Bioconversion of black rice and blueberry regulate immunity system through regulation of MAPKs, NF-kB in RAW264.7 macrophage cells

Immune-enhancing effect of fermented soybean food, Cheonggukjang on cyclophosphamide-treated immunosuppressed rat

Cheonggukjang (CGJ) is a traditional food, made by the fermentation of beans, and it has different recipes for different regions in Korea. However, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity effects, and is known to affect changes in the intestinal microbiota. In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing effects of four type CGJs (one commercial and three transitional CGJs). In the cyclophosphamide (CP)-treated immunosuppressed rat, oral administration of CGJs for 4 weeks was used to investigate weight of body and immune organ, change of microbiota, blood and serum parameters, inflammation pathways (MAPKs and NFκB) and histology of spleen. It showed an immunity-enhancing effect through increase Bacteroidetes in gut, the recovery of complete blood count, levels of cytokines and IgG, activation of inflammatory pathways, and histology of spleen. In conclusion, these results show that the intake of a commercial brand CGJ, and traditional CGJs can maintain or promote the body's immunity.

Heat-Treated Paraprobiotic Latilactobacillus sakei KU15041 and Latilactobacillus curvatus KU15003 Show an Antioxidant and Immunostimulatory Effect

The lactic acid bacteria, including Latilactobacillus sakei and Latilactobacillus curvatus, have been widely studied for their preventive and therapeutic effects. In this study, the underlying mechanism of action for the antioxidant and immunostimulatory effects of two strains of heat-treated paraprobiotics was examined. Heat-treated L. sakei KU15041 and L. curvatus KU15003 showed higher radical scavenging activity in both the 2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assays than the commercial probiotic strain LGG. In addition, treatment with these two strains exhibited immunostimulatory effects in RAW 264.7 macrophages, with L. curvatus KU15003 showing a slightly higher effect. Additionally, they promoted phagocytosis and NO production in RAW 264.7 cells without any cytotoxicity. Moreover, the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 was upregulated. These strains resulted in an increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. Moreover, the nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways were stimulated by these strains. These findings suggest the potential of using L. sakei KU15041 and L. curvatus KU15003 in food or by themselves as probiotics with antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties.

Comprehensive resistance evaluation of 15 blueberry cultivars under high soil pH stress based on growth phenotype and physiological traits

High soil pH is one of the main abiotic factors that negatively affects blueberry growth and cultivation. However, no comprehensive evaluation of the high soil pH tolerance of different blueberry cultivars has been conducted. Herein, 16 phenotypic and physiological indices of 15 blueberry cultivars were measured through pot experiments, and the high-pH soil tolerance coefficient (HSTC) was calculated based on these indices to comprehensively evaluate the high-soil-pH tolerance of plants. The results demonstrated that high soil pH stress inhibited blueberry 77.growth, and MDA, soluble sugar (SS), and soluble protein (SP) levels increased in leaves. Moreover, in all cultivars, CAT activity in the antioxidant system was enhanced, whereas SOD activity was reduced, and the relative expression levels of the antioxidant enzyme genes SOD and CAT showed similar changes. In addition, the leaf chlorophyll relative content (SPAD), net photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration rate (E), and stomatal conductance (G_s) decreased, while changes in the intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i) were noted in different cultivars. Finally, according to the comprehensive evaluation value D obtained from the combination of principal component analysis (PCA) and membership function (MF), the 15 blueberry cultivars can be divided into 4 categories: high soil pH-tolerant type ['Briteblue' (highest D value 0.815)], intermediate tolerance type ('Zhaixuan 9', 'Zhaixuan 7', 'Emerald', 'Primadonna', 'Powderblue' and 'Chandler'), low high soil pH-tolerant type ('Brightwell', 'Gardenblue', 'Plolific' and 'Sharpblue') and high soil pH-sensitive type ['Legacy', 'Bluegold', 'Baldwin' and 'Anna' (lowest D value 0.166)]. Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that plant height, SS, E, leaf length, C_i, SOD, and SPAD could be used to predict and evaluate the high soil pH tolerance of blueberry cultivars.

Antioxidant Effect via Bioconversion of Isoflavonoid in Astragalus membranaceus Fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG5276 In Vitro and In Vivo

In this study, the antioxidant mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus fermented by Lactiplantibacillusplantarum MG5276 (MG5276F-AM) was evaluated in HepG2 cells and in an animal model. HPLC analysis was performed to confirm the bioconversion of the bioactive compounds in A. membranaceus by fermentation. Calycosin and formononetin, which were not detected before fermentation (NF-AM), were detected after fermentation (MG5276F-AM), and its glycoside was not observed in MG5276F-AM. In HepG2 cells, MG5276F-AM alleviated H2O2-induced oxidative stress by mediating lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels, and upregulated antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In the tBHP-injected mouse model, administration of MG5276F-AM reduced hepatic aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and lipid peroxidation. MG5276F-AM also modulated antioxidant enzymes as well as HepG2 cells. Thus, fermentation of A. membranaceus with L. plantarum MG5276 elevated the isoflavonoid aglycone by hydrolysis of its glycosides, and this bioconversion enhanced antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo.