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Although promoting healthy eating is a policy objective, the manageability of dietary habits remains uncertain. Personal dietary patterns reflect many factors, some of which are relatively manageable for individuals whilst others are not. In this article, assuming that some sort of information about the manageability of dietary habits is contained in the observed patterns of food consumption, we focused on dietary patterns on their own. We introduced a statistical descriptive model for data from a food frequency questionnaire, estimated the strength of pairwise linkage between foodstuffs, and grouped foodstuffs by applying community detection to the networks of the estimated inter-food linkages. Those linkages represent the co-movement of pairs of food in consumption. Furthermore, we demonstrated an analysis of the relationship between mental health and dietary habits, considering the aspect of the manageability of dietary habits. Using an observational study in Japan, we obtained the following results: 115 foodstuffs were divided into three groups for both genders, but the compositions were different by gender; in the analysis of mental and physical health, some stress response items were associated with a dependence on some of those food groupings (e.g., "extremely tired" was negatively associated with a group containing tomatoes, cucumber, mandarin, etc., for female subjects). As the grouping of foodstuffs based on our estimation depicted an internal structure of dietary habit that a healthy eating policy could regard as a constraint, it follows that we should design such a policy along the same lines as that grouping.

In Japan, many workers are exposed to chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and nutritional imbalance. They tend still to go to work when ill, leading to decreased work performance and productivity, which has become a major social problem. We conducted a human entry study with the aim of finding a link between these two factors and proposing an optimized diet, believing that a review of diet may lead to an improvement in labor productivity. In this study, we used subjective accomplishment (SA) as a measure of productivity. First, we compared nutrient intake between groups with high and low SA using data from a health survey of 1564 healthy male and female adults. Significant differences were found in the intake of 13 nutrients in males and 15 nutrients in females, including potassium, vitamin A, insoluble fiber, and biotin. Recommended daily intake of these nutrients was determined from survey data. Next, we designed test meals containing sufficient amounts of 17 nutrients and conducted a single-arm intervention study (registration code UMIN000047054) in Kameyama City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Healthy working adults (males and females aged 20-79 years) were recruited and supplied with test meals, which were eaten once a day 5 days a week for 8 weeks. SA was significantly higher and daytime sleepiness (DS) was significantly lower after lunch on workdays in younger participants (under 60 years) when they ate the test meals as breakfast or lunch. Our results suggest that SA and DS, which change daily, are strongly influenced by the meal eaten before work, and that taking the 17 nutrients may help prevent presenteeism and improve labor productivity.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in both the pathogenesis and alleviation of host depression by modulating the brain-gut axis. We have developed a murine model of human depression called the subchronic and mild social defeat stress (sCSDS) model, which impacts not only behavior but also the host gut microbiota and gut metabolites, including bile acids. In this study, we utilized liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to explore the effects of sCSDS on the mouse fecal bile acid profile. sCSDS mice exhibited significantly elevated levels of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA) in fecal extracts, leading to a notable increase in total bile acids and 7α-dehydroxylated secondary bile acids. Consequently, a noteworthy negative correlation was identified between the abundances of DCA and LCA and the social interaction score, an indicator of susceptibility in stressed mice. Furthermore, analysis of the colonic microbiome unveiled a negative correlation between the abundance of CDCA and Turicibacter . Additionally, DCA and LCA exhibited positive correlations with Oscillospiraceae and Lachnospiraceae but negative correlations with the Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group. These findings suggest that sCSDS impacts the bidirectional interaction between the gut microbiota and bile acids and is associated with reduced social interaction, a behavioral indicator of susceptibility in stressed mice., (©2024 BMFH Press.)

Presenteeism is a problem that needs to be solved urgently, both for individual workers and for society overall. In this report, we propose the concept of MHC, which refers to mild mental and physical complaints subjectively perceived by individuals that are not caused by illness. We also planned to examine what kind of physical and mental disorder MHC is and whether food is effective as a method of self-care for MHC. First, we conducted "the comprehensive survey to establish an integrated database of food, gut microbiome, and health information" (the " Sukoyaka Health Survey") and obtained data on psychosomatic disorders and intakes of dietary nutrients. As a result, through factor analysis and item response theory analysis, we found the following specific examples of MHC: lack of vigor, irritability, fatigue, and somatic complaints. In addition, analysis of the relationship between these four MHC levels and the intake dietary nutrients indicated that they are closely related and that MHC levels can be improved by consuming sufficient amounts of multiple nutrients.

The purple-flesh potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar "Shadow Queen" (SQ) naturally contains anthocyanins. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study determines whether ingesting purple potatoes increases the number of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and improves stress response, a minor health complaint in healthy adults (registration number: UMIN000038876). A total of 15 healthy subjects (ages: 50-70 years) with minor health complaints were randomly assigned to one of two groups. For 8 weeks, the placebo group received placebo potatoes cv. "Haruka" and the test group received test potato cv. SQ containing 45 mg anthocyanin. The MSC count and several stress responses were analyzed at weeks 0 and 8 of the intake periods. The ingestion of a SQ potato did not affect the MSC count but markedly improved psychological stress response, irritability, and depression as minor health complaints compared with "Haruka". No adverse effects were noted. Hence, an 8-week intake of SQ could improve stress responses.

The elder population has increased, introducing the profound medical and social challenge of maintaining health in aging seniors and the need for a medical approach to sustaining physical and mental health. The relationship between diseases and lifestyle-related factors such as diet and exercise are important. A health-conscious lifestyle improves one's health condition from a medical perspective, as indicated by new wellness monitoring using health devices and recent research into the efficacy of functional lunches incorporating utilitarian agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and foods. For a period of 3 months, and solely at lunchtime, 21 participants consumed the contents of a bento (Japanese box lunch), which incorporated functional (healthy) foods. A variety of factors were analyzed, including: weight, weight fluctuation rate, abdominal girth, triglycerides, total cholesterol value, and 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine). The bento comprising functional foods resulted in a reduction in both weight and abdominal girth without calorie restrictions. A reduction over time was observed in 8-OHdG, an oxidative stress marker, as compared to values prior to initiation of the study. Usage of a health device, exercise/dietary advice from a physician and nutritionist, and the availability of meals incorporating functional agricultural products might help prevent lifestyle disease and lead to improved health management.

Sweeteners are widely used in food products, and their sweetness potency is usually evaluated by comparing it with that of sucrose. This, however, has led to confusion as some sweeteners are evaluated based on their maximum value of sweet taste response, while others are evaluated by their threshold value. Here, we aimed to develop a novel nonverbal sweetness evaluation system through the sweet taste signal transduction by comparing the responses of the sweet taste receptor, salivation, taste intensity, and preference among six sweeteners. The hT1r2/hT1r3 sweet taste receptor responses represented the input signal of the sweet taste signal transduction, while salivation, sweet taste intensity, and participants' preferences represented the output signals by the gustatory-salivary reflex, primary gustatory cortex area, and the secondary gustatory cortex, respectively. Our results showed that the sweet taste receptor, sweet intensity, and salivary secretion responses were concentration-dependent and expressed exponentially. Moreover, the results comparing coefficients showed 15-35 times more sensitivity between the response of hT1r2/hT1r3 and the salivation or the sweet taste intensity in non-nutrient sweeteners. The preference graph curve was not exponential, suggesting that the sweetener preference was not related to the sweet taste receptor, salivation, or sweet taste intensity. These results may suggest that the sweet taste signal of the non-nutritive sweeteners might be maintained by taste reception by hT1r2/hT1r3 to taste recognition in the primary gustatory area and that receptor responses and salivation could be used as indicators of sweetness intensity., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they do not have any conflict of interest., (© 2020 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Folic acid and folate receptors (FOLRs) play an important role in the downregulation of homocysteine (Hcy), a risk factor of Alzheimer's disease, thrombosis, neuropsychiatric illness and fractures. While several studies have reported that FOLR1 and FOLR2 import folic acid into cells, the role of FOLR3 remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the impact of FOLR3 on the metabolism of Hcy alongside its protective effect against homocysteine-induced neurotoxicity. To reveal the role of FOLR3, we constructed FOLR3-overexpressed HEK293 cells (FOLR3 + cells) and evaluated cell growth, folic acid intake and Hcy-induced neurotoxicity. Subjects with a high expression of FOLR3 exhibited low levels of plasma homocysteine. The ectopic expression of FOLR3 enhanced cell growth, and the enhanced effect was neutralised by folic acid-deficient media. The Western blot analysis revealed that FOLR3 is secreted into cell supernatant. The folic acid intake of FOLR3 + cells was higher than that of wild-type cells. Supernatant from FOLR3 + cells showed a protective effect on Hcy-induced cytotoxicity. FOLR3 expression in plasma is negatively correlated with plasma homocysteine. Our study emphasizes the role of FOLR3 in the intake of folic acid into cells on the one hand and its protective role in Hcy-induced cytotoxicity on the other.

Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) is a rich source of lycopene, a carotenoid that confers various positive biological effects such as improved lipid metabolism. Here, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study to investigate the effects of regular and continuous intake of a new high-lycopene tomato, a variety named PR-7, for 12 weeks, based on 74 healthy Japanese subjects with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ≥120 to <160 mg/dL. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the high-lycopene tomato or placebo (lycopene-free tomato) group. Each subject in the high-lycopene group ingested 50 g of semidried PR-7 (lycopene, 22.0-27.8 mg/day) each day for 12 weeks, while subjects in the placebo group ingested placebo semidried tomato. Medical interviews were conducted, vital signs were monitored, body composition was determined, and blood and saliva samples were taken at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12. The primary outcome assessed was LDL-C. The intake of high-lycopene tomato increased lycopene levels in this group compared to levels in the placebo group ( p < 0.001). In addition, high-lycopene tomato intake improved LDL-C ( p = 0.027). The intake of high-lycopene tomato, PR-7, reduced LDL-C and was confirmed to be safe.

We investigated the combined effects of 'Benifuuki,' a tea cultivar that contains O-methylated catechins like epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate, and quercetin on hepatic fat accumulation in male Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet for 15 d. Rats given 'Benifuuki'+quercetin had synergistically lower liver triglyceride (TG) level compared with rats given 'Benifuuki' or quercetin alone. Compared with 'Benifuuki' or quercetin alone, supplementation with 'Benifuuki'+quercetin resulted in a low level of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase1 (SCD1) gene expression levels. These results suggest that the combination of 'Benifuuki' and quercetin has greater liver lipid-lowing effects than that of 'Benifuuki' or quercetin alone. The liver TG-lowing effect of combination of 'Benifuuki' with quercetin may be partially mediated by the suppression of lipogenesis. The combination of 'Benifuuki' and quercetin suppresses hepatic fat accumulation in high fat high cholesterol diet fed rats, showing a new trend of 'Benifuuki' as synergist with quercetin.

(1) Background: Arteriosclerosis is associated with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. O -methylated catechins in "Benifuuki" green tea are expected to reduce cholesterol levels, although there is limited research regarding this topic; (2) Methods: This trial evaluated 159 healthy volunteers who were randomized to receive ice cream containing a high-dose of "Benifuuki" extract including 676 mg of catechins (group H), a low-dose of "Benifuuki" extract including 322 mg of catechins (group L), or no "Benifuuki" extract (group C). Each group consumed ice cream (with or without extract) daily for 12 weeks, and their lipid-related parameters were compared; (3) Results: A significant reduction in the level of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 ligand containing ApoB (LAB) was detected in group H, compared to groups L and C. No significant differences between the three groups were detected in their levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol; (4) Conclusions: "Benifuuki" extract containing O -methylated catechins may help prevent arteriosclerosis.

Green tea and its major polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) have suppressive effect on dietary obesity. However, it remains unsolved what type of diet on which they exhibit high or low anti-obesity effect. In the present study, we investigated whether anti-obesity effect of green tea differs depending on composition of fats or fatty acids that consist high-fat (HF) diet in mouse model. Green tea extract (GTE) intake dramatically suppressed weight gain and fat accumulation induced by olive oil-based HF diet, whereas the effects on those induced by beef tallow-based HF diet were weak. GTE also effectively suppressed obesity induced by unsaturated fatty acid-enriched HF diet with the stronger effect compared with that induced by saturated fatty acid-enriched HF diet. These differences would be associated with the increasing action of GTE on expression of PPARδ signaling pathway-related genes in the white adipose tissue. Expressions of genes relating to EGCG signaling pathway that is critical for exhibition of physiological effects of EGCG were also associated with the different effects of GTE. Here, we show that anti-obesity effect of GTE differs depending on types of fats or fatty acids that consist HF diet and could be attenuated by saturated fatty acid.

The green tea ( Camellia sinensis L.) cultivar &ldquo;Sunrouge&rdquo; contains anthocyanins, catechins and flavonols. To determine whether ingesting green tea containing anthocyanins improves visual function and blood pressure (BP) in healthy adults, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. A total of 120 healthy subjects, aged between 20 and 60 years and with a systolic BP (SBP) value of &le;125 and <155 and a diastolic BP (DBP) value <95, or a DBP of &le;75 mmHg and <95 mmHg and a SBP <155 mmHg, were randomly assigned to one of three groups. For 12 weeks, the placebo group received barley extract without catechin; another group received &ldquo;Sunrouge&rdquo; extract containing 11.2 mg anthocyanin and 323.6 mg epigallocatechin-3- O -gallate (EGCG); and a third group received &ldquo;Yabukita&rdquo; extract containing 322.2 mg EGCG. Home BP, accommodation ability, visual analog scale questionnaires for eyestrain, and metabolic-associated markers were analyzed at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 of the intake period. The ingestion of &ldquo;Sunrouge&rdquo; tea significantly improved accommodation ability and eyestrain in subjects younger than 45 years and in subjects who operated visual display terminals every day. It also elevated BP. &ldquo;Yabukita&rdquo; tea ingestion significantly increased serum adiponectin levels. No adverse effects were observed. We conclude that long-term intake of &ldquo;Sunrouge&rdquo; tea containing anthocyanins and flavonols might improve visual function.

Objective: Metabolic syndrome and the presence of metabolic syndrome components are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the association between personality traits and metabolic syndrome remains controversial, and few studies have been conducted in East Asian populations., Methods: We measured personality traits using the Japanese version of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (Revised Short Form) and five metabolic syndrome components-elevated waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose-in 1322 participants aged 51.1±12.7years old from Kakegawa city, Japan. Metabolic syndrome score (MS score) was defined as the number of metabolic syndrome components present, and metabolic syndrome as having the MS score of 3 or higher. We performed multiple logistic regression analyses to examine the relationship between personality traits and metabolic syndrome components and multiple regression analyses to examine the relationship between personality traits and MS scores adjusted for age, sex, education, income, smoking status, alcohol use, and family history of CVD and diabetes mellitus. We also examine the relationship between personality traits and metabolic syndrome presence by multiple logistic regression analyses., Results: "Extraversion" scores were higher in those with metabolic syndrome components (elevated waist circumference: P=0.001; elevated triglycerides: P=0.01; elevated blood pressure: P=0.004; elevated fasting glucose: P=0.002). "Extraversion" was associated with the MS score (coefficient=0.12, P=0.0003). No personality trait was significantly associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome., Conclusions: Higher "extraversion" scores were related to higher MS scores, but no personality trait was significantly associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In April 2015, Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan launched a new food labeling system known as "Foods with Function Claims (FFC)." Under this system, the food industry independently evaluates scientific evidence on foods and describes their functional properties. As of May 23, 2017, 1023 FFC containing 8 fresh foods have been launched. Meanwhile, to clarify the health-promoting effects of agricultural products, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) implemented the "Research Project on Development of Agricultural Products" and demonstrated the risk reduction of osteoporosis of β-cryptoxanthin rich Satsuma mandarins and the anti-allergic effect of the O-methylated catechin rich tea cultivar Benifuuki. These foods were subsequently released as FFC. Moreover, NARO elucidated the health-promoting effects of various functional agricultural products (β-glucan rich barley, β-conglycinin rich soybean, quercetin rich onion, etc.) and a healthy boxed lunch. This review focuses on new food labeling system or research examining functional aspects of agricultural products.

Aims: We previously reported that apple polyphenols (AP) and their major active components, procyanidins, had beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and diabetes in diabetic ob/ob mice. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of chronic AP administration on glucose tolerance in high-normal and borderline human subjects., Methods: Subjects (n=65) with a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level of 100-125mg/dL determined during a recent health check-up were randomised to receive tablets containing AP (600mg/day) or placebo tablets for 12weeks in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The primary outcome was insulin resistance, assessed using a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)., Results: The 12-week chronic administration of AP significantly reduced the increase in glucose at 30-min post-75g OGTT (OGTT 30-min glucose ) value, compared to the placebo regimen. Furthermore, in a subgroup of the high-normal (FPG value, 100-109mg/dL; 2-h post-75g OGTT glucose (OGTT 2-h glucose ) value, <140mg/dL) and borderline (FPG value, 110-125mg/dL; OGTT 2-h glucose value, <140mg/dL and FPG value, <126mg/dL; OGTT 2-h glucose value, 140-199mg/dL) subjects, OGTT 30-min glucose value in the AP group (164.0±7.4mg/dL) was significantly lower than that of the placebo group (194.7±10.4mg/dL, p<0.05). No significant changes in the other lipid parameters and cytokine levels were observed., Conclusions: Chronic AP administration significantly improved impaired glucose tolerance in high-normal and borderline subjects. Larger and/or longer-term scale human studies are required to confirm the potential glucose homeostasis of AP., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background : Previous studies have reported controversial results for the association between green tea consumption and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and body weight. Objective : The objective of this trial was to determine the effects of two kinds of green tea on LDL-cholesterol and body weight. Methods : We randomly assigned 151 participants (98 men, 53 women) aged 30-70 years into three groups: Yabukita green tea group, Benifuuki green tea group, or placebo group. Participants consumed 1.8 g/day of green tea extract powder or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were LDL-cholesterol level and body weight, and the secondary outcomes were risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Results : Both Yabukita and Benifuuki green tea significantly lowered LDL-cholesterol. The magnitudes of the lipid-lowering effect of both types of tea were significantly larger than that of placebo. No differences with respect to changes in LDL-cholesterol were observed between the Yabukita and Benifuuki green tea groups. Neither Yabukita nor Benifuuki green tea had any effect on body weight and no difference was observed among groups regarding changes in body weight. Conclusion : Both Yabukita and Benifuuki green tea lowered LDL-cholesterol, and the lipid-lowering effects of these two green teas were not different. Neither tea lowered body weight.

Here, we demonstrated the expression of the N-glycosylated extracellular ligand binding domain of receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in middle silk glands (MSGs) of transgenic silkworms using the GAL4/UAS system. Over 1 mg of sRAGE was obtained from one transgenic silkworm. sRAGE purified from the silkworm exhibited good stability and maintained specific ligand-binding ability. In addition, N-glycan analysis of sRAGE revealed that N-glucan completely lacked potentially allergenic fucose. Moreover, co-expression of biotin ligase (BirA) with C-terminal BioEase-tagged sRAGE in MSGs resulted in efficient biotinylation of sRAGE after addition of biotin bait. C-terminal biotinylated sRAGE could be immobilized onto a solid surface in one direction through binding to streptavidin without any loss of ability. The dissociation constant of sRAGE with fructose-BSA, a typical RAGE ligand, was 7.25 × 10 -7  M, consistent with that on the mammalian cell surface. Thus, we developed a novel, innovative silkworm expression system for efficient expression of recombinant sRAGE, which could serve as a basis for the elucidation of RAGE-ligand interactions and facilitate the search for new ligands and inhibitors.

Studies have suggested that the consumption of green tea reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Although epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the best studied active substance characteristic of green tea, previous results on EGCG do not appear sufficient to explain completely the mechanism of cardiovascular protection by green tea. Therefore, we investigated the effect of three different tea cultivars, "Yabukita," "Sofu," and "Sunrouge," which have characteristic flavonoid compositions, on the nitric oxide (NO) production and the related protein expression in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) fed a high-salt diet. As a result, the reduction of urinary NO metabolite (NOx) levels, which reflect whole-body NO production, caused by the high-salt diet were significantly prevented by all three tea infusions. The improvement of NOx reduction in the tea-intake groups was unlikely to be caused by the changes in oxidative damage. On the other hand, as a partial effect, only "Yabukita" or "Sofu" increased the expression of the soluble guanylate cyclase, a receptor for NO, in the thoracic aorta. In the present study, the differences in the composition of these three cultivars led to partially different effects on NO signaling in SHRs, suggesting the physiological significance of subdominant ingredients besides EGCG.

We conducted a systematic review of the literature for the ability of green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Study subjects were limited to healthy individuals and randomized, controlled trials on human serum lipid levels, especially LDL-C, conducted. A total of 17 trials (n = 1356) met all of the inclusion criteria. According to weighted mean differences for changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI), 107-856 mg/d of EGCG for 4 to 14 weeks reduced LDL-C by -9.29 mg/dl (95% CI, -12.27 to -6.31). Sub-analysis was performed to compare the EGCG lowering effect on LDL-C between non-obese and obese subjects, EGCG dose, baseline of LDL-C levels, or BMI. We concluded that consumption of green tea EGCG resulted in a significant reduction of LDL-C at any baseline level and any dose between 107 and 856 mg/d, and the effect size was slightly dependent on the baseline lipid level of the subjects.

Increased levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) in the blood circulation are correlated with atherosclerosis. Monoclonal antibody-based detection systems have been reported for OxLDL. We identified novel single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) having affinity for human OxLDL and related ligands. We constructed an scFv library from nonimmunized human spleen mRNA. Two types (γ+κ and μ+λ) of scFv phage libraries were enriched by biopanning, and five scFv clones with affinity for OxLDL were identified. The γκ5 scFv, which showed the highest affinity for OxLDL, was cloned into pET-22b(+) and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). γκ5, expressed as an inclusion body in BL21(DE3), was refolded and purified. The specificity and sensitivity of γκ5 were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The γκ5 scFv showed affinity for OxLDL and acetylated LDL. The sensitivity of γκ5 to low concentrations (1-2 μg/mL) of OxLDL was higher than that to AcLDL and LDL. Finally, we developed a sandwich ELISA using γκ5 and CTLD14 (a lectin-like OxLDL receptor-1 ligand recognition region), which allowed specific detection of OxLDL at a level below 0.1 μg/mL. Our results indicated that the γκ5 scFv was a promising molecule for the detection of modified LDL at very low concentrations., (Copyright © 2016 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Pru av 2, a pathogenesis-related (PR) protein present in the sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit, is the principal allergen of cherry and one of the chief causes of pollen food syndrome (oral allergy syndrome). In this study, a quantitative assay for this protein was developed with the use of the protein absolute quantification (AQUA) method, which consists of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) employing TGC[CAM]STDASGK[(13)C6,(15)N2], a stable isotope-labelled internal standard (SIIS) peptide. This assay gave a linear relationship (r(2)>0.99) in a concentration range (2.3-600fmol/μL), and the overall coefficient of variation (CV) for multiple tests was 14.6%. Thus, the contents of this allergenic protein in sweet cherry products could be determined using this assay. This assay should be valuable for allergological investigations of Pru av 2 in sweet cherry and detection of protein contamination in foods., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

To examine the possible benefits of tea flavonols, we compared anti-atherogenic effects between common and flavonol-rich tea cultivars. The tea infusion made from a flavonol-rich cultivar, but not a common cultivar, significantly decreased the plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein level in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet. The result suggests that tea flavonols have the potential to protect against cardiovascular diseases.

Sunrouge is an anthocyanin-rich, new tea cultivar that contains similar levels of catechins as Yabukita, the most popular tea cultivar consumed in Japan. Interestingly, Sunrouge preparations have previously been shown to have more pronounced acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and anticolitis activities than those of Yabukita. In this study, we examined their effects on expressions of self-defensive molecules, including heat shock proteins (HSPs), which are molecular chaperones involved in homeostasis and longevity. Hot water extract from freeze-dried Sunrouge significantly upregulated messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of HSP40, HSP70, and HSP32 (heme oxygenase-1), with grades greater than those shown by Yabukita. Oral administration of freeze-dried preparation of Sunrouge to male ICR mice at a dose of 1% in the basal diet for 1 month resulted in marked upregulations of several HSP mRNA expressions in mucosa from the gastrointestinal tract, especially the upper small intestine. Again, its efficacy was remarkably higher than that of Yabukita. Moreover, exposure of Caenorhabditis elegans to Sunrouge conferred thermoresistant phenotype, and also resulted in a significant life-span elongation. Taken together, our results suggest that Sunrouge is a unique and promising tea cultivar for regulating self-defense systems., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Protein NP24 is a thaumatin-like protein contained in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). This protein is reported to be a putative tomato allergen and is listed as a food allergen in Structural Database of Allergenic Proteins (SDAP). In this research, we developed the quantitative analysis of NP24 by employing the protein absolute quantification (AQUA) technology composed of stable isotope-labelled internal standard (SIIS) peptide (GQTWVINAPR[(13)C6,(15)N4]) and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). A linear relationship (r(2)>0.99) was found throughout the concentration range (2.0-500 fmol/μL). The coefficients of variation (CVs) measured on each of the five days when NP24 contained in the tomato skin was analysed did not exceed 13%. Our developed assay of NP24 will contribute to the allergological examination of tomato and its derived products., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Green tea extract (GTE) induces apoptosis of cancer cells without adversely affecting normal cells. Several clinical trials reported that GTE was well tolerated and had potential anti-cancer efficacy. Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) is the primary compound responsible for the anti-cancer effect of GTE; however, the effect of EGCG alone is limited. To identify GTE compounds capable of potentiating EGCG bioactivity, we performed metabolic profiling of 43 green tea cultivar panels by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Here, we revealed the polyphenol eriodictyol significantly potentiated apoptosis induction by EGCG in vitro and in a mouse tumour model by amplifying EGCG-induced activation of the 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR)/protein kinase B/endothelial nitric oxide synthase/protein kinase C delta/acid sphingomyelinase signalling pathway. Our results show that metabolic profiling is an effective chemical-mining approach for identifying botanical drugs with therapeutic potential against multiple myeloma. Metabolic profiling-based data mining could be an efficient strategy for screening additional bioactive compounds and identifying effective chemical combinations.

A novel O-methyltransferase gene was isolated from Flammulina velutipes. The isolated full-length cDNA was composed of a 690-nucleotide open reading frame encoding 230 amino acids. A database search revealed that the deduced amino acid sequence was similar to those of other O-methyltransferases; the highest identity was only 61.8% with Laccaria bicolor. The recombinant enzyme was expressed by Escherichia coli. BL21 (DE3) was assessed for its ability to methylate (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG). LC-TOF-MS and NMR revealed that the enzyme produced five kinds of O-methylated EGCGs: (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl)gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(4-O-methyl)gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3,4-O-dimethyl)gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3,5-O-dimethyl)gallate, and (-)-4'-O-methylepigallocatechin-3-O-(3,5-O-dimethyl)gallate. The substrate specificity of the enzyme for 20 kinds of polyphenols was assessed using the crude recombinant enzyme of O-methyltransferase. This enzyme introduced methyl group(s) into polyphenols with pyrocatechol and pyrogallol structures.

Background: Stimulation with antigen and IgE is known to activate NF-κB in mast cells. In the present research, we studied the role of NF-κB on cellular migration in mast cell-like RBL-2H3 cells and bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) using the NF-κB inhibitor (-)-DHMEQ., Methods: A Matrigel invasion chamber was used to evaluate cell migration. A PCR array was used to screen the expression of 84 key genes involved in cell migration., Results: (-)-DHMEQ inhibited antigen/IgE-induced NF-κB activation and expressions of its target genes such as IL-6 and TNF-α. (-)-DHMEQ was found to inhibit in vitro invasion toward the antigen without any toxicity. We then looked for NF-κB-dependent genes that would be important for mast cell invasion using the PCR array. (-)-DHMEQ was found to lower the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2. The MMP inhibitor GM6001 also inhibited cellular invasion toward the antigen. These effects of (-)-DHMEQ were obtained in both RBL-2H3 cells and BMMCs., Conclusions: These findings indicate that (-)-DHMEQ suppressed mast cell migration via the inhibition of NF-κB-regulated MMP-2 expression., (© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The major polyphenols in green tea, (-)-epigallocatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, have been shown to enhance the phagocytic activity of macrophage-like cells; however, the mechanism involved was not clarified. In this study, we have identified that the catechins induced phagocytosis can be blocked by catalase and an inhibitor of transient receptor potential melastatin 2.

Background: Methylated catechin, one of the active ingredients in green tea, has been reported to ameliorate allergic reactions. We evaluated the efficacy of 'Benifuuki' green tea, which contains O-methylated epigallocatechin-3-O-[3-O-methyl] gallate (O-methylated EGCG), in alleviating Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP)., Methods: The study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The subjects with JCP were randomly assigned to drink 700ml of 'Benifuuki' green tea containing O-methylated EGCG or 'Yabukita' green tea (not containing O-methylated EGCG) as a placebo every day from December 2007 through March 2008, which includes the pollen season. The primary outcome was the area under the curve (AUC) of symptom scores during the peak pollen season., Results: Fifty-one adults with JCP participated in the study. Twenty-six subjects were assigned to 'Benifuuki' and 25 to 'Yabukita'. The AUC of symptom score during the peak pollen season in the 'Benifuuki' group was significantly smaller than in the 'Yabukita' group for each of runny nose, itchy eyes, tearing, total nasal symptom score, total ocular symptom score, nasal symptom-medication score and ocular symptom-medication score. The total QOL-related questionnaire score for one week in the peak pollen season was significantly better in the 'Benifuuki' group. Increase in the peripheral eosinophil count in response to pollen exposure was suppressed in the 'Benifuuki' group. No adverse events were reported in either group., Conclusions: 'Benifuuki' green tea containing a large amount of O-methylated EGCG reduced the symptoms of JCP and has potential as a complementary/alternative medicine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis.

A fundamental means of allergic disease prevention, via the use of functional food factors, is desirable. A number of studies on the role of functional food factors in preventing allergic diseases have been reported. In this review, the preventive effects of polyphenols, carotenoids, polysaccharides, and non-digestible oligosaccharides on allergic diseases are discussed.

An enzyme catalyzing the methylation of phenolic hydroxyl groups in polyphenols was identified from mycelial cultures of edible mushrooms to synthesize O-methylated polyphenols. Enzyme activity was measured to assess whether methyl groups were introduced into (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) using SAM as a methyl donor, and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl)-gallate (EGCG3″Me), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(4-O-methyl)-gallate (EGCG4″Me), and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3,5-O-dimethyl)-gallate (EGCG3″,5″diMe) peaks were detected using crude enzyme preparations from mycelial cultures of Flammulina velutipes. The enzyme was purified using chromatographic and two-dimensional electrophoresis. The purified enzyme was subsequently analyzed on the basis of the partial amino acid sequence using LC-MS/MS. Partial amino acid sequencing identified the 17 and 12 amino acid sequences, VLEVGTLGGYSTTWLAR and TGGIIIVDNVVR. In database searches, these sequences showed high identity with O-methyltransferases from other mushroom species and completely matched 11 of 17 and 9 of 12 amino acids from five other mushroom O-methyltransferases.

Seven new O-methylated theaflavins (TFs) were synthesized by using O-methyltransferase from an edible mushroom. Using TFs and O-methylated TFs, metabolic stability in pooled human liver S9 fractions and inhibitory effect on H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative damage in human HepG2 cells were investigated. In O-methylation of theaflavin 3'-O-gallate (TF3'G), metabolic stability was potentiated by an increase in the number of introduced methyl groups. O-methylation of TF3,3'G did not affect metabolic stability, which was likely because of a remaining 3-O-galloyl group. The inhibitory effect on oxidative damage was assessed by measuring the viability of H(2)O(2)-damaged HepG2 cells treated with TFs and O-methylated TFs. TF3,3'G and O-methylated TFs increased cell viabilities significantly compared with DMSO, which was the compound vehicle (p < 0.05), and improved to approximately 100%. Only TF3'G did not significantly increase cell viability. It was suggested that the inhibitory effect on H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative damage was potentiated by O-methylation or O-galloylation of TFs.

A known O-methylated theaflavin, theaflavin 3-O-(3-O-methyl)gallate (3MeTF3G), and the new theaflavin 3-O-(3,5-di-O-methyl)gallate (3,5diMeTF3G) were synthesized via the O-methylation of theaflavin 3-O-gallate (TF3G). Both 3MeTF3G and 3,5diMeTF3G are more stable than TF3G at pH 7.5 in the order 3,5diMeTF3G > 3MeTF3G > TF3G. The inhibitory effects of these compounds on the intracellular accumulation of triglycerides from terminally differentiated human visceral adipocytes were investigated. Compound 3MeTF3G exhibited an inhibitory effect similar to that of TF3G at 3 μM and a slightly lower effect than that of TF3G at 10 μM. The result suggested that the degradants and oxidatively polymerized products of TF3G may also have inhibitory effects. For cells treated with 3,5diMeTF3G at 3 and 10 μM, intracellular triglyceride accumulation was dose dependent and significantly lower compared with that for other compounds. It was suggested that the higher effect of 3,5diMeTF3G was due to its higher stability and likely improved absorption owing to di-O-methylation.

Japan is a major tea producing country, and green tea is known for its health benefits which are believed to be due to catechins. However, difficulties in maintaining an adequate amount of catechins in the blood have been reported. Another important health-promoting activity among the Japanese is bathing in hot springs. This pilot study examined whether the combined effects of green tea consumption and hot spring bathing improved absorption of green tea catechins. The study, with a comparative within-subject design involving two different intervention trials--green tea consumption with hot spring bathing and only green tea consumption--was conducted on 2 separate days. Plasma levels of catechin; (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) were analyzed from four volunteers. Plasma EGCG concentration was found to be higher for the combined trial of green tea consumption and hot spring bathing., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We investigated the effects of extracts of Benifuuki (a tea cultivar that contains methylated catechins such as epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate (EGCG3"Me)) in mice fed a high-fat/high-sucrose (HF/HS) diet. This tea cultivar was then compared with an extract of Yabukita (a popular tea cultivar that lacks methylated catechins). For 6 weeks, C57BL/6J mice were fed either HF/HS diet with or without tea extracts from tea cultivars, which contained almost identical ingredients except for methylated catechins (i.e., Yabukita (0.2% and 1%) or Benifuuki (0.2% and 1%) extract powders). Supplementation with Benifuuki 0.2% markedly lowered plasma levels of TG and NEFAs compared with mice supplemented with Yabukita 0.2%. The diet containing Benifuuki 1% decreased adipose tissue weights, liver TG, and expression of lipogenic genes in the liver. These results suggested that Benifuuki had much greater lipid-lowering effects than Yabukita. Taken together, these data suggest that methylated catechins direct the strong lipid-lowering activity of Benifuuki.

Many previous epidemiological studies have revealed that green tea or green tea catechins contributed to the preveintion of lifestyle-related diseases. Several cohort studies on the relationship between green tea consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk/type 2 diabetes mellitus risk have been conducted. The results showed that green tea consumption (5 or more cups/day) was inversely associated with mortality from CVD and all causes. Within CVD mortality, the strongest inverse association was observed for stroke mortality. Furthermore, consumption of green tea, coffee, and total caffeine was associated with a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, the analysis of randomized clinical trial (RCT) studies showed that the administration of green tea beverages or extracts resulted in significant reductions in serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, but had no apparent effect on HDL-cholesterol. Green tea reduced fasting blood glucose levels in a small intervention trial, although no improvements in HbA1c levels were seen. Continuous intake of green tea containing catechins and caffeine (5 or more cups per day) may be beneficial for body weight management, vascular disease risk reduction via LDL-cholesterol improvement, and type 2 diabetes risk reduction through the lowering of fasting blood glucose levels. Epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate (EGCG3"Me) isolated from cv. "Benifuuki" green tea has been shown to strongly inhibit mast cell activation and histamine release after FcepsilonRI cross-linking through the suppression of tyrosine phosphorylation (Lyn) of cellular protein kinase, and the suppression of myosin light chain phosphorylation and high-affinity IgE receptor expression via the binding to 67 kDa laminin receptors. A double-blind clinical study on subjects with Japanese cedar pollinosis was carried out. At the eleventh week after starting intake, which was coincident with the most severe period of cedar pollen-scattering, symptoms such as nose blowing and eye itching were significantly relieved in the Benifuuki group compared with the placebo group. Six weeks of intake of Benifuuki green tea containing O-methylated catechins was useful for reducing some of the symptoms derived from Japanese cedar pollinosis, and did not affect any of the normal immune responses in the subjects with Japanese cedar pollinosis. Based on an investigation into the effects of the cultivars, tea seasons of crops and manufacturing methods, it was concluded that green or semi-fermented tea made from fully-matured Benifuuki in the second crop season should be consumed.

Our previous study indicated that a diet containing a high dose (1%) of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) disrupted liver and kidney function via a reduction in antioxidant enzyme and heat shock protein (HSP) levels in both colitis and non-treated ICR mice. In the present study, we assessed the effects of 0.01%, 0.1%, and 1% dietary GTPs on liver and kidney physiological functioning in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-exposed and normal mice. GTPs at 0.01% and 0.1% significantly suppressed DSS-increased serum aspartate 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. In contrast, GTPs at 1% increased kidney weight, serum creatinine levels, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) in both the kidney and the liver in normal mice, as compared with DSS-exposed mice. GTPs at 0.01% and 0.1% remarkably upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA in the liver and kidney of mice exposed to DSS, whereas GTPs at 1% abolished it. Our results indicate that low and medium doses of GTPs have beneficial effects on DSS-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity via upregulation of self-protective enzymes, while these effects disappeared at a high dose.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of leaf order or crop season on anthocyanins and other chemicals in the anthocyanin-rich tea cultivar 'Sunrouge' (Camellia sinensis x C. taliensis) by using high-performance liquid chromatography, and to study the effect of 'Sunrouge' extract on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells., Results: The total anthocyanin content was higher in the third (3.09 mg g⁻¹) than in the second (2.24 mg g⁻¹) or first crop season (1.79 mg g⁻¹). The amount of anthocyanins contained in the stem was high (1.61 mg g⁻¹). In the third crop season, the concentrations of delphinidin-3-O-β-D-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)galactopyranoside (DCGa), cyanidin-3-O-β-D-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)galactopyranoside, delphinidin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside, delphinidin-3-O-β-D-(6-O-(Z)-p-coumaroyl)galactopyranoside, cyanidin-3-O-β-D-galactoside, and delphinidin-3-O-β-D-glucoside were 1.57 mg g⁻¹, 0.52 mg g⁻¹, 0.40 mg g⁻¹, 0.22 mg g⁻¹, 0.14 mg g⁻¹, and 0.11 mg g⁻¹, respectively. DCGa accounted for about 50% of the anthocyanins present. The suppressive effect of 'Sunrouge' water extract on AChE activity in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells was the strongest among the three tea cultivars ('Sunrouge', 'Yabukita' and 'Benifuuki')., Conclusion: These results suggested that 'Sunrouge' might protect humans from humans from AChE-related diseases by suppressing AChE activity. To obtain sufficient amounts of anthocyanins, catechins and/or caffeine for a functional food material, 'Sunrouge' from the third crop season should be used., (Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Delphinidin-3-O-galactoside (D3G) is a water-soluble anthocyanin with antioxidant activity. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is also known as a powerful antioxidant but concomitantly possesses a prooxidative property. We hypothesized that D3G is capable of protecting the EGCG-induced cytotoxicity and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress via inducing self-protective proteins and antioxidant enzymes. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (200-500 μM) dose dependently decreased the viability of hepa1c1c-7 mouse hepatocytes, whereas D3G (50-500 μM) did not change it. Pretreatment with D3G significantly suppressed EGCG-induced cytotoxicity in a time-dependent manner (0, 6, and 24 hours). (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate drastically decreased heme oxygenase-1 and heat shock protein 70 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, whereas, pretreatment with D3G markedly attenuated their down-regulations. Delphinidin-3-O-galactoside remarkably decreased EGCG-induced ER stress responses such as C/EBP-homologus protein mRNA expression and X-box-binding protein-1 mRNA splicing. Taken together, our data suggest that D3G is capable of masking the EGCG-induced cytotoxicity and ER stress, presumably through up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Sunrouge, an anthocyanin-rich tea, has similar levels of catechins as "Yabukita," the most popular green tea cultivar consumed in Japan. Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) have attracted interest due to their potent antioxidative activities combined with a lack of side effects in humans at normal consumption levels. However, we previously reported that high doses (0.5 and 1%) of dietary GTPs can result in deterioration of colitis and failed to prevent colon carcinogenesis in inflamed colons. In the present study, we determined the inhibitory effects of Sunrouge on colitis in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated and untreated control mice. Five-week-old female ICR mice were administered a single dose of Yabukita or Sunrouge (extracts in 1 mL distilled water) via a stomach tube for 3 weeks. After 1 week of treatment, the mice were divided into four groups (two Yabukita and two Sunrouge groups) and given drinking water with or without 3% DSS for 2 weeks, then they were euthanized. Those treated with DSS developed watery diarrhea and bloody stools, and showed body weight loss, spleen hypertrophy, and shortening of the colon, as well as deteriorations in survival rate, liver function, colon mucosal interleukin-1β level and expression of phase II detoxification enzyme mRNA. Sunrouge improved these DSS-induced symptoms, at least in part, whereas Yabukita showed either no effect or adverse effects in regard to some those parameters. It is suggested that the differences between Yabukita and Sunrouge on DSS-induced colitis might be due to the high levels of anthocyanins found in Sunrouge tea., (Copyright © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

It has been reported that epigallocatechin-3-O-(3″-O-methyl)-gallate (EGCG3″Me) and the EGCG3″Me-rich green tea ( Camellia sinensis L.) cultivar 'Benifuuki' exhibit antiallergic effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of various tea leaf catechins on histamine release from murine bone marrow mast cells (BMMC). At a dose of 50 μg/mL, the rank order of histamine release inhibition was observed to be epicatechin-3-O-(3″-O-methyl)-gallate (ECG3″Me) > gallocatechin-3-O-(3″-O-methyl)-gallate (GCG3″Me) > EGCG3″Me > gallocatechin-gallate (GCG) > catechin-gallate (CG) > EGCG > epicatechin-gallate (ECG) > epigallocatechin (EGC) > gallocatechin (GC). Of the various tea cultivars analyzed by HPLC, the greatest content of ECG3″Me was found in the third crop of 'Benifuuki' (1.05% dry weight). Moreover, ECG3″Me content was positively correlated with EGCG3″Me content in 'Benifuuki' tea leaves. In an assay of mixtures of ECG3″Me and EGCG3″Me, inhibitory activity (50 μg/mL in total) was increased as the content of ECG3″Me increased. This suggests that ECG3″Me might link to the antiallergic effect of 'Benifuuki' tea, as has been reported for EGCG3″Me.

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) senses viral single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), induces the production of type I interferons (IFNs), IFN-α and -β, in macrophages such as dendritic cells (DCs), and its immune system protects the host from virus infection. Here, we found that a crude extract from immature green tea leaves (iTPS) containing a macromolecule with ssRNA fragments, induces IFN-α production in human macrophage-like cells. In addition IFN-α production was inhibited by treatment with TLR7 inhibitors or a phagocytosis inhibitor.

Previously, we reported that oral feeding of 1% green tea polyphenols (GTPs) aggravated the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. In the present study, we assessed the toxicity of 1% GTPs in several organs from normal and DSS-exposed mice. Sixty-two male ICR mice were initially divided into four groups. Non-treated group (group 1, n = 15) was given standard diet and water, GTPs (group 2, n = 15) received 1% GTPs in diet and water, DSS (group 3, n = 15) received diet and 5% DSS in water, and GTPs + DSS group (group 4, n = 17) received 1% GTPs in diet and 5% DSS in water. We found that group 4 significantly increased (P < 0.05) kidney weight, the levels of serum creatinine and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in both kidney and liver, as compared with those in group 3. The mRNA expression levels of antioxidant enzymes and heat-shock proteins (HSPs) in group 4 were lower than those of group 3. For instance, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), HSP27, and 90 mRNA in the kidney of group 4 were dramatically down-regulated as compared with those of group 3. Furthermore, 1% GTPs diet decreased the expression of HO-1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and HSP90 in kidney and liver of non-treated mice. Taken together, our results indicate that high-dose GTPs diet disrupts kidney functions through the reduction of antioxidant enzymes and heat-shock protein expressions in not only colitis but also non-treated ICR mice.

Mast cells are major effectors in high-affinity IgE receptor (FcɛRI)-dependent allergic reactions. Here we show that phospholipase C (PLC)-β3 is crucial for FcɛRI-mediated mast cell activation. Plcb3(-/-) mice showed blunted FcɛRI-dependent late-phase, but not acute, anaphylactic responses and airway inflammation. Accordingly, FcɛRI stimulation of Plcb3(-/-) mast cells exhibited reduced cytokine production but normal degranulation. Reduced cytokine production in Plcb3(-/-) cells could be accounted for by increased activity of the negative regulatory Src family kinase Lyn and reduced activities of the positive regulatory protein kinases MAPKs. Mechanistically, PLC-β3 constitutively interacts with FcɛRI, Lyn, and SHP-1 (protein phosphatase). SHP-1 probably recognizes its substrates Lyn and MAPKs via the recently described kinase tyrosine-based inhibitory motif, KTIM. Consistent with PLC-β3- and SHP-1-mediated repression of Lyn activity by dephosphorylation at Tyr396, FcɛRI-mediated phenotypes were similar in Plcb3(-/-) and SHP-1 mutant mast cells. Thus, we have defined a PLC-β3- and SHP-1-mediated signaling pathway for FcɛRI-mediated cytokine production., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

New red leaf tea cultivar 'Sunrouge' (Camellia taliensis × Camellia sinensis), for which an application for registration was made in 2009, is an anthocyanin-rich tea. The anthocyanin content of 'Sunrouge' was the highest among 4 tea cultivars, and was 8.4 times higher than that of 'Yabukita'. We purified and isolated 6 anthocyanins from 'Sunrouge' by chromatography, and identified them by LC/MS/MS and NMR analysis. As a result, the four anthocyanins were identified as delphinidin-3-O-β-D-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)galactopyranoside (2), delphinidin-3-O-β-D-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)glucopyranoside (3), cyanidin-3-O-β-D-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)galactopyranoside (4), and cyanidin-3-O-β-D-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)glucopyranoside (5), and the other two were estimated as delphinidin-(Z)-p-coumaroylgalactopyranoside (1), petunidin-(E)-p-coumaroylgalactopyranoside (6). Compound 3 was found in tea for the first time. In general, anthocyanins have various bioactivities, including relieving eyestrain and antioxidative effects, so it is expected that drinking 'Sunrouge' tea brings in similar bioactivities.

Tea polyphenols, e.g., (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl gallate (EGCG3"Me), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG), and (-)-epicatechin (EC), are believed to be responsible for the beneficial effects of tea. 'Benifuuki', a tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cultivar grown in Japan, is rich in the anti-allergic molecule epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate (EGCG3"Me). Pulverized Benifuuki green tea powder (BGP) is more widely distributed than leaf tea in Japan. Japanese people mix their pulverized tea with water directly, whereas it is common to drink leaf tea after extraction. However, few studies of the effects of BGP particle size on polyphenol bioavailability have been performed. This study was conducted to investigate the absorption of catechins in rats after the intragastric administration of Benifuuki green tea. Therefore, we assessed the plasma concentrations of catechins following the ingestion of BGP with different mean particle sizes (2.86, 18.6, and 76.1 μm) or Benifuuki green tea infusion (BGI) as a control in rats. The bioavailabilities of EGCG3"Me, EGCG, ECG, EGC, and EC were analyzed after the oral administration of a single dose of Benifuuki green tea (125 mg/rat) to rats. The plasma concentrations of tea catechins were determined by HPLC analysis combined with of electrochemical detection (ECD) using a coulometric array. The AUC (area under the drug concentration versus time curve; min μg/mL) of ester-type catechins (EGCG3"Me, EGCG, and ECG) for the BGP 2.86 μm were significantly higher than those in the infusion and 18.6 and 76.1 μm BGP groups, but the AUC of free-type catechins (EGC and EC) showed no differences between these groups. Regarding the peak plasma level of EGCG3"Me adjusted for intake, BGP 2.86 μm and BGI showed higher values than the BGP 18.6 and 76.1 μm groups, and the peak plasma levels of the other catechins displayed the same tendency. The present study demonstrates that the bioavailability of ester-type catechins (EGCG and ECG) can be improved by reducing the particle size of green tea, but the plasma level of EGCG3"Me in the BGI group was similar to that in the BGP 2.86 μm group. This result suggests that drinking Benifuuki green tea with a particle size of around 2 μm would deliver the anti-allergic EGCG3"Me and the anti-oxidant EGCG efficiently.