Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental verification of the effects of vinyl silicone oil viscosity on the mechanical properties of silicone rubber foam.

The molecular motion trajectories of silicone rubber foam (SRF) at various vinyl silicone oil viscosities were studied via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation from the perspective of all atomic molecules. The influence of different viscosities of vinyl silicone oil on interaction, compatibility, and aggregation degree of molecules was determined based on the mean square displacement, diffusion coefficient, binding energy, solubility parameter, radial distribution function, and radius of gyration. The mechanical properties of the SRF were also experimentally verified. Results revealed that as the viscosity of vinyl silicone oil increased, the mean square displacement, fractional free volume, diffusion coefficient, and solubility parameter of the system decreased, whereas its larger radius of gyration increased. Moreover, the radial distribution function showed a weaker relative interaction between molecular chains. The calculated binding energy demonstrated that the system had better compatibility at a viscosity of 0.45 Pa s. This study provided a deeper insight into the relation between the viscosity of vinyl silicone oil and mechanical properties of the SRF. As the viscosity of vinyl silicone oil increased, the changing trend in MD simulation results of elastic modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, and Poisson's ratio was consistent with the experimental results. The MD simulations can promote theoretical predictions and scientific basis for the design of the SRF with desired performances.

OTX1 regulates tumorigenesis and metastasis in glioma.

The most prevalent kind of primary brain tumors, gliomas, have a dismal prognosis. Recent advances in the tumor-promoting ability of OTX1 have drawn increasing attention. The overexpression of OTX1 has been reported to be associated with tumor-promoting effects in several malignancies, but its expression in gliomas is unknown. The oncogene OTX1 is increased in gliomas and is linked to a poor prognosis, as we show here. The degree of OTX1 positive expression is doubtlessly concomitant with the grade of glioma. We observed that OTX1 was up-regulated in gliomas, influenced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), encouraged glioma cell growth and proliferation, and was linked to a poor clinical outcome for patients. At present, the prognosis of glioma is still not optimistic, and further research is needed to find a new target for treatment. According to our research, OTX1 is anticipated to emerge as a novel biological target for determining glioma prognosis and treatment.

Colorectal cancer cell-secreted exosomal miRNA N-72 promotes tumor angiogenesis by targeting CLDN18.

Angiogenesis is essential for the growth and metastasis of several malignant tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC). The molecular mechanism underlying CRC angiogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Emerging evidence indicates that secreted microRNAs (miRNAs) may mediate the intercellular communication between tumor cells and neighboring endothelial cells to regulate tumor angiogenesis. In addition, exosomes have been shown to carry and deliver miRNAs to regulate angiogenesis. miRNA N-72 is a novel miRNA that plays a regulatory role in the EGF-induced migration of human amnion mesenchymal stem cells. However, the relation between miRNA N-72 and cancer remains unclear. We here found that CRC cells could secrete miRNA N-72. A high miRNA N-72 level was detected in the serum of CRC patients and the cultured CRC cells. Moreover, the CRC cell-secreted miRNA N-72 could promote the migration, tubulogenesis, and permeability of endothelial cells. In addition, the mouse xenograft model was used to verify the facilitating effects of miRNA N-72 on CRC growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in vivo. Further mechanism analysis revealed that CRC cell-secreted miRNA N-72 could be delivered into endothelial cells via exosomes, which then inhibited cell junctions of endothelial cells by targeting CLDN18 and consequently promoted angiogenesis. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of CRC angiogenesis and highlight the potential of secreted miRNA N-72 as a therapeutic target and a biomarker for CRC.

Synergistic Effects of 2-Butyne-1,4-Diol and Chloride Ions on the Microstructure and Residual Stress of Electrodeposited Nickel.

To assess the individual and synergistic effects of 2-butyne-1,4-diol (BD) and chloride ions on the microstructure and residual stress of electrodeposited nickel, various nickel layers were prepared from sulfamate baths comprising varying concentrations of BD and chloride ions by applying direct-current electrodeposition. And their surface morphologies, microstructure, and residual stress were tested using SEM, XRD, EBSD, TEM, and AFM. While the nickel layers composed of pyramid morphology were prepared from additive-free baths, the surface flattened gradually as the BD concentration of the baths was increased, and the acicular grains in the deposits were replaced with <100> oriented columnar grains or <111> oriented nanograins; additionally, the residual tensile stress of the deposits increased. The addition of chloride ions to the baths containing BD significantly increased the residual stress in the nickel layers, although it only slightly promoted surface flattening and columnar grain coarsening. The effects of BD and chloride ions on the growth mode and residual stress of nickel deposits were explained via analysis of surface morphologies and microstructure. And the results indicate that the reduction of chloride ion concentration is a feasible way to reduce the residual stress of the nickel deposits when BD is included in the baths.

N-Acetyl-l-cysteine ameliorates gestational diabetes mellitus by inhibiting oxidative stress.

Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects 7% of pregnant women worldwide. How to effectively treat GDM has always been a concern of people.Research methods: In this study, a diabetes model was established by drug-induced mice. Subsequently, the blood glucose levels and serum insulin changes of the mice after N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) treatment were observed. At the same time, the effect of NAC on reproduction of GDM mice was recorded.Results of the study: Mice fed NAC showed significantly improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity compared to Diabetic/Control. Total serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and serum low-density lipoprotein were significantly reduced, and atherosclerosis index was much lower than in control mice. In addition, Diabetic/Control mice had lower litter sizes and higher birth weights. NAC treatment significantly restored litter size and reduced birth weight in Diabetic/Control mice. It was found in WB assay that the NAC-fed group significantly increased nuclear Nrf2 and HO-1 expression levels.Conclusion: NAC can improve blood glucose tolerance in GDM mice; NAC effectively relieves the symptoms of hyperlipidemia caused by GDM; NAC enhances the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 in the liver, thereby restoring redox homeostasis. NAC can reduce gestational diabetes-related disease indicators by oral administration, and has a beneficial effect on the offspring of pregnant mice (reduces its diabetes disease indicators).

Co-delivery of sorafenib and metformin from amphiphilic polypeptide-based micelles for colon cancer treatment.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common clinical disease with a poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate. Chemotherapy is important to inhibit the post-surgical recurrence of CRC patients. But many limitations restrict the further application of chemotherapy. In this study, sorafenib (Sor) and metformin (Met) co-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-glutamic acid-co-L-phenylalanine) [mPEG-b-P(Glu-co-Phe)] micelles were developed. The characterizations, drug release, in vivo biodistribution, and pharmacokinetics of the micelles were analyzed. The treatment efficacy of the dual-drug loaded micelles was evaluated in a subcutaneous colon cancer mice model. Sor is a common molecular target agent that can inhibit the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway to treat solid tumors. Met can also regulate the MAPK pathway and inhibit the expression of the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK). Moreover, both Sor and Met play important roles in cell cycle arrest. The integration of these two drugs aims to achieve synergistic effects against colon cancer. The micelles can be targeted to cancer cells and possess longer blood circulation time. The two agents can be released rapidly in the tumor sites. The in vivo study showed that the micelles can prevent tumor progression by inhibiting the expressions of p-ERK and cyclin D1. This study indicated that the Sor/Met-loaded micelles are suitable for CRC treatment.

Fast-track surgery nursing intervention in CRC patients with laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery.

In this study, the application effect of fast-track surgery (FTS) nursing intervention in laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) is investigated, and the optimal perioperative management strategy for CRC surgery is explored. One hundred thirty CRC patients are included in this study, in which 67 patients undergo laparotomy (Group A) and 63 patients undergo laparoscopic surgery (Group B). These patients were also randomly divided into traditional nursing subgroup (Group A1 [n = 33] and Group B1 [n = 31]) and FTS nursing subgroup (Group A2 [n = 34] and Group B2 [n = 32]). The general data of patients, pre-operative preparation, intra-operative data, postoperative recovery data, and postoperative complications are recorded. Both FTS and laparoscopic surgery can advance the anal exhaust time, and shorten postoperative fasting and water deprivation time, and the hospitalization time without increasing the incidence of complications. FTS has advantages in reducing the indwelling time of gastric tube and throat pain. Simultaneous implementation of FTS and laparoscopic surgery has the best effect on the postoperative recovery of CRC patients.

Undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma of the colon: a rare case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), also known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), hardly originates from the colorectum. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported a 65-year-old female presented with UPS in the descending colon. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an irregularly thickened descending colon. On colonoscopy examination, an ulcerative tumour was identified. The patient received radical resection of the left colon and partial enterectomy. The resected tumor was ulcerative, 10 cm × 8 cm × 5 cm in size, and infiltrated the serosa layer. Postsurgical pathology showed that the tumor was high-graded UPS in the colon with large amounts of necrotic tissues. CONCLUSIONS: UPS in the large intestine is a rare malignant tumor with a poor prognosis and unknown pathogenesis. The main treatment for UPS is early complete resection. Postsurgery adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy can be attempted.

Gut and Vaginal Microbiomes in PCOS: Implications for Women's Health.

PCOS is defined as a kind of endocrine and metabolic disorder which affects females at reproductive ages, is becoming much more common, nowadays. Microbiomes are known as microorganisms that inhabit the body to play a vital role in human health. In recent years, several basic and clinical studies have tried to investigate the correlation between the reproductive health/disorder and microbiomes (gut microbiomes and vaginal microbiomes). However, the mechanism is still unclear. In this review, we reviewed the relationship between PCOS and microbiomes, including gut/vaginal microbiomes compositions in PCOS, mechanism of microbiomes and PCOS, and then collectively focused on the recent findings on the influence of microbiomes on the novel insight regarding the therapeutic strategies for PCOS in the future clinical practice.

Association between blood glucose levels and Glasgow Outcome Score in patients with traumatic brain injury: secondary analysis of a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Blood glucose levels that are too high or too low after traumatic brain injury (TBI) negatively affect patient prognosis. This study aimed to demonstrate the relationship between blood glucose levels and the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) in TBI patients. METHODS: This study was based on a randomized, dual-center, open-label clinical trial. A total of 208 patients who participated in the randomized controlled trial were followed up for 5 years. Information on the disease, laboratory examination, insulin therapy, and surgery for patients with TBI was collected as candidate variables according to clinical importance. Additionally, data on 5-year and 6-month GOS were collected as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. For multivariate analysis, a generalized additive model (GAM) was used to investigate relationships between blood glucose levels and GOS. The results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). We further applied a two- piecewise linear regression model to examine the threshold effect of blood glucose level and GOS. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients were included in the final analysis. Multivariate GAM analysis revealed that a bell-shaped relationship existed between average blood glucose level and 5-year GOS score or 6-month GOS score. The inflection points of the average blood glucose level were 8.81 (95% CI: 7.43-9.48) mmol/L considering 5-year GOS as the outcome and were 8.88 (95% CI 7.43-9.74) mmol/L considering 6-month GOS score as the outcome. The same analysis revealed that there was also a bell relationship between average blood glucose levels and the favorable outcome group (GOS score ≥ 4) at 5 years or 6 months. CONCLUSION: In a population of patients with traumatic brain injury, blood glucose levels were associated with the GOS. There was also a threshold effect between blood glucose levels and the GOS. A blood glucose level that is either too high or too low conveys a poor prognosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02161055 . Registered on 11 June 2014.

Gastric adenocarcinoma with germ cell tumor components: a rare case report.

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) often occur in male testes and female ovaries. Extragonadal GCTs account for approximately 2% to 5% of all GCTs and mainly occur in the mediastinum, retroperitoneum, and pineal gland. In this study, we reported a rare case of gastric adenocarcinoma with GCT components. The patient's serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level was higher than normal. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a 10-cm × 10-cm tumor between the spleen and the bottom of the stomach. Gastric endoscopy indicated an ulcerative lesion extending from the bottom of the stomach to the antrum. Tissue biopsy identified the tumor as an adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent abdominal tumor resection, subtotal gastrectomy, D2 lymphadenectomy, and splenectomy. Postoperative histopathology showed that the tumor was a moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed positive staining for AFP, glypican-3, and placental alkaline phosphatase. Gastric adenocarcinoma with GCT components is particularly uncommon and rarely reported. Elevated serum AFP and/or ß-human chorionic gonadotropin levels, abdominal CT, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry may help diagnose GCTs. Radical surgery resection is the primary treatment method for GCTs. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are effective for advanced GCTs.

Cysteine-rich intestinal protein 1 enhances the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via Ras signaling.

The present study aimed to explore the expression and clinical significance of cysteine-rich intestinal protein 1 (CRIP1) mRNA in the serum of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to explore the level of CRIP1 mRNA in the tissues and serum of patients with HCC. Our data showed that the mRNA level of CRIP1 was significantly elevated in the serum and tissues of HCC patients. Moreover, serum CRIP1 mRNA was significantly elevated in HCC patients with larger tumor sizes and higher tumor node metastasis (TNM) stages. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that compared with a single marker, the combined detection of alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and CRIP1 had the highest accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Further study showed that the overexpression of CRIP1 enhanced the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells, but the inhibition of CRIP1 decreased the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. Microarray assays and KyotoEncyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that overexpression of CRIP1 induced the activation of Ras signaling. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays indicated that CRIP1 could interact with Ras. To further evaluate whether CRIP1 interacts with Ras, a specific siRNA targeting Ras was selected. We found that Ras knockdown reduced the activation of Ras/AKT signaling even in HepG2 cells transfected with CRIP1. Moreover, elevated expression of CRIP1 increased the proliferation of HepG2 cells, but such effects could be abolished by silencing Ras. In summary, elevated CRIP1 levels enhanced the progression of CRIP1 via Ras signaling.

Doxorubicin-Loaded Tumor-Targeting Peptide-Decorated Polypeptide Nanoparticles for Treating Primary Orthotopic Colon Cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant disease worldwide, and chemotherapy has been the standard treatment for colorectal cancer. However, the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy are unsatisfactory for advanced and recurrent colorectal cancers. Thus, increasing the treatment efficacy of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer is a must. In this study, doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded tumor-targeting peptide-decorated mPEG-P(Phe-co-Cys) nanoparticles were developed to treat orthotopic colon cancer in mice. The peptide VATANST (STP) can specifically bind with vimentin highly expressed on the surface of colon cancer cells, thus achieving the tumor-targeting effects. The nanoparticles are core-shell structured, which can protect the loaded DOX while passing through the blood flow and increase the circulation time. The disulfide bonds within the nanoparticles are sensitive to the glutathione-rich microenvironment of tumor tissues. Rupture of disulfide bonds of the nanoparticles leads to the continuous release of DOX, thus resulting in the apoptosis of the tumor cells. The in vivo experiments in mice with orthotopic colon cancer demonstrated that the synthesized DOX-loaded tumor-targeting peptide-decorated polypeptide nanoparticles showed properties of drug delivery systems and exhibited good antitumor properties. The synthesized nanoparticles show appropriate properties as one of the drug delivery systems and exhibit good antitumor properties after encapsulating DOX.

The efficacy of ileostomy after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Protective ileostomy is always applied to avoid clinically significant anastomotic leakage and other postoperative complications for patients receiving laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. However, whether it is necessary to perform the ileostomy is still controversial. This meta-analysis aims to analyze the efficacy of ileostomy on laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed were applied for systematic search of all relevant literature, updated to May 07, 2021. Studies compared patients with and without ileostomy for laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. We applied Review Manager software to perform this meta-analysis. The quality of the non-randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS), and the randomized studies were assessed using the Jadad scale. RESULTS: We collected a total of 1203 references, and seven studies were included using the research methods. The clinically significant anastomotic leakage rate was significantly lower in ileostomy group (27/567, 4.76%) than that in non-ileostomy group (54/525, 10.29%) (RR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.30-0.73, P for overall effect = 0.0009, P for heterogeneity = 0.18, I2 = 32%). However, the postoperative hospital stay, reoperation, wound infection, and operation time showed no significant difference between the ileostomy and non-ileostomy groups. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that protective ileostomy could decrease the clinically significant anastomotic leakage rate for patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. However, ileostomy has no effect on postoperative hospital stay, reoperation, wound infection, and operation time. The efficacy of ileostomy after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery: a meta-analysis.

The Relationship Between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Tumor Dormancy.

Tumor dormancy, a state of tumor, is clinically undetectable and the outgrowth of dormant tumor cells into overt metastases is responsible for cancer-associated deaths. However, the dormancy-related molecular mechanism has not been clearly described. Some researchers have proposed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) can be seen as progenitor cells of tumor dormancy, both of which can remain dormant in a non-permissive soil/niche. Nowadays, research interest in the cancer biology field is skyrocketing as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of regulating tumor dormancy, which will provide a unique therapeutic window to cure cancer. Although the influence of MSCs on tumor dormancy has been investigated in previous studies, there is no thorough review on the relationship between MSCs and tumor dormancy. In this paper, the root of tumor dormancy is analyzed and dormancy-related molecular mechanisms are summarized. With an emphasis on the role of the MSCs during tumor dormancy, new therapeutic strategies to prevent metastatic disease are proposed, whose clinical application potentials are discussed, and some challenges and prospects of the studies of tumor dormancy are also described.

Spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a nonpregnant female patient: a case report and literature review.

Spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (sOHSS) usually occurs in patients with a spontaneous ovulation cycle, especially in those with multiple pregnancies combined with hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome. sOHSS rarely occurs in women who are not pregnant. A 23-year-old woman with obvious abdominal distension visited our hospital. The patient was not pregnant and had not undergone controlled superovulation. Apart from abdominal distension, the patient denied any symptom of obvious incentives, abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or drainage. Biochemical analysis showed a high carbohydrate antigen-125 level and low total protein and albumin levels. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography showed a large amount of ascites and cystic uneven masses with an irregular shape in the area of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Post-surgical histopathology indicated the diagnosis of sOHSS. Wedge resection of both ovaries was performed. Symptomatic treatment was further performed and the patient recovered well. Our findings indicate that sOHSS can occur in women who are not pregnant. Additionally, besides the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene mutation hypothesis, the pathogenesis of sOHSS should be further studied.

Tailgut cyst with adenocarcinoma transition: A rare case report.

RATIONALE: Tailgut cyst (TGC) is a rare congenital disease that originates from residues of the tail intestine during the embryonic period. Most TGCs are benign lesions and the malignant transition is very rare. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 50-year-old woman attended our department complaining of defecation difficulty for more than 2 months. She reported irregular defecation with a small amount of liquid stool, 3 to 4 times per day. DIAGNOSIS: Biochemical analysis showed high levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (79.89 ng/mL; normal, 0-3 ng/mL) and carbohydrate antigen 199 (57.60 U/mL; normal, 0-35 U/mL). Abdominal computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a large cystic mass with enhanced signals. Post-surgical histopathology indicated that the mass was a TGC with adenocarcinoma transition. INTERVENTIONS: The cyst was completely resected. Symptomatic treatment was further performed, and the patient recovered well. LESSONS: We reported a rare case of a large TGC with adenocarcinoma transition. CT, MRI, and histopathology are important to diagnose TGC. Complete surgical resection is the first choice to treat TGC.

Sensitive measurement of tumor markers somatostatin receptors using an octreotide-directed Pt nano-flakes driven electrochemical sensor.

Tumor markers play an important role in the early diagnosis and therapeutic effect monitoring of tumors. An electrochemical biosensor was developed based on multi-branched gold nanoshells (BGSs) and octreotide (OCT) functionalized Pt nano-flakes (PtNFs) modified electrodes, which was used for detection of tumor-specific markers to evaluate tumor cells. Sandwich-type nano-hybrid materials were prepared by layer-by-layer modification. First, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and BGSs were modified as electronic materials onto glassy carbon electrodes (GCE). This modified electrode has strong electron transfer capability and large electrode surface area. The OCT was then anchored to the surface of BGSs to sensitively detect Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) on the surface of HeLa cells. In addition, PtNFs were synthesized using a dual-template method, and OCT template on the surface of PtNFs, as an adsorption bioprobe, was used to reduce the H2O2 and amplify the electrochemical signal of biosensor. The proposed biosensor can be applied to the quantitative broad linear range of HeLa cells covering from 10 to 1 × 106 cells mL-1 (R2 = 0.9998) and the limit of detection (LOD) was 2 cells mL-1. The experimental results also show that the sensor has good stability, biocompatibility and high selectivity, which has great potential for clinical application.

Ulinastatin ameliorates LPS­induced pulmonary inflammation and injury by blocking the MAPK/NF­κB signaling pathways in rats.

Ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) is commonly used to treat patients with acute inflammatory disease. However, the underlying mechanisms of its anti­inflammatory effect in acute lung injury (ALI) are not fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of UTI and explore its potential mechanisms by using a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)­induced ALI. Rats were treated with 5 mg/kg LPS by intratracheal instillation. The histological changes in LPS­induced ALI was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining and the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was determined using ELISA. The wet/dry ratio (W/D ratio) of the lungs was used to assess the severity of pulmonary edema and Evans blue dye was used to evaluate the severity of lung vascular leakage. The results demonstrated that LPS administration induced histological changes and significantly increased the lung W/D ratio, MPO activity and Evans blue dye extravasation compared with the control group. However, treatment with UTI attenuated LPS­induced ALI in rats by modifying histological changes and reducing the lung W/D ratio, MPO activity and Evans blue dye extravasation. In addition, LPS induced the secretion of numerous pro­inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), including tumor necrosis factor­α, interleukin (IL)­6, IL­1ß and interferon­Î³; however, these cytokines were strongly reduced following treatment with UTI. In addition, UTI was able to reduce cellular counts in BALF, including neutrophils and leukocytes. Western blotting demonstrated that UTI significantly blocked the LPS­stimulated MAPK and NF­κB signaling pathways. The results of the present study indicated that UTI could exert an anti­inflammatory effect on LPS­induced ALI by inhibiting the MAPK and NF­κB signaling pathways, which suggested that UTI may be considered as an effective drug in the treatment of ALI.

Enhancing Effects of Theanine Liposomes as Chemotherapeutic Agents for Tumor Therapy.

Chemotherapy is one of the most effective methods of treating tumors in clinical study currently, but drug side effects usually are unbearable to the patient, which also makes it difficult to continue chemotherapy. Enhanced drug efficacy and reduced drug side effects are the main strategies for tumor therapy. Herein, based on biochemical regulation, theanine liposomes were designed to adjuvant doxorubicin (DOX) therapy, which can reduce the adverse reactions and enhance the effect of DOX. Stigmasterol was applied instead of traditional cholesterol for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The as-prepared theanine liposomes by two methods had optimal sizes (154.8 and 169.0 nm), which can effectively accumulate in tumor tissues. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the theanine liposomes had a good effect of sustaining drug release. Cell uptake indicated that the presence of theanine can effectively inhibit glutathione (GSH) levels in cells and increase the uptake of DOX. In tumor bearing mice experiments, the combination of the theanine liposomes and DOX showed a better tumor inhibitory effect with a smaller tumor volume (2.7 fold) compared with that of the free DOX group. Meanwhile, under the mediation of theanine, the amount of doxorubicin was greatly reduced to achieve the same therapeutic effect, and the side effects of the drug were largely inhibited. Therefore, theanine liposomes have great application potential in tumor chemotherapy.