Hyaluronic acid and proteoglycan link protein 1 suppresses platelet­derived growth factor-BB-induced proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells.

The development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is associated with the phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from a contractile to a synthetic state, leading to cell migration and proliferation. Platelet­derived growth factor­BB (PDGF­BB) modulates this de-differentiation by initiating a number of biological processes. In this study, we show that gene expression of hyaluronic acid (HA) and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1) was upregulated during differentiation of human aortic SMCs (HASMCs) into a contractile state, but downregulated upon during PDGF-BB-induced dedifferentiation. This is the first study showing that the treatment of HASMCs with full-length recombinant human HAPLN1 (rhHAPLN1) significantly reversed PDGF-BB-induced decrease in the protein levels of contractile markers (SM22α, α-SMA, calponin, and SM-MHC), and inhibited the proliferation and migration of HASMCs induced by PDGF-BB. Furthermore, our results show that rhHAPLN1 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of FAK, AKT, STAT3, p38 MAPK and Raf mediated by the binding of PDGF-BB to PDGFRß. Together, these results indicated that rhHAPLN1 can suppress the PDGF-BB-stimulated phenotypic switching and subsequent de-differentiation of HASMCs, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(8): 445-450].

Preparation of Highly Crystalline Silk Nanofibrils and Their Use in the Improvement of the Mechanical Properties of Silk Films.

Due to their commendable biocompatibility, regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) films have attracted considerable research interest. However, the poor mechanical properties of RSF films have limited their use in various biomedical applications. In this study, a novel, highly crystalline silk fibril was successfully extracted from silk by combining degumming with ultrasonication. Ultrasonication accelerated the development of silk nanofibrils measuring 130-200 nm on the surface of the over-degummed silk fibers, which was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the crystallinity index of silk fibril was found to be significantly higher (~68%) than that of conventionally degummed silk (~54%), as confirmed by the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results. Furthermore, the breaking strength and elongation of the RSF film were increased 1.6 fold and 3.4 fold, respectively, following the addition of 15% silk nanofibrils. Thus, the mechanical properties of the RSF film were remarkably improved by the addition of the silk nanofibrils, implying that it can be used as an excellent reinforcing material for RSF films.

A Novel Therapeutic Effect of a New Variant of CTLA4-Ig with Four Antennas That Are Terminally Capped with Sialic Acid in the CTLA4 Region.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial immune-mediated disease, the pathogenesis of which involves different cell types. T-cell activation plays an important role in RA. Therefore, inhibiting T-cell activation is one of the current therapeutic strategies. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4-immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig), also known as abatacept, reduces cytokine secretion by inhibiting T-cell activation. To achieve a homeostatic therapeutic effect, CTLA4-Ig has to be administered repeatedly over several weeks, which limits its applicability in RA treatment. To overcome this limitation, we increased the number of sialic acid-capped antennas by genetically engineering the CTLA4 region to increase the therapeutic effect of CTLA4-Ig. N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnT) and α2,6-sialyltransferase (α2,6-ST) were co-overexpressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to generate a highly sialylated CTLA4-Ig fusion protein, named ST6. The therapeutic and immunogenic effects of ST6 and CTLA4-Ig were compared. ST6 dose-dependently decreased paw edema in a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis and reduced cytokine levels in a co-culture cell assay in a similar manner to CTLA4-Ig. ST6- and CTLA4-Ig-induced T cell-derived cytokines were examined in CD4 T cells isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells after cell killing through irradiation followed by flow- and magnetic-bead-assisted separation. Interestingly, compared to CTLA4-Ig, ST6 was substantially less immunogenic and more stable and durable. Our data suggest that ST6 can serve as a novel, less immunogenic therapeutic strategy for patients with RA.

Effect of Relative Humidity on the Electrospinning Performance of Regenerated Silk Solution.

Recently, the electrospun silk web has been intensively studied in terms of its biomedical applications, including tissue engineering scaffolds, due to its good biocompatibility, cytocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this study, the effect of relative humidity (RH) conditions on the morphology of electrospun silk fiber and the electrospinning production rate of silk solution was examined. In addition, the effect of RH on the molecular conformation of electrospun silk web was examined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. As RH was increased, the maximum electrospinning rate of silk solution and fiber diameter of the resultant electrospun silk web were decreased. When RH was increased to 60%, some beads were observed, which showed that the electrospinnability of silk formic acid solution deteriorated with an increase in RH. The FTIR results showed that electrospun silk web was partially ß-sheet crystallized and RH did not affect the molecular conformation of silk.

Antidepressant and Anxiolytic-Like Effects of the Stem Bark Extract of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance and Its Components in a Mouse Model of Depressive-Like Disorder Induced by Reserpine Administration.

There is an urgent need to find antidepressants that can be administered for long periods without inducing severe side effects to replace conventional antidepressants that control monoamine levels, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). We sought to determine the antidepressant effects of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance (F. rhynchophylla Hance, FX) and its components on a reserpine-induced mouse model. One hour after oral administration of FX (30, 50, and 100 mg/kg), esculin (50 mg/kg), esculetin (50 mg/kg), fraxin (50 mg/kg), and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), reserpine was delivered intraperitoneally to mice. Behavioral experiments were conducted to measure anxiety and depressive-like behaviors after 10 days of administration. FX and its components increased the number of entries into the center of an open field as well as distance traveled within it and decreased immobility duration in the forced swim and tail suspension tests. Reserpine-induced increases in plasma corticosterone concentrations were attenuated by the administration of FX and its components, which were also found to decrease the reserpine-induced enhancement of mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-12 p40, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, the diminished expressions of hippocampal phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by reserpine were increased by FX and its components. Our results suggest that FX and its components regulate anxiety and depressive-like behaviors through stress hormones, immune regulation, and the activation of neuroprotective mechanisms, further supporting the potential of FX and its components as antidepressants.

Antidepressant and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of Bangpungtongsung-San.

Bangpungtongsung-san (BTS) is a traditional Korean medicine consisting of 18 herbs, some which have antidepressant effects. Here, we used an animal model of reserpine-induced depression and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia to assess the antidepressant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of BTS. Aside from a control group, C57BL/6 mice were administered reserpine (0.5 mg/kg) daily for 10 days via intraperitoneal injection. BTS (100, 300, or 500 mg/kg), vehicle (PBS), or fluoxetine (FXT, 20 mg/kg) was administered orally 1 h before reserpine treatment. Following treatment, a forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test (OFT) were performed, and immobility time and total travel distance were measured. Administration of BTS not only reduced immobility time in the FST and TST but also significantly increased the total travel distance in the OFT. Furthermore, reserpine-treated mice showed significantly elevated serum levels of corticosterone, a stress hormone; however, treatment with BTS significantly reduced corticosterone levels, similar to FXT treatment. Serotonin in reserpine-treated mice was significantly reduced compared to that in control mice, while BTS mice exhibited increased serotonin levels. BTS mice showed increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a higher ratio of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) to CREB (p-CREB/CREB) in the hippocampus. Additionally, reserpine-treated mice exhibited significantly elevated mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but BTS mice showed reduced mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the hippocampus. To further demonstrate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of BTS in vitro, we examined its anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. BTS significantly reduced the levels of NO, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner via a decrease in the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65. Furthermore, the neuroprotective factor heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was upregulated via the nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/CREB pathway. Taken together, our data suggest that BTS has considerable potential as an anti-neuroinflammation and antidepressant agent, as it has clear effects on depressive behaviors and associated factors caused by reserpine-induced depression.

Corrigendum to "Antidepressant Effect of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance Extract in a Mouse Model of Chronic Stress-Induced Depression".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2018/8249563.].

Antineuroinflammatory and Neuroprotective Effects of Gyejibokryeong-Hwan in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated BV2 Microglia.

Microglia, the central nervous system's innate immune cells, mediate neuroinflammation and are implicated in a variety of neuropathologies. The present study investigated the antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of Gyejibokryeong-hwan (GBH), a traditional Korean medicine, in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated murine BV2 microglia. BV2 cells were pretreated with GBH, fluoxetine (FXT), or amitriptyline (AMT) for 1 h and then stimulated with LPS (100 ng/mL). The expression levels of nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and chemokines were determined by the Griess method, ELISA, or real-time PCR. Western blotting was used to measure various transcription factors and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt activity. GBH significantly reduced the levels of NO, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interleukin- (IL-) 1ß, IL-6, macrophage inhibitory protein- (MIP-) 1α, macrophage chemoattractant protein- (MCP-) 1, and IFN-γ inducible protein- (IP-) 10, regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed sequence (RANTES) in a dose-dependent manner. Expression of nuclear factor- (NF-) κB p65 was significantly decreased and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and PI3K/Akt by GBH, but not p38 MAPK, was decreased. Furthermore, production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased and Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was upregulated via the nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway, collectively indicating the neuroprotective effects of GBH. We concluded that GBH may suppress neuroinflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB activation and upregulating the neuroprotective factor, HO-1. These results suggest that GBH has potential as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents against microglia-mediated neuroinflammatory disorders.

Antidepressant-Like and Neuroprotective Effects of Ethanol Extract from the Root Bark of Hibiscus syriacus L.

Hibiscus syriacus L. (Malvaceae) is an important ornamental shrub in horticulture and has been widely used as a medical material in Asia. The aim of this study was to assess the antidepressant and neuroprotective effects of a root bark extract of H. syriacus (HSR) and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using an animal model of restraint stress, we investigated the effects of HSR on depressive-like behaviors and on the expression levels of serotonin, corticosterone, and neurotrophic factors in the brain. The mice were exposed to restraint stress for 2 h per day over a period of 3 weeks and orally treated with HSR (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day). We also examined the neuroprotective effect of HSR using corticosterone-treated human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. The cells were incubated with the extract for 24 h, followed by corticosterone stimulation for 1 h, and then cell viability assay, cellular ATP assay, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and western blotting were used to investigate the neuroprotective effects of HSR. Administration of HSR not only reduced the immobility times of the restraint-stressed mice in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests, but also significantly increased sucrose preference in the sucrose preference test. In addition, HSR significantly reduced the plasma levels of corticosterone and increased the brain levels of serotonin. The extract also increased the phosphorylation level of cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB) protein and the expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The in vitro assays showed that HSR pretreatment increased cell viability and ATP levels, recovered MMP, decreased ROS levels, and increased the expression of CREB and BDNF in corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity. Taken together, our data suggest that HSR may have the potential to control neuronal cell damage and depressive behaviors caused by chronic stress.

Antidepressant Effect of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance Extract in a Mouse Model of Chronic Stress-Induced Depression.

Prolonged exposure to stress can affect mood and cognition and lead to mood disorders. Research on stress-associated mood disorders is important in modern society as people are increasingly exposed to unavoidable stressors. We used a mouse model with 2 weeks of exposure to electric foot shock and restraint, to determine the effect of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance (FX) extract on chronic stress-induced depression. We measured the effect of FX extract using various physiological, behavioral, and biochemical measures. FX extract ameliorated chronic stress-induced body and relative liver weight loss and improved depressive-like behaviors in the open field and forced swim tests. In addition, plasma cortisol and serotonin levels in stress-induced mice following FX treatment were similar to normal mice, and the elevation of proinflammatory cytokines was prevented. Moreover, FX treatment increased the expression of phosphorylated cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate response element-binding protein (pCREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Further experiments confirmed the efficacy of FX extract by showing similar results using esculin and esculetin, compounds extracted from FX. Taken together, these results indicate that FX extract has an antidepressant effect on chronic stress-induced depression by associating signaling with neuroinflammation and neurogenesis.

Antidepressant-Like Effects of Gyejibokryeong-hwan in a Mouse Model of Reserpine-Induced Depression.

Treatment with the antihypertensive agent reserpine depletes monoamine levels, resulting in depression. In the present study, we evaluated the antidepressant effects of Gyejibokryeong-hwan (GBH), a traditional Korean medicine, in a mouse model of reserpine-induced depression. Mice were treated with reserpine (0.5 mg·kg-1, i.p.) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, i.p., normal) once daily for 10 days. GBH (50, 100, 300, and 500 mg·kg-1), PBS (normal, control), fluoxetine (FXT, 20 mg·kg-1), or amitriptyline (AMT, 30 mg·kg-1) was administered orally 1 h prior to reserpine treatment. Mouse behavior was examined in the forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open-field test (OFT) following completion of the treatment protocol. Administration of GBH reduced immobility time in the FST and TST and significantly increased the total distance traveled in the OFT. Plasma serotonin levels were significantly lower in control mice than in normal mice, although these decreases were significantly attenuated to a similar extent by treatment with GBH, FXT, or AMT. Reserpine-induced increases in plasma corticosterone were also attenuated by GBH treatment. Moreover, GBH attenuated reserpine-induced increases in interleukin- (IL-) 1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α mRNA expression in the hippocampus. In addition, GBH mice exhibited increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a higher ratio of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) to CREB (p-CREB/CREB) in the hippocampus. Our results indicated that GBH can ameliorate depressive-like behaviors, affect the concentration of mood-related hormones, and help to regulate immune/endocrine dysfunction in mice with reserpine-induced depression, likely via activation of the BDNF-CREB pathway. Taken together, these findings indicate that GBH may be effective in treating patients with depression.

Effects of Several Cosmetic Preservatives on ROS-Dependent Apoptosis of Rat Neural Progenitor Cells.

Benzalkonium chloride, diazolidinyl urea, and imidazolidinyl urea are commonly used preservatives in cosmetics. Recent reports suggested that these compounds may have cellular and systemic toxicity in high concentration. In addition, diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea are known formaldehyde (FA) releasers, raising concerns for these cosmetic preservatives. In this study, we investigated the effects of benzalkonium chloride, diazolidinyl urea, and imidazolidinyl urea on ROS-dependent apoptosis of rat neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in vitro. Cells were isolated and cultured from embryonic day 14 rat cortices. Cultured cells were treated with 1-1,000 nM benzalkonium chloride, and 1-50 µM diazolidinyl urea or imidazolidinyl urea at various time points to measure the reactive oxygen species (ROS). PI staining, MTT assay, and live-cell imaging were used for cell viability measurements. Western blot was carried out for cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-8 as apoptotic protein markers. In rat NPCs, ROS production and cleaved caspase-8 expression were increased while the cell viability was decreased in high concentrations of these substances. These results suggest that several cosmetic preservatives at high concentrations can induce neural toxicity in rat brains through ROS induction and apoptosis.

Effect of molecular weight on electro-spinning performance of regenerated silk.

Owing to the excellent biocompatibility of silk fibroins (SFs) and ease of fabrication of nano-fibrous webs by the electro-spinning technique, electro-spun SF webs have attracted the attention of researchers for various biomedical applications, including their use as tissue engineering scaffolds and membranes for guided bone regeneration. In this work, the effect of the molecular weight (MW) and concentration of SFs on the structure and properties of the electro-spun SF webs was examined. The fiber morphology and porosity of these SF webs were strongly affected by the viscosity of the SF dope solution. It was found that the electro-spinning rate of the SF solution could be increased significantly (7.5 fold) by controlling the MW and concentration of the SF. Interestingly, as the SF MW and concentration (i.e., s​olution viscosity) increased, the extent of ß-sheet crystallization of the SF decreased, leading to a decrease in the overall crystallinity. The strength and elongation of the electro-spun SF web decreased with an increase in the web porosity (i.e., increasing SF concentration) and a decrease in the MW of the SF.

Suppressive Effect of the n-Hexane Extract of Litsea japonica Fruit Flesh on Monosodium-Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats.

We examined the antiosteoarthritic effect of the n-hexane extract of Litsea japonica fruit flesh (LJF-HE) in a rat model of monosodium-iodoacetate- (MIA-) induced osteoarthritis. LJF-HE significantly reduced the difference in weight-bearing capabilities of the hind paws between healthy and MIA-treated rats. Histological examination of the knee joints indicated that LJF-HE suppressed cartilage and bone destruction. Additionally, there were decreases in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 and cyclooxygenase-2 in the joints. The serum levels of deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and osteocalcin, which are markers of bone metabolism, also decreased. Furthermore, LJF-HE significantly suppressed infiltration of inflammatory cells into the synovium and inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interleukin- (IL-) 1, and IL-6 in the joints and serum. The serum levels of leukotriene B4 and lipoxygenase were also significantly lowered by LJF-HE. Finally, LJF-HE inhibited the production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, IL-6, and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages, which might be associated with inhibited phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Our data suggest that LJF-HE has an anti-inflammatory effect and may have potential as an antiosteoarthritic agent.

Administration of Wasabia koreana Ameliorates Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Like Symptoms in a Zymosan-Induced Mouse Model.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disease with complex pathophysiology involving the brain-gut axis. To assess the effects of Wasabia koreana (WK) on IBS, we employed a mouse model of colonic zymosan injection presenting with diarrhea-predominant IBS-like symptoms. Oral WK administration significantly diminished stool score, suppressed colon length and weight change, and minimized body weight loss without affecting food intake. In WK-treated mice, the submucosal thickening and epithelial lining of the colon were inhibited and were similar to those of naïve mice. Infiltration of mast cells into the colon and serum tumor necrosis factor-α levels were markedly suppressed. These effects were comparable to those of sulfasalazine, an anti-inflammatory drug. Furthermore, the number of visceral pain-related behaviors was significantly decreased, and locomotion activities measured in the elevated plus maze and open field tests were significantly increased by WK in a dose-dependent manner compared with amitriptyline, an antidepressant. These changes were accompanied by reduced FosB2 expression in the brain. Taken together, these data suggest that WK may have potential as a medicinal food for IBS by acting on inflammatory diarrhea and neural activity.

Prenatal diagnosis of aberrant right subclavian artery in an unselected population.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) among unselected fetuses and to evaluate its association with chromosomal abnormalities and other congenital anomalies. METHODS: In all, 7,547 fetuses (gestational age, 20 to 34 weeks) were examined using routine antenatal sonography at our institution between April 2014 and September 2015. The right subclavian artery was assessed using grayscale and color Doppler ultrasonography in the transverse 3-vessel and tracheal view, and confirmed in the coronal plane. RESULTS: ARSA was found in 28 fetuses (0.4%). Further, 27 of these 28 fetuses were euploid (96.4%). Trisomy 18 was the only chromosomal anomaly (3.6%) found in the study sample. ARSA was an isolated finding in 23 of the 28 cases (82.1%). In the remaining three cases (10.7%), ARSA was accompanied with extracardiac anomalies. Other cardiac defects were present in three cases (10.7%). CONCLUSION: Isolated ARSA does not seem to be associated with a significantly increased risk of aneuploidy. However, the possibility of fetal karyotyping, which is a more invasive procedure, should be discussed in the light of the overall risk of the fetus.

Effects of electric field on the maximum electro-spinning rate of silk fibroin solutions.

Owing to the excellent cyto-compatibility of silk fibroin (SF) and the simple fabrication of nano-fibrous webs, electro-spun SF webs have attracted much research attention in numerous biomedical fields. Because the production rate of electro-spun webs is strongly dependent on the electro-spinning rate used, the electro-spinning rate becomes more important. In the present study, to improve the electro-spinning rate of SF solutions, various electric fields were applied during electro-spinning of SF, and its effects on the maximum electro-spinning rate of SF solution as well as diameters and molecular conformations of the electro-spun SF fibers were examined. As the electric field was increased, the maximum electro-spinning rate of the SF solution also increased. The maximum electro-spinning rate of a 13% SF solution could be increased 12×by increasing the electric field from 0.5kV/cm (0.25mL/h) to 2.5kV/cm (3.0mL/h). The dependence of the fiber diameter on the present electric field was not significant when using less-concentrated SF solutions (7-9% SF). On the other hand, at higher SF concentrations the electric field had a greater effect on the resulting fiber diameter. The electric field had a minimal effect of the molecular conformation and crystallinity index of the electro-spun SF webs.

Secreted tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase as a primary defence system against infection.

The N-terminal truncated form of a protein synthesis enzyme, tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (mini-WRS), is secreted as an angiostatic ligand. However, the secretion and function of the full-length WRS (FL-WRS) remain unknown. Here, we report that the FL-WRS, but not mini-WRS, is rapidly secreted upon pathogen infection to prime innate immunity. Blood levels of FL-WRS were increased in sepsis patients, but not in those with sterile inflammation. FL-WRS was secreted from monocytes and directly bound to macrophages via a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) complex to induce phagocytosis and chemokine production. Administration of FL-WRS into Salmonella typhimurium-infected mice reduced the levels of bacteria and improved mouse survival, whereas its titration with the specific antibody aggravated the infection. The N-terminal 154-amino-acid eukaryote-specific peptide of WRS was sufficient to recapitulate FL-WRS activity and its interaction mode with TLR4-MD2 is now suggested. Based on these results, secretion of FL-WRS appears to work as a primary defence system against infection, acting before full activation of innate immunity.

Taste education reduces food neophobia and increases willingness to try novel foods in school children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study measured the effects of a taste education program developed in Korea on food neophobia and willingness to try novel foods in school children. SUBJECTS/METHODS: One-hundred and twenty school children (aged 7-9 years) residing in Seoul participated in 12 sessions of a taste education program for 3 months. The Korean taste education program was adapted from "Les classes du goût" by J. Puisais and modified to suit a Korean education environment. The study subjected school children to pre- and post-programs on food neophobia and willingness to try novel foods (WTNF), in addition to children's food neophobia in their parents. A total of 101 survey data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0. RESULTS: Regarding the effects of taste education, scores of food neophobia significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in the posttest, mean (m) score (4.10 ± 1.19) decreased compared to the pretest (4.39 ± 1.00), and WTNF significantly increased (P < 0.001) in the pretest (m) score (0.48 ± 0.33) compared to the pretest (0.32 ± 0.34). This result indicates verification of the study hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS: Food neophobia scale (FNS), an index that measures personal food preference [12], showed a very weak correlation with behavioral willingness to taste novel foods (WTNF). Therefore, it is expected that the two scales measure different things. However, considering that the traits of food neophobia are not easily changed, the taste education program was administered in a remarkably effective manner.