1.Probiotic-Derived P8 Protein: Promoting Proliferation and Migration in Stem Cells and Keratinocytes
Soo Bin JANG ; Yoojung KIM ; Han Cheol YEO ; Geun-Ho KANG ; Byung Chull AN ; Yongku RYU ; Myung-Jun CHUNG ; Ssang-Goo CHO
International Journal of Stem Cells 2025;18(1):87-98
Probiotics exert various effects on the body and provide different health benefits. Previous reports have demonstrated that the P8 protein (P8), isolated from Lactobacillus rhamnosus, has anticancer properties. However, its efficacy in stem cells and normal cells has not been reported. In this study, the effect of P8 on cell proliferation and wound healing was evaluated, investigating its underlying mechanism. Based on scratch assay results, we demonstrated that P8 treatment significantly increases wound healing by activating the cell cycle and promoting stem cell stemness.Cellular mechanisms were further investigated by culturing stem cells in a medium containing Lactobacillus-derived P8 protein, revealing its promotion of cell proliferation and migration. Also, it is found that P8 enhances the expression of stemness markers, such as OCT4 and SOX2, along with activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and Hippo pathways. These results indicate that P8 can promote cell growth by increasing stem cell proliferation, migration, and stemness in a manner associated with MAPK and Hippo signaling, which could contribute to the increased wound healing after P8 treatment. Furthermore, P8 could promote wound healing in keratinocytes by activating the MAPK signaling pathways. These results suggest that P8 might be a promising candidate to enhance stem cell culture efficiency by activating cell proliferation, and enhance therapeutic effects in skin diseases.
2.Literature review of non-pharmacological treatment for patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Jina YEO ; Mi Ryoung SEO ; Jun Won PARK ; Yeon-Ah LEE ; Ju Ho LEE ; Eun Ha KANG ; Seon Mi JI ; Han Joo BAEK
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(1):40-48
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial spine. Along with pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological interventions for axSpA are crucial and constitute the cornerstone of treatment. Here, we review the evidence for non-pharmacological treatment of axSpA as a basis for the 2023 Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axSpA. The effectiveness of the core non-pharmacological approaches, such as education, smoking cessation, and exercise, has been reaffirmed. High-quality research on surgical treatment is limited. However, total hip replacement is advised in patients with ongoing pain or disability and visible structural damage to the hip on imaging. Urgent spinal intervention should be considered in cases of acute spinal pain with neurological deficiency or concurrent unstable fractures. Evidence for complementary therapies, including spas and acupuncture, remains insufficient.
3.Stress Accelerates Depressive-Like Behavior through Increase of SPNS2 Expression in Tg2576 Mice
Seung Sik YOO ; Yuri KIM ; Dong Won LEE ; Hyeon Joo HAM ; Jung Ho PARK ; In Jun YEO ; Ju Young CHANG ; Jaesuk YUN ; Dong Ju SON ; Sang-Bae HAN ; Jin Tae HONG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(3):417-428
To investigate the relationship between depression and AD, water avoidance stress (WAS) was induced for 10 days in both Tg2576 mice and wild-type (WT) mice. After WAS, memory function and depressive-like behavior were investigated in Tg2576 mice. Tg2576 WAS mice exhibited more depressive-like behaviors than WT WAS and Tg2576 control (CON) mice. Strikingly, Tg2576 CON mice showed more depressive-like behaviors than WT mice. Moreover, corticosterone and phospho-glucocorticoid receptor (p-GR) levels were also higher in Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison to Tg2576 CON mice. Spinster homologue 2 (SPNS2) is a member of non-ATP-dependent transporter. The role of SPNS2 was widely known as a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) transporter, which export intracellular S1P from cells. Using GEO database to analyze SPNS2 gene expression changes in patients with AD and depression, we show that SPNS2 gene expression correlates with AD and depression. Interestingly, Tg2576 WAS mice displayed significantly increased levels of SPNS2 w1hen compared to Tg2576 CON counterparts. SPNS2 levels were also higher in Tg2576 CON mice in comparison with WT CON mice. Remarkably, we found a decrease in S1P brain levels and an increase in S1P serum levels of Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison with Tg2576 CON mice. Accordingly, WAS induced group further decreased S1P levels in the brains. However, the level in the serum further increased in comparison with non-induced group. Therefore, these results suggest that AD and depression could be associated, and that Tg2576 transgenic mice are more susceptible to stress-induced depression through the release of S1P by SPNS2 up-regulation.
4.Literature review of non-pharmacological treatment for patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Jina YEO ; Mi Ryoung SEO ; Jun Won PARK ; Yeon-Ah LEE ; Ju Ho LEE ; Eun Ha KANG ; Seon Mi JI ; Han Joo BAEK
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(1):40-48
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial spine. Along with pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological interventions for axSpA are crucial and constitute the cornerstone of treatment. Here, we review the evidence for non-pharmacological treatment of axSpA as a basis for the 2023 Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axSpA. The effectiveness of the core non-pharmacological approaches, such as education, smoking cessation, and exercise, has been reaffirmed. High-quality research on surgical treatment is limited. However, total hip replacement is advised in patients with ongoing pain or disability and visible structural damage to the hip on imaging. Urgent spinal intervention should be considered in cases of acute spinal pain with neurological deficiency or concurrent unstable fractures. Evidence for complementary therapies, including spas and acupuncture, remains insufficient.
5.Literature review of non-pharmacological treatment for patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Jina YEO ; Mi Ryoung SEO ; Jun Won PARK ; Yeon-Ah LEE ; Ju Ho LEE ; Eun Ha KANG ; Seon Mi JI ; Han Joo BAEK
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(1):40-48
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial spine. Along with pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological interventions for axSpA are crucial and constitute the cornerstone of treatment. Here, we review the evidence for non-pharmacological treatment of axSpA as a basis for the 2023 Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axSpA. The effectiveness of the core non-pharmacological approaches, such as education, smoking cessation, and exercise, has been reaffirmed. High-quality research on surgical treatment is limited. However, total hip replacement is advised in patients with ongoing pain or disability and visible structural damage to the hip on imaging. Urgent spinal intervention should be considered in cases of acute spinal pain with neurological deficiency or concurrent unstable fractures. Evidence for complementary therapies, including spas and acupuncture, remains insufficient.
6.Intracranial Hypotension Associated with Meningocele
Hyunkyum CHO ; Yeo Jun YOON ; Min Kyung CHU
Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2025;43(1):40-44
Intracranial hypotension (IH), often resulting from a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, is a notable cause of secondary headaches. Diagnosing IH through clinical assessment and neuroimaging can be challenging. Orthostatic headache (OH), characterized by neck stiffness, nausea, dizziness, phonophobia, and photophobia, is a key symptom of CSF leakage, which may stem from a variety of causes, including falling, surgery, CSF studies, or arachnoid diverticula. This study presents two OH patients with IH who were incidentally found to have an underlying meningocele.
7.Stress Accelerates Depressive-Like Behavior through Increase of SPNS2 Expression in Tg2576 Mice
Seung Sik YOO ; Yuri KIM ; Dong Won LEE ; Hyeon Joo HAM ; Jung Ho PARK ; In Jun YEO ; Ju Young CHANG ; Jaesuk YUN ; Dong Ju SON ; Sang-Bae HAN ; Jin Tae HONG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(3):417-428
To investigate the relationship between depression and AD, water avoidance stress (WAS) was induced for 10 days in both Tg2576 mice and wild-type (WT) mice. After WAS, memory function and depressive-like behavior were investigated in Tg2576 mice. Tg2576 WAS mice exhibited more depressive-like behaviors than WT WAS and Tg2576 control (CON) mice. Strikingly, Tg2576 CON mice showed more depressive-like behaviors than WT mice. Moreover, corticosterone and phospho-glucocorticoid receptor (p-GR) levels were also higher in Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison to Tg2576 CON mice. Spinster homologue 2 (SPNS2) is a member of non-ATP-dependent transporter. The role of SPNS2 was widely known as a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) transporter, which export intracellular S1P from cells. Using GEO database to analyze SPNS2 gene expression changes in patients with AD and depression, we show that SPNS2 gene expression correlates with AD and depression. Interestingly, Tg2576 WAS mice displayed significantly increased levels of SPNS2 w1hen compared to Tg2576 CON counterparts. SPNS2 levels were also higher in Tg2576 CON mice in comparison with WT CON mice. Remarkably, we found a decrease in S1P brain levels and an increase in S1P serum levels of Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison with Tg2576 CON mice. Accordingly, WAS induced group further decreased S1P levels in the brains. However, the level in the serum further increased in comparison with non-induced group. Therefore, these results suggest that AD and depression could be associated, and that Tg2576 transgenic mice are more susceptible to stress-induced depression through the release of S1P by SPNS2 up-regulation.
8.Probiotic-Derived P8 Protein: Promoting Proliferation and Migration in Stem Cells and Keratinocytes
Soo Bin JANG ; Yoojung KIM ; Han Cheol YEO ; Geun-Ho KANG ; Byung Chull AN ; Yongku RYU ; Myung-Jun CHUNG ; Ssang-Goo CHO
International Journal of Stem Cells 2025;18(1):87-98
Probiotics exert various effects on the body and provide different health benefits. Previous reports have demonstrated that the P8 protein (P8), isolated from Lactobacillus rhamnosus, has anticancer properties. However, its efficacy in stem cells and normal cells has not been reported. In this study, the effect of P8 on cell proliferation and wound healing was evaluated, investigating its underlying mechanism. Based on scratch assay results, we demonstrated that P8 treatment significantly increases wound healing by activating the cell cycle and promoting stem cell stemness.Cellular mechanisms were further investigated by culturing stem cells in a medium containing Lactobacillus-derived P8 protein, revealing its promotion of cell proliferation and migration. Also, it is found that P8 enhances the expression of stemness markers, such as OCT4 and SOX2, along with activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and Hippo pathways. These results indicate that P8 can promote cell growth by increasing stem cell proliferation, migration, and stemness in a manner associated with MAPK and Hippo signaling, which could contribute to the increased wound healing after P8 treatment. Furthermore, P8 could promote wound healing in keratinocytes by activating the MAPK signaling pathways. These results suggest that P8 might be a promising candidate to enhance stem cell culture efficiency by activating cell proliferation, and enhance therapeutic effects in skin diseases.
9.Intracranial Hypotension Associated with Meningocele
Hyunkyum CHO ; Yeo Jun YOON ; Min Kyung CHU
Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2025;43(1):40-44
Intracranial hypotension (IH), often resulting from a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, is a notable cause of secondary headaches. Diagnosing IH through clinical assessment and neuroimaging can be challenging. Orthostatic headache (OH), characterized by neck stiffness, nausea, dizziness, phonophobia, and photophobia, is a key symptom of CSF leakage, which may stem from a variety of causes, including falling, surgery, CSF studies, or arachnoid diverticula. This study presents two OH patients with IH who were incidentally found to have an underlying meningocele.
10.Literature review of non-pharmacological treatment for patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Jina YEO ; Mi Ryoung SEO ; Jun Won PARK ; Yeon-Ah LEE ; Ju Ho LEE ; Eun Ha KANG ; Seon Mi JI ; Han Joo BAEK
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(1):40-48
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial spine. Along with pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological interventions for axSpA are crucial and constitute the cornerstone of treatment. Here, we review the evidence for non-pharmacological treatment of axSpA as a basis for the 2023 Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axSpA. The effectiveness of the core non-pharmacological approaches, such as education, smoking cessation, and exercise, has been reaffirmed. High-quality research on surgical treatment is limited. However, total hip replacement is advised in patients with ongoing pain or disability and visible structural damage to the hip on imaging. Urgent spinal intervention should be considered in cases of acute spinal pain with neurological deficiency or concurrent unstable fractures. Evidence for complementary therapies, including spas and acupuncture, remains insufficient.

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