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Present study was aimed to investigate the potential anti-obesity effects of maysin, a major flavonoid of corn silk, in vitro and in vivo using 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells and C57BL/6 mice. Maysin decreased the levels of intracellular lipid droplets and triglycerides (TG), and down-regulated the protein expression levels of C/EBP-β, C/EBP-α, PPAR-γ, and aP2 in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells, suggesting that maysin inhibits lipid accumulation and adipocyte differentiation. In addition, maysin was shown to induce the apoptotic cell death in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells via activation of caspase cascades and mitochondrial dysfunction, which may ultimately lead to reduction of adipose tissue mass. Furthermore, oral administration of maysin (25mg/kg body weight) decreased weight gain and epididymal fat weight in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice. Administration of maysin also reduced serum levels of TG, total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and glucose. Taken collectively, these results suggest for the first time that the purified maysin exerts an anti-obesity effect in vitro and in vivo. These observations may support the applicability of maysin as a potent functional ingredient in health-beneficial foods or as a therapeutic agent to prevent or treat obesity.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a corn silk extract on improving benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS/METHODS The experimental animals, 6-week-old male Wistar rats, were divided into sham-operated control (Sham) and experimental groups. The experimental group, which underwent orchiectomy and received subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg of testosterone propionate to induce BPH, was divided into a Testo Only group that received only testosterone, a Testo+Fina group that received testosterone and 5 mg/kg finasteride, a Testo+CSE10 group that received testosterone and 10 mg/kg of corn silk extract, and a Testo+CSE100 group that received testosterone and 100 mg/kg of corn silk extract. Prostate weight and concentrations of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 5α-reductase 2 (5α-R2), and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in serum or prostate tissue were determined. The mRNA expressions of 5α-R2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in prostate tissue were also measured. RESULTS Compared to the Sham group, prostate weight was significantly higher in the Testo Only group and decreased significantly in the Testo+Fina, Testo+CSE10, and Testo+CSE100 groups (P < 0.05), results that were consistent with those for serum DHT concentrations. The concentrations of 5α-R2 in serum and prostate as well as the mRNA expression of 5α-R2 in prostate were significantly lower in the Testo+Fina, Testo+CSE10, and Testo+CSE100 groups than that in the Testo Only group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the concentrations of PSA in serum and prostate were significantly lower in the Testo+Fina, Testo+CSE10, and Testo+CSE100 groups (P < 0.05) than in the Testo Only group. The mRNA expression of PCNA in prostate dose-independently decreased in the Testo+CSE-treated groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS BPH was induced through injection of testosterone, and corn silk extract treatment improved BPH symptoms by inhibiting the mRNA expression of 5α-R2 and decreasing the amount of 5α-R2, DHT, and PSA in serum and prostate tissue.

본 연구는 옥수수수염 조추출물과 메이신 함량이 높은 고분획물(NICS-1, NICS-2)의 항산화 활성과 피부 각질형성세포의 세포손상 억제활성을 구명하여 옥수수의 부산물인 수염을 이용하여 기능성식품 및 화장품으로 개발할 수 있는 기초자료를 얻고자 수행하였한 결과는 옥수수수염 유래 주정 추출물과 메이신이 고함유된 ...

Background:In the diagnosis of primary Sjogren’ syndrome (SS), salivary gland ultrasound is useful tool. Until now, there is no data for ultasonographic changes of major salivary glands over time.Objectives:This study aimed to evaluate the changes in abnormalities of salivary gland ultrasound (SGUS) over time in patients with pSS.Methods:Patients with pSS (n=70) and idiopathic sicca syndrome (n=18) underwent SGUS twice at baseline and 2 years later. The semi-quantitative SGUS score (0-48) was used, which comprises five parameters: parenchymal echogenicity, homogeneity, hypoechoic areas, hyperechogenic reflections, and clearness of posterior borders. The intraglandular power Doppler signal (PDS) was also assessed. The changes of these SGUS variables were compared in patients with pSS and idiopathic sicca syndrome.Results:The median (interquartile range) total SGUS scores at baseline was 27 (14) in patients with and 4 (3) in those with idiopathic sicca syndrome (pp=0.013 andp=0.011, respectively). Homogeneity and hypoechoic areas were the domain to show statistically significant progression of SGUS scores. None of the SGUS scores changed significantly in the patients with idiopathic sicca syndrome. In patients with pSS, baseline and follow-up PDS sum scores of four salivary glands were significant higher in worsening SGUS group (n=13) than no change/improvement SGUS group (n=55/2).Conclusion:The structural abnormalities in major salivary glands assessed using SGUS scores progressed significantly in patients with pSS. In pSS group, 18.6% patients had worsening SGUS scores during 2 years. Intra-glandular hypervascularity was associated with worsening of salivary gland abnormalities.References:[1]Delli K, Dijkstra PU, Stel AJ, Bootsma H, Vissink A, Spijkervet FK. Diagnostic properties of ultrasound of major salivary glands in Sjogren’s syndrome: a meta-analysis. Oral diseases. 2015;21(6):792-800.[2]Jousse-Joulin S, Devauchelle-Pensec V, Cornec D, Marhadour T, Bressollette L, Gestin S, et al. Brief Report: Ultrasonographic Assessment of Salivary Gland Response to Rituximab in Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome. Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, NJ). 2015;67(6):1623-8.[3]Gazeau P, Cornec D, Jousse-Joulin S, Guellec D, Saraux A, Devauchelle-Pensec V. Time-course of ultrasound abnormalities of major salivary glands in suspected Sjogren’s syndrome. Joint, bone, spine: revue du rhumatisme. 2018;85(2):227-32.[4]Lee KA, Lee SH, Kim HR. Diagnostic and predictive evaluation using salivary gland ultrasonography in primary Sjogren’s syndrome. Clinical and experimental rheumatology. 2018;36 Suppl 112(3):165-72.Acknowledgments: :This work was funded by the Konkuk University Medical Center Research Grant 2019.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that typically affects the axial joint and enthesis. Abnormal hyperplasia of osteoblasts in the vertebral corner is the underlying pathogenesis of syndesmophyte formation. Therefore, detecting abnormal osteoblast hyperactivity in the axial joints of patients with axSpA might be an attractive imaging modality to detect potential of spinal structural progression. Bone scintigraphy is used to evaluate the sites of active bone formation by detecting osteoblast activities and visualizing the whole skeleton at once. Therefore, bone scintigraphy is a theoretically ideal imaging modality to predict abnormal bone growth of axial joints in patients with axSpA.Objectives:To investigate whether bone scintigraphy with semiquantitative analysis in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has prognostic value for predicting spinal structural progression of these patients after 2 years.Methods:The records of 53 patients with early axSpA who underwent baseline bone scintigraphy were reviewed retrospectively. The sacroiliac joint to sacrum (SIS) ratio of bone scintigraphy was measured for semiquantitative analysis, and modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) and syndesmophyte growth were calculated at baseline and after 2 years. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cutoff for the SIS ratio of bone scintigraphy. To identify factors associated with significant spinal structural progression, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Significant progression of spinal structural damage over 2 years was defined as an increase of mSASSS of at least 2 units for 2 years or new syndesmophyte growth/bridging of pre-existing syndesmophytes.Results:Multivariate regression analysis revealed obesity (P = 0.023), current smoking status (P = 0.012), and high SIS ratio of bone scintigraphy (P = 0.015) as independent predictors for worsening mSASSS by at least 2 units over 2 years. For new syndesmophyte growth/bridging of pre-existing syndesmophytes over 2 years, current smoking (P = 0.013), high SIS ratio of bone scintigraphy (P = 0.025), and pre-existing syndesmophyte (P = 0.036) were independent predictors.Conclusion:Semiquantitative analysis of bone scintigraphy (high SIS ratio) in patients with early axSpA may be useful for identifying patients at high risk for spinal structural progression after 2 years.References:[1]Gheita TA, Azkalany GS, Kenawy SA, Kandeel AA. Bone scintigraphy in axial seronegative spondyloarthritis patients: role in detection of subclinical peripheral arthritis and disease activity. Int J Rheum Dis 2015;18:553-9.[2]Kim JY, Choi YY, Kim CW, Sung YK, Yoo DH. Bone Scintigraphy in the Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Is There Additional Value of Bone Scintigraphy with Blood Pool Phase over Conventional Bone Scintigraphy? J Korean Med Sci 2016;31:502-9.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Obesity is a worldwide public health concern requiring safe and effective strategies. Recent studies suggest that bioactive compounds from soybeans have beneficial effects on weight loss and reducing fat accumulation. However, despite the biochemical and nutritional changes during germination, the biological effects of germinated soy germ have not been fully investigated. In this article, germinated soy germ extract (GSGE) was evaluated as a potential treatment option for obesity using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. In vitro studies demonstrated that GSGE suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into mature adipocytes, along with reductions in lipid accumulation and lipid droplet formation. In vivo studies also showed that a daily dose of 1 mg kg-1 of GSGE reduced weight gain, adipocyte area, serum triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol in HFD-fed mice. The GSGE treatment promoted browning, which was associated with increased UCP1 expression in vitro and in vivo. In addition, GSGE treatment induced beige fat activation by upregulation of lipolysis and beta-oxidation. Furthermore, gene and protein expression levels of endocannabinoid system-related factors such as NAPE-PLD, FAAH, DAGL-α, and CB2 were altered along with browning and beige fat activation by GSGE. The present study indicates that GSGE effectively inhibits lipid accumulation and promotes beige fat transition and activation. Therefore, we suggest that GSGE treatment could be a promising strategy for the prevention of obesity by promoting weight loss, reducing fat accumulation, and improving obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Phytoestrogens possess beneficial effects in the management of menopausal symptoms with few side effects. Soybeans are major natural sources of isoflavones, with high estrogen receptor (ER)-β selectivity. The objective of this study therefore was to develop a solvent-mediated extraction method for soybean germinated embryos (SGEs) and to investigate the biological activities of the extract. Ethanolic extraction yielded the SGE extract (SGEE), which had a unique composition of biologically active aglycones and soyasaponins. SGEE showed a proliferative effect in MCF7 cells and ERβ-selective transcriptional activities in human embryonic kidney cells. In addition, oral administration of SGEE to ovariectomized rats resulted in the induction of ERβ and estrogen-responsive genes in the uterus and a decrease in tail skin temperature and uterus weight. Our data suggest that germination and ethanolic extraction are effective measures for producing isoflavone-rich food supplements, which may be useful as alternative menopausal hormone therapy.

Osteoporosis is frequently induced following menopause, and bone fractures result in serious problems including skeletal deformity, pain, and increased mortality. Therefore, safe and effective therapeutic agents are needed for osteoporosis. This study aimed to clarify the bone protecting effects of germinated soy germ extracts (GSGE) and their mode of action. GSGE increased expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCL) by stimulating the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osterix (Osx) through activation of Smad signaling molecules. Furthermore, germination of soy germ increased levels of nutritional components, especially soyasaponin Ab. The anabolic activity of soyasaponin Ab in GSGE was also evaluated. GSGE and soyasaponin Ab significantly protected against ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss and improved bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) level in mouse serum. These in vitro and in vivo study results demonstrated that GSGE and soyasaponin Ab have potential as therapeutic candidate agents for bone protection in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Mangosenone F (MSF), a natural xanthone, was isolated form Carcinia mangotana, and a few studies have reported its glycosidase inhibitor effect. In this study we investigated the anti lung cancer effect of MSF both in vitro and in vivo. MSF inhibited cancer cell cytotoxicity and induced and induced apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in NCI-H460. MSF treatment also showed in pronounced release of apoptogenic cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol, downregulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and upregulation of Bax, suggesting that caspase-mediated pathways were involved in MSF-induced apoptosis. ROS activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway was shown to play a predominant role in the apoptosis mechanism of MSF. Compared with cisplatin treatment, MSF treatment showed significantly increased inhibition of the growth of NCI-H460 cells xenografted in nude mice. Together, these results indicate the potential of MSF as a candidate natural anticancer drug by promoting ROS production.

BACKGROUND Tocopherols are crucial lipid-soluble antioxidants and essential nutrients. There is increasing interest in the biofortification of crops with vitamin E for reducing micronutrient malnutrition. However, relatively little is known about the development of soybean cultivars with high levels of tocopherol through combined breeding. RESULT Tocopherol contents of seeds and germinating seeds of 28 Korean soybean cultivars were analyzed and evaluated for health-promoting activities. Total tocopherol concentrations ranged from 203.9 to 503.1 µg g−1 in seeds and from 20.1 to 230.1 µg g−1 in germinating seeds. The traditional landraces of HaNagari (HN, 503.1 µg g−1), Orialtae (OL, 486.6 µg g−1), SuMoktae (SM, 476.5 µg g−1) and SoRitae (SR, 475.5 µg g−1) showed high levels of tocopherol content. The contents of the four isomers of tocopherol in seeds and germinating seeds were correlated with lipid peroxidation. The γ- and δ-tocopherol contents in seeds were related to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity (0.434; P < 0.01 and 0.373; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Total tocopherol content was higher in soybean landraces as compared with modern cultivars developed by cross-breeding. These results suggest that soybean breeding is necessary to increase tocopherol levels. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Singwangok, a new single cross variety, was developed by the maize breeding team at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), RDA in 2012. This hybrid, consisting of a high yield of grain, was produced by crossing two inbred lines, KS172 and KS173. KS172 is the seed parent and KS173 is the pollen parent of Singwangok. It is a yellow-orange intermediate maize hybrid (Zea mays L.). After the preliminary yield trial and advanced yield trial of Singwangok (Suwon185) in Suwon for 2 years, the regional yield trial of that was subsequently carried out for its growth characteristics and yield at 3 different locations from 2010 to 2012. It was named as Singwangok. The silking date of Singwangok is similar to the check hybrid, Jangdaok. The plant height of Singwangok is similar to Jangdaok, but its ear height ratio is lower than that of Jangdaok. Moreover, it has a resistance to lodging. The ear number per 100 plants of Singwangok is more 17 than that of Jangdaok, whereas the ear length of Singwangok is similar to Jangdaok. Further, the weight of 100 seeds of Singwangok is similar to Jangdaok. It has a moderate resistance to southern leaf blight (Bipolaris maydis) and a strong resistance to northern leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum). Furthermore, it has a moderate resistance to the black streaked dwarf virus (BSDV), ear lot and corn borer. The grain yield of Singwangok, 7.81 ton/ha, was similar to that of Jangdaok. The seed production of Singwangok was well processed due to the good match during crossing between the seed parent, KS172 and the pollen parent, KS173, in Yeongwol; the F1 seed yield was 3.84ton/ha. Singwangok would be a suitable cultivar to all plain areas in Korea. (Key-words : Maize, Crossing, Grain, Yield, Seed production)

Yanganok, a new single cross variety, was developed by the maize breeding team at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), RDA in 2012. This hybrid, which has a high yield of grain was produced by crossing two inbred lines, KS164 and KS163. KS164 is the seed parent and KS163 is the pollen parent of Yanganok. It is a yellow-orange intermediate maize hybrid (Zea mays L.). After a preliminary yield trial and advanced yield trial of Yanganok (Suwon180) in Suwon for 2 years, a regional yield trial was carried out for its growth characteristics, and yields were determined at 4 different locations from 2009 to 2012, with the exception of 2010. It was named `Yanganok`. The silking date of Yanganok is 2 days earlier than that of the check hybrid, Kwangpyeongok. Plant height of Yanganok is similar to Kwangpyeongok, but its ear height ratio is higher than that of Kwangpyeongok. It has resistance to lodging. Stay-green features of Yanganok are similar to those of Kwangpyeongok. The ear ratio of Yanganok is similar to Kwangpyeongok. It has moderate resistance to southern leaf blight (Bipolaris maydis) and strong resistance to northern leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum). It has moderate resistance to black streaked dwarf virus (BSDV), ear lot and corn borer. The dry matter yield of Yanganok, 17.45 ton/ha, was similar to that of Kwangpyeongok. The total digestible nutrients (TDN) yield of Yanganok, 11.96 ton/ha, was similar to that of Kwangpyeongok. The grain yield of Yanganok, 8.32 ton/ha was similar to that of Jangdaok. Seed production of Yanganok went well due to a good match during crossing between the seed parent, KS164, and the pollen parent, KS163, in Yeongwol, and F1 seed yield was 1.79 ton/ha. Yanganok would be a suitable cultivar to all plain areas in the Korean peninsula.

We have developed processing methods improved cyanidin-3-glucoside(C3G) stability in mulberry fruit`s jam. In the processing of mulberry jam, 3 minutes blanching using microwave inhibited the C3G destruction by maintaining the antioxidant capacity and inactivation of enzymes related to pigment`s stability. Also citric acid increased C3G stability in the mulberry fruit`s jam. As the adding sugar, sucrose was considered the more desirable sugar than oligosaccharide or xylitol. It showed high C3G content and antioxidant capacity compared to the two treatment groups. In conclusion, when processing mulberry fruit`s jam, the addition of citric acid and the enzyme`s inactivation treatment were considered effective treatment for the C3G stability and antioxidant ability.

Previously, transgenic soybeans were generated and reported to produce tocotrienols (α-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols), compounds not normally found in soybean. Three procedures were evaluated to optimize the extraction method for transgenic soybean seeds and germinating seeds. Significant differences were observed among the extraction methods in seeds and germinating seeds. In seeds, the highest analytical values (tocopherols, 37.11 mg 100 g −1 ; and tocotrienols, 1.54 mg 100 g −1 ) were observed by using rapid Soxhlet extraction. In germinating seeds, the content of transgenic soybean (B20 and C5) total vitamin E (tocopherols, 18.04, 20.73 mg 100 g −1 ; and tocotrienols, 0.82 and 0.84 mg 100 g −1 ) by direct extraction was approximately 16% and 9% greater than the amount obtained by saponification. In addition, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino- bis -(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) tests demonstrated a direct correlation between the radical-scavenging capacity and the total content of natural tocopherols and tocotrienols. Therefore, these results suggest that an optimal extraction method will provide a fast, simple, reproducible procedure for analyzing tocotrienols and tocopherols. Furthermore, this method may be used to determine novel minor functional compounds such as tocotrienols for the evaluation of biological activity.

The objectives of present study were to characterize the peptides which were isolated from Korean fermented soybean paste, chungkukjang, and to determine their antioxidant activities. Four fractions were collected from the methanol extract of chungkukjang by using a recycling preparative HPLC. Among fractions, Fr-2 was identified to be highly potent free radical scavenging activity in the assay of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and nitroblue tetrazolium(NBT)-reduction inhibition. Base on antioxidant effects, fraction Fr-2 was employed for the refraction with a prep-column and separated into five fractions of which two fractions were identified to have higher antioxidant activity. To confirm the amino acid constituents of antioxidant fractions Fr-2-2 and Fr-2-3 were analyzed, and eight kinds of amino acids such as aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, lysine, histidine, and arginine were identified as the constituent amino acids. Antioxidant activities of the separated peptides were further assessed cell viability with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl terazolium bromide (MTT), and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of H4IIE cells treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Chungkukjang peptides have shown their ability to protect H4IIE rat hepatoma cells against H2O2- induced oxidative stress by concentration and time-dependent manner. Therefore, These results indicated that fermented soybean paste chungkukjang will be promoted the antioxidant and radical scavenging activities, and beneficial for health. The antioxidant peptide fractions Fr-2-2 and Fr-2-3 were denominated as P-NICS-1 and P-NICS-2, respectively. However, further studies were required to clarify their amino acid sequences and molecular properties, and physiological significances.

Increasing vitamin E activity in economically important oil crops such as perilla will enhance the nutritional value of these crops. Perilla (Perilla frutescens Britt) represents an important oil crop in Asian countries, including Korea. Using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, we have engineered perilla with the γ-tocopherol methyltransferase (γ-TMT) gene under the control of seed-specific vicillin promoter. Molecular characterization including PCR, Southern and Northern blots confirmed that the γ-TMT transgene was successfully inherited to and expressed in the progeny plants. The γ -TMT transgene was specifically expressed in immature seeds of transgenic plants, leading to efficient conversion of γ-tocopherol to α-tocopherol and dramatic increase in seed α-tocopherol content, as detected by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. We also showed that such a high α-tocopherol content phenotype was transmitted to the progeny plants. In addition, there was no significant change in fatty acid composition in transgenic seeds as compared with untransformed control Yeupsil cultivar, suggesting the lack of interplay between the fatty acid and tocopherol biosynthesis pathways. This was the first report on over expression of the γ-TMT gene in transgenic perilla displaying desirable high α-tocopherol content phenotype. Since α-tocopherol has the highest vitamin E activity, the transgenic perilla with high α-tocopherol content in seeds developed in this study will benefit both human and animal health.

The phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extract of rice grains were examined using three different rice (Oryza sativa L. var. japonica) varieties, Jakwangchalbyeo (red pericarp glutinous rice), Hwasunchalbyeo (white pericarp glutinous rice), and Ilpumbyeo (white pericarp non-glutinous rice). Quantitative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses showed that Jakwangchalbyeo contains the highest amount of total phenolic substances. Radical scavenging activities measured by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay were 87.5% (Jakwangchalbyeo), 45.0% (Hwasunchalbyeo), and 50.0% (Ilpumbyeo). The results suggest a positive correlation between the phenolic content and the antioxidation capacity. Antioxidant activity in the ethanolic extract of rice grain was further assessed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assay and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of H4IIE cells treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Hwasunchalbyeo and Ilpumbyeo extracts showed no significant effects on H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Jakwangchalbyeo extract increased cell viability by up to 82% and 74% after 5- and 24-h treatments at 100 μg/mL, respectively. Consistent with the results of DPPH and MTT assays, dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence was further reduced when H2O2 was applied with Jakwangchalbyeo extract. In conclusion, red pericarp Jakwangchalbyeo grain extracts exerted significantly higher inhibitory effects on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in H4IIE cells than did other white pericarp rice grain extracts.

Aims Neuroprotective effects of maysin, which is a flavone glycoside that was isolated from the corn silk (CS, Zea mays L.) of a Korean hybrid corn Kwangpyeongok, against oxidative stress (H 2 O 2 )-induced apoptotic cell death of human neuroblastoma SK-N-MC cells were investigated. Main methods Maysin cytotoxicity was determined by measuring cell viability using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using a 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay. Apoptotic cell death was monitored by annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and by a TUNEL assay. Antioxidant enzyme mRNA levels were determined by real-time PCR. The cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was measured by western blotting. Key findings Maysin pretreatment reduced the cytotoxic effect of H 2 O 2 on SK-N-MC cells, as shown by the increase in cell viability and by reduced LDH release. Maysin pretreatment also dose-dependently reduced the intracellular ROS level and inhibited PARP cleavage. In addition, DNA damage and H 2 O 2 -induced apoptotic cell death were significantly attenuated by maysin pretreatment. Moreover, maysin pretreatment (5–50 μg/ml) for 2 h significantly and dose-dependently increased the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPx-1, SOD-1, SOD-2 and HO-1) in H 2 O 2 (200 μM)-insulted cells. Significance These results suggest that CS maysin has neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress (H 2 O 2 )-induced apoptotic death of human brain SK-N-MC cells through its antioxidative action. This report is the first regarding neuroprotective health benefits of corn silk maysin by its anti-apoptotic action and by triggering the expression of intracellular antioxidant enzyme systems in SK-N-MC cells.

A study was conducted to determine the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidative activity of five edible and five medicinal mushrooms commonly cultivated in Korea. Phenolic compounds were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography, and antioxidant activity was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and superoxide dismutase activity. A total of 28 phenolic compounds were detected in the mushrooms studied. The average total concentration of phenolic compounds was 326 microg/g, the average being of 174 microg/g in edible mushrooms and 477 microg/g in medicinal mushrooms. The average total flavonoids concentration was 49 microg/g, with averages of 22 and 76 microg/g in edible and medicinal mushrooms, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activities ranged between 15 (Pleurotus eryngii) and 70% (Ganoderma lucidum) when reaction time was for 1 min. When reaction time was 30 min, the values ranged between 5 (Pleurotus eryngii) and 78% (Agaricus bisporus). The SOD activity averaged 28% among the 10 mushroom species, averages for edible and medicinal mushrooms being comparable. DPPH activities was significantly correlated (p0.01) with total content of phenolic compounds in edible mushrooms, while in medicinal mushrooms there was a significant correlation (p0.01) between SOD activity and total concentration of phenolic compounds. Numerous significant positive correlations were observed between phenolic compounds detected and antioxidative potential.

BACKGROUNG/OBJECTIVES The study was performed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of high maysin corn silk extract on body weight and fat deposition in experimental animals. MATERIALS/METHODS A total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice, 4-weeks-old, were purchased and divided into three groups by weight using a randomized block design. The normal-fat (NF) group received 7% fat (diet weight basis), the high-fat (HF) group received 25% fat and 0.5% cholesterol, and the high-fat corn silk (HFCS) group received high-fat diet and high maysin corn silk extract at 100 mg/kg body weight through daily oral administration. Body weight and body fat were measured, and mRNA expression levels of proteins involved in adipocyte differentiation, fat accumulation, fat synthesis, lipolysis, and fat oxidation in adipose tissue and the liver were measured. RESULTS After experimental diet intake for 8 weeks, body weight was significantly lower in the HFCS group compared to the HF group (P < 0.05), and kidney fat and epididymal fat pad weights were significantly lower in the HFCS group compared to the HF group (P < 0.05). In the HFCS group, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-β, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ1 (PPAR-γ1), and PPAR-γ2 mRNA expression levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the epididymal fat pad, whereas cluster of differentiation 36, lipoprotein lipase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, isozyme-4, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in liver and adipose tissues (P < 0.05). In the HFCS group, mRNA expression levels of AMP-activated protein kinase, hormone-sensitive lipase, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 were elevated (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that high maysin corn silk extract inhibits expression of genes involved in adipocyte differentiation, fat accumulation, and fat synthesis as well as promotes expression of genes involved in lipolysis and fat oxidation, further inhibiting body fat accumulation and body weight elevation in experimental animals.

Lysosomal dysfunction has been implicated both pathologically and genetically in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Lysosomal gene deficiencies cause lysosomal storage disorders, many of which involve neurodegeneration. Heterozygous mutations of some of these genes, such as GBA1, are associated with PD. CTSD is the gene encoding Cathepsin D (CTSD), a lysosomal protein hydrolase, and homozygous CTSD deficiency results in neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis, which is characterized by the early onset, progressive neurodegeneration. CTSD deficiency was also associated with deposition of α-synuclein aggregates, the hallmark of PD. However, whether partial deficiency of CTSD has a role in the late onset progressive neurodegenerative disorders, including PD, remains unknown. Here, we generated cell lines harboring heterozygous nonsense mutations in CTSD with genomic editing using the zinc finger nucleases. Heterozygous mutation in CTSD resulted in partial loss of CTSD activity, leading to reduced lysosomal activity. The CTSD mutation also resulted in increased accumulation of intracellular α-synuclein aggregates and the secretion of the aggregates. When α-synuclein was introduced in the media, internalized α-synuclein aggregates accumulated at higher levels in CTSD+/− cells than in the wild-type cells. Consistent with these results, transcellular transmission of α-synuclein aggregates was increased in CTSD+/− cells. The increased transmission of α-synuclein aggregates sustained during the successive passages of CTSD+/− cells. These results suggest that partial loss of CTSD activity is sufficient to cause a reduction in lysosomal function, which in turn leads to α-synuclein aggregation and propagation of the aggregates.

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (Lamiaceae) (SB) is a perennial herb, which is natively distributed throughout Korea and southern China. This herb is known in traditional Chinese medicine as Ban-Zhi-Lian and in traditional Korean medicine as Banjiryun. SB has been used as an antiinflammatory and antitumor agent. The SB showed strong growth-inhibitory activity and cancer chemopreventive activity in assays representing three major stages of carcinogenesis. The SB was found to act as an antimutagen; it mediated antiinflammatory effects; inhibited cyclooxygenase and hydroperoxidase functions (antipromotion activity). In addition, SB inhibited the development of preneoplastic lesions in carcinogen-treated mouse mammary glands in culture and inhibited tumorigenesis in a mouse skin cancer model. On the other hand, an inhibitory effect of SB on the growth of gynecological cancer cell lines such as HeLa cell and human ovary cancer (HOC) was shown. When HOC cells were treated with SB, the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 was inhibited. These data suggest that SB merits investigation as a potential cancer chemopreventive agent in humans, especially in gynecological cancers.

Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) extract (UD) has long been known to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. UD has been also known to have protective effects on damaged tissue, inflammation and bone among other functions. Effects of UD on inflammatory and immune responses and its mechanisms in collagen-induced inflammation (CII) rat were studied. Hind paw volumes of rats were measured by volume meter; lymphocyte proliferation, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level was determined by 3-(4,5-2dimethylthiazal-2yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide assay. Antibodies to collagen type II (BC-II) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was a marked secondary inflammatory response in CII model, which accompanied with the decrease of body weight and the weight of immune organs simultaneously. The administration of UD (20, 80, 150mg/kg, intragastrically×10 days) inhibited the inflammatory response and restored body weight and the weight of immune organs of CII rats. Lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production of CII rats increases, together with IL-1 and TNF-α in peritoneal macrophages and synoviocytes. The administration of UD (20, 80, 150mg/kg, 10 days) reduced above changes significantly. UD had no effect on the concentration of antibodies to BC-II. From the results, it was concluded that UD possesses anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities and has a therapeutic effect on CII rats.