Development and Validation of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method to Quantify Marker Compounds in Lysimachia vulgaris var. davurica and Its Effects in Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common gastrointestinal disorder worldwide, is characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and disordered defecation. IBS is associated with several factors, including visceral hypersensitivity, gut motility, and gut-brain interaction disorders. Because currently available pharmacological treatments cannot adequately improve symptoms and may cause adverse effects, the use of herbal therapies for managing IBS is increasing. Lysimachia vulgaris var. davurica (LV) is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea. However, information on whether LV can effectively improve diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) remains limited. In this study, using an experimental mouse model of IBS-D, we elucidated the effects of the LV extract. The methanol extract of LV decreased fecal pellet output in the restraint stress- or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced IBS mouse model and inhibited 5-HT-mediated [Ca2+]i increase in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we developed and validated a high-performance liquid chromatography method using two marker compounds, namely, chlorogenic acid and rutin, for quality control analysis. Our study results suggest the feasibility of the methanol extract of LV for developing therapeutic agents to treat IBS-D by acting as a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist.

Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 Ameliorates Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Loss in BALB/c Mice and C2C12 Myotubes.

This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17, a probiotic strain isolated from human breast milk, on dexamethasone-induced muscle loss in mice and cultured myotubes. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with dexamethasone, and orally administered L. gasseri BNR17 for 21 days. L. gasseri BNR17 treatment ameliorated dexamethasone-induced decline in muscle function, as evidenced by an increase in forelimb grip strength, treadmill running time, and rotarod retention time in both female and male mice. In addition, L. gasseri BNR17 treatment significantly increased the mass of the gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscles. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry showed a significant increase in lean body mass and a decrease in fat mass in both whole body and hind limb after treatment with L. gasseri BNR17. It was found that L. gasseri BNR17 treatment downregulated serum myostatin level and the protein degradation pathway composed of muscle-specific ubiquitin E3 ligases, MuRF1 and MAFbx, and their transcription factor FoxO3. In contrast, L. gasseri BNR17 treatment upregulated serum insulin-like growth factor-1 level and Akt-mTOR-p70S6K signaling pathway involved in protein synthesis in muscle. As a result, L. gasseri BNR17 treatment significantly increased the levels of major muscular proteins such as myosin heavy chain and myoblast determination protein 1. Consistent with in vivo results, L. gasseri BNR17 culture supernatant significantly ameliorated dexamethasone-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy in vitro. In conclusion, L. gasseri BNR17 ameliorates muscle loss by downregulating the protein degradation pathway and upregulating the protein synthesis pathway.

Potential Phytotherapy of DSS-Induced Colitis: Ameliorating Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Necroptosis and Gut Dysbiosis with a New Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge Variety-Daehong.

Developing new plant varieties plays a crucial role in competitiveness in the agricultural and food industries and enhancing food security. Daehong (DH) is a new variety of Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge (CP); however, its physiological functions and potential as a nutraceutical ingredient remain unknown. Here, the efficacy of DH on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was investigated using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice, and its relative pharmacological effects were analyzed against CP. DH improved colitis-induced weight loss, colon shortening, and inflammatory responses and reduced intestinal permeability. The reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated necroptotic signal that triggers enterocyte cell death in DSS-induced colitis was effectively controlled by DH, attributed to epicatechin. DSS-induced gut dysbiosis was recovered into a healthy gut microbiome environment by DH, increasing beneficial bacteria, like Akkermansia muciniphila, and changing harmful bacteria, including Bacteroides vulgatus and Peptostreptococcaceae. DH shows potential as a dietary or pharmaceutical ingredient to promote gut health and to prevent and treat IBD.

Cancer Statistics in Korea: Incidence, Mortality, Survival, and Prevalence in 2021.

PURPOSE: The current study provides national cancer statistics and their secular trends in Korea, including incidence, mortality, survival, and prevalence in 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Incidence, survival, and prevalence rates of cancer were calculated using the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database, from 1999 to 2021, with survival follow-up until December 31, 2022. Deaths from cancer were assessed using causes-of-death data obtained from Statistics Korea. RESULTS: The number of new cancer diagnoses in 2021 increased by 27,002 cases (10.8%) compared to 2020. In 2021, newly diagnosed cancer cases and deaths from cancer were reported as 277,523 (age-standardized rate [ASR], 289.3 per 100,000) and 82,688 (ASR, 67.6 per 100,000), respectively. The overall cancer incidence rates increased by 3.3% annually from 1999 to 2012, and decreased by 5.3% from 2012 to 2015, thereafter, followed by non-significant changes. Cancer mortality rates have been decreasing since 2002, with more rapid decline in recent years (annual decrease of 2.8% from 2002 to 2013; 3.2% from 2013 to 2021). The 5-year relative survival between 2017 and 2021 was 72.1%, which contributed to prevalent cases reaching over 2.4 million in 2021. CONCLUSION: In 2021, the number of newly diagnosed cancer patients increased as healthcare utilization recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019-related declines of 2020. Revised cancer registration guidelines expanded the registration scope, particularly for stomach and colorectal cancer. Survival rates have improved over the years, leading to a growing population of cancer survivors, necessitating a comprehensive cancer control strategy. The long-term impact of the pandemic on cancer statistics requires future investigation.

Anticancer Effect by Combined Treatment of Artemisia annua L. Polyphenols and Docetaxel in DU145 Prostate Cancer Cells and HCT116 Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Docetaxel (DTX), a semi-synthetic analogue of paclitaxel (taxol), is known to exert potent anticancer activity in various cancer cells by suppressing normal microtubule dynamics. In this study, we examined how the anticancer effect of DTX is regulated by polyphenols extracted from Korean Artemisia annua L. (pKAL) in DU145 prostate cancer cells (mutant p53) and HCT116 colorectal cancer cells (wild-type p53). Here, we show that the anticancer effect of DTX was enhanced more significantly by pKAL in HCT116 cells than in DU145 cells via phase-contrast microscopy, CCK-8 assay, Western blot, and flow cytometric analysis of annexin V/propidium iodide-stained cells. Notably, mutant p53 was slightly downregulated by single treatment of pKAL or DTX in DU145 cells, whereas wild-type p53 was significantly upregulated by pKAL or DTX in HCT116 cells. Moreover, the enhanced anticancer effect of DTX by pKAL in HCT116 cells was significantly associated with the suppression of DTX-induced p53 upregulation, increase of DTX-induced phospho-p38, and decrease of DTX-regulated cyclin A, cyclin B1, AKT, caspase-8, PARP1, GM130, NF-κB p65, and LDHA, leading to the increased apoptotic cell death and plasma membrane permeability. Our results suggest that pKAL could effectively improve the anticancer effect of DTX-containing chemotherapy used to treat various cancers expressing wild-type p53.

Herbal medicine (Oryeongsan) for fluid and sodium balance in renal cortex of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Background: Herbal medicine Oryeongsan (ORS), also known as Wulingsan in Chinesehas been used for the treatment of impaired body fluid balance. However, the mechanisms involved are not clearly defined. The purpose of the present study was to identify the actions of ORS on the renal excretory function and blood pressure (BP) and to define the mechanisms involved in association with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and natriuretic peptide system (NPS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), an animal model of human essential hypertension. Methods: Changes in urine volume (UV), excretion of electrolytes including Na+ (urinary excretion of Na+ (UNaV)) were measured. RT-PCR was performed to trace the changes in expression of RAS, NPS and sodium (Na+)-hydrogen (H+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) in the renal cortex. Results: In the SHR treated with vehicle (SHR-V) group, UV and UNaV were suppressed and the Na+ balance was maintained at the higher levels leading to an increase in BP compared to WKY-V group. These were accompanied by an increase in NHE3 expression with an accentuation of angiotensin I converting enzyme-angiotensin II type 1 (ACE-AT1) receptor and concurrent suppression of angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor/ACE2-Mas receptor expression in the renal cortex. Chronic treatment with ORS increased UV and UNaV, and decreased the Na+ and water balance with a decrease in BP in the ORS-treated SHR-ORS group compared to SHR-V. These were accompanied by a decrease in NHE3 expression with a suppression of ACE-AT1 receptor and concurrent accentuation of AT2/ACE2-Mas receptor. Conclusion: The present study shows that ORS reduced BP with a decrease in Na+ and water retention by a suppression of NHE3 expression via modulation of RAS and NPS in SHR. The present study provides pharmacological rationale for the treatment of hypertension with ORS in SHR.

Vitamin D supplementation can enhance therapeutic effects of excimer laser in patients with vitiligo.

PURPOSE: Vitiligo is a disease of acquired depigmentation characterized by the destruction of melanocytes. A theoretical association between low level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and vitiligo has been previously suggested. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of intramuscular injection of cholecalciferol with excimer laser compared with the excimer laser alone for vitiligo treatment. METHODS: This study included 26 patients diagnosed with non-segmental vitiligo and low serum 25(OH)D levels (<20 ng/mL). The participants were randomly divided into two groups through randomization. The treatment using a 308-nm excimer laser was administered to both groups, and the study group additionally received cholecalciferol injection. RESULTS: The Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) scores showed an 83.6% improvement over the initial score in the study group, whereas the control group showed a 54.7% improvement after 6 months of treatment. After 6 months of treatment, the study group showed a significantly higher proportion of patients who achieved VASI50 and VASI75 compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Intramuscular injection of cholecalciferol can be a supplemental option for the treatment of vitiligo patients with vitamin D deficiency with excimer laser therapy.

Sibjotang Protects against Cardiac Hypertrophy In Vitro and In Vivo.

Cardiac hypertrophy is developed by various diseases such as myocardial infarction, valve diseases, hypertension, and aortic stenosis. Sibjotang (, Shizaotang, SJT), a classic formula in Korean traditional medicine, has been shown to modulate the equilibrium of body fluids and blood pressure. This research study sought to explore the impact and underlying process of Sibjotang on cardiotoxicity induced by DOX in H9c2 cells. In vitro, H9c2 cells were induced by DOX (1 µM) in the presence or absence of SJT (1-5 µg/mL) and incubated for 24 h. In vivo, SJT was administrated to isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy mice (n = 8) at 100 mg/kg/day concentrations. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that SJT mitigated the enlargement of H9c2 cells caused by DOX in a dose-dependent way. Using SJT as a pretreatment notably suppressed the rise in cardiac hypertrophic marker levels induced by DOX. SJT inhibited the DOX-induced ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, SJT significantly decreased the expression of the hypertrophy-associated transcription factor GATA binding factor 4 (GATA 4) induced by DOX. SJT also decreased hypertrophy-associated calcineurin and NFAT protein levels. Pretreatment with SJT significantly attenuated DOX-induced apoptosis-associated proteins such as Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 without affecting cell viability. In addition, the results of the in vivo study indicated that SJT significantly reduced the left ventricle/body weight ratio level. Administration of SJT reduced the expression of hypertrophy markers, such as ANP and BNP. These results suggest that SJT attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure induced by DOX or ISO through the inhibition of the calcineurin/NFAT/GATA4 pathway. Therefore, SJT may be a potential treatment for the prevention and treatment of cardiac hypertrophy that leads to heart failure.

Improvement in Yield of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Edelweiss Callus Treated with LED Light and Enhancement of Skin Anti-Aging Indicators.

The process of skin aging is currently recognized as a disease, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are being used to care for it. While various EVs are present in the market, there is a growing need for research on improving skin conditions through microbial and plant-derived EVs. Edelweiss is a medicinal plant and is currently an endangered species. Callus culture is a method used to protect rare medicinal plants, and recently, research on EVs using callus culture has been underway. In this study, the researchers used LED light to increase the productivity of Edelweiss EVs and confirmed that productivity was enhanced by LED exposure. Additionally, improvements in skin anti-aging indicators were observed. Notably, M-LED significantly elevated callus fresh and dry weight, with a DW/FW ratio of 4.11%, indicating enhanced proliferation. Furthermore, M-LED boosted secondary metabolite production, including a 20% increase in total flavonoids and phenolics. The study explores the influence of M-LED on EV production, revealing a 2.6-fold increase in concentration compared to darkness. This effect is consistent across different plant species (Centella asiatica, Panax ginseng), demonstrating the universality of the phenomenon. M-LED-treated EVs exhibit a concentration-dependent inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, surpassing dark-cultured EVs. Extracellular melanin content analysis reveals M-LED-cultured EVs' efficacy in reducing melanin production. Additionally, the expression of key skin proteins (FLG, AQP3, COL1) is significantly higher in fibroblasts treated with M-LED-cultured EVs. These results are expected to provide valuable insights into research on improving the productivity of plant-derived EVs and enhancing skin treatment using plant-derived EVs.

Preoperative sequential short-course radiation therapy and FOLFOX chemotherapy versus long-course chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (SOLAR trial).

BACKGROUND: Preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy has been widely used as an effective treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), leading to a significant reduction in pelvic recurrence rates. Because early administration of intensive chemotherapy for LARC has more advantages than adjuvant chemotherapy, total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) has been introduced and evaluated to determine whether it can improve tumor response or treatment outcomes. This study aims to investigate whether short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) followed by intensive chemotherapy improves oncologic outcomes compared with traditional preoperative long-course chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS: A multicenter randomized phase II trial involving 364 patients with LARC (cT3-4, cN+, or presence of extramural vascular invasion) will be conducted. Patients will be randomly assigned to the experimental or control arm at a ratio of 1:1. Participants in the experimental arm will receive SCRT (25 Gy in 5 fractions, daily) followed by four cycles of FOLFOX (oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and folinic acid) as a neoadjuvant treatment, and those in the control arm will receive conventional radiotherapy (45-50.4 Gy in 25-28 fractions, 5 times a week) concurrently with capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil. As a mandatory surgical procedure, total mesorectal excision will be performed 2-5 weeks from the last cycle of chemotherapy in the experimental arm and 6-8 weeks after the last day of radiotherapy in the control arm. The primary endpoint is 3-year disease-free survival, and the secondary endpoints are tumor response, overall survival, toxicities, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. DISCUSSION: This is the first Korean randomized controlled study comparing SCRT-based TNT with traditional preoperative LC-CRT for LARC. The involvement of experienced colorectal surgeons ensures high-quality surgical resection. SCRT followed by FOLFOX chemotherapy is expected to improve disease-free survival compared with CRT, with potential advantages in tumor response, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered at Clinical Research Information under the identifier Service KCT0004874 on April 02, 2020, and at Clinicaltrial.gov under the identifier NCT05673772 on January 06, 2023.

Electrostatics Control Nanoparticle Interactions with Model and Native Cell Walls of Plants and Algae.

A lack of mechanistic understanding of nanomaterial interactions with plants and algae cell walls limits the advancement of nanotechnology-based tools for sustainable agriculture. We systematically investigated the influence of nanoparticle charge on the interactions with model cell wall surfaces built with cellulose or pectin and performed a comparative analysis with native cell walls of Arabidopsis plants and green algae (Choleochaete). The high affinity of positively charged carbon dots (CDs) (46.0 ± 3.3 mV, 4.3 ± 1.5 nm) to both model and native cell walls was dominated by the strong ionic bonding between the surface amine groups of CDs and the carboxyl groups of pectin. In contrast, these CDs formed weaker hydrogen bonding with the hydroxyl groups of cellulose model surfaces. The CDs of similar size with negative (-46.2 ± 1.1 mV, 6.6 ± 3.8 nm) or neutral (-8.6 ± 1.3 mV, 4.3 ± 1.9 nm) ζ-potentials exhibited negligible interactions with cell walls. Real-time monitoring of CD interactions with model pectin cell walls indicated higher absorption efficiency (3.4 ± 1.3 10-9) and acoustic mass density (313.3 ± 63.3 ng cm-2) for the positively charged CDs than negative and neutral counterparts (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The surface charge density of the positively charged CDs significantly enhanced these electrostatic interactions with cell walls, pointing to approaches to control nanoparticle binding to plant biosurfaces. Ca2+-induced cross-linking of pectin affected the initial absorption efficiency of the positively charged CD on cell wall surfaces (∼3.75 times lower) but not the accumulation of the nanoparticles on cell wall surfaces. This study developed model biosurfaces for elucidating fundamental interactions of nanomaterials with cell walls, a main barrier for nanomaterial translocation in plants and algae in the environment, and for the advancement of nanoenabled agriculture with a reduced environmental impact.

Long-term effects of chromium from red mud (bauxite residue) ocean dumping on the benthic environment in South Korea.

Between 1999 and 2009, 344,000 m3 of red mud was released into the red mud dumping zone in the East Sea-Byeong ocean dumping site in South Korea. This study aimed to assess the impacts before and after the 2010 red mud dumping ban. We quantified total Cr concentrations by depth from core sediment samples at the red mud dumping station and evaluated benthic communities in 2004, 2009, 2012, 2017, and 2019. At the dumping station DB-085, the Cr content in the upper layer (0-10 cm) exceeded the effect range median criteria in all study years and decreased with time. Geochemical fraction studies using sequential extraction methods from core sediment samples in 2004, 2009, and 2017 showed high ratios of non-residual fractions (anthropogenic inputs), indicating persistent potential long-term risk after the 2010 ban. Additionally, we confirmed that Thyasira tokunagai, an opportunistic and contamination-stress-resistant species, dominated the study station.

Extract of Torreya nucifera Pericarps Exhibits a Parasiticidal Effect on the Nematode Parasite, Trichinella spiralis.

Benzimidazole derivatives can effectively treat nematode parasitic infections; however, some derivatives demand distinct administrative strategies depending on plasma concentration and patient conditions. Numerous studies have examined the potential of natural extracts to exert parasiticidal activity with minimal side effects. Herein, we examined the potential parasiticidal effects of Torreya nucifera extract. The pericarps of T. nucifera were extracted with methanol, dried, and the pellet was dissolved in hot water (Tn-Phw). We designed four individual mouse experiments to clarify the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Tn-Phw on Trichinella spiralis infection. Also, 100 L1 larvae were isolated and treated with Tn-Phw (10 mg/mL) in vitro to confirm the killing effect. Furthermore, we microscopically examined the morphology of L1 larvae to confirm the parasite-killing effect and analyzed the morphology using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The expression of three molting-related genes was confirmed to determine whether Tn-Phw induced morphological changes in L1 larvae. Following treatment with Tn-Phw, L1 larvae death was observed after 16 h. Following SEM examination, the healthy muscle larvae showed striated ridges and wrinkles; this was not observed in extract-treated muscle larvae. Expression levels of the three molting-related genes did not differ between the Tn-Phw-treated and control groups. T. spiralis-infected mice pretreated with Tn-Phw showed significantly reduced muscle larva infection when compared with control mice. In all experiments, treatment with Tn-Phw afforded preventive and therapeutic effects against T. spiralis infection and parasitism. Natural substances against nematode parasites could be developed as therapeutic agents with few side effects and enhanced parasiticidal efficacy.

Maternal and Fetal Effects of Gestational Vitamin D Concentration.

Most (90%) vitamin D synthesis occurs in the skin using sunlight (ultraviolet rays), and 10% is obtained through food. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for skeletal growth and maintenance, cell proliferation and differentiation, and immune function. This study investigated whether maternal serum vitamin D concentrations induce maternofetal effects. Hematological analysis, serological changes, and precision fetal ultrasound findings were analyzed by maternal vitamin D concentration in gestational weeks 22-25 to ascertain direct effects on fetal growth. Bone density-vitamin D concentration correlation was analyzed. No hematologic or serological effect of maternal vitamin D concentration was detected; however, the sexually transmitted infection and cross-infection rates were inversely proportional to maternal vitamin D concentration. No significant correlation between vitamin D concentration and vertebral and femoral BMD was detected. For fetal growth, biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and humerus length were analyzed. Humerus (p < 0.05) and femur (p < 0.001) lengths were higher in the vitamin D-sufficient group than in the vitamin D-deficient group. Vitamin D concentration did not positively affect hematologic changes and bone density; maternal vitamin D concentration essentially affected fetal bone growth. Vitamin D inhibits sexually transmitted infections in mothers and promotes fetal bone growth. Prevention of vitamin D deficiency, supplementation, or outdoor activities is recommended.

Comparative Analysis of Water Extracts from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Plants and Callus Cells: Constituents, Effects on Human Skin Cells, and Transcriptome Profiles.

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a plant that has traditionally been used in various food and beverage products. Here, we investigated the potential of water extracts derived from Roselle leaves and callus cells for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. We generated calluses from Roselle leaves and produced two different water extracts through heat extraction, which we named Hibiscus sabdariffa plant extract (HSPE) and Hibiscus sabdariffa callus extract (HSCE). HPLC analysis showed that the two extracts have different components, with nucleic acids and metabolites such as phenylalanine and tryptophan being the most common components in both extracts. In vitro assays demonstrated that HSCE has strong anti-melanogenic effects and functions for skin barrier and antioxidant activity. Transcriptome profiling of human skin cells treated with HSPE and HSCE showed significant differences, with HSPE having more effects on human skin cells. Up-regulated genes by HSPE function in angiogenesis, the oxidation-reduction process, and glycolysis, while up-regulated genes by HSCE encode ribosome proteins and IFI6, functioning in the healing of radiation-injured skin cells. Therefore, we suggest that the two extracts from Roselle should be applied differently for cosmetics and pharmaceutical purposes. Our findings demonstrate the potential of Roselle extracts as a natural source for skincare products.

Efficiency of the Enzymatic Conversion of Flavone Glycosides Isolated from Carrot Leaves and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Enzyme-Treated Carrot Leaves.

In traditional oriental medicine, carrots (Daucus carota L.) are considered effective medicinal herbs; however, the use of D. carota leaves (DCL) as therapeutic agents has not been explored in depth. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate the value of DCL, generally treated as waste while developing plants for wide industrial availability. Six flavone glycosides were isolated and identified from DCL, and their constituents were identified and quantitated using an NMR and HPLC/UV method, which was optimized and validated. The structure of chrysoeriol-7-rutinoside from DCL was elucidated for the first time. The method exhibited adequate relative standard deviation (<1.89%) and recovery (94.89-105.97%). The deglycosylation of DCL flavone glycosides by Viscozyme L and Pectinex was assessed. Upon converting the reaction contents to percentages, the luteolin, apigenin, and chrysoeriol groups showed values of 85.8, 33.1, and 88.7%, respectively. The enzyme-treated DCL had a higher inhibitory effect on TNF-α and IL-2 expression than that of the carrot roots or carrot leaves without enzyme treatments. These results highlight the importance of carrot leaves and could be used as baseline standardization data for commercial development.

Combination of Panax ginseng and Diospyros kaki Leaf Inhibits White Adipocyte Differentiation and Browning Process through AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Activation In Vitro and In Vivo.

Activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and stimulating white adipose tissue (WAT) browning is a prospective obesity treatment method. Dietary components derived from plants are the most effective approach to activate BAT and promote WAT browning in rodents. This study investigated the synergistic effects of Panax ginseng (PG) and Diospyros kaki leaf (DKL) extract on adipocyte differentiation and browning, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying their beneficial effects. The administration of PG and DKL to HFD-induced obese mice significantly decreased body weight and epididymal and abdominal adipose tissue mass. In in vitro, PG inhibited the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes by regulating the expression of key adipogenic regulators, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-α. In contrast, DKL negligibly influenced the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes but greatly increased the protein expression of UCP-1, PGC-1α, and PPARα in BAT and/or WAT. Moreover, PG and DKL inhibited adipogenesis synergistically and activated white adipocyte browning via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathways. These results suggest that a combination of PG and DKL regulates adipogenesis in white adipocytes and browning in brown adipocytes by activating AMPK/SIRT1 axis. The potential use of PG and DKL may represent an important strategy in obesity management that will be safer and more effective.

Exercise Frequency Reduction Is Associated With Higher Risk of Infection in Newly Diagnosed Diabetes: A Nationally Representative Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is an important method to control the progression of diabetes. Since diabetes compromises immune function and increases the risk of infectious diseases, we hypothesized that exercise may affect the risk of infection by its immunoprotective effects. However, population-based cohort studies regarding the association between exercise and the risk of infection are limited, especially regarding changes in exercise frequency. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the change in exercise frequency and the risk of infection among patients with newly diagnosed diabetes. METHODS: Data of 10,023 patients with newly diagnosed diabetes were extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort. Self-reported questionnaires for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were used to classify changes in exercise frequency between two consecutive two-year periods of health screenings (2009-2010 and 2011-2012). The association between changes in exercise frequency and the risk of infection was evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression. RESULTS: Compared with engaging in ≥ 5 times of MVPA/week during both periods, a radical decrease in MVPA (from ≥ 5 times of MVPA/week to physical inactivity) was associated with a higher risk of pneumonia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-2.48) and upper respiratory tract infection (aHR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01-1.31). In addition, a reduction of MVPA from ≥ 5 to < 5 times of MVPA/week was associated with a higher risk of pneumonia (aHR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.02-2.27), whereas the risk of upper respiratory tract infection was not higher. CONCLUSION: Among patients with newly diagnosed diabetes, a reduction in exercise frequency was related to an increase in the risk of pneumonia. For patients with diabetes, a modest level of physical activity may need to be maintained to reduce the risk of pneumonia.

Antiobesity Effects of Lactobacillus paracasei Subsp. paracasei, L. casei 431 on High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats.

Obesity is currently regarded as a global concern, and the key objectives of the global health strategy include its prevention and control. Probiotic supplementation can help achieve these objectives. This study aimed to assess whether a probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei, Lactobacillus casei 431 (henceforth, L. casei 431) possesses antiobesogenic properties. High-fat diet-induced obese Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with L. casei 431 for 10 weeks, and the outcomes were compared with those of rats treated with the antiobesity medication orlistat. Body weights, epididymal fat, and tissues from mice were assessed. Furthermore, serological and histological analyses were performed. Epididymal fat accumulation was significantly reduced in groups administered L. casei 431 and orlistat. Furthermore, L. casei 431 and orlistat treatments lowered serum alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and triglyceride (TG) levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the liver and epididymal adipose tissues showed that the L. casei 431-treated groups exhibited reduced lipid buildup and adipocyte size. Furthermore, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, adipose TG lipase, and lipoprotein lipase messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were upregulated, leading to lipid oxidation and degradation, in L. casei 431-supplemented groups. Furthermore, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, a major factor in lipolysis, was consistently upregulated at the protein level after L. casei 431 administration. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential of L. casei 431 in alleviating obesity in rats through optimizing lipid metabolism and some related biomarkers.

Does whey protein supplementation during resistance exercise have additional benefits for decreasing hepatic fat content?

BACKGROUND: Exercise and diet have positive effects on hepatic fat reduction, and protein supplementation is known to lower hepatic fat accumulation. However, the effect of a combination of exercise and whey protein supplementation (WPS) on hepatic fat content (HFC) is unknown. METHODS: We investigated the effect of WPS on HFC during resistance exercise and diet control intervention for four weeks. A total of 34 sedentary males participated and were randomly assigned to two groups: a protein supplement group (PSG, n = 18) and a control group (CG, n = 16). The PSG took 60 g of WPS per day, and the CG took 60 g of an isocaloric placebo per day. All participants were fed a calorie-controlled diet throughout the study period, with their daily caloric intake determined by their resting metabolic rate and physical activity level. Both groups performed resistance exercises supervised by experts at 60-70% of their maximum efforts for 60 min/day, 6 days/week for 4 weeks. HFC was assessed using the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) after an 8 h fast, at pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. Liver enzymes and lipid profile were also analyzed after an 8 h fast and pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: The CAP was significantly reduced after 4 weeks of intervention in both groups (PSG, p < .001; CG, p = .002). However, there was no significant interaction between the group and changes in CAP. Interestingly, when comparing the pre- and mid-tests, both groups also had significantly reduced CAP (PSG, p = .027; CG, p = .028), but there was a significant difference in the amount of change in CAP between the two groups (PSG, -47.2 ± 25.4 dB/m; CG, -19.5 ± 15.1 dB/m; p = .042). For liver enzymes, there was a significant interaction between the two groups and a change in aspartate transaminase (AST) (p = .038). However, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly decreased only in the PSG group (p = .002). In lipids, both groups showed significantly decreased total cholesterol (p < .001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < .001) after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that WPS may not enhance the overall effects of resistance exercise on HFC and lipid profiles. However, in part, WPS may have a beneficial effect on liver enzymatic changes and rapid response to resistance exercise-induced HFC reduction.