Natural Flavonoids for the Prevention of Sarcopenia: Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms.

Sarcopenia, characterized by progressive skeletal muscle loss and functional decline, represents a major public heath challenge in aging populations. Despite increasing awareness, current management strategies-primarily resistance exercise and nutritional support-remain limited by accessibility, adherence, and inconsistent outcomes. This underscores the urgent need for novel, effective, and scalable therapeutics.

Functionalization of Plant Oil-Derived Fatty Acids into Di- and Trihydroxy Fatty Acids by Using a Linoleate Diol Synthase as a Key Enzyme.

Hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) are multifunctional lipids exhibiting potent physiological activities via G protein-coupled receptors like GPR120, which modulates fat taste perception, metabolism, and immunity. Here, we explored the biotransformation of plant oil-derived fatty acids into HFAs using linoleate diol synthases (LDSs), fusion enzymes with dioxygenase (DOX) and hydroperoxide isomerase (HPI) domains. For instance, the natural 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid (ricinoleic acid, 12-HOME) and 13-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid prepared from linoleic acid were transformed into novel 8,12- and 8,13-dihydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acids (DiHOMEs) as well as their corresponding trihydroxy derivatives: 7,8,12-/8,11,12- and 7,8,13-/5,8,13-trihydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acids, respectively, by the LDS from (Gc-LDS).

Propionate suppresses colitis-associated colorectal cancer in mice by Or51e2.

Dietary fiber intake is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), partly through the microbial fermentation of fiber into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Among these, propionate binds to olfactory receptor 51E2 (Or51e2), which is ectopically expressed in the colon, but its role in CRC remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated Or51e2 expression in murine CT26 CRC cells and mouse colon tissues.

Preclinical efficacy and safety assessments of Adult human neural stem cells (AhNSCs) for spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe and devastating condition that leads to irreversible damage to neural tissues, creating significant medical, economic, and social challenges. The ability to differentiate into multiple neural cell types and to regulate immune response makes neural stem cells (NSC) a promising strategy for treating SCI. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential, safety profile, and tumorigenic risk of intrathecally transplanted adult human neural stem cells (AhNSCs) produced under clinical-grade standards in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility, in rat SCI models, thereby laying the foundation for future clinical trials.

Activation of hepatic alcohol metabolism by enzymatic porcine placenta hydrolysate in rats.

Unlabelled: Alcohol consumption causes severe liver damage and oxidative stress. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of enzymatic porcine placenta hydrolysate (EPPH) in Sprague-Dawley rats under acute alcohol administration. EPPH significantly reduced plasma ethanol and acetaldehyde levels in a dose-dependent manner.

β-Ionone suppresses colorectal tumorigenesis by activating OR51E2, a potential tumor suppressor.

Background: Olfactory receptors (ORs) are present in non-olfactory tissues and contribute to diverse biological roles beyond smell perception. Among them, OR51E2 has been associated with cancer biology, and its activator, β-ionone, a natural terpenoid, is known to have anticancer effects.

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the tumor-suppressive role of OR51E2 in colorectal cancer (CRC), unravel the regulatory mechanism underlying its downregulation, and evaluate the therapeutic potential of β-ionone, an OR51E2 ligand, in CRC progression.

Nonanoic acid and cholecystokinin induce beige adipogenesis.

Unlabelled: Beige adipocytes, crucial for thermogenesis, offer a potential therapeutic strategy for obesity. This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of nonanoic acid (NoA), medium-chain fatty acids, and cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) on beige adipogenesis in C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells (C3H10T1/2 MSCs). We observed a significant increase in cholecystokinin B receptor expression in beige adipocytes compared to preadipocytes.

Unveiling the biological activities of the microbial long chain hydroxy fatty acids as dual agonists of GPR40 and GPR120.

The physiological functions of various fatty acid-originating metabolites from foods and fermented products remained mostly untouched. Thereby, this study examined the biological activities of hydroxy fatty acids as agonists of G protein-coupled receptors (i.e.

Ferroelectric Modulation of Quantum Emitters in Monolayer WS.

Quantum photonics promises significant advances in secure communications, metrology, sensing, and information processing/computation. Single-photon sources are fundamental to this endeavor. However, the lack of high-quality single photon sources remains a significant obstacle.

A Food Odorant, α-Ionone, Inhibits Skin Cancer Tumorigenesis by Activation of OR10A6.

Scope: This study aims to investigate the anticancer properties of α-ionone in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods And Results: The expression of OR10A6 together with olfactory receptor signaling components is demonstrated in A431 human SCC cells via RT-PCR and qRT-PCR analysis. OR10A6 activation in A431 cells using the ligand α-ionone inhibits proliferation and migration but induces apoptosis which is confirmed by proliferation assay, colony formation, and western blotting.

Unveiling the Potential of Natural Compounds: A Comprehensive Review on Adipose Thermogenesis Modulation.

The process of adipocyte browning has recently emerged as a novel therapeutic target for combating obesity and obesity-related diseases. Non-shivering thermogenesis is the process of biological heat production in mammals and is primarily mediated via brown adipose tissue (BAT). The recruitment and activation of BAT can be induced through chemical drugs and nutrients, with subsequent beneficial health effects through the utilization of carbohydrates and fats to generate heat to maintain body temperature.

The Anticancer Activities of Natural Terpenoids That Inhibit Both Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers.

The prevalence of two major types of skin cancer, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, has been increasing worldwide. Skin cancer incidence is estimated to rise continuously over the next 20 years due to ozone depletion and an increased life expectancy. Chemotherapeutic agents could affect healthy cells, and thus may be toxic to them and cause numerous side effects or drug resistance.

Enhancing Single Photon Emission Purity via Design of van der Waals Heterostructures.

Quantum emitters are essential components of quantum photonic circuitry envisioned beyond the current optoelectronic state-of-the-art. Two dimensional materials are attractive hosts for such emitters. However, the high single photon purity required is rarely realized due to the presence of spectrally degenerate classical light originating from defects.

Development of a novel prediction model for differential diagnosis between spinal myxopapillary ependymoma and schwannoma.

Spinal myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) and schwannoma represent clinically distinct intradural extramedullary tumors, albeit with shared and overlapping magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics. We aimed to identify significant MRI features that can differentiate between MPE and schwannoma and develop a novel prediction model using these features. In this study, 77 patients with MPE (n = 24) or schwannoma (n = 53) who underwent preoperative MRI and surgical removal between January 2012 and December 2022 were included.

OR2H2 Activates CAMKKβ-AMPK-Autophagy Signaling Axis and Suppresses Senescence in VK2/E6E7 Cells.

Olfactory receptors are expressed in multiple extra-nasal tissues and these ectopic olfactory receptors mediate tissue-specific functions and regulate cellular physiology. Ectopic olfactory receptors may play key roles in tissues constantly exposed to odorants, thus the functionality of these receptors in genital tissues is of particular interest. The functionality of ectopic olfactory receptors expressed in VK2/E6E7 human vaginal epithelial cells was investigated.

Role of Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes and microRNAs in Spinal Cord Injury.

Neurological disorders represent a global health problem. Current pharmacological treatments often lead to short-term symptomatic relief but have dose-dependent side effects, such as inducing orthostatic arterial hypotension due to the blockade of alpha receptors, cardiotoxic effects due to impaired repolarization, and atrioventricular block and tachycardia, including ventricular fibrillation. These challenges have driven the medical community to seek effective treatments for this serious global health threat.

Surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis by oblique lumbar interbody fusion and transpedicular screw fixation: Comparison between conventional double position versus navigation-assisted single lateral position.

Background And Objectives: Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) procedures involve anterior insertion of interbody cage in lateral position. Following OLIF, insertion of pedicle screws and rod system is performed in a prone position (OLIF-con). The location of the cage is important for restoration of lumbar lordosis and indirect decompression.

Revisiting En Bloc Resection Versus Piecemeal Resection for the Treatment of Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine.

Objective: Surgery for spinal giant cell tumors (GCTs) is challenging because these tumors often exhibit a poor clinical course owing to their locally aggressive features. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic factors of GCT recurrence in the spine by focusing on surgical factors.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent surgery for spinal GCTs between January 2005 and December 2016.

Impact on Spine Surgery during the First Two Years of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Study in South Korea.

Since December 2019, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has infected people worldwide. Owing to its rapid spread, elective surgeries, including spine surgery, have been re-scheduled. We analyzed nationwide data to investigate changes in the volume of spine surgery during the first two years of the pandemic.

Effects of tomato ketchup and tomato paste extract on hepatic lipid accumulation and adipogenesis.

Tomatoes include high levels of lycopene, which is a potent antioxidative, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic phytochemical. The intake of lycopene is associated with a reduced risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether tomato ketchup and tomato paste, major dietary sources for tomato and lycopene, could regulate hepatic lipid metabolism and adipogenesis.

Long-term Follow-up Results of Reconstructive Laminoplasty With L-shaped Leibinger Mini-plate for Posterior Approach in the Treatment of Intraspinal Tumor Surgery.

Objective: Laminoplasty using mini-plates is one of the most common surgical techniques in surgery for intraspinal pathologies. However, limited are present in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine its long-term clinical and radiologic outcome, specifically using an L-shaped mini-plate.

Suppressing ion migration in metal halide perovskite via interstitial doping with a trace amount of multivalent cations.

Cations with suitable sizes to occupy an interstitial site of perovskite crystals have been widely used to inhibit ion migration and promote the performance and stability of perovskite optoelectronics. However, such interstitial doping inevitably leads to lattice microstrain that impairs the long-range ordering and stability of the crystals, causing a sacrificial trade-off. Here, we unravel the evident influence of the valence states of the interstitial cations on their efficacy to suppress the ion migration.

OR2AT4, an Ectopic Olfactory Receptor, Suppresses Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence in Human Keratinocytes.

Olfactory receptors (ORs) are the largest protein superfamily in mammals. Certain ORs are ectopically expressed in extranasal tissues and regulate cell type-specific signal transduction pathways. OR2AT4 is ectopically expressed in skin cells and promotes wound healing and hair growth.