Lactuca sativa L. Extract Enhances Sleep Duration Through Upregulation of Adenosine A1 Receptor and GABAA Receptors Subunits in Pentobarbital-Injected Mice.

We investigated the effects of Lactuca sativa L. extracts (Lactuc) on pentobarbital-induced sleep in mice to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its impact on sleep quality. Mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, positive control (diazepam 2 mg/kg b.w.), and three groups orally administered with Lactuc (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w.). After 2 weeks of oral administration and intraperitoneal injections, the mice were killed. We found that the Lactuc-administered groups had significantly reduced sleep latency and increased sleep duration compared with the control group. Furthermore, the oral administration of Lactuc induced a significant increase in mRNA expression and protein expression of adenosine A1 receptor in the brains compared with the expressions in the control group. In addition, the Lactuc-administered groups exhibited significantly higher levels of mRNA expressions of GABAA receptors subunits α2, ß2, γ1, and, γ2 in the brain tissue. Therefore, we suggest that Lactuc could be used to develop natural products that effectively improve sleep quality and duration.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Jeju Roasted Citrus Peel Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice and 3T3-L1 Adipocytes Via Lipid Metabolism Regulation.

Lipid accumulation in adipocytes occurs through multifactorial effects such as overnutrition due to unbalanced eating habits, reduced physical activity, and genetic factors. In addition, obesity can be intensified by the dis-regulation of various metabolic systems such as differentiation, lipogenesis, lipolysis, and energy metabolism of adipocytes. In this study, the Jeju roasted peel extract from Citrus unshiu S.Markov. (JRC), which is discarded as opposed to the pulp of C. unshiu S.Markov., is commonly consumed to ameliorate obesity. To investigate the anti-obesity effect of JRC, these studies were conducted on differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and in high-fat diet-induced mice, and related methods were used to confirm whether it decreased lipid accumulation in adipocytes. The mechanism of inhibiting obesity by JRC was confirmed through mRNA expression studies. JRC suppressed lipid accumulation in adipocytes and adipose tissue, and significantly improved enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase and serum lipid profiles. In addition, it effectively modulated the expression of genes related to lipid and energy metabolism in adipose tissue. As a result, these findings suggest that JRC could be a therapeutic regulator of body fat accumulation by significantly alleviating the dis-regulation of intracellular lipid metabolism in adipocytes and by enhancement of energy metabolism (Approval No. CNU IACUC-YB-2023-98).

Low-Molecular-Weight Fish Collagen Peptide (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Hydroxyproline-Glycine-Proline-Alanine-Glycine) Prevents Osteoarthritis Symptoms in Chondrocytes and Monoiodoacetate-Injected Rats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of low-molecular-weight fish collagen (valine-glycine-proline-hydroxyproline-glycine-proline-alanine-glycine; LMWCP) on H2O2- or LPS-treated primary chondrocytes and monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rat models. Our findings indicated that LMWCP treatment exhibited protective effects by preventing chondrocyte death and reducing matrix degradation in both H2O2-treated primary chondrocytes and cartilage tissue from MIA-induced osteoarthritis rats. This was achieved by increasing the levels of aggrecan, collagen type I, collagen type II, TIMP-1, and TIMP-3, while simultaneously decreasing catabolic factors such as phosphorylation of Smad, MMP-3, and MMP-13. Additionally, LMWCP treatment effectively suppressed the activation of inflammation and apoptosis pathways in both LPS-treated primary chondrocytes and cartilage tissue from MIA-induced osteoarthritis rats. These results suggest that LMWCP supplementation ameliorates the progression of osteoarthritis through its direct impact on inflammation and apoptosis in chondrocytes.

Unripe Pear Extract Suppresses UVB-Induced Skin Photoaging in Hairless Mice and Keratinocytes.

Our study aimed to investigate whether unripe pear extract (UP) could provide protection against UVB-induced damage to both mouse skin and keratinocytes. We observed that UVB exposure, a common contributor to skin photoaging, led to wrinkle formation, skin dryness, and inflammation in mice. Nevertheless, these effects were mitigated in the groups of UVB-irradiated mice treated with UP. Moreover, UP treatment at 400 µg/mL increased the antioxidant enzyme activities (sodium dodecyl sulfate, 2.22-fold higher; catalase, 2.91-fold higher; GPx, 1.96-fold higher) along with sphingomyelin (1.58-fold higher) and hyaluronic acid (1.31-fold higher) levels in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes. In the keratinocytes irradiated with UVB, UP 400 µg/mL resulted in reduced cytokine production (TNF-α, 33.2%; IL-1ß, 45.3%; IL-6, 33.4%) and the expression of inflammatory pathway-related proteins. The findings indicate that UP has a direct protective effect on UVB-irradiated keratinocytes and is also able to shield against photoaging induced by UVB. Hence, it is suggested that UP could contribute to improved skin health by averting skin photoaging.

Salacia reticulata Extract Suppresses Fat Accumulation by Regulating Lipid Metabolism.

The excessive storage of triglycerides in adipose tissue is a characteristic feature of obesity, which arises from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential anti-obesity effects of Salacia reticulata extracts (SC) in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced in obese mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, with a specific focus on understanding the underlying lipid mechanisms. Mice were fed with a normal diet (NC; normal control), HFD (60% high-fat diet), Met (HFD containing metformin 250 mg/kg b.w.), SC25 (HFD containing SC 25 mg/kg b.w.), SC50 (HFD containing SC 50 mg/kg b.w.), or SC 100 (HFD containing SC 100 mg/kg b.w.) for 12 weeks. Notably, SC supplementation led to significant reductions in body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, adipose tissue mass, and adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, SC supplementation exerted inhibitory effects on the adipogenesis and lipogenesis pathways while promoting lipolysis and thermogenesis pathways in the adipose tissues of HFD-fed mice. In vitro experiments using 3T3-L1 cells demonstrated that SC treatment during the differentiation phase suppressed adipogenesis and lipogenesis, whereas SC treatment after differentiation, activated lipolysis and thermogenesis. Collectively, these findings indicate that SC exhibits a direct influence on the lipid metabolism of adipocytes, making it an effective candidate for weight loss interventions.

Antiobesity effect of Kaempferia parviflora accompanied by inhibition of lipogenesis and stimulation of lipolysis.

Background: Obesity occurs when energy intake is excessive compared to energy expenditure, resulting in the excessive storage of triglyceride in adipose tissue. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the antiobesity effects of Kaempferia parviflora extracts (PF) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes to demonstrate the lipid mechanisms underlying these effects. Design: Mice were fed with a normal diet (AIN93G normal diet), HFD (60% HFD), Met (HFD containing metformin 250 mg/kg b.w.), PF50 (HFD containing PF 50 mg/kg b.w.), and PF100 (HFD containing PF 100 mg/kg b.w.) for 12 weeks. Results: Body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, adipose tissue mass, and size of adipocytes were significantly decreased by PF supplementation in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, PF supplementation suppressed the adipogenesis and lipogenesis pathways and activated the lipolysis and thermogenesis pathways in the adipose tissues of HFD-fed mice. Conclusions: PF treatment during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells suppressed adipogenesis and lipogenesis and PF treatment after differentiation activated lipolysis and thermogenesis. Thus, we suggest that PF is effective for weight loss by directly affecting the lipid metabolism of adipocytes.

Adipose tissue-derived exosomes contribute to obesity-associated liver diseases in long-term high-fat diet-fed mice, but not in short-term.

Introduction: Our study aimed to investigate the changes in hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, insulin signaling, and lipid metabolism during the administration of a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice in order to identify correlations between obesity and metabolic disease development in the liver. Methods: We used short-, medium-, and long-term HFD periods, corresponding to 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively, and isolated exosomes from adipose tissue. We confirmed the effect of adipose tissue-derived exosomes on metabolic disorders in obesity in alpha mouse liver 12 (AML12) hepatocytes. Results: Adipose tissue-derived exosomes from HFD mice did not affect the AML12 cells after 4 weeks, but ER stress, inflammatory response, insulin resistance, and lipid synthesis were observed after 8 and 12 weeks. Furthermore, we confirmed that an HFD increases the amount of adipose tissue-derived exosomes in mice. Consequently, we can infer that adipose tissue-derived exosomes from HFD-fed mice significantly increase ER stress, inflammatory response, insulin resistance, and lipid synthesis in AML12 cells. Discussion: Our results demonstrate that obesity alters the effects of adipose tissue-derived exosomes in the liver, potentially becoming a risk factor in the development of obesity-induced liver diseases.

Wheat Ceramide Powder Mitigates Ultraviolet B-Induced Oxidative Stress and Photoaging by Inhibiting Collagen Proteolysis and Promoting Collagen Synthesis in Hairless Mice.

The protective effects of wheat ceramide powder (WC-P) on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin oxidative stress and photoaging in hairless mice were investigated in this study. Moreover, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, inflammation, wrinkle formation-related pathway, and moisturizing capacity were evaluated. Mice were randomly divided into six groups (n=8): normal control (non-UVB irradiation), control (UVB irradiation), L-ascorbic acid [positive control, UVB irradiation with dietary supplementation of L-ascorbic acid at 100 mg/kg/body weight (bw)], WC-P5 (UVB irradiation with dietary supplementation of WC-P at 5 mg/kg/bw), WC-P20 (UVB irradiation with dietary supplementation of WC-P at 20 mg/kg/bw), and WC-P40 (UVB irradiation with dietary supplementation of WC-P at 40 mg/kg/bw). AIN-96G diet and water were supplemented ad libitum, and 100 mL of L-ascorbic acid and WC-P dissolved in water were forcefully administered orally to mice. UVB irradiation resulted in dehydration and wrinkle formation in the dorsal skin of mice. However, WC-P supplementation suppressed. Furthermore, WC-P supplementation enhanced the activites of antioxidant enzymes and expression of transforming growth factor-ß receptor I, procollaten C-endopeptideas enhancer protein, hyaluronan synthase, and ceramide synthase 4 and reduced the activation of the inflammation and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-FOS/c-Jun- mediated matrix metalloproteinase pathways. These findings demonstrate that WC-P can protect the skin from UVB-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and photoaging by inhibiting collagen proteolysis and promoting collagen synthesis, thereby promoting skin health.

Salvia plebeia R. Br. Water Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis in a Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model by Regulating the AMPK Pathway.

Salvia plebeia R. Br. (SP), grown from autumn to spring, is used as a medicinal herb from roots to leaves. This herb exhibits antioxidant activities and various physiological effect, including anti-asthma, immune-promoting, anti-obesity, and anti-cholesterol effects. However, the effectiveness of SP against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the associated mechanism have not been elucidated. In this study, alleviation of NAFLD by SP was confirmed in a mouse model of hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat diet and in HepG2 cells administered free fatty acids (FFA). In the experimental model, intrahepatic lipid accumulation was investigated using the AdipoRedTM assay, Oil Red O staining, biomarker analysis, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Furthermore, glucose tolerance was examined based on the fasting glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance. The molecular mechanisms related to hepatic steatosis were determined based on marker mRNA levels. Blood FFAs were found to flow into the liver via the action of fatty acid translocase, cluster of differentiation 36, and fatty acid transporter proteins 2 and 5. Salvia plebeia R. Br. water extract (SPW) suppressed the FFAs inflow by regulating the expression of the above-mentioned proteins. Notably, modulating the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and liver X receptor, which are involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, stimulated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α in the nucleus to induce the expression genes involved in ß-oxidation and increase ß-oxidation in the mitochondria. AMPK modulation also increased the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, which activated lipid synthesis enzymes. As a consequence of these events, triglyceride synthesis was reduced and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes was alleviated. Overall, our findings suggested that SPW could ameliorate NAFLD by inhibiting hepatic steatosis through AMPK modulation.

Enzyme-Treated Caviar Prevents UVB Irradiation-Induced Skin Photoaging.

For this research article, we investigated the protective effects of enzyme-treated caviar powder extract (CV) in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated hairless mice and keratinocytes by confirming moisturizing-related factors and elasticity-related factors. UVB irradiation induced wrinkle formation, dehydration, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the dorsal skin of mice; however, these were suppressed in the CV-supplemented groups in UVB-irradiated hairless mice. Furthermore, in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes, CV treatment increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and the levels of sphingomyelin and hyaluronic acid and decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the expression of IkB-α and p65 phosphorylation. These findings indicate that CV can directly protect keratinocytes against UVB irradiation-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, we suggest that CV can protect against UVB-induced skin photoaging. Therefore, we suggest that caviar is effective for skin health by preventing UVB-induced skin photoaging.

Role of Exosomes Derived from Adipose Tissue under Obese Conditions in Skeletal Muscle and Liver Cells: Commonalities and Differences.

SCOPE: To determine the correlation between obesity and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and liver tissues, this study isolates exosomes from adipose tissue under obese conditions and investigates the effect of adipose tissue-derived exosomes (Ad-exosomes) in mouse muscle (C2C12 cells) and liver cell lines (AML12 cells). METHODS AND RESULTS: The study isolates exosomes from the adipose tissue of normal diet-fed mice or high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice and confirms the uptake into differentiated C2C12 and AML12 cells. Ad-exosomes from HFD-fed mice induce insulin resistance, triglyceride (TG) accumulation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammation in both C2C12 and AML12 cells. Interestingly, the study finds that the TG accumulation induces by Ad-exosomes from HFD-fed obese mice is dramatically increased in AML12 cells compared with that in the differentiated C2C12 cells, and glucose uptake following the same treatment is decreased in C2C12 cells and increased in AML12 cells. In addition, Ad-exosomes from HFD-fed obese mice cause not only TG accumulation but also lipogenesis in AML12 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that Ad-exosomes from HFD-fed obese mice cause insulin resistance in both the muscles and liver, but their effects on metabolism during the development of insulin resistance vary between tissues.

The Effect of a Combination of Eucommia ulmoides and Achyranthes japonica on Alleviation of Testosterone Deficiency in Aged Rat Models.

With aging, men inevitably encounter irreversible changes, including progressive loss of testosterone and physical strength, and increased fat mass. To assess the alleviatory effects of EUAJ on andropause symptoms, including in vivo testosterone deficiency, we administered EUAJ for 6 weeks in 22-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Before EUAJ (3:1) (E. ulmoides:A. japonica = 3:1, KGC08EA) administration, testosterone decline in 22-week-old SD rats was confirmed compared to 7-week-old SD rats (NC group). After administration of EUAJ (3:1) at 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg for 6 weeks, testosterone, free testosterone, and mRNA expression levels (Cyp11a1 and Hsd3b1) were significantly increased at 40 mg/kg EUAJ (3:1), whereas mRNA expression levels of Cyp19a1 and Srd5a2 were significantly reduced at this concentration, compared to the control group. Swimming retention time was significantly increased at both 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg. In summary, EUAJ (3:1) enhanced testosterone production by increasing bioavailable testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and enzymes related to testosterone synthesis at 40 mg/kg. In addition, 80 mg/kg EUAJ (3:1) also increased physical and testicular functions.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Porcine Collagen Peptide in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice by Regulating Adipogenesis.

Obesity is one of the most common diseases caused by an imbalance in the intake and expenditure of energy, and it is associated with various metabolic complications. This study aimed at investigating the anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of porcine collagen peptide (PCP) using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. The PCP treatment significantly inhibited the adipocyte differentiation and attenuated the mRNA expression of transcription factors (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha [C/EBPα] and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma [PPARγ]) and the lipogenic gene (fatty acid synthase [FAS]) expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. In the in vivo study, HFD-fed mice were fed low- (1.5 g/kg body weight/day) and high- (4.5 g/kg body weight/day) PCP for 12 weeks and compared with the normal diet-fed group and HFD-fed control group. The PCP-fed groups showed significantly lower body weight gain, white fat weight gain, serum triglycerides, and adipocyte size compared with the HFD-fed group. The changes in body fat were associated with the upregulation of adiponectin and the downregulation of leptin, C/EBPα, PPARγ, and FAS. These results suggest that PCP has the potential to reduce obesity by suppressing adipogenesis and could be applied as a functional food material.

Silymarin Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Muscle Atrophy by Regulating Protein Degradation and Synthesis in Mice.

Silymarin is found in Silybum marianum. We investigated the effect of silymarin on muscle atrophy in obese mice. The experimental mice were divided into three groups: CON, normal diet; HFD, 60% high-fat diet (HF); and SILY: 50 mg silymarin +60% HF. It was confirmed that increases in body weight and fat mass in the SILY group were significantly inhibited. Moreover, the muscle mass in SILY mice was significantly higher than that in the HFD group. The grip strength in HFD group was significantly reduced, whereas in the SILY group it was higher than that in HFD group. In HFD mice, the mRNA levels of protein degradation factors (muscle ring-finger protein 1 [MuRF-1] and Atrogin-1) were increased and protein synthesis factors (phosphoinositide 3-kinase [PI3K] and Akt) were decreased. However, silymarin was found to elevate the degradation factors as compared with HFD group, whereas it reduced the synthesis factors. The results suggest that silymarin could prevent not only obesity but also muscle atrophy.

Fermented Curcuma longa L. Prevents Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice by Regulating CYP2E1, SREBP-1c, and PPAR-α.

We examined the efficacy of fermented Curcuma longa L. (FT) on the development of alcoholic fatty liver in mice and investigated the underlying mechanism. The protective potential of FT against ethanol-induced fatty liver was determined using C57BL/6 male mice allocated into four groups (8 mice/group). Control groups received either distilled water or 5 g/kg body weight (b.w.) per day ethanol for 8 days. Treatment groups were administered either 300 mg/kg b.w. per day of milk thistle or FT before receiving ethanol. FT contained a higher amount of caffeic acid and tetrahydrocurcumin than C. longa. FT pretreatment significantly suppressed the elevated hepatic lipid droplets associated with ethanol ingestion. In comparison with ethanol-treated control, FT pretreated mice showed inhibited cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1c), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase production but elevated AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) levels. Taken together, FT is a promising hepatoprotectant for preventing of alcoholic fatty liver through modulating fatty acid synthesis and oxidation.

Curcuma longa L. Water Extract Enhances Endurance Exercise Capacity by Promoting Intramuscular Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Mice.

We investigated the effect of Curcuma longa L. extract on endurance exercise capacity (EEC). EEC is the ability to exercise continuously and recover quickly, even when tired. C. longa contains antioxidants that contribute beneficial effects on the body. We separated groups of nonexercise (CON), exercise control (Ex-CON), branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake, and C. longa water extract (CLW) intake (Ex-CLW). EEC increased on the 28th day of BCAA and CLW intake. Both treatment groups exhibited decreased lactate levels with increased levels of nonesterified fatty acids and muscular glycogen compared with the Ex-CON group. Also, the Ex-CLW group possessed higher intramuscular antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) than the Ex-CON group. The expression of PGC-1α, NRF, and Tfam, which are factors related to mitochondrial biogenesis, increased in the Ex-CLW group. Results suggest that CLW intake elevated EEC by increasing intramuscular mitochondrial biogenesis through suppressing the accumulation of fatigue substances and increasing fat consumption, and antioxidant enzyme activity.

Endoplasmin regulates differentiation of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes through ERK signaling.

It is well-known that some species of lizard have an exceptional ability known as caudal autotomy (voluntary self-amputation of the tail) as an anti-predation mechanism. After amputation occurs, they can regenerate their new tails in a few days. The new tail section is generally shorter than the original one and is composed of cartilage rather than vertebrae bone. In addition, the skin of the regenerated tail distinctly differs from its original appearance. We performed a proteomics analysis for extracts derived from regenerating lizard tail tissues after amputation and found that endoplasmin (ENPL) was the main factor among proteins up-regulated in expression during regeneration. Thus, we performed further experiments to determine whether ENPL could induce chondrogenesis of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (T-MSCs). In this study, we found that chondrogenic differentiation was associated with an increase of ENPL expression by ER stress. We also found that ENPL was involved in chondrogenic differentiation of T-MSCs by suppressing extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. [BMB Reports 2022; 55(5): 226-231].

Curcuma longa L. Water Extract Improves Dexamethasone-Induced Sarcopenia by Modulating the Muscle-Related Gene and Oxidative Stress in Mice.

Dexamethasone (DEX) promotes proteolysis, which causes muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy is connected to sarcopenia. We evaluated the effect of Curcuma longa L. water extract (CLW) on DEX-induced muscle atrophy. ICR mice were divided into three groups (eight mice per group) to investigate the capability of CLW in inhibiting muscle atrophy. The control group (Ex-CON) was administered distilled water (DW) by gavage and subjected to exercise; the muscle atrophy group (Ex-DEX) was administered DW by gavage, an injection of DEX (1 mg/kg body weight/day) intraperitoneally (IP), and subjected to exercise; and the treatment group (Ex-CLW) was administered CLW (1 g/kg body weight/day) by gavage, DEX IP injection, and subjected to exercise. Following the injection of DEX, the expression levels of myostatin, MuRF-1, and Atrogin-1 were increased. However, these expression levels were decreased in the Ex-CLW group, thereby leading to the conclusion that CLW inhibits muscle atrophy. ROS (that was overproduced by DEX) decreased antioxidant enzyme activity and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which led to muscle atrophy. When CLW was ingested, the antioxidant enzyme activities increased while the MDA levels decreased. These findings suggest that CLW could serve as a natural product for the prevention of muscle atrophy by modulating muscle atrophy-related genes and increasing antioxidant potential.

Water Extract of Rubus coreanus Prevents Inflammatory Skin Diseases In Vitro Models.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by immune hypersensitivity reaction. The cause of AD is unclear, but its symptoms have a negative effect on quality of life; various treatment methods to alleviate these symptoms are underway. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Rubus coreanus water extract (RCW) on AD. Total phenolic compounds and flavonoid content of RCW were 4242.40 ± 54.84 mg GAE/g RCE and 1010.99 ± 14.75 mg CE/g RCW, respectively. RCW reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species level and increased the action of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-stimulated HaCaT cells. Moreover, mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6, was downregulated by RCW in the TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated cells. The levels of inflammatory chemokines (thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine; eotaxin; macrophage-derived chemokine; regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted; and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were decreased in the TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells after RCW treatment. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of filaggrin and involucrin, proteins that form the skin, were increased by RCW. Furthermore, RCW inhibited the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of the activated B cells pathway in the TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. Collectively, the present investigation indicates that RCW is a potent substance that inhibits AD.

In Vivo Evaluation of Dendropanax morbifera Leaf Extract for Anti-Obesity and Cholesterol-Lowering Activity in Mice.

Metabolic syndrome is a worldwide health problem, and obesity is closely related to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cancer. According to WHO in 2018, the prevalence of obesity in 2016 tripled compared to 1975. D. morbifera reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood and provides various antioxidant nutrients and germicidal sub-stances, as well as selenium, which helps to remove active oxygen. Moreover, D. morbifera is useful for treating cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Therefore, we study in vivo efficacy of D. morbifera to investigate the prevention effect of obesity and cholesterol. The weight and body fat were effectively reduced by D. morbifera water (DLW) extract administration to high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice compared to those of control mice. The group treated with DLW 500 mg∙kg-1∙d-1 had significantly lower body weights compared to the control group. In addition, High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased in the group treated with DLW 500 mg∙kg-1∙d-1. The effect of DLW on the serum lipid profile could be helpful to prevent obesity. DLW suppresses lipid formation in adipocytes and decreases body fat. In conclusion, DLW can be applied to develop anti-obesity functional foods and other products to reduce body fat.