Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are the major enzyme superfamily for the aldehyde metabolism. Since the ALDH polymorphism leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, we considered that the enhancement of the liver ALDH activity by certain food ingredients could help prevent alcohol-induced chronic diseases. Here, we evaluated the modulating effects of 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (OPAC), the major metabolite of quercetin glycosides, on the ALDH activity and acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity in the cultured cell models. OPAC significantly enhanced the total ALDH activity not only in mouse hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 cells, but also in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. OPAC significantly increased not only the nuclear level of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), but also the AhR-dependent reporter gene expression, though not the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent one. The pretreatment of OPAC at the concentration required for the ALDH upregulation completely inhibited the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity. Silencing AhR impaired the resistant effect of OPAC against acetaldehyde. These results strongly suggested that OPAC protects the cells from the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity, mainly through the AhR-dependent and Nrf2-independent enhancement of the total ALDH activity. Our findings suggest that OPAC has a protective potential in hepatocyte models and could offer a new preventive possibility of quercetin glycosides for targeting alcohol-induced chronic diseases.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms23031762

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The aim of this study was to extract benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) from green papaya by distillation apparatus without using organic solvents, and to improve the stability of BITC in aqueous solution. The distillation of mashed green papaya successfully yielded BITC as a water solution with more than 80% purity with good reproducibility. The amount of BITC in the distilled water gradually decreased during its storage at 4 °C, whereas it was not significantly changed at -20 °C for a few months. Moreover, the addition of l-cysteine ameliorated the BITC decomposition by the 4 °C-storage, but not affected by N-acetyl-cysteine and glutathione. These results suggested that the combination of BITC extraction by distillation and cysteine supplementation as well as frozen storage might be a useful method for the preparation and storage of the safer grade of BITC-containing extract.

DOI： 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125118

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a naturally-occurring isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables. BITC has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cells, which is believed to be important for the inhibition of tumorigenesis. However, the detailed mechanisms of action remain unclear. In this study, we employed a budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism for screening. Twelve genes including MTW1 were identified as the overexpression suppressors for the antiproliferative effect of BITC using the genome-wide multi-copy plasmid collection for S. cerevisiae. Overexpression of the kinetochore protein Mtw1 counteracts the antiproliferative effect of BITC in yeast. The inhibitory effect of BITC on the proliferation of human colon cancer HCT-116 cells was consistently suppressed by the overexpression of Mis12, a human orthologue of Mtw1, and enhanced by the knockdown of Mis12. We also found that BITC increased the phosphorylated and ubiquitinated Mis12 level with consequent reduction of Mis12, suggesting that BITC degrades Mis12 through an ubiquitin-proteasome system. Furthermore, cell cycle analysis showed that the change in the Mis12 level affected the cell cycle distribution and the sensitivity to the BITC-induced apoptosis. These results provide evidence that BITC suppresses cell proliferation through the post-transcriptional regulation of the kinetochore protein Mis12.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-019-45248-2

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：The Society for Free Radical Research Japan  

Isothiocyanates (ITCs), naturally occurring in abundance in crucif erous vegetables, are the most wellstudied organosulfur com pounds having an electrophilic reactivity. ITCs have been accepted as major ingredients of these vegetables that afford their health promoting potentials. ITCs are able to modulate protein functions related to drugmetabolizing enzymes, transporters, kinases and phosphatases, etc. One of the most important questions about the molecular basis for the health promoting effects of ITCs is how they modulate cellular target proteins. Although the molec ular targets of ITCs remains to be validated, dietary modulation of the target proteins via covalent modification by ITCs should be one of the promising strategies for the protection of cells against oxidative and inflammatory damage. This review discusses the plausible target proteins of dietary ITCs with an emphasis on pos sible involvement of protein modification in their health promot ing effects. The fundamental knowledge of ITCs is also included with consideration of the chemistry, intracellular behavior, and metabolism.

DOI： 10.3164/jcbn.17-91

Scopus

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Several dietary flavonoids exhibit anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoporotic activities relevant to prevention of chronic diseases, including lifestyle-related diseases. Dietary flavonoids (glycoside forms) are enzymatically hydrolyzed and absorbed in the intestine, and are conjugated to their glucuronide/sulfate forms by phase II enzymes in epithelial cells and the liver. The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the metabolism of flavonoids found in foods. Some specific products of bacterial transformation, such as ring-fission products and reduced metabolites, exhibit enhanced properties. Studies on the metabolism of flavonoids by the intestinal microbiota are crucial for understanding the role of these compounds and their impact on our health. This review focused on the metabolic pathways, bioavailability, and physiological role of flavonoids, especially metabolites of quercetin and isoflavone produced by the intestinal microbiota.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2018.1444467

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD  

In the present study, we assessed benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), an organosulfur compound from cruciferous vegetables, as a potential inducer of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity using murine hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 cells. BITC was shown to enhance not only the total ALDH activity, but also the ALDH activity of the cytosolic/microsomal and mitochondrial fraction. BITC also significantly increased the gene and protein expression of ALDH1A1, ALDH2 and ALDH3A1 in a concentration-dependent manner. Simultaneously, the gene expression of phase 2 drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase-1, was increased by the BITC treatment. Western blot experiments revealed that BITC not only up-regulated the Nrf2 protein expression, but also stimulated the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Furthermore, silencing Nrf2 reduced the basal and BITC-enhanced levels of the total activity and gene expression of ALDHs. The pretreatment of BITC completely mitigated the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity, which was impaired by silencing Nrf2. The present study demonstrated that BITC has been identified as a potential inducer of the total ALDH activity to prevent the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.fct.2017.08.016

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Since dietary flavonoid glycosides, including quercetin 4'-glucoside from onion, are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, they are converted into smaller phenolic acids, which can be absorbed into the circulation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the major phenolic acid catabolites of quercetin 4'-glucoside, including 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (protocatechuic acid) and hippuric acid, on the antioxidant activity and phase II cytoprotective enzyme induction in vitro. Both DOPAC and protocatechuic acid, having a catechol moiety, exhibited both DPPH radical scavenging and superoxide dismutase-like activities, whereas 3-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid and hippuric acid did not. DOPAC also more potently enhanced the gene expression of several phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes than the other phenolic acid catabolites. DOPAC significantly inhibited the hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in hepatocytes with the enhancement of the total glutathione S-transferase activity. In conclusion, DOPAC may play a key role in the antioxidative potential of the colonic lumen after the ingestion of the quercetin glycoside-rich onion. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.foodres.2016.09.034

Web of Science

Scopus

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP  

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a dietary isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables, inhibits the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells, most of which overexpress beta-catenin as a result of mutations in the genes for adenomatous polyposis coli or mutations in beta-catenin itself. Because nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) is a plausible target of BITC signaling in inflammatory cell models, we hypothesized that it is also involved in BITC-inhibited proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of the NF-kappa B p65 subunit significantly decreased the BITC sensitivity of human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells with mutated p53 tumor suppressor protein. Treating HT-29 cells with BITC induced the phosphorylation of I kappa B kinase, I kappa B-alpha and p65, the degradation of I kappa B-a, the translocation of p65 to the nucleus and the upregulation of NF-kappa B transcriptional activity. BITC also decreased alpha-catenin binding to a positive cis element of the cyclin D1 promoter and thus inhibited beta-catenin-dependent cyclin D1 transcription, possibly through a direct interaction between p65 and alpha-catenin. siRNA-mediated knockdown of p65 confirmed that p65 negatively affects cyclin D1 expression. On the other hand, when human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells with wild-type p53 were treated with BITC, translocation of p65 to the nucleus was inhibited rather than enhanced. p53 knockout increased the BITC sensitivity of HCT-116 cells in a p65-dependent manner, suggesting that p53 negatively regulates p65-dependent effects. Together, these results identify BITC as a novel type of antiproliferative agent that regulates the NF-kappa B pathway in p53-deficient colorectal cancer cells.

DOI： 10.1038/cddis.2014.495

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Unlike many classical signals and hormones, exposure of the cells to electrophilic molecules potentially induces a series of characteristic and wide-ranging biological responses by covalently attaching with macromolecules such as proteins as well as small cellular reductants. In addition to chemicals originated from xenobiotics or lipid peroxidation, electrophiles in foods have recently attracted much attention. These compounds have recently been found to induce expression of cytoprotective proteins that are involved in the elimination or inactivation of oxidative stress and carcinogenic electrophiles implicated in several pathogeneses. The redox-sensitive regulating systems such as Keap1/Nrf2/ARE play a key role in this induction and thus are considered to be the most important target of electrophiles in foods. This review highlights the food-derived electrophiles as promising protectors against various diseases, with an emphasis on possible molecular mechanisms. Current knowledge of isothiocyanates (ITCs), representative electrophile compounds from cruciferous vegetables, is discussed also, with consideration of the chemistry, metabolism, absorption, and factors influencing the biological activities of ITCs. In addition, this review attempts to provide a balanced perspective on the relative beneficial and harmful effects of the food electrophiles.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.90731

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC  

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been reported to possess a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of EGCG on IL-13 gene expression in human basophilic KU812 cells. The IL-13 mRNA expression level was dose-dependently increased by treatment with EGCG (5-20 mu M) for 1 h and additional incubation in a medium for 23 h. EGCG significantly increased the intracellular peroxide level as detected by the peroxide-sensitive probe 2',7'-dichlorodihydro-fluorescein diacetate. A pharmacological experiment using catalase and a structure-activity relationship study revealed that the exogenously produced H(2)O(2) significantly, but partially, contributed to the IL-13 expression as well as the intracellular oxidative status. Furthermore, EGCG at the concentration required for IL-13 up-regulation activated c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), but not extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in KU812 cells. Transfection of a JNK-specific siRNA as well as treatment with a JNK-specific inhibitor, SP600125, significantly reduced the EGCG-induced IL-13 mRNA expression, by 47.1 and 44.6%, respectively. In addition, we observed the nuclear translocation, mRNA up-regulation, and activation of DNA binding with the IL-13 promoter of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1) in the EGCG-treated cells. These data provide biological evidence that EGCG induces IL-13 mRNA expression via the JNK-dependent NFATc1 pathway in KU812 cells. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2009.07.011

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Docosahexaenoic acid (22: 6n-3: DHA) is a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid that exists highly enriched in fish oil, and it is one of the low molecular weight food chemicals which can pass a blood brain barrier. A preliminary survey of several fatty acids for expression of growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43), a marker of axonal growth, identified DHA as one of the most potent inducers. The human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells exposed to DHA showed significant and dose-dependent increases in the percentage of cells with longer neurites. To elucidate signaling mechanisms involved in DHA-enhanced basal neuritogenesis, we examined the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production using SH-SY5Y cells. From immunoblotting experiments, we observed that DHA induced the ROS production, protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibition, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK kinase (MEK) phosphorylation, and sequentially ERK1/2 phosphorylation, the last of which was significantly reduced by MEK inhibitor U0126. Both antioxidants and MEK inhibitor affected DHA-induced GAP-43 expression, whereas the specific PI3K inhibitor LY294002 did not. We found that total protein tyrosine phosphatase activity was also downregulated by DHA treatment. which was counteracted by antioxidant pretreatment. These results suggest that the ROS-dependent ERK pathway, rather than PI3K, plays an important role during DHA-enhanced neurite outgrowth. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbalip.2008.10.004

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Pro-inflammatory death is presumably an undesirable event in cancer prevention process, thus biochemical comprehension and molecular definition of this process could have important clinical implications. In the present study, we examined the cytophysiological conversion of cell death mode by benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) in human cervical cancer HeLa cells. The detailed studies using flow cytometric and morphological analyses demonstrated that the cells treated with appropriate concentration (25 mu M) of BITC showed apoptotic feature, such as chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and preserved plasma membrane integrity, whereas these features were disappeared by treatment with higher concentration (100 mu M). The treatment with 2-deoxyglucose, an inhibitor of ATP synthesis, drastically increased in the ratio of necrotic dead cells, while it influences little that of apoptotic cells. Moreover, an analysis using the mitochondrial DNA-deficient HeLa cells demonstrated that the rho degrees cells were more susceptible to the BITC-induced necrosis-like cell death compared to the wild-type (rho(+)) cells, whereas the ROS production was significantly inhibited in the rho degrees cells. It is likely that the BITC-induced ROS is derived from mitochondrial respiratory chain and ruled out the contribution to the mechanism of cell death mode switching. In addition, the BITC treatment resulted in a more rapid depletion of ATP in the rho degrees cells than in the rho(+) cells. Furthermore. a caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-fmk counteracted not only apoptosis, but also necrosis-like cell death induced by BITC, suggesting that increment in this cell death pattern might be due to the interruption of events downstream of a caspase-dependent pathway. The obtained data suggested that the decline in the intracellular ATP level plays an important role in tuning the mode of cell death by BITC. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbadis.2008.07.002

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author   Language：English   Publisher：ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD  

Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth, metastasis, arteriosclerosis as well as embryonic development and wound healing. Its process is dependent on cell proliferation, migration and capillary tube formation in endothelia cells (ECs). High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and H(2)O(2) are observed in various cancer cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that ROS function as signaling molecules to mediate various growth-related responses including angiogenesis. ROS-dependent angiogenesis can be regulated by endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and thioredoxin. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the major angiogenesis factor, is induced in growing tumors and stimulates EC proliferation and migration primarily through the VEGF receptor type2 (VEGFR2, Flk1/KDR). Major source of ROS in ECs is a NADPH oxidase which consists of Nox1, Nox2, Nox4, Nox5, p22(phox), p47 (phox) and the small G-protein Rac1. NADPH oxidase is activated by various growth factors including VEGF and angiopoietin-1 as well as hypoxia and ischemia, and ROS derived from this oxidase are involved in VEGFR2 autophosphorylation, and diverse redox signaling pathways leading to induction of transcription factors and genes involved in angiogenesis. Dietary antioxidants appear to be effective for treatment of tumor angiogenesis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the recent progress on role of ROS derived from NADPH oxidase and redox signaling events involved in angiogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms may provide insight into the NADPH oxidase and redox signaling components as potential therapeutic targets for tumor angiogenesis (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.02.044

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS  

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binding induces phosphorylation of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) 2 in tyrosine, which is followed by disruption of VE-cadherin-mediated cell-cell contacts of endothelial cells (ECs), thereby stimulating EC proliferation and migration to promote angiogenesis. Tyrosine phosphorylation events are controlled by the balance of activation of protein tyrosine kinases and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Little is known about the role of endogenous PTPs in VEGF signaling in ECs. In this study, we found that PTP1B expression and activity are markedly increased in mice hindlimb ischemia model of angiogenesis. In ECs, overexpression of PTP1B, but not catalytically inactive mutant PTP1B-C/S, inhibits VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, as well as EC proliferation, whereas knockdown of PTP1B by small interfering RNA enhances these responses, suggesting that PTP1B negatively regulates VEGFR2 signaling in ECs. VEGF-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and EC migration are not affected by PTP1B overexpression or knockdown. In vivo dephosphorylation and cotransfection assays reveal that PTP1B binds to VEGFR2 cytoplasmic domain in vivo and directly dephosphorylates activated VEGFR2 immunoprecipitates from human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Overexpression of PTP1B stabilizes VE-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesions by reducing VE-cadherin tyrosine phosphorylation, whereas PTP1B small interfering RNA causes opposite effects with increasing endothelial permeability, as measured by transendothelial electric resistance. In summary, PTP1B negatively regulates VEGFR2 receptor activation via binding to the VEGFR2, as well as stabilizes cell-cell adhesions through reducing tyrosine phosphorylation of VE-cadherin. Induction of PTP1B by hindlimb ischemia may represent an important counterregulatory mechanism that blunts overactivation of VEGFR2 during angiogenesis in vivo.

DOI： 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.107.167080

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER CHEMICAL SOC  

In the present study, papaya (Carica papaya) seed and edible pulp were carefully separated and then the contents of benzyl isothiocyanate and the corresponding glucosinolate (benzyl glucosinolate, glucotropaeolin) quantified in each part. The papaya seed with myrosinase inactivation contained > 1 mmol of benzyl glucosinolate in 100 g of fresh seed. This content is equivalent to that of Karami daikon (the hottest Japanese white radish) or that of cress. The papaya seed extract also showed a very high activity of myrosinase and, without myrosinase inactivation, produced 460 mu mol of benzyl isothiocyanate in 100 g of seed. In contrast, papaya pulp contained an undetectable amount of benzyl glucosinolate and showed no significant myrosinase activity. The n-hexane extract of the papaya seed homogenate was highly effective in inhibiting superoxide generation and apoptosis induction in HL-60 cells, the activities of which are comparable to those of authentic benzyl isothiocyanate.

DOI： 10.1021/jf070159w

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-LISS  

In the present study, experiments using presynchronization culture cells demonstrated that benzyl ITC (BITC), previously isolated from a tropical papaya fruit extract, induced the cytotoxic effect preferentially in the proliferating human colon CCD-18Co cells to the quiescent ones. Quiescent CCD-18Co cells were virtually unaffected by BITC and marginal cytotoxicity was observed at 15 mu M. We observed that BITC dramatically induced the p53 phosphorylation and stabilization only in the quiescent (G(0)/G(1) phase-arrested) cells, but not significantly in the proliferating human colon CCD-18Co cells when compared with quiescent ones. We also observed ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) phosphorylation in the quiescent cells. The BITC-induced p53 phosphorylation was counteracted by caffeine treatment, implying the involvement of an ATM/ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase signaling pathway. Moreover, downregulation of p53 by a siRNA resulted in the enhancement of susceptibility to undergo apoptosis by BITC. We also showed here that depletion of p53 abrogated G(0)/G(1), arrest accompanied by the declined expression of p21(waf1/cip1) and p27(kip1) in CCD-18Co cells. In conclusion, we identified p53 as a potential negative regulator of the apoptosis induction by BITC in the normal colon CCD-18Co cells through the inhibition of cell-cycle progression at the G(0)/G(1) phase. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/ijc.22350

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

Inhibitors of excessive superoxide (O-2(-)) generation have been indicated to be more effective antioxidants than radical scavengers because O-2(-) anion is one of the precursors of several types of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We demonstrated here that benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a potent inhibitor of leukocytic NADPH oxidase generating a great amount of O-2(-) in oxidative burst. The exposure of BITC to the differentiated HL-60 cells resulted in the inhibition of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced O-2(-) generation, while the methylthiocarbamate analog of BITC, hardly reactive with thiols including glutathione and protein sulfhydryl, did not show any effect. Pre-treatment of the cells with diethyl maleate significantly potentiated the BITC-induced inhibition, while pre-treatment with N-acetyl-cysteine counteracted it. These results led us to assume that a plausible intracellular target molecule(s) having a reactive sulfhydryl moiety might be regulated by the covalent attachment with BITC. In spite of no ability to affect the translocation of protein kinase C beta to the membrane, BITC probably modifies the electron transport system of cytochrome b(558), consistent with the observation that BITC inhibited the substrate utilization. Pre-treatments of mouse skin with BITC significantly attenuated the TPA-enhanced hydrogen peroxide level, suggesting that BITC indeed acts as an inhibitor of O-2(-) generation in mouse skin. A histological study also demonstrated that BITC inhibited TPA-induced leukocyte infiltration in the dermis. Because we have found several O-2(-) generation inhibitors to be effective chemopreventors against mouse skin carcinogenesis, the modifying effect of the topical application of BITC on TPA-induced mouse skin tumor promotion was investigated. We demonstrated for the first time that the pre-treatment with BITC 40 min prior to each TPA treatment significantly inhibited the number of papillomas per mouse. In conclusion, the results from this study provided biological evidence that BITC has a potential to prevent inflammation-related carcinogenesis including skin cancer.

DOI： 10.1093/carcin/bgh051

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH  

In the present study, we clarified the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC)-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The exposure of Jurkat human T-cell leukemia cells to BITC resulted in the inhibition of the G(2)-M progression that coincided with the apoptosis induction. The experiment using the phase-specific synchronized cells demonstrated that the G(2)-M phase-arrested cells are more sensitive to undergoing apoptotic stimulation by BITC than the cells in other phases. We also confirmed that BITC activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase, at the concentration required for apoptosis induction. An experiment using a JNK-specific inhibitor SP600125 or a p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 indicated that BITC-induced apoptosis might be regulated by the activation of these two kinases. Conversely, BITC is likely to confine the Jurkat cells in the G(2)-M phase mainly through the p38 MAPK pathway because only the p38 MAPK inhibitor significantly attenuated the accumulation of inactive phosphorylated Cdc2 protein and the G(2)-M- arrested cell numbers. We reported here for the first time that the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein was phosphorylated by the BITC treatment without significant alteration of the Bcl-2 total protein amount. This was abrogated by a JNK specific inhibitor SP600125 at the concentration required for specific inhibition of the c-Jun phosphorylation. Moreover, the spontaneous phosphorylation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 in the G(2)-M synchronized cells was enhanced synergistically by the BITC treatment. Involvement of the MAPK activation in the Bcl-2 phosphorylation and apoptosis induction also was observed in HL-60 and HeLa cells. Thus, we identified the phosphorylated Bcl-2 as a key molecule linking the p38 MAPK-dependent cell cycle arrest with the JNK activation by BITC.

DOI： 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-03-2296

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD  

We recently developed a short-term assay for skin H2O2 generation induced by double 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) applications for mechanistic study on skin epidermal carcinogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the individual roles of arachidonic acid metabolism in H2O2 generation in mouse skin inflammation. The experiments using inhibitors of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism showed that corticosteroid and a lipoxygenase (LO) inhibitor expectedly suppressed double TPA application-induced H2O2 generation through the interference of chemotactic action but not by direct decomposition or scavenging. We also demonstrated that the treatment of AA (1 mumol) and 5-LO metabolites including leukotriene B-4 (LTB4) partly mimicked, though soybean LO-derived lipid hydroperoxide and prostaglandins did not, the priming effect evaluated by edema formation and leukocyte infiltration. We also confirmed that inflammatory leukocytes accumulated by LTB4 generated a significant amount of H2O2 by TPA stimulation. These results suggested that 5-LO metabolites of AA are the potential key molecules in the TPA-induced priming event. Interestingly, the cyclooxygenase (COX-) 2-selective inhibitor nimesulide (NS) and celecoxib (CXB) showed different responses than those of other inhibitors. These agents showed no specific potential to inhibit the priming event but significantly suppressed H2O2 generation, lipid peroxidation, and hyperplasia in mouse skin. From the results based on an in vitro leukocyte differentiation model, we speculated that the antioxidant effect of the COX-2 inhibitors might be partly associated with both counteraction of proinflammatory cytokine-enhanced ROS generation and inhibition of CD11b, an important molecule for cell adhesion, expression. Indeed, the topical application of NS attenuated the number of infiltrated leukocytes induced by TPA in mouse skin. Thus, these gathered data indicated the differential roles of 5-LO and COX-2 in leukocyte adhesion, infiltration, and H2O2 generation. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc.

DOI： 10.1016/S0891-5849(03)00440-4

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER CHEMICAL SOC  

Although the induction of glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity by tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) has been well-documented in several cell culture systems and rodent experiments, the exact mechanism responsible for its inducibility is still not thoroughly understood. To more precisely define the molecular mechanism of GST induction by tBHQ, we examined the one-electron oxidation and glutathione (GSH) reaction potentials of tBHQ as compared to its analogue, 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (DtBHQ). tBHQ and DtBHQ showed similar one-electron oxidation potentials, including free radical quenching (antioxidant), oxidative conversion of both compounds to a benzoquinone form, and Cu2+-dependent superoxide generation. On the other hand, the reduced GSH level was observed by the addition of tBHQ, but not DtBHQ, suggesting that tBHQ acts as an electrophile while DtBHQ does not. The data were consistent with the observation that tBHQ more potently induced the GSTP1 gene expression in RL34 cells than DtBHQ did. Moreover, we indeed detected the GSH-tBHQ conjugates in the cells exposed to tBHQ using an electrochemical detector-high-performance liquid chromatography technique. Thus, we conclude that an electrophilic quinone oxidation product that reacts with intracellular nucleophiles including protein thiol or GSH plays a major role in the GSTP1 gene expression.

DOI： 10.1021/bi0340090

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC  

In the present study, we studied the molecular mechanism underlying cell death induced by a cancer chemoprotective compound benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). The cytotoxic effect of BITC was examined in rat liver epithelial RL34 cells. Apoptosis was induced when the cells were treated with 20 muM BITC, characterized by the appearance of phosphatidylserine on the outer surface of the plasma membrane and caspase-3 activation, whereas no caspase activation and propidium iodide incorporation into cell were detected with 50 muM BITC that induced necrosis. The mitochondrial death pathway was suggested to be involved in BITC-induced apoptosis because the treatment of cells with BITC-induced caspase-9-dependent apoptosis and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim) alteration. We demonstrated here for the first time that BITC directly modifies mitochondrial functions, including inhibition of respiration, mitochondrial swelling, and release of cytochrome c. Moreover, glutathione depletion by diethyl maleate significantly accelerated BITC-triggered apoptosis, suggesting the involvement of a redox-dependent mechanism. This was also implicated by the observations that intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species, including superoxide (O-2(.-)) and hydroperoxides (HPOs), was indeed detected in the cells treated with BITC and that the intracellular HPO level was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with N-ace-tylcysteine. The treatment with a pharmacological scavenger of 07 Tiron, also diminished the HPO formation by similar to80%,c, suggesting that most of the HPOs were H2O2 derived from the dismutation of O-2(.-). These results suggest that BITC induces apoptosis through a mitochondial redox-sensitive mechanism.

DOI： 10.1074/jbc.M109760200

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC  

Ebselen, a seleno-organic compound showing glutathione peroxidase-like activity, is one of the promising synthetic antioxidants. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant activities of ebselen using a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-treated mouse skin model. Double pretreatments of mouse skin with ebselen significantly inhibited TPA-induced formation of thiobarbituric acid-reacting substance, known as an overall oxidative damage biomarker, in mouse epidermis, suggesting that ebselen indeed acts as an antioxidant in mouse skin. The andoxidative effect of ebselen is attributed to its selective blockade of leukocyte infiltration and activation leading to attenuation of the H2O2 level. In in vitro studies, ebselen inhibited TPA-induced superoxide generation in differentiated HL-60 cells and lipopolysaccharide-induced cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time that ebselen potentiated phase II enzyme activities, including NAD(P)H:(quinone-acceptor) oxidoreductasel and glutathione S-transferase in cultured hepatocytes and in mouse skin. These results strongly suggest that ebselen, a multifunctional antioxidant, is a potential chemopreventive agent in inflammation-associated carcinogenesis.

DOI： 10.1074/jbc.M109641200

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD  

The modifying effects of topical application of a catechol antioxidant protocatechuic acid (PA) on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammatory responses in mouse skin were investigated. Treatment with a high dose (20,000 nmol) of PA, based on time of application, modifies inflammatory responses in the skin of the B6C3F(1) mouse, a resistant strain to inflammatory response induction by TPA, but shows much higher tyrosinase expression than that of an albino mouse. The responsibility of a large amount of PA-induced leukocyte infiltration to an inflamed region in a B6C3F(1) mouse is mon sensitive than that of an ICR albino mouse. When ICR mice were treated with TPA (1.6 nmol) twice weekly for 5 weeks to induce chronic inflammatory responses, pretreatment with 1600 nmol PA 30 min prior to each TPA treatment significantly enhanced the inflammatory responses including edema formation, leukocyte infiltration, and the level of thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances. The dose-dependency was closely parallel to the results of a tumor promotion study of PA previously reported. Further, the treatment of PA alone resulted in tyrosinase-dependent contact hypersensitivity in ICR mouse skin. In addition, the in vitro study of cytotoxicity demonstrated that bioactivation by tyrosinase but not myeloperoxidase of PA significantly enhanced cytotoxicity and intracellular glutathione consumption. We conclude that the tyrosinase-derived reactive quinone intermediate(s) of PA, which binds nucleophilic residues of proteins including sulfhydryl group and conjugates of which are recognized as haptens, was partially involved in alteration of the cellular immune functions including oxygen radical-generating leukocytes migration to inflamed regions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.

DOI： 10.1016/S0891-5849(01)00481-6

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

The modifying effects of topical application of the phenolic antioxidant protocatechuic acid (PA) on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse skin tumor promotion were investigated. Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-initiated female ICR mice were treated with TPA (1.6 nmol) twice weekly for 20 weeks to promote papilloma formation. Pre-treatment with 16 nmol PA 30 min prior to each TPA treatment significantly inhibited the number of papillomas per mouse by 52% (P < 0.05). On the other hand, PA pre-treatment at a high dose (1600 nmol) significantly enhanced tumor numbers by 38% (P < 0.05). Interestingly, in the group treated with a quite high dose (20000 nmol) of PA 5 min prior to each TPA application, the average number of tumors per mouse was reduced by 38%, whereas the same PA dose 3 h before TPA treatment significantly enhanced tumor numbers by 84% (P < 0.01). These results suggested that topically applied PA was converted to compound(s) lacking antioxidative properties and/or rather possessing the potential to enhance tumor development. A similar tendency was also observed in the short-term experiment of TPA-induced inflammation and oxidative stress; i.e. two groups pretreated with PA at 20 000 nmol, 30 min and 3 h before TPA treatment, did not show suppression or even significantly enhanced TPA-induced leukocyte infiltration, H2O2 generation, thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances level and proliferating cell nuclear antigen index, while PA treatment together with TPA significantly suppressed these parameters. Treatment with a high dose (20 000 nmol) of PA alone for 3 h enhanced oxidative stress by reducing glutathione levels in mouse skin, which was counteracted by the tyrosinase inhibitor arbutin, Oxidative stress responses such as leukocyte infiltration and H2O2 generation were also counteracted by arbutin, These results suggested that tyrosinase-dependent oxidative metabolism of PA was at least partially involved in the enhanced effects of PA on TPA-induced inflammatory responses and thus tumor promotion.

DOI： 10.1093/carcin/21.10.1899

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH  

Here we report the molecular mechanism underlying the induction of glutathione S-transferase (GST) in rat liver epithelial RL34 cells treated with a cancer chemopreventive isothiocyanate compound, benzylisothiocyanate (BITC), BITC was found to significantly induce GST activity in RL34 cells. Northern and Western blot analyses demonstrated that BITC specifically enhanced the production of the class pi GST isozyme (GSTP1), Our studies demonstrated for the first time that the addition of BITC to the cells resulted in an immediate increase in the reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) detected by a fluorescence probe, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate. The level of the ROIs in the cells treated with BITC (10 mu M) was similar to 50-fold higher than those in the control cells. Furthermore, glutathione depletion by diethyl maleate significantly enhanced BITC-induced ROI production and accelerated the BITC-induced elevation of the GST activity, whereas pretreatment of the cells with glutathione inhibited both the ROI production and GST induction. The structure-activity relationship of the isothiocyanates also indicated that the ROI-producing activities closely correlated with their GST-inducing potencies. Moreover, the GSTP1 enhancer I-containing region was found to be essential for induction of the GSTP1 gene by intracellular ROI inducers such as BITC and diethyl maleate. These data suggest the involvement of the redox regulation on the induction of GSTP1 by BITC.

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH  

Double applications of phorbol eaters trigger excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in mouse skin. previously reported data suggest that the two applications induce distinguishable biochemical events, namely, priming and activation. The former is characterized as a recruitment of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, by chemotactic factors to inflammatory regions and edema formation. The latter is responsible for ROS generation. Thus, inhibitory effects of 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA), previously reported to be a superoxide generation inhibitor is vitro, on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in mouse skin model were examined using a double application of ACA. We demonstrated that two pretreatments and pretreatment with ACA (810 mmol) in the activation phase suppressed double TPA application-induced H2O2 formation in mouse skin, ACA exhibited no inhibitory effects on edema formation and the enhancement of myeloperoxidase activity during the first TPA treatment, whereas the anti-inflammatory agent genistein administered at the same dose inhibited both biomarkers, No inhibitory potential of ACA for TPA-induced H2O2 formation in the priming phase was confirmed. On the other hand, in the in vitro study, ACA inhibited ROS generation in differentiated HL-60 cells more strongly than did 1'-hydroxychavicol, which showed no inhibition by pretreatment in the activation phase In addition, allopurinol did not inhibit double TPA application-induced H2O2 formation in mouse skin, These findings suggest that the NADPH oxidase system of neutrophils rather than the epithelial xanthine oxidase system is dominant for the O-2(-)-generating potential in double TPA-treated mouse skin. ACA significantly inhibited mouse epidermis thiobarbituric acid-reacting substance formation, known as an overall oxidative damage biomarker, Moreover, histological studies demonstrated that ACA inhibited double TPA treatment-induced morphological changes reflecting inflammatory response, such as edema formation, leukocyte infiltration, hyperplasia, and cell proliferation. Furthermore, pretreatment with ACA but not 1'-hydroxychavicol in the activation phase inhibits double TPA application-induced increases in both number of leukocytes and proliferating cell nuclear antigen index. These results suggested that ROS from leukocytes including O-2(-) plays an important role for continuous and excessive production of chemotactic factors, leading to chronic inflammation and hyperplasia, which are inhibitable by ACA. Thus, we concluded that O-2(-) generation inhibitors are agents that effectively inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in mouse skin.

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

GUARD CELL HYDROGEN PEROXIDE-RESISTANT1 (GHR1), a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase, is involved in abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure. We investigated the role of GHR1 in reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling for ABA-induced stomatal closure. Abscisic acid induced ROS production in wild type (WT) and the ghr1 of Arabidopsis thaliana. Hydrogen peroxide induced stomatal closure, accompanying the generation of acrolein in guard cells. The reactive carbonyl species (RCS) scavengers inhibited the ABA- and H2O2-induced stomatal closure in WT. In the ghr1, H2O2 failed to induce acrolein production and stomatal closure while RCS induced stomatal closure. Thus, GHR1 functions downstream of ROS and is required for the generation of RCS in guard-cell ABA signaling. In the ghr1, Ca2+ induced stomatal closure but RCS did not activate ICa channels. The GHR1 may be also involved in a Ca2+-independent pathway for ABA-induced stomatal closure.

DOI： 10.1093/bbb/zbae135

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Recently, the increasing incidence of malignant melanoma has become a major public health concern owing to its poor prognosis and impact on quality of life. Consuming foods with potent antitumor compounds can help prevent melanoma and maintain skin health. Fucoxanthin (FX), a naturally occurring carotenoid found in brown algae, possesses antitumor properties. However, its bioavailability, safety risks, and in vivo effects and mechanisms against melanoma remain unclear. This research focused on evaluating the safety and prospective antimelanoma impact of simulated gastrointestinal digestion products (FX-ID) on HaCaT and A375 cells.The results indicate that FX-ID exerts negative effects on mitochondria in A375 cells, increases Bax expression, releases Cytochrome C, and activates cleaved caspase-3, ultimately promoting apoptosis. Additionally, FX-ID influences the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by enhancing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels, consequently facilitating apoptosis and inflammation without significantly impacting HaCaT cells. These findings provide insight into inhibitory mechanism of FX-ID against melanoma, guiding the development of functional foods for prevention.

DOI： 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141003

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Fucoxanthin (FX), a non-provitamin-A carotenoid, is a well-known major xanthophyll contained in edible brown algae. The nanoencapsulation of FX was motivated due to its multiple activities. Here, nano-encapsulated-FX (nano-FX) was prepared according to our early method by using whey protein and flaxseed gum as the biomacromolecule carrier material, then in vivo antitumor effect and mechanism of nano-FX on xenograft mice were investigated. Thirty 4-week-old male BALB/c nude mice were fed adaptively for 7 days to establish xenograft tumor model with Huh-7 cells. The tumor-bearing mice consumed nano-FX (50, 25, and 12.5 mg kg-1) and doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX, 1 mg kg-1) or did not consume (Control) for 21 days, n = 6. The tumor inhibition rates of nano-FX were as high as 54.67 ± 1.04 %. Nano-FX intervention promoted apoptosis and induced hyperchromatic pyknosis and focal necrosis in tumor tissue by down-regulating the expression of p-JNK, p-ERK, PI3Kp85α, p-AKT, p-p38MAPK, Bcl-2, CyclinD1 and Ki-67, while up-regulating the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. Nano-FX inhibited tumor growth and protected liver function of tumor bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner, up-regulate the level of apoptosis-related proteins, inhibit the MAPK-PI3K/Akt pathways, and promote tumor cell apoptosis.

DOI： 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134838

PubMed

researchmap

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.3390/nutraceuticals4030024

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Plants often face high salinity as a significant environmental challenge with roots being the first responders to this stress. Maintaining K+/Na+ ratio within plant cells is crucial for survival, as the intracellular K+ level decreases and the intracellular Na+ level increases under saline conditions. However, knowledge about the molecular regulatory mechanisms of K+ loss in response to salt stress through outward-rectifying K+ channels in plants is largely unknown. In this study, we found that the Arabidopsis double mutant gorkskor, in which the GORK and SKOR genes are disrupted, showed an improved primary root growth under salt stress compared to wild-type (WT) and the gork and skor single-mutant plants. No significant differences in the sensitivity to mannitol stress between the WT and gorkskor mutant were observed. Accumulation of ROS induced by salt stress was reduced in the gorkskor roots. The gorkskor mutant seedlings had significantly higher K+ content, lower Na+ content, and a greater resultant K+/Na+ ratio than the WT under salt stress. Moreover, salt-stress-induced elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration was reduced in the gorkskor roots. Taken together, these results suggest that Arabidopsis Shaker-type outward-rectifying K+ channels GORK and SKOR may redundantly function in regulation of primary root growth under salt stress and are involved in not only the late-stage response (e.g. K+ leakage) but also the early response including ROS production and [Ca2+]cyt elevation.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2024.154322

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Chitosan (CHT) is a deacylated derivative of chitin and improves growth and yield performance, activates defensive genes, and also induces stomatal closure in plants. Glutathione (GSH) has significant functions in the growth, development, defense systems, signaling, and gene expression. Glutathione negatively regulates abscisic acid (ABA)-, methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-, and salicylic acid (SA)-induced stomatal closure. However, the negative regulation by GSH of CHT-induced stomatal closure is still unknown. Regulation of CHT-induced stomatal closure by GSH in guard cells was investigated using two GSH-deficient mutants, cad2-1 and ch1-1, and a GSH-decreasing chemical, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). The cad2-1 and ch1-1 mutations and CDNB treatment enhanced CHT-induced stomatal closure. Treatment with glutathione monoethyl ester (GSHmee) restored the GSH level in the guard cells of cad2-1 and ch1-1 and complemented the stomatal phenotype of the mutants. These results indicate that GSH negatively regulates CHT-induced stomatal closure in A. thaliana.

DOI： 10.1093/bbb/zbae065

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.fbio.2024.103788

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Apostichopus japonicus (A. japonicus) has rich nutritional value and is an important economic crop. Due to its rich endogenous enzyme system, fresh A. japonicus is prone to autolysis during market circulation and storage, resulting in economic losses. In order to alleviate this phenomenon, we investigated the effect of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) mediated (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on the activity and structure of endogenous cathepsin series protein (CEP) from A. japonicus. Research on cathepsin activity showed that PPO mediated EGCG could significantly reduce enzyme activity, resulting in a decrease in enzymatic reaction rate. SDS-PAGE and scanning electron microscopy results showed that PPO mediates EGCG could induce CEP aggregation to form protein aggregates. Various spectral results indicated that EGCG caused changes in the structure of CEP. Meanwhile, the conjugates formed by PPO mediated EGCG had lower thermal stability. In conclusion, PPO mediated EGCG was an effective method to inhibit the endogenous enzyme activity.

DOI： 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139166

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The aim of this study is to investigate the modulating effect of coexisting food components on the absorption and metabolism of quercetin and blood plasma antioxidant potentials. The combination of quercetin with α-tocopherol (αT), cellulose, or a commercially-available vegetable beverage containing αT and dietary fiber was orally administered to mice. Compared to the single administration of quercetin aglycone, the co-administration of αT with quercetin significantly increased the plasma quercetin concentration at 0.5 h, whereas the combination of quercetin and cellulose decreased it. Interestingly, the administration of quercetin mixed with the vegetable beverage showed no significant change of the quercetin concentration in the mice plasma. The treatment of the cells with the blood plasma after the co-administration of αT with quercetin significantly upregulated the gene expression of the antioxidant enzyme (heme oxygenase-1), whereas the quercetin and cellulose combination did not. In the plasma of the quercetin-administered mice, eight types of quercetin metabolites were detected and their quantities were affected by the combination with αT. The potentials of the heme oxygenase-1 gene expression by these metabolites were very limited, although several metabolites showed radical scavenging activities comparable to aglycone in the in vitro assays. These results suggested that the combination of αT potentiates the quercetin absorption and metabolism and thus the plasma antioxidant potentials, at least in part, by the quantitative changes in the quercetin metabolites.

DOI： 10.1080/10715762.2024.2317206

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

In atopic dermatitis (AD), nerves are abnormally stretched near the surface of the skin, making it sensitive to itching. Expression of neurotrophic factor Artemin (ARTN) involved in such nerve stretching is induced by the xenobiotic response (XRE) to air pollutants and UV radiation products. Therefore, AD can be monitored by the XRE response. Previously, we established a human keratinocyte cell line stably expressing a NanoLuc reporter gene downstream of XRE. We found that 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), a tryptophan metabolite and known inducer of the XRE, increased reporter and Artemin mRNA expression, indicating that FICZ-treated cells could be a model for AD. Lavender essential oil has been used in folk medicine to treat AD, but the scientific basis for its use is unclear. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of lavender essential oil and its major components, linalyl acetate and linalool, to suppress AD and sensitize skin using the established AD model cell line, and keratinocyte and dendritic cell activation assays. Our results indicated that lavender essential oil from L. angustifolia and linalyl acetate exerted a strong AD inhibitory effect and almost no skin sensitization. Our model is useful in that it can circumvent the practice of using animal studies to evaluate AD medicines.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0296408

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Our previous study reported that the marine dietary bioactive compound fucoxanthin (FX) has the potential to reduce the level of oxidation in retinal Müller cells (RMCs) induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. However, the gastrointestinal environment can inhibit the bioavailability and absorption of FX in the cell systems. In the current study, FX was initially digested in a simulated in vitro gastrointestinal fluid. Nine main digestive products were identified, and the photoprotective activities of FX simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion products (FX-ID) were assessed in the same RMC model. FX-ID significantly reduced intracellular ROS and alleviated apoptosis. Western blot assays showed that FX-ID inhibited phosphorylated proteins in the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Our proteomics analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins were linked to biological networks associated with antioxidation and metabolic processes. The data may provide insight into the photoprotective mechanisms of FX-ID and promote the development of various functional foods to prevent retinal disorders.

DOI： 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03853

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) occurs in wide-ranging organisms including plants and can undergo spontaneous conversion to methylglyoxal (MG). While the toxicity of MG to plants is well-known, the toxicity of DHA to plants remains to be elucidated. We investigated the effects of DHA and MG on Arabidopsis. Exogenous DHA at up to 10 m m did not affect the radicle emergence, the expansion of green cotyledons, the seedling growth, or the activity of glyoxalase II while DHA at 10 m m inhibited the root elongation and increased the activity of glyoxalase I. Exogenous MG at 1.0 m m inhibited these physiological responses and increased both activities. DHA at 10 m m increased the MG content in the roots. These results indicate that DHA is not so toxic as MG in Arabidopsis seeds and seedlings and suggest that the toxic effect of DHA at high concentrations is attributed to MG accumulation by the conversion to MG.

DOI： 10.1093/bbb/zbad109

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1111/ijfs.16208

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University  

Since acetaldehyde is a toxic metabolite of ethanol, its accumulation causes several acute and chronic diseases related to the excessive intake of alcoholic beverages. Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) play an important role in the metabolism of not only exogenous aldehydes, but also endogenous ones including acetaldehyde. Among the ALDH family, ALDH2 mainly contributes to acetaldehyde elimination. This paper reviews the function of ALDH2 as well as auxiliary ALDHs in the ethanol metabolism. This paper also summarizes the regulation of the total ALDH activity by certain food chemicals, providing implication for their therapeutic potential against alcohol-related diseases.

DOI： 10.3107/jesss.12.mr03

researchmap

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.fbio.2022.102215

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

To retard the protein degradation during sea cucumber processing, polyphenol extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum (PhE) was used as a potential antioxidant to maintain the structural integrity of sea cucumber body wall. Accordingly, the protection effects of PhE (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg PhE/g SFBW) against thermal degradation of the solid fragments of body wall (SFBW) have been investigated in order to evaluate their impact on the oxidation level and structural changes. Electronic Spin Resonance results showed that PhE could significantly inhibit the occurrence of oxidation by scavenging the free radicals. The effect of PhE on chemical analysis of soluble matters in SFBW was characterized by SDS-PAGE and HPLC. Compared with thermally treated SFBW, samples with PhE presented a decrease in protein dissolution. Thermal treatment resulted in the disintegration of collagen fibrils and fibril bundles in SFBW samples, while the density of collagen fibrils was increased, and the porosity decreased in samples with PhE. The results of FTIR and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence confirmed that the structures of SFBW were modified by PhE. Besides, the denaturing temperature and decomposition temperature were both improved with the addition of PhE. These results suggested that PhE appeared to have a positive effect on lowering oxidation and improving thermostability and structural stability of SFBW, which could provide a theoretical basis for protecting sea cucumber body wall against degradation during thermal tenderization.

DOI： 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.112419

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本食生活学会  

CiNii Books

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Fish skin gelatin (FSG) and luteolin (LUT) were used as composite emulsifiers, and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) was used as a model of nutrient delivery to construct a stable emulsion. The storage stability of the FSG-LUT emulsion and its effect on BITC release were investigated both in vitro and ex vivo. RESULTS: LUT can quench FSG fluorophores statically and form a stable complex through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The FSG-LUT emulsion storage stability and embedding rate were higher than those of the FSG emulsion. The FSG-LUT emulsion microstructure was resistant to oral and gastric digestion, and the BITC retention rate and bioaccessibility were much higher than those of the FSG emulsion. Lastly, the ex-vivo everted gut sac of rat intestine study demonstrated that BITC showed the highest absorption in the ileum, and the FSG-LUT emulsion absorbed BITC and sustained a controlled release in a specific position. CONCLUSION: LUT could form stable complexes with FSG, which improved the stability and bioavailability of BITC in the FSG-LUT emulsion delivery system, and promoted further intestinal BITC absorption. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1002/jsfa.12411

PubMed

researchmap

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：American Chemical Society (ACS)  

DOI： 10.1021/acsfoodscitech.2c00216

researchmap

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Informa UK Limited  

DOI： 10.1080/87559129.2022.2132261

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Secondary lymphoid tissues, such as the spleen and lymph nodes (LNs), contribute to breast cancer development and metastasis in both anti- and pro-tumoral directions. Although secondary lymphoid tissues have been extensively studied, very little is known about the immune conversion in mesenteric LNs (mLNs) during breast cancer development. Here, we demonstrate inflammatory immune conversion of mLNs in a metastatic 4T1 breast cancer model. Splenic T cells were significantly decreased and continuously suppressed IFN-γ production during tumor development, while myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were dramatically enriched. However, T cell numbers in the mLN did not decrease, and the MDSCs only moderately increased. T cells in the mLN exhibited conversion from a pro-inflammatory state with high IFN-γ expression to an anti-inflammatory state with high expression of IL-4 and IL-10 in early- to late-stages of breast cancer development. Interestingly, increased migration of CD103+CD11b+ dendritic cells (DCs) into the mLN, along with increased (1→3)-β-D-glucan levels in serum, was observed even in late-stage breast cancer. This suggests that CD103+CD11b+ DCs could prime cancer-reactive T cells. Together, the data indicate that the mLN is an important lymphoid tissue contributing to breast cancer development.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms231911035

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Plants secrete malate from guard cells to apoplast under stress conditions and exogenous malate induces stomatal closure. Malate is considered as an extracellular chemical signal of stomatal closure. However, the molecular mechanism of malate-induced stomatal closure is not fully elucidated. We investigated responses of stomatal aperture, ion channels, and cytosolic Ca2+ to malate. A treatment with malate induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type plants but not in the mutants deficient in the slow (S-type) anion channel gene SLOW ANION CHANNEL-ASSOCIATED 1 (SLAC1). The treatment with malate increased S-type anion currents in guard-cell protoplasts of wild-type plants but not in the slac1 mutant. In addition, extracellular rather than intracellular application of malate increased the S-type currents of constitutively active mutants of SLAC1, which have kinase-independent activities, in a heterologous expression system using Xenopus oocytes. The treatment with malate transiently increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in the wild-type Arabidopsis guard cells and the malate-induced stomatal closure was inhibited by the Ca2+ channel blocker and the Ca2+ chelator. These results indicate that extracellular malate directly activates SLAC1 and simultaneously stimulates Ca2+ signaling in guard cells, resulting in steady and solid activation of SLAC1 for stomatal closure.

DOI： 10.1111/nph.18400

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Salicylic acid (SA) is a ubiquitous phenolic phytohormone that induces stomatal closure. Glutathione (GSH) negatively regulates stomatal closure induced by other plant hormones such as abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). However, the involvement of GSH in SA-induced stomatal closure is still unknown. We investigated the regulation of SA signaling by GSH in guard cells using an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant, cad2-1, which is deficient in the first GSH biosynthesis enzyme, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase. Application of SA decreased stomatal apertures with decreasing intracellular GSH level in guard cells. Decreasing GSH by the cad2-1 mutation and by a GSH-decreasing chemical, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, enhanced the SA-induced stomatal closure. A treatment with glutathione monoethyl ester restored the GSH level in the cad2-1 guard cells and complemented the stomatal phenotype of the mutant. These results indicate that GSH negatively modulates SA-induced stomatal closure in A. thaliana.

DOI： 10.1093/bbb/zbac116

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

A primary metabolite malate is secreted from guard cells in response to the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) and elevated CO2. The secreted malate subsequently facilitates stomatal closure in plants. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of malate-induced stomatal closure using inhibitors and ABA signaling component mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana. Malate-induced stomatal closure was impaired by a protein kinase inhibitor, K252a, and also by the disruption of a receptor-like kinase GHR1, which mediates activation of calcium ion (Ca2+) channel by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in guard cells. Malate induced ROS production in guard cells while the malate-induced stomatal closure was impaired by a peroxidase inhibitor, salicylhydroxamic acid, but not by the disruption of NAD(P)H oxidases, RBOHD and RBOHF. The malate-induced stomatal closure was impaired by Ca2+ channel blockers, verapamil and niflumic acid. These results demonstrate that the malate signaling is mediated by GHR1 and ROS in Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1093/bbb/zbac122

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Severe UV exposure induces skin inflammation, causing erythema. Lycii Fructus (Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense) is a potential antioxidant agent with a high content of polyphenols, including rutin and chlorogenic acid. This study examined the effects of Lycii Fructus extract (LFE) on UVB-induced skin erythema in humans. Healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two groups and received UVB irradiation at 1.5 minimal erythemal dose (MED) on day 0 at three designated sites on their backs, and the skin color was measured until day 7. After an 8-week treatment with LFE (900 mg/day) or placebo, UVB irradiation (l.5 MED) was applied again at different sites on day 63. Skin color was continuously measured in each group until day 69. LFE tablet administration for 8 weeks significantly inhibited UVB-induced erythema formation and increased the MED by 13%. Erythema formation peaked on the first day after UVB irradiation, but gradually dissipated over the next several days. LFE tended to accelerate erythema disappearance. To determine the polyphenol responsible for the protection against UVB-induced skin damage, the effects of LFE-derived polyphenols and their metabolites on UVB-induced cytotoxicity were examined in vitro. The major intestinal metabolite of rutin and LFE significantly attenuated phototoxicity and in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Quercetin enhanced intracellular glutathione levels in HaCaT cells, even though LFE did not increase it. Together, the results showed that LFE inhibited erythema formation and accelerated erythema dissipation, possibly through its direct antioxidative action.

DOI： 10.3892/br.2022.1545

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author   Language：Japanese  

CiNii Books

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Chlorella pyrenoidosa is an excellent source of protein, and in this research, we assessed the antioxidant and emulsifying effects of Chlorella protein hydrolysate (CPH) using neutral proteases and alkaline proteases, as well as the properties of CPH-derived krill oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. The CPHs exhibited the ability to scavenge several kinds of free radicals, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), O2-, hydroxyl, and ABTS. Additionally, the CPHs (5 mg/mL) scavenged approximately 100% of the DPPH and ABTS. The CPHs showed similar emulsifying activities to Tween 20 and excellent foaming activities (max FS 74%), which helped to stabilize the krill oil-in-water emulsion. Less than 10 mg/mL CPHs was able to form fresh krill oil-in-water emulsions; moreover, the CPHs (5 mg/mL) in a krill O/W emulsion were homogenous, opaque, and stable for at least 30 days. Based on their inhibitory effects on the peroxide value (POV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TRABS), the CPHs were found to be able to inhibit lipid oxidation in both emulsifying systems and krill O/W emulsions. Thus, the CPHs could improve superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities by 5- or 10-fold and decrease the high reactive oxygen species (ROS) level caused by the addition of H2O2 in vitro. In conclusion, health-promoting CPHs could be applied in krill oil-in-water emulsions as both emulsifiers and antioxidants, which could help to improve the oxidative and physical stability of emulsions.

DOI： 10.3390/md20060345

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: An emulsion delivery system for benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) was prepared using fish skin gelatin (FSG) and sodium alginate (Alg). The effects of the FSG-Alg complex on the emulsion stability and BITC release pattern from the emulsion were investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: The storage stability and embedding rate of the 10 g/kg FSG and 2.5 g/kg Alg (FSG-Alg) emulsion were the highest among all samples. The FSG-Alg complex provided BITC a better protection during in vitro digestion. The microstructure of the FSG-Alg emulsions was more stable during in vitro digestion, and the bioaccessibility and retention rate of BITC were much higher compared to those of the FSG emulsion. The results of the ex-vivo everted gut sac of rat intestine study showed that the FSG-Alg emulsion significantly increased the BITC absorption rate in the duodenum. CONCLUSION: The FSG-Alg emulsion delivery system is a highly stable system for the delivery of BITC that improves the bioaccessibility of BITC and promotes its absorption in the duodenum. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1002/jsfa.11915

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University  

DOI： 10.3107/jesss.11.mr02

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Zinc absorption in intestinal system could be strongly affected by the gastrointestinal digestion and absorption of zinc-chelating peptides serving as zinc carriers. In this study, a novel zinc-chelating sea cucumber synthetic peptide (SCSP) was synthesized to estimate its gastrointestinal digestion and promotive effect of zinc absorption in vitro. RESULTS: Analysis of isothermal titration calorimetry suggested that the binding of SCSP and zinc (N ≈ 1) was exothermic, with relatively weak binding affinity (K = 1.0х10-3 mol L-1 ). The formation of SCSP-Zn complexes brought morphological changes to the peptides confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which also indicated 6.88% of the existence of zinc element. In addition, the SCSP-Zn complexes remained stable under simulated human gastrointestinal digestion. In vitro study, the SCSP-Zn complex could successfully transport through the intestinal membrane in the model of everted rat gut sacs (nearly 7.5 μM cm-2 ) as well as Caco-2 cells where the zinc transport reached 0.0014 mg mL-1 carried by SCSP. Fluorescence staining experiments revealed free zinc accumulation inside the tissues and cells treated with the SCSP-Zn. CONCLUSIONS: The chelation SCSP-Zn had the promotion ability of zinc absorption in vitro and ex vivo experiments, which suggested a theoretical basis for the design and production of effective zinc chelating peptides as zinc carriers to improve zinc bioavailability. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1002/jsfa.11811

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUD: Zinc is an essential catalytic element in human health system but its absorption in intestinal system could be strongly affected by the gastrointestinal digestion. In this study, the food-derived potential zinc carrier, scallop adductor hydrolysates (SAHs), was produced and characterized. RESULTS: During the temporary storage in 4°C, the SAH decreased in zinc-chelating capacity in aqueous phase whereas the SAH-Zn complex exhibited high stability. Moreover, the secondary structure of SAH had no significant alteration. Zinc morphologically altered the surface structures of SAH, which was involving in carboxyl group of SAH. Results of in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion suggested that the SAH-Zn maintained good stability in GI system and only proportion of high molecular weight cleaved. In addition, SAH could successfully carry and transport zinc while the fluorescence staining revealed free zinc accumulation inside the tissue. Finally, 3 representative absorbed peptides (around 600 Da) were identified and synthesized. Three synthetic peptides exhibit higher zinc-chelating capacity than SAH and could also successfully transported through the intestine. CONCLUSION: This study provided a theoretical basis for the investigation of digestion and absorption of marine animal-derived peptides as zinc carriers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1002/jsfa.11673

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Arsenic is toxic for plants. Our previous results showed that the application of proline enhanced the sensitivity of tobacco BY-2 cells to arsenate. In order to clarify the enhancement mechanism, we investigated the effects of other amino acids on the arsenate-stressed BY-2 cells. Glutamate at up to 10 mM did not affect the cell growth in the absence or presence of arsenate. Arginine at up to 10 mM did not affect the growth in the absence of arsenate but arginine at 10 mM enhanced the inhibition of the cell growth by arsenate. Alanine at up to 10 mM did not affect the cell growth under non-stressed condition but alanine at 10 mM significantly improved the cell growth under arsenate stress. These results suggest that alanine mitigates arsenate stress in BY-2 cells and that arginine like proline enhances the sensitivity of BY-2 cells to arsenate.

DOI： 10.1093/bbb/zbab191

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The purpose of this study is to compare the potentials to exhibit biologically active antioxidant actions between white rice (WR) and brown rice (BR) in in vitro assays and a cellular model. The Trolox equivalent (TE) per 1 mg ethanol extract of WR for the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay was slightly higher than that of BR, whereas the TE per 1 g whole WR was much lower than that for BR. This tendency was very comparable to those for the oxygen radical absorbance capacity and total polyphenol content. Both of the ethanol extracts also similarly suppressed the hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity and enhanced the gene expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Based on the α-tocopherol quantity, its contribution to the cytoprotective effect of the rice extracts is very limited. Taken together, the ethanol extract of WR might be a qualitatively, but not quantitatively, equivalent source of antioxidative phytochemicals to that of BR.

DOI： 10.1093/bbb/zbab133

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

It is known that rice roots take up cadmium (Cd) via the symplastic route mediated by membrane-bound mineral transporters. Here we provide evidence that apoplastic bypass flow is another Cd uptake route in rice. High concentrations of Cd rendered apoplastic bypass flow rate increased in rice seedlings. These concentrations of Cd compromised membrane integrity in the root meristem and transition zone. Polyethleneglycol and proline inhibited the Cd-induced apoplastic bypass flow and Cd transfer to the shoots. Loss-of-function mutant of the Cd uptake transporter, nramp5, showed Cd transport to the shoot comparable to the wild type. At a low Cd concentration, increased apoplastic bypass flow rate by NaCl stress resulted in an elevation of Cd transport to shoots both in the wildtype and nramp5. These observations indicate that apoplastic bypass flow in roots carries Cd transport leading to xylem loading of Cd in addition to the symplastic pathway mediated by mineral transporters under stressed conditions.

DOI： 10.1007/s10265-021-01319-y

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) elevation activates plasma membrane anion channels in guard cells, which is required for stomatal closure. However, involvement of the anion channels in the [Ca2+]cyt elevation remains unclear. We investigated the involvement using Arabidopsis thaliana anion channel mutants, slac1-4 slah3-3 and slac1-4 almt12-1. Extracellular calcium induced stomatal closure in the wild-type plants but not in the anion channel mutant plants whereas extracellular calcium induced [Ca2+]cyt elevation both in the wild-type guard cells and in the mutant guard cells. The peak height and the number of the [Ca2+]cyt spike were lower and larger in the slac1-4 slah3-3 than in the wild type and the height and the number in the slac1-4 almt12-1 were much lower and much larger than in the wild type. These results suggest that the anion channels are involved in the regulation of [Ca2+]cyt elevation in guard cells.

DOI： 10.1093/bbb/zbab118

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Increased 5-hydroxytryptamine may be associated with the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, we examined the suppressive effect of flavonoids on the increased intra- and extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in rat mast RBL-2H3 cells, known to produce 5-hydroxytryptamine by the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulation. Among the flavonoids examined, luteolin and quercetin significantly reduced the cellular 5-hydroxytryptamine concentration. Gene and protein expression analyses revealed that luteolin significantly suppressed cellular tryptophan hydroxylase 1 expression induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulation. Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling was also suppressed by luteolin, suggesting that this pathway is one of targets of 5-hydroxytryptamine modulation by luteolin. An in vivo experimental colitis model was prepared by administering 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water to C57BL/6 mice for seven days. The ingestion of 0.1% dietary luteolin suppressed the increasing 5-hydroxytryptamine in the colorectal mucosa. In conclusion, luteolin possesses a suppressive effect on extensive 5-hydroxytryptamine formation in both experimental RBL-2H3 cells and colitis models.

DOI： 10.3164/jcbn.20-192

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The increasing drug efflux through the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters is the most plausible mechanism that mediates resistance to the anticancer phytochemicals, such as benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), as well as chemotherapy drugs. To identify a potential component to overcome this resistance by combinatory utilization, we focused on multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) pumping various drug metabolites with glutathione as well as the organic anions. The pharmacological treatment of an MRP inhibitor, MK571, significantly potentiated the BITC-induced antiproliferation, coincided with the enhanced accumulation of BITC and glutathione in human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells. MK571 also enhanced the apoptosis induction as well as activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases and caspase-3, whereas it did not affect their basal levels. These results suggested that, since MRPs might play a pivotal role in the BITC efflux, MK571 potentiates the BITC-induced antiproliferation in human colorectal cancer cells through inhibition of the glutathione-dependent BITC efflux.

DOI： 10.1002/jbt.22791

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publisher：THE SOCIETY FOR HARD TISSUE REGENERATIVE BIOLOGY  

<p>Rosemary is used as an herb in cooking and aromatic oils, and has long been used as a medicinal herb because of its functional components. According to folklore, monks recommended a remedy of rosemary in alcohol ("Hungarian water") to a Hungarian queen suffering from limb numbness, resulting in instant recovery and rejuvenation. This is why the queen married a 20-year-old king of Holland while in her seventies. In order to clarify the "rejuvenation" mechanisms of traditional Hungarian water, we examined the anti-oxidant activity, anti-glycation activity, inhibition of melanin production and suppression of tumor growth of ethanol extracts of rosemary in this study. It was found that the ethanol extract had high anti-oxidant activity, high anti-glycation activity, high inhibition of melanin production and high suppression of tumor cell growth.</p>

DOI： 10.2485/jhtb.30.291

CiNii Article

researchmap

Authorship：Corresponding author  

J-GLOBAL

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) induces stomatal closure accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and glutathione (GSH) depletion in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, stomatal responses to three other isothiocyanates (ITCs), benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), sulforaphane (SFN), and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), were investigated in A. thaliana. All these ITCs significantly induced stomatal closure, where PEITC and BITC were most effective. The selected ITCs also induced ROS accumulation, cytosolic alkalization, and GSH depletion in guard cells. Moreover, all ITCs increased the frequency of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) spikes (transient elevation), while PEITC and BITC showed the highest frequency. There was a strong positive correlation between the number of [Ca2+]cyt spikes per guard cell and the decrease in stomatal aperture. Both cytosolic alkalization and GSH content have a positive correlation with the decrease in stomatal aperture, but ROS production did not have a significant correlation with the decrease in stomatal apertures. These results indicate that the molecules with a functional ITC group induce stomatal closure that is accompanied by GSH depletion, cytosolic alkalization, [Ca2+]cyt spikes, and ROS production, and that the former three cellular events, rather than ROS production, are highly correlated with the decrease in stomatal aperture.

DOI： 10.1093/jxb/eraa420

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Fucoxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid abundant in marine brown algae. The potential therapeutic effects of fucoxanthin on tumor intervention have been well documented, which have aroused great interests in utilizing fucoxanthin in functional foods and nutraceuticals. However, the utilization of fucoxanthin as a nutraceutical in food and nutrient supplements is currently limited due to its low water solubility, poor stability, and limited bioaccessibility. Nano/micro-encapsulation is a technology that can overcome these challenges. A systematic review on the recent progresses in nano/micro-delivery systems to encapsulate fucoxanthin in foods or nutraceuticals is warranted. This article starts with a brief introduction of fucoxanthin and the challenges of oral delivery of fucoxanthin. Nano/micro-encapsulation technology is then covered, including materials and strategies for constructing the delivery system. Finally, future prospective has been discussed on properly designed oral delivery systems of fucoxanthin for managing cancer. Natural edible materials such as whey protein, casein, zein, gelatin, and starch have been successfully utilized to fabricate lipid-based, gel-based, or emulsion-based delivery systems, molecular nanocomplexes, and biopolymer nanoparticles with the aid of advanced processing techniques, such as freeze-drying, high pressure homogenization, sonication, anti-solvent precipitation, coacervation, ion crosslinking, ionic gelation, emulsification, and enzymatic conjugation. These formulated nano/micro-capsules have proven to be effective in stabilizing and enhancing the bioaccessibility of fucoxanthin. This review will inspire a surge of multidisciplinary research in a broader community of foods and motivate material scientists and researchers to focus on nano/micro-encapsulated fucoxanthin in order to facilitate the commercialization of orally-deliverable tumor intervention products.

DOI： 10.1039/d0fo02176h

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Selenium (Se) causes oxidative damage to plants. Proline is accumulated as a compatible solute in plants under stress conditions and mitigates stresses. Selenate at 250 µM increased cell death and inhibited the growth of tobacco BY-2 cells while exogenous proline at 10 mM did not mitigate the inhibition by selenate. Selenate increased accumulation of Se and ROS and activities of antioxidant enzymes but not lipid peroxidation in the BY-2 cells. Proline increased Se accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activities but not either ROS accumulation or lipid peroxidation in the selenate-stressed cells. Glutathione (GSH) rather than ascorbic acid (AsA) mitigated the growth inhibition although both reduced the accumulation of ROS induced by selenate. These results indicate that proline increases both antioxidant enzyme activities and Se accumulation, which overall fails to ameliorate the growth inhibition by selenate and that the growth inhibition is not accounted for only by ROS accumulation. Abbreviations: APX: ascorbate peroxidase; AsA: ascorbic acid; BY-2: Bright Yellow-2; CAT: catalase; DAI: days after inoculation; DW: dry weight; FW: fresh weight; GSH: glutathione; ROS: reactive oxygen species.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2020.1799747

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media {LLC}  

DOI： 10.1007/s40495-020-00227-4

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a key signal event for methyl jasmonate (MeJA)- and abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure. We recently showed that reactive carbonyl species (RCS) stimulates stomatal closure as an intermediate downstream of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in the ABA signaling pathway in guard cells of Nicotiana tabacum and Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, we examined whether RCS functions as an intermediate downstream of H2O2 production in MeJA signaling in guard cells using transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing A. thaliana 2-alkenal reductase (n-alkanal + NAD(P)+ ⇌ 2-alkenal + NAD(P)H + H+) (AER-OE tobacco) and Arabidopsis plants. The stomatal closure induced by MeJA was impaired in the AER-OE tobacco and was inhibited by RCS scavengers, carnosine and pyridoxamine, in the wild-type (WT) tobacco plants and Arabidopsis plants. Application of MeJA significantly induced accumulation of RCS including acrolein and 4-hydroxy-(E)-2-nonenal in the WT tobacco but not in the AER-OE plants. Application of MeJA induced H2O2 production in the WT tobacco and the AER-OE plants and the H2O2 production was not inhibited by the RCS scavengers. These results suggest that RCS functions as an intermediate downstream of ROS production in MeJA signaling as well as in ABA signaling in guard cells.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcaa107

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide (NO•) concomitantly play essential roles in guard cell signaling. Studies using catalase mutants have revealed that the inducible and constitutive elevations of intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) have different roles: only the inducible H2O2 production transduces the abscisic acid (ABA) signal leading stomatal closure. However, the involvement of inducible or constitutive NO• productions, if exists, in this process remains unknown. We studied H2O2 and NO• mobilization in guard cells of catalase mutants. Constitutive H2O2 level was higher in the mutants than that in wild type, but constitutive NO• level was not different among lines. Induced NO• and H2O2 levels elicited by ABA showed a high correlation with each other in all lines. Furthermore, NO• levels increased by exogenous H2O2 also showed a high correlation with stomatal aperture size. Our results demonstrate that ABA-induced intracellular H2O2 accumulation triggers NO• production leading stomatal closure. ABBREVIATIONS: ABA: abscisic acid; CAT: catalase; cGMP: cyclic guanosine monophosphate; DAF-2DA: 4,5-diaminofluorescein-2 diacetate; H2DCF-DA: 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate; MeJA: methyljasmonate; NOS: nitric oxide synthetase; NR: nitrate reductase; POX: peroxidase; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SNAP: S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine; SNP: sodium nitroprusside; NOX: NADP(H) oxidase.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2020.1743168

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The glucosinolate-myrosinase system is a well-known defense system that has been shown to induce stomatal closure in Brassicales. Isothiocyanates are highly reactive hydrolysates of glucosinolates, and an isothiocyanate, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), induces stomatal closure accompanied by elevation of free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in Arabidopsis. It remains unknown whether AITC inhibits light-induced stomatal opening. This study investigated the role of Ca2+ in AITC-induced stomatal closure and inhibition of light-induced stomatal opening. AITC induced stomatal closure and inhibited light-induced stomatal opening in a dose-dependent manner. A Ca2+ channel inhibitor, La3+, a Ca2+chelator, EGTA, and an inhibitor of Ca2+ release from internal stores, nicotinamide, inhibited AITC-induced [Ca2+]cyt elevation and stomatal closure, but did not affect inhibition of light-induced stomatal opening. AITC activated non-selective Ca2+-permeable cation channels and inhibited inward-rectifying K+ (K+in) channels in a Ca2+-independent manner. AITC also inhibited stomatal opening induced by fusicoccin, a plasma membrane H+-ATPase activator, but had no significant effect on fusicoccin-induced phosphorylation of the penultimate threonine of H+-ATPase. Taken together, these results suggest that AITC induces Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release to elevate [Ca2+]cyt, which is essential for AITC-induced stomatal closure but not for inhibition of K+in channels and light-induced stomatal opening.

DOI： 10.1093/jxb/eraa073

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Myrosinase (β-thioglucoside glucohydrolase, enzyme nomenclature, EC 3.2.1.147, TGG) is a highly abundant protein in Arabidopsis guard cells, of which TGG1 and TGG2 function redundantly in abscisic acid (ABA)- and methyl jasmonate-induced stomatal closure. Reactive carbonyl species (RCS) are α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones, which function downstream of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the ABA signalling pathway in guard cells. Among the RCS, acrolein is the most highly reactive, which is significantly produced in ABA-treated guard cells. To clarify the ABA signal pathway downstream of ROS production, we investigated the responses of tgg mutants (tgg1-3, tgg2-1 and tgg1-3 tgg2-1) to acrolein. Acrolein induced stomatal closure and triggered cytosolic alkalization in wild type (WT), tgg1-3 single mutants and in tgg2-1 single mutants, but not in tgg1-3 tgg2-1 double mutants. Exogenous Ca2+ induced stomatal closure and cytosolic alkalization not only in WT but also in all of the mutants. Acrolein- and Ca2+-induced stomatal closures were inhibited by an intracellular acidifying agent, butyrate, a Ca2+ chelator, ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and a Ca2+ channel blocker, LaCl3. Acrolein induced cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) elevation in guard cells of WT plants but not in the tgg1-3 tgg2-1 double mutants. Exogenous Ca2+ elicited [Ca2+]cyt elevation in guard cells of WT and tgg1-3 tgg2-1. Our results suggest that TGG1 and TGG2 function redundantly, not between ROS production and RCS production, but downstream of RCS production in the ABA signal pathway in Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcaa024

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Chitosan (CHT) induces stomatal closure and thus plays a crucial role in plants to adapt to the adverse environments. Our previous results of a SA-deficient mutant nahG suggest that endogenous salicylic acid (SA) is involved in the CHT signaling in guard cells. Here in order to make the involvement definite, we examined stomatal responses to CHT of another SA-deficient mutant, sid2, and an SA receptor mutant, npr1-3. The sid2 mutation impaired CHT-induced stomatal closure and reactive oxygen species production and both impairments were complemented with exogenous SA application. Moreover, the CHT-induced stomatal closure is disrupted in the npr1-3 mutant. These results suggest that endogenous SA is involved in the CHT-induced stomatal closure via the SA receptor, NPR1.Abbreviations: SA: salicylic acid; ABA: abscisic acid; ROS: reactive oxygen species; NPR1: nonexpresser of pathogenesis-related genes1; CHT: chitosan; DAB: 3,3'-diaminobenzidine.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2020.1718485

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Background: Conductive sheets of cellulose and carbon nanomaterials and its human skin applications are an interesting research aspect as they have potential for applications for skin compatibility. Hence it is needed to explore the effects and shed light on these applications. Method: To fabricate wearable, portable, flexible, lightweight, inexpensive, and biocompatible composite materials, carbon nanohorns (CNHs) and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) were used as precursors to prepare CNH-HEC (Cnh-cel) composite sheets. Cnh-cel sheets were prepared with different loading concentrations of CNHs (10, 20 50,100 mg) in 200 mg cellulose. To fabricate the bio-compatible sheets, a pristine composite of CNHs and HEC was prepared without any pretreatment of the materials. Results: The obtained sheets possess a conductivity of 1.83 × 10- 10 S/m and bio-compatible with human skin. Analysis for skin-compatibility was performed for Cnh-cel sheets by h-CLAT in vitro skin sensitization tests to evaluate the activation of THP-1 cells. It was found that THP-1 cells were not activated by Cnh-cel; hence Cnh-cel is a safe biomaterial for human skin. It was also found that the composite allowed only a maximum loading of 100 mg to retain the consistent geometry of free-standing sheets of < 100 μm thickness. Since CNHs have a unique arrangement of aggregates (dahlia structure), the composite is homogeneous, as verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and other functional properties investigated by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), conductivity measurement, tensile strength measurement, and skin sensitization. Conclusion: It can be concluded that cellulose and CNHs sheets are conductive and compatible to human skin applications.

DOI： 10.1186/s40824-020-00194-3

PubMed

researchmap

DOI： 10.1002/jsfa.9919

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Leptosperin (methyl syringate β-d-gentiobioside) is abundantly found in manuka honey, which is widely used because of its antibacterial and possible anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular mechanism underlying the metabolism of leptosperin. Five phytochemicals (leptosperin, methyl syringate (MSYR), glucuronate conjugate of MSYR (MSYR-GA), sulfonate conjugate of MSYR (MSYR-S), and syringic acid (SYR)) were separately incubated with HepG2 and Caco-2 cells. After incubation, we found that the concentration of MSYR decreased, whereas the concentrations of SYR, MSYR-GA, and MSYR-S increased. By profiling with inhibitors and carboxylesterases (CES1, 2), we found that the conversion from MSYR to SYR was mediated by CES1. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells restored MSYR-GA to MSYR possibly by the secreted β-glucuronidase. All of the mice administered with leptosperin, MSYR, or manuka honey showed higher MSYR (13.84 ± 11.51, 14.29 ± 9.19, or 6.66 ± 2.30 nM) and SYR (1.85 ± 0.66, 6.01 ± 1.20, or 8.16 ± 3.10 nM) levels in the plasma compared with that of the vehicle controls (3.33 ± 1.45 (MSYR) and 1.85 ± 0.66 (SYR) nM). The findings of our study indicate that the unique metabolic pathways of these compounds may account for possible functionalities of manuka honey.

DOI： 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b03894

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Signal crosstalk between jasmonate and ethylene is crucial for a proper maintenance of defense responses and development. Although previous studies reported that both jasmonate and ethylene also function as modulators of stomatal movements, the signal crosstalk mechanism in stomatal guard cells remains unclear. Here, we show that the ethylene signaling inhibits jasmonate signaling as well as abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in guard cells of Arabidopsis thaliana and reveal the signaling crosstalk mechanism. Both an ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and an ethylene-releasing compound ethephon induced transient stomatal closure, and also inhibited methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced stomatal closure as well as ABA-induced stomatal closure. The ethylene inhibition of MeJA-induced stomatal closure was abolished in the ethylene-insensitive mutant etr1-1, whereas MeJA-induced stomatal closure was impaired in the ethylene-overproducing mutant eto1-1. Pretreatment with ACC inhibited MeJA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as well as ABA-induced ROS production in guard cells but did not suppress ABA activation of OPEN STOMATA 1 (OST1) kinase in guard cell-enriched epidermal peels. The whole-cell patch-clamp analysis revealed that ACC attenuated MeJA and ABA activation of S-type anion channels in guard cell protoplasts. However, MeJA and ABA inhibitions of Kin channels were not affected by ACC pretreatment. These results suggest that ethylene signaling inhibits MeJA signaling and ABA signaling by targeting S-type anion channels and ROS but not OST1 kinase and K+ channels in Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcz121

PubMed

researchmap

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.3390/md17080438

PubMed

researchmap

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. We have demonstrated that reactive carbonyl species (RCS) function as an intermediate downstream of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling for stomatal closure in guard cells using transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing alkenal reductase. We investigated the conversion of the RCS production into downstream signaling events in the guard cells. Both ABA and H2O2 induced production of the RCS, such as acrolein and 4-hydroxy-(E)-2-nonenal (HNE), in epidermal tissues of wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Application of the RCS scavengers, carnosine and pyridoxamine, did not affect the ABA-induced H2O2 production but inhibited the ABA- and H2O2-induced stomatal closure. Both acrolein and HNE induced stomatal closure in a plasma membrane NAD(P)H oxidase mutant atrbohD atrbohF as well as in the wild type, but not in a calcium-dependent kinase mutant cpk6. Acrolein activated plasma membrane Ca2+-permeable cation channels, triggered cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) elevation, and induced stomatal closure accompanied by depletion of glutathione in the guard cells. These results suggest that RCS production is a signaling event between the ROS production and [Ca2+]cyt elevation during guard cell ABA signaling.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcz031

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a dietary isothiocyanate (ITC) derived from cruciferous vegetables, has anticancer properties. It is believed that the ITC moiety (-N═C═S) that reacts predominantly with thiol compounds plays a central role in triggering the activities resulting from these properties. Recent studies have demonstrated that ITCs also covalently modify amino moieties in a protein. In this study, we examined the chemical reaction between BITC and the aminophospholipid, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), in the cell membrane or lipoprotein particle. To detect the BITC-modified PE, the bond between ethanolamine (EA) and phosphatidic acid in PE was cleaved using phospholipase D to form the BITC-EA adduct, which was then measured. BITC-EA was detected from the BITC-treated unilamellar liposome and low-density lipoprotein even with only a few micromoles of BITC treatment, suggesting that BITC might react with not only a thiol/amino group of a protein but also an amino moiety of an aminophospholipid. Moreover, after incorporating BITC-PE included in the liposomes into the cultured cells or after direct exposure of BITC to the cells, free BITC-EA was excreted and accumulated in the medium in a time-dependent manner. It indicates that an intracellular enzyme catalyzes the cleavage of BITC-PE to produce BITC-EA. Because the ITC-amine adduct is stable, the ITC-EA adduct could be a promising indicator of ITC exposure in vivo.

DOI： 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00331

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Golgins are a family of Golgi-localized long coiled-coil proteins. The major golgin function is thought to be the tethering of vesicles, membranes, and cytoskeletal elements to the Golgi. We previously showed that knockdown of one of the longest golgins, Giantin, altered the glycosylation patterns of cell surfaces and the kinetics of cargo transport, suggesting that Giantin maintains correct glycosylation through slowing down transport within the Golgi. Giantin knockdown also altered the sizes and numbers of mini Golgi stacks generated by microtubule de-polymerization, suggesting that it maintains the independence of individual Golgi stacks. Therefore, it is presumed that Golgi stacks lose their independence following Giantin knockdown, allowing easier and possibly increased transport among stacks and abnormal glycosylation. To gain structural insights into the independence of Golgi stacks, we herein performed electron tomography and 3D modeling of Golgi stacks in Giantin knockdown cells. Compared with control cells, Giantin-knockdown cells had fewer and smaller fenestrae within each cisterna. This was supported by data showing that the diffusion rate of Golgi membrane proteins is faster in Giantin-knockdown Golgi, indicating that Giantin knockdown structurally and functionally increases connectivity among Golgi cisternae and stacks. This increased connectivity suggests that contrary to the cis-golgin tether model, Giantin instead inhibits the tether and fusion of nearby Golgi cisternae and stacks, resulting in transport difficulties between stacks that may enable the correct glycosylation of proteins and lipids passing through the Golgi.

DOI： 10.3389/fcell.2019.00160

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Oxford University Press (OUP)  

<title>ABSTRACT</title>
Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) is an effective agent for the removal of plasma membrane cholesterol. In this study, we investigated the modulating effects of MβCD on the antiproliferation induced by benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), an ITC compound mainly derived from papaya seeds. We confirmed that MβCD dose-dependently increased the cholesterol level in the medium, possibly through its removal from the plasma membrane of human colorectal cancer cells. The pretreatment with a non-toxic concentration (2.5 mM) of MβCD significantly enhanced the BITC-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction, which was counteracted by the cholesterol supplementation. Although BITC activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, MβCD dose-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation level of Akt. On the contrary, the treatment of MβCD enhanced the phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinases, but did not potentiate their BITC-induced phosphorylation. These results suggested that MβCD might potentiate the BITC-induced anti-cancer by cholesterol depletion and thus inhibition of the PI3K/Akt-dependent survival pathway.


Abbreviations: CDs: cyclodextrins; MβCD: methyl-β-cyclodextrin; ITCs: isothiocyanates; BITC: benzyl isothiocyanate; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PDK1: phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1; MAPK: mitogen activated protein kinase; ERK1/2: extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2; JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinase; PI: propidium iodide; FBS: fatal bovine serum; TLC: thin-layer chromatography; PBS(-): phosphate-buffered saline without calcium and magnesium; MEK: MAPK/ERK kinase; PIP2: phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate; PIP3: phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2018.1514249

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Oxford University Press (OUP)  

<title>ABSTRACT</title>
Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is an organosulfur compound derived from cruciferous vegetables and papaya seeds. In this study, we investigated the effect of BITC on the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes during adipocyte differentiation. The treatment of BITC during the differentiation-inducing stage significantly ameliorated the lipid accumulation, whereas it had no inhibitory effect during the differentiation-maintaining stage. BITC also significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of the adipocyte-specific markers, such as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. BITC significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, whereas it enhanced that of AMP-activated protein kinase. Furthermore, BITC significantly suppressed the intracellular 2-deoxyglucose uptake as well as glucose transporter 4 expression. These results suggest that inhibition of the adipocyte differentiation and glucose uptake may mainly contribute to the inhibitory effect of BITC on the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.


Abbreviations: PPARγ: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ; CEBP: CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein; GLUT4: glucose transporter 4; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ERK1/2: extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2; MAPK: a mitogen-activated protein kinase; ITCs: isothiocyanates; BITC: benzyl isothiocyanate; FBS: fetal bovine serum; CS: calf serum; AITC: allyl ITC; IBMX: 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine; LDH: lactate dehydrogenase; KRH: Krebs-Ringer-Hepes-bicarbonate; 2-DG: 2-deoxy-d-glucose

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2018.1514247

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author  

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2018.1487274

PubMed

researchmap

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Oxford University Press (OUP)  

DOI： 10.1104/pp.18.00321

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC  

Quercetin is a major flavonoid, present as its glycosidic forms in plant foods. In this study, quercetin-3-glucoside (Q3G) was administered intraduodenally to thoracic lymph-cannulated rats, and its lymphatic transport was investigated. The resulting lymphatic and plasma metabolites were identified with LC-MS/MS and compared with those after administration of quercetin aglycone.The total concentration of quercetin metabolites in the lymph was about four times lower than that in the plasma, and quercetin and its methylated form isorhamnetin were detected as their glucuronides, sulfates and diglucuronides both in the lymph and the plasma after Q3G and quercetin administrations. The lymph levels of the glucuronides after Q3G administration were lower than those after quercetin administration, whereas those in the plasma showed the opposite pattern. Both the lymph and plasma levels of the sulfates after Q3G administration were lower than those after quercetin administration. Some of the intestinal metabolites like quercetin monoglucuronides were transported directly into the lymph and the hepatic metabolites like the diglucuronides were eventually transferred from the plasma into the lymph.These results indicate that the absorbed Q3G is partly transported into the intestinal lymph as quercetin metabolites. Deglycosylation in the enterocyte is also suggested to affect the subsequent metabolic pathways.

DOI： 10.1016/j.abb.2018.03.024

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY  

We investigated the effect of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) on the hydrogen peroxide-induced gene expression of a T-helper-2 cytokine, interleukin (IL)-13, in T lymphocytic leukemia Jurkat cells. The 24-h pretreatment of BITC significantly inhibited the IL-13 expression enhanced by hydrogen peroxide. Although the BITC pretreatment did not change the enhanced level of the phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), it significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of c-Jun induced by hydrogen peroxide. BITC also increased the protein expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes, GSTP1/2, as well as the total GST activity. A GSTP1/2 specific inhibitor, 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio) hexanol (NBDHEX), significantly counteracted the inhibitory effect of BITC on the hydrogen peroxide-enhanced IL-13 upregulation as well as the c-Jun nuclear translocation. Taken together, these results suggested that BITC inhibits the oxidative stress-mediated IL-13 mRNA expression, possibly through interference of the c-Jun phosphorylation by GSTP.

DOI： 10.1002/jbt.22054

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Obesity, a principal risk factor for the development of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension, is a growing and serious health problem all over the world. Leptin is a weight-reducing hormone produced by adipose tissue, which decreases food intake via hypothalamic leptin receptors (Ob-Rb) and the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) negatively regulates leptin signaling by dephosphorylating JAK2, and the increased activity of PTP1B is implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity. Hence, inhibition of PTP1B may help prevent and reduce obesity. In this study, we revealed that phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a naturally occurring isothiocyanate in certain cruciferous vegetables, potently inhibits recombinant PTP1B by binding to the reactive cysteinyl thiol. Moreover, we found that PEITC causes the ligand-independent phosphorylation of Ob-Rb, JAK2, and STAT3 by inhibiting cellular PTP1B in differentiated human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. PEITC treatment also induced nuclear accumulation of phosphorylated STAT3, resulting in enhanced anorexigenic POMC expression and suppressed orexigenic NPY/AGRP expression. We demonstrated that oral administration of PEITC to mice significantly reduces food intake, and stimulates hypothalamic leptin signaling. Our results suggest that PEITC might help prevent and improve obesity.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0206748

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE  

In the present study, we clarified the role of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in antiproliferation induced by benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) in human colorectal cancer cells. BITC simultaneously activated the PI3K/Akt/forkhead box 0 (FoxO) pathway, whereas it significantly inhibited the proliferation in human colorectal cancer cells. Inhibitory experiments using a PI3K selective inhibitor, LY294002 or NVP-BEZ235, significantly enhanced the BITC-induced antiproliferation and apoptotic cell population with the attenuation of the BITC-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO survival pathway. Furthermore, BITC enhanced the insulin-activated PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway, possibly through its inhibition of the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B enzymatic activity. Taken together, these results suggested that the PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway negatively regulates the BITC-induced antiproliferation in human colorectal cancer cells. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.07.078

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY  

We investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCg), a major tea catechin. EGCg inhibited both the ACE activity in the lysate of human colorectal cancer cells and human recombinant ACE (rh-ACE) in a dose-dependent manner. Co-incubation with zinc sulfate showed no influence on the rh-ACE inhibition by EGCg, whereas it completely counteracted the inhibitory effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a chelating-type ACE inhibitor. Although hydrogen peroxide was produced by the autoxidation of EGCg, hydrogen peroxide itself had little effect on the ACE activity. Conversely, the co-incubation of EGCg with borate or ascorbic acid significantly diminished the EGCg inhibition. A redox-cycling staining experiment revealed that rh-ACE was covalently modified by EGCg. A Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis indicated that EGCg inhibited the ACE activity in a non-competitive manner. These results suggested that EGCg might allosterically inhibit the ACE activity through oxidative conversion into an electrophilic quinone.

DOI： 10.1002/jbt.21932

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY  

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive stress-related -ketoaldehyde and a physiological metabolite of glycolysis, which is accumulated in ample amount under stressful conditions. In the present study, the effect of different doses of MG on growth, anthocyanin production, MG contents, and activities of two types of glyoxalases (glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II) were examined in Arabidopsis seedlings. MG at 0.1 mM dose did not affect seedling growth, anthocyanin accumulation, MG contents, or activities of glyoxalases, whereas MG at 0.5 mM and 1 mM inhibited seedling growth and induced anthocyanin accumulation, MG accumulation, and glyoxalase (both I and II) activation. Therefore, MG can reduce plant growth as a toxic molecule and can stimulate stress responses as a signal molecule under stress conditions.

DOI： 10.1002/jbt.21901

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is a putative substrate for myeloperoxidase, which may convert it into the reactive quinone tryptamine-4,5-dione (TD). In this study, we found that the viability of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells treated with 25 mu M TD was increased to approximately 117%. On the other hand, the cell viability was significantly decreased by exposure to TD (150-200 mu M), with an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Interestingly, pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with 100 mu M TD prevented cell death and suppressed intracellular ROS generation evoked by the addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Expression of the phase-II antioxidant enzyme NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 and haem oxygenase 1 were upregulated by TD at a concentration of 50-100 mu M. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the regulator of these enzyme, was translocated from the cytosol to the nucleus by 100 mu M TD. In summary, moderate concentrations of TD may increase the self-defence capacity of neuronal cells against oxidative stress.

DOI： 10.1080/10715762.2017.1331038

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) is one of the major colonic microflora-produced catabolites of quercetin glycosides, such as quercetin 4-glucoside derived from onion. Here, we investigated whether DOPAC modulates the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity and protects the cells from the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. DOPAC was shown to enhance not only the total ALDH activity, but also the gene expression of ALDH1A1, ALDH2 and ALDH3A1 in a concentration-dependent manner. DOPAC simultaneously stimulated the nuclear translocation of NFE2-related factor 2 and aryl hydrocarbon receptor. The pretreatment of DOPAC completely protected the cells from the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity. The present study suggested that DOPAC acts as a potential ALDH inducer to prevent the alcohol-induced abnormal reaction.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2017.1361809

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Salicylic acid (SA) induces stomatal closure sharing several components with abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) signaling. We have previously shown that two guard cell-preferential mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), MPK9 and MPK12, positively regulate ABA signaling and MeJA signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, we examined whether these two MAPKs are involved in SA-induced stomatal closure using genetic mutants and a pharmacological, MAPKK inhibitor. Salicylic acid induced stomatal closure in mpk9 and mpk12 single mutants but not in mpk9 mpk12 double mutants. The MAPKK inhibitor PD98059 inhibited SA-induced stomatal closure in wild-type plants. Salicylic acid induced extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, intracellular ROS accumulation, and cytosolic alkalization in the mpk9, mpk12, and mpk9 mpk12 mutants. Moreover, SA-activated S-type anion channels in guard cells of wild-type plants but not in guard cells of mpk9 mpk12 double mutants. These results imply that MPK9 and MPK12 are positive regulators of SA signaling in Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2017.1308244

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Arsenic causes physiological and structural disorders in plants. Proline is accumulated as a compatible solute in plants under various stress conditions and mitigates stresses. Here, we investigated the effects of exogenous proline on tobacco Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cultured cells under AsO4- stress. Arsenate did not inhibit BY-2 cell growth at 40 and 50 mu M but did it at 60 mu M. Proline at 0.5 to 10 mM did not affect the cell growth but delayed it at 20 mM. At 40 mu M AsO4-, neither 0.5 mM nor 1 mM proline affected the cell growth but 10 mM proline inhibited it. In the presence of AsO4-, 10 mM proline increased the number of Evans Blue-stained (dead) cells and decreased the number of total cells. Together, our results suggest that exogenous proline does not alleviate arsenate toxicity but enhances the sensitivity of BY-2 cells to arsenate.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2017.1340088

Web of Science

Scopus

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

An elicitor chitosan (CHT) induces stomatal closure but the mechanism remains to be clarified. A phytohormone salicylic acid (SA) is crucial for elicitor-induced defense signaling in plants. Here we investigated whether endogenous SA is required for CHT signaling in guard cells. In the SA-deficient nahG mutant, treatment of CHT did not induce either apoplastic reactive oxygen species (ROS) production or stomatal closure but co-treatment of CHT and SA induced both apoplastic ROS production and stomatal closure, indicating the involvement of endogenous SA in CHT-induced apoplastic ROS production and CHT-induced stomatal closure. Furthermore, CHT induced transient cytosolic free calcium concentration increments in the nahG mutant in the presence of exogenous SA but not in the absence of exogenous SA. These results provide evidence that endogenous SA is a crucial element in CHT-induced stomatal closure.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2017.1332979

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

The regulating role of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC)-induced Nrf2 activation, contributing to the inducible expression of cytoprotective genes, was investigated. BITC significantly enhanced the accumulation of Nrf2 as well as autophagic molecules in human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells. Experiments using a PI3K-specific inhibitor suggested that PI3K plays the key role in the non-canonical Nrf2 activation by BITC.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2017.1374830

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

Drought is responsible for a massive reduction in crop yields. In response to drought, plants synthesize the hormone ABA, which induces stomatal closure, thus reducing water loss. In guard cells, ABA triggers production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is mediated by NAD(P) H oxidases. The production of ROS is a key factor for ABA-induced stomatal closure, but it remains to be clarified how the production of ROS is transduced into downstream signaling components in guard cells. We investigated roles of reactive carbonyl species (RCS) in ABA-induced stomatal closure using transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) overexpressing Arabidopsis 2-alkenal reductase (AER-OE), which scavenges RCS. ABA and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced accumulation of RCS including acrolein and 4-hydroxy-(E)-2-nonenal in wild-type tobacco but not in AER-OE. Stomatal closure and RCS accumulation in response to ABA and H2O2 were inhibited in AER-OE unlike in the wild type, while ABA-induced H2O2 production in guard cells was observed in AER-OE as well as in the wild type. Moreover, ABA inhibited inward-rectifying K+ channels in wild-type guard cells but not in AER-OE guard cells. These results suggest that RCS is involved in ABAinduced stomatal closure and functions downstream of H2O2 production in the ABA signaling pathway in guard cells.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcw166

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：KARGER  

In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of four tea catechins, including (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECg) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in vitro. Each catechin treatment significantly reduced the ACE activity with the order of potency being EGCg &gt; ECg &gt; EGC = EC. The addition of 1 mM borate significantly recovered the reduced ACE activities by tea catechins, suggesting that hydroxyl groups at the B-ring or at a galloyl moiety play an important role in the ACE-inhibitory mechanism. The covalent modification of ACE by tea catechins was also observed by a redox-cycling staining experiment. A Lineweaver-Burk plot indicated that EGC and ECg were noncompetitive inhibitors. The galloylated catechins might more potently inhibit ACE activity in an allosteric manner through the interaction of the galloyl moiety with the non-catalytic site of ACE.

DOI： 10.3136/fstr.22.847

Web of Science

Scopus

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier B.V.  

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) is one of the colonic microflora-produced catabolites of quercetin 4'-glucoside (Q4'G). Although the interaction of DOPAC with cellular proteins might be involved in its biological activity, the actual proteins have not yet been identified. In this study, we developed a novel tag-free DOPAC probe to label the targeted proteins by the copper(I)-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and verified its efficacy. Various labeled proteins were detected by the DOPAC probe with the azide labeled biotin and a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-streptavidin complex. Furthermore, a pulldown assay identified Keap1 and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as the target proteins for the phase 2 enzyme up-regulation.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrep.2016.06.020

Scopus

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induces stomatal closure. It has been shown that stomata of many ABA-insensitive mutants are also insensitive to MeJA, and a low amount of ABA is a prerequisite for the MeJA response. However, the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between ABA and MeJA signaling remain to be elucidated. Here we studied the interplay of signaling of the two hormones in guard cells using the quadruple ABA receptor mutant pyr1 pyl1 pyl2 pyl4 and ABA-activated protein kinase mutants ost1-2 and srk2e. In the quadruple mutant, MeJA-induced stomatal closure, H2O2 production, nitric oxide (NO) production, cytosolic alkalization and plasma membrane Ca2+-permeable current (I-Ca) activation were not impaired. At the same time, the inactivation of the inward-rectifying K+ current was impaired. In contrast to the quadruple mutant, MeJA-induced stomatal closure, H2O2 production, NO production and cytosolic alkalization were impaired in ost1-2 and srk2e as well as in aba2-2, the ABA-deficient mutant. The activation of ICa was also impaired in srk2e. Collectively, these results indicated that OST1 was essential for MeJA-induced stomatal closure, while PYR1, PYL1, PYL2 and PYL4 ABA receptors were not sufficient factors. MeJA did not appear to activate OST1 kinase activity. This implies that OST1 mediates MeJA signaling through an undetectable level of activity or a nonenzymatic action. MeJA induced the expression of an ABA synthesis gene, NCED3, and increased ABA contents only modestly. Taken together with previous reports, this study suggests that MeJA signaling in guard cells is primed by ABA and is not brought about through the pathway mediated by PYR1, PYL1 PYL2 and PYL4.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcw102

Web of Science

Scopus

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA  

Autolysis easily happens to sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus, S. japonicus) for external stimulus like UV exposure causing heavy economic losses. Therefore, it is meaningful to reveal the mechanism of S. japonicas autolysis. In the present study, to examine the involvement of apoptosis induction in UVA-induced autolysis of S. japonicas, we investigated the biochemical events including the DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphorylation and free radical formation. Substantial morphological changes such as intestine vomiting and dermatolysis were observed in S. japonicus during the incubation after 1-h UVA irradiation (10 W/m(2)). The degradation of the structural proteins and enhancement of cathepsin L activity were also detected, suggesting the profound impact of proteolysis caused by the UVA irradiation even for 1 h. Furthermore, the DNA fragmentation and specific activity of caspase-3 was increased up to 12 h after UVA irradiation. The levels of phosphorylated p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphorylated c-jun.-N-terminal kinase (JNK) were significantly increased by the UVA irradiation for 1 h. An electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis revealed that UVA enhanced the free radical formation in S. japonicas, even through we could not identify the attributed species. These results suggest that UVA-induced autolysis in S. japonicas at least partially involves the oxidative stress-sensitive apoptosis induction pathway. These data present a novel insight into the mechanisms of sea cucumber autolysis induced by external stress. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.02.034

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-generated halogenating molecules, such as hypochlorous acid and hypobromous acid (HOBr), in inflammatory regions are postulated to contribute to disease progression. In this study, we showed that ergothioneine (EGT), derived from an edible mushroom, inhibited MPO activity as well as the formation of 8-bromo-2-deoxyguanosine in vitro. The HOBr scavenging effect of EGT is higher than those of ascorbic acid and glutathione. We initially observed that the administration of Coprinus comatus, an edible mushroom containing a high amount of EGT, inhibited the UV-B-induced inflammatory responses and DNA halogenation, suggesting that EGT is a promising anti-inflammatory agent from mushrooms.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2015.1083396

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：一般社団法人 日本調理科学会  

Regular intake of vegetables suppresses the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. In Japan, a large amount of cruciferous vegetables that contain glucosinolates are consumed in cooked or pickled form. Glucosinolates are hydrolysed to isothiocyanates in plants by the enzyme myrosinase, which is released by tissue damage. Isothiocyanates have characteristic flavours and can inhibit carcinogenesis in some cases. In this study, we investigated the effects of NaCl and ascorbic acid concentration on myrosinase activity in vitro. Maximum myrosinase activity was observed for 1% NaCl or 0.1% ascorbic acid, although myrosinase activity was suppressed by a combination of NaCl and ascorbic acid. The degree of suppression of myrosinase activity decreased as the concentration of ascorbic acid increased.We prepared lightly pickled turnip and Chinese cabbage with final NaCl concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3% to determine the effect of NaCl on isothiocyanate formation in pickles. 3-Butenyl, 4-pentenyl, and phenethyl isothiocyanate were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses; these compounds were formed in the highest amounts at 3% NaCl in both types of pickles. Moreover, the addition of 0.4% ascorbic acid increased the formation of isothiocyanate by 1.4-1.6 times compared with the control in both types of pickles. In sensory evaluation, panellists preferred the pickles with 2% NaCl.

DOI： 10.11402/cookeryscience.49.138

CiNii Article

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：Terrapub  

CiNii Article

researchmap

Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC  

At the sites of inflammation, hypohalous acids, such as hypochlorous acid and hypobromous acid (HOBr), are produced by myeloperoxidase. These hypohalous acids rapidly react with the primary amino groups to produce haloamines, which are relatively stable and can diffuse long distances and cross the plasma membrane. In this study, we examined the effects of taurine, the most abundant free amino acid in the leukocyte cytosol, on the hypohalous acid-dependent formation of 8-chloro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-CldG) and 8-bromo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-BrdG). The reaction of taurine with HOBr yielded taurine bromamine, which is the most stable among other bromamines of amino acids. Taurine also enhanced the bromination of only dG among the four 2'-deoxynucleosides, whereas it inhibited the 8-CldG formation. The specificity of taurine for the enhanced formation of halogenated dG is completely different from that of nicotine, an enhancer of chlorination. The amount of dibrominated taurine (taurine dibromamine) closely correlated with the formation of 8-BrdG, suggesting that taurine dibromamine might be a plausible mediator for the dG bromination in vivo. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.abb.2015.10.002

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Isothiocyanates are enzymatically produced from glucosinolates in plants, and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) induces stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, we investigated stomatal responses to AITC in Vicia faba. AITC-induced stomatal closure accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO production, cytosolic alkalization and glutathione (GSH) depletion in V. faba. GSH monoethyl ester induced stomatal reopening and suppressed AITC-induced GSH depletion in guard cells. Exogenous catalase and a peroxidase inhibitor, salicylhydroxamic acid, inhibited AITC-induced stomatal closure, unlike an NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium chloride. The peroxidase inhibitor also abolished the AITC-induced ROS production, NO production, and cytosolic alkalization. AITC-induced stomatal closure was suppressed by an NO scavenger, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, and an agent to acidify cytosol, butyrate. These results indicate that AITC-induced stomatal closure in V. faba as well as in A. thaliana and suggest that AITC signaling in guard cells is conserved in both plants.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2015.1045827

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and abscisic acid (ABA) signalling cascades share several signalling components in guard cells. We previously showed that two guard cell-preferential mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), MPK9 and MPK12, positively regulate ABA signalling in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, we examined whether these two MAP kinases function in MeJA signalling using genetic mutants for MPK9 and MPK12 combined with a pharmacological approach. MeJA induced stomatal closure in mpk9-1 and mpk12-1 single mutants as well as wild-type plants, but not in mpk9-1 mpk12-1 double mutants. Consistently, the MAPKK inhibitor PD98059 inhibited the MeJA-induced stomatal closure in wild-type plants. MeJA elicited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cytosolic alkalisation in guard cells of the mpk9-1, mpk12-1 and mpk9-1 mpk12-1 mutants, as well in wild-type plants. Furthermore, MeJA triggered elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](cyt)) in the mpk9-1 mpk12-1 double mutant as well as wild-type plants. Activation of S-type anion channels by MeJA was impaired in mpk9-1 mpk12-1. Together, these results indicate that MPK9 and MPK12 function upstream of S-type anion channel activation and downstream of ROS production, cytosolic alkalisation and [Ca2+](cyt) elevation in guard cell MeJA signalling, suggesting that MPK9 and MPK12 are key regulators mediating both ABA and MeJA signalling in guard cells.

DOI： 10.1111/plb.12321

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

We recently demonstrated that yeast elicitor (YEL)-induced stomatal closure requires a Ca2+-dependent kinase, CPK6. A Ca2+-independent kinase, Open Stomata 1 (OST1), is involved in stomatal closure induced by various stimuli including ABA. In the present study, we investigated the role of OST1 in YEL-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis using a knock-out mutant, ost1-3, and a kinase-deficient mutant, ost1-2. YEL did not induce stomatal closure or activation of guard cell S-type anion channels in the ost1 mutants unlike in wild-type plants. However, YEL did not increase OST1 kinase activity in wild-type guard cells. The YEL-induced stomatal closure and activation of S-type anion channels were also impaired in a gain-of-function mutant of a clade A type 2C protein phosphatase (ABA INSENSITIVE 1), abi1-1C. In the ost1 mutants like in the wild type, YEL induced H2O2 accumulation, activation of non-selective Ca2+-permeable cation (I-Ca) channels and transient elevations in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](cyt)) in guard cells. These results suggest that OST1 kinase is essential for stomatal closure and activation of S-type anion channels induced by YEL and that OST1 is not involved in H2O2 accumulation, I-Ca channel activation or [Ca2+](cyt) elevations in guard cells induced by YEL.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcv051

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Acrolein is a reactive alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde derived from lipid peroxides, which are produced in plants under a variety of stress. We investigated effects of acrolein on light-induced stomatal opening using Arabidopsis thaliana. Acrolein inhibited light-induced stomatal opening in a dose-dependent manner. Acrolein at 100 mu M inhibited plasma membrane inward-rectifying potassium (K-in) channels in guard cells. Acrolein at 100 mu M inhibited K-in channel KAT1 expressed in a heterologous system using Xenopus leaves oocytes. These results suggest that acrolein inhibits light-induced stomatal opening through inhibition of K-in channels in guard cells.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2014.951028

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

An allergen-stimulating cytokine, interleukin-13 (IL-13), plays a significant role in allergic inflammation. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), derived from several cruciferous vegetables, significantly suppressed the IL-13 expression in the calcium ionophore-stimulated human basophilic KU812 cells. Down-regulation of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases as well as nuclear transcriptional factors might be involved in the underlying mechanism.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2014.963503

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) signalling shares several signal components with abscisic acid (ABA) signalling in guard cells. Cyclic adenosine 5-diphosphoribose (cADPR) and cyclic guanosine 3,5-monophosphate (cGMP) are second messengers in ABA-induced stomatal closure. In order to clarify involvement of cADPR and cGMP in MeJA-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0), we investigated effects of an inhibitor of cADPR synthesis, nicotinamide (NA), and an inhibitor of cGMP synthesis, LY83583 (LY, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione), on MeJA-induced stomatal closure. Treatment with NA and LY inhibited MeJA-induced stomatal closure. NA inhibited MeJA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and nitric oxide (NO) production in guard cells. NA and LY suppressed transient elevations elicited by MeJA in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](cyt)) in guard cells. These results suggest that cADPR and cGMP positively function in [Ca2+](cyt) elevation in MeJA-induced stomatal closure, are signalling components shared with ABA-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis, and that cADPR is required for MeJA-induced ROS accumulation and NO production in Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1111/plb.12175

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：KARGER  

In the present study, we investigated the anti-proliferative effects of four tea catechins: (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECg) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) in human T lymphocytic leukemia Jurkat cells. Each catechin induced a significant cytotoxic effect on Jurkat cells. Combinations of EGCg with other catechins additively potentiated anti-proliferation, extracellular hydrogen peroxide formation, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation and interferon (IFN)-gamma mRNA expression. Catalase partly but significantly abolished the cytotoxicity induced by EGC or EGCg, whereas it did not influence the EC- or ECg-induced effect. Among the tea catechins, ECg synergistically enhanced the EGCg-induced JNK phosphorylation and IFN-gamma expression. The present findings provide evidence that tea catechins are able to concertedly induce cytotoxicity through the JNK/IFN-gamma pathway in both a hydrogen peroxide-dependent and -independent manner.

DOI： 10.3136/fstr.20.1245

Web of Science

Scopus

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenolic constituent in green tea, is known as a powerful antioxidant but concomitantly possesses a prooxidant property. We investigated the effect of EGCG on phloxine B (PhB)-induced photocytotoxicity in human T lymphocytic leukemia Jurkat cells. EGCG significantly potentiated PhB-induced photocytotoxic effects, including the inhibition of cell proliferation, DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activity induction in Jurkat cells. Catalase attenuated the enhanced cytotoxicity by EGCG, suggesting the involvement of extracellularly produced hydrogen peroxide. Indeed, EGCG significantly enhanced extracellular hydrogen peroxide formation induced by photo-irradiated PhB. The EGCG also enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, and interferon- (IFN-) gene expression, all of which are involved in PhB-induced apoptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that EGCG is capable of potentiating photodynamic therapy responses, presumably through the intracellular oxidative stress-sensitive JNK/IFN- pathway by exogenous hydrogen peroxide formation. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

DOI： 10.1002/ptr.5152

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

In the present study, we evaluated the modifying behavior of simple phenolic compounds on the sulfhydryl groups of glutathione and proteins. The catechol-type polyphenols, including protocatechuic acid, but neither the monophenols nor O-methylated catechol, can modify the sulfhydryl groups in a phenol oxidase-dependent manner. The possible involvement of polyphenol bioactivation in the enhancement of skin inflammation was also suggested.

DOI： 10.1080/09168451.2014.905190

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

Ascorbic acid (AsA) is known as an antioxidant but concomitantly possesses a pro-oxidant property. Because the impact of AsA on photodynamic therapy response is unclear, we investigated the effect of AsA on photocytotoxicity induced by phloxine B in human acute promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. AsA synergistically enhanced phloxine B-induced photocytotoxic effects, including inhibition of cell proliferation, DNA ladder formation, and caspase-3 activation, whereas AsA itself showed no photocytotoxicity. AsA also enhanced the consumption of the reduced glutathione level compared with the cells treated with phloxine B alone under the light condition. Combination of AsA with phloxine B under the light condition enhanced the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These effects were completely cancelled by catalase. These results suggest that AsA synergistically enhances phloxine B-induced photocytotoxicity, possibly through the extracellular oxidative stress-dependent MAPK pathway activation.

DOI： 10.1002/jbt.21549

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Frontiers Research Foundation  

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) induces stomatal closure in response to drought stress, leading to reduction of transpirational water loss. A thiol tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is an important regulator of cellular redox homeostasis in plants. Although it has been shown that cellular redox state of guard cells controls ABA-mediated stomatal closure, roles of GSH in guard cell ABA signaling were largely unknown. Recently we demonstrated that GSH functions as a negative regulator of ABA signaling in guard cells. In this study we performed more detailed analyses to reveal how GSH regulates guard cell ABA signaling using the GSH-deficient Arabidopsis mutant cad2-1. The cad2-1 mutant exhibited reduced water loss from rosette leaves. Whole-cell current recording using patch clamp technique revealed that the cad2-1 mutation did not affect ABA regulation of S-type anion channels. We found enhanced activation of Ca2+ permeable channels by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in cad2-1 guard cells. The cad2-1 mutant showed enhanced H2O2-induced stomatal closure and significant increase of ROS accumulation in whole leaves in response to ABA. Our findings provide a new understanding of guard cell ABA signaling and a new strategy to improve plant drought tolerance. © 2013 Munemasa, Muroyama, Nagahashi, Nakamura, Mori and Murata.

DOI： 10.3389/fpls.2013.00472

Scopus

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author  

DOI： 10.1161/01.res.0000436790.06133.5a

Scopus

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Yeast elicitor (YEL) induces stomatal closure that is mediated by a Ca2+-dependent signaling pathway. A Ca2+-dependent protein kinase, CPK6, positively regulates activation of ion channels in abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate signaling, leading to stomatal closure in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). YEL also inhibits light-induced stomatal opening. However, it remains unknown whether CPK6 is involved in induction by YEL of stomatal closure or in inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening. In this study, we investigated the roles of CPK6 in induction by YEL of stomatal closure and inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis. Disruption of CPK6 gene impaired induction by YEL of stomatal closure and inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening. Activation by YEL of nonselective Ca2+-permeable cation channels was impaired in cpk6-2 guard cells, and transient elevations elicited by YEL in cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration were suppressed in cpk6-2 and cpk6-1 guard cells. YEL activated slow anion channels in wild-type guard cells but not in cpk6-2 or cpk6-1 and inhibited inward-rectifying K+ channels in wild-type guard cells but not in cpk6-2 or cpk6-1. The cpk6-2 and cpk6-1 mutations inhibited YEL-induced hydrogen peroxide accumulation in guard cells and apoplast of rosette leaves but did not affect YEL-induced hydrogen peroxide production in the apoplast of rosette leaves. These results suggest that CPK6 positively functions in induction by YEL of stomatal closure and inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis and is a convergent point of signaling pathways for stomatal closure in response to abiotic and biotic stress. © 2013 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

DOI： 10.1104/pp.113.224055

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER SOC PLANT BIOLOGISTS  

Abscisic acid (ABA) induces stomatal closure and inhibits light-induced stomatal opening. The mechanisms in these two processes are not necessarily the same. It has been postulated that the ABA receptors involved in opening inhibition are different from those involved in closure induction. Here, we provide evidence that four recently identified ABA receptors (PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE1 [PYR1], PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE-LIKE1 [PYL1], PYL2, and PYL4) are not sufficient for opening inhibition in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). ABA-induced stomatal closure was impaired in the pyr1/pyl1/pyl2/pyl4 quadruple ABA receptor mutant. ABA inhibition of the opening of the mutant's stomata remained intact. ABA did not induce either the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide or the alkalization of the cytosol in the quadruple mutant, in accordance with the closure phenotype. Whole cell patch-clamp analysis of inward-rectifying K+ current in guard cells showed a partial inhibition by ABA, indicating that the ABA sensitivity of the mutant was not fully impaired. ABA substantially inhibited blue light-induced phosphorylation of H+-ATPase in guard cells in both the mutant and the wild type. On the other hand, in a knockout mutant of the SNF1-related protein kinase, srk2e, stomatal opening and closure, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production, cytosolic alkalization, inward-rectifying K+ current inactivation, and H+-ATPase phosphorylation were not sensitive to ABA.

DOI： 10.1104/pp.113.223826

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publisher：ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG  

We recently demonstrated that endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) is involved in methyl jasmonate (MeJA)induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, we investigated whether endogenous ABA is involved in MeJA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production and cytosolic alkalization in guard cells using an ABA-deficient Arabidopsis mutant, aba2-2, and an inhibitor of ABA biosynthesis, fiuridon (FLU). The aba2-2 mutation impaired MeJA-induced ROS and NO production. FLU inhibited MeJA-induced ROS production in wild-type guard cells. Pretreatment with 0.1 mu M ABA, which does not induce stomatal closure in the wild type, complemented the insensitivity to MeJA of the aba2-2 mutant. However, MeJA induced cytosolic alkalization in both wild-type and aba2-2 guard cells. These results suggest that endogenous ABA is involved in MeJA-induced ROS and NO production but not in MeJA-induced cytosolic alkalization in Arabidopsis guard cells. (C) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2013.03.011

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Gamma irradiation increased catalase activities at 0.1 kGy and decreased them at 10 kGy in Arabidopsis wild type and catalase-deficient mutants, cat3-1 and cat1 cat3. Irradiation induced DNA damage, H2O2 accumulation, and lipid peroxidation in both mutants as well as the wild type. Thus catalases might not be key enzymes protecting gamma irradiation-induced damage.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.130336

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Food-additive grades of capsanthin, lutein, lycopene, and beta-carotene dispersed in aqueous solutions were photo-irradiated using a Xenon weather meter, and the levels of carotenoids were measured by HPLC and the absorbance method. Capsanthin photo-degraded more rapidly than the carotenoids tested, with less oxygen consumption. Unlike carotenes, capsanthin was partially converted into analogous colored compounds during degradation.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.130033

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Salicylic acid (SA), yeast elicitor (YEL), and chitosan (CHT) induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis wildtype and aba2-2 plants, induced stomatal closure in fluridon-treated wild-type plants, and induced stomatal closure in aos mutants. These results suggest that neither endogenous abscisic acid nor endogenous jasmonic acid is involved in SA-, YEL-, or CHT-induced stomatal closure.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.120980

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

We report that two mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), MPK9 and MPK12, positively regulate abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana. Yeast elicitor (YEL) induced stomatal closure accompanied by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) oscillation. In this study, we examined whether these two MAP kinases are involved in YEL-induced stomatal closure using MAPKK inhibitors, PD98059 and U0126, and MAPK mutants, mpk9, mpk12 and mpk9 mpk12. Both PD98059 and U0126 inhibited YEL-induced stomatal closure. YEL induced stomatal closure in the mpk9 and mpk12 mutants but not in the mpk9 mpk12 mutant, suggesting that a MAPK cascade involving MPK9 and MPK12 functions in guard cell YEL signalling. However, YEL induced extracellular ROS production, intracellular ROS accumulation and cytosolic alkalisation in the mpk9, mpk12 and mpk9 mpk12 mutants. YEL induced [Ca2+]cyt oscillations in both wild type and mpk9 mpk12 mutant. These results suggest that MPK9 and MPK12 function redundantly downstream of extracellular ROS production, intracellular ROS accumulation, cytosolic alkalisation and [Ca2+]cyt oscillation in YEL-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis guard cells and are shared with ABA signalling. © 2012 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2012.00671.x

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SPRINGER  

Glutathione (GSH) has been shown to negatively regulate methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced stomatal closure. We investigated the roles of GSH in MeJA signaling in guard cells using an Arabidopsis mutant, cad2-1, that is deficient in the first GSH biosynthesis enzyme, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase. MeJA-induced stomatal closure and decreased GSH contents in guard cells. Decreasing GSH by the cad2-1 mutation enhanced MeJA-induced stomatal closure. Depletion of GSH by the cad2-1 mutation or increment of GSH by GSH monoethyl ester did not affect either MeJA-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or MeJA-induced cytosolic alkalization in guard cells. MeJA and abscisic acid (ABA) induced stomatal closure and GSH depletion in atrbohD and atrbohF single mutants but not in the atrbohD atrbohF double mutant. Moreover, exogenous hydrogen peroxide induced stomatal closure but did not deplete GSH in guard cells. These results indicate that GSH affects MeJA signaling as well as ABA signaling and that GSH negatively regulates a signal component other than ROS production and cytosolic alkalization in MeJA signal pathway of Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1007/s00344-012-9291-7

Web of Science

Scopus

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Aqueous solutions of dispersed lycopene in which gum arabic, gum ghatti and polyglycerol monostearate ester had been used as emulsifiers were photoirradiated. The photodegradation rate of lycopene tended to vary depending on the amount of polyglycerol monostearate ester used. We found that the photodegradation rate of lycopene with polyglycerol monostearate ester was considerably slower than those with gum arabic and gum ghatti. Therefore, this study suggests that the absorption state of the emulsifier on the crystal surface may affect the photodegradation rate of lycopene.

DOI： 10.3136/fstr.19.983

Scopus

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本食品照射研究協議会  

In Arabidopsis wild-type (Col-0 ecotype) and &lt;i&gt;cat2&lt;/i&gt; mutant plants, gamma radiation induced H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; accumulation and lipid peroxidation at 10 kGy but not at 0.1 to 1 kGy. There were no significant differences in H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; accumulation and lipid peroxidation between the wild type and the &lt;i&gt;cat2&lt;/i&gt; mutant. Hence, CAT2 may not be a key enzyme to protect gamma irradiation-induced damage.

DOI： 10.5986/jrafi.48.38

CiNii Article

CiNii Books

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Isothiocyanates, nitriles, and thiocyanates are degradation products of glucosinolates in crucifer plants. In this study, we investigated the stomatal response to allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), 3-butenenitrile (3BN), and ethyl thiocyanate (ESCN) in Arabidopsis. AITC, 3BN, and ESCN induced stomatal closure in the wild type and the atrbohD atrbohF mutant. Stomatal closure was inhibited by catalase and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM). The degradation products induced extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the rosette leaves, and intracellular ROS accumulation, NO production, and cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) oscillations in guard cells, which were inhibited by SHAM. These results suggest that glucosinolate degradation products induce stomatal closure accompanied by extracellular ROS production mediated by SHAMsensitive peroxidases, intracellular ROS accumulation, and [Ca 2+]cyt oscillation in Arabidopsis.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.120928

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本食品照射研究協議会  

Food irradiation using γ-rays is one of powerful tools to reduce insect infestation in crops and spices. We examined the effects of γ-irradiation on larvae and adults of &lt;i&gt;Tribolium castaneum&lt;/i&gt;. Eclosion for larvae was completely inhibited by irradiation at 500 Gy. A survival rate for adults was markedly reduced by irradiation at more than 500 Gy. The neutral comet assay presented that irradiation irreversibly increased DNA damage at 500 and 1000 Gy and transiently increased DNA damage at 100 Gy, suggesting possible DNA repair in larvae and adults stages. These results indicate that γ-irradiation at 500 Gy is available to eradicate the beetle at larval and adults stages.

DOI： 10.5986/jrafi.48.19

CiNii Article

CiNii Books

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Glutathione (GSH) is involved in abscisic acid (ABA)-and methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, we examined the effects of GSH-decreasing chemicals, p-nitrobenzyl chloride (PNBC), iodomethane (IDM), and ethacrynic acid (EA), on ABA- and MeJA-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis. Treatments with PNBC, IDM, and EA decreased GSH contents in guard cells. Depletion of GSH by PNBC and IDM enhanced ABA- and MeJA-induced stomatal closure and inhibition of light-induced stomatal opening by ABA, whereas EA did not enhance either ABA- and MeJA-induced stomatal closure or inhibition of light-induced stomatal opening by ABA. Depletion of GSH did not significantly increase the production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytosolic alkalization, or cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation induced by ABA and MeJA. These results indicate that depletion of GSH enhances ABA- and MeJA-induced stomatal closure without affecting ROS production, cytosolic alkalization, or cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation in guard cells of Arabidopsis.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.120384

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English  

In this study, we have developed a novel method to identify isothiocyanate (ITC)-targeted molecules using two well-studied ITCs: benzyl ITC (BITC) and phenethyl ITC (PEITC). The principle of this method is based on identifying a pattern of differences between BITC and PEITC given that they show similar chemical and biological behaviors. For method validation, dithiothreitol-reduced bovine insulin as a model molecule was incubated with either BITC or PEITC, and digested peptides were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-TOF-MS) and liquid chromatography quadrupole TOF-MS (LC-Q-TOF-MS). Three peptides-NYCN, FVNQHLCGSHLVE, and ALYLVCGE-were identified as being adducted with BITC or PEITC on their cysteine residues. Each set of peptides adducted with either BITC or PEITC showed retention times (RT(BITC)<RT(PEITC)) by reverse-phase column chromatography with a difference of molecular mass (Δ14.01565). On the basis of these findings, computational mathematical schemes were constructed to extract sets of MS ions satisfying the above criteria. Application of the developed method to an extract of ITC-treated human colon cancer HCT116 cells, thiocarbamoylation of cysteine residues of glutathione, and the N-terminal proline residues of PMFIVNTNVPR from macrophage migration inhibitory factor were successfully identified as one of the intracellular targets of ITCs. Moreover, the method also detected the thiocarbamoylated conjugates of ITCs with intracellular free cysteines and lysines.

DOI： 10.1016/j.ab.2012.07.018

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive metabolite derived from glycolysis. In this study, we examined the effect of MG on seed germination, root elongation, chlorosis and stress-responsive gene expression in Arabidopsis using an abscisic acid (ABA)-deficient mutant, aba2-2. In the wild type, 0.1 mm MG did not affect germination but delayed root elongation, whereas 1.0 mm MG inhibited germination and root elongation and induced chlorosis. MG increased transcription levels of RD29B and RAB18 in a dose-dependent manner but did not affect RD29A transcription level. In contrast, in the aba2-2 mutant, MG inhibition of seed germination at 1.0 mm and 10.0 mm and a delay of root elongation at 0.1 mm MG were mitigated, although there was no significant difference in chlorosis between the wild type and mutant. Moreover, the aba2-2 mutation impaired MG-induced RD29B and RAB18 gene expression. These observations suggest that MG not only directly inhibits germination and root elongation but also indirectly modulates these processes via endogenous ABA in Arabidopsis.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2012.00607.x

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Chitosan (CHT)-induced stomatal closure was inhibited by an MAPKK inhibitor, PD98059, and was impaired in mpk9 mpk12 but not in mpk9 or mpk12. CHT induced the production of reactive oxygen species, cytosolic alkalization, and cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation in mpk9 mpk12. These results suggest that MPK9 and MPK12 are involved in CHT-induced stomatal closure.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.120228

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Salinity significantly increased trisodium-8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulphonic acid (PTS) uptake and decreased the K+/Na+ ratio in salt-sensitive rice (Nipponbare) but did not markedly in salt-tolerant rice (Pokkali). Proline and glycinebetaine (betaine) suppressed the increase in PTS uptake and the decrease in the K+/Na+ ratio in Nipponbare, but did not affect PTS uptake or the K+/Na+ ratio in Pokkali.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.120233

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

Methylglyoxal (MG) is one of the aldehydes accumulated in plants under environmental stress. Cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase (cAPX) plays a key role in the protection of cells from oxidative damage by scavenging reactive oxygen species in higher plants. A cDNA encoding cAPX, named NtcAPX, was isolated from Nicotiana tabacum. We characterized recombinant NtcAPX (rNtcAPX) as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase to investigate the effects of MG on APX. NtcAPX consists of 250 amino acids and has a deduced molecular mass of 27.5 kDa. The rNtcAPX showed a higher APX activity. MG treatments resulted in a reduction of APX activity and modifications of amino groups in rNtcAPX with increasing Km for ascorbate. On the contrary, neither NaCl nor cadmium reduced the activity of APX. The present study suggests that inhibition of APX is in part due to the modification of amino acids by MG. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:315321, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21423

DOI： 10.1002/jbt.21423

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publisher：ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG  

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced stomatal closure is accompanied by the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in guard cells. In this study, we investigated the roles of catalases (CATs) in MeJA-induced stomatal closure using cat mutants cat2, cat3-1 and cat1 cat3, and the CAT inhibitor, 3-aminotriazole (AT). When assessed with 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein, the reduction of catalase activity by means of mutations and the inhibitor accumulated higher basal levels of H2O2 in guard cells whereas they did not affect stomatal aperture in the absence of MeJA. In contrast, the cat mutations and the treatment with AT potentiated MeJA-induced stomatal closure and MeJA-induced H2O2 production. These results indicate that CATs negatively regulate H2O2 accumulation in guard cells and suggest that inducible H2O2 production rather than constitutive elevation modulates stomatal apertures in Arabidopsis. (C) 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2012.03.006

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.04.012

Web of Science

Scopus

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG  

Methylglyoxal (MG) is an oxygenated short aldehyde and a glycolytic intermediate that accumulates in plants under environmental stresses. Being a reactive alpha-oxoaldehyde, MG may act as a signaling molecule in plants during stresses. We investigated whether MG induces stomatal closure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+](cyt)) to clarify roles of MG in Arabidopsis guard cells. MG induced production of ROS and [Ca2+](cyt) oscillations, leading to stomatal closure. The MG-induced stomatal closure and ROS production were completely inhibited by a peroxidase inhibitor, salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM), but were not affected by an NAD(P)H oxidase mutation, atrbohD atrbohF. Furthermore, the MG-elicited [Ca2+](cyt), oscillations were significantly suppressed by SHAM but not by the atrbohD atrbohF mutation. Neither endogenous abscisic acid nor endogenous methyl jasmonate was involved in MG-induced stomatal closure. These results suggest that intrinsic metabolite MG can induce stomatal closure in Arabidopsis accompanied by extracellular ROS production mediated by SHAM-sensitive peroxidases, intracellular ROS accumulation, and [Ca2+](cyt) oscillations. (C) 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2012.02.007

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD  

We investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying phloxine B (PhB)-induced photocytotoxicity in human T lymphocytic leukemia Jurkat cells. In addition to apoptosis-related biochemical events, photo-irradiated PhB generated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), induced phosphorylation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) in an oxidative stress-dependent manner and up-regulated the gene expression of interferon (IFN)-gamma, an inducer of diverse apoptosis-related molecules in activated T cells. PhB-induced apoptosis was significantly inhibited by N-acetyl-l-cysteine, but not by catalase, indicating that ROS generation occurred intracellularly, and by SP600125 and AG490, specific inhibitors of JNK and IFN-gamma signaling, respectively, confirming their roles in the apoptotic pathway. IFN-gamma up-regulation was also inhibited by SP600125, indicating that it was downstream of INK activation. These results suggest that PhB-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells partially involves the intracellular oxidative stress-sensitive and T cell-specific IFN-gamma pathway. These data present a novel insight into the mechanisms of photocytotoxicity induced by artificial food colorants in human T lymphocytic leukemia cells. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.fct.2012.03.011

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

We investigated the mechanism of selenium (Se) tolerance using an Arabidopsis thaliana knockout mutant of a sulfate transporter, sultr1;2. Se stress inhibited plant growth, decreased chlorophyll contents, and increased protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation in the wild type, whereas the sultr1;2 mutation mitigated damage of these forms, indicating that sultr1;2 is more tolerant of Se than the wild type is. The accumulation of symplastic Se was suppressed in sultr1;2 as compared to the wild type, and the chemical speciation of Se in the mutant was different from that in the wild type. Regardless of Se stress, the activities of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase in the mutant were higher than in the wild type, while the activity of superoxide dismutase in the mutant was the same as in the wild type. These results suggest that the sultr1;2 mutation confers Se tolerance on Arabidopsis by decreasing symplastic Se and maintaining antioxidant enzyme activities.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.111000

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Food irradiation is a form of food processing to extend the shelf life and reduce spoilage of food. We examined the effects of gamma radiation on the fatty acid composition, lipid peroxidation level, and antioxidative activity of soybean and soybean oil which both contain a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids. Irradiation at 10 to 80 kGy under aerobic conditions did not markedly change the fatty acid composition of soybean. While 10-kGy irradiation did not markedly affect the fatty acid composition of soybean oil under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions, 40-kGy irradiation considerably altered the fatty acid composition of soybean oil under aerobic conditions, but not under anaerobic conditions. Moreover, 40-kGy irradiation produced a significant amount of trans fatty acids under aerobic conditions, but not under anaerobic conditions. Irradiating soybean oil induced lipid peroxidation and reduced the radical scavenging activity under aerobic conditions, but had no effect under anaerobic conditions. These results indicate that the fatty acid composition of soybean was not markedly affected by radiation at 10 kGy, and that anaerobic conditions reduced the degradation of soybean oil that occurred with high doses of gamma radiation.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.110859

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER SOC PLANT BIOLOGISTS  

Phospholipase D (PLD) is involved in responses to abiotic stress and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. To investigate the roles of two Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) PLDs, PLD alpha 1 and PLD delta, in ABA signaling in guard cells, we analyzed ABA responses in guard cells using Arabidopsis wild type, pld alpha 1 and pld delta single mutants, and a pld alpha 1 pld delta double mutant. ABA-induced stomatal closure was suppressed in the pld alpha 1 pld delta double mutant but not in the pld single mutants. The pld alpha 1 and pld delta mutations reduced ABA-induced phosphatidic acid production in epidermal tissues. Expression of either PLD alpha 1 or PLD delta complemented the double mutant stomatal phenotype. ABA-induced stomatal closure in both pld alpha 1 and pld delta single mutants was inhibited by a PLD inhibitor (1-butanol), suggesting that both PLD alpha 1 and PLD delta function in ABA-induced stomatal closure. During ABA-induced stomatal closure, wild-type guard cells accumulate reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide and undergo cytosolic alkalization, but these changes are reduced in guard cells of the pld alpha 1 pld delta double mutant. Inward-rectifying K+ channel currents of guard cells were inhibited by ABA in the wild type but not in the pld alpha 1 pld delta double mutant. ABA inhibited stomatal opening in the wild type and the pld delta mutant but not in the pld alpha 1 mutant. In wild-type rosette leaves, ABA significantly increased PLD delta transcript levels but did not change PLD alpha 1 transcript levels. Furthermore, the pld alpha 1 and pld delta mutations mitigated ABA inhibition of seed germination. These results suggest that PLD alpha 1 and PLD delta cooperate in ABA signaling in guard cells but that their functions do not completely overlap.

DOI： 10.1104/pp.112.195578

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：FOOD & DRUG ADMINSTRATION  

We have previously identified p53, a universal sensor of genotoxic stress, as a negative regulator of the apoptosis induction by benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) in the normal colon fibroblastoid cells. In the present study, we further confirmed that BITC has a potential to induce cytotoxicity in the p53-mutated colon cancer HT-29 cells in preference to HCT-116 cells with wild-type p53. To obtain effective induction of BITC-stimulated apoptosis in p53-positive cells, we investigated the combination effect of BITC and food ingredient that may overcome resistance to BITC. Pretreatment with luteolin potentiated the cytotoxicity induction by BITC in HCT-116 cells but not in HT-29 cells. The biochemical events related to apoptosis such as DNA ladder formation and caspase-3 activation were also enhanced by luteolin. Luteolin attenuated the expression of p21(wafl/cipl) a key downstream target of p53. These results suggest the role of p21(wafl/cipl) pathway in the overcoming BITC resistance by luteolin.

Web of Science

Scopus

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

Background. Photoageing of skin is thought to be caused by protein denaturation, which can be induced by ultraviolet radiation. Previous studies have also reported that inflammation is related to protein denaturation; however, the influence of inflammation on skin ageing has not been explored in detail.
Aim. To investigate the possible connection between inflammation and protein denaturation, which might lead to skin ageing, we focused on halogenated tyrosine as a denatured substance produced during the inflammation process.
Methods. We measured halogenated tyrosine in aged human skin. Inflammatory cells and halogenated tyrosine were detected by immunohistochemistry using antibodies to mast-cell tryptase, neutrophilic myeloperoxidase and halogenated tyrosine. Finally, using elastic van Gieson ( EVG) staining, we investigated whether the sites of halogenated tyrosine coincided with the sites at which proteins were denatured.
Results. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that both inflammatory cells and halogenated tyrosines increased with ageing in both photoexposed and photoprotected skin. EVG staining confirmed that the localization of halogenated tyrosine was close to the sites at which protein was denatured.
Conclusions. Our investigations indicate a possible connection between skin ageing and inflammation, suggesting that halogenated tyrosine could be a useful marker of ageing skin.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04215.x

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive aldehyde derived by glycolysis. In Arabidopsis, MG inhibited light-induced stomatal opening in a dose-dependent manner. It significantly inhibited both inward-rectifying potassium (K-in) channels in guard-cell protoplasts and an Arabidopsis K-in channel, KAT1, heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Thus it appears that MG inhibition of stomatal opening involves MG inhibition of K+ influx into guard cells.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.110885

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

An abscisic acid (ABA)-insensitive Vicia faba mutant, fia (fava bean impaired in ABA-induced stomatal closure) had previously been isolated. In this study, it was investigated how FIA functions in ABA signalling in guard cells of Vicia faba. Unlike ABA, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), H2O2, and nitric oxide (NO) induced stomatal closure in the fia mutant. ABA did not induce production of either reactive oxygen species or NO in the mutant. Moreover, ABA did not suppress inward-rectifying K+ (K-in) currents or activate ABA-activated protein kinase (AAPK) in mutant guard cells. These results suggest that FIA functions as an early signal component upstream of AAPK activation in ABA signalling but does not function in MeJA signalling in guard cells of Vicia faba.

DOI： 10.1093/jxb/err369

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Pre-treatment with alpha-tocopherol (alpha-Toc) potentiated cytotoxicity induction by benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). Biochemical events related to apoptosis, such as DNA ladder formation and caspase-3 activation, were also enhanced by alpha-Toc. These results suggest a significant role of the caspase-3 pathway in apoptosis induction regulated by alpha-Toc in combination.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.110665

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER CHEMICAL SOC  

In the present study, we examined the toxicity of benzyl 1TC (BITC) and its urinary mercapturic acid metabolite (BITC-NAC), using a normal renal proximal tubular cell line, pig LLC-PK1. BITC increased cell death with an IC50 value of about 7 mu M, whereas the cytotoxic effect of BITC-NAC was five times weaker than that of BITC. We observed a significant necrosis of the compounds on LLC-PK1 cells with oxidative stress. In the presence of 5 mM glutathione (GSH), comparable to physiological levels, the cytotoxicity of BITC-NAC as well as BITC was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the increase in intracellular GSH levels by pretreatment with NAC before the BITC treatment resulted ill inhibition of the BITC-induced necrotic events as well as intracellular oxidative stress. These results suggest that GSH is a determinant of cellular resistance against the BITC-mediated and oxidative stress-dependent cytotoxicity in renal proximal tubular cells.

DOI： 10.1021/jf2052042

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG  

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induces stomatal closure similar to abscisic acid (ABA), and MeJA signaling in guard cells shares some signal components with ABA signaling. As part of this process, MeJA as well as ABA induce the elevation and oscillation of cytosolic free-calcium concentrations ([Ca2+](cyt)) in guard cells. While abscisic acid-induced [Ca2+](cyt) oscillation has been extensively studied, MeJA-induced [Ca2+](cyt) oscillation is less well understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of K252a (a broad-range protein kinase inhibitor) and okadaic acid (OA, a protein phosphatase 1 and 2A inhibitor) on MeJA-induced [Ca2+](cyt) oscillation in guard cells of Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia expressing the Ca2+ reporter yellow cameleon 3.6. The protein kinase inhibitor K252a abolished MeJA-induced stomatal closure and reduced MeJA-elicited [Ca2+](cyt) oscillation. The protein phosphatase inhibitor OA, on the other hand, did not inhibit these processes. These results suggest that MeJA signaling involves activation of K252a-sensitive protein kinases upstream of [Ca2+](cyt) oscillation but not activation of an OA-sensitive protein phosphatase in guard cells of A. thaliana ecotype Columbia. (C) 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2011.05.004

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are degradation products of glucosinolates in crucifer plants and have repellent effect on insects, pathogens and herbivores. In this study, we report that exogenously applied allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis via production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), and elevation of cytosolic Ca2+. AITC-induced stomatal closures were partially inhibited by an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase and completely inhibited by glutathione monoethyl ester (GSHmee). AITC-induced stomatal closure and ROS production were examined in abscisic acid (ABA) deficient mutant aba2-2 and methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-deficient mutant aos to elucidate involvement of endogenous ABA and MeJA. Genetic evidences have demonstrated that AITC-induced stomatal closure required MeJA priming but not ABA priming. These results raise the possibility that crucifer plants produce ITCs to induce stomatal closure, leading to suppression of water loss and invasion of fungi through stomata.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1365-3040.2011.02385.x

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG  

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), are among the important second messengers in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in guard cells. In this study, to investigate specific roles of H(2)O(2) in ABA signaling in guard cells, we examined the effects of mutations in the guard cell-expressed catalase (CAT) genes, CAT1 and CAT3, and of the CAT inhibitor 3-aminotriazole (AT) on stomata! movement. The cat3 and cat1 cat3 mutations significantly reduced CAT activities, leading to higher basal level of H(2)O(2) in guard cells, when assessed by 2&apos;,7&apos;-dichlorodihydrofluorescein, whereas they did not affect stomatal aperture size under non-stressed condition. In addition, AT-treatment at concentrations that abolish CAT activities, showed trivial affect on stomatal aperture size, while basal H(2)O(2) level increased extensively. In contrast, cat mutations and AT-treatment potentiated ABA-induced stomata! closure. Inducible ROS production triggered by ABA was observed in these mutants and wild type as well as in AT-treated guard cells. These results suggest that ABA-inducible cytosolic H(2)O(2) elevation functions in ABA-induced stomatal closure, while constitutive increase of H(2)O(2) do not cause stomatal closure. (C) 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2011.05.006

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG  

We found that glutathione (GSH) is involved in abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure. Regulation of ABA signaling by GSH in guard cells was investigated using an Arabidopsis mutant. cad2-1. that is deficient in the first GSH biosynthesis enzyme, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, and a GSH-decreasing chemical, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). Glutathione contents in guard cells decreased along with ABA-induced stomata! closure. Decreasing GSH by both the cad2-1 mutation and CDNB treatment enhanced ABA-induced stomata! closure. Glutathione monoethyl ester (GSHmee) restored the GSH level in cad2-1 guard cells and complemented the stomatal phenotype of the mutant. Depletion of GSH did not significantly increase ABA-induced production of reactive oxygen species in guard cells and GSH did not affect either activation of plasma membrane Ca2+-permeable channel currents by ABA or oscillation of the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration induced by ABA. These results indicate that GSH negatively modulates a signal component other than ROS production and Ca2+ oscillation in ABA signal pathway of Arabidopsis guard cells. (C) 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2011.06.002

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：INFORMA HEALTHCARE  

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important mediators for VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signalling involved in angiogenesis. The initial product of Cys oxidation, cysteine sulfenic acid (Cys-OH), is a key intermediate in redox signal transduction; however, its role in VEGF signalling is unknown. We have previously demonstrated IQGAP1 as a VEGFR2 binding scaffold protein involved in ROS-dependent EC migration and post-ischemic angiogenesis. Using a biotin-labelled Cys-OH trapping reagent, we show that VEGF increases protein-Cys-OH formation at the lamellipodial leading edge where it co-localizes with NADPH oxidase and IQGAP1 in migrating ECs, which is prevented by IQGAP1 siRNA or trapping of Cys-OH with dimedone. VEGF increases IQGAP1-Cys-OH formation, which is prevented by N-acetyl cysteine or dimedone, which inhibits VEGF-induced EC migration and capillary network formation. In vivo, hindlimb ischemia in mice increases CysOH formation in small vessels and IQGAP1 in ischemic tissues. In summary, VEGF stimulates localized formation of Cys-OH-IQGAP1 at the leading edge, thereby promoting directional EC migration, which may contribute to post-natal angiogenesis in vivo. Thus, targeting Cys-oxidized proteins at specific compartments may be the potential therapeutic strategy for various angiogenesis-dependent diseases.

DOI： 10.3109/10715762.2011.602073

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

We investigated the roles of catalase (CAT) in abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure using a cat2 mutant and an inhibitor of CAT, 3-aminotriazole (AT). Constitutive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation due to the CAT2 mutation and AT treatment did not affect stomatal aperture in the absence of ABA, whereas ABA-induced stomatal closure, ROS production, and [Ca2+](cyt) oscillation were enhanced.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.110344

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：THAILANDS NATL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY  

Glutathione (GSH), one of the most abundant low molecular-weight thiol compounds, maintains redox homoeostasis in plants. To measure GSH content in guard cells of Arabidopsis thaliana, we have developed a technique to quantify the GSH content in guard cells using the staining dye monochlorobimane (MCB). The fluorescent intensity of glutathione S-bimane (GSB) gradually increased in guard cells with increasing incubation time and reached steady state 2 h after epidermal tissues were treated with MCB. The guard cells contained larger amount of GSH content than other cells of the leaves except trichome cell. MCB staining showed that guard cells of a GSH deficient mutant, accumulated significantly lower GSH content than that of wild type guard cells. When the guard cells were treated with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene to reduce GSH content in the guard cells, the GSB fluorescence in the guard cells was abolished. In addition, GSH monoethyl ester restored GSH level in the guard cells of ch1-1 mutant plants. These results suggest that GSH content in guard cells can be quantified using MCB dye.

DOI： 10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2011.37.281

Web of Science

Scopus

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Background: Phloxine B (PhB; 2&apos;,4&apos;,5&apos;,7&apos;-tetrabromo-4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-fluorescein), an artificial xanthene colorant, has been used as a red coloring agent in drugs and cosmetics as well as foods in some countries. However, little effort has been devoted to the study of this colorant as a potentially useful medicinal agent.
Methods: We investigated the daily light-induced photocytotoxicity of PhB in two human leukemia cells, HL-60 and Jurkat, and its underlying mechanisms by in vitro experiments using antioxidants.
Reuslts and conclusions: PhB inhibited cell proliferation more preferentially to HL-60 cells than to Jurkat cells. Co-treatment of catalase completely blocked the photocytotoxicity by PhB in HL-60 cells, whereas the effect of histidine was only partial, suggesting that hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), rather than singlet oxygen, might be a prerequisite for the PhB-induced HL-60 cell death. Actually, PhB produced a significant amount of H(2)O(2) in the media as well as in the cells in concentration- and light-dependent manners. Furthermore, methionine, a hypochlorous acid (HOCl) scavenger, also significantly attenuated the cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells, but not in Jurkat cells, indicating the involvement of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-dependent hypohalous acid formation during the photocytotoxicity. In vitro experiments revealed that halogenated tyrosine was generated from the reaction of bovine serum albumin with PhB and HL-60 cell lysate. The present findings suggested that PhB induced a differential photodynamic action in the MPO-containing leukemia cells through an H(2)O(2)-dependent mechanism.
General significance: Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the PhB-induced apoptosis and also evaluated PhB as a promising PDT agent. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbagen.2011.04.010

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Lycopene dispersed in aqueous solutions with different dissolved oxygen contents was photo-irradiated by using a xenon weather meter, and the contents of lycopene and dissolved oxygen were measured. Both the degradation of lycopene and the consumption of dissolved oxygen followed a first-order kinetics model. There was a proportional relationship between the degradation content of lycopene and the consumption of dissolved oxygen. These results indicate that dissolved oxygen would also be involved in the photolysis of lycopene.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.110154

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC  

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant and biologically active polyphenol in green tea, induces apoptosis and suppresses proliferation of cancer cells by modulating multiple signal transduction pathways. However, the fundamental mechanisms responsible for these cancer-preventive effects have not been clearly elucidated. Recently, we found that EGCG can covalently bind to cysteine residues in proteins through autoxidation and subsequently modulate protein function. In this study, we demonstrate the direct binding of EGCG to cellular proteins in AZ521 human gastric cancer cells by redox-cycle staining. We comprehensively explored the binding targets of EGCG from EGCG-treated A2521 cells by proteomics techniques combined with the boronate-affinity pull-down method. The DEAD-box RNA helicase p68, which is overexpressed in a variety of tumor cells and plays an important role in cancer development and progression, was identified as a novel EGCG-binding target. Exposure of AZ521 cells to EGCG lowered the p68 level dose dependently. The present findings show that EGCG inhibits AZ521 cell proliferation by preventing beta-catenin oncogenic signaling through proteasomal degradation of p68 and provide a new perspective on the molecular mechanism of EGCG action. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.01.024

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER SOC PLANT BIOLOGISTS  

In this study, we examined the involvement of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) in methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced stomatal closure using an inhibitor of ABA biosynthesis, fluridon (FLU), and an ABA-deficient Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutant, aba2-2. We found that pretreatment with FLU inhibited MeJA-induced stomatal closure but not ABA-induced stomatal closure in wild-type plants. The aba2-2 mutation impaired MeJA-induced stomatal closure but not ABA-induced stomatal closure. We also investigated the effects of FLU and the aba2-2 mutation on cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+](cyt)) in guard cells using a Ca2+-reporter fluorescent protein, Yellow Cameleon 3.6. In wild-type guard cells, FLU inhibited MeJA-induced [Ca2+](cyt) elevation but not ABA-induced [Ca2+](cyt) elevation. The aba2-2 mutation did not affect ABA-elicited [Ca2+](cyt) elevation but suppressed MeJA-induced [Ca2+](cyt) elevation. We also tested the effects of the aba2-2 mutation and FLU on the expression of MeJA-inducible VEGETATIVE STORAGE PROTEIN1 (VSP1). In the aba2-2 mutant, MeJA did not induce VSP1 expression. In wild-type leaves, FLU inhibited MeJA-induced VSP1 expression. Pretreatment with ABA at 0.1 mu M, which is not enough concentration to evoke ABA responses in the wild type, rescued the observed phenotypes of the aba2-2 mutant. Finally, we found that in wild-type leaves, MeJA stimulates the expression of 9-CIS-EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE3, which encodes a crucial enzyme in ABA biosynthesis. These results suggest that endogenous ABA could be involved in MeJA signal transduction and lead to stomatal closure in Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1104/pp.111.172254

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC  

Salicylic acid (SA), a ubiquitous phenolic phytohormone, is involved in many plant physiological processes including stomatal movement. We analysed SA-induced stomatal closure, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), cytosolic calcium ion ([Ca2+](cyt)) oscillations and inward-rectifying potassium (K+(in)) channel activity in Arabidopsis. SA-induced stomatal closure was inhibited by pre-treatment with catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), suggesting the involvement of extracellular ROS. A peroxidase inhibitor, SHAM (salicylhydroxamic acid) completely abolished SA-induced stomatal closure whereas neither an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (DPI) nor atrbohD atrbohF mutation impairs SA-induced stomatal closures. 3,3&apos;-Diaminobenzidine (DAB) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) stainings demonstrated that SA induced H(2)O(2) and O(2)- production. Guard cell ROS accumulation was significantly increased by SA, but that ROS was suppressed by exogenous CAT, SOD and SHAM. NO scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO) suppressed the SA-induced stomatal closure but did not suppress guard cell ROS accumulation whereas SHAM suppressed SA-induced NO production. SA failed to induce [Ca2+](cyt) oscillations in guard cells whereas K+(in) channel activity was suppressed by SA. These results indicate that SA induces stomatal closure accompanied with extracellular ROS production mediated by SHAM-sensitive peroxidase, intracellular ROS accumulation and K+(in) channel inactivation.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1365-3040.2010.02253.x

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER SOC PLANT BIOLOGISTS  

Previous studies have demonstrated that methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induces stomatal closure dependent on change of cytosolic free calcium concentration in guard cells. However, these molecular mechanisms of intracellular Ca2+ signal perception remain unknown. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) function as Ca2+ signal transducers in various plant physiological processes. It has been reported that four Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) CDPKs, CPK3, CPK6, CPK4, and CPK11, are involved in abscisic acid signaling in guard cells. It is also known that there is an interaction between MeJA and abscisic acid signaling in guard cells. In this study, we examined the roles of these CDPKs in MeJA signaling in guard cells using Arabidopsis mutants disrupted in the CDPK genes. Disruption of the CPK6 gene impaired MeJA-induced stomatal closure, but disruption of the other CDPK genes did not. Despite the broad expression pattern of CPK6, we did not find other remarkable MeJA-insensitive phenotypes in the cpk6-1 mutant. The whole-cell patch-clamp analysis revealed that MeJA activation of nonselective Ca2+-permeable cation channels is impaired in the cpk6-1 mutant. Consistent with this result, MeJA-induced transient cytosolic free calcium concentration increments were reduced in the cpk6-1 mutant. MeJA failed to activate slow-type anion channels in the cpk6-1 guard cells. Production of early signal components, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, in guard cells was elicited by MeJA in the cpk6-1 mutant as in the wild type. These results provide genetic evidence that CPK6 has a different role from CPK3 and functions as a positive regulator of MeJA signaling in Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1104/pp.110.162750

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

In this study, we investigated the relationship between the stability of catechins and their electrophilic reactivity with proteins. The stability of catechins was evaluated by HPLC analysis. Catechol-type catechins were stable in a neutral buffer, but pyrogallol-type catechins, such as (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), were unstable. The electrophilic reactivity of catechins with thiol groups in a model peptide and a protein was confirmed by both mass spectrometry and electrophoresis/blotting with redox-cycling staining. In a comparison of several catechins, pyrogallol-type catechins had higher reactivity with protein thiols than catechol-type catechins. The instability and reactivity of EGCg were enhanced in an alkaline pH buffer. The reactivity of EGCg was reduced by antioxidants due to their ability to prevent EGCg autoxidation. These results indicate that the instability against oxidation of catechins is profoundly related to their electrophilic reactivity. Consequently, the difference in these properties of tea catechins can contribute to the magnitude of their biological activities.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.100509

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

We examined the involvement of intracellular glutathione (GSH) in methyl jasmonate (MeJA) signaling. The chlorinal-1 (ch1-1) mutation decreased GSH in guard cells and narrowed the stomata! aperture. GSH monoethyl ester increased intracellular GSH, diminishing this phenotype. GSH did not affect MeJA-induced reactive oxygen species production or cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation, suggesting that GSH modulates MeJA signaling downstream of production and oscillation.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.100513

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

Yeast elicitor (YEL) induces stomatal closure. We investigated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, nitric oxide (NO) production and [Ca(2+)](cyt) oscillations to clarify YEL signaling in Arabidopsis guard cells. YEL induced ROS accumulation in guard cells. A peroxidase inhibitor [salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM)] inhibited the stomatal closure and the ROS accumulation, but neither the atrbohD atrbohF mutation nor an NADPH oxidase inhibitor [diphenylene iodonium chloride (DPI)] had any effect. An NO scavenger [2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3oxide (cPTIO)] inhibited the YEL-induced stomatal closure and SHAM abolished NO production. YEL-elicited [Ca(2+)] cyt oscillations were inhibited by SHAM but not by the atrbohD atrbohF mutation. These results indicate that YEL induces stomatal closure accompanied by ROS production mediated by peroxidases and NO production.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcq145

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Chitosan induced stomatal closure in wild type-plants and NADPH oxidase knock-out mutants (atrbohD atrbohF), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in wild-type guard cells. Closure and production were completely abolished by catalase and a peroxidase inhibitor. These results indicate that chitosan induces ROS production mediated by peroxidase, resulting in stomata! closure.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.100340

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Methylglyoxal (MG) is one of the aldehydes that accumulate in plants under environmental stress. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play important roles, including detoxification, in the stress tolerance systems of plants. To determine the effects of MG, we characterized recombinant GST. MG decreased GST activity and thiol contents with increasing Km. GST can serve as a target of MG modification, which is suppressed by application of reduced glutathione.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.100393

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Efficient detoxification of the reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide (NO) and methylglyoxal (MG), provides protection against NaCl-induced damage in plants. To elucidate the protective mechanisms of proline and glycinebetaine (betaine) against NaCl stress, intracellular levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (O-2(-)), NO, and MG were investigated in tobacco Bright Yellow-2 cells. The Levels of H2O2, O-2(-), NO and MG were higher in the short-term and long-term NaCl-stressed cells than in the non-stressed cells, whereas the O-2(-) level was higher in the long-term stressed cells. Exogenous proline and betaine decreased the H2O2 level in both the short-term and the long-term NaCl-stressed cells and the MG level in the long-term NaCl-stressed cells, but did not change the O-2(-) or NO levels. Under salt stress, both proline and betaine increased the transcription levels of glutathione peroxidase, which can contribute to the reduction of H2O2. In conclusion, proline and betaine mitigated salt stress via reduction of H2O2 accumulation during short-term incubation and via reduction of the accumulation of H2O2 and MG during long-term incubation.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.100334

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

Abscisic acid (ABA)- and methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced stomatal closure are accompanied by cytosolic alkalization in guard cells. However, it remains to be clarified how the alkalization functions in not only ABA signaling but also MeJA. We investigated cytosolic alkalization in guard cells during ABA-, MeJA- and Ca(2+)-induced stomatal closure of wild type, abi1-1, abi2-1, ost1-2 and coi1 using a pH-sensitive fluorescent dye, BCECF-AM. ABA induced cytosolic alkalization in guard cells of wild-type and coi1 but not in ost1-2 guard cells whereas MeJA elicited cytosolic alkalization in wild-type and ost1-2 guard cells but not in coi1. Neither ABA nor MeJA induced cytosolic alkalization in abi1-1 and abi2-1 guard cells. Exogenous Ca(2+) induced stomatal closure accompanied by cytosolic alkalization in guard cells of wild-type, abi1-1, abi2-1, ost1-2 and coi1 plants. An agent to acidify cytosol, butyrate, suppressed Ca(2+) -induced cytosolic alkalization and ABA-, MeJA- and Ca(2+) -induced cytosolic Ca(2+) oscillation in wild-type guard cells to prevent stomatal closure. These results indicate that cytosolic alkalization and cytosolic Ca(2+) oscillation coordinately function in ABA and MeJA signaling in Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcq131

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

We tested synthetic food colorants for their antioxidative potential by the in vitro superoxide generation assay in differentiated HL-60 cells in response to phorbol ester. Among the 12 colorants tested, such fluorescein-type red colorants as rose bengal showed potent inhibitory activity without any cytotoxicity under dark conditions. The intracellular accumulation and superoxide anion scavenging effect of rose bengal were at least partly involved in the inhibitory activity.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.100314

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

Abscisic acid (ABA) induces production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), elevation of the cytosolic free calcium ion concentration ([Ca(2+)](cyt)) and cytosolic pH (pH(cyt)), and activation of S-type anion channels in guard cells, causing stomatal closure. To investigate whether Arabidopsis Two pore channel 1 (AtTPC1) that encodes the slow vacuolar (SV) channel is involved in stomatal closure, we examined stomatal movements and mobilization of second messengers in the attpc1-2 loss-of-function mutant in response to ABA, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and Ca(2+). Both ABA and MeJA elicited production of ROS and NO, [Ca(2+)] cyt oscillations, cytosolic alkalization and activation of S-type anion channel currents to lead to stomatal closure in the attpc1-2 mutant as well as the wild type. Unlike the wild type, in the attpc1-2 mutant exogenous Ca(2+) neither induced stomatal closure nor activated plasma membrane S-type anion channel currents despite [Ca(2+)] cyt elevation. These results indicate that AtTPC1 functions in response to external Ca(2+) but not to ABA and MeJA in Arabidopsis guard cells and suggest that AtTPC1 could be involved in priming of plasma membrane S-type anion channels by external Ca(2+) in Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcq001

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY  

Adipocyte dysfunction is strongly associated with the development of insulin resistance and diabetes, and regulation of adipogenesis is important in prevention of diabetes. We prepared a 100% methanol fraction of methanolic extract from unripe kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa), designated KMF (kiwi fruit methanol fraction) When applied to 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells, KMF promoted adipocyte differentiation, increased glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity, and increased triglyceride (TG) content. KMF markedly increased mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma)-the master adipogenic transcription factor-and its target genes. Moreover, KMF increased mRNA expression and protein secretion of adiponectin, whereas mRNA expression and secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were decreased. Compared with troglitazone, KMF decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF kappa B) activation. Glucose uptake was stimulated by KMF in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Taken together, these results indicate that KMF may exert beneficial effects against diabetes via its ability to regulate adipocyte differentiation and function. (C) 2010 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/biof.70

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER CHEMICAL SOC  

Sesame seeds contain a number of antioxidants, such as sesamin, sesamolin, sesaminol, and sesaminol glucosides. Sesaminol triglucoside was reported to suppress oxidative stress in vivo, but little is known about the metabolism of this potentially important compound. Therefore, we have studied the metabolites of sesaminol formed in the rat liver S9 mix and excreted in the liver of rats ingesting sesaminol triglucoside for 24 h. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses revealed that rat liver S9 mix transformed the sesaminol into a catechol-type metabolite. On the basis of a previous study with sesame lignans by culturing the genus Aspergillus, sesaminol-6-catechol was identified as the major metabolite. Sesaminol was further converted into 5 &apos;&apos;-methylated sesaminol-6-catechol by catechol-O-methyltransferase. Moreover, we successfully detected these metabolites in the liver of rats ingesting the sesaminol triglucoside.

DOI： 10.1021/jf901939m

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER CHEMICAL SOC  

The oxidation of dietary polyphenols with a catechol structure leads to the formation of an o-quinone structure, which rapidly reacts with sulfhydryls such as glutathione and protein cysteine residues. This modification may be important for understanding the redox regulation of cell functions by polyphenols. In this study, to investigate the catechol modification of protein sulthydryls, we used 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (DPA) as a model catechol compound and developed a new probe to directly detect protein modification by catechol type polyphenols using a biotinylated DPA (Bio-DPA). The oxidation-dependent electrophilic reactivity of DPA with peptide sulfhydryls was confirmed by both mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. When RL34 cells were treated with Bio-DPA, the significant incorporation of Bio-DPA into a 40 kDa protein was observed by Western blot analysis. The band was identified by mass spectrometry as the cytoskeletal protein, beta-actin. This identification was confirmed by the pull-down assay with anti-beta-actin antibody. To examine the reactivity of the catechol type polyphenols, such as flavonoids, to endogenous beta-actin, RL34 cells were coexposed to Bio-DPA and the flavonoids quercetin, (-)-epicatechin, and (-)-epicatechin gallate. Upon exposure of the cells to Bio-DPA in the presence of the flavonoids, we observed a significant decrease in the DPA-modified beta-actin. These results indicate that beta-actin is one of the major targets of protein modification by catechol type polyphenols and that Bio-DPA is an useful probe for understanding the redox regulation by dietary polyphenols. Furthermore, Keap1, a scaffold protein to the actin cytoskeleton controlling cytoprotective enzyme genes, was also identified as another plausible target of the catechol type polyphenols by oxidative modification of the intracellular sulfhydryls. These results provide an alternative approach to understand that catechol type polyphenol is a potential modifier of redox-dependent cellular events through sulfhydryl modification.

DOI： 10.1021/tx900148k

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Cadmium (Cd) stress significantly decreased membrane integrity and impaired the ascorbate (ASC)-glutathione (GSH) cycle in tobacco Bright Yellow-2 cells. Exogenous application of proline and glycinebetaine (betaine) significantly restored the membrane integrity and increased the activities of ASC-GSH cycle enzymes under Cd stress without maintenance of the rich ASC or GSH pools. Moreover, proline offered more efficient protection against Cd stress than betaine.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.90305

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

The application of exogenous proline and glycinebetaine (betaine) confers salt tolerance on plants under salt stress. The effects of exogenous proline and betaine on apoplastic How in rice plants under saline conditions were investigated using trisodium-8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulphonic acid (PTS), an apoplastic tracer. Rice plants took up more PTS under light conditions than under dark conditions. Salt stress increased PTS uptake and Na+ content of rice leaves, but did not affect K+ content, resulting in a lower K+/Na+ ratio. Addition of proline or betaine to the saline medium suppressed Na+-induced PTS uptake and Na+ accumulation, while the K+ content was slightly increased, which led to a high K+/Na+ ratio under saline conditions. These results suggest that exogenous proline and betaine suppressed Na+-enhanced apoplastic flow to reduce Na+ uptake in rice plants.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.90244

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

Thioglucoside glucohydrolase (myrosinase), TGG1, is a strikingly abundant protein in Arabidopsis guard cells. We investigated responses of tgg1-3, tgg2-1 and tgg1-3 tgg2-1 mutants to abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to clarify whether two myrosinases, TGG1 and TGG2, function during stomatal closure. ABA, MeJA and H2O2 induced stomatal closure in wild type, tgg1-3 and tgg2-1, but failed to induce stomatal closure in tgg1-3 tgg2-1. All mutants and wild type showed Ca-2-induced stomatal closure and ABA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)production. A model is discussed in which two myrosinases redundantly function downstream of ROS production and upstream of cytosolic Ca-2 elevation in ABA and MeJA signaling in guard cells.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcp066

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Cellular phototoxicity induced by UVA irradiation and its potential application to therapy has been reported. In the present study, the induction of apoptosis induced by beta-carotene and dimethyl tetrasulfide (Me2S4) assisted by UVA irradiation in HL-60 cells was assessed. beta-carotene assisted by UVA significantly decreased the cell viability and induced DNA fragmentation in HL-60 cells. Me2S4 combined with beta-carotene and assisted by UVA significantly inhibited the cell viability, and enhanced the caspase-3 activity which was completely inhibited by N-acety-L-cysteine. beta-carotene was significantly degraded by UVA, but this was not accellerated by Me2S4 in a cell culture system. The photodegradation products of beta-carotene prepared by UVA irradiation regardless of the addition of Me2S4 showed lower cytotoxicity than beta-carotene itself in HL-60 cells. These results suggest that the ROS- and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis induced by beta-carotene and Me2S4 assisted by UVA was due to a synergistic action rather than to the sole effect of the photodegradation products of beta-carotene in HL-60 cells.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.80794

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC  

In the present Study, we found that (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of the Th1/Th2 cytokines including IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-5 and IL-13 in Jurkat T cells. The EGCG-induced mRNA Up-regulation of IL-2 and IL-5 was predominantly affected by the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signalling, whereas IL-13 gene expression, the most responsive to the EGCG treatment, was dependent on neither ERK nor c-jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling. IFN-gamma gene expression was partially mitigated by both inhibitors of the ERK and JNK pathways. Furthermore, catalase significantly attenuated the intracellular peroxide production, phosphorylation of ERK and JNK, and all cytokine gene expressions induced by EGCG. In addition, physiologically relevant concentrations of both EGCG and H(2)O(2)-induced up-regulation of IL-5 gene expression. Our findings provide biological evidence that EGCG induces Th1/Th2 cytokine mRNA expression via H(2)O(2). production followed by activation of ERK or JNK in Jurkat T cells. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.abb.2008.12.010

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG  

Environmental stress, including heavy metal stress, can cause oxidative damage to plants. Up-regulation of the antioxidant defense system induced by proline and glycinebetaine (betaine) alleviates the damaging effects of oxidative stress in plants. Here, we investigated the protective effects of exogenously applied proline and betaine on growth, accumulation of proline and betaine, lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes in cultured tobacco Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cells exposed to cadmium (Cd) stress. Cadmium stress (at 100 mu M Cd) caused a significant inhibition of the growth of BY-2 cells, and both proline and betaine significantly mitigated this inhibition. In addition, the mitigating effect of proline was more pronounced than that of betaine. Cadmium stress leads to an accumulation of Cd and endogenous proline in cultured cells, increased lipid peroxidation and peroxidase (POX) activity, and decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Exogenous application of proline resulted in a decrease in lipid peroxidation and an increase in SOD and CAT activities without reducing Cd contents under Cd stress, while application of betaine resulted in a decrease in lipid peroxidation and an increase in CAT activity with reducing Cd accumulation. Furthermore, exogenous proline and betaine intensified the accumulation of proline and betaine in Cd-stressed BY-2 cells, respectively. The present study suggests that proline and betaine confer tolerance to Cd stress in tobacco BY-2 cells by different mechanisms. (C) 2009 Elsevier GrnbH. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2009.04.002

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG  

Salt stress causes oxidative damage and cell death in plants. Plants accumulate proline and glycinebetaine (betaine) to mitigate detrimental effects of salt stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of proline and betaine on cell death in NaCl-unadapted tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Bright Yellow-2 suspension-cultured cells subjected to salt stress. Salt stress increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, lipid peroxidation, nuclear deformation and degradation, chromatin condensation, apoptosis-tike cell death and ATP contents. Neither proline nor betaine affected apoptosis-like cell death and G, phase population, and increased ATP contents in the 200 mM NaCl-stressed cells. However, both of them effectively decreased ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation, and suppressed nuclear deformation and chromatin condensation induced by severe salt stress. Evans Blue staining experiment showed that both proline and betaine significantly suppressed increment of membrane permeability induced by 200 mM NaCl. Furthermore, among the ROS scavenging antioxidant defense genes studied here, mRNA levels of salicylic acid-binding (SAbind) catalase (CAT) and lignin-forming peroxidase (POX) were found to be increased by proline and betaine under salt stress. It is concluded that both proline and betaine provide a protection against NaCl-induced cell death via decreasing level of ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation as well as improvement of membrane integrity. (C) 2008 Elsevier GmbH. ALL rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2008.03.002

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Landes Bioscience  

Intracellular components in methyl jasmonate (MeJA) signaling remain largely unknown, to compare those in well-understood abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. We have reported that nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling component in MeJA-induced stomatal closure, as well as ABA-induced stomatal closure in the previous study. To gain further information about the role of NO in the guard cell signaling, NO production was examined in an ABA- and MeJA-insensitive Arabidopsis mutant, rcn1. Neither MeJA nor ABA induced NO production in rcn1 guard cells. Our data suggest that NO functions downstream of the branch point of MeJA and ABA signaling in Arabidopsis guard cells. ©2009 Landes Bioscience.

DOI： 10.4161/psb.4.2.7537

Scopus

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：KARGER  

An important and promising group of compounds that have a cancer-chemopreventive property are organosulfur compounds, such as isothiocyanates (ITCs). Various ITCs are effective chemoprotective agents against chemical carcinogenesis in experimental animals. Several epidemiological studies also indicated that the dietary consumption of ITCs or ITC-containing foods inversely correlates with the risk of developing lung, breast, and colon cancers, providing evidence that they have a potential to prevent cancer in humans. Mechanistically, ITCs are capable of inhibiting both the formation and development of a cancer cell through multiple pathways; i.e. the inhibition of carcinogen-activating cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenases, induction of carcinogen-detoxifying phase 2 enzymes, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of cell cycle progression. We have clarified the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between cell cycle regulation and apoptosis induced by benzyl ITC (BITC), a major ITC compound isolated from papaya (Corica papaya) fruit. We identified phosphorylated Bcl-2 as a key molecule linking p38 MAPK-dependent cell cycle regulation with the c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation by BITC. We also established that BITC exerts the cytotoxic effect more preferentially in the proliferating cells than in the quiescent cells. Furthermore, p53 was found to be a potential negative regulator of apoptosis induction by BITC in normal epithelial cells through inhibition of cell cycle progression at the G(0)/G(1) phase. In contrast, treatment with an excessive concentration of BITC resulted in necrotic cell death in an ATP-dependent manner. This review addresses the biological impact of cell death induction by BITC as well as other ITCs and the involved molecules regulating signal pathways. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

DOI： 10.1159/000212749

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-induced apoptosis was along both the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways in Jurkat cells. Co-treatment with EGCG potentiated the cytotoxicity induced by benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and H2O2, both being inhibited by ERK and JNK inhibitors. These results suggest the significant role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in the apoptosis induction regulated by EGCG alone and in combination.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.80422

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Organosulfur compounds have been established to possess anticancer effects. To provide a better understanding of the biological function of dimethyl sulfides, dimethyl monosulfide (Me2S), dimethyl disulfide (Me2S2), dimethyl trisulfide (Me2S3) and dimethyl tetrasulfide (Me2S4) were used as experimental materials to investigate their effects on apoptosis induction in human leukemia Jurkat cells and HL-60 cells. Treatment with 20 Km dimethyl sulfides for 24 h decreased the viability of both cells. The cell viability-reducing effect of these sulfides was in the following order: Me2S4 approximate to Me2S3 &gt; Me2S2 approximate to Me2S for Jurkat cells and Me2S4 &gt; Me2S3 &gt; Me2S2 approximate to Me2S for HL-60 cells. Me2S3 and Me2S4 significantly induced DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation. The addition of GSH or NAC completely suppressed the sulfide-induced apoptosis. Our results indicate that dimethyl sulfides with a larger number of sulfur atoms more strongly induced apoptosis in both human leukemia cells via ROS production and caspase-3 activation.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.80453

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

We investigated the role of glutathione (GSH) in stomatal movements using a GSH deficient mutant, chlorinal-1 (ch1-1). Guard cells of ch1-1 mutants accumulated less GSH than wild types did. Light induced stomatal opening in ch1-1 and wild-type plants. Abscisic acid (ABA) induced stomatal closure in ch1-1 mutants more than wild types without enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Therefore, GSH functioned downstream of ROS production in the ABA signaling cascade.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.80407

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) as well as abscisic acid (ABA) induces stomatal closure with their signal crosstalk. We investigated the function of a regulatory A subunit of protein phosphatase 2A, RCN1, in MeJA signaling. Both MeJA and ABA failed to induce stomatal closure in Arabidopsis rcn1 knockout mutants unlike in wild-type plants. Neither MeJA nor ABA induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and suppressed inward-rectifying potassium channel activities in rcn1 mutants but not in wild-type plants. These results suggest that RCN1 functions upstream of ROS production and downstream of the branch point of MeJA signaling and ABA signaling in Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcn106

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

Carotenoids are used in wide-ranging food applications, but they are susceptible to degradation by many factors including light. We examined the photodegradation of five kinds of carotenoids and three kinds of anthocyanins to clarify which structures of pigments were favorable to accelerated degradation by sulfides under UVA irradiation. Under UVA irradiation, crocetin and crocin were decomposed more rapidly in the presence of dimethyl tetrasulfide than in the absence of the sulfide, but not as rapidly as beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin were. However, cyanidin was decomposed more slowly in the presence of sulfide than in the absence of sulfide. Moreover, the photodegradation of kuromanin and keracyanin was not affected by the addition of a sulfide. We also examined the mechanism for this accelerated degradation. Normal hexane was more favorable to the photodegradation of beta-carotene than methanol and ethanol. The accelerated degradation was inhibited by free radical scavengers, but enhanced by the addition of deuterium oxide. These results suggest that conjugated double bonds were favorable to the accelerated photodegradation by sulfide and that this reaction was mediated by free radicals.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.80251

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER CHEMICAL SOC  

Hypochlorous acid (HOC1), a strong oxidant derived from myeloperoxidase in neutrophils and macrophages, can chlorinate DNA bases at the site of inflammation. Because little is known about the protective role of natural antioxidants, such as polyphenols, for the myeloperoxidase-derived DNA damage, we screened the inhibitory effects of various phenolic antioxidants on the chlorination of the 2'-deoxycytidine residue by HOC1 in vitro and found that green tea catechins, especially (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECg) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), significantly inhibited the chlorination. These catechins also reduced nucleoside- and taurine-chloramines, which can induce secondary oxidative damage, into their native forms. Mass spectrometric and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses showed that ECg and EGCg can effectively scavenge HOC1 and/or chloramine species resulting in the formation of mono-and dichlorinated ECg and EGCg. Using the HL-60 human leukemia cell line, it was found that ECg could efficiently accumulate in the cells. Immunocytometric analyses using antihalogenated 2'-deoxycytidine antibody showed that pretreatment of cells with ECg inhibited the HOC1-induced immunofluorescence. In addition, the chlorinated ECg derivatives were detected in the HOC1-treated HL-60 cells. These results showed that green tea catechins, especially 3-galloylated catechins, may be the plausible candidate for the prevention of inflammation-derived DNA damage and perhaps carcinogenesis.

DOI： 10.1021/tx800069e

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG  

Salt stress impairs reactive oxygen species (ROS) and methylglyoxal (MG) detoxification systems, and causes oxidative damage to plants. Up-regulation of the antioxidant and glyoxalase systems provides protection against NaCl-induced oxidative damage in plants. Thiol-disulfide contents, glutathione content and its associated enzyme activities involved in the antioxidant defense and glyoxalase systems, and protein carbonylation in tobacco Bright Yellow-2 cells grown in suspension culture were investigated to assess the protection offered by proline and glycinebetaine against salt stress. Salt stress increased protein carbonylation, contents of thiol, disulfide, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms of glutathione, and the activity of glutathione-S-transferase and glyoxalase II enzymes, but decreased redox state of both thiol-disulfide and glutathione, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glyoxalase I enzymes involved in the ROS and MG detoxification systems. Exogenous application of proline or glycinebetaine resulted in a reduction of protein carbonylation, and in an increase in glutathione redox state and activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and glyoxalase I under salt stress. Neither proline noi glycinebetaine, however, had any direct protective effect on NaCl-induced GSII-associated enzyme activities. The present study, therefore, suggests that both proline and glycinebetaine provide a protective action against NaCl-induced oxidative damage by reducing protein carbonylation, and enhancing antioxidant defense and MG detoxification systems. (C) 2007 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2007.07.013

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG  

Up-regulation of the antioxidant system provides protection against NaCl-induced oxidative damage in plants. Antioxidants and activity of enzymes involved in the ascorbate-glutathione (ASC-GSH) cycle in tobacco Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) were investigated to assess the antioxidant protection offered by exogenous proline and glycinebetaine (betaine from now on) against salt stress using cells grown in suspension culture. Reduced ascorbate (ASC) was detected in BY-2 cells but dehydroascorbate (DHA) was not. Large quantities of a reduced form of glutathione (GSH) and smaller quantities of an oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG) were detected in BY-2 cells. Salt stress significantly reduced the contents of ASC and GSH as well. as activities of ASC-GSH cycle enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR). Exogenous proline or betaine increased the activities of all enzymes except MDHAR involved in NaCl-induced ASC-GSH cycle. Levels of ASC and GSH in BY-2 cells under salt stress were lower in the presence of proline or betaine than in the absence of proline or betaine whereas there was no difference in redox status. Proline proved more effective than betaine in maintaining the activity of enzymes involved in NaCl-induced ASC-GSH cycle. Neither proline nor betaine had any direct protective effect on NaCl-induced enzyme activity involved in the antioxidant system; however, both improved salt tolerance by increasing enzyme activity. The present study, together with our earlier findings [Hoque MA, Okuma E, Banu MNA, Nakamura Y, Shimoishi Y, Murata Y. Exogenous proline mitigates the detrimental effects of salt stress more than exogenous betaine by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities. J Plant Physiol 2006;164:553-61.], suggests that proline offered greater protection against salt stress than betaine did because proline was more effective in increasing the activity of enzymes involved in the antioxidant system. (C) 2006 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2006.10.004

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC  

Apigenin is a representative dietary flavone (2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one) inhibiting cancer cell growth both in cell culture systems and in vivo. The prooxidant potential of apigenin was confirmed by the observations using flowcytometric and irnmunoblotting techniques that the intracellular accumulations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein carbonyls were detected in the cells treated, with apigenin in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) did not show any prooxidant effect. A structure-activity relationship data thus indicated that a 4'-monohydroxyl group, which can be oxidized to semiquinone radical but not up to quinone-like metabolite, is essential for prooxidant effect. When HL-60 cells were treated with not only a heme synthesis inhibitor succinyl acetone (SA) but also myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitors, the ROS level enhanced by apigenin was significantly reduced. The gathered data suggested that peroxidase-catalyzed production of apigenin B-ring phenoxyl radicals might be responsible for the prooxidant effect. This is supported by the observation that MPO is able to catalyze production of apigenin phenoxyl radicals, detected by an electron spin resonance-spin trapping technique. We also reveal that both SA and a-tocopherol enhance cellular susceptibility to apoptosis-inducing stimuli by apigenin. In conclusion, the prooxidant effect of apigenin is likely to oxidize a variety of thiols through the formation of phenoxyl radicals and thus seems to play a significant role in the abortive apoptotic pathway switching to necrotic cell death. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.abb.2007.07.026

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG  

Proline and betaine accumulate in plant cells under environmental stresses including stress. Here, we investigated effects of proline and betaine on the growth and activities of antioxidant enzymes in tobacco Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) culture cells in suspension under salt stress. Both proline and betaine mitigated the inhibition of growth of BY-2 cells under salt stress and the mitigating effect of proline was more than that of betaine. Salt stress significantly decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and peroxidase in BY-2 cells. Exogenous application of proline or betaine alleviated the reduction in catalase and peroxidase activities but not SOD activity under salt stress. In addition, proline was found to be effective in alleviating the inhibition of salt stress-induced catalase and peroxidase activities in BY-2 cells. Neither proline nor betaine directly scavenged superoxide (02) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). It is concluded that exogenous proline mitigates the detrimental effects of salt stress more than exogenous betaine because of its superior ability to increase the activities of antioxidant enzymes. (C) 2006 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jplph.2006.03.010

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER SOC PHOTOBIOLOGY  

Reactive nitrogen species, produced during the process of inflammation induced by various factors including UV radiation, modify amino acids in crucial proteins. It is assumed that skin tissue is more likely to be modified, as it is located at the outer layer of a body that is exposed to UV radiation on a daily basis. To investigate the influence of the modified tyrosine on UV-exposed skin, we detected the nitrotyrosine or halogenated tyrosine and dityrosine in photo-aged model mice. The back skin of mice was exposed to a dose of 10 J cm(-2) day(-1) every day for 15 weeks. Samples exhibiting typical symptoms of photo aging were provided to the immunofluorescence study. The quantification of modified proteins was accomplished through a chemical analytical method known as HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry. Analysis of the irradiated skin samples showed that all modified tyrosine except nitrotyrosine demonstrated statistically significant increases. The molecular weights of major modified proteins, confirmed as 25-50 kDa, were measured using Western blot analysis with an anti-nitrotyrosine antibody. Furthermore, the immunofluorescence study verified that the localization of myeloperoxidase conformed to that of nitrotyrosine. This result suggests that the modified tyrosine was produced during the process of inflammation by UV irradiation. In this study, we used a low dose of UV irradiation to which we are exposed in daily life. Our results suggest that UV exposure in daily life may induce the production of modified tyrosines and skin aging.

DOI： 10.1562/2006-07-24-RA-978

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER SOC PLANT BIOLOGISTS  

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) elicits stomatal closing similar to abscisic acid (ABA), but whether the two compounds use similar or different signaling mechanisms in guard cells remains to be clarified. We investigated the effects of MeJA and ABA on second messenger production and ion channel activation in guard cells of wild-type Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana) and MeJA-insensitive coronatine-insensitive 1 (coi1) mutants. The coi1 mutation impaired MeJA-induced stomatal closing but not ABA-induced stomatal closing. MeJA as well as ABA induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in wild-type guard cells, whereas MeJA did not induce production of ROS and NO in coi1 guard cells. The experiments using an inhibitor and scavengers demonstrated that both ROS and NO are involved in MeJA-induced stomatal closing as well as ABA-induced stomatal closing. Not only ABA but also MeJA activated slow anion channels and Ca2+ permeable cation channels in the plasma membrane of wild-type guard cell protoplasts. However, in coi1 guard cell protoplasts, MeJA did not elicit either slow anion currents or Ca2+ permeable cation currents, but ABA activated both types of ion channels. Furthermore, to elucidate signaling interaction between ABA and MeJA in guard cells, we examined MeJA signaling in ABA-insensitive mutant ABA-insensitive 2 (abi2-1), whose ABA signal transduction cascade has some disruption downstream of ROS production and NO production. MeJA also did not induce stomatal closing but stimulated production of ROS and NO in abi2-1. These results suggest that MeJA triggers stomatal closing via a receptor distinct from the ABA receptor and that the coi1 mutation disrupts MeJA signaling upstream of the blanch point of ABA signaling and MeJA signaling in Arabidopsis guard cells.

DOI： 10.1104/pp.106.091298

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

The expression of plasma membrane K+ channels of NaCl-adapted tobacco suspension cells and effects of extracellular Ca2+ on plasma membrane K+ channels were investigated. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analysis showed that expression of TORK1, which encodes a K+ channel, was much lower in NaCl-adapted cells than in NaCl-unadapted cells. The magnitude of the outward K+ currents of NaCl-adapted as well as NaCl-unadapted cells decreased with increasing extracellular Ca2+ but there is no significant difference in Ca2+ dependency of the K+ current. These analyses suggest that reduction of the number of K+ channels might cause NaCl adaptation of cells through the decrease of outward K+ currents.

DOI： 10.1093/pcp/pcl030

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

We screened myoga extracts for inhibitors of human platelet aggregation and human 5-lipoxygenase. We identified a novel labdane type of diterpene, together with three known diterpenes (miogadial and galanals A and B) from the flower buds of myoga. Spectroscopic data indicated the structure of the new compound to be 12(E)-labdene-15,16,(8 beta)17-trial (miogatrial). Miogatrial and miogadial were potent inhibitors of human platelet aggregation and human 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). The sesquiterpene, polygodial, also exhibited strong inhibitory activity against human platelet aggregation and 5-LOX. On the other hand, galanals A and B did not have inhibitory activity in either experimental system. It thus appears that a 3-formyl-3-butenal structure was essential for the potent inhibition of human platelet aggregation and human 5-LOX.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.60226

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：IOS PRESS  

An important and promising group of compounds that have a chemopreventive property are organosulfur compounds, such as isothiocyanates (ITCs). In recent years, it has been shown that ITCs induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines and experimental rodents. During the course of apoptosis induction by ITC, multiple signal-transduction pathways and apoptosis intermediates are modulated. We have also clarified the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by benzyl isothiocyanate ( BITC), a major ITC compound isolated from papaya. The exposure of cells to BITC resulted in the inhibition of the G(2)/M progression that coincided with not only the up-regulated expression of the G(2)/M cell cycle arrest-regulating genes but also the apoptosis induction. The experiment using the phase-specific synchronized cells demonstrated that the G(2)/M phase-arrested cells are more sensitive to undergoing apoptotic stimulation by BITC than the cells in other phases. We identified the phosphorylated Bcl-2 as a key molecule linking the p38 MAPK-dependent cell cycle arrest with the JNK activation by BITC. We also found that BITC induced the cytotoxic effect more preferentially in the proliferating normal human colon epithelial cells than in the quiescent cells. Conversely, treatment with an excessive concentration of BITC resulted in necrotic cell death without DNA ladder formation. This review addresses the biological impact of cell death induction by BITC as well as other ITCs and the involved signal transduction pathways.

DOI： 10.1002/biof.5520260203

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

We found that both benzyl isothiocyanate (ITC) and phenyl ITC inhibited respiration in the mitochondria in an electrophilic reaction-dependent manner. ITG induced mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release were prevented by cyclosporin A, indicating that they are mediated through the ITC moiety-dependent reaction to critical thiol groups for the opening of membrane permeability transition-dependent pores.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.69.2439

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：KARGER  

We demonstrated that a dietary supplement, Antioxidant Biofactor (AOB (R)), a fermented grain food, inhibits phorbol ester (TPA)-induced inflammatory responses. Pretreatment of mouse skin with ethyl acetate extract of AOB (0.5 mg) significantly attenuated the hydrogen peroxide level in mouse skin without inhibition of edema formation. Also, exposure of AOB extract to differentiated HL-60 cells resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of TPA-induced superoxide generation, which was stronger than those of the raw materials of AOB. Our results suggest that AOB is effective for prevention of skin oxidative stress.

DOI： 10.3136/fstr.11.373

Web of Science

Scopus

CiNii Article

CiNii Books

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE  

Although alpha-tocopherol is known as an essential micronutrient involved in various oxidative stress-related processes, its non-antioxidant activities have only been characterized in recent years. In this study, we reveal that (+)-alpha-tocopherol [RRR-alpha-tocopherol] enhances cellular susceptibility to both oxidative and non-oxidative apoptosis-inducing stimuli through up-regulation of caspase-3/ CPP32 expression in several human cell lines. Exposure of (+)-alpha-tocopherol pretreated cells to known apoptosis-inducing stimuli, such as Fas, H2O2, or etoposide, resulted in an increase in cellular apoptotsis. In addition, (+)-alpha-tocopherol also elevated the procaspase-3 protein level and mRNA expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner, while other tocopherol analogues showed no effect. Experiments using a GC-specific DNA binding agent, mithramycin A, and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that Sp1 might mediate the enhanced expression of caspase-3. Our results also confirmed that (+)-a-tocopherol promotes the expression, but not the activation, of caspase-3 in various human cell lines. These findings provide biological evidence showing that (+)-alpha-tocopherol can amplify the apoptotic response by up-regulating the expression of pro-caspase-3. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.06.113

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER CHEMICAL SOC  

Sesamin and sesaminol triglucoside in sesame seeds are major lignans that display an abundance of biological activities. Although their antioxidative activity in vitro is weak, they have been reported to suppress oxidative stress in vivo. We investigated the production of new antioxidative lignans from sesame lignans by culturing with the genus Aspergillus to enhance the function of food materials. Media containing sesamin or sesaminol triglucoside increased antioxidative activity for DPPH radical scavenging by culturing with Aspergillus usamii mut. shirousamii RIB2503. The antioxidative lignans in sesamin medium were identified as sesamin 2,6-dicatechol and episesamin 2,6-dicatechol. Those in sesaminol triglucoside medium were identified as sesaminol 6-catechol and episesaminol 6-catechol, which are novel antioxidative lignans. It is suggested that they may exhibit higher antioxidative activity than sesamin and sesaminol triglucoside because they have the catechol functional moiety.

DOI： 10.1021/jf048043h

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC  

A potential role of DNA damage by leukocyte-derived reactive species in carcinogenesis has been suggested. Leukocyte-derived peroxidases, such as myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase, use hydrogen peroxide and halides (Cl- and Br-) to generate hypohalous acids (HOCl and HOBr), halogenating intermediates. It has been suggested that these oxidants lead to the formation of halogenated products upon reaction with nucleobases. To verify the consequences of phagocyte-mediated DNA damage at the site of inflammation, we developed a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb2D3) that recognizes the hypohalous acid-modified DNA and found that the antibody most significantly recognized HOCl/HOBr-modified 2'-deoxycytidine residues. The immunoreactivity of HOCl-treated oligonucleotide was attenuated by excess methionine, suggesting that chloramine-like species may be the plausible epitopes of the antibody. On the basis of further characterization combined with mass spectrometric analysis, the epitopes of mAb2D3 were determined to be novel N-4,5-dihalogenated 2'-deoxycytidine residues. The formation of the dihalogenated 2'-deoxycytidine in vivo was immunohistochemically demonstrated in the lung and liver nuclei of mice treated with lipopolysaccharides, an experimental inflammatory model. These results strongly suggest that phagocyte-derived oxidants, hypohalous acids, endogenously generate the halogenated DNA bases such as a novel dihalogenated 2'-deoxycytidine in vivo. Halogenation ( chlorination and/or bromination) of DNA therefore may constitute one mechanism for oxidative DNA damage at the site of inflammation.

DOI： 10.1074/jbc.M408210200

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Zerumbone (ZER), a sesquiterpene compound occurring in tropical ginger Zingiber zerumbet Smith, has been implicated as one of the promising chemopreventive agents against colon and skin cancer. In the present study, we investigated the phase II detoxification enzymes induction of ZER using a cultured rat normal liver epithelial cell line. Exposure of RL34 cells to ZER resulted in the significant induction of glutathione S-transferase, while the reduced analogues of ZER (alpha-humulene and 8-hydroxy-alpha-humulene) did not show any inducing effect. Therefore, the electrophilic property, characterized by the reactivity with intracellular nucleophiles including protein sulfhydryls as well as low molecular weight thiols, at the 8-position alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl group plays an important role in the induction of phase II enzymes. ZER induced nuclear localization of the transcription factor Nrf2 that binds to antioxidant response element (ARE) of the phase II enzyme genes, suggesting that ZER is a potential activator of the Nrf2/ARE-dependent detoxification pathway. This is consistent with the observation that ZER potentiated the gene expression of several Nrf2/ARE-dependent phase II enzyme genes, including gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, glutathione peroxidase, and hemeoxygenase-1. The present study also implied the antioxidant role of this detoxification system activation by ZER in the neutralization of lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes, providing a new insight for cancer prevention. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

DOI： 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.07.042

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

The antimicrobial activities of the three diterpene dialdehydes, miogadial, galanal A and galanal B, isolated from flower buds of the myoga (Zingiber mioga Roscoe) plant were investigated with some strains of bacteria, yeasts and molds. Among the three compounds, miogadial exhibited relatively greater antimicrobial activity than the others against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts. Galanals A and B also behaved as antimicrobial agents against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts. The content of miogadial in the flower buds was much higher than that in the leaves, whereas galanals A and B were contained at high levels in the leaves and rhizomes.

DOI： 10.1271/bbb.68.1601

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-LISS  

We recently showed that zerumbone, a sesquiterpene found in subtropical ginger, suppresses colonic tumor marker formation in rats and induces apoptosis in colon cancer cell lines. In our present study, the anti-tumor initiating and promoting activities of zerumbone in mouse skin were evaluated using a conventional 2-stage carcinogenesis model. A single topical pretreatment to mouse skin (2 mumol) 24 hr before application of dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (0.2 mumol) markedly suppressed tumor incidence by 60% and the number of tumors by 80% per mouse. Repeated pretreatment (16 nmol) twice weekly during the post-initiation phase reduced the number of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 1.6 nmol)-induced tumors by 83% as well as their diameter by 57%. Multiple reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR experiments revealed that zerumbone (2 mumol) enhanced the mRNA expression level of manganese superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase-1, glutathione S-transferase-P1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase in the epidermis, but not that of cytochrome P450 1A1 or 1B1. Further, it diminished TPA-induced cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, while pretreatment(s), in either the priming or activation stage or both, reduced double TPA application-induced hydrogen peroxide formation and edema induction by 29% to 86%, respectively. Histologic examination revealed that pretreatment(s) with zerumbone suppressed leukocyte infiltration and reduced proliferating cell nuclear antigen-labeling indices. Together, our results indicate that zerumbone is a promising agent for the prevention of both tumor initiating and promoting processes, through induction of anti-oxidative and phase II drug metabolizing enzymes as well as attenuation of proinflammatory signaling pathways. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/ijc.20175

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：APSIT ASSOC PROM STUD IMMUNOL TUMOR  

The effects of the ethyl acetate extract of "Kurosu" (EK), Japanese traditional vinegar from unpolished rice, on the proliferation of a variety of human cancer cell lines were investigated by using the alamar blue assay. Cancer cell lines included colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), lung carcinoma (A549), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), bladder carcinoma (5637), and prostate carcinoma (LNCaP) cells. EK inhibited the proliferation of all tested cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with inhibition mostly pronounced in Caco-2 cells (up to 62% inhibition at a dose level of 0.025%). Flow cytometry of EK-treated Caco-2 cells showed a decrease in cell number in the G(2)/M phase and an increase in the sub-G(1) phase (apoptotic). In addition, DNA fragmentation was detected in Caco-2 cells cultured with EK by immunostaining. RT-PCR analysis revealed p21 mRNA expression was induced in EK-treated Caco-2 cells. Moreover, PARP cleavage was promoted in EK-treated Caco-2 cells. These results Suggest that EK causes G(0)/G(1) arrest through p21 induction and, thus, is a potential apoptosis inducer in Caco-2 cells.

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：IOS PRESS  

Naturally occurring isothiocyanates are effective chemoprotective agents against chemical carcinogenesis in experimental animals. In the present study, we clarified the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC)-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The exposure of HL-60 cells to BITC resulted in the inhibition of the G(2)/M progression that coincided with the apoptosis induction. We demonstrated that BITC significantly up-regulated expression of the G(2)/M cell cycle arrest-regulating genes including p21, GADD45, and 14-3-3sigma. Thus, these gathered data further supported that BITC has a potential to induce apoptosis selectively in the proliferating pre-cancerous cells through a cell cycle arrest-dependent mechanism.

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：IOS PRESS  

The exposure of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) to mouse skin resulted in the attenuation of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced oxidative damage through not only inhibition of the NADPH oxidase system but also leukocyte clearance at inflamed region. In spite of little ability to affect TPA-induced edema formation, pretreatments of mouse skin with BITC before the first or second TPA treatment significantly decrease the H2O2 level. A histological study also demonstrated that BITC enhanced the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive index in mouse skin, suggesting that BITC might accelerate the disappearance of infiltrated leukocytes. Thus, these gathered data further supported that BITC has a potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCI IRELAND LTD  

The effects of the constituents isolated from ginger species including curcumin, 6-gingerol and labdane-type diterpene compounds on cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis in the cultured human T lymphoma Jurkat cells were studied. Among the tested compounds, Galanals A and 13, isolated from the flower buds of a Japanese ginger, myoga (Zingiber mioga Roscoe), showed the most potent cytotoxic effect. Exposure Of Jurkat human T-cell leukemia cells to galanals resulted in the induction of apoptotic cell death characterized by DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation. The mitochondrial damage pathway was suggested to be involved in galanal-induced apoptosis because the treatment of cells with galanals induced mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Deltapsim) alteration and cytochrome c release. The anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein was downregulated by the galanal treatment together with enhancement of the Bax expression. In conclusion, the results from this study provide biological evidence that ginger-specific constituents other than curcuminoids are potential anticancer agents. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/S0304-3835(03)00381-1

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Alkyl gallates are widely used as food antioxidants. Methyl, ethyl, propyl, lauryl, and cetyl gallates showed antimuta-genicity to activated 2-aminoanthracene (2AA)-induced SOS responses in Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002. They also exhibited a suppressive effect on 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC)-induced cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) in human hepatoma HepG2 cells, as indexed by the 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, and on CYP1A protein level. Both antimutagenicity and suppression of CYP1A appeared to be dependent on alkyl chain lengths, which suggested lipophilicity dependence. Based on those results, we investigated 26 other phenolic compounds for their lipophilicity, antimutagenicity and inhibition of EROD activity. The lipophilicity correlated well with the inhibition of EROD activity (r = 0.78), and the inhibition of EROD activity correlated with the antimutagenicity of those compounds (r = 0.71). The results suggest that the lipophilicity of the phenolic compounds may be an important factor in their ability to inhibit EROD activity. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/S1383-5718(03)00057-3

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER CHEMICAL SOC  

Dihydrochalcones are a family of bicyclic flavonoids, defined by the presence of two benzene rings joined by a saturated three carbon bridge. In the present study, we systematically examined the antioxidant activities of dihydrochalcones against the stable free radical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and lipid peroxidation in the erythrocyte membrane. All dihydrochalcones exhibited higher antioxidant activities than the corresponding flavanones. The H-1 NMR analysis indicated that the active dihydrochalcone has a time-averaged conformation in which the aromatic A ring is orthogonal to the carbonyl group, while the inactive dihydrochalcone such as 2'-O-methyl-phloretin has a strongly hydrogen-bonded phenolic hydroxyl group, suggestive of a coplanar conformation. A hydroxyl group at the 2'-position of the dihydrochalcone A ring, newly formed by reduction of the flavanone C ring, is an essential pharmacophore for its radical scavenging potential.

DOI： 10.1021/jf0341060

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD  

(-)-Epicatechin is one of the most potent antioxidants present in the human diet. Particularly high levels are found in black tea, apples, and chocolate. High intake of catechins has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. There have been several reports concerning the bioavailability of catechins, however, the chemical structure of (-)-epicatechin metabolites in blood, tissues, and urine remains unclear. In the present study, we purified and elucidated the chemical structure of (-)-epicatechin metabolites in human and rat urine after oral administration. Three metabolites were purified from human urine including (-)-epicatechin-3'-O-glucuronide, 4'-O-methyl-(-)-epicatechin-3'-O-glucuronide, and 4'-O-methyl-(-)-epicatechin-5 or 7-O-glucuronide, according to H-1- and C-13-NMR, HMBC, and LC-MS analyses. The metabolites purified from rat urine were 3'-O-methyl-(-)-epicatechin, (-)-epicatechin-7-O-glucuronide, and 3'-O-methyl-(-)-epicatechin-7-O-glucuronide. These compounds were also detected in the blood of humans and rats by LC-MS. The presence of these metabolites in blood and urine suggests that catechins are metabolized and circulated in the body after administration of catechin-containing foods. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Inc.

DOI： 10.1016/S0891-5849(02)01434-X

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author,　Last author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE  

We have developed a simple system for the sensitive detection and measurement of glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity that detoxifies polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using the cultured rat normal liver epithelial cell line, RL34 cells. Citral (3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal) was isolated from the methanol extract of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and identified as a novel inducer of GST. Citral, a mixture of the two stereoisomers geranial and neral, dose- and time-dependently induced the total and pi-class-specific activities of GST. The structure-activity relationship study revealed that geranial, an E-isomer, was mainly responsible for the inducing activity of citral mixture and the aldehyde group conjugated with a trans-double bond is an essential structural factor. The data were consistent with the in vitro observation that both glutathione (GSH) and protein thiol quickly and specifically reacted with the active isomer geranial, but not neral. Pretreatment of the cells with diethyl maleate significantly enhanced not only the basal activity but also the citral-stimulated activity of GST, while pretreatment with N-acetyl-cysteine inhibited it. Moreover, the treatment of RL 34 cells with geranial for 30 min significantly attenuated the intracellular GSH level, while application for 18 h enhanced it. These results strongly suggested that the electrophilic property characterized by the reactivity with intracellular nucleophiles including protein thiol or glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in the induction of GST. The present study also implied the antioxidant role of GST induction by citral in mouse skin, providing a new insight into skin cancer prevention. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/S0006-291X(03)00219-5

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD  

1. Without the addition of xenobiotics, only by changing the Culture medium can one induce extensively and transiently cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) protein and mRNA in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The induction was aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)dependent, and was proven by: (1) the medium change activated the AhR, as judged by a electrophoretic mobility shift assay; and (2) the AhR inhibitor alpha-naphthoflavone inhibited the medium change-mediated induction.
2. Induction of CYP1A1 was related to medium prepared by autoclaving. By screening the ingredients in the medium, the serum had no effect on CYP1A1 induction, whereas both photo-oxidized and autoclaved tryptophan were shown to induce CYP1A1, as indicated by CYP1A1 protein or ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity. The autoclaved tryptophan contained in an autoclavable medium was a more potent inducer of CYP1A1 than photo-oxidized tryptophan.
3. The results provide some practical suggestions with experiments related to CYP1A1.

DOI： 10.1080/0049825021000012583

Web of Science

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER CHEMICAL SOC  

Dihydroferulic acid (DFA) and dihydrosinapic acid (DSA) were isolated from Kurosu (unpolished rice vinegar) as the major constituents responsible for Kurosu's radical scavenging activity. The levels of antioxidative activity of DFA and DSA in DPPH radical scavenging were higher than those of their respective structurally related compounds, ferulic acid and sinapic acid. The concentrations of DFA and DSA were low in common rice vinegar (polished rice vinegar), suggesting that Kurosu is more advantageous than rice vinegars as an antioxidative food item. As the concentrations of DFA and DSA were low in unpolished rice, too, these acids are thought to be produced in Kurosu through the process of the fermentation from ferulic acid and sinapic acid, respectively.

DOI： 10.1021/jf020458f

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCI IRELAND LTD  

In our previous study. FA15 (2-methyl-I-butyl ferulic acid) was chemically synthesized as a novel ferulic acid (FA) analog, and found to notably suppress phorbol ester-induced Epstein-Barr virus activation and superoxide anion generation in vitro. In this report, we demonstrated that FA15 in contrast to FA, markedly Suppressed the combined lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma-induced protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, and also inhibited the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha accompanied by suppression of I-kappaB degradation in RAW264.7, a murine macrophage cell line. In ICR mouse skin, topical application of FA15 significantly attenuated phorbol ester-triggered hydrogen peroxide production and edema formation as well as papilloma development while that of FA did not. Our results suggest that FA15, derived front natural sources. is a novel chemopreventive agent, both structurally and functionally. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/S0304-3835(01)00858-8

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

Zerumbone (ZER), a sesquiterpene from the edible plant Zingiber zerumbet Smith, has recently been found to suppress tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced Epstein-Barr virus activation in a potent manner. In the present study, we evaluated the antiinflammatory and chemopreventive potentials of ZER in a variety of cell culture experiments. ZER effectively suppressed TPA-induced superoxide anion generation from both NADPH oxidase in dimethylsulfoxide-differentiated HL-60 human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells and xanthine oxidase in AS52 Chinese hamster ovary cells. The combined lipopolysaccharide- and interferon-gamma-stimulated protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, together with the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages were also markedly diminished. These suppressive events were accompanied with a combined decrease in the medium concentrations of nitrite and prostaglandin E-2, while the expression level of COX-1 was unchanged. ZER inhibited the proliferation of human colonic adenocarcinoma cell lines (LS174T, LS180, COLO205, and COLO320DM) in a dose-dependent manner, while the growth of normal human dermal (2F0-C25) and colon (CCD-18 Co) fibroblasts was less affected. It also induced apoptosis in COLO205 cells, as detected by dysfunction of the mitochondria transmembrane, Annexin V-detected translocation of phosphatidylserine, and chromatin condensation. Intriguingly, alpha-humulene, a structural analog lacking only the carbonyl group in ZER, was virtually inactive in all experiments conducted, indicating that the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl group in ZER may play some pivotal roles in interactions with unidentified target molecule(s). Taken together, our results indicate that ZER is a food phytochemical that has distinct potentials for use in anti-inflammation, chemoprevention, and chemotherapy strategies.

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCI IRELAND LTD  

Epithelial xanthine oxidase (XOD) is one of the major enzymes responsible for superoxide (O-2(-)) generation, which is involved in oxidative stress. However, there are few known reports of a convenient bioassay to detect Cellular XOD activity. We tested several cell lines, and found that AS52, from Chinese hamster ovary cells, produced a significant level of O-2(-) in 2 response to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), and this activity was markedly inhibited by allopurinol, an XOD inhibitor. Using AS52 cells and differentiated HL-60 cells, we conducted screening tests of edible Japanese plant extracts for their inhibitory activities toward TPA-induced O-2(-) generation from both reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase (HL-60) and XOD (AS52). Notably, the extracts from mioga ginger, rape, avocado, carrot, turnip, taro, and shiineji showed potent inhibition of O-2(-) generation in both cell lines. These results suggest that several edible Japanese plants carry a significant antioxidative and cancer preventive potential. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/S0304-3835(01)00735-2

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap