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The anticancer effects of Shinan (Shinan-South Korea) sea salts on azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) with high fat diet (HFD)-induced colon cancer and obesity in C57BL/6N mice were studied. We prepared three types of sea salt: generally manufactured sea salt (GS), generally manufactured after filtering seawater (FS), and manufactured with only new seawater (NS). Sea salt intake increased colon length and reduced colon length/weight ratio, tumor number, and progression of colon cancer in colon tissue. The differently prepared sea salts also ameliorated liver injury. In addition, the mineral composition of each salt was different. Moreover, the sea salts enhanced activation of natural killer cell (CD56) expression in colon and spleen tissues. However, the mineral compositions of sea salts were not simply associated with anticancer effects in AOM/DSS+HFD induced mice. Thus, the anticolorectal cancer effects of sea salts may be mediated by different factors, which remain to be identified.

With the increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes, it is imperative to identify how to effectively prevent or treat this disease. Studies have shown that some lactic acid bacteria can improve type 2 diabetes with almost no side effects. Therefore, in this experimental study, we explored the preventive and therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041 (L. fermentum TKSN041) on streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes in rats. The results showed that L. fermentum TKSN041 could reduce the amount of water intake, reduce weight loss, and control the increase in the fasting blood glucose level of diabetic rats. The organ index and tissue section results showed that L. fermentum TKSN041 could reduce the damage caused by diabetes to the liver, kidney, spleen, pancreatic, and brain tissue. Furthermore, L. fermentum TKSN041 decreased the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glycated serum proteins (GSP), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and endothelin 1 (ET-1) in serum and increased the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Finally, L. fermentum TKSN041 up-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of NF-kappa-B inhibitor-α (IκB-α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), liver kinase B1 (LKB1), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and down-regulated those of nuclear factor-κBp65 (NFκB-p65) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Furthermore, LF-TKSN041 up-regulated the mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) and down-regulated neuropeptide Y (NPY), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These results suggest that L. fermentum TKSN041 may be a useful intervention factor for the prevention or treatment of type 2 diabetes induced by STZ. Clinical trials are needed to further demonstrate its effectiveness.

Chong Li,1– 3,* Jun Si,4,* Fang Tan,5 Kun-Young Park,1– 3 Xin Zhao1– 3 1Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, People’s Republic of China; 2Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, People’s Republic of China; 3Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, People’s Republic of China; 4Pre-Hospital Emergency Department, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing 400014, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Public Health, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela 838, Philippines*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xin Zhao; Kun-Young Park Tel +86-23-6265-3650Email zhaoxin@cque.edu; kunypark@foods.ac.cnAim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the preventive effect of Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06 (LP-KSFY06) on D-galactose/lipopolysaccharide (D-Gal/LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice.Methods: We evaluated the antioxidant capacity of LP-KSFY06 in vitro, detailed the effects of LP-KSFY06 on the organ index, liver function index, biochemical index, cytokines, and related genes, and noted the accompanying pathological changes.Results: The results clearly showed that LP-KSFY06 can remove 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline − 6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free radicals in vitro. The analysis of the organ index and pathology demonstrated that LP-KSFY06 significantly prevented ALI. Biochemical and molecular biological analysis showed that LP-KSFY06 prevented a decrease in the antioxidant-related levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and also prevented an increase in aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. LP-KSFY06 upregulated the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin (IL)-10 and downregulated the pro-inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). These oxidative and inflammatory indicators were consistent with the results of gene detections. Furthermore, we determined that LP-KSFY06 downregulated Keap1, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), IL-18, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14 or p38), upregulated Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1), B-cell inhibitor-α (IκB-α), and thioredoxin (Trx) mRNA expression. These may be related to the regulation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) and NLRP3/NF-κB pathways.Conclusion: LP-KSFY06 is an effective multifunctional Lactobacillus with strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory ability that can prevent D-gal/LPS-induced ALI in mice and assist in maintaining health.Keywords: Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06, D-galactose, lipopolysaccharide, acute liver injury, mice

The quality and in vitro anticancer effects of ‘Doenjang’ that was fermented in ‘Onggi’ and other ordinary containers were studied. The containers employed herein for the fermentation were non-glazed ‘Onggi’ (OWOG), glazed ‘Onggi’, ceramic and stainless steel containers, in addition to glass bottles. Grain-type was fermented in each container with salt and water in a ratio of 33:12:45 at 37°C for 40 day. During the fermentation of ‘Doenjang’ in ‘Onggi’, the pH decreased and the acidity increased. In addition, the amino-type nitrogen content increased, although the ammonium nitrogen content decreased. The levels of yeast, mold, and lactic acid bacteria increased, while the total bacteria content decreased for the doenjang fermented in ‘Onggi’ compared to the values obtained when other types of container were employed. Overall, the obtained results indicated that ‘Onggi’, and especially OWOG, was the optimal container for the fermentation of ‘Doenjang’ to ensure a high quality and in vitro anticancer effect.

This study was to compare the anticolitis activity of fresh Saengshik (FSS) with heated Saengshik (HSS) with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis mouse model. Both FSS- and HSS...

The chemopreventive effects of various mixed cereal grain (MCG) samples on azoxymethane (AOM, 10 mg/kg) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 2% w/v)-induced colorectal cancer (CRC) in C57BL/6J mice were studied. The main MCG preparation consisted of fermented brown rice (FBR), glutinous brown rice, glutinous Sorghum bicolor, glutinous Panicum miliaceum, Coix lacryma-jobi and black soybean at an appropriate mixing ratio. Other MCG preparations contained rice coated with 5% Phellinus linteus and 5% Curcuma longa (MGR-PC), or 10% Phellinus linteus (MCG-P), or 10% Curcuma longa (MCG-C). Consumption of dietary MCG-PC by CRC mice significantly increased colon length, decreased the ratio of colon weight to length, and reduced the number of colon tumors. Similar effects, although to a lower extent, were observed in CRC mice fed with MCG-P, followed by those fed with MCG-C, MCG, FBR or white rice (WR). MCG-PC significantly suppressed colonic neoplasia, and decreased the levels of various cytokines (tumor necrosis factor: Tnf, interleukin 1 beta: Il1b, interleukin 6: Il6, and interferon gamma: Ifng) in serum and colon tissue of the CRC mice. In addition, MCG-PC increased the mRNA expressions of tumor protein p53(Tp53) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A(Cdkn1a), activated pro-apoptotic caspase 3(Casp3), and reduced expression of both mRNA and protein of inducible inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 (Nos2), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2), and cyclin D1(Ccnd1) in colon tissue. These findings suggest that than compared with other cereal grain preparations, MCG-PC had a greater activity against AOM/DSS-induced CRC by reducing intestinal inflammation, and modulating the expression of certain carcinogenesis related factors (Nos2, Ptgs2, Tp53, Cdkn1a, Ccnd1 and Casp3) in colon tissue of CRC mice.

Jangkanghwan (JKH) is a Korean traditional food that is a mixture of food ingredients and traditional Korean medicine ingredients, and it has been observed to produce satisfactory anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. In the current study, JKH was administered by gavage to BALB/C mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced colonic epithelial dysfunction, and mouse body weight and food intake were recorded. Indexes such as colonic paracellular permeability, serum inflammatory cytokines, and bacterial translocation were used to comprehensively evaluate the regulatory effect of JKH on mouse colonic epithelial function, and qPCR and Western blot were also used to analyze the expression of tight junction (TJ)-related genes, such as occludin, claudin, zonula occludens (ZOs) proteins, and junction adhesion molecules (JAM) in the colonic epithelial tissue. The experimental results indicated that JKH relieved the edema of the liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node tissues, and reduced the loss of appetite and diarrhea caused by LPS injection in mice. It increased the amount of mice food intake from 3.7 g/day in the LPS group to 4.7 g per day; the water content in the feces of mice in the JKH group was 13.86% less than that in the LPS group. JKH reduced the inflammatory response in mice caused by LPS, protected the integrity of the colon, the permeability of fluorescent macromolecules was one-fourth of the LPS group, and enhanced the mRNA and protein expression of TJ-related proteins in colon tissue. Our findings highlight that JKH has benefits in intestinal health and relieving systemic inflammation, relevant aspects of its use as a functional food.

The anticancer effects of kimchi prepared with different kinds of solar salts were evaluated in an in vitro cellular system using HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells. Four kinds of kimchi samples were prepared, using different solar salts: conventionally manufactured solar salt (CS), filtered sea water solar salt (FS), dehydrated solar salt by centrifuging (DS), and washed-dehydrated solar salt (WDS). Prepared kimchi samples were presented as CSK, FSK, DSK, and WDSK, respectively. The pH values, acidity, and sensory evaluation were determined after 3 week fermentation at 5 °C (pH 4.3), and WDSK exhibited the best fermented characteristics and taste among the 4 samples examined. In the HT-29 cell growth inhibitory activity assay, all 4 kimchi samples exert dose-dependent cell growth inhibition, with WDSK showing significant growth inhibition of HT-29 cells. mRNA and protein expression levels of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest related factors reveals that WDSK significantly increases the mRNA expression levels of Bax, Bim, caspases-3, caspases-9, and p21 as compared to other kimchi samples, at a concentration of 4.0 mg mL−1. In addition, WDSK treatment strongly decreases the Bcl-2 protein expression (on western blot) in HT-29 cells, as compared to the control group (no kimchi treatment) and significantly increases the protein expression levels of Bax, caspases-3, caspases-9, and p53. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) reveals that WDS possesses a different mineral composition when compared to the other three solar salts; notably, the lower Mg (9.3 g kg−1) and S (4.7 g kg−1) content of WDS may cause better taste, fermented characteristcs, and functionality of WDSK. These results indicate WDS to be the ideal solar salt for kimchi preparation, which enhances the taste due to its lower Mg and S contents, and increases the anticancer effects by exerting better pro-apoptosis and cell cycle arrest abilities in HT-29 cells.

Chinese Sichuan pickle is a fermented food rich in microorganisms. Microorganisms have the potential to become an important new form of potent future therapeutic capable of treating human disease. Selecting vitamin C as a positive control, a lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC02, LP-CQPC02) isolated from Sichuan pickle was given to mice over 4 weeks to investigate the effect of CQPC02 on fatigue levels and biochemical oxidation phenomena in exercise-exhausted Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. The fatigue model was established by forced swimming of mice, the levels of hepatic glycogen, skeletal muscle glycogen, lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen and free fatty acid were measured by physicochemical methods, serum serum creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by kits, the histopathological changes in the livers of mice were observed by H&E slicing, and the mRNA changes in the livers and skeletal muscles were observed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Both vitamin C and LP-CQPC02 increased swimming exhaustion time. The concentration of LP-CQPC02 and exhaustion time were positively correlated. LP-CQPC02 also increased liver glycogen, skeletal muscle glycogen and free fatty acid content in mice and reduced lactic acid and blood urea nitrogen content in a dose-dependent manner. As walnut albumin antioxidant peptide concentration increased, levels of mouse CK, AST, and AST gradually decreased. LP-CQPC02 increased SOD and CAT levels and decreased MDA levels in a dose-dependent fashion. LP-CQPC02 up-regulated expression of mRNA encoding copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), and CAT in swimming exhaustion mouse liver tissue. LP-CQPC02 also up-regulated alanine/serine/cysteine/threonine transporter 1 (ASCT1) expression while down-regulating syncytin-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression in swimming exhaustion mouse skeletal muscle. Overall, LP-CQPC02 had a clear anti-fatigue and anti-oxidation effect. This suggests that LP-CQPC02 can be developed as a microbiological therapeutic agent.

The antioxidant effect of soymilk fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum HFY01 (screened from yak yogurt) was investigated on mice with premature aging induced by D-galactose. In vitro antioxidant results showed that L. plantarum HFY01-fermented soymilk (LP-HFY01-DR) had better ability to scavenge the free radicals 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) than unfermented soymilk and Lactobacillus bulgaricus-fermented soymilk. Histopathological observation showed that LP-HFY01-DR could protect the skin, spleen and liver, reduce oxidative damage and inflammation. Biochemical results showed that LP-HFY01-DR could effectively upregulate glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels and decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver, brain, and serum. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction further showed that LP-HFY01-DR could promote the relative expression levels of the genes encoding for cuprozinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD, SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD, SOD2), CAT, GSH, and GSH-Px in the liver, spleen, and skin. High-performance liquid chromatography results revealed daidzin, glycitin, genistin, daidzein, glycitein, and genistein in LP-HFY01-DR. In conclusion, LP-HFY01-DR could improve the antioxidant capacity in mice with premature aging induced by D-galactose.

Jangkanghwan (JKH) can delay weight loss in mice, promote weight gain during recovery, and reduce colonic shortening and colon weight. In addition, the murine disease activity index was controlled after treatment using JKH. It can reduce the content of pro-inflammatory factors in serum and expression in tissues, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, cyclooxygenase-2, and nuclear factor kappa-B; in contrast, the content and expression of IL-10 and the inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase-α in the serum and tissues were increased. The mRNA expression of the colitis characteristic biomarker monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-3α were reduced in colon tissues. Using next-generation sequencing technology, the Bacteroidetes phylum in the JKH group decreased, while the Firmicutes phylum increased, and the number of beneficial bacteria-Bifidobacteriaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Akkermansiaceae-increased. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: JKH is a mixture of colonic healthy foods composed of Atractylodes macrocephala koidzumi, radish leaves, Viscum album var. coloratum, dried Zingiber officinale Roscoe, etc. According to UPLC-Q-TOF MS analysis, JKH consists mainly of 17 active substances, such as pheophorbide A, nabumetone alcohol, dehydrocostus lactone, plantamajoside, kaempferol 3, 7-dirhamnoside, quercetin 3-D-glucuronide, and viscumneoside III. We investigated the preventive effects of JKH on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in a murine model and found that JKH can reduce the damage in mice caused by DSS treatment.

This study investigated kimchi-induced apoptosis in HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells. Three types of kimchi samples were prepared: standardized kimchi brined with general commercial Baechu cabbage by a standardized recipe (SK), Amtak Baechu kimchi brined with Amtak Baechu cabbage by a standardized recipe (AmK), and anticancer kimchi brined with organically cultivated Baechu cabbage by a functional recipe (AK). MTT assay, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting analysis were performed. The results indicate that AmK and AK, especially AK significantly upregulated mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes Bim, Bax, Bak, caspase-8, -9, -3, and p53 but suppressed Bcl-xL and Bcl-2 expression. In addition, AK treatment significantly upregulated protein expression levels of caspase-3 but strikingly reduced the protein expression level of Bcl-2 (p < .05), followed by AmK treatment. Our data suggest that AK and AmK can markedly suppress the proliferation of HT-29 cells via activation of apoptosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Colon cancer is the fourth cancer with the highest incidence in the world. Cell apoptosis is a type of programmed cell death and plays an important role in the cancer cells study. Kimchi is a traditional fermented food in Korea, with a relatively high daily consumption. Our present study used three kinds of kimchi which prepared with different main ingredients and recipes. The results suggest that organically cultivated Baechu cabbage and functional recipe in kimchi preparation play an important role in the anticancer efficacy of kimchi, which has been shown to promote induction of apoptosis in HT-29 cells.

Inflammation is a defense response of the body to stimuli. Curly dock (CD) is an herbal food with anti-inflammatory effects. Beopje is an herbal food processing method that reduces toxicity and enhances beneficial effects. This study investigated the effects of CD and Beopje curly dock (CD-B) extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory damage in RAW 264.7 cells. Cell survival rate and nitrite concentration were determined using the MTT assay and Griess method, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the inflammatory cytokine levels. The mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory associated genes were detected by qPCR and Western blot, respectively. CD and CD-B extracts compositions were assessed by UPLC-Q-TOF MS analysis. Our results indicate that CD-B has a more significant inhibitory effect on the LPS-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells than CD, suggesting that the Beopje process potentially enhances the anti-inflammatory effect of CD. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Long-term inflammation can cause a variety of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the occurrence of body inflammation in time. This study preliminarily clarified the mechanism of herbal foods to alleviate inflammation by regulating the immune response, and further confirms that applying the Beopje process enhances the anti-inflammatory effect. This research can serve as a significant reference for future research, prevention and treatment of inflammation-related diseases, and the development of functional foods with anti-inflammatory activity. It also provides a theoretical basis for the further reasonable application of Beopje processing method.

Rumex crispus (Rc) and Cordyceps militaris (Cm) mixture (Rc-Cm; AST2017-01) ameliorated production of proinflammatory cytokines, inflammation-related genes, and nitric oxide (NO) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mouse splenocytes. Rc-Cm (6:4) and Taemyeongcheong (commercial healthy drink containing Rc-Cm) were co-administered along with LPS. Rc-Cm inhibited production of tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in LPS-induced splenocytes. However, levels of inflammatory cytokines were elevated in the absence of LPS treatment. Rc-Cm significantly suppressed mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and the inflammation-related genes inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), as well as NO production upon LPS co-treatment. Whereas Rc-Cm increased mRNA expression of IL-1β, and IL-6, but did not up-regulate expression of iNOS and COX-2, or increase NO production without LPS co-treatment. Therefore, treatment of Rc-Cm to LPS-induced splenocytes ameliorated induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammation-related genes, and NO production. In the absence of LPS, Rc-Cm treatment up-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines but did not alter expression of the inflammation-related genes iNOS and COX-2 or NO production. These results indicate that the natural phytochemicals chrysophanol and cordycepin in Rc-Cm promote anti-inflammatory activities and immune cell responses.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum YS-3 (LP-YS3) on activated carbon-induced constipation in Kunming mice. The results of the experiment show that the antigastric acid activity and bile salt tolerance of LP-YS3 were stronger than those of Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB). LP-YS3 inhibited loss of body weight caused by constipation and further reductions in fecal weight, particle number, and water content in mice. Moreover, LP-YS3 elevated the gastrointestinal transit rate and reduced the time required for initial black stool defecation. LP-YS3 also elevated motilin (MTL), endothelin (ET), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), substance P (SP), and VIP serum levels and reduced somatostatin (SS) levels in constipated mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining revealed that high concentration of LP-YS3 reduced the incidence of injuries to small intestine villi and the intestinal wall compared to carbon-induced constipation groups. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot experiments demonstrated that LP-YS3 upregulated c-Kit, stem cell factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA and protein expression and downregulated transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and nitric oxide synthase expression in small intestine tissue from constipated mice. In conclusion, high concentrations of LP-YS3 had stronger and more beneficial effects than LB. Based on these results, we conclude that LP-YS3 can effectively inhibit constipation.

This study investigated the anticancer effects of kimchi prepared using the standard Baechu cabbage and Amtak Baechu cabbage; salting was achieved by either the dry salt treatment or brine solution. Four different kimchi samples were prepared for this study: (1) the standard Baechu cabbage and dry salt treatment method (SK-D); (2) the Amtak Baechu cabbage and dry salt treatment method (AK-D); (3) the standard Baechu cabbage and brine solution treatment method (SK-B); and (4) the Amtak Baechu cabbage and brine solution treatment method (AK-B). The anticancer effects of kimchi were evaluated using human pancreas cancer cells (Capan-2) and human liver cancer cells (HepG2). Both cancer cells showed a significant increase in cell growth inhibition when exposed to AK-D and AK-B compared with SK-D and SK-B (p < 0.05). At 2.0 mg/mL, the inhibition of Capan-2 cells was more than doubled after treatment with AK-B and AK-D compared with SK-B and SK-D, but was only 1.2 times in HepG2 cells. Assessment of mRNA and proteins related to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest revealed a significant increase of p21 levels after AK-D and AK-B treatment compared with SK-D and SK-B. In addition, the ongoing cytotoxic effects were significantly higher with AK-B compared with AK-D (p < 0.05). In Western blot analysis, the anticancer effects were more apparent in Capan-2 cells than in the HepG2 cells. Overall, these results indicate that kimchi made with Amtak Baechu cabbage and treated with brine solution (AK-B) had a superior anticancer potential against both types of cancer cells, with the effects being greater in pancreatic cancer cells compared with liver cancer cells.

Gochujang, a traditional Korean food, is fermented by mixing red pepper powder, various grain, meju and salt. Changes in the kind of ingredients and fermentation method could increase health functionalities. In this study, in vivo anti-colitis effects of gochujang prepared with mixed grains, bamboo salt baked 3 times and meju starters on DSS-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice were studied. We prepared gochujang prepared with mixed grains (MG), bamboo salt, and Aspergillus oryzae (A) and Baccillus subtilis (B) mixed starters (MG-AB) and gochujang prepared with MG, bamboo salt and A, B and Lactobacillus plantarum (L) mixed starters (MG-ABL). MG-AB and MG-ABL significantly increased body weight and colon length compared to the control (p

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-fermented vegetables might exhibit better functionalities than the raw vegetables themselves. LAB may prevent colon cancer by alteration of the metabolic activities of intestinal microflora, binding and degrading potential carcinogens, producing antimutagenic and antitumorigenic compounds, enhancing the host’s immune response, and other actions. The major groups of LAB identified by polymerase chain reaction in salt-fermented cucumber were Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Pediococcus. LAB from dairy products exhibit various functionalities and have been used as probiotics; however, few bacteria from fermented vegetables other than kimchi LAB have been studied for possible functionalities. Vegetables fermented by LAB produce various fermented end products, flavors, and functional bioactive compounds. Kimchi LAB and kimchi have been studied for their health functionality along with assessments of increased shelf life and improved taste of the product. LAB can produce organic acids, including lactic acid, during vegetable fermentation.

Mycotoxin production is favored by high humidity and high water activity (aw). To control mycotoxin formation on the basis of moisture, the moisture content must be maintained below a certain critical level for each commodity. Aflatoxin production is favored by temperatures of 25 to 30°C, whereas below 8 to 10°C, aflatoxin production can occur, but the amounts produced are less and the time required for production is longer. Cycling or changing temperature may or may not increase aflatoxin production, depending on the temperatures, mold species and substrates involved. Other mycotoxic molds respond to temperature differently than the aspergilli. Species of Penicillium , Fusarium and Cladosporium are capable of growing at temperatures below 5°C, and some even just below freezing. Penicillium spp. can produce patulin, penicillic acid and ochratoxin at temperatures from 0 to 31°C, whereas Aspergillus ochraceus does not produce ochratoxin or penicillic acid below 12°C. Penitrem production by Penicillium crustosum can occur at refrigeration temperature. Fusarium spp. can produce zearalenone and the trichothecenes at temperatures below 10°C and even below freezing. Maintaining storage temperatures of stored commodities at 5°C or lower will prevent the production of aflatoxins and ochratoxin by aspergilli but will not prevent the production of mycotoxins by Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp. Mycotoxic molds may grow on a vast array of substrates, but some substrates support little or no mycotoxin production while supporting extensive mold growth. Most substrates that support aflatoxin production are plant products, such as peanuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds, filberts, pistachio nuts, cottonseed, copra, corn sorghum, millet and figs. Animal products are less likely substrates for aflatoxin production. The main source of aflatoxins in animal products are residues in milk and animal tissues as a result of consumption of toxic feed by the animal. Some herbs and spices have antifungal properties and do not support mycotoxin production. However, aside from this, most food substrates are susceptible to mold growth and mycotoxin production. Some substrates, such as cheese, cured meats and soybeans, might be less favorable for mycotoxin production, but may still support mycotoxin formation. Drought stress, insect damage and mechanical damage may increase the ability of Aspergillus flavus and other fungi to invade peanuts, cottonseed and grain. Some measure of control can be gained by minimizing drought stress through irrigation and minimizing insect and mechanical damage. Development of peanut varieties and corn hybrids that are resistant to preharvest invasion by A. flavus may also offer some measure control. Competing microorganisms tend to restrict fungal growth and mycotoxin production. Low oxygen concentration ( 90% CO2) may depress mold growth and mycotoxin formation. Antimycotic agents can be used to control mold growth and mycotoxin production. Sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, propionic acid and propionates appear to be more effective antimycotics over a greater range of conditions than benzoates. Other substances, such as sodium diacetate and BHA, also have antifungal activity. Certain herbs and spices, particularly cinnamon, cloves and mustard, may contain enough antifungal activity to exert a protective effect at normal usage levels.

Lactic acid bacterial communities in kimchi prepared by representative Korean kimchi companies were investigated using a pyrosequencing method. The pH values of 9 kimchi varieties (K1-K9) ranged from 4.3 to 4.7, and total lactic acid bacterial (LAB) counts ranged from 1.3x107 to 1.6x109 CFU/g. Weissella, Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc were the dominant genera accounting for 52, 28, and 20%, respectively, of identified genera. At the species level, Weissella koreensis (35%) dominated, followed by Lactobacillus graminis (13%), and Weissella cibaria (11%). Dominant LAB were all heterofermentative LAB. K1 had the most diverse operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and clustering analysis showed that distributions of microorganisms in K2, K6, K5, and K4 were similar each other. LAB communities in kimchi are diverse and heterofermentative LAB dominate in Korean commercial kimchi.

Yogurt from Xinjiang, China, is a traditional and naturally fermented food, and abundant microorganisms are produced during its fermentation process. In this study, we carried out in vivo animal experiments to explore the effect of a newly isolated lactic acid bacterial strain, Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY02 (LP-KSFY02), on oxidative aging. We used d-galactose to induce oxidative aging in mice and analyzed the serum and tissues of those mice using molecular biology detection methods. The results showed that LP-KSFY02 could inhibit the decreases in the thymic, cerebral, cardiac, liver, spleen, and kidney indices of mice caused by oxidative aging. The LP-KSFY02 strain increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) and reduced levels of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde in the serum, liver, and spleen of the oxidative aging mice. Pathological observation demonstrated that LP-KSFY02 alleviated damage to the liver and spleen of oxidative aging mice. Quantitative PCR showed that LP-KSFY02 effectively upregulated mRNA expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (Nos1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Nos3), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Sod1), manganese superoxide dismutase (Sod2), catalase (Cat), heme oxygenase-1 (Hmox1), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nfe2l2), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (Gclm), and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) in mouse liver and spleen and downregulated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2). Western blot analysis revealed that LP-KSFY02 effectively upregulated protein expression of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GSH1, and GSH2 in mouse liver and spleen tissues. Therefore, LP-KSFY02 can effectively prevent d-galactose-induced oxidative aging in mice. Its efficacy was superior to that of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus (LDSB) and vitamin C, which are commonly used in the medical field as antioxidants. Thus, LP-KSFY02 is a high-quality strain with probiotic potential.

We investigated the preventive effects of Ramyeon made from brown rice-sorghum noodles and doenjang-bamboo salt soup (BS+DB) on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in C57BL/6 mice. Noodles were prepared with 10% brown rice and 10% sorghum powders added to wheat flour and potato powder, and soup was made using starter fermented (SF) doenjang powder (32%) and bamboo salt (13.5%). The experimental animals were divided into five groups: Normal, Control, BS (brown rice and sorghum noodles)+DB (doenjang and bamboo salt soup) (BS+DB Ramyeon), W (white flour noodles, commercial one)+DB, W+dC (W+doenjang commercial soup), and W + D (W+SF doenjang powder [100%]). The BS+DB and W + D groups showed significant reduction of DSS-induced colitis symptoms (P .05). Doenjang soup (100%) (W+D) also showed a strong anticolitic effect even though the noodles were prepared with W. Histological observation of the colon revealed that BS+DB Ramyeon markedly alleviated colitis development in mice. Serum protein and mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were significantly suppressed in colon tissue of the BS+DB group compared with those of the W+DB and W+dC groups. BS+DB Ramyeon also reduced colon mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 compared with those of other groups (P .05). Our results show that modification of noodle ingredients using brown rice and sorghum as well as alteration of soup composition using doenjang and bamboo salt improved the health benefits of Ramyeon.

The effects of different ganjangs (also designated as kanjang), including acid-hydrolyzed soy sauce (AHSS), fermented soy sauce (FSS), and fermented sesame sauce (FSeS), on azoxymethane (AOM, 10 mg/kg)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 2%)-induced colorectal carcinogenesis in C57BL/6J mice were studied. Low doses (4 mL/kg) of both FSeS and FSS significantly increased colon length, suppressed AOM/DSS-induced increases in colon weight/length ratios, and induced colorectal neoplasia compared with AHSS-treated and control mice. Fermented sauces, particularly low doses of FSeS and FSS, showed activity against AOM/DSS-induced colorectal carcinogenesis by abrogating serum and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-17α as well as by reducing mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in colon mucosa. FSeS significantly increased colonic p53 expression compared with other sauces. However, AHSS showed weak activity against AOM/DSS-induced colonic carcinogenesis. Overall, FSeS showed the strongest anticancer effect, followed by FSS and AHSS. Thus, fermentation with microorganisms rather than chemical processes is important, and raw materials are another factor influencing anticancer activity.

Bamboo salt was first produced by Jin-pyo Yul-sa during his meditation period at the famous Busa-Uibang in Korea and passed on mainly by Buddhist priests through generations as a folk medicine. Antiobesity effects of bamboo salt: Obesity is defined as accumulation of energy as adipose tissues for maintenance of metabolic balance, caused by energy intake beyond an individual's energy expenditure. The hepatoprotective effect of bamboo salt was evaluated for hepatic damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in Sprague–Dawley rats. Dentifrice containing bamboo salt and the positive control group up-regulated surface hardness and down-regulated mineral loss of the artificial caries-like enamel lesions. Dentifrice containing bamboo salt reduced lesion depth compared to positive and negative control groups. Bamboo salt has been found to have various health functionalities, owing to its special processing methods: repetition of a baking cycle with the salt stuffed into a bamboo cylinder and then baked at 800°C or above.

Bamboo salt is generated by baking bamboo and sea salt and is used as a traditional food or medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-ageing skin effects of Korean bamboo salt and to compare the antioxidant, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory effects of various salts, including purified salt, solar salt, bath solar salt, Masada solar salt, 1-time baked bamboo salt (1× bamboo salt), and 9-times baked bamboo salt (9× bamboo salt). Based on the content of mineral elements, pH, OH groups and redox potential amperometric analysis, the 9× bamboo salt showed the most antioxidant components and characteristics compared to the other salts. The in vitro results showed that the 9× bamboo salt could inhibit oxidative damage by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment in HaCaT keratinocytes, and its effect was better than that of the other salts. In an in vivo experiment, SHK-1 hairless mice were treated with UV (ultraviolet) radiation to induce ageing. The epidermal thickness and epidermal structures were then assessed by phenotypic and histological analyses. The 0.2% 9× bamboo salt- and 1× bamboo salt-treated mice had a thinner epidermis than the control mice, and the sebaceous glands were almost intact with a regular arrangement that was similar to those in the normal group. Compared with the UV-treated group (control group) and other salt-treated groups, the 9× bamboo salt- and 1× bamboo salt-treated groups had higher dermal collagen and elastic fibre content. Fewer mast cells were observed in the 9× bamboo salt- and 1× bamboo salt-treated groups than in the control group. The activities of the skin antioxidant-related enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the 9× bamboo salt- and 1× bamboo salt-treated groups were higher than those in other groups and similar to those in the normal group, but lipid peroxide (LPO) activity and carbonylated protein levels showed the opposite trends. Furthermore, the 9× bamboo salt- and 1× bamboo salt-treated groups had protein contents similar to those of the normal group. In addition, the 9× bamboo salt and 1× bamboo salt effectively down-regulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and up-regulated the expression of tissue inhibitor expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), SOD and CAT compared to the other salts at a concentration of 0.2% (p

We conducted the present study to determine the gastric injury preventive effects of polyphenols in Kuding tea (KTPs) in Kunming (KM) mice through the inhibition of gastric-acid secretion and the protection of the gastric mucosa. Mice treated with a high concentration of Kuding tea polyphenols (HKTP) had lower serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), motilin (MOT), substance P (SP), and endothelin-1 (ET-1), and higher serum levels of somatostatin (SS) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) than did the mice in the control group. Serum and gastric tissue levels of nitrous oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and GSH were higher in the HKTP-treated mice than in the control mice, but malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were lower in the HKTP-treated mice than in the control mice. The expression of occludin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nuclear factor of κ-light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor-α (IκBα), Cu/Zn-SOD (cuprozinc-superoxide dismutase), Mn-SOD (manganese-superoxide dismutase), GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS), messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in gastric tissue was stronger in the HKTP-treated mice than in the control mice, while the expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK, or p38), nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), inducible NOS (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was weaker in the HKTP group than in the control group. And HKTP also could reduce the TNF-α, IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta), and IL-6 mRNA expression in gastric injury mice. A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay showed that Kuding tea polyphenols (KTPs) contained chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acids A, B, and C. These constituents contributed to the preventive effects of KTPs on gastric injury. According to these results, KTPs are a kind of active component that have a strong preventive effect on gastric injury.

This study was undertaken to evaluate enhancement of the chemopreventive properties of kimchi by dietary nanosized Lactobacillus (Lab.)plantarum (nLp) in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer C57BL/6J mouse model. nLp is a dead, shrunken, processed form of Lab. Plantarum isolated from kimchi that is 0.5-1.0 µm in size. The results obtained showed that animals fed kimchi with nLp (K-nLp) had longer colons and lower colon weights/length ratios and developed fewer tumors than mice fed kimchi alone (K). In addition, K-nLp administration reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokine serum levels and mediated the mRNA and protein expressions of inflammatory, apoptotic, and cell-cycle markers to suppress inflammation and induce tumor-cell apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. Moreover, it elevated natural killer-cell cytotoxicity. The study suggests adding nLp to kimchi could improve the suppressive effect of kimchi on AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer. These findings indicate nLp has potential use as a functional chemopreventive ingredient in the food industry.

Nanometric Lactobacillus plantarum (nLp) is a processed form of Lab. plantarum derived from kimchi and is 0.5-1.0 μm in size. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of nLp and kimchi plus nLp (K-nLp) on a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of colitis. Animals fed nLp or K-nLp had longer colons, but lower colon weights per unit length than DSS controls. In addition, nLp- or K-nLp-fed animals showed lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory genes in serum and in colon tissues, lower populations of total bacteria, but higher populations of lactic acid bacteria in feces, and lower activities of fecal β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase. Furthermore, these suppressive activities of nLp on colitis were equivalent to or higher than those of naive Lab. plantarum. Consequently, nLp was found to exhibit anticolitic effects, and the addition of nLp to kimchi was found to enhance the protective activity of kimchi against DSS-induced colitis. These results suggest that nLp might be an effective substitute for live probiotics and be useful as a functional ingredient with the anticolitic activity by the probiotic and food processing industries.

In vitro anticancer effects of black soybean doenjang on HT-29 human colon cancer cells were studied. SD (soybean doenjang prepared with nine-time baked bamboo salt) and BD (black soybean doenjang prepared with nine-time baked bamboo salt) were compared with CD (commercial doenjang). There were no significant differences between experimental groups in terms of pH, amino-type nitrogen, and ammonia-type nitrogen levels of the doenjang samples. BD showed the highest antioxidative effect, followed by SD and CD in that order. BD also showed the highest total polyphenol concentration of all samples. CD, SD, and BD extracts showed no toxic effects on normal RAW 264.7 cells at a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/mL. BD exhibited anticancer effect on HT-29 cells by MTT assay. Also, BD manipulated mRNA expressions in certain factors; it suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2, promoted cell-cycle-related genes of p21, and p53, suppressed expression of cyclin D1, and suppressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2; such manipulation by BD was the strongest, followed by SD and CD in order. From the results above, BD exhibited the highest anticancer effects by inhibiting growth of HT-29 cells, probably by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, cell cycling related genes, etc. These results might be due to using black soybeans containing high levels of polyphenol, including anthocyanins.

Background The present study was investigated to confirm the antiobesity effect of kimchi in high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice. Methods Mice in the high-fat diet (HFD) group, standardized kimchi (S-Kimchi) group, and Korean commercial kimchi (D-Kimchi) group, but not in the normal-diet group, were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for the first 4 weeks to induce obesity. From the 5 th to 8 th weeks, the S- and D-Kimchi groups were fed an HFD containing 10% of S-Kimchi or D-Kimchi, respectively. After 8 weeks, mice were sacrificed and obesity-related factors were determined. Results Body and adipose tissue weights were significantly lower in the kimchi -treated groups than in the HFD group. In particular, in the D-Kimchi group, serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, insulin, and leptin were significantly lower, and serum levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and adiponectin were markedly higher than those in the HFD group. Moreover, hepatic mRNA expression of adipogenesis-related genes (CCAAT/enhance-binding protein-α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, and fatty acid synthase) in the kimchi -treated groups were lower than those in the HFD group, but fatty acid oxidation-related carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 expressions were higher. In addition, kimchi decreased the mRNA levels of the inflammation-related monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and interleukin-6 in epididymal fat tissue. Conclusion Administration of kimchi , especially of D-Kimchi, which contained Leuconostoc mesenteroides DRC 0211 starter and other subingredients, exhibited antiobesity activity by reducing body weight gains and adipose tissue weights; modulating serum lipid profiles and hepatic lipogenesis; regulating serum insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels; and reducing adipocyte size and inflammatory response in epididymal fat tissues.

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the protective effects of Angelica keiskei juice and Oenanthe javanica juice against oxidative damage in LLC-PK1 renal epithelial cells and to evaluate their free radical- scavenging activities. Both A. keiskei juice and O. javanica juice showed a strong in vitro antioxidant activities such as α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), O2 � , and ·OH radical-scavenging activities. The LLC-PK1 cells showed significant lipid peroxidation and cell death due to oxidative stress when it was induced by 2, 2'-azobis (2- amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), pyrogallol, and 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1). Treatment with both A. keiskei juice and O. javanica juice significantly increased cell viability and inhibited lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that A. keiskei juice and O. javanica juice are potential natural antioxidants.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Colitis is a serious health problem, and chronic obesity is associated with the progression of colitis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of natural raw meal (NRM) on high-fat diet (HFD, 45%) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 2% w/v)-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice. MATERIALS/METHODS Body weight, colon length, and colon weight-to-length ratio, were measured directly. Serum levels of obesity-related biomarkers, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), insulin, leptin, and adiponectin were determined using commercial kits. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were detected using a commercial ELISA kit. Histological study was performed using a hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining assay. Colonic mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were determined by RT-PCR assay. RESULTS Body weight and obesity-related biomarkers (TG, TC, LDL, HDL, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin) were regulated and obesity was prevented in NRM treated mice. NRM significantly suppressed colon shortening and reduced colon weight-to-length ratio in HFD+DSS induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice (P < 0.05). Histological observations suggested that NRM reduced edema, mucosal damage, and the loss of crypts induced by HFD and DSS. In addition, NRM decreased the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and inhibited the mRNA expressions of these cytokines, and iNOS and COX-2 in colon mucosa (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The results suggest that NRM has an anti-inflammatory effect against HFD and DSS-induced colitis in mice, and that these effects are due to the amelioration of HFD and/or DSS-induced inflammatory reactions.

Antiobesity effects of bamboo salt (BS) were evaluated compared with those of purified salt and solar salt by oral administration in a diet-induced obesity model using C57BL/6 mice. Compared with other salts, BS, especially nine times baked BS (BS-9×), significantly reduced body weight, food efficiency ratio, and weights of epididymal adipose tissue and liver in high-fat diet-fed mice. Furthermore, BS suppressed the expression of adipogenic factors, such as CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). Therefore, BS may suppress obesity by downregulating adipogenesis.

Anticancer effects of kimchi fermented for different times and containing added ingredients in HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells were studied. Optimally ripened kimchi showed higher anti-proliferation activities than fresh and over-ripened kimchi. Anticancer-ingredients-added kimchi exhibited higher activities than standardized-recipe kimchi in HT-29 cells. Optimally-ripened anticancer kimchi suppressed expression of Bcl-2 and promoted expression of Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3 to promote apoptosis, and reduced mRNA expressions of proinflammatory factors, exhibiting the strongest anticancer effect. Fermentation and ingredients are important factors to increase in vitro anticancer functionalities.

This study was to investigate the preventive effect of taemyeongcheong (TMC, a Korean traditional health drink) on acetaminophen (APAP, 800 mg/kg BW)-induced hepatic damage in ICR mice. TMC is prepared from Saururus chinensis, Taraxacum officinale, Zingiber officinale, Cirsium setidens, Salicornia herbacea, and Glycyrrhizae. A high dose of TMC (500 mg/kg BW) was found to decrease APAP-induced increases in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase. TMC pretreatment also increased the hepatic levels of hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione, and reduced serum levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in mice administered APAP (P

Kudingcha is a traditional Chinese tea, and insect tea is a special drink produced by the metabolism of insect larvae using the raw Kuding tea. Insect tea polyphenols (ITP) and its raw tea (Kuding tea) polyphenols (KTP) are high-purity polyphenols extracted by centrifuge precipitation. The present study was designed to compare the antioxidative effects of insect tea polyphenols (ITP) and its raw tea (Kuding tea) polyphenols (KTP) on d-galactose-induced oxidation in Kunming (KM) mice. KM mice were treated with ITP (200 mg/kg) and KTP (200 mg/kg) by gavage, and vitamin C (VC, 200 mg/kg) was also used as a positive control by gavage. After determination in serum, liver and spleen, ITP-treated mice showed higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) activities and lower nitric oxide (NO), malonaldehyde (MDA) activities than VC-treated mice, KTP-treated mice and untreated oxidation mice (control group). By H&E section observation, the mice induced by d-galactose-induced oxidation showed more changes than normal mice, and oxidative damage appeared in liver and spleen tissues; ITP, VC and KTP improved oxidative damage of liver and spleen tissues, and the effects of ITP were better than VC and KTP. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot experiments, it was observed that ITP could increase the mRNA and protein expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), cupro/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), gamma glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and reduce inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in liver and spleen tissues compared to the control group. These effects were stronger than for VC and KTP. Both ITP and KTP had good antioxidative effects, and after the transformation of insects, the effects of ITP were better than that of KTP and even better than VC. Thus, ITP can be used as an antioxidant and anti-ageing functional food.

The anti-colitic effect of purple carrot (PC) on 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in C57BL6/J mice was compared with those of yellow carrot (YC), beet (BT), and red cabbage (RC). Component analysis showed that PC contained cyanidin-3-xyloglucoside, cyanidin-3-xylosyl(sinapoly-glucosyl)galactoside, cyanidin-3-xylosyl(feruloylglucosyl) galactoside, and cyanidin-3-O-(6-O-glycosyl-2-O-xylosylgalactoside). PC diet (5% in AIN 93G diet) strongly reduced DSS-induced colon shortening and inflammatory cell infiltration in mice, followed by RC, BT, and YC diets. Treatment with PC reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 as well as reduced mRNA expression in colon tissue of colitis mice in comparison with other treatments. In addition, PC treatment inhibited colonic mRNA expression of inflammatory factors such as inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in mice. These results suggest that PC can attenuate the inflammatory reaction in mice with DSS-induced colitis, probably due to the anthocyanins in PC.

성신여자대학교 식품영양학과Increased antimutagenic and in vitro anticancer effects were observed by the fermentation process during Kochujang manufacturing. In order to confirm the increased functionality, wheat grain, first fermented wheat grains (FFWG), second fermented wheat grains (SFWG), final fermented wheat grains (FiFWG), red pepper powder (RPP), and commercial Kochujang (CK) were prepared. Kochujang manufactured with final fermented wheat grains and red pepper powder were further fermented for 15 days and 30 days. The antimutagenic effects were determined by counting the number of revertants in Salmonella Typhimurium TA100 against N-methyl-N'-nitro-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG, 1.0mg/mL). The final fermented wheat grains (52% inhibition) showed higher antimutagenic effects than the wheat grain (34%), and the commercial Kochujang showed the highest antimutagenic effects (55%). We tested the inhibitory effect on the growth of HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells and AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The results showed that increased fermentation process continually increased the growth inhibitory effect on both cancer cells. The further fermentation for 15 days of the Kochujang product also increased inhibitory growth of the AGS cancer cells. In conclusion, the methanol extract from fermented wheat grains and commercial Kochujang showed sequentially increased antimutagenic and in vitro anticancer activity, and thus the final commercial Kochujang revealed the highest effect. Key words Kochujang, antimutagenic, anticancer, HT-29 cells, AGS cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of methanolic extracts of cooked mixed grain rice samples, including grain rice (sorghum, black bean, proso millet, and Job's tears) mixed with fermented brown rice (GR), GR added with 0.5% water extract of Sanghwang mushroom (GRS) or 0.1% curry (GRK), and traditional five grain mixed rice (TMR, Ohgokbap), on H2O2-induced oxidative injury in LLC-PK1 pig renal epithelial cells. White rice (WR) was used as a positive control. Cells were first exposed to H2O2 (250 μM) for 4 hr, followed by treatment with 100 μg/mL of different GR extracts for 24 hr. H2O2 significantly induced cell damage (P

Vegetables contain high levels of nitrate, which can be converted to nitrite for reaction with secondary amines to form nitrosamines. In this study, we evaluated safety effects against nitrite and nitrosamine as well as anti-mutagenic activities of vegetable juices. To do this, the contents of nitrate, nitrite, and nitrosamines were determined in vegetable juices. The safety effects against nitrite and nitrosamine formation were also investigated under simulated human gastric conditions. The contents of nitrate and nitrite in common and organic kale and Angelica keiskei juices were 931~2,052 mg/kg and 13~82 mg/kg, respectively. However, seven kinds of nitrosamines were not detected in the vegetables juices. The nitrate content decreased when vegetable juices were digested under simulated human gastric conditions. Nitrosamine (N-nitrosodimethylamine) formation under simulated human gastric conditions was inhibited by addition of vegetable juices. In addition, vegetable juices, especially organically cultivated juices, showed anti-mutagenic effects in a Salmonella assay system. These results suggest that organically cultivated vegetable juices are a promising health-promoting source.

The chemopreventive effects of different types and quantities of kimchi prepared with different subingredients, including commercial kimchi (CK), standardized kimchi (SK), cancer-preventive kimchi (CPK), and anticancer kimchi (ACK), on colorectal carcinogenesis in mice were evaluated. The development of colon cancer was induced in male BALB/c mice with a single intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM, 10 mg/kg body weight) and subsequent treatment with 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days for two cycles. After exposure to AOM and DSS, treatment with the methanolic extracts from different kimchis, particularly 1.89 g/kg of ACK, significantly increased colon length, decreased the ratio of colon weight/length, and resulted in the lowest number of tumors compared with the other kimchi-treated groups. Histological observation revealed that ACK was able to suppress AOM- and DSS-induced colonic mucosal damage and neoplasia. ACK also significantly decreased the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ) as well as the mRNA and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of p53 and p21 was elevated in colon tissues from the ACK-treated mice compared with the other kimchi-treated groups. Our results suggest that kimchi exerted a suppressive effect on AOM- and DSS-induced colorectal carcinogenesis in the BALB/c mice. The anticancer effects of ACK were particularly potent. Thus, it is possible that the health-promoting subingredients added to ACK might be used to prevent colon carcinogenesis in humans.