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Mast cells, the central effector cells involved in the allergic response, release histamine, arachidonic acid, and proinflammatory cytokines. We investigated the effect of the ethyl acetate fraction (EA), derived from Korean rice wine lees, on RBL-2H3 cell degranulation and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in an animal model. The EA fraction suppressed the release of beta-hexosaminidase, a marker of degranulation, and the mRNA expression of interleukin-3 (IL-3) and IL-13. EA also successfully suppressed the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that EA can inhibit mast cell degranulation through the inhibition of IL-3 and IL-13 mRNA expression, and that EA may potentially serve as an anti-allergic agent.

Skin aging is related to genetic and environmental factors (e.g ., gene mutation and UV radiation re- spectively). To develop a new anti-wrinkle cosmetic or function al food by using Korean rice wine cake, we examined the effects of Korean rice wine cake, a brewery byp roduct, on antioxidant effect, collagen synthesis and expression of MMP-1. Interestingly, we found that Korean rice wine cake has the ability to promote scavenging activity of DPPH radical. We also found that the cell proliferation and synthesis of collagen in HS27 cells was increased by Korean rice wine cake in a concentration-dependent manner. However, elastase inhibitory activity was not changed. In addit ion, the expression of MMP-1 was in- hibited by Korean rice wine cake in a concentration-dependent m anner. All these results suggest that Korean rice wine cake can be effectively used for the prevention of wrinkles in human skin.