Effect of the Irrigation Agitation Technique on Postoperative Pain in Teeth With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis.

Introduction Irrigation of the root canal system is a vital step in endodontic treatment aimed at disinfecting the canal. The efficacy of irrigation can be improved by various irrigation agitation methods. One such novel method of interest is the manual dynamic agitation (MDA) technique. However, the effect of MDA on postoperative pain as compared to needle irrigation (NI) with sodium hypochlorite has been scarcely explored. This study aimed to compare the effects of NI and MDA techniques on postoperative pain in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Materials and methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Department of Operative and Paediatric Dentistry, Fauji Foundation Dental Hospital, over four months after gaining ethical approval. One hundred and sixty-eight participants diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were enrolled in the study through the purposive sampling technique. The participants were divided into two groups based on the irrigation technique used: Group A (NI) and Group B (MDA). Postoperative pain was recorded after six hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and seven days using the 0-100mm visual analog scale (VAS). The VAS scores were compared using an independent sample t-test. Results Out of 168 participants, 48.2% were in Group A and 51.2% in Group B. The study found that VAS pain scores for Group B (MDA) were significantly lower at six hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and seven days as compared to Group A (NI), with a p-value less than 0.001. Conclusion This study shows that the MDA technique leads to decreased postoperative pain both immediately after endodontic treatment and a week later as compared to the NI technique. Hence, the use of MDA can aid in controlling postendodontic pain and, therefore, ensure smoother recovery and increased patient satisfaction.

γ-Oryzanol Ameliorates Depressive Behavior in Ovariectomized Mice by Regulating Hippocampal Nitric Oxide Synthase: A Potential Therapy for Menopausal Depression.

SCOPE: Depression is a severe mental condition, common among menopausal women. γ-Oryzanol (ORY) has various biological properties; however, the effect of ORY on menopausal depression and its underlying mechanisms have not been investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: ORY is orally administered to ovariectomized (OVX) mice for 20 weeks. ORY administration results in lower immobility time in the tail suspension and forced swim test and increases locomotor activity in the open field test. In the primary hippocampal neurons and hippocampi of OVX mice, ORY treatment increases nitric oxide (NO) production and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) expression. Further, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and tropomyosin receptor kinase B, along with the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factior (BDNF), is upregulated. These stimulatory effects of ORY are diminished by treatment with estrogen receptor ß (ERß) antagonist. ORY similarly interacts with ERß in the molecular docking analysis. Moreover, intracerebroventricular injection of 7-nitroindazole, a nNOS inhibitor, abolishes the antidepressant effects of ORY. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that ORY attenuates depressive behavior in OVX mice by upregulating ERß-mediated hippocampal nNOS expression and activating the ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling networks. The findings suggest that ORY is a potential therapeutic agent for attenuating menopausal depression.

Aralia continentalis Root Enhances Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep by Activating GABAA Receptors.

Aralia continentalis exhibits various biological activities; however, their sleep-promoting effects have not been previously reported. In this study, we evaluated the hypnotic effects and sleep-wake profiles of A. continentalis root (KS-126) using a pentobarbital-induced sleep-acceleration test and polysomnographic recordings. Additionally, we investigated the molecular mechanism of KS-126 through patch-clamp electrophysiology. Our polysomnographic recordings revealed that KS-126 not only accelerated the onset of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) but also extends its duration. Considering the temporal dynamics of the sleep-wake stages, during the initial and subsequent periods KS-126 extended NREMS duration and decreased wakefulness, thereby enhancing sleep-promoting effects. Furthermore, the assessment of sleep quality via analysis of electroencephalogram power density indicated that KS-126 did not significantly alter sleep intensity. Finally, we found that KS-126 enhanced GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic responses in primary hippocampal neurons, leading to an increase in the percentage of the GABA current. This effect was not affected by the selective benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil, but was entirely inhibited by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline. In conclusion, KS-126 extends the duration of NREMS without altering its intensity by prolonging GABAergic synaptic transmission, which modulates GABAA receptor function.

Sargassum horneri Extract Attenuates Depressive-like Behaviors in Mice Treated with Stress Hormone.

Sargassum horneri, a brown seaweed, is known for its various health benefits; however, there are no reports on its effects on depression. This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of S. horneri ethanol extract (SHE) in mice injected with corticosterone (CORT) and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Behavioral tests were conducted, and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and CORT levels were measured. A fluorometric monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme inhibition assay was performed. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels were determined. Moreover, the ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was evaluated. Behavioral tests revealed that SHE has antidepressant effects by reducing immobility time and increasing time spent in open arms. Serum CRH, ACTH, and CORT levels decreased in the mice treated with SHE, as did the glucocorticoid-receptor expression in their brain tissues. SHE inhibited MAO-A and MAO-B activities. In addition, SHE increased levels of neurotransmitters. Furthermore, SHE activated the ERK-CREB-BDNF pathway in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. These findings suggest that SHE has antidepressant effects in CORT-injected mice, via the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and monoaminergic pathway, and through activation of the ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway. Thus, our study suggests that SHE may act as a natural antidepressant.

6-Gingerol Ameliorates Adiposity and Inflammation in Adipose Tissue in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice: Association with Regulating of Adipokines.

We investigated the effects of 6-gingerol on adiposity and obesity-induced inflammation by focusing on the regulation of adipogenesis and adipokines in white adipose tissue (WAT) of diet-induced obese mice. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) containing 0.05% 6-gingerol for 8 weeks. 6-Gingerol supplementation significantly reduced body weight, WAT mass, serum triglyceride, leptin and insulin levels, and HOMA-IR in HFD-fed mice. Additionally, the size of adipocytes in epididymal fat pads was reduced in HFD-fed mice by 6-gingerol supplementation. 6-Gingerol reduced the mRNA and protein levels of adipogenesis-related transcription factors, such as SREBP-1, PPARγ, and C/EBPα in WAT. Furthermore, 6-gingerol suppressed the expression of lipogenesis-related genes, such as fatty acid synthase and CD36 in WAT. Adiponectin expression was significantly increased, whereas inflammatory adipokines (leptin, resistin, TNF-α, MCP-1, and PAI-1) and the macrophage marker F4/80 were significantly reduced in the WAT of HFD-fed mice by 6-gingerol supplementation. In conclusion, 6-gingerol effectively contributed to the alleviation of adiposity and inflammation in WAT, which is associated with the regulation of adipokines in diet-induced obese mice.

Effects of Chronic Administration of Green Tea Ethanol Extract on Sleep Architecture in Mice: A Comparative Study with a Representative Stimulant Caffeine.

Wakefulness is defined as a state in which individuals can react to a change in situations. The number of people staying awake and compensating for lack of sleep has increased in recent years. Caffeine, a representative stimulant, is the most extensively consumed compound globally and is mainly consumed through coffee. Although green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) contains high caffeine content like coffee, its arousal-inducing effects have not yet been studied. In the present study, we aimed to identify the arousal-inducing effect of GT during a chronic administration period (three weeks) using analysis of sleep architecture. Treatment with GT (1500 mg/kg) significantly elevated the sleep latency and wakefulness throughout the treatment period, and chronic administration of GT consistently maintained an increase in wakefulness for up to 3 h. During the treatment period, the arousal-inducing effect of GT (1500 mg/kg) occurred without any change in the tolerance phenomenon or withdrawal symptoms, similar to that observed with caffeine (25 mg/kg). GT (1500 mg/kg) containing 95.6 mg/kg of caffeine did not produce a better arousal-inducing effect than caffeine at 25 mg/kg. These results indicate that the arousal-inducing effect of GT persisted for three weeks without adverse effects and that GT can control the arousal-inducing effects of caffeine due to the hypnotic effects of its other constituents.

Correction: Curcuminoids, a major turmeric component, have a sleep-enhancing effect by targeting the histamine H1 receptor.

Correction for 'Curcuminoids, a major turmeric component, have a sleep-enhancing effect by targeting the histamine H1 receptor' by Min Young Um et al., Food Funct., 2022, 13, 12697-12706, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2FO02087D.

Discovery of Novel Stimulators of Pax7 and/or MyoD: Enhancing the Efficacy of Cultured Meat Production through Culture Media Enrichment.

The principles of myogenesis play crucial roles in the production of cultured meat, and identifying protein stimulators associated with myogenesis holds great potential to enhance the efficiency of this process. In this study, we used surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based screening of a natural product library to discover ligands for Pax7 and MyoD, key regulators of satellite cells (SCs), and performed cell-based assays on Hanwoo SCs (HWSCs) to identify substances that promote cell proliferation and/or differentiation. Through an SPR analysis, we found that six chemicals, including one Pax7+/MyoD- chemical, four Pax7+/MyoD+ chemicals, and one Pax7-/MyoD+ chemical, bound to Pax7 and/or MyoD proteins. Among four Pax7+/MyoD+ chemicals, parthenolide (0.5 and 1 µM) and rutin (100 and 200 µM) stimulated cell proliferation in the medium with 10% FBS similar to the medium with 20% FBS, without affecting differentiation. Adenosine, a Pax7-/MyoD+ chemical, accelerated differentiation. These chemicals could be potential additives to reduce the reliance of FBS required for HWSC proliferation and differentiation in cultured meat production.

Marine Polyphenol Phlorotannins as a Natural Sleep Aid for Treatment of Insomnia: A Review of Sedative-Hypnotic Effects and Mechanism of Action.

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. Natural sleep aids are gaining worldwide popularity as alternatives to prescription drugs for improving sleep. Recently, numerous studies have investigated the sedative-hypnotic effects of the polyphenols of terrestrial plants. The hypnotic effects of marine polyphenols have also been studied in recent years. Phlorotannins are marine polyphenols that are found only in brown algae. Phlorotannins exert sedative-hypnotic effects via the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A-benzodiazepine receptor. In addition, the brown seaweed Ecklonia cava supplement containing phlorotannins has been approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a health-functional ingredient that helps improve sleep quality. Currently, it is meaningful to deal with the sedative-hypnotic effects of phlorotannins as natural sleep aids. The current review comprehensively presents the sedative-hypnotic effects in animal models and human clinical trials as well as their mechanism of action, extraction, purification, and safety.

Effects of Green Kiwifruit Peel Extract on Sleep-Wake Profiles in Mice: A Polysomnographic Study Based on Electroencephalogram and Electromyogram Recordings.

In the previous study, it was reported that green kiwifruit peel ethanol extract (GKPEE) increases sleep duration and decreases sleep latency in pentobarbital-treated mice. The pentobarbital-induced sleep test can be used to verify sleep quantity, which includes factors such as sleep duration and latency, but not sleep quality. In the present study, the sleep-promoting effects of GKPEE were investigated by the analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram in mice and were compared with the results of diazepam (DZP), a representative sedative-hypnotic agent. The acute administration of GKPEE (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) increased the amount of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) and decreased sleep latency in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of GKPEE at 1000 mg/kg produced persistently significantly different results until the second hour of time-course changes. In particular, GKPEE did not produce any change in delta activity compared to DZP. Furthermore, sub-chronic administration (15 days) of GKPEE (500 mg/kg) continued sleep-promoting effects, whilst the EEG power density of NREMS did not show significant differences, indicating that there were no tolerance phenomena. Our findings suggest that GKPEE may be a promising natural sleep aid for treating sleep disorders. In addition, considering the number of by-products discarded each year by the food industry, the application of GKPEE here contributes to the utilization of processed kiwifruit by-products and can help to solve environmental problems.

Curcuminoids, a major turmeric component, have a sleep-enhancing effect by targeting the histamine H1 receptor.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) had been considered as a universal panacea in functional foods and traditional medicines. In recent, the sedative-hypnotic effect of turmeric extract (TE) was reported. However, sleep-promoting compounds in TE have been not yet demonstrated. Curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin) are the major constituents of turmeric being responsible for its various biological activities. Therefore, they can be first assumed to be sedative-hypnotic compounds of TE. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of curcuminoids and each constituent on the sleep-wake cycle of mice. Molecular docking studies, histamine H1 receptor (H1R) binding assays, and H1R knockout animal studies were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the sleep-promoting effects. Curcuminoids and their constituents reduced sleep latency and increased sleep duration in the pentobarbital-induced sleep test in mice. In addition, curcuminoids significantly increased the duration of NREMS and reduced sleep latency without altering the REMS and delta activity. Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin were predicted to interact with H1R in the molecular model. In the binding affinity assay, we found that curcuminoids, as well as their constituents, significantly bind to H1R with the Ki value of 1.49 µg mL-1. Furthermore, sleep latency was reduced and NREMS frequency was increased following curcuminoid administration in wild-type mice but not in H1R knockout mice. Therefore, we conclude that curcuminoids reduce sleep latency and enhance the quantity of NREMS by acting as modulators of H1R, indicating their usefulness in treating insomnia.

Hepatocyte-specific Prominin-1 protects against liver injury-induced fibrosis by stabilizing SMAD7.

Prominin-1 (PROM1), also known as CD133, is expressed in hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) and cholangiocytes of the fibrotic liver. In this study, we show that PROM1 is upregulated in the plasma membrane of fibrotic hepatocytes. Hepatocellular expression of PROM1 was also demonstrated in mice (Prom1CreER; R26TdTom) in which cells expressed TdTom under control of the Prom1 promoter. To understand the role of hepatocellular PROM1 in liver fibrosis, global and liver-specific Prom1-deficient mice were analyzed after bile duct ligation (BDL). BDL-induced liver fibrosis was aggravated with increased phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and decreased levels of SMAD7 by global or liver-specific Prom1 deficiency but not by cholangiocyte-specific Prom1 deficiency. Indeed, PROM1 prevented SMURF2-induced SMAD7 ubiquitination and degradation by interfering with the molecular association of SMAD7 with SMURF2. We also demonstrated that hepatocyte-specific overexpression of SMAD7 ameliorated BDL-induced liver fibrosis in liver-specific Prom1-deficient mice. Thus, we conclude that PROM1 is necessary for the negative regulation of TGFß signaling during liver fibrosis.

Protective Effect of Chrysanthemum boreale Flower Extracts against A2E-Induced Retinal Damage in ARPE-19 Cell.

In age-related macular degeneration, N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E) accumulates in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and generates oxidative stress, which further induces cell death. Polyphenols are well known for their antioxidant and beneficial effects on vision. Chrysanthemum boreale Makino (CB) flowers, which contain flavonoids, have antioxidant activity. We hypothesized that polyphenols in ethanolic extracts of CB (CBE) and its fractions suppressed A2E-mediated ARPE-19 cell damage, a human RPE cell line. CBE is rich in polyphenols, shows antioxidant activity, and suppresses intracellular accumulation of A2E and cell death induced by A2E. Among the five fractions, the polyphenol content and antioxidant effect were in the order of the ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAc) > butanol fraction (BuOH) > hexane fraction (Hex) > dichloromethane fraction (CH2Cl2) > water fraction (H2O). In contrast, the inhibitory ability of A2E accumulation and A2E-induced cell death was highest in H2O, followed by BuOH. In the correlation analysis, polyphenols in the H2O and BuOH fractions had a significant positive correlation with antioxidant effects, but no significant correlation with cell damage caused by A2E. Our findings suggest that substances other than polyphenols present in CBE can suppress the effects of A2E, and further research is needed.

Completion of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the modified Konyang standard method.

BACKGROUND: To date, a surgical method for single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has not been standardized. Therefore, this study aimed to introduce a standardized surgical method for SILC, in addition to reporting our experience over 10 years. METHODS: Patients who underwent SILC at a single institution between April 2010 and December 2019 were included in this study. We analyzed the patient demographics and surgical outcomes according to the surgical method used: phase 1 (Konyang standard method, KSM) comprising initial 3-channel SILC, phase 2 (modified KSM, mKSM) comprising 4-channel SILC with a snake retractor, and phase 3 (commercial mKSM, C-mKSM) using a commercial 4-channel port. RESULTS: Of 1372 patients (mean age, 51.3 years; 781 [56.9%] women), 418 (30.5%) surgeries were performed for acute cholecystitis (AC), 33 (2.4%) were converted to multiport or open cholecystectomy, and 49 (3.6%) developed postoperative complications. The mean operation time (OT) and length of postoperative hospital stay (LOS) were 51.9 min and 2.6 days, respectively. Overall, 325 patients underwent SILC with the KSM, 660 with the mKSM, and 387 with the C-mKSM. In the C-mKSM group, the number of patients with AC was the lowest (26.8% vs. 38.2% vs. 20.4%, p < 0.001) and the OT (51.7 min vs. 55.4 min vs. 46.1 min, p < 0.001), estimated blood loss (24.5 mL vs. 15.5 mL vs. 6.1 mL, p < 0.001), and LOS (2.8 days vs. 2.5 days vs. 2.3 days, p = 0.001) were significantly improved. The surgical outcomes were better in the non-AC group than in the AC group. CONCLUSION: Based on our 10 year experience, C-mKSM is a safe and feasible method of SILC in selected patients, although there were lower percentage of patients with AC compared to other groups.

1,3-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid as an Active Compound of Arctium lappa Root Extract Ameliorates Depressive-Like Behavior by Regulating Hippocampal Nitric Oxide Synthesis in Ovariectomized Mice.

Menopause is a risk factor for depression. Although 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid (1,3-diCQA), a phenolic compound in Arctium lappa (A. lappa) root, has various health benefits, its effects on menopausal depression remain to be determined. Therefore, this study investigates the antidepressant-like effects of 1,3-diCQA from an A. lappa root extract (AE) and the associated molecular mechanisms. Ovariectomized (OVX) mice were orally administered AE for 20 weeks, following which depression-like behaviors were assessed. Although the mice exhibited depression-like behaviors, AE administration mitigated these symptoms by activating the ERK-CREB-BDNF pathway and increasing nNOS levels in the hippocampus. Similarly, a significant increase in nNOS-derived NO production and activation of the ERK-CREB-BDNF pathway was observed in the primary hippocampal neurons. Although this stimulatory effect of 1,3-diCQA was not significantly affected by treatment with estrogen receptor agonist or antagonist, it was inhibited by 7-NI, an nNOS inhibitor. Moreover, mice treated with 1,3-diCQA exhibited a marked improvement in their forced swimming test and tail suspension test immobility, while pretreatment with 7-NI reversed the antidepressant-like effects of 1,3-diCQA. Our results suggest that 1,3-diCQA regulates nNOS in an estrogen recepters-independent manner to increase NO production in OVX mice.

Mori Ramulus Inhibits Pancreatic ß-Cell Apoptosis and Prevents Insulin Resistance by Restoring Hepatic Mitochondrial Function.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic beta (ß)-cell dysfunction. Accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may cause insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. As commercial hypoglycemic drugs have side effects, it is necessary to develop safe and effective natural compound-based hypoglycemic treatments. This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of Mori Ramulus ethanol extract (ME) in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetes mouse model to decipher the underlying mechanisms focusing on apoptosis and mitochondrial function. ME significantly decreased tunicamycin-induced apoptotic cell death and increased insulin secretion following glucose stimulation in NIT-1 pancreatic ß-cells. Tunicamycin-exposed NIT-1 pancreatic ß-cells showed elevated reactive oxygen species levels and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, which were reversed by ME treatment. ME inhibited the tunicamycin-induced apoptosis cascade in tunicamycin-exposed NIT-1 pancreatic ß-cells. In HFD diabetic mice, the serum-free fatty acid and insulin levels decreased following a 15-week ME administration. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests showed that ME improved insulin sensitivity. Moreover, ME ameliorated pancreatic ß-cell mass loss in diabetic mice. Finally, ME-treated HFD-fed mice showed improved hepatic mitochondrial function resulting in insulin sensitivity in target tissues. Thus, ME provides protection against pancreatic ß-cell apoptosis and prevents insulin resistance by improving mitochondrial function.

A Novel Potent Sleep-Promoting Effect of Turmeric: Turmeric Increases Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Mice Via Histamine H1Receptor Blockade.

SCOPE: Turmeric has a broad spectrum of biological properties; however, the sleep-promoting effects of turmeric have not yet been reported. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effect of turmeric on sleep and the molecular mechanism underlying this effect. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pentobarbital-induce sleep test and sleep-wake profile assessment using recorded electroencephalography are used to evaluate the hypnotic effects of the turmeric extract (TE) compared to diazepam on sleep in mice. Additionally, the molecular mechanism of TE's sleep effect is investigated using ex vivo electrophysiological recordings from brain slices in histamine H1 receptor (H1 R) knockout mice. Oral administration of TE and diazepam significantly reduce sleep latency and increase non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) duration without delta activity in mice. Like doxepin, TE inhibits the H1 R agonist (2-pyridylethylamine dihydrochloride)-induced increase in action potentials in the hypothalamic neurons. In animal tests using neurotransmitter agonists or antagonists, TE effect mimick H1 R antagonistic effect of doxepin. Additionally, both reduce sleep latency and increase NREMS in wild-type mice, although these effects are not observed in H1 R knockout mice. CONCLUSION: TE has a sleep-promoting effect owing to reduction in sleep latency and enhancement of NREMS via H1 R blockade; therefore, it could be useful in insomnia.

Standardized rice bran extract improves hepatic steatosis in HepG2 cells and ovariectomized rats.

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES: Hepatic steatosis is the most common liver disorder, particularly in postmenopausal women. This study investigated the protective effects of standardized rice bran extract (RBS) on ovariectomized (OVX)-induced hepatic steatosis in rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: HepG2 cells were incubated with 200 µM oleic acid to induce lipid accumulation with or without RBS and γ-oryzanol. OVX rats were separated into three groups and fed a normal diet (ND) or the ND containing 17ß-estradiol (E2; 10 µg/kg) and RBS (500 mg/kg) for 16 weeks. RESULTS: RBS supplementation improved serum triglyceride and free fatty acid levels in OVX rats. Histological analysis showed that RBS significantly attenuated hepatic fat accumulation and decreased hepatic lipid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, RBS suppressed the estrogen deficiency-induced upregulation of lipogenic genes, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, fatty acid synthase, glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1. CONCLUSIONS: RBS and γ-oryzanol effectively reduced lipid accumulation in a HepG2 cell hepatic steatosis model. RBS improves OVX-induced hepatic steatosis by regulating the SREBP1-mediated activation of lipogenic genes, suggesting the benefits of RBS in preventing fatty liver in postmenopausal women.

Dicaffeoylquinic acids alleviate memory loss via reduction of oxidative stress in stress-hormone-induced depressive mice.

Chronic stress can lead to depression due to elevated levels of stress hormones such as glucocorticoid. This is accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the brain, which can cause dendritic spine loss and atrophy in neurons, followed by memory loss. Dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs) are naturally occurring polyphenolic antioxidant compounds in Arctium lappa extracts (AL). The effects of natural derivatives of cafferoylqunic acid on stress hormone-induced depressive behavior and their underlying mechanisms are uncertain. In the current study, we showed that diCQAs reduced depressive behaviors including memory loss in corticosterone (CORT) treated mice. The mechanism of anti-depressants of diCQAs is likely through reduction of ROS production by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) type A and B in neurons and astrocytes. Among diCQAs, 3,4- and 3,5-diCQA significantly inhibited the activity of MAO enzymes followed by the reduction of ROS in neurons and astrocytes and also protected neuronal atrophy and synaptic transmission against stress hormone. These results suggest that 3,4- and 3,5-diCQAs effectively reduced depressive symptoms and inhibited ROS production to alleviate memory loss in stress hormone-induced depressive mice and hence, which provide some potential natural antidepressants.