ABSTRACT
In order to evaluate the composition and distribution characteristics of inorganic elements in Laminaria japonica, this study employed inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS) to detect the inorganic elements and used high performance liquid chromatography tandem ICP-MS(HPLC-ICP-MS) to determine the content of different arsenic species in L. japonica from diffe-rent origins. Micro X-ray fluorescence(Micro-XRF) was used to determine micro-area distribution of inorganic elements in L. japonica. The results showed that the average content of Mn, Fe, Sr, and Al was high, and that of As and Cr exceeded the limits of the national food safety standard. According to the results of HPLC-ICP-MS, arsenobetaine(AsB) was the main species of As contained in L. japonica. The more toxic inorganic arsenic accounts for a small proportion, whereas its content was 1-4 times of the limit in the national food safety standard. The results of Micro-XRF showed that As, Pb, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Ni were mainly distributed on the surface of L. japonica. Among them, As and Pb had a clear tendency to diffuse from the surface to the inside. The results of the study can provide a basis for the processing as well as the medicinal and edible safety evaluation of L. japonica.
Subject(s)
Arsenic/analysis , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods , Laminaria , Mass Spectrometry/methods , Spectrum Analysis , Trace Elements/analysisABSTRACT
With the improvement of living standard,the theory of " medicine and food homology" has developed rapidly in the field of diet,medicine and health preservation. In recent years,many literatures have been reported on the active ingredients and pharmacological effects of medicinal and edible plants,but relatively few reports have been reported on their safety investigation. Therefore,to further evaluate the quality and safety of medicinal and edible plants,Astragali Radix,Codonopsis Radix and Laminariae Thallus were selected as our research objects in this study. Moreover,the pollution level and the potential health risk of heavy metals were deeply assessed in different types of medicinal and edible plants. Especially,the contents of chromium,copper,arsenic,cadmium,mercury and lead in these three herbs were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry( ICP-MS),and their health risk level was evaluated by target hazard coefficient method. The results showed that under the international heavy metal limit standard( ISO 18664-2015,GB 2762-2017),the over-standard rates were 25%,77% and 100% in 16 batches of Astragali Radix,26 batches of Codonopsis Radix and 9 batches of Laminariae Thallus,respectively. Besides,the values of target hazard quotients( THQ) for adults and children are 0. 028 244,0. 063 505 and 0. 014 485,0. 032 568 in Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula,respectively,which were higher than the standard values of 0. 02 and 0. 011 25. While,the total heavy metals THQ values for adults and children are 0. 023 734 and 0. 020 287 in Laminariae Thallus,which were much higher than the standard values of 0. 008 0 and 0. 007 5. However,the CR values of As,Cd and Pb in the three herbs were lower than 1×10~(-6). Above results indicated that those six harmful elements have certain health hazards to the exposed population,but there is no potential carcinogenic effect. It can be seen that,there were still presence of the pollution of harmful elements,and it is necessary to establish the reasonable limit standards and quality control methods of medicinal and edible plants in time.
Subject(s)
Adult , Child , Humans , Astragalus propinquus , Codonopsis/chemistry , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry , Laminaria/chemistry , Metals, Heavy/analysis , Plant Preparations/chemistry , Plants, Edible/chemistry , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Risk AssessmentABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fermented Laminaria japonica (FL), a type sea tangle used as a functional food ingredient, has been reported to possess cognitive improving properties that may aid in the treatment of common neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia. MATERIALS/METHODS: We examined the effects of FL on scopolamine (Sco)- and ethanol (EtOH)-induced hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, using the Passive avoidance (PA) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. To examine the underlying mechanisms associated with neuroprotective effects, we analyzed acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, brain tissue expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and immunohistochemical analysis, in the hippocampus of mice, compared to current drug therapy intervention. Biochemical blood analysis was carried out to determine the effects of FL on alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. 7 groups (n = 10) consisted of a control (CON), 3 Sco-induced dementia and 3 EtOH-induced dementia groups, with both dementia group types containing an untreated group (Sco and EtOH); a positive control, orally administered donepezil (Dpz) (4mg/kg) (Sco + Dpz and EtOH + Dpz); and an FL (50 mg/kg) treatment group (Sco + FL50 and EtOH + FL50), orally administered over the 4-week experimental period. RESULTS: FL50 significantly reduced EtOH-induced increase in AST and ALT levels. FL50 treatment reduced EtOH-impaired step-through latency time in the PA test, and Sco- and EtOH-induced dementia escape latency times in the MWM test. Moreover, anticholinergic effects of Sco and EtOH on the brain were reversed by FL50, through the attenuation of AChE activity and elevation of ACh concentration. FL50 elevated ERK1/2 protein expression and increased p-CREB (ser133) in hippocampus brain tissue, according to Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results suggest that FL may be considered an efficacious intervention for Sco- and EtOH-induced dementia, in terms of reversing cognitive impairment and neuroplastic dysfunction.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Acetylcholine , Acetylcholinesterase , Alanine Transaminase , Aspartate Aminotransferases , Blotting, Western , Brain , Cholesterol , Cognition Disorders , Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein , Dementia , Drug Therapy , Ethanol , Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases , Functional Food , Hippocampus , Immunohistochemistry , Laminaria , Memory , Neurodegenerative Diseases , Neuronal Plasticity , Neuroprotective Agents , Receptors, Muscarinic , Scopolamine , Triglycerides , United Nations , WaterABSTRACT
Background: The alga Laminaria japonica is the most economically important brown seaweed cultured in China, which is used as food and aquatic animal feedstuff. However, the use of L. japonica as a feedstuff in Apostichopus japonicasfarming is not ideal because A. japonicas does not produce enough enzyme activity for degrading the large amount of algin present in L. japonica. In this study, semi solid fermentation of the L. japonica feedstuff employing a Bacillus strain as the microbe was used to as a mean to degrade the algin content in L. japonica feedstuff. Results: The Bacillus strain, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens WB1, was isolated by virtue of its ability to utilize sodium alginate as the sole carbon source. Eight factors affecting growth and algin-degrading capacity of WB1 were investigated. The results of Plackett-Burman design indicated that fermentation time, beef extract, and solvent to solid ratio were the significant parameters. Furthermore, the mutual interaction between the solvent to solid ratio and beef extract concentration was more significant than the other pairs of parameters on algin degradation. Optimal values obtained from Central-Composite Design were 113.94 h for fermentation time, 0.3% (w/v) beef extract and 44.87 (v/w) ratio of solvent to feedstuff. Under optimal conditions, 56.88% of the algin was degraded when a 50-fold scale-up fermentation was carried out, using a 5-L fermenter. Conclusions: This study provides an alternative and economical way to reduce the algin content in L. japonicathrough degradation by WB1, making it a promising potential source of feed for cultured L japonica.
Subject(s)
Stichopus , Bacillus amyloliquefaciens/metabolism , Laminaria , Animal Feed , Sea Cucumbers , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Fermentation , Bacillus amyloliquefaciens/chemistryABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Seaweeds have been reported to have various health beneficial effects. In this study, we investigated the potential anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects of four types of domestic brown seaweeds in a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). MATERIALS/METHODS: Male C57BL/6N mice were fed low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD containing Undaria Pinnatifida, HFD containing Laminaria Japonica (LJ), HFD containing Sargassum Fulvellum, or HFD containing Hizikia Fusiforme (HF) for 16 weeks. RESULTS: Brown seaweed supplementation did not affect long-term HFD-associated changes in body weight or adiposity, although mice fed HFD + LJ or HFD + HF gained slightly less body weight compared with those fed HFD at the beginning of feeding. Despite being obese, mice fed HFD + LJ appeared to show improved insulin sensitivity compared to mice fed HFD. Consistently, we observed significantly reduced blood glucose concentrations in mice fed HFD + LJ compared with those of mice fed HFD. Although no significant differences in adipocyte size were detected among the HFD-fed groups, consumption of seaweeds decreased formation of HFD-induced crown-like structures in gonadal adipose tissue as well as plasma inflammatory cytokines. BMDM from mice fed HFDs with seaweeds showed differential regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta and IL-6 compared with BMDM from mice fed HFD by LPS stimulation. CONCLUSION: Although seaweed consumption did not prevent long-term HFD-induced obesity in C57BL/6N mice, it reduced insulin resistance (IR) and circulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, seaweeds may ameliorate systemic inflammation and IR in obesity partially due to inhibition of inflammatory signaling in adipose tissue cells as well as bone marrow-derived immune cells.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , Adipocytes , Adipose Tissue , Adiposity , Blood Glucose , Body Weight , Cytokines , Diet, Fat-Restricted , Diet, High-Fat , Gonads , Inflammation , Insulin Resistance , Interleukin-6 , Laminaria , Macrophages , Mice, Obese , Obesity , Plasma , Sargassum , Seaweed , UndariaABSTRACT
Polysaccharides from numerous traditional Chinese medicines have been proven as the bioactive ingredients and are hence used as the quality control markers. However, the assessment criteria always show a poor specificity, due to the lack of systematic comparison among the analogous herbs. In the present study, two similar materials, namely sea-tangle and sargassum, were selected as the model herbs to develop more specific methods for quality control. Two well-established methods, determination of the total polysaccharides content and monosaccharides composition analysis, were both employed. Based upon the quantitative results, the evaluation criteria of the polysaccharides contents of not less than 2.0% and 1.7% were proposed for sea-tangle and sargassum, respectively. Nine identical monosaccharide derivatives appeared on the HPLC chromatograms of the hydrolysis and derivatized solutions of the two drugs. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis using the peak areas of monosaccharides derivatives as the variables were performed, and the results indicated that mannuronic acid and xylose with the opposite concentrations in the two drugs were the differential components. A discriminative criterion using the peak area ratio of these two monosaccharides derivatives was proposed for the qualitative identification. In conclusion, a more specific and quantitative quality control method was developed for sea-tangle and sargassum.
Subject(s)
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Methods , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Chemistry , Laminaria , Chemistry , Plant Extracts , Chemistry , Polysaccharides , Chemistry , Quality Control , Sargassum , Chemistry , Seaweed , ChemistryABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety as well as maternal and fetal outcome of intracervical Foley catheter balloon versus oxytocin infusion as pre-induction cervical ripening agents in live term pregnancies with unfavorable cervices.METHODS: Forty-two patients who fulfilled the induction criteria were randomized to 2 groups. Group 1= intracervical balloon catheter and Group 2= oxytocin infusion. Both groups were compared as to: insertion/infusion to active phase interval, induction to delivery interval, uterine hyperstimulation, pain intensity, delivery and fetal outcome. Analysis of data collected was done using Indepedent T-test.RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed no significant difference as to insertion/infusion to active phase interval (p 0.814) and induction to delivery interval (p 0.264) between the balloon and oxytocin groups. By percentage comparison, both groups have comparable results in the mode of delivery, likelihood of cesarean section and good fetal outcome. Statistical significance was observed with regards to absence of uterine hyperstimulation (p 0.036) and absence of pain (p 0.000) in favor of the balloon group.CONCLUSION: By percentage comparison, intracervical Foley catheter balloon and oxytocin were both effective and safe in achieving cervical dilatation. The Foley catheter showed statistical significance in terms of absence of uterine hyperstimulation and pain. Foley catheter is readily available and affordable. It may be considered as a good alternative to oxytocin.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Catheters , Cervical Ripening , Oxytocin , Misoprostol , Dinoprostone , Laminaria , Cervix Uteri , Consensus , Castor OilABSTRACT
Since scalp hair loss has increased recently even in young people, seriously affecting individual's quality of life, the hair growth-stimulating effects of Laminaria japonica extract (LJE) and Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) were investigated. After confirming anagen phase of follicles under shaving, male C57BL/6 mice were dermally applied with 3% Minoxidil or orally administered with the combinations of LJE and CTE for 21 days. Minoxidil promoted the hair regrowth and increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. In addition, Minoxidil up-regulated epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Co-administration of LJE and CTE at 54 mg/kg LJE plus 162 mg/kg CTE exerted synergistic promoting effects on the hair regrowth, comparable to 3% Minoxidil. LJE preferentially enhanced ALP activity, while CTE increased both gamma-GTP and ALP activities as well as EGF and VEGF expressions. In vivo air pouch inflammation model, carrageenan-induced vascular exudation and increased nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 concentrations in the exudates were synergistically suppressed by co-administration of LJE and CTE. In addition, inflammatory cell infiltration was substantially inhibited by the combinational treatment. The results suggest that combinational oral treatment with LJE and CTE in appropriate doses and ratios prevent hair loss and improve alopecia, which might be in part mediated by their anti-inflammatory activities.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , Alkaline Phosphatase , Alopecia , Cistanche , Dinoprostone , Epidermal Growth Factor , Exudates and Transudates , gamma-Glutamyltransferase , Hair , Inflammation , Laminaria , Minoxidil , Nitric Oxide , Quality of Life , Scalp , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor AABSTRACT
Helicobacter pylori-eliminating effects of FEMY-R7, composed of Laminaria japonica and Oenothera biennis extracts, were investigated in mice and humans. Male C57BL/6 mice were infected with the bacteria by intragastric inoculation (1x10(9) CFU/mouse) 3 times at 2-day intervals, and simultaneously, orally treated twice a day with total 20, 64 or 200 mg/kg/day FEMY-R7 for 2 weeks. In Campylobcter-like organism (CLO)-detection tests on gastric mucosa and feces, FEMY-R7 reduced the urease-positive reactivity in a dose-dependent manner; i.e., the positivity ratios were decreased to 70, 20, and 10% for gastric mocosa and to 80, 50, and 20% for feces. In a clinical sudy, human subjects, confirmed to be infected with Helicobacter pylori, were orally administered twice a day with capsules containing total 100, 320 or 1,000 mg/man/day FEMY-R7 (matching doses for 20, 64 or 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, in mice from a body surface area-based dose translation) for 8 weeks. FEMY-R7 decreased the positivity ratios in feces to 70, 40, and 30%, respectively. In bacterial culture, H. pylori was identified from the CLO-positive stools of mice and humans. The bacterial identification ratios exhibited a good correlation between the matching doses in mice and humans. It is suggested that FEMY-R7 could be a promising functional food without tolerance as an adjunct to reduce the dosage of antibiotics for the treatment of recurrent H. pylori infection.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Bacteria , Capsules , Feces , Functional Food , Gastric Mucosa , Helicobacter , Helicobacter pylori , Laminaria , Oenothera biennisABSTRACT
Cistanche tubulosa and Laminaria japonica have been reported to have anti-oxidative, anticoagulant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. They are expected to be a promising candidates for promoting hair growth and treating dandruff and scalp inflammation as a consequence. In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we investigated the efficacy of Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) in promoting hair health in patients with mild to moderate patterned hair loss. Using phototrichogram (Folliscope 4.0, LeadM, Seoul, Korea), we compared the density and diameter of hairs in patients receiving a placebo or Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks of the study. In order to determine the efficacy of treatment on dandruff and scalp inflammation, investigator's assessment score and patient's subjective score were also performed. We found a statistically significant increase in the hair density of the test group (n = 45, MK-R7 400 mg) after 16 weeks of consuming the MK-R7 (test group: 23.29 n/cm2 +/- 24.26, control: 10.35 n/cm2 +/- 20.08, p < 0.05). In addition, we found a statistically significant increase in hair diameter in the test group compared to control group at week 16 (test group: 0.018 mm +/- 0.015, control: 0.003 mm +/- 0.013, p < 0.05). There were also significant outcomes regarding the investigator's visual assessment and patient's subjective score of dandruff and scalp inflammation in the test group compared to those in control group. Based on the results of this clinical study, we conclude that Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) are promising substances for promoting health of the scalp and hair.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cistanche , Dandruff , Hair , Inflammation , Laminaria , Scalp , SeoulABSTRACT
The present study was designed to investigate the effects of Laminaria japonica (Laminaria) on pharmacokinetics of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) following oral administration of Liquorice extract in rats. Following oral administrations of single-dose and multi-dose Liquorice extract and Liquorice-Laminaria extract, respectively, plasma samples were obtained at various times and the concentrations of GA, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin were measured by LC-MS. The effects of Laminaria extract on pharmacokinetics of GA were also investigated, following single-dose and multidose of glycyrrhizic acid (GL). The effects of Laminaria extract on intestinal absorption of GA and GL were studied using the in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion model. The metabolism of GL to GA in the contents of small and large intestines was also studied. The results showed Liquorice-Laminaria extract markedly increased the plasma concentration of GA, accompanied by a shorter Tmax. Similar alteration was observed following multidose administration. However, pharmacokinetics of neither liquiritigenin nor isoliquiritigenin was affected by Laminaria. Similarly, Laminaria markedly increased concentration and decreased Tmax of GA following oral GL were observed. The data from the intestinal perfusion model showed that Laminaria markedly increased GL absorption in duodenum and jejunum, but did not affect the intestinal absorption of GA. It was found that Laminaria enhanced the metabolism of GL to GA in large intestine. In conclusion, Laminaria increased plasma exposures of GA following oral administration of liquorice or GL, which partly resulted from increased intestinal absorption of GL and metabolism of GL to GA in large intestine.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Administration, Oral , Drug Interactions , Glycyrrhetinic Acid , Blood , Glycyrrhiza , Chemistry , Glycyrrhizic Acid , Blood , Pharmacokinetics , Intestinal Absorption , Intestinal Mucosa , Metabolism , Laminaria , Plant Extracts , Blood , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
Os métodos de indução do parto podem ser divididos em estímulos naturais, estímulos exógenos diretos ou mecânicos e estímulos exógenos indiretos ou farmacológicos, cada qual apresenta suas particularidades nas indicações e contraindicações. O objetivo deste artigo foi realizar uma revisão da literatura consultando Medline/Pubmed e a Biblioteca Cochrane para avaliar a eficácia e segurança na utilização dos principais métodos de indução do trabalho de parto. Apurou-se não haver método ideal de indução do trabalho de parto. Os estímulos naturais e os métodos alternativos carecem de maiores estudos para incentivo de seu uso rotineiro. As prostaglandinas, em destaque o misoprostol, está indicada no Índice de Bishop desfavorável e a ocitocina em condições cervicais favoráveis. Os avanços no campo da biologia molecular tem corroborado que o método ideal deve atuar em sincronismo com a contratilidade uterina e a maturação cervical.(AU)
Methods of labor induction can be classified as natural stimuli, direct exogenous stimuli or mechanical and indirect exogenous stimuli or pharmacological. Which one has its peculiarities in relation to indications and contraindications. The objective of this article was to assess the efficacy and safety of the main methods of induction of labor trough the analysis of the medical literature in Medline/Pubmed and the Cochrane Library to. No ideal method of inducing labor was found. Further studies are required to encourage natural stimuli and alternative methods more often. According to Bishop scores, prostaglandins, (especially misoprostol) are unfavorable and oxytocin in case of favorable cervical environment. Advances in the field of molecular biology have confirmed that the ideal method should work simultaneously with uterine contraction and cervical ripening.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Uterine Contraction/drug effects , Labor Stage, First/metabolism , Oxytocin/metabolism , Cervix Uteri/metabolism , Labor, Induced/methods , Prostaglandins/metabolism , Databases, Bibliographic , Laminaria/metabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of laminaria japonica polysaccharides(LJP) and tea polyphenols (TP) on nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) cells HONE1 and CNE2, and further to explore the underlying mechanism of antitumor activity of LJP on NPC cell in vivo.@*METHOD@#To identify the logarithmic growth phase of NPC cells HONE1 and CNE2 through cell growth curve and doubling time by means of MTT, then inhibition of the cells proliferation were detected with LJP and TP separately and combined. With LJP treatment, cell apoptosis of HONE1 was examined by double staining assay. A tumor model,established by subcutaneously inoculation of NPC cell HONE1 into nude mice,was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of LJP in vivo.@*RESULT@#Both LJP and TP had inhibition effect on two groups of cell proliferation, and LJP and TP combined effect of inhibition were higher than the two separate on two sets of experimental cell proliferation, whose effect was concentration-dependent. LJP could induce apoptosis of HONE1. With the increasing concentration of LJP, apoptosis rate increased. The apoptosis rate was(49.51 +/- 1. 89) % (P0. 05).@*CONCLUSION@#LJP and TP can inhibit the proliferation of NPC cells HONE1 and CNE2 respectively,and combined use has a significant effect. LJP can inhibit the growth of NPC probably by inducing apoptosis of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Mice , Carcinoma , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation , Laminaria , Chemistry , Mice, Nude , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms , Pathology , Polyphenols , Pharmacology , Polysaccharides , Pharmacology , Tea , Chemistry , Xenograft Model Antitumor AssaysABSTRACT
Therapeutic abortion in the second trimester pregnancy is the choice treatment in cases with severe anomalies or intrauterine fetal death. It can be done by a number of medical [e.g. misoprostol] or mechanical methods [e.g. laminaria]. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of misoprostol alone and misoprostol in combination with laminaria in the induction of second trimester abortion. In this interventional study, 80 pregnant women with the gestational age of 13-25 weeks who were candidates of therapeutic abortion were selected and randomly divided into two groups [n=40]. One group received misoprostol alone and the other received misoprostol in combination with laminaria. Combination of misoprostol and laminaria caused not only a significant shorter time interval from the initiation of intervention to abortion [P=0.034], but also lower dose of administered misoprostol [P=0.001], less need for curettage [P=0.001], and shorter hospitalization period [P=0.042]. Based on the obtained results, misoprostol in combination with laminaria is recommended for the induction of second trimester therapeutic abortion
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Misoprostol , Misoprostol/administration & dosage , Laminaria , Drug Therapy, Combination , Treatment Outcome , Pregnancy Trimester, SecondABSTRACT
The anti-inflammatory effects of fuciodan and Cistanche tubulosa (CT) extract were investigated in vitro macrophage culture system and in vivo carrageenan-induced air pouch inflammation model. CT extract inhibited nitric oxide production from activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, while fucoidan was inactive. In vivo air pouch inflammation model, carrageenan-induced vascular exudation and increased nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 concentrations in the exudates were synergistically suppressed by co-administration of fucoidan or CT extract. Moreover, tissue inflammation was substantially attenuated by the combinational therapy. However, there was no synergistic effect against the inflammatory cell infiltration, although fucoidan and CT extract each markedly reduced the cell numbers. Therefore, it is suggested that fucoidan blocks infiltration of inflammatory cells, while CT extract inhibits activation of the cells, and that their combinational treatment could be a promising candidate for the relief of various types of inflammation.
Subject(s)
Carrageenan , Cell Count , Cistanche , Dinoprostone , Exudates and Transudates , Inflammation , Laminaria , Macrophages , Nitric Oxide , PolysaccharidesABSTRACT
beta-Glucans have been known to exhibit antitumor activities by potentiating host immunity by an unknown mechanism. The C-type lectin dectin-1, a beta-glucan receptor, is found on the macrophage and can recognize various beta-glucans. Previously, we demonstrated the presence of beta-glucan receptor, dectin-1, on the Raw 264.7 cells as well as on murine mucosal organs, such as the thymus, the lung, and the spleen. In order to investigate immunopotentiation of innate immunity by beta-glucan, we stimulated a murine macrophage Raw 264.7 cell line with beta-glucans from Pleurotus ostreatus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Laminaria digitata. Then, we analyzed cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition we analyzed gene expression patterns in beta-glucan-treated Raw 264.7 cells by applying total mRNA to cDNA microarray to investigate the expression of 7,000 known genes. When stimulated with beta-glucans, the macrophage cells increased TNF-alpha expression. When co-stimulation of the cells with beta-glucan and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a synergy effect was observed by increased TNF-alpha expression. In IL-6 expression, any of the beta-glucans tested could not induce IL-6 expression by itself. However, when co-stimulation occurred with beta-glucan and LPS, the cells showed strong synergistic effects by increased IL-6 expression. Chip analysis showed that beta-glucan of P. ostreatus increased gene expressions of immunomodulating gene families such as kinases, lectin associated genes and TNF-related genes in the macrophage cell line. Induction of TNF receptor expression by FACS analysis was synergized only when co-stimulated with beta-glucan and LPS, not with beta-glucan alone. From these data, beta-glucan increased expressions of immunomodulating genes and showed synergistic effect with LPS.
Subject(s)
Humans , beta-Glucans , Cell Line , Cytokines , Gene Expression , Immunity, Innate , Interleukin-6 , Interleukins , Laminaria , Lectins, C-Type , Lung , Macrophages , Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis , Phosphotransferases , Pleurotus , Polysaccharides , Receptors, Immunologic , Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor , RNA, Messenger , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Spleen , Thymus Gland , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alphaABSTRACT
In order to investigate whether Eisenia bicyclis (EB) as a functional food material improves serum lipid status, supplementation of EB powder or EB extract to the high fat/cholesterol diet was tested in 6-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats for four weeks. In the first experiment, four kinds of seaweed powder-Eisenia bicyclis (EB), Undaria pinnatifida (UP), Laminaria japonica (LJ), and Ecklonia stolonifera (ES) were compared with alginic acid (ALG) as well as control. In the second experiment, EB water extract and EB ethanol extract and EB pill containing EB and LJ powder were compared with the EB powder. Amounts of dietary fiber contained in experimental diets were adjusted to provide 5% of diets. Serum total cholesterol was significantly lower only in rats fed LJ or EB powder, but HDL cholesterol was higher in rats fed UP, LJ, ES or EB powder. Ratios of HDL-/total cholesterol of all seaweed groups including ALG were significantly higher than that of the control group. Serum triglyceride was lower in LJ, EB and ES powder groups than the control group. In comparison of EB extracts, triglyceride level was decreased in rats fed only EB water extract as compared to control rats, but HDL cholesterol was elevated with both water and ethanol extracts. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride were decreased and HDL cholesterol was increased by the EB pill. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were lower in rats fed ES powder, and EB powder, EB water extract or EB pill, as compared to the control rats. Supplementation of EB powder and EB pill reduced serum level of GOT and GPT, respectively, as compared to the control group. In conclusion, EB and EB pill improve serum lipid status and may be utilized as ingredient of functional foods for the purpose of improving serum lipid profile and inhibiting peroxidation of lipids.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Male , Rats , Alginates , Cholesterol , Cholesterol, HDL , Diet , Diet, High-Fat , Dietary Fiber , Ethanol , Functional Food , Glucuronic Acid , Hexuronic Acids , Laminaria , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Seaweed , Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances , Undaria , WaterABSTRACT
Laminaria japonica gametophytic cells were cultivated in a photobioreactor under continuous shear stress (0-1000 r/min) in 60 hours and the following static cultivation within 23.5 days. The content of chlorophyll a reached the maximum value of 2.36 mg/L at the end of continuous shear stress when the agitation speed was 90 r/min, while the chlorophyll a (chl a) concentration decreased quickly and nitrogen and phosphorus were released under high shear force (270-1000 r/min). The cell injury ratio at 1000r/min was as 18 times as that of the control. During the recovery course, gametophytic cells showed themselves distinct recovery capability at all agitation speeds. Furthermore, the content of chl a is a more exact index as biomass than dry cells weight (DCW). Besides cell injury ratio, the liberation of phosphorus demonstrates the cells injury.
Subject(s)
Bioreactors , Cell Culture Techniques , Gametogenesis , Physiology , Germ Cells , Physiology , Laminaria , Radiation Effects , Light , Shear Strength , Stress, MechanicalABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To study the protective effect of Polysaccharide of Laminaria L01 on endothelial cell injury inducing by adrenaline.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In order to observe the influence of L01 on the release of vWF in endothelial injured rats and HUVEC stimulated by adrenaline, a rat model of endothelial injury was established via injecting adrenaline, the damaged degree of vascular endothelial was evaluated by aortic immunity histochemistry, HUVEC was cultured in vitro, the content of vWF in rat plasma and in supernatant was measured by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The measure of intact endodermis lengths (microm) stained by immunohistochemistry demonstrated the length in L01 high-dose group and low-dose group was obviously longer than that of model group (P < 0.05) in the 4th and 5th day during the model made. The content of vWF in rat plasma of L01 high-dose group was lower than that of model group (P < 0.05) in the 4th day, there were significant differences between this two groups, and the content of vWF in rat plasma of both L01 high-dose group and low-dose group was lower than that of model group (P < 0.05) in the 4th and 5th days. In the study of cultured HUVEC, on the 24 h, L01 groups (0.01 mg/ml and 0.1 mg/ml) decreased the supernatant vWF level, and on the 48 h, high-dose group (0.1 mg/ml) also decreased the supernatant vWF level, with significant difference compared with adrenaline group (10 microg/ml, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>L01 presented the protective effect on vascular endothelial cell.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Humans , Male , Rats , Endothelial Cells , Endothelium, Vascular , Cell Biology , Epinephrine , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells , Laminaria , Chemistry , Polysaccharides , Pharmacology , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , von Willebrand Factor , MetabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of oral misoprostol with vaginal misoprostol administration in mid-trimester pregnancy termination after pretreatment with serial laminarias tenting. METHODS: This study was made in 50 patients for mid-trimester pregnancy termination at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chonbuk National University Hospital from January 1999 through December 2002. Twenty five women received misoprostol orally in a dose of 200 micro gram every hour for 3 doses followed by 400 micro gram every 4 hours after serial laminarias tenting. Twenty five women received misoprostol vaginally in a dose of 400 micro gram every 4 hours after serial laminarias tenting. Side effects of drug, induction to delivery interval, delivery numbers within 24 hours, curettage numbers for retained placenta, and the length of hospital stay were compared. RESULTS: The mean time of induction to delivery interval was significantly shorter in the vaginal group (15.5 +/- 12.7 vs 24.2 +/- 14.3 hours, p<0.01). The length of hospital stay was also shorter in the vaginal group (38.9 +/- 13.1 vs 47.2 +/- 14.5 hours, p<0.01). The number of patients delivered within 24 hours was more in the vaginal group (92 vs 72%, p<0.05). The side effects of misoprostol were slightly more common in the oral group than the vaginal group without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: We suspect that after serial tenting of laminarias, intravaginal misoprostol appears to be more safe and effective than oral misoprostol for mid-trimester termination.