Weakened Interfacial Hydrogen Bond Connectivity Drives Selective Photocatalytic Water Oxidation toward H2O2 at Water/Brookite-TiO2 Interface.

The formation of H2O2 through the two-electron photocatalytic water oxidation reaction (WOR) is significant but encounters the competition with the four-electron O2 evolution reaction. Recent studies showed a crystal-phase dependence in H2O2 selectivity, where high purity brookite TiO2 (b-TiO2) exhibits remarkable H2O2 selectivity in contrast to the common rutile phase TiO2 (r-TiO2). However, the origin of such a structure-induced selectivity preference remains elusive, primarily due to the complexities associated with the solid-liquid interface system and excited-state chemistry. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the selectivity mechanism of WOR at the water/b-TiO2(210) and water/r-TiO2(110) interfaces, employing first-principles molecular dynamics simulations and microkinetic analyses. Intriguingly, our results reveal that the intrinsic catalytic ability of the b-TiO2(210) itself does not enhance H2O2 selectivity compared to r-TiO2(110). Instead, it is the weakened interfacial hydrogen bond connectivity, modulated by the herringbone-like local atomic structure of the b-TiO2(210) surface, that determines the selectivity. Specifically, this weakened H-bond connectivity (i.e., local low water density) at the interface, owing to the strong water adsorption and distinct adsorption orientation, can stabilize the OH• radical and inhibit its deprotonation, leading to an improved H2O2 selectivity. By contrast, the relatively strong interface H-bond connectivity established over r-TiO2(110) accelerates the deprotonation of OH•, with the OH• coverage being 3 orders of magnitude lower than at the water/b-TiO2(210) interface. This study quantitatively demonstrates that the local H-bond structure (water density) at the liquid/solid interface significantly influences photocatalytic selectivity, and this insight may offer a rational approach to enhance the H2O2 selectivity.

Terahertz fingerprint reveals the effect of alcohols on sodium ions hydration shell.

Ion hydration plays a crucial role in numerous fundamental processes. Various spectroscopic methods are employed to investigate the slowing down of hydration bond dynamics in the proximity of both anions and cations. To date, most of these studies have primarily focused on the properties of binary systems. However, in comparison to ion-water binary systems, ternary systems that involve ions, water, and organic matter are more prevalent in nature and provide more realistic insights into biological processes. This study focuses on ion hydration in water and alcohol mixture using terahertz spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The results reveal a distinct behavior depending on the type of alcohol used. Specifically, the presence of both methanol and ethanol results in the disappearance of absorption peaks associated with NaCl hydrate at low temperatures. In contrast, tert-butanol does not exhibit such an effect, and isopropanol demonstrates a more complex response. By combining these terahertz spectroscopic findings with low-temperature XRD data, we gain insights into the formation, or lack thereof, of NaCl · 2H2O hydrate crystals. Crucially, our observations suggest a dominant correlation between the polarity of the alcohol molecules and its impact on the Na+ hydration. Strongly polar alcohols preferentially solvating the Na+ ion lead to the failure of hydrate formation, while weakly polar alcohols do not have this effect.

Reconstructing subwavelength resolution terahertz holographic images.

Computer-generated holography typically generates terahertz (THz) holographic images with a pixel size larger than wavelength. We propose a multi-foci metalens model to reconstruct THz holographic images with subwavelength resolution. The designed devices are realized based on dielectric metasurfaces consisting of silicon micropillars with spatially variant orientations. By exploiting quasi-continuous profile of focal points as the pixels of a holographic image, a metalens can reconstruct a high-resolution target image on its focal plane. The effects of size and pitch of each sub-diffraction focal point on imaging quality and pixel resolution are discussed. The intensity distribution at each focal point indicates that the reconstructed images have subwavelength resolution. In comparison with conventional hologram designs, this design method can be used to reconstruct THz holographic images with subwavelength resolution, which have potential applications in THz communication, information security and anti-counterfeiting.

Monitoring MgCl2 hydrate formation from aqueous solutions using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.

The interaction of MgCl2 with H2O is heavily involved in biological and chemical processes. In this work, freezing-induced hydrate formation from MgCl2 aqueous solution was monitored using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. At low temperatures, two phase transitions from brine to hydrate formation could be clearly observed, and the formation of hydrate was accompanied by the emergence of new THz fingerprint peaks at 1.02, 1.56, and 1.84 THz, respectively. Integrating XRD and quantum chemical calculations, we attributed the absorption peaks to the vibrational modes of the formed MgCl2·12H2O. This demonstrates the potential of THz spectroscopy for application in the detection of biological processes in low-temperature environments, such as cell freezing.

Outdoor air pollution and the risk of asthma exacerbations in single lag0 and lag1 exposure patterns: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To synthesize evidence regarding the relationship between outdoor air pollution and risk of asthma exacerbations in single lag0 and lag1 exposure patterns.Methods: We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials, China National Knowledge Internet, Chinese BioMedical, and Wanfang databases. Articles published until August 1, 2020 and the reference lists of the relevant articles were reviewed. Two authors independently evaluated the eligible articles and performed structured extraction of the relevant information. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of lag0 and lag1 exposure patterns were estimated using random-effect models.Results: Eighty-four studies met the eligibility criteria and provided sufficient information for meta-analysis. Outdoor air pollutants were associated with increased risk of asthma exacerbations in both single lag0 and lag1 exposure patterns [lag0: RR (95% CI) (pollutants), 1.057(1.011, 1.103) (air quality index, AQI), 1.007 (1.005, 1.010) (particulate matter of diameter ≤ 2.5 µm, PM2.5), 1.009 (1.005, 1.012) (particulate matter of diameter, PM10), 1.010 (1.006, 1.014) (NO2), 1.030 (1.011, 1.048) (CO), 1.005 (1.002, 1.009) (O3); lag1:1.064(1.022, 1.106) (AQI), 1.005 (1.002, 1.008) (PM2.5), 1.007 (1.004, 1.011) (PM10), 1.008 (1.004, 1.012) (NO2), 1.025 (1.007, 1.042) (CO), 1.010 (1.006, 1.013) (O3)], except SO2 [lag0: RR (95% CI), 1.004 (1.000, 1.007); lag1: RR (95% CI), 1.003 (0.999, 1.006)]. Subgroup analyses revealed stronger effects in children and asthma exacerbations associated with other events (including symptoms, lung function changes, and medication use).Conclusion: Outdoor air pollution increases the asthma exacerbation risk in single lag0 and lag1 exposure patterns.Trial registration: PROSPERO, CRD42020204097. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/02770903.2021.2008429 .

Application of terahertz spectroscopy on monitoring crystallization and isomerization of azobenzene.

Terahertz spectroscopy provides a powerful and informative link between infrared spectroscopy and microwave spectroscopy, and is now beginning to make its transition from initial development to broader use by chemists, materials scientists and biologists. In this study, utilizing terahertz spectroscopy we monitored the crystallization and isomerization of azobenzene. In flash-frozen trans-azobenzene solutions, the processes of crystallization and phase transition were observed. A new phase has been experimentally confirmed to exist stably at low temperatures. The results on gradual-frozen experiment indicate that the formation of the observed new phase is determined by the cooling rate. Besides, based on the distinctive spectral features of the isomers, the thermal- and photo-induced isomerization processes of azobenzene were investigated. This work presents that the terahertz spectroscopy has a great potential to study the phase transitions and crystallization of liquid samples under different freezing conditions.

C-terminal-truncated hepatitis B virus X protein promotes hepatocarcinogenesis by activating the MAPK pathway.

PURPOSE: C-terminally truncated hepatitis B virus X (ctHBx) is frequently detected in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) integrated into their genomes, but the molecular mechanisms of ctHBx-related oncogenic signaling remain unclear. In this study, the effects of ctHBx on HepG2 cells were investigated by measuring ctHBx-induced changes in the cell cycle-related target proteins cell division cycle 25C (cdc25C) and p53 downstream of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ctHBx lentiviruses were constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells. Then, we investigated HepG2 cell line function by conducting the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, clone formation assay, scratch wound testing, Transwell assays and flow cytometry to examine cell cycle and apoptosis. Western blotting (WB) was performed to detect proteins related to and downstream of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/p38 MAPK pathway, including cdc25C and p53. RESULTS: ctHBx significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, invasion and colony-forming capability of HepG2 cells. In addition, ctHBx activated the ERK/JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway to regulate cell viability by affecting the expression of cyclin-related proteins, including cdc25C and p53. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that ctHBx promote the formation and development of HCC via regulating MAPK/cdc25C and p53 axis. ctHBx should be the driving factor of HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

Broadband terahertz signatures and vibrations of dopamine.

Dopamine (DA) is an essential neurotransmitter and hormone of the nervous system, its structural and conformational properties play critical roles in biological functions and signal transmission processes. Although this neuroactive molecule has been studied extensively, the low-frequency vibration features that are closely related to the conformation and molecular interactions in the terahertz (THz) band still remain unclear. In this study, a broadband THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system in the frequency band of 0.5-18 THz was used to characterize the unique THz fingerprint of DA. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to analyze the vibrational properties of DA. The results suggest that each THz resonant absorption peak of DA corresponds to specific vibrational modes, and the collective vibration also exists in the broadband THz range. Moreover, the interactions between the DA ligand and the D2 and D3 receptors were investigated by docking, and the simulated THz spectra were obtained. The results indicate the dominant role of hydrogen bonding interactions and the specificity of molecular conformation. This work may help to understand the resonance coupling between THz electromagnetic waves and neurotransmitters.

Probing NaCl hydrate formation from aqueous solutions by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.

The cooling-induced formation of a hydrate in aqueous NaCl solutions was probed using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). It was found that the NaCl hydrate formation is accompanied by the emergence of four new absorption peaks at 1.60, 2.43, 3.34 and 3.78 THz. Combining X-ray diffraction measurements with solid-state based density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we assign the observed terahertz absorption peaks to the vibrational modes of the formed NaCl·2H2O hydrate during cooling. This work shows that THz-TDS based analysis has great potential in studying ionic hydrates and the newly revealed collective vibrational modes could be sensitive indicators to achieve quantitative analysis in phase transitions and lattice dynamics.

Developing 1D Sb-Embedded Carbon Nanorods to Improve Efficiency and Stability of Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells.

To overcome the zigzag pathway transport of the electron diffusion process and eliminate the surface trap states of phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) nanofilms in inverted perovskite solar cells, novel 1D N-type doped carbon nanorods (CNRs) are developed by a stibonium (Sb) auxiliary ball milling method and introduced into the PCBM film to prepare the PCBM:Sb-CNRs hybrid transport layer. In this way, the N-type doped Sb-CNRs can extend the built-in electric field between CH3 NH3 PbI3 and PCBM to facilitate the separation of electron/hole pairs. The discontinuous band with the built-in potential in the PCBM/Sb-CNRs heterojunction can boost interfacial charge redistribution and promote electrons diffusion from PCBM to electrode through 1D Sb-CNRs network. As a result, the high device efficiency of 19.26% with enhanced air stability and little hysteresis are achieved. This work demonstrates a simple strategy to improve the efficiency and stability of perovskite photovoltaic devices using low-cost carbon nanomaterials.

Characteristic fingerprint spectrum of neurotransmitter norepinephrine with broadband terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.

The neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) was investigated by broadband terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) in the air-plasma system range from 0.5 to 18.2 THz. NE has a unique absorption spectrum in the THz band, which can be used as a characteristic fingerprint for molecular detection and identification. The temperature-dependent THz spectra of NE were recorded in the range from 83 to 293 K, and a blue-shift of the absorption peaks was observed as the temperature decreased. A solid-state density functional theory (DFT) calculation was implemented to better understand the low-frequency vibrational property of NE, and the calculated results agree well with the THz experimental observations. This result suggests that the broadband THz system can obtain more abundant spectral signals of NE and each THz resonance peak has its own specific vibrational mode, which corresponds to a specific structure and interaction. Even with the adjacent absorption peaks, the vibrational behaviors are different. The deformation of the aromatic ring and the flexibility of the side chain directly affect the NE molecular conformation, which may be closely associated with the receptor binding preference for the neurotransmitter. The conformational diversity of NE may help to understand the biological function of the neurotransmitter in the nervous system.

Monitoring cis-to-trans isomerization of azobenzene using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.

We present terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to explore the conformational dynamics of thermally induced and photoinduced isomerization of azobenzene. The essence of the method is that isomerization of azobenzene proceeds via large structural changes in the molecule, while the THz response is sensitive to these changes. We experimentally demonstrate that the THz spectra of azobenzene show remarkable variations upon heating and irradiation, and as such quantitatively recorded and identified THz spectroscopy can be used to monitor the isomerization process. Specifically, the measured THz spectra clearly reveal that the rate of thermal-isomerization from cis-to-trans in non-polar solvents is faster than that in polar solvents, and an about 6-fold acceleration of the rate could be achieved when Au NPs were introduced as a catalyst into azobenzenes. Moreover, we provide evidence that the temperature and Au NP catalyst do not have an obvious influence on the photoinduced isomerization of azobenzene. The presented example illustrates the power of the THz-TDS method to open up a novel avenue for exploring molecular dynamics.

Bubble-water/catalyst triphase interface microenvironment accelerates photocatalytic OER via optimizing semi-hydrophobic OH radical.

Photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) as the holy grail reaction for solar-to-chemical energy conversion is challenged by sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at water/catalyst interface. Experimental evidence interestingly shows that temperature can significantly accelerate OER, but the atomic-level mechanism remains elusive in both experiment and theory. In contrast to the traditional Arrhenius-type temperature dependence, we quantitatively prove for the first time that the temperature-induced interface microenvironment variation, particularly the formation of bubble-water/TiO2(110) triphase interface, has a drastic influence on optimizing the OER kinetics. We demonstrate that liquid-vapor coexistence state creates a disordered and loose hydrogen-bond network while preserving the proton transfer channel, which greatly facilitates the formation of semi-hydrophobic •OH radical and O-O coupling, thereby accelerating OER. Furthermore, we propose that adding a hydrophobic substance onto TiO2(110) can manipulate the local microenvironment to enhance OER without additional thermal energy input. This result could open new possibilities for PWS catalyst design.

Reduced graphene oxide/MXene hybrid decorated graphite felt as an effective electrode for vanadium redox flow battery.

Vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is a highly suitable technology for energy storage and conversion in the application of decoupling energy and power generation. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics of redox couples is one of the bottlenecks hindering the commercialization of VFFBs. Developing efficient electrode is a promising method to improve the battery performance. In this work, a reduced graphene oxide/Mxene hybrid-decorated graphite felt (rGO/Mxene@GF) is designed to facilitate the kinetics of redox reaction. The electrocatalytic activity and mass transfer of the prepared electrode are investigated through experiment and simulation methods. The results indicate that the favorable mass transfer and the synergistic effect between rGO and Ti3C2Tx Mxene remarkably improve the performance of electrode. The flow cell with rGO/Mxene@GF delivers a good stability up to 100 cycles with a coulombic, voltage, and energy efficiency of 91.6%, 82.7%, and 75.8%, respectively, at a current density of 80 mA cm-2. These findings suggest that the as-prepared rGO/Mxene@GF holds a good application potential in VRFB and provides a promising approach to design efficient electrode for electrochemical devices.

Creation of a High-Throughput Microfluidic Platform for Single-Cell Transcriptome Sequencing of Cell-Cell Interactions.

Cell-cell interaction is one of the major modalities for transmitting information between cells and activating the effects of functional cells. However, the construction of high-throughput analysis technologies from cell omics focusing on the impact of interactions of functional cells on targets has been relatively unexplored. Here, they propose a droplet-based microfluidic platform for cell-cell interaction sequencing (c-c-seq) and screening in vitro to address this challenge. A class of interacting cells is pre-labeled using cell molecular tags, and additional single-cell sequencing reagents are introduced to quickly form functional droplet mixes. Lastly, gene expression analysis is used to deduce the impact of the interaction, while molecular sequence tracing identifies the type of interaction. Research into the active effect between antigen-presenting cells and T cells, one of the most common cell-to-cell interactions, is crucial for the advancement of cancer therapy, particularly T cell receptor-engineered T cell therapy. As it allows for high throughput, this platform is superior to well plates as a research platform for cell-to-cell interactions. When combined with the next generation of sequencing, the platform may be able to more accurately evaluate interactions between epitopes and receptors and verify their functional relevance.

Low-cost and easily prepared interface layer towards efficient and negligible hysteresis perovskite solar cells.

Matched energy level alignment and minimal non-radiative recombination at the buried perovskite/charge transport material interface are essential for efficient electron transfer and highly-efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we develop a facile and feasible method by inserting Cesium(I) Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (CsTFSI) interlayer to fabricate high performance PSCs with negligible hysteresis. With CsTFSI modification, tin oxide displays less trap density, improved electrical conductivity and better energy level alignment with perovskite, leading to a considerable increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE). Consequently, the champion target device presents a PCE of 22.05%, much higher than that of the control device (19.93%). Our work provides an effective and simple strategy for the modification of perovskite buried interface to obtain highly efficient PSCs.

HSP70 protects H9C2 cells from hypoxia and reoxygenation injury through STIM1/IP3R.

Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) is used as an in vivo model of ischemia/reperfusion injury, and myocardial ischemia can lead to heart disease. Calcium overload is an important factor in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and can lead to apoptosis of myocardial cells. Therefore, it is of great clinical importance to find ways to regulate calcium overload and reduce apoptosis of myocardial cells, and thus alleviate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. There is evidence that heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) has a protective effect on the myocardium, but the exact mechanism of this effect is not completely understood. Stromal interaction molecule 1 and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (STIM/1IP3R) play an important role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether HSP70 plays an anti-apoptotic role in H9C2 cardiomyocytes by regulating the calcium overload pathway through STIM1/IP3R. Rat H9C2 cells were subjected to transient oxygen and glucose deprivation (incubated in glucose-free medium and hypoxia for 6 h) followed by re-exposure to glucose and reoxygenation (incubated in high glucose medium and reoxygenation for 4 h) to simulate myocardial ischemia reperfusion-induced cell injury. H9C2 cell viability was significantly decreased, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and apoptosis were significantly increased after oxygen and glucose deprivation. Transfection of HSP70 into H9C2 cells could reduce the corresponding effect, increase cell viability and anti-apoptotic signal pathway, and reduce the apoptotic rate and pro-apoptotic signal pathway. After hypoxia and reoxygenation, the expression of STIM1/IP3R and intracellular calcium concentration of HSP70-overexpressed H9C2 cells were significantly lower than those of hypoxia cells. Similarly, direct silencing of STIM1 by siRNA significantly increased cell viability and expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and decreased apoptosis rate and expression of pro-apoptotic protein BAX. These data are consistent with HSP70 overexpression. These results suggest that HSP70 abrogates intracellular calcium overload by inhibiting upregulation of STIM1/IP3R expression, thus reducing apoptosis in H9C2 cells and playing a protective role in cardiomyocytes.

Overcoming Perovskite Corrosion and De-Doping Through Chemical Binding of Halogen Bonds Toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

4-tert-butylpyridine (TBP) is an indispensable additive for the hole transport layer in highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs), while it can induce corrosion decomposition of perovskites and de-doping effect of spiro-OMeTAD, which present huge challenge for the stability of PSCs. Herein, halogen bonds provided by 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene (1,4-DITFB) are employed to bond with TBP, simultaneously preventing perovskite decomposition and eliminating de-doping effect of oxidized spiro-OMeTAD. Various characterizations have proved strong chemical interaction forms between 1,4-DITFB and TBP. With the incorporation of halogen bonds, perovskite film can maintain initial morphology, crystal structure, and light absorbance; meanwhile, the spiro-OMeTAD film shows a relatively stable conductivity with good charge transport property. Accordingly, the device with TBP complex exhibits significantly enhanced stability in N2 atmosphere or humidity environment. Furthermore, a champion power conversion efficiency of 23.03% is obtained since perovskite is no longer damaged by TBP during device preparation. This strategy overcomes the shortcomings of TBP in n-i-p PSCs community and enhances the application potential of spiro-OMeTAD in fabricating efficient and stable PSCs.

Photoactive Control of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering with Reduced Graphene Oxide in Gas Atmosphere.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an ultrahigh sensitive detection technique for a variety of research fields. Both electromagnetic and chemical enhancement mechanisms are generally considered to contribute simultaneously to SERS signals. However, it is difficult to actively control the enhancement of SERS signals after the substrate is fabricated, since tuning one or both of the aforementioned enhancement mechanisms remains an experimental challenge. Here, we propose a method for actively implementing the photoinduced modulation of SERS signals, which is that under UV irradiation, the Fermi level of graphene can be dynamically modulated due to the adsorption and desorption of gas molecules. The method is validated in gas atmospheres of O2, CO2, N2, and air and also demonstrate its generality by different analytes. In addition, the method was successfully applied to the trace detection of pesticides on fruit peels in air environment, which show its practical implications in sensing.

The Abnormal Proliferation of Hepatocytes is Associated with MC-LR and C-Terminal Truncated HBX Synergistic Disturbance of the Redox Balance.

Background: Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the concentrations of MC-LR in drinking water and the synergistic effect of MC-LR and HBV on hepatocellular carcinogenesis through their disturbance of redox balance have not been fully elucidated. Methods: We measured the MC-LR concentrations in 168 drinking water samples of areas with a high incidence of HCC. The relationships between MC-LR and both redox status and liver diseases in 177 local residents were analyzed. The hepatoma cell line HepG2 transfected with C-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus X gene (Ct-HBX) were treated with MC-LR. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed with cell activity assays, scratch and transwell assays, and flow cytometry, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression-related redox status genes were analyzed with qPCR and Western blotting. Results: The average concentration of MC-LR in well water, river water and reservoir water were 57.55 ng/L, 76.74 ng/L and 132.86 ng/L respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The MC-LR levels in drinking water were correlated with liver health status, including hepatitis, clonorchiasis, glutamic pyruvic transaminase abnormalities and hepatitis B surface antigen carriage (all P values < 0.05). The serum MDA increased in subjects who drank reservoir water and were infected with HBV (P < 0.05). In the cell experiment, ROS increased when Ct-HBX-transfected HepG2 cells were treated with MC-LR, followed by a decrease in SOD and GSH and an increase in MDA. MC-LR combined with Ct-HBX promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells, upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of MAOA gene, and downregulated UCP2 and GPX1 genes. Conclusion: MC-LR and HBV may synergistically affect redox status and play an important role in hepatocarcinoma genesis.