Na-Hyung Kim

Green tea seed oil reduces weight gain in C57BL/6J mice and influences adipocyte differentiation by suppressing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ

Given that tea contains a number of chemical constituents possessing medicinal and pharmacological properties, green tea seed is also believed to contain many biologically active compounds such as saponin, flavonoids, vitamins, and oil materials. However, little is known about the physiologic functions of green tea seed oil. The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-obesity effects of green tea seed oil in C57BL/6J mice and in preadipocyte 3T3L-1 cell lines. In vivo, three groups of mice were fed with a standard diet, a high-fat diet containing 30% shortening, or 30% of green tea seed oil based on a standard diet for 85xa0days. The levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, and alanine aminotransferase in blood were analyzed at the end of the study. The mice given green tea seed oil gained less weight compared to mice given the shortening diet (pu2009<u20090.01). The plasma level of total cholesterol was decreased by a significant level of 32.4% in mice given the green tea seed oil compared to the mice given the shortening diet (pu2009<u20090.01). In addition, 3T3-L1 cells were treated for 2xa0days to evaluate effects of green tea seed oil on adipocyte differentiation. Green tea seed oil inhibited expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α in adipocytes and adipose tissue from the experimental animals. These results indicate that the anti-obesity effects of green tea seed oil might be, in part, through suppression of transcription factors related to adipocyte differentiation.

Theanine is a candidate amino acid for pharmacological stabilization of mast cells

The increasing occurrences of allergic disorders may be attributed to exposure to environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of allergy. The health benefits of green tea have been widely reported but are largely unsubstantiated. Theanine is the major amino acid present in green tea. In this study, we investigated the role of theanine in both IgE- and non- IgE-induced allergic response. Theanine inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock and ear swelling responses. IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis was inhibited by the oral administration or pharmaceutical acupuncture of theanine. Histamine release from mast cells was decreased with the treatment of theanine. Theanine also repressed phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 secretion by suppressing NF-κB activation. Furthermore, theanine suppressed the activation of caspase-1 and the expression of receptor interacting protein-2. The current study demonstrates for the first time that theanine might possess mast cell-stabilizing capabilities.

Antidepressant-like effect of altered Korean red ginseng in mice.

Altered Korean red ginseng has been used as a treatment for patients suffering from anxiety. We assessed whether red ginseng hydrolyzed by malted barley (HRG) and acetate-fermented red ginseng (ARG) would improve brain activity, by using forced swimming test (FST) in mice. The effect of the fluoxetine (a classical antidepressant), ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), red ginseng (RG), HRG, and the ARG groups for two weeks on the immobility time was significantly decreased in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). The immobility time of HRG and ARG in FST was lower than that of RG. The plasma level of glucose and total protein was significantly increased in the HRG and ARG group compared with the control group (p < 0.05), whereas albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and blood urea nitrogen levels were not changed. In conclusion, altered Korean red ginsengs, HRG, and ARG therapy appeared to be effective in improving depression.

Evaluation of green pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) juice on the weight gain and changes in lipid profile in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet

BACKGROUNDnCapsicum pepper (green pepper, Capsicum annuum L.), a natural product available in many countries, is considered to be a food additive, with healthful or medical applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate green pepper juice for its potential to reduce weight gain and to determine its effects on lipid profiles in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet.nnnRESULTSnMice given a high-fat diet with green pepper juice gained significantly less weight and showed a significant decrease in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, and alanine aminotransferase compared to mice given only a high-fat diet (P < 0.05). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose levels (determined by using the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test) in mice administered green pepper juice were similar to those in mice in the control group. In addition, abdominal fat volume (subcutaneous and visceral), which was quantified by using 4.7 T magnetic resonance imaging, including multi-slice spin-echo T2-weighted images, in mice administered a high-fat diet with green pepper juice tended to decrease compared to the fat volume of mice administered only a high-fat diet.nnnCONCLUSIONnThese results suggest that green pepper juice, as a drink, may possibly be helpful in reducing weight gain by regulating the levels of serum lipids.

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase by Corydalis turtschaninovii on interferon-γ stimulated macrophages.

AIM OF THE STUDYnCorydalis turtschaninovii (CT) has been used for tumor therapy. However, it is still unclear how this herb prevents the diseases in experimental models. Nitric oxide (NO) as a potent macrophage-derived effector molecule against a variety of tumors has received increasing attention.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnIn this study, using mouse peritoneal macrophages, we have examined the mechanism by which CT regulates NO production.nnnRESULTSnWhen CT was used in combination with recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma), there was a marked cooperative induction of NO production. However, CT had no effect on NO production by itself. The increase in NO synthesis was reflected as an increased amount of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein. The increased production of NO from rIFN-gamma plus CT-stimulated peritoneal macrophages was decreased by the treatment with N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine or N(alpha)-Tosyl-Phe Chloromethyl Ketone, iNOS inhibitor. The increased production of NO from rIFN-gamma plus CT-stimulated cells was almost completely inhibited by pre-treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB). However, treatment of peritoneal macrophages with rIFN-gamma plus CT had no effect on the increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production.nnnCONCLUSIONSnOur findings demonstrate that CT increases the production of NO and TNF-alpha by rIFN-gamma-primed macrophages and suggest that NF-kappaB plays a critical role in mediating these effects of CT.

The Effect of Hydrolyzed Spirulina by Malted Barley on Forced Swimming Test in ICR Mice

Spirulina is a true puree of a filamentous, spiral-shaped blue alga and exerts the useful properties as a source of many biochemicals. This study investigated the antidepressant-like effect of hydrolyzed Spirulina by malted barley on the forced swimming test in mice. After the forced swimming test, we examined the levels of several blood biochemical parameters in mice. The effect of the hydrolyzed Spirulina by malted barley-treated group for 2 weeks on the immobility time was significantly reduced in comparison with the control group (p < .05). Plasma level of blood urea nitrogen and lactate dehydrogenase was significantly decreased in the hydrolyzed Spirulina by malted barley-treated group compared with the control group (p < .05). It had no effect on the variation of creatine kinase, glucose, total protein, and albumin levels. Therefore, these results suggest that hydrolyzed Spirulina by malted barley might be a candidate among antidepressant agents.

Effects of hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley on the immunomodulatory response in ICR mice and in Molt-4 cells

BACKGROUNDnChlorella vulgaris is a unicellular and microscopic algae that is currently used in a variety of forms of tablets, capsules and liquid as a biological response modifier. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley for its potential reduction of the immobility time in ICR mice and on the cytokine regulation in human T cell line, Molt-4.nnnRESULTSnAfter a forced swimming test, the changes in aspects of blood biochemical parameters due to the administration of hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley were examined. The effect of hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by the malted barley-treated group for 14 days on the immobility time was significantly reduced in comparison with that of the control group (P < 0.01). The plasma level of blood urea nitrogen was significantly decreased in hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley-treated group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley increased interferon-gamma and interlukin-2 levels in Molt-4 cells.nnnCONCLUSIONnThese results indicate that hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley is useful for immune function improvements, enhanced physical stamina, and as a candidate for an anti-fatigue or antidepressant agent.

Candidate Genes of Cerebrovascular Disease and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Auditory dysfunction is related to large/small vessel occlusions and hemorrhage. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) frequently occurs with anterior inferior cerebellar artery occlusion proximal to the internal auditory artery. Moreover, SSNHL has various pathogenetic mechanisms, the main proposed mechanisms being vascular disease, membrane ruptures, infection, and autoimmunity. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an important cytokine in the inflammation process of cerebrovascular diseases. In the current study, the possible effects of polymorphisms in TNF-α and TNF-β genes on SSNHL are evaluated. Two genetic polymorphisms in the TNF locus (TNF-α —308 G - ->A and TNF-β +252 A - ->G) were investigated as risk factors for SSNHL by determining their prevalence in 97 SSNHL patients and in 587 controls. A significant increase was found for the TNF-β allele 1 in SSNHL patients compared with the controls (χ 2 = 7.251, P = .007, odds ratio [OR] = 1.534, confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-2.10). These findings suggest that the TNF-β +252 locus plays an important role in the etiopathogenesis of SSNHL.

Evaluation of Moon-tang on allergic reactions

Moon-tang (M-tang) is a traditional Korean medicine that has been used for the treatment of various allergic disorders. However, the precise antiallergic effect and mechanism of it remain unknown. To figure out accurately the effect of M-tang on mast cell-mediated allergic reactions, we measured parameters including changes in the compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis, ear-swelling response, histamine release, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion and expression, which related to allergic inflammatory reaction. The oral administration of M-tang inhibited systemic anaphylaxis and ear-swelling response in mice. M-tang suppressed the PCA and histamine release. In addition, M-tang and its active component, β-eudesmol, inhibited the TNF-α production and expression in activated mast cells. These results suggest that M-tang may be a beneficial applicability as a candidate for an antiallergic agent.

Dokhwaljihwang-tang inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Abstract Objectives: Dokhwaljihwang-tang, one of the prescriptions in Four Constitution medicine, has been used to treat neurological disorders. This work was aimed to examine the effect of Dokhwaljihwang-tang on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the lesser yang subjects. Methods: The inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 4 and tumor necrosis factor were measured using the ELISA. The interleukin 1 beta mRNA expression was evaluated with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The expression level of nuclear factor kappa B was examined by western blotting. Results: Dokhwaljihwang-tang significantly inhibited interleukin 1 beta and interleukin 4 production (p<0.05). When Dokhwaljihwang-tang was pre-treated at the dose of 1 mg/ml, it not only decreased the interleukin 1 beta mRNA expression, but also inhibited the activation of nuclear factor kappa B. Discussion: These results suggest the potential of Dokhwaljihwang-tang as a source of pharmaceutical acupuncture for neuronal inflammatory diseases.