Background: Heat stress during summer impairs reproductive performance in sows, causing summer infertility. Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) plays a crucial role in steroid hormone metabolism in the liver and has been shown to be upregulated under stress conditions. However, the effect of seasonal heat stress on CYP1A2 expression in sow ovaries remains poorly understood. Methods: Ovaries were collected from crossbred sows during different seasons in Korea. The control group (CON) was exposed to optimal temperatures for swine rearing (22.0-24.5℃) during spring, while the heat-stressed group (HS) experienced high temperatures (30.5-37.0℃) during summer. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated to assess thermal stress severity. CYP1A2 expression was analyzed using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and these values were statistically compared with THI by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: The HS exhibited significantly higher THI values compared to the CON (88.11 vs. 66.67). Western blot analysis revealed significant upregulation of CYP1A2 expression in the HS compared to CON (1.89 vs. 1.00). IHC demonstrated that CYP1A2 was specifically localized in granulosa cells of mature follicles, with a significantly higher proportion of CYP1A2-positive follicles in the HS (15.92%) compared to CON (9.08%). When the obtained values were compared with THI values, CYP1A2 expression showed a strong positive correlation with THI (r = 0.41 and 0.74). Conclusions: This study revealed that heat stress can alter the ovarian microenvironment, including the expression of CYP1A2. These findings emphasize the need for effective thermal management strategies to mitigate heat stress-induced reproductive dysfunction in livestock production.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by GLA mutations, leading to a deficiency in α-Galactosidase A activity and subsequent accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). This accumulation contributes to progressive multiorgan dysfunction, with cardiovascular complications, particularly endothelial dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy being major drivers of disease morbidity and mortality. Although enzyme replacement therapy is currently the standard treatment, its effectiveness is limited in addressing advanced cardiovascular pathology. To better understand Fabry-associated vascular and cardiac phenotypes, an isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) model in which GLA was knocked out was developed using CRISPR/ Cas9. GLA-knockout (GLA-KO) hiPSCs were differentiated into endothelial cells (ECs) and cardiomyocytes (CMs) to evaluate disease-relevant phenotypes in vitro . GLA-KO ECs exhibited normal morphology and differentiation capacity but showed markedly impaired tube formation, high expression of inflammatory genes ICAM1, VCAM1, and SELE, and increased mitochondrial and cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species levels. GLA-KO CMs demonstrated enlarged cell size and nuclear translocation of NFATC4, consistent with hypertrophic remodeling. Together, these findings recapitulate key features of Fabry vasculopathy and cardiomyopathy in a genetically defined, human-derived system. This platform enables direct investigation of Gb3-induced oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms and provides a valuable model for the preclinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting the cardiovascular manifestations of Fabry disease.

Amitriptyline hydrochloride (AMT), a tricyclic antidepressant, is known to exhibit antimicrobial effects against a wide range of bacterial species. This study aims to evaluate the effect of AMT on Brucella (B.) abortus infection in RAW 264.7 cells and ICR mice, which has not yet been clearly characterized. The results showed that all tested concentrations of AMT had no direct bactericidal effect on B. abortus survival at any incubation time point. Interestingly, RAW 264.7 cells pre-treated with a non-toxic high concentration of AMT before B. abortus infection showed a significant reduction in the phagocytosis of B. abortus at 20 min post-infection, compared to untreated cells. However, AMT treatment did not affect the intracellular replication of B. abortus compared to the control cells. Based on the reduced bacterial uptake observed in-vitro, an in-vivo experiment was conducted to assess whether daily oral administration of AMT at a dose of 20 mg/kg could inhibit B. abortus growth in ICR mice. The results showed that AMT treatment slightly increased both organ weights and bacterial loads, suggesting possible systemic effects of prolonged AMT exposure. In summary, these preliminary results provide initial insight into the potential effects of AMT on B. abortus infection both in-vitro and in-vivo. Therefore, further study should focus on dose optimization in-vivo and exploration of the underlying cellular mechanisms involved in AMT-mediated inhibition of phagocytosis during Brucella infection.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily triggered by bacterial infections, with periodontopathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis playing a pivotal role. We evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of Salvia plebeia R. Br. (SP-E) on human gingival fibroblasts (hTERT-hNOF) stimulated with P. gingivalis -derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Dried S. plebeia was extracted using 70% ethanol, yielding a 10.5% extract. Inflammation in hTERT-hNOF cells was induced using P. gingivalis LPS in conjunction with LPS-binding protein and CD14. SP-E was administered at concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 μg/mL. Antioxidant capacity was measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay. Inflammatory cytokine expression and secretion were analyzed via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Results demonstrated a concentrationdependent antioxidant effect, with 62.98% radical scavenging activity observed at 200 μg/mL SP-E. In hTERT-hNOF cells, SOD activity increased from 4.88% (LPS-treated) to 45.78% with 100 μg/mL SP-E. RT-PCR analysis showed significant downregulation of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA expression following SP-E treatment. ELISA confirmed a reduction in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (312.83 → 178.22 pg/mL), IL-6 (453.97 → 170.83 pg/mL), and IL-8 (480.14 → 276.86 pg/mL) levels with 100 μg/mL SP-E. These findings suggest that SP-E may offer therapeutic potential for preventing and managing periodontal disease by mitigating oxidative stress and modulating inflammatory cytokine expression. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and validate these effects in vivo .

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) play a critical role in maintaining skin integrity and promoting tissue repair, but are highly susceptible to apoptosis under stress conditions such as nutrient deprivation. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic option due to their regenerative potential and ability to secrete bioactive factors. In this study, we investigated the effect of ADSC-derived paracrine signaling on apoptosis in HDFs and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using a Transwell co-culture system, we found that ADSCs significantly reduced apoptosis in HDFs subjected to low-serum stress, as confirmed by APOPercentage™ staining and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Among several soluble factors secreted by ADSCs, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) exhibited the most pronounced time-dependent increase in culture supernatants. The anti- apoptotic effect of ADSCs was abolished by neutralizing antibodies against HGF, indicating a key role of this factor in mediating fibroblast survival. Further, HDFs were found to express the HGF receptor c-Met at both the mRNA and protein levels. Inhibition of c-Met signaling reversed the cytoprotective effect of ADSCs, suggesting that HGF functions through this receptor. Mechanistically, only the PI3K/AKT pathway—among the major survival pathways tested—was selectively activated in HDFs by ADSC co-culture. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling using LY294002 abolished the protective effect, while inhibition of ERK or p38 MAPK had no significant impact. These findings demonstrate that ADSC-derived HGF protects HDFs from stress-induced apoptosis primarily through activation of the c-Met–PI3K/ AKT pathway. This mechanistic insight may provide a basis for the development of stem cell– based therapies aimed at enhancing skin regeneration and fibroblast viability in degenerative or wound-healing contexts.

최근 천연 유래 미백제에 대한 관심이 증가하고 있다. 천연 유래 미백성분은 ‘자연 유래’라 는 메시지를 소비자에게 호감을 주어 경쟁력을 높인다. 본 연구는 Xanthium strumarium seed 에탄올 추출물의 미백효능을 평가하였다. 그 결과 α-MSH(α-melanocyte stimulating hormone)로 유도한 B16F10에서 티로시나아제와 멜라닌 형성을 억제했다. 또한 핵심조절인자인 티로시나제, MITF (Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor), TRP-1(tyrosinase related protein-1), TRP-2 (tyrosinase related protein-2)에 관여함으로서 최종 멜라닌 생성을 저해하였다. 이러한 결과는 X. strumarium seed 에탄올 추출물의 미백 기능성 성분으로서의 가능성을 시사한다.

Though Farnesiferol C (FC) derived from Ferula asafoetida is known to have antiangiogenic and apoptotic effect in gastric, breast, nonsmall lung cancers, the underlying antitumor mechanism of FC is not fully understood so far. Hence, in the current study, apoptotic mechanism of FC was explored in colon cancers in association with carbon catabolite repression 4-negative on TATA-less 2 (CNOT2)/c-Myc signaling. Herein FC significantly increased cytotoxicity and reduced the number of colonies in HCT116 cells more effectively than in SW480 cells, though FC enhanced sub-G1 cell population in HCT116 and SW480 cells compared to untreated control. Consistently, FC activated the cleavages of Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and Bax and attenuated the expression of pro-PARP and Cyclin D1 in HCT116 cells better than SW480 cells. Also, FC significantly reduced the expression of CNOT2 and c-Myc. Also, FC reduced of c-Myc stability in HCT116 cells by cycloheximide assay. Notably, CNOT2 depletion reduced the expression of c-Myc, while c-Myc depletion also attenuated the expression of CNOT2 in HCT116 cells, implying the crosstalk between CNOT2 and c-Myc. Furthermore, overexpression of c-Myc or CNOT2 promoted the expression of pro-PARP in HCT116 cells. Overall, these findings suggest that FC induces apoptosis via inhibition of CNOT2 and c-Myc in colon cancers for a potent anticancer candidate for further agriculture cultivation in Korea.

This study conducted to investigate potential differences in the activity of genes involved in volatile fatty acid (VFA) absorption, pH regulation, and energy metabolism in epithelial cells of forestomach administered either endophyte-infected (E+; 4.45 mg ergovaline/kg) or endophyte-free (E−) tall fescue seed. Twelve steers [body weight (BW) = 547 ± 9 kg] were fed alfalfa cubes at 1.5 × NEm and dosed 1 kg of ground tall fescue seed daily via rumen cannula for 21 days. On day 22, steers were slaughtered, and tissue samples were collected from the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. Gene expression analysis revealed that monocarboxylate transporters (MCT), isoform 1 and MCT4 expression levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the rumen epithelium of steers dosed with E+ seed, while MCT2 expression remained unchanged. Similarly, sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE), isoform 2 expression was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the E+ seed, whereas NHE1 and NHE3 were unaffected by the seed treatment. Additionally, expression levels of down regulated in adenoma (DRA) and anion exchanger (AE), isoform 2 were lower (p<0.05) in the rumen epithelium of E+ steers, while putative anion transporter 1, sodium bicarbonate cotransporter, isoform 1, 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase, isoform 2, and sodium potassium ATPase pump, isoform 1 expression levels were not influenced by the seed treatment. Notably, gene expression in the reticulum, omasum, and abomasum epithelia was unaffected (p>0.05) by seed exposure. These findings suggest that endophyte-infected tall fescue seed may impair ruminal VFA absorption in its dissociated state (pH > 5.8) by downregulating MCT1 and MCT4, along with suppressing NHE2, DRA, and AE2. Therefore, this mechanism may partially explain the reduced weight gain associated with fescue toxicosis in cattle.

Background: The cumulus cells (CC) play an essential role in protecting oocytes and providing molecular signals for meiotic and cytoplasmic maturation. Gonadotropins stimulate CC proliferation, promote the release of factors that resume oocyte maturation, and activate small G proteins. Among these, Ras, a GTP-binding protein, participates in signaling pathways that regulate cell growth, division, and proliferation. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the Ras subfamily and gonadotropin receptor expression during porcine CC maturation. Methods: Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were incubated in a medium supplemented with follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) for 44 hours. CCs were collected from the COCs at 0, 22, and 44 hours, and mRNA expression levels of gonadotropin and growth factor receptors (FSHR, LHR, EGFR), Ras subfamily members (H-Ras, K-Ras, N-Ras, R-Ras), and Ras GTPases (RASA1, SOS1) were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR. Results: The results revealed that LHR and R-Ras mRNA expression significantly increased only at 44 hours compared to the 0-hour group (p < 0.05). Conversely, RASA1 mRNA levels decreased significantly at the same time points. No significant changes were observed in H-Ras, K-Ras, N-Ras , or SOS1 expression. Conclusions: In conclusion, the observed increase in LHR and R-Ras and the decrease in RASA1 provide new insights into the molecular dynamics of Ras subfamily members during porcine CC maturation, contributing to a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying oocyte development.

The role of the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer (CRC) development has garnered attention, highlighting probiotics as potential adjuncts in CRC prevention and treatment. In recent years, probiotics and their derivatives have demonstrated mechanisms that may contribute to anticancer properties. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum KCTC 3357, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus KCTC 5033, Limosilactobacillus reuteri VA 103, Bacillus galactosidilyticus VA 107, and Lactococcus taiwanensis VE101 on CT-26 mouse colon carcinoma cells using live cells, heat-killed cells (paraprobiotics), and cell-free supernatants (CFS, postbiotics) through an MTT assay. The results indicate that live bacterial strains, such as KCTC 3357, VA 103, and VA 107, promoted CT-26 cell viability, while heat-killed cells and CFS exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Inactivated forms of KCTC 3357 and VE 101, as well as CFS at 10 mg/mL concentration of KCTC 5033, VA 103, and VE 101, showed the strongest antiproliferative effects. These findings suggest that non-viable probiotic derivatives, such as paraprobiotics and postbiotics, offer promising therapeutic potential for CRC, providing a safer and more stable alternative to live probiotics. However, further research is required to explore their mechanisms of action, in vivo efficacy, and potential clinical applications.

Sympathetic innervation stimulates β-adrenergic receptors, triggering cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production and enhancing protein secretion in salivary gland cells. While cAMP signaling, in conjunction with Ca2+ signaling, is essential for salivary gland function, the identified cAMP-producing G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remains limited. Here, we report the presence of cAMP-producing adenosine receptors in salivary gland cells. By reanalyzing publicly available single-cell transcriptome datasets of human and mouse submandibular glands, we identified mRNA expression of adenosine A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 receptors. Additionally, we confirmed that 5’-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), an adenosine A2B receptor agonist, increases cAMP levels in human salivary gland cells, suggesting a physiological role for adenosine A2B receptors. Our findings enhance understanding of adenosine’s regulatory function in salivary glands and highlight new avenues for research on cAMPproducing adenosine receptors.

연료전지 핵심 소재인 고분자 전해질막은 높은 내화학성과 수소이온전도성을 갖는 과불소계 술폰산 이오노머가 주로 사용된다. 하지만 이러한 이오노머조차도 연료전지 구동 중 발생하는 라디칼 공격으로 인해 화학적 분해가 발생하여 장 기 내구성 확보에 어려움을 겪고 있다. 이를 완화하기 위해 라디칼 스캐빈저로 도입이 간편한 이온형 산화방지제를 적용하고 있으나, 연료전지 구동 중 전극 간 전위차에 의해 세륨 이온이 이동(cerium ion migration)하는 현상으로 스캐빈저 효과가 감 소하는 문제가 있다. 본 연구에서는 강화막 내에서 세륨 이온의 이동성을 조절하기 위한 방안으로 폴리에틸렌글리콜(PEG) 도입을 제시하였으며, 이를 통해 PEG 도입이 강화막의 내구성에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다.

본 연구는 기능성 화장품 소재 개발을 목표로 효모 유래 MPC의 세포 생리활성을 조사하였 다. 피부 세포주에 처리된 Cu와 Zn 이온 모두 세포 독성이 확인되었지만, 정제된 MPC는 결합된 금속 이온의 세포 독성을 획기적으로 제거하였다. 게다가 특정 농도의 MPC는 대조군과 비교하여 세포 생존 율을 오히려 약 20% 증가시켰다. MPC 중 효모 펩타이드-Cu(YP-Cu)는 UVB 자극으로 유도되는 세포 내 활성산소의 양을 약 30% 정도 유의하게 감소시켰지만, YP-Zn은 영향을 미치지 못했다. 또한, YP-Cu 처리는 피부 세포에서 콜라겐 유전자의 발현량을 2배 증가시켰고, 프로콜라겐 분비량은 1.7배 증 가시켰으며, UVB 자극에 의한 콜라겐 유전자의 발현 저해에도 효과적으로 대응했다. 결론적으로, 유리 금속 이온 자체는 세포독성 효과로 인해 화장품 소재에 적합하지 않지만, 정제된 MPC, 특히 YP-Cu는 이러한 금속 이온의 독성을 효과적으로 상쇄하고 세포 생존율을 향상시킬 뿐만 아니라, UVB 자극에 따 른 유해 효과를 완화하기 때문에 잠재적 기능성 화장품 소재로 사용될 수 있다.

This study evaluated the effects of the cells alive system (CAS) freezing method and different thawing methods (refrigeration and running water) on the quality of aged Hanwoo shoulder clods. Thawing time was significantly influenced by the thawing method, with running water thawing taking 3 h and refrigeration thawing exceeding 20 h. CAS freezing yielded significantly higher lightness (L*) values during running water thawing than it did during general freezing (p<0.05), likely owing to reduced water loss. CAS-frozen meat exhibited lower volatile basic nitrogen levels and thawing loss (2.05%–2.11%) compared with that of general frozen meat (3.17% –3.79%), indicating superior freshness and reduced quality deterioration (p<0.05). Among the textural properties, springiness was highest in frozen and running water-thawed CAS meat (10.5 mm). In contrast, general freezing combined with refrigeration thawing caused the greatest quality degradation, as reflected by the lowest pH (5.45) and water holding capacity (86.36%), and highest cooking loss (32.98%). These results suggest that CAS freezing combined with running water thawing minimizes changes in quality and enhances springiness, making it an optimal approach for the production of high-quality aged meat.

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into all cell types in the body. They have the potential to replenish cells in tissues and organs, and have unique properties that make them a powerful tool for regenerative therapy. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst of pre-implantation embryo and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) derived from the epiblast layer of post-implantation embryo are the well-known PSCs. These stem cells can differentiate into any of three germ layers of germ cells (endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm). Additionally, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) refer to adult somatic cells reprogrammed to return to the pluripotent state by introducing specific factors. This is a breakthrough in stem cell research because ethical concerns such as fertilized embryo destruction can be avoided. PSCs have tremendous potential in treating degenerative cells by generating the cells needed to replace damaged cells, which can also allow to generate specific cell types to study the mechanisms of the disease and create disease models that screen for potential drugs. However, if the proliferative capacity of PSCs is not controlled, there is a risk that tumors will form, as this can lead to uncontrolled growth in their proliferative capacity. In addition, when PSCs are used for therapeutic purposes, there is a risk that the body’s immune system rejects the transplanted cells when the transplanted cells do not originate from the patient’s own tissue. Taken together, PSC is the foundation of stem cell research and regenerative medicine, providing disease treatment and animal development understanding. We would like to explain the classification of PSCs based on their developmental potential, the types of PSCs (ESCs, EpiSCs and iPSCs), their pluripotent status (naïve vs. primed) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) in PSCs and PSCs in domestic animals.