in situ hybridization and Western-blotting were used to detect the expression of P2X4R mRNA and protein in the DRG. These results showed that OECs had good biocompatibility with CS. Compared with the CCI, the MWT and TWL were significantly increased (P＜0.05), the expression levels of P2X4R mRNA and protein in the OECs and OECs+CS group were significantly reduced (P＜0.05). Compared with the OECs, the expression levels of P2X4R mRNA and protein in the OECs+CS group were significantly reduced (P＜0.05), the MWT and TWL were significantly increased (P＜0.05). We conclude that OECs+CS can better inhibit P2X4R over-expression-mediated NPP, and its therapeutic effect was superior to simple OECs transplantation, which may become another potential method for the treatment of NPP. Bright light at night has been known to suppress melatonin secretion. Photoreceptors, known as intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), project dark/bright information into the superchiasmatic nucleus, which regulates the circadian system. Electroretinograms of ipRGCs show fluctuation that is synchronized with light ON-OFF stimulation. This finding suggests that the flickering condition of light may have an impact on our circadian system. In this study, we evaluate light-induced melatonin suppression under flickering and non-flickering light conditions. Fifteen male subjects between the ages of 20 and 23 years (mean ± SD, 21.9 ± 1.9) were exposed to three light conditions (dim, 100-Hz flickering and non-flickering light) from 100 a.m. to 230 a.m. Saliva samples were taken just before 100 and at 115, 130, 200, and 230 a.m. Repeated-measure t-test with Bonferroni correction showed a significant decrease in melatonin levels under both 100-Hz and non-flickering light conditions compared to dim light conditions after 200 a.m. Moreover, at 230 a.m., the rate of change in melatonin level under 100 Hz of flickering light was significantly lower than that under non-flickering light. Our present findings suggest that 100-Hz flickering light may suppress melatonin secretion more than non-flickering light. ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Insects and insect-derived products play a vital role in traditional medicine in many parts of the world since ancient times. Among these insects, fungus-growing termites like Macrotermes bellicosus (M. bellicosus) are widely used in nutrition and traditional medicine in various societies of sub-Saharan Africa. AIM OF THE STUDY Aim of the present study was to explore the traditional applications of M. bellicosus and subsequently investigate the anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic activity of samples collected in Benin. MATERIAL AND METHODS An ethnomedicinal survey with thirty active healers in Benin was conducted and the anti-inflammatory activity of an ethanolic extract of M. bellicosus was investigated. Thus, LPS-induced TNFα release from differentiated human macrophages (THP-1) and IL-8 release from cytokine (IL-1β/TNFα/IFNγ)-challenged human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the influence of M. bellicosus extrativity by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine release and a moderate influence on intestinal motility. ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Dipsacus inermis Wall. is an edible Himalayan herb which is extensively used in traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine against various inflammation related disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Dipsacus inermis Wall. methanol extract (DIME) by using in vitro and in vivo models and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS The in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of DIME was determined in LPS stimulated J774A.1 cells. The inhibitory effect of DIME on COX-2, PGE2 and inflammatory cytokines was determined by ELISA and RT-PCR. The suppression of ROS in response to DIME was determined by flow cytometry. Phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 and IκB degradation was determined by western blotting. RESULTS Significant inhibition of NO, COX-2, PGE2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 was found in response to DIME in LPS stimulated J774A.1 cells. The extract was found to down regulate the LPS induced expression of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2 along with inhibition of intracellular ROS. The in vivo studies carried on Wistar rats showed significant preventive effect of DIME against acetic acid induced increase in vascular permeability and carrageenan induced paw edema along with stabilization of histopathological alterations. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that DIME has significant in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effect which is mediated by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway. Our data opened a promising new pharmacological approach of designing anti-inflammatory drugs by studying individual fractions of the plant extract. ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Oenothera rosea (Onagraceae), commonly known as “hierba del golpe” in Mexico, is an herbaceous plant widely used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to assess the effect of extracts and compounds isolated from O. rosea in kaolin-carrageenan induced arthritis. this website from aerial parts of O. rosea was obtained and chemically separated in order to obtain OrEA and isolated compounds using column chromatography, HPLC, UPLC and NMR analysis. O. rosea extract and derivatives were tested on the kaolin/carrageenan (K/C) induced arthritis model on ICR mice. Knee inflammation and paw withdrawal threshold were assessed following intraarticular administration of kaolin and carrageenan (4% and 2%, respectively) and subsequent oral administration of O. rosea. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 levels from synovial capsule were measured using ELISA kits. NF-κB activity was also meaion and secondary mechanical hyperalgesia produced by K/C administration. They also reduced proinflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, NF-κB modulation was reduced by the administration of O. rosea. Therefore, O. #link# rosea could be considered of interest in inflammatory and painful diseases.