The mechanisms underlying the anti-aging activity of the Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu in hydrogen peroxide-induced human fibroblasts

[Protective action of fish muscle extracts against cellular senescence induced by oxidative stress]

Muscle extracts of some fish species, i.e. pike (Esox lucius), sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and, to a lesser extent, perch (Perca fluviatilis) and Russian sturgeon, (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) prevent the development of premature senescence of the human embryonic fibroblasts induced by the sublethal concentration of H2O2. Muscle extracts of other fish species tested, i.e. coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and zander (Sander lucioperca), have not demonstrated this feature. Cell proliferation increased after the action of the senescence-inhibiting muscle extracts. Possible mechanisms of the action of nature biologically active compounds that interfere with the development of stress-induced cell senescence are discussed.

Magnesium Lithospermate B from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge Ameliorates Aging-Induced Renal Inflammation and Senescence via NADPH Oxidase-Mediated Reactive Oxygen Generation

The present study was conducted to examine whether magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) extracted from Salviae miltiorrhizae radix was renoprotective in pathways related to age-related oxidative stress in aged rats. Magnesium lithospermate B was orally administered at a dose of 2- or 8-mg/kg body weight for 16 consecutive days, and the effects were compared with those of vehicle in old and young rats. Magnesium lithospermate B administration to old rats ameliorated renal oxidative stress through reduction of reactive oxygen species. The old rats exhibited a dysregulation of the expression of proteins related to oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys, and MLB administration significantly reduced the protein expression of major subunits of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Nox4 and p22^phox ), phospho-p38, nuclear factor-kappa B p65, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. In addition, MLB-treated old rats showed lower levels of senescence-related proteins such as p16, ADP-ribosylation factor 6, p53, and p21 through effects on the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Magnesium lithospermate B administration also significantly attenuated the age-related increase in serum urea nitrogen, reflecting renal dysfunction, up-regulated podocyte structural proteins, and reduced renal structural injury. Our results provide important evidence that MLB reduces the renal damage of oxidative stress in old rats. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Anti-photoageing and anti-melanogenesis activities of chrysin

CONTEXT

Melanin plays an important role in preventing skin photoageing by blocking ultraviolet B (UVB). However, East Asian women prefer light and fair skin, therefore they want to keep their skin from photoageing and at the same time reduce the melanin in their skin. Chrysin is a kind of natural flavonoid with luxurious biological activities, which has a very promising effect on achieving this goal.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the effects and mechanisms of chrysin on photoageing and melanogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and B16 murine melanoma cells were incubated with chrysin (0-25 μM) for 48 h. Anti-photoageing activity was examined in HDF by assessment of synthesis/degradation of collagen I, antioxidative and antisenescent activities through ELISA and colorimetric method. Anti-melanogenesis activity was tested by assessment of melanin, tyrosinase (TYR), melanogenic proteins inhibition activities in B16 cells using colorimetric and ELISA method.

RESULTS

Chrysin increased collagen I secretion (50-121.54% at 6.25-25 μM) and chrysin showed anti-photoageing activity by decreasing the degradation of collagen I, repairing oxidation damage and reducing the rate of HDF senescence. Furthermore, chrysin exhibited inhibitory activities with 3.00-20.35% reduction of melanin content at 6.25-25 μM, and inhibited melanin synthesis through the inhibition of TYR activity and the suppression of melanogenic proteins (TYR, TYR-related protein-1/2 and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor) expressions.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Chrysin may have potential for developing a functional cosmetic agent because of its anti-photoageing and anti-melanogenesis activities.

Chinese Prescription Kangen-karyu and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix Improve Age-Related Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response through the PI3K/Akt or MAPK Pathways

This study examined whether Kangen-karyu and its crude drug, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, have a reno-protective effect on the age-related oxidative stress and inflammatory response through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in aged rats. Kangen-karyu or Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (20 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered orally to old groups of rats for 16 days, and their effects were compared with the vehicle-treated old and young rats. The administration of Kangen-karyu caused a slight decrease in the serum glucose level and a significant decrease in the serum insulin level in the old rats. The increased levels of serum renal functional parameter (urea-nitrogen) and oxidative parameter were significantly reduced by both Kangen-karyu and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix. The old rats exhibited a dysregulation of the protein expression related to insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the kidneys, but Kangen-karyu administration significantly reduced the expression of the inflammatory proteins through the PI3K/Akt pathway. On the other hand, the Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix-treated old rats showed a decrease in the inflammatory cytokines through the MAPK pathway. These results provide important evidence that Kangen-karyu and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix have a pleiotropic effect on the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, showing renoprotective effects against the development of inflammation in old rats. This study provides scientific evidence that Kangen-karyu and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix improve the inflammatory responses via the PI3K/Akt or MAPK pathways in the kidney of old rats.

Effects of the Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu and its crude drug Tanjin on ageing process in rats

The effects of the Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu and its crude drug Tanjin on the ageing process were investigated in rats. Diets supplemented with Kangen-karyu and Tanjin extracts decreased glycosylated protein levels in serum, a risk marker of ageing and ageing-related diseases. In addition, they inhibited the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in the serum and liver; Kangen-karyu in particular led to a strong decrease in hepatic mitochondrial thiobarbituric acid reactive substance. The decline in the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio in the liver observed with ageing was ameliorated by Kangen-karyu and Tanjin, while these groups attenuated the increase in glutathione peroxidase activity of hepatic tissue against ageing. This suggests that Kangen-karyu and Tanjin regulate the glutathione redox cycle that maintains the cellular redox condition against age-related oxidative stress. Moreover, the overexpression of cytoplasmic cytochrome c observed with ageing was attenuated by Kangen-karyu and Tanjin. This provides new evidence that Kangen-karyu and Tanjin inhibit leakage of superoxide in mitochondria and attenuate cellular oxidative damage. Furthermore, Kangen-karyu and Tanjin would maintain mitochondrial function with ageing through the regulation of related protein expression such as bax and bcl-2 proteins. In addition, Kangen-karyu reduced the expression of nuclear factor kappa B; Kangen-karyu and Tanjin did not affect the expression of inhibitor kappa B. The present study demonstrated that Kangenkaryu prevented oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction with ageing. Furthermore, Kangen-karyu showed a stronger protective effect against ageing by oxidative stress than Tanjin, probably through synergistic and/or additive effects.

Protective effect of Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu and its crude drug Tanjin against age-related lipidosis in rats

We have investigated the effect of the Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu and its crude drug Tanjin against age-related lipidosis in-vivo in a rat model. The serum and hepatic triglyceride levels were remarkably elevated in 12-month-old compared with two-month-old rats. However, the administration of Kangen-karyu and Tanjin extracts significantly decreased these levels. This suggested a protective role against related pathological conditions as well as hyperlipidaemia. On the other hand, the reduction of the levels of adiponectin in serum with ageing did not show significant changes in rats given diets supplemented with Kangen-karyu and Tanjin extracts. Furthermore, the expression of transcription factors in nuclear hepatic tissue related to lipid metabolism was investigated. The decline in the expression of nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α protein in hepatic tissue with age was ameliorated by the administration of Kangen-karyu and Tanjin supplements. On the other hand, the overexpression of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP)-1 and SREBP-2 in old rats compared with young rats showed a tendency to decrease with Kangen-karyu and Tanjin administration. The decline of hepatic function with ageing was attenuated by Kangen-karyu and Tanjin, suggesting the beneficial role of Kangen-karyu and Tanjin on lipid metabolism through the improvement of hepatic function. This study has demonstrated that Kangen-karyu and Tanjin inhibited the accumulation of triglyceride with regulation of related protein expressions and they improved hepatic function. Evidence has been provided for the anti-ageing activity of Kangen-karyu and its crude drug Tanjin against age-related lipidosis.

Therapeutic efficacy of Kangen-karyu against H2O2-induced premature senescence

The anti-aging potential of Kangen-karyu extract was investigated using the mechanisms of the cellular aging model of stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) in TIG-1 human fibroblasts. SIPS was induced by a sublethal dose of H2O2 and chronic oxidative stress with repeat treatment of low-dose H2O2. Reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity were elevated in TIG-1 cells under SIPS induced by H2O2. However, Kangen-karyu extract led to significant declines in these parameters, suggesting its role in ameliorating oxidative stress-related aging. It was also observed that SIPS due to H2O2 treatment led to the loss of cell viability, whereas Kangen-karyu extract improved cell viability by attenuating H2O2-induced oxidative damage. TIG-1 cells under the condition of SIPS caused by sublethal and chronic low doses of H2O2 showed nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation to the nucleus from the cytosol, while Kangen-karyu extract inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation, implying that Kangen-karyu extract could exert an anti-aging effect through NF-κB modulation. In addition, treatment with Kangen-karyu extract under H2O2-induced chronic oxidative stress normalized the cell cycle by reducing the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase and elevating the proportion of those in the S phase, indicating the role of Kangen-karyu extract in cell cycle regulation. On the other hand, Kangen-karyu extract did not exert such an effect on cell cycle regulation under acute oxidative stress induced by sublethal H2O2. Furthermore, treatment with Kangen-karyu extract prolonged the lifespan of TIG-1 cells under SIPS. The present study suggests that Kangen-karyu might play a therapeutic role against the aging process caused by oxidative stress.

Effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on mitochondrial integrity and antioxidative enzyme activity in the aging process of human fibroblast

Mitochondrial integrity and antioxidative enzyme activity are two of the determinants of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation probably underlying the aging mechanism. In this study, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was examined for its antiaging effect on human diploid fibroblasts (HDF). EGCG was evaluated for its cytotoxicity, and LC50 values were 78.0 and 84.4 microM for young and old HDF, respectively. HDF treated with EGCG at 25 and 50 microM for 24 h considerably increased catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, SOD2, and glutathione peroxidase gene expressions and their enzyme activities, thus protecting HDF against H2O2-induced oxidative damage, accompanied with decreased intracellular ROS accumulation and well-maintained mitochondrial potential. Moreover, HDF treated with EGCG at 12.5 microM for long term showed less intracellular ROS with higher mitochondrial potential, more intact mitochondrial DNA, much elevated antioxidative enzyme efficiency, and more juvenile cell status compared to those of the untreated group. Taken together, in this study we investigated the effects of EGCG in the regulation of mitochondrial integrity and antioxidative enzyme activity of HDF, suggesting that EGCG can be considered one of the possible antiaging reagents in the future.

The protective role of Kangen-karyu against fructose-induced metabolic syndrome in a rat model

The protective effect of Kangen-karyu extract and its mechanisms against fructose-induced metabolic syndrome have been investigated using a rat model. Male Wistar rats were fed a high fructose (65%) diet or standard chow for one week, and for two subsequent weeks were treated with 50 or 100 mg kg(-1) body weight/day Kangen-karyu extract or vehicle. Serum glucose, glycosylated protein, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, and blood pressure levels of high-fructose-fed rats were increased compared with those of normal rats. However, Kangen-karyu extract ameliorated the high-fructose-induced metabolic syndrome including hyperglycaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia. In addition, the increase of hepatic TG content in rats given the high fructose diet was significantly inhibited with the regulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1 expression by Kangen-karyu extract. On the other hand, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and SREBP-2 protein levels were not affected by the feeding of the high fructose diet or Kangen-karyu extract. Moreover, Kangen-karyu extract administration to high-fructose-fed rats markedly reduced the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels in serum, hepatic homogenate, and mitochondria. Furthermore, it inhibited the increase of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 with the regulation of nuclear factorkappa B (NF-kappaB) and bcl-2 proteins in the liver, suggesting that the protective potential of Kangenkaryu extract against metabolic syndrome would be attributed to the regulation of COX-2, NF-kappaB, and bcl-2 signalling pathways. This study indicated that Kangen-karyu extract significantly improved high-fructose-induced metabolic syndrome such as hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, and hypertension through the reductions of TG and cholesterol contents with the regulation of hepatic SREBP-1 protein and the NF-kappaB signalling pathway.

Protective effect of the Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu against high glucose-induced oxidative stress in LLC-PK1 cells

We investigated the effects of Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu on high glucose-induced oxidative stress using LLC-PK(1) cells, renal tubular cells, which are the most vulnerable renal tissue to oxidative stress. High-concentration glucose (30mM) treatment induced LLC-PK(1) cell death, but Kangen-karyu, at a concentration of 5, 10 or 50 microg/ml, significantly inhibited high glucose-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, the intracellular reactive oxygen species level was increased by 30mM glucose treatment, but it was concentration-dependently inhibited by Kangen-karyu treatment. Moreover, 30mM glucose treatment induced high levels of superoxide anion, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite. However, Kangen-karyu treatment significantly reduced the radical overproduction induced by high glucose, suggesting Kangen-karyu has radical-scavenging activity that would protect against oxidative stress induced by high glucose. Kangen-karyu also reduced the overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 proteins induced by high glucose. Furthermore, treatment with Kangen-karyu, at a concentration of 50mug/ml, inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B induced by 30mM glucose in LLC-PK(1) cells. These findings indicate that Kangen-karyu is a potential therapeutic agent that will reduce the damage caused by hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress associated with diabetes.

Antiproliferative effect of salvianolic acid A on rat hepatic stellate cells

Suppression of activation or proliferation, or induction of apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been proposed as therapeutic strategies against liver fibrosis. Salvia miltiorrhiza has been reported to exert antifibrotic effects in rats with hepatic fibrosis, but its mechanisms of action remain to be clarified. We have investigated the effects of salvianolic acid A (Sal A), an active principle from S. miltiorrhiza, on the proliferation-related biomarkers in a cell line of rat HSCs (HSC-T6) stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor-BB homodimer (PDGF-BB). DNA synthesis (bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation), cell cycle related proteins and apoptosis markers were determined to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Sal A. The results showed that Sal A (1-10 microM) concentration-dependently attenuated PDGF-BB-stimulated proliferation (BrdU incorporation) in HSC-T6 cells. Sal A at 10 microM induced cell apoptosis in PDGF-BB-incubated HSCs, together with a reduction of Bcl-2 protein expression, induction of cell cycle inhibitory proteins p21 and p27, and down-regulation of cyclins D1 and E, suppression of Akt phosphorylation, reduction in PDGF receptor phosphorylation, and an increase in caspase-3 activity. Sal A exerted no direct cytotoxicity on primary hepatocytes and HSC-T6 cells under experimental concentrations. Our results suggested that Sal A inhibited PDGF-BB-activated HSC proliferation, partially through apoptosis induction.

Water-soluble extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-mediated hepatic apoptosis in rats

Apoptosis is one of the events that are involved in liver fibrogenesis. Thus, factors that affect apoptosis may be used to modulate liver fibrosis. We have recently reported that Salvia miltiorrhiza plays a protective role in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether S. miltiorrhiza modulated CCl4-induced hepatic apoptosis in rats. Male Wistar rats were given orally either vehicle or water-extract of S. miltiorrhiza (50 mg kg(-1) twice daily) for nine weeks beginning from the start of CCl4 administration. A group of normal rats was included for comparison. Hepatocyte DNA fragmentation and cytosolic caspase-3 and caspase-8 activity were determined in the experimental animals. Hepatic cytosolic Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, and calpain-mu expressions were measured by Western blot analysis. Hepatic mitochondrial glutathione levels were assessed by colorimetric assay. Compared with normal rats, rats receiving CCl4 alone showed profound DNA fragmentation associated with an increased cytosolic fraction of cytochrome c and calpain-mu protein expressions and a decreased mitochondrial glutathione level. In contrast, a decreased laddering of DNA fragmentation was noted in rats receiving CCl4 plus S. miltiorrhiza extract. The mitochondrial glutathione level was significantly increased in rats receiving CCl4 plus S. miltiorrhiza extract compared with those receiving CCl4 alone. Additionally, cytosolic caspase-3 activity and cytosolic fractions of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, and calpain-mu protein expressions were decreased in rats receiving CCl4 plus S. miltiorrhiza extract compared with those receiving CCl4 alone. The cytosolic caspase-8 activity in rats receiving CCl4 alone was no different from those receiving CCl4 plus S. miltiorrhiza extract. These results indicated that chronic administration of S. miltiorrhiza ameliorated CCl4-mediatd hepatic apoptosis in rats. This effect may be related to the antioxidant properties of S. miltiorrhiza.

How many transcription factors does it take to turn on the heme oxygenase-1 gene?

The ability to communicate with the environment and respond to changes--particularly those of an adverse nature--within that environment is critical for cell function and survival. A key component of the overall cellular stress response includes adjustments in the gene expression program in favor of proteins that manifest activities capable of frustrating and eventually eliminating the molecular constituents of the stress condition. One protein providing such cytoprotective activity is heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting reaction in heme catabolism (i.e., the oxidative cleavage of b-type heme molecules to yield equimolar quantities of biliverdin IXalpha, carbon monoxide, and iron). Because of the potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and signaling properties of the reaction products, the HO-1 gene (hmox1) is frequently activated under a variety of cellular stress conditions. Cells use multiple signaling pathways and transcription factors to fine-tune their response to a specific circumstance. Among these factors, members of the heat-shock factor, nuclear factor-kappaB, nuclear factor-erythroid 2, and activator protein-1 families are arguably the most important regulators of the cellular stress response in vertebrates. Although there is functional overlap between individual families, each broadly regulates different aspects of the cellular stress response and thus, with some exceptions, modulates the expression of different sets of targets genes. To the best of our knowledge, hmox1 is unique in that it is proposed to be directly regulated by all four of these stress-responsive transcription factors. In this article we provide a review and analysis of the data supporting this proposition.

The protective role of Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu extract on diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats

This study was carried out to investigate the protective potential of Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu, comprising six crude drugs, on coronary heart disease which is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rat model, which shows an elevation in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and atherosclerosis, was employed. The control rats fed a diet of 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid showed the highest cholesterol levels in serum and feces relative to those fed a normal diet, however, the rats administered Kangen-karyu extract showed reductions in these levels without changes in liver cholesterol, indicating that the reduction of serum total cholesterol by Kangen-karyu extract probably arises from an increase in cholesterol excretion. Furthermore, the administration of Kangen-karyu extract significantly prevented the elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, known as marker enzymes of liver damage. The elevated serum levels of LDL cholesterol were lowered, however, the high density lipoprotein cholesterol level was significantly elevated by Kangen-karyu extract and these were dose-dependent decreases in the atherogenic index to 15.2, 8.8 and 7.5 at oral doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg from the 19.4 control value, respectively. In addition, Kangen-karyu extract inhibited LDL oxidation in a dose-dependent manner, and the elevated level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in control rats showed a decline by the administration of Kangen-karyu extract. The present study suggests that Kangen-karyu could play a protective role against hypercholesterolemia through the regulation of cholesterol levels and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.