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Depression is the most prevalent emotional disorder among post-stroke patients and may influence gait recovery and movement patterns. However, scarce prior research has specifically examined the biomechanical differences in gait between stroke patients with and without depression. This study aimed to explore variations in lower extremity biomechanical parameters during gait based on depression status. A prospective observational design was employed, recruiting 20 chronic stroke patients (post-onset > 6 months) and 10 healthy persons. The Geriatric Depression Scale classified stroke patients into a depressed group ( n  = 10) and a non-depressed group ( n  = 10). Participants walked along a seven-meter walkway while a 3D motion analysis system captured sagittal plane biomechanical data from the bilateral hip, knee, and ankle joints. Group differences were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, with Mann-Whitney post-hoc comparisons. Findings revealed that the non-depressed group exhibited significantly greater peak generation power at the unaffected hip compared to the depressed group ( p  = 0.019). Additionally, both stroke groups demonstrated significantly lower peak ankle generation power and reduced maximum knee flexion on the unaffected side compared to the healthy group ( p  < 0.05). These results suggest that post-stroke gait biomechanics could be different according to psychological factors, emphasizing the need for tailored therapy in the latter rehabilitation period.

Korean red ginseng (KRG, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) contains ginsenosides, which are metabolized into active metabolites with various pharmacological effects. This study assessed the in vivo exposure and accumulation of ginsenosides following single and repeated administration of KRG and its active ingredient, compound K, in experimental rodents. In Study 1, rats received KRG (2 g/kg) orally as a single dose or for 2, 4, and 8 wks. Repeated administration increased the maximum plasma concentrations (C max ) of ginsenosides Rb1 and Rd compared to a single dose (Rb: 23.9 to 68.3 ng/mL; Rd: 8.5 to 30.8 ng/mL over 8 wks). Compound K was detected at 2.9 and 2.3 ng/mL of C max after 4 and 8 wks of continuous KRG administration, with no significant differences. In Study 2, oral administration of compound K (5 or 10 mg/kg) in rats resulted in accumulation factors of 4 and 7, respectively. Study 3 evaluated the oral bioavailability of compound K in mice (intravenous, 2 mg/kg; oral, 10 mg/kg), estimating it at approximately 12%. Additionally, network pharmacology and molecular docking simulation studies supported the clinical potential of compound K against inflammation-related diseases. These findings suggest that for substances like KRG, which undergo in vivo metabolic conversion after administration, repeated KRG administration alters pharmacokinetic profiles and should be taken into consideration in its application.

Moutan Cortex (MC), the dried root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa, is used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine to treat enteritis for its anti-inflammatory properties. This study compared the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of paeonol and paeoniflorin in normal and dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis rats, and to determine how repeated low-dose MC [MC(L), 0.5 g/kg] or high-dose MC [MC(H), 2.5 g/kg] alters PK and disease severity. Using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we found that DNBS modestly increased paeonol AUClast (NC: 247.8 ± 63.7 vs DNBS: 337.0 ± 120.8 hr*ng/mL) and decreased paeoniflorin (NC: 474.1 ± 11.7 vs DNBS: 463.7 ± 106.8 hr*ng/mL) compared to controls (ns). After repeated dosing, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of paeonol was higher in the MC(H) than that in the MC(L) group (MC(L): 63.81 ± 29.74 vs MC(H): 4221.5 ± 1579.2 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Paeoniflorin Cmax in the MC(H) group was also higher than MC(L) group (MC(L): 60.5 ± 15.3 vs MC(H): 164.7 ± 74.7 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Repeated MC(H) treatments improved body weight loss and disease activity index. Western blots indicated that the expression of intestinal epithelial integrity-related proteins in the MC(H) group was comparable to that in the control. Inflammation did not influence paeonol and paeoniflorin PK significantly, whereas MC(H) group markedly increased systemic exposure, especially of paeonol, and demonstrated symptom relief. Appropriate dose adjustments are necessary to ensure safe and effective therapy because PK changes can lead to increased systemic exposure and affect treatment outcomes.

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease responsible for causing various health problems. Obese individuals experience disrupted homeostasis, thus making them more vulnerable to environmental pollutants. This study investigated the effect of pre-existing obesity on respiratory toxicity and explored whether sex differences exist in the response to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO -NPs), a component of air pollutants. Male and female mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 26 weeks and then intratracheally instilled with TiO -NPs at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/50 μL on days 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, and 13. Mice were sacrificed 24 h after the final administration. In HFD-fed obese mice, TiO -NPs exposure led to respiratory inflammation through the toll-like receptor 4-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and a subsequent inflammatory response induced by oxidative stress. These effects were more pronounced in females than in males, and this was attributed to the higher sensitivity of females to HFD consumption and early depletion of antioxidant defenses. Our findings suggest an increased risk of respiratory toxicity in individuals with pre-existing obesity and highlight that these effects are sex-specific.

The anti-inflammatory effect of green tea extract (GTE) has been confirmed in asthmatic mice, however, the pharmacological mechanism is not fully elucidated. To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of GTE in asthma and identify specific pathways, murine model of allergic asthma was established by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and the challenge for 4 weeks, with oral treatment using GTE and dexamethasone (DEX). Inflammatory cell counts, cytokines, OVA-specific IgE, airway hyperreactivity, and antioxidant markers in the lung were evaluated. Also, pulmonary histopathological analysis and western blotting were performed. , we established the model by stimulating the human airway epithelial cell line NCI-H292 using lipopolysaccharide, and treating with GTE and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) inhibitors. The GTE100 and GTE400 groups showed a decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness and the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) compared to the OVA group. GTE treatment also reduced interleukin (IL)-13, IL-5, and IL-4 levels in the BALF, and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E levels in the serum compared to those in the OVA group. GTE treatment decreased OVA-induced mucus secretion and airway inflammation. In addition, GTE suppressed the oxidative stress, and phosphorylation of MAPKs, which generally occurs after exposure to OVA. GTE administration also reduced matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and protein levels. GTE effectively inhibited asthmatic respiratory inflammation and mucus hyperproduction induced by OVA inhalation. These results suggest that GTE has the potential to be used for the treatment of asthma.

Background The mechanisms underlying gait function recovery in stroke remain uncertain. Biomechanical gait analysis has emerged as a promising approach to address this gap, offering essential information for developing tailored gait rehabilitation strategies in patients with stroke. However, few studies have investigated the gait biomechanics of dependent stroke ambulators, particularly for patients classified as level 3 in the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), which refers to the ability to walk on a level surface under supervision. Methods This prospective observational study recruited twelve patients with chronic stroke with an onset duration of more than six months, along with six healthy adults. The patients with stroke were grouped into FAC level 3 (N.=6) or FAC level 4 (N.=6) based on their level of independence. All participants performed level walking along a 7-meter walkway while three-dimensional motion capture was used to assess gait biomechanics. Seven functional assessments, including the Berg Balance Scale and Trunk Impairment Scale, were also conducted in patients with stroke. The Kruskal–Wallis test and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare gait parameters among groups, followed by Mann–Whitney and independent t-tests for post-hoc analyses. Results Both stroke groups showed significant differences in biomechanical parameters compared to the healthy group ( p  < 0.05). Compared to the FAC 4 group, the FAC 3 group exhibited significantly lower peak posterior ground reaction force on the affected side ( p  = 0.002); reduced hip range of motion ( p  = 0.047) and peak hip flexion moment ( p  = 0.044), and maximum knee flexion angle on the unaffected side ( p  = 0.026). Compared to the healthy group, the FAC 3 group demonstrated significantly reduced ankle range of motion on the affected side ( p  = 0.021), and lower maximum hip extension angle ( p  = 0.011), lower peak hip extension moment ( p  = 0.031) and peak ankle dorsiflexion moment lower maximum hip extension angle ( p  = 0.004) on the unaffected side, while no differences were observed between the FAC 4 and healthy groups ( p  > 0.05). Conclusions Significant differences in biomechanical parameters, particularly those related to eccentric contraction in the proximal joints of the unaffected side, were observed between FAC 3 and FAC 4 groups. These disparities highlight the need for tailored gait rehabilitation strategies based on ambulation level. Trial registration Clinical Trial No. NCT05908994, Date of registration: 23/05/2023.

Background/Objectives: Chestnut inner shells, traditionally used in Korean and Chinese herbal medicine, contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that contribute to complementary medicine. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of chestnut inner-shell extract (CIE) on skeletal muscle injury and atrophy using both in vivo and in vitro models. Methods: We used three experimental models representing distinct pathological mechanisms: (1) barium chloride (BaCl2)-induced muscle injury to model acute myofiber damage, (2) sciatic nerve transection to model chronic neurogenic muscle atrophy, and (3) H2O2-treated C2C12 myoblasts to model oxidative-stress-related myogenic impairment. Histological analyses (e.g., hematoxylin and eosin staining and cross-sectional area measurement) and molecular analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of CIE on muscle structure, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Results: In the BaCl2 injury model, CIE treatment significantly restored the muscle fiber structure, with muscle protein levels returning to near-normal levels. In the denervation-induced muscle atrophy model, CIE treatment led to a dose-dependent decrease in apoptosis-related factors (especially cleaved caspase-3) and mitigated the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In the in vitro oxidative stress model, CIE suppressed the expression of NRF2 and HO-1, which are key oxidative stress response regulators. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CIE may offer therapeutic potential for mitigating skeletal muscle damage, atrophy, and oxidative stress.

Ageratum conyzoides, an annual herbaceous plant that inhabits tropical and subtropical regions, has been traditionally used in Asia, Africa, and South America for phytotherapy to treat infectious and inflammatory conditions. However, the pharmacological effects of standardized ethanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides (ACE) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remain unexplored. The objective of this research is to examine the potential physiological impacts of ACE, a traditionally utilized remedy for inflammatory ailments, in a rat model with BPH induced by testosterone propionate (TP). Rats were subcutaneously administered TP (3 mg/kg) to induce BPH and concurrently orally administered ACE (20, 50, and 100 mg/kg) daily for 42 days. ACE markedly improved BPH characteristics, including prostate weight, prostate index, and epithelial thickness, while also suppressing androgens and related hormones. The findings were supported by a decrease in androgen receptor and downstream signals associated with BPH in the prostate tissues of the ACE groups. Furthermore, increased apoptotic signals were observed in the prostate tissue of the ACE groups, along with heightened detection of the apoptotic nucleus compared to the BPH alone group. These changes seen in the group that received finasteride were similar to those observed in this group. These findings suggest that ACE shows promise as an alternative phytotherapeutic agent for treating BPH.

Background/Objectives: Hair loss, driven by disrupted hair cycles, age-related hormonal imbalances, and oxidative stress, poses significant psychological challenges, necessitating the development of safe and effective therapies. This research investigates the trichogenic potential and underlying mechanisms of a standardized Ageratum conyzoides extract (ACE) using human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice as models. Methods: HFDPCs were treated with ACE to assess its effects on 5α-reductase activity, estrogen receptor (ERα/ERβ) signaling, and activation of Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK pathways. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and antioxidant enzyme expression were also evaluated. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were administered ACE orally, and hair regrowth, follicle number and depth, and histological changes were measured. Results: In HFDPCs, ACE inhibited 5α-reductase activity, modulated ERα and ERβ signaling, and activated Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK pathways. ACE treatment at 100 μg/mL significantly increased β-catenin, p-GSK3β, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression (p < 0.01) and decreased Dickkopf-related protein-1 (DKK-)1 expression (p < 0.05). It also upregulated VEGF and other hair-growth-related factors and exhibited substantial antioxidant properties by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and elevating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, notably SOD2 at 100 μg/mL. In C57BL/6 mice, oral administration of ACE significantly increased hair regrowth, with the 50 mg/kg group showing the most prominent effects, including increased hair follicle number and depth compared to the negative control group (p < 0.05). These effects were observed to be dose-dependent and comparable to those of minoxidil. Histological analysis confirmed enhanced anagen-phase follicle development. Conclusions: These findings highlight ACE’s multifaceted biological activity in promoting hair growth through hormonal modulation, pathway activation, and antioxidant protection, positioning it as a promising natural supplement for hair growth and health, although further clinical studies are required to confirm its efficacy in humans.

Fritillariae thunbergii Bulbus (FTB), a member of the Liliaceae family, has a long history of use in many herbal formulations for traditional and modern clinical applications to treat various infections and inflammation. To understand FTB’s diverse physiochemical properties, it is important to determine the pharmacokinetic properties of its active constituents, the steroidal alkaloids. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic alterations of the alkaloids, the active components of FTB, in the presence of colitis. A single oral dose of FTB (1 g/kg) was treated to a 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis rat model to assess whether the colitis condition could influence the pharmacokinetics of the major alkaloids present in FTB. Among the four major alkaloids, peimisine exhibited a significantly increased systemic exposure, approximately five times higher, under the colitis condition compared with the normal state. Meanwhile, peimine, peiminine, and sipeimine exhibited shorter half-lives in the DNBS group without significant changes in systemic absorption. As herbal medicine may contain active substances with different or opposing efficacies, careful consideration of pharmacokinetic changes in individual components due to diseases is necessary. Further experiments on peimisine are required to ensure the effectiveness and safety of FTB’s clinical application in the presence of colitis.