Dynamic Photonic Janus Colloids with Axially Stacked Structural Layers.

Diblock copolymer (dBCP) particles capable of dynamic shape and color changes have gained significant attention due to their versatility in programmable shapes and intricate nanostructures. However, their application in photonic systems remains limited due to challenges in achieving a sufficient number of defect-free photonic layers over a tens-of-micrometer scale. In this study, we present a pioneering demonstration of photonic dBCP particles featuring over 300 axially stacked photonic layers with responsive color- and shape-transforming capabilities. Our approach leverages the complex interplay between the macrophase separation of multiple incompatible components and the microphase separation of dBCP from solvent-evaporative microemulsions. Specifically, continuous phase separation of silicone oil from polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP), triggered by solvent evaporation, promotes the anisotropic growth of PS-b-P2VP layers. This results in the formation of Janus colloids, where an oil droplet merges with a nanostructured polymer cone and lamellar structures align along the long axis of the cone. We highlight the capability to precisely adjust the particle morphology and the corresponding orientation, dispersion, and structural color window by modulating both the molecular weight of PS-b-P2VP and the volume ratio between PS-b-P2VP and silicone oil. Furthermore, reversible swelling/deswelling of photonic colloids is visualized and correlated with their structural colors. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of this study by presenting a multicolor-patterned array of photonic colloids, highlighting the possibilities for applications in smart photonic ink and devices.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of Cheonwangbosim-dan water extract: An in vitro and in vivo study.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cheonwangbosim-dan is a traditional herbal prescription that is widely used to improve or treat physical and mental illnesses in East Asian countries.Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to investigate the preventive and protective effects of a Cheonwangbosim-dan water extract (CBDW) against allergic inflammation using in vitro and in vivo models. Materials and methods: BEAS-2B and MC/9 cells were treated with various concentrations of CBDW and stimulated with different inducers of inflammatory mediators. The production of various inflammatory mediators was subsequently evaluated. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged by repeated application of ovalbumin (OVA). CBDW was administered by oral gavage once daily for 10 consecutive days. We assessed the number of inflammatory cells and production of Th2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the plasma levels of total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), and histological changes in lung tissue. Results: Our findings showed that CBDW significantly decreased the levels of various inflammatory mediators (eotaxin-1, eotaxin-3, RANTES, LTC4, TNF-α, MMP-9, 5-LO, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1) in vitro, significantly reduced the accumulation of total inflammatory cells, the production of Th2 cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13), the levels of IgE (total and OVA-specific) in vivo, and remarkably inhibited histological changes (infiltration of inflammatory cells and goblet cell hyperplasia) in vivo. Conclusions: These results suggest that CBDW possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties by lowering allergic inflammation.

Gleditsia sinensis Lam. aqueous extract attenuates nasal inflammation in allergic rhinitis by inhibiting MUC5AC production through suppression of the STAT3/STAT6 pathway.

Allergic rhinitis (AR), a chronic respiratory inflammatory disease, is among the most common chronic diseases reported worldwide. Mucus hypersecretion is a critical feature of AR pathogenesis. Although the Gleditsia sinensis extract has several beneficial effects on human health, its effects on allergic inflammation have not yet been investigated. In this study, we examined the effects of G. sinensis aqueous extract (GSAE) on nasal inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model. GSAE was administered orally for 1 week and then the clinical nasal symptoms were evaluated. The levels of histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and interleukin (IL)-13 were measured in the serum using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Inflammatory cells were then counted in the nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and histopathology in the nasal epithelium was evaluated. STAT3/STAT6 phosphorylation was examined in primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) using western blot analysis. Oral administration of GSAE to OVA-induced AR mice alleviated nasal clinical symptoms and reduced OVA-specific immunoglobulin E, interleukin (IL)-13, and histamine levels. The accumulation of eosinophils in nasal lavage fluid, nasal mucosa, mast cells, goblet cells, and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in the nasal epithelium was also inhibited by GSAE. Treatment with GSAE inhibited the production of MUC5AC in IL-4/IL-13-stimulated primary human nasal epithelial cells through the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3/STAT6 signaling pathway. These results indicated that GSAE reduces nasal inflammation suggesting that it is a potential treatment option for AR.

Gene expression profiling of nasal inflammation induced by diesel particles using an in vivo system.

Korean diesel particulate matter 20 (KDP20) is a pollutant comprising a complex mixture of carbon and chemical irritants. Although particulate matter and nasal inflammation are strongly associated, the underlying molecular mechanism based on systematic transcriptome analysis remains unknown. In this study, genome-wide gene expression profiles of mouse nasal tissues were determined following exposure to KDP20 for 5 and 10 days and compared with those of the control (n = 4/group). We identified 758 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and classified them as 5-day-specific, 10-day-specific, and common among groups based on their expression patterns. The terms "regulation of alpha-beta T cell differentiation," "macrophage differentiation," and "cell adhesion mediated by integrin" were significantly enriched in each group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed six genes as potential predictive biomarkers. The differential expression of these six genes was validated using quantitative RT-PCR (n = 3/group). Furthermore, a possible mechanism for nasal inflammation was suggested through the binding analysis between metal ions and genes. The genes identified in this study may play important roles in regulating the mechanism of nasal inflammation induced by diesel particles, especially immune cell regulation, and may function as markers for diesel particle-induced nasal inflammation.

Caesalpinia sappan Linn. Ameliorates Allergic Nasal Inflammation by Upregulating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in an Allergic Rhinitis Mouse Model and Nasal Epithelial Cells.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common upper-airway inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa caused by immunoglobulin (IgE)-mediated inflammation. AR causes various painful clinical symptoms of the nasal mucosa that worsen the quality of daily life, necessitating the urgent development of therapeutic agents. Herein, we investigated the effects of Caesalpinia sappan Linn. heartwood water extract (CSLW), which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, on AR-related inflammatory responses. We examined the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of CSLW in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mice and in primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs). Administration of CSLW mitigated allergic nasal symptoms in AR mice, decreased total immune cell and eosinophil counts in nasal lavage fluid, and significantly reduced serum levels of OVA-specific IgE, histamine, and Th2 inflammation-related cytokines. CSLW also inhibited the infiltration of several inflammatory and goblet cells, thereby ameliorating OVA-induced thickening of the nasal mucosa tissue. We found that CSLW treatment significantly reduced infiltration of eosinophils and production of periostin, MUC5AC, and intracellular reactive oxygen species through the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in HNEpCs. Thus, our findings strongly indicate that CSLW is a potent therapeutic agent for AR and can improve the daily life of patients by controlling the allergic inflammatory reaction of the nasal epithelium.

Extract of Moutan radicis cortex and Cinnamomi ramulus ameliorates laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in Brown-Norway rats.

BACKGROUND: Moutan radicis cortex (MRC) and Cinnamomi ramulus (CR) are commonly used in eastern Asian traditional medicine to treat various diseases including cerebrovascular and cardiovascular, and have wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. However, the effect against laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) of extract of MRC and CR (1:1) (MRCCR) has not yet been studied. PURPOSE: Our aim was to investigate the inhibitory effect of MRCCR on pathological CNV in laser-treated Brown-Norway (BN) rats. METHODS: MRCCR (60, 90 mg/kg) was orally administered twice per day for 15 days from the day of CNV formation in laser-treated BN rats. Effects of MRCCR or its constituents on cell migration, tube formation, hyperpermeability and phosphorylation of FAK/p38 MAPK were confirmed in humane retinal microvascular endothelial cells or human retinal pigment epithelial cells. RESULTS: MRCCR significantly reduced the CNV lesions areas and the extent of fluorescein leakage. MRCCR and its constituents such as ellagic acid, paeonol or gallic acid decreased cell migration, tube formation or hyperpermeability. MRCCR inhibited the phosphorylation of FAK and p38 MAPK. CONCLUSION: Combining the oral MRCCR and intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF medicine may result in a more potent therapeutic effect and consequently bring the reduction in eye injection numbers for patients with wet AMD.

Gardenia jasminoides Attenuates Allergic Rhinitis-Induced Inflammation by Inhibiting Periostin Production.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the nasal mucosa of the upper airways. Herein, we investigated the effects of extracts from Gardenia jasminoides (GJ), a traditional herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory properties, on AR-associated inflammatory responses that cause epithelial damage. We investigated the inhibitory effects of water- and ethanol-extracted GJ (GJW and GJE, respectively) in an ovalbumin-induced AR mouse model and in splenocytes, differentiated Th2 cells, and primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs). Administering GJW and GJE to ovalbumin-induced AR mice improved clinical symptoms including behavior (sneezing and rubbing), serum cytokine levels, immune cell counts, and histopathological marker levels. Treatment with GJW and GJE reduced the secretion of Th2 cytokines in Th2 cells isolated and differentiated from the splenocytes of these mice. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of AR, we treated IL-4/IL-13-stimulated HNEpCs with GJW and GJE; we found that these extracts significantly reduced the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species via the uncoupling protein-2 and periostin, a biomarker of the Th2 inflammatory response. Our results suggest that GJ extracts may potentially serve as therapeutic agents to improve the symptoms of AR by regulating the Th2 inflammatory response of the nasal epithelium.

Damage to Olfactory Organs of Adult Zebrafish Induced by Diesel Particulate Matter.

Particulate matter (PM) is an environmental hazard that is associated with various human health risks. The olfactory system is directly exposed to PM; therefore, the influence of PM exposure on olfactory function must be investigated. In this study, we propose a zebrafish olfactory model to evaluate the effects of exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM), which was labeled Korean diesel particulate matter (KDP20). KDP20 comprises heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). KDP20 exposed olfactory organs exhibited reduced cilia and damaged epithelium. Olfactory dysfunction was confirmed using an odor-mediated behavior test. Furthermore, the olfactory damage was analyzed using Alcian blue and anti-calretinin staining. KDP20 exposed olfactory organs exhibited histological damages, such as increased goblet cells, decreased cell density, and calretinin level. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed that PAHs exposure related genes (AHR2 and CYP1A) were upregulated. Reactive oxidation stress (ROS) (CAT) and inflammation (IL-1B) related genes were upregulated. Furthermore, olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) related genes (OMP and S100) were downregulated. In conclusion, KDP20 exposure induced dysfunction of the olfactory system. Additionally, the zebrafish olfactory system exhibited a regenerative capacity with recovery conditions. Thus, this model may be used in future investigating PM-related diseases.

POCU1b, the n-Butanol Soluble Fraction of Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix, Attenuates Obesity, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver, and Insulin Resistance via Inhibitions of Pancreatic Lipase, cAMP-Dependent PDE Activity, AMPK Activation, and SOCS-3 Suppression.

This study investigated the effects of the n-BuOH soluble fraction of Polygoni Cuspidati 80% ethanol extract (POCU1b) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), and insulin resistance (IR) to find a safe and more effective agent. HPLC profiling of POCU1b identified seven marker compounds. POCU1b increased glycerol release, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level, and inhibited phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. Seven weeks of POCU1b treatment decreased body weight gain, weight and adipocyte size in fat tissues, serum lipids, and triglyceride and lipid droplets in the livers of HFD-fed rats. POCU1b improved blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, and impaired insulin secretion in the pancreas. Further, POCU1b ameliorated adiponectin, leptin, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, increased AMPK and p-ACC expression, activated CPT-1 activity, and suppressed FAS mRNA, SOCS-3 protein expression, and NF-κB DNA-binding activity. When compared with the Xenical®-treated group, a positive group, the action of POCU1b on body weight was more effective than that of Xenical. POCU1b did not show side effects, such as oily spotting and loss of appetite. These results suggest that POCU1b possesses therapeutic or preventive potential for obesity, NAFL and IR via inhibitions of pancreatic lipase and cAMP-dependent PDE activity, AMPK activation, and SOCS-3 suppression, without oily spotting and loss of appetite.

New application for assessment of dry eye syndrome induced by particulate matter exposure.

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial condition characterized by insufficient tear lubrication and eye irritation. Air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), are an emerging threat to human health causing DES and other diseases. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of DES induced by PM exposure remain to be fully elucidated. Recent studies have attempted to create DES animal model using PM exposure. In this study, we explored a novel in vivo exposure model of DES, utilizing an inhalation device (aerosol exposure system) to reproduce the natural exposure to atmospheric PM. Rats were exposed to urban PM (UPM) using this aerosol system for 5 h per day over 5 days. Tear volume in UPM-exposed rats decreased significantly, whereas corneal irregularity and lissamine green staining significantly increased following UPM exposure. Additional effects observed following UPM exposure included apoptosis in the corneal epithelium and a decrease in the number of goblet cells in the conjunctiva. UPM also affected the stability of the tear film by disrupting its mucin-4 layer. In conclusion, aerosol exposure systems have proven effective as assessment tools for DES caused by PM.

The Herbal Combination CPA4-1 Inhibits Changes in Retinal Capillaries and Reduction of Retinal Occludin in db/db Mice.

Increased formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) plays an important role in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) via blood-retinal barrier (BRB) dysfunction, and reduction of AGEs has been suggested as a therapeutic target for DR. In this study, we examined whether CPA4-1, a herbal combination of Cinnamomi Ramulus and Paeoniae Radix, inhibits AGE formation. CPA4-1 and fenofibrate were tested to ameliorate changes in retinal capillaries and retinal occludin expression in db/db mice, a mouse model of obesity-induced type 2 diabetes. CPA4-1 (100 mg/kg) or fenofibrate (100 mg/kg) were orally administered once a day for 12 weeks. CPA4-1 (the half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 6.84 ± 0.08 µg/mL) showed approximately 11.44-fold higher inhibitory effect on AGE formation than that of aminoguanidine (AG, the inhibitor of AGEs, IC50 = 78.28 ± 4.24 µg/mL), as well as breaking effect on AGE-bovine serum albumin crosslinking with collagen (IC50 = 1.30 ± 0.37 µg/mL). CPA4-1 treatment ameliorated BRB leakage and tended to increase retinal occludin expression in db/db mice. CPA4-1 or fenofibrate treatment significantly reduced retinal acellular capillary formation in db/db mice. These findings suggested the potential of CPA4-1 as a therapeutic supplement for protection against retinal vascular permeability diseases.

Ethyl Pyruvate Prevents Renal Damage Induced by Methylglyoxal-Derived Advanced Glycation End Products.

The renal accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is a causative factor of various renal diseases, including chronic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy. AGE inhibitors, such as aminoguanidine and pyridoxamine, have the therapeutic activities for reversing the increase in renal AGE burden. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on methylglyoxal- (MGO-) modified AGE cross-links with proteins in vitro. We also determined the potential activity of EP in reducing the renal AGE burden in exogenously MGO-injected rats. EP inhibited MGO-modified AGE-bovine serum albumin (BSA) cross-links to collagen (IC50 = 0.19 ± 0.03 mM) in a dose-dependent manner, and its activity was stronger than aminoguanidine (IC50 = 35.97 ± 0.85 mM). In addition, EP directly trapped MGO (IC50 = 4.41 ± 0.08 mM) in vitro. In exogenous MGO-injected rats, EP suppressed AGE burden and MGO-induced oxidative injury in renal tissues. These activities of EP on the MGO-mediated AGEs cross-links with protein in vitro and in vivo showed its pharmacological potential for inhibiting AGE-induced renal diseases.

Polydatin Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome in Dry Eye Disease by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Inhibiting the NF-κB Pathway.

Polydatin (also named pieceid, (E)-piceid, (E)-polydatin, trans-polydatin, or 3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene-3-b-D-glucoside) is a monocrystalline compound isolated from the root and rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (Polygonaceae). A previous study showed that polydatin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of polydatin in dry eye disease (DED) has not been elucidated. DED rat models were induced by exorbital lacrimal gland-excision. In vivo, the present study showed that the excision of lacrimal glands induced changes such as reduced tear fluid, severe corneal irregularity, damage, tear film break, and goblet cell loss as well as increased inflammation cytokine and NLRP3 expression in conjunctival tissue. However, these changes were restored by polydatin eye dropping. In vitro, polydatin inhibited hyperosmolar stress-induced inflammation through attenuation of the translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus and the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and MMP9. In addition, the hyperosmolar stress-induced NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and ROS production were inhibited by polydatin. Our findings provided insight into the effect of polydatin as a candidate reagent for the treatment of DED.

Achyranthis radix Extract Improves Urban Particulate Matter-Induced Dry Eye Disease.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that severely impairs patients' quality of life. Particulate matter comprises a harmful mixture of particles less than 10 µm in size, which on contact with the eye, causes inflammation in the cornea/conjunctival epithelium, threatening eye health and triggering the onset of DED. Achyranthis radix is an ingredient of traditional medicine generally used for treating osteoporosis, trauma, and thrombosis in Asian countries. However, the effect of Achyranthis radix on eye health has not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluate the protective effect of Achyranthis radix hot water extract (ARE) in a rat model of urban particulate matter (UPM)-induced DED. UPM with or without ARE were topically administered on both eyes thrice daily for 10 days. ARE induced tear secretion and improved corneal irregularity. Additionally, ARE treatment protected the corneal epithelial cells from UPM-induced apoptosis. It also restored rMuc4 expression in the cornea and increased goblet cell density in the conjunctiva. These results are suggestive of the potential of ARE as a topical therapeutic agent for treating DED.

Aster koraiensis extract lowers postprandial glucose in normoglycemic and high-fat-diet-induced obese mice.

The Aster koraiensis extract (ASKO) is a newly developed dietary herbal supplement. In this study, the potent blood glucose-lowering activity of ASKO in vitro and in vivo was investigated. In an in vitro glucose uptake assay, ASKO was found to enhance glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Oral administration of ASKO significantly reduced glucose levels in normoglycemic mice during oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). In a long-term efficacy study, 4 weeks of oral ASKO treatment significantly attenuated blood glucose levels during OGTTs in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. ASKO also enhanced plasma insulin levels after glucose loading, leading to a reduction in blood glucose levels. In addition, ASKO normalized glucose transporter-4 mRNA expression in the muscles of DIO mice. These results indicate that ASKO has postprandial glucose-lowering effects and could be beneficial in the management of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Improvement in Diabetic Retinopathy through Protection against Retinal Apoptosis in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Rats Mediated by Ethanol Extract of Osteomeles schwerinae C.K. Schneid.

Retinal apoptosis plays a critical role in the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common diabetic complication. Currently, the tight control of blood glucose levels is the standard approach to prevent or delay the progression of DR. However, prevalence of DR among diabetic patients remains high. Focusing on natural nutrients or herbal medicines that can prevent or delay the onset of diabetic complications, we administered an ethanol extract of the aerial portion of Osteomeles schwerinae (OSSCE), a Chinese herbal medicine, over a period of 17 weeks to spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rats. OSSCE was found to ameliorate retinal apoptosis through the regulation of advanced glycation end product (AGE) accumulation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function via the inhibition of NF-κB activity, in turn, through the downregulation of PKCδ, P47phox, and ERK1/2. We further demonstrated in 25 mM glucose-treated human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) that hyperoside (3-O-galactoside-quercetin), quercitrin (3-O-rhamnoside-quercetin), and 2″-O-acetylvitexin (8-C-(2″-O-acetyl-glucoside)-apigenin) were the active components of OSSCE that mediated its pharmacological action. Our results provide evidence that OSSCE is a powerful agent that may directly mediate a delay in the development or disease improvement in patients of DR.

Apricot Kernel Extract and Amygdalin Inhibit Urban Particulate Matter-Induced Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca.

Exposure to particulate matter is a risk factor for various ocular surface diseases, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). In this study, we investigated the protective effects of apricot kernel extract (AKE) and its bioactive compound, amygdalin, on KCS induced by exposure to urban particulate matter (UPM). In the in vivo experiments, eye drops containing 0.5 mg/mL AKE (AKE-0.5) or 1 mg/mL AKE (AKE-1) were administered directly into the eyes of female rats after UPM exposure. Additionally, the effect of AKE and amygdalin on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity and the expressions of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, was investigated in conjunctival epithelial cells in vitro. Topical administration of AKE-1 attenuated UPM exposure-induced reduction of tear secretion. Both AKE-0.5 and AKE-1 inhibited UPM exposure-induced corneal epithelial damage and irregularity. AKE also protected against UPM exposure-induced disruption of the mucin-4 layer on the ocular surface. In addition, AKE and amygdalin prevented UPM-induced activation of MMPs and upregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 in conjunctival epithelial cells. Therefore, AKE may have protective effects against UPM exposure-induced KCS via the inhibition of MMPs and inflammation. The pharmacological activities of AKE may be in part due to its bioactive compound, amygdalin.

Polygonum cuspidatum stem extract (PSE) ameliorates dry eye disease by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis.

PURPOSE: Here, we aimed to determine the effect of Polygonum cuspidatum stem extract (PSE) on exorbital lacrimal gland-excised rat models and hyperosmotic stress-stimulated human conjunctival cells (HCCs). METHODS: Seven week old male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Only the rats in the control group (NOR, n=5) did not undergo surgery. Three days after the surgery, the exorbital lacrimal gland-excised rats were randomly allocated to five groups: (1) vehicle-treated dry-eyed rats (DED, n=5); (2) PSE (10 mg/kg) treated DED rats (PSE-10, n=5); (3) PSE (100 mg/kg) treated DED rats (PSE-100, n=5); and (4) PSE (250 mg/kg) treated DED rats (PSE-250, n=5). In addition, the HCC line was co-treated with hyperosmolar media (528 mOsm) and PSE (1-100 µg/ml). RESULTS: PSE treatment restored the tear volume and goblet cell density by inhibiting severe corneal irregularities and damage. The treatment with PSE significantly attenuated the hyperosmolar stress-induced inflammation and cell death through the suppression of mRNA expression levels of Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and the expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) as well as the activation of caspase-3 in vitro. CONCLUSION: The inhibitory effects of PSE treatment on dry eye disease indicate the potential of nutritional intervention by PES against inflammatory diseases without adverse effects.

Topical Application of Liriope platyphylla Extract Attenuates Dry Eye Syndrome Induced by Particulate Matter.

Particulate matter (PM) is a type of air pollutant that poses a risk to human health. In the ocular system, PM causes or aggravates dry eye syndrome (DES) by damaging the corneal and conjunctival epithelia. Liriope platyphylla has been used traditionally as an expectorant, antitussive agent, and tonic in Korea. However, the effects of Liriope platyphylla extract (LPE) on PM-induced ocular damage have not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo protective effect of LPE against PM-induced DES in rats. Topical administration of LPE attenuated the PM-induced decrease in tear volume and reduced corneal epithelial irregularity and damage. LPE also protected against PM-induced disruption of the corneal mucin-4 layer and reduction in the conjunctival goblet cell density. These findings suggest that LPE has protective effects against PM-induced DES.

Aster koraiensis extract improves impaired skin wound healing during hyperglycemia.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common diseases found across the world. Aster koraiensis extract (AKE) has a protective effect on diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy. However, the effects of AKE on hyperglycemia-linked impairment of wound healing during DM have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of AKE on delayed wound healing induced by DM. METHODS: DM was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ; 75 mg/kg) to Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Next, a wound was induced on the back of rats after administration of STZ. Further, AKE was prepared using an alcoholic extraction of A. koraiensis and orally administered daily for 18 days. Wound healing was evaluated using an in vitro migration assay and measuring the wound area in vivo. Skin tissue thickness was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Matrix metalloprotease (MMP) activity and expression were detected using zymography and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: AKE administration improved the delayed migration of keratinocytes in hyperglycemic animals. It also attenuated an increase in keratinocyte MMP-2/9 activity induced by hyperglycemia. AKE protected against DM-induced impaired wound healing in rats and prevented the degradation of skin tissue induced by DM. In addition, AKE attenuated DM-induced increase in MMP-2/9 expression in skin tissue. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, AKE may promote wound healing by re-epithelization via promotion of keratinocyte migration and by attenuating the disruption of the skin tissue layer via MMP-2/9 inhibition during hyperglycemia.