Generation of ROS by Kupffer cells incubated with various preparations of

Cells were incubated with live (e), heat-inactivated opsonized (b), heat-inactivated (d), or live opsonized (c) spirochetes, as well as with phorbol myristate (a). In the inset, dose-response curves for heat inactivated and opsonized (à) and heat inactivated (à) treponemes are shown.<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Chemiluminescence detection of reactive oxygen species in isolated Kupffer cells during phagocytosis of "</p><p>http://www.comparative-hepatology.com/content/3/S1/S41</p><p>Comparative Hepatology 2004;3(Suppl 1):S41-S41.</p><p>Published online 14 Jan 2004</p><p>PMCID:PMC2409443.</p><p></p

BCRP data according to type of delivery.

<p>BCRP data according to type of delivery.</p

Baseline characteristics of the studied groups.

*<p>vs ICP and ICP+UDCA.</p

Western blotting of syncytiotrophoblast membranes showing BCRP expression only on their apical side.

<p>Western blotting of syncytiotrophoblast membranes showing BCRP expression only on their apical side.</p

Results of immunoblotting quantification showing BCRP protein expression.

<p>A: an example of western blotting of BCRP protein expression on the apical membranes of the syncytiotrophoblast in the different groups under study. B: results of BCRP protein quantification. *ANOVA – P<0.0001 (Dunn’s Test: ICP+UDCA vs CTRL, P<0.001; ICP+UDCA vs ICP, P<0.01).</p

Effect of curcuma extract on 5-HT biphasic activity (contraction and then relaxation) in mouse distal colon.

<p>Mouse distal colon smooth muscle has been exposed to 5-HT (50 µM) before (control) and after exposure to 0.1 mg/ml curcuma extract for 30 min.. Data are mean ± SEM values (<i>n</i> = 3-5). Error bars are not shown where they are covered by the point itself.</p

Spasmolitic effect of curcuma extract on K⁺ (80 mM) induced contraction on isolated ileum (dark blu) and on isolated distal colon (light blu).

<p>Dose-response curves of curcuma extract. Data are means ± SEM values (<i>n</i> = 3-5). Error bars are not shown where they are covered by the point itself.</p

Effect of curcuma on histamine-induced contraction in isolated mice ileum.

<p>(A) Cumulative concentration-response curves were obtained before and after exposure to curcuma extract for 30 minutes. Data are mean ± SEM values (<i>n</i> = 5-6). (B) Time course of curcuma extract effect on histamine-induced contraction in isolated mice ileum (100%). Cumulative concentration-response curves were obtained before and after exposure to Curcuma extract (0.025 mg/ml) for 5, 15, 30, and 45 minutes. Data are mean ± SEM values (<i>n</i> = 4-7). (C) Time course of effect of curcuma-extract (0.025 mg/ml) on histamine-induced contraction in isolated mice ileum. Cumulative concentration-response curves were obtained before and after exposure to curcuma extract (0.025 mg/ml) and following washing for 5, 30, and 60 minutes. Data are mean ± SEM values (<i>n</i> = 3-5). Error bars are not shown where they are covered by the point itself. </p

Basal contractile activity: effect of Curcuma extract 1 mg/ml.

<p>(A,B) baseline gastric smooth muscle phasic contractions before (A) and after curcuma extract addition (B). (C,D): races of baseline trachea smooth muscle phasic contractions before (C) and after curcuma administration (D ). (E,F): traces of baseline smooth muscle bladder phasic contractions before (E) and after curcuma administration (F). X axis (g) and Y axis (h). (G): spontaneous phasic contractions frequency in gastric fundus, trachea, bladder strips (mean ± SEM) (C): Spontaneous phasic contractions amplitude in gastric fundus, trachea, bladder strips (mean ± SEM). In all cases Curcuma vs controls <i>P</i> > 0.05.</p

<em>Curcuma longa</em> Extract Exerts a Myorelaxant Effect on the Ileum and Colon in a Mouse Experimental Colitis Model, Independent of the Anti-Inflammatory Effect

<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Curcuma has long been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in inflammatory bowel disease. Since gastrointestinal motility is impaired in inflammatory states, the aim of this work was to evaluate if <em>Curcuma Longa</em> had any effect on intestinal motility.</p> <h3>Methods</h3><p>The biological activity of Curcuma extract was evaluated against Carbachol induced contraction in isolated mice intestine. Acute and chronic colitis were induced in Balb/c mice by Dextran Sulphate Sodium administration (5% and 2.5% respectively) and either Curcuma extract (200 mg/kg/day) or placebo was thereafter administered for 7 and 21 days respectively. Spontaneous contractions and the response to Carbachol and Atropine of ileum and colon were studied after colitis induction and Curcuma administration.</p> <h3>Results</h3><p>Curcuma extract reduced the spontaneous contractions in the ileum and colon; the maximal response to Carbachol was inhibited in a non-competitive and reversible manner. Similar results were obtained in ileum and colon from Curcuma fed mice. DSS administration decreased the motility, mainly in the colon and Curcuma almost restored both the spontaneous contractions and the response to Carbachol after 14 days assumption, compared to standard diet, but a prolonged assumption of Curcuma decreased the spontaneous and Carbachol-induced contractions.</p> <h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Curcuma extract has a direct and indirect myorelaxant effect on mouse ileum and colon, independent of the anti-inflammatory effect. The indirect effect is reversible and non-competitive with the cholinergic agent. These results suggest the use of curcuma extract as a spasmolytic agent.</p> </div