Biofactors - Volume 21, issue 1-4

Authors: Meisel, Hans

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Many bioactivities of milk are latent in that they are inactive within the protein sequence, requiring enzymatic proteolysis for release of bioactive peptides from milk proteins precursors. Bioactivities of peptides encrypted in major milk proteins are latent until released and activated, e.g. during gastrointestinal digestion or food processing. Bioactive peptides can be produced in vivo following intake of milk proteins, and the proteolytic system of bacterial species used in the production of fermented milk products and …cheese can contribute to the liberation of bioactive peptides or precursors thereof. Activated peptides are potential modulators of various regulatory processes in the living system: immunomodulatory peptides stimulate the activities of cells of the immune system and several cytomodulatory peptides inhibit cancer cell growth, antimicrobial peptides kill sensitive microorganisms, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides exert an hypotensive effect, opioid peptides are opioid receptor ligands which can modulate absorption processes in the intestinal tract, mineral binding peptides may function as carriers for different minerals, especially calcium. Many milk-derived peptides reveal multifunctional properties, i.e. specific peptide sequences having two or more different biological activities have been reported. Milk protein-derived bioactive peptides are claimed to be health enhancing components that can be used to reduce the risk of disease or to enhance a certain physiological function. Show more

Keywords: milk protein, bioactive peptides, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, hypotensive, opioid, mineral binding, cytomodulatory, functional food

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 55-61, 2004

Authors: Lee, Young Gon | Lee, Ki Won | Kim, Ji Yeon | Kim, Kyoung Heon | Lee, Hyong Joo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Peptide fractions showing anticancer activity were isolated from anchovy sauce, and their abilities to induce apoptosis in a human lymphoma cell (U937) were determined by biochemical and flow cytometric methods. The butanol extract (fraction Aob) from the desalted hydrophobic peptide fraction (Ao) separated from anchovy sauce by HP-20 adsorption chromatography was found to possess strong antiproliferative activity against U937 by inducing apoptosis. Treatment of U937 with Aob resulted in sub-G1 peak representing apoptosis in …the cell cycle analysis, and apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Antiproliferative activity of the peptide fraction further purified successively by silica gel chromatography, TLC, and reversed-phase HPLC increased proportionally with the purification fold. The peptide fraction having antiproliferative activity was found to be composed of Ala and Phe, and its molecular weight was estimated to be 440.9 Da. Show more

Keywords: anchovy sauce, hydrophobic peptide, antiproliferative activity, apoptosis, human lymphoma cells

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 63-67, 2004

Authors: Ishikado, Atsushi | Imanaka, Hiromichi | Kotani, Mayumi | Fujita, Akihito | Mitsuishi, Yoko | Kanemitsu, Tomoyuki | Tamura, Yoshiko | Makino, Taketoshi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) producibility has been widely accepted as one of the important markers to evaluate the immune status [1,2]. In this study, preliminary clinical tests were carried out to confirm the immunomodulatory activity of liposomal lactoferrin including IFN-α producibility and NK activity. In a primary open trial, the liposomal lactoferrin was administered to five healthy males for one week and various immunological indices were evaluated. Furthermore, ten healthy males were administered 319 …mg per day of liposomal or non-liposomal lactoferrin for four weeks, and immune status was monitored at 0, 1 and 4 weeks after the intake as well as three weeks after stopping it. In this double-blinded comparative study, the IFN-α producibility was significantly increased only in the liposomal lactoferrin group during administration and decreased 3 weeks after stopping it, while the IFN-α producibility was unchanged in the non-liposomal lactoferrin group. Although the biological mechanism of IFN-α producibility enforced by liposomal lactoferrin has not been wholly understood, it is suggested to be a novel active constituent having preventive and therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases, cancer and infectious diseases such as chronic hepatitis C. Show more

Keywords: lactoferrin, liposome, multi-lamellar vehicle, immunological indices, interferon-alpha producibility, NK activity, hepatitis C

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 69-72, 2004

Authors: Hartmann, R. | Meisel, H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the context of the EU research project FAIR-CT 98-3077, studies were carried out to investigate caseinophosphopeptides (CPP) as potential ingredients for functional food and pharmaceutical applications. CPP preparations were produced by enrichment of CPP from hydrolytic casein digests. Enzyme preparations used for hydrolysis were PTN 3.0 S, Alcalase, Bioprotease P conc, Proteinase DS. Cytochemical studies were carried out to examine the cytotoxic potential or cell modulating activities of CPP using human cancer cell lines …(HL-60, Caco-2) and non-malignant polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PML) from oral cavity. PML cells isolated by magnetic cell sorting using CD-15-antibody-labelled paramagnetic beads were used for the first time for testing food-derived peptides. Cell activity was measured by formazan dye formation. Effects on enterocytic differentiation properties of Caco-2 cells were examined by transepithelial membrane resistance of Caco-2 cell monolayers and brush border associated alkaline phosphatase activity. In conclusion, (1) no deleterious cytochemical consequences (apoptotic, antiproliferative or general cytotoxic effects) were observed on presenting a range of CPP preparations to various human cell systems, indicating that these compounds can be rated harmless at a cellular level, (2) stimulation of IgG-secretion into culture supernatant of PBL points to possible immunoenhancing properties of CPP preparations. Show more

Keywords: caseinophosphopeptides, Caco-2, cell viability, differentiation, immunomodulation

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 73-78, 2004

Authors: Suzuki, Yukiko | Sakai, Hiroshi | Shimada, Takehiko | Omura, Mitsuo | Kumazawa, Shigenori | Nakayama, Tsutomu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: γ-Terpinene is a monoterpene and a major component of essential oils made from citrus fruits and shows strong antioxidant activity in various assay systems. Plant γ-terpinene synthase is a member of the monoterpene cyclase family, which produces a specific monoterpene through cyclization of geranyl diphosphate (GPP), but the monoterpene cyclases have not been fully characterized. It is necessary to prepare large amounts of γ-terpinene synthase from Citrus unshiu (Satsuma mandarin) for the …characterization, on this purpose we expressed the protein in Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells. As most monoterpene synthases have plastid-targeting signals, a gene lacking these signals was prepared and functionally expressed in E. coli cells harboring extra copies of the argU gene. The purified enzyme was incubated with GPP and the main product was confirmed to beγ-terpinene by GC/MS. Show more

Keywords: γ-Terpinene, monoterpene synthase, Citrus unshiu, functional expression

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 79-82, 2004

Authors: Schneeman, Barbara

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is an interface between the external environment and the body and functions to extract nutrients from foods as well as handle the various non-nutrient compounds found in foods. Thus factors in foods that affect health and disease may mediate their effects either through a direct effect on the GIT or indirectly by the pattern of absorption and subsequent metabolism through the GIT. To explore this relationship one must consider both the physiological …responses of the GIT induced by factors in foods as well as the implications of GIT adaptation for metabolism. Metabolic adaptations to dietary factors such as cholesterol levels, glucose and insulin response, and immune function appear to be modulated by the manner in which food factors are metabolized in the GIT. New research is needed to understand the inter-relationship between food factors that stimulate GIT response and the subsequent influence on metabolism that influences risk factors for disease and health promotion. Show more

Keywords: gastrointestinal tract, cholecystokinin, nutrition, dietary fiber

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 85-88, 2004

Authors: Tokunaga, Takahisa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Two key properties of short chain fructooligosaccharides (sc-FOS) which lead to physiological functions are indigestibility in the small intestine and fermentability in the colon. Sc-FOS is converted into short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by intestinal bacteria in the colon and absorbed. Through the metabolic pathway, sc-FOS improves gastrointestinal (GI) condition such as relief from constipation, formation of preferable intestinal microflora and intestinal immunomodulation those are known as prebiotics' function. Besides improvement of GI condition, dietary …sc-FOS influences on calcium and magnesium absorption in the colon. A major mineral absorption site is the small intestine, but the colon also works as a Ca and Mg absorption site with an aid of SCFAs made from sc-FOS. Furthermore dietary sc-FOS influences on bioavailability of soy-isoflavones. Plasma and urinal concentration of Genistein and Daidzein, aglycones of Daidzin and Genistin, are higher in the rat fed with sc-FOS than the control rat. An additive effect of dietary isoflavone and sc-FOS was observed on the bone mineral density in OVX mice and moreover sc-FOS increased ceacal β-glycosidase activity and equol production. These results suggest that FOS increase the bioavailability of isoflavones. Show more

Keywords: fructooligosaccharides, prebiotics, Bifidobacteria, short chain fatty acids, isoflavone

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 89-94, 2004

Authors: Murakami, Akira | Miyamoto, Masaaki | Ohigashi, Hajime

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Zerumbone, a sesquiterpene occurring in zingiberaceous plants in Southeast Asian countries, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in several independent experimental studies. We examined its effect on the expression of proinflammatory genes in human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines, Caco-2, Colo320DM, and HT-29, using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. Surprisingly, zerumbone markedly induced the expression of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in …each cell line in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Results of a previous pharmacological approach using specific inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) suggested that the activation of both c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, however, not that of p38 MAPK, may be involved in zerumbone-induced IL-1β expression pathways in Caco-2 cells. The present results imply that zerumbone increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines in cancerous tissues in the colon and that this biochemical property may cause side-effects. Show more

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 95-101, 2004

Authors: Surh, Young-Joon | Na, Hye-Kyung | Sei Lee, Seung

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Chemoprevention refers to the use of nontoxic chemical substances to inhibit, reverse, or retard tumorigenesis. Numerous compounds derived from edible plants have been reported to interfere with a specific stage of the carcinogenic process. Some anti-inflammatory phytochemicals with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory activity have been found to exert chemopreventive properties by targeting intracellular signaling molecules (recently reviewed by Y.-J. Surh, Nature Reviews Cancer, 3: 768–780, 2003). These include mitogen-activated protein kinases and transcription factors, …such as NF-κB and AP-1. Show more

Keywords: cyclooxygenase-2, chemoprevention, NF-κB, MAP kinases, phytochemicals

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 103-108, 2004

Authors: Park, Yoo Kyoung | Lee, Hyang Burm | Jeon, Eun-Jae | Jung, Hack Sung | Kang, Myung-Hee

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is claimed to have beneficial properties for human health, such as anti-bacterial, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The antioxidant effects of the mushroom may be partly explained by protection of cell components against free radicals. We evaluated the effect of aqueous Chaga mushroom extracts for their potential for protecting against oxidative damage to DNA in human lymphocytes. Cells were pretreated with various concentrations (10, 50, 100 and 500 …μg/mL) of the extract for 1 h at 37°C. Cells were then treated with 100 μM of H_2 O_2 for 5~min as an oxidative stress. Evaluation of oxidative damage was performed using single-cell gel electrophoresis for DNA fragmentation (Comet assay). Using image analysis, the degree of DNA damage was evaluated as the DNA tail moment. Cells pretreated with Chaga extract showed over 40% reduction in DNA fragmentation compared with the positive control (100 μmol H_2 O_2 treatment). Thus, Chaga mushroom treatment affords cellular protection against endogenous DNA damage produced by H_2 O_2 . Show more

Keywords: chaga extract, comet assay, human lymphocyte, Inonotus obliquus, oxidative DNA damage

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 109-112, 2004

Authors: Suzuki, Rikako | Kohno, Hiroyuki | Murakami, Akira | Koshimizu, Koichi | Ohigashi, Hajime | Yano, Masamichi | Tokuda, Harukuni | Nishino, Hoyoku | Tanaka, Takuji

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The inhibitory effects of dietary feeding of citrus nobiletin on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced rat colon carcinogenesis using a long-term bioassay were investigated. Five-week old male F344 rats were initiated with two weekly subcutaneous injections of AOM (20 mg/kg bw) to induce colonic tumors. They were also given the diets containing 0.01% or 0.05% nobiletin for 34 weeks, starting one week after the last dosing of AOM. At the end of the study, the incidence of colonic adenocarcinoma …were 67% in the AOM alone group, 55% in the AOM→0.01% nobiletin group, 35% (p < 0.05) in the AOM→0.05% nobiletin group. Also, nobiletin feeding reduced the cell-proliferation activity, increased the apoptotic index, and decreased the prostaglandin E_{2} content in colonic adenocarcinoma and/or colonic mucosa. These findings might suggest that citrus nobiletin has chemopreventive ability against AOM-induced rat colon carcinogenesis. Show more

Keywords: nobiletin, inhibition, colon carcinogenesis, rats

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 111-114, 2004

Authors: Jung, Won-Jin | Sung, Mi-Kyung

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Oxidative stresses are involoved in the process of chronic inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory activity of major dietary antioxidants. Murine RAW264.7 macrophages (4 × 10^6 cells) were incubated in DMEM containing 10% FBS supplemented with 5 to 20 μM of α-tocopherol, β-carotene or quercetin for 24 hrs, and then treated with LPS for 16hrs. The medium was collected to measure TNF-α, …IL-6, PGE_2 and nitrite. Expressions of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) were determined using the harvested cells. Results indicate that TNF-α and IL-6 accumulations were significantly reduced by 5 to 20 μM quercetin treatment, and 20 μM of α-tocopherol treatment. Nitrite release was significantly reduced by 5 μM quercetin treatment. However, PGE_2 accumulation was not affected by any of the antioxidants used. Expressions of COX-2 and iNOS were effectively reduced by 5 μM quercetin treatment. These findings indicate that dietary antioxidants possess significant anti-inflammatory activities, and quercetin is the most potent antioxidant. Show more

Keywords: antioxidants, inflammation, macrophages, inflammatory cytokines, COX-2, iNOS

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 113-117, 2004

Authors: Yamamoto, Yoshimasa | Matsunaga, Kazuto | Friedman, Herman

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Bacterial pneumonia in immunocompromised patients as well as elderly persons often becomes a life threatening disease, even when effective antibiotics are used extensively. In addition, the appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in medical facilities as well as in patients requires another approach to treat such patients besides treatment with antibiotics. In this regard, green tea catechins, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), may be one of the potential agents for such purpose due to its …possible potential immunomodulatory as well as antimicrobial activity. The studies by us showed that EGCg enhanced the in vitro resistance of alveolar macrophages to Legionella pneumophila infection by selective immunomodulatory effects on cytokine formation. Furthermore, the tobacco smoking-induced impairment of alveolar macrophages regarding antibacterial as well as immune activity was also recovered by EGCg treatment. These results indicate that EGCg may be a possible potential immunotherapeutic agent against respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients, such as heavy smokers. Show more

Keywords: catechins, alveolar macrophages, infection, Legionella pneumophila

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 119-121, 2004

Authors: Hur, Haeng Jeon | Lee, Ki Won | Lee, Hyong Joo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The present study investigated immunopotentiating activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from kimchi (KLAB) in vitro. A RAW264.7 macrophage cell line was stimulated with four strains of KLAB and two strains of bifidobacteria, and then the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines – tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) – was determined. Lactobacillus plantarum, a lactic acid bacteria involved in the latent fermentation of kimchi, was the most effective for the …generation of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 in macrophage. All strains generated NO, while for the TNF-α and IL-6, only L. plantarum had significant activity. Our results indicate that L. plantarum plays an important role in the immunopotentiating activity of kimchi. Show more

Keywords: kimchi lactic acid bacteria, immunopotentiating activity, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 123-125, 2004

Authors: Osakabe, Naomi | Takano, Hirohisa | Sanbongi, Chiaki | Yasuda, Akiko | Yanagisawa, Rie | Inoue, Ken-ichiro | Yoshikawa, Toshikazu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to determine whether oral supplementation with rosmarinic acid (RA) is an effective intervention for patients with SAR. In addition, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of RA also estimated in the ear edema models. Clinical trial: Patients were treated daily with RA (200 mg or 50 mg) or placebo for 21 days. Patients recorded symptoms daily and profiles of infiltrating cells and concentration of cytokines were measured in nasal lavage fluid. Compared to placebo, …supplementation with RA resulted in a significant decrease in responder rates for each symptom. RA also significantly decreased the numbers of neutrophils and eosinophils in nasal lavage fluid. Animal Study: Topical application RA showed anti-inflammatory activity 5-hours after 12-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) treatment with marked inhibition of neutrophil infiltration. Up regulation of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), KC and MIP-2 by TPA were markedly reduced by pre-treatment with extract of perilla (PE) or RA. Reactive oxygen radical production detected as thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), lipid peroxide (LPO) and 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8OH-dG), by double treatment of TPA was reduced by pretreatment with PE or RA. RA is an effective intervention for SAR that is mediated by inhibition of PMNL infiltration. This effect of RA is due to two independent mechanisms: inhibition of the inflammatory response and scavenging of ROS. Show more

Keywords: rosmarinic acid, seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, neutrophils, adhesion molecule, chemokine

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 127-131, 2004

Authors: Fujimura, Yoshinori | Tachibana, Hirofumi | Kumai, Rie | Yamada, Koji

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The high-affinity IgE receptor FcεRI expresses on the cell surface of mast cells and basophils, which is the key molecule in allergic reactions. We previously found that the major green tea catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), has the suppressive effect of the FcεRI expression in the human basophilic KU812 cells, whereas (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG) has not. For understanding the mechanism of catechins, interactions of catechins with cellular membranes were investigated. Both …catechins were shown to bind the cell surface of KU812 cells by surface plasmon resonance assay. EGCG highly associated with cholesterol- and sphingolipid-enriched membrane microdomains known as lipid rafts. On the other hand, the level of ECG in rafts was lower than that of EGCG, suggesting that the association with lipid rafts may have an important role in the FcεRI-suppressive effect of catechins. Show more

Keywords: high-affinity IgE receptor, allergy, EGCG, ECG, tea catechin, lipid rafts, basophils

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 133-135, 2004

Authors: Satsu, Hideo | Matsuda, Tomoko | Toshimitsu, Takayuki | Mori, Akira | Mae, Tatsumasa | Tsukagawa, Misuzu | Kitahara, Mikio | Shimizu, Makoto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: It is well known that various cytokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α are expressed and secreted from intestinal epithelial cells and that these cytokines affect the immune cells beneath the intestinal epithelial monolayers. As the secretion of these cytokines is likely to be regulated by food-derived substances, we focused on those food substances which regulate the secretion of IL-8 in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. 72 food samples extracted with 40% ethanol …were tested, and the extracts of peppermint and dokudami significantly increased the IL-8 secretion. Among the compounds known to be contained in peppermint and dokudami, α-humulene substantially increased the IL-8 secretion.α-Humulene had no significant effect on the secretion of such other soluble factors as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, or NGF, suggesting that the effect of α-humulene was specific for IL-8 secretion. The expression level of IL-8 mRNA was significantly increased by treating with α-humulene. These results suggest that the secretion of IL-8 by α-humulene is regulated at the transcriptional level. Show more

Keywords: interleukin-8, chemokine, Caco-2, α-humulene, peppermint

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 137-139, 2004

Authors: Mochizuki, Tetsunosuke | Satsu, Hideo | Nakano, Tomoko | Shimizu, Makoto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We investigated whether or not the inflammatory cytokines affect the activity of taurine transporter (TAUT) in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Among the cytokines, tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) markedly augmented the TAUT activity. A kinetic analysis of the TAUT activity in TNF-α-treated Caco-2 cells suggests that this up-regulation was associated with both an increase in the amount of TAUT and an increase in its affinity. Considering these results, it seems that intracellular taurine plays …a role in the intestinal epithelial cells under such an inflammatory condition as that caused by an excessive amount of TNF-α secreted by macrophages. To verify this hypothesis, we examined the effect of taurine on inflamed intestinal cells by using a co-culture system of Caco-2 cells with human macrophage-like THP-1 cells. The result shows that taurine significantly repressed the damage to Caco-2 cells caused by TNF-α secreted by THP-1 cells. Thus, taurine may be a useful substance against intestinal inflammation. Show more

Keywords: Caco-2, tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), taurine transporter (TAUT), THP-1, co-culture

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 141-144, 2004

Authors: Watanabe, Fumiko | Satsu, Hideo | Mochizuki, Tetsunosuke | Nakano, Tomoko | Shimizu, Makoto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Immune cells located in the intestinal epithelium interact with intestinal epithelial cells via soluble factors. In this study, a new in vitro model using a coculture system was constructed to analyze the interaction between intestinal epithelial cells and macrophage-like cells. Human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells were differentiated on semipermeable membranes. Human monocytic THP-1 cells were differentiated to macrophage-like cells and then cocultured on the basolateral side of the Caco-2 cell monolayers. By …coculturing for 48 hours, an increased release of lactate dehydrogenase from the Caco-2 cells and a decrease in the transepithelial electrical resistance of the monolayers were observed, suggesting that the coculture with THP-1 induced some disruption of the Caco-2 cells. This disruption was significantly suppressed by adding the anti-TNF-α antibody to the medium, suggesting that TNF-α secreted from THP-1 caused damage to the Caco-2 cells. It is also suggested that this phenomenon is similar to that observed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The effects of food factors on the cells in this coculture system were examined. The disruption of the Caco-2 cell monolayers was significantly reduced by adding caffeine to the medium on the apical side. It is hoped that this coculture system will be a good model for the treatment of IBD. Show more

Keywords: coculture, Caco-2, THP-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 145-147, 2004

Authors: Na, Hye-Kyung | Mossanda, Kensese S. | Lee, Ji-Yoon | Surh, Young-Joon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Cancer bush (CB, Sutherlandia frutescens), Devil's claw (DEV, Harpagophytum procumbens), Rooibos tea (RT, Aspalathus linearis), and Bambara groundnut (BB, Vignea subterranean) have been used to treat some malignancies and inflammatory disorders in Africa. However, biochemical basis for chemopreventive effects of these medicinal plants remains unclear. An abnormally elevated expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been implicated in pathogenesis and progression of carcinogenesis. In the present study, we found that the methanol extracts of …CB, DEV, RT, and BB inhibited, to a different extent, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced COX-2 expression in human breast epithelial (MCF10A) cells and in mouse skin in vivo. To determine the molecular mechanism of COX-2 inhibition by the above medicinal plants, we examined their effects on activation of NF-κB which is one of the major transcription factors responsible for regulating COX-2 expression. Methanol extracts of both CB and BB inhibited the DNA binding of NF-κB activated by TPA in MCF10A cells in a dose-dependent manner. Based on above findings, CB and BB are likely to inhibit TPA-induced COX-2 expression through suppression of DNA binding of NF-κB, which may contribute to the chemopreventive or chemoprotective activity of these African plants. Show more

Keywords: African medicinal plants, cyclooxygenase-2, NF-κB, TPA, MCF10A cells, mouse skin carcinogenesis

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 149-153, 2004

Authors: Ishida-Fujii, Keiko | Goto, Shingo | Kuboki, Hiroshi | Hirano, Shin-ichi | Sakamoto, Michiko | Sato, Michikatsu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from an alcohol fermentation broth, and the activity as a probiotic was examined using pathogenic E. coli. Thirty-six strains exhibiting good growth were isolated in the medium of concentrated mush which was a residue resulted in the alcohol distillation process. One of these strains, Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei I-5, could be grown in the medium containing 8 vol% ethanol and at 45°C. The characteristics were different from the type strain, L. …paracasei subsp. paracasei NBRC 15889™. L. paracasei I-5 showed an excellent growth in the concentrated mush, which just diluted two-fold and adjusted the pH. ICR mice were fed with a standard germ-free feed (CMF) and the strain I-5 (7 × 10^9 cells/day) was orally administrated for 11 days prior to the intraperitoneal challenge with pathogenic E. coli Juhl. After the challenge, mice administrated the strain I-5 exhibited a high survival rate and survival extension days (p < 0.01) compared with the control. The results suggested that the strain might enhance the animal resistance against microbial pathogens. Neonatal diarrhea caused by E. coli is a serious disease in calf breeding. The strain might be practically valuable to prevent diarrhea in calves. Show more

Keywords: lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus paracasei, pathogenic E. coli

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 155-158, 2004

Authors: Kikuchi, Akira | Nakajima-Adachi, Haruyo | Ebihara, Ayumi | Takahashi, Yoshimasa | Hosono, Akira | Itoh, Kikuji | Hachimura, Satoshi | Kaminogawa, Shuichi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: To investigate the mechanisms inducing food-sensitive intestinal inflammation, we focused on the OVA23-3 mouse, a transgenic mouse strain expressing a T cell receptor that recognizes ovalbumin (OVA). Mice administered an egg-white (EW) diet containing OVA showed a trend of loose feces and significant weight loss. Histology of the jejunum showed severe inflammation with villous atrophy. Thus, we studied the role of T cells and intestinal microflora in the development of the inflammation. Severe villous disruption …was observed in sections of the jejunum from OVA23-3 mice and RAG-2 gene-deficient OVA23-3 mice fed with EW-diet. Further, a larger number of T cells was found in the lamina propria of the jejunum of EW-diet fed OVA23-3 mice, RAG-2 gene-deficient mice and germfree OVA23-3 mice compared with those of control-diet fed mice. However, severe inflammation was not detected in the jejunum of germfree OVA23-3 mice. CD4^{+} T cells from the MLN of EW-diet fed OVA23-3 mice showed a Th2 cytokine secretion profile. These observations have thus clarified that antigen-specific Th2 cells play important roles in the development of intestinal inflammation. Although the presence of indigenous bacteria was not essential for the inflammation, T cells could mediate a more severe inflammatory response in their presence. Show more

Keywords: food allergy, oral administration of antigen, intestinal inflammation antigen-specific T cells, Th2 type CD4^{+} T cells, probiotics, intestinal flora

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 159-162, 2004

Authors: Onishi, Nobukazu | Kawamoto, Seiji | Nishimura, Masaru | Nakano, Toshiaki | Aki, Tsunehiro | Shigeta, Seiko | Shimizu, Hisao | Hashimoto, Kunihiko | Ono, Kazuhisa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Konjac glucomannan (GM) is a well-known dietary fiber with various beneficial functions, which the higher viscous GM is proposed to have the stronger potencies. Application of highly viscous GM to various food industries is limited for the sake of long elapsed time required to solubilize the GM. Thus, the exploration into any physiological function of low-viscous GM remained undone for a long time. Male 4-week-old NC/Nga mice, a model of atopic dermatitis (AD), were fed for …8 weeks on diets containing 5% each of a high-viscous GM powder, ordinary konjac or highly purified GM, and a low-viscous GM powder, pulverized GM or re-granulated fine GM. Striking suppression to the aggravation of dermatitis and the increases in scratching behaviors and IgE levels was significantly observed only in mice fed on the pulverized GM diet, but not in mice fed on the other GM diets or a control diet. We concluded that the low-viscous GM possesses a novel immunoregulatory function and the intensity of the function depends upon the particle size rather than the viscosity. Show more

Keywords: konjac glucomannan, atopic dermatitis, NC/Nga mice, IgE, particle size

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 163-166, 2004

Authors: Miyakoshi, Masazumi | Yamaguchi, Yasunaga | Takagaki, Ryoji | Mizutani, Kenji | Kambara, Toshimitsu | Ikeda, Takao | Zaman, M.S. | Kakihara, Hiroki | Takenaka, Asako | Igarashi, Kiharu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Hepatoprotective effect of turmeric together with its sesquiterpenes and curcuminoids fractions were examined on D-galactosamine induced liver injury in rats. All the diets individually contained the turmeric extract, the curcuminoids fraction, and the sesquiterpenes fraction suppressed the increase of LDH, ALT, and AST levels caused by D-GalN treatment. Since few anti-oxidative activities are expected in the sesquiterpenes fraction, it is presumed that hepatoprotective mechanism of sesquiterpenes in turmeric is different from that …of curuminoids. Show more

Keywords: turmeric, ar-turmerone, curcumin, galactosamine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 167-170, 2004

Authors: Fukao, Tomomi | Hosono, Takashi | Misawa, Satomi | Seki, Taiichiro | Ariga, Toyohiko

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diallyl trisulfide (DATS) are principal constituents of garlic oil. We studied the effect of these sulfides on the phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes, and on the rat model of acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl_{4} ). A highly purified form of each sulfide (more than 99% purity) was administered i.p. to rats at a concentration of 10 or 100 μmol/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. DATS …(10 μmol/kg) and DADS at a 10-fold higher dose (100 μmol/kg) significantly increased the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and quinone reductase (QR); whereas DAS did not. In the CCl_{4} -induced acute liver injury model of rats, DATS (10 μmol/kg) significantly suppressed the increase in plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. In conclusion, hepatic phase II enzymes were induced strongly by the trisulfide and weakly by the disulfide, but not by DAS. DATS significantly reduced the liver injury caused by CCl_{4} . DATS may be one of the important factors in garlic oil that protects our body against the injury caused by radical molecules. Show more

Keywords: garlic, allyl sulfides, phase II enzymes, carbon tetrachloride, liver injury, chemoprevention

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 171-174, 2004

Authors: Murakami, Toshiyuki | Miyakoshi, Masazumi | Araho, Daisuke | Mizutani, Kenji | Kambara, Toshimitsu | Ikeda, Takao | Chou, Wen-Hua | Inukai, Mihoko | Takenaka, Asako | Igarashi, Kiharu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Hepatoprotective effect of the leaves and stems of Ampelopsis grossedentata together with its main constituent, ampelopsin, were examined on D-galactosamine induced liver injury in rats. The diet containing 50% ethanolic extract (1%) and ampelopsin (0.1%) markedly suppressed the increase of LDH, ALT, AST, α-tocopherol levels and GSG/GSSH caused by GalN treatment. These results suggested that ampelopsin from Tocha acted to prevent the oxidative stress in vivo that may have been due to active …oxygen species formed by a macrophage by the action of GalN. Show more

Keywords: Ampelopsis grossedentata, ampelopsin, D-galactosamine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 175-178, 2004

Authors: Kwon, Ki Han | Murakami, Akira | Tanaka, Takuji | Ohigashi, Hajime

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Oxidative stress has been shown to play pivotal roles in the onset of inflammatory bowel disease. We evaluated the effects of a dietary anti-oxidant, Antioxidant Biofactor (AOB®), a processed grain food, on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Female ICR mice were fed a diet containing 0.1% or 1% AOB for 2 weeks, during which they were given 5% DSS in drinking water for the latter 1 week to induce colitis. A diet containing 1% …AOB, but not that with 0.1% AOB, attenuated DSS-induced body weight loss and colon shortening (each, P < 0.05), and dramatically improved colitis histologic scores. In addition, DSS-induced increases in colonic mucosal IL-1β, but not TNF-α, protein levels were significantly abrogated in 1% AOB-fed mice (P < 0.05). Further, 1% dietary AOB abolished the expression of IL-1β mRNA levels in colonic mucosa (P < 0.01). Our results suggest that AOB is effective for the prevention of DSS-induced colitis in mice. Show more

Keywords: antioxidant, dextran sulfate sodium, experimental colitis, oxidative stress

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 179-184, 2001

Authors: Maeda, Hiroaki | Ichihashi, Kenichi | Fujii, Takako | Omura, Kazunobu | Zhu, Xia | Anazawa, Mari | Tazawa, Kenji

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The preventive effect of Hydrolyzed Rice Bran against the common cold syndrome was examined in elderly people. Arabinoxylan derivatives of Hydrolyzed Rice Bran (HRB) were prepared from water-soluble rice bran through partial processing using a carbohydrate complex. Using the water-soluble Rice Bran (RB) as a control, a cross over double-blind study was conducted on both substances over a 6-week administration period. Fifty elderly people aged from 70 to 95 years participated in the study and …the comparative data from 36 participants were analyzed. There were no withdrawals from in the study due to the side effects of the experimental foods. Symptoms were observed and scored. The total symptom score for the RB treatment group was three times higher than that for the HRB treatment group. The average duration of symptoms was 2.6 days for RB whereas it was only 1.2 days for HRB. Furthermore, some immunomodulatory action was observed in laboratory tests. HRB was shown to be useful in reducing the physical stress associated with acute respiratory tract infection. Show more

Keywords: hydrolyzed rice bran, clinical study, common cold syndrome, immunomodulatory action

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 185-187, 2004

Authors: Kiso, Yoshinobu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Sesamin was orally administered to rats, and blood, bile and urine were collected periodically. Over 40% of the dose of sesamin was detected in bile as glucuronides of 2-(3, 4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-6-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-cis-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0] octane and 2-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-cis-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0] octane by 24~hr after administration. Antioxidant activities of these metabolites were compared and catechol metabolites showed strong radical scavenging activities against not only superoxide anion radical but also hydroxyl radical. It was …suggested that sesamin was absorbed by the route of portal vein and metabolized to mono- or di-catechol metabolite by drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver cells. Both metabolites exhibited antioxidant activity in the liver and were finally conjugated with glucuronic acid and to excrete in bile. Sesamin can be classified as a pro-antioxidant. The profiles of gene expression of the liver in rats given sesamin or vehicle were compared. The gene expression levels of the late stage enzymes of β-oxidation including trifunctional enzyme, acyl-CoA oxidase, bifunctional enzyme and 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase were significantly increased by sesamin. On the other hand, the transcription of the genes encoding the enzymes for fatty acid synthesis was decreased. Moreover, in sesamin rats, the gene expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase was increased about 3-fold, whereas alcohol dehydrogenase, liver catalase and CYP2E1 were not changed. These results suggested that sesamin ingestion regulated the transcription levels of hepatic metabolizing enzymes for lipids and alcohol. Show more

Keywords: sesamin, antioxidant, β-oxidation enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase, DNA microarray, genechip

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 191-196, 2004

Authors: Ariga, Toshiaki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Proanthocyanidins, which belong to a class of polyphenols, are widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. Most people ingest trace amounts of proanthocyanidins through foods such as red wine and cranberry juice. However, the functional properties of proanthocyanidins have been little understood. Since 1983, we have studied the antioxidative functions, preventive actions on diseases and utilization of proanthocyanidins. The antioxidative activities of proanthocyanidins were found to be much stronger than vitamin C or …vitamin E in aqueous systems. The mechanisms for their antioxidative actions were shown to involve radical scavenging, quenching, and enzyme-inhibiting actions. The preventive actions of proanthcyanidins on diseases relating to reactive oxygen species was examined using animal tests. Proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract was showed to have preventive actions on diseases such as atherosclerosis, gastric ulcer, large bowel cancer, cataracts and diabetes. In human intervention trials, grape seed extract was shown to have preventive effects on the increase in lipid peroxides in human plasma after exercise and on muscle fatigue after training. The uses and manufacturing techniques of proanthocyanidin products were subsequently developed. The products were launched as antioxidants in food additives, ingredients in nutritional supplements, and cosmetics. Show more

Keywords: antioxidant, application, disease, proanthocyanidin, polyphenol, radical

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 197-201, 2004

Authors: Shi, John | Kakuda, Yukio | Yeung, David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Lycopene is the major carotenoid in tomatoes. Tomatoes contain a matrix of many bioactive components, including vitamin C, vitamin E, other carotenoids (a-, β-, γ- carotene, lutein), and flavonoids. Their synergistic interactions, when used in combination, may be responsible for the observed beneficial effects of tomato-based products. This study investigated the synergistic antioxidant activity of lycopene in combination with β-carotene, vitamin E, and lutein. A liposome system was used to test the …synergistic antioxidant activity. The carotenoid mixtures were more efficient in protecting liposome from oxidation than the individual carotenoid. Mixtures of lycopene and vitamin E appear to have the greatest synergistic antioxidant activity. Show more

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 203-210, 2004

Authors: Katsuzaki, Hirotaka | Miyahara, Yoshiyuki | Ota, Masnobu | Imai, Kunio | Komiya, Takashi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The comparison of antioxidative activity between the hot water extract and ambient water extract of Japanese radish (daikon) was carried out. The activity of the hot water extract was higher than that of the ambient water extract. One of the antioxidants was isolated as L-tryptophan that should no change in its amount that was determined between the hot water extract and ambient water extract. Moreover, tryptophan changed to 5-hydroxy tryptophan in the rat liver microsome model. …This phenomenon may show that tryptophan is changed to another antioxidant in the body. Show more

Keywords: Japanese radish, antioxidant, tryptophan

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 211-214, 2004

Authors: Baker, Mark A. | Ly, Jennifer D. | Lawen, Alfons

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We have recently demonstrated that voltage dependent anion selective channel~1 (porin, isoform 1) can function as a transplasma membrane NADH:ferricyanide-reductase. However, both the specific redox characteristics and the mechanism of electron transport in this enzyme presently remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that the redox capability of porin 1 is specific for ferricyanide as this same enzyme cannot reduce DCIP or cytochrome c in vitro. Furthermore, NADH-dependent ferricyanide reduction associated with VDAC1 is …not sensitive to the anion channel inhibitors DIDS and dextran sulfate. However, this activity can be inhibited by thiol chelators, suggesting that at least one of the two cysteine groups present in VDAC1 are critical for electron transfer. We propose a model on how electron transport may occur in VDAC1. Show more

Keywords: transplasma membrane electron transport, NADH, VDAC1, ferricyanide reductase

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 215-221, 2004

Authors: Ray, S.D. | Lam, T.S. | Rotollo, J.A. | Phadke, S. | Patel, C. | Dontabhaktuni, A. | Mohammad, S. | Lee, H. | Strika, S. | Dobrogowska, A. | Bruculeri, C. | Chou, A. | Patel, S. | Patel, R. | Manolas, T. | Stohs, S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: ROS, RNS, BRIs and ROS-RNS hybrids are produced during drug or chemical metabolism in vivo. These reactive species are instrumental to the culmination of cellular oxidative stress (OS). OS, once turned on, does not spare any vital intracellular macromolecule, such as glutathione, DNA, RNA, proteins, enzymes, lipids and ATP. Since concentration gradients of such components are very delicately balanced for normal cellular functioning, a gross perturbation leads to cell injury and cell death. Abundant evidence now …suggests that intracellular antioxidants keep OS in check and maintain homeostasis. Our laboratory has focused on the role of OS in orchestrating various forms of cell death during drug and chemically-induced target organ toxicity and their counteraction by various natural or synthetic antioxidants in in vivo models. Despite complexity of the in vivo models, results show that metabolism of xenobiotics are invariably associated with different degrees of OS and natural antioxidants such as grape seed extract, bitter melon extract (Momordica charantia) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) which were very effective in counteracting organ toxicities by minimizing events linked to OS (lipid peroxidation and total glutathione), and CAD-mediated DNA fragmentation. Phytoextract exposure rescued cells from toxic assaults, protected genomic integrity, and minimized apoptotic, necrotic and apocrotic (oncotic necrosis) cell deaths. Pre-exposure mode was more effective than post-exposure route. Overall scenario suggests that OS may have been the prime modulator of death and/or survival programs, whereas, antioxidants may have imparted a dual role in either erasing death signals or reviving survival signals, and a combination of antioxidants may be more beneficial than a single entity to influence a number of intracellular events operating simultaneously to neutralize chaotic toxicological consequences. Show more

Keywords: oxidative stress, momordica, basil, grape seed extract, apoptosis, necrosis, oncotic necrosis, acetaminophen, furosemide, doxorubicin, chloroform, thioacetamide, liver, kidney

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 223-232, 2004

Authors: Kubo, Kazuhiro | Sekine, Seiji | Saito, Morio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We examined the relationship between the transbilayer distribution of aminophospholipids, such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), PE plasmalogen and phosphatidylserine, and the oxidative stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the aminophospholipids. To modulate the transbilayer distribution of aminophospholipid in liposomes, we used phosphatidylcholine (PC) with two types of acyl chain region: dipalmitoyl (PC16:0) or dioleoyl (PC18:1). In the smaller-sized liposomes, the proportions of aminophospholipid in the liposomal external layer were significantly higher in …liposomes containing PC18:1 than in those containing PC16:0. Additionally, aminophospholipids in the external layer of smaller-sized liposomes were able to protect their component PUFAs from 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride-mediated lipid peroxidation. Show more

Keywords: acyl chain region, aminophospholipid, asymmetric distribution, lipid peroxidation, liposome, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, plasmalogen, transbilayer distribution

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 235-239, 2004

Authors: Hosotani, Keisuke | Kawahata, Atsushi | Koyama, Kanako | Murakami, Chikako | Yoshida, Hiromi | Yamaji, Ryoichi | Inui, Hiroshi | Nakano, Yoshihisa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this experiment, we examine the functional property of carotenoids; β-cryptoxanthin (Cry), zeaxanthin (Zea), β-carotene (Car)) and ascorbic acid (AsA). The accumulation amounts of Cry, Zea and Car in HepG2 cells cultured in the high concentration medium were larger than that in a low concentration. Further those accumulation amounts in long incubation time within 24~hours were greater than that in a shorter time. When the added carotenoid concentration, with or without hydrogen peroxide, increased from 0 …to 5 μM in the culture medium, the thiobarbituric acid reaction substance (TBARS) values in the HepG2 cells decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The decrease of TBARS values shows the antioxidative property of the carotenoids. When AsA and Tocopherol(Toc) were added to the medium from 0 to 20 μM, the TBARS values, with or without hydrogen peroxide, decreased significantly with increasing concentrations of AsA and Toc respectively (p < 0.05). The decreased amount of TBARS in 5 μM Cry compared with control(0 μM) was the largest among 6 antioxidants (Cry, Car, Zea, Retinol(Ret), AsA, Toc) used in this experiment. Show more

Keywords: carotenoids, ascorbic acid, antioxidant, HepG2, β-cryptoxanthin

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 241-245, 2004

Authors: Moriyama, Michie | Oba, Kazuko

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: To assist our choice of sprouts as healthy foodstuffs, we examined and compared the antioxidant activities of various sprouts. Most sprouts contained higher amounts of vitamin C, polyphenol and DPPH radical-scavenging activity than their mature vegetables. As food materials, young college students preferred sprouts to mature vegetables in case of vegetables whose mature forms are unfamiliar at market. Antioxidant activity of "Toumyo" sprout was highest at the 5th day after germination. Cotyledon and young root …of "Toumyo" sprout, though they are usually discarded at kitchen, showed high antioxidant activities. A sensory evaluation by young college students suggested that the cotyledon could be served as meal if it is fried after boiled. Show more

Keywords: sprouts, radical-scavenging activity, vitamin C, polyphenol, sensory evaluation

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 247-249, 2004

Authors: Fukuda, Toshiyuki | Ito, Hideyuki | Yoshida, Takashi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We examined the in vivo antioxidative effect of a polyphenol-rich walnut extract on oxidative stress in mice with type 2 diabetes. C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice were used as an accelerated oxidative animal model. The oral administration of the walnut polyphenol fraction at 200~mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks caused a significant decrease in the level of urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosin, which is an in vivo marker of oxidative stress. These results imply that walnut polyphenols have both in vitro and …in vivo antioxidant effects. Show more

Keywords: walnuts, Juglans regia, juglandaceae, antioxidant, type 2 diabetes, C57BL-db/db mouse, 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine)

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 251-253, 2004

Authors: Nakamura, Yoshimasa | Miyoshi, Noriyuki | Takabayashi, Satoko | Osawa, Toshihiko

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The exposure of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) to mouse skin resulted in the attenuation of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced oxidative damage through not only inhibition of the NADPH oxidase system but also leukocyte clearance at inflamed region. In spite of little ability to affect TPA-induced edema formation, pretreatments of mouse skin with BITC before the first or second TPA treatment significantly decrease the H_2 O_2 level. A histological study also demonstrated that …BITC enhanced the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive index in mouse skin, suggesting that BITC might accelerate the disappearance of infiltrated leukocytes. Thus, these gathered data further supported that BITC has a potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Show more

Keywords: benzyl isothiocyanate, tumor promotion, reactive oxygen species, neutrophil, NADPH oxidase

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 255-257, 2004

Authors: Igarashi, Kiharu | Sugimoto, Etsuko | Hatakeyama, Asako | Molyneux, John | Kubomura, Kiyoko

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The preventive effects of the major boysenberry anthocyanins (BoAnt) on liver injury, were determined in rats with liver injury induced by galactosamine (GalN). Increases in plasma AST and ALT activities, which were all induced by the injection of GalN, were relieved by the ingestion of BoAnt, suggesting that BoAnt is a food component available to prevent liver injury.

Keywords: boysenberry, anthocyanin, liver injury

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 259-261, 2004

Authors: Tsuji, Kentaro | Kawai, Yoshichika | Kato, Yoji | Osawa, Toshihiko

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The primary amino groups of biomolecules such as aminophospholipids, as well as proteins, are the potential targets of covalent modifications by lipid peroxidation products; however, little attention has been paid to the modification of aminophospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The purpose of this study is to characterize the formation of a novel modified phospholipid, N-(hexanoyl)phosphatidylethanolamine (HEPE), in the reaction of PE with lipid hydroperoxides using mass spectrometric analyses. Upon reaction of egg …PE with 13-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid or other oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids followed by phospholipase D-mediated hydrolysis, the formation of N-(hexanoyl)ethanolamine (HEEA), a head group of HEPE, was confirmed by isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Moreover, increasing HEEA was detected in the hydrolysates of oxidized erythrocyte ghosts and low-density lipoprotein with their increasing lipid peroxidation levels. Collectively, these results suggest that the N-hexanoylated product of phospholipid, HEPE, can be generated during lipid peroxidation and may serve as one mechanism for the covalent modification of aminophospholipids in vivo. Show more

Keywords: lipid peroxidation, aminophospholipid, amide-type adduct, oxidative modification, LC/MS/MS

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 263-266, 2004

Authors: Hwang, Keum Hee | Kim, Young-Kyoon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We examined the effects of the fruit of M. alba extracts on the changes of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities during and after the physical exercise in rat. Each activity was measured by used serotonin(5-HT) and benzylamine as substrate. Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity and the concentrations of lactate in blood which were clinical indexes of physical exercise were also determined to compare with the relation of MAO activities. Those activities during and after the physical exercise have …different tendency in each other enzyme. MAO-A activity was sharply decreased with stress by physical activities compared to the normal group, whereas MAO-B activity was increased for 60 minutes after exercise. All of these indexes were recovered to normal state by oral administration of extract of M. alba. These results of this study suggested M. alba may modulate the MAO activities during exercise and promote the capability of physical activities and show anti-stress effect. In general, MAO inhibitors have been used drugs for the purpose of treatment Parkinson's disease, dementia, deprression. These results can apply to produce the health and functional foods that have modulating effects for these diseases. Show more

Keywords: monoamine oxidase(MAO), serotonin(5-HT), exercise, anti-stress effect, Morus alba

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 267-271, 2004

Authors: Iwai, Kunihisa | Kim, Mi-Yeon | Onodera, Akio | Matsue, Hajime

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The fruit of Viburnum dilatatum Thunb, called gamazumi in Japan, showed the strong antioxidant activities, and its preventive effects on oxidative stress and active ingredients were investigated. Male rats were subjected to water immersion restraint stress for 6 hours, after ingestion of the gamazumi crude extract (GCE) for 2 weeks. The formation of gastric ulcer was reduced, and the lipid peroxidation in plasma and organs also lowered in rats ingested GCE. In the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats …given GCE for 10 weeks, inhibition of lipid peroxidation in plasma, erythrocytes and organs was observed, and the increase of plasma glucose level also lowered. On the other hand, two cyanidin glycosides, two chlorogenic acids and quercetin were identified, and especially cyanidin 3-sambubioside (Cy 3-sam) showed the strong radical scavenging activity. It is suggested that Cy 3-sam is a key compound contributing to the physiological effects of V. dilatatum fruit. Show more

Keywords: Viburnum dilatatum, cyanidin 3-sambubioside, antioxidant, radical scavenging, diabetes

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 273-275, 2004

Authors: Nishimura, Hiroyuki | Higuchi, Ohki | Tateshita, Koutaro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Sulfur-containing compounds contributing to health promotion in Allium species are produced via enzymic and thermochemical reactions. Sulfur-containing amino acids and volatile organosulfur compounds were prepared for an antioxidative assay. The inhibitory activity of S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteines and their sulfoxides, volatile alk(en)yl disulfides and trisulfides, and vinyldithiins in Allium species against lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) formation in human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was examined. It was elucidated that the alk(en)yl substituents (methyl, propyl, and allyl) and …the number of sulfur atoms in the compounds were important for the antioxidative activity. 3,4-Dihydro-3-vinyl-1,2-dithiin, which is produced by a thermochemical reaction of allyl 2-propenethiosulfinate, exhibited the highest antioxidative activity of human LDL among sulfur-containing compounds. Show more

Keywords: Allium species, sulfur-containing compounds, antioxidative activity, life-style-related diseases, low-density lipoprotein

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 277-280, 2004

Authors: Xiufen, Wang | Hiramatsu, Naoko | Matsubara, Mai

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The objective of this research was to examine the radical scavenging activity of traditional Japanese herbs. Samples used in the experiments were gennoshoko (Geranium nepalense var. thunbergii), yomogi (Artemisia vulgaris var.indica), senburi (Swertia japonica), iwa-tobacco (Conandron ramondioides), sarunokoshikake (Elfvingia applanata), kanzo (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) and matatabi (Actinidia polygama). The water-soluble components of the herbs were extracted in boiling water, and the volatile oil was extracted by a distillation apparatus or steeping in …some organic solvents such as petroleum ether and ethyl ether. The radical scavenging activity was determined by the decrease of free radicals of DPPH detected by both colorimetric assay and HPLC method at 517~nm. The extracts of gennoshoko, yomogi and iwa-tobacco showed remarkable radical scavenging activity. The volatile oil of yomogi obtained by distillation or steeping in organic solvents had especially strong antioxidative activity. Show more

Keywords: antioxidant, gennoshoko, yomogi, iwa-tobacco, DPPH

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 281-284, 2004

Authors: Lee, Eun-Jung | Jang, Hae-Dong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) was extracted by refluxing with water and 75% ethanol as a solvent. Antioxidant activity and protective effect on DNA strand scission were investigated by using different antioxidant assay systems and DNA strand nicking assay, respectively. 75% Ethanol extract has higher content of total soluble phenolics and flavonoid than water extract. Antioxidant activities such as hydrogen donating capacity and scavenging activity of hydrogen peroxide were higher in 75% ethanol extract than in water …extract except the rate constant with hydroxyl radical. Peroxyl radical induced DNA strand scission was prevented by both 75% ethanol and water extract and hydroxyl radical induced DNA strand scission was not. This result indicates that total soluble phenolics, specially flavonoid, of Rooibos tea are responsible for several kinds of antioxidant activities and preventive activity on peroxyl radical induced DNA strand scission. Show more

Keywords: rooibos tea, total soluble phenolics, antioxidant activity, protective effect on DNA strand scission

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 285-292, 2004

Authors: Masuda, Yuki | Kikuzaki, Hiroe | Hisamoto, Masashi | Nakatani, Nobuji

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) shows an antioxidant activity, and we have been engaging to determine the structures of more than 50 antioxidants isolated from the rhizomes of ginger. The isolated antioxidants are divided into two groups; gingerol related compounds and diarylheptanoids. In this study, structure-activity relationship of gingerol related compounds was evaluated. Gingerol related compounds substituted with an alkyl group bearing 10-, 12- or 14-carbon chain length were isolated from the dichloromethane …extract of rhizomes using repeated chromatographic techniques. The antioxidant activities of these compounds were evaluated by the following measurements; 1) 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2) inhibitory effect on oxidation of methyl linoleate under aeration and heating by the Oil Stability Index (OSI) method, and 3) inhibitory effect on oxidation of liposome induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride (AAPH). These results suggested that the substituents on the alkyl chain might contribute to both radical scavenging effect and inhibitory effect of autoxidation of oils, while inhibitory effects against the AAPH-induced peroxidation of liposome was somewhat influenced by the alkyl chain length; the antioxidant activity might be due to not only radical scavenging activity of antioxidants but also their affinity of the antioxidants to the substrates. Show more

Keywords: ginger, gingerol related compounds, antioxidant, DPPH radical, Oil Stability Index, liposome

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 293-296, 2004

Authors: Myojin, Chiho | Yamaguchi, Tomoko | Takamura, Hitoshi | Matoba, Teruyoshi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Vegetables are rich source of antioxidative components such as ascorbic acid and polyphenols, which scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species and prevent life-style related diseases. In this work, the changes of radical-scavenging activity in shredded red and green cabbage leaves during storage were determined as well as ascorbic acid and polyphenol contents. Shredded cabbage leaves were stored at 10°C for 7 days in the presence or absence of oxygen. Radical-scavenging activity, ascorbic acid content, …and polyphenol content of shredded cabbage leaves remained for 7 days in the presence and absence of oxygen. These results demonstrate that the radical-scavenging activity, ascorbic acid, and polyphenols are stable in shredded cabbage leaves and that oxygen does not affect the activity and active components. Show more

Keywords: radical-scavenging activity, cabbage, shredded vegetable

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 297-299, 2004

Authors: Ngoc Ly, Tram | Shimoyamada, Makoto | Kato, Koji | Yamauchi, Ryo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Antioxidative compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of fresh rhizome of smaller galanga (Alpinia officinarum Hance). Seven phenylpropanoids (1–7) were obtained and their structures were elucidated by MS and NMR analyses. They comprised the two known compounds, (E)-p-coumaryl alcohol γ-O-methyl ether (1) and (E)-p-coumaryl alcohol (6); and the five novel compounds, stereoisomers of (4E)-1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-1-methoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)-4-pentene (2a and 2b), stereoisomers of (4E)-1,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-ethoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)-4-pentene (3a and 3b), …(4E)-1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-1-[(2E)-3-(4-acetoxyphenyl)-2-propenoxy]-2-(methoxymethyl)-4-pentene (4), (4E)-1,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(methoxymethyl)-4-penten-1-ol (5), and (4E)-1,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-penten-1-ol (7). Compounds 1–7 were detected for the first time as constituents of galanga rhizomes and exhibited antioxidative activities against the autoxidation of methyl linoleate in bulk phase. Show more

Keywords: antioxidant, phenylpropanoid, coumaryl alcohol, galanga, Alpinia officinarum Hance

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 305-308, 2004

Authors: Kayano, Shin-ichi | Kikuzaki, Hiroe | Yamada, Naoko Fukutsuka | Aoki, Asuka | Kasamatsu, Kumi | Yamasaki, Yuka | Ikami, Takao | Suzuki, Tomoo | Mitani, Takahiko | Nakatani, Nobuji

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Prunes contain large amounts of phenolics and show high antioxidant activity. The aim of this study is to clarify the contents of caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) isomers, and to estimate the contribution of these isomers to the antioxidant activity of prunes. Furthermore, structural elucidation and evaluation of antioxidant activity of prune components were also performed. CQA isomers in prunes were quantified by HPLC analysis, and it has become apparent that prunes contain relatively high amount of …4-O-caffeoylquinic acid. The contribution of CQA isomers to the antioxidant activity of prunes was revealed to be 28.4% on the basis of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC); hence, it was indicated that residual ORAC is dependent on unknown antioxidant components. Total 28 compounds were isolated and their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS analyses. Four abscisic acid related compounds, a chromanon, and a bipyrrole were novel. Each CQA isomer in prunes showed high antioxidant activities when measured by the oil stability index (OSI) method, O_2^- scavenging activity, and ORAC. Other isolated compounds such as hydroxycinnamic acids, benzoic acids, coumarins, lignans, and flavonoid showed high ORAC values. Furthermore, a novel chromanon indicated a remarkable synergistic effect on ORAC of CQA isomers. Show more

Keywords: prunes (Prunus domestica L.), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), HPLC, chromanon, abscisic acid related compounds, bipyrrole, hydroxycinnamic acids, benzoic acids, coumarins, lignans, flavonoid

Citation: BioFactors, vol. 21, no. 1-4, pp. 309-313, 2004