Lysobacter lacus sp. nov., isolated from from lake sediment.

An aerobic and Gram-stain-negative bacterial strain, designated UKS-15T, was isolated from lake water in the Republic of Korea. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the novel isolate belongs to the genus Lysobacter and was most closely related to Lysobacter xinjiangensis RCML-52T (98.0 %), Lysobacter mobilis 9 NM-14T (97.4 %) and Lysobacter humi FJY8T (97.2 %). The DNA G+C content was 69.1 mol%. Strain UKS-15T possessed ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) as the sole respiratory quinone and the fatty acid profile comprised iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1 ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl) as its major components. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified aminophospholipid. Moreover, the physiological and biochemical results and low level of DNA-DNA relatedness (<22.0 %) allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain UKS-15T from other Lysobacter species. Therefore, on the basis of the data from this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain UKS-15T should represent a novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter lacus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is UKS-15T (=JCM 30983T=KACC 18719T).

Aquimarina spongiicola sp. nov., isolated from spongin.

A Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, motile by gliding, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated 122CH820-2T, was isolated from spongin. This bacterium was characterized to determine its taxonomic position by using a polyphasic approach. Strain 122CH820-2T grew well at 25-30 °C on marine agar. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain 122CH820-2T belonged to the family Flavobacteriaceae and was closely related to Aquimarina mytili PSC33T (96.8 % sequence similarity) and A. penaei P3-1T (96.7 %). Lower sequence similarities (<96.5 %) were found with all of the other recognized members of the genus Aquimarina. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 35.2 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-6 and the major fatty acids were C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one aminophospholipid and five unidentified polar lipids. Strain 122CH820-2T could be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Aquimarina. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Aquimarina spongiicola sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 122CH820-2T (=KACC 19274T=LMG 30078T).

Phenylobacterium hankyongense sp. nov., isolated from ginseng field soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated HKS-05T, was isolated from ginseng field soil. This bacterium was characterized to determine its taxonomic position by using the polyphasic approach. HKS-05T grew at 10-37 °C and at pH 6.0-8.0 on R2A agar. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, HKS-05T was shown to represent a member of the family Caulobacteraceaeand to be related to Phenylobacterium lituiforme FaiI3T (98.1 % sequence similarity), 'Phenylobacterium zucineum' HLK1 (97.9 %), Phenylobacterium muchangponense A8T (97.7 %), Phenylobacteriumcomposti 4T-6T (97.2 %) and Phenylobacterium immobile ET (97.1 %). The major respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0, and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified glycolipids and unidentified polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.4 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness values between HKS-05T and its closest phylogenetically neighbours were low. HKS-05T could be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the species of the genus Phenylobacterium with validly published names. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Phenylobacteriumhankyongense sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain HKS-05T (=KACC 18628T=LMG 30081T).

Olivibacter ginsenosidimutans sp nov., with ginsenoside converting activity isolated from compost, and reclassification of Pseudosphingobacterium domesticum as Olivibacter domesticus comb. nov.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped, bacterium designated as strain BS18T, was isolated from compost and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. On the basis of the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, BS18T represents a member of the genus Olivibacter of the family Sphingobacteriaceaeand is most closely related to Olivibacter oleidegradansTBF2/20.2T (93.7 %), Olivibacter jilunii 14-2AT (93.6 %), Olivibacter ginsengisoli Gsoil 060T (93.6 %), Pseudosphingobacterium domesticumDC186T (93.0 %) and shared ≤93.1 % sequence similarity with the other members of the genus Olivibacter. BS18T contained MK-7 as the predominant quinone, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 4 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c), as the major fatty acids and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) as main polar lipid. BS18T could be distinguished from the other members of the genus Olivibacter by a number of chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics. On the basis of the results of polyphasic taxonomic analysis, BS18T represents a novel species within the genus, for which the name Olivibacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Olivibacter ginsenosidimutans is BS18T (=KACC 16612T=JCM 18200T). It is also proposed to transfer Pseudosphingobacterium domesticumto the genus Olivibacter, as Olivibacter domesticus comb. nov. (type strain DC186T=CCUG 54353T=LMG 23837T).

Flavobacterium hankyongi sp. nov., isolated from activated sludge.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain KTCe-4T, was isolated from activated sludge. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, the novel isolate was found to belong to the genus Flavobacterium and was most closely related to Flavobacteriumterrae DSM 18829T (97.8 %), Flavobacteriumvireti THG-SM1T (97.8 %), Flavobacteriumbrevivitae TTM-43T (97.4 %) and shared <96.4 % sequence similarity to the other members of the genus. Strain KTCe-4T contained MK-6 as the predominant isoprenoid quinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 G, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C17 : 1ω9c, as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified polar lipids and one unknown amino lipid. The DNA-DNA relatedness values of strain KTCe-4T with respect to type strains of recognized species of the genus Flavobacterium were less than 70 %. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, low values of DNA-DNA hybridization and polyphasic taxonomic analysis, strain KTCe-4T represents a novel species within the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium hankyongi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Flavobacterium hankyongi is strain KTCe-4T (=KACC 16613T=JCM 18198T).

Brevibacterium hankyongi sp. nov., isolated from compost.

A Gram-positive, strictly aerobic, non-motile, milky-white to creamy coloured and rod-shaped bacterium, designated BS05T, was isolated from compost. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that the strain formed a distinct lineage within the genus Brevibacterium and was most closely related to Brevibacterium avium NCFB 3055T (96.3 %), Brevibacterium oceani BBH7T (96.2 %) and Brevibacterium epidermidis NBRC 14811T (96.1 %). The DNA G+C content was 62.3 mol%. The predominant quinone was MK-8(H2). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain BS05T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylglycerol. Moreover, the low sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing, physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic analyses allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain BS05T from the recognized species of the genus Brevibacterium. Therefore, strain BS05T represents a novel species of the genus Brevibacterium, for which the name Brevibacteriumhankyongi sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain BS05T (=KACC 18875T=LMG 29562T).

Polaromonas ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from ginseng field soil.

A Gram-reaction-negative, strictly aerobic, milky-white and rod-shaped bacterium (designated Gsoil 115T) isolated from ginseng field soil was characterized by a polyphasic approach to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain Gsoil 115T grew optimally at 30 °C and at pH 7.0 on Reasoner's 2A agar medium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain Gsoil 115T belongs to the genus Polaromonas and was most closely related to Polaromonaseurypsychrophila B717-2T (98.6 %), Polaromonasvacuolata 34-PT (98.3 %), Polaromonasjejuensis NBRC 106434T (98.1 %), Polaromonas aquatic CCUG 39402T (97.7 %) and Polaromonascryoconiti Cr4-35T (97.5 %). The DNA G+C content was 60.9 mol%. The DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness between strain Gsoil 115T and P. eurypsychrophila B717-2T, P. vacuolata 34-PT, P. jejuensis NBRC 106434T, P. aquatic CCUG 39402T and P. cryoconiti Cr4-35T were 31.2, 21.6, 16.9, 8.7 and 10.1 %, respectively. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The sole respiratory quinone was Q-8. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), which supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 115T to the genus Polaromonas. Moreover, the physiological, biochemical and low level of DNA-DNA relatedness value allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain Gsoil 115T from the recognized species of the genus Polaromonas. Therefore, strain Gsoil 115T represents a novel species of the genus Polaromonas, for which the name Polaromonas ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 115T (LMG 23393T=KCTC 12577T).

Aeromicrobium panacisoli sp. nov. Isolated from Soil of Ginseng Cultivating Field.

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, and aerobic bacterium (Gsoil 137T) was isolated from soil of a ginseng field of Pocheon province in South Korea and subjected to a polyphasic approach in order to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Gsoil 137T was shown to belong to the family Nocardioidaceae and was closely related to Aeromicrobium ginsengisoli Gsoil 098T (96.7%), Aeromicrobium panaciterrae (96.7%), and Aeromicrobium halocynthiae JCM 15749T (96.6%). Being phylogenetic, it was most closely related to Aeromicrobium halocynthiae JCM 15749T. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.3 mol%. The diagnostic diamino acid of the cell wall peptidoglycan was LL-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone was menaquinone MK-8 (H4) and MK-7 (H4) was a minor compound. The major cellular fatty acids were C14:0, C16:0, C18:1 ω9c and summed feature 4 (C16:1 ω7c/C15:0 iso 2-OH). All these data supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 137T to the genus Aeromicrobium. The results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain Gsoil 137T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from currently known Aeromicrobium species. Therefore, strain Gsoil 137T represents a novel species of the genus Aeromicrobium, for which the name Aeromicrobium panacisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 137T (= KCTC 19130T = DSM 17940T = CCUG 52475T).

Mesorhizobium hankyongi sp. nov. Isolated from Soil of Ginseng Cultivating Field.

A Gram-negative, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped, bacterium (designated Gsoil 531T) was isolated from soil of a ginseng field. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain Gsoil 531T clustered with species of the genus Mesorhizobium and was closely related to M. camelthorni CCNWXJ 40-4T (98.9%) and M. alhagi CCNWXJ12-2T (98.7%). The DNA G + C content was 62.9 mol% and the predominant quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). The major cellular fatty acids were C16:0, C19:0 cyclo ω8c and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c). The DNA-DNA hybridization values were less than 35.0% between novel isolate and its closest reference strains M. camelthorni HAMBI 3020T, M. alhagi HAMBI 3019T and M tamadayense LMG 26736T. Physiological, biochemical and low values of DNA-DNA hybridization results enabled strain Gsoil 531T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from all known species of the genus Mesorhizobium. Therefore, strain Gsoil 531T signifies a novel species of the genus Mesorhizobium, for which the name Mesorhizobium hankyongi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain Gsoil 531T (= KACC 19443T = LMG 30463T).

Actinomadura hankyongense sp. nov. Isolated From Soil of Ginseng Cultivating Field.

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, and aerobic bacterium (Gsoil 556T) was isolated from soil of a ginseng field and subjected to its taxonomic position. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Gsoil 556T was shown to belong to the genus Actinomadura of the family Thermomonosporaceae and was closely related to A. montaniterrae CYP1-1BT (99.3%), A. nitritigenes DSM 44137T (98.7%), and A. rudentiformis HMC1T (98.5%), while it showed less than 98.4% sequence similarity to the other species of this genus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that it is most closely related to A. rudentiformis HMC1T and A. nitritigenes DSM 44137T. The DNA G+C content was 73.1 mol%. The peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell sugar contained fucose, galactose, glucose, mannose, and ribose. The predominant menaquinone (KK) was MK-9(H8) [55%] and MK-9(H6) [45%]. The major cellular fatty acids were C14:0, C16:0, C18:1 ω9c and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c). All these data supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 556T to the genus Actinomadura. The DNA-DNA hybridization between strain Gsoil 556T and its phylogenetically closest relatives were less than 40%. Furthermore, the results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain Gsoil 556T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from currently known Actinomadura species. Therefore, strain Gsoil 556T represents a novel species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura hankyongense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain Gsoil 556T (=KACC 19438T=LMG 30327T).

Paenibacillus azotifigens sp. nov., a novel nitrogen-fixing bacterium isolated from paddy soil.

A nitrogen-fixing bacterium, designated NF2-4-5T, was isolated from a paddy soil in Anseong City, Korea. Cells of strain NF2-4-5T were Gram-staining-positive, motile rods and aerobic. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that the strain formed a distinct lineage within the genus Paenibacillus and was closely related to Paenibacillus graminis RSA19T (98.7 %), Paenibacillus jilunlii Be17T (98.6 %), Paenibacillus salinicaeni LAM0A28T (98.6 %) and Paenibacillus riograndensis SBR5T (98.6 %). Growth of strain NF2-4-5T occurs at temperatures of 18-37 °C, at pH 6.0-8.5 and between 0.5% and 2 % NaCl (w/v). The only respiratory quinone was MK-7. The cell wall peptidoglycan of strain NF2-4-5T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The main cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The DNA G+C content was 56.36 mol%. The DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness between strain NF2-4-5T and four reference strains, Paenibacillus graminis RSA19T, Paenibacillus jilunlii Be17T, Paenibacillus sonchi X19-5T and Paenibacillus riograndensis SBR5T, was 22.0±0.3, 20.1±0.7, 18.3±0.3 and 12.6±0.5 %, respectively. The phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic results indicate that the strain NF2-4-5T represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus azotifigens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NF2-4-5T (=KACC 18967T=LMG 29963T).

Sphingomonas agri sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from soil.

A Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, non-motile, white (translucent) and rod-shaped bacterium (designated HKS-06T) isolated from soil was characterized by a polyphasic approach to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain HKS-06T was observed to grow optimally at 30 °C and at pH 6.5-7.0 on R2A agar medium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain HKS-06T belongs to the genus Sphingomonas and is most closely related to Sphingomonas lutea JS5T (97.4 % similarity). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 64.1 mol%. Chemotaxonomic data [major quinone (Q-10), major polar lipids (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylcholine, unknown polar lipid) and major fatty acids (summed feature 8, comprising C18 : 1ω7c/ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω6c, C18 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 0)] supported the affiliation of strain HKS-06T to the genus Sphingomonas. Moreover, the physiological and biochemical results and low level of DNA-DNA relatedness [between strain HKS06T and S. lutea JS5T (20.24±1.2 %)] allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain HKS-06T from recognized species of the genus Sphingomonas. The new isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Sphingomonas agri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HKS-06T (=KACC 18880T=LMG 29563T).

Panacibacter ginsenosidivorans gen. nov., sp. nov., with ginsenoside converting activity isolated from soil of a ginseng field.

A ginsenoside-transforming bacterium, designated Gsoil 1550T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Colonies of strain Gsoil 1550T were yellow, of low convexity and with regular margin. Cells were long rods, 0.5-1.2 µm wide and 1.6-3 µm long. The isolate grew at 10-37 °C and at pH 5-9 on R2A agar medium; maximum growth occurred at 30 °C and pH 6-7. Phylogenetic study based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence positioned Gsoil 1550T in a distinct lineage in the family Chitinophagaceae, sharing 92.5-92.8 % sequence similarity with members of the closely related genera Terrimonas, Parafilimonas, Sediminibacterium and Parasegetibacter. Strain Gsoil 1550T contained menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant quinone, and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 1 G as major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 44.6 mol%. Strain Gsoil 1550T could be distinguished from other members of the family Chitinophagaceae by a number of chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics. The major polar lipid of strain Gsoil 1550T was phosphatidylethanolamine. Based on this polyphasic taxonomic analysis, strain Gsoil 1150T represents a novel species within a new genus, for which the name Panacibacter ginsenosidivorans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Panacibacter ginsenosidivorans is Gsoil 1550T (=KCTC 12658T=JCM 31452T).

Compostibacter hankyongensis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from compost.

A novel bacterial strain, designated strain BS27T, was isolated from mushroom compost and subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Colonies of BS27T were milky-white, circular with regular fringes and opaque. Cells were short rods, 0.3-0.5 µm wide and 1.2-2.0 µm long. Phylogenetic study based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed BS27T in a distinct lineage in the family Chitinophagaceae, sharing 90.1-90.9 % sequence similarity with members of the closely related genera Chitinophaga, Flavitalea, Flavihumibacter, Lacibacter and Flavisolibacter. The novel isolate showed the highest sequence similarities with the members of the genus Chitinophaga. BS27T contained MK-7 as predominant quinone, and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c (summed feature 3) and iso-C17 : 1I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1B (summed feature 4) as major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 53.0 mol%. The major polar lipids of BS27T were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and five unidentified polar lipids (L1, L2, L5, L6 and L7). The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of BS27T from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. On the basis of the evidence of this polyphasic study, isolate BS27T represents a novel genus and species in the family Chitinophagaceae for which the name Compostibacter hankyongensisgen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BS27T (=KACC 18745T=JCM 17664T).

Sphingobacterium jejuense sp. nov., with ginsenoside-converting activity, isolated from compost.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, light yellow, short-rod bacterium (designated GJ30-7T) isolated from compost, was characterized using a polyphasic approach, in order to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain GJ30-7T was observed to grow optimally at 30 °C and at pH 7.0 on R2A agar medium. Strain Gsoil GJ30-7T possessed ß-glucosidase activity, which was responsible for its ability to transform ginsenosides Rb1 and Rc (the two main active components of ginseng) to ginsenoside F2. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, indicated that GJ30-7T belongs to the genus Sphingobacterium of the family Sphingobacteriaceae and was most closely related to Sphingobacterium yanglingense JCM 30166T (92.6 %), Sphingobacterium psychroaquaticum KACC 18188T (92.6 %), and Sphingobacterium thermophilum KCTC 23708T (92.0 %). The DNA G+C content was 43 mol% and MK-7 was the major isoprenoid quinone. The main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospolipid and one unknown polar lipid. In contrast to standard and reference strains, unidentified sphingolipid was also present. The predominant fatty acids of strain GJ30-7T were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c (summed feature 3) and iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl (summed feature 9), supporting the affiliation of strain GJ30-7T to the genus Sphingobacterium. However, strain GJ30-7T could be distinguished genotypically and phenotypically from species of the genus Sphingobacterium with validly published names. The novel isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Sphingobacterium jejuense sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain GJ30-7T (=KACC 18625T=JCM 30948T).

Beneficial dietary effect of turmeric and sulphur on weight gain, fat deposition and lipid profile of serum and liver in rats.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of turmeric powder and processed sulphur on the weight gain, body fat deposition and lipid profile of serum and liver in Wistar rats. Twenty-five rats of 6 weeks old were divided into five groups with 5 rats in each group. Each group was fed different diets as follows I. common diet (CON); II. high fat diet (HFD); III. 10% turmeric powder with HFD (T); IV. 10% turmeric powder and 0.19% processed sulphur with HFD (TS); and V. 0.38% processed sulphur with HFD (S). The experimental feeding was continued for 6 weeks. The body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio (FER) in the T and TS group rats were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the HFD group rats. The retroperitoneal fat weights in the rats belong to T, TS and S groups were lower than that of the HFD group rats and the TS group had significant (p < 0.05) reduction in retroperitoneal fat compared to the HFD group rats. The epididymal fat weights in rats of the T, TS and S groups also showed a lowering tendency compared to that of the HFD group rats. The hepatic total lipid levels in the T and TS group rats were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the HFD group rats. The hepatic triglyceride level in the rats of TS group was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the HFD group rats. The serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) associated cholesterol contents in rats of the T and TS group were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the HFD group rats, however, there was no significant difference in serum triglyceride. The results suggest that turmeric powder along with sulphur can reduce the weight gain, body fat deposition and improve serum and liver lipid profile in rats fed with a high fat diet.

A1E inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in NCI-H460 lung cancer cells via extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.

It has been reported that extracts from Asian traditional/medical herbs possess therapeutic agents against cancers, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases, and other intractable diseases. In this study, we assessed the molecular mechanisms involved in the anticancer effects of A1E, the extract of Korean medicinal herbs. We examined the role of the cytotoxic and apoptotic pathways in the cancer chemopreventive activity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines NCI-H460 and NCI-H1299. A1E inhibited the proliferation of NCI-H460 more efficiently than NCI-H1299 (p53(-/-)) cells. The apoptosis was detected by nuclear morphological changes, annexin V-FITC/PI staining, cell cycle analysis, western blot, RT-PCR, and measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential. A1E induced cellular morphological changes and nuclear condensation at 24 h in a dose-dependent manner. A1E also perturbed cell cycle progression at the sub-G1 stage and altered cell cycle regulatory factors in NCI-H460 cells. Furthermore, A1E inhibited the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB survival pathways, and it activated apoptotic intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. A1E increased the expression levels of members of the extrinsic death receptor complex FasL and FADD. In addition, A1E treatment induced cleavage of caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), whereas the expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl were downregulated. A1E induced mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and cytochrome C release. Our results suggest that A1E induces apoptosis via activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways and inhibition of PI3K/Akt survival signaling pathways in NCI-H460 cells. In conclusion, these data demonstrate the potential of A1E as a novel chemotherapeutic agent in NSCLC.

In vivo activation of ROCK1 by insulin is impaired in skeletal muscle of humans with type 2 diabetes.

To determine whether serine/threonine ROCK1 is activated by insulin in vivo in humans and whether impaired activation of ROCK1 could play a role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, we measured the activity of ROCK1 and the protein content of the Rho family in vastus lateralis muscle of lean, obese nondiabetic, and obese type 2 diabetic subjects. Biopsies were taken after an overnight fast and after a 3-h hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Insulin-stimulated GDR was reduced 38% in obese nondiabetic subjects compared with lean, 62% in obese diabetic subjects compared with lean, and 39% in obese diabetic compared with obese nondiabetic subjects (all comparisons P < 0.001). Insulin-stimulated IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation is impaired 41-48% in diabetic subjects compared with lean or obese subjects. Basal activity of ROCK1 was similar in all groups. Insulin increased ROCK1 activity 2.1-fold in lean and 1.7-fold in obese nondiabetic subjects in muscle. However, ROCK1 activity did not increase in response to insulin in muscle of obese type 2 diabetic subjects without change in ROCK1 protein levels. Importantly, insulin-stimulated ROCK1 activity was positively correlated with insulin-mediated GDR in lean subjects (P < 0.01) but not in obese or type 2 diabetic subjects. Moreover, RhoE GTPase that inhibits the catalytic activity of ROCK1 by binding to the kinase domain of the enzyme is notably increased in obese type 2 diabetic subjects, accounting for defective ROCK1 activity. Thus, these data suggest that ROCK1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of resistance to insulin action on glucose disposal in muscle of obese type 2 diabetic subjects.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Artemisia princeps in antigen-stimulated T cells and regulatory T cells.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Artemisia princeps extract on the activity of anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells and antigen-expanded regulatory T cells. METHODS: CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells were activated with coated anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 and cultured in the presence or absence of various concentrations of A. princeps extract. The cultures were pulsed on Day 6 with [(3)H]thymidine and, after harvesting the cells, [(3)H]thymidine incorporation was measured. For analysis of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma secreted from CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells, culture supernatants were collected on Days 2 and 6. For the analysis of interleukin-10 secreted from the CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells and expanded regulatory T cells, supernatants were collected after 2 and 7 days, respectively. Cytokine levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Potential medicinal components of the A. princeps extract were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. KEY FINDINGS: A. princeps (30 microg/ml) effectively suppressed proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells that were stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 without causing cytotoxicity in spleen cells incubated under conditions lacking antigen stimulation. A. princeps inhibited production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma in anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells. Also, the extract slightly increased production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in these cells. In regulatory T cells expanded by anti-CD3/CD28, A. princeps increased production of interleukin-10 and Foxp3. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that A. princeps may be useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation rejection by inhibiting proliferation of inflammatory T cells, suppressing inflammatory processes in antigen-stimulated CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells and increasing activity of expanded regulatory T cells.

Anti-inflammatory action of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) in anti-CD3/CD28-mediated spleen and CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells and a partial participation of IL-10.

alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) has been shown to inhibit the production and the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokine by inflammatory cells in innate immunity. We have determined whether alpha-MSH inhibits anti-CD3/CD28-mediated spleen cells and CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells proliferation and its mechanism of action. The proliferation of anti-CD3/CD28-mediated spleen cells and CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells markedly were suppressed by 50-100 nM and 5-100 nM alpha-MSH, respectively. alpha-MSH (100 nM) increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and decreased the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-2 and IFN-gamma from CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells. Moreover, anti-IL-10 blocking Ab decreased the inhibitory effects of anti-CD3/CD28-mediated spleen cells and CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells proliferation by alpha-MSH, indicating a partial participation of IL-10 in its mechanism of inhibitory action. These results suggest that alpha-MSH may be useful for treatment of autoimmune diseases and transplantation involving innate and adaptive immunity.