Protective Effect of Whole Wheat on Muscle Atrophy in C2C12 Cells via Akt/FoxO1 Signaling Pathways

Skeletal muscles are important for body movement, postural maintenance, and energy metabolism. Muscle atrophy is caused by various factors, including lack of exercise, age, genetics, and malnutrition, leading to the loss of muscle mass. The Akt/FoxO signaling pathway plays a key role in the regulation of muscle protein synthesis and degradation. Whole wheat contains functional ingredients that may indirectly contribute to muscle health and function and can help prevent or slow the progression of muscle atrophy. In this study, the protective effects of three wheat cultivars (Seodun, Ol, and Shinmichal 1) against hydrogen peroxide-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 cells were investigated. We found that whole-wheat treatment reduced reactive oxygen species production, prevented glutathione depletion, and increased myotube diameter, thereby reducing muscle atrophy by activating myoblast differentiation. Generally, "Shinmichal 1" exhibited the highest activation of the Akt/FoxO signaling pathway. In contrast, "Seodun" showed similar or slightly higher activities than those of the H2O2-treated only group. In conclusion, whole wheat exerts a protective effect against muscle atrophy by activating the Akt/FoxO signaling pathway. This study indicates that whole wheat may help prevent muscle atrophy.

Unsaponifiable Matter from Wheat Bran Cultivated in Korea Inhibits Hepatic Lipogenesis by Activating AMPK Pathway

Unsaponifiable matter (USM) from wheat bran, a by-product obtained from wheat milling, is abundant in health-promoting compounds such as phytosterols, tocopherols, policosanols, and alkylresorcinols. This study aimed to examine the effects of USM from the wheat bran of normal and waxy type wheat, Saekeumkang (SKK) and Shinmichal (SMC), on hepatic lipid accumulation in free fatty acid (FFA)-induced hepatocytes and to investigate the cellular mechanism. The total phytochemical contents were 46.562 g/100 g USM and 38.130 g/100 g USM from SKK and SMC, respectively. FFA treatment increased intracellular lipid accumulation by approximately 260% compared to the control group; however, treatment with USM from SKK and SMC significantly attenuated lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, USM downregulated the expression of lipogenic factors such as fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory-element-binding protein 1c by approximately 40% compared to the FFA treatment group. Treatment with USM promoted lipolysis and positively regulated the expression of the proteins involved in β-oxidation, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and its downstream protein, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A. Moreover, the blockade of AMPK activation significantly abolished the inhibitory effects of USM on hepatic lipid accumulation. These results indicated that the USM from both SKK and SMC can alleviate lipid accumulation in hepatocytes in an AMPK-dependent manner. Therefore, USM from wheat bran may be useful as a therapeutic intervention for treating metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

Quality Characteristics of Sweet Potato Jelly Prepared Using the Enzymatic Saccharification Method

In this study, jelly was prepared using saccharified sweet potatoes without sugar, and its quality characteristics were compared according to the sweet potato cultivar. Three sweet potato varieties, namely Juwhangmi (orange color), Sinjami (purple color), and Daeyumi (yellow flesh color), were used. The total free sugar and glucose contents of the hydrolysate were found to increase during the enzyme treatment. However, no differences in the moisture, total soluble solids, or textural properties were found among the sweet potato cultivars. Sinjami had high total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of 446.14 mg GAE/100 g and 243.59 mg CE/100 g, respectively, and it had the highest antioxidant activity among the cultivars. Based on the sensory evaluation, an overall preference appeared in the order of Daeyumi, Sinjami, and Juwhangmi cultivars. This result shows that jelly can be manufactured by saccharifying sweet potatoes, and it was confirmed that the characteristics of raw sweet potatoes had a great influence on the quality characteristics of the jelly. Further, the characteristics of raw sweet potatoes had a remarkable influence on the quality characteristics of the jelly.

Astrocytic water channel aquaporin-4 modulates brain plasticity in both mice and humans: a potential gliogenetic mechanism underlying language-associated learning

The role of astrocytes in brain plasticity has not been extensively studied compared with that of neurons. Here we adopted integrative translational and reverse-translational approaches to explore the role of an astrocyte-specific major water channel in the brain, aquaporin-4 (AQP4), in brain plasticity and learning. We initially identified the most prevalent genetic variant of AQP4 (single nucleotide polymorphism of rs162008 with C or T variation, which has a minor allele frequency of 0.21) from a human database (n=60 706) and examined its functionality in modulating the expression level of AQP4 in an in vitro luciferase reporter assay. In the following experiments, AQP4 knock-down in mice not only impaired hippocampal volumetric plasticity after exposure to enriched environment but also caused loss of long-term potentiation after theta-burst stimulation. In humans, there was a cross-sectional association of rs162008 with gray matter (GM) volume variation in cortices, including the vicinity of the Perisylvian heteromodal language area (Sample 1, n=650). GM volume variation in these brain regions was positively associated with the semantic verbal fluency. In a prospective follow-up study (Sample 2, n=45), the effects of an intensive 5-week foreign language (English) learning experience on regional GM volume increase were modulated by this AQP4 variant, which was also associated with verbal learning capacity change. We then delineated in mice mechanisms that included AQP4-dependent transient astrocytic volume changes and astrocytic structural elaboration. We believe our study provides the first integrative evidence for a gliogenetic basis that involves AQP4, underlying language-associated brain plasticity.

Concurrent Post-Transplantation Diabetes Mellitus in Renal Allograft Recipients With Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of post-transplantation immunoglobulin A nephropathy (PTIgAN) and diabetes mellitus (PTDM) increases with time after transplantation, and recognition and management of these conditions is becoming more important in renal allograft recipients as graft survival increases.

METHODS

We explored the influence of concurrent PTDM on renal allograft histology and function in 111 cases with PTIgAN diagnosed from 2000 to 2010 at our institution.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients (14.4%) had PTDM at the time of diagnosis of PTIgAN, which increased to 28 patients (25.2%) at the last follow-up (10.4 years after transplantation). Donor ages were younger in PTIgAN patients with concurrent PTDM. However, other clinical and demographic data were not significantly different between PTIgAN patients with and without PTDM. Histologically, Banff "mm" scores were higher and "M1" of the Oxford classification was more frequent in PTIgAN patients with concurrent PTDM than in patients without PTDM, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Serum creatinine levels and proteinuria at the time of biopsy and overall graft survival did not vary according to the presence of PTDM both at biopsy and at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent PTDM does not significantly influence graft function or outcome for 10 years after transplantation in PTIgAN patients.

Cudrania tricuspidata Stem Extract Induces Apoptosis via the Extrinsic Pathway in SiHa Cervical Cancer Cells

The focus of this study is the anti-cancer effects of Cudrania tricuspidata stem (CTS) extract on cervical cancer cells. The effect of CTS on cell viability was investigated in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells and HaCaT human normal keratinocytes. CTS showed significant dose-dependent cytotoxic effects in cervical cancer cells. However, there was no cytotoxic effect of CTS on HaCaT keratinocytes at concentrations of 0.125-0.5 mg/mL. Based on this cytotoxic effect, we demonstrated that CTS induced apoptosis by down-regulating the E6 and E7 viral oncogenes. Apoptosis was detected by DAPI staining, annexin V-FITC/PI staining, cell cycle analysis, western blotting, RT-PCR, and JC-1 staining in SiHa cervical cancer cells. The mRNA expression levels of extrinsic pathway molecules such as Fas, death receptor 5 (DR5), and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) were increased by CTS. Furthermore, CTS treatment activated caspase-3/caspase-8 and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). However, the mitochondrial membrane potential and expression levels of intrinsic pathway molecules such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bax, and cytochrome C were not modulated by CTS. Taken together, these results indicate that CTS induced apoptosis by activating the extrinsic pathway, but not the intrinsic pathway, in SiHa cervical cancer cells. These results suggest that CTS can be used as a modulating agent in cervical cancer.

Predisposition to and effects of methamphetamine use on the adolescent brain

Adolescence is a period of heightened vulnerability both to addictive behaviors and drug-induced brain damage. Yet, only limited information exists on the brain mechanisms underlying these adolescent-specific characteristics. Moreover, distinctions in brain correlates between predisposition to drug use and effects of drugs in adolescents are unclear. Using cortical thickness and diffusion tensor image analyses, we found greater and more widespread gray and white matter alterations, particularly affecting the frontostriatal system, in adolescent methamphetamine (MA) users compared with adult users. Among adolescent-specific gray matter alterations related to MA use, smaller cortical thickness in the orbitofrontal cortex was associated with family history of drug use. Our findings highlight that the adolescent brain, which undergoes active myelination and maturation, is more vulnerable to MA-related alterations than the adult brain. Furthermore, MA-use-related executive dysfunction was greater in adolescent MA users than in adult users. These findings may provide explanation for the severe behavioral complications and relapses that are common in adolescent-onset drug addiction. Additionally, these results may provide insights into distinguishing the neural mechanisms that underlie the predisposition to drug addiction from effects of drugs in adolescents.

Enhanced cell growth inhibition by thiacremonone in paclitaxel-treated lung cancer cells

Activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) is implicated in drug resistant of lung cancer cells. Our previous data showed that thiacremonone inhibited activation of NF-κB. In the present study, we investigated whether thiacremonone enhanced susceptibility of lung cancer cells to a common anti-cancer drug paclitaxel by further inhibition of NF-κB. Thus, we used the threefold lower doses of IC50 values (50 μg/ml thiacremonone and 2.5 nM paclitaxel). We found that combination treatment with thiacremonone and paclitaxel was more susceptible (combination index; 0.40 in NCI-H460 cells and 0.46 in A549 cells) in cell growth inhibition of two types of lung cancer cell lines compared to a single agent treatment. Consistent with the combination effect on cancer cell growth inhibition, the combination treatment further induced apoptotic cell death and arrested the cancer cells in G2/M phase accompanied with a much lower expression of cdc2 and cyclin B1, and inhibited colony formation. Much more inactivation of NF-κB and greater expression of NF-κB target apoptosis regulated genes such as caspase-8 and PARPs were found by the combination treatment. Molecular model and pull down assay as well as MALDI-TOF analysis demonstrated that thiacremonone directly binds to p50. These data indicated that thiacremonone leads to increased apoptotic cell death in lung cancer cell lines through greater inhibition of NF-κB by the combination treatment with paclitaxel.

Protective Effects of Black Rice Extracts on Oxidative Stress Induced by tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide in HepG2 Cells

Black rice contains many biologically active compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of black rice extracts (whole grain extract, WGE and rice bran extract, RBE) on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced oxidative injury in HepG2 cells. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were evaluated as biomarkers of cellular oxidative status. Cells pretreated with 50 and 100 μg/mL of WGE or RBE were more resistant to oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. The highest WGE and BRE concentrations enhanced GSH concentrations and modulated antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) compared to TBHP-treated cells. Cells treated with RBE showed higher protective effect compared to cells treated with WGE against oxidative insult. Black rice extracts attenuated oxidative insult by inhibiting cellular ROS and MDA increase and by modulating antioxidant enzyme activities in HepG2 cells.

Anti-arthritis effects of (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal are mediated by inhibition of the STAT3 pathway

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Products of Maillard reactions between aminoacids and reducing sugars are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Here we have assessed the anti-arthritis effects of (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal and its possible mechanisms of action.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We used cultures of LPS-activated macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) and human synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis for in vitro assays and the collagen-induced arthritis model in mice. NO generation, iNOS and COX2 expression, and NF-κB/IKK and STAT3 activities were measured in vitro and in joint tissues of arthritic mice, along with clinical scores and histopathological assessments. Binding of (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal to STAT3 was evaluated by a pull-down assay and its binding site was predicted using molecular docking studies with Autodock VINA.

KEY RESULTS

(E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal (2.5-10 μg·mL(-1) ) inhibited LPS-inducedNO generation, iNOS and COX2 expression, and NF-κB/IKK and STAT3 activities in macrophage and human synoviocytes. This compound also suppressedcollagen-induced arthritic responses in mice by inhibiting expression of iNOS and COX2, and NF-κB/IKK and STAT3 activities; it also reduced bone destruction and fibrosis in joint tissues. A pull-down assay showed that (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal interfered with binding of ATP to STAT3. Docking studies suggested that (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal bound to the DNA-binding interface of STAT3 possibly inhibiting ATP binding to STAT3 in an allosteric manner.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

(E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects through inhibition of the NF-κB/STAT3 pathway by direct binding to STAT3. This compound could be a useful agent for the treatment of arthritic disease.

(E)-2,4-Bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal inhibits tumor growth via suppression of NF-κB and induction of death receptor 6

The Maillard reaction products are known to be effective in chemoprevention. Here, we focused on the anti-cancer effects of (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal on in vitro and in vivo colon cancer. We analysed the anti-cancer activity of (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal on colon cancer cells by using cell cycle and apoptosis analysis. To elucidate it's mechanism, NF-κB DNA binding activity, docking model as well as pull-down assay. Further, a xenograft model of colon cancer was studied to test the in vivo effects of (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal. (E)-2,4-Bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal inhibited colon cancer cells (SW620 and HCT116) growth followed by induction of apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner via down-regulation of NF-κB activity. In docking model as well as pull-down assay, (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal directly binds to three amino acid residues of IKKβ, thereby inhibited IKKβ activity in addition to induction of death receptor 6 (DR6) as well as their target apoptotic genes. Finally, (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal suppressed anchorage-independent cancer cell growth, and tumor growth in xenograft model accompanied with apoptosis through inhibition of IKKβ/NF-κB activity, and overexpression of DR6. These results suggest that (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal inhibits colon cancer cell growth through inhibition of IKKβ/NF-κB activity and induction of DR6 expression.

Anti-inflammatory effect of methanol extract from Erigeron Canadensis L. may be involved with upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 expression and suppression of NFκB and MAPKs activation in macrophages

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In this study, we determined the anti-inflammatory activities and the underlying molecular mechanisms of the methanol extract from Erigeron Canadensis L. (ECM) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The potential anti-inflammatory properties of ECM were investigated by using RAW264.7 macrophages. We used western blot assays and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect protein and mRNA expression, respectively. Luciferase assays were performed to determine the transactivity of transcription factors.

RESULTS

ECM significantly inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-derived NO and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) derived PGE2 production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. These inhibitory effects of ECM were accompanied by decreases in LPS-induced nuclear translocations and transactivities of NFκB. Moreover, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) including extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1/2), p38, and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was significantly suppressed by ECM in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Further studies demonstrated that ECM by itself induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression at the protein levels in dose-dependent manner. However, zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), a selective HO-1 inhibitor, abolished the ECM-induced suppression of NO production.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that ECM-induced HO-1 expression was partly responsible for the resulting anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that ECM exerts anti-inflammatory actions and help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the potential therapeutic values of Erigeron Canadensis L.

Black rice extract protected HepG2 cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death via ERK1/2 and Akt activation

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of black rice extract (BRE) on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced oxidative injury in HepG2 cells.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Methanolic extract from black rice was evaluated for the protective effect on TBHP-induced oxidative injury in HepG2 cells. Several biomarkers that modulate cell survival and death including reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase-3 activity, and related cellular kinases were determined.

RESULTS

TBHP induced cell death and apoptosis by a rapid increase in ROS generation and caspase-3 activity. Moreover, TBHP-induced oxidative stress resulted in a transient ERK1/2 activation and a sustained increase of JNK1/2 activation. While, BRE pretreatment protects the cells against oxidative stress by reducing cell death, caspase-3 activity, and ROS generation and also by preventing ERKs deactivation and the prolonged JNKs activation. Moreover, pretreatment of BRE increased the activation of ERKs and Akt which are pro-survival signal proteins. However, this effect was blunted in the presence of ERKs and Akt inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that activation of ERKs and Akt pathway might be involved in the cytoprotective effect of BRE against oxidative stress. Our findings provide new insights into the cytoprotective effects and its possible mechanism of black rice against oxidative stress.

Anti-inflammatory effect of tricin 4'-O-(threo-β-guaiacylglyceryl) ether, a novel flavonolignan compound isolated from Njavara on in RAW264.7 cells and in ear mice edema

Although recent study has shown tricin 4'-O-(threo-β-guaiacylglyceryl) ether (TTGE), an isolated compound from Njavara rice, to have the most potent anti-inflammatory effects, the action mechanism has not been fully understood. Here, we examined the effect of TTGE on the inflammation and elucidated the potential mechanism. We demonstrated that TTGE significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO and ROS generation in RAW264.7 cells, which was correlated with the down-regulating effect of TTGE on the iNOS and COX-2 expression via NF-κB and STAT3. TPA-induced ear edema was also efficiently inhibited by the TTGE treatment. TTGE blocked the induction of iNOS and COX-2 through the regulation of NF-κB and STAT3, which could explain the reduced TPA-induced edema symptoms. Moreover, the introduction of ERK inhibitor abrogated the anti-inflammatory effect of TTGE via the recovery of NF-κB and STAT3 signalings. Taken together, these results suggest that TTGE has anti-inflammatory properties through down-regulation of NF-κB and STAT3 pathways.

Neuroprotective Effects of a Butanol Fraction of Rosa hybrida Petals in a Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model

The neuroprotective effects of a butanol fraction of white rose petal extract (WRPE-BF) were investigated in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Seven week-old male rats were orally administered WRPE-BF for 2 weeks and subjected to MCAO for 2 h, followed by reperfusion. Twenty-four h later, MCAO-induced behavioral dysfunctions were markedly improved in a dose-dependent manner by pretreatment with WRPE-BF. Moreover, higher dose of WRPE-BF not only decreased infarction area but also effectively reduced astrogliosis. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and glial fibrillary acidic protein in MCAO model were markedly inhibited by WRPE-BF treatment. Notably, WRPE-BF decreased nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels in the striatum and subventricular zone of stroke-challenged brains. These data suggested that WRPE-BF may exert its neuroprotective effects via anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities against ischemia-reperfusion brain injury and could be a good candidate as a therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.

(E)-2,4-Bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells through downregulation of NF-κB/STAT3 pathway

Ovarian cancer is a cancerous growth arising from the ovary and with poor prognosis that usually have resistant to all currently available treatments. Whether (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal (butenal) synthesized by Maillard reaction from fructose-tyrosine, has potential therapeutic activity against human ovarian cancer was investigated using two ovarian cancer cell lines (PA-1, SK-OV-3). We found that butenal could inhibit NF-κB/STAT3 activity, thereby inducing apoptotic cell death of ovarian cancer cells. We treated with several concentration of butenal each cell line differently (PA-1; 5, 10 and 15 μg/ml, SK-OV-3; 10, 20 and 30 μg/ml). First, ovarian cancer cell lines exhibited constitutively active NF-κB, and treatment with butenal abolished this activation as indicated by DNA binding activity. Second, butenal suppressed activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 as indicated by decreased phosphorylation and inhibition of Janus kinase-2 phosphorylation. Third, butenal induced expression of pro-apoptotic proteins such as proteolytic cleavage of PARP, Bax and activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9. Lastly, combination of butenal and TRAIL causes enhanced induction of apoptosis. Overall, our results indicate that butenal mediates its anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects through activation of multiple cell signaling pathways and enhances the TRAIL-induced apoptosis. These data suggested that butenal may be a potential anti-cancer agent in ovarian cancer.

Potential therapeutic effects of functionally active compounds isolated from garlic

The medicinal properties of functionally active organosulfur compounds such as allin, diallyl disulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and S-trityl-L-cysteine isolated from garlic have received great attention from a large number of investigators who have studied their pharmacological effects for the treatment of various diseases. These organosulfur compounds are able to prevent for development of cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and liver diseases as well as allergy and arthritis. There have been also many reports on toxicities and pharmacokinetics of these compounds. The aim of this study is to review a variety of experimental and clinical reports, and describe the effectiveness, toxicities and pharmacokinetics, and possible mechanisms of pharmaceutical actions of functionally active compounds isolated from garlic.

Optical properties of white organic light-emitting devices fabricated utilizing a mixed CaAl12O19:Mn4+ and Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ color conversion layer

White organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) were fabricated by combining a blue OLED with a color conversion layer made of mixed Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ green and Ca2AlO19:Mn4+ red phosphors. The X-ray diffraction patterns showed that Ce3+ ions in the Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ phosphors completely substituted for the Y3+ ions and the Mn4+ ions in the CaAl12O19:Mn4+ phosphors completely substituted for the Ca2+ ions. Electroluminescence spectra at 11 V for the OLEDs fabricated utilizing a color conversion layer showed that the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates for the Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ and CaAl12O19:Mn4+ phosphors mixed at the ratio of 1:5 and 1:10 were (0.31, 0.34) and (0.32, 0.37), respectively, indicative of a good white color.

Black rice bran as an ingredient in noodles: chemical and functional evaluation

This study examined the feasibility of using black rice bran (BRB) as an ingredient of noodles and evaluated the effect of BRB incorporation in noodles in terms of chemical and functional attributes. Noodles were prepared with BRB as an ingredient at different levels (2%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Addition of BRB (5%, 10%, and 15%) significantly decreased the cohesiveness of noodles in texture evaluation. Noodles with different levels of BRB were functionally evaluated and content of polyphenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were improved compared to the control. Additionally, antioxidant activity of BRB noodles was increased compared to the control. BRB can be an excellent ingredient to increase the nutritional value and antioxidant properties of noodles.

Effects of the mixing ratio of the CaAl12O19:mn and Zn2SiO4:mn color-conversion layer on the color tunable emissions of white organic light-emitting devices

The optical properties of white organic light-emitting devices (WOLEDs) fabricated utilizing a CaAl12O19:Mn and Zn2SiO4:Mn phosphor layer were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns for CaAl12O19:Mn and Zn2SiO4:Mn phosphors showed that Mn ions in the CaAl12O19:Mn phosphors were completely substituted into Ca ions and that Mn ions in the Zn2SiO4:Mn phosphors were completely substituted into Zn ions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images showed that the size of the CaAl12O19:Mn phosphor was approximately between 0.1 and 3 microm, and that the size of the Zn2SiO4:Mn phosphor was smaller than 7 microm. The color coordinates of the electroluminescence spectra for WOLEDs with phosphor thicknesses of 0.25 and 0.35 mm shifted to the white emission side because the generated blue light from the blue OLEDs combined with the red and green lights was converted by the CaAl12O19:Mn and the Zn2SiO4:Mn phosphor down-conversion layers.

Nobiletin suppresses adipogenesis by regulating the expression of adipogenic transcription factors and the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)

The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of nobiletin (5,6,7,8,3',4'-hexamethoxyflavone) on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. To determine the effect of nobiletin on adipogenesis, preadipocyte differentiation was induced in the presence or absence of nobiletin (10-100 μM) for 4 days. The results revealed that nobiletin markedly inhibited lipid accumulation and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity and blocked the expression of adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPα). Moreover, nobiletin significantly increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a major regulator of cellular energy balance, phosphorylation, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This study also investigated the involvement of AMPK in the expression of a major transcription factor, PPARγ. It was found that pretreatment with compound C, a cell permeable inhibitor of AMPK, abolished the inhibitory effects of nobiletin on PPARγ expression. The results suggest that nobiletin exerts antiadipogenic effects through modulation of the PPARγ and AMPK signaling pathway and, therefore, may be a promising antiobesity agent.

Inhibitory effect of a tyrosine-fructose Maillard reaction product, 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal on amyloid-β generation and inflammatory reactions via inhibition of NF-κB and STAT3 activation in cultured astrocytes and microglial BV-2 cells

BACKGROUND

Amyloidogenesis is linked to neuroinflammation. The tyrosine-fructose Maillard reaction product, 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal, possesses anti-inflammatory properties in cultured macrophages, and in an arthritis animal model. Because astrocytes and microglia are responsible for amyloidogenesis and inflammatory reactions in the brain, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-amyloidogenic effects of 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated astrocytes and microglial BV-2 cells.

METHODS

Cultured astrocytes and microglial BV-2 cells were treated with LPS (1 μg/ml) for 24 h, in the presence (1, 2, 5 μM) or absence of 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal, and harvested. We performed molecular biological analyses to determine the levels of inflammatory and amyloid-related proteins and molecules, cytokines, Aβ, and secretases activity. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) DNA binding activity was determined using gel mobility shift assays.

RESULTS

We found that 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal (1, 2, 5 μM) suppresses the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as well as the production of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in LPS (1 μg/ml)-stimulated astrocytes and microglial BV-2 cells. Further, 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal inhibited the transcriptional and DNA binding activity of NF-κB--a transcription factor that regulates genes involved in neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis via inhibition of IκB degradation as well as nuclear translocation of p50 and p65. Consistent with the inhibitory effect on inflammatory reactions, 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal inhibited LPS-elevated Aβ42 levels through attenuation of β- and γ-secretase activities. Moreover, studies using signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) siRNA and a pharmacological inhibitor showed that 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal inhibits LPS-induced activation of STAT3.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal inhibits neuroinflammatory reactions and amyloidogenesis through inhibition of NF-κB and STAT3 activation, and suggest that 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal may be useful for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

Molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of human astrovirus in South Korea from 2002 to 2007

The present study was conducted to survey the prevalence and genotypic distribution of human astrovirus (HAstV) circulating in South Korea. Of 160,027 patients with acute gastroenteritis, 2,057 (1.3%) were positive for HAstV antigen. We determined the genotypes of 187 HAstV strains collected from laboratories across the country. Genetic analysis revealed genotype 1 to be the most prevalent, accounting for 72.19% of the strains, followed by genotypes 8 (9.63%), 6 (6.95%), 4 (6.42%), 2 (3.21%) and 3 (1.60%). Our findings indicate that HAstV is less common but, even so, a potentially important viral agent of gastroenteritis in South Korea, with significant genetic diversity among circulating HAstV strains.

Efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine in treating major depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms: an 8-week open-label randomised paroxetine-controlled trial

AIMS

Prominent anxiety symptoms are related to poor clinical course and outcome in major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this randomised, open-label, controlled study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine in the form of orally disintegrating tablets against paroxetine in treating MDD patients with anxiety symptoms.

METHODS

A total of 60 MDD patients with a score above 18 on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of fixed dosing treatment with mirtazapine (15-30 mg/day) and paroxetine (10-20 mg/day). Efficacy was primarily assessed with the HARS and with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8 after treatment. Tolerability was assessed from adverse events.

RESULTS

The generalised estimating equations (GEE) models showed that the rates of improvement in HDRS scores from baseline to week 8 were similar between mirtazapine and paroxetine groups. However, patients with mirtazapine exhibited earlier improvement in HARS scores at weeks 1 and 2. Week-by-week GEE models showed that these significant differences in improvement of HARS scores between the two treatment groups were detectable from the first evaluation after the treatment (week 1) and maintained through week 2. There was no difference in the overall frequency of adverse events experienced between the two treatment groups. The most common adverse event in the mirtazapine group was somnolence (n = 8), whereas that in the paroxetine group was gastrointestinal discomfort (n = 9).

CONCLUSIONS

Mirtazapine and paroxetine were equally effective and well tolerated for the depressive symptoms in MDD patients with the high level of anxiety symptoms. Mirtazapine was, however, more effective in reducing the anxiety symptoms than paroxetine in the early weeks of treatment, suggesting that mirtazapine may have an earlier-onset action for the anxiety symptoms in MDD patients.

A tocotrienol-rich fraction from grape seeds inhibits oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in HepG2 cells

We evaluated the protective effect of a tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from grape seeds on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced oxidative injury in HepG2 cells. Generation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), concentrations of cellular lipid peroxidation products and reduced glutathione, and antioxidant enzyme activity were used as biomarkers of cellular oxidative status. Cells pretreated with TRF (10–500 μg/mL) showed an increased resistance to oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner, as revealed by a higher percentage of surviving cells compared to control cells. Pretreatment with TRF (5–100 μg/mL) prevented the decrease in reduced glutathione and the increase in malondialdehyde and ROS evoked by TBHP in HepG2 cells. Moreover, TRF pretreatment prevented a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities induced by TBHP. These results show that TRF has significant protective ability against TBHP-induced oxidative insult and that the modulation of antioxidant enzymes by TRF may have an important antioxidant effect on HepG2 cells.