Anti-osteoporosis effects of triterpenoids from the fruit of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) through the promotion of osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells, C3H10T1/2.

In a previous study, we discovered that the ethanolic extract of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) fruits exhibited anti-osteoporosis effects both in vitro and in vivo. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, we identified the hexane fraction (HRH) as the active fraction, which was further fractionated using preparative HPLC. Among the resulting six fractions, HRHF4 showed significant activity. In the present study, we focused on the bioassay-guided isolation of bioactive compounds from the HRHF4 fraction. We successfully identified the active HRHF43 fraction, which led us to the isolation of potential bioactive compounds (1-6). The chemical structures of these compounds were determined using NMR data, LC-MS analysis, and HR-ESI-MS data as four triterpenes, ursolic acid (1), uvaol (2), oleanolic aldehyde (3), and ursolic aldehyde (4), together with two fatty acids, methyl linoleate (5) and ethyl oleate (6). To evaluate the efficacy of promoting osteoblast differentiation and the expression of mRNA biomarkers related to osteogenesis, we tested the isolated compounds in the mouse mesenchymal stem cell line, C3H10T1/2. Alkaline phosphate staining demonstrated that triterpenes (1-4) displayed osteogenic activity. Particularly noteworthy, ursolic aldehyde (4) exhibited the most potent effect, showing an 11.2-fold higher activity at a concentration of 10 µg/mL compared to the negative control. Moreover, ursolic aldehyde (4) upregulated the gene expression of bone formation-related biomarkers, including Runx2, Osterix, Alp, and Osteopontin. These findings suggest that the fruit extract of H. rhamnoides may have potential as a nutraceutical for promoting bone health, with ursolic aldehyde (4) identified as an active constituent.

Anti-Osteoporosis Effects of the Fruit of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) through Promotion of Osteogenic Differentiation in Ovariectomized Mice.

The fruit of Hippophae rhamnoides has been widely used for medicinal purposes because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplatelet, and antimicrobial effects. Since there are no clear reports on the therapeutic efficacy of H. rhamnoides in osteoporosis, this study aimed to confirm the potential use of H. rhamnoides for the treatment of osteoporosis through its osteogenic differentiation-promoting effect in ovariectomized mice. Through an in vitro study, we compared the effects of the EtOH extract of H. rhamnoides fruits (EHRF) on the differentiation of C3H10T1/2, a mouse mesenchymal stem cell line, into osteoblasts based on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and the relative expression of osteogenesis-related mRNAs. The EHRF significantly stimulated the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts and showed 7.5 times (* p < 0.05) higher osteogenesis than in the untreated control. A solvent fractionation process of EHRF showed that the hexane-soluble fraction (HRH) showed 10.4 times (** p < 0.01) higher osteogenesis than in the untreated control. Among the subfractions derived from the active HRH by preparative HPLC fractionation, HRHF4 showed 7.5 times (* p < 0.05) higher osteogenesis than in the untreated naïve cells, and HRH and HRHF4 fractions showed 22.6 times (*** p < 0.001) stronger osteogenesis activity than in the negative control. Osteoporosis was induced by excision of both ovaries in 9-week-old female ICR mice for in vivo analysis, and two active fractions, HRH and HRHF4, were administered orally for three months. During the oral administration period, body weight was measured weekly, and bone mineral density (BMD) and body fat density were measured simultaneously using a DEXA machine once a month. In particular, during the in vivo study, the average BMD of the ovariectomized group decreased by 0.0009 g/cm2, whereas the average BMD of the HRH intake group increased by 0.0033 g/cm2 (* p < 0.05) and that of the HRHF4 intake group increased by 0.0059 g/cm2 (** p < 0.01). The HRH and HRHF4 intake groups significantly recovered the mRNA and protein expression of osteogenic genes, including ALP, Osteopontin, Runx2, and Osterix, in the osteoporosis mouse tibia. These findings suggest that the active fractions of H. rhamnoides fruit significantly promoted osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells and increased osteogenic gene expression, resulting in an improvement in bone mineral density in the osteoporosis mouse model. Taken together, H. rhamnoides fruits are promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Efficacy of Artemisia annua L. extract for recovery of acute liver failure.

Artemisia annua L. is an annual herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly grown in parts of Asia, including Korea and China, and is called by its nickname Gae-ddong-ssuk, or Chung-ho. The herb is well known for its positive effects on fever and hemostasis, as well as its antibiotic effects. To evaluate the protective properties of A. annua L. on the liver, an acute liver failure animal model was set up with intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D-galactosamine (D-galN) in C57BL/6J mice, showing increased levels of AST (aspartate transaminase) and ALT (alanine transaminase). Oral administration of the extract of A. annua L. (EAA) for 2 weeks reduced the level of AST and ALT up to 50% of the levels in the negative control group treated with water vehicle. The efficacy of EAA was more effective than that in a comparative positive control group treated with milk thistle extract. Moreover, EAA protected hepatic cells and tissues from oxidative stresses and inflammatory damages, showing downregulation of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). We also found that LPS stimulated the mouse macrophage cell line, Raw264.7, and secreted a tremendous level of proinflammatory cytokines and the secretion of these cytokines was reduced with EAA treatment via downregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and p65 translocation. This study demonstrated that A. annua L. extract is a promising treatment for protection against and recovery from liver damage, as well as maintenance of liver health.

Lemon balm and dandelion leaf extract synergistically alleviate ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity by enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

We investigated the effect of a 2:1 (w/w) mixture of lemon balm and dandelion extracts (LD) on ethanol (EtOH)-mediated liver injury and explored the underlying mechanisms. Administration of LD synergistically reduced relative liver weight and decreased the levels of serum biomarkers of hepatic injury. Histopathological and biochemical analyses indicated that LD synergistically attenuated hepatic accumulation of triacylglycerides (TGs) and restored the levels of mRNAs related to fatty acid metabolism. In addition, LD significantly reduced EtOH-induced hepatic oxidative stress by attenuating the reduction in levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA and enhancing antioxidant activity. Moreover, LD decreased the EtOH-mediated increase in levels of hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA. In vitro, LD significantly scavenged free radicals, increased cell viability against tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBHP), and transactivated Nrf2 target genes in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, LD decreased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Raw264.7 cells. Therefore, LD shows promise for preventing EtOH-mediated liver injury. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: There were no approved therapeutic agents for preventing and/or treating alcoholic liver diseases. In this study, a 2:1 (w/w) mixture of lemon balm and dandelion leaf extract (DL) synergistically ameliorated EtOH-induced hepatic injury by inhibiting lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Our findings will enable the development of a novel food supplement for the prevention or treatment of alcohol-mediated liver injury.

Orally administration of Neolentinus lepideus extracts attenuated ethanol induced accumulation of hepatic lipid in mice.

In this study, we examined the effects of the water extract of Neolentinus lepideus (WENL), an edible mushroom, on ethanol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. Ethanol-induced oil red O-positive spots on AML-12 hepatocytes were attenuated by WENL treatment. Furthermore, the oral administration of WENL in acute and chronic ethanol-fed mouse models resulted in the decrease in blood triglyceride and the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. Interestingly, the transcriptional expression related to lipid metabolisms, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, and cytochrome P450 2E1, was decreased by WENL treatment in both ethanol-induced AML-12 hepatocytes and our chronic ethanol-fed mouse models. In addition, WENL effectively attenuated the ethanol induced activation of MAP kinases and NF-κB in AML-12 hepatocytes. Taken together, our results suggested that WENL can be effective in alleviating alcohol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation and may be used as potential candidate for the prevention of alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Sulfuretin Prevents Obesity and Metabolic Diseases in Diet Induced Obese Mice.

The global obesity epidemic and associated metabolic diseases require alternative biological targets for new therapeutic strategies. In this study, we show that a phytochemical sulfuretin suppressed adipocyte differentiation of preadipocytes and administration of sulfuretin to high fat diet-fed obese mice prevented obesity and increased insulin sensitivity. These effects were associated with a suppressed expression of inflammatory markers, induced expression of adiponectin, and increased levels of phosphorylated ERK and AKT. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sulfuretin in adipocytes, we performed microarray analysis and identified activating transcription factor 3 (Atf3) as a sulfuretin-responsive gene. Sulfuretin elevated Atf3 mRNA and protein levels in white adipose tissue and adipocytes. Consistently, deficiency of Atf3 promoted lipid accumulation and the expression of adipocyte markers. Sulfuretin's but not resveratrol's anti-adipogenic effects were diminished in Atf3 deficient cells, indicating that Atf3 is an essential factor in the effects of sulfuretin. These results highlight the usefulness of sulfuretin as a new anti-obesity intervention for the prevention of obesity and its associated metabolic diseases.

Tirucallane Triterpenoids from the Stems and Stem Bark of Cornus walteri that Control Adipocyte and Osteoblast Differentiations.

Cornus walteri Wanger (Cornaceae) has been broadly used in traditional East Asian medicine for the treatment of various disorders, including skin inflammation and diarrhea. As part of our efforts to identify structurally and/or biologically new compounds from Korean medicinal plants, we have explored potentially new bioactive constituents from C. walteri. In the present study, seven triterpenoids (1⁻7) were isolated from C. walteri stems and stem bark. Compounds 1⁻3 were new tirucallane triterpenoids (cornusalterins N-P) and compounds 4⁻7 were isolated for the first time from C. walteri. The structures of the new compounds were determined based on 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data interpretations and HR-ESIMS, as well as a computational method coupled with a statistical procedure (DP4+). The regulatory effects of the isolated triterpenoids (1⁻7) on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation to adipocytes and osteoblasts were examined in the C3H10T1/2 cell line. Although these compounds had little effect on MSC differentiation to osteoblasts, lipid droplet formation in adipocyte-differentiated MSCs decreased in the presence of the seven triterpenoids. Compounds 1 and 4 each had a relatively distinct correlation between dose and efficacy, showing adipogenesis suppression at higher concentrations. Our findings demonstrate that the active compounds 1 and 4 can exert beneficial effects in regulation of adipocyte differentiation.

PI3Ka-Akt1-mediated Prdm4 induction in adipose tissue increases energy expenditure, inhibits weight gain, and improves insulin resistance in diet-induced obese mice.

Stimulation of white adipose tissue (WAT) browning is considered as a potential approach to treat obesity and metabolic diseases. Our previous studies have shown that phytochemical butein can stimulate WAT browning through induction of Prdm4 in adipocytes. Here, we investigated the effects of butein on diet-induced obesity and its underlying molecular mechanism. Treatment with butein prevented weight gains and improved metabolic profiles in diet-induced obese mice. Butein treatment groups also displayed higher body temperature, increased energy expenditure, and enhanced expression of thermogenic genes in adipose tissue. Butein also suppressed body weight gains and improved glucose and insulin tolerance in mice housed at thermoneutrality (30 °C). These effects were associated with adipose-selective induction of Prdm4, suggesting the role of Prdm4 in butein-mediated anti-obese effects. To directly assess the in vivo role of Prdm4, we generated aP2-Prdm4 transgenic mouse lines overexpressing Prdm4 in adipose tissues. Adipose-specific transgenic expression of Prdm4 recapitulated the butein's actions in stimulating energy expenditure, cold tolerance, and thermogenic gene expression, resulting in prevention of obesity and improvement of metabolism. Mechanistically, direct inhibition of PI3Kα activity followed by selective suppression of its downstream Akt1 mirrored butein's effect on Ucp1 expression and oxygen consumption. In addition, effects of butein were completely abolished in Akt1 KO mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Together, these studies demonstrate the role of butein in obesity and metabolic diseases, further highlighting that adipose PI3Kα-Akt1-Prdm4 axis is a regulator of energy expenditure.

Chemical Characterization of Novel Natural Products from the Roots of Asian Rice ( Oryza sativa) that Control Adipocyte and Osteoblast Differentiation.

Oryza sativa L. is consumed globally as a staple food, and its roots have been used as a Korean and Chinese medical supplement for protection of the stomach and lungs and for amelioration of vomiting and fever. In our continuing search for biologically effective metabolites from Korean natural materials, we found that an EtOH extract of O. sativa root reciprocally regulated adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation. Chemical analysis of the EtOH extract using a bioassay-guided fractionation protocol led to the isolation and determination of two novel lignans, oryzativols A and B, responsible for these regulatory activities. Using 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analyses, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and circular dichroism analysis, the structures of the novel compounds were elucidated. We examined their effects on the regulation of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Treatment with oryzativol A in the human mesenchymal cell line C3H10T1/2 suppressed gene expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ, which resulted in a reduction in adipogenesis. Oryzativol A also enhanced the expression of Runx2 and cellular differentiation into osteoblasts in the same mesenchymal stem cell line.

Small Molecule-Induced Complement Factor D (Adipsin) Promotes Lipid Accumulation and Adipocyte Differentiation.

Adipocytes are differentiated by various transcriptional cascades integrated on the master regulator, Pparγ. To discover new genes involved in adipocyte differentiation, preadipocytes were treated with three newly identified pro-adipogenic small molecules and GW7845 (a Pparγ agonist) for 24 hours and transcriptional profiling was analyzed. Four genes, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (Pparγ), human complement factor D homolog (Cfd), Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 9 (Ccl9), and GIPC PDZ Domain Containing Family Member 2 (Gipc2) were induced by at least two different small molecules but not by GW7845. Cfd and Ccl9 expressions were specific to adipocytes and they were altered in obese mice. Small hairpin RNA (shRNA) mediated knockdown of Cfd in preadipocytes inhibited lipid accumulation and expression of adipocyte markers during adipocyte differentiation. Overexpression of Cfd promoted adipocyte differentiation, increased C3a production, and led to induction of C3a receptor (C3aR) target gene expression. Similarly, treatments with C3a or C3aR agonist (C4494) also promoted adipogenesis. C3aR knockdown suppressed adipogenesis and impaired the pro-adipogenic effects of Cfd, further suggesting the necessity for C3aR signaling in Cfd-mediated pro-adipogenic axis. Together, these data show the action of Cfd in adipogenesis and underscore the application of small molecules to identify genes in adipocytes.

Nelumbo Nucifera leaf protects against UVB-induced wrinkle formation and loss of subcutaneous fat through suppression of MCP3, IL-6 and IL-8 expression.

Nelumbo nucifera has long been used in traditional medicine in East Asian countries such as China and Korea. In this study, we report the different property of several Nelumbo nucifera leaf (NNL) extracts on adipocyte differentiation. Adipogenesis was stimulated by administration of dichloromethyl (DCM) or n-hexan extract of NNL but attenuated by that of water extract. We also show that topical administration of DCM extract of NNL attenuated ultraviolet-B (UVB)-mediated wrinkle formation and reduction of subcutaneous (SC) fat in vivo. Interestingly, UVB-induced blood contents of triglyceride (TG) were attenuated significantly by topical administration of the DCM extract. In addition, we found that UVB-induced expression of cytokines (interleukin-6; IL-6, interleukin-8; IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein-3; MCP3), which were reported as regulators in SC fat metabolism, was attenuated in mouse skin fibroblast cells upon administration of the DCM extract. Collectively, our data suggest that topical administration of DCM extract of NNL, which plays a regulatory role in adipogenesis, could attenuate UVB-induced wrinkle formation and the metabolism of blood lipids by regulating the expression of cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, and MCP3 in skin fibroblast cells. Our findings support further development of DCM extract of NNL as a potential therapeutic agent for prevention of photoaging-related disorders.

Gleditsia sinensis Thorn Attenuates the Collagen-Based Migration of PC3 Prostate Cancer Cells through the Suppression of α2ß1 Integrin Expression.

Gleditsia sinensis thorns (GST) have been used as a traditional medicine for carbuncles and skin diseases. The purpose of this study was to decide whether non-toxicological levels of water extract of GST (WEGST) are effective in inhibiting the progress of prostate cancer formation and to identify the target molecule involved in the WEGST-mediated inhibitory process of prostate cancer cell migration and in vivo tumor formation. Through the Boyden chamber migration assay, we found that non-toxic levels of WEGST could not attenuate the PC3 migration to the bottom area coated with serum but significantly inhibited PC3 cell migration to the collagen-coated bottom area. We also found that non-toxic levels of WEGST significantly attenuated collagen against adhesion. Interestingly, ectopic administration of WEGST could not affect the expression of α2ß1 integrin, which is known as a receptor of collagen. However, when the PC3 cells adhered to a collagen-coated plate, the expression of α2 integrin but not that of ß1 integrin was significantly inhibited by the administration of non-toxic levels of WEGST, leading to the inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation. Furthermore, oral administration of WEGST (25 mg/kg/day) significantly inhibited the size of a PC3 cell-xenografted tumor. Taken together, these results suggest a novel molecular mechanism for WEGST to inhibit prostate cancer progression at particular stages, such as collagen-mediated adhesion and migration, and it might provide further development for the therapeutic use of WEGST in the treatment of prostate cancer progression.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activities and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Property from Mycelium Culture Extracts.

Since mushrooms have many bioactive components, they have been used as components in folk medicine. Because mycelium has an advantage when it comes to large-scale production, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties and anti-tyrosinase activity from 55 mycelia in culture media. Relatively high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity was detected from the ethanol extract of culture media including mycelium (EECiM) of Morchella esculenta var. esculenta (MEVE), Auricularia polytricha (APO), Tremella aurantia (TAU), Volvariella bombycina (VBO), and Oudemansiella sp. (Osp), which also showed strong reducing power and inhibitory activity in relation to the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value. On the other hand, relatively high tyrosinase inhibitory activity was detected in Inonotus mikadoi (IMI), Coriolus versicolor (CVE), Volvariella volvacea (VVO), Panellus serotinus (PSE), Auricularia auricula (AAU), and Fomitopsis sp. (Fsp). Interestingly, the APO EECiM exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging rate (77.5 ± 4.3%) and reducing power (1.18 ± 0.041), while the highest inhibitory power of the TBA value and antityrosinase activity were detected in that of TAU (64.5 ± 4.1%) and IMI (46.0 ± 7.5%), respectively. Overall, our study suggested potential candidates for EECiMs that exhibited powerful antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory properties and might be used as natural antioxidant tyrosinase inhibitor.

Sulfuretin induces osteoblast differentiation through activation of TGF-ß signaling.

The identification and examination of potential determinants controlling the progression of cell fate toward osteoblasts can be intriguing subjects. In this study, the effects of sulfuretin, a major compound isolated from Rhus verniciflua Stokes, on osteoblast differentiation were investigated. Treatments of sulfuretin induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells and mineralization in preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. Pro-osteogenic effects of sulfuretin were consistently observed in freshly isolated primary bone marrow cells. In mechanical studies, sulfuretin specifically induced expression of TGF-ß target genes, such as SMAD7 and PAI-1, but not other signaling pathway-related genes. Similar to the results of gene expression analysis, reporter assays further demonstrated TGF-ß-specific induction by sulfuretin. Furthermore, disruption of TGF-ß signaling using treatment with TGF-ß-specific inhibitor, SB-431542, and introduction of SMAD2/3 small interfering RNA impaired the effects of sulfuretin in inducing ALP activity and expression of ALP mRNA. Together, these data indicate that the pro-osteogenic effects of sulfuretin are mediated through activation of TGF-ß signaling, further supporting the potential of sulfuretin in the prevention of bone-related diseases such as bone fracture and osteoporosis.

Extract of Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng Promoted the Hair Growth through Regulating the Expression of IGF-1.

Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng (ATRES) has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and asthma. In this study, we investigated the hair growth promoting activities of ATRES on telogenic C57BL6/N mice. Hair growth was significantly increased in the dorsal skin of ethanol extract of ATRES treated mouse group compared with the control mouse group. To enrich the hair promoting activity, an ethanol-insoluble fraction was further extracted in sequence with n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and distilled water. Interestingly, we found that extraction with n-butanol is most efficient in producing the hair promoting activity. In addition, the soluble fraction of the n-butanol extract was further separated by silica gel chromatography and thin layer chromatography (TLC) resulting in isolating four single fractions which have hair growth regeneration potential. Furthermore, administration of ATRES extracts to dorsal skin area increased the number of hair follicles compared with control mouse group. Interestingly, administration of ATRES extract stimulated the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) but not of keratin growth factor (KGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Taken together, these results suggest that ATRES possesses strong hair growth promoting potential which controls the expression of IGF-1.

Effects of Egg Shell Membrane Hydrolysates on UVB-radiation-induced Wrinkle Formation in SKH-1 Hairless Mice.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of egg shell membrane hydrolysates (ESMH) on wrinkle, UV, and moisture protection for cosmetic use. ESMH were fragmented as whole ESMH (before fractioning), Fraction I (> 10 kDa), Fraction II (3-10 kDa), and Fraction III (< 3 kDa). In order to test whether fractionated ESMH can be used for functional cosmetic materials, we examined not only the level of hyaluronic acid and collagen production, but also the MMP-1 activity using a HaCaT and CCD-986Sk cell line. Our study treated each sample of fractionated ESMH with different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/mL). In our in vivo research, we used hairless mice that had been exposed to UV-B to induce wrinkles for 7 wk, then applied Fraction I to the treatment group for 5 wk and then tested skin thickness, minimum erythema dose and moisture content. In addition, Fraction I was high in collagen and HA biosynthesis and it was better than TGF-ß in improving of the skin. When TNF-α caused MMP-1 activity in the CCD-986Sk cells, the whole ESMH and Fraction I proved to be effective in hindering the induction of collagenase depending on the concentration, and also showed outstanding effects in the suppression of skin aging. We found that the treatment group mice's UV-B radiation-induced skin damage was largely mitigated compared to that of the non-treatment group mice. Thus, we have concluded that EMSH helps to mitigate UV-B radiation-induced wrinkles, collagen, HA, MMP-1 activity and can be used for functional cosmetic materials.

Effect of steaming, blanching, and high temperature/high pressure processing on the amino Acid contents of commonly consumed korean vegetables and pulses.

In the present report, the effects of blanching, steaming, and high temperature/high pressure processing (HTHP) on the amino acid contents of commonly consumed Korean root vegetables, leaf vegetables, and pulses were evaluated using an Automatic Amino Acid Analyzer. The total amino acid content of the samples tested was between 3.38 g/100 g dry weight (DW) and 21.32 g/100 g DW in raw vegetables and between 29.36 g/100 g DW and 30.55 g/100 g DW in raw pulses. With HTHP, we observed significant decreases in the lysine and arginine contents of vegetables and the lysine, arginine, and cysteine contents of pulses. Moreover, the amino acid contents of blanched vegetables and steamed pulses were more similar than the amino acid contents of the HTHP vegetables and HTHP pulses. Interestingly, lysine, arginine, and cysteine were more sensitive to HTHP than the other amino acids. Partial Least Squares-Discriminate Analyses were also performed to discriminate the clusters and patterns of amino acids.

Reciprocal regulation of adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by Eupatorium japonicum prevents bone loss and adiposity increase in osteoporotic rats.

Pathological increases in adipogenic potential with decreases in osteogenic differentiation occur in osteoporotic bone marrow cells. Previous studies have shown that bioactive materials isolated from natural products can reciprocally regulate adipogenic and osteogenic fates of bone marrow cells. In this study, we showed that Eupatorium japonicum stem extracts (EJE) suppressed lipid accumulation and inhibited the expression of adipocyte markers in multipotent C3H10T1/2 and primary bone marrow cells. Conversely, EJE stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity and induced the expression of osteoblast markers in C3H10T1/2 and primary bone marrow cells. Daily oral administration of 50 mg/kg of EJE for 6 weeks to ovariectomized rats prevented body weight increase and bone mineral density decrease. Finally, activity-guided fractionation led to the identification of coumaric acid and coumaric acid methyl ester as bioactive anti-adipogenic and pro-osteogenic components in EJE. Taken together, our data indicate a promising possibility of E. japonicum as a functional food and as a therapeutic intervention for preventing osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Apple peel and carboxymethylcellulose-based nanocomposite films containing different nanoclays.

UNLABELLED: Biodegradable packaging films were developed from polymeric blends of apple peel powder (APP) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), into which different nanoclays were incorporated to produce a nanocomposite film. After first estimating the barrier and mechanical properties of 4 different biopolymer films (CMC, methylcellulose, gelatin, and polylactide), CMC was chosen as the best film-forming solution. Three different nanoclays (Cloisite Na(+) , 30B, and 20A) were subsequently dispersed in a CMC film solution to improve the barrier and physical properties of the final CMC nanocomposite films. The structures of the exfoliated CMC nanocomposite films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the most efficient nanoclay type, with Cloisite Na(+) addition being found to demonstrate the greatest improvement in the barrier and mechanical properties of the film. Finally, the CMC and Cloisite Na(+) solution were thoroughly blended with APP using a high-pressure homogenization (HPH) process to develop biopolymer nanocomposite films, which were then characterized using XRD and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The HPH treatment significantly improved the film-forming ability by increasing the dispersity of APP in the CMC nanocomposites, as well as having various other effects on the physical properties. These nanocomposite films can be viewed as an alternative solution for the use of agricultural biomass in developing environmentally friendly packaging materials. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Cloisite Na(+) nanoclay noticeably improved the barrier and elongation properties of a biopolymer film. High-pressure homogenization successfully blended apple peel powder with carboxymethylcellulose to develop a nanocomposite film. The apple peel and CMC-based nanocomposite films that were developed could be used as a novel biodegradable packaging material.

Electrochemically decorated ZnTe nanodots on single-walled carbon nanotubes for room-temperature NO2 sensor application.

A gas sensor with ZnTe nanodot-modified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is demonstrated for NO2 detection at room temperature. ZnTe nanodots are electrochemically deposited in an aqueous solution containing ZnSO4, TeO2 and citrate. A deposition potential range of ZnTe formation of -0.65 to -0.9 V is determined by cyclic voltammetry, and an intermetallic ZnTe compound is formed at above 50 degrees C bath. SWCNT-based sensors show the highly sensitive response down to 1 ppm NO2 gas at room temperature. In particular, the sensitivity of ZnTe nanodot-modified SWCNTs is increased by 6 times as compared to that of pristine SWCNT sensors. A selectivity test of SWCNT-ZnTe nanodots sensors is carried out with ammonia gas (NH3) and methanol vapor (MeOH), and the result confirms an excellent selectivity to NO2 gas.