Timut Pepper Extract Slows Age-Dependent Decline of Mobility and Collagen Loss and Promotes Longevity.

Investigations into human longevity are increasingly focusing on healthspan enhancement, not just lifespan extension. Lifestyle modifications and nutritional choices, including food supplements, can significantly affect aging and general health. Phytochemicals in centenarians' diets, such as those found in Timut pepper, a Nepalese spice with various medicinal properties, may contribute to their longevity. Similarly, Sichuan pepper, a related species, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. With the broader purpose of uncovering a novel treatment to address aging and its comorbidities, this study aims to investigate the potential lifespan- and healthspan-promoting effects of Timut pepper using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that Timut pepper extract extends C. elegans' lifespan at different maintenance temperatures and increases the proportion of active nematodes in their early adulthood. In addition, we show that Timut pepper extract enhances speed and distance moved as the nematodes age. Finally, Timut pepper extract assures extracellular matrix homeostasis by slowing the age-dependent decline of collagen expression.

A novel Ca2+ double cone vector system to treat compromised skin.

BACKGROUND: Stressed, damaged or very aged skin is predominantly characterized by a malfunctioning skin barrier. Underlying skin barrier malfunction is a reduced or defective calcium gradient in the epidermis. Consequently, replenishing the compromised skin's calcium stores with topical calcium could be a potential therapeutic approach. METHODS: We investigated the effect of our novel Ca2+ double cone vector system on improving the differentiation and barrier function of reconstructed human epidermis (RHE), cultured at low basal calcium (0.3 mM) to represent very aged skin. Furthermore, in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical study the skin barrier of 20 healthy volunteers was challenged with 2% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) for 24 h under occlusion, following and/or prior to treatment with a gel containing 2% of our calcium vector system. RESULTS: Culture in reduced basal calcium conditions (0.3 mM) strongly impeded the formation of a dense stratified epidermis. The apical treatment with 1.1 mM CaCl2 was not able to restore a functional differentiation. Treatment with 0.1% of the Ca2+ delivery system rescued the differentiation process and resulted in a normal stratified epidermis. Clinically, application of the Ca2+ vector system prior to and following SLS stress prevented increases in skin irritation and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) compared to placebo controls. Importantly, the treatment also significantly accelerated the recovery time following SLS stress. CONCLUSION: With our novel Ca2+ vector system, we highlight the delivery of bioavailable Ca2+ ions into the skin as a new and successful approach to treat a damaged barrier present in stressed, aged or atopic skin.

CONTEXTE: Les peaux stressées, lésées ou très âgées se caractérisent principalement par un dysfonctionnement de la barrière cutanée. Le dysfonctionnement de la barrière cutanée est sous­tendu par un gradient de calcium réduit ou défectueux dans l'épiderme. Par conséquent, la reconstitution des réserves de calcium de la peau fragilisées à l'aide de calcium topique pourrait constituer une approche thérapeutique potentielle. MÉTHODES: Nous avons étudié l'effet de notre nouveau système de vecteur à double cône Ca2+ sur l'amélioration de la différenciation et de la fonction de barrière de l'épiderme humain reconstitué (EHR), cultivé à un faible niveau de calcium basal (0,3 mM) pour représenter une peau très âgée. En outre, dans une étude clinique randomisée, contrôlée par placebo, la barrière cutanée de 20 volontaires en bonne santé a été exposée à 2 % de laurylsulfate de sodium (SLS) pendant 24 heures sous occlusion, après et/ou avant le traitement avec un gel contenant 2 % de notre système de vecteur de calcium. RÉSULTATS: La culture dans des conditions de calcium basal réduit (0,3 mM) a fortement empêché la formation d'un épiderme stratifié dense. Le traitement apical avec 1,1 mM de CaCl2 n'a pas permis de rétablir une différenciation fonctionnelle. Le traitement avec 0,1 % du système de libération de Ca2+ a permis de rétablir le processus de différenciation et d'obtenir un épiderme stratifié normal. Sur le plan clinique, l'application du système de vecteur Ca2+ avant et après l'exposition au SLS a empêché l'augmentation de l'irritation cutanée et de la perte d'eau transépidermique (Transepidermal Water Loss, TEWL) par rapport aux témoins sous placebo. Il est important de noter que le traitement a également accéléré de manière significative le temps de récupération après l'exposition au SLS. CONCLUSION: Grâce à notre nouveau système de vecteurs Ca2+, nous mettons en évidence l'apport d'ions Ca2+ biodisponibles dans la peau comme une approche nouvelle et efficace pour traiter la barrière endommagée présente dans une peau stressée, âgée ou atopique.

From Coffee Waste to Active Ingredient for Cosmetic Applications.

Coffee silverskin (CS) is the thin epidermis covering and protecting the coffee bean and it represents the main by-product of the coffee roasting process. CS has recently gained attention due to its high content in bioactive molecules and the growing interest in valuable reutilization of waste products. Drawing inspiration from its biological function, here its potential in cosmetic applications was investigated. CS was recovered from one of the largest coffee roasters located in Switzerland and processed through supercritical CO2 extraction, thereby generating coffee silverskin extract. Chemical profiling of this extract revealed the presence of potent molecules, among which cafestol and kahweol fatty acid esters, as well as acylglycerols, ß-sitosterol and caffeine. The CS extract was then dissolved in organic shea butter, yielding the cosmetic active ingredient SLVR'Coffee™. In vitro gene expression studies performed on keratinocytes showed an upregulation of genes involved in oxidative stress responses and skin-barrier functionality upon treatment with the coffee silverskin extract. In vivo, our active protected the skin against Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)-induced irritation and accelerated its recovery. Furthermore, this active extract improved measured as well as perceived skin hydration in female volunteers, making it an innovative, bioinspired ingredient that comforts the skin and benefits the environment.

Youthful and age-related matreotypes predict drugs promoting longevity.

The identification and validation of drugs that promote health during aging ("geroprotectors") are key to the retardation or prevention of chronic age-related diseases. Here, we found that most of the established pro-longevity compounds shown to extend lifespan in model organisms also alter extracellular matrix gene expression (i.e., matrisome) in human cell lines. To harness this observation, we used age-stratified human transcriptomes to define the age-related matreotype, which represents the matrisome gene expression pattern associated with age. Using a "youthful" matreotype, we screened in silico for geroprotective drug candidates. To validate drug candidates, we developed a novel tool using prolonged collagen expression as a non-invasive and in-vivo surrogate marker for Caenorhabditis elegans longevity. With this reporter, we were able to eliminate false-positive drug candidates and determine the appropriate dose for extending the lifespan of C. elegans. We improved drug uptake for one of our predicted compounds, genistein, and reconciled previous contradictory reports of its effects on longevity. We identified and validated new compounds, tretinoin, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid, for their ability to restore age-related decline of collagen homeostasis and increase lifespan. Thus, our innovative drug screening approach-employing extracellular matrix homeostasis-facilitates the discovery of pharmacological interventions promoting healthy aging.

Short communication: Clinical evaluation of pea sprout extract in the treatment of hair loss.

Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide, but currently available treatment options are often dissatisfying due to side effects or limited efficacy. Pea sprout extract has been shown to improve hair density when applied topically, but its mode of action and effectiveness upon oral administration remain unknown. Our study has now shown that the application of a fluid containing 2% pea sprout extract on a defined scalp zone of 10 volunteers enhances the expression of defined genes relevant for hair, namely fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF7) and noggin, by 56 and 85%, respectively. Additionally, a subsequent pilot nutrition intervention study in 21 volunteers proved that pea sprout extract is also effective when consumed as dietary supplement. The daily intake of 100 mg pea sprout extract (AnaGain™ Nu) for 8 weeks significantly reduced hair loss already after 28 days of treatment (p < 0.002). No adverse events were reported. Consequently, pea sprout extract may be an effective means to safely promote hair growth and reduce hair loss in individuals experiencing excessive hair shedding.

Heptapeptide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for cosmetic anti-aging applications.

The cosmetic industry requires more and more expensive actives and ingredients such as retinol, coenzyme Q10, proteins, peptides and biotechnologically produced molecules. In this study, we demonstrate the development of a cost effective formulation of a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) or solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) improving peptide delivery into skin. NLC or SLN are very suitable vehicles for the delivery of active ingredients into skin. The SLN, produced by using hot high pressure homogenization method combine advantages such as physical stability, protection of incorporated labile actives and controlled release. By the used method we dispersed the amorphous heptapeptide DEETGEF in shea butter and homogenized this pre-dispersion at 60°C together with the water phase using a Microfluidizer at 1000bar. The analysis of the obtained SLN-P7 showed a particle size of 173nm, incorporated peptide of 0.014%, entrapment efficiency of 90.8%, melting peak (DSC) of the core lipid of 27°C and a zeta potential of -54mV. By an ex vivo study with skin explants we could stimulate NQO1 (NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase), HMOX1 (Heme oxygenase-1) and PRDX1 (Peroxiredoxin-1) genes all of which are cell protecting enzymes. In a multicellular protection against UV induced stress study with skin explants we detected the formation of sun burn cells and the number and morphology of Langerhans cells. The application of our SLN-P7 formulation on skin explants led to a significant and dose dependent protection against UV irradiation. In the clinical suction blister study, irradiation with UVA light for two hours after final product application led to a statistically significant increase of the 8-OhdG (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) concentration in the human epidermis. The skin treated with our verum formulation showed a statistically significant 20% decrease in DNA damage compared to placebo. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that SLN technology enabled peptide delivery into skin allowing it to perform protective functions.

The NF45/NF90 Heterodimer Contributes to the Biogenesis of 60S Ribosomal Subunits and Influences Nucleolar Morphology.

The interleukin enhancer binding factors ILF2 (NF45) and ILF3 (NF90/NF110) have been implicated in various cellular pathways, such as transcription, microRNA (miRNA) processing, DNA repair, and translation, in mammalian cells. Using tandem affinity purification, we identified human NF45 and NF90 as components of precursors to 60S (pre-60S) ribosomal subunits. NF45 and NF90 are enriched in nucleoli and cosediment with pre-60S ribosomal particles in density gradient analysis. We show that association of the NF45/NF90 heterodimer with pre-60S ribosomal particles requires the double-stranded RNA binding domains of NF90, while depletion of NF45 and NF90 by RNA interference leads to a defect in 60S biogenesis. Nucleoli of cells depleted of NF45 and NF90 have altered morphology and display a characteristic spherical shape. These effects are not due to impaired rRNA transcription or processing of the precursors to 28S rRNA. Consistent with a role of the NF45/NF90 heterodimer in nucleolar steps of 60S subunit biogenesis, downregulation of NF45 and NF90 leads to a p53 response, accompanied by induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21/CIP1, which can be counteracted by depletion of RPL11. Together, these data indicate that NF45 and NF90 are novel higher-eukaryote-specific factors required for the maturation of 60S ribosomal subunits.

The beta-isoform of the BRCA2 and CDKN1A(p21)-interacting protein (BCCIP) stabilizes nuclear RPL23/uL14.

BRCA2 and CDKN1A(p21,CIP1)-interacting protein (BCCIP) is an evolutionary conserved protein implicated in maintenance of genome stability and cell cycle progression. Two isoforms of BCCIP with distinct C-terminal domains exist in humans. We show that mammalian BCCIPß, but not BCCIPα, forms a ternary complex with the ribosomal protein RPL23/uL14 and the pre-60S trans-acting factor eIF6. Complex formation is dependent on an intact C-terminal domain of BCCIPß. Depletion of BCCIPß reduces the pool of free RPL23, and decreases eIF6 levels in nucleoli. Overexpression of BCCIPß leads to nucleoplasmic accumulation of extra-ribosomal RPL23 and stabilizes overexpressed RPL23, suggesting that BCCIPß functions as nuclear chaperone for RPL23.

CK1δ and CK1ε are components of human 40S subunit precursors required for cytoplasmic 40S maturation.

Biogenesis of 40S pre-ribosomal subunits requires many trans-acting factors, among them several protein kinases. In this study, we show that the human casein kinase 1 (CK1) isoforms δ and ε are required for cytoplasmic maturation steps of 40S subunit precursors. We show that both CK1δ and CK1ε isoforms are components of pre-40S subunits, on which they phosphorylate the ribosome biogenesis factors ENP1/BYSL and LTV1. Inhibition or co-depletion of CK1δ and CK1ε results in failure to recycle a series of trans-acting factors including ENP1/BYSL, LTV1, RRP12, DIM2/PNO1, RIO2 and NOB1 from pre-40S particles after nuclear export. Furthermore, co-depletion of CK1δ and CK1ε leads to defects in 18S-E pre-rRNA processing. Together, these data demonstrate that CK1δ and CK1ε play a decisive role in triggering late steps of pre-40S maturation that are required for acquisition of functionality of 40S ribosomal subunits in protein translation.

The kinase activity of human Rio1 is required for final steps of cytoplasmic maturation of 40S subunits.

RIO proteins form a conserved family of atypical protein kinases. Humans possess three distinct RIO kinases-hRio1, hRio2, and hRio3, of which only hRio2 has been characterized with respect to its role in ribosomal biogenesis. Here we show that both hRio1 and hRio3, like hRio2, are associated with precursors of 40S ribosomal subunits in human cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that depletion of hRio1 by RNA interference affects the last step of 18S rRNA maturation and causes defects in the recycling of several trans-acting factors (hEnp1, hRio2, hLtv1, hDim2/PNO1, and hNob1) from pre-40S subunits in the cytoplasm. Although the effects of hRio1 and hRio2 depletion are similar, we show that the two kinases are not fully interchangeable. Moreover, rescue experiments with a kinase-dead mutant of hRio1 revealed that the kinase activity of hRio1 is essential for the recycling of the endonuclease hNob1 and its binding partner hDim2 from cytoplasmic pre-40S. Kinase-dead hRio1 is trapped on pre-40S particles containing hDim2 and hNob1 but devoid of hEnp1, hLtv1, and hRio2. These data reveal a role of hRio1 in the final stages of cytoplasmic pre-40S maturation.

Distinct cytoplasmic maturation steps of 40S ribosomal subunit precursors require hRio2.

During their biogenesis, 40S ribosomal subunit precursors are exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where final maturation occurs. In this study, we show that the protein kinase human Rio2 (hRio2) is part of a late 40S preribosomal particle in human cells. Using a novel 40S biogenesis and export assay, we analyzed the contribution of hRio2 to late 40S maturation. Although hRio2 is not absolutely required for pre-40S export, deletion of its binding site for the export receptor CRM1 decelerated the kinetics of this process. Moreover, in the absence of hRio2, final cytoplasmic 40S maturation is blocked because the recycling of several trans-acting factors and cytoplasmic 18S-E precursor ribosomal RNA (rRNA [pre-rRNA]) processing are defective. Intriguingly, the physical presence of hRio2 but not its kinase activity is necessary for the release of hEnp1 from cytoplasmic 40S precursors. In contrast, hRio2 kinase activity is essential for the recycling of hDim2, hLtv1, and hNob1 as well as for 18S-E pre-rRNA processing. Thus, hRio2 is involved in late 40S maturation at several distinct steps.