Oenanthe javanica Ethanolic Extract Alleviates Inflammation and Modifies Gut Microbiota in Mice with DSS-Induced Colitis.

Oenanthe javanica, commonly known as water dropwort, has long been used to treat acute and chronic hepatitis, abdominal pain, alcohol hangovers, and inflammation in various traditional medicine systems in Asia. However, whether O. javanica has beneficial effects on colitis-induced intestinal damage remains elusive. This study tested the hypothesis that O. javanica has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. First, treatment of O. javanica ethanol extract (OJE) inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-affected macrophages. Second, in mice with DSS-induced colitis, OJE administration reduced pathological damage to the colon while alleviating weight gain and decreasing colon length, including inflammation and mucosal necrosis. In addition, OJE significantly (p < 0.01) restricted the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators and increased the expression of Nrf2-phase 2 antioxidant enzymes. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing workflows for taxonomic assignment analysis confirmed that the diversity (richness and evenness) of fecal microbiota was markedly elevated in the OJE group. OJE administration reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria including Escherichia and increased the abundance of the genus Muribaculum. These results suggested that OJE exerts beneficial effects on inflammation and gut microbial composition in a mouse model of colitis.

Anti-Diabetic Effects of Allium hookeri Extracts Prepared by Different Methods in Type 2 C57BL/J-db/db Mice.

This study was conducted to evaluate whether Allium hookeri can control diabetic symptoms. Aqueous extract (AE1: 100 mg/kg BW, AE2: 200 mg/kg BW) and ethanol extract (EE1: 100 mg/kg BW, EE2: 200 mg/kg BW) of A. hookeri were orally administrated to diabetic mice (C57BL/J-db/db) for 8 weeks. The negative (NC) and the positive (PC) control groups were treated with 0.9% saline and metformin (150 mg/kg BW), respectively. Glucose and lipid profile (triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and HDL-C) as biochemical parameters, toxicological factors such as liver/kidney functional parameters (ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr), and NK cell activity in blood were measured. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and histopathological examination were also conducted. Compared with the NC group, AE and EE decreased blood glucose, HbA1c, area under the curve (AUC) during OGTT, and leptin levels while increasing adiponectin levels. Serum lipid profiles and toxicological factors levels were reduced by the A. hookeri extract. Interestingly, HDL-C, glomerular mesangial expansion score in the kidney, and NK cell activity were effectively controlled in EE groups. Based on the results, EE is considered to be more effective in reducing high blood glucose, lipid profile, and related factor levels than AE, and is comparable to metformin in some biomarkers. It can be presumed that EE can more effectively control the major anomalies in the diabetic model than AE, and it may be used to prevent diabetic symptoms without toxicity in the Type 2 diabetic model.

Differences in dietary patterns related to metabolic health by gut microbial enterotypes of Korean adults.

Diet has a profound impact on the progression of metabolic syndrome (MetS) into various diseases. The gut microbiota could modulate the effect of diet on metabolic health. We examined whether dietary patterns related to MetS differed according to gut microbial enterotypes among 348 Korean adults aged 18-60 years recruited between 2018∼2021 in a cross-sectional study. The enterotype of each participant was identified based on 16S rRNA gut microbiota data. The main dietary pattern predicting MetS (MetS-DP) of each enterotype was derived using reduced-rank regression (RRR) models. In the RRR models, 27 food group intakes assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and MetS prediction markers including triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL) ratio and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were used as predictor and response variables, respectively. The MetS-DP extracted in Bacteroides enterotype (B-type) was characterized by high consumption of refined white rice and low consumption of eggs, vegetables, and mushrooms. The MetS-DP derived among Prevotella enterotype (P-type) was characterized by a high intake of sugary food and low intakes of bread, fermented legumes, and fermented vegetables. The MetS-DP of B-type was positively associated with metabolic unhealthy status (OR T3 vs. T1 = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.5-8.2), comparing the highest tertile to the lowest tertile. Although it was not significantly associated with overall metabolic unhealthy status, the MetS-DP of P-type was positively associated with hyperglycemia risk (OR T3 vs. T1 = 6.2; 95% CI = 1.6-24.3). These results suggest that MetS-DP may differ according to the gut microbial enterotype of each individual. If such associations are found to be causal, personalized nutrition guidelines based on the enterotypes could be recommended to prevent MetS.

Radish sprout alleviates DSS-induced colitis via regulation of NF-kB signaling pathway and modifying gut microbiota.

In this study, we investigated the effects of radish sprout ethanol extract (RSE) on inflammatory responses in the macrophages and a mouse model of colitis. RSE administration was found to effectively inhibit the phosphorylation of IκB and, in turn, the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. In dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-colitis mice, RSE administration prevented body weight and colon length reduction, while decreasing inflammation and mucosal necrosis. The diversity of the fecal microbiota was significantly increased in the group treated with RSE. In addition, RSE administration decreased the relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria, which includes many pathogens, and increased the abundance of the genus Akkermansia. Beta diversity analyses showed that RSE administration restored the gut microbiota composition close to that of healthy mice. For the first time, we identified glycosides of sinapic acid as part of hydroxycinnamic acids in RSE with colitis-alleviating effects. Notably, 1,2-O-disinapoyl glucoside substantially decreased nitric oxide generation in LPS-stimulated macrophages.

Taxonomic Composition and Diversity of the Gut Microbiota in Relation to Habitual Dietary Intake in Korean Adults.

We investigated associations of habitual dietary intake with the taxonomic composition and diversity of the human gut microbiota in 222 Koreans aged 18-58 years in a cross-sectional study. Gut microbiota data were obtained by 16S rRNA gene sequencing on DNA extracted from fecal samples. The habitual diet for the previous year was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. After multivariable adjustment, intake of several food groups including vegetables, fermented legumes, legumes, dairy products, processed meat, and non-alcoholic beverages were associated with major phyla of the gut microbiota. A dietary pattern related to higher α-diversity (HiαDP) derived by reduced rank regression was characterized by higher intakes of fermented legumes, vegetables, seaweeds, and nuts/seeds and lower intakes of non-alcoholic beverages. The HiαDP was positively associated with several genera of Firmicutes such as Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Eubacterium (all p < 0.05). Among enterotypes identified by principal coordinate analysis based on the ß-diversity, the Ruminococcus enterotype had higher HiαDP scores and was strongly positively associated with intakes of vegetables, seaweeds, and nuts/seeds, compared to the two other enterotypes. We conclude that a plant- and fermented food-based diet was positively associated with some genera of Firmicutes (e.g., Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Eubacterium) reflecting better gut microbial health.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Antirrhinum majus extract in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Antirrhinum majus (AM) has attracted attention as a rich source of phytochemicals, which are beneficial for human health. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of AM have not been studied scientifically. Therefore, we investigated the antioxidative properties and anti-inflammatory effects of AM extract (AME) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. AME showed high radical-scavenging ability. Viability of RAW 264.7 cells was not significantly altered by AME at the concentrations of 0-300 µg/ml. LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production was decreased by treatment with 0-300 µg/ml AME in a concentration-dependent manner. AME pretreatment significantly inhibited the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a concentration-dependent manner. AME also considerably inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), interleukin-1 ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These findings provide a foundation for further studies and use of AM in nutraceuticals.

Changes in microbial growth, carotenoids, and water-soluble tannin content of ripe persimmon beverage after ultra-high pressure treatment.

To avoid the loss of carotenoids and increasing the tannin content associated with pasteurization, we tested ultra-high pressure treatment of ripe persimmon beverage. We compared microbial counts (aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and mould), carotenoid contents, and water-soluble tannin contents between heat- and ultra-high pressure-treated beverages. No microbial contamination was detected after pasteurization or ultra-high pressure treatment at 400 MPa for more than 5 min. Ultra-high pressure treatment significantly prevented the reduction in carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, ß-cryptoxanthin, ß-carotene, lycopene), with losses of 3.9-28.7%, as compared to the 65% loss after pasteurization. Moreover, ultra-high pressure did not induce an increase in water-soluble tannin, which causes astringent taste, whereas water-soluble tannins were increased three times by heat treatment. In conclusion, ultra-high pressure showed the same microbial control effect as pasteurization, while it did not cause carotenoid degeneration and increased tannin and thus, it better maintained the quality of ripe persimmon beverage.

The relationship between the left atrial volume and the maximum P-wave and P-wave dispersion in patients with congestive heart failure.

PURPOSE: A maximum P-wave duration (Pmax) of > or = 110 msec and a P-wave dispersion (PWD) > or = 40 msec are accepted indicators of a disturbance in interatrial conduction and an inhomogeneous propagation of the sinus impulse, respectively. The left atrial (LA) volume has been reported to be strongly associated with a systolic and diastolic dysfunction and is considered to be an index of atrial remodeling. We aimed to investigate the relationship between LA volume and Pmax or PWD in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-one patients with CHF were enrolled in this study. The study population was classified into four groups: two groups were divided according to the Pmax (> or = 110 msec or < 110 ms), and the other two groups were formed based on the PWD (> or = 40 msec or < 40 msec). The left atrial volume index (LAVi) was measured by three-dimensional (3-D) transthoracic echocardiography. The Pmax and PWD were measured from a 12-lead electrocardiogram. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the ejection fraction (EF), diastolic function, and LAVi between patients with a Pmax > or = 110 ms or a PWD > or = 40 ms and those with a Pmax < 110 ms or a PWD < 40 ms. The LAVi was independently associated with a disturbance in interatrial conduction and an inhomogeneous propagation of the sinus impulse. The LAVi can be used to identify patients with a disturbance in interatrial conduction and an inhomogeneous propagation of the sinus impulse with reasonably good accuracy. CONCLUSION: We concluded that a disturbance in interatrial conduction and an inhomogeneous propagation of the sinus impulse in patients with CHF is associated with an increase in the LA volume and a deleterious systolic and diastolic dysfunction.

Anti-adipogenic effects of Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium) ethanol extract on 3T3-L1 cells.

Background: Edible flowers, Tropaeolum majus has been used as a disinfectant and an antibiotic, and for wound healing, but the anti-obesity effects of this plant have not been reported previously Objective: We investigated the anti-adipogenic effects of T. majus ethanol extract (TME) on 3T3-L1 cells. Design: 3T3-L1 cells were differentiated in the presence of different concentrations of TME. Lipid accumulation levels were determined using Oil-Red O staining and a triglyceride content assay. Changes in the expression of proteins related to adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells were determined by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. Results: The highest inhibition of lipid accumulation was observed at a TME concentration of 300 µg/mL. Additionally, TME concentrations ranging from 20 µg/mL to 500 µg/mL led to a decrease in the expression of adipocyte differentiation regulators, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT element binding protein α, and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1. This decrease was shown to be concentration-dependent. Discussion: Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that TME inhibits lipid accumulation and reduces the expression PPARG, CEBPA, and SREBF1, which regulate adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. Conclusions: TME may be a potential novel therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of obesity.

3D geometry of a normal tricuspid annulus during systole: a comparison study with the mitral annulus using real-time 3D echocardiography.

AIM: This study was done to explore the 3D geometry of the normal tricuspid annulus and compare it with the mitral annulus (MA), using real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE) and newly developed 3D computer software. METHODS: Thirteen left ventricular (LV) and 13 right ventricular (RV) volumetric images were obtained using RT3DE from normal subjects. LV and RV volumetric data were segmented into 16 rotational apical planes (angle increment=11.25 degrees ) around the rotational axis from the apex through the center of two annuli, using newly developed 3D software (TomTec, Co., Munich, Germany). Two hinge points of the MA and the TA were traced in each plane during early and late systole. The MA and the TA were then automatically reconstructed with those 32 traced points. 3D surface (3DMAA, 3DTAA) and 2D projected areas (2DMAA, 2DTAA) of the annuli were calculated automatically as well, from those fitted data. For a comparison between the two annuli, the 3D and 2D area measurements of both annuli were corrected (c) according to the height of each patient (c2DMAA, c2DTAA, c3DMAA, and c3DTAA). Non-planarity of the annuli was estimated by their non-planar angles (MA: the angle between the anterior and posterior parts of the annulus; TA: the angle between the septal and free wall parts of the annulus). RESULTS: The TA revealed a less non-planar saddle shape than did the MA, which had a significantly wider non-planar angle (167.7+/-3.2 vs 145.5+/-6.1 degrees , p<0.01) and a round or oval appearance on the projected view. The c2DTAA was significantly larger than the c2DMAA during early systole (p<0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the c3DTAA and c3DMAA during early and late systole (p>0.01). CONCLUSION: We assessed the 3D geometry of the MA and the TA by 3D reconstruction using RT3DE and newly developed computer software. The TA had a less non-planar shape compared with the MA, with either a round or oval appearance on the projected view.