Antioxidant activity and laxative effects of tannin-enriched extract of Ecklonia cava in loperamide-induced constipation of SD rats

To investigate the role of tannin-enriched extracts of Ecklonia cava (TEE) on the regulation of oxidative balance and laxative activity in chronic constipation, we investigated alterations after exposure to TEE, on constipation phenotypes, muscarinic cholinergic regulation, and oxidative stress responses in the transverse colons of SD rats with loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation. This extract contains high levels of total condensed tannin content (326.5 mg/g), and exhibited high inhibitory activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. TEE treatment induced significant improvements in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) phosphorylation in primary smooth muscles of rat intestine cells (pRISMCs) and transverse colon of constipation model. Also, Lop+TEE treated groups showed alleviated outcomes for the following: most stool parameters, gastrointestinal transit, and intestine length were remarkably recovered; a similar recovery pattern was observed in the histopathological structure, mucin secretion, water channel expression and gastrointestinal hormones secretion in the transverse colon; expressions of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors M2/M3 (mAChR M2/M3) and their mediators on muscarinic cholinergic regulation were significantly recovered. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that TEE stimulates oxidative stress modulation and muscarinic cholinergic regulation when exerting its laxative effects in chronic constipation models.

Anti-ulcer effect of Gallarhois extract with anti-oxidant activity in an ICR model of ethanol/hydrochloride acid-induced gastric injury

Gallarhois (GR) is a traditional oriental herbal medicine with various pharmacological effects; however, its effect on gastric ulcer has not been previously explored. We firstly investigated the component and antioxidant activity of GR extract (EtGR) by HPLC analysis and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The results showed that EtGR consisted of gallotannin (68.7%), gallic acid (27.2%) and methyl gallate (4.1%) and that it had a high antioxidant value (IC50 value; 1.93 μg/mL). To evaluate the possible anti-gastric ulcer potential of EtGR, we investigated the effects of EtGR in the model of ethanol/hydrochloric acid (EtOH/HCl)-induced gastric ulcer. Gross and histological gastric lesions, biochemical and gene expression parameters were taken into consideration. The results showed that EtOH/HCl treatment produced mucosal injuries with morphological and histological damage, whereas EtGR co-treatment reduced the gastric injuries. EtGR treatment also decreased the contents of malonaldehyde (MDA) activity relative to the vehicle group. Moreover, EtGR decreased the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Finally, EtGR did not induce any specific toxicity in the livers or kidneys of the EtOH/HCl-induced gastric ulcer model. These results suggest that EtGR had stronger antioxidant activity and could be a new useful natural drug for gastroprotection against gastric ulcer. Moreover, these findings provide a scientific basis for the development of drugs from traditional oriental herbal medicines.

Asparagus cochinchinensis stimulates release of nerve growth factor and abrogates oxidative stress in the Tg2576 model for Alzheimer's disease

Backgroud

Use of multifunctional drugs with neurotrophic supporting and oxidative stress suppressing activity may be considered a therapeutic strategy to protect or repair cellular damage caused during the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of A. cochinchinesis root (AEAC), particularly its role as a nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulator and anti-oxidant in Tg2576 mice showing AD phenotypes of human.

Methods

Tg2576 mice were received 100 mg/kg/day AEAC via oral administration, while mice in the Vehicle treated group received dH₂O for 4 weeks. Non-Tg littermates were used as a control group. Following AEAC treatment for 4 weeks, NGF function, anti-oxidantive status, Aβ-42 peptide level, γ-secretase expression and neuronal cell functions were analyzed in the brain of Tg2576 mice.

Results

AEAC containing flavonoids, phenols, saponins and protodioscin induced enhancement of NGF secretion and decreased intracellular ROS in the neuronal and microglial cell line. These effects as well as enhanced SOD levels were also detected in AEAC treated Tg2576 mice. The expression of p-Akt among downstream effectors of the high affinity NGF receptor was dramatically recovered in AEAC treated Tg2576 mice, while the expression of p75^NTR was slightly recovered in the same group. Significant recovery on the level of Aβ-42 peptides and the expression of γ-secretase members including PS-2, APH-1 and NCT were detected in AEAC treated Tg2576 mice. Furthermore, AEAC treated Tg2576 mice showed decreased numbers of dead cells and suppressed acetyl choline esterase (AChE) activity.

Conclusions

These results suggest that AEAC contribute to improving the deposition of Aβ-42 peptides and neuronal cell injuries during the pathological progression stage of AD in the brain of Tg2576 mice through increased NGF secretion and suppressed oxidative stress.

Selenium-loaded cellulose film derived from Styela clava tunic accelerates the healing process of cutaneous wounds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats

PURPOSE

Aims of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects and toxicity of Se-loaded cellulose film originated from Styela clava tunic (SeSCTF) on cutaneous wounds during diabetic conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Alterations in skin regeneration, angiogenesis and toxicity were examined using streptozotocine (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague Dawley^® (SD) rats with surgical skin wounds after application of SeSCTF for 12 days.

RESULTS

SCTF showed high tensile strength (1.64 MPa), low elongation (28.59%), low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and outstanding porous structure. Although SeSCTF application did not induce any significant alterations in glucose concentration or toxicity, wound morphology was rapidly recovered in the SeSCTF treated group relative to the gauze (GZ) and SCTF treated group. Moreover, recovery of re-epithelization, wound contraction and number of blood vessel was observed in SeSCTF treated groups when compared with all other groups. Furthermore, the SeSCTF treated group showed complete recovery of key protein expressions of the downstream signaling pathway of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-2/1 (Ang-2/1), the signaling pathway of insulin receptors and anti-oxidative status.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the results of this study suggest that SeSCTF accelerates the healing process of cutaneous wounds in STZ-induced diabetic SD rats through stimulation of angiogenesis and the glucose receptor signaling pathway.

Ethanol extracts collected from the Styela clava tunic alleviate hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) through inhibition of hepatic apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis

The Styela clava tunic (SCT) is known as a good raw material for preparing anti-inflammatory compounds, wound healing films, guided bone regeneration, and food additives. To investigate whether ethanol extracts of the SCT (EtSCT) could protect against hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in ICR mice, alterations in serum biochemical indicators, histopathology, hepatic apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were observed in ICR mice pretreated with EtSCT for 5 days before CCl₄ injection. EtSCT contained 15.6 mg/g of flavonoid and 37.5 mg/g phenolic contents with high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (93.3%) and metal chelation activity (46.5%). The EtSCT+CCl₄-treated groups showed decreased levels of ALT, LDH, and AST, indicating toxicity and a necrotic area in the liver, while the level of ALP remained constant. The formation of active caspase-3 and enhancement of Bax/Bcl-2 expression was effectively inhibited in the EtSCT+CCl₄-treated groups. Furthermore, the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the phosphorylation of p38 in the TNF-α downstream signaling pathway rapidly recovered in the EtSCT+CCl₄-treated groups. The EtSCT+CCl₄-treated groups showed a significant decrease in hepatic fibrosis markers including collagen accumulation, MMP-2 expression, TGF-β1 concentration, and phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Moreover, a significant decline in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and enhancement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression were observed in the EtSCT+CCl₄-treated groups. Taken together, these results indicate that EtSCT can protect against hepatic injury induced by CCl₄-derived reactive intermediates through the suppression of hepatic apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Effects of different cellulose membranes regenerated from Styela clava tunics on wound healing

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of three different cellulose membranes (CMs) manufactured from Styela clava tunics (SCTs) on the healing of cutaneous wounds. We examined the physical properties and therapeutic effects of three CMs regenerated from SCTs (referred to as SCT- CMs), including normal CM (SCT-CM), freeze-dried SCT-CM (FSCT-CM) and sodium alginate-supplemented SCT-CM (ASCT-CM) on skin regeneration and angiogenesis using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. FSCT-CM exhibited an outstanding interlayered structure, a high tensile strength (1.64 MPa), low elongation (28.59%) and a low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) compared with the other SCT-CMs, although the fluid uptake rate was maintained at a medium level. In the SD rats with surgically wounded skin, the wound area and score of wound edge were lower in the FSCT-CM-treated group than in the gauze (GZ)-treated group on days 3–6 and 12–14. In addition, a significant attenuation in the histopathological changes was observed in the FSCT-CM-treated group. Furthermore, the expression level of collagen-1 and the signaling pathway of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were significantly stimulated by the topical application of FSCT-CM. However, no signs of toxicity were detected in the livers or kidneys of the three SCT-CM-treated groups. Overall, our data indicate that the FSCT-CM may accelerate the process of wound healing in the surgically wounded skin of SD rats through the regulation of angiogenesis and connective tissue formation without inducing any specific toxicity.

Ethyl acetate extract from Asparagus cochinchinensis exerts anti‑inflammatory effects in LPS‑stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells by regulating COX‑2/iNOS, inflammatory cytokine expression, MAP kinase pathways, the cell cycle and anti-oxidant activity

Asparagus cochinchinesis (A. cochinchinesis) is a medicine traditionally used to treat fever, cough, kidney disease, breast cancer, inflammatory disease and brain disease in northeast Asian countries. Although numerous studies of the anti-inflammatory effects of A. cochinchinesis have been conducted, the underlying mechanisms of such effects in macrophages remain to be demonstrated. To investigate the mechanism of suppressive effects on the inflammatory response in macrophages, alterations of the nitric oxide (NO) level, the cell viability, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression levels, inflammatory cytokine expression, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, cell cycle arrest and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells following treatment with ethyl acetate extract from A. cochinchinesis root (EaEAC). RAW264.7 cells pretreated two different concentrations of EaEAC prior to LPS treatment exhibited no significant toxicity. The concentration of NO was significantly decreased in the EaEAC + LPS treated group compared with the vehicle + LPS treated group. A similar decrease in mRNA transcript level of COX-2, iNOS, pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-1β] and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) was detected in the EaEAC + LPS treated group compared with the vehicle + LPS treated group, although the decrease rate varied. Enhancement of the phosphorylation of MAPK family members following LPS treatment was partially rescued in the EaEAC pretreated group, and the cell cycle was arrested at the G2/M phase. Furthermore, the EaEAC pretreated group exhibited a reduced level of ROS generation compared with the vehicle + LPS treated group. Taken together, these results suggest that EaEAC suppresses inflammatory responses through inhibition of NO production, COX-2 expression and ROS production, as well as differential regulation of inflammatory cytokines and cell cycle in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, these results provide strong evidence to suggest that EaEAC may be considered as an important candidate for the treatment of particular inflammatory diseases.

Uridine stimulate laxative effect in the loperamide-induced constipation of SD rats through regulation of the mAChRs signaling pathway and mucin secretion

Background

Uridine (Urd), which has been reported as a major component of RNA, plays an important role in various biological process including neuroprotection, biochemical modulation and glycolysis, although its role in constipation has yet to be established. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the laxative effects of Urd on chronic constipation.

Methods

The constipation phenotypes and their related mechanisms were investigated in the transverse colons of SD rats with loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation after treatment with 100 mg/kg of Urd.

Results

The number, weight and water contents of stools were significantly higher in the Lop + Urd treated group than the Lop + Vehicle treated group, while food intake and water consumption of the same group were maintained at a constant level. The thickness of the mucosa layer, muscle and flat luminal surface, as well as the number of goblet cells, paneth cells and lipid droplets were enhanced in the Lop + Urd treated group. Furthermore, the expression of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors M2 and M3 (mAChR M2 and M3) at the transcriptional and translational level was recovered in the Lop + Urd treated group, while some markers such as Gα and inositol triphosphate (IP3) in their downstream signaling pathway were completely recovered by Urd treatment. Moreover, the ability for mucin secretion and the expression of membrane water channel (aquaporine 8, AQP8) were increased significantly in the Lop + Urd treated group compared with Lop + Vehicle treated group. Finally, the activity of Urd was confirmed in primary smooth muscle of rat intestine cells (pRISMC) based on Gα expression and IP3 concentration.

Conclusions

The results of the present study provide the first strong evidence that Urd can be considered an important candidate for improving chronic constipation induced by Lop treatment in animal models.

Effects of five candidate laxatives derived from Liriope platyphylla on the 5-HT receptor signaling pathway in three cell types present in the transverse colon

The laxative effects of aqueous extract of Liriope platyphylla (AEtLP) on loperamide (Lop)‑induced constipation have been reported; however, the key compounds and the mechanism underlying these effects remain unclear. Therefore, the laxative effects of five candidates derived from L. platyphylla: Diosgenin (DG), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), adenosine (AD), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and uridine (UD) were investigated by examining the alteration of G protein α (Gα) expression, protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation and inositol triphosphate (IP3) concentration levels in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5‑HT; serotonin) receptor signaling pathway. Primary rat intestine smooth muscle cells (pRISMCs), intestinal epithelial cells (IEC)‑18 and B35 cells were cotreated with Lop and the five compounds in order to screen the candidates. AEtLP, prucalopride (PCP) and bisacodyl (BS) served as positive controls. In pRISMCs, Gα expression levels were recovered in the majority of candidate‑treated groups, whereas PKC phosphorylation recovery was observed only in the DG, 5‑HMF and AD treatment groups. In IEC‑18 cells, the AD treatment group mimicked the effects of PCP on PKC phosphorylation levels, whereas the DG, 5‑HMF, HPC and UD treatment groups mimicked the effects of AEtLP and BS. In B35 cells, a greater upregulation of PKC phosphorylation levels were observed in the UD treatment group compared with the PCP and BS treatment groups, whereas DG, 5‑HMF and AD treatment reduced the PKC phosphorylation levels to a greater extent than AEtLP treatment. However, effects similar to AEtLP, PCP and BS on Gα expression levels were not detected in any treatment groups in IEC‑18 and B35 cells. Furthermore, the level of IP3 was enhanced only in pRISMCs, in which all five candidates were effective, while the greatest concentration was observed in the UD treatment group. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that UD may be considered the compound with the greatest laxative activity, which may regulate the 5‑HT receptor signaling pathway.

Gallotannin-Enriched Extract Isolated from Galla Rhois May Be a Functional Candidate with Laxative Effects for Treatment of Loperamide-Induced Constipation of SD Rats

Several natural products containing tannins are used as traditional medicines for treatment of constipation; however, their pharmacological mechanism is not well understood. The laxative effects of gallotannin-enriched extract isolated from Galla Rhois (GEGR) were investigated using a constipation model induced by loperamide (Lop) injection. After analysis for antioxidant activity of GEGR, alterations in the excretion parameters, histological structure, mucin secretion, and related protein levels were measured in the transverse colon of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with Lop-induced constipation following treatment with 250, 500 and 1,000 mg/ml of GEGR. The number and weight of feces increased significantly by 48–79% and 128–159%, respectively, in the Lop+GEGR treated group relative to the Lop+vehicle treated group, while food intake and water consumption were maintained at a constant level. The thickness of mucosa, muscle and flat luminal surface, as well as the number of goblet cells and crypt of lieberkuhn were enhanced in the Lop+GEGR treated group. Moreover, mucin secretion increased significantly in a dose dependent manner in the Lop+GEGR treated group. Furthermore, the downstream signaling pathway of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) M2 and M3 was recovered by GEGR treatment, although the expression level varied. The levels of Gα expression and inositol triphosphate (IP3) concentration were also recovered in the Lop+GEGR treated group relative to the Lop+vehicle treated group. The results of the present study provide strong evidence that tannins distributed in various medicinal plants are important candidates for improving chronic constipation induced by Lop treatment in animal models.

Diosgenin effectively suppresses skin inflammation induced by phthalic anhydride in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic mice

To quantitatively evaluate the therapeutic effects of diosgenin (DG) and investigate the role of IL-4 on skin inflammation, alterations in luciferase-derived signal and general phenotype biomarkers were measured in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic mice with phthalic anhydride (PA)-induced skin inflammation after treatment with DG for 4 weeks. High levels of luciferase-derived signal detected in the abdominal region and submandibular lymph node (SL) of the PA treated group was significantly decreased by 67-88% in the PA + DG cotreated group. Furthermore, the weight of the lymph node and spleen, IgE concentration, epidermis thickness, and number of infiltrated mast cells were lower in the PA + DG treated group than the PA + Vehicle treated group. Moreover, expression of IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) also decreased in the PA + DG cotreated group. These results suggest that PA-induced skin inflammation could be successfully suppressed by DG treatment in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice through attenuation of IL-4 and IL-6 expression, as well as decreased IgE concentration and mast cells infiltration.

Characterization of Changes in Global Genes Expression in the Distal Colon of Loperamide-Induced Constipation SD Rats in Response to the Laxative Effects of Liriope platyphylla

To characterize the changes in global gene expression in the distal colon of constipated SD rats in response to the laxative effects of aqueous extracts of Liriope platyphylla (AEtLP), including isoflavone, saponin, oligosaccharide, succinic acid and hydroxyproline, the total RNA extracted from the distal colon of AEtLP-treated constipation rats was hybridized to oligonucleotide microarrays. The AEtLP treated rats showed an increase in the number of stools, mucosa thickness, flat luminal surface thickness, mucin secretion, and crypt number. Overall, compared to the controls, 581 genes were up-regulated and 216 genes were down-regulated by the constipation induced by loperamide in the constipated rats. After the AEtLP treatment, 67 genes were up-regulated and 421 genes were down-regulated. Among the transcripts up-regulated by constipation, 89 were significantly down-regulated and 22 were recovered to the normal levels by the AEtLP treatment. The major genes in the down-regulated categories included Slc9a5, klk10, Fgf15, and Alpi, whereas the major genes in the recovered categories were Cyp2b2, Ace, G6pc, and Setbp1. On the other hand, after the AEtLP treatment, ten of these genes down-regulated by constipation were up-regulated significantly and five were recovered to the normal levels. The major genes in the up-regulated categories included Serpina3n, Lcn2 and Slc5a8, whereas the major genes in the recovered categories were Tmem45a, Rerg and Rgc32. These results indicate that several gene functional groups and individual genes as constipation biomarkers respond to an AEtLP treatment in constipated model rats.

Neuroprotective effects of fermented soybean products (Cheonggukjang) manufactured by mixed culture of Bacillus subtilis MC31 and Lactobacillus sakei 383 on trimethyltin-induced cognitive defects mice

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of Cheonggukjang (CGK) manufactured by mixed culture of Bacillus subtilis MC31 and Lactobacillus sakei 383 on neurotoxic damages.

METHODS

The specific aspects of brain functions were measured in Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) mice that had been pretreated for 4 weeks with three difference doses of CGK before trimethyltin (TMT) treatment.

RESULTS

The short- and long-term memory loss induced by TMT treatment was significantly improved in the CGK-pretreated group in a dose-dependent manner. The number of dead cells in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus was decreased in the TMT/CGK-cotreated group relative to the TMT/vehicle-treated group, whereas significant suppression of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was observed in the same group. Additionally, a dose-dependent increase in nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration, activation of the NGF receptor signaling pathway including the TrkA high affinity receptor and p75(NTR) low affinity receptor, and decline in Bax/Bcl-2 level was measured in all TMT/CGK-treated groups, although a decrease in the active form of caspase-3 was observed in the TMT/H-CGK-treated group. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was enhanced in the TMT/CGK-treated group, whereas the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, was 43-58% lower in the TMT/CGK-treated group than the TMT/vehicle-treated group.

DISCUSSION

These results demonstrate that CGK fermented by mixed culture of B. subtilis and L. sakei could exert a wide range of beneficial activities for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington disease.

Accelerated healing of cutaneous wounds using phytochemically stabilized gold nanoparticle deposited hydrocolloid membranes

Rapid healing of dermatological wounds is of vital importance in preventing infection and reducing post-treatment side-effects.

Analysis of gallbladder polypoid lesion size as an indication of the risk of gallbladder cancer

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS

Recent advances in ultrasonography have contributed to the early detection of gallbladder cancer. We attempted to predict the progression of the disease by comparing the sizes of polypoid lesions, and we suggest that the size of the lesion would be a useful guideline to determine an appropriate primary surgical approach for polypoid lesions of the gallbladder.

METHODS

We have retrospectively analyzed 253 patients that, during the operation period from January 2009 to December 2011, had had ultrasonographically detected gallbladder polypoid lesions, and who underwent cholecystectomy at Ulsan university hospital. We have analyzed the demographic data of the patients, the preoperative size of polypoid lesions, and pathologic findings.

RESULTS

Of a total of 253 patients, 235 patients had benign lesions, and 18 patients had malignant lesions. Among the malignant polyp patients, 11 had pT1 cancer, 6 had pT2 cancer, and 1 had pT3 cancer. The average size of polypoid lesions was 9.1±3.1 mm and that of malignant lesions was 28.2±16.4 mm. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the benign and malignant groups shows that 14.5 mm is the optimal point of prediction of the malignancy. Of a total of 18 patients of GB cancer, 11 had pT1 and the average size of their polypoid lesions was 20.5±5.8 mm 7 had pT2 with a size of 39.1±20.7 mm. ROC curve analysis of the pT1 and pT2 groups shows that 27 mm would be the optimal point to predict T2 and above cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

In the case of an early cancer, curative treatment can be achieved through a simple and minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We attempted to predict early cancer occurrence among polypoid lesions of the gallbladder using the simplest standard, size. Although there are some limitations, size can be a simple and easy way to evaluate polypoid lesions of the gallbladder.