Evaluating the Efficiency of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae in Converting Mackerel Head Waste into Valuable Resources.

The seafood processing industry generates significant waste, including mackerel heads (MH), constituting 20-32% of total waste. This study explored the potential of utilizing MH as a feed source for black soldier fly larvae (BSF larvae). BSF larvae are known for their ability to efficiently convert organic materials into nutrient-rich biomass. Five concentrations of MH (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% in chicken feed) were fed to BSF larvae for eight days. After harvesting, their growth, MH conversion efficiency, nutritional content, and heavy metals reduction potential were measured. BSF larvae showed optimal growth when fed with a feed containing 20% MH, resulting in a 14.36-fold increase in weight compared to the control group, as determined by the Fisher's Least Significant Difference Test. BSF larvae maintained a survival rate of 99.33%. With the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 2.09 at 20% MH, feed efficiency was improved by up to 65.15%, and feed reduction up to 73.53%. MH enhanced lipid and protein content in BSF larvae. Furthermore, BSF larvae in this study showed higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as other amino acids which are required for breeding animals. The current study highlights the potential of MH as a feed source for BSF larvae, improving nutritional biomass. It also suggests BSF larvae as an eco-friendly option for handling seafood processing waste and as an alternative feed source for animals.

Nutritional Composition and Safety Aspects of Deep-Sea Whelks (Buccinum tenuissimum Kuroda).

The deep-sea whelk Buccinum tenuissimum Kuroda is highly sought-after as food in East Asian countries, notably, Korea and Japan. However, it lacks official recognition as a food product in Korea. This study aimed to assess its nutritional composition and safety for the potential development of seafood products. The nutritional analysis revealed high protein (13.54-20.47 g/100 g whelk), fat (0.85-8.59 g/100 g whelk), carbohydrate (1.55-12.81 g/100 g whelk), and dietary fiber (1.25-1.95 g/100 g whelk) contents in both muscle and gut samples, with energy contents ranging from 339.11 ± 1.64 to 692.00 ± 3.21 kJ/100 g. Key minerals, including iron, potassium, calcium, and sodium, and essential fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, were abundant, making it a potential supplementary food. Notably, heavy metal levels met the Korean standards for seafood safety. No trans fats, radioactivity concerning the radioactive isotopes 134Cs/137Cs and 131I, or pathogenic bacteria were detected. This confirms the safety and nutritional value of deep-sea whelks, suggesting their potential for developing seafood products rich in beneficial components, which could enhance nutrition and food security while contributing to economic growth.

In Vitro Assessment of Anti-Adipogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds Extract on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Raw264.7 Macrophages.

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the in vitro anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seed extract (BCS extract) as a potential candidate for developing herbal formulations targeting metabolic disorders. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the BCS extract by assessing its 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrohydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO), and mRNA expression levels of key pro-inflammatory mediators. We also quantified the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling molecules. To assess anti-adipogenic effects, we used differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and BCS extract in doses from 10 to 100 µg/mL. We also determined mRNA levels of key adipogenic genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/BEPα), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and sterol-regulated element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: This study showed a concentration-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity and no toxicity at concentrations up to 30 µg/mL in Raw264.7 cells. BCS extract showed an IC50 of 328.77 ± 20.52 µg/mL. Notably, pre-treatment with BCS extract (30 µg/mL) significantly enhanced cell viability in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated Raw264.7 cells. BCS extract treatment effectively inhibited LPS-induced production of PGE2 and NO, as well as the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6, possibly by limiting the phosphorylation of p38, p65, inhibitory κBα (I-κBα), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). It also significantly attenuated lipid accumulation and key adipogenic genes in 3T3-L1 cells. Conclusions: This study highlights the in vitro anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory potential of BCS extract, underscoring its potential as a promising candidate for managing metabolic disorders.

Efficacy Confirmation Test of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds Extract Using a High-Fat Diet Mouse Model.

To deal with the adverse effects associated with the use of currently available treatments for metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, there is a need to find an alternative drug compound. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds extract (BCS extract) for type 2 diabetes using a 45% Kcal-fed obese mouse model. The BCS extract at different doses (400-100 mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent improvement tendency in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperlipidemia, and diabetic nephropathy compared to the metformin (250 mg/kg). In particular, BCS extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg significantly inhibited the HFD-induced metabolic conditions. The oral administration of BCS extract (200 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the oxidative stress through lipid peroxidation, normalized the activity of sugar metabolism-related enzymes and the expression of genes involved in fat metabolism, and inhibited insulin resistance through glucose and fat metabolism by regulating the 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression. Furthermore, BCS extract (200 mg/kg) showed renal damage improvement effects compared to the metformin (250 mg/kg). The results clearly show that BCS aqueous extract at an appropriate concentration could help in the treatment of metabolic disorders, and BCS aqueous extract can be used as a functional food for various diabetic complications, such as obesity, diabetes, and NAFLD.

Validating the Health Benefits of Coffee Berry Pulp Extracts in Mice with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Diabetes.

The effects of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) berry pulp extracts (CBP extracts) on the improvement of diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were evaluated using various in vitro antioxidant activity assays and through a high-fat diet-induced mild diabetic obese mouse model. After an 84-day oral administration of CBP extracts (400-100 mg/kg), bioactivities were evaluated. The in vitro analysis showed the highest DPPH● scavenging activity of 73.10 ± 4.27%, ABTS● scavenging activity of 41.18 ± 1.14%, and SOD activity of 56.24 ± 2.81%, at a CBP extract concentration of 1000 µg/mL. The in vivo analysis of the CBP extracts showed favorable and dose-dependent anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, NAFLD, nephropathy, and hyperlipidemia refinement effects through hepatic glucose enzyme activity, 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) up-regulation, antioxidant activity, lipid metabolism-related gene expression, and pancreatic lipid digestion enzyme modulatory activities. This study shows that an appropriate oral dosage of CBP extracts could function as a potent herbal formulation for a refinement agent or medicinal food ingredient to control type 2 diabetes and related complications.

Measuring the linear viscoelastic regime of MCF-7 cells with a monolayer rheometer in the presence of microtubule-active anti-cancer drugs at high concentrations.

The rheological properties of cells have vital functional implications. Depending, for instance, on the life cycle, cells show large cell-to-cell variations making it cumbersome to quantify average viscoelastic properties of cells by single-cell techniques. Microfluidic devices, typically working in the nonlinear viscoelastic range, allow fast analysis of single-cell deformation. Averaging over a large number of cells can also be achieved by studying them in a monolayer between rheometer discs. This technique allows applying well-established rheological standard procedures to cell rheology. It offers further advantages like studying cells in the linear viscoelastic range while quantifying cell vitality. Here, we study the applicability of the technique to rather adverse conditions, like for microtubule-active anti-cancer drugs and for a cell line with large size variation. We found a strong impact of the gap width and of normal forces on the moduli and obtained high vitality levels during the rheological study. To enable studying the impact of microtubule-active drugs on vital cells at concentrations several orders of magnitude beyond the half maximal effective concentration for cytotoxicity, we arrested the cell cycle with hydroxyurea. Irrespective of the high concentrations, we observed no clear impact of the microtubule-active drugs.

Narrow-Gap Rheometry: A Novel Method for Measuring Cell Mechanics.

The viscoelastic properties of a cell cytoskeleton contain abundant information about the state of a cell. Cells show a response to a specific environment or an administered drug through changes in their viscoelastic properties. Studies of single cells have shown that chemical agents that interact with the cytoskeleton can alter mechanical cell properties and suppress mitosis. This envisions using rheological measurements as a non-specific tool for drug development, the pharmacological screening of new drug agents, and to optimize dosage. Although there exists a number of sophisticated methods for studying mechanical properties of single cells, studying concentration dependencies is difficult and cumbersome with these methods: large cell-to-cell variations demand high repetition rates to obtain statistically significant data. Furthermore, method-induced changes in the cell mechanics cannot be excluded when working in a nonlinear viscoelastic range. To address these issues, we not only compared narrow-gap rheometry with commonly used single cell techniques, such as atomic force microscopy and microfluidic-based approaches, but we also compared existing cell monolayer studies used to estimate cell mechanical properties. This review provides insight for whether and how narrow-gap rheometer could be used as an efficient drug screening tool, which could further improve our current understanding of the mechanical issues present in the treatment of human diseases.

Physiological and Clinical Aspects of Bioactive Peptides from Marine Animals.

Biological molecules in nutraceuticals and functional foods have proven physiological properties to treat human chronic diseases. These molecules contribute to applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries by preventing food spoilage and cellular injury. Technological advancement in the screening and characterization of bioactive peptides has enabled scientists to understand the associated molecules. Consistent collaboration among nutritionists, pharmacists, food scientists, and bioengineers to find new bioactive compounds with higher therapeutic potential against nutrition-related diseases highlights the potential of the bioactive peptides for food and pharmaceutic industries. Among the popular dietary supplements, marine animals have always been considered imperative due to their rich nutritional values and byproduct use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The bioactive peptides isolated from marine animals are well-known for their higher bioactivities against human diseases. The physiological properties of fish-based hydrolyzed proteins and peptides have been claimed through in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. However, systematic study on the physiological and clinical significance of these bioactive peptides is scarce. In this review, we not only discuss the physiological and clinical significance of antioxidant and anticancer peptides derived from marine animals, but we also compare their biological activities through existing in vitro and in vivo studies.

Evaluation of Dose-Dependent Obesity and Diabetes-Related Complications of Water Chestnut (Fruit of Trapa japonica) Extracts in Type II Obese Diabetic Mice Induced by 45% Kcal High-Fat Diet.

Background and Objectives: The currently used pharmacological agents for metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes have several limitations and adverse effects; thus, there is a need for alternative therapeutic drugs and health functional foods. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the pharmacological effects of water chestnut (fruit of Trapa japonica) extracts (WC: 50-200 mg/kg) for type II diabetes using a 45% Kcal high-fat diet (HFD)-fed type II obese diabetic mice model for a period of 84 days, and the effects were compared to those of metformin (250 mg/kg). Results: Increases in body weight, serum biochemical indices such as triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and blood urea nitrogen, increases in antioxidant defense system enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα1 and AMPKα2) in the liver tissue and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα2 mRNA, leptin, and C/EBPα) in the adipose tissue were observed in the HFD control group. The WC (50 mg/kg)-administered group showed no significant improvements in diabetic complications. However, HFD-induced obesity and diabetes-related complications such as hyperlipidemia, diabetic nephropathy, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), oxidative stress, activity of antioxidant defense systems, and gene expressions were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited and/or normalized by oral administration of WC (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), particularly at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that WC at an appropriate dose could be used to develop an effective therapeutic drug or functional food for type II diabetes and various associated complications, including NAFLD.

Tart Cherry (Fruit of Prunus cerasus) Concentrated Powder (TCcp) Ameliorates Glucocorticoid-Induced Muscular Atrophy in Mice.

Background and Objectives: The present study investigated the beneficial effects of tart cherry (fruit of Prunus cerasus) concentrated powder (TCcp) on glucocorticoid (GLU)-induced catabolic muscular atrophy in the skeletal muscle of mice. Furthermore, its potential mechanism was also studied. Materials and Methods: Changes in calf thickness, calf muscle weight, calf muscle strength, body weight, gastrocnemius muscle histology, immunohistochemistry, serum creatinine, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and antioxidant defense systems were measured. Malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, glutathione content, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities in the gastrocnemius muscle, and muscle-specific mRNA expressions were evaluated. Results: After 24 days, GLU control mice showed muscular atrophy at all criteria of indexes. The muscular atrophy symptoms were significantly inhibited by oral treatment with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of TCcp through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory modulated expression of genes involved in muscle protein degradation (myostatin, atrogin-1, SIRT1, and MuRF1) and synthesis (A1R, Akt1, TRPV4, and PI3K). Conclusions: This study shows that the TCcp (500 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg) could improve muscular atrophies caused by various etiologies.

Anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antitussive properties of Kyeongok-go in ICR mice.

CONTEXT: Kyeongok-go (KOG) is a traditional mixed herb preparation consisting of Panax ginseng CA Meyer (Araliaceae), Poria cocos Wolf (Polyporaceae), Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertner) Liboschitz ex Steudel (Orobanchaceae), and honey. Various pharmacological effects of KOG are reported, but the efficacy on respiratory diseases has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: The anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antitussive properties of KOG were examined using animal models of respiratory diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: KOG (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) was orally administered to ICR mice (n = 8) once a day for 11 days. Anti-inflammatory effects of vehicle, xylene, KOG and DEXA (1 mg/kg) were determined by monitoring edoema and redness of treated ears, and measuring the relative and absolute weight of each ear. Expectorant properties of vehicle, KOG and AM (250 mg/kg) were evaluated by observing body surface redness, and the amount of mucous secreted by the trachea. The antitussive potential of vehicle, NH4OH, KOG and TB (50 mg/kg) was evaluated by monitoring changes in the number of coughs (for 6 min). RESULTS: KOG (400 mg/kg) treated mice showed 31.29% and 30.72% (p < 0.01) decreases in the relative and absolute weights of each ear relative to xylene control mice, 39.06% increases (p < 0.01) in TLF OD values relative to intact vehicle control mice, and 59.53% decrease (p < 0.01) in coughing compared to NH4OH control mice. Dose-dependent changes were observed in all experimental models. CONCLUSIONS: KOG may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of various respiratory diseases, particularly those caused by environmental toxins.

The complete mitochondrial genome of an edible mushroom, Sparassis crispa.

Sparassis crispa, also known as cauliflower mushroom, is a widely used medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine due to the presence of bioactive substances with pharmacological activity. Here, we report a complete mitochondrial genome sequence of S. crispa consisting of 139,253 bp containing 47 genes including 15 protein-coding genes, 27 transfer RNA, and 5 ribosomal RNA genes obtained from 40.406 Mb genome containing 18,917 predicted contigs using raw data of next-generation sequencing having 85.4% Q30. The overall base composition of S. crispa was 26.47% G-C and 73.53% A-T. The phylogenetic tree based on atp6 sequence data showed its close relationship with Sparassis radicata. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of S. crispa provides an essential and important DNA molecular data for further phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis of S. crispa.

Identification and characterization of novel antioxidant peptides from mackerel (Scomber japonicus) muscle protein hydrolysates.

Antioxidant peptides are commonly used as functional ingredient in the pharmaceutical industries. Here, we characterized the antioxidant peptides from mackerel muscle protein hydrolysates (MPHs). MPHs showing higher bioactivities were separated into seven groups by FPLC. MPH-3 which exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) DPPH scavenging activity (32.12 ± 3.01%) was fractionated using RP-HPLC to obtain purified fractions A and B, which were further subjected to MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS for mass fingerprinting. Fraction A exhibited the highest (p < 0.05) DPPH scavenging activity (34.11 ± 1.52%), and it contained 21 peptides characterized by LC-MS/MS-. Ten peptides were synthesized, and their antioxidant activities were evaluated; one of the peptides, ALSTWTLQLGSTSFSASPM, showed the highest (p < 0.05) DPPH scavenging activity (36.34 ± 4.64%) and another peptide, LGTLLFIAIPI, exhibited the highest (p < 0.05) SOD-like activity (28.94 ± 4.19%). The results of this study indicate that MPHs could serve as a suitable source of antioxidant peptides.

Protective effects of a mixed plant extracts derived from Astragalus membranaceus and Laminaria japonica on PTU-induced hypothyroidism and liver damages.

Protective effects of a mixed hot water extracts of Astragalus membranaceus (AWE) and Laminaria japonica (LWE), AWE: LWE 85:15 (g/g; AL mix), were investigated against propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism in rats. Rats were challenged with PTU, resulting in, increased thyroid gland weight, decreased liver weight and antioxidant activities, reduced serum tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine levels with increased thyroid stimulating hormone levels, and elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase level. However, orally administered AL mix with 100, 200, and 400 mg kg-1  day-1 , significantly inhibited such abnormalities, dose-dependently. Moreover, PTU-induced abnormal histological architecture of the rat thyroid gland and liver were also significantly ameliorated by an AL mix. The results suggested that, therapeutic use of AL mix for treating hypothyroidism can be characterized by its diversified active ingredients particularly iodine and ferulic acid as confirmed by phytochemical analyses. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The AL mix has synergistic effects in modulating thyroid hormone synthesis and preventing liver damages in PTU-induced hypothyroid rats. These effects of AL mix are mainly related to its richness specifically in iodine and ferulic acid. The growing interests of iodine and ferulic acid in AL mix are principally due to their beneficial effects in releasing sufficient thyroid hormones in hypothyroid conditions and promoting liver-protective functions through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials, respectively. Moreover, the results of AL mix are well-matched with the effects of standard drug levothyroxine in the present study. Therefore, appropriate dosage of AL mix will be promising as new medicinal food for preventing thyroid dysfunctions and its related liver damages.

Laxative effects of triple fermented barley extracts (FBe) on loperamide (LP)-induced constipation in rats.

BACKGROUND: Constipation, a common health problem, causes discomfort and affects the quality of life. This study intended to evaluate the potential laxative effect of triple fermented barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) extract (FBe), produced by saccharification, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Weissella cibaria, on loperamide (LP)-induced constipation in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, a well-established animal model of spastic constipation. METHODS: Spastic constipation was induced via oral treatment with LP (3 mg/kg) for 6 days 1 h before the administration of each test compound. Similarly, FBe (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) was orally administered to rats once a day for 6 days. The changes in number, weight, and water content of fecal, motility ratio, colonic mucosa histology, and fecal mucous contents were recorded. The laxative properties of FBe were compared with those of a cathartic stimulant, sodium picosulfate. A total of 48 (8 rats in 6 groups) healthy male rats were selected and following 10 days of acclimatization. Fecal pellets were collected one day before administration of the first dose and starting from immediately after the fourth administration for a duration of 24 h. Charcoal transfer was conducted after the sixth and final administration of the test compounds. RESULTS: In the present study, oral administration of 100-300 mg/kg of FBe exhibited promising laxative properties including intestinal charcoal transit ratio, thicknesses and mucous producing goblet cells of colonic mucosa with decreases of fecal pellet numbers and mean diameters remained in the lumen of colon, mediated by increases in gastrointestinal motility. CONCLUSION: Therefore, FBe might act as a promising laxative agent and functional food ingredient to cure spastic constipation, with less toxicity observed at a dose of 100 mg/kg.

Protective effects of triple fermented barley extract (FBe) on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats.

BACKGROUND: Hordeum vulgare L (barley) contains numerous phenolic substances with proven anticancer, antioxidant and gastroprotective activities. Saccharification increases the functionality and bioavailability of these compounds thus can aid in the development of a natural product based medicine. This study aimed to investigate the possible gastroprotective effects of saccharification on the indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcers in rats using Weissella cibaria- and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-triple fermented H. vulgare extract (FBe). METHODS: In total, 60 healthy male 6-week old Sprague-Dawley SD (SPF/VAF Outbred CrljOri:CD1) rats were commercially purchased. The FBe extract (100, 200, and 300 mg kg- 1) was orally administered 30 min before an oral treatment of IND (25 mg kg- 1). Six hours after IND treatment, variations in the histopathology, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, gross lesion scores, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defense system component (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH)) levels were measured. RESULTS: FBe treatment showed significant (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) and dose-dependent decrease in gastric mucosal damage. In the present study hemorrhagic gross lesions, gastric MPO activity, and histopathological gastric ulcerative lesions were observed in IND-treated rats compared to the IND control rats. In particular, FBe, in a dose-dependent manner, strengthened the antioxidant defense systems, decreased lipid peroxidation and CAT activity by increasing the GSH levels and SOD activity, respectively. The 200 mg kg- 1 dose of FBe was similarly gastroprotective as the 10 mg kg- 1 dose of omeprazole in rats with IND-induced gastric mucosal damage. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study show that an oral administration of FBe had positive gastroprotective effects through strengthening the body antioxidant defense system and anti-inflammatory effects.

Protective effects of a triple-fermented barley extract (FBe) against HCl/EtOH-induced gastric mucosa damage in mice.

This study was designed to observe the possible protective effects of a triple-fermented barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) extract (FBe) obtained by saccharification and using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Weissella cibaria in alleviating gastric damage induced by a hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ethanol (EtOH) mixture in mice. After oral administration of FBe (300, 200, and 100 mg/kg) followed by 1 hr before and after the single treatment of HCl/EtOH (H/E) mixture, the hemorrhagic lesion scores, histopathology of the stomach, gastric nitrate/nitrite content, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defense systems including catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were observed. Following a single oral treatment of H/E-induced gastric damages as measured by hemorrhagic gross lesions and histopathological gastric, ulcerative lesions were significantly and dose-dependently (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) inhibited in mice, when all three different doses of FBe were administered as compared to those in H/E control mice. In particular, FBe also increased gastric nitrate/nitrite content and strengthened the antioxidant defense, with a decrease in the level of gastric lipid peroxidation, but increased the activities of CAT and SOD. Moreover, the effects of FBe are comparable to that of ranitidine, a reference drug. The obtained results suggest that this fermented barley extract prevented mice from H/E-induced gastric mucosal damages through the suppression of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress-responsive free radicals. Thus, FBe can be useful to treat patients suffering from gastric mucosal disorders as a potent food supplement, and thereby, it would increase the necessity of application in the food industry.

Anti-osteoporotic effects of mixed compositions of extracellular polymers isolated from Aureobasidium pullulans and Textoria morbifera in ovariectomized mice.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular polymeric substances isolated from Aureobasidium pullulans (EAP), containing specifically 13% ß-1,3/1,6-glucan, have shown various favorable bone-preserving effects. Textoria morbifera Nakai (TM) tree has been used as an ingredient in traditional medicine and tea for various pharmacological purposes. Thus, the present study was aimed to examine the synergistic anti-osteoporotic potential of mixtures containing different proportions of EAP and TM compared with that of the single formulations of each herbal extract using bilateral ovariectomized (OVX) mice, a renowned rodent model for studying human osteoporosis. METHODS: Thirty five days after bilateral-OVX surgery, 9 combinations of EAP:TM (ratios = 1:1, 1:3, 1:5, 1:7, 1:9, 3:1, 5:1, 7:1, 9:1) and single separate formulations of EAP or TM were supplied orally, once a day for 35 days at a final concentration of 200 mg/kg. Variations in body weight gains during the experimental periods, as well as femur weights, bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength (failure load), and mineral content (calcium [Ca] and inorganic phosphorus [IP]) following sacrifice were measured. Furthermore, histomorphometric and histological profile analyses of serum biochemical parameters (osteocalcin content and bone specific alkaline phosphatase [bALP] activity) were conducted following sacrifice. Femurs histomorphometric analyses were also conducted for bone resorption, structure and mass. The results for the mixed formulations of EAP:TM and separate formulations were compared with those of risedronate sodium (RES). RESULTS: The EAP:TM (3:1) formulation synergistically enhanced the anti-osteoporotic potential of individual EAP or TM formulations, possibly due to enhanced variety of the active ingredients. Furthermore, the effects of EAP:TM were comparable to those of RES (2.5 mg/kg) treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that, the EAP:TM (3:1) combination might act as a new pharmaceutical agent and/or health functional food substance for curing osteoporosis in menopausal women.

Effect of superheated steam roasting with hot smoking treatment on improving physicochemical properties of the adductor muscle of pen shell (Atrina pectinate).

The adductor muscle of the pen shell Atrina pectinata (AMPS) is a popular protein-enriched food item in Asian Pacific countries, and has only been marketed in the frozen condition, as a result browning and decreased sensory attributes occur. To overcome these problems, superheated steam roasting (at 270°C for 4 min) combined with the hot smoke (10 min) using a selective Oak sawdust was employed to develop a new AMPS product yielding high physicochemical properties during storage periods (0-13 days) especially at 10°C. The processed AMPS showed high sensory preferences because of good odor, color, and textural properties. It also significantly inhibited bacterial growth, volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid-reactive species, and pH changes, and eventually possessed higher nutritional composition with low trimethylamine N-oxide level. Results indicate that saturated steam allows AMPS at good physicochemical conditions, whereas hot smoke-derived aroma compounds prolong its shelf life through antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

In vivo antioxidant activity of mackerel (Scomber japonicus) muscle protein hydrolysate.

Pacific chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) is an important fish throughout the world, especially in East Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan. Protein hydrolysates from marine sources are commonly used as nutritional supplements, functional ingredients, and flavor enhancers in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Antioxidants isolated from fish are relatively easy to prepare, are cost effective, and have no reported side effects. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the in vivo antioxidant activities of mackerel muscle protein hydrolysate (MMPH) prepared using Protamex. The in vivo bioactivities of MMPH were investigated in alcoholic fatty liver mice (C57BL/6). Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were comparable in test and control mice, whereas serum triglyceride and lipid peroxidation levels significantly (p < 0.05; p < 0.001) decreased after administration of MMPH (100-500 mg kg-1), especially at a concentration of 100 mg kg-1. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in xanthine oxidase activity was observed in all groups treated with MMPH (100-500 mg kg-1), as compared with the control group. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity/protein expression and regulated catalase (CAT) activity/protein expression levels were observed in groups administered MMPH (100-500 mg kg-1), especially at a concentration of 100 mg kg-1. These results show that the abundant amino acids of S. japonicus play an important role in the cytosol of the liver cells by directly participating in the expression of xanthine oxidase and the detoxifying SOD and CAT proteins, thereby enhancing antioxidant ability and ultimately, inhibiting lipid peroxidation. This study demonstrated that muscle protein hydrolysate from S. japonicus has strong antioxidant activities.