Bioactivity-Guided Fraction from Viscera of Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai Suppresses Cellular Basophils Activation and Anaphylaxis in Mice

Basophils and mast cells are specialized effector cells in allergic reactions. Haliotis discus hannai (abalone), is valuable seafood. Abalone male viscera, which has a brownish color and has not been previously reported to show anti-allergic activities, was extracted with acetone. Six different acetone/hexane fractions (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 100%) were obtained using a silica column via β-hexosaminidase release inhibitory activity-guided selection in phorbol myristate acetate and a calcium ionophore, A23187 (PMACI)-induced human basophils, KU812F cells. The 40% acetone/hexane fraction (A40) exhibited the strongest inhibition of PMACI-induced-β-hexosaminidase release. This fraction dose-dependently inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and calcium mobilization without cytotoxicity. Western blot analysis revealed that A40 down-regulated PMACI-induced MAPK (ERK 1/2, p-38, and JNK) phosphorylation, and the NF-κB translocation from the cytosol to membrane. Moreover, A40 inhibited PMACI-induced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 production. Anti-allergic activities of A40 were confirmed based on inhibitory effects on IL-4 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production in compound (com) 48/80-induced rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells. A40 inhibited β-hexosaminidase release and cytokine production such as IL-4 and TNF-α produced by com 48/80-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, it's fraction attenuated the IgE/DNP-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in the ears of BALB/c mice. Our results suggest that abalone contains the active fraction, A40 is a potent therapeutic and functional material to treat allergic diseases.

Ethyl acetate fraction of Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus and its triterpenoids suppress proliferation and survival of colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting NF-κB and COX2

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, and targeting inflammation has emerged as a promising approach for its prevention and treatment. Medicinal plants and phytochemicals have garnered attention for their potential efficacy against inflammation with minimal toxicity. Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus Makino (O. fragrans) has a history of traditional use in Korea and China in treating various inflammation-related conditions, but its potential use for CRC has not been uncovered.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to explore the potential anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic properties of O. fragrans, focusing on its impact on CRC treatment. By investigating O. fragrans, we aim to uncover its anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects in human CRC cells, potentially paving the way for effective and well-tolerated therapeutic strategies for CRC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethanol (EtOH) extracts of O. fragrans leaf and flower, along with specific fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol, and the aqueous residue) were evaluated for their anti-proliferative effects in human CRC cells using MTT assays, and compared to normal colon cells. Mechanistic insights and chemical profiling were obtained through flow cytometry, colorimetric assays, western blotting, and molecular docking, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system.

RESULTS

Both flower and leaf EtOH extracts of O. fragrans exhibited significant anti-proliferative effects in human CRC cells, with the leaf extract demonstrating higher potency. The EtOAc fraction from the leaf extract displayed the strongest anti-CRC cell proliferative effects while no cytotoxic effects in normal colon cells. Chemical profiling of these fractions identified triterpenoids as significant components in the EtOAc fractions. The leaf EtOAc fraction caused cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, accompanied by elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction in CRC cells. Additionally, it inhibited NF-κB and ERK1/2 signaling, leading to reduced COX2 expression. Notably, two triterpenoids isolated from the leaf EtOAc fraction, maslinic acid and corosolic acid, displayed potent anti-cancer activity in CRC cells without affecting normal colon cells. Corosolic acid exhibited a strong binding affinity to COX2 and reduced its expression, supporting its role in the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that O. fragrans, particularly its triterpenoid-rich EtOAc fraction, holds promise as a novel therapeutic agent for CRC prevention and therapy. These results provide valuable insights into the potential application of O. fragrans and its bioactive compounds in combating CRC.

Diverse perspectives on social determinants of multicultural adolescents: A focus group study

Background

As Korea transforms into a multicultural society, social vulnerability of the multicultural adolescents (MAs) puts them at risk for poor health and health disparities. However, there is shortage of evidence on social determinants of health (SDH), which refers to the circumstances of people from birth to death, which affects their health outcomes, for MAs. Thus, this study aims to explore the SDH of MAs from diverse stakeholders’ perspectives.

Methods

This qualitative study comprised 17 focus group interviews with 99 participants (MAs, peers, parents, teachers, neighbors, and community leaders), conducted from June to September 2020. The directed content analysis was conducted using the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework with a high rigor level based on the four criteria of Lincoln and Guba’s trustworthiness.

Results

The participants addressed SDH of MAs in five domains: biological (vulnerability and mechanism); behavioral (health behavior, family/school/peer functioning, and policies and laws); physical/built environment (school/community environment); sociocultural environment (MAs'/parental sociodemographic, language proficiency, MAs'/parental acculturation, social network, and response to/interpersonal/local/societal structural discrimination); and health care system (insurance coverage, MAs'/parental health literacy, availability of services, and health care policies). However, limited SDH in biological and physical/built environment domains were identified.

Conclusions

SDH in sociocultural environment domain and interpersonal influence level were the most commonly addressed. Interpersonal discrimination of both MAs and parents were found to be the most important SDH. These findings suggest that future programs to enhance MAs’ health may be targeted toward reducing discrimination and involving their parents.

Key messages

• Sociocultural environment was found to be the most salient SDH domain to affect MAs’ health.

• SDH of MAs are linked to discrimination and their parents’ sociocultural aspects such as acculturation.

Anti-Inflammatory Food in Asthma Prepared from Combination of Raphanus sativus L., Allium hookeri, Acanthopanax sessiliflorum, and Dendropanax morbiferus Extracts via Bioassay-Guided Selection

Asthma is a highly prevalent inflammatory disease of the respiratory airways and an increasing health risk worldwide. Hence, finding new strategies to control or attenuate this condition is necessary. This study suggests nutraceuticals that are a combination of herbal plant extracts prepared from Acanthopanax sessiliflorum (AS), Codonopsis lanceolate (CL), Dendropanax morbiferus (DM), Allium hookeri (AH), and Raphanus sativus L. (RS) that can improve immunomodulatory ability through the detoxification and diuresis of air pollutants. Herbal parts (AH whole plant, RS and CL roots, AS and DM stems, and DM leaves) were selected, and four types of mixtures using plant extracts were prepared. Among these mixtures, M2 and M4 exhibited antioxidant activities in potent 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) radical assays. Moreover, M4 exhibited a marked increase in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and significantly inhibited the inflammatory mediator, nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α generation. Furthermore, M4 exhibited the strongest antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects and was selected to prepare the product. Before manufacturing the product, we determined that the active mixture, M4, inhibited gene expression and generation of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in ovalbumin (OVA)-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-, and particulate matter (PM)-induced asthmatic rat models. The granular product (GP) was manufactured using M4 along with additives, i.e., lactose, oligosaccharide, stevioside extract, and nutmeg seed essential oils (flavor masking), in a ratio of 1:4 using a granulation machine, dried and ultimately packaged. The GP inhibited the generation of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in OVA-, LPS- and PM-induced asthmatic rat models. These results suggest that GP prepared from a combination of herbal plants (AS, CL, DM, AH and RS) is a potent functional food with anti-inflammatory activity that can be used to treat asthma caused by ambient air pollutants.

Sargahydroquinoic acid isolated from Sargassum serratifolium as inhibitor of cellular basophils activation and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice

Basophils and mast cells are characteristic effector cells in allergic reactions. Sargahydorquinoic acid (SHQA), a compound isolated from Sargassum serratifolium (marine alga), possesses various biochemical properties, including potent antioxidant activities. The objective of the present study was to investigate inhibitory effects of SHQA on the activation of human basophilic KU812F cells induced by phorbol myristate acetate and A23187 (PMACI), a calcium ionophore. Furthermore, we confirmed the inhibitory effects of SHQA on the activation of rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells induced by compound 48/80 (com 48/80), bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMCMCs) induced by anti-dinitrophenyl(DNP)-immunoglobulin E (IgE)/DNP-bovine serum albumin (BSA), DNP/IgE and on the reaction of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mediated by IgE. SHQA reduced PMACI-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium levels. Western blot analysis revealed that SHQA downregulated the activation of ERK, p38, and NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SHQA suppressed the production and gene expression of various cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 in PMACI-induced KU812F cells and IL-4 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α in com 48/80-induced RBL-2H3 cells. It also determined the inhibition of PMACI, com 48/80- and IgE/DNP-induced degranulation by reducing the release of β -hexosaminidase. Furthermore, it attenuated the IgE/DNP-induced PCA reaction in the ears of BALB/c mice. These results suggest that SHQA isolated from S. serratifolium is a potential therapeutic functional food material for inhibiting effector cell activation in allergic reactions and anaphylaxis in animal model.

Antioxidant Compounds, Kirenol and Methyl ent-16α, 17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oate Bioactivity-Guided Isolated from Siegesbeckia glabrescens Attenuates MITF-Mediated Melanogenesis via Inhibition of Intracellular ROS Production

Siegesbeckia glabrescens (Compositae), an annual herb indigenous to Korean mountainous regions and has been eaten as a food in Korea. This study investigated ABTS, DPPH and nitric oxide (NO) radical-scavenging activities, and melanin production and TYR inhibitory effects-guided fractionation to identify therapeutic phytochemicals from S. glabrescens that can attenuate oxidation and melanogenesis in murine melanoma B16F10 cells. Nine compounds with inhibitory effects on melanin production, and TYR activity, and ABTS, DPPH, and NO radical scavenging activity were isolated from the 100% ethanol fraction from S. glabrescens. Among the nine compounds, kirenol (K), methyl ent-16α, 17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oate (MDK) had strong inhibitory effects on melanin production and TYR activity with antioxidant effects. Western blot analysis revealed that K and MDK suppressed tyrosinase-related protein (TYRP)-1, TYRP-2 and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression. Moreover, these two compounds inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-treated B16F10 cells. Our results suggest that S. glabrescens containing active compounds such as K and MDK, which has antioxidant and antimelanogenesis effects, is the potent therapeutic and functional material for the prevention of oxidation-induced hyperpigmentation.

Eckol from Ecklonia cava Suppresses Immunoglobulin E-mediated Mast Cell Activation and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice

Eckol, a precursor compound belonging to the dibenzo-1,4-dioxin class of phlorotannins, is a phloroglucinol derivative that exerts various activities. In the present study, we investigated the antiallergic effects of eckol isolated from the marine brown algae, Ecklonia cava using immunoglobulin E (IgE)/bovine serum albumin (BSA)-stimulated mouse bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMCMC) and a mouse model of anaphylaxis. Eckol inhibited IgE/BSA-induced BMCMC degranulation by reducing β-hexosaminidase release. A flow cytometric analysis revealed that eckol decreases FcεRI expression on cell surface and IgE binding to the FcεRI in BMCMC. Moreover, eckol suppressed the production of the cytokines, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-13 and the chemokine, thymus activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) by downregulating, IκB-α degradation and NF-κB nuclear translocation. Furthermore, it attenuated the passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction induced by IgE/BSA-stimulation in the ear of BALB/c mice. These results suggest that eckol is a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of allergic disorders.

p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid β-d-Glucosyl Ester and Cimidahurinine with Antimelanogenesis and Antioxidant Effects from Pyracantha angustifolia via Bioactivity-Guided Fractionation

This study evaluated bioactivity-guided fractionation as a means to identify therapeutic phytochemicals from Pyracantha angustifolia that can attenuate melanogenesis and oxidation. Seven compounds with inhibitory effects on melanin production and tyrosinase (TYR) activity, and ABTS and DPPH radical-scavenging activities, which have not been reported as whitening materials, were isolated from the n-butanol fraction from P. angustifolia leaves (PAL). Among the seven compounds, p-hydroxybenzoic acid β-d-glucosylester (HG), and cimidahurinine (CH) had strong inhibitory effects on melanin production and TYR activity, as well as ABTS and DPPH radical-scavenging activities. Western blot analysis showed that HG and CH suppressed tyrosinase-related protein (TYRP)-1 and TYRP-2 expression. Moreover, HG and CH inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-treated B16F10 cells. These results suggest that P. angustifolia containing active compounds, such as HG and CH, is a potent therapeutic candidate for the development of hypopigmenting agents.

Inhibitory Effects of Eriodictyol-7-O-β-d-glucuronide and 5,7-Dihydroxy-4-chromene Isolated from Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum in FcεRI-Mediated Human Basophilic KU812F Cell Activation

Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum (CZL) has been used in Eastern medicine for the treatment of various diseases, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, cough, the common cold, pharyngitis, bladder-related disorders, gastroenteric disorders, and hypertension. In the present study, we isolated two strong antiallergic compounds from CZL, namely, eriodictyol-7-O-β-d-glucuronide (EDG) and 5,7-dihydroxy-4-chromene (DC), and investigated their antiallergic effects in FcεRI-mediated human basophilic KU812F cells. EDG and DC downregulated the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FcεRI on the cell surface. Moreover, Western blotting analysis showed that EDG and DC inhibited the expression of protein tyrosine kinases such as Syk and Lyn, and extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2. These results suggested that EDG and DC, antiallergic constituents of CZL, are potential therapeutic candidates for protection against and for the treatment of allergic disorders.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) leaf extract

In this present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of alcoholic lemon myrtle extract (LME). The total polyphenol and flavonoid content of LME were determined as 118.77 and 14.53 mg/g extract, respectively. LME showed anti-oxidative properties, such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. The anti-inflammatory activities of LME were investigated using the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Pretreatment with LME was performed at non-cytotoxic concentrations of 10-100 μg/mL. LME inhibited the production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that pretreatment with LME suppressed the protein expression and mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in a concentration-dependent manner, respectively. These results suggest that LME could be used as a potential therapeutic agent having potent anti-inflammatory effects that could be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease.

Pandanus fascicularis Lam Extract Inhibits Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Production in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells

Pandanus fascicularis Lam has been shown to exert to a variety of physiological effects on edema, tumors, leprosy, spasm, inflammation, pain, and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, the effects of a P. fascicularis extract on the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression and on the production of the inflammatory mediator, nitric oxide (NO), in RAW 264.7 cells were examined. The P. fascicularis extract decreased LPS-induced NO production. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays revealed that the P. fascicularis extract concentration-dependently suppressed LPS-induced production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. These results suggest that the P. fascicularis extract has potential as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic substance for use in the prevention of the inflammatory disorder.

Biflavonoids Isolated from Selaginella tamariscina and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities via ERK 1/2 Signaling

Selaginella tamariscina (S. tamariscina) (Beauv.) Spring (Selaginellaceae) has been used in oriental medicine for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, chronic hepatitis, hyperglycemia, amenorrhea, hematuria, prolapse of the anus and metrorrhagia. In the present study, we isolated two strong anti-inflammatory compounds, the biflavonoids hinokiflavone (H) and 7′-O-methyl hinokiflavone (mH), from S. tamariscina and examined their anti-inflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and colon epithelial cells (HT-29). H and mH suppressed the production of the inflammatory mediators nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α, which are most highly activated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition, Western blot analysis revealed that H and mH suppressed the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2. These results suggest that H and mH are compounds having potent anti-inflammatory effects that could be used to treat such diseases as IBD.

Suppressive Effects of Vaccinium angustifolium Root Extract via Down-Regulation of Activation of Syk, Lyn, and NF-κB in FcɛRI-Mediated Allergic Reactions

Vaccinium angustifolium, reported as the lowbush blueberry, has a rich polyphenolic content with which biological activities have been closely associated. In this study, the effects of V. angustifolium root extract (VAE) on the anti-FcɛRI α chain antibody (CRA-1)-induced FcɛRI-mediated signaling factors, protein tyrosine kinases (PTK), Lyn, Syk, and nuclear factor kappa-B cells (NF-κB) in KU812F cells were investigated. The total phenolic content of VAE was found to be 170±1.9 mg gallic acid equivalents/g. Western blot analysis revealed that VAE dose-dependently inhibited FcɛRI-mediated phosphorylation of PTK involving Lyn and Syk. Evaluation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by spectrofluorometric analysis using 2′7′-dichlorofluorescin-diacetate revealed that they were reduced by VAE in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, VAE reduced the levels of β-hexosaminidase released from CRA-1-stimulated KU812F cells. It was identified that VAE suppressed CRA-1-induced activation of NF-κB by Western blot analysis. Our results show that VAE may contribute to the inhibition of allergic actions via inactivation of basophils through the inhibition of β-hexosaminidase release and ROS production, which occurs as a result of inhibition of PTK, Syk, Lyn, and NF-κB.

Anti-inflammatory activity of mulberrofuran K isolated from the bark of Morus bombycis

Morus bombycis Koidzumi, commonly known as silkworm mulberry, is a plant belonging to family Moraceae. It has been used in Asian countries as a traditional medicine for treating hypertension, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders. In this study, we isolated eleven compounds from the cortex of M. bombycis and evaluated their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production as an indicator of their anti-inflammatory activities using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages. Compound 4 showed the most potent inhibitory activity on NO production. It was identified as mulberrofuran K (MFK). Anti-inflammatory activity of MFK was then carried out using LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. MFK suppressed the production of NO, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)) in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that MFK treatment inhibited expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). MFK also inhibited transcriptional activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 in LPS-stimulated murine macrophages. These results suggest that MFK, an anti-inflammatory constituents of M. bombycis cortex, has potential as a therapeutic candidates for preventing and treating inflammatory diseases.

Reduction in Prevalence of Hypertension and Blood Heavy Metals among Curry-Consumed Korean

Curcuma longa is rich in curcumin and used to treat disease and in food as a spice, especially in curry dishes. The objective of the present study was to determine whether curry intake reduces blood levels of heavy metals and hypertension (HTN) using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 data (n = 1,350). Study subjects (n = 1,350) were divided into two groups: 1) a curry intake group (n = 603), members of which had consumed a curry dish more than once a month over the previous year, and 2) a non-curry intake group (n = 747). Analysis showed the curry intake group had significantly lower heavy metal blood concentrations (Pb, Hg, and Cd) and blood concentrations of heavy metals were significantly associated with prevalence of HTN (P < 0.001 for Pb, Hg, and Cd). Curry intake also reduced the risk of HTN prevalence (odd ratios for curry intake vs. non-curry intake; Pb, 1.503 vs. 1.862; Hg, 1.112 vs. 1.149; Cd, 1.676 vs. 1.988). Logistic regression analysis was used to confirm the association between blood heavy metal levels and HTN. After adjusting for age, sex, lifetime smoking, and body mass index, the odd ratio of HTN was significant in the non-curry intake group, but not in the curry intake group, implying other factors influenced relations in the curry intake group. In view of the importance of curry consumption with reduced concentrations of heavy metals in blood and the prevalence of HTN, we suggest further well-designed clinical trials be conducted.

Hispidulin-7-O-Neohesperidoside from Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense Attenuates the Production of Inflammatory Mediators in LPS-Induced Raw 264.7 Cells and HT-29 Cells

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and involves secretion of inflammatory mediators. The flavone diglycoside hispidulin-7-O-neohesperidoside (HN) isolated from the methanolic extract of aerial parts of Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense, but its pharmacologic activities, with the exception of alleviation of alcohol toxicity, have not been investigated to date.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of HN for the treatment of chronic inflammatory illnesses, including IBD.

Materials and Methods:

In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells and HT-29 cells, the effects of HN on cell viability and nitric oxide (NO) production were examined via MTT assay and the Griess reaction, respectively. The expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting, respectively.

Results:

HN concentration-dependently inhibited NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Treatment with HN considerably downregulated the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and TNF-α and the iNOS protein level in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, HN inhibited the production of the chemotactic cytokine, IL-8, in LPS-induced HT-29 cells.

Conclusion:

HN has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent to prevent and/or treat IBD.

SUMMARY

Hispidulin-7-O-neohesperidoside (HN) is flavone diglycoside isolated from the methanolic extract of aerial parts of Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense.

HN concentration-dependently inhibited NO production and considerably downregulated the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and TNF-α, and the iNOS protein level in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells.

HN inhibited the production of the chemotactic cytokine, IL-8, in LPS-induced HT-29 cells.

HN has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent to prevent and/or treat IBD.

Abbreviations used: IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease, HN: hispidulin-7-O-neohesperidoside, LPS: lipopolysaccharide, NO: nitric oxide, IL: interleukin, TNF: tumor necrosis factor, iNOS: inducible nitric oxide synthase, CD: Crohn's disease, UC: ulcerative colitis, RT: room temperature, DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, FBS: fetal bovine serum, PBS: phosphate buffered saline, SDS: sodium dodecyl sulfate, PVDF: polyvinylidene difluoride, SD: standard deviation

6-Methoxyluteolin from Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum suppresses histamine release and calcium influx via down-regulation of FcεRI α chain expression

Mast cells and basophils are important effector cells in immunoglobulin-E (IgE)-mediated allergic reactions. Using the human basophilic KU812F cells, we assessed the inhibitory effects of 6-methoxyluteolin, isolated from Chrysanthemum zawadskii, in the FcεRI-mediated allergic reaction. We determined that 6-methoxyluteolin inhibited anti-FcεRI α chain antibody (CRA-1)-induced histamine release, as well as elevation of intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of 6-methoxyluteolin on the cell surface expression and the mRNA level of the FcεRI α chain were determined by flow cytometric analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR), respectively. Therefore, these results show that 6- methoxyluteolin is a potent inhibitor of histamine release and calcium influx via down-regulation of the FcεRI α chain.

Protective mechanism of reduced water against alloxan-induced pancreatic beta-cell damage: Scavenging effect against reactive oxygen species

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause irreversible damage to biological macromolecules, resulting in many diseases. Reduced water (RW) such as hydrogen-rich electrolyzed reduced water and natural reduced waters like Hita Tenryosui water in Japan and Nordenau water in Germany that are known to improve various diseases, could protect a hamster pancreatic beta cell line, HIT-T15 from alloxan-induced cell damage. Alloxan, a diabetogenic compound, is used to induce type 1 diabetes mellitus in animals. Its diabetogenic effect is exerted via the production of ROS. Alloxan-treated HIT-T15 cells exhibited lowered viability, increased intracellular ROS levels, elevated cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration, DNA fragmentation, decreased intracellular ATP levels and lowering of glucose-stimulated release of insulin. RW completely prevented the generation of alloxan-induced ROS, increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, decrease of intracellular ATP level, and lowering of glucose-stimulated insulin release, and strongly blocked DNA fragmentation, partially suppressing the lowering of viability of alloxan-treated cells. Intracellular ATP levels and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion were increased by RW to 2-3.5 times and 2-4 times, respectively, suggesting that RW enhances the glucose-sensitivity and glucose response of beta-cells. The protective activity of RW was stable at 4 degrees C for over a month, but was lost by autoclaving. These results suggest that RW protects pancreatic beta-cells from alloxan-induced cell damage by preventing alloxan-derived ROS generation. RW may be useful in preventing alloxan-induced type 1-diabetes mellitus.

Fermented milk, Kefram-Kefir enhances glucose uptake into insulin-responsive muscle cells

Diminution of insulin-responses in the target organ is the primary cause of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).It is thought to be correlated to the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this article, we attempted to evaluate whether fermented milk, Kefram-Kefir known as an antioxidant, reduces the cellular ROS levels and can stimulate the glucose uptake in L6 skeletal muscle cells. Water-soluble or chloroform/methanol-extracted fractions from Kefram-Kefir were examined to evaluate the glucose uptake ability of L6 myotubes.As a result, the water-soluble fraction augmented the uptake of glucose in L6 myotubes both in the presence and absence of insulin stimulation. Estimation of intracellular ROS level revealed that the water-soluble fraction of Kefram-Kefir reduced the intracellular ROS level on both the undifferentiated and differentiated L6 cells. Especially, glucose uptake was augmented up to six times with the addition of water-soluble fraction in the insulin-stimulated L6 myotubes. Glucose transport determination revealed that the active agent in Kefram-Kefir was resistant to autoclave and stable in pH range from 4 to 10, and the small molecule below the molecular weight of 1000. Furthermore, this augmentation was inhibited in the presence of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) inhibitor wortmannin. Considering together with the reports that PI 3-kinase is locatedin the insulin signaling pathway and the participation in the translocation of glucose transporter 4 to the cell membrane, it is suggested that the water-soluble fraction of Kefram-Kefir activates PI 3-kinase or other upstream molecules in the insulin signaling pathway, which resulted in the augmentation of glucose uptake and its specific inhibition by wortmannin.

Molecular analysis of cross-reactive human monoclonal antibody AE6F4 generated by in vitro immunization: Epitope mapping of AE6F4 antibody on 14-3-3 family proteins and cytokeratin 8

We reported previously that adenocarcinoma-reactive human monoclonal antibody AE6F4, which had been generated by in vitro immunization method, recognizes both 14-3-3protein and cytokeratin 8 (CK8). In this study, to analyze the cross-reactivity of AE6F4 antibody, epitopes of AE6F4 antibody on 14-3-3 proteins and CK8 were studied by using synthetic linear peptide scanning technology. To determine the locations of B cell epitope, 48 and 95 of decapeptides covering the entire 14-3-3 proteins and CK8, respectively,were synthesized and binding to AE6F4 antibody was examined by ELISA. The AE6F4 antibody was strongly reactive to peptides containing amino acid sequences TLWTSDTQGD in 14-3-3 proteins and INFLRQLYEE in CK8. These results indicate that AE6F4 antibody can recognize the different peptide sequences in 14-3-3 proteins and CK8.

Epitope analysis of human monoclonal antibody specific for rice allergenic protein generated by in vitro immunization

We previously established an in vitro immunization protocol for generating antigen specific human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In vitro immunization was performed against the soluble protein of rice allergenic protein (RA), resulting in the generation of three B cell clones, AC7-1/F9, CB7-1/E2 and CB7-8/F5, all of which produce a RA-specific human monoclonal IgM antibody. We attempted to map the epitope regions recognized by thesem Abs to characterize their specificities. We performed two rounds of epitope mapping, rough mapping using 10-mer peptides covering the full-length RA with 5 amino acids overlapping, and fine mapping using 8-mer peptides covering the putative epitope regions from the rough mapping with 1amino acid overlapping. As a result of the fine mapping,we identified the epitope regions of these three mAbs as(45)QVWQDCCRQ(54)L, (56)AVDDGWCRCGA(67)L and(91)FPGCRRG(98)D on the RA molecule and found to be identical. Furthermore, we determined the putative core epitope regions, which are critical for mAb binding to each region, (47)WQDCC(52)R and (60)GWC(63)R. The information about the epitope region on the RA molecule,which might trigger the allergenic response, would be useful to establish a specific immunotherapy against rice allergy.

Suppression of UVC-induced cell damage and enhancement of DNA repair by the fermented milk, Kefir

An aqueous extract of Kefir, fermented milk originally produced in the Caucasus mountains, suppressed morphological changes of human melanoma HMV-1 and SK-MEL cells and human normal fibroblastTIG-1 cells caused by UVC-irradiation, suggesting that UV damage can be suppressed by the Kefir extract. The addition of the Kefir extract after UVC-irradiation of HVM-1 cells resulted in a remarkable decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) which had been increased by UVC irradiation. The Kefir extract also stimulated unscheduled DNA synthesis and suppressed UVC-induced apoptosis of HMV-1 cells. A colony formation assay revealed that the Kefir extract rescued HMV-1 cells from cell death caused by UVC irradiation. The Kefir extract, as well as methyl methanethiosulfonate which is known to enhance the nucleotide excision repair (NER) activity, exhibited strong thymine dimer repair-enhancing activity. Epigalocatechin exhibited a weak NER activity but vitamins A, C, and E and catechin showed no NER activity. The thymine dimer repair-enhancing factors in the Kefir extract were heat-stable and assumed to be molecules with a molecular weight of less than 5000. The treatment of HMV-1 cells with the Kefir extract during or before UVC- irradiation also prevented the generation of ROS and thymine dimmer, and suppressed the apoptosis of HMV-1 cells, suggesting that application of Kefir can prevent UV damage.

Inhibitory effects of phloroglucinol derivatives isolated from Ecklonia stolonifera on Fc(epsilon)RI expression

Two bioactive phloroglucinol derivatives, dioxinodehydroeckol (DHE) and phlorofucofuroeckol A (PFF-A) were isolated from edible marine brown alga, Ecklonia stolonifera, and evaluated for effects on cell surface Fc(epsilon)RI expression in KU812F cells. DHE and PFF-A were found to reduce the cell surface expression, and total cellular protein and mRNA levels for the Fc(epsilon)RI alpha chain. Moreover, both compounds exerted inhibitory effects against the elevation of intracellular calcium concentration [Ca(2+)](i) and histamine release from anti-Fc(epsilon)RI alpha chain antibody (CRA-1)-stimulated cells. These inhibitory effects were stronger for PFF-A than for DHE. These results show that two phloroglucinol derivatives, DHE and PFF-A, may exert anti-allergic effects via the inhibition of Fc(epsilon)RI expression, calcium influx, and degranulation in basophils, and contributes to the pharmacological activities of marine brown alga, including E. stolonifera.

Ecklonia cava extract suppresses the high-affinity IgE receptor, FcepsilonRI expression

Basophils and mast cells express FcepsilonRI, a high-affinity receptor for IgE, on the cell surface and act as effector cells in allergic reactions. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Ecklonia cava (EC) methanolic extract on the expression of FcepsilonRI in human basophilic KU812F cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that EC extract caused a concentration-dependent reduction in the cell surface expression of FcepsilonRI. The extract was also capable of reducing the binding between IgE or serum IgE and cell surface FcepsilonRI. RT-PCR analysis revealed that EC extract reduced the mRNA expression of total cellular FcepsilonRI alpha-chain. Moreover, data obtained by fluorescence spectrophotometry showed that the extract inhibited the FcepsilonRI-mediated release of histamine in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that EC extract may exert its anti-allergic activity through negative-regulation of FcepsilonRI expression and a decrease in histamine release.

Functional Properties of Cholesterol-Removed Whipping Cream Treated by β-Cyclodextrin

The present study was carried out to examine the changes in functional properties of cholesterol-removed whipping cream by beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) treatment. The cholesterol removal rate reached over 90% in cream before whipping in all conditions (different stirring time and speed) applied. The apparent viscosity of beta-CD treated cream after whipping increased with increased stirring time and speed. Comparatively, the overrun percentage reached to 150%, and foam instability was measured as 2.5 ml deformed cream with lower stirring time (10 min) and speed (400 rpm). The thiobarbituric acid value of cholesterol-removed whipping cream increased from 0.08 to 0.14 stored at 4 degrees C during 4 wk; however, no difference was found compared with that of control. Above results indicated that beta-CD treatment process for cholesterol removal did not show a profound adverse effect on functional properties of cream after whipping.

Removal of cholesterol from Cheddar cheese by beta-cyclodextrin

This study was carried out to determine the cholesterol removal rate and resulting changes in flavor, fatty acid and bitter amino acid production in reduced-cholesterol Cheddar cheese, made by cream separation followed by 10% beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) treatment. The cholesterol removal from the cheese was 92.1%. The production of short-chain free fatty acids (FFAs) increased the ripening time in control and cream-treated cheeses. The quantity of short-chain FFAs released between treatments during ripening was different, while not much difference was found in the production of neutral volatile compounds in the samples. Reduced-cholesterol cheese produced much higher levels of bitter amino acids than the control. In sensory analysis, the texture score of control Cheddar cheese increased significantly with ripening time; however, that of the cream treatment group decreased dramatically with ripening time. On the basis of our results, we conclude that the cheese made from beta-CD-treated cream had a higher rate of cholesterol removal and ripened rapidly.

Construction of an in vitro allergy reaction evaluation system using human leukemia cell lines

Human leukemia cell lines, KU812 and KU812F, are immature prebasophillic cell lines and have a potential to differentiate into basophils. Hydrocortisone (HC) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) can enhance the cell surface FcepsilonRI expression of KU812 cells. However, the differentiated phenotypes of KU812 cells were unstable, hindering the application of KU812 cells to construct a practical invitro allergy reaction evaluation system. Here, we attempted to enhance the cell surface expression of FcepsilonRI on hydrocortisone (HC)- or sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-treated KU812 cells by IgE. The cell surface FcepsilonRI expression was observed in about 20, 20 and 26% of 1 muM HC-, 1 nM SNP- and 450 ng ml(-1) IgE-treated KU812 cells, respectively. Whereas, the cell surface FcepsilonRI expression was observed in about 54% of KU812 cells treated with both 450 ng ml(-1) IgE and 1 muM HC for 8 days, and in about 33% of KU812 cells treated with both 450 ng ml(-1) IgE and 1 nM SNP for 4 days. Ninety five% of the IgE/HC- or IgE/SNP-treated KU812 cells expressed CD 13 antigen, a cell surface marker of basophils. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that AP-1, NF-AT and NF-kappaB transcription factors were all activated in IgE/HC- and IgE/SNP-treated KU812 cells. Since the differentiated KU812F cells were more sensitive than KU812 cells for histamine release by sensitization with human IgE and anti-IgE antibody, a practical in vitro allergy reaction evaluation system for general use was constructed using IgE/HC-treated KU812F cells. The differentiated KU812F cells sensitized with an allergicpatient's IgE and mite allergen exhibited histamine release. The constructed in vitro allergy reaction evaluation system using differentiated human leukemia KU812F cells will be useful to study allergic reaction and to analyze physiologically functional substances in allergic disease.

Different individual immune responses elicited by in vitro immunization

We have previously demonstrated that the addition of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-4 effectively raises antibody production from L-Leucyl-L-leucine methyl ester (LLME)-treated human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) against specific soluble antigen when immunized in vitro. However, PBLs from individual donors were separate optimal conditions regarding concentrations for IL-2 and IL-4, which in turn required us to optimize each individual PBLs to effectively produce antigen specific human antibody by in vitro immunization. These individual differences in the requirement for IL-2 and IL-4 reflects the differences in individual immune responses against a specific soluble antigen, which can be elicited by in vitro immunization. In the present study, we investigated these individual differences in the requirement for IL-2 and IL-4 to induce antibody productionin vitro in the PBLs of 12 volunteers (9 healthy donors and 3 allergenic patients). IL-2 requirements for antibody production varied dependent upon each donor, while higher amounts of IL-4 inhibited IgM and IgG production in all of the healthy donors. However, some of the characteristic features for PBLs donated from allergenic included lowered IgM production compared to PBLs derived from healthy donors, and very high IgE production in the absence of cytokines and allergen. These results demonstrate that the sensitivity of PBLs against antigen sensitization differs between healthy donors and atopic patients, which suggests that the frequency of antigen sensitization might be reflected in differing activation states and/or differing subpopulations of lymphocytes in vivo.