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1.
Glia ; 2024 Oct 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39392208

ABSTRACT

Brain vasculature formation begins with vessel invasion from the perineural vascular plexus, which expands through vessel sprouting and growth. Recent studies have indicated the existence of oligodendrocyte-vascular crosstalk during development. However, the relationship between oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and the ordered spatiotemporal vascularization of the neocortex has not been elucidated. Our findings suggest that OPCs play a complex role in the vessel density of the embryonic and postnatal neocortex. Analyses of normal human and mouse embryonic cerebral cortex show that vascularization and OPC distribution are tightly controlled in a spatially and temporally restricted manner, exhibiting a positive correlation. Loss of OPCs at both embryonic and postnatal stages led to a reduction in vascular density, suggesting that OPC populations play a role in vascular density. Nonetheless, dynamic observation on cultured brain slices and staining of tissue sections indicate that OPC migration is unassociated with the proximity to blood vessels, primarily occurring along radial glial cell processes. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrate that OPC secretions promote vascular endothelial cell (VEC) growth. Together, these observations suggest that vessel density is influenced by OPC secretions.

2.
Environ Geochem Health ; 46(2): 54, 2024 Jan 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38252329

ABSTRACT

Brominated halonitromethanes (Br-HNMs) are generated in water disinfection processes and present high toxicity to human health. This work used aspartic acid (ASP) as the precursor to reveal that bromide (Br-) induced the production of Br-HNMs in the UV/chlorine disinfection process. Consequently, six Br-HNMs were identified, and their yields presented an increasing and then declining evolution over the reaction time from 0 to 15 min. Also, the total Br-HNMs yield reached the maximum of 251.1 µg L-1 at 5 min and then declined to 107.1 µg L-1. The total Br-HNMs yield increased from 2.40 to 251.14 µg L-1 with the increase of Cl2:Br- ratios from 0.25 to 3.0 by increasing free chlorine dosage with a fixed Br- concentration, and it increased from 207.59 to 251.14 µg L-1 and then decreased to 93.44 µg L-1 with the increase of Cl2:Br- ratio from 1.0 to 3.6 by increasing Br- concentration with a fixed free chlorine dosage. Besides, the total Br-HNMs yield reached the highest value (251.14 µg L-1) at pH 7.0 and the lowest value (74.20 µg L-1) at pH 8.0. Subsequently, the possible reaction mechanism of Br-HNMs generated from ASP was deduced, and the changes in toxicity of Br-HNMs also followed an increasing and then declining trend, closely relating to Br-HNMs yields and Br- utilization. This work explored and illustrated the yields, influence factors, reaction mechanisms, and toxicity of Br-HNMs formed from Br- containing ASP water during UV/chlorine disinfection, which might help to control Br-HNMs formation.


Subject(s)
Aspartic Acid , Chlorine , Humans , Bromides , Disinfection , Chlorides , Water
3.
Exp Physiol ; 106(8): 1829-1838, 2021 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33932961

ABSTRACT

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? How does miR-22-3p exert a protective role in asthma? What is the main finding and its importance? Upregulation of miR-22-3p hampered airway inflammation and release of inflammatory cytokines through blocking the activation of the NLRP3-caspase-1-IL-1ß signalling pathway in asthma. ABSTRACT: Asthma, a great public health burden, is triggered by inflammatory responses in the airways and these are not addressed appropriately by current therapies. This study aims to investigate the regulatory mechanism of microRNA-22-3p (miR-22-3p) on the proliferation of bronchial epithelial cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a murine asthma model challenged by ovalbumin. We first confirmed the downregulation of miR-22-3p in the murine asthma model and bronchial epithelial cells. miR-22-3p remarkably reversed the decline in bronchial epithelial cell viability, enhancement in apoptosis rate and release of inflammatory factors induced by LPS. miR-22-3p targeted and conversely regulated NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3). Overexpression of NLRP3 counteracted the inhibitory effect of miR-22-3p on inflammatory damage in bronchial epithelial cells through activation of caspase-1/interleukin (IL)-1ß. In an in vivo model, overexpression of miR-22-3p significantly attenuated airway obstruction and tissue damage in mice. In summary, our study underscores that miR-22-3p serves both as a negative regulator of the NLRP3-caspase-1-IL-1ß axis and as a protective factor against the inflammatory response, suggesting a future therapeutic role in asthma.


Subject(s)
Asthma , MicroRNAs , Animals , Caspase 1 , Inflammation , Interleukin-1beta , Mice , MicroRNAs/genetics , MicroRNAs/metabolism , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
4.
Pharmacol Res ; 174: 105956, 2021 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34700017

ABSTRACT

Asthma represents an inflammatory airway disease related to the induction of airway eosinophilia, mucus overproduction, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This study explored the effects of microRNA-423 (miR-423) on mitophagy and inflammation in asthmatic mice challenged with house dust mites (HDMs) and rhinovirus (RV). By searching for differentially expressed miRNAs in the GSE25230 microarray, miR-423 was identified as our target. Moreover, miR-423 was expressed at low levels in the lung tissues from patients with asthma, and agomiR-423 significantly inhibited RV-induced inflammatory injury and activation of inflammasome signaling in mouse lung tissues. Additionally, miR-423 downregulated the expression of IL-1ß/NLRP3/Caspase-1 inflammasome signaling by targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1). Furthermore, luciferase reporter experiments and ChIP-qPCR assays revealed that estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) transcriptionally repressed miR-423 expression by coordinating with H3K9me2 modification of the miR-423 promoter histone. Overall, ESR2 synergized with the H3K9me2 modification of the miR-423 promoter histone to transcriptionally repress miR-423 expression and increase PINK1 expression in lung tissues, resulting in asthma exacerbation.


Subject(s)
Asthma/genetics , Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics , MicroRNAs , Protein Kinases/genetics , Animals , Antigens, Dermatophagoides , Asthma/immunology , Cell Line , Cytokines/genetics , Cytokines/immunology , Female , Humans , Inflammasomes/genetics , Inflammasomes/immunology , Lung/immunology , Male , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Mitophagy , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/immunology , Picornaviridae Infections/genetics , Picornaviridae Infections/immunology , Protein Kinases/immunology , Rhinovirus , Transcription, Genetic
5.
J Sleep Res ; 30(4): e13259, 2021 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33417262

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess changes in sleep pattern and their influence on people's daily life and emotion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-developed questionnaires were used to measure changes in nocturnal sleep, daytime napping, lifestyles and negative emotions in individuals before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Nine hundred and thirty effective questionnaires were collected in this study. Repeated measures analysis of variance and hierarchical regression analysis were applied. We found that individuals' sleep rhythms were delayed, and sleep duration and sleep latency were increased during the stay-at-home orders. Meanwhile, their exercise levels and learning/working efficiency were decreased, and electronic device use time, annoyance levels and anxiety levels were increased. Delayed sleep patterns affected lifestyles and emotions. Moreover, sleep quality positively predicted learning/working efficiency and exercise levels, and negatively predicted use of electronic devices and negative emotions. Sleep patterns became delayed on weekdays during stay-at-home orders in all four daytime napping groups (no daytime napping, daytime napping as before, more daytime napping and less daytime napping), and the group taking daytime naps as before had a minimal variation, and their lifestyles and emotions were significantly better than those of the other groups. This study demonstrated that under the influence of stress caused by the pandemic, maintaining regular daytime napping was an effective way to stabilize sleep patterns and biological rhythms, keep good lifestyles and alleviate the effect of acute psychological stress, and to prevent and control mental disorders during the pandemic.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Emotions , Life Style , Pandemics , Sleep/physiology , Adolescent , Adult , COVID-19/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Surveys and Questionnaires , Time Factors , Young Adult
6.
J Pathol ; 252(1): 65-76, 2020 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32558942

ABSTRACT

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a biologically aggressive cancer. Targeted therapy is in need to tackle challenges in the treatment perspective. A growing body of evidence suggests a promising role of pharmacological inhibition of PIM (proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukaemia virus) kinase in some human haematological and solid cancers. Yet to date, the potential application of PIM inhibitors in HCC is still largely unexplored. In the present study we investigated the pre-clinical efficacy of PIM inhibition as a therapeutic approach in HCC. Effects of PIM inhibitors on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, chemosensitivity, and self-renewal were examined in vitro. The effects of PIM inhibitors on tumour growth and chemoresistance in vivo were studied using xenograft mouse models. Potential downstream molecular mechanisms were elucidated by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of tumour tissues harvested from animal models. Our findings demonstrate that PIM inhibitors SGI-1776 and PIM447 reduced HCC proliferation, metastatic potential, and self-renewal in vitro. Results from in vivo experiments supported the role of PIM inhibition in suppressing of tumour growth and increasing chemosensitivity of HCC toward cisplatin and doxorubicin, the two commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in trans-arterial chemoembolisation (TACE) for HCC. RNA-seq analysis revealed downregulation of the MAPK/ERK pathway upon PIM inhibition in HCC cells. In addition, LOXL2 and ICAM1 were identified as potential downstream effectors. Taken together, PIM inhibitors demonstrated remarkable anti-tumourigenic effects in HCC in vitro and in vivo. PIM kinase inhibition is a potential approach to be exploited in formulating adjuvant therapy for HCC patients of different disease stages. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects , Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-pim-1/antagonists & inhibitors , Animals , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Apoptosis/drug effects , Carcinogenesis/drug effects , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Cell Movement/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Disease Progression , Imidazoles/pharmacology , Imidazoles/therapeutic use , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Mice , Neoplasm Invasiveness/pathology , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Pyridazines/pharmacology , Pyridazines/therapeutic use , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
7.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 22(27): 15632-15639, 2020 Jul 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32617539

ABSTRACT

The thermal stability of the phosphors in phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (LEDs) plays an important role in the practical application of lighting. Herein, the Mn2+-based red-emitting phosphors of pure and Eu2+-doped Sr9MnLi(PO4)7 (SMPO) samples were prepared using the high temperature solid-state reaction method. The crystal field environment around the Mn2+ ions was analyzed by combining the results of photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy and Tanabe-Sugano diagrams. By comparing the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, two additional bands centered at about 129.8 eV and 130.7 eV were found in the Eu2+-doped sample, which corresponded to the chemical states of P 2p3/2 and P 2p1/2. Two different sets of emission spectra were observed for Sr9MnLi(PO4)7:5%Eu2+ (SMPO:Eu2+) on employing the time-resolved technique. The emission peaks centered at 615 nm and 661 nm were attributed to Mn2+ and Eu2+ ions, respectively. The thermal quenching behaviors of Eu2+ and Mn2+ were investigated in the temperature range of 300-620 K and the thermal quenching mechanisms are given in this work. Systematic research on the luminescent properties of Eu2+ and Mn2+ ions in the SMPO:Eu2+ phosphor contributes to the understanding of the thermal stability and aids in the development of Mn2+-based red-emitting phosphors.

8.
Med Sci Monit ; 26: e928861, 2020 Dec 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33315853

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Rhinovirus (RV) is the most common pathogen involved in asthma, and COVID-19, caused by SARS-COV-2, may be more severe in asthma patients. Here, we applied integrated bioinformatics to identify potential key genes and cytokine pathways after RV infection in asthma, and analyzed changes in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the cellular receptor of SARS-COV-2. MATERIAL AND METHODS The gene expression profile dataset GSE149273 was downloaded from NCBI-GEO, which included 90 samples of non-infected, RVA, and RVC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using t tests in the limma R package, and subsequently investigated by GO, KEGG, and DO analysis. Moreover, the expression of ACE2 and the proportion of immune cells were further analyzed to determine the effects of RV on cytokines. RESULTS A total of 555 DEGs of RVA and 421 of RVC were identified. There were 415 DEGs in RVA and RVC, of which 406 were upregulated and 9 were downregulated. The functional enrichment analysis showed that most DEGs were obviously enriched in cytokines, and were mainly enriched in "influenza" and "hepatitis C, chronic". In addition, the expression of ACE2 increased significantly and the proportion of immune cytokines significantly changed after RV infection. Our results suggest that RV can activate the cytokine pathway associated with COVID-19 by increasing ACE2. CONCLUSIONS The DEGs and related cytokine pathways after asthma RV infection identified using integrated bioinformatics in this study elucidate the potential link between RV and COVID-19.


Subject(s)
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism , Asthma/immunology , COVID-19/immunology , Cytokines/metabolism , Picornaviridae Infections/immunology , Protein Interaction Maps/genetics , Asthma/complications , COVID-19/genetics , COVID-19/virology , Computational Biology , Datasets as Topic , Gene Expression Profiling , Gene Expression Regulation/immunology , Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics , Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology , Humans , Picornaviridae Infections/genetics , Protein Interaction Maps/immunology , Rhinovirus/immunology , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Signal Transduction/genetics , Signal Transduction/immunology
9.
Cell Commun Signal ; 17(1): 113, 2019 09 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31477130

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: C-Type Lectin Domain Family 3 Member B (CLEC3B), is down-regulated in serum and tumor tissues in different cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the functions of CLEC3B in HCC remains elucidated. The aim of this study is to analyze the roles of CLEC3B in HCC. METHODS: The expression of genes was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, western blot, real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and analysis on TCGA-LIHC database and gene expression omnibus. Transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence were applied to detect CLEC3B in exosomes. The function of exosomal CLEC3B in tumor progression were performed in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: We determined that down-regulated CLEC3B in HCC indicated a poor prognosis. Exosomes derived from HCC with down-regulated CLEC3B promoted migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition of both tumor cells and endothelial cells (ECs). Moreover, the downregulation CLEC3B in exosomes suppressed VEGF secretion in both HCC cells and ECs, and eventually inhibited angiogenesis. Mechanistically, CLEC3B-mediated VEGF expression in tumor cells and ECs depends on the activation of AMPK signal pathway. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that CLEC3B acts as a novel independent prognostic factor, and CLEC3B in exosomes might be a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.


Subject(s)
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Down-Regulation , Lectins, C-Type/genetics , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Signal Transduction/genetics , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism , Animals , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood supply , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor , Exosomes/metabolism , Humans , Male , Mice , Neoplasm Metastasis , Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics , Prognosis
10.
Int J Syst Evol Microbiol ; 66(1): 243-247, 2016 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26493172

ABSTRACT

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming, motile bacterium, designated D33T, was isolated from a forest soil sample. The strain grew optimally at 30-37 °C, pH 8.0 and with 1 % (w/v) NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate showed similarities lower than 97 % with respect to species of the genus Paenibacillus. Strain D33T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan, and ribose and lower amounts of glucose and galactose as the whole-cell sugars. The major cellular fatty acid was anteiso-C15 : 0, and menaquinone-7 (MK-7) was the only respiratory quinone. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, two glycolipids and an unknown lipid. The DNA G+C content was 51.1 mol%. The low DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain D33T and recognized species of the genus Paenibacillus, together with many phenotypic properties supported the classification of strain D33T as representative of a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus terreus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D33T ( = KACC 18491T = DSM 100035T = CCTCC AB 2015273T).


Subject(s)
Forests , Paenibacillus/classification , Phylogeny , Soil Microbiology , Bacterial Typing Techniques , Base Composition , China , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Diaminopimelic Acid/chemistry , Fatty Acids/chemistry , Molecular Sequence Data , Nucleic Acid Hybridization , Paenibacillus/genetics , Paenibacillus/isolation & purification , Peptidoglycan/chemistry , Phospholipids/chemistry , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Vitamin K 2/analogs & derivatives , Vitamin K 2/chemistry
11.
Microbiol Immunol ; 59(12): 744-55, 2015 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26589461

ABSTRACT

The freshwater bivalve Cristaria plicata, which is widely distributed in Eastern Asia, is a key species in the pearl culture industry. In this study, a novel invertebrate-type lysozyme, designated as CpLYZ2, was cloned from hemocytes of C. plicata. This lysozyme shares high sequence identity and is homologous to a previously identified lysozyme CpLYZ1 isolated from C. plicata and with HcLyso3 isolated from Hyriopsis cumingii. The full-length cDNA of CpLYZ2 is 913 bp long, which includes an open reading frame (ORF) of 486 bp, a 3' untranslated region (UTR) of 389 bp and a 5' UTR of 38 bp. The ORF encodes a putative polypeptide of 161 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 18.2 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 6.56. CpLYZ2 mRNA transcripts can be detected in hemocytes, hepatopancreas, muscle, gills and mantle tissues, the greatest expression being observed in the gills. CpLYZ2 expression in hemocytes, hepatopancreas and gills increased significantly after the mussel was challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Furthermore, the optimal pH and temperature for enzyme activity of the recombinant CpLYZ2 were 5.5 and 50°C, respectively. The recombinant lysozyme protein exhibited bacteriolytic activity against Escherichia coli, A. hydrophila, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The findings of this study help to elucidate immune responses in molluscs and will thus expedite disease management of these key freshwater species, in turn boosting pearl culture in eastern Asia.


Subject(s)
Muramidase/genetics , Muramidase/metabolism , Unionidae/enzymology , Unionidae/genetics , Aeromonas hydrophila , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Base Sequence , Cloning, Molecular , DNA, Complementary/genetics , Fresh Water , Gene Expression Profiling , Gene Expression Regulation , Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects , Gram-Positive Bacteria/drug effects , Isoelectric Point , Molecular Sequence Data , Muramidase/chemistry , Muramidase/pharmacology , Open Reading Frames , Phylogeny , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Recombinant Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Proteins/pharmacology , Sequence Alignment , Sequence Analysis , Unionidae/immunology
12.
Dev Comp Immunol ; : 105272, 2024 Sep 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39343087

ABSTRACT

A cDNA encoding a phage-type lysozyme, designated as HcPLYZ, was successfully cloned from Hyriopsis cumingii. The full-length cDNA sequence of HcPLYZ was determined to be 896 base pairs in length. Analysis revealed the absence of a signal peptide at its N-terminus, and identified two highly conserved phage-type lysozyme activity sites, Glu20 and Asp29, within the deduced amino acid sequence of HcPLYZ. The results of the cloning and sequencing symbiotic bacteria in tissues were consistent with those obtained using tissue cDNA as the template, suggesting that HcPLYZ may originate a symbiotic bacterium. The expression levels of HcPLYZ mRNA exhibited significant variations across different tissues. Successful expression was induced using IPTG, and the native recombinant protein was subsequently purified through affinity chromatography employing Ni2+, and the optimal pH and temperature of which were determined to be 5.5 and 50°C, respectively. Following exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila, there was a significant increase in the levels of HcPLYZ mRNA in the hemocytes, hepatopancreas, and gills. HcPLYZ was demonstrated the inhibition activity of 55% and 83% against Micrococcus lysodeikticus under pH 5.5 and 50 °C conditions, respectively. These results suggested that HcPLYZ possessed antibacterial activity against both A. hydrophila and M. lysodeikticus.

13.
ACS Omega ; 9(34): 36389-36397, 2024 Aug 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39220502

ABSTRACT

Lutein (LT) is a natural carotenoid and is widely used for its vision protection and antioxidant activity. However, the long-chain polyene structure makes lutein sensitive to light and oxygen and poses many difficulties in the production, processing, and storage. In addition, the special chemical structure of LT leads to low solubility and bioavailability. In this study, we propose an efficient solution to address these issues. A cocrystal of LT with adipic acid (LT-APC) was obtained for the first time. The cocrystals were fully characterized. After cocrystallization, the melting point of marketed LT was increased. The chemical stability of LT was significantly improved, and the influence of impurities on stability was limited. Dissolution experiments were performed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and the cocrystal generated a much higher apparent solubility. To deepen insight into the mechanisms underlying the cocrystal's improved solubility, wettability tests were performed by contact angle determination and film flotation methods. The cocrystal presented better wettability than the marketed LT. Finally, pharmacokinetic studies of marketed LT and its cocrystal were conducted in rats. The results showed that the cocrystal exhibited 3.4 times higher C max and 2.2 times higher AUC at a single dose compared with marketed LT.

14.
Front Microbiol ; 15: 1328321, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38328422

ABSTRACT

The available resources of Streptomyces represent a valuable repository of bioactive natural products that warrant exploration. Streptomyces albulus is primarily utilized in the industrial synthesis of ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL). In this study, the NADP-dependent glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GapN) from Streptococcus mutans was heterologously expressed in S. albulus CICC11022, leading to elevated intracellular NADPH levels and reduced NADH and ATP concentrations. The resulting perturbation of S. albulus metabolism was comprehensively analyzed using transcriptomic and metabolomic methodologies. A decrease in production of ε-PL was observed. The expression of gapN significantly impacted on 23 gene clusters responsible for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. A comprehensive analysis revealed a total of 21 metabolites exhibiting elevated levels both intracellularly and extracellularly in the gapN expressing strain compared to those in the control strain. These findings underscore the potential of S. albulus to generate diverse bioactive natural products, thus offering valuable insights for the utilization of known Streptomyces resources through genetic manipulation.

15.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel) ; 17(4)2024 Apr 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38675449

ABSTRACT

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural polyphenolic compound with various pharmacological activities. Low water solubility and bioavailability limit its clinical application. In this work, to improve the bioavailability of CUR, we prepared a new co-crystal of curcumin and L-carnitine (CUR-L-CN) via liquid-assisted grinding. Both CUR and L-CN have high safe dosages and have a wide range of applications in liver protection and animal nutrition. The co-crystal was fully characterized and the crystal structure was disclosed. Dissolution experiments were conducted in simulated gastric fluids (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluids (SIF). CUR-L-CN exhibited significantly faster dissolution rates than those of pure CUR. Hirshfeld surface analysis and wettability testing indicate that CUR-L-CN has a higher affinity for water and thus exhibits faster dissolution rates. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed in rats and the results showed that compared to pure CUR, CUR-L-CN exhibited 6.3-times-higher AUC0-t and 10.7-times-higher Cmax.

16.
Transl Pediatr ; 12(4): 749-767, 2023 Apr 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37181024

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: Neonatal sepsis is a dysregulated host response to an infectious agent that results in severe morbidity and mortality among neonates worldwide. Given the complex and heterogenous nature of neonatal sepsis, early diagnosis and individualized treatment remain challenges for clinicians despite clinical advance. Epidemiological studies on twins suggest that hereditary factors act in conjunction with environmental factors to affect neonatal sepsis susceptibility. However, little is known about hereditary risks at present. This review aims to elucidate neonatal hereditary predisposition to sepsis and outline thoroughly the genomic landscape underlying neonatal sepsis, which may, to a large extent, facilitate precision medicine in this area. Methods: PubMed was searched for all published literature relating to neonatal sepsis using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, with a focus on hereditary factors. Without any restriction on article type, articles published in English prior to June 1, 2022, were retrieved. Additionally, pediatric, adult, and animal- and laboratory-based studies were reviewed wherever possible. Key Content and Findings: This review provides a detailed introduction regarding the hereditary risk of neonatal sepsis in terms of genetics and epigenetics. Its findings demonstrate the potential for translation to precision medicine, where risk stratification, early diagnosis, and individualized interventions might be matched to the certain population. Conclusions: This review delineates the comprehensive genomic landscape underpinning inherent susceptibility to neonatal sepsis, allowing future studies to integrate hereditary information into a routine protocol and drive precision medicine from the bench to the bedside.

17.
Pharmaceutics ; 15(10)2023 Oct 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37896258

ABSTRACT

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) exists in two forms, an oxidized form and a reduced form. Ubiquinol is the fully reduced form of CoQ10. Compared to the oxidized form, ubiquinol has a much higher biological absorption and better therapeutic effect. However, ubiquinol has an important stability problem which hampers its storage and formulation. It can be easily transformed into its oxidized form-ubiquinone-even at low temperature. In this work, we designed, synthesized, and characterized a new cocrystal of ubiquinol with vitamin B3 nicotinamide (UQ-NC). Compared to the marketed ubiquinol form, the cocrystal exhibited an excellent stability, improved dissolution properties, and higher bioavailability. The cocrystal remained stable for a long period, even when stored under stressed conditions. In the dissolution experiments, the cocrystal generated 12.6 (in SIF) and 38.3 (in SGF) times greater maximum ubiquinol concentrations above that of the marketed form. In addition, in the PK studies, compared to the marketed form, the cocrystal exhibited a 2.2 times greater maximum total coenzyme Q10 concentration and a 4.5 times greater AUC than that of the marketed form.

18.
Int J Pharm ; 631: 122461, 2023 Jan 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36462737

ABSTRACT

Rucaparib (Ruc) is a drug used to treat advanced ovarian cancer associated with deleterious BRCA mutations. Its commercial form, the camsylate salt (Ruc-Cam), suffers from poor aqueous solubility and thus causes low and erratic oral bioavailability. In this work, we aimed to improve the oral exposure of Ruc through cocrystallization. Liquid-assisted grinding, slurry, and solvent evaporation methods were employed to prepare new solid forms of Ruc. Cocrystals of rucaparib-theophylline monohydrate (Ruc-Thp MH), rucaparib-maltol (Ruc-Mal), and rucaparib-ethyl maltol (Ruc-Emal) were obtained. Powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic vapor sorption were utilized to characterize these multi-component systems. All cocrystals dissolve faster than Ruc-Cam at pH 2.0 and 4.5, and Ruc-Thp MH displays the highest apparent solubility in pH 4.5 and 6.8 buffers. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats show that Ruc-Thp MH exhibits 2.4 times the Cmax and 1.4 times the AUC0-24h at a single dose compared with Ruc-Cam. The enhanced solubility and bioavailability of Ruc-Thp MH showcase the power of cocrystallization in addressing absorption issues in drug development.


Subject(s)
Solubility , Rats , Animals , Biological Availability , Crystallization/methods , Chemical Phenomena , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared/methods , X-Ray Diffraction , Calorimetry, Differential Scanning , Powder Diffraction
19.
Sleep Biol Rhythms ; 20(4): 521-531, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35729903

ABSTRACT

Under the burden caused by COVID-19 and rapid lifestyle changes, many people increased their screen time due to psychological needs and social requirements. The current study investigated the relationship between screen time changes and anxiety symptoms during the pandemic of COVID-19. Furthermore, we examined whether sleep and physical activity would mediate the association between screen time changes and anxiety. The self-developed questionnaire was delivered online to collect people's changes in anxiety, sleep patterns, and screen time during COVID-19. 970 participants (74.4% female) with an average age of 23 years were involved in this study. After adjusting demographic variables, the ordinal logistic regression analyses revealed that a significant increase in screen time was linked with anxiety. Slightly increased screen time, slightly and significantly decreased screen time did not predict anxiety symptoms during the pandemic. The level of anxiety was significantly higher among respondents who reported decreased sleep quality. Sleep quality directly mediated the association between screen time changes and anxiety, while sleep latency did not. The longer sleep latency caused by increased screen time would amplify anxiety by affecting sleep quality. In addition, the relationship between screen time changes and anxiety was also mediated by physical activity. We concluded that the fluctuation of screen time in a modest range does not affect the anxiety level substantially. The significantly increased screen time would contribute to poor sleep (including longer sleep latency and worse sleep quality) and lack of physical activity, which would lead to higher levels of anxiety.

20.
Biomed Res Int ; 2022: 3727165, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36046448

ABSTRACT

Noncoding RNAs were discovered to control a variety of developmental mechanisms, including osteogenesis. According to emerging evidence, cryptochrome circadian-regulating (CRY) proteins have emerged as essential controllers of osteoblast differentiation. The linked processes, on the other hand, are still unknown. The specific process that underpins osteoblast differentiation and proliferation is yet unknown. This research gives a meta-analysis of CRY2's impact on mouse osteoblast differentiation via the control of the WNT/ß-catenin signaling pathways. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were used to identify Cry2 expression levels, components in the osteoblast-associated signaling pathway, and osteoblast transcription markers. The osteogenic condition was measured utilizing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red (AR) staining, whereas cell growth rates were measured using CCK8 assays. An ectopic bone formation experiment was used to determine the osteogenic potential of osteoblasts. Cry2 stimulates the osteogenic development of mouse osteoblasts through canonical Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, according to the findings.


Subject(s)
Wnt Signaling Pathway , beta Catenin , Animals , Cell Differentiation/genetics , Cells, Cultured , Cryptochromes/genetics , Mice , Osteoblasts/metabolism , Osteogenesis/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Wnt Signaling Pathway/physiology , beta Catenin/genetics , beta Catenin/metabolism
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