cis-Urocanic acid enhances prostaglandin E2 release and apoptotic cell death via reactive oxygen species in human keratinocytes

Novel three-dimensional live skin-like in vitro composite for bioluminescence reporter gene assay

We genetically manipulated HaCaT cells, a spontaneously immortalised normal keratinocyte cell line, to stably express two different coloured luciferase reporter genes, driven by interleukin 8 (IL-8) and ubiquitin-C (UBC) promoters, respectively. Subsequently, we generated a three-dimensional (3D) skin-like in vitro composite (SLIC) utilising these cells, with the objective of monitoring bioluminescence emitted from the SLIC. This SLIC was generated on non-woven silica fibre membranes in differentiation medium. Immunohistochemical analyses of skin differentiation markers in the SLIC revealed the expression of keratins 2 and 10, filaggrin, and involucrin, indicating mature skin characteristics. This engineered SLIC was employed for real-time bioluminescence monitoring, allowing the assessment of time- and dose-dependent responses to UV stress, as well as to hydrophilic and hydrophobic chemical loads. Notably, evaluation of responses to hydrophobic substances has been challenging with conventional 2D cell culture methods, suggesting the need for a new approach, which this technology could address. Our observations suggest that engineered SLIC with constitutively expressing reporters driven by selected promoters which are tailored to specific objectives, significantly facilitates assays exploring the physiological functions of skin cells based on genetic response mechanisms. It also highlights new avenues for evaluating the physiological impacts of various compounds designed for topical application to human skin.

Cis-urocanic acid improves cell viability and suppresses inflammasome activation in human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease among the elderly, which can result in impaired vision and irreversible loss of vision. The majority of patients suffer from the dry (also known as the atrophic) form of the disease, which is completely lacking an effective treatment. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of cis-urocanic acid (cis-UCA) to protect human ARPE-19 cells from cell damage and inflammasome activation induced by UVB light. Urocanic acid is a molecule normally present in human epidermis. Its cis-form has recently been found to alleviate UVB-induced inflammasome activation in human corneal epithelial cells. Here, we observed that cis-UCA is well-tolerated also by human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. Moreover, cis-UCA was cytoprotective and efficiently diminished the levels of mature IL-1β, IL-18, and cleaved caspase-1 in UVB-irradiated ARPE-19 cells. Interestingly, cis-UCA also reduced DNA damage, whereas its effect against ROS production was negligible. Collectively, cis-UCA protected ARPE-19 cells from UVB-induced phototoxicity and inflammasome activation. This study indicates that due to its beneficial properties of preserving cell viability and preventing inflammation, cis-UCA has potential in drug development of chronic ocular diseases, such as AMD.

Aqueous extract of Polygala japonica Houtt. ameliorated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice through restoring the gut microbiota disorders and affecting the metabolites in feces and liver

BACKGROUND

Polygala japonica Houtt. (PJ) has been demonstrated with several biological potentials such as lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects and mechanisms of PJ on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remain unclear.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PJ on NASH and illustrate the mechanism based on modulating gut microbiota and host metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NASH mouse model was induced using methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet and orally treated with PJ. The therapeutic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects of PJ on mice with NASH were firstly assessed. Then, the gut microbiota of mice was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to assess the changes. Finally, the effects of PJ on the metabolites in liver and feces were explored by untargeted metabolomics.

RESULTS

The results indicated that PJ could improve hepatic steatosis, liver injury, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in NASH mice. PJ treatment also affected the diversity of gut microbiota and changed the relative abundances of Faecalibaculum. Lactobacillus, Muribaculaceae, Dubosiella, Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Turicibacter in NASH mice. In addition, PJ treatment modulated 59 metabolites both in liver and feces. Metabolites involved in histidine, and tryptophan metabolism pathways were identified as the key metabolites according to the correlation analysis between differential gut microbiota and metabolites.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated the therapeutic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative potentials of PJ on NASH. The mechanisms of PJ treatment were related to the improvement of gut microbiota dysbiosis and the regulation of histidine and tryptophan metabolism.

Metabolic Changes and Their Associations with Selected Nutrients Intake in the Group of Workers Exposed to Arsenic

Arsenic (As) exposure causes numerous adverse health effects, which can be reduced by the nutrients involved in the metabolism of iAs (inorganic As). This study was carried out on two groups of copper-smelting workers: WN, workers with a urinary total arsenic (tAs) concentration within the norm (n = 75), and WH, workers with a urinary tAs concentration above the norm (n = 41). This study aimed to analyze the association between the intake level of the nutrients involved in iAs metabolism and the signal intensity of the metabolites that were affected by iAs exposure. An untargeted metabolomics analysis was carried out on urine samples using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the intake of the nutrients was analyzed based on 3-day dietary records. Compared with the WN group, five pathways (the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, glycans, vitamins, and nucleotides) with twenty-five putatively annotated metabolites were found to be increased in the WH group. In the WN group, the intake of nutrients (methionine; vitamins B2, B6, and B12; folate; and zinc) was negatively associated with six metabolites (cytosine, D-glucuronic acid, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, pyroglutamic acid, uridine, and urocanic acid), whereas in the WH group, it was associated with five metabolites (D-glucuronic acid, L-glutamic acid, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, and uridine). Furthermore, in the WH group, positive associations between methionine, folate, and zinc intake and the signal intensity of succinic acid and 3-mercaptolactic acid were observed. These results highlight the need to educate the participants about the intake level of the nutrients involved in iAs metabolism and may contribute to further considerations with respect to the formulation of dietary recommendations for people exposed to iAs.

Imbalanced GSH/ROS and sequential cell death

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in cells during metabolic processes. Excessive intracellular ROS may react with large biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and small biomolecules, that is, glutathione (GSH) and unsaturated fatty acids. GSH has physiological functions, including free radical scavenging, anti-oxidation, and electrophile elimination. The disruption of ROS/GSH balance results in the deleterious oxidation and chemical modification of biomacromolecules, which eventually leads to cell-cycle arrest and proliferation inhibition, and even induces cell death. Imbalanced ROS/GSH may result from a direct increase of ROS, consumption of GSH, intracellular oxidoreductase interference, or thioredoxin activity reduction. Some chemicals including arsenic trioxide (ATO), pyrogallol (PG), and carbobenzoxy-Leu-Leu-leucinal (MG132) could also disrupt the balance of GSH and ROS. This article reviews the occurrence and consequences of the imbalance between GSH and ROS and introduces factors responsible for the disruption of cellular ROS and GSH balance, resulting in cell death. "GSH" and "ROS" were used as keywords to search the relevant literaturess.

Histidine Metabolism and Function

Histidine is a dietary essential amino acid because it cannot be synthesized in humans. The WHO/FAO requirement for adults for histidine is 10 mg · kg body weight-1 · d-1. Histidine is required for synthesis of proteins. It plays particularly important roles in the active site of enzymes, such as serine proteases (e.g., trypsin) where it is a member of the catalytic triad. Excess histidine may be converted to trans-urocanate by histidine ammonia lyase (histidase) in liver and skin. UV light in skin converts the trans form to cis-urocanate which plays an important protective role in skin. Liver is capable of complete catabolism of histidine by a pathway which requires folic acid for the last step, in which glutamate formiminotransferase converts the intermediate N-formiminoglutamate to glutamate, 5,10 methenyl-tetrahydrofolate, and ammonia. Inborn errors have been recognized in all of the catabolic enzymes of histidine. Histidine is required as a precursor of carnosine in human muscle and parts of the brain where carnosine appears to play an important role as a buffer and antioxidant. It is synthesized in the tissue by carnosine synthase from histidine and β-alanine, at the expense of ATP hydrolysis. Histidine can be decarboxylated to histamine by histidine decarboxylase. This reaction occurs in the enterochromaffin-like cells of the stomach, in the mast cells of the immune system, and in various regions of the brain where histamine may serve as a neurotransmitter.

Increase of circulating IGFBP-4 following genotoxic stress and its implication for senescence

Senescent cells secrete several molecules, collectively named senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). In the SASP of cells that became senescent following several in vitro chemical and physical stress, we identified the IGFBP-4 protein that can be considered a general stress mediator. This factor appeared to play a key role in senescence-paracrine signaling. We provided evidences showing that genotoxic injury, such as low dose irradiation, may promote an IGFBP-4 release in bloodstream both in mice irradiated with 100 mGy X-ray and in human subjects that received Computer Tomography. Increased level of circulating IGFBP-4 may be responsible of pro-aging effect. We found a significant increase of senescent cells in the lungs, heart, and kidneys of mice that were intraperitoneally injected with IGFBP-4 twice a week for two months. We then analyzed how genotoxic stressors may promote the release of IGFBP-4 and the molecular pathways associated with the induction of senescence by this protein.

Untargeted metabolomics identifies unique though benign biochemical changes in patients with pathogenic variants in UROC1

Urocanic aciduria is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme urocanase (E.C. 4.2.1.49) encoded by the gene UROC1. In the past, deficiency of urocanase has been associated with intellectual disability in a few case studies with some suggestion that the enzyme deficiency was the causative etiology. Here, we describe two phenotypically normal siblings with compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in UROC1 and characteristic biochemical evidence of urocanase deficiency collected utilizing untargeted metabolomic analysis. These findings suggest that urocanic aciduria may represent an otherwise benign biochemical phenotype and that those individuals with concurrent developmental delay should continue to be evaluated for other underlying causes for their symptoms.

Ultraviolet radiation-induced immunosuppression and its relevance for skin carcinogenesis

The realisation that UV radiation (UVR) exposure could induce a suppressed immune environment for the initiation of carcinogenesis in the skin was first described more than 40 years ago. Van der Leun and his colleagues contributed to this area in the 1980s and 90s by experiments in mice involving UV wavelength and dose-dependency in the formation of such tumours, in addition to illustrating both the local and systemic effect of the UVR on the immune system. Since these early days, many aspects of the complex pathways of UV-induced immunosuppression have been studied and are outlined in this review. Although most experimental work has involved mice, it is clear that UVR also causes reduced immune responses in humans. Evidence showing the importance of the immune system in determining the risk of human skin cancers is explained, and details of how UVR exposure can down-regulate immunity in the formation and progression of such tumours reviewed. With increasing knowledge of these links and the mechanisms of UVR-induced immunosuppression, novel approaches to enhance immunity to skin tumour antigens in humans are becoming apparent which, hopefully, will reduce the burden of UVR-induced skin cancers in the future.

Vitamin E inhibits the UVAI induction of "light" and "dark" cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, and oxidatively generated DNA damage, in keratinocytes

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced DNA damage has acute, and long-term adverse effects in the skin. This damage arises directly by absorption of UVR, and indirectly via photosensitization reactions. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of vitamin E on UVAI-induced DNA damage in keratinocytes in vitro. Incubation with vitamin E before UVAI exposure decreased the formation of oxidized purines (with a decrease in intracellular oxidizing species), and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD). A possible sunscreening effect was excluded when similar results were obtained following vitamin E addition after UVAI exposure. Our data showed that DNA damage by UVA-induced photosensitization reactions can be inhibited by the introduction of vitamin E either pre- or post-irradiation, for both oxidized purines and CPD (including so-called “dark” CPDs). These data validate the evidence that some CPD are induced by UVAI initially via photosensitization, and some via chemoexcitation, and support the evidence that vitamin E can intervene in this pathway to prevent CPD formation in keratinocytes. We propose the inclusion of similar agents into topical sunscreens and aftersun preparations which, for the latter in particular, represents a means to mitigate on-going DNA damage formation, even after sun exposure has ended.

Metabolomics of the Antipyretic Effects of Bubali Cornu (Water Buffalo Horn) in Rats

Bubali Cornu (water buffalo horn, WBH) has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an effective treatment for heat. In the present study, we have carried out a metabolomics profiling study on plasma and urine samples to explore potential biomarkers and determine how WBH exerts its antipyretic effects in yeast-induced pyrexia at a metabolomic level. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), together with multivariate statistical analysis, was used to detect and identify potential biomarkers associated with pyrexia and with WBH treatment. In total, sixteen endogenous metabolites were identified in plasma samples and twenty-one metabolites were detected in urine samples. The biomarkers identified in this study, using metabolic pathway analysis (MetPA), are involved in glycerophospholipid, arachidonic acid, amino acid, sphingolipid, and purine metabolism, all of which are disturbed in rats with pyrexia. As a result, WBH affect arachidonic acid metabolism and oxidative stress in yeast-induced pyrexia rats chiefly. The present study determines the important substances underlying the antipyretic efficacy of WBH at a metabolic level. It might pave the way for further investigations into the mechanisms of action of other animal horn-derived traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs).

Filaggrin-null mutations are associated with increased maturation markers on Langerhans cells

BACKGROUND

Mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin (FLG), an epidermal structural protein, are the strongest risk factor identified for the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). Up to 50% of patients with moderate-to-severe AD in European populations have FLG-null alleles compared with a general population frequency of 7% to 10%.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between FLG-null mutations and epidermal antigen-presenting cell (APC) maturation in subjects with and without AD. Additionally, we investigated whether the cis isomer of urocanic acid (UCA), a filaggrin breakdown product, exerts immunomodulatory effects on dendritic cells.

METHODS

Epidermal APCs from nonlesional skin were assessed by using flow cytometry (n = 27) and confocal microscopy (n = 16). Monocyte-derived dendritic cells from healthy volunteers were used to assess the effects of cis- and trans-UCA on dendritic cell phenotype by using flow cytometry (n = 11).

RESULTS

Epidermal APCs from FLG-null subjects had increased CD11c expression. Confocal microscopy confirmed this and additionally revealed an increased number of epidermal CD83(+) Langerhans cells in FLG-null subjects. In vitro differentiation in the presence of cis-UCA significantly reduced costimulatory molecule expression on monocyte-derived dendritic cells from healthy volunteers and increased their ability to induce a regulatory T-cell phenotype in mixed lymphocyte reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that subjects with FLG-null mutations have more mature Langerhans cells in nonlesional skin irrespective of whether they have AD. We also demonstrate that cis-UCA reduces maturation of dendritic cells and increases their capacity to induce regulatory T cells, suggesting a novel link between filaggrin deficiency and immune dysregulation.

Oxidation events and skin aging

The rate of skin aging, or that of tissue in general, is determined by a variable predominance of tissue degeneration over tissue regeneration. This review discusses the role of oxidative events of tissue degeneration and aging in general, and for the skin in particular. The mechanisms involved in intrinsic and extrinsic (photo-) aging are described. Since photoaging is recognized as an important extrinsic aging factor, we put special emphasize on the effects of UV exposure on aging, and its variable influence according to global location and skin type. We here summarise direct photochemical effects of UV on DNA, RNA, proteins and vitamin D, the factors contributing to UV-induced immunosuppression, which may delay aging, the nature and origin of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) as indirect contributors for aging, and the consequences of oxidative events for extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, such as that of collagen. We conclude that conflicting data on studies investigating the validity of the free radical damage theory of aging may reflect variations in the level of ROS induction which is difficult to quantify in vivo, and the lack of targeting of experimental ROS to the relevant cellular compartment. Also mitohormesis, an adaptive response, may arise in vivo to moderate ROS levels, further complicating interpretation of in vivo results. We here describes how skin aging is mediated both directly and indirectly by oxidative degeneration.This review indicates that skin aging events are initiated and often propagated by oxidation events, despite recently recognized adaptive responses to oxidative stress.

Increased epidermal filaggrin in chronic idiopathic urticaria is associated with severity of urticaria

BACKGROUND

Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) and atopic dermatitis (AD) are common allergic skin diseases associated with severe pruritus. AD skin is characterized by filaggrin deficiency, but it has not been studied in CIU.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the expression of filaggrin in skin from patients with CIU, patients with AD, and normal controls and to investigate whether altered filaggrin expression is associated with CIU severity.

METHODS

Skin biopsies were obtained from 16 patients with CIU, 11 patients with AD, and 14 normal controls. Filaggrin expression was evaluated using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining. Urticaria activity score, transepidermal water loss, and skin pH were measured.

RESULTS

FLG gene expression was significantly greater in lesional CIU skin compared with lesional AD skin (P < .01). The staining intensity of filaggrin was significantly increased in lesional CIU skin compared with skin from normal controls (P < .01) and lesional AD skin (P < .001). A significant correlation was observed between filaggrin staining intensity and urticaria activity score in patients with CIU (r = 0.538, P < .05). Transepidermal water loss was significantly increased in lesional skin of patients with AD compared with skin from normal controls (P < .01) and lesional skin from patients with CIU (P < .01). Skin pH was significantly decreased in lesional skin from patients with CIU compared with skin from normal controls (P < .01) and patients with AD (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Filaggrin is overexpressed in lesional CIU skin, and increased filaggrin expression is positively correlated with urticaria severity in CIU. Altered filaggrin expression has physiologic effects on transepidermal water loss and pH in the skin of patients with CIU, suggesting increased barrier function compared with skin from patients with AD.

Inflammasome activation of IL-1 family mediators in response to cutaneous photodamage

Although keratinocytes are relatively resistant to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induced damage, repeated UVR exposure result in accumulated DNA mutations that can lead to epidermal malignancies. Keratinocytes play a central role in elaborating innate responses that lead to inflammation and influence the generation of adaptive immune responses in skin. Apart from the minor cellular constituents of the epidermis, specifically Langerhans cells and melanocytes, keratinocytes are the major source of cytokines. UVR exposure stimulates keratinocytes to secrete abundant pro-inflammatory IL-1-family proteins, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-33. Normal skin contains only low levels of inactive precursor forms of IL-1β and IL-18, which require caspase 1-mediated proteolysis for their maturation and secretion. However, caspase-1 activation is not constitutive, but dependents on the UV-induced formation of an active inflammasome complex. IL-1 family cytokines can induce a secondary cascade of mediators and cytokines from keratinocytes and other cells resulting in wide range of innate processes including infiltration of inflammatory leukocytes, induction of immunosuppression, DNA repair or apoptosis. Thus, the ability of keratinocytes to produce a wide repertoire of proinflammatory cytokines can influence the immune response locally as well as systematically, and alter the host response to photodamaged cells. We will highlight differential roles played by each IL-1 family molecule generated by UV-damaged keratinocytes, and reveal their complementary influences in modulating acute inflammatory and immunological events that follow cutaneous UV exposure.