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Mast cells are the principal effector cells involved in the allergic response, through the release of histamine. We investigated the effect of eriodictyol, derived from the painted maple and yerba santa, on mast cell degranulation and on an allergic response in an animal model. We also investigated its effect on the expression of the ceramide kinase (CERK) involved in calcium-dependent degranulation, and on ceramide activation by multiple cytokines. Eriodictyol suppressed the release of beta-hexosaminidase, a marker of degranulation, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-4 mRNA. It inhibited the expression of CERK mRNA, reduced the ceramide concentration in antigen-stimulated mast cells, and suppressed the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that eriodictyol can inhibit mast cell degranulation through inhibition of ceramide kinase, and that it might potentially serve as an anti-allergic agent.

Mast cells, the central effector cells involved in the allergic response, release histamine, arachidonic acid, and proinflammatory cytokines. We investigated the effect of the ethyl acetate fraction (EA), derived from Korean rice wine lees, on RBL-2H3 cell degranulation and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in an animal model. The EA fraction suppressed the release of beta-hexosaminidase, a marker of degranulation, and the mRNA expression of interleukin-3 (IL-3) and IL-13. EA also successfully suppressed the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that EA can inhibit mast cell degranulation through the inhibition of IL-3 and IL-13 mRNA expression, and that EA may potentially serve as an anti-allergic agent.

Ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) is a novel bioactive sphingolipid formed by ceramide kinase (CERK)-catalyzed phosphorylation of ceramide. It has been implicated in the regulation of such vital pathophysiological functions as phagocytosis and inflammation, but there have been no reports ascribing a biological function to CERK in vascular disorders. Here the potential role of CERK/C1P in neointimal formation was investigated using rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in primary culture and a rat carotid injury model. Exogenous C8-C1P stimulated cell proliferation, DNA synthesis, and cell cycle progression of rat aortic VSMCs in primary culture. In addition, wild-type CERK-transfected rat aortic VSMCs induced a marked increase in rat aortic VSMC proliferation and [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation when compared to empty vector transfectant. C8-C1P markedly activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) within 5min, and the activation could be prevented by U0126, a MEK inhibitor. Also, K1, a CERK inhibitor, decreased the ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cell proliferation on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated rat aortic VSMCs. CERK expression and C1P levels were found to be potently increased during neointimal formation using a rat carotid injury model. However, ceramide levels decreased during the neointimal formation process. These findings suggest that C1P can induce neointimal formation via cell proliferation through the regulation of the ERK1/2 protein in rat aortic VSMCs and that CERK/C1P may regulate VSMC proliferation as an important pathogenic marker in the development of cardiovascular disorders.

Skin aging is related to genetic and environmental factors (e.g ., gene mutation and UV radiation re- spectively). To develop a new anti-wrinkle cosmetic or function al food by using Korean rice wine cake, we examined the effects of Korean rice wine cake, a brewery byp roduct, on antioxidant effect, collagen synthesis and expression of MMP-1. Interestingly, we found that Korean rice wine cake has the ability to promote scavenging activity of DPPH radical. We also found that the cell proliferation and synthesis of collagen in HS27 cells was increased by Korean rice wine cake in a concentration-dependent manner. However, elastase inhibitory activity was not changed. In addit ion, the expression of MMP-1 was in- hibited by Korean rice wine cake in a concentration-dependent m anner. All these results suggest that Korean rice wine cake can be effectively used for the prevention of wrinkles in human skin.

Muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, are associated with an increase in oxidative stress. Proposed treatments for muscular dystrophy, some in clinical trials, include gene therapy and muscle cell transplantation. In this study, we investigated the effects of idesolide, isolated from the fruits of Idesia polycarpa, on changes that occur in muscle disuse atrophy. We noted protective effects on oxidative stress response and HSP70 regulation. Pre-treatment with idesolide for 24 h maintained cell viability and decreased apoptosis in H(2)O(2)-treated C(2)C(12) muscle cells. The idesolide pretreatment also increased intracellular HSP70 protein. Our results suggest that idesolide inhibits cell death through induction of HSP70 in C(2)C(12) muscle cells. This work is the first to report that idesolide can regulate the decrease in HSP70 that occurs during skeletal muscle atrophy.