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Green mandarins are widely consumed unripe as mandarin oranges (Citrus unshiu Marcov.), which exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was performed to verify the skin improvement efficacy and safety of green mandarin extract (PTE). For the standardization of PTE, narirutin was set as a marker compound, and PTE with a constant narirutin content was prepared for the study. After randomizing subjects with periorbital wrinkles, they were orally administered PTE (300 mg/day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Periorbital wrinkles were measured using PRIMOSCR SF. Skin elasticity, moisture content, transepidermal water loss, and gloss were also measured. In the study results, the depth, volume, and skin roughness of the periorbital wrinkles were significantly improved compared to the control group (p = 0.011, 0.009, and 0.004, respectively). The survey confirmed that the skin condition improved after PTE consumption for 12 weeks. No adverse reactions associated with PTE were observed during the study period. Thus, the results demonstrate that PTE effectively improves UV-induced skin wrinkles. Therefore, it is considered that PTE has sufficient value as a functional food ingredient that can prevent skin aging.

Herein, a new species of the genus Trichoglossum is described. The new species named as T. jejuense was collected from Jeju Island in Korea. It is distinguished from other Trichoglossum species by thick, 8-spored asci and 15–16 septate ascospores. Phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal RNA and morphological characteristics suggest that T. jejuense is a distinct species.

Brown algae are known to contain rich anti-inflammatory compounds. The objective of this study was to identify anti-inflammatory compound in the Sargassum macrocarpum and anti-inflammatory effect of tuberatolide B (TTB) was investigated. TTB significantly suppressed the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β. In addition, the mechanism involved in the inhibition of the inflammatory effect of LPS by TTB was investigated. The results showed that TTB aforementioned this effect through NF-κB and MAPKs phosphorylation pathways. We also assessed the anti-inflammatory activity of TTB using in vivo zebrafish model. In LPS-stimulated zebrafish, TTB enhanced survival and significantly inhibited the NO production and mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase. Therefore, anti-inflammatory activity of TTB against LPS in RAW264.7 cells and the zebrafish model was determined. These finding suggest that TTB may be used as functional anti-inflammatory foods and nutraceuticals.

Highlights • Lipid accumulation in the 3T3-L1 cells were inhibited by treatment with DRE. • The expression levels of SREBP1c, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and FAS were decreased by DRE. • HFD induced fat mice showed lower rate of weight gain and serum TG level through DRE administration., This study confirms the anti-obesity effect of the ethyl acetate fraction of Distylium racemosum (DRE), a member of Hamamelidaceae, that naturally grows on Jeju Island, on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. This study further demonstrated that DRE exhibits anti-obesity effects in C57BL/6 obese mice. The degree of adipocyte differentiation was determined using Oil red O stain; results indicated a decrease in fat globules, which was dependent on DRE concentration, when pre-adipocytes were treated with differentiation-inducing agents. In addition, this significantly reduced the expression of the adipogenic transcription factor and related genes. C57BL/6 obese mice treated with DRE showed a lower rate of body weight gain than the high-fat diet (HFD) group mice. Further, the level of serum triglyceride in the DRE treatment group was lower than that in the HFD group. The findings show that DRE are capable of suppressing adipocyte accumulation; therefore, DRE may represent a promising source of functional materials for the anti-obesity.

A phytochemical application of leaves from Ficus erecta var. sieboldii (Miq.) King has not been widely investigated. We determined an anti-inflammatory effect of F. erecta extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated production through modulation of several pro-inflammatory mediators and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Among the F. erecta extracts, the CH2Cl2 fraction (CFE) most effectively suppressed the LPS-mediated production of nitric oxide (NO) in Raw264.7 cells. As determined by immunoblotting and PCR, CFE was shown to have an inhibitory effect on LPS-induced mRNA and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, CFE showed significant inhibitory effects on LPS-mediated production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 (P2 production were syringaresinol (C1) and 6,7-furano-5-methoxy hydrocoumaric acid (C2). In conclusion, CFE showed an inhibitory effect on LPS-mediated inflammatory responses by suppressing iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 production. The compounds C1 and C2 showed strong inhibitory effects on LPS-mediated production of PGE2 and may be applicable as starter compounds for developing anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive drugs.

3-Bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) is a natural bromophenol compound that is most commonly isolated from red algae. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of BDB on atopic dermatitis (AD) in mice induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages. BDB treatment (100 mg/kg) resulted in suppression of the development of AD symptoms compared with the control treatment (induction-only), as demonstrated by reduced immunoglobulin E levels in serum, smaller lymph nodes with reduced thickness and length, a decrease in ear edema, and reduced levels of inflammatory cell infiltration in the ears. In RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, BDB (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μM) suppressed the production of interleukin-6, a proinflammatory cytokine, in a dose-dependent manner. BDB also had an inhibitory effect on the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1; Tyr 701), two major signaling molecules involved in cellular inflammation. Taken together, the results show that BDB treatment alleviates inflammatory responses in an atopic dermatitis mouse model and RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest that BDB may be a useful therapeutic strategy for treating conditions involving allergic inflammation such as atopic dermatitis.

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated the efficacy of Litsea japonica fruit extract (LJF) in subjects with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Eighty-seven 50- to 70-year-old subjects with knee OA were assigned to a placebo group, a low-dose LJF group (LJF-L, 100 mg/d) or a high-dose LJF group (LJF-H, 200 mg/d) for 12 weeks. The outcome measures were pain score assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS); Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores; and blood and urine biomarkers. In response to LJF consumption, VAS scores; WOMAC total scores; WOMAC scores on the pain, stiffness and function subscales; and blood MMP-9 levels significantly improved over the course of the examined 12-week period ( P = 0.0001, 0.0102, 0.0293, 0.002, 0.0152 and 0.026, respectively). This study suggests that LJF may reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve joint function in subjects with painful knee OA. Study identifier: KCT0001029 ( www.who.int/ictrp/en/ ).

We evaluated the effects of Cynanchum wilfordii (CW) ethanolic extract on blood cholesterol levels in adults with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel trial, 84 subjects were recruited. Participants were randomly divided into two groups with a low-dose (300 mg/d) or high-dose (600 mg/d) of CW. Levels of very low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.022) and triglycerides (p = 0.022) were significantly lower in the low-dose CW group than in the placebo group after 8 weeks. In a subgroup of participants with LDL-C&ge, 150 mg/dL (n = 33), there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol (low-dose, p = 0.012, high-dose, p = 0.021), apolipoprotein B (low-dose, p = 0.022, high-dose, p = 0.016), and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (low-dose, p = 0.037, high-dose, p = 0.016) after 8 weeks of CW. The correlation between changes in total cholesterol and baseline LDL-C levels was significant in the groups that received both doses of CW (low-dose, p = 0.010, high-dose, p = 0.015). These results show that the CW ethanolic extract can regulate blood cholesterol in subjects with LDL-C&ge, 150 mg/dL.

The present study investigated the photoprotective properties of the ethyl acetate fraction of Sargassum muticum (SME) against ultraviolet B (UVB)‑induced skin damage and photoaging in a mouse model. HR‑1 strain hairless male mice were divided into three groups: An untreated control group, a UVB‑irradiated vehicle group and a UVB‑irradiated SME group. The UVB‑irradiated mice in the SME group were orally administered with SME (100 mg/kg body weight in 0.1 ml water per day) and then exposed to radiation at a dose of 60‑120 mJ/cm2. Wrinkle formation and skin damage were evaluated by analysis of skin replicas, epidermal thickness and collagen fiber integrity in the dermal connective tissue. The mechanism underlying the action of SME was also investigated in the human HaCaT keratinocyte cell line following exposure of the cells to UVB at a dose of 30 mJ/cm2. The protein expression levels and activity of matrix metalloproteinase‑1 (MMP‑1), and the binding of activator protein‑1 (AP‑1) to the MMP‑1 promoter were assessed in the HaCaT cells using western blot analysis, an MMP‑1 fluorescent assay and a chromatin immune‑precipitation assay, respectively. The results showed that the mean length and depth of the wrinkles in the UVB‑exposed hairless mice were significantly improved by oral administration of SME, which also prevented the increase in epidermal thickness triggered by UVB irradiation. Furthermore, a marked increase in collagen bundle formation was observed in the UVB‑treated mice with SME administration. SME pretreatment also significantly inhibited the UVB‑induced upregulation in the expression and activity of MMP‑1 in the cultured HaCaT keratinocytes, and the UVB‑enhanced association of AP‑1 with the MMP‑1 promoter. These results suggested that SME may be useful as an anti-photoaging resource for the skin.

This study determined the anti-obesity effect of Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum Baker extract (CAE) on adipocytes and obese mice. The inhibitory effects of CAE on adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis were determined using differentiation induction medium in 3T3-L1 cells. To get an insight into underlying molecular actions of CAE, we investigated the changes in the expression levels of genes involved in lipogenesis by CAE treatment using qRT-PCR. CAE strongly suppressed adipocyte differentiation through downregulation of PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBP β, and aP2. CAE treatment could also suppress the expression levels of ACC, FAS, LPL and HMGCR gene in 3T3-L1 cells. Male C57BL/6 strain and C57BL/6J-ob/ob strain mice were fed with HFD containing 60% fat and normal diet in the presence or absence of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg CAE for 7 weeks. CAE supplementation could highly suppress the body weight gain and epididymal fat accumulation without changes in food uptake in both obese models. Increases in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were highly suppressed in the presence of CAE. In summary, CAE has an anti-obesity effect and this anti-obesity potential might be associated with downregulation of genes involved in adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis.

600여 종의 제주 천연 추출물을 이용하여 항산화 효과를 스크린한 결과, 조록나무 잎 추출물이 가장 높은 항산화 효과를 나타내었다. 조록나무는 조록나무과에 속하는 상록 나무로써 제주 천연자원이다. 본 연구에서는 극성이 다른 유기용매(헥산, 메틸렌 클로라이드, 에틸 아세테이트, 부탄올, 물)로 순차적으로 분획 한 조록나무물질 5가지를 이용하여 항산화 효과 및 간세포와 폐세포를 이용하여 세포 보호능을 확인하였다. 에틸 아세테이트 분획물질은 0.5mg/mL에서 약93%로 가장 우수한 DPPH 라디칼 소거능을 보이며 양성 대조군으로 사용한 quercetin 보다 높은 효능을 보였다. 총 페놀 함량을 확인 한 결과, 에틸 아세테이트 분획물질은 505 mg GAE/g로 가장 높은 총 페놀 함량을 보였으며, 모든 추출물에서 DPPH 라디칼 소거능과 연관성 있는 결과를 보였다. 또한 에틸 아세테이트 분획물질은 H2O2에 대한 산화적 스트레스로부터 다른 분획 물질보다 높은 세포보호효과를 나타내었다. 본 연구를 통해 조록나무의 에틸 아세테이트 분획물질의 높은 항산화 효과를 확인하였으며, 천연 항산화 소재의 가능성이 높을 것으로 사료된다.

Allergic skin inflammation such as atopic dermatitis is characterized by skin barrier dysfunction, edema, and infiltration with various inflammatory cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone, isolated from Sargassum muticum, have been described in many diseases, but the mechanism by which it modulates the immune system is poorly understood. In this study, the ability of Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone to suppress allergic reactions was investigated using a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. The Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone-treated group showed significantly decreased immunoglobulin E in serum. Also, Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone treatment resulted in a smaller lymph node size with reduced the thickness and length compared to the induction group. In addition, Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone inhibited the expression of interleukin-4, interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin-stimulated lymphocytes. These results suggest that Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone may be a useful therapeutic strategy for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

The anti-inflammatory activities of the products of supercritical fluid extraction of Litsea japonica fruit (SFELJF) using supercritical carbon dioxide were investigated. The SFELJF extract dose-dependently inhibited the production of inflammatory markers [nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)] and proinflammatory cytokines [tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. To further elucidate the mechanisms underlying these inhibitory effects, LPS-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation were studied. The SFELJF extract inhibited NF-κB (p65 and p50) activation and MAPK [extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38] phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activities of SFELJF extracts are due to proinflammatory cytokines and mediators via suppression of NF-κB activation and MAPK phosphorylation.

Pinus thunbergii is a black pine that has been widely used in health-promoting foods. This study was conducted to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of the alcohol-aqueous extract of Pinus thunbergii PARL leaves (PTE) in ethanol-induced liver-damaged mice. PTE increased the weight and survival rate of mice while reducing the levels of serum hepatic marker enzymes. PTE also restored the levels of antioxidant enzymes in liver tissues while drastically increasing lipid peroxidation concentrations. Histopathological examination of PTE-treated mice presented relatively less lipid droplets and hepatic tissue damage compared to ethanol-treated mice. Finally, to identify PTE components, Natural Products Application Solution with UNIFI along with an in-house library was processed and results revealed 35 compounds in the extract. These compounds were reported to exhibit significant antioxidant and/or hepatoprotective properties. Our results suggest that PTE improves liver function and can be developed as a food product with hepatoprotective effects.

Periodontal diseases are caused by bacterial infection and may progress to chronic dental disease, severe inflammation may result in bone loss. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent bacterial infection or control inflammation. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) are responsible for the maintenance of tissue integrity and immune and inflammatory events in periodontal diseases. The formation of bacterial complexes by Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis is crucial in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. F. nucleatum is a facultative anaerobic species, considered to be a key mediator of dental plaque maturation and aggregation of other oral bacteria. P. gingivalis is an obligate anaerobic species that induces gingival inflammation by secreting virulence factors. In this study, we investigated whether Osmunda japonica extract exerted anti-inflammatory effects in primary PDLFs stimulated by oral pathogens. PDLFs were stimulated with F. nucleatum or P. gingivalis. We showed that pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and IL-8) expression was induced by LPS or bacterial infection but decreased by treatment with O. japonica extract following bacterial infection. We found that the activation of NF-&kappa, B, a transcription factor for pro-inflammatory cytokines, was modulated by O. japonica extract. Thus, O. japonica extract has immunomodulatory activity that can be harnessed to control inflammation.

Periodontal disease, a chronic disease caused by bacterial infection, eventually progresses to severe inflammation and bone loss. Regulating excessive inflammation of inflamed periodontal tissues is critical in treating periodontal diseases. The periodontal ligament (PDL) is primarily a connective tissue attachment between the root and alveolar bone. PDL fibroblasts (PDLFs) produce pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to bacterial infection, which could further adversely affect the tissue and cause bone loss. In this study, we determined the ability of Litsea japonica leaf extract (LJLE) to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production in PDLFs in response to various stimulants. First, we found that LJLE treatment reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-6 and interleukin-8) mRNA and protein expression in PDLFs without cytotoxicity. Next, we observed the anti-inflammatory effect of LJLE in PDLFs after infection with various oral bacteria, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia. These anti-inflammatory effects of LJLE were dose-dependent, and the extract was effective following both pretreatment and posttreatment. Moreover, we found that LJLE suppressed the effect of interleukin-1 beta-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production in PDLFs. Taken together, these results indicate that LJLE has anti-inflammatory activity that could be exploited to prevent and treat human periodontitis by controlling inflammation.

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of coronary heart disease. As a result of the development of atherosclerotic lesions, the walls of blood vessels become thicker and inhibit blood circulation. Atherosclerosis is caused by a high-fat diet and vascular injury. Chronic arterial inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In particular, secretion of the pro-atherogenic cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α induces expression of endothelial adhesion molecules including P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), which mediate attachment of circulating monocytes and lymphocytes. In this study, we examined the anti-atherosclerotic effect of sorghum, which is known to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. A 50% ethanol extract of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench fermented with Aspergillus oryzae NK (fSBE) was used for experiments. In vitro expression of endothelial adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 and pro-inflammatory factor cyclooxygenase-2 was significantly decreased and that of the anti-atherogenic factor heme oxygenase-1 significantly increased by fSBE (P

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have key roles in the immune response by suppressing the differentiation and proliferation of various immune cells. The beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been described for many diseases; however, the mechanism by which it modulates the immune system is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether DHA suppresses allergic reactions and upregulates the generation of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells. We also examined the effects of transfusing interleukin-10/transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-modified macrophages (M2 macrophages) treated with DHA into a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. Here, we show that administration of DHA upregulates the generation of TGF-β-dependent CD4(+) forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3(+)) Tregs. DHA induced T-cell hypo-responsiveness and downregulated cytokines associated with T helper (Th)-1, Th2, and Th17 cells. The differentiation of Foxp3(+) Tregs into CD4(+) T cells was directly mediated by DHA-M2 macrophages, which deactivated effector macrophages and inhibited CD4(+) T-cell proliferation. DHA showed therapeutic effects in mice with experimental atopic dermatitis. These results show that DHA enhances the function of M2 macrophages and that the generation of Tregs effectively protects mice against an inflammatory immune disorder. Thus, DHA may be a useful therapeutic strategy for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

The present study aimed to investigate comparative anti-inflammatory effects of Litsea japonica fruit and leaf extract considering the balance of safety and efficacy. Dose response studies were performed to determine the inhibitory effects of 70% EtOH extract of leaf (L70%) on the pro-inflammatory enzymes expression, COX-2/PGE2 and NO/iNOS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines production, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. We also examined comparative effects of 30 and 70% EtOH extract of fruits (F30% and F70%) at low concentration (10 ㎍/㎖) in the same conditions. L70% at 50 and 100 ㎍/㎖ showed inhibitory effects on almost all the inflammatory mediators we examined except for COX-2 regulation, but there were no effects at 10 ㎍/㎖. Since 100 ㎍/㎖ of L70% have 18.2% cytotoxicity, we compared the effects of fruit extract, F30% and F70% at 10 ㎍/㎖ on the regulation of NO/iNOS, PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and obtained that fruit extacts are more efficacious and safe than leaf. This study suggests that the 30% EtOH fraction of L. japonica fruit could be a good candidate for development as a functional food supplement in the prevention of inflammatory disorders.

The anti-inflammatory effects of compounds isolated from the Litsea japonica fruit were investigated in LPS-stimulated murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells. The results indicated that litsenolide (LN)B2 significantly inhibited the LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as NO and PGE 2 . LNC2, and, on the other hand, exhibited cytotoxicity at the same concentrations at which it exhibited an inhibitory property. Therefore, only LNB2 was used for further experimentation. LNB2 reduced the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We further investigated the mechanism by which LNB2 inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines by examining the level of NF-κB and MAPKs phosphorylation, which all serve as key components in inflammation-induced signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 cells. LNB2 inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB and MAPKs. These results suggest that LNB2 has an anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines via inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

The Dendrobium moniliforme extract (DME) was successively partitioned using n-hexane, CH2Cl2, EtOAc, BuOH, and water. The results indicate that the Dendrobium moniliforme fraction extracted using CH2Cl2 (DMC) was an effective inhibitor of melanogenesis in murine melanoma cells (B16F10). To elucidate the mechanism of the effect of DME on melanogenesis, we performed western blotting of the melanogenic proteins. DME inhibited tyrosinase and, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) and TRP-2 expressions. Futher, we confirmed that DME decreased the protein level of melanocyte-specific isoform of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) proteins, which decreased tyrosinase and related genes in B16F10 melanoma cells. On the basis of the results, we suggest that D. moniliforme is effective against hyperpigmentation disorders and that it be considered a possible anti-melanogenic agent in topical application.

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical constituents of Lindera erythrocarpa essential oil (LEO) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and evaluate their inhibitory effect on the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Fifteen compounds, accounting for 63.7 % of the composition of LEO, were identified. The main compounds were nerolidol (18.73 %), caryophyllene (14.41 %), α-humulene (7.73 %), germacrene-D (4.82 %), and α-pinene (4.47 %). LEO significantly inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, and subsequent production of NO and prostaglandin E2. In addition, it reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. The molecular mechanism underlying the effect of LEO was associated with inhibition of the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Furthermore, LEO inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor of kappa B-α, which is required for the activation of the p50 and p65 nuclear factor (NF)-κB subunits in RAW264.7 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that LEO exerted its anti-inflammatory effect by downregulating LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators through the inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling in RAW264.7 cells.

We determined the complete mitochondrial (mt) sequence of the Cocktail wrasse, Pteragogus flagellifer. The mt genome is 16,807 bp long and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rR...

This study describes a preliminary evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of Castanopsis cuspidata extracts. C. cuspidata was extracted using 80% ethanol and then fractionated sequentially with n -hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, and butanol. To screen for anti-inflammatory agents effectively, we first examined the inhibitory effect of the C. cuspidata extracts on the production of pro-inflammatory factors and cytokines stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. In addition, we examined the inhibitory effect of C. cuspidata extracts on pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, iNOS, COX-2) in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The amounts of protein levels were determined by immunoblotting. Of the sequential solvent fractions of C. cuspidata , the n ‑hexane, dichloromethane and ethylacetate fractions inhibited the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 β and IL-6), production of NO, and the protein level of iNOS and COX-2. These results suggest that C. cuspidata may have significant effects on inflammatory factors and may be provided as a possible anti-inflammatory therapeutic plant.

Fruits of the Litsea family of trees and shrubs contain biologically active compounds, some of which have been used as natural nutrients and flavoring agents in food. In this study, we identified novel anti-nociceptive effects of the 30% ethanol extract, the CH(2)Cl(2) fraction and the associated active components (Hamabiwalactone A and B) from Litsea japonica fruit by using in vivo peripheral and central nervous pain models. In addition, we compared the anti-inflammatory effects of several fractions from L. japonica fruit extracts using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw264.7 cells. The CH(2)Cl(2) fraction of L. japonica fruit (LJM) had an optimal combination of anti-inflammatory effects and low cytotoxicity. Dose response studies were performed to determine the inhibitory effects of LJM on the pro-inflammatory enzymes, COX-2/PGE(2) and NO/iNOS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Molecular profiling revealed that LJM exerts anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of NF-κB and JNK/p38 MAPK signaling in LPS-induced macrophages. This study suggests that CH2Cl2 fraction of L. japonica fruit and its bioactive components are potential candidates as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents (painkillers) for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Our previous work demonstrated that an ethyl acetate extract derived from Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fenshol (SME) protected human HaCaT keratinocytes against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant activity in the cells, thereby inhibiting apoptosis.The aim of the current study was to further elucidate the anti-apoptotic mechanism of SME against UVB-induced cell damage.The expression levels of several apoptotic-associated and mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) signaling proteins were determined by western blot analysis of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells with or without prior SME treatment. In addition, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) was detected using flow cytometry or confocal microscopy and the mitochondria membrane-permeate dye, JC-1. Apoptosis was assessed by quantifying DNA fragmentation and apoptotic body formation. Furthermore, cell viability was evaluated using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay.SME absorbed electromagnetic radiation in the UVB range (280-320 nm) of the UV/visible light spectrum. SME also increased Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 expression in UVB-irradiated cells and decreased the Bax expression. Moreover, SME inhibited the UVB-induced disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and prevented UVB-mediated increases in activated caspase-9 and caspase-3 (an apoptotic initiator and executor, respectively) levels. Notably, treatment with a pan-caspase inhibitor enhanced the anti-apoptotic effects of SME in UVB-irradiated cells. Finally, SME reduced the UVB-mediated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK, and prevented the UVB-mediated dephosphorylation of Erk1/2 and Akt.The present results indicate that SME safeguards HaCaT keratinocytes from UVB-mediated apoptosis by inhibiting a caspase-dependent signaling pathway.

We investigated the composition of essential oil from fingered citron (Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis) (FCEO) peels by GC–MS and its anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) – stimulated mouse macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells. Fifteen compounds, representing 98.97% of the essential oil, were tentatively identified; the main constituents were limonene (52.44%) and γ-terpinene (28.41%). FCEO significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by suppressing the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, respectively. Additionally, FCEO suppressed the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. FCEO attenuated LPS-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation via inhibition of inhibitor κB-α phosphorylation. Furthermore, FCEO blocked activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) but not that of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These results indicate that FCEO inhibits LPS-stimulated inflammation by blocking the NF-κB, JNK, and ERK pathways in macrophages, and demonstrate that FCEO possesses anti-inflammatory properties.