Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients with Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Cross-Sectional Study to Compare Active Surveillance and Immediate Surgery.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study compared patient-reported outcomes of low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC, T1N0M0) between patients who underwent active surveillance (AS) and those who received immediate surgery, METHODS: Using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Short-Form 36 version 2, and a visual analog scale for neck symptoms, 249 patients under AS and 32 patients underwent immediate surgery were compared. To match the difference in time from the onset of treatment to the survey, we conducted propensity score matching. We also investigated factors affecting anxiety in patients under AS in multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: In the entire group, patients under AS had significantly longer time from the onset to the survey than patients underwent immediate surgery (7.9 vs. 4.0 years). After matching, AS group showed significantly better trait anxiety and mental component summary (MCS) compared to surgery group, while surgery group showed better role-social component summary. AS group also had significantly better MCS than the Japanese norm-based score. Surgery group displayed worse neck symptoms than AS group. Among AS group, trait anxiety and time from the onset were significant predictors of state anxiety. Compared with the group with < 5 years since starting AS, the group with ≥ 5 years of follow-up showed a significantly better state anxiety only in patients with better trait anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Low-risk PTC patients under AS showed better trait anxiety and mental health than surgery group. After a certain period, the anxiety of patients under AS seems to be improved, especially in patients with better trait anxiety.

Effects of low-dose Aloe sterol supplementation on skin moisture, collagen score and objective or subjective symptoms: 12-week, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Daily oral intake of 40 µg Aloe sterol was shown in a double-blind clinical trial to significantly increase skin barrier function, moisture and elasticity. Ultrasonographic results also suggested that the intake of Aloe sterol increases collagen content in the dermis. Here, we evaluate the effects of a much smaller dose of Aloe sterol, approximately half that used previously, on skin functions in more detail. This is a monocentric, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, supplementation study of the effects of low-dose Aloe sterol on skin transepidermal water loss, hydration, collagen score, evaluation of objective or subjective symptoms, and safety after 12 weeks of daily intake. We randomly administrated either Aloe sterol or placebo to 122 healthy volunteers. Transepidermal water loss was significantly reduced and collagen score was increased in the Aloe sterol group compared with the placebo group at week 12. In the Aloe sterol group, there was significant improvement of objective skin condition (face erythema and pruritus of inner and outer arms) at week 12 compared with week 0, but not in the placebo group. Subjectively, there was significant improvement of visual analog scale of skin acne, fingernail brittleness and constipation in the Aloe sterol group. According to subgroup analysis, although not planned before the study initiation, subjects with dry skin in the Aloe sterol group had significantly increased skin hydration values at week 12 compared with the placebo group. Our results confirmed that even low-dose Aloe sterol ingestion improves skin moisture by promoting skin barrier function and dermal collagen production, which contributes to maintenance of healthy skin.

Investigating Anti-Obesity Effects by Oral Administration of Aloe vera Gel Extract (AVGE): Possible Involvement in Activation of Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT).

The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of anti-obesity effects of Aloe vera gel extract (AVGE) containing Aloe sterols. Previously, we reported that oral intake of Aloe vera components has an anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effect. This study was designed to assess the role of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in the anti-obesity effect of AVGE. Six-week-old male mice were divided into three groups; STD (standard diet), HFD (60% high fat diet) and AVGE (60% high fat diet with AVGE treatment). During 11 wk of AVGE administration, body weight has been monitored. Tissue samples were obtained to be measured the weight and evaluated the gene expressions. Mice treated with AVGE had suppressed body weight, and liver and fat weight gain. To investigate BAT activation, we measured the expression of mRNA related to BAT thermogenesis. Mice in the AVGE group had higher expression of Ucp1, Adrb3, and Cidea in BAT compared to HFD. Next, to investigate the possibility that AVGE induced hepatic FGF21, which is an important factor for nutrient and energy homeostasis including BAT regulation, in vitro study was conducted. HepG2 cell stimulated by AVGE were highly expressed FGF21. These results suggested that BAT activation partially contributes to mechanism of anti-obesity effect of Aloe sterols in diet-induced obesity (DIO) models. However, further study is needed to determine the predominant mechanism.

Can Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Stromal Cells Serve a Starting Material for Myoblasts?

A large number of myocytes are necessary to treat intractable muscular disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy with cell-based therapies. However, starting materials for cellular therapy products such as myoblasts, marrow stromal cells, menstrual blood-derived cells, and placenta-derived cells have a limited lifespan and cease to proliferate in vitro. From the viewpoints of manufacturing and quality control, cells with a long lifespan are more suitable as a starting material. In this study, we generated stromal cells for future myoblast therapy from a working cell bank of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The ESC-derived CD105+ cells with extensive in vitro proliferation capability exhibited myogenesis and genetic stability in vitro. These results imply that ESC-derived CD105+ cells are another cell source for myoblasts in cell-based therapy for patients with genetic muscular disorders. Since ESCs are immortal, mesenchymal stromal cells generated from ESCs can be manufactured at a large scale in one lot for pharmaceutical purposes.

Protective effects of Aloe sterols against UVB-induced photoaging in hairless mice.

BACKGROUND: Aloe vera is a traditional medical plant whose gel has been widely used in skin care. Previously, we have identified Aloe sterols from Aloe vera as active ingredients. This study investigated the protective effects of Aloe sterols without polysaccharides, against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin photoaging in mice using Aloe vera gel extract (AVGE) obtained by supercritical fluid extraction. METHODS: Aloe vera gel extract was supplemented in the diet (12 or 120 ppm), and HR-1 hairless mice were exposed to UVB irradiation for 7 weeks. Skin measurements and histological and analytical studies were performed. RESULTS: Repeated UVB irradiation induced rough wrinkling of skin with water content reduction and hyperkeratosis. AVGE administration resulted in the significant improvement of UVB-induced skin dryness, epidermal thickness, and wrinkle formation. The AVGE group also suppressed the degenerations of dermal collagen fibers and the appearance of cutaneous apoptosis cells induced by UVB. Furthermore, AVGE administration reduced the excess elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and TNF-α) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-12, and MMP-13) in UVB-exposed skin. CONCLUSION: The dietary ingestion of Aloe sterols protected against chronic UVB damage in mouse skin, and our results suggest that Aloe sterols may prevent skin photoaging through the anti-inflammation and MMP regulation.

Aloe sterol supplementation improves skin elasticity in Japanese men with sunlight-exposed skin: a 12-week double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Recently, it was confirmed that the daily oral intake of plant sterols of Aloe vera gel (Aloe sterol) significantly increases the skin barrier function, moisture, and elasticity in photoprotected skin. This study aimed to investigate whether Aloe sterol intake affected skin conditions following sunlight exposure in Japanese men. METHODS: We performed a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of oral Aloe sterol supplementation on skin conditions in 48 apparently healthy men (age range: 30-59 years; average: 45 years). The subjects were instructed to expose the measurement position of the arms to the sunlight outdoors every day for 12 weeks. The skin parameters were measured at 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Depending on the time for the revelation of the sunlight, the b* value and melanin index increased and the skin moisture decreased. After taking an Aloe sterol tablet daily for 12 weeks, the skin elasticity index (R2, R5, and R7) levels were significantly higher than the baseline value. There were no differences between the groups in these skin elasticity values. In the subgroup analysis of subjects aged <46 years, the change in the R5 and R7 was significantly higher in the Aloe group than in the placebo group at 8 weeks (P=0.0412 and P=0.0410, respectively). There was a difference in the quantity of sun exposure between each subject, and an additional clinical study that standardizes the amount of ultraviolet rays is warranted. No Aloe sterol intake-dependent harmful phenomenon was observed during the intake period. CONCLUSION: Aloe sterol ingestion increased skin elasticity in the photodamaged skin of men aged <46 years.

Daily Ingestion of Aloe Vera Gel Powder Containing Aloe Sterols Prevents Skin Photoaging in OVX Hairless Mice.

Estrogen deficiencies associated with menopause accelerate spontaneous skin aging and stimulate the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation-induced photoaging of skin. However, food compositions with the potential to ameliorate the UV irradiation-induced acceleration of skin aging with menopause have not yet been investigated in detail. In the present study, we examined the ability of plant sterols derived from Aloe vera gel to prevent the UV irradiation-induced acceleration of skin aging in ovariectomized mice. Skin transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was significantly higher in the ovariectomy group than in the sham operation group following UVB irradiation, whereas skin elasticity was significantly lower. Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation induced greater reductions in skin hyaluronic acid levels and more severe collagen fiber damage in the derims in the ovariectomy group than in the sham group. The intake of AVGP significantly ameliorated this acceleration in skin aging by reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and increasing that of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hyaluronan synthase (HAS) in the skin. These results indicate that AVGP supplementation prevents skin damage induced by UVB irradiation and ovariectomy in part by inhibiting damage to the extracellular matrix.

Oral administration of Aloe vera gel powder prevents UVB-induced decrease in skin elasticity via suppression of overexpression of MMPs in hairless mice.

This study reports the effects of oral Aloe vera gel powder (AVGP) containing Aloe sterols on skin elasticity and the extracellular matrix in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated hairless mice. Ten-week-old hairless mice were fed diets containing 0.3% AVGP for 8 weeks and irradiated UVB for 6 weeks. Mice treated with AVGP showed significant prevention of the UVB-induced decrease in skin elasticity. To investigate the mechanism underlying this suppression of skin elasticity loss, we measured the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -9, and -13. AVGP prevented both the UVB-induced increases in MMPs expressions. Moreover, we investigated hyaluronic acid (HA) content of mice dorsal skin and gene expression of HA synthase-2 (Has2). In the results, AVGP oral administration prevented UVB-induced decreasing in skin HA content and Has2 expression and attenuates the UVB-induced decrease in serum adiponectin, which promotes Has2 expression. These results suggested that AVGP has the ability to prevent the skin photoaging.

Effects of Aloe Sterol Supplementation on Skin Elasticity, Hydration, and Collagen Score: A 12-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Our previous study confirmed that Aloe sterol stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid production in human dermal fibroblasts. This study aims to investigate whether Aloe sterol intake affects skin conditions. METHODS: We performed a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of oral Aloe sterol supplementation on skin elasticity, hydration, and the collagen score in 64 healthy women (age range 30-59 years; average 44.3 years) who were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or an Aloe sterol-supplemented yogurt. Skin parameters were measured and ultrasound analysis of the forearm was performed. RESULTS: ANCOVA revealed statistical differences in skin moisture, transepidermal water loss, skin elasticity, and collagen score between the Aloe sterol and placebo groups. The gross elasticity (R2), net elasticity (R5), and biological elasticity (R7) scores of the Aloe sterol group significantly increased with time. In addition, skin fatigue area F3, which is known to decrease with age and fatigue, also increased with Aloe sterol intake. Ultrasound echogenicity revealed that the collagen content in the dermis increased with Aloe sterol intake. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that continued Aloe sterol ingestion contributes to maintaining healthy skin.

Trend of change in retentive force for bar attachments with different materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Attachment wear can decrease the retentive force of 2-implant overdentures (2-IODs). PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the trend of change in retentive force for 6 different bar attachments during dislodgement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Round and Dolder bars were made of platinum-added gold alloy (PGA), cobalt chromium alloy (Co-Cr), and commercially pure titanium grade IV (Ti). Clips were made of PGA. Retentive force was measured during 7200 dislodging cycles. Simple linear regression analysis was performed in order to investigate the relationship between number of cycles and retentive force (P<.05). Subsequently, wear debris was analyzed, and the surface of the attachments was observed. RESULTS: The retentive force of the Co-Cr round bar attachment (CoCr-R) increased from 57.5 N to 68.3 N and the Ti round bar attachment (Ti-R) from 54.8 N to 59.7 N. However, the retentive force of the PGA round bar attachment (PGA-R) decreased from 69.3 N to 64.0 N. A positive relationship was found between the number of cycles and the retentive force of both CoCr-R and Ti-R. The composition of the wear debris was almost the same as for PGA. For the Dolder bar attachment, no changes were seen in retentive force (between 7.0 N to 12.0 N). CONCLUSIONS: For the round bar attachment, the PGA clip and PGA bar showed wear. The retentive force of PGA-R slightly decreased. The retentive force of CoCr-R and Ti-R tended to increase. For the Dolder bar attachment, all 3 types of bar attachment showed no wear.

Aloe vera gel extract attenuates ethanol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation by suppressing the expression of lipogenic genes in mice.

We have previously reported that Aloe vera gel had hypoglycemic activity and anti-obesity effects, although the effect on alcoholic fatty liver was unclear. We examined in this present study the effect of an Aloe vera gel extract (AVGE) on hepatic lipid metabolism by using an ethanol-induced transient fatty liver mouse model. Ethanol (3 g/kg of mouse weight) was orally administered to induce an accumulation of triglyceride (TG) and increase the mRNA expression of such lipogenic genes as sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) in the liver. Although ethanol ingestion caused a 5.4-fold increase in liver TG, pre-treating with AVGE (1 mg/kg/d) for 1 week significantly suppressed this elevation of the ethanol-induced liver TG level. The expression of lipogenic genes was also lower in the AVGE pre-treatment group than in the control group. This inhibitory effect on the ethanol-induced accumulation of TG was attributed to a reduction in the expression of lipogenic genes that were increased by ethanol.

hnRNP K interacts with RNA binding motif protein 42 and functions in the maintenance of cellular ATP level during stress conditions.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) is a conserved RNA-binding protein that is involved in multiple processes of gene expression, including chromatin remodeling, transcription, RNA splicing, mRNA stability and translation, together with diverse groups of molecular partners. Here we identified a previously uncharacterized protein RNA binding motif protein 42 (RBM42) as hnRNP K-binding protein. RBM42 directly bound to hnRNP K in vivo and in vitro. RBM42 also directly bound to the 3' untranslated region of p21 mRNA, one of the target mRNAs for hnRNP K. RBM42 predominantly localized within the nucleus and co-localized with hnRNP K there. When cells were treated with agents, puromycin, sorbitol or arsenite, which induced the formation of stress granules (SGs), cytoplasmic aggregates of stalled translational pre-initiation complexes, both hnRNP K and RBM42 localized at SGs. Depletion of hnRNP K by RNA interference decreased cellular ATP level following release from stress conditions. Simultaneous depletion of RBM42 with hnRNP K enhanced the effect of the hnRNP K depletion. Our results indicate that hnRNP K and RBM42 are components of SGs and suggest that hnRNP K and RBM42 have a role in the maintenance of cellular ATP level in the stress conditions possibly through protecting their target mRNAs.

Nuclear localization of SNARK; its impact on gene expression.

SNARK, a member of the AMPK-related kinases, has been involved in the cellular stress responses but its precise mechanisms remain unclear. Subcellular localization of SNARK protein was identified. Unlike cytoplasmic localizing AMPKalpha, SNARK was predominantly localized in the nucleus. SNARK was constitutively distributed in the nucleus even when SNARK was activated by metabolic stimuli such as AICAR and glucose-deprivation. Conserved nuclear localization signal (NLS) was identified at the N-terminal portion ((68)KKAR(71)). Deletion and point mutation of this part resulted in the cytoplasmic translocation of mutant proteins. Furthermore, GFP fused with the SNARK fragment containing (68)KKAR(71) translocated to the nucleus. A microarray analysis revealed that the nuclear localizing SNARK altered transcriptome profiles and a considerable part of these alterations were canceled by the mutation of NLS, suggesting the ability of SNARK to modulate gene expression dependent on its nuclear localization.

Susceptibility of Snark-deficient mice to azoxymethane-induced colorectal tumorigenesis and the formation of aberrant crypt foci.

SNF-1/5'-AMP-activated kinase (AMPK)-related kinase (SNARK) is a member of the AMPK-related kinases. Snark(+/-) mice exhibited mature-onset obesity and related metabolic disorders. Obesity is regarded as a risk factor for colorectal cancer. To investigate whether Snark deficiency is involved in tumorigenesis in the large intestine, obese Snark(+/-) mice were treated with a chemical carcinogen, azoxymethane (AOM). The incidences of both adenomas and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were significantly higher in Snark(+/-) mice than in their wild-type counterparts 28 weeks after the completion of AOM treatment (10 mg/kg/week for 8 weeks). Furthermore, ACF formation was enhanced in Snark(+/-) mice treated with AOM for 2 weeks, suggesting that Snark deficiency contributed to the early phase of tumorigenesis. The total number of ACF was correlated with bodyweight in Snark(+/-) and Snark(+/+) mice, suggesting that obesity was a risk factor for colorectal tumorigenesis in this model. However, the correlation coefficient was higher in Snark(+/-) mice. Moreover, AOM-induced ACF formation was also enhanced in preobese Snark(+/-) mice. Together, these findings suggest that AOM-induced tumorigenesis in Snark(+/-) mice was enhanced via obesity-dependent and -independent mechanisms.