Chrysophanol is a member of the anthraquinone family and has multiple pharmacological effects, but the exact mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of chrysophanol has yet to be thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we attempted to determine the effects of chrysophanol on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The findings of this study demonstrated that chrysophanol effectively attenuated overall clinical scores as well as various pathological markers of colitis. Additionally, chrysophanol inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 levels induced by LPS. We showed that this anti-inflammatory effect of chrysophanol is through suppression of the activation of NF-κB and caspase-1 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. These results provide novel insights into the pharmacological actions of chrysophanol as a potential molecule for use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

BiRyuChe-bang (BRC) is a Korean prescription medicine, which has been used to treat allergic rhinitis at Kyung Hee Medical Center. In this work, we investigated the effects of BRC on mast cell-mediated allergic reactions and inflammatory cytokines production, and identified the active component of BRC. Histamine release was measured from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs). Ear swelling and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) were examined in mouse models. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187-induced inflammatory cytokines production was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used for the expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8. Activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB was analyzed by Western blotting. BRC significantly inhibited the compound 48/80-induced ear swelling response, histamine release from RPMCs, PCA activated by anti-dinitrophenyl IgE, and PMA plus A23187-induced inflammatory cytokines production (p < 0.05). In addition, BRC dose-dependently inhibited the mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 as well as the activation of NF-κB in a human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. BRC inhibited the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in mice induced with PCA. Several components of BRC, such as 1,8-Cineole, Linalool, Linalyl acetate, α-Pinene, and α-Terpineol, significantly inhibited the release of histamine from RPMCs (p < 0.05). Among these components, Linalyl acetate was the most effective for inhibiting histamine release. These results indicate that BRC has a potential regulatory effect on allergic and inflammatory reactions mediated by mast cells.

Epinephrine is a critical drug for patients at risk for anaphylaxis. Here, we suggest moxibustion as an alternative method to reduce anaphylaxis. Moxibustion was applied to the Shimen (CV5) acupoint and found to attenuate compound 48/80-induced mortality. Capsazepine, a transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 1 antagonist, significantly improved overall survival rates compared to groups treated with moxibustion or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (an activator of TRPV1, 2, and 3). Probenecid (a TRPV2 agonist) also increased survival rate and reduced histamine levels. Survival rates increased by moxibustion and probenecid were completely inhibited by ruthenium red (a TRPV2 and 3 antagonist) and gadolinium chloride (general TRPV antagonist), respectively. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and ear swelling were significantly reduced by moxibustion and probenecid (p < 0.05). In cardiomyocytes, TRPV2 was over-expressed by compound 48/80 and histamine but this increased TRPV2 expression decreased to baseline with moxibustion and probenecid treatment. In addition, intracellular calcium levels increased by compound 48/80 were reduced by probenecid. Overall, these findings suggest that the reduction of anaphylaxis caused by moxibustion could represent a new mechanism of moxibustion related to the regulation of TRPV2 activation and promotion of epinephrine secretion.

Background and Objective：In supraglottic cancer the incidence of lymph node metastsis is higher than other subsites. One of the major controversies in treatment of the supraglottic cancer is how to manage the possibility of neck disease. This study was designed to find out the incidencies of ipsilateral and contralateral lymph node metastasis and to establish the indication of neck dissection according to T stage. Materials and Methods：A retrospective review was undertaken of 49 cases of supraglottic carcinoma at the department of otolaryngology, Pusan National University Hospital between March 1986 and February 1992. Results：In our series of 49 patients, 14 cases had no neck dissection, 19 had unilateral neck dissections, and 16 underwent bilateral neck dissection. Rate of ipsilateral neck metastasis according to T stage was 0% in T 1 , 40.9% in T 2 , 59.1% in T 3 and 75.0% in T 4 respectively. Rate of contralateral neck metastasis according to T stage was 0% in T 1 , 18.2% in T 2 , 13.6% in T 3 and 0% in T 4 , respectively. Seven neck failure cases were noted during follow up. Only 2 of the 30 neck dissections had recurred on previous dissected necks. The remaining 5 neck metastasis occurred in unoperated necks, only 1 of those was deemed contralateral to the primary lesion. Rate of subsequent ipsilateral neck recurrence in case of ipsilateral negative nodal metastasis during follow up was 26.6% 4/15 cases . Oveall, 2 year survival rate in negative necks was 66.7%, and that of positive neck was 50.0%. Conclusion：Overall, incidence of ipsilateral lymph node metastasis was 51.0%. Most neck recurrences occured in untreated or radiated ipsilateral necks. Therefore, studies indicate routine neck dissection should be considered in surgical treatment of supraglottic carcinoma.