Effects of a vinegar-based multi-micronutrient supplement in rats: a multi-pronged assessment of dietary impact

We determined the effects of continuous access to drinking of water with a vinegar-based multi-micronutrient (VMm) supplement containing rice and fruit vinegars, vitamins, organic acids and sugars during gestation, lactation, and early adulthood in rats. Pregnant rats were provided with reverse-osmosis water or VMm water from the start of pregnancy through the time of weaning. Weaned pups consumed the same drinking water for 3-12 additional weeks. We examined fecal metabolite and microbial profiles, and other physiological parameters. Body weights were less in rats that drank VMm water. Thirty fecal metabolites involved in amino acid and dipeptide metabolism were significantly altered in VMm-supplemented rats. Analysis of microbial 16S rRNA showed enrichment of bacteria in the family S24-7 in VMm-supplemented rats, and one in Ruminococcaceae in controls. Our data show that a VMm-containing beverage can alter growth, and gut metabolism and microbial community. Future work to correlate these parameters is warranted.

Accelerated neuronal differentiation toward motor neuron lineage from human embryonic stem cell line (H9)

Motor neurons loss plays a pivotal role in the pathoetiology of various debilitating diseases such as, but not limited to, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar palsy, pseudobulbar palsy, and spinal muscular atrophy. However, advancement in motor neuron replacement therapy has been significantly constrained by the difficulties in large-scale production at a cost-effective manner. Current methods to derive motor neuron heavily rely on biochemical stimulation, chemical biological screening, and complex physical cues. These existing methods are seriously challenged by extensive time requirements and poor yields. An innovative approach that overcomes prior hurdles and enhances the rate of successful motor neuron transplantation in patients is of critical demand. Iron, a trace element, is indispensable for the normal development and function of the central nervous system. Whether ferric ions promote neuronal differentiation and subsequently promote motor neuron lineage has never been considered. Here, we demonstrate that elevated iron concentration can drastically accelerate the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) toward motor neuron lineage potentially via a transferrin mediated pathway. HB9 expression in 500 nM iron-treated hESCs is approximately twofold higher than the control. Moreover, iron treatment generated more matured and functional motor neuron-like cells that are ∼1.5 times more sensitive to depolarization when compared to the control. Our methodology renders an expedited approach to harvest motor neuron-like cells for disease, traumatic injury regeneration, and drug screening.

Ferrous ferric chloride downregulates the inflammatory response to Rhodococcus aurantiacus infection in mice

The healthy drink Pairogen is mainly composed of ferrous ferric chloride water that reportedly changes the status of intracellular water from oxidative to antioxidative. Here, we investigated whether Pairogen affects host immune function in a murine model of granulomatous inflammation in response to Rhodococcus aurantiacus (R. aurantiacus) infection. Longitudinal ingestion of Pairogen markedly improved the survival of infected mice in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared to mice received water, mice that ingested 10-fold-diluted Pairogen displayed rapid bacterial elimination, decreased production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, and high levels of IL-10 in organs during the initial phase of infection. Moreover, histological studies showed significant reduction in the number and size of granulomas as well as amelioration of oxidative stress in the livers of mice ingested 10-fold-diluted Pairogen at 14 d post-infection. These characteristics were further pronounced in first-generation (F1) mice that also ingested 10-fold-diluted Pairogen. Following stimulation with heat-killed R. aurantiacus, the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 by macrophages from F1 mice was similar to that detected in vivo, while their gene expression levels in these cells were significantly lower than the levels in macrophages from mice received water. Heat-killed R. aurantiacus also induced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 mRNA in the cells from F1 mice. Taken together, these results indicate that Pairogen contributes to the negative regulation of the immuno-inflammatory response to R. aurantiacus infection in mice by modulating the cellular redox state. Longitudinal ingestion of Pairogen further enhances the defense function in mouse progeny.

Stimulation of the proliferation and differentiation of skin cells by ferrous ferric chloride from a distance

Ferrous ferric chloride (FFC) is a distinct form of aqueous iron composed of a complex of ferrous chloride and ferric chloride that participates in both oxidation and reduction reactions, and stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of mammalian keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts. However, it is not known whether FFC can stimulate their proliferation and differentiation without being added into culture media or painted on the skin. This study aims to clarify whether FFC can stimulate their proliferation and differentiation from a distance without being added to culture media. In this study, FFC-containing skin lotions were painted under the culture dishes (1 mm away from cells) or on the top of the covers of 1 to 5 polystyrene culture dishes (1 to 5 cm away) and tested for their proliferation- and differentiation-stimulating effects. FFC lotions stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of human keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts from a distance of 1 mm to 1 cm. However, FFC lotions failed to stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of melanocytes from distances of 2 to 5 cm. Results using Teflon covers were similar to those of polystyrene covers. Moreover, the effects of FFC lotions painted on the top of the Teflon covers were completely lost by lead disks. These results suggest that FFC can stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of skin cells from a distance of 1 cm without being added into culture media through physical factors rather than chemical factors.

How are proliferation and differentiation of melanocytes regulated?

Coat colors are determined by melanin (eumelanin and pheomelanin). Melanin is synthesized in melanocytes and accumulates in special organelles, melanosomes, which upon maturation are transferred to keratinocytes. Melanocytes differentiate from undifferentiated precursors, called melanoblasts, which are derived from neural crest cells. Melanoblast/melanocyte proliferation and differentiation are regulated by the tissue environment, especially by keratinocytes, which synthesize endothelins, steel factor, hepatocyte growth factor, leukemia inhibitory factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Melanocyte differentiation is also stimulated by alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone; in the mouse, however, this hormone is likely carried through the bloodstream and not produced locally in the skin. Melanoblast migration, proliferation and differentiation are also regulated by many coat color genes otherwise known for their ability to regulate melanosome formation and maturation, pigment type switching and melanosome distribution and transfer. Thus, melanocyte proliferation and differentiation are not only regulated by genes encoding typical growth factors and their receptors but also by genes classically known for their role in pigment formation.