We investigated whether standardized edible bird’s nest extract (BNE-PK) can prevent ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation-mediated oxidative stress and photoaging in the skin using in vitro and in vivo models. BNE-PK increased skin hydration by hyaluronic acid synthesis and activation of ceramide synthase in UVB-irradiated hairless mice and HaCaT cells. Furthermore, BNE-PK suppressed melanogenesis by down-regulation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB/MITF/TRP-1/TRP-2/tyrosinase pathway in UVB-irradiated hairless mice and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-treated B16F10 cells. In UVB-irradiated hairless mice, BNE-PK attenuated the wrinkle formation-related JNK/c-FOS/c-Jun/MMP pathway and activated the TGF-βRI/SMAD3/pro-collagen type I pathway during UVB-mediated oxidative stress. Based on these findings, our data suggest that BNE-PK may potentially be used for the development of effective natural anti-photoaging functional foods for skin health.

Wonhee Cho, Jeongjin Park, Minhee Lee, Seong-Hoo Park, Jaeeun Jung, Jinhak Kim, Sangwon Eun, and Jinkyung Kim. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2023;28:50-60. https://doi.org/10.3746/pnf.2023.28.1.50

Minhee Lee, Dakyung Kim, Seong-Hoo Park, Jaeeun Jung, Wonhee Cho, A Ram Yu, and Jeongmin Lee. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2022;27:423-35. https://doi.org/10.3746/pnf.2022.27.4.423

Jaeeun Jung, Minhee Lee, Seong-Hoo Park, Wonhee Cho, Jinhak Kim, Sangwon Eun, and Jeongmin Lee. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2024;29:125-34. https://doi.org/10.3746/pnf.2024.29.2.125

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease characterized by cartilage degradation, leading to bone friction, inflammation, stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of porcine-derived chondroitin sulfate sodium (CS) on OA symptoms at both cellular and animal levels. In vitro study, HTB-94 chondrocytes were treated with inflammatory stimuli and CS (10, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) to assess the release of inflammatory mediators and the expression of genes and proteins related to cartilage synthesis and degradation. In vivo study, an MIA-induced OA rat model was used, and CS (62, 124, and 248 mg/kg b.w.) was orally administered for 4 weeks. Key parameters, such as exercise capacity, micro-CT, histological evaluation of joint tissues, serum inflammatory markers, and the expression of mRNA and proteins (inflammatory, cartilage synthesis and degradation, and apoptosis markers), were analyzed. Porcine-derived CS significantly reduced PGE₂, NO, and extracellular matrix degradation marker (COMP and CTX-II) levels and increased the expression of cartilage synthesis-related genes and proteins in both HTB-94 cells and the MIA-induced rats. Additionally, CS modulated cartilage degradation pathways and notably inhibited apoptosis in vivo. The effects of porcine CS were comparable to the NSAID ibuprofen, demonstrating its potential as an anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective agent for OA management and dietary supplementation.

Seong-Hoo Park, Jeongjin Park, Minhee Lee, Woojin Jun, Jin Kim, Jeongho Geum, Ok-Kyung Kim, and Jeongmin Lee. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2023;28:418-26. https://doi.org/10.3746/pnf.2023.28.4.418