Showing papers in "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition in 2008"
TL;DR: Data indicate that oxidative stress is an early event in the evolution of hyperlipidemia, and appropriate support for enhancing antioxidant supply in higher lipid subjects may help prevent the course of the disease.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine whether malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, a marker of oxidant stress, is altered in different stages of development of hyperlipidemia and whether it correlates with atherogenic index (AI), an important risk factor of atherosclerosis Commercial kits were used to measure the levels of lipid profile and antioxidant status in the serum of 15 hyperlipidemic patients and 30 age and sex-matched normolipidemic subjects The normolipidemic subjects were divided into lower and higher lipid groups according to their blood lipid level The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreased in higher lipid group compared with lower lipid group, and were even lower in hyperlipidemic subjects An increase in the levels of MDA, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-C concentration were observed in higher lipid group, and even significantly increased in hyperlipidemic patients A significant progressive decline in HDL-C concentration was found during hyperlipidemia evolution There was a positive correlation between MDA and AI (r = 061, p<005) These data indicate that oxidative stress is an early event in the evolution of hyperlipidemia, and appropriate support for enhancing antioxidant supply in higher lipid subjects may help prevent the course of the disease
280 citations
TL;DR: PHGG has been used primarily for a nutritional purpose and became fully integrated food material without altering the rheology, taste, texture and color of final products, and seems to be one of the most beneficial dietary fiber materials.
Abstract: The ideal water-soluble dietary fiber for the fiber-enrichment of foods must be very low in viscosity, tasteless, odorless, and should produce clear solutions in beverages Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) produced from guar gum by enzymatic process has the same chemical structure with intact guar gum but less than one-tenth the original molecular length of guar gum, which make available to be used as film former, foam stabilizer and swelling agent The viscosity of PHGG is about 10 mPa·s in 5% aqueous solution, whereas 1% solution of guar gum shows range from 2,000 to 3,000 mPa·s In addition, PHGG is greatly stable against low pH, heat, acid and digestive enzyme For these reasons, PHGG seems to be one of the most beneficial dietary fiber materials It also showed that interesting physiological functions still fully exert the nutritional function of a dietary fiber PHGG has, therefore, been used primarily for a nutritional purpose and became fully integrated food material without altering the rheology, taste, texture and color of final products PHGG named as Benefiber® in USA has self-affirmation on GRAS status of standard grade PHGG PHGG named as Sunfiber® is now being used in various beverages, food products and medicinal foods as a safe, natural and functional dietary fiber in all over the world
137 citations
TL;DR: The histopathological analyses of skin tissue give the evidence of the increased healing potential of the extract after burn injury, and indicators of the wound healing such as collagen-hydroxyproline and hexosamine contents were significantly increased in the treated group indicating accelerated wound healing in thetreated animals.
Abstract: Effect of Calendula officinalis flower extract was investigated against experimentally induced thermal burns in rats. Burn injury was made on the shaven back of the rats under anesthesia and the animals were treated orally with different doses of the flower extract (20 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg/kg body weight). The animals treated with the extract showed significant improvement in healing when compared with the control untreated animals. The indicators of the wound healing such as collagen-hydroxyproline and hexosamine contents were significantly increased in the treated group indicating accelerated wound healing in the treated animals. The acute phase proteins—haptoglobin and orosomucoid which were increased due to burn injury were found to be decreased significantly in 200 mg/kg body weight extract treated animals. The antioxidant defense mechanism, which was decreased in the liver during burn injury, was found to be enhanced in treated animals. The lipid peroxidation was significantly lowered in the treated group when compared to control animals. Tissue damage marker enzymes- alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate transaminases were significantly lowered in the treated groups in a dose dependant manner. The histopathological analyses of skin tissue also give the evidence of the increased healing potential of the extract after burn injury.
112 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that Cr supplementation alone and combined of Cr together with vitamins C and E was effective for minimization of oxidative stress and improvement of glucose metabolism in type 2 DM patients.
Abstract: To determine the effects of combined supplementation with chromium (Cr) and vitamins C and E on oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes, adult subjects with HbA1c >8.5%. Subjects (n = 30) in this randomized, double blind, placebo-control study were divided into three groups (placebo, Cr or Cr + C + E) on daily treatment. The Cr group received 1000 microg of Cr (as Cr yeast); the Cr + C + E group received Cr (1000 microg as Cr yeast) together with vitamins C (1000 mg) and E (800 IU); and, a control group received a placebo. Baseline plasma Cr levels were not significant differences comparing the supplementation and placebo groups. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidative status (TAS) were also not significant different. Following the 6-month study period, the plasma TBARS levels, fasting glucose, HbA1c and insulin resistance were significantly decreased in the Cr and Cr + C + E groups, but not for the placebo group. Plasma TAS and glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher for Cr and Cr + C + E groups relative to the placebo group. These findings suggest that Cr supplementation alone and combined of Cr together with vitamins C and E was effective for minimization of oxidative stress and improvement of glucose metabolism in type 2 DM patients.
111 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that PQQ is potentially effective for preventing neurodegeneration caused by oxidative stress, and that its effect is independent of either antioxidant’s interaction with vitamin E.
Abstract: The effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10), either alone or together, on the learning ability and memory function of rats were investigated. Rats fed a PQQ-supplemented diet showed better learning ability than rats fed a CoQ10-supplemented diet at the early stage of the Morris water maze test. The combination of both compounds resulted in no significant improvement in the learning ability compared with the supplementation of PQQ alone. At the late stage of the test, rats fed PQQ-, CoQ10- and PQQ + CoQ10-supplemented diets showed similar improved learning abilities. When all the groups were subjected to hyperoxia as oxidative stress for 48 h, rats fed the PQQ- and CoQ10 supplemented diets showed better memory function than the control rats. The concurrent diet markedly improved the memory deficit of the rats caused by oxidative stress. Although the vitamin E-deficient rats fed PQQ or CoQ10 improved their learning function even when subjected to hyperoxia, their memory function was maintained by PQQ rather than by CoQ10 after the stress. These results suggest that PQQ is potentially effective for preventing neurodegeneration caused by oxidative stress, and that its effect is independent of either antioxidant’s interaction with vitamin E.
92 citations
TL;DR: The currently available data regarding the role of the HO system in the prevention intestinal I/R injury are summarized.
Abstract: Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury occurs frequently in a variety of clinical settings, including mesenteric artery occlusion, abdominal aneurism surgery, trauma, shock, and small intestinal transplantation, and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Although the exact mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of intestinal I/R injury have not been fully elucidated, it is generally believed that polymorphonuclear neutrophils, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and mediators generated in the setting of oxidative stress, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), play important roles. Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of heme into equimolar quantities of biliverdin and carbon monoxide (CO), while the central iron is released. An inducible form of HO (HO-1), biliverdin, and CO, have been shown to possess generalized endogenous anti-inflammatory activities and provide protection against intestinal I/R injury. Further, recent observations have demonstrated that exogenous HO-1 expression, as well as exogenously administered CO and biliverdin, have potent cytoprotective effects on intestinal I/R injury as well. Here, we summarize the currently available data regarding the role of the HO system in the prevention intestinal I/R injury.
91 citations
TL;DR: The mouse model developed, which is susceptible to high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance using male KK/Ta mice, indicates that the role of visceral WAT and its products in the development of metabolic syndrome would be useful for future studies.
Abstract: To determine the relative contribution of obesity and visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) to metabolic syndrome, we developed a model that is susceptible to high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance using male KK/Ta mice. The ratio of WAT weight to body weight was greater in the high-fat diet group compared with the control group in 10-, 14-, and 22-week-old mice. The increase in visceral WAT preceded development of fatty liver and insulin resistance. Adiponectin mRNA expression in WAT was markedly decreased before the decrease in its plasma levels or the development of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance appeared in association with fatty infiltration and TNF-α expression in the liver in 22-week-old mice. These data indicate that our mouse model would be useful for future studies that investigate the role of visceral WAT and its products in the development of metabolic syndrome.
89 citations
TL;DR: The mechanisms underlying septic induction of oxidative and nitrosative stresses, the functional consequences of these stresses, and potential adjunct therapies for microvascular dysfunction in sepsis are identified.
Abstract: Sepsis, as a severe systemic inflammatory response to bacterial infection, represents a major clinical problem. It is characterized by the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) both in the circulation and in the affected organs. The excessive generation of ROS inevitably leads to oxidative stress in the microvasculature and has been implicated as a causative event in a number of pathologies including sepsis. In this review, we focus on the role of oxidative and nitrosative stress during the early onset of sepsis. Changes in microvascular endothelial cells, the cell type that occurs in all organs, are discussed. The mechanisms underlying septic induction of oxidative and nitrosative stresses, the functional consequences of these stresses, and potential adjunct therapies for microvascular dysfunction in sepsis are identified.
87 citations
TL;DR: The transcription factors, including nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and their upstream kinases, including MAPK pathway, play an important regulatory role in HO-1 expression by dietary antioxidants and drugs.
Abstract: Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in heme degradation to produce carbon monoxide (CO), iron, and biliverdin. Biliverdin is subsequently converted to bilirubin by its reductase, and iron is recycled for heme synthesis. The inducible HO isoform, HO-1, is involved in the protection of multiple tissues and organs. The mechanism of protective actions of HO-1 has not been completely elucidated, but recent evidence suggests that one or more of heme metabolites can mediate the protective effects of HO-1. Particularly, CO mimics the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and antiproliferative actions of HO-1. Many of these effects of CO depend on the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and the modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. The transcription factors, including nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and their upstream kinases, including MAPK pathway, play an important regulatory role in HO-1 expression by dietary antioxidants and drugs. This review attempts to concisely summarize the molecular and biochemical characteristics of HO-1, with a discussion on the mechanisms of signal transduction and gene regulation that mediate the induction of HO-1 by dietary antioxidants and drugs. In addition, the cytoprotective roles of HO-1 shall be discussed from the perspective of each of the metabolic by-products.
76 citations
TL;DR: Feeding with lemon polyphenols suppressed body weight gain and body fat accumulation by increasing peroxisomal β-oxidation through up-regulation of the mRNA level of ACO in the liver and white adipose tissue, which was likely mediated via up- regulation of the RNA levels of PPARα.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary lemon polyphenols on high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice, and on the regulation of the expression of the genes involved in lipid metabolism to elucidate the mechanisms. Mice were divided into three groups and fed either a low fat diet (LF) or a high fat diet (HF) or a high fat diet supplemented with 0.5% w/w lemon polyphenols (LP) extracted from lemon peel for 12 weeks. Body weight gain, fat pad accumulation, the development of hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance were significantly suppressed by lemon polyphenols. Supplementation with lemon polyphenols also significantly up-regulated the mRNA level of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α (PPARα) compared to the LF and HF groups in the liver. Furthermore, the mRNA level of acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) was up-regulated in the LP group compared to the LF group, but not HF group in the liver, and was also significantly increased in the epididymal white adipose tissue. Thus, feeding with lemon polyphenols suppressed body weight gain and body fat accumulation by increasing peroxisomal β-oxidation through up-regulation of the mRNA level of ACO in the liver and white adipose tissue, which was likely mediated via up-regulation of the mRNA levels of PPARα.
74 citations
TL;DR: There were no adverse effects resulting from the administration of AX 6 mg/day for 10 days and a comparison of the values between the experimental and placebo groups showed a significant difference (p<0.05).
Abstract: Effects of astaxanthin (AX) derived from H. pluvialis on human blood rheology were investigated in 20 adult men with a single-blind method. The experimental group was 57.5 +/- 9.8 years of age and the placebo group was 50.8 +/- 13.1 years of age. A blood rheology test that measures whole blood transit time was conducted using heparinized blood of the volunteers by a MC-FAN apparatus (microchannel array flow analyzer). After administration of AX 6 mg/day for 10 days, the values of the experimental group were decreased from 52.8 +/- 4.9 s to 47.6 +/- 4.2 s (p<0.01) and a comparison of the values between the experimental (47.6 +/- 4.2 s) and the placebo (54.2 +/- 6.7 s) groups showed a significant difference (p<0.05). There were no adverse effects resulting from the administration of AX 6 mg/day for 10 days. Informed consent was obtained from each subject.
TL;DR: The results sustain the fact that the extract/fractions of C. sinensis have an immense potential to be developed further into a phytomedicine and are responsible for the possible hepato-renal protective action.
Abstract: Cephalotaxus sinensis (C. sinensis) large size, evergreen tree common in China and utilized for numerous effective pharmacological applications in Chinese traditional medicine. The hepato-renal effects of C. sinensis were evaluated in vivo using Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats as an tentative model. Animals were orally treated with 80% EtOH extract (aq.EE), H2O extract (WtE) and ethylacetate (EaF)/butanol fractions (BtF) of C. sinensis (200 mg/kg, b.w.) for 28 days whereas control received vehicle merely. The degree of fortification was measured by using biochemical parameters like serum transaminases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea and urine sugar. Meanwhile, the histopathological studies were conducted out to support the above parameters. Administration of C. sinensis aq.EE/BtF (p 0.05). Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins, terpenes, sterols and flavonoids in C. sinensis which could be responsible for the possible hepato-renal protective action. The results sustain the fact that the extract/fractions of C. sinensis have an immense potential to be developed further into a phytomedicine.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that feeding GAL from Canadian-grown fenugreek seeds has the potential to alter glycemic and lipidemic status and reduce abdominal fat in normal rats.
Abstract: Using high sucrose-fed male Sprague-Dawley rats, a study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding Galactomannan (GAL), a soluble dietary fiber extracted from Canadian-grown fenugreek seeds, on blood lipid and glucose responses. Rats (n = 8, 175–200 g) were randomly assigned to one of three high sucrose diets containing 10% cellulose (control), 7.5% cellulose + 2.5% GAL, and 5% cellulose + 5% GAL, respectively for 4 weeks. After 3 weeks, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on each rat. A week later blood samples were collected to determine the effect on blood lipids. A significant reduction in glycemic response was observed only in 5% GAL group at 120 min following OGTT, when compared with that of control and 2.5% GAL groups. The plasma level of insulin was also significantly reduced (p<0.001) in 5% GAL-fed rats but at all times during OGTT. These animals also showed a reduction in body weight gain (p<0.05) in parallel with less food intake (p<0.05). All GAL-fed (2.5% and 5.0%) rats had significantly reduced plasma levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol in association with a reduction in epididymal adipose weight. Overall, this study demonstrated that feeding GAL from Canadian-grown fenugreek seeds has the potential to alter glycemic and lipidemic status and reduce abdominal fat in normal rats.
TL;DR: In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that ERK was included in survival signals and SAPK and p38 MAPK in death signals in oxidative stress, and the activation of both survival and death signals was suppressed by the antioxidants N-acetylcystein and Trolox, suggesting that both signaling pathways are redox-regulated.
Abstract: Oxidative stress stimulates two opposite signaling pathways leading to cell death and cell survival. Preferential selection of survival signals leads to the protection of cells against damage induced by reactive oxygen species, whereas preferential acceleration of death signals can be used to advantage in tumor therapy with oxidizing agents such as ionizing radiation and anticancer drugs. In vitro and in vivo experiments using cultured mammalian cells and experimental animals showed that ERK was included in survival signals and SAPK and p38 MAPK in death signals in oxidative stress. The activation of SAPK/JNK and subsequent expression of death receptor Fas on the cell surface caused the induction of cell death. The results mean that the acceleration of the activation of SAPK/JNK might lead to the enhancement of cell death by oxidizing agents like ionizing radiation and anticancer drugs. In fact, when cultured mammalian cells were exposed to ionizing radiation with 2-nitroimidazole derivatives having electrophilicity, the lethal effect of ionizing radiation was found to be enhanced together with the activation of SAPK/JNK and the enhancement of Fas expression. The activation of both survival and death signals was suppressed by the antioxidants N-acetylcystein and Trolox, suggesting that both signaling pathways are redox-regulated.
TL;DR: Results indicate that octacosanol attenuates disrupted hepatic reactive oxygen species metabolism associated with acute liver injury progression in CCl4-intoxicated rats.
Abstract: We examined whether octacosanol, the main component of policosanol, attenuates disrupted hepatic reactive oxygen species metabolism associated with acute liver injury progression in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) In rats intoxicated with CCl4 (1 ml/kg, ip), the activities of serum transaminases increased 6 h after intoxication and further increased at 24 h In the liver of CCl4-intoxicated rats, increases in lipid peroxide (LPO) concentration and myeloperoxidase activity and decreases in superoxixde dismutase activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration occurred 6 h after intoxication and these changes were enhanced with an increase in xanthine oxidase activity and a decrease in catalase activity at 24 h Octacosanol (10, 50 or 100 mg/kg) administered orally to CCl4-intoxicated rats at 6 h after intoxication attenuated the increased activities of serum transaminases and the increased hepatic myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase activities and LPO concentration and the decreased hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and GSH concentration found at 24 h after intoxication dose-dependently Octacosanol (50 or 100 mg/kg) administered to untreated rats decreased the hepatic LPO concentration and increased the hepatic GSH concentration These results indicate that octacosanol attenuates disrupted hepatic reactive oxygen species metabolism associated with acute liver injury progression in CCl4-intoxicated rats
TL;DR: This review will focus on defense system of the human oral cavity and metabolism of reactive oxygen and NO, which might play important roles in the protection of the oral and stomach against hazardous pathogens via the gastro-intestinal-salivary cycle of nitric oxide and related metabolites.
Abstract: Oral mucosa is a critical protective interface between external and internal environments. Therefore, it must serve as a barrier to a huge number of microbial species present in the environment. Saliva is an important factor that provides for the environment in the oral cavity, and it is indispensable to the host defense reaction in this manner. Oral neutrophils are also important contributors to maintaining the balance between health and disease in this complex environment. These produce reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and several antimicrobial peptides, and enzymes. Neutrophils and saliva all contribute to the maintaining the health of the oral cavity in overlapping but independent ways. In addition to production by neutrophils and macrophage, some bacteria can also generate superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide. Dietary intake of nitrate-enriched vegetables might play important roles in the protection of the oral and stomach against hazardous pathogens via the gastro-intestinal-salivary cycle of nitric oxide (NO) and related metabolites. This review will focus on defense system of the human oral cavity and metabolism of reactive oxygen and NO.
TL;DR: It is suggested that alpha lipoic acid posses a dual lipid lowering and anti-atherosclerotic properties indicated with low plasma TC and LDL levels and reduction of athero-lesion formation in hypercholesterolemic-induced rabbits.
Abstract: Accumulating data demonstrated that hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. In the present study, a protective activity of alpha-lipoic acid; a metabolic antioxidant in hypercholesterolemic-induced animals was investigated. Eighteen adult male New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit were segregated into three groups labelled as group N, HCD and ALA (n = 6). Group N (normal control) was fed with normal chow, the rest (HCD and ALA) were fed with 100 g/head/day of 1% cholesterol rich diet to induce hypercholesterolemia. Four point two mg/body weight of alpha lipoic acid was concomintantly supplemented to the ALA group. Drinking water was given ad-libitum. The study was designed for 10 weeks. Blood sampling was taken from the ear lobe vein at the beginning, week 5 and week 10. Plasma was prepared for lipid profile estimation and microsomal lipid peroxidation index indicated with malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and the aorta were excised for intimal lesion analysis. The plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were found to be significantly low in ALA group compared to that of the HCD group (p<0.05). Similarly, low level of MDA (p<0.05) in ALA group was observed compared to that of the HCD group showing a significant reduction of lipid peroxidation activity. Histomorphometric intimal lesion analysis of the aorta showing less of atheromatous plaque formation in alpha lipoic acid supplemented group (p<0.05) compared to HCD group. These findings suggested that alpha lipoic acid posses a dual lipid lowering and anti-atherosclerotic properties indicated with low plasma TC and LDL levels and reduction of athero-lesion formation in hypercholesterolemic-induced rabbits.
TL;DR: The findings suggest that the consumption of the supplement can reduce the oxidative damage; however, the effect on QOL was equivocal.
Abstract: The effect of a dietary supplement with L-carnitine (600 mg/day) and Garcinia cambogia extract (500 mg/day as hydroxycitric acid) as main ingredients was studied in 35 healthy volunteers {48.3 ± 6.9 years, body mass index (BMI): 26.3 ± 1.7} in a double-blind test (18 subjects in the Test Group and 17 in the Control Group). The yearly examination includes the standard yearly medical tests done in Japan, tests for assessing hormonal age, and a survey for assessing physical and mental fitness of the subjects, called the Anti-Aging QOL Common Questionnaire (AAQol). Use of this supplement significantly improved the level of lipid peroxides (−12.8%) in the blood as well as physical symptoms such as “tired eyes,” “blurry eyes,” “muscle pain/stiffness,” “early satiety,” “epigastralgia,” “dizziness,” “arthralgia” and “easily breaking into a sweat.” The Control Group showed a significantly favorable improvement rate, especially for “dizziness.” On the other hand, groups of subjects using the test compounds saw a significant rise in total cholesterol (4.5%), fasting blood sugar (4.1%) and HbA1c (3.4%). Our findings suggest that the consumption of the supplement can reduce the oxidative damage; however, the effect on QOL was equivocal. Garcinia cambogia extract did not show dietary efficacy.
TL;DR: BOF decreases the weight and size gains of WAT along with up-regulating UCP1 mRNA in WAT in high-fat diet-fed mice, and the elevated plasma glucose levels and responses after the glucose loading in the HF group tended to decrease in theHF + BOF group.
Abstract: Bofutsushosan (BOF), an oriental herbal medicine, has been used as an anti-obesity drug in overweight patients. In the present study, to evaluate the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of BOF, we investigated the effects of BOF on the white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, the size of adipocytes, adiponectin expression, and oral glucose tolerance test results in high-fat diet-fed male KK/Ta mice. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and UCP2 mRNA in WAT and brown adipose tissue (BAT) were measured. 6-week-old KK/Ta mice were divided into four groups and fed a purified powdered basal diet (the BD group), a purified high-fat (HF) powdered diet containing suet powder at 37.5 g/100 g diet (the HF group), a high-fat diet plus 1.0% bofutsushosan (BOF) treatment (the HF + BOF group), or a high-fat diet plus 1.0% daisaikoto (DAI) treatment (the HF + DAI group) for 4 weeks. The weight of WAT and the size of adipocytes were increased in the HF group compared with those in the BD group, and these increases in the HF group were significantly inhibited in the HF + BOF group, but not affected in the HF + DAI group. There were no statistically significant differences in plasma levels and tissue mRNA levels of adiponectin among the four groups. There were no significant differences in UCP1 mRNA expression of BAT among the four groups. The expression of UCP1 mRNA in WAT was found in the HF + BOF group, but little expression was seen in the WAT of the BD, HF, or HF + DAI groups. The elevated plasma glucose levels and responses after the glucose loading in the HF group tended to decrease in the HF + BOF group. These results suggest that BOF decreases the weight and size gains of WAT along with up-regulating UCP1 mRNA in WAT in high-fat diet-fed mice.
TL;DR: The importance of breast milk for preventing oxidative stress and starting breastfeeding early is suggested, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in breast milk is higher than TAC in formula milk.
Abstract: This study aimed to consider the significance of breast milk in preventing oxidative stress by comparing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in breast milk and formula milk for premature infants, demonstrating the relationship between TAC in breast milk and postnatal age in days. We used the biological anti-oxidant potential test, a new method to measure TAC in breast milk. Breast milk for premature infants were stored at −20°C and thawed within 48 h of collection. We measured TAC in two types of formula milk in the same way. TAC was clearly higher in breast milk than formula milk. Although a negative correlation was observed between TAC in breast milk and age when collected, TAC was always higher than the average TAC in formula milk. TAC in breast milk is higher than TAC in formula milk. We suggest the importance of breast milk for preventing oxidative stress and starting breastfeeding early.
TL;DR: Azuki bean juice intake, as a traditional Kampo prescription, might be beneficial for preventing hypertriglyceridemia, and serum lipid concentrations did not change.
Abstract: Effects of azuki bean juice supplementation, prescribed according to a Kanpo medicine regimen, on serum lipid concentrations were studied. Healthy young Japanese women were recruited and were randomly assigned to one of the three groups using a parallel-group design. Control (n = 10), azuki (n = 11) and Concentrated azuki (CA) (n = 12) juice groups consumed 150 g daily of the isocaloric assigned juice for one menstrual cycle with their usual diet. Triglyceride concentrations were decreased in the azuki juice group (p<0.05) and tended to be decreased in the CA juice group (p = 0.055). Triglyceride concentrations in the azuki and CA juice groups decreased by 0.170 mmol/liter (15.4%) and 0.159 mmol/liter (17.9%), respectively (p<0.05). The azuki and CA juice used in this study inhibited pancreatic lipase activity 29.2% and 56.9%, respectively, in vitro. Lipid peroxide changes, based on ANCOVA with the initial level and α-tocopherol changes as covariates, did not differ among the three groups. Serum low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol concentrations did not change. Thus, azuki bean juice intake, as a traditional Kampo prescription, might be beneficial for preventing hypertriglyceridemia.
TL;DR: A general hormetic effect of diverse stimuli in cell cultures is suggested and may lead to a reappraisal of the eventual role of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in organisms.
Abstract: Although lipid peroxidation products have been implicated in oxidative stress-related diseases, pretreatment of cells with such compounds at sublethal concentrations shows significant cytoprotective effects against forthcoming oxidative stress. The adaptive response induced by 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) is critically mediated by gene expression of cytoprotective proteins via NF-E2-related factor 2/Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2/Keap-1) pathway. The physical or mechanical stimuli such as shear stress also impose adaptive responses by inducing gene expression. Laminar shear stress, anti-atherogenic shear stress activates Nrf2/Keap-1 pathway. The transcriptome analysis using DNA microarray reveal high similarity in gene expression profiles of cells treated with HNE and laminar shear stress, providing insight into molecular mechanisms. These findings suggest a general hormetic effect of diverse stimuli in cell cultures and may lead to a reappraisal of the eventual role of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in organisms.
TL;DR: In vitro studies indicate that PPIs increase the intra-vacuolar pH in the lysosomes of purified neutrophil and attenuate the adherence of neutrophils to the vascular endothelium, and in clinical practice, the acidic environment in the stomach plays a critical role in the development of gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori.
Abstract: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are novel compounds that strongly inhibit the H+/K+-ATPase in the gastric parietal cells to cause profound suppression of acid secretion Acid-generating ATPase, also known as vacuolar-type ATPase, is located in the lysozomes of leukocytes and osteoclasts and its activity is also reportedly influenced by treatment with PPIs This concept is supported by the results of studies using autoradiography in which 3H-Lansoprazole uptake sites were clearly detected in the cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils infiltrating the gastric mucosa In vitro studies indicate that PPIs increase the intra-vacuolar pH in the lysosomes of purified neutrophils and attenuate the adherence of neutrophils to the vascular endothelium In clinical practice, the acidic environment in the stomach plays a critical role in the development of gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) This is worthy of note, because persistent gastritis often results in atrophic and metaplastic changes in the gastric mucosa, which are believed to be preneoplastic abnormalities In patients with H pylori-infection, PPI therapy causes corpus-predominant gastritis, which is frequently found in the background mucosa in patients with gastric cancer The efficacy and safety of long-term PPI-treatment have not been conclusive, thus we need to pay more attention to the additional pharmacological actions of PPIs
TL;DR: It is found that CD74 is highly expressed in a constitutive manner in NCI-N87 human gastric carcinoma cells at both the protein and mRNA levels as compared with Hs738St./Int fetal gastric cells, and the findings suggest that these CD74 suppressants are unique candidates for preventing H. pylori adhesion and subsequent infection with reasonable action mechanisms.
Abstract: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most widespread human pathogens, and plays major roles in chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. CD74 of gastric epithelial cells has recently been identified as an adhesion molecule to urease in H. pylori. In this study, we found that CD74 is highly expressed in a constitutive manner in NCI-N87 human gastric carcinoma cells at both the protein and mRNA levels as compared with Hs738St./Int fetal gastric cells. Subsequently, a novel cell-based ELISA able to rapidly screen the suppressive agents of CD74 expression was established. NCI-N87 cells were treated separately with 25 different food phytochemicals (4-100 microM) for 48 h and subjected to our novel assay. From those results, a citrus coumarin, bergamottin, was indicated to be the most promising compound with an LC(50)/IC(50) value greater than 7.1, followed by luteolin (>5.4), nobiletin (>5.3), and quercetin (>5.1). Our findings suggest that these CD74 suppressants are unique candidates for preventing H. pylori adhesion and subsequent infection with reasonable action mechanisms.
TL;DR: Inulin consumption in formula-fed infants after weaning positively affected the microbial composition of faeces and faecal properties, indicating improvement in healthy bile production and bacterial fermentation.
Abstract: The effects of inulin on the microbial composition and faecal characteristics in 36 healthy, formula-fed infants (average age 7.7 months) given 3 different daily dosages of native inulin (0.75 g/day, 1.00 g/day, and 1.25 g/day) were studied. At all levels of inulin consumption, a significant (p<0.05) reduction of potential pathogenic microorganisms such as clostridia was found. An intake of 1.25 g/day of inulin caused a significant (p<0.05) increase of Bifidobacterium spp. as well as a significant (p<0.05) decline in Gram-positive cocci and coliform bacteria. Inulin consumption resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease in faecal pH value and changes in faecal weight, faecal texture and colour, indicating improvement in healthy bile production and bacterial fermentation. It is concluded that inulin consumption in formula-fed infants after weaning positively affected the microbial composition of faeces and faecal properties.
TL;DR: This work purified a CoQ10-binding protein from human urine and identified it to be saposin B, a housekeeping protein necessary for sphingolipid hydrolysis in lysosomes, and confirmed that aqueous saPOSin B extracts CoQ 10 from hexane to form a saposIn B-CoQ10 complex.
Abstract: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is essential for ATP production in the mitochondria, and is an important antioxidant in every biomembrane and lipoprotein. Due to its hydrophobicity, a binding and transfer protein for CoQ10 is plausible, but none have yet been isolated and characterized. Here we purified a CoQ10-binding protein from human urine and identified it to be saposin B, a housekeeping protein necessary for sphingolipid hydrolysis in lysosomes. We confirmed that cellular saposin B binds CoQ10 in human sperm and the hepatoma cell line HepG2 by using saposin B monoclonal antibody. The molar ratios of CoQ10 to saposin B were estimated to be 0.22 in urine, 0.003 in HepG2, and 0.12 in sperm. We then confirmed that aqueous saposin B extracts CoQ10 from hexane to form a saposin B-CoQ10 complex. Lipid binding affinity to saposin B decreased in the following order: CoQ10>CoQ9>CoQ7>>α-tocopherol>>cholesterol (no binding). The CoQ10-binding affinity to saposin B increased with pH, with maximal binding seen at pH 7.4. On the other hand, the CoQ10-donating activity of the saposin B-CoQ10 complex to erythrocyte ghost membranes increased with decreasing pH. These results suggest that saposin B binds and transports CoQ10 in human cells.
TL;DR: Data indicated DHA hydroperoxide as a potential inducer of apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, which may be mediated by mitochondria dysfunction pathway.
Abstract: During the lipid peroxidation reaction, lipid hydroperoxides are formed as primary products. Several lines of evidence suggest that lipid hydroperoxides can trigger cell death in many cell types, including neurons. In a screening of lipid hydroperoxides which can induce toxicity in neuronal cells, we found docosahexaenoic acid hydroperoxides (DHA-OOH) induced much severe levels of reactive oxygen species generation and cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells compared to the hydroperoxides of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. Therefore, we focused on DHA-OOH, and demonstrated that DHA-OOH apparently induced an apoptosis in the neuronal cells through several apoptotic hallmarks including nuclei condensation, DNA fragmentation, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and increased activity of caspase-3. We also found the signaling changes in mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, such as cytochrome c release and increased expression of Bcl-2, as well as a dose-dependent attenuation of mitochondrial membrane potential in the DHA-OOH treated cells. These data indicated DHA hydroperoxide as a potential inducer of apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, which may be mediated by mitochondria dysfunction pathway.
TL;DR: Evidence is provided that intervention with delivery of diabetic meals to patients with type 2 diabetes can be equally effective for achieving glycemic control as individual dietary counselling by a dietitian, and diabetic meal delivery can therefore be used successfully to provide diabetes education to outpatients.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a diabetic meal delivery system on glycemic control over a 12 month period in patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 77 patients with type 2 diabetes were assigned randomly into three dietary intervention groups: group M, diabetic meal delivery; group D, individual dietary counseling; and group C, conventional dietary education. In group M, HbA(1c) levels decreased significantly from 8.2 +/- 1.2% to 7.4 +/- 0.8% after 12 months (p<0.05), while in group D, HbA(1c) levels decreased significantly throughout the entire 12 month period, from 8.5 +/- 1.7% at baseline to 7.4 +/- 1.1% at the endpoint. Similarly, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels decreased significantly between 1 and 12 months in group M (p<0.05), and decreased significantly during the entire 12 month period in group D (p<0.01). There were no significant changes in either HbA(1c) or FBG levels in group C. This study provides evidence that intervention with delivery of diabetic meals to patients with type 2 diabetes can be equally effective for achieving glycemic control as individual dietary counselling by a dietitian. Diabetic meal delivery can therefore be used successfully to provide diabetes education to outpatients.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the use of vitamins C and E should be considered for the control of certain important biochemical indices during the development of preeclampsia; however, further studies are needed to develop methods for the prevention of preeClampsia in women at high risk.
Abstract: We compared three groups of pregnant women: placebo with normotensive women, group A which included preeclamptics, and group B which comprised preeclamptics who were supplemented their diets with vitamins C and E. MDA increased from 6.22 ± 2.8 (placebo) to 8.48 ± 1.2 (A) and 8.02 ± 1.8 nmol/gHb (B). NO concentrations were enhanced from 19.3 ± 4.2 (P) to 23.8 ± 6.4 (A) and 24.1 ± 5.4 µmol/L (B). GSH contents were decreased from 10.42 ± 2.81 (P) to 8.02 ± 2.92 (A) and 9.39 ± 1.02 µmol/g Hb (B), whereas GSSG concentrations increased from 0.98 ± 0.28 (P) to 1.24 ± 0.29 (A) and 1.08 ± 0.12 µmol/g Hb (B). SOD activity decreased 23% in A and 14% in B; GRx decreased 27% in A and 5.5% in B; GPx decreased 12% in A and 9.6% in B. Catalase activity, however, increased 27% in A and 29% in B as compared to control. Thus, we conclude that the use of vitamins C and E should be considered for the control of certain important biochemical indices during the development of preeclampsia; however, further studies are needed to develop methods for the prevention of preeclampsia in women at high risk.
TL;DR: The experiments suggest that UTI can protect against systemic inflammatory response and subsequent organ injury induced by bacterial endotoxin, at least partly, through the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression.
Abstract: Urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI), a serine protease inhibitor, has been widely used in Japan as a drug for patients with acute inflammatory disorders such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), shock, and pancreatitis. Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated that serine protease inhibitors may have anti-inflammatory properties beyond their inhibition of neutrophil elastase at the site of inflammation. However, the therapeutic effects of UTI in vivo remain unclear. In this review, we introduce the roles of UTI in the experimental systemic inflammatory response induced by both intraperitoneal and intratracheal administration of lipopolysaccharide using UTI deficient and wild-type mice. Our experiments suggest that UTI can protect against systemic inflammatory response and subsequent organ injury induced by bacterial endotoxin, at least partly, through the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression. UTI may therefore present an attractive "rescue" therapeutic option for systemic inflammatory response syndromes such as DIC, acute lung injury, and multiple organ dysfunction.