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.

Arazyme Suppresses Hepatic Steatosis and Steatohepatitis in Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Like Mouse Model.

Arazyme, a metalloprotease from the spider Nephila clavata, exerts hepatoprotective activity in CCL4-induced acute hepatic injury. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-like C57BL/6J mice. The mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10/group): the normal diet group, the HFD group, the arazyme group (HFD with 0.025% arazyme), and the milk thistle (MT) group (HFD with 0.1% MT). Dietary supplementation of arazyme for 13 weeks significantly lowered plasma triglyceride (TG) and non-esterified fatty acid levels. Suppression of HFD-induced hepatic steatosis in the arazyme group was caused by the reduced hepatic TG and total cholesterol (TC) contents. Arazyme supplementation decreased hepatic lipogenesis-related gene expression, sterol regulatory element-binding transcription protein 1 (Srebf1), fatty acid synthase (Fas), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (Acc1), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (Scd1), Scd2, glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (Gpam), diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (Dgat1), and Dgat2. Arazyme directly reduced palmitic acid (PA)-induced TG accumulation in HepG2 cells. Arazyme suppressed macrophage infiltration and tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfa), interleukin-1ß (Il1b), and chemokine-ligand-2 (Ccl2) expression in the liver, and inhibited secretion of TNFα and expression of inflammatory mediators, Tnfa, Il1b, Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4, and Ccl5, in PA-induced RAW264.7 cells. Arazyme effectively protected hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis by inhibiting SREBP-1-mediated lipid accumulation and macrophage-mediated inflammation.

Isotrifoliol inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators by suppression of TLR/NF-κB and TLR/MAPK signaling in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Soybeans, produced by Glycine max (L.) Merr., contain high levels of isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein. However, soy leaves contain more diverse and abundant flavonol glycosides and coumestans, as compared to the soybean. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the major coumestans present in soy leaf (coumestrol, isotrifoliol, and phaseol) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Coumestans significantly reduced LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; isotrifoliol had the most potent anti-inflammatory activity. Isotrifoliol reduced LPS-mediated induction of mRNA expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and chemokines, such as chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL) 2, CCL3, and CCL4. Isotrifoliol prevented NF-κB p65 subunit activation by reducing the phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitor of NF-κB. And isotrifoliol significantly suppressed phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Furthermore, isotrifoliol suppressed LPS-induced Toll-like Receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, including mRNA expression of TNF receptor associated factor 6, transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), TAK1 binding protein 2 (TAB2), and TAB3. These results demonstrate that isotrifoliol exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the expression of inflammatory mediators via inhibition of TLR/NF-κB and TLR/MAPK signaling in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Therefore, isotrifoliol can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent, and coumestan-rich soy leaf extracts may provide a useful dietary supplement.

Soy-Leaf Extract Exerts Atheroprotective Effects via Modulation of Krüppel-Like Factor 2 and Adhesion Molecules.

Soy-leaf extracts exert their cardioprotective effects by inducing endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the arteries, and they favorably modulate the serum lipid profile. In this study, we investigated the atheroprotective effects of an ethanol extract of soy leaf (ESL) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient (LDLR-/-) mice. ESL induced the expression of Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), an endothelial transcription factor, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and suppressed the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) through moderate inflammatory signal activation, not only in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated HUVECs but also in 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC)-stimulated HUVECs. ESL supplementation reduced aortic lesion formation in Western diet-fed LDLR-/- mice by 46% (p < 0.01) compared to the HCD group. ESL also markedly decreased the aortic expression levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), and fractalkine, while the expression of KLF2 was significantly increased. These results suggest that ESL supplementation has potential for preventing HCD-induced atherosclerosis effectively.

Pterocarpan-enriched soy leaf extract ameliorates insulin sensitivity and pancreatic ß-cell proliferation in type 2 diabetic mice.

In Korea, soy (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) leaves are eaten as a seasonal vegetable or pickled in soy sauce. Ethyl acetate extracts of soy leaves (EASL) are enriched in pterocarpans and have potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-diabetic effect of EASL in C57BL/6J mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes. Mice were randomly divided into normal diet (ND), HFD (60 kcal% fat diet), EASL (HFD with 0.56% (wt/wt) EASL), and Pinitol (HFD with 0.15% (wt/wt) pinitol) groups. Weight gain and abdominal fat accumulation were significantly suppressed by EASL. Levels of plasma glucose, HbA1c, and insulin in the EASL group were significantly lower than those of the HFD group, and the pancreatic islet of the EASL group had greater size than those of the HFD group. EASL group up-regulated neurogenin 3 (Ngn3), paired box 4 (Pax4), and v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MafA), which are markers of pancreatic cell development, as well as insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), IRS2, and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), which are related to insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, EASL suppressed genes involved in hepatic gluconeogenesis and steatosis. These results suggest that EASL improves plasma glucose and insulin levels in mice with HDF-induced type 2 diabetes by regulating ß-cell proliferation and insulin sensitivity.

A new phenanthrene derivative and two diarylheptanoids from the roots of Brassica rapa ssp. campestris inhibit the growth of cancer cell lines and LDL-oxidation.

Brassica rapa ssp. campestris (Brassicaceae) is a conical, deep purple, edible root vegetable commonly known as a turnip. We initiated phytochemical and pharmacological studies to search for biological active compounds from the roots of B. rapa ssp. campestris. We isolated a novel phenanthrene derivative, 6-methoxy-1-[10-methoxy-7-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenanthren-3-yl]undecane-2,4-dione, named brassicaphenanthrene A (3) along with two known diarylheptanoid compounds, 6-paradol (1) and trans-6-shogaol (2), through the repeated silica gel (SiO2), octadecyl silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. The chemical structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic data analyses including nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and infra-red spectroscopy. All compounds exhibited high inhibitory activity against the growth of human cancer lines, HCT-116, MCF-7, and HeLa, with IC50 values ranging from 15.0 to 35.0 µM and against LDL-oxidation with IC50 values ranging from 2.9 to 7.1 µM.

Circulating and PBMC Lp-PLA2 associate differently with oxidative stress and subclinical inflammation in nonobese women (menopausal status).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the association of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) activity in circulation and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in nonobese women and according to menopausal status. Lp-PLA(2) activity, a marker for cardiovascular risk is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Eighty postmenopausal women (53.0±4.05 yr) and 96 premenopausal women (39.7±9.25 yr) participated in this study. Lp-PLA(2) activities, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1ß in plasma as well as in PBMCs were measured. Plasma ox-LDL was also measured. Postmenopausal women demonstrated higher circulating levels of ox-LDL and IL-6, as well as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß in PBMCs, than premenopausal women. In both groups, plasma Lp-PLA(2) activity positively correlated with Lp-PLA(2) activity in PBMCs and plasma ox-LDL. In premenopausal women, Lp-PLA(2) activities in plasma and PBMCs positively correlated with IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß in PBMCs. In postmenopausal women, plasma ox-LDL positively correlated with PBMC cytokine production. In subgroup analysis of postmenopausal women according to plasma ox-LDL level (median level: 48.715 U/L), a significant increase in Lp-PLA(2) activity in the plasma but not the PBMCs was found in the high ox-LDL subgroup. Plasma Lp-PLA(2) activity positively correlated with unstimulated PBMC Lp-PLA(2) activity in the low ox-LDL subgroup (r = 0.627, P<0.001), whereas in the high ox-LDL circulating Lp-PLA(2) activity positively correlated with plasma ox-LDL (r = 0.390, P = 0.014) but not with Lp-PLA(2) activity in PBMCs. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The lack of relation between circulating Lp-PLA(2) activity and Lp-PLA(2) activity in PBMCs was found in postmenopausal women with high ox-LDL. This may indicate other sources of circulating Lp-PLA(2) activity except PBMC in postmenopausal women with high ox-LDL. We also demonstrated that circulating Lp-PLA(2) and PBMC secreted Lp-PLA(2) associate differently with markers of oxidative stress and sub clinical inflammation in nonobese women, particularly according to the menopausal states.

Structural and quantitative analysis of antioxidant and low-density lipoprotein-antioxidant flavonoids from the grains of sugary rice.

Grains of sugary rice were extracted with 80% aqueous methanol, and the concentrated extracts were successively partitioned using ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water. From the n-butanol fractions, four flavonoid glycosides were isolated through repeated silica gel, octadecyl silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies. Based on the nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopic data, the chemical structures of the compounds were determined to be taxifolin-7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (1), hyperin (2), isoquercitrin (3), and quercetin gentiobioside (4). These compounds were isolated from the grains of sugary rice for the first time. All isolated compounds were tested for antioxidant activity and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-antioxidative activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and LDL assays. Compound 1 exhibited a strong scavenging effect on DPPH, with a 50% inhibition concentration (IC(50)) value of 8.1 µM, and also inhibited LDL oxidation with an IC(50) value of 40.0±20 µM. A simple and efficient high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection method for the simultaneous determination of the four bioactive flavonoids (1-4) has been developed and applied to their content determination in the sugary rice. The grains were extracted by 80% methanol, and the contents of 1, 2, 3, and 4 were determined to be 1.12±0.045, 0.65±0.011, 0.68±0.032, and 0.89±0.021 mg/g, respectively.

Indole-containing fractions of Brassica rapa inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by inactivating nuclear factor-κB.

In an attempt to identify bioactive natural products with anti-inflammatory activity, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the indole-containing fraction from the roots of Brassica rapa (IBR) (Family Brassicaceae) and the underlying mechanisms. Initially, we examined the inhibitory effect of IBR on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in vitro and then evaluated its in vivo anti-inflammatory effects. IBR was found to concentration-dependently reduce the productions of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. Consistent with these findings, IBR suppressed the LPS-induced expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at the protein level and of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6 at the mRNA level. Furthermore, IBR attenuated LPS-induced DNA-binding activities of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and this was accompanied by a parallel reduction in the degradation and phosphorylation of inhibitory κBα and, consequently, by a reduction in the nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB. In addition, treatment with IBR inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and acetic acid-induced writing response in mice. Taken together, our data suggest that the expressional inhibitions of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6 caused by an attenuation of NF-κB activation are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of IBR.

Association of Lp-PLA(2) activity and LDL size with interleukin-6, an inflammatory cytokine and oxidized LDL, a marker of oxidative stress, in women with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated an association between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) activity, inflammation, and oxidative stress in women with metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: We performed a case-control study in MS women (n=368) and non-MS women (n=854). Lp-PLA(2) activity LDL particle size; leukocyte number; ox-LDL, LDL-cholesterol, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP levels were measured. RESULTS: MS women had smaller LDL particle size; higher plasma ox-LDL levels and Lp-PLA(2) activity; and higher serum TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP, than non-MS women. In controls, Lp-PLA(2) activity weakly but significantly correlated with LDL-cholesterol; in MS women, Lp-PLA(2) activity positively correlated with LDL-cholesterol, ox-LDL, TNF-α, and IL-6 after adjusting for age and BMI. The relationship between Lp-PLA(2) activity and ox-LDL still maintained after further adjustment for LDL-cholesterol. Additionally, Lp-PLA(2) activity together with LDL particle size were significant independent predictors of MS (multivariate analysis), and ox-LDL was a major contributor to the increase in Lp-PLA(2) activity in MS women (multiple stepwise regression). In a subgroup analysis, Lp-PLA(2) activity was negatively associated with IL-6 levels in non-MS postmenopausal women, but positively with IL-6 in both postmenopausal and premenopausal women with MS. Postmenopausal women with MS had significantly higher Lp-PLA(2) activity, ox-LDL and IL-6 than those without MS, and premenopausal women with or without MS, after the adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated plasma Lp-PLA(2) activity was associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6 and ox-LDL in MS women. This association was also affected by menopause status, suggesting that Lp-PLA(2) may represent a novel marker for oxidation and inflammation in MS.

5-(4-Hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethylbenzylidene) thiazolidine-2,4-dione attenuates atherosclerosis possibly by reducing monocyte recruitment to the lesion.

A variety of benzylidenethiazole analogs have been demonstrated to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). Here we report the anti-atherogenic potential of 5-(4-hydroxy- 2,3,5-trimethylbenzylidene) thiazolidin-2,4-dione (HMB-TZD), a benzylidenethiazole analog, and its potential mechanism of action in LDL receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice. HMB-TZD Treatment reduced leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production significantly in RAW264.7 macrophages and SVEC4-10 endothelial cells. Macrophages or endothelial cells pre-incubated with HMB-TZD for 2 h and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) displayed reduced cytokine production. Also, HMB-TZD reduced cell migration and adhesion in accordance with decreased proinflammatory molecule production in vitro and ex vivo. HMB-TZD treatment of 8-week-old male Ldlr-/- mice resulted in significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesions without a change to plasma lipid profiles. Moreover, aortic expression of pro-atherogenic molecules involved in the recruitment of monocytes to the aortic wall, including TNF-α , MCP-1, and VCAM-1, was downregulated. HMB-TZD also reduced macrophage infiltration into atherosclerotic lesions. In conclusion, HMB-TZD ameliorates atherosclerotic lesion formation possibly by reducing the expression of proinflammatory molecules and monocyte/macrophage recruitment to the lesion. These results suggest that HMB-TZD, and benzylidenethiazole analogs in general, may have therapeutic potential as treatments for atherosclerosis.

Arvelexin from Brassica rapa suppresses NF-κB-regulated pro-inflammatory gene expression by inhibiting activation of IκB kinase.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Brassica rapa species constitute one of the major sources of food. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying molecular mechanism of arvelexin, isolated from B. rapa, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and on a model of septic shock induced by LPS. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The expression of Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß were determined by Western blot and/or RT-PCR respectively. To elucidate the underlying mechanism(s), activation of NF-κB activation and its pathways were investigated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, reporter gene and Western blot assays. In addition, the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of arvelexin were evaluated in endotoxaemia induced with LPS. KEY RESULTS: Promoter assays for iNOS and COX-2 revealed that arvelexin inhibited LPS-induced NO and prostaglandin E(2) production through the suppression of iNOS and COX-2 at the level of gene transcription. In addition, arvelexin inhibited NF-κB-dependent inflammatory responses by modulating a series of intracellular events of IκB kinase (IKK)-inhibitor κBα (IκBα)-NF-κB signalling. Moreover, arvelexin inhibited IKKß-elicited NF-κB activation as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression. Serum levels of NO and inflammatory cytokines and mortality in mice challenged injected with LPS were significantly reduced by arvelexin. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Arvelexin down-regulated inflammatory iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß gene expression in macrophages interfering with the activation of IKKß and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and thus, preventing NF-κB activation.

In vitro metabolism of jaceosidin and characterization of cytochrome P450 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes in human liver microsomes.

Jaceosidin is an active component in Artemisia species as well as Eupatorium species and it exhibits antiallergic, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimutagenic activities. Jaceosidin was metabolized to jaceosidin glucuronide, 6-O-desmethyljaceosidin, hydroxyjaceosidin, 6-O-desmethyljaceosidin glucuronide, and hydroxyjaceosidin glucuronide in human liver microsomes. This study characterized the human liver cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDPglucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes responsible for the metabolism of jaceosidin. CYP1A2 was identified as the major enzyme responsible for the formation of 6-O-desmethyljaceosidin and hydroxyjaceosidin from jaceosidin on the basis of a combination of correlation analysis and experiments including immuno-inhibition, chemical inhibition in human liver microsomes, and metabolism by human cDNA-expressed CYP enzymes. Jaceosidin glucuronidation was catalyzed by UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10. These results suggest that the pharmacokinetics of jaceosidin may be dramatically affected by polymorphic CYP1A2, UGT1A1, and UGT1A7 responsible for the metabolism of jaceosidin or by the coadministration of relevant CYP1A2 or UGT inhibitors or inducers.

Anti-atherogenic effect of BHB-TZD having inhibitory activities on cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase in hyperlipidemic mice.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), which play pivotal roles in atherogenesis, have been reported to be involved in plaque stability. Licofelone, a dual COX and 5-LOX inhibitor, has been reported to possess anti-atherogenic effect in rabbit atherosclerosis model. We therefore investigated the anti-atherogenic effect of BHB-TZD [5-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylidene)thiazolidin-2,4-dione], a dual COX and 5-LOX inhibitor, in low density lipoprotein receptor null (LDLR-/-) mice. Fifteen LDLR-/- mice were fed a western diet (control group), whereas 15 were fed a western diet plus 0.1% (w/w) BHB-TZD (BHB-TZD group). After 8 weeks, the BHB-TZD group had markedly lower serum levels of leukotriene B(4) and prostaglandin E(2) than the control group. Interestingly, BHB-TZD treatment also reduced plasma triglyceride level without significant changes in total cholesterol and HDL levels. Compared with control mice, BHB-TZD fed mice had 52% fewer fatty streak lesions in the aortic sinus, as well as fewer initial lesions in the aortic arch. Macrophage infiltration into the lesions was 40% lower, and collagen and smooth muscle cells were increased by 102% and 96%, respectively, in the BHB-TZD group compared with the control group. In addition, aortic expression of proatherogenic molecules including TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, MCP-1 and VCAM-1, was lower in the BHB-TZD group than the control group. BHB-TZD treatment also reduced MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions in aorta. In conclusion, BHB-TZD effectively attenuated atherosclerosis in mouse model, suggesting its therapeutic potential for atherosclerosis.

Lavandulyl flavonoids from Sophora flavescens suppress lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinases in RAW264.7 cells.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play key roles in the early stage of atherosclerosis. Nitric oxide (NO) and ROS are responsible for regulation of the transcriptional pathways of nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), key regulators of cellular inflammatory and immune responses. Previously, we examined LDL-antioxidant activities of the nine flavonoids isolated from Sophora flavescens. Among these, two lavandulyl flavonoids, kurarinone (1) and kuraridin (2) inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-dependent NO production and ROS generation, and suppressed remarkably the expression of inflammatory cytokines, CCL2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and iNOS in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Moreover, compounds 1 and 2 attenuated NF-kappaB activation by inhibition of IkappaBalpha proteolysis and p65 nuclear translocation, as well as phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAP kinases.

Eupafolin, a flavonoid isolated from Artemisia princeps, induced apoptosis in human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells.

Although eupafolin, a flavone found in Artemisia princeps Pampanini, has been shown to inhibit the growth of several human cancer cells, its mode of action is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the pro-apoptotic activities of eupafolin in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. It was found that eupafolin induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by DNA fragmentation and the accumulation of positive cells for annexin V. In addition, eupafolin triggered the activations of caspases-3, -6, -7, -8, and -9 and the cleavages of their substrates, such as, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and lamin A/C. Furthermore, treatment with eupafolin resulted in a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)), increased the release of cytochrome c to the cytosol, and altered the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins. Interestingly, caspase-8, an initiator caspase, was activated after the loss of DeltaPsi(m) and the activations of caspases-3 and -9. Moreover, treatment with z-DEVD-fmk (a specific caspase-3 inhibitor) and the overexpression of Bcl-2 prevented eupafolin-stimulated caspase-8 activation. Altogether, these results suggest that the eupafolin-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells is mediated by caspase-dependent pathways, involving caspases-3, -9, and -8, which are initiated by the Bcl-2-dependent loss of DeltaPsi(m).

Ethanolic extracts of Brassica campestris spp. rapa roots prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity via beta(3)-adrenergic regulation of white adipocyte lipolytic activity.

The influence of ethanolic extracts of Brassica campestris spp. rapa roots (EBR) on obesity was examined in imprinting control region (ICR) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The ICR mice used were divided into regular diet, HFD, EBR (50 mg/kg/day EBR administered orally), and orlistat (10 mg/kg/day orlistat administered orally) groups. The molecular mechanism of the anti-obesity effect of EBR was investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes as well as in HFD-fed ICR mice. In the obese mouse model, both weight gain and epididymal fat accumulation were highly suppressed by the daily oral administration of 50 mg/kg EBR for 8 weeks, whereas the overall amount of food intake was not affected. EBR treatment induced the expression in white adipocytes of lipolysis-related genes, including beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)-AR), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), adipose triglyceride lipase, and uncoupling protein 2. Furthermore, the activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, HSL, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase was induced in EBR-treated 3T3-L1 cells. The lipolytic effect of EBR involved beta(3)-AR modulation, as inferred from the inhibition by the beta(3)-AR antagonist propranolol. These results suggest that EBR may have potential as a safe and effective anti-obesity agent via the inhibition of adipocyte lipid accumulation and the stimulation of beta(3)-AR-dependent lipolysis.

2'-Benzoyloxycinnamaldehyde inhibits tumor growth in H-ras12V transgenic mice via downregulation of metallothionein.

Cinnamaldehydes have been reported to induce apoptosis in human carcinomas through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). 2'-benzoyloxycinnamaldehyde (BCA) has been reported to inhibit tumor formation in H-ras12V transgenic mice. To see the antitumor effects of BCA, BCA was administrated intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg) to H-ras12V transgenic mice for 3 wk, and it was found that the hepatic tumor volume and the total number of tumors were decreased in BCA-treated mice as compared to control H-ras12V transgenic mice. To identify possible target genes responsible for BCA antitumor effects in H-ras12V transgenic mice, cDNA microarray analyses were performed comparing gene expression between BCA treated and control transgenic mice. We found that 42 genes were downregulated, and 40 genes were upregulated in the BCA-treated transgenic mice. The downregulated genes included several genes involved in ROS regulation and immune response (aconitase, metallothionein-1, metallothionein-2, and purine nucleoside phosphorylase). The expression of ROS-related genes, metallothionein 1 and metallothionein 2, was decreased more than twofold with BCA treatment (P < 0.001). It was confirmed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses. The inhibition of tumor formation and growth in H-ras12V transgenic mice by BCA was mediated through inhibition of the expression of the ROS scavengers metallothionein 1 and metallothionein 2.

Natural polyphenols antagonize the antimyeloma activity of proteasome inhibitor bortezomib by direct chemical interaction.

Bortezomib is a therapeutic proteasome inhibitor with antimyeloma activity and polyphenols are well known compounds that exert antiproliferative effects against tumuors. We attempted to co-treat myeloma cells with bortezomib and polyphenols, anticipating a synergistic effect. However, the anticancer activity of bortezomib was blocked by the polyphenols. The structural features of the polyphenols correlated strikingly with their antagonistic effect; in particular, the presence or absence of a vicinal diol moiety was the key element for effective blockage of the anticancer function of bortezomib. We speculated that the vicinal diols in the polyphenols interact with the boronic acid of bortezomib and convert the active triangular boronic acid of bortezomib to an inactive tetrahedral boronate, thus abolishing the antimyeloma activity of bortezomib. We confirmed this hypothesis by (11)B nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and an in vitro assay on multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and primary myeloma cells from patients. Based on these findings, restriction of the intake of natural polyphenols in foods or vitamin supplements during bortezomib treatment in MM patients should be considered.

Lysophosphatidylcholine exhibits selective cytotoxicity, accompanied by ROS formation, in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPtdCho) is a component of oxidized low density lipoprotein, and is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and inflammation. We studied the effects of lysoPtdCho on cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated protein kinases and pro-inflammatory gene expression in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. When cells were exposed to lysoPtdCho with various acyl chains in a culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum, only 1-linoleoyl (C18:2) lysoPtdCho showed a remarkable cytotoxicity, reaching the highest level at 24 h, and elicited ROS production, suggesting that oxidative stress might be implicated in the cytotoxicity of 1-linoleoyl (C18:2) lysoPtdCho. Presumably in support of this, antioxidants such as magnolol or trolox prevented 1-linoleoyl (C18:2) lysoPtdCho-induced cytotoxicity as well as ROS production, although only partially. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta, CCL2 and CCL5 were augmented by 1-linoleoyl (C18:2) lysoPtdCho. Meanwhile, there was no structural importance of the acyl chain for the cytotoxic action of lysoPtdCho during 10 min incubation in serum-free media. Taken together, it is suggested that in a serum-containing medium, 1-linoleoyl (C18:2) lysoPtdCho can cause a significant cytotoxicity through ROS production, probably accompanied by activation of ERK and induction of related inflammatory cytokines, in RAW 264.7 cells.