Background: Hedgehog signalling has been implicated in prostate tumorigenesis in human subjects and mouse models, but its effects on transforming normal basal/stem cells toward malignant cancer stem cells remain poorly understood. Methods: We produced pCX-shh-IG mice that overexpress Hedgehog protein persistently in adult prostates, allowing for elucidation of the mechanism during prostate cancer initiation and progression. Various markers were used to characterize and confirm the transformation of normal prostate basal/stem cells into malignant cancer stem cells under the influence of Hedgehog overexpression. Results: The pCX-shh-IG mice developed prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) that led to invasive and metastatic prostate cancers within 90 days. The prostate cancer was initiated through activation of P63⁺ basal/stem cells along with simultaneous activation of Hedgehog signalling members, suggesting that P63⁺/Patch1⁺ and P63⁺/Smo⁺ cells may serve as cancer-initiating cells and progress into malignant prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs). In the hyperplastic lesions and tumors, the progeny of PCSCs differentiated into cells of basal-intermediate and intermediate-luminal characteristics, whereas rare ChgA⁺ neuroendocrine differentiation was seen. Furthermore, in the metastatic loci within lymph nodes, kidneys, and lungs, the P63⁺ PCSCs formed prostate-like glandular structures, characteristic of the primitive structures during early prostate development. Besides, androgen receptor (AR) expression was detected heterogeneously during tumor progression. The existence of P63⁺/AR^-, CK14⁺/AR^- and CD44⁺/AR^- progeny indicates direct procurement of AR^- malignant cancer trait. Conclusions: These data support a cancer stem cell scenario in which Hedgehog signalling plays important roles in transforming normal prostate basal/stem cells into PCSCs and in the progression of PCSCs into metastatic tumor cells.

Hedgehog is a regulatory protein during embryonic development and its abnormal activation in adult tissues has been implicated in tumorigenesis within sites where epithelial–mesenchymal interactions take place. In the prostate, Hedgehog signaling activation was observed during advanced cancer progression and metastasis, but whether Hedgehog overexpression can initiate prostate tumorigenesis remains unknown. We introduced a Hedgehog-expressing vector by intra-prostate injection and electroporation to address the effects of Hedgehog overexpression. The manipulation caused lesions with characteristic prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or even prostatic cancer (CaP) phenotypes within 30 days, with Hedgehog overexpression demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot detections. The tumorigenic phenotypes were confirmed by discontinuity of basal cell marker p63, mix-up of CK-8/CK-18 positive epithelial cells in the stoma as well as absence of α-SMA positive fibro-muscular sheath. Comparable Hedgehog overexpression was found in human CaP specimen. Thus, Hedgehog overexpression induced prostate tumorigenesis starting from the normal status. Furthermore, a mouse prostate cancer model induced by Hedgehog overexpression was established and may be used for testing novel therapeutical approaches targeting at Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Objective Vegetarian diets have been shown to increase the risk of certain nutritional deficiencies, such as iron. As a number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Taiwan are lacto–ovo ...

Purpose: Metabolic disorders have been implicated in ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Recently, hyperuricemia (HUA) has been proposed as another risk factor for AMD, although no cause-and-effect experimental data have been published. In this study, we investigated whether HUA would initiate AMD or related retinal damages in hyperuricemic mice. Methods: HUA was induced in male ICR mice by dietary supplements of uric acid and oxonic acid potassium salt, with or without treatments by allopurinol or benzbromarone for various durations. Serum uric acid and angiotensin II concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at regular intervals. The retinal damages were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunostaining, and TUNEL assay. The cause-and-effect of HUA was compared among the study groups. Results: The results showed that the total thickness of photoreceptor inner and outer segments, as well as the thickness of the photoreceptor outer segment alone, were reduced under HUA. Furthermore, HUA elevated serum angiotensin II, which indicated activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), leading to higher matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression, and glial activation in the ganglion cell layer. HUA also led to the reduction of retinal pigment epithelium gap junction protein connexin-43 and apoptosis. Uric acid lowering agents, allopurinol or benzbromarone, were effective in ameliorating the impairments. Conclusions: HUA may pose as a causative factor of retinal injuries. The reduction of serum uric acid may reduce the detrimental effects caused by HUA.

Cataracts, a prevalent age-related eye condition, pose a significant global health concern, with rising rates due to an aging population and increased digital device usage. In Taiwan, cataract prevalence is particularly high, reaching up to 90% among individuals aged 70 and above. The lens of the eye absorbs short-wave light, which can lead to oxidative stress in lens epithelial cells and contribute to cataract formation. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light further exacerbates the risk of cataracts by generating reactive oxygen species. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs), involved in protein maintenance and repair, have been linked to cataract development. Cordyceps cicadae (C. cicadae), a traditional Chinese medicine, has a long history of use and is known for its pharmacological effects. N6-(2-hydroxyethyl) adenosine (HEA), a bioactive compound found in C. cicadae, exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. Previous studies have shown that C. cicadae mycelial extracts improve dry eye disease and reduce intraocular pressure in animal models. Additionally, C. cicadae possesses antioxidant properties, which are beneficial for combating cataract formation. In this study, we aim to evaluate the preventive efficacy of C. cicadae mycelial extracts in UV-induced cataract development. By investigating the ameliorative effects of C. cicadae on eye diseases and its potential role in ocular health improvement, we hope to uncover new options for cataract prevention and provide insights into the mechanisms of action. The findings of this research could provide a novel approach for nutritional supplements targeting cataract prevention, offering potential benefits in the field of ocular health.

Dry eye is a complicated ocular surface disease that causes discomfort, visual disturbance, and frequently observed ocular surface damage. Emerging hypotheses suggest probiotics may help relieve dry eye symptoms by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Streptococcus thermophilus iHA318 probiotics on dry eye using in vitro assays and an in vivo murine model of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced dry eye. In vitro analyses revealed that S. thermophilus iHA318^® exhibited antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production and suppressing inflammatory cytokines. For the in vivo study, female ICR mice were assigned to normal control, UVB-induced dry eye, and UVB+iHA318 treatment groups. UVB exposure significantly decreased tear volume and tear film breakup time (TBUT) compared to normal controls. Supplementation with S. thermophilus iHA318^® via oral gavage markedly improved tear production and TBUT on day 7 post-UVB exposure. Ocular surface photography demonstrated improved gradings of corneal opacity, smoothness, and lissamine green staining in the iHA318 group versus the UVB group. Topographical analysis further revealed improvement in the UVB-induced corneal irregularities by iHA318 treatment. Collectively, these results indicate that S. thermophilus iHA318 exerts a protective effect against dry eye symptoms by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby preserving tear film stability and ocular surface integrity. This probiotic strain represents a promising therapeutic approach for managing dry eye syndrome.