Abstract: The present invention relates to mesenchymal stem cell-derived microparticles having activity that promotes the growth of corneal epithelial stem cells and/or corneal epithelial cells, activity that maintains corneal epithelial stem cells in an undifferentiated state or promotes the formation of colonies thereby, and function that protects corneal epithelium.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a novel therapeutic agent that is effective against diseases involving stratified squamous epithelial cells such as dry eye syndrome. The present invention is an agent for promoting normal differentiation/maturation of stratified squamous epithelial cells, which comprises a secretion of mesenchymal stem cells. It is preferable that the secretions not include animal serum, that the mesenchymal stem cells be adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, or bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and that the stratified squamous epithelial cells be at least one selected from the group consisting of corneal epithelial cells, conjunctival epithelial cells, epidermal keratinocytes, oral epithelial cells, epiglottic epithelial cells, esophageal epithelial cells, vaginal epithelial cells, vocal fold epithelial cells, nasal epithelial cells, and nasal vestibular epithelial cells.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a stem cell-derived lacrimal gland tissue, the method comprising isolating SSEA4 and CD104 double positive cells from a self-formed ectodermal autonomous multi-zone (SEAM) cell population derived from pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensionally culturing the isolated cells in a medium with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and a ROCK inhibitor to produce a cell population expressing a lacrimal gland-related protein. The present invention provides a lacrimal gland organoid produced from pluripotent stem cells including iPS cells and thus is very useful for cell-based regenerative therapy for lacrimal gland-related diseases and cell-based research on the diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mesenchymal stem cell-derived microparticles having activity that promotes the growth of corneal epithelial stem cells and/or corneal epithelial cells, activity that maintains corneal epithelial stem cells in an undifferentiated state or promotes the formation of colonies thereby, and function that protects corneal epithelium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel peptide having a specified amino acid sequence or its derivative, or a salt thereof. Further, the present invention relates to a composition containing the novel peptide or the like, a method of utilizing the novel peptide or the like, use of the novel peptide or the like, a polynucleotide encoding the novel peptide, or the like. The novel peptide of the present invention or its derivative, or a salt thereof can be utilized for enhancing production of at least one member selected from the group consisting of collagen and hyaluronic acid in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides an external preparation for skin comprising a phospholipid having an iodine value of 80 to 110, ethanol in an amount of 55 to 83 wt % and water in an amount of 15 to 43 wt %, which is improved in it's preparation stability by suppressing an increase in an acid value of phospholipid. The present invention also provides an external preparation for skin which is improved in percutaneous absorption of medically effective ingredient(s). The present invention provides further a method for suppressing an increase in an acid value of phospholipid by comprising phospholipid having high iodine value and high concentration of ethanol and water, as well as a method for improving percutaneous absorption of medically effective ingredient(s) in external preparation for skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel peptide having a specified amino acid sequence or its derivative, or a salt thereof. Further, the present invention relates to a composition containing the novel peptide or the like, a method of utilizing the novel peptide or the like, use of the novel peptide or the like, a polynucleotide encoding the novel peptide, or the like. The novel peptide of the present invention or its derivative, or a salt thereof can be utilized for enhancing production of at least one member selected from the group consisting of collagen and hyaluronic acid in a cell.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide novel useful elastin production-enhancing agents that have a remarkable ability to enhance elastin production. The present invention provides elastin production-enhancing agents that include at least one component selected from the group consisting of the peptide Leu-Glu-His-Ala (formula I; SEQ ID NO:1), derivatives of the peptide, and salts thereof. The present invention also provides elastin production-enhancing agents that include at least one component selected from the group consisting of peptides which include a conservative substitution, deletion, and/or addition of one or more amino acids in the amino acid sequence of formula I that retain an ability to enhance elastin production in cells; derivatives of such peptides; and salts thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a composition for external use in which the percutaneous absorbability of vitamin A, vitamin A derivative(s), vitamin C, specific vitamin C derivative(s), xanthine derivative(s), ubiquinone(s) and/or hyaluronic acid is improved. The composition for external use is prepared by blending (i) a phospholipid and (ii) a mono- or oligo-glycol ether, together with (iv) at least one bioactive component selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid derivatives, vitamin A, vitamin A derivatives, vitamin C, specific vitamin C derivatives, xanthine derivatives, ubiquinones, and salts thereof.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions having negligible side effects on the heart can be obtained by using as the active ingredient an adrenergic &bgr; receptor agonist having a high selectivity toward adrenergic &bgr;2 receptor. These compositions are usable as preventives or therapeutics for xerophthalmic disorder and keratoconjunctival disorder.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions having negligible side effects on the heart can be obtained by using as the active ingredient an adrenergic &bgr; receptor agonist having a high selectivity toward adrenergic &bgr;2 receptor. These compositions are usable as preventives or therapeutics for xerophthalmic disorder and keratoconjunctival disorder.