• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.166-182
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• 2022

Deer antler velvet is widely used in traditional medicine for its anti-aging, antioxidant, and immunity-enhancing effects. However, few studies have reported on the discovery of probiotic strains for deer antler fermentation to increase functional ingredient absorption. This study evaluated the ability of probiotic lactic acid bacteria to enhance the concentrations of bioactive molecules (e.g., sialic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) in extracts of deer antler velvet. Seventeen strains of Lactobacillus spp. that were isolated from kimchi and infant feces, including L. sakei, L. rhamnosus, L. brevis, and L. plantarum, and those that improved the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans were selected for evaluation. Of the 17 strains, 2 (L. rhamnosus LFR20-004 and L. sakei LFR20-007) were selected based on data showing that these strains increased both the sialic acid and GABA contents of deer antler extract after fermentation for 2 d and significantly improved the life span of C. elegans. Co-fermentation with both strains further increased the concentrations of sialic acid, GABA, and metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and amino acids. We evaluated the biological effects of the fermented antler velvet (FAV) on the antibacterial immune response in C. elegans by assessing worm survival after pathogen infection. The survival of the C. elegans conditioned with FAV for 24h was significantly higher compared with that of the control worm group fed only normal feed (non-pathogenic E. coli OP50) exposed to E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhi, and Listeria monocytogenes. To evaluate the protective effects of FAV on immune response, cyclophosphamide (Cy), an immune-suppressing agent was treated to in vitro and in vivo. We found that FAV significantly restored viability of mice splenocytes and immune promoting-related cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], interferon [IFN]-γ, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) were activated compared to non-fermented deer antlers. This finding indicated the protective effect of FAV against Cy-induced cell death and immunosuppressed mice. Taken together, our study suggests that immune-promoting antler velvet can be produced through fermentation using L. rhamnosus LFR20-004 and L. sakei LFR20-007.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.291-301
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• 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different mixing ratios of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis in diets on nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, and odor gas emissions of growing pigs. A total of four crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) barrows with average body weight (BW) of 41.2 ± 0.7 kg were randomly allotted four diets over four periods in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were as follows: Control (CON, basal diet), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L4S6, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 4:6 ratio), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L5S5, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 5:5 ratio), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L6S4, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 6:4 ratio). Dietary probiotic supplementation showed higher crude protein (CP) digestibility values and lower Escherichia coli counts in fecal samples than the CON group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in NH₃ or H₂S emission until day 3. The positive effect of H₂S and NH₃ emissions was detected earlier with the L4S6 and L5S5 compared to the L6S4, which had a lower ratio of B. subtilis. Both the L4S6 and L5S5 probiotic complexes significantly decreased the fecal H₂S and NH₃ emission in days 4 and 6 (p < 0.05). On day 7, all probiotic complexes decreased (p < 0.05) H₂S and NH₃ emissions than the CON group. Our results agreed that the dietary supplementation of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis complexes in growing pigs can significantly improve CP digestibility and reduce fecal E. coli counts, NH₃ and H₂S emissions. Notably, the higher mixing ratio of Bacillus subtilis in probiotic supplementation is more effective in reducing the odor of manure.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.549-564
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between harmful free radicals and antioxidants. Long-term oxidative stress can lead to an "exhausted" status of antioxidant defense system triggering development of metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation. Green perilla (Perilla frutescens) is commonly used in Asian cuisines and traditional medicine in southeast Asia. Green perilla possesses numerous beneficial effects including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. To investigate the potentials of green perilla leaf extract (PE) on oxidative stress, we induced oxidative stress by high-fat diet (HFD) in aging mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6J male mice were fed HFD continuously for 53 weeks. Then, mice were divided into three groups for 12 weeks: a normal diet fed reference group (NDcon), high-fat diet fed group (HDcon), and high-fat diet PE treated group (HDPE, 400 mg/kg of body weight). Biochemical analyses of serum and liver tissues were performed to assess metabolic and inflammatory damage and oxidative status. Hepatic gene expression of oxidative stress and inflammation related enzymes were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: PE improved hepatopathology. PE also improved the lipid profiles and antioxidant enzymes, including hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in serum and liver. Hepatic gene expressions of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory related enzymes, such as SOD-1, CAT, interleukin 4 (IL-4) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) were significantly enhanced by PE. PE also reduced the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum and liver; moreover, PE suppressed hepatic gene expression involved in pro-inflammatory response; Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). CONCLUSIONS: This research opens opportunities for further investigations of PE as a functional food and possible anti-aging agent due to its attenuative effects against oxidative stress, resulting from HFD and aging in the future.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.176-182
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• 2023

The stems of Dendrobium moniliforme are used in traditional Oriental medicine as a Yin tonic to nourish the stomach, promote the production of body fluid, and reduce fever. This study investigated the effects of the aqueous extract of D. moniliforme stems (DME) on mast cell degranulation and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and histamine-synthesizing enzyme histidine decarboxylase (HDC). We used rat mast cell line RBL-2H3 cells and stimulated them with PMA plus calcium ionophore (PMACI). Pretreatment with DME significantly inhibited PMACI-induced β-hexosaminidase release and the expression of TNF-α, IL-4, and HDC. Furthermore, DME suppressed PMACI-induced nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1). In addition, HDC expression was inhibited by SP600125 (JNK inhibitor), PD98059 (ERK inhibitor), and SB203580 (p38 kinase inhibitor). Finally, the phosphorylation of p38 kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was inhibited by pretreatment with DME. These results suggest that DME has inhibitory effects against degranulation, cytokine (TNF-α and IL-4) and HDC expression, and that HDC expression is mediated by MAPK signaling. These findings suggest that DME may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of hypersensitive and inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.183-190
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• 2023

Red yeast rice, also known as Hong Qu and red Koji, has been used for a long time in Asian functional food and traditional medicine. It consists of multiple bioactive substances, which can potentially be used as nutraceuticals. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) can range from simple steatosis or inflammation to fibrosis and cirrhosis, possibly through leaky gut and systemic endotoxemia. This study examined the liver and gut effects of red yeast rice (RYR) (Monascus purpureus) ethanol extract against binge ethanol-induced liver injury in mice. RYR extract was orally administered to C57BL/6N mice at a concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight per day for 10 days. Then, mice were administered binge alcohol (5 g/kg/dose) three times at 12 hr intervals. Binge alcohol exposure significantly elevated the endotoxin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) activity of plasma, as well as hepatic triglyceride levels; however, RYR treatments reduced these levels. In addition, RYR pretreatment significantly reduced the alcohol-induced oxidative maker protein and apoptosis maker in binge alcohol-induced gut and liver injuries. These results suggest that RYR may prevent alcohol-induced acute leaky gut and liver damage.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.98-103
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• 2023

Sphaeranthus africanus is commonly used as a traditional remedy for sore throats and pain treatment in Vietnam. The aerial parts have been studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. However, the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the plant has not been explored. In this work, hydrophilic extracts of the plant's aerial parts were prepared in order to investigate its antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Also, the cytotoxicity of the root was evaluated and compared to that of the aerial parts. All of the extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.05 to 3.56 ㎍/mL, indicating substantial antioxidant activity. At an IC₅₀ value of 4.80 ㎍/mL, the 50% ethanol extract exhibited the most potent inhibition of α-glucosidase. The cytotoxic activity of root extracts is 2 to 5-fold less than that of the aerial parts. Nevertheless, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of the root demonstrated a selective effect on leukemia cells, with no harm towards the normal HEK-293 cell line. This work provides a scientific support for the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of the plant. Hence, it may find a promising material for the development of novel antioxidant and antidiabetic agents. More research can be conducted on the phytochemistry and anticancer activities of the plant's root.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.755-765
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• 2023

Background: Caveolin-1, the scaffolding protein of cholesterol-rich invaginations, plays an important role in store-operated Ca²⁺ influx and its phosphorylation at Tyr14 (p-caveolin-1) is vital to mobilize protection against myocardial ischemia (MI) injury. SOCE, comprising STIM1, ORAI1 and TRPC1, contributes to intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) accumulation in cardiomyocytes. The purified extract of steamed Panax ginseng (EPG) attenuated [Ca²⁺]_i overload against MI injury. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of EPG affecting p-caveolin-1 to further mediate SOCE/[Ca²⁺]_i against MI injury in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and a rat model. Methods: PP2, an inhibitor of p-caveolin-1, was used. Cell viability, [Ca²⁺]_i concentration were analyzed in cardiomyocytes. In rats, myocardial infarct size, pathological damages, apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis were evaluated, p-caveolin-1 and STIM1 were detected by immunofluorescence, and the levels of caveolin-1, STIM1, ORAI1 and TRPC1 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. And, release of LDH, cTnI and BNP was measured. Results: EPG, ginsenosides accounting for 57.96%, suppressed release of LDH, cTnI and BNP, and protected cardiomyocytes by inhibiting Ca²⁺ influx. And, EPG significantly relieved myocardial infarct size, cardiac apoptosis, fibrosis, and ultrastructure abnormality. Moreover, EPG negatively regulated SOCE via increasing p-caveolin-1 protein, decreasing ORAI1 mRNA and protein levels of ORAI1, TRPC1 and STIM1. More importantly, inhibition of the p-caveolin-1 significantly suppressed all of the above cardioprotection of EPG. Conclusions: Caveolin-1 phosphorylation is involved in the protective effects of EPG against MI injury via increasing p-caveolin-1 to negatively regulate SOCE/[Ca²⁺]_i.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.358-368
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• 2023

Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Sieb., also known as the arrow tree in Korea, is a plant in East Asia used in traditional medicine and food. In particular, the wings of E. alatus are rich in phenolic compounds. This study evaluated the antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibition, and anti-cancer activities of E. alatus wing extracts. The radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging acitvities and reducing the power of 1,000 ㎍/mL E. alatus wing extracts, were similar to those of the positive control (0.1% BHT, 0.1% α-tocopherol). In addition, ethanol and methanol extract at 250 ㎍/mL showed 95.70 and 94.99% of α-glucosidase inhibition activity, respectively. The ethanol extract of E. alatus wings had the highest total polyphenol and flavonoid contents (867.8 mg% and 521.7 mg%, respectively). The E. alatus wing extracts significantly decreased the cell viability of LNCaP human prostate cancer cells (p<0.001), MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells (p<0.001), and HT-29 human colon cancer cells (p<0.001) in a dose-dependent manner. However, there was no significant effect on B16 mouse melanoma cells. Notably, the ethanol extracts showed higher cancer cell growth inhibitory activity in LNCaP and HT-29 cells than the other extracts. These results suggest that E. alatus wing extracts could have significant clinical applications, and our results can be used as basic data for future functional food material development.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.395-404
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• 2024

Background: Ginsenoside Rg₁ (Rg₁) is one of the main active components in Chinese medicines, Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng. Research has shown that Rg₁ has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, including anti-myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, anti-apoptosis, and promotion of myocardial angiogenesis, suggesting it a potential cardiovascular agent. However, the protective mechanism involved is still not fully understood. Methods: Based on network pharmacology, ligand-based protein docking, proteomics, Western blot, protein recombination and spectroscopic analysis (UV-Vis and fluorescence spectra) techniques, potential targets and pathways for Rg₁ against myocardial ischemia (MI) were screened and explored. Results: An important target set containing 19 proteins was constructed. Two target proteins with more favorable binding activity for Rg₁ against MI were further identified by molecular docking, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) and adenosine kinase (ADK). Meanwhile, Rg₁ intervention on H9c2 cells injured by H₂O₂ showed an inhibitory oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. The inhibition of Rg₁ on MAPK1 and OXPHOS pathway was confirmed by Western blot assay. By protein recombination and spectroscopic analysis, the binding reaction between ADK and Rg₁ was also evaluated. Conclusion: Rg₁ can effectively alleviate cardiomyocytes oxidative stress injury via targeting MAPK1 and ADK, and inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. The present study provides scientific basis for the clinical application of the natural active ingredient, Rg₁, and also gives rise to a methodological reference to the searching of action targets and pathways of other natural active ingredients.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.94-104
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• 2024

β-Lapachone is a natural quinone compound originally obtained from the bark of the lapacho tree (Tabebuia vellanedae), which has been used in traditional medicine in several South and Central American countries for treating various diseases. Although β-lapachone has been reported to have potent anticancer activity in many types of cancer cells, its effect on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells is still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of β-lapachone on the proliferation of human HCC Hep3B cells. According to our results, the decrease in cell viability of Hep3B cells caused by β-lapachone was closely related to the induction of apoptosis, which was confirmed through changes in nuclear morphology and flow cytometry. In addition, in Hep3B cells treated with β-lapachone, the expression of Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic factor, was decreased, while the expression of Bax, an apoptosis inducer, was increased, and the activity of the caspase cascade was also increased. However, in the presence of a pan-caspase inhibitor, β-lapachone-induced apoptosis was weakened, indicating that the induction of apoptosis by β-lapachone was caspase-dependent. Moreover, β-lapachone treatment activated extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling while inhibiting activation of the phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Furthermore, the effect of the ERK inhibitor on suppressing the induction of apoptosis by β-lapachone was minimal, and the PI3K inhibitor significantly increased β-lapachone-induced apoptosis. The findings from this study will contribute to a better understanding of the anticancer activity of β-lapachone in HCC cells.