Licochalcone D Inhibits Skin Epidermal Cells Transformation through the Regulation of AKT Signaling Pathways.

Cell transformation induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is a critical event in cancer initiation and progression, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Licorice extract contains various bioactive compounds, which have been reported to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the cancer preventive efficacy of licochalcone D (LicoD), a chalcone derivative in licorice extract, in EGF and TPA-induced transformed skin keratinocyte cells. LicoD effectively suppressed EGF-induced cell proliferation and anchorage-independent colony growth. EGF and TPA promoted the S phase of cell cycle, while LicoD treatment caused G1 phase arrest and down-regulated cyclin D1 and up-regulated p21 expression associated with the G1 phase. LicoD also induced apoptosis and increased apoptosis-related proteins such as cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-7, and Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein). We further investigated the effect of LicoD on the AKT signaling pathway involved in various cellular processes and found decreased p-AKT, p-GSK3ß, and p-NFκB expression. Treatment with MK-2206, an AKT pharmacological inhibitor, suppressed EGF-induced cell proliferation and transformed colony growth. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of LicoD as a preventive agent for skin carcinogenesis.

Machine learning model for predicting age in healthy individuals using age-related gut microbes and urine metabolites.

Age-related gut microbes and urine metabolites were investigated in 568 healthy individuals using metataxonomics and metabolomics. The richness and evenness of the fecal microbiota significantly increased with age, and the abundance of 16 genera differed between the young and old groups. Additionally, 17 urine metabolites contributed to the differences between the young and old groups. Among the microbes that differed by age, Bacteroides and Prevotella 9 were confirmed to be correlated with some urine metabolites. The machine learning algorithm eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) was shown to produce the best performing age predictors, with a mean absolute error of 5.48 years. The accuracy of the model improved to 4.93 years with the inclusion of urine metabolite data. This study shows that the gut microbiota and urine metabolic profiles can be used to predict the age of healthy individuals with relatively good accuracy.

Analgesic effects and metabolome analyses of laser- and electro-acupuncture combined therapies in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain model.

Introduction: Allodynia, which can be induced by paclitaxel administration, is the presence of pain as a result of a stimulus that does not usually provoke pain. Many studies have investigated the analgesic efficacy of acupuncture, including laser acupuncture (LA) and electroacupuncture (EA). Although pain-related diseases are relatively common, few studies have analyzed the analgesic effects and mechanisms of LA combined with EA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of manual acupuncture (MA), EA, LA, and combined therapy (LA + EA) in a paclitaxel-induced allodynia rat model. Methods: A total of 56 rats were classified into eight groups: a normal (Nor, n = 7), a control (Con, n = 7), an MA (n = 7), an EA (n = 7), a 650-nm LA (650LA, n = 7), an 830-nm LA (830LA, n = 7), a 650-nm LA combined with EA (650LA + EA, n = 7), and an 830-nm LA combined with EA group (830LA + EA, n = 7). Allodynia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg of paclitaxel every other day for a total of four times except the Nor group. Acupuncture treatments were conducted at the points of Jungwan (CV12) and Joksamni (ST36) once every other day for 6 min, for a total of nine times. Withdrawal response reaction times and force intensity of the foot were measured before the start of the experiment, after the 4th paclitaxel administration (day 8), and after the 9th and last treatment (day 15). On the 16th day, mRNA and protein expression in the spinal nerves was assessed, and a metabolome analysis of the animals' feces was performed. Results and discussion: Our analyses show that 650LA + EA treatment resulted in an upregulation of protein expression related to pain relief and nerve regeneration, whereas 830LA + EA treatment led to significant changes in metabolomes. This study demonstrates that a combination treatment of EA and LA can suppress allodynia and promote upregulation of protein expression related to nerve regeneration and is effective in changing the intestinal microbiome. Further large-scale research is required to assess the exact mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of this combination treatment in pain-related diseases.

Preclinical activities of Cassia tora Linn against aging-related diseases.

Globally, an aging population is increasing, and aging is a natural physiological process and a major risk factor for all age-related diseases. It seriously threatens personal health and imposes a great economic burden. Therefore, there is a growing scientific interest in strategies for well-aging with prevention and treatment of age-related diseases. The seed, root, stem or leaves of Cassia tora Linn. are useful for anti-bacteria, anti-hyperlipidemia and anti-obesity due to its pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant both in vitro and in vivo. Nevertheless, no clinical trials have been attempted so far, therefore here we would like to understand the current preclinical activities for aging-related disease models including cataract, metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration, then discuss their preparation for clinical trials and perspectives.

Efficacy of invasive laser acupuncture in treating chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of invasive laser acupuncture (ILA) for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). This was a single-center, randomized, patient and assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm, clinical trial with a 1:1:1 allocation ratio that included a full analysis set. Forty-five participants with CNLBP were randomly assigned to the control group (sham laser), 650 group (650 nm-wavelength ILA), or 830 group (830 nm-wavelength ILA) (n = 15/group). All participants received ILA for 10 min, followed by electroacupuncture for 10 min on the same day. The treatment was performed once per day, twice per week for 4 weeks at bilateral BL23, BL24, BL25, and GB30. The primary outcome was the among-group difference of changes in the visual analog scale (VAS) scores at intervention endpoint (week 4). The secondary outcomes were the among-group difference of changes in VAS at 4 weeks after intervention completion (week 8), those in the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the European Quality of Life Five-Dimension- Five-Level (EQ-5D-5L) at intervention endpoint (week 4) and 4 weeks after intervention completion (week 8). The VAS scores of the 650 group decreased significantly compared with those of the control group (p = 0.047; week 4 vs. week 0). The ODI scores of the 650 group (p = 0.018, week 4 vs. week 0; p = 0.006, week 8 vs. week 0) and 830 group (p = 0.014, week 4 vs. week 0) decreased significantly compared with those of the control group. There was no adverse event related to ILA and no significant difference in changes in vital signs among the three groups. The 650 group showed significant improvements in pain intensity and functional disability. The 830 group showed significant improvements in functional disability. Therefore, ILA therapy at 650 nm and 830 nm wavelengths can be used to treat CNLBP.

Insamgobonhwan Protects Neuronal Cells from Lipid ROS and Improves Deficient Cognitive Function.

Iron is an essential element in the central nervous system that is involved in many of its important biological processes, such as oxygen transportation, myelin production, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Previous studies have observed the selective accumulation of iron in Aß aggregates and neurofibrillary tangles in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, and excess of this accumulation is associated with accelerated cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. Emerging evidence suggests that ferroptosis, cell death due to iron accumulation, is a potential therapeutic target for treating Alzheimer's disease. Insamgobonhwan (GBH) is a well-regarded traditional medicine from Donguibogam that possess antioxidant properties and has been suggested to slow the aging process. However, the neuroprotective role of GBH against lipid peroxidation-induced ferroptosis and its positive cognitive effects remain unexplored. Here, we investigated the ability of GBH to protect against RSL3-induced ferroptosis in vitro and to suppress amyloid-ß-induced cognitive impairment in vivo. First, we treated HT22 cells with RSL3 to induce ferroptosis, which is an inhibitor of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and induces lethal lipid hydroperoxide accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ferroptotic cell death. GBH treatment inhibited cell death and lipid peroxidation, which were increased by RSL3 administration. In addition, GBH restored the expression of ferroptosis marker proteins, such as GPX4, HO-1 and COX-2, which were altered by RSL3. Next, we examined whether the protective ability of GBH in cells was reproduced in animals. We concluded that GBH treatment inhibited Aß-induced lipid peroxidation and improved Aß-induced cognitive impairment in mice.

Citric Acid-Enriched Extract of Ripe Prunus mume (Siebold) Siebold & Zucc. Induces Laxative Effects by Regulating the Expression of Aquaporin 3 and Prostaglandin E2 in Rats with Loperamide-Induced Constipation.

Previously, we demonstrated that extracts of the ripe fruit (rPM) and unripe fruit (uPM) of Prunus mume (Siebold) Siebold & Zucc. and citric acid have a laxative effect, which is at least partially mediated by the increase in fecal parameters as seen in the low-fiber diet-induced constipation model rats. This study aims at investigating the laxative effects of citric acid-enriched aqueous extracts of rPM, uPM, and its active compounds, such as citric acid and malic acid, on loperamide-induced constipation rat models. Animal studies were conducted with loperamide-induced constipation animal models. The results showed that rPM and citric acid, the major organic acid compounds, significantly improved stool parameters (number, weight, and water content of the stools) generated in loperamide-induced constipation rats, without adverse effects of diarrhea. The gastrointestinal (GI) motility was activated fully in the rPM- and citric acid-treated rats than in rats treaded with loperamide alone. In addition, when rPM and citric acid were added to RAW264.7 cells and used to treat loperamide-induced constipation model rats, the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased significantly in cells and tissue. Furthermore, rPM and citric acid decreased the expression of the aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in the rat colons. Our results demonstrated that rPM and citric acid, the major organic acid compound in rPM, can effectively promote defecation frequency and regulate PGE2 secretion and AQP3 expression in the colon, providing scientific evidence to support the use of rPM as a therapeutic application.

De Novo Assembly and Species-Specific Marker Development as a Useful Tool for the Identification of Scutellaria L. Species.

Scutellaria L. (family Lamiaceae) includes approximately 470 species found in most parts of the world and is commonly known as skullcaps. Scutellaria L. is a medicinal herb used as a folk remedy in Korea and East Asia, but it is difficult to identify and classify various subspecies by morphological methods. Since Scutellaria L. has not been studied genetically, to expand the knowledge of species in the genus Scutellaria L., de novo whole-genome assembly was performed in Scutellaria indica var. tsusimensis (H. Hara) Ohwi using the Illumina sequencing platform. We aimed to develop a molecular method that could be used to classify S.indica var. tsusimensis (H. Hara) Ohwi, S. indica L. and three other Scutellaria L. species. The assembly results for S.indica var. tsusimensis (H. Hara) Ohwi revealed a genome size of 318,741,328 bp and a scaffold N50 of 78,430. The assembly contained 92.08% of the conserved BUSCO core gene set and was estimated to cover 94.65% of the genome. The obtained genes were compared with previously registered Scutellaria nucleotide sequences and similar regions using the NCBI BLAST service, and a total of 279 similar nucleotide sequences were detected. By selecting the 279 similar nucleotide sequences and nine chloroplast DNA barcode genes, primers were prepared so that the size of the PCR product was 100 to 1000 bp. As a result, a species-specific primer set capable of distinguishing five species of Scutellaria L. was developed.

Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg and Its Active Components Mitigate Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis after Urban Particulate Matter-Induced Ocular Surface Damage.

We previously demonstrated that urban particulate matter (UPM) exposure decreases the migration activity and survival of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Herein, we investigated the potential to improve the corneal wound-healing ability of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. leaf extract (PJE) and its active components on UPM-induced ocular surface damage in vitro and in vivo. PJE effectively assisted wound healing without altering HCEC survival and enhanced catalase (CAT), heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) antioxidant gene expression. A corneal wound was uniformly induced on the right eye in all experimental animals and divided into eight groups such as two control groups (wounded right eye group-NR and non-wounded left eye group-NL), UPM treated group and PJEs (25, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg) treated groups. Corneal abrasion model rats exposed to UPM showed delayed wound healing compared to unexposed rats, but wound healing was dose-dependently enhanced by PJE oral administration. Seventy-two hours after wound generation, inflammatory cells, apoptotic cells and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression were increased substantially after UPM exposure, but PJE treatment significantly reduced the wound to an almost normal level while enhancing re-epithelialization without changing corneal thickness. Next, we tried to identify the key molecules for enhancing wound healing through fractionation. The major compounds in the fraction, confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were chlorogenic acid (CA), neochlorogenic acid (NCA) and cryptochlorogenic acid (CCA). Each type of CA isomers showed slightly different half maximal effective (EC50) and maximal effective (ECmax) concentrations, and their mixtures synergistically enhanced HCEC migration. Thus, corneal abrasion wound recovery after UPM exposure improved after PJE treatment, and the active PJE components were identified, providing an important basis to develop therapeutics for ocular surface damage using PJE.

Laxative Effects of a Standardized Extract of Dendropanax morbiferus H. Léveille Leaves on Experimental Constipation in Rats.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the laxative effects of a standardized aqueous extract of Dendropanax morbiferus H. Lév. on two different constipation rat models. Materials and Methods: Animal studies were conducted with low-fiber diet-induced and loperamide-induced constipation animal models, and isolated colons were used in ex vivo analysis to determine the changes in colonic motility caused by D. morbiferus H. Lév. leaf extract (DPL). Results: The results showed that DPL administration significantly improved certain reduced fecal parameters (number, weight, and water content of the stools) in a both low-fiber diet and loperamide-induced constipation models without adverse effects of diarrhea. The laxative effect of DPL was confirmed to improve the charcoal excretion time upon DPL treatment in a low-fiber diet or loperamide-induced constipation model through gastrointestinal (GI) motility evaluation using the charcoal meal test. In addition, when DPL was administered to RAW264.7 cells and loperamide-induced constipation model rats, the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased significantly in cells and tissue. Furthermore, DPL dose-dependently stimulated the spontaneous contractile amplitude and frequency of the isolated rat colon. Conclusion: Although our study did not provide information on the acute or chronic toxicity of DPL, our results demonstrated that DPL can effectively promote defecation frequency and rat colon contraction, providing scientific evidence to support the use of DPL as a therapeutic application. However, further toxicity studies of DPL are needed prior to the initiation of clinical trials and clinical applications.

SR-5, the specific ratio of Korean multi-herbal formula: An evaluation of antiulcerogenic effects on experimentally induced gastric ulcers in mice.

PURPOSE: Previously, we demonstrated that the specific ratio of Korean multi-herbal formula (SR-5) exhibits hepatoprotective properties against ethanol-induced hepatic damage in rats. Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is a major etiological factor involved in gastric disease and ulcer development induced by the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. METHODS: The present study evaluated the gastroprotective effects of SR-5 (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) against hydrochloride acid/ethanol (HCl/EtOH)-induced and indomethacin/hydrochloride acid (INDO/HCl)-induced gastritis in a mouse model and the mechanisms involved. RESULTS: All the tested doses of SR-5 significantly inhibited gastric lesions in the HCl/EtOH-induced ulcer model mice. Similarly, all the tested doses of SR-5 significantly inhibited gastric lesions in the INDO/HCl-induced ulcer model mice. Furthermore, mice pretreated with SR-5 had significantly increased gastric levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, namely, catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH), with concomitant reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels compared with those in the HCl/EtOH or INDO/HCl group. SR-5 suppressed the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to their normal values. CONCLUSION: These findings are the first to demonstrate the powerful protective effect of SR-5 against gastric injury development and provide hope for clinical application.

Combined antihypertensive effect of unripe Rubus coreanus Miq. and Dendropanax morbiferus H. Lév. Extracts in 1 kidney-1 clip hypertensive rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: We previously showed that enzymatically hydrolyzed Dendropanax morbiferus H. Lév. leaf (Hy-DP) and unripe Rubus coreanus Miq. (5-uRCK) extracts exhibit potent vasodilator effects on isolated aortic rings from rats partly through endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent mechanisms. These two extracts have different mechanisms of action; however, their combined effect on antihypertensive activity has not been explored. METHODS: The present study aims to investigate the effect of a chronic optimized mixture (HDR-2, composed of Hy-DP and 5-uRCK in a 2:1 mass ratio) on vascular tension and blood pressure in two different hypertensive rat models. RESULTS: The results showed that HDR-2 concentration-dependently relaxed endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine. Antihypertensive effects were assessed in vivo on a 1 kidney-1 clip (1 K-1C) rat model of hypertension and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Acute HDR-2 treatment significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) 3 h posttreatment in both models. Chronic HDR-2 administration also significantly decreased SBP in the hypertensive rat models. Moreover, HDR-2 increased eNOS protein expression and phosphorylation levels in the aorta. CONCLUSION: Chronic HDR-2 administration may effectively improve vascular function by decreasing plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and AngII levels. HDR-2 significantly improved acetylcholine (ACh)-induced aortic endothelium-dependent relaxation and affected sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced endothelium-independent relaxation in SHRs.

Identification of Salivary Microorganisms and Metabolites Associated with Halitosis.

Halitosis is mainly caused by the action of oral microbes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in salivary microbes and metabolites between subjects with and without halitosis. Of the 52 participants, 22 were classified into the halitosis group by the volatile sulfur compound analysis on breath samples. The 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metabolomics approaches were used to investigate the difference in microbes and metabolites in saliva of the control and halitosis groups. The profiles of microbiota and metabolites were relatively different between the halitosis and control groups. The relative abundances of Prevotella, Alloprevotella, and Megasphaera were significantly higher in the halitosis group. In contrast, the relative abundances of Streptococcus, Rothia, and Haemophilus were considerably higher in the control group. The levels of 5-aminovaleric acid and n-acetylornithine were significantly higher in the halitosis group. The correlation between identified metabolites and microbiota reveals that Alloprevotella and Prevotella might be related to the cadaverine and putrescine pathways that cause halitosis. This study could provide insight into the mechanisms of halitosis.

Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture Combined Treatment Attenuates Colitis in Rats.

This study aimed to verify the efficacy of a combined treatment of Jakyakgamcho-tang (JGT) and acupuncture (CV12, ST25, CV4) on colitis induced by dextrane sulfate sodium (DSS). Changes in immuno-mediated factors and metabolites were investigated. Colitis symptoms such as body weight loss and elevated disease activity index were alleviated by the combined treatment. Moreover, treatment with JGT and acupuncture restored the disturbed architecture of colon by suppressing inflammatory cytokine levels of IFN-[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] < 0.05), IL-5 ([Formula: see text] < 0.05), and IL-13 ([Formula: see text] < 0.0001) compared with the DSS group. Analysis of metabolic profiles of serum revealed that treatment groups were clearly separated from the DSS group, suggesting that JGT and acupuncture treatment altered serum metabolites. Furthermore, treatments caused opposite metabolite patterns for dimethylbenzimidazole, 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, proline, phosphate, glycolic acid, aspartic acid, tryptophan, phthalic acid, ornithine, and glutamic acid compared with the DSS group. The combined treatment group induced more effective metabolite patterns than the JGT group, implying that acupuncture treatment can restore metabolic changes caused by DSS induction. These results indicate that the simultaneous treatment of JGT administration and acupuncture procedure provides better management of the immune function and inflammatory expression of colitis than a single treatment. It is assumed that intestinal microbial control can be achieved by acupuncture stimulation as well as by taking herbal medicine.

Neoagarooligosaccharide Protects against Hepatic Fibrosis via Inhibition of TGF-ß/Smad Signaling Pathway.

Hepatic fibrosis occurs when liver tissue becomes scarred from repetitive liver injury and inflammatory responses; it can progress to cirrhosis and eventually to hepatocellular carcinoma. Previously, we reported that neoagarooligosaccharides (NAOs), produced by the hydrolysis of agar by ß-agarases, have hepatoprotective effects against acetaminophen overdose-induced acute liver injury. However, the effect of NAOs on chronic liver injury, including hepatic fibrosis, has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we examined whether NAOs protect against fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo. NAOs ameliorated PAI-1, α-SMA, CTGF and fibronectin protein expression and decreased mRNA levels of fibrogenic genes in TGF-ß-treated LX-2 cells. Furthermore, downstream of TGF-ß, the Smad signaling pathway was inhibited by NAOs in LX-2 cells. Treatment with NAOs diminished the severity of hepatic injury, as evidenced by reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis mouse models. Moreover, NAOs markedly blocked histopathological changes and collagen accumulation, as shown by H&E and Sirius red staining, respectively. Finally, NAOs antagonized the CCl4-induced upregulation of the protein and mRNA levels of fibrogenic genes in the liver. In conclusion, our findings suggest that NAOs may be a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of chronic liver injury via inhibition of the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway.

Effects of different wavelengths of invasive laser acupuncture on chronic non-specific low back pain: a study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CLBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder for which patients seek complementary and alternative medical treatments, including laser acupuncture (LA). Invasive LA (ILA) involves the simultaneous application of invasive acupuncture treatment at acupoints and focused laser irradiation. The efficacy of ILA for CLBP remains controversial owing to the insufficient clinical trial data. We intend to obtain basic data regarding the efficacy and safety of ILA for CLBP by comparing the effects of different wavelengths of ILA on CLBP. METHODS: This will be a prospective, patient-blinded, parallel-arm, single-center (DongShin University Gwangju Korean Medicine Hospital, Republic of Korea), pilot randomized controlled clinical trial. Forty-five participants with CLBP will be randomized in equal numbers into the control, 650-nm ILA (650 ILA), or 830-nm ILA (830 ILA) group. The control group will receive sham ILA for 10 min and real electroacupuncture (EA) for 10 min. The 650 and 830 ILA groups will receive real ILA (i.e., 650 ILA group, 650-nm wavelength; 830 ILA group, 830-nm wavelength) for 10 min and real EA for 10 min once/day, twice a week for 4 weeks, at bilateral Shenshu (BL23), Qihaishu (BL24), Dachangshu (BL25), and Huantiao (GB30). The primary outcome will be an improvement in pain intensity assessed using the visual analog scale. Scores in the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index and the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level scale will be recorded as secondary outcome measures. All scores will be recorded at baseline (before intervention), 4 weeks after the first intervention (at the end of the intervention), and 4 weeks after completion of the intervention. DISCUSSION: The study is expected to provide preliminary evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and usefulness of ILA for the treatment of CLBP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (registration No. KCT0004610 ; http://cris.nih.go.kr ). Registered on 7 January 2020.

Unripe Rubus coreanus Miquel Extract Containing Ellagic Acid Promotes Lipolysis and Thermogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo.

Previously, we demonstrated that a 5% ethanol extract of unripe Rubus coreanus (5-uRCK) and ellagic acid has hypocholesterolemic and antiobesity activity, at least partially mediated by the downregulation of adipogenic and lipogenic gene expression in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed animals. The present study investigated the thermogenic and lipolytic antiobesity effects of 5-uRCK and ellagic acid in HFD-induced obese C57BL/6 mice and explored its mechanism of action. Mice fed an HFD received 5-uRCK or ellagic acid as a post-treatment or pretreatment. Both post-treated and pretreated mice showed significant reductions in body weight and adipose tissue mass compared to the HFD-fed mice. The protein levels of lipolysis-associated proteins, such as adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase (p-HSL), and perilipin1 (PLIN1), were significantly increased in both the 5-uRCK- and ellagic acid-treated mouse epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). Additionally, thermogenesis-associated proteins, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT1), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α), in inguinal white adipose tissue (ingWAT) were clearly increased in both the 5-uRCK- and ellagic acid-treated mice compared to HFD-fed mice. These results suggest that 5-uRCK and ellagic acid are effective for suppressing body weight gain and enhancing the lipid profile.

Long-Term Exposure to Urban Particulate Matter on the Ocular Surface and the Incidence of Deleterious Changes in the Cornea, Conjunctiva and Retina in Rats.

We investigated the time-dependent deleterious ocular changes induced by urban particulate matter (UPM) in vitro and in vivo. UPM treatment decreased human corneal epithelial cell migration and survival. Fluorescein scores were consistently increased by UPM application for 16 weeks. One week of rest at 2 or 4 weeks led to a recovery trend, whereas two weeks of rest at 8 weeks induced no change. UPM treatment decreased the tear film break-up time at 2 weeks, which was thereafter maintained until 16 weeks. No changes were found after periods of rest. UPM-treated eyes exhibited greater corneal epithelium thickness than normal eyes at 2 weeks, which recovered to normal at 4 and 8 weeks and was significantly decreased at 16 weeks. Apoptotic cell number in the epithelium was increased at 2 weeks, which remained constant except at 8 weeks. IL-6 expression in the cornea of the right eye continually increased for 16 weeks, and significant recovery was only observed at 8 weeks after 2 weeks of rest. Ocular pressure was significantly increased in the right eye at 12 and 16 weeks. Topical UPM application to the eye induced deleterious changes to various closely related parts of the eye.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Neoagarooligosaccharide via Activation of Nrf2 and Enhanced Antioxidant Efficacy.

Neoagarooligosaccharides (NAOS) are generated by ß-agarases, which cleave the ß-1,4 linkage in agarose. Previously, we reported that NAOS inhibited fat accumulation in the liver and decreased serum cholesterol levels. However, the hepatoprotective effect of NAOS on acute liver injury has not yet been investigated. Thus, we examined whether NAOS could activate nuclear factor (NF)-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) and upregulates its target gene, and has hepatoprotective effect in vivo. In hepatocytes, phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear translocation of Nrf2 are increased by treatment with NAOS, in a manner dependent on p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Consistently, NAOS augmented ARE reporter gene activity and the antioxidant protein levels, resulting in increased intracellular glutathione levels. NAOS antagonized tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Moreover, NAOS inhibited acetaminophen (APAP)-induced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and significantly decreased hepatocyte degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration. Moreover, ROS production and glutathione depletion by APAP were reversed by NAOS. APAP-mediated apoptotic signaling pathways were also inhibited in NAOS-treated mice. Upregulalted hepatic expression of genes related to inflammation by APAP were consistently diminished by NAOS. Collectively, our results demonstrate that NAOS exhibited a hepatoprotective effect against APAP-mediated acute liver damage through its antioxidant capacity.

Inhibitory effects of ChondroT and its constituent herbs on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis.

BACKGROUND: ChondroT is a complex herbal medicine consisting of water extracts of Ostericum koreanum (Maxim.) Kitag., Lonicera japonica Thunb., Angelica gigas Nakai, Clematis manshurica Rupr., and Phellodendron amurense Rupr. (6:4:4:4:3). Previous studies have reported that ChondroT possesses chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoarthritic, and anti-hyperuricemic activities. The study is aim to demonstrate the effects of ChondroT and its five constituent herbs on receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Osteoclastogenesis was identified in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining assay, actin ring formation assay and the bone resorption assay. For the molecular mechanisms, activation of RANKL-induced NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways and the expression levels of osteoclast-specific proteins were investigated by Western blotting. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Actin ring formation and NF-κB translocation were evaluated by immunostaining. RESULTS: ChondroT and each of its constituent herbs significantly suppressed osteoclast differentiation dose dependently, and decreased actin ring formation as well as bone-resorbing capacity. Mechanistically, ChondroT and its constituent herbs downregulated the expressional levels of osteoclast-specific proteins such as NFATc1, c-Fos, Cathepsin K, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) by suppressing NF-κB translocation to nucleus and MAPKs phosphorylation at different levels. Compared to its five constituent herbs, ChondroT exhibited the best inhibitory efficiency against osteoclastogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, ChondroT has anti-osteoclastogenesis properties by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPKs pathways. It could be considered as a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of osteoclast-related bone diseases.