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

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

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

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

A Transcriptomic Response to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-KCC48 against High-Fat Diet-Induced Fatty Liver Diseases in Mice.

The most prevalent chronic liver disorder in the world is fatty liver disease caused by a high-fat diet. We examined the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-KCC48 on high-fat diet-induced (HFD) fatty liver disease in mice. We used the transcriptome tool to perform a systematic evaluation of hepatic mRNA transcripts changes in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed animals and high-fat diet with L. plantarum (HFLPD)-fed animals. HFD causes fatty liver diseases in animals, as evidenced by an increase in TG content in liver tissues compared to control animals. Based on transcriptome data, 145 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the liver of HFD-fed mice compared to control mice. Moreover, 61 genes were differentially expressed in the liver of mice fed the HFLPD compared to mice fed the HFD. Additionally, 43 common DEGs were identified between HFD and HFLPD. These genes were enriched in metabolic processes, retinol metabolism, the PPAR signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, arachidonic metabolism, and steroid hormone synthesis. Taking these data into consideration, it can be concluded that L. plantarum-KCC48 treatment significantly regulates the expression of genes involved in hepatosteatosis caused by HFD, which may prevent fatty liver disease.

Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of tryptanthrin from Polygonum tinctorium Lour. in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglial cells.

This study was conducted to isolate the anti-neuroinflammatory component(s) in the 80% EtOH extract of P. tinctoria, and to investigate underlying molecular mechanism of the anti-neuroinflammatory component(s) in LPS-induced BV2 microglial cells. To isolate the active component(s) in the extract, various chromatographic methods were employed, and the structures of the isolated secondary metabolites were determined mainly by analysis of spectroscopic data such as NMR and MS data. Tryptanthrin (1), isolated from P. tinctoria extract, significantly inhibited the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2, and reduced the levels of their products (NO and PGE2) in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Tryptanthrin (1) also downregulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß. These anti-neuroinflammatory effects of tryptanthrin (1) was elucidated to be correlated with inactivating NF-κB pathway by interrupting the phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitor of κB-α protein, and inhibiting the DNA binding activity of NF-κB. In addition, tryptanthrin (1) suppressed the activation of p38 MAPK pathway. Furthermore, tryptanthrin (1) inhibited the TLR4 and MyD88 protein expression in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Taken together, it was suggested that tryptanthrin (1) have anti-neuroinflammatory effect by regulating TLR4-MyD88-mediated several inflammatory pathways including p38 and NF-κB pathways in LPS-induced BV2 microglial cells.

Crystal and Magnetic Structures of La2CoPtO6 Double Perovskite.

We investigated the crystal structure and magnetic structure in cobaltite-platinate double perovskite of La2CoPtO6, employing various techniques of X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, and the extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis. It is shown that the crystal symmetry is maintained as P21/n in the temperature range of <500 °C, whereas the lattice constants and the Co-Co distances undergo a continuous structural evolution toward the high-symmetry phases with increasing temperature. The Co-O bonds were overall longer and had a larger degree of structural and thermal disorders than the Pt-O bonds. As for the magnetism, an antiferromagnetic order is stabilized in the Co2+ sublattice at temperatures below 28 K. It is demonstrated that owing to the substantial distortions (quantified by a distortion parameter Σ > 0.03 Å) of the Co-Co networks, the system is not subject to spin frustration effect. Details in the magnetic structure are determined; at 12 K, the Co magnetic moment was (0.8, 0, 2.7) Bohr magneton, the magnetic propagation vector was (-0.5, 0, 0.5), and the magnetic symmetry was preferably Γ1(Ag).

Roles of Carbohydrate-Binding Module (CBM) of an Endo-ß-1,4-Glucanase (Cel5L) from Bacillus sp. KD1014 in Thermostability and Small-Substrate Hydrolyzing Activity.

An endo-ß-1,4-glucanase gene, cel5L, was cloned using the shot-gun method from Bacillus sp.. The gene, which contained a predicted signal peptide, encoded a protein of 496 amino acid residues, and the molecular mass of the mature Cel5L was estimated to be 51.8 kDa. Cel5L contained a catalytic domain of glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 5 and a carbohydrate-binding module family 3 (CBM_3). Chromatography using HiTrap Q and CHT-II resulted in the isolation of two truncated forms corresponding to 50 (Cel5L-p50) and 35 kDa (Cel5L-p35, CBM_3-deleted form). Both enzymes were optimally active at pH 4.5 and 55°C, but had different half-lives of 4.0 and 22.8 min, respectively, at 70°C. The relative activities of Cel5L-p50 and Cel5L-p35 for barley ß-glucan were 377.0 and 246.7%, respectively, compared to those for carboxymethyl-cellulose. The affinity and hydrolysis rate of pNPC by Cel5L-p35 were 1.7 and 3.3 times higher, respectively, than those by Cel5L-p50. Additions of each to a commercial enzyme set increased saccharification of pretreated rice straw powder by 17.5 and 21.0%, respectively. These results suggest CBM_3 is significantly contributing to thermostability, and to affinity and substrate specificity for small substrates, and that these two enzymes could be used as additives to enhance enzymatic saccharification.

More missing teeth are associated with poorer general health in the rural Korean elderly.

The aim was to investigate the association between missing teeth and general health conditions in elderly Korean people. This cross-sectional study was conducted as a part of a health-screening program supported by the National Health Insurance Corporation of Korea in a local region of Sungju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do from 2000 to 2006. The participants were 3611 in number (1494 males and 2117 females) aged 60 years and over. The outcome variable was the number of missing teeth in the mouth determined by dental examination; general medical examination included blood pressure, body height and weight to compute body mass index (BMI). Laboratory investigations included aspartate transaminase (AST), hemoglobin (HB), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and total cholesterol (CHOL). Demographic factors and smoking status were obtained from questionnaires by an interviewer. Multiple regression models were used as a statistical analysis. The subjects were classified into three groups according to the number of missing teeth (<8, 8-18, and >18). In unadjusted analyses individuals with more missing teeth, had poorer general health status (higher blood pressure, higher levels of AST, FPG, and CHOL, and higher BMI in females). In multiple regression models with the number of missing teeth as an outcome, systolic blood pressure, CHOL, FPG, and HB in males were statistically significant after adjusting for age and smoking. In females, systolic blood pressure, CHOL, FPG, and BMI were positively associated with the number of missing teeth. The number of missing teeth was positively related to poorer general health status such as blood pressure, FPG, CHOL, after adjusting for age and smoking in the rural elderly in Korea.

IL-1beta promotes the ciliogenesis of human middle ear epithelial cells: possible linkage with the expression of mucin gene 8.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that IL-1beta, increases ciliogenesis in NHMEE cells and that MUC8 protein may play a role in this process. OBJECTIVES: The morphology of the middle ear epithelium changes under various pathologic conditions. We compared the density of ciliated cells and the level of mucin gene 8 (MUC8) mRNA in the middle ear epithelial cells of mucoid otitis media (MOM) patients with those of normal controls. We also investigated the effect of IL-1beta on the ciliogenesis and expression of MUC8 mRNA in cultured normal human middle ear epithelial (NHMEE) cells. In addition, we localized the MUC8 protein in cultured NHMEE cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The surface morphology of NHMEE cells was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the level of MUC8 mRNA expression. After synthesis of MUC8 polyclonal antibody, we performed immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The density of ciliated cells was increased in the middle ear epithelium of both MOM patients and IL-1beta-treated cultures. Similarly, the expression of MUC8 was increased in both cases. MUC8 antibody was primarily stained on the ciliated cells of NHMEE cells.

Expression of Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms in normal human nasal epithelial cells and functional activity of Na+/H+ exchanger 1 in intracellular pH regulation.

CONCLUSIONS: Both the mRNA and protein of NHE1, -2 and -3 were expressed in NHNE cells. NHE1 is a major NHE isoform which is expressed in the basolateral membranes of NHNE cells. OBJECTIVE: Na+/H+ exchangers are ubiquitous plasma membrane transport proteins implicated in the maintenance of intracellular pH. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of Na+/H+ exchangers as a function of the differentiation of normal human nasal epithelial (NHNE) cells. In addition, we investigated the functional activity of the Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) in basolateral membranes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cultured passage-2 NHNE cells were used. RNA and histological samples were collected on the day of confluence and on the 7th, 14th and 28th days after confluence in order to determine the effects of time. Cell lysates were collected on the day of confluence to investigate the presence of the proteins. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to investigate the presence of mRNA and protein, respectively. The functional activity of NHE1 was examined using 3-methylsulfonyl-4-piperidinobenzoyl guanidine methanesulfonate (HOE694), an NHE1-specific inhibitor, on the day of confluence. RESULTS: The NHE1 mRNA expression level did not change as a function of differentiation. However, the NHE2 mRNA expression levels increased on the 7th, 14th and 28th days after confluence. The NHE3 mRNA expression levels increased on the 14th and 28th days after confluence. Western blot analysis confirmed the expression of NHE1 (91 kDa), NHE2 (90 kDa) and NHE3 (93 kDa). In addition, HOE694 inhibited basolateral NHE activity by 68% at 1 microM and by 85% at 5 microM in the NHNE cells.