The preventative effects of statin on lung cancer development in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using the National Health Insurance Service Database in Korea.

Little is known about the effect of statin use in lung cancer development in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We analyzed the database of the National Health Insurance Service to further investigate the clinical impacts of statin on lung cancer development and overall survival (OS) in IPF patients. The analysis included 9,182 individuals diagnosed with IPF, of which 3,372 (36.7%) were statin users. Compared to statin non-users, the time from diagnosis of IPF to lung cancer development and OS were longer in statin users in IPF patients. In Cox proportional hazard regression models, higher statin compliance, statin use, and being female had an inverse association with lung cancer risk, while older age at diagnosis of IPF and smoking history were associated with higher risk of lung cancer in IPF patients. For OS, statin use, female sex, higher physical activity frequency, and diabetes were associated with longer survival. In contrast, older age at diagnosis of IPF and smoking history were associated with shorter OS in IPF patients. These data from a large population indicate that statin had an independent protective association with lung cancer development and mortality in IPF patients.

Efficient generation of brain organoids using magnetized gold nanoparticles.

Brain organoids, which are three-dimensional cell culture models, have the ability to mimic certain structural and functional aspects of the human brain. However, creating these organoids can be a complicated and difficult process due to various technological hurdles. This study presents a method for effectively generating cerebral organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) using electromagnetic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). By exposing mature cerebral organoids to magnetized AuNPs, we were able to cultivate them in less than 3 weeks. The initial differentiation and neural induction of the neurosphere occurred within the first week, followed by maturation, including regional patterning and the formation of complex networks, during the subsequent 2 weeks under the influence of magnetized AuNPs. Furthermore, we observed a significant enhancement in neurogenic maturation in the brain organoids, as evidenced by increased histone acetylation in the presence of electromagnetic AuNPs. Consequently, electromagnetic AuNPs offer a promising in vitro system for efficiently generating more advanced human brain organoids that closely resemble the complexity of the human brain.

Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia 7 with Novel Compound Heterozygous Variants of TOE1 in a Boy with Micropenis, Developmental Delay, and Ataxia: The First Korean Case Report.

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by hypoplasia of the pons and cerebellum and global developmental delay. Among several PCH types, PCH7 is a characteristic type that manifests with not only brain lesions but also sexual developmental disorders. The causative gene, TOE1, encodes a protein involved in small ribonucleic acid maturation and processing. TOE1 mutation is associated with neuronal survival that causes hypoplasia of the cerebellum and pons. We report the case of a male patient with PCH7, developmental delay, ataxia, micropenis, and undescended testis. Genetic analysis revealed compound heterozygous missense variants (c.955C>T and c.533T>G) in the TOE1 gene.

Coffin-Siris Syndrome: Case Series of Three Patients and a Novel ARID2 Variant.

Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by coarse facial features, intellectual disability or developmental delay, and aplasia or hypoplasia of the tips of the fifth finger and/or toes. Mutations in genes affecting the switch/sucrose non-fermenting ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex are reported to cause CSS. Here, we describe three CSS patients. Two girls aged 3 and 2 years old presented with global developmental delay, poor growth, and a dysmorphic face. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed and they were diagnosed with CSS due to heterozygous frameshift variants (c.3443_3444del, p.Lys1148ArgfsTer9 and c.2869_2890del, p.Pro957CysfsTer20) in ARID1B A 2-year-old girl presented with gross motor delay and dysmorphic face. She was diagnosed with CSS due to a novel heterozygous frameshift variant (c.4942_4943del: p.Gln1648GlyfsTer8) in ARID2.

CXCL16/CXCR6 Axis in Adipocytes Differentiated from Human Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulates Macrophage Polarization.

Adipocytes interact with adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) that exist as a form of M2 macrophage in healthy adipose tissue and are polarized into M1 macrophages upon cellular stress. ATMs regulate adipose tissue inflammation by secreting cytokines, adipokines, and chemokines. CXC-motif receptor 6 (CXCR6) is the chemokine receptor and interactions with its specific ligand CXC-motif chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) modulate the migratory capacities of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs). CXCR6 is highly expressed on differentiated adipocytes that are non-migratory cells. To evaluate the underlying mechanisms of CXCR6 in adipocytes, THP-1 human monocytes that can be polarized into M1 or M2 macrophages were co-cultured with adipocytes. As results, expression levels of the M1 polarization-inducing factor were decreased, while those of the M2 polarization-inducing factor were significantly increased in differentiated adipocytes in a co-cultured environment with additional CXCL16 treatment. After CXCL16 treatment, the anti-inflammatory factors, including p38 MAPK ad ERK1/2, were upregulated, while the pro-inflammatory pathway mediated by Akt and NF-κB was downregulated in adipocytes in a co-cultured environment. These results revealed that the CXCL16/CXCR6 axis in adipocytes regulates M1 or M2 polarization and displays an immunosuppressive effect by modulating pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory pathways. Our results may provide an insight into a potential target as a regulator of the immune response via the CXCL16/CXCR6 axis in adipocytes.

Single incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty: lessons learned from 1,231 procedures.

PURPOSE: Although there are many articles about single incision laparoscopic (SIL) hernioplasty, a large-scale study or article about its long-term outcome has not been reported yet. The aim of this study is to assess short- and long-term outcomes of SIL totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair with large number of cases. METHODS: A prospectively collected database containing details of 1,231 procedures in 1,129 consecutive patients who underwent SIL-TEP hernia repair between June 2010 and December 2017 at a single institution was retrospectively analyzed. SIL-TEP hernia repair was performed using a glove single port device and standard laparoscopic instruments. Recurrence rate of SIL-TEP hernia repair was analyzed by a telephone questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 1,129 patients, 1,027 (91.0%) had unilateral hernia and 102 (9.0%) had bilateral hernia. There were 12 (1.1%) conversions to single or 3 ports laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty or Lichtenstein repair. Mean operative time was 40.3 minutes for unilateral hernia and 61.6 minutes for bilateral hernia. Intraoperative complication rate was 21.8%. Most intraoperative complications were peritoneum or sac tearing (20.1%). Postoperative complications occurred in 97 (8.6%) cases, most of which were minor morbidity except for 1 mesh infection. Five-year recurrence rate was 4%. CONCLUSION: SIL-TEP hernia repair is safe and technically feasible with acceptable short- and long-term outcomes. Large-scale randomized controlled trials comparing SIL-TEP hernia repair with conventional laparoscopic TEP are needed to confirm these results.

Neuroprotective Effect of Cudrania tricuspidata Fruit Extracts on Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment.

Cudrania tricuspidata has diverse biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. This study investigated the protective effects of C. tricuspidata fruit extracts (CTFE) against scopolamine (SCO)-induced neuron impairment. The neuroprotective effects of CTFE on SCO-induced memory dysfunction were confirmed in mice using the Barnes maze test. The results showed that co-treatment of SCO and CTFE increased the stay time in the target zone compared with SCO treatment alone. Similarly, the results obtained by the fear conditioning test revealed that SCO-CTFE co-treatment induced the freezing action time under both the contextual fear condition and the cued fear condition compared with SCO treatment alone. Moreover, we showed that CTFE reduced the SCO-induced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, thereby increasing the acetylcholine concentration in mice hippocampal tissues. Consistent with the improvement of memory and recognition function in vivo, our in vitro results showed that CTFE induced cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activity in PC12 cells and reduced SCO-induced AChE activity. In addition, the microarray results of the hippocampal tissue support our data showing that CTFE affects gene expressions associated with neurogenesis and neuronal cell differentiation markers such as spp1 and klk6. Overall, CTFE exerts a neuroprotective effect via regulation of the CREB and ERK1/2 signaling pathways and could be a therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative diseases.

Regulation of CXCR6 Expression on Adipocytes and Osteoblasts Differentiated from Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Human mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (hADMSCs) are a desirable candidate in regenerative medicine. hADMSCs secrete growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines and also express various receptors that are important in cell activation, differentiation, and migration to injured tissue. We showed that the expression level of chemokine receptor CXCR6 was significantly increased by ~2.5-fold in adipogenic-differentiated cells (Ad), but not in osteogenic-differentiated cells (Os) when compared with hADMSCs. However, regulation of CXCR6 expression on hADMSCs by using lentiviral particles did not affect the differentiation potential of hADMSCs. Increased expression of CXCR6 on Ad was mediated by both receptor recycling, which was in turn regulated by secretion of CXCL16, and de novo synthesis. The level of soluble CXCL16 was highly increased in both Ad and Os in particular, which inversely correlates with the expression on a transmembrane-bound form of CXCL16 that is cleaved by disintegrin and metalloproteinase. We concluded that the expression of CXCR6 is regulated by receptor degradation or recycling when it is internalized by interaction with CXCL16 and by de novo synthesis of CXCR6. Overall, our study may provide an insight into the molecular mechanisms of the CXCR6 reciprocally expressed on differentiated cells from hADMSCs.

Huge Radicular Cyst of the Maxilla Treated with Complete Resection and Immediate Reconstruction by Rib Bone Graft.

Radicular cysts are the most common odontogenic cystic lesions that occur in jaws. They rarely become problematic and are incidentally found on routine dental radiographs. As they appear to reach a considerable size prior to medical attention due to their insidious and destructive growth characteristics during the intraosseous stage, treatment often requires extensive cystectomy and skeletal reconstruction. Here we present the case of an 18-year-old man who was sent to our department, because of a huge, bulging mass in his left cheek. Surgery consisted of complete removal of the cyst and immediate reconstruction of the midfacial buttress using an autologous rib graft in a tongue-and-groove fashion. Histopathological examination of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of a maxillary radicular cyst. This case underscores the nature of the frequently asymptomatic and long-term evolution of maxillary radicular cysts, with their growth causing massive bone destruction for which skeletal reconstruction is required.

Surface functionalization of halloysite nanotubes with supermagnetic iron oxide, chitosan and 2-D calcium-phosphate nanoflakes for synergistic osteoconduction enhancement of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are known to be the highly emerging materials in nano-medicinal applications. However, comprehensive exploitation of HNTs for the regenerative medicinal applications is still necessary to be done. Therefore, towards enhancing the osteogenic potential of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs), this study synthesized a novel and multifunctional nanoscaffold of chitosan (CTs) functionalized supermagnetic halloysite nanotubes (M-HNTs) decorated with the calcium phosphate 2-D nanoflakes (CaP) (termed as; M-HNTs-CTs-CaP). Stepwise modified nanoscaffolds were characterized by FE-SEM, FE-SEM-EDS, FE-HR-TEM, XPS, FT-IR and VSM analyses. The hADMSCs osteogenic potential was confirmed by calcification (Alizarin Red S staining), phosphate quantification and immunocytochemistry. Nanoscaffolds; CaP, M-HNTs-CaP and M-HNTs-CTs-CaP were significantly enhanced and up-regulated osteogenic potential compared to the HNTs, M-HNTs, M-HNTs-CTs. Among the nanoscaffolds studied, M-HNTs-CTs-CaP exhibited highest osteogenesis, due to the enhanced CaP distribution on M-HNTs-CTs surface, and synergistic osteoconduction contributed from Fe3O4, chitosan and CaP. Moreover, immunocytochemistry analysis and morphologically observation showed well differentiated osteoblast on the M-HNTs-CTs-CaP surface. Therefore, M-HNTs-CTs-CaP found to have a strong osteogenic potential of hADMSCs, and might be serve as highly applicable, next generation nanoscaffold for bone tissue engineering application.

Quercetin and its metabolites protect hepatocytes against ethanol-induced oxidative stress by activation of Nrf2 and AP-1.

Alcohol-induced liver disease progresses due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular lipid peroxidation. Quercetin is a flavonoid with strong antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. We investigated whether 3'-O-methyl quercetin (3'MQ) and quercetin-3-O-glucuronide (Q3GA), two metabolites of quercetin, have protective effects against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity. Cell viability was increased by quercetin, 3'MQ, and Q3GA in HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells exposed to ethanol. Our results show that this effect was mediated by diminished ROS generation, decreased lipid peroxidation and up-regulation of antioxidant capacity, including glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Moreover, down-regulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression by ethanol was restored by quercetin, 3'MQ, and Q3GA through the activation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 and activator protein-1, but not nuclear factor-kappa B. Overall results suggest that 3'MQ, Q3GA, and quercetin attenuate oxidative stress in hepatocytes exposed to ethanol by up-regulating HO-1 expression and can be used as therapeutic agents for ameliorating alcohol-induced liver disease.

Solitary mastocytoma presenting at birth.

Mastocytosis is a rare disease which occurs in both children and adults, and it can manifest as a solitary or multiple skin lesions. Both can cause cutaneous or systemic symptoms. Because of the heterogeneity of clinical presentation of mastocytosis and its rare prevalence, it can be hard to suspect the mastocytosis at the first time. Most solitary mastocytomas are about 1-5 cm in diameter and have features of brownish-yellow, minimally elevated plaques with a smooth shiny surface. This article presents a case of solitary mastocytoma which occurred in neonate and that we treated through surgical excision. In histopathological examination, it consisted of c-kit-positive mast cells. Although pediatric cutaneous mastocytosis might regress spontaneously, clinicians should keep in mind that it could be associated with systemic mastocytosis which involves hematopoietic system.

Andrographolide suppresses TRIF-dependent signaling of toll-like receptors by targeting TBK1.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in danger recognition and induction of innate immune response against bacterial and viral infections. The TLR adaptor molecule, toll-interleukin-1 receptor domain-containing adapter inducing interferon-ß (TRIF), facilitates TLR3 and TLR4 signaling, leading to the activation of the transcription factor, NF-κB and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). Andrographolide, the active component of Andrographis paniculata, exerts anti-inflammatory effects; however, the principal molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of andrographolide in TLR signaling pathways. Andrographolide suppressed NF-κB activation as well as COX-2 expression induced by TLR3 or TLR4 agonists. Andrographolide also suppressed the activation of IRF3 and the expression of interferon inducible protein-10 (IP-10) induced by TLR3 or TLR4 agonists. Andrographolide attenuated ligand-independent activation of IRF3 following overexpression of TRIF, TBK1, or IRF3. Furthermore, andrographolide inhibited TBK1 kinase activity in vitro. These results indicate that andrographolide modulates the TRIF-dependent pathway of TLRs by targeting TBK1 and represents a potential new anti-inflammatory candidate.

Neuronal differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in response to the domain size of graphene substrates.

Graphene is a noncytotoxic monolayer platform with unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. It has been demonstrated that graphene substrate may provide a promising biocompatible scaffold for stem cell therapy. Because chemical vapor deposited graphene has a two dimensional polycrystalline structure, it is important to control the individual domain size to obtain desirable properties for nano-material. However, the biological effects mediated by differences in domain size of graphene have not yet been reported. On the basis of the control of graphene domain achieved by one-step growth (1step-G, small domain) and two-step growth (2step-G, large domain) process, we found that the neuronal differentiation of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) highly depended on the graphene domain size. The defects at the domain boundaries in 1step-G graphene was higher (×8.5) and had a relatively low (13% lower) contact angle of water droplet than 2step-G graphene, leading to enhanced cell-substrate adhesion and upregulated neuronal differentiation of hMSCs. We confirmed that the strong interactions between cells and defects at the domain boundaries in 1step-G graphene can be obtained due to their relatively high surface energy, which is stronger than interactions between cells and graphene surfaces. Our results may provide valuable information on the development of graphene-based scaffold by understanding which properties of graphene domain influence cell adhesion efficacy and stem cell differentiation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 43-51, 2018.

Effectiveness of Acellular Dermal Matrix on Autologous Split-Thickness Skin Graft in Treatment of Deep Tissue Defect: Esthetic Subjective and Objective Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: A split-thickness skin graft (STSG) is performed to cover a large full-thickness skin defect. Esthetic and functional deficits can result, and many studies have sought to overcome them. This study compared the effectiveness of the acellular dermal matrix (ADM) graft and STSG concerning esthetic and functional effectiveness of ADM on scar quality. METHODS: Of the patients who underwent anterolateral thigh free flap from 2011 to 2015, patients who received skin graft only (n = 10) or skin graft with ADM (n = 20) for coverage of the donor site were enrolled. In all cases, autologous STSG was performed with 1:1.5 meshed 0.008-0.010-inch-thick skin. In the skin graft with ADM group, 0.008-0.013-inch-thick meshed ADM (CGderm®; CGBio, Inc., Seungnam, Korea) was co-grafted. Negative-pressure wound therapy (CuraVAC®; CGBio, Inc., Seungnam, Korea) was applied to both groups in continuous mode at -120 mmHg. We investigate early outcomes (skin loss rate, duration of negative-pressure wound therapy, days to removal of stitches, days to achieve complete healing, and complications) and late outcomes in terms of scar quality (vascularity, pigmentation, pliability and height) and graft-related symptoms (itching sensation and pain). Assessments used the Vancouver Scar Scale and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Skin fold was measured to evaluate the elasticity of scar tissue. RESULTS: In the Vancouver Scar Scale, vascularity subscore (p = 0.003) and total score (p = 0.016) were significantly lower in the skin graft with ADM group. In Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, the pain (p = 0.037) and stiffness subscores (p = 0.002), and total score (p = 0.017) were significantly lower in the skin graft with ADM group. CONCLUSIONS: Skin graft with ADM results in better scar quality in objective and subjective aspects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Reduction of Closed Frontal Sinus Fractures through Suprabrow Approach.

BACKGROUND: The traditional approach for reduction of frontal sinus fractures is coronal incision. Inherent complications of the coronal approach include long scar, hair loss, and long operation time. We describe a simple approach for the reduction of frontal sinus anterior wall fractures using a suprabrow incision that is commonly used for brow lift. METHODS: From March 2007 to October 2016, the authors identified patients with anterior wall frontal sinus fractures treated by open reduction through a suprabrow incision. Only cases with photographic/radiographic documentation and a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. The incision line was designed to be at the upper margin of the eyebrow. Medical records and radiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical outcomes, cosmetic results, and complication were assessed. The patient scale of the patient and observer scar assessment scale was used to assess patient satisfaction for incisional scar at the 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients underwent fracture reduction through a suprabrow approach during the study period, with a mean follow-up of 41 months. No patients showed any recurrent displacement, eyebrow asymmetry, or infection during follow-up. Thirteen patients reported their forehead paresthesia postoperatively, and 12 of them had preoperative symptom. One patient complained of incisional scar and underwent scar revision. All patients were satisfied with their eyebrow and forehead contour. CONCLUSION: The suprabrow approach allowed for an accurate reduction of the fractures in the anterior wall frontal sinus by providing direct visualization of the fracture. This transcutaneous approach can effectively restore forehead contour with acceptable postoperative complications and patient satisfaction.

Role of Soluble ST2 as a Marker for Rejection after Heart Transplant.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endomyocardial biopsy is obligatory during the first year after heart transplant (HTx) for the surveillance of acute rejection. Previous attempts using cardiac biomarkers for the detection of rejection failed to show enough evidence to substitute endomyocardial biopsy. Therefore, this study sought the possibility of using soluble ST2 (sST2), a novel cardiovascular marker, as a surrogate marker for acute allograft rejection after HTx. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 494 blood samples acquired at the time of endomyocardial biopsy were analyzed in 67 HTx cases from September 2006 to August 2014. Significant rejection was defined as International Society of Heart and Lung Transplant (ISHLT) score ≥2R and humoral rejection accompanied by hemodynamic instability. RESULTS: Twenty cases of HTx with 22 blood samples showed significant rejection in endomyocardial biopsy at 4.0 (2.0-9.0) months after HTx. The level of sST2 showed positive correlation with cardiac troponin I, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (all p<0.001), and negative correlation with post-HTx months (p<0.001). The levels of sST2 according to the ISHLT scores were 36 (19-98), 28 (18-62), 15 (16-37), and 191 (85-343) ng/mL, consecutively 0R, 1R, 2R, and 3R+ (3R plus hemodynamically-unstable humoral rejection) (p=0.003). However, when we studied within-subject effects of sST2 using a mixed model, the sST2 level according to the predefined time point was not different according to the presence of significant rejection (p for interaction=0.94). CONCLUSION: Although sST2 is known as a promising predictor for cardiovascular events, its role in HTx patients to predict acute allograft rejection seems to be limited.

Chrysin-piperazine conjugates as antioxidant and anticancer agents.

Synthesis of 7-(4-bromobutoxy)-5-hydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one intermediate treating chrysin with 1,4-dibromobutane facilitated combination of chrysin with a wide range of piperazine moieties which were equipped via reacting the corresponding amines with bis(2-chloroethyl)amine hydrochloride in diethylene glycol monomethyl ether solvent. Free radical scavenging potential of prepared products was analyzed in vitro adopting DPPH and ABTS bioassay in addition to the evaluation of in vitro anticancer efficacies against cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa and CaSki) and an ovarian cancer cell line SK-OV-3 using SRB assay. Bearable toxicity of 7a-w was examined employing Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line. In addition, cytotoxic nature of the presented compounds was inspected utilizing Human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). Overall, 7a-w indicated remarkable antioxidant power in scavenging DPPH(·) and ABTS(·+), particularly analogs 7f, 7j, 7k, 7l, 7n, 7q, 7v, 7w have shown promising free radical scavenging activity. Analogs 7j and 7o are identified to be highly active candidates against HeLa and CaSki cell lines, whereas 7h and 7l along with 7j proved to be very sensitive towards ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3. None of the newly prepared scaffolds showed cytotoxic nature toward hBM-MSCs cells. From the structure-activity point of view, nature and position of the electron withdrawing and electron donating functional groups on the piperazine core may contribute to the anticipated antioxidant and anticancer action. Different spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, Mass) and elemental analysis (CHN) were utilized to confirm the desired structure of final compounds.

Anti-adipogenic effects of sesamol on human mesenchymal stem cells.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) from adult bone marrow are able to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes and neuronal cells. Adipocytes in bone marrow are primarily responsible for the maintenance of bone structure by maintaining cell number balance with other stromal cells. However, the number of adipocytes in the bone marrow increases with age, leading to an imbalance of the bone marrow microenvironment, which results in a disruption of bone structure. In addition, the excessive number of adipocytes in bone marrow can cause diseases, such as osteoporosis or anemia. In this study, we investigated the effect of sesamol, a major natural phenolic compound of sesame oil, on the adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Numerous studies have reported the anti-oxidant property of sesamol, but its effect on cell differentiation has not yet been shown. We first found that sesamol treatment during adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs reduced intracellular lipid accumulation, which was unrelated to lipolysis. Interestingly, sesamol diminished the expression of genes responsible for adipogenesis, but increased the expression of osteogenic genes. In addition, sesamol decreased the expression of genes necessary for adipocyte maturation without affecting the expression of hMSC-specific genes. Studies concerning intracellular signaling in hMSCs showed that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) was decreased by sesamol, which was similar with the effect of an ERK1/2 inhibitor. Overall, this study demonstrates that sesamol can attenuate the adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs without affecting its characteristics through the inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway. Herein, this study reports for the first time the effect of sesamol on hMSC differentiation and suggests the possibility of using sesamol as a therapeutic agent to treat intraosseous disruption triggered by the excessive adipogenesis of hMSCs.