Anti-invasive activity against cancer cells of phytochemicals in red jasmine rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Red rice bran aqueous extract ameliorate diabetic status by inhibiting intestinal glucose transport in high fat diet/STZ-induced diabetic rats

Red rice (Oryza sativa L.) consumption has grown recently, partly due to its potential health benefits in several disease prevention. The impact of red rice bran aqueous extract (RRBE) on intestinal glucose uptake and diabetes mellitus (DM) progression has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RRBE on ex vivo intestinal glucose absorption and its potential as an antihyperglycemic compound using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. High-fat diet/STZ-induced diabetic rats were supplemented with either 1000 mg/kg body weight (BW) of RRBE, 70 mg/kg BW of metformin (Met), or a combination of RRBE and Met for 3 months. Plasma parameters, intestinal glucose transport, morphology, liver and soleus muscle glycogen accumulation were assessed. Treatment with RRBE, metformin, or combination markedly reversed hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and pancreatic morphology changes associated with T2DM. Correspondingly, all supplements effectively downregulated glucose transporters, resulting in a reduction of intestinal glucose transport-additionally, liver and soleus muscle glycogen accumulation was reduced in RRBE + Met treated group. Taken together, RRBE potentially suppressed intestinal glucose transporters' function and expression, reducing diabetic status.

Chemical and Bioactive Properties of Red Rice with Potential Pharmaceutical Use

Red rice has been proposed as a super-food. Accordingly, the nutritional properties (AOAC), as well as its chemical composition, including sugars (HPLC-RI), organic acids (UFLC-PDA), tocopherols (HPLD-FD), and phenolic compounds (LC-DAD-ESI/MSn), together with the main bioactive properties (antioxidant, cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and antibacterial activities), were evaluated to access its nutritional benefits and health improvement potential. The most abundant macronutrients found were carbohydrates (87.2 g/100 g dw), proceeded by proteins (9.1 g/100 g dw), fat (2.6 g/100 g dw), and ash (1.1 g/100 g dw). Sucrose and raffinose were the only detected sugars, with sucrose presenting the maximum concentration (0.74 g/100 g dw). MUFAs and PUFAs were the predominant fatty acids (40.7% and 31%, respectively). Among the two detected tocopherol isoforms, γ-tocopherol (0.67 mg/100 g dw) predominated over α-tocopherol. The phenolic compounds profile, majorly composed of flavan-3-ols, should be associated with the detected bioactivities, which may provide biological benefits to human health beyond the primary nutritional effect. Overall, the bioactive potential of red rice was comprehensively accessed.

Benefit of Asian pigmented rice bioactive compound and its implication in breast cancer: a systematic review

Background: Utilizing the bioactive compounds found in pigmented rice might significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. This study aims to systematically review existing literature on the benefit of Asian pigmented rice bioactive compounds and their implication in breast cancer. Methods: Searches of the literature were conducted in two databases (Scopus and PubMed) for a systematic review. The keywords resulted in a total of 407 articles, consisting of 103 PubMed and 304 Scopus articles. 32 manuscripts were excluded because the article was over 10 years old. After excluding book chapters and non-English languages, we had 278 potential articles to be reviewed. After checking and screening the title and abstract and eliminating duplicate articles, then 66 articles were obtained. After the selection and elimination of the full-text manuscripts, finally 10 of them which met the inclusion criteria. Result: The included studies in this review were entirely based in Asia. The year of publication ranged from 2013 to 2020. Half of included studies used black rice extract, two used red jasmine rice extracts, and three used Korean rice extracts (black, red, dark purple and brown rice). All studies were conducted in vitro and three studies were compared with in vivo tests on female mice. The pigmented rice is mainly black, red, and dark purple rice, and contains a variety of peonidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, γ-oryzanol, γ-tocotrienol, proanthocyanidin, cinnamic acid, and anthocyanins that may act as pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, and anti-metastasis of the breast cancer cells. Conclusion: Pigmented rice is a beneficial food which possessed bioactive compounds that may have significant potential concerning a breast cancer.

Gut Barrier Dysfunction and Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides in Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is known to be an essential driver of various types of cancer. An increasing number of studies have suggested that the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC) are linked to the inflammatory microenvironment of the intestine. This assumption is further supported by the fact that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to develop CRC. Multiple studies in mice and humans have shown that preoperative systemic inflammatory response is predictive of cancer recurrence after potentially curative resection. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are membrane surface markers of gram-negative bacteria, which induce gut barrier dysfunction and inflammation and might be significantly involved in the occurrence and development of CRC.

METHODS

A selective literature search was conducted in Medline and PubMed, using the terms "Colorectal Cancer", "Gut Barrier", "Lipopolysaccharides", and "Inflammation".

RESULTS

Disruption of intestinal homeostasis, including gut barrier dysfunction, is linked to increased LPS levels and is a critical factor for chronic inflammation. LPS can activate the diverse nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway via Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) to promote the inflammatory response, which aggravates gut barrier dysfunction and encourages CRC development. An intact gut barrier prevents antigens and bacteria from crossing the intestinal endothelial layer and entering circulation. In contrast, a damaged gut barrier triggers inflammatory responses and increases susceptibility to CRC. Thus, targeting LPS and the gut barrier might be a promising novel therapeutic approach for additional treatment of CRC.

CONCLUSION

Gut barrier dysfuction and bacterial LPS seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis and disease progression of colorectal cancer and therefore require further investigation.

The Extract of Perilla frutescens Seed Residue Attenuated the Progression of Aberrant Crypt Foci in Rat Colon by Reducing Inflammatory Processes and Altered Gut Microbiota

Perilla frutescens (PF) seed residue is a waste from perilla oil production that still contains nutrients and phytochemicals. This study aimed to investigate the chemoprotective action of PF seed residue crude ethanolic extract (PCE) on the inflammatory-induced promotion stage of rat colon carcinogenesis and cell culture models. PCE 0.1 and 1 g/kg body weight were administered by oral gavage to rats after receiving dimethylhydrazine (DMH) with one week of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) supplementation. PCE at high dose exhibited a reduction in aberrant crypt foci (ACF) number (66.46%) and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to the DMH + DSS group (p < 0.01). Additionally, PCE could either modulate the inflammation induced in murine macrophage cells by bacterial toxins or suppress the proliferation of cancer cell lines, which was induced by the inflammatory process. These results demonstrate that the active components in PF seed residue showed a preventive effect on the aberrant colonic epithelial cell progression by modulating inflammatory microenvironments from the infiltrated macrophage or inflammatory response of aberrant cells. Moreover, consumption of PCE could alter rat microbiota, which might be related to health benefits. However, the mechanisms of PCE on the microbiota, which are related to inflammation and inflammatory-induced colon cancer progression, need to be further investigated.

Protective Effect of Red Rice Extract Rich in Proanthocyanidins in a Murine Colitis Model

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become a global concern. Proanthocyanidin-rich red rice extract (PRRE) has been shown to suppress the inflammatory response in cellular cultures. However, the anti-colitis effect of PRRE has never been investigated in animals. This study aimed to examine the protective effect of the PRRE against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Male mice were orally administrated with PRRE of 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day for 21 days. Acute colitis was subsequently induced by administrated 2.5% DSS in drinking water for the final seven days. Sulfasalazine-treated mice were the positive group. All doses of PRRE and sulfasalazine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced severity of colitis, as indicated by decreasing daily activity index and restoring colon shortening. Treatments with PRRE, but not sulfasalazine, significantly reduced the histopathological index and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, the PRRE treatments effectively improved mucous in colonic goblet cells using PAS staining, and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 induced by DSS, while sulfasalazine reduced only IL-1β and IL-6. This study suggested that PRRE had a greater anti-colitis effect than sulfasalazine. Thus, PRRE has a potential anti-colitis effect, and should be developed in a clinical trial as a natural active pharmaceutical ingredient for IBD.

Quercetin-Rich Ethanolic Extract of Polygonum odoratum var Pakphai Leaves Decreased Gene Expression and Secretion of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Murine RAW264.7 Macrophages

Polygonum odoratum var. Pakphai has been used in traditional Thai medicine for the treatment of flatulence and constipation and to relieve the inflammation caused by insect bites. Quercetin (Q), which is abundant in plant-based foods, has been found to exert anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of P. odoratum ethanolic extract in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Leaves were extracted with 50% ethanol, phenolics and flavonoids were then analyzed using UHPLC-QTOF-MS and HPLC-DAD. RAW264.7 cells were induced with lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). They were then treated with the extract and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentrations were determined. Levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-6 and TNF-α mRNAs were analyzed using qRT-PCR. Chemical analysis demonstrated that the extract was abundant with Q while also containing catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin gallate and coumarin. The extract increased the viability of RAW264.7 cells and dose-dependently decreased nitric oxide production, PGE2, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the medium from the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell culture. Consistently, COX-2, iNOS, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA levels were decreased in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Thus, the quercetin-rich ethanolic extract derived from P. odoratum var Pakphai leaves can exert anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells through a reduction of the pro-inflammatory mediator response.

Anthocyanins in Red Jasmine Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Extracts and Efficacy on Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus, Free Radicals and Cancer Cell

Rice is one of the most important food crops in many countries, with nutritional value and health benefits. In this study, the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of red jasmine rice from Chiang Mai, Thailand were examined for their anthocyanins and phenolic contents. The antioxidant and antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), as well as anticancer activity, were investigated. The total anthocyanins content of 708.03 ± 11.56 mg Cy-3-glc equivalent/g extract, determined from the ethanolic extract, was higher than the aqueous extract. However, the aqueous extract showed the highest total phenolic compound of 81.91 ± 0.51 mg GAE/g extract. In addition, the ethanolic extract demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than aqueous extract using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays by 28.91 ± 3.26 mg GAE/g extract, 189.45 ± 11.58 mg 24 TEAC/g extract, and 3292.46 ± 259.64 g FeSO₄/g extract, respectively. In the antiviral assay, it was found that the ethanolic extract of red jasmine rice could inhibit HSV-1 more effectively than HSV-2 when treated before, during, and after the viral attachment on Vero cells, with 50% effective doses of 227.53 ± 2.41, 189.59 ± 7.76, and 192.62 ± 2.40 µg/mL, respectively. The extract also demonstrated the highest reduction of HSV-1 particles at 4 h after treatment and the inhibition of HSV-1 replication. The ethanolic extract exhibited a higher toxicity level than the aqueous extract, as well as the potential to induce DNA fragmentation by intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways on the Caco-2 cells. These findings suggest that red jasmine rice extract demonstrates nutritional value and biological activity on HSV, free radicals, and cancer cell inhibition.

Gamma-Oryzanol-Rich Fraction from Purple Rice Extract Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Inflammatory Responses, Migration and VEGFA Production in SW480 Cells via Modulation of TLR4 and NF-κB Pathways

Inflammatory response facilitating colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is a serious event following operative infection, which can occur in CRC patients. This event is mainly mediated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), via a toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) and NF-κB. Hexane soluble fraction (HSF) from purple rice extract (PRE) has been identified as a γ-oryzanol (OR)-rich fraction. Recently, HSF possessed inhibitory effect of LPS-stimulated metastasis of human colon cancer SW480 cells, however the related mechanism was unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of HSF on inflammatory response-associated cancer progression of LPS-stimulated SW480 cells. The various inflammatory mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) and related pathways were evaluated by Western blot and ELISA. Furthermore, cell migration was also determined by migration assays. Of all, HSF seemed to be stronger than OR to attenuate the responsiveness of LPS on various inflammatory mediators, which was related to an obvious reduction of cancer cell migration as well as indistinct disruption on VEGFA production in SW480 cells, via downregulation of TLR4 and NF-κB. Therefore, OR-rich fraction from PRE, against the subsequent inflammatory response and CRC progression following surgery, which could be combined with conventional treatments to increase the survival rate.

Effects of Fermented Houttuynia cordata Thunb. on Diabetic Rats Induced by a High-Fat Diet with Streptozotocin and on Insulin Resistance in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (plukaow in Thai language) exhibits several biological properties, and many products of H. cordata are therefore commercially available for human consumption, such as fermented juice or tablets as food supplements. This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic effects of fermented H. cordata (HC) in high-fat diets and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of HC at a dose of 100 mg/kg.bw not only maintained bodyweight, food intake, and water consumption but also reduced blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance ability in the diabetic rats. Moreover, HC also decreased oxidative stress markers in serum and inflammatory-related mediators in pancreas tissues, indicating the improvement of pancreatic beta-cell function in the diabetic rats. In order to clarify the mechanism of HC, the effects of ethanolic extract of HC (HCE) on insulin resistance were determined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. FHE could recover glucose uptake and decrease lipolysis in palmitate-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that HC can improve diabetic symptoms by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing oxidative stress, and suppressing inflammation.

Comparative Studies on the Hepatoprotective Effect of White and Coloured Rice Bran Oil against Acetaminophen-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice through Antioxidant- and Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Systems

Rice bran oil (RBO) comprises various nutrients and phytochemicals which exhibit several health benefits. There are no studies regarding the functional effects of different colours of RBO. This study was aimed to compare the constituents and antioxidant activities of white rice bran oil (WRBO) and coloured rice bran oil (CRBO). Each RBO showed similar free fatty acid profiles. However, greater amounts of vitamin E, phytosterols, carotenoids, and chlorophylls were found in CRBO, which had lower γ-oryzanol content than WRBO. Oxidative stress was induced in male mice by an overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) at 300 mg/kg body weight. The mice were then fed with RBO at the equivalent dose to 100 mg/kg body weight of γ-oryzanol three hours later and sacrificed six hours after APAP treatment. The administration of 100 mg γ-oryzanol equivalent in CRBO ameliorated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice more strongly than 100 mg γ-oryzanol equivalent in WRBO, as evidenced by the significant reduction of serum ALT, hepatocellular necrosis, and hepatic lipid peroxidation. CRBO could improve xenobiotic-metabolizing and antioxidant enzyme activities, including glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, and also increase mRNA expression of various antioxidant-responsive genes. Vitamin E, phytosterols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll might be the protective compounds in CRBO that alleviate APAP-induced hepatotoxicity through the interruption of APAP metabolism and the activation of antioxidant systems at both transcriptional and enzymatic levels. These findings might provide a protective role of CRBO on oxidative stress associated with several degenerative diseases.

Inhibitory effect of a gamma-oryzanol-rich fraction from purple rice extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced metastasis in human colon cancer cells

The incidence of colon cancer recurrence and metastasis is known to increase as an adverse effect related to postoperative infection. Lipopolysaccharide or LPS, which is derived from gram-negative bacteria, is a key inducer of inflammatory-related tumor metastasis. Although there are numerous known biological effects of purple rice extract (PRE), its protective effect on colon metastasis was unknown. This study first evaluated the effects of hexane soluble fraction (HSF) or γ-oryzanol-rich fraction of PRE on LPS-induced colon cancer adhesion and invasion, which was accomplished using adhesive and invasive assay. Gelatin zymography was also utilized for gelatinase activity and secretion. Its chelating activity was also further analyzed by reverse gelatin zymography with zinc chloride. The study findings support the synergistic effect of HSF in protection against adverse events from LPS-induced colon cancer metastasis, as shown by effects on adhesive and invasive ability as well as matrix metalloproteinase-2 secretion and activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Bacterial infection is still one of the main adverse events following abdominal cancer surgery and is associated with an increased incidence of colon cancer metastasis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major component of this pathogen-mediated response. This first study investigated the efficiency of a gamma-oryzanol (OR) rich fraction, collected from purple rice extract (PRE), against LPS-induced colon cancer metastasis that occurs via three main steps; adhesion to the extracellular matrix, the secretion, and activity of gelatinase and further tissue invasion. The acquired data supported the role of an OR-rich fraction from PRE as a potential inhibitor to LPS-induced colon cancer progression. This finding, related to PRE, could be further developed to create a new adjunctive treatment to reduce operative complications related to bowel cancer surgery as well as increasing the value of this crop in Thailand.

The Genetic Basis and Nutritional Benefits of Pigmented Rice Grain

Improving the nutritional quality of rice grains through modulation of bioactive compounds and micronutrients represents an efficient means of addressing nutritional security in societies which depend heavily on rice as a staple food. White rice makes a major contribution to the calorific intake of Asian and African populations, but its nutritional quality is poor compared to that of pigmented (black, purple, red orange, or brown) variants. The compounds responsible for these color variations are the flavonoids anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin, which are known to have nutritional value. The rapid progress made in the technologies underlying genome sequencing, the analysis of gene expression and the acquisition of global 'omics data, genetics of grain pigmentation has created novel opportunities for applying molecular breeding to improve the nutritional value and productivity of pigmented rice. This review provides an update on the nutritional value and health benefits of pigmented rice grain, taking advantage of both indigenous and modern knowledge, while also describing the current approaches taken to deciphering the genetic basis of pigmentation.

The Effects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb and Piper ribesioides Wall Extracts on Breast Carcinoma Cell Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Apoptosis

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT) and Piper ribesioides Wall. (PR) are common herbs that are widely distributed throughout East Asia and possess various biological properties including anti-cancer effects. However, in breast cancer, their mechanisms responsible for anti-carcinogenic effects have not been clarified yet. In this study, the inhibitory effects of HCT and PR ethanolic extracts on breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were examined. In MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, HCT and PR extracts at low concentrations can inhibit colony formation and induce G1 cell cycle arrest by downregulating cyclinD1 and CDK4 expression. Additionally, HCT and PR extracts also decreased the migration and invasion of both breast cancer cell lines through inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion. Moreover, the induction of apoptosis was observed in breast cancer cells treated with high concentrations of HCT and PR extracts. Not only stimulated caspases activity, but HCT and PR extracts also upregulated the expression of caspases and pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins in breast cancer cells. Altogether, these findings provide the rationale to further investigate the potential actions of HCT and PR extracts against breast cancer in vivo.

Whole Grain Consumption for the Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common and malignant cancers among females worldwide. Several epidemiological studies have indicated the inverse correlation between the intake of whole grains and the incidence of breast cancer. Whole grains are the most fundamental and important food source of bioactive phytochemicals, which have well-defined roles in the management of each stage of breast carcinogenesis. To better understand the value of whole grains in future prevention and treatment of breast cancer, the effects and possible mechanisms of six different whole grain cereals, which are the most commonly consumed throughout the world, are introduced in the current review. Moreover, the bioactive compounds extracted from whole grains are adequately formulated and the underlying mechanism of action is illustrated. In addition, the present limitations and future perspective of whole grain consumption for breast cancer are also concluded. The objective of this review is to promote the development of nutraceutical and functional food from whole grains and its application for reducing the risk of breast cancer.

The Effect of a Chickpea-Based Persian Diet on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients: A Semi-Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common symptoms associated with cancer or its treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of chickpea-based diet (Nokhodāb) on CRF in female breast cancer patients undertaking routine treatment.

METHOD

Forty female patients with diagnosis of breast cancer were enrolled. The patients were asked to use a chickpea-based Persian diet daily for the period of 3 weeks. Symptom assessment was made for all women by the Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) questionnaires and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

RESULTS

CRF decreased significantly at the end of the study, compared to the beginning (p < 0.05). Mean of CFS was 40.72 before the intervention, while showing a significant decrease to 33.38 at the end of our study (p = 0.001). A comparison of FSS and VAS before and after intervention shows that FSS and fatigue VAS mean scores have a significant decline at the end (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nokhodāb, as an available diet, could be a good choice for relieving CRF in breast cancer women. Traditional/complementary medicine may present some effective therapeutic suggestions for cancer complications.

The Proanthocyanidin-Rich Fraction Obtained from Red Rice Germ and Bran Extract Induces HepG2 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis

This study aims to determine the anti-carcinogenic effects of the proanthocyanidin-rich fraction (PRFR) obtained from red rice germ and bran extract on HepG2 cells. The PRFR obtained from red rice germ and bran extract could reduce the cell viability of HepG2 cells as shown by the IC₅₀ value at 20 µg/mL. Notably, PRFR concentrations at 20 and 40 µg/mL significantly increased the number of cells in the G2/M phase from 25.7% ± 1.4%in the control group to 36.2% ± 3.4% (p < 0.01) and 48.9% ± 2.6% (p < 0.0001), respectively, suggesting that the cells were arrested in this phase, which was confirmed by the reduction of survival proteins, including cyclin B1 and cdc25. Moreover, the PRFR at 20 and 40 µg/mL could induce cell death via the apoptosis cascade, indicated by the percentage of total apoptotic cells from 9.9% ± 3.1% in the control group to 41.1 ± 3.9 (p < 0.0001) and 82.2% ± 5.8% (p < 0.0001), respectively. This was clarified by increasing apoptotic proteins (such as cleaved PARP-1, cleaved caspase-8 and cleaved caspase-3) and decreasing anti-apoptotic protein survivin without p53 alterations. These results demonstrated that the PRFR obtained from red rice germ and bran extract could inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in HepG2 cells via survivin, which could potentially serve as a new target for cancer therapeutics making it an excellent "lead candidate" molecule for in vivo proof-of concept studies.

Improving Rice Grain Quality: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects

Rice grain quality encompasses complex interrelated traits that cover biochemical composition, cooking, eating, nutritional, and sensory properties. Because rice endosperm is composed mainly of starch, rice grain quality is traditionally defined by characterizing starch structure and composition, which is then subsequently correlated with functional properties of the grain. The current proxy tests routinely used to describe rice grain quality preferences are rather limited to the estimation of apparent amylose content, gelatinization temperature, and gel consistency. Additional tests that characterize starch property, viscoelasticity, grain texture, and aroma are also employed in more advanced laboratories. However, these tests are not routinely applied in breeding programs to distinguish cooking quality classes to reflect evolving consumer preference and market demand. As consumer preferences in Asia and all over the world are diverse due to varied demographics and culture, defining uniform attributes to capture regional grain quality preferences becomes more challenging. Hence, novel and innovative proxy tests are needed to characterize rice grain quality to meet the demand for consumer preferences of commercially-released cultivars. In this chapter, the current methods employed in rice grain quality monitoring are succinctly reviewed. Future prospects for improvement are identified, introducing cutting edge technologies that can facilitate high-throughput screening of rice diversity panels and breeding lines. Aside from addressing the requirements for quality improvement in the traditional inbred rice breeding programs, we also tackled the need to enhance grain quality in the hybrid rice sector.

Antioxidative and antiproliferative activities of ethanol extracts from pigmented giant embryo rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Keunnunjami) before and after germination

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Oxidative stress is a major cause of cancer. This study investigated the effects of the ethanol extracts from germinated and non-germinated Keunnunjami rice, a blackish-purple pigmented cultivar with giant embryo, on selected human cancer cell lines and on the antioxidant defense system of mice fed with a high-fat diet.

MATERIALS/METHODS

High fat-fed mice were orally administered with either distilled water (HF) or extracts (0.25%, w/w) from brown (B), germinated brown (GB), Keunnunjami (K), and germinated Keunnunjami (GK) rice.

RESULTS

In comparison with the brown rice extract, Keunnunjami extract showed higher anticancer effect against cervical and gastric cell lines but lower anticancer activity on liver and colon cancer cells. Mice from the HF group showed significantly higher lipid peroxidation and lower antioxidant enzyme activities than the control group. However, the oxidative stress induced by high-fat diet markedly decreased in B, GB, K, and GK groups as compared with the HF group.

CONCLUSIONS

Germination may be an effective method for improving the anticancer and antioxidative properties of Keunnunjami rice and extracts from germinated Keunnunjami rice may serve as a therapeutic agent against cervical and gastric cancers and oxidative damage.

Skin Anti-aging Assays of Proanthocyanidin Rich Red Rice Extract, Oryzanol and Other Phenolic Compounds

Red rice is a variety of rice that has more nutritious than white or brown rice. It is also a good source of many potent anti-aging phytochemicals. However, the compounds in red rice extract that exhibit skin anti-aging properties have not been investigated. In this study, the main bioactive compounds in red rice extract (RRE) including proanthocyanidin, catechin, hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid and oryzanol were studied in order to determine their anti-skin aging properties. The effects on skin degradation were assessed by inhibitory enzymatic activity against collagenase and matrixmetalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). The production levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid obtained from human skin fibroblasts were determined by ELISA. Anti-melanogenesis activity of the bioactive compounds were investigated in B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells. The activity of collagenase and MMP-2 was strongly inhibited by proanthocyanidin and catechin, while hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid and oryzanol had no effect. Moreover, proanthocyanindin and catechin significantly induced collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis in human fibroblast cells. Proanthocyanidin and oryzanol reduced the melanin content in B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells. Proanthocyanidin, but not oryzanol, significantly decreased cellular tyrosinase activity. However, the bioactive compounds obtained from red rice extract had no effect on mushroom tyrosinase activity. In addition, proanthocynidin and catechin, exhibited strong DPPH radical scavenging activity, whereas oryzanol slightly inhibited this action. Taken together, these results suggest that proanthocyanidin, catechin, and oryzanol are the bioactive compounds in red rice that exhibit the greatest levels of anti-skin aging properties.

Inhibition of the MAPK Signaling Pathway by Red Rice Extract in UVB-irradiated Human Skin Fibroblasts

Red rice has demonstrated several biological properties including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation properties. However, the anti-photoaging activity has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study relates to the photo-protective effects of red rice extract (RRE) on UVB-induced skin aging. RRE was prepared and the active compounds and anti-oxidant activity were determined. The cytotoxicity of fibroblasts and secretions of IL-6 and IL-8 were evaluated. The effects of RRE on collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis from fibroblasts were evaluated. Then, the collagenase and MMP-2 activity was determined. The effect of RRE on UV-induced MMP-1, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1) and phosphorylation of MAPK protein expression was determined by western blot analysis. The RRE exerted a free radical scavenging property. RRE significantly increased collagen and HA synthesis in UVB-irradiated human fibroblasts. Moreover, RRE significantly inhibited UVB induced MMP-1 expression, MMP-2 and collagenase activity. Upon UVB irradiation, mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) is activated and this pathway stimulates the expression of interleukin-6 and-8 (IL-6 and-8). Our results show that RRE decreases UVB-induced IL-6 and -8 production and the phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and the p38 MAPK signaling process. In addition, RRE reduced UVB-induced activation of NF-κB and AP-1. RRE could suppress UV-induced inflammation and skin aging via the inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway leading to the decrease of NF-κB and AP-1 activation resulting in a decrease in ECM degradation and an increase in ECM synthesis.

Anti-inflammatory effects of proanthocyanidin-rich red rice extract via suppression of MAPK, AP-1 and NF-κB pathways in Raw 264.7 macrophages

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Several pharmacological properties of red rice extract have been reported including anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, and reduced cancer cell invasion. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of red rice extract on the production of inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Raw 264.7 macrophages.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were determined by ELISA and cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression was evaluated using western blot analysis. In addition, the signaling pathway controlling the inflammatory cascade such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), activator proteins-1 (AP-1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was determined.

RESULTS

Our results showed that red rice polar extract fraction (RR-P), but not non-polar extract fraction, inhibited interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitric oxide production in LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells. RR-P also reduced the expression of inflammatory enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, activation of AP-1 and NF-κB transcription factor in the nucleus was abrogated by RR-P. RR-P inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signaling-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and p38 MAPK signaling responsible for the expression of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. Based on chemical analysis, high amounts of proanthocyanidin and catechins were detected in the RR-P fraction. However, only proanthocyanidin reduced NF-κB and AP-1 activation in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells.

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of RR-P may stem from the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators via suppression of the AP-1, NF-κB, and MAPKs pathways.

Suppression of Inflammatory Responses by Black Rice Extract in RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells via Downregulation of NF-kB and AP-1 Signaling Pathways

Anthocyanin, a phenolic compound, has been reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced changes in immune cells. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects. Few research studies have concerned the anti-inflammation properties of colored rice extract as a functional material. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine anti-inflammatory effects of the polar fraction of black rice whole grain extracts (BR-WG-P) that features a high anthocyanin content. Our results showed that BR-WG-P significantly inhibited LPS-induced pro- inflammatory mediators, including production of NO and expression of iNOS and COX-2. In addition, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6 was also significantly inhibited. Moreover, BR-WG-P and anthocyanin inhibited NF-kB and AP-1 translocation into the nucleus. BR-WG-P also decreased the phosphorylation of ERK, p38 and JNK in a dose dependent manner. These results suggested that BR-WG-P might suppress LPS-induced inflammation via the inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway leading to decrease of NF-kB and AP-1 translocation. All of these results indicate that BR-WG-P exhibits therapeutic potential associated with the anthocyanin content in the extract for treating inflammatory diseases associated with cancer.

Purple rice bran extract attenuates the aflatoxin B1-induced initiation stage of hepatocarcinogenesis by alteration of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes

Pigmented rice bran has been suggested to be a valuable source of beneficial phytochemicals. We investigated genotoxic and anti-genotoxic effects of purple rice bran extract (PRBE) in rats using a liver micronucleus assay. Purple rice bran was extracted with methanol, obtaining large amounts of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins and small amounts of gamma-oryzanol. The experimental protocols were divided into two sets. Male rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 was a negative control, while Groups 2 and 3 were fed with 100 and 500 mg/kg bw of PRBE, respectively, for 28 days. PRBE had no effect on micronucleus formation or xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in rat liver. Experiments concerning the effect of PRBE on AFB1 showed that PRBE significantly lessened the amount of micronucleated hepatocytes in AFB1 treated rats. Furthermore, it modulated metabolic activation of AFB1 metabolism in the liver by suppressing activity and protein expression of CYP1A2, CYP3A and CYP 450 reductase, and enhancing phase II enzymes including GST and UGT. Overall, purple rice bran extract was not genotoxic in rats. It exhibited anti-genotoxicity by modulation some xenobiotic enzymes active in AFB1 metabolism.

Coevolution between Cancer Activities and Food Structure of Human Being from Southwest China

Yunnan and Tibet are the lowest cancer mortality and the largest producer for anticancer crops (brown rice, barley, buckwheat, tea, walnut, mushrooms, and so forth). Shanghai and Jiangsu province in China have the highest mortality of cancers, which are associated with the sharp decline of barley.

Proanthocyanidin in red rice inhibits MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell invasion via the expression control of invasive proteins

Proanthocyanidin is one of the main active compounds found in red jasmine rice. We previously reported that red rice extract could reduce cancer cell invasion. However, the direct effect of proanthocyanidin from red rice on the invasion of cancer cells and the exact molecular mechanism remained unclear. Here, we report for the first time that proanthocyanidin-rich fraction from red rice (PRFR) reduced the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. The types of proanthocyanidin in PRFR were identified as procyanidins and prodelphinidins by acid hydrolysis. For cancer cell invasion, degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is required. Treatment of the cells with PRFR reduced the expression of ECM degradation-associated proteins, including matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase, urokinase plasminogen activator, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor and plasminogen activator-1. Moreover, PRFR also reduced the activity of collagenase and MMP-9. Furthermore, PRFR significantly suppressed the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-6. We also found that PRFR reduced the DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which is the expressed mediator of ECM degradation-associated proteins. These results suggest that proanthocyanidin from red rice mediates MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell invasion by altering the expression of the invasion-associated proteins, possibly by targeting NF-κB activity.