Ancistrocladus tectorius Extract Inhibits Obesity by Promoting Thermogenesis and Mitochondrial Dynamics in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice.

Root extracts of Ancistrocladus tectorius (AT), a shrub native to China, have been shown to have antiviral and antitumor activities, but the anti-obesity effects of AT aerial parts, mainly the leaves and stems, have not been investigated. This study is the first to investigate the anti-obesity effects and molecular mechanism of AT 70% ethanol extract in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice. Treatment with AT extract inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells and decreased the expression of adipogenesis-related genes. AT extract also upregulated the mRNA expression of genes related to mitochondrial dynamics in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. AT administration for 12 weeks reduced body weight and organ weights, including liver, pancreas, and white and brown adipose tissue, and improved plasma profiles such as glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol in HFD-fed mice. AT extract reduced HFD-induced hepatic steatosis with levels of liver TG and lipogenesis-related genes. AT extract upregulated thermogenesis-related genes such as Cidea, Pgc1α, Ucp1, Prdm16, Adrb1, and Adrb3 and mitochondrial dynamics-related genes such as Mff, Opa1, and Mfn2 in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Therefore, AT extract effectively reduced obesity by promoting thermogenesis and the mitochondrial dynamics of BAT in HFD-fed mice.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Trichospira verticillata via suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome in neutrophilic asthma.

Trichospira verticillata is an annual herb that belongs to the family Asteraceae. Trichospira verticillata extract (TVE) elicits anti-plasmodial activity; however, there has been no detailed report about its anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanisms. In addition, herbal plants exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to examine the effects of TVE on NLRP3 inflammasome activation by measuring interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) secretion. We treated lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-primed J774A.1 and THP-1 cells with TVE, which attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Notably, TVE did not affect nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signalling or intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and potassium efflux, suggesting that it inactivates the NLRP3 inflammasome via other mechanisms. Moreover, TVE suppressed the formation of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) speck and oligomerization. Immunoprecipitation data revealed that TVE reduced the binding of NLRP3 to NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7), resulting in reduced ASC oligomerization and speck formation. Moreover, TVE alleviated neutrophilic asthma (NA) symptoms in mice. This study demonstrates that TVE modulates the binding of NLPR3 to NEK7, thereby reporting novel insights into the mechanism by which TVE inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings suggest TVE as a potential therapeutic of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated diseases, particularly NA.

Stellera chamaejasme L. extract inhibits adipocyte differentiation through activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway.

Stellera chamaejasme L. (SCL) is a perennial herb with demonstrated bioactivities against inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Adipocyte differentiation is a critical regulator of metabolic homeostasis and a promising target for the treatment of metabolic diseases, so we examined the effects of SCL on adipogenesis. A methanol extract of SCL dose-dependently suppressed intracellular lipid accumulation in adipocyte precursors cultured under differentiation induction conditions and reduced expression of the adipogenic transcription factors PPARγ and C/EBPα as well as the downstream lipogenic genes fatty acid binding protein 4, adiponectin, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase. The extract also promoted precursor cell proliferation and altered expression of the cell cycle regulators cyclin-dependent kinase 4, cyclin E, and cyclin D1. In addition, SCL extract stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, while pharmacological inhibition of ERK effectively blocked the inhibitory effects of SCL extract on preadipocyte differentiation. These results suggest that SCL extract contains bioactive compounds that can suppress adipogenesis through modulation of the ERK pathway.

Aiouea padiformis extract exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the ATPase activity of NLRP3.

Inflammation is implicated as a cause in many diseases. Most of the anti-inflammatory agents in use are synthetic and there is an unmet need for natural substance-derived anti-inflammatory agents with minimal side effects. Aiouea padiformis belongs to the Lauraceae family and is primarily found in tropical regions. While some members of the Aiouea genus are known to possess anti-inflammatory properties, the anti-inflammatory properties of Aiouea padiformis extract (AP) have not been investigated. In this study, we aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory function of AP through the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Treatment with AP inhibited the secretion of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome in J774A.1 and THP-1 cells without affecting the viability. In addition, AP treatment did not influence NF-κB signaling, potassium efflux, or intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production-all of which are associated with NLRP3 inflammasome activation. However, intriguingly, AP treatment significantly reduced the ATPase activity of NLRP3, leading to the inhibition of ASC oligomerization and speck formation. Consistent with cellular experiments, the anti-inflammatory property of AP in vivo was also evaluated using an LPS-induced inflammation model in zebrafish, demonstrating that AP hinders NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Characterization of the complete plastome sequence of Korean endemic, Cardamine glechomifolia H.Lév. (Brassicaceae, Brassicales).

In this study, we report the complete plastome sequence of Cardamine glechomifolia H.Lév. 1913 (NCBI acc. no. OP894664). This plastome shows typical quadripartite structure. The plastome size is 154,307 bp, which consists of 84,015 bp large single-copy (LSC), 17,690 bp small single-copy (SSC), and 26,301 bp inverted repeat (IR) regions. The plastome contains 112 genes, including 78 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and four rRNA genes. The infA gene is pseudogenized. Sixteen genes contain one intron and two genes (clpP and ycf3) have two introns. The phylogenomic analysis conducted in our study reveals that the genus Cardamine, which encompasses C. glechomifolia, exhibits three distinct clades. In order to elucidate the interrelationship among the three clades, it is imperative to conduct additional investigations by augmenting the number of Cardamine samples.

Guarea microcarpa C. DC. extract inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome by suppressing its ATPase activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Guarea genus comprises tropical and subtropical terrestrial herbs inhabiting Central and South America. These plants, including Guarea guidonia (L.) Sleumer, have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-enhancing properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: Although various species of the Guarea genus are known for their medicinal properties, comprehensive data on their anti-inflammatory effects remain limited. Therefore, we investigated the NLRP3 inflammasome-inhibiting effects of the Guarea genus in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of 18 members of the Guarea genus, we treated NLRP3 inflammasome activators with their extracts in LPS-primed J774A.1 and THP-1 cells. Cell viability was determined by water soluble tetrazolium salt (WST) and cytokine production, protein expression, and nuclear fractionation were determined by western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) oligomerization were measured using confocal microscopic analysis. Inflammation-induced zebrafish was used in the in vivo experiments. RESULTS: Among the 18 Guarea members tested, Guarea microcarpa C. DC. extract (GM) exhibited no cytotoxicity and specifically suppressed the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, but not of the AIM2 or NLRC4 inflammasomes, by inhibiting the ATPase activity of NLRP3. This was achieved without affecting NF-κB signaling, potassium efflux, or intracellular ROS production, all of which are involved in NLRP3 activation. The reduced ATPase activity of NLRP3 led to decreased ASC oligomerization. Furthermore, GM exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. Additionally, GM treatment alleviated inflammation at the organismal level in an LPS-induced inflammation model using zebrafish embryos. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of GM via suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome. Therefore, GM can be a potential therapeutic candidate for various inflammatory diseases caused by aberrant NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

The In Vivo and In Vitro Effects of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Fruit Extract on Testosterone-Induced Hair Loss.

Due to the continuous increase in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, the demand for hair loss treatment and effective hair growth materials has increased. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (TBE) reportedly exerts anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects, among others, but its effects on testosterone (TS)-inhibited hair growth remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TBE on TS-induced hair growth regression in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice. Oral administration of TBE increased TS-induced hair growth retardation. Interestingly, effects were greater when compared with finasteride, a commercial hair loss treatment product. Histological analyses revealed that oral TBE administration increased hair follicles in the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that oral TBE administration recovered the TS-induced inhibition of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Ki67 expression in vivo. Using in vitro proliferation assays, TBE promoted HFDPC growth, which was suppressed by TS treatment. Thus, TBE may be a promising nutraceutical for hair health as it promoted hair growth in AGA-like in vitro and in vivo models.

Amentoflavone-Enriched Selaginella rossii Protects against Ultraviolet- and Oxidative Stress-Induced Aging in Skin Cells.

Selaginellaceae plants are used in cosmetics to limit skin aging. This study is the first to investigate the anti-aging effects of Selaginella rossii (SR) on ultraviolet B (UVB)- and oxidative stress-induced skin cells. The 95% ethanol extract of Selaginella rossii (SR95E) contained much higher amounts of amentoflavone (AMF), an active compound, than other Selaginellaceae plants and was more effective in inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression in CCD-986sk fibroblasts. SR95E significantly decreased UVB-induced MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 expression and enhanced procollagen type I C-peptide content and mRNA expression of collagen type I alpha (COL1A)1 and COL1A2 in CCD-986sk fibroblasts. In HaCaT keratinocytes, SR95E treatment also dose-dependently decreased UVB-induced MMP-1 concentration and MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 mRNA expression. Moreover, SR95E treatment markedly inhibited UVB-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, SR95E and AMF markedly regulated the 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced expression of cellular senescence-related markers, including p16, p21 and LMNB1, in HaCaT cells. Overall, this study indicates that SR may have potential as a functional material on preventing UVB- and AAPH-induced skin aging and wrinkles.

Protective Function of Malus baccata (L.) Borkh Methanol Extract against UVB/Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Skin Aging via Inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB Signaling.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces ROS production, which activates activator protein (AP)-1 and nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling and downstream molecules, ultimately triggering the generation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and degradation of collagen. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of methanol extract from Malus baccata (L.) Borkh (Mb-ME) against aging. DPPH and ABTS assays showed that Mb-ME had a significant antioxidant capacity. Flow cytometry results indicated that Mb-ME attenuated UVB and H2O2-stimulated apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. RT-PCR analysis in HaCaT and HDF cells suggested that Mb-ME treatment blocked the expression of MMPs, COX-2, IL-1ß, IL-6, HYALs, and p53 while promoting the levels of TGM1, FLG, HASs, Sirt1, and Col1A1. Mechanically, Mb-ME inhibited the phosphorylation of MAP kinases and NF-κB signaling. Overall, these results strongly suggest that Mb-ME can be developed as an antiaging therapy.

Amentoflavone-Enriched Selaginella rossii Warb. Suppresses Body Weight and Hyperglycemia by Inhibiting Intestinal Lipid Absorption in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Many Selaginellaceae species are used as traditional medicines in Asia. This study is the first to investigate the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of Selaginella rossii (SR) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice. Seven-day oral administration of ethanol extract (100 mg/kg/day) or ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract (50 mg/kg/day) from SR improved oral fat tolerance by inhibiting intestinal lipid absorption; 10-week long-term administration of the EtOAc extract markedly reduced HFD-induced body weight gain and hyperglycemia by reducing adipocyte hypertrophy, glucose levels, HbA1c, and plasma insulin levels. Treatment with SR extracts reduced the expression of intestinal lipid absorption-related genes, including Cd36, fatty acid-binding protein 6, ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 8, NPC1 like intracellular cholesterol transporter 1, and ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1. In addition, the EtOAc extract increased the expression of protein absorption-related solute carrier family genes, including Slc15a1, Slc8a2, and Slc6a9. SR extracts reduced HFD-induced hepatic steatosis by suppressing fatty acid transport to hepatocytes and hepatic lipid accumulation. Furthermore, amentoflavone (AMF), the primary compound in SR extracts, reduced intestinal lipid absorption by inhibiting fatty acid transport in HFD-fed mice. AMF-enriched SR extracts effectively protected against HFD-induced body weight gain and hyperglycemia by inhibiting intestinal lipid absorption.

Anti-Inflammatory Functions of Methanol Extract from Malus baccata (L.) Borkh. Leaves and Shoots by Targeting the NF-κB Pathway.

Malus baccata (L.) Borkh. is a widely used medical plant in Asia. Since the anti-inflammatory mechanism of this plant is not fully understood, the aim of this study was to explore the anti-inflammatory function and mechanism of Malus baccata (L.) Borkh. methanol extract (Mb-ME). For in vitro experiments, nitric oxide production assay, PCR, overexpression strategy, immunoblotting, luciferase reporter assay, and immunoprecipitation were employed to explore the molecular mechanism and the target proteins of Mb-ME. For in vivo experiments, an HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis mouse model was used to confirm the anti-inflammatory function. Mb-ME showed a strong ability to inhibit the production of nitric oxide and the expression of inflammatory genes. Mb-ME decreased NF-κB luciferase activity mediated by MyD88 and TRIF. Moreover, Mb-ME blocked the activation of Src, Syk, p85, Akt, p50, p60, IKKα/ß, and IκBα in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Overexpression and immunoprecipitation analyses suggested Syk and Src as the target enzymes of Mb-ME. In vitro results showed that Mb-ME could alleviate gastritis and relieve the protein expression of p-Src, p-Syk, and COX-2, as well as the gene expression of COX-2 and TNF-α. In summary, this study implied that Mb-ME performs an anti-inflammatory role by suppressing Syk and Src in the NF-κB signaling pathway, both in vivo and in vitro.

Caragana rosea Turcz Methanol Extract Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses by Suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB/IRF3 Signaling Pathways.

Caragana rosea Turcz, which belongs to the Leguminosae family, is a small shrub found in Northern and Eastern China that is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat fever, asthma, and cough. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory effects are unknown. Therefore, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 macrophages to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the anti-inflammatory activities of a methanol extract of Caragana rosea (Cr-ME). We showed that Cr-ME reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and mRNA levels of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner. We also found that Cr-ME blocked MyD88- and TBK1-induced NF-κB and IRF3 promoter activity, suggesting that it affects multiple targets. Moreover, Cr-ME reduced the phosphorylation levels of IκBα, IKKα/ß and IRF3 in a time-dependent manner and regulated the upstream NF-κB proteins Syk and Src, and the IRF3 protein TBK1. Upon overexpression of Src and TBK1, Cr-ME stimulation attenuated the phosphorylation of the NF-κB subunits p50 and p65 and IRF3 signaling. Together, our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of Cr-ME occurs by inhibiting the NF-κB and IRF3 signaling pathways.

Effects of Intended Scapular Posterior Tilt Motion on Trapezius Muscle Electromyography Activity.

The intended scapular motion is a strategy to strengthen the lower trapezius (LT). However, few studies have explored the effects of the intended scapular posterior tilt motion on selective LT activation. Thus, the present study investigated the effect of the intended scapular posterior tilt on the electromyography (EMG) activity of trapezius muscles during prone shoulder horizontal abduction (PSHA). Eighteen asymptomatic men performed three types of PSHA: (1) preferred PSHA, (2) PSHA with the intended scapular posterior tilt, and (3) PSHA with the intended scapular posterior tilt and trunk extension. EMG activity of the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and LT were measured during PSHAs. Scapular posterior tilt angle, with and without the intended scapular posterior tilt, were measured using inclinometer. The results indicated that LT muscle activity increased when scapular posterior tilt was applied with and without trunk extension (14-16%), compared to the preferred condition, during PSHA (p < 0.05). However, the addition of trunk extension to PSHA with the intended scapular posterior tilt increased the UT muscle activity (28%) and the UT/LT (29%) and UT/MT (31%) ratios (p < 0.05). The scapular posterior tilt angle was higher (15%) when applying the intended scapular posterior tilt (p = 0.020). These findings suggest that the intended scapular posterior tilt may be a useful strategy for selective LT muscle activation.

The cp genome characterization of Adenium obesum: Gene content, repeat organization and phylogeny.

Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. belonging to the family Apocynaceae, is remarkable for its horticultural and ornamental values, poisonous nature, and medicinal uses. In order to have understanding of cp genome characterization of highly valued medicinal plant, and the evolutionary and systematic relationships, the complete plastome / chloroplast (cp) genome of A. obesum was sequenced. The assembled cp genome of A. obesum was found to be 154,437 bp, with an overall GC content of 38.1%. A total of 127 unique coding genes were annotated including 96 protein-coding genes, 28 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes. The repeat structures were found to comprise of only mononucleotide repeats. The SSR loci are compososed of only A/T bases. The phylogenetic analysis of cp genomes revealed its proximity with Nerium oleander.

Reliability of scapular upward rotation and anterior-posterior tilt measurements using a modified digital inclinometer in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

BACKGROUD: Reliable scapular upward rotation and anterior-posterior tilt data are required for patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Only a few studies have explored the reliability of such measurements derived using a modified inclinometer. OBJECTIVES: To determine the relative and absolute reliability of scapular upward rotation and anterior-posterior tilt measurements derived using a modified digital inclinometer in patients with SIS. METHOD: Seventeen SIS patients were assessed twice within 1 week. We determined the relative and absolute measurement reliability by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Both intra- and interrater reliability were determined. RESULTS: The intra-rater reliability (both measurements) was high (0.72-0.88), and the interrater ICC was high to excellent (0.72-0.98). Clinically acceptable SEM and MCID values were obtained for scapular upward rotation (SEM: 4.28-9.33∘, MCID: 5.1-11.3∘) and anterior-posterior tilt (SEM: 3.72-7.55∘, MCID: 2.5-10.8∘). CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of scapular upward rotation and anterior-posterior tilt using a modified digital inclinometer reliably reveal scapular position and kinematics in patients with SIS.

Effects of Visual Biofeedback on Symmetrical Movements During Bridge Exercise With Sling.

CONTEXT: Asymmetrical movements of trunk and lower-extremity are common during the bridge exercise on the unstable condition. However, no studies have investigated whether visual biofeedback of pressing pressure on the unstable surface changes muscle activation patterns of trunk and hip extensors and pelvic rotation during the bridge exercise. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how visual biofeedback of pressing pressure influences symmetrical activity of lumbar and hip extensor and pelvic rotation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty healthy males participated in this study. INTERVENTIONS: The participants performed 2 versions of the bridge exercise: the standard bridge exercise and the bridge exercise with visual biofeedback using amount of pressing pressure on the sling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surface electromyography was used to measure the symmetry (ie, the difference between dominant and nondominant sides) of muscle activation in the bilateral erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and hamstring muscles, and motion sensors were used to assess pelvic rotation. Symmetry of pressing pressure was measured using a tension meter. RESULTS: The differences between the dominant and nondominant pressing pressures and differences between the electromyography activity of the dominant and nondominant erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and hamstring were significantly smaller during the bridge exercise with visual biofeedback than during the standard bridge exercise (P < .05). In addition, there was significantly less pelvic rotation during the bridge exercise with visual biofeedback than during the standard bridge exercise (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that visual biofeedback strategy may be a useful method for enhancing the symmetrical activation of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and hamstring and for reducing pelvic rotation during the bridge exercise on the unstable surface.

Plastome analysis unveils Inverted Repeat (IR) expansion and positive selection in Sea Lavenders (Limonium, Plumbaginaceae, Limonioideae, Limonieae).

The genus Limonium, commonly known as Sea Lavenders, is one of the most species-rich genera of the family Plumbaginaceae. In this study, two new plastomes for the genus Limonium, viz. L. tetragonum and L. bicolor, were sequenced and compared to available Limonium plastomes, viz. L. aureum and L. tenellum, to understand the gene content and structural variations within the family. The loss of the rpl16 intron and pseudogenisation of rpl23 was observed. This study reports, for the first time, expansion of the IRs to include the ycf1 gene in Limonium plastomes, incongruent with previous studies. Two positively selected genes, viz. ndhF and ycf2, were identified. Furthermore, putative barcodes are proposed for the genus, based on the nucleotide diversity of four Limonium plastomes.

Viburnum stellato-tomentosum Extract Suppresses Obesity and Hyperglycemia through Regulation of Lipid Metabolism in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice.

The potential biological activities of Viburnum stellato-tomentosum (VS), a plant mainly found in Costa Rica, have yet to be reported. Supplementation of VS extract for 17 weeks significantly decreased body weight gain, fat weight, fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and triglyceride levels in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice. The molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-obesity and glucose-lowering effects of VS extract were investigated. VS extract suppressed adipocyte hypertrophy by regulating lipogenesis-related CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) and insulin sensitivity-related peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (Pparg) expression in adipose tissue (AT) and hepatic steatosis by inhibiting C/EBPα and lipid transport-related fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) expression. VS extract enhanced muscular fatty acid ß-oxidation-related AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and PPARα expression with increasing Pparg levels. Furthermore, VS extract contained a much higher content of amentoflavone (AMF) (29.4 mg/g extract) compared to that in other Viburnum species. AMF administration decreased Cebpa and Fabp4 levels in the AT and liver, as well as improved insulin signaling-related insulin receptor substrate 1 (Irs1) and glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) levels in the muscle of HFD-fed mice. This study elucidated the in vivo molecular mechanisms of AMF for the first time. Therefore, VS extract effectively diminished obesity and hyperglycemia by suppressing C/EBPα-mediated lipogenesis in the AT and liver, enhancing PPARα-mediated fatty acid ß-oxidation in muscle, and PPARγ-mediated insulin sensitivity in AT and muscle.

Plastome of Saraca asoca (Detarioideae, Fabaceae): Annotation, comparison among subfamily and molecular typing.

Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. (subfamily Detarioideae, family Fabaceae) is a perennial evergreen sacred medicinal tree classified under 'vulnerable' by the IUCN. The chloroplast (cp) genome/plastome which follows uniparental inheritance contains many useful genetic information because of its conservative rate of evolution. The assembled cp genome of S. asoca which maps as a conserved circular structure revealed extensive rearrangement in gene organization, comprising total length 160,003 bp including LSC, SSC, IRa, and IRb, and GC content was 35.26%. Herein a set of rbcL and matK gene were established using molecular phylogenetic analyses for molecular typing of S. asoca.

Strategies for controlling axial shoulder rotation change shoulder muscle activity during external rotation exercises.

BACKGROUND: The infraspinatus muscle has a crucial role in shoulder stability. Although axial shoulder rotation is useful for selective activation of the infraspinatus, no study has examined the influence of exercise position on axial shoulder rotation during shoulder external rotation (ER) exercises. Thus, this study investigated the muscle activity in the infraspinatus, posterior deltoid, and middle trapezius during shoulder ER exercises performed with and without controlled axial shoulder rotation in 2 different positions. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects performed prone external rotation (PER) exercises with and without pressure biofeedback and seated external rotation (SITER) exercises with and without posterior humeral head gliding. Muscle activity during each ER exercise was measured using surface electromyography. RESULTS: Exercise strategy (P < .001) and position (P < .001) had a significant main effect on muscle activity in the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid. However, no significant interaction between strategy and position was observed. For muscle activity in the middle trapezius, strategy and position had a significant interaction effect (P = .014). Muscle activity in the infraspinatus increased significantly with the use of strategies to control axial shoulder rotation, whereas muscle activity in the posterior deltoid and middle trapezius decreased significantly. For all 3 muscles, greater activity was observed in the prone position than the seated position. CONCLUSION: We suggest that PER with pressure biofeedback can be useful to improve selective activation of the infraspinatus muscle while further eliciting infraspinatus muscle activity.