Effects of yogurt containing probiotics on respiratory virus infections: Influenza H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2.

Respiratory virus infections are an escalating issue and have become common worldwide. Influenza and COVID-19 are typical infectious respiratory diseases, and they sometimes lead to various complications. In a situation in which no established drug or treatment exists, consumption of proper food might be beneficial in maintaining health against external infections. We studied the potential effects of mixtures of probiotic strains on various viral infections. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of yogurt containing probiotics to reduce the risk of respiratory viruses such as influenza H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2 infection. First, we performed in vitro tests using infected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and Vero E6 cells, to evaluate the potential effects of yogurt containing high-dose probiotics against influenza H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The yogurt significantly reduced plaque formation in the virus-infected cells. We also performed in vivo tests using influenza H1N1-infected C57BL/6 mice and SARS-CoV-2-infected Syrian golden hamsters, to evaluate the potential effects of yogurt. Yogurt was administered orally once daily during the experimental period. Yogurt was also administered orally as pretreatment once daily for 3 wk before viral infection. Regarding influenza H1N1, it was found that yogurt caused an increase in the survival rate, body weight, and IFN-γ, IgG1, and IL-10 levels against viral infection and a decrease in the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Although the SARS-CoV-2 copy number was not significantly reduced in the lungs of yogurt-treated SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters, the body weights and histopathological findings of the lungs were improved in the yogurt-treated group. In conclusion, we suggest that consumption of yogurt containing probiotics can lead to beneficial effects to prevent respiratory viral infections.

Thymosin Beta 4 Protects Hippocampal Neuronal Cells against PrP (106-126) via Neurotrophic Factor Signaling.

Prion protein peptide (PrP) has demonstrated neurotoxicity in brain cells, resulting in the progression of prion diseases with spongiform degenerative, amyloidogenic, and aggregative properties. Thymosin beta 4 (Tß4) plays a role in the nervous system and may be related to motility, axonal enlargement, differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and proliferation. However, no studies about the effects of Tß4 on prion disease have been performed yet. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of Tß4 against synthetic PrP (106-126) and considered possible mechanisms. Hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells were treated with Tß4 and PrP (106-126) for 24 h. Tß4 significantly reversed cell viability and reactive oxidative species (ROS) affected by PrP (106-126). Apoptotic proteins induced by PrP (106-126) were reduced by Tß4. Interestingly, a balance of neurotrophic factors (nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and receptors (nerve growth factor receptor p75, tropomyosin related kinase A and B) were competitively maintained by Tß4 through receptors reacting to PrP (106-126). Our results demonstrate that Tß4 protects neuronal cells against PrP (106-126) neurotoxicity via the interaction of neurotrophic factors/receptors.

Evaluation of safety and anti-obesity effects of DWP16001 in naturally obese dogs.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects of DWP16001, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2 inhibitor), in naturally obese dogs. A total of 20 dogs were divided into four equal groups: one obese control (OC group), and three treated groups; DWP0.2 group, DWP0.5 group, and DWP1 group. OC group fed with food for maintenance and treated groups were fed with food for maintenance with 0.2 mg/kg DWP16001, 0.5 mg/kg DWP16001 and 1 mg/kg DWP16001, respectively. The food for maintenance was provided to dogs as 2 RER (Resting energy requirement) in kcal and DWP16001-supplemented food was administered once a day for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Body condition score, body weight, and fat thickness were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the DWP0.2 group compared with the OC group, respectively without affecting the food consumption. At the 10th week the food consumption rate was 101.35 ± 2.56, 166.59 ± 4.72, 98.47 ± 1.44 and 123.15 ± 2.45% compared with initial food consumption rate. Body fat percentage, chest and waist circumference, blood glucose, and insulin were reduced compared to OC group but not significantly different from those of the OC group during experimental period. Serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine phosphokinase, and creatinine were significantly reduced in DWP0.2 group on 8 weeks. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced but not significantly. No specific adverse effects were observed throughout the experiment, and hematological parameters were unchanged. The results indicate that DWP16001 was not harmful to the dogs in our study and might have anti-obesity effects in naturally obese dogs. CONCLUSIONS: The above results and discussion suggest that DWP16001 is safe and might have anti-obesity effects in naturally obese dogs.

Toll-Like Receptor-7 Signaling Promotes Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis by Inhibiting Regulatory T Cells in Mice.

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) signaling regulates the production of type 1 interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, implicated in the control of regulatory T (Treg) cell activity. However, the mechanistic interplay between TLR7 signaling and Treg cells in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has not been elucidated. Our aim was to clarify the role of TLR7 signaling in the pathogenesis of NASH. Steatohepatitis was induced in wild-type (WT), TLR7-deficient, IFN-α/ß receptor 1-deficient, and Treg cell-depleted mice. TLR7-deficient and IFN-α/ß receptor 1-deficient mice were more protective to steatohepatitis than WT mice. Of interest, both TNF-α and type 1 IFN promoted apoptosis of Treg cells involved in the prevention of NASH. Indeed, Treg cell-depleted mice had aggravated steatohepatitis compared with WT mice. Finally, treatment with immunoregulatory sequence 661, an antagonist of TLR7, efficiently ameliorated NASH in vivo. These results demonstrate that TLR7 signaling can induce TNF-α production in Kupffer cells and type I IFN production in dendritic cells. These cytokines subsequently induce hepatocyte death and inhibit Treg cells activities, leading to the progression of NASH. Thus, manipulating the TLR7-Treg cell axis might be used as a novel therapeutic strategy to treat NASH.

Desalted Salicornia europaea powder and its active constituent, trans-ferulic acid, exert anti-obesity effects by suppressing adipogenic-related factors.

CONTEXT: Salicornia europaea (Amaranthaceae) (SE) has been shown to reduce obesity, but it remains a problem as a food supplement because of its high salt content (25-35% NaCl). OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the anti-obesity effects and mechanism of action of desalted SE powder (DSP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 50) were divided into a normal control group (NC), a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity control group (HFD), and HFD groups co-administered DSP (250 and 500 mg/kg) or Garcinia cambogia (Clusiaceae) extract (GE, 200 mg/kg, standard control) orally each day for 12 weeks. RESULTS: The body weight was significantly reduced by co-administration of DSP (596.51 ± 19.84 kg, 4.60% and 562.08 ± 9.74 kg, 10.10%, respectively) and GE (576.00 ± 11.29 kg, 7.88%) relative to the HFD group (625.25 ± 14.02 kg) and was accompanied by reduced abdominal fat mass, and serum lipid levels, with no effects on feed intake. To find the underlying mechanism of the anti-obesity effects, trans-ferulic acid (TFA) was identified as the main ingredient and investigated with regard to whether it attenuated adipogenesity in 3T3L-1 cells. DSP-derived TFA suppressed adipocyte differentiation and accumulation of intracellular lipids. TFA also down-regulated the adipogenesis-related gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α and fatty acid synthase. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that DSP may be considered for use as a food supplement intent of controlling obesity through its antiobesity and antiadipogenic properties.

Sortilin-related receptor 1 interacts with amyloid precursor protein and is activated by 6-shogaol, leading to inhibition of the amyloidogenic pathway.

Sortilin-related receptor 1 (SORL1) is a neuronal sorting protein that reduces amyloid precursor protein (APP) trafficking to secretases that generate amyloid beta (Aß). Although 6-shogaol, a constituent of ginger, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects on neuronal cells, research regarding the activation of SORL1 has not yet been reported. Here, we aimed to investigate whether 6-shogaol contributes to the increases in SORL1 that are related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). To clarify the effect of 6-shogaol as a possible activator of SORL1, we used SORL1 siRNA as a blockade of SORL1 in hippocampal neuronal cells (HT22). We found that SORL1 siRNA treatment naturally inhibited SORL1 and led to increases in ß-secretase APP cleaving enzyme (BACE), secreted APP-ß (sAPPß) and Aß. In contrast, 6-shogaol-mediated activation of SORL1 significantly downregulated BACE, sAPPß, and Aß in both in vitro HT22 cells and in vivo APPSw/PS1-dE9 Tg mice. Therefore, SORL1 activation by 6-shogaol provides neuronal cell survival through the inhibition of Aß production. These results indicate that 6-shogaol should be regarded as an SORL1 activator and a potential preventive agent for the treatment of AD.

Rutin protects rat articular chondrocytes against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide through SIRT1 activation.

The progressive degeneration and ossification of articular chondrocytes are main symptoms in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Several flavonoids may provide an adjunctive alternative for the management of moderate OA in humans. Rutin, a natural flavone derivative (quercetin-3-rhamnosylglucoside), is well known for its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties against oxidative stress. However, the protective function of rutin related to OA, which is characterized by deterioration of articular cartilage, remains unclear. The present study investigated the protective effects of rutin, an activator of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), involved in the inhibition of NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in rat chondrocytes. SIRT1 activation by rutin attenuated levels of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB/MAPK signaling, whereas the inhibition of SIRT1 by sirtinol counteracted the beneficial effects of rutin in H2O2-treated chondrocytes. The findings of these studies suggested the potential involvement of SIRT1 in the pathogenesis of OA, and indicated that rutin is a possible therapeutic option for OA.

6-Shogaol has anti-amyloidogenic activity and ameliorates Alzheimer's disease via CysLT1R-mediated inhibition of cathepsin B.

Although 6-shogaol, a constituent of ginger, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects on neuronal cells, the effects of 6-shogaol on Alzheimer's disease (AD) have not yet been investigated. Here we aimed to determine whether 6-shogaol exerts neuroprotective effects against AD. Specifically, we investigated the effects of 6-shogaol on the cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptor (CysLT1R), a major factor in AD pathogenesis. Moreover, we clarified the relationship between CysLT1R and cathepsin B, a cysteine protease. We used in vitro and in vivo models to determine whether 6-shogaol inhibits CysLT1R/cathepsin B in an amyloid-beta (Aß; 1-42)-induced model of neurotoxicity. We first confirmed that CysLT1R and cathepsin B are upregulated by Aß (1-42) and that CysLT1R activation induces cathepsin B. In contrast, we found that 6-shogaol-mediated inhibition of CysLT1R downregulates cathepsin B in both in vitro and in vivo models. Furthermore, we found that 6-shogaol-mediated inhibition of CysLT1R/cathepsin B reduces Aß deposition in the brain and ameliorates behavioral deficits in APPSw/PS1-dE9 Tg mice. Our results indicate that 6-shogaol is a CysLT1R/cathepsin B inhibitor and is a novel potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.

Actin cytoskeletal rearrangement and dysfunction due to activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products is inhibited by thymosin beta 4.

KEY POINTS: Thymosin beta 4 (Tß4 ) attenuates the vascular cellular toxicity induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Tß4 reduces expression of both the receptor of AGEs (RAGE) and the filamentous actin (F-actin) to globular actin (G-actin) ratio. RAGE expression was regulated by actin cytoskeleton involved in Tß4 . Tß4 attenuates the vascular cellular toxicity induced by AGEs via remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton. AGEs attenuate vascular-like tube formation of HUVECs, which is reversed by Tß4 via remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton. ABSTRACT: The receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a cell-surface receptor that is a key factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, including vascular disorders. Dysfunction of the actin cytoskeleton contributes to disruption of cell membrane repair in response to various type of endothelial cell damage. However, mechanism underlying RAGE remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton, by which globular actin (G-actin) forms to filamentous actin (F-actin), remains unclear. In this study we examined the role of thymosin beta 4 (Tß4 ) - which binds to actin, blocks actin polymerization, and maintains the dynamic equilibrium between G-actin and F-actin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) - in the response to RAGE. Tß4 increased cell viability and decreased levels of reactive oxygen species in HUVECs incubated with AGEs. Tß4 reduced the expression of RAGE, consistent with a down-regulation of the F-actin to G-actin ratio. The effect of remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton on RAGE expression was clarified by adding Phalloidin, which stabilizes F-actin. Moreover, small interfering RNA was used to determine whether intrinsic Tß4 regulates RAGE expression in the actin cytoskeleton. The absence of intrinsic Tß4 in HUVECs evoked actin cytoskeleton disorder and increased RAGE expression. These findings suggest that regulation of the actin cytoskeleton by Tß4 plays a pivotal role in the RAGE response to AGEs.

Thymosin beta 4 improves dermal burn wound healing via downregulation of receptor of advanced glycation end products in db/db mice.

BACKGROUND: The delay of dermal burn wound healing caused by vascular disorders is a critical problem for many diabetic patients. Thymosin ß4 (Tß4), identified by subtractive cloning of endothelial cells on plastic versus basement membrane substrates, has been found to promote angiogenesis and dermal wound repair in rats, aged mice, and db/db diabetic mice. However, previous studies involving the role of Tß4 in wound repair were limited to mechanical damage and dermal impairment. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the improvement of healing of burn wounds by Tß4 in relation to advanced glycation end products (AGE), which are pathological factors in diabetes. METHODS: We adapted a dermal burn wound in vivo model in which the dorsal skin of db/db mice was exposed for 10s to 100°C heated water to produce a deep second-degree burn 10mm in diameter. Five mg/kg of Tß4 was then injected intradermally near the burn wound twice a week for 2weeks. RESULTS: After treatment, Tß4 improved wound healing markers such as wound closure, granulation, and vascularization. Interestingly, Tß4 reduced levels of receptor of AGE (RAGE) during the wound healing period. CONCLUSIONS: Tß4 exerts effects to remedy burn wounds via downregulation of RAGE. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest the potential importance of Tß4 as a new therapy for impaired burn wound healing that is associated with diabetes.

Hepatoprotective effect of phosphatidylcholine against carbon tetrachloride liver damage in mice.

It has been shown that phosphatidylcholine (PC) extracted from egg yolk possesses a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, and prevents oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of PC against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), which is a well-known hepatotoxicant that causes extensive oxidative liver damage, and to investigate the mechanisms involved in this protective effect. Mice were treated with PC (0.1 ml, 10 or 100 mg/kg, orally) once daily for 5 consecutive days prior to CCl4 administration (0.1 ml, 20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). The experimental data show that pretreatment with PC significantly prevented increases of serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, and reduced reactive oxygen species levels. Histopathological evaluation of the liver also revealed that PC effectively ameliorated CCl4-induced hepatic injury and fibrosis. In addition, PC significantly counteracted the increase in glutathione levels and glutathione-S-transferase activity induced by CCl4. Concordantly, PC significantly decreased CCl4-induced upregulation of apoptotic proteins in the liver. These results suggest that PC exerts its protective effects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity via its activities as an anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger.

Rutin upregulates neurotrophic factors resulting in attenuation of ethanol-induced oxidative stress in HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholism, which refers to the excessive consumption of alcohol, has deleterious effects on personal and social health worldwide. Oxidative stress evoked by ethanol plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Rutin is a bioflavonoid that has been demonstrated to scavenge superoxide radicals. However, the effects of rutin on neuronal toxicity following ethanol-induced oxidative stress have not previously been investigated. Thus we investigated the antioxidant effect of rutin in hippocampal neuronal cells (HT22 cells) exposed to ethanol. RESULTS: We found that rutin pretreatment prevented the ethanol-induced decrease in protein level expression of nerve growth factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in HT22 cells. Cell viability as analyzed by the MTT method revealed a significant increase in cell viability in the rutin-treated group compared with the ethanol-only treated group. Antioxidant effect of rutin was confirmed to be due to reduction of intracellular reactive oxidative species production in ethanol-treated HT22 cells. Moreover, rutin significantly increased the level of the antioxidant glutathione, and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that rutin has potential as a therapeutic agent to treat alcohol-related neurodegenerative disorders.

COMP-Ang1 inhibits apoptosis as well as improves the attenuated osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells induced by advanced glycation end products.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we have investigated the possibility that cartilage oligomeric matrix protein angiopoietin1 (COMP-Ang1), important factor in angiogenesis, osteogenesis and the survival of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through the Ang1/Tie2 pathway has beneficial effects on osteogenic differentiated cells (ODCs) from MSCs treated by advanced glycation end products (AGE), which are pathological factors of diabetes. METHODS: Primary culture of MSCs was used. For comparison analysis of AGE and COMP-Ang1 effects, we performed cell viability assay with each treated variety concentration for 24h. Apoptosis rate and Caspase-3 activity were measured by each ELISA assay. To make sure with Ang1/Tie2 pathway, we performed small interfering RNA transfected to MSCs. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to identify ODCs marker genes. Immunoblotting was used to evaluate the expression of Tie2, AKT, p38 and ERK. RESULTS: Our results clearly demonstrate that COMP-Ang1 upregulates the phosphorylation of AKT and p38 by activating the Ang1/Tie2 signaling pathway, indicating that COMP-Ang1 affects both AGE-induced apoptosis and the attenuated osteogenic differentiation of MSCs through the p38/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. CONCLUSIONS: COMP-Ang1 improves cell viability and differentiation function of ODCs against AGE via Ang/Tie2 signaling pathway. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest the potential importance of COMP-Ang1 as a new therapy for impaired bone formation that is associated with diabetes and advanced age.

Rutin alleviates prion peptide-induced cell death through inhibiting apoptotic pathway activation in dopaminergic neuronal cells.

Prion disorders are progressive neurodegenerative diseases characterized by extensive neuronal loss and accumulation of the abnormal form of the scrapie prion protein (PrP). Rutin is a flavonoid that occurs naturally in plant-derived beverages and foods and is used in traditional and folkloric medicine worldwide. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of rutin against PrP fragment (106-126)-induced neuronal cell death. Rutin treatment blocked PrP (106-126)-mediated increases in reactive oxygen species production and nitric oxide release and helped slowing the decrease of neurotrophic factors that results from PrP accumulation. Rutin attenuated PrP (106-126)-associated mitochondrial apoptotic events by inhibiting mitochondrial permeability transition and caspase-3 activity and blocking expression of the apoptotic signals Bax and PARP. Additionally, rutin treatment significantly decreased the expression of the death receptor Fas and its ligand Fas-L. Overall, our results demonstrated that rutin protects against the neurodegenerative effects of prion accumulation by increasing production of neurotropic factors and inhibiting apoptotic pathway activation in neuronal cells. These results suggested that rutin may have clinical benefits for prion diseases and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Entelon150® (Vitis vinifera Seed Extract) Attenuates Degenerative Changes in Intravascular Valve Prostheses in Rabbits.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The therapeutic strategy for inflammation and degenerative calcification is of utmost importance for bioprosthetic heart valve (BHV) implanted patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-inflammatory and anti-calcification effects of Entelon150® (grape seed extract), losartan, and rosuvastatin, in a rabbit model of intravascular BHV leaflet implantation in bovine pericardium. METHODS: A total of 28 rabbits were implanted with BHV leaflet in the external jugular veins. The Entelon150® group was administered 7.7 mg/kg Entelon150® twice daily for 6 weeks after surgery. The losartan and rosuvastatin groups received 5.14 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively, once per day. The control group received 1 ml of saline once daily. And then, calcium concentration was measured in the implanted BHV, and histological and molecular analyses were performed on the surrounding tissues. RESULTS: The calcium content of the implanted tissue in the Entelon150® group (0.013±0.004 mg/g) was lower than that in the control group (0.066±0.039 mg/g) (p=0.008). The losartan (0.024±0.016 mg/g, p=0.032) and rosuvastatin (0.022±0.011 mg/g, p=0.032) groups had lower calcium content than the control group, and higher tendency than the Entelon150® group. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expressions of bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2), S-100, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor in the Entelon150® group showed lower tendency than those in the control group. The protein expression levels of BMP2 were reduced in the Entelon150® group compared with those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Entelon150® exhibited a significant effect, similar to other drugs, in reducing calcification and inflammation in the intravascular bovine pericardium.

COMP-Ang1 accelerates chondrocyte maturation by decreasing HO-1 expression.

Endochondral ossification is essential for new bone formation and remodeling during the distraction stage. Endochondral ossification is attributed to chondrocyte maturation, which is induced by various factors, such as the cellular environment, gene transcription, and growth factor expression. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)-angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) is more soluble, stable, and potent than endogenous Ang1, and COMP-Ang1 treatment has osteogenic and angiogenic effects in an in vivo model of bone fracture healing. Although the osteogenic effects of COMP-Ang1 have been demonstrated, the precise mechanism by which COMP-Ang1 induces chondrocyte maturation and triggers endochondral ossification is not understood. Here, we investigated the possible mechanism by which COMP-Ang1 induces chondrocyte maturation. First, using a WST assay, we found that COMP-Ang1 is nontoxic in rat chondrocytes. Then, we isolated total RNA from COMP-Ang1-treated rat chondrocytes, and analyzed the decrease in chondrogenic gene expression and the increase in osteogenic gene expression using real-time RT-PCR. Gene and protein expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which maintains chondrocytes in an immature stage, decreased in a dose-dependent manner upon COMP-Ang1 treatment. To clarify the relationship between HO-1 and COMP-Ang1 in chondrocyte maturation, we used cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP IX), an HO-1 inducer, and tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP-IX), an HO-1 inhibitor. Treatment with various combinations of CoPP IX, SnPP IX, and COMP-Ang1 confirmed that COMP-Ang1 accelerates chondrocyte maturation by reducing HO-1. In conclusion, our results suggest that COMP-Ang1 accelerates chondrocyte maturation by interacting with HO-1.

[6]-shogaol attenuates neuronal apoptosis in hydrogen peroxide-treated astrocytes through the up-regulation of neurotrophic factors.

Neuronal apoptosis induced by oxidative stress is a prominent feature of neurodegenerative disorders. [6]-shogaol, a bio-active compound in ginger, possesses potent anti-inflammatory actions and has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disorders. However, the effects of [6]-shogaol on astroglial apoptosis following exogenously induced oxidative stress has not yet been investigated. Here, we show that the anti-apoptotic activity of [6]-shogaol in astrocytes following exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) involves a marked up-regulation of neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Astrocytes co-treated with [6]-shogaol and H2 O2 for 1 h showed decrease in reactive oxygen species production compared with those only treated with H2 O2 . Moreover, [6]-shogaol counteracted the reduced expression of ERK1/2 in H2 O2 -treated astrocytes and protected these cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis by attenuating the impairment of mitochondrial function proteins such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Additionally, [6]-shogaol inhibits the expression of the apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 in H2 O2 -treated astrocytes. This data suggest that following oxidative stress, [6]-shogaol protects astrocytes from oxidative damage through the up-regulating levels of neurotrophic factors. These findings provide further support for the use of [6]-shogaol as a therapeutic agent in neurodegenerative disorders.

Canine Mesenchymal-Stem-Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Attenuate Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is associated with systemic inflammation and immune modulation. Previously, we have shown that extracellular vesicles resulting from human adipose-tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC-EVs) attenuated AD-like symptoms by reducing the levels of multiple inflammatory cytokines. Here, we aimed to investigate the improvement of canine AD upon using canine ASC-exosomes in a Biostir-induced AD mouse model. Additionally, we conducted in vivo toxicity studies to determine whether they targeted organs and their potential toxicity. Firstly, we isolated canine ASCs (cASCs) from the adipose tissue of a canine and characterized the cASCs-EVs. Interestingly, we found that cASC-EVs improved AD-like dermatitis and markedly decreased the levels of serum IgE, ear thickness, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines such as IL-4 and IFN-γ in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, there was no systemic toxicity in single- or repeat-dose toxicity studies using ICR mice. In addition, we analyzed miRNA arrays from cASC-EVs using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to investigate the role of miRNAs in improving inflammatory responses. Collectively, our results suggest that cASC-EVs effectively attenuate AD by transporting anti-inflammatory miRNAs to atopic lesions alongside no toxicological findings, resulting in a promising cell-free therapeutic option for treating canine AD.

Investigation of Bone Regeneration Efficacy of New Bovine Bone Minerals in a Canine Mandibular Critical Defect Model.

This study aims to investigate the bone regeneration effect of bovine hydroxyapatite-processed biomaterials Bone-XB and S1-XB in a beagle mandibular defect model. A total of four saddle-type critical sizes (15 mm × 10 mm) bone defects are created in each dog: two defects in the left mandible and two defects in the right mandible. The defect control (DC) group is kept unfilled, and the other three defects are filled with three different biomaterials as follows: positive control Bio-Oss (Bio-Oss group), Bone-XB (XB group), and S1-XB (S1-XB group). Bone regeneration is evaluated by radiography, micro-computed tomography, and histological analysis. It is revealed that Bone-XB and S1-XB significantly increase newly formed bone, defect filling percentage, and bone healing score compared to the DC group, which is confirmed by bone microstructure augmentation (bone volume/total volume, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness). Interestingly, no significant differences are observed between the Bone-XB, S1-XB, and Bio-Oss groups. It is suggested that Bone-XB or S1-XB stimulates bone regeneration demonstrated by the increase in newly formed bone and bone microstructure, thereby improving bone defect filling, which is equivalent to the Bio-Oss. Therefore, bovine hydroxyapatite-processed Bone-XB or S1-XB can be considered effective biomaterials for correcting critical-size bone defects or fractures.

Establishment of an image evaluation grading criteria for experimental stifle joint osteoarthritis in dogs: an X-ray and CT imaging study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish an image evaluation grading criteria for experimental stifle joint osteoarthritis (OA) in anterior cruciate ligament transection induced OA beagle dog models. The severity of OA was assessed using X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging. RESULTS: A total of 32 dogs (8 controls and 24 OA-induced dogs) were included in the study. The OA-induced group showed significantly higher manual joint palpation, gait analysis, and OA severity scores than the control group. Based on these two results, we calculated correlation coefficients. There was a strong positive correlation between manual joint palpation scores and OA severity on diagnostic imaging and between gait analysis scores and OA severity. CONCLUSIONS: The developed grading criteria based on radiographic evaluation correlated with clinical assessments. The study also employed CT imaging to enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of early-stage OA change detection in the stifle joint. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and multiple evaluators are recommended for the validation and generalizability of this grading system. These established image evaluation grading criteria can help evaluate and monitor the efficacy of interventions and changes in OA lesions in canine models.