Identification of novel anti-obesity saponins from the ovary of sea cucumber ().

The potential anti-obesity effects of sea cucumber extract have been reported. However, the individual saponins responsible for these effects are yet to be isolated and characterized. This study aimed to identify the most effective sea cucumber body part for inhibiting lipid accumulation in adipocytes and to elucidate the compounds responsible for this effect using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques.

attenuates obesity-related muscle wasting through activation of SIRT1/PGC1α in skeletal muscle of mice.

(GC) is a red algal species that is primarily consumed in Asia. Here, we investigated the effect of GC on obesity-related skeletal muscle wasting. Furthermore, elucidating its impact on the activation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC1α) constituted a critical aspect in understanding the underlying mechanism of action.

Exercise-induced signaling activation by Chrysanthemum zawadskii and its active compound, linarin, ameliorates age-related sarcopenia through Sestrin 1 regulation.

Background: Exercise is an effective strategy to prevent sarcopenia, but high physical inactivity in the elderly requires alternative therapeutic approaches. Exercise mimetics are therapeutic compounds that simulate the beneficial effects of exercise on skeletal muscles. However, the toxicity and adverse effects of exercise mimetics raise serious concerns.

Gromwell ameliorates glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy through the regulation of Akt/mTOR pathway.

Background: Muscle atrophy is characterized by decreased muscle mass, function, and strength. Synthetic glucocorticoids, including dexamethasone (Dexa), are commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases. However, prolonged exposure of Dexa with high dose exerts severe side effects, including muscle atrophy.

Justicia procumbens prevents hair loss in androgenic alopecia mice.

The plant Justicia procumbens is traditionally used in Asia to treat fever, cough, and pain. Previous studies have reported its anticancer and anti-asthmatic properties. However, its potential for preventing androgenic alopecia (AGA) has not yet been reported.

Geniposide attenuates muscle atrophy via the inhibition of FoxO1 in senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8.

Background: Geniposide (GP) is an iridoid glycoside that is present in nearly 40 species, including Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. GP has been reported to exhibit neuroprotective effects in various Alzheimer's disease (AD) models; however, the effects of GP on AD models of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and aging-accelerated mouse predisposition-8 (SAMP8) mice have not yet been evaluated.

promotes testosterone-mediated hair growth inhibition in mice.

The beneficial effects of () on gut health and inflammation reduction have been demonstrated; however, scientific evidence of hair growth enhancement by has not been reported. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of on improving testosterone-mediated hair growth inhibition. Hair growth inhibition was induced through subcutaneous injection of testosterone into the shaved dorsal skin of C57BL/6 male mice.

Fuzhuan brick tea extract ameliorates obesity-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction in mice.

Fuzhuan brick tea (FBT) is a post-fermented tea fermented by the fungus Eurotium cristatum and is mainly produced in Hunan Province, China. Our previous study revealed that FBT extract prevents obesity by increasing energy expenditure and mitochondrial content in mice. Therefore, in this study, we hypothesized that FBT extract could be effective in alleviating obesity-induced muscle atrophy by addressing mitochondrial dysfunction, and aimed to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of FBT extract in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Longevity through diet restriction and immunity.

The share of the population that is aging is growing rapidly. In an aging society, technologies and interventions that delay the aging process are of great interest. Dietary restriction (DR) is the most reproducible and effective nutritional intervention tested to date for delaying the aging process and prolonging the health span in animal models.

Millet seed oil activates β-catenin signaling and promotes hair growth.

Alopecia, regardless of gender, exacerbates psychological stress in those affected. The rising prevalence of alopecia has fueled a research interest in preventing hair loss. This study investigates the potential of millet seed oil (MSO) in promoting the proliferation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) and stimulating hair growth in animals with testosterone-dependent hair growth inhibition as part of a study on dietary treatments to improve hair growth.

Geniposide-Rich Gardenia jasminoides Ellis Fruit Extract Increases Healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The human life span has been markedly extended since the 1900s, but it has not brought healthy aging to everyone. This increase in life expectancy without an increase in healthspan is a major global concern that imposes considerable health care budgets and degrades the quality of life of older adults. Dietary interventions are a promising strategy to increase healthspan.

A conformation-selective protein binder for a KRAS mutant inhibits the interaction between RAS and RAF.

Small GTPases are key signaling nodes that regulate the cellular processes and subcellular events, and their abnormal activities and dysregulations are closely linked with diverse cancers. Here, we report the development of conformation-selective protein binders for a KRAS mutant. The conformation-specific protein binders were selected from a repebody scaffold composed of LRR (Leucine-rich repeat) modules through phage display and modular engineering against constitute active conformation of KRAS.

The innate immune signaling component FBXC-58 mediates dietary restriction effects on healthy aging in .

Dietary restriction (DR) is a highly effective and reproducible intervention that prolongs longevity in many organisms. The molecular mechanism of action of DR is tightly connected with the immune system; however, the detailed mechanisms and effective downstream factors of immunity that mediate the beneficial effects of DR on aging remain unknown. Here, to investigate the immune signaling that mediates DR effects, we used , which has been widely used in research, to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of aging and immunity.

Codium fragile reduces adipose tissue expansion and fatty liver incidence by downregulating adipo- and lipogenesis.

Codium fragile (C. fragile) is a marine alga with high functional food potential. Recent studies have proven C.

Castor Oil Plant ( L.) Leaves Improve Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy Nrf2 Activation.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is characterized by reduced muscle function and size. Oxidative stress contributes to muscle atrophy but can be treated with antioxidants. This study investigated the antioxidant activity of a castor oil plant leaf ( L.

Fruit of Schisandra chinensis and its bioactive component schizandrin B ameliorate obesity-induced skeletal muscle atrophy.

Schisandra chinensis fruit (Omiza in Korean), used for the production tea or liquor, and is known to enhance skeletal muscle function. However, the effect of Omiza extract (OM) on obesity-induced skeletal muscle atrophy remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of OM on skeletal muscle mass and performance in obese mice.

Antioxidant Activity of Protects against Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is defined as wasting or loss of muscle. Although glucocorticoids (GCs) are well-known anti-inflammatory drugs, their long-term or high-dose use induces skeletal muscle atrophy. (VF) is used to treat restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disorders; however, its effects on skeletal muscle health have not been investigated.

Fuzhuan brick tea extract prevents diet-induced obesity via stimulation of fat browning in mice.

Fuzhuan brick tea is a post-fermented tea that is intentionally fermented by the fungus Eurotium cristatum. Previous studies have reported the anti-obesity effect of Fuzhuan brick tea extracts (FBT), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study investigated whether FBT exerts anti-obesity effects through energy expenditure and browning of white adipose tissue.

6-Gingerol Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis via HNF4α/miR-467b-3p/GPAT1 Cascade.

Background & Aims: The development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be modulated by microRNAs (miRNA). Dietary polyphenols modulate the expression of miRNA such as miR-467b-3p in the liver. In addition, 6-gingerol (6-G), the functional polyphenol of ginger, has been reported to ameliorate hepatic steatosis; however, the exact mechanism involved and the role of miRNA remain elusive.

γ-Oryzanol Improves Exercise Endurance and Muscle Strength by Upregulating PPARδ and ERRγ Activity in Aged Mice.

Scope: γ-Oryzanol, a well-known antioxidant, has been used by body builders and athletes to boost strength and increase muscle gain, without major side effects. However, the effect of γ-Oryzanol on sarcopenia and the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood.

Results: Aged mice fed with the γ-Oryzanol diet do not show significant changes in muscle weight, but show increased running endurance as well as improved grip strength.

Identifying Codium fragile extract components and their effects on muscle weight and exercise endurance.

Codium fragile (CF) is a type of green algae consumed as kimchi in Asia. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis showed that CF contain lysophosphatidyl choline, canthaxanthin, retinoic acid, α-tocopherol, and unsaturated fatty acids, which reportedly improve skeletal muscle health. However, the effect of CF on skeletal muscle mass and function remains to be elucidated.

MiR-141-3p promotes mitochondrial dysfunction in ovariectomy-induced sarcopenia via targeting Fkbp5 and Fibin.

Post-menopausal conditions exacerbate the biological aging process and this is often accompanied by visceral adiposity with sarcopenia. Mitochondrial impairment is a hallmark of frailty and sarcopenia in the elderly. However, the exact mechanism underlying the development of obesogenic sarcopenia and the involvement of mitochondria remains unclear.

Chrysanthemum zawadskil Herbich attenuates dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy through the regulation of proteostasis and mitochondrial function.

Chrysanthemum zawadskii Herbich (CZH) is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and diabetes. However, the effects of CZH on muscle wasting remains to be studied. Here, we investigated the effect of CZH on dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, induced muscle atrophy.

Withaferin A exerts an anti-obesity effect by increasing energy expenditure through thermogenic gene expression in high-fat diet-fed obese mice.

Background: The enhancement of energy expenditure has attracted attention as a therapeutic target for the management of body weight. Withaferin A (WFA), a major constituent of Withania somnifera extract, has been reported to possess anti-obesity properties, however the underlying mechanism remains unknown.

Purpose: To investigate whether WFA exerts anti-obesity effects via increased energy expenditure, and if so, to characterize the underlying pathway.

Functionalized gold nanoparticles with zinc finger-fused proteins as a colorimetric immunoassay platform.

The quest for highly sensitive and specific detection of disease biomarkers is high, despite many advances in analysis system. Here, we present a sensitive immunoassay platform using DNA-tethered gold nanoparticles and DNA-binding zinc fingers (ZFs). Monomeric alkaline phosphatase (mAP) and human TNF-α were employed as a signal generator and a disease biomarker, respectively.