Antidiabetic activity of nanopowdered chitosan in db/db mice

Present study was carried out to examine effects of nanopowdered chitosan on antidiabetic activity in db/db mice. Twenty-eight 8-week-old mice were divided into 4 groups: (1) control, nondiabetic control mice; (2) group 1, diabetic control mice with not treated chitosans; (3) group 2, diabetic mice given 2% powdered chitosan; and (4) group 3, diabetic mice given 2% nanopowdered chitosan. The serum glucose in group 3 reduced by 56%, as compared to group 2 (28%). The total serum cholesterol in group 3 decreased by 31.6%, while group 2 reduced by 18.2%. Triglyceride was decreased by 33.6% in group 3 and by 22.5% in group 2. The insulin of group 2 and 3 were significantly increased by 51.7 and 92.9%, respectively. Only group 3 was recovered from the β-cell destruction. Based on the result of the study, it is suggested that nanopowdered chitosan has higher antidiabetic activities than powdered.     

Effects of nanopowdered eggshell on postmenopausal osteoporosis: a rat study

The preventive effects of nanopowdered eggshell (NPES) on postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats was studied. Rats fed NPES and powdered eggshell (PES) exhibited 6.6 and 2.2% greater bone mineral densities (BMD) than ovariectomized (OVX) rats. NPES administration resulted in greater bone stiffness than PES. Investigation of the trabecular bone in NPES fed rats revealed a 12.4% higher bone volume (BV/TV), 7.5% higher trabecular number (Tb.N.), and 14.5% lower trabecular separation (Tb.Sp.), compared with OVX rats. Serum analysis demonstrated that NPES fed rats showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher (22.4%) osteocalcin level than OVX rats. Urine analyses in NPES fed rats revealed 43.7% lower deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and 87% lower Nteleopeptide levels of type I collagen (NTX) than in OVX rats. NPES attenuated the bone loss induced by ovariectomy in rats.     

Toxicological and nutraceutical assessments of peanut sprouts as daily supplements to feed Sprague‐Dawley rats for 18 weeks

BACKGROUND: Peanut sprouts are occasionally consumed by peanut farmers. To investigate the possibility of introducing peanut sprouts as a functional vegetable to the public, an in vivo experiment involving toxicological and nutraceutical assessments was conducted. RESULTS: Sixty female Sprague‐Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were fed with peanut sprouts as a dietary supplement for 18 weeks. The rats were divided into five groups and fed with different daily supplements, namely 0 g (control), 16.5, 10 or 6 g of sprouts or 2.4 g of kernels. Aflatoxin contents of the sprouts (n = 24) were less than 1 µg kg^?1. Body weights of all rats increased with feeding time, and final body weights differed insignificantly among test groups (P > 0.05). Weights of liver, kidney and spleen and organ/body weight ratios varied insignificantly among test groups (P > 0.05). All serum and blood cell determinations differed insignificantly (P > 0.05) among test groups, apart from the observation of a significant lowering of serum triacylglycerol (TG) level in the 10 g sprout group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In general, no obvious growth hazard or health toxicity was detected. For nutraceutical development, the lowering of serum TG level achieved by appropriate intake of peanut sprouts is noteworthy. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Oral intake of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 prevents collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

Oral intake of some lactic acid bacteria can have beneficial effects on the host by activating immune responses and enhancing resistance to infection by pathogens. In this study, effects of Lactobacillus sp. on the development of autoimmune disease were examined in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). CIA, a model of some types of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), can be induced in DBA/1J mice by immunizing them with bovine type II collagen (bCII). Oral intake of skimmed milk (SM) fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 (SM/OLL1073R-1) was found to markedly inhibit the development of CIA in these mice, compared with a control group fed the control foodstuff. The inhibitory effect of SM fermented with L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus OLLI 102 (SM/OLL1102) or fresh SM was weaker than that of SM/ OLL1073R-1. A deMan Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) broth culture of OLL1073R-1 without any major components of SM had the same inhibitory effect as SM/OLL1073R-1, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of SM/OLL1073R-1 is attributable not only to SM components but also to OLL1073R-1 cells, their metabolites, or both. We found that SM/OLL1073R-1 and SM caused reduced secretion of the cytokine IFN-gamma by lymph node cells (LNCs) in response to bCII. However, SM/OLL1102 did not affect the secretion of IFN-gamma. A polysaccharide fraction secreted by OLL1073R-1 also exhibited the inhibitory effects on both development of CIA and secretion of IFN-gamma.     

Resveratrol,total phenolic and flavonoid contents,and antioxidant potential of seeds and sprouts of Korean peanuts

Peanut sprouts are gaining increasing popularity as a potential source of functional food. The objective of this study was to investigate yield and food value of peanut sprouts of six Korean peanut genotypes (Daekwang, Akwang, Baekjung, Alogi, Pungan and Heugttangkong) from day 5 through 9. Functional compounds like polyphenol, flavonoid, and resveratrol contents were significantly (p?<?0.05) high in the sprouts compared to those in the seeds. Pungan yielded significantly (p?<?0.05) high sprouts followed by Alogi. However, antioxidant potentials and functional compounds in the sprouts varied significantly (p?<?0.05) with genotype, sprout part, and day after germination. Overall consideration of the yield, functional compounds, and antioxidant potentials of the sprouts suggested that more appropriate time of sprout harvest for Alogi and Pungan was day 5–7 and that for the other genotypes was day 5–8. The yield and functional properties of peanut sprouts significantly varied with genotypes, parts, and age.     

桔梗多糖对环磷酰胺诱导的免疫抑制小鼠的免疫调节

研究桔梗多糖(PPS80)对环磷酰胺(CTX)所致免疫抑制小鼠的免疫调节作用。将60只雄性KM小鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、桔梗多糖低、中、高剂量治疗组(100,200,400mg/(kg.d))和盐酸左旋咪唑(LMS)阳性组。连续3d腹腔注射环磷酰胺80mg/(kg.d)建立免疫抑制小鼠模型,于给药治疗1周后利用称重法检测胸腺指数和脾脏指数,ELISA法测定血清白介素-2(IL-2)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)含量。结果表明,桔梗多糖能明显增加环磷酰胺诱导的免疫抑制小鼠的胸腺指数和脾脏指数,显著提高血清中IL-2和TNF-α的含量并呈剂量依赖性。桔梗多糖对环磷酰胺诱导的免疫抑制小鼠具有免疫增强调节作用。     

玛咖粉对小鼠免疫功能的影响研究

目的明确玛咖粉对小鼠免疫功能的调节作用。方法 40只小鼠进行玛咖粉抗体生成细胞测定、对小鼠HC50的影响、碳廓清能力以及鸡红细胞吞噬率及吞噬指数的影响实验。实验设4组,灌胃的玛咔粉分别为0、0.3、0.6、0.9 g/(kg·bw),连续灌胃30 d后测定各项指标。结果 0.3 g/(kg·bw)及0.9 g/(kg·bw)组玛咔粉可以显著促进小鼠B细胞分泌抗体的能力(P0.05),0.9 g/(kg·bw)组玛咔粉具有显著增加小鼠半数溶血值(HC50)(P0.01),0.6 g/(kg·bw)及0.9 g/(kg·bw)组可以显著提高小鼠单核-巨噬细胞碳廓清能力(P0.05),0.9 g/(kg·bw)组可以显著提高小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞鸡红细胞吞噬率及吞噬指数(P0.05)。结论玛咔粉可以增强小鼠体液免疫功能和单核-巨噬细胞功能的作用。     

Effect of selenium fortification during sprouting of peanut seeds receiving HVEF and selenium soaking combination on yield,selenium and resveratrol contents,anti-oxidative properties,and microbial control

Selenium (Se) is essential for human nutrition as it involves many biological functions. In this study, three seed treatments (water soaking, high-voltage electric field (HVEF), HVEF and water soaking), and two Se fortification treatments (Se soaking with Se fortification during sprouting and HVEF plus Se soaking with Se fortification during sprouting) were used to examine their effects on peanut seed germination, Se contents and microbial loads on 8-days-old peanut sprouts. The results indicated that the best treatment for enhancing germination (99.6%), increasing the sprout's total Se and resveratrol contents (61.32 and 46.32 μg g ⁻¹ , respectively) was HVEF plus Se soaking in combination with Se fortification. It also reduced the microbial loads to <3 log CFU g⁻¹ FW on the resultant 8-days-old peanut sprouts. Thus, the treatment of HVEF and Se soaking combination with Se fortification can be used to produce Se-fortified peanut sprouts with improved nutritional quality and microbial control.     

茯苓多糖通过NF-κB和NLRP3信号通路调节脂多糖引起的焦虑和抑郁样行为

目的：探讨茯苓多糖（Poria cocos polysaccharide,PPS）对脂多糖（LPS）引起的焦虑和抑郁样行为的影响,并分析其机制。方法：BV-2细胞分成对照组、LPS组、LPS+氟西汀组、LPS+PPS(PPS分别为4、8、16μmol/L),处理24 h,二氯二氢荧光素二氢乙酸酯（DCFH-DA）荧光探针检测细胞内活性氧（ROS）水平,Griess法检测培养上清液NO水平,酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）检测培养上清液中TNF-α、IL-1β水平,Western blot实验检测CD206、CD16/32、NF-κB p65水平。动物实验将小鼠分为对照组、模型组、LPS+氟西汀组、LPS+PPS低剂量组（20 mg/kg）、LPS+PPS高剂量组（80 mg/kg）,每组10只,测试抑郁样行为,检测海马组织TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18的浓度,分析海马组织CD206、CD16/32、NF-κB p65、NLRP3、ASC、Cleaved caspase-1蛋白水平。结果：与LPS组比较,4、8、16μmol/L PPS能极显著降低ROS荧光相对强度（P<0.01...     

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) plumule polysaccharide protects the spleen and liver from spontaneous inflammation in non-obese diabetic mice by modulating pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine gene expression

A novel lotus plumule polysaccharide (LPPS) was administered to non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice for 15 weeks to evaluate the protective effects of LPPS on type 1 diabetes. After the 15-week feeding experiment, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 expressions in the spleen, liver and kidney of the experimental mice were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The results showed that LPPS significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the absolute weights of the enlarged spleens in the NOD mice in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-6 cytokine production and decreased the secretion ratio of IL-6/IL-10 in splenocyte cultures. LPPS markedly decreased the relative expression of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine genes (TNF-α/IL-10 and IL-6/IL-10) in the livers of NOD mice. Our results suggest that LPPS protected the spleen and liver from spontaneous inflammation in NOD mice by modulating pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine gene expression.     

Effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid produced by Lactobacillus sakei B2-16 on diet and exercise in high fat diet-induced Obese rats

Effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) produced by Lactobacillus sakei B2-16 on diet and acute swimming exercise was investigated in rats with high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. The body weight gain in the GABA+Exercise group was significantly (p<0.05) lower than in the HFD group. Combined treatment with GABA and exercise decreased the body weight gain by 25.6%, compared to the HFD group. On the other hand, neither GABA supplementation nor exercise alone significantly (p>0.05) influenced reduction in body weight gain, compared to the HFD group. The weights of abdominal and epididymal fat tissues and the liver in the GABA+Exercise group were significantly (p<0.05) lower than in the HFD group. The activity of citrate synthase was significantly (p<0.05) elevated in the soleus muscle by GABA supplementation. GABA contributes to reduction in body weight gain and fat tissue weight by increasing physical activity during exercise.     

Trans-caryophyllene suppresses tumor necrosis factor (TNFα)-induced inflammation in human chondrocytes

Proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of cartilage damage in arthritis. Trans-caryophyllene (TC) is an important constituent of the essential oils of several species of plants. In this study, we found that TC treatment could inhibit TNF-α-induced matrix metallopeptidase 13, cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in human chondrocytes. Moreover, the increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and NO production induced by TNF-α was able to be suppressed by TC treatment. Importantly, treatment with TC was also found to inhibit activation of the main proinflammatory regulator, interferon regulatory factor-1, which is increased in the presence of TNF-α. Interestingly, we also proved that TC’s effects on these mechanisms are dependent on the type 2 cannabinoid receptor. Taken together, the results of this study show that TC exerts anti-inflammatory effects in TNF-α-stimulated chondrocyte models.     

Effect of plasma-activated water on microbial quality and physicochemical characteristics of mung bean sprouts

The efficacy of nonthermal plasma-activated water (PAW) in the decontamination of mung bean sprouts was evaluated in this work. After being treated with PAW for 30 min, the populations of total aerobic bacteria and total yeasts and moulds on mung bean sprouts were decreased by 2.32- and 2.84- log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively. The PAW treatment had no significant effect on the antioxidant potential of mung bean sprouts as shown by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH•) scavenging activity assay, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) method, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (p > 0.05). Additionally, the PAW treatment caused no significant changes in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, nor the sensory characteristics of mung bean sprouts (p > 0.05). Reactive species such as nitrates, nitrites, and H₂O₂ were generated in PAW, which presumably contributed to the disinfection efficacy of PAW. These data show that PAW can be used as a promising nonthermal technology for the control of microbial contamination in sprouts.Industrial relevanceEdible sprouts are common food ingredients across the world. However, sprouts can be contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms, which may result in health risks to humans. Recently, PAW has been shown to be a safe and effective method for food surface sanitation. However, the application of PAW in the microbial control for sprouts is less investigated. In this study, the influences of PAW on the microbial load, chemical and sensory quality of mung bean sprouts were investigated for the first time. The results showed that PAW could effectively inactivate bacteria and yeasts and moulds on mung bean sprouts without resulting in significant changes in the antioxidant capacities, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and sensory characteristics of mung bean sprouts. These data indicated that PAW can be used as a promising nonthermal technology for reducing microbial populations on sprouts.     

Ethylacetate extracts of the muscles of Anguilla japonica suppress glucose levels in db/db mice via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase

Hypoglycemic effects of ethylacetate extracts of Anguilla japonica (EMA) muscles in db/db mice were investigated. To understand the mechanism responsible for the hypoglycemic effects of EMA, the effects of EMA on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in L6 myotubes and in vivo using type II diabetic db/db mice were analyzed. In L6 myotubes, the phosphorylation degrees of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were markedly increased and glucose uptake was significantly (p<0.001) increased by EMA, compared with untretaed L6 myotubes. However, in L6 myotubes, these effects were abolished by compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. Moreover, EMA significantly reduced non-fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels, and strongly induced AMPK phosphorylation in skeletal muscle tissues of db/db mice. EMA regulates glucose levels in L6 myotubes and in diabetic mice by activation of AMPK. Beneficial effects for diabetes treatment are indicated.     

Reduction of mutagenicity of the fumes from cooking oil by degumming treatment

The fume of cooking oil has been reported to increase the risk of respiratory tract cancer. The influence of a degumming treatment of peanut oil on the contents of mutagenic compounds in fumes from heated peanut oil was investigated. The results indicate that the peanut oil prepared from roasted peanut kernels which underwent degumming treatment had a lower free fatty acid (FFA) content and a higher smoke point, was more clear in color, and produced less fumes when heated at smoke point. Moreover, when compared to untreated peanut oil, the mutagenicity of oil fumes of degummed peanut oil toward Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 was reduced to 81% and 73% (p<0.05), respectively. The degummed peanut oil which was obtained by adding 3% water and heating at 60°C for 20 min produced the least amount of mutagenic fume. The contents of four mutagenic compounds, trans-trans-2,4-decadienal (t-t-2,4-DDE), trans-trans-2,4-nonadienal (t-t-2,4-NDE), trans-2-decenal (t-2-DCA), and trans-2-undecenal (t-2-UDA) in oil fumes of degummed peanut oils were drastically decreased (p<0.05), especially the t-t-2,4-DDE. The results also indicate that the FFA content had a high linear correlation with mutagenicity (r²=0.9978) and content of t-t-2,4-DDE (r²=0.7685). Moreover, there was a correlation (r²=0.7816) between the content and the mutagenicity of t-t-2,4-DDE. The decrease of FFA by degumming might explain the reduction of mutagenic alkenal compounds and mutagenicity of fumes from heated peanut oil.     

Effects of antioxidants on peanut oil stability

Several antioxidants including phospholipids (PL), ascorbyl palmitate (AP), rosemary (ROS), tocopherol (TOC) and catechin (CAT) were chosen to study the effects on peanut oil stability. Among these antioxidants, catechin alone and composites of catechin with other antioxidants showed significant increases in oil stability as compared to control oil. A response surface design was used to study the effects of three antioxidant composites on the peanut oil stability. Results showed the OSI (Oxidation Stability Index) values are significantly influenced by CAT (p<0.0001), followed by ROS (p<0.05) and PL (p<0.5). TOC was the least significant (p>0.5) in the increase of OSI value. By considering cost, handling and minimum usage of antioxidants, the OSI value of peanut oil would reach 15–16 h by the addition of 1500 ppm of CAT and a maximum level of either 400 ppm of ROS or PL.     

Anti-diabetic effect of the soybean extract fermented by Bacillus subtilis MORI in db/db mice

This study investigated the effects of soy bean extract fermented by Bacillus subtilis MORI (BTD-1) on blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), plasma insulin, and pancreatic β islets in db/db mice. The BTD-1 (500 mg/kg) group showed significantly lower fasting blood glucose level (p<0.01) and postprandial 2 h blood glucose level (p<0.01) compared with the db control group. The BTD-1 (500 mg/kg) group showed significantly lower HbA1c level compared with the db control group (p<0.01). After 8 weeks of BTD-1 administration, the pancreatic islet architecture was preserved and the immunofluorescent intensities of insulin in BTD-1 (500mg/kg) group apparently increased compared to in the db control group. Plasma insulin levels were found to be significantly higher in the BTD-1 (500 mg/kg) group than in the db control group (p<0.05). In summary, our results suggest that BTD-1 has an anti-diabetes effect in a non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus mouse model.     

Impact of plasma-activated water washing on the microbial inactivation,color, and electrolyte leakage of alfalfa sprouts,broccoli sprouts,and clover sprouts

This study investigated plasma-activated water (PAW) as a sanitizer for the washing of sprouts. Alfalfa sprouts, broccoli sprouts, and clover sprouts were washed with PAW, chlorine (Cl, 200 ppm), or deionized water. The inactivation of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms and inoculated Escherichia coli DH5α was evaluated. The quality of sprouts was assessed based on visual color change (ΔE) and plant tissue damage (measured by electrolyte leakage). Significant reductions of 1–2 log CFU/g in aerobic mesophilic microorganisms were achieved by PAW and Cl on clover sprouts and alfalfa sprouts. Reductions of E. coli ranging between 1.4 ± 0.4 log CFU/g and 3.5 ± 0.9 log CFU/g were achieved by PAW on the sprouts (original counts: 6.4 to 8.1 CFU/g), which were comparable to Cl except for the case of alfalfa sprouts where Cl achieved the highest inactivation. No significant quality difference in terms of visual color change or electrolyte leakage was observed in sprouts washed by PAW and Cl.     

Alleviating effects of Opuntia ficus indica extracts on psychomotor alterations induced by ethanol in rats

Effects of Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) extracts on ethanol-induced psychomotor alterations were studied using Sprague-Dawley rats orally administered 4 g/kg of ethanol (EtOH group) or distilled water (control group). An OFI-group received OFI extracts (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) 30 min prior to EtOH administration. Behavioral and hematological tests were evaluated 1, 2, 4, and 8 h after EtOH administration. Electroencephalogram (EEG) assessment was also performed. EtOH significantly (p<0.001) induced psychomotor alterations (reduced locomotion, balance, coordination, muscle strength, and tolerance to cold), compared with control group rats. Pre-treatment with OFI extracts alleviated alterations and also inhibited elevation of blood ethanol levels. EEG (percent of total power for delta, theta, alpha, and beta) results for OFI group rats were similar to control rats, indicating a countering of EtOHinduced EEG changes. Extracts of OFI can be effective for alleviation of psychomotor alterations induced by EtOH administration.     

Comparison of antioxidant activities and bioactive compounds between Bokbunja (Rubus coreanus Miq.) and other berries

The physicochemical properties and antioxidant properties of bokbunja, a Korean black raspberry, were clarified and compared with blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry. The amount of soluble solids was significantly (p<0.05) lower in bokbunja than in other berries, whereas the pH of bokbunja was significantly (p<0.05) higher. Analysis of the total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents found that bokbunja had the highest, while the others were ranked in the order of raspberry>blueberry>cranberry>strawberry. The content of ellagic acid (147.3 mg/100 g of FW) also was highest in bokbunja. The antioxidant activities of bokbunja, assessed based on DPPH, ABTS, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, were higher than for other berries. Bokbunja is a healthier antioxidant source than other berries.