Supplementation with the Probiotic Strains Bifidobacterium longum and Lactiplantibacillus rhamnosus Alleviates Glucose Intolerance by Restoring the IL-22 Response and Pancreatic Beta Cell Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is known as adult-onset diabetes, but recently, T2D has increased in the number of younger people, becoming a major clinical burden in human society. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Bifidobacterium and Lactiplantibacillus strains derived from the feces of 20 healthy humans on T2D development and to understand the mechanism underlying any positive effects of probiotics. We found that Bifidobacterium longum NBM7-1 (Chong Kun Dang strain 1; CKD1) and Lactiplantibacillus rhamnosus NBM17-4 (Chong Kun Dang strain 2; CKD2) isolated from the feces of healthy Korean adults (n = 20) have anti-diabetic effects based on the insulin sensitivity. During the oral gavage for 8 weeks, T2D mice were supplemented with anti-diabetic drugs (1.0-10 mg/kg body weight) to four positive and negative control groups or four probiotics (200 uL; 1 × 109 CFU/mL) to groups separately or combined to the four treatment groups (n = 6 per group). While acknowledging the relatively small sample size, this study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of B. longum NBM7-1 and L. rhamnosus NBM17-4 in mitigating T2D development. The animal gene expression was assessed using a qRT-PCR, and metabolic parameters were assessed using an ELISA assay. We demonstrated that B. longum NBM7-1 in the CKD1 group and L. rhamnosus NBM17-4 in the CKD2 group alleviate T2D development through the upregulation of IL-22, which enhances insulin sensitivity and pancreatic functions while reducing liver steatosis. These findings suggest that B. longum NBM7-1 and L. rhamnosus NBM17-4 could be the candidate probiotics for the therapeutic treatments of T2D patients as well as the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Effects of conventional and heated tobacco product smoking on discoloration of artificial denture teeth.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Cigarette smoke can cause discoloration of artificial denture teeth. However, studies on the effects of heated tobacco product smoke on artificial denture teeth are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of conventional cigarette and heated tobacco product smoke on the color stability of artificial denture teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety maxillary central incisor denture teeth (Endura Anterior HC5 A3; Shofu) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=30). Teeth in the control group were exposed to air; those in group CC were exposed to conventional cigarette (Marlboro Medium; Philip Morris) smoke, and those in group HT were exposed to heated tobacco product (IQOS 2.4 plus holder, Marlboro Heets Silver; Philip Morris) smoke. Before the experiment, the shade of the artificial denture teeth was evaluated in accordance with the Commission International de I'Eclairage (CIELab) color system by using a spectrophotometer (Shadepilot; DeguDent GmbH). The average CIELab value was estimated by scanning the entire labial surface of each specimen. To simulate smoking, standard conditions described by the Coresta Recommended Method N°22 were used-the puff duration was 2 seconds, with a 60-second interval between puffs. For each cigarette, 6 puffs and 6 intervals were simulated across 372 seconds. A total of 105 cigarettes were used based on a smoking simulation of 15 cigarettes each day for 7 days. The teeth in the control group were stored in fresh air in the smoke chamber for the same period as those in the experimental groups. After the experiment, L∗, a∗, and b∗ values were measured, and ΔE was calculated to evaluate the color change. All statistical analyses were performed with a statistical software program using a paired t test to determine discoloration after exposure to cigarette smoke. One-way ANOVA and the Tukey test were used to evaluate the significant differences between groups (α=.05). RESULTS: Lightness was significantly lower in the CC and HT groups (P<.001). All CIELab values showed statistically significant differences in the CC group. The greatest color change was observed in the CC group (ΔE=6.93 ±0.59), whereas the HT group showed a clinically imperceptible color change (ΔE=0.79 ±0.21). Discoloration was minimal in the CC group (ΔE=0.34 ±0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Conventional cigarette and heated tobacco product smoke can change the color of denture teeth. Heated tobacco product smoke causes less discoloration of denture teeth.

Plasma Lipidomics Reveals Insights into Anti-Obesity Effect of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat Leaves and Its Constituent Luteolin in High-Fat Diet-Induced Dyslipidemic Mice.

The Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat (CM) is widely used as a traditional medicine and herbal tea by the Asian population for its health benefits related to obesity. However, compared to the flowers of CM, detailed mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of its leaves on obesity and dyslipidemia have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, to investigate the lipidomic biomarkers responsible for the pharmacological effects of CM leaf extract (CLE) in plasma of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), the plasma of mice fed a normal diet (ND), HFD, HFD plus CLE 1.5% diet, and HFD plus luteolin 0.003% diet (LU) for 16 weeks were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) combined with multivariate analysis. In our analysis, the ND, HFD, CLE, and LU groups were clearly differentiated by partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) score plots. The major metabolites contributing to this differentiation were cholesteryl esters (CEs), lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), phosphatidylcholines (PCs), ceramides (CERs), and sphingomyelins (SMs). The levels of plasma CEs, LPCs, PCs, SMs, and CERs were significantly increased in the HFD group compared to those in the ND group, and levels of these lipids recovered to normal after administration of CLE or LU. Furthermore, changes in hepatic mRNA expression levels involved in the Kennedy pathway and sphingolipid biosynthesis were also suppressed by treatment with CLE or LU. In conclusion, this study examined the beneficial effects of CLE and LU on obesity and dyslipidemia, which were demonstrated as reduced synthesis of lipotoxic intermediates. These results may provide valuable insights towards evaluating the therapeutic effects of CLE and LU and understanding obesity-related diseases.

Platycodon grandiflorus Root Ethanol Extract Induces Lipid Excretion, Lipolysis, and Thermogenesis in Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Adipocytes regulate lipid metabolism according to physiological energy requirements. A dysfunctional lipid metabolism can lead to obesity and its complications such as hepatic steatosis, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. In our study, the impact of Platycodon grandiflorus root ethanol extract (PGH) on lipid excretion and thermogenesis-related markers in diet-induced obesity mice was analyzed. Our data show that PGH elevated fatty acid uptake in epididymal adipose tissue by increasing Cd36, Slc27a1, Ffar2, and Ffar4 expression, which led to decreased blood free fatty acid concentrations. Moreover, PGH normalized body weight and fat mass in diet-induced obese mice by increasing lipolysis (Plin1, Atgl, and Hsl) and fatty acid oxidation. Changes in the levels of browning-related genes, enzyme activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase, and the overall transcriptome (Bmp4, Cidec, Ucp3, Sirt3, and Cox4i1) led to promote brown adipose tissue-like features (browning) in epididymal white adipose tissue and enhanced energy expenditure. Our results suggest that PGH promotes lipid excretion and thermogenic function in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, which are mediated by regulation of fat metabolism.

Intervention Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Platycodon grandiflorus Ethanol Extract in Overweight or Moderately Obese Adults: A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Platycodon grandiflorus root extract (PGE) has shown various properties, such as anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity, but mostly in animal studies. Therefore, we conducted a preliminary study on the anti-obesity effect of PGE in 108 Korean adults (aged 20-60 years, 30 kg/m2 ≥ body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2). The participants were randomly assigned to four groups and were administered the placebo, PGE571 (571 mg as PGE), PGE1142 (1142 mg as PGE), and PGE2855 (2855 mg as PGE), independently, for 12 weeks. Body composition, nutrient intake, computed tomography scan, and plasma adipokines, as well as hepatic/renal function markers, were assessed. The PGE571 group revealed a significant decrease in body fat mass and body fat percentage when compared with the placebo group. Moreover, the total abdominal and subcutaneous fat areas were significantly decreased following PGE (PGE2855 group) supplementation. These results provide useful information on the anti-obesity effect of PGE for overweight and obese adult humans.

Chrysanthemum Leaf Ethanol Extract Prevents Obesity and Metabolic Disease in Diet-Induced Obese Mice via Lipid Mobilization in White Adipose Tissue.

This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. against obesity and diabetes, by comparing the transcriptional changes in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) with those of the bioactive compound in C. morifolium, luteolin (LU). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with 1.5% w/w chrysanthemum leaf ethanol extract (CLE) for 16 weeks. Supplementation with CLE and LU significantly decreased the body weight gain and eWAT weight by stimulating mRNA expressions for thermogenesis and energy expenditure in eWAT via lipid mobilization, which may be linked to the attenuation of dyslipidemia. Furthermore, CLE and LU increased uncoupling protein-1 protein expression in brown adipose tissue, leading to energy expenditure. Of note, CLE and LU supplements enhanced the balance between lipid storage and mobilization in white adipose tissue (WAT), in turn, inhibiting adipocyte inflammation and lipotoxicity of peripheral tissues. Moreover, CLE and LU attenuated hepatic steatosis by suppressing hepatic lipogenesis, thereby ameliorating insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Our data suggest that CLE helps inhibit obesity and its comorbidities via the complex interplay between liver and WAT in diet-induced obese mice.

Loss of DJ-1 promotes browning of white adipose tissue in diet-induced obese mice.

The seminal discovery of browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) holds great promise for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. DJ-1 is evolutionarily conserved across species, and mutations in DJ-1 have been identified in Parkinson's disease. Higher levels of DJ-1 are associated with obesity, but the underlying mechanism is less understood. Here, we report the previously unappreciated role of DJ-1 in white adipocyte biology in mature models of obesity. We used DJ-1 knockout (KO) mouse models and wild-type littermates maintained on a normal diet or high-fat diet as well as in vitro cell models to show the direct effects of DJ-1 depletion on adipocyte phenotype, thermogenic capacity, fat metabolism, and microenvironment profile. Global DJ-1 KO mice show increased sympathetic input to WAT and ß3-adrenergic receptor intracellular signaling, leading to a previously unrecognized compensatory mechanism through browning of WAT with associated characteristics, including high mitochondrial contents, reduced lipid accumulation, adequate vascularization and attenuated autophagy. DJ-1 KO mice had normal body weight, energy balance, and adiposity, which were associated with protective effects on healthy WAT expansion by hyperplasia. Our findings revealed that browning of inguinal WAT occurred in DJ-1 KO mice that do not show increased predisposition to obesity and suggest that such potential mechanism may overcome the adverse metabolic consequences of obesity independent of an effect on body weight. Here, we provide the first direct evidence that targeting DJ-1 in adipocyte metabolic health may offer a unique therapeutic strategy for the treatment of obesity.

Metabolic Effect of an Oriental Herbal Medicine on Obesity and Its Comorbidities with Transcriptional Responses in Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Taeeumjowuitang (TJ) is an alternative herbal medicine that has been used to treat obesity in Korea. The molecular mechanisms involved in TJ-induced anti-obesity effects have not yet been determined. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the effects of TJ on obesity and metabolic syndrome, by analyzing the transcriptional and metabolic responses to TJ treatment. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat or high-fat + 3% (w/w) TJ diet for 12 weeks. Their phenotypic characteristics were measured and the anti-obesity mechanism was elucidated, based on the RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptomic profiles in an animal model of obesity. TJ treatment ameliorated insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, with a simultaneous reduction in body weight gain by enhancing energy expenditure and suppressing adiposity. An analysis of the global transcriptional changes by RNA-seq revealed that TJ upregulated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation-associated genes in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), suggesting an enhanced mitochondrial function after TJ treatment. Moreover, TJ effectively attenuated the high-fat diet-induced inflammatory response through transcriptional changes in eWAT. Our findings provide some mechanistic insights into the effects of TJ, an alternative oriental medicine, in the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. They demonstrate that metabolic and transcriptional responses to diet-induced obesity with TJ treatment were desirable in adipose tissue metabolism.

Low-dose grape pomace and omija fruit extract is more effective than high-dose in lowering oxidative stress and fat-pad mass in db/db mice.

Previous studies have shown that the mixture of extracts of grape pomace and omija (GO) improved oxidative stress and obesity in mice. This study first investigated the dose-response effects of GO on oxidative stress and fat-pad mass. Male C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice were fed the following three experimental diets for 7 weeks: a normal control, high-dose grape pomace plus omija (HGO; 0.5% grape pomace plus 0.05% omija fruit, w/w), and low-dose grape pomace plus omija (LGO; 0.3% grape pomace plus 0.05% omija fruit, w/w). The LGO significantly decreased white adipose tissues weights, as well as ameliorated the plasma lipid profiles. The antioxidant effects of LGO led to a significant decrease in the erythrocytic H2O2 and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels, while LGO increased erythrocytic antioxidant activities. These results suggest that LGO is more effective than HGO in lowering oxidative stress and body fat mass in db/db mice.

Beneficial Effects of Pterocarpan-High Soybean Leaf Extract on Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Korean Subjects: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pterocarpans are known to have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. However, little is known about the changes in transcriptional profiles in response to a pterocarpan-high soybean leaf extract (PT). Therefore, this study investigated the effects of PT on blood glucose and lipid levels, as well as on the inflammation-related gene expression based on a peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) mRNA sequencing analysis in Korean overweight and obese subjects with mild metabolic syndrome. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups and were administered either placebo (starch, 3 g/day) or PT (2 g/day) for 12 weeks. The PT intervention did not change body weight, body fat percentage and body mass index (BMI). However, PT significantly decreased the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), plasma glucose, free fatty acid, total cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol levels after 12 weeks. Furthermore, PT supplementation significantly lowered the homeostatic index of insulin resistance, as well as the plasma levels of inflammatory markers. Finally, the mRNA sequencing analysis revealed that PT downregulated genes related to immune responses. PT supplementation is beneficial for the improvement of metabolic syndrome by altering the fasting blood and plasma glucose, HbA1c, plasma lipid levels and inflammation-related gene expression in PBMCs.

Effect of Green Tea Extract on Systemic Metabolic Homeostasis in Diet-Induced Obese Mice Determined via RNA-Seq Transcriptome Profiles.

Green tea (GT) has various health effects, including anti-obesity properties. However, the multiple molecular mechanisms of the effects have not been fully determined. The aim of this study was to elucidate the anti-obesity effects of GT via the analysis of its metabolic and transcriptional responses based on RNA-seq profiles. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal, high-fat (60% energy as fat), or high-fat + 0.25% (w/w) GT diet for 12 weeks. The GT extract ameliorated obesity, hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance in diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice. GT supplementation resulted in body weight gain reduction than mice fed high-fat through enhanced energy expenditure, and reduced adiposity. The transcriptome profiles of epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) suggested that GT augments transcriptional responses to the degradation of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), as well as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, which suggests enhanced energy homeostasis. Our findings provide some significant insights into the effects of GT for the prevention of obesity and its comorbidities. We demonstrated that the GT extract contributed to the regulation of systemic metabolic homeostasis via transcriptional responses to not only lipid and glucose metabolism, but also amino acid metabolism via BCAA degradation in the adipose tissue of DIO mice.

Platycodon grandiflorus Root Extract Attenuates Body Fat Mass, Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance through the Interplay between the Liver and Adipose Tissue.

The Platycodon grandiflorus root, a Korean medicinal food, is well known to have beneficial effects on obesity and diabetes. In this study, we demonstrated the metabolic effects of P. grandiflorus root ethanol extract (PGE), which is rich in platycodins, on diet-induced obesity. C57BL/6J mice (four-week-old males) were fed a normal diet (16.58% of kilocalories from fat), high-fat diet (HFD, 60% of kilocalories from fat), and HFD supplemented with 5% (w/w) PGE. In the HFD-fed mice, PGE markedly suppressed the body weight gain and white fat mass to normal control level, with simultaneous increase in the expression of thermogenic genes (such as SIRT1, PPARα, PGC1α, and UCP1), that accompanied changes in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and energy expenditure. In addition, PGE improved insulin sensitivity through activation of the PPARγ expression, which upregulates adiponectin while decreasing leptin gene expression in adipocytes. Furthermore, PGE improved hepatic steatosis by suppressing hepatic lipogenesis while increasing expression of FAO-associated genes such as PGC1α. PGE normalized body fat and body weight, which is likely associated with the increased energy expenditure and thermogenic gene expression. PGE can protect from HFD-induced insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis by controlling lipid and glucose metabolism.

Differences in metabolic biomarkers in the blood and gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells among normal weight, mildly obese and moderately obese subjects.

We compared metabolic biomarkers in the blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression profiles among normal weight (BMI, 18·5-23 kg/m2), mildly obese (BMI, 25-27·5 kg/m2) and moderately obese Korean adult men (BMI, 27·5-30 kg/m2). High leptin, lipids (except LDL- and HDL-cholesterol) and apoB levels and low adiponectin and HDL-cholesterol levels were present in the plasma of both mildly and moderately obese subjects. Circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and markers of insulin resistance, oxidative stress and liver damage were altered in moderately obese subjects but not in mildly obese subjects. PBMC transcriptome data showed enrichment of pathways involved in energy metabolism, insulin resistance, bone metabolism, cancer, inflammation and fibrosis in both mildly and moderately obese subjects. Signalling pathways involved in oxidative phosphorylation, TAG synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism and insulin production; mammalian target of rapamycin, forkhead box O, ras-proximate-1, RAS and transforming growth factor-ß signalling; as well as extracellular matrix-receptor interaction were enriched only in moderately obese subjects, indicating that changes in PBMC gene expression profiles, according to metabolic disturbances, were associated with the development and/or aggravation of obesity. In particular, fourteen and fifteen genes differentially expressed only in mildly obese subjects and in both mildly and moderately obese subjects, respectively, could be used as early or stable biomarkers for diagnosing and treating obesity-associated metabolic disturbance. We characterised BMI-associated metabolic and molecular biomarkers in the blood and provided clues about potential blood-based targets for preventing or treating obesity-related complications.

Phlorizin Supplementation Attenuates Obesity, Inflammation, and Hyperglycemia in Diet-Induced Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Obesity, along with its related complications, is a serious health problem worldwide. Many studies reported the anti-diabetic effect of phlorizin, while little is known about its anti-obesity effect. We investigated the beneficial effects of phlorizin on obesity and its complications, including diabetes and inflammation in obese animal. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups and fed their respective experimental diets for 16 weeks: a normal diet (ND, 5% fat, w/w), high-fat diet (HFD, 20% fat, w/w), or HFD supplemented with phlorizin (PH, 0.02%, w/w). The findings revealed that the PH group had significantly decreased visceral and total white adipose tissue (WAT) weights, and adipocyte size compared to the HFD. Plasma and hepatic lipids profiles also improved in the PH group. The decreased levels of hepatic lipids in PH were associated with decreased activities of enzymes involved in hepatic lipogenesis, cholesterol synthesis and esterification. The PH also suppressed plasma pro-inflammatory adipokines levels such as leptin, adipsin, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interferon-γ, and interleukin-6, and prevented HFD-induced collagen accumulation in the liver and WAT. Furthermore, the PH supplementation also decreased plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels. In conclusion, phlorizin is beneficial for preventing diet-induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, as well as insulin resistance.

A Mixture of Ethanol Extracts of Persimmon Leaf and Citrus junos Sieb Improves Blood Coagulation Parameters and Ameliorates Lipid Metabolism Disturbances Caused by Diet-Induced Obesity in C57BL/6J Mice.

This study investigated the effects of a flavonoid-rich ethanol extract of persimmon leaf (PL), an ethanol extract of Citrus junos Sieb (CJS), and a PL-CJS mixture (MPC) on mice fed a highfat diet (HFD). We sought to elucidate the mechanisms of biological activity of these substances using measurements of blood coagulation indices and lipid metabolism parameters. C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFD with PL (0.5% (w/w)), CJS (0.1% (w/w)), or MPC (PL 0.5%, CJS 0.1% (w/w)) for 10 weeks. In comparison with data obtained for mice in the untreated HFD group, consumption of MPC remarkably prolonged the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT), whereas exposure to PL prolonged aPTT only. Lower levels of plasma total cholesterol, hepatic cholesterol, and erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, hepatic HMG-CoA reductase, and decreased SREBP-1c gene expression were observed in mice that received PL and MPC supplements compared with the respective values detected in the untreated HFD animals. Our results indicate that PL and MPC may have beneficial effects on blood circulation and lipid metabolism in obese mice.

Effects of the Combined Extracts of Grape Pomace and Omija Fruit on Hyperglycemia and Adiposity in Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

Grape products have been known to exert greater antioxidant and anti-obesity than anti-hyperglycemic effects in animals and humans. Omija is used as an ingredient in traditional medicine, and it is known to have an anti-hyperglycemic effect. We investigated whether the combined extracts of grape pomace and omija fruit (GE+OE) could reduce fat accumulation in adipose and hepatic tissues and provide beneficial effects against hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic mice. C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice were fed either a normal control diet or GE+OE (0.5% grape pomace extract and 0.05% omija fruit extract, w/w) for 7 weeks. GE+OE decreased plasma leptin and resistin levels while increasing adiponectin levels and reducing the total white adipose tissue weight. Furthermore, GE+OE lowered plasma free fatty acid (FFA), triglyceride, and total-cholesterol levels as well as hepatic FFA and cholesterol levels. Hepatic fatty acid synthase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were decreased in the GE+OE group, whereas hepatic ß-oxidation activity was increased. Furthermore, GE+OE supplementation not only reduced hyperglycemia and pancreatic ß-cell failure but also lowered blood glycosylated hemoglobin and plasma insulin levels. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels was also decreased and the decrease seems to be mediated by the lowered activities of hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases. The present data suggest that GE+OE may have the potential to reduce hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Ethanol Extract of Persimmon Tree Leaves Improves Blood Circulation and Lipid Metabolism in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet.

The leaves of the persimmon tree (PL) are known to have beneficial effects on hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. We recently demonstrated that PL had antithrombotic properties in vitro. However, little is known about the antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties of PL in vivo. Omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA)-containing fish oil has been widely prescribed to improve blood circulation. This study compared the effects of dietary supplementation with an ethanol extract of PL or n-3 FA on blood coagulation, platelet activation, and lipid levels in vivo. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet with either PL ethanol extract (0.5% w/w) or n-3 FA (2.5% w/w) for 9 weeks. Coagulation was examined by monitoring the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time. We examined plasma thromboxane B2 (TXB2), serotonin, and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) levels. The aPTT was significantly prolonged in the PL and n-3 FA supplement groups. PL also attenuated the TXB2 level and lowered arterial serotonin transporter mRNA expression, although it did not alter plasma serotonin or sP-selectin levels. C-reactive protein and leptin levels were significantly reduced by PL and n-3 FA supplementation. In addition, PL decreased plasma total- and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, as did n-3 FA treatment. These results indicated that the PL ethanol extract may have the potential to improve circulation by inhibiting blood coagulation and platelet activation and by reducing plasma cholesterol levels.

The beneficial effect of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) leaf extracts in adults with prediabetes: a randomized placebo controlled trial.

The present study investigated the effects of soybean leaf extracts (SLEs) on blood glucose, insulin resistance, body fat and dyslipidemia in prediabetes subjects, and compared them with the effects of banaba extracts (BE) which is known to ameliorate diabetes in several animals and clinical studies. Overweight subjects with mild hyperglycemia (fasting blood glucose level of 100-125 mg dL(-1)) were randomly assigned to three groups and administered four capsules containing starch (2 g per day, Placebo), BE (300 mg per day, 0.3% corosolic acid) or SLE (2 g per day) during regular meals for 12 weeks. The SLE as well as BE significantly decreased the baseline-adjusted final blood glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR and transaminase levels compared to the placebo group. The body weight, BMI and WHR were not different between the groups, but the baseline-adjusted final body fat content and waist circumference were lower in the BE and SLE groups than in the placebo group. Furthermore, the baseline-adjusted final plasma triglyceride concentration was lower in the BE and SLE groups compared to the placebo group. There were no significant differences in plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations between the groups. However, the SLE, but not the BE, significantly increased the plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration and the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol after 12 weeks of supplementation compared to the placebo group, while the atherogenic index was decreased. Taken together, these data suggest that SLE may play an important role in improving blood glucose, insulin resistance, adiposity, and dyslipidemia in prediabetes subjects consuming their habitual diet, similar to or better than BE.

Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Activities of Artemisia princeps Pampanini and Its Bioactive Components.

Artemisia princeps Pampanini (AP) has been used as a traditional medicine in Korea, China and Japan and reported to exhibit various beneficial biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-atherogenic and lipid lowering activities; however, its antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties have not been studied. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of an ethanol extract of Artemisia princeps Pampanini (EAP) and its major flavonoids, eupatilin and jaceosidin, on platelet aggregation and coagulation. To determine the antiplatelet activity, arachidonic acid (AA)-, collagen- and ADP (adenosine diphosphate)-induced platelet aggregation were examined along with serotonin and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) generation in vitro. The anticoagulant activity was determined by monitoring the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) in vitro. The data showed that EAP and its major flavonoids, eupatilin and jaceosidin, significantly reduced AA-induced platelet aggregation and the generation of serotonin and TXA2, although no significant change in platelet aggregation induced by collagen and ADP was observed. Moreover, EAP significantly prolonged the PT and aPTT. The PT and/or aPTT were significantly increased in the presence of eupatilin and jaceosidin. Thus, these results suggest that EAP may have the potential to prevent or improve thrombosis by inhibiting platelet activation and blood coagulation.

XRCC1 polymorphisms and risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma in a Korean sample.

Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes, X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) might contribute to individual susceptibility to different types of cancers. We analyzed the relationship between XRCC1 polymorphisms and the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma in a Korean sample. A hospital-based case-control study was performed in 111 papillary thyroid carcinoma patients and 100 normal control subjects. XRCC1 Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The XRCC1 Arg194Trp Arg/Trp genotype was significantly associated with a decreased risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma compared to that of Arg/Arg genotype (odds ratio [95% confidence intervals]; 0.550 [0.308-0.983]). There was no significant association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln genotypes and risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Based on these results, the XRCC1 Arg194Trp Arg/Trp genotype could be used as a useful molecular biomarker to predict genetic susceptibility for papillary thyroid carcinoma in Koreans.