Immunomodulatory Effects of Spherical Date Seed Pills Industrially Fabricated on RAW264.7 Cells

Dates have been demonstrated to display a variety of bioactivities and are rich in polyphenols. In this work, we assessed the underlying immunomodulatory effects of date seed polyphenol extracts that had been industrially encapsulated and fabricated into commercial pills in RAW264.7 macrophages using the NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways. The outcomes showed that in RAW264.7 cells, the date seed pills effectively stimulated nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NF-κB, along with downstream cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ), ROS ratios, and SOD activity. It is interesting to note that the encapsulated pills activated Nrf2 nuclear translocation more effectively than the non-encapsulated ones did. Additionally, pills at 50 µg mL^-1 improved immunological responses, but pills at 1000 µg mL^-1 prevented macrophages from becoming inflamed. These results showed that the immunomodulatory effects were differently impacted by commercial date seed pills, a finding which was related to the large-scale manufacturing of the pills and the incubation concentrations used. These results also shed light on a new trend of using food byproducts as an innovative supplement.

Effects of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) on inflammatory mediators: a systematic review of preclinical studies

The aim of the current systematic review was to gather the researches about the effect of quinoa (chenopodium quinoa) on inflammatory parameters interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, WOS, ProQuest, and Google scholar databases without any restriction on language or publication date until July 2022 and search alert services were used to detect novel papers published after the initial search. Only 20 animal and in vitro investigations were eligible for this systematic review. According to in vitro researches and 8 of 14 animal investigations, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α level decreased remarkably after quinoa administration, which indicates the capability of quinoa in alleviating inflammatory factors. Quinoa is favorable but not yet a confirmed agent for alleviating systemic inflammation in inflammatory diseases.

Mechanism of Ser-Ala-Gly-Pro-Ala-Phe treatment with a pulsed electric field to improve ethanol-induced gastric mucosa injury in mice

This paper focused on the mechanism of Ser-Ala-Gly-Pro-Ala-Phe (SAGPAF) treatment to improve gastric mucosal injury in mice. A gastric mucosa injury model induced by ethanol was established, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, nitric oxide (NO) content and myeloperoxidase (MPO) level were determined. We performed macroscopic and histopathological evaluation of the gastric organs. Moreover, we analyzed the mechanism of SAGPAF treatment by western blotting. Compared with the model group, the SOD activity and NO content in the medium-dose and high-dose SAGPAF groups of treated with 10 kV cm^-1 field intensity were significantly increased. The MDA content and MPO level were decreased significantly. They significantly reduced the gastric mucosal injury induced by ethanol (21.17 ± 3.51% and 13.99 ± 2.00%) and the histopathological scores (3.83 ± 0.40 and 4.33 ± 0.37) (P < 0.05). Western blotting analysis showed that SAGPAF after pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment improved gastric injury by reducing protein phosphorylation. These findings provided strong evidence that PEF-treated SAGPAF enhanced the gastric mucosal barrier function by inhibiting the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, reducing the ethanol-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam. Fruit Accelerates Healing in Gastric Injury via the Regulation of the NF-κB Pathway

Objective

The present study aimed at the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the extract of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam. fruit (BGF) on the gastric injury.

Materials and Methods

The chemical components in the extract of BGF were used in UPLC/Q-Orbitrap analysis. 60 SD rats were randomized into six groups: normal group (MC), ethanol-injured control group (EC), omeprazole group, and three groups with different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) of BGF. After continuous administration for seven days, the stomachs of rats were taken out to observe the pathological gastric tissue changes; inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers in the stomach tissues were measured. Western blot (WB) analyses were conducted to explore the mechanism of BGF on gastric tissue and RAW 246.7 cells with excessive inflammation.

Results

BGF enhanced gastric mucosal protection by improving the mucosal blood flow of the stomach and significantly decreased inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers. Moreover, BGF significantly reduced the expression of p-NF-κB p65. Consistently, BGF demonstrated similar effects on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells as it did in vivo.

Conclusion

BGF could accelerate the healing of gastric injury by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and maintaining mucosal integrity.

Gastroprotective effect and mechanisms of Chinese sumac fruits (Rhus chinensis Mill.) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice

This paper aimed to study the effect of the phenol-rich fraction from Chinese sumac fruits on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice and to further elucidate the potential mechanisms. The results showed that the phenol-rich fraction of the fruits significantly decreased the ulcer index, restored the levels of prostaglandin E-2, heat shock protein 70, glutathione and superoxide dismutase, and reduced the malondialdehyde content. Further analyses revealed that the fraction significantly alleviated the gastric oxidative stress by upregulating the Nrf2 protein pathway to increase the HO-1 and NQO1 expression levels, suppressed the inflammation by reducing the expression levels of p-NF-κB and p-IκBα and inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6. In addition, the fraction remarkably prevented gastric mucous cell apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax and cleaved caspase3. This experiment clarified for the first time that the phenol-rich fraction from Chinese sumac fruits can prevent ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice by inhibiting the oxidative stress, inflammatory response and cell apoptosis. The results obtained from the current work indicated that the phenol-rich fraction from Chinese sumac fruits could be applied as a kind of natural resource for producing new functional foods to prevent and/or improve gastric ulcers induced by ethanol.

Yunnan Black Tea Flavonoids Can Improve Cognitive Dysfunction in Septic Mice by Activating SIRT1

This study explored the effect and mechanism of Yunnan black tea flavonoids (YBTF) on cognitive dysfunction in septic mice. The mice were induced sepsis, the serum was determined using kits, and the tissue was determined by qPCR assay. The Yunnan black tea flavonoids were checked using HPLC. The test results showed that compared with the model group, YBTF could increase the survival rate of the mice; meanwhile, YBTF could also increase the total distance travelled, number of stands, and number of groomings, as well as the number of times crossing the area in the target quadrant. Detection of nerve cells showed that YBTF could reduce the rate of nerve cell apoptosis caused by sepsis. YBTF also reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hippocampus of septic mice and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes. YBTF could also upregulate the mRNA expression of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) and downregulate the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), p53, and SIRT1 in the hippocampus of septic mice. The animal experiment results showed that YBTF could improve the cognitive dysfunction of septic mice. The effect of YBTF was weaker than that of dexamethasone, but it could enhance the improvement effect when used in conjunction with dexamethasone. The component analysis results showed that YBTF contained 9 compounds, including catechin, gallocatechin gallate, rutin, hyperoside, epicatechin gallate, dihydroquercetin, quercetin, myricetin, and sulphuretin. From these results, YBTF could activate SIRT1 through its active compound components to improve the cognitive dysfunction of septic mice.

Insight in the Recent Application of Polyphenols From Biomass

Biomass polyphenols are bio-active macromolecules with distinct chemical structures in a variety of biomass. In recent years, the study of biomass polyphenols and their application in food and medicine fields has become a research hotspot, which predominantly focuses on the preparation, purification, structural identifications, and measurements of biological activities. Many studies describe methodologies for extraction and application of polyphenols, but comprehensive work to review its physiological activities like drugs and health products are lacking. This paper comprehensively unlocks the bioactivities of antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumor, anticancer, neuroprotection, control of blood sugar, regulation of blood fat, and promotion of gastrointestinal health functions of polyphenols from different biomass sources. This review will serve as an illuminating resource for the global scientific community, especially for those who are actively working to promote the advances of the polyphenols research field.

Tea polyphenols protect learning and memory in sleep-deprived mice by promoting AMPA receptor internalization

Chronic sleep loss caused lots of health problems, also including cognition impairment. Tea is one of the most popular drinks when people stay up late. Nevertheless, the effects of tea on sleep deprivation-induced cognition impairment are still unclear. In the present study, we found 24-h sleep deprivation (S-DEP) increased membrane α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxa-zolep-propionate (AMPA) receptor level through a tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-dependent pathway in hippocampi. Blocking elevated TNFα level can protect S-DEP mice from impaired learning ability according to behavioral test. Tea polyphenols, major active compounds in green tea, suppressed TNFα production through downregulating TNFα converting enzyme (TACE) level. Meanwhile, tea polyphenols treatment could ameliorate recognition impairment and anxiety-like behaviors in S-DEP mice. The aforementioned results demonstrate cognition protective effects of tea polyphenols in S-DEP mice model, which provide a theoretical basis for the treatments of S-DEP-induced cognition impairment by targeting the TACE/TNFα/AMPA pathway.

Protective Effects of Anwulignan against HCl/Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Ulcer in Mice

Gastric ulcer is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. Anwulignan (AN) is a major active component of Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of AN against the acute gastric ulcer induced by HCl/ethanol in mice. The mice were given HCl/ethanol by gavage to establish an acute gastric ulcer model. Then, the serum and gastric tissue samples were taken for biochemical analyses. The results showed that the pretreatment with AN could significantly reduce the gastric ulcer index (GUI) and increase the ulcer inhibition rate, indicating that AN can protect against gastric ulcers. AN showed its antioxidant roles by decreasing the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and anti-inflammatory roles by decreasing the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and increasing the content of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) in both serum and gastric tissue. Furthermore, AN also activated the NRF2/ARE signaling pathway and inhibited the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. AN improves the acute gastric ulcer induced by HCl/ethanol in mice, which may be mainly through its antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effect.

Protective Effects of Small-Molecule Oligopeptides Isolated from Tilapia Fish Scale on Ethanol-Induced Gastroduodenal Injury in Rats

Peptic ulcer has a serious impact on people’s health around the world, and traditional medicines can cause adverse reactions. This study investigated the protective effects of tilapia collagen oligopeptides (TCOPs) on gastroduodenal injury. Seventy-two specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups according to body weight: normal control group, ethanol group, whey protein group (500 mg/kg BW), and three TCOPs dose groups (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg BW). After intragastric administration for 30 days, the acute gastroduodenal injury was induced by anhydrous ethanol (5 mL/kg, intragastrically) in all groups except the normal control group. Biomarkers in gastric and duodenal tissue and serum were measured. Furthermore, western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. The results showed that the administration with TCOPs significantly reduced gastric and duodenal ulcer index, increased gastric juice pH, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, along with the reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. TCOPs decreased tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, while interleukin– 10 (IL-10) levels were increased. Furthermore, pepsinogens 1 (PG1), pepsinogens 2 (PG2), gastrin (GAS), and the pepsinogen ratio (PGR) were decreased, the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and NO contents were increased after TCOPs intervention. Moreover, TCOPs up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and inhibited the expression of Bax and Caspase-3. In conclusion, TCOPs have protective effects on ethanol-induced gastroduodenal injury through gastrointestinal mucosal microcirculation promotion, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis mechanisms.

Ligustrum robustum (Roxb.) blume extract modulates gut microbiota and prevents metabolic syndrome in high-fat diet-fed mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Chinese folk medicine, Ligustrum robustum (Roxb.) Blume has been widely used as a healthy tea beverage for improvement in obesity and lipidemic metabolic disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to investigate the effect of L. robustum extract (LRE) on metabolic syndrome in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice and to explore the underlying role of gut microbiota during the treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ground dried leaves of L. robustum (Roxb.) Blume were extracted with ethanol and then purified by a resin column. The composition of L. robustum extract (LRE) was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). C57BL/6 J mice fed with HFD were treated with LRE for 16 weeks. RT-qPCR and morphological staining were utilized to reveal the impact of LRE on hepatic glucolipid metabolism and gut integrity. The next-generation sequencing of 16 S rDNA was applied for analyzing the gut microbial community of fecal samples.

RESULTS

LRE, mainly composed of ligupurpuroside A and aceteoside, alleviated insulin resistance, improved hepatic metabolism, enhanced intestinal integrity, and suppressed inflammatory responses in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, LRE treatment reshaped the gut microbiota structure by increasing the levels of genera Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Mucispirillum and decreasing the populations of Alistipes and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group in HFD-fed mice. The alteration of gut microbiota was associated with several metabolic pathways of gut bacteria. Spearman's correlation analysis further confirmed the links between the changed intestinal bacteria and multiple disease indices.

CONCLUSIONS

LRE prevented gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disorder in HFD-fed mice, which helps to promote the application in LRE-mediated prevention from metabolic syndrome as a gut microbial regulator.

Protective Effect of Blood Cora Polysaccharides on H9c2 Rat Heart Cells Injury Induced by Oxidative Stress by Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Signal Pathway

The protective effect of blood cora polysaccharides (BCP) on H9c2 rat heart cells under oxidative stress was explored with the use of a H9c2 cell oxidative stress model. The ability of BCP to scavenge 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and hydroxyl radicals and its reducing power were measured in vitro, indicating a more powerful antioxidant effect of BCP compared to a similar concentration of vitamin C. The cellular metabolic activity was tested through the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide] assay. Additionally, the relevant oxidation indicator level within the cell supernatant and cells was tested with reagent kits, and mRNA and protein expression levels in the cells were tested through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot. The chemical composition of BCP was determined through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results show that compared with the normal group, the model group's cell survival rate (28.75 ± 2.56%) decreased, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels decreased. The results of qPCR and western blot show that compared with the normal group, the model group's Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, NAD(P)H:quinoneoxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and cytochrome c (Cyt C) decreased, and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression was increased, with significant statistical differences. Compared with the model group, the cell survival rate for each BCP-treated group increased, the LDH leakage decreased, the SOD, CAT, and GSH levels in the cells increased, the MDA content decreased, the Bax, caspase-3, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and Cyt C expression was weakened, and the Bcl-2 expression was strengthened. BCP inhibited the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential caused by H2O2 treatment. According to the component analysis, BCP mainly consist of mannitol, ribose, glucosum anhydricum, galactose, and xylose. It was observed that the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway can be activated, regulated, and controlled by functional BCP to protect H9c2 cells injured by oxidative stress.

Qingke β-glucan synergizes with a β-glucan-utilizing Lactobacillus strain to relieve capsaicin-induced gastrointestinal injury in mice

Capsaicin (CAP) is the main pungent component in capsicum fruits. Eating too much CAP leads to gastrointestinal injury. Previously, Qingke β-glucan combined with β-glucan-utilizing Lactobacillus plantarum S58 (LP.S58) ameliorated high fat-diet-induced obesity, but their effects on CAP-induced gastrointestinal injury have not been investigated. Our results showed that Qingke β-glucan reduced the CAP-induced gastrointestinal injury in Kunming mice. The serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and gastrointestinal hormones, and the localized inflammation and the expression of EGF, EGFR, VEGF, and ZO-1 in the gastrointestinal tissues in CAP-treated mice were partly restored by Qingke β-glucan. The CAP-induced increase in the abundances of proinflammatory intestinal bacteria was also reduced by Qingke β-glucan. More importantly, we found that these beneficial effects of Qingke β-glucan were markedly enhanced by β-glucan-utilizing LP.S58 supplementation. Our study indicated that Qingke β-glucan coupled with β-glucan-utilizing LP.S58 relieved CAP-induced gastrointestinal injury.

Holly (Ilex latifolia Thunb.) Polyphenols Extracts Alleviate Hepatic Damage by Regulating Ferroptosis Following Diquat Challenge in a Piglet Model

Background: Holly (Ilex latifolia Thunb.) polyphenols extracts (HPE) contain high amounts of polyphenols, including phenolic acids, triterpenoids, tannic acids, and so on, which have strong antioxidant function. This experiment was aimed to explore the protective effect and mechanism of HPE against hepatic injury induced by diquat.

Methods: Thirty-two weaned piglets were allotted by a 2 × 2 factorial experiment design with diet type (basal diet vs. HPE diet) and diquat challenge (saline vs. diquat). On the 21st day, piglets were injected with diquat or saline. One week later, blood samples were collected. Then all piglets were slaughtered and hepatic samples were collected.

Results: Dietary HPE supplementation improves hepatic morphology, the activities of plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and glutamyl transpeptidase, and enhances hepatic anti-oxidative capacity, while it regulates the expression of ferroptosis mediators (transferrin receptor protein 1, heat shock protein beta 1, solute carrier family 7 member 11, and glutathione peroxidase 4) in diquat-challenged piglets.

Conclusion: These results indicate that dietary HPE supplementation enhances hepatic morphology and function, which is involved in modulating antioxidant capacity and ferroptosis.

Protective effect of rosmarinic acid-rich trichodesma khasianum clarke leaves against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Although gastroprotective drugs have been used for peptic ulcer disease prevention and treatment, side effects have been observed. Finding a safe and effective treatment strategy is important.

PURPOSE

Edible Trichodesma khasianum (T. khasianum) Clarke leaves are considered to protect against peptic ulcers. However, scientific evidence of this effect of T. khasianum Clarke leaves remains limited.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of T. khasianum Clarke leaves on ethanol-induced gastric injury and gut microbiota using RAW 264.7 cells, RGM-1 cells, and BALB/c mice, respectively.

RESULT

The rosmarinic acid was identified as the major component of T. khasianum Clarke leaves extracted by 80% ethanol (80EETC). The results showed that 80EETC suppressed inflammatory mediator protein levels in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, heat shock protein expression, antiapoptotic ability, and wound healing migration capability were increased by 80EETC pretreatment in RGM-1 cells with the ethanol-induced injury. Remarkably, pretreatment with 80EETC (150 mg/kg b.w.) promoted gastric mucosal healing by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammatory response, proapoptotic protein expression, and gastric mucosa damage in ethanol-induced gastric injury in mice. Crucially, no liver or kidney toxicities were observed by 80EETC oral gavage. Moreover, 80EETC increased gut microbiota diversity and short-chain fatty acid production.

CONCLUSION

Our results illustrated the remarkable gastroprotective effect by 80EETC treatment in vitro and in vivo. These findings are the first to demonstrate the powerful protective effect of T. khasianum Clarke leaves against gastric mucosal injury development.

Hunan insect tea polyphenols provide protection against gastric injury induced by HCl/ethanol through an antioxidant mechanism in mice

The purposes of this study were to explore the preventive and treatment effects of Hunan insect tea polyphenols (HITPs) on gastric injury in mice induced by HCl/ethanol and to investigate their molecular mechanisms of action. Both HITPs and ranitidine inhibited the formation and further deterioration of gastric mucosal lesions, reduced the secretion of gastric juice, and raised gastric juice pH compared to the control. The HITPs-H treated group had lower serum levels of motilin, substance P, and endothelin than the control group, but they had higher serum levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide and somatostatin. Mice treated with HITPs had lower serum levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ than the control group. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were higher in the gastric tissues of HITP-treated mice, but the malondialdehyde content was lower. Quantitative PCR analysis indicated that the mRNA expression of occludin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGFR), vascular EGF (VEGF), inhibitor kappaB-α, cuprozinc-superoxide dismutase, manganese-superoxide dismutase, GSH-Px, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and endothelial NOS increased significantly in the gastric tissues of HITP-treated mice. However, the activated B cell, inducible NOS, cyclooxygenase-2, TNF-α, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 mRNA expression levels in the HITPs group were lower than those in the control group. The protective effect of a high concentration (200 mg per kg bw) of HITPs on gastric injury induced by HCl/ethanol was stronger than that of a low concentration (100 mg per kg bw) of HITPs. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that the HITPs contained cryptochlorogenic acid, (-)-epicatechin gallate, and isochlorogenic acid C. Taken together, our findings indicate that the HITPs played a role in the prevention of gastric damage. The antioxidant effect of the HITPs contributed to their potential value in the prevention and treatment of gastric injury. HITPs have broad prospects as biologically active substances for food development.

Chemical Composition, Bioactivity and Safety Aspects of Kuding Tea-From Beverage to Herbal Extract

Kuding tea (KT) is a bitter-tasting herbal tea that has been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The large-leaved Ku-Ding-Cha (Aquifoliaceae) is composed of its representative species Ilex latifolia Thunb and Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng. Because of its potential lipid-lowering, body weight-reducing and blood-glucose-lowering properties, KT has increasingly been recognised for its importance over the past several decades. KT is no longer used only as a beverage, and various extraction methods have been applied to obtain aqueous and ethanolic KT extracts (KTE) or their fractions, which could potentially be used as dietary supplements. The major bioactive components of KT are triterpene saponins and polyphenols, but the composition of KT differs substantially between and among the different KT species. This in turn might affect the physiological effects of KT. KT exhibits antiobesity properties, possibly partly by affecting the intestinal microbiota. In addition, KT may mediate putative antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. However, there is evidence that high KTE supplementation can adversely affect liver metabolism. The physiological relevance of KT in humans remains rather unclear since the potential health benefits of KT and its constituents reviewed here are mainly derived on the basis of in vitro and animal studies.

Immunomodulation effects of polyphenols from thinned peach treated by different drying methods on RAW264.7 cells through the NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways

Thinned peach is abundant in polyphenols, and has been shown to exhibit various bioactivities. In this study, we evaluated the underlying immunomodulatory activity of polyphenol extracts of thinned peach (PETP) via the NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in RAW264.7 macrophages. The results demonstrated that the PETP efficiently activated the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and Nrf2, as well as downstream cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ), SOD activity and ROS levels in RAW264.7 cells. Specifically, the PETP of natural drying and hot air drying exhibited less efficacy than that of freeze drying in NF-κB pathway. Interestingly, the PETP of hot air drying at 50 °C was more effective than freeze-dried PETP in activating Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Additionally, 50 µg/mL PETP enhanced immune responses, whereas 800 µg/mL PETP inhibited inflammatory development in macrophages. These findings indicated that different PETP affected the immunomodulation effects differently, which associated with the drying methods and incubation concentrations.

Protective Effects of Wheat Peptides against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Lesions in Rats: Vasodilation and Anti-Inflammation

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of gastritis and gastric ulcer. Nutritional alternatives are considered for relieving the progression of gastric mucosal lesions instead of conventional drugs that produce side effects. This study was designed to evaluate the gastroprotective effects and investigate the defensive mechanisms of wheat peptides against ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in rats. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups and orally treated with wheat peptides (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 g/kgbw) and omeprazole (20 mg/kgbw) for 4 weeks, following absolute ethanol administration for 1 h. Pretreatment with wheat peptides obviously enhanced the vasodilation of gastric mucosal blood vessels via improving the gastric mucosal blood flow and elevating the defensive factors nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and lowering the level of vasoconstrictor factor endothelin (ET)-1. Wheat peptides exhibited anti-inflammatory reaction through decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and increasing trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) levels. Moreover, wheat peptides significantly down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-B (p-NF-κB) p65 proteins in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Altogether, wheat peptides protect gastric mucosa from ethanol-induced lesions in rats via improving the gastric microcirculation and inhibiting inflammation mediated by the NF-κB signaling transduction pathway.

The Efficacy of Processing Strategies on the Gastroprotective Potentiality of Chenopodium quinoa Seeds

The current study has been conducted to evaluate the effect of different processing techniques on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity and the gastroprotective potential of Chenopodium quinoa red seeds in acute gastric injury induced by absolute ethanol in rats. Seven groups of female Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to normal and absolute ethanol (absolute EtOH) groups, given distilled water, reference control omeprazole (OMP, 20 mg/kg), pressure-cooked quinoa seeds (QP, 200 mg/kg), first stage-germinated quinoa seeds (QG, 200 mg/kg), Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria-fermented quinoa seeds (QB, 200 mg/kg), and Rhizopus oligosporus fungus-fermented quinoa seeds (QF, 200 mg/kg). One hour after treatment, all groups were given absolute ethanol, except for the normal control rats. All animals were sacrificed after an additional hour, and the stomach tissues were examined for histopathology of hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Stomach homogenates were evaluated for oxidative stress parameters and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). Gene expression was performed for gastric tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa of B cells (NF-kB). QB and QG recorded the highest DPPH scavengers compared to QF and QP. The gastroprotective potential of QB was comparable to that of OMP, followed by QF, then QG, and QP as confirmed by the histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression assessments. In conclusion, differently processed red quinoa seeds revealed variable antioxidant capacity and gastroprotective potential, while the bacterial fermented seeds (QB) showed the highest potential compared to the other processing techniques. These results might offer promising new therapy in the treatment of acute gastric injury.

Inhibitory Effect of Flavonoid Extract of Lotus Leaf on Alcohol-Induced Gastric Injury by Antioxidant Capacity in Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of flavonoid extract of lotus leaf (FELL) in vitro and in mice with gastric injury and elucidate the inhibitory effect of FELL on alcohol-induced gastric injury by antioxidant capacity. Gastric juice volume and acid value were measured in the established alcohol-induced acute gastric injury model in mice. Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated the morphological changes in the gastric mucosa. FELL improved the alcohol-induced gastric lesions. Serological testing results showed that FELL significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) and significantly reduced the levels of MDA and MPO in mice with gastric injury. Besides, FELL significantly reduced the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 12 (IL-12), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot results proved that FELL upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and downregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the gastric tissue of mice with gastric injury. Five compounds, including kaempferitrin, hyperoside, astragalin, phloridzin, and quercetin, were detected in FELL using high-performance liquid chromatography. Thus, FELL has an inhibitory effect on experimental alcohol-induced gastric injury because of the antioxidant capacity of the five compounds. Its effect increases as the FELL concentration increases, which is close to that of ranitidine. FELL, which is an active substance, provides a good gastroprotective effect.

Selenium Nanoparticles-Embedded Chitosan Microspheres and Their Effects Upon Alcohol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats: Rapid Preparation, Oral Delivery, and Gastroprotective Potential of Selenium Nanoparticles

Background

Selenium (Se) is an indispensable trace element required for animals and human beings, whereas Se-deficiency can accelerate the development of acute gastric injury induced by over-consumption of alcohol. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), as a special Se-supplement with favorable properties and unique bioactivities, are expected to play a passive role in gastroprotection. To the best of our knowledge, the gastroprotective potential of SeNPs is unknown and also, a rapid preparation of orally stable SeNPs available for prospective commercial application in the clinic is needed. Thus, SeNPs-embedded chitosan microspheres (SeNPs-CM) were developed to deliver SeNPs, and their gastroprotective potential was evaluated.

Results

Herein, a rapid, eco-friendly and economic preparation process, composed of synthesis of SeNPs decorated by chitosan (CS), purification of CS-SeNPs by ultra-filtration (UF) and spray-drying of the purified CS-SeNPs, was introduced to prepare SeNPs-CM. The uniformly distributed SeNPs with a nanosize range of 60 nm were loaded into CS-microspheres, and they could be released from the microspheres in gastric conditions. In addition, SeNPs-CM were safer than selenite in terms of Se dose, with a LD₅₀ of around 8-fold of that of selenite, and it could efficiently enhance the Se retention in Se-deficient Wistar rats. Furthermore, SeNPs-CM pre-treatment might significantly attenuate the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage, based on histological evaluation. It might be partly attributed to the systematic antioxidant activities of SeNPs-CM, reflected by the reduction in lipid peroxidation, the augmentation in antioxidant enzymatic activity as well as decreasing aggressive nitric oxides (NO).

Conclusion

SeNPs-CM could be taken into consideration as a prospective Se-supplement for the oral delivery of SeNPs, with prominent gastroprotective effect against ethanol-induced mucosal injury.

Preventive Effect of Liupao Tea Polyphenols on HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Injury in Mice

Liupao tea is a traditional Chinese tea drink. The preventive effect of crude polyphenols in Liupao tea on HCl/ethanol-induced gastric injury was investigated in this study. After a model of gastric injury in mice was established, mouse serum and tissues were analyzed by biochemical and molecular biological methods. The results showed that Liupao tea polyphenols (LTPs) could effectively reduce the area of gastric mucosal lesions, decrease the volume of gastric juice, and increase the pH of gastric juice in mice with gastric injury. Observations of the pathology revealed that LTPs could alleviate cell necrosis and gastric mucosal injury in mice with gastric injury. The SOD activity and GSH level were decreased in mice after gastric injury, while the level of MDA was increased. LTPs could inhibit the changes caused by gastric injury and make the SOD activity, GSH, and MDA levels close to the normal levels. In addition, LTPs could upregulate the mRNA expression of Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT, nNOS, and eNOS and downregulate the expression of iNOS in the gastric tissue of mice with gastric injury. Therefore, LTPs can effectively prevent HCl/ethanol-induced gastric injury. HPLC analysis showed that LTP contains six bioactive substances of gallic acid, catechin, caffeine, epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and epicatechin gallate, so the effect of LTP might mainly come from these six components. The effect of a high concentration of LTP is similar to that of ranitidine. LTPs represent a kind of active substance with a protective effect on gastric tissue.

Prophylactic effect of Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06 on HCl/ethanol-induced gastric injury in mice

The present study was conducted to determine the prophylactic effect of Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06 (LP-KSFY06) on HCl/ethanol-induced gastric injury in Kunming mice.

Liubao Insect tea polyphenols prevent HCl/ethanol induced gastric damage through its antioxidant ability in mice

The aim of this study was to study the preventive effects of polyphenols extracted from Liubao Insect tea on gastric injury. The content of Liubao Insect tea polyphenols (LITP) was 72.36% by ion precipitation extraction method. HCl/ethanol-induced gastric injury in mice led to increased gastric juice volume and decreased pH. LITP increased the gastric juice pH value and reduced the gastric juice volume at slightly lower quantities than ranitidine. Visual observation of gastric tissue showed that LITP could effectively reduce the area of gastric injury, and higher concentrations of LITP had a greater effect. Pathological observation also confirmed that LITP can reduce the cell damage and inflammatory effects, and play a role in preventing gastric injury. Serum cytokine assays showed that LITP could reduce the levels of IL-6 (interleukin 6), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) and IFN-γ (interferon gamma) induced by gastric injury, and the effects of higher concentration of LITP were similar to those of ranitidine. The results showed that LITP could increase SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GSH (glutathione) levels; decrease MDA (malondialdehyde) and MPO (myeloperoxidase) levels; up-regulate the expression of Cu/Zn-SOD (cuprozinc-superoxide dismutase), Mn-SOD (manganese superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase), eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase); and down-regulate the expression of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2), TNF-α, and IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta) in mice with gastric injury, thus inhibiting gastric injury. We demonstrate that LITP is an active substance which could prevent gastric injury in experimental animals. With the increase of LITP concentration, its effects on preventing gastric injury were stronger and similar to those of ranitidine.

The aim of this study was to study the preventive effects of polyphenols extracted from Liubao Insect tea on gastric injury.

Advances on Natural Polyphenols as Anticancer Agents for Skin Cancer

Polyphenols are one of most important phytochemicals distributing in herb plants, vegetables and fruits, which known as important anticancer agents. Given the high incidence and mortality of skin cancer, this study aimed to uncover the chemopreventive effects of polyphenols against skin cancer metastasis. Electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane library were used to compile the literature from 2000 to August 2019. Only in vivo mechanistic studies with English full-texts were chosen for this review. Polyphenols were included in this study if they were administered in purified form; while total extract and fractions were excluded. Among the 8254 primarily selected papers, only a final number of 34 studies were included. The chemopreventive effects of polyphenols as anthocyanins, ellagitanins, EGCG, oleuropeindihydroxy phenyl, punicalagin, quercetin, resveratrol and theaflavin, were mainly examined in treatment of melanoma as the highly metastatic form of this cutaneous cancer. Those properties are mediated by modulation of angiogenesis, apoptosis, inflammation, metastasis, proliferation, pathways such as EGFR/MAPK, mTOR/PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, FAK/RTK2, PGE-2/VEGF, PGE-1/ERK/HIIF-1α, and modulation of related signals including NF-κB, P21^WAF/CIP1, Bim, Bax, Bcl2, Bclx, Bim, Puma, Noxa, ILs and MMPs. Chemopreventive effects of polyphenols are mediated by several signaling pathways against skin carcinogenesis and metastasis, implying the importance of polyphenols to open up new horizons in development of anti-skin cancer therapeutic strategies.

Targeted proteomic response to coffee consumption

PURPOSE

Coffee is widely consumed and implicated in numerous health outcomes but the mechanisms by which coffee contributes to health is unclear. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of coffee drinking on candidate proteins involved in cardiovascular, immuno-oncological and neurological pathways.

METHODS

We examined fasting serum samples collected from a previously reported single blinded, three-stage clinical trial. Forty-seven habitual coffee consumers refrained from drinking coffee for 1 month, consumed 4 cups of coffee/day in the second month and 8 cups/day in the third month. Samples collected after each coffee stage were analyzed using three multiplex proximity extension assays that, after quality control, measured a total of 247 proteins implicated in cardiovascular, immuno-oncological and neurological pathways and of which 59 were previously linked to coffee exposure. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test the relationship between coffee treatment and each protein.

RESULTS

Two neurology-related proteins including carboxypeptidase M (CPM) and neutral ceramidase (N-CDase or ASAH2), significantly increased after coffee intake (P < 0.05 and Q < 0.05). An additional 46 proteins were nominally associated with coffee intake (P < 0.05 and Q > 0.05); 9, 8 and 29 of these proteins related to cardiovascular, immuno-oncological and neurological pathways, respectively, and the levels of 41 increased with coffee intake.

CONCLUSIONS

CPM and N-CDase levels increased in response to coffee intake. These proteins have not previously been linked to coffee and are thus novel markers of coffee response worthy of further study. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12547806.

Preventive Effect of Small-Leaved Kuding Tea (Ligustrum robustum (Roxb.) Bl.) Polyphenols on D-Galactose-Induced Oxidative Stress and Aging in Mice

Small-leaved Kuding tea is a traditional Chinese tea that is rich in polyphenols. In the current study, we investigated the preventive effect of small-leaved Kuding tea (SLKDT) on D-galactose-induced oxidative aging in mice. Changes in serum, skin, liver, and spleen of experimental animals were determined using biochemical and molecular biology techniques. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that polyphenol extract of SLKDT (PSLKDT) improved the indices of the thymus, brain, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney function in model mice. PSLKDT prevented a decrease in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) as well as an increase in nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum, liver, and spleen. Pathological assessment also showed that PSLKDT reduced oxidative damage induced by D-galactose in skin, liver, and spleen. We further found that PSLKDT upregulated neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, catalase (CAT), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor (nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) mRNA expression and downregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. Protein levels of SOD1 (Cu/Zn-SOD), SOD2 (Mn-SOD), CAT, GSH1 (γ-glutamate-cysteine ligase), and GSH2 (glutathione synthetase) in the liver and spleen were also increased by PSLKDT treatment. Collectively, these results indicate that PSLKDT is effective in preventing D-galactose-induced oxidative aging in mice, and its efficacy is significantly higher than antioxidant vitamin C. Because PSLKDT is a potent antioxidant and antiaging polyphenol, Kuding tea rich in PSLKDT should be considered an ideal drink with antioxidative and antiaging effects.

Preventive Effect of Anji White Tea Flavonoids on Alcohol-Induced Gastric Injury through Their Antioxidant Effects in Kunming Mice

Anji white tea (Camellia sinensis) is a traditional Chinese tea beverage, which is classified as green tea and contains an abundant amount of flavonoids. In this study, the preventive effect of Anji white tea flavonoids (AJWTFs) on ethanol/hydrochloric acid-induced gastric injury in mice was evaluated. The serum and gastric tissues of mice were analyzed using a biochemical kit and by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Observation of the appearance of the stomach indicated that AJWTFs could effectively reduce the area of gastric injury caused by ethanol/hydrochloric acid, and the inhibition rate of AJWTF on gastric injury increased with an increase in AJWTF concentration. The Anji white tea flavonoids could also reduce the volume and pH of gastric juice in mice with gastric injury. Biochemical results showed that AJWTFs could increase the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities, as well as decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, in the serum and liver of mice with gastric injury. Pathological observation confirmed that AJWTFs could inhibit the tissue damage caused by ethanol/hydrochloric acid in the stomach of mice. Further qPCR experiments also showed that AJWTFs could inhibit the decreases in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn–SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn–SOD), catalase (CAT), and the increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in the gastric tissue of mice caused by gastric injury. As observed, AJWTFs exerted a good preventive effect on alcohol-induced gastric injury in mice induced by ethanol/hydrochloric acid, and the effect is close to that of ranitidine. Anji white tea flavonoids present good antioxidant effect, which allows them to effectively prevent alcoholic gastric injury and be used as biologically active substances with a broad range of applications.

Lactobacillus Plantarum CQPC05 Isolated from Pickled Vegetables Inhibits Constipation in Mice

This study mainly investigated the influences of Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC05 (CQPC05) isolated from pickled vegetables on mouse constipation caused by activated carbon water. We used 16S rDNA technology to identify the microorganism, and activated carbon to establish a mouse constipation model. After the mice received L. plantarum (109 CFU/mL) by gavage, small intestine tissue sections were collected. The serum indices and small intestine-related mRNA expression were obtained. A strain of L. plantarum was identified, and named CQPC05. The body weight and activated carbon progradation rate in the mice of the CQPC05 treatment groups were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the excretion time of the first tarry stool was earlier than that of the control group. The results of serum indices indicated that serum gastrin (Gas), endothelin (ET), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) levels in the CQPC05 treatment groups were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the somatostatin (SS) level was significantly lower. Compared to the constipation control group, the result of q-PCR demonstrated that CQPC05 could up-regulate the mRNA expression of c-Kit (stem cell factor receptor), SCF (stem cell factor), and GDNF (glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor) genes, and down-regulate the expression of TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1) and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase). In conclusion, L. plantarum CQPC05 can effectively alleviate constipation, and has good probiotic potential and application value.

Protective effect of polysaccharides from Radix Hedysari on gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid in rats

The potential anti-gastric ulcer effects of Hedysarum polysaccharides (HPS-50 and HPS-80) were explored in rats.

PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and Hsp70 activate in hippocampus of rats with chronic manganese sulfate exposure

Manganese (Mn) has come to the forefront of environmental concerns due to its neurotoxicity. However, the toxic effect of Mn is not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of chronic manganese sulfate (MnSO₄) exposure in regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway in rats. In this study, rats were treated with 0, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg/kg MnSO₄•H₂O five days a week for 24 weeks via intraperitoneal injection. At the end of the exposure period, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and heat shock protein (Hsp70) in rats' plasma were quantified; the mRNA expression levels of caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), serine-threonine protein kinase (Akt-1), and forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) were measured through real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR); and the levels of protein Hsp70 and Akt were assessed by western blot. With an increasing dose of MnSO₄, the organ coefficients of all tested organs were significantly increased, except the testis. Compared with the control group, the activities of plasma SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT in MnSO₄-exposed groups were significantly decreased, while the concentrations of plasma MDA and Hsp70 were significantly increased. Moreover, the hippocampal mRNA levels of Bcl-2, caspase-3, Akt-1, and FoxO3a in MnSO₄-exposed groups were downregulated, but the level of Bax was upregulated. Meanwhile, the level of phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt) and Hsp70 proteins tends to be upregulated by increasing MnSO₄ exposure (P < 0.05). The plasma Hsp70 level was negatively associated with SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities (P < 0.05), and positively associated with blood MDA concentration and hippocampal Hsp70 levels (P < 0.05). Chronic MnSO₄ exposure can result in apoptosis of central nerve cells, activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats' hippocampus, and upregulate Hsp70 transcription and translation.

Preventive Effect of Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC03 on Activated Carbon-Induced Constipation in ICR Mice

Background and objectives: Paocai (pickled cabbage), which is fermented by lactic acid bacteria, is a traditional Chinese food. The microorganisms of Paocai were isolated and identified, and the constipation inhibition effect of one of the isolated Lactobacillus was investigated. Materials and Methods: The 16S rDNA technology was used for microbial identification. A mouse constipation model was established using activated carbon. After intragastric administration of Lactobacillus (10⁸ CFU/mL), the mice were dissected to prepare pathological sections of the small intestine. Serum indicators were detected using kits, and the expression of small intestine-related mRNAs was detected by qPCR assay. Results: One strain of Lactobacillus was identified and named Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC03 (LF-CQPC03). Body weight and activated carbon propulsion rate were all higher in mice intragastrically administered with LF-CQPC03 compared with the control group, while the time to the first black stool in treated mice was lower than that in the control group. Serum assays showed that gastrin (Gas), endothelin (ET), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) levels were significantly higher in the LF-CQPC03-treated mice than in the control group, while somatostatin (SS) levels were significantly lower than in the control mice. Mouse small intestine tissue showed that c-Kit, stem cell factor (SCF), and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in the LF-CQPC03 treated mice than in control mice, while transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression levels were significantly lower in the LF-CQPC03 treated mice than in control mice. Conclusions: There is a better effect with high-dose LF-CQPC03, compared to the lower dose (LF-CQPC03-L), showing good probiotic potential, as well as development and application value.

Preventive Effect of Raw Liubao Tea Polyphenols on Mouse Gastric Injuries Induced by HCl/Ethanol via Anti-Oxidative Stress

Liubao tea is a type of traditional Chinese tea, belonging to the dark teas. This study is a basic research of the contained polyphenols (active substances) and detected preventive effects of polyphenols of raw Liubao tea (PRLT) on mouse gastric injuries induced by HCl/ethanol. High-pressure liquid chromatography was used to analyze the components of PRLT. Furthermore, a mouse gastric injury model was established to observe the preventive effects. PRLT was shown to contain gallic acid, EGC (epigallocatechin), catechin, caffeine, EC (epicatechin), EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), GCG (gallocatechin gallate), and ECG (epicatechin gallate). The results of the in vivo study indicate that PRLT can inhibit the observed increase of gastric juice volume and decrease of gastric juice pH caused by gastric injury. PRLT can decrease the serum levels of IL-6 (interleukin-6), IL-12 (interleukin-12), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), and IFN-γ (interferon-γ) in mice with gastric injuries. Moreover, it can also increase the serum levels of SS (somatostatin) and VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) and reduce the serum levels of both SP (substance P) and ET-1 (endothelin-1). PRLT was also shown to increase SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GSH (glutathione) levels and decrease MDA (malondialdehyde) level. The detection of mRNA and protein in gastric tissues indicates that PRLT could also up-regulate the expression of Cu/Zn-SOD (copper/zinc superoxide dismutase), Mn-SOD (manganese superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase), and eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) and down-regulate the expression of both iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2). Thus, PRLT possess a good preventive effect on gastric injury, which is directly related to the contained active substance. PRLT show good anti-oxidative and preventive effect in gastric injury and offer promising application value.

Preventive Effect of Lactobacillus Plantarum CQPC10 on Activated Carbon Induced Constipation in Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) Mice

Chinese Paocai is a traditional fermented food containing an abundance of beneficial microorganisms. In this study, the microorganisms in Szechwan Paocai were isolated and identified, and a strain of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC10, LP-CQPC10) was found to exert an inhibitory effect on constipation. Microorganisms were isolated and identified via 16S rDNA. Activated carbon was used to induce constipation in a mouse model and the inhibitory effect of LP-CQPC10 on this induced constipation was investigated via both pathological sections and qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction). A strain of Lactobacillus plantarum was identified and named LP-CQPC10. The obtained results showed that, as compared to the control group, LP-CQPC10 significantly inhibited the amount, weight, and water content of faeces. The defecation time of the first tarry stool was significantly shorter in LP-CQPC10 groups than in the control group. The activated carbon progradation rate was significantly higher when compared to the control group and the effectiveness was improved. LP-CQPC10 increased the serum levels of MTL (motilin), Gas (gastrin), ET (endothelin), AchE (acetylcholinesterase), SP (substance P), and VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide), while decreasing the SS (somatostatin) level. Furthermore, it improved the GSH (glutathione) level and decreased the MPO (myeloperoxidase), MDA (malondialdehyde), and NO (nitric oxide) levels. The results of qPCR indicated that LP-CQPC10 significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of c-Kit, SCF (stem cell factor), GDNF (glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor), eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase), and AQP3 (aquaporin-3), while down-regulating the expression levels of TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1), iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), and AQP9 (aquaporin-9). LP-CQPC10 showed a good inhibitory effect on experimentally induced constipation, and the obtained effectiveness is superior to that of Lactobacillus bulgaricus, indicating the better probiotic potential of this strain.