Flt3 is a target of coumestrol in protecting against UVB-induced skin photoaging

Screening out molecular pathways and prognostic biomarkers of ultraviolet-mediated melanoma through computational techniques

PURPOSE

Ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancer, but the exact mechanism by which it occurs and the most effective methods of intervention to prevent it are yet unknown. For this purpose, our study will use bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to discover potential biomarkers of skin cancer for early diagnosis and prevention of disease with applicable clinical treatments.

METHODS

This study compared gene expression and protein levels in ultraviolet-mediated cultured keratinocytes and adjacent normal skin tissue using RNA sequencing data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information-Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI-GEO) database. Then, pathway analysis was employed with a selection of hub genes from the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the survival and expression profiles. Finally, potential clinical biomarkers were validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 32 shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by analyzing three different subsets of the GSE85443 dataset. Skin cancer development is related to the control of several DEGs through cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity, cell cycle regulation, and activation of the NIMA kinase pathways. The cytoHubba plugin in Cytoscape identified 12 hub genes from PPI; among these 3 DEGs, namely, AURKA, CDK4, and PLK1 were significantly associated with survival (P < 0.05) and highly expressed in skin cancer tissues. For validation purposes, ROC curve analysis indicated two biomarkers: AURKA (area under the curve (AUC) value = 0.8) and PLK1 (AUC value = 0.7), which were in an acceptable range.

CONCLUSIONS

Further translational research, including clinical experiments, teratogenicity tests, and in-vitro or in-vivo studies, will be performed to evaluate the expression of these identified biomarkers regarding the prognosis of skin cancer patients.

LIMS-Kinase provides sensitive and generalizable label-free in vitro measurement of kinase activity using mass spectrometry

Measurements of kinase activity are important for kinase-directed drug development, analysis of inhibitor structure and function, and understanding mechanisms of drug resistance. Sensitive, accurate, and miniaturized assay methods are crucial for these investigations. Here, we describe a label-free, high-throughput mass spectrometry-based assay for studying individual kinase enzymology and drug discovery in a purified system, with a focus on validated drug targets as benchmarks. We demonstrate that this approach can be adapted to many known kinase substrates and highlight the benefits of using mass spectrometry to measure kinase activity in vitro, including increased sensitivity. We speculate that this approach to measuring kinase activity will be generally applicable across most of the kinome, enabling research on understudied kinases and kinase drug discovery.

The Timing Sequence and Mechanism of Aging in Endocrine Organs

The world is increasingly aging, and there is an urgent need to find a safe and effective way to delay the aging of the body. It is well known that the endocrine glands are one of the most important organs in the context of aging. Failure of the endocrine glands lead to an abnormal hormonal environment, which in turn leads to many age-related diseases. The aging of endocrine glands is closely linked to oxidative stress, cellular autophagy, genetic damage, and hormone secretion. The first endocrine organ to undergo aging is the pineal gland, at around 6 years old. This is followed in order by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, gonads, pancreatic islets, and thyroid gland. This paper summarises the endocrine gland aging-related genes and pathways by bioinformatics analysis. In addition, it systematically summarises the changes in the structure and function of aging endocrine glands as well as the mechanisms of aging. This study will advance research in the field of aging and help in the intervention of age-related diseases.

Bioprospecting microbes and enzymes for the production of pterocarpans and coumestans

The isoflavonoid derivatives, pterocarpans and coumestans, are explored for multiple clinical applications as osteo-regenerative, neuroprotective and anti-cancer agents. The use of plant-based systems to produce isoflavonoid derivatives is limited due to cost, scalability, and sustainability constraints. Microbial cell factories overcome these limitations in which model organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae offer an efficient platform to produce isoflavonoids. Bioprospecting microbes and enzymes can provide an array of tools to enhance the production of these molecules. Other microbes that naturally produce isoflavonoids present a novel alternative as production chassis and as a source of novel enzymes. Enzyme bioprospecting allows the complete identification of the pterocarpans and coumestans biosynthetic pathway, and the selection of the best enzymes based on activity and docking parameters. These enzymes consolidate an improved biosynthetic pathway for microbial-based production systems. In this review, we report the state-of-the-art for the production of key pterocarpans and coumestans, describing the enzymes already identified and the current gaps. We report available databases and tools for microbial bioprospecting to select the best production chassis. We propose the use of a holistic and multidisciplinary bioprospecting approach as the first step to identify the biosynthetic gaps, select the best microbial chassis, and increase productivity. We propose the use of microalgal species as microbial cell factories to produce pterocarpans and coumestans. The application of bioprospecting tools provides an exciting field to produce plant compounds such as isoflavonoid derivatives, efficiently and sustainably.

Rosa gallica and its active compound, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, improve skin hydration via the GLK signaling pathway

Rosa gallica has been previously reported to display anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-skin wrinkle activities. However, the effect of Rosa gallica on skin hydration and its active components are largely unknown. Herein, we aimed to investigate the skin hydration effect of rose petal extract (RPE) in humans and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. A double-blinded clinical study was performed to investigate the effect of RPE on skin hydration. Stratum corneum moisture analysis demonstrated that RPE treatment significantly improved hydration levels in human skin. Furthermore, HAS2 and hyaluronic acid levels were notably increased by RPE in keratinocytes and 3D human skin equivalent model. By comparing the modulatory effect on HAS2 expression, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside (CDG) was identified as the most potent compound in RPE likely responsible for skin hydration. The kinase activity of GLK, an upstream regulator of MAPK signaling, was increased by CDG in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, silencing GLK reversed CDG-mediated HAS2 upregulation, further supporting the involvement of GLK in the CDG-mediated effects. Binding of CDG to GLK was confirmed by pull-down assay and computer modeling. These findings suggest that RPE and its active component CDG increases skin hydration by upregulating HAS2 expression through modulating the GLK-MAP2K-MAPK signaling pathway.

Function and inhibition of Haspin kinase: targeting multiple cancer therapies by antimitosis

Objectives

Haploid germ cell-specific nuclear protein kinase (Haspin) is a serine/threonine kinase as an atypical kinase, which is structurally distinct from conventional protein kinases.

Key findings

Functionally, Haspin is involved in important cell cycle progression, particularly in critical mitosis regulating centromeric sister chromatid cohesion during prophase and prometaphase, and subsequently ensuring proper chromosome alignment during metaphase and the normal chromosome segregation during anaphase. However, increasing evidence has demonstrated that Haspin is significantly upregulated in a variety of cancer cells in addition to normal proliferating somatic cells. Its knockdown or small molecule inhibition could prevent cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis by disrupting the regular mitotic progression. Given the specificity of its expressed tissues or cells and the uniqueness of its current known substrate, Haspin can be a promising target against cancer. Consequently, selective synthetic and natural inhibitors of Haspin have been widely developed to determine their inhibitory power for various cancer cells in vivo and in vitro.

Summary

Here our perspective includes a comprehensive review of the roles and structure of Haspin, its relatively potent and selective inhibitors and Haspin’s preliminary studies in a variety of cancers.

Beneficial Effects of Young Coconut Juice on Increasing Skin Thickness, Enhancing Skin Whitening, and Reducing Skin Wrinkles in Ovariectomized Rats

It has been previously demonstrated in light microscopic and immunohistochemical studies that ovariectomized rats receiving young coconut juice at 100 mL/kg BW showed much better wound healing and improved skin complexion. Nevertheless, it was found that young coconut juice at 100 mL/kg BW/day caused unfavorable side effects, such as glycogen deposition in the liver. Therefore, in the current study, 3 lower doses (10, 20, and 40 mL/kg BW/day) were optimized, and the ultrastructure was further investigated. Compared to normal rats, all the parameters regarding skin changes, including epidermal and dermal thickness, the number of hair follicles, the diameters of collagen fibrils, perimeters, and nuclei of fibroblast and keratinocyte cells, and ultrastructural changes in keratinocyte and fibroblast cells were significantly reduced in ovariectomized rats. Those parameters in the ovariectomized rats were restored to normal by injecting estradiol benzoate or by feeding young coconut juice to the rats, where the effect was found to be dose-related but not in the case of all the parameters. In most cases, a dose of young coconut juiceof 40 mL/kg BW/day was the optimal dose. The results suggest that young coconut juice may be as effective as estradiol benzoate in reducing skin atrophy/aging, probably as a selective estrogen receptor moderator.

Recent Advances in Heterologous Synthesis Paving Way for Future Green-Modular Bioindustries: A Review With Special Reference to Isoflavonoids

Isoflavonoids are well-known plant secondary metabolites that have gained importance in recent time due to their multiple nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. In plants, isoflavonoids play a role in plant defense and can confer the host plant a competitive advantage to survive and flourish under environmental challenges. In animals, isoflavonoids have been found to interact with multiple signaling pathways and have demonstrated estrogenic, antioxidant and anti-oncologic activities in vivo. The activity of isoflavonoids in the estrogen pathways is such that the class has also been collectively called phytoestrogens. Over 2,400 isoflavonoids, predominantly from legumes, have been identified so far. The biosynthetic pathways of several key isoflavonoids have been established, and the genes and regulatory components involved in the biosynthesis have been characterized. The biosynthesis and accumulation of isoflavonoids in plants are regulated by multiple complex environmental and genetic factors and interactions. Due to this complexity of secondary metabolism regulation, the export and engineering of isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathways into non-endogenous plants are difficult, and instead, the microorganisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli have been adapted and engineered for heterologous isoflavonoid synthesis. However, the current ex-planta production approaches have been limited due to slow enzyme kinetics and traditionally laborious genetic engineering methods and require further optimization and development to address the required titers, reaction rates and yield for commercial application. With recent progress in metabolic engineering and the availability of advanced synthetic biology tools, it is envisaged that highly efficient heterologous hosts will soon be engineered to fulfill the growing market demand.

Temperature-Dependent Dynamical Evolution in Coum/SBE-β-CD Inclusion Complexes Revealed by Two-Dimensional FTIR Correlation Spectroscopy (2D-COS)

A combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance geometry (FTIR-ATR) and 2D correlation analysis (2D-COS) was applied here for the first time in order to investigate the temperature-dependent dynamical evolution occurring in a particular type of inclusion complex, based on sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) as hosting agent and Coumestrol (7,12-dihydorxcoumestane, Coum), a poorly-soluble active compound known for its anti-viral and anti-oxidant activity. For this purpose, synchronous and asynchronous 2D spectra were calculated in three different wavenumber regions (960-1320 cm^-1, 1580-1760 cm^-1 and 2780-3750 cm^-1) and over a temperature range between 250 K and 340 K. The resolution enhancement provided by the 2D-COS offers the possibility to extract the sequential order of events tracked by specific functional groups of the system, and allows, at the same time, the overcoming of some of the limits associated with conventional 1D FTIR-ATR analysis. Acquired information could be used, in principle, for the definition of an optimized procedure capable to provide high-performance T-sensitive drug carrier systems for different applications.

Inhibition of Solar UV-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 Expression by Non-Enzymatic Softening Cherry Blossom (Prunus yedoensis) Extract

Cherry blossom (Prunus yedoensis) petals are used as ingredients in many cosmetics. However, despite their use in numerous products, the exact function of cherry blossom petals in cosmetics is unclear. Therefore, we need evidence-based studies to support the labeling claims that are made in cherry blossom products in the cosmetics industry. We investigated the skin anti-aging potential of non-enzymatic softening cherry blossom extract (NES-CBE) in this study. The extract desalinated, to improve its quality such that it can be used as a functional material for the skin. The anti-wrinkle effect of NES-CBE was investigated on human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) under solar UV (sUV) light exposure. We found that NES-CBE reduced the sUV-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression and modulated the transactivation of the activator protein (AP)-1. Furthermore, NES-CBE suppressed the phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK proteins, indicating its regulation of sUV-induced MAPK signaling. Additionally, we observed NES-CBE reduced MMP-1 protein expression in a human skin equivalent model. Taken together, these results suggest that NES-CBE reduces sUV-induced MMP-1 protein expression through reducing AP-1 transactivation via regulation of the MEK1/2-ERK pathway.

Naturally occurring coumestans from plants, their biological activities and therapeutic effects on human diseases

Naturally occurring coumestans are known as a collection of plant-derived polycyclic aromatic secondary metabolites which are characterized by the presence of an oxygen heterocyclic four-ring system comprising a coumarin moiety and a benzofuran moiety sharing a C˭C bond. Recently, there is an increasing attention in excavating the medicinal potential of coumestans, particularly coumestrol, wedelolactone, psoralidin and glycyrol, in a variety of diseases. This review is a comprehensive inventory of the chemical structures of coumestans isolated from various plant sources during the period of 1956-2020, together with their reported biological activities. 120 molecules were collected and further classified as coumestans containing core skeleton, dimethylpyranocoumestans, furanocoumestans, O-glycosylated coumestans and others, which showed a wide range of pharmacological activities including estrogenic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoporotic, organ protective, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity, antimicrobial, immunosuppressive, antioxidant and skin-protective activities. Furthermore, this review focuses on the counteraction of coumestans against bone diseases and organ damages, and the involved molecular mechanisms, which could provide important information to better understand the medicinal values of these compounds. This review is intended to be instructive for the rational design and development of less toxic and more effective drugs with a coumestan scaffold.

Antiphotoaging Potential of Extracts of Yin-Tonic Herbal Medicine in Skin Cell and Human Skin Equivalent

Yin-tonic herbal medicines have been shown to possess properties that make skin healthy by nourishing within various organs of the body. However, the antiphotoaging effect of these medicines on the skin has not been fully studied. Photoaging occurs with prolonged sun exposure and causes skin damage and aging, with depletion of the dermal extracellular matrix and chronic alterations in skin structure, such as wrinkles. In this study, we assessed the antiphotoaging effects of eight yin-tonic herbal medicines on human skin cells and skin equivalents. The levels of type I procollagen and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in ultraviolet B- (UVB-) irradiated CCD-986sk fibroblasts were measured, and then three medicines were chosen based on screening results. Using UVB-irradiated human skin equivalents, we evaluated the effect of three yin-tonic herbal medicines on histological changes of skin, epidermal and dermal thickness, and MMP-1 production. Furthermore, we observed collagen fiber content and protein expression of filaggrin in UVB-irradiated human skin equivalents. Yin-tonic herbal medicines increased type I procollagen levels and decreased the production of MMP-1 in UVB-irradiated CCD-986sk fibroblasts. The three selected yin-tonic herbal medicines recovered the collagen content and filaggrin expression via MMP-1 downregulation in UVB-irradiated human skin equivalents. Our results show that yin-tonic herbal medicines can prevent skin photoaging by reduction of MMP-1 levels and increasing the expression of moisturizing factors. Based on these results, we suggest that yin-tonic herbal medicines have the potential to be used as helpful agent for skin photoaging.

A Review of Plant Extracts and Plant-Derived Natural Compounds in the Prevention/Treatment of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury is one of the major drawbacks of mortality and causes significant short/long-term neurological dysfunction in newborn infants worldwide. To date, due to multifunctional complex mechanisms of brain injury, there is no well-established effective strategy to completely provide neuroprotection. Although therapeutic hypothermia is the proven treatment for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), it does not completely chang outcomes in severe forms of HIE. Therefore, there is a critical need for reviewing the effective therapeutic strategies to explore the protective agents and methods. In recent years, it is widely believed that there are neuroprotective possibilities of natural compounds extracted from plants against HIE. These natural agents with the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and neurofunctional regulatory properties exhibit preventive or therapeutic effects against experimental neonatal HI brain damage. In this study, it was aimed to review the literature in scientific databases that investigate the neuroprotective effects of plant extracts/plant-derived compounds in experimental animal models of neonatal HI brain damage and their possible underlying molecular mechanisms of action.

Metabotyping of different soybean genotypes and distinct metabolism in their seeds and leaves

The metabolome of three soybean genotypes, Glycine max Hwangkeum (elite or domesticated cultivar), Glycine max Napjakong (landrace or semi-wild cultivar) and Glycine soja Dolkong (wild cultivar), were characterized in seeds and leaves using a 1H NMR-based metabolomics approach. Expression of primary and secondary metabolites were different in seeds and leaves as well as amongst soybean genotypes. Different kaempferol glycosides were observed in the leaves but not in the seeds, and quercetin derivatives were found only in G. max Napjakong and G. soja Dolkong. Moreover, epicatechin was found only in the seeds of G. max Napjakong and G. soja Dolkong. These results demonstrate distinct adaptations of different soybean genotypes to given environmental conditions. The current study, therefore, provides useful information on global metabolic compositions that might be used to develop soybean-based products through better understanding of the metabolic phenotypes of existing soybean genotypes.

Bioengineered Skin Intended as In Vitro Model for Pharmacosmetics, Skin Disease Study and Environmental Skin Impact Analysis

This review aims to be an update of Bioengineered Artificial Skin Substitutes (BASS) applications. At the first moment, they were created as an attempt to replace native skin grafts transplantation. Nowadays, these in vitro models have been increasing and widening their application areas, becoming important tools for research. This study is focus on the ability to design in vitro BASS which have been demonstrated to be appropriate to develop new products in the cosmetic and pharmacology industry. Allowing to go deeper into the skin disease research, and to analyze the effects provoked by environmental stressful agents. The importance of BASS to replace animal experimentation is also highlighted. Furthermore, the BASS validation parameters approved by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) are also analyzed. This report presents an overview of the skin models applicable to skin research along with their design methods. Finally, the potential and limitations of the currently available BASS to supply the demands for disease modeling and pharmaceutical screening are discussed.

Safflower Seed Oil and Its Active Compound Acacetin Inhibit UVB-Induced Skin Photoaging

Ultraviolet (UV) is one of the major factors harmful to skin health. Irradiation with ultraviolet accelerates the decline of skin function, causing the skin to have deep wrinkles, dryness, decreased procollagen production, and degradation of collagen. Novel materials are needed to prevent the aging of the skin by blocking the effects of UV. Safflower seed oil (Charthamus tinctorius L., SSO) contains significantly high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and phytochemicals. SSO has been traditionally used in China, Japan, and Korea to improve skin and hair. Our objective in this study was to determine the effect of SSO and its active compound acacetin on UVB-induced skin photoaging in HaCaT cells and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). SSO inhibited UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) at both protein and mRNA levels in HaCaT cells and HDF. MMP-1 is known to play important roles in collagen degradation and wrinkle formation. Acacetin, a type of flavonoid, is present in SSO. Similar to SSO, acacetin also inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 protein and mRNA levels in HaCaT cells and HDF. MMP-1 mRNA is primarily regulated by the mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Acacetin regulated the phosphorylation of JNK1/2 and c-jun, but did not inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and AKT. Taken together, these results indicate that SSO and its active compound acacetin can prevent UVB-induced MMP-1 expression, which leads to skin photoaging, and may therefore have therapeutic potential as an anti-wrinkle agent to improve skin health.

Skin photo-protection with phytochemicals against photo-oxidative stress, photo-carcinogenesis, signal transduction pathways and extracellular matrix remodeling-An overview

Excessive exposure of skin to UV radiation triggers the generation of oxidative stress, inflammation, immunosuppression, apoptosis, matrix-metalloproteases production, and DNA mutations leading to the onset of photo ageing and photo-carcinogenesis. At the molecular level, these changes occur via activation of several protein kinases as well as transcription pathways, formation of reactive oxygen species, and release of cytokines, interleukins and prostaglandins together. Current therapies available on the market only provide limited solutions and exhibit several side effects. The present paper provides insight into scientific studies that have elucidated the positive role of phytochemicals in counteracting the UV-induced depletion of antioxidant enzymes, increased lipid peroxidation, inflammation, DNA mutations, increased senescence, dysfunctional apoptosis and immune suppression. The contribution of phytochemicals to the downregulation of expression of oxidative-stress sensitive transcription factors (Nrf2, NF-Kb, AP-1 and p53) and protein kinases (MSK, ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK, p90RSK2 and CaMKs) involved in inflammation, apoptosis, immune suppression, extracellular matrix remodelling, senescence, photo ageing and photo-carcinogenesis, is also discussed. Conclusively, several phytochemicals hold potential for the development of a viable solution against UV irradiation-mediated photo ageing, photo-carcinogenesis and related manifestations.

Rose Petal Extract (Rosa gallica) Exerts Skin Whitening and Anti-Skin Wrinkle Effects

We sought to investigate the effect of extracts from Rosa gallica petals (RPE) on skin whitening and anti-wrinkle activity. Tyrosinase activity was attenuated by RPE treatment, concomitant with the reduction of melanin accumulation in human B16F10 melanoma. Treatment of the facial skin of volunteers in a clinical trial with an RPE-containing formulation enhanced skin brightness (L* value) significantly. The underlying mechanism responsible was determined to be associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. In addition, RPE exhibited anti-wrinkle formation activity of human dermal fibroblasts by suppressing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 level. In vivo study, RPE also inhibited solar ultraviolet-stimulated MMP-1 level by c-Jun regulation. Overall, our findings indicate that RPE evokes skin whitening and anti-wrinkle formation activity by regulating intracellular signaling, supporting its utility as an ingredient for skin whitening and anti-wrinkle cosmetic products.

Recent advances in the anti-aging effects of phytoestrogens on collagen, water content, and oxidative stress

Skin undergoes degenerative changes as it ages, which include the loss of elasticity, reductions in the epidermal thickness and collagen content, elastic fiber degeneration, and increased wrinkling and dryness. Skin aging can be significantly delayed by the administration of estrogen. Estrogen deficiency following menopause results in atrophic skin changes and the acceleration of skin aging. Estrogen administration has positive effects on human skin by delaying or preventing skin aging manifestations, but the use of estrogen replacement is a risk factor for breast and uterine cancer. Phytoestrogens are a large family of plant‐derived molecules possessing various degrees of estrogen‐like activity; they exhibit agonist or antagonist estrogenic properties depending on the tissue. These molecules could be ideal candidates to combat skin aging and other detrimental effects of hypoestrogenism. In this paper, we review the effects of phytoestrogens on human skin and the mechanisms by which phytoestrogens can alleviate the changes due to aging.

Phytoestrogen coumestrol attenuates brain mitochondrial dysfunction and long-term cognitive deficits following neonatal hypoxia-ischemia

INTRODUCTION

Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia (HI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and is frequently associated with short and long-term neurologic and cognitive impairments. The HI injury causes mitochondrial damage leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Phytoestrogens are non-steroidal plant substances structurally and functionally similar to estrogen. Coumestrol is a potent isoflavonoid with a protective effect against ischemic brain damage in adult rats. Our aim was to determine if coumestrol treatment following neonatal HI attenuates the long-term cognitive deficits induced by neonatal HI, as well as to investigate one possible mechanism underlying its potential effect.

METHODS

On the 7th postnatal day, male Wistar rats were submitted to the Levine-Rice HI model. Intraperitoneal injections of 20 mg/kg of coumestrol, or vehicle, were administered immediately pre-hypoxia or 3 h post-hypoxia. At 12 h after HI the mitochondrial status and ROS levels were determined. At 60th postnatal day the cognitive deficits were revealed in the Morris water maze reference and working spatial memories. Following behavioral analysis, histological assessment was performed and reactive astrogliosis was measured by GFAP expression.

RESULTS

Results demonstrate that both pre- and post-HI administration of coumestrol were able to counteract the long-term cognitive and morphological impairments caused by HI, as well as to block the late reactive astrogliosis. The pre-HI administration of coumestrol was able to prevent the early mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus of injured rat pups.

CONCLUSION

Present data suggest that coumestrol exerts protection against experimental neonatal brain hypoxia-ischemia through, at least in part, early modulation of mitochondrial function.

Phytoestrogen coumestrol: Antioxidant capacity and its loading in albumin nanoparticles

Coumestrol is a polyphenol with promising therapeutic applications as phytoestrogen, antioxidant and potential cancer chemoprevention agent. The presence of two hydroxyl groups on its chemical structure, with orientation analogous to estradiol, is responsible of both, its antioxidant capacity and its estrogenic activity. However, several studies show that the interaction of polyphenols with food and plasma proteins reduces their antioxidant efficacy. We studied the interaction of coumestrol with bovine serum albumin protein (BSA) by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism techniques, and the effect of this interaction on its antioxidant activity as a hydroxyl radical scavenger. In addition, coumestrol antioxidant capacity profile using different assays (DPPH, ORAC-FL and ORAC-EPR) was studied. To explain its reactivity we used several methodologies, including DFT calculations, to define its antioxidant mechanism. Coumestrol antioxidant activity unveiled interesting antioxidant properties. BSA interaction with coumestrol reduces significantly photolytic degradation in several media thus preserving its antioxidant properties. Results suggest no significant changes in BSA structure and activity when interacting with coumestrol. Furthermore, this interaction is stronger than for other phytoestrogens such as daidzein and genistein. Considering our promising results, we reported for the first time the fabrication and characterization of coumestrol-loaded albumin nanoparticles. The resulting spherical and homogeneous nanoparticles showed a diameter close to 96 nm. The coumestrol incorporation efficiency in BSA NPs was 22.4%, which is equivalent to 3 molecules of coumestrol for every 10 molecules of BSA.

Comprehensive RNA sequencing and co-expression network analysis to complete the biosynthetic pathway of coumestrol, a phytoestrogen

Coumestrol (CMS), a coumestan isoflavone, plays key roles in nodulation through communication with rhizobia, and has been used as phytoestrogens for hormone replacement therapy in humans. Because CMS content is controlled by multiple genetic factors, the genetic basis of CMS biosynthesis has remained unclear. We identified soybean genotypes with consistently high (Daewonkong) or low (SS0903-2B-21-1-2) CMS content over 2 years. We performed RNA sequencing of leaf samples from both genotypes at developmental stage R7, when CMS levels are highest. Within the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway, 41 genes were tightly connected in a functional co-expression gene network; seven of these genes were differentially expressed between two genotypes. We identified 14 candidate genes involved in CMS biosynthesis. Among them, seven were annotated as encoding oxidoreductases that may catalyze the transfer of electrons from daidzein, a precursor of CMS. Two of the other genes, annotated as encoding a MYB domain protein and a MLP-like protein, may increase CMS accumulation in response to stress conditions. Our results will help to complete our understanding of the CMS biosynthetic pathway, and should facilitate development of soybean cultivars with high CMS content that could be used to promote the fitness of plants and human beings.

Astragali Radix and its compound formononetin ameliorate diesel particulate matter-induced skin barrier disruption by regulation of keratinocyte proliferation and apoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Astragali Radix (AR), the root of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, is widely applied in traditional medicine to promote skin health and tissue regeneration.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the effects of AR and its active compound, formononetin (FMT), on skin barrier defects in keratinocytes exposed to diesel particulate matter (PM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HaCaT cells and three-dimensional (3D) human skin reconstructed model were pre-treated with AR (50, 100 μg/ml) and FMT (30, 50 μM), then treated with PM (200 μg/ml).

RESULTS

AR and FMT significantly enhanced the expression of Keratin (KRT) 16 in PM stimulated HaCaT cells. PM increased p53 and Bax expression as well as the subsequent cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP in HaCaT cells, while this was inhibited by AR and FMT treatment. In vitro studies using the PM stimulated 3D human skin reconstructed model revealed that AR and FMT increased the expression of KRT 16 and KRT 17. Histological examination of the 3D human skin reconstructed model showed that AR and FMT up-regulated the expression of Ki67, but down-regulated the expression of cleaved caspase 3. Both AR and FMT significantly inhibited phosphorylation of ERK, but not JNK and p38 MAPK in PM stimulated HaCaT cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that AR and FMT act as anti-pollution agents and alleviate PM induced skin barrier defects through regulation of apoptosis and proliferation in keratinocytes.

Effect of 3,6-anhydro-l-galactose on α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced melanogenesis in human melanocytes and a skin-equivalent model

3,6‐Anhydro‐l‐galactose (l‐AHG) is a bioactive sugar that is a major component of agarose. Recently, l‐AHG was reported to have anti‐melanogenic potential in human epidermal melanocytes (HEMs) and B16F10 melanoma cells; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. At noncytotoxic concentrations, l‐AHG has been shown to inhibit alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone‐induced melanin synthesis in various cell models, including HEMs, melan‐a cells, and B16F10 cells. Although l‐AHG did not inhibit tyrosinase activity in vitro, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction results demonstrated that the anti‐melanogenic effect of l‐AHG was mediated by transcriptional repression of melanogenesis‐related genes, including tyrosinase, tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (TRP‐1), tyrosinase‐related protein‐2 (TRP‐2), and microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) in HEMs. Western blot analysis showed that l‐AHG effectively attenuated α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone‐induced melanogenic proteins by inhibiting cyclic adenosine monophosphate/cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent protein kinase, mitogen‐activated protein kinase, and Akt signaling pathways in HEMs. Topical application of l‐AHG significantly ameliorated melanin production in a 3D pigmented human skin model. Collectively, these results suggest that l‐AHG could be utilized as novel cosmetic compounds with skin‐whitening efficacy.

Chronic sun exposure is associated with distinct histone acetylation changes in human skin

BACKGROUND

Photoageing is attributed to continuous sunlight or artificial ultraviolet exposure and manifests as clinical and histological changes in skin. Epigenetic changes have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of photoageing. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse histone modification patterns in sun-exposed and nonexposed skin, and to identify the abnormally histone-modified genes related to photoageing.

METHODS

Skin biopsies were collected from both the outer forearm (sun-exposed area) and the buttock (sun-protected area) in 20 healthy middle-aged female volunteers. Global histone H3/H4 acetylation and H3K4/H3K9 methylation statuses were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression levels of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases were measured by reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with DNA microarray (ChIP-chip) assay with anti-acetyl-histone H3 antibody in a sun-exposed pool (combining six sun-exposed skin samples) and a nonexposed pool (combining six nonexposed skin samples) was conducted to explore the abnormally acetylated histone H3 genes related to photoageing; ChIP-qPCR was then used to verify the results of ChIP-chip.

RESULTS

We observed higher global histone H3 acetylation levels increased EP300 and decreased HDAC1 and SIRT1 expression in sun-exposed skin compared with matched nonexposed skin. Furthermore, the ChIP-chip assay showed that 227 genes displayed significant hyperacetylation of histone H3, and 81 genes displayed significant hypoacetylation of histone H3 between the two groups. Histone H3 acetylation levels on the promoters of PDCD5, ITIH5, MMP1 and AHR were positively correlated with the mRNA expression of the corresponding gene.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic sun exposure-induced histone H3 hyperacetylation may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of skin photoageing.

Comparative Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Potential of Coumestrol and Puerarol Isolated from Pueraria lobata Using Molecular Modeling Studies

The current study assesses the antioxidant effects of two similar isoflavonoids isolated from Pueraria lobata, coumestrol and puerarol, along with the cholinergic and amyloid-cascade pathways to mitigate Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Antioxidant activity was evaluated via 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻) scavenging ability further screened via ONOO⁻-mediated nitrotyrosine. Similarly, acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE/BChE) and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) inhibitory activities were assessed together with docking and kinetic studies. Considering DPPH and ONOO⁻ scavenging activity, coumestrol (EC₅₀ values of 53.98 and 1.17 µM) was found to be more potent than puerarol (EC₅₀ values of 82.55 and 6.99 µM) followed by dose dependent inhibition of ONOO⁻-mediated nitrotyrosine. Coumestrol showed pronounced AChE and BChE activity with IC₅₀ values of 42.33 and 24.64 µM, respectively, acting as a dual cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor. Despite having weak ChE inhibitory activity, puerarol showed potent BACE1 inhibition (28.17 µM). Kinetic studies of coumestrol showed AChE and BChE inhibition in a competitive and mixed fashion, whereas puerarol showed mixed inhibition for BACE1. In addition, docking simulations demonstrated high affinity and tight binding capacity towards the active site of the enzymes. In summary, we undertook a comparative study of two similar isoflavonoids differing only by a single aliphatic side chain and demonstrated that antioxidant agents coumestrol and puerarol are promising, potentially complementary therapeutics for AD.

Coumestrol modulates Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling during the attenuation of adipogenesis

Coumestrol is a natural phytochemical present in plants such as red clover and soy, and has been reported to stimulate the estrogen receptor as a major phytoestrogen. While the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-adipogenic effects of phytoestrogens such as genistein and daidzein have been previously investigated, the effects of coumestrol on adipogenesis remain to be elucidated. We observed that coumestrol dose-dependently attenuates MDI (mixture of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin)-induced lipid accumulation, consistent with an earlier study, while significantly inhibiting MDI-induced adipogenesis in the first 48 hours of differentiation, a critical time window for anti-adipogenic effects. Coumestrol treatment suppressed MDI-induced protein expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα in adipocytes, leading to the subsequent downregulation of FAS and aP2 expression. Akt and GSK3β were phosphorylated shortly after MDI stimulation, and these responses were inhibited by coumestrol treatment. Coumestrol also increased LRP6 protein expression, resulting in the recovery of β-catenin downregulation by MDI, while attenuating MDI-induced downregulation of Wnt10b. In addition, mRNA and protein expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1, target genes of β-catenin, were both recovered by coumestrol treatment. These results suggest that coumestrol inhibits adipocyte differentiation via regulation of Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and may have potential for development as an agent to prevent adipogenesis.

Coumestrol Epigenetically Suppresses Cancer Cell Proliferation: Coumestrol Is a Natural Haspin Kinase Inhibitor

Targeting epigenetic changes in gene expression in cancer cells may offer new strategies for the development of selective cancer therapies. In the present study, we investigated coumestrol, a natural compound exhibiting broad anti-cancer effects against skin melanoma, lung cancer and colon cancer cell growth. Haspin kinase was identified as a direct target protein of coumestrol using kinase profiling analysis. Histone H3 is a direct substrate of haspin kinase. We observed haspin kinase overexpression as well as greater phosphorylation of histone H3 at threonine 3 (Thr-3) in the cancer cells compared to normal cells. Computer modeling using the Schrödinger Suite program identified the binding interface within the ATP binding site. These findings suggest that the anti-cancer effect of coumestrol is due to the direct targeting of haspin kinase. Coumestrol has considerable potential for further development as a novel anti-cancer agent.

Coumestrol Down-Regulates Melanin Production in Melan-a Murine Melanocytes through Degradation of Tyrosinase

Pigmentation reflects skin darkening caused by melanin production, but excessive melanin synthesis may cause problems, such as melasma, solar lentigo, dark spots, and freckles. Considerable effort has been devoted to alleviating these undesired symptoms through the development of safe and effective depigmenting agents. Coumestrol, a plant-derived natural isoflavone with an estrogen-like structure and actions, is known to have anti-aging ability, but its potential depigmenting efficacy has not been evaluated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of coumestrol on melanin synthesis in normal melan-a murine melanocytes. Coumestrol significantly reduced melanin synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner up to a concentration of 25 µM without causing cytotoxicity. It also brightened tissue in an artificial skin model (MelanoDerm) that incorporates both human keratinocytes and melanocytes. Interestingly, although coumestrol did not inhibit tyrosinase activity or transcript level in melan-a cells, it clearly decreased the expression level of tyrosinase protein at a concentration of 25 µM. This coumestrol-induced reduction in tyrosinase protein levels was prevented by pretreatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 or the lysosomal proteolysis inhibitor chloroquine. Collectively, our findings indicate that coumestrol exerts an inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis in melan-a cells, at least in part, through degradation of tyrosinase. These findings suggest that coumestrol is a good candidate for use in depigmentary reagents from a cosmetic and clinical perspective.

The Ginsenoside Derivative 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol Inhibits Solar Ultraviolet Light-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Expression

Ginsenosides are major pharmacologically active compounds present in ginseng (Panax ginseng). Among the ginsenosides, 20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (GPPD) and ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) have previously been reported to exhibit anti-wrinkle effects. In this study, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD), an aglycone derivative of the Rb1 metabolite was investigated for its anti-wrinkle benefit and compared to GPPD and Rb1. The anti-wrinkle effect of 20(S)-PPD during solar UV light was investigated using a human skin equivalent model and human keratinocytes. 20(S)-PPD attenuated solar UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression to a greater extent than GPPD and Rb1. 20(S)-PPD treatment modulated MMP-1 mRNA expression and the transcriptional activity of activator protein (AP)-1, a major transcription factor of MMP-1. Two upstream signaling pathways for AP-1, the MEK1/2-ERK1/2-p90^RSK and MEK3/6-p38 pathways, were also suppressed. Taken together, these findings highlight the potential of 20(S)-PPD for further development as a preventative agent for sunlight-induced skin wrinkle. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3756-3764, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

MALAT1 participates in ultraviolet B-induced photo-aging via regulation of the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), transcripts of >200 bp in length that do not appear to exhibit any coding capacity, are important in the occurrence and development of cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. However, effects of lncRNAs on photo-aging remain to be elucidated. To explore the potential effects of the lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) on photo-aging in fibroblasts, MALAT1 expression was silenced in fibroblasts using small interference RNA. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to examine MALAT1 expression in normal and silenced fibroblasts following irradiation with 60 mJ/cm² ultraviolet B (UVB) and an ELISA assay was used to identify matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) content in the cellular supernatant. A β-galactosidase kit was applied to measure the number of senescent cells and a western blot assay was used to detect extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 phosphorylation levels. RT-qPCR was additionally used to detect changes in MALAT1 expression following suppression of UVB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Fibroblasts irradiated with 60 mJ/cm² UVB demonstrated increased MALAT1 expression, MMP-1 secretory volume and number of senescent cells, and greater levels of ERK, p38 and JNK phosphorylation. Following silencing of MALAT1 expression in photo-aged fibroblasts, decreases were observed in MMP-1 secretory volume, number of senescent cells and phosphorylation levels of ERK. NAC reduced ROS content, however, it did not affect MALAT1 expression. Therefore, it was concluded that MALAT1 may participate in UVB-induced photo-aging via regulation of the ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and UVB-induced MALAT1 expression is independent of ROS generation.

A Combination of Soybean and Haematococcus Extract Alleviates Ultraviolet B-Induced Photoaging

Soybean-derived isoflavones have been investigated for their preventative effects against UV-induced symptoms of skin damage including wrinkle formation and inflammation. Haematococcus pluvialis is a freshwater species of Chlorophyta that contains high concentrations of the natural carotenoid pigment astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is known to be involved in retinoic acid receptor (RAR) signaling and previously been associated with the inhibition of activator protein (AP)-1 dependent transcription. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that a combination of soy extract (SE) and Haematococcus extract (HE) may prevent UVB-induced photoaging through specific signaling pathways, as measured by UVB-induced wrinkling on hairless mice skin and expression changes in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The 1:2 ratio of SE and HE mixture (SHM) showed the optimal benefit in vivo. SHM was found to inhibit wrinkle formation via the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 mRNA and protein expression. SHM also inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and the transactivation of AP-1 which plays an important role in regulating MMP expression. These results highlight the potential for SHM to be developed as a therapeutic agent to prevent UVB-induced skin wrinkling.