Abstract Background Mechanoreceptor activation modulates GABA neuron firing and dopamine (DA) release in the mesolimbic DA system, an area implicated in reward and substance abuse. The lateral habenula (LHb), the lateral hypothalamus (LH), and the mesolimbic DA system are not only reciprocally connected, but also involved in drug reward. We explored the effects of mechanical stimulation (MS) on cocaine addiction-like behaviors and the role of the LH-LHb circuit in the MS effects. MS was performed over ulnar nerve and the effects were evaluated by using drug seeking behaviors, optogenetics, chemogenetics, electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry. Results Mechanical stimulation attenuated locomotor activity in a nerve-dependent manner and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and DA release in nucleus accumbens (NAc) following cocaine injection. The MS effects were ablated by electrolytic lesion or optogenetic inhibition of LHb. Optogenetic activation of LHb suppressed cocaine-enhanced 50 kHz USVs and locomotion. MS reversed cocaine suppression of neuronal activity of LHb. MS also inhibited cocaine-primed reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior, which was blocked by chemogenetic inhibition of an LH-LHb circuit. Conclusion These findings suggest that peripheral mechanical stimulation activates LH-LHb pathways to attenuate cocaine-induced psychomotor responses and seeking behaviors.

SUMMARY: The skin, located on the outermost part of the body, is always exposed to external stimuli such as sunlight. The exposure of skin to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight is known to be a major environmental factor in inducing photoaging. After exposure to UVB, an increase in reactive oxygen species can affect the expression and activity of many critical proteins depending on the duration and dose of the UVB radiation. Mammalian sirtuins (SIRTs), which are nicotinamide dinucleotide-dependent protein deacetylases, are well known for playing a role in cellular longevity. However, little is known about SIRT protein alterations in keratinocytes upon UVB irradiation according to SIRT subtypes. Therefore, in this study, the distribution of non-mitochondrial SIRT1, SIRT2, and SIRT6 proteins was investigated by immunofluorescence (IF) staining of the skin of SKH-1 mice (n=12) after UVB irradiation for 10 weeks. After UVB irradiation for 10 weeks, the IF of both SIRT1 and SIRT6 was significantly increased in the UVB-irradiated mice group (UG), but the difference in SIRT2 IF was not statistically significant between the control group (CG) and the UG. The translocation of both SIRT1 and SIRT6 IF from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of keratinocytes was observed in the upper epidermis of the UG, whereas SIRT2 IF was localized in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes in the epidermis in both the CG and the UG. The translocation of SIRT1 and SIRT6 IF from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of keratinocytes may account for the physiologically protective action of keratinocytes against UVB irradiation. However, the exact role of SIRT1 and SIRT6 translocation in keratinocytes, where SIRT1 and SIRT6 shuttle from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, is not well known. Therefore, further studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms of SIRT1 and SIRT6 translocation in keratinocytes upon UVB irradiation.

RESUMEN: La piel, situada en la parte más externa del cuerpo, está siempre expuesta a estímulos externos como la luz solar. Se sabe que la exposición de la piel a la radiación ultravioleta B (UVB) de la luz solar es un factor ambiental importante en la inducción del fotoenvejecimiento. Después de la exposición a los rayos UVB, un aumento en las especies reactivas de oxígeno puede afectar la expresión y la actividad de muchas proteínas críticas según la duración y la dosis de la radiación UVB. Las sirtuinas de mamíferos (SIRT), que son proteínas desacetilasas dependientes de dinucleótidos de nicotinamida, son bien conocidas por desempeñar un papel en la longevidad celular. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre las alteraciones de la proteína SIRT en los queratinocitos tras la irradiación UVB según los subtipos de SIRT. Por lo tanto, en este estudio, se investigó la distribución de las proteínas SIRT1, SIRT2 y SIRT6 no mitocondriales mediante tinción de inmunofluorescencia (IF) de la piel de ratones SKH-1 (n = 12), después de la irradiación con UVB durante 10 semanas. Posterior a la irradiación, el IF de SIRT1 y SIRT6 aumentaron significativamente en el grupo de ratones irradiados con UVB (UG), pero la diferencia en SIRT2 IF no fue estadísticamente significativa entre el grupo control (CG) y el UG. La translocación de SIRT1 y SIRT6 IF desde el núcleo al citoplasma de los queratinocitos se observó en la epidermis superior de la UG, mientras que SIRT2 IF se localizó en el citoplasma de los queratinocitos en la epidermis, tanto en el GC, como en la UG. La translocación de SIRT1 y SIRT6 IF del núcleo al citoplasma de los queratinocitos puede explicar la acción protectora fisiológica de estos contra la radiación UVB. Sin embargo, el papel exacto de la translocación de SIRT1 y SIRT6 en los queratinocitos, donde SIRT1 y SIRT6 se trasladan desde el núcleo al citoplasma, no se conoce bien. Por lo tanto, se necesitan más estudios para comprender los mecanismos moleculares de la translocación SIRT1 y SIRT6 en los queratinocitos tras la irradiación UVB.

Abstract Background: The genetic polymorphisms of the alpha-2A adrenergic receptor (ADRA2A), which plays a significant role in sedation, anxiety relief, and antinociception, particularly in dexmedetomidine, may differ in the degree of sedation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the genetic polymorphisms of ADRA2A (rs11195418, rs1800544, rs2484516, rs1800545, rs553668, rs3750625) on the sedative effects of dexmedetomidine. Methods: A total of 131 patients aged 50 years or more from May 2018 to August 2019 were included in this study. The ADRA2A gene variants were evaluated using the TaqMan Assay. Dexmedetomidine diluted in normal saline to a concentration of 4 µg.mL-1 was infused at a dose of 2 µg.kg-1 to achieve procedural sedation (modified Ramsay sedation scale 4 [mRSS 4]). Results: A total of 131 patients were evaluated. The genetic polymorphisms (rs11195418) of the ADRA2A receptor gene demonstrated no variation in our participants. The ADRA2A receptor gene polymorphisms (rs1800544, rs2484516, rs1800545, rs553668, and rs3750625) exhibited no differences in total dexmedetomidine doses (p > 0.217), bispectral index at mRSS 4 (p > 0.620), and time to obtain mRSS 4 (p > 0.349). Conclusion: This study suggested that the genetic polymorphisms of ADRA2A did not affect the sedative efficacy of dexmedetomidine.

Abstract Kombucha is a fermented beverage containing organic acids by yeast and acetic acid bacteria. In this study, microbial community analysis of kombucha produced in Korea was performed, and changes in components during kombucha fermentation were analyzed using commercial kombucha pellicle and culture broth as starter. The major phylum-level strains of commercial kom-1 and kom-2 showed differences in proteobacteria of 35.60% and 78.1%, and Firmicutes of 64.06% and 15.57%, respectively. During fermentation with pellicle (Kom-P) and broth (Kom-F), the level of reducing sugar during fermentation tended to decrease rapidly. The production of acetic acid and D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone (DSL) in Kom-P and -F tended to increase with increasing fermentation time. In Kom-P, lactic acid and glucuronic acid production increased until 7 days of fermentation and then decreased, whereas in Kom-F, it continued to increase with fermentation time. ABTS radical scavenging activity tended to decrease with increasing fermentation time. However, DPPH radical scavenging activity increased within 7 days of fermentation and then decreased slightly (Kom-P) or remained constant (Kom-F). It has been found that the use of culture broth rather than the use of pellicle as a starter is advantageous to increase the active compound content and DPPH radical scavenging ability.

ABSTRACT Introduction and objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the current situation of the so-called remote access thyroid surgery. Although the original motivation for the development of these approaches is cosmetic (to avoid a visible scar on the neck), the fact is that they have carried a real revolution in the technical options for the management of surgical diseases of the thyroid. Synthesis: In a very short period of time, since year 2000, a number of remote access variants have been tested, finally consolidating four approaches. These are the axillary or transaxillary approach, the bilateral axilo-breast approach, the retroauricular or facelift approach, and the transoral / transvestibular approach. The indications and surgical principles of each of them are described. Conclusions: Remote access thyroidectomy has proved to be safe and effective. There is consensus on its acceptance as an alternative for certain patients. In its undeniable process of expansion, multiple topics of discussion are mixed, such as the debate on the effectiveness of surgical technology.

RESUMEN Introducción y objetivo: El objetivo de este artículo es describir la situación actual de la denominada cirugía de acceso remoto a la glándula tiroides. Aunque la motivación original para el desarrollo de estos abordajes es cosmética (evitar una cicatriz visible en el cuello), en la práctica han supuesto una auténtica revolución en el abanico de opciones técnicas para el manejo de la patología quirúrgica tiroidea. Síntesis: En un periodo de tiempo muy corto, desde el año 2000, se han testado multitud de variantes de acceso remoto, consolidándose finalmente cuatro abordajes. Estos son el abordaje axilar o transaxilar, el abordaje axilopectoral bilateral, el abordaje retroauricular o de facelift, y el abordaje transoral transvestibular. Se describen las indicaciones y los principios quirúrgicos de cada uno de ellos. Conclusiones: La tiroidectomía de acceso remoto ha demostrado ser segura y eficaz. Existe consenso en su aceptación como alternativa para determinados pacientes. En su innegable proceso de expansión, se mezclan múltiples temas de discusión, como el debate de la eficiencia de la tecnología quirúrgica.

Abstract Although ovarian aging is a key cause of decreased ovarian function and oocyte quality, it remains a problem in infertility treatment. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate whether Paeonia lactiflora (PL), a herb improves ovarian function and oocyte quality using aged female mice. C57BL/6 female mice aged 8 months were treated orally every day with PL of 26.5 mg/kg (n=7) and 53 mg/kg (n=7) of body weight for 4 weeks using an oral zoned needle. The control group (n=7) was treated with normal saline. Ovaries and serum were collected for the H&E stain and the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, respectively. In the second experiment, female mice were orally administered with PL (26.5 mg/kg: n=12, 53 mg/kg: n=12, control: n=12) and then superovulated with PMSG and hCG, and mated with male mice. Zygotes were retrieved and cultured for 4 days. Ovaries were provided for examination of expressions of genes associated with angiogenesis (VEGF and visfatin), anti-aging (Sirt1 and Sirt2), and follicular development (c-Kit, BMP-15, and GDF-9). PL significantly increased numbers of surviving follicles (primordial, primary, secondary, and antral), numbers of zygotes retrieved, embryo development rate, and ovarian expression of VEGF, visfatin, c-Kit, BMP-15, and GDF-9 at both doses. However, ovarian expression of Sirt1 and Sirt2 was increased at 53.0 mg/kg of PL. ROS levels were not affected by PL. These results suggest that PL may possess beneficial effects regarding ovarian function and oocyte quality, possibly by activation of ovarian angiogenesis and follicular development.

ABSTRACT Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been introduced as a novel technique to produce 3D objects. We tried to evaluate the clinical usefulness of 3D-printed renal model in performing partial nephrectomy (PN) and also in the education of medical students. Materials and Methods: We prospectively produced personalized renal models using 3D-printing methods from preoperative computed tomography (CT) images in a total of 10 patients. Two different groups (urologist and student group) appraised the clinical usefulness of 3D-renal models by answering questionnaires. Results: After application of 3D renal models, the urologist group gave highly positive responses in asking clinical usefulness of 3D-model among PN (understanding personal anatomy: 8.9 / 10, preoperative surgical planning: 8.2 / 10, intraoperative tumor localization: 8.4 / 10, plan for further utilization in future: 8.3 / 10, clinical usefulness in complete endophytic mass: 9.5 / 10). The student group located each renal tumor correctly in 47.3% when they solely interpreted the CT images. After the introduction of 3D-models, the rate of correct answers was significantly elevated to 70.0% (p < 0.001). The subjective difficulty level in localizing renal tumor was also significantly low (52% versus 27%, p < 0.001) when they utilized 3D-models. Conclusion: The personalized 3D renal model was revealed to significantly enhance the understanding of correct renal anatomy in patients with renal tumors in both urologist and student groups. These models can be useful for establishing the perioperative planning and also education program for medical students.

As diretrizes internacionais destacam a importância do ambiente físico dos serviços de saúde para prevenir e controlar as infecções. Procuramos descrever o ambiente físico em serviços de saúde bucal no Brasil em 2014, com enfoque nas características programadas para controlar as infecções. Precisamente 16.202 consultórios odontológicos no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) participaram na pesquisa. Pesquisadores treinados coletaram informações sobre as características do controle de infecções nesses serviços de saúde, utilizando um instrumento padronizado. Utilizamos dados de 12 perguntas dicotômicas que avaliavam as condições das paredes, piso, pia e torneira e a presença e as condições do equipamento de esterilização. Calculamos um escore pela soma do número de características administradas adequadamente para o controle de infecções, variando de 0 a 12. Foram desenvolvidas análises hierárquicas de clusters. Nenhum dos 12 critérios foi atendido por todas as equipes de saúde bucal. Apenas 208 (1,3%) dos consultórios odontológicos realizavam todas as 12 práticas de controle de infecções. Foram identificados dois clusters com distintas frequências de estruturas para controle de infecções nos consultórios odontológicos. As regiões Sul e Sudeste mostraram as maiores frequências no Cluster 1, com melhor estrutura de controle de infecções nos consultórios odontológicos. De maneira geral os serviços de saúde bucal não atendiam as diretrizes para o controle de infecções, referentes à planta física e equipamento dos consultórios. A aderência às diretrizes variava de acordo com a região do país.

International guidelines have pointed out the importance of the physical environment of health care facilities in preventing and controlling infection. We aimed to describe the physical environment of dental care facilities in Brazil in 2014, focusing on characteristics designed to control infections. Exactly 16,202 dental offices in the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) participated in this survey. Trained researchers extracted information about the infection control characteristics of health facilities by using a structured instrument. We used data from 12 dichotomous questions that evaluated the wall, floor, sink and tap conditions, and the presence and condition of sterilization equipment. We calculated a score by summing the number of characteristics handled appropriately for infection control, which could range from 0 to 12. Hierarchical cluster analyses were developed. None of the 12 criteria were met by all the oral health teams. Only 208 (1.3%) dental offices correctly performed all 12-infection control practices. Two clusters, with different frequencies of structure for infection control in dental offices, were identified. South and Southeast regions had the highest frequencies for Cluster 1, with better structure of infection control in dental offices. Dental care facilities of oral health teams were not typically meeting the infection control guidelines regarding clinic design and equipment. Adherence to the guidelines varied among the Brazilian geographic regions.

Las directrices internacionales destacan la importancia del ambiente físico de los servicios de salud para prevenir y controlar infecciones. Procuramos describir el ambiente físico en servicios de salud bucal en Brasil en 2014, centrándonos en las características programadas para controlar las infecciones. Precisamente 16.202 consultorios odontológicos del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) participaron en la investigación. Investigadores entrenados recogieron información sobre las características del control de infecciones en esos servicios de salud, utilizando un instrumento estandarizado. Utilizamos los datos procedentes de 12 preguntas dicotómicas que evaluaban las condiciones de las paredes, suelo, fregadero y grifo, además de la existencia y condiciones del equipamiento de esterilización. Calculamos una puntuación para la suma del número de características administradas adecuadamente para el control de infecciones, variando de 0 a 12. Se desarrollaron análisis jerárquicos de clúster. Ninguno de los 12 criterios fue observado por todos los equipos de salud bucal. Solamente 208 (1,3%) de los consultorios odontológicos realizaban las 12 prácticas de control de infecciones al completo. Se identificaron dos clústeres con distintas frecuencias de estructuras para el control de infecciones en los consultorios odontológicos. Las regiones Sur y Sudeste mostraron las mayores frecuencias en el Clúster 1, con una mejor estructura de control de infecciones en los consultorios odontológicos. De manera general, los servicios de salud bucal no atendían a las directrices para el control de infecciones, referentes a las instalaciones físicas y equipamiento de los consultorios. La adherencia a las directrices variaba de acuerdo con la región del país.

Abstract Background Pathologic vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration after vascular injury promotes the development of occlusive vascular disease. Therefore, an effective chemical agent to suppress aberrant proliferation and migration of VSMCs can be a potential therapeutic modality for occlusive vascular disease such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. To find an anti-proliferative chemical agent for VSMCs, we screened an in-house small molecule library, and the selected small molecule was further validated for its anti-proliferative effect on VSMCs using multiple approaches, such as cell proliferation assays, wound healing assays, transwell migration assays, and ex vivo aortic ring assay. Results Among 43 initially screened small molecule inhibitors of kinases that have no known anti-proliferative effect on VSMCs, a spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitor (BAY61-3606) showed significant anti-proliferative effect on VSMCs. Further experiments indicated that BAY61 attenuated the VSMC proliferation in both concentration- and time-dependent manner, and it also significantly suppressed the migration of VSMCs as assessed by both wound healing assays and transwell assays. Additionally, BAY61 suppressed the sprouting of VSMCs from endothelium-removed aortic rings. Conclusion The present study identified a Syk kinase inhibitor as a potent VSMC proliferation and migration inhibitor and warrants further studies to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms, such as its primary target, and to validate its in vivo efficacy as a therapeutic agent for restenosis and atherosclerosis.

As diretrizes internacionais destacam a importância do ambiente físico dos serviços de saúde para prevenir e controlar as infecções. Procuramos descrever o ambiente físico em serviços de saúde bucal no Brasil em 2014, com enfoque nas características programadas para controlar as infecções. Precisamente 16.202 consultórios odontológicos no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) participaram na pesquisa. Pesquisadores treinados coletaram informações sobre as características do controle de infecções nesses serviços de saúde, utilizando um instrumento padronizado. Utilizamos dados de 12 perguntas dicotômicas que avaliavam as condições das paredes, piso, pia e torneira e a presença e as condições do equipamento de esterilização. Calculamos um escore pela soma do número de características administradas adequadamente para o controle de infecções, variando de 0 a 12. Foram desenvolvidas análises hierárquicas de clusters. Nenhum dos 12 critérios foi atendido por todas as equipes de saúde bucal. Apenas 208 (1,3%) dos consultórios odontológicos realizavam todas as 12 práticas de controle de infecções. Foram identificados dois clusters com distintas frequências de estruturas para controle de infecções nos consultórios odontológicos. As regiões Sul e Sudeste mostraram as maiores frequências no Cluster 1, com melhor estrutura de controle de infecções nos consultórios odontológicos. De maneira geral os serviços de saúde bucal não atendiam as diretrizes para o controle de infecções, referentes à planta física e equipamento dos consultórios. A aderência às diretrizes variava de acordo com a região do país.

International guidelines have pointed out the importance of the physical environment of health care facilities in preventing and controlling infection. We aimed to describe the physical environment of dental care facilities in Brazil in 2014, focusing on characteristics designed to control infections. Exactly 16,202 dental offices in the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) participated in this survey. Trained researchers extracted information about the infection control characteristics of health facilities by using a structured instrument. We used data from 12 dichotomous questions that evaluated the wall, floor, sink and tap conditions, and the presence and condition of sterilization equipment. We calculated a score by summing the number of characteristics handled appropriately for infection control, which could range from 0 to 12. Hierarchical cluster analyses were developed. None of the 12 criteria were met by all the oral health teams. Only 208 (1.3%) dental offices correctly performed all 12-infection control practices. Two clusters, with different frequencies of structure for infection control in dental offices, were identified. South and Southeast regions had the highest frequencies for Cluster 1, with better structure of infection control in dental offices. Dental care facilities of oral health teams were not typically meeting the infection control guidelines regarding clinic design and equipment. Adherence to the guidelines varied among the Brazilian geographic regions.

Las directrices internacionales destacan la importancia del ambiente físico de los servicios de salud para prevenir y controlar infecciones. Procuramos describir el ambiente físico en servicios de salud bucal en Brasil en 2014, centrándonos en las características programadas para controlar las infecciones. Precisamente 16.202 consultorios odontológicos del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) participaron en la investigación. Investigadores entrenados recogieron información sobre las características del control de infecciones en esos servicios de salud, utilizando un instrumento estandarizado. Utilizamos los datos procedentes de 12 preguntas dicotómicas que evaluaban las condiciones de las paredes, suelo, fregadero y grifo, además de la existencia y condiciones del equipamiento de esterilización. Calculamos una puntuación para la suma del número de características administradas adecuadamente para el control de infecciones, variando de 0 a 12. Se desarrollaron análisis jerárquicos de clúster. Ninguno de los 12 criterios fue observado por todos los equipos de salud bucal. Solamente 208 (1,3%) de los consultorios odontológicos realizaban las 12 prácticas de control de infecciones al completo. Se identificaron dos clústeres con distintas frecuencias de estructuras para el control de infecciones en los consultorios odontológicos. Las regiones Sur y Sudeste mostraron las mayores frecuencias en el Clúster 1, con una mejor estructura de control de infecciones en los consultorios odontológicos. De manera general, los servicios de salud bucal no atendían a las directrices para el control de infecciones, referentes a las instalaciones físicas y equipamiento de los consultorios. La adherencia a las directrices variaba de acuerdo con la región del país.

Purpose We evaluated whether preoperative erectile function is associated with pathologic features in the patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). Materials and Methods We reviewed medical records of 1,743 men who underwent RP from November 2003 through May 2012. Of these, 50 patients who had prior hormone therapy and 272 patients who had lacking data of International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) were excluded. Men whose IIEF-5 was in the lower 25 percentile were assigned as Low Erectile Function group and the others were assigned as Control group. We compared pathologic features using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis between two groups. Results A total of 1,421 patients were included in the analysis. Patients’ age was 65.8 ± 6.7 years and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 12.8±16.1 ng/mL. Median and low 25 percentile of IIEF-5 were 14 and 8, respectively. Low Erectile Function group (IIEF-5<8) had higher risk to have high Gleason score (≥7(4+3), odds ratio (OR) 1.642, p<0.001) and large tumor volume (≥5 mL, OR 1.292, p=0.042). Even after adjusting age, year of surgery, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, PSA, clinical stage and biopsy Gleason score, Low Erectile Function group still had higher risk of high Gleason score (OR 1.910, p<0.001) and large tumor volume (OR 1.390, p=0.04) by multivariable logistic regressions. Conclusions Lower erectile function before RP was associated with higher Gleason’s score and larger tumor volume in final pathology. Thus, erectile function could be a surrogate barometer for prostate cancer aggressiveness.

Purpose To assess the clinical utility of the prostate-specific antigen mass ratio (PSA-MR), a newly developed PSA derivative, simply defined as the (i) PSA density (PSA-D) multiplied by the plasma volume or (ii) total PSA amount in circulation per prostate volume, for predicting prostate cancer (PCa) among men undergoing repeated prostate biopsy (PBx). Materials and Methods Patients (n = 286), who underwent a repeated PBx, were analyzed. The various parameters associated with PCa detection were noted in each patient. PSA-MR was also calculated. Results PCa was detected in 63 (22.0%) of 286 patients. PSA-MR was the independent predictor in the univariate- and multivariate logistic regression analyses (OR = 3.448, p = 0.001 and OR = 13.430, p = 0.033, respectively). A nomogram that incorporated PSA-MR was considered a useful tool (predictive accuracy: 79.2%, 95% CI: 0.726-0.858, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a nomogram that incorporated PSA-MR would have avoided 59.6% of unnecessary repeated PBx. The predictive accuracy of PSA-MR was also superior to that of PSA or PSA-D (p = 0.013 and 0.009, respectively). Conclusions PSA-MR was an independent predictor, and its consideration would have avoided 59.6% of unnecessary repeated PBx for PCa detection. PSA-MR was also superior than PSA or PSA-D. Our results support the use of PSA-MR to facilitate counseling with patients after a negative initial PBx, and use of PSA-MR might reduce further unnecessary biopsies.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an important etiological factor for the induction of dermal papilla cell senescence and hair loss, which is also known alopecia. Arctiin is an active lignin isolated from Arctium lappa and has anti-inflammation, anti-microbial, and anti-carcinogenic effects. In the present study, we found that arctiin exerts anti-oxidative effects on human hair dermal papilla cells (HHDPCs). RESULTS: To better understand the mechanism, we analyzed the level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cytotoxicity, cell death, ROS production and senescence after arctiin pretreatment of HHDPCs. The results showed that arctiin pretreatment significantly inhibited the H2O2-induced reduction in cell viability. Moreover, H2O2-induced sub-G1 phase accumulation and G2 cell cycle arrest were also downregulated by arctiin pretreatment. Interestingly, the increase in intracellular ROS mediated by H2O2 was drastically decreased in HHDPCs cultured in the presence of arctiin. This effect was confirmed by senescence associated-beta galactosidase (SA-β-gal) assay results; we found that arctiin pretreatment impaired H2O2-induced senescence in HHDPCs. Using microRNA (miRNA) microarray and bioinformatic analysis, we showed that this anti-oxidative effect of arctiin in HHDPCs was related with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Wnt signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data suggest that arctiin has a protective effect on ROS-induced cell dysfunction in HHDPCs and may therefore be useful for alopecia prevention and treatment strategies.

Background: The melanocortin-4 receptor gene (MC4R) plays an important role in regulating food intake and body weight in mammals. In the present study, we identified the MC4R gene in native Korean brown, brindle, and black cattle by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and investigated its association with economic traits. A total of 413 cattle from the three breeds were tested for backfat thickness, carcass weight, longissimus muscle area, and marbling score, and statistical data were analyzed using the SAS program. Results: The C allele had the highest frequency in brown and brindle cattle, and the G allele frequency was highest in black cattle. The C1069G SNP was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with only marbling scores in brown and brindle cattle but no significant association was detected between the marbling scores and polymorphism in black cattle. Conclusions: These results suggest that a C1069G SNP of the MC4R gene may be useful as a genetic marker for marbling scores in Korean brown and brindle cattle.