Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer effect of Oenanthe stolonifera D.C extract (OJE) on Hep3B, a human liver cancer cell, and identify the anticancer mechanisms. When treated with 1.0 mg/mL of OJE in HEK-293 and HEP3B to test the anticancer effect based on cell viability and mobility, the extract showed no growth inhibitory effect on HEK-293, while Hep3B's cell viability and mobility significantly decreased to 62.5% and 48.6%, respectively. The RNA expression levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), protein-53 (p53), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are key genes of carcinogenesis, were examined to investigate the mechanism of the anticancer effect. OJE downregulated COX-2 and increased the expression of cancer suppressors AMPK and p53 in a concentration-dependent manner. HPLC analysis was conducted to quantify secondary metabolites in OJE, and 0.50 mg/g DM of chlorogenic acid was identified as the main substance. Therefore, Oenanthe stolonifera D.C containing bioactive substances is valuable as a natural source for anticancer agent in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of bioconverted Oenanthe javanica extract (BOE) using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SM4 on production of bioactive compounds. Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions including the extraction time, extraction temperature, and ethanol concentration for the enhancement of bioactive compounds production. The predicted optimum UAE conditions were extraction time of 26.0 min, extraction temperature of 92.8 °C, and 59.9% ethanol, respectively, and 5.14 mg GAE/g DM of TPC and 0.59 mg QE/g DM of TFC were produced under the optimum condition. Then, O. javanica extraction (OJE) has been bioconverted by using L. plantarum SM4 to increase the bioactive compounds. In HPLC-mass spectrometry analyses, higher concentration of p-coumaric acid was identified in BOE than in OJE, and chlorogenic acid in OJE was converted to quinic acid, confirming an increase in bioactive compounds by bioconversion. Thus, we have concluded that optimization of UAE and the BOE is an effective process for enhancement bioactive compounds from O. Javanica and this finding provides a scientific basis of bioactive compounds in natural product can be utilized as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical materials from BOE.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of curcumin on visfatin and zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) expression levels in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: Fifty-six male rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=16) and model group (n=40) and were fed on a normal diet or a high-fat diet, respectively. Equal volumes of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were intragastrically administered to the control group for 4 weeks. At the end of the 12th week, visfatin and ZAG protein expression levels were examined by immunohistochemistry. Visfatin mRNA levels were measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly increased expression of visfatin in liver tissue (P < 0.01) and significantly decreased expression of ZAG (P < 0.01). These effects were ameliorated by curcumin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Visfatin and zinc-α2-glycoprotein may be involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Treatment of NAFLD in rats by curcumin may be mediated by the decrease of visfatin and the increase of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: Older females have less dynamic postural control and muscle strength than do middle-aged females. Aging-related strength losses may limit balancing performance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the Y Balance Test (YBT) and lower limb strength to discriminate between females in 2 age groups, the relationship between YBT distance and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the degree to which performance on YBT distance is related to lower limb strength in middle-aged and older females. Method: The 40 healthy, independently active females were divided into 2 groups: older and middle-aged. The participants underwent measurements of YBT distance using the YBT, maximal muscular strength of the lower limbs using a handheld dynamometer, and the BBS. Results: The YBT distance in 3 directions and lower limb muscle strength for both lower limbs were significantly lower in the older adults than in the middle-aged group. A moderate correlation but insignificant correlation was found between the YBT composite distance and the BBS score. In the older females, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip abductor. In the middle-aged group, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip extensor. Conclusions: Performance on the YBT was influenced by the strength of lower limb. We suggested that YBT can be used to alternative as a measurement of dynamic balance. Proper training programs for older people could include not only strengthening exercises but also YBT performance to improve balance.