Ultra-Fast Vitrification: Minimizing the Toxicity of Cryoprotective Agents and Osmotic Stress in Mouse Oocyte Cryopreservation.

Globally, women have been adopting oocyte cryopreservation (OC) for fertility preservation for various reasons, such as inevitable gonadotoxic treatment for specific pathologic states and social preferences. While conventional vitrification (C-VIT) has improved the success rate of OC, challenges of possible toxicities of high-concentration cryoprotective agents and osmotic stress persist. To overcome these challenges, we evaluated the ultra-fast vitrification (UF-VIT) method, which reduces the equilibration solution stage exposure time compared to C-VIT by observing mouse oocyte intracellular organelles and embryonic development.

Orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer using CD34 humanized mice and generation of tumor organoids from humanized tumors.

In pancreatic cancer (PC) as intractable solid cancer, current research is focused mainly on targeted immunotherapies such as antibodies and immune cell modulators. To identify promising immune-oncological agents, animal models that recapitulate the essential features of human immune status are essential. To this end, we constructed an orthotopic xenograft model using CD34 human hematopoietic stem cell-based humanized NOD scid gamma mouse (NSG) mice injected with luciferase-expressing PC cell lines AsPC1 and BxPC3.

Synergistic therapeutic combination with a CAF inhibitor enhances CAR-NK-mediated cytotoxicity via reduction of CAF-released IL-6.

Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to an impaired functionality of natural killer (NK) cells that have emerged as a promising therapeutic modality. The interaction between CAFs and NK cells within the TME exerts major inhibitory effects on immune responses, indicating CAF-targeted therapies as potential targets for effective NK-mediated cancer killing.

Methods: To overcome CAF-induced NK dysfunction, we selected an antifibrotic drug, nintedanib, for synergistic therapeutic combination.

A lignan from Alnus japonica inhibits glioblastoma tumorspheres by suppression of FOXM1.

Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) is known to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. The lignan, (-)-(2R,3R)-1,4-O-diferuloylsecoisolariciresinol (DFS), from Alnus japonica has shown anti-cancer effects against colon cancer cells by suppressing FOXM1. The present study hypothesized that DFS can have anti-cancer effects against glioblastoma (GBM) tumorspheres (TSs).

A Lignan from Alnus japonica Activates Myogenesis and Alleviates Dexamethasone-induced Myotube Atrophy.

To find inhibitors against skeletal muscle loss, we isolated a lignan compound ((-)-(2,3-1,4-O-diferuloylsecoisolarciresinol, DFS) from the stem of . C2C12 myoblasts were treated with DFS during differentiation. To induce an atrophic condition, differentiated myotubes were treated with dexamethasone (a synthetic glucocorticoid).

Kazinol C from stimulates autophagy via endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated signaling.

Autophagy modulators are considered putative therapeutic targets because of the role of autophagy in cancer progression. Kazinol C, a 1,3-diphenylpropane from the plant , has been shown to induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells through the activation of AMPK at high concentrations. In the present study, we found that Kazinol C induced autophagy through endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated unfolded protein response signaling in several normal and cancer cell lines at low concentrations of Kazinol C that did not induce apoptosis.

Urushiol V Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Enhances Antitumor Activity of 5-FU in Human Colon Cancer Cells by Downregulating FoxM1.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumor. 5-FU is commonly used for the treatment of CRC. However, the development of drug resistance in tumor chemotherapy can seriously reduce therapeutic efficacy of 5-FU.

Synthesis of improved long-chain isomaltooligosaccharide, using a novel glucosyltransferase derived from Thermoanaerobacter thermocopriae, with maltodextrin.

Isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), considered to be a prebiotic, reportedly has health effects, particularly in terms of digestion; however, the prebiotic effects of IMOs depend largely on the degree of polymerization. Currently, IMOs are commercially produced using transglucosidase (TG) derived from Aspergillus niger. Here, we report a novel Thermoanaerobacter thermocopriae-derived TG (TtTG) that can produce long-chain IMOs (L-IMOs) using maltodextrin as the main substrate.

Neutrophil extracellular trap clearance by synovial macrophages in gout.

Background: Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, i.e., the central etiological factors in gouty arthritis, induce the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).

Considering serum alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels together strengthen the prediction of impaired fasting glucose risk: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

Emerging data suggest that an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) as biomarkers of oxidative stress are associated with increased risk of impaired fasting glucose (IFG). The present study was an investigation of whether an increase in serum ALT and GGT had a combined effect on increasing IFG risk through cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. In the cross-sectional study, data were analyzed from 9937 subjects without diabetes who underwent health check-ups between 1999 and 2001 (baseline data).

Discovery of 5-Phenoxy-2-aminopyridine Derivatives as Potent and Selective Irreversible Inhibitors of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase.

As a member of the tyrosine protein kinase Tec (TEC) family, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is considered a promising therapeutic target due to its crucial roles in the B cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway. Although many types of BTK inhibitors have been reported, there is an unmet need to achieve selective BTK inhibitors to reduce side effects. To obtain BTK selectivity and efficacy, we designed a novel series of type II BTK inhibitors which can occupy the allosteric pocket induced by the DFG-out conformation and introduced an electrophilic warhead for targeting Cys481.

Anti-Melanogenesis Activity of 6--Isobutyrylbritannilactone from on B16F10 Melanocytes and In Vivo Zebrafish Models.

A potential natural melanogenesis inhibitor was discovered in the form of a sesquiterpene isolated from the flowers of , specifically 6--isobutyrylbritannilactone (IBL). We evaluated the antimelanogenesis effects of IBL on B16F10 melanocytes and zebrafish embryos. As a result, we found that 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-induced melanin production was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in B16F10 cells by IBL.

Lignan from Inhibits Adipocyte Differentiation via Cell Cycle and FOXO1 Regulation.

In the present study, we isolated a lignan ((-)-(2,3)-1,4--diferuloylsecoisolariciresinol, DFS) from and evaluated its antiobesity potential in vitro. We also determined its mechanism of action in a mouse pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 cell line. DFS dose- and day-dependently inhibited adipogenesis by downregulation of adipogenic factors and lipid metabolism-regulating factors during adipocyte differentiation.

The Antimelanogenic Effect of Inularin Isolated from Flowers of on B16F10 Melanoma Cells and Zebrafish Embryos.

In the search for novel, natural melanogenesis inhibitors, a new sesquiterpene, inularin, was isolated from the flowers of , and the structure was determined using spectroscopic and chemical methods. The antimelanogenic effects of inularin on B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish embryos were evaluated. Inularin dose-dependently reduced melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced melanin production and L-DOPA oxidation in B16F10 cells.

Broussoflavonol B from Siebold Exerts Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Activity through Downregulating FoxM1.

Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate due to poor rates of early diagnosis. One tumor suppressor gene in particular, p53, is frequently mutated in pancreatic cancer, and mutations in p53 can inactivate normal wild type p53 activity and increase expression of transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FoxM1). Overexpression of FoxM1 accelerates cellular proliferation and cancer progression.

Inhibition of autophagy sensitizes lignan-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated cell death.

Relationship between autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and their application to treat cancer have been actively studied these days. Recently, a lignan [(-)-(2R, 3R)-1,4-O-diferuloylsecoisolariciresinol, DFS] from Alnus japonica has been found to reduce the viability of colon cancer cells. In this study, we have observed DFS-induced autophagy in a variety of cancer cell lines.

Immunological characteristics and possible pathogenic role of urinary CD11c+ macrophages in lupus nephritis.

Objectives: Kidney-infiltrating immune cells can contribute to the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN). We investigated the immunological characteristics of CD11c+ macrophages and their functions associated with the pathogenesis of LN.

Methods: CD11c+ macrophages were examined in the urine samples of patients with LN.

Z-Ajoene Inhibits Growth of Colon Cancer by Promotion of CK1α Dependent β-Catenin Phosphorylation.

Aberrant activation of a Wnt/β-catenin pathway results in nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in colon cancer. Inhibiting β-catenin is one strategy for treating colon cancer. Here, we identified Z-ajoene, a sulfur containing compound isolated from crushed garlic, as an inhibitor of colon cancer cell growth.

Effect of digital scans on marginal and internal discrepancies of zirconia crowns.

Statement Of Problem: A few studies have compared the accuracy of newly introduced intraoral scanners (IOSs); however, limited evidence is available concerning which system provides the best marginal and internal adaptation of zirconia crowns.

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the marginal and internal discrepancies of zirconia crowns fabricated with 4 digital scanners by a silicone replica technique.

Material And Methods: A maxillary central incisor was prepared for a ceramic crown and duplicated to form 10 metal abutments.

Over-expression of p190RhoGEF enhances B-cell activation and germinal center formation in T-cell-dependent humoral immune responses.

Previously, we reported induced expression of the p190 Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (p190RhoGEF, ARHGEF28) following CD40 stimulation of B cells isolated from mouse spleen. We also reported that p190RhoGEF and a downstream effector molecule RhoA are required for B-cell differentiation, especially for the induction of the plasma cell (PC) differentiation. This study investigates the role of p190RhoGEF in B-cell biology in vivo, using p190RhoGEF transgenic (TG) mice that overexpress a wild-type full gene in B cells.

Prominent Inflammatory Features of Monocytes/Macrophages in Acute Calcium Pyrophosphate Crystal Arthritis: a Comparison with Acute Gouty Arthritis.

Calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals can present as acute inflammatory arthritis which is known as an acute CPP crystal arthritis. Although monocytes/macrophages have been shown to play a role in the initiation of crystal-mediated inflammatory responses, differences in their phenotypes between acute CPP crystal arthritis and acute gouty arthritis have not yet been investigated. We examined the immunological characteristics of synovial monocytes/macrophages in patients with acute CPP crystal and acute gouty arthritis.

Kazinol U inhibits melanogenesis through the inhibition of tyrosinase-related proteins via AMP kinase activation.

Background And Purpose: Kazinol U is a prenylated flavan isolated from an extract of Broussonetia kazinoki Sieb (Moraceae). Kazinol U has shown cytoprotective effects against cytokine-induced apoptotic cell death and induces AMP kinase (AMPK) activation through LKB1 activation. However, kazinol U has not been tested as a regulator of melanogenesis, although bark extract of B.

The effects of medication adherence and health literacy on health-related quality of life in older people with hypertension.

Aim And Objective: This study investigated the effects of medication adherence and health literacy on health-related quality of life in vulnerable older people with hypertension.

Background: Health literacy is particularly critical for providing accurate information regarding correct medication intake to improve medication adherence. Additionally, health-related quality of life is directly related to impairment from chronic disease.

Determination of Grayanotoxins from Rhododendron brachycarpum in Dietary Supplements and Homemade Wine by Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight-Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

A sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) method combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of grayanotoxins I and III in dietary supplements and homemade wine. Grayanotoxins I and III were successfully extracted using solid-phase extraction cartridges, characterized by LC-QTOF-MS, and quantitated by LC-MS/MS. The LC-MS/MS calibration curves were linear over concentrations of 10-100 ng/mL (grayanotoxin I) and 20-400 ng/mL (grayanotoxin III).