bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concord grape juice supplementation reduces blood pressure in Korean hypertensive men: Double‐blind, placebo controlled intervention trial
Authors: Park Yoo Kyoung , Kim Jung‐Shin , Kang Myung‐Hee 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMany of the flavonoids found in grapes and grape products such as juice or wine have been known to exert antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, platelet inhibitory and arterial relaxing effects either in vitro, in animal studies and in human trials. This study was designed to test the effect of Concord grape juice consumption on altering blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Forty subjects were given 5.5 ml/kg body weight/day of either Concord grape juice (CGJ) or a calorie‐matched placebo drink every day for 8 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) was measured on weeks 0, 4 and 8. Compared to baseline, in the CGJ group systolic BP was reduced on average by 7.2 mm Hg (p = 0.005) and diastolic BP was reduced on average by 6.2 mm Hg (p = 0.001) at the end of 8 weeks. Comparable changes in the group getting the placebo product were ‐3.5 mm Hg (NS) and ‐3.2 mm Hg (p = 0.05) Consuming Concord grape juice, which is high in polyphenolic compounds, may favorably affect BP in hypertensive individuals.
Effects of structured lipids containing eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic acid and caprylic acid on serum and liver lipid profiles in rats
Authors: Nagata Jun‐Ichi , Kasai Michio , Negishi Satoshi , Saito Morio 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe physiological activity and effect on lipid metabolism of four types of structured lipids (SLs), that contain caprylic acid (C8) and either eicosapentaenoic (EPA) or docosahesaenoic acid (DHA), were evaluated in male Wistar rats fed experimental diets containing 7% (wt %) of each SL and 3% (wt %) soybean oil for 28 days. Control rats were fed a diet containing 10% (wt %) soybean oil. The relative perirenal adipose tissue weights of rats fed D‐8–8 and 8‐D‐8 diets were significantly lower than those of other groups. We observed significantly lower serum cholesterol concentrations in rats fed SLs than those of control group over experimental period. The serum lipids concentrations in rats fed diets containing SLs were significantly lower P < 0.05) than those of soybean oil group. The fatty acid compositions of WAT did not reflect the structural differences in the triglyceride. These results suggest that the physiological effects of the SLs used in this study were due to the fatty acids rather than the structural specificity. Therefore, further study will be needed to ascertain the most desirable structural configuration.
Effects of forsythia fruit extracts and lignan on lipid metabolism
Authors: Cho Sung‐Hee , Rhee Soon‐Jae , Choi Sang‐Won , Choi Youngsun 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA primary methanol extract (F‐ME), secondary butanol‐soluble fraction (F‐BU), and lignans were prepared from forsythia fruit (Forsythia viridissima L.) and added to 0.5% (w/w) cholesterol diets for male Sprague‐Dawley rats weighing 121 ± 12 g. There were six experimental groups: a control group, 0.2%, 0.4% F‐ME supplemented groups, 0.1%, 0.02% F‐BU groups and 0.02% lignan group. After 3 weeks of feeding, body weight gains, serum GOT and GPT levels were not different among the groups. HDL‐/total cholesterol ratios increased in the 0.2% F‐BU and lignan groups compared with the control groups. Liver triglyceride level lowered in most of forsythia groups. Fecal cholesterol excretions increased in the lignan group. Arctiin isolated from the forsythia fruit reduced cholesterol and triglyceride contents in cultured HepG2 cells at 0.01–0.1 μM. These results indicated that the forsythia lignan, arctiin is effective on improving blood lipid status without a significant hepatotoxicity and is to be utilized for the functional foods for lipid‐lowering action.
Red wine polyphenolics suppress the secretion and the synthesis of Apo B48 from human intestinal Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Takechi Ryusuke , Hiramatsu Naoko , Mamo John C. L. , Pal Sebely 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEpidemiological studies suggest that the red wine consumption may reduce the risk factor of cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms of how the red wine phenolic components reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease is currently unknown. Our previous study demonstrated that red wine polyphenolics suppress the secretion of pro‐atherogenic lipoproteins (very low density lipoproteins) from human hepatic HepG2 cells. Therefore, in this study we hypothesize that red wine polyphenolics will also attenuate the production and secretion of another pro‐atherogenic lipoprotein (chylomicrons) from human intestinal Caco‐2 cells. Cultured Caco‐2 cells were incubated in the presence of dealcoholized red wine, alcoholized red wine and atorvastatin for 24 h. The apo B48 protein (marker of intestinal chylomicrons) was quantified on Western blotting and the enhanced chemiluminescence. Apo B48 levels in the cells and that secreted into the media were significantly reduced by 29% in the cells incubated with dealcoholized red wine compared with control cells. Also the similar effect was shown in the cells incubated with alcoholized red wine. The cells incubated with atorvastatin shown the significant reduction of apo B48 production compared to control cells. Collectively, this study suggests that red wine polyphenolics down regulate the production of chylomicron in intestinal Caco‐2 cells.
Fibrinolytic and anti‐thrombotic effect of NKCP, the protein layer from Bacillus subtilis (natto)
Authors: Omura Kazonobu , Hitosugi Masahito , Kaketani Kazutoshi , Zhu Xia , Maeda Hiroaki , Tokudome Shogo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractNKCP is the completely refined protein layer from cultured Bacillus subtilis (natto) and is supplied in tablet form. It lacks the distinctive fermented odor and bacteria associated with fresh natto. Almost all vitamin K is removed during the manufacturing process. The main component of NKCP is the active fragment of Bacillopeptidase F, which is a serine protease secreted by Bacillus subtilis. In in vivo studies, NKCP shows fibrinolytic and amidolytic activity on plasmin specific synthetic substrate. Daily oral administration of NKCP in 28 volunteers for two weeks and then in 23 volunteers for several months, was examined. The fibrinolytic effect was demonstrated by a shortened euglobulin lysis time in both trials. Furthermore, we observed an improvement in shoulder stiffness. These results suggest that the oral administration of NKCP can be expected to have a fibrinolytic effect and cause positive changes in local blood flow. Further investigations may demonstrate NKCP to be useful in the prevention of thrombosis.
The effect of dietary and plasma fatty acids on platelet aggregation in senior generation of Japanese women
Authors: Takachi Ribeka , Kimira Mitsuru , Uesugi Sayo , Kudo Yoko , Ouchi Kazuyuki , Watanabe Shaw 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDietary factors that influence platelet aggregation have not been fully clarified in humans. 63 Japanese women, aged 40–70 years old, completed one‐day weighted dietary records, and received physical and laboratory examinations. Platelet aggregation was measured by 1.0 and 3.0 μM ADP induction. The results were analyzed with special reference to fatty acids. The short and medium chain fatty acid intake showed negative correlation with maximum percent of platelet aggregation induced by 1.0 μM ADP. Short and medium chain fatty acids in this study were mostly derived from milk and dairy products. Importance of short and medium chain fatty acid intake on platelet aggregation requires further study for prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Effects of isoflavone supplements on bone metabolic markers and climacteric symptoms in Japanese women
Authors: Uesugi Sayo , Watanabe Shaw , Ishiwata Naoko , Uehara Mariko , Ouchi Kazuyuki 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study on the effects of 40mg/d isoflavone supplements was carried out by 58 climacteric Japanese women. A questionnaire and an interview concerning climacteric symptoms, health status, dietary and exercise habit, and medical history were carried out, and the physical check‐up and biochemical tests including sex‐hormone analysis were made at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Urinary isoflavones were separately measured from the frozen samples.Isoflavone treatment did not cause any adverse effects on anthropometric measures or blood chemistry. Urinary deoxypyridinoline, a marker of bone resorption decreased significantly with isoflavone treatment. This tendency was remarkable among equol producers. Plasma osteocalcin and bone mineral density did not change by the four‐weeks treatment. As for climacteric symptoms, hot flash decreased significantly. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure of hypertensive participants decreased significantly after isoflavone treatment compared with baseline and the placebo treatment.Isoflavone supplementation offers benefits to reduce effectively on bone resorption enhanced by menopause. The treatment also showed an improvement of climacteric hot flash and hypertension. Equol producers showed better results.
Intake of phytochemicals among Japanese, calculated by the new FFF database
Authors: Kita Junko , Tada Junko , Ito Maiko , Shirakawa Mariko , Murashima Megumi , Zhuo Xing‐Gang , Watanabe Shaw 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEffects of phytochemicals on human health are suggested from various animal experiments, but human studies remain insufficient. We have constructed a database of various phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids, and sulphur compounds) (http://www.life‐science.jp/fff/) and estimated the amount of intake among Japanese population. The subjects were volunteers (16 males and 63 females, averagely aged 71 and 61, respectively) in Iwate city. Average BMI was 23 in both sexes.Intake of 36 phytochemicals was calculated from one‐day dietary records of all intake, by multiplying concentrations of each phytochemical in foods. Phytochemicals with average intake of at least 10 μmole per day were catechin, isoflavones, isothiocyanate, ferulic acid, quercetin, cinnamic acid and chlorogenic acid. Chief component analysis yielded 12 factors (80%).
Food technology: Challenge for health promotion
Authors: Kwon T. W. , Hong J. H. , Moon G. S. , Song Y. S. , Kim J. I. , Kim J. C. , Kim M. J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe food technology has brought countless benefits to today's food supply. Despite its many positive contributions, it has also brought unintended negative consequences. It is the time to mobilize the food technology to help the food supply more secure, safer and healthier, and here three possible approaches are foreseeable: First, we should continue to improve the conventional technologies. Many wholesome foods have been prepared and preserved using natural materials simply by fermentation. Second, we have to enhance the minimal processing as much as applicable. Third, new ingredients, intelligent packaging and functional foods should be explored to improve food supply and health. Today, consumer interest in the functional foods has been increased tremendously, and the future of food lies in the functional foods. However, the situations in the developing world are different from this. As food resource is limited in this region, food technology has to be emphasized to increase food supply. To help solve such complex problems, not only new technologies, but also conventional technologies have to be mobilized. Simultaneously, even higher technical capabilities have to be built up by applying new findings from the related disciplines to allow the food technology to play its vital role.
Enhanced oxidative stability of a hydrophilic arginine‐conjugated linoleic acid complex
Authors: Lee Ki Won , Kim Young Jun , Lee Seong‐Kweon , Lee Hyong Joo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe application of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as a functional food ingredient has been limited due to its high cost of purification and insolubility in water. Recently, we reported a method to produce high‐purity CLA using two‐step urea‐inclusion crystallization and a hydrophilic arginine‐CLA (Arg‐CLA) complex. The present study compared the oxidative stability and antioxidant activity of CLA and Arg‐CLA. Hydroperoxide production from CLA increased about 12‐fold at 10 hr after heat treatment at 100°C, whereas Arg‐CLA did not exhibit significant hydroperoxide production. Furthermore, the Arg‐CLA complex showed synergistic antioxidant activity in a 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline)‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay. Arg‐CLA at 20 mM scavenged 89% of ABTS radicals in 3 h, whereas CLA alone quenched only 48% under the same conditions. Our results indicate that a hydrophilic Arg‐CLA exhibits enhanced oxidative stability and antioxidant activity, which could expand the scope of CLA application in various food industries.
Beer and health: Preventive effects of beer components on lifestyle‐related diseases
Authors: Kondo Keiji 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIt has been demonstrated that the light‐to‐moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages is associated with significant reductions in all‐cause and particularly cardiovascular mortality. While the inverse association between red‐wine consumption and cardiovascular risk is globally recognized as the French paradox, many epidemiological studies have concluded that beer and red wine are equally beneficial. Moderate alcohol intake improves lipoprotein metabolism and lowers cardiovascular mortality risk. The question now is whether additional health benefits associated with the non‐alcohol components in beer may be expected. This article summarizes the results of the latest studies on the health benefits of beer while referring to our recent results, which demonstrate the preventive effects of beer and its components on lifestyle‐related diseases. A series of studies using animal models have shown that beer may prevent carcinogenesis and osteoporosis; beer provides plasma with significant protection from oxidative stress; and isohumulones, the bitter substances derived from hops, may prevent and improve obesity and type‐2 diabetes, improve lipid metabolism, and suppress atherosclerosis. Further studies are needed to clarify the components in addition to isohumulones that are responsible for these beneficial effects of beer, and the underlying mechanisms must be addressed.
Measurement of isoflavones using liquid chromatography with multi‐channel coulometric electrochemical detection
Authors: Ouchi Kazuyuki , Gamache Paul , Acworth Ian , Watanabe Shaw 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe evaluated the use of HPLC multi‐channel coulometric electrochemical detection (HPLC‐ECD) for the routine measurement of phytochemicals by analyzing standards and urine samples. Compounds were separated chromatographically and electrochemically with high sensitivity (10 ng/ml of isoflavones in urine). HPLC‐ECD will enable better investigation into the relationship between lifestyle and the effects of phytochemicals on humans.
Dual mechanisms for telomerase inhibition in DLD‐1 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells by polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Eitsuka Takahiro , Nakagawa Kiyotaka , Miyazawa Teruo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported to have antitumor activity. In this study, we have tested whether telomerase might be a target for the antitumor effect of fatty acids using DLD‐1 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. In a cell‐free approach, fatty acids were added directly to cell lysates, and we confirmed that increasing fatty acid unsaturation correlates with increased inhibition of telomerase activity. Using a cell culture approach, DLD‐1 cells were cultured with fatty acids. In a time and dose dependent manner, EPA and DHA suppressed cellular telomerase activity and the mRNAs encoding hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase) and c‐myc. Based on these observations, we suggest that PUFAs inhibit telomerase activity through dual mechanisms: direct inhibition of enzymatic activity and down regulation of hTERT, one of the telomerase components.
Inhibitory effects of [6]‐gingerol on PMA‐induced COX‐2 expression and activation of NF‐κB and p38 MAPK in mouse skin
Authors: Kim Sue Ok , Chun Kyung‐Soo , Kundu Joydeb Kumar , Surh Young‐Joon 
Published: December 2008

Abstract[6]‐Gingerol, a major pungent ingredient of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae), has a wide array of pharmacologic effects. Previous studies have demonstrated that [6]‐gingerol inhibits mouse skin tumor promotion and anchorage‐independent growth of cultured mouse epidermal cells stimulated with epidermal growth factor. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), a key enzyme in the prostaglandin biosynthesis, has been recognized as a molecular target for many anti‐inflammatory as well as chemopreventive agents. Topical application of [6]‐gingerol inhibited phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate ‐induced COX‐2 expression. One of the essential transcription factors responsible for COX‐2 induction is NF‐κB. [6]‐Gingerol suppressed NF‐κB DNA binding activity in mouse skin. In addition, [6]‐gingerol inhibited the phoshorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase which may account for its inactivation of NF‐κB and suppression of COX‐2 expression.
Characterization of γ‐terpinene synthase from Citrus unshiu (Satsuma mandarin)
Authors: Suzuki Yukiko , Sakai Hiroshi , Shimada Takehiko , Omura Mitsuo , Kumazawa Shigenori , Nakayama Tsutomu 
Published: December 2008

Abstractγ‐Terpinene is a monoterpene and a major component of essential oils made from citrus fruits and shows strong antioxidant activity in various assay systems. Plant γ‐terpinene synthase is a member of the monoterpene cyclase family, which produces a specific monoterpene through cyclization of geranyl diphosphate (GPP), but the monoterpene cyclases have not been fully characterized. It is necessary to prepare large amounts of γ‐terpinene synthase from Citrus unshiu (Satsuma mandarin) for the characterization, on this purpose we expressed the protein in Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells. As most monoterpene synthases have plastid‐targeting signals, a gene lacking these signals was prepared and functionally expressed in E. coli cells harboring extra copies of the argU gene. The purified enzyme was incubated with GPP and the main product was confirmed to beγ‐terpinene by GC/MS.
Zerumbone, an anti‐inflammatory phytochemical, induces expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes in human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines
Authors: Murakami Akira , Miyamoto Masaaki , Ohigashi Hajime 
Published: December 2008

AbstractZerumbone, a sesquiterpene occurring in zingiberaceous plants in Southeast Asian countries, has been shown to have anti‐inflammatory effects in several independent experimental studies. We examined its effect on the expression of proinflammatory genes in human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines, Caco‐2, Colo320DM, and HT‐29, using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays. Surprisingly, zerumbone markedly induced the expression of interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in each cell line in concentration‐ and time‐dependent manners. Results of a previous pharmacological approach using specific inhibitors of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) suggested that the activation of both c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase, however, not that of p38 MAPK, may be involved in zerumbone‐induced IL‐1β expression pathways in Caco‐2 cells. The present results imply that zerumbone increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines in cancerous tissues in the colon and that this biochemical property may cause side‐effects.
Protective effects of green tea catechins on alveolar macrophages against bacterial infections
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshimasa , Matsunaga Kazuto , Friedman Herman 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBacterial pneumonia in immunocompromised patients as well as elderly persons often becomes a life threatening disease, even when effective antibiotics are used extensively. In addition, the appearance of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in medical facilities as well as in patients requires another approach to treat such patients besides treatment with antibiotics. In this regard, green tea catechins, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), may be one of the potential agents for such purpose due to its possible potential immunomodulatory as well as antimicrobial activity. The studies by us showed that EGCg enhanced the in vitro resistance of alveolar macrophages to Legionella pneumophila infection by selective immunomodulatory effects on cytokine formation. Furthermore, the tobacco smoking‐induced impairment of alveolar macrophages regarding antibacterial as well as immune activity was also recovered by EGCg treatment. These results indicate that EGCg may be a possible potential immunotherapeutic agent against respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients, such as heavy smokers.
Production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 by RAW264.7 macrophage cells treated with lactic acid bacteria isolated from kimchi
Authors: Hur Haeng Jeon , Lee Ki Won , Lee Hyong Joo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe present study investigated immunopotentiating activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from kimchi (KLAB) in vitro. A RAW264.7 macrophage cell line was stimulated with four strains of KLAB and two strains of bifidobacteria, and then the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines ‐ tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) ‐ was determined. Lactobacillus plantarum, a lactic acid bacteria involved in the latent fermentation of kimchi, was the most effective for the generation of NO, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in macrophage. All strains generated NO, while for the TNF‐α and IL‐6, only L. plantarum had significant activity. Our results indicate that L. plantarum plays an important role in the immunopotentiating activity of kimchi.
Isolation and identification of lactic acid bacteria with effect of immune protection to Eschericia coli in mice
Authors: Ishida‐Fujii Keiko , Goto Shingo , Kuboki Hiroshi , Hirano Shin‐Ichi , Sakamoto Michiko , Sato Michikatsu 
Published: December 2008

AbstractLactic acid bacteria were isolated from an alcohol fermentation broth, and the activity as a probiotic was examined using pathogenic E. coli. Thirty‐six strains exhibiting good growth were isolated in the medium of concentrated mush which was a residue resulted in the alcohol distillation process. One of these strains, Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei I‐5, could be grown in the medium containing 8 vol% ethanol and at 45°C. The characteristics were different from the type strain, L. paracasei subsp. paracasei NBRC 15889T. L. paracasei I‐5 showed an excellent growth in the concentrated mush, which just diluted two‐fold and adjusted the pH. ICR mice were fed with a standard germ‐free feed (CMF) and the strain I‐5 (7 × 109 cells/day) was orally administrated for 11 days prior to the intraperitoneal challenge with pathogenic E. coli Juhl. After the challenge, mice administrated the strain I‐5 exhibited a high survival rate and survival extension days (p < 0.01) compared with the control. The results suggested that the strain might enhance the animal resistance against microbial pathogens. Neonatal diarrhea caused by E. coli is a serious disease in calf breeding. The strain might be practically valuable to prevent diarrhea in calves.