• BMB Reports
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.635-641
• /
• 2004

Interferons regulate a number of biological functions including control of cell proliferation, generation of antiviral activities and immumodulation in human cells. Studies by several investigators have identified a number of cellular signaling cascades that are activated during engagement of interferon receptors. The activation of multiple signaling cascades by the interferon receptors appears to be critical for the generation of interferon mediated biological functions and immune surveillance. The present review summarizes the existing knowledge on the multiple signaling cascades activated by Type I interferons. Recent developments in this research area are emphasized and the implications of these new discoveries on our understanding of interferon actions are discussed.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.26 no.11
• /
• pp.1836-1844
• /
• 2016

Adipogenesis is one of the cellular processes and a highly controlled program. Nowadays, inhibition of adipogenesis has received attention as an effective way to regulate obesity. In the current study, we investigated the inhibition effect of a chloroform extract of Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae 'Beesan No. 2' (CEBT) on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 murine preadipocytes. Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae is one of many varieties of King oyster mushroom and has been reported to have various biological activities, including antitumor and anti-inflammation effects. Biological activities of 'Beesan No. 2', a new cultivar of Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae, have not yet been reported. In this study, we found that CEBT suppressed adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells through inhibition of key adipogenic transcription factors, such as peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor ${\gamma}$ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein ${\alpha}$. Additionally, CEBT reduced the expression of the IRS/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and its downstream factors, including mammalian target of rapamycin and p70S6 kinase, which stimulate adipogenesis. Furthermore, ${\beta}-catenin$, a suppressor of adipogenesis, was increased in CEBT-treated cells. These results indicate that Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae 'Beesan No. 2' effectively inhibited adipogenesis, so this mushroom has potential as an anti-obesity food and drug.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.570-579
• /
• 2019

Diabetes is one of the serious chronic metabolic diseases caused by Westernized eating habits, and the goal of diabetes treatment is to keep blood glucose at a normal level and prevent diabetic complications. This study was designed to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of a mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larva) extract (MWE) on hyperglycemia in an animal model with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic C57BL/Ksj-db/db mice were divided into three groups: diabetic control, rosiglitazone, and MWE. The mice supplemented with MWE showed significantly lower blood levels of glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin when compared with the diabetic control mice. The homeostatic index of insulin resistance was significantly lower in mice supplemented with MWE than in diabetic control mice. MWE supplementation significantly stimulated the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 and Akt, and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in insulin signaling pathway of skeletal muscles. Eventually, MWE increased the expression of the plasma membrane glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) via PI3K/Akt activation. These findings demonstrate that the increase in plasma membrane GLUT4 expression by MWE promoted the uptake of blood glucose into cells and relieved hyperglycemia in skeletal muscles of diabetic C57BL/Ksj-db/db mice. Therefore, mealworms are expected to prove useful for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, and further studies are needed to improve type 2 diabetes in the future.