Characterization and functional analysis of cathelicidin-MH, a novel frog-derived peptide with anti-septicemic properties.

Antimicrobial peptides form part of the innate immune response and play a vital role in host defense against pathogens. Here we report a new antimicrobial peptide belonging to the cathelicidin family, cathelicidin-MH (cath-MH), from the skin of frog. Cath-MH has a single α-helical structure in membrane-mimetic environments and is antimicrobial against fungi and bacteria, especially Gram-negative bacteria.

Esc-1GN shows therapeutic potentials for acne vulgaris and inflammatory pain.

The inflammatory response plays important roles in acne vulgaris and pain pathogenesis. In previous study, Esc-1GN with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and lipopolysacchride (LPS) binding activity was identified from the skin of the frog Hylarana guentheri. Here, we report its therapeutic potentials for acne vulgaris and inflammatory pain.

Identification of relevant variables and construction of a multidimensional index for predicting mortality in COPD patients.

Background And Objective: The Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise (BODE) index is a well-known metric for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it is inadequate for predicting mortality. This study proposed a new index that combines inspiratory muscle training with the BODE index and verified its ability to predict mortality in patients with COPD.

Methods: Cox regression identified predictors of mortality, which were then included in the new index.

The anticancer properties and mechanism of action of tablysin-15, the RGD-containing disintegrin, in breast cancer cells.

αβ integrin expressed on cancer cell surfaces is associated with important cancer hallmarks including survival and metastasis and is thus a potential anticancer drug target. Tablysin-15 contains the RGD motif and is a high-affinity αβ integrin antagonist. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effect and mechanism of action of tablysin-15 against αβ integrin high-expressing breast cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo.

Functional Characterization of a Novel Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Peptide in Vitro and in Vivo.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are key components of host immune defense of vertebrates against microbial invasions. Here, we report a new AMP (esculentin-1GN) characterized from the skin of the frog Hylarana guentheri. Esculentin-1GN (GLFSKKGGKGGKSWIKGVFKGIKGIGKEVGGDVIRTGIEIAACKIKGEC) with high amphipathic α-helical structure in membrane-mimetic environments has the microbial-killing activity by destruction of the cell membrane.