Protective effect of Monascus-fermented red mold rice against alcoholic liver disease by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory response

Nucleic acid demethylase MpAlkB1 regulates the growth, development, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in Monascus purpureus

Nucleic acid demethylases of α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (AlkB) family can reversibly erase methyl adducts from nucleobases, thus dynamically regulating the methylation status of DNA/RNA and playing critical roles in multiple cellular processes. But little is known about AlkB demethylases in filamentous fungi so far. The present study reports that Monascus purpureus genomes contain a total of five MpAlkB genes. The MpAlkB1 gene was disrupted and complemented through homologous recombination strategy to analyze its biological functions in M. purpureus. MpAlkB1 knockout significantly accelerated the growth of strain, increased biomass, promoted sporulation and cleistothecia development, reduced the content of Monascus pigments (Mps), and strongly inhibited citrinin biosynthesis. The downregulated expression of the global regulator gene LaeA, and genes of Mps biosynthesis gene cluster (BGC) or citrinin BGC in MpAlkB1 disruption strain supported the pleiotropic trait changes caused by MpAlkB1 deletion. These results indicate that MpAlkB1-mediated demethylation of nucleic acid plays important roles in regulating the growth and development, and secondary metabolism in Monascus spp.

Antioxidation and Hepatoprotection of Selenium Mycelium Polysaccharides Against Alcoholic Liver Diseases from the Cultivated Morel Mushroom Morchella esculenta (Ascomycota)

The liver was regarded as the most important metabolic and detoxification organ in vivo, and Morchella esculenta had been reported as the admittedly rare edible fungus belonging to Ascomycetes contributing to the abundant bioactivities. The objective of this study aimed to confirm the potential antioxidant activities of selenium mycelium polysaccharides (Se-MIP) from M. esculenta against alcoholic liver diseases (ALD) in mice. The results indicated that a selenium concentration of 25 μg/mL exhibited potential in vitro antioxidant capacities of Se-MIP. The in vivo mice results demonstrated that Se-MIP showed potential anti-ALD effects by improving the antioxidant activities and alleviating the hepatic dysfunctions. The present conclusions suggested that Se-MIP could be used as a candidate on improving ALD and its complications for further clinical investigations.

Metformin beyond an anti-diabetic agent: A comprehensive and mechanistic review on its effects against natural and chemical toxins

In addition to the anti-diabetic effect of metformin, a growing number of studies have shown that metformin has some exciting properties, such as anti-oxidative capabilities, anticancer, genomic stability, anti-inflammation, and anti-fibrosis, which have potent, that can treat other disorders other than diabetes mellitus. We aimed to describe and review the protective and antidotal efficacy of metformin against biologicals, chemicals, natural, medications, pesticides, and radiation-induced toxicities. A comprehensive search has been performed from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases from inception to March 8, 2023. All in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies were considered. Many studies suggest that metformin affects diseases other than diabetes. It is a radioprotective and chemoprotective drug that also affects viral and bacterial diseases. It can be used against inflammation-related and apoptosis-related abnormalities and against toxins to lower their effects. Besides lowering blood sugar, metformin can attenuate the effects of toxins on body weight, inflammation, apoptosis, necrosis, caspase-3 activation, cell viability and survival rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NF-κB, TNF-α, many interleukins, lipid profile, and many enzymes activity such as catalase and superoxide dismutase. It also can reduce the histopathological damages induced by many toxins on the kidneys, liver, and colon. However, clinical trials and human studies are needed before using metformin as a therapeutic agent against other diseases.

Monascuspiloin from Monascus-Fermented Red Mold Rice Alleviates Alcoholic Liver Injury and Modulates Intestinal Microbiota

Monascus-fermented red mold rice (RMR) has excellent physiological efficacy on lipid metabolism and liver function. This study investigated the ameliorative effects of monascuspiloin (MP) from RMR on alcoholic liver injury in mice, and further clarified its mechanism of action. Results showed that MP intervention obviously ameliorated lipid metabolism and liver function in mice with over-drinking. In addition, dietary MP intervention reduced liver MDA levels and increased liver CAT, SOD, and GSH levels, thus alleviating liver oxidative stress induced by excessive drinking. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing showed that MP intervention was beneficial to ameliorate intestinal microbiota dysbiosis by elevating the proportion of norank_f_Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, Alistipes, Roseburia, Vagococcus, etc., but decreasing the proportion of Staphylococcus, norank_f_Desulfovibrionaceae, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001, Helicobacter, norank_f_Muribaculaceae, unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae, etc. Additionally, correlation network analysis indicated that the key intestinal bacterial taxa intervened by MP were closely related to some biochemical parameters of lipid metabolism, liver function, and oxidative stress. Moreover, liver metabolomics analysis revealed that dietary MP supplementation significantly regulated the levels of 75 metabolites in the liver, which were involved in the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, taurine, and hypotaurine metabolism, and other metabolic pathways. Furthermore, dietary MP intervention regulated gene transcription and protein expression associated with hepatic lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. In short, these findings suggest that MP mitigates alcohol-induced liver injury by regulating the intestinal microbiome and liver metabolic pathway, and thus can serve as a functional component to prevent liver disease.

Monascus spp. and citrinin: Identification, selection of Monascus spp. isolates, occurrence, detection and reduction of citrinin during the fermentation of red fermented rice

Red fermented rice (RFR) is rice fermented using Monascus spp. This product contains monacolin K, providing health benefits including mitigation of diarrhoea and improving blood circulation. RFR can produce pigments that can act as natural colour and flavouring agents. However, Monascus spp. (a fungal starter to ferment RFR) can also produce the mycotoxin, citrinin (CIT) which is believed to have adverse effects on human health. CIT in RFR has been reported worldwide by using different methods of detection. This review focuses on the production of RFR by solid-state fermentation (SSF) and submerged fermentation (SmF), the occurrence of CIT in RFR, CIT quantification, the factors affecting the growth of Monascus spp., pigments and CIT production in RFR, and possible methods to reduce CIT in RFR. This review will help the food industries, researchers, and consumers understand the risk of consuming RFR, and the possibility of controlling CIT in RFR.

Antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties of the red biopigment extract from Monascus purpureus (MTCC 369)

In this study, the Monascus purpureus (MTCC 369) extracted biopigment produced by solid-state fermentation was evaluated for its therapeutic potential using human prostate LNCaP cells. Antioxidant efficacy of the red biopigment determined using 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays was found to be 53.16%, 86.27%, and 13.83%, respectively. In addition, expression studies of target gene superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD-2) showed that increasing concentrations (10-50 μg/ml) of the biopigment enhanced its expression from 0.91- to 1.905-fold. An inhibitory effect of 0.424-0.627-fold was observed in the expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) with a similar increase in biopigment concentration. Addition of quercetin (positive control) at 50 μg/ml led to 0.295-fold decrease in GPX expression. In contrast, the expression of SOD-2 increased by 1.026-fold in the presence of quercetin. The biopigment also showed an increased serological IL-10 expression (an anti-inflammatory agent) ranging from 1034.58 to 4657.89 pg/ml. Treatment of LNCaP cells with the red biopigment (10-100 μg/ml) resulted in significant (p < .05) reduction (upto 79.86%) in viability and 51.79%-89.86% reduction in cell metabolic activity. Fluorescent microscopy examination of red biopigment-treated cells showed significant inhibition of normal cellular morphology including condensed nuclei, membrane blebbing, and apoptotic bodies, thus confirming its cytotoxic potential. Results of this study revealed that the red biopigment has the potential to modulate the expression of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory markers in addition to being cytotoxic to the LNCaP cancer cells. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: These findings indicate that cell treatment with red biopigment has the potential to modulate anti-oxidative, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes for therapeutic effects, which is further enhanced by its cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. Considering these cell-based observations, Monascus red biopigment has ample potential as a useful supplement to formulate therapeutic products that delay the development of inflammatory-related diseases and associated complications.

Non-Alcoholic Components in Huangjiu as Potential Factors Regulating the Intestinal Barrier and Gut Microbiota in Mouse Model of Alcoholic Liver Injury

Different alcoholic beverages and drinking patterns might exert divergent impacts on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) progression. Whether the abundant non-alcoholic components (NAC) in fermented wine could alleviate ethanol (EtOH)-induced adverse influences on the liver remains unknown. Hence, the chronic ALD mouse model was established to compare the effects of Huangjiu (a typical fermented wine) and EtOH feeding on the liver, intestinal barrier, gut microbiota, and intestinal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content. Although Huangjiu intake led to slight hepatic steatosis, it mitigated oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal damage relative to EtOH intake. In comparison with EtOH feeding, Huangjiu significantly improved the intestinal barrier integrity and reduced hepatic lipopolysaccharide levels by up-regulating the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) and antimicrobial activity peptides (Reg3β and Reg3γ). The administration of Huangjiu NAC partially restored alcohol-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis via recovering the abundance of Lactobacillus, Faecalibaculum, and Akkermansia. Moreover, mice receiving Huangjiu showed higher SCFAs levels (such as acetic acid and butyric acid) than those receiving EtOH. Huangjiu consumption resulted in lower hepatotoxicity than pure EtOH, at the same alcohol dose. The NAC in Huangjiu might attenuate the progression of ALD by regulating intestinal barrier function and microbiota-meditated gut ecology.

Dual Mode of Action of Talaromyces purpureogenus CFRM02 Pigment to Ameliorate Alcohol Induced Liver Toxicity in Rats

Talaromyces purpureogenus CFRM02 pigment exhibited antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals. The alcohol feeding leads to free radical generation causing pathophysiological processes of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and alcoholic hepatitis. T. purpureogenus CFRM02 pigment administered to rats ameliorated the ALD by scavenging ROS. The haematological analysis revealed the increased neutrophil circulation. The neutrophil infiltration was observed in the hepatocytes of the rats fed with pigment (600 mg/kg body weight). The increase in the number of neutrophils helps in liver regeneration caused by alcoholic hepatitis. The dual mechanism of action of pigment, antioxidant and liver regeneration through neutrophil production is attributed to alleviate the ALD. These results suggested that T. purpureogenus CFRM02 pigment represents the protective and therapeutic strategy against ALD.

The biological activity and application of Monascus pigments: a mini review

Monascus pigments (MPs), as secondary metabolites of Monascus, are microbial pigments which have been used for thousands of years. MPs are widely used in food industry as food pigments and preservatives, which have the stability of light resistance, high temperature resistance and acid-base change resistance. In addition, the antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-tumor biological activities of MPs have also attracted people’s attention. Moreover, Due to the presence of citrinin, the safety of MPs still needs to be discussed and explored. In this paper, the production, biological activity, application in various fields and methods of detection and reduction of citrinin of MPs were reviewed, which provide new insights into the study and safe application related to human different diseases, medicines or health care products with MPs as active substances.

Monascin and Ankaflavin of Monascus purpureus Prevent Alcoholic Liver Disease through Regulating AMPK-Mediated Lipid Metabolism and Enhancing Both Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Systems

Alcohol metabolism causes an excessive accumulation of liver lipids and inflammation, resulting in liver damage. The yellow pigments monascin (MS) and ankaflavin (AK) of Monascus purpureus-fermented rice were proven to regulate ethanol-induced damage in HepG2 cells, but the complete anti-inflammatory and anti-fatty liver mechanisms in the animal model are still unclear. This study explored the roles of MS and AK in improving alcoholic liver injury. MS and AK were simultaneously fed to evaluate their effects and mechanisms in C57BL/6J mice fed the Lieber–DeCarli liquid alcohol diet for 6 weeks. The results indicated that MS and AK significantly reduced the serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity, as well as the total liver cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The histopathological results indicated that MS and AK prevented lipid accumulation in the liver. MS and AK effectively enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the degree of lipid peroxidation; AK was particularly effective and exhibited a superior preventive effect against alcoholic liver injury and fatty liver. In addition to inhibiting the phosphorylation of the MAPK family, MS and AK directly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels, thereby reducing NF-κB and its downstream iNOS and COX-2 expressions, as well as increasing PPAR-γ, Nrf-2, and HO-1 expressions to prevent liver damage. MS and AK also directly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β expression, thereby reducing the production of NF-κB and its downstream iNOS and COX-2, and increasing PPAR-γ, Nrf-2, and HO-1 expressions, preventing alcohol damage to the liver.

Natural pigment from Monascus: The production and therapeutic significance

OBJECTIVE

The present review highlights the advantages of using natural colorant over the synthetic one. We have discussed the fermentation parameters that can enhance the productivity of Monascus pigment on agricultural wastes.

BACKGROUND

Food industry is looking for natural colours because these can enhance the esthetic value, attractiveness, and acceptability of food while remaining nontoxic. Many synthetic food colours (Azorubine Carmoisine, quinoline) have been prohibited due to their toxicity and carcinogenicity. Increasing consumer awareness towards the food safety has forced the manufacturing industries to look for suitable alternatives. In addition to safety, natural colorants have been found to have nutritional and therapeutic significance. Among the natural colorants, microbial pigments can be considered as a viable option because of scalability, easier production, no seasonal dependence, cheaper raw materials and easier extraction. Fungi such as Monascus have a long history of safety and therefore can be used for production of biopigments.

METHOD

The present review summarizes the predicted biosynthetic pathways and pigment gene clusters in Monascus purpureus.

RESULTS

The challenges faced during the pilot-scale production of Monascus biopigment and taming it by us of low-cost agro-industrial substrates for solid state fermentation has been suggested.

CONCLUSION

Keeping in mind, therapeutic properties of Monascus pigments and their derivatives, they have huge potential for industrial and pharmaceutical application.

APPLICATION

Though the natural pigments have wide scope in the food industry. However, stabilization of pigment is the greatest challenge and attempts are being made to overcome this by complexion with hydrocolloids or metals and by microencapsulation.

Protective effect and mechanism of Monascus-fermented red yeast rice against colitis caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium ATCC 14028

Red yeast rice (RYR), a traditional Chinese fermented food, has the effect of lowering blood lipid and cholesterol, but little information is available about whether RYR can inhibit pathogenic bacterial infection in vivo. The present study explored the effect of RYR on Salmonella enterica-induced intestinal inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice as well as the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism. Results showed that RYR can alleviate S. enterica infection in vivo and Monascus pigments are the main functional components. The analysis of microbiota, gene expression profile and serological immunology revealed that RYR can regulate the intestinal flora and increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Akkermansia. Meanwhile, RYR is also found to regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and tight junction-related genes to inhibit the NO and NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response and maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This study provides a new dietary intervention strategy for the prevention of pathogenic bacterial infection.

Metformin and Probiotics Interplay in Amelioration of Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in an In Vitro and In Vivo Model of Hepatic Injury

Alcohol-induced liver injury implicates inflammation and oxidative stress as important mediators. Despite rigorous research, there is still no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved therapies for any stage of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Interestingly, metformin (Met) and several probiotic strains possess the potential of inhibiting alcoholic liver injury. Therefore, we investigated the effectiveness of combination therapy using a mixture of eight strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria, commercialized as Visbiome® (V) and Met in preventing the ethanol-induced hepatic injury using in vitro and in vivo models. Human HepG2 cells and male Wistar rats were exposed to ethanol and simultaneously treated with probiotic V or Met alone as well as in combination. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers, inflammatory markers, lipid metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and oxidative stress were evaluated, using qRT-PCR, Oil red O staining, fluorimetry, and HPLC. In vitro, probiotic V and Met in combination prevented ethanol-induced cellular injury, ER stress, oxidative stress, and regulated lipid metabolism as well as inflammatory response in HepG2 cells. Probiotic V and Met also promoted macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype in ethanol-exposed RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. In vivo, combined administration of probiotic V and Met ameliorated the histopathological changes, inflammatory response, hepatic markers (liver enzymes), and lipid metabolism induced by ethanol. It also improved the antioxidant markers (HO-1 and Nrf-2), as seen by their protein levels in both HepG2 cells as well as liver tissue using ELISA. Hence, probiotic V may act, in addition to the Met, as an effective preventive treatment against ethanol-induced hepatic injury.

Effect of Auricularia auricula fermentation broth on the liver and stomach of mice with acute alcoholism

In this paper, the protective effect of Auricularia auricula (A. auricula) fermentation broth on the liver and stomach of mice with acute alcoholism was studied. The A. auricula fermentation broth was prepared by adding Bacillus subtilis, lactic acid bacteria, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to A. auricula solution. The changes of physical and chemical indexes during the fermentation of A. auricula were monitored, and the results showed the content of polysaccharides and protein in the two kinds of fermentation broth after the fermentation was completed. Furthermore, the characteristic structures of active substances such as proteins, polysaccharides and phenolics were found in the A. auricula fermentation by structural analysis. Antioxidant activity test results showed that the A. auricula fermentation broth had a strong ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals. Cell experiments showed that the fermentation broth of A. auricula could significantly enhance the activity of NRK cells and protect NRK cells from H₂O₂ damage. Animal experiments showed that the A. auricula fermentation broth had protective effects on the liver and stomach of mice with acute alcoholism, and significantly reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in serum. These results indicated that the A. auricula fermentation broth had protective effects on the liver and stomach of mice with acute alcoholism, and could be used as a potential functional food to prevent liver and stomach damage caused by acute alcoholism.

[Doctor, Do You Know Red Yeast Rice?]

Doctor, Do You Know Red Yeast Rice? Abstract. We present cases of patients with high total cholesterol who wanted to use an alternative therapy for lowering cholesterol. An improvement in the lipid profile was found in all patients, and all tolerated the product made from red rice yeast very well. No side effects were observed. The patients who take red fermented rice consciously choose an alternative agent in the field of phytotherapy because they already have to take several conventional medicines and are no longer willing to use an additional drug of this kind. Another reason is that they no longer want to put up with the side effects they suffered from when using a common lipid-lowering drug.

Red Yeast Rice: A Systematic Review of the Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Quality Control of an Important Chinese Folk Medicine

Red yeast rice (RYR), a Chinese traditional folk medicine produced by the fermentation of cooked rice kernels with a Monascaceae mold, Monascus purpureus, has long been used to treat blood circulation stasis, indigestion, diarrhea, and limb weakness in East Asian countries. This article provides a systematic review of the traditional uses, chemistry, biological activities, and toxicology of RYR to highlight its future prospects in the field of medicine. The literature reviewed for this article was obtained from the Web of Science, Elsevier, SciFinder, PubMed, CNKI, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, as well as Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations, published prior to July 2019. More than 101 chemical constituents have been isolated from RYR, mainly consisting of monacolins, pigments, organic acids, sterols, decalin derivatives, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and other compounds. Crude extracts of RYR, as well as its isolated compounds, possess broad pharmacological properties with hypolipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-cancer, neurocytoprotective, anti-osteoporotic, anti-fatigue, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive activities. However, further studies are needed to characterize its diverse chemical constituents and the toxicological actions of the main bioactive compounds. New pharmacological trials addressing the overlooked traditional uses of RYR, such as in the treatment of indigestion and diarrhea, are required.

Shanxi Aged Vinegar Protects against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury via Activating Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant and Inhibiting TLR4-Induced Inflammatory Response

Shanxi aged vinegar (SAV) is a typical fermented and antioxidant food, which has various health-promoting effects. This work aimed to explore the effects of SAV on alcohol-induced liver injury. A mice model of alcoholic liver injury was established to illuminate its potential mechanisms. All mice pretreated with SAV and then received an ethanol solution (50% w/v, 4.8 g/kg b.w.). The results showed that SAV ameliorated alcohol-induced histological changes and elevation of liver enzymes. SAV attenuated alcohol-induced oxidative stress by declining levels of hepatic oxidants, and restoring depletion of antioxidant enzyme activities in mice livers. Moreover, SAV alleviated alcohol-induced oxidative damage by activating nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated signal pathway. In addition, SAV prevented alcohol-induced inflammation by suppressing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level and activities of pro-inflammatory enzymes, and regulating inflammatory cytokines. SAV inhibited alcohol-induced inflammation through down-regulating the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated inflammatory response. The findings provide crucial evidence for elucidating the hepatoprotective mechanisms of SAV and encourage the future application of SAV as a functional food for liver protection.

Monascus-fermented red mold dioscorea protects mice against alcohol-induced liver injury, whereas its metabolites ankaflavin and monascin regulate ethanol-induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1 expression in HepG2 cells

BACKGROUND

Alcoholic hepatitis is a necroinflammatory process that is associated with fibrosis and leads to cirrhosis in 40% of cases. The hepatoprotective effects of red mold dioscorea (RMD) from Monascus purpureus NTU 568 were evaluated in vivo using a mouse model of chronic alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD).

RESULTS

ALD mice were orally administered vehicle (ALD group) or vehicle plus 307.5, 615.0 or 1537.5 mg kg^-1 (1 ×, 2 × and 5 ×) RMD for 5 weeks. RMD lowered serum leptin, hepatic total cholesterol, free fatty acid and hepatic triglyceride levels and increased serum adiponectin, hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase and antioxidant enzyme levels. Furthermore, ankaflavin (AK) and monascin (MS), metabolites of RMD fermented with M. purpureus 568, induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ expression and the concomitant suppression of ethanol-induced elevation of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1 and TG in HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate the hepatoprotective effect of Monascus-fermented RMD. Moreover, AK and MS were identified as the active constituents of RMD for the first time and were shown to protect against ethanol-induced liver damage. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Optimization of submerged fermentation medium for citrinin-free monascin production by Monascus

Microbial fermentation of citrinin-free Monascus pigments is in favor in the development of food industry. This study investigated the influences of carbon source, nitrogen source, and mineral salts on the cell growth, monascin (MS), and citrinin (CT) production in Monascus M9. A culture medium composition was established for maximizing the production of citrinin-free MS in submerged culture, as follows: 50 g/L Japonica rice powder, 20 g/L NH₄NO₃, 3 g/L NaNO₃, 1.5 g/L KH₂PO₄, 1 g/L MgSO₄ · 7H₂O, 0.2 g/L MnSO₄. Under these conditions, no CT was detectable by high performance liquid chromatography. The yield of MS reached 14.11 mg/g, improving approximately 30% compared with before optimization.

Ankaflavin and Monascin Induce Apoptosis in Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells through Suppression of the Akt/NF-κB/p38 Signaling Pathway

The increased proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is associated with hepatic fibrosis and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM)-protein production. We examined the inhibitory effects of the Monascus purpureus-fermented metabolites, ankaflavin and monascin (15 and 30 μM), on the Akt/nuclear factor (NF)-κB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in HSC-T6 (activated hepatic stellate cell line). Ankaflavin and monascin (30 μM) induced apoptosis and significantly inhibited cell growth (cell viabilities: 80.2 ± 5.43% and 62.8 ± 8.20%, respectively, versus control cells; P < 0.05). Apoptosis and G1 phase arrest (G1 phase percentages: 76.1 ± 2.85% and 79.9 ± 1.80%, respectively, versus control cells 65.9 ± 4.94%; P < 0.05) correlated with increased p53 and p21 levels and caspase 3 activity and decreased cyclin D1 and Bcl-2-family protein levels (P < 0.05, all cases). The apoptotic effects of ankaflavin and monascin were HSC-T6-specific, suggesting their potential in treating liver fibrosis.

Effect of white wheat bread and white wheat bread added with bioactive compounds on hypercholesterolemic and steatotic mice fed a high-fat diet

BACKGROUND

The effects of white wheat bread and white wheat bread added with a bioactive compound mixture (Cyclanthera pedata, Glycine max, Monascus-fermented red mold rice, Cynara scolymus and Medicago sativa) were examined on hypercholesterolemic and steatotic mice, divided into four groups: control diet (CTR), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet with white wheat bread added with 1.5 g kg(-1) of mixture (HFD+AB) and high-fat diet with white wheat bread (HFD+B).

RESULTS

Total serum cholesterol in the HFD+AB and HFD+B groups and hepatic triglycerides in the HFD+AB group decreased compared with the HFD group. Liver histology confirmed lower lipid drop accumulation in the HFD+AB group than in the HFD and HFD+B groups. HFD+AB caused a 7.0-fold increase and a 3.5-fold reduction in CYP7A1 and SREBP-1c gene expression respectively compared with the HFD group. Moreover, the HFD+B group showed a 2.2-, 8.4- and 1.5-fold increase in HMG CoA reductase, CYP7A1 and LDLr gene expression respectively compared with the HFD group.

CONCLUSION

Both the white wheat bread and the added white wheat bread induced cholesterol reduction by increasing CYP7A1. Moreover, the added white wheat bread improved steatosis by decreasing SREBP-1c gene expression.

Inhibitory effects of Chikusetsusaponin IVa on lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory responses in THP-1 cells

This study investigated anti-inflammatory effects and possible mechanisms of Chikusetsusaponin IVa (Chi IVa), one of the main bioactive components in saponins from Panacis japonica (SPJ), which is used in traditional Tujia and Hmong Chinese medicine. To this end, changes in the inflammatory profiles of lipopolysacchride (LPS)-stimulated phrobol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA)-differented THP-1 macrophages were evaluated following Chi IVa treatment. The results showed that Chi IVa markedly decreased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) at both the mRNA and protein level, which proved to be dose-dependent. Further studies revealed that Chi IVa strongly suppressed NF-κB activation and downregulated the phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and JNK. Our present study demonstrates that Chi IVa suppresses the production of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells likely by inhibiting NF-κB activation and ERK, JNK, and p38 signal pathway phosphorylation.

pyroGlu-Leu inhibits the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase in interleukin-1β-stimulated primary cultured rat hepatocytes

Pyroglutamyl leucine (pyroGlu-Leu), which is a peptide isolated from wheat gluten hydrolysate, has been reported to be a hepatoprotective compound in acute liver failure. In inflamed liver, proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α stimulate the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Excess production of nitric oxide (NO) by iNOS is an inflammatory biomarker in liver injury. We examined proinflammatory cytokine-stimulated hepatocytes as a simple "in vitro inflammation model" to determine liver protective effects of pyroGlu-Leu and its mechanisms of action. We hypothesized that pyroGlu-Leu inhibits the induction of iNOS gene expression, resulting in the attenuation of hepatic inflammation. Hepatocytes were isolated from rats by collagenase perfusion and cultured. Primary cultured cells were treated with IL-1β in the presence or absence of pyroGlu-Leu. The induction of iNOS and its signaling pathway were analyzed. IL-1β stimulated the enhancement of NO production in hepatocytes and this effect was inhibited by pyroGlu-Leu. pyroGlu-Leu decreased the expression of iNOS protein and its mRNA. Transfection experiments with iNOS-luciferase constructs revealed that pyroGlu-Leu inhibited both of iNOS promoter transactivation and its mRNA stabilization. pyroGlu-Leu also decreased the expression of an iNOS gene antisense transcript, which is involved in iNOS mRNA stability. However, pyroGlu-Leu had no effects on IκB degradation and NF-κB activation. Results demonstrate that pyroGlu-Leu inhibited the induction of iNOS gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional steps through IκB/NF-κB-independent pathway, leading to the prevention of NO production. pyroGlu-Leu may have therapeutic potential for liver injury through the suppression of iNOS.

Engineered andrographolide nanosystems for smart recovery in hepatotoxic conditions

Andrographolide (AG) is one of the most potent labdane diterpenoid-type free radical scavengers available from plant sources. The compound is the principal bioactive component in Andrographis paniculata leaf extracts, and is responsible for anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activity. The application of AG in therapeutics, however, is severely constrained, due to its low aqueous solubility, short biological half-life, and poor cellular permeability. Engineered nanoparticles in biodegradable polymer systems were therefore conceived as one solution to aid in further drug-like applications of AG. In this study, a cationic modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanosystem was applied for evaluation against experimental mouse hepatotoxic conditions. Biopolymeric nanoparticles of hydrodynamic size of 229.7±17.17 nm and ζ-potential +34.4±1.87 mV facilitated marked restoration in liver functions and oxidative stress markers. Superior dissolution for bioactive AG, hepatic residence, and favorable cytokine regulation in the liver tissues are some of the factors responsible for the newer nanosystem-assisted rapid recovery.

Rice koji reduced body weight gain, fat accumulation, and blood glucose level in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Rice koji is considered a readily accessible functional food that may have health-promoting effects. We investigated whether white, yellow, and red koji have the anti-obesity effect in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), which is a model for obesity. Mice were fed HFD containing 10% (w/w) of rice koji powder or steamed rice for 4 weeks. Weight gain, epididymal white adipose tissue, and total adipose tissue weight were significantly lower in all rice koji groups than in the HFD-rice group after 4 weeks. Feed efficiency was significantly reduced in the yellow koji group. Blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the white and red koji groups with HOMA-R and leptin levels being reduced in the white koji group. White and red koji increased glucose uptake and GLUT4 protein expression in L6 myotube cells. These results showed that all rice koji have the anti-obesity or anti-diabetes effects although the mechanisms may differ depending on the type of rice koji consumed.

Antialcoholic liver activity of whey fermented by Lactobacillus casei isolated from koumiss

Whey fermented liquid (WFL) was studied for its hepatoprotective effects by using chronic alcohol-induced mice. Whey fermented liquid, prepared by inoculating whey with 4% (vol/vol) Lactobacillus casei and then incubating at 41°C for 8h, was used to orally treat alcohol-induced mice at 3 dosages for 5 wk. Ethanol consumption significantly reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, while lowering glutathione content and increasing levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total triglyceride, malondialdehyde, and cytochrome P450 2E1. Treatment with WFL significantly attenuated the increased levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, and cytochrome P450 2E1, while decreasing superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels. Pathological changes in the livers of mice who had ingested alcohol were improved by the administration of WFL. These results suggest that WFL may exert a protective effect against alcoholic liver disease by increasing antioxidant activity, which supports the use of WFL as an antialcoholic liver disease treatment.

Monascin and ankaflavin act as natural AMPK activators with PPARα agonist activity to down-regulate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice

Yellow pigments monascin (MS) and ankaflavin (AK) are secondary metabolites derived from Monascus-fermented products. The hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects of MS and AK indicate that they have potential on preventing or curing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Oleic acid (OA) and high-fat diet were used to induce steatosis in FL83B hepatocytes and NAFLD in mice, respectively. We found that both MS and AK prevented fatty acid accumulation in hepatocytes by inhibiting fatty acid uptake, lipogenesis, and promoting fatty acid beta-oxidation mediated by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and AMP-activated kinase (AMPK). Furthermore, MS and AK significantly attenuated high-fat diet-induced elevation of total cholesterol (TC), triaceylglycerol (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in plasma. MS and AK promoted AMPK phosphorylation, suppressed the steatosis-related mRNA expression and inflammatory cytokines secretion, as well as upregulated farnesoid X receptor (FXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator (PGC)-1α, and PPARα expression to induce fatty acid oxidation in the liver of mice. We provided evidence that MS and AK act as PPARα agonists to upregulate AMPK activity and attenuate NAFLD. MS and AK may be supplied in food supplements or developed as functional foods to reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity.

Identification of a hepatoprotective peptide in wheat gluten hydrolysate against D-galactosamine-induced acute hepatitis in rats

A hepatoprotective peptide, pyroglutamyl leucine (pyroGlu-Leu), was identified in wheat gluten hydrolysate through an in vivo activity-guided fractionation approach based on D-galactosamine-induced acute hepatitis in rats and fractionation of peptides with large-scale preparative ampholine-free isoelectric focusing. The active acidic fraction predominantly consisted of pyroglutamyl peptides and free pyroglutamic acid. Pyroglutamyl peptides were derivatized with phenyl isothiocyanate after removal of a pyroglutamyl residue by pyroglutamate aminopeptidase. The derivatives were purified by reversed-phase HPLC and subjected to sequence analysis. The active fraction contained pyroGlu-Ile, pyroGlu-Leu, pyroGlu-Gln, pyroGlu-Gln-Gln, and free pyroGlu. Ingestion of pyroGlu-Leu at 20 mg/kg body weight significantly decreased serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases to approximately 30% and 20% of those values of the vehicle group, respectively, which were near the normal levels. Thirty minutes after ingestion of pyroGlu-Leu at 20 mg/kg, the concentration of pyroGlu-Leu in portal blood plasma increased to approximately 2 μM.

Anti-inflammatory activities of an ethanol extract of Ecklonia stolonifera in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells

Ecklonia stolonifera is a brown alga that was shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, tyrosinase inhibitory, and chemopreventive activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory activity remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action of E. stolonifera ethanolic extracts (ESE) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. ESE inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (IC(50) = 72 ± 1.9 μg/mL) and prostaglandin E(2) (IC(50) = 98 ± 5.3 μg/mL) production in a dose-dependent manner and suppressed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in RAW 264.7 cells. ESE also reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. LPS-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcriptional activity and NF-κB translocation into the nucleus were significantly inhibited by ESE treatment through the prevention of the degradation of inhibitor κB-α. Moreover, ESE inhibited the activation of Akt, ERK, JNK1/2, and p38 MAPK in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The main components with anti-inflammatory activity in ESE were identified as phlorofucofuroeckol A and B based on the inhibition of NO production. Our results indicate that ESE can be considered as a potential source of therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.

Isolation and identification of phlorotannins from Ecklonia stolonifera with antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in tacrine-treated HepG2 cells

Four kinds of phlorotannins having antioxidant activity were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Ecklonia stolonifera ethanolic extract. The structures of the phlorotannins were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence, including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance. The isolated phlorotannins showed potential radical-scavenging activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and suppressed the intracellular reactive oxygen species in tacrine-treated HepG2 cells. Among them, eckol and 2-phloroeckol showed hepatoprotective activity in tacrine-treated HepG2 cells; however, phlorofucofuroeckol B and 6,6'-bieckol did not show the activity, even though having high antioxidant activity. Both eckol and 2-phloroeckol inhibited the expression of Fas-mediated cell-death proteins, including tBid, caspase-3, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and suppressed the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol in a dose-dependent manner in tacrine-treated HepG2 cells. These results suggest that eckol and 2-phloroeckol are the principal hepatoprotective constituents of the ethyl acetate fraction of E. stolonifera ethanolic extract.