of the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways, suggesting that liquiritigenin might be a promising therapeutic agent for preventing the development of DN.

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PMID: 

Clin Rehabil. 2019 Sep 26:269215519877511. Epub 2019 Sep 26. PMID: 31556315

Abstract Title: 

Acupuncture and related interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome: systematic review.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture and related therapies for primary carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by conducting a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).DATA SOURCES: Nine databases were searched for potential RCTs from their inception till July 2019.REVIEW METHODS: RCTs which reported at least one of the three outcomes were included: symptom severity, functional status and pain. Included RCTs were appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.RESULTS: A total of 10 RCTs (728 participants) were included. Majority were at high risk of bias for blinding of participants, personnel and outcome assessors. When compared to conventional medications, manual acupuncture showed significant superior effect in reducing symptom than ibuprofen (mean difference (MD) on Symptom Severity Scale (SSS)) = -5.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): -7.95 to -3.65) and prednisolone (MD = -6.50, 95% CI: -10.1, -2.86). Electroacupuncture plus splinting was more effective in reducing symptom severity than splinting alone (SSS score: MD = -0.20, 95% CI: -0.36 to -0.03). Manual acupuncture showed significantly superior effect than ibuprofen in improving functional status (Functional Status Scale (FSS): MD = -1.84, 95% CI: -2.66 to -1.02). The combination of electroacupuncture and splinting showed more improvement in functional status compared to splinting alone (FSS: MD = -6.22, 95%CI: -10.7 to -1.71). Triple treatment of acupuncture, magnetic spectrum heat lamp and splinting showed stronger pain relief than splinting alone.CONCLUSION: For both symptom relief and function improvement, manual acupuncture is superior to ibuprofen while electroacupuncture plus splinting outperforms splinting alone. Limited evidence showed electroacupuncture's potential role in pain reduction.

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PMID: 

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019 Aug ;36:64-68. Epub 2019 May 29. PMID: 31383445

Abstract Title: 

Comparing effects of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil and orange essential oil on fatigue of hemodialysis patients: A randomized trial.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Fatigue is a common complication of hemodialysis. This study aimed to compare the effects of aromatherapy with essential oils of lavender and orange on the fatigue of hemodialysis patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety subjects were randomly allocated into three groups of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil, aromatherapy with orange essential oil and control. Data collection tool was the Fatigue Severity Scale. In each experimental group, subjects inhaled five drops of lavender essential oil and orange essential oil.RESULTS: The difference in the mean of fatigue before and after the intervention in each of the experimental groups was statistically significant, but this difference was not significant in the control group. Between the two groups of aromatherapy, no significant difference was observed in terms of the mean fatigue after the intervention.CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil and orange essential oil might reduce fatigue in hemodialysis patients.

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PMID: 

Aust N Z J Public Health. 1998 ;22(3 Suppl):360-7. PMID: 9629823

Abstract Title: 

Childhood incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and exposure to broadcast radiation in Sydney–a second look.

Abstract: 

INTRODUCTION: Recent findings of an apparent association between incidence of childhood leukaemia and radio frequency radiation (RFR) from television transmission antennas in Sydney, NSW, are examined.METHODS: Incidence of childhood (0-14 years) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at the local government area (LGA) level is related to estimated exposure levels of RFR from television transmission antennas, using Poisson regression techniques.RESULTS: Most of the association between ALL incidence and television transmission RFR is shown to be the result of an influential observation: one of the highly exposed LGAs contributes all the excess, while in a similarly exposed LGA childhood ALL incidence was found to be no higher than the rate expected for NSW. With the influential observation excluded from the analysis, no positive correlation between exposure to RFR and leukaemia is evident. Conversely, under the assumption of an association with RFR, the low probability of the observed incident cases in LGAs under conditions of relatively high exposure to RFR conflicts with the assumption of an effect.CONCLUSION: The apparent association between childhood ALL incidence and RFR radiation from television towers is weaker when an LGA-level analysis is conducted.

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PMID: 

Food Funct. 2019 May 22 ;10(5):2881-2887. PMID: 31070208

Abstract Title: 

Dihydrochalcone-derived polyphenols from tea crab apple (Malus hupehensis) and their inhibitory effects onα-glucosidase in vitro.

Abstract: 

Three dihydrochalcone-derived polyphenols, huperolides A-C (1-3), along with thirteen known compounds (4-16) were isolated from the leaves of Malus hupehensis, the well-known tea crab apple in China. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis including NMR (HSQC, HMBC, 1H-1H COSY and ROESY), HRMS and CD spectra. Huperolide A is a polyphenol with a new type of carbon skeleton, while huperolides B and C are a couple of atropisomers, which were isolated from natural sources for the first time. The antihyperglycemic effects of the isolated compounds were evaluated based on assaying their inhibitory activities againstα-glucosidase. As a result, phlorizin (4), 3-hydroxyphloridzin (5), 3-O-coumaroylquinic acid (12) and β-hydroxypropiovanillone (15) showed significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase. Therefore, those compounds might be responsible for the antihyperglycemic effect of this herb, and are the most promising compounds to lead discovery of drugs against diabetes.

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PMID: 

Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Jun 21 ;8(6). Epub 2019 Jun 21. PMID: 31234319

Abstract Title: 

Apple Pomace Extract as a Sustainable Food Ingredient.

Abstract: 

Apple pomace is a by-product of apple processing industries with low value and thus frequent disposal, although with valuable compounds. Acidified hot water extraction has been suggested as a clean, feasible, and easy approach for the recovery of polyphenols. This type of extraction allowed us to obtain 296 g of extract per kg of dry apple pomace, including 3.3 g of polyphenols and 281 g of carbohydrates. Ultrafiltration and solid-phase extraction using C18 cartridges of the hot water extract suggested that, in addition to the apple native polyphenols detected by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to a diode-array detector and mass spectrometry UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS, polyphenols could also be present as complexes with carbohydrates. For the water-soluble polyphenols, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were observed by inhibiting chemically generated hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and nitrogen monoxide radicals (NO•) produced in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. The water-soluble polyphenols, when incorporated into yogurt formulations, were not affected by fermentation and improved the antioxidant properties of the final product. This in vitro research paves the way for agro-food industries to achieve more diversified and sustainable solutions towards their main by-products.

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PMID: 

Occup Med (Lond). 2000 Jul ;50(5):366-8. PMID: 10975136

Abstract Title: 

Neurological abnormalities associated with mobile phone use.

Abstract: 

Dysaesthesiae of the scalp after mobile phone use have been previously reported but the pathological basis of these symptoms has been unclear. We report finding a neurological abnormality in a patient after prolonged use of a mobile phone. He had permanent unilateral dysaesthesiae of the scalp, slight loss of sensation, and abnormalities on current perception threshold testing of cervical and trigeminal nerves. A neurologist found no other disease. The implications regarding health effects of mobile phones and radio-frequency radiation is discussed.

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