Super-Antioxidant Vitamin A Derivatives with Improved Stability and Efficacy Using Skin-Permeable Chitosan Nanocapsules.

Retinyl palmitate (RP) is a retinol ester with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as an antiwrinkle agent. However, it has poor aqueous solubility and easily degrades into inactive forms for topical applications. Therefore, we developed chitosan-coated nanocapsules (ChiNCs) to encapsulate RP using a simple nanoprecipitation method for protection against physiological conditions and to enable deep skin penetration. The as-prepared RP-loaded nanocapsules (RP@ChiNCs) loaded with approximately 5 wt.% RP exhibited a hydrodynamic diameter of 86 nm and surface charge of 24 mV. They had adequate stability to maintain their physicochemical properties after lyophilization in a biological buffer. Notably, ChiNCs provided RP with remarkable protection against degradation for 4 weeks at 37 °C. Thus, RP@ChiNCs exhibited good antioxidant activity in situ for sufficiently long periods without considerable changes in their efficacy. Furthermore, ChiNCs enhanced the skin penetration of lipophilic RP based on the inherent nature of chitosan. RP@ChiNCs exhibited good in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects without causing any cytotoxicity in dermal fibroblasts. Accordingly, they promoted cell proliferation in a wound-scratch test and enhanced collagen synthesis. These results suggest that RP@ChiNCs are promising candidates for cosmetic and biomedical applications.

Hydrolyzed Collagen Tripeptide Promotes Longitudinal Bone Growth in Childhood Rats via Increases in Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins.

Previous studies have reported that collagen tripeptide (CTP) derived from collagen hydrolysate has various beneficial effects on health by protecting against skin aging and improving bone formation and cartilage regeneration. Collagen-Tripep20TM (CTP20), which is a low-molecular-weight CTP derived from fish skin, contains a bioactive CTP, Gly-Pro-Hyp >3.2% with a tripeptide content >20%. Herein, we investigated the osteogenic effects and mechanisms of CTP20 (<500 Da) on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells and SW1353 chondrocytes. And we measured promoting ratio of the longitudinal bone growth in childhood rats. First, CTP20 at 100 µg/mL elevated the proliferation (15.0% and 28.2%), alkaline phosphatase activity (29.3% and 32.0%), collagen synthesis (1.25- and 1.14-fold), and calcium deposition (1.18- and 1.15-fold) in MG-63 cells and SW1353, respectively. In addition, we found that CTP20 could promote the longitudinal growth and height of the growth plate of the tibia in childhood rats. CTP20 enhanced the protein expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in MG-63 and SW1353 cells, and in the growth plate of childhood rats, along with Janus Kinase 2, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 activation in MG-63 and SW1353 cells. CTP20 also elevated the expression levels of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in MG-63 and SW1353 cells and in the growth plates of childhood rats. These results indicate that CTP20 may promote the endochondral ossification and longitudinal bone growth, through enhancing of IGF-1 and BMPs. (Clinical Trial Registration number: smecae 19-09-01).

Efficacy of fermented grain using Bacillus coagulans in reducing visceral fat among people with obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Obesity is a socioeconomic problem, and visceral obesity, in particular, is related to cardiovascular diseases or metabolic syndrome. Fermented grains and various microorganisms are known to help with anti-obesity effects and weight management. Studies on the relationship between Bacillus coagulans and anti-obesity effects are not well known, and studies on the application of fermented grains and microorganisms to the human body are also insufficient. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Curezyme-LAC, an ingredient mixed with six-grain types fermented by B. coagulans, in reducing fat mass in adults with obesity. Methods: In this randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study, 100 participants [aged 40-65 years; body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 to ≤ 33 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to two groups: 4 g/day Curezyme-LAC administered as a granulated powder or placebo (steamed grain powder mixture). Results: After 12 weeks, visceral adipose tissue decreased significantly in the Curezyme-LAC group compared with that in the placebo group (mean ± standard error, SE of -9.3 cm2 ± 5.1) vs. (6.8 cm2 ± 3.4; p = 0.008). Compared to the placebo group, the Curezyme-LAC group also showed significant reductions in total fat mass (-0.43 ± 0.24 kg vs. 0.31 ± 0.19 kg, p = 0.011), body weight (-0.4 ± 0.3 kg vs. 0.3 ± 0.2 kg, p = 0.021), BMI (-0.14 ± 0.12 vs. 0.10 ± 0.07, p = 0.028), and waist circumference (-0.6 ± 0.2 cm vs. -0.1 ± 0.2 cm, p = 0.018) without a change in dietary intake and physical activity. Conclusion: Curezyme-LAC supplementation for 12 weeks may benefit individuals with obesity by reducing visceral fat mass.

Dietary Collagen Hydrolysates Retard Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Bone Loss through Blocking Osteoclastic Activation and Enhancing Osteoblastic Matrix Mineralization.

Osteoporosis manifest in postmenopausal women is an osteolytic disease characterized by bone loss, leading to increased susceptibility to bone fractures and frailty. The use of complementary therapies to alleviate postmenopausal osteoporosis is fairly widespread among women. The current study examined that Pangasius hypophthalmus fish skin collagen hydrolysates (fsCH) inhibited ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss by conducting inter-comparative experiments for anti-osteoporotic activity among 206-618 mg/kg fsCH, 2 mg/kg isoflavone, 15 mg/kg glycine-proline-hydroxyproline (GPH) tripeptide, and calcium lactate. Surgical estrogen loss of mice for 8 weeks reduced serum 17ß-estradiol levels with uterus atrophy, which was ameliorated by orally administering fsCH or isoflavone to mice. Similar to isoflavone, fsCH containing GPH-enhanced bone mineral density reduced levels of cathepsin K and proton-handling proteins, and elevated collagen 1 level in OVX bones. The treatment with fsCH and isoflavone enhanced the serum levels of collagen synthesis-related procollagen type 1 carboxy/amino-terminal propeptides reduced by OVX, whereas serum levels of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase, as well as collagen breakdown-related carboxy/amino-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen were reduced in OVX mice treated with fsCH, isoflavone, and calcium lactate. The trabecular bones were newly formed in OVX bones treated with isoflavone and fsCH, but not with calcium lactate. However, a low-dose combination of fsCH and calcium lactate had a beneficial synergy effect on postmenopausal osteoporosis. Furthermore, similar to isoflavone, 15-70 µg/mL fsCH, with its constituents of GPH and dipeptides of glycine-proline and proline-hydroxyproline, enhanced osteogenesis through stimulating differentiation, matrix mineralization, and calcium deposition of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Accordingly, the presence of fsCH may encumber estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss through enhancing osteoclastogenic differentiation and matrix collagen synthesis. Therefore, fsCH may be a natural compound retarding postmenopausal osteoporosis and pathological osteoresorptive disorders.

Trauma-induced capillary leak syndrome after penetrating chest injury: Manifestation of massive ascites and pulmonary secretions aggravated by transfusion.

Trauma with prolonged shock can cause systemic capillary leak syndrome regardless of the site of injury and a transfusion can aggravate it. The systemic capillary leak induces both an abdominal compartment syndrome and pulmonary edema, and a transfusion can aggra-vate these sequelae within hours. In our case, 21-year-old man with a penetrating injury in his left thorax experienced delay in rescue and definitive surgery. To manage life-threatening shock, massive blood transfusion and crystalloids had been infused. Cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitations were performed 2 times during the surgery. Massive amount of pulmonary secretions emitted from his airways with severe hypoxia along with development of massive ascites causing abdominal compartment syndrome, while the surgery was underway. After temporary abdominal closure, he was moved to the intensive care unit and underwent venovenous extracorporeal membranous oxygenation. He recovered without any notable complications. It is important to prevent and correct the shock rapidly by appropriate rescue, controlling the source and infusing less amount of crystalloid and transfusion.

COVID-19 and mental health: Anxiety disorders among immigrants due to COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various facets of health. While mental health became a major concern during the COVID-19 outbreak, the impact on the migrants' mental health has still been neglected. The purpose of this study was to examine the COVID-19 outbreak's impact on the mental health of immigrants in South Korea. METHODS: A total number of 386 immigrants in South Korea participated in this quantitative cross-sectional study. The standardized e-questionnaire, including the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, was used to measure the anxiety level. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the determinants of anxiety disorders among immigrants. RESULTS: The prevalence of severe anxiety among immigrants was found to be 47.2%. Female immigrants (28.6%) had a lower anxiety disorder than males (71.4%). Immigrants who were married, living alone, had a low income, had a history of health problems were suffered from moderate to severe anxiety. Immigrants who were unemployed (OR 2.302, 95% CI = 1.353-3.917) and lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 outbreak (OR 2.197, 95% CI = 1.312-3.678) have a higher anxiety disorder. Immigrants aged over 30 years were found to suffer from a high level of anxiety (OR 2.285, 95% CI = 1.184-4.410). Relief support from the government was significantly associated with anxiety disorder among immigrants (p < 0.01, OR = 3.151, 95% CI = 1.962-5.061). CONCLUSION: With very limited studies on immigrants' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper provides scientific research evidence of the COVID-19 outbreak's impact on the mental health of migrants. Our study has consequences for implementing integrated psychological interventions and health promotion strategies for the well-being of immigrants' mental health.

A Novel Chitosan Nanosponge as a Vehicle for Transepidermal Drug Delivery.

Transepidermal drug delivery achieves high drug concentrations at the action site and ensures continuous drug delivery and better patient compliance with fewer adverse effects. However, drug delivery through topical application is still limited in terms of drug penetration. Chitosan is a promising enhancer to overcome this constraint, as it can enhance drug diffusion by opening the tight junctions of the stratum corneum. Therefore, here, we developed a novel chitosan nanosponge (CNS) with an optimal ratio and molecular weight of chitosan to improve drug penetration through skin. To prepare the CNS, two types of chitosan (3 and 10 kDa) were each conjugated with poloxamer 407 using para-nitrophenyl chloroformate, and the products were mixed with poloxamer 407 at ratios of 5:5, 8:2, and 10:0. The resulting mixtures were molded to produce flexible soft nanosponges by simple nanoprecipitation. The CNSs were highly stable in biological buffer for four weeks and showed no toxicity in human dermal fibroblasts. The CNSs increased drug permeability through human cadaver skin in a Franz-type diffusion cell, with substantially higher permeability with 3 kDa chitosan at a ratio of 8:2. This suggests the applicability of the novel CNS as a promising carrier for efficient transepidermal drug delivery.

Assessing Attitude Toward COVID-19 Vaccination in South Korea.

Vaccines are the most effective strategy to safeguard against COVID-19 and it is crucial to assess community acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. This exploratory study aimed to assess the attitude of immigrants toward the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in South Korea. A web-based anonymous study was completed by 463 immigrants. The data were statistically analyzed using a logistic regression model and ANOVA test. On a scale of 0-6, the average attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccination was 4.17 ± 1.73, indicating generally positive attitudes. The proportion of the immigrants who were certain to get COVID-19 vaccination was 55.3%. Only 36.7% reported that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe. Of the immigrants, 72.6% showed high acceptance and 27.4% low acceptance toward the COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine safety concern was the major predictor for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Up-to-date, valid information on COVID-19 vaccine safety, and vaccine risk communication strategies are required to increase vaccine acceptability.

Prevalence of abuse among the elderly population of Syangja, Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Elder abuse is recognized as a serious public health concern and top priority aging issues. World Health Organization reported that around 1 out of 6 old people in the world experienced some form of abuse. This study was carried out to find out the prevalence of different forms of abuse among elderly Nepalese people. METHODS: The cross-sectional, quantitative analytical study was carried out among 373 elders of the Syangja district of Nepal. The study population was selected through simple, proportionate, and systematic sampling methods. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The majority of participants were female (54.5%). The prevalence of elderly abuse was found to be 54.5%. The most common form of abuse among the elderly population was neglect (23.1%), psychological abuse (20.6%), physical abuse (6.5%), financial abuse (2.4%), and sexual abuse (1.9%). Elderly females were significantly more likely to experience physical and psychological abuse. CONCLUSION: More than half of the elderly experienced at least one form of abuse. Neglect was found to be the most common form of abuse. The abuse was prevalent among elderly who were ill and with the habit of tobacco and alcohol consumption.

Electromagnetic Field Exposure in Kindergarten Children: Responsive Health Risk Concern.

Long-term exposure to physical agents can be detrimental to children due to their vulnerability. This study aimed to assess and compare the electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure level around the kindergartens from the underground transmission line (UGTL). We investigated randomly selected 24 kindergartens based on the location of the UGTL. The EMF emission levels were measured using an EMDEX II (Electric and Magnetic Digital Exposure Meter). The maximum mean value of the EMF emission level was 13.5 mG around the kindergartens and 17.7 mG from the point of UGTL to kindergartens. EMF emission level around the kindergartens was significantly associated with the location of the UGTL (t = -7.35, P < 0.001). These estimates are not trivial, as long-term exposure to EMF among kindergarten children can lead to different health problems. Routine monitoring of EMF emission levels is recommended including the awareness of EMF exposure to public citizens.

Antiobesity Effects of Short-Chain Chitosan in Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Dietary chitosan is known for its antiobesity effects by combining with bile acid and lipid droplets. When the chitosan structure is broken into short chains, the fat-binding capacity increases. The aim of this study was to compare long-chain chitosan (LC) with short-chain chitosan (SC) for their antiobesity effects in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6J mice for 12 weeks. The body weights of mice in both chitosan groups were decreased, especially in the SC group compared with the LC group. Total white adipose tissue and visceral fat weights were also decreased in mice of the SC group more than those of the HFD group. Moreover, SC supplementation lowered plasma triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels, whereas LC only lowered plasma free fatty acid level. Fecal lipids were increased in mice of both LC and SC groups, and hepatic TG and cholesterol levels were decreased in both groups. SC lowered phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity and elevated ß-oxidation in the liver. Furthermore, SC decreased the expression of the hepatic lipid-regulating genes, including fatty acid synthase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ1, and PPARγ2; and increased the expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator (PGC)1α genes. In conclusion, we demonstrated that long-term supplementation of SC can ameliorate body weight and lipid levels by increasing lipid excretion and regulating lipid metabolism, including some enzyme activities and gene expression levels, in HFD-induced obese mice.

Determination of process-related impurities in N-acetylglucosamine prepared by chemical and enzymatic methods: structural elucidation and quantification.

ß-N-acetylglucosamine (ß-AG) is a monosaccharide distributed widely in living organisms with various pivotal roles. The presence of particulates and impurities can affect the safety and efficacy of a product for its intended duration of use. Thus, the current study was carried out to identify and quantify the potentially-harmful process related impurities; namely α-N,6-diacetylglucosamine (α-DAG) and α-N-acetylglucosamine (α-AG), derived from the chemical and enzymatic synthesis of ß-AG. The impurities were characterized using a high resolution mass spectrometry, a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The developed method showed a good linearity (R (2) ≥ 0.998), satisfactory precision (≤6.1 % relative standard deviation), intra- and inter-day accuracy (88.20-97.50 %), extraction recovery (89.30-110.50 %), matrix effect (89.70-105.20 %), and stability (92.70-101.60 %). The method was successfully applied to determine the level of α-DAG that was 3.04 and 0.07 % of the total ß-AG, following chemical and enzymatic methods, respectively. It can be concluded that the enzymatic rather than the chemical method is more efficient for the synthesis of ß-AG. Characterization of impurities heeds the signal for acquiring and evaluating data that establishes biological safety.

A Case of Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome with Acute Submassive Pulmonary Thromboembolism Treated with Thrombolytic Therapy.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a rare congenital mesodermal abnormality characterized by varicose veins, cutaneous hemangiomas, soft tissue and bony hypertrophy of limb. Potential complications such as deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism have not been reported in Korea to date. We demonstrate the case of a 48-year-old woman with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome with extensive varicose veins on right lower limb, hypertrophy of left big toe and basilar artery tip aneurysm, complicated with acute submassive pulmonary thromboembolism treated successfully with intravenous thrombolytic therapy.

Exposure assessment suggests exposure to lung cancer carcinogens in a painter working in an automobile bumper shop.

A 46-year-old man who had worked as a bumper spray painter in an automobile body shop for 15 years developed lung cancer. The patient was a nonsmoker with no family history of lung cancer. To determine whether the cancer was related to his work environment, we assessed the level of exposure to carcinogens during spray painting, sanding, and heat treatment. The results showed that spray painting with yellow paint increased the concentration of hexavalent chromium in the air to as much as 118.33 µg/m(3). Analysis of the paint bulk materials showed that hexavalent chromium was mostly found in the form of lead chromate. Interestingly, strontium chromate was also detected, and the concentration of strontium chromate increased in line with the brightness of the yellow color. Some paints contained about 1% crystalline silica in the form of quartz.

High signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging as a predictor of neurobehavioral performance of workers exposed to manganese.

INTRODUCTION: Using previously obtained cross-sectional data from a nationwide survey on workers exposed to manganese (Mn), we assessed the relation of high signal intensity with neurobehavioral effects, and reevaluated the preexisting cross-sectional data to get additional findings on the relation of high signals with other Mn-exposure indices. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects were the same as those in the previous study. The exposure status was reassessed based on similar exposure groups. The signal intensity of the globus pallidus (GP) relative to frontal white matter was subjectively evaluated as either with or without increased signals, and the increased signals were further graded into three categories. For quantitative evaluation of signal intensities of the GP we also calculated the pallidal index (PI). Neurobehavioral function was assessed using the World Health Organization Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery. In addition, computerized finger tapping speed was included to assess motor speed. RESULTS: The mean blood Mn for those with grade III was significantly greater than those without increased signals and those with grade I. Airborne Mn and PI also showed similar findings. PI paralleled subjective MRI gradings. The proportion of workers with increased signals increased with all the Mn-exposure variables, airborne and blood Mn, the duration of work, and cumulative exposure. The PI was significantly associated with a correct score of pursuit aiming II tests and finger tapping of the dominant hand after control of age and educational level among neurobehavioral performances. DISCUSSION: The present findings showed that signal index on T1-weighted MRI showed a dose-response relationship with all the Mn-exposure variables. The two neurobehavioral tests reflecting fine motor function were significantly decreased above 107.1 of PI, the cutoff point between those with and without increased signals. Hence, signal intensity on MRI is an effective predictor of the neurobehavioral performance of Mn exposed workers.

Engineering the lycopene synthetic pathway in E. coli by comparison of the carotenoid genes of Pantoea agglomerans and Pantoea ananatis.

The lycopene synthetic pathway was engineered in Escherichia coli using the carotenoid genes (crtE, crtB, and crtI) of Pantoea agglomerans and Pantoea ananatis. E. coli harboring the P. agglomerans crt genes produced 27 mg/l of lycopene in 2YT medium without isopropyl-beta-D: -thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction, which was twofold higher than that produced by E. coli harboring the P. ananatis crt genes (12 mg/l lycopene) with 0.1 mM IPTG induction. The crt genes of P. agglomerans proved better for lycopene production in E. coli than those of P. ananatis. The crt genes of the two bacteria were also compared in E. coli harboring the mevalonate bottom pathway, which was capable of providing sufficient carotenoid building blocks, isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), with exogenous mevalonate supplementation. Lycopene production significantly increased using the mevalonate bottom pathway and 60 mg/l of lycopene was obtained with the P. agglomerans crt genes, which was higher than that obtained with the P. ananatis crt genes (35 mg/l lycopene). When crtE among the P. ananatis crt genes was replaced with P. agglomerans crtE or Archaeoglobus fulgidus gps, both lycopene production and cell growth were similar to that obtained with P. agglomerans crt genes. The crtE gene was responsible for the observed difference in lycopene production and cell growth between E. coli harboring the crt genes of P. agglomerans and P. ananatis. As there was no significant difference in lycopene production between E. coli harboring P. agglomerans crtE and A. fulgidus gps, farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthesis was not rate-limiting in E. coli.

Biochemical characterization of the decaprenyl diphosphate synthase of Rhodobacter sphaeroides for coenzyme Q10 production.

Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)), like other CoQs of various organisms, plays indispensable roles not only in energy generation but also in several other processes required for cells' survival. In this study, a gene encoding for a decaprenyl diphosphate synthase (Rsdds) was cloned from Rhodobacter sphaeroides in Escherichia coli. The in vivo catalytic activity and product specificity of Rsdds were compared with those of a counterpart enzyme from Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Atdds) in E. coli as a heterologous host. In contrast with Atdds, Rsdds showed lower catalytic activity but higher product specificity for CoQ(10) production, as indicated by the amount of CoQ(9) formation. The higher product specificity of Rsdds was also confirmed by utilizing both Rsdds and Atdds for in vitro synthesis of polyprenyl diphosphates. Thin layer chromatography indicated that the Rsdds enzyme resulted in relatively much less solanesyl diphosphate formation. The purified Rsdds catalyzed the addition of isopentenyl diphosphate to dimethyl allyl diphosphate, geranyl diphosphate, omega,E,E-farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), and omega,E,E,E-geranylgeranyl diphosphate as priming substrates. The kinetic parameters of V (max) (pmol/min), K (M) (microM), k (cat) (1/min), and k (cat) /K (M) of the enzyme using FPP as the most appropriate substrate were determined to be 264.6, 13.1, 8.8, and 0.67, respectively.

Coenzyme Q10 production in recombinant Escherichia coli strains engineered with a heterologous decaprenyl diphosphate synthase gene and foreign mevalonate pathway.

In the present work, Escherichia coli DH5alpha was metabolically engineered for CoQ(10) production by the introduction of decaprenyl diphosphate synthase gene (ddsA) from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Grown in 2YTG medium (1.6% tryptone, 1% yeast extract, 0.5% NaCl, and 0.5% glycerol) with an initial pH of 7, the recombinant E. coli was capable of CoQ(10) production up to 470 microg/gDCW (dry cell weight). This value could be further elevated to 900 microg/gDCW simply by increasing the initial culture pH from 7 to 9. Supplementation of 4-hydroxy benzoate did not improve the productivity any further. However, engineering of a lower mevalonate semi-pathway so as to increase the isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) supply of the recombinant strain using exogenous mevalonate efficiently increased the CoQ(10) production. Lower mevalonate semi-pathways of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were tested. Among these, the pathway of Streptococcus pneumoniae proved to be superior, yielding CoQ(10) production of 2,700+/-115 microg/gDCW when supplemented with exogenous mevalonate of 3 mM. In order to construct a complete mevalonate pathway, the upper semi-pathway of the same bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, was recruited. In a recombinant E. coli DH5alpha harboring three plasmids encoding for upper and lower mevalonate semi-pathways as well as DdsA enzyme, the heterologous mevalonate pathway could convert endogenous acetyl-CoA to IPP, resulting in CoQ(10) production of up to 2,428+/-75 microg/gDCW, without mevalonate supplementation. In contrast, a whole mevalonate pathway constructed in a single operon was found to be less efficient. However, it provided CoQ(10) production of up to 1,706+/-86 microg/gDCW, which was roughly 1.9 times higher than that obtained by ddsA alone.