Radical Scavenging-Linked Anti-Obesity Effect of Standardized Ecklonia stolonifera Extract on 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and High-Fat Diet-Fed ICR Mice.

Ecklonia stolonifera, belonging to the Laminariaceae family, is an edible widely distributed perennial brown marine alga that is rich in polyphenols. Dieckol, a bioactive component of the E. stolonifera extract (ESE), is a major phlorotannin compound found only in brown algae. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of ESE to inhibit lipid accumulation caused by oxidative stress in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and high-fat diet-fed obese ICR mice. We report that ESE-treated obese ICR mice, which were fed a high-fat diet, showed reduced whole-body and adipose tissue weights with improved plasma lipid profiles. In vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that ESE inhibited the expression of adipogenesis-related genes associated with fat accumulation through AMP-activated protein kinase activity and increased the expression of lipolysis-related genes. In addition, ESE reduced the expression of enzymes involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes, thereby reducing ROS levels. These findings suggest that ESE possesses strong antioxidant properties and inhibits oxidative stress-induced lipid accumulation by reducing ROS production during adipocyte generation.

Anti-adipogenic Effects of Sulforaphane-rich Ingredient with Broccoli Sprout and Mustard Seed in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes.

Glucoraphanin (GRA) is a precursor of sulforaphane (SFN), which can be synthesized by the enzyme myrosinase. In this study, we developed and validated HPLC analytical methods for the determination of GRA and SFN in mustard seed powder (MSP), broccoli sprout powder (BSP), and the MSP-BSP mixture powder (MBP), and evaluated their anti-adipogenic effects in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We found that the analysis methods were suitable for the determination of GRA and SFN in MSP, BSP, and MBP. The content of GRA in BSP was 131.11 ± 1.84 µmol/g, and the content of SFN in MBP was 162.29 ± 1.24 µmol/g. In addition, BSP and MBP effectively decreased lipid accumulation content without any cytotoxicity. Both BSP and MBP significantly inhibited the expression of adipogenic proteins and increased the expression of proteins related to lipolysis and lipid metabolism. BSP and MBP inhibited the expression of adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and inhibited the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Meanwhile, BSP and MBP also increased the expression of the lipolysis-related proteins, uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). Moreover, MBP exerted anti-adipogenic to a greater extent than BSP in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

A Combined Angelica gigas and Artemisia dracunculus Extract Prevents Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Mice through the Akt/mTOR/FoxO3a Signaling Pathway.

Since skeletal muscle atrophy resulting from various causes accelerates the progression of several diseases, its prevention should help maintain health and quality of life. A range of natural materials have been investigated for their potential preventive effects against muscle atrophy. Here, ethanol extracts of Angelica gigas and Artemisia dracunculus were concentrated and dried, and mixed at a ratio of 7:3 to create the mixture CHDT. We then evaluated the potential for CHDT to prevent muscle atrophy and explored the mechanisms involved. CHDT was orally administered to C57BL/6 mice daily for 30 days, and dexamethasone (Dex) was intraperitoneally injected daily to induce muscle atrophy from 14 days after the start of oral administration. We found that CHDT prevented the Dex-induced reductions in muscle strength, mass, and fiber size, likely by upregulating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, CHDT reduced the Dex-induced increase in the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which directly induce the degradation of muscle proteins. These findings suggest that CHDT could serve as a natural food supplement for the prevention of muscle atrophy.

Anthocyanin-Rich Aronia Berry Extract Mitigates High-Fat and High-Sucrose Diet-Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation by Inhibiting Nuclear Factor-κB Activation.

Obesity-induced inflammation in adipose tissue (AT) promotes the development of metabolic dysregulations by increasing macrophage recruitment in the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). The activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling in macrophages serves as a pivotal mediator of AT inflammatory responses by increasing the expression of proinflammatory genes in obesity. Given the purported anti-inflammatory effects of berry consumption in humans, we evaluated if anthocyanin-rich aronia berry extract (ARN) can prevent obesity-induced AT inflammation in vivo. We also examined whether ARN suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB activation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-fat diet, a high-fat (HF), and high-sucrose (HS) diet or HF/HS diet supplemented with 0.2% ARN (HF/HS + ARN) for 14 weeks. Compared to HF-/HS-fed mice, ARN supplementation tended to decrease fasting serum glucose (P = .07). Furthermore, ARN supplementation significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 in epididymal AT with a concomitant decrease in the expression of Cd11b and Tnfα mRNAs in epididymal SVF isolated, compared with those from HF-/HS-fed mice. Consistent with these in vivo findings, ARN treatment significantly decreased the phosphorylation of p65 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and BMDMs. Moreover, ARN suppressed LPS-induced mRNA expression of inflammation mediators (iNos, Cox-2, Tnfα, Mcp-1, and Il-6) and glycolysis markers (Glut1, G6pdh, and Hk1) in both cell types. Taken together, our in vivo and in vitro results suggest that ARN supplementation may attenuate obesity-induced AT inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and glycolytic pathway in macrophages.

Effects of Cirsium setidens (Dunn) Nakai on the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells.

Cirsium setidens (Dunn) Nakai, commonly known as gondre, is a perennial herb that grows predominantly in South Korea. It contains several bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti­cancer, anti­tumor and anti­inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of methanolic extracts of gondre on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). As characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and matrix­assisted laser deposition/ionization (time­of­flight) mass spectrometry, the methanol extract of gondre was found to be enriched with pectolinarin. After 48 h, enhanced viability of hPDLSCs was observed in the presence of gondre compared with under control conditions, suggesting the biocompatibility of gondre. Notably, biocompatibility was markedly affected by gondre concentration in cultured media. Relatively high cell viability was observed in medium containing 0.05% gondre. Furthermore, mineralization was significantly higher in hPDLSCs in the presence of gondre compared with that in control cells, indicating their mineralization potential. Increased expression of various transcription markers, such as collagen 1, runt­related transcription factor 2, bone sialoprotein and alkaline phosphatase, was also detected when hPDLSCs were stimulated with gondre compared with in the control groups, further confirming the superior osteogenic potential of gondre extract for tissue engineering applications, particularly in bone tissues.

Preclinical Research on a Mixture of Red Ginseng and Licorice Extracts in the Treatment and Prevention of Obesity.

The anti-obesity effects of RL (a 3:1 mixture of Panax ginseng saponin fractions and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extracts) on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C57BL/6J obese mice were evaluated at different concentrations. We investigated the anti-obesity effects of RL through lipid accumulation inhibition rate, serum lipid composition analysis, adipose tissue size, adipogenic transcription factors and AMPK pathway. RL inhibited the lipid accumulation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 50-200 µg/mL without cytotoxicity (50-400 µg/mL). Oral administration of RL at the highest concentration (400 mg/kg/day) did not cause significant liver toxicity in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. RL stimulated adiponectin secretion in a dose-dependent manner and primarily mediates the AMPK pathway to inhibit triglyceride synthesis and attenuate adipocyte hypertrophy. RL significantly reduced weight in obese mice, but none of the body weight, adipose tissue weight, serum triglyceride level, and AMPK pathway activation degree showed any difference between dosing concentrations of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day. Therefore, 200 mg/kg/day of RL is the optimal preclinical concentration, which can be a reference concentration for conversion into a human clinical trial dose.

Influence of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) Particle Sizes on Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and In Vivo Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Potential.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushroom has received an enormous amount of attention as a dietary supplement due to its high nutritional values. The particle sizes of G. frondosa mushrooms were monitored by a classifying mill. ß-Glucans are the bioactive component of the mushroom, and it was revealed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C-NMR), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, and time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) spectrometry. The biocompatibility of G. frondosa particles, as well as induced osteogenesis of hMSCs, was evaluated through WST-1 assay and alizarin staining (ARS) technique, respectively. Notably, enhanced cell viability was noted in the presence of G. frondosa. Significantly improved calcium deposition has observed from hMSCs with G. frondosa, suggesting to their mineralization potential. The expression of osteogenic related gene markers was examined in the presence of G. frondosa through real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique. The upregulation of osteogenic gene markers in the presence of G. frondosa particles was indicating their superior osteogenic potential. Besides, G. frondosa also activated the secretion of various kinds of proteins from the hMSCs indicating their potential for tissue engineering applications. Enhanced secretion of different immunoglobulins was observed in rat serum in the presence of G. frondosa, further demonstrating their therapeutic nature. Therefore, G. frondosa is effective for enhanced osteogenesis and can be utilized as a natural, edible, and osteogenic agent.

A Combination of Korean Red Ginseng Extract and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Extract Enhances Their Individual Anti-Obesity Properties in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and C57BL/6J Obese Mice.

Anti-obesity activities of Korean red ginseng saponin fraction (RGS) and/or Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract (GG) were investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and high-fat diet-induced C57BL/6J obese mice. RGS and GG extracts were mixed at a mass ratio of 3:1 (SG31), 1:1 (SG11), or 1:3 (SG13). SG31 showed the highest anti-obesity activity among the three different mass ratios of RGS and GG extracts. SG31 showed higher inhibition efficiency on triglyceride (TG) accumulation than either single extract in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and without any cytotoxicity. It also decreases the expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes such as C/EBPα and SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c). In the obese induced mouse model, SG31 significantly reduced white adipose tissue weight and body weight, attenuated dyslipidemia, and decreased serum TG levels. In some indices, the activity of SG31 was even higher compared with Garcinia Cambogia water extract, a positive control. The possible mechanism by which SG31 causes the above results was by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and stimulating the secretion of adiponectin in adipose tissue to regulate energy metabolism balance, inhibit TG formation, and promote ß-oxidation of fatty acids. Therefore, SG31 may have efficacy as an anti-obesity functional food or raw material if the results can be confirmed in human studies.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Lilium lancifolium bulbs extract.

Lilium lancifolium is native to Northeast Asia and its bulbs have been used for medicinal treatment. Moreover, Japan has been using L. lancifolium bulbs more actively as food ingredients than Korea. Therefore, this study was to investigate the characteristics of Korean L. lancifolium bulbs, with respect to food component and functionality. As a result of proximate composition analysis, L. lancifolium bulbs have an abundant carbohydrate content. HPLC analysis indicated p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid contents of Korean L. lancifolium extract were 1.14 ± 0.01, 1.46 ± 0.00 mg/g, but only p-coumaric acid was less detected in Japanese extract. Also, Korean L. lancifolium bulbs extract exhibited significant antioxidant effects, as evaluated with antioxidant activity and compound, than Japanese extract. Furthermore, Korean L. lancifolium bulbs extract significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory protein expressions through MyD88 dependent pathway. Therefore, these results suggested Korean L. lancifolium bulbs have the potential to being functional food ingredients. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Lilium lancifolium is a perennial plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. The storage organ of L. lancifolium is surrounded by several fleshy nodes at the base of the stem, called the bulb, which has been used as food or medicine to treat pneumonia and bronchitis. L. lancifolium is widely found in countries of Northeast Asia, such as Korea, Japan, and China, and its bulbs have been studied for presence of bioactive compounds that have important functional activities. The bioactive compounds in the L. lancifolium bulbs may vary from region to region. In this study, the difference observed in the contents of different bioactive compounds and the efficacy of anti-inflammatory effects of L. lancifolium bulbs from different regions were consistent in this regard. As a comparative study of food materials by region, these L. lancifolium bulbs have the potential to be used as a food material for preventing inflammatory diseases.

Anti­photoaging effect of fermented agricultural by­products on ultraviolet B­irradiated hairless mouse skin.

Processed products from agricultural produce generate a large number of agricultural by­products that contain a number of functional substances. These are often discarded owing to the lack of suitable processing methods. The present study investigated the anti­photoaging properties of fermented rice bran (FRB), soybean cake (FSB) and sesame seed cake (FSC) on ultraviolet B (UVB)­irradiated hairless mouse skin. Results indicated that the oral administration of FRB, FSB and FSC effectively inhibited the UVB irradiation­induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)­2, MMP­9, MMP­3 and MMP­13. Reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction results also demonstrated that FRB, FSB and FSC significantly inhibited the UVB­induced expression of the genes encoding tumor necrosis factor­α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin (IL)­6 and IL­1ß when compared with the UVB­vehicle group (P<0.05). Additionally, collagen degradation and mast cell infiltration were reduced in hairless mouse skin. Furthermore, UVB­induced wrinkle formation was also significantly reduced in mouse skin compared with the UVB­vehicle group (P<0.05). These results reveal that fermented agricultural by­products may serve as potential functional materials with anti­photoaging activities.

Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Pourthiaea villosa (Thunb.) Decne. Extract on Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Skin Aging in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

Skin aging is associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by human cells. These radicals are the main causes of skin aging, and skin cells have developed antioxidant enzymes for protection against ROS-induced damage. Antioxidants play critical roles to prevent ROS-induced aging symptoms. In this study, the antioxidant properties of Pourthiaea villosa (Thunb.) Decne. extract (PVDE) were studied. Human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells were treated with PVDE to evaluate its antioxidant and antiaging activities and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The identified compounds were polyols, and phenolic and flavonoid compounds from PVDE by UHPLC-LTQ-IT-MS/MS. PVDE exhibited significant antioxidant effects, as evaluated with reducing power, and ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, PVDE treatment significantly increased antioxidant enzyme expressions and effectively blocked H2O2-induced matrix metalloproteinase activity through MAPK signaling pathways in HDFs. Therefore, these results showed that PVDE affords an advantage of being a functional natural material with antioxidant and antiaging effects for the skin.

Toxicological Evaluation of Brassica napus Extract Containing Vanadium, Nutricultured in Jeju Water.

This study evaluated the mutagenicity and acute toxicity of the juice extract of nutricultured Brassica napus containing vanadium (BECV). The BECV was prepared by nutriculture for 7 days in Jeju water containing vanadium. The mutagenic effects of BECV were investigated using the bacterial reverse mutation test, chromosome aberration test, and micronucleus test. Based on the results of the mutagenicity test, we propose that BECV is not a mutagenicity-inducing agent. In the acute oral toxicity study, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single limiting dose of 0.014, 0.14, or 1.4 µg BECV/kg body weight; the rats were then observed for 7 days. No acute lethal effect was observed at the maximal dose of 1.4 µg BECV/kg body weight. In the subacute study, male and female rats were administered once daily, by oral gavage, a dose of 0.028, 0.14, and 0.7 µg/kg body weight of BECV for 28 days. No significant toxicity was observed not only hematological, biochemical, and pathological parameters but also the body and organ weights when compared to controls. The level of BECV with no observed adverse effects in male and female rats was 0.7 µg/kg body weight (concentration of vanadium in BECV) in the subacute toxicity study.

Identifying method validation and measurement uncertainty of brominated vegetable oil in soft drinks and carbonated waters commonly consumed in South Korea.

This study investigated a method for validating and determining the measurement uncertainty for the composition of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in soft drinks and carbonated waters commonly consumed in South Korea. First, we studied a simple and precise qualitative colorimetric method at the maximum residues level 15 ppm. And an analytical method using ion chromatography (IC) was validated and identified with brominated fatty acids by gas chromatography electron ionization mass spectrometry (GC/EI-MS). The measurement uncertainty was evaluated based on the precisional study and confirmed by the preliminary inter-laboratory study. For IC analysis, the recovery range of BVO was from 97.8% to 107.2% with relative standard deviations between 0.18% and 0.69%. In addition, the expanded uncertainty of the BVO was 1.59. These results indicate that the validated method is appropriate for identifying of BVO and can be used to verify the safety of soft drinks or carbonated waters containing BVO residues.

Comparative studies of bioactive organosulphur compounds and antioxidant activities in garlic (Allium sativum L.), elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.).

We evaluated organosulphur compounds in Allium vegetables, including garlic, elephant garlic and onion, using high-performance liquid chromatography. Among organosulphur compounds, elephant garlic had considerable γ-glutamyl peptides, and garlic had the highest alliin content. Onion had low level of organosulphur compounds than did elephant garlic and garlic. In addition, antioxidant capacities were evaluated by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay. The results showed that garlic had the highest antioxidant capacity, followed by elephant garlic and onion. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between antioxidant activities and organosulphur compounds (R > 0.77). Therefore, our results indicate that there was a close relationship between antioxidant capacity and organosulphur compounds in Allium vegetables.

Radical scavenging-linked anti-adipogenic activity of Alnus firma extracts.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant activity and anti-adipogenic effect of extracts from Alnus firma (A. firma), which is an edible plant that grows in mountainous areas. The total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin content as well as the antioxidant activity of a 70% ethanolic extract of A. firma (AFE) was assessed. Furthermore, the effects of AFE on lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells were investigated. The results revealed that the total phenolic, flavonoid and pro-anthocyanidin content of AFE as 436.26±3.30 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, 73.82±0.54 mg quercetin equivalents/g and 149.25±6.06 mg catechin equivalents/g, respectively. In addition, AFE exerted significant antioxidant effects in terms of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activity, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity, reducing power, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity. As for its anti-adipogenic activity, AFE significantly inhibited ROS production and lipid accumulation during adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells compared with those in control cells. In addition, AFE regulated adipogenic transcription factors including peroxisome proliferator­activated receptor-γ, CCAAT/enhance-binding protein α and adipocyte protein 2. These results indicated that A. firma is a potential candidate for a functional food supplement.

Bioactivity-guided isolation and identification of anti-adipogenic compounds from Sanguisorba officinalis.

CONTEXT: Sanguisorba officinalis Linne (Rosaceae) is a medicinal plant used traditionally for the treatment of inflammatory and metabolic diseases in Korea, China, and Japan. In our previous study, a 50% ethanol extract inhibited fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates bioassay-guided fractionation, isolation, and identification of anti-adipogenic bioactive compounds in S. officinalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bioassay-guided fractionation was conducted using effective differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into adipocytes (with 50 µg/mL test material for 8 days) to isolate the inhibitory compounds from ethyl acetate fraction of S. officinalis 50% ethanol extract. The cytotoxicity of each fraction and isolated compound was tested using MTT assay (with 25-300 µg/mL test material). Structures of the isolated active compounds were elucidated using 1H NMR, 13 C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, FT-IR, and MS. RESULTS: An active ethyl acetate fraction obtained with solvent partition of the extract inhibited lipid accumulation (44.84%) on 3T3-L1 cells without cytotoxicity (102.3%) at the concentration of 50 µg/mL. The ethyl acetate fraction was determined to be mainly composed by isorhamnetin-3-O-d-glucuronide (1) and ellagic acid (2). Pure isorhamnetin-3-O-d-glucuronide (IC30 is 18.43 µM) and ellagic acid (IC30 is 19.32 µM) showed lipid accumulation inhibition on 3T3-L1 cells without cytotoxicity (117.5% and 104.3%) at the concentration of 20 µM, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that S. officinalis is a potential natural ingredient for the prevention of obesity, which may due to bioactive compounds such as isorhamnetin-3-O-d-glucuronide and ellagic acid.

Standardized Cirsium setidens Nakai Ethanolic Extract Suppresses Adipogenesis and Regulates Lipid Metabolisms in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and C57BL/6J Mice Fed High-Fat Diets.

Cirsium setidens Nakai, a wild perennial herb, grows mainly in Gangwon province, Korea, and has been reported to contain bioactive ingredients with various medicinal activities, including the treatment of edema, bleeding, and hemoptysis. However, the potential antiobesity effects of C. setidens Nakai have not been fully investigated. This study evaluated the antiobesity effect of standardized C. setidens Nakai ethanolic extract (CNE) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in obese C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. CNE suppressed the expression of lipogenic genes and increased the expression of lipolytic genes. The antiadipogenic and antilipogenic effects of CNE appear to be mediated by the inhibition of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) expressions. Moreover, CNE stimulated fatty acid oxidation in an AMPK-dependent manner. CNE-treated groups of C57BL/6J mice showed reduced body weights and adipose tissue weight and improved serum lipid profiles through the downregulation of PPARγ, C/EBPα, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) and the upregulation of adiponectin and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) in obese C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. These results suggest that CNE may have an antiobesity effect on adipogenesis and lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo and present the possibility of developing a treatment for obesity with nontoxic natural resources.

Fermented Platycodon grandiflorum Extract Inhibits Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether fermented Platycodon grandiflorum (FPG) inhibits lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. We evaluated the effect of FPG on antiadipogenic activity via regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), as well as protein expression of their target genes, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4). We further examined the antiobesity effects of FPG on HFD-induced obesity in mice. The FPG was orally administered to mice with a HFD at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. Our results show that FPG significantly inhibited fat accumulation during 3T3-L1 adipogenesis through downregulating adipogenic transcript factors. Moreover, FPG markedly reduced the final body weight with a decrease in epididymal adipose tissue mass and adipocyte size compared with the untreated HFD-induced group. The effects of FPG on HFD-induced obesity were primarily responsible for inhibiting adipogenesis in adipose tissue and regulating lipid metabolism, such as through lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. Additionally, FPG ameliorated serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Hence, FPG may be an alternative treatment for controlling obesity through downregulating lipid accumulation.

Fucoxanthin Suppresses Lipid Accumulation and ROS Production During Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.

Fucoxanthin, a pigment from the chloroplasts of marine brown algae, has a number of effects against obesity, diabetes, inflammation and cancer and provides cerebrovascular protection. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of fucoxanthin on lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during adipogenesis. Treatment with fucoxanthin suppresses protein levels of the adipogenic transcription factors CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha C/EBPα and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and of their target protein, fatty acid binding protein 4. Lipogenesis-related enzymes, such as diglyceride acyltransferase 1 and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase-θ, were downregulated by fucoxanthin. The ROS-producing enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) and the NADPH-generating enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase also decreased following fucoxanthin treatment. The adipokine adiponectin and the ROS-scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase 2, glutathione reductase and catalase were dose-dependently increased by fucoxanthin. Furthermore, lipolysis-related enzymes and superoxide dismutase 1 were slightly decreased, because of the suppression of lipid-generating factors and the cytosolic enzyme NOX4. To confirm these results, we investigated lipid accumulation and ROS production in zebrafish, where fucoxanthin suppressed lipid and triglyceride accumulation, as well as ROS production. Our data suggest that fucoxanthin inhibits lipid accumulation and ROS production by controlling adipogenic and lipogenic factors and ROS-regulating enzymes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Method validation and measurement uncertainty for the simultaneous determination of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in edible oils commonly consumed in Korea.

This study investigated a method for the validation and determination of measurement uncertainty for the simultaneous determination of synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) such as propyl gallate (PG), octyl gallate (OG), dodecyl gallate (DG), 2,4,5-trihydroxy butyrophenone (THBP), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in edible oils commonly consumed in Korea. The validated method was able to extract SPA residues under the optimized HPLC-UV and LC-MS/MS conditions. Furthermore, the measurement of uncertainty was evaluated based on the precision study. For HPLC-UV analysis, the recoveries of SPAs ranged from 91.4% to 115.9% with relative standard deviations between 0.3% and 11.4%. In addition, the expanded uncertainties of the SPAs ranged from 0.15 to 5.91. These results indicate that the validated method is appropriate for the extraction and determination of SPAs and can be used to verify the safety of edible oil products containing SPAs residues.