Ar-Turmerone Exerts Anti-proliferative and Anti-inflammatory Activities in HaCaT Keratinocytes by Inactivating Hedgehog Pathway

Effects of the Curcuminoid and Non-Curcuminoid Compounds of Turmeric on the Gut Microbiome and Inflammation: Potential Use in the Treatment and Prevention of Disease

The gut microbiome is a complex system that directly interacts with and influences many systems in the body. This delicate balance of microbiota plays an important role in health and disease and is highly influenced by lifestyle factors and the surrounding environment. As further research emerges, understanding the full potential of the gut microbiome and the impact of using nutraceuticals to positively influence its function may open the door to greater therapeutic outcomes in the treatment and prevention of disease. Curcumin, a bioactive compound derived from the turmeric rhizome, has been studied in depth for its influence on human health as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the therapeutic activity of curcumin is limited by its low oral bioavailability. While most available research has primarily focused on the curcuminoid compounds of turmeric, the non-curcuminoid compounds hold promise to offer therapeutic benefits while synergistically enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin and supporting the gut microbiome. This review summarizes current knowledge of the relationship between the gut and the various systems within the body, and how dysbiosis, or disruption in the gut microbial balance, leads to inflammation and increased risk of chronic disease. The review also summarizes recent research that focuses on the bioactivity of both the curcuminoid and non-curcuminoid compounds that comprise the whole turmeric root and their synergistic role in enhancing bioavailability to support a healthy gut microbiome and promising use in the treatment and prevention of disease.

Pharmacological Activities of Turmerones

Turmerones are major bioactive compounds of Curcuma species with several beneficial pharmacological activities. In addition, various in vivo and in vitro studies noted that turmerones could affect different cytokines, metabolic pathways, and targets. Turmerones will have the potential to be a candidate agent to lessen many pathological and immunological conditions as a result of these pharmacological activities. In this review, we provided information about the pharmacological actions of turmerones using search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Turmeric Essential Oil Constituents as Potential Drug Candidates: A Comprehensive Overview of Their Individual Bioactivities

The therapeutic properties of turmeric essential oil have been extensively documented in both preclinical and clinical studies. Research indicates that its primary active compounds are promising candidates for addressing a wide range of pathologies, exhibiting anticancer, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, cardiovascular, hypoglycemic, dermatological, hepatoprotective, neurological, antiparasitic, antiviral, insecticidal, antifungal, and antivenom activities. While numerous compounds possess similar potential applications, the isolated active constituents of turmeric essential oil stand out due to their unique pharmacological profiles and absence of toxicity. This literature review meticulously compiles and analyzes the bioactivities of these constituents, emphasizing their molecular mechanisms of action, reported pharmacological effects, and potential therapeutic applications. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of currently available clinical and preclinical findings related to individual turmeric essential oil compounds, while also identifying critical knowledge gaps. By summarizing these findings, this work encourages further research into the isolated compounds from turmeric oil as viable drug candidates, ultimately contributing to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Turmeric-Black Cumin Essential Oils and Their Capacity to Attenuate Free Radicals, Protein Denaturation, and Cancer Proliferation

Turmeric rhizomes (Curcuma longa) and black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) are polyherbal ingredients used for the management of cancer and other chronic inflammatory diseases in Nigerian ethnomedicine. Previous studies have shown the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of the individual plant extracts. However, the two spices have not been biologically potentiated in their combined form. Therefore, this study obtained essential oils (EOs) from the combined spices and evaluated their inhibitory effects on free radicals, protein denaturation, and cancer proliferation. The EOs were extracted by hydro-distillation (HD) and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In vitro antioxidant assessment was conducted based on DPPH, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), and ferric ion (Fe3+) radical scavenging assays. The cytotoxicity of the oil against non-tumorigenic (HEK293) and cancerous (HepG2 and HeLa) cell lines was determined following the MTT cell viability assay. An in silico molecular docking analysis of the oil constituents was also performed. Six batches of EOs I-VI were afforded, comprising twenty-two major constituents, with aromatic Ar-turmerone being the most prominent compound. There was a marked improvement in the bioactivity of the oils upon repeated HD and as a combination. The batch VI oil exhibited the best activity, with a cytotoxicity (CC50) of 10.16 ± 1.69 µg/100 µL against the HepG2 cell line, which was comparable to 5-fluorouracil (standard, CC50 = 8.59 ± 1.33 µg/100 µL). In silico molecular docking suggested δ-curcumene, Ar-curcumene, Ar-turmerol, and Ar-turmerone among the promising compounds based on their high binding energy scores with NOX2, NF-κB, and mdm2 proteins. In conclusion, the oils from the turmeric-black cumin combined possess a considerable inhibition ability against free radicals, protein denaturation, and cancer proliferation. This study's findings further underscore the effectiveness of turmeric-black cumin as a polyherbal medicinal ingredient.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation, Chemical Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Bassia indica (Wight) A.J. Scott

Bassia indica (Wight) A.J. Scott is an Indian origin plant with documented medicinal and nutritional value, but has not been fully characterized yet. The present study was designed to establish pharmacognostic standards for the proper identification of the B. indica plant and its chemical characterization. The plant was standardized with World Health Organization (WHO) standardization tools and chemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. Antibacterial potential was assessed by the zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and molecular docking studies were also performed. Pharmacognostic evaluation established the macroscopic and microscopic parameters for the identification of whole plant and its powder. Physicochemical parameters were also set forth while quantitative phytochemical analysis showed that the ethyl acetate fraction had the highest quantity of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. FTIR analysis showed several functional groups such as phenols, alkanes, and alcohols while 55 phytochemicals were identified in the GC-MS analysis of the crude fraction. The crude extract and other fractions showed marked antibacterial activity, while the ethyl acetate fraction showed the least MIC (1.95-31.25 mg/mL). Phytochemicals identified in the GC-MS showed good molecular docking interactions against the DNA gyrase subunit B of bacteria with binding energies ranging from -4.2 to -9.4 kcal/mol. The current study describes the pharmacognostic characterization and phytochemical profiling of B. indica and provides scientific evidence to support its use in infections.

Development of Curcumin and Turmerone Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticle for Topical Delivery: Optimization, Characterization and Skin Irritation Evaluation with 3D Tissue Model

Background

Curcuma longa L., commonly known as turmeric, is renowned for its therapeutic benefits attributed to bioactive compounds, namely curcumin (Cur) and aromatic turmerone (Tur), present in its rhizome. These compounds exhibit diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. However, the topical application of these compounds has a significant potential for inducing skin irritation. This study focuses on formulating solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) carriers encapsulating both Cur and Tur for reduced irritation and enhanced stability.

Methods

SLN formulations were prepared by a method using homogenization followed by ultrasonication procedures and optimized by applying response surface methodology (RSM).

Results

The optimized SLN formulation demonstrated entrapment efficiencies, with 77.21 ± 4.28% for Cur and 75.12 ± 2.51% for Tur. A size distribution of 292.11 ± 9.43 nm was obtained, which was confirmed to be a spherical and uniform shape via environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) images. The in vitro release study indicated cumulative releases of 71.32 ± 3.73% for Cur and 67.23 ± 1.64% for Tur after 24 hours under sink conditions. Physical stability tests confirmed the stability of formulation, allowing storage at 4°C for a minimum of 60 days. Notably, in vitro skin irritation studies, utilizing the reconstructed human epidermal model (EPI-200-SIT), revealed a significant reduction in irritation with the SLN containing Cur and Tur compared to nonencapsulated Cur and Tur.

Conclusion

These findings collectively endorse the optimized SLN formulation as a favorable delivery system for Cur and Tur in diverse topical uses, offering enhanced stability, controlled release and reduced irritation.

Oxidative Stress Induces Skin Pigmentation in Melasma by Inhibiting Hedgehog Signaling

There is growing evidence that oxidative stress plays a role in melasma and disrupts primary cilia formation. Additionally, primary cilia have been suggested to have an inhibitory role in melanogenesis. This study examined the potential link between oxidative stress, skin hyperpigmentation, and primary cilia. We compared the expression levels of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), intraflagellar transport 88 (IFT88), and glioma-associated oncogene homologs (GLIs) in skin samples from patients with melasma, both in affected and unaffected areas. We also explored the roles of NRF2, IFT88, and GLIs in ciliogenesis and pigmentation using cultured adult human keratinocytes, with or without melanocytes. Our findings revealed decreased levels of NRF2, heme oxygenase-1, IFT88, and GLIs in lesional skin from melasma patients. The knockdown of NRF2 resulted in reduced expressions of IFT88 and GLI1, along with fewer ciliated cells. Furthermore, NRF2, IFT88, or GLI1 knockdown led to increased expressions in protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2), K10, involucrin, tyrosinase, and/or melanin. These effects were reversed by the smoothened agonist 1.1. Calcium also upregulated these proteins, but not NRF2. The upregulation of involucrin and PAR2 after NRF2 knockdown was mitigated with a calcium chelator. In summary, our study suggests that oxidative stress in NRF2-downregulated melasma keratinocytes impedes ciliogenesis and related molecular processes. This inhibition stimulates keratinocyte differentiation, resulting in melanin synthesis and melanosome transfer, ultimately leading to skin hyperpigmentation.

Phytochemical composition, bioactive properties, and toxicological profile of Tetrapleura tetraptera

The use of medicinal plants has gained renewed wide popularity in Africa, Asia, and most parts of the world because of the decreasing efficacy of synthetic drugs. Thus, natural products serve as a potent source of alternative remedy. Tetrapleura tetraptera is a medicinal plant with cultural and traditional significance in West Africa. In addition to the plant being commonly used as a spice in the preparation of traditional spicy food for postpartum care it is also widely used to constitute herbal concoctions and decoctions for treatment of diseases. This review aimed to provide an up-to-date information on the ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activities and phytoconstituents of T. tetraptera. Preclinical studies regarding the plant's toxicity profile were also reviewed. For this updated review, literature search was done on PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, and Google Scholar databases using the relevant keywords. The review used a total of 106 papers that met the inclusion criteria from January 1989 - February 2022 and summarised the bioactivities that have been reported for the rich phytoconstituents of T. tetraptera studied using various chemical methods. Considering the huge report, the review focused on the antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activities of the plant extracts and isolated compounds. Aridan, aridanin and several bioactive compounds of T. tetraptera have shown pharmacological activities though their mechanisms of action are yet to be fully understood. This study also highlighted the influence of plant parts and extraction solvents on its biological activities. It also presented data on the toxicological profile of the plant extracts using different models. From cultural uses to modern pharmacological research the bioactive compounds of T. tetraptera have proved effective in infectious disease management. We hope that this paper provided a robust summary of the biological activities and toxicological profile of T. tetraptera, thus calling for more research into the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic activities of natural products to help combat the growing threat of drug resistance and provide guidelines for their ethnomedicinal uses.

Signaling pathways and targets of natural products in psoriasis treatment

Aim: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder, which has adverse effects on patients’ quality of life. Natural products exhibit significant therapeutic capacities with small side effects and might be preferable alternative treatments for patients with psoriasis. This study summarizes the signaling pathways with the potential targets of natural products and their efficacy for psoriasis treatment. Methods: The literature for this article was acquired from PubMed and Web of Science, from January 2010 to December 2020. The keywords for searching included “psoriasis” and “natural product”, “herbal medicine”, “herbal therapy”, “medicinal plant”, “medicinal herb” or “pharmaceutical plant”. Results: Herbal extracts, natural compounds, and herbal prescriptions could regulate the signaling pathways to alleviate psoriasis symptoms, such as T helper 17 (Th17) differentiation, Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and other signaling pathways, which are involved in the inflammatory response and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. The anti-psoriatic effect of natural products in clinical trials was summarized. Conclusions: Natural products exerted the anti-psoriatic effect by targeting multiple signaling pathways, providing evidence for the investigation of novel drugs. Further experimental research should be performed to screen and characterize the therapeutic targets of natural products for application in psoriasis treatment.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Chinese Herbal Medicines: Links between Traditional Characters and the Skin Lipoperoxidation “Western” Model

The relationship between lipid peroxidation and inflammation has been accepted as a paradigm in the field of topical inflammation. The underlying biochemical mechanisms may be summarised as unspecific oxidative damage followed by specific oxidative processes as the physio pathological response in skin tissues. In this experimental review we hypothesise that the characteristics attributed by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to herbal drugs can be linked to their biomolecular activities within the framework of the above paradigm. To this end, we review and collect experimental data from several TCM herbal drugs to create 2D-3D pharmacological and biochemical spaces that are further reduced to a bidimensional combined space. When multivariate analysis is applied to the latter, it unveils a series of links between TCM herbal characters and the skin lipoperoxidation “Western” model. With the help of these patterns and a focused review on their chemical, pharmacological and antioxidant properties we show that cleansing herbs of bitter and cold nature acting through removal of toxins—including P. amurense, Coptis chinensis, S. baicalensis and F. suspensa—are highly correlated with strong inhibition of both lipid peroxidation and eicosanoids production. Sweet drugs—such as A. membranaceus, A. sinensis and P. cocos—act through a specific inhibition of the eicosanoids production. The therapeutic value of the remaining drugs—with low antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activity—seems to be based on their actions on the Qi with the exception of furanocoumarin containing herbs—A. dahurica and A. pubescens—which “expel wind”. A further observation from our results is that the drugs present in the highly active “Cleansing herbs” cluster are commonly used and may be interchangeable. Our work may pave the way to a translation between two medical systems with radically different philosophies and help the prioritisation of active ingredients with specific biomolecular activities of interest for the treatment of skin conditions.

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Molecular Docking-Based Strategy to Discover the Potential Pharmacological Mechanism of Wen-Yu-Jin against Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Mouse Model

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a devastating lung disease, resulting in gas exchange dysfunction until death. The two drugs approved by the FDA, pirfenidone and nintedanib, have obvious side effects. Wen-yu-jin (WYJ), one of the commonly used herbs in China, can treat respiratory diseases. The potential effects and the underlying mechanism of WYJ against PF are unclear.

PURPOSE

Employing network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of WYJ in the treatment of PF.

METHODS

Ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography combined with linear ion trap-orbital tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-orbital trap) was used to identify compounds of WYJ. We got PF-related targets and WYJ compounds-related targets from public databases and further completed critical targets exploration, network construction, and pathway analysis by network pharmacology. Molecular docking predicted binding activity of WYJ compounds and critical targets. Based on the above results, in vivo and in vitro experiments validated the potential effects and mechanisms of WYJ against PF.

RESULTS

23 major compositions of WYJ were identified based on UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap. According to the results of network pharmacology, STAT3, SRC, IL6, MAPK1, AKT1, EGFR, MAPK8, MAPK14, and IL1B are critical therapeutic targets. Molecular docking results showed that most of the compounds have good binding activities with critical targets. The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that WYJ alleviated the process of fibrosis by targeting MAPK and STAT3 pathways.

CONCLUSION

Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo and in vitro experiments showed the potential effects and mechanisms of WYJ against PF, which provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of WYJ with PF.

LncRNA MALAT-1 regulates the growth of interleukin-22-stimulated keratinocytes via the miR-330-5p/S100A7 axis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder related to abnormal keratinocyte proliferation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are significant regulators in the progression of skin diseases. In this study, we explored how lncRNA MALAT-1 controls the pathogenesis of psoriasis by examining its impact on keratinocyte proliferation, inflammation, and apoptosis. A psoriasis cell model was established by treating HaCaT keratinocytes with the inflammatory factor, IL-22 (100 ng/ml), for 24 h. The MALAT-1 and S100A7 levels in psoriatic lesions, normal skin tissues, and IL-22-stimulated HaCaT cells were determined by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Cell proliferation, inflammation, and apoptosis were detected by the MTT assay, western blotting, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the miRNAs that bind to MALAT-1 and S100A7. The relationships between MALAT-1 or miR-330-5p and S100A7 were assessed using a luciferase reporter assay. The MALAT-1 and S100A7 levels were upregulated in both psoriatic lesion samples and IL-22-stimulated HaCaT cells. Silencing MALAT-1 significantly reversed the IL-22-stimulated promotion of HaCaT proliferation and changes in Ki67 and KRT5/14/1/10 protein levels, and MALAT-1 deficiency also reversed the upregulation of TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-23 protein levels as well as suppression of cell apoptosis. As a ceRNA, MALAT-1 competed with S100A7 to prevent miR-330-5p-induced inhibition of S100A7 expression. There was a negative correlation between miR-330-5p and MALAT-1 (or S100A7) expression in psoriatic lesion tissues. In response to IL-22 treatment, miR-330-5p silencing eliminated the effects of MALAT-1 knockdown in HaCaT cells. Thus, these findings demonstrated that MALAT-1 modulates the IL-22-induced changes in HaCaT cells through the miR-330-5p/S100A7 axis.

Sanse Powder Essential Oil Nanoemulsion Negatively Regulates TRPA1 by AMPK/mTOR Signaling in Synovitis: Knee Osteoarthritis Rat Model and Fibroblast-Like Synoviocyte Isolates

Synovitis is the primary driving factor for the occurrence and development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and plays a crucial role during this process. Our previous works revealed that transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) ion channels mediate the amplification of KOA synovitis. In recent years, essential oils have been proved to have blocking effect on transient receptor potential channels. Meanwhile, the therapeutic effect of Sanse Powder on KOA synovitis has been confirmed in clinical trials and basic studies; although, the mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, Sanse Powder essential oil nanoemulsion (SP-NEs) was prepared, and then chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and stability were investigated. Besides, both in MIA-induced KOA rats and in LPS-stimulated FLSs, we investigated whether SP-NES could alleviate KOA synovitis by interfering with AMP-activated protein kinase- (AMPK-) mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), an energy sensing pathway proved to negatively regulate the TRPA1. Our research shows that the top three substances in SP-NEs were tumerone, delta-cadinene, and Ar-tumerone, which accounted for 51.62% of the total, and should be considered as the main pharmacodynamic ingredient. Less inflammatory cell infiltration and type I collagen deposition were found in the synovial tissue of KOA rats treated with SP-NEs, as well as the downregulated expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and TRPA1. Besides, SP-NEs increased the phosphorylation level of AMPK and decreased the phosphorylation level of mTOR in the KOA model, and SP-NEs also upregulated expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) and PPARγ coactivator-1α and downstream signaling molecules of AMPK-mTOR in vivo and in vitro. To conclude, a kind of Chinese herbal medicine for external use which is effective in treating synovitis of KOA was extracted and prepared into essential oil nanoemulsion with stable properties in the present study. It may alleviate synovitis in experimental KOA through the negative regulation of TRPA1 by AMPK-mTOR signaling.

Natural medicine combined with nanobased topical delivery systems: a new strategy to treat psoriasis

Psoriasis, an autoimmune inflammatory skin disorder, is one of the commonest immune-mediated disease conditions affecting individuals globally. At the moment, the conventional methods applied against psoriasis treatment have various drawbacks involving limited efficacy, skin irritation, immunosuppression, etc. Therefore, it is important for scientists to find a more potent and alternative drug approach towards psoriasis therapeutics. Natural medicine still remains an important source for new drug discovery due to its therapeutical significance in various drug administration routes. However, the traditional formulation of topical therapies for psoriasis is limited in efficacy, which limits the use of natural medicine. Based on the aforementioned limitations, the use of nanocarriers in preparation of these topical herbal products could be tremendously beneficial in enhancing the efficacy of topical medications. Growing pieces of evidence have proposed that the utilization of nanocarriers in transdermal preparation as a prospective technique, with regards to better potency, directs drug absorption to site of action, and minimum toxicity effect respectively. In the course of this review, we emphasized the pathological mechanism of psoriasis, natural medicine formula, active components of natural medicine, and nanopreparations used in the treatment of psoriasis.

Curcuma longa L. Rhizome Essential Oil from Extraction to Its Agri-Food Applications. A Review

Curcuma longa L. rhizome essential oil is a valuable product in pharmaceutical industry due to its wide beneficial health effects. Novel applications in the agri-food industry where more sustainable extraction processes are required currently and safer substances are claimed for the consumer are being investigated. This review provides information regarding the conventional and recent extraction methods of C. longa rhizome oil, their characteristics and suitability to be applied at the industrial scale. In addition, variations in the chemical composition of C. longa rhizome and leaf essential oils regarding intrinsic and extrinsic factors and extraction methods are also analysed in order to select the most proper to obtain the most efficient activity. Finally, the potential applications of C. longa rhizome oil in the agri-food industry, such as antimicrobial, weedicide and a food preservative agent, are included. Regarding the data, C. longa rhizome essential oil may play a special role in the agri-food industry; however, further research to determine the application threshold so as not to damage crops or affect the organoleptic properties of food products, as well as efficient encapsulation techniques, are necessary for its implementation in global agriculture.

CtBP2 interacts with ZBTB18 to promote malignancy of glioblastoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how the interaction of CtBP2 with ZBTB18 affect glioblastoma (GBM).

METHODS

Western blotting was performed to detect CtBP2 and ZBTB18 expression in GBM and normal brain tissues (NBT). U-87 MG cells were transfected with ZBTB18 CRISPR activation plasmid, CtBP2 shRNA with/without ZBTB18 shRNA. The biological characteristics were detected by EdU assay, MTT, Wound-healing, Transwell, TUNEL staining, and Flow cytometry. Furthermore, U-87 MG cells transfected with CtBP2 shRNA and/or ZBTB18 shRNA were injected into the flank region of mice and the tumor volume was measured. The mRNA and protein expression was quantified by qRT-PCR or Western blotting.

RESULTS

GBM tissues exhibited increased CtBP2 expression and decreased ZBTB18 expression, which demonstrated a negative correlation in GBM tissues and showed the combined effect on prognosis. Based on immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence, there was an interaction between CtBP2 and ZBTB18 in U-87 MG cells. CtBP2 shRNA counteracted the effect of ZBTB18 shRNA on inhibiting U-87 MG cell apoptosis, as well as promoting cell proliferation and viability with increased EMT, invasion and migration. Meanwhile, CtBP2 shRNA interact with ZBTB18 to block cells at phase G0/G1 and suppress SHH-GLI1 pathway. CtBP2 shRNA decreased tumor volume, increase ZBTB18 expression in tumor tissues, and inhibit SHH-GLI1 pathway in mice, which could be reversed by ZBTB18 shRNA.

CONCLUSION

CtBP2 elevation and ZBTB18 down-regulation were found in GBM, both of which were associated with prognosis of GBM patients. CtBP2 interacted with ZBTB18 to affect biological characteristics of GBM cells, and the tumor growth, which may be related to the SHH-GLI1 pathway.

Exploring the wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogenic and proteomic effects of lactic acid bacteria on keratinocytes

The topical application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is recognized as a useful approach to improve skin health. This work aims to characterize by a multidisciplinary approach, the wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogens and proteomic effects of six LAB lysates, belonging to the genus Lactobacillus. Our results demonstrated that the lysates of tested LAB stimulated the proliferation of keratinocytes, and that L. plantarum SGL 07 and L. salivarius SGL 19 accelerated the re-epithelization by inducing keratinocyte migration. The bacterial lysates also reduced the secretion of specific pro-inflammatory mediators from keratinocytes. Furthermore, viable L. salivarius SGL 19 and L. fermentum SGL 10 had anti-pathogenic effects against S. aureus and S. pyogenes, while L. brevis SGL 12 and L. paracasei SGL 04 inhibited S. aureus and S. pyogenes, respectively. The tested lactobacilli lysates also induced specific proteome modulation of the exposed keratinocytes, involving dysregulation of proteins (such as interleukin enhancer-binding factor 2 and ATP-dependent RNA helicase) and pathways (such as cytokine, NF-kB, Hedgehog, and RUNX signaling) associated with their specific wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. This study indicates the different potential of selected lactobacilli, suggesting that they may be successfully used in the future together with conventional therapies to bring relief from skin disorders.