Cardiovascular Events According to Inhaler Therapy and Comorbidities in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: COPD coexists with many concurrent comorbidities. Cardiovascular complications are deemed to be major causes of death in COPD. Although inhaler therapy is the main therapeutic intervention in COPD, cardiovascular events accompanying inhaler therapy require further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate new development of cardiovascular events according to each inhaler therapy and comorbidities. Methods: This study analyzed COPD patients (age ≥ 40 years, N = 199,772) from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database in Korea. The development of cardiovascular events, from the index date to December 31, 2020, was investigated. The cohort was eventually divided into three arms: the LAMA/LABA group (N = 28,322), the ICS/LABA group (N = 11,812), and the triple group (LAMA/ICS/LABA therapy, N = 6174). Results: Multivariable Cox analyses demonstrated that, compared to ICS/LABA therapy, triple therapy was independently associated with the development of ischemic heart disease (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.04-1.43), heart failure (HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.14-1.84), arrhythmia (HR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.41-2.09), and atrial fibrillation/flutter (HR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.64-3.25), whereas the LAMA/LABA therapy did not show a significant association. Furthermore, emergency room visit during covariate assessment window was independently associated with the development of ischemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and atrial fibrillation/flutter (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our data suggest that cardiovascular risk should be considered in COPD patients receiving triple therapy, despite the confounding bias resulting from disparities in each group.

Combined effect of heating temperature and content of pectin on the textural properties, rheology, and 3D printability of potato starch gel.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is one of the emerging techniques which fabricates customized foods with desired sensory characteristics. Rheological properties of 3D printing materials are vitally important in printability which govern the flowability and structural stability. Due to its unique gel-forming characteristics, potato starch has been extensively used in myriad food applications, such as 3D printing. However, little attention has been paid to the combined effect of heating temperature and pectin addition on the properties of potato starch gels. Thus, this study investigated the impact of different pectin contents (1, 1.5, and 2 %) on printability and the rheological and textural properties of potato starch gels heated at different temperatures (70, 80, and 90 °C). The gel heating temperature governs pectin-driven modifications in potato starch gels. Pectin addition increased the 3D printability, viscosity, storage modulus, hardness, gumminess, and springiness of starch gel at higher temperatures (80 °C and 90 °C). In contrast, at lower temperatures (70 °C), pectin addition decreased printability, viscosity, storage modulus, hardness, gumminess, and springiness. Therefore, the gel heating temperature influences the impact of pectin on printability, rheology, and textural properties. Accordingly, the combined effects of pectin and heating temperature should be considered in pectin-based 3D food-printing ink formulations.

Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Hip Flexibility and Pain in Taekwondo Participants: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In sports, hip flexibility is essential to reduce injuries and improve performance. AIM: This study aimed to examine the effects of auricular acupressure on hip flexibility and pain in Taekwondo participants. METHOD: This randomized controlled trial was performed in the Republic of Korea from January 2021 to August 2021. The Numeric Rating Scale for Pain and Hip Flexibility was used. Twenty-one participants received auricular pressure once weekly for six weeks, while 17 participants did not receive any intervention. Auricular acupressure was applied to the hip (AH13), Shinmun, and auricular acupressure points associated with the pain areas reported by the participants. RESULTS: Auricular acupressure improved hip flexibility (t = 2.67, p = .011) and back pain (t = 2.11, p = .043). The mean difference in post-pretest hip flexibility in the experimental group was 16.24 degrees (±13.63), whereas that in the control group was 4.77 degrees (±15.07). The mean difference in the experimental group's pre-post-test scores of back pain was 1.24 (±2.64), whereas that in the control group was 0.18 (±1.41). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that auricular acupressure could be used to treat pain and improve hip flexibility.

Inhibitory effects of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban on enlarged prostate through androgen receptor and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (C. asiatica) is a traditional herbal medicine that has been used for wound healing and anti-inflammation since ancient times. Various biological effects of C. asiatica ethanolic extract (CAE) were previously reported. However, in our previous study, C. asiatica aqueous extract (CAA) exhibited higher inhibitory activity on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) than CAE. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CAA on BPH, and elucidate the inhibitory mechanism through in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as metabolite analysis of CAA. A BPH rat model was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (TP, 3 mg kg-1) dissolved in corn oil for 4 weeks after castration. The experimental group, the CAA treatment group, was orally administered CAA (100 mg kg-1) for 4 weeks while inducing prostatic hyperplasia. Saw palmetto extract (Saw, 100 mg kg-1) and Finasteride (Fi, 1 mg kg-1) were used as positive controls and were administered orally for 4 weeks. CAA significantly inhibited androgen receptor signaling related factors overexpressed by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment in prostate cell lines. Afterwards, the testosterone-induced BPH model was used to verify the alleviation efficacy of CAA in prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate size and the thickness of the prostate tissue epithelium were significantly decreased in the group treated with CAA compared to those in the BPH group. The results of protein expression in the prostate tissue confirmed that CAA inhibited androgen receptor signaling in BPH and decreased the expression of growth factors. Moreover, CAA suppressed the expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway and cell proliferation-related factors compared to the BPH group. Taken together, these results indicate that CAA improves the inhibitory efficacy of BPH by inhibiting the androgen receptor and PI3K/Akt pathways, suggesting that CAA may be a promising candidate for biopharmaceutical formulations of BPH.

Comparative Analysis of Metabolite Profiling of Momordica charantia Leaf and the Anti-Obesity Effect through Regulating Lipid Metabolism.

This study investigated the effects of Momordica charantia (M. charantia) extract in obesity and abnormal lipid metabolism in mice fed high fat diet (HFD). Fruit, root, stem, and leaf extracts of M. charantia were obtained using distilled water, 70% ethanol and 95% hexane. M. charantia leaf distilled water extract (MCLW) showed the highest antioxidant activity in both 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity tests and reducing power. Metabolite profiles of M. charantia leaf extracts were analyzed for identification of bioactive compounds. HFD-fed mice were treated with MCLW (oral dose of 200 mg/kg/d) for 4 weeks. MCLW reduced lipid accumulation, body weight, organ weight, and adipose tissue volume and significantly improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in HFD mice. Furthermore, MCLW administration reduced serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with HFD mice. Moreover, MCLW significantly reduced the levels of serum urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase; alleviated liver and kidney injury. MCLW decreases expression of genes that fatty acid synthesis; increase the expression of catabolic-related genes. These results indicate that MCLW has an inhibitory effect on obese induced by high fat diet intake, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of abnormal lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissue, suggesting that MCLW may be a suitable candidate for the treatment of obesity.

Nutritional Strategies to Optimize Performanceand Recovery in Rowing Athletes.

Rowing is a high-intensity sport requiring a high level of aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Although good nutrition is essential for successful performance in a rowing competition, its significance is not sufficiently established. This review aimed to provide nutritional strategies to optimize performance and recovery in rowing athletes based on a literature review. Following the guidelines given in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we performed web searches using online databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, ACS Publications, and SciFinder). Typically, a rowing competition involves a 6-8-min high-intensity exercise on a 2000-m course. The energy required for the exercise is supplied by muscle-stored glycogens, which are derived from carbohydrates. Therefore, rowing athletes can plan their carbohydrate consumption based on the intensity, duration, and type of training they undergo. For effective and safe performance enhancement, rowing athletes can take supplements such as ß-alanine, caffeine, ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyric acid (HMB), and beetroot juice (nitrate). An athlete may consume carbohydrate-rich foods or use a carbohydrate mouth rinse. Recovery nutrition is also very important to minimize the risk of injury or unexplained underperformance syndrome (UUPS) from overuse. It must take into account refueling (carbohydrate), rehydration (fluid), and repair (protein). As lightweight rowing athletes often attempt acute weight loss by limiting food and fluid intake to qualify for a competition, they require personalized nutritional strategies and plans based on factors such as their goals and environment. Training and competition performance can be maximized by including nutritional strategies in training plans.

Inhibitory Effect of Centella asiatica Extract on DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in HaCaT Cells and BALB/c Mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused mainly by immune dysregulation. This study explored the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of the Centella asiatica ethanol extract (CA) on an AD-like dermal disorder. Treatment with CA inhibited the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in a dose-dependent manner in inflammatory stimulated HaCaT cells by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and TNF-α-triggered inflammation. Eight-week-old BALB/c mice treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) were used as a mouse model of AD. In AD induce model, we had two types treatment of CA; skin local administration (80 µg/cm2, AD+CA-80) and oral administration (200 mg/kg/d, AD+CA-200). Interestingly, the CA-treated groups exhibited considerably decreased mast cell infiltration in the ear tissue. In addition, the expression of IL-6 in mast cells, as well as the expression of various pathogenic cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, iNOS, COX-2, and CXCL9, was reduced in both AD+CA-80 and AD+CA-200 groups. Collectively, our data demonstrate the pharmacological role and signaling mechanism of CA in the regulation of allergic inflammation of the skin, which supports our hypothesis that CA could potentially be developed as a therapeutic agent for AD.

Metabolomic Analysis of Morus Cultivar Root Extracts and Their Ameliorative Effect on Testosterone-Induced Prostate Enlargement in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

We investigated the metabolite changes of Morus roots (MRs) according to different cultivar families (Simheung, Daesim, Cheong-il, Sangchon, Daeseong, Suhong, Suwon, and Igsu) using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) to understand the relationship between different cultivars and metabolite changes. Data were analyzed by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and samples were successfully separated in PLS-DA scores. Eight metabolites in the electrospray ionization (ESI)-positive mode and 16 metabolites in the ESI-negative mode contributed to the separation in PLS-DA. Our data suggest that comparative analysis of MR metabolites according to different cultivars is useful to better understand the relationship between the different cultivars and metabolite changes. Furthermore, we analyzed the MRs for their ability to improve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). LNCaP cells were used to evaluate the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) inhibitory activity of MRs, and, amongst them, the extract with the highest activity was selected. Igsu demonstrated the highest inhibition effect of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression among the MR cultivars. Igsu was also evaluated by administration in a testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia model in Sprague-Dawley rats. Igsu was shown to ameliorate BPH as evidenced by the prostate index, expression of androgen receptor (AR) signaling-related protein, growth factors, cell proliferation-related proteins, apoptosis-related proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling proteins, and histological analysis. Hence, this study strongly suggests that Igsu may have a beneficial effect of on BPH.

Efficacy and Mechanism of Polymerized Anthocyanin from Grape-Skin Extract on High-Fat-Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

We investigated the therapeutic potential of polymerized anthocyanin (PA) on a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model in mice. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to establish the NAFLD mouse model and randomly divided into four groups: control diet (con), NAFLD mice treated with saline (NAFLD), NAFLD mice treated with PA (PA), and NAFLD mice treated with orlistat (Orlistat) for four weeks. Mice were euthanized at the end of the four weeks. Total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were estimated, and pathological changes in the liver, white adipose tissue, and signaling pathways related to lipid metabolism were evaluated. Results revealed that the body, liver, and white fat weight of the NAFLD group was significantly increased compared to that of the con group, while that of the PA group showed significant reduction. NAFLD led to an increase in blood lipids in mice (except for HDL). Conversely, PA effectively reduced TC and LDL-C. Compared to the control group, the degree of steatosis in the mice of PA group was decreased. Moreover, PA also regulated the NAFLD signaling pathway. In agreement with improved lipid deposition, PA supplementation inhibited the activation of inflammatory pathways, depressing oxidative stress through increased antioxidant levels, and increasing ß-oxidation to inhibit mitochondrial dysfunction. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PA can improve the liver function of NAFLD mice, regulating blood lipids, reducing liver-fat accumulation, and regulating lipid metabolism.

Effect of Paecilomyces tenuipes Extract on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the major public health concerns, which has a high prevalence rate and causes significant decline in men's quality of life. BPH is highly related to sexual hormone metabolism and aging. In particular, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), to which testosterone is modified by 5α-reductase (5AR), has a significant effect on BPH development. DHT binds to an androgen receptor (AR) and steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC-1); then, it induces the proliferation of a prostate cell and expression of prostate specific antigen (PSA). Paecilomyces tenuipes (P. tenuipes) is a mushroom that has been popularized by the artificial cultivation of fruiting bodies based on silkworms by researchers from the Republic of Korea. In a previous study, we identified the effect of PE on PSA mRNA expression in LNCaP cells. This suggests that PE may have an inhibitory effect on androgen signaling. Therefore, we confirmed the expression of androgen signaling-related factors, such as AR, SRC-1, and PSA in LNCaP. Furthermore, we confirmed the androgen signaling inhibitory effect of PE using the testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH rat model. A BPH rat model was established with a four-week treatment of daily subcutaneous injections of testosterone propionate (TP, 3 mg/kg) dissolved in corn oil after castration. The rats in the treatment group were orally gavaged P. tenuipes extract (PE), finasteride (Fi), or saw palmetto extract (Saw) with TP injection. DHT induced an increase in the expression levels of AR, SRC-1, and PSA proteins in LNCaP cells. On the contrary, the PE treatment reduced the expression levels. In vivo, the BPH group showed an increase in prostate size compared with the control group. The PE gavaged group showed a decrease in prostate size compared with the BPH group. In addition, the protein expressions of AR, 5AR2, and PSA were significantly lower in the PE gavaged group than BPH group in prostate tissue. These results suggest the beneficial effects of PE on BPH via the modulation of AR signaling pathway.

The Role of Momordica charantia in Resisting Obesity.

Momordica charantia (M. charantia), commonly known as bitter gourd, bitter melon, kugua, balsam pear, or karela, is a tropical and sub-tropical vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It has been used to treat a variety of diseases in the traditional medicine of China, India, and Sri Lanka. Here, we review the anti-obesity effects of various bioactive components of M. charantia established at the cellular and organismal level. We aim to provide links between various bioactive components of M. charantia and their anti-obesity mechanism. An advanced search was conducted on the worldwide accepted scientific databases via electronic search (Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ACS Publications, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, SciFinder, CNKI) database with the query TS = "Momordica charantia" and "obesity". Information was also obtained from International Plant Names Index, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese herbal classic books, online databases, PhD and MSc dissertations, etc. First, studies showing the anti-obesity effects of M. charantia on the cells and on animals were classified. The major bioactive components that showed anti-obesity activities included proteins, triterpenoids, saponins, phenolics, and conjugated linolenic acids. Their mechanisms included inhibition of fat synthesis, promotion of glucose utilization, and stimulation of auxiliary lipid-lowering activity. Finally, we summarized the risks of excessive consumption of M. charantia and the application. Although further research is necessary to explore various issues, this review establishes the therapeutic potential of M. charantia and it is highly promising candidate for the development of anti-obesity health products and medicines.

Cottonseed Oil Protects Against Intestinal Inflammation in Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Dietary products may protect against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through mechanisms such as forming gut microbiota structures and providing substrates for microbial metabolism. Recently, many studies have been conducted on diets that potentially alleviate or suppress IBD development. To assess the efficacy of dietary oils in treating IBD, we examined the protective effects of olive oil, coconut oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Treatment with cottonseed oil or corn oil ameliorated the severity of DSS-induced colitis, alleviating weight loss and preventing the shortening of the intestine. Moreover, cottonseed oil or corn oil treatment significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-17, as well as the expression of oxidative stress markers, including 8-hydroxyguanosine and nitrotyrosine in colon sections, compared with vehicle treatment. Cottonseed oil treatment inhibited intestinal fibrosis by reducing the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen, compared with vehicle treatment in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Cottonseed oil protects against intestinal inflammation and the development of intestinal fibrosis by reducing inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers, and may therefore be useful as a dietary product with therapeutic benefits for IBD.

Lindera glauca (Siebold et Zucc.) Blume Stem Extracts Protect Against tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Induced Oxidative Stress.

In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and protective effect of Lindera glauca stem (LGS) extracts against oxidative stress. We compared antioxidant properties of water extract (LGSW) with ethanol extract (LGSE) by determining the contents responsible for antioxidant activities such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Antioxidant properties were also determined by 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Lipid peroxidation was estimated using ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. Both LGSW and LGSE strongly inhibited lipid peroxidation. Especially, LGSE showed a protective effect through increasing cell viability, decreasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) against tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress in Chang cells. Furthermore, LGSE increased antioxidant related enzyme activities such as catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase gene expression against oxidative stress in a zebrafish model. Our findings suggest that LGSE could be useful for developing potential therapeutic agents with protective effects against oxidative stress.

Phytotherapeutic effects of the fruits of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. on cancer, inflammation, and digestive dysfunction.

Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. belongs to the family Rutaceae in the genus Poncirus. Its fruits are widely used to alleviate symptoms of various disorders. The mature fruit (MF) possesses anticancer and antiinflammatory activities. Extracts of the dried, immature fruit, Poncirus fructus (PF) are widely used as a traditional medicine for ameliorating symptoms of digestive dysfunction in East Asia. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of MF and PF extracts on cancer, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders have been extensively studied in the past decade. This review summarizes recent findings on the anticancer and antiinflammatory effects of MF and the prokinetic effects of PF. Although the therapeutic effects of MF and PF have been clearly elucidated, in-depth further clinical studies are still required to completely verify the clinical efficacy and safety of the fruits of P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.

Predicting treatable traits for long-acting bronchodilators in patients with stable COPD.

PURPOSE: There is currently no measure to predict a treatability of long-acting ß-2 agonist (LABA) or long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to build prediction models for the treatment response to these bronchodilators, in order to determine the most responsive medication for patients with COPD. METHODS: We performed a prospective open-label crossover study, in which each long-acting bronchodilator was given in a random order to 65 patients with stable COPD for 4 weeks, with a 4-week washout period in between. We analyzed 14 baseline clinical traits, expression profiles of 31,426 gene transcripts, and damaged-gene scores of 6,464 genes acquired from leukocytes. The gene expression profiles were measured by RNA microarray and the damaged-gene scores were obtained after DNA exome sequencing. Linear regression analyses were performed to build prediction models after using factor and correlation analyses. RESULTS: Using a prediction model for a LABA, traits found associated with the treatment response were post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second, bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) to salbutamol, expression of three genes (CLN8, PCSK5, and SKP2), and damage scores of four genes (EPG5, FNBP4, SCN10A, and SPTBN5) (R2=0.512, p<0.001). Traits associated with the treatment response to a LAMA were COPD assessment test score, BDR, expression of four genes (C1orf115, KIAA1618, PRKX, and RHOQ) and damage scores of three genes (FBN3, FDFT1, and ZBED6) (R2=0.575, p<0.001). The prediction models consisting only of clinical traits appeared too weak to predict the treatment response, with R2=0.231 for the LABA model and R2=0.121 for the LAMA model. CONCLUSION: Adding the expressions of genes and damaged-gene scores to the clinical traits may improve the predictability of treatment response to long-acting bronchodilators.

Coenzyme Q10 Inhibits Th17 and STAT3 Signaling Pathways to Ameliorate Colitis in Mice.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant substance synthesized in the body. The current study aimed to determine whether CoQ10 suppresses inflammation and inhibits p-STAT3 expression in an experimental colitis mouse model. The mice were orally fed with CoQ10 once a day for 13 days. Histological analysis of the colons was performed by immunohistochemistry. Expression of IL-17, FOXP3, p53, AMPK, and mTOR and activation of p-STAT3 and p-STAT5 in lymph node and spleen tissues were detected by confocal microscopy of stained tissue sections. The relative mRNA expression was measured with real-time PCR, and protein levels were examined by western blot. CoQ10 reduced the disease activity index score and the colon histological score. It also reduced inflammatory mediators in the colon and increased the colon length. The expression of IL-17 and p-STAT3 was decreased with CoQ10 treatment. In contrast, CoQ10 treatment increased the expression of p-AMPK and FOXP3. Expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines was shown to increase in colitis mice treated with CoQ10. These results suggested that CoQ10 may reduce the severity of colitis and suppress inflammation through the inhibition of p-STAT3 and IL-17. These results support the use of CoQ10 as a potential targeted therapy for the treatment of colitis.

Effects of folic acid supplementation on serum homocysteine levels, lipid profiles, and vascular parameters in post-menopausal Korean women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Complications of diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, are associated with increased mortality among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Homocysteine has been recently identified as a predictor of cardiovascular disease-related complications in diabetes. We investigated whether or not supplementation with folic acid tablets can lower homocysteine levels and improve parameters related with vascular complications. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We conducted a non-randomized 8-week trial involving postmenopausal diabetic women (n = 25) supplemented with 800 µg of folic acid (400 µg twice a day) daily. Subjects' serum levels of folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12 were measured, along with vascular function and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. RESULTS: Folic acid supplementation significantly increased serum folate levels (P < 0.0001), reduced homocysteine levels (P < 0.0001), and increased vitamin B12 levels (P = 0.0063). There were significant decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as the ratios of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocities were not altered by supplementation. Changes in serum vitamin B12 after folic acid supplementation were negatively correlated with changes in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. CONCLUSIONS: In this study on postmenopausal Korean women with type 2 diabetes mellitus, folic acid supplementation reduced serum homocysteine levels, increased serum folate and vitamin B12 levels, and lowered lipid parameters.

Moringa oleifera from Cambodia Ameliorates Oxidative Stress, Hyperglycemia, and Kidney Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

Recent reports have shown the antidiabetic effect of Moringa oleifera from various parts of the world. However, M. oleifera from Cambodia has never determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the antidiabetic effect of M. oleifera extract from Cambodia. The leaf ethanolic extract contained flavonoids (31.90 mg/mL), polyphenols (53.03 mg/mL), lycopene (0.042 mg/mL), and ß-carotene (0.170 mg/mL), and possessed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of 92.40, 99.25, and 83.57 TE/µM at 1 mg/mL, respectively. Db/db mice were orally administered the leaf extract (150 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. M. oleifera treatment significantly ameliorated the altered fasting plasma glucose (from 483 to 312 mg/dL), triglyceride (from 42.12 to 23.00 mg/dL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (from 107.21 to 64.25 mg/dL) compared to control group, and increased the insulin levels from 946 ± 92 to 1678 ± 268 pg/mL. The histopathological damage and expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in renal tissue decreased. These results indicate the potential antidiabetic benefits of M. oleifera ethanolic leaf extract.

Immune-Stimulatory Effects of Althaea rosea Flower Extracts through the MAPK Signaling Pathway in RAW264.7 Cells.

Althaea rosea (Linn.) is a medicinal plant from China and Korea that has been traditionally used to control inflammation, to stop bedwetting and as a mouthwash in cases of bleeding gums. Its flowers are employed medicinally for their emollient, demulcent and diuretic properties, which make them useful in chest complaints. Furthermore, a flower extract decoction is used to improve blood circulation, for the treatment of constipation, dysmenorrhoea, haemorrhages, etc. However, the possible mechanisms of the immune-stimulatory effect remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the role of Althaea rosea flower (ARF) extracts in the immune-stimulatory effect of macrophages and the underlying mechanisms of action. ARF water extract (ARFW) could dose-dependently increase NO production and cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). We also found that ARFW significantly increased the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in RAW264.7 cells. Consistent with these results, MAPK protein (JNK, ERK, p38) expression levels were induced after treatment with ARFW. Additionally, ARFW showed a marked increase in the phosphorylation level of IκBα and subsequent IκBα degradation allowing NF-κB nuclear translocation. These results suggest that the immune-stimulatory effect of A. rosea flower extracts is mediated through the translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit into the nucleus from the cytoplasm and subsequent activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and other mediators (iNOS and COX-2), which occurs mainly through MAPK signalling pathway. Thus, we suggest that ARFW could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent useful in the development of immune-stimulatory compounds.