Details of the Researcher

PHOTO

Afifah Zahra Agista
Section
Graduate School of Agricultural Science
Job title
Assistant Professor

Papers 18

  1. Effect of Vitamin K Supplementation on Testosterone Production in a Rat Model of Late-Onset Hypogonadism Peer-reviewed

    Rui Murakami, Yusuke Ohsaki, Hikaru Ito, Hsin-Jung Ho, Afifah Zahra Agista, Yi-Fen Chiang, Ya-Ling Chen, Masamitsu Maekawa, Takuo Hirose, Kenshiro Hara, Wan-Chun Chiu, Chiu-Li Yeh, Shih-Min Hsia, Suh-Ching Yang, Nariyasu Mano, Takefumi Mori, Hitoshi Shirakawa

    Foods　15　(6)　1070-1070　2026/03/18

    Publisher: MDPI AG

    DOI： 10.3390/foods15061070 　

    eISSN： 2304-8158

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    Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is an age-related condition characterized by a decline in testosterone (Ts) levels and associated symptoms that impair quality of life in older men. Although Ts replacement therapy is available, its clinical use is limited by adverse effects. Vitamin K (VK) is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a cofactor for γ-glutamylcarboxylase and plays important roles in blood coagulation and bone homeostasis. Menaquinone-4 (MK-4), a VK homolog predominantly found in animal-derived foods, has been shown to enhance Ts production in healthy male rats. However, whether this effect occurs under low-Ts conditions remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of VK on LOH using a leuprorelin acetate (LA)-induced low-Ts rat model. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were administered sustained-release LA and fed a control diet or diets supplemented with VK1 or MK-4 (75 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Compared with the control group, MK-4 supplementation significantly ameliorated the reduction in serum Ts levels and seminiferous tubule diameter, whereas VK1 supplementation showed no significant effects. Furthermore, MK-4 supplementation activated the protein kinase A signaling pathway, which is directly involved in testicular Ts production. These findings suggest that MK-4 supplementation may represent a novel nutritional strategy for the management of LOH.

  2. Fermented Rice Bran Mitigated the Syndromes of Type 2 Diabetes in KK-Ay Mice Model Peer-reviewed

    Afifah Zahra Agista, Ami Kato, Tomoko Goto, Takuya Koseki, Akira Oikawa, Yusuke Ohsaki, Michiko Yamaki, Chiu-Li Yeh, Suh-Ching Yang, Ardiansyah, Slamet Budijanto, Michio Komai, Hitoshi Shirakawa

    Metabolites　14　(11)　614-614　2024/11/11

    Publisher: MDPI AG

    DOI： 10.3390/metabo14110614 　

    eISSN： 2218-1989

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    Background: Diabetes is a devastating disease that causes millions of deaths. Fermented rice bran (FRB), made by fermenting rice bran with Aspergillus kawachii and a mixture of lactic acid bacteria, was hypothesized to b able to improve diabetes-related symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FRB supplementation in mitigating type 2 diabetes symptoms and identifying FRB bioactive compounds. Methods: In this study, KK-Ay mice (4 w.o. male) were used as a model for type 2 diabetes. Mice were divided into three different groups. The first group received a control diet, the second received a 12.5% non-fermented rice bran (RB) supplemented diet, and the last group was fed a 12.5% FRB-supplemented diet. Supplementation was done for 4 weeks. Results: FRB supplementation lowered the blood glucose level, OGTT, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, liver RAGE protein, and glucokinase in KK-Ay mice. Metabolome analysis of RB and FRB showed that fermentation increased bioactive compounds in rice bran, such as GABA, L-theanine, and carnitine. It also increased the levels of various free amino acids while converting some amino acids such as arginine, tyrosine, and tryptophan into other metabolites. Conclusions: This research showed the potency of FRB supplementation as a preventive agent against type 2 diabetes.

  3. Investigation of Rhizopus oligosporus Metabolites in Fermented Wheat Bran and Its Bio Function in Alleviating Colitis in Mice Model Peer-reviewed

    Afifah Zahra Agista, Yu-Shan Chien, Takuya Koseki, Hazuki Nagaoka, Takuto Ohnuma, Yusuke Ohsaki, Chiu-Li Yeh, Suh-Ching Yang, Ardiansyah, Slamet Budijanto, Michio Komai, Hitoshi Shirakawa

    Metabolites　14　(7)　359-359　2024/06/26

    Publisher: MDPI AG

    DOI： 10.3390/metabo14070359 　

    eISSN： 2218-1989

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    Wheat bran (WB) is a low-value by-product of the wheat milling industry. Solid-state fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus is performed to improve WB’s nutritional quality (RH). Twenty-five mice (11-week-old C57BL/6N male mice) were divided into three groups. The first group was fed a control diet (n = 8), the second group a 10% WB-supplemented diet (n = 8), and the last group had a 10% RH-supplemented diet (n = 9). The diet treatment was administered for 4 days before dextran sodium sulfate (DSS, 3% in drinking water) was administered for 9 days. RH supplementation prevented bodyweight loss and reduced the disease activity index in mice. An increase in the level of SCFAs in mouse intestines was detected post-RH supplementation, suggesting that SCFAs might have contributed to its anti-colitis effect. Metabolome analysis was conducted to explore other bioactive compounds in RH. R. oligosporus fermentation significantly increased the amounts of ergothioneine, arginine, branched-chain amino acids, and adenosine in wheat bran. All of these compounds are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. These bioactive compounds might also have contributed to the RH’s ability to ameliorate DSS-induced colitis.

  4. Protective Effects of Gnetin C from Melinjo Seed Extract against High-Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Liver Fibrosis in NAFLD Mice Model

    Tohfa Kabir, Haruki Yoshiba, Afifah Zahra Agista, Halima Sultana, Yusuke Ohsaki, Chiu-Li Yeh, Ryota Hirakawa, Hiroko Tani, Tomoki Ikuta, Tomonori Nochi, Suh-Ching Yang, Hitoshi Shirakawa

    Nutrients　15　(18)　3888-3888　2023/09/06

    Publisher: MDPI AG

    DOI： 10.3390/nu15183888 　

    eISSN： 2072-6643

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    Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common form of chronic liver disease, can progress to hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and advanced fibrosis, increasing the risk of cirrhosis. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is beneficial in treating multiple metabolic diseases. Gnetin C, a resveratrol derivative obtained from Melinjo seed extract (MSE), shares similar health-promoting properties. We investigated the role of gnetin C in preventing NAFLD in a mouse model and compared it with resveratrol. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet (10% calories from fat), a high-fat choline-deficient (HFCD) diet (46% calories from fat) and HFCD diet supplemented with gnetin C (150 mg/kg BW·day−1) or resveratrol (150 mg/kg BW·day−1) for 12 weeks. Gnetin C supplementation reduced body and liver weight, and improved blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. Both gnetin C- and resveratrol reduced hepatic steatosis, with gnetin C also decreasing liver lipid content. Gnetin C and resveratrol ameliorated HFCD diet-induced hepatic fibrosis. The mRNA expression results, and western blot analyses showed that gnetin C and, to some extent, resveratrol downregulated fibrosis markers in the TGF-β1 signaling pathway, indicating a possible safeguarding mechanism against NAFLD. These results suggest that gnetin C supplementation may protect against lipid deposition and hepatic fibrosis.

  5. Fermented Rice Bran Supplementation Inhibits LPS-Induced Osteoclast Formation and Bone Resorption in Mice. International-journal

    Takahiro Noguchi, Hideki Kitaura, Aseel Marahleh, Afifah Zahra Agista, Yusuke Ohsaki, Hitoshi Shirakawa, Itaru Mizoguchi

    Nutrients　15　(13)　2023/07/05

    DOI： 10.3390/nu15133044 　

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    Fermented rice bran (FRB) is known to have numerous beneficial bioactivities, amongst which is its anti-inflammatory properties when used as a supplement. To determine its effects, we examined osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption caused by injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), using mice with and without FRB supplementation. The results were favorable: those that received FRB showed reduced osteoclast numbers and bone resorption compared to those with the control diet. Notably, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA levels were shown to be lower in the LPS-treated animals with FRB supplementation. FRB's inhibitory effect on RANKL- and TNF-α-induced osteoclastogenesis was further confirmed in vitro. In culture, macrophages exhibited decreased TNF-α mRNA levels when treated with FRB extract and LPS versus treatment with LPS alone, but there was no significant change in RANKL levels in osteoblasts. We can conclude that FRB supplementation dampens the effect of LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by controlling TNF-α expression in macrophages and the direct inhibition of osteoclast formation.

  6. Effects of household-scale cooking on volatile compounds, sensory profile, and hypotensive effect of Kenikir (Cosmos caudatus)

    Dody Dwi Handoko, Anisa Maharani Kaseh, Laras Cempaka, Wahyudi David, Bram Kusbiantoro, Afifah Zahra Agista, Yusuke Ohsaki, Hitoshi Shirakawa, Ardiansyah

    AIMS Agriculture and Food　8　(1)　198-213　2023

    DOI： 10.3934/AGRFOOD.2023011 　

    eISSN： 2471-2086

  7. Biotin Enhances Testosterone Production in Mice and Their Testis-Derived Cells

    Kota Shiozawa, Misato Maeda, Hsin-Jung Ho, Tomoko Katsurai, Md. Zakir Hossain Howlader, Kimiko Horiuchi, Yumi Sugita, Yusuke Ohsaki, Afifah Zahra Agista, Tomoko Goto, Michio Komai, Hitoshi Shirakawa

    Nutrients　14　(22)　4761-4761　2022/11/10

    Publisher: MDPI AG

    DOI： 10.3390/nu14224761 　

    eISSN： 2072-6643

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    Late-onset hypogonadism, a male age-related syndrome characterized by a decline in testosterone production in the testes, is commonly treated with testosterone replacement therapy, which has adverse side effects. Therefore, an alternative treatment is highly sought. Supplementation of a high dosage of biotin, a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a coenzyme for carboxylases involved in carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, has been shown to influence testis functions. However, the involvement of biotin in testis steroidogenesis has not been well clarified. In this study, we examined the effect of biotin on testosterone levels in mice and testis-derived cells. In mice, intraperitoneal treatment with biotin (1.5 mg/kg body weight) enhanced testosterone levels in the serum and testes, without elevating serum levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone. To investigate the mechanism in which biotin increased the testosterone level, mice testis-derived I-10 cells were used. The cells treated with biotin increased testosterone production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Biotin treatment elevated intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels via adenylate cyclase activation, followed by the activation of protein kinase A and testosterone production. These results suggest that biotin may have the potential to improve age-related male syndromes associated with declining testosterone production.

  8. Tryptamine, a Microbial Metabolite in Fermented Rice Bran Suppressed Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in a Murine Macrophage Model. International-journal

    Afifah Zahra Agista, Sharon Angela Tanuseputero, Takuya Koseki, Ardiansyah, Slamet Budijanto, Halima Sultana, Yusuke Ohsaki, Chiu-Li Yeh, Suh-Ching Yang, Michio Komai, Hitoshi Shirakawa

    International journal of molecular sciences　23　(19)　2022/09/23

    DOI： 10.3390/ijms231911209 　

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    Fermentation is thought to alter the composition and bioavailability of bioactive compounds in rice bran. However, how this process affects the anti-inflammatory effects of rice bran and the bioactive compounds that might participate in this function is yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to isolate bioactive compounds in fermented rice bran that play a key role in its anti-inflammatory function. The fermented rice bran was fractionated using a succession of solvent and solid-phase extractions. The fermented rice bran fractions were then applied to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophages to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. The hot water fractions (FRBA), 50% ethanol fractions (FRBB), and n-hexane fractions (FRBC) were all shown to be able to suppress the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Subsequent fractions from the hot water fraction (FRBF and FRBE) were also able to reduce the inflammatory response of these cells to LPS. Further investigation revealed that tryptamine, a bacterial metabolite of tryptophan, was abundantly present in these extracts. These results indicate that tryptamine may play an important role in the anti-inflammatory effects of fermented rice bran. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of FRBE and tryptamine may depend on the activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

  9. Emergence of Novel Functions of Vitamins for the Prevention of Life-Style Related Diseases.

    Kota Shiozawa, Afifah Zahra Agista, Yusuke Ohsaki, Hitoshi Shirakawa

    Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology　68　(Supplement)　S8-S10　2022

    DOI： 10.3177/jnsv.68.S8 　

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    Vitamins are a family of micronutrients comprising 13 groups of organic compounds, of which vitamin B1 was identified first, approximately 110 y ago. Deficiency of each vitamin results in specific symptoms, such as neuropathy, dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, pernicious anemia, scurvy, blindness, rickets, and bleeding. Almost all vitamins can modulate the functions of enzymes and/or other proteins involved in the formation of bone and soft tissues, generation of energy, and regulation of homeostasis via specific vitamin-protein interactions. In addition to the well-known physiological roles of vitamins, novel modes of action of vitamins have been elucidated. These new functions could contribute to extending healthy life expectancy by preventing and curing lifestyle-related diseases. In this mini-review, we introduce the functional properties of three vitamins, vitamin B3 (niacin), biotin, and vitamin K, for the prevention of age-related diseases.

  10. Fermented rice bran supplementation attenuates chronic colitis-associated extraintestinal manifestations in female C57BL/6N mice International-journal

    Jahidul Islam, Afifah Zahra Agista, Kouichi Watanabe, Tomonori Nochi, Hisashi Aso, Yusuke Ohsaki, Takuya Koseki, Michio Komai, Hitoshi Shirakawa

    The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry　99　108855-108855　2022/01

    Publisher: Elsevier BV

    DOI： 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108855 　

    ISSN： 0955-2863

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    Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have higher incidence of extraintestinal manifestations (EIM), including liver disorders, sarcopenia, and neuroinflammation. Fermented rice bran (FRB), generated from rice bran (RB), is rich in bioactive compounds, and exhibits anti-colitis activity. However, its role in EIM prevention is still unclear. Here, for the first time, we investigated whether EIM in female C57Bl/6N mice is attenuated by FRB supplementation. EIM was induced by repeated administration of 1.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water (4 d) followed by drinking water (12 d). Mice were divided into 3 groups-control (AIN93M), 10% RB, and 10% FRB. FRB ameliorated relapsing colitis and inflammation in muscle by significantly lowering proinflammatory cytokines Tnf-α and Il-6 in serum and advanced glycation end product-specific receptor (Ager) in serum and muscle when compared with the RB and control groups. As FRB reduced aspartate aminotransferase levels and oxidative stress, it might prevent liver disorders. FRB downregulated proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine transcripts responsible for neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and upregulated mRNA expression of G protein coupled receptors (GPRs), Gpr41 and Gpr43, in small and large intestines, which may explain the FRB-mediated protective mechanism. Hence, FRB can be used as a supplement to prevent IBD-associated EIM.

  11. Fermented Rice Bran Supplementation Prevents the Development of Intestinal Fibrosis Due to DSS-Induced Inflammation in Mice International-journal

    Afifah Zahra Agista, Tubagus Bahtiar Rusbana, Jahidul Islam, Yusuke Ohsaki, Halima Sultana, Ryota Hirakawa, Kouichi Watanabe, Tomonori Nochi, Ardiansyah, Slamet Budijanto, Suh-Ching Yang, Takuya Koseki, Hisashi Aso, Michio Komai, Hitoshi Shirakawa

    Nutrients　13　(6)　1869-1869　2021/05/30

    Publisher: MDPI AG

    DOI： 10.3390/nu13061869 　

    eISSN： 2072-6643

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    Fermented rice bran (FRB) is known to protect mice intestines against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced inflammation; however, the restoration of post-colitis intestinal homeostasis using FRB supplementation is currently undocumented. In this study, we observed the effects of dietary FRB supplementation on intestinal restoration and the development of fibrosis after DSS-induced colitis. DSS (1.5%) was introduced in the drinking water of mice for 5 days. Eight mice were sacrificed immediately after the DSS treatment ended. The remaining mice were divided into three groups, comprising the following diets: control, 10% rice bran (RB), and 10% FRB-supplemented. Diet treatment was continued for 2 weeks, after which half the population of mice from each group was sacrificed. The experiment was continued for another 3 weeks before the remaining mice were sacrificed. FRB supplementation could reduce the general observation of colitis and production of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines. FRB also increased intestinal mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine, tight junction, and anti-microbial proteins. Furthermore, FRB supplementation suppressed markers of intestinal fibrosis. This effect might have been achieved via the canonical Smad2/3 activation and the non-canonical pathway of Tgf-β activity. These results suggest that FRB may be an alternative therapeutic agent against inflammation-induced intestinal fibrosis.

  12. Supplementation with Fermented Rice Bran Attenuates Muscle Atrophy in a Diabetic Rat Model International-journal

    Tubagus Bahtiar Rusbana, Afifah Zahra Agista, Wahyu Dwi Saputra, Yusuke Ohsaki, Kouichi Watanabe, Ardy Ardiansyah, Slamet Budijanto, Takuya Koseki, Hisashi Aso, Michio Komai, Hitoshi Shirakawa

    Nutrients　12　(8)　2409-2409　2020/08/12

    Publisher: MDPI AG

    DOI： 10.3390/nu12082409 　

    eISSN： 2072-6643

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    Fermented rice bran (FRB), a prospective supplement, has been proven to ameliorate certain medical conditions. However, its nutraceutical effect on muscle atrophy has never been investigated. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of FRB on muscle atrophy in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. Three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats, namely the control, STZ, and FRB groups, were treated as follows. The diabetic groups (STZ and FRB) were injected intraperitoneally with STZ (40 mg/kg BW), whereas the control group was injected with the vehicle. The STZ and control groups were fed the AIN93M diet, and the FRB group was fed 10% of FRB based on the AIN93M diet. The diabetic groups had reduced muscle size compared to the control group; however, these changes were alleviated in the FRB group. Moreover, the FRB group had a significantly lower expression of FBXO32/Atrogin-1 and TRIM63/MuRF1 (p < 0.05) due to blocked NF-κB activation. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effect of FRB may be beneficial for ameliorating muscle atrophy in diabetic conditions.

  13. Liver hydrolysate reduces LPS-induced inflammation by regulating the NF-ĸB pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophages Peer-reviewed

    Yamada K, Sakuma W, Agista A.Z, Nakamura K, Ohsaki Y, Sakurai H, Komai M, Shirakawa H

    Japanese Pharmacol. Ther.　48　(7)　1139-1144　2020/06

  14. Optimization of drying process of corn noodles using fluidized bed dryer Peer-reviewed

    Muhandri T, Subarna, Agista A.Z, Hariyadi P, Aminullah

    Sci. Study Res.: Chem. Chem. Eng. Biotechnol. Food Ind.　20　(1)　43-52　2019/01

  15. Adenosine and adenosine-5′-monophosphate ingestion ameliorates abnormal glucose metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet

    Ardiansyah, Yuto Inagawa, Takuya Koseki, Afifah Zahra Agista, Ikuo Ikeda, Tomoko Goto, Michio Komai, Hitoshi Shirakawa

    BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine　18　(1)　2018/12

    Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

    DOI： 10.1186/s12906-018-2367-6 　

    eISSN： 1472-6882

  16. Kesiapan Usaha Mikro Kecil Menengah Pangan dalam Penerapan ISO 9001:2008 (Studi Kasus di Palu, Sulawesi Tengah)

    Tjahja Muhandri, Dian Herawati, Faleh Setia Budi, Lilis Nuraida, Sutrisno Koswara, Afifah Zahra Agista, Yuli Sukmawati

    Agrokreatif Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat　2　(2)　61-61　2017/02/22

    Publisher: Institut Pertanian Bogor

    DOI： 10.29244/agrokreatif.2.2.61-66 　

    ISSN： 2460-8572

    eISSN： 2461-095X

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    Small and Medium Industries of the Food (Food SME’s) needs to have SNI products to be competitive in the free market era. SNI certificate product can be provided by the certification body, on the condition that the industry has to implement ISO 9001. This activity aims to identify the readiness of small industries (food) to meet the clauses of ISO 9001 and assist them in improving the necessary documents. Activities carried out for 2 months with 24 samples of small industries (food) in Palu (Central Sulawesi) were selected purposively. The results showed that all the small industries yet to implement all aspects of GMP. Small industry best only meet 21% of the clauses of ISO 9001. Compliance with the clauses of ISO 9001 increased by between 4586% after mentoring.

  17. Capability of SME’s Food in ISO 9001 Implementation (Case Study in Palu, Central Sulawesi)

    Tjahja Muhandri, Dian Herawati, Faleh Setia Budi, Lilis Nuraida, Sutrisno Koswara, Afifah Zahra Agista, Yuli Sukmawati

    Agrokreatif Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat　2　(2)　61-61　2017/02/22

    Publisher: Institut Pertanian Bogor

    DOI： 10.29244/agrokreatif.2.2.61-66 　

    ISSN： 2460-8572

    eISSN： 2461-095X

    More details Close

    Small and Medium Industries of the Food (Food SME’s) needs to have SNI products to be competitive in the free market era. SNI certificate product can be provided by the certification body, on the condition that the industry has to implement ISO 9001. This activity aims to identify the readiness of small industries (food) to meet the clauses of ISO 9001 and assist them in improving the necessary documents. Activities carried out for 2 months with 24 samples of small industries (food) in Palu (Central Sulawesi) were selected purposively. The results showed that all the small industries yet to implement all aspects of GMP. Small industry best only meet 21% of the clauses of ISO 9001. Compliance with the clauses of ISO 9001 increased by between 4586% after mentoring.

  18. Photooxidation Stability of Palm Oil Fortified by Red Palm Oil Peer-reviewed

    Andarwulan N, Muhammad G.N, Agista A.Z, Dharmawan S, Fitriani D, Wulan A.C, Pratiwi D.G, Rahayu W.P, Martianto D, Hariyadi P

    Jurnal Teknologi dan Industri Pangan　27　(1)　31-39　2016/01

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Research Projects 2

  1. 生体内変換型ビタミンKによる抗老化作用とその作用機序に関する研究

    白川 仁, 大崎 雄介, Afifah Zahra・Agista, 何 欣蓉

    Offer Organization: 日本学術振興会

    System: 科学研究費助成事業

    Category: 基盤研究(B)

    Institution: 東北大学

    2023/04/01 - 2026/03/31

  2. 苦味受容体を介した苦味成分の新たな健康機能性

    白川 仁, 大崎 雄介, Afifah Zahra・Agista

    Offer Organization: 日本学術振興会

    System: 科学研究費助成事業

    Category: 挑戦的研究(萌芽)

    Institution: 東北大学

    2023/06/30 - 2025/03/31