Selenium (Se) is known as an antioxidant mineral and heme iron is a major source for iron intake which can promote carcinogenesis in the body. This study was to investigate the effect of Se on heme-aggravated colon carcinogenesis in mice. Three experimental groups included control [normal diet + AOM (10 mg/kg body weight in saline)/DSS (2% in the drinking water)], [AOM/DSS + hemin (534 mg/kg body weight in CMC)], and [AOM/DSS + hemin + Se (2.82 mg/kg diet in CMC)] groups. Colonic mucosa were stained with 0.3% methylene blue and the colonic polyps, aberrant crypt (AC) and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were counted. Lipid peroxidation in liver was evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay. The number of polyps in the hemin + Se group was 31.6% lower than that in the control group, and 41.4% lower than that in the hemin group. The number of AC in the hemin + Se group was 42.8% lower than that in the control group, and 49.1% lower than that in the hemin group. The number of ACF in the hemin + Se group was 49.0% lower than that in the control group, 45.7% than that in the hemin group. Hepatic TBARS level in the hemin + Se group was significantly low compared with the control group or the hemin group (p<0.05). These findings suggest that Se treatment may be protective against colon carcinogenesis promoted by a high heme-containing diet.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of enzymatically modified stevia (EMS) on C2C12 cell-based model of dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy to provide baseline data for utilizing EMS in functional health products. C2C12 cells with DEX-induced muscle atrophy were treated with EMS (10, 50, and 100 μg/mL) for 24 h. C2C12 cells were treated with EMS and DEX to test their effects on cell viability and myotube formation (myotube diameter and fusion index), and analyze the expression of muscle strengthening or degrading protein markers. Schisandra chinensis Extract, a common functional ingredient, was used as a positive control. EMS did not show any cytotoxic effect at all treatment concentrations. Moreover, it exerted protective effects on C2C12 cell-based model of DEX-induced muscle atrophy at all concentrations. In addition, the positive effect of EMS on myotube formation was confirmed based on the measurement and comparison of the fusion index and myotube diameter when compared with myotubes treated with DEX alone. EMS treatment reduced the expression of muscle cell degradation-related proteins Fbx32 and MuRF1, and increased the expression of muscle strengthening and synthesis related proteins SIRT1 and p- Akt/Akt. Thus, EMS is a potential ingredient for developing functional health foods and should be further evaluated in preclinical models.

Methylglyoxal is a highly reactive precursor which forms advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs and methylglyoxal are known to induce various diseases such as diabetes, vascular disorders, Diabetes Mellitus (DM), and neuronal disorders. Juglans regia L is an important food commonly used worldwide, having nutritious components, including phenolic compounds. Since ancient times, Juglans regia L have been differently applied by various countries for health and in diverse diseases, including arthritis, asthma, skin disorders, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. However, the effect of diabetes-induced renal damage against AGEs remains unclear. This study evaluates the anti-glycation and renal protective effects of ethanol extract of Juglans regia L against methylglyoxal-induced renal tubular epithelial cell death. Exposure to methylglyoxal resulted in reduced cell viability in NRK-52E cells, but co-treatment with Juglans regia L extracts significantly increased the cell viability. In addition, we examined the anti-glycation effect of Juglans regia L extracts. Compared to the positive control aminoguanidine and Alagebrium, treatment with Juglans regia L extracts significantly inhibited the formation of AGEs, collagen cross-linking, and breaking collagen cross-linking. Taken together, our results indicate that Juglans regia L is a potential therapeutic agent for regulating diabetic complications by exerting anti-glycation and renal protective activities.

피부는 인체를 구성하는 가장 큰 장기로 생체 내부를 보호한다. 자외선은 피부에 광노화와 산화 적 손상을 비롯한 다양한 염증반응을 일으킨다. 본 연구의 목적은 섬유아세포에서 UVB를 조사하여 Saponaria 추출물의 보호 효과를 조사하는 것이다. 본 연구에서는 UVB에 의한 세포독성과 산화적 세포사 멸, NO 및 PGE2 생성에 대한 보호활성을 나타내는 Saponaria의 유효성을 평가하였다. HS68 세포를 UVB(120mJ/cm2)에 조사하고 100, 200, 400 μg/mL의 다양한 농도로 Saponaria 추출물로 24시간 동안 처리하였으며, 자외선 B에 의해 생성된 세포 내 활성 산소 종(ROS)은 DCF-DA 염색 후 분광 형광계를 사용하여 검출하였다. 또한 지질 과산화는 배양 배지로 분비되는 8-이소프로스탄의 수준을 측정하여 분석 하였다. 그 결과 Saponaria 추출물이 UVB에 의한 세포독성을 효과적으로 억제하였다. 산화적 세포 손상은 UVB로 유도된 HS68 섬유아세포에서 PGE2를 매개하였고, 이는 사포나리아 추출물 처리에 의하여 유의하 게 억제되었다. 또한, 이들 추출물의 보호 효과는 농도 의존적으로 세포내 ROS 생성 및 지질 과산화 억제 에 의해 매개되는 것으로 평가되었다. 이러한 결과는 Saponaria 추출물이 자외선 B에 의한 산화적 스트레 스로 매개한 피부 손상을 억제하여 세포 보호효과를 나타내므로 항노화 기능성 소재로 활용될 수 있을 것 으로 사료된다.

Aralia elata, Chaenomeles sinensis fruit, and Glycyrrhizae radix have been widely used as oriental medicinal plants in Korea, China and Japan and found to possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. The current study was conducted to investigate the neuroprotective effect of an ethanol extract of a mixture of A. elata, C. sinensis fruit, and Glycyrrhizae radix (ACG) against ischemia-induced brain injury in rats and excitotoxic and oxidative neuronal death in primarily cultured rat cortical neurons. Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced by 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 24 h reperfusion (MCAO/R) in rats. Oral administration of ACG (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) 30 min before MCAO, after 1 h of MCAO, and after 1 h of reperfusion reduced MCAO/R-induced brain infarct and edema formation. ACG also inhibited development of behavioral disabilities in MCAO/R-treated rats. Exposure of cultured cortical neurons to 500 μM glutamate for 12 h resulted in neuronal cell death. ACG (1, 10, and 50 μg/mL) inhibited glutamate-induced neuronal death. Furthermore, ACG inhibited 100 μM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)- and hypoxia-induced neuronal death. These results suggest that the neuroprotective effect of ACG against ischemia-induced brain damage might be associated with its anti-excitotoxic and anti-oxidative activity and that ACG may have a therapeutic role for prevention of neurodegeneration in stroke.

UV는 산화 스트레스를 유발하고 MMP(Matrix Metalloproteinase) 발현을 증가시켜 피부 노화를 발생시킨다. 따라서 자외선로 인한 피부 손상을 예방하면 피부 노화를 감소시킬 수 있다. 스피룰 리나는 강력한 항산화제로 원핵생물로 구성되어 있다. 본 연구는 피부 섬유아세포를 사용하여 UVB 방사선에 대한 스피룰리나 유래 피코시아닌(PC)의 광보호 효과를 조사했다. 그 결과, PC는 섬유아세포 생존율 측면에서 5-40 μg/mL 농도에서 독성을 나타내지 않았다. UVB 조사된 섬유아세포의 생존율은 50.5%였으며 PC 처리로 73.5%로 증가했다. MMP-1 및 MMP-9 발현은 UVB 처리로 증가하는 반면 PC 처리한 군에서 감소했다. 이러한 결과를 종합해보면 PC는 UVB 조사로 인한 산화적 손상과 피부노화와 관련된 인자를 감소시켜 노화를 예방할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the morbidity of gastritis in Korea due to lifestyle factors mostly changes in eating habits and stress. Gastritis is more likely to progress to gastric cancer, and therefore it is important to prevent and manage gastritis through lifestyle adjustment and treatment at an early stage. In this study, cabbage, which was found to be effective in gastritis, was mixed and fermented with other crucifer plants such as kale and broccoli to evaluate the overall efficacy of fermented brassica puree on alcoholic acute gastritis. Based on our results, fermented brassica puree alleviated gastric injury induced by 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol. In addition, it was confirmed that PGE2, a gastric mucosal protective factor, was increased, and other positive effects such as an increase of MUC1 and regulation of PKC were observed. The results of this study suggest that fermented brassica puree can relieve acute alcoholic gastritis by regulating PGE and the expression of MUC1, a gene related to mucus secretion, and activating PKC, which is related to mucosal cell activity.

본 연구에서는 기존에 인체에 유익한 효과가 있고 부작 용 없이 장기간 안전하게 사용할 수 있으며 간보호 및 간 기능 개선에 탁월한 효과가 있는 표고를 추출 및 농축하여 원유에 농도별로 첨가하여, 3종의 유산균을 이용하여 발효하였다. 표고의 농도를 달리하여 유산균을 배양하였을 때 면역관련 물질인 ergothioneine 및 β-glucan의 함량 을 측정한 결과 ergothioneine함량은 30% 표고추출농축액에 L. plantarum이 첨가되어 배양된 발효물이 40.48 mg/100 g로 가장 높은 함량을 나타냈다. β-Glucan은 30 % 표고추출농축액에 L. brevis가 첨가된 발효물이 13.94 %로 가장 높은 함량이 나타났다. 두 면역관련 물질 모두 표고추출농축액 첨가량이 증가할수록 증가하는 경향을 나타냈다. SD rat을 간을 적출하여 일차 간세포로 분리해 발효물의 간보호 효과를 측정하였다. 표고추출농축액과 유산균 발효물을 10, 50, 100, 500 μg/mL을 일차 간세포에 처리 하여 MTT assay 방법으로 세포독성을 측정한 결과, 모든 농도에서 독성을 보이지 않았다. 또한 10 mM 아세트아미 노펜을 처리하여 독성을 유발한 일차 간세포에 시료를 처리하여 AST, ALT, LDH를 측정한 결과, 효소의 농도가 감소하여 간보호 기능에 효과가 있음을 확인하였다. 이중 L. brevis를 첨가하여 배양한 발효물 처리구에서 효소의 농도가 가장 감소한 것을 보았고, 가장 간보호 효과가 뛰어난 것을 확인하였다. 이상의 결과를 토대로 표고추출농축액에 유산균을 첨가하여 발효하였을 때, 기존의 표고보다 면역관련 물질의 함량이 증가하고, 간기능 보호에 더욱 효과가 있음을 입증하였다. 따라서 본 연구결과는 표고 유산균 발효물이 건강기능 소재로서 연구를 위한 기초 연구자료로 활용될 수 있 것으로 생각된다.

Globally, colon cancer is increased gradually and known as one of the major causes of cancer death. Stevia, a substitute of sugar, is known to have many components including alpha-tocopherol and anthocyanin etc, as antioxidants. This study's purpose is to investigate whether stevia plant extract can have a protective effect against colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in mice. Total 30 male ICR mice were divided into 2 groups; AOM/DSS treatment (control group), AOM/DSS + stevia extract (0.5%, in drinking water). After acclimation for 1 week, five weeks old mice received three intraperitoneal AOM (10 mg/kg b.w.) injections weekly for 3 weeks (0–2nd weeks of the experiment) and 2% DSS as drinking water for the next one week. AIN-76A purified rodent diet and 0.5% stevia extract water were supplied to the animals for 6 weeks. The colons of mice were collected and the number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and aberrant crypts (ACs) in colonic mucosa were counted after staining with methylene blue. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in feces were determined. The numbers of ACF and ACs were significantly (p<0.01) decreased in stevia-treated group compared with the control group. The MDA concentration in feces was also significantly (p<0.01) decreased in stevia-treated group compared with the control group. In histopathology of colonic epithelium, hyperplasia of colonic epithelium was less observed in steviatreated group. These results indicate that stevia has a protective effect against colon carcinogenesis induced by AOM/DSS in mice and further study needs to illustrate the protective mechanisms.

We evaluated the protective effects of cricket methanol extract (CME) on ultra-violet B (UVB)-induced photoaging in human skin fibroblasts. The fibroblast cells were treated with 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL of CME for 24 h, and then exposed to UVB (30 mJ/cm2). CME showed a dose-dependent cytoprotective effect without any observable cytotoxicity. CME reduced UVB-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by 34.4, 34.9, 40.6% at concentrations of 10, 50, 100 μg/mL respectively. CME inhibited the release of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1 and 3. Furthermore, CME also reduced UVB-induced collagen degradation in the fibroblast cells. Taken together, our data suggests that CME has a significant protective effect on UVB-induced photoaging of the skin. This benefit occurs through multiple mechanisms. The results also suggest a potential role for CME as an ingredient in anti-photoaging cosmetic products in the future.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect on oxidative stress induced PC12 cells, and volatile flavor composition of essential oils derived from medicinal plant seeds- Gossypium hirsutum L. (G. hirsutum), Coix lachryma-jobi (C. lachryma-jobi) and Oenothera biennis (O. biennis). The essential oils were obtained by the solvent (hexane) extraction method from the seeds. The essential oils of the seeds were analyzed by the solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). The major compounds of G. hirsutum, C. lachryma-jobi and O. biennis were cyclonexanol (16.65%), β-asarone (14.29%) and ylangene (50.01%). The DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50) was the highest value of 8.52 mg/mL in the O. biennis. Additionally, IC50 values of G. hirsutum and C. lachryma-jobi were 26.76 mg/mL and 36.81 mg/mL. For the oxidative stress on PC12 cells, we treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The pretreatment of oxidative stress induced PC12 cells with all the essential oils preserved or increased their cell viability and G. hirsutum and O. biennis attenuated the ROS generation (by 68.75% and 56.25% vs. H2O2 control). The results of this study suggest that the essential oils derived from medicinal plant seeds could be used as valuable back data as a natural essential oil material to prevent neurodegenerative diseases by protecting neuro-cells.

Dawley 계 숫컷 흰쥐(200∼210g)를 정상군, CCl4-대조군, CCl4-실험군으로 나누어 실험군은 애엽 에탄올 추출물을 1,000mg/kg,b.w의 용량으로 1일1회7일간 경구 투여 후 사염화탄소를 0.6mg/kg,b.w의 용량으로 복강내 주사 후 다음날 개복하여 혈청내의 Alanine aminotransferase(ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase(AST),Alkaline phosphatase(ALP), Glutamyltranspeptidase(γ-GT), Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)의 활성도와 중성지방, 콜레스테롤 함량을 측정한 결과 애엽 추출물 투여군에서 CCl4-대조군과 비교하여 유의적인 감소를 나타내었으며, HDL-콜레스테롤은 유의적인 증가를 나타내었다. 간조직중의 지질과산화 함량은 감소를 glutathione함량은 유의적인 증가를 나타내었다 이 실험 결과 애엽 에탄올 추출물은 사염화탄소 투여에 의한 간 손상을 억제하는 보호물질을 함유하고 있음을 알 수 있었다.

The purpose of this study was to examine the physiochemical characteristics of hot water extract of Caragana sinica roots and verified its protective effect on MIA-induced osteoarthritis in rats. The contents of total polyphenol and total flavonoid used in this experiment were 0.40 mg/g and 0.22 mg/g respectively. We found that the weight of all experiment groups which ingested Caragana sinica extract for three weeks evenly increased in rats with MIA-induced osteoarthritis without toxicity in the liver or kidney. In the histopathological test through the Mankin score, the extent of damage of knee joint tissue in the experiment groups to which Caragana sinica extract was administered in 5 mL/kg or 10 mL/kg was significantly lower than that of the negative control groups statistically(p<0.05). As for the grade of osteoarthritis, the extent of tissue damage of the experiment groups to which Caragana sinica extract was administered in 5 mL/kg or 10 mL/kg was lower than that of the negative control groups as well.

본 연구는 5주령(180~200 g)의 SD계 흰쥐에 사염화탄소로 간 손상을 유발시킨 후 혼합 시료추출물(MSE)을 투여한 다음 혈액학적 및 생화학적인 parameter의 변동과 더불어 간 조직의 면역화학적 변화를 관찰하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 실험동물의 식이량을 측정한 결과, 실험대조군(EC)군이 실험군(E1, E2)과 정상대조군(NC)과 양성대조군(PC)에 비해 통계적으로 유의하게 감소하는 경향을 나타내었고, 체중과 식이 섭취율은 실험대조군(EC)에 비해 실험군(E1, E2)과 정상대조군(NC)과 양성대조군(PC)은 통계적으로 유의하게 증가하는 간, 비장 및 흉선의 무게를 측정한 결과, 간의 무게는 실험 대조군(EC)이 정상대조군(NC)과 양성대조군(PC)에 비하여 약간 증가하였으나, 통계적으로 유의한 차이는 없었으며, 혼합 시료추출물(MSE)을 투여한 실험군(E1, E2)은 NC군 및 PC군과 유의한 차이가 없었다. 비장 및 흉선의 절대무게와 상대무게에 있어서도 모든 군에서 유의한 차이가 없었다. 실험대조군(EC)이 정상대조군(NC)에 비하여 혈청 ALT, AST, ALP와 LDH의 활성과 triglyceride(TG)의 함량이 모두 유의하게 증가하였고, 혈청 cholesterol(CHOL)의 함량은 모든 군에서 유의한 변동을 관찰할 수 없었다. 실리마린을 투여한 양성 대조군(PC)은 실험 대조군(EC)에 비하여 혈청 ALT, AST, ALP 와 LDH의 활성 및 TG의 함량 모두 유의하게 감소하였다. 그리고 혼합 시료추출물(MSE)을 투여한 실험군(E1, E2)은 실험 대조군(EC)에 비하여 혈청 ALT, AST, ALP와 LDH의 활성과 TG의 함량 모두 유의하게 감소하였다. 백혈구, 호중구, 림프구, 혈소판 수치와 혈색소의 함량 모두 실험대조군(EC)이 정상대조군(NC)에 비해 유의하게 높았고, 실험대조군(EC)에 비해 양성대조군(PC)인 실리마린 투여군이 유의하게 낮았다. 혼합 시료추출물(MSE)을 투여한 실험군 E1, E2군에서는 실험대조군(EC)에 비해 백혈구와 림프구가 유의하게 낮았고, 각 실험군(E1, E2) 간에는 약간의 차이는 있었으나, 유의성은 나타나지 않았다. 간조직의 면역조직화학적 발현 결과는 정상군대조군(NC) 및 양성대조군(PC)의 간 조직에서 SMA(smooth muscle actin) 항체에 대한 교원섬유 발현 부분이 미세한 양성으로 관찰되었다. 실험대조군(EC)에서는 간 섬유조직 발현 부분에서 얇은 띠를 형성한 강 양성의 갈색으로 관찰되어 통계적으로 유의성 있게 나타났으며, 혼합 시료추출물(MSE) 투여군인 E1과 E2군에서는 간 섬유조직 발현 부분에서 미세하게 갈색으로 염색되어 실험대조군(EC)에 비해 유의하게 낮게 나타났으며, 정상대조군(NC)과 양성대조군(PC)의 발현정도와 큰 차이가 없었다. 이상의 실험결과를 종합해 볼 때, 본 실험의 결과는 간 손상 예방과 치료, 더 나아가 건강기능성 식품 소재로서 혼합 시료추출물의 활용 가능성에 대한 기초자료로 이용할 수 있을 것으로 생각되며, 이와 관련된 추가적인 연구를 계획하고 있다.

This study was carried out to identify medicinal mushrooms with protective effects against oxidative stress in PC12 neuronal cell line, followed by evaluation of their antioxidant property. Extracts of medicinal mushrooms, including Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE), antler-shaped Ganoderma lingzhi extract (AGLE), Hericium erinaceus extract (HEE), and Sanghuangporus baumii extract (SBE), were screened for cytotoxicity using MTT assay. None of the extracts up to 10 μg/ml concentration affected cell viability. These extracts were further checked for their protective effect against oxidative stress-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Exposure to 50 μM H₂O₂ induced ROS generation in PC12 cells, which was inhibited only by treatment with AGLE. In addition, inhibition of H₂O₂-induced ROS generation by AGLE was found to be in a dose-dependent manner (2.5, 5, and 10 μg/ml). Microscopic examination of DCF fluorescence for detection of ROS showed a similar pattern. Further, antioxidant activity of AGLE was determined by ABTS radical cation assay, and its IC50 was found to be 46.90±0.31 μg/ml. Taken together, these results suggest that AGLE may help to alleviate oxidative stress in PC12 neuronal cells.

This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activities and protective effects on PC12 cells of the extract of Epimedium koreanum and its main constituents icariin and icariside I. After screening the seven identified flavonoid glycosides from E. koreanum through DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay, E. koreanum, Icariin and Icariside I exhibited significant effect on radical scavenging activity. E. koreanum, icariin and icariside I were examined using DPPH, ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and FRAP (ferric reducing ability power) assay. In all antioxidant assays, E. koreanum, icariin and icariside I showed high radical scavenging activities in a dose-dependent manner. Protective effects against H2O2-induced PC12 cells were assessed with MTT assay. The results indicated that cell viability and protection on PC12 cells of icariside I and icariin increased dose dependently. These study results suggest that E. koreanum, icariin and icariside showed high antioxidant capacities and cell protective effects. Icariside I, one of the metabolites of icariin, may be a new and effective flavonoid compound as a functional component.