The Impact of COVID-19 and Exposure to Violent Media Content on Cyber Violence Victimization Among Adolescents in South Korea: National Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent stay-at-home mandates, adolescents faced isolation and a decline in mental health. With increased online activity during this period, concerns arose regarding exposure to violent media content and cyber victimization among adolescents. Yet, the precise influence of pandemic-related measures on experiences of cyber violence remains unclear. Hence, it is pertinent to investigate whether the pandemic altered the dynamics of cyber violence victimization for individuals.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the effects of COVID-19 and exposure to violent media content on cyber violence victimization among adolescents in South Korea.

METHODS

We used national survey data from 2019 (n=4779) and 2020 (n=4958) to investigate the potential impact of COVID-19 on the prevalence of cyber violence among young adolescents. The data encompassed responses from elementary fourth-grade students to senior high school students, probing their exposure to violent media content, average internet use, as well as experiences of victimization and perpetration.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed a noteworthy decline in cyber victimization during 2020 compared with 2019 (B=-0.12, t=-3.45, P<.001). Furthermore, being a perpetrator significantly contributed to cyber victimization (B=0.57, t=48.36, P<.001). Additionally, younger adolescents (β=-.06, t=-6.09, P<.001), those spending more time online (β=.18, t=13.83, P<.001), and those exposed to violent media (β=.14, t=13.89, P<.001) were found to be more susceptible to victimization.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the widespread belief that cyber violence among adolescents surged during COVID-19 due to increased online activity, the study findings counter this assumption. Surprisingly, COVID-19 did not exacerbate cyber victimization; rather, it decreased it. Given the strong correlation between cyber victimization and offline victimization, our attention should be directed toward implementing real-life interventions aimed at curbing violence originating from in-person violence at school.

Nox4-SH3YL1 complex is involved in diabetic nephropathy

Nox4-derived H2O2 generation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) such as diabetic nephropathy (DN). Here, we showed that SH3 domain-containing Ysc84-like 1 (SH3YL1), a Nox4 cytosolic activator, regulated DN. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type Ⅰ diabetic models in SH3YL1 whole-body knockout (KO) mice and podocyte-specific SH3YL1 conditional KO (Nphs2-Cre/SH3YL1fl/fl) mice were established to investigate the function of SH3YL1 in DN. The expression of fibrosis markers and inflammatory cytokines, the generation of oxidative stress, and the loss of podocytes were suppressed in diabetic SH3YL1 KO and Nphs2-Cre/SH3YL1fl/fl mice, compared to diabetic control mice. To extrapolate the observations derived from diabetic mice to clinical implication, we measured the protein level of SH3YL1 in patients DN. In fact, the SH3YL1 level was increased in patients DN. Overall, the SH3YL1-Nox4 complex was identified to play an important role in renal inflammation and fibrosis, resulting in the development of DN.

A Composite Blood Biomarker Including AKR1B10 and Cytokeratin 18 for Progressive Types of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background

We aimed to evaluate whether composite blood biomarkers including aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18; a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] marker) have clinically applicable performance for the diagnosis of NASH, advanced liver fibrosis, and high-risk NASH (NASH+significant fibrosis).

Methods

A total of 116 subjects including healthy control subjects and patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were analyzed to assess composite blood-based and imaging-based biomarkers either singly or in combination.

Results

A composite blood biomarker comprised of AKR1B10, CK-18, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) showed excellent performance for the diagnosis of, NASH, advanced fibrosis, and high-risk NASH, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.934 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.888 to 0.981), 0.902 (95% CI, 0.832 to 0.971), and 0.918 (95% CI, 0.862 to 0.974), respectively. However, the performance of this blood composite biomarker was inferior to that various magnetic resonance (MR)-based composite biomarkers, such as proton density fat fraction/MR elastography- liver stiffness measurement (MRE-LSM)/ALT/AST for NASH, MRE-LSM+fibrosis-4 index for advanced fibrosis, and the known MR imaging-AST (MAST) score for high-risk NASH.

Conclusion

Our blood composite biomarker can be useful to distinguish progressive forms of NAFLD as an initial noninvasive test when MR-based tools are not available.

Cutting Edge: STING Induces ACLY Activation and Metabolic Adaptations in Human Macrophages through TBK1

The 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway can sense infection and cellular stress by detecting cytosolic DNA. Upon ligand binding, cGAS produces the cyclic dinucleotide messenger cGAMP, which triggers its receptor STING. Active STING initiates gene transcription through the transcription factors IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and NF-κB and induces autophagy, but whether STING can cause changes in the metabolism of macrophages is unknown. In this study, we report that STING signaling activates ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) by phosphorylation in human macrophages. Using genetic and pharmacologic perturbation, we show that STING targets ACLY via its prime downstream signaling effector TANK (TRAF family member-associated NF-κB activator)-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). We further identify that TBK1 alters cellular metabolism upon cGAMP treatment. Our results suggest that STING-mediated metabolic reprogramming adjusts the cellular response to DNA sensing in addition to transcription factor activation and autophagy induction.

Comparative heat stress responses of three hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes differing temperature sensitivity

As global temperatures have steadily increased over past decades, studying of the impacts of heat stress on morpho-physiological traits and economic yields of horticultural crops have been increasingly gained attentions by many scientists and farmers. Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important vegetable crop mostly grown in open-fields in South Korea. In this study, the impacts of prolonged heat stress on three hot pepper genotypes differing by levels of stress susceptibility were evaluated. The study was conducted in two different temperature-controlled greenhouses for 75 days. 48 days old plants were grown in control and heat-treated greenhouses where the temperatures had been set at 30 °C and 35 °C during the day for 75 days, respectively. Morphological, physiological, and nutrient characteristics of three accessions were measured. All hot pepper accessions were enabled to recover from prolonged heat stress exposures within approximately a month. The phenomenon of recovery was observed in some significant morphological and physiological characteristics. For example, the plant growth rate and photosynthesis rate significantly increased after 40th days of heat treatment. The heat stress sensitivity varied between genotypes. The plants that produced more fruits over biomass at early stage of heat treatment had relatively slow recovery, resulting in the largest yield loss. This key morphological characteristic can be used for future breeding program to adapt the prolonged heat stress.

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated HY5 Gene Editing Reduces Growth Inhibition in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa) under ER Stress

Various stresses can affect the quality and yield of crops, including vegetables. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9 technology was employed to examine the role of the ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) gene in influencing the growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa). Single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed to target the HY5 gene, and deep-sequencing analysis confirmed the induction of mutations in the bZIP domain of the gene. To investigate the response of Chinese cabbage to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, plants were treated with tunicamycin (TM). Both wild-type and hy5 mutant plants showed increased growth inhibition with increasing TM concentration. However, the hy5 mutant plants displayed less severe growth inhibition compared to the wild type. Using nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining methods, we determined the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced under ER stress conditions, and found that the hy5 mutant plants generated lower levels of ROS compared to the wild type. Under ER stress conditions, the hy5 mutant plants exhibited lower expression levels of UPR- and cell death-related genes than the wild type. These results indicate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of the HY5 gene can mitigate growth inhibition in Chinese cabbage under stresses, improving the quality and yield of crops.

Regnase-1 plays an essential role in maintaining skin immune homeostasis via regulation of chemokine expression

Regnase-1 is an endoribonuclease that regulates the stability of target genes. Here, we investigated whether Regnase-1 plays a regulatory role in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Regnase-1 levels were decreased in skin and serum of atopic dermatitis patients and mice. Regnase-1^+/- mice exhibited more severe atopic dermatitis symptoms than wild-type mice in a house dust mite allergen-induced atopic dermatitis model. Regnase-1 deficiency led to the global changes in gene expression related with innate immune and inflammatory responses, in particular chemokines. The skin Regnase-1 level had an inverse relationship with chemokine expression when we analyzed samples of atopic dermatitis patients and Regnase-1-deficient mice, suggesting that potentiated chemokine production contributes to the augmented inflammation at lesion sites. Subcutaneous administration of recombinant Regnase-1 to mice significantly ameliorated atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation with reduced chemokine production in a house dust mite-induced atopic dermatitis NC/Nga mouse model. These results indicate that Regnase-1 plays an essential role in maintaining skin immune homeostasis as a regulator of chemokine expression. Modulating Regnase-1 activity may be an efficient therapeutic strategy for treating chronic inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis.

Association of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with survival depends on primary tumor sidedness in stage III colon cancers (NCCTG N0147) [Alliance]

BACKGROUND

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are a robust and independent prognostic variable in localized colon cancer. Given reported differences in molecular features and prognosis of right- versus left-sided tumors, we examined the association of TIL densities with patient survival by primary tumor sidedness in stage III cancers, including clinical low- (T1-3, N1) and high-risk (T4 and/or N2) groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a phase III trial of FOLFOX-based adjuvant chemotherapy, TIL densities were analyzed and dichotomized in colon carcinomas (N = 1532) based on a previously determined cut point optimized for disease-free survival (DFS). Right-sided tumors were defined as proximal to the splenic flexure. Associations of TILs and sidedness with 5-year DFS were examined using Kaplan-Meier methodology along with multivariable modeling and relative contribution analysis by Cox regression.

RESULTS

Lower TIL densities were found in left- versus right-sided tumors (P < 0.0001). The association of TIL densities with DFS differed significantly by tumor sidedness (Pinteraction = 0.045). Overall, patient tumors with low (versus high) TILs had significantly poorer DFS in right-sided (hazard ratio 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.45-2.82; Padj < 0.0001), but not left-sided tumors (Padj = 0.1731). Among clinical low-risk patients, low (versus high) TILs were adversely prognostic only in right-sided tumors (Padj = 0.0058). Among high-risk patients, low TILs were prognostic independent of sidedness (Padj < 0.025). The relative contribution of TILs to DFS was substantially greater in right- versus left-sided tumors (24% versus 1.5%). In high-risk tumors, TILs had the highest relative contribution to DFS (42%) of all variables. In low-risk tumors, the contribution of TILs (16%) to DFS was second to KRAS.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of TIL densities with patient survival differed by primary tumor sidedness and clinical risk group, suggesting that TILs should be interpreted in this context among stage III colon cancers.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT00079274; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00079274.

Development of new tools to study membrane-anchored mammalian Atg8 proteins

ABBREVIATIONS

A:C autophagic membrane:cytosol; ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; ATG4 autophagy related 4; Atg8 autophagy related 8; BafA1 bafilomycin A₁; BNIP3L/Nix BCL2 interacting protein 3 like; CALCOCO2/NDP52 calcium binding and coiled-coil domain 2; EBSS Earle's balanced salt solution; GABARAP GABA type A receptor-associated protein; GST glutathione S transferase; HKO hexa knockout; K_d dissociation constant; LIR LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3 microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; NLS nuclear localization signal/sequence; PE phosphatidylethanolamine; SpHfl1 Schizosaccharomyces pombeorganic solute transmembrane transporter; SQSTM1/p62 SQSTM1/p62; TARDBP/TDP-43 TAR DNA binding protein; TKO triple knockout.

NADPH oxidase inhibitor development for diabetic nephropathy through water tank model

Oxidative stress can cause generation of uncontrolled reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lead to cytotoxic damage to cells and tissues. Recently, it has been shown that transient ROS generation can serve as a secondary messenger in receptor-mediated cell signaling. Although excessive levels of ROS are harmful, moderated levels of ROS are essential for normal physiological function. Therefore, regulating cellular ROS levels should be an important concept for development of novel therapeutics for treating diseases. The overexpression and hyperactivation of NADPH oxidase (Nox) can induce high levels of ROS, which are strongly associated with diabetic nephropathy. This review discusses the theoretical basis for development of the Nox inhibitor as a regulator of ROS homeostasis to provide emerging therapeutic opportunities for diabetic nephropathy.

Plasma Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 Member B10 as a Biomarker Performs Well in the Diagnosis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Fibrosis

We found several blood biomarkers through computational secretome analyses, including aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10), which reflected the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). After confirming that hepatic AKR1B10 reflected the progression of NAFLD in a subgroup with NAFLD, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of plasma AKR1B10 and other biomarkers for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis in replication cohort. We enrolled healthy control subjects and patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD (n = 102) and evaluated the performance of various diagnostic markers. Plasma AKR1B10 performed well in the diagnosis of NASH with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.834 and a cutoff value of 1078.2 pg/mL, as well as advanced fibrosis (AUROC curve value of 0.914 and cutoff level 1078.2 pg/mL), with further improvement in combination with C3. When we monitored a subgroup of obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery (n = 35), plasma AKR1B10 decreased dramatically, and 40.0% of patients with NASH at baseline showed a decrease in plasma AKR1B10 levels to below the cutoff level after the surgery. In an independent validation study, we proved that plasma AKR1B10 was a specific biomarker of NAFLD progression across varying degrees of renal dysfunction. Despite perfect correlation between plasma and serum levels of AKR1B10 in paired sample analysis, its serum level was 1.4-fold higher than that in plasma. Plasma AKR1B10 alone and in combination with C3 could be a useful noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis of NASH and hepatic fibrosis.

HEXA-018, a Novel Inducer of Autophagy, Rescues TDP-43 Toxicity in Neuronal Cells

The autophagy-lysosomal pathway is an essential cellular mechanism that degrades aggregated proteins and damaged cellular components to maintain cellular homeostasis. Here, we identified HEXA-018, a novel compound containing a catechol derivative structure, as a novel inducer of autophagy. HEXA-018 increased the LC3-I/II ratio, which indicates activation of autophagy. Consistent with this result, HEXA-018 effectively increased the numbers of autophagosomes and autolysosomes in neuronal cells. We also found that the activation of autophagy by HEXA-018 is mediated by the AMPK-ULK1 pathway in an mTOR-independent manner. We further showed that ubiquitin proteasome system impairment- or oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity was significantly reduced by HEXA-018 treatment. Moreover, oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction was strongly ameliorated by HEXA-018 treatment. In addition, we investigated the efficacy of HEXA-018 in models of TDP-43 proteinopathy. HEXA-018 treatment mitigated TDP-43 toxicity in cultured neuronal cell lines and Drosophila. Our data indicate that HEXA-018 could be a new drug candidate for TDP-43-associated neurodegenerative diseases.

RIG-I Deficiency Promotes Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance

Inflammation and immunity are linked to the onset and development of obesity and metabolic disorders. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are key regulators of inflammation and immunity in response to infection and stress, and they have critical roles in metainflammation. In this study, we investigated whether RIG-I (retinoic acid-inducible gene I)-like receptors were involved in the regulation of obesity-induced metabolic stress in RIG-I knockout (KO) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). RIG-I KO mice fed an HFD for 12 weeks showed greater body weight gain, higher fat composition, lower lean body mass, and higher epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) weight than WT mice fed HFD. In contrast, body weight gain, fat, and lean mass compositions, and eWAT weight of MDA5 (melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5) KO mice fed HFD were similar to those of WT mice fed a normal diet. RIG-I KO mice fed HFD exhibited more severely impaired glucose tolerance and higher HOMA-IR values than WT mice fed HFD. IFN-β expression induced by ER stress inducers, tunicamycin and thapsigargin, was abolished in RIG-I-deficient hepatocytes and macrophages, showing that RIG-I is required for ER stress-induced IFN-β expression. Our results show that RIG-I deficiency promotes obesity and insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet, presenting a novel role of RIG-I in the development of obesity and metabolic disorders.

Gender and Cultural Differences in the Relationships between Self-Esteem Contingency, Body Talk, and Body Esteem

This study analyzed the positive and negative body talk of male and female adolescents cross-culturally with an emphasis on the role of appearance-contingent and others' approval-contingent self-worth. A cross-national survey in Austria, Belgium, Spain, and South Korea among 12- to 16-year-olds (982 female and 993 male) found that (1) positive body talk was positively related and negative body talk was negatively related to body esteem; (2) appearance contingency was positively related to negative body talk; (3) appearance contingency increased positive body talk among girls (except Korean girls); and (4) contingency on other's approval increased positive body talk among boys in all four countries. Overall, gender differences were more prominent than cultural differences and positive body talk was instrumental in promoting adolescents' body esteem.

Iron Accumulation and Changes in Cellular Organelles in WDR45 Mutant Fibroblasts

Iron overload in the brain, defined as excess stores of iron, is known to be associated with neurological disorders. In neurodegeneration accompanied by brain iron accumulation, we reported a specific point mutation, c.974-1G>A in WD Repeat Domain 45 (WDR45), showing iron accumulation in the brain, and autophagy defects in the fibroblasts. In this study, we investigated whether fibroblasts with mutated WDR45 accumulated iron, and other effects on cellular organelles. We first identified the main location of iron accumulation in the mutant fibroblasts and then investigated the effects of this accumulation on cellular organelles, including lipid droplets, mitochondria and lysosomes. Ultrastructure analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal microscopy showed structural changes in the organelles. Increased numbers of lipid droplets, fragmented mitochondria and increased numbers of lysosomal vesicles with functional disorder due to WDR45 deficiency were observed. Based on correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) findings, most of the iron accumulation was noted in the lysosomal vesicles. These changes were associated with defects in autophagy and defective protein and organelle turnover. Gene expression profiling analysis also showed remarkable changes in lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and autophagy-related genes. These data suggested that functional and structural changes resulted in impaired lipid metabolism, mitochondrial disorder, and unbalanced autophagy fluxes, caused by iron overload.

Autophagic defects observed in fibroblasts from a patient with β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration

Beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) is associated with mutations in the autophagy gene WDR45. The aim of this study was to demonstrate autophagic defects in a patient with BPAN. We assayed autophagic markers using western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry and applied transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize the autophagic structures in fibroblasts from a 7-year-old Korean female with WDR45 splice-site mutation (c.977-1G>A; NM_007075.3). The protein and mRNA expression levels of WDR45 gene were decreased in the patient-derived fibroblasts. The amount of increase in LC3-II upon treatment with an autophagy inducer and inhibitor was reduced in mutant cells compared to control cells, suggesting decreased autophagic flux. TEM showed the accumulation of large vacuoles in mutant cells with a decrease of autophagosomes. Our study demonstrated that the WDR45 mutation in this patient impaired autophagy and provided additional insight into ultrastructural changes of autophagic structures.

Oxidized Phospholipids in Tumor Microenvironment Stimulate Tumor Metastasis via Regulation of Autophagy

Oxidized phospholipids are well known to play physiological and pathological roles in regulating cellular homeostasis and disease progression. However, their role in cancer metastasis has not been entirely understood. In this study, effects of oxidized phosphatidylcholines such as 1-palmitoyl-2-(5-oxovaleroyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POVPC) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and autophagy were determined in cancer cells by immunoblotting and confocal analysis. Metastasis was analyzed by a scratch wound assay and a transwell migration/invasion assay. The concentrations of POVPC and 1-palmitoyl-2-glutaroyl-sn-glycero-phosphocholine (PGPC) in tumor tissues obtained from patients were measured by LC-MS/MS analysis. POVPC induced EMT, resulting in increase of migration and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) and human breast cancer cells (MCF7). POVPC induced autophagic flux through AMPK-mTOR pathway. Pharmacological inhibition or siRNA knockdown of autophagy decreased migration and invasion of POVPC-treated HepG2 and MCF7 cells. POVPC and PGPC levels were greatly increased at stage II of patient-derived intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma tissues. PGPC levels were higher in malignant breast tumor tissues than in adjacent nontumor tissues. The results show that oxidized phosphatidylcholines increase metastatic potential of cancer cells by promoting EMT, mediated through autophagy. These suggest the positive regulatory role of oxidized phospholipids accumulated in tumor microenvironment in the regulation of tumorigenesis and metastasis.

The Relationships among Self-Worth Contingency on Others' Approval, Appearance Comparisons on Facebook, and Adolescent Girls' Body Esteem: A Cross-Cultural Study

The present study examined the relationship between appearance-related social comparison on social networking services (SNSs) and body esteem in a cross-cultural context (three European countries, i.e., Austria, Belgium, and Spain, versus one Asian country, i.e., South Korea). The role of self-worth contingency on others' approval was considered to be a psychological and cultural factor. Utilizing a large-scale cross-national survey of early and middle adolescents in 2017, the responses of female adolescents (N = 981) were analyzed. The results generally support the findings from previous studies but also reveal cultural differences. Appearance comparison on Facebook negatively influenced girls' body esteem in all European countries, but not in South Korea. Self-worth contingency on others' approval negatively influenced girls' body esteem across all four countries. Finally, a positive relationship between self-worth contingency on others' approval and appearance comparison on Facebook was found in all European countries, but not among Korean girls. These findings suggest the importance of self-worth contingency on others' approval and cultural contexts can be used to study the effects of body image-related SNS use.

Young Women’s Sex Talk Online: Roles of Anonymity, Social Closeness, and Cultural Background on Perceived Appropriateness and Behavioral Intention

In this study, we examined the roles of anonymity and social closeness in predicting young women’s perceptions of “sex talk” (i.e., communication about sexual interests, enjoyment, and experiences) and intentions to post such content in cyberspace. We also examined cultural differences among Asian, Latina, and European Americans. A total of 466 undergraduate women from the three cultural groups participated in the online experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to either a low anonymity condition (i.e., Facebook) or a high anonymity condition (i.e., an anonymous online forum) where they were exposed to identical sex talk stimuli. The main findings showed that greater anonymity increased both the level of perceived appropriateness of sex talk posted by other female users and participants’ intentions to post sex talk online themselves. Compared to European American women, Asian and Latina Americans reported greater intentions to post sex talk online and perceived other female users’ sex talk posts as more appropriate. The results of this study prompt educators and practitioners to help young women strategically manage their impressions of sex talk online while being sensitive to women’s cultural backgrounds. They also suggest the need for further support from practitioners, educators, and parents to construct safe spaces for young women to engage open conversations about sexual matters in the digital space.

Effects of taboo conversation topics on impression formation and task performance evaluation

We examined how taboo conversation topics, such as being arrested, religion, and one's body weight, affect impression formation and task performance. In an experiment with 109 women, each participant and a female research confederate, whom the participant believed to be another participant, had a conversation and were asked to complete a task. We manipulated the conversation topics and actual task performance of the confederate, and measured participants' communication satisfaction; perception of the confederate's social, physical, and task attractiveness; and task performance. The results show that when the confederate performed well and appropriate (vs. taboo) conversation topics were discussed, the participants formed a more positive impression of the confederate and evaluated her task performance more positively. Therefore, if social norms for appropriate conversation topics are not followed, individuals may be less satisfied with their interpersonal communication interaction with the person who has not observed the norms, and may evaluate the task performance of that other person more negatively.

Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome in tumor microenvironment leads to suppression of metastatic potential of cancer cells

Tumor microenvironment favors tumor cells to promote their growth and metastasis such as migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. IL-1β, one of the inflammatory cytokines released from myeloid cells in tumor microenvironment, plays an important role in development and progress of tumor. The activation of inflammasome is a critical step to secrete mature IL-1β through stepwise reactions to activate capspase-1. Therefore, we investigated whether the inhibition of NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in macrophages regulated the metastatic potential of tumor cells. NLRP3 inflammasome was activated by ATP in bone marrow-derived primary mouse macrophages. The metastatic potential of mouse melanoma cell line (B16F10) was determined by migration and invasion assays with transwell system. ATP-treated wild-type macrophages increased the migration and invasion of melanoma cells. However, NLRP3- or caspase-1-knockout macrophages exhibited greatly diminished ability to promote the migration and invasion of melanoma cells. In addition, treatment with celastrol, an inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome, reduced the potency of macrophages to stimulate migration and invasion of melanoma cells. The results demonstrate that inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages by genetic deficiency or a pharmacological inhibitor is linked to suppression of the metastatic potential of tumor cells. The results would provide a novel anti-cancer strategy to modulate tumor microenvironment by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome and consequently reducing IL-1β production.

CCN1 interlinks integrin and hippo pathway to autoregulate tip cell activity

CCN1 (CYR61) stimulates active angiogenesis in various tumours, although the mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we report that CCN1 is a key regulator of endothelial tip cell activity in angiogenesis. Microvessel networks and directional vascular cell migration patterns were deformed in ccn1-knockdown zebrafish embryos. CCN1 activated VEGFR2 and downstream MAPK/PI3K signalling pathways, YAP/TAZ, as well as Rho effector mDia1 to enhance tip cell activity and CCN1 itself. VEGFR2 interacted with integrin αvβ3 through CCN1. Integrin αvβ3 inhibitor repressed tip cell number and sprouting in postnatal retinas from endothelial cell-specific Ccn1 transgenic mice, and allograft tumours in Ccn1 transgenic mice showed hyperactive vascular sprouting. Cancer patients with high CCN1 expression have poor survival outcomes and positive correlation with ITGAV and ITGB3 and high YAP/WWTR1. Thus, our data underscore the positive feedback regulation of tip cells by CCN1 through integrin αvβ3/VEGFR2 and increased YAP/TAZ activity, suggesting a promising therapeutic intervention for pathological angiogenesis.

We Want a Team Player: A Formative Cross-Cultural Investigation in the United States, China, and South Korea

The term “team player” originated in a Western cultural context and can be summarized in the form of five task and two social roles. Yet, can these roles be replicated outside of a U.S. context and will their endorsement vary across cultures and employment status? To answer this exploratory question, we collected data from a total of 483 participants comprising 269 U.S. Americans, 110 Chinese, and 104 Koreans. Participants were asked to describe a team player in their native languages. Three coders per cultural group found more than 3,000 coding units based on the seven predetermined team player roles. The results, based on chi-square tests, show that participants from all three cultural groups consider a team player’s responsibilities to be multidimensional, possessing both task competencies and social skills. Nevertheless, the extent to which each culture emphasizes these two dimensions differs. Both U.S. American and Chinese participants prefer a balance between task roles and social roles, whereas Korean participants prioritize task roles over social roles. These findings provide empirical evidence that across the three cultural groups, broadly the same roles are expected of a team player; however, the U.S. and Chinese understandings were more similar than across the two Asian samples, questioning the often simplistic view of Asian cultures as being homogeneous and of Western and Asian cultures being at different ends of a spectrum of difference. Finally, findings suggest that incorporating explicit discussion about what being a team player entails is a necessary step in multicultural workplaces.

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Prevents Acute Gout by Suppressing NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Mitochondrial DNA Synthesis

Gout is a chronic inflammatory disease evoked by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joint tissues. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is responsible for the gout inflammatory symptoms induced by MSU crystals. We investigated whether epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) suppresses the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby effectively preventing gouty inflammation. EGCG blocked MSU crystal-induced production of caspase-1(p10) and interleukin-1β in primary mouse macrophages, indicating its suppressive effect on the NLRP3 inflammasome. In an acute gout mouse model, oral administration of EGCG to mice effectively alleviated gout inflammatory symptoms in mouse foot tissue injected with MSU crystals. The in vivo suppressive effects of EGCG correlated well with the suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome in mouse foot tissue. EGCG inhibited the de novo synthesis of mitochondrial DNA as well as the production of reactive oxygen species in primary mouse macrophages, contributing to the suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These results show that EGCG suppresses the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages via the blockade of mitochondrial DNA synthesis, contributing to the prevention of gouty inflammation. The inhibitory effects of EGCG on the NLRP3 inflammasome make EGCG a promising therapeutic option for NLRP3-dependent diseases such as gout.

Protective Effect of Biculturalism for Health Amongst Minority Youth: The Case of Pacific Islander Migrant Youths in Hawai'i

This study investigates the mechanisms by which biculturalism impacts various health outcomes amongst youth migrants to Hawai'i who are from the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands jurisdictions. Using purposive sampling, 284 males and females (twelve to nineteen years old) of Pacific Islander ethnicities in Hawai'i completed a survey. Results from path analysis showed that biculturalism significantly and positively affected self-esteem that, in turn, improved eating attitude, body satisfaction and perceived well-being. Further, eating attitude increased healthy eating behaviour and body satisfaction that, in turn, positively affected general health perception and body satisfaction. Positive smoking attitudes increased smoking activities, which negatively affect general health perception. The study demonstrated that self-esteem impacted overall health through its influence on enhancing positive perceptions about the importance of healthy eating, body satisfaction and well-being. Biculturalism indirectly led to increased self-esteem, which in turn directly influenced attitudes about healthy eating, body satisfaction and perceived well-being. Our study provides strong evidence that addressing the problem of health disparities for minority populations in the USA has to start with reaffirming the value of diversity and multiculturalism and embracing an individual's historic cultural identity. Specific implications for funding agencies and researchers of minority health programs are discussed.

Muscle Talk Online and Impression Formation Based on Body Type: Comparisons Between Asian American and Caucasian American Males

This study aimed to investigate how individuals form impressions about the self-esteem and life satisfaction of a male who engages in muscle talk on Facebook. The study examined (a) how a target's body build and peer-generated comments influence observers' impression of him, and (b) how such influences might be moderated by the cultural backgrounds of observers (Asian Americans and European Americans). A mock-up Facebook profile page was created in which two factors were manipulated: the target's body build (muscular, average, and overweight) and peer-generated messages (muscle encouraging and muscle discouraging), creating six different conditions. Male college students ( N = 508) were randomly assigned to one of the conditions. After viewing a mock-up Facebook page online, participants completed an online questionnaire assessing their impressions of the target's self-esteem and life satisfaction. Results showed that a muscular target was perceived as possessing higher levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction. Observers rated the target as having higher self-esteem when the target received muscle-encouraging messages than when the target received muscle-discouraging messages. No cultural differences were identified. Findings suggest the existence of weight bias when forming psychological impressions of others online. Findings also confirmed the important role of peer-generated messages in the impression formation process online.

Immunostimulatory activity of Y-shaped DNA nanostructures mediated through the activation of TLR9

Immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides (DNAs) have been widely studied in pharmaceutical and biomedical research fields for applications in cancer immunotherapy and vaccination. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are critical for the instruction and orchestration of the host immune system composed of innate and adaptive immunity. In particular, TLR9 responds to DNAs with unmethylated deoxycytosine-deoxyguanosine (CpG) motifs, thereby inducing the activation of innate immune cells, such as dendritic cells, and consequently, adaptive immune cells. In this study, we developed two kinds of Y-shaped double-stranded DNA nanostructures (Y-DNAs), including a single unit composed of three DNA strands (Y_S-DNA) and a ligated multiunit complex formed by crosslinking each Y_S-DNA (Y_L-DNA), and investigated whether they have immunostimulatory activity in innate immune cells. Y_S-DNA and Y_L-DNA induced the production of immune cytokines such as IL-12 and TNF-α and the expression of costimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86 in primary mouse dendritic cells and macrophage cells (RAW264.7 cells). A Coprecipitation study demonstrated that Y_L-DNA was directly associated with TLR9. The induction of immune cytokines by Y_S-DNA and Y_L-DNA was abolished in TLR9-deficient primary mouse dendritic cells. The results demonstrated that Y-DNAs induced the activation of dendritic cells and macrophages mediated by the activation of TLR9, as shown by the expression of immune cytokines and costimulatory molecules. The results suggest that Y-DNA nanostructures provide a beneficial strategy for immunotherapy by modulating the immune system.

Size-controllable and uniform gold bumpy nanocubes for single-particle-level surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensitivity

Gold nanocubes modified to form roughened structures with very strong and uniform single-particle surface-enhanced Raman scattering intensity were developed.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Jellyfish Chrysaora pacifica (Goette, 1886) (Semaeostomeae: Pelagiidae) with Description of the Complete rDNA Sequence

Jinho Chae, Yoseph Seo, Won Bae Yu, Won Duk Yoon, Hye Eun Lee, Soo-Jung Chang, and Jang-Seu Ki (2018) The Scyphomedusae genus Chrysaora consists of highly diversified jellyfishes. Although morphological systematics of the genus has been documented over the past century, characterization of molecular taxonomy has been attempted only recently. In the present study, we sequenced an 8,167 bp region, encompassing a single ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeat unit, from Chrysaora pacifica, and used it for phylogenetic analyses. The tandemly repeated rDNA units turned out to consist of both coding and noncoding regions, whose arrangement was found to be the same as that of a typical eukaryote. None of the 5S rRNA sequences were found among the repeat units. Comparative analyses of jellyfish rDNA sequences showed that the 28S locus is highly informative and divergent compared to the 18S locus. Phylogenetic analyses of the 18S and 28S loci revealed that the Semaeostomeae order of jellyfish is separated into taxonomic groups by families and genera, with a few exceptions. The family Pelagiidae was in a clade separate from other groups, thus forming a monophyletic lineage. All Chrysaora included here formed a strongly supported clade within the family Pelagiidae, and Pelagiidae manifested a sister relationship with Cyanea. Nonetheless, Chrysaora was found to be paraphyletic in both 18S and 28S phylogenies. Chrysaora pacifica was clearly distinct from close relatives C. melanaster and C. quinquecirrha. These results provide a special reference for the DNA taxonomy of Pelagiidae jellyfishes in terms of nuclear cistron rDNA sequences and improve our understanding of the molecular phylogenetic relationships among Semaeostomeae jellyfishes.

Licochalcone A attenuates acne symptoms mediated by suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome

Activation of the NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is critical for inducing inflammation and aggravating the development of acne lesions. We searched for available small-molecule inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome that could be topically administered for the treatment of acne. We found that licochalcone A, a chalconoid isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflate, was an effective inhibitor for P. acnes-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Licochalcone A blocked P. acnes-induced production of caspase-1(p10) and IL-1β in primary mouse macrophages and human SZ95 sebocytes, indicating the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome. Licochalcone A suppressed P. acnes-induced ASC speck formation and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Topical application of licochalcone A to mouse ear skin attenuated P. acnes-induced skin inflammation as shown by histological assessment, ear thickness measurement, and inflammatory gene expression. Licochalcone A reduced caspase-1 activity and IL-1β production in mouse ear injected with P. acnes. This study demonstrated that licochalcone A is effective in the control of P. acnes-induced skin inflammation as an efficient inhibitor for NLRP3 inflammasome. Our study provides a new paradigm for the development of anti-acne therapy via targeting NLRP3 inflammasome.

Phloxine O, a Cosmetic Colorant, Suppresses the Expression of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin and Acute Dermatitis Symptoms in Mice

Cosmetics are primarily applied to the skin; therefore, the association of cosmetic dyes with skin diseases or inflammation is a topic of great interest. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an interleukin 7-like cytokine that activates dendritic cells to promote Th2 inflammatory immune responses. TSLP is highly expressed in keratinocytes under inflammatory conditions, which suggests that it may play a critical role in the development of skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. Therefore, we investigated whether cosmetic dyes influenced the production of TSLP by keratinocytes. Phloxine O, also known as D&C Red No.27, is one of the most common red synthetic pigments and is widely used in colored cosmetics. Our results showed that Phloxine O downregulated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced production of TSLP in a murine keratinocyte cell line (PAM212). Phloxine O also suppressed TSLP expression in KCMH-1 cells, which are mouse keratinocytes that constitutively produce high levels of TSLP. To investigate the in vivo effects of Phloxine O, we induced TSLP expression in mouse ear skin by topically applying MC903, a vitamin D3 analogue that is a well-known inducer of atopic dermatitis-like symptoms. Topical application of Phloxine O prevented MC903-induced TSLP production in mouse ear skin, attenuated the acute dermatitis-like symptoms and decreased serum IgE and histamine levels in mice. Suppression of TSLP expression by Phloxine O correlated with reduced expression of OX40 ligand and Th2 cytokines in mouse ear skin. Our results showed that Phloxine O may be beneficial to prevent dermatitis by suppressing the expression of TSLP and Th2 cytokines in skin.

Anti-obesity potential of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and licochalcone A through induction of adipocyte browning

The main function of brown adipose tissue is to dissipate surplus caloric intake into heat energy by thermogenesis, increasing energy expenditure. Inducible brown adipocytes can develop within white adipose tissue (WAT) through a process referred to as browning. Browning of white fat represents a promising strategy for treatment of obesity and the related complications. We investigated whether Glycyrrhiza uralensis and its ingredients modulated adipogenesis through adipocyte browning using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice model. Amongst extracts and fractions of G. uralensis, methyl dichloride (MeCl₂) fraction was the most effective to induce expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a fat browning marker, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Ingredients of G. uralensis such as licochalcone A (LicoA), isoliquiritigenin, and liquiritigenin induced UCP1 expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. After inducing obesity in mice by 6-week HFD, MeCl₂ fraction of G. uralensis or LicoA was intraperitoneally administered for additional 19 days. MeCl₂ fraction or LicoA significantly reduced body weight gain and inguinal fat pad weights. Furthermore, MeCl₂ fraction or LicoA improved metabolic disorders induced by HFD as the treatments decreased serum levels of glucose and cholesterol, and blocked insulin resistance. MeCl₂ fraction or LicoA enhanced expression of brown fat markers such as UCP1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α and increased brown fat phenotype population in inguinal WAT of HFD-fed mice. Our results demonstrate that G. uralensis and LicoA are effective to reduce obesity and to recover metabolic homeostasis by inducing the brown fat phenotype.

Suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome by oral treatment with sulforaphane alleviates acute gouty inflammation

Objective

The aetiology of gout is closely linked to the deposition of monosodium uric acid (MSU) crystals and the consequent activation of the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. In this study, we investigated whether oral administration of an NLRP3 inhibitor would be effective to attenuate the symptoms of gout.

Methods

The effects of oral administration with sulforaphane (SFN) were examined in two mouse models of acute gout induced by injection of MSU crystals into footpads or air pouch. The production of caspase-1 (p10) and IL-1β was examined by immunoblotting and ELISA as hallmarks of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Results

Oral administration of SFN attenuated MSU crystal-induced swelling and neutrophil recruitment in a mouse foot acute gout model, correlating with the suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in foot tissues. Consistently, oral administration of SFN blocked MSU-crystal-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in a mouse air pouch gout model. SFN suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by MSU crystals, adenosine triphosphate and nigericin but not by poly(dA:dT) in primary mouse macrophages, independent of the reactive oxygen species pathway. SFN inhibited ligand-independent activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting that SFN may act directly on the NLRP3 inflammasome complex.

Conclusion

Oral administration of SFN effectively alleviated acute gouty inflammation by suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Our results provide a novel strategy in which oral treatment with SFN may be beneficial in preventing acute attacks of gout.

Molecular and functional evaluation of a novel HIF inhibitor, benzopyranyl 1,2,3-triazole compound

Hypoxia occurs in a variety of pathological events, including the formation of solid tumors. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is stabilized under hypoxic conditions and is a key molecule in tumor growth and angiogenesis. Seeking to develop novel cancer therapeutics, we investigated small molecules from our in-house chemical libraries to target HIF-1α. We employed a dual-luciferase assay that uses a luciferase (Luc) reporter vector harboring five copies of hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) in the promoter. Under hypoxic conditions that increased Luc reporter activity by four-fold, we screened 144 different compounds, nine of which showed 30–50% inhibition of hypoxia-induced Luc reporter activity. Among these, “Compound 12, a benzopyranyl 1,2,3-triazole” was the most efficient at inhibiting the expression of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions, reducing its expression by 80%. Under hypoxic conditions, the half maximal IC₅₀ of the compound was 24 nM in HEK-293 human embryonic kidney cells, and 2 nM in A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Under hypoxic conditions, Compound 12 increased hydroxylated HIF-1α levels and HIF-1α ubiquitination, and also dose-dependently decreased HIF-1α target gene expression as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion. Furthermore, this compound inhibited VEGF-induced in vitro angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and in vivo, it inhibited chick chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis. In allogaft assays, cotreatment with Compound 12 and gefitinib significantly inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis. Compound 12 can be a novel inhibitor of HIF-1α by accelerating its degradation, and shows much potential as an anti-cancer agent through its ability to suppress tumor growth and angiogenesis.

Cross-cultural testing of face threats to predict apology and thanks intentions

We examined whether Koreans intended to make an apology and North Americans intended to express thanks in a message asking for a favor. Because one reason for apologizing or thanking is to lessen the face threat occurred by favor asking, four face threats were empirically measured to predict participants' intentions. Participants were 104 North American and 90 Korean college students who took the role of an email sender making a favor request and selected from options for apologizing or thanking the receiver to lessen the four types of face threat. Results showed that North Americans intended to express thanks, and both North Americans and Koreans intended to make an apology when asking a favor; further, for Koreans, a speaker's positive face threat triggered intention to make an apology and, for North Americans, a receiver's negative face threat triggered an intention to express thanks. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

A natural product inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome derived from Glycyrrhiza uralensis for the treatment of inflammatory diseases

The NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a pattern recognition receptor complex recognizing invading pathogens and activating caspase-1 to induce maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β, thereby playing a critical role in the regulation of immune responses. Its aberrant activation is pathogenic to inherited issues for example, cryopyrin-associated occasional syndrome, multiple sclerosis, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis. The root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GU) has been used as herbal medicine worldwide for over 4000 years. GU is a well-recognized, natural sweetener and used as a traditional medicine to treat several diseases and symptoms, including diabetes, lung diseases, and coughs. Although the effects of GU on immunity have been reported, its effects on inflammasomes, have not been fully studied yet. In this study, we elucidated the effect of GU on inflammasome activation using primary mouse macrophages. GU inhibited the production of caspase-1(p10) and mature IL-1β induced by NLRP3 inflammasome activation in primary mouse macrophages. Furthermore, GU markedly inhibited diet-induced adipose tissue inflammation and IL-1β and caspase-1 production in white adipose tissue. The results demonstrate that GU inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages, suggesting that GU is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated inflammatory diseases.

Acknowledgement

This work was carried out with the support of “Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science & Technology Development (Project No. PJ01199002)” Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.

Binding of small molecule to ASC leads to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome and acute gout symptoms

The NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which is composed of NLRP3, the adaptor protein ASC, and caspase-1, is closely linked to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. We investigated whether caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an anti-inflammatory phytochemical, could modulate the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and have beneficial effects on the related disease such as acute gout. In primary mouse macrophages, CAPE blocked NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by monosodium uric acid (MSU) crystals. In a mouse air pouch inflammation model and an acute gout model, oral administration of CAPE suppressed MSU-induced caspase-1 activation and interleukin (IL)-1b production, correlating with the attenuation of inflammatory symptoms. CAPE inhibited inflammasome activation induced by ASC, but not NLRP3 nor caspase-1. CAPE directly associated with ASC, resulting in the blockade of NLRP3-ASC interaction. These results demonstrate a novel inhibitory mechanism by which small molecules regulate NLRP3 inflammasome targeting ASC, suggesting the therapeutic strategy for NLRP3-related inflammatory diseases.

Oxidized phosphatidylcholine induces the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages

The NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multiprotein complex consisting of a receptor, an adaptor protein, and procaspase-1 that induces the secretion of the mature form of IL-1β in response to microbial infection and danger signals. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome induced by endogenous danger signal molecules is closely linked to the development and progress of chronic inflammatory diseases. The oxidation of phospholipids occurs upon cellular stress and damage, resulting in the accumulation of oxidized phosphatidylcholines (oxPAPC) such as 1-palmitoyl-2-(5-oxovaleroyl)-sn-glycero-phosphocholine (POVPC) at inflammatory sites. In this study, we investigated whether oxidized phosphatidylcholine induces the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages, leading to the secretion of IL-1β. POVPC induced the degradation of procaspase-1 to caspase-1(p10), the cleavage of pro-IL-1β to IL-1β, and oligomerization of ASC in primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. POVPC-induced production of caspase-1, and IL-1β was abolished in macrophages derived from NLRP3- or caspase-1-deficient mice. In an air pouch model and a peritonitis model in mice, POVPC injection resulted in the production of caspase-1(p10), IL-1β, and IL-18 in wild-type, but not in NLRP3-deficient, mice. POVPC-induced inflammasome activation was mediated by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species resulting from intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling and mitochondrial destabilization. Our results demonstrate that endogenously produced oxidized phosphatidylcholines such as POVPC induce the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the production of IL-1β in macrophages. The results provide an insight to understand how the oxidized lipids endogenously produced upon cellular stress and tissue damage contribute to the inflammatory reaction at pathologic sites.

A pharmacological inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a mouse model induced by high fat diet

The activation of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is closely associated with the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet. Therefore, we investigated whether oral administration of sulforaphane (SFN) prevented high-fat diet-induced NAFLD in mice by regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the liver. Daily oral administrations of SFN reduced hepatic steatosis scores, serum ALT and AST levels, and hepatic levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids in mice fed a high-fat diet. These were correlated with the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the liver by SFN as evidenced by decrease in mRNA levels of ASC and caspase-1, caspase-1 enzyme activity, and IL-1β levels. SFN inhibited saturated fatty acid-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in primary mouse hepatocytes, accompanied by the restoration of mitochondrial dysfunction. The suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome by SFN was mediated by the regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase-autophagy axis. Our findings demonstrated that the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by an orally available small molecule inhibitor leads to the alleviation of the hepatic steatosis symptoms associated with NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet.

Suppression of Primary Splenocyte Proliferation by Artemisia capillaris and Its Components

The host immune system is the first line of host defense, consisting mainly of innate and adaptive immunity. Immunity must be maintained, orchestrated, and harmonized, since overactivation of immune responses can lead to inflammation and autoimmune diseases, while immune deficiency can lead to infectious diseases. We investigated the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cell activation by Artemisia capillaris and its components (ursolic acid, hyperoside, scopoletin, and scopolin). Macrophage phagocytic activity was determined using fluorescently labeled Escherichia coli, as an indicator of innate immune activation. Concanavalin A (ConA)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced splenocyte proliferation was analyzed as surrogate markers for cellular and humoral adaptive immunity, respectively. Neither A. capillaris water extract (WAC) nor ethanol extract (EAC) greatly inhibited macrophage phagocytic activity. In contrast, WAC suppressed ConA- and LPS-induced proliferation of primary mouse splenocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, EAC inhibited ConA- and LPS-induced splenocyte proliferation. Oral administration of WAC in mice decreased ConA- and LPS-induced splenocyte proliferation, while that of EAC suppressed LPS-induced splenocyte proliferation. Repeated administration of WAC in mice inhibited ConA- and LPS-induced splenocyte proliferation. Ursolic acid, scopoletin, and scopolin reduced ConA- and LPS-induced primary mouse splenocyte proliferation, while hyperoside did not show such activity. These results indicate that A. capillaris and its components, ursolic acid, scopoletin, and scopolin, suppress ConA- and LPS-induced adaptive immune cell activation. The results suggest that A. capillaris is useful as a regulator of adaptive immunity for diseases involving excessive immune response activation.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Manassantin Analogues for Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α Inhibition

To cope with hypoxia, tumor cells have developed a number of adaptive mechanisms mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) to promote angiogenesis and cell survival. Due to significant roles of HIF-1 in the initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment of most solid tumors, a considerable amount of effort has been made to identify HIF-1 inhibitors for treatment of cancer. Isolated from Saururus cernuus, manassantins A (1) and B (2) are potent inhibitors of HIF-1 activity. To define the structural requirements of manassantins for HIF-1 inhibition, we prepared and evaluated a series of manassantin analogues. Our SAR studies examined key regions of manassantin’s structure in order to understand the impact of these regions on biological activity and to define modifications that can lead to improved performance and drug-like properties. Our efforts identified several manassantin analogues with reduced structural complexity as potential lead compounds for further development. Analogues MA04, MA07, and MA11 down-regulated hypoxia-induced expression of the HIF-1α protein and reduced the levels of HIF-1 target genes, including cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (Cdk6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These findings provide an important framework to design potent and selective HIF-1α inhibitors, which is necessary to aid translation of manassantin-derived natural products to the clinic as novel therapeutics for cancers.

Peptide fragment of thymosin β4 increases hippocampal neurogenesis and facilitates spatial memory

Although several studies have suggested the neuroprotective effect of thymosin β4 (TB4), a major actin-sequestering protein, on the central nervous system, little is understood regarding the action of N-acetyl-serylaspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), a peptide fragment of TB4 on brain function. Here, we examined neurogenesis-stimulative effect of Ac-SDKP. Intrahippocampal infusion of Ac-SDKP facilitated the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus. Ac-SDKP-treated mouse hippocampus showed an increase in β-catenin stability with reduction of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity. Moreover, inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling blocked Ac-SDKP-facilitated neural proliferation. Subchronic intrahippocampal infusion of Ac-SDKP also increased spatial memory. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Ac-SDKP functions as a regulator of neural proliferation and indicate that Ac-SDKP may be a therapeutic candidate for diseases characterized by neuronal loss.

Dose-related effect of urinary cotinine levels on pulmonary function among Korean women

SETTING

Country-wide general population in South Korea.

BACKGROUND

The dose-response relationship between smoking and pulmonary function in women may have been significantly over-estimated by studies that employed a self-reporting questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether this relationship was still observed among Korean women when smoking levels were determined by urinary cotinine measurements.

DESIGN

A total of 4584 Korean women from the spirometry data set of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys IV and V (2008-2010) were included. Analysis of covariance was performed to estimate the dose-related effect of urinary cotinine levels on pulmonary function after adjusting for covariates in this country-wide cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

Compared to urinary cotinine levels (cut-off 50 ng/ml), the false-positive rate of self-reported smoking was 53.2%. After the smokers were divided into deciles, the regression coefficients for percentage forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁%) and percentage forced expiratory volume/forced volume capacity (FEV₁/FVC) ratio (FEV1/FVC%) were -0.2903 and -0.2680 (%/decile), respectively (both P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to use objective methods when determining the smoking status of Korean women. Even after reducing information bias, smoking affected pulmonary function in a dose-dependent manner.

Social media use, body image, and psychological well-being: a cross-cultural comparison of Korea and the United States

This study examined the relationships among social media use for information, self-status seeking and socializing, body image, self-esteem, and psychological well-being, and some cultural effects moderating these relationships. Americans (n = 502) and Koreans (n = 518) completed an online survey. The main findings showed that (a) social media use for information about body image is negatively related to body satisfaction in the United States and Korea, while social media use for self-status seeking regarding body image is positively related to body satisfaction only in Korea; and (b) body satisfaction has direct and indirect positive effects on psychological well-being manifested in similar ways in the United States and Korea. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Association between blood cadmium levels and 10-year coronary heart disease risk in the general Korean population: the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2010

BACKGROUND

Non-occupational heavy metals are considered risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). Several recent epidemiologic studies have evaluated the relationship between non-occupational cadmium exposure and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study was designed to investigate the relationship between non-occupational cadmium exposure and risk factors for CHD using the Framingham estimate of 10 year CHD risk.

METHODS

The heavy metal dataset of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2008 through 2010, a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 4,668 non-institutionalized Koreans, was analyzed. Subjects were stratified into seven age groups to minimize the effects of age. The log-transformed blood cadmium concentrations were compared with the Framingham estimate of 10 year CHD risk in each age stratum.

RESULTS

The Framingham estimate of 10 year CHD risk was significantly associated with the log-transformed blood cadmium concentrations (p<0.05) in all age groups of Korean men, with the lowest regression coefficient (0.254) for men aged 20 to <35 years and the highest (3.354) for men aged 55 to <60 years; similar results, however, were not observed in Korean women. After adjusting for survey year, age, and urinary cotinine concentration, the log-transformed blood cadmium levels among men aged 20 to <35, 40 to <45, 50 to <55, and 60 to <65 years were significantly associated with systolic blood pressure (p<0.05), but not with total and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Cadmium exposure, even at non-occupational levels, may be associated with CHD risk in men. Despite the declines in non-occupational cadmium exposure over the past several decades, more efforts are needed.

Perceived Similarity and Third-Person Effect: Media Coverage of the Shooting Incident at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

We compared the perceptions of Korean Americans, Koreans in the US, and Koreans in Korea, of the media coverage of the fatal shooting of 32 people at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in April 2007. This comparison was based on the third-person effect, according to which people perceive media coverage to have a greater influence on others than on themselves. Results showed that perception of individuals in the participant groups was that the media coverage had a greater influence on the Korean public in Korea (comparison group) than on themselves in terms of generating negative feelings about Korean Americans and Americans (object groups). In addition, the more that Korean Americans perceived themselves to be similar to the Korean public in Korea, the more they overestimated the influence of the media on the Korean public in Korea.