Clinically, prostate cancer is infamous for its histological and molecular heterogeneity, which causes great challenges to pinpoint therapy and pharmaceutical development. To overcome these difficulties, researchers are focusing on modulating tumor microenvironment and immune responses in addition to genetic alteration and epigenetic regulation. Here, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers or modulators of prostate cancer by investigating genes specifically altered in prostate cancer cells treated with established anti-cancer agents. Glycerol kinase 1 (GK1) is phosphotransferase encoded on the X chromosome, is associated with the synthesis of triglycerides and glycerophospholipids, and has been mainly studied for X-linked metabolic disorder GK deficiency (GKD). Interestingly, our DNA microarray analysis showed that several anti-cancer agents highly induced the expression of GK1, especially GK1a and GK1b isoforms, in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. To elucidate the relationship between GK1 and cancer cell death, a human GK1b-specific expression vector was constructed and transfected into the PC-3 cells. Surprisingly, GK1b overexpression dramatically reduced cell viability and significantly accelerated apoptotic cell death. These findings suggest that GK1b may serve as a promising modulator and biomarker of cell death in prostate cancer, offering potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Clinically, prostate cancer is infamous for its histological and molecular heterogeneity, which causes great challenges to pinpoint therapy and pharmaceutical development. To overcome these difficulties, researchers are focusing on modulating tumor microenvironment and immune responses in addition to genetic alteration and epigenetic regulation. Here, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers or modulators of prostate cancer by investigating genes specifically altered in prostate cancer cells treated with established anti-cancer agents. Glycerol kinase 1 (GK1) is phosphotransferase encoded on the X chromosome, is associated with the synthesis of triglycerides and glycerophospholipids, and has been mainly studied for X-linked metabolic disorder GK deficiency (GKD). Interestingly, our DNA microarray analysis showed that several anti-cancer agents highly induced the expression of GK1, especially GK1a and GK1b isoforms, in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. To elucidate the relationship between GK1 and cancer cell death, a human GK1b-specific expression vector was constructed and transfected into the PC-3 cells. Surprisingly, GK1b overexpression dramatically reduced cell viability and significantly accelerated apoptotic cell death. These findings suggest that GK1b may serve as a promising modulator and biomarker of cell death in prostate cancer, offering potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.

계피(C. cassia Presl)는 전통적으로 약용 및 식품 재료로 사용되며, 생리활성 물질이 풍부하다. 본 연구에서는 물과 다양한 농도의 에탄올 수용액을 사용하여 계피 수피 추출물을 제조하고, 총페놀 및 총플라보노이드 함량과 산화방지능을 비교하여 최적의 추출물을 확인하였다. 그 결과, 60% (v/v) 에탄올 수용액 추출물(CCE, 최적 추출물)이 가장 높은 총페놀 함량과 총플라보노이드 함량을 나타냈고, 산화방지능도 가장 우수했다. 역상 HPLC 분석으로 CCE의 주요 화합물을 동정 및 정량한 결과, 쿠마린, 신남산, 신남알데하이드, 2-메톡시신남알데하이드가 확인되었고, 이 중 신남알데하이드의 함량이 가장 높았다. RAW 264.7 대식세포에서 CCE 처리는 과산화수소로 유도된 산화적 손상으로부터 세포보호 효과를 보였고, 세포 내 산화스트레스를 유의하게 감소시켰다. 또한 LPS로 자극한 RAW 264.7 대식세포에서 CCE 처리는 iNOS와 COX-2 단백질 발현에 영향을 주지 않으면서 아질산염 생성을 유의하게 억제하였다. 이러한 결과는 CCE가 산화방지능 및 항염 특성을 동시에 지닌 기능성 소재임을 시사한다.

Benzimidazole derivatives can effectively treat nematode parasitic infections; however, some derivatives demand distinct administrative strategies depending on plasma concentration and patient conditions. Numerous studies have examined the potential of natural extracts to exert parasiticidal activity with minimal side effects. Herein, we examined the potential parasiticidal effects of <i>Torreya nucifera</i> extract. The pericarps of <i>T. nucifera</i> were extracted with methanol, dried, and the pellet was dissolved in hot water (Tn-Phw). We designed four individual mouse experiments to clarify the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Tn-Phw on <i>Trichinella spiralis</i> infection. Also, 100 L1 larvae were isolated and treated with Tn-Phw (10 mg/mL) <i>in vitro</i> to confirm the killing effect. Furthermore, we microscopically examined the morphology of L1 larvae to confirm the parasite-killing effect and analyzed the morphology using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The expression of three molting-related genes was confirmed to determine whether Tn-Phw induced morphological changes in L1 larvae. Following treatment with Tn-Phw, L1 larvae death was observed after 16 h. Following SEM examination, the healthy muscle larvae showed striated ridges and wrinkles; this was not observed in extract-treated muscle larvae. Expression levels of the three molting-related genes did not differ between the Tn-Phw-treated and control groups. <i>T. spiralis</i>-infected mice pretreated with Tn-Phw showed significantly reduced muscle larva infection when compared with control mice. In all experiments, treatment with Tn-Phw afforded preventive and therapeutic effects against <i>T. spiralis</i> infection and parasitism. Natural substances against nematode parasites could be developed as therapeutic agents with few side effects and enhanced parasiticidal efficacy.

Bone homeostasis is regulated by constant remodeling through osteogenesis by osteoblasts and osteolysis by osteoclasts and osteoporosis can be provoked when this balance is broken. Present pharmaceutical treatments for osteoporosis have harmful side effects and thus, our goal was to develop therapeutics from intrisincally safe natural products. Fucoidan is a polysaccharide extracted from many species of brown seaweed, with valuable pharmaceutical activities. To intensify the effect of fucoidan on bone homeostasis, we hydrolyzed fucoidan using AMG, Pectinex and Viscozyme. Of these, fucoidan biotransformed by Pectinex (Fu/Pec) powerfully inhibited the induction of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in osteoclasts differentiated from bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) by the receptor for activation of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). To investigate potential of lower molecular weight fucoidan it was separated into >300 kDa, 50-300 kDa, and <50 kDa Fu/Pec fractions by ultrafiltration system. The effects of these fractions on TRAP and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were then examined in differentiated osteoclasts and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, respectively. Interestingly, 50-300 kDa Fu/Pec suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclasts differentiation from BMMs but did not synergistically enhance osteoblasts differentiation induced by osteogenic agents. In addition, this fraction inhibited the expressions of NFATc1, TRAP, OSCAR, and RANK, which are all key transcriptional factors involved in osteoclast differentiation, and those of Src, c-Fos and Mitf, as determined by RT-PCR. In conclusion, enzymatically low-molecularized 50-300 kDa Fu/Pec suppressed TRAP by downregulating RANKL-related signaling, contributing to the inhibition of osteoclasts differentiation, and represented a potential means of inducing bone remodeling in the background of osteoporosis.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disease with a high prevalence that threatens the health of modern people. Patient education is essential to control MetS. This prospective study aimed to evaluate 6-month changes in health indicators following a two-day education program for patients with MetS aged 45 or older. Education about MetS, lifestyle modification, nutrition, and physical activity was provided. At 3 and 6 months after the program, participants visited for follow-up. Twenty-two patients completed the 6-month study. Waist circumference was reduced, and life quality and depression index improved in 3 and 6 months compared to pre-education. Blood pressure decreased, and anxiety index improved at three months. Nutritional knowledge was well maintained for 3 and 6 months. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels increased at six months. Three out of twenty-two patients did not satisfy MetS criteria at the end of the study due to improved indicators. A two-day multidisciplinary education program positively affected health indicators in MetS patients. Participation in the program also help with life satisfaction and positive emotional condition. However, some indicators improved in 3 months, but the effect disappeared 6 months after the program.