Investigation of radical scavenging effects of acetaminophen, p-aminophenol and their O-sulfated conjugates.

Acetaminophen (APAP) and p-aminophenol (p-AP) are the analogous simple phenolic compounds that undergo sulfate conjugation (sulfation) by cytosolic sulfotransferases. Sulfation is generally thought to lead to the inactivation and disposal of endogenous as well as xenobiotic compounds. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidative effects of O-sulfated form of APAP and p-AP, i.e., APAPS and p-APS, in comparison with their unsulfated counterparts. Using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, the antioxidant capacity of APAPS was shown to be approximately 126-times lower than that of APAP. In contrast, p-APS displayed comparable activity as unsulfated p-AP. Similar trends concerning the suppressive effects of these chemicals on cellular O2- radical generation were found using an activated granulocytic neutrophil cell model. Collectively, these results indicated that, depending on the presence of an additional "active site", sulfation may not always decrease the antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds.

Different effects on the tonus of colon and ileum isolated from mouse by resin glycoside (pharbitin) of Pharbitidis Semen.

BACKGROUND: Pharbitidis Semen (the seeds of Pharbitis nil), traditionally used as a purgative in Japan, China and Korea, contains a resin glycoside fraction named pharbitin, which is known as a purgative ingredient. Due to the complex nature of pharbitin, little is known about either the action on intestinal tension caused by resin glycoside itself or by its components. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the effects of pharbitin, the glycosidic acid fraction (pharbitic acid) and the aglycone fraction (phar-genin) generated from pharbitin on peristalsis of colon and ileum isolated from mice with the Magnus method. RESULTS: We demonstrated that pharbitin (3-30 µg/mL) concentration-dependently increased tonus of mice colon via acetylcholine receptors, its components phar-genin (1.27-12.7 µg/mL) and pharbitic acid (10-1000 µg/mL) also had the increment on colon tonus. On the other hand, ileum tension decreased in the presence of pharbitin. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of resin glycoside of Pharbitidis Semen on colon tonus are different with those on ileum tonus isolated from mice. In the next step it is necessary to investigate details of its pharmacological mechanism.

Effect of heat-moisture treatment of germinated black rice on the physicochemical properties and its utilization by lactic acid bacteria.

The heat susceptibility of starch granule structure has been considering as significant limitation of germinated black rice (GBR) using in food processing industry. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the physicochemical and antioxidation property as well as its effect on the probiotics of GBR by heat moisture treatment (HMT). Black rice germinated at 37.5 °C for 12, 24, and 36 h were studied. Ultrastructural image of each sample was visualized through scanning electron microscope. The results illustrated 24 h-GBR retain its former shape with rough surface. Subsequently, 24 h-GBR was structurally modified by HMT with moisture levels of 20% and 25% for 1 and 2 h. The results showed that pasting properties of HMT-treated GBR were improved. This was particularly on, GBR using HMT condition of 25% moisture for 2 h decrease in breakdown viscosity was shown. Moreover, phenolic content of HMT-treated GBR was higher than those of GBR. Besides, the number of the Lactobacillus paracasei TOKAI 13 was increased in GBR and HMT-treated GBR with counts of 10.08 ± 0.83 Log CFU/ml and 9.31 ± 0.33 Log CFU/ml, respectively, with significant increases in antioxidant property. Therefore, the HMT-GBR could be utilized as an alternative functional ingredient in food processing products.

Lactic acid bacterial exopolysaccharides strongly bind histamine and can potentially be used to remove histamine contamination in food.

The symptoms of foodborne histamine poisoning are similar to those of IgE-mediated food allergies. In this study, we investigated the histamine-binding capacity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains as potential preventive agents against histamine poisoning. Histamine biosorption capacity was determined for 16 LAB strains. Leuconostoc mesenteroides TOKAI 51 m, Lactobacillus paracasei TOKAI 65 m, Lactobacillus plantarum TOKAI 111 m and Pediococcus pentosaceus TOKAI 759 m showed especially high biosorption rates and reached saturation within 30 min. Adsorption isotherms showed better conformance to the Freundlich model than to the Langmuir model. Analyses after heat, periodic acid and guanidine hydrochloride treatments suggested that histamine was bound to the bacterial cell surface. HPLC analysis revealed that exopolysaccharides produced by Lact. paracasei TOKAI 65 m strongly bound to histamine. In the detachment test with 1 mol l-1 HCl solution, the dissociation rate of histamine for Lact. paracasei TOKAI 65 m was <10 %. This strain is presumably a suitable candidate for use against histamine poisoning.

Functions of small RNAs in Lactobacillus casei-Pediococcus group of lactic acid bacteria using fragment analysis.

Small RNAs (sRNA) are non-cording RNAs composed of 50∼400 nt responsible for coordinating the adaption of Escherichia coli and other bacteria to changing environmental conditions, including pH and temperature. However, the role of sRNAs in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has not yet been clarified. In this study, we used the Lactobacillus casei-Pediococcus group to evaluate the function of sRNAs in LAB, using RNA sequencing in the exponential growth phase and stationary phase to map and analyze sRNA fragments, which were categorized as Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactobacillus paracasei. We evaluated the role of sRNAs in nutrient synthesis for cell growth in exponential growth phase and in protein and biofilm biosynthesis for cell body durability. During exponential growth, the sRNA fragments were found to be involved in the stress response in Pediococcus pentosaceus and in environmental adaption in Lactobacillus paracasei. The results suggest that the function of sRNA can be characterized from sRNA fragments using RNA sequencing during the exponential growth and stationary phases in Lactobacillus casei-Pediococcus group.

Effects of indole and indoxyl on the intracellular oxidation level and phagocytic activity of differentiated HL-60 human macrophage cells.

Indoxyl, a derivative of indole originating from tryptophan, may undergo phase-II sulfate-conjugation pathway, thereby forming indoxyl sulfate (IS) in vivo. We previously reported that IS, a well-known uremic toxin, can increase the intracellular oxidation level and decrease the phagocytic activity in a differentiated HL-60 human macrophage cell model. Using the same cell model, the current study aimed to investigate whether indole and indoxyl (the metabolic precursors of indoxyl and IS, respectively) may cause macrophage immune dysfunction. Results obtained indicated that intracellular oxidation level and cytotoxicity markedly increased upon treatment with indole and indoxyl, in comparison with IS. Incubation of the cells with indole and indoxyl also resulted in attenuated phagocytic activity. Human serum albumin (HSA)-binding assay confirmed that tryptophan and IS, but not indole and indoxyl, could selectively bind to the site II in HSA. Collectively, the results indicated that indole and indoxyl may strongly down-regulate the phagocytic immune function of macrophages, whereas IS, formed upon sulfate conjugation of indoxyl, may exhibit enhanced HSA-binding capability, thereby reducing the adverse effects of indoxyl.

Protection of human intestinal epithelial cells from oxidative stress caused by mercury using lactic acid bacteria.

Heavy metals are harmful to human health. Therefore, we investigated the biosorption of heavy metals by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Of all the tested heavy metals, biosorption by LAB was highest for mercury, followed by lead, cadmium, and finally arsenic. The viability of HCT-116 cells was reduced by half in the presence of 7.5 µg/mL mercury but recovered after the addition of selected LAB strains. HCT-116 cells showed increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, whereas glutathione peroxidase activities decreased significantly. Addition of Lactobacillus sakei TOKAI 57m recovered all antioxidant enzyme activities. Our results suggest that this strain can be used for cellular detoxification.

Investigation of the effects of indoxyl sulfate, a uremic toxin, on the intracellular oxidation level and phagocytic activity using an HL-60-differentiated human macrophage cell model.

Indoxyl sulfate (IS), a uremic toxin, is a sulfate-conjugated metabolite originated from tryptophan. Accumulating uremic toxins may worsen renal diseases and further complicate related disorders including impaired immune functions under oxidative stress conditions. However, it has remained unclear whether or not IS can directly cause the cellular immune dysfunction. We investigated the effects of IS on the intracellular oxidation level and phagocytic activity in a HL-60-differantiated human macrophage cell model. Incubation of the cells in the presence of IS resulted in increasing intracellular oxidation level and decreasing phagocytic activity. In addition to inhibitors for NADH oxidase (NOX), organic anion transporting polypeptide2B1 (OATP2B1), protein kinase C (PKC), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), a representative antioxidant Trolox, was also shown to significantly relieve the IS-induced oxidation and restore weakened phagocytosis. Collectively, IS may directly down-regulate the phagocytic immune function of macrophages through the oxidation mechanisms including OATP2B1, PKC, PI3K, and NOX pathways. Abbreviations: CKD: Chronic kidney disease; IS: Indoxyl sulfate; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; NOX: NADH oxidase; OATP2B1: Organic anion transporting polypeptide2B1; PKC: Protein kinase C; PI3K: Phosphoinositide 3-kinase; 2-APT: 2-acetylphenothiazine.

Antioxidant capacity of soymilk yogurt and exopolysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals, are highly reactive molecules derived from the metabolism of oxygen. ROS play positive roles in cell physiology, but they may also damage cell membranes and DNA, inducing oxidation that causes membrane lipid peroxidation and decreases membrane fluidity. Soymilk yogurt, which is soymilk fermented using lactic acid bacteria (LAB), is an excellent food item with numerous functional substances with antioxidant effects. In this study, the antioxidative activities of soymilk yogurt were investigated. Sixteen of the 26 tested LAB strains solidified soymilk. In antioxidant capacity tests for bacterial cells, Leuconostoc mesenteroides MYU 60 and Pediococcus pentosaceus MYU 759 showed the highest values in the oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and hydroxyl radical antioxidant capacity (HORAC) tests, respectively. The supernatant of soymilk yogurt made with Lactobacillus gasseri MYU 1 showed the highest ORAC and HORAC values. L. mesenteroides MYU 60, Lactobacillus plantarum MYU 74, Lactobacillus reuteri MYU 220, and P. pentosaceus MYU 759 showed significantly high N-acetylcysteine equivalent values compared with the control in a total ROS reducing assay (p<0.05). These strains were selected, and a comet assay was performed, which exhibited decreased values in all selected strains compared with the control, indicating DNA protection. An acidic exopolysaccharide produced by P. pentosaceus MYU 759 showed high antioxidant capacity. The antioxidant substances produced by LAB fermentation may be exopolysaccharides, antioxidant peptides, and isoflavone aglycones. Soymilk yogurt can be used as a functional food useful for various diseases related to oxidation.

Increased phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the heated leaves of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius).

We investigated the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of two batches of non-heated and heated leaves of the yacon cultivar "Andes no yuki", grown in Japan. Lyophilized yacon leaves heated at 160°C for 20 min and 100°C for 60 min had a 1.96 to 9.69-times higher total phenolic content than that of the non-heated leaves. Heated leaves exhibited a 1.98 to 4.07-times higher antioxidant capacity than that of the non-heated leaves in three different free radical scavenging assays. Heated leaves were more efficient at attenuating the superoxide anion radical production in human granulocytic cells than the non-heated leaves. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that, in the heated leaves, the caffeic acid content was 2.13 to 3.64-times higher and the chlorogenic acid content was slightly lower than those in the non-heated leaves. Hence, heat processing may affect the active constituent contents in yacon leaves, potentiating its antioxidant capacity.Abbreviations: ABTS+: 2,2'-azinobis(2-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation; DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography; NBT: nitroblue tetrazolium; O2-: superoxide anion; PMA: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate; PMS: phenazine methosulfate; TEAC: Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity.

Biosorption of Heavy Metals by Lactic Acid Bacteria for Detoxification.

The gradual accumulation of heavy metals can have detrimental effects on health. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are common microbes used as probiotics; various LAB strains are consumed in food products, especially in fermented foods. Many studies have suggested that LAB with high affinity to harmful heavy metals can be used as efficient detoxification tools. Accordingly, it is important to test the biosorption of various heavy metals, e.g., cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury, by LAB. Here, I describe protocols to quantify the binding ability of LAB and to identify their heavy metal binding proteins.

Unique antioxidant effects of herbal leaf tea and stem tea from Moringa oleifera L. especially on superoxide anion radical generation systems.

This study aimed to investigate the unique antioxidative effects of Japanese moringa products, herbal leaf tea and stem tea, using established free radical assays, focusing on superoxide anion (O2-) radical generation systems. Hot-water extracts from moringa teas resulted in different but lower scavenging activities than Trolox in four synthetic free radical models. Interestingly, these extracts further showed higher O2- radical scavenging effects than Trolox in the phenazine methosulfate-NADH-nitroblue tetrazolium and xanthine oxidase assay systems. Incubating human neutrophils in the presence of these tea extracts rather than Trolox effectively suppressed cellular O2- radical generation. Among the eight known phenolic constituents of moringa leaves, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid may be responsible for the O2-specific radical scavenging capacity stronger than that of Trolox. These results suggest that moringa herbal teas are a good source of natural antioxidants for preventing O2- radical-mediated disorders. Abbreviations: O2-: superoxide anion; ROS: reactive oxygen species; H2O2: hydrogen peroxide; XOD: xanthine oxidase; DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl; ABTS+: 2,2'-azinobis(2-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation; CPZ+: chlorpromazine cation; PMS: phenazine methosulfate; NBT: nitroblue tetrazolium; PMA: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate.

Isolation of lactic acid bacteria bound to the porcine intestinal mucosa and an analysis of their moonlighting adhesins.

The adhesion of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to the intestinal mucosa is one of the criteria in selecting for probiotics. Eighteen LAB were isolated from porcine intestinal mucin (PIM): ten strains of Lactobacillus, six strains of Weissella, and two strains of Streptococcus. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) for phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) extracts from the LAB, many bands were detected in half of the samples, while a few and/or no clear bands were detected in the other half. All six of the selected LAB showed adhesion to PIM. L. johnsonii MYU 214 and MYU 221 showed adhesion at more than 10%. W. viridescens MYU 208, L. reuteri MYU 213, L. mucosae MYU 225, and L. agilis MYU 227 showed medium levels of adhesion at 5.9-8.3%. In a comprehensive analysis for the adhesins in the PBS extracts using a receptor overlay analysis, many moonlighting proteins were detected and identified as candidates for adhesins: GroEL, enolase, and elongation factor Tu in MYU 208; peptidase C1, enolase, formyl-CoA transferase, phosphoglyceromutase, triosephosphate isomerase, and phosphofructokinase in MYU 221; and DnaK, enolase, and phosphoglycerate kinase in MYU 227. These proteins in the PBS extracts, which included such things as molecular chaperones and glycolytic enzymes, may play important roles as adhesins.

Analysis of the sexual development-promoting region of Schizophyllum commune TRP1 gene.

This study aims to elucidate the mechanism of sexual development of basidiomycetous mushrooms from mating to fruit body formation. Sequencing analysis showed the TRP1 gene of basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune encoded an enzyme with three catalytic regions of GAT (glutamine amidotransferase), IGPS (indole-3-glycerol phosphate synthase), and PRAI (5-phosphoribosyl anthranilate isomerase); among these three regions, the trp1 mutant (Trp(-)) had a missense mutation (L→F) of a 338th amino acid residue of the TRP1 protein within the IGPS region. To investigate the function of IGPS region related to sexual development, dikaryons with high, usual, and no expression of the IGPS region of TRP1 gene were made. The dikaryotic mycelia with high expression of the IGPS formed mature fruit bodies earlier than those with usual and no expression of the IGPS. These results showed that the IGPS region in TRP1 gene promoted sexual development of S. commune.

Comparison and characterization of biosorption by Weissella viridescens MYU 205 of periodic group 12 metal ions.

Because heavy metals cause various health hazards, we studied biosorption by Weissella viridescens MYU 205. MYU 205 showed high biosorption for Cd (II) and Hg (II) and was low for Zn (II). The Hg (II) biosorption rate was high at about 80%. Different biosorptions were shown for each metal after successive incubation. About 20% of the Zn (II) biosorption was observed after 3 h. Cd (II) biosorption increased in a time-dependent manner until 3 h, then gradually decreased. Hg (II) was immediately sorbed at 79.6 ± 4.7% and decreased at 3 h to 52.9 ± 2.6%, and then gradually increased to 77.8 ± 3.6%. Using heat-killed cells, the rate of biosorption of Zn (II) and Cd (II) decreased whereas Hg (II) tended to increase. The metal resistance was high, that is Zn (II) > Cd (II) > Hg (II); while the affinity was opposite where MYU 205 showed high affinity to Hg (II) and low affinity to Zn (II). Our data shows lactic acid bacteria may be powerful heavy metal sorbents for detoxification.

Biosorption of heavy metals by lactic acid bacteria and identification of mercury binding protein.

Heavy metals cause various health hazards. Using lactic acid bacteria (LAB), we tested the biosorption of heavy metals e.g. cadmium (Cd) (II), lead (Pb) (II), arsenic (As) (III), and mercury (Hg) (II). Cd (II) sorption was tested in 103 strains using atomic absorption spectrophotometery (AAS). Weissella viridescens MYU 205 (1 × 10(8) cells/ml) decreased Cd (II) levels in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) from one ppm to 0.459 ± 0.016 ppm, corresponding to 10.46 µg of Cd (II). After screening, 11 LAB strains were tested using various pH (pH 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) showing the sorption was acid sensitive; and was cell concentration dependent, where the Cd (II) concentration decreased from one ppm to 0.042 (max)/0.255 (min) ppm at 1 × 10(10) cells/ml. Additionally, the biosorption of Pb (II), As (III), and Hg (II) were tested using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The Hg (II) concentration was reduced the most followed by Pb (II) and As (III). Many of the bacterial cell surface proteins of W. viridescens MYU 205 showed binding to Hg (II) using the Hg (II) column assay. Having a CXXC motif, a ∼14 kDa protein may be one of the Hg (II) binding proteins. LAB biosorption may aid the detoxification of people exposed to heavy metals.

Proposal of screening method for intestinal mucus adhesive lactobacilli using the enzymatic activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH).

Adhesion tests are complex, time-consuming and expensive, while the most important criterion for a probiotic lactobacilli is the ability to adhere to the human intestine. Thirty lactobacilli isolates from human intestinal tissues were measured for cell surface glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) activity using a microtiter plate screening method. GAPDH activities were detected in 21 out of 30 samples from 12 h cultures and in all samples from 18 h cultures. This suggests GAPDH is universally expressed on the bacterial cell surfaces from many lactobacilli. A statistically significant positive correlation was shown between GAPDH activity and adhesion using the BIACORE adhesion assay (P < 0.01). The new screening method using GAPDH enzymatic activity without an adhesion test may be possible due to the significant positive correlation of GAPDH activity with adhesion of lactobacilli derived from the human intestine.

An adhesin-like protein, Lam29, from Lactobacillus mucosae ME-340 binds to histone H3 and blood group antigens in human colonic mucus.

A cell-surface 29-kDa protein (Lam29, cysteine-binding protein of the ABC transporter) from Lactobacillus mucosae ME-340 showed an adhesin-like property for human ABO blood group antigens expressed on the gastrointestinal mucosa. In addition, here we report that Lam29 also bound to an 18-kDa protein on human colonic mucus. By ligand blot assay and N-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein, it was identified as human histone H3. By ligand blot and microplate binding assays with recombinant histone H3, binding between Lam29 and histone H3 was confirmed. The adhesion of ME-340 cells to histone H3 was significantly inhibited by 26% after the addition of 2.5 mg/mL Lam29 as compared to the absence of Lam29 (p<0.01). By GHCl extraction and transcription attenuation of ME-340 cells, binding reduction of ME340 cells against histone H3 was detected at 12% and 13% respectively, as compared to control cells by the BIACORE assay (p<0.01). These data indicate that Lam29 shows multiple binding activities to blood group antigens and histone H3 in human colonic mucus. This is the first report to indicate that lactobacilli expressing Lam29 adhere to histone H3 on gastrointestinal mucosa.

Fluorescence of phytochrome adducts with synthetic locked chromophores.

We performed steady state fluorescence measurements with phytochromes Agp1 and Agp2 of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and three mutants in which photoconversion is inhibited. These proteins were assembled with the natural chromophore biliverdin (BV), with phycoerythrobilin (PEB), which lacks a double bond in the ring C-D-connecting methine bridge, and with synthetic bilin derivatives in which the ring C-D-connecting methine bridge is locked. All PEB and locked chromophore adducts are photoinactive. According to fluorescence quantum yields, the adducts may be divided into four different groups: wild type BV adducts exhibiting a weak fluorescence, mutant BV adducts with about 10-fold enhanced fluorescence, adducts with locked chromophores in which the fluorescence quantum yields are around 0.02, and PEB adducts with a high quantum yield of around 0.5. Thus, the strong fluorescence of the PEB adducts is not reached by the locked chromophore adducts, although the photoconversion energy dissipation pathway is blocked. We therefore suggest that ring D of the bilin chromophore, which contributes to the extended π-electron system of the locked chromophores, provides an energy dissipation pathway that is independent on photoconversion.

The traditional Japanese formula keishibukuryogan reduces liver injury and inflammation in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The Kampo formula keishibukuryogan (KBG, Guizhifulingwan) is frequently used in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine to treat several symptoms and manifests anti-inflammatory and scavenging effects. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and has the potential to evolve to liver cirrhosis through chronic inflammation and steatohepatisis (NASH). We have recently reported the KBG significant effectiveness on liver injury in a NASH animal model that prompted us to prescribe to KBG (TJ-25). We performed a retrospective study and reviewed the charts of outpatients who were prescribed KBG for 8-12 weeks due to non-liver-related symptoms (n= 11) over the past year to evaluate the clinical outcome. In six of these cases, biochemical and ultrasound signs of NAFLD were observed. KBG led to a significant reduction in liver injury tests and blood cholesterol but had no effects on body weight in all NAFLD cases. Further, liver tests and lipid profiles returned to baseline values when KBG treatment was stopped. On the basis of data on a small number of subjects, we suggest that the use of KBG is a safe complementary treatment in patients with NAFLD. While it is unlikely that Kampo formulas may substitute the current nutritional approaches to the metabolic syndrome, future studies should address the possibility of an additive effect, possibly through anti-inflammatory mechanisms.