Food and Natural Materials Target Mechanisms to Effectively Regulate Allergic Responses

Fermented Food in Asthma and Respiratory Allergies—Chance or Failure?

In the last few decades, a dramatic increase in the global prevalence of allergic diseases and asthma was observed. It was hypothesized that diet may be an important immunomodulatory factor influencing susceptibility to allergic diseases. Fermented food, a natural source of living microorganisms and bioactive compounds, has been demonstrated to possess health-promoting potentials and seems to be a promising strategy to reduce the risk of various immune-related diseases, such as allergic diseases and asthma. The exact mechanisms by which allergic diseases and asthma can be alleviated or prevented by fermented food are not well understood; however, its potential to exert an effect through modulating the immune response and influencing the gut microbiota has been recently studied. In this review, we provide the current knowledge on the role of diet, including fermented foods, in preventing or treating allergic diseases and asthma.

miR-195-5p regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of thyroid cancer by targeting telomerase reverse transcriptase

In most human primary cancers, the expression, or telomerase activity, of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is detectable. However, the mechanism ofTERTactivity within oncogenesis of thyroid cancer remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified miR-195-5p as having involvement in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion in human thyroid cancer. MTT was used to measure cell proliferation, Transwell chamber was used to measure invasion. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of TERT, PCNA, and Ki67. Target gene prediction software predicted that TERT may be the target gene of miR-195-5p. Luciferase reporting system was used to identify the targeting relationship. A significant increase of in TERT expression was observed by immunohistochemistry compared with normal tissue, however, a decrease in miR-195-5p expression using qRT-PCRand western blot compared with normal cells. Functional analysis demonstrates that miR-195-5p negatively correlated withTERTand inhibitedTERTexpression through its interaction with theTERT3ʹ-untranslatedregion (3ʹ-UTR). Overexpression of miR-195-5p was shown to inhibit proliferation and invasion, and promote apoptosis of CAL-62 thyroid cancer cells. miR-195-5p-mediatedeffects were rescued by the overexpression ofTERT. Altogether, our data demonstrate that miR-195-5p regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion in human thyroid cancer viaTERT, providing evidence of a new potential therapeutic target for further investigation.

Current Perspectives on the Physiological Activities of Fermented Soybean-Derived Cheonggukjang

Cheonggukjang (CGJ, fermented soybean paste), a traditional Korean fermented dish, has recently emerged as a functional food that improves blood circulation and intestinal regulation. Considering that excessive consumption of refined salt is associated with increased incidence of gastric cancer, high blood pressure, and stroke in Koreans, consuming CGJ may be desirable, as it can be made without salt, unlike other pastes. Soybeans in CGJ are fermented by Bacillus strains (B. subtilis or B. licheniformis), Lactobacillus spp., Leuconostoc spp., and Enterococcus faecium, which weaken the activity of putrefactive bacteria in the intestines, act as antibacterial agents against pathogens, and facilitate the excretion of harmful substances. Studies on CGJ have either focused on improving product quality or evaluating the bioactive substances contained in CGJ. The fermentation process of CGJ results in the production of enzymes and various physiologically active substances that are not found in raw soybeans, including dietary fiber, phospholipids, isoflavones (e.g., genistein and daidzein), phenolic acids, saponins, trypsin inhibitors, and phytic acids. These components prevent atherosclerosis, oxidative stress-mediated heart disease and inflammation, obesity, diabetes, senile dementia, cancer (e.g., breast and lung), and osteoporosis. They have also been shown to have thrombolytic, blood pressure-lowering, lipid-lowering, antimutagenic, immunostimulatory, anti-allergic, antibacterial, anti-atopic dermatitis, anti-androgenetic alopecia, and anti-asthmatic activities, as well as skin improvement properties. In this review, we examined the physiological activities of CGJ and confirmed its potential as a functional food.

Immunoinformatics Based Study of T Cell Epitopes in Zea m 1 Pollen Allergen

Background and Objectives: Zea m 1 is a pollen allergen, which is present in maize, is accountable for a type I hypersensitivity reaction in all over the world. Several effective medications are available for the disorder with various side effects. Design and verification of a peptide-based vaccine is a state-of-art technology which is more cost effective than conventional drugs. Materials and Methods: Using immunoinformatic methods, the T cell epitopes from the whole structure of this allergenic protein can be predicted. Worldwide conserved region study among the other pollen allergens has been performed for T cell predicted epitopes by using a conservancy tool. This analysis will help to identify completely conserved HLA (human leukocyte antigen) binding epitopes. Lastly, molecular docking study and MHC-oligopeptide complex binding energy calculation data are applied to determine the interacting amino acids and the affinity of the epitopes to the class II MHCmolecule. Results: The study of criteria-based analysis predicts the presence of two epitopes YVADDGDIV and WRMDTAKAL on this pollen allergen. Conclusions: The T cell epitopes identified in this study provide insight into a peptide-based vaccine for a type I hypersensitivity reaction induced by Zea m 1 grass pollen allergenic protein.

Davallia mariesii Moore Improves FcεRI-Mediated Allergic Responses in the Rat Basophilic Leukemia Mast Cell Line RBL-2H3 and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice

Davallia mariesii Moore (Drynaria rhizome extract (DRE)) is widely known for its efficacy in treating inflammation, arteriosclerosis, and bone injuries. This study evaluated whether treatment with DRE inhibited FcɛRI-mediated allergic responses in the RBL-2H3 mast cells and investigated the early- and late-phase mechanisms by which DRE exerts its antiallergic effects. IgE anti-DNP/DNP-HSA-sensitized RBL-2H3 mast cells were tested for cytotoxicity to DRE, followed by the assessment of β-hexosaminidase release. We measured the amounts of inflammatory mediators (e.g., histamine, PGD₂, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6) and examined the expression of genes involved in arachidonate and FcεRI signaling pathways. In addition, we confirmed the antiallergic effects of DRE on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice. DRE inhibited RBL-2H3 mast cell degranulation and production of allergic mediators in them. In early allergic responses, DRE reduced expression of FcεRI signaling-related genes (e.g., Syk, Lyn, and Fyn) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in mast cells. In late allergic responses, DRE reduced PGD₂ release and COX-2 expression and cPLA₂ phosphorylation in FcɛRI-mediated mast cells. Lastly, 250-500 mg/kg DRE significantly attenuated the IgE-induced PCA reaction in mice. These findings provide novel information on the molecular mechanisms underlying the antiallergic effects of DRE in FcɛRI-mediated allergic responses.