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Maintaining epidermal homeostasis relies on a tightly organized process of proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes. While past studies have primarily focused on calcium regulation in keratinocyte differentiation, recent research has shed light on the crucial role of lysosome dysfunction in this process. TLR adaptor interacting with SLC15A4 on the lysosome (TASL) plays a role in regulating pH within the endo-lysosome. However, the specific role of TASL in keratinocyte differentiation and its potential impact on proliferation remains elusive. In our study, we discovered that TASL deficiency hinders the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes by inducing G1/S cell cycle arrest. Also, TASL deficiency disrupts proper differentiation process in TASL knockout human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) by affecting lysosomal function. Additionally, our research into calcium-induced differentiation showed that TASL deficiency affects calcium modulation, which is essential for keratinocyte regulation. These findings unveil a novel role of TASL in the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, providing new insights into the intricate regulatory mechanisms of keratinocyte biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 20% of the world's population suffers from allergic diseases, including allergic asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis that severely reduce the patient's quality of life. The treatment of allergy has been developed, but there are still unmet needs. Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. is a traditional medicinal herb with beneficial bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-hypertension, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, and skin and liver (anti-hepatotoxic) protective actions. However, its anti-allergic effect has not been addressed. This study designed to investigate the pharmacological effect of an ethanol extract of A. brevipedunculata rhizomes (ABE) on mast cell and anaphylaxis models. For in vivo studies, we used ovalbumin-induced active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) and immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) models. In ASA model, oral administration of ABE (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) attenuated the anaphylactic responses, such as hypothermia, serum histamine, and IgE productions. In PCA model, ABE also suppressed the plasma extravasation and swelling. The underlying mechanisms of action were identified in various mast cell types. In vitro, ABE (10, 30, and 60 µg/mL) inhibited the release of essential allergic mediators, such as histamine and β-hexosaminidase, in a concentration-dependent manner. ABE prevented the rapid increase in intracellular calcium levels induced by the DNP-HSA challenge. In addition, ABE downregulated the tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-4 by suppressing the activation of nuclear factor-κB. Collectively, this study is the first to identify the anti-allergic effect of ABE, suggesting that ABE is a promising candidate for treating allergic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For centuries, natural products are regarded as vital medicines for human survival. Clematis terniflora var. mandshurica (Rupr.) Ohwi is an ingredient of the herbal medicine, Wei Ling Xian, which has been used in Chinese medicine to alleviate pain, fever, and inflammation. In particular, C. terniflora leaves have been used to cure various inflammatory diseases, including tonsillitis, cholelithiasis, and conjunctivitis. Based on these properties, this study aimed to scientifically investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of an ethanol extract of leaves of C. terniflora (EELCT) using activated macrophages that play central roles in inflammatory response. In this study, EELCT inhibited the essential inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, by suppressing the nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in macrophages. Acute lung injury (ALI) is a fatal respiratory disease accompanied by serious inflammation. With high mortality rate, the disease has no effective treatments. Therefore, new therapeutic agents must be developed for ALI. We expected that EELCT can be a promising therapeutic agent for ALI by reducing inflammatory responses and evaluated its action in a lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced ALI model. EELCT alleviated histological changes, immune cell infiltration, inflammatory mediator production, and protein-rich pulmonary edema during ALI. Collectively, our results may explain the traditional usage of C. terniflora in inflammatory diseases and suggest the promising potential of EELCT as therapeutic candidate for ALI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible insects are considered novel protein sources, and the edible insect breeding industry is growing rapidly. However, fungal pathogens are a major threat to this industry, and appropriate identification of causative agents is important for the development of antifungal agents. In 2019, strains of the fungal pathogen Metarhizium were isolated from infected second and third instar larvae of the economically important edible insect Protaetia brevitarsis, which were collected from separate farms in Gimhae‐si, Gyeongsangnam‐do, Korea. Based on morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region, and 5′‐region of gene encoding the 1‐α elongation factor, the fungal strains were identified as Metarhizium majus. Here, we report the detailed phylogenetic characteristics and morphological description of this species, which is prevalent in Korea. Identification of the principal disease‐causing agent can help develop disease prevention and antifungal strategies for application in edible insect‐rearing farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Psoriasis is a common and well-studied autoimmune skin disease, which is characterized by plaques. The formation of psoriasis plaques occurs through the hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes, infiltration of numerous immune cells into the dermis, increased subepidermal angiogenesis, and various autoimmune-associated cytokines and chemokines. According to previous research, Lin28 regulates the let-7 family, and let-7b is associated with psoriasis. However, the link between Lin28 and psoriasis is unclear. In this study, an association was identified between Lin28a and psoriasis progression, which promoted the pathological characteristic of psoriasis in epidermal keratinocytes. Patients and Methods: This study aims to investigate the role of Lin28a and its underlying mechanism in psoriasis through in vivo and in vitro models, which include the Lin28a-overexpressing transgenic (TG) mice and Lin28a-overexpressing human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell lines, respectively. Results: In vivo and in vitro results revealed that overexpression of Lin28a downregulated microRNA let-7 expression levels and caused hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation in keratinocytes. In imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like inflammation, Lin28a overexpressing transgenic (TG) mice exhibited more severe symptoms of psoriasis. Conclusion: Mechanistically, Lin28a exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammation through the activation of the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling (STAT 3) by targeting proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perilla seed powder (PSP) was stored at 25 °C, 35 °C, and 45 °C for 8 weeks. Changes in the metabolite profiles of the powders, including fatty acids, were monitored. Correlations between these changes and quality parameters, including lipid oxidation, color, and antioxidant activity, were analyzed to evaluate the effects of storage duration and temperature on PSP quality. Acid values increased significantly with the duration of storage, but not with temperature. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to identify differences among the metabolite profiles. The PSP sample stored for 1 week at 45 °C and all samples stored at 25 °C and 35 °C were grouped separately from the control and samples stored at 45 °C for more than 4 weeks. Among the many metabolites associated with these differences, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, tocopherol, sitosterol, tryptophan, 12-hydroxyjasmonic acid glucoside, and maltose correlated negatively with quality parameters with the exception of L* and antioxidant activity. Luteolin, apigenin, luteolin 4′-methyl ester, citric acid, isocitric acid, 9(S)-HPODE, and 3,5-octadien-2-one correlated positively with quality. Although the quantities of some antioxidants and lipids decreased during storage, the results suggested that the quality of PSP samples stored at 25 °C, 35 °C, and 45 °C for 8 weeks was acceptable. This was because lipid oxidation promoted by the storage environment was limited by antioxidants in the samples. These metabolites could be useful for monitoring changes in PSP quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of five different drying conditions on kimchi powder quality were determined by comparatively analyzing their physicochemical characteristics, volatile profile, and sensory evaluations. The moisture content of the kimchi powder obtained by each method was < 10%, and the yield after drying differed among methods ranging from 9.50 to 10.38% (p < 0.05). Electronic nose and tongue analyses demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05) between samples based on the drying temperature. The particle size distribution did not differ considerably between drying methods, except for the ground kimchi (p < 0.05). The sensory evaluation test revealed that the flavor and taste were rated the highest for the kimchi powder prepared using HADHT. Therefore, hot-air drying at a high temperature was the most effective method for kimchi powder production owing to have a good flavor and taste and the shorter drying time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasteurization‐mediated delayed kimchi ripening and regression analysis for shelf life estimation were investigated. Various initial kimchi microbial communities were simplified to lactic acid bacteria Leuconostoc sp. and Lactobacillus sp. over time, with concomitant pH decrease from 6.39 to 4.34 and acidity increase from 0.06% to 0.35%. Other quality characteristics (organic acid, carbon dioxide, and microbial population) also changed, exhibiting high intercorrelation. Pasteurization decreased the initial bacterial counts from 5.20 to 1.92 log CFU/g, thereby delaying the change in quality characteristics (pH, acidity, organic acid, microbial population, carbon dioxide, and microbial community); however, the texture did not differ significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, the regression equation for the relationship between acidity and carbon dioxide levels suggested that shelf life could be estimated in conjunction with the ideal gas equation. In conclusion, pasteurization and regression analysis for kimchi shelf life estimation may enable the maintenance of quality and effective management during the distribution process. We characterized changes in quality characteristics and microbial community during kimchi fermentation and the effects of pasteurization on lactic acid bacteria growth. Experimental data were utilized to establish regression equations to determine acidity as a measure of carbon dioxide accumulation, which were used for shelf life estimation, thus facilitating effective management of packaging volume expansion and breakage as well as quality maintenance during distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]