PMID: 

Psychiatry Res. 2019 Oct 12 ;282:112613. Epub 2019 Oct 12. PMID: 31669837

Abstract Title: 

Crocus Sativus L. (saffron) versus sertraline on symptoms of depression among older people with major depressive disorders-a double-blind, randomized intervention study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: While there is sufficient evidence that Crocus Sativus L. (saffron) improves symptoms of depression in young and middle-aged adults, research on older people are missing. The purpose of the double-blind, randomized intervention study was to compare the effect of saffron and sertraline on MDD among a sample of older people.METHODS: A total of 50 older out-patients with MDD (mean age = =65 years; 70% males) were randomly assigned either to the saffron condition (60 mg/d) or to the sertraline condition (100 mg/day) for six consecutive weeks. Experts employed the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) to rate participants' degree of depression. Timepoints were baseline, week 2, week 4 and week 6, the end of the study.RESULTS: Symptoms of depression decreased over time, with no advantages or disadvantages for the saffron or sertraline condition.CONCLUSION: The pattern of results suggests that both saffron and sertraline have the potential to significantly decrease symptoms of depression. The results are clinically relevant, because major depressive disorders in older people is a health concern. The results are further relevant, because saffron appears to be a powerful antidepressant for older people, who might be more reluctant to the use of synthetic drugs.

read more

PMID: 

J Psychiatr Res. 2019 Oct 21 ;120:144-153. Epub 2019 Oct 21. PMID: 31678749

Abstract Title: 

Outdoor cycling improves clinical symptoms, cognition and objectively measured physical activity in patients with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: The therapeutic effects of outdoor cycling (OC) and its benefits on physical activity (PA) were investigated in people with schizophrenia.METHODS: Sixty patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to 16-weeks of Outdoor Cycling (OC) (n = 30, 50% male; mean age, 38.7 ± 10.1) or Occupational Therapy (OT) (n = 30, 50% male; mean age, 39.0 ± 8.6). OC and OT involved one 90-min group session per week. OC consisted of structured exercise programs and OT addressed daily living skills. Primary outcome measurements weremental health variables, such as Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Beck's Depression Inventory, State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning and executive function (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, WCST). Secondary measures were the adherence and PA. PAwas measured by responding to the Physical Activity Scale (K-PASE) and wearing a pedometer for 2 days.RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed improved psychotic symptoms (p = .014), depression (p = .007), state (p = .031) and trait anxiety (p = .002) and global functions (p = .024) in the OC group compared with OT group. The OC group showed increased correct rates (p = .022) and categories completed (p = .033) in the WCST. There was no difference in total K-PASE score between groups; however, there was a significant improvement in the number of daily steps in the OC group compared with the OT group (p = .030).CONCLUSION: OC significantly improved mental health and executive function in individuals with schizophrenia. Further, OC significantly increased PA measured by the pedometers. These findings suggest that OC offers a safe and attrition-lowering intervention promoting mental health and PA.TRIAL REGISTRATION: cris.nih.go.kr identifier: KCT-0000873.

read more

PMID: 

Am J Transl Res. 2019 ;11(9):5487-5500. Epub 2019 Sep 15. PMID: 31632524

Abstract Title: 

Mechanism of pomegranate ellagic polyphenols reducing insulin resistance on gestational diabetes mellitus rats.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate ellagic polyphenols (PEP) has been used as a good medicine in many cultures throughout history. However, the mechanism of PEP regulated insulin resistance on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) rats is unclear. The main purpose of the present study was to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of PEP regulated in GDM rats.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Then, ELISA assay indicated that the levels of serum RBP4, Hcy, GA and FFA were lower in PEP groups than GDM groups in a dose-dependent manner. TUNEL staining showed that PEP improved the pathological changes and inhibited the cell apoptosis in the pancreatic and placenta tissues, respectively.RESULTS: We found that PEP improved the weight of pregnant rats and fetal rats and the level of blood glucose, blood biochemical index, insulin resistance in GDM rats. Results from H&E and immunohistochemical analysis found that PEP decreased the expressions of APN and Chemerin. Further, PEP decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and increased the levels of 11β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) and PPARα-TRB3-AKT2-p-FOXO1-GLUT2 signal related to insulin sensitivity in a dose-dependent manner.CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we have demonstrated that PEP may be a candidate drug for the treatment of GDM and guide the clinical therapy.

read more

PMID: 

J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2019 ;82(17):956-968. Epub 2019 Sep 30. PMID: 31570063

Abstract Title: 

Antigenotoxic and antimutagenic effects of Myrciaria dubia juice in mice submitted to ethanol 28-day treatment.

Abstract: 

is a native plant from the Amazon region which produces red-purplish fruit rich in antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and phenolic.fruit is used to prepare juices considered to possess high nutritional content providing health benefits. The aim of this study was to examine the ability ofjuice to protect DNA against genomic instability induced by sub-acute ethanol consumption attributed to oxidative stress. Mice were treated for 28 days with juice at 25% and 50% diluted in distilled water or with the diluted combination juice plus ethanol (5 g/kg). The genotoxic/antigenotoxic and mutagenic/antimutagenic effects were assessed using comet assay in blood, liver, and kidney and micronucleus (MN) test with bone marrow. In addition, the mutagenicity was also evaluated using/microsome assay. Phytochemical compounds were determined using HPLC/PDA/MS/MS. The juice did not induce genotoxic effects in blood, kidney, and liver cells at both doses. In combination with ethanol, the juice reduced the alcohol-mediated DNA damage in all tissues analyzed. Further, the juice did not produce mutagenic effects and decreased mutagenicity induced by ethanol in the bone marrow. The anthocyanins were major compounds detected by HPLC/PDA/MS/MS, which modulated genotoxic and mutagenic effects initiated by ethanol and at least in part appeared responsible for the observed antigenotoxic and antimutagenic effects ofjuice.

read more

PMID: 

J Med Food. 2019 Oct ;22(10):1022-1031. Epub 2019 Aug 5. PMID: 31381476

Abstract Title: 

NK3 andNK49 Alleviate Bacterial Vaginosis and Osteoporosis in Mice by Suppressing NF-B-Linked TNF-Expression.

Abstract: 

Excessive expression of TNF-worsens bacterial vaginosis (BV) and osteoporosis. Therefore, to understand whether probiotics could alleviate vaginosis and osteoporosis, we isolated anti-inflammatoryNK3 andNK49 from kimchi and human fecal lactic acid bacteria collection and examined their effects on(GV)-induced vaginosis and ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in female mice. Oral gavage of NK3 and/or NK49 significantly alleviated GV-induced vaginosis; these inhibited NF-B activation and TNF-expression in the vagina and uterus, and decreased the GV population in the vagina. Furthermore, treatment with NK3 and/or NK49 alleviated ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis and obesity; these increased blood calcium, phosphorus, and osteocalcin levels and suppressed body weight. GV-induced vaginosis and ovariectomy increased colonic myeloperoxidase activity, TNF-expression, and fecal Proteobacteria population. NK3 and/or NK49 treatments reduced TNF-expression and NF-B activation in the colon. NK3 and NK49 treatment also restored GV- or ovariectomy-disrupted gut microbiota composition. In conclusion, NK3 and NK49 may simultaneously alleviate BV and osteoporosis by suppressing NF-B-linked TNF-expression through the regulation of gut microbiota population.

read more

PMID: 

J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2019 Sep ;65(2):109-117. Epub 2019 Jul 27. PMID: 31592205

Abstract Title: 

Dietary intake of probiotic kimchi ameliorated IL-6-driven cancer cachexia.

Abstract: 

Cancer cachexia is a syndrome accompanying weight loss, skeletal muscle atrophy, and loss of adipose tissue in patients with advanced cancer. Since interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of core mediators causing cancer cachexia and kimchi can modulate IL-6 response, we hypothesized dietary intake of kimchi can ameliorate cancer cachexia. In this study, we studied preemptive administration of kimchi can ameliorate mouse colon carcinoma cells colon (C26) adenocarcinoma-induced cancer cachexia and explored anti-cachexic mechanisms of kimchi focused on the changes of muscle atrophy, cachexic inflammation, and catabolic catastrophe. As results, dietary intake of kimchi significantly attenuated the development of cancer cachexia, presented with lesser weight loss, higher muscle preservation as well as higher survival from cancer cachexia in mice. Starting from significant inhibition of IL-6 and its signaling, kimchi afforded significant inhibition of muscle specific ubiquitin-proteasome system including inhibition of atrogin-1 and muscle ring finger protein-1 (MuRF-1) with other muscle related genes including mitofusin-2 (Mfn-2) and PGC-1α. Significant inhibition of lipolysis gene such as adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone-sensitive ligase (HSL) accompanied with significant induction of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol response element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) was achieved with kimchi. As gene regulation, IL-6 andtheir receptor as well as Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were significantly attenuated with kimchi. In conclusion, dietary intake of cancer preventive kimchi can be an anticipating option to ameliorate cancer cachexia via suppressive action of IL-6 accompanied with decreased muscle atrophy and lipolysis.

read more

PMID: 

J Appl Microbiol. 2019 Apr ;126(4):1221-1232. Epub 2019 Feb 14. PMID: 30597726

Abstract Title: 

In vitro selection and in vivo confirmation of the antioxidant ability of Lactobacillus brevis MG000874.

Abstract: 

AIMS: This study aimed at isolating a probiotic strain from a collection of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with the high antioxidant property and confirms its potential in d-gal-induced oxidative stress (OS) murine model.METHODS AND RESULTS: The in vitro antioxidant ability of 16 LAB strains was determined in the cell-free supernatant of 3- to 5-day-old culture, intact cells and cell lysates using three different methods for determining the reactive oxygen species scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The strain, An28, presented the best antioxidant activity and was identified as Lactobacillus brevis MG000874 on the basis of 16 sRNA gene sequencing. The antioxidant potential of L. brevis MG000874 was confirmed in an OS murine model. Albino mice were exposed to d-galactose at a dose of 150 mg kgBW and fed with L. brevis MG000874 (0·2 ml of 10CFU per ml cell suspension per animal per day). Antioxidant enzymes were quantified spectrophotometrically in the liver, kidney and serum. Subcutaneous administration of d-gal resulted in decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) and increase in glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels in animals. The L. brevis MG000874-treated animals displayed improvement in SOD, CAT and GST in all tissues and GSH in the liver and serum. The safety assessment of L. brevis MG000874 was performed by comparing liver and renal function tests. None of the selected indicators was significantly different from the negative control group.CONCLUSIONS: The antioxidant potential of 16 strains was noticed to be strain specific and in vivo performance of L. brevis MG000874 was found satisfactory in a d-gal murine model.SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Lactobacillus brevis MG000874 was identified for its admirable antioxidant property. This strain or/and its metabolites could be further investigated for possible applications in humans and veterinary fields.

read more

PMID: 

Front Physiol. 2019 ;10:1152. Epub 2019 Sep 18. PMID: 31620010

Abstract Title: 

Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis by Reprograming Intestinal Microbiota and Influencing Serum Metabolome in Murine Model.

Abstract: 

The aim of this study was to examine the effects ofon the microbial community and serum metabolome in colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). ICR mice were randomly distributed into three treatment groups: (i)treatment alone (control), (ii) DSS administration alone, and (iii) treatment withand DSS. Our results demonstrate thattreatment significantly alleviated DSS-induced body weight loss and colon inflammation. In addition, LC-MS analysis of serum metabolites revealed thattreatment increased the serum level of metabolites against inflammatory responses or oxidative stressors caused by DSS in the murine model. By detecting colonic microbiota,increased colonic microbial diversity after challenging with DSS, and increased the relative abundance of Alloprevotella at genus, but Bacteroidales was reduced (

read more

PMID: 

Front Microbiol. 2018 ;9:1021. Epub 2018 May 17. PMID: 29867905

Abstract Title: 

ProbioticproBio-65 Extract Ameliorates the Severity of Imiquimod Induced Psoriasis-Like Skin Inflammation in a Mouse Model.

Abstract: 

This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of ethanol extract (SEL001) isolated from a potent probiotic strainproBio-65 on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in a mouse model. Histopathological and histomorphometrical changes in the ear and dorsal skin tissues were observed under hematoxylin and eosin stain for general histopathological architectures or Masson's trichrome stain for collagen fibers. The expression profile of psoriasis-associated specific genes was determined using Real-Time PCR analysis. As a result, topical application of IMQ resulted in a significant increase of mean total and epithelial (epidermis) thicknesses, the number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the dermis, and the decrease of dermis collagen fiber occupied regions in the ear tissues of IMQ and IMQ plus vaseline treated groups when compared to the intact control group. A significant increase of epithelial thickness and number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the dermis of dorsal skin tissues were also noticed in IMQ and IMQ plus vaseline treated groups as compared to the intact control group, suggesting classic IMQ-induced hypersensitive psoriasis. IMQ-induced hypersensitive psoriasis related histopathological changes to the ear and dorsal skin tissues were significantly inhibited by the treatment of a standard drug clobetasol and SEL001. Further, mRNA expression analysis indicated a significant increase in gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-19, IL-17A, and IL-23 in IMQ and IMQ plus vaseline treated groups than that of the control. Clobetasol and SEL001 treated groups resulted in a lower gene expression level of IL-19, IL-17A, and IL-23 as compared to IMQ and IMQ plus vaseline treated groups. These results enforce that SEL001 could be a novel treatment for psoriasis and an alternative to other drugs that pose a number of side effects on the skin.

read more

PMID: 

Front Immunol. 2018 ;9:1905. Epub 2018 Aug 14. PMID: 30154801

Abstract Title: 

WIKIM30 Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions by Inducing Regulatory T Cells and Altering Gut Microbiota Structure in Mice.

Abstract: 

WIKIM30 is a Gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacterium isolated from kimchi, a Korean fermented vegetable food. In this study, we found that WIKIM30 promoted regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation by inducing dendritic cells with tolerogenic properties. The production of the T helper (Th) 2-associated cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 was decreased, but that of the Treg-associated cytokine IL-10 was increased in splenocytes from ovalbumin-sensitized mice treated with WIKIM30. We also investigated the inhibitory capacity of WIKIM30 on the development of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis (AD), a Th2-dominant allergic disease in mice. Oral administration ofWIKIM30 significantly reduced AD-like skin lesions and serum immunoglobulin E and IL-4 levels while decreasing the number of CD4T cells and B cells and the levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in peripheral lymph nodes and enhancing Treg differentiation and IL-10 secretion in mesenteric lymph nodes. In addition, WIKIM30 modulated gut microbiome profiles that were altered in AD mice, which showed increases inandand a decrease inabundance. These changes were reversed by WIKIM30 treatment. Notably, the increase inwas highly correlated with Treg-related responses and may contribute to the alleviation of AD responses. Together, these results suggest that oral administration ofWIKIM30 modulates allergic Th2 responses enhancing Treg generation and increases the relative abundance of intestinal bacteria that are positively related to Treg generation, and therefore has therapeutic potential for the treatment of AD.

read more