Evaluation of extracts from Phyllostachys makinoi for their antibacterial and accelerated wound healing potential.

Phyllostachys makinoi, an endemic bamboo species in Taiwan, is underutilized, despite its rich forest resources. Known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, this study explores the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities of P. makinoi extracts.

YC-1 Antagonizes Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Through the EBP1 p42 Isoform in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Novel drugs targeting Wnt signaling are gradually being developed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. In this study, we used a Wnt-responsive Super-TOPflash (STF) luciferase reporter assay to screen a new compound targeting Wnt signaling. 3-(5'-Hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole (YC-1) was identified as a small molecule inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

PEDF promotes self-renewal of limbal stem cell and accelerates corneal epithelial wound healing.

Limbal epithelial stem cell (LSC) transplantation is a prevalent therapeutic method for patients with LSC deficiency. The maintenance of stem cell characteristics in the process of culture expansion is critical for the success of ocular surface reconstruction. Pigment epithelial-derived factor (PEDF) increased the numbers of holoclone in LSC monolayer culture and preserved the stemness of LSC in suspension culture by evidence of ΔNp63α, Bmi-1, and ABCG2 expression.

Pigment epithelium-derived factor is an intrinsic antifibrosis factor targeting hepatic stellate cells.

The liver is the major site of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) synthesis. Recent evidence suggests a protective role of PEDF in liver cirrhosis. In the present study, immunohistochemical analyses revealed lower PEDF levels in liver tissues of patients with cirrhosis and in animals with chemically induced liver fibrosis.

Pigment epithelium-derived factor induces interleukin-10 expression in human macrophages by induction of PPAR gamma.

Aim: In search for the anti-inflammation mechanism of PEDF, we investigate whether pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) induces the gene expression of interleukin (IL)-10 in human macrophages and determine the molecular basis of this induction.

Main Methods: Human macrophages derived from a monocytic cell line, THP-1, and peripheral monocytes were treated with PEDF. IL-10 expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR, and promoter-reporter assay.

Photoreceptor protection against light damage by AAV-mediated overexpression of heme oxygenase-1.

Purpose: To investigate whether overexpression of the cytoprotective gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in photoreceptors by gene delivery attenuates cellular injury caused by intense light damage and to document the possible mechanisms of protection.

Methods: Recombinant adeno-associated virus type 5 (rAAV5) expressing the mouse HO-1 gene (mHO-1) was delivered to cyclic-light reared Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by subretinal injection. Three weeks after transfer of HO-1 gene, animals were subjected to 2-hour intense light exposure then were returned to darkness.

Inhibition of cell motility by troglitazone in human ovarian carcinoma cell line.

Background: Troglitazone (TGZ) is a potential anticancer agent. Little is known about the effect of this agent on cancer cell migration.

Methods: Human ovarian carcinoma cell line, ES-2 cells were treated with various concentrations of TGZ.