Effect of 3-caffeoyl, 4-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid from Salicornia herbacea on endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation via calcium signaling pathway.

3-Caffeoyl-4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (CDCQ) is a natural chlorogenic acid isolated from Salicornia herbacea that protects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a physiologically beneficial role in the cardiovascular system, including vasodilation, protection of endothelial cell function, and anti-inflammation. However, the effect of CDCQ on NO production and eNOS phosphorylation in endothelial cells is unclear. We investigated the effect of CDCQ on eNOS phosphorylation and NO production in human endothelial cells, and the underlying signaling pathway. CDCQ significantly increased NO production and the phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1177. Additionally, CDCQ induced phosphorylation of PKA, CaMKII, CaMKKß, and AMPK. Interestingly, CDCQ increased the intracellular Ca2+ level, and L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) blockade significantly attenuated CDCQ-induced eNOS activity and NO production by inhibiting PKA, CaMKII, CaMKKß, and AMPK phosphorylation. These results suggest that CDCQ increased eNOS phosphorylation and NO production by Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation of PKA, CaMKII, CaMKKß, and AMPK. Our findings provide evidence that CDCQ plays a pivotal role in the activity of eNOS and NO production, which is involved in the protection of endothelial dysfunction.

Effect of Porcine Whole Blood Protein Hydrolysate on Slow-Twitch Muscle Fiber Expression and Mitochondrial Biogenesis via the AMPK/SIRT1 Pathway.

Skeletal muscle is a heterogeneous tissue composed of a variety of functionally different fiber types. Slow-twitch type I muscle fibers are rich with mitochondria, and mitochondrial biogenesis promotes a shift towards more slow fibers. Leucine, a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), regulates slow-twitch muscle fiber expression and mitochondrial function. The BCAA content is increased in porcine whole-blood protein hydrolysates (PWBPH) but the effect of PWBPH on muscle fiber type conversion is unknown. Supplementation with PWBPH (250 and 500 mg/kg for 5 weeks) increased time to exhaustion in the forced swimming test and the mass of the quadriceps femoris muscle but decreased the levels of blood markers of exercise-induced fatigue. PWBPH also promoted fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle fiber conversion, elevated the levels of mitochondrial biogenesis markers (SIRT1, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1 and TFAM) and increased succinate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase activities in ICR mice. Similarly, PWBPH induced markers of slow-twitch muscle fibers and mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 myotubes. Moreover, AMPK and SIRT1 inhibition blocked the PWBPH-induced muscle fiber type conversion in C2C12 myotubes. These results indicate that PWBPH enhances exercise performance by promoting slow-twitch muscle fiber expression and mitochondrial function via the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway.

Immune-Enhancing Effect of Submerged Culture of Ceriporia lacerata Mycelia on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice and the Underlying Mechanisms in Macrophages.

The white-rot fungi Ceriporia lacerata is used in bioremediation, such as lignocellulose degradation, in nature. Submerged cultures and extracts of C. lacerata mycelia (CLM) have been reported to contain various active ingredients, including ß-glucan and extracellular polysaccharides, and to exert anti-diabetogenic properties in mice and cell lines. However, the immunostimulatory effects have not yet been reported. This study aimed to identify the immunomodulatory effects, and underlying mechanisms thereof, of submerged cultures of CLM using RAW264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice. Compared to CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice, the spleen and thymus indexes in mice orally administered CLM were significantly increased; body weight loss was alleviated; and natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interferon [IFN]-γ, and interleukin [IL]-2) production were elevated in the serum. In RAW264.7 macrophages, treatment with CLM induced phagocytic activity, increased the production of nitric oxide (NO), and promoted mRNA expression of the immunomodulatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12. In addition, CLM increased the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) concentration in macrophages, similar to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Mechanistic studies showed that CLM induced the activation of the NF-κB, PI3k/Akt, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2 pathways. Moreover, the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκB induced by CLM in RAW264.7 cells was suppressed by specific MAPKs and PI3K inhibitors. Further experiments with a TLR4 inhibitor demonstrated that the production of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 induced by CLM was decreased after TLR4 was blocked. Overall, CLM protected against CTX-induced adverse reactions by enhancing humoral and cellular immune functions, and has potential as an immunomodulatory agent.

Rutaecarpine Increases Nitric Oxide Synthesis via eNOS Phosphorylation by TRPV1-Dependent CaMKII and CaMKKß/AMPK Signaling Pathway in Human Endothelial Cells.

Rutaecarpine (RUT) is a bioactive alkaloid isolated from the fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa that exerts a cellular protective effect. However, its protective effects on endothelial cells and its mechanism of action are still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated the effects of RUT on nitric oxide (NO) synthesis via endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation in endothelial cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. RUT treatment promoted NO generation by increasing eNOS phosphorylation. Additionally, RUT induced an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase ß (CaMKKß), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). Inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) attenuated RUT-induced intracellular Ca2+ concentration and phosphorylation of CaMKII, CaMKKß, AMPK, and eNOS. Treatment with KN-62 (a CaMKII inhibitor), Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor), and STO-609 (a CaMKKß inhibitor) suppressed RUT-induced eNOS phosphorylation and NO generation. Interestingly, RUT attenuated the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 induced by TNF-α and inhibited the inflammation-related NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that RUT promotes NO synthesis and eNOS phosphorylation via the Ca2+/CaMKII and CaM/CaMKKß/AMPK signaling pathways through TRPV1. These findings provide evidence that RUT prevents endothelial dysfunction and benefit cardiovascular health.

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor regulates the KLF2-dependent eNOS expression by activating of Ca2+ and EGFR signaling pathway in human endothelial cells.

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is important for maintaining normal blood vessel function by preventing endothelial cell dysfunction. It has been reported that G-1, an agonist of GPER, increases nitric oxide (NO) production through the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). However, the effect of GPER activation on eNOS expression has not been studied. Our results show that G-1 significantly increased the expression of eNOS and Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) in human endothelial EA.hy926 cells. The individual silences of KLF2 and GPER attenuated G-1-induced eNOS expression. In addition, inhibition of the Gαq and Gßγ suppressed G-1-induced the expression of eNOS and KLF2 in EA.hy926 cells. Interestingly, these effects were similar in HUVECs. Furthermore, we found that GPER-mediated Ca2+ signaling increased the phosphorylation of CaMKKß, AMPK, and CaMKIIα in the cells. The phosphorylation of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) by activation of AMPK and CaMKIIα increased the expression of eNOS via transcriptional activity of KLF2. We further demonstrate that GPER activation increased the phosphorylation of Src, EGFR, ERK5, and MEF2C and consequently induced the expression of eNOS and KLF2. Meanwhile, inhibition of ERK5 and HDAC5 suppressed the expression of eNOS and KLF2 induced by G-1 in the cells. These findings suggest that GPER provides a novel mechanism for understanding the regulation of eNOS expression and is an essential therapeutic target in preventing cardiovascular-related endothelial dysfunction.

Influence of o,p'-DDT on MUC5AC expression via regulation of NF-κB/AP-1 activation in human lung epithelial cells.

o,p'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p'-DDT) is a representative endocrine disruptor, and exposure to o,p'-DDT may produce immune disorders and inflammation, leading to various diseases such as cancer. Chronic airway inflammation is characterized by excessive mucus secretion resulting in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mucin 5AC  (MUC5AC), one of the mucus genes, plays an important role in mucus secretion and inflammation in the airways. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of o,p'-DDT on the regulation of MUC5AC expression in human lung epithelial A549 cell line. o,p'-DDT increased mRNA levels and the promoter activity of MUC5AC. Transient transfection with mutation promoter constructs of MUC5AC demonstrated that nuclear factor kappa-b (NF-κB) and activator protein 1(AP-1) response elements were essential for the consequences of o,p'-DDT on MUC5AC expression. In addition, o,p'-DDT induced phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, p38, and Akt, which are involved in the regulation of MUC5AC expression. It is noteworthy that inhibitors of NF-κB, AP-1, Akt, and MAPKs blocked enhanced o,p'-DDT-induced MUC5AC mRNA expression. Data indicate that o,p'-DDT increase in NF-κB, and AP-1 transcriptional activation-dependent MUC5AC expression is associated with stimulation of Akt and MAPK signaling pathways in A549 cells.

Impressic Acid Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions by Inhibiting ERK1/2-Mediated Phosphorylation of NF-κB and STAT1.

Impressic acid (IPA), a lupane-type triterpenoid from Acanthopanax koreanum, has many pharmacological activities, including the attenuation of vascular endothelium dysfunction, cartilage destruction, and inflammatory diseases, but its influence on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the suppressive effect of IPA on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin symptoms in mice and the underlying mechanisms in cells. IPA attenuated the DNCB-induced increase in the serum concentrations of IgE and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and in the mRNA levels of thymus and activation regulated chemokine(TARC), macrophage derived chemokine (MDC), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-13 (IL-13), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in mice. Histopathological analysis showed that IPA reduced the epidermal/dermal thickness and inflammatory and mast cell infiltration of ear tissue. In addition, IPA attenuated the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκBα, and the degradation of IκBα in ear lesions. Furthermore, IPA treatment suppressed TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced TARC expression by inhibiting the NF-κB activation in cells. Phosphorylation of extracellular signalregulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), the upstream signaling proteins, was reduced by IPA treatment in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, IPA ameliorated AD-like skin symptoms by regulating cytokine and chemokine production and so has therapeutic potential for AD-like skin lesions.

Rutaecarpine Protects against Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice by Activating Antioxidant Enzymes.

Rutaecarpine, an indolopyridoquinazolinone alkaloid isolated from the unripe fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa, is used to treat hypertension, postpartum hemorrhage, dysentery, and amenorrhea as a traditional medicine in Asia. We investigated the effect of rutaecarpine on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Rutaecarpine was administered orally daily for seven consecutive days, followed by intraperitoneal injection of acetaminophen in mice on day seven to induce hepatotoxicity. Rutaecarpine pretreatment significantly decreased acetaminophen-induced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities and hepatic malondialdehyde content and prevented acetaminophen-induced hepatic glutathione depletion. Furthermore, CYP2E1 expression was decreased by rutaecarpine pretreatment in a dose-dependent manner. Rutaecarpine pretreatment inhibited acetaminophen-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting NF-κB activation by JNK1/2. Also, rutaecarpine pretreatment promoted Nrf2-mediated activation of the antioxidant enzymes GCLC, HO-1, and NQO1. This indicates that the protective effect of rutaecarpine during acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury is mediated by the activation of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, rutaecarpine has a protective effect of APAP-induced liver damage.

Lactic Acid Bacteria Ameliorate Diesel Exhaust Particulate Matter-Exacerbated Allergic Inflammation in a Murine Model of Asthma.

Several air pollution components such as sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and diesel exhaust particulate matter (DEPM) have been linked to the development of asthma. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of three lactic acid bacteria species, Lactobacillus plantarum GREEN CROSS Wellbeing (GCWB)1001, Pediococcus acidilactici GCWB1085, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GCWB1156, in preventing DEPM-exacerbated asthma in mice. BALB/c mice were first sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and were either challenged with OVA or DEPM (DEPM-exacerbated asthma model) by intranasal instillation. All three strains showed no hemolytic activity, suggesting a good safety profile. Oral administration of lactic acid bacteria reduced OVA + DEPM-induced inflammatory infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, airway remodeling, and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The probiotics also attenuated OVA + DEPM-induced immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in serum and in BALF, and significantly reduced caspase-3 activity, total collagen level, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity. In conclusion, lactic acid bacteria such as L. plantarum GCWB1001, P. acidilactici GCWB1085, and L. rhamnosus treatment in mice with asthma showed significant efficacy in preventing lung inflammation exacerbated by DEPM administration.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Lactococcus lactis GCWB1176 in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression Model.

Recently, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis has been reported to have immunostimulating properties in an immunosuppressed-animal model. However, the immunological activities of Lactococcus lactis and the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this report, we evaluated the immunostimulating activity and associated mechanisms of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis GCWB1176 (GCWB1176) in macrophages and cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice. In a series of safety tests, GCWB1176 was found to have a negative response to hemolysis, as well as susceptibility to antibiotics. Administration of GCWB1176 elevated natural killer (NK) cell activities; concanavalin A-induced T cell proliferation; and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 in CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice. In RAW264.7 macrophages, treatment with GCWB1176 induced phagocytic activity and increased the production of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of inducible NO synthase. Simultaneously, GCWB1176 increased the production of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-10 and IL-12 from mouse splenocytes and RAW264.7 cells. In addition, GCWB1176 significantly increased the transcriptional activities of NF-κB and iNOS. Taken together, GCWB1176 improved immune function through the activation of macrophages and NK cells. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation of GCWB1176 may be used to enhance immunity.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Streptococcus thermophilus LM1012 in Mice Exposed to Air Pollutants.

In this study, we explored whether the use of Streptococcus thermophilus LM1012 (TL-LM1012) as a safe probiotic exerts hepatoprotective effects by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro and alleviating aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) production in vivo. In a series of safety tests, TL-LM1012 was found to have a negative response to hemolysis and biogenic amines, as well as susceptibility to antibiotics. TL-LM1012 protected cell viability and suppressed cytotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and induced heme oxygenase-1 and superoxide dismutase activity in a dose-dependent manner in diesel exhaust particulate matter (DEPM)-treated HepG2 cells. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ß, were suppressed in DEPM-treated splenocytes. In DEPM-treated mice, oral administration of TL-LM1012 regulated AST, ALT, and LDH production in the serum after 14 days of treatment. These findings indicate that TL-LM1012, a safe probiotic, provides a potent preventive or therapeutic effect against liver disease caused by air pollution.

Development and Application of InDel Markers for Authentication of the Korean Herbs Zanthoxylum schinifolium and Zanthoxylum piperitum.

Zanthoxylum schinifolium and Zanthoxylum piperitum are the sources of the well-known traditional Korean herbal medicines "sancho" (prickly ash) and "chopi" (Korean pepper), respectively. Sancho and chopi are often indiscriminately mixed due to the similar appearance of the herbal materials when used as spices and herbal medicines. Moreover, commercial sancho and chopi products often contain adulterants, which is insufficient to ensure food efficacy and safety. In this study, we developed hypervariable insertion/deletion (InDel) markers to distinguish between sancho and chopi products by comparing the complete chloroplast genome sequences of four Zanthoxylum species deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. Comparative analyses of the nucleotide diversity (Pi) of these Zanthoxylum genomes revealed four hypervariable divergent sites (trnH-psbA, psbZ-trnG, trnfM-rps14, and trnF-ndhK) with Pi > 0.025 among 520 windows. Of these four regions, including two genic and two intergenic regions, only psbZ-trnG yielded accurate PCR amplification results between commercial sancho and chopi products from the Korean herbal medicine market. We therefore selected psbZ-trnG, an InDel-variable locus with high discriminatory powers, as a candidate DNA barcode locus. This InDel marker could be used as a valuable, simple, and efficient tool for identifying these medicinal herbs, thereby increasing the safety of these spices and herbal materials in the food market.

WY-14643 Regulates CYP1B1 Expression through Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α-Mediated Signaling in Human Breast Cancer Cells.

Human cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1)-mediated biotransformation of endobiotics and xenobiotics plays an important role in the progression of human breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of WY-14643, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) agonist, on CYP1B1 expression and the related mechanism in MCF7 breast cancer cells. We performed quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, transient transfection, and chromatin immunoprecipitation to evaluate the effects of PPARα on peroxisome proliferator response element (PPRE)-mediated transcription. WY-14643 increased the protein and mRNA levels of CYP1B1, as well as promoter activity, in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, WY-14643 plus GW6471, a PPARα antagonist, significantly inhibited the WY-14643-mediated increase in CYP1B1 expression. PPARα knockdown by a small interfering RNA markedly suppressed the induction of CYP1B1 expression by WY-14643, suggesting that WY-14643 induces CYP1B1 expression via a PPARα-dependent mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis identified putative PPREs (-833/-813) within the promoter region of the CYP1B1 gene. Inactivation of these putative PPREs by deletion mutagenesis suppressed the WY-14643-mediated induction of CYP1B1 promoter activation. Furthermore, WY-14643 induced PPARα to assume a form capable of binding specifically to the PPRE-binding site in the CYP1B1 promoter. Our findings suggest that WY-14643 induces the expression of CYP1B1 through activation of PPARα.

Micronized, Heat-Treated Lactobacillus plantarum LM1004 Alleviates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immune Suppression.

The present study investigated the immunomodulatory activity and associated mechanisms of heat-treated Lactobacillus plantarum LM1004 (HT-LM1004) in a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced mouse model of immunosuppression. HT-LM1004 induced phagocytic activity and nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 macrophages and stimulated the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-12p70. In mice with CTX-induced immunosuppression, oral HT-LM1004 administration restored thymus and spleen indices, including spleen weight. Consistent with the in vitro results, HT-LM1004 increased TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12p70 levels in mice after 14 days of treatment and enhanced the natural killer (NK) cell activity of splenocytes from mice with CTX-induced immunosuppression against YAC-1 lymphoma cells. The method of HT-LM1004 generation influenced this activity: L. plantarum LM1004 grown in a membrane bioreactor, which reduced the size of the cells to <1.0 µm through physical stress (micronization), promoted NK cell cytotoxicity to a greater extent than LM1004 subjected to heat treatment alone. These findings indicate that HT-LM1004 without or with micronization can reverse CTX-induced immunosuppression without adverse side effects by potentiating NK cell function.

Suppression of PMA-induced human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 invasion and metastasis by kahweol via inhibiting Akt/JNK1/2/p38 MAPK signal pathway and NF-κB dependent transcriptional activities.

Coffee is one of the widely sales beverage worldwide and contains numerous phytochemicals that are beneficial to health. Kahweol acetate (KA), a coffee-specific diterpene, exhibits anti-tumoric properties in human tumoric cells. However, the effect of KA on the metastasis and invasion of cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The objectives of this study were to estimate the anti-tumor activity of KA and reveal the possible molecular mechanisms. KA markedly inhibited the cell proliferation enhanced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in human fibrosarcoma cells. As well as, KA attenuated PMA-induced cell migration and invasion in a concentration-dependent manner. KA suppressed PMA-enhanced activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) through suppression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. KA repressed the PMA-induced phosphorylation of Akt, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2, and p38 MAPK, which are signaling molecules upstream of MMP-9 expression. In summary, we demonstrated that the anti-tumor effects of KA might occur through the inhibition of Akt/JNK1/2/p38 MAPK phosphorylation and downregulation of NF-κB activation, leading to a decrease in MMP-9 expression. Thus, KA is a useful chemotherapeutic agent that may contribute to prevent to the metastatic tumor.

Kahweol inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis by suppressing fatty acid synthase in HER2-overexpressing cancer cells.

Kahweol is a coffee-specific diterpene found in the beans of Coffea arabica and has been reported to demonstrate various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptotic properties. In the present study, we examined the molecular mechanism of kahweol in human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Kahweol preferentially inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell death through the induction of a caspase 3-dependent pathway in HER2-overexpression breast cancer cell lines. Kahweol treatment substantially reduced the levels of HER2 protein, mRNA, and transcriptional activity in SKBR3 cells. Kahweol exerts its potent anticancer efficacy by the upregulation of polyomavirus enhancer activator 3 (PEA3) and downregulation of activator protein 2 (AP-2) to inhibit aberrantly activated HER2 signaling. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) activity were downregulated by kahweol. In addition, kahweol lowered the levels of phosphorylated Akt and its downstream targets mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and cyclin D1. Furthermore, we found that blocking Akt signaling through kahweol treatment significantly reduced FASN expression and subsequently suppressed cell proliferation in HER2-overexpressing cancer cells. Overall, this study suggests that kahweol could be a useful adjuvant therapeutic agent in the treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.

Molecular Discrimination of Cynanchum wilfordii and Cynanchum auriculatum by InDel Markers of Chloroplast DNA.

The tuber of Cynanchum wilfordii (Baekshuoh Radix in Korean) is an important medicinal herb in Korea and China; however, it is difficult to differentiate C. wilfordii from a related medicinal herb, C. auriculatum (Baishouwu Radix in Chinese). We sought to develop a molecular method that could be used to distinguish between the tubers of C. wilfordii and C. auriculatum. We aligned the chloroplast genome sequences (available in the NCBI database) of the two species and identified three species-specific insertion and deletion (InDel) sites in the trnQ-psbK, rps2-rpoC2, and psaJ-rpl33 intergenic spacer (IGS) regions. To confirm the presence of these three InDels and validate their use as markers, we designed three primer pairs to amplify the trnQ-psbK, rps2-rpoC2, and psaJ-rpl33 IGS regions. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the trnQ-psbK IGS region yielded a 249 bp fragment for C. wilfordii, and 419 bp fragment for C. auriculatum, whereas the rps2-rpoC2 IGS primers produced a 629 bp fragment from C. wilfordii and a 282 bp fragment from C. auriculatum. In the psaJ-rpl33 IGS region, allele fragments of 342 and 360 bp in length were amplified from C. wilfordii, whereas 249 and 250 bp fragment were amplified from C. auriculatum. We propose these three InDel markers as a valuable, simple, and efficient tool for identifying these medicinal herbs and will thus reduce adulteration of these herbal materials in commercial markets.

Protective effect of rutaecarpine against t-BHP-induced hepatotoxicity by upregulating antioxidant enzymes via the CaMKII-Akt and Nrf2/ARE pathways.

Rutaecarpine, an indolopyridoquinazolinone alkaloid isolated from the unripe fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa, has been shown to have cytoprotective potential, but the molecular mechanism underlying this activity remains unclear. Our study was designed to investigate the cytoprotective effect of rutaecarpine against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) and to elucidate its action mechanism of action of rutaecarpine in a cultured HepG2 cell line and in mouse liver. Rutaecarpine decreased t-BHP-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Pretreatment with rutaecarpine prior to the injection of t-BHP significantly prevented the increase in serum levels of AST, ALT, and lipid peroxidation in mice liver. It increased the transcriptional activity of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as well as the products of the Nrf2 target genes hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL). Moreover, rutaecarpine also enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II (CaMKII). The pharmaceutical inhibitors, such as KN-93 (CaMKII inhibitor) and LY294002 (Akt inhibitor) suppressed rutaecarpine-induced HO-1 expression and cytoprotection. Our findings identify the CaMKII-PI3K/Akt-Nrf2 cascade as an antioxidant pathway mediating rutaecarpine signaling and leading to HO-1 expression in hepatocytes.

Inhibitory effects of l-theanine on airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma.

l-theanine, a water-soluble amino acid isolated from green tea (Camellia sinensis), has anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidative properties, and hepatoprotective effects. However, the anti-allergic effect of l-theanine and its underlying molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of l-theanine on asthmatic responses, particularly airway inflammation and oxidative stress modulation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of asthma. Treatment with l-theanine dramatically attenuated the extensive trafficking of inflammatory cells into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Histological studies revealed that l-theanine significantly inhibited OVA-induced mucus production and inflammatory cell infiltration in the respiratory tract and blood vessels. l-theanine administration also significantly decreased the production of IgE, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma in BALF. The lung weight decreased with l-theanine administration. l-theanine also markedly attenuated the OVA-induced generation of reactive oxygen species and the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and matrix metalloprotease-9 in BALF. Moreover, l-theanine reduced the TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation in A549 cells. Together, these results suggest that l-theanine alleviates airway inflammation in asthma, which likely occurs via the oxidative stress-responsive NF-κB pathway, highlighting its potential as a useful therapeutic agent for asthma management.

Betulinic Acid Increases eNOS Phosphorylation and NO Synthesis via the Calcium-Signaling Pathway.

Betulinic acid (BA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene that attenuates vascular diseases and atherosclerosis, but the mechanism by which it stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is unclear. eNOS is the key regulatory enzyme in the vascular endothelium. This study examined the intracellular pathways underlying the effects of BA on eNOS activity and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells. BA treatment induced both eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 and NO production. It also increased the level of intracellular Ca(2+) and phosphorylation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase IIα (CaMKIIα) and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase ß (CaMKKß). Inhibition of the L-type Ca(2+) channel (LTCC) and the ryanodine receptor (RyR) abolished BA-induced intracellular levels of Ca(2+) and eNOS phosphorylation. Treatment with W7 (a CaM antagonist), KN-93 (a selective inhibitor of CaMKII), and STO 609 (a selective inhibitor of CaMKK) suppressed eNOS phosphorylation and NO production. Moreover, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was induced by BA, and BA-induced eNOS phosphorylation was inhibited by compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. Taken together, these results indicate that BA activates eNOS phosphorylation and NO synthesis via the Ca(2+)/CaMKII and Ca(2+)/CaMKK/AMPK pathways. These findings provide further insight into the eNOS signaling pathways involved in the antiatherosclerosis effects of BA.