Diol or Hydrogen Peroxide-responsive Micellar Systems and Their Rheological Properties.

External stimuli-responsive worm-like micelles (WLMs) have the potential for a wide range of applications. In particular, sugar (a polyol compound)-responsive WLMs have the potential for use in smartdrug release systems. Phenylboronic acid (PBA) functions as a cis-diol sensor in a similar manner it does as a glucose sensor. Thus, WLMs, primarily composed of surfactants and PBA, are expected to function as cis-diol-responsive viscoelastic systems. PBA also reacts irreversibly with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 ) and is converted into phenol and boric acid. H2O2 is one of reactive oxygen species crucial for several physiological processes. Therefore, H2O2 -responsive WLMs have the potential for various applications. In this review, we describe cis-diol- and H2O2 -responsive micellar systems composed of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and PBA moieties that shift their viscosities in response to stimuli.

Phenylboronate-salicylate ester cross-linked self-healing hydrogel composed of modified hyaluronan at physiological pH.

Several hydrogels with boronate/diol ester cross-linking have been reported. However, multiple synthetic steps or expensive reagents are required to modify some diol moieties into polymers. Therefore, diol-modified polymers, which are easily and inexpensively prepared via a single-step process, are required for the formation of boronate esters. This study reports a novel hydrogel composed of phenylboronic acid-modified hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid-modified hyaluronic acid. This hydrogel is injectable, can self-heal at physiological pH, and can be easily and inexpensively prepared. The polymer system behaved as a sol at pH 12.0 and a weak gel at pH 9.4 and 11.2, whereas it behaved as a gel over a wide pH range of 4.0-8.2. The viscoelasticity of the system decreased in response to sugar at pH 7.3. Thus, salicylic acid can be considered a promising diol moiety for hydrogel formation via boronate ester cross-linking.

Anomalous glucose-responsive rheological changes in a boronic acid-modified hyaluronan.

Herein, we report anomalous glucose (Glc)-responsive gelation/solation in 3-aminophenylboronic acid-modified hyaluronic acid. With 5-20 mM Glc, gelation occurred, resulting in the formation of crosslinks via Glc, which could reversibly bind to the two boronic acid sites. Solation was induced at Glc concentrations of >80 mM.

Diol responsive viscosity increase in a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide/sodium salicylate/3-fluorophenylboronic acid micelle system.

We report a novel smart micellar system utilising a phenylboronic acid (PBA) derivative whose viscosity increases on adding diol compounds such as sugar or sugar alcohol. We prepared a typical worm-like micelle (WLM) system in 100 mM cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/70 mM sodium salicylate (NaSal), which showed high zero-shear viscosity (η 0). Upon the addition of 20 mM 3-fluorophenylboronic acid (3FPBA) to the WLM system, η 0 decreased by 1/300 that of the system without 3FPBA. Furthermore, upon the addition of 1.12 M fructose (Fru) and 1.12 M sorbitol (Sor) to the CTAB/NaSal/3FPBA system, η 0 increased by 50-fold and 30-fold, respectively. 19F NMR spectral results of the systems using 4-fluorosalicylic acid (FSal) instead of NaSal demonstrated that the FSal/3FPBA-complex interacts with CTAB. Moreover, the addition of sugar or sugar alcohol to the micellar system leads to a decrease in the amount of FSal/3FPBA-complex interacting with CTA+ and an increase in the amount of 3FPBA/Fru or Sor-complex, which does not interact with CTA+. These changes in molecular interactions induce the elongation of the WLMs and increase the viscosity of the system. This system utilises the competitive cyclic ester bond between the NaSal/3FPBA and 3FPBA/sugar or sugar alcohol to induce viscosity changes.

Delivery of acetaminophen to the central nervous system and the pharmacological effect after intranasal administration with a mucoadhesive agent and absorption enhancer.

Acetaminophen, a central antipyretic and analgesic drug, is one of the most commonly used drugs among individuals of all ages throughout the world. This study pharmacokinetically and pharmacodynamically investigated the transport of acetaminophen to the central nervous system and systemic circulation after intranasal (i.n.) administration, and evaluated the potential of a transnasal acetaminophen formulation in comparison to other routes of administration. Direct transport to the brain and the pharmacological effect after the i.n. administration of acetaminophen with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; a mucoadhesive agent) and poly-l-arginine (PLA; an absorption enhancer) were investigated to improve retention of the dosage solution in the olfactory epithelium region and enhance the transfer of acetaminophen to the brain. The transport of acetaminophen to the brain was rapid, and the concentration in the brain, especially the olfactory bulb, was higher after i.n. administration, resulting in a greater antipyretic effect in comparison to other routes of administration. The delivery system using PVP and PLA produced a high and prolonged antipyretic effect by enhancing the transfer of acetaminophen to the brain through suppression of the transfer to systemic circulation. Thus, this transnasal drug delivery system using PVP and PLA may be a promising method for transporting acetaminophen to the brain.

The Enhancing Effects of S-Allylcysteine on Liver Regeneration Are Associated with Increased Expression of mRNAs Encoding IGF-1 and Its Receptor in Two-Thirds Partially Hepatectomized Rats.

Two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx) was performed in rats, and the differences in effects between S-allylcysteine (SAC) and other sulfur-containing compounds on regeneration of the remaining liver and restoration of the injury were examined. Three days after two-thirds PHx, rats treated with 300 mg/kg/d, per os (p.o.) SAC showed a 1.2-fold increase in liver weight per 100 g body weight compared with saline-treated controls. In contrast, S-methylcysteine (SMC) (300 mg/kg/d, p.o.) or cysteine (Cys) (300 mg/kg/d, p.o.) did not have a regeneration-promoting effect. In the comparison with control rats, the regenerating liver of SAC-treated rats showed a significantly higher 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine labeling index on day 1. In contrast, serum alanine aminotransferase activity, which increases following PHx, was significantly inhibited by SAC and SMC (but not Cys) on day 1 after two-thirds PHx. In addition, SAC induced increases in insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and its receptor mRNA expressions at 1 h after two-thirds PHx, and it increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)2 and Akt at 3 h after two-thirds PHx without affecting serum growth hormone levels. These results demonstrate that SAC is a mitogenic effector of normal remnant liver and promotes recuperation of liver function after two-thirds PHx. Moreover, SAC-induced proliferative effects are mediated via increased mRNA expressions of IGF-1 and its receptor and subsequent phosphorylation of ERK2 and Akt.

Galectin-2 Has Bactericidal Effects against Helicobacter pylori in a ß-galactoside-Dependent Manner.

Helicobacter pylori is associated with the onset of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Galectins are a family of ß-galactoside-binding proteins involved in diverse biological phenomena. Galectin-2 (Gal-2), a member of the galectin family, is predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. Although some galectin family proteins are involved in immunoreaction, the role of Gal-2 against H. pylori infection remains unclear. In this study, the effects of Gal-2 on H. pylori morphology and survival were examined. Gal-2 induced H. pylori aggregation depending on ß-galactoside and demonstrated a bactericidal effect. Immunohistochemical staining of the gastric tissue indicated that Gal-2 existed in the gastric mucus, as well as mucosa. These results suggested that Gal-2 plays a role in innate immunity against H. pylori infection in gastric mucus.

Effect of Selective Serotonin (5-HT)2B Receptor Agonist BW723C86 on Epidermal Growth Factor/Transforming Growth Factor-α Receptor Tyrosine Kinase and Ribosomal p70 S6 Kinase Activities in Primary Cultures of Adult Rat Hepatocytes.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) can induce hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation by autocrine secretion of transforming growth factor (TGF)-α through 5-HT2B receptor/phospholipase C (PLC)/Ca2+ and a signaling pathway involving epidermal growth factor (EGF)/TGF-α receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In the present study, we investigated whether 5-HT or a selective 5-HT2B receptor agonist BW723C86, would stimulate phosphorylation of TGF-α RTK and ribosomal p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes. Western blotting analysis was used to detect 5-HT- or BW723C86 (10-6 M)-induced phosphorylation of EGF/TGF-α RTK and p70S6K. Our results showed that 5-HT- or BW723C86 (10-6 M)-induced phosphorylation of EGF/TGF-α RTK peaked at between 5 and 10 min. On the other hand, 5-HT- or BW723C86 (10-6 M)-induced phosphorylation of p70S6K peaked at about 30 min. Furthermore, a selective 5-HT2B receptor antagonist LY272015, a specific PLC inhibitor U-73122, a membrane-permeable Ca2+ chelator BAPTA/AM, an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil, somatostatin, and a specific p70S6K inhibitor LY2584702 completely abolished the phosphorylation of p70S6K induced by both 5-HT and BW723C86. These results indicate that phosphorylation of p70S6K is dependent on the 5-HT2B-receptor-mediated autocrine secretion of TGF-α. In addition, these results demonstrate that the hepatocyte proliferating action of 5-HT and BW723C86 are mediated by phosphorylation of p70S6K, a downstream element of the EGF/TGF-α RTK signaling pathway.

Enhancement Effect of Poly-L-ornithine on the Nasal Absorption of Water-Soluble Macromolecules in Rats.

The transnasal route for the delivery of water-soluble macromolecules, such as bioactive peptides and proteins, has attracted interest, although the use of permeation enhancers is required due to the poor permeabilities of these macromolecules across the nasal mucosa. With polycationic compounds, such as poly-L-arginine and chitosan, the nasal absorption of hydrophilic macromolecules is molecular weight- and concentration-dependently enhanced without causing cytotoxicity. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of various molecular weights and concentrations of poly-L-ornithine (PLO), a polycationic compound, on the nasal absorption and the damage to the nasal mucosa in vivo. PLO enhanced the nasal absorption of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD-4), used as a model drug, and the bioavailability of FD-4 increased with the concentration of PLO. The enhancement effect was also dependent on the molecular weight. The administration of PLO at a concentration that sufficed for enhancing the nasal absorption had no effect on the activity of lactic dehydrogenase and the protein leakage in the nasal fluid, as indices of nasal mucosa damage. These findings suggest that a transnasal delivery system using PLO is a useful strategy for improving the nasal absorption of water-soluble macromolecules without toxicity to the nasal mucosa.

[Gender Differences in Projected Life Expectancy in Japan (2023-2047) Determined by Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort Analysis].

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to (1) determine the effects of age, period, and cohort on mortality rate trends between 1958 and 2012 in Japan and (2) assess gender differences in projected life expectancy (LE) for the 2023-2047 period. METHODS: A time trend study was conducted using age-period-cohort (APC) analysis. A Bayesian APC model was fitted to describe mortality rate trends for the 1958-2012 period and to project mortality rates for 2023-2047. LE was predicted by Chiang's method using projected mortality rates. RESULTS: Age, period, and cohort effects showed similar patterns between males and females. As time passes, gender differences in projected LE were larger among individuals over 65 years than among those under 65 years. Time series change rates of the extension of projected LE after excluding specific causes of death showed the following: smaller extension of projected LE in males in terms of mortality risk from malignant neoplasms, heart diseases, pneumonia, and accidents (under 65 years) and in females in terms of mortality risk from heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and suicide (over 65 years). CONCLUSIONS: Gender differences in projected LE are expected to be smaller before middle age and to be larger among seniors. These projected gender differences stem in part from the lower mortality risk among men than among women from malignant neoplasms, heart diseases, pneumonia, and accidents (under 65 years), and among women compared to men from heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and suicide (over 65 years).

Improved Intranasal Retentivity and Transnasal Absorption Enhancement by PEGylated Poly-l-ornithine.

We reported that the introduction of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to poly-l-ornithine (PLO), which is an homopolymeric basic amino acid having absorption-enhancement ability, prolonged retention time in an in vitro inclined plate test, probably due to an increase in viscosity caused by PEGylation. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether the introduction of PEG chains to PLO improves intranasal retention and transnasal absorption in vivo. We performed intranasal administration experiments using PLO and PEG-PLO with a model drug, fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FD-4), in rats under closed and open systems. In the open system, transition of plasma FD-4 concentration after co-administration with unmodified PLO was low, and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) decreased to about 60% of that in the closed system. In contrast, the AUC after co-administration with PEG-PLO in the open system was about 90% of that in the closed system, and the transition of plasma FD-4 concentration and FD-4 absorption profile were similar to those of the closed system. These findings indicate that introducing PEG chains to homopolymeric basic amino acids (HPBAAs) is a very useful method for developing a functional absorption enhancer that can exhibit an efficient in vivo absorption-enhancing effect.

Dietary nitrite supplementation attenuates cardiac remodeling in l-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.

Loss of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability underlies the development of hypertensive heart disease. We investigated the effects of dietary nitrite on NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME)-induced hypertension. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: an untreated control group, an l-NAME-treated group, and three other l-NAME-treated groups supplemented with 10 mg/L or 100 mg/L of nitrite or 100 mg/L of captopril in drinking water. After the 8-week experimental period, mean arterial blood pressure was measured, followed by sampling of blood and heart tissue for assessment of nitrite/nitrate levels in the plasma and heart, the plasma level of angiotensin II (AT II), and the heart transcriptional levels of AT II type 1 receptor (AT1R), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), and connective tissue proteins such as type 1 collagen and fibronectin. Heart tissue was analyzed by histopathological morphometry, including assessments of ventricular and coronary vascular hypertrophy and fibrosis, as well as immunohistochemistry analyses of myocardial expression of AT1R. l-NAME treatment reduced the plasma nitrate level and led to the development of hypertension, with increased plasma levels of AT II and increased heart transcriptional levels of AT1R and TGF-ß1-mediated connective tissue proteins, showing myocardial and coronary arteriolar hypertrophy and fibrosis. However, dietary nitrite supplementation inhibited TGF-ß1-mediated cardiac remodeling by suppressing AT II and AT1R. These results suggest that dietary nitrite levels achievable via a daily high-vegetable diet could improve hypertensive heart disease by inhibiting AT II-AT1R-mediated cardiac remodeling.

Preparation and Evaluation of PEGylated Poly-L-ornithine Complex as a Novel Absorption Enhancer.

Polycationic compounds, such as poly-L-arginine and poly-L-ornithine (PLO), enhance the nasal absorption of hydrophilic macromolecular drugs. However, the bio availability corresponding to the dose of these enhancers has not been obtained in an open system study, where an administered solution is transferred to the pharynx because they do not exhibit mucoadhesion/retention in the nasal cavity. In this study, we prepared PEGylated-poly-L-ornithine (PEG-PLO) and investigated the effects of PEGylation on in vitro adhesion/retention properties, permeation enhancement efficiency, and cytotoxicity. PEG-PLO bearing 3-4 polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains per PLO molecule was more retentive than unmodified PLO on an inclined plate. The permeability of a model drug, FD-4, across Caco-2 cell sheets was enhanced by PEG-PLO as well as by PLO. PLO showed cytotoxicity at high concentrations, whereas PEG-PLO did not decrease cell viability, even above the concentration giving a sufficient enhancement effect. These findings suggest that PEGylation of polycationic absorption enhancers improves their adhesion/retention and decreases their cytotoxicity, which may lead to enhancers with greater utility.

Preparation of Bioadhesive Phosphorescent Particles and Their Use as Markers for Video-oculography of Mice.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a bioadhesive phosphorescent particle that can be used as a marker in video-oculography to assess eye movements in the dark without drug treatment. METHODS: The marker was prepared by spray-coating a Sr4Al14O25: Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphor with a carboxyvinyl polymer. The morphologic, luminescent and adhesive properties were assessed. The dynamic properties of VOR measured by the marker were compared with those obtained by tracking the pupil under miotic treatment. RESULTS: Non-aggregated and non-fused particles having diameters of about 5µm could be prepared by polymeric coating of the phosphor, resulting in particles small enough not to restrict eye movement. Although the phosphorescent of the particles decreased with increasing thickness of the coating layer, the coated particles were detectable in the dark for at least 60 min. The thicker the coating layer was, the higher the adhesiveness of the particles obtained. The particles having the thickest coating layer were retained on the corneal surface during VOR measurement and thus performed well as a marker in video-oculography. The dynamic properties of VOR measured by the marker were essentially identical to those obtained by tracking the pupil under miotic treatment. CONCLUSION: Our marker will contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying motor learning.

Serotonin 5-HT2B Receptor-Stimulated DNA Synthesis and Proliferation Are Mediated by Autocrine Secretion of Transforming Growth Factor-α in Primary Cultures of Adult Rat Hepatocytes.

The mechanism of serotonin 5-HT2 receptor subtype-stimulated DNA synthesis and proliferation was investigated in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes to elucidate the intracellular signal transduction pathways. DNA synthesis and proliferation were detected in hepatocyte parenchymal cells grown in serum-free, defined medium containing 5-HT (10(-6) M) or the selective 5-HT2B receptor agonist BW723C86 (10(-6) M). In addition, exogenous transforming growth factor (TGF)-α (1.0 ng/mL) significantly increased hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation, which reached plateau after 4 h of culture. Use of blocking monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that TGF-α, but not insulin-like growth factor-I, was involved in hepatocyte proliferation mediated by 5-HT or BW723C86. TGF-α levels in the culture medium increased significantly versus baseline within 5 min in response to 5-HT (10(-6) M) or BW723C86 (10(-6) M), and the maximum TGF-α level (30 pg/mL) was reached 10 min after 5-HT or BW723C86 stimulation. Secretion of TGF-α into the culture medium was inhibited by addition of the selective phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, U-73122 (10(-6) M), or somatostatin (10(-7) M). These results indicate that the proliferative mechanism of action of 5-HT is mediated mainly through a 5-HT2B receptor/Gq/PLC-stimulated increase in autocrine secretion of TGF-α from primary cultured hepatocytes.

Development of a Transnasal Delivery System for Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH): Effects of the Concentration and Molecular Weight of Poly-L-arginine on the Nasal Absorption of rhGH in Rats.

A novel system for delivering recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) that is noninvasive and has a simple method of administration is strongly desired to improve the compliance of children. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for the intranasal (i.n.) co-administration of rhGH with poly-L-arginine (PLA) as a novel delivery system by evaluating the effects of the concentration and molecular weight of PLA on the nasal absorption of rhGH. The influence of the formation of insoluble aggregates and a soluble complex in the dosage formulation on nasal rhGH absorption was also evaluated by size-exclusion chromatography and ultrafiltration. PLA enhanced the nasal absorption of rhGH at each concentration and molecular weight examined. Nasal rhGH absorption increased dramatically when the PLA concentration was 1.0 % (w/v) due to the improved solubility of rhGH in the formulation. A delay in rhGH absorption was observed when the molecular weight of PLA was increased. This appeared to be because the increase in molecular weight caused the formation of a soluble complex. It seems that the PLA concentration affects the absorption-enhancing effect on rhGH, while the molecular weight of PLA affects the time when the maximum plasma rhGH concentration was reached (Tmax) of rhGH after i.n. administration, mainly because of the interactions among rhGH, PLA, and additives. Therefore, the transnasal rhGH delivery system using PLA is considered to be a promising alternative to subcutaneous (s.c.) injection if these interactions are sufficiently controlled.

Signal Transduction Mechanism for Serotonin 5-HT2B Receptor-Mediated DNA Synthesis and Proliferation in Primary Cultures of Adult Rat Hepatocytes.

The involvement of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and the 5-HT2 receptor subtypes in the induction of DNA synthesis and proliferation was investigated in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes to elucidate the intracellular signal transduction mechanisms. Hepatocyte parenchymal cells maintained in a serum-free, defined medium, synthesized DNA and proliferated in the presence of 5-HT or a selective 5-HT2B receptor agonist, BW723C86, but not in the presence of 5-HT2A, or 5-HT2C receptor agonists (TCB-2 and CP809101, respectively), in a time- and dose-dependent manner. A selective 5-HT2B receptor antagonist, LY272015 (10(-7) M), and a specific phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, U-73122 (10(-6) M), as well as specific inhibitors of growth-related signal transducers-including AG1478, LY294002, PD98059, and rapamycin-completely inhibited 5-HT (10(-6) M)- or BW723C86 (10(-6) M)-induced hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation. Both 5-HT and BW723C86 were shown to significantly stimulate the phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor (EGF)/transforming growth factor (TGF)-α receptor tyrosine kinase (p175 kDa) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 2 on Western blot analysis. These results suggest that the proliferative mechanism of activating 5-HT is mediated mainly through 5-HT2B receptor-stimulated Gq/PLC and EGF/TGF-α-receptor/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ERK2/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways in primary cultured hepatocytes.

Age, period, and birth cohort-specific effects on cervical cancer mortality rates in Japanese women and projections for mortality rates over 20-year period (2012-2031).

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the effects of age, period, and birth cohort on cervical cancer mortality rate trends in Japanese women, by age-period-cohort (APC) analysis. Additionally, we analyzed projected mortality rates. METHODS: We obtained data on the number of cervical cancer deaths in Japanese women from 1975-2011 from the national vital statistics and census population data. A cohort table of mortality rate data was analyzed on the basis of a Bayesian APC model. We also projected the mortality rates for the 2012-2031 period. RESULTS: The period effect was relatively limited, compared with the age and cohort effects. The age effect increased suddenly from 25-29 to 45-49 years of age and gently increased thereafter. An analysis of the cohort effect on mortality rate trends revealed a steep decreasing slope for birth cohorts born from 1908-1940 and a subsequent sudden increase after 1945. The mortality rate projections indicated increasing trends from 40 to 74 years of age until the year 2031. CONCLUSIONS: The age effect increased from 25-29 years of age. This could be attributable to the high human papilloma virus (HPV) infection risk and the low cervical cancer screening rate. The cohort effect changed from decreasing to increasing after the early 1940s. This might be attributable to the spread of cervical cancer screening and treatment before 1940 and the high HPV infection risk and reduced cervical cancer screening rate after 1945. The projected mortality rate indicated an increasing trend until the year 2031.

L-ascorbic acid- and L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside accelerate in vivo liver regeneration and lower serum alanine aminotransaminase activity in 70% partially hepatectomized rats.

The effects of L-ascorbic acid and its stable analogue L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside on the restoration of liver mass and recovery of liver function after 70% partial hepatectomy (PH), were compared with other natural vitamin C analogues in rats in vivo. L-Ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg/d, intraperitoneally (i.p.))- and L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (50 mg/kg/d, i.p.)-treated rats showed an approximately 1.3-fold increase in the ratio of liver weight (LW) to body weight (BW), when compared to saline (as control)-, L-dehydroascorbic acid (150 mg/kg/d, i.p.)- and D-isoascorbic acid (150 mg/kg/d, i.p.)-administrated rats on day 3 after PH. Accordingly, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine-labeling index in the regenerating liver was significantly higher in L-ascorbic acid- and L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside-treated rats compared with saline-, L-dehydroascorbic acid and D-isoascorbic acid-treated rats on day 1. In control rats, liver-related serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was rapidly elevated on day 1, and then decreased to near pre-operative levels on day 5 following PH. L-Ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside significantly lowered the serum ALT on day 1 after PH compared with saline-, L-dehydroascorbic acid- and D-isoascorbic acid-administered rats. These results demonstrate that L-ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside significantly promote the regeneration of liver mass and function with full recovery after liver injury.

A mechanism enhancing macromolecule transport through paracellular spaces induced by Poly-L-Arginine: Poly-L-Arginine induces the internalization of tight junction proteins via clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

PURPOSE: Poly-L-arginine (PLA) enhances the paracellular permeability of the Caco-2 cell monolayer to hydrophilic macromolecules by disappearance of tight junction (TJ) proteins from cell-cell junctions. However, the mechanism of the disappearance of TJ proteins in response to PLA has been unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of disappearance of TJ proteins from cell-cell junctions after the application of PLA to Caco-2 cell monolayers. METHODS: The membrane conductance (Gt), FITC-dextran (FD-4) permeability, and localization of TJ proteins were examined after the treatment of Caco-2 cell monolayers with PLA in the presence of various endocytosis inhibitors. In addition, the localization of endosome marker proteins was also observed. RESULTS: Clathrin-mediated endocytosis inhibitors suppressed the increase in Gt and Papp of FD-4 induced by PLA, and also significantly suppressed the disappearance of TJ proteins induced by PLA. Furthermore, occludin, one of the TJ proteins, colocalized with early endosome and recycling endosomes after the internalization of occludin induced by PLA, and then was recycled to the cell-cell junctions. CONCLUSION: PLA induced the transient internalization of TJ proteins in cell-cell junctions via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, subsequently increasing the permeability of the Caco-2 cell monolayer to FD-4 via a paracellular route.