Herbal Leaves Can Suppress Oxidation of Perilla Oil.

Perilla oil is a valuable food source of α-linolenic acids. However, its high reactivity with oxygen shortens its shelf-life after opening. This study investigated the antioxidative profiles of 15 plant materials, including herbs, and examined methods to suppress the oxidation of perilla oil using these plant materials. These plant materials had wide ranges of phenolic, carotenoid, and chlorophyll contents. They exhibit radical scavenging activities and suppress lipid peroxidation, which show highly positive correlations with the phenolic contents. Dipping most of the plant materials examined in perilla oil suppressed its oxidation, and the peroxide values of the oil mixtures indicated a negative correlation with the carotenoid and chlorophyll contents of the plant materials. The leaves of Angelica, Astragalus, and Thyme herbs exhibited the same effect as that of ascorbyl palmitate, which was used as a positive control after 8 wk of incubation in the dark. The suppression of lipid peroxidation was found to be related to the herbal contents of carotenoids and chlorophylls, rather than phenols. Hence, herbal leaves can suppress the oxidation of perilla oil in the dark. The oxidation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could be suppressed effectively by utilizing plant materials with abundant carotenoids and chlorophylls.

Antioxidative Activities of Plants and Fungi Used as Herbal Medicines.

Plants and fungi classified as herbs are utilized for the maintenance of health in humans. In this study, to evaluate the beneficial effects of herbs, we investigated the phenolic content and antioxidative activity of 20 samples. Some herbs, including Cistanche herb, had high phenol levels and exhibited high activities for radical-scavenging and suppression of lipid peroxidation. Phenolic contents and antioxidative activities showed a high positive correlation. In contrast, some herbal medicines with low phenolic content exhibited high suppressive effects on lipid peroxidation, and it was thought that carotenoids contributed to their suppression. The results of this study are expected to support the clarification of the mechanism of herbal medicines in promoting wellness.

Dietary Alkali-stable Neutral Lipids from Sake Lees Suppress the Formation of Colon Aberrant Crypt Foci in Mice.

We have previously reported that dietary glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and rice extracts containing GlcCer reduce the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colons of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-treated mice, as a precursor model of colon cancer. This study investigated the impact of alkali-stable neutral lipids (NLs) containing free ceramides (Cer) and sterols on the formation of ACF in mice for the purpose of searching for functional components, irrespective of GlcCer, in rice extracts. The fraction was prepared from sake lees as a rice fermentation byproduct. Dietary NLs suppressed the marked increase in colon ACF treated with DMH.

Dietary Ethanolamine Plasmalogen Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis by Enhancing Colon Mucosa Integrity, Antioxidative Stress, and Anti-inflammatory Responses via Increased Ethanolamine Plasmalogen Molecular Species: Protective Role of Vinyl Ether Linkages.

Dietary ethanolamine plasmalogen (PlsEtn) has been reported to have several health benefits; however, its functional role during colon pathophysiology remains elusive. The present study investigated the anticolitis effect of dietary ethanolamine glycerophospholipids (EtnGpls) with high PlsEtn from ascidian muscle (86.2 mol %) and low PlsEtn from porcine liver (7.7 mol %) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Dietary EtnGpls lowered myeloperoxidase activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, proinflammatory cytokines and proapoptosis-related protein levels in colon mucosa after 16 days of DSS treatment, with ascidian muscle (0.1% EtnGpl in diet) showing higher suppression than porcine liver (0.1% EtnGpl in diet). Moreover, dietary EtnGpls suppressed DSS symptoms after 38 days of DSS treatment as evidenced by increased body weight, colon length, and ameliorated colon mucosa integrity. Additionally, dietary EtnGpls elevated short-chain fatty acid production in DSS-treated mice. Altogether, these results indicate the potential of utilizing diets with abundant PlsEtn for the prevention of colon inflammation-related disorders.

Protective Mechanism of Rice-Derived Lipids and Glucosylceramide in an In Vitro Intestinal Tract Model.

We previously reported that the ethanol extract from polished rice suppresses inflammation and the formation of aberrant crypt foci in the mouse colon and particularly focused on the plant sphingolipid glucosylceramide (GlcCer). Here, we investigated the effects of rice lipid fractions and GlcCer on differentiated Caco-2 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in particular, we evaluated the mechanism of action of GlcCer using related substances and metabolic enzyme inhibitors. Rice-derived polar lipids suppressed the LPS-induced reduction in the number of cells. The polar lipids with higher GlcCer content exerted a better effect than the other fractions. GlcCer-related substances reversed the LPS-induced reduction in the number of cells, and GlcCer-metabolic inhibitors, including a sphingosine kinase inhibitor, suppressed the beneficial effects of GlcCer-related substances. These results suggest that GlcCer is a rice component with intestinal protection. Secondly, GlcCer is metabolized during inflammation and protects intestinal cells by maintaining the sphingolipid levels in cells and producing sphingoid base-1-phosphate.

Ethanolamine Plasmalogen Suppresses Apoptosis in Human Intestinal Tract Cells in Vitro by Attenuating Induced Inflammatory Stress.

Ethanolamine plasmalogen (PlsEtn) is a subtype of ethanolamine glycerophospholipids (EtnGpl). Recently, PlsEtn has attracted increasing research interest due to its beneficial effects in health and disease; however, its functional role in colonic health has not been well established. This study was conducted to determine the mechanism underlying the antiapoptotic effect of PlsEtn in human intestinal tract cells under induced inflammatory stress. Lipopolysaccharide induced apoptosis of differentiated Caco-2 cells, which was suppressed by EtnGpl in a dose-dependent manner. Cells treated with ascidian muscle EtnGpl containing high levels of PlsEtn demonstrated a lower degree of apoptosis, and downregulated TNF-α and apoptosis-related proteins compared to those treated with porcine liver EtnGpl containing low PlsEtn. This indicates that PlsEtn exerted the observed effects, which provided protection against induced inflammatory stress. Overall, our results suggest that PlsEtn with abundant vinyl ether linkages is potentially beneficial in preventing the initiation of inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.

Dietary PlsEtn Ameliorates Colon Mucosa Inflammatory Stress and ACF in DMH-Induced Colon Carcinogenesis Mice: Protective Role of Vinyl Ether Linkage.

Ethanolamine plasmalogen (PlsEtn), a sub-class of ethanolamine glycerophospholipids (EtnGpl), is a universal phospholipid in mammalian membranes. Several researchers are interested in the relationship between colon carcinogenesis and colon PlsEtn levels. Here, we evaluated the functional role of dietary purified EtnGpl from the ascidian muscle (87.3 mol% PlsEtn in EtnGpl) and porcine liver (7.2 mol% PlsEtn in EtnGpl) in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in vivo, and elucidated the possible underlying mechanisms behind it. Dietary EtnGpl-suppressed DMH-induced aberrant crypt with one foci (AC1) and total ACF formation (P < 0.05). ACF suppression by dietary ascidian muscle EtnGpl was higher compared with dietary porcine liver EtnGpl. Additionally, dietary EtnGpl decreased DMH-induced oxidative damage, overproduction of TNF-α, and expression of apoptosis-related proteins in the colon mucosa. The effect of dietary ascidian muscle EtnGpl showed superiority compared with dietary porcine liver EtnGpl. Our results demonstrate the mechanisms by which dietary PlsEtn suppress ACF formation and apoptosis. Dietary PlsEtn attained this suppression by reducing colon inflammation and oxidative stress hence a reduction in DMH-induced intestinal impairment. These findings provide new insights about the functional role of dietary PlsEtn during colon carcinogenesis.

Effects of Dietary Ethanol Extracts from Sake Rice and Sake Lees on Intestinal Impairment in Mice.

Glucosylceramide (GlcCer), a major sphingolipid in plants and fungi, is known to have food functions, such as preventing intestinal impairment and enhancing the moisture content of skin. This study investigated the influence of fermentation on the composition and function of lipophilic components containing GlcCer in plant-based foods; we compared the effects of ethanol extracts from sake rice (SR) and sake lees (SL) on colon impairment in mice. GlcCer and ceramide (Cer) levels in SL were much higher than those in SR, and GlcCer in SL contained 9-methyl-trans-4,trans-8-sphingadienine as a fungi-specific sphingoid base. 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) treatment markedly increased the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and the levels of TNF-α and lipid oxidation in mice colons. However, dietary SR or SL significantly suppressed these DMH-induced changes, and SR demonstrated stronger effects than SL. In addition, dietary SR or SL suppressed the expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins induced by DMH treatment. This study suggests that SR or SL intake could reduce colon ACF formation via the suppression of inflammation and oxidation-induced cell cycle disturbances. When compared to SR, the weaked effects of SL rich in GlcCer may be the result of the changes in sphingolipid composition (sphingoid base and Cer) and differences in the concentration of other bioactive compounds produced or digested during fermentation.

Chemical Properties and Nutritional Value of Plant-Origin Glucosylceramide.

Glucosylceramide (GlcCer), a representative sphingolipid in cell membranes of plants and fungi, is known to have certain benefits, such as prevention of intestinal impairment and improved skin moisturizing, when consumed. Recently, incidence rates of intestinal impairments have increased in East Asian countries due to changes of people's diet and life style. Therefore, the occurrence of these impairments needs to be prevented through dietary improvement and supplements containing GlcCer. The in vitro and in vivo effects of GlcCer on colon impairment were explored in our previous studies, with focus on sphingolipid structure. Conversely, plant cell membrane contents such as GlcCer are known to be difficult to extract due to the thick cell wall. Therefore, human and other mammals may not be able to utilize GlcCer when digesting food of plant origin. To confirm this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of polished rice and the extract on intestinal impairment. In addition, we discuss the intestinal function of GlcCer contained in polished rice and the relationship between GlcCer and other lipophilic functional components.

Extraction of Lipophilic Fraction from Polished Rice Improves Its Ameliorative Effect on Intestinal Impairment.

Glucosylceramide (GlcCer), a major sphingolipid in plants and fungi, is known to have food functions such as preventing intestinal impairment and enhancing the moisture content of skin. However, there is little information about functions of GlcCer in food sources as most of the studies on GlcCer functions are done using purified GlcCer. This study was performed to investigate the effects of GlcCer contained in food on intestinal impairment; polished rice flour (RF) and this ethanol extract (RE) were used as sources of GlcCer, and these were evaluated by studying the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-treated mice, which is a model of colon cancer. Mice were fed with either a control diet, a RF diet where RF replaces cornstarch (150 g/kg), or a plus RE diet (0.5 g/kg; RE was extracted from the same amount of RF present in the RF diet). The amount of GlcCer was similar in both the RF and RE diets (3.0 and 2.7 mg/kg, respectively). DMH treatment induced the formation of ACF and the production of inflammation-related cytokines. Both dietary RF and RE suppressed ACF formation and RE, in particular, showed a significant suppressive effect. Dietary RE inhibited the production of almost all of the inflammation-related cytokines studied, while RF suppressed only a few of these cytokines. The present study suggests that the lipophilic fraction including GlcCer, present in polished rice has protective effects against intestinal impairment, but it requires extraction since digestion alone is not enough to elicit its complete protective action.

Effects of Plant Sphingolipids on Inflammatory Stress in Differentiated Caco-2 Cells.

To determine the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of plant sphingolipids, especially plant glucosylceramide (GlcCer), the effects of plant sphingolipids on inflammatory stress in differentiated Caco-2 cells were compared to those of a sphingolipid of animal origin, galactosylceramide (GalCer). Addition of GlcCer or GalCer suppressed cell injury caused lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and TNF-α-induced inflammatory stress and induction of apoptosis in differentiated Caco-2 cells. There was no difference in the suppressive effect between GlcCer and GalCer. The inflammatory cytokines and chemokines induced by LPS were suppressed by GlcCer. GlcCer remained on the cell surface. The results of this study can be summarized as follows: 1) sphingolipids such as GlcCer have potent anti-inflammatory effects; 2) GlcCer suppresses LPS-induced production of cytokines and apoptosis; 3) sphingolipids may remain on the surface of cells, and 4) the chemical properties of sphingolipids may prevent the interaction between LPS and its receptor.

Effects of Dietary Plant-origin Glucosylceramide on Colon Cytokine Contents in DMH-treated Mice.

In this study, the effects of dietary plant-origin glucosylceramide (GlcCer) on colon cytokine contents were investigated in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-treated mice, a model of colon cancer. DMH treatment induced the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokaines. Dietary GlcCer suppressed ACF formation and cytokine production in these mice. In particular, chemokine production was suppressed by dietary GlcCer. These GlcCer-related trends of suppression were similar to those observed in our previous study on dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-treated mice. These results provide further evidence for the suppression of DMH-induced inflammation by dietary GlcCer.

Analysis of Plasmalogen Species in Foodstuffs.

Ethanolamine plasmalogen (PlsEtn), which is present at high levels in brains, is believed to be involved in neuronal protection. The present study was performed to search for PlsEtn resources in foodstuffs. The foodstuffs examined showed a wide range of PlsEtn contents from 5 to 549 µmol/100 g wet wt. The marine invertebrates, blue mussel, and ascidian had high PlsEtn contents (over 200 µmol/100 g wet wt). Profiling of the molecular species showed that the predominant fatty acids of PlsEtn species were 20:5 (EPA) and 22:6 (DHA) at the sn-2 position of the glycerol moiety in marine foodstuffs, whereas major PlsEtn species in land foodstuffs were 20:4. Following quantitative analysis by multiple reaction monitoring, the ascidian viscera were shown to contain the highest levels of 18:0/20:5-PlsEtn and 18:0/22:6-PlsEtn (86 and 68 µmol/100 g wet wt, respectively). In order to evaluate a neuronal antiapoptotic effect of these PlsEtn species, human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were treated with ethanolamine glycerophospholipid (EtnGpl), purified from the ascidian viscera, under serum starvation conditions. Extrinsic EtnGpl from ascidian viscera showed stronger suppression of cell death induced by serum starvation than with bovine brain EtnGpl. The EtnGpl from ascidian viscera strongly suppressed the activation of caspase 3. These results suggest that PlsEtn, especially that containing EPA and DHA, from marine foodstuffs is potentially useful for a therapeutic dietary supplement preventing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD).

The Effect of Oral Intake of Low-Temperature-Processed Whey Protein Concentrate on Colitis and Gene Expression Profiles in Mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology and can lead to inflammation and cancer. Whey proteins contain many bioactive peptides with potential health benefits against IBD. We investigated the effect of low-temperature-processed whey protein concentrate (LWPC) on the suppression of IBD by using a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model in BALB/c mice. Oral intake of LWPC resulted in improved recovery of body weight in mice. Histological analysis showed that the epithelium cells of LWPC-treated mice were healthier and that lymphocyte infiltration was reduced. The increase in mucin due to the LWPC also reflected reduced inflammation in the colon. Transcriptome analysis of the colon by DNA microarrays revealed marked downregulation of genes related to immune responses in LWPC-fed mice. In particular, the expression of interferon gamma receptor 2 (Ifngr2) and guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) was increased by DSS treatment and decreased in LWPC-fed mice. These findings suggest that LWPCs suppress DSS-induced inflammation in the colon by suppressing the signaling of these cytokines. Our findings suggest that LWPCs would be an effective food resource for suppressing IBD symptoms.

Recycle of temporal muscle in combination with free muscle transfer in the treatment of facial paralysis.

We experienced three patients with long-standing unilateral complete facial paralysis who previously underwent temporalis muscle transfer to the cheek for smile reconstruction. All patients complained of insufficient and uncomfortable buccal motion synchronised with masticatory movements and incomplete eyelid closure with ptotic eyebrow. To attain a near-natural smile and reliable eyelid closure, temporalis muscle was displaced from the cheek to the eyelid, and a neurovascular free latissimus dorsi muscle was transferred for the replacement of cheek motion. As a result, cheek motion synchronised with the contralateral cheek upon smiling and sufficient eyelid closure were obtained in all cases. Smile reconstruction using the temporal muscle is an easy and a versatile way in general. However, spontaneous smile is not achieved and peculiar movement of the cheek while eating is conspicuous in some cases. Replacement with neurovascular free latissimus dorsi muscle and recycling previously used temporalis muscle for eyelid closure are considered to be valuable for such cases.

Thoracoabdominoplasty with umbilicoplasty for Cantrell's syndrome.

Cantrell et al. described a syndrome with five anomalies characterised by defects of the abdominal wall, lower sternum, anterior diaphragm, diaphragmatic pericardium, and heart. Because most of the children who survived could not have the thoracoabdominal wall adequately reconstructed at the initial operation, ventral herniation is often the result and they have to live with the danger of direct trauma to the unprotected heart. It therefore becomes important protect the unguarded heart while improving the appearance of the thoracoabdominal region. The reconstruction of the lower sternum has rarely been reported. We describe four such patients, three of whom had a thoracoabdominoplasty and umbilicoplasty using autologous rib cartilage and rectus muscles. All these children had solidly reconstructed sternums, and their abdominal appearances are excellent.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific to lactotriaosylceramide.

We have established hybridoma cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to N-acetylglucosaminylß1-3galactose (GlcNAcß1-3Gal) residue by immunizing BALB/c mice with lactotriaosylceramide (Lc(3)Cer). These obtained hybridoma cells, specific to Lc(3)Cer, were dual immunoglobulin (Ig)-producing cells which secreted both IgM and IgG molecules as antibodies. The established mAbs are able to react with not only Lc(3)Cer but also GlcNAcß1-3-terminal glycosphingolipids (GSLs) despite branching or lactosamine chain lengths and human transferrin with terminal GlcNAc residues. Comparison of the variable regions of the cloned IgM and IgG by reversed transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that the variable regions determine the specificity, the other amino acids are conserved, and these mAbs are encoded by J558 and Vκ-21family genes. Furthermore, we have analyzed the expression of GSLs with GlcNAcß1-3 epitope in acute leukemia cell lines and mouse fetal tissues using these mAbs, in which antigens were distributed comparatively. These mAbs are useful for studying the precise distribution of GlcNAcß1-3Gal-terminating GSL expression in tissues as well as for detecting GSLs carrying terminal GlcNAcß1-3Gal carbohydrate structure.

Dietary sphingolipids ameliorate disorders of lipid metabolism in Zucker fatty rats.

Dietary sphingolipids (SL) inhibit colon carcinogenesis, reduce serum cholesterol, and improve skin barrier function and are considered to be "functional lipids". For comparative determination of the effects of SL with different chemical compositions on lipid metabolism and its related hepatic gene expression, Zucker fatty rats were fed pure sphingomyelin (SM) of animal origin and glucosylceramide (GC) of plant origin. After 45 days, the SM and GC diets led to significant reductions in hepatic lipid and plasma non-HDL cholesterol. Both SM and GC diets decreased plasma insulin levels, whereas only the GC diet increased the plasma adiponectin level. Hepatic gene expression analysis revealed increased expression of adiponectin receptor 2 (Adipor2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (Pdk4). However, expression of stearoyl CoA desaturase (Scd1) was significantly decreased. These results suggest that dietary SL, even of different origins and chemical compositions, may prevent fatty liver and hypercholesterolemia through improvement of adiponectin signaling and consequent increases in insulin sensitivity.

Respiratory management of Pierre Robin sequence using nasopharyngeal airway with Kirschner wire.

BACKGROUND: The Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is a relatively rare symptom complex characterised by glossoptosis, micrognathia and respiratory obstruction. The initial problem that children with PRS face is obstructive dyspnoea, which can result in death without appropriate respiratory management. We designed and used a modified airway with a Kirschner wire (K-airway) in children with PRS who suffered from dyspnoea that did not improve with conservative treatment. METHODS: The subjects were four children diagnosed with PRS at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Shizuoka Children's Hospital, from February 2007 to December 2008. Since dyspnoea was not improved by conservative treatment, a phi0.8-mm Kirschner wire was set inside a nasopharyngeal airway bent in a form to lift the root of the tongue in order to prevent glossoptosis. The respiratory condition was evaluated with a test for sleep apnoea. RESULTS: Successful improvement in dyspnoea with the K-airway was noted in all cases. In Case 1, the subject was discharged from hospital without using the K-airway (92 days of age). In Case 2, the subject was discharged from hospital using the airway only at nighttime (122 days of age). CONCLUSIONS: This method is safe because it is less invasive, and its effects can be easily evaluated, suggesting that it is a good method to try prior to surgical treatment.

Screening for beneficial effects of oral intake of sweet corn by DNA microarray analysis.

To identify novel functions of the oral intake of sweet corn, we performed DNA microarray analysis of the livers of sweet corn-fed mice. Functional annotation clustering 1600 genes with expression levels that were affected (more than 1.5-fold change) by dietary sweet corn indicated that both cell proliferation and programmed cell death were modulated by sweet corn intake. In the Wnt signaling pathway, which is involved in cell proliferation, the levels of Jun and beta-catenin expression were downregulated by dietary sweet corn. The mRNA levels of Rb and p53, negative regulators of the cell cycle, were increased in mice fed with sweet corn. Dietary corn upregulated expression levels of genes that regulate apoptosis positively (for example, BOK, BID, CASP4). These results suggested that sweet corn is a valuable food for suppressing cancer. Oral administration of sweet corn inhibited tumor growth (36.6% reduce in tumor weight, P < 0.05) in mice inoculated with Ehrlich tumor cells.