Protective Effect of Red Light-Emitting Diode against UV-B Radiation-Induced Skin Damage in SKH:HR-2 Hairless Mice.

In this in vivo study on hairless mice, we examined the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) treatment applied prior to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. We found that pre-treating with LED improved skin morphological and histopathological conditions compared to those only exposed to UVB irradiation. In our study, histological evaluation of collagen and elastic fibers after LED treatment prior to UVB irradiation showed that this pretreatment significantly enhanced the quality of fibers, which were otherwise poor in density and irregularly arranged due to UV exposure alone. This suggests that LED treatment promotes collagen and elastin production, leading to improved skin properties. Additionally, we observed an increase in Claudin-1 expression and a reduction in nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression within the LED-treated skin tissues, suggesting that LED therapy may modulate key skin barrier proteins and oxidative stress markers. These results demonstrate that pretreatment with LED light can enhance the skin's resistance to UVB-induced damage by modulating gene regulation associated with skin protection. Further investigations are needed to explore the broader biological effects of LED therapy on other tissues such as blood vessels. This study underscores the potential of LED therapy as a non-invasive approach to enhance skin repair and counteract the effects of photoaging caused by UV exposure.

Combined Toxicological Effects of Di (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate and UV-B Irradiation through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Tight Junction Disruption in Human HaCaT Keratinocytes.

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as a plasticizer, and human exposure to DEHP is widespread and frequent. However, information about the combined effect of DEHP and ultraviolet (UV)-B on the skin are still limited. We investigated the cytotoxic effects of DEHP and UV-B on HaCaT keratinocytes and evaluated the related underlying mechanisms involving endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signals and the disruption of junction complexes as an effective target for skin inflammation. Our results revealed that co-treatment with DEHP and UV-B irradiation alleviated the cell cytotoxicity and markedly decreased X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase 1 alpha (Ero1α), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) whereas a single dose of 40 mJ/cm2 UV-B generated mild ER stress to slightly less or similar levels as that seen with DEHP. DEHP was also shown to inhibit tight junctions (TJs) after UV-B irradiation, increased apoptosis by altering apoptotic gene Bax and stress kinases, JNK, and p38 MAPK. Furthermore, exposure of HaCaT cells to DEHP and UV-B irradiation resulted in the marked suppression of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/p65 signaling pathway. Taken together, our data suggest that nontoxic DEHP and UV-B irradiation regulated ER stress and epidermal TJ disruption with the induction of apoptosis activation and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) and IL-6 in human keratinocytes. Further investigation is needed to confirm the mechanisms implicated in its toxicity and determine the effects of exposure to DEHP and UV-B irradiation on markers involved in this study.

Structural basis of the specific interaction of SMRT corepressor with histone deacetylase 4.

Modification of chromatin and related transcription factors by histone deacetylases (HDACs) is one of the major strategies for controlling gene expression in eukaryotes. The HDAC domains of class IIa HDACs repress the respective target genes by interacting with the C-terminal region of the silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid receptor (SMRT) repression domain 3 (SRD3c). However, latent catalytic activity suggests that their roles as deacetylases in gene regulation are unclear. Here, we found that two conserved GSI-containing motifs of SRD3c are critical for HDAC4 binding. Two SMRT peptides including these motifs commonly form a ß-hairpin structure in the cleft and block the catalytic entry site of HDAC4. They interact mainly with class IIa HDAC-specific residues of HDAC4 in a closed conformation. Structure-guided mutagenesis confirmed critical interactions between the SMRT peptides and HDAC4 and -5 as well as the contribution of the Arg1369 residue in the first motif for optimal binding to the two HDACs. These results indicate that SMRT binding does not activate the cryptic deacetylase activity of HDAC4 and explain how class IIa HDACs and the SMRT-HDAC3 complex are coordinated during gene regulation.

Solution structure of the porcine sapovirus VPg core reveals a stable three-helical bundle with a conserved surface patch.

Viral protein genome-linked (VPg) proteins play a critical role in the life cycle of vertebrate and plant positive-sense RNA viruses by acting as a protein primer for genome replication and as a protein cap for translation initiation. Here we report the solution structure of the porcine sapovirus VPg core (VPg(C)) determined by multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The structure of VPg(C) is composed of three α-helices stabilized by several conserved hydrophobic residues that form a helical bundle core similar to that of feline calicivirus VPg. The putative nucleotide acceptor Tyr956 within the first helix of the core is completely exposed to solvent accessible surface to facilitate nucleotidylation by viral RNA polymerase. Comparison of VPg structures suggests that the surface for nucleotidylation site is highly conserved among the Caliciviridae family, whereas the backbone core structures are different. These structural features suggest that caliciviruses share common mechanisms of VPg-dependent viral replication and translation.

Crystal structure of cbbF from Zymomonas mobilis and its functional implication.

A phosphate group at the C1-atom of inositol-monophosphate (IMP) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) is hydrolyzed by a phosphatase IMPase and FBPase in a metal-dependent way, respectively. The two enzymes are almost indiscernible from each other because of their highly similar sequences and structures. Metal ions are bound to residues on the ß1- and ß2-strands and one mobile loop. However, FBP has another phosphate and FBPases exist as a higher oligomeric state, which may discriminate FBPases from IMPases. There are three genes annotated as FBPases in Zymomonas mobilis, termed also cbbF (ZmcbbF). The revealed crystal structure of one ZmcbbF shows a globular structure formed by five stacked layers. Twenty-five residues in the middle of the sequence form an α-helix and a ß-strand, which occupy one side of the catalytic site. A non-polar Leu residue among them is protruded to the active site, pointing out unfavorable access of a bulky charged group to this side. In vitro assays have shown its dimeric form in solution. Interestingly, two ß-strands of ß1 and ß2 are disordered in the ZmcbbF structure. These data indicate that ZmcbbF might structurally belong to IMPase, and imply that its active site would be reorganized in a yet unreported way.

Investigating the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Protaetia brevitarsis Larvae and Isolated Soy Protein Mixtures as Alternative Protein Sources.

The growing demand for sustainable and alternative protein sources has spurred interest in insect-based and plant-based proteins. Protaetia brevitarsis (PB) larvae and isolated soy protein (ISP) are notable in this regard, offering potential health benefits and nutritional enhancements. We assessed the feasibility of PB larvae and ISP mixtures as alternative food ingredients. Methods included the optimized purification and freeze-drying of PB larvae, extraction and refinement of legume proteins, physicochemical and antioxidant capacity evaluations, DPPH radical scavenging activity measurement, total phenolic and flavonoids content quantification, general component analysis, amino acid profiling using HPLC, fatty acid profiling through gas chromatography, and mineral content analysis using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. The study found that certain PB:ISP ratios, particularly a 7:3 ratio, significantly improved the blend's antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by DPPH scavenging activity. This ratio also impacted the nutritional profile by altering the mixture's general components, with a notable increase in moisture, crude protein, and fiber and a decrease in crude fat and ash. Amino acid analysis revealed a balanced presence of essential and non-essential amino acids. The fatty acid profile was rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially in certain ratios. Mineral analysis showed a complex interplay between PB larvae and ISP, with some minerals decreasing and others increasing in the blend. PB larvae and ISP mixtures have significant potential as alternative protein sources, offering a diversified nutritional profile and enhanced antioxidant properties. The 7:3 ratio of PB larvae to ISP has been shown to be particularly effective, suggesting that this ratio may offer an optimal balance for enhancing the overall nutritional quality of the mixture. This study sets the stage for future research to further explore and optimize the potential of these mixtures for human consumption while considering the challenges of consumer acceptance and long-term safety.

Improved transplantation outcome through delivery of DNA encoding secretion signal peptide-linked glucagon-like peptide-1 into mouse islets.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) stimulates cell proliferation and has anti-apoptotic effects on pancreatic islet ß cells. In our previous study, the transduction of mouse islets with a recombinant adenovirus containing GLP-1 cDNA enhanced islet graft survival. In this study, we sought to deliver the GLP-1 gene using a nonviral vector, which raises fewer safety issues in clinical application. We constructed a plasmid, pß-SP-GLP-1, in which a secretion signal peptide (SP) was inserted to increase GLP-1 secretion, and transfected mouse islets using the nonviral carrier Effectene. Transfection of pß-SP-GLP-1 induced a significant increase in bioactive GLP-1 levels in islet cultures. Islets transfected with pß-SP-GLP-1 were protected from H2 O2 -induced cell damage in vitro. In addition, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was significantly increased in pß-SP-GLP-1-transfected islets. Diabetic syngeneic mice transplanted under the kidney capsule with a marginal mass of pß-SP-GLP-1-transfected islets rapidly became normoglycemic, with 88% of recipients being normoglycemic at 30 days post-transplantation compared with 52% of mice that received pß-transfected islet grafts (P < 0.05). Islet grafts retrieved 7 days after transplantation revealed that the pß-SP-GLP-1-transfected group had significantly more Ki67-positive cells as compared with the pß-transfected group. In conclusion, delivery of a plasmid containing a secretion SP and GLP-1 cDNA using a nonviral carrier leads to efficient secretion of GLP-1 in mouse islet cells, enhances islet cell survival during the early post-transplant period, and improves islet transplantation outcome.

Structural characterization of a modification subunit of a putative type I restriction enzyme from Vibrio vulnificus YJ016.

In multifunctional type I restriction enzymes, active methyltransferases (MTases) are constituted of methylation (HsdM) and specificity (HsdS) subunits. In this study, the crystal structure of a putative HsdM subunit from Vibrio vulnificus YJ016 (vvHsdM) was elucidated at a resolution of 1.80 Å. A cofactor-binding site for S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM, a methyl-group donor) is formed within the C-terminal domain of an α/ß-fold, in which a number of residues are conserved, including the GxGG and (N/D)PP(F/Y) motifs, which are likely to interact with several functional moieties of the SAM methyl-group donor. Comparison with the N6 DNA MTase of Thermus aquaticus and other HsdM structures suggests that two aromatic rings (Phe199 and Phe312) in the motifs that are conserved among the HsdMs may sandwich both sides of the adenine ring of the recognition sequence so that a conserved Asn residue (Asn309) can interact with the N6 atom of the target adenine base (a methyl-group acceptor) and locate the target adenine base close to the transferred SAM methyl group.

Correlation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with gut microbiota according to the dietary intake of Korean elementary school students.

We investigated the impact of dietary patterns on the gut microbiota and concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the feces of Korean elementary school students. The dietary intake and ADHD assessment of 40 Korean elementary school students were analyzed using a dish-based semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Analysis of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids composition were performed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction, metagenomics, and gas chromatography methods. The dietary patterns of participants were divided into four groups: healthy, processed food, fish and shellfish, and meat. The participants were also divided into two groups according to their ADHD scores: 0-30, control group; over 30, ADHD group. The ADHD score of the processed food group was significantly higher than that of the healthy group. The processed food and ADHD groups showed significantly higher abundance of harmful bacteria, such as the Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium strains, and markedly lower abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as the Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus strains, than the control group. The heat maps of metagenomics indicated that each group was separated into distinct clusters, and the processed food and ADHD groups showed significantly lower α-diversity of gut microbiota than the control group. In these groups, the concentration of acetate or butyrate in the feces was significantly lower than that in the control group. These results may indicate that imbalanced diets can disturb the colonic microbial balance and are likely to become a potential risk factor for the prevalence of ADHD.

The Association between Self-Rated Health Status, Psychosocial Stress, Eating Behaviors, and Food Intake According to the Level of Sunlight Exposure in Korean Adults.

Sunlight exposure has been reported to have various beneficial effects on human health. This study investigated the relationship between self-rated health status, psychosocial stress, eating behaviors, and food intake according to sunlight exposure in 948 adults. Sunlight exposure was classified as less than one hour, less than three hours, and greater than three hours. Of the participants, 49.2% had fewer than three hours of daily exposure to sunlight. Regarding participants exposed to sunlight for less than one hour, the largest response was that they did not engage in outdoor activities on weekdays or weekends, and the rate of being outdoors in the shade on sunny days was the highest in this group at 42.7%. Furthermore, the participants exposed to sunlight for less than one hour had a lower health response than the other two groups, and there were significantly more participants classified in the stress risk group. Regarding eating habits, those with less than an hour of exposure to sunlight frequently ate fried foods, fatty foods, added salt, and snacks, and had significantly lower total dietary scores or three regular meals. Additionally, their frequency of consumption of cereals, milk and dairy products, orange juice, and pork was also significantly lower than the other groups. Thus, it is necessary to provide sufficient guidelines for adequate sunlight exposure and food intake because participants with low sunlight exposure may have low vitamin D synthesis and insufficient food intake.

Quality Characteristics of Substitute Meat Patties Developed Using Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus Hara.

We developed a vegetable alternative to meat patties using Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus Hara (A. dioicus) and used it to generate basic data for the alternative meat market by comparing nutritional and microbiological components with commercially available vegetable and meat patties. Nutrient analysis, microbiological analysis, chromaticity, and texture analysis were performed on substitute meat patties (SMPs) with A. dioicus and commercially available vegetable and animal patties. Among sugars, the contents of fructose and maltose were respectively high in commercial meat patties (CMPs) and SMPs. SMPs were low in saturated and trans-fat, and high in ω-3 fatty acids. The contents (in descending order) of leucine > phenylalanine > threonine > isoleucine were high in SMPs and commercial vegetable patties (CVPs). Qualitative and quantitative findings of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus were all negative. Our SMPs had high lightness (L*), low redness (a*), and low yellowness (b*). The hardness, chewiness, and resilience of our SMPs were lower than those of other vegetable and animal patties. Considering our results, the method of manufacturing SMPs developed in the present study allows meat to be flavored without significant nutritional differences compared with commercially available CMPs. Our findings provide a base for studies on future meat alternatives.

Butyrate modulates mucin secretion and bacterial adherence in LoVo cells via MAPK signaling.

Short-chain fatty acids contribute to normal bowel function and prevent bacterial infections. In particular, butyrate is a promising candidate that plays an important role in regulating the functional integrity of the gastrointestinal tract by stimulating mucin secretion. We investigated whether butyrate treatment modulates mucin secretion and bacterial adherence in LoVo cells. In addition, the possible signaling pathways were also examined in connection with the upregulation of mucin secretion. The results showed that butyrate induced mucin secretion in LoVo cells, resulting in the inhibition of Escherichia coli adhesion by increasing the adherence of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum. The gene expression analysis suggests that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways including Cdc42-PAK pathway appears to be involved in stimulating mucin secretion. More importantly, butyrate induced the increased actin expression and polymerization in LoVo cells, which could be attributable to the Cdc42-PAK signaling pathway, implicated in actin cytoskeleton and mucin secretion. Our results provide a molecular basis in modulating bacterial adherence and the MAPK signaling pathway for the improved homeostasis of colonic epithelial cells.

Associations between Dietary Intake and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Scores by Repeated Measurements in School-Age Children.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychiatric disorder in school-age children and adolescents. However, the reported associations between ADHD and single nutrient intake are inconsistent. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between dietary intake changes and the prevalence of ADHD over time with repeat measurements using data from the Children Health and Environment Research (CHEER). To assess changes over time, we used data obtained in 2006 and 2008 (Phases 1 and 2). In this study, there were 2899 children aged 8 years or older in Phase 1 and 2120 children aged 9 years or older in Phase 2 from Korea, and the ADHD scores and dietary intake of 1733 children in Phases 1 and 2 were used in the final analysis. The YN group refers to children whose disease had improved in Phase 2, and the NY group refers to children diagnosed with ADHD in Phase 2. A notable within-group result was the increase in vegetable protein (p = 0.03) in the YN group. A between-group comparison showed that significant changes in nutrient intake could be confirmed most in the NY group, and the YN group tended to have a lower nutrient intake than the NY group. In the correlation of changes in nutrient intake and three subtypes (combined, AD, and HD), the total fat (p = 0.048) and animal protein (p = 0.099) showed a positive correlation with the prevalence of AD. Vegetable iron (p = 0.061 and p = 0.044, respectively), zinc (p = 0.022 and p = 0.007, respectively), vegetable protein (p = 0.074), and calcium (p = 0.057) had inhibitory effects on ADHD and its subtype. In conclusion, management of dietary and nutritional status should be considered to ameliorate ADHD and its subtypes in school-age children, and these relationships require further exploration in other settings.

A study on the nutritional and biochemical analysis of Selaginella tamariscina powder.

This study reports the various nutritional components of Selaginella tamariscina, which is traditionally used in folk or Chinese medicine. The iron nutrient content in S. tamariscina powder was 0.94 ± 0.06 mg/100 g powder, whereas selenium was present in a small amount, which showed strong antioxidant power. The total phenolic content of S. tamariscina powder was 8.65-11.61 mg gallic acid equivalents/g. S. tamariscina showed antioxidant activity in 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The ferric reducing antioxidant power of S. tamariscina powder was higher in the ethanol extract. Additionally, the ethanol extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis KCTC 2189. The level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in the blood of ICR mice was significantly higher in the HF 20% + S. tamariscina 20% group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The present study demonstrates that S. tamariscina, an abundantly existing plant, possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticytotoxic activities. S. tamariscina powder has potential as a functional food.

Daily walnut intake improves metabolic syndrome status and increases circulating adiponectin levels: randomized controlled crossover trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Several previous studies have investigated whether regular walnut consumption positively changes heart-health-related parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of daily walnut intake on metabolic syndrome (MetS) status and other metabolic parameters among subjects with MetS. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study was a two-arm, randomized, controlled crossover study with 16 weeks of each intervention (45 g of walnuts or iso-caloric white bread) with a 6 week washout period between interventions. Korean adults with MetS (n = 119) were randomly assigned to one of two sequences; 84 subjects completed the trial. At each clinic visit (at 0, 16, 22, and 38 weeks), MetS components, metabolic parameters including lipid profile, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), adiponectin, leptin, and apolipoprotein B, as well as anthropometric and bioimpedance data were obtained. RESULTS: Daily walnut consumption for 16 weeks improved MetS status, resulting in 28.6%-52.8% reversion rates for individual MetS components and 51.2% of participants with MetS at baseline reverted to a normal status after the walnut intervention. Significant improvements after walnut intake, compared to control intervention, in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.028), fasting glucose (P = 0.013), HbA1c (P = 0.021), and adiponectin (P = 0.019) were observed after adjustment for gender, age, body mass index, and sequence using a linear mixed model. CONCLUSION: A dietary supplement of 45 g of walnuts for 16 weeks favorably changed MetS status by increasing the concentration of HDL-C and decreasing fasting glucose level. Furthermore, consuming walnuts on a daily basis changed HbA1c and circulating adiponectin levels among the subjects with MetS. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03267901.

Time and Intervention Effects of Daily Almond Intake on the Changes of Lipid Profile and Body Composition Among Free-Living Healthy Adults.

Favorable health benefits of almond have been shown in several previous studies. However, repeated measures, randomized, controlled trials to investigate the changes due to almond intake based on the time effects have not yet been reported. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of daily almond intake on changes in body composition and lipid profiles for 20 weeks with four measurements among healthy adults. Participants in the almond group showed favorable changes on blood lipid profiles, including levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL-C) after consuming 56 g of almond per day for 20 weeks compared with those at baseline. At week 20, subjects in the almond group showed significantly decreased TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TG, body fat mass, and waist-hip ratio compared with those of the control group who consumed isocaloric control food. The mixed model also confirmed that there were significant time effects in several bioimpedance indicators (i.e., total body protein, fat-free mass, etc.) and all of the lipid profile parameters in the almond group. These results confirm the effects of lipid-lowering and modifying body composition of almond consumption. In addition, our results suggest that the measuring time points would be critical to capture the effects of dietary intervention.

Dietary patterns related to exposure to persistent organic pollutants based on the Ewha Birth and Growth Cohort.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are endocrine disruptors that are typically ingested in food. Using data from the Ewha Birth and Growth Cohort study, we identified dietary patterns related to blood persistent organic pollutant (POP) levels in children. In total, 188 Korean children (95 boys and 93 girls) aged 7-9 years were included in this study. Daily food intake data derived from a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire were grouped into 33 food groups. Dietary patterns were analyzed using the reduced rank regression method, with blood POP levels as dependent variables. The marker polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) pattern showed more weighted loading factors in the intake of shellfish/salted seafood, cheese, nuts and seeds, and total PCBs showed similar results. The dioxin-like PCB pattern was characterized by a higher intake of yogurt, beverages, and fruit and a lower intake of grain, seaweeds, and processed meat. Additionally, the total organochlorine pesticide (OCP) pattern showed positive factor loading values in shrimp and beverages, and negative factor loading values in seaweeds and processed meat. Each dietary pattern accounted for 25.0% of total OCPs, 22.9% of dioxin-like PCBs, 21.6% of marker PCBs, and 21.3% of total PCBs in blood. Dietary pattern scores were linearly related to blood POP levels, and this association remained after adjusting for sex, age, follow-up survey year, maternal educational level, body mass index, and total energy. Dietary patterns differed slightly among the individual POPs. Further studies are needed to develop an intervention strategy for children.

The differential effects of changes in individual macronutrient intake on changes in lipid concentrations during childhood: From the Ewha Birth & Growth Cohort.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: High carbohydrate or fat intake is responsible for abnormal lipid concentrations in adults, but few studies of children have been reported. Using data from a Korean children's cohort study, we assessed the association between macronutrient intake and lipid profile with a longitudinal association during a 4-year follow-up. METHODS: Using 2 days of 24-h dietary data obtained at 3 (n = 323) and 7 (n = 292) years old from the Ewha Birth & Growth Cohort, we calculated changes (n = 103) in macronutrient intake in terms of energy-adjusted intake and percent total energy for nutrients. Changes in lipid profiles (TC: total cholesterol, TG: triglyceride, HDL-c: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-c: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) are the primary outcomes in this study. The effects of individual changes in macronutrient intake on changes in lipid profiles over time were assessed using multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: The percentages of total energy from carbohydrates and fat were 59.1% and 27.4% at baseline, respectively. Those in the highest tertile of carbohydrate intake showed the highest mean TG and lowest mean TC and HDL-c levels, regardless of observation time. By contrast, those with the highest fat intake indicated the lowest mean TG and highest mean TC and HDL-c at 7 years old. In addition, increased intake of carbohydrates had an unfavorable effect on TG, while increased intake of fat, especially animal-based fat, increased LDL-c levels over time. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that a relatively high intake of carbohydrate or fat among children had an unfavorable effect on lipid concentrations based on a longitudinal approach.

Enigma Plays Roles in Survival of Thyroid Carcinoma Cells through PI3K/AKT Signaling and Survivin.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the role of enigma protein in survival of thyroid carcinoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BCPAP and 8505C human thyroid carcinoma cells were used. Cell viability using CCK-8 assay, the percentage of dead cells using trypan blue assay, cytotoxic activity using cytotoxicity assay, cell growth rate and cell migration using wound-healing assay were performed. RESULTS: In enigma siRNA-transfected cells, cell viability, and the protein levels of AKT and survivin decreased. The percentage of dead cells, cytotoxic activity and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein levels increased. After transfection of p110α plasmid, the alterations in cell viability, the percentage of dead cells, cytotoxic activity, and protein levels of AKT, survivin and cleaved PARP were abrogated. Cell growth rate and cell migration were reduced with reduction of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) protein levels, as well as increased p53 and p21 protein levels. CONCLUSION: Enigma affects cell survival through modulation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/AKT signaling and survivin, and regulates cell proliferation and migration via involvement of MMP-2, MMP-9, p53 and p21 in thyroid carcinoma cells.

The effects of daily intake timing of almond on the body composition and blood lipid profile of healthy adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Timing of almond intake during a day may result differently in the perspectives of body composition and changes of lipid profile. The current study was conducted to compare the effects of daily almond intake as a preload versus as a snack on body composition, blood lipid profile, and oxidative and inflammation indicators among young Korean adults aged 20-39 years old. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a pre-meal almond group (PM), a snack almond group (SN) in which participants were instructed to consume 56 g of almonds either as a preload before meals or as a snack between meals, respectively, and a control group (CL) in which participants were provided high-carbohydrate iso-caloric control food. Measurements were performed at baseline, weeks 8 and 16. RESULTS: A total of 169 (M 77/F 92) out of the 227 participants completed the study between June 2014 and June 2015 (n = 58 for PM; 55 for SN; and 56 for CL). A significant decrease in body fat mass was observed in the PM group at both weeks 8 and 16 compared with the CL. There were significant intervention effects on changes of body fat mass (P = 0.025), body fat percentages (P = 0.019), and visceral fat levels (P < 0.001). Consuming almonds as a daily snack reduced the levels of total cholesterol (P = 0.043) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P = 0.011) without changing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol compared with the CL. CONCLUSION: Almond consumption as a preload modified body fat percentages, whereas snacking on almonds between meals improved blood lipid profiles. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03014531.