Molecular regulation and subtype-specific effects of naringenin and naringin on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

Naringenin and naringin, bioactive flavonoids from citrus fruits, exhibit neuroprotective effects, showing promise for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additionally, they demonstrate significant anticancer potential, modulating key signaling pathways involved in tumor growth, apoptosis, and metastasis, thus expanding their therapeutic applications in cancer treatment. These compounds interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), a class of ligand-gated ion channels critical for modulating neurotransmission within the central nervous system.

Polystyrene Accelerates Aging Related-Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis and -Metabolites in Old-Aged Mouse.

Microplastics, particularly polystyrene (PS), are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and concerns about their potential detrimental effects on human health are increasing. Emerging evidence suggests that microplastics may disrupt the gut microbiota, a critical ecosystem involved in regulating host metabolism, immunity, and aging processes. However, the specific effects of PS on the gut microbiota composition and its potential role in modulating aging are yet to be fully elucidated.

Galangin Mitigates PM-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Senescence in HaCaT Keratinocytes.

Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM) can negatively impact human skin, leading to issues such as wrinkle formation, skin aging, atopic dermatitis, and pigment spots. Galangin, a flavonoid known for its antioxidant property, was investigated for its protective effects on human HaCaT keratinocytes against PM-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and cellular senescence via the activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated signaling pathway.

Isoquercitrin Suppresses Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) by Inducing Excessive Autophagy and Promoting Apoptosis via the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), one of the most frequent malignant tumors of the digestive system, is marked by a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. There is a critical need for effective therapeutic strategies with minimal side effects. Isoquercitrin (IQ) is a natural compound with potent antioxidant properties in cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Tripterygium-derived celastrol inhibits 5-HT3A receptors via key residue interactions: A comparative electrophysiological and docking study.

This study examines the effects of three Tripterygium wilfordii compounds-celastrol, triptolide, and triptonide-on 5-HT3A receptors. Using two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings, we found all three compounds reversibly and concentration-dependently inhibited 5-HT-induced inward currents (I), with celastrol showing the strongest inhibition (∼83 % at 100 µM) compared to triptolide (∼40 %) and triptonide (∼30 %) at 300 µM. Their voltage- and use-independent inhibition suggests they are not open-channel blockers.

Extracts from Target STAT3 Signaling Pathway to Overcome Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Cancer.

Lung cancer, particularly non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with cisplatin-based chemotherapy being a standard treatment. However, the development of chemoresistance significantly limits its efficacy, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Here, we demonstrate the anticancer effects of the extracts of (APE), a salt-tolerant plant, in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC.

Molecular investigation of ergot alkaloid ergotamine's modulatory effects on glycine receptors expressed in oocytes.

The relationship between oxidative stress and glycine receptors is complex, involving multiple mechanisms through which reactive oxygen species can modify glycine receptor function. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing therapeutic strategies to mitigate the effects of oxidative stress on inhibitory neurotransmission in various neurological disorders. Inhibitory glycine receptors play a critical role in regulating the final grand postsynaptic potential by attenuating excitatory postsynaptic potentials through inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in postsynaptic neurons.

Fecal Microbiome and Urine Metabolome Profiling of Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent metabolic disorder with serious health consequences, necessitating both enhanced diagnostic methodologies and comprehensive elucidation of its pathophysiological mechanisms. We compared fecal microbiome and urine metabolome profiles in type 2 diabetes patients versus healthy controls to evaluate their respective diagnostic potential. Using a cohort of 94 subjects (48 diabetics, 46 controls), this study employed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing for fecal microbiome analysis and GC-MS for urinary metabolomics.

Costunolide inhibits the progression of TPA-induced cell transformation and DMBA/TPA-induced skin carcinogenesis by regulation of AKT-mediated signaling.

Background: Costunolide (COS), a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from the roots of Saussurea costus, is known to possess anticancer properties in various cancers, including colon, oral, and lung cancers, but its mechanism of action in skin carcinogenesis has not yet been explored. Present study investigates the chemopreventive mechanism of COS on skin inflammation and carcinogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: The cytotoxicity of COS was examined on a normal murine epidermal cell line, JB6, by treating with COS using the WST-8 assay.

Subtype-selective effect and molecular regulation of celastrol and triptolide at human nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Celastrol and triptolide, bioactive compounds isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, have demonstrated significant pharmacological effects across various biological pathways, making them subjects of extensive research for potential therapeutic applications. Celastrol and triptolide are known to have therapeutic use in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease through neuroprotective action. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are a subtype of cholinergic receptors and are ligand-gated ion channels that play an essential role in regulating synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.

Therapeutic efficacy of jeoryeong-tang in dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Jeoryeong-tang (JRT) was first recorded in . It is composed of Polyporus Sclerotium, Poria, Asini Corii Colla, Alisma Rhizome, and Talcum at the same weight ratio. These medicinal materials are known for diuretic and hemostatic effects and have been traditionally used to treat kidney and bladder diseases.

Exploring the Characteristics of Gut Microbiota Associated with Depression via the Depression Assessment Scales.

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder with an increasing economic burden, and its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Given the emerging evidence linking the gut microbiota to mental health, a better understanding of microbial profiles associated with depression is necessary. Here, we explore the association between gut microbiota and depression by utilizing 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and depression assessment scales, including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Gremlin-2 is a novel tumor suppressor that negatively regulates ID1 in breast cancer.

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and is closely associated with obesity. Gremlin-2 (GREM2), an antagonist for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), has been considered an inhibitor of adipogenic differentiation in adipose-derived stromal/stem cells. However, the role of GREM2 in breast cancer cells remains largely unknown, and its signaling mechanism has yet to be clarified.

Targeting Galectin-1 Overcomes Paclitaxel Resistance in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Resistance to paclitaxel poses a major obstacle in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treatment. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying paclitaxel resistance could help identify prognostic biomarkers and improved therapeutic strategies. In this study, we established a patient-derived xenograft model of acquired paclitaxel resistance and used RNA sequencing to identify galectin-1, encoded by LGALS1, as a key mediator of resistance.

Multi-omics characterization of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma identifies molecular subtypes and therapeutic targets.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant form of esophageal cancer and is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis. To elucidate the distinct molecular alterations in ESCC and investigate therapeutic targets, we performed a comprehensive analysis of transcriptomics, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics data derived from 60 paired treatment-naive ESCC and adjacent nontumor tissue samples. Additionally, we conducted a correlation analysis to describe the regulatory relationship between transcriptomic and proteomic processes, revealing alterations in key metabolic pathways.

Targeting TAOK1 with resveratrol inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo.

The worldwide incidence and mortality rates of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have increased over the last decade. Moreover, molecular targets that may benefit the therapeutics of patients with ESCC have not been fully characterized. Our study discovered that thousand and one amino-acid protein kinase 1 (TAOK1) is highly expressed in ESCC tumor tissues and cell lines.

Licochalcone D Inhibits Skin Epidermal Cells Transformation through the Regulation of AKT Signaling Pathways.

Cell transformation induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is a critical event in cancer initiation and progression, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Licorice extract contains various bioactive compounds, which have been reported to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the cancer preventive efficacy of licochalcone D (LicoD), a chalcone derivative in licorice extract, in EGF and TPA-induced transformed skin keratinocyte cells.

Licochalcone H Targets EGFR and AKT to Suppress the Growth of Oxaliplatin -Sensitive and -Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) has always been challenged by the development of resistance. We investigated the antiproliferative activity of licochalcone H (LCH), a regioisomer of licochalcone C derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata, in oxaliplatin (Ox)-sensitive and -resistant CRC cells. LCH significantly inhibited cell viability and colony growth in both Ox-sensitive and Ox-resistant CRC cells.

Effects of saccharification agents on the microbial and metabolic profiles of Korean rice wine (makgeolli).

To brew rice wine, a saccharification agent is critical to provide sugars necessary for yeast to ferment alcohol. Nuruk, a traditional Korean saccharification agent, contains saccharification enzymes and various microorganisms, including fungi and lactic acid bacteria (LAB). To investigate the effect of saccharification agents on Korean rice wine (makgeolli), we analyzed makgeolli brewed with different saccharification agents, such as koji and nuruk.

Association between Mild Cognitive Impairment and Gut Microbiota in Elderly Korean Patients.

Recent studies have confirmed that gut microbiota differs according to race or country in many diseases, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease. However, no study has analyzed the characteristics of Korean MCI patients. This study was performed to observe the association between gut microbiota and MCI in the Korean elderly and to identify potential markers for Korean MCI patients.

NUMA1 modulates apoptosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells through regulating ASK1-JNK signaling pathway.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignancy worldwide with a low survival rate due to a lack of therapeutic targets. Here, our results showed that nuclear mitotic apparatus protein 1 (NUMA1) transcript and protein levels are significantly upregulated in ESCC patient samples and its high expression predicated poor prognosis. Knock-down of NUMA1 promoted cell apoptosis and suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation.

Machine learning model for predicting age in healthy individuals using age-related gut microbes and urine metabolites.

Age-related gut microbes and urine metabolites were investigated in 568 healthy individuals using metataxonomics and metabolomics. The richness and evenness of the fecal microbiota significantly increased with age, and the abundance of 16 genera differed between the young and old groups. Additionally, 17 urine metabolites contributed to the differences between the young and old groups.