ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the prefrontal cortex on the improvement of verbal, visuospatial working memory and naming in healthy adults.MethodThirty two healthy adults (15 males and 17 females, mean age 37.3±13.0 years) were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into four groups randomly. They underwent sham or anodal tDCS over the left or right prefrontal cortex, for 20 minutes at a direct current of 1 mA. Before and immediately after tDCS, the subjects performed the Korean version of the mini-mental state exam (K-MMSE) and stroop test (color/word/interference) for the screening of cognitive function. For working memory and language evaluation, the digit span test (forward/backward), the visuospatial attention test in computer assisted cognitive program (CogPack®) and the Korean-Boston Naming Test (K-BNT) were assessed before tDCS, immediately after tDCS, and 2 weeks after tDCS.ResultsThe stroop test (word/interference), backward digit span test and K-BNT were improved in the left prefrontal tDCS group compared with that of the sham group (p<0.05). The stroop test (interference) and visuospatial attention test were in the right prefrontal tDCS group compared with that of the sham group (p<0.05). Their improvement lasted for 2 weeks after stimulation.ConclusiontDCS can induce verbal working memory improvement and naming facilitation by stimulating the left prefrontal cortex. It can also improve the visuospatial working memory by stimulating the right prefrontal cortex. Further studies which are lesion and symptom specific tDCS treatment for rehabilitation of stroke can be carried out.

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Bupleurum falcatum L. is employed in oriental medicine in Korea. This root has been used for anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and anti-hepatotoxic effects in the treatments of common cold, fever, and hepatitis. One of major bioactive compounds of Radix Bupleuri is the saikosaponin a (SSNa). However, little is known concerning the effects of SSNa on obesity associated with a state of low-grade inflammation. Consequently, this study was conducted to determine the inhibition of the inflammation pathway of SSNa in obesity. MTT assay was conducted for cytotoxicity and viability; nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions were extracted from adipocytes for translocation of nuclear factor-κB cells (NF-κB); nitric oxide (NO) production and secretion using Griess reagent; reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting for mRNA and protein levels associated with inflammation in the hypertrophied adipocytes. The results revealed that SSNa significantly decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 as proinflammatory cytokines, compared to that of non-treated control cells. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as inflammatory factors were reduced by treatment of these cells with SSNa and also suppressed NO production. Phosphorylation of IκBα was inhibited and translocation of NF-κB was suppressed via the ERK pathway in response to SSNa treatment. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that SSNa can inhibit the expression of inflammatory-associated genes in hypertrophied 3T3-L1 adipocytes and is a potent inhibitor of NF-κB activation. Thus these results suggest that SSNa is a novel therapeutic agent against that can be used against obesity-associated inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with definite cognitive impairment and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show motor dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether exercise changes balance and whether the effects of exercise on balance are different in patients with MCI as compared to the control group. METHODS: Posturography was used to assess balance by measuring the mediolateral and anteroposterior sway distance and sway speed. After the baseline balance test (T1), subjects received exercise instruction. Follow-up balance tests were performed at 6 months (T2) and 12 months (T3). RESULTS: When comparing persons with MCI (n = 17) with control group (n = 12), four indices of posturography showed differences between groups (p < 0.05). Also, there were improvements in more indices between T1 and T3, rather than between T1 and T2, in both MCI and control groups (p < 0.05). After receiving guidance concerning exercises, the sway values at 12 months were lower than values at the 6-month follow-up (p < 0.05). However, this trend in the sway values did not show a difference between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Persons with MCI had poorer balance control ability as compared with normal healthy persons. More than one year of steady exercise can be helpful for the improvement of balance in both MCI and normal persons.

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