A novel HDAC6 inhibitor interferes microtubule dynamics and spindle assembly checkpoint and sensitizes cisplatin-induced apoptosis in castration-resistant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the most refractory prostate cancer, inevitably progresses and becomes unresponsive to hormone therapy, revealing a pressing unmet need for this disease. Novel agents targeting HDAC6 and microtubule dynamics can be a potential anti-CRPC strategy. METHODS: Cell proliferation was examined in CRPC PC-3 and DU-145 cells using sulforhodamine B assay and anchorage-dependent colony formation assay. Flow cytometric analysis of propidium iodide staining was used to determine cell-cycle progression. Cell-based tubulin polymerization assay and confocal immunofluorescence microscopic examination determine microtubule assembly/disassembly status. Protein expressions were determined using Western blot analysis. RESULTS: A total of 82 novel derivatives targeting HDAC6 were designed and synthesized, and Compound 25202 stood out, showing the highest efficacy in blocking HDAC6 (IC50, 3.5 nM in enzyme assay; IC50, 1.0 µM in antiproliferative assay in CRPC cells), superior to tubastatin A (IC50, 5.4 µM in antiproliferative assay). The selectivity and superiority of 25202 were validated by examining the acetylation of both α-tubulin and histone H3, detecting cell apoptosis and HDACs enzyme activity assessment. Notably, 25202 but not tubastatin A significantly decreased HDAC6 protein expression. 25202 prolonged mitotic arrest through the detection of cyclin B1 upregulation, Cdk1 activation, mitotic phosphoprotein levels, and Bcl-2 phosphorylation. Compound 25202 did not mimic docetaxel in inducing tubulin polymerization but disrupted microtubule organization. Compound 25202 also increased the phosphorylation of CDC20, BUB1, and BUBR1, indicating the activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Moreover, 25202 profoundly sensitized cisplatin-induced cell death through impairment of cisplatin-evoked DNA damage response and DNA repair in both ATR-Chk1 and ATM-Chk2 pathways. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that 25202 is a novel selective and potent HDAC6 inhibitor. Compound 25202 blocks HDAC6 activity and interferes microtubule dynamics, leading to SAC activation and mitotic arrest prolongation that eventually cause apoptosis of CRPC cells. Furthermore, 25202 sensitizes cisplatin-induced cell apoptosis through impeding DNA damage repair pathways.

Sex-specific implications of inflammation in covert cerebral small vessel disease.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between inflammation and covert cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) with regards to sex difference has received limited attention in research. We aim to unravel the intricate associations between inflammation and covert SVD, while also scrutinizing potential sex-based differences in these connections. METHODS: Non-stroke/dementia-free study population was from the I-Lan longitudinal Aging Study. Severity and etiology of SVD were assessed by 3T-MRI in each participant. Systemic and vascular inflammatory-status was determined by the circulatory levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and homocysteine, respectively. Sex-specific multivariate logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and interaction models to scrutinize women-to-men ratios of ORs (RORs) were used to evaluate the potential impact of sex on the associations between inflammatory factors and SVD. RESULTS: Overall, 708 participants (62.19 ± 8.51 years; 392 women) were included. Only women had significant associations between homocysteine levels and covert SVD, particularly in arteriosclerosis/lipohyalinosis SVD (ORs[95%CI]: 1.14[1.03-1.27] and 1.15[1.05-1.27] for more severe and arteriosclerosis/lipohyalinosis SVD, respectively). Furthermore, higher circulatory levels of homocysteine were associated with a greater risk of covert SVD in women compared to men, as evidenced by the RORs [95%CI]: 1.14[1.01-1.29] and 1.14[1.02-1.28] for more severe and arteriosclerosis/lipohyalinosis SVD, respectively. No significant associations were found between circulatory hsCRP levels and SVD in either sex. CONCLUSION: Circulatory homocysteine is associated with covert SVD of arteriosclerosis/lipohyalinosis solely in women. The intricacies underlying the sex-specific effects of homocysteine on SVD at the preclinical stage warrant further investigations, potentially leading to personalized/tailored managements. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Effects of declines in personal mastery on self-perceived mobility, physical function, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms: a 6-year follow-up study from the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study.

OBJECTIVES: As the psychosocial competence, personal mastery helps individuals to cope with stressful life events, and this study aims to examine impacts of declines in personal mastery on healthy aging among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults using a nationally representative cohort. METHODS: Data from 648 study participants in the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study (SEBAS) were retrieved for analysis. All participants were divided into four groups based on their baseline and changes of personal mastery (measured by the Pearlin mastery score) during the 6-year follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression models were adopted to examine associations between declines in personal mastery and indicators for healthy aging (declines in self-perceived mobility, physical function (activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)), cognitive function and depressive symptoms). RESULTS: After adjustments for demographics and comorbidities, those with declines in personal mastery were associated with greater risks of declines in self-perceived mobility (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.50 [95% confidence interval 1.01-2.22], p < 0.05). Although the point estimate in the unadjusted models indicated similar associations between declines in personal mastery and declines in ADLs, IADLs, cognitive function or depressive symptoms, these outcomes did not reach statistical significance in the adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS: Declines in personal mastery were negatively associated with indicators related to healthy aging (particularly locomotion) in a 6-year follow-up. Further investigations are needed to explore the effects of preventing declines in personal mastery in promoting healthy aging over time.

Privacy Concerns and Continued Use Intention of Telemedicine During COVID-19.

Introduction: Privacy concerns are a major barrier to online technology adoption. However, when consumers are facing personal risks (being ill) and environmental risks (pandemic), the effect of privacy concerns on continued use intention of telemedicine is unknown. The large user pool of virtual visits during COVID-19 provides a great opportunity to understand consumers' privacy concerns when facing personal and environmental risks. Objective: This research investigates how patients weigh personal risks (e.g., illness) and environmental risks (e.g., pandemic) against privacy concerns when deciding whether to utilize telemedicine as an option for being treated for an acute illness. Methods: Respondents (1,059 qualified) meeting the following criteria: ≥18 years old, U.S. residents, virtual patient for acute conditions during COVID-19, and a Human Intelligence Task approval rate of >95%, were recruited utilizing Amazon Mechanical Turk during the middle of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted to collect data. Results: Analysis indicates that first-time telepatients (82% of respondents) have greater privacy concerns than repeat users. Findings also indicate that patients who are female and have some college education or less reported greater privacy concerns. Interestingly, privacy concerns are positively related to continued use intention. This result holds when satisfaction and user characteristics are controlled. Conclusions: When consumers are ill, privacy concerns still play an important role in telemedicine adoption. However, under environmental risks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, privacy concerns do not negatively impact their continued use intention, and satisfaction is positively associated with continued use intention.

Quercetin attenuates cisplatin-induced fat loss.

PURPOSE: The major aim of the present study was to determine the effects of quercetin, a well-known flavonoid, on attenuating cisplatin (CDDP)-induced fat loss and the possible mechanisms. METHODS: Tumor-bearing nude mice and tumor-free BALB/c mice were administrated with CDDP alone or in combination with quercetin by a diet containing 0.1% or 1% quercetin (LQ or HQ) or by intraperitoneal injection (IQ) to determine the effects of quercetin on the anticancer effect of CDDP or CDDP-induced fat loss. The effects of quercetin on fat accumulation in CDDP-exposed 3T3-L1 cells were also determined. RESULTS: We first showed that HQ and IQ significantly enhanced the anticancer effect of CDDP by upregulating p53- and p21-associated pathways, while tended to attenuate CDDP-induced fat loss in tumor-bearing nude mice. The study in 3T3-L1 cells showed that CDDP decreased the fat accumulation accompanied by strong upregulation of the expression of six genes which are associated with fat metabolism, while quercetin completely suppressed such an effect. The tumor-free BALB/c mice study consistently showed a protective effect of HQ on CDDP-induced body weight and epididymal fat loss. HQ also increased the fat levels in liver and muscle tissues. In epididymal fat tissues, HQ consistently attenuated CDDP-induced changes in fat metabolism-associated gene expression. However, CDDP alone or in combination with HQ did not affect the food intake. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that quercetin possesses the potential to suppress CDDP-induced fat loss may partly through the regulation of the fat metabolism-associated gene expression.

Telemedicine for Acute Conditions During COVID-19: A Nationwide Survey Using Crowdsourcing.

Background: COVID-19 has resulted in a rapid and significant adoption of telemedicine for acute conditions. Understanding whether patient demand will last after the pandemic helps providers and payers make informed decisions about whether to continue adopting telemedicine. Objective: We examine user experience as well as process and patient outcomes of using telemedicine for acute conditions during COVID-19 and assess how patient outcomes are affected by waiting times and demographics. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted via Amazon Mechanical Turk during June 17-29, 2020. Inclusion criteria were: (1) ≥18 years old, (2) residing in the United States, (3) used telemedicine for acute conditions after January, and 4) a human intelligence task approval rate of >95%. Process outcomes included patient waiting time with patient outcomes being satisfaction and future use intention. Bivariate analysis and regressions of the data were performed. Results: On average, respondents reported appointment wait time of 2.76 days and virtual office wait time of 19.44 min. Overall, respondents reported moderate satisfaction (mean 5.08-5.35 of 7) and future use intention (mean 5.10-5.32 of 7). Over 72% of the respondents were satisfied and had future use intention. Females, heavier internet users, and those on the higher/lower ends of the education spectrum reported better patient outcomes. Patients "visiting" a doctor experiencing eye problems, vis-à-vis other ailments, reported lower satisfaction and intention. Waiting time negatively associates with satisfaction. Conclusions: Given the satisfactory outcomes, the high demand for telemedicine may continue after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, whether providers will continue to offer telemedicine visits may require more evidence.

Effect of liquid ubiquinol supplementation on glucose, lipids and antioxidant capacity in type 2 diabetes patients: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

Ubiquinone is a lipid antioxidant, and a novel liquid ubiquinol (a hydro-soluble, reduced form of coenzyme Q10) supplement was recently developed. The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of glucose, lipids and antioxidant capacity of type 2 diabetes patients after liquid ubiquinol supplementation. This study was designed as a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. In all, fifty participants were randomly assigned to a placebo (n 25) or liquid ubiquinol (100 mg/d, n 25) group, and the intervention lasted for 12 weeks. Plasma coenzyme Q10, glucose homoeostasis parameters, lipid profiles, oxidative stress and antioxidative enzyme activities were measured during the study. After 12 weeks of supplementation, glyco Hb (HbA1c) value was significantly decreased in the liquid ubiquinol group (P=0·03), and subjects in the liquid ubiquinol group had significantly lower anti-glycaemic medication effect scores (MES) compared with those in the placebo group (P=0·03). The catalase (P<0·01) and glutathione peroxidase (P=0·03) activities were increased significantly after supplementation. Plasma coenzyme Q10 was correlated with the insulin level (P=0·05), homoeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (P=0·07), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (P=0·03) and the anti-hyperglycaemic agents' MES (P=0·03) after supplementation. Lipid profiles did not change after supplementation; however, the subjects in the placebo group had a significantly lower level of HDL-cholesterol after 12 weeks of intervention. In conclusion, oral intake of 100 mg/d liquid ubiquinol might benefit type 2 diabetes patients by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity levels, reducing HbA1c levels and maintaining HDL-cholesterol levels.

Does coffee drinking have beneficial effects on bone health of Taiwanese adults? A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Results from studies investigating the association between coffee consumption and osteoporosis or bone mineral density (BMD) have been inconsistent. This longitudinal study was performed to assess the effect of coffee drinking on bone health of Taiwanese adults. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the Li-Shin (Landseed) Hospital in Taoyuan City. In 2006, 6152 participants completed a questionnaire on coffee drinking and other lifestyle factors. In 2014, 5077 of them were followed up. Nonetheless, a total of 2395 participants with incomplete data were excluded. The final analyses included 2682 participants comprising 1195 men and 1487 women (706 premenopausal and 781 postmenopausal). T-scores were derived from the osteo-sono assessment index (OSI) which is a surrogate of BMD. Coffee drinking was categorized as "no, medium, and high" based on the number of cups that were consumed per week in both 2006 and 2014. RESULTS: In general, medium and high coffee drinking were associated with higher T-scores. However, significant results were observed only among high drinkers (ß = 0.158; P = 0.0038). Nonetheless, the test for linear trend was significant (P = 0.0046). After stratification by sex, medium and high coffee drinking were associated with higher T-scores. However, significant results were prominent only among high male drinkers (ß = 0.237; P = 0.0067) and the test for trend was significant (P = 0.0161). Based on menopausal status, coffee drinking was associated with higher T-scores. Nevertheless, significant results were found only among premenopausal women (ß = 0.233; P = 0.0355 and ß = 0.234; P = 0.0152 for medium and high coffee drinking, respectively. The test for linear trend was significant (P = 0.0108). CONCLUSION: Coffee drinking was significantly associated with higher T-scores hence, a lower risk of osteoporosis in men and premenopausal women.

Everolimus is better than rapamycin in attenuating neuroinflammation in kainic acid-induced seizures.

BACKGROUND: Microglia is responsible for neuroinflammation, which may aggravate brain injury in diseases like epilepsy. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is related to microglial activation with subsequent neuroinflammation. In the present study, rapamycin and everolimus, both as mTOR inhibitors, were investigated in models of kainic acid (KA)-induced seizure and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. METHODS: In vitro, we treated BV2 cells with KA and LPS. In vivo, KA was used to induce seizures on postnatal day 25 in B6.129P-Cx3cr1tm1Litt/J mice. Rapamycin and everolimus were evaluated in their modulation of neuroinflammation detected by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining. RESULTS: Everolimus was significantly more effective than rapamycin in inhibiting iNOS and mTOR signaling pathways in both models of neuroinflammation (LPS) and seizure (KA). Everolimus significantly attenuated the mRNA expression of iNOS by LPS and nitrite production by KA and LPS than that by rapamycin. Only everolimus attenuated the mRNA expression of mTOR by LPS and KA treatment. In the present study, we also found that the modulation of mTOR under LPS and KA treatment was not mediated by Akt pathway but was primarily mediated by ERK phosphorylation, which was more significantly attenuated by everolimus. This inhibition of ERK phosphorylation and microglial activation in the hippocampus by everolimus was also confirmed in KA-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: Rapamycin and everolimus can block the activation of inflammation-related molecules and attenuated the microglial activation. Everolimus had better efficacy than rapamycin, possibly mediated by the inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. Taken together, mTOR inhibitor can be a potential pharmacological target of anti-inflammation and seizure treatment.

The enhancing effect of genistein on apoptosis induced by trichostatin A in lung cancer cells with wild type p53 genes is associated with upregulation of histone acetyltransferase.

Genistein has been shown to enhance the antitumor activity of trichostatin A (TSA) in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. However, whether the combined treatment exerts the same effect in other lung cancer cells is unclear. In the present study we first compared the enhancing effect of genistein on the antitumor effect of TSA in ABC-1, NCI-H460 (H460) and A549 cells. Second, we investigated whether the effects of genistein are associated with increased histone/non-histone protein acetylation. We found that the enhancing effect of genistein on cell-growth-arrest in ABC-1 cells (p53 mutant) was less than in A549 and H460 cells. Genistein enhanced TSA induced apoptosis in A549 and H460 cells rather than in ABC-1 cells. After silencing p53 expression in A549 and H460 cells, the enhancing effect of genistein was diminished. In addition, genistein increased TSA-induced histone H3/H4 acetylation in A549 and H460 cells. Genistein also increased p53 acetylation in H460 cells. The inhibitor of acetyltransferase, anacardic acid, diminished the enhancing effect of genistein on all TSA-induced histone/p53 acetylation and apoptosis. Genistein in combination with TSA increased the expression of p300 protein, an acetyltransferase, in A549 and NCI-H460 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that genistein also enhanced the antitumor effect of genistein in A549-tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, these results suggest that the enhancing effects of genistein on TSA-induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells were p53-dependent and were associated with histone/non-histone protein acetylation.

Comparing the metabolism of quercetin in rats, mice and gerbils.

PURPOSE: Several species of rodents are used to investigate the metabolism of quercetin in vivo. However, it is unclear whether they are a proper animal model. Thus, we compared the metabolism of quercetin in Wistar rats (rats), Balb/c mice (mice) and Mongolian gerbils (gerbils). METHODS: We determined the levels of quercetin metabolites, quercetin-3-glucuronide (Q3G), quercetin-3'-sulfate (Q3'S) and methyl-quercetin isorhamnetin (IH), in the plasma, lungs and livers of three species of animals by high-performance liquid chromatography after acute and/or chronic quercetin administration. The metabolic enzyme activities in the intestinal mucosal membrane and liver were also investigated. RESULTS: First, we found that after acute quercetin administration, the Q3'S level was the highest in gerbils. However, after long-term supplementation (20 weeks), Q3G was the dominant metabolite in the plasma, lungs and livers followed by IH and Q3'S in all animals, although the gerbils still had a higher Q3'S conversion ratio. The average concentrations of total quercetin concentration in the plasma of gerbils were the highest in both short- and long-term studies. The activities of uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase, phenolsulfotransferase and catechol-O-methyltransferase were induced by quercetin in a dose- and tissue-dependent manner in all animals. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, in general, after long-term supplementation the metabolism of quercetin is similar in all animals and is comparable to that of humans. However, the accumulation of quercetin and Q3'S conversion ratio in gerbils are higher than those in the other animals.

Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid profiles in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: L-carnitine (LC) plays an important physiologic role in lipid metabolism. To date, no clinical study has been performed to examine the effect of LC supplementation on the lipid status of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the lipid lowering effects of LC supplementation (1000 mg/d) in CAD patients. METHODS: CAD patients were identified by cardiac catheterization as having at least 50 % stenosis of one major coronary artery. Forty-seven subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to the placebo (n = 24) and to the LC (n = 23) groups. The intervention was administered for 12 weeks. The levels of LC, lipid profiles, and antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, SOD) were measured. RESULTS: The subjects in the LC group had significantly higher SOD activity (20.7 ± 4.2 versus 13.1 ± 2.9 U/mg of protein, P < 0.01), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (1.34 ± 0.42 vs. 1.16 ± 0.24 mmol/L, HDL-C, P = 0.03), and apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1, 1.24 ± 0.18 vs. 1.12 ± 0.13 g/L, P = 0.02) than those in the placebo group at week 12. Triglyceride (TG) level was slightly significantly reduced (1.40 ± 0.74 vs. 1.35 ± 0.62 mmol/L, P = 0.06) and the level of LC was negatively correlated with TG and apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B), and positively correlated with HDL-C and Apo-A1 after LC supplementation. Additionally, SOD activity was significantly negatively correlated with lipid profiles (total cholesterol, TG, and Apo-B) after supplementation. CONCLUSION: LC supplementation at a dose of 1000 mg/d showed significantly increased in HDL-C and Apo-A1 levels and a slight decrease in TG levels but no other changes in other lipids in CAD patients, and this lipid-lowering effect may be related to its antioxidant ability. Further studies should be conducted to define an optimal dose of LC for lipid-lowering in patients with CAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01819701.

Characterization and safety evaluation of a Deinococcus member as feed additive for hens.

As previous studies mainly focus on understanding the mechanisms of radioresistance in Deinococcus bacteria, the present study aimed at characterizing and verifying the safety use of the GKB-Aid 1995 strain, a member of the radiation-resistant bacterial genus Deinococcus, as an ingredient in feed supplements. Using Vitek 2 system and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, GKB-Aid 1995 most resembles Deinococcus grandis. The Ames test, in vitro chromosomal test, in vivo micronucleus test and acute toxicity test were performed subsequently for its safety evaluation. As there is a possibility that the pigment of GKB-Aid 1995 can pass from feed to eggs intended for human consumption, an acute toxicity test was also carried out in pigmented egg yolk. The results confirmed that GKB-Aid 1995 was non-genotoxic in three genotoxicity experiments, and the LD50 of GKB-Aid 1995 and the pigmented egg yolk in ICR mice was greater than 10 and 12 g kg(-1) body weight, respectively. Overall, these data indicate that GKB-Aid 1995 is a non-toxic substance with no genotoxicity and is therefore safe to be used as a feed supplement or feed additive. This study suggests there is potential in developing GKB-Aid 1995 as an animal feed additive intended to enhance yolk coloration to meet the demand of consumers.

Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activities in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Higher oxidative stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of L-carnitine (LC, 1000 mg/d) on the markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activities in CAD patients. METHODS: We enrolled 47 CAD patients in the study. The CAD patients were identified by cardiac catheterization as having at least 50% stenosis of one major coronary artery. The subjects were randomly assigned to the placebo (n = 24) and LC (n = 23) groups. The intervention was administered for 12 weeks. The levels of serum LC, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes activities [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] were measured before and after intervention. RESULTS: Thirty-nine subjects completed the study (placebo, n = 19; LC, n = 20). After 12 weeks of LC supplementation, the level of MDA was significantly reduced (2.0 ± 0.3 to 1.8 ± 0.3 µmol/L, P = 0.02) and the level of LC (33.6 ± 13.6 to 40.0 ± 12.0 µmol/L, P = 0.04) and antioxidant enzymes activities [CAT (12.7 ± 5.5 to 13.1 ± 5.8 U/mg of protein, P = 0.02), SOD (14.8 ± 2.9 to 20.7 ± 5.8 U/mg of protein, P < 0.01), and GPx (20.3 ± 3.4 to 23.0 ± 3.1 U/mg of protein, P = 0.01)] were significantly increased. The level of LC was significantly positively correlated with the antioxidant enzymes activities (CAT, ß = 0.87, P = 0.02; SOD, ß = 0.72, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: LC supplementation at a dose of 1000 mg/d was associated with a significant reduction in oxidative stress and an increase in antioxidant enzymes activities in CAD patients. CAD patients might benefit from using LC supplements to increase their anti-oxidation capacity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01819701.

Unveiling the multifaceted nexus of subjective aging, biological aging, and chronological age: Findings from a nationally representative cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate how subjective aging influences the psychological and behavioral responses of older individuals, specifically focusing on the associations between subjective aging and longitudinal changes in biological age. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study retrieving data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (TLSA), over a 4-year follow-up period. Subjective aging is assessed by asking participants if they perceive themselves as old, while frailty is measured using a frailty index comprising 34 deficits from various domains. Participants are categorized into three groups based on their chronological age. The association between subjective aging and transition of biological age (as indicated by an increased frailty index) from 2011 to 2015 is examined using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The study consisted of 2412 participants, who were categorized into middle-age (n = 1,082), young-old (n = 779), and old-old (n = 551) groups. Among them, individuals exhibiting subjective aging at baseline were more likely to be older in chronological age, female, illiterate, and unemployed, compared to those without subjective aging. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for the association between subjective aging and an increased biological age were 1.72 [95% CI: 0.88-3.34], 1.61 [0.77-3.37], and 1.08 [0.65-1.80], in the middle-age, young-old, and old-old groups, respectively. DISCUSSIONS: No significant associations were found between changes in biological age and subjective aging across various chronological age groups. Notably, within the younger age group, a discernible trend towards an association was observed, indicating the potential age-related nuances in the complex interrelation between subjective age, biological aging, and chronological aging.

Isolation and structural determination of two novel phlorotannins from the brown alga Ecklonia kurome Okamura, and their radical scavenging activities.

Two novel phlorotannins with a molecular weight of 974, temporarily named 974-A and 974-B, were isolated from the polyphenol powder prepared from the edible marine brown alga Ecklonia kurome Okamura, and their chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic method. The isolated yield of the total of 974-A and 974-B was approximately 4% (w/w) from the polyphenol powder. In 974-A, the carbon at the C2' position in the A ring of phlorofucofuroeckol-A forms a C-C bond with the carbon at the C2″ position of the C ring of triphloretol-B, while in 974-B, phlorofucofuroeckol-B and triphloretol-B form a C-C bond in the same manner as in 974-A. These structures were supported by high resolution-MS/MS data. To evaluate the antioxidant activities, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and intracellular radical scavenging assay, using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA), were performed for 974-A, 974-B, and four known phlorotannins. The results of the DPPH assay showed that the IC(50) values of 974-A, 974-B, phlorofucofuroeckol-A, and dieckol were significantly smaller than those of phlorofucofuroeckol-B, phloroglucinol, α-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the DCFH-DA assay suggested that 974-A, 974-B, and dieckol reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species most strongly among the tested compounds.

Double-layered PLGA/HA microneedle systems as a long-acting formulation of polyphenols for effective and long-term management of atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorder that requires long-term treatment to achieve optimal control. Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors are the mainstay of treatment, but the safety and efficacy of their daily use remain a concern. Here, we report a double-layered poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/sodium hyaluronate (HA) microneedle (MN) patch as a long-acting formulation for sustained delivery of natural polyphenols, curcumin (CUR) and gallic acid (GA), into the inflamed skin. Upon insertion into the skin, the HA layer is rapidly dissolved within 5 min for triggering GA release; the PLGA tip is embedded into the dermis for sustained release of CUR for 2 months. Initially, CUR and GA are simultaneously released from the MNs to exert synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thus promptly relieving AD symptoms. After the complete release of GA, the extended CUR release can maintain the improvement obtained for at least 56 days. Our results revealed that compared with the CUR-only MN and untreated AD groups, the administration of CUR/GA-loaded MNs not only rapidly reduced the dermatitis score from Day 2 but also significantly inhibited epidermal hyperplasia and mast cell accumulation, reduced serum IgE and histamine levels, and downregulated reactive oxygen species production in the skin lesions of Nc/Nga mice on Day 56. These findings demonstrated that the double-layered PLGA/HA MN patch can serve as an effective dual-polyphenol delivery system for rapid and long-term management of AD.

Association between maternal benzodiazepine or Z-hypnotic use in early pregnancy and the risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, and small for gestational age: a nationwide, population-based cohort study in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Benzodiazepines and Z-hypnotics are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia during pregnancy, but the evidence regarding potential adverse neonatal outcomes is insufficient because of poor control for confounding factors in previous studies. We therefore aimed to evaluate the association between the use of benzodiazepines or Z-hypnotics during early pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes (stillbirth, preterm birth, and small for gestational age). METHODS: We did a nationwide, population-based cohort study in Taiwan using three data sources: Taiwan's National Birth Certificate Application database, the National Health Insurance database, and the Maternal and Child Health Database. The study cohort included all singleton pregnancies of females aged 15-50 years who gave birth between Jan 1, 2004, and Dec 31, 2018. Pregnancies without valid information were excluded. Benzodiazepine and Z-hypnotic use was defined as at least one benzodiazepine or Z-hypnotic prescription during early pregnancy (the first 20 weeks of pregnancy). The primary outcomes were stillbirth (fetal death at or after 20 weeks' gestation), preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation), and small for gestational age (birthweight below the 10th percentile for gestational age by sex). Logistic regression models with propensity score fine stratification weighting were used to control for potential confounders and examine the association between benzodiazepines or Z-hypnotics use during early pregnancy and the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were reported. We used confounding by indication control analyses, a sibling control study, and a paternal negative control design to account for unmeasured confounders. The risk associated with exposure during late pregnancy was also assessed. FINDINGS: Between Oct 7, 2021, and June 10, 2022, we analysed the study data. The cohort included 2 882 292 singleton pregnancies; of which, 75 655 (2·6%) of the mothers were dispensed one or more benzodiazepines or Z-hypnotics during early pregnancy. Women exposed during pregnancy were older (mean age at delivery was 31·0 years [SD 5·3] for exposed women vs 30·6 years [4·9] for unexposed women), had a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders, and were more likely to have unhealthy lifestyle behaviours than unexposed women. Information about ethnicity was not available. Early pregnancy exposure was associated with adverse neonatal outcomes compared with non-exposure. The propensity score-weighted OR was 1·19 (95% CI 1·10-1·28) for stillbirth, 1·19 (1·16-1·23) for preterm birth, and 1·16 (1·13-1·19) for small for gestational age. After controlling for confounding by indication, there was no significant association between drug exposure and stillbirth risk; however, this attenuation was not observed for preterm birth and small for gestational age. In models with sibling controls that accounted for familial confounding and genetic factors, early exposure to benzodiazepines or Z-hypnotics was not associated with an increased risk of stillbirth and preterm birth, but it remained significantly associated with small for gestational age. The paternal negative control analyses with point estimates close to the null indicated no strong evidence of unmeasured confounding shared by the mother and the father. Substantially increased risks of stillbirth and preterm birth were observed for late pregnancy exposure. INTERPRETATION: Benzodiazepine or Z-hypnotic use in early pregnancy is not associated with a substantial increase in the risk of stillbirth and preterm birth after accounting for unmeasured confounding factors. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of small for gestational age and caution should be taken when prescribing these medications during late pregnancy. FUNDING: National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan. TRANSLATION: For the Taiwanese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

The relationship between coenzyme Q10, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzymes activities and coronary artery disease.

A higher oxidative stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between coenzyme Q10 concentration and lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes activities and the risk of CAD. Patients who were identified by cardiac catheterization as having at least 50% stenosis of one major coronary artery were assigned to the case group (n = 51). The control group (n = 102) comprised healthy individuals with normal blood biochemical values. The plasma coenzyme Q10, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes activities (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) were measured. Subjects with CAD had significant lower plasma coenzyme Q10, CAT and GPx activities and higher MDA and SOD levels compared to those of the control group. The plasma coenzyme Q10 was positively correlated with CAT and GPx activities and negatively correlated with MDA and SOD. However, the correlations were not significant after adjusting for the potential confounders of CAD with the exception of SOD. A higher level of plasma coenzyme Q10 (≥ 0.52 µmol/L) was significantly associated with reducing the risk of CAD. Our results support the potential cardioprotective impact of coenzyme Q10.