Antiwrinkle and Antimelanogenesis Effects of Tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus KCCM12625P.

UVB irradiation can induce generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause skin aging or pigmentation. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a well-known probiotic strain that regulates skin health through antimicrobial peptides and organic products produced by metabolism and through immune responses. In this study, we investigated the antioxidative, antiwrinkle, and antimelanogenesis effects of tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus KCCM12625P (AL). To analyze the effects of AL on UV irradiation-induced skin wrinkle formation in vitro, human keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts were exposed to UVB. Subsequent treatment with AL induced antiwrinkle effects by regulating wrinkle-related genes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), SIRT-1, and type 1 procollagen (COL1AL). In addition, Western blotting assays confirmed that regulation of MMPs by AL in keratinocytes was due to regulation of the AP-1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, we confirmed the ability of AL to regulate melanogenesis in B16F10 murine melanoma cells treated with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). In particular, AL reduced the mRNA expression of melanogenesis-related genes such as tyrosinase, TYRP-1, and TYRP-2. Finally, we used Western blotting assays to confirm that the antimelanogenesis role of AL was due to its regulation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway. Collectively, these results indicate that AL has an antiwrinkle activity in damaged skin and can inhibit melanogenesis. Thus, AL should be considered an important substance for potential use in anti-aging drugs or cosmetics.

Anti-Melanogenic Effects of Ethanol Extracts of the Leaves and Roots of Patrinia villosa (Thunb.) Juss through Their Inhibition of CREB and Induction of ERK and Autophagy.

Patrinia villosa (Thunb.) Juss is a traditional herb commonly used in East Asia including Korea, Japan, and China. It has been administered to reduce and treat inflammation in Donguibogam, Korea. The mechanism for its anti-inflammatory effects has already been reported. In this study, we confirmed the efficacy of Patrinia villosa (Thunb.) Juss ethanol extract (Pv-EE) for inducing autophagy and investigate its anti-melanogenic properties. Melanin secretion and content were investigated using cells from the melanoma cell line B16F10. Pv-EE inhibited melanin in melanogenesis induced by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). The mechanism of inhibition of Pv-EE was confirmed by suppressing the mRNA of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), decreasing the phosphorylation level of CREB, and increasing the phosphorylation of ERK. Finally, it was confirmed that Pv-EE induces autophagy through the autophagy markers LC3B and p62, and that the anti-melanogenic effect of Pv-EE is inhibited by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyl adenine (3-MA). These results suggest that Pv-EE may be used as a skin protectant due to its anti-melanin properties including autophagy.

The Anti-Cancer Effect of Linusorb B3 from Flaxseed Oil through the Promotion of Apoptosis, Inhibition of Actin Polymerization, and Suppression of Src Activity in Glioblastoma Cells.

Linusorbs (LOs) are natural peptides found in flaxseed oil that exert various biological activities. Of LOs, LOB3 ([1-9-NαC]-linusorb B3) was reported to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities; however, its anti-cancer activity has been poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigated the anti-cancer effect of LOB3 and its underlying mechanism in glioblastoma cells. LOB3 induced apoptosis and suppressed the proliferation of C6 cells by inhibiting the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and p53, as well as promoting the activation of pro-apoptotic caspases, caspase-3 and -9. LOB3 also retarded the migration of C6 cells, which was achieved by suppressing the formation of the actin cytoskeleton critical for the progression, invasion, and metastasis of cancer. Moreover, LOB3 inhibited the activation of the proto-oncogene, Src, and the downstream effector, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), in C6 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that LOB3 plays an anti-cancer role by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the migration of C6 cells through the regulation of apoptosis-related molecules, actin polymerization, and proto-oncogenes.

Enhancement of bioethanol production from Gracilaria verrucosa by Saccharomyces cerevisiae through the overexpression of SNR84 and PGM2.

A total monosaccharide concentration of 47.0 g/L from 12% (w/v) Gracilaria verrucosa was obtained by hyper thermal acid hydrolysis with 0.2 M HCl at 140°C for 15 min and enzymatic saccharification with CTec2. To improve galactose utilization, we overexpressed two genes, SNR84 and PGM2, in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae CEN-PK2 using CRISPR/Cas-9. The overexpression of both SNR84 and PGM2 improved galactose utilization and ethanol production compared to the overexpression of each gene alone. The overexpression of both SNR84 and PGM2 and of PGM2 and SNR84 singly in S. cerevisiae CEN-PK2 Cas9 produced 20.0, 18.5, and 16.5 g/L ethanol with ethanol yield (YEtOH) values of 0.43, 0.39, and 0.35, respectively. However, S. cerevisiae CEN-PK2 adapted to high concentration of galactose consumed galactose completely and produced 22.0 g/L ethanol at a YEtOH value of 0.47. The overexpression of both SNR84 and PGM2 increased the transcriptional levels of GAL and regulatory genes; however, the transcriptional levels of these genes were lower than those in S. cerevisiae adapted to high galactose concentrations.

TANK-binding kinase 1 and Janus kinase 2 play important roles in the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 expression after toll-like receptor 4 activation.

Inflammation is a response that protects the body from pathogens. Through several inflammatory signaling pathways mediated by various families of transcription factors, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), various inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are induced and inflammatory responses are boosted. Simultaneously, inhibitory systems are activated and provide negative feedback. A typical mechanism by which this process occurs is that inflammatory signaling molecules upregulate mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP1) expression. Here, we investigated how kinases regulate MKP1 expression in lipopolysaccharide-triggered cascades. We found that p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors decreased MKP1 expression. Using specific inhibitors, gene knockouts, and gene knockdowns, we also found that tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor family member-associated nuclear factor κB activator (TANK)-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) are involved in the induction of MKP1 expression. By analyzing JAK2-induced activation of STATs, STAT3-specific inhibitors, promoter binding sites, and STAT3-/- cells, we found that STAT3 is directly linked to TBK1-mediated and JAK2-mediated induction of MKP1 expression. Our data suggest that MKP1 expression can be differentially regulated by p38, JNK, and the TBK1-JAK2-STAT3 pathway after activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). These data also imply crosstalk between the AP-1 pathway and the IRF3 and STAT3 pathways.

ZBTB2 increases PDK4 expression by transcriptional repression of RelA/p65.

The NF-κB is found in almost all animal cell types and is involved in a myriad of cellular responses. Aberrant expression of NF-κB has been linked to cancer, inflammatory diseases and improper development. Little is known about transcriptional regulation of the NF-κB family member gene RelA/p65. Sp1 plays a key role in the expression of the RelA/p65 gene. ZBTB2 represses transcription of the gene by inhibiting Sp1 binding to a Sp1-binding GC-box in the RelA/p65 proximal promoter (bp, -31 to -21). Moreover, recent studies revealed that RelA/p65 directly binds to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator1α (PGC1α) to decrease transcriptional activation of the PGC1α target gene PDK4, whose gene product inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), a key regulator of TCA cycle flux. Accordingly, we observed that RelA/p65 repression by ZBTB2 indirectly results in increased PDK4 expression, which inhibits PDH. Consequently, in cells with ectopic ZBTB2, the concentrations of pyruvate and lactate were higher than those in normal cells, indicating changes in glucose metabolism flux favoring glycolysis over the TCA cycle. Knockdown of ZBTB2 in mouse xenografts decreased tumor growth. ZBTB2 may increase cell proliferation by reprogramming glucose metabolic pathways to favor glycolysis by upregulating PDK4 expression via repression of RelA/p65 expression.

Hydroquinone suppresses IFN-ß expression by targeting AKT/IRF3 pathway.

Previous studies have demonstrated the role of hydroquinone (HQ), a hydroxylated benzene metabolite, in modulating various immune responses; however, its role in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses is not fully understood. In this study, the role of HQ in inflammatory responses and the underlying molecular mechanism were explored in macrophages. HQ down-regulated the expression of interferon (IFN)-ß mRNA in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells without any cytotoxicity and suppressed interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-3-mediated luciferase activity induced by TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-ß (TRIF) and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). A mechanism study revealed that HQ inhibited IRF-3 phosphorylation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), TRIF, and AKT by suppressing phosphorylation of AKT, an upstream kinase of the IRF-3 signaling pathway. IRF-3 phosphorylation is highly induced by wild-type AKT and poorly induced by an AKT mutant, AKT C310A, which is mutated at an inhibitory target site of HQ. We also showed that HQ inhibited IRF-3 phosphorylation by targeting all three AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3) in RAW264.7 cells and suppressed IRF-3-mediated luciferase activities induced by AKT in HEK293 cells. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that HQ inhibits the production of a type I IFN, IFN-ß, by targeting AKTs in the IRF-3 signaling pathway during macrophage-mediated inflammation.

ATP-Binding Pocket-Targeted Suppression of Src and Syk by Luteolin Contributes to Its Anti-Inflammatory Action.

Luteolin is a flavonoid identified as a major anti-inflammatory component of Artemisia asiatica. Numerous reports have demonstrated the ability of luteolin to suppress inflammation in a variety of inflammatory conditions. However, its exact anti-inflammatory mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory mode of action in activated macrophages of luteolin from Artemisia asiatica was examined by employing immunoblotting analysis, a luciferase reporter gene assay, enzyme assays, and an overexpression strategy. Luteolin dose-dependently inhibited the secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and diminished the levels of mRNA transcripts of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) and pam3CSK-treated macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells without displaying cytotoxicity. Luteolin displayed potent NO-inhibitory activity and also suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65 and p50) via blockade of Src and Syk, but not other mitogen-activated kinases. Overexpression of wild type Src and point mutants thereof, and molecular modelling studies, suggest that the ATP-binding pocket may be the luteolin-binding site in Src. These results strongly suggest that luteolin may exert its anti-inflammatory action by suppressing the NF-κB signaling cascade via blockade of ATP binding in Src and Syk.

Physical Fitness and Serum Vitamin D and Cognition in Elderly Koreans.

Poor physical fitness and low serum vitamin D are known to be modifiable risk factors for cognitive declines with normal aging. We investigated the association of physical fitness and serum vitamin D levels with global cognitive function in older adults. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 412 older Korean adults (108 men aged 74.4 ± 6.0 years and 304 women aged 73.1 ± 5.4 years) completed the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to assess global cognitive performance and the senior fitness test to assess strength, flexibility, agility, and endurance domains of physical fitness. Body mass index, percent body fat, serum vitamin D, geriatric depression scale (GDS), level of education, smoking, and history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease were also assessed as covariates. Age, sex, GDS, and body fatness were negatively associated with MMSE-based cognitive performance. Serum vitamin D and physical fitness were positively associated with MMSE-based cognitive performance. Multivariate linear regression showed that agility (partial R(2) = -0.184, p = 0.029) and endurance (partial R(2) = 0.191, p = 0.022) domains of physical fitness along with serum vitamin D (partial R(2) = 0.210, p = 0.012) were significant predictors for global cognitive performance after controlling for covariates (i.e., age, sex, education, GDS, body fatness, and comorbidity index). The current findings of the study suggest that promotion of physical fitness and vitamin D supplementation should be key components of interventions to prevent cognitive decline with normal aging. Key pointsCognitive declines are associated with normal aging as well as modifiable lifestyle risk factors, and there is an increasing need to identify the modifiable risk factors for the onset of cognitive declines and to provide evidence-based strategies for healthy and successful aging.In Korea, little is known about the relationships of physical fitness and serum vitamin D with cognitive function in older adults, and we determined the associations between a) serum vitamin D levels and cognitive function and b) physical fitness and cognitive function among community-dwelling elderly Koreans.The current findings of the study suggest that agility and endurance domains of physical fitness along with serum vitamin D were significant predictors for global cognitive performance after controlling for covariates.

Lipin1 regulates PPARγ transcriptional activity.

PPARγ (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ) is a master transcription factor involved in adipogenesis through regulating adipocyte-specific gene expression. Recently, lipin1 was found to act as a key factor for adipocyte maturation and maintenance by modulating the C/EBPα (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α) and PPARγ network; however, the precise mechanism by which lipin1 affects the transcriptional activity of PPARγ is largely unknown. The results of the present study show that lipin1 activates PPARγ by releasing co-repressors, NCoR1 (nuclear receptor co-repressor 1) and SMRT (silencing mediator of retinoid and thyroid hormone receptor), from PPARγ in the absence of the ligand rosiglitazone. We also identified a novel lipin1 TAD (transcriptional activation domain), between residues 217 and 399, which is critical for the activation of PPARγ, but not PPARα. Furthermore, this TAD is unique to lipin1 since this region does not show any homology with the other lipin isoforms, lipin2 and lipin3. The activity of the lipin1 TAD is enhanced by p300 and SRC-1 (steroid receptor co-activator 1), but not by PCAF (p300/CBP-associated factor) and PGC-1α (PPAR co-activator 1α). The physical interaction between lipin1 and PPARγ occurs at the lipin1 C-terminal region from residues 825 to 926, and the VXXLL motif at residue 885 is critical for binding with and the activation of PPARγ. The action of lipin1 as a co-activator of PPARγ enhanced adipocyte differentiation; the TAD and VXXLL motif played critical roles, but the catalytic activity of lipin1 was not directly involved. Collectively, these data suggest that lipin1 functions as a key regulator of PPARγ activity through its ability to release co-repressors and recruit co-activators via a mechanism other than PPARα activation.

Lymphocyte-Activation Gene 3 Facilitates Pathological Tau Neuron-to-Neuron Transmission.

The spread of prion-like protein aggregates is a common driver of pathogenesis in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related Tauopathies. Tau pathologies exhibit a clear progressive spreading pattern that correlates with disease severity. Clinical observation combined with complementary experimental studies has shown that Tau preformed fibrils (PFF) are prion-like seeds that propagate pathology by entering cells and templating misfolding and aggregation of endogenous Tau. While several cell surface receptors of Tau are known, they are not specific to the fibrillar form of Tau. Moreover, the underlying cellular mechanisms of Tau PFF spreading remain poorly understood. Here, it is shown that the lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (Lag3) is a cell surface receptor that binds to PFF but not the monomer of Tau. Deletion of Lag3 or inhibition of Lag3 in primary cortical neurons significantly reduces the internalization of Tau PFF and subsequent Tau propagation and neuron-to-neuron transmission. Propagation of Tau pathology and behavioral deficits induced by injection of Tau PFF in the hippocampus and overlying cortex are attenuated in mice lacking Lag3 selectively in neurons. These results identify neuronal Lag3 as a receptor of pathologic Tau in the brain，and for AD and related Tauopathies, a therapeutic target.

p38/AP-1 pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses is negatively modulated by electrical stimulation.

Electrical stimulation with a weak current has been demonstrated to modulate various cellular and physiological responses, including the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and acute or chronic physical pain. Thus, a variety of investigations regarding the physiological role of nano- or microlevel currents at the cellular level are actively proceeding in the field of alternative medicine. In this study, we focused on the anti-inflammatory activity of aluminum-copper patches (ACPs) under macrophage-mediated inflammatory conditions. ACPs generated nanolevel currents ranging from 30 to 55 nA in solution conditions. Interestingly, the nanocurrent-generating aluminum-copper patches (NGACPs) were able to suppress both lipopolysaccharide-(LPS-) and pam3CSK-induced inflammatory responses such as NO and PGE2 production in both RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages at the transcriptional level. Through immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation analyses, we found that p38/AP-1 could be the major inhibitory pathway in the NGACP-mediated anti-inflammatory response. Indeed, inhibition of p38 by SB203580 showed similar inhibitory activity of the production of TNF- α and PGE2 and the expression of TNF- α and COX-2 mRNA. These results suggest that ACP-induced nanocurrents alter signal transduction pathways that are involved in the inflammatory response and could therefore be utilized in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and colitis.

IRAK1/4-targeted anti-inflammatory action of caffeic acid.

Caffeic acid (CA) is a phenolic compound that is frequently present in fruits, grains, and dietary supplements. Although CA has been reported to display various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-oxidative effects, the action mechanism of CA is not yet fully elucidated. In this study, the anti-inflammatory action mechanism of CA was examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) and HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis. CA was found to diminish nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) were downregulated by CA. CA also strongly suppressed the nuclear translocation of AP-1 family proteins and the related upstream signaling cascade composed of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), IRAK4, TGF-ß-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4/7 (MKK4/7), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In a direct kinase assay, CA was revealed to directly inhibit IRAK1 and IRAK4. CA also ameliorated HCl/EtOH-induced gastric symptoms via the suppression of JNK, IRAK1, and IRAK4. Therefore, our data strongly suggest that CA acts as an anti-inflammatory drug by directly suppressing IRAK1 and IRAK4.

Gravitational Acceleration Test Results by Lifestyle and Physical Fitness of Air Force Cadets.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze G test results according to the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), body composition, and physical fitness of fourth-grade air force cadets. This was done to identify the relationship between the TFEQ, body composition, and G resistance, in order to provide basic data for pilots and air force cadets to strengthen G tolerance.METHODS: From the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy (ROKAFA), 138 fourth-year cadets were assessed using the TFEQ and for body composition and physical fitness. Based on these measurement results, a G test result analysis and a correlation analysis were conducted.RESULT: The TFEQ showed statistically significant differences in several areas when comparing the G test pass group (GP group) to the G test fail group (GF group). Three-km running time was significantly faster in the GP group than in the GF group. Physical activity levels were higher in the GP group compared to the GF group.CONCLUSION: The TFEQ demonstrated utility in predicting whether cadets will pass or fail G-LOC testing. G test success for any cadet will require improvement in continuous eating behavior and physical fitness management. If variables affecting the G test are analyzed and applied to physical education and training through continuous research over the next two to three years, it is expected to have a greater effect on the success of the G test for every cadet.Sung J-Y, Kim I-K, Jeong D-H. Gravitational acceleration test results by lifestyle and physical fitness of air force cadets. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(5):384-388.

Deposition and alignment of fiber suspensions by dip coating.

HYPOTHESIS: The dip coating of suspensions made of monodisperse non-Brownian spherical particles dispersed in a Newtonian fluid leads to different coating regimes depending on the ratio of the particle diameter to the thickness of the film entrained on the substrate. In particular, dilute particles dispersed in the liquid are entrained only above a threshold value of film thickness. In the case of anisotropic particles, in particular fibers, the smallest characteristic dimension will control the entrainment of the particle. Furthermore, it is possible to control the orientation of the anisotropic particles depending on the substrate geometry. In the thick film regime, the Landau-Levich-Derjaguin model remains valid if one account for the change in viscosity. EXPERIMENT: To test the hypotheses, we performed dip-coating experiments with dilute suspensions of non-Brownian fibers with different length-to-diameter aspect ratios. We characterize the number of fibers entrained on the surface of the substrate as a function of the withdrawal velocity, allowing us to estimate a threshold capillary number below which all the particles remain in the liquid bath. Besides, we measure the angular distribution of the entrained fibers for two different substrate geometries: flat plates and cylindrical rods. We then measure the film thickness for more concentrated fiber suspensions. FINDINGS: The entrainment of the fibers on a flat plate and a cylindrical rod is primarily controlled by the smaller characteristic length of the fibers: their diameter. At first order, the entrainment threshold scales similarly to that of spherical particles. The length of the fibers only appears to have a minor influence on the entrainment threshold. No preferential alignment is observed for non-Brownian fibers on a flat plate, except for very thin films, whereas the fibers tend to align themselves along the axis of a cylindrical rod for a large enough ratio of the fiber length to the radius of the cylindrical rod. The Landau-Levich-Derjaguin law is recovered for more concentrated suspension by introducing an effective capillary number accounting for the change in viscosity.

Pathological Tau transmission initiated by binding lymphocyte-activation gene 3.

The spread of prion-like protein aggregates is believed to be a common driver of pathogenesis in many neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulated tangles of filamentous Tau protein are considered pathogenic lesions of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related Tauopathies, including progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration. Tau pathologies in these illnesses exhibits a clear progressive and hierarchical spreading pattern that correlates with disease severity1,2. Clinical observation combined with complementary experimental studies3,4 have shown that Tau preformed fibrils (PFF) are prion-like seeds that propagate pathology by entering cells and templating misfolding and aggregation of endogenous Tau. While several receptors of Tau are known, they are not specific to the fibrillar form of Tau. Moreover, the underlying cellular mechanisms of Tau PFF spreading remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (Lag3) is a cell surface receptor that binds to PFF, but not monomer, of Tau. Deletion of Lag3 or inhibition of Lag3 in primary cortical neurons significantly reduces the internalization of Tau PFF and subsequent Tau propagation and neuron-to-neuron transmission. Propagation of Tau pathology and behavioral deficits induced by injection of Tau PFF in the hippocampus and overlying cortex are attenuated in mice lacking Lag3 selectively in neurons. Our results identify neuronal Lag3 as a receptor of pathologic Tau in the brain, and for AD and related Tauopathies a therapeutic target.

8-(Tosylamino)quinoline inhibits macrophage-mediated inflammation by suppressing NF-κB signaling.

AIM: The macrophage-mediated inflammatory response may contribute to the development of cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis and septic shock. This study was to characterize several new compounds to suppress macrophage-mediated inflammation. METHODS: Peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6 male mice and RAW264.7 cells were examined. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in the cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity were investigated via measuring transcription factor activation in response to specific signals and via assaying the activities of the target kinases. RESULTS: Of 7 candidate compounds tested, 8-(tosylamino)quinoline (8-TQ, compound 7) exhibited the strongest activities in suppressing the production of NO, TNF-α, and PGE(2) in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages (the IC(50) values=1-5 µmol/L). This compound (1.25-20 µmol/L) dose-dependently suppressed the expression of the pro-inflammatory genes for iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and the cytokines IL-1ß and IL-6 at the level of transcription in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. 8-TQ (20 µmol/L) significantly suppressed the activation of NF-κB and its upstream signaling elements, including inhibitor of κB (IκBα), IκBα kinase (IKK) and Akt in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. In in vivo experiments, oral administration of 20 and 40 mg/kg 8-TQ for 3 d significantly alleviated the signs of LPS-induced hepatitis and HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis, respectively, in ICR mice. CONCLUSION: 8-TQ (compound 7) exerts significant anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of the Akt/NF-κB pathway, thus may be developed as a novel anti-inflammatory drug.

The pivotal role of TBK1 in inflammatory responses mediated by macrophages.

Inflammation is a complex biological response of tissues to harmful stimuli such as pathogens, cell damage, or irritants. Inflammation is considered to be a major cause of most chronic diseases, especially in more than 100 types of inflammatory diseases which include Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, Crohn's disease, colitis, dermatitis, hepatitis, and Parkinson's disease. Recently, an increasing number of studies have focused on inflammatory diseases. TBK1 is a serine/threonine-protein kinase which regulates antiviral defense, host-virus interaction, and immunity. It is ubiquitously expressed in mouse stomach, colon, thymus, and liver. Interestingly, high levels of active TBK1 have also been found to be associated with inflammatory diseases, indicating that TBK1 is closely related to inflammatory responses. Even though relatively few studies have addressed the functional roles of TBK1 relating to inflammation, this paper discusses some recent findings that support the critical role of TBK1 in inflammatory diseases and underlie the necessity of trials to develop useful remedies or therapeutics that target TBK1 for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

In Vitro Anti-Photoaging and Skin Protective Effects of Licania macrocarpa Cuatrec Methanol Extract.

The Licania genus has been used in the treatment of dysentery, diabetes, inflammation, and diarrhea in South America. Of these plants, the strong anti-inflammatory activity of Licania macrocarpa Cuatrec (Chrysobalanaceae) has been reported previously. However, the beneficial activities of this plant on skin health have remained unclear. This study explores the protective activity of a methanol extract (50-100 µg/mL) in the aerial parts of L. macrocarpa Cuatrec (Lm-ME) and its mechanism, in terms of its moisturizing/hydration factors, skin wrinkles, UV radiation-induced cell damage, and radical generation (using RT/real-time PCR, carbazole assays, flowcytometry, DPPH/ABTS, and immunoblotting analysis). The anti-pigmentation role of Lm-ME was also tested by measuring levels of melanin, melanogenesis-related genes, and pigmentation-regulatory proteins. Lm-ME decreased UVB-irradiated death in HaCaT cells by suppressing apoptosis and inhibited matrix metalloproteinases 1/2 (MMP1/2) expression by enhancing the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. It was confirmed that Lm-ME displayed strong antioxidative activity. Lm-ME upregulated the expression of hyaluronan synthases-2/3 (HAS-2/3) and transglutaminase-1 (TGM-1), as well as secreted levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) via p38 and JNK activation. This extract also significantly inhibited the production of hyaluronidase (Hyal)-1, -2, and -4. Lm-ME reduced the melanin expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related protein-1/2 (TYRP-1/2) in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-treated B16F10 cells via the reduction of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and p38 activation. These results suggest that Lm-ME plays a role in skin protection through antioxidative, moisturizing, cytoprotective, and skin-lightening properties, and may become a new and promising cosmetic product beneficial for the skin.

Enhancement of Galactose Uptake from Kappaphycus alvarezii Hydrolysate Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Through Overexpression of Leloir Pathway Genes.

A total 42.68 g/L monosaccharide with 0.10 g/L HMF was obtained from 10% (w/v) Kappaphycus alvarezii with thermal acid hydrolysis using 350 mM HNO3 at 121 °C for 60 min and enzymatic saccharification with a 1:1 mixture of Viscozyme L and Celluclast 1.5 L for 72 h. To enhance the galactose utilization rate, fermentation was performed with overexpression of GAL1 (galactokinase), GAL7 (galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase), GAL10 (UDP-glucose-4-epimerase), and PGM2 (phosphoglucomutase 2) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae CEN.PK2 using CCW12 as a strong promoter. Among the strains, the overexpression of PGM2 showed twofold high galactose utilization rate (URgal) and produced ethanol 1.4-fold more than that of the control. Transcriptional analysis revealed the increase of PGM2 transcription level leading to enhance glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate and plays a key role in ensuring a higher glycolytic flux in the PGM2 strain. This finding shows particular importance in biofuel production from seaweed because galactose is one of the major monosaccharides in seaweeds such as K. alvarezii.