Bioinformatics and integrated pharmacology network to identify the therapeutic targets and potential molecular mechanism of alpha-lipoic acid on primary ovarian insufficiency.

Women experiencing primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) are more likely to experience infertility, and its incidence is increasing worldwide annually. Recently, the role of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in the treatment of POI has been reported. However, details of the potential pharmacological targets and related molecular pathways of ALA remain unclear and need to be elucidated. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the potential therapeutic target and related molecular mechanism of ALA on POI. First, the potential targets of POI and ALA-related targets were downloaded from online public databases. Subsequently, the overlapped target genes between POI and ALA were acquired, and gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were performed and constructed. Finally, molecular docking was performed to verify protein-to-protein effect. A total of 152 potential therapeutic targets were identified. The biological processes of the intersecting targets were mainly involved in the cellular response to peptides, response to xenobiotic stimuli, and response to peptide hormones. The highly enriched pathways were the cAMP, PI3K/AKT, estrogen, progesterone mediated oocyte maturation, and apoptosis signaling pathways. The top 10 hub targets for ALA in the treatment of POI were STAT3, STAT1, CASP3, MTOR, PTGS2, CASP8, HSP90AA1, PIK3CA, MAPK1, and ESR1. The binding between ALA and all top hub targets were verified using the molecular docking analysis. In summary, using the systematic integrated pharmacology network and bioinformatics analysis, this study illustrated that ALA participates in the treatment of POI via multiple targets and multiple pathways mechanisms.

Effectiveness of Combinational Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease with Human Neural Stem Cells and Microglial Cells Over-Expressing Functional Genes.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. In AD patients, amyloid-ß (Aß) peptide-mediated degeneration of the cholinergic system utilizing acetylcholine (ACh) for memory acquisition is observed. Since AD therapy using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are only palliative for memory deficits without reversing disease progress, there is a need for effective therapies, and cell-based therapeutic approaches should fulfil this requirement. We established F3.ChAT human neural stem cells (NSCs) encoding the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) gene, an ACh-synthesizing enzyme, HMO6.NEP human microglial cells encoding the neprilysin (NEP) gene, an Aß-degrading enzyme, and HMO6.SRA cells encoding the scavenger receptor A (SRA) gene, an Aß-uptaking receptor. For the efficacy evaluation of the cells, first, we established an appropriate animal model based on Aß accumulation and cognitive dysfunction. Among various AD models, intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of ethylcholine mustard azirinium ion (AF64A) induced the most severe Aß accumulation and memory dysfunction. Established NSCs and HMO6 cells were transplanted ICV to mice showing memory loss induced by AF64A challenge, and brain Aß accumulation, ACh concentration and cognitive function were analyzed. All the transplanted F3.ChAT, HMO6.NEP and HMO6.SRA cells were found to survive up to 4 weeks in the mouse brain and expressed their functional genes. Combinational treatment with the NSCs (F3.ChAT) and microglial cells encoding each functional gene (HMO6.NEP or HMO6.SRA) synergistically restored the learning and memory function of AF64A-challenged mice by eliminating Aß deposits and recovering ACh level. The cells also attenuated inflammatory astrocytic (glial fibrillary acidic protein) response by reducing Aß accumulation. Taken together, it is expected that NSCs and microglial cells over-expressing ChAT, NEP or SRA genes could be strategies for replacement cell therapy of AD.

Intraocular Pressure-Lowering and Retina-Protective Effects of Exosome-Rich Conditioned Media from Human Amniotic Membrane Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is one of the most devastating eye diseases, since the disease can develop into blindness and no effective therapeutics are available. Although the exact mechanisms and causes of glaucoma are unknown, increased intraocular pressure (IOP) has been demonstrated to be an important risk factor. Exosomes are lipid nanoparticles secreted from functional cells, including stem cells, and have been found to contain diverse functional molecules that control body function, inhibit inflammation, protect and regenerate cells, and restore damaged tissues. In the present study, exosome-rich conditioned media (ERCMs) were attained via hypoxic culture (2% O2) of human amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells (AMMSCs) and amniotic membrane epithelial stem cells (AMESCs) containing 50 times more exosome particles than normoxic culture (20% O2) medium (NCM). The exosome particles in ERCM were confirmed to be 77 nm in mean size and contain much greater amounts of growth factors (GFs) and neurotrophic factors (NFs) than those in NCM. The glaucoma-therapeutic effects of ERCMs were assessed in retinal cells and a hypertonic (1.8 M) saline-induced high-IOP animal model. CM-DiI-labeled AMMSC exosomes were found to readily penetrate the normal and H2O2-damaged retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and AMMSC-ERCM not only facilitated retinal pigment epithelial cell (RPEC) proliferation but also protected against H2O2- and hypoxia-induced RPEC insults. The IOP of rats challenged with 1.8 M saline increased twice the normal IOP (12-17 mmHg) in a week. However, intravitreal injection of AMMSC-ERCM or AMESC-ERCM (3.9-4.5 × 108 exosomes in 10 µL/eye) markedly recovered the IOP to normal level in 2 weeks, similar to the effect achieved with platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB, 1.5 µg), a reference material. In addition, AMMSC-ERCM, AMESC-ERCM, and PDGF-AB significantly reversed the shrinkage of retinal layers, preserved RGCs, and prevented neural injury in the glaucoma eyes. It was confirmed that stem cell ERCMs containing large numbers of functional molecules such as GFs and NFs improved glaucoma by protecting retinal cells against oxidative and hypoxic injuries in vitro and by recovering IOP and retinal degeneration in vivo. Therefore, it is suggested that stem cell ERCMs could be a promising candidate for the therapy of glaucoma.

The Neuroprotective Effects of Exosomes Derived from TSG101-Overexpressing Human Neural Stem Cells in a Stroke Model.

Although tissue-type plasminogen activator was approved by the FDA for early reperfusion of occluded vessels, there is a need for an effective neuroprotective drug for stroke patients. In this study, we established tumor susceptibility gene (TSG)101-overexpressing human neural stem cells (F3.TSG) and investigated whether they showed enhanced secretion of exosomes and whether treatment with exosomes during reperfusion alleviated ischemia-reperfusion-mediated brain damage. F3.TSG cells secreted higher amounts of exosomes than the parental F3 cells. In N2A cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), treatment with exosomes or coculture with F3.TSG cells significantly attenuated lactate dehydrogenase release, the mRNA expression of proinflammatory factors, and the protein expression of DNA-damage-related proteins. In a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model, treatment with exosomes, F3 cells, or F3.TSG cells after 2 h of occlusion followed by reperfusion reduced the infarction volume and suppressed inflammatory cytokines, DNA-damage-related proteins, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, and upregulated several neurotrophic factors. Thus, TSG101-overexpressing neural stem cells showed enhanced exosome secretion; exosome treatment protected against MCAO-induced brain damage via anti-inflammatory activities, DNA damage pathway inhibition, and growth/trophic factor induction. Therefore, exosomes and F3.TSG cells can affect neuroprotection and functional recovery in acute stroke patients.

Human Neural Stem Cells Encoding ChAT Gene Restore Cognitive Function via Acetylcholine Synthesis, Aß Elimination, and Neuroregeneration in APPswe/PS1dE9 Mice.

In Alzheimer disease (AD) patients, degeneration of the cholinergic system utilizing acetylcholine for memory acquisition is observed. Since AD therapy using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are only palliative for memory deficits without slowing or reversing disease progress, there is a need for effective therapies, and stem cell-based therapeutic approaches targeting AD should fulfill this requirement. We established a human neural stem cell (NSC) line encoding choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) gene, an acetylcholine-synthesizing enzyme. APPswe/PS1dE9 AD model mice transplanted with the F3.ChAT NSCs exhibited improved cognitive function and physical activity. Transplanted F3.ChAT NSCs in the AD mice differentiated into neurons and astrocytes, produced ChAT protein, increased the ACh level, and improved the learning and memory function. F3.ChAT cell transplantation reduced Aß deposits by recovering microglial function; i.e., the down-regulation of ß-secretase and inflammatory cytokines and up-regulation of Aß-degrading enzyme neprilysin. F3.ChAT cells restored growth factors (GFs) and neurotrophic factors (NFs), and they induced the proliferation of NSCs in the host brain. These findings indicate that NSCs overexpressing ChAT can ameliorate complex cognitive and physical deficits of AD animals by releasing ACh, reducing Aß deposit, and promoting neuroregeneration by the production of GFs/NFs. It is suggested that NSCs overexpressing ChAT could be a candidate for cell therapy in advanced AD therapy.

A silk peptide fraction restores cognitive function in AF64A-induced Alzheimer disease model rats by increasing expression of choline acetyltransferase gene.

This study investigated the effects of a silk peptide fraction obtained by incubating silk proteins with Protease N and Neutrase (SP-NN) on cognitive dysfunction of Alzheimer disease model rats. In order to elucidate underlying mechanisms, the effect of SP-NN on the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA was assessed in F3.ChAT neural stem cells and Neuro2a neuroblastoma cells; active amino acid sequence was identified using HPLC-MS. The expression of ChAT mRNA in F3.ChAT cells increased by 3.79-fold of the control level by treatment with SP-NN fraction. The active peptide in SP-NN was identified as tyrosine-glycine with 238.1 of molecular weight. Male rats were orally administered with SP-NN (50 or 300mg/kg) and challenged with a cholinotoxin AF64A. As a result of brain injury and decreased brain acetylcholine level, AF64A induced astrocytic activation, resulting in impairment of learning and memory function. Treatment with SP-NN exerted recovering activities on acetylcholine depletion and brain injury, as well as cognitive deficit induced by AF64A. The results indicate that, in addition to a neuroprotective activity, the SP-NN preparation restores cognitive function of Alzheimer disease model rats by increasing the release of acetylcholine.

Comparative effects of plant oils on the cerebral hemorrhage in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVES: Since oils and fats can induce metabolic syndrome, leading to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the present study was performed to find out whether the plant oils affect the cerebral hemorrhage in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHR-SP) rats. METHODS: From 47 days of age, male SHR-SP rats were given drinking water containing 1% NaCl to induce hypertension, and simultaneously fed semi-purified diets containing 10% perilla oil, canola oil, or shortening. The onset time of convulsion following cerebral hemorrhage was recorded, and the areas of hemorrhage and infarction were analyzed in the stroke brains. RESULTS: In comparison with 58-day survival of SHR-SP rats during feeding NaCl alone, perilla oil extended the survival time to 68.5 days, whereas canola oil shortened it to 45.7 days. Feeding perilla oil greatly reduced the total volume of cerebral hemorrhage from 17.27% in the control group to 4.53%, while shortening increased the lesions to 21.23%. In a microscopic analysis, perilla oil also markedly decreased the hemorrhagic and infarction lesions to 1/10 of those in control rats, in contrast to an exacerbating effect of shortening. In blood analyses, perilla oil reduced blood total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins which were increased in SHR-SP, but canola oil further increased them and markedly lowered platelet counts. DISCUSSION: Perilla oil delayed and attenuated cerebral hemorrhage by improving hyperlipidemia in hypertensive stroke animals, in contrast to the aggravating potential of canola oil and shortening. It is suggested that perilla oil should be the first choice oil for improving metabolic syndrome in hypertensive persons at risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Cereboost™, an American ginseng extract, improves cognitive function via up-regulation of choline acetyltransferase expression and neuroprotection.

In Alzheimer disease (AD), amyloid-beta (Aß) peptides induce the degeneration of presynaptic cholinergic system, in which decreased activity of enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) responsible for acetylcholine synthesis is observed. Cereboost™, an extract of American ginseng extract, contains a high concentration of Rb1 ginsenoside which is a well-known ingredient improving human cognitive function. We investigated the effects of Cereboost™ on learning and memory function of mice challenged with an Aß1-42 peptide and the underlying mechanisms in vitro. Cereboost™ protected against Aß1-42-induced cytotoxicity in F3.ChAT stem cells, and enhanced the ChAT gene expression. Aß1-42 injection into the mouse brain impaired the cognitive function, which was recovered by oral administration of Cereboost™. In addition, Cereboost™ restored brain microtubule-associated protein 2 and synaptophysin as well as acetylcholine concentration. The results demonstrate that Cereboost™ administration recovered the cognitive function of AD model animals by enhancing acetylcholine level via ChAT gene expression and neuroprotection.

Antimicrobial activities of ethanol and butanol fractions of white rose petal extract.

White rose (Rosa hybrida) petals were extracted with ethanol (EtOH) or butanol (BuOH), and tested for their antimicrobial activities against two species of Gram-positive bacteria, six species of Gram-negative bacteria, and two species of fungi. On in vitro antimicrobial assays, Helicobacter pylori and Propionibacterium acnes were highly susceptible to white rose petal extract (WRPE)-EtOH and WRPE-BuOH, leading to minimal inhibitory concentrations of 100 and 10 µg/mL for H. pylori and 400 and 40 µg/mL for P. acnes, respectively. In in vivo experiments, C57BL/6 mice were infected with H. pylori by intragastric inoculation (1 × 10(8) CFU/mouse) 3 times, and orally treated twice a day for 14 days with WRPE-EtOH and WRPE-BuOH. On a CLO kit assay, 200 mg/kg of WRPE-EtOH fully eliminated the bacteria from the gastric mucosa, and the effect of 100 mg/kg of ethanol fraction was similar to pantoprazole (30 mg/kg), displaying 75% elimination. WRPE-BuOH was more effective, exhibiting 75% elimination at 20 mg/kg. The CLO test results were confirmed by bacterial identification. WRPE-EtOH and WRPE-BuOH inhibited the growth of various bacteria and fungi, and in particular, they effectively killed H. pylori and eliminated the bacteria from the mouse stomach. The results indicate that WRPE-EtOH and WRPE-BuOH could be good candidates for the elimination of H. pylori.

Human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells improve cognitive function and physical activity in ageing mice.

Brain ageing leads to atrophy and degeneration of the cholinergic nervous system, resulting in profound neurobehavioral and cognitive dysfunction from decreased acetylcholine biosynthesis and reduced secretion of growth and neurotrophic factors. Human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) were intravenously (1 × 10(6) cells) or intracerebroventricularly (4 × 10(5) cells) transplanted into the brains of 18-month-old mice once or four times at 2-week intervals. Transplantation of ADMSCs improved both locomotor activity and cognitive function in the aged animals, in parallel with recovery of acetylcholine levels in brain tissues. Transplanted cells differentiated into neurons and, in part, into astrocytes and produced choline acetyltransferase proteins. Transplantation of ADMSCs restored microtubule-associated protein 2 in brain tissue and enhanced Trk B expression and the concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor. These results indicate that human ADMSCs differentiate into neural cells in the brain microenvironment and can restore physical and cognitive functions of aged mice not only by increasing acetylcholine synthesis but also by restoring neuronal integrity that may be mediated by growth/neurotrophic factors. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Preventive Effects of Exosome-Rich Conditioned Medium From Amniotic Membrane-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats.

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important disease that causes vision loss in many diabetic patients. Stem cell therapy has been attempted for treatment of this disease; however, it has some limitations. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive efficacy of exosome-rich conditioned medium (ERCM) derived from amniotic membrane stem cells for DR in rats. Methods: Twenty-eight 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: group 1, normal control (Con) group; group 2, diabetes mellitus (DM) group; and group 3, DM with ERCM-treated (DM-ERCM) group. DM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The DM-ERCM group received ERCM containing 1.2 × 109 exosomes into subconjunctival a total of four times every 2 weeks. Results: On electroretinogram, the DM-ERCM group had significantly higher b-wave and flicker amplitudes than those in the DM group. In fundoscopy, retinal vascular attenuation was found in both the DM and DM-ERCM groups; however, was more severe in the DM group. On histology, the ganglion cell and nerve fiber layer rates of the total retinal layer significantly increased in the DM group compared with the Con group, whereas the DM-ERCM group showed no significant difference compared with the Con group. Cataracts progressed significantly more in the DM group than that in the DM-ERCM group and there was no uveitis in the DM-ERCM group. Conclusions: Subconjunctival ERCM delayed the progression of DR and cataracts and significantly reduced the incidence of uveitis. Translational Relevance: Our study shows the clinical potential of minimally invasive exosome-rich conditioned medium treatment to prevent diabetic retinopathy.

Repeated Intravenous Administration of Human Neural Stem Cells Producing Choline Acetyltransferase Exerts Anti-Aging Effects in Male F344 Rats.

Major features of aging might be progressive decreases in cognitive function and physical activity, in addition to withered appearance. Previously, we reported that the intracerebroventricular injection of human neural stem cells (NSCs named F3) encoded the choline acetyltransferase gene (F3.ChAT). The cells secreted acetylcholine and growth factors (GFs) and neurotrophic factors (NFs), thereby improving learning and memory function as well as the physical activity of aged animals. In this study, F344 rats (10 months old) were intravenously transplanted with F3 or F3.ChAT NSCs (1 × 106 cells) once a month to the 21st month of age. Their physical activity and cognitive function were investigated, and brain acetylcholine (ACh) and cholinergic and dopaminergic system markers were analyzed. Neuroprotective and neuroregenerative activities of stem cells were also confirmed by analyzing oxidative damages, neuronal skeletal protein, angiogenesis, brain and muscle weights, and proliferating host stem cells. Stem cells markedly improved both cognitive and physical functions, in parallel with the elevation in ACh levels in cerebrospinal fluid and muscles, in which F3.ChAT cells were more effective than F3 parental cells. Stem cell transplantation downregulated CCL11 and recovered GFs and NFs in the brain, leading to restoration of microtubule-associated protein 2 as well as functional markers of cholinergic and dopaminergic systems, along with neovascularization. Stem cells also restored muscular GFs and NFs, resulting in increased angiogenesis and muscle mass. In addition, stem cells enhanced antioxidative capacity, attenuating oxidative damage to the brain and muscles. The results indicate that NSCs encoding ChAT improve cognitive function and physical activity of aging animals by protecting and recovering functions of multiple organs, including cholinergic and dopaminergic systems, as well as muscles from oxidative injuries through secretion of ACh and GFs/NFs, increased antioxidant elements, and enhanced blood flow.

Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Rosebud Extracts of Newly Crossbred Roses.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are basic pathogenic factors involved in tissue injury and pain, as well as acute and chronic diseases. Since long-term uses of synthetic steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause severe adverse effects, novel effective materials with minimal side effects are required. In this study, polyphenol content and antioxidative activity of rosebud extracts from 24 newly crossbred Korean roses were analyzed. Among them, Pretty Velvet rosebud extract (PVRE) was found to contain high polyphenols and to show in vitro antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. In RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), PVRE down-regulated mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and thereby decreased nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. In a subcutaneous air-pouch inflammation model, treatment with PVRE decreased λ-carrageenan-induced tissue exudation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß concentrations, as achieved with dexamethasone (a representative steroid). Notably, PVRE also inhibited PGE2, similar to dexamethasone and indomethacin (a representative NSAID). The anti-inflammatory effects of PVRE were confirmed by microscopic findings, attenuating tissue erythema, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration. These results indicate that PVRE exhibits dual (steroid- and NSAID-like) anti-inflammatory activities by blocking both the iNOS-NO and COX-2-PG pathways, and that PVRE could be a potential candidate as an anti-inflammatory material for diverse tissue injuries.

An Exosome-Rich Conditioned Medium from Human Amniotic Membrane Stem Cells Facilitates Wound Healing via Increased Reepithelization, Collagen Synthesis, and Angiogenesis.

Tissue regeneration is an essential requirement for wound healing and recovery of organs' function. It has been demonstrated that wound healing can be facilitated by activating paracrine signaling mediated by exosomes secreted from stem cells, since exosomes deliver many functional molecules including growth factors (GFs) and neurotrophic factors (NFs) effective for tissue regeneration. In this study, an exosome-rich conditioned medium (ERCM) was collected from human amniotic membrane stem cells (AMSCs) by cultivating the cells under a low oxygen tension (2% O2 and 5% CO2). The contents of GFs and NFs including keratinocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 1, transforming growth factor-ß, and vascular endothelial growth factor responsible for skin regeneration were much higher (10-30 folds) in the ERCM than in normal conditioned medium (NCM). In was found that CM-DiI-labeled exosomes readily entered keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and that ERCM not only facilitated the proliferation of keratinocytes in normal condition, but also protected against H2O2 cytotoxicity. In cell-migration assay, the scratch wound in keratinocyte culture dish was rapidly closed by treatment with ERCM. Such wound-healing effects of ERCM were confirmed in a rat whole skin-excision model: i.e., the wound closure was significantly accelerated, remaining minimal crusts, by topical application of ERCM solution (4 × 109 exosome particles/100 µL) at 4-day intervals. In the wounded skin, the deposition of collagens was enhanced by treatment with ERCM, which was supported by the increased production of collagen-1 and collagen-3. In addition, enhanced angiogenesis in ERCM-treated wounds was confirmed by increased von Willebrand factor (vWF)-positive endothelial cells. The results indicate that ERCM from AMSCs with high concentrations of GFs and NFs improves wound healing through tissue regeneration not only by facilitating keratinocyte proliferation for skin repair, but also activating fibroblasts for extracellular matrix production, in addition to the regulation of angiogenesis and scar tissue formation.

Investigating the regenerative effects of folic acid on human amniotic epithelial stem cells and amniotic pore culture technique (APCT) model in vitro using an integrated pharmacological-bioinformatic approach.

INTRODUCTION: Disruption of fetal membranes before the onset of labor is referred to as premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Lack of maternal folic acid (FA) supplementation reportedly leads to PROM. However, there is a lack of information on the location of FA receptors in the amniotic tissue. Additionally, the regulatory role and potential molecular targets of FA in PROM in vitro have rarely been investigated. METHODS: The three FA receptors (folate receptor α isoform [FRα], transporter of reduced folate [RFC], and proton-coupled folate transporter [PCFT]) in human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) and amniotic tissue were localized using immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry staining. Effect and mechanism analyses of FA were performed in hAESCs and amniotic pore culture technique (APCT) models. An integrated pharmacological-bioinformatics approach was utilized to explore the potential targets of FA for the treatment of PROM. RESULTS: The three FA receptors were widely expressed in human amniotic tissue, especially in the hAESC cytoplasm. FA stimulated the amnion regeneration in the in vitro APCT model. This mimics the PROM status, in which cystathionine-ß-synthase, an FA metabolite enzyme, may play an important role. The top ten hub targets (STAT1, mTOR, PIK3R1, PTPN11, PDGFRB, ABL1, CXCR4, NFKB1, HDAC1, and HDAC2) of FA for preventing PROM were identified using an integrated pharmacological-bioinformatic approach. DISCUSSION: FRα, RFC, and PCFT are widely expressed in human amniotic tissue and hAESCs. FA aids the healing of ruptured membrane.

Biological activities of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) tips and tubers.

This study was conducted to evaluate the biological activities of sweet potato tips and tubers. Antioxidant activity of 2,2-azino-bis 93-ethlbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities had the highest value of 32.45 mg, AAE/g, and 15.10 mg AAE/g, respectively, in 'Pungwonmi' tips. Angiotensin converting enzyme I inhibitory activity ranged between 47.72% in 'Sinjami' tubers and 62.25% in 'Pungwonmi' tips. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity had the highest value of 78.81% and 62.93% in 'Pungwonmi' tips and 'Juhwangmi' tubers, respectively. In particular, 'Pungwonmi' tips had the most effective inhibiting effect on intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in HepG2 cells. Wound healing assay result revealed that 'Sinjami' showed 75% wound healing effect. For skin whitening, 'Pungwonmi' tips showed 63% activity at 10 mg/ml. These results suggest that sweet potato tips and tubers can be used to develop functional food and cosmetic materials.

DK-MGAR101, an extract of adventitious roots of mountain ginseng, improves blood circulation by inhibiting endothelial cell injury, platelet aggregation, and thrombus formation.

Background: Since ginsenosides exert an anti-thrombotic activity, blood flow-improving effects of DK-MGAR101, an extract of mountain ginseng adventitious roots (MGAR) containing various ginsenosides, were investigated in comparison with an extract of Korean Red Ginseng (ERG). Methods: In Sprague-Dawley rats orally administered with DK-MGAR101 or ERG, oxidative carotid arterial thrombosis was induced with FeCl3 (35%), and their blood flow and occlusion time were measured. To elucidate underlying mechanisms, the cytoprotective activities on rat aortic endothelial cells (RAOECs) exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were confirmed. In addition, the inhibitory activities of DK-MGAR101 and ERG on agonist-induced platelet aggregation, thromboxane B2 production, and ATP granule release from stimulated platelets as well as blood coagulation were analyzed. Results: DK-MGAR101 containing high concentrations of Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1 ginsenosides (55.07 mg/g) was more effective than ERG (ginsenosides 8.45 mg/g) in protecting RAOECs against H2O2 cytotoxicity. DK-MGAR101 was superior to ERG not only in suppressing platelet aggregation, thromboxane B2 production, and granule release, but also in delaying blood coagulation, FeCl3-induced arterial occlusion, and thrombus formation. Conclusions: The results indicate that DK-MGAR101 prevents blood vessel occlusion by suppressing platelet aggregation, thrombosis, and blood coagulation, in addition to endothelial cell injury.

Licorice extract increases cyclophosphamide teratogenicity by upregulating the expression of cytochrome P-450 2B mRNA.

BACKGROUND: Since cyclophosphamide is metabolically activated to teratogenic acrolein and cytotoxic phosphoramide mustard by cytochrome P-450 type 2B (CYP2B), we assessed the effects of licorice, a CYP2B inducer, on the fetal defects induced by cyclophosphamide. METHODS: Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were daily administered with licorice (100 mg/kg) by gavage for 7 days, from the 6th to 12th day of gestation, and intraperitoneally administered with cyclophosphamide (11 mg/kg) 1 hr after the final licorice treatment. On the 20th day of gestation, maternal and fetal abnormalities were determined by Cesarian section. RESULTS: Cyclophosphamide was found to reduce fetal and placental weights without increasing resorption or death. In addition, it induced malformations in live fetuses; 93.8, 41.1, and 100% of the external (skull and limb defects), visceral (cleft palate and ureteric dilatation), and skeletal (acrania, vertebral/costal malformations, and delayed ossification) abnormalities, respectively. When pre-treated with licorice, cyclophosphamide-induced body weight loss and abnormalities of fetuses were remarkably aggravated. Moreover, repeated treatment with licorice greatly increased mRNA expression and activity of hepatic CYP2B. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that repeated intake of licorice may aggravate cyclophosphamide-induced body weight loss and malformations of fetuses by upregulating CYP2B.

Stamina-Enhancing Effects of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

Stamina-enhancing effects of human adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs) were investigated in young Sprague-Dawley rats. Ten-day-old male rats were transplanted intravenously (IV) or intracerebroventricularly (ICV) with hADSCs (1 × 106 cells/rat), and physical activity was measured by locomotor activity and rota-rod performance at post-natal day (PND) 14, 20, 30, and 40, as well as a forced swimming test at PND 41. hADSCs injection increased the moving time in locomotor activity, the latency in rota-rod performance, and the maximum swimming time. For the improvement of physical activity, ICV transplantation was superior to IV injection. In biochemical analyses, ICV transplantation of hADSCs markedly reduced serum creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase, and muscular lipid peroxidation, the markers for muscular and hepatic injuries, despite the reduction in muscular glycogen and serum triglycerides as energy sources. Notably, hADSCs secreted brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor in vitro, and increased the level of BDNF in the brain and muscles in vivo. The results indicate that hADSCs enhance physical activity including stamina not only by attenuating tissue injury, but also by strengthening the muscles via production of BDNF.

Effects of di-iso-butyl phthalate on testes of prepubertal rats and mice.

Di-iso-butyl phthalate (DiBP), a special plasticizer, is used as a substitute for di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP). The effects of DiBP on testes in prepubertal rodents still remain to be obscure. Testicular toxicity of DiBP was investigated in 21-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats and C57BL/6N mice, using with in situ TUNEL method. For an acute exposure experiment, animals were once given DiBP at various concentrations by oral gavage. For a subchronic exposure experiment, they were daily given DiBP at various concentrations for consecutive 7 days. Controls were treated with corn oil under the same condition. For a recovery experiment, rats were once given DiBP (1000 mg/kg), and were sacrificed at day 1 to 8 after administration. Furthermore, the disorder of vimentin filaments in Sertoli cells after daily administration of DiBP (500 mg/kg) for consecutive 7 days in rats also identified by immunohistochemistry using anti-vimentin antibody. As a result, the present study demonstrated that DiBP can induce testicular atrophy in rats due to the increase of TUNEL-positive spermatogenic cells in both acute and subchronic exposure experiments. At the same time, the disorder of vimentin filaments in Sertoli cells was recognized. However, no such damages could be found in mouse testis. For the recovery experiment, the testis weight and testicular morphology returned to normal at day 6 after administration. In conclusion, the present study indicates that DiBP causes the significant increase of TUNEL-positive spermatogenic cells and the disorder of vimentin filaments in Sertoli cells in rats and that DiBP shows a species-specific toxicity.