It is known to be that lactic acid bacteria induce the IL-12. IL-12 activates NK cells and promotes the production of IFN-<em>γ</em>. IFN-<em>γ</em> activates macrophages, resulting in enhanc...It is known to be that lactic acid bacteria induce the IL-12. IL-12 activates NK cells and promotes the production of IFN-<em>γ</em>. IFN-<em>γ</em> activates macrophages, resulting in enhanced phagocytosis and bactericidal activity. We have been investigating fermented foods that activate the immune function. For that purpose, a specific antibody is required. We tried to express IL-12p35 by the usual method, but IL-12p35 was not expressed at all. In the present study, we constructed, purified human IL-12p35 and obtained a specific antibody against IL-12p35. We also purified human IFN-<em>γ</em> and obtained specific antibody against IFN-<em>γ</em>. We have established a method for expressing poorly expressed proteins. The method we have established can be applied to the purification of poorly expressed proteins and antibody production.展开更多
Many degenerative or pathological processes, such as aging, cancer and coronary heart disease, are related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and radical-mediated reactions. We examined the effectiveness of aged garlic ...Many degenerative or pathological processes, such as aging, cancer and coronary heart disease, are related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and radical-mediated reactions. We examined the effectiveness of aged garlic extract (AGE), a garlic preparation rich in water-soluble cysteinyl moieties, for protection of cells from ROS produced by 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA) using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Concomitant treatment of cells with AGE (2 and 4 mg/ml) showed the dose-dependent protective effect on the cell death induced by 6-OHDA. In addition, the AGE treatment significantly suppressed the increase of ROS generation by 6-OHDA. Furthermore, the protective effect of AGE was accompanied by activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway and the increase of mRNAs of heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1. These two enzymes are important in the cellular antioxidant system. These results indicated that AGE protected cells from ROS damage by not only capturing ROS directly but also activating the cellular antioxidant system by stimulating antioxidant gene expression via the Nrf2-ARE pathway. The present study suggested that AGE may be useful for prevention and treatment of cell damage caused by ROS.展开更多
Background: We have been searching effective compounds that can stimulate the growth and differentiation of nerve cells. We found previously that fulleren derivatives enhanced induction of morphological differentiatio...Background: We have been searching effective compounds that can stimulate the growth and differentiation of nerve cells. We found previously that fulleren derivatives enhanced induction of morphological differentiation with neurite outgrowth in nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated PC12 cells. In the course of our further search for other effective compounds, we found the aged garlic extract (AGE) has the activity similar to fulleren. Methods: PC12 cells were used to examine the effectiveness of test compound. Results: AGE enhanced the stimulating effect of NGF to induce morphological differentiation with neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. In order to examine the active constituents of AGE, it was fractionated into several components. The activity was mainly localized in the F1 fraction that contains low molecular weight polar compounds. S-Allymercaptocysteine (SAMC) is one of the sulfur components of AGE present in F1 fraction and found to exhibit the enhancing effect similar to AGE. Conclusion: AGE had the ability to induce morphological differentiation with neurite outgrowth in NGF-treated PC12 cell and SAMC was one of its active constituents.展开更多
文摘It is known to be that lactic acid bacteria induce the IL-12. IL-12 activates NK cells and promotes the production of IFN-<em>γ</em>. IFN-<em>γ</em> activates macrophages, resulting in enhanced phagocytosis and bactericidal activity. We have been investigating fermented foods that activate the immune function. For that purpose, a specific antibody is required. We tried to express IL-12p35 by the usual method, but IL-12p35 was not expressed at all. In the present study, we constructed, purified human IL-12p35 and obtained a specific antibody against IL-12p35. We also purified human IFN-<em>γ</em> and obtained specific antibody against IFN-<em>γ</em>. We have established a method for expressing poorly expressed proteins. The method we have established can be applied to the purification of poorly expressed proteins and antibody production.
文摘Many degenerative or pathological processes, such as aging, cancer and coronary heart disease, are related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and radical-mediated reactions. We examined the effectiveness of aged garlic extract (AGE), a garlic preparation rich in water-soluble cysteinyl moieties, for protection of cells from ROS produced by 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA) using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Concomitant treatment of cells with AGE (2 and 4 mg/ml) showed the dose-dependent protective effect on the cell death induced by 6-OHDA. In addition, the AGE treatment significantly suppressed the increase of ROS generation by 6-OHDA. Furthermore, the protective effect of AGE was accompanied by activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway and the increase of mRNAs of heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1. These two enzymes are important in the cellular antioxidant system. These results indicated that AGE protected cells from ROS damage by not only capturing ROS directly but also activating the cellular antioxidant system by stimulating antioxidant gene expression via the Nrf2-ARE pathway. The present study suggested that AGE may be useful for prevention and treatment of cell damage caused by ROS.
文摘Background: We have been searching effective compounds that can stimulate the growth and differentiation of nerve cells. We found previously that fulleren derivatives enhanced induction of morphological differentiation with neurite outgrowth in nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated PC12 cells. In the course of our further search for other effective compounds, we found the aged garlic extract (AGE) has the activity similar to fulleren. Methods: PC12 cells were used to examine the effectiveness of test compound. Results: AGE enhanced the stimulating effect of NGF to induce morphological differentiation with neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. In order to examine the active constituents of AGE, it was fractionated into several components. The activity was mainly localized in the F1 fraction that contains low molecular weight polar compounds. S-Allymercaptocysteine (SAMC) is one of the sulfur components of AGE present in F1 fraction and found to exhibit the enhancing effect similar to AGE. Conclusion: AGE had the ability to induce morphological differentiation with neurite outgrowth in NGF-treated PC12 cell and SAMC was one of its active constituents.