Inhibitory Effects of Polyphenol- and Flavonoid-Enriched Rice Seed Extract on Melanogenesis in Melan-a Cells via MAPK Signaling-Mediated MITF Downregulation.

Melanin production is an important process that prevents the host skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation; however, an overproduction of melanin results in skin diseases. In the present study, we determined the antioxidative and anti-melanogenic activities of polyphenol- and flavonoid-enriched rice seed extracts in melan-a cells. The polyphenol and flavonoid content of Hopum (HP) and Sebok (SB) rice seed extracts was measured. The antioxidant capacity was determined using the ABTS radical scavenging method. SB contained high amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids, which significantly increased antioxidative activity compared with HP. Various concentrations of these extracts were evaluated in a cytotoxicity using melan-a cells. At 100 µg/mL, there was no significant difference for all treatments compared with untreated cells. Therefore, 100 µg/mL was selected as a concentration for the further experiments. SB significantly suppressed the phosphorylation/activation of p-38 MAPK, increased the expression of phosphorylated ERK 1/2 and Akt, and downregulated the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). This resulted in decreased levels of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 and -2. These results indicate the potential of polyphenol- and flavonoid-enriched rice seed as a treatment for hyperpigmentation.

Use of Germination to Enhance Resveratrol Content and Its Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells.

Inflammation is triggered by a variety of danger signals and is now a worldwide concern. Resveratrol, a natural nonflavonoid polyphenol found in naturally consumed plants and foods, has a wide spectrum of bioactive potency. We successfully generated resveratrol-enriched rice by introducing the resveratrol biosynthesis gene into Dongjin rice. In this study, resveratrol- and piceid-enriched rice (DJ526) was investigated for its anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells compared to normal rice (DJ). In addition, the 5-day-old germinated DJ526 (DJ526_5) was tested for its anti-inflammatory effects. The piceid and resveratrol amounts increased in DJ526_5 by germination. Treatment of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells with resveratrol-enriched rice seed extracts (DJ526_0 and DJ526_5) significantly decreased the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), downregulated proinflammatory gene expression, and inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) phosphorylation. These findings demonstrated the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of resveratrol-enriched rice in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, resveratrol-enriched rice could be a potential source of anti-inflammatory agents.

Germinated Rice Seeds Improved Resveratrol Production to Suppress Adipogenic and Inflammatory Molecules in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.

Obesity is a major risk factor for a variety of diseases and contributes to chronic inflammation. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring antioxidant that can reduce adipogenesis. In this study, the antiadipogenic and anti-inflammatory activities of resveratrol-enriched rice were investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells. Cotreatment of dexamethasone and isobutylmethylxanthin upregulated adipogenic transcription factors and signaling pathways. Subsequent treatment of adipocytes with rice seed extracts suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 by downregulating adipogenic transcription factors (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α) and signaling pathways (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase B Akt), this was especially observed in cells treated with germinated resveratrol-enriched rice seed extract (DJ526_5). DJ526_5 treatment also markedly reduced lipid accumulation in the cells and expression of adipogenic genes. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokines (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6) decreased in cells treated with DJ526_5. Collectively, DJ526_5 exerts antiadipogenic effects by suppressing the expression of adipogenesis transcription factors. Moreover, DJ526_5 ameliorates anti-inflammatory effects in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by inhibiting the activation of phosphorylation NF-κB p65 and ERK ½ (MAPK). These results highlight the potential of resveratrol-enriched rice as an alternative obesity-reducing and anti-inflammatory agent.

Anti-inflammatory potential of Lactobacillus reuteri LM1071 via eicosanoid regulation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

AIMS: To investigate anti-inflammatory effects of Lactobacillus reuteri LM1071 in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation RAW264.7 cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: To evaluate anti-inflammatory activities of L. reuteri LM1071, LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were used. Gene expression levels of eight immune-associated genes including IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α and protein production levels of COX-1 and COX-2 were analysed. Moreover, the production of eicosanoids as important biomarkers for anti-inflammation was determined. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that L. reuteri LM1071 has anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting the production of inflammation mediators such as NO, eicosanoids such as PGE1 & PGE2, pro-inflammatory cytokines and COX proteins. It can also enhance the production of inflammatory associated genes such as IL-11, BMP4, LEFTY2 and EET metabolite. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Lactobacillus reuteri is one of the crucial bacteria for food fermentation. It can be found in the gastrointestinal system of human and animals. Several studies have shown that L. reuteri has valuable effects on host health. The current study firstly demonstrated that L. reuteri has a beneficial effect on the inflammation containing the variation of eicosanoids (PGE1 and PGE2) which are one of the most important biomarkers and moreover eicosanoid-associated genes as well as proteins (COX-2).

Immunomodulatory Activities of Ammodytes personatus Egg Lipid in RAW264.7 Cells.

Ammodytes personatus, known as the Pacific sand lance, thrives in cold areas of the North Pacific. In this study, the total lipid was extracted from A. personatus eggs and the fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography (GC)-flame ionization detection (FID). The results showed that the extracted lipid contained high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The immunomodulatory activities of the A. personatus lipid were investigated using rodent macrophages. First, immune enhancement was analyzed, and the A. personatus lipid significantly and dose-dependently increased the NO production in RAW264.7 cells, and this lipid also regulated the transcription of immune-associated genes in RAW264.7 cells by activating the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Additionally, flow cytometry revealed that this lipid stimulated phagocytosis. Conversely, the anti-inflammatory activity of the A. personatus lipid was also analyzed and the results showed significantly decreased NO production and gene expression in a dose-dependent manner in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the A. personatus lipid suppressed the LPS-induced phosphorylation of proteins related to the NF-κB and MAPK pathways in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Further, flow cytometry demonstrated the lipid-regulated anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of CD86 expression. The results indicate that A. personatus egg lipid is a potential source of immunomodulation.

Neutral Lipids, Glycolipids, and Phospholipids, Isolated from Sandfish (Arctoscopus japonicus) Eggs, Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory Activity in LPS-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells through NF-κB and MAPKs Pathways.

Total lipids were extracted from sandfish (Arctoscopus japonicus), and then they were separated into the following three lipid fractions: neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. In this study, we analyzed the lipid fractions of A. japonicus eggs and we determined their anti-inflammatory activity in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. In these three lipid-fractions, the main fatty acids were as follows: palmitic acid (16:0), oleic acid (18:1n-9), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3). Among the lipid fractions, phospholipids showed the highest concentration of DHA and EPA (21.70 ± 1.92 and 18.96 ± 1.27, respectively). The three lipid fractions of A. japonicus significantly suppressed the production of NO in macrophages. Moreover, they also significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the lipid fractions of A. japonicus suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunits in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, they attenuated the activation of MAPKs (p38, ERK1/2, and JNK) phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. These results indicate that all the lipid fractions of A. japonicus exert anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Therefore, the lipid fractions of A. japonicus might be potentially used as anti-inflammatory agents.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lipids Extracted from Arctoscopus japonicus Eggs on LPS-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells.

Arctoscopus japonicus is a cold-water marine fish. The present study investigated the fatty acid composition of A. japonicus egg lipids and their anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated RAW246.7 macrophages. The results showed that A. japonicus egg lipids contained primarily polyunsaturated fatty acids (52.9% of the total fatty acid content; mostly eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA, 21.2 ± 0.5%] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA, 25.9 ± 0.1%]), followed by monounsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids (23.7% and 23.4%, respectively). A. japonicus egg lipids significantly decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and suppressed the expression of immune-associated genes such as iNOS, COX-2, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α LPS-stimulated RAW246.7 macrophages in dose-dependent manner. A. japonicus egg lipids also reduced the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB p-65, p38, ERK1/2, and JNK, key components of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, suggesting that the lipid-induced anti-inflammatory activity is related to these signaling pathways. These results indicate that the lipids extracted from A. japonicus eggs have potential biofunctions and might be useful for regulating inflammation in macrophages.

Immune-Enhancement and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Fatty Acids Extracted from Halocynthia aurantium Tunic in RAW264.7 Cells.

Halocynthia aurantium, an edible ascidian species, has not been studied scientifically, even though tunicates and ascidians are well-known to contain several unique and biologically active materials. The current study investigated the fatty acid profiles of the H. aurantium tunic and its immune-regulatory effects on RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Results of the fatty acid profile analysis showed a difference in ratios, depending on the fatty acids being analysed, including those of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In particular, omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosatrienoic acid n-3 (ETA n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were much higher than omega-6 fatty acids. Moreover, the H. aurantium tunic fatty acids, significantly and dose-dependently, increased the NO and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in RAW264.7 cells, for immune-enhancement without cytotoxicity. In addition, these fatty acids regulated the transcription of immune-associated genes, including iNOS, IL-1ß, IL-6, COX-2, and TNF-α. These actions were activated and deactivated via Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)and NF-κB signaling, to regulate the immune responses. Conversely, the H. aurantium tunic fatty acids effectively suppressed the inflammatory cytokine expressions, including iNOS, IL-1ß, IL-6, COX-2, and TNF-α, in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Productions of COX-2 and PGE2, which are key biomarkers for inflammation, were also significantly reduced. These results elucidated the immune-enhancement and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the H. aurantium tunic fatty acids in macrophage cells. Moreover, the H. aurantium tunic might be a potential fatty acid source for immune-modulation.

Resveratrol-Enriched Rice Callus Extract Inhibits Oxidative and Cellular Melanogenic Activities in Melan-A Cells.

The excessive production of melanin can cause skin diseases and hyperpigmentation. In this study, resveratrol contained in Dongjin rice seed (DJ526) was increased through callus induction. The antioxidant capacity of resveratrol-enriched rice callus was evaluated using the ABTS radical scavenging method and was equivalent to that of vitamin C. DJ526 rice callus extract significantly increased antioxidant activities in a concentration-dependent manner. The anti-melanogenesis effects of DJ526 rice callus extract were also evaluated in melan-a cells. Resveratrol-enriched rice callus extract significantly (i) decreased the size and number of melanin-containing cells, (ii) suppressed the activity of cellular tyrosinase and melanin content, (iii) downregulated the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1, and tyrosinase-related protein-2, (iv) increased the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase B, and (v) inhibited the activation of phosphorylated p38 in melan-a cells. From the above observations, DJ526 rice callus extract showed strong antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activity at the concentration test. These findings indicate the potential of resveratrol-enriched rice callus as a novel agent for controlling hyperpigmentation.

Effect of Ginseng Sapogenin Protopanaxadiol-Enriched Rice (DJ-PPD) on Immunomodulation.

Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a gut microbiome-induced ginseng metabolite, has positive immune effects. We previously reported the immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects of PPD-enricshed rice seed extracts in normal and inflammatory cell environments, respectively. In the present study, the immunomodulatory activity of PPD-enriched transgenic rice seed extract (DJ-PPD), which exhibited the highest immune-related activity among all available extracts, was compared with that of commercially synthesized 20s-PPD (S-PPD) and natural ginseng root extract (GE), in RAW264.7 cells. Compared with S-PPD and GE treatment, DJ-PPD treatment (i) significantly promoted NF-κB p65 and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) phosphorylation; (ii) upregulated IL-1ß, IL-6, COX-2, TLR-4, and TNF-α expression; (iii) and increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. However, there were no significant differences in the effects of the three treatments containing PPD-type sapogenin or saponins on nitric oxide (NO) production and phagocytic activity. In the inflammatory cell environment, DJ-PPD treatment markedly decreased the production of LPS-induced inflammatory factors, including NO and PGE2, as well as proinflammatory cytokine expression, by decreasing phosphorylated (p-)NF-κB p65, p-p38 MAPK, and p-JNK levels. Thus, DJ-PPD that does not require complex intestinal microbial processes to exert higher anti-inflammatory effects compared with S-PPD and GE. However, DJ-PPD exerted similar or higher immune-boosting effects (depending on inflammatory biomarkers) than S-PPD and GE. These findings indicate the potential of PPD-enriched transgenic rice as an alternative immunomodulatory agent.

Protopanaxadiol-Enriched Rice Extracts Suppressed Oxidative and Melanogenic Activities in Melan-a Cells.

Concerns about hyperpigmentation and skin appearance have led to increasing research into the prevention and altering of skin pigmentation. Natural compounds may be of interest in the search for skin-lightening actives. Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a gut microbiome-induced ginseng metabolite, has been reported to have anti-melanogenic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidative and anti-melanogenic effects of PPD-enriched rice seed extracts on melan-a cells. The antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of the extracts were investigated in melan-a cells before measuring their responses to melanogenic activities. The extracts significantly enhanced the antioxidant potency compared with normal rice seed extract. PPD-enriched rice seed extracts (i) significantly downregulated microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, which led to a reduction in tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 and -2, (ii) decrease in the cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin content, (iii) reduction in the number of melanin-containing cells, (iv) promotion of melanogenesis downregulators, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase B, and (v) downregulation of the phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and melanin synthesis. These results indicate the feasibility of PPD-enriched rice seed extracts as a novel agent for suppressing melanogenesis and controlling hyperpigmentation.

Protopanaxadiol-Enriched Rice Exerted Antiadipogenic Activity during 3T3-L1 Differentiation and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.

Ginseng is a traditional medicine with health benefits for humans. Protopanaxadiol (PPD) is an important bioactive compound found in ginseng. Transgenic rice containing PPD has been generated previously. In the present study, extracts of this transgenic rice were evaluated to assess their antiadipogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. During adipogenesis, cells were treated with transgenic rice seed extracts. The results revealed that the concentrations of the rice seed extracts tested in this study did not affect cell viability at 3 days post-treatment. However, the rice seed extracts significantly reduced the accumulation of lipids in cells and suppressed the activation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), which in turn inhibited the expression of adipogenesis-related mRNAs, such as adiponectin, PPARγ, C/EBPα, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, glucose transport member 4, and fatty acid synthase. In adipocytes, the extracts significantly reduced the mRNA expression of inflammation-related factors following LPS treatment. The activation of NF-κB p65 and ERK 1/2 was inhibited in extract-treated adipocytes. Moreover, treatment with extract #8 markedly reduced the cell population of the G2/M phase. Collectively, these results indicate that transgenic rice containing PPD may act as an obesity-reducing and/or -preventing agent.

Korean Ginseng Berry Polysaccharide Enhances Immunomodulation Activities of Peritoneal Macrophages in Mice with Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression.

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), a member of the Araliaceae family, is known as a traditional medicinal plant to have a wide range of health properties. Polysaccharides constitute a major component of Korean ginseng, and its berries exhibit immune-modulating properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immune effects of crude polysaccharide (GBPC) extracted from Korean ginseng berry on peritoneal macrophages in mice with cyclophosphamide (CY)- induced immunosuppression. BALB/c mice were divided into eight groups: normal control, normal control + CY, levamisole + CY, ginseng + CY, and four concentrations of 50, 100, 250, and 500mg/kg BW/day of GBPC + CY. Mice were orally administered with samples for 10 days. Immunosuppression was established by treating mice with CY (80 mg/kg BW/day) through intraperitoneal injection on days 4 to 6. The immune function of peritoneal macrophages was then evaluated. Oral administration of 500mg/kg BW/day GBPC resulted in proliferation, NO production, and phagocytosis at 100%, 88%, and 91%, respectively, close to the levels of the normal group (100%) of peritoneal macrophages. In CY-treated mice, GBPC of 50-500 mg/kg BW/day also dose-dependently stimulated the proliferation, NO production, and phagocytosis at 56-100%, 47-88%, and 53-91%, respectively, with expression levels of immune-associated genes, such as iNOS, COX-2, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α, of about 0.32 to 2.87-fold, compared to those in the CY group. GBPC could be a potential immunomodulatory material to control peritoneal macrophages under an immunosuppressive condition.

Transgenic Rice Seed Extracts Exert Immunomodulatory Effects by Modulating Immune-Related Biomarkers in RAW264.7 Macrophage Cells.

Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a native active triterpenoid present in Panax ginseng, has been reported to exert immune-related effects. We previously created PPD-producing transgenic rice by introducing the P. ginseng protopanaxadiol synthase and dammarenediol-II synthase genes into Dongjin rice. In the present study, the seeds of the T4 generation of this transgenic rice were tested for their immunomodulatory effects in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Treatment with transgenic rice seed extract in RAW264.7 cells (i) significantly enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner without any cytotoxicity (up to 100 µg/mL), (ii) upregulated the expression of immune-related genes and increased production of the inflammation mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and (iii) activated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) by promoting the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, p38 MAPK, and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK). In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells used to mimic the inflammation condition, treatment with transgenic rice seed extract significantly reduced NO production, proinflammatory cytokine expression, and PGE2 production, all of which are LPS-induced inflammation biomarkers, by inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, p38 MAPK, and JNK. Collectively, these results indicate that PPD-producing transgenic rice has immunomodulatory effects.

Anti-inflammatory effects of neutral lipids, glycolipids, phospholipids from Halocynthia aurantium tunic by suppressing the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

Halocynthia aurantium is a marine organism that has been considered a promising source for bio-functional materials. Total lipids were extracted from H. aurantium tunic, and then they were separated into neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. In the present study, fatty acid profiles of three lipids and their anti-inflammatory effects in RAW264.7 cells were investigated. Among the lipid classes, phospholipids showed the diversity of fatty acid constituents, compared with the glycolipids and neutral lipids. Three lipids contain different contents of fatty acids depending on the kinds of lipids. The most contents were saturated fatty acids (SFAs, 53-69% of the fatty acids) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs, 15-17% of fatty acids) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, 14-32% of fatty acids) are followed. H. aurantium lipids not only dose-dependently inhibited nitric oxide production but also reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. It was also demonstrated that the expression of COX-2 was dose-dependently suppressed. Moreover, H. aurantium lipids decreased phosphorylation of NF-κB p-65, p38, ERK1/2, and JNK, suggesting that three lipids from H. aurantium tunic provide anti-inflammatory effects through NF-κB and MAPK signaling. These results indicate that H. aurantium is a potential source for anti-inflammation.

Development of fermented rice cake containing strawberry showing anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-stimulated macrophages and paw edema induced mice.

Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) is one of the richest sources containing a wide variety of nutritive compounds. Anti-inflammatory activities of fermented rice cake made of strawberry powder as well as rice powder were evaluated. The fermented rice cake containing strawberry powder (SRC) significantly and dose-dependently inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. Also, SRC effectively suppressed inflammatory gene expression, including iNOS, COX-2, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. In addition, the production of PGE2, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of SRC was investigated using carrageenan-induced paw edema of ICR mice. It was demonstrated that pre-orally administration of SRC at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg BW significantly inhibited paw edema induced by carrageenan. This study suggested that the anti-inflammation activities of strawberry rice cake give the potential for increasing the commercialization of rice cake and rice products.

In Vitro Immune-Enhancement and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Fatty Acids Extracted from the Halocynthia aurantium Gonad on RAW264.7 Macrophages.

Fatty acids extracted from the Halocynthia aurantium gonad (HAGF) were shown to be primarily composed of the highest concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at 41% and 17% of total fatty acids, respectively. In the present study, HAGF were examined for their immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory effects on RAW264.7 macrophage cells. HAGF were found to significantly boost nitric oxide (NO) production and increase the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 was up-regulated by the stimulation of RAW264.7 cells with HAGF. When lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated the macrophages, they also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity via decreasing NO production and immune-related gene expression, Cluster of differentiation (CD) 86 expression, and protein levels in the NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways. Overall, these results indicate that HAGF exert immune-modulatory effects in macrophages.

Immune-Enhancing Effects of Crude Polysaccharides from Korean Ginseng Berries on Spleens of Mice with Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression.

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer is well known as traditional herbal medicine, and ginseng berries are known to exhibit potential immune-enhancing functions. However, little is known about the in vivo immunomodulatory activity of Korean ginseng berries. In this study, crude Korean ginseng berries polysaccharides (GBP) were isolated and their immunomodulatory activities were investigated using cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced immunosuppressive BALB/c mice. In CY-treated mice, oral administration of GBP (50-500 mg/kg BW) remarkably increased their spleen sizes and spleen indices and activated NK cell activities. GBP also resulted in the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes (coordinating with ConA: plant mitogen which is known to stimulate T-cell or LPS: endotoxin which binds receptor complex in B cells to promote the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, GBP significantly stimulated mRNA expression levels of immune-associated genes including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in CY-treated mice. These results indicate that GBP is involved in immune effects against CY-induced immunosuppression. Thus, GBP could be developed as an immunomodulation agent for medicinal or functional food application.

Immune-modulation effect of Halocynthia aurantium tunic lipid on RAW264.7 cells.

The current study evaluated the immune-regulatory potential of lipid extract from Halocynthia aurantium tunic on macrophage cells. The results showed that H. aurantium lipid is composed of primarily SFA (68.32%), followed by MUFA and PUFA (17.61% and 14.07%, respectively). Halocynthia aurantium lipid dose-dependently modulated the NO and PGE2 production in RAW264.7 cells without any LPS stimulation. The lipid effectively up-regulated the cytokine expression, including IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells. The COX-2 expression as a key biomarker for inflammation was also significantly increased. Conversely, H. aurantium lipid down-regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Halocynthia aurantium lipid modulated the phosphorylation of NF-κB p-65, p38, ERK, and JNK, indicating that this lipid activated through NF-κB and MAPK pathways. These results provide insight into the immune-regulatory activities of H. aurantium tunic lipid and suggest that H. aurantium tunic may a potential lipid source for immune-regulatory molecules.

Anti-inflammatory activities of the mixture of strawberry and rice powder as materials of fermented rice cake on RAW264.7 macrophage cells and mouse models.

Rice cake is a traditional food in Korea, and is made by rice alone, or with other grain powder. To improve the health benefits of fermented rice cake, the rice powder was supplemented with strawberry powder. Anti-inflammatory activities of the mixture of strawberry and rice powder were evaluated. Treatment with the mixture significantly decreased the production of nitric oxide (NO). The mixture of strawberry and rice powder in the ratio 10: 90 effectively and dose-dependently reduced the immune-associated genes iNOS, IL-1ß, IL-6, COX-2, and TNF-α. Furthermore, carrageenan-injected mice were used to study the anti-inflammatory effect of the mixture. Pre-oral administration of the mixture of strawberry and rice powder at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg BW significantly reduced paw edema induced by carrageenan. These results suggest that for fermented rice cake production and processing, the strawberry and rice powder mixture may be a potential source of anti-inflammatory activity.