Wheat seedlings extract ameliorates sarcopenia in aged mice by regulating protein synthesis and degradation with anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial biogenesis effects

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation, which becomes more prevalent during aging, contributes to sarcopenia by reducing muscle mass and strength.

PURPOSE

Wheat seedlings extract (WSE) is known for its various physiological activities, including anti-inflammation and antioxidant effects. However, its efficacy against sarcopenia is not well documented.

STUDY DESIGN

8-week-old and 50-week-old C57BL/6 J mice were used as young control (YC group) and aged controls (AC group), respectively. Then, aged mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (WSE100mg/kg, WSE200mg/kg, WSE400mg/kg, and schizandrin as a positive control) and fed each experimental diet for 10 weeks.

METHOD

We investigated the effects of WSE on muscle quality and protein homeostasis pathways based on improvements in mitochondrial function and chronic inflammation. We then used TNFα-treated C2C12 to investigate the effects of isoorientin (ISO) and isoschaftoside (ISS), the active substances of WSE, on the myogenic pathway.

RESULTS

We administered WSE to aging mice and observed an increase in muscle mass, thickness, protein content, and strength in mice treated with WSE at a dose of 200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg. Furthermore, the administration of WSE led to a reduction in inflammatory factors (TNFα, IL-1, and IL-6) and an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis (p-AMPK/SIRT3/PGC1α) in muscle. This effect was also observed in TNFα-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 cells, and we additionally identified the upregulation of myogenic regulatory factors, including Myf5, Myf6, MyoD, and myogenin, by WSE, ISO, and ISS.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that WSE could function as a dietary anti-inflammatory factor and mitochondrial activator, potentially exerting modulatory effects on the metabolism and mechanical properties of skeletal muscles in the aging population. Furthermore, Our results demonstrate the potential value of ISO and ISS as functional food ingredients for preventing muscle atrophy.

Animal protein hydrolysate reduces visceral fat and inhibits insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in aged mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

An increasing life expectancy in society has burdened healthcare systems substantially because of the rising prevalence of age-related metabolic diseases. This study compared the effects of animal protein hydrolysate (APH) and casein on metabolic diseases using aged mice.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Eight-week-old and 50-week-old C57BL/6J mice were used as the non-aged (YC group) and aged controls (NC group), respectively. The aged mice were divided randomly into 3 groups (NC, low-APH [LP], and high-APH [HP] and fed each experimental diet for 12 weeks. In the LP and HP groups, casein in the AIN-93G diet was substituted with 16 kcal% and 24 kcal% APH, respectively. The mice were sacrificed when they were 63-week-old, and plasma and hepatic lipid, white adipose tissue weight, hepatic glucose, lipid, and antioxidant enzyme activities, immunohistochemistry staining, and mRNA expression related to the glucose metabolism on liver and muscle were analyzed.

RESULTS

Supplementation of APH in aging mice resulted in a significant decrease in visceral fat (epididymal, perirenal, retroperitoneal, and mesenteric fat) compared to the negative control (NC) group. The intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and area under the curve analysis revealed insulin resistance in the NC group, which was alleviated by APH supplementation. APH supplementation reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis and increased glucose utilization in the liver and muscle. Furthermore, APH supplementation improved hepatic steatosis by reducing the hepatic fatty acid and phosphatidate phosphatase activity while increasing the hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity. Furthermore, in the APH supplementation groups, the red blood cell (RBC) thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hepatic H2O2 levels decreased, and the RBC glutathione, hepatic catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities increased.

CONCLUSIONS

APH supplementation reduced visceral fat accumulation and alleviated obesity-related metabolic diseases, including insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis, in aged mice. Therefore, high-quality animal protein APH that reduces the molecular weight and enhances the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score has potential as a dietary supplement for healthy aging.

The animal protein hydrolysate attenuates sarcopenia via the muscle-gut axis in aged mice

Age-related muscle loss and dysfunction, sarcopenia, is a common condition that results in poor quality of life in the elderly. Protein supplementation is a potential strategy for preventing sarcopenia and increasing muscle synthesis, but the effectiveness of protein type and level in improving sarcopenia is not well understood. In this study, we compared animal protein hydrolysate (APH), which has a high protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) and low molecular weight, with casein as a control group to investigate the effects and mechanisms of sarcopenia improvement, with a particular focus on the gut-muscle axis. APH supplementation improved age-related declines in muscle mass, grip strength, hind leg thickness, muscle protein level, muscle fiber size, and myokine levels, compared to the control group. In particular, levels of plasma cortisol, muscle lipids, and muscle collagen were markedly reduced by APH supplements in the aged mice. Furthermore, APH efficiently recovered the concentration of total SCFAs including acetic, propionic, and isovaleric acids decreased in aged mice. Finally, APH induced changes in gut microbiota and increased production of SCFAs, which were positively correlated with muscle protein level and negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, APH can help to inhibit age-related sarcopenia by increasing muscle synthesis, inhibiting muscle breakdown, and potentially modulating the gut-muscle axis.

Mentha canadensis attenuates adiposity and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome, a global public health problem. Mentha canadensis (MA), a traditional phytomedicine and dietary herb used for centuries, was the focus of this study to investigate its effects on obesity.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Thirty-five male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 2 groups and fed either a normal diet (ND, n = 10) or a high-fat diet (HFD, n = 25) for 4 weeks to induce obesity. After the obesity induction period, the HFD-fed mice were randomly separated into 2 groups: one group continued to be fed HFD (n = 15, HFD group), while the other group was fed HFD with 1.5% (w/w) MA ethanol extract (n = 10, MA group) for 13 weeks.

RESULTS

The results showed that body and white adipose tissue (WAT) weights were significantly decreased in the MA-supplemented group compared to the HFD group. Additionally, MA supplementation enhanced energy expenditure, leading to improvements in plasma lipids, cytokines, hepatic steatosis, and fecal lipids. Furthermore, MA supplementation regulated lipid-metabolism-related enzyme activity and gene expression, thereby suppressing lipid accumulation in the WAT and liver.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that MA has the potential to improve diet-induced obesity and its associated complications, including adiposity, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation.

D-Allulose Ameliorates Dysregulated Macrophage Function and Mitochondrial NADH Homeostasis, Mitigating Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance

D-allulose, a rare sugar, has been proposed to have potential benefits in addressing metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the precise mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which D-allulose influences obesity-induced insulin resistance. We conducted gene set enrichment analysis on the liver and white adipose tissue of mice exposed to a high-fat diet (HFD) along with the white adipose tissue of individuals with obesity. Our study revealed that D-allulose effectively suppressed IFN-γ, restored chemokine signaling, and enhanced macrophage function in the livers of HFD-fed mice. This implies that D-allulose curtails liver inflammation, alleviating insulin resistance and subsequently impacting adipose tissue. Furthermore, D-allulose supplementation improved mitochondrial NADH homeostasis and translation in both the liver and white adipose tissue of HFD-fed mice. Notably, we observed decreased NADH homeostasis and mitochondrial translation in the omental tissue of insulin-resistant obese subjects compared to their insulin-sensitive counterparts. Taken together, these results suggest that supplementation with allulose improves obesity-induced insulin resistance by mitigating the disruptions in macrophage and mitochondrial function. Furthermore, our data reinforce the crucial role that mitochondrial energy expenditure plays in the development of insulin resistance triggered by obesity.

Chronic inflammation in high-fat diet-fed mice: Unveiling the early pathogenic connection between liver and adipose tissue

Obesity-induced chronic inflammation has been linked to several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. The underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood, but it is believed that chronic inflammation in adipose tissue can lead to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which can trigger immune responses and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms that lead to the infiltration of immune cells into adipose tissue are not fully understood. In this study, we observed a time-dependent response to a high-fat diet in the liver and epididymal white adipose tissue using gene set enrichment analysis. Our findings revealed a correlation between early abnormal innate immune responses in the liver and late inflammatory response in the adipose tissue, that eventually leads to systemic inflammation. Specifically, our data suggest that the dysregulated NADH homeostasis in the mitochondrial matrix, interacting with the mitochondrial translation process, could serve as a sign marking the transition from liver inflammation to adipose tissue inflammation. Taken together, our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of chronic inflammation and associated autoimmune diseases in obesity.

Luteolin Protects Against Obese Sarcopenia in Mice with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Ameliorating Inflammation and Protein Degradation in Muscles

SCOPE

Although sarcopenia is mainly caused by aging, sarcopenia due to obesity has become an emerging issue given the increase in obesity among people of various ages. There are studies on obesity or sarcopenia, our understanding of obesity-mediated sarcopenia is insufficient. Luteolin (LU) has exhibited antiobesity effects, but no studies have investigated the LU effects on antisarcopenia. This study therefore investigated the effects of LU on obese sarcopenia in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To evaluate its inhibitory efficacy against obese sarcopenia, 5-week-old mice are fed an HFD supplemented with LU for 20 weeks. LU exerts suppressive effects on obesity, inflammation, and protein degradation in the HFD-fed obese mice. It also inhibits lipid infiltration into the muscle and decreases p38 activity and the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, Tlr2, Tlr4, MCP1, and MMP2, in the muscle. The suppression of muscle inflammation by LU leads to the inhibition of myostatin, FoxO, atrogin, and MuRF expression. These effects of LU affect inhibition of protein degradation and improvement of muscle function.

CONCLUSION

Here, it demonstrates that LU's antiobesity and antiinflammatory functionality affect inhibition of muscle protein degradation, and consequently, these interactions by LU exerts a protective effect against obese sarcopenia.

Artemisiae argyi Water Extract Alleviates Obesity-Induced Metabolic Disorder

Artemisiae argyi is a well-known traditional herbal medicine used in East Asia. Although the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of A. argyi have been reported, its efficacy in improving obesity has not been yet evaluated. In this study, mice were fed a normal diet (AIN-93), a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% of kcal from fat), and an HFD with 0.1% of A. argyi water extract for 16 weeks. The body weight and body fat in A. argyi-fed mice significantly decreased via upregulation of the mRNA expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes, with a simultaneous decrease in plasma lipid content and leptin levels. A. argyi water extract also ameliorated hepatic steatosis by restricting lipogenesis via lowering the activities of fatty acid synthase and phosphatidic acid phosphatase. Consistently, hepatic histological analysis indicated that A. argyi water extract decreased hepatic lipid accumulation in accordance with the hepatic H, E and Oil Red O-stained area. Additionally, A. argyi ameliorated the impaired glucose homeostasis by increasing the mRNA expression of AMP-activated kinase and glycolysis-related genes. In conclusion, our results indicate that A. argyi can be used to treat obesity-related metabolic conditions.

Is it worth applying self-irrigation after third molar extraction? A randomised controlled trial

In this study, we aimed to examine the effectiveness of self-irrigation following the extraction of mandibular third molars. A randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted with 155 patients who had undergone extraction of a mandibular third molar. The irrigation group was instructed to self-irrigate the extraction socket with tap water using a syringe three times a day, starting seven days after the tooth extraction. The incidence of complications and mouth opening, halitosis, plaque/gingival index, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were measured. The irrigation group showed a lower incidence of complications than the non-irrigation group. The halitosis, plaque, and gingival scores were lower by mean (SD) 19.66 (5.19), 0.58 (0.06), and 0.62 (0.08), respectively, in the irrigation group than in the non-irrigation group (p = 0.0001). A greater amount of food packing was associated with higher halitosis, plaque, and gingival scores and poorer OHRQoL (p < 0.05). Further, more frequent irrigation was associated with lower halitosis, plaque, and gingival scores and better OHRQoL (p ≤ 0.016). Self-irrigation of the extraction socket using a syringe containing tap water is a very effective method for keeping the extraction socket clean. This technique reduced halitosis, improved plaque and gingival indices, and increased OHRQoL.

Novel Plant Extract Ameliorates Metabolic Disorder through Activation of Brown Adipose Tissue in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity is characterized by excessive body fat accumulation due to unbalanced energy intake and expenditure. Potential therapeutic targets for anti-obesity include the inhibition of white adipose tissue (WAT) hypertrophy and hyperplasia and the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Not only the activation of BAT but also the browning of WAT have gained increasing attention in research fields as an alternative method in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Here, we investigated possible mechanisms underlying the anti-obesity effect of Phlomis umbrosa Turcz. root ethanol extract (PUE) in an obesogenic animal model. PUE treatment can reduce diet-induced obesity and modulate obesity-associated metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation. In the liver, PUE improved hepatic steatosis by suppressing hepatic lipogenesis and lipid absorption while increasing biliary sterol excretion and hepatic fatty acid oxidation compared to the high-fat group. Moreover, PUE increased energy expenditure and regulated fecal lipid excretion, leading to reduced body weight gain. In particular, PUE remarkably activated the browning of subWAT via upregulation of the browning-related protein and gene expression and promoted BAT activation. In conclusion, these findings provide the potential therapeutic usefulness into the effects of PUE in the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, it suggests that PUE treatment can regulate energy metabolism via activating BAT and browning subWAT.

Lycopus lucidus Turcz Water Extract Ameliorates the Metabolic Disorder by Up-Regulated Major Urinary Protein Expression in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity

Despite a century of research on obesity, metabolic disorders and their complications, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease remain a serious global health problem. Lycopus lucidus Turcz (LT) is a traditional medicine used for its anti-inflammatory properties that has not been evaluated for its efficacy in improving obesity. In this study, mice were fed a normal diet (n = 10) or obesity was induced with a high-fat diet (HFD, n = 20, 60% kcal from fat) for 4 weeks. The HFD mice were then divided into two groups, one of which received LT supplementation with water extract for 13 weeks [HFD (n = 10) or HFD with LT water extract (n = 10, 1.5%)]. LT reduced body and adipose tissue weight by elevating energy expenditure by increasing fatty oxidation in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) and muscle. LT ameliorated dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis by restricting lipogenesis. Additionally, LT normalized the impaired glucose homeostasis by diet-induced obesity to improve pancreatic islet dysfunction with increasing hepatic major urinary protein expression. Moreover, LT attenuated the inflammation and collagen accumulation in the liver and eWAT. In conclusion, these results suggest that LT can treat obesity-related metabolic disorders such as adiposity, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

Allulose Attenuated Age-Associated Sarcopenia via Regulating IGF-1 and Myostatin in Aged Mice

SCOPE

Allulose is shown to increase the muscle weight in diet-induced obese mice. However, there are no studies on the effects of allulose in age-associated sarcopenia. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms of action for allulose in age associated by analyzing the transcriptional patterns in aged mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The 48-week-old mice are fed with AIN-93diet containing allulose for 12 weeks. Allulose supplementation increases the muscle mass and grip strength in aged mice. Allulose increases the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and its downstream factor expressions which 40 are related protein synthesis, while inhibits the myostatin expression related protein degradation. In mRNA-seq analysis, allulose supplementation significantly decreases in Adiponectin, Adipsin, cell death inducing DFFA like effector (CIDEC), Haptoglobin, Neuroglobin, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) and increases in cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CISH) and ceramide synthase 1 (CerS1) that are regulate protein turn over in gastrocnemius. Also, allulose alleviates autophagy in muscle with regulated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and increases the anti-oxidant enzyme activity.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that allulose improves the age-associated sarcopenia with enhancing antioxidant properties by altering mRNA and protein expression.

Evaluation of the Dose-Dependent Effects of Fermented Mixed Grain Enzyme Food on Adiposity and Its Metabolic Disorders in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Ancient traditions showed that fermented enzyme foods have beneficial health effects on the body. However, only a few studies have reported on its impact on weight loss and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, it is necessary to verify whether diet supplementation with fermented enzyme foods can have a beneficial functional impact on the body. We examined the antiobesity properties of fermented mixed grain (FMG) with digestive enzymes (FMG) in diet-induced obese mice. Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to six dietary groups: (1) normal diet (ND), (2) high-fat diet (HFD), (3) Bacilus Coagulans, (4) steamed grain, (5) low-dose FMG (L-FMG), and (6) high-dose FMG (H-FMG) supplement for 12 weeks. The results showed that H-FMG supplement dramatically decreased body weight and fat mass with simultaneous decreases in plasma lipid contents. Furthermore, H-FMG significantly lowered fasting blood glucose concentrations and improved glucose tolerance compared with the HFD group. Also, the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines secreted from adipocytes in H-FMG-supplemented mice decreased dramatically. Taken together, our findings indicated that H-FMG can ameliorate HFD-induced obesity and its associated complications and could be used as a potential preventive intervention for obesity.

IFNγ is a Key Link between Obesity and Th1-Mediated AutoImmune Diseases

Obesity, a characteristic of metabolic syndrome, is also associated with chronic inflammation and the development of autoimmune diseases. However, the relationship between obesity and autoimmune diseases remains to be investigated in depth. Here, we compared hepatic gene expression profiles among high-fat diet (HFD) mice using the primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) mouse model based on the chronic expression of interferon gamma (IFNγ) (ARE-Del^-/- mice). The top differentially expressed genes affected by upstream transcriptional regulators IFNγ, LPS, and TNFα displayed an overlap in HFD and ARE-Del^-/- mice, indicating that obesity-induced liver inflammation may be dependent on signaling via IFNγ. The top pathways altered in HFD mice were mostly involved in the innate immune responses, which overlapped with ARE-Del^-/- mice. In contrast, T cell-mediated signaling pathways were exclusively altered in ARE-Del^-/- mice. We further evaluated the therapeutic effect of luteolin, known as anti-inflammatory flavonoid, in HFD and ARE-Del^-/- mice. Luteolin strongly suppressed the MHC I and II antigen presentation pathways, which were highly activated in both HFD and ARE-Del^-/- mice. Conversely, luteolin increased metabolic processes of fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation in the liver, which were suppressed in ARE-Del^-/- mice. Luteolin also strongly induced PPAR signaling, which was downregulated in HFD and ARE-Del^-/- mice. Using human GWAS data, we characterized the genetic interaction between significant obesity-related genes and IFNγ signaling and demonstrated that IFNγ is crucial for obesity-mediated inflammatory responses. Collectively, this study improves our mechanistic understanding of the relationship between obesity and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, it provides new methodological insights into how immune network-based analyses effectively integrate RNA-seq and microarray data.

Eriocitrin Improves Adiposity and Related Metabolic Disorders in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Eriocitrin (EC) is an abundant flavonoid in lemons, which is known as a strong antioxidant agent. This study investigated the biological and molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-obesity effect of EC in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice. C57BL/6N mice were fed an HFD (40 kcal% fat) with or without 0.005% (w/w) EC for 16 weeks. Dietary EC improved adiposity by increasing adipocyte fatty acid (FA) oxidation, energy expenditure, and mRNA expression of thermogenesis-related genes in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and skeletal muscle, whereas it also decreased lipogenesis-related gene expression in white adipose tissue. In addition to adiposity, EC prevented hepatic steatosis by diminishing lipogenesis while enhancing FA oxidation in the liver and fecal lipid excretion, which was linked to attenuation of hyperlipidemia. Moreover, EC improved insulin sensitivity by decreasing hepatic gluconeogenesis and proinflammatory responses. These findings indicate that EC may protect against diet-induced adiposity and related metabolic disorders by controlling thermogenesis of BAT and skeletal muscle, FA oxidation, lipogenesis, fecal lipid excretion, glucose utilization, and gluconeogenesis.

Fisetin Alleviates Hepatic and Adipocyte Fibrosis and Insulin Resistance in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

The present study aimed to investigate the protective role of the flavonoid fisetin (FI) on inflammation-mediated metabolic diseases, especially tissue fibrosis and insulin resistance (IR) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed with normal-fat diet, HFD (40 kcal% fat), or HFD +0.02% (w/w) FI for 16 weeks. Dietary FI supplementation improved hepatic steatosis by restricting lipogenesis, while promoting lipolysis in the liver. FI also prevented adiposity via an increase in the expression of genes involved in FA oxidation and a decrease in the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis in white adipose tissue. In addition, FI increased brown adipose tissue (BAT) and skeletal muscle weights, thermogenic gene mRNA expression in BAT, and tricarboxylic acid cycle-related gene expression in skeletal muscle, which may be linked to the prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as well as adiposity. Moreover, FI supplementation decreased excessive reactive oxygen species production by increasing paraoxonase activity, adipokine dysregulation, proinflammatory cytokine production, and extracellular matrix amassment in the liver. FI supplementation ameliorated IR, in part, by normalizing pancreatic islet dysfunction, and it declined hepatic gluconeogenesis and proinflammatory responses. Taken together, the present findings indicate that FI can protect against HFD-induced inflammation-mediated disorders, including fibrosis and IR.

d-allulose Ameliorates Metabolic Dysfunction in C57BL/KsJ-db/db Mice

d-allulose is an uncommon sugar that provides almost no calories when consumed. Its sweetness is 70% that of sucrose. d-allulose is a metabolic regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. However, few reports concerning its effect on diabetes and related metabolic disturbances in db/db mice are available. In this study, we evaluated d-allulose's effect on hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, diabetes and inflammatory responses in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. Mice were divided into normal diet, erythritol supplemented (5% w/w), and d-allulose supplemented (5% w/w) groups. Blood glucose and plasma glucagon levels and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) were significantly lower in the d-allulose group than in the normal diet group, and plasma insulin level was significantly increased. Further, d-allulose supplement significantly increased hepatic glucokinase activity and decreased hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Expression of glucose transporter 4, insulin receptor substrate 1, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha and AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 were also upregulated by d-allulose supplement in adipocyte and muscle. Finally, d-allulose effectively lowered plasma and hepatic triglyceride and free fatty acid levels, and simultaneously reduced hepatic fatty acid oxidation and carnitine palmitoyl transferase activity. These changes are likely attributable to suppression of hepatic fatty acid synthase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. Notably, d-allulose also reduced pro-inflammatory adipokine and cytokine levels in plasma. Our results indicate that d-allulose is an effective sugar substitute for improving lipid and glucose metabolism.

Anti-Diabetic Effects of Allulose in Diet-Induced Obese Mice via Regulation of mRNA Expression and Alteration of the Microbiome Composition

Allulose has been reported to serve as an anti-obesity and anti-diabetic food component; however, its molecular mechanism is not yet completely understood. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms of action for allulose in obesity-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), by analyzing the transcriptional and microbial populations of diet-induced obese mice. Thirty-six C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups, fed with a normal diet (ND), a high-fat diet (HFD), a HFD supplemented with 5% erythritol, or a HFD supplemented with 5% allulose for 16 weeks, in a pair-fed manner. The allulose supplement reduced obesity and comorbidities, including inflammation and hepatic steatosis, and changed the microbial community in HFD-induced obese mice. Allulose attenuated obesity-mediated inflammation, by downregulating mRNA levels of inflammatory response components in the liver, leads to decreased plasma pro-inflammatory marker levels. Allulose suppressed glucose and lipid metabolism-regulating enzyme activities, ameliorating hepatic steatosis and improving dyslipidemia. Allulose improved fasting blood glucose (FBG), plasma glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the area under the curve (AUC) for the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), as well as hepatic lipid levels. Our findings suggested that allulose reduced HFD-induced obesity and improved T2DM by altering mRNA expression and the microbiome community.

A219 PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF AKKERMANSIA MUCINIPHILA ON INTESTINAL BARRIER FUNCTION AND INFLAMMATION

Background

Akkermansia muciniphila, an anaerobic gram-negative bacteria, accounts for ~3% of human gut microbiota. Despite its mucolytic nature, A. muciniphila has been shown to stimulate mucin production, enhance anti-inflammatory regulatory T cell proliferation and improve gut barrier integrity. Interestingly, an inverse relationship has been established between A. muciniphila and several disease states including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suggesting it may have protective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the precise role and mechanism of A. muciniphila in the pathogenesis of colitis remains unknown. Thus, we hypothesize that A. muciniphila may induce protective effects on intestinal inflammation by influencing host immune response and epithelial barrier integrity.

Aims

(1) To investigate the protective role of A. muciniphila in intestinal inflammation in a chemically induced model of IBD and (2) to investigate the protective role of A. muciniphila in intestinal inflammation and host defense in a model of enteric parasitic infection.

Methods

Colitis was induced in germ-free C57BL/6 mice with 2.5% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) after treatment with either C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) cecal contents or WT cecal contents supplemented with A. muciniphila. Colitis severity was assessed by disease activity index (DAI), macroscopic and histological scores, myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay and cytokine expression. In addition, colitis was induced by Trichuris muris, an intestinal nematode, following treatment with A. muciniphila. Post-infection, the severity of intestinal inflammation was assessed by worm burden, goblet cell staining, cytokines analysis, MPO activity and Muc2 expression. Microbial composition was assessed by 16s rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

In preliminary studies, mice treated with A. muciniphila and administered DSS for 5 days yielded a significant decrease in DAI, macroscopic scoring, and MPO values compared with controls. IL-10 was also elevated in mice receiving A. muciniphila. Groups receiving A. muciniphila in the T. muris model trended toward decreased worm burden, IL-4, IL-13, as well as increased levels of IL-10, goblet cell expression, and Muc2 and Muc5ac expression. A significant decrease in MPO activity was also observed in the group receiving the A. muciniphila-supplemented gavage. Microbial analysis indicated that 3 weeks post-gavage Akkermansia levels were significantly elevated in groups receiving the A. muciniphila-supplemented WT cecal contents versus WT alone. This significance was maintained post-T. muris infection.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that A. muciniphila may have a protective role in the context of intestinal inflammation. This research has the potential to fuel the development of novel treatments by utilizing this protective role in IBD.

Funding Agencies

CIHR

A209 ROLE OF SEROTONIN-AUTOPHAGY AXIS IN REGULATION OF EPITHELIAL CELL FUNCTION AND MICROBIOTA COMPOSITION IN GUT

Background

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT), an enteric signalling molecule mainly produced by the enterochromaffin (EC) cells of the intestinal epithelium regulates various processes of the gut. Tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1) is the rate-limiting enzyme of 5-HT biosynthesis in EC cells. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and experimental colitis, there are alterations in 5-HT content and microbiota composition in the gut. Previously we reported, Tph1-deficient (Tph1-/-) mice with reduced 5-HT in the gut exhibit reduced susceptibility to colitis. The mechanism by which 5-HT regulates colitis is unknown. Autophagy, a catabolic process regulates the function of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), gut microbiota, and protects against intestinal inflammation. Both aberrant 5-HT signalling and autophagy is implicated in colitis. It is unclear whether they interact in regulation of production of pro-inflammatory cytokines from IECs and gut microbiota composition in relation to colitis. Our hypothesis is, an increase in 5-HT signalling inhibits autophagy in the IECs, which results in up-regulation of colitis by increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and by selection for a more colitogenic microbiota.

Aims

To define the role of 5-HT-autophagy axis in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines from IECs and gut microbiota composition in intestinal inflammation.

Methods

We investigated level of autophagy with or without 5% dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) in colons, mucosal scraping and IECs of Tph1-/- and their wild-type (WT) littermates. In addition, autophagy and proinflammatory cytokine production were investigated in human colonic epithelial cells (HT-29) following stimulation by 5-HT. We evaluated colitis and gut microbiota composition in WT, Tph1-/-, epithelial-specific autophagy gene Atg7 deficient (Atg7ΔIEC), and Atg7ΔIECTph1-/- (double knock out; DKO) mice.

Results

Tph1 -/- mice, with less 5-HT in the gut than WT mice following DSS administration exhibited an up-regulation of autophagy markers in the colon, mucosal scraping and IECs along with reduction of colitis severity. 5-HT treatment of HT-29 cells resulted in down-regulation of autophagy and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-8. DKO mice exhibited increased severity of DSS-colitis, and altered microbiota composition compared to Tph1-/- mice.

Conclusions

These findings suggest, an increase in 5-HT in colitis inhibits autophagy in the IECs that contribute to alteration of the gut microbiota and disease severity. Blocking 5-HT signalling may promote autophagy in the IECs and alleviate the severity of colitis. Understanding the contribution of 5-HT in autophagy may identify new therapeutic target in IBD and other intestinal inflammatory conditions that exhibit dysregulated autophagy.

Funding Agencies

CAG, CIHR

Intervention Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Platycodon grandiflorus Ethanol Extract in Overweight or Moderately Obese Adults: A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Platycodon grandiflorus root extract (PGE) has shown various properties, such as anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity, but mostly in animal studies. Therefore, we conducted a preliminary study on the anti-obesity effect of PGE in 108 Korean adults (aged 20–60 years, 30 kg/m² ≥ body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m²). The participants were randomly assigned to four groups and were administered the placebo, PGE571 (571 mg as PGE), PGE1142 (1142 mg as PGE), and PGE2855 (2855 mg as PGE), independently, for 12 weeks. Body composition, nutrient intake, computed tomography scan, and plasma adipokines, as well as hepatic/renal function markers, were assessed. The PGE571 group revealed a significant decrease in body fat mass and body fat percentage when compared with the placebo group. Moreover, the total abdominal and subcutaneous fat areas were significantly decreased following PGE (PGE2855 group) supplementation. These results provide useful information on the anti-obesity effect of PGE for overweight and obese adult humans.

Elucidation of the Metabolic and Transcriptional Responses of an Oriental Herbal Medicine, Bangpungtongseong-san, to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Bangpungtongseong-san (BT), an oriental herbal medicine, is used to treat obesity in Korea and East Asia and its antiobesity effects have been examined by several researchers. However, the molecular mechanisms of the antihepatic steatosis effects of BT are unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of BT on obesity, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, by analyzing metabolic and transcriptional responses using mRNA-sequencing profiles. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD + BT (1.5%, w/w, BT) for 12 weeks. Phenotype characteristics were estimated, and the antiobesity mechanism was examined using mRNA sequencing transcriptomic profiles in HFD-induced obese mice. BT treatment ameliorated dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in HFD-induced obese mice and reduced body weight gain. The levels of hepatic lipotoxicity markers were significantly decreased, while hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities were augmented by BT compared with in the HFD group. BT attenuated HFD-induced fatty liver through transcriptional changes in the liver. BT treatment downregulated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation-related genes in the liver, suggesting improved mitochondrial function. BT treatment also decreased the hepatic fibrosis-related transcriptome. Our findings provide insight into the antiobesity effects of BT, an alternative oriental medicine, for treating obesity-related conditions. Metabolic and transcriptional responses to diet-induced obesity with BT treatment improved liver function.

Chrysanthemum Leaf Ethanol Extract Prevents Obesity and Metabolic Disease in Diet-Induced Obese Mice via Lipid Mobilization in White Adipose Tissue

This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. against obesity and diabetes, by comparing the transcriptional changes in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) with those of the bioactive compound in C. morifolium, luteolin (LU). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with 1.5% w/w chrysanthemum leaf ethanol extract (CLE) for 16 weeks. Supplementation with CLE and LU significantly decreased the body weight gain and eWAT weight by stimulating mRNA expressions for thermogenesis and energy expenditure in eWAT via lipid mobilization, which may be linked to the attenuation of dyslipidemia. Furthermore, CLE and LU increased uncoupling protein-1 protein expression in brown adipose tissue, leading to energy expenditure. Of note, CLE and LU supplements enhanced the balance between lipid storage and mobilization in white adipose tissue (WAT), in turn, inhibiting adipocyte inflammation and lipotoxicity of peripheral tissues. Moreover, CLE and LU attenuated hepatic steatosis by suppressing hepatic lipogenesis, thereby ameliorating insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Our data suggest that CLE helps inhibit obesity and its comorbidities via the complex interplay between liver and WAT in diet-induced obese mice.

Physcion reduces lipid accumulation and prevents the obesity in mice

Background

Obesity increases the risk of metabolic dysfunction such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and fatty liver. Physcion (PY) is an anthraquinone that reportedly has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. However, few studies have addressed the effect of PY on high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of PY on obesity.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed normal diet (ND, 5% fat, w/w), high-fat diet (HFD, 20% fat, 1% cholesterol, w/w), and HFD supplemented with 0.002% PY (w/w) for 16 weeks. Obesity-related biomarkers were analyzed including whole body and white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, in addition to lipid and inflammatory factors in the plasma, feces, liver and epididymal WAT. Significant differences among the groups were determined using Student’s t-test. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Results

Body and WAT weights were significantly decreased by the PY supplement relative to the HFD groups. Energy expenditure was enhanced by the PY supplement, which led to ameliorate plasma lipids, adipokines, cytokines, and fecal lipids. Fatty acid (FA) synthesis decreased in the liver, while FA oxidation increased. Finally, lipid synthesis markedly decreased whereas lipolysis and oxidation increased in WAT.

Conclusions

The PY supplement suppressed lipid accumulation in WAT and the liver by regulating enzyme and gene levels. These results indicate that PY can improve diet-induced obesity and its complications such as dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation.

Dietary Eriodictyol Alleviates Adiposity, Hepatic Steatosis, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammation in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-obesity effect of flavonoid eriodictyol (ED) supplementation in mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). C57BL/6N mice were fed with normal diet (ND), HFD (40 kcal% fat), or HFD + 0.005% (w/w) ED for 16 weeks. In HFD-induced obese mice, dietary ED supplementation significantly alleviated dyslipidemia and adiposity by downregulating the expression of lipogenesis-related genes in white adipose tissue (WAT), while enhancing fecal lipid excretion. ED additionally improved hepatic steatosis and decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by downregulating the expression of hepatic enzymes and the genes involved in lipogenesis and upregulating the expression of hepatic fatty acid oxidation-related enzymes and genes. In addition, ED improved insulin resistance (IR) by suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis, enhancing glucose utilization, and modulating the production and release of two incretin hormones, namely gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Taken together, the current findings indicated that ED can protect against diet-induced obesity and related metabolic disturbances, including dyslipidemia, inflammation, fatty liver disease, and IR in diet-induced obese mice.

Gastrointestinal Tolerance of D-Allulose in Healthy and Young Adults. A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

D-allulose has recently received attention as a sugar substitute. However, there are currently no reports regarding its association with gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance. Thus, we performed a GI tolerance test for D-allulose in order to establish its daily acceptable intake level. When the dose of D-allulose was gradually increased in steps of 0.1 g/kg·Body Weight (BW) to identify the maximum single dose for occasional ingestion, no cases of severe diarrhea or GI symptoms were noted until a dose of 0.4 g/kg·BW was reached. Severe symptoms of diarrhea were noted at a dose of 0.5 g/kg·BW. Similarly, the GI tolerance test did not show any incidences of severe diarrhea or GI symptoms until a dose of 0.5 g/kg·BW was reached. A correlation analysis of the GI tolerance test for D-allulose and sugar revealed significantly higher frequencies of symptoms of diarrhea (p = 0.004), abdominal distention (p = 0.039), and abdominal pain (p = 0.031) after D-allulose intake. Increasing the total daily D-allulose intake gradually to 1.0 g/kg·BW for regular ingestion resulted in incidences of severe nausea, abdominal pain, headache, anorexia, and diarrheal symptoms. Based on these results, we suggest a maximum single dose and maximum total daily intake of D-Allulose of 0.4 g/kg·BW and 0.9 g/kg·BW, respectively.

Role of Synbiotics Containing d-Allulose in the Alteration of Body Fat and Hepatic Lipids in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

The effects of allulose and two probiotic species on diet-induced obese (DIO) mice were investigated. Lactobacillus sakei LS03 (10⁹ cfu/day) and Leuconostoc kimchii GJ2 (10⁹ cfu/day) were used as probiotics, and allulose (AL) as a prebiotic. The synergistic effect of prebiotics and probiotics in improving obesity was evaluated. Orally fed Lactobacillus sakei LS03 (LS) or Leuconostoc kimchii GJ2 (GJ), significantly decreased hepatic triglyceride (TG) and fatty acid (FA) compared to the high-fat diet (HFD) control. AL markedly decreased visceral adiposity and pro-inflammatory adipokines (leptin and resistin) and cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1β) as well as hepatic TG and FA. In addition, AL exerted synergic effects with probiotics (LS and/or GJ) on the reduction of visceral white adipose tissue (WAT), associated with a decreased leptin: adiponectin ratio. There was no significant differences between the AL-SL and AL group, allulose and GJ combination (AL-GJ) was more effective than allulose in improving dyslipidemia, and decreasing WAT weight and hepatic FA, suggesting allulose may act as a favorable prebiotic for GJ supplement than LS. Combination of allulose with LS and GJ supplementation (AL-LSGJ) was the most effective for improving obesity related complications among the synbiotics groups containing allulose. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the synbiotic mixture with allulose was more effective in suppressing diet-induced obese (DIO) and its complications via the regulation of lipid metabolism, than the probiotics or allulose alone, suggesting allulose may act as a prebiotic for the two probiotics tested in the study. This new synbiotic mixture with allulose may help ameliorate the deleterious effects of diet-induced obesity and contribute to the growth of the food industry.

Ursolic Acid Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis, Fibrosis, and Insulin Resistance by Modulating the Circadian Rhythm Pathway in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

The aim of the current study was to elucidate the effects of long-term supplementation with dietary ursolic acid (UR) on obesity and associated comorbidities by analyzing transcriptional and metabolic responses, focusing on the role of UR in the modulation of the circadian rhythm pathway in particular. C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups and fed a normal diet, high-fat diet, or high-fat + 0.05% (w/w) UR diet for 16 weeks. Oligonucleotide microarray profiling revealed that UR is an effective regulator of the liver transcriptome, and canonical pathways associated with the "circadian rhythm" and "extracellular matrix (ECM)⁻receptor interactions" were effectively regulated by UR in the liver. UR altered the expression of various clock and clock-controlled genes (CCGs), which may be linked to the improvement of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis via lipid metabolism control and detoxification enhancement. UR reduced excessive reactive oxygen species production, adipokine/cytokine dysregulation, and ECM accumulation in the liver, which also contributed to improve hepatic lipotoxicity and fibrosis. Moreover, UR improved pancreatic islet dysfunction, and suppressed hepatic gluconeogenesis, thereby reducing obesity-associated insulin resistance. Therapeutic approaches targeting hepatic circadian clock and CCGs using UR may ameliorate the deleterious effects of diet-induced obesity and associated complications such as hepatic fibrosis.

Clinical and microbiological effects of the supplementary use of an erythritol powder air-polishing device in non-surgical periodontal therapy: a randomized clinical trial

Purpose

This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of an erythritol powder air-polishing device (EPAP) as a supplement to scaling and root planing (SRP) therapy in patients with moderate chronic periodontitis.

Methods

Clinical and microbiological evaluations were performed at 21 sites treated with SRP (control) and 21 sites treated with SRP+EPAP (test). All examinations were performed before treatment, 1 month after treatment, and 3 months after treatment.

Results

There were no significant clinical differences between the test group and the control group. Microbiological analysis revealed that the relative expression level of Porphyromonas gingivalis was significantly lower in the test group than in the control group at 1 month after treatment. Clinical and microbiological results showed improvements at 1 month compared to baseline; in contrast, the results at 3 months after treatment were worse than those at 1 month after treatment.

Conclusions

In this study, both SRP and SRP+EPAP were clinically and microbiologically effective as non-surgical periodontal treatments. In particular, the SRP+EPAP group showed an antimicrobial effect on P. gingivalis, a keystone bacterium associated with the onset of chronic periodontitis, in a short-term period. Periodic periodontal therapy, at intervals of at least every 3 months, is important for sustaining the microbiological effects of this treatment.

Dietary Isoliquiritigenin at a Low Dose Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and NAFLD in Diet-Induced Obesity in C57BL/6J Mice

Isoliquiritigenin (ILG) is a flavonoid constituent of Glycyrrhizae plants. The current study investigated the effects of ILG on diet-induced obesity and metabolic diseases. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (AIN-76 purified diet), high-fat diet (40 kcal% fat), and high-fat diet +0.02% (w/w) ILG for 16 weeks. Supplementation of ILG resulted in decreased body fat mass and plasma cholesterol level. ILG ameliorated hepatic steatosis by suppressing the expression of hepatic lipogenesis genes and hepatic triglyceride and fatty acid contents, while enhancing β-oxidation in the liver. ILG improved insulin resistance by lowering plasma glucose and insulin levels. This was also demonstrated by the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). Additionally, ILG upregulated the expression of insulin signaling-related genes in the liver and muscle. Interestingly, ILG elevated energy expenditure by increasing the expression of thermogenesis genes, which is linked to stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis and uncoupled cellular respiration in brown adipose tissue. ILG also suppressed proinflammatory cytokine levels in the plasma. These results suggest that ILG supplemented at 0.02% in the diet can ameliorate body fat mass, plasma cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance; these effects were partly mediated by increasing energy expenditure in high-fat fed mice.

Loss of DJ-1 promotes browning of white adipose tissue in diet-induced obese mice

The seminal discovery of browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) holds great promise for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. DJ-1 is evolutionarily conserved across species, and mutations in DJ-1 have been identified in Parkinson's disease. Higher levels of DJ-1 are associated with obesity, but the underlying mechanism is less understood. Here, we report the previously unappreciated role of DJ-1 in white adipocyte biology in mature models of obesity. We used DJ-1 knockout (KO) mouse models and wild-type littermates maintained on a normal diet or high-fat diet as well as in vitro cell models to show the direct effects of DJ-1 depletion on adipocyte phenotype, thermogenic capacity, fat metabolism, and microenvironment profile. Global DJ-1 KO mice show increased sympathetic input to WAT and β3-adrenergic receptor intracellular signaling, leading to a previously unrecognized compensatory mechanism through browning of WAT with associated characteristics, including high mitochondrial contents, reduced lipid accumulation, adequate vascularization and attenuated autophagy. DJ-1 KO mice had normal body weight, energy balance, and adiposity, which were associated with protective effects on healthy WAT expansion by hyperplasia. Our findings revealed that browning of inguinal WAT occurred in DJ-1 KO mice that do not show increased predisposition to obesity and suggest that such potential mechanism may overcome the adverse metabolic consequences of obesity independent of an effect on body weight. Here, we provide the first direct evidence that targeting DJ-1 in adipocyte metabolic health may offer a unique therapeutic strategy for the treatment of obesity.

Antiobesity Effects of Short-Chain Chitosan in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Dietary chitosan is known for its antiobesity effects by combining with bile acid and lipid droplets. When the chitosan structure is broken into short chains, the fat-binding capacity increases. The aim of this study was to compare long-chain chitosan (LC) with short-chain chitosan (SC) for their antiobesity effects in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6J mice for 12 weeks. The body weights of mice in both chitosan groups were decreased, especially in the SC group compared with the LC group. Total white adipose tissue and visceral fat weights were also decreased in mice of the SC group more than those of the HFD group. Moreover, SC supplementation lowered plasma triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels, whereas LC only lowered plasma free fatty acid level. Fecal lipids were increased in mice of both LC and SC groups, and hepatic TG and cholesterol levels were decreased in both groups. SC lowered phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity and elevated β-oxidation in the liver. Furthermore, SC decreased the expression of the hepatic lipid-regulating genes, including fatty acid synthase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ1, and PPARγ2; and increased the expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator (PGC)1α genes. In conclusion, we demonstrated that long-term supplementation of SC can ameliorate body weight and lipid levels by increasing lipid excretion and regulating lipid metabolism, including some enzyme activities and gene expression levels, in HFD-induced obese mice.

Phylogenetic characterization of norovirus strains detected from sporadic gastroenteritis in Seoul during 2014-2016

Background

Phylogenetic analysis of norovirus (NoV) is efficient for tracking NoV transmission. To determine the widespread NoV strains in Seoul, we conducted an extensive phylogenetic characterization of NoV-positives from 1659 diarrheal specimens collected in 2014–2016 for the Seoul NoV-surveillance.

Results

When the large numbers of NoV partial VP1 genome sequences were analyzed in acute gastroenteritis patients along with the phylogenetic characterization, we could identify molecular epidemiologic patterns based on the genetic characteristics of sporadic NoV strains circulating in Seoul, which could provide a detailed description of the genome-wide and community-wide NoV evolution in each genotype. The average NoV detection rate in our study period was 16.34% that was increased by 7.44% from 13.17% in 2014 to 20.61% in 2016. Prevalence of NoV GI and GII was 4.43% and 93.36%, respectively, and the GII.4, GII.17, and GII.3 were found to be the major type among 17 genotypes of NoV. The most prevalent one was GII.4 (50.92%) that was followed by GII.17 (18.08%) and GII.3 (9.96%). According to an extensive phylogenetic analysis based on partial VP1 sequences of 1008 NoV (276 sporadic, 518 outbreak and 214 reference), pandemic strains of GII.17, GII.4 and GII.3 have emerged in succession during the 2014-2016 Seoul NoV-surveillance. GII.17 emerged as GII.17|Kawasaki323 in 2014, and became the predominant genotype in 2015 with GII.17|2014_Kawasaki lineages (CUHK-NS-616/Kawasaki308). The formerly predominant GII.4 remained high-level with GII.4|2012_Sydney in 2014 and internally replaced to GII.4|2016_Kawasaki194 lineage (NOR-2565/NOR-2558/OH16002) that caused the sporadic NoV explosion since December 2015. Sporadically prevalent GII.3|Hu/Aichio334-13/2013 failed to develop any outbreaks, whereas sporadic GII.3|Hu/3-28/2015/HNZZ/CHN caused heavy outbreaks in Seoul without preparation time since November 2016.

Conclusions

This is the first extensive phylogenetic study revealing the important events of NoV strains circulating in Seoul. Particularly, our study period from 2014 to 2016 was very dynamic with the emergences of the three main NoV strains (GII.17|2014_Kawasaki, GII.4|2016_Kawasaki194 and GII.3|Hu/3-28/2015/HNZZ/CHN) every year. We are sure that it is hard to detect above findings by simple conventional analysis. Our present study reports a future paradigm of the NoV molecular epidemiology, which might be highly valuable to track new strains and predict oncoming outbreaks.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13099-018-0263-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Porphyromonas gingivalis accelerates atherosclerosis through oxidation of high-density lipoprotein

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) to induce oxidation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and to determine whether the oxidized HDL induced by P. gingivalis exhibited altered antiatherogenic function or became proatherogenic.

Methods

P. gingivalis and THP-1 monocytes were cultured, and the extent of HDL oxidation induced by P. gingivalis was evaluated by a thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay. To evaluate the altered antiatherogenic and proatherogenic properties of P. gingivalis-treated HDL, lipid oxidation was quantified by the TBARS assay, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels and the gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were also measured. After incubating macrophages with HDL and P. gingivalis, Oil Red O staining was performed to examine foam cells.

Results

P. gingivalis induced HDL oxidation. The HDL treated by P. gingivalis did not reduce lipid oxidation and may have enhanced the formation of MMP-9 and TNF-α. P. gingivalis-treated macrophages exhibited more lipid aggregates than untreated macrophages.

Conclusions

P. gingivalis induced HDL oxidation, impairing the atheroprotective function of HDL and making it proatherogenic by eliciting a proinflammatory response through its interaction with monocytes/macrophages.

Pattern analysis of patients with temporomandibular disorders resulting from unilateral mastication due to chronic periodontitis

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to perform a pattern analysis in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) resulting from unilateral mastication due to chronic periodontitis.

Methods

Thirty participants with signs or symptoms of TMD who engaged in unilateral mastication due to periodontitis-related discomfort (test group) were selected. Another 30 subjects exhibiting signs or symptoms of TMD resulting from unilateral mastication not due to chronic periodontitis (control group) were also recruited. An interview-based questionnaire was administered, and an examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with determination of periodontal status was performed.

Results

The duration of unilateral mastication was significantly longer in the control group than in the test group. There was a significant negative correlation between the duration of unilateral mastication and the Community Periodontal Index score. Using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) axis I algorithms, all the subjects were assigned to 3 main groups. The test group exhibited significantly a higher diagnostic distribution of group III (arthralgia, osteoarthritis, or osteoarthrosis), and in both the test and control groups, the number of diagnoses was larger for the non-chewing side. The control group showed a significantly higher diagnostic distribution of group I (myofacial pain), and in both the test and control groups, the number of diagnoses was larger for the chewing side.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicate that unilateral mastication due to chronic periodontitis could induce not only pain but also structural TMJ changes if adequate treatment is not administered and supported within a short time from the onset of the condition. Therefore, immediate treatment of chronic periodontitis is recommended to prevent not only the primary progress of periodontal disease, but also secondary TMJ-related problems. Furthermore, subjects who have suffered chronic long-term periodontitis without treatment should be urged to undergo a TMJ examination.

Robust immunoreactivity of teenager sera against peptide 19 from Porphyromonas gingivalis HSP60

Purpose

Epitope spreading is a phenomenon in which distinct subdominant epitopes become major targets of the immune response. Heat shock protein (HSP) 60 from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgHSP60) and peptide 19 from PgHSP60 (Pep19) are immunodominant epitopes in autoimmune disease patients, including those with periodontitis. It remains unclear whether Pep19 is a dominant epitope in subjects without periodontitis or autoimmune disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the epitope spreading pattern and verify Pep19 as an immunodominant epitope in healthy teenagers using dot immunoblot analysis. The patterns of epitope spreading in age-matched patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM) and healthy 20- to 29-year old subjects were compared with those of healthy teenagers.

Methods

Peptide from PgHSP60, Mycobacterium tuberculosis HSP60 (MtHSP60), and Chlamydia pneumoniae HSP60 (CpHSP60) was synthesized for comparative recognition by sera from healthy subjects and patients with autoimmune disease (type 1 DM). Dot immunoblot analysis against a panel of peptides of PgHSP60 and human HSP60 (HuHSP60) was performed to identify epitope spreading, and a densitometric image analysis was conducted.

Results

Of the peptide from PgHSP60, MtHSP60, and CpHSP60, PgHSP60 was the predominant epitope and was most consistently recognized by the serum samples of healthy teenagers. Most sera from healthy subjects and patients with type 1 DM reacted more strongly with PgHSP60 and Pep19 than the other peptides. The relative intensity of antibody reactivity to Pep19 was higher in the type 1 DM group than in the healthy groups.

Conclusions

Pep19 is an immunodominant epitope, not only in autoimmune disease patients, but also in healthy young subjects, as evidenced by their robust immunoreactivity. This result suggests that the Pep19-specific immune response may be an initiator that triggers autoimmune diseases.

Seabuckthorn Leaves Extract and Flavonoid Glycosides Extract from Seabuckthorn Leaves Ameliorates Adiposity, Hepatic Steatosis, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammation in Diet-Induced Obesity

The aim of the current study was to elucidate the effect of seabuckthorn leaves (SL) extract and flavonoid glycosides extract from seabuckthorn leaves (SLG) on diet-induced obesity and related metabolic disturbances, and additionally, to identify whether flavonoid glycosides and other components in SL can exert a possible interaction for the prevention of metabolic diseases by comparing the effect of SL and SLG. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, AIN-93G purified diet), high-fat diet (HFD, 60 kcal% fat), HFD + 1.8% (w/w) SL (SL), and HFD + 0.04% (w/w) SLG (SLG) for 12 weeks. In high fat-fed mice, SL and SLG decreased the adiposity by suppressing lipogenesis in adipose tissue, while increasing the energy expenditure. SL and SLG also improved hepatic steatosis by suppressing hepatic lipogenesis and lipid absorption, whilst also enhancing hepatic fatty acid oxidation, which may be linked to the improvement in dyslipidemia. Moreover, SL and SLG improved insulin sensitivity by suppressing the levels of plasma GIP that were modulated by secreted resistin and pro-inflammatory cytokine, and hepatic glucogenic enzyme activities. SL, especially its flavonoid glycosides (SLG), can protect against the deleterious effects of diet-induced obesity (DIO) and its metabolic complications such as adiposity, dyslipidemia, inflammation, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance.

Metabolic Effect of an Oriental Herbal Medicine on Obesity and Its Comorbidities with Transcriptional Responses in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Taeeumjowuitang (TJ) is an alternative herbal medicine that has been used to treat obesity in Korea. The molecular mechanisms involved in TJ-induced anti-obesity effects have not yet been determined. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the effects of TJ on obesity and metabolic syndrome, by analyzing the transcriptional and metabolic responses to TJ treatment. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat or high-fat + 3% (w/w) TJ diet for 12 weeks. Their phenotypic characteristics were measured and the anti-obesity mechanism was elucidated, based on the RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptomic profiles in an animal model of obesity. TJ treatment ameliorated insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, with a simultaneous reduction in body weight gain by enhancing energy expenditure and suppressing adiposity. An analysis of the global transcriptional changes by RNA-seq revealed that TJ upregulated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation-associated genes in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), suggesting an enhanced mitochondrial function after TJ treatment. Moreover, TJ effectively attenuated the high-fat diet-induced inflammatory response through transcriptional changes in eWAT. Our findings provide some mechanistic insights into the effects of TJ, an alternative oriental medicine, in the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. They demonstrate that metabolic and transcriptional responses to diet-induced obesity with TJ treatment were desirable in adipose tissue metabolism.

Comparative evaluation of a newly developed 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in a mouse model

Animal models facilitate evaluation of vaccine efficacy at relatively low cost. This study was a comparative evaluation of the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a new 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) with a control vaccine in a mouse model.

After vaccination, anti-capsular antibody levels were evaluated by pneumococcal polysaccharide (PnP) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and opsonophagocytic killing assay (OPA). Also, mice were challenged intraperitoneally with 100-fold of the 50% lethal dose of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The anti-capsular IgG levels against serotypes 1, 4, 7F, 14, 18C, 19A, and 19F were high (quartile 2 >1,600), while those against the other serotypes were low (Q2 ≤ 800). Also, the OPA titres were similar to those determined by PnP ELISA. Comparative analysis between new PCV13 and control vaccination group in a mouse model exhibited significant differences in serological immunity of a few serotypes and the range of anti-capsular IgG in the population. Challenge of wild-type or neutropenic mice with serotypes 3, 5, 6A, 6B, and 9V showed protective immunity despite of induced relatively low levels of anti-capsular antibodies. With comparison analysis, a mouse model should be adequate for evaluating serological efficacy and difference in the population level as preclinical trial.

Effect of slow forced eruption on the vertical levels of the interproximal bone and papilla and the width of the alveolar ridge

OBJECTIVE

Forced eruption has been proposed for the reconstruction of deficient bone and soft tissue. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in the alveolar ridge width and the vertical levels of the interproximal bone and papilla following forced eruption.

METHODS

Patients whose hopeless maxillary anterior teeth were expected to undergo severe bone resorption and soft tissue recession upon extraction were recruited. In addition, patients whose maxillary anterior teeth required forced eruption for restoration due to tooth fracture or dental caries were included. Before and after forced eruption, the interproximal bone height was measured by radiographic analysis, and changes in the alveolar ridge width and the interproximal papilla height were measured with an acrylic stent.

RESULTS

This prospective study demonstrated that the levels of the interproximal alveolar bone and papilla were significantly increased by 1.36 mm and 1.09 mm, respectively, in the vertical direction. However, the alveolar ridge width was significantly reduced by an average of 0.67 mm in the buccolingual direction. The changes in the level of the interproximal alveolar bone and papilla were positively correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the levels of the interproximal bone and papilla were significantly increased, the alveolar ridge width was significantly decreased following forced eruption. There was a modest positive and significant correlation between the changes in the height of the interproximal alveolar bone and the papilla. Based on our findings, modification of vertical forced eruption should be considered when augmentation of the alveolar ridge width is required.

Beneficial Effects of Pterocarpan-High Soybean Leaf Extract on Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Korean Subjects: Randomized Controlled Trial

Pterocarpans are known to have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. However, little is known about the changes in transcriptional profiles in response to a pterocarpan-high soybean leaf extract (PT). Therefore, this study investigated the effects of PT on blood glucose and lipid levels, as well as on the inflammation-related gene expression based on a peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) mRNA sequencing analysis in Korean overweight and obese subjects with mild metabolic syndrome. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups and were administered either placebo (starch, 3 g/day) or PT (2 g/day) for 12 weeks. The PT intervention did not change body weight, body fat percentage and body mass index (BMI). However, PT significantly decreased the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), plasma glucose, free fatty acid, total cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol levels after 12 weeks. Furthermore, PT supplementation significantly lowered the homeostatic index of insulin resistance, as well as the plasma levels of inflammatory markers. Finally, the mRNA sequencing analysis revealed that PT downregulated genes related to immune responses. PT supplementation is beneficial for the improvement of metabolic syndrome by altering the fasting blood and plasma glucose, HbA1c, plasma lipid levels and inflammation-related gene expression in PBMCs.

A Model-Based Joint Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes and Phenotype-Associated Genes

Over the last decade, many analytical methods and tools have been developed for microarray data. The detection of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among different treatment groups is often a primary purpose of microarray data analysis. In addition, association studies investigating the relationship between genes and a phenotype of interest such as survival time are also popular in microarray data analysis. Phenotype association analysis provides a list of phenotype-associated genes (PAGs). However, it is sometimes necessary to identify genes that are both DEGs and PAGs. We consider the joint identification of DEGs and PAGs in microarray data analyses. The first approach we used was a naïve approach that detects DEGs and PAGs separately and then identifies the genes in an intersection of the list of PAGs and DEGs. The second approach we considered was a hierarchical approach that detects DEGs first and then chooses PAGs from among the DEGs or vice versa. In this study, we propose a new model-based approach for the joint identification of DEGs and PAGs. Unlike the previous two-step approaches, the proposed method identifies genes simultaneously that are DEGs and PAGs. This method uses standard regression models but adopts different null hypothesis from ordinary regression models, which allows us to perform joint identification in one-step. The proposed model-based methods were evaluated using experimental data and simulation studies. The proposed methods were used to analyze a microarray experiment in which the main interest lies in detecting genes that are both DEGs and PAGs, where DEGs are identified between two diet groups and PAGs are associated with four phenotypes reflecting the expression of leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and insulin. Model-based approaches provided a larger number of genes, which are both DEGs and PAGs, than other methods. Simulation studies showed that they have more power than other methods. Through analysis of data from experimental microarrays and simulation studies, the proposed model-based approach was shown to provide a more powerful result than the naïve approach and the hierarchical approach. Since our approach is model-based, it is very flexible and can easily handle different types of covariates.

Luteolin attenuates hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance through the interplay between the liver and adipose tissue in mice with diet-induced obesity

The flavonoid luteolin has various pharmacological activities. However, few studies exist on the in vivo mechanism underlying the actions of luteolin in hepatic steatosis and obesity. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the action of luteolin on obesity and its comorbidity by analyzing its transcriptional and metabolic responses, in particular the luteolin-mediated cross-talk between liver and adipose tissue in diet-induced obese mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal, high-fat, and high-fat + 0.005% (weight for weight) luteolin diet for 16 weeks. In high fat-fed mice, luteolin improved hepatic steatosis by suppressing hepatic lipogenesis and lipid absorption. In adipose tissue, luteolin increased PPARγ protein expression to attenuate hepatic lipotoxicity, which may be linked to the improvement in circulating fatty acid (FA) levels by enhancing FA uptake genes and lipogenic genes and proteins in adipose tissue. Interestingly, luteolin also upregulated the expression of genes controlling lipolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle prior to lipid droplet formation, thereby reducing adiposity. Moreover, luteolin improved hepatic insulin sensitivity by suppressing SREBP1 expression that modulates Irs2 expression through its negative feedback and gluconeogenesis. Luteolin ameliorates the deleterious effects of diet-induced obesity and its comorbidity via the interplay between liver and adipose tissue.