Justicia procumbens prevents hair loss in androgenic alopecia mice.

The plant Justicia procumbens is traditionally used in Asia to treat fever, cough, and pain. Previous studies have reported its anticancer and anti-asthmatic properties. However, its potential for preventing androgenic alopecia (AGA) has not yet been reported. AGA is a widespread hair loss condition primarily caused by male hormones. In this study, we examined the hair loss-preventing effects of an aqueous extract of J. procumbens (JPAE) using human hair follicle dermal papilla cell (HFDPC) and a mouse model of testosterone-induced AGA. JPAE treatment increased HFDPC proliferation by activating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, JPAE increased the expression of Wnt targets, such as cyclin D1 and VEGF, by promoting the translocation of ß-catenin to the nucleus. Administration of JPAE reduced hair loss, increased hair thickness, and enhanced hair shine in an AGA mouse model. Furthermore, it increased the expression of p-GSK-3ß and ß-catenin in the dorsal skin of the mice. These findings imply that JPAE promotes the proliferation of HFDPC and prevents hair loss in an AGA mouse model. JPAE can therefore be used as a functional food and natural treatment option for AGA to prevent hair loss.

Geniposide attenuates muscle atrophy via the inhibition of FoxO1 in senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8.

BACKGROUND: Geniposide (GP) is an iridoid glycoside that is present in nearly 40 species, including Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. GP has been reported to exhibit neuroprotective effects in various Alzheimer's disease (AD) models; however, the effects of GP on AD models of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and aging-accelerated mouse predisposition-8 (SAMP8) mice have not yet been evaluated. PURPOSE: To determine whether GP improves the pathology of AD and sarcopenia. METHODS: AD models of C. elegans and SAMP8 mice were employed and subjected to behavioral analyses. Further, RT-PCR, histological analysis, and western blot analyses were performed to assess the expression of genes and proteins related to AD and muscle atrophy. RESULTS: GP treatment in the AD model of C. elegans significantly restored the observed deterioration in lifespan and motility. In SAMP8 mice, GP did not improve cognitive function deterioration by accelerated aging but ameliorated physical function deterioration. Furthermore, in differentiated C2C12 cells, GP ameliorated muscle atrophy induced by dexamethasone treatment and inhibited FoxO1 activity by activating AKT. CONCLUSION: Although GP did not improve the AD pathology in SAMP8 mice, we suggest that GP has the potential to improve muscle deterioration caused by aging. This effect of GP may be attributed to the suppression of FoxO1 activity.

Polar microalgae extracts protect human HaCaT keratinocytes from damaging stimuli and ameliorate psoriatic skin inflammation in mice.

BACKGROUND: Polar microalgae contain unique compounds that enable them to adapt to extreme environments. As the skin barrier is our first line of defense against external threats, polar microalgae extracts may possess restorative properties for damaged skin, but the potential of microalgae extracts as skin protective agents remains unknown. PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze compound profiles from polar microalgae extracts, evaluate their potential as skin epithelial protective agents, and examine the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Six different polar microalgae, Micractinium sp. (KSF0015 and KSF0041), Chlamydomonas sp. (KNM0029C, KSF0037, and KSF0134), and Chlorococcum sp. (KSF0003), were collected from the Antarctic or Arctic regions. Compound profiles of polar and non-polar microalgae extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The protective activities of polar microalgae extracts on human keratinocyte cell lines against oxidative stress, radiation, and psoriatic cytokine exposure were assessed. The potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms mediated by KSF0041, a polar microalga with protective properties against oxidative stress, ultraviolet (UV) B, and an inflammatory cytokine cocktail, were investigated using RNA-sequencing analysis. To evaluate the therapeutic activity of KSF0041, an imiquimod-induced murine model of psoriatic dermatitis was used. RESULTS: Polar microalgae contain components comparable to those of their non-polar counterparts, but also showed distinct differences, particularly in fatty acid composition. Polar microalgae extracts had a greater ability to scavenge free radicals than did non-polar microalgae and enhanced the viability of HaCaT cells, a human keratinocyte cell line, following exposure to UVB radiation or psoriatic cytokines. These extracts also reduced barrier integrity damage and decreased mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines in psoriatic HaCaT cells. Treatment with KSF0041 extract altered the transcriptome of psoriatic HaCaT cells toward a more normal state. Furthermore, KSF0041 extract had a therapeutic effect in a mouse model of psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: Bioactive compounds from polar microalgae extracts could provide novel therapeutics for damaged and/or inflamed skin.

Effects of Dietary Taurine-Containing Jelly Supplementation on Academic-Related Characteristics and Academic Achievement in Korean College Entrance Examinees: A Pilot Study.

Taurine is known to play roles in fatigue recovery and relief of anxiety and stress. This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary taurine-containing jelly supplementation on the academic-related characteristics of Korean college entrance examinees. The jelly contained 3 g of taurine in a packet and was provided to the subjects with one packet per day for 2 weeks. The academic-related characteristics of subjects were evaluated by academic-related attitude (using School Attitude Assessment Survey-R; SAAS-R), CEES (college entrance examination stress), and SRL (self-regulated learning) and academic achievement and were conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The total number of subjects in this study was 17, and they were divided into taurine supplementation group (n = 9, TSG) and placebo group (n = 8, PG) by randomization. The results were compared before and after 2 weeks of dietary taurine-containing jelly supplementation for each group. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0. The total score (p = 0.069) and motivation/self-regulation score (p = 0.060) in SAAS-R tended to be significantly higher in the TSG after 2 weeks of supplementation compared to before supplementation. The score change of academic achievement in TSG was positively correlated with a total score change of SRL. In addition, as a result of simple regression analysis, a total score changes of SRL had a positive effect on a change of academic achievement score in TSG (explanatory power: 42.9%). The results of this pilot study showed that dietary taurine-containing jelly supplementation may have some effects on academic-related characteristics with a positive change in SRL. Therefore, it may be beneficial to supplement dietary taurine-containing jelly to improve academic-related characteristics such as self-regulated learning of students preparing for the college entrance exam.

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Combined with Exercises versus an Exercise Program on the Physical Characteristics and Functions of the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background-The application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with low-intensity exercise to the elderly can be more efficient than low-intensity exercise only in terms of delaying the loss of muscle mass. We aimed to assess the adjunct of NMES to low-intensity lower limb strengthening exercise to prevent falls in frail elderly for a relatively short period of 4 weeks. (2) Methods-Thirty elderly women aged 65 or above were randomly categorized into three groups: control group (CON, n = 8), exercise group (EX, n = 10), and NMES with exercise group (EX + NMES, n = 9). The exercise group took part in a lower limb strengthening exercise program for one hour three times a week for four weeks. Furthermore, the NMES with exercise group had added NMES stimulation when exercising. The limbs' muscle mass, body fat mass, calf circumference, grip force, five times sit-to-stand test, timed up-and-go test (TUG), one-leg stand test, and Y-balance test (YBT) were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks after. (3) Results-Comparisons between the three groups showed that the TUG was significantly decreased and the YB was significantly increased in NMES with exercise group (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions-These results suggested that a combination of NMES stimulation and exercises was more helpful in strengthening balance than exercises alone in the short term.

Withaferin A exerts an anti-obesity effect by increasing energy expenditure through thermogenic gene expression in high-fat diet-fed obese mice.

BACKGROUND: The enhancement of energy expenditure has attracted attention as a therapeutic target for the management of body weight. Withaferin A (WFA), a major constituent of Withania somnifera extract, has been reported to possess anti-obesity properties, however the underlying mechanism remains unknown. PURPOSE: To investigate whether WFA exerts anti-obesity effects via increased energy expenditure, and if so, to characterize the underlying pathway. METHODS: C57BL/6 J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks, and WFA was orally administered for 7 days. The oxygen consumption rate of mice was measured at 9 weeks using an OxyletPro™ system. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and real-time PCR methods were used. RESULTS: Treatment with WFA ameliorated HFD-induced obesity by increasing energy expenditure by improving of mitochondrial activity in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and promotion of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) browning via increasing uncoupling protein 1 levels. WFA administration also significantly increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in the BAT of obese mice. Additionally, WFA activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, including p38/extracellular signal-regulated kinase MAPK, in both BAT and scWAT. CONCLUSION: WFA enhances energy expenditure and ameliorates obesity via the induction of AMPK and activating p38/extracellular signal-regulated kinase MAPK, which triggers mitochondrial biogenesis and browning-related gene expression.

Antiobesity effects of the combination of Patrinia scabiosaefolia root and Hippophae rhamnoides leaf extracts.

Patrinia scabiosaefolia (PS) and Hippophae rhamnoides (HR) are traditionally used functional foods. Extracts from the root of PS are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, whereas those from the leaf of HR are effective at both preventing and treating obesity. This study investigated whether the extract combination of PS and HR (PHE) affected weight loss in obese mice. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PHE showed a synergistic effect on inhibiting adipocyte differentiation as compared with treatment with the single extracts. Additionally, PHE suppressed adipogenic-related genes in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo PHE supplementation suppressed body weight gain, inhibited hepatic lipid accumulation, decreased adipose size, serum triglycerides, and improved insulin resistance in obese mice. These results suggest that a treatment strategy using a combination of plant-derived extracts might be effective at ameliorating obesity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Currently, common methods for reducing obesity are diet and exercise. These can stimulate oxidative phosphorylation and metabolic activation so have significantly effects. However, these are largely due to individual compliance; there is no significant effect of reducing the worldwide obesity rate. Recently, herbal extracts has been reported as alternative medicine about inflammatory and obesity because diet with the herbal extracts can improve obesity with minimal side effects. Of particular, a mixture of herbal products was investigated for the treatment of obesity. Our reports demonstrated the synergistic effects of natural products and emphasizes the need for studies investigating other combinations of herbal extracts in the treatment of obesity. The results of our studies highlight the synergistic effects of combination phytochemical extracts and their role in ameliorating obesity.

Iridoids of Valeriana fauriei contribute to alleviating hepatic steatosis in obese mice by lipophagy.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common risk factor for metabolic syndrome that increases the risk of future cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Recently, autophagy has been proposed as a means to prevent NAFLD. We investigated whether substances with autophagy-inducing activity alleviate NAFLD. The Valeriana fauriei (V. fauriei) was selected as a potential autophagy inducer among various natural materials using a Cyto-ID autophagy detection kit. V. fauriei 70 % ethanol extract (VFE) increased LC3II levels in the presence of the lysosomal inhibitor and reduced the GFP/mCherry puncta ratio, suggesting that VFE enhanced autophagy. VFE reduced oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation and increased the number of autophagosome in hepatocytes. Autophagy induction by VFE is due to inhibition of mTORC1 activity. VFE supplementation reduced fatty liver by downregulating lipogenesis-related genes and increased the autophagy, as revealed by TEM and IHC analysis in the fatty liver. We identified iridoids as main compounds of VFE; didrovaltrate (DI), valeriotriate B (VAL B), valeriotetrate C (VAL C), valtrate (VAL), and valechlorine (VC) were shown to enhance autophagy. These compounds also reduced OA-induced lipid accumulation in an Atg5-dependent manner. Taken together, VFE and its iridoids might be effective in alleviating fatty liver by acting as autophagy enhancers to break down LDs.

Consumption Patterns and Importance-Performance Analysis of Home Meal Replacements by Level of Taurine-Related Nutritional Knowledge in Korean Adults.

The purpose of this study was to investigate consumption patterns and perform Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) of selective attributes of Home Meal Replacement (HMR) products according to taurine-related nutritional knowledge levels in Koreans aged 40-64 years as a basis for developing additional HMR products. The study included 793 adults (297 males and 496 females) who had experience in consuming HMR products and who lived in Seoul and its metropolitan areas, Korea. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed by using the SPSS 18.0 program. The subjects were classified into a high-level group (HG, 467 adults) and low-level group (LG, 326 adults) based on their taurine-related nutritional knowledge scores. Analysis of HMR consumption patterns showed that the frequency of HMR consumption in the HG was one to two times a month in 41.1% of the subjects and once every 3-4 months in 22.7% of the subjects, whereas, in the LG, it was one to two times a month in 39.3% of the subjects and four to six times a month in 24.5% of the subjects. With regarding to the reasons for purchasing HMR products, there was no significant difference between HG and LG (p = 0.089). The IPA analysis of HMR selective attributes included factor analysis of 14 selective attributes that were divided into three factors: 'convenience and taste', 'reliability and health', and 'brand and awareness'. The average importance scores of the first (p < 0.01), second (p < 0.001), and third (p < 0.01) factors in the HG were significantly higher than those in the LG. In addition, the average satisfaction with the first factor (p < 0.01) in the HG was significantly higher than that in the LG. Based on the IPA results, the selective attributes with low satisfaction and high importance were price, origin, food additives, and nutrient content in both the HG and LG. In the second IPA quadrant was safety, but only in the LG. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the importance of the reliability and health factor and the satisfaction with the convenience and taste factor were positively influenced by the subject's taurine-related nutritional knowledge score. These results suggest that reliability and safety of HMR products need to be improved to meet the expectations of Korean consumers aged 40 years and older with a high level of taurine-related nutritional knowledge. Therefore, there is a need to produce HMR products that use safe and reliable food ingredients.

Demands for Development of Taurine-Containing Home Meal Replacement for Prevention of Dementia According to Age.

It has been reported that taurine intake in the past may have a positive effect on present cognitive function in the elderly. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the need to develop an elderly-friendly home meal replacement (EF-HMR) containing taurine for the prevention of dementia in Korean adults aged 40-84 years. Study subjects included 481 adults 40-49 years group, 319 adults 50-64 years group, and 181 elderly group (65-84 years old) residing in Seoul and its metropolitan area, Korea. Data were collected from adults aged 40-64 years by self-administered questionnaires and from elderly through face-to-face interviews. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0. The level of need for EF-HMR was significantly higher in 40-49 years and 50-64 years groups compared to the elderly group (p < 0.001). With regard to the preferred EF-HMR taste, the needs for less salty (p < 0.01) and less sweet (p < 0.001) foods were significantly higher in 40-49 years group compared to the elderly group. The main factors of consideration in the development of EF-HMR were nutrition, taste, and freshness. The level of need for EF-HMR containing taurine was significantly lower in those 40-49 years and 50-64 years groups compared to the elderly group (p < 0.01). If an EF-HMR containing taurine for prevention of dementia was developed, willingness to buy such a food was significantly higher in the elderly group than in those 40-49 years and 50-64 years groups (p < 0.01). Regarding cooked EF-HMR containing taurine, semi-prepared and ready-made meals were preferred in 71.1% and 25.4% in 40-49 years group, 69.6% and 22.6% in 50-64 years group, and 47.0% and 33.7% in the elderly group, respectively (p < 0.001). EF-HMR containing taurine sales unit sizes containing 3 servings or 1 serving was preferred by 37.2% and 26.3% of all subjects. The preferred places to purchase EF-HMR (in descending order of super-supermarket (mart), supermarket, and convenience store) were the same among the age groups. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the diversity present in the needs and purchasing characteristics of adults involved purchasing EF-HMR containing taurine, and there is a need to develop age-specific customized products for the elderly and for Korean adults 40-64 years old.

Food Preference of the Elderly for the Development of Taurine-Containing Elderly-Friendly Foods.

The purpose of this study was to investigate food preference of the elderly for the development of taurine-containing elderly-friendly foods (TEF). The subjects in this study were 278 elderly people who were over 65 years old. All data were collected by face to face interview. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS 20.0 for Windows. The 'low-salt diet', 'nutritional enriched diet', and 'swallow able diet' were diets that all subjects preferred. All subjects preferred a diet to be sold as three items in separate packaging, as a semi-cooked type. The food types and cooking methods that showed high preference and had a high intention to purchase were cooked rice, porridges, soups and stews, meat side dishes, fish side dishes, kimchi, and vegetable dishes and steaming Among the taurine-containing foods, whip-arm octopus, manila clam, dried anchovy, flatfish, pollack, laver, green laver, sea tangle, seaweed, cod, croaker, and cutlassfish were the preferred foods of most subjects. Elderly females preferred significantly more squid, octopus, eel, mudfish, and sea cucumber than that of elderly males (p < 0.05). Elderly males preferred and consumed significantly more taurine-supplement than did elderly females (p < 0.05). These results will be used as baseline data for development of a customized TEF for Korean elderly.

Taurine-Related Nutritional Knowledge Has a Positive Effect on Intake of Taurine and Cognitive Function in the Elderly.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations among taurine-related nutritional knowledge (TNK), taurine intake frequency (TIF), and cognitive function (CF) in Korean elderly. Subjects of this cross-sectional study were 278 elderly persons in Korea without dementia (men 76, women 202). The subjects were divided into two groups: a group with a lower than average TNK score (LAG) and a group with a higher than average TNK score (HAG). Data were obtained via questionnaires and 1: 1 interviews. Correlation analysis available in SPSS 20.0 was used to analyze associations among the three factors. Average TNK score of all subjects was 4 out of 10 points, while that of the LAG (1.9 points) was significantly lower than that of the HAG (6.6 points) (p < 0.001). Average TIF score in the HAG (195.3 points) was significantly higher than that of the LAG (180.8 points) (p < 0.001). Compared to the LAG, the HAG members more frequently consumed foods such as webfoot octopus, whelk, dried anchovy, dried shrimp, mackerel, anglerfish, skate, short-necked clam, shrimp, and dried squid (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in CF scores between the LAG and HAG. There was positive correlation between TNK and TIF scores in all the subjects (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference, but there was a tendency for a positive correlation, between TNK and CF scores (p = 0.072). These results suggest that nutritional education of the elderly about taurine is needed, and it is strongly recommended that the elderly frequently consume taurine-containing foods and supplements to prevent dementia.

Inula Japonica Thunb. Flower Ethanol Extract Improves Obesity and Exercise Endurance in Mice Fed A High-Fat Diet.

Inula japonica Thunb. (Asteraceae) is a flowering plant that grows mainly in Korea, Japan, and China and its flower extract has diverse biological effects such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. However, the effects on obesity and enhancement of endurance capacity have not been explored yet. This study aims to reveal the effects of I. japonica flower ethanol extract (IJE) on obesity and endurance capacity in high-fat diet (HFD) fed C57BL/6J mice and the mechanism. IJE inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro. Also, IJE-fed mice showed reduced body weight gain, hepatic lipid, and body fat mass, and increased muscle weight. IJE reduced lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissue by decreasing lipogenic and adipogenic gene expression. Additionally, consumption of low-dose IJE significantly enhanced endurance capacity via increasing AMP-activated protein kinase activity and mRNA levels of Myh7 and Myh2. Luteolin and 1ß-hydroxyalantolactone (1ß-HA), compounds of IJE, are involved in anti-adipogenesis in the 3T3-L cells and only luteolin increased the protein levels of MHC during C2C12 myoblast differentiation. Collectively, our results suggest that consumption of IJE not only helps to prevent obesity but also enhances endurance capacity reduced by HFD.

Effect of a Respiratory Training Program Using Wind Instruments on Cardiopulmonary Function, Endurance, and Quality of Life of Elderly Women.

BACKGROUND Physical changes due to aging lead to weakening of respiratory muscles and decreased lung functions that result in increasing risk of chronic respiratory disease. A complex respiratory rehabilitation program is needed to prevent respiratory diseases and improve lung functions and quality of life. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of respiratory training programs on pulmonary functions, cardiovascular endurance, and quality of life in elderly women. MATERIAL AND METHODS The program was structured with respiration exercise and playing wind musical instruments for 10 weeks (n=13) and 5 weeks (n=16), respectively, for elderly women in 2 different community welfare centers. The program consisted of breathing exercises twice a week, 20 min per session, and 40 min of wind instrumentation. Effects were assessed using forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume-one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio (FEV1%), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), modified Borg scale (MBS), and life satisfaction scale (LSS). RESULTS The 10-week program group (10WPG) showed significant differences in FVC, MVV, 6MWT, MBS, and LSS before and after interventions (p<.05), and the 5-week program group (5WPG) showed significant differences in FVC and 6MWT. MVV, MBS, and LSS were not significantly different between the 2 groups (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that the long-term respiration training program has positive effects on pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary endurance, and quality of life. Various respiratory training programs and long-term implementations are needed to prevent respiratory illness and to improve lung functions and quality of life of respiratory patients.

Beneficial Effects of Gagam-Palmultang on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in Mice.

From text mining of Dongeuibogam, the 7 herbs in Palmultang can be considered effective candidates for memory enhancement. We sought to determine whether Gagam-Palmultang, comprising these 7 herbs, ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice, by focusing on the central cholinergic system and memory-related signaling molecules. Behavioral tests were performed after inducing memory impairment by scopolamine administration. The cholinergic system activity and memory-related molecules were examined in the hippocampus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent, western blot, and immunofluorescence assays. Gagam-Palmultang ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory impairment in the Morris water maze test, producing a significant improvement in the mean time required to find the hidden platform. Treatment with Gagam-Palmultang reduced acetylcholinesterase activity and expression in the hippocampus induced by scopolamine. The diminished phosphorylated phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) expressions caused by scopolamine administration were attenuated by treatment with Gagam-Palmultang. This treatment also promoted neuronal cell proliferation in the hippocampus. Gagam-Palmultang has beneficial effects against scopolamine-induced memory impairments, which are exerted via modulation of the cholinergic system as well as the PI3K and ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. Therefore, this multiherb formula may be a useful therapeutic agent for diseases associated with memory impairments.

Herbal Prescriptions and Medicinal Herbs for Parkinson-Related Rigidity in Korean Medicine: Identification of Candidates Using Text Mining.

BACKGROUND: Dongeuibogam (DongYiBaoGian), one of the most important books in Korean medicine, comprises a comprehensive summary of all traditional medicines of North-East Asia before the 17th century. This medicinal literature was mined to establish a list of candidate herbs to treat Parkinson-related rigidity. METHODS: A systematic search for terms describing Parkinson-related rigidity and candidate prescriptions for the treatment of Parkinson-related rigidity in the Dongeuibogam was performed. A high-frequency medicinal herb combination group and candidates for the treatment of Parkinson-related rigidity were also selected through an analysis of medicinal herb combination frequencies. The existing literature pertaining to the potential effects of candidate herbs for Parkinson-related rigidity was reviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Ten medicinal herb candidates for the treatment of Parkinson-related rigidity were selected, and their respective precedent studies were analyzed.

Suppression of Ultraviolet B-mediated Matrix Metalloproteinase Generation by Sorbus commixta Twig Extract in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

Sorbus commixta is a traditional oriental medicinal plant that grows in East Asian countries such as Korea, Japan and China. The twig of S. commixta has been considered valuable for centuries to treat diseases including asthma, cough and other bronchial disorders. However, the effect of S. commixta twig extract on human skin has not been investigated well. The present study aimed at assessing the antiphotoaging effect of S. commixta twig ethanol extract (STE) on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels and its underlying mechanism in human dermal fibroblasts. In this study, we found that STE (12.5-50 µg mL-1 ) treatment significantly inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-3 expression, concomitant with a downregulation of intracellular ROS generation. These effects might be associated with a STE-induced inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Furthermore, STE also downregulated UVB-induced c-Fos expression in a concentration-dependent manner, but had no inhibitory effect on c-Jun phosphorylation. Taken together, these results indicate that STE may be an antiphotoaging agent and that its effect may occur via its inhibition of MMPs expression and MAPK pathway activation.

Antioxidative and Antiaging Activities and Component Analysis of Lespedeza cuneata G. Don Extracts Fermented with Lactobacillus pentosus.

Lespedeza cuneata G. Don is a traditional herb that has been associated with multiple biological activities. In this study, we investigated the antioxidative/antiaging activities and performed an active component analysis of the non-fermented and fermented (using Lactobacillus pentosus) extracts of Lespedeza cuneata G. Don. The antioxidative activities of the fermented extract were higher than those of non-fermented extracts. The elastase inhibitory activity, inhibitory effects on UV-induced MMP-1 expression, and ability to promote type I procollagen synthesis were investigated in Hs68 human fibroblasts cells. These tests also revealed that the fermented extract had increased antiaging activities compared with the non-fermented extract. A component analysis of the ethyl acetate fractions of non-fermented and fermented extracts was performed using TLC, HPLC, and LC/ESI-MS/MS to observe changes in the components before and after fermentation. Six components that were different before and after fermentation were investigated. It was thought that kaempferol and quercetin were converted from kaempferol glucosides and quercetin glucosides, respectively, via bioconversion with the fermentation strain. These results indicate that the fermented extract of L. cuneata G. Don has potential for use as a natural cosmetic material with antioxidative and antiaging effects.

Dietary Taurine Supplementation in School Meals Has Positive Effect on School Attitude Assessment in Korean High School Students.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation with taurine-rich foods on school attitude assessment (SAA) in high school students. A total of 134 subjects were divided into a taurine-rich food supplemented (TS) group (68 subjects) and control group (66 subjects). For the TS group, school dinners supplemented with taurine-rich foods were provided for 5 days and average dietary amount of taurine supplementation was 466.2 mg/school dinner. Control group ate dinner at home or at restaurant ad libitum. The school attitude assessment survey-revised and 24-h recall method were used for SAA and dietary assessment, respectively. There were no significant differences in scores of dietary attitudes between the TS and control groups by gender. Average dietary taurine intake of the TS group (649.8 mg/day in males, 634.5 mg/day in females) was significantly higher compared to the control group (392.4 mg/day in males, 334.4 mg/day in females) (p < 0.01 in males and p < 0.001 in females, respectively). Total SAA scores in the TS group were significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.01) for attitudes toward teachers, goal valuation, and motivation/self-regulation (p < 0.01). Dietary taurine intake was showed positive correlations with scores for academic self-perception (p < 0.05), attitudes towards teachers (p < 0.001), goal valuation (p < 0.01), motivation/self-regulation (p < 0.05), and total scores (p < 0.01). According to the results, dietary taurine supplementation in school meals for 5 days had a positive effect on SAA in high school students. Therefore, dietary taurine supplementation in school and home meals may be necessary for improving SAA of high school students.

Activation of vasculogenic progenitor cells by ent-16α,17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid.

Vasculogenic progenitor cells (VPCs) circulate in the blood and have the ability to differentiate into endothelial cells that make up the lining of blood vessels. Therefore, VPC transplantation is a new strategy for the treatment of ischemic diseases. Because priming/preconditioning of VPCs before transplantation enhances their regenerative potential, the present study investigated whether ent-16α,17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid (DHK) isolated from Siegesbeckia pubescens could stimulate/activate VPCs in vitro. Therefore, the effect of DHK (1-100 µM concentration) on the proliferation, migration, and tube forming of VPCs was examined in various systems, and related signaling pathways were identified. DHK treatment significantly increased the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of VPCs in a dose-dependent manner. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and Akt was significantly increased by DHK, but chemical inhibitors against ERK1/2 (U0126) and Akt (LY294002) significantly attenuated DHK-enhanced proliferation, migration, and tube formation of VPCs. Collectively, these results indicated that DHK shows promise as a novel VPC primer/activator.