SMILE Downregulation during Melanogenesis Induces MITF Transcription in B16F10 Cells.

SMILE (small heterodimer partner-interacting leucine zipper protein) is a transcriptional corepressor that potently regulates various cellular processes such as metabolism and growth in numerous tissues. However, its regulatory role in skin tissue remains uncharacterized. Here, we demonstrated that SMILE expression markedly decreased in human melanoma biopsy specimens and was inversely correlated with that of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF).

SREBP-1c impairs ULK1 sulfhydration-mediated autophagic flux to promote hepatic steatosis in high-fat-diet-fed mice.

A metabolic imbalance between lipid synthesis and degradation can lead to hepatic lipid accumulation, a characteristic of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we report that high-fat-diet-induced sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c, a key transcription factor that regulates lipid biosynthesis, impairs autophagic lipid catabolism via altered HS signaling. SREBP-1c reduced cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) via miR-216a, which in turn decreased hepatic HS levels and sulfhydration-dependent activation of Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (ULK1).

3-Pentylcatechol, a Non-Allergenic Urushiol Derivative, Displays Anti- Activity In Vivo.

We previously reported that 3-pentylcatechol (PC), a synthetic non-allergenic urushiol derivative, inhibited the growth of in an in vitro assay using nutrient agar and broth. In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vivo antimicrobial activity of PC against growing in the stomach mucous membrane. Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (n = 4) were orally inoculated with Sydney Strain-1 (SS-1) for 8 weeks.

Pear Extract and Malaxinic Acid Reverse Obesity, Adipose Tissue Inflammation, and Hepatosteatosis in Mice.

Scope: Obesity and diabetes are major public health problems and are emerging as pandemics. Considerable evidence suggests that pear fruit consumption is associated with a lower risk of obesity-related complications. Thus, the present study is conducted to investigate the therapeutic potential of pear extract (PE) for reversing obesity and associated metabolic complications in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Protocatechuic Acid from Pear Inhibits Melanogenesis in Melanoma Cells.

Despite the critical role of melanin in the protection of skin against UV radiation, excess production of melanin can lead to hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. Pear fruits are often used in traditional medicine for the treatment of melasma; therefore, we investigated the effects of pear extract (PE) and its component, protocatechuic acid (PCA), on melanogenesis in mouse melanoma cells. We found that PE and PCA significantly suppressed melanin content and cellular tyrosinase activity through a decrease in the expression of melanogenic enzymes and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor () in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated mouse melanoma cells.