Association between changes in having of cancer patients in the family and depression: A longitudinal panel study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer diagnosis can cause considerable stress among patients and their families. Both may experience clinical depression and severe anxiety. Therefore, this study investigated the association between the occurrence of cancer patients in the family and the depression among family members. METHODS: Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2020) were used. A total of 6251 participants who completed the short-form Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10-D) questionnaire were included. General estimating equations were used to assess the temporal effects of changes on depression in the presence of cancer patients in the family. RESULTS: Having cancer patients in the family was associated with a high risk of depression among both men and women (men, Odds Ratio (OR):1.78, 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI) 1.13-2.79; women, OR:1.53, 95 % CI 1.06-2.22). Depressive symptoms were particularly high in women, especially when cancer symptoms were more severe than previous surveys (OR: 2.48, 95 % CI 1.18-5.20). LIMITATIONS: First, non-responders were excluded but this could be affected by underestimation bias. Second, depression was defined as the CESD-10-D score, and the biological risk factors of depression could not be identified because of survey-based database. Third, due to the retrospective design study, confirming the causal relationship clearly is difficult. Finally, residual scheming effects of unmeasured variables could not be eliminated. CONCLUSION: Our findings support efforts to diagnose and manage depression in the families of cancer patients. Accordingly, healthcare services and supportive interventions to reduce the psychological factors of cancer patients' families are needed.

Associations between the type of help after sexual harm and adolescents' suicidal ideation.

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between receiving external help after sexual harm and suicidal ideation among Korean adolescents. The help received was classified into professional and nonprofessional to test the strength of the association according to the type of help. METHODS: Using data from the 2017-2019 Korean children and youth rights study, we analyzed a total of 18,740 middle and high school students. The dependent variable was suicidal ideation; the primary and secondary independent variable was experience of sexual harm and receiving help after sexual harm, respectively. Data were analyzed using χ2  tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Experience of sexual harm was significantly associated with higher suicidal ideation, and receiving help after sexual harm was significantly associated with lower suicidal ideation compared with not receiving help, regardless of gender. Furthermore, lower suicidal ideation was more strongly associated with receiving professional help in female adolescents, and receiving nonprofessional help in male adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Receiving help after sexual harm was negatively associated with suicidal ideation, and the strength of this association varied with gender and the type of help received. These results can aid the development of evidence-based crisis intervention for victims of sexual harm.

Association between Asthma and Oral Health Symptoms in Adolescents.

Oral health is an indicator of patients' overall quality of life. Poor oral health among adolescents with asthma can affect their health in adulthood. This study researched the association between asthma and oral health symptoms in South Korean adolescents. Data from the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey were used. A total of 44,940 students participated in this study. The dependent variables were self-reported oral health symptoms. Asthma was the primary independent variable based on diagnosis in the past 12 months. The chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used. Students with asthma were associated with oral health symptoms, compared with those without asthma (boys, odds ratio (OR): 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.66; girls, OR: 1.94, 95% CI = 1.40-2.69). Poor health habits, such as low physical activity, higher sweetened beverage consumption, and fewer sleeping hours, were associated with oral health symptoms. Students who did not receive asthma treatment also had higher oral health symptoms (boys, OR: 1.29, 95% CI = 1.13-1.48, girls, OR: 1.34, 95% CI = 1.15-1.57). Students with absence due to asthma had a higher risk of oral health than those without asthma (boys, OR: 1.31, 95% CI = 1.17-1.46, girls OR: 1.28, 95% CI = 1.12-1.46). Students with asthma had a high risk of poor oral health among South Korean adolescents, suggesting more attention be given to regular dental check-ups and maintaining oral hygiene.

Associations between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and oral health symptoms in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Oral health condition in adolescence impacts the oral well-being throughout life. This study aimed to determine the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and oral health in adolescents, using nationally representative data. METHODS: Using data from the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, we assessed self-reported data on ETS exposure and oral health symptoms in 37,591 non-smoking adolescents. The dependent variables were self-reported oral health symptoms of adolescents (tooth fracture, dental pain, and gum bleeding). ETS exposure was the primary independent variable. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine these relationships. RESULTS: ETS exposure was positively associated with oral symptoms compared to no-ETS exposure in adolescents [boys, odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-1.66; girls, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.41-1.60]; individuals with good oral health habits such as frequent tooth brushing [boys, three times or more a day, OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.24-1.53] and less soda consumption [girls, less than once a day, OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.29-2.33] had a weaker association. ETS exposure was positively associated with dental pain [boys, OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.45-1.66; girls, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.41-1.60] and gum bleeding [boys, OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.29-1.58; girls, OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21-1.44]; however, tooth fracture was significantly associated only in girls [OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13-1.45]. CONCLUSIONS: ETS in various environments is negatively associated with oral health in adolescents. This association could vary depending on health habits. Sophisticated policies to protect South Korean adolescents from ETS can be developed from these findings.

Ethanol Extract of Sargassum siliquastrum Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Nitric Oxide Generation by Downregulating the Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signaling Pathway.

Sargassum siliquastrum (SS) is an edible brown seaweed widely consumed in Korea and considered a functional food source. Previous studies have reported various biological activities of SS extracts, including antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of the SS extract and assessed the underlying mechanism of action. The SS extract significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner (% of NO production at 500 µg/mL: 60.1 ± 0.9%), with no obvious toxicity. Furthermore, the SS extract inhibited mRNA and protein expression levels of inducible NO synthase, as well as LPS-induced expression and production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL-6, or TNF-α (IL-6 production (ng/mL) : LPS-: 0.7 ± 0.3; LPS+: 68.1 ± 2.8; LPS + SS extract: 51.9 ± 1.2; TNF-α production (ng/mL) : LPS-: 0.3 ± 0.1; LPS+: 23.0 ± 0.1; LPS + SS extract: 18.2 ± 10.8). Mechanistically, the SS extract attenuated LPS-induced activation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (nuclear factor-kappa B, NF-κB) signaling pathway such as phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and degradation of IκB-α, thereby blocking LPS-induced activation of NF-κB transcriptional activity. The SS extract also enhanced LPS-induced heme oxygenase-1 expression and attenuated LPS-induced cellular reactive oxygen species production (% of ROS production at 500 µg/mL: 52.2 ± 1.3%). Collectively, these findings suggest that the SS extract elicits anti-inflammatory effects in mouse macrophage cells.

Anti-Osteoporotic Effects of Antioxidant Peptides PIISVYWK and FSVVPSPK from Mytilus edulis on Ovariectomized Mice.

Numerous amounts of evidence suggest that bioactive peptides with diverse physiological activities can be nutraceuticals or potential drug candidates. In this study, blue mussel-derived antioxidant peptides PIISVYWK and FSVVPSPK were subjected to evaluate their osteogenic effect in mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBMMSCs) followed by an in vivo anti-osteoporotic effect. Treatment of PIISVYWK and FSVVPSPK on mBMMSCs stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity and calcification. Western blot results revealed that PIISVYWK and FSVVPSPK increased the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2/4 (BMP-2/4) followed by upregulating p-Smad1/5, type I collagen, and transcription factors including Runx2 and osterix in mBMMSCs. Two peptides also activated the phosphorylation of MAPKs (p-p38, p-ERK, and p-JNK). Treatment of MAPK inhibitors significantly inhibited the BMP signaling pathway, indicating that PIISVYWK and FSVVPSPK stimulated osteoblast differentiation of mBMMSCs through the MAPK-dependent BMP signaling pathway. The anti-osteoporotic effect of PIISVYWK and FSVVPSPK in ovariectomized (OVX) mice was investigated. Treatment of PIISVYWK and FSVVPSPK for ten weeks showed a notable anti-osteoporotic effect in OVX mice via increasing bone mineral density and other bone parameters compared to OVX mice without peptides. Serum analysis also showed that treatment of PIISVYWK and FSVVPSPK completely reduced osteocalcin and ALP (alkAline phosphatase) activity. Taken together, these results suggest that PIISVYWK and FSVVPSPK could be health-promoting functional food ingredients against osteoporosis.

Amino Acid Composition, Antioxidant, and Cytoprotective Effect of Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) Hydrolysate through the Inhibition of Caspase-3 Activation in Oxidative Stress-Mediated Endothelial Cell Injury.

Enhanced oxidative stress plays a central role in promoting endothelial dysfunction, leading to the development of atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of the hydrolysates derived from blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) against H2O2-mediated oxidative injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The blue mussel hydrolysates were prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis with eight proteases, and blue mussel-α-chymotrypsin hydrolysate (BMCH) showed the highest antioxidant activities in DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS⁺ radical scavenging, and ORAC value compared to those of the other hydrolysates. BMCH also inhibited Cu2+-mediated low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Treatment of H2O2 resulted in the decreased HUVEC viability whereas pre-treatment with BMCH increased HUVEC viability and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. BMCH pre-treatment increased cellular antioxidant capacities, including levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) against H2O2-mediated oxidative stress in HUVECs. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis revealed that BMCH pre-treatment significantly reduced H2O2-mediated HUVEC apoptosis through inhibition of caspase-3 activation. Real-time-qPCR analysis showed that BMCH down-regulated expression of p53 and caspase-3 genes, as well as decreased the bax/bcl-2 ratio. Taken together, these results indicate that BMCH may be useful as functional food ingredients for protecting endothelial dysfunction or related disease.

Protective effect of enzymatic hydrolysates from seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) against H2O2-mediated human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury.

Oxidative stress-mediated endothelial dysfunction and LDL oxidation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Thus, the protection of the endothelial cells against oxidative stress-mediated injury and the inhibition of LDL oxidation by the use of antioxidants are a good strategy against atherosclerosis development. Here, we investigated the protective effect and the inhibition of LDL oxidation of seahorse H. abdominalia hydrolysates by Alcalase (SHAH). SHAH showed higher antioxidant activities by measuring DPPH, ABTS+, and ORAC assays than the other hydrolysates. SHAH reduced the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in Cu2+-induced LDL oxidation. In human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC), SHAH ameliorated H2O2-mediated HUVEC injury through the restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione. In addition, SHAH inhibited HUVEC apoptosis through the down-regulation of caspase-3 and p53 and the increase bcl-2/bax ratio. These results suggested that seahorse H. abdominalia could be developed as potential agents for atherosclerosis.

Early Prediction of the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis Using Radiologic and Clinical Scoring Systems With Classification Tree Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to develop a decision tree model for the early prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) using clinical and radiologic scoring systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this retrospective study, 192 patients with AP who underwent CT 72 hours or less after symptom onset were divided into two cohorts: a training cohort (n = 115) and a validation cohort (n = 77). Univariate analysis was performed to identify significant parameters for the prediction of severe AP in the training cohort. For early prediction of disease severity, a classification tree analysis (CTA) model was constructed using significant scoring systems shown by univariate analysis. To assess the diagnostic performance of the model, we compared the area under the ROC curve (AUC) with each selected single parameter. We also evaluated the diagnostic performance in the validation cohort. RESULTS: The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE)-II score, bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) score, extrapancreatic inflammation on CT (EPIC) score, and Balthazar grade were included in the CTA model. In the training cohort, our CTA model showed a trend of a higher AUC (0.853) than the AUC of each single parameter (APACHE-II score, 0.835; BISAP score, 0.842; EPIC score, 0.739; Balthazar grade, 0.700) (all, p > 0.0125) while achieving specificity (100%) higher than and accuracy (94.8%) comparable to each single parameter (both, p < 0.0125). In the validation cohort, the CTA model achieved diagnostic performance similar to the training cohort with an AUC of 0.833. CONCLUSION: Our CTA model consisted of clinical (i.e., APACHE-II and BISAP scores) and radiologic (i.e., Balthazar grade and EPIC score) scoring systems and may be useful for the early prediction of the severity of AP and identification of high-risk patients who require close surveillance.

The Suppressive Activity of Fucofuroeckol-A Derived from Brown Algal Ecklonia stolonifera Okamura on UVB-Induced Mast Cell Degranulation.

UV light, especially UVB, is known as a trigger of allergic reaction, leading to mast cell degranulation and histamine release. In this study, phlorotannin Fucofuroeckol-A (F-A) derived from brown algal Ecklonia stolonifera Okamura was evaluated for its protective capability against UVB-induced allergic reaction in RBL-2H3 mast cells. It was revealed that F-A significantly suppress mast cell degranulation via decreasing histamine release as well as intracellular Ca2+ elevation at the concentration of 50 µM. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of F-A on IL-1ß and TNF-α productions was also evidenced. Notably, the protective activity of F-A against mast cell degranulation was found due to scavenging ROS production. Accordingly, F-A from brown algal E. stolonifera was suggested to be promising candidate for its protective capability against UVB-induced allergic reaction.

Impaired permeability and antimicrobial barriers in type 2 diabetes skin are linked to increased serum levels of advanced glycation end-product.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been increasing rapidly, and the disease has become a serious sociomedical problem. Many skin problems, such as xerosis, pruritus, skin infections and delayed wound healing, that might be related to chronic impairment of skin barrier function decrease the quality of life in patients with DM. However, the status of the permeability and antimicrobial barrier of the skin in DM remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate skin barrier impairment in patients with type 2 DM and its pathomechanisms using classic animal models of type 2 DM. Functional studies of the skin barrier and an analysis of stratum corneum (SC) lipids were compared between patients with type 2 DM and age- and sex-matched non-diabetes controls. Also, functional studies on the skin barrier, epidermal lipid analyses, and electron microscopy and biomolecular studies were performed using type 2 DM animal models, db/db and ob/ob mice. Patients with type 2 DM presented with epidermal barrier impairments, including SC hydration, which was influenced by blood glucose control (HbA1c level). In the lipid analysis of SC, ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol were significantly decreased in patients with type 2 DM compared with controls. Type 2 DM murine models presented with severe hyperglycaemia, impairment of skin barrier homeostasis, decreases in epidermal proliferation and epidermal lipid synthesis, decreases in lamellar body (LB) and epidermal antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), an increase in receptors for advanced glycation end-product (AGE) in the epidermis and an increase in serum AGE. Impairment of the skin barrier was observed in type 2 DM, which results in part from a decrease in epidermal proliferation. Serum AGE and its epidermal receptors were increased in type 2 diabetic mice which display impaired skin barrier parameters such as epidermal lipid synthesis, LB production, epidermal AMP and SC lipids.

Cost benefits of rapid recanalization using intraarterial thrombectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Thrombolytic therapy is associated with favorable clinical outcomes after successful and rapid recanalization in patients with acute ischemic stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the cost benefits and clinical outcomes at 1 year after intraarterial thrombectomy (IAT) by the rapidity of the successful recanalization. MATERIALS & METHODS: Clinical outcomes of and medical costs incurred by 230 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent IAT were compared by the rapidity from symptom onset to successful recanalization (2b/3 thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade): ≤6-hr (n = 143), >6-hr (n = 31), and no-recanalization (n = 56). Clinical outcomes including functional independence (0-2 modified Rankin Score), mortality, and home-discharge checked at 1 year post-IAT were compared among the three groups. Cost utility was calculated using quality-adjusted life years (QALY) estimated using the EuroQol-5 dimensions-3 levels questionnaire and the fees paid for institutional rehabilitation during the year post-IAT, and, was compared among the groups. RESULTS: Patients in the ≤6-hr group showed higher functional independence (≤6-hr, 70%; >6-hr, 40%; no-recanalization, 6%, p < .001) and home-discharge rate (73%, 52%, 21%, and respectively, p < .001), and lower mortality (10%, 16%, and 43%, respectively, p < .001) at 1 year after IAT than other two groups. The cost utility of the ≤6-hr group was $35,557/QALY higher than that of the >6-hr group, and $27.829/QALY higher than no-recanalization group. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid and successful recanalization of the occluded intracranial vessels within 6 hr after the onset of symptoms resulted in markedly higher cost utility and functional independence at 1 year post-IAT.

Hepatoprotective effect of chitosan-caffeic acid conjugate against ethanol-treated mice.

The chitosan-caffeic acid (CCA) conjugate shows a hepatoprotective effect against oxidative stress-induced hepatic damage in cultured hepatocytes. The objective of this study is the verification of the hepatoprotective effect of the CCA in vivo against ethanol-induced liver injury in mice. The administration of ethanol resulted in the increase of the serum-aminotransferase activities (AST and ALT), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and lipid peroxidation. The CCA co-administration, however, significantly (p<0.05) ameliorated these serum biomarkers. The antioxidant-enzyme activities in the liver tissue, including those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were significantly decreased by a chronic ethanol administration, whereas the hepatic lipid-peroxidation level was increased. Moreover, the chronic ethanol administration elevated the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the liver tissue. The CCA co-administration, however, significantly (p<0.05) increased the activities of the SOD, CAT, and GPx and caused the down-regulation of the TNF-α- and IL-6-gene expressions in the liver tissue. An histopathologic evaluation also supported the hepatoprotective effect of the CCA against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in the mice.

Application of Topical Acids Improves Atopic Dermatitis in Murine Model by Enhancement of Skin Barrier Functions Regardless of the Origin of Acids.

BACKGROUND: The acidic pH of the stratum corneum (SC) is important for epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis. Acidification of the skin surface has been suggested as a therapeutic strategy for skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis (AD). OBJECTIVE: We performed an animal study to evaluate the usefulness of acidification of SC for inhibition of AD lesions and to find out if the therapeutic effect of vinegar is attributable to its herbal contents, rather than its acidity. METHODS: Five groups of six oxazolone-treated (Ox)-AD mice were treated for three weeks with creams of different acidity: vehicle cream alone (pH 5.5), neutralized vinegar cream (pH 7.4), pH 5.0 vinegar cream, pH 3.5 vinegar cream, and pH 3.5 hydrogen chloride (HCl) cream. Also, we have compared two groups of Ox-AD mice treated with pH 5.5 vehicle cream or pH 5.5 vinegar cream. RESULTS: Ox-AD mice treated with acidic creams exhibited fewer AD-like lesions, had significantly lower eczema scores, decreased basal by transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and increased SC hydration compared to the groups given only vehicle and neutral cream. There was no significant difference between the acidic vinegar and HCl groups. Between the groups treated with vehicle and pH 5.5 vinegar cream, there was no difference in eczema score, basal TEWL and SC hydration. CONCLUSION: Application of topical acids, regardless of their source materials, inhibits the development of AD lesions by maintenance of skin surface pH and skin barrier function in murine model.

Skin Barrier Function Is Not Impaired and Kallikrein 7 Gene Polymorphism Is Frequently Observed in Korean X-linked Ichthyosis Patients Diagnosed by Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization and Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization.

X-linked ichthyosis (XLI) is a recessively inherited ichthyosis. Skin barrier function of XLI patients reported in Western countries presented minimally abnormal or normal. Here, we evaluated the skin barrier properties and a skin barrier-related gene mutation in 16 Korean XLI patients who were diagnosed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and array comparative genomic hybridization analysis. Skin barrier properties were measured, cytokine expression levels in the stratum corneum (SC) were evaluated with the tape stripped specimen from skin surface, and a genetic test was done on blood. XLI patients showed significantly lower SC hydration, but normal basal trans-epidermal water loss and skin surface pH as compared to a healthy control group. Histopathology of ichthyosis epidermis showed no acanthosis, and levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the corneal layer did not differ between control and lesional/non-lesional skin of XLI patients. Among the mutations in filaggrin (FLG), kallikrein 7 (KLK7), and SPINK5 genes, the prevalence of KLK7 gene mutations was significantly higher in XLI patients (50%) than in controls (0%), whereas FLG and SPINK5 prevalence was comparable. Korean XLI patients exhibited unimpaired skin barrier function and frequent association with the KLK7 gene polymorphism, which may differentiate them from Western XLI patients.

Anti-cancer effect of N-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furan-2-carboxamide, a novel synthetic compound.

Naphthofuran compounds have been known to regulate HNF 4α which is associated with proliferation, progression and metastasis of HCC. In this study, we investigated whether N-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furan-2-carboxamide (NHDC), a novel synthetic naphthofuran compound inhibits liver tumor growth through activation of HNF 4α. Treatment with different concentrations (1-10.8 µM) of NHDC for various periods (0-72 h) inhibited liver cancer cells (HepG2, Hep3B) growth as well as colony formation followed by induction of apoptosis in a concentration dependent manner. NHDC also induced expression of the apoptosis regulating genes as well as inhibiting the action of STAT3. These inhibitory effects were associated with enhancement of expression and DNA binding activity of HNF 4α. In vivo study confirmed that liver tumor growth was prevented with NHDC (5 mg/kg), and its effect was also related with inhibition of STAT3 pathway through enhancement of expression and DNA binding activity of HNF 4α. Moreover, siRNA of HNF 4α abolished NHDC-induced cell growth inhibition as well as DNA binding activity and phosphorylation of STAT3. Pull down assay docking prediction analysis proved that NHDC directly binds to hydrophobic fatty acid ligand binding site of HNF 4α. A novel naphthofuran compound, NHDC inhibited liver tumor growth by inactivating of STAT3 through direct biding to HNF 4α.

Sargaquinoic acid attenuates inflammatory responses by regulating NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

Myagropsis myagroides, a brown alga, showed strong anti-inflammatory activities in the previous studies. In this study, we isolated a strong anti-inflammatory compound, sargaquinoic acid (SQA), from M. myagroides and investigated the anti-inflammatory action using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. SQA suppressed the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in LPS-stimulated cells as well as that of reactive oxygen species. As a result, SQA inhibited the production of NO, prostaglandin E2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. LPS-induced transcriptional activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was remarkably inhibited by SQA treatment through the prevention of inhibitor κB-α degradation. The regulation of NF-κB activation was also mediated by the phosphorylation of ERK and Akt in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, SQA induced the production of heme oxygenase 1 via activation of transcription factor Nrf2. These results indicate that SQA inhibits the LPS-induced expression of inflammatory mediators via suppression of ERK and Akt-mediated NF-κB pathway as well as up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, indicating that SQA has a potential therapeutic and preventive application in various inflammatory diseases.

Periadnexal mucin as an additional histopathologic feature of chronic eczematous dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous mucinoses are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by an abnormal amount of mucin in the skin. However, the pathomechanism of an excessive mucin deposition in the skin is still unknown. Eczematous dermatitis is sub-classified histologically into acute, subacute, and chronic variants. The characteristic histopathologic findings for chronic eczema are variable. However, periadnexal mucin deposition is not known as a feature of chronic eczema. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of periadnexal mucin deposition in chronic eczematous dermatitis. METHODS: We analyzed the skin biopsy specimens from 36 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with chronic eczematous dermatitis. Alcian blue, colloidal iron, and periodic acid-Schiff stains were used to evaluate the mucin deposition in histologic sections. Two dermatologists and two dermatopathologists evaluated the degree of mucin deposition using a 4-point scale. RESULTS: Various amounts of mucin deposition were observed in the periadnexal area of patients who were diagnosed with chronic eczema. Mucin deposition was more visible after staining with mucin-specific stains. Evaluation of the staining analysis scores revealed that the staining intensities were significantly higher in patients with chronic eczema than age- and site-matched controls (normal, acute to subacute eczema, and psoriasis vulgaris). CONCLUSION: Periadnexal mucin (secondary mucinoses) may be an additional finding of chronic eczematous dermatitis.

Topical glucocorticoid or pimecrolimus treatment suppresses thymic stromal lymphopoietin-related allergic inflammatory mechanism in an oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis murine model.

Congenitally or early impaired skin barrier as the first event starting the 'atopic march' in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients can increase allergen penetration that results in sensitization, even in the airways, followed by asthma and allergic rhinitis. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine existing in high levels in AD skin and is considered as a novel therapeutic target for atopic disease. We generated oxazolone (Ox)-induced AD-like (Ox-AD) hairless mice and divided them into four groups according to the therapeutic challenges: topical glucocorticoid, pimecrolimus, emollient, and control (acetone-only treated). We assessed the functional studies of skin barrier, epidermal expressions of differentiation markers, IL-1α, TNF-α, proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), TSLP and antimicrobial peptides (AMP), and serum IgE in each group. Topical glucocorticoid or pimecrolimus treatment improved AD-like skin lesions and barrier functions, and restored the epidermal expression of differentiation markers, IL-1α, TNF-α, PAR-2, and TSLP, in Ox-AD mice. The improvement was relatively better with the glucocorticoid than pimecrolimus. Epidermal AMP expression was restored by topical glucocorticoid, but not pimecrolimus. Our result showed that topical glucocorticoid or pimecrolimus improved the AD-like skin lesions and barrier impairment by suppressing TSLP-related allergic inflammation.