Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a gastrointestinal disorder with diverse symptoms but no structural or organic manifestations. Benachio-F® (herein named ‘BF-1’) is an over-the-counter liquid digestive formulated with multiple herbal extracts, which has been reported to improve symptoms of FD. A total two experiments were conducted. First, we examined whether BF-1 can modulate the progression of FD through two experimental rat models. A total of three doses (0.3x, 1x, 3x of the human equivalent dose) were used. In the gastric emptying model, both 1x (standard) or 3x (3-fold-concentrated) BF-1 enhanced gastric emptying was compared with that of vehicle-treated animals. In a feeding inhibition model induced by acute restraint stress, treatment with 1x or 3x BF-1 led to a similar degree of restoration in food intake that was comparable to that of acotiamide-treated animals. Among the constituents of BF, fennel is known for its choleretic effect. Thus, we next investigated whether a novel BF-based formula (named ‘BF-2’) that contains an increased amount of fennel extract (3.5-fold over BF-1), has greater potency in increasing bile flow. BF-2 showed a superior choleretic effect compared to BF-1. Furthermore, the postprandial concentration of serum secretin was higher in animals pretreated with BF-2 than in those pretreated with BF-1, suggesting that the increased choleretic effect of BF-2 is related to secretin production. Our results demonstrate that BF-1 can modulate the pathophysiological mechanisms of FD by exerting prokinetic and stress-relieving effects, and that BF-2 has a better choleretic effect than BF-1.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recognized as a therapeutic tool for various diseases due to its unique ability for tissue regeneration and immune regulation. However, poor survival during in vitro expansion and after being administrated in vivo limits its clinical uses. Accordingly, protocols for enhancing cell survivability is critical for establishing an efficient cell therapy is needed. CDDOMe is a synthetic C-28 methyl ester of 2-cyano-3,12-dioxoolean-1,9-dien-28-oic acid, which is known to stimulate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)- antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. Herein, report that CDDO-Me promoted the proliferation of MSCs and increased colony forming units (CFU) numbers. No alteration in differentiation into tri-lineage mesodermal cells was found after CDDO-Me treatment. We observed that CDDO-Me treatment reduced the cell death induced by oxidative stress, demonstrated by the augment in the expression of Nrf2-downstream genes. Lastly, CDDO-Me led to the nuclear translocation of NRF2. Our data indicate that CDDO-Me can enhance the functionality of MSCs by stimulating cell survival and increasing viability under oxidative stress.

PURPOSES : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of urban road characteristics on temperature changes in urban areas using surface thermal temperature. METHODS : This study measured the surface thermal temperature of each road component from urban roads, analyzed the effect of the road component characteristics and vegetation on temperature, and estimated the regression models. RESULTS : As a result, the mean temperature was 27.3 ℃ on the roadway, 25.5 ℃ on the vegetated median, and 22.9 ℃ on the sidewalks. The roadside temperature was 26.14 ℃ with surrounding buildings and 23.82 ℃ near green spaces. The temperature with street trees was lower (24.45 ℃) than without (28.38 ℃) while it was 23.96 ℃ with vegetated median and 25.64 ℃ without. The temperatures were lower (24.70 ℃) on the permeable surface than on the impermeable surface (28.38 ℃). Model estimates show that the temperature decreases by 0.007 ℃ with an increase of 1 m² green (permeable space) space and the temperature with buildings tends to be 1.729 ℃ higher than that with green space. As green space increases by 1 m², the temperature tends to decrease by 0.017 ℃ on the roadway and by 0.012 ℃ on the sidewalk. Shade effect models show that street trees with shade affect temperature reduction by -3.884 ℃ on roadways and -3.314 ℃ on sidewalks. CONCLUSIONS : The results of this study demonstrate the differing effects of road characteristics on temperature. The roadway is more sensitive than the sidewalk to temperature changes and roadside vegetation, ambient green space, and pavement permeability contribute to temperature reduction.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play essential roles in normal and pathophysiological function in liver. In steady state, HSCs contribute to retinoid storage, immune tolerance, and extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. Upon liver injury, they become activated and lead to morphological and functional changes. Studies have demonstrated that activation of HSCs by various stimuli such as toxins, microbial infection, or metabolic overload can promote the fibrotic changes in liver by production of ECM. Herein, we provide current knowledge about the basic characteristics of HSCs and the mechanism by which they are activated.