Lipoteichoic acid isolated from Lactobacillus plantarum inhibits melanogenesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells

Beneficial effect of heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L-137 on intestinal barrier function of rat small intestinal epithelial cells

Heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L-137 (HK L-137) has been suggested to enhance the intestinal barrier in obese mice, leading to improvement of metabolic abnormalities and adipose tissue inflammation, and in healthy humans with overweight, leading to improvement of systemic inflammation. However, its detailed mechanism of action has not been clarified. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of HK L-137 on the permeability of rat small intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells, tight junction-related gene and protein expression and localization, and intracellular signaling pathways involved in barrier function. Treatment of IEC-6 cells with HK L-137 for 26 h significantly reduced the permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD-4). HK L-137 also increased gene and protein expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), an important tight junction protein, without affecting the localization. Furthermore, inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway in IEC-6 cells canceled the HK L-137-related reduction in permeability to FD-4. Phosphorylation of ERK in IEC-6 cells was induced 15 min after the addition of HK L-137. These results suggest that HK L-137 reduces intestinal permeability partly through activating the ERK pathway and increasing expression of the ZO-1 gene and protein. Enhancement of intestinal barrier function with HK L-137 might be effective in preventing and treating leaky gut, for which no specific therapeutic tool has been established.

Skin Deep: The Potential of Microbiome Cosmetics

The interplay between the skin microbiome and its host is a complex facet of dermatological health and has become a critical focus in the development of microbiome cosmetics. The skin microbiome, comprising various microorganisms, is essential from birth, develops over the lifespan, and performs vital roles in protecting our body against pathogens, training the immune system, and facilitating the breakdown of organic matter. Dysbiosis, an imbalance of these microorganisms, has been implicated in a number of skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and skin cancer. Recent scientific findings have spurred cosmetic companies to develop products that preserve and enhance the skin's microbial diversity balance. These products may incorporate elements like prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, which are beneficial for the skin microbiome. Beyond topical products, there's increasing interest in ingestible beauty supplements (i.e. oral probiotics), highlighting the connection between the gut and skin. This review examines the influence of the microbiome on skin health and the emerging trends of microbiome skincare products.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Induces Apoptosis in Melanoma and Breast Cancer Cells

Despite the notable advancements witnessed in the past decade in medical and health research domain, cancer remains a prominent global cause of mortality. Moreover, the conventional treatments employed to combat this disease have been found to considerably compromise the quality of life experienced by patients due to its severe side effects. Recent in vitro studies revealed encouraging findings on the potential beneficial effects of probiotics as adjuvants of anticancer therapy, and even as possible agents for the prevention and treatment of various types of malignancies. From this standpoint, the primary objective of this work was to investigate the anticancer properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) and elucidate its underlying mechanism of action. In order to investigate this matter, several doses of LP (ranging from 105 to 1010 CFU/mL) were examined in relation to melanoma cancer cell lines (A375) and breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The cell viability findings, which were substantiated by morphological investigations and annexin V/PI assay, indicated that LP exerted inhibitory effects on cellular activity and triggered apoptosis. Additionally, upon further investigation into its mechanism, it was observed through the apoptosis assay and Western blot analysis that the administration of LP resulted in an elevation of pro-apoptotic BAX protein levels and an upregulation of cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) protein expression. Conversely, the levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein were found to decrease in the A375 and MCF-7 cell lines. These findings provide insight into the pro-apoptotic mechanism of action of LP in these specific cell lines.

Weizmannia coagulans Extracellular Proteins Reduce Skin Acne by Inhibiting Pathogenic Bacteria and Regulating TLR2/TRAF6-Mediated NF-κB and MAPKs Signaling Pathways

As a probiotic, Weizmannia coagulans (W. coagulans) is often used in food and medicine to regulate intestinal flora and exert anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the anti-acne efficacy and mechanism of extracellular proteins (YTCY-EPs) from W. coagulans YTCY strain are analyzed. The main components of YTCY-EPs, extracted and separated from the fermentation broth, are peptides ranging from 1.51 to 11.44 kDa, accounting for about 80%. Among the peptides identified by LC/MS-MS, YTCY_A-F possess the properties of antimicrobial peptides, while YTCY_1-4 possess antioxidative properties. These peptides have a strong effect on Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and significantly inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition rate of biofilm adhesion of YT-EPs to C. acnes reached 50% under the MIC. It was found that YTCY-EPs possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can effectively reduce active oxygen nearly 3 times and can reduce the downstream TLR2/NF-κB and MAPKs/AP-1 pathways by regulating the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and AP-1 in vitro. The transcriptional expression of inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinase genes is also regulated, thereby slowing the recruitment of inflammatory cells and the development of inflammation, and increasing keratinocyte mobility. In addition, the expression levels of inflammatory factors and matrix metalloproteinases in the rabbit ears with acne problems that were tested with YTCY-EPs were significantly reduced, and it was obviously observed that the rabbit ear inflammation, acne, and keratinization problems were repaired. The results of this study prove that YTCY-EPs can be used as a potential anti-acne raw material in cosmetics.

Heat-Killed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Ameliorated UVB-Induced Oxidative Damage and Photoaging and Its Underlying Mechanisms

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a major environmental causative factor of skin oxidative damage and photoaging. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei is a well-known probiotic strain that can regulate skin health. The present study investigated the effects of heat-killed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (PL) on UVB linked oxidative damage and photoaging in skin cells (Normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells and B16F10 murine melanoma cells). Results demonstrated that: (1) PL prevented UVB-induced cytotoxicity relating to decreased DNA damage in NHDF and B16F10 cells; (2) PL alleviated UVB-induced oxidative damage through increasing GSH content, as well as antioxidant enzyme activities and mRNA levels (except MnSOD activity and mRNA levels as well as CAT mRNA level) relating to the activation of Sirt1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 signaling in NHDF cells; (3) PL attenuated UVB-induced photoaging was noticed with a decrease in the percentage of SA-β-gal positive cells in NHDF cells model. Moreover, PL attenuated UVB-induced photoaging through exerting an anti-wrinkling effect by enhancing the type I collagen level relating to the inhibition (JNK, p38)/(c-Fos, c-Jun) of signaling in NHDF cells, and exerting an anti-melanogenic effect by suppressing tyrosinase and TYRP-1 activity and/or expressions relating to the inhibition of PKA/CREB/MITF signaling in B16F10 cells. In conclusion, PL could ameliorate UVB-induced oxidative damage and photoaging. Therefore, PL may be a potential antioxidant and anti-photoaging active ingredient for the cosmetic industry.

Comparative Insights into the Skin Beneficial Properties of Probiotic Lactobacillus Isolates of Skin Origin

In recent times, probiotics have been emerging as one of valuable cosmetic resources. This work was undertaken to evaluate and compare the skin beneficial properties of three Lactobacillus strains, namely, L. plantarum SB202, L. fermentum SB101, and L. paraplantarum SB401, originally isolated from the healthy skins of Koreans. The Lactobacillus isolates were individually grown in MRS broth, and the corresponding cell-free conditioned mediums (CMs), LP202, LF101 and LPP401, were prepared for analyzing diverse cosmetic potentials at a comparative perspective. The superoxide radical and nitrite ion scavenging activities of the CMs were in the orders of LPP401 ≥ LF101 > LP202 and LPP401 > LF101≒LPP202, respectively. They attenuated the lipopolysaccharide-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrite ion levels in RAW264.7 murine macrophages both in the order of LPP401 ≥ LF101 > LP202, implying their anti-inflammatory properties. They exhibited antityrosinase activities in the order of LPP401 > LF101 ≥ LP202 and diminished α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced melanin levels in B16F10 melanoma cells in the order of LPP401≒LF101 > LP202, suggesting their skin whitening activities. They enhanced cornfield envelope formation in HaCaT keratinocytes in the order of LPP401 > LF101 > LP202. They inhibited the in vitro hyaluronidase and elastase activities in the orders of LPP401 > LP202 ≥ LF101 and LPP401 ≥ LP202 > LF101, respectively. Their enhancing properties on the synthesis of procollagen type I in normal human dermal fibroblasts were in the order of LF101≒LPP401 > >LP202. The CMs possess various cosmetic characteristics, such as antioxidant, skin whitening, antiaging, barrier improving, and anti-inflammatory activities. LPP401, the CM prepared from L. paraplantarum SB401, has been evaluated to be more desirable cosmetic resource than LP202 and LF101.

Deoxyvasicinone with Anti-Melanogenic Activity from Marine-Derived Streptomyces sp. CNQ-617

The tricyclic quinazoline alkaloid deoxyvasicinone (DOV, 1) was isolated from a marine-derived Streptomyces sp. CNQ-617, and its anti-melanogenic effects were investigated. Deoxyvasicinone was shown to decrease the melanin content of B16F10 and MNT-1 cells that have been stimulated by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). In addition, microscopic images of the cells showed that deoxyvasicinone attenuated melanocyte activation. Although, deoxyvasicinone did not directly inhibit tyrosinase (TYR) enzymatic activity, real-time PCR showed that it inhibited the mRNA expression of TYR, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP-2). In the artificial 3D pigmented skin model Melanoderm^TM, deoxyvasicinone brightened the skin significantly, as confirmed by histological examination. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the marine microbial natural product deoxyvascinone has an anti-melanogenic effect through downregulation of melanogenic enzymes.

Modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by probiotics as a fruitful target for orchestrating the immune response

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B or Akt (PKB/Akt) signaling pathways are considered as two but somewhat interconnected significant immune pathways which play complex roles in a variety of physiological processes as well as pathological conditions. Aberrant activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways has been reported to be associated in a wide variety of human diseases. Over the past few years, growing evidence in in vitro and in vivo models suggest that this sophisticated and subtle cascade mediates the orchestration of the immune response in health and disease through exposure to probiotics. An expanding body of literature has highlighted the contribution of probiotics and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic syndrome, skin diseases, allergy, salmonella infection, and aging. However, longitudinal human studies are possibly required to verify more conclusively whether the investigational tools used to understand the regulation of these pathways might provide effective approaches in the prevention and treatment of various disorders. In this Review, we summarize the experimental evidence from recent peer-reviewed studies and provide a brief overview of the causal relationship between the effects of probiotics and their metabolites on the components of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways and human disease.

An Update on the Effectiveness of Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer

Probiotics are living microbes that play a significant role in protecting the host in various ways. Gut microbiota is one of the key players in maintaining homeostasis. Cancer is considered one of the most significant causes of death worldwide. Although cancer treatment has received much attention in recent years, the number of people suffering from neoplastic syndrome continues to increase. Despite notable improvements in the field of cancer therapy, tackling cancer has been challenging due to the multiple properties of cancer cells and their ability to evade the immune system. Probiotics alter the immunological and cellular responses by enhancing the epithelial barrier and stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic compounds, thereby reducing cancer burden and growth. The present review focuses on the various mechanisms underlying the role of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Antioxidant and Antimelanogenic Activities of Kimchi-Derived Limosilactobacillus fermentum JNU532 in B16F10 Melanoma Cells

Melanin is a natural skin pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes via a multistage biochemical pathway known as melanogenesis, involving the oxidation and polymerization of tyrosine. Melanogenesis is initiated upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, causing the skin to darken, which protects skin cells from UVB radiation damage. However, the abnormal accumulation of melanin may lead to the development of certain skin diseases, including skin cancer. In this study, the antioxidant and antimelanogenic activities of the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of twenty strains were evaluated. Based on the results of 60% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, 21% 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging capacity, and a 50% ascorbic acid equivalent ferric reducing antioxidant power value, Limosilactobacillus fermentum JNU532 was selected as the strain with the highest antioxidant potential. No cytotoxicity was observed in cells treated with the CFS of L. fermentum JNU532. Tyrosinase activity was reduced by 16.7% in CFStreated B16F10 cells (but not in the cell-free system), with >23.2% reduction in melanin content upon treatment with the L. fermentum JNU532-derived CFS. The inhibitory effect of the L. fermentum JNU532-derived CFS on B16F10 cell melanogenesis pathways was investigated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The inhibitory effects of the L. fermentum JNU532-derived CFS were mediated by inhibiting the transcription of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, and MITF and the protein expression of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, and MITF. Therefore, L. fermentum JNU532 may be considered a potentially useful, natural depigmentation agent.

Anti-Pigmentary Natural Compounds and Their Mode of Action

Hyper-activated melanocytes are the major cause of skin hyper-pigmentary disorders, such as freckles and melasma. Increasing efforts have been made to search for materials with depigmenting activity to develop functional cosmetics. As a result, numerous materials have been reported to have depigmenting activity but some of them are known to cause unwanted side effects. Consequently, anti-pigmentary natural compounds without concern of toxicity are in great demand. Virtually all sorts of natural sources have been investigated to find anti-pigmentary natural compounds. This review summarizes recently reported anti-pigmentary natural compounds and their mode of action from the ocean, plants, and bacteria.

Combined targeting of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and P65 using miR-27b-3p agomir and lipoteichoic acid in the treatment of gastric cancer

Background

Gastric cancer is the second leading cancer-related mortality worldwide and more effective treatment strategies are urgently needed to combat the disease. Using lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and miR-27b-3p agomir, we aimed to assess the efficacy of this combination of therapies in treating gastric cancer.

Methods

The RNA levels of miR-27b-3p, FOXO3, MET, KRAS, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), TSC1, and P65 were analyzed by quantified-PCR (Q-PCR) and the cell viability of AGS cells was analyzed by MTT. Confirm Luciferase reporter assays were used to explore the putative miR-27b-3p binding sites and Western blot analyzed the protein level of GAPDH, VEGFC, P65, AKT, and phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT). The level of P65 in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of AGS cells was visualized by immunofluorescence assay. Subcutaneous xenograft models of gastric cancer were established, and mice were treated with miR-27b-3p agomir, LTA, or both. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry analysis of tumor tissues were then performed.

Results

The results showed that the decreased expression of miR-27b-3p in gastric cancer cell lines inhibited the viability of AGS cells, and VEGFC was confirmed as the target of miR-27b-3p. In addition, ectopic expression of miR-27b-3p significantly inhibited the AKT pathway in AGS and N87 cells, and LTA suppressed the proliferation of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. In an established xenograft model, both miR-27b-3p agomir alone and LTA treatment alone inhibited tumor growth and treatment which combined the two showed an even stronger inhibitory effect.

Conclusions

Taken together, the combined use of LTA and miR-27b-3p agomir exhibited a synergistic effect in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Korean Red Ginseng extract ameliorates melanogenesis in humans and induces antiphotoaging effects in ultraviolet B-irradiated hairless mice

BACKGROUND

Panax ginseng is a marvelous herbal remedy for all ailments of body. That may be why it is called Panax, which means "cure for all". Melanin is a pigment that gives color to our skin; however, increased melanin production can lead to tumor formation. Human exposure to ultraviolet B radiation has increased extensively owing to the increased sunlight due to global warming. Consequently, a phenomenon called photoaging has been observed for all skin colors and types. As a result of this phenomenon, a set of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, which serve as degradation enzymes for extracellular matrix proteins, mainly collagen, is increased, causing depletion of collagen and resulting in early wrinkle formation.

METHODS

Therefore, in our study, we used the murine melanoma cell line B16/F10 to study the inhibition of melanogenesis by Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extract in vitro and HRM-2 hairless mice exposed to artificial ultraviolet B to examine the efficacy of KRG in vivo. We prepared a 3% red ginseng extract cream and evaluated its effects on human skin.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that KRG induced potent suppression of tyrosinase activity and melanin production in B16/F10 cells; moreover, it reduced the transcription and translation of components involved in the melanin production pathway. In the in vivo experiments, KRG potently suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, reduced wrinkle formation, and inhibited collagen degradation. On human skin, ginseng cream increased skin resilience and skin moisture and enhanced skin tone.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, we conclude that KRG is an excellent skin whitening and antiaging product.

S-Layer Protein of Lactobacillus helveticus SBT2171 Promotes Human β-Defensin 2 Expression via TLR2-JNK Signaling

Antimicrobial peptides that contribute to innate immunity are among the most important protective measures against infection in many organisms. Several substances are known to regulate the expression of antimicrobial peptides. In this study, we investigated the factors in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that induce antimicrobial peptide expression in the host. We found that Lactobacillus helveticus SBT2171 (LH2171) induced the expression of human β-defensin (hBD)2 in Caco-2 human colonic epithelial cells. Specifically, surface layer protein (SLP) of LH2171 stimulated hBD2 expression by activating c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling via Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 in Caco-2 cells. SLPs extracted from other lactobacilli similarly increased hBD2 expression, suggesting that this stimulatory effect is common feature of Lactobacillus SLPs. Interestingly, Lactobacillus strains that strongly induced hBD2 expression also potently activated JNK signaling. Thus, upregulation of hBD2 induced by TLR2–JNK signaling contributes to protection of the host against infection.

Vaginal Lactobacilli Induce Differentiation of Monocytic Precursors Toward Langerhans-like Cells: in Vitro Evidence

Lactobacilli have immunomodulatory mechanisms that affect the host cell immune system, leading to inhibition of HIV-1 transmission. Thus, lactobacilli as mucosal delivery vehicles for developing HIV-1 vaccines have attracted interest in recent years. Herein, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of six strains of Lactobacillus naturally isolated from vaginal samples, including Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus), L. fermentum, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, L. delbrueckii and L. johnsonii, on differentiation of monocytic precursors. L. crispatus, L. fermentum and L. delbrueckii could drive human monocytic cell line THP-1 cells to differentiate into dendritic-like cells according to the morphology. Moreover, L. crispatus increased costimulatory molecules including CD40, CD80 and CD86, and Langerhans cell specific C-type lectin receptors CD207, while L. fermentum decreased these molecules in THP-1 cells. Furthermore, L. crispatus promoted the differentiation of THP-1 cells with specific markers, phagocytic features, cytokine production ability and reduced the expression of receptors for HIV-1 entry of Langerhans cells. However, in the presence of L. fermentum, THP-1 cells did not show the above alterations. Moreover, similar effects of L. crispatus and L. fermentum were observed in CD14⁺ monocytes. These data suggested that L. crispatus facilitates the differentiation of monocytic precursors toward Langerhans-like cells in vitro. We further identified the cell wall components of Lactobacillus and found that peptidoglycans (PGNs), rather than bacteriocins, S-layer protein and lipoteichoic acid, were key contributors to the induction of CD207 expression. However, PGNs originating from Bacillus subtilis, E. coli JM109 and E. coli DH5α did not elevate CD207 expression, indicating that only PGN derived from Lactobacillus could enhance CD207 expression. Finally, the recognized receptors of L. crispatus (such as TLR2 and TLR6) and the upstream transcription factors (PU.1, TAL1, TIF1γ, and POLR2A) of CD207 were examined, and the expression of these molecules was enhanced in THP-1 cells following L. crispatus treatment. Thus, this study offers powerful evidence that vaginal lactobacilli modulate monocytic precursor differentiation into Langerhans-like cells probably via activating the TLR2/6-TFs-CD207 axis. These data provide clues for further investigation of the original occurrence, development and differentiation of Langerhans cells from monocytes.

Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus paracasei Strain LC-Ikematsu, Isolated from a Pineapple in Okinawa, Japan

The draft genome sequence of Lactobacillus paracasei strain LC-Ikematsu, isolated from a pineapple in Okinawa, was determined. The total length of the 87 contigs was 3.08 Mb with a G+C content of 46.2% and 2,946 coding sequences. The genome analysis revealed its biosynthetic ability of 11 amino acids.