• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.54 no.2
• /
• pp.224-237
• /
• 2021

Purpose: Paeonia Radix Alba is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat the liver and the spleen. Many studies have reported that Paeonia Radix Alba extract (PR) affects liver injury, but there has been no study on liver injuries induced by thioacetamide (TAA). Therefore, we aimed at evaluating the effect of PR on a TAA-induced acute liver injury (ALI) model. Methods: The antioxidant activity of PR was assayed by the content of total polyphenol, total flavonoid, 1,1-diphenyl-2'-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities in vitro test. ALI was induced via-intraperitoneal injection of TAA (200 mg/kg body weight) for three consecutive days. Also, silymarin (100 mg/kg body weight) and PR (100 or 200 mg/kg body weight) were administered at 1 hours 30 minutes prior to TAA treatment. The levels of ammonia, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were analyzed using an assay kit. The expressions of antioxidant proteins including Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, SOD, catalase, and GPx-1/2 and oxidative stress-related proteins including NOX2, p47^phox, and p22^phox were evaluated by the western blot analysis. Results: PR showed excellent antioxidant activity in vitro. TAA administration increased the levels of ammonia, GOT, and GPT in the ALI control group compared to the normal group, whereas it was significantly reduced by PR pretreatment. Moreover, NADPH oxidase protein expressions were upregulated after TAA treatment, while the elevated expressions were inhibited by PR pretreatment. The expressions of antioxidant protein were downregulated in the ALI control group, whereas Nrf2 activation in the PR group was accompanied by increased levels of antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: PR administration increased the antioxidant enzymes via activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and inhibited the protein levels of NADPH oxidase factors. Taken together, these results showed that PR treatment may be considered to ameliorate acute liver injury induced by TAA.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.344-353
• /
• 2021

Background: Korean Red ginseng extract (KRGE) has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system by improving endothelial cell function. However, its pharmacological effect on endothelial cell senescence has not been clearly elucidated. Therefore, we examined the effect and molecular mechanism of KRGE on the senescence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods: HUVECs were grown in normal or KRGE-supplemented medium. Furthermore, they were transfected with heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene or treated with its inhibitor, a NF-κB inhibitor, and a miR-155-5p mimic or inhibitor. Senescence-associated characteristics of endothelial cells were determined by biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: Treatment of HUVECs with KRGE resulted in delayed onset and progression of senescence-associated characteristics, such as increased lysosomal acidic β-galactosidase and decreased telomerase activity, angiogenic dysfunction, and abnormal cell morphology. KRGE preserved the levels of anti-senescent factors, such as eNOS-derived NO, MnSOD, and cyclins D and A: however, it decreased the levels of senescence-promoting factors, such as ROS, activated NF-κB, endothelial cell inflammation, and p21 expression. The beneficial effects of KRGE were due to the induction of HO-1 and the inhibition of NF-κB-dependent biogenesis of miR-155-5p that led to the downregulation of eNOS. Moreover, treatment with inhibitors of HO-1, NF-κB, and miR-155-5p abolished the anti-senescence effects of KRGE. Conclusion: KRGE delayed or prevented HUVEC senescence through a signaling cascade involving the induction of HO-1, the inhibition of NF-κB-dependent miR-155-5p biogenesis, and the maintenance of the eNOS/NO axis activity, suggesting that it may protect against vascular diseases associated with endothelial senescence.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.14-32
• /
• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) has a central role in regulating muscle differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism. PGC-1α stimulates muscle growth and muscle fiber remodeling, concomitantly regulating lactate and lipid metabolism and promoting oxidative metabolism. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thumb.) has been widely employed as a traditional herbal medicine and possesses antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, hypolipemic, hypoglycemic, and anticancer properties. We investigated whether G. pentaphyllum extract (GPE) and its active compound, gypenoside L (GL), affect muscle differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism via activation of the PGC-1α pathway in murine C2C12 myoblast cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: C2C12 cells were treated with GPE and GL, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels. Myh1 was determined using immunocytochemistry. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation was measured using the 2'7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay. RESULTS: GPE and GL promoted the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes and elevated mRNA and protein expression levels of Myh1 (type IIx). GPE and GL also significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of the PGC-1α gene (Ppargc1a), lactate metabolism-regulatory genes (Esrra and Mct1), adipocyte-browning gene fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 gene (Fndc5), glycogen synthase gene (Gys), and lipid metabolism gene carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1b gene (Cpt1b). Moreover, GPE and GL induced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, p38, sirtuin1, and deacetylated PGC-1α. We also observed that treatment with GPE and GL significantly stimulated the expression of genes associated with the anti-oxidative stress response, such as Ucp2, Ucp3, Nrf2, and Sod2. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that GPE and GL enhance exercise performance by promoting myotube differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism through the upregulation of PGC-1α in C2C12 skeletal muscle.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.311-318
• /
• 2022

Salicylic acid (SA), a phenolic compound, plays a pivotal role in regulating a wide range of physiological and metabolic processes in plants such as antioxidant cellular defense, photosynthesis, and biotic and abiotic stress responses during the growth and development. We examined the effect of exogenous SA application (100 mg·L^-1) on the growth, yield, photosynthetic characteristics, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activity of chili pepper plants under high temperature and drought stress conditions. SA treatment induced increases of net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) under the stress condition with the highest level after the third treatment. The contents of malondialdehyde and H₂O₂ were significantly lower in the third treatment of SA compared to the control. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, increased in treated plants by up to 247, 318, 55 and 54%, respectively compared to the nontreated control. There was no significant difference in the growth characteristics between SA-treated and nontreated plants, while the SA treatment increased marketable yield (kg/10a) by about 15% compared to the nontreated control. Taken together, these results suggest that foliar application of SA alleviates physiological damages caused by the combination of drought and heat stress, and enhances the photosynthetic capacity and antioxidant enzyme activities, thereby improving tolerance to a combination of water deficit and heat stress in chili pepper plants.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.32 no.9
• /
• pp.1154-1167
• /
• 2022

In this study, we investigated the anti-amnesic effect of Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora) bark extract (KRPBE) against amyloid beta_1-42 (Aβ_1-42)-induced neurotoxicity. We found that treatment with KRPBE improved the behavioral function in Aβ-induced mice, and also boosted the antioxidant system in mice by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and reducing glutathione (GSH) levels. In addition, KRPBE improved the cholinergic system by suppressing reduced acetylcholine (ACh) content while also activating acetylcholinesterase (AChE), regulating the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), and synaptophysin. KRPBE also showed an ameliorating effect on cerebral mitochondrial deficit by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP levels. Moreover, KRPBE modulated the expression levels of neurotoxicity indicators Aβ and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, p-IκB-α, and IL-1β. Furthermore, we found that KRPBE improved the expression levels of neuronal apoptosis-related markers BAX and BCl-2 and increased the expression levels of BDNF and p-CREB. Therefore, this study suggests that KRPBE treatment has an anti-amnestic effect by modulating cholinergic system dysfunction and neuroinflammation in Aβ_1-42-induced cognitive impairment in mice.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.31 no.8
• /
• pp.1163-1174
• /
• 2021

Casein-derived antioxidant peptides by using microbial proteases have gained increasing attention. Combination of two microbial proteases, Protin SD-NY10 and Protease A "Amano" 2SD, was employed to hydrolyze casein to obtain potential antioxidant peptides that were identified by LC-MS/MS, chemically synthesized and characterized in a oxidatively damaged HepG2 cell model. Four peptides, YQLD, FSDIPNPIGSEN, FSDIPNPIGSE, YFYP were found to possess high 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability. Evaluation with HepG2 cells showed that the 4 peptides at low concentrations (< 1.0 mg/ml) protected the cells against oxidative damage. The 4 peptides exhibited different levels of antioxidant activity by stimulating mRNA and protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), as well as nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), but decreasing the mRNA expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Furthermore, these peptides decreased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), but increased glutathione (GSH) production in HepG2 cells. Therefore, the 4 casein-derived peptides obtained by using microbial proteases exhibited different antioxidant activity by activating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, and they could serve as potential antioxidant agents in functional foods or pharmaceutic preparation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.43-60
• /
• 2018

Objectives : This study was conducted to compare the effect of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix on antioxidant changes and antihyperlipidemics in hypercholesterolemic rats according to changes in the number of steams. Methods : The experimental animals were divided into six groups: normal (Nor), high cholesterol diet (Veh), high cholesterol diet with Simvastatin 5 mg/kg (Sim), high cholesterol diet with AR0 extract 200 mg/kg (AR0), high cholesterol diet with AR6 extract 200 mg/kg (AR6) and high cholesterol diet plus AR9 extract 200 mg/kg (AR9). I measured HDL, LDL TC, TG contents and ROS from each serums and compared them. I analyzed antioxidant-related protein expressions and cholesterol-related protein expressions in each liver tissues. I also performed optical microscopic analysis through liver tissue staining. Results : The Antioxidant activity of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix was increased by steaming processes. In vivo, AR0 decreased liver weight in hyperlipidemic rats. LDL TC, TG, AI and CRF were decreased but HDL was increased in AR0. AST, ALT, creatinine, and BUN were decreased in AR0. ROS was decreased in AR0, AR6, and AR9. SOD, catalase and GPx were decreased by steaming processes. p-AMPK was decreased but SREBP-2, p-ACC, and HMGCR were increased by steaming processes. Histologic analysis showed that AR0 decreased liver fat accumulation. Conclusion : In conclusion, AR0 can be developed as a treatment for hyperlipemia. And it is required to research on antioxidant effect changes among different times steamed Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.89-103
• /
• 2018

Objectives : This study is aimed to compare the changes in Antioxidative capacity of Liriopis Tuber by steaming process and to compare the effects in hyperlipidemia induced rats fed high cholesterol diet between Simvastatin and Liriopis Tuber by steaming process. Methods : The SD rats were divided into six groups: normal diet (Nor), high cholesterol diet (Veh), high cholesterol diet plus Simvastatin 5 mg/kg (Sim), high cholesterol diet plus LT0 extract 200 mg/kg (LT0), high cholesterol diet plus LT6 extract 200 mg/kg (LT6) and high cholesterol diet plus LT9 extract 200 mg/kg (LT9). We compared the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) contents and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from each serums. Protein expression in liver tissues related to antioxidant and cholesterol was analyzed. Results : The Antioxidant activity of Liriopis Tuber increased by steaming process. In vivo, TC, TG, LDL-c, atherogenic index (AI) and cardiac risk factor (CRF) decreased and HDL-c increased with increasing steaming frequency. aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreased with increasing steaming frequency. ROS decreased only in LT9, and SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased with increasing steaming frequency. phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) increased and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2), Phospho-Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (p-ACC) and HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) decreased with increasing steaming frequency. Liver staining showed a decrease in hepatic fat accumulation of LT9. LT9 showed significant results in all experiments. Conclusions : LT9 showed significance of anti-lipid effect and improved fatty liver of hyperlipemia induced rats fed on high cholesterol diet, In conclusion, LP9 can be effectively used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.15-23
• /
• 2019

Objective : Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a disease that caused gastric acid reflux and inflammation due to unstable gastroesophageal sphincter, as increasing worldwide respectively. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Evodiae Fructus (EF) extract on chronic reflux esophagitis in rats. Methods : The EF was measured antioxidant activity, such as total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-enzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. Rats were divided into 3 groups; Nor (normal group), Con (chronic acid reflux esophagitis rats treatment with water), EF (chronic acid reflux esophagitis rat treatment with EF 200 mg/kg body weight group). A surgically-induced chronic acid reflux esophagitis (CARE) model was established in SD rats, and treated with water or EF 200 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. Results : Administration of EF to rats of induction of chronic acid reflux esophagitis was found to reduce esophagus tissues injury. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and produces peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$) levels of esophagus tissues were significantly decreased in EF compared to Con group. As results of esophagus protein analyses, EF effectively reduce inflammatory-related factors ($NF-{\kappa}Bp65$, $p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, iNOS, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6), and increase anti-oxidant enzyme (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, catalase, GPx-1/2). Conclusions : These results suggest that EF administration comfirmed that decreased esophagus tissues injury, oxidantive stress, anti-inflammation effect, and increased anti-oxidant effect. Therefore, EF was the potential to be used as a natural therapeutic drug.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.117-124
• /
• 2019

Objective : Chronic acid reflux esophagitis (CARE), one of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing worldwide. Coptidis rhizoma extract (CRE) is a traditional herb that cures a variety of diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of CR on rats with chronic acid reflux esophagitis. Methods : The antioxidant activities were evaluated through radical scavenging assays using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. CARE was surgically induced in 5-week-old male SD rats by ligating the border between forestomach and glandular portion with a 2-0 silk tie and covering the duodenum using 18-Fr $N{\acute{e}}laton$ catheter. To evaluate the esophageal protective effect of CRE, rats were divided into 3 groups: Nor (normal rats), Veh (chronic acid reflux esophagitis induced rats), CR (chronic acid reflux esophagitis induced rats treated with CRE 200 mg/kg body weight). Results : The administration of CRE significantly prevented the mucosal injury of the esophagus tissue and histological findings improved the esophageal lesion. It has been shown that inflammation is prevented by the increase of antioxidant-related factors (Nrf-2, HO-1, SOD, catalase, and GPx-1/2) through the antioxidant pathway of esophageal tissue. The administration of CRE reduced the increase of serum peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$) and markedly reduced the protein expression of inflammatory mediator such as $NF-{\kappa}Bp65$, $p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, iNOS, and IL-6. Conclusions : Overall, these results suggest that CRE administration confirmed the protective effect of esophageal mucosa, suggesting that it is a potential treatment for chronic acid reflux esophagitis.