Microglial activation during aging is associated with neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment. Galectin-3 plays a crucial role in microglial activation and phagocytosis. However, the role of galectin-3 in the aged brain is not completely understood. In the present study, we investigated aging-related mechanisms and microglial galectin-3 expression in the mouse hippocampus using female 6-, 12-, and 24-month-old C57BL/6 mice. Western blot analysis revealed neurodegeneration, blood-brain barrier leakage, and increased levels of neuroinflammation-related proteins in 24-month-old mice compared to 6- and 12-month-old mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed an increase in activated microglia in the hippocampus of 24-month-old mice compared to 6- and 12-month-old mice. Furthermore, we found more galectin-3 and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2-positive microglia in 24-month-old mice compared to 6- and 12-month-old mice. Using primary mouse microglial cells, galectin -3 was also increased by lipopolysaccharide treatment. These findings suggest that galectin-3 may play an important role in microglial activation and neuroinflammation during brain aging.

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and potential in regulating vascular injury. 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and activates the retinoid X receptor. This study investigates whether potassium retinoate (PA9RA), a synthetic combination of ATRA and 9cRA, offers superior efficacy in treating atherosclerosis compared to established treatments such as clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Male ApoE -/- mice were fed a Western-type diet and treated with PA9RA, clopidogrel, or atorvastatin for 10 weeks. The body weight, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathology, including atherosclerotic lesion area and liver steatosis were assessed. PA9RA treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and inguinal fat, with the 45 mg/kg/day dose showing marked efficacy in decreasing atherosclerotic lesion size and ameliorating liver steatosis. Histopathological evaluation revealed decreased foam cell formation and improved liver histology in PA9RA-treated groups compared to controls. Notable side effects included epidermal hyperplasia and gastric hyperplasia at high doses of PA9RA. PA9RA exhibits superior efficacy over clopidogrel and atorvastatin in ameliorating atherosclerosis and fatty liver in ApoE –/–mice. This study highlights PA9RA's potential as a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety and efficacy.

Purpose: This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Materials and Methods: RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis. Results: CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor. Conclusions CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.

Darier’s disease is characterized by greasy and scaly papules that primarily affect seborrheic and intertriginous areas which is caused by a mutation in the ATP2A2 gene. Histopathologically, the disease is characterized by acantholysis and dyskeratosis. Among the diverse presentations, the segmental type follows a linear distribution along the lines of Blaschko. Herein, we present a case of a 54-year-old male with generalized erythematous papules that had been linearly distributed across his body for two decades. Lesions on his trunk and extremities were confined to the right side, whereas those on the scalp and face exhibited multiple segmental presentations. Histopathological examination revealed acantholysis and dyskeratosis in the epidermis, confirming the diagnosis of type 1 segmental Darier’s disease. This case underscores the rarity of type 1 segmental Darier’s disease, particularly with multiple segmental involvement and highlights the complexity and variability of this dermatological condition.

Lichen amyloidosis is characterized by coalescent hyperpigmented papules with a predilection for the extremities and is accompanied by severe chronic pruritus. Various therapies have been attempted; however, there is no uniformly recognized effective treatment. In the first case, a 60-year-old man with a 37-year history of intractable itching presented with hyperkeratotic brown papules and coalescing plaques on the trunk and extensor surfaces of the extremities. The second case involved a 31-year-old man who presented with brownish macules and papules with a rippled pattern on the upper back and lower extremities. Histological examination of the lesions from both patients revealed epidermal hyperplasia and amorphous material deposited in the papillary dermis, which tested positive on Congo red staining. Although both patients were diagnosed with lichen amyloidosis, several treatment modalities showed limited efficacy. Subsequently, dupilumab, a treatment for severe pruritus, was administered to both patients, resulting in significant improvements.

A 34-year-old male with acne was presented with a 1-year history of multiple tiny subcutaneous nodules on his face, particularly on both cheeks. Physical examination revealed asymptomatic, palpable, and hard nodules with an acne scar. The skin lesions were more obvious when the cheeks were inflated. A skin biopsy revealed multiple focal bony trabeculae with osteoblasts in the dermis. A diagnosis of multiple miliary osteomas cutis was done. Multiple miliary osteoma cutis is a rare benign extraskeletal ossification that is considered relatively common and under-reported because of its asymptomatic behavior. Osteoma cutis is generally observed in middle-aged females with a history of acne. Male involvement rarely occurs, especially at a young age, as observed in this patient. Topical retinoids were prescribed, but the lesions did not abate at 3 months follow-up.

Traumatic tattoos are abnormal pigmentations caused by embedded foreign particles due to various injuries, including explosions, abrasions, or traffic accidents. Traumatic tattoos caused by pencils are common and considered trivial because they are usually confined to the injured site without any complications. A 4-year-old girl presented with a 5-month history of a grey-to-bluish patch on her left cheek. Histopathological examination revealed many pigment granules surrounding the blood vessels and appendages diffused from the mid to the lower dermis. Various staining methods were employed to verify that colorants caused the tattoo. To our knowledge, there have been no reports of traumatic tattoos caused by colored pencils that spread rapidly beyond the injured areas. In particular, various unexpected traumas can occur frequently in children; therefore, an accurate diagnosis is essential by differentiating it from other acquired pigmentary disorders

Overactive bladder (OAB) and detrusor underactivity (DUA) are representative voiding dysfunctions with a chronic nature and limited treatment modalities, and are ideal targets for stem cell therapy. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a high antioxidant capacity generated by the Primed Fresh OCT4 (PFO) procedure in chronic bladder ischemia (CBI)-induced OAB and DUA rat models. Sixteen-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (sham, OAB or DUA, and stem cell groups; n=10, respectively).CBI was induced by bilateral iliac arterial injury (OAB, 10 times; DUA, 30 times) followed by a 1.25% cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. Seven weeks after injury, rats in the stem cell and other groups were injected with 1×10 6 PFO-MSCs and phosphate buffer, respectively. One week later, bladder function was analyzed by awake cystometry and bladders were harvested for histological analysis. CBI with a high-fat diet resulted in atrophy of smooth muscle and increased collagen deposits correlating with reduced detrusor contractility in both rat models. Arterial injury 10 and 30 times induced OAB (increased number of non-voiding contractions and shortened micturition interval) and DUA (prolonged micturition interval and increased residual volume), respectively. Injection of PFO-MSCs with the enhanced glutathione dynamics reversed both functional and histological changes; it restored the contractility, micturition interval, residual volume, and muscle layer, with reduced fibrosis. CBI followed by a high-fat diet with varying degrees of arterial injury induced OAB and DUA in rats. In addition, PFO-MSCs alleviated functional and histological changes in both rat models.