Atraric Acid Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells and Mouse Models.

Lichens, composite organisms resulting from the symbiotic association between the fungi and algae, produce a variety of secondary metabolites that exhibit pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of the secondary metabolite atraric acid produced by . The results confirmed that atraric acid could regulate induced pro-inflammatory cytokine, nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, induced nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.

Verification of the Functional Antioxidant Activity and Antimelanogenic Properties of Extracts of Mycelium Fermented with Freeze-Dried Plum Powder.

Here we examine the effects of extracts of mycelium fermented with freeze-dried plum powder (PPE) on the -melanocyte stimulating hormone (-MSH)-stimulated melanogenesis in cultured murine B16 melanoma cells (B16 cells), relative to the effects of Prunus extract. We found that an extract of Prunus fermentation showed significant inhibition of melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity with no effect on cell proliferation and was more active compared to Prunus extract alone. Furthermore, we confirmed that medium containing 3% Prunus was the optimal culture substrate for fermentation with .

Role of Th2 cytokines on the onset of asthma induced by meta-xylene in mice.

meta-Xylene (m-xylene) is one of three isomers of xylene, which is widely used as a solvent and detergent in various industries and medical technology. Exposure to volatile organic compounds, such as m-xylene, causes pulmonary inflammation and airway inflammation, thereby contributing to the onset of asthma. Exposure to m-xylene increases acute wheezing and intensity of asthma symptom.

Protective Effects of 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2--β-d-glucoside on Ovariectomy Induced Osteoporosis Mouse Model.

2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2--β-d-glucoside (TSG), an active polyphenolic component of , exhibits many pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-aging effects. A previous study demonstrated that TSG protected MC3T3-E1 cells from hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) induced cell damage and the inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation. However, no studies have investigated the prevention of ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice.

Suppression Effect of Astaxanthin on Osteoclast Formation In Vitro and Bone Loss In Vivo.

Osteoporosis is characterized by a reduction of the bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitectural deterioration of the bone, which lead to bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Astaxanthin (AST) has a variety of biological activities, such as a protective effect against asthma or neuroinflammation, antioxidant effect, and decrease of the osteoclast number in the right mandibles in the periodontitis model. Although treatment with AST is known to have an effect on inflammation, no studies on the effect of AST exposure on bone loss have been performed.

The Protective Effects of Astaxanthin on the OVA-Induced Asthma Mice Model.

Although astaxanthin has a variety of biological activities such as anti-oxidant effects, inhibitory effects on skin deterioration and anti-inflammatory effects, its effect on asthma has not been studied. In this paper, the inhibitory effect of astaxanthin on airway inflammation in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma was investigated. We evaluated the number of total cells, Th1/2 mediated inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and airway hyperresponsiveness as well as histological structure.