Combretum quadrangulare Extract Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions through Modulation of MAPK Signaling in BALB/c Mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Combretum quadrangulare (C. quadrangulare) is used as a traditional medicine to improve various pathologies in Southeast Asia. In this study, we investigated the effects of C. quadrangulare ethanol extract (CQ) on 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD like skin lesions in BALB/c mice. After administration with CQ (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) for 6 weeks, AD symptoms, protein expression, immunoglobulin E (IgE), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), and ceramidase level were measured in skin lesions of DNCB-induced BALB/c mice. CQ group improved the dermatitis score, skin pH, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin hydration. Furthermore, histological analysis revealed that CQ attenuated the increased epidermal thickness and infiltration of mast cells caused by DNCB. CQ also increased the expression of filaggrin, and reduced the expression of ceramidase, serum IgE level, and the number of eosinophils. CQ effectively inhibited cytokines and chemokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-13, TARC, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) at the mRNA levels, as well as the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 in the skin lesions. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that CQ may be an effective treatment of AD-like skin lesions by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory mediators via the MAPK signaling pathways.

Glycopentanolones A-D, four new geranylated quinolone alkaloids from Glycosmis pentaphylla.

The ethanolic extract obtained from the stems of Glycosmis pentaphylla was found to suppress antigen-mediated degranulation of rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. Four new geranylated 2-quinolone alkaloids, named glycopentanolones A-D (1-4), and 12 known metabolites (5-16) were isolated from the ethanolic extract from the stems of G. pentaphylla using bioassay-guided fractionation. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR, and HRESI-MS. The inhibitory effects of the isolated constituents on ß-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells were examined, and compounds 1, 5, 8 and 11 exhibited potent inhibitory activity with IC50 values between 0.05 and 4.28 µM.

Metagenome-assembled genomes of the GU0601 sample (the Han River, South Korea).

We generated metagenome sequences of the GU0601 sample collected from the Han River and constructed metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) to identify their bacterial composition. We identified six MAGs belonging to Alphaproteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Flavobacteria.

Volatile fatty acid-treated mixotrophic cultivation of lipid/carbohydrate-rich cyanobacterial species, Pseudanabaena mucicola GO0704, for the enhancement of biofuel production.

Cyanobacteria-derived biofuels can be helpful in achieving a circular bioeconomy. To increase the production of biodiesel/bioethanol from cyanobacterium, Pseudanabaena mucicola GO0704, mixotrophic cultivation using volatile fatty acid (VFA), a cheap organic carbon source, was performed. The treatment of butyric acid or acetic acid enhanced the cell growth, particularly, the dry weight of the butyric acid-treated cells was 2.30-fold higher than the control. The enhancement of the growth led to the increase of metabolite (i.e., lipid and carbohydrate) productions, resulting in high amount of biodiesel and bioethanol to be produced. Butyric acid was more effective compared to acetic acid and the productions of biodiesel (52.2 mg/L) and bioethanol (132.6 mg/L) from the butyric acid-treated P. mucicola GO0704 were 2.34- and 2.17-fold higher compared to the control, respectively. This study will provide a foundation to commercialize the cyanobacteria-based carbon-neutral fuels, and ultimately, achieve a circular bioeconomy.

Mixotrophic Cultivation of a Native Cyanobacterium, Pseudanabaena mucicola GO0704, to Produce Phycobiliprotein and Biodiesel.

Global warming has accelerated in recent decades due to the continuous consumption of petroleum-based fuels. Cyanobacteria-derived biofuels are a promising carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels that may help achieve a cleaner environment. Here, we propose an effective strategy based on the large-scale cultivation of a newly isolated cyanobacterial strain to produce phycobiliprotein and biodiesel, thus demonstrating the potential commercial applicability of the isolated microalgal strain. A native cyanobacterium was isolated from Goryeong, Korea, and identified as Pseudanabaena mucicola GO0704 through 16s RNA analysis. The potential exploitation of P. mucicola GO0704 was explored by analyzing several parameters for mixotrophic culture, and optimal growth was achieved through the addition of sodium acetate (1 g/l) to the BG-11 medium. Next, the cultures were scaled up to a stirred-tank bioreactor in mixotrophic conditions to maximize the productivity of biomass and metabolites. The biomass, phycobiliprotein, and fatty acids concentrations in sodium acetate-treated cells were enhanced, and the highest biodiesel productivity (8.1 mg/l/d) was achieved at 96 h. Finally, the properties of the fuel derived from P. mucicola GO0704 were estimated with converted biodiesels according to the composition of fatty acids. Most of the characteristics of the final product, except for the cloud point, were compliant with international biodiesel standards [ASTM 6761 (US) and EN 14214 (Europe)].

Tetracera loureiri Extract Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response Via Nuclear Factor-κB and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways.

Tetracera loureiri (T. loureiri) is a woody climber inhabiting open deciduous or evergreen forests in Southeast Asia. A decoction comprising its stem and other herbs is a traditional Thai remedy for fatigue and jaundice, as well as to promote overall health. Anti-inflammatory effects induced by T. loureiri extract have not been reported. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of an ethanol extract of T. loureiri (ETL) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophages. We found that ETL treatment inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, without affecting cell viability. The effect of ETL on the expression of various pro-inflammatory mediators was analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed that ETL inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the mRNA and protein levels and decreased the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by COX-2 in RAW264.7 macrophages. ETL dose-dependently reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, ETL suppressed the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor, NF-κB. Additionally, ETL was found to inhibit the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase, and p38 MAPK. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that ETL inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, thereby downregulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated macrophages, Consequently, ETL is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Anti-obesity effects of Clausena excavata in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Clausena excavata (C. excavata) has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of abdominal pain, enteritis, dysentery, and malaria. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of a 50% ethanol extract of C. excavata (ECE) on weight loss, adipocyte size, and obesity-related biochemical parameters in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. After 6 weeks of HFD + ECE administration, HFD-induced total fat, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat were evaluated by micro-computed tomography. The serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TCH), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were evaluated with a biochemical analyzer, and leptin and adiponectin levels in the serum were assessed via enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Moreover, adipocyte size and lipid formation in the liver were examined. We found that weight gain, epididymal fat pad weight, adipocyte size, and lipid formation were markedly attenuated in the livers of HFD-induced obese mice treated with ECE. Furthermore, TG, TCH, and leptin decreased in the serum, whereas adiponectin increased. In conclusion, our data show that ECE has potent anti-obesity activity in vivo and support the development of ECE as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity.

Regulatory effects and molecular mechanism of Trigonostemon reidioides on lipopolysaccharide­induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells.

Trigonostemon reidioides (Kurz) Craib has been traditionally used for the treatment of vomiting and asthma in Cambodia. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the anti­inflammatory effect of T. reidioides extract remains unknown. The present study investigated the anti­inflammatory activity and molecular action of an ethanol extract of T. reidioides (ETR) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)­induced RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Nitric oxide assays, ELISA, reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used. ETR treatment inhibited the production of nitric oxide by downregulating inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, while exhibiting no significant cytotoxicity compared with macrophages treated with LPS­alone. Consequently, ETR decreased the production of certain proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)­1ß, IL­6 and tumor necrosis factor­α. Additionally, ETR inhibited the activation of mitogen­activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal­regulated kinase, c­Jun N­terminal kinase and p38 MAPK, as well as the phosphatidylinositol 3­kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. These effects were mediated by inhibition of the nuclear localization of nuclear factor κ­B (NF­κB). Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrate that ETR may exert an anti­inflammatory effect by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory mediators and cytokines via downregulation of the NF­κB, PI3K/Akt and the MAPK signaling pathways in LPS­stimulated macrophages. Based on these results, we hypothesize that ETR may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Trigonostemon reidioides modulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation via downregulation of the Akt signaling pathway.

Trigonostemon reidi`oides (TR) is used as a Thai traditional medicine for the treatment of drug addiction, asthma, food poisoning, constipation and snake bites. The present study investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of the ethanolic extract of TR (ETR) on mitogen-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) responses, proliferation, adhesion, migration and tube formation. ETR treatment inhibited mitogen-induced HUVEC proliferation by downregulation of cell cycle-associated proteins, including cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, which induced retinoblastoma protein hypophosphorylation. The present study also demonstrated that ETR treatment suppressed mitogen-induced HUVEC adhesion, migration, invasion and tube formation, and that these anti-angiogenic activities were mediated by inactivation of mitogen-induced Akt and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, but not of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p70 ribosomal S6 kinase or MMP-9. Collectively, the results of the present study suggested pharmacological functions and molecular mechanisms of ETR in regulating endothelial cell fates, and supported further evaluation and development of ETR as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of angiogenesis-associated diseases, including cancer.

Reduction of freeze-thaw-induced hemolysis of red blood cells by an algal ice-binding protein.

Antarctic sea ice diatoms produce ice-binding proteins (IBPs) that are strong inhibitors of the recrystallization of ice. Their function may be to reduce cell damage in the frozen state. We show here that an IBP from the diatom Navicula glaciei Vanheurck also has the ability to reduce freeze-thaw damage to red blood cells and that the effect may be due to its ability to inhibit recrystallization of ice.

Moritella dasanensis sp. nov., a psychrophilic bacterium isolated from the Arctic ocean.

An aerobic, motile, Gram-negative, ice-active substance-producing, rod-shaped psychrophile, designated strain ArB 0140T, was isolated from seawater collected from near a glacier in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain ArB 0140T showed a distinct phyletic line within the genus Moritella. Characteristic chemotaxonomic data [predominant isoprenoid quinone, Q8; major fatty acids, C14 : 0, C14 : 1, C16 : 0, C16 : 1 and C22 : 6 (docosahexaenoic acid; DHA)] also corroborated the affiliation of strain ArB 0140T to the genus Moritella. The maximal growth rate of the novel strain was observed at 9 degrees C, with a maximum temperature for growth of 18 degrees C. The genomic DNA G+C content was 46.9 mol%. Based on the data obtained from this polyphasic study, including DNA-DNA relatedness, physiological and biochemical tests and ice-controlling activity, strain ArB 0140T was found to be genetically and phenotypically different from other recognized species of the genus Moritella. Therefore strain ArB 0140T represents a novel species, for which the name Moritella dasanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ArB 0140T (=KCTC 10814T=KCCM 42845T=JCM 14759T).