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Background Inflammation in endothelial cells induces production of inflammatory cytokines and monocytes adhesion, which are crucial events in the initiation of atherosclerosis. Aronia berry ( Aronia meranocalpa ), also called black chokeberry, contains abundant anthocyanins that have received considerable interest for their possible relations to vascular health. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether an anthocyanin-rich extract obtained from aronia berry can attenuate inflammatory responses in vascular endothelial cells. Methods As a model of vascular endothelial inflammation, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) pretreated with aronia berry extract were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The expression levels of cytokines and adhesion molecules were analyzed. To investigate the effects of aronia berry extract on the adhesion of THP-1 monocytic cell, the static adhesion assay was carried out. The possible molecular mechanisms by which aronia berry extract regulated vascular inflammatory responses were explored. Results The mRNA expressions of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) upregulated by TNF-α were significantly suppressed by pretreatment with aronia berry extract. Aronia berry extract decreased TNF-α-induced monocyte/endothelial adhesion and suppressed vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression, but did not affect intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression. Moreover, aronia berry extract decreased the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the nuclear levels of STAT3 and interferon regulatory transcription factor-1 (IRF1). The nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was not inhibited by aronia berry extract. Conclusion Aronia berry extract could exert anti-atherosclerotic effects on TNF-α-induced inflammation through inhibition of STAT3/IRF1 pathway in vascular endothelial cells.

Background: There are few reports on the relationship between facial expression formation and mass of the muscle responsible for facial expression. We analyzed the facial expression using facial action coding system (FACS) and examined the muscle mass and characteristics of the facial expression muscles using multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Moreover, the relation between these was statistically evaluated. Materials and Methods: Ten healthy women in their 40s (43.4 ± 3.0 years, 40-49) were enrolled. The expressive faces were analyzed by facial expression analysis software based on the FACS. The muscle mass and characteristics of the facial expression muscles were investigated using MDCT/MRI. The correlation between an integrated expression intensity value (IEIV) for FACS of the widest possible grin and muscle mass was analyzed. The mean values between the two categorized groups (G-1 and G-2) based on fat infiltration into the muscle were compared. Results: A positive correlation is found between the IEIV and the muscle mass. The IEIV of G-1 is significantly larger than the corresponding value of G-2. Hence, the results indicated that the subjects with high IEIV and expressive face had thicker facial expression muscles and little fat infiltration into the muscles. Conclusion: Our objective imaging diagnostic study using FACS, MDCT, and MRI corroborated the anti-aging medical science about the facial expression muscles related to youthful facial appearance. The results of this research could contribute to the elucidation of the mechanisms involved in the facial aging process and to the development of cosmetology. K E Y W O R D S anti-aging, facial action coding system (FACS), fat infiltration, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), multi-detector-row computed tomography (MDCT), muscle atrophy, muscle characteristics, muscle mass, muscle of facial expression | 729 OKUDA et Al. How to cite this article: Okuda I, Yamakawa Y, Mitani N, Ota N, Kawabata M, Yoshioka N. Objective evaluation of the relationship between facial expression analysis by the facial action coding system (FACS) and CT/MRI analyses of the facial expression muscles.

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is used to treat chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) are a potential mechanism. We conducted a prospective multicenter clinical trial to assess association of Tregs with skin response to ECP. Methods: 83 patients with cGVHD enrolled; 9 were excluded due to absent follow up and 8 due to absence of skin cGVHD. 6 months of ECP was recommended: twice a week for 4 weeks, twice a week every 2 weeks for 8 weeks and as determined by provider. Response was assessed by 2005 NIH criteria. The frequency of circulating Tregs was quantified within the CD4+ T-lymphocyte population before and after completion of ECP using flow cytometry on peripheral blood (n¼35). Cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA+) skin-homing Tregs were enumerated as % within total Treg population. Continuous variables were compared using Wilcoxon-rank sum (median [IQR]). Results: 66 patients (67% male), with a median age of 50 (34-60) enrolled. % Body surface area (BSA) erythema decreased from baseline to last visit (6.8 [0.9-15.4] v. 1.7 [0.0-7.2] p ¼.01). BSA sclerosis did not change significantly. 55% of patients had a skin response. 29% had sclerosis, 41% erythema and 30% both. In a logistic regression model, % Tregs and CLA+ Tregs at study entry and completion did not differ between skin responders and non-responders. Conclusions: Our study is one of few to investigate Tregs in ECP for cGVHD. Skin homing Tregs were not increased in patients with skin response, suggesting that Tregs are not the mechanism of action. COI: MJ received research funding and this investigator-initiated research was funded by Therakos, a Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals company.

The cover image is based on the Original Article Objective evaluation of the relationship between facial expression analysis by the facial action coding system (FACS) and CT/MRI analyses of the facial expression muscles by Itsuko Okuda et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.12864.