Amorepacific (South Korea)

The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism against exogenous pathogens, and optimizing its function is vital for maintaining health. Previous studies have shown that specific probiotics can enhance immune function through mechanisms involving the activation of natural killer (NK) cells and modulation of cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12), which are critical for innate immune responses. In this study, we conducted a clinical trial to investigate the immune effects of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei ( Lcb. paracasei ) HY7017. Eighty participants suspected of having reduced immune function were randomized into two groups: the Lcb. paracasei HY7017 supplemented group and the control group. Participants in the HY7017 group consumed one capsule daily containing 5.0 × 10 9 Colony Forming Unit (CFU) of Lcb. paracasei HY7017, while the placebo group received identical capsules without live bacteria. After 8 weeks of consumption, NK cell activity was significantly higher in the HY7017 group compared with the control group. In addition, IFN-γ levels were considerably elevated in the HY7017 group at both 4 and 8 weeks, and an increase in IL-12 was observed after 8 weeks. No clinically notable differences in adverse events were observed between the two groups. As NK cells and cytokines are key immunomodulators, the observed increases in these biofactors support the immune-enhancing potential of Lcb. paracasei HY7017. These findings support the potential of Lcb. paracasei HY7017 as a functional health food ingredient for immune enhancement.

Moranoline (1-Deoxynojirimycin), a rare iminosugar with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, holds promise as a candidate for diabetes treatment due to its pharmacological properties. However, moranoline is typically found in trace amounts in natural sources, limiting its availability for commercial and medical applications. This study isolated Bacillus velezensis AmoreLumina from traditional Korean fermented soybean food as a novel moranoline producer. Initial optimization of carbon and nitrogen sources using sorbitol and defatted soybean meal (DSM) yielded 1.222g/L moranoline in batch culture. Fermentation conditions, particularly the oxygen transfer coefficient (OTC), significantly influenced moranoline biosynthesis. By maintaining similar OTC levels between shake flasks and a fermentor (OTC of 207.6h-1), we successfully scaled up the process, achieving similar moranoline production levels. Fermentor studies on the effect of OTC on moranoline production revealed that an OTC of 97.0h-1 achieved the maximum moranoline yield of 2.263g/L. Sporulation led to a decline in the expression of moranoline biosynthetic genes, thereby reducing moranoline production after 48h. Fed-batch fermentation effectively delayed sporulation by providing a controlled and continuous supply of substrates. This strategy maintained an active metabolic state in Bacillus velezensis AmoreLumina, extending the production phase and leading to a significantly enhanced moranoline concentration of 3.852g/L at 96h. To the best of our knowledge, this study demonstrates the highest production of moranoline from Bacillus species, highlighting the potential of Bacillus velezensis AmoreLumina as an efficient, non-genetically modified (GM) microbial factory for its production.

Abstract Senescent cells can affect neighboring cells via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which involves pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and proteases. This study aimed to explore the senolytic properties of Camellia sinensis root extract (SENOMUNE), which has therapeutic potential for skin aging-related disorders, with cell viability assays, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and flow cytometry using a stress-induced premature senescence model in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). NHDFs were induced to senescence using doxorubicin and insulin-like growth factor-1. The senolytic effect of SENOMUNE was also evaluated through the investigation of senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, gene and protein expression analysis, and apoptosis assays in NHDFs. The impact of SENOMUNE on the skin barrier function and pigmentation was assessed using conditioned media from senescent fibroblasts and ex vivo skin biopsies. SENOMUNE exhibited a concentration-dependent reduction in senescent cells without affecting young cells and induced apoptosis in senescent cells through a caspase-independent mechanism involving apoptosis-inducing factor and lysosomal membrane permeabilization. SENOMUNE reduced SASP factors and improved skin barrier function and pigmentation by modulating the secretion of inflammatory cytokines from keratinocytes and autophagy. SENOMUNE thus demonstrated novel senolytic properties and therapeutic potential for managing skin-related disorders and is a promising anti-aging phytopharmaceutical ingredient.

Dermatological procedures improve skin changes caused by aging. However, few studies have focused on the effect of improving various skin characteristics compared with the concurrent use of cosmetics. We aimed to confirm changes in skin characteristics owing to anti-aging dermatological procedures in the short- and long-term and to determine the efficacy of the procedure when products with anti-aging and repair effects are used together. We included 42 women (mean age, 47.667±3.183years) divided into a test (n=21) and control (n=21) group, with no history of dermatological procedures within 3months of the test participation date. The dermatological procedure involved a single application of Thermage treatments, and products containing repair and anti-aging ingredients were used for the test group. The skin changes were assessed using device-based measurements and image analysis up to 4weeks post-procedure. Post-procedure side effects were alleviated 1day after the procedure, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) improved when the products were used together. Skin hydration, elasticity, density, fine lines, texture, and pores improved at 4weeks after the procedure. When the test product was also used, the improvement was significantly greater, and TEWL of the face improved in the test group only. Aging-related skin characteristics were improved by Thermage, and the combined use of test products and procedures with repair and anti-aging effects improved skin characteristics. Dermatological procedures and cosmetic products have internal and external anti-aging effects on the skin, respectively, resulting in synergy.

The current study hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acids ω-3 FAs consumed with various tea extracts, which included green tea extract comprising 35% and 65% catechin (GTE35 and GTE65), naturally fermented green tea (Heukcha) extract (NFGT), and a complex of heat-treated green tea and enzymatically-modified isoquercitrin (1:1, w:w) (AdiphenonTM) would enhance the digestive stability and intestinal absorption of ω-3 FAs. The digestive stability of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) co-digested with GTE65 using an in vitro digestion model system was improved by up to 20.76% and 23.22%, respectively, compared to ω-3 FAs. The oxidative stability, measured using peroxide values, was the lowest, whereas the DPPH radical scavenging capacity during digestion was the highest in Adiphenon™, showing 1.03 ± 0.25 meq O2/kg oil and 1251.96 ± 26.03 µmol TE/g. The deviation in zeta potential was reduced when ω-3 FAs were co-treated with various tea extracts, indicating that the micelle of ω-3 FAs is stable. The intestinal absorption in Caco-2 cells increased by up to 34.53% for EPA and 60.23% for DHA with various tea extracts compared to ω-3 FAs alone. The co-treatment with GTE35 and Adiphenon™ did not alter the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) compared to ω-3 FAs alone, which implies the efflux of tea polyphenols, such as catechins, could be limited due to the suppression of P-gp by ω-3 FA. The results from the current study suggest that the co-intake of ω-3 FAs with various tea extracts could increase the bioavailability of ω-3 FAs by preventing oxidation, stabilizing micelle structures, and minimizing intestinal efflux.

Background/Objectives: Sensitivity to ocular irritation varies among individuals, being influenced by clinical, subjective, and biochemical factors. This study aimed to evaluate individual variability in ocular irritation sensitivity, focusing on clinical parameters, pain perception, and tear neuromediator profiles. Methods: Sixty female participants aged 20–40 were classified into high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity groups based on their response to an irritant (Tween20). Clinical assessments included the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test, and corneal touch threshold measured with the Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer. Pain sensitivity was assessed using the pain sensitivity questionnaire (PSQ), and tear neuromediators were quantified in tear samples before and after stimulation. The concentrations of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), nerve growth factor, neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P were measured using an enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The high-sensitivity group exhibited significantly higher OSDI scores (p = 0.038). No significant differences were observed in TBUT, corneal staining scores, or Schirmer’s test results. The PSQ results revealed that the high-sensitivity group had lower total and moderate pain scores (p = 0.037 and p = 0.040, respectively). An analysis of the tear neuromediator showed elevated baseline CGRP levels (p = 0.017) and a significant post-stimulation increase in substance P (p = 0.021) in the high-sensitivity group. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the value of combining clinical, subjective, and biochemical measures to understand sensitivity to ocular irritation. This comprehensive approach may guide the development of safer cosmetic formulations and improve safety assessment protocols.