Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome by Palmitic Acid in Human Sebocytes

Background@#Sebocytes are the main cells involved in the pathogenesis of acne by producing lipids and inflammatory cytokines. Although palmitic acid (PA) has been suggested to induce an inflammatory reaction, its effect on sebocytes remains to be elucidated. @*Objective@#In the present study, we investigated whether PA promotes inflammasome-mediated inflammation of sebocytes both in vivo and in vitro. @*Methods@#We intradermally injected PA into the mice ears. And, we treated cultured human sebocytes with PA. Inflammasome-mediated inflammation was verified by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and ELISA. @*Results@#PA-treated mice developed an inflammatory response associated with increased interleukin (IL)-1β expression in the sebaceous glands. When PA was added to cultured human sebocytes, caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion were significantly enhanced. In addition, NLRP3 knockdown attenuated IL-1β production by sebocytes stimulated with PA. PA-mediated inflammasome activation required reactive oxygen species. @*Conclusion@#These findings indicate that PA activates the NLRP3 inflammasome before induction of an inflammatory response in sebocytes. Thus, PA may play a role in the inflammation of acne

Potential Role of Cytosolic RNA Sensor MDA5 as an Inhibitor for Keratinocyte Differentiation in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis

Background@#Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The etiology of psoriasis is not fully understood, but the genetic background is considered to be the most important factor. To date, many psoriasis-related genes have been discovered, but the role of many important genes has not been well understood. @*Objective@#The purpose of this study is to uncover possible roles of MDA5 in psoriasis. @*Methods@#Expression of MDA5 was investigated using immunohistochemistry. Then, MDA5 was overexpressed in keratinocytes using a recombinant adenovirus. @*Results@#As a result of immunohistochemical staining, the expression of MDA5 was significantly increased in the epidermis of psoriasis compared to normal skin. Similarly, the expression of MDA5 was increased in imiquimod-induced psoriasiform dermatitis model. In cultured keratinocytes, toll-like receptor 3 agonist poly(I:C) induced expression of MDA5 at both mRNA and protein levels. When MDA5 was overexpressed using a recombinant adenovirus, poly(I:C)-induced cytokine expression was significantly increased. Finally, MDA5 overexpression significantly inhibited calcium-induced differentiation of keratinocytes. @*Conclusion@#These results suggest that MDA5 increases in psoriasis and negatively regulates keratinocyte differentiation.

Potential Role of Cytosolic RNA Sensor MDA5 as an Inhibitor for Keratinocyte Differentiation in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis

Background@#Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The etiology of psoriasis is not fully understood, but the genetic background is considered to be the most important factor. To date, many psoriasis-related genes have been discovered, but the role of many important genes has not been well understood. @*Objective@#The purpose of this study is to uncover possible roles of MDA5 in psoriasis. @*Methods@#Expression of MDA5 was investigated using immunohistochemistry. Then, MDA5 was overexpressed in keratinocytes using a recombinant adenovirus. @*Results@#As a result of immunohistochemical staining, the expression of MDA5 was significantly increased in the epidermis of psoriasis compared to normal skin. Similarly, the expression of MDA5 was increased in imiquimod-induced psoriasiform dermatitis model. In cultured keratinocytes, toll-like receptor 3 agonist poly(I:C) induced expression of MDA5 at both mRNA and protein levels. When MDA5 was overexpressed using a recombinant adenovirus, poly(I:C)-induced cytokine expression was significantly increased. Finally, MDA5 overexpression significantly inhibited calcium-induced differentiation of keratinocytes. @*Conclusion@#These results suggest that MDA5 increases in psoriasis and negatively regulates keratinocyte differentiation.

Changes of Recognition to Death Before and After Observation on the Cadaver Dissection to Paramedical Students / 체질인류학회지

The aim of this study is to identify changes of recognition to death before and after observation on the cadaver dissection to paramedical students. This study was done on 472 freshmen using questionnaire survey. Recognition to death questionnaire was consisted of 36 items. Data were collected before and after observation on the cadaver dissection with agreement of subjects. The data were analyzed using SPSS win 24.0. This study showed that recognition to death was significantly increased after observation on the cadaver dissection (3.19 points) than before observation on the cadaver dissection (3.06 points) (p=.000). Especially, anxiety on death was significantly increased (p=.000), and interest in death was significantly increased, too (p=.000). The results of this study suggest that we need positively to encourage observation on the cadaver dissection for paramedical students with providing program to decrease anxiety on death because of not only improving anatomy knowledge but also increasing recognition to death.

Utilization of Second Digit to Fourth Digit Ratio (2D : 4D) as One of Physical Markers to Evaluate Aggression in Elementary School Students / 체질인류학회지

The aim of this study is to provide basic data to prevent adolescent crime or violence by analyzing aggression according to second digit to fourth digit ratio (2D : 4D). Index and ring finger length on both hands by photocopy was measured using Callipers from ventral proximal crease to finger tip. This study was done on 187 elementary school students (98 males, 89 females). Data were collected by measuring index and ring finger length on both hands by photocopy and by completing self-reported questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS win 21.0. This study showed that the 2D : 4D of males was significantly lower than female, and the aggression score of males was significantly higher than female. Especially, there was significantly differences between 0.900 or less than 0.900 digit ratio group and 1.000 or more than 1.000 digit ratio group only left hand of males. The results of this study suggest that left digit ratio of males in elementary school students are able to be used as one of physical markers to evaluate aggression.

Change of Second to Fourth Digit Ratio according to Age in Korean Children / 체질인류학회지

The 2nd to 4th digit ratio (2D : 4D) reflects exposure level of sex hormones in fetal period. The aim of this study is to identify a change of digit ratio according to age and a critical age showing gender difference in Korean children. This study was done on 1,182 children (588 males, 594 females). Data were collected by measuring index and ring finger length on both hands by photocopy. The data were analyzed using SPSS win 21.0. This study showed that the 2nd and 4th finger length and digit ratio of both hands increased with age both male and female. There was no differences in 2nd to 4th digit ratio between males and females until they were 3 years old. However, there were significant differences in 2nd to 4th digit ratio between males and females from the age of four. The results suggest that digit ratio in Korean children increases with age and a critical age showing gender difference is from the age of four.

Podocyte-specific Expression of C1q/TNF-alpha Related Protein 1 in Mice / 체질인류학회지

C1q/TNF-alpha Related Protein 1 (CTRP1), an adiponectin paralog, is a novel member of the C1q-TNF Related Protein family. CTRP1 is expressed in the kidney, although its localization and role in the kidney have not been studied. This study examined CTRP1 expression and function in the kidney. CTRP1 immunohistochemistry and PAS staining of the kidneys of C57/BL6 and FGS/Nga mice were performed. In situ hybridization for podocin in the kidney was also performed. CTRP1 immunoreactivity was found only in the glomeruli of the kidney. The CTRP1-immunoreactive cells in the glomeruli were identified as podocytes. The number of CTPR1-immunoreactive cells and the intensity of CTRP1 immunoreactivity were lower in the glomeruli of FGS/Nga mice, which develop progressive proteinuria and focal glomerulosclerosis. CTRP1 is a novel protein expressed in podocytes of the mouse kidney and may have a role in podocytes related to glomerular filtration in the kidney.

Association of Corpora Amylacea Formation with Astrocytes and Cerebrospinal Fluid in the Aged Human Brain / 체질인류학회지

Corpora amylacea (CA) are glycoproteinaceous inclusions that accumulate in the human brain during normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Although it has been suggested that the cellular sources of CA are neuronal or glial, the mechanisms underlying CA formation remain controversial. The aim of this study was to identify the source of CA in the human brain. Sample of the human brain tissues were obtained from the cadavers. H-E stain, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain, and immunohistochemistry were performed in the brain tissues. Experimental induction of CA was also performed in rats. CA have been found in large numbers in the superficial, rather than in the deep, layer of the white matter in the lateral ventricle that is in contact with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and sometimes near the blood vessels. Destroyed choroid plexi with psammoma bodies have been observed in the lateral ventricle of aged brains containing substantial numbers of CA. The cores of CA were mainly composed of amorphous PAS-positive materials, and glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytic processes were attached to the surface of the CA. Weak MAP2 was detected on a few CA in the gray matter such as dentate gyrus. PAS-positive CA were located on the border of the hippocampus contacting the CSF in the lateral ventricle in the cysteamine-induced CA animal model. Taken together, main cellular source of CA is astrocytes and CA core formation may be associated with CSF in the aged human brain.

Downregulation of NFAT2 promotes melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells / 대한해부학회지

Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) proteins are, calcium-regulated transcription factors, key regulator of stimulation-dependent gene activation. In our microarray analysis for the genes expressed in human black and white hairs, NFAT2 was significantly upregulated in the white hair, compared to the black hair. The aim of this study was to investigate functional role of NFAT2 in melanogenesis. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the expression of NFAT2 protein in B16 melanoma cells. Our data showed that NFAT2 expression was increased in the hypopigmented B16 cells, while tyrosinase and MITF expression was decreased. To investigate the potential role of NFAT2, the recombinant adenovirus expressing microRNA specific for NFAT2 was transduced into the cultured B16 melanoma cells. Consistently, inhibition of NFAT2 enhanced tyrosinase activity and melanin content. Moreover, cyclosporine A, which is known as a calcineurin inhibitor blocking NFAT activation, enhanced tyrosinase activity and melanin content. These data suggest that NFAT2 may play an important role in regulation of melanogenesis in melanocyte.