• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.476-483
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• 2024

Fractionated lipids of Halocynthia aurantium (Pyuridae) have been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, their modulatory properties have not been reported yet. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine immune enhancing effects of fractionated lipids from H. aurantium tunic on macrophage cells. The tunic of H. aurantium was used to isolate total lipids, which were then subsequently separated into neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0%) of each fractionated lipid. Cytotoxicity, production of NO, expression levels of immune-associated genes, and signaling pathways were then determined. Neutral lipids and glycolipids significantly stimulated NO and PGE₂ production and expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner, while phospholipids ineffectively induced NO production and mRNA expression. Furthermore, it was found that both neutral lipids and glycolipids increased NF-κB p-65, p38, ERK1/2, and JNK phosphorylation, suggesting that these lipids might enhance immunity by activating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, H. aurantium lipids-induced TNF-α expression was decreased by blocking MAPK or NF-κB signaling pathways. Phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 cells was also significantly enhanced by neutral lipids and glycolipids. These results suggest that neutral lipids and glycolipids from H. aurantium tunic have potential as immune-enhancing materials.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.725-734
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• 2024

CYP102A1 from Bacillus megaterium is an important enzyme in biotechnology, because engineered CYP102A1 enzymes can react with diverse substrates and produce human cytochrome P450-like metabolites. Therefore, CYP102A1 can be applied to drug metabolite production. Terpinen-4-ol is a cyclic monoterpene and the primary component of essential tea tree oil. Terpinen-4-ol was known for therapeutic effects, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Because terpenes are natural compounds, examining novel terpenes and investigating the therapeutic effects of terpenes represent responses to social demands for eco-friendly compounds. In this study, we investigated the catalytic activity of engineered CYP102A1 on terpinen-4-ol. Among CYP102A1 mutants tested here, the R47L/F81I/F87V/E143G/L188Q/N213S/E267V mutant showed the highest activity to terpinen-4-ol. Two major metabolites of terpinen-4-ol were generated by engineered CYP102A1. Characterization of major metabolites was confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-MS, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Based on the LC-MS results, the difference in mass-to-charge ratio of an ion (m/z) between terpinen-4-ol and its major metabolites was 16. One major metabolite was defined as 1,4-dihydroxyp-menth-2-ene by NMR. Given these results, we speculate that another major metabolite is also a mono-hydroxylated product. Taken together, we suggest that CYP102A1 can be applied to make novel terpene derivatives.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.498-510
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity, characterized by abnormal fat accumulation and metabolic disturbances, presents a significant health challenge. Opuntia humifusa Raf., commonly known as Korean Cheonnyuncho, is rich in various beneficial compounds and has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its potential impact on glucose and lipid metabolism, particularly in obese rats, remains unexplored. We aimed to investigate whether O. humifusa stems and fruits could beneficially alter glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in a rat model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. MATERIALS/METHODS: Thirty-two rats were allocated into 4 groups: normal diet (NF), HFD control (HF), HFD treated with 2% O. humifusa stems (HF-OS), and HFD treated with 2% O. humifusa fruits (HF-OF). Experimental diets were administered for 6 weeks. At the end of the treatment, liver and fat tissues were isolated, and serum was collected for biochemical analysis. The major flavonoid from O. humifusa stems and fruits was identified and quantified. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of treatment, the serum fasting glucose concentration in the HF-OS group was significantly lower than that in the HF group. Serum fasting insulin concentrations in both HF-OS and HF-OF groups tended to be lower than those in the HF group, indicating a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity in the HF-OS group. Additionally, the HF-OS group exhibited a tendency towards the restoration of adiponectin levels to that of the NF group. CONCLUSION: The 2% O. humifusa stems contain abundant quercetin and isorhamnetin, which alter fasting blood glucose levels in rats fed a HFD, leading to a favorable improvement in insulin resistance.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.112-119
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• 2024

Objective: Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease among reproductive-age women. Numerous hypotheses exist regarding the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In Turkey, the consumption of Allium cepa (commonly known as the "onion cure") is a popular treatment employed to alleviate a variety of gynecological disorders. Methods: In this study, our objective was to assess the therapeutic mechanisms of the onion bulb A. cepa using an autologous endometriosis model in Sprague-Dawley rats. Previous research has shown that A. cepa possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties. We evaluated the pathological condition of endometriotic implants by employing hematoxylin-eosin staining and Ki67 immunohistochemistry analysis. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) have been identified as profibrotic markers that are highly overexpressed in endometriotic tissues relative to eutopic endometrial tissue. Furthermore, TGF-β1 influences the differentiation and progression of endometriosis. To quantify profibrotic activity, we measured TGF-β1 and α-SMA using the immunosorbent assay method. Results: Lower histologic evaluation scores for endometriotic implants were observed in the group receiving high-dose A. cepa relative to the other groups. Ki67 expression was reduced following the high-dose A. cepa regimen, which consisted of 30% A. cepa and 70% normal feed. However, no statistically significant differences in TGF-β1 or α-SMA levels were observed among the groups (p=0.7 and p=0.778, respectively). Conclusion: The findings suggest that A. cepa could serve as a therapeutic agent in endometriosis treatment, as evidenced by the reduction in proliferative potential. Nevertheless, A. cepa was not associated with significantly lower levels of endometriosis-associated TGF-β1 or α-SMA.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.57-67
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Abexol is a mixture of primary aliphatic alcohols purified from beeswax (Apis mellifera), that produces anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and gastroprotective effects, as well as it is safe and well tolerated. To investigate and compare the efficacy and safety of Abexol (suspension versus tablets) in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods: Monocentric study, open-label, randomized design, with two parallel groups receiving Abexol tablets (150 mg/d) or Abexol suspension (75 mg/d) for 8 weeks. Primary efficacy variable (significant improvement in the total score of Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale [GSRS]). Significant reduction in the intensity of the gastrointestinal-symptoms and the reduction in the consumption of antacids are considered secondary efficacy variable. Short form-36 (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire was evaluated as collateral variable. Data were analyzed as per intention to treat. Results: A significantly decrease in the overall score of the survey was observed with respect to the baseline level (p < 0.001) of 81.4% in the Abexol suspension group and 77.9% in the Abexol tablets group. At the end of the trial, most gastrointestinal-symptoms disappeared or reduced significantly. The frequency of consumption of neutralizing antacids was low. The significantly improvement in the perception of the state of health obtained in the Abexol is in correspondence with the improvement achieved in some of the components evaluate in the SF-36 questionnaire. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated. Conclusions: Abexol suspension showed efficacy and safety similar to Abexol tablets in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, but using half the dose.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.34
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• pp.29.1-29.14
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• 2022

Background: Hotel housekeepers are one of the most important occupational group within tourism hotel sector; various health problems related to their job have been described, above all musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of this study is to understand the experiences and perceptions of hotel housekeepers and key informants from the Balearic Islands (Spain) regarding occupational health conditions and the strategies employed to mitigate them. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out. Six focus groups with hotel housekeepers and 10 semi-structured interviews with key informants were conducted. Next, we carried out a content analysis. Results: Hotel housekeepers reported musculoskeletal disorders, anxiety and stress as main occupational health problems; health professionals underscored the physical problems. Hotel housekeepers perceived that their work (physically demanding and with repetitive movements) caused their health conditions. To solve health issues, they used medication (anti-inflammatory agents, painkillers, sedatives and anxiolytics), which allowed them to continue working; health public services, generally rated as satisfactory; individual protective equipment; ergonomics (with difficulties due to high work pace and hotel facilities) and physical activity. Two contrasting attitudes were identified regarding sick leave: HHs who refused to accept a doctor-prescribed sick leave (due to fear of being fired, sense of responsibility, ...), and those who accepted it (because they could not continue working, they prioritised health before work). Conclusions: Our results might contribute to plan improvement strategies and programs to address health problems among hotel housekeepers. These programs should include interventions, such as coping strategies for the work-related risk factors (i.e., stress) and strategies to reduce medicine consumption. Additionally, hotel facilities should adopt policies focused on making workplaces more ergonomic (i.e., furniture) and to diminish the work pace.

• CELLMED
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.10.1-10.6
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: As per the available data, 75% peri and postmenopausal women experience hot flashes having negative effect on their quality of life. Using herbal medicines are stepping forward to alleviate hot flashes as the available hormonal medications have been reported the presence of side effects. This study was planned with the intention to investigate the effect of Asparagus racemosus root in the treatment of postmenopausal hot flashes in comparison to the placebo. Methods: This prospective patient blinded clinical trial randomly assigned 40 postmenopausal women with symptoms of hot flashes to receive either test drug (n=20) comprising Asparagus racemosus tablet of 1g in the dosage of 2 tablet thrice in a day for the duration of 60 days continuously or to receive placebo tablet prepared from roasted wheat flour in the same dosage and duration as test drug. The efficacy was determined by reduction in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes assessed by daily diary along with the improvement in quality of life assessed through Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale. Statistical analysis was accomplished by student t test and Chi-square/Fisher Exact test. Results: Test drug significantly (p <0.001) reduced the intensity and frequency of hot flashes as well as improved the quality of life without showing any side effect. Discussion & Conclusion: According to Unani scriptures, the treatment is to treat the underlying cause, such as aberrant temperament and psychological and environmental issues. Unani drugs have emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective qualities that can help alleviate premenstrual symptoms. Unani herbs such as C. sativus, Vitex, agnus castus, P. vulgare, N. Jatamansi, M. officinalis, and Z. officinalis have been clinically demonstrated to be effective in PMS. Thus, traditional knowledge authentication and conservation are vital for future research and appreciated for application in the modern day. Furthermore, randomised controlled trials, comprehensive reviews, and meta-analyses are suggested.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.243-250
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• 2024

We investigated organ specific Toxocara canis larval migration in mice infected with T. canis larvae. We observed the worm burden and systemic immune responses. Three groups of BALB/c mice (n=5 each) were orally administered 1,000 T. canis 2nd stage larvae to induce larva migrans. Mice were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 5 weeks post-infection. Liver, lung, brain, and eye tissues were collected. Tissue from 2 mice per group was digested for larval count, while the remaining 3 mice underwent histological analysis. Blood hematology and serology were evaluated and compared to that in a control uninfected group (n=5) to assess the immune response. Cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were also analyzed. We found that, 1 week post-infection, the mean parasite load in the liver (72±7.1), brain (31±4.2), lungs (20±5.7), and eyes (2±0) peaked and stayed constant until the 3 weeks. By 5-week post-infection, the worm burden in the liver and lungs significantly decreased to 10±4.2 and 9±5.7, respectively, while they remained relatively stable in the brain and eyes (18±4.2 and 1±0, respectively). Interestingly, ocular larvae resided in all retinal layers, without notable inflammation in outer retina. Mice infected with T. canis exhibited elevated levels of neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and immunoglobulin E. At 5 weeks post-infection, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 levels were elevated in BAL fluid. Whereas IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and interferon-γ levels in BAL fluid were similar to that in controls. Our findings demonstrate that a small portion of T. canis larvae migrate to the eyes and brain within the first week of infection. Minimal tissue inflammation was observed, probably due to increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study contributes to our understanding of the histological and immunological responses to T. canis infection in mice, which may have implications to further understand human toxocariasis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.767-774
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• 2011

Defatted green tea seed was extracted with 100% ethanol for 4 hr and then fractionated with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and butanol. The ethanol and butanol extracts showed greater increases in antiproliferation potential against liver cancer cells than petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, $H_2O$, and hot water extracts did. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the anti-proliferative actions of defatted green tea seed ethanol extract (DGTSE) in HepG2 cancer cells. The DGTSE contained catechins including EGC ($1039.1{\pm}15.2\;g/g$), tannic acid ($683.5{\pm}17.61\;{\mu}g/g$), EC ($62.4{\pm}5.00\;{\mu}g/g$), ECG ($24.4{\pm}7.81\;{\mu}g/g$), EGCG ($20.9{\pm}0.96\;{\mu}g/g$) and gallic acid ($2.4{\pm}0.68\;{\mu}g/g$), but caffeic acid was not detected when analyzed by HPLC. The anti-proliferation effect of DGTSE toward HepG2 cells was 83.13% when treated at $10\;{\mu}g$/mL, of DGTSE, offering an $IC_{50}$ of $6.58\;{\mu}g$/mL. DGTSE decreased CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 protein expressions in a dose-dependent manner. Quinone reductase and antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase activities were increased about 2.6 and 1.94-fold at a concentration of $20\;{\mu}g$/mL compared to a control group, respectively. Enhancement of phase II enzyme activity by DGTSE was shown to be mediated via interaction with ARE sequences in genes encoding the phase enzymes. DGTSE significantly (p<0.05) suppressed prostaglandin $E_2$ level, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) protein expressions, and NF${\kappa}$B translocation, but did not affected nitric oxide production. From the above results, it is concluded that DGTSE may ameliorate tumor and inflammatory reactions through the elevation of phase II enzyme activities and suppression of NF${\kappa}$B translocation and TNF-${\alpha}$ protein expressions, which support the cancer cell anti-proliferative effects of DGTSE in HepG2 cells.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.9-18
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• 2015

Purpose: Poncirus trifoliata has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune activities. However, its anti-obesity activity and the mechanism by which the water extract of dried, immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata (PF-W) acts are not clear. This study suggests a potential mechanism associated with the anti-obesity activity of PF-W. Methods: We measured the effect of PF-W on lipoprotein lipase (LPL) regulation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an activity assay. The LPL regulation mechanism was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to measure the mRNA expression of biomarkers related to protein transport and by western blot for analysis of the protein expression of the transcription factor CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein ($C/EBP{\beta}$). Results: The total polyphenol and flavonoid content of PF-W was $52.15{\pm}4.02$ and $6.56{\pm}0.47mg/g$, respectively. PF-W treatment decreased LPL content in media to $58{\pm}5%$ of that in control adipocyte media, and increased LPL content to $117{\pm}3.5%$ of that in control adipocytes, but did not affect the mRNA expression of LPL. PF-W also increased the mRNA expression of sortilin-related receptor (SorLA), a receptor that induces endocytosis and intracellular trafficking of LPL, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Finally, cell fractionation revealed that PF-W treatment induced the expression of $C/EBP{\beta}$, a SorLA transcription factor, in the nuclei of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Conclusion: The LPL secretion and activity assay showed PF-W to be an LPL secretion inhibitor, and these results suggest the potential mechanism of PF-W involving inhibition of LPL secretion through $C/EBP{\beta}$-mediated induction of SorLA expression.