Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition influenced by immune dysregulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a mineral-postbiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum VIOAP03 and Lactobacillus fermentum VIMPP04) mixture to alleviate AD symptoms in the NC/Nga mouse model. AD was induced in NC/Nga mice using HDM ointment throughout experiment. After inducing AD skin lesions, mice were orally administered ED mineral powder, postbiotics, and a mixture of ED mineral powder and postbiotics. Key parameters measured included dermatitis score, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and scratching behavior. To assess the effects, serum analyses (IgE, histamine, IgG1, IgG2a) and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to quantify Th1/Th2 cytokine responses in dorsal skin tissues. Histological analyses (Hematoxylin & Eosin, Toluidine Blue staining) were performed to assess the dermal thickness and the count of mast cells in the dorsal skin tissues. The mixture group exhibited the most significant improvements in dermatitis score, TEWL, and reduced scratching behavior. Histological analyses showed a decrease in mast cells, along with reduced epidermal thickness, in the mixture group compared to the negative control group. Through the mixture group serum analyses and qRT-PCR, inflammatory markers were downregulated compared to the negative control group, while Th1/Th2 cytokine balance shifted towards reduced Th2 dominance. The combined administration of mineral-postbiotics mixture showed synergistic effects in alleviating AD symptoms by modulating Th1/Th2 cytokine responses. These findings highlight the potential of this combination as a novel therapeutic approach for managing atopic dermatitis.

Reflux esophagitis (RE) is characterized by the backflow of gastric contents, including acid, pepsin, and bile, into the esophagus. Fermented gold kiwi (FGK) has demonstrated protective effects against acute gastritis and efficacy in digestive disorders such as constipation, suggesting its potential potential therapeutic relevance for RE. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of FGK, fermented with five probiotic strains, including two kiwi-derived stains, in a rats model of acute RE. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old, n=6 per group) were divided into six groups: normal control, negative control (vehicle, Veh), positive control, and FGK-treated groups (50, 125, and 250 mg/kg). After 24 h of fasting, test substances were orally administered, followed by pyloric ligation under isoflurane anesthesia 2 h later. Esophageal tissue and gastric juice were collected 4.5 h post-surgery for analysis. The evaluation parameters included the esophageal damage ratio; pH of the gastric content and pepsin activity; esophageal tissue glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; inflammatory cytokine expression [tumor necrosis factor-α; interleukin (IL)-1β; and IL-6]; and histological analysis of esophageal mucosa. FGK treatment significantly reduced esophageal damage and improved gastric pH and pepsin activity in a dose-dependent manner, compared to the Veh group. FGK also increased GSH levels, decreased MDA concentrations, suppressed IL-6 expression, and attenuated histopathological alterations in esophageal tissue. FGK demonstrates dose-dependent protective effects against RE-related esophageal damage and inflammation. These findings suggest that FGK may serve as a novel dietary intervention for the prevention and management of acute RE.

Background and Objectives: Acute gastric injury is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential effects of broccoli stem extract (BSE) against acute gastritis in a rat model. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant properties of BSE were evaluated through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity assays and total polyphenol content analysis. Acute gastric injury was induced using 150 mM HCl/60% EtOH, and male SD rats (6-weeks old, n = 6/group) were administered BSE by oral gavage at concentrations of 50, 125, and 250 mg/kg. Results: The BSE 250 mg/kg group exhibited significant relief of clinical signs compared to the negative control group. In addition, the BSE 250 mg/kg group showed significant improvements in gastric tissue, including macroscopic reductions in ulcer size and improved overall gastric morphology as assessed through gross examination, as well as microscopic improvements such as reduced inflammation and the restoration of mucosal integrity observed in histopathological analysis. BSE modulated NF-κB signaling, decreased inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and increased PGE2 levels. Pyloric ligation experiments demonstrated reduced pepsin and gastric acid secretion. Improvements in gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility were also observed in the BSE-treated group. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of BSE as an effective therapeutic agent for acute gastritis in rats, offering significant improvements in gastric damage, inflammation, and motility.

BACKGROUND:Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a group of risk factors that cause health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. MetS is characterized by insulin resistance, which leads to abnormal insulin sensitivity. Cirsium japonicum var. maackii (CJ) is perennial herbaceous species found in Asia that exhibits antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we aimed to measure the effects of CJ on MetS by improving insulin resistance in a db/db type 2 diabetes mouse model. After administrating CJ extract (CJE) for db/db mouse for 6 weeks, we measured with the evaluation of Insulin resistance, lipid profiles, histological analysis of liver, damage of liver and kideny. RESULTS:The results showed that CJE was effective in reducing body weight and fat mas and showed a positive effect on lowering blood glucose and improving insulin sensitivity. CJE improved dyslipidemia by increasing serum-HDL levels and decreasing serum-LDL levels. In addition, CJE reduced liver and kidney damage in histological analysis. CONCLUSIONS:These results demonstrate the anti-diabetic effects of CJE and suggest its potential for improving MetS. Therefore, CJE may have potential values as a functional food material for managing MetS.

Abstract Background Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are essential in biomedical research, including reproductive studies. However, the application of human estimated foetal weight (EFW) formulas using ultrasonography (USG) in these non‐human primates is not well established. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the applicability of human EFW formulas for estimating foetal weight in cynomolgus monkeys at approximately 130 days of gestation. Methods Our study involved nine pregnant cynomolgus monkeys. We measured foetal parameters, including biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length using USG. The EFW was calculated using 11 human EFW formulas. The actual birthweight (ABW) was recorded following Cesarean section, the day after the EFW calculation. For comparing EFW and ABW, we employed statistical methods such as mean absolute percentage error (APE) and Bland–Altman analysis. Results The ABW ranged between 200.36 and 291.33 g. Among the 11 formulas, the Combs formula showed the lowest APE (4.3%) and highest correlation with ABW (p < 0.001). Notably, EFW and ABW differences for the Combs formula were ≤5% in 66.7% and ≤10% in 100% of cases. The Bland–Altman analysis supported these results, showing that all cases fell within the limits of agreement. Conclusions The Combs formula is applicable for estimating the weight of cynomolgus monkey fetuses with USG at approximately 130 days of gestation. Our observations suggest that the Combs formula can be applied in the prenatal care and biomedical research of this species.

IntroductionAssisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer, are essential for generating genetically edited monkeys. Despite their importance, ARTs face challenges in recipient selection in terms of time and the number of animals required. The potential of superovulated monkeys, commonly used as oocyte donors, to serve as surrogate mothers, remains underexplored. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of superovulated and uterine-embryo synchronized recipients of embryo transfer in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).MethodsThis study involved 23 cynomolgus monkeys divided into two groups–12 superovulated recipients and 11 synchronized recipients. The evaluation criteria included measuring endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer and calculating pregnancy and implantation rates to compare outcomes between groups.ResultsThe study found no statistically significant differences in endometrial thickness (superovulated: 4.48 ± 1.36 mm, synchronized: 5.15 ± 1.58 mm), pregnancy rates (superovulated: 30.8%, synchronized: 41.7%), and implantation rates (superovulated: 14.3%, synchronized: 21.9%) between the groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe observations indicate that superovulated recipients are as effective as synchronized recipients for embryo transfer in cynomolgus monkeys. This suggests that superovulated recipients can serve as viable options, offering an efficient and practical approach to facilitate the generation of gene-edited models in this species.

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and their receptor cause diabetic liver disease by increasing oxidative stress and inflammation. We investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of Cirsium japonicum (CJ) in preventing the progression of diabetes, focusing on complications for both liver and kidney health associated with AGEs. Streptozotocin (STZ, 30 mg/kg) was injected into SD rats and CJ (50, 100 mg/kg) was orally administered for 4 weeks. CJ treatment led to a marked reduction in key diabetic markers (glucose, reaction oxygen species, and lactate dehydrogenase), compared with the rats treated only with STZ. Moreover, the hepatic tissues of STZ-treated rats exhibited heightened biomarkers associated with AGE induction and formation, and these were notably attenuated in the CJ-treated rats. This effectively alleviated oxidative stress, inflammation, and AGE accumulation in the liver. Similarly, in the context of diabetic nephropathy, CJ treatment resulted in significant improvements in the rats with STZ-induced diabetes. Biomarkers associated with AGE induction and formation were significantly reduced in CJ-treated rats, demonstrating the ability of CJ to combat renal oxidative stress, inflammation, and AGE-related complications in diabetic nephropathy. CJ thus shows potential as a promising natural remedy that might mitigate the detrimental effects of diabetes on both the liver and kidneys through its anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-AGE activities. These findings suggest that CJ is a beneficial agent for preventing and treating diabetic complications.

Leiomyosarcoma, a malignant tumour originating from smooth muscle cells, has rarely been documented in non-human primates. In this case study, a 7-year-old female cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) presented with a rapidly growing mass overlying the left elbow joint. Radiographs indicated the presence of a soft tissue neoplasm without any associated bone involvement. The mass was surgically resected. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed spindle-shaped cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm that resembled smooth muscle cells, exhibiting positive immunoreactions for vimentin, desmin and smooth muscle actin and a negative reaction for pan-cytokeratin. This is the first reported case of subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma in a cynomolgus macaque and provides important insights into the incidence and characteristics of this condition in this species.

Gold kiwifruit is known for its high vitamin C content and various benefits. This study investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of fermented gold kiwifruit (FGK) in a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis. FGK powder was prepared using five strains of lactic acid bacteria: L. paracasei, Lc. lactis, L. acidophilus, L. casei, and L. helveticus. ICR mice were fed an HFD for 8 weeks to induce obesity and hepatic steatosis, and FGK supplementation was evaluated for its therapeutic potential. FGK administration significantly reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose compared to the HFD-only group. Histopathological analysis showed that FGK reduced lipid accumulation and hepatic lesions, as confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Furthermore, administration of FGK activated the sirtuin 1(SIRT1)/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and inhibited expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in liver tissue. These findings suggest that FGK could reduce the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by inhibiting fat synthesis, promoting fat breakdown, and suppressing inflammation in HFD-induced obese mice.

Constipation is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal system characterized by difficult bowel movements, infrequent defecation, reduced water content, and hard stools. This study aims to evaluate the preventive effects of fermented gold kiwis (FGK) on loperamide-induced constipation in rats and investigate its efficacy in improving constipation symptoms in human patients through a randomized clinical trial. In the animal study, FGK was administered orally at doses of 50, 125, and 250 mg/kg to constipated rats for two weeks, resulting in significant improvements in constipation parameters. FGK increased serum serotonin and acetylcholine levels and suppressed increases in serum dopamine concentration. FGK also upregulated mRNA expression of the serotonin-synthesizing receptors 5-HT3R and 5-HT4R and suppressed the expression of the dopamine 2-receptor (D2R) in the duodenum. Furthermore, FGK inhibited inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. In the clinical trials, the improvement in constipation symptoms was evaluated using the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS). Clinical trial participants reported significant improvements in constipation symptoms after receiving FGK. These findings suggest that FGK effectively relieves constipation in both animals and humans, indicating its potential as an effective dietary supplement.

This study aimed to assess the effect of fermented fig (Ficus carica L., FF) on obesity and diabetes in a mouse model. FF was cultured with the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum BT-LP-01 and isolated from fig peels. The antioxidant results demonstrated that FF exhibited DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. In addition, FF showed high levels of total polyphenol and total flavonoids. Body and organ weight and dietary intake were significantly decreased in the FF groups compared to the HFD group. The FF group showed improved recovery in lipid metabolism and liver function compared to the HFD group. In addition, the FF group showed a significant decrease in serum C-P and insulin concentrations compared to the HFD group. FF-administered mice showed a dose-dependent recovery of fasting blood glucose and IPGTT and AUC levels compared to the HFD group. Furthermore, FF groups showed a decreased expression in FAS, C/EBPα, and FABP4, as well as significantly increased expression in ACC in the liver. This study demonstrates that FF is effective in reducing and inhibiting adipogenesis as well as lowering body weight, the blood glucose level, and lipid-related factors. These research findings demonstrate that FF is effective in treating obesity and diabetes.

Prion protein peptide (PrP) has demonstrated neurotoxicity in brain cells, resulting in the progression of prion diseases with spongiform degenerative, amyloidogenic, and aggregative properties. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) plays a role in the nervous system and may be related to motility, axonal enlargement, differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and proliferation. However, no studies about the effects of Tβ4 on prion disease have been performed yet. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of Tβ4 against synthetic PrP (106–126) and considered possible mechanisms. Hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells were treated with Tβ4 and PrP (106–126) for 24 h. Tβ4 significantly reversed cell viability and reactive oxidative species (ROS) affected by PrP (106–126). Apoptotic proteins induced by PrP (106–126) were reduced by Tβ4. Interestingly, a balance of neurotrophic factors (nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and receptors (nerve growth factor receptor p75, tropomyosin related kinase A and B) were competitively maintained by Tβ4 through receptors reacting to PrP (106–126). Our results demonstrate that Tβ4 protects neuronal cells against PrP (106–126) neurotoxicity via the interaction of neurotrophic factors/receptors.

Risk signals are characteristic of many common inflammatory diseases and can function to activate nucleotide-binding oligomerization (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), the innate immune signal receptor in cytoplasm. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in the development of liver fibrosis. Activated NLRP3 nucleates the assembly of inflammasomes, leading to the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, the activation of caspase-1, and the initiation of the inflammatory process. Therefore, it is essential to inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which plays a vital role in the immune response and in initiating inflammation. RAW 264.7 and LX-2 cells were primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 4 h and subsequently stimulated for 30 min with 5 mM of adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) was supplemented to RAW264.7 and LX-2 cells 30 min before ATP was added. As a result, we investigated the effects of Tβ4 on the NLRP3 inflammasome. Tβ4 prevented LPS-induced NLRP3 priming by inhibiting NF-kB and JNK/p38 MAPK expression and the LPS and ATP-induced production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, Tβ4 induced autophagy by controlling autophagy markers (LC3A/B and p62) through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. LPS combined with ATP significantly increased thee protein expression of inflammatory mediators and NLRP3 inflammasome markers. These events were remarkably suppressed by Tβ4. In conclusion, Tβ4 attenuated NLRP3 inflammasomes by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins (NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and caspase-1). Our results indicate that Tβ4 attenuated the NLRP3 inflammasome through multiple signaling pathway regulations in macrophage and hepatic stellate cells. Therefore, based on the above findings, it is hypothesized that Tβ4 could be a potential inflammatory therapeutic agent targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome in hepatic fibrosis regulation.

Women going through menopause experience changes in their hormone levels, such as decreased estrogen secretion. Those changes can lead to weight gain and steatosis (fatty liver) due to abnormal lipid metabolism and bone turnover. Natural herbal medicines have been developed to treat and prevent menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate how a mixture of germinated Glycine max (GG) and Angelica gigas Nakai (AG) affected serum lipid profile levels, hepatic damage, inflammation, and bone turnover in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The animals were randomly allocated into six groups: Sham control group (Sham), OVX control group (OVX), OVX + 50 mg/kg b.w. of GG (GG50) group, and OVX + 25, 50, 100 mg/kg b.w. of GG and AG mixture (GAM; GAM25, GAM50, GAM100) groups. After four weeks of treatment, the GAM groups exhibited decreases in serum lipid profile levels (TC, TG, and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)) and increases in High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). Proinflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS) were reduced after the administration of GAM, and the degree of liver damage (ALT, AST) also decreased. Bone resorption (CTX1, NTX1, osteoclasts in H&E staining) decreased in the GAM-treated groups, and bone morphometric markers (BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N) improved compared with the OVX group. Additionally, increased bone formation (ALP, mineralization) and decreased bone resorption (TRACP) were confirmed in in vitro experiments. These results suggest that GAM has anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects by preventing dyslipidemia and that it alleviates bone mass loss in OVX rats by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis.

Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver disease and liver-related death. Ninety percent of alcohol consumed is broken down in the liver; excessive consumption destroys liver cells and causes stress. The gold kiwi contains more vitamin C than the green kiwi, and various studies have reported that the gold kiwi boosts digestive health. Fermented gold kiwi (FGK) was made using two lactic acids. It contains many more bioactive compounds than fresh gold kiwi. Mice were first given FGK (50, 125, and 250 mg/kg b.w.) and then given a 5 g/kg alcohol solution (50% w/v) for 2 weeks. The results indicate that the FGK promoted hepatic function by significantly decreasing the serum ethanol and aldehyde levels and downgrading the serum TC and TG levels. The FGK attenuated alcohol-induced oxidative stress and improved alcohol metabolism by controlling the ADH and ALDH levels in murine liver tissue. In addition, the FGK significantly reduced the concentration of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in mouse serum and liver tissue. The overexpression of inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2) was also decreased in the FGK groups. This study demonstrates that FGK exerts a protective effect against alcohol-induced liver damage by improving alcohol metabolism and increasing anti-inflammatory activity. This finding suggests that FGK might be developed into a functional food treatment against alcohol-induced liver disease.

Oxidative stress in skin cells can induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are critical for pathogenic processes such as immunosuppression, inflammation, and skin aging. In this study, we confirmed improvements from gamma-irradiated silk sericin (I-sericin) and gamma-irradiated silk fibroin (I-fibroin) to skin cells damaged by oxidative stress. We found that I-sericin and I-fibroin effectively attenuated oxidative stress-induced ROS generation and decreased oxidative stress-induced inflammatory factors COX-2, iNOS, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β compared to the use of non-irradiated sericin or fibroin. I-sericin and I-fibroin effects were balanced by competition with skin regenerative protein factors reacting to oxidative stress. Taken together, our results indicated that, compared to non-irradiated sericin or fibroin, I-sericin, and I-fibroin had anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation activity and protective effects against skin cell damage from oxidative stress. Therefore, gamma-irradiation may be useful in the development of cosmetics to maintain skin health.

Gastritis and gastric ulcers caused by stressors such as drinking are common. The ability of functional foods to protect the stomach more effectively and reduce the risk of side effects is of interest. The fermentation process can increase the preservation and bioactive compound content of kiwi fruits. This study produced fermented kiwi powder using two lactic acids separated from gold kiwi fruits. Gold kiwi puree (Actinidia chinensis L.) was fermented using beneficial bacteria. Fermentation increased the content of bioactive compounds such as organic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids. We investigated whether fermented gold kiwi (FGK) extract had antioxidant and gastric protective effects in an HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis animal model and pyloric ligation animal model. FGK increased radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner. In the gastritis model, FGK inhibited inflammation-related factors such as iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and TNF-α, while increasing the expression of the protective molecule PGE2. Furthermore, FGK administration improved gastric lesion site appearance, clinical symptoms, and mucosal thickness in rats. FGK also reduced gastric fluid volume, free acidity, total acidity, and pepsin activity in the pyloric ligation model. These results suggest that FGK can decrease the inflammatory response and protect the gastric mucosa. FGK therefore has the potential to prevent and treat gastritis and gastric ulcers.

Background and Objectives: Receptors of the advanced glycation products (RAGE) are activated to promote cell death and contributes to chronic diseases such as diabetes and inflammation. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which interact with RAGE are complex compounds synthesized during diabetes development and are presumed to play a significant role in pathogenesis of diabetes. Phosphatidylcholine (PC), a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in egg yolk, mustard, and soybean, is thought to exert anti-inflammatory activity. We investigated the effects of PC on AGEs-induced hepatic and renal cell injury. Materials and Methods: In this study, we evaluated cytokine and NF-κB/MAPK signal pathway activity in AGEs induced human liver (HepG2) cells and human kidney (HK2) cells with and without PC treatment. Results: PC reduced RAGE expression and attenuated levels of inflammatory cytokines and NF-kB/MAPK signaling. Moreover, cells treated with PC exhibited a significant reduction in cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factor levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PC could be an effective functional material for hepatic and renal injury involving with oxidative stress caused by AGEs during diabetic conditions.

Excessive alcohol consumption induces acute intoxication and various hepatic diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of the CureZyme-ACE (CA), Acetobacter Pasteurianus (AP)-derived product, in acute intoxication rats. The ethanol and acetaldehyde levels of serum were lower in rats treated with CA than those who only treated ethanol. The activities of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase also recovered faster in the CA group than only-ethanol group. The transaminase levels (AST, ALT) in the CA group were significantly lower than only-ethanol group. In addition, Hepatic histological analyses and stomach wall were demonstrated that the CA-treated group recovered faster than only-ethanol group. With regard to most characteristics, we found that CA had dose-dependent effects. At high concentrations of CA, there were no differences in the tested parameters compared to those of normal rats. These findings indicate that CA reduces the serum alcohol concentration and some of the hepatic damage caused by alcohol intoxication.

Viscum album subsp. Coloratum , also known as Korean mistletoe, is a traditional herb that has more recently been used for the treatment of nervine, hypertensive and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study was undertaken to access the anti-obesity effect of Korean mistletoe-derived polypeptide viscothionin using 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro and in vivo mouse experimental model. Viscothionin (up to 5 μM) was used to treat mouse 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes during adipocyte differentiation. Adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells was confirmed by Oil Red O staining. Obesity was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in C57BL/6J mice, followed by oral administration of viscothionin (up to 10 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. As a result, viscothionin (5 μM) inhibited differentiation of adipocyte cells and attenuated accumulation of intracellular lipids through activation of 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), by down-regulating phosphorylation in AKT and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Treatment of viscothionin also decreased the levels of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and its target gene, fatty acid synthase (FAS). Moreover, viscothionin (10 mg/kg) significantly suppressed body weight and fat content, and improved serum lipid concentration, compared with the standard drug simvastatin (10 mg/kg), a well-known anti-obesity agent. The present study suggests, that viscothionin exerts anti-adipogenic effect through the activation of AMPK and has potential to prevent HFD-induced obesity.