Effect of Sugar-Free Jelly on Glycemic Metabolism and Its Potential Health Benefits in Non-Diabetic Adults.

Excessive sugar consumption provides energy but has little nutritional value, contributing to the prevalence of obesity. Hence, "sugar-free" products using artificial or natural sweeteners, including sugar alcohols, have become popular. Accordingly, safety concerns and curiosity have arisen. Therefore, this study used a double-blind, crossover design to compare the effects of commercial sugar-free and sugar jellies (control) on the glycemic response in 16 adults without diabetes. Blood samples were collected to measure blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, ghrelin, C-peptide, glycated hemoglobin, and glycated albumin levels, and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Questionnaires on satiety and intestinal health were also administered. Sugar-free jellies resulted in significantly lower glucose and insulin levels and a reduced area under the curve while showing higher glucagon levels than the controls. Moreover, the sugar-free jelly initially resulted in the greater secretion of ghrelin; however, after 2 h, the control jelly resulted in higher ghrelin. No significant differences were observed in gut quotient, C-peptide, glycated hemoglobin, and glycated albumin levels. In conclusion, substituting sugar jelly with sugar-free jelly may induce lower blood glucose and insulin levels and higher glucagon levels, indicating a better ability to control glucose metabolism. Appetite was not stimulated by sugar-free jelly consumption.

Left Atrial Wall Stress and the Long-Term Outcome of Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: An Artificial Intelligence-Based Prediction of Atrial Wall Stress.

Atrial stretch may contribute to the mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA). We tested whether the left atrial (LA) wall stress (LAW-stress[measured]) could be predicted by artificial intelligence (AI) using non-invasive parameters (LAW-stress[AI]) and whether rhythm outcome after AFCA could be predicted by LAW-stress[AI] in an independent cohort. Cohort 1 included 2223 patients, and cohort 2 included 658 patients who underwent AFCA. LAW-stress[measured] was calculated using the Law of Laplace using LA diameter by echocardiography, peak LA pressure measured during procedure, and LA wall thickness measured by customized software (AMBER) using computed tomography. The highest quartile (Q4) LAW-stress[measured] was predicted and validated by AI using non-invasive clinical parameters, including non-paroxysmal type of AF, age, presence of hypertension, diabetes, vascular disease, and heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction, and the ratio of the peak mitral flow velocity of the early rapid filling to the early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E/Em). We tested the AF/atrial tachycardia recurrence 3 months after the blanking period after AFCA using the LAW-stress[measured] and LAW-stress[AI] in cohort 1 and LAW-stress[AI] in cohort 2. LAW-stress[measured] was independently associated with non-paroxysmal AF (p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.012), vascular disease (p = 0.002), body mass index (p < 0.001), E/Em (p < 0.001), and mean LA voltage measured by electrogram voltage mapping (p < 0.001). The best-performing AI model had acceptable prediction power for predicting Q4-LAW-stress[measured] (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.734). During 26.0 (12.0-52.0) months of follow-up, AF recurrence was significantly higher in the Q4-LAW-stress[measured] group [log-rank p = 0.001, hazard ratio 2.43 (1.21-4.90), p = 0.013] and Q4-LAW-stress[AI] group (log-rank p = 0.039) in cohort 1. In cohort 2, the Q4-LAW-stress[AI] group consistently showed worse rhythm outcomes (log-rank p < 0.001). A higher LAW-stress was associated with poorer rhythm outcomes after AFCA. AI was able to predict this complex but useful prognostic parameter using non-invasive parameters with moderate accuracy.

UVB protective effects of Sargassum horneri through the regulation of Nrf2 mediated antioxidant mechanism.

The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of a methanol extract of Sargassum horneri (SHM), which contains 6-hydroxy-4,4,7a-trimethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydrobenzofuran-2(4H)-one (HTT) and apo-9'-fucoxanthinone, against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cellular damage in human keratinocytes and its underlying mechanism. SHM significantly improved cell viability of UVB-exposed human keratinocytes by reducing the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, SHM inhibited UVB exposure-induced apoptosis by reducing the formation of apoptotic bodies and the populations of the sub-G1 hypodiploid cells and the early apoptotic cells by modulating the expression of the anti- and pro-apoptotic molecules, Bcl-2 and Bax, respectively. Furthermore, SHM inhibited NF-κB p65 activation by inducing the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. The cytoprotective and antiapoptotic activities of SHM are abolished by the inhibition of HO-1 signaling. In further study, SHM restored the skin dryness and skin barrier disruption in UVB-exposed human keratinocytes. Based to these results, our study suggests that SHM protects the cells against UVB-induced cellular damages through the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway and may be potentially useful for the prevention of UVB-induced skin damage.

A Hepatoprotective Effect of a Hot Water Extract from Loliolus beka Gray Meat Against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage in Hepatocytes.

Here, we investigated the hepatoprotective effect of a hot water extract from Loliolus beka gray meat (LBMH) containing plentiful taurine in H2O2-induced oxidative stress in hepatocytes. LBMH potently scavenged the 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and exhibited the good reducing power and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. Also, LBMH improved the cell viability against H2O2-induced hepatic damage in cultured hepatocytes by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In addition, LBMH inhibited apoptosis via a reduction in sub-G1 cell population, as well as inhibition of apoptotic body formation from H2O2-induced oxidative damage in hepatocytes. Moreover, LBMH regulated the expression levels of Bax, a pro-apoptotic molecule and Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic molecule in H2O2-treated hepatocytes. Additionally, pre-treatment with LBMH increased the expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), which is a hepatoprotective enzyme, by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in H2O2-treated hepatocytes. Taken together, LBMH may be useful as a food ingredient for treatment of liver disease by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway.

An Aqueous Extract from Batillus Cornutus Meat Protects Against H2O2-Mediated Cellular Damage via Up-Regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 Signal Pathway in Chang Cells.

In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of an aqueous extract from Batillus cornutus meat (BM) against cellular oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in human hepatocyte, Chang cells. First, we prepared an aqueous extract of BM meat (BMW) showing the highest taurine content among free amino acid contents. BMW led to high antioxidant activity showing 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, good reducing power and an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. Also, BMW improved cell viability that was diminished by H2O2 exposure, as it reduced the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Chang cells. In addition, BMW up-regulated the production of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), compared to H2O2-treated Chang cells lacking BMW. Moreover, BMW induced the expressions of nuclear Nrf2 and cytosolic HO-1 in H2O2-treated Chang cells. Interestingly, the treatment of ZnPP, HO-1 inhibitor, abolished the improvement in cell viability and intracellular ROS generation mediated by BMW treatment. In conclusion, this study suggests that BMW protects hepatocytes against H2O2-mediated cellular oxidative damage via up-regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway.

An Aqueous Extract of Octopus ocellatus Meat Protects Hepatocytes Against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress via the Regulation of Bcl-2/Bax Signaling.

Octopus ocellatus meat (OM) is well known as a plentiful protein source. In this study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of an aqueous extract of OM (OMA) against H2O2-triggered oxidative stress in human hepatocytes. First of all, taurine rich OMA showed a good ORAC value and reducing power and it was similar with that of ascorbic acid, which is known as a strong antioxidant. Also, OMA significantly improved H2O2-decreased cell viability by reducing the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hepatocytes. Interestingly, the stimulation of H2O2-induced the formations of apoptotic bodies and sub-G1 DNA content, whereas they were inhibited by the treatment with OMA. Furthermore, OMA regulated the protein expression levels of apoptotic molecules, such as Bax and Bcl-2. Taken together, this study suggests that OMA, which contains an abundant amount of taurine, protects hepatocytes from H2O2-triggered oxidative stress and might be a functional food material with hepatoprotective effects.

Antioxidant Effects of an Alcalase Hydrolysate from Batillus cornutus Meat.

Batillus cornutus (B. cornutus) is one of the gastropoda, which are distributed along the coast of China, Japan and South Korea and northeast area. In this study, we first identified the antioxidant effects of a B. cornutus meat (BM) enzymatic hydrolysate in H2O2-treated Vero cells. First of all, we prepared an Alcalase hydrolysate from BM (BMA) and revealed a high taurine content. Also, taurine rich BMA dose-dependently increased 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, reducing power and the higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. In addition, BMA significantly increased the cell viability via the down-regulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as the decreased formation of apoptotic bodies and sub-G1 DNA population in H2O2-treated Vero cells. Furthermore, BMA increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule, Bcl-2, and decreased the expressions of Bax, p53 and cleaved PARP, all of which are pro-apoptotic molecules, in H2O2-treated Vero cells. Based on these results, this study suggests that BMA may be used as a potential protector on damage caused by oxidative stress.

Cytoprotective Effects of an Aqueous Extracts from Atrina Pectinate Meat in H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in a Human Hepatocyte.

In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant activity of an aqueous extract from Atrina pectinate meat (APW) against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in a human hepatocyte. The extraction yield of APW was 30.01 ± 0.83% and which contained the highest taurine content among free amino acid contents. APW led to the high antioxidant activity showing 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, good reducing power and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. Also, the results showed that APW improved the cell viability decreased by H2O2 stimulation as well as the reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in hepatocytes. Additionally, APW up-regulated the production of antioxidant mechanisms related enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), compared to the only H2O2-treated hepatocytes. Moreover, APW increased the expressions of nuclear Nrf2 and cytosolic HO-1 in H2O2-treated hepatocytes. Interestingly, the treatment of ZnPP, a HO-1 inhibitor abolished the cell viability and intracellular ROS generation induced by APW treatment. In conclusion, this study suggests that APW protects H2O2 induced oxidative stress via up-regulating of Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway in hepatocytes.

Hepatoprotective Activity of a Taurine-Rich Water Soluble Extract from Octopus vulgaris Meat.

In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective activity of the water extract derived from Octopus vulgaris meat (OM). First of all, a water extract prepared from OM (OMW) showed the high extraction yield (48.22%) and the highest taurine content (39.84%) in free amino acids. OMW exhibited the high value of reducing power, ABTS and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activities in dose-dependent manner. The taurine-rich OMW also led to the reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation with the increased cell survival in H2O2-treated Chang liver cells. In addition, OMW decreased the apoptotic phenomenon, including the formations of apoptotic bodies and sub-G1 DNA contents by regulating the protein expressions of apoptosis-related molecules such as Bcl-2 and Bax. From these results, this study indicated the taurine-rich OMW protected hepatocytes against oxidative stress. These findings suggest that OWM may be a novel potential antioxidant resource.

Hot Water Extract of Loliolus beka Meat Attenuates H2O2-Induced Damage in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.

Blood vessels become less flexible with senescence; arteries narrow and become less flexible, disturbing blood circulation in aging and other vascular diseases. Mechanistically, vascular senescence plays an important role in the pathogenesis of normal aging and age-related vascular diseases. Vascular senescence also causes vascular dysfunction, resulting in damage to the vessel wall. Vascular aging involves the senescence of endothelial cells. Hydrogen peroxide is widely used to achieve oxidative stress-induced premature senescence. Here, we investigated the protective effects of a hot water extract of Loliolus beka meat (LBM) against H2O2-exposed HUVECs, a human umbilical vein endothelial cells line. The hot water extract of LBM protected cells against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity while reducing the expression of senescence markers, including ß-galactosidase, p53, and p21. In addition, the hot water extract of LBM protected against H2O2-induced DNA damage. These findings suggest that the hot water extract of LBM protects HUVECs from H2O2-induced senescence by preventing cellular damage. LBM serve as a supplement or natural food with benefits against vascular disease.

Protective Effect of Hot Water Extract of Loliolus Beka Gray Meat Against Palmitate-Induced HUVEC Damage.

Endothelial dysfunction is a critical factor in the development of diabetes-mediated cardiovascular complications. Free fatty acids (FFA), such as palmitate, which are elevated in diabetes and obesity, have been shown to mediate endothelial dysfunction, perhaps related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Taurine ameliorates endothelial dysfunction induced by diabetes. However, there has been no reports on the effect of Loliolus beka gray meat extracts, which contain large amounts of taurine. Here, we investigated the protective effect of a hot water extract of Loliolus beka gray meat (LBM), on palmitate-induced cell damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The LBM extract was found to inhibit palmitate-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage. In addition, the LBM extract reduced the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines in HUVEC. These results suggest that the LBM extract protects against palmitate-induced cytotoxicity in HUVECs. Therefore, potential therapeutic and/or inhibitors of vascular disease may be derived from the LBM extract.

Radio-Protective Effects of Loliolus beka Gray Meat Consisted of a Plentiful Taurine Against Damages Caused by Gamma Ray Irradiation.

Gamma ray irradiation causes immune suppression, in which oxidative stress reduces cell viability and damages immune cells. In the present study, we investigated whether Loliolus beka gray meat (LBM), which contains large amounts of taurine, protects against damage of murine splenocytes by oxidative stress. An aqueous extract of LBM (LBMW) was prepared, which contained plentiful levels of taurine. LBMW improved cell viability of gamma ray-irradiated murine splenocytes, an effect that was associated with significant reduction in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We also showed that the production of nitric oxide (NO) and ROS in gamma ray-irradiated zebrafish embryos, as well as the death of the embryos, were diminished by LBMW. These data suggest that the consumption of taurine-rich foods, such as LBM, may be used in the protection of cells against oxidative stress.