Platycodi radix saponin inhibits α-glucosidase in vitro and modulates hepatic glucose-regulating enzyme activities in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice.

This study investigated anti-diabetic activity of a concentrated saponin fraction from Platycodi radix (SK1) in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice and its underlying mechanism. Mice were fed diet with 0.5 % SK1 (w/w) for 6 weeks. SK1 significantly lowered the blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels and improved glucose and insulin tolerance. The plasma and pancreatic insulin and C-peptide levels and fecal cholesterol content were increased, whereas plasma urea nitrogen, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels were decreased by SK1 supplementation. Glucokinase (GK) activity in the liver was significantly higher in the SK1 group than the control group, whereas the glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activity was lower. SK1 significantly down-regulated GK mRNA expression compared to the control group but did not affect G6Pase and glucose transporter 2 mRNA. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity and mRNA levels did not differ between groups. SK1 also markedly inhibited the small intestinal disaccharidases activities compared to those of control db/db mice. Furthermore, SK1 was a more effective α-glucosidase inhibitor than acarbose in vitro. Overall, these findings suggest that SK1 is a potential glucose-lowering agent that functions via inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzyme activities and modulation of glucose-regulating enzyme activities in db/db mice.

Land use in Korean tidal wetlands: impacts and management strategies.

The coastal landscapes in southwestern Korea include a diverse array of tidal wetlands and salt marshes. These coastal zones link the ecological functions of marine tidal wetlands and freshwater ecosystems with terrestrial ecosystems. They are rich in biological diversity and play important roles in sustaining ecological health and processing environmental pollutants. Korean tidal wetlands are particularly important as nurseries for economically important fishes and habitats for migratory birds. Diking, draining, tourism, and conversion to agricultural and urban uses have adversely affected Korean tidal wetlands. Recent large development projects have contributed to further losses. Environmental impact assessments conducted for projects affecting tidal wetlands and their surrounding landscapes should be customized for application to these special settings. Adequate environmental impact assessments will include classification of hydrogeomorphic units and consideration of their responses to biological and environmental stressors. As is true worldwide, Korean laws and regulations are changing to be more favorable to the conservation and protection of tidal wetlands. More public education needs to be done at the local level to build support for tidal wetland conservation. Some key public education points include the role of tidal wetlands in maintaining healthy fish populations and reducing impacts of nonpoint source pollution. There is also a need to develop procedures for integrating economic and environmental objectives within the overall context of sustainable management and land uses.