Effect of Polycan, a ß-Glucan from Aureobasidium pullulans SM-2001, on Inflammatory Response and Intestinal Barrier Function in DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease, is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disease with unclear etiology and pathophysiology. Herein, we determined the effects of extracellular polysaccharides purified from Aureobasidium pullulans SM-2001 (Polycan) on tight junction protein expression, inflammation, and apoptosis in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis model. Fifty mice were divided into normal, DSS, DSS + Polycan 250 mg/kg (Polycan 250), DSS + Polycan 500 mg/kg (Polycan 500), and DSS + 5-aminosalicylic acid 100 mg/kg (5-ASA) groups. Their body weights, colon lengths, histological changes in colon tissue, and tight junction function were observed. Results showed that Polycan 250, Polycan 500, and 5-ASA significantly inhibited body weight loss compared with DSS. Similar to 5-ASA, Polycan 500 exhibited preventive effects on colon length shortening and histological changes in colon tissues. Polycan inhibited the DSS-induced decrease in fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran permeability and myeloperoxidase activity. Moreover, Polycan significantly recovered serum cytokine (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ß) or mRNA expression in colon tissue compared with DSS. Polycan also inhibited apoptosis by reducing caspase-3 activity and the Bcl-2 associated X/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) ratio. Additionally, DSS treatment significantly reduced microbial abundance and diversity, but the administration of Polycan reversed this effect. Collectively, Polycan protected intestinal barrier function and inhibited inflammation and apoptosis in DSS-induced colitis.

Quercitrin inhibits platelet activation in arterial thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: The ingestion of flavonoids has been reported to be associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Quercitrin is a common flavonoid in nature, and it exhibits antioxidant properties. Although the process of thrombogenesis is intimately related to cardiovascular disease risk, it is unclear whether quercitrin plays a role in thrombogenesis. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the antiplatelet effect of quercitrin in platelet activation. METHODS: Platelet aggregation, granule secretion, calcium mobilization, and integrin activation were used to assess the antiplatelet activity of quercitrin. Antithrombotic effect was determined in mouse using ferric chloride (FeCl3)-induced arterial thrombus formation in vivo and thrombus formation on collagen-coated surfaces under arteriolar shear in vitro. Transection tail bleeding time was used to evaluate whether quercitrin inhibited primary hemostasis. RESULTS: Quercitrin significantly impaired collagen-related peptide-induced platelet aggregation, granule secretion, reactive oxygen species generation, and intracellular calcium mobilization. Outside-in signaling of αIIbß3 integrin was significantly inhibited by quercitrin in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of quercitrin resulted from inhibition of the glycoprotein VI-mediated platelet signal transduction during cell activation. Further, the antioxidant effect is derived from decreased phosphorylation of components of the TNF receptor-associated factor 4/p47phox/Hic5 axis signalosome. Oral administration of quercitrin efficiently blocked FeCl3-induced arterial thrombus formation in vivo and thrombus formation on collagen-coated surfaces under arteriolar shear in vitro, without prolonging bleeding time. Studies using a mouse model of ischemia/reperfusion-induced stroke indicated that treatment with quercitrin reduced the infarct volume in stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that quercitrin could be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Network Pharmacology-Based Approaches of Rheum undulatum Linne and Glycyrriza uralensis Fischer Imply their Regulation of Liver Failure with Hepatic Encephalopathy in Mice.

Rheum undulatum and Glycyrrhiza uralensis have been used as supplementary ingredients in various herbal medicines. They have been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and, therefore, have potential in the treatment and prevention of various liver diseases. Considering that hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is often associated with chronic liver failure, we investigated whether an R. undulatum and G. uralensis extract mixture (RG) could reduce HE. We applied systems-based pharmacological tools to identify the active ingredients in RG and the pharmacological targets of RG by examining mechanism-of-action profiles. A CCl4-induced HE mouse model was used to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of RG on HE. We successfully identified seven bioactive ingredients in RG with 40 potential targets. Based on an integrated target-disease network, RG was predicted to be effective in treating neurological diseases. In animal models, RG consistently relieved HE symptoms by protecting blood-brain barrier permeability via downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and upregulation of claudin-5. In addition, RG inhibited mRNA expression levels of both interleukin (IL)-1ß and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1. Based on our results, RG is expected to function various biochemical processes involving neuroinflammation, suggesting that RG may be considered a therapeutic agent for treating not only chronic liver disease but also HE.

Ethanol Extract of Sesamum indicum Linn. Inhibits FcεRI-Mediated Allergic Reaction via Regulation of Lyn/Syk and Fyn Signaling Pathways in Rat Basophilic Leukemic RBL-2H3 Mast Cells.

This study is aimed at determining whether Sesamum indicum Linn. beneficially influences FcεRI-mediated allergic reactions in RBL-2H3 mast cells; it is also aimed at further investigating Lyn/Fyn and Syk signaling pathways. To examine the antiallergic effect of Sesamum indicum Linn. extract (SIE), we treated antigen/immunoglobulin E- (IgE-) sensitized mast cells with extracts of various concentrations. We examined the degranulation release and concentrations of inflammatory mediators. Additionally, the expressions of genes involved in the FcεRI and arachidonate signaling pathways were examined. SIE inhibited the degranulation and secretion of inflammatory mediators in antigen/IgE-sensitized mast cells. SIE reduced the expressions of FcεRI signaling-related genes, such as Syk, Lyn, and Fyn, and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in antigen/IgE-sensitized mast cells. Additionally, in late allergic responses, SIE reduced PGD2 release and COX-2 and cPLA2 phosphorylation expression in FcεRI-mediated mast cell activation. Lastly, 250-500 mg/kg SIE significantly attenuated the Ag/IgE-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice. The potent effect of SIE on RBL-2H3 mast cell activation indicates that the extract could potentially be used as a novel inhibitor against allergic reactions.

Effect of Rhus verniciflua Extract on IgE-Antigen-Mediated Allergic Reaction in Rat Basophilic Leukemic RBL-2H3 Mast Cells and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice.

Rhus verniciflua is widely known for its antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and antiaging efficacy and α-glucosidase inhibition. This study was designed whether Rhus verniciflua extracts inhibit the IgE-antigen-mediated allergic reaction in RBL-2H3 mast cells, and it further investigated the FcεRI- and arachidonate-signaling by which Rhus verniciflua extracts exert its antiallergic effects. IgE-antigen-sensitized RBL-2H3 mast cells were investigated for the cytotoxicity of Rhus verniciflua extracts and ß-hexosaminidase release, and inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, histamine, and PGD2) were then assessed. Additionally, we examined expressions of genes involved in arachidonate- and FcεRI-signaling pathway in RBL-2H3. Rhus verniciflua extracts inhibited ß-hexosaminidase release and production of the inflammatory mediators in RBL-2H3. Rhus verniciflua extracts reduced amounts of histamine and expressions of FcεRI signaling-related genes such as Lyn and Syk and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in mast cells. Finally, in late allergic responses, Rhus verniciflua extracts reduced PGD2 release and COX-2 and cPLA2 phosphorylation expressions from IgE-antigen-mediated mast cells. Lastly, 250-500 mg/kg RVE significantly attenuated the Ag/IgE-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice. These findings provide novel information on the molecular mechanisms underlying the antiallergy properties of Rhus verniciflua extracts in FcɛRI-mediated allergic reaction.

Voglibose-mediated alterations in neurometabolomic profiles in the hypothalamus of high-fat diet-fed mice.

The alpha-glucosidase inhibitor voglibose (VO) was recently reported to have a protective effect against weight gain as well as affect various metabolic changes related to food intake and gut-brain signaling. We hypothesized that VO prevents weight gain by altering neurometabolome profiles in the hypothalamus to reduce food intake. To test this hypothesis, we assessed metabolite profiles in the hypothalamus of standard diet- or high-fat (HF) diet-fed mice in the absence or presence of VO. In total, 29 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups: (1) lean control, (2) HF, and (3) HF + VO. Vehicle or VO was administered for 12 weeks. The results showed that there were alterations in levels of metabolites across several metabolic pathways in the hypothalamus. VO treatment increased levels of many amino acids including arginine, glutamine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine in the hypothalamus. In addition, levels of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-butyric acid in the hypothalamus were significantly increased after VO administration in HF diet-fed mice. Among lipid metabolites, levels of fatty acids were higher in the hypothalamus of VO-treated mice than in that of HF diet-fed mice. In terms of the energy status, the ATP/ADP ratio was higher in the hypothalamus of VO-treated mice (P < 0.001), thereby indicating an energy surplus. In conclusion, VO supplementation altered metabolite profiles in the hypothalamus to enhance catabolism, which is possibly responsible for the hypophagic effect of VO in HF diet-fed mice.

Acer palmatum thumb. Ethanol Extract Alleviates Interleukin-6-Induced Barrier Dysfunction and Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis by Improving Intestinal Barrier Function and Reducing Inflammation.

Ulcerative colitis is one inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is caused by diverse factors, including the extent and duration of intestinal inflammation. We investigated the effect of Acer palmatum thumb. ethanol extract (KIOM-2015E) on the expression of tight junction proteins and the levels of inflammation in the cell model induced with interleukin-6- (IL-6-) and mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced with acute colitis. KIOM-2015E (100 mg/kg) was orally administered once per day to BALB/C mice with colitis induced by administration of 5% DSS in drinking water. KIOM-2015E did not affect viability in Caco-2 cells. Also, KIOM-2015E repaired the IL-6-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, KIOM-2015E recovered the loss of body weight and the abnormally short colon lengths in the DSS-induced model of acute colitis. Moreover, KIOM-2015E significantly inhibited the decrease of zonula occluden-1 and occludin in colonic tissue relative to the DSS-treated control group. KIOM-2015E also significantly inhibited the expression of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the level of serum relative to the control group. Collectively, these data suggest that KIOM-2015E protects colitis principally by improving intestinal barrier function and promoting anti-inflammatory responses. In turn, these effects inhibit macrophage infiltration into the colon and thus may be a candidate treatment for IBD.

Leaves of Acer palmatum thumb. Rescues N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-Induced retinal degeneration in mice.

BACKGROUND: In the East Asia, the genus Acer (Aceraceae) is a herbal medicine that is used to treat various diseases, including hemostasis, hepatic disorders, traumatic bleeding and poor eyesight. However, the effects of Acer palmatum thumb. on retinal degeneration are unknown. AIM: In this study, we investigated whether Acer palmatum thumb.ethanol extract (KIOM-2015E) can protect eyes from retinal degeneration. Our research investigated whether KIOM-2015E could have a protective effect in the retinal degenerating mouse model induced by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retinal degeneration was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of ENU in ICR mice. KIOM-2015E (100, 200 mg/kg) was orally administered once per day. The eyeballs were embedded and lysed after drug administration to examine the histological changed and protein expression levels. RESULTS: The ENU-induced retinal degeneration model exhibited increased photoreceptor cell death and a loss of the outer nuclear layer. Additionally, the expression of PKCα and OPN1SW was reduced, and that of GFAP and Nestin was increased in ENU-treated retinal tissues. CONCLUSION: KIOM-2015E treatment ameliorated the ENU-induced retinal degeneration. KIOM-2015E prevents ENU-induced retinal degeneration by modulating protein expression and the thickness of the outer nuclear layer in the retina.

Jageum-Jung improves 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice and suppresses pro-inflammatory chemokine production by inhibiting TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced STAT-1 and NFκB signaling in HaCaT cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Jageum-Jung (JGJ) is an oriental herbal formula comprising five herbs (Melaphis chinensis Bell, Cremastra variabilis Nakai, Knoxia valerianoides Thorel, Euphorbia lathyris L., and Moschus moschiferus L.). It has been used for detoxification and treating cancer and inflammatory diseases in China, Japan, and Korea. However, the mechanism of action of JGJ on keratinocyte inflammatory response is poorly understood. AIM OF THE STUDY: In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of JGJ and studied the effects of JGJ on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We elucidated the anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of JGJ on tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ (TNF-α/IFN-γ)-treated human keratinocyte cells, IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells, and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like mice, respectively. RESULTS: The results showed that JGJ suppressed the production and mRNA revels of IL-8, IL-6 and, conspicuously, both TARC and RANTES. JGJ inhibited nuclear translocation of the inflammatory transcription factors NFκB and STAT-1. Moreover, JGJ improved AD-like skin lesions in DNCB-treated mice and inhibited degranulation of mast cell. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that JGJ can be considered as a candidate agent for AD treatment.

Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Activity of a Traditional Medicine, Hwangryunhaedok-Tang.

Platelet activation and accumulation at the site of vascular injury are central to thrombus formation resulted in thrombotic disorders. Medicinal herbs could be one of the most important pharmaceutical agents that ameliorate thrombotic disorders, such as unstable angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases. Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HRT) is a traditional herbal medicine that displays multiple biological properties including anti-inflammatory abilities. However, its role in platelet activation has not been fully studied. Hence, we examined whether HRT has a potent inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. We demonstrated that HRT (30, 50, and 100 µg/ml) significantly impaired thrombin- and collagen-related peptide-induced platelet aggregation, granule secretion, thromboxane B2 generation, and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Biochemical studies revealed that HRT is involved in inhibiting the phosphorylation of phospholipase C and protein kinase B. The oral administration of HRT (30, 50, and 100 mg/kg once daily for 1 and/or 7 days) efficiently ameliorates ferric chloride induced arterial thrombus formation in vivo. Tail bleeding time was not significantly increased. The qualitative phytochemical constituents of the HRT extract were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results demonstrated that HRT shows potential antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects without affecting hemostasis. Hence, HRT could be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Davallia mariesii Moore Improves FcεRI-Mediated Allergic Responses in the Rat Basophilic Leukemia Mast Cell Line RBL-2H3 and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice.

Davallia mariesii Moore (Drynaria rhizome extract (DRE)) is widely known for its efficacy in treating inflammation, arteriosclerosis, and bone injuries. This study evaluated whether treatment with DRE inhibited FcɛRI-mediated allergic responses in the RBL-2H3 mast cells and investigated the early- and late-phase mechanisms by which DRE exerts its antiallergic effects. IgE anti-DNP/DNP-HSA-sensitized RBL-2H3 mast cells were tested for cytotoxicity to DRE, followed by the assessment of ß-hexosaminidase release. We measured the amounts of inflammatory mediators (e.g., histamine, PGD2, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6) and examined the expression of genes involved in arachidonate and FcεRI signaling pathways. In addition, we confirmed the antiallergic effects of DRE on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice. DRE inhibited RBL-2H3 mast cell degranulation and production of allergic mediators in them. In early allergic responses, DRE reduced expression of FcεRI signaling-related genes (e.g., Syk, Lyn, and Fyn) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in mast cells. In late allergic responses, DRE reduced PGD2 release and COX-2 expression and cPLA2 phosphorylation in FcɛRI-mediated mast cells. Lastly, 250-500 mg/kg DRE significantly attenuated the IgE-induced PCA reaction in mice. These findings provide novel information on the molecular mechanisms underlying the antiallergic effects of DRE in FcɛRI-mediated allergic responses.

Beneficial effects of voglibose administration on body weight and lipid metabolism via gastrointestinal bile acid modification.

This study was designed with the goal of examining the effects of voglibose administration on body weight and lipid metabolism and underlying mechanism high fat diet-induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control diet (CTL), high-fat diet (HF), high-fat diet supplemented with voglibose (VO), and high fat diet pair-fed group (PF). After 12 weeks, the following characteristics were investigated: serum lipid and glucose levels, serum polar metabolite profiles, and expression levels of genes involved in lipid and bile acid metabolism. In addition, pyrosequencing was used to analyze the composition of gut microbiota found in feces. Total body weight gain was significantly lower in the VO group than in the CTL, HF, and PF groups. The VO group exhibited improved metabolic profiles including those of blood glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels. The 12-week voglibose administration decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes found in feces. Circulating levels of taurocholic and cholic acid were significantly higher in the VO group than in the HF and CTL groups. Deoxycholic acid levels tended to be higher in the VO group than in the HF group. Voglibose administration downregulated expression levels of CYP8B1 and HNF4α genes and upregulated those of PGC1α, whereas FXRα was not affected. Voglibose administration elicits changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota and circulating metabolites, which ultimately has systemic effects on body weight and lipid metabolism in mice.

Risk of secondary lymphedema in breast cancer survivors is related to serum phospholipid fatty acid desaturation.

PURPOSE: Secondary lymphedema is a common irreversible side effect of breast cancer surgery. We investigated if risk of secondary lymphedema in breast cancer survivors was related to changes in serum phospholipid fatty acid composition. METHODS: Study subjects were voluntarily recruited into the following three groups: breast cancer survivors who had sentinel lymph node biopsy without lymphedema (SLNB), those who had auxillary lymph node dissection without lymphedema (ALND), and those who had ALND with lymphedema (ALND + LE). Body mass index (BMI), serum lipid profiles, bioimpedance data with single-frequency bioimpedance analysis (SFBIA), and serum phospholipid compositions were analyzed and compared among the groups. RESULTS: BMI, serum total cholesterol (total-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and SFBIA ratios increased only in the ALND + LE. High polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and high C20:4 to C18:2 n-6 PUFAs (arachidonic acid [AA]/linoleic acid [LA]) was detected in the ALND and ALND + LE groups compared to SLNB. The ALND + LE group showed increased activity indices for delta 6 desaturase (D6D) and D5D and increased ratio of AA to eicosapentaenoic acid (AA/EPA) compared to the ALND and SLNB groups. Correlation and regression analysis indicated that D6D, D5D, and AA/EPA were associated with SFBIA ratios. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that breast cancer survivors with lymphedema had elevated total PUFAs, fatty acid desaturase activity indices, and AA/EPA in serum phospholipids. Our findings suggested that desaturation extent of fatty acid composition might be related to the risk of secondary lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.

Plasma phospholipid arachidonic acid and lignoceric acid are associated with the risk of cardioembolic stroke.

Cardioembolic (CE) stroke is the most severe subtype of ischemic stroke with high recurrence and mortality. However, there is still little information on the association of plasma fatty acid (FA) with CE stroke. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis whether the composition of plasma phospholipid FA is associated with the risk of CE stroke. The study subjects were collected from the Korea University Stroke Registry. Twenty-one subjects were selected as CE stroke group, and 39 age- and sex-matched subjects with non-CE stroke were selected as controls. Sociodemographic factors, clinical measurements, and plasma phospholipid FA compositions were compared between the groups. Logistic regression was used to obtain estimates of the associations between the relevant FAs and CE stroke. The result showed that the CE stroke group had higher levels of free FA and lower levels of triglycerides before and after adjustment (all P < .05). In the regression analysis, elaidic acid (18:1Tn9) and arachidonic acid (20:4n6) were positively related, but lignoceric acid (24:0) was negatively related to CE stroke in all constructed models (all P < .05). In conclusion, plasma phospholipid FA composition was associated with CE stroke risk in Korean population, with higher proportions of elaidic acid and arachidonic acid and lower proportion of lignoceric acid in CE stroke.

1-deoxynojirimycin isolated from Bacillus subtilis improves hepatic lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function in high-fat-fed mice.

The aim of this study was to determine whether 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) isolated from Bacillus subtilis MORI beneficially influences lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function in the liver of mice fed a high-fat diet in addition to the anti-obesity properties of DNJ. Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 29; 5 weeks old) were randomly assigned to three groups: normal control diet (CTL, n = 10), high-fat diet (HF, n = 10), and high-fat diet supplemented with DNJ (DNJ, n = 9). After 12 weeks, the HF group exhibited higher overall weight gain, of the liver, and of various fat pads than the CTL and DNJ groups did. The HF group also showed greater expression of C/EBPα and CD36 mRNA in the liver than that in the CTL and/or DNJ groups. In addition, mRNA expressions of AAC and FAS were lower, while mRNA expression of PGC-1ß was higher in the liver of the DNJ group than that of the HF group. The hepatic expression of p-AMPK/AMPK was higher in the DNJ group than in the HF group. This study provides novel insight into the protective effect of DNJ supplementation against obesity-induced hepatic lipid abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Arginase inhibition ameliorates hepatic metabolic abnormalities in obese mice.

OBJECTIVES: We examined whether arginase inhibition influences hepatic metabolic pathways and whole body adiposity in diet-induced obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS: After obesity induction by a high fat diet (HFD), mice were fed either the HFD or the HFD with an arginase inhibitor, Nω-hydroxy-nor-L-arginine (nor-NOHA). Nor-NOHA significantly prevented HFD-induced increases in body, liver, and visceral fat tissue weight, and ameliorated abnormal lipid profiles. Furthermore, nor-NOHA treatment reduced lipid accumulation in oleic acid-induced hepatic steatosis in vitro. Arginase inhibition increased hepatic nitric oxide (NO) in HFD-fed mice and HepG2 cells, and reversed the elevated mRNA expression of hepatic genes in lipid metabolism. Expression of phosphorylated 5' AMPK-activated protein kinase α was increased by arginase inhibition in the mouse livers and HepG2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Arginase inhibition ameliorated obesity-induced hepatic lipid abnormalities and whole body adiposity, possibly as a result of increased hepatic NO production and subsequent activation of metabolic pathways involved in hepatic triglyceride metabolism and mitochondrial function.

Voglibose administration regulates body weight and energy intake in high fat-induced obese mice.

We tested whether long-term administration of voglibose (VO) prevents diet induced obesity in addition to hypoglycemic effects in high fat fed mice and further investigated the underlying mechanisms by which voglibose exerts its weight lowering effect. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed ad libitum for 12 weeks with the control diet (CTL), high-fat diet (HFD) or the HFD with VO supplementations. Blood lipid profile, plasma leptin levels and hepatic triglyceride content, as well as expressions of genes involved in appetite and mitochondrial function were examined. The results showed that VO significantly reduced body weight, fat mass and energy intakes in high fat fed mice. VO showed improved metabolic profiles including blood glucose, triglyceride and free fatty acid. Elevated levels of plasma leptin in HFD were significantly reduced with the VO, furthermore, VO modulated the hypothalamic expressions of leptin receptors and appetite related genes. VO showed the upregulated expressions of PGC-1 in the liver and epididymal adipose tissue. In conclusion, VO may exert antiobesity properties through reductions in energy intake and improvement in mitochondrial function, indicating that VO has potential therapeutic use in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related complications.

1-Deoxynojirimycin isolated from a Bacillus subtilis stimulates adiponectin and GLUT4 expressions in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

We have demonstrated that 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) isolated from Bacillus subtilis MORI could enhance the levels of adiponectin and its receptors in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which has been shown to be effective in lowering blood glucose levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity. DNJ was not toxic to differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes for up to a concentration of 5 microM. In terms of expression levels of adiponectin and its receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2), DNJ in concentrations as low as 0.5 microM elevated both mRNA and protein levels of adiponectin and transcript levels of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. In addition, DNJ increased phosphorylation of 5' adenosine monophosphateactivated protein kinase (AMPK) in a statistically significant manner. Finally, treatment with DNJ resulted in increased mRNA expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), which encodes for a glucose transporter, along with a significant increase in glucose uptake into the adipocytes based on results of a 2-deoxy-D-[3H] glucose uptake assay. Our findings indicate that DNJ may greatly facilitate glucose uptake into adipose tissues by increasing the action of adiponectin via its up-regulated expression as well as its receptor genes. In addition, the glucose-lowering effects of DNJ may be achieved by an increased abundance of GLUT4 protein in the plasma membrane, as a consequence of the increased transcript levels of the GLUT4 gene and the activation of AMPK.

Antiobesity effects of quercetin-rich onion peel extract on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and the adipogenesis in high fat-fed rats.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of quercetin-rich onion peel extract (OPE) on anti-differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and the antiobesity in high-fat fed rats. We found that lipid accumulations and TG contents in 3T3-L1 cells were markedly suppressed by OPE. The mRNA levels of activating protein (AP2) were down-regulated and those of carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 α (CPT-1α) and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) were up-regulated by 75 and 100 µg/ml OPE. Body weight, retroperitoneal and mesenteric fat weights of SD rats were significantly lower in the 8 week high fat (HF) diet+0.72% OPE group than in the HF group. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ mRNA levels were down-regulated in the epididymal fat of OPE than those of control and HF, and significant down-regulation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α mRNA levels in OPE was also observed than the control. The mRNA levels of CPT-1α and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) were up-regulated by the OPE, while those of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were down-regulated in HF and OPE groups compared to control group. These results suggest that quercentin-enriched OPE may have antiobesity effects by suppressing preadipocyte differentiation and inhibiting adipogenesis.

Effects of fisetin supplementation on hepatic lipogenesis and glucose metabolism in Sprague-Dawley rats fed on a high fat diet.

The modulatory effects of daily fisetin supplementation for 8 weeks on genes involved in hepatic lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis and hyperglycemia in rats fed a high fat (HF) diet were evaluated. Elevated levels of triglyceride (TG), along with hepatic TG content and glucose concentrations in a high fat diet group were found to be reduced by fisetin supplementation. The high fat diet significantly increased hepatic mRNA expressions of PPARγ, SREBP1C and SCD-1 genes in comparison to the control diet, which was subsequently reversed by supplementation with fisetin. In addition, fisetin supplementation significantly reduced hepatic mRNA abundance of FAS, ATPCL and G6Pase compared to the control group. Finally, epididymal mRNA abundance of GLUT4 was significantly increased by fisetin supplementation, compared to levels in the control and HF groups. Enhancement of GLUT4 expression by fisetin was further confirmed in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Fisetin supplementation decreases cardiovascular risks by ameliorating hepatic steatosis and lowering circulating glucose concentrations.