Stabilization mechanism and long-term stability of endogenous heavy metals in manure-derived biochar.

Pyrolysis has been proposed to stabilize heavy metals present in livestock manure. However, many studies have not considered the applicability of manure-derived biochar containing endogenous heavy metals as an agricultural fertilizer. This study investigated the mechanisms through which pyrolysis stabilizes endogenous heavy metals in swine manure and the long-term stability of endogenous heavy metals in the biochar.

Eupatilin Alleviates Hyperlipidemia in Mice by Inhibiting HMG-CoA Reductase.

(family ) is a natural product broadly used as an antioxidative, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory agent in East Asia. In the present study, eupatilin, the main constituent of , was investigated as an antihyperlipidemic agent. Eupatilin inhibited 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase (HCR), an enzyme that is a therapeutic target for hyperlipidemia, in an assay using rat liver.

Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Human Breast Milk Improve Colitis Induced by 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling in Mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory disease, results from dysregulation of the immune responses. Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB), including , alleviate IBD through immunomodulation. In this study, the anti-colitis effect of LAB isolated from human breast milk was investigated in a mouse model induced acute colitis with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS).

The Effects of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Factors on Neurogenesis.

In the mammalian brain, neurogenesis is maintained throughout adulthood primarily in two typical niches, the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and in other nonclassic neurogenic areas (e.g., the amygdala and striatum).

The APP intracellular domain promotes expression to enable feed-forward neurodegenerative mechanisms in Parkinson's disease.

Gain-of-function mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 () gene are common in familial forms of Parkinson's disease (PD), which is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration that impairs motor and cognitive function. We previously demonstrated that LRRK2-mediated phosphorylation of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) triggers the production and nuclear translocation of the APP intracellular domain (AICD). Here, we connected LRRK2 to AICD in a feed-forward cycle that enhanced LRRK2-mediated neurotoxicity.

Extract Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Derived Inflammatory Response in Human Colon Epithelial Caco-2 Cells.

Increased tight junction permeability and overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines are crucial pathophysiological mechanisms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study evaluated anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous ethanolic extract (AE-GBE) against intestinal permeability on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated Caco-2 cells. Treatment with AE-GBE increased cell viability and significantly reduced inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide and LPS-induced reactive oxidative stress.

extract attenuates free fatty acid-induced lipotoxicity in pancreatic beta cells.

Backgroud/objectives: larva (ADL), one of the many edible insects recognized as future food resources, has a range of pharmacological activities. In a previous study, an ADL extract (ADLE) reduced the hepatic insulin resistance of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice. On the other hand, the associated molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction remain unclear.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) nanoparticles labeled human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)-derived neurons for transplantation.

Transplantation of differentiated neurons derived from either human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is an emerging therapeutic strategy for various neurodegenerative diseases. One important aspect of transplantation is the accessibility to track and control the activity of the stem cells-derived neurons post-transplantation. Recently, the characteristics of organic nanoparticles (NPs) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) have emerged as efficient cell labeling reagents, where positive outcomes were observed in long-term cancer cell tracing in vivo.

Ganoderma boninense mycelia for phytochemicals and secondary metabolites with antibacterial activity.

Antiplasmodial nortriterpenes with 3,4-seco-27-norlanostane skeletons, almost entirely obtained from fruiting bodies, represent the main evidential source for bioactive secondary metabolites derived from a relatively unexplored phytopathogenic fungus, Ganoderma boninense. Currently lacking is convincing evidence for antimicrobial secondary metabolites in this pathogen, excluding that obtained from commonly observed phytochemicals in the plants. Herein, we aimed to demonstrate an efficient analytical approach for the production of antibacterial secondary metabolites using the mycelial extract of G.

Current Status of Stem Cell-Derived Therapies for Parkinson's Disease: From Cell Assessment and Imaging Modalities to Clinical Trials.

Curative therapies or treatments reversing the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) have attracted considerable interest in the last few decades. PD is characterized by the gradual loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and decreased striatal dopamine levels. Current challenges include optimizing neuroprotective strategies, developing personalized drug therapy, and minimizing side effects from the long-term prescription of pharmacological drugs used to relieve short-term motor symptoms.

Amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain-dependent regulation of FOXO3a inhibits adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) intracellular domain (AICD) is a metabolic by-product of APP produced through sequential proteolytic cleavage by α-, β-, and γ-secretases. The interaction between AICD and Fe65 has been reported to impair adult neurogenesis in vivo. However, the exact role of AICD in mediating neural stem cell fate remains unclear.

Allomyrina dichotoma larval extract attenuates intestinal barrier disruption by altering inflammatory response and tight junction proteins in lipopolysaccharide-induced Caco-2 cells.

Intestinal epithelial cells form a barrier between the intestinal lumen and host connective tissues and play an important role in maintaining intestinal nutrient homeostasis. This study investigated effects of Allomyrina dichotoma (rhinoceros beetle) larval extract (ADLE) on the intestinal barrier damage and explored mechanisms for reversing intestinal barrier dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Caco-2, human intestinal epithelial cells. LPS reduced intestinal epithelial barrier function by increasing transepithelial electrical resistance, and this effect was significantly attenuated by ADLE treatment.

A microfiber scaffold-based 3D in vitro human neuronal culture model of Alzheimer's disease.

Increasing evidence indicates superiority of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cell culture systems over conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures in mimicking native in vivo microenvironments. Tissue-engineered 3D culture models combined with stem cell technologies have advanced Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis studies. However, existing 3D neuronal models of AD overexpress mutant genes or have heterogeneities in composition, biological properties and cell differentiation stages.

Development and application of an antibody that binds to interleukin-1β of various mammalian species for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Inflammation is provoked by host immune reactions to pathogenic or tissue injury and is arbitrated by cytokines. Among the pro-inflammatory cytokines, the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) are main mediators of inflammation. The production of these pro-inflammatory cytokines is mainly triggered in macrophages by harmful stimuli including microbial pathogens, irritants, and toxic cellular components, and plays key roles in the palpation of the inflammatory response.

Engineered human FcγRIIa fusion: A novel strategy to extend serum half-life of therapeutic proteins.

The immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecule has a long circulating serum half-life (~3 weeks) through pH- dependent FcRn binding-mediated recycling. To hijack the intracellular trafficking and recycling mechanism of IgG as a way to extend serum persistence of non-antibody therapeutic proteins, we have evolved the ectodomain of a low-affinity human FcγRIIa for enhanced binding to the lower hinge and upper CH2 region of IgG, which is very far from the FcRn binding site (CH2-CH3 interface). High-throughput library screening enabled isolation of an FcγRIIa variant (2A45.

The effects of body mass index and body shape perceptions of South Korean adults on weight control behaviors; Correlation with quality of sleep and residence of place.

Background/objectives: The obese population is rapidly increasing because of reduced physical activity and a Westernized diet; consequently, various chronic diseases are more prevalent. With the increasing interest in body shape and appearance, research on body shape perceptions and accompanying weight control behaviors are needed for healthy weight management.

Subjects/methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on randomly selected 536 (209 men and 327 women) aged 20 to 65 years.

IL-10 Expression-Inducing Gut Bacteria Alleviate High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Hyperlipidemia in Mice.

In the present study, we examined the effects of interleukin (IL)-10 expression-inducing bacteria HP1, HP2, and HP3 on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and liver steatosis in mice. Oral gavage of HP1, HP2, and HP3 reduced HFD-induced bodyweight gain, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels in the blood and liver. They also suppressed HFD-induced colitis and the fecal δ,γ-Proteobacteria population.

Upregulation of caveolin-1 and its colocalization with cytokine receptors contributes to beta cell apoptosis.

Caveolin-1 (cav-1), the principal structural and signalling protein of caveolae, is implicated in various signalling events, including apoptotic cell death in type 2 diabetes. However, the precise role of beta cells in apoptosis has not been clearly defined. In this study, we investigated the involvement of cav-1 in cytokine-induced beta cell apoptosis and its underlying mechanisms in the rat beta cell line, INS-1 and isolated islets.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D modulates L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in a subset of neurons in the developing mouse prefrontal cortex.

Schizophrenia has been associated with a range of genetic and environmental risk factors. Here we explored a link between two risk factors that converge on a shared neurobiological pathway. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified risk variants in genes that code for L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (L-VGCCs), while epidemiological studies have found an increased risk of schizophrenia in those with neonatal vitamin D deficiency.

S1 Improves Colitis Induced by 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid by the Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling in Mice.

S1 strongly inhibits the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide-induced peritoneal macrophages by a mechanism for which lactic acid bacteria from kimchi that inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-κ) were isolated. Therefore, we further evaluated the protective effect of this strain on the colitis mouse model induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). TNBS significantly elevated myeloperoxidase (MPO) expression, macroscopic scores, and colon shortening.

Amelioration of colitis in mice by Leuconostoc lactis EJ-1 by M1 to M2 macrophage polarization.

Dysregulation of immune responses to environmental antigens by the intestine leads to the chronic inflammatory disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recent studies have thus sought to identify a dietary component that can inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-κB) signaling to ameliorate IBD. This study assessed if the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from kimchi, suppresses the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in peritoneal macrophages induced by LPS.

NK3 and NK49 Alleviate Bacterial Vaginosis and Osteoporosis in Mice by Suppressing NF-B-Linked TNF- Expression.

Excessive expression of TNF- worsens bacterial vaginosis (BV) and osteoporosis. Therefore, to understand whether probiotics could alleviate vaginosis and osteoporosis, we isolated anti-inflammatory NK3 and NK49 from kimchi and human fecal lactic acid bacteria collection and examined their effects on (GV)-induced vaginosis and ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in female mice. Oral gavage of NK3 and/or NK49 significantly alleviated GV-induced vaginosis; these inhibited NF-B activation and TNF- expression in the vagina and uterus, and decreased the GV population in the vagina.

Lactobacillus plantarum LC27 and Bifidobacterium longum LC67 simultaneously alleviate high-fat diet-induced colitis, endotoxemia, liver steatosis, and obesity in mice.

Long-term feeding of a high-fat diet (HFD) induces endotoxemia and gastrointestinal inflammation by disturbing gut microbiota composition and membrane permeability, resulting in the acceleration of obesity. Some probiotics exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we hypothesized that anti-inflammatory probiotics could lead to the simultaneous attenuation of endotoxemia, liver steatosis, obesity, and colitis in mice with HFD-induced obesity.

The association between neonatal vitamin D status and risk of schizophrenia.

Clues from the epidemiology of schizophrenia, such as the increased risk in those born in winter/spring, have led to the hypothesis that prenatal vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of later schizophrenia. We wish to explore this hypothesis in a large Danish case-control study (n = 2602). The concentration of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was assessed from neonatal dried blood samples.