Oxidative stress in dermal fibroblasts is strongly correlated with the aging process of the skin. The application of natural compounds that can increase the ability of dermal fibroblasts to counteract oxidative stress is a promising approach to promote skin health and beauty. Eriodictyol is a flavonoid that exerts several pharmacological actions through its antioxidant properties. However, its protective effects on dermal fibroblasts have not yet been investigated. In this study, we investigated whether eriodictyol protects human dermal fibroblasts (BJ fibroblasts) from the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Eriodictyol pretreatment significantly prevented necrotic cell death caused by H₂O₂ exposure. In addition, the level of 2′,7′-dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein oxidation was decreased, and that of glutathione was maintained, indicating that the beneficial effects of eriodictyol against H₂O₂ were closely associated with oxidative-stress attenuation. Eriodictyol mediates its antioxidant effects on dermal fibroblasts against H₂O₂ through (i) the direct neutralization of reactive oxygen species; (ii) the enhancement of the activities of H₂O₂-detoxifying enzymes, including catalase and glutathione peroxidase; and (iii) the induction of the expressions of catalase and glutathione peroxidase 1 via the activation of the Nrf2 signaling system. These results support the potential application of eriodictyol as an ingredient in skincare products for cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical purposes.

S: Cancer is a leading cause of mortality globally. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes play a pivotal role in the biotransformation of both endogenous and exogenous compounds. Various lines of evidence from epidemiological, animal, and clinical studies point to the instrumental role of CYPs in cancer initiation, metastasis, and prevention. Substantial research has found that CYPs are involved in activating different carcinogenic chemicals in the environment, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and tobacco-related nitrosamines. Electrophilic intermediates produced from these chemicals can covalently bind to DNA, inducing mutation and cellular transformation that collectively result in cancer development. While bioactivation of procarcinogens and promutagens by CYPs has long been established, the role of CYP-derived endobiotics in carcinogenesis has only emerged in recent years. Eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid via CYP oxidative pathways have been implicated in tumorigenesis, cancer progression and metastasis. The purpose of this review is to update the current state of knowledge about the molecular cancer mechanism involving CYPs with a focus on the biochemical and biotransformation mechanisms in the various CYP-mediated carcinogenesis and the role of CYP-derived reactive metabolites, from both external and endogenous sources, in cancer growth and tumor formation.

• Baeckea frutescens leaves extract (BFLE) promotes the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes (HaCaT) and skin fibroblasts (BJ) cells. • BFLE enhances the expression of TGF-β, IL-1β, VEGF and MMP-2 genes and proteins in HaCaT cells. • BFLE reduces excisional wound in Wistar albino rats, increases overall tensile strength and enhances collagen fiber deposition.

World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 88% of its member or 61 countries acknowledge the use of traditional and complementary medicines. Persicaria odorata is being used as traditional herbs to treat fever, nausea and promoting hair growth. Besides, it is used as an anti-inflammatory agent in Vietnam to relieve swelling and treat wounds, sores, and ulcers. This review aims to evaluate the phytochemical and pharmacological status of P. odorata. P. odorata is a plant with a high content of phenols and flavonoids. Among the essential chemical constituents in the P. odorata are methyl gallate, (+)-catechin, eupatoriochromene, n-dodecanal, polygonumins A, α-humulene and anthraquinone. P. odorata also exerts many pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer effects. The commonly used part of P. odorata for extraction are leaves followed by the aerial part, rhizomes and stems. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to identify the efficacy and toxicity of P. odorata. New drugs could be developed from the active compounds of P. odorata in the future.

Amoebic keratitis and encephalitis are mainly caused by free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba, which consists of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic species. The global distribution, amphizoic properties and the severity of the disease caused by Acanthamoeba species have inspired the scientific community to put more effort into the isolation of Acanthamoeba, besides exploring the direct and indirect parameters that could signify a pathogenic potential. Therefore, this study was performed to characterize the pathogenic potential of Acanthamoeba isolated from contact lens paraphernalia and water sources in Malaysia. Various methodologies were utilized to analyze the thermotolerance and osmotolerance, the secretion level of proteases and the cytopathic effect of trophozoites on the cell monolayer. In addition, the in vitro cytopathogenicity of these isolates was assessed using the LDH-release assay. A total of 14 Acanthamoeba isolates were classified as thermo- and osmotolerant and had presence of serine proteases with a molecular weight of 45–230 kDa. Four T4 genotypes isolated from contact lens paraphernalia recorded the presence of serine-type proteases of 107 kDa and 133 kDa. In contrast, all T3 genotypes isolated from environmental samples showed the presence of a 56 kDa proteolytic enzyme. Remarkably, eight T4 and a single T3 genotype isolates demonstrated a high adhesion percentage of greater than 90%. Moreover, the use of the HeLa cell monolayer showed that four T4 isolates and one T3 isolate achieved a cytopathic effect in the range of 44.9–59.4%, indicating an intermediate-to-high cytotoxicity level. Apart from that, the LDH-release assay revealed that three T4 isolates (CL5, CL54 and CL149) and one T3 isolate (SKA5-SK35) measured an exceptional toxicity level of higher than 40% compared to other isolates. In short, the presence of Acanthamoeba T3 and T4 genotypes with significant pathogenic potential in this study reiterates the essential need to reassess the functionality of other genotypes that were previously classified as nonpathogenic isolates in past research.