Antioxidant activity of banana flesh and antiproliferative effect on breast and pancreatic cancer cells

Bananas, one of the most widely consumed fruits worldwide, are a rich source of valuable phytochemicals. In this study, the antioxidant and the anticancer potential of banana flesh was investigated. Of the four kinds of banana flesh extracts, the hexane extract (HE) had the highest total polyphenol content (2.54 ± 0.60 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (1.69 ± 0.34 mg RE/g), followed by the chloroform fraction, total ethanol extract, and ethanol fraction. HE was found to exert a strong radical scavenging activity on 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonicacid) (ABTS•) free radicals. According to the IC₅₀ values in various cancer cell lines, HE was found to possess the greatest cell growth inhibitory potential in human pancreatic cancer PANC‐1 cells and human triple‐negative breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells. HE induced apoptosis in PANC‐1 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, as evidenced by the appearance of condensation of chromatin, proteolytic activation of caspase‐3 and 7, and increase in the level of the cleaved form of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase protein. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis of HE identified several anticancer compounds including palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, campesterol, stigmasterol, and γ‐sitosterol, supporting the anticancer potential of HE. Our investigation provides a rationale for the use of banana flesh to minimize the risk of cancer‐like diseases.

Rare PTH Gene Mutations Causing Parathyroid Disorders: A Review

Since parathyroid hormone (PTH) was first isolated and its gene (PTH) was sequenced, only eight PTH mutations have been discovered. The C18R mutation in PTH, discovered in 1990, was the first to be reported. This autosomal dominant mutation induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and subsequent apoptosis in parathyroid cells. The next mutation, which was reported in 1992, is associated with exon skipping. The substitution of G with C in the first nucleotide of the second intron results in the exclusion of the second exon; since this exon includes the initiation codon, translation initiation is prevented. An S23P mutation and an S23X mutation at the same residue were reported in 1999 and 2012, respectively. Both mutations resulted in hypoparathyroidism. In 2008, a somatic R83X mutation was detected in a parathyroid adenoma tissue sample collected from a patient with hyperparathyroidism. In 2013, a heterozygous p.Met1_Asp6del mutation was incidentally discovered in a case-control study. Two years later, the R56C mutation was reported; this is the only reported hypoparathyroidism-causing mutation in the mature bioactive part of PTH. In 2017, another heterozygous mutation, M14K, was detected. The discovery of these eight mutations in the PTH gene has provided insights into its function and broadened our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying mutation progression. Further attempts to detect other such mutations will help elucidate the functions of PTH in a more sophisticated manner.

Comparison of acrylamide and furan concentrations, antioxidant activities, and volatile profiles in cold or hot brew coffees

The aim of this study was to investigate the formation of furan and acrylamide and to compare antioxidant capacities and volatile compounds in cold or hot brewed coffees. Cold brews were prepared at 5 °C and 20 °C for 12 h. using steeping and dripping, and hot brews were prepared at 80 °C and 95 °C for 5 min. using the pour-over method. Furan contents of cold steeping at 5 °C and hot brewed at 80 °C showed the higher levels significantly (p < 0.05), which were 17.0 ± 0.5 and 10.6 ± 0.1 ng/mL, respectively. However, acrylamide contents in cold steeping at 5 °C and hot brew at 80 °C showed lower levels, which were 4.1 ± 0.4 and 3.5 ± 0.1 ng/mL respectively. Cold brews at 20 °C showed the highest levels of antioxidant activities while hot brews showed similar levels with cold brews at 5 °C. This study confirms that levels of different beneficial and hazardous chemical compounds could be manipulated by adjusting the coffee extraction conditions.

Reduction of total, organic, and inorganic arsenic content in Hizikia fusiforme (Hijiki)

This study aimed to evaluate the reduction of total, organic, and inorganic arsenic content in Hizikia fusiforme (hijiki). Initially, the six most common arsenic compounds in hijiki and its organs were evaluated, among which only arsenate and arsenobetaine were detected. Thereafter, the entire plant, including the stalk and leaves, was treated with heat and NaCl solution, individually and in combination. Heating at 90 °C for 5 min significantly reduced arsenic content in hijiki by approximately 33-80%. Treatment with NaCl solution significantly reduced arsenic content in hijiki, except for arsenobetaine content in the stalk. Combinatorial treatment further decreased arsenic content by more than 5-20%. In conclusion, consumption of hijiki after boiling at 90 °C and soaking in 2% NaCl solution reduces the intake of inorganic arsenic by consumers.

Studies on the Anti-Oxidative Function of trans-Cinnamaldehyde-Included β-Cyclodextrin Complex

trans-Cinnamaldehyde (tCIN), an active compound found in cinnamon, is well known for its antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. The β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) oligomer has been used for a variety of applications in nanotechnology, including pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Here, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of tCIN self-included in β-CD complexes (CIs) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with increasing concentrations of β-CD, tCIN, or CIs for different times. β-CD alone did not affect the production of nitric oxide (NO) or reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, both tCIN and CI significantly reduced NO and ROS production. Thus, CIs may have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, similar to those of tCIN when used alone.

Biogenic amines in foods

Biogenic amines are produced by bacterial decarboxylation of corresponding amino acids in foods. Concentration of biogenic amines in fermented food products is affected by several factors in the manufacturing process, including hygienic of raw materials, microbial composition, fermentation condition, and the duration of fermentation. Intake of low amount of biogenic amines normally does not have harmful effect on human health. However, when their amount in food is too high and detoxification ability is inhibited or disturbed, biogenic amines could cause problem. To control concentration of BAs in food, decarboxylase activity for amino acids can be regulated. Levels of BAs can be reduced by several methods such as packaging, additives, hydrostatic pressure, irradiation, pasteurization, smoking, starter culture, oxidizing formed biogenic amine, and temperature. The objective of this review paper was to collect, summarize, and discuss necessary information or useful data based on previous studies in terms of BAs in various foods.

Effect of Oral Administration of 3,3'-Diindolylmethane on Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Acute Colitis in Mice

In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), inflammation is induced and maintained by lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis. 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a natural product formed in acidic conditions from indole-3-carbinol in cruciferous vegetables, and it is known for its chemotherapeutic activity. This study evaluated DIM's effects on angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and inflammation in a mouse colitis model. Experimental colitis was induced in mice by administering 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) via drinking water. DIM remarkably attenuated the clinical signs and histological characteristics in mice with DSS-induced colitis. DIM suppressed neutrophil infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, it significantly suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2, indicating that the mechanism may be related to the repression of pro-angiogenesis activity. DIM also remarkably suppressed the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-3, and angiopoietin-2; thus, the mechanism may also be related to the suppression of lymphangiogenesis. Therefore, DIM is a possible treatment option for inflammation of the intestine and associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.

Effects of Soy Protein Hydrolysates Prepared by Varying Subcritical Media on the Physicochemical Properties of Pork Patties

This study investigated the effect of soy protein hydrolysates (SPH) prepared by varying subcritical media on the physicochemical properties of pork patties. For resource of SPH, two different soybean species (Glycine max Merr.) of Daewonkong (DWK) and Saedanbaek (SDB) were selected. SPH was prepared by subcritical processing at 190℃ and 25 MPa under three different of media (water, 20% ethanol and 50% ethanol). Solubility and free amino group content revealed that water was better to yield larger amount of SPH than ethanol/water mixtures, regardless of species. Molecular weight (Mw) distribution of SPH was also similar between two species, while slightly different Mw distribution was obtained by subcritical media. For pork patty application, 50% ethanol treatment showed clear red color comparing to control after 14 d of storage. In addition, ethanol treatment had better oxidative stability than control and water treatment based on thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) analysis. For eating quality, although 20% ethanol treatment in SDB showed slightly higher cooking loss than control, generally addition of SPH did not affect the water-binding properties and hardness of pork patties. Consequently, the present study indicated that 50% ethanol was the best subcritical media to produce SPH possessing antioxidant activity, and the SPH produced from DWK exhibited better antioxidant activity than that produced SDB.

Effects of High-Pressure, Microbial Transglutaminase and Glucono-δ-Lactone on the Aggregation Properties of Skim Milk

The object in this study is to investigate the effects of high pressure and freezing processes on the curdling of skim milk depending on the presence of transglutaminase (TGase) and glucono-δ-lactone (GdL). Skim milk was treated with atmospheric freezing (AF), high pressure (HP), pressure-shift freezing (PSF) and high pressure sub-zero temperature (HPST) processing conditions. After freezing and pressure processing, these processed milk samples were treated with curdling agents, such as TGase and GdL. Pressurized samples (HP, PSF and HPST) had lower lightness than that of the control. In particular, PSF had the lowest lightness (p<0.05). Likewise, the PSF proteins were the most insoluble regardless of whether they were activated by TGase and GdL, indicating the highest rate of protein aggregation (p<0.05). Furthermore, the TGase/GdL reaction resulted in thick bands corresponding to masses larger than 69 kDa, indicating curdling. Casein bands were the weakest in PSF-treated milk, revealing that casein was prone to protein aggregation. PSF also had the highest G' value among all treatments after activation by TGase, implying that PSF formed the hardest curd. However, adding GdL decreased the G' values of the samples except HPST-treated samples. Synthetically, the PSF process was advantageous for curdling of skim milk.

Effect of Frozen Storage Temperature on the Quality of Premium Ice Cream

The market sales of premium ice cream have paralleled the growth in consumer desire for rich flavor and taste. Storage temperature is a major consideration in preserving the quality attributes of premium ice cream products for both the manufacturer and retailers during prolonged storage. We investigated the effect of storage temperature (−18℃, −30℃, −50℃, and −70℃) and storage times, up to 52 wk, on the quality attributes of premium ice cream. Quality attributes tested included ice crystal size, air cell size, melting resistance, and color. Ice crystal size increased from 40.3 μm to 100.1 μm after 52 wk of storage at −18℃. When ice cream samples were stored at −50℃ or −70℃, ice crystal size slightly increased from 40.3 μm to 57-58 μm. Initial air cell size increased from 37.1 μm to 87.7 μm after storage at −18℃ for 52 wk. However, for storage temperatures of −50℃ and −70℃, air cell size increased only slightly from 37.1 μm to 46-47 μm. Low storage temperature (−50℃ and −70℃) resulted in better melt resistance and minimized color changes in comparison to high temperature storage (−18℃ and −30℃). In our study, quality changes in premium ice cream were gradually minimized according to decrease in storage temperature up to−50℃. No significant beneficial effect of −70℃ storage was found in quality attributes. In the scope of our experiment, we recommend a storage temperature of −50℃ to preserve the quality attributes of premium ice cream.

Euphorbiasteroid, a component of Euphorbia lathyris L., inhibits adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of euphorbiasteroid, a component of Euphorbia lathyris L., on adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and its underlying mechanisms. Euphorbiasteroid decreased differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells via reduction of intracellular triglyceride (TG) accumulation at concentrations of 25 and 50 μM. In addition, euphorbiasteroid altered the key regulator proteins of adipogenesis in the early stage of adipocyte differentiation by increasing the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Subsequently, levels of adipogenic proteins, including fatty acid synthase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, were decreased by euphorbiasteroid treatment at the late stage of adipocyte differentiation. The anti-adipogenic effect of euphorbiasteroid may be derived from inhibition of early stage of adipocyte differentiation. Taken together, euphorbiasteroid inhibits adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells through activation of the AMPK pathway. Therefore, euphorbiasteroid and its source plant, E. lathyris L., could possibly be one of the fascinating anti-obesity agent.

Effects of Partial Substitutions of NaCl with KCl, CaSO4 and MgSO4 on the Quality and Sensorial Properties of Pork Patties

This study investigated the effects of NaCl replacers (KCl, CaSO4, and MgSO4) on the quality and sensorial properties of pork patty. In the characteristics of spray-dried salt particles, KCl showed the largest particle size with low viscosity in solution. Meanwhile CaSO4 treatment resulted in the smallest particle size and the highest viscosity (p<0.05). In comparison of the qualities of pork patties manufactured by varying level of Na replacers, MgSO4 treatment exhibited low cooking loss comparing to control (p<0.05). Textural properties of KCl and MgSO4 treatments showed similar pattern, i.e., low level of the replacers caused harder and less adhesive texture than those of control (p<0.05), whereas the hardness of these products was not different with control when the replacers were added more than 1.0%. The addition of CaSO4 also manifested harder and less adhesive than control (p<0.05), but the textural properties of CaSO4 treatment was not affected by level of Ca-salt. Eventually, sensorial properties indicated that KCl and CaSO4 influenced negative effects on pork patties. In contrast, MgSO4 showed better sensorial properties in juiciness intensity, tenderness intensity as well as overall acceptability than control, reflecting that MgSO4 was an effective Na-replacer in meat product formulation.

Allyl isothiocyanate ameliorates angiogenesis and inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables that has known chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities. Thus far, the antiangiogenic activity of AITC has not been reported in in vivo studies. Herein, we investigated the effect of AITC on angiogenesis and inflammation in a mouse model of colitis. Experimental colitis was induced in mice by administering 3% dextran sulfate sodium via drinking water. To monitor the activity of AITC in this model, we measured body weight, disease activity indices, histopathological scores, microvascular density, myeloperoxidase activity, F4/80 staining, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression in the mice. We found that AITC-treated mice showed less weight loss, fewer clinical signs of colitis, and longer colons than vehicle-treated mice. AITC treatment also significantly lessened the disruption of colonic architecture that is normally associated with colitis and repressed the microvascularization response. Further, AITC treatment reduced both leukocyte recruitment and macrophage infiltration into the inflamed colon, and the mechanism these activities involved repressing iNOS and COX-2 expression. Finally, AITC attenuated the expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR2. Thus, AITC may have potential application in treating conditions marked by inflammatory-driven angiogenesis and mucosal inflammation.

Effect of NaCl, Gum Arabic and Microbial Transglutaminase on the Gel and Emulsion Characteristics of Porcine Myofibrillar Proteins

This study investigated the effect of gum arabic (GA) combined with microbial transglutaminase (TG) on the functional properties of porcine myofibrillar protein (MP). As an indicator of functional property, heat-set gel and emulsion characteristics of MP treated with GA and/or TG were explored under varying NaCl concentrations (0.1-0.6 M). The GA improved thermal gelling ability of MP during thermal processing and after cooling, and concomitantly added TG assisted the formation of viscoelastic MP gel formation. Meanwhile, the addition of GA decreased cooking yield of MP gel at 0.6 M NaCl concentration, and the yield was further decreased by TG addition, mainly attributed by enhancement of protein-protein interactions. Emulsion characteristics indicated that GA had emulsifying ability and the addition of GA increased the emulsification activity index (EAI) of MP-stabilized emulsion. However, GA showed a negative effect on emulsion stability, particularly great drop in the emulsion stability index (ESI) was found in GA treatment at 0.6 M NaCl. Consequently, the results indicated that GA had a potential advantage to form a viscoelastic MP gel. For the practical aspect, the application of GA in meat processing had to be limited to the purposes of texture enhancer such as restructured products, but not low-salt products and emulsion-type meat products.

Boehmeria nivea attenuates LPS-induced inflammatory markers by inhibiting p38 and JNK phosphorylations in RAW264.7 macrophages

CONTEXT

Boehmeria nivea (Linn.) Gaudich (Urticaceae), a natural herb, has a long history of treating several diseases including wound healing. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of B. nivea has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether the 70% ethanol extract of B. nivea (Ebn) can exert anti-inflammatory activity. Several phenolic compounds of extracts were determined to provide further information on the correlation between anti-inflammatory effects and phenolic compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prepared a 70% ethanol extract of B. nivea leaves and evaluated its anti-inflammatory activity (200, 400, 800, 1200 µg/mL) by measuring the secretions of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 macrophages. The total phenolic compounds were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and major compounds were determined by HPLC.

RESULTS

Ebn was able to abolish the LPS-induced secretions of NO, TNF-α and IL-6. It also decreased the protein levels (IC₅₀ = 186 µg/mL) of LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The LPS stimulated p38, JNK and ERK phosphorylations significantly more than the controls. Surprisingly, although Ebn reduced p38 and JNK phosphorylations, it did not influence ERK phosphorylation. We found that Ebn revealed several major compounds such as chlorogenic acid (1.96 mg/100 g), rutin (46.48 mg/100 g), luteolin-7-glucoside (11.29 mg/100 g), naringin (1.13 mg/100 g), hesperidin (23.69 mg/100 g) and tangeretin (1.59 mg/100 g).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Boehmeria nivea exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages by inhibiting p38 and JNK, suggesting that it may be used as a functional ingredient against inflammation.

Taraxacum official (dandelion) leaf extract alleviates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver

The purpose of this study is to determine the protective effect of Taraxacum official (dandelion) leaf extract (DLE) on high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis, and elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind its effects. To determine the hepatoprotective effect of DLE, we fed C57BL/6 mice with normal chow diet (NCD), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD supplemented with 2g/kg DLE DLE (DL), and HFD supplemented with 5 g/kg DLE (DH). We found that the HFD supplemented by DLE dramatically reduced hepatic lipid accumulation compared to HFD alone. Body and liver weights of the DL and DH groups were significantly lesser than those of the HFD group, and DLE supplementation dramatically suppressed triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), insulin, fasting glucose level in serum, and Homeostatic Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) induced by HFD. In addition, DLE treatment significantly increased activation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in liver and muscle protein. DLE significantly suppressed lipid accumulation in the liver, reduced insulin resistance, and lipid in HFD-fed C57BL/6 mice via the AMPK pathway. These results indicate that the DLE may represent a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Genistein suppression of TNF-alpha-induced fractalkine expression in endothelial cells

Genistein is a polyphenolic nonsteroidal isoflavonoid with estrogen-like activity has been shown to have anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Fractalkine is a unique chemokine that functions as a chemoattractant and an adhesion molecule on endothelial cells activated by proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we investigated the effects of genistein (5-25 muM) on fractalkine expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and on its receptor, CX3CR1, in THP-1 cells in response to treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- alpha. TNF-alpha significantly induced fractalkine expression in endothelial cells. Genistein decreased TNF-alpha-induced fractalkine expression through suppression of Akt and p38 phosphorylation and NF-kappaB activities. Genistein also strongly suppressed TNF-alpha-induced expression of CX3CR1 in monocytes. Genistein suppressed TNF-alpha-stimulated adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that genistein suppressed the in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced arterial endothelial fractalkine expression in the heart, kidney, and small intestine. These results suggest that genistein may provide a new pharmacological approach for suppressing fractalkine/CX3CR1-mediated injury under vascular inflammatory conditions.