• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.624-630
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• 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression level of filaggrin-2 (FLG2) in correlation with drip loss. Methods: The muscle samples were randomly taken from a local meat supplier. Samples were taken from Longissimus lumborum muscles to evaluate the drip loss (n = 100). Five muscles per group (low and high drip loss) were selected to evaluate FLG2 mRNA and protein expression levels. Results: mRNA of FLG2 gene was not significantly different in pigs with different levels of drip loss (p>0.05). Statistical analysis revealed that FLG2 protein expression levels were significantly different between the drip loss groups. Western blot revealed that the high drip loss group had higher FLG2 protein expression level than the low drip loss group (p<0.001). Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed the high signal intensity was on the muscle cell membrane and cytoplasm. Conclusion: FLG2 protein might play roles in drip loss of pork and will provide the basis for information to improving meat quality traits in pigs.

• Annals of dermatology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.645-652
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• 2018

Background: Adiponectin, an adipokine secreted from adipocytes, affects energy metabolism and also shows anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have reported that adiponectin plays a role in regulating skin inflammation. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of adiponectin on the expression of filaggrin (FLG) in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). Methods: NHEKs were serum-starved for 6h before being treated with adiponectin. Afterward, cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. We also treated with calcium, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-13 to provide positive and negative comparative controls, respectively. Gene mRNA expression was quantified using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and protein expression was evaluated using Western blot. To evaluate the relationship among mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and FLG, we also treated cells with inhibitors for MAPKs JNK, p38, and ERK1/2. Results: FLG and FLG-2 mRNA expression in NHEKs significantly increased after treatment with $10{\mu}g/ml$ adiponectin. Adiponectin also restored FLG and FLG-2 mRNA expression that was otherwise inhibited by treatment with IL-4 and IL-13. Adiponectin induced FLG expression via AP-1 and MAPK signaling. Conclusion: Adiponectin positively regulated the expression of FLG and could be useful as a therapeutic agent to control diseases related to disrupted skin barrier function.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.59-65
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• 2023

We validated the physiological activity of Syzygium claviflorum (Roxb.) Wall. ex A.M. Cowan & Cowan (S. claviflorum) extracts (leaves, stems, fruits, and flowers) as a cosmetic ingredient. Firstly, S. claviflorum extracts removed over 80% of free radicals at various concentrations in antioxidant experiments using the DPPH and ABTS assay. In cytotoxicity experiments using human epidermal keratinocytes, S. claviflorum extracts showed low cytotoxicity. In addition, S. claviflorum extracts significantly increased the expression of keratin (KRT)1, KRT2, KRT9, KRT10, which are differentiation markers of keratinocytes, as well as genes involved in the maintenance of skin barrier function, including involucrin (IVL), loricrin (LOR), filaggrin (FLG), and claudin1 (CLDN1). In particular, the expression of FLG protein, inhibited by interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 in atopic dermatitis, was restored by S. claviflorum extracts in in vitro experiments. Therefore, S. claviflorum extracts with excellent antioxidant efficacy and skin barrier improvement function will be useful materials for the development of future atopic dermatitis treatments and cosmetics.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.1969-1980
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• 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory disease, severely interferes with patient life. Human placenta extract (HPH; also known as human placenta hydrolysate) is a rich source of various bioactive substances and has widely been used to dampen inflammation, improve fatigue, exert anti-aging effects, and promote wound healing. However, information regarding HPH's incorporation in AD therapies is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate HPH's effective potential in treating AD using tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated human keratinocytes (HaCaT), immunized splenocytes, and a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse model. In TNF-α /IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells, HPH markedly reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restored the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1), catalase, and filaggrin (FLG). HPH reduced interleukin (IL)-6; thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC); thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP); and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES) levels and inhibited nuclear factor kappa B phosphorylation. Additionally, HPH suppressed the T helper 2 (Th2) immune response in immunized splenocytes. In the AD-like mouse model, it significantly mitigated the DNCB-induced elevation in infiltrating mast cells and macrophages, epidermal thickness, and AD symptoms. HPH also reduced TSLP levels and prevented FLG downregulation. Furthermore, it decreased the expression levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TARC, RANTES, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) in serum and AD-like skin lesion. Overall, our findings demonstrate that HPH effectively inhibits AD development and is a potentially useful therapeutic agent for AD-like skin disease.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.156-166
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• 2021

Objectives The purpose of this study is to confirm the regulate effect of T helper (Th) 2 differentiation that Baekho-tang extract may produce to improves skin lipid barrier damages. Methods Four-weeks-old NC/Nga mice were divided into four groups: control group (Ctrl, n=10), lipid barrier eliminated group (LBE, n=10), Dexamethasone treatment after lipid barrier elimination group (DxT, n=10), and Baekho-tang extract treatment group after lipid barrier elimination group (BHTT, n=10). Baeko-tang extract was administered for 3 days after removal of the skin fat barrier in BHTT group. Then, we identified changes in external symptoms of the skin, factors affecting skin barrier such as potential of hydrogen (pH), filaggrin (FLG), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and Th2 differentiation factors like Interleukin (IL)-4, Kallikrein Related Peptidase 7 (KLK7) and protease activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) through our immunohistochemistry. Results After lipid barrier elimination, the reduction of morphological skin inflammations was less in BHTT group than in LBE group and DxT group. Also, pH and TEWL were significantly decreased with BHTT group. However, FLG was significantly increased in BHTT group compared to LBE, DxT, and Ctrl group. All kinds of Th2 differentiation factors (IL-4, KLK7 and PAR-2) were also decreased in BHTT compared to the LBE and DxT. Conclusions As a result of this study, BHT administration decreased pH, TEWL, and increased FLG, thus participating in recovering damaged skin barrier. Since Th2 differentiation factors were decreased as well, BHT's regulatory effect in sequential immune reactions may be a possible explanation of how it enhances recovery of the damaged lipid barrier.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.354-360
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• 2021

Background: Protopanaxatriol (PPT) is a secondary intestinal metabolite of ginsenoside in ginseng. Although the effects of PPT have been reported in various diseases including cancer, diabetes and inflammatory diseases, the skin protective effects of PPT are poorly understood. Methods: HaCaT cells were treated with PPT in a dose-dependent manner. mRNA and protein levels which related to skin barrier and hydration were detected compared with retinol. Luciferase assay was performed to explore the relative signaling pathway. Western blot was conducted to confirm these pathways and excavated further signals. Results: PPT enhanced the expression of filaggrin (FLG), transglutaminase (TGM)-1, claudin, occludin and hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) -1, -2 and -3. The mRNA expression levels of FLG, TGM-1, HAS-1 and HAS-2 were suppressed under NF-κB inhibition. PPT significantly augmented NF-κB-luc activity and upregulated Src/AKT/NF-κB signaling. In addition, PPT also increased phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) ERK, JNK and p38 and upstream MAPK activators (MEK and MKK). Furthermore, transcriptional activity of AP-1 and CREB, which are downstream signaling targets of MAPK, was enhanced by PPT. Conclusion: PPT improves skin barrier function and hydration through Src/AKT/NF-κB and MAPK signaling. Therefore, PPT may be a valuable component for cosmetics or treating skin disorders.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.115-125
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• 2022

Background: Ginsenosides (GS) have potential value as cosmetic additives for prevention of skin photoaging. However, their protective mechanisms against skin barrier damage and their active monomeric constituents are unknown. Methods: GS monomer types and their relative proportions were identified. A UVB-irradiated BALB/c hairless mouse model was used to assess protective effects of GS components on skin epidermal thickness and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Skin barrier function, reflected by filaggrin (FLG), involucrin (IVL), claudin-1 (Cldn-1), and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) levels and MAPK phosphorylation patterns, were analyzed in UVB-irradiated hairless mice or HaCaT cells. Results: Total GS monomeric content detected by UPLC was 85.45% and was largely attributed to 17 main monomers that included Re (16.73%), Rd (13.36%), and Rg1 (13.38%). In hairless mice, GS ameliorated UVB-induced epidermal barrier dysfunction manifesting as increased epidermal thickness, increased TEWL, and decreased stratum corneum water content without weight change. Furthermore, GS treatment of UVB-irradiated mice restored protein expression levels and epidermal tissue distributions of FLG, IVL, Cldn-1, and AQP3, with consistent mRNA and protein expression results obtained in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells (except for unchanging Cldn-1 expression). Mechanistically, GS inhibited JNK, p38, and ERK phosphorylation in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells, with a mixture of Rg2, Rg3, Rk3, F2, Rd, and Rb3 providing the same protective MAPK pathway inhibition-associated upregulation of IVL and AQP3 expression as provided by intact GS treatment. Conclusion: GS protection against UVB-irradiated skin barrier damage depends on activities of six ginsenoside monomeric constituents that inhibit the MAPK signaling pathway.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.171-178
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• 2021

In this study, exosomal-like nano-vesicles derived from probiotics were isolated and various physiological activities were evaluated on the skin. This study show that Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (LL) are incubated, and then isolated LL derived exosomal nanovesicles (LVs) at the range of 70 ~ 200 nm by high-pressure homogenizer and ultrafiltration. The vesicle numbers were an average of 1.81 × 10¹¹ particles/mL. This study finds out the bacterial nanovesicles' beneficial effect on the skin. Fibrillin (FBN1) gene expression increased by 23% in fibroblast cells. Fibronectin (FN1) and filaggrin (FLG) gene expression increased by 65% and 400% in keratinocytes. We could see that cornified envelope (CE) formation ability was increased by 30% compared to the control group. Furthermore, collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) protein expression increased by 83% compared to the UV-irradiated control group. These results suggest that LVs could help skin barrier improvement and used as an ingredient for cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.226-231
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• 2018

Chijabaegpi-tang (CHG) is an oriental herbal medicine that has been used for its various pharmacological effects, which include anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunoregulation activities. In the present study, we investigated which skin inflammations are involved in the $TNF-{\alpha}/IFN{\gamma}$-induced HaCaT cells. We investigated the suppressive effect of CHG on $TNF-{\alpha}/IFN{\gamma}$-induced HaCaT cell production of the following chemokines: macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC)/CCL22; regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)/CCL5; and interleukin-8 (IL-8); thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)/CCL17. The pre-treatment of HaCaT cells with CHG suppressed $TNF-{\alpha}/IFN{\gamma}$-induced nuclear transcription factor kappa-B ($NF-{\kappa}B$). In addition, CHG inhibited $TNF-{\alpha}/IFN{\gamma}$-induced phosphorylation of ERK and p38. $TNF-{\alpha}/IFN{\gamma}$ suppressed the expression of skin barrier proteins, including filaggrin (FLG), Involucrin (IVL) and loricrin (LOR). By contrast, CHG restored the expression of FLG, IVL and LOR. Taken together, our findings suggest that CHG could be a therapeutic agent for prevention of skin disease, including atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.482-499
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• 2017

Allergic diseases have increased over the past several decade worldwide including developing countries. Allergic inflammatory responses are caused by Th (T helper)2 immune responses, triggered by allergen ingestion by antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs). Intestinal microorganisms control the metabolism and physiological functions of the host, contribute to early immune system maturation during the early life, and homeostasis and epithelial integrity during life. Bifidobacteria have strain-specific immunostimulatory properties in the Th1/Th2 balance, inhibit TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin) and IgE expression, and promote Flg (Filaggrin) and FoxP3 (Treg) expression to alleviate allergies. In addition, unmethylated CpG motif ODN (oligodeoxynucleotides) is recognized by TLR (toll-like receptors)9 of B cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) to induce innate and adaptive immune responses, while the butyrate produced by Clostridium butyricum activates the GPR (G-protein coupled receptors)109a signaling pathway to induce the expression of anti-inflammatory gene of pDCs, and directly stimulates the proliferation of thymically derived regulatory T (tTreg) cells through the activation of GPR43 or inhibits the activity of HADC (histone deacetylase) to differentiate naive $CD4^+$ T cells into pTreg cells through the histone H3 acetylation of Foxp3 gene intronic enhancer.