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Cachexia is associated with various diseases, such as heart disease, infectious disease, and cancer. In particular, cancer‐associated cachexia (CAC) accounts for more than 20% of mortality in cancer patients worldwide. Adipose tissue in CAC is characterized by adipocyte atrophy, mainly due to excessively increased lipolysis and impairment of adipogenesis. CAC is well known for the loss of skeletal muscle mass and/or fat mass. CAC induces severe metabolic alterations, including protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of bee wax (Apis mellifera L. 1758) (BW) extract on adipogenesis, lipolysis, and mitochondrial oxygen consumption through white adipocytes, 3T3‐L1. To achieve this study, cancer‐associated cachexia condition was established by incubation of 3T3‐L1 with colon cancer cell line CT26 cultured media. BW extract recovered the reduced adipogenesis under cachectic conditions in CT26 media. Treatment of BW showed increasing lipid accumulation as well as adipogenic gene expression and its target gene during adipogenesis. The administration of BW to adipocytes could decrease lipolysis. Also, BW could significantly downregulated the mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation‐related genes, oxygen consumption rate, and extracellular acidification rate. Our results suggest that BW could improve metabolic disorders such as CAC through the activation of adipogenesis and inhibition of lipolysis in adipocytes, although we need further validation in vivo CAC model to check the effects of BW extract. Therefore, BW extract supplements could be useful as an alternative medicine to reverse energy imbalances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scrophularia have traditionally been used as herbal medicines to treat neuritis, sore throats, and laryngitis. In particular, S. takesimensis, a Korean endemic species with restricted distribution on Ulleung Island, holds significant resource and genetic value. However, its pharmacological properties have not been thoroughly evaluated. Thus, we provide detailed morphological characteristics and genomic information for S. takesimensis in this study. Moreover, its pharmacological activity was evaluated in an ovalbumin-induced asthma rat model, using extracts of S. takesimensis roots (100 or 200 mg/kg). The distinguishing features of S. takesimensis from related species include the presence or absence of stem wings, leaf shape, and habitat. The chloroplast (cp) genome of this species is 152,420 bp long and exhibits a conserved quadripartite structure. A total of 114 genes were identified, which included 80 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The gene order, content, and orientation of the S. takesimensis cp genome was highly conserved and consistent with the general structure observed in S. buergeriana and S. ningpoensis cp genomes. Confirming the anti-inflammatory effects of S. takesimensis extract (STE) using an established mouse model of ovalbumin-induced asthma, we observed reduced asthmatic phenotypes, including inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus production, and suppression of T helper 2 (Th2) cell. Furthermore, STE treatment reduced Th2 cell activation and differentiation. This study underscores the medicinal value of S. takesimensis. The importance of preserving S. takesimensis was revealed and crucial insights were provided for further research on its utilization as a medicinal resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic joint inflammatory disease characterized by progressive destruction of the articular cartilage, bone remodeling, and excessive chronic pain. Most therapeutic approaches do not rescue the progression of OA effectively or provide relief of symptoms. Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larva (PBSL), which is attracting attention, is an edible insect with very high nutritional value and herbal medicine for the treatment of blood stasis, hepatic disease, and various inflammatory diseases. However, the effect of PBSL on OA has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of PBSL water extract on the progression of OA using monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)‐induced mice and SW1353 chondrocytes or murine macrophages. We injected MIA into the intraarticular area of mice following pretreatment with either saline or PBSL (200 mg/kg) for 2 weeks, and then locomotor activity, microcomputed tomography and histopathological analysis, quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction analysis, and western blot analysis were performed. To determine the molecular effects of PBSL, we used interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐induced SW1353 chondrosarcoma or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophages. Pretreatment with PBSL diminished the symptoms of OA. Physical activity, articular cartilage damage, and the generation of microfractures were rescued by pretreatment with PBSL in the mouse model. Pretreatment with PBSL suppressed the progress of OA through the regulation of articular cartilage degradation genes and inflammation in both in vivo and in vitro models. Our results demonstrated that PBSL has value as edible insect that can be used in the development of functional foods for OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a pulmonary disease induced by the inhalation of aeroallergens and subsequent inappropriate immune responses. Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze has been evaluated as an effective antioxidant supplement produced from bioactive compounds, including flavonoids. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze extract (CE) on ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma. The components of CE were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatogram patterns, and asthmatic animal models were induced via ovalbumin treatment. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of CE were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and nitric oxide (NO) assays. Seven compounds were detected in the CE chromatogram. In the ovalbumin-induced mouse model, CE treatment significantly decreased the inflammation index in the lung tissue. CE also significantly decreased eosinophilia and the production of inflammatory cytokines and OVA-specific IgE in animals with asthma. Collectively, our results indicate that CE has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and that CE treatment suppresses asthmatic progression, including mucin accumulation, inflammation, and OVA-specific IgE production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death in South Korea (hereafter 'Korea'), and there is evidence that body weight and perceived weight affecting suicide have a significant effect on suicidal behavior in adolescence. This study investigated the association between body mass index (BMI), perceived weight, and suicide attempts in adolescents. Methods: We included nationally representative data for a total of 106,320 students in our final analysis. We calculated and stratified BMI (underweight, normal weight, overweight) to determine the correlation between BMI and suicide attempts. We stratified the participants into three groups (perceived as underweight, normal weight, and overweight) for subjective body weight perception to analyze the relationship between subjective body weight perception and suicide attempts. We further analyzed the combination of BMI and subjective body weight perception to determine the relationship between suicide attempts and distorted subjective weight perception. Results: Compared with perceiving oneself as having a normal weight, the odds ratios (ORs) for suicide attempts were significantly increased in the group perceiving themselves as overweight. In addition, those who perceived themselves as overweight but were underweight according to their BMI were at significantly increased risk of suicide attempts relative to those who perceived themselves as about the right weight. Conclusions: There was a significant association with suicide attempts in the underweight and perceived overweight group. This shows the importance of combining BMI and perceived weight when examining the relationship between weight and suicide attempts in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In total, four new eudesmane-type sesquiterpene glycosides, askoseosides A–D (1–4), and 18 known compounds (5–22) were isolated from the flowers of Aster koraiensis via chromatographic techniques. Chemical structures of the isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopic/spectrometric methods, including NMR and HRESIMS, and the absolute configuration of the new compounds (1 and 2) was performed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) studies. Further, the anticancer activities of the isolated compounds (1–22) were evaluated using the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced as well as the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced cell transformation assay. Among the 22 compounds, compounds 4, 9, 11, 13–15, 17, 18, and 22 significantly inhibited both EGF- and TPA-induced colony growth. In particular, askoseoside D (4, EGF: 57.8%; TPA: 67.1%), apigenin (9, EGF: 88.6%; TPA: 80.2%), apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside (14, EGF: 79.2%; TPA: 70.7%), and 1-(3′,4′-dihydroxycinnamoyl) cyclopentane-2,3-diol (22, EGF: 60.0%; TPA: 72.1%) showed higher potent activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to discover bioactive constituents of Angelica reflexa that improve glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in pancreatic β-cells. Herein, three new compounds, namely, koseonolin A (1), koseonolin B (2), and isohydroxylomatin (3), along with 28 compounds (4–31) were isolated from the roots of A. reflexa by chromatographic methods. The chemical structures of new compounds (1–3) were elucidated through spectroscopic/spectrometric methods such as NMR and HRESIMS. In particular, the absolute configuration of the new compounds (1 and 3) was performed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) studies. The effects of the root extract of A. reflexa (KH2E) and isolated compounds (1–31) on GSIS were detected by GSIS assay, ADP/ATP ratio assay, and Western blot assay. We observed that KH2E enhanced GSIS. Among the compounds 1–31, isohydroxylomatin (3), (−)-marmesin (17), and marmesinin (19) increased GSIS. In particular, marmesinin (19) was the most effective; this effect was superior to treatment with gliclazide. GSI values were: 13.21 ± 0.12 and 7.02 ± 0.32 for marmesinin (19) and gliclazide at a same concentration of 10 μM, respectively. Gliclazide is often performed in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). KH2E and marmesinin (19) enhanced the protein expressions associated with pancreatic β-cell metabolism such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1, and insulin receptor substrate-2. The effect of marmesinin (19) on GSIS was improved by an L-type Ca2+ channel agonist and K+ channel blocker and was inhibited by an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker and K+ channel activator. Marmesinin (19) may improve hyperglycemia by enhancing GSIS in pancreatic β-cells. Thus, marmesinin (19) may have potential use in developing novel anti-T2D therapy. These findings promote the potential application of marmesinin (19) toward the management of hyperglycemia in T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the factors causing NH3 emissions in the South Korean Peninsula and West Sea region. To analyze the trends of NH3 and other air pollutants, such as NOx, CO, and NR-PM1, we collected samples from six supersites across the peninsula, a roadside in Seoul, and the West Sea over different sampling periods, ranging from 1 month to 1 year. The highest NH3 concentrations were found at rural areas, ascribed to agricultural activities, particularly NH4NO3 decomposition at high summer temperatures. Areas with low population densities recorded the lowest NH3 concentrations, attributed to the lack of anthropogenic activities. A roadside field experiment confirmed the close link between ambient NH3 and vehicle emissions in urban regions by showing a strong correlation between CO and NOx concentrations and that of NH3. Moreover, we examined oceanic emissions near the eastern coast of South Korea in the West Sea. Long-range transportation studies confirmed that most of the pollutants (NH3, CO, and PM1) were transported by wind from the northeastern region of China. A maritime origin study showed that oceanic emissions and NH4NO3 decomposition in the atmosphere owing to high temperatures were the causing NH3 pollution. These findings provided valuable insights into the emission sources of NH3 in primary air pollutants in South Korea, highlighting the contributions of land-based and oceanic sources. Our study can help inform policymakers and stakeholders for developing effective regional air pollution control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the sensitivity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to ambient concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5) in the representative industrial city of Ulsan, Korea. For the calculation of sensitivity coefficients between VOCs and PM2.5 (SVOCs-PM2.5), PM2.5 data were obtained from an air quality monitoring station, and their corresponding 6-h average concentrations of VOCs (alkanes, alkenes, aromatics, and total VOCs) were measured at the Yeongnam intensive air monitoring station. The air monitoring period was divided into the warm-hot season (May–October 2020) and the cold season (November 2020–January 2021). The sensitivity coefficients in the low pollution period of PM2.5 (5 < PM2.5 ≤ 15 μg/m3) were higher and much higher than those in the medium pollution period (15 < PM2.5 ≤ 35 μg/m3) and high pollution period (35 < PM2.5 ≤ 50 μg/m3), respectively. This result indicates that the change ratios of PM2.5 concentrations to the background (PM2.5 ≤ 5 μg/m3) per unit concentration change of VOCs (particularly alkenes) in the high PM2.5 pollution period were much higher than those in the low pollution period. This also indicates that PM2.5 concentrations above 35 μg/m3 were more easily affected by the unit concentration change of VOCs (particularly alkenes) than those below 15 μg/m3. The average sensitivity coefficients during the cold season increased in a range of 23–125% as compared to those during the warm-hot season, except the alkenes-PM2.5 sensitivity with a decrease of 7%. It means that the impact of VOCs (except alkenes) on PM2.5 concentrations was relatively low in the cold season. However, in the cold season, the alkenes might contribute more to PM2.5 formation, particularly over the high pollution period, having PM2.5 > 35 μg/m3, than other VOC groups. The result of this study can be a basis for establishing PM2.5 management plans in industrial cities with large VOC emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the association between blood cadmium (BCd) exposure and thyroid hormone levels in the general population has been inconclusive. Therefore, we examined the associations between BCd and thyroid hormones according to smoking status in Korean adults (N = 1170, Men = 722, Women = 448) using multiple linear regression and restricted cubic splines analysis with data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013). The geometric mean of BCd was 0.74 μg/L in all study participants and was higher in smokers (1.01 μg/L) than in nonsmokers (0.65 μg/L). Restricted cubic splines analysis revealed nonlinear trends between BCd and free thyroxine in smokers (p for nonlinearity = 0.02). By contrast, there were no significant associations between BCd and thyroid hormones in either men or women. In conclusion, nonlinear associations may exist between BCd and free thyroxine in smokers. Our study provides empirical support for the future formulation of an acceptable concentration range of BCd and offers a new concept for preventing thyroid problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although a growing body of evidence suggests air pollution is associated with low serum vitamin D status, few studies have reported whether obesity status affects this relationship. The aim of this study was to identify associations between ambient air pollution exposure, obesity, and serum vitamin D status in the general population of South Korea.Methods: This study was conducted in a cross-sectional design. A total of 30,242 Korean adults from a nationwide general population survey were included for our final analysis. Air pollutants included particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration to assess vitamin D status for each participant. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between ambient air pollution and vitamin D status in each subgroup according to body mass index level.Results: The annual average concentrations of PM10, NO2, and CO were significantly associated with a lower serum vitamin D concentration and higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. The results show a significant association between serum vitamin D status and PM10 exposure in obese subgroup. Based on the gender, females with obesity showed more strong association (negative) between different air pollutants and low serum vitamin D concentration and a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. However, this pattern was not observed in men.Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence that women with obesity may be more vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency in the context of persistent exposure to air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and accurate detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is essential for the successful control of the current global COVID-19 pandemic. The real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time RT-PCR) is the most widely used detection technique. This research describes the development of two novel multiplex real-time RT-PCR kits, AccuPower® COVID-19 Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR Kit (NCVM) specifically designed for use with the ExiStation™48 system (comprised of ExiPrep™48 Dx and Exicycler™96 by BIONEER, Korea) for sample RNA extraction and PCR detection, and AccuPower® SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR Kit (SCVM) designed to be compatible with manufacturers' on-market PCR instruments. The limit of detection (LoD) of NCVM was 120 copies/mL and the LoD of the SCVM was 2 copies/μL for both the Pan-sarbecovirus gene and the SARS-CoV-2 gene. The AccuPower® kits demonstrated high precision with no cross reactivity to other respiratory-related microorganisms. The clinical performance of AccuPower® kits was evaluated using the following clinical samples: sputum and nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab (NPS/OPS) samples. Overall agreement of the AccuPower® kits with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved emergency use authorized commercial kit (STANDARD™ M nCoV Real-Time Detection kit, SD BIOSENSOR, Korea) was above 95% (Cohen's kappa coefficient ≥ 0.95), with a sensitivity of over 95%. The NPS/OPS specimen pooling experiment was conducted to verify the usability of AccuPower® kits on pooled samples and the results showed greater than 90% agreement with individual NPS/OPS samples. The clinical performance of AccuPower® kits with saliva samples was also compared with NPS/OPS samples and demonstrated over 95% agreement (Cohen's kappa coefficient > 0.95). This study shows the BIONEER NCVM and SCVM assays are comparable with the current standard confirmation assay and are suitable for effective clinical management and control of SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a globally prevalent disease and results from a reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Existing synthetic drug‐based treatments for GERD have various drawbacks including refractory symptoms, relapse, or resistance due to long‐term use or may result in mucosal degeneration, polyps, and osteoporosis. Semisulcospira gottschei (SE), a freshwater snail, has been generally consumed as a food source due to its excellent flavor and nutritional value in Korea and considered to have therapeutic properties for various diseases including dyspepsia, stomachache, and hepatic diseases. The present study aims to investigate whether Semisulcospira gottschei extract (SGE) has a protective effect on reflux esophagitis‐induced rat models. The anti‐inflammatory effects of SGE were evaluated via NO production in LPS‐induced Raw 264.7 macrophage. And the protection effects of SGE were analyzed by assessing the amelioration of mucosal damage and expression of inflammation‐associated proteins in reflux esophagitis (RE) rats. Our results indicate that SGE significantly suppressed NO production in LPS‐induced raw 264.7 cells without any cytotoxicity. We observed mucosal lesions and histological changes in the esophagus of RE control rats. However, SGE treatment markedly ameliorated mucosal lesion ratio indicated through histological changes. SGE administration suppressed the expression of proteins related to inflammation, such as p‐NF‐κB, p‐IκBα, COX‐2, and TNF‐α, in esophageal tissue. Moreover, SGE elevated the expression of claudin‐5, which is a tight junction protein, involved in barrier function of epithelium and endothelium. The results suggest that SGE is useful as a medicinal food in esophagitis and may be helpful in developing effective treatment protocols for GERD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deoxypodophyllotoxin (DPT), or anthricin, is a lignan isolated from the roots of Anthriscus sylvestris and is reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-asthmatic effects. Herein, the conditions for the extraction of DPT from A. sylvestris are optimized using a Box–Behnken design (BBD) method based on response surface methodology (RSM). DPT was detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array and quadrupole detector (UPLC–PDA–QDa) and analytical validation methods based on International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. In preliminary experiments, the experimental conditions of extraction time, solvent percentage, and temperature were selected for optimization. The adequacy of the experimental model was statistically evaluated, and the regression coefficient (R2), adjusted regression coefficient (R2adjust), and p-value of the lack-of-fit were determined as 97.86%, 94.02%, and 0.124, respectively. The maximum yield of DPT was estimated to be 2.341 mg/g for 30 min in 100% methanol at 60 °C, and the actual yield was measured as 2.295 mg/g (±0.023) under the same conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the contents of fatty acids and the ratios of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids are important parameters for determining the nutritional values of oils. Thus, we herein evaluated the fatty acids present in the seed oils of Lepidium apetalum Willdenow, Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl, and Draba nemorosa L. as sources of Lepidii seu Descurainiae Semen seeds in Northeast Asian Countries. We developed a method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography using a charged aerosol detector for the quantitative analysis of fatty acids in the seed oils. This technique is less time-consuming than previous methods as derivatization of the oils is not required. Our method was developed though the comparison of a UV detector with a charged aerosol detector, and various stationary phases and gradient programs were tested. In addition, method validation was carried out according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines with respect to linearity, precision, and accuracy. We found that the quantities of unsaturated fatty acids (6.051–282.376 mg/g) were higher than those of saturated fatty acids (0.855–12.548 mg/g) in all plant seed oils. The proposed method is reproducible and convenient, and therefore, is suitable for the quantitative analysis of fatty acids in plant oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We applied methanesulfonic acid (MSA) as a green catalyst to produce levulinic acid (LA) from monomeric sugars. To optimize reaction factors and assess the effect of reciprocal interactions, a statistical experimental design was applied. Optimized result of 40.7% LA yield was obtained under the following conditions: 60 g/L galactose, 0.4M MSA at 188 °C for 26.7 min. On the other hand, 66.1% LA yield was achieved under 60 g/L fructose and 0.4M MSA at 188 °C for 36 min conditions. For the effect of combined severity factor on the LA yield from galactose, the LA yield showed a peaked pattern, which was linearly increased until a CSF 3.2 and then diminished with a high CSF. Moreover, it was closely fitted to a non-linear Gaussian peak pattern with a high regression value of 0.989. These results suggest that MSA and galactose, derived from marine red macro-algae, can potentially be applied for the conversion into platform chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan is a potential renewable marine‐derived resource for bioenergy production. In this study, sulfamic acid, which has dual active sites and a green catalyst, was introduced for the conversion of chitosan, which can be recovered from crustacean shells as food waste of aquatic organisms, into platform chemicals, such as 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid. By optimization of sulfamic acid‐catalyzed hydrothermal conversion conditions, a 21.48 % 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural yield was achieved under the 200 °C, 3 % (w/w) chitosan, 0.7 M sulfamic acid, 2 min condition. Under the same conditions, a 0.48 % yield of levulinic acid was obtained. These results demonstrate the potential of sulfamic acid and chitosan for applications in the field of bioenergy production. 5‐HMF production: Chitosan is a potential renewable marine‐derived resource for bioenergy production. The catalytic activity of sulfamic acid, which has dual active sites (both Brønsted and Lewis acids) and a green catalyst, is investigated in the conversion of chitosan to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) in aqueous phase. The potential of sulfamic acid and chitosan for applications in the field of bioenergy production is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a potential renewable aquatic resource, chitosan is the second most abundant biopolymer. Methanesulfonic acid is a catalyst that is strongly acidic and biodegradable. We used chitosan and methanesulfonic acid to produce platform chemicals via an acid-catalyzed hydrothermal reaction. In the methanesulfonic acid-catalyzed hydrothermal conversion of chitosan, an optimal levulinic acid yield of 28.21±1.20% was achieved under the following conditions: 2% chitosan and 0.2 M methanesulfonic acid at 200 °C for 30 min. These results indicated that a combination of chitosan and methanesulfonic acid would be suitable for platform chemical production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ultra‐performance convergence chromatography is an environmentally friendly analytical technique that employs dramatically reduced amounts of organic solvents compared to conventional chromatographic methods. In this study, a rapid, sensitive, and environmentally friendly method based on ultra‐performance convergence chromatography was developed for the quantification of four major chromones present in the roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk. Using this method, the analysis time was significantly shortened compared to conventional high‐performance liquid chromatography techniques. In addition, the influence of cosolvent type, cosolvent ratio, column temperature, system pressure, and flow rate on the peak resolution was investigated. The proposed method was validated in terms of its limits of detection, limits of quantitation, linearity, precision, and accuracy. More specifically, the limits of detection of the four chromones ranged from 0.006 to 0.033 μg/mL, while the limits of quantitation ranged from 0.019 to 0.101 μg/mL. Our method also exhibited a good regression (r2 > 0.999), excellent precision (RSD < 0.60%), and acceptable recoveries (99.48–102.89%). Finally, the quantities of these four chromones present in 20 commercial samples from Korea and China were successfully evaluated using the developed method, indicating that the proposed method is suitable for the rapid and accurate quality control of Saposhnikovia divaricata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GPR119 belongs to the G protein‐coupled receptor family and exhibits dual modes of action upon ligand‐dependent activation: pancreatic secretion of insulin in a glucose‐dependent manner and intestinal secretion of incretins. Hence, GPR119 has emerged as a promising target for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus without causing hypoglycaemia. However, despite continuous efforts by many major pharmaceutical companies, no synthetic GPR119 ligand has been approved as a new class of anti‐diabetic agents thus far, nor has any passed beyond phase II clinical studies. Herein, we summarize recent advances in research concerning the physiological/pharmacological effects of GPR119 and its synthetic ligands on the regulation of energy metabolism, and we speculate on future applications of GPR119 ligands for the treatment of metabolic diseases, focusing on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid ultra-performance convergence chromatography method was developed for the quantitative determination of bioactive compounds in Aralia continentalis as quality control markers. Quantitative analysis indicated the presence of two major bioactive compounds: diterpenoid acids continentalic acid and kaurenoic acid. Using a Torus 1-aminoanthracene column, continentalic acid and kaurenoic acid were separated in less than 8 min. The method was validated with respect to precision, accuracy, and linearity according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The optimized method exhibited a good linear correlation ( r2 > 0.996), excellent precision (RSD < 1.0%), and acceptable recoveries (99.97-100.26%). Limits of detection for continentalic acid and kaurenoic acid were 0.068 and 0.097 μg/mL, respectively, while their corresponding limits of quantitation were 0.207 and 0.295 μg/mL. The system performance of ultra-performance convergence chromatography was compared with that of conventional high-performance liquid chromatography with respect to analysis time and efficiency. The proposed method was found to be reliable and convenient for the quantitative analysis of continentalic acid and kaurenoic acid in A. continentalis from South Korea and A. pubescens from China. This study is expected to serve as a guideline for the quality control of Aralia continentalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhus verniciflua Stoke has been commonly used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction diseases. In order to investigate pharmacological properties of Rhus verniciflua Stoke water extract (RVX) on cisplatin-induced amnesia, RVX (0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg) was orally administrated for five consecutive days after a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (6 mg/kg) to SD rat. Cisplatin injection significantly increased the kaolin intake (emesis) but reduced the normal diet intake (anorexia) whereas the RVX treatment significantly improved these abnormal diet behaviors at both the acute and delayed phase. The serotonin concentration and the related gene expressions (5-HT3 receptors and SERT) in small intestine tissue were abnormally altered by cisplatin injection, which were significantly attenuated by the RVX treatment. Histological findings of gastrointestinal tracts, as well as the proteins level of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), revealed the beneficial effect of RVX on cisplatin-induced gastrointestinal inflammation. In addition, RVX significantly improved cisplatin-induced myelosuppression, as evidenced by the observation of leukopenia and by histological examinations in bone marrow. Our findings collectively indicated Rhus verniciflua Stoke improved the resistance of rats to chemotherapy-related adverse effects in the gastrointestinal track and bone marrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-performance convergence chromatography, which integrates the advantages of supercritical fluid chromatography and ultra high performance liquid chromatography technologies, is an environmentally friendly analytical method that uses dramatically reduced amounts of organic solvents. An ultra-performance convergence chromatography method was developed and validated for the quantification of decursinol angelate and decursin in Angelica gigas using a CSH Fluoro-Phenyl column (2.1 mm × 150 mm, 1.7 μm) with a run time of 4 min. The method had an improved resolution and a shorter analysis time in comparison to the conventional high-performance liquid chromatography method. This method was validated in terms of linearity, precision, and accuracy. The limits of detection were 0.005 and 0.004 μg/mL for decursinol angelate and decursin, respectively, while the limits of quantitation were 0.014 and 0.012 μg/mL, respectively. The two components showed good regression (correlation coefficient ( r2) > 0.999), excellent precision (RSD < 2.28%), and acceptable recoveries (99.75-102.62%). The proposed method can be used to efficiently separate, characterize, and quantify decursinol angelate and decursin in Angelica gigas and its related medicinal materials or preparations, with the advantages of a shorter analysis time, greater sensitivity, and better environmental compatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amomum xanthioides has been traditionally used to treat diverse digestive system disorders in the Asian countries. We investigated antihepatofibrotic effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Amomum xanthioides (EFAX). Liver fibrosis is induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) injection (intraperitoneally, 10 mg/kg of DMN for 4 weeks to Sprague-Dawley rats). EFAX (25 or 50 mg/kg), silymarin (50 mg/kg), or distilled water was orally administered every day. The DMN injection drastically altered body and organ mass, serum biochemistry, and platelet count, while EFAX treatment significantly attenuated this alteration. Severe liver fibrosis is determined by trichrome staining and measurement of hydroxyproline contents. EFAX treatment significantly attenuated these symptoms as well as the increase in oxidative by-products of lipid and protein metabolism in liver tissues. DMN induced a dramatic activation of hepatic stellate cells and increases in the levels of protein and gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), platelet derived growth factor-beta (PDGF-β), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Immunohistochemical analyses revealed increases in the levels of protein and gene expression of α-smooth muscle actin. These alterations were significantly normalized by EFAX treatment. Our findings demonstrate the potent antihepatofibrotic properties of EFAX via modulation of fibrogenic cytokines, especially TGF-β in the liver fibrosis rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the antihepatofibrotic effects of CGXII, an aqueous extract which is composed of A. iwayomogi, A. xanthioides, and S. miltiorrhiza, against dimethylnitrosamine- (DMN-) induced hepatofibrosis. Male Sprague Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg of DMN for 4 weeks (three consecutive days weekly). Rats were orally given distilled water, CGXII (50 or 100 mg/kg), or dimethyl dimethoxy biphenyl dicarboxylate (50 mg/kg) daily. DMN injection caused substantial alteration of total body weight and liver and spleen mass, whereas they were notably normalized by CGXII. CGXII treatment also markedly attenuated the elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, hepatic lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonyl contents. Collagen accumulation in hepatic tissue evidenced by histopathological analysis and quantitative assessment of hepatic hydroxyproline was ameliorated by CGXII. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed decreased α-smooth muscle actin supporting the antihepatofibrotic effect of CGXII. The profibrogenic cytokines transforming growth factor-β, platelet-derived growth factor-β, and connective tissue growth factor were increased by DMN injection. Administration of CGXII normalized the protein and gene expression levels of these cytokines. Our findings suggest that CGXII lowers the levels of profibrogenic cytokines and thereby exerts antifibrotic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saposhnikovia divaricata Schischkin has been used in traditional medicine to treat pain, inflammation, and arthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antiosteoarthritis activities of Saposhnikovia divaricata extract (SDE). The anti-inflammatory effect of SDE was evaluated in vitro in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) treated RAW 264.7 cells. The antiosteoarthritic effect of SDE was investigated in an in vivo rat model of monosodium iodoacetate- (MIA-) induced osteoarthritis (OA) in which rats were treated orally with SDE (200 mg/kg) for 28 days. The effects of SDE were assessed in vivo by histopathological analysis and by measuring weight-bearing distribution, cytokine serum levels, and joint tissue inflammation-related gene expression. SDE showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, SDE promoted recovery of hind limb weight-bearing, inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators, and protected cartilage and subchondral bone tissue in the OA rat model. Therefore, SDE is a potential therapeutic agent for OA and/or associated symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygonatum sibiricumF. Delaroche(P. sibiricum)is widely consumed as an ingredient in functional foods, drinking water, and tea. Its major constituent, azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (ACA), is a potent toxin that can be incorporated into proteins in place of proline, leading to protein dysfunction. Thus, quality control in the analysis of ACA inP. sibiricumis important for establishing guidelines for safe levels in foods. However, prior analyses of ACA inP. sibiricumare limited, and the few methods reported require complicated sample preparation. Here, for the quantitative analysis of ACA, we compare the traditional RPLC mode with the HILIC in HPLC. Then, we develop an ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method to increase instrument sensitivity, using a CORTECS HILIC column. The developed method offers good linear correlation (r2 > 0.9999), excellent precision (RSD < 1.6%), and acceptable recoveries (99.26–101.33%). The LOD and LOQ were 0.13 and 0.39 µg/mL, respectively. The UPLC method using the HILIC column was much simpler because pre-purification is not required for the quantification of ACA. The proposed quantitative analysis method was reproducible and convenient, and our results provide reference information for the quality control ofP. sibiricumas a component in consumable products. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two main alkaloid compounds in the root ofMenispermum dauricumDC were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector and fast quadrupole mass detector. The optimal extraction conditions were determined by response surface methodology and the experimental factors were determined using a Box–Behnken design. The model adequacy of this design for daurisoline and dauricine was verified by one-way analysis of variance. The adjusted regression coefficients for daurisoline and dauricine were 0.9227 and 0.9426, respectively, and the lack-of-fit values for the two alkaloids were 0.418 and 0.119, respectively. The models for daurisoline and dauricine were considered adequate, because the R2values were close to 1 and the lack-of-fit values were nonsignificant (p > 0.05). Optimal extraction conditions for daurisoline and dauricine were predicted to be 69°C for 36 min in 100% methanol, with maximum yields of 6.533 and 1.045 mg/g, respectively. Under these conditions, the actual yields of daurisoline and dauricine were 6.724 ± 0.140 and 1.048 ± 0.025 mg/g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In contrast to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) as an innovative definition can coexist with significant alcohol consumption. Massive clinical observations have indicated that high-fat/-calorie diet induced metabolic dysfunction along with alcohol intake deteriorates steatotic liver injury. To explore the potential mechanisms of fatty diet together with alcohol-induced steatohepatitis, we adopted a rat model by comparing a half-dose combination of fat diet (20%) and alcohol (10%) with their corresponding double dose of 40% fat diet and 20% alcohol for 8 weeks. The notable alterations in histopathology, acceleration in the oxidation parameters (ROS, NO and lipid peroxidation) and serum transaminase levels were shown in the concomitant group. Concomitant use of a high-fat diet and alcohol provoked hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress, but did not activate mitochondria-mediated apoptosis parameters compared to F. In contrast, the notable activation of caspase-12 and nuclear translocation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP) were observed only in the combined treatment group. The concomitant dietary fat intake and alcohol consumption lead to liver injury initially and later to steatohepatitis by the overdose of fat or alcohol, and in which the CHOP and caspase-12 might be involved in synergistic acceleration of steatohepatitis through a mitochondria-independent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a traditional medicine with potential antioxidant effects, Tenodera angustipennis egg cases (Mantidis ootheca) are a potential source of new bioactive substances. Herein, three new N-acetyldopamine derivatives, namely, (+)-tenoderin A (1a), (−)-tenoderin A (1b), and tenoderin B (2), along with thirteen known compounds (3–15), were isolated from a 70% EtOH extract of T. angustipennis egg cases. Compound 1 was isolated as a racemic mixture, and two enantiomers (1a and 1b) were successfully separated by chiral-phase preparative HPLC. The chemical structures of the new compounds were established by NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and the absolute configurations of enantiomers 1a and 1b were determined by electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy. All the new compounds exhibited antioxidant activities with IC50 values of 19.45–81.98 μM, as evaluated using free-radical scavenging assays, with the highest activity observed for compound 2. In addition, compounds 1a, 1b, and 2 exhibited inhibitory activities on intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agastache rugosa is used as a Korean traditional medicine to treat gastric diseases. However, the active ingredients and pharmacological targets of A. rugosa are unknown. In this study, we aimed to reveal the pharmacological effects of A. rugosa on gastritis by combining a mice model and a network pharmacology method. The macrophage and gastritis-induced models were used to evaluate the pharmacological effects of A. rugosa. The results show that A. rugosa relieved mucosal damage induced by HCl/EtOH in vivo. Network analysis identified 99 components in A. rugosa; six components were selected through systematic screening, and five components were linked to 45 gastritis-related genes. The main components were acacetin and luteolin, and the identified core genes were AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA), and mitogen-activated protein kinase-3 (MAPK3) etc. in this network. The network of components, target genes, protein–protein interactions, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway was closely connected with chemokines and with phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt (PI3K/AKT), tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNFα), mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. In conclusion, A. rugosa exerts gastro-protective effects through a multi-compound and multi-pathway regulatory network and holds potential for treating inflammatory gastric diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trimethyltin (TMT) is an organotin compound with potent neurotoxic action characterized by neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus. This study evaluated the protective effects of a Scolopendra water extract (SWE) against TMT intoxication in hippocampal neurons, using both in vitro and in vivo model systems. Specifically, we examined the actions of SWE on TMT- (5 mM) induced cytotoxicity in primary cultures of mouse hippocampal neurons (7 days in vitro) and the effects of SWE on hippocampal degeneration in adult TMT- (2.6 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) treated C57BL/6 mice. We found that SWE pretreatment (0–100 μg/mL) significantly reduced TMT-induced cytotoxicity in cultured hippocampal neurons in a dose-dependent manner, as determined by lactate dehydrogenase and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. Additionally, this study showed that perioral administration of SWE (5 mg/kg), from −6 to 0 days before TMT injection, significantly attenuated hippocampal cell degeneration and seizures in adult mice. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of Iba-1 (Allograft inflammatory factor 1)- and GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein)-immunostained cells revealed a significant reduction in the levels of Iba-1- and GFAP-positive cell bodies in the dentate gyrus (DG) of mice treated with SWE prior to TMT injection. These data indicated that SWE pretreatment significantly protected the hippocampus against the massive activation of microglia and astrocytes elicited by TMT. In addition, our data showed that the SWE-induced reduction of immune cell activation was linked to a significant reduction in cell death and a significant improvement in TMT-induced seizure behavior. Thus, we conclude that SWE ameliorated the detrimental effects of TMT toxicity on hippocampal neurons, both in vivo and in vitro. Altogether, our findings hint at a promising pharmacotherapeutic use of SWE in hippocampal degeneration and dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a frequent liver malady, which can progress to cirrhosis, the end-stage liver disease if proper treatment is not applied. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid, have been clinically proven to lower serum triglyceride levels. Various physiological activities of omega-3 fatty acids are due to their agonistic actions on G-protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) and GPR120. Lipid droplets (LD) accumulation in hepatocytes confirmed that DHA treatment reduced the number of larger (>10 μm2) LDs, as well as the total area of LDs. Moreover, DHA lowered protein and mRNA expression levels of lipogenic enzymes such as fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) in primary hepatocytes incubated with liver X receptor (LXR) agonist T0901317 or high glucose and insulin. DHA also decreased protein expression of nuclear and precursor sterol response-element binding protein (SREBP)-1, a key lipogenesis transcription factor. We further found that exposure of murine primary hepatocytes to DHA for 12 h increased GPR40 and GPR120 mRNA levels. Specific agonists (Compound A for GPR120 and AMG-1638 for GPR40), hepatocytes from GPR120 knock-out mice and GPR40 selective antagonist (GW1100) were used to assess whether DHA's antilipogenic effects are mediated through GPR120 or GPR40. Compound A did not decrease SREBP-1 and FAS protein expression in hepatocytes exposed to T0901317 or high glucose with insulin. Moreover, DHA downregulated lipogenesis enzyme expression in GPR120-null hepatocytes. In contrast, AMG-1638 lowered SREBP-1 and SCD-1 protein levels. Additionally, GW1100, a GPR40 antagonist, reversed the antilipogenic effects of DHA. Collectively, our data demonstrate that DHA downregulates the expression SREBP-1-mediated lipogenic enzymes via GPR40 in primary hepatocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease induced by the inhalation of allergens, which trigger the activation of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells that release Th2 cytokines. Recently, herbal medicines are being considered a major source of novel agents to treat various diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-asthmatic effects of a Codonopsis lanceolata extract (CLE) and the mechanisms involved in its anti-inflammatory effects. Treatment with CLE reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils, and the production of mucus in lung tissues. Levels of Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and chemokines were also decreased following treatment with CLE. Moreover, Th2 cell proportion in vivo and differentiation in vitro were reduced as evidenced by the decreased expression of GATA3+. Furthermore, the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD)2, a mitochondrial ROS (mROS) scavenger, was increased, which was related to Th2 cell regulation. Interestingly, treatment with CLE increased the number of macrophages in the lungs and enhanced the immune-suppressive property of macrophages. Our findings indicate that CLE has potential as a novel therapeutic agent to inhibit Th2 cell differentiation by regulating mROS scavenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]