Effects of foliar selenium application on Se accumulation, elements uptake, nutrition quality, sensory quality and antioxidant response in summer-autumn tea.

Summer-autumn tea is characterized by high polyphenol content and low amino acid content, resulting in bitter and astringent teast. However, these qualities often lead to low economic benefits, ultimately resulting in a wastage of tea resources. The study focused on evaluating the effects of foliar spraying of glucosamine selenium (GLN-Se) on summer-autumn tea. This foliar fertilizer was applied to tea leaves to assess its impact on plant development, nutritional quality, elemental uptake, organoleptic quality, and antioxidant responses. The results revealed that GlcN-Se enhanced photosynthesis and yield by improving the antioxidant system. Additionally, the concentration of GlcN-Se positively correlated with the total and organic selenium contents in tea. The foliar application of GlcN-Se reduced toxic heavy metal content and increased the levels of macronutrients and micronutrients, which facilitated adaptation to environmental changes and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, GlcN-Se significantly improved both non-volatile and volatile components of tea leaves, resulting in a sweet aftertaste and nectar aroma in the tea soup. To conclude, the accurate and rational application of exogenous GlcN-Se can effectively enhance the selenium content and biochemical status of tea. This improvement leads to enhanced nutritional quality and sensory characteristics, making it highly significant for the tea industry.

The mechanism of in vitro non-enzymatic glycosylation inhibition by Tartary buckwheat's rutin and quercetin.

Tartary buckwheat is rich in rutin, quercetin, and other flavonoids, which exert prominent effects by inhibiting non-enzymatic glycosylation. In this study, an in vitro non-enzymatic glycosylation model was established, and the inhibitory effects of rutin and quercetin on the early, middle, and late products of non-enzymatic glycosylation were determined. Furthermore, their effects on the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and on protein functional groups and secondary structure were analyzed. These findings provided a theoretical basis for further investigation of the mechanism via which Tartary buckwheat's rutin and quercetin inhibited non-enzymatic glycosylation. The results showed that rutin and quercetin inhibited the formation of fructosamine, dicarbonyl compounds, and fluorescent AGE in a concentration-dependent manner. Rutin and quercetin exhibited antioxidant activity and could reduce the formation of protein oxidation products. The highest clearance rates for DPPH and ABTS+ were 62.74 % and 71.14 %, respectively.

A metabolomics study of the intervention effect of Tartary buckwheat on hyperlipidemia mice.

Tartary buckwheat can improve hyperlipidemia and affect the changes of metabolic pathways to the body. In this study, we use LC/MS to obtain metabolic fingerprints of plasma samples collected from control (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD), Tartary buckwheat protein (BWP), and Tartary buckwheat starch (BWS). Using the metabolic network database, through OPLS-DA, the potential biomarkers and pathways of BWP and BWS intervention in hyperlipidemia mice are initially determined. The results showed that there are 30 metabolites in total, among which linoleic acid, glycerol, phosphatidyl, ethanolamine, and galactose ceramide are the most important differentially expressed metabolites in BWP and BWS plasma samples. These metabolites are involved in eight metabolic pathways, such as linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism. Tartary buckwheat can alleviate the symptoms of hyperlipidemia in mice by affecting the above-mentioned metabolic pathways. This research has a profound impact on the development of nutritious foods of buckwheat. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Tartary buckwheat, also known as wild buckwheat, is a typical embodiment homology of medicine and food. We have clarified that the protein and starch extracted from tartary buckwheat have the function of reducing blood lipids. It is expected to be applied to functional food materials in the health food market. Also, the effects of tartary buckwheat protein and starch in improving metabolic pathways can be generally applied as a physiological active compound of functional food supplements.

Radiofrequency Hyperthermia Enhances Locally Delivered Oncolytic Immuno-Virotherapy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of radiofrequency hyperthermia (RFH)-enhanced oncolytic immuno-virotherapy on in vitro pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line and in vivo rat pancreatic cancer model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line and 24 Lewis rats with orthotopic pancreatic adenocarcinomas underwent treatment with either (1) oncolytic virotherapy (talimogene laherparepvec [T-VEC]) plus RFH at 42 °C for 30 min; (2) oncolytic virotherapy-only; (3) RFH-only; or (4) saline (control). MTS assays and flow cytometry were used to analyze tumor cell viability and apoptosis levels 24 h after treatment. In the in vivo studies, bioluminescence optical/x-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging was used to assess tumor viability and size 7 and 14 days after treatment. Histopathologic analysis was performed after hematoxylin and eosin staining, TUNEL, Ki-67, and immunohistochemical staining with CD8 and ANK61. RESULTS: Combination therapy (T-VEC + RFH) induced decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis compared to T-VEC alone, RFH alone, or control. Optical/x-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging demonstrated decreased tumor bioluminescent signal and tumor volume relative to baseline after combination therapy compared to T-VEC alone, RFH alone, or control. Histopathology demonstrated decreased tumor volume and cell proliferation, increased CD8+ T cell and NK cell infiltration in tumors treated with the combination therapy compared to other three groups. CONCLUSION: RFH enhances locally delivered oncolytic immuno-virotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis observed after combination therapy in vitro, and decreased cell viability and tumor volume and increased immune cell infiltrate observed after combination therapy in vivo.

Shugan Huoxue Huayu Fang attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats by inhibiting transforming growth factor-ß1/Smad signaling.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential mechanism by which Shugan Huoxue Huayu Fang (SGHXHYF) ameliorates liver fibrosis. METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in peanut oil solution (40%, 3 mL/kg body weight) twice a week for 8 weeks. A normal control group received the same volume of peanut oil alone. During weeks 5-8, the CCl4-injected rat groups were administered saline (vehicle control), colchicine (0.1 mg/mL, 1 mg/kg, positive control), or SGHXHYF (0.1 mg/mL; 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg/kg) once daily by oral gavage. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last treatment. Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ levels. Liver samples were analyzed by histopathological staining, Masson's staining of extracellular matrix proteins, and immune-ohistochemical staining of αsmooth muscle actin (α-SMA). TGF-ß1/Smad protein and mRNA levels were analyzed by Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, respectively. In vitro experiments were also performed using rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). RESULTS: Compared with the control animals, CCl4-exposed rats exhibited elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, collagen I, and collagen III; reduced serum levels of ALB; and increased collagen deposition and αSMA expression in liver sections, reflecting liver fibrosis. CCl4 also increased expression of TGF-ß1 and the activated (phosphorylated) forms of Smad2 and Smad3 but reduced expression of the negative regulator Smad7 in the liver. Notably, concomitant administration of SGHXHYF to CCl4-exposed rats was found to significantly reverse or abolish the pro-fibrotic effects of CCl4 in the liver and reduced serum transferase levels. Analysis of HSCs in vitro confirmed that, mechanistically, SGHXHYF inhibited activation of the TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway by downregulating phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 and upregulating Smad7 levels. CONCLUSION: SGHXHYF ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway. These findings suggest that SGHXHYF may have clinical utility for the treatment or prevention of liver fibrosis.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure treatment on the formation and in vitro digestion of Tartary buckwheat starch/flavonoid complexes.

Tartary buckwheat is rich in flavonoids and starch, and the interaction between these two components affects the structural and digestive properties of the food product. In this study, we analyze the effects of thermal gelatinization (GT), ultrasonic treatment (UT), and high hydrostatic pressure treatment (HHP) on the compounding degree of starch and flavonoids in Tartary buckwheat and on the properties of the starch/flavonoid complex system (HBS-BF). Based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, the surface of HBS-BF becomes rough after GT or UT, and many small cavities appear. Comparatively, HHP treatment is less damaging to HBS-BF. Moreover, HHP maintains the original A-type crystal morphology of buckwheat starch in HBS-BF, whereas GT and UT change to V-type. Repeated HHP further improves the crystallinity and digestion resistance of HBS-BF. According to the recorded Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, HBS-BF by different methods does not exhibit new covalent bonds. Practical application: The results reported herein promote the application of Tartary buckwheat starch and flavonoids in the food industry by providing a theoretical basis for the development of starch anti-digestion mechanisms and the preparation of resistant starch.

Pretreatment of buckwheat globulin by ultra-high pressure: Effects on enzymatic hydrolysis and final hydrolysate lipid metabolism regulation capacities.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of ultra-high pressure (UHP) pretreatment on the buckwheat globulin and the regulation of lipid metabolism disorder by its enzymatic hydrolysates (BGH). Buckwheat globulin hydrolysates pretreated by ultra-high pressure (UBGH) can significantly reduce the levels of total triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in model cells (MOD), significantly inhibit lipid accumulation and steatosis. In addition, UBGH can significantly reduce the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), increase the activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), thus reducing the vicious cycle of lipid metabolism disorder caused by oxidative stress. RT-PCR and western blotting analysis showed that after UBGH intervention, compared with the MOD group, the mRNA expression levels of liver lipid and cholesterol metabolism related genes were significantly changed. UBGH significantly increased PPARα and LXRα and decreased SREBP2 mRNA expression. Therefore, UHP technology could enhance the regulatory effect of BGH on lipid metabolism disorder.

Effect of quercetin on the in vitro Tartary buckwheat starch digestibility.

Tartary buckwheat is one of the few pseudocereals with abundant flavonoids and starch. However, there are different views on the digestibility of Tartary buckwheat starch (TBS) because of its particle size and structure. In this study, fluorescence spectrum methods and enzymatic kinetics were used to investigate the interaction between TBS /two glycosidase (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and quercetin to explore its digestive properties and provide a perspective regarding the application of TBS in functional starch products. The results showed that the interaction between TBS and quercetin was probably weak hydrophobic force and hydrogen bonding. The inhibitory effect of quercetin on α-amylase was better than that on α-glucosidase. The half inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of quercetin to α-amylase and α- glucosidase was (270 ±â€¯3.31) and (544 ±â€¯9.01) µg/mL, respectively. The intrinsic fluorescence of two enzymes was statically quenched by forming a complex with quercetin. Quercetin also increased the microenvironment hydrophilicity of tryptophan residues in glycosidase. In vitro digestion experiment demonstrated that quercetin and TBS co-gelatinized together was more effective to inhibit TBS hydrolysis than quercetin itself alone. In the first-order kinetic and LOS model, quercetin-starch gel structure and quercetin inhibitory activity against enzymes had synergistic effects of the TBS digestion.

Study on the structure and digestibility of high amylose Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) starch-flavonoid prepared by different methods.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) is the only food rich in flavonoid bioactive substances in grains. Studies have shown that flavonoids interaction with amylose has an important impact on the physical and chemical properties and structure of starch. In this study, Tartary buckwheat was used as a raw material. It was then threshed with pullulanase, and a high amylose Tartary buckwheat starch flavonoid complex (HBS/BF) was prepared by physical mixing (PM), water bath treatment (WT), acid-base precipitation (AP), microwave treatment (MT), and ultrasonic treatment (UT); the physical and chemical properties were then evaluated. The results show that HBS/BF-UT and HBS/BF-MT have a higher iodine binding rate than HBS/BF-PM; X-ray diffraction results show that HBS/BF-AP has a V-type crystal form, but the relative crystallinity was reduced. Fourier infrared spectroscopy showed that there is no new covalent bond between Tartary buckwheat starch and flavonoids. In vitro digestion showed that adding flavonoid significantly increased the digestibility of Tartary buckwheat starch. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: These results will provide a theoretical basis for further starch anti-digestion mechanisms and the preparation of resistant starch. These steps will provide insights into the application of Tartary buckwheat starch and flavonoids in the food industry.

Cyanine conjugates in cancer theranostics.

Cyanine is a meritorious fluorogenic core for the construction of fluorescent probes and its phototherapeutic potential has been enthusiastically explored as well. Alternatively, the covalent conjugation of cyanine with other potent therapeutic agents not only boosts its therapeutic efficacy but also broadens its therapeutic modality. Herein, we summarize miscellaneous cyanine-therapeutic agent conjugates in cancer theranostics from literature published between 2014 and 2020. The application scenarios of such theranostic cyanine conjugates covered common cancer therapeutic modalities, including chemotherapy, phototherapy and targeted therapy. Besides, cyanine conjugates that serve as nanocarriers for drug delivery are introduced as well. In an additional section, we analyze the potential of these conjugates for clinical translation. Overall, this review is aimed to stimulate research interest in exploring unattempted therapeutic agents and novel conjugation strategies and hopefully, accelerate clinical translation in this field.

Capsaicin alleviates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in mice.

Overdose of N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP) can induce acute liver injury (ALI). We evaluated the potential protective effect of 8-methyl-N-geranyl-6-nonamide (capsaicin (CAP)) in APAP-induced ALI in mice. ALI was induced by APAP (150 mg/kg, i.p.) administration; CAP pretreatment (1 mg/kg) was undertaken before APAP injection for 3 consecutive days. We found that CAP pretreatment attenuated ALI significantly; improve the oxidative stress-associated indicators (hepatic expression of malondialdehyde (MDA) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH)); downregulate expression of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α) through the high-mobility group box 1/toll-like receptor-4/nuclear factor-kappa B (HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB) signaling pathway; alleviate hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting expression of B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X, caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3. CAP pretreatment reduced expression of B-cell lymphoma-2, which served as a hepatotoxic factor rather than an anti-apoptotic protein in our mouse model. We propose that CAP can alleviate APAP-induced ALI by inhibiting the inflammatory response, attenuating oxidative stress, and reducing hepatocyte apoptosis.

Molecular imaging-monitored radiofrequency hyperthermia-enhanced intratumoral herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase gene therapy for rat orthotopic ovarian cancer.

Objective: To establish the technique of intratumoral combination therapy of radiofrequency hyperthermia (RFH) with herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-TK/GCV) gene therapy for rat ovarian cancers.Material and methods: This study consisted of three parts: (1) in vitro experiments to establish the 'proof of principal' that combination of RFH and HSV-TK gene therapy has the synergistic effect on human ovarian cancer cells; (2) creation of bioluminescence imaging-detectable rat ovarian cancer model; and (3) in vivo experiments using this rat model to validate the technical feasibility of the combination therapy. Cells and nude rats were divided into four groups: (i) combination therapy (HSV-TK/GCV + RFH); (ii) RFH; (iii) HSV-TK/GCV; and (iv) phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Data were analyzed using Dunnett t-test or Kruskal-Wallis test.Results: Cell proliferation assay demonstrated significantly greater reduction in viable cells with the combination therapy [0.52 (0.43, 0.61)] compared to other treatments [RFH 0.90 (0.84, 0.96), HSV-TK/GCV 0.71 (0.53, 0.88), PBS 1 (1, 1); p < .05]. For 24 rat models with bioluminescence imaging-detectable orthotopic ovarian cancer (n = 6 per group), optical imaging demonstrated significantly decreased relative bioluminescence signal with the combination therapy [0.81 (0.52, 1.08)] compared to other treatments [RFH 3.60 (2.34, 4.86), HSV-TK/GCV 2.21 (1.71, 2.71), PBS 3.74 (3.19, 4.29); p < .001]. Ultrasound imaging demonstrated the smallest relative tumor volume with the combination therapy [0.78 (0.45, 1.11) versus 3.50 (2.67, 4.33), 2.10 (0.83, 3.37), 3.70 (1.79, 5.61); p < .05].Conclusion: The feasibility of intratumoral RFH-enhanced HSV-TK/GCV gene therapy was established on a unique rat model with molecular imaging-detectable orthotopic ovarian cancer.

Structural and antioxidant analysis of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tartaricum Gaertn.) 13S globulin.

BACKGROUND: The main component of buckwheat seed storage proteins is 13S globulin. In this study, Tartary buckwheat 13S globulin was separated and its structural features were investigated using Edman sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The protective effect of its enzymatic hydrolysates against oxidative stress induced by H2 O2 was also evaluated to elucidate the antioxidant mechanism. RESULTS: Results showed that the isolated Tartary buckwheat 13S globulin contained one acidic and one basic subunit, which were linked by a disulfide bond. Six Tartary buckwheat active peptides were obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysates of Tartary buckwheat 13S globulin acidic subunit with a molecular weight of 38 kDa, namely Pep-1, Pep-2, Pep-3, Pep-4, Pep-5, and Pep-6. Pre-treatment of cells with Tartary buckwheat active peptides maintained the redox state balance of HepG2 cells and protected the activity of antioxidant enzymes in HepG2 cells. The Tartary buckwheat active peptides improved oxidative stress in HepG2 cells via the PPAR-α/HO-1 pathway. CONCLUSION: These results provide an insight into the antioxidant mechanism of Tartary buckwheat 13S globulin and suggest that Tartary buckwheat active peptides can be used as a functional ingredient in the food industry. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of Buckwheat Fermented Milk Combined with High-Fat Diet on Rats' Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of buckwheat fermented milk on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Buckwheat fermented milk was made with Lactobacillus plantarum ST-Ⅲ, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Thirty-six males C57BL/6 rats (aged 3 weeks and with 9 to 12 g weight) were subjected to a 2-week adaptive period on a normal diet. After a week of acclimatization, the rats were randomly divided into three groups with 12 rats in each group. The high-fat diet with fermented milk (HFDFM) group received HFD supplemented with fermented milk, and the high-fat diet supplemented with buckwheat fermented milk (HFDBFM) group received HFD plus buckwheat fermented milk. Besides, the gavage dose was 0.4 mL/day. After the feedings, colon levels of cytokines and antioxidant indices of the liver, colon, and duodenum tissues were measured. The composition of intestinal flora of rats and the content of SCFAs were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. Supplementation with buckwheat fermented milk significantly inhibited the increases in lipopolysaccharide levels in colon and antioxidant indexes in the HFD-fed rats. In addition, buckwheat fermented milk could significantly enhance Firmicutes and decrease Bacteroidetes compared to HFDFM. In addition, SCFA concentrations in HFDBFM were higher than other groups. In conclusion, buckwheat fermented milk can alleviate the damage of HFD to intestinal flora of rats. It modulates microbiota composition and SCFA concentrations to balance the intestinal environment, which will benefit to rats' intestinal health. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study explored the effect of buckwheat fermented milk on the regulation of intestinal microflora and SCFAs in rats fed a high-fat diet. It provides new ideas for the development of buckwheat fermented food.

Regulatory Function of Buckwheat-Resistant Starch Supplementation on Lipid Profile and Gut Microbiota in Mice Fed with a High-Fat Diet.

Buckwheat-resistant starch (BRS) has shown to be a nutrient capable of lowering cholesterol and reducing obesity. In this study, the regulatory effects of tartary buckwheat starch on blood lipid level and gut microbiota (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Escherichia coli) in mice fed with a high-fat diet was investigated. Male C57BL/6 mice were separately fed with a normal diet (CON), a high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet supplemented with buckwheat-resistant starch (HFD+BRS) for 6 weeks. After the feedings, lipid profile, blood glucose, plasma levels of cytokines, short-chain fatty acid content in the colon and intestinal flora of fecal were measured. Furthermore, the antioxidant indices of the liver and duodenum tissues were measured to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of mice. Significantly reduced plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), glucose, and cytokines were observed in the HFD+BRS group, accompanied by an increased antioxidant capacity in the liver and duodenum. In addition, supplementation with BRS significantly inhibited the increase in plasma lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels. Gut microbiota composition was regulated by the supplement of BRS, which promoted the growth of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus, as well as inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli. In contrast to the HFD group, the content of short-chain fatty acids in mice colon increased in the BRS group. In conclusion, BRS benefited the cholesterol and glucose metabolism, as well as optimized gut microbiota composition in mice fed with a high-fat diet. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study identified the beneficial effects of tartary buckwheat-resistant starch on the regulation of blood lipids and intestinal flora in mice fed a high-fat diet. The result of this study will provide a basis for the development of probiotic products supplemented with tartary buckwheat-resistant starch and direction for further research.

The Effect of Tartary Buckwheat Flavonoids in Inhibiting the Proliferation of MGC80-3 Cells during Seed Germination.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn) is rich in functional compounds such as rutin, quercetin, d-chiro-inositol, dietary fiber, and essential amino acids. Electric field (EF) treatment before sprout germination results in physiological and chemical changes, and some alterations might lead to positive applications in plant seeds. MTT assay showed that the effect of total flavonoids on human gastric cancer cell line MGC80-3 was significantly changed after EF treatment for different germination days (3-7 days). Among them, the total flavonoids of tartary buckwheat (BWTF) on the third day had the most obvious inhibitory effect on MGC80-3 (p < 0.01). In addition, flow cytometry evidenced that different ratios of quercetin and rutin had effects on the proliferation of MGC80-3. The same content of quercetin and rutin had the best effect, reaching 6.18 ± 0.82%. The anti-cancer mechanism was mainly promoted by promoting the expression of apoptotic proteins. The expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase-8 in MGC80-3 cells was mediated by BWTFs. This study has good research value for improving the biological and economic value of tartary buckwheat.

Naturally occurring nanotube with surface modification as biocompatible, target-specific nanocarrier for cancer phototherapy.

Phototherapy has drawn increasing attention including the use of nanocarriers with high drug loading capacity and delivery efficacy for target-specific therapy. We have made use of naturally-occurring halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) to build a biomimetic nanocarrier platform for target-specific delivery of phototherapeutic agents. The HNTs were decorated with poly(sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) to enhance the biocompatibility, and were further functionalized by lumen loading the type-II photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG). The HNT-PSS-ICG nanocarrier, without further tethering targeting groups, was shown to associate with the membrane of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) via Pickering effects. Application of HNT-PSS-ICG nanocarrier to human breast cancer cells gave rise to a cell mortality as high as 95%. The HNT-PSS-ICG nanocarrier was further coated with MDA-MB-436 cell membranes to endow it with targeting therapy performance against breast cancer, which was confirmed by in vivo experiments using breast cancer tumors in mice. The membrane-coated and biocompatible nanocarrier preferentially concentrated in the tumor tissue, and efficiently decreased the tumor volume by a combination of photodynamic and photothermal effects upon near-infrared light exposure. Our results demonstrate that the HNT-based nanocarrier by virtue of facial preparation and high loading capacity can be a promising candidate for membrane-targeting nanocarriers.

Tartary buckwheat protein prevented dyslipidemia in high-fat diet-fed mice associated with gut microbiota changes.

As one of low-digestible proteins, tartary buckwheat protein (BWP) revealed a cholesterol-lowering activity. The relationship between the prevention of BWP on dyslipidemia and changes in the numbers of gut microbiota was investigated. The male C57BL/6 mice were separately fed on normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD) with casein, and HFD with BWP extract for 6 weeks. Quantitative PCR assay was applied to quantify the microbiota composition in feces. The levels of plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in the mice fed on HFD with BWP were significantly lower than those on HFD with casein. BWP promoted the growth of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus and inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, Bifidobacterium population was closely related to contents of plasma lipids. Further, BWP significantly decreased the levels of plasma inflammation factors as induced by HFD, including lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. BWP significantly increased the excretion of total bile acids and short-chain fatty acids in feces. In conlusion, BWP benefited cholesterol metabolism, which could be attributed to regulating composition of gut microbiota.

Toxicological analysis of roast duck flavor components.

The aim of the study was to investigate toxicity of the synthesized roast duck flavor through animal experiment (mice feeding with the flavor for 35 days), and the major toxic compounds (acrylamide and 3,4-benzopyrene) were detected by high performance liquid chromatography. Compared with the control group, the blood biochemical indexes including protein content, bilirubin content, activity of alkaline phosphatase, activity of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), cholesterol content, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) content, triglycerides content, activity of creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB, activity of cholinesterase (CHE) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bile acid (TBA) in high dose feeding group were significantly different. And body weight of mice fed by the flavor was decreased distinctly, and the heart weight was also decreased, while the liver weight was increased obviously. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in liver and heart were significantly decreased, while methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) contents were increased evidently. Acrylamide was detected by high performance liquid-mass spectrum (HPLC-MS), and the content was 5.21 mg/kg 3,4-benzoapryene was calculated by HPLC with fluorescence detector, and the content was 21.13 µg/kg. Thus, the roast duck flavor was considered to be potential toxicity to human being.

The Anti-Allergic Rhinitis Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shenqi by Regulating Mast Cell Degranulation and Th1/Th2 Cytokine Balance.

Shenqi is a traditional Chinese polyherbal medicine has been widely used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-allergic rhinitis activity of Shenqi and explore its underlying molecular mechanism. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis rat model was used to evaluate the anti-allergic rhinitis effect of Shenqi. The effect of Shenqi on IgE-mediated degranulation was measured using rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. Primary spleen lymphocytes were isolated to investigate the anti-allergic mechanism of Shenqi by detecting the expression of transcription factors via Western blot and the level of cytokines (IL-4 and IFN-γ) via ELISA. In OVA-induced AR rat models, Shenqi relieved the allergic rhinitis symptoms, inhibited the histopathological changes of nasal mucosa, and reduced the levels of IL-4 and IgE. The results from the in vitro study certified that Shenqi inhibited mast cell degranulation. Furthermore, the results of GATA3, T-bet, p-STAT6, and SOCS1 expression and production of IFN-γ and IL-4 demonstrated that Shenqi balanced the ratio of Th1/Th2 (IFN-γ/IL-4) in OVA-stimulated spleen lymphocytes. In conclusion, these results suggest that Shenqi exhibits an obvious anti-allergic effect by suppressing the mast cell-mediated allergic response and by improving the imbalance of Th1/Th2 ratio in allergic rhinitis.