Photoprotective effects of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Pueraria lobata extracts on UVB-induced photoaging: A study on skin barrier protection.

AIM: Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Pueraria lobata exhibit promising potential as cosmetic additives for mitigating skin barrier impairment induced by photoaging. Despite their potential, the precise mechanisms underlying their protective and ameliorative effects remain elusive. This study sought to assess the reparative properties of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Pueraria lobata extracts (LP) on UVB-irradiated human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and explore the therapeutic potential of LP as a skin barrier protection agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antioxidant activities were gauged through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. The expression levels of skin barrier-related markers, encompassing metalloproteinases (MMPs) and hyaluronidase (HYAL) were scrutinized using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR, and Western blotting, with a particular focus on the involvement of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß/Smad and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. RESULTS: The study revealed that LP effectively scavenges free radicals, diminishes ROS production in a dose-dependent manner, and significantly attenuates UVB-induced expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 through modulation of the hyaluronan synthase (HAS)2/HYAL1 signaling axis in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Additionally, LP demonstrated enhanced TGF-ß signaling activation, fostering procollagen type I synthesis, and concurrently exhibited mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/NF-κB signaling inactivation, thereby mitigating pro-inflammatory cytokine release and alleviating UVB-induced cellular damage. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the observed protective effects of LP on skin cellular constituents highlight its substantial biological potential for shielding against UVB-induced skin photoaging, positioning it as a promising candidate for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

A study of anti-wrinkle functions and improvement of cream with Phaseolus angularis.

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight accelerates skin ageing, which is followed by harsh, thick, dry and loose conditions. One of the most demonstrative symptoms is deep wrinkles induced by skin barrier disruption. Our previous research showed that Phaseolus angularis seed extract (PASE) effectively inhibits skin ageing through UVB protection in HaCaT cells by suppressing skin damage. However, its efficacy has not been evaluated in clinical trials so far. PASE cream's effectiveness was initially tested on the artificial skin model, revealing an increase in filaggrin and defence against skin damage. Based on these results, in this single-centred, randomized, double-blind study, we investigated the anti-ageing effect of PASE in human eye wrinkle areas. For these 21 healthy adult women aged 30 to 59, a PASE cream was applied to the right eye wrinkle area and a placebo to the left eye wrinkle area twice a day (morning and evening) for 12 weeks. The change in thick, deep crease wrinkles around the eyes was confirmed by visual evaluation, skin measurements and a questionnaire. As a result, the surface roughness (R1), maximum roughness (R2), average roughness (R3), smoothness depth (R4) and arithmetic mean roughness (R5) values in the group using the PASE cream all decreased. Particularly, R1, R4 and R5 significantly decreased by 18.1%, 18.6% and 25.0%, respectively. Subjects who applied PASE cream also experienced an improvement in skin moisture nearly twice the time compared to the placebo group. In addition, no participants reported side effects. Our study showed that PASE cream led to clinically significant levels of wrinkle improvement. In conclusion, as PASE is a natural, safe food with no side effects, it can be a good resource for natural anti-wrinkle functional cosmetics in the future.

L'exposition chronique aux rayons ultraviolets (UV) du soleil accélère le vieillissement cutané, qui provoque un épaississement et un assèchement de la peau et la rend plus lâche. La présence de rides profondes induites par la rupture de la barrière cutanée en constitue l'un des symptômes les plus manifestes. Lors d'études précédentes, nous nous sommes rendu compte que l'extrait de graines de Phaseolus angularis (PASE) inhibait efficacement le vieillissement de la peau en assurant la protection anti­UVB des cellules HaCaT grâce à la suppression des lésions cutanées. Cependant, son efficacité n'a pas été évaluée lors d'essais cliniques à ce jour. L'efficacité de la crème PASE a d'abord été testée sur le modèle de peau artificielle, sur laquelle elle a fait augmenter les taux de filaggrine et assuré une défense contre les lésions cutanées. Sur la base de ces résultats, dans cette étude unicentrique, randomisée et en double aveugle, nous avons étudié l'effet anti­âge de la PASE chez l'humain au niveau des rides proches de l'œil. Pour ces 21 femmes adultes en bonne santé âgées de 30 à 59 ans, une crème PASE a été appliquée sur la zone de rides de l'œil droit et un placebo sur la zone de rides de l'œil gauche deux fois par jour (matin et soir) pendant 12 semaines. La modification des rides profondes et épaisses autour des yeux a été confirmée par une évaluation visuelle, des mesures cutanées et un questionnaire. Il a été découvert que les valeurs de rugosité de surface (R1), de rugosité maximale (R2), de rugosité moyenne (R3), de profondeur de douceur (R4) et de moyenne arithmétique (R5) dans le groupe à l'aide de la crème PASE avaient toutes diminué. En particulier, R1, R4 et R5 ont significativement diminué de 18,1 %, de 18,6 % et de 25,0 %, respectivement. Les patients qui ont appliqué la crème PASE ont également présenté une amélioration de l'hydratation de la peau presque deux fois supérieure à celle du groupe placebo. En outre, aucun participant n'a signalé d'effets secondaires. Notre étude a montré que la crème PASE entraînait des niveaux cliniquement significatifs d'amélioration des rides. En conclusion, comme le PASE est un aliment naturel, sûr et dépourvu d'effets secondaires, elle peut constituer une bonne ressource pour les cosmétiques fonctionnels naturels antirides à l'avenir.

Current Fungal Taxonomy and Developments in the Identification System.

A functional identification system is the core and basis of fungal taxonomy, which provides sufficient diagnostic characteristics for species delimitation. Phenotype-based identification systems have exhibited significant drawbacks, such as being laborious and time-consuming. Thus, a molecular-based identification system (rDNA, DNA fingerprint, etc.) is proposed for application to fungi that lack reliable morphological characteristics. High Throughput Sequencing also makes great contributions to fungal taxonomy. However, the formal naming of nonculturable fungi from environmental sequencing is a significant challenge. Biochemical profile-based identification systems have outstanding value in fungal taxonomy and can occasionally be indispensable. This method utilizes biomarker metabolites and proteins that are expected to be unequivocal and stable. Of these, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry has become the method of choice for chemotaxonomy. In sum, these described identification systems cannot solve all problems of species delimitation, and considerable attention to the updating of fungal nomenclature, standardization of techniques, knowledge sharing, and dissemination will be necessary.

Anti-Photoaging Effect of Phaseolus angularis L. Extract on UVB-Exposed HaCaT Keratinocytes and Possibilities as Cosmetic Materials.

Phaseolus angularis L. is widely cultivated and is considered a superfood because of its nutritious protein and starch contents. Nevertheless, P. angularis's effects on skin photoaging are unknown. The aim of this study was to research the effects of P. angularis seed extract (PASE) on photoaging in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) damaged by UVB radiation so as to find out whether PASE can be used as an effective anti-photoaging ingredient in cosmetic products. The antioxidant activities were assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis was used to determine the change in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP-3. The protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activator protein (AP)-1, transforming growth factor beta (TGF)-ß/suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad), and NF-E2-related factor (Nrf)2/antioxidant response element (ARE) were measured by western blot. As a result, PASE increased DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activities in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, PASE treatment (100 µg/mL) significantly reverted the damage induced by UVB (125 mJ/cm2) irradiation by downregulating ROS, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP-3 secretion and expression and increasing procollagen type I production. To suppress MMP-1 and MMP-3 secretion, PASE significantly decreased UVB-induced p38 and JNK phosphorylation and phosphorylated c-Fos and c-Jun nuclear translocation. PASE promoted collagen I production by inhibiting UVB-induced TGF-ß activation and Smad7 overexpression; antioxidant properties also arose from the stimulation of the Nrf2-dependent expression of the antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and quinone oxidoreductase (NQO)-1. Our data demonstrated that PASE has the potential to prevent ROS formation induced by UVB exposure by targeting specific pathways. Thus, PASE might be a potent anti-photoaging component to exploit in developing anti-aging products.

Rosa davurica inhibits skin photoaging via regulating MAPK/AP-1, NF-κB, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in UVB-irradiated HaCaTs.

Rosa davurica is widely used to treat various kinds of diseases because of its high antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. This use of plant-based materials as medicine is called phytomedicine and has been widely practiced since time immemorial. However, the pharmacological mechanism of R. davurica in skin photoaging is not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the recovery effects of R. davurica leaf extracts (RDE) in UVB-irradiated human skin keratinocytes (HaCaTs) and investigate whether RDE is a potential therapeutic agent against skin photoaging. The expression of aging-related markers including mitogen-activated protein kinases/activator protein 1 (MAPK/AP-1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) was evaluated using Western blot analysis. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also used by FACS in HaCaTs. Findings indicated that RDE is efficient in scavenging free radicals and dose-dependently reducing ROS generation. Furthermore, RDE notably decreased UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression through inhibition of MAPK/AP-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways as well as induced blocking of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in UVB-irradiated HaCaTs. In addition, RDE improved Nrf2/HO-1 signaling that increases oxidative defense capacity and enhances transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) signaling activation to promote procollagen type I synthesis, relieving UVB-induced skin cell damage. In conclusion, the protective effects of RDE on skin cellular components suggest that it has a high biological potential for skin protection from UVB-induced skin photoaging and is a good candidate for drug and cosmetic application.

Effects of phenylethanol glycosides from Orobanche cernua Loefling on UVB-Induced skin photodamage: a comparative study.

Previous study has found that Orobanche cernua Loefling(OC) and its main ingredient, acteoside, possess excellently anti-photo-aging effect. In addition to acteoside, crenatoside, isoacteoside and 2'-acetylacteoside were also identified as the main phenylethanol glycosides (PhGs) in OC. To screen optimum effective substance and further clarify the photoprotective ingredients of OC, the effects of four major PhGs in OC were compared using UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Results indicated that acteoside, isoacteoside and 2'-acetylacteoside effectively decreased UVB-induced MMP-1 expression and stimulated type I procollagen synthesis through inhibition of MAPK/AP-1 and activation of TGF-ß/Smad pathway. Moreover, acteoside and 2'-acetylacteoside significantly reduced UVB-induced ROS and TARC secretion, which is involved in the inhibition of NF-κß/Iκßα and stimulation of Nrf2 antioxidant defense system. However, crenatoside did not show any effect on the regulation of signal cascades mentioned above. Together, our results suggested that 2'-acetylacteoside and isoacteoside also served as efficient agents against UV radiation-induced skin damage. Among them, acteoside and 2'-acetylacteoside showed a higher efficiency than that of isoacteoside, which possessed great potential in treating skin photo-damage.

Crataegus laevigata Suppresses LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress during Inflammatory Response in Human Keratinocytes by Regulating the MAPKs/AP-1, NFκB, and NFAT Signaling Pathways.

Crataegus laevigata belongs to the family Rosaceae, which has been widely investigated for pharmacological effects on the circulatory and digestive systems. However, there is limited understanding about its anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects on skin. In this study, 70% ethanol C. laevigata berry extract (CLE) was investigated on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated keratinocytes. The LPS-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was suppressed by the treatment with CLE. In response to ROS induction, the overexpression of inflammatory regulating signaling molecules including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/activator protein-1 (AP-1), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB), and nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) were reduced in CLE-treated human keratinocytes. Consequently, CLE significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory chemokines and interleukins in LPS-stimulated cells. Our results indicated that CLE has protective effects against LPS-induced injury in an in vitro model and is a potential alternative agent for inflammatory treatment.

Camu-Camu Fruit Extract Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Responses by Regulating NFAT and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways in High Glucose-Induced Human Keratinocytes.

Myrciaria dubia (HBK) McVaugh (camu-camu) belongs to the family Myrtaceae. Although camu-camu has received a great deal of attention for its potential pharmacological activities, there is little information on the anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects of camu-camu fruit in skin diseases. In the present study, we investigated the preventative effect of 70% ethanol camu-camu fruit extract against high glucose-induced human keratinocytes. High glucose-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was inhibited by camu-camu fruit treatment. In response to ROS reduction, camu-camu fruit modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/activator protein-1 (AP-1), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling pathways related to inflammation by downregulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, camu-camu fruit treatment activated the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and subsequently increased the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase1 (NQO1) expression to protect keratinocytes against high-glucose-induced oxidative stress. These results indicate that camu-camu fruit is a promising material for preventing oxidative stress and skin inflammation induced by high glucose level.

Aquitalea aquatilis sp. nov., isolated from Jungwon waterfall.

A Gram-stain-negative, facultative anaerobic, motile, short rods and yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain THG-DN7.12T, was isolated from water collected at Jungwon waterfall on Yongmun mountain, Republic of Korea. According to 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain THG-DN7.12T was found to be most closely related to Aquitalea denitrificans 5YN1-3T (98.9 % sequence similarity), Aquitalea magnusonii TRO-001DR8T (98.7 %) and Aquitalea pelogenes P1297T (98.0 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain THG-DN7.12T and its phylogenetically closest neighbours was below 70.0 %. The strain's DNA G+C content was 59.7 mol%. The major polar lipid was found to be phosphatidylethanolamine. Summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c) and C16 : 0 were identified as the major fatty acids. Ubiquinone Q-8 was detected as the only respiratory quinone. These data supported the affiliation of strain THG-DN7.12T to the genus Aquitalea. Strain THG-DN7.12T was distinguished from related Aquitalea species by physiological and biochemical tests. Therefore, the novel isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Aquitalea aquatilis sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-DN7.12T as the type strain (=KACC 18847T=CCTCC AB 2016185T).

Mixture of enzyme-processed Panax ginseng and Gastrodia elata extract prevents UVB-induced decrease of procollagen type 1 and increase of MMP-1 and IL-6 in human dermal fibroblasts.

According to the previously described anti-photoaging effect of the enzyme-processed Panax ginseng extract and Gastrodia elata extract, we hypothesized that the combination of the two extracts would have superior effect to protect human skin from UVB radiation. Besides, the mixture of active components isolated from herbal extracts, ginsenoside F2, and α-gastrodin was investigated on the photo-protective capability. The expression of aging-related markers including matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and procollagen type 1 was evaluated using ELISA kits. It was reported that the herbal extract at a Panax ginseng extract to Gastrodia elata extract ratio of 1:10 (w/w) and the compound mixture with equal proportion of ginsenoside F2 and α-gastrodin exhibited significant inhibition of MMP-1 and IL-6 production, and marked upregulation of procollagen type 1 formation. Thus, the combination of either the enzyme-processed herbal extracts or their active components would enhance the properties of prevention and treatment of UVB-induced skin damage.

Lactobacillus paraplantarum THG-G10 as a potential anti-acne agent with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities.

Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is the main bacterium targeted for the prevention and medical treatment of acne vulgaris. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a group of microorganisms classified by their ability to produce lactic acid through fermentation. Although the activities of LAB have been studied, their potential anti-acne effects are not well known. Here, Lactobacillus paraplantarum THG-G10, which has anti-bacterial activity against C. acnes, was isolated from traditional Kimchi in Republic of Korea. The anti-acne effects of dried cell-free supernatant of L. paraplantarum THG-G10 (DC-G10) were evaluated by determining its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities. Anti-microbial activity was examined by a broth dilution assay: 25 mg/ml of DC-G10 inhibited the growth of C. acnes KCTC 5012 and KACC 1194; salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment inhibited the growth of C. acnes KCTC 5012 and KACC 11946 at concentrations of 1.25 and 7.5 mg/ml, respectively; and tea tree oil inhibited the growth of C. acnes KCTC 5012 but not the growth of C. acnes KACC 11946 at 50 mg/ml. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by a nitric oxide (NO) assay: only DC-G10 and ascorbic acid reduced LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the toxicities of erythromycin, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and DC-G10 were examined in HaCaT cells and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). In these cells, the cytotoxic effects of DC-G10 were weaker than the effects of erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, and ascorbic acid. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed that DC-G10 induces deleterious morphological changes in the bacterial cell membrane. These results demonstrate that DC-G10 may be an effective and safe treatment for acne vulgaris.

Helianthus annuus L. flower prevents UVB-induced photodamage in human dermal fibroblasts by regulating the MAPK/AP-1, NFAT, and Nrf2 signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Excessive ultraviolet radiation usually causes skin photoaging, inflammation, and even photocarcinogenesis. UV radiation-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a major contributing factor to photodamage. The flowers of Helianthus annuus L. have been reported to possess strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. However, there are few reports on the use of H. annuus L. to relieve UVB-induced photoaging. PURPOSE: In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of a 50% ethanol extract of H. annuus L. flower (HAF) against UVB-induced photodamage using normal human dermal fibroblasts. METHODS: The secretion of ROS, interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), procollagen type I, and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) was measured with kits. The messenger RNA levels of COX-2, iNOS, and TGF-α were measured by RT-PCR. The AP-1, MAPK, NFAT, and Nrf2 pathways were investigated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: HAF extract significantly blocked UVB-induced ROS and MMP (MMP-1 and MMP-3) production and procollagen type I reduction. Further study demonstrated that the photoaging inhibitory actions were related to promotion of Nrf2 nuclear translocation, upregulation of TGF-ß1 level, and downregulation of AP-1 and MAPK phosphorylation. Importantly, HAF effectively inhibited UVB-induced VEGF and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, COX-2, iNOS, and TNF-α secretion, which might be involved in the regulation of the NFAT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that HAF is a useful botanical source protecting against UVB-mediated skin photodamage.

Dietary enzyme-treated Hibiscus syriacus L. protects skin against chronic UVB-induced photoaging via enhancement of skin hydration and collagen synthesis.

Exposure of skin to UVB radiation is associated with skin thickening, erythema, deep wrinkles, and marked losses of elasticity, resilience, and hydration. To find effective anti-aging materials, scientists have studied not only natural nutritional sources, but also biotransformed metabolites. Although Hibiscus syriacus L., the national flower of Korea has been used extensively throughout history, it has not yet been examined for possible anti-aging effects. In this study, skin anti-aging effects of H. syriacus L. water extract (HSL) and enzyme-treated H. syriacus L. extract (ETH) were investigated in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) in vitro and in hairless mice in vivo. In UVB-irradiated NHDFs, higher level of type I procollagen and lower levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and activator protein-1 (AP-1) expression were identified after treatment with HSL and ETH. In photoaged hairless mice, skin thickening and the density of collagen fibers and filaggrin improved after oral administration of HSL and ETH. ETH 1% significantly inhibited melanin content, erythema index (EI), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, and wrinkle formation. Palmitic acid and linoleic acid were more abundant in ETH than in HSL. Taken together, both HSL and ETH protect skin from UVB-induced premature photoaging, and enzymatic biotransformed products like ETH have potential for use as valuable functional foods.

Glaciecola amylolytica sp. nov., an amylase-producing bacterium isolated from seawater.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and coccus-shaped bacterium (THG-3.7T) was isolated from seawater. Growth occurred at 10-30 °C (optimum 25 °C), at pH 6-8 (optimum 7) and in the presence of 1-8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 4 %). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the nearest phylogenetic neighbours of strain THG-3.7T were identified as Paraglaciecola mesophila DSM 15026T (95.3 % similarity), Glaciecola pallidula DSM 14239T (95.2 %), Paraglaciecola aquimarina KCTC 32108T (95.1 %), Paraglaciecola arctica KACC 14537T (94.9 %), Glaciecola nitratireducens KCTC 12276T (94.7 %) and Paraglaciecola psychrophila CGMCC 1.6130T (94.7 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities among strain THG-3.7T and other species were lower than 94.7 %. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified lipid and one unidentified aminolipid. The quinone system was composed of Q-8. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH). The DNA G+C content of strain THG-3.7T was 47.9 mol%. On the basis of the data presented, strain THG-3.7T represents a novel species of the genus Glaciecola, for which the name Glaciecola amylolytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-3.7T (=KACC 19478T=CCTCC AB 2017258T).

Correction: Icariin and icaritin recover UVB-induced photoaging by stimulating Nrf2/ARE and reducing AP-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways: a comparative study on UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes.

Correction for 'Icariin and icaritin recover UVB-induced photoaging by stimulating Nrf2/ARE and reducing AP-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways: a comparative study on UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes' by Eunson Hwang et al., Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2018, 17, 1396-1408.

Chitinophaga aurantiaca sp. nov., isolated from a soil sample from a tangerine field.

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated THG-SD5.5T, was isolated from a soil sample collected in a tangerine field, Republic of Korea. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, the isolate was identified as a member of the genus Chitinophaga and to be closely related to Chitinophaga ginsengihumi KACC 17604T (97.9%) and Chitinophaga rupis KACC 14521T (97.5%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with other species of the genus Chitinophaga were in the range 92.8-95.5%. Catalase test was positive. Oxidase test was negative. The DNA G + C content was determined to be 46.1 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain THG-SD5.5T and C. ginsengihumi KACC 17604T and C. rupis KACC 14521T were 45.1% and 15.6%, respectively. Strain THG-SD5.5T was also found to be able to grow at 24-33 °C, at 0-5% NaCl and at pH 5.5-9.0. The major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, anteiso-C17:0 and C18:0. The dominant respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The polar lipids were found to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified lipids. Based on these phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characterisations, strain THG-SD5.5T (= KACC 19338T = CGMCC 1.16304T) is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Chitinophaga, for which the name Chitinophaga aurantiaca sp. nov. is proposed.

Cellulomonas aurantiaca sp. nov., isolated from a soil sample from a tangerine field.

A Gram-stain positive, facultatively aerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated THG-SMD2.3T, was isolated from a soil sample collected in a tangerine field, Republic of Korea. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, the isolate was identified as a member of the genus Cellulomonas and to be closely related to Cellulomonas fimi ATCC 484T (98.5%), Cellulomonas biazotea DSM 20112T (98.3%), Cellulomonas chitinilytica X.bu-bT (98.0%), Cellulomonas xylanilytica XIL11T (97.2%), Cellulomonas humilata ATCC 25174T (97.1%) and Cellulomonas composti TR7-06T (97.0%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with other current species of the genus Cellulomonas were in the range 95.4-96.6%. Catalase and oxidase tests were found to be positive. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 73.0 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain THG-SMD2.3T and C. fimi ATCC 484T, C. biazotea DSM 20112T, C. chitinilytica X.bu-bT, C. xylanilytica XIL11T, C. humilata ATCC 25174T and C. composti TR7-06T were 58.1 ± 1.6%, 56.7 ± 0.8%, 30.3 ± 1.6%, 22.8 ± 1.6%, 19.9 ± 1.6%, and 13.5 ± 3.0%, respectively. Strain THG-SMD2.3T was also found to be able to grow at 20-42 °C, at 0-3% NaCl and at pH 5.5-10. The major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0 and iso-C14:0. The predominant menaquinone was identified as tetrahydrogenated menaquinones with nine isoprene units [MK-9(H4)]. The polar lipids were found to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified phospholipids. Based on these phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characterisations strain THG-SMD2.3T (= KACC 19341T = CGMCC 1.16303T) is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Cellulomonas, for which the name Cellulomonas aurantiaca sp. nov. is proposed.

Conditioned Medium from Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture Prevents UVB-Induced Skin Aging in Human Keratinocytes and Dermal Fibroblasts.

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) contains cytokines and growth factors that can facilitate the regeneration and repair of various tissues and organs. In the present study, the protective activity of ADSC-CM treatment was investigated in UVB-irradiated human keratinocyte cell line HaCaTs and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). It was found that ADSC-CM can modulate the expression of the signaling molecules in the early UVB responsive signaling pathways, including mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). In addition, ADSC-CM treatment could upregulate antioxidant response element (ARE) such as phase II gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and increase the expression of collagen synthesis enhancer gene transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß). The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and procollagen type I synthesis inhibitors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) was also found to be suppressed upon ADSC-CM treatment. Taken together, our study illustrates the anti-photoaging activities of ADSC-CM in cell-based models.

Eucalyptus globulus extract protects against UVB-induced photoaging by enhancing collagen synthesis via regulation of TGF-ß/Smad signals and attenuation of AP-1.

UV irradiation triggers the overproduction of matrix metalloproteinases and collagen degradation, which in turn causes increased pigmentation, dryness, and deep wrinkling of the skin. These chronic symptoms are collectively referred to as photoaging. Eucalyptus globulus is an evergreen tree that is widely used in cosmetics because of its antimicrobial activity. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of 50% ethanol extracts of Eucalyptus globulus on UV-induced photoaging in vitro and in vivo. Normal human dermal fibroblasts were treated with Eucalyptus globulus at concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 µg/mL after UVB or non-UVB irradiation. We found that Eucalyptus globulus suppressed the expression of MMPs and IL-6, but increased the expression of TGF-ß1 and procollagen type 1. In addition, Eucalyptus globulus inhibited activation of the AP-1 transcription factor, an inducer of MMPs. Eucalyptus globulus was also found to regulate TGF-ß/Smad signaling by reversing the activity of negative Smad regulators. Lastly, in vivo studies showed that topical application of Eucalyptus globulus on UVB-irradiated hairless mice reduced wrinkle formation and dryness by down-regulating MMP-1 and up-regulating expression of elastin, TGF-ß1, and procollagen type 1. Taken together, these data suggest that Eucalyptus globulus may be a useful agent in cosmetic products.

Camelliibacillus cellulosilyticus gen. nov., sp. nov., a cellulose-degrading bacterium isolated from tea.

A Gram-stain-positive, oxidase- and catalase-positive, endospore-forming, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium (THG-YT1T) was isolated from green tea. Growth occurred at 10-40 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 6-8 (optimum, 7) and at 0-2 % NaCl (optimum, 0 %). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, phylogenetic analyses showed that strain THG-YT1T formed a distinct lineage with respect to closely related genera in the family Bacillaceae. Strain THG-YT1T was most closely related to the genera within the families Pullulanibacillus, Scopulibacillus, Tuberibacillus and Caenibacillu, with levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type species of members of these genera of less than 95.0 %. The menaquinone was MK-7. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified glycolipids. The major fatty acids of strain THG-YT1T were C18 : 3ω7c and anteiso-C17 : 0. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was A1γ with meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid plus alanine and glutamic acid. The cell-wall sugar was glucose. The DNA G+C content of strain THG-YT1T was determined to be 53.5 mol%. Based on the data presented here, strain THG-YT1T represents a novel species of a new genus of the family Bacillaceae, for which the name Camelliibacillus cellulosilyticus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Camelliibacillus cellulosilyticus THG-YT1T(=KACC 19471T=CGMCC 1.16306T).