bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on action of menaquinone‐7 in regulation of bone metabolism and its preventive role of osteoporosis
Authors: Tsukamoto Yoshinori
Published: December 2008

The effect of menaquinone‐7 (MK‐7) on bone components and bone resorbing factors induced‐bone resorption using the femoral‐diaphyseal and ‐ metaphyseal tissues obtained from elderly female rats in vitro were examined. Calcium content, alkaline phosphatase activity and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the diaphyseal and metaphyseal tissues in elderly females rats were significantly decreased as compared with that of young rats, indicating that aging causes a deterioration of bone formation. The presence of MK‐7 (10−6−10−5 M) caused a significant prevention of reduction of biochemical components. On the other hand, the bone‐resorbing factor, parathyroid hormone (1–34) (PTH; 10−7 M) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; 10−5 M) caused a significant decrease in calcium content in the diaphyseal and metaphyseal tissues. This decreases was completely inhibited in the presence of MK‐7 (10−7−10−5 M). In addition, MK‐7 (10−7−10−5 M) completely prevented the PTH (10−7 M) or PGE2 (10−5 M) induced increases in medium glucose consumption and lactic acid production by bone tissues, Furthermore, the effect of the prolonged intake of dietary MK‐7 on bone loss in ovariectomized rats was investigated. As a result, it was found that the intake of experimental diets containing the fermented soybean (natto) with supplemental MK‐7 caused significant elevations of MK‐7 and γ‐carboxylated osteocalcin concentration, a bio marker of bone formation, in the serum of both ovariectomized rats and normal subjects, suggesting that MK‐7 may play an important role in the prevention of age‐related bone loss.
Effect of phytate‐removal and deamidation of soybean proteins on calcium absorption in the in situ rats
Authors: Kumagai Hitomi , Koizumi Atsushi , Sato Noriko , Ishikawa Yukako , Suda Akihiro , Sakurai Hidetoshi , Kumagai Hitoshi
Published: December 2008

Soybean proteins were deamidated by cation‐exchange resins after phytate, the inhibitor for calcium absorption from the small intestine, was removed in order to provide the enhancement function of calcium absorption to soybean proteins. About 92% of the phosphorus was removed from the soybean proteins by anion‐exchange‐resin treatment, indicating that most of the phytate was removed. About 70% of the acid amide was deamidated by cation‐exchange‐resin treatment, and phytate‐removed and deamidated soybean proteins (PrDS) having high calcium binding properties were obtained. PrDS were hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes and their calcium‐binding properties and the enhancement function of the calcium absorption from the small intestine of rats were examined. As a result, PrDS retained their high calcium binding properties even after hydrolysis by digestive enzymes. in situ experiments showed that PrDS and their hydrolysates enhanced the calcium absorption from the intestine.
Effect of dietary protein level and source on bone mineralization in rats
Authors: Gralak M. A. , Piastowska A. W. , Leontowicz H. , Leontowicz M. , Antczak A. , Kulasek G. W. , Szara T. , Narojek T.
Published: December 2008

Bone mineralization was studied in rats. Animals were divided into three feeding groups: LCP ‐ diet with 13.5% crude protein in DM (5% of gluten, 10% of casein), HCP ‐ diet with 21.2% CP in DM (8% of gluten, 10% of casein), and LSM ‐ diet based on grain meals and meat‐bone meal (21% CP in DM). After 28 days feeding, animals were euthanased by cervical dislocation and femur bones were collected, weighed and kept frozen until analyses. Diets with 21% protein (HCP, LSM) significantly increased weight of femur bones. Despite of the substantially higher ash level (7.1%) in the LSM diet than in the LCP diet (3.4%), rats of both groups had the similar bone concentration of Ca (15.7 ± 1.1 vs. 17.4 ± 1.1 g/kg) and Zn (178.7 ± 7.9 vs. 173.0 ± 8.5 mg/kg). However bone density in LSM rats was significantly higher than in LCP ones. Although rats fed HCP diet had intermediate bone density, the bone concentration of Ca (11.4 ± 0.5 g/kg) and Zn (145.1 ± 2.9 mg/kg) was significantly lower, than in animals fed LCP and LSM diets. This was related to the very wide protein/calcium (37:1 g/g) and protein/zinc (5.3:1 g/mg) ratios in HCP diet. Those ratios were narrowest in the LSM diet: 16.2:1 (CP/Ca) and 2.6:1 (CP/Zn). It can be conluded that protein/mineral ratio in a diet is a very important factor in bone development, besides dietary protein and ash contents itselves.
Effect of dietary calcium: Phosphorus ratio on bone mineralization and intestinal calcium absorption in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Koshihara Moyuru , Masuyama Ritsuko , Uehara Mariko , Suzuki Kazuharu
Published: December 2008

We investigated the effect of dietary calcium:phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio on bone mineralization and intestinal Ca absorption in ovariectomized (OVX) rat models of osteoporosis and sham‐operated rats. Thirty 12‐wk‐old female Wistar rats were divided into three groups of OVX rats and three groups of sham rats. Thirty days after the adaptation period, OVX rats and sham rats were fed a diet formulated Ca:P, 1:0.5, 1:1 or 1:2 (each diet containing 0.5% Ca), respectively for 42 d. In both sham and OVX rats, serum osteocalcin, a marker of bone turnover, was increased by decreasing Ca:P ratio (1:2). In contrast, rats fed the Ca:P = 1:0.5 diet (dietary P restriction) suppressed the increased serum parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin and urinary deoxypyridinoline, and increased Ca absorption in both sham and OVX rats compared to the Ca:P = 1:1 and 1:2 diets. Especially, in OVX rats, the decreased bone mineral density of the fifth lumbar was also suppressed when rats were fed the Ca:P = 1:0.5 diet. These results indicated that the elevation of dietary Ca:P ratio may inhibit bone loss and increase intestinal Ca absorption in OVX rats.
The influence of antineoplastic chemotherapy on the glutathione enzymes activity in the blood
Authors: Kopañski Z. , Grabowska M. , Kosiniak‐Kamysz A. , Bertrandt J. , Kołodziejski L. , Opoka W. , Schlegel‐Zawadzka M.
Published: December 2008

The analysis included 78 patients (42 men and 36 women) aged 48 to 67 years treated with cytostatics because of a neoplastic disease. In all the patients examined was evaluated the influence of the chemotherapy carried out on the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities. It was confirmed that the effect of the action on the glutathione enzymes (GE) activity of the antineoplastic chemotherapy changes depending on the duration of the treatment with cytostatics. In the end this activity settles at a high level, statistically significantly higher than that registered before the beginning of the antineoplastic treatment. The increase of the GE activity is mainly favoured by the chemotherapy following the schemes FAC (5‐fluorouracyl + doxorubicin + endoxan) and PAC (cisplatin + cyclofosfamide + pharmorubicin).
Inhibitory effect of esculin on oxidative DNA damage and carcinogenesis induced by N‐nitrosobis(2‐oxopropyl)amine in hamster pancreas
Authors: Kaneko Takao , Tahara Shoichi , Takabayashi Fumiyo , Harada Noboru
Published: December 2008

The effects of esculin, a natural coumarin compound, on the formation of 8‐ox O2−′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐oxodG) and carcinogenesis induced by a chemical carcinogen, N‐nitrosobis(2‐oxopropyl)amine (BOP), were examined in the pancreas of female Syrian golden hamsters. Animals were given a diet containing esculin for 7 days, and killed 4h after BOP treatment, and the contents of 8‐oxodG were measured in the nuclear DNA of the pancreas. Esculin suppressed significantly the increase in the 8‐oxodG content of hamster pancreas induced by BOP. Furthermore, the effect of esculin on the rapid production model experiment for pancreatic carcinogenesis using BOP was investigated. Esculin was given ad libitum as a 0.05% aqueous solution during either the initiation or promotion phases. The incidence of invasive tumors in animals given esculin during the initiation phase was significantly lower than in the control group, while the incidence in animals given esculin during the promotion phase showed no significant change. These results suggest that the intake of esculin has an inhibitory effect on BOP‐induced oxidative DNA damage and carcinogenesis in hamster pancreas.
Anti‐clastogenic ingredients in Cassia nomame extract
Authors: Konishi Taiji , Naitou Kazufumi , Kadowaki Shin‐Ichi , Takahara Yoshinori , Yamamoto Koji
Published: December 2008

The suppressing effect of the hot‐water extract of Cassia nomame (Sieb.) HONDA was studied on the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary K1 (CHO‐K1) cells. CHO‐K1 cells were pretreated with 2.5 μM Mitomycin C (MMC) for 1 h and incubated with or without the extract in medium for 10–24 h. The frequency of chromosome aberrations in observed 100 metaphase cells was significantly lower with the extract than that without the extract. Moreover, the suppressing effect of the four fractions collected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was also examined on the same procedure. The frequency of cells with chromosome aberrations in cells cultured with each collected fraction was lower than in those without the extract. The suppressing effect of the collected fractions on chromosomal aberrations, however, was less than that of the total extract. This result suggests that the ingredients which have the suppressing effect of chromosomal aberrations are also contained in the other fraction of the extract.
Antimutagenicity of Japanese traditional herbs, gennoshoko, yomogi, senburi and iwa‐tobacco
Authors: Hiramatsu Naoko , Xiufen Wang , Takechi Ryusuke , Itoh Yoshimi , Mamo John , Pal Sebely
Published: December 2008

The multistage induction theory is generally regarded as the mechanism of carcinogenesis. In order to prevent the initiation stage of carcinogenesis, it is meaningful to discover the functional components of edible plants. The objective of this research was to test the antimutagenicity of the functional components of several typical traditional herbs used in Japan. The traditional herbs, gennoshoko (Geranium nepalense var. thunbergii), yomogi (Artemisia vulgaris var. indica), senburi (Swertia japonica), iwa‐tobacco (Conandron ramondioides), sarunokoshikake (Elfvingia applanata), kanzo (Glycyeehiza uralensis Fisch) and matatabi (Actinidia polygama) were examined by Ames mutagenesis assay test with Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 against mutagens, Trp‐P‐1, Trp‐P‐2 and B(a)P. The water‐soluble components or volatile oil of the herbs were extracted in boiling water. The extracts of gennoshoko showed strong antimutagenicity against B(a)P with S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100, as well as Trp‐P‐1 and Trp‐P‐2 with S. typhimurium TA98. Yomogi, senburi and iwa‐tobacco were also proved to have good antimutagenicity against Trp‐P‐1 and Trp‐P‐2 with S. typhimurium TA98, but weaker antimutagenicity against B(a)P. Other herbs did not show any obvious antimutagenicity against these mutagens. In addition, the volatile oil of yomogi also had remarkable antimutagenic effect against the mutagens we used with S. typhimurium TA98.
Effects of lactoferrin, soya germ and polyamine on 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐ phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]‐pyridine(PhIP)‐ induced breast carcinogenesis in rats
Authors: Haba Ryota , Watanabe Shaw , Wada Masahiro , Udaka Shigezo
Published: December 2008

The cancer‐preventive effects of food‐derived bovine lactoferrin(bLF), isoflavone‐rich soya germ(SG), and spermidine(SPD) on mammary gland carcinogenesis induced by 2‐amino‐1‐ methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]‐pyridine (PhIP), were investigated in female Sprague‐Dawley(SD) rats. Two hundred and six female SD rats were divided into 8 groups. Cumulative breast cancer incidence at 43 weeks was 65.4% in the PhIP group; 80.0% and 76.0% in the 0.2% and 2.0% bLF groups, respectively; 58.3% and 20.0% in the 2% and 10% SG groups, respectively; and 80.0% and 76.9% in the 0.035% and 0.175% SPD groups, respectively. Isoflavone‐rich SG significantly suppressed breast cancer, and the tumors showed fibrous or less malignant features upon histological examination.
Enhancement of insulin sensitivity in adipocytes by ginger
Authors: Sekiya Keizo , Ohtani Atsuko , Kusano Shuichi
Published: December 2008

Antidiabetic and hypoglycemic drugs have been reported to enhance adipocyte differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. We previously reported that ginseng (active constituents: ginsenosides) enhanced the differentiation [1]. In this experiment, effect of some ginger group food extracts on the adipocyte differentiation was investigated using cultured mouse 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. 3T3‐L1 cells were grown as monolayer cultures at 37°C in DMEM supplemented by 10% FBS under the atmosphere of 5% CO2‐95% air. Ginger extracts were found to enhance the adipocyte differentiation. Active constituent was purified and identified as gingerol. In the gingerol‐treated cells, insulin‐sensitive glucose uptake was increased. It is expected that ginger enhance the insulin‐sensitivity, and improve chronic disease, such as diabetes.
Antihypertensive effect of γ‐amino butyric acid enriched soy products in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Shizuka F. , Kido Y. , Nakazawa T. , Kitajima H. , Aizawa C. , Kayamura H. , Ichijo N.
Published: December 2008

The effect of γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA)‐enriched soybean on blood pressure was investigated in male spontaneously hypertensive rats. Ten‐week‐old rats were given diets containing graded levels of GABA‐enriched soybean powder for 8 weeks. The systolic blood pressure in rats fed 0.15% GABA diet was significantly lower at 1st week and maintained lower values for 4 weeks as compared with 0% GABA controls. No effect on blood pressure was found in those of 0.03 and 0.3% GABA. The results suggest that there exist appropriate dietary GABA level to get the blood pressure lowering effect.
Phytosterols and lecithin do not have an additive effect in lowering plasma and hepatic cholesterol levels in diet‐induced hypercholesterolemic rats
Authors: Shin Jonghyun , Kim Yun Jung , Choi Myung‐Sook , Woo Dong‐Ho , Park Taesun
Published: December 2008

Both plant sterols and lecithin are used as dietary supplements for lowering blood cholesterol in Western countries. This study evaluated the possibility of an additive effect of these ingredients on the regulation of lipid concentrations and cholesterol metabolism. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, and fed one of the following diets for 5 weeks; high cholesterol diet (HCD), phytosterol mixture‐supplemented diet (PD, HCD+0.25% phytosterols), or phytosterol mixture and lecithin‐supplemented diet (PLD, PD+0.15% lecithin). Feeding the PD for 5 weeks resulted in a 34% and 41% decrease in plasma total‐ and VLDL+LDL‐cholesterol levels, respectively, and a 23% decrease in hepatic cholesterol content compared to those for the HCD rats (p < 0.05). These cholesterol‐lowering properties of the phytosterol mixture were also associated with the down‐regulation of hepatic acyl CoA:cholesterol acytransferase (ACAT) activity (p < 0.05). Addition of lecithin plus phytosterol mixture to the hypercholesterolemic diet did not significantly affect blood and hepatic lipid concentrations (with the exception of 36% decrease in hepatic triglyceride level, p < 0.05) as well as hepatic ACAT activity compared to feeding the hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with phytosterol alone. These results indicate that combining lecithin, at a 0.15% level, with a phytosterol mixture‐supplemented diet does not exhibit an additive effect in regulating hepatic ACAT activity or lowering blood cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rats.
Anti‐adipogenic effects of Garcinia extract on the lipid droplet accumulation and the expression of transcription factor
Authors: Kim Myung‐Sunny , Kim Jin‐Kyung , Kwon Dae‐Young , Park Raekil
Published: December 2008

Garcinia extract was used as a potential anti‐obesity agent. In this study, we found that Garcinia extract inhibits the cytoplasmic lipid accumulation as well as adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes. The mechanisms that regulate the inhibition of insulin‐induced differentiation by Garcinia extracts include the inhibition of expression of the early adipogenic transcription factor, CCAAT element binding protein (C/EBP)α that regulate adipogenesis. These results suggest that the specific targets of Garcinia extract on differentiation process of 3T3‐L1 cells could be, at least, early adipogenic differentiation factor.
Effect of quercetin conjugates on vascular permeability and expression of adhesion molecules
Authors: Mochizuki Mika , Kajiya Katsuko , Terao Junji , Kaji Kazuhiko , Kumazawa Shigenori , Nakayama Tsutomu , Shimoi Kayoko
Published: December 2008

Quercetin and its glucosides exist in plant foods and are recovered in human plasma as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. Quercetin and its conjugates show antioxidant activity in model experiments. It remains obscure, however, whether these conjugates retain these biological functions in vivo. We investigated the interaction of quercetin conjugates with lipid bilayers using liposome systems. Less quercetin conjugate was incorporated into liposomes than quercetin aglycone. We also studied the vascular permeability of quercetin‐3‐glucuronide using cell culture inserts. Incubation of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with IL‐1α resulted in increased permeability of quercetin‐3‐glucuronide. Furthermore, quercetin‐3‐glucuronide showed no suppressive effect on TNF‐α‐induced cell expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) on HAECs. These observations suggest that circulating conjugates of quercetin pass through the endothelium to reach vascular smooth muscle cells and exert their biological effects in the blood vessels during inflammation followed by deconjugation of the conjugates.
Food safety and epidemiology: New database of functional food factors
Authors: Watanabe Shaw , Zhuo Xing Gang , Kimira Mitsuru
Published: December 2008

More than 600 functional non‐nutrient food factors (FFFs) in vegetables and fruits are considered to be effective for health promotion and disease prevention. However, phytochemicals studied thus far have failed to yield predicted results in randomized intervention studies. To assess the health effects of phytochemicals, a breakthrough in epidemiological methods was necessary.

We constructed a database of non‐nutrient FFFs to estimate the chemical classes and total amount of FFF‐intake in order to facilitate estimation and calculation for nutritional research. So far, flavonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, and sulfur compounds are included in our FFF database. We calculated the intake of various phytochemicals per capita from 79 subjects' dietary records by FFF database, and estimated that subjects ingested more than 10 μ mole per day of phytochemicals such as catechin, isoflavones, isothiocyanate, ferulic acid, quercetin, cinnamic acid and chlorogenic acid. Chief component analysis yielded 12 factors (80%), of which only a few factors showed negative associations with serum cholesterol and LDL concentration. Many factors showed adverse relationships with liver function and serum triacylglycerol concentration.

Weekly self‐reported daily dietary records including name of dish, constituent foods and their amounts were separately collected for 6 months and analyzed in Kyoto women. Seasonal changes of phytochemical intake showed significant variation according to the seasonal consumption of fruits and vegetables. Lycopene increased in the summer due to watermelon and tomato intake in this season. Seasonal variation of FFF was quite large compared to the variation of macro‐ and micronutrients.

Careful evaluation of the effects of FFF intake on health is necessary, especially when supplements are also consumed. The most effective combinations of FFF intake for human health could be elucidated by using our FFF‐DB in conjunction with population‐based cohort studies.
Phytoestrogens, cancer and coronary heart disease
Authors: Adlercreutz Herman , Heinonen Satu‐Maarit , Penalvo‐Garcia José
Published: December 2008

Recent results obtained in collaboration with many other groups with regard to phytoestrogens (isoflavones and lignans) and breast cancer, prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease are presented and discussed in light of new developments in the field. Both isoflavones and lignans may be protective with regard to these diseases, but we do not yet understand some of the controversial results obtained. In this short communication the possible mechanisms of disease prevention were not discussed.
Isoflavones in several clover species and in milk from goats fed clovers
Authors: Sakakibara Hiroyuki , Viala Didier , Ollier Alain , Combeau AndrÉ , Besle Jean‐Michel
Published: December 2008

Isoflavones that exist in forages such as clover can move in milk, and may have beneficial effects on human health. We measured the isoflavones in subterranean (cv Yarloop, Geraldton, Dinninup and Dwalganup) and red (cv Merviot and Hamua) clovers, grown in a mountain environment, and in the milk of two goats fed a fresh mixture of the four subterranean clovers gathered at flowering stage. Isoflavone glycosides were hydrolysed with an improved β glycosidase method. Free aglycones (FA) and the hydrolysed glycosides + free aglycones fraction (HF) were analysed by HPLC. In milk, the methanol extracted compounds were deconjugated and similarly analysed. Total HF was highest in Yarloop (19g kg−1 dry matter) and was three times lower in Merviot. Formononetin was the major compound (46–64% of total HF). FA varied from 30 to 73% of HF. Milk contained formononetin (50 μ L−1), similar amounts of equol and p ethylphenol (about 250 μ L−1), and equol like compounds (1120 μ L−1). Equol, which has estrogenic activity, and p ethylphenol were produced by biotransformation of formononetin, and biochanin A or genistein, respectively. The modulation of isoflavone amounts in milk and the estimation of their interests for human health warrant further investigation.
Green vegetable drink consumption protects peripheral lymphocytes DNA damage in Korean smokers
Authors: Kang Myung‐Hee , Park Yoo Kyoung , Kim Hye‐Young , Kim Tae Seok
Published: December 2008

Smoking increases indices of free radical‐mediated damage of DNA which are potential underlying processes in the pathogenesis of many diseases. In this study, we evaluated whether 8 weeks of green vegetable drink (Angelica keiskei based juice) supplementation to smokers can be protective against lymphocytic DNA damage. Twenty smokers were given 240 ml of commercially available green vegetable drink every day for 8 weeks. The DNA damage was determined using single cell gel electrophoresis (COMET assay) and the damage was quantified by measuring tail length (TL), tail moment (TM), and percent DNA in tail. Eight weeks of green vegetable drink consumption resulted in a significant in lymphocytes DNA damage in all three measurements; TL, TM and % DNA in tail. These results support the hypothesis that green vegetable drink exerts a cancer‐protective effect via a decrease in oxidative damage to DNA in humans.
Quantitative determination of urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine level in healthy Japanese volunteers
Authors: Miwa Misao , Matsumaru Hiroyuki , Akimoto Yukari , Naito Shigehiro , Ochi Hirotomo
Published: December 2008

8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), as a measure of oxidative stress, was measured in healthy Japanese volunteers using an ELISA (New 8‐OHdG Check®, JICA). Analysis of daytime spot urine of 83 healthy male subjects and smoking habit, exercise and age revealed significant correlation only between the urinary level of 8‐OHdG and age. As the inter‐individual variation of 8‐OHdG of the daytime spot urine was relatively high, we next determined inter‐and intra‐individual variation of 5 healthy volunteers. The levels of 8‐OHdG/creatinine in morning spot urine significantly correlated with 8‐OHdG levels in 24‐h pool urine. Thus, a morning spot urine sample can be used for the measurement of 8‐OHdG instead of inconvenient 24‐h sampling.
Comparison of an oxidative stress biomarker “urinary8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine,“ between smokers and non‐smokers
Authors: Kanaya Setsuko , Ikeya Masae , Yamamoto Kanako , Moriya Takayo , Furuhashi Keiko , Sonoda Makiko , Goto Koichi , Ochi Hirotomo
Published: December 2008

A great deal of effort has been made on the effect of oxidative stress for smokers. What seems to be lacking, however, is its evidence. Analyzing 1076 participants (age 35.9 ± 12.9, urinary8‐OHdG Mean ± S.D., 11.4 ± 6.7, n = 1076), our study found the significant increase in a biomarker of DNA damage urinary 8‐OHdG/creatinine among smokers (7.75 ± 2.8 ng/ml × CRE (n = 154) and 7.36 ± 2.5 ng/ml × CRE (n = 627) (p < 0.05), Relative Risk = 2.9 (1.4–6.2) sex and age ± 2 matching 105 male smokers and non‐smokers. There was no significance on the comparison between female smokers and non‐smokers. Smokers have significantly decreased serum alpha‐tocopherol (1012 ± 455, 1152 ± 857, p < 0.03). The amount of serum ascorbate did not change. Smokers lowered serum HDL‐cholesterol compared to non‐smokers (59.3 ± 11.8, 63.9 ± 13.3, p < 0.05). The result of oxidative stress profile (OSP) also indicated that the increase of oxidative stress to smokers (p < 0.05). The calculated value of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of the meal for subjects was 1600 ORAC units.
Phytochemical intake and relationship to past health history in Japanese women
Authors: Melby Melissa K. , Murashima Megumi , Watanabe Shaw
Published: December 2008

We calculated functional food factor (FFF) intakes using a new database and examined their relationship to health conditions commonly affecting Japanese women in midlife. One‐day DRs were collected weekly for 6 months from 67 Japanese women, aged 45–55 yr, living in Kyoto prefecture, Japan. Macro‐ and micronutrient and FFF intake were calculated from the resulting 1528 DRs. Factor analysis and logistic regression were performed to identify relationships between FFFs and past health history. Fourteen of 17 FFF factors, as well as age, BMI and menopausal status, exhibited both positive and negative correlations with past history of hypertension, diabetes, allergy, migraine, and menopausal syndrome.
Phase 1 study of multiple biomarkers for metabolism and oxidative stress after one‐week intake of broccoli sprouts
Authors: Murashima Megumi , Watanabe Shaw , Zhuo Xing‐Gang , Uehara Mariko , Kurashige Atsushi
Published: December 2008

Little is known about the direct effect of broccoli sprouts on human health. So we investigated the effect of broccoli sprouts on the induction of various biochemical oxidative stress markers. Twelve healthy subjects (6 males and 6 females) consumed fresh broccoli sprouts (100 g/day) for 1 week for a phase 1 study. Before and after the treatment, biochemical examination was conducted and natural killer cell activity, plasma amino acids, plasma PCOOH (phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide), the serum coenzyme Q10, urinary 8‐isoprostane, and urinary 8‐OHdG (8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine) were measured. With treatment, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decreased, and HDL cholesterol increased significantly. Plasma cystine decreased significantly. All subjects showed reduced PCOOH, 8‐isoprostane and 8‐OHdG, and increased CoQ10H2/CoQ10 ratio. Only one week intake of broccoli sprouts improved cholesterol metabolism and decreased oxidative stress markers.
Antioxidative polyphenols from berries of Pimenta dioica
Authors: Miyajima Yoshiko , Kikuzaki Hiroe , Hisamoto Masashi , Nakatani Nobuji
Published: December 2008

The ethyl acetate‐soluble part of allspice, berries of Pimenta dioica, showed strong antioxidant activity and radical‐scavenging activity against 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. From the ethyl acetate‐soluble part, two new compounds, 5‐galloyloxy‐3,4‐dihydroxypentanoic acid and 5‐(5‐carboxymethyl‐2‐oxocyclopentyl)‐3Z‐pentenyl 6‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucoside were isolated together with 11 known polyphenols by repeated column chromatography. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of MS and various NMR spectroscopic data.All isolated compounds were evaluated for antioxidative effects on oxidation of methyl linoleate under aeration and heating, and on peroxidation of liposome induced by 2,2′‐azobis‐(2‐amidinopropane)dihydrocloride (AAPH) as a water‐soluble initiator along with their radical‐scavenging activity against DPPH. Quercetin and its glycosides showed remarkable activity for scavenging DPPH radical and inhibiting peroxidation of liposome. Two new compounds also exhibited strong DPPH radical‐scavenging activity and inhibitory effect on the peroxidation of liposome as myricetin.
Production and stability of structured lipids from algal oils and capric acid
Authors: Hamam Fayez , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: December 2008

This study aimed to incorporate capric acid (CA) into selected algal oils, namely arachidoinc acid single cell oil (ARASCO), docosahexaenoic acid single cell oil (DHASCO) and the OMEGA‐GOLD oil rich in dcosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and dosapentaenoic acid (n‐6 DPA). Response surface methodology indicated that under optimum conditions (12.3% enzyme, 45°C, and 29.4 h) CA incorporation was 20.0% into ARASCO; (4.2% enzyme, 43.3°C, and 27.1 h) 22.6% into DHASCO and (2.5% enzyme, 46.6°C and 25.2 h) 20.7% into the OMEGA‐GOLD oil. Stereospecific analysis indicated that in all oils examined CA was mainly located at the sn‐1 and sn‐3 positions of the resultant TAG molecules while the highly unsaturated fatty acids being primarily esterified to the sn‐2 positions of the three oils. In all cases, enzymatically modified oils were more susceptible to oxidation than their unmodified counterparts.
Nutritional analysis of Vietnamese seaweeds for food and medicine
Authors: Hong Dang Diem , Hien Hoang Thi Minh
Published: December 2008

Vietnamese edible marine macro‐algae (seaweed) are of interest because of their value in nutrition and medicine. Vietnamese living in the coastal have traditionally utilized seaweeds species as food supplement and herbal medicine. They consumed seaweed as food in various forms: raw as salad and vegetable, pickle with sauce or with vinegar, relish or sweetened jellies and also cooked for vegetable soup. As herbal medicine, seaweed is usually used for traditional comestics, treatments for cough, asthma, hemorrhoid, boils, goitres, stomach ailments, urinary diseases, reduce the incidence of tumors, ulcers and headaches. Although Vietnam has an abundance of algae floral with total number of species is estimated to be nearly 1000 spp. in which there are 638 species of marine algae identified. However, there have been no intense study regarding to changes in marine algal chemistry. The fifteen species of edible seaweeds studied in this paper include green, brown and red algae. The proximate compositions as ash, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, fatty acids, vitamines, pigments, macro and micro‐elements were compared among different species examined and the genetic relationships among them by analyzing the species‐specific differences in nucleotide sequences of ITS‐1 region of the ribosomal DNA was identified.
The construction of web database server‐client system for functional food factors
Authors: Zhuo Xing‐Gang , Watanabe Shaw
Published: December 2008

In food, other than known nutrients, such as lipid, carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, and minerals, many substances with physiological function and medicinal action exist, and it is contributing to healthy improvement and/or prevention of illness. Although carotenoid, flavonoid and polyphenol, terpenoid, volatile substance and sulfur compounds, peptide, etc. have the function of illness prevention, and research of those non‐nutrient functional food factors (FFF) became globally active, the research of this field is not yet done systematically. We evaluate function of FFF and reappraise known knowledge, and this knowledge is standardized and accumulated, aimed at building a web database server‐client system which is easy to use for the people and nutritional research. We also collected related data such as chemical characters of FFF from literatures and other source, and formatted them into the database. We constructed the web database server‐client system with MySQL database server and Apache web server based on Linux, and used Tomcat JSP engine for data connecting since they were reliable in stability and speed. We are opening the database at http://www.life‐science.jp/FFF for test now.
DNA chip analysis of comprehensive food function: Inhibition of angiogenesis and telomerase activity with unsaturated vitamin E, tocotrienol
Authors: Nakagawa Kiyotaka , Eitsuka Takahiro , Inokuchi Hitoshi , Miyazawa Teruo
Published: December 2008

Inhibition of angiogenesis and telomerase activity with vitamin E compounds, especially for tocotrienol (T3), has been investigated. Nutrigenomic tools have been used for elucidating the bioactive mechanisms of T3. In the cell culture experiments, T3 reduced the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐stimulated tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Among T3 isomers, δ‐T3 appeared the highest activity. The T3 inhibited the new blood vessels formation on the growing chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM assay for an in vivo model of angiogenesis). In contrast, tocopherol did not. The findings suggested that the T3 has potential use for reducing angiogenic disorder. DNA chip analysis revealed that T3 specifically down‐regulates the expression of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) in endothelial cells. It is well‐known that VEGF regulates angiogenesis by binding to VEGFR. Therefore, T3 could block the intracellular signaling of VEGF via down‐regulation of VEGFR, which resulted in the inhibition of angiogenesis. On the other hand, DNA chip analysis also revealed that T3 down‐regulates the expression of protein kinase C (PKC) in the cultured HUVEC. Since PKC is involved with the control of telomerase activity, T3 has potential to act as anti‐telomerase inhibitor via PKC inhibition. In this manner, DNA chip technology provides efficient access to genetic information regarding food function and its mechanism.
DNA microarray analyses of the effects of dietary proteins
Authors: Kato Hisanori , Narasaka Sachiko , Endo Yoshie , Abe Keiko , Arai Soichi
Published: December 2008

Dietary proteins and amino acids serve not only as a building block for body components but also as regulators of a variety of body functions. A great many of the functions of ingested proteins, their peptide fragments, and amino acids have been characterized and some have been brought to practical application. Using a GeneChip DNA microarray system, we first compared the gene expression profiles among rats fed on 12% casein, 12% gluten, and protein‐free diets for one week. The results revealed that a few hundred genes in the liver and muscle were up‐ or down‐regulated by more than two‐fold after feeding of the gluten or the protein‐free diet. Interesting findings included the induction of genes for synthesis and catabolism of cholesterol by gluten feeding. In addition, we performed a study to examine the effect of the consumption of an enzymatically produced, hypoallergenic wheat flour on gene expression profiles in rats. The results confirmed the safety of this novel food product.
Gene expression profiling of cranial sensory ganglia that transmit food intake stimuli
Authors: Matsumoto Ichiro , Nakamura Shugo , Emori Yasufumi , Arai Soichi , Abe Keiko
Published: December 2008

Peripheral cranial sensory nerves projecting into the oral cavity receive food intake stimuli and transmit sensory signals to the central nervous system. They are derived from four cranial sensory ganglia, trigeminal, geniculate, petrosal, and nodose ganglia, each of which contains multiple kinds of sensory neurons with different cell morphologies and neuronal properties. We investigated the complex properties of these neurons from the viewpoint of gene expression using DNA microarrays. The 498 genes were selected from a total of 8,740 genes as showing tissue‐dependent expression on the microarray by hierarchical cluster analysis, in which several genes known to be differentially expressed in cranial sensory ganglia are included. This suggests that DNA microarray cluster analysis revealed a number of characteristic genes for sensory neurons in these ganglia. Among the selected 498 genes, 44 genes are associated with neurotransmission, such as neuropeptides, their receptors, and vesicle transport, and 26 are ion channels regulating membrane potentials. The identification of a number of genes related directly to neural properties indicates that these sensory ganglia contain heterogeneous types of neurons with different neural properties.
Resveratrol inhibits phorbol ester‐induced cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in mouse skin: MAPKs and AP‐1 as potential molecular targets
Authors: Kundu Joydeb Kumar , Chun Kyung‐Soo , Kim Sue O. , Surh Young‐Joon
Published: December 2008

Multiple lines of evidence from laboratory studies suggest that resveratrol, a polyphenolic antioxidant present in grapes, has potent chemopreventive activity. Resveratrol has been reported to inhibit chemically‐induced carcinogenesis in mouse skin, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclarified. Since an abnormally elevated level of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) has been implicated in carcinogenesis, we investigated the effect of resveratrol on 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐induced COX‐2 expression in mouse skin. Pretreatment of dorsal skin of female ICR mice with resveratrol inhibited TPA‐induced COX‐2 expression in a dose dependent manner. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying COX‐2 inhibition by resveratrol, we examined its effect on TPA‐induced activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) and transcription factors which regulate COX‐2 expression. Resveratrol pretreatment resulted in a decrease in the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK) as well as the catalytic activity of ERK and p38 MAPK. In addition, resveratrol prevented TPA‐induced DNA binding of activator protein‐1 (AP‐1). Taken together, suppression of COX‐2 expression by blocking the activation of MAPKs and AP‐1 may represent possible molecular mechanisms responsible for previously reported anti‐tumor promoting effects of resveratrol on mouse skin carcinogenesis.
Soy protein functionality and nutrigenomic analysis
Authors: Takamatsu Kiyoharu , Tachibana Nobuhiko , Matsumoto Ichiro , Abe Keiko
Published: December 2008

Soy protein has various biological functions, such as cholesterol‐lowering effect, anti‐obese, in addition to that nutritive value, and may relieve some lifestyle‐related diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, menopausal disorder and so on. Because of the cholesterol‐lowering effect of soy protein had been studied extremely and internationally for mechanism and clinical proof, the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Japan had approved soy protein product as a food for special health use (FOSHU) in 1994, and also the FDA in the United States also approved the food labeling for that in 1999. Although, some reports suggested that soy protein changes in expression of the genes concerned with lipid metabolism in liver and in adipose tissue, there are few reports that it is concerned with the comprehensive influence of the intake of soy protein on gene expression.

The gene expression of liver in soy protein fed animal has been analyzed with the Affymetrix DNA‐microarray. About 33% of 8000 genes in soy fed animals differed compared with those of casein fed. After cluster analysis, significant differences were observed in the gene cluster concerned with lipid metabolism, also in the gene related to energy metabolism, transcription factor, and anti‐oxidization enzymes.
Multifunctional peptides encrypted in milk proteins
Authors: Meisel Hans
Published: December 2008

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.
Novel physiological function of fructooligosaccharides
Authors: Tokunaga Takahisa
Published: December 2008

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.
Transcription factors and mitogen‐activated protein kinases as molecular targets for chemoprevention with anti‐inflammatory phytochemicals
Authors: Surh Young‐Joon , Na Hye‐Kyung , Lee Seung Sei
Published: December 2008

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.
Anti‐inflammatory and anti‐allergic effect of rosmarinic acid (RA); inhibition of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR) and its mechanism
Authors: Osakabe Naomi , Takano Hirohisa , Sanbongi Chiaki , Yasuda Akiko , Yanagisawa Rie , Inoue Ken‐Ichiro , Yoshikawa Toshikazu
Published: December 2008

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.
A difference between epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate and epicatechin‐3‐gallate on anti‐allergic effect is dependent on their distinct distribution to lipid rafts
Authors: Fujimura Yoshinori , Tachibana Hirofumi , Kumai Rie , Yamada Koji
Published: December 2008

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.
Regulation of interleukin‐8 secretion in human intestinal epithelial Caco‐2 cells by α‐humulene
Authors: Satsu Hideo , Matsuda Tomoko , Toshimitsu Takayuki , Mori Akira , Mae Tatsumasa , Tsukagawa Misuzu , Kitahara Mikio , Shimizu Makoto
Published: December 2008

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.