Lactuca sativa L. Extract Enhances Sleep Duration Through Upregulation of Adenosine A1 Receptor and GABAA Receptors Subunits in Pentobarbital-Injected Mice.

We investigated the effects of Lactuca sativa L. extracts (Lactuc) on pentobarbital-induced sleep in mice to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its impact on sleep quality. Mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, positive control (diazepam 2 mg/kg b.w.), and three groups orally administered with Lactuc (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w.). After 2 weeks of oral administration and intraperitoneal injections, the mice were killed. We found that the Lactuc-administered groups had significantly reduced sleep latency and increased sleep duration compared with the control group. Furthermore, the oral administration of Lactuc induced a significant increase in mRNA expression and protein expression of adenosine A1 receptor in the brains compared with the expressions in the control group. In addition, the Lactuc-administered groups exhibited significantly higher levels of mRNA expressions of GABAA receptors subunits α2, ß2, γ1, and, γ2 in the brain tissue. Therefore, we suggest that Lactuc could be used to develop natural products that effectively improve sleep quality and duration.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Jeju Roasted Citrus Peel Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice and 3T3-L1 Adipocytes Via Lipid Metabolism Regulation.

Lipid accumulation in adipocytes occurs through multifactorial effects such as overnutrition due to unbalanced eating habits, reduced physical activity, and genetic factors. In addition, obesity can be intensified by the dis-regulation of various metabolic systems such as differentiation, lipogenesis, lipolysis, and energy metabolism of adipocytes. In this study, the Jeju roasted peel extract from Citrus unshiu S.Markov. (JRC), which is discarded as opposed to the pulp of C. unshiu S.Markov., is commonly consumed to ameliorate obesity. To investigate the anti-obesity effect of JRC, these studies were conducted on differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and in high-fat diet-induced mice, and related methods were used to confirm whether it decreased lipid accumulation in adipocytes. The mechanism of inhibiting obesity by JRC was confirmed through mRNA expression studies. JRC suppressed lipid accumulation in adipocytes and adipose tissue, and significantly improved enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase and serum lipid profiles. In addition, it effectively modulated the expression of genes related to lipid and energy metabolism in adipose tissue. As a result, these findings suggest that JRC could be a therapeutic regulator of body fat accumulation by significantly alleviating the dis-regulation of intracellular lipid metabolism in adipocytes and by enhancement of energy metabolism (Approval No. CNU IACUC-YB-2023-98).

Low-Molecular-Weight Fish Collagen Peptide (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Hydroxyproline-Glycine-Proline-Alanine-Glycine) Prevents Osteoarthritis Symptoms in Chondrocytes and Monoiodoacetate-Injected Rats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of low-molecular-weight fish collagen (valine-glycine-proline-hydroxyproline-glycine-proline-alanine-glycine; LMWCP) on H2O2- or LPS-treated primary chondrocytes and monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rat models. Our findings indicated that LMWCP treatment exhibited protective effects by preventing chondrocyte death and reducing matrix degradation in both H2O2-treated primary chondrocytes and cartilage tissue from MIA-induced osteoarthritis rats. This was achieved by increasing the levels of aggrecan, collagen type I, collagen type II, TIMP-1, and TIMP-3, while simultaneously decreasing catabolic factors such as phosphorylation of Smad, MMP-3, and MMP-13. Additionally, LMWCP treatment effectively suppressed the activation of inflammation and apoptosis pathways in both LPS-treated primary chondrocytes and cartilage tissue from MIA-induced osteoarthritis rats. These results suggest that LMWCP supplementation ameliorates the progression of osteoarthritis through its direct impact on inflammation and apoptosis in chondrocytes.

Unripe Pear Extract Suppresses UVB-Induced Skin Photoaging in Hairless Mice and Keratinocytes.

Our study aimed to investigate whether unripe pear extract (UP) could provide protection against UVB-induced damage to both mouse skin and keratinocytes. We observed that UVB exposure, a common contributor to skin photoaging, led to wrinkle formation, skin dryness, and inflammation in mice. Nevertheless, these effects were mitigated in the groups of UVB-irradiated mice treated with UP. Moreover, UP treatment at 400 µg/mL increased the antioxidant enzyme activities (sodium dodecyl sulfate, 2.22-fold higher; catalase, 2.91-fold higher; GPx, 1.96-fold higher) along with sphingomyelin (1.58-fold higher) and hyaluronic acid (1.31-fold higher) levels in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes. In the keratinocytes irradiated with UVB, UP 400 µg/mL resulted in reduced cytokine production (TNF-α, 33.2%; IL-1ß, 45.3%; IL-6, 33.4%) and the expression of inflammatory pathway-related proteins. The findings indicate that UP has a direct protective effect on UVB-irradiated keratinocytes and is also able to shield against photoaging induced by UVB. Hence, it is suggested that UP could contribute to improved skin health by averting skin photoaging.

Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 (LRC) Inhibits Cholesterol Synthesis and Stimulates Cholesterol Excretion in Animal and Cell Models.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB (LRC™) supplementation on hypercholesterolemia by researching its effects on cellular cholesterol metabolism in hypercholesterolemic rats (KHGASP-22-170) and HepG2 cell line. Rats were separated into six groups after adaptation and were then fed a normal control (NC), a high-cholesterol diet (HC), or a HC supplemented with simvastatin 15 mg/kg body weight (positive control [PC]), LRC 1 × 109 colony-forming units (CFU)/rat/day, LRC 4 × 109 CFU/rat/day, or LRC 1 × 1010 CFU/rat/day (1 × 109, 4 × 109, or 1 × 1010). The rats were dissected to study the effects of LRC on cholesterol metabolism and intestinal excretion at the end of experimental period. We discovered that LRC mainly participated in the restraint of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the uptake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol into tissues, partially in the transport of cholesteryl esters into high density lipoprotein for maturation, and intestinal excretion of cholesterol. These results are supported by the expression of transcription factors and enzymes such as HMG-CoA reductase, SREBP2, CYP7A1, CETP, and LCAT in both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in serum and hepatic tissue. Furthermore, the LRC treatment in HepG2 significantly reduced the mRNA expression of HMG-CoA reductase, SREBP2, and CEPT and significantly increased the mRNA expression of LDL-receptor, LCAT, and CYP7A1 at all doses. Hence, we suggest that LRC supplementation could alleviate the serum cholesterol level by inhibiting the intracellular cholesterol synthesis, and augmenting excretion of intestinal cholesterol.

Wheat Ceramide Powder Mitigates Ultraviolet B-Induced Oxidative Stress and Photoaging by Inhibiting Collagen Proteolysis and Promoting Collagen Synthesis in Hairless Mice.

The protective effects of wheat ceramide powder (WC-P) on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin oxidative stress and photoaging in hairless mice were investigated in this study. Moreover, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, inflammation, wrinkle formation-related pathway, and moisturizing capacity were evaluated. Mice were randomly divided into six groups (n=8): normal control (non-UVB irradiation), control (UVB irradiation), L-ascorbic acid [positive control, UVB irradiation with dietary supplementation of L-ascorbic acid at 100 mg/kg/body weight (bw)], WC-P5 (UVB irradiation with dietary supplementation of WC-P at 5 mg/kg/bw), WC-P20 (UVB irradiation with dietary supplementation of WC-P at 20 mg/kg/bw), and WC-P40 (UVB irradiation with dietary supplementation of WC-P at 40 mg/kg/bw). AIN-96G diet and water were supplemented ad libitum, and 100 mL of L-ascorbic acid and WC-P dissolved in water were forcefully administered orally to mice. UVB irradiation resulted in dehydration and wrinkle formation in the dorsal skin of mice. However, WC-P supplementation suppressed. Furthermore, WC-P supplementation enhanced the activites of antioxidant enzymes and expression of transforming growth factor-ß receptor I, procollaten C-endopeptideas enhancer protein, hyaluronan synthase, and ceramide synthase 4 and reduced the activation of the inflammation and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-FOS/c-Jun- mediated matrix metalloproteinase pathways. These findings demonstrate that WC-P can protect the skin from UVB-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and photoaging by inhibiting collagen proteolysis and promoting collagen synthesis, thereby promoting skin health.

Salvia plebeia R. Br. Water Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis in a Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model by Regulating the AMPK Pathway.

Salvia plebeia R. Br. (SP), grown from autumn to spring, is used as a medicinal herb from roots to leaves. This herb exhibits antioxidant activities and various physiological effect, including anti-asthma, immune-promoting, anti-obesity, and anti-cholesterol effects. However, the effectiveness of SP against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the associated mechanism have not been elucidated. In this study, alleviation of NAFLD by SP was confirmed in a mouse model of hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat diet and in HepG2 cells administered free fatty acids (FFA). In the experimental model, intrahepatic lipid accumulation was investigated using the AdipoRedTM assay, Oil Red O staining, biomarker analysis, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Furthermore, glucose tolerance was examined based on the fasting glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance. The molecular mechanisms related to hepatic steatosis were determined based on marker mRNA levels. Blood FFAs were found to flow into the liver via the action of fatty acid translocase, cluster of differentiation 36, and fatty acid transporter proteins 2 and 5. Salvia plebeia R. Br. water extract (SPW) suppressed the FFAs inflow by regulating the expression of the above-mentioned proteins. Notably, modulating the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and liver X receptor, which are involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, stimulated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α in the nucleus to induce the expression genes involved in ß-oxidation and increase ß-oxidation in the mitochondria. AMPK modulation also increased the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, which activated lipid synthesis enzymes. As a consequence of these events, triglyceride synthesis was reduced and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes was alleviated. Overall, our findings suggested that SPW could ameliorate NAFLD by inhibiting hepatic steatosis through AMPK modulation.

Silymarin Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Muscle Atrophy by Regulating Protein Degradation and Synthesis in Mice.

Silymarin is found in Silybum marianum. We investigated the effect of silymarin on muscle atrophy in obese mice. The experimental mice were divided into three groups: CON, normal diet; HFD, 60% high-fat diet (HF); and SILY: 50 mg silymarin +60% HF. It was confirmed that increases in body weight and fat mass in the SILY group were significantly inhibited. Moreover, the muscle mass in SILY mice was significantly higher than that in the HFD group. The grip strength in HFD group was significantly reduced, whereas in the SILY group it was higher than that in HFD group. In HFD mice, the mRNA levels of protein degradation factors (muscle ring-finger protein 1 [MuRF-1] and Atrogin-1) were increased and protein synthesis factors (phosphoinositide 3-kinase [PI3K] and Akt) were decreased. However, silymarin was found to elevate the degradation factors as compared with HFD group, whereas it reduced the synthesis factors. The results suggest that silymarin could prevent not only obesity but also muscle atrophy.

Fermented Curcuma longa L. Prevents Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice by Regulating CYP2E1, SREBP-1c, and PPAR-α.

We examined the efficacy of fermented Curcuma longa L. (FT) on the development of alcoholic fatty liver in mice and investigated the underlying mechanism. The protective potential of FT against ethanol-induced fatty liver was determined using C57BL/6 male mice allocated into four groups (8 mice/group). Control groups received either distilled water or 5 g/kg body weight (b.w.) per day ethanol for 8 days. Treatment groups were administered either 300 mg/kg b.w. per day of milk thistle or FT before receiving ethanol. FT contained a higher amount of caffeic acid and tetrahydrocurcumin than C. longa. FT pretreatment significantly suppressed the elevated hepatic lipid droplets associated with ethanol ingestion. In comparison with ethanol-treated control, FT pretreated mice showed inhibited cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1c), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase production but elevated AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) levels. Taken together, FT is a promising hepatoprotectant for preventing of alcoholic fatty liver through modulating fatty acid synthesis and oxidation.

Curcuma longa L. Water Extract Enhances Endurance Exercise Capacity by Promoting Intramuscular Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Mice.

We investigated the effect of Curcuma longa L. extract on endurance exercise capacity (EEC). EEC is the ability to exercise continuously and recover quickly, even when tired. C. longa contains antioxidants that contribute beneficial effects on the body. We separated groups of nonexercise (CON), exercise control (Ex-CON), branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake, and C. longa water extract (CLW) intake (Ex-CLW). EEC increased on the 28th day of BCAA and CLW intake. Both treatment groups exhibited decreased lactate levels with increased levels of nonesterified fatty acids and muscular glycogen compared with the Ex-CON group. Also, the Ex-CLW group possessed higher intramuscular antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) than the Ex-CON group. The expression of PGC-1α, NRF, and Tfam, which are factors related to mitochondrial biogenesis, increased in the Ex-CLW group. Results suggest that CLW intake elevated EEC by increasing intramuscular mitochondrial biogenesis through suppressing the accumulation of fatigue substances and increasing fat consumption, and antioxidant enzyme activity.

Ethanolic Extract of Vaccinium corymbosum Alleviates Muscle Fatigue in Mice.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ethanol extracts of Vaccinium corymbosum (VCE) on exercise-induced fatigue in mice. Mice were randomly divided into three groups; nonexercise control group (CON), exercise control group (Ex-CON), and exercise and VCE supplementation group (Ex-VCE). Compared with Ex-CON, Ex-VCE showed increased endurance exercise capacity on day 21. In Ex-VCE mice, the accumulation of lactate was inhibited and the consumption of fatty acids was enhanced, indicating the delay of muscle fatigue. In addition, VCE supplementation elevated mRNA expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis-associated genes such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-1γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor (NRF), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) and fatty acid ß-oxidation-associated genes such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1), ß-hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (ß-HAD), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ (PPAR-δ). These results suggest that VCE can potentially prevent muscle fatigue by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid ß-oxidation.

Immunomodulatory Effect of a Salvia plebeia R. Aqueous Extract in Forced Swimming Exercise-induced Mice.

This study investigated the immunomodulatory effect of Salvia plebeia R. aqueous extract (FIE-SP, SPW) in forced swimming exercise-induced mice and the immunostimulatory effects on Raw264.7 cells. Mice were randomly assigned to four groups: the control group (CON), the forced swimming test group (FST), and two FIE-SP groups (low and high dose of FIE-SP). Compared with the control group, the FIE-SP groups showed significantly increased ratios of T lymphocyte surface markers CD4+/CD8+ and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)I/MHCII, as well as increased concentrations of immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG. FIE-SP groups significantly increased Th1 cytokines and decreased Th2 cytokines compared with negative control exercise-induced mice. Conversely, the immunostimulatory effects of FIE-SP significantly increased phagocytic activities, nitric oxide (NO) production, and pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1ß in Raw264.7 cells. Furthermore, FIE-SP increased natural killer (NK) cell activities and cytokines (IL-12) in splenocytes compared with the CON group. These results indicated that FIE-SP supplementation could prevent imbalanced immune states and produce immunostimulatory effects to support innate immunity.

Effects of Eriobotrya japonica Water Extract on Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Impairment.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of the hot water extract of Eriobotrya japonica (EJW) on EtOH- or free fatty acid (FFA)-induced fatty liver injury in vitro. HepG2/2E1 cells were exposed to EtOH and HepG2 cells were exposed to a mixture of FFAs (oleic acid:palmitic acid, 2:1) to stimulate oxidative stress and to induce lipid accumulation, respectively. Antioxidant activity was significantly increased and lipid accumulation was inhibited in cells pretreated with EJW compared to those in cells exposed to EtOH or FFA only. Also, 5'adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylations were considerably increased, indicating activation of AMPK. Furthermore, EJW reduced the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of lipogenesis-associated factors such as ACC, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and fatty acid synthase (FAS), and increased mRNA expression related to components of the fatty acid ß-oxidation pathway, such as AMPK, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). These results suggest that EJW possessed potential preventive effects against both EtOH- and FFA-induced fatty liver disease by alleviation of oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes.

Water Extract of Curcuma longa L. Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Our aim was to investigate whether hot water extract (CLW) of Curcuma longa L. could prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). HepG2 cells were treated with free fatty acid (FFA) mixture (oleic acid: palmitic acid, 2:1) for 24 h to stimulate in vitro fatty liver. In addition, C57BL/6 mice were fed 60 kcal% high-fat (HF) diet for eight weeks to induce fatty liver in vivo. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) productions were increased by FFA and HF-diet, but supplementation with CLW significantly decreased these levels. CLW treatment ameliorated antioxidant activities that were suppressed by exposure to the FFA and HF-diet. Cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and fatty acid transport proteins (FATP2 and FATP5) were increased in HF-diet groups, while CLW suppressed their expression levels. Moreover, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression levels were down-regulated in the CLW groups compared to HF-diet groups. On the other hand, 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) expressions were up-regulated in the CLW groups. HF-diet fed mice showed high hepatic triglycerides (TG) content compared to the normal diet mice. However, the administration of CLW restored the hepatic TG level, indicating an inhibitory effect against lipid accumulation by CLW. These results suggest that CLW could be a potentially useful agent for the prevention of NAFLD through modulating fatty acid uptake.

The Effects of Curcuma longa L., Purple Sweet Potato, and Mixtures of the Two on Immunomodulation in C57BL/6J Mice Infected with LP-BM5 Murine Leukemia Retrovirus.

The immune response is stimulated to protect the body from external antigens and is controlled by several types of immune cells. In the present study, the immunomodulatory effects of Curcuma longa L., purple sweet potato, and mixtures of the two (CPM) were investigated in C57BL/6 mice infected with LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus (MuLV). Mice were divided into seven groups as follows: normal control, infected control (LP-BM5 MuLV infection), positive control (LP-BM5 MuLV infection+dietary supplement of red ginseng 300 mg/kg body weight), the original powder of C. longa L. (C; LP-BM5 MuLV infection+dietary supplement of C 189 mg/kg body weight), the original powder of purple sweet potato (P; LP-BM5 MuLV infection+dietary supplement of P 1811 mg/kg body weight), CPM Low (CPL; LP-BM5 MuLV infection+CPM 2 g/kg body weight), and CPM High (CPH; LP-BM5 MuLV infection+CPM 5 g/kg body weight). Dietary supplementation lasted for 12 weeks. Dietary supplementation of CPM inhibited LP-BM5 MuLV-induced lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly and inhibited reduction of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and II. Moreover, CPM reduced the decrease in T- and B cell proliferation, reduced the population of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cells, and remedied the unbalanced production of T helper-1 (Th1)/T helper-2 (Th2) cytokines in LP-BM5 MuLV-infected mice. In addition, CPM inhibited reduction of phagocytosis in peritoneal macrophages and decreased serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). These results suggest that CPM had a positive effect on immunomodulation in C57BL/6 mice induced by LP-BM5 leukemia retrovirus infection.

Costaria costata Extract Suppresses Development of Atopic Dermatitis in chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene-treated NC/Nga Mice.

We investigated the potential effects of Costaria costata (CC) on atopic dermatitis (AD) development in chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-treated NC/Nga mice. CC is a brown alga distributed across the seas of Korea, China, and Japan. A total of 40 mice were randomly assigned to 5 groups with 8 mice per group: untreated Balb/c mice, AD control (0.1% w/v DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice), positive control (i.e., DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice fed a dietary supplement of 66.6 mg/kg of body weight [b.w.] of CJLP133), DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice fed a dietary supplement of 100 mg/kg b.w. of CCE10 (CCE10 100), and DNCB-treated mice fed a dietary supplement of 300 mg/kg b.w. of CCE10 (CCE10 300) groups. The CCE10 100 and CCE10 300 treatment groups suppressed AD development including clinical and histopathological changes and a reduction in skin hydration induced by DNCB. In addition, Th2 cytokine production in primary splenocytes, serum IgE and histamine production, and mast cell infiltration into the skin were suppressed in the CCE10 300 mice compared to the CCE10 100 mice. Our finding demonstrated an inhibitory effect of CCE10 in AD development by means of improving the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and anti-inflammatory effect in an in vivo model.

A Blend of Extracts from Houttuynia cordata, Nelumbo nucifera, and Camellia sinensis Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Liver Damage in C57BL/6 Mice.

The protective activity of a mixture of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Houttuynia cordata Thunb, Nelumbo nucifera G. leaves, and Camellia sinensis seed (HNC) was evaluated in C57BL/6 mice. Pretreatment with HNC prevented the elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase caused by ethanol-induced hepatic damage. The HNC-treated mice showed significantly lower triglyceride levels, reduced CYP2E1 activity, and increased antioxidant enzyme activities and lipogenic mRNA levels. These results suggest that HNC might be a candidate agent for liver protection against ethanol-induced oxidative damage, through enhancement of antioxidant and antilipogenic activity.

Extracts of Porphyra tenera (Nori Seaweed) Activate the Immune Response in Mouse RAW264.7 Macrophages via NF-κB Signaling.

Porphyra tenera, also known as nori, is a red algal species of seaweed. It is cultivated in Asia for culinary purposes. We report that P. tenera extract (PTE) enhances the immune response in mouse macrophages. We found that P. tenera extract regulates the NF-κB IκB kinase (IKK) signaling pathway, and we assessed the expression and translocation of p65, a subunit of NF-κB, in RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells after treatment with PTE. We also investigated the effects of 10% ethanol PTE (PTE10) in RAW264.7 cells. The production of IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ was induced by PTE treatment of the macrophages, and PTE also enhanced p-IκB and p-AKT. PTE10 showed no cytotoxicity at 10-20 µg/mL in RAW264.7 cells. PTE10, in fact, increased cell viability at 24 h, stimulated macrophage cells, and induced the phosphorylation of Akt. Akt stimulates IKK activity through the phosphorylation of IKKα and enhances immune activity through the activation of NF-κB. In this study, NF-κB activation was induced by increasing p-NF-κB and p-IKK. A subunit of NF-κB, p65, was located in the nucleus and increased the expression of various cytokines. PTE thus enhanced the immune response through IκB-α immunostimulation signaling in RAW264.7 cells. PTE10 has potential therefore for development of future treatments requiring immune system stimulation.

The Effects of Costaria costata Extracts on Atopic Dermatitis in an In Vitro Model.

We have provided a protocol for establishing an atopic dermatitis (AD) in vitro model, and evaluated the effects of Costaria costata (CC) extracts on AD in an in vitro model using keratinocytes and splenocytes from AD-induced mice and mast cells. HaCaT cells were each treated with 200 µg/mL of CC water extract (CCW), CC 10% ethanol extract (CCE10%), and CC 70% ethanol extract (CCE70%), immediately followed by stimulation with 20 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and 20 ng/mL interferon (IFN)-γ for inflammation. The splenocytes from AD-induced mice were each treated with 200 µg/mL of CCW, CCE10%, and CCE70%, followed by stimulation with 5 µg/mL ConA or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to induce T cell or B-cell activation, and 5 µg/mL LPS and 50 ng/mL interleukin-4, to induce immunoglobulin (Ig) E production. We investigated the effects of CCW, CCE10%, and CCE70% on the production of histamine in PMA, and A23187-stimulated MC/9 cells. We found that treatments with CC extracts decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines in TNF-α and IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells, and the suppression of the imbalance of Th1/Th2 cytokines and IgE production on primary splenocytes. In addition, CC extracts resulted in a decrease in histamine release in the PMA and A23187-simulated MC/9 cells. According to our present results, we can conclude that CC extracts may be effective for the treatment of other allergy diseases, and AD, via the attenuation of allergic reactions.

Effect of Ethanol Extract of Canavalia gladiata on Endurance Swimming Capacity in Mice.

The effects of Canavalia gladiata ethanolic extract on endurance swimming capacity were evaluated in a mouse model. The mice were orally administered distilled water (CON), hot water extract (CGW), or 80% ethanol extract (CGE). The swimming time to exhaustion was significantly prolonged in the CGE group. Of the three groups, the CGE showed the lowest blood lactate and the highest nonesterified fatty acid and muscle glycogen levels. These results suggest that the administration of CGE could improve endurance swimming capacity by enhancing lipid catabolism and thereby preserving glycogen stores.