• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.22-30
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• 2021

Till the 21st century, fatty acids were considered as merely building blocks for triglycerides, phospholipids, or cholesteryl esters. However, the discovery of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for free fatty acids at the beginning of the 21st century challenged that idea and paved way for a new field of research, merged into the field of receptor pharmacology for intercellular lipid mediators. Among the GPCRs for free fatty acids, free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4, also known as GPR120) recognizes long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. It is significant in drug discovery because it regulates obesity-induced metaflammation and GLP-1 secretion. Our study reviews information on newly developed FFA4 agonists and their application in pathophysiologic studies and drug discovery. It also offers a potency comparison of the FFA4 agonists in an AP-TGF-α shedding assay.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.267-271
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• 2020

Gut microbiota produce dietary metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. Free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2, formerly known as GPR43) is a specific receptor for short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate that regulates inflammatory responses. However, the therapeutic potential of FFA2 agonists for treatment of atopic dermatitis has not been investigated. We investigated the efficacy of the FFA2 agonist, 4-chloro-α-(1-methylethyl)-N-2-thiazoylylbenzeneacetanilide (4-CMTB), for treatment of atopic dermatitis induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Long-term application of DNCB to the ears of mice resulted in significantly increased IgE in the serum, and induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions, characterized by mast cell accumulation and skin tissue hypertrophy. Treatment with 4-CMTB (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly suppressed DNCB-induced changes in IgE levels, ear skin hypertrophy, and mast cell accumulation. Treatment with 4-CMTB reduced DNCB-induced increases in Th2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-13) levels in the ears, but did not alter Th1 or Th17 cytokine (IFN-γ and IL-17) levels. Furthermore, 4-CMTB blocked DNCB-induced lymph node enlargement. In conclusion, activation of FFA2 ameliorated DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis, which suggested that FFA2 is a therapeutic target for atopic dermatitis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.427-433
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• 2021

Free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2, also known as GPR43), a G-protein-coupled receptor, has been known to recognize short-chain fatty acids and regulate inflammatory responses. FFA2 gene deficiency exacerbated disease states in several models of inflammatory conditions including asthma. However, in vivo efficacy of FFA2 agonists has not been tested in allergic asthma. Thus, we investigated effect of 4-chloro-α-(1-methylethyl)-N-2-thiazoylylbenzeneacetanilide (4-CMTB), a FFA2 agonist, on antigen-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells and ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in BALB/c mice. Treatment of 4-CMTB inhibited the antigen-induced degranulation concentration-dependently. Administration of 4-CMTB decreased the immune cell numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and suppressed the expression of inflammatory Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in the lung tissues. Histological studies revealed that 4-CMTB suppressed mucin production and inflammation in the lungs. Thus, results proved that FFA2 functions to suppress allergic asthma, suggesting 4-CMTB activation of FFA2 as a therapeutic tool for allergic asthma.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.165-171
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• 2019

Although the functions of a standardized extract of Gingko biloba leaves (EGb $761^{(R)}$) has been reported with regard to neurobiological properties, no attention has been paid to the impact of EGb $761^{(R)}$ on the neuronal regulation of energy homeostasis. To evaluate the hypothesis that EGb $761^{(R)}$ affect the secretion of peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) and the activation of free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4), which are involved in the neuronal circuitries that control energy homeostasis by inducing the transfer of information about the influx of energy to the brain, we examined whether EGb $761^{(R)}$ can stimulate PYY secretion in the enteroendocrine NCI-H716 cells and if EGb $761^{(R)}$ can activate FFA4 in FFA4-expressing cells. In NCI-H716 cells, EGb $761^{(R)}$ stimulated PYY secretion and the EGb $761^{(R)}$-induced PYY secretion was involved in the increase in intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration and the activation of FFA4. Furthermore, in FFA4-expressing cells, EGb $761^{(R)}$ activated FFA4. These results suggest that EGb $761^{(R)}$ may affect the control of energy homeostasis via the regulation of PYY secretion and FFA4 activation.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.203-208
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• 1999

The effect of the polyunsaterated fatty acids, linoleic acid(LA), arachidonic acid(AA) and conjugated dienoic linoleic acid(CLA) on IEC-6 cells (rat intestinal cell)proliferation and cell transduction have been determined in vitro. IEC-6 cells proliferation was assessed by cell growth and [3H]-thymidine incroporation analysis. At 10 μM concentration , the proliferationof cells supplemented with AA or LA was significantly higher than that of CLA. [3H]-thymidine uptake showed the same results. LA and AA increased [3H]-thymidine uptake more than CLA. The stimulatory effect of LA or AA was even more pronounced in the presence of IGF. Both cell number analysis and [3H]-thymidine incorporation revealed that IEC-6 cell proliferation was influenced differently by exogenous free fatty acids, in which AA or LA stimulated IEC-6 cell proliferation and CLA inhibited it. Tyorosine phosphorylation provides a key switch to regulate celluar acitivity in response to extracellular stimuli. At 20 μM and 10μM, AA with IGF-1 stimulated protein tyrosine phophorylation in IEC-6 cells, but LA's impact was less than that of AA. CLA and CLA with IGF-1 inhibited protein tyrosine phosphorylation in IEC-6 cells. These results suggest there is a possible correlation between cell proliferation and IGF receptor tyrosine knase activity driven by AA.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.402-408
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• 1994

Human plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) is the major factor of coronary heart disease.But recent studies suggest the normal LDL can be realdily oxidized by oxygen free radicals and not interact with LDL receptors.Lipoprotei particles consist of lipid and protein, and fatty acids are prone to oxidatioin.The fatty acid compositions of LDL from Koreans was compared with that of Westerners.From the results, the raio of unsaturated fatty acids of korean and Westerner approximately 30 and 70%, respectively.which means Westerners are more labile in the lipid oxidation of LDL than Koreams.Normal LDL was incubated with $CuSO_4$ in PBS to lead for the peroxidation of LDL, and it was tested by the detection of TBARS and free radicals.Then, ascorbate, ${\alpha}-tocopherol$ and hyaluronic acid were found to have effects of antioxidants on LDL oxidation.The amount of free radical increased as the extent of oxidation increased.The time course of free radical formation was similar to TBARS.Therefore, determination of free radical by Luminometer was much more convenient than that of TBARS.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.572-582
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• 2023

Background: Free fatty acid-induced lipotoxicity is considered to play an important role in pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. The effect of ginsenosides on palmitic acid-induced pancreatic beta-cells cell death and failure of glucose-stimulated secretion of insulin (GSIS) was evaluated in this study. Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for a rat insulin was used to quantify glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Protein expression was examined by western blotting analysis. Nuclear condensation was measured by staining with Hoechst 33342 stain. Apoptotic cell death was assessed by staining with Annexin V. Oil Red O staining was used to measure lipid accumulation. Results: We screened ginsenosides to prevent palmitic acid-induced cell death and impairment of GSIS in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells and identified protopanaxadiol (PPD) as a potential therapeutic agent. The protection effect of PPD was likely due to a reduction in apoptosis and lipid accumulation. PPD attenuated the palmitic acid-induced increase in the levels of B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X/B-cell lymphoma 2, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and cleaved caspase-3. Moreover, PPD prevented palmitic acid-induced impairment of insulin secretion, which was accompanied by an increase in the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, insulin receptor substrate-2, serine-threonine kinase, and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the protective effect of PPD on lipotoxicity and lipid accumulation induced by palmitic acid in pancreatic β-cells.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.48-65
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• 2021

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Changbudodam-tang on obesity by using high-fat diet rats. Methods: Rats were divided into five groups. Normal group: Normal diet, Control group: High-fat diet, Positive control group: High-fat diet+Dietamin 4 mg/kg/day, Changbudodam-tang-Low group: High-fat diet+Changbudodam-tang 250 mg/kg/day, Changbudodam-tang-High group: High-fat diet+Changbudodam-tang 500 mg/kg/day. Weight, food intake were measured every week. After 7 weeks, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, Triglyceride, free fatty acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, complete blood count were measured and messenger ribonucleic acid expression of adiponectin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, leptin were observed using Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of liver cells. Results: There was no difference in food intake between groups. Body weight tended to decrease compared with the Control group, but it wasn't statistically meaningfull. The total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, Triglyceride, free fatty acid tended to decrease compared with the Control group. High density lipoprotein-cholesterol tended to decrease compared with the Control group, but it wasn't statistically meaningfull. White blood cell, red blood cell, hemoglobin, platelet, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase were not affected by Changbudodam-tang. The messenger ribonucleic acid expression of Adiponectin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, leptin, which are involved in the differentiation of adipocytes, was decreased compared with the Control group. Conclusions: Based on the results above, it is suggested that Changbudodam-tang can be applied to improving serum lipid levels in obese patients caused by high fat diets.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.932-938
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• 2011

Ginsenoside Rg1 is a pharmacologically active component isolated from ginseng. The goal of this study was to clarify the beneficial effects of Rg1 on glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic animals (db/db mice). To accomplish this, ten week old db/db mice were administered 10 mg/kg of Rg1 for 15 days. Rg1 did not influence the weight of db/db mice when compared with vehicle-treated db/db mice. The administration of Rg1 lowered fasting plasma glucose, and improved glucose tolerance. Importantly, Rg1 markedly reduced both plasma triglyceride and free fatty acids, and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations in db/db mice. Rg1 activated promoter activity of chimeric GAL4-PPAR${\alpha}$ reporter and increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR${\alpha}$) target genes such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) and acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), which are involved in fatty acid oxidation. These findings indicated that improvement of lipid profiles by Rg1 may be associated with increased fatty acid oxidation via PPAR${\alpha}$ activation. Taken together, these results suggest that Rg1 could have beneficial effects for controlling hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.576-583
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• 2009

G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) is a newly-discovered short-chain free fatty acid receptor and its functions remain to be defined. The objective of this study was to investigate the function of GPR43 on lipolysis. We successfully cloned the GPR43 gene from the pig (EU122439), and measured the level of GPR43 mRNA in different tissues and primary pig adipocytes. The expression level of GPR43 mRNA was higher in adipose tissue and increased gradually with adipocyte differentiation. Then we examined GPR43 mRNA level in different types, growth-stages and various regions of adipose tissue of pigs. The results showed that the expression level of GPR43 mRNA was significantly higher in adipose tissue of obese pigs than in lean pigs, and the expression level also gradually increased as age increased. We further found that the abundance of GPR43 mRNA level increased more in subcutaneous fat than visceral fat. Thereafter, we studied the correlation between GPR43 and lipid metabolism-related genes in adipose tissue and primary pig adipocytes. GPR43 gene had significant negative correlation with hormone-sensitive lipase gene (HSL, r = -0.881, p<0.01) and triacylglycerol hydrolase gene (TGH, r = -0.848, p<0.01) in adipose tissue, and had positive correlation with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor $\gamma$ gene ($PPAR_{\gamma}$, r = 0.809, p<0.01) and lipoprotein lipase gene (LPL, r = 0.847, p<0.01) in adipocytes. In addition, we fed different concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to mice, and analyzed expression level changes of GPR43, HSL and TGH in adipose. The results showed that DHA down-regulated GPR43 and up-regulated HSL and TGH mRNA levels; GPR43 also had significant negative correlation with HSL (low: r = -0.762, p<0.01; high: r = -0.838, p<0.01) and TGH (low: r = -0.736, p<0.01; high: r = -0.586, p<0.01). Our results suggested that GPR43 is a potential factor which regulates lipolysis in adipose tissue, and DHA as a receptor of GPR43 might promote lipolysis through down-regulating the expression of GPR43 mRNA.