We investigated the effect of standardized ethanol extract from Curcuma longa L. fermented by Aspergillus oryzae (FTE) on lipid accumulation and lipolysis using 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Treatment with FTE at 100 μg/mL significantly reduced lipid accumulation by 43% as quantified by Oil Red O dye and microscopic observation. Intracellular triglyceride content was also lowered by 60%. To determine the effects of FTE on lipolysis, levels of glycerol release and mRNA expression of lipases were measured. Incubation of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes with 60 and 100 μg/mL FTE dramatically elevated levels of free glycerol released into the medium by 58 and 77%, respectively. Likewise, treatment of mature adipocytes with FTE significantly increased cAMP level by reduction of phosphodiestersae‐3B. Subsequently, FTE clearly increased hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) mRNA levels and decreased perilipin mRNA level via cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA), resulting in lipolysis. Practical Applications Turmeric (the common name for Curcuma longa L.) is an Indian spice derived from rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa, a perennial member of the Zingiberaceae family cultivated in India and other parts of Southeast Asia. Turmeric has traditionally been used for the treatment of inflammation, menstrual disorders, dyspepsia, vomiting and cancer. In this study, FTE suppressed 3T3‐L1 preadipocyte differentiation and promoted lipolysis via upregulation of mRNA levels of HSL and ATGL by PKA phosphorylation. Our results suggested that FTE could be a candidate for antiobesity treatment through reduction of lipid accumulation and stimulation of lipolysis.

Kimchi is a traditional Korean food, of which its constituent lactic acid bacteria have been reported to possess various physiological activities. However, few studies have investigated the immunological activity of these bacteria or their effect on atopic dermatitis (AD). We investigated whether a mixture of 6 types of lactic acid bacteria strains (LBS) isolated from kimchi has an immunomodulating effect on atopy. Mice with atopic dermatitis were orally administered LSB from kimchi for 8 weeks, and skin moisture content, scratching behavior, T-and B-cell proliferation, Th1/2 cytokines, and serum IgE and histamine levels were measured. In addition, hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue staining were conducted. Mice receiving LBS from kimchi had increased skin moisture content (164.3%) and T-cell proliferation (more than 4-fold), and decreased number of scratching behaviors (78.2%) and B-cell proliferation (63.7%) compared with the 2,4dinitrochlorobenzene control group. In addition, LBS increased Th1 type cytokines, decreased Th2 type and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased blood IgE (70.4%), histamine (67.6%) and mast cell levels. Therefore, it suggests that LBS of kimchi may be helpful in improving AD caused by immunological imbalance.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Antarctic krill oil (FJH-KO) in a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) induced osteoarthritis. The effect of FJH-KO on the development and severity of MIA-induced osteoarthritis was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and micro-CT. The expression of PGE2, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α), and arthritics related genes in osteoarthritic rats in response to FJH-KO supplementation was investigated using real time PCR. FJH-KO supplementation in the arthritic rat model reduced tissue damage, cartilage degeneration, and reduced the MIA-induced irregularities in articular cartilage surface. Serum PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were higher in MIA treated animals, but these levels decreased upon FJH-KO supplementation. When FJH-KO was provided at a dose of 150 mg/kg b.w to MIA-treated animals, it significantly increased the mRNA expression of anabolic factors. The mRNA expression of catabolic factors was significantly decreased MIA-treated animals that were provided FJH-KO at a dose of 100 and 150 mg/kg b.w. Moreover, the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators was significantly decreased MIA-treated animals supplemented with FJH-KO. These results suggest supplementation with FJH-KO ameliorates the irregularities in articular cartilage surface and improves the inflammatory response in the osteoarthritis. Thus, FJH-KO could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis treatment.