The bone-protective benefits of amino-conjugated calcium in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model.

Low bone density, fragility, and microarchitectural disintegration are the symptoms of osteoporosis. An imbalance between bone growth and resorption can lead to osteoporosis. This study evaluated the effects of amino-calcium (AC) on bone protection in ovariectomized control group (NC) rats. Amino-calcium (AC) was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analyses (NMR). After determining the biocompatibility of amino-calcium (AC) with MC3T3-E1 cells, alkaline phosphatase staining revealed significant changes on day 7. Three of the four groups underwent ovariectomy, whereas one group received a placebo. On micro-computed tomography, in vivo, data showed increased bone volume fraction in the femoral head and shaft areas in the amino-calcium (AC) group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed a bone mass and architectural protection in the amino-calcium (AC) group compared with the calcium carbonate and OVX control group. RNA sequencing analysis revealed high expression of osteogenesis-related genes in MC3T3-E1 cells. RNA sequencing revealed a significant fold change in the expression of integrin-binding sialoprotein (IBSP), bone gamma-carboxyglutamate proteins 1 and 2(BGLAP1 and BGLAP2), and periostin (POSTN). The study concluded that supplementing the OVX rats with calcium enhanced bone protection.

Berberine Induces Autophagic Cell Death by Inactivating the Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway.

The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing over the past decades, and melanoma is considered highly malignant because of its high rate of metastasis. Plant-derived berberine, an isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid, has been reported to possess multiple pharmacological effects against various types of cancer cells. Therefore, we treated melanoma B16F10 cells with berberine to induce cell death and understand the cell death mechanisms. The berberine-treated cells showed decreased cell viability, according to berberine concentration. However, western blot analysis of apoptosis-related marker proteins showed that the expression of Bcl-2, an apoptosis inhibitory protein, and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were increased. Therefore, by adding 3-methyladenine to the berberine-treated cells, we investigated whether the reduced cell viability was due to autophagic cell death. The results showed that 3-methyladenine restored the cell viability decreased by berberine, suggesting autophagy. To clarify autophagic cell death, we performed transmission electron microscopy analysis, which revealed the presence of autophagosomes and autolysosomes in the cells after treatment with berberine. Next, by analyzing the expression of autophagy-related proteins, we found an increase in the levels of light chain 3A-II and Atg12-Atg5 complex in the berberine-treated cells. We then assessed the involvement of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and found that berberine inhibited the expression of phosphorylated Akt and mTOR. Our data demonstrated that berberine induces autophagic cell death by inactivating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in melanoma cells and that berberine can be used as a possible target for the development of anti-melanoma drugs.

The Potential Anti-Photoaging Effect of Photodynamic Therapy Using Chlorin e6-Curcumin Conjugate in UVB-Irradiated Fibroblasts and Hairless Mice.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used to treat cancers and non-malignant skin diseases. In this study, a chlorin e6-curcumin conjugate (Ce6-PEG-Cur), a combination of chlorin e6 (Ce6) and curcumin via a PEG linker, was used as a photosensitizer. The in vitro and in vivo effects of PDT using Ce6-PEG-Cur were analyzed in UVB-irradiated fibroblasts and hairless mice. The UVB-induced expression of MMPs was reduced in Hs68 fibroblast cells, and procollagen type Ⅰ expression was enhanced by Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT on a Western blotting gel. Moreover, UVB-induced collagen levels were restored upon application of Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT. Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT inhibited the expression of phosphorylated p38 in the MAPK signaling pathway, and it reduced the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB. In animal models, Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT inhibited the expression of MMPs, whereas procollagen type Ⅰ levels were enhanced in the dorsal skin of UVB-irradiated mice. Moreover, UVB-induced dorsal roughness was significantly reduced following Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT treatment. H&E staining and Masson's trichrome staining showed that the thickness of the epidermal region was reduced, and the density of collagen fibers increased. Taken together, Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT might delay and improve skin photoaging by ultraviolet light, suggesting its potential for use as a more effective photo-aging treatment.

Sedative-Hypnotic Activity of the Water Extracts of Coptidis Rhizoma in Rodents.

Many medicinal plants have been used in Asia for treating a variety of mental diseases, including insomnia and depression. However, their sedative-hypnotic effects and mechanisms have not been clarified yet. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to investigate the sedative-hypnotic effects of water extracts of five medicinal plants: Coptidis Rhizoma, Lycii Fructus, Angelicae sinensis Radix, Bupleuri Radix, and Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg. The binding abilities of five medicinal plant extracts to the GABAA-BZD and 5-HT2C receptors were compared. Their abilities to activate arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), a melatonin synthesis enzyme, in pineal cells were also determined. Following in vitro tests, the sedative and hypnotic activities of extracts with the highest activities were determined in an animal sleep model. In the binding assay, the water extracts of Coptidis Rhizoma (WCR) showed high binding affinity to the GABAA-BZD and 5-HT2C receptors in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, WCR increased the AANAT activity up to five times compared with the baseline level. Further animal sleep model experiments showed that WCR potentiated pentobarbital-induced sleep by prolonging the sleep time. It also decreased the sleep onset time in mice. In addition, WCR reduced wake time and increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep without EEG power density (percentages of δ, θ, and α waves) during NREM sleep in rats. WCR could effectively induce NREM sleep without altering the architectural physiologic profile of sleep. This is the first report of the sedative-hypnotic effect of Coptidis Rhizoma possibly by regulating GABAA and 5-HT2C receptors and by activating AANAT activity.

A qualitative study on the experience of acupuncture treatment in infertile women.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to record and analyze the experiences of infertile women who underwent acupuncture treatment. METHODS: This is a qualitative study in which in-depth interviews were conducted with women who underwent acupuncture as a treatment for infertility from the viewpoint of phenomenology, a method of understanding human behavior in the general human and social context, and grasping the nature of the experience in depth. The study participants were 12 women who had been receiving acupuncture treatment for infertility for more than 3 months. RESULTS: After analyzing the statements of the participants' experiences, the main concerns regarding infertility were "embarrassed by unexpected infertility," "overwhelmed with negative feelings," "blocking and defense," "sex as a duty," and "repeatition of expectations and failures." Significant statements regarding acupuncture treatments were "body warmth," "becoming a body," "care of the mind," "last trust and hope," and "difficulties of waiting." The experience with supporter was love-hate relationships, and the experience of the children's meaning was expressed as "precious beings in life." CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that acupuncture treatment for infertility in women results in positive thinking through changes in the body as well as through increased hope. Participants experienced a feeling of warmth in their bodies, regular menstrual cycle, and reduced fatigue through acupuncture treatment, indicating a state of psychological stability.

Acupuncture attenuates alcohol dependence through activation of endorphinergic input to the nucleus accumbens from the arcuate nucleus.

A withdrawal-associated impairment in ß-endorphin neurotransmission in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus is associated with alcohol dependence characterized by a chronic relapsing disorder. Although acupuncture activates ß-endorphin neurons in the ARC projecting to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a role for ARC ß-endorphin neurons in alcohol dependence and acupuncture effects has not been examined. Here, we show that acupuncture at Shenmen (HT7) points attenuates behavioral manifestation of alcohol dependence by activating endorphinergic input to the NAc from the ARC. Acupuncture attenuated ethanol withdrawal tremor, anxiety-like behaviors, and ethanol self-administration in ethanol-dependent rats, which are mimicked by local injection of ß-endorphin into the NAc. Acupuncture also reversed the decreased ß-endorphin levels in the NAc and a reduction of neuronal activity in the ARC during ethanol withdrawal. These results suggest that acupuncture may provide a novel, potential treatment strategy for alcohol use disorder by direct activation of the brain pathway.

Kaempferia parviflora Extract as a Potential Anti-Acne Agent with Anti-Inflammatory, Sebostatic and Anti-Propionibacterium acnes Activity.

Kaempferia parviflora, referred to as black ginger, has traditionally been used as a health-promoting alternative medicine. In this study, we examined the anti-inflammatory, sebostatic, and anti-Propionibacterium acnes activities of K. parviflora extract. The extract significantly down-regulated the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level. Moreover, the phosphorylation of IĸBα and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and the enhanced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophage-like cell line (RAW 264.7) cells were markedly decreased by the extract. Notably, the main component of K. parviflora, 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, also modulated the expression of iNOS and NF-κB signal molecules in P. acnes-stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Additionally, K. parviflora extract inhibited the lipogenesis of sebocytes, as evidenced by a reduced level of triglyceride and lipid accumulation in the sebocytes. The sebostatic effect was also confirmed by a reduced expression of peroxisome proliferation-activating receptors (PPAR-γ) and oil-red O staining in sebocytes. Taken together, this study suggests for the first time that K. parviflora extract could be developed as a potential natural anti-acne agent with anti-inflammatory, sebostatic, and anti-P. acnes activity.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Populus deltoides Leaf Extract via Modulating NF-κB and p38/JNK Pathways.

Populus deltoides, known as eastern cottonwood, has been commonly used as a medicinal plant. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of P. deltoides leaf extract (PLE). PLE effectively inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, but not that of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2. Proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were also reduced by the extract. PLE inhibited the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inhibitor of Kappa Bα (IκBα), and blunted LPS-triggered enhanced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, PLE effectively decreased the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), but not of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Taken together, these results suggest that anti-inflammatory activity of P. deltoides leaf extract might be driven by iNOS and NO inhibition mediated by modulation of the NF-κB and p38/JNK signaling pathways.

The ameliorative effect of hemp seed hexane extracts on the Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammation and lipogenesis in sebocytes.

In this study, we investigated the anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-lipogenic effects of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed hexane extracts, focusing on the Propionibacterium acnes-triggered inflammation and lipogenesis. Hemp seed hexane extracts (HSHE) showed anti-microbial activity against P. acnes. The expression of iNOS, COX-2, and the subsequent production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin increased after infection of P. acnes in HaCaT cells, however, upon treating with HSHE, their expressions were reduced. P. acnes-induced expressions of IL-1ß and IL-8 were also reduced. HSHE exerted anti-inflammatory effects by regulating NF-κB and MAPKs signaling and blunting the translocation of p-NF-κB to the nucleus in P. acnes-stimulated HaCaT cells. Moreover, P. acnes-induced phosphorylation of ERK and JNK, and their downstream targets c-Fos and c-Jun, was also inhibited by HSHE. In addition, the transactivation of AP-1 induced by P. acnes infection was also downregulated by HSHE. Notably, HSHE regulated inflammation and lipid biosynthesis via regulating AMPK and AKT/FoxO1 signaling in IGF-1-induced inflammation and lipogenesis of sebocytes. In addition, HSHE inhibited 5-lipoxygenase level and P. acnes-induced MMP-9 activity, and promoted collagen biosynthesis in vitro. Thus, HSHE could be utilized to treat acne vulgaris, through its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipogenic, and collagen-promoting properties.

The Effects of Aromatherapy on Intensive Care Unit Patients' Stress and Sleep Quality: A Nonrandomised Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Stress has both physiological and psychological effects and can negatively impact patients' treatment and recovery. We examined whether the aromatherapy alleviated patients' stress and improved their sleep quality and provided data that can be utilized in clinical settings. METHODS: This was a nonrandomised controlled experimental study. Participants included lucid adult patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and had spent more than two nights there. The experimental treatment required participants to engage in deep breathing with essential oils as part of the aromatherapy. The control group was instructed to go to sleep without receiving the lavender aroma oil. RESULTS: The experimental group and control group showed a significant difference in perceived stress (F = 60.11, p < .001), objective stress index (F = 25.65, p < .001), systolic blood pressure (F = 9.09, p < .001), diastolic blood pressure (F = 2.47, p = .046), heart rate (F = 5.71, p < .001), and sleep quality (F = 109.46, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that aromatherapy alleviated stress and improved sleep quality in intensive care unit patients after 2 days of the experimental treatment. These results demonstrate that aromatherapy affects stress and sleep quality, thus indicating its value in nursing interventions. This trial is registered with KCT0002344.

Oxidation Stability of O/W Emulsion Prepared with Linolenic Acid Enriched Diacylglycerol.

The sn-1,3-regiospecific Rhizomucor miehei lipase (Lipozyme RM IM) was employed to produce structured diacylglycerol (SL-DAG), which contained 67.3 mol% DAG with 27.2 area% of C18:3. To investigate the oxidative stability of the SL-DAG in emulsion form, 5% oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were prepared with 200 and 400 ppm sinapic acid. It was shown that the hydroperoxide values of the control (without any antioxidant) was the highest (117.7 meq/L) on day 43 of storage and thereafter the value decreased. However, the emulsions with 200 and 400 ppm sinapic acid resulted in slow oxidation degree until day 64 of storage (30.3 and 7.3 meq/L, respectively). Aldehyde measurements for the 200 ppm sinapic acid emulsion (12.8 mmol/mol) and the 400 ppm sinapic acid emulsion (7.5 mmol/mol) also showed better oxidative stability than that for the 200 ppm catechin emulsion (27.4 mmol/mol) and the control (52.7 mmol/mol). Although the SL-DAG in the emulsions contains high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the degree of oxidation in the emulsions can be reduced when sinapic acid is used as an antioxidant.

Application of Partial Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequences for the Discrimination of Artemisia capillaris from Other Artemisia Species.

Several Artemisia species are used as herbal medicines including the dried aerial parts of Artemisia capillaris, which are used as Artemisiae Capillaris Herba (known as "Injinho" in Korean medicinal terminology and "Yin Chen Hao" in Chinese). In this study, we developed tools for distinguishing between A. capillaris and 11 other Artemisia species that grow and/or are cultured in China, Japan, and Korea. Based on partial nucleotide sequences in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) that differ between the species, we designed primers to amplify a DNA marker for A. capillaris. In addition, to detect other Artemisia species that are contaminants of A. capillaris, we designed primers to amplify DNA markers of A. japonica, A. annua, A. apiacea, and A. anomala. Moreover, based on random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis, we confirmed that primers developed in a previous study could be used to identify Artemisia species that are sources of Artemisiae Argyi Folium and Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba. By using these primers, we found that multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was a reliable tool to distinguish between A. capillaris and other Artemisia species and to identify other Artemisia species as contaminants of A. capillaris in a single PCR.

In vitro studies on anti-obesity activity of Korean Memilmuk through AMPK activation.

The anti-obesity effect of Korean traditional food, Memilmuk, was examined through inhibition of differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by buckwheat flour extract. Oil-Red O staining showed that lipid accumulation in adipocytes was reduced upon adding buckwheat flour extract, indicating effective inhibition of adipocyte differentiation. Buckwheat flour extract also inhibited the expression of adipogenic transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an intracellular regulator of energy balance. Overall, the anti-obesity effect of Korean Memilmuk might be mediated through down-regulation of PPARγ expression via AMPK activation by buckwheat flour.

Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem confers increased resistance to environmental stresses and lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Acanthopanax sessiliflorus is a native Korean plant and used as traditional medicine or an ingredient in many Korean foods. The free radical theory of aging suggests that cellular oxidative stress caused by free radicals is the main cause of aging. Free radicals can be removed by cellular anti-oxidants. MATERIALS/METHODS: Here, we examined the anti-oxidant activity of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus extract both in vitro and in vivo. Survival of nematode C. elegans under stress conditions was also compared between control and Acanthopanax sessiliflorus extract-treated groups. Then, anti-aging effect of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus extract was monitored in C. elegans. RESULTS: Stem extract significantly reduced oxidative DNA damage in lymphocyte, which was not observed by leaves or root extract. Survival of C. elegans under oxidative-stress conditions was significantly enhanced by Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem extract. In addition, Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem increased resistance to other environmental stresses, including heat shock and ultraviolet irradiation. Treatment with Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem extract significantly extended both mean and maximum lifespan in C. elegans. However, fertility was not affected by Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem. CONCLUSION: Different parts of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus have different bioactivities and stem extract have strong anti-oxidant activity in both rat lymphocytes and C. elegans, and conferred a longevity phenotype without reduced reproduction in C. elegans, which provides conclusive evidence to support the free radical theory of aging.

Neuroprotective effects of Psoralea corylifolia Linn seed extracts on mitochondrial dysfunction induced by 3-nitropropionic acid.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in neuronal apoptosis associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease (HD). Animals that are administered 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), a mitochondrial toxin that specifically inhibits complex II of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, manifest HD-like symptoms. METHODS: Psoralea corylifolia Linn seed extracts against 3-NP induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, which are used for neurobiological studies. RESULTS: In this study showed that 3-NP-treated PC12 cells had decreased ATP levels, lower cellular oxygen consumption, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential than those of untreated PC12 cells. Psoralea corylifolia Linn seed extracts stimulated mitochondrial respiration with uncoupling and induced an increased bioenergetic reserve capacity. Furthermore, PC12 cells pretreated with P. corylifolia Linn seed extracts significantly attenuated 3-NP-induced cell death, reduced ATP levels, and lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that P. corylifolia Linn seed extracts have a significant protective effect against 3-NP induced cytotoxicity. Thus, our results indicate that P. corylifolia Linn seed extracts may have potential applications as therapeutic agents for treating neurodegenerative disease.

Effect of the semen extract of Cuscuta chinensis on inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia.

AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of the semen extract of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (Cuscutae Semen; CS) on the production of inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin 2 (PGE2), and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglia. METHOD: BV-2 cells were treated with CS extract for 30 min, and then stimulated with LPS or without for 24 h. The levels of NO, PGE2 and proinflammatory cytokines were measured by Griess assay and ELISA. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA and protein was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and the nuclear expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 were investigated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: CS extract significantly decreased the production of NO and PGE2 by suppressing the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in activated microglia. CS extract decreased the production of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 by down-regulating their transcription levels. In addition, CS extract suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK, and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in activated microglia. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that CS extract is capable of suppressing the inflammatory response by microglia activation, suggesting that CS extract has potential in the treatment of brain inflammation.

Psoralea corylifolia L. seed extract ameliorates streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice by inhibition of oxidative stress.

Pancreatic beta-cell death is known to be the cause of deficient insulin production in diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of beta-cell death. In this study, we investigated the effects of Psoralea corylifolia L. seed (PCS) extract on beta-cell death. Oral administration of PCS extract resulted in a significant improvement of hyperglycemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. PCS extract treatment improved glucose tolerance and increased serum insulin levels. To study the mechanisms involved, we investigated the effects of PCS extract on H2O2-induced apoptosis in INS-1 cells. Treatment with PCS extract inhibited cell death. PCS extract treatment decreased reactive oxygen species level and activated antioxidative enzymes. Among the major components of PCS extract, psoralen and isopsoralen (coumarins), but not bakuchiol, showed preventive effects against H2O2-induced beta-cell death. These findings indicate that PCS extract may be a potential pharmacological agent to protect against pancreatic beta-cell damage caused by oxidative stress associated with diabetes.

Factors Related to Sleep Disorders among Male Firefighters.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with sleep disorders in male firefighters working in a metropolitan city in South Korea. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form, Psychosocial Well-Being Index-Short Form, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and Beck-Depression Inventory-2 as well as surveys collecting socio-demographic characteristics and work-related factors were given to 730 male firefighters. After exclusion for missing data, 657 male firefighters were included, and logistic regression analysis adjusted for the work-related factors, psychosocial factors, and general risk factors were used to assess the relationship between sleep disorders and associated factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of sleep disorders was 48.7%. Shift work (adjusted OR 1.58, 95% CI = 1.02-2.45), musculoskeletal symptoms (adjusted OR 2.89, 95% CI = 2.02-4.14), and depression (adjusted OR 7.04 95% CI = 4.03-12.30) were associated with sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal symptoms, shift work, and depression are associated with sleep disorders. Integrated health management is needed to promote good sleep quality among firefighters.

Protective Role of Psoralea corylifolia L. Seed Extract against Hepatic Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induced by Oxidative Stress or Aging.

The accumulation of oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction is an important factor that contributes to aging. The Psoralea corylifolia seeds (PCS), commonly known as "Boh-Gol-Zhee" in Korea, have been used traditionally as a medicinal remedy. We investigated whether an extract of PCS has protective effects on oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in hepatocytes. The PCS extract showed an antisenescence effect on human diploid fibroblasts as evidenced by a decreased expression of p16(INK4a) mRNA and senescence-associated ß -galactosidase staining. PCS extract treatment reduced H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HepG2 cells, inhibited ROS production in hepatocytes of aged mice, and increased superoxide dismutase activity. In H2O2-treated HepG2 cells, PCS extract treatment recovered ATP production. PCS extract treatment recovered the oxygen consumption rate and inhibited reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by oxidative stress, suggesting improvement of mitochondrial function. In addition, PCS extract treatment recovered peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1 α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 mRNA and protein expression, and inhibited mitochondrial genome damage. Treatment with the major component of PCS extract, bakuchiol, also recovered mitochondrial dysfunction. On the basis of these results, we conclude that PCS extract inhibits ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in hepatocytes.

Protection from antimycin A-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by Nelumbo nucifera seed extracts.

Antimycin A (AMA) damages the mitochondria through inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport. In this study, exposure of L6 rat skeletal muscle cells to AMA induced a decrease in ATP content, followed by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to apoptosis. We evaluated the protective effects of water and ethanol extracts of Nelumbo nucifera seeds on L6 cells with AMA-induced oxidative stress. We found that the extracts reduced cellular apoptosis; preserved the mitochondrial membrane potential; protected mitochondrial ATP production; inhibited p53, Bax, and caspase 3 activities; and induced Bcl-2 production. Our results suggested that AMA induced apoptosis in L6 cells via impairment of mitochondrial function. N. nucifera extracts protected the cells from this mitochondria-mediated cell death.