Osthole Attenuates Inflammatory Responses and Regulates the Expression of Inflammatory Mediators in HepG2 Cells Grown in Differentiated Medium from 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes

Shu-Ju Wu 한국식품영양과학회 2015 Journal of medicinal food Vol.18 No.9

This study explored the anti-inflammatory mechanisms by which osthole acted on HepG2 cells cultured in a differentiated medium from cultured 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. HepG2 cells, a human liver cell line, were treated with various concentrations of osthole in differentiated media from cultured 3T3-L1 cells to evaluate proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and signaling pathways. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits to determine the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, real-time polymerase chain reaction to assay the mRNA expression, and western blot to determine the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins. We also investigated inflammatory mechanism pathway members, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Osthole was able to suppress the levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, as well as chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and IL-8. In addition, COX-2 was suppressed and HO-1 expression was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Osthole was also able to decrease IκB-α phosphorylation and suppress the phosphorylation of MAPKs. These results suggest that osthole has anti-inflammatory effects as demonstrated by the decreased proinflammatory cytokine and mediator production through suppression of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in HepG2 cells when they are incubated on the differentiated medium from 3T3-L1 cells.

Curcumin or Saikosaponin a Improves Hepatic Antioxidant Capacity and Protects Against CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Shu-Ju Wu,Yun-Ho Lin,Chia-Chou Chu,Ya-Hui Tsai,Jane C.-J. Chao 한국식품영양과학회 2008 Journal of medicinal food Vol.11 No.2

Curcumin and saikosaponin a, the bioactive phytochemicals of turmeric and Bupleurum, act as antioxidants.This study investigated the effects of supplementation with curcumin and/or saikosaponin a on hepatic lipids and antioxidantstatus in rats with CCl4-induced liver injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, CCl4, CCl4 .curcumin (0.005%; CU), CCl4 . saikosaponin a (0.004%; SS), and CCl4 . curcumin. saikosaponin a (0.005%. 0.004%;CU. SS) groups. CCl4 (40% in olive oil) was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.75 mL/kg once a week. Curcumin and/orsaikosaponin a was administered orally 1 week before CCl4 injection for 8 weeks. The pathological results showed that liverfibrosis was ameliorated in the SS and CU. SS groups. After 8 weeks, supplementation with curcumin and/or saikosaponina significantly decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, as well as plasma and he-patic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The CU. SS group showed reversal of the impaired hepatic superoxide dismutaseactivity and an increase in total glutathione level. Supplementation with curcumin and/or saikosaponin a significantly im-proved hepatic antioxidant status and suppressed malondialdehyde formation. Therefore, supplementation with curcumin and/orsaikosaponin a protects against CCl4-induced liver injury by attenuating hepatic lipids and lipid peroxidation and enhancingantioxidant defense. Curcumin and saikosaponin a had no additive effects on hepatoprotection except for greater improve-ment in the total glutathione level and antioxidant status.

Study on the preparation of nano-flaky anatase titania layer and their photovoltaic application

Shu-Yuan Wu,Wen-Chi Lo,Keh-Chang Chen,Ju-Liang He 한국물리학회 2010 Current Applied Physics Vol.10 No.2

Titania (TiO2), known to have wide energy band gap, can greatly absorb dye if specific surface area can significantly be increased and hence the photovoltaic efficiency. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) based on mesoporous titania has been drawn much attention over the past few years. An attempt in this study is to employ micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process and alkali treatment to develop titania layer with very high specific surface area on pure titanium surface. Specimens were applied an anodic dc voltage at 400–500 V in a phosphate electrolytic solution during MAO process, followed by the alkali treatment in 1.25 M NaOH solution to produce nano-flaky anatase TiO2 on surface, with nano-flakes about 50 nm in dimension thus largely increase specific surface area. Result of photovoltaic efficiency measurement of the assembled DSSC device show that ultimate efficiency (0.23%) can be obtained for the specimen postalkali treated in 1.25 M NaOH solution, which exhibits the highest surface area and thus the enhanced dye-absorbing efficiency.

Evaluation of Malignancy Risk of Ampullary Tumors Detected by Endoscopy Using 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT

Chuang Pei-Ju,Wang Hsiu-Po,Tien Yu-Wen,Chin Wei-Shan,Hsieh Min-Shu,Chen Chieh-Chang,Hong Tzu-Chan,Ko Chi-Lun,Wu Yen-Wen,Cheng Mei-Fang 대한영상의학회 2024 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.25 No.3

Objective: We aimed to investigate whether 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (2-[18F]FDG PET/CT) can aid in evaluating the risk of malignancy in ampullary tumors detected by endoscopy. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed 155 patients (79 male, 76 female; mean age, 65.7 ± 12.7 years) receiving 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT for endoscopy-detected ampullary tumors 5–87 days (median, 7 days) after the diagnostic endoscopy between June 2007 and December 2020. The final diagnosis was made based on histopathological findings. The PET imaging parameters were compared with clinical data and endoscopic features. A model to predict the risk of malignancy, based on PET, endoscopy, and clinical findings, was generated and validated using multivariable logistic regression analysis and an additional bootstrapping method. The final model was compared with standard endoscopy for the diagnosis of ampullary cancer using the DeLong test. Results: The mean tumor size was 17.1 ± 7.7 mm. Sixty-four (41.3%) tumors were benign, and 91 (58.7%) were malignant. Univariable analysis found that ampullary neoplasms with a blood-pool corrected peak standardized uptake value in earlyphase scan (SUVe) ≥ 1.7 were more likely to be malignant (odds ratio [OR], 16.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.13–36.18; P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified the presence of jaundice (adjusted OR [aOR], 4.89; 95% CI, 1.80–13.33; P = 0.002), malignant traits in endoscopy (aOR, 6.80; 95% CI, 2.41–19.20; P < 0.001), SUVe ≥ 1.7 in PET (aOR, 5.43; 95% CI, 2.00–14.72; P < 0.001), and PET-detected nodal disease (aOR, 5.03; 95% CI, 1.16–21.86; P = 0.041) as independent predictors of malignancy. The model combining these four factors predicted ampullary cancers better than endoscopic diagnosis alone (area under the curve [AUC] and 95% CI: 0.925 [0.874–0.956] vs. 0.815 [0.732–0.873], P < 0.001). The model demonstrated an AUC of 0.921 (95% CI, 0.816–0.967) in candidates for endoscopic papillectomy. Conclusion: Adding 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT to endoscopy can improve the diagnosis of ampullary cancer and may help refine therapeutic decision-making, particularly when contemplating endoscopic papillectomy.

Efficient Production of ε-Poly-L-Lysine by Streptomyces ahygroscopicus Using One-Stage pH Control Fed-Batch Fermentation Coupled with Nutrient Feeding

( Sheng Rong Liu ),( Qing Ping Wu ),( Ju Mei Zhang ),( Shu Ping Mo ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2015 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.25 No.3

ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) is a homopolymer of L-lysine molecules connected between the epsilon amino and alpha carboxyl groups. This polymer is currently used as a natural preservative in food. Insufficient biomass is a major problem in ε-PL fermentation. Here, to improve cell growth and ε-PL productivity, various nitrogen-rich nutrients were supplemented into flask cultures after 16 h cultivation, marking the onset of ε-PL biosynthesis. Yeast extract, soybean powder, corn powder, and beef extract significantly improved cell growth. In terms of ε-PL productivity, yeast extract at 0.5% (w/v) gave the maximum yield (2.24 g/l), 115.4% higher than the control (1.04 g/l), followed by soybean powder (1.86 g/l) at 1% (w/v) and corn powder (1.72 g/l) at 1% (w/v). However, supplementation with beef extract inhibited ε-PL production. The optimal time for supplementation for all nutrients examined was at 16 h cultivation. The kinetics of yeast-extract-supplemented cultures showed enhanced cell growth and production duration. Thus, the most commonly used two-stage pH control fed-batch fermentation method was modified by omitting the pH 5.0-controlled period, and coupling the procedure with nutrient feeding in the pH 3.9-controlled phase. Using this process, by continuously feeding 0.5 g/h of yeast extract, soybean powder, or corn powder into cultures in a 30 L fermenter, the final ε-PL titer reached 28.2 g/l, 23.7 g/l, and 21.4 g/l, respectively, 91.8%, 61.2%, and 45.6% higher than that of the control (14.7 g/l). This describes a promising option for the mass production of ε-PL.

Almond Skin Polyphenol Extract Inhibits Inflammation and Promotes Lipolysis in Differentiated 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Wen-Chung Huang,Chi-Yuan Chen,Shu-Ju Wu 한국식품영양과학회 2017 Journal of medicinal food Vol.20 No.2

Studies have shown that polyphenols reduce the risk of inflammation-related diseases and upregulates energy expenditure in adipose tissue. Here, we investigated the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory and antiobesity effects of almond skin polyphenol extract (ASP) in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The antioxidant effects of ASP were measured based on DPPH radical scavenging activity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content. Differentiated 3T3-L1 cells were treated with ASP. Subsequently, lipolysis proteins and transcription factors of adipogenesis were measured. The proinflammatory mediators monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and chemokine ligand 5 (CCL-5) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that ASP significantly promoted phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), increased activity of adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase, and inhibited adipogenesisrelated transcription factors. In addition, ASP inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced cell inflammatory response via downregulation of MCP-1 and CCL-5 secretion. This study suggests that ASP regulates lipolysis through activation of AMPK, reduced adipogenesis, and suppresses proinflammatory cytokines in adipocytes.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Inhibits Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis in Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells

Yu-Ting Lo,Ya-Hui Tsai,Shu-Ju Wu,Jiun-Rong Chen,C.-J. Chao 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.10

Chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis is the eighth leading cause of death in Taiwan. Excess accumulated extracellular matrix produced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the major cause of liver fibrosis. Ginsenoside Rb1, the most active compound purified from ginseng, has been considered to be hepatoprotective. This study investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 (98.8% purity) on activation, proliferation, and profibrotic factors in rat HSC-T6 cells under H₂O₂oxidative stress. Rat HSC-T6 cells were activated by 10 nM H₂O₂and then incubated with different concentrations of ginsenoside Rb1 (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL) for 24 hours. Medium containing 0.08% dimethyl sulfoxide or 5 mM N-acetyl-l-cysteine was used as a negative or positive control, respectively. The results showed that ginsenoside Rb1 at 5–40 μg/mL significantly reduced α-smooth muscle actin levels and at 5–80 μg/mL inhibited cell proliferation in HSC-T6 cells after induction with H₂O₂(P<.05). Collagen secreted by HSC-T6 cells was decreased by ginsenoside Rb1 at 5–80 μg/mL (P<.05). Protein expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 was suppressed by ginsenoside Rb1 at 10–80 μg/mL (P<.05). In addition, mRNA expression of type I and III collagen, TGF-β1, and TIMP-1 was inhibited by ginsenoside Rb1 (10 and 80 μg/mL) (P<.05). Therefore, ginsenoside Rb1 exerted an antifibrotic effect on HSCs by inhibiting activation, proliferation, and expression of collagen, TGF-β1, MMP-2, and TIMP-1.

Enhanced ε-Poly-L-lysine Production from Streptomyces ahygroscopicus by a Combination of Cell Immobilization and In Situ Adsorption

( Liu Sheng Rong ),( Qing Ping Wu ),( Ju Mei Zhang ),( Shu Ping Mo ),( Xiao Juan Yang ),( Chun Xiao ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2012 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.22 No.9

ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL), produced by Streptomyces or Kitasatospora strains, is a homo-poly-amino acid of Llysine, which is used as a safe food preservative. The present study investigates the combined use of cell immobilization and in situ adsorption (ISA) to produce ε-PL in shaken flasks. Loofah sponge-immobilized Streptomyces ahygroscopicus GIM8 produced slightly more ε-PL than those immobilized on synthetic sponge, and sugarcane bagasse. Moreover, loofah sponge supported the maximum biomass. Hence, loofah sponge was chosen for cell immobilization. Meanwhile, the ion-exchange resin D152 was employed for ISA. The loofah sponge-immobilized cells produced 0.54 ± 0.1 g/l ε-PL, which significantly increased to 3.64 ± 0.32 g/l after combining with ISA through the addition of resin bags. The free cells with ISA using the dispersed resin yielded 2.73 ± 0.26 g/l of ε-PL, an increase from 0.82 ± 0.08 g/l. These data illustrate that the proposed combination method improved production most significantly compared with either immobilization or ISA only. Moreover, the immobilized cells could be repeatedly used and an ε-PL total amount of 8.05 ± 0.84 g/l was obtained. The proposed combination method offers promising perspectives for ε-PL production.