Anti-Photoaging Effects of Upcycled Seed Anionic Peptides on Ultraviolet-Radiation-Induced Skin Aging in a Reconstructed Skin Model.

Side streams and byproducts of food are established sources of natural ingredients in cosmetics. In the present study, we obtained upcycled low-molecular-weight anionic peptides (LMAPs) using byproducts of the post-yuzu-juicing process by employing an enzyme derived from sp. For the first time, we isolated anionic peptides less than 500 Da in molecular weight from TANAKA seeds via hydrolysis using this enzyme.

Activation of Hair Cell Growth Factors by Linoleic Acid in Seed.

Hair loss by excessive stress from work and lifestyle changes has become a growing concern, particularly among young individuals. However, most drugs for alopecia impose a plethora of side effects. We have found the powerful impact of seed extracts on alleviating hair loss.

Anti-melanogenic effect of gomisin N from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baillon (Schisandraceae) in melanoma cells.

Overproduction and accumulation of melanin in the skin can lead to pigmentation disorders, such as freckles and melasma. Many researchers are studying the regulation of melanogenesis in the skin with the aim of developing whitening cosmetics. In this study, bioactivity-guided separation of the hexane fraction of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.

Saucerneol D inhibits dendritic cell activation by inducing heme oxygenase-1, but not by directly inhibiting toll-like receptor 4 signaling.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Saururus chinensis is a medicinal plant used to treat jaundice, pneumonia, edema, fever, and several inflammatory diseases. Saucerneol D (SD), a lignan constituent of this plant, has antioxidant, anti-asthmatic, and anti-inflammatory activities. SD has been previously reported to inhibit the pro-inflammatory responses of RAW264.

Tussilagone inhibits dendritic cell functions via induction of heme oxygenase-1.

Sesquiterpenoid tussilagone (TUS) has a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of TUS on dendritic cell (DC) functions and the underlying mechanisms. TUS inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of DCs, as shown by decrease in surface molecule expression, cytokine production, cell migration, and allo-T cell activation.

Validation of cyclooxygenase-2 as a direct anti-inflammatory target of 4-O-methylhonokiol in zymosan-induced animal models.

4-O-methylhonokiol (MH) is known to inhibit inflammation by partially understood mechanisms. Here, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of MH were examined using enzymatic, cellular, and animal assays. In enzymatic assays, MH inhibited COX-2 activity with an IC50 of 0.

Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharide induces dendritic cell maturation via TLR4 signaling.

Dendritic cell (DC) maturation is critical for initiation of the adoptive immune response. DC maturation is often attenuated in several pathological conditions including cancer. In this study, we report the effect of Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharide (PG) on DC maturation.

Activation of macrophages by polysaccharide isolated from Paecilomyces cicadae through toll-like receptor 4.

Paecilomyces cicadae have been reported to have immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of polysaccharide (PCP) isolated from P. cicadae on the macrophages.

Adjuvant effect of a natural TLR4 ligand on dendritic cell-based cancer immunotherapy.

The clinical efficacy of dendritic cell (DC) vaccine in cancer patients has been unsatisfactory due, at least in part, to the deficiency of maturation and impaired migration of ex vivo generated DCs to the draining lymph nodes. To solve this problem, we used angelan, a natural TLR4 ligand, to enhance the maturation and migration of DCs. Angelan increased the expression of MHC-I/II, CD80, and CD86, DC maturation markers, through the NF-κB pathway.

Phenotypic and functional maturation of dendritic cells induced by polysaccharide isolated from Paecilomyces cicadae.

Paecilomyces cicadae Miquel Samson is the anamorph of Cordyceps cicadae Shing and is used in functional foods for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. In the present study, we examined the effects of P. cicadae polysaccharide (PCP) on dendritic cell (DC) maturation.

Adoptive immunotherapy of human gastric cancer with ex vivo expanded T cells.

Surgical resection of gastric cancer has made significant progress, but majority of patients with advanced gastric cancer face relapse and die within five years. In this study, the antitumor activity of ex vivo expanded T cells against the human gastric cancer was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured with IL-2-containing medium in anti-CD3 antibody-coated flasks for 5 days, followed by incubation in IL-2-containing medium for 9 days.

Induction of dendritic cell maturation by β-glucan isolated from Sparassis crispa.

Sparassis crispa is a medicinal mushroom containing high 6-branched 1,3-β-D-glucan (sparan) content, which exhibits immune-mediated antitumor activity. In the present study, we investigated the stimulating effect of sparan on phenotypic and functional maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). Phenotypic maturation was confirmed by the elevated expressions of CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC-I/II molecules.

Inhibition of bone marrow-derived dendritic cell maturation by glabridin.

Glabridin has multiple pharmacological activities including anti-microbial, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-nephritic, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protective activities. In this study, we investigated the effect of glabridin on dendritic cells, which play an essential role in innate and adaptive immune responses. Glabridin inhibited lipopolysaccharide-, poly (I:C)-, or zymosan-induced phenotypic maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), as proven by the decreased expression of CD40, CD80, CD86, MHC-I, and MHC-II.