Anti-photoaging effect of skin cream manufactured with ziyuglycoside I isolated from Sanguisorba officinalis on ultraviolet B-induced hairless mice.

In this study, skin cream containing ziyuglycoside I isolated from Sanguisorba officinalis was manufactured and examined the protective effects of the skin cream against UVB-induced hairless mice. UVB-induced hairless mice were topically treated with the skin cream once a day for 5 weeks. Application of the skin cream did not exhibit side effect on body growth showing normal body weight and food efficiency in the mice. The skin cream treatment also was inhibited mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1ß, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and MMP-2 protein expression in the mice. Furthermore, the skin cream treatment inhibits epidermal wrinkle formation, wrinkle depth, wrinkle thickness, and collagen degradation in UVB-induced hairless mice. Therefore, the skin cream was able to play a role in the attenuation of photoaging caused by UVB irradiation via downregulation of mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß, MMP-2, MMP-9, and suppression of MMP-2 proteins expression.

Fuzhuan brick tea extract ameliorates obesity-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction in mice.

Fuzhuan brick tea (FBT) is a post-fermented tea fermented by the fungus Eurotium cristatum and is mainly produced in Hunan Province, China. Our previous study revealed that FBT extract prevents obesity by increasing energy expenditure and mitochondrial content in mice. Therefore, in this study, we hypothesized that FBT extract could be effective in alleviating obesity-induced muscle atrophy by addressing mitochondrial dysfunction, and aimed to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of FBT extract in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. FBT extract increased skeletal muscle weight and size, myosin heavy chain isoforms, and muscle performance in obese mice. Additionally, FBT extract reduced obesity-induced intramuscular lipids, skeletal muscle inflammation, and the expression of skeletal muscle atrophy markers, and increased the expression of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 in skeletal muscles. Obesity-induced skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction was improved by FBT extract as analyzed through mitochondrial morphology, fatty acid oxidation, respiratory chain complexes, and mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis. Epigallocatechin, a major bioactive compound in FBT extract, attenuated palmitic acid-induced muscle atrophy by regulating mitochondrial functions in C2C12 cells. In conclusion, FBT extract may prevent obesity-induced muscle atrophy by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction in mice.

Optimal Serum 25(OH)D Levels and Vitamin D Intake in Korean Postmenopausal Women.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the growth and maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. Postmenopausal women are vulnerable to bone fractures because of the decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants that influence BMD and the 25(OH)D levels in Korean postmenopausal women. This study collected general and dietary intake information, measured biochemical indices, and conducted BMD tests in 96 postmenopausal women residing in a metropolitan area in Korea. This study analyzed factors that influenced serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and BMD, as well as the correlation between the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and serum 25(OH)D levels. The serum 25(OH)D levels increased by 0.226 ng/mL in the summertime, 0.314 ng/mL in the wintertime, and 0.370 ng/mL on annual average when vitamin D intake rose by 1 µg/1000 kcal. When the serum 25(OH)D levels were ≥18.9 ng/mL, the iPTH levels did not rapidly increase. To maintain the serum 25(OH)D levels at ≥18.9 ng/mL, a daily vitamin D intake of ≥13.21 µg was required. Consequently, consuming vitamin D-fortified foods or vitamin D supplements is necessary to improve both bone health and vitamin D nutritional status.

Protective effect of Lycium barbarum leaf extracts on atopic dermatitis: in vitro and in vivo studies.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease with an increasing incidence globally; therefore, there is a growing demand for natural compounds effective in treating dermatitis. In this study, the protective effects of Lycium barbarum leaves with and without chlorophyll (LLE and LLE[Ch-]) on AD were investigated in animal models of AD and HaCaT cells. Further, we investigated whether LLE and LLE(Ch-) show any differences in physiological activity. MATERIALS/METHODS: AD was induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for three weeks, while NC/Nga mice were fed LLE or LLE(Ch-) extracts for 7 weeks. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-4) concentrations and the degree of DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes were examined. A histopathological examination (haematoxylin & eosin staining and blue spots of toluidine) of the dorsal skin of mice was performed. To elucidate the mechanism of action, the expression of the thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) were measured in HaCaT cells. RESULTS: Serum IgE and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) levels as well as DNA fragmentation of lymphocytes were significantly decreased in AD-induced mice treated with LLE or LLE(Ch-) compared to those of the control group. The epidermal thickness of the dorsal skin and mast cell infiltration in the LLE group significantly reduced compared to that in the control group. The LLE extracts showed no cytotoxicity up to 1,000 µg/mL in HaCaT cells. LLE or LLE(Ch-)-treated group showed a reduction of TARC and MDC in TNF-α-and IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LLE potentially improves inflammation by reducing the expression of chemokines that inhibit T helper 2 cell migration. LLE(Ch-) showed similar effects to LLE on blood levels of IgE, TNF-α and IL-6 and protein expression in HaCat cells, but the ultimate effect of skin improvement was not statistically significant. Therefore, both LLE and LLE(Ch-) can be used as functional materials to alleviate AD, but LLE(Ch-) appears to require more research to improve inflammation.

Optimal Serum 25(OH)D Level and Vitamin D Intake in Young Korean Women.

Vitamin D status is essential for preventing bone disease. Young Korean women have the highest vitamin D deficiency prevalence compared with other demographic groups. This study aimed to establish the optimal vitamin D intake level for maintaining an adequate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level by season in young Korean women (mean age: 23.1 years). Each participant (wintertime, n = 101; summertime, n = 117) completed a lifestyle survey, dietary record, bone mineral density, and biochemical tests. Seasonal factors impacting 25(OH)D were identified, vitamin D intake for sufficient 25(OH)D levels was calculated, and the relationship between 25(OH)D and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was analyzed. During summertime, 25(OH)D levels were higher than in wintertime (17.9 vs. 15.0 ng/mL). A 1 µg/1000 kcal increase in vitamin D intake increased 25(OH)D levels by 0.170 ng/mL in wintertime and 0.149 ng/mL in summertime. iPTH levels reached a theoretical plateau corresponding to an 18.4 ng/mL 25(OH)D level. The vitamin D intake threshold for maintaining 25(OH)D levels at ≥20 and ≥18.4 ng/mL was ≥10.97 µg/day. For a sufficient level of 25(OH)D in young Korean women, increasing summertime UV irradiation time and increasing vitamin D supplements and vitamin D-containing foods throughout the year is beneficial.

Vitamin D intake and bone mineral density in Korean adults: analysis of the 2009-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Koreans is quite high; however, until recently, Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) had not analyzed the vitamin D intake among Koreans. Additionally, the Korean Dietary Reference Intake for vitamin D was established based on insufficient evidence. Therefore, we investigated vitamin D intake and its relationship with bone mineral density (BMD) in Korean adults using the combined data from the 2009-2011 KNHANES. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in 11,949 healthy adults. Vitamin D intake was assessed using a 24-h recall method, and the BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was 64% in men and 77% in women. In women aged ≥ 50 yrs and men aged < 50 yrs, there was a significant positive correlation between vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level after sun exposure adjustment. The BMD of postmenopausal women aged ≥ 50 yrs with a vitamin D intake of 5 µg/day or more was significantly higher than that of women with intake less than 5 µg/day. After adjusting for age, energy, and calcium intake, the vitamin D intake of the osteoporotic group was significantly lower than that of the osteopenia group in women. CONCLUSIONS: Since the relationship between vitamin D intake and BMD was observed in women aged ≥ 50 yrs, further research is needed to clarify these findings using cohort or randomized controlled trials.

Dietary vitamin D intake in low ultraviolet irradiation seasons is associated with a better nutritional status of vitamin D in Korean adults according to the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Vitamin D deficiency poses a global public health burden; however, there are limited studies on the relationship between vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration in Koreans with a special focus on seasonal variables. We hypothesized that the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and vitamin D intake levels in Korean adults would change with the seasons, and that the distribution of food sources for vitamin D would vary according to sex and age. We established a new version of the food vitamin D database, analyzed the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 to 2014 data (n = 3257), and calculated the vitamin D intake of Koreans using a complex sample model. We found that the daily vitamin D intakes of men and women were 4.09 ± 0.26 µg and 2.87 ± 0.17 µg and their 25(OH)D levels were 16.98 ± 0.24 ng/mL and 15.62 ± 0.21 ng/mL, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D levels in all participants. Serum 25(OH)D levels in the spring and winter (low ultraviolet irradiation seasons) were significantly higher in the 3rd tertile of vitamin D intake than in the first tertile. Fish and shellfish were the main sources of vitamin D for Koreans, the consumption of which was the least in the 19- to 29-year-old group; additionally, their serum 25(OH)D level was the lowest. In conclusion, insufficient vitamin D intake during low ultraviolet irradiation seasons is associated with lower levels of serum 25(OH)D.

Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Its Association with Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease and Nutrient Intake in Korean Adult Men: The 2013-2014 KNHANES.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has been linked to one of the highest death rates globally. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) may be an important predictor of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, superior to the standard atherosclerotic lipid profile. This study investigated the relationship between AIP and obesity indices, blood glucose, lipid profile, and nutrient intake status in Korean adult men. The study included 1292 males aged ≥19 years old who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2014. Participants were divided into four groups according to AIP quartiles, calculated as log (triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)). Body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, TG, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased as AIP levels increased, whereas HDL-C level declined. As the level of AIP increased, intake of saturated fatty acid, calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, milk, and dairy product decreased significantly, and the contribution rate of milk and dairy products to fat intake decreased. AIP was linked to obesity indices, blood glucose, and blood lipid profile in Korean men, suggesting that it could predict CAD.

Antiatherogenic effect of antioxidant polyphenols from Phellinus baumii in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

AIMS: The present study was carried out to investigate the antiatherosclerotic effect of antioxidant polyphenols from Phellinus baumii (PBE) in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: apoE-/- mice were randomly divided into three groups: mice on a normal chow diet comprised the normal group, mice on an atherogenic diet plus vehicle were the control group, and mice on an atherogenic diet plus PBE (500 mg/kg) comprised the PB500 group. After 8 weeks of treatment, the plasma lipids and cytokine levels were measured. Although no significant differences were found in cholesterol levels among groups, the triglyceride level was significantly decreased in the PBE-treated group compared with the control group. Plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were reduced by PBE treatment. Real-time PCR analysis of the aorta showed that PBE significantly prevented the upregulation of the vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß expression. Furthermore, reduced macrophage infiltration, lipid accumulation and atherosclerotic lesions were observed in the aortic sinus and en face of the whole aorta in PBE-fed apoE-/- mice compared with atherogenic diet-fed control mice. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the findings of the present study suggest that the antiatherosclerotic effect of PBE is probably related to the inhibition of adhesion molecule and cytokine expression resulting in amelioration of lesion development.

A combination of grape extract, green tea extract and L-carnitine improves high-fat diet-induced obesity, hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice.

To develop a therapeutic agent for obesity-related metabolic disorders, a mixture of dietary components was prepared, including grape extract, green tea extract and l-carnitine (RGTC), and its effects on obesity, hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease examined. The RGTC dramatically inhibited the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced increase in body weight and fat in C57BL/6 mice, whereas food consumption was not affected by RGTC treatment. The RGTC also concentration-dependently suppressed the HFD-induced increase in plasma lipids, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, increases in liver weight and liver steatosis were returned to normal by RGTC treatment in HFD-fed C57BL/6 mice. The plasma levels of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase were also significantly down-regulated by RGTC treatment. These results suggest that RGTC suppressed HFD-induced obesity, hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, suggesting that RGTC supplementation might be a promising adjuvant therapy for the treatment of these metabolic disorders.

Association between vitamin D intake and bone mineral density in Koreans aged ≥ 50 years: analysis of the 2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey using a newly established vitamin D database.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D plays an important role in skeletal growth and maintenance and in the prevention of various diseases. We investigated the relationship between vitamin D intake and bone mineral density (BMD) in Korean adults aged ≥ 50 years using the 2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study was conducted in 1,808 subjects aged ≥ 50 years with BMD data in Korea. Dietary vitamin D levels were assessed by the 24-hour recall method. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We investigated general characteristics and the association between these characteristics, vitamin D status, and BMD. RESULTS: Vitamin D intake was significantly lower in the osteoporosis group among women (P < 0.05). Among all subjects, the higher the serum 25(OH)D concentration, the higher the whole-body total BMD (WBT-BMD), femoral total hip BMD, and femoral neck BMD (P < 0.01). In the serum vitamin D-deficient group of both the total population and women, serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with WBT-BMD (P < 0.05). Among women with a calcium intake < 537.74 mg/day, BMD of those with a vitamin D intake > 2.51 µg/day (average intake of women) was higher than that of women with a vitamin D intake ≤ 2.51 µg/day (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Korean adults should increase their BMD by increasing serum 25(OH)D concentration. Furthermore, increasing vitamin D intake could improve BMD, especially in Korean women who consume less calcium than the estimated average requirement.

Structural importance of the acyl group in substrate specificity of purified bovine lysophospholipase D.

The structural importance of the acyl group in lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) as substrate of purified bovine lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD) was investigated. Among LPCs with saturated acyl chains, the K(m) value decreased according to the length of the acyl chain (C12-C16) up to the palmitoyl group, while the V(m) value showed no remarkable change. But, the extension of the acyl size to C18, as observed with 1-stearoyl LPC (K(m), 8.5 mM), rather resulted in a remarkable increase in the K(m) value. Meanwhile, the introduction of one double bond in the C18 saturated acyl chain led to a remarkable reduction in the K(m) value, as observed with 1-oleoyl LPC (K(m), 0.48 mM). Furthermore, 1-linoleoyl LPC (K(m), 56 microM) with two double bonds exhibited a smaller K(m) value than 1-oleoyl LPC, suggesting that the unsaturation degree might be important in augmenting the binding affinity of LPCs. A similar phenomenon was also observed with 1-arachidonoly LPC (K(m), 79 microM) or 1-docosahexaenoyl LPC (K(m), 36 microM). Overall, the order of catalytic efficiency (V(m)/K(m) value) of those LPCs seemed to be affected by the K(m) value rather than the V(m) value, which differed by at most threefold among LPC derivatives. Next, the introduction of a hydroperoxide group into 1-linoleoyl-LPC or 1-arachidonoyl LPC led to a further reduction in K(m) values (1-hydroperoxylinoleoyl LPC, 26 microM; 1-hydroperoxyarachidonoyl LPC, 33 microM), accompanied by a further increase in the V(m)/K(m) values. Additionally, phosphatidylcholines (PCs) with an oxidized acyl chain at sn-2 position were found to be efficient as 1-palmitoyl LPC as substrates of lysoPLD. Taken together, the catalytic efficiency of LPCs or oxidized PCs as substrates of lysoPLD seems to be determined by the property of the acyl chain, length of the acyl chain, unsaturation degree and oxidation status.

Children with atopic dermatitis in Daejeon, Korea: individualized nutrition intervention for disease severity and nutritional status.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common pediatric chronic inflammatory skin diseases, and certain food allergens and nutrients are closely related to the development and severity of atopic dermatitis. While avoidance of the causative foods is considered the mainstay of treatment, unverified excessive restriction might induce unnecessary limitations in the food intake, consequently leading to nutritional deficiencies and poor growth. This study aimed to identify the characteristics and nutrient intake status in children with atopic dermatitis and to investigate the effects of individualized nutrition intervention. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of 77 pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis who received 4 months of individualized nutrition intervention combined with an elimination diet. The patient characteristics, nutrient intake status, and clinical status were examined before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Before the intervention, 5 children had a weight for height z-score below -2.0, and 48.1% had experienced food restriction; these children showed a significantly higher SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis index than those without experiences, with the number of restricted foods before the intervention positively correlating with the disease severity. The intakes of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, calcium, folate, and vitamin D were lower than the recommended nutrient intakes for Koreans. After the intervention, the weight for height z-score of 35 children was significantly increased and their SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis index was significantly reduced (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Individualized nutrition intervention appears useful for alleviating the severity of atopic dermatitis and improving the growth status by improving the nutrient intake.

The effect of 4α,5α-epoxy-10α,14-dihydro-inuviscolide, a novel immunosuppressant isolated from Carpesium abrotanoides, on the cytokine profile in vitro and in vivo.

The plant Carpesium abrotanoides (CA) is used in Asian herbal medicines as an insecticide and to treat bruises. However, the effect of single compounds from CA blooms and the mechanism of its immunosuppressive effect remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of the immunosuppressive effect in the three kinds of immune cells, and the immunosuppressive effect of CA bloom extract (CAE) in acute inflammation models (LPS and ConA-induced inflammation). Interleukin-6, IL-4, IL-13, IFNγ, and IL-10-but not TNFα-were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner by 4α,5α-epoxy-10α,14-dihydro-inuviscolide (INV). Furthermore, INV inhibited NF-κB transcriptional activation and IL-10 promoter activity in the same manner as for Bay11. Meanwhile, treatment with dexamethasone reduced the levels of IFNγ, but not IL-10, and resulted in no change in NF-κB transcriptional activation or the IL-10 promoter. INV did not affect PMA-induced IκB kinase complex phosphorylation, IκB degradation, or MAPK and the nuclear translocation of p65, as with DEX. The in vivo, CAE has an immunosuppressive effect on the LPS-induced inflammation response model by inhibiting the plasma level of IFNγ and IL-6 levels. CAE treatment also tends to attenuate the plasma level of IFNγ, IL-4, and IL-6 in ConA-induced inflammation. These findings indicate that INV causes the reduction of the cytokine profile by blocking the NF-κB transcription factor activation and the molecular mechanism by which INV operates could provide new insights into the unique mechanisms responsible for NF-κB inhibition, in contrast to established immunosuppressants, as a therapeutic agent for immunopathological treatment.

Scoparone inhibits adipocyte differentiation through down-regulation of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of scoparone on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Scoparone inhibited triglyceride (TG) accumulation in the mature adipocytes, evidenced by Oil-red O staining and intracellular quantification. Real time-PCR analysis showed that scoparone significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression of key adipogenic transcription factors, PPARγ, C/EBPα, compared with mature adipocytes. Scoparone appeared to reduce mRNA expression of SREBP1c and FAS being related to the late stage of adipogenesis. Furthermore, aP2 and CD36/FAT, as adipocyte-specific genes, were decreased in mature adipocytes by scoparone treatment. Moreover, scoparone inhibited the up-regulated expression of PPARγ target genes by rosiglitazone to near that observed in cells treated with GW9662. The luciferase assay revealed that scoparone negatively regulates the transcriptional activity of PPARγ. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay also showed that participation of scoparone in the regulation of PPARγ. Collectively, scoparone has a PPARγ antagonic effect and suppresses differentiation through down-regulation of adipogenic genes by PPARγ inhibition in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

Hepatoprotective effects of chestnut (Castanea crenata) inner shell extract against chronic ethanol-induced oxidative stress in C57BL/6 mice.

This study was carried out to evaluate the protective effects of chestnut inner shell extract (CISE) on chronic ethanol-induced oxidative stress in liver. Mice were fed a control liquid diet (Normal-control), liquid diet containing ethanol alone (EtOH+Vehicle), or were administered CISE and ethanol (EtOH+CISE) for 6 weeks. Administration of ethanol induced liver damage with significant increase of plasma GOT, GPT, hepatic triglyceride (TG) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels. By contrast, co-treatment of CISE with ethanol significantly decreased the activities of GOT and GPT in the plasma, and hepatic TG and TBARS levels. Histological observations were consistent with the result obtained from hepatic lipid quantification. Moreover, CISE treatment with ethanol decreased CYP2E1 expression and increased activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, which were significantly inhibited by treatment with ethanol alone. To determine the active compound of CISE, fractionation of CISE was conducted and scoparone and scopoletin were identified as main compounds. These compounds were also shown to inhibit the ethanol-induced reduction in antioxidant enzyme activity in an in vitro model system. These results suggest that CISE has protective effects against ethanol-induced oxidative damage, possibly by inhibition of lipid accumulation, peroxidation and increase of antioxidant defense system in the liver.

A Phellinus baumii extract reduces obesity in high-fat diet-fed mice and absorption of triglyceride in lipid-loaded mice.

This study evaluated the anti-obesity effects of Phellinus baumii extract (PBE) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Male 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, normal chow diet plus vehicle; HFD-control, high-fat plus vehicle; HFD plus orlistat (Xenical(®), Roche, Basel, Switzerland) (50 mg/kg); and HFD plus PBE (500 mg/kg). PBE was administered daily by oral gavage for 12 weeks. Oral administration of PBE (500 mg/kg) significantly reduced body weight gain, hepatic lipid concentrations, and fat accumulation in epididymal adipocytes compared with mice fed HFD alone (P < .05). mRNA expression of genes related to triglyceride (TG) synthesis was suppressed in the PBE groups, and fatty acid synthase activity was also significantly inhibited (P < .05). Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of PBE on TG absorption and detected marked reduction in TG absorption in Xenical- and PBE-treated mice compared with the control group (P < .05). To determine the active compound of PBE, fractionation was conducted, and interfungin A, davallialactone, and hypholomine B were identified as the main compounds. Among the three identified compounds, as a representative compound, davallialactone was also shown to suppress fat accumulation in an in vitro model system. These anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects appear to be partly mediated by suppressing plasma and hepatic fat accumulation through the inhibition of enzymes associated with hepatic and intestinal lipid absorption and synthesis.

A combination of green tea extract and l-theanine improves memory and attention in subjects with mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

A combination of green tea extract and l-theanine (LGNC-07) has been reported to have beneficial effects on cognition in animal studies. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the effect of LGNC-07 on memory and attention in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was investigated. Ninety-one MCI subjects whose Mini Mental State Examination-K (MMSE-K) scores were between 21 and 26 and who were in either stage 2 or 3 on the Global Deterioration Scale were enrolled in this study. The treatment group (13 men, 32 women; 57.58 ± 9.45 years) took 1,680 mg of LGNC-07, and the placebo group (12 men, 34 women; 56.28 ± 9.92 years) received an equivalent amount of maltodextrin and lactose for 16 weeks. Neuropsychological tests (Rey-Kim memory test and Stroop color-word test) and electroencephalography were conducted to evaluate the effect of LGNC-07 on memory and attention. Further analyses were stratified by baseline severity to evaluate treatment response on the degree of impairment (MMSE-K 21-23 and 24-26). LGNC-07 led to improvements in memory by marginally increasing delayed recognition in the Rey-Kim memory test (P = .0572). Stratified analyses showed that LGNC-07 improved memory and selective attention by significantly increasing the Rey-Kim memory quotient and word reading in the subjects with MMSE-K scores of 21-23 (LGNC-07, n = 11; placebo, n = 9). Electroencephalograms were recorded in 24 randomly selected subjects hourly for 3 hours in eye-open, eye-closed, and reading states after a single dose of LGNC-07 (LGNC-07, n = 12; placebo, n = 12). Brain theta waves, an indicator of cognitive alertness, were increased significantly in the temporal, frontal, parietal, and occipital areas after 3 hours in the eye-open and reading states. Therefore, this study suggests that LGNC-07 has potential as an intervention for cognitive improvement.

Effects of a preparation of combined glutathione-enriched yeast and rice embryo/soybean extracts on ethanol hangover.

The effects of a preparation of combined glutathione-enriched yeast (GEY) and rice embryo/soybean (RES) extracts (20:1), GEY/RES, on experimentally induced ethanol hangover were investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats. To evaluate the preventive effects on hangover, rats were orally administered GEY/RES (50/2.5, 100/5, or 200/10 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. At 30 minutes after the final treatment, they were challenged with 3 mL/kg ethanol (15 mL of 20% in water/kg). The blood concentrations of alcohol and acetaldehyde were analyzed up to 7 hours postchallenge. Hepatic mRNA expression levels of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), cytochrome P450 type 2E1 (CYP2E1), and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additional rats were challenged with ethanol and, 60 minutes later, administered GEY/RES to evaluate alcohol clearance. Pretreatment with GEY/RES for 2 weeks reduced the blood concentrations of alcohol and acetaldehyde in a dose-dependent manner, lowering by 29.5% and 54.6% at the highest dose (200/10 mg/kg), respectively. The expressions of mRNAs for ADH and ALDH, the major alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, were markedly increased in the livers of rats administered GEY/RES for 2 weeks, whereas CYP2E1 mRNA was suppressed. Postchallenge treatment with GEY/RES enhanced the alcohol clearance rate by lowering blood concentrations of alcohol and acetaldehyde by 24% and 26.6%, respectively, for the highest dose group. GEY/RES remarkably eliminated 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate radical and FeCl(3)-mediated lipid peroxidation in vitro and attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation following ethanol administration in vivo. Therefore, it is suggested that GEY/RES reduces the blood concentrations of alcohol and acetaldehyde not only by modulating alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, but also by exerting its antioxidant activity, and that GEY/RES could be a promising candidate for improvements of alcoholic hangover.