East Asian summer monsoon delivers large abundances of very-short-lived organic chlorine substances to the lower stratosphere.

Deep convection in the Asian summer monsoon is a significant transport process for lifting pollutants from the planetary boundary layer to the tropopause level. This process enables efficient injection into the stratosphere of reactive species such as chlorinated very-short-lived substances (Cl-VSLSs) that deplete ozone. Past studies of convective transport associated with the Asian summer monsoon have focused mostly on the south Asian summer monsoon. Airborne observations reported in this work identify the East Asian summer monsoon convection as an effective transport pathway that carried record-breaking levels of ozone-depleting Cl-VSLSs (mean organic chlorine from these VSLSs ~500 ppt) to the base of the stratosphere. These unique observations show total organic chlorine from VSLSs in the lower stratosphere over the Asian monsoon tropopause to be more than twice that previously reported over the tropical tropopause. Considering the recently observed increase in Cl-VSLS emissions and the ongoing strengthening of the East Asian summer monsoon under global warming, our results highlight that a reevaluation of the contribution of Cl-VSLS injection via the Asian monsoon to the total stratospheric chlorine budget is warranted.

A natural variation in the RNA polymerase of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus enhances viral replication and in vivo virulence.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne disease with high mortality in Eastern Asia. The disease is caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV), also known as Dabie bandavirus, which has a segmented RNA genome consisting of L, M, and S segments. Previous studies have suggested differential viral virulence depending on the genotypes of SFTSV; however, the critical viral factor involved in the differential viral virulence is unknown. Here, we found a significant difference in viral replication in vitro and virulence in vivo between two Korean isolates belonging to the F and B genotypes, respectively. By generating viral reassortants using the two viral strains, we demonstrated that the L segment, which encodes viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), is responsible for the enhanced viral replication and virulence. Comparison of amino acid sequences and viral replication rates revealed a point variation, E251K, on the surface of RdRp to be the most significant determinant for the enhanced viral replication rate and in vivo virulence. The effect of the variation was further confirmed using recombinant SFTSV generated by reverse genetic engineering. Therefore, our results indicate that natural variations affecting the viral replicase activity could significantly contribute to the viral virulence of SFTSV.

Evaluation of Dose-Dependent Obesity and Diabetes-Related Complications of Water Chestnut (Fruit of Trapa japonica) Extracts in Type II Obese Diabetic Mice Induced by 45% Kcal High-Fat Diet.

Background and Objectives: The currently used pharmacological agents for metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes have several limitations and adverse effects; thus, there is a need for alternative therapeutic drugs and health functional foods. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the pharmacological effects of water chestnut (fruit of Trapa japonica) extracts (WC: 50-200 mg/kg) for type II diabetes using a 45% Kcal high-fat diet (HFD)-fed type II obese diabetic mice model for a period of 84 days, and the effects were compared to those of metformin (250 mg/kg). Results: Increases in body weight, serum biochemical indices such as triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and blood urea nitrogen, increases in antioxidant defense system enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα1 and AMPKα2) in the liver tissue and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα2 mRNA, leptin, and C/EBPα) in the adipose tissue were observed in the HFD control group. The WC (50 mg/kg)-administered group showed no significant improvements in diabetic complications. However, HFD-induced obesity and diabetes-related complications such as hyperlipidemia, diabetic nephropathy, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), oxidative stress, activity of antioxidant defense systems, and gene expressions were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited and/or normalized by oral administration of WC (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), particularly at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that WC at an appropriate dose could be used to develop an effective therapeutic drug or functional food for type II diabetes and various associated complications, including NAFLD.

EVA-1 functions as an UNC-40 Co-receptor to enhance attraction to the MADD-4 guidance cue in Caenorhabditis elegans.

We recently discovered a secreted and diffusible midline cue called MADD-4 (an ADAMTSL) that guides migrations along the dorsoventral axis of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We showed that the transmembrane receptor, UNC-40 (DCC), whose canonical ligand is the UNC-6 (netrin) guidance cue, is required for extension towards MADD-4. Here, we demonstrate that MADD-4 interacts with an EVA-1/UNC-40 co-receptor complex to attract cell extensions. EVA-1 is a conserved transmembrane protein with predicted galactose-binding lectin domains. EVA-1 functions in the same pathway as MADD-4, physically interacts with both MADD-4 and UNC-40, and enhances UNC-40's sensitivity to the MADD-4 cue. This enhancement is especially important in the presence of UNC-6. In EVA-1's absence, UNC-6 interferes with UNC-40's responsiveness to MADD-4; in UNC-6's absence, UNC-40's responsiveness to MADD-4 is less dependent on EVA-1. By enabling UNC-40 to respond to MADD-4 in the presence of UNC-6, EVA-1 may increase the precision by which UNC-40-directed processes can reach their MADD-4-expressing targets within a field of the UNC-6 guidance cue.

Selective Ring Opening of 1-Methylnaphthalene Over NiW-Supported Catalyst Using Dealuminated Beta Zeolite.

Nanoporous Beta zeolite was dealuminated by weak acid treatment for reducing the acidity. Bi-functional catalysts were prepared using commercial Beta zeolites and the dealuminated zeolites for acidic function, NiW for metallic function. 1-Methylnaphthalene was selected as a model compound for multi-ring aromatics in heavy oil, and its selective ring opening reaction has been investigated using the prepared bi-functional catalysts with different acidity in fixed bed reaction system. The dealuminated Beta zeolites, which crystal structure and nanoporosity were maintained, showed the higher SiO2/Al2O3 ratio and smaller acidity than their original zeolite. NiW-supported catalyst using the dealuminated Beta zeolite with SiO2/Al203 mole ratio of 55 showed the highest performance for the selective ring opening. The acidity of catalyst seemed to play an important role as active sites for the selective ring opening of 1-methylnaphthalene but there should be some optimum catalyst acidity for the reaction. The acidity of Beta zeolite could be controlled by the acid treatment and the catalyst with the optimum acidity for the selective ring opening could be prepared.

The Effect of K and Acidity of NiW-Loaded HY Zeolite Catalyst for Selective Ring Opening of 1-Methylnaphthalene.

Bi-functional catalysts were prepared using HY zeolites with various SiO2/Al2O3 ratios for acidic function, NiW for metallic function, and K for acidity control. 1-Methylnaphthalene was selected as a model compound for multi-ring aromatics in heavy oil, and its selective ring opening reaction was investigated using the prepared bi-functional catalysts with different levels of acidity in a fixed bed reactor system. In NiW/HY catalysts without K addition, the acidity decreased with the SiO2/Al2O3 mole ratio of the HY zeolite. Ni1.1W1.1/HY(12) catalyst showed the highest acidity but slightly lower yields for the selective ring opening than Ni1.1W1.1/HY(30) catalyst. The acidity of the catalyst seemed to play an important role as the active site for the selective ring opening of 1-methylnaphthalene but there should be some optimum catalyst acidity for the reaction. Catalyst acidity could be controlled between Ni1.1W1.1/HY(12) and Ni1.1W1.1/HY(30) by adding a moderate amount of K to Ni1.1W1.1/HY(12) catalyst. K0.3Ni1.1W1.1/HY(12) catalyst should have the optimum acidity for the selective ring opening. The addition of a moderate amount of K to the NiW/HY catalyst must improve the catalytic performance due to the optimization of catalyst acidity.

The Effects of Topical Application of Polycal (a 2:98 (g/g) Mixture of Polycan and Calcium Gluconate) on Experimental Periodontitis and Alveolar Bone Loss in Rats.

The aim of this study was to observe whether Polycal has inhibitory activity on ligation-induced experimental periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss in rats following topical application to the gingival regions. One day after the ligation placements, Polycal (50, 25, and 12.5 mg/mL solutions at 200 µL/rat) was topically applied to the ligated gingival regions daily for 10 days. Changes in bodyweight, alveolar bone loss index, and total number of buccal gingival aerobic bacterial cells were monitored, and the anti-inflammatory effects were investigated via myeloperoxidase activity and levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α. The activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were also evaluated. Bacterial proliferation, periodontitis, and alveolar bone loss induced by ligature placements were significantly inhibited after 10 days of continuous topical application of Polycal. These results indicate that topical application of Polycal has a significant inhibitory effect on periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss in rats mediated by antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative activities.

Genotoxicity of rice bran oil extracted by supercritical CO2 extraction.

Rice bran oil extracted by supercritical CO2 extraction (RB-SCE) reportedly exhibits pharmacological activities such as antioxidant and in vivo hair growth-inducing effects. Such activities raise the possibility of the development of novel hair growth-inducing agents using RB-SCE. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential genotoxic effects of RB-SCE in three short-term mutagenicity assays (bacterial reverse mutation assay, in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, and in vivo micronucleus assay). RB-SCE showed no genotoxicity in the bacterial reverse mutation assay up to 5000 mg/plate and in the in vivo micronucleus test up to 600 mg/kg body weight. However, at 120 µg/mL with S9 mix and 200 µg/mL without S9 mix RB-SCE showed significantly different genotoxicity than the negative control in the in vitro chromosome aberration test. The induction of chromosomal aberrations under the present conditions may have no biological significance. We have herein demonstrated that RB-SCE can be regarded as a non-genotoxic material based on the available in vivo and in vitro results.

In vivo hair growth-promoting effect of rice bran extract prepared by supercritical carbon dioxide fluid.

The potential hair growth-promoting activity of rice bran supercritical CO2 extract (RB-SCE) and major components of RB-SCE, linoleic acid, policosanol, γ-oryzanol, and γ-tocotrienol, were evaluated with the histological morphology and mRNA expression levels of cell growth factors using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in C57BL/6 mice. RB-SCE showed hair growth-promoting potential to a similar extent as 3% minoxidil, showing that the hair follicles were induced to be in the anagen stage. The numbers of the hair follicles were significantly increased. In addition, mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) were also significantly increased and that of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) decreased in RB-SCE-treated groups. Among the major components of RB-SCE, linoleic acid and γ-oryzanol induced the formation of hair follicles according to examination of histological morphology and mRNA expression levels of cell growth factors. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that RB-SCE, particularly linoleic acid and γ-oryzanol, promotes hair growth and suggests RB-SCE can be applied as hair loss treatment.

Single-dose oral toxicity of fermented rice extracts (FREs): a 14-day observation.

The aim of present research was to determine the acute oral toxicity of fermented rice extracts (FREs), in female and male ICR mice. To investigate the toxicity and identify target organs, FREs were orally administered once to male and female ICR mice at doses of 0 (vehicle control), 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg body weight (BW). Effects on mortality, BW, and clinical signs were monitored over 14 days, including changes in the weights and histopathological characteristics of 14 organs, as described in the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) Guidelines (2009-116, 2009). No treatment-related mortality was observed during the 14-day observation period in either gender. In addition, no FRE-related change was observed in BW or organ weight (OW), clinical indicators, or histopathological findings in this study. Our results suggest that the FRE is non-toxic in mice and is therefore likely to be safe for clinical use. The approximate LD and LD50 in mice after single oral dose of FRE are greater than 2000 mg/kg in female and male ICR mice. Additionally, no specific target organ or negative clinical indicator was detected in this study.

Synthesis of mesoporous SAPO-34 zeolite from mesoporous silica materials for methanol to light olefins.

Mesoporous SAPO-34 zeolites were synthesized by using as-prepared mesoporous silica material as both silica source and mesopore tailor. The mesoporous SAPO-34 zeolite materials thus obtained are characterized by a series of different techniques, including poweder X-ray diffraction pattern, nitrogen physisorption analysis, scanning electron micrograph, temperature programmed desorption of ammonia, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The resultant mesoporous SAPO-34 crystals exhibit sphere-like particle with zeolite layer units. The mesopore size distribution and particle size can be changed by amounts of silica source and water. The methanol-to-olefins (MTO) reactions using these mesoporous SAPO-34 zeolites are carried out with a fixed-bed reactor. Catalytic tests exhibit that the mesoporous SAPO-34 zeolite materials show high catalytic activity compared with the conventional SAPO-34 for MTO reaction. The better catalytic activity and longer life time of the mesoporous SAPO-34 catalysts in MTO are mainly due to the existence of the mesoporosity of SAPO-34 with small particle size.

Single oral dose toxicity test of polycalcium, a mixed composition of polycan and calcium lactate-gluconate 1:9 (G/G) in SD rat.

The object of this study was to obtain acute oral toxicity information of Polycalcium, a mixed composition of Polycan and Calcium lactate-gluconate 1:9 (g/g), in Sprague-Dawely (SD) rats. In order to investigate the toxicity and identify target organs, Polycalcium were once orally administered to female and male SD rats at dose levels of 2000, 1000, 500 and 0 (control) mg/kg body weights. The mortality, changes on body weight and clinical signs were monitored during 14 days after treatment with gross observation, changes on the organ weights and histopathology of principle organs and treatment sites based on the recommendation of KFDA Guidelines [2009-116, 2009]. As the results of single oral treatment of Polycalcium, no treatment related mortalities were observed within 14 days after end of treatment up to 2000 mg/kg, the limited dosage of rodents in the both genders. In addition, no Polycalcium treatment related changes on the body and organ weights, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings were detected. The results obtained in this study suggest that the Polycalcium is non-toxic in rats. The LD50 and approximate LD in rats after single oral dose of Polycalcium were considered over 2000 mg/kg in both female and male, respectively.

Atmospheric pathway of marine heatwaves over the Northwestern Pacific.

This study analyzes the influence of the Pacific-Japan (PJ) atmospheric teleconnection pattern and its interaction with oceanic processes on sea surface warming over the Northwestern Pacific. The PJ pattern is a thermally driven Rossby wave that originates over the tropical western Pacific through deep convection and propagates toward high latitudes. It plays a significant role in sea surface warming by inducing anticyclonic circulation and the corresponding northwestward extension of the subtropical high over the Northwestern Pacific. This study revealed that the key processes responsible for sea surface warming were an increase in insolation and a decrease in the ocean-to-atmosphere latent heat flux under the anticyclonic conditions driven by the PJ. This finding provides valuable insights into the role of atmospheric processes, we refer to it as the "atmospheric pathway", in the development of East Asian marine heatwaves (MHWs). A detailed understanding of this process will contribute to the prediction and mitigation of MHWs in East Asian countries.

Advanced Compliant Anti-Gravity Robot System for Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Using Series Elastic Actuator.

Background: The lumbar stabilization exercise is one of the most recommended treatments in medical professionals for patients suffering from low back pain. However, because lumbar stabilization exercise is calisthenics, it is challenging to perform because of the body load of the elderly, disabled, and patients that lack muscle strength. Additionally, it interferes with the effect of exercise because it can strain parts of the body. Methods: To overcome them, a compliant anti-gravity rehabilitation proto-type device using the Series Elastic Actuator (SEA) was developed previously to provide quantitative assist force to the person, producing similar exercise effects with calisthenics. From an exercise experiment with 20 participants, it caused discomfort to participants during exercise owing to the non-ergonomic design of the previous device. Different muscle activation tendencies were observed between calisthenics and exercise using the device. For advanced technical solutions to clinical needs, which is exercise using the rehabilitation robot to produce a similar effect to calisthenics, the mechanical design of the rehabilitation robot was improved based on the previous device after receiving feedback from clinical trials and static analysis. For the safety of exercise using the robot, a cascade PID-PI controller was used to reduce the influence of friction and disturbance due to the external movement. Results: Surface electromyography(sEMG) signal from lumbar muscles showed desired monotonic reduction ratio and higher similarity results compared to the previous device, which proved the exercise effectiveness using the robot. Conclusion: The proposed robot is considered as a solution to a clinical need of lumbar rehabilitation for the elderly, disabled, and patients.

Impact of North Atlantic-East Asian teleconnections on extremely high January PM10 cases in Korea.

In this study, we investigated the daily variability of PM10 concentrations in January in Korea during the past 19 years (2001-2019), as well as the associated atmospheric circulation patterns. The daily PM10 concentrations were classified into three cases: low (L; < 50 µg/m3), high (H; 50-100 µg/m3), and extremely high (EH; ≥ 100 µg/m3). We found that the strength of the East Asian winter monsoon influenced the PM10 variability in the L and H cases. However, the EH cases were strongly influenced by the rapid growth of barotropic warming (anticyclonic anomaly) over the eastern North Atlantic and Northern Europe (ENE), and the stationary Rossby waves grew rapidly over Eurasia within only four days. Analysis of the quasi-geostrophic geopotential tendency budget revealed that the anticyclonic anomaly over the ENE was enhanced by vorticity advection. Linear baroclinic model experiments confirmed that vorticity forcing over the ENE induces favorable atmospheric conditions for the occurrence of EH PM10 events in East Asia. As a result, the PM10 concentration sharply increased sharply by approximately three times over four days. This study suggests that understanding atmospheric teleconnections between the ENE and East Asia can effectively predict the occurrence of EH PM10 events in Korea, helping to reduce the human health risks from atmospheric pollution.

Immunomodulatory effects of Aureobasidium pullulans SM-2001 exopolymers on the cyclophosphamide-treated mice.

The immunomodulatory effects of exopolymers of Aureobasidium pullulans SM-2001 containing beta-1,3/1,6-glucan were evaluated on the cyclophosphamide (CPA)-treated mice. To induce immunosuppress, 150 and 110 mg/kg of CPA were intraperitoneally injected at 1 and 3 days before start of test material administrations, respectively. Exopolymers were subcutaneously or orally administered in a volume of 10 ml/kg, 4 times; 12-hr intervals from 24 hrs after second treatment of CPA. After treatment of exopolymers, the changes of thymus and spleen weights, splenic amounts of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-10, thymic and splenic CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and TNF-alpha+ cells were monitored in CPA-treated mice. As results of CPA treatment, dramatical decreases of the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and TNF-alpha+ cells were detected in thymus and spleen with decreases of thymus and spleen weights. In addition, decreases of splenic TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-10 contents were also detected at flow cytometrical observations. However, oral and subcutaneous treatment of exopolymers effectively reduced the immunosuppressive changes induced by CPA. Therefore, it is concluded that exopolymers of A. pullulans can be effectively prevent the immunosuppress mediated, at least partially, recruitment of T cells and TNF-alpha+ cells or enhancement of their activity, and can provide effective prevention or treat regimes for the immunosuppress and related diseases such as cancer, sepsis and high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Effects of Steaming and SiO2 Surface Passivation on SSZ-13 Zeolites in the Ethylene to Propylene Reaction.

SSZ-13 zeolite was modified by two kinds of post-treatment methods such as steaming and SiO2 surface passivation (silylation) for ETP catalyst with high activity. The former steaming treatment was conducted in the range of 400-700 °C, whereas the latter surfaces passivation was applied to a chemical liquid deposition (CLD) technique that uses various silylation agents such as tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS), tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), and tetrabuthylorthosilicate (TBOS). Catalysts were characterized by powder-XRD, ICP, Ar-phsisorption, solid-state 27Al MAS NMR, and NH3-TPD, and their activities were tested in fixed bed reaction system. Regarding the effects of steaming temperature, the results show that a relatively higher selectivity is observed in SSZ-13 catalysts treated at proper steaming temperatures such as 450 and 500 °C compared to parent and other steam treated catalysts. For optimum surface passivation treatments for ETP reactions, one-step surface passivation using TEOS agents among various passivation agents led to enhanced propylene selectivity to 80% when compared with parent and other silylated SSZ-13 catalysts. However, a sequential passivation treatment with a TEOS agent was not highly affected by the reaction activity.

Anti-obesity effects of yellow catfish protein hydrolysate on mice fed a 45% kcal high-fat diet.

Obesity contributes to the etiologies of a variety of comorbid conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In the present study, the anti-obesity effects of yellow catfish protein hydrolysate (YPh) were observed in mice fed a 45% kcal high-fat diet (HFD) compared with those of mice treated with simvastatin. The HFD-fed control mice exhibited noticeable increase in body weight, and whole-body and abdominal fat densities, periovarian and abdominal wall-deposited fat pad weight, as well as in the levels of triglycerides (TG), blood total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and in the fecal TG and TC contents. However, they exhibited a decrease in serum high-density lipoprotein levels. In addition, an increase was detected in periovarian and dorsal abdominally deposited fat pad thickness, adipocyte hypertrophy, the number of steatohepatitis regions, hepatocyte hypertrophy and lipid droplet deposition-related renal tubular vacuolation degenerative lesions, along with increased hepatic lipid peroxidation and a deteriorated endogenous antioxidant defense system (glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase). However, all the above-mentioned obesity-related complications were dose-dependently and significantly inhibited after 84 days of thye consecutive oral administration of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg YPh. In addition, YPh dose-dependently depleted the liver endogenous antioxidant defense system and inhibited hepatic lipid peroxidation. Overall, the effects of 250 mg/kg YPh on HFD-induced obesity and related complications were similar or more potent than those of 10 mg/kg simvastatin. These results indicate that YPh is a promising new potent medicinal ingredient for possible use in the treatment of obesity and related complications.

Blood glycemia-modulating effects of melanian snail protein hydrolysates in mice with type II diabetes.

Freshwater animal proteins have long been used as nutrient supplements. In this study, melanian snail (Semisulcospira libertina) protein hydrolysates (MPh) were found to exert anti-diabetic and protective effects against liver and kidney damage in mice with type II diabetes adapted to a 45% kcal high-fat diet (HFD). The hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of MPh were analyzed after 12 weeks of the continuous oral administration of MPh at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg. Diabetic control mice exhibited an increase in body weight, and blood glucose and insulin levels, with a decrease in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. In addition, an increase in the regions of steatohepatitis, hepatocyte hypertrophy, and lipid droplet deposit-related renal tubular vacuolation degenerative lesions were detected, with noticeable expansion and hyperplasia of the pancreatic islets, and an increase in glucagon- and insulin-producing cells, insulin/glucagon cell ratios in the endocrine pancreas and hepatic lipid peroxidation, as well as decreased zymogen contents. Furthermore, a deterioration of the endogenous antioxidant defense system was observed, with reduced glucose utilization related hepatic glucokinase (GK) activity and an increase in hepatic gluconeogenesis-related phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose­6-phosphatase (G6pase) activity. However, all of these diabetic complications were significantly inhibited by oral treatment with MPh in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the marked dose-dependent inhibition of hepatic lipid peroxidation, the depletion of the liver endogenous antioxidant defense system, and changes in hepatic glucose-regulating enzyme activities were also observed. The results of this study suggest that MPh exerts potent anti-diabetic effects, along with the amelioration of related complications in mice with type II diabetes. The overall effects of MPh at a dose of 125 mg/kg on HFD-induced diabetes and related complications were similar or more potent than those of metformin (250 mg/kg).

Hepatoprotective effects of hoveniae semen cum fructus extracts in ethanol intoxicated mice.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Hoveniae Semen Cum Fructus extract in ethanol induced hepatic damages. METHODS: Hepatic damages were induced by oral administration of ethanol and then Hoveniae Semen Cum Fructus extract was administered. RESULTS: Following Hoveniae Semen Cum Fructus extract administration, body and liver weights were increased, while aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, γ-glutamyl transferase, and triglyceride levels in the serum, triglyceride contents, tumor necrosis factor -α level, cytochrome (CY) P450 2E1 activity in the liver and mRNA expression of hepatic lipogenic genes, and Nitrotyrosine and 4-HNE-immunolabelled hepatocytes were decreased. However, mRNA expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation was increased. Also, as a protective mechanism for hepatic antioxidant defense systems, decreased liver MDA contents, increased glutathione contents, increased dismutase and catalase activities were observed when compared to the ethanol control. CONCLUSION: Hoveniae Semen Cum Fructus extract favorably protected against liver damages, mediated by its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-steatosis properties through the augmentation of the hepatic antioxidant defense system by NF-E2-related factor-2 activation, and down-regulation of the mRNA expression of hepatic lipogenic genes or up-regulation of the mRNA expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation.