Objective Sesamin has been proved to be antihypertensive. Nitric oxide (NO) is the most important vascular relaxing factor that is regulated in endothelium. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is characterized as a potent vasoconstrictor and is also regulated in endothelium. Alterations in the endothelial production of NO and ET-1 are known to correlate with hypertension. This study investigated the effect of sesamin on NO and ET-1 in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Design The concentrations of NO and ET-1 in the medium of HUVECs treated by sesamin were measured. The mRNA and protein expressions of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were also investigated. Other than the mRNA and protein expression, NOS activity and cyclic GMP (cGMP) were detected. Methods The NO concentration was detected by colorimetric assay. The cGMP and ET-1 were analyzed by EIA. The eNOS, ECE-1, and ET-1 mRNA expressions were assayed by Northern blot. The eNOS and ECE-1 protein expressions were analyzed by Western blot. The NOS activity was assayed by detecting the level of [H³]-1-citrullin transformed from [H³]-1-arginine. Results Sesamin not only increased the NO concentration in the medium of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h, but also induced eNOS mRNA and protein expressions. NOS activity in the HUVECs was also induced by sesamin. The content of cGMP was induced by sesamin through NO signaling. On the other hand, the ET-1 concentration in the medium of HUVECs treated by sesamin was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h. The ECE-1 protein and mRNA expressions were also inhibited by sesamin. However, the mRNA expression of prepro ET-1 was not influenced by sesamin. Conclusion From the above results, it is suggested that sesamin may improve hypertension by its ability to induce NO and inhibit ET-1 production from endothelial cells. The increase of NO by sesamin is through the induction of eNOS gene expression. The decrease of ET-1 by sesamin is through the inhibition of ECE gene expression, but is not through the inhibition of prepro ET-1 gene expression.

Aging and osteoarthritis (OA) are associated with a high risk of muscle mass loss, which can lead to physical disability. This study investigated the effectiveness of protein supplementation combined with exercise training (PS + ET) in improving muscle mass and functional outcomes in older adults with lower-limb OA. A comprehensive search of online databases was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of PS + ET in older adults with hip or knee OA. Meta-analysis and risk of bias assessment of the included RCTs were conducted. Six RCTs were included in this systemic review; they had a median (range/total) Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score of 7 (6–9) out of 10, respectively. Five RCTs that enrolled patients who underwent total joint replacement were included in this meta-analysis. The PS + ET group exhibited significant improvements in muscle mass (standard mean difference [SMD] = 1.13, p < 0.00001), pain (SMD = 1.36, p < 0.00001), and muscle strength (SMD = 0.44, p = 0.04). Our findings suggest that PS + ET improves muscle mass, muscle strength, and functional outcomes and reduces pain in older adults with lower-limb OA, particularly in those who have undergone total joint replacement.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of health promotion education programs for a group of elderly residents in a community. A one group pre- and post-test design was used in this study. Nurses, dietitians, and physical education teachers worked collaboratively to provide a series of comprehensive, integrated education programs. Course content included healthy life style and health promotion, disease prevention, nutrition, exercise, and medication education. A total of 140 elderly participated in this study. Ninety-seven subjects attended all of the education programs. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Information about demographics, health status, health promotion know ledge and behaviors was included. The health promotion behavior data were collected twice. The initial data set was collected prior to the first course and the second after the fifth course. Health promotion knowledge was assessed pre- and post-test in the second, third, and fourth courses. The research findings revealed that the education programs were effective in improving elderly health promotion knowledge and behaviors. The scores for health promotion knowledge and positive health behaviors were high among subjects who were aged 65-69 years, were married, lived with family members and had higher education levels. The results could be used as a reference in future health promotion education in the community.