Effects of gypenoside L-containing Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract on fatigue and physical performance: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract containing gypenoside L (GPE) on improving the cognitive aspects of fatigue and performance of the motor system. One hundred healthy Korean adults aged 19-60 years were randomized to the treatment (GPE for 12 weeks) and control groups, and efficacy and safety-related parameters were compared between the two groups. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and O2 pulse were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (p = 0.007 and p = 0.047, respectively). After 12 weeks, the treatment group showed significant changes such as decreases in the levels of free fatty acids (p = 0.042). In addition, there were significant differences in the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (p < 0.05) and value of temporal fatigue between the treatment and control groups on the multidimensional fatigue scale (p < 0.05). Moreover, the level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the blood was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (p = 0.047). In summary, oral administration of GPE has a positive effect on resistance to exercise-induced physical and mental fatigue.

Yeast Hydrolysate Inhibits Lipid Accumulation via Regulation of Lipid Accumulation-Related Genes in a Drosophila Model of High-Sugar Diet-Induced Obesity.

The increasing frequency of processed food consumption has led to the higher ingestion of sugar, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity. Yeast hydrolysates (YHs) inhibit body fat accumulation. However, the action mechanism of YH in relation to high-sugar diet-induced obesity is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the biological effects of YH on lipid accumulation and verify behavioral changes and carbohydrate metabolic gene regulation in high-sugar diet-fed fruit flies. Adult male flies (Drosophila melanogaster; 2-5 days old) were exposed to 20% sucrose for obesity induction. In high-sugar-fed Drosophila, the effect of YH was compared with that of yeast extract. The effects of YH on body conditions and lipid droplet size were quantified and analyzed. Behavioral factors were evaluated by analyzing circadian rhythm patterns and neurotransmitter content, and a molecular approach was used to analyze the expression of metabolism-related genes. Dietary supplementation with YH did not reduce total sugar content, but significantly decreased the triglyceride (TG) levels in Drosophila. A behavioral analysis showed that the total number of night-time activities increased significantly with YH treatment in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, YH effectively regulated the gene expression of insulin-like peptides related to carbohydrate metabolism as well as genes related to lipogenesis. The TG content was significantly reduced at a YH concentration of 0.5%, confirming that the active compound in YH effectively suppresses fat accumulation. These findings support that YH is a potential anti-obesity food material via regulating carbohydrate metabolism in Drosophila.

The Preparation and Physiochemical Characterization of Tenebrio molitor Chitin Using Alcalase.

Chitin is mostly produced from crustaceans, but it is difficult to supply raw materials due to marine pollution, and the commonly used chemical chitin extraction method is not environmentally friendly. Therefore, this study aims to establish a chitin extraction process using enzymes and to develop edible insect-derived chitin as an eco-friendly new material. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimal conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis. The optimal conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis by RSM were determined to be the substrate concentration (7.5%), enzyme concentration (80 µL/g), and reaction time (24 h). The solubility and DDA of the mealworm chitosan were 45% and 37%, respectively, and those of the commercial chitosan were 61% and 57%, respectively. In regard to the thermodynamic properties, the exothermic peak of mealworm chitin was similar to that of commercial chitin. In the FT-IR spectrum, a band was observed in mealworm chitin corresponding to the C=O of the NHCOCH3 group at 1645 cm-1, but this band showed low-intensity C=O in the mealworm chitosan due to deacetylation. Collectively, mealworm chitosan shows almost similar physical and chemical properties to commercial chitosan. Therefore, it is shown that an eco-friendly process can be introduced into chitosan production by using enzyme-extracted mealworms for chitin/chitosan production.

Characteristics and Absorption Rate of Whey Protein Hydrolysates Prepared Using Flavourzyme after Treatment with Alcalase and Protamex.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of whey protein hydrolysate and determine changes in absorption rate due to enzymatic hydrolysis. The molecular weight distribution analysis of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and low-molecule whey protein hydrolysate (LMWPH) using the Superdex G-75 column revealed that LMWPH is composed of peptides smaller than those in WPC. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated differences in peak positions between WPC and LMWPH, suggesting hydrolysis-mediated changes in secondary structures. Moreover, LMWPH exhibited higher thermal stability and faster intestinal permeation than WPC. Additionally, oral LMWPH administration increased serum protein content at 20 min, whereas WPC gradually increased serum protein content after 40 min. Although the total amount of WPC and LMWPH absorption was similar, LMWPH absorption rate was higher. Collectively, LMWPH, a hydrolysate of WPC, has distinct physicochemical properties and enhanced absorptive characteristics. Taken together, LMWPH is composed of low-molecular-weight peptides with low antigenicity and has improved absorption compared to WPC. Therefore, LMWPH can be used as a protein source with high bioavailability in the development of functional materials.

Protein Hydrolysate from Spirulina platensis Prevents Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy via Akt/Foxo3 Signaling in C2C12 Myotubes.

Loss of muscle mass is the primary symptom of sarcopenia. Protein intake is recommended to prevent muscle mass loss, and Spirulina platensis, a microalga with high protein content, is a potential protein supplement. Here, we evaluated the differentiation ability of C2C12 cells and the inhibitory effect of Spirulina hydrolysates (SPH) prepared by Collupulin on dexamethasone (DEX)-treated C2C12 cells. SPH contained 578.27 mg/g protein and 92.30 mg/g branched-chain amino acids. SPH increased C2C12 myotube length and diameter, likely owing to increased MyoD1 and Myf5 expression. Inhibition of increased Atrogin-1, MuRF-1, and FoxO3 expression by SPH in DEX-treated C2C12 cells suppressed DEX-induced muscle atrophy. Moreover, SPH inhibited the DEX-induced increase in cytosolic p-Akt protein expression and suppressed the increase in nuclear FoxO3a protein expression, thereby suppressing the increase in the protein expression of the ubiquitin-proteasome-related factors Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1, which are involved in muscle atrophy. SPH suppressed DEX-induced muscle atrophy by activating the Akt/FoxO3a pathway. SPH promoted C2C12 myoblast differentiation into myotubes and inhibited DEX-induced myotube atrophy by suppressing Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 expression and regulating the FoxO3a transcription factor. Collectively, SPH can be used as a functional food to inhibit muscle atrophy and promote muscle regeneration.

Photoprotective effects of sphingomyelin-containing milk phospholipids in ultraviolet B-irradiated hairless mice by suppressing nuclear factor-κB expression.

Ceramide-containing phospholipids improve skin hydration and barrier function and are ideal for use in skin care products. In this study, we evaluated the photoprotective effect of milk phospholipids on the skin condition of UVB-irradiated hairless mice. Skin parameters were assessed following oral administration of milk phospholipids. The UVB irradiation induced photoaging in mice. The animals were divided into 5 groups: a control group (oral administration of saline with no UBV irradiation), UVB group (oral administration of saline with UVB irradiation), and 3 UVB irradiation groups receiving the milk phospholipids at 3 different concentrations of oral administration, 50 mg/kg (ML group), 100 mg/kg (MM group), and 150 mg/kg (MH group), for 8 wk. An increase in skin hydration and transepidermal water loss were improved in the 150 mg/kg of milk phospholipid-administered group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a decrease in epidermal thickness in the milk phospholipid-administered groups (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg of body weight). In particular, the 100 and 150 mg/kg groups showed significant changes in the area, length, and depth of the wrinkles compared with the UVB group. Moreover, the gene expression of matrix metalloproteins was attenuated, and that of proinflammatory cytokines, especially tumor necrosis factor-α, was significantly reduced in the milk phospholipid-administered groups than in the UVB group. The reduced ceramide and increased sphingosine-1-phosphate levels in the skin tissue due to UVB exposure were restored to levels similar to those of the control group following milk phospholipid administration. These results were confirmed to be due to the downregulation of protein expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and phosphorylated IκB-α (inhibitor of κB α). Collectively, oral administration of milk phospholipids improves skin health through a synergistic effect on photoprotective activity.

Effects of Sphingomyelin-Containing Milk Phospholipids on Skin Hydration in UVB-Exposed Hairless Mice.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by ultraviolet (UV) exposure cause skin barrier dysfunction, which leads to dry skin. In this study, the skin moisturizing effect of sphingomyelin-containing milk phospholipids in UV-induced hairless mice was evaluated. Hairless mice were irradiated with UVB for eight weeks, and milk phospholipids (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) were administered daily. Milk phospholipids suppressed UV-induced increase in erythema and skin thickness, decreased transepidermal water loss, and increased skin moisture. Milk phospholipids increased the expression of filaggrin, involucrin, and aquaporin3 (AQP3), which are skin moisture-related factors. Additionally, hyaluronic acid (HA) content in the skin tissue was maintained by regulating the expression of HA synthesis- and degradation-related enzymes. Milk phospholipids alleviated UV-induced decrease in the expression of the antioxidant enzymes superoxidase dismutase1 and 2, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase1. Moreover, ROS levels were reduced by regulating heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an ROS regulator, through milk phospholipid-mediated activation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Collectively, sphingomyelin-containing milk phospholipids contributed to moisturizing the skin by maintaining HA content and reducing ROS levels in UVB-irradiated hairless mice, thereby, minimizing damage to the skin barrier caused by photoaging.

Sleep-promoting activity of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) rhizome water extract via GABAA receptors.

CONTEXT: The sleep-promoting activity of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae) alkaloids in leaves or seeds are well known. However, the sleep-promoting activity of the lotus rhizome (LE), which is used mainly as food, has not yet been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the sleep-promoting activity of LE water extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice (n = 8) were subject to a pentobarbital-induced sleep test to assess changes in sleep latency and duration following the administration of LE (80-150 mg/kg). In addition, electroencephalography analysis was performed to determine the sleep quality after LE treatment as well as the sleep recovery effect of LE using a caffeine-induced insomnia SD rat model. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis were performed to investigate the expression of neurotransmitter receptors, and the GABAA receptor antagonists were used for receptor binding analysis. RESULTS: An oral administration of 150 mg/kg LE significantly increased sleep duration by 24% compared to the control. Furthermore, LE increased nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep by increasing theta and delta powers. In the insomnia model, LE increased sleep time by increasing NREM sleep. Moreover, treatment with picrotoxin and flumazenil decreased the sleep time by 33% and 23%, respectively, indicating an involvement of the GABAA receptor in the sleep-enhancing activity of LE. The expression of GABAA receptors and the concentration of GABA in the brain were increased by LE. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the sleep-promoting activity of LE was via the GABAA receptor. Collectively, these data show that LE may promote sleep.

Changes in Locomotor Activity and Oxidative Stress-Related Factors after the Administration of an Amino Acid Mixture by Generation and Age.

Amino acids, as nutrients, are expected to improve sleep disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the generation- and age-dependent sleep-improving effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) coadministration. The differentially expressed genes and generation-related behavior after the administration of a GABA/5-HTP mixture were measured in a Drosophila model, while age-related changes in gene expression and oxidative stress-related parameters were measured in a mouse model. The GABA/5-HTP-treated group showed significant behavioral changes compared to the other groups. Sequencing revealed that the GABA/5-HTP mixture influenced changes in nervous system-related genes, including those involved in the regulation of the expression of behavioral and synaptic genes. Additionally, total sleep time increased with age, and nighttime sleep time in the first- and third-generation flies was significantly different from that of the control groups. The GABA/5-HTP mixture induced significant changes in the expression of sleep-related receptors in both models. Furthermore, the GABA/5-HTP mixture reduced levels of ROS and ROS reaction products in an age-dependent manner. Therefore, the increase in behavioral changes caused by GABA/5-HTP mixture administration was effective in eliminating ROS activity across generations and ages.

Fermented Gamma Aminobutyric Acid Improves Sleep Behaviors in Fruit Flies and Rodent Models.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus brevis-fermented γ-aminobutyric acid (LB-GABA) on sleep behaviors in invertebrate and vertebrate models. In Drosophila melanogaster, LB-GABA-treated group showed an 8-9%-longer sleep duration than normal group did. LB-GABA-treated group also showed a 46.7% lower level of nighttime activity with a longer (11%) sleep duration under caffeine-induced arousal conditions. The LB-GABA-mediated inhibition of activity was confirmed as a reduction of total movement of flies using a video tracking system. In the pentobarbital-induced sleep test in mice, LB-GABA (100 mg/kg) shortened the time of onset of sleep by 32.2% and extended sleeping time by 59%. In addition, mRNA and protein level of GABAergic/Serotonergic neurotransmitters were upregulated following treatment with LB-GABA (2.0%). In particular, intestine- and brain-derived GABAA protein levels were increased by sevenfold and fivefold, respectively. The electroencephalography (EEG) analysis in rats showed that LB-GABA significantly increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) (53%) with the increase in theta (θ, 59%) and delta (δ, 63%) waves, leading to longer sleep time (35%), under caffeine-induced insomnia conditions. LB-GABA showed a dose-dependent agonist activity on human GABAA receptor with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 3.44 µg/mL in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells.

GABAA Receptor-Mediated Sleep-Promoting Effect of Saaz-Saphir Hops Mixture Containing Xanthohumol and Humulone.

Hops contain flavonoids that have sedative and sleep-promoting activities such as α-acid, ß-acid, and xanthohumol. In this study, the sleep-enhancing activity of a Saaz-Saphir hops mixture was measured. In the caffeine-induced insomnia model, the administration of a Saaz-Saphir mixture increased the sleep time compared to Saaz or Saphir administration alone, which was attributed to the increase in NREM sleep time by the δ-wave increase. Oral administration of the Saaz-Saphir mixture for 3 weeks increased the γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) content in the brain and increased the expression of the GABAA receptor. As the GABA antagonists picrotoxin and bicuculline showed a decrease in sleep activity, it was confirmed that the GABAA receptor was involved in the Saaz-Saphir mixture activity. In addition, the GABAA receptor antagonist also reduced the sleep activity induced by xanthohumol and humulone contained in the Saaz-Saphir mixture. Therefore, xanthohumol and humulone contained in the Saaz-Saphir mixture showed sleep-promoting activity mediated by the GABAA receptors. The mixture of the Saaz and Saphir hop varieties may thus help mitigate sleep disturbances compared to other hop varieties.

Anti-depressant effects of ethanol extract from Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed in chlorpromazine-induced Drosophila melanogaster depression model.

CONTEXT: Depression is a severe mental illness caused by a deficiency of dopamine and serotonin. Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae) has long been used to treat pain, nausea, and depression. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the anti-depressant effects of C. sativa (hemp) seed ethanol extract (HE) in chlorpromazine (CPZ)-induced Drosophila melanogaster depression model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The normal group was untreated, and the control group was treated with CPZ (0.1% of media) for 7 days. The experimental groups were treated with a single HE treatment (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of media) and a mixture of 0.1% CPZ and HE for 7 days. The locomotor activity, behavioural patterns, depression-related gene expression, and neurotransmitters level of flies were investigated. RESULTS: The behavioural patterns of individual flies were significantly reduced with 0.1% CPZ treatment. In contrast, combination treatment of 1.5% HE and 0.1% CPZ significantly increased subjective daytime activity (p < 0.001) and behavioural factors (p < 0.001). These results correlate with increased transcript levels of dopamine (p < 0.001) and serotonin (p < 0.05) receptors and concentration of dopamine (p < 0.05), levodopa (p < 0.001), 5-HTP (p < 0.05), and serotonin (p < 0.001) compared to those in the control group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, HE administration alleviates depression-like symptoms by modulating the circadian rhythm-related behaviours, transcript levels of neurotransmitter receptors, and neurotransmitter levels in the CPZ-induced Drosophila model. However, additional research is needed to investigate the role of HE administration in behavioural patterns, reduction of the neurotransmitter, and signalling pathways of depression in a vertebrate model system.

Semaphorin-3C Is Upregulated in Polycystic Kidney Epithelial Cells and Inhibits Angiogenesis of Glomerular Endothelial Cells.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a hereditary disease characterized by cyst formation in the kidneys bilaterally. It has been observed that semaphorin-3C (SEMA3C) is overexpressed in polycystic kidney epithelial cells. It is hypothesized that upregulated SEMA3C would contribute to survival of polycystic kidney epithelial cells. Furthermore, as the kidney is a highly vascularized organ, the secreted SEMA3C from PKD epithelial cells will affect glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) in a paracrine manner. METHODS: To evaluate the effect of SEMA3C on renal cells, siSEMA3C-treated PKD epithelial cells were used for further analysis, and GECs were exposed to recombinant SEMA3C (rSEMA3C). Also, co-culture and treatment of conditioned media were employed to confirm whether PKD epithelial cells could influence on GECs via SEMA3C secretion. RESULTS: SEMA3C knockdown reduced proliferation of PKD epithelial cells. In case of GECs, exposure to rSEMA3C decreased angiogenesis, which resulted from suppressed migratory ability not cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that SEMA3C is the aggravating factor in PKD. Thus, it is proposed that targeting SEMA3C can be effective to mitigate PKD.

Novel Potential Therapeutic Targets in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease from the Perspective of Cell Polarity and Fibrosis.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a congenital genetic disorder, is a notable contributor to the prevalence of chronic kidney disease worldwide. Despite the absence of a complete cure, ongoing research aims for early diagnosis and treatment. Although agents such as tolvaptan and mTOR inhibitors have been utilized, their effectiveness in managing the disease during its initial phase has certain limitations. This review aimed to explore new targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of ADPKD, considering ongoing developments. We particularly focus on cell polarity, which is a key factor that influences the process and pace of cyst formation. In addition, we aimed to identify agents or treatments that can prevent or impede the progression of renal fibrosis, ultimately slowing its trajectory toward end-stage renal disease. Recent advances in slowing ADPKD progression have been examined, and potential therapeutic approaches targeting multiple pathways have been introduced. This comprehensive review discusses innovative strategies to address the challenges of ADPKD and provides valuable insights into potential avenues for its prevention and treatment.

Exploring Pore Formation and Gas Sensing Kinetics Using Conjugated Polymer-Small Molecule Blends.

Controlling miscibility between mixture components helps induce spontaneous phase separation into distinct domain sizes, thereby resulting in porous conjugated polymer (CP) films with different pore sizes after selective removal of auxiliary components. The miscibility of the CP mixture can be tailored by blending auxiliary model components designed by reflecting the difference in solubility parameters with the CP. The pore size increases as the difference in solubility parameters between the matrix CP and auxiliary component increases. Electrical properties are not critically damaged even after forming pores in the CP; however, excessive pore formation enables pores to spread to the vicinity of the dielectric layer of CP-based field-effect transistors (FETs), leading to partial loss of the carrier-transporting active channel in the FET. The porous structure is advantageous for not only increasing detection sensitivity but also improving the detection speed when porous CP films are applied to FET-based gas sensors for NO2 detection. The quantitative analysis of the response-recovery trend of the FET sensor using the Langmuir isotherm suggests that the response speed can be improved by more than 2.5 times with a 50-fold increase in NO2 sensitivity compared with pristine CP, which has no pores.

Enzyme-Treated Zizania latifolia Ethanol Extract Improves Liver-Related Outcomes and Fatigability.

Long-term hepatic damage is associated with human morbidity and mortality owing to numerous pathogenic factors. A variety of studies have focused on improving liver health using natural products and herbal medicines. We aimed to investigate the effect of enzyme-treated Zizania latifolia ethanol extract (ETZL), which increases the content of tricin via enzymatic hydrolysis, for 8 weeks on liver-related outcomes, lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, and fatigue compared to a placebo. Healthy Korean adult males aged 19-60 years were randomized into ETZL treatment and placebo groups, and alcohol consumption was 24.96 and 28.64 units/week, respectively. Alanine transaminase, a blood marker associated with liver cell injury, significantly decreased after 8 weeks compared to the baseline in the ETZL treatment group (p = 0.004). After 8 weeks, the treatment group showed significant changes in the levels of high-density lipoprotein and hepatic steatosis index compared to the baseline (p = 0.028 and p = 0.004, respectively). ETZL treatment tended to reduce antioxidant-activity-related factors, total antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde, but there was no significant difference. In the multidimensional fatigue scale, ETZL treatment showed a significant reduction in general fatigue and total-fatigue-related values after 8 weeks compared to the baseline (p = 0.012 and p = 0.032, respectively). Taken together, the 8-week treatment of enzyme-treated Zizania latifolia ethanol extract demonstrated positive effects on liver-related outcomes, lipid metabolism, and mental fatigue without adverse effects on safety-related parameters.

Antibiofilm and antithrombotic hydrogel coating based on superhydrophilic zwitterionic carboxymethyl chitosan for blood-contacting devices.

Blood-contacting devices must be designed to minimize the risk of bloodstream-associated infections, thrombosis, and intimal lesions caused by surface friction. However, achieving effective prevention of both bloodstream-associated infections and thrombosis poses a challenge due to the conflicting nature of antibacterial and antithrombotic activities, specifically regarding electrostatic interactions. This study introduced a novel biocompatible hydrogel of sodium alginate and zwitterionic carboxymethyl chitosan (ZW@CMC) with antibacterial and antithrombotic activities for use in catheters. The ZW@CMC hydrogel demonstrates a superhydrophilic surface and good hygroscopic properties, which facilitate the formation of a stable hydration layer with low friction. The zwitterionic-functionalized CMC incorporates an additional negative sulfone group and increased negative charge density in the carboxyl group. This augmentation enhances electrostatic repulsion and facilitates the formation of hydration layer. This leads to exceptional prevention of blood clotting factor adhesion and inhibition of biofilm formation. Subsequently, the ZW@CMC hydrogel exhibited biocompatibility with tests of in vitro cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and catheter friction. Furthermore, in vivo tests of antithrombotic and systemic inflammation models with catheterization indicated that ZW@CMC has significant advantages for practical applications in cardiovascular-related and sepsis treatment. This study opens a new avenue for the development of chitosan-based multifunctional hydrogel for applications in blood-contacting devices.

Sleep-promoting activity of amylase-treated Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) root extract via GABA receptors.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal), an Indian medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to treat insomnia, exhibits a variety of biological activities, such as improving cognitive function, immunity and anxiety. In this study, the effect of enzyme-treated Ashwagandha root extract (EA) and on sleep was evaluated using rodent models. Starch contained in the Ashwagandha root extract was removed by amylase treatment to prepare EA. To evaluate the sleep-promoting activity of EA, a pentobarbital-induced sleep test and electroencephalogram analysis were performed. In addition, the sleep-promoting mechanism of EA was elucidated by analyzing the expression of sleep-related receptors. In the pentobarbital-induced sleep test, EA dose-dependently increased sleep duration. Additionally, electroencephalogram analysis revealed that EA significantly increased δ-wave and non-rapid eye movement sleep times, which are involved in deep sleep, thereby improving sleep quality and quantity. EA also effectively relieved caffeine-induced insomnia symptoms. Furthermore, the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in the brain and mRNA and protein expression of GABAA, GABAB1, and serotonin receptors were significantly increased by EA compared to the normal group. In particular, EA showed sleep-promoting activity by binding to various GABAA receptor sites. Collectively, EA exhibited sleep-promoting activity through the GABAergic system and may be used as a functional material to improve sleep deprivation.

Preparation of Hypoallergenic Whey Protein Hydrolysate by a Mixture of Alcalase and Prozyme and Evaluation of Its Digestibility and Immunoregulatory Properties.

Whey protein (WP) has nutritional value, but the presence of ß-lactoglobulin (ß-LG) and α-lactalbumin (α-LA) cause allergic reactions. In this study, hypoallergenic whey protein hydrolyate (HWPH) was prepared by decomposing ß-LG and α-LA of WP using exo- and endo-type proteases. The enzyme mixing ratio and reaction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Degradation of α-LA and ß-LG was confirmed through gel electrophoresis, and digestion, and absorption rate, and immunostimulatory response were measured using in vitro and in vivo systems. Through RSM analysis, the optimal hydrolysis conditions for degradation of α-LA and ß-LG included a 1:1 mixture of Alcalase and Prozyme reacted for 10 h at a 1.0% enzyme concentration relative to substrate. The molecular weight of HWPH was <5 kDa, and leucine was the prominent free amino acid. Both in vitro and in vivo tests showed that digestibility and intestinal permeability were higher in HWPH than in WP. In BALB/c mice, as compared to WP, HWPH reduced allergic reactions by inducing elevated Type 1/Type 2 helper T cell ratio in the blood, splenocytes, and small intestine. Thus, HWPH may be utilized in a variety of low allergenicity products intended for infants, adults, and the elderly.

Hangover-Relieving Effect of Ginseng Berry Kombucha Fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Gluconobacter oxydans in Ethanol-Treated Cells and Mice Model.

This study aimed to evaluate the hangover relieving effect of ginseng berry kombucha (GBK) fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Gluconobacter oxydans in in vitro and in vivo models. The antioxidant activity and oxidative stress inhibitory effect of GBK were evaluated in ethanol-treated human liver HepG2 cells. In addition, biochemical and behavioral analyses of ethanol treated male ICR mice were performed to confirm the anti-hangover effect of GBK. The radical scavenging activity of GBK was increased by fermentation, and the total ginsenoside content of GBK was 70.24 µg/mL. In HepG2 cells, in which oxidative stress was induced using ethanol, GBK significantly increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes by upregulating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. Moreover, GBK (15 and 30 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations in ethanol-treated mice. GBK significantly increased the levels of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, including alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. The balance beam test and elevated plus maze test revealed that high-dose GBK significantly ameliorated ethanol-induced behavioral changes. Collectively, GBK exerted a protective effect against ethanol-induced liver damage by regulating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.