Electrochemical properties of an aluminum anode in an ionic liquid electrolyte for rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries.

An aluminum metal, both native and with a very thin oxide film, was investigated as an anode for aluminum-ion batteries. Investigations were carried out in an acidic ionic liquid electrolyte, composed of AlCl3 in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIm]Cl), with ß-MnO2/C as a cathode. The battery based on Al metal with a very thin oxide film showed high capacity and stable surface corrosion.

Enhancing Effect of Trachelogenin from Trachelospermi caulis Extract on Intestinal Barrier Function.

Trachelospermi caulis is used widely as an herbal medicine in oriental countries to attenuate fever and pain. We wished to reveal the novel function of this herb and its active component on barrier function in intestinal epithelial cells. Monolayers of intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2) were used to evaluate the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and quantity of permeated ovalbumin (OVA) as indices of barrier function. T. caulis increased TEER values on cell monolayers and decreased OVA permeation across cell monolayers. To ascertain the active component of T. caulis, the extract was isolated to five fractions, and the effect of each of these fractions on intestinal barrier function examined. Chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed increased TEER values and decreased OVA flux. Chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions contained mainly trachelogenin and its glycoside, tracheloside. Trachelogenin increased TEER values and decreased OVA flux by enhancing the tight-junction protein occludin (but not tracheloside) in Caco-2 monolayers. These findings demonstrated that trachelogenin, an active component of T. caulis, might help to attenuate food allergy or inflammatory bowel disease through inhibition of allergen permeation or enhancement of the intestinal barrier.

Protein-energy restriction-induced lipid metabolism disruption causes stable-to-progressive disease shift in Mycobacterium avium-infected female mice.

BACKGROUND: Disease susceptibility and progression of Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) is associated with multiple factors, including low body mass index (BMI). However, the specific impact of low BMI on MAC-PD progression remains poorly understood. This study aims to examine the progression of MAC-PD in the context of low BMI, utilising a disease-resistant mouse model. METHODS: We employed a MAC infection-resistant female A/J mouse model to compare the progression of MAC-PD under two dietary conditions: one group was fed a standard protein diet, representing protein-energy unrestricted conditions, and the other was fed a low protein diet (LPD), representing protein-energy restriction. FINDINGS: Our results reveal that protein-energy restriction significantly exacerbates MAC-PD progression by disrupting lipid metabolism. Mice fed an LPD showed elevated fatty acid levels and related gene expressions in lung tissues, similar to findings of increased fatty acids in the serum of patients who exhibited the MAC-PD progression. These mice also exhibited increased CD36 expression and lipid accumulation in macrophages upon MAC infection. In vitro experiments emphasised the crucial role of CD36-mediated palmitic acid uptake in bacterial proliferation. Importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated that administering anti-CD36 antibody to LPD-fed A/J mice reduced macrophage lipid accumulation and impeded bacterial growth, resulting in remarkable slowing disease progression. INTERPRETATION: Our findings indicate that the metabolic status of host immune cells critically influences MAC-PD progression. This study highlights the potential of adequate nutrient intake in preventing MAC-PD progression, suggesting that targeting CD36-mediated pathways might be a host-directed therapeutic strategy to managing MAC infection. FUNDING: This research was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, and the Korea National Institute of Health.

In vitro and intracellular activities of novel thiopeptide derivatives against macrolide-susceptible and macrolide-resistant Mycobacterium avium complex.

Unsatisfactory outcomes following long-term multidrug treatment in patients with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease have urged us to develop novel antibiotics. Thiopeptides, a class of peptide antibiotics derived from natural products, have potential as drug candidates that target bacterial ribosomes, but drug development has been hampered due to their extremely poor solubility. Here, we evaluated three new compounds (AJ-037, AJ-039, and AJ-206) derived from the thiopeptide micrococcin P2 with enhanced aqueous solubility; the derivatives were generated based on structure-activity relationship analysis. We conducted in vitro drug susceptibility and intracellular antimycobacterial activity testing of the three thiopeptide derivatives against various MAC strains, including macrolide-resistant MAC clinical isolates. These compounds showed low MICs against MAC, similar to that of clarithromycin (CLR). In particular, two compounds, AJ-037 and AJ-206, had intracellular antimycobacterial activities, along with synergistic effects with CLR, and inhibited the growth of MAC inside macrophages. Moreover, these two compounds showed in vitro and intracellular anti-MAC activities against macrolide-resistant MAC strains without showing cross-resistance with CLR. Taken together, the results of the current study suggest that AJ-037 and AJ-206 can be promising anti-MAC agents for the treatment of MAC infection, including for macrolide-resistant MAC strains. IMPORTANCE Novel antibiotics for the treatment of MAC infection are urgently needed because the treatment outcomes using the standard regimen for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease remain unsatisfactory. Here, we evaluated three novel thiopeptide derivatives (AJ-037, AJ-039, and AJ-206) derived from the thiopeptide micrococcin P2, and they were confirmed to be effective against macrolide-susceptible and macrolide-resistant MAC. Our thiopeptide derivatives have enhanced aqueous solubility through structural modifications of poorly soluble thiopeptides. The thiopeptide derivatives showed minimal inhibitory concentrations against MAC that were comparable to clarithromycin (CLR). Notably, two compounds, AJ-037 and AJ-206, exhibited intracellular antimycobacterial activities and acted synergistically with CLR to hinder the growth of MAC within macrophages. Additionally, these compounds demonstrated in vitro and intracellular anti-MAC activities against macrolide-resistant MAC strains without showing any cross-resistance with CLR. We believe that AJ-037 and AJ-206 can be promising anti-MAC agents for the treatment of MAC infections, including macrolide-resistant MAC strains.

Quantitative Changes of Phenolic Compounds in Pine Twigs by Variety, Harvest Season, and Growing Region.

Three new phenolic compounds including pinosylvin 3-methoxy-5-O-ß-D-glucoside (PMG), taxiresinol 4'-O-α-L-rhamnoside (TRR), and lariciresinol 4'-O-α-L-rhamnoside (LRR) were first isolated and identified from red pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.) twigs, together with four known compounds, such as (+)-catechin (CC), dihydromyricetin (DHM), dihydroquercetin 3-O-ß-D-glucoside (DHQG), and dihydroquercetin (DHQ). Additionally, the concentrations of seven phenolic compounds in pine twigs were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography based on cultivars, harvest seasons, and growing environments. Red and black pine twigs contain 379.33 and 308.83 mg/100 g of PMG as the predominant phenolics, respectively, and their contents were significantly higher in spring than in autumn. Red pine twigs contain higher amounts of three dihydroflavonols (DHM: 87.82, DHQG: 38.47, and DHQ: 68.07 mg/100 g) and two lignans (LRR: 15.63, TRR: 30.72 mg/100 g) than black pine twigs, except for higher (+)-CC level (21.88 mg/100 g) in black pine twigs. Two pine twigs had much higher flavonoid and lignan levels in the autumn than they had in the spring. Two pine twigs harvested in several different areas do not significantly differ in their phenolic compositions and contents. These results suggest that red pine twigs possessing phytochemical phenolics may be useful as potential sources for promoting human health.

Modulating macrophage function to reinforce host innate resistance against Mycobacterium avium complex infection.

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the main causative agent of infectious diseases in humans among nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that are ubiquitous organisms found in environmental media such as soil as well as in domestic and natural waters. MAC is a primary causative agent of NTM-lung disease that threaten immunocompromised or structural lung disease patients. The incidence and the prevalence of M. tuberculosis infection have been reduced, while MAC infections and mortality rates have increased, making it a cause of global health concern. The emergence of drug resistance and the side effects of long-term drug use have led to a poor outcome of treatment regimens against MAC infections. Therefore, the development of host-directed therapy (HDT) has recently gained interest, aiming to accelerate mycobacterial clearance and reversing lung damage by employing the immune system using a novel adjuvant strategy to improve the clinical outcome of MAC infection. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the innate immune responses that contribute to MAC infection focusing on macrophages, chief innate immune cells, and host susceptibility factors in patients. We also discuss potential HDTs that can act on the signaling pathway of macrophages, thereby contributing to antimycobacterial activity as a part of the innate immune response during MAC infection. Furthermore, this review provides new insights into MAC infection control that modulates and enhances macrophage function, promoting host antimicrobial activity in response to potential HDTs and thus presenting a deeper understanding of the interactions between macrophages and MACs during infection.

Viability of compact cities in the post-COVID-19 era: subway ridership variations in Seoul Korea.

COVID-19 exposed the vulnerability of compact cities against shock events. As the impact of COVID-19 not only persists, but also expands throughout the world, this study questions whether the compact city model would be sustainable in the post-COVID-19 era. As such, this study examines the dynamics among major COVID-19 outbreak events, government interventions, and subway ridership in two compact cities, Seoul and New York City. Then, to gain thorough understanding of the impact of risks on compact urban form, it narrows the scope to Seoul in comparing subway ridership patterns in 2019 and 2020, and identifying characteristics that affect the volatility of subway ridership levels. The results affirm that individual mobility, COVID-19 outbreaks, and government interventions are closely related, and reveal that the extent of social distancing measures in compact cities is limited. This finding aligns with existing literature that link diseases transmission with dense population and mixed land use, accentuating the vulnerability of the compact city model against shocks. As a result, a multidimensional urban planning approach that incorporates polycentric and decentralized urban form is recommended to effectively and sustainably control disease outbreaks in compact cities.

Quantitative Changes of Flavonol Glycosides from Pine Needles by Cultivar, Harvest Season, and Thermal Process.

Five flavonol glycosides including quercetin 3-O-ß-D-glucoside (QG), kaempferol 3-O-ß-D-glucoside (KG), quercetin 3-O-(6″-O-acetyl)-ß-D-glucoside (QAG), kaempferol 3-O-(6″-O-acetyl)-ß-D-glucoside (KAG), and quercetin 3-O-(3″-O-p-coumaroyl)-ß-D-glucoside (QCG) were isolated and purified from red pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.) nee-dles, and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometer spectral analyses. In addition, the quantification of the five flavonol glycosides in pine needles was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis according to cultivar, growing district, harvest season, and thermal processing. The red pine needles had higher amounts of the five flavonol glycosides than the black pine needles except for QCG. There were no large differences in flavonoid composition and content among pine needles grown in three different areas. Levels of the five flavonol glycosides in red pine needles harvested during Spring ranged from 6.13 to 27.03 mg/100 g dry weight. Levels of two flavonol glycosides, QG and KG, gradually decreased with increasing harvest time, whereas the acylated flavonol glycoside, QCG, a predominant flavo-noid in pine needles, increased gradually with increasing harvest time. Two acetyl flavonol glycosides, QAG and KAG, increased steadily through Spring to Autumn, and then decreased gradually by Winter. Meanwhile heat treatments, such as roasting and steaming, increased the five flavonol glycosides during heating for 3 min, but then slowly decreased these when heating for 10 min. Microwave processing increased to some extent the five flavonol glycosides when heating for 3 min, and remained unchanged during the 10 min heating. These results suggest that the pretreated red pine needles with enhanced flavonoid content may be useful as potential sources for nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Associated with Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes (RCVS) is a rare disease that is characterized by reversible multifocal stenosis of the cerebral arteries with various clinical manifestations. Though the pathomechanism of RCVS was unclear, we reported RCVS related to the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (IUS). A previous healthy 36-year-old woman had thunderclap headache after implanting the levonorgestrel-releasing IUS a year ago. In the serial angiography, we initially found left vertebra artery (VA), and then additionally new stenosis of both anterior cerebral arteries and middle cerebral arteries (MCA). Bilateral MCA stenosis improved but developed stenosis of right VA after a week. The mean flow velocities of both MCA increased in the first transcranial doppler (TCD), but normalized in the follow up TCD. Levonorgestrel might act as the vasoconstrictitve factor that increased the level of endothelin-1, diminished the release of NO and raised oxidative low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Although the exact pathological mechanisms for RCVS were not yet elucidated, this case might help clinicians understand the mechanisms of RCVS.

Enrichment of pinolenic acid at the sn-2 position of triacylglycerol molecules through lipase-catalyzed reaction.

Reports have shown that Delta-5 polyunsaturated fatty acids (-5 PUFA) are enriched at sn-1,3 positions of triacylglycerols (TAG) in pine (Pinus koraiensis) nut oil (Pn). As a major Delta-5 PUFA, pinolenic acid (Pi) is about 14.2% in the oil, while the percentage of Pi at the sn-1 and/or sn-3 positions in TAG was found more than 20%. In this current study, the enhancement of Pi at the sn-2 position has been achieved by acyl migration during the lipase-catalyzed inter-esterification between Pn and palm stearin (Ps). After reaction, the proportion of Pi increased at sn-2 positional fatty acid even is similar to that in total fatty acid; for example, in the inter-esterified product of 50:50 (Pn:Ps), the same amount of Pi (7.1%) present was detected both at the sn-2 and sn-1,3 positions. However, the reduction of phytosterols and tocopherols are observed in the inter-esterified products.

A Clofazimine-Containing Regimen Confers Improved Treatment Outcomes in Macrophages and in a Murine Model of Chronic Progressive Pulmonary Infection Caused by the Mycobacterium avium Complex.

Treatment outcomes using the standard regimen (a macrolide, ethambutol, and rifampicin) for Mycobacterium avium complex-pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) remain unsatisfactory. Thus, improved treatment regimens for MAC-PD are required. Clofazimine has recently been revisited as an effective drug against mycobacterial infection. We performed a comparison between the standard regimen and an alternative regimen (replacing the rifampicin of the standard regimen with clofazimine) based on the intracellular anti-MAC activities of the individual drugs in a murine model of chronic progressive MAC-pulmonary infection (MAC-PI). The intracellular anti-MAC activities of the individual drugs and their combinations in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were determined. The treatment efficacies of the standard and clofazimine-containing regimens were evaluated in mice chronically infected with M. avium by initiating 2- and 4-week treatment at 8 weeks post-infection. Bacterial loads in the lung, spleen, and liver were assessed along with lung inflammation. Insufficient intracellular anti-MAC activity of rifampicin in BMDMs was recorded despite its low in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), whereas optimal intracellular killing activity against all tested MAC strains was achieved with clofazimine. Compared to the standard regimen, the clofazimine-containing regimen significantly reduced CFUs in all organs and achieved marked reductions in lung inflammation. The replacement of rifampicin with clofazimine in the treatment regimen resulted in more favorable outcomes in an animal model of chronic progressive MAC-PI. Intriguingly, 2 weeks of treatment with the clofazimine-containing regimen reduced bacterial loads more effectively than 4 weeks of treatment with the standard regimen in M. avium-infected mice. Thus, the clofazimine-containing regimen also had a treatment-shortening effect.

Isolation, Identification, and Quantification of Tyrosinase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitors from UVC-Irradiated Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Leaves.

Methanol extracts from ultraviolet (UV) C-irradiated mulberry leaves (UVC-IML) exhibit stronger tyrosinase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities than those from unirradiated mulberry leaves. Through a bioassay-guided fractionation and purification process, two oxyresveratrol derivatives, oxyresveratrol (ORT) and 4'-prenyloxyresveratrol (PORT), and six 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives [moracin B (MCB), moracin C (MCC), moracin M (MCM), moracin N (MCN), 6,5'-dimethoxymoracin M (DMMCM), and chalcomoracin (CMC)] were isolated from the methanol extract from UVC-IML. Their chemical structures were determined by UV, mass, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. ORT and PORT showed potent tyrosinase inhibitory activities with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.57 and 0.90 µM, respectively, and CMC exhibited significant tyrosinase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 5.61 and 6.00 µM, respectively. Levels of these eight compounds were increased significantly following irradiation compared with untreated mulberry leaves; ORTs increased approximately 4 fold and moracins increased 2~16 fold. These data suggest that UVC-IML may represent a promising source of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals for prevention of diabetes and skin aging.

Antioxidant and antithrombus activities of enzyme-treated Salicornia herbacea extracts.

This study was attempted to investigate antioxidant and antithrombus activities of water and methanol extracts of enzyme-treated Salicornia herbacea (SH)by in vitro assays observing the inhibitory activity of a rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation, DPPH radical scavenging activity, activated partial thromboplastin times (APTT) and thromboplastin times (TT). The water and methanol extracts from enzyme-treated SH inhibited the lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner over a concentration range of 0.1-1.0 mg/ml. The activity of enzyme-treated water and methanol extracts was stronger than that of non-enzyme-treated water and methanol extracts. The inhibitory activity of the water extract was higher at a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml than that of the methanol extract. The activity was the highest in the enzyme-treated water extract, and was approximately 1.08 times higher than alpha-tocopherol, a natural antioxidant. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of the SH extracts were similar to their lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity. The APTT of the water and methanol extracts was delayed at a concentration range of 0.25-2.0 mg/ml in a dose-dependent manner. The APTT of the methanol extract was longer at a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml than that of the water extracts. The enzyme-treated methanol extract exhibited the longest APTT even at a concentration of 0.50 mg/ml. The TT activities of the SH extracts were also similar to their APTT activities. These results suggest that water and methanol extracts of the enzyme-treated SH may be useful as potential antioxidant and antithrombus sources, respectively.

Simulation and Damage Analysis of an Accidental Jet Fire in a High-Pressure Compressed Pump Shelter.

BACKGROUND: As one of the most frequently occurring accidents in a chemical plant, a fire accident may occur at any place where transfer or handling of combustible materials is routinely performed. METHODS: In particular, a jet fire incident in a chemical plant operated under high pressure may bring severe damage. To review this event numerically, Computational Fluid Dynamics methodology was used to simulate a jet fire at a pipe of a compressor under high pressure. RESULTS: For jet fire simulation, the Kemeleon FireEx Code was used, and results of this simulation showed that a structure and installations located within the shelter of a compressor received serious damage. CONCLUSION: The results confirmed that a jet fire may create a domino effect that could cause an accident aside from the secondary chemical accident.

Anti-diabetic effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) branches and oxyresveratrol in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Despite with accumulating evidences on the anti-diabetic effects of mulberry branch (MB), the major active component for the activity has not been known. Oral administration of MB ethanol (EtOH) extracts [0.5 or 1 g/kg body weight (BW)] once a day for 22 days to streptozotocin-induced diabetic ICR mouse significantly reduced fasting blood and plasma glucose level in a dose dependent manner compared to those of the diabetic control. Administration of oxyresveratrol [ORT, 0.6 g/kg BW], a major compound of MB EtOH extracts, to diabetic ICR mouse also significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose level. Further, ORT increased hepatic glucose transporter 2 transcription and glycogen content. Plasma insulin concentration and intestinal disaccharidase activity were not different between diabetic control and ORT groups. This suggests that ORT reduced plasma glucose by stimulating hepatic glucose uptake and glycogen storage. MB EtOH extracts and ORT could be potential adjunct therapies for diabetes management.

Triptolide inhibits murine-inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by down-regulating lipopolysaccharide-induced activity of nuclear factor-kappa B and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase.

Triptolide (PG490) is a natural, biologically active compound extracted from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii. It has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. In Raw 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic inflammation, triptolide inhibits nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner and abrogates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression. To investigate the mechanism by which triptolide inhibits murine iNOS gene expression, we examined activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP kinases) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) in these cells. Addition of triptolide inhibited phosphorylation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) but not that of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. In addition, triptolide significantly inhibited the DNA binding activity of NF-kappa B. Taken together, these results suggest that triptolide acts to inhibit inflammation through inhibition of NO production and iNOS expression through blockade of NF-kappa B and JNK activation.

EPR characterization of the catalytic activity of clays for PCE removal by gamma-radiation induced by acid and thermal treatments.

Clays from tidal flat sediments showed efficient catalytic activity in the decomposition of PCE by gamma-radiation. The highest PCE removal of 98.6% was obtained with clays heated to 700 degrees C after acid treatment. The improved catalytic activity was identified by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The EPR spectra of clays were significantly changed by the acid and thermal treatments. The intensity of a narrow signal at g=2 (signal III) was decreased with increasing thermal treatment temperature and this increased the PCE removal efficiency. The acid treatment completely removed a broad signal at g=2 (signal II), decreased the intensity of signal III, and improved the gamma-radiation treatment of PCE.

Effects of forsythia fruit extracts and lignan on lipid metabolism.

A primary methanol extract (F-ME), secondary butanol-soluble fraction (F-BU), and lignans were prepared from forsythia fruit (Forsythia viridissima L.) and added to 0.5% (w/w) cholesterol diets for male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 121 +/- 12 g. There were six experimental groups: a control group, 0.2%, 0.4% F-ME supplemented groups, 0.1%, 0.02% F-BU groups and 0.02% lignan group. After 3 weeks of feeding, body weight gains, serum GOT and GPT levels were not different among the groups. HDL-/total cholesterol ratios increased in the 0.2% F-BU and lignan groups compared with the control groups. Liver triglyceride level lowered in most of forsythia groups. Fecal cholesterol excretions increased in the lignan group. Arctiin isolated from the forsythia fruit reduced cholesterol and triglyceride contents in cultured HepG2 cells at 0.01-0.1 microM. These results indicated that the forsythia lignan, arctiin is effective on improving blood lipid status without a significant hepatotoxicity and is to be utilized for the functional foods for lipid-lowering action.

Effects of defatted safflower seed extract and phenolic compounds in diet on plasma and liver lipid in ovariectomized rats fed high-cholesterol diets.

Six polyphenolic compounds were isolated from ethylacetate extract secondary to 80% ethanol extraction of defatted safflower seeds. They were categorized into three types: lignans, flavones and serotonin derivatives. Female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 163.4 +/- 6.3 g were ovariectomized (Ovx) and fed either ethylacetate extract at a level of 1% (w/w) or three types of safflower polyphenolic compounds at a level of 200 mg/kg in a diet containing 0.5% (w/w) cholesterol for four wk. The sham and Ovx control groups were fed the same diet without safflower components. Plasma GOT and GPT levels did not differ among the six experimental groups. The plasma levels of total cholesterol were reduced in the four safflower groups by 20-30% as compared to the Ovx control. The plasma level of HDL-cholesterol was higher in the Ovx+ethylacetate extract group or appeared to be in the three Ovx+safflower polyphenolic groups than in the Ovx control. The level of plasma triglyceride was also significantly lower in the Ovx+lignan group than in the Ovx control. The liver level of cholesterol was significantly reduced in the Ovx+ethylacetate extract group. Fecal excretion of cholesterol increased by the safflower lignans and flavones, whereas that of bile acid was not significantly changed by the safflower polyphenols. Matairesinol and acacetin isolated from safflower seeds reduced the cholesterol content in cultured HepG2 cells at a concentration of 0.01-0.1 microM and all three safflower polyphenolics decreased triglyceride content at the concentration of 0.1 microM. These results suggest that safflower polyphenols have the effect of improving blood lipid status via increasing HDL-cholesterol formation and cholesterol excretion without significant uterotropic action in estrogen-deficient animals.

Diferuloylputrescine, a predominant phenolic amide in corn bran, potently induces apoptosis in human leukemia U937 cells.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how proliferation and apoptosis in human leukemia U937 cells are affected by four hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCADs) in corn (Zea mays L.) bran: p-coumaric (CA), ferulic acids (FA), dicoumaroylputrescine (DCP), and diferuloylputrescine (DFP). Of the four HCADs, DFP dose dependently exerted the strongest cytotoxic effect and induction of apoptosis in the U937 cells. In addition, DFP induced distinct morphological changes characteristic of cellular apoptosis, such as chromatin condensation, apoptotic bodies, and DNA fragmentations. The DFP-induced apoptosis was also associated with released cytochrome c in the cytosol with activation of caspase 3, together with the downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins, including XIAP and cIAP2, Bcl-2, and Mcl-1. Finally, the DFP-induced apoptosis was a cell-specific response in leukemia cells, as compared with those of other cancer cells, such as Caki, HT29, SK-Hep1, and MDA-MB231. Thus, these results suggest that DFP may be useful as a potential source of natural antileukemic agents.