Impact of 24-epibrassinoliode and methyl jasmonate on quality of Red Delicious apples.

BACKGROUND: Changes in apple fruit quality indices in response to foliar spray with 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) at 0 and 1 µmol L-1 and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) at 0 and 0.5 µmol L-1 , as well as the combination of these phytohormones, were investigated at harvest and during cold storage. RESULTS: Both phytohormones synergistically enhanced the fruit firmness, specific weight, size, fresh weight, water content, total antioxidant activity, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins, total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio and precocity. In addition, the fruit abscission pattern was changed in response to different treatments. Treated fruit exhibited lower weight loss and internal breakdown symptoms and higher total soluble solids index, firmness and phytochemicals during cold storage. A negative correlation was seen between fruit mass, firmness, specific weight, antioxidant activity, total phenolics and vitamin C content with internal breakdown occurrence and weight loss. CONCLUSION: Foliar spray with EBL and MeJA during the growth season is a good environmental friendly and safe method for enhancing the apple fruit different quality parameters, marketability and postharvest life. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

AdipoAI suppresses osteoclastogenesis by activating AdipoR1/APPL1: An in vivo experimental study in diabetes-associated peri-implantitis.

AIM: Diabetics experience severe peri-implant inflammatory bone damage. We aimed to provide powerful evidence supporting the novel adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoAI in treating diabetes-associated peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four ZDF-Leprfa/Crl rats were randomly allocated to three groups (N = 8). After feeding with a high-fat diet to establish diabetic rats, experimental peri-implantitis was induced by implanting titanium rods (1.5 mm diameter and 20 mm length) contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus into the femurs. Radiographic evaluation, microCT, histological analyses and qRT-PCR were used to detect inflammatory infiltration and bone destruction. In vitro, the inhibition by AdipoAI of osteoclastogenesis, including the number and function of osteoclasts, was investigated by TRAP staining, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR and Western blotting were also utilized to explore AdipoR1, APPL1, NF-κB and Wnt5a-Ror2 signalling molecules in this process. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test was used to compare the data. RESULTS: AdipoAI reduced inflammation and bone destruction caused by peri-implantitis in diabetic rats, which were manifested by a reduction in F4/80-positive macrophage infiltration by 72%, the number of osteoclasts by 58% and the levels of cytokines (p < .05) in disease group. In vitro, 1 µM AdipoAI decreased the number of osteoclasts to 51%, inhibited F-actin ring formation and reduced the levels of related markers (p < .05). Mechanistically, AdipoAI activated AdipoR1/APPL1 and conversely suppressed the phosphorylation of IκB-α, nuclear translocation of P65 and the Wnt5a-Ror2 signalling pathway (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: AdipoAI suppressed osteoclastogenesis in diabetes-associated peri-implantitis by inhibiting the NF-κB and Wnt5a-Ror2 pathways via the AdipoR1/APPL1 axis.

Analysis of Chemical Constituents of Chrysanthemum morifolium Extract and Its Effect on Postprandial Lipid Metabolism in Healthy Adults.

Chrysanthemum extract possesses antioxidant potential and carbohydrate and fat digestive enzyme inhibitory in vitro. However, no evidence supporting chrysanthemum in modulation of postprandial lipemia and antioxidant status in humans presently exists. This study was to analyze the composition of Imperial Chrysanthemum (IC) extract and determine the effect on changes in postprandial glycemic and lipemic response and antioxidant status in adults after consumption of a high-fat (HF) meal. UHPLC-MS method was used to analyze the components of two kinds of IC extracts (IC-P/IC-E) and in vitro antioxidant activities were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydraxyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and Hydroxyl radical (HR) radical scavenging assays. Following a randomized design, 37 healthy adults (age, 25.2 ± 2.6 years, and BMI, 20.9 ± 1.5 kg/m2) were assigned to two groups that consumed the HF meal, or HF meal supplemented by IC extract. Blood samples were collected at fasting state and then at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after the meal consumption. There were 12 compounds with relative content of more than 1% of the extracts, of which amino acid and derivatives, flavonoids, carboxylic acids and derivatives were the main components. Compared with IC-E, the contents of flavonoids in IC-P increased significantly (p < 0.05), and the cynaroside content exceeded 30%. In addition, IC-P showed strong free radical scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS and HR radicals. Furthermore, according to repeated−measures ANOVA, significant differences were observed in the maximal changes for postprandial glucose, TG, T-AOC and MDA among the two groups. Postprandial glucose has significant difference between the two groups at 1 h after meal and the level in IC group was significantly lower than that in control group. No significant differences were observed in the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) among the two groups. IC significantly improved the serum antioxidant status, as characterized by increased postprandial serum T-AOC, SOD, GSH and decreased MDA. This finding suggests that IC can be used as a natural ingredient for reducing postprandial lipemia and improving the antioxidant status after consuming a HF meal.

Comprehensive analysis of the long noncoding RNA-associated competitive endogenous RNA network in the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells.

BACKGROUD: The mechanism implicated in the osteogenesis of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) has been investigated for years. Previous genomics data analyses showed that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) have significant expression differences between induced and control human PDLSCs. Competing for endogenous RNAs (ceRNA), as a widely studied mechanism in regenerative medicine, while rarely reported in periodontal regeneration. The key lncRNAs and their ceRNA network might provide new insights into molecular therapies of periodontal regeneration based on PDLSCs. RESULTS: Two networks reflecting the relationships among differentially expressed RNAs were constructed. One ceRNA network was composed of 6 upregulated lncRNAs, 280 upregulated mRNAs, and 18 downregulated miRNAs. The other network contained 33 downregulated lncRNAs, 73 downregulated mRNAs, and 5 upregulated miRNAs. Functional analysis revealed that 38 GO terms and 8 pathways related with osteogenesis were enriched. Twenty-four osteogenesis-related gene-centred lncRNA-associated ceRNA networks were successfully constructed. Among these pathways, we highlighted MAPK and TGF-beta pathways that are closely related to osteogenesis. Subsequently, subnetworks potentially linking the GO:0001649 (osteoblast differentiation), MAPK and TGF-beta pathways were constructed. The qRT-PCR validation results were consistent with the microarray analysis. CONCLUSION: We construct a comprehensively identified lncRNA-associated ceRNA network might be involved in the osteogenesis of PDLSCs, which could provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms and treatment targets of periodontal regeneration.

Overview of Antibacterial Strategies of Dental Implant Materials for the Prevention of Peri-Implantitis.

As dental implants have become one of the main treatment options for patients with tooth loss, the number of patients with peri-implant diseases has increased. Similar to periodontal diseases, peri-implant diseases have been associated with dental plaque formation on implants. Unconventional approaches have been reported to remove plaque from infected implants, but none of these methods can completely and permanently solve the problem of bacterial invasion. Fortunately, the constant development of antibacterial implant materials is a promising solution to this situation. In this review, the development and study of different antibacterial strategies for dental implant materials for the prevention of peri-implantitis are summarized. We hope that by highlighting the advantages and limitations of these antimicrobial strategies, we can assist in the continued development of oral implant materials.

Ribosomal protein NtRPL17 interacts with kinesin-12 family protein NtKRP and functions in the regulation of embryo/seed size and radicle growth.

We previously reported that a novel motor protein belonging to the kinesin-12 family, NtKRP, displays critical roles in regulating embryo and seed size establishment. However, it remains unknown exactly how NtKRP contributes to this developmental process. Here, we report that a 60S ribosomal protein NtRPL17 directly interacts with NtKRP. The phenotypes of NtRPL17 RNAi lines show notable embryo and seed size reduction. Structural observations of the NtRPL17-silenced embryos/seeds reveal that the embryo size reduction is due to a decrease in cell number. In these embryos, cell division cycle progression is delayed at the G2/M transition. These phenotypes are similar to that in NtKRP-silenced embryos/seeds, indicating that NtKRP and NtRPL17 function as partners in the same regulatory pathway during seed development and specifically regulate cell cycle progression to control embryo/seed size. This work reveals that NtRPL17, as a widely distributed ribosomal protein, plays a critical role in seed development and provides a new clue in the regulation of seed size. Confirmation of the interaction between NtKRP and NtRPL17 and their co-function in the control of the cell cycle also suggests that the mechanism might be conserved in both plants and animals.

Comparison of two methods for detection of fecal indicator bacteria used in water quality monitoring of the Three Gorges Reservoir.

Scientifically sound methods to rapidly measure fecal indicator bacteria are important to ensure safe water for drinking and recreational purposes. A total of 200 water samples obtained from the Three Gorges Reservoir during three successive one-year study periods (October 2009 to September 2012) were analyzed using multiple-tube fermentation (MTF) and most probable numbers combined with polymerase chain reaction (MPN-PCR). The MPN-PCR method was found to be significantly more sensitive than the MTF method for detecting Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., and of equal sensitivity for detecting total coliforms when all surface water samples were grouped together. The two analytical methods had a strong, significant relationship, but MPN-PCR took only 12-18hr, compared with the 3-8days needed using the MTF method. Bacterial concentrations varied per sampling site but were significantly lower in the mainstream of the Yangtze River than those in the backwater areas of tributaries. The water quality of 85.8% of water samples from the mainstream was suitable for use as a centralized potable water source, while the water quality of 52.5% of water samples from the backwater areas was unsuitable for recreational activities. Relationships between fecal indicator bacteria showed significant correlation (r=0.636-0.909, p<0.01, n=200), while a weak but significant correlation was found between fecal indicators and water turbidity, water temperature, daily inflow, and total dissolved solids (r=0.237-0.532, p<0.05, n=200). The study indicated that MPN-PCR is a rapid and easily performed deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based method for quantitative detection of viable total coliforms, E. coli, and Enterococcus spp. in surface water.

The Arabidopsis Exine Formation Defect (EFD) gene is required for primexine patterning and is critical for pollen fertility.

Exine, the outermost layer of a pollen grain, has important roles in protecting microspore cytoplasm and determining species-specific interactions between pollen and stigma. The molecular mechanism underlying pollen exine formation, however, remains largely unknown. Here, we report the characterization of an Arabidopsis male-sterile mutant, efd, which exhibits male sterility in first-forming flowers. The Exine Formation Defect (EFD) gene is strongly expressed in microsporocytes, tetrads and the tapetum, and encodes a nuclear-localized de novo DNA methyltransferase. Detailed observations revealed that EFD is involved in both callose wall and primexine formation during microsporogenesis. Microspores in tetrads are not well separated in efd due to an abnormal callose wall. Its plasma membrane undulation appears normal, but primexine patterning is impaired. Primexine matrix establishment and sporopollenin accumulation at specific positions are disturbed, and thus exine formation is totally blocked in efd. We confirmed that EFD is required for pollen exine formation and male fertility via the regulation of callose wall and primexine formation. We also found that positional sporopollenin accumulation is not involved in regulating membrane undulation, but is related to the complete separation of tetrad microspores during primary exine patterning.

Occurrence and infection risk of waterborne pathogens in Wanzhou watershed of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China.

The Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), formed by China's Yangtze Three Gorges Project, is the largest lake in the world, but there is too little information available about fecal contamination and waterborne pathogen impacts on this aquatic ecosystem. During two successive 1-year study periods (July 2009 to July 2011), the water quality in Wanzhou watershed of the TGR was tested with regard to the presence of fecal indicators and pathogens. According to Chinese and World Health Organization water quality standards, water quality in the mainstream was good but poor in backwater areas. Salmonella, Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), Giardia and Cryptosporidium were detected in the watershed. Prevalence and concentrations of the pathogens in the mainstream were lower than those in backwater areas. The estimated risk of infection with Salmonella, EHEC, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia per exposure event ranged from 2.9 x 10(-7) to 1.68 x 10(-5), 7.04 x 10(-10) to 2.36 x 10(-7), 5.39 x 10(-6) to 1.25 x 10(-4) and 0 to 1.2 x 10(-3), respectively, for occupational divers and recreational swimmers exposed to the waters. The estimated risk of infection at exposure to the 95% upper confidence limit concentrations of Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and Giardia may be up to 2.62 x 10(-5), 2.55 x 10(-4) and 2.86 x 10(-3), respectively. This study provides useful information for the residents, health care workers and managers to improve the safety of surface water and reduce the risk of fecal contamination in the TGR.

The adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoAI attenuates periodontitis in diabetic rats by inhibiting gingival fibroblast-induced macrophage migration.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Low-grade inflammation, a common feature of both diabetes and periodontitis, partly accounts for the complexity and refractoriness of diabetes-associated periodontitis. Adiponectin (APN), the most abundant adipokine in human blood, has been widely reported to have anti-inflammatory functions. Herein, we investigated the ability of an APN receptor agonist, AdipoAI, to alleviate diabetes-associated periodontitis. Furthermore, we revealed the possible mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory effects. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The maxillary first molar of Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats was ligated to construct a diabetes-associated periodontitis model, and rats were administered AdipoAI by gavage. We examined diabetes-related indexes, pathological changes in insulin target organs, alveolar bone resorption and systemic and local inflammation. In vitro, transwell assays were used to evaluate monocyte/macrophage migration induced by human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) with/without AdipoAI treatment. Additionally, we examined chemokine expression levels in hGFs and hGF-induced monocyte/macrophage migration upon siRNA knockdown of Adiponectin receptor expression. Expression of Adipo1/Adipo2 receptors and inflammation-related signalling pathways were examined by IHC and WB, followed by confirmation with an NF-κB P65 inhibitor (BAY 11-7082). KEY RESULTS: AdipoAI lowered fasting blood glucose and serum insulin in ZDF rats and alleviated inflammation in insulin target tissues. Locally, AdipoAI reduced alveolar bone absorption and gingival inflammation. Mechanistically, AdipoAI inhibited hGF-induced monocyte/macrophage migration by reducing CCL2 secretion. In hGFs, AdipoAI attenuated LPS-induced activation of NF-κB P65 and CCL2 expression, which was dependent on the Adipo receptor 1. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: AdipoAI, with its ability to alleviate inflammatory damage in tissues, is a candidate for diabetes-associated periodontitis treatment.

The hypolipidemic mechanism of chrysanthemum flavonoids and its main components, luteolin and luteoloside, based on the gene expression profile.

In this study, the following four groups of mice with hyperlipidemia were involved: the model control group (MC), the Chrysanthemum flavonoids group (CF), the luteolin group, and the luteoloside group. The whole gene expression profile was detected in the liver tissues of each group. Differential genes significantly enriched in the biological process of gene ontology (GO) items and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were selected, and 4 differential genes related to lipid metabolism were selected for further real-time quantitative PCR verification. Compared with the MC, 41 differential genes such as Sqle, Gck, and Idi1 were screened in the CF intervention group; 68 differential genes such as Acsl3, Cyp7a1, and Lpin1 were screened in the luteolin intervention group (CF); and 51 differential genes such as Acaca, Cyp7a1, and Lpin1 were screened in the luteoloside group. The mechanism of CF to improve hyperlipidemia is very complex, mainly involving biological processes such as cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism and glycolysis, luteolin mainly involves the synthesis and transport of cholesterol, and luteoloside mainly involves fatty acid metabolism. The functional pathways of CF may not be completely the same as luteolin and luteoloside, and further study is needed on the mechanism of action of other components.

Hypolipidemic Effects and Preliminary Mechanism of Chrysanthemum Flavonoids, Its Main Components Luteolin and Luteoloside in Hyperlipidemia Rats.

This study aimed to investigate the key constituents and preliminary mechanism for the hypolipidemic activity of chrysanthemum flavonoids. Hyperlipidemia (HPL) rats were divided into five groups: the model control group (MC); Chrysanthemum flavone intervention group (CF); luteolin intervention group; luteoloside intervention group and simvastatin intervention group. The body weight, organ coefficient, serum lipids, antioxidant activity, and lipid metabolism enzymes were detected. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe the liver and adipose tissue. Chrysanthemum flavonoids, luteolin, and luteoloside can reduce the weight and levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and LDL-C, and increase the level of HDL-C in the blood and reduce liver steatosis. Indicators of liver function (AST, ALT, and ALP) improved. The antioxidant activity (GSH-Px, CAT, SOD) and enzymes associated with lipid catabolism (FAßO, CYP7A1, and HL) increased, while lipid peroxidation products (MDA) and enzymes associated with lipid synthesis (FAS, HMG-CoA, and DGAT) decreased. Chrysanthemum flavonoids had a better effect on the antioxidant level and lipid metabolism-related enzyme activity. There was no significant difference in the effects of the chrysanthemum flavonoids, luteolin, and Luteoloside on improving blood lipids and hepatic steatosis-mechanisms that may be related to antioxidant levels and regulating enzymes involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the liver. However, chrysanthemum flavonoids had a stronger antioxidant and lipid metabolism regulation ability, and the long-term effects may be better.

The role of adiponectin in periodontitis: Current state and future prospects.

Adiponectin (APN), which is an adipokine primarily secreted by adipose tissue into the peripheral blood, exerts anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory functions in many systemic inflammatory diseases. Periodontitis is a localized inflammatory disease and is also the sixth-leading complication of diabetes. Uncontrolled periodontal inflammation gradually destructs the periodontal supporting apparatus and leads to the consequent loss of teeth. Recently, emerging evidence has revealed an association between APN and periodontitis. Herein, we summarize the basic information of APN and its receptor agonists. We also overview current studies considering the role of APN in periodontitis and discuss the potential mechanisms in terms of inflammation and bone metabolism. At last, we outline the correlation between APN and systemic diseases related periodontitis. Above all, APN and its agonists are promising candidates for the treatment of periodontitis, while the underlying mechanisms and clinical translational application require further exploration.

OsLEA1a overexpression enhances tolerance to diverse abiotic stresses by inhibiting cell membrane damage and enhancing ROS scavenging capacity in transgenic rice.

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are involved in diverse abiotic stresses tolerance in many different organisms. Our previous studies have shown that the heterologous expression of OsLEA1a interfered with the resistance of Escherichia coli to abiotic stresses. However, in the present study, based on growth status and physiological indices of rice plant, the overexpression of OsLEA1a in rice conferred increased resistance to abiotic stresses compared with the wild-type (WT) plants. Before applying abiotic stresses, there were no significant differences in physiological indices of rice seedlings. After NaCl, sorbitol, CuSO4 and H2O2 stresses, the transgenic lines had lower relative electrical conductivity, malondialdehyde and lipid peroxidation, greater the contents of proline, soluble sugar and glutathione, and higher the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase than the WT plants. The results indicate that the OsLEA1a gene is involved in the protective response of plants to various abiotic stresses by inhibiting cell membrane damage and enhancing reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity. It was speculated that post-translational modification causes OsLEA1a functional differences in E. coli and rice. The present study shows that OsLEA1a could be a useful candidate gene for engineering abiotic stress tolerance in cultivated plants.

Dynamic proteomic profiling of human periodontal ligament stem cells during osteogenic differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) are ideal seed cells for periodontal regeneration. A greater understanding of the dynamic protein profiles during osteogenic differentiation contributed to the improvement of periodontal regeneration tissue engineering. METHODS: Tandem Mass Tag quantitative proteomics was utilized to reveal the temporal protein expression pattern during osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs on days 0, 3, 7 and 14. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were clustered and functional annotated by Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database, followed by the predicted activation using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. Interaction networks of redox-sensitive signalling pathways and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) were conducted and the hub protein SOD2 was validated with western blotting. RESULTS: A total of 1024 DEPs were identified and clustered in 5 distinctive clusters representing dynamic tendencies. The GO enrichment results indicated that proteins with different tendencies show different functions. Pathway enrichment analysis found that OXPHOS was significantly involved, which further predicted continuous activation. Redox-sensitive signalling pathways with dynamic activation status showed associations with OXPHOS to various degrees, especially the sirtuin signalling pathway. SOD2, an important component of the sirtuin pathway, displays a persistent increase during osteogenesis. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD020908. CONCLUSION: This is the first in-depth dynamic proteomic analysis of osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. It demonstrated a dynamic regulatory mechanism of hPDLSC osteogenesis and might provide a new perspective for research on periodontal regeneration.

[Study on beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 induced chemokine RANTES in U251 cell].

OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular mechanisms of beta-amyloid 1-42 (Abeta1.42) induced the inflammatory response in U251 cells. METHODS: U251 cells were treated with different concentration of Abeta1-42 (0.2-4.0 micromol/L) for 24 h, and the cell survival rate was evaluated by MTT. After treated with 2.0 micromol/L Abeta1-42 for 12, 24, 36, 48 hours, the nitric oxide content of U251 cells were detected with nitrate reductase method. The RANTES expression was tested by dual-antibody sandwich ELISA method. The expression of NF-kappaB and STAT1 were detected by the immunocytochemical staining. RESULTS: Abeta1-42 decreased the survival rate of U251 cells in dose-dependent manner. The NO generated in 2 micromol/L Abeta1-42 treated U251 cells reached its peak at 24 h and gradually decreased thereafter. The expression of RANTES increased 4-fold (P < 0.01). The NF-kappaB P65, the STAT1 moved from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and expressed significantly were also observed in the 2 micromol/L Abeta1-42 treated U251 cells. CONCLUSION: Abeta1-42 decreases the survival rate of U251 cells and induce the releasing of NO and RANTES. This indicates that Abeta1-42 induced chemokine RANTES in U251 cell may be close related to the activation of NF-kappa B and STAT1.

An untargeted metabolomics approach reveals further insights of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in high fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), as one bioactive macromolecular abstracted from goji berry, has shown an abundance of potential function. The present study aimed to evaluate the metabolic effects of LBP on the urine and liver metabolomics on a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. After 8 weeks of high-fat diet and streptozotocin induction of diabetes, 24 diabetic rats were randomly allocated to the diabetic control (DC) group, LBP low, moderate, and high dosage (LBP-L, LBP-M, LBP-H) groups and 6 non-diabetic rats were established as the non-diabetic control (NDC) group for 30 days' intervention. Metabolomics was performed on liver and urine. LBP positively regulated fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin-A1c, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, liver glycogen and SOD levels significantly, as compared to the DC group. Liver metabolomics showed higher levels of myo-inositol and lower levels of L-malic acid, fumaric acid, D-arabitol, L-allothreonine 1, xylitol, O-phosphorylethanolamine, ribitol, 5-methoxytryptamine 2 and digitoxose 2 in the LBP-H group vs. the DC group, which indicates that LBP may regulate the citrate cycle, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. Urine metabolomics showed increased levels of creatinine, D-galacturonic acid 2, 2,3-dihydroxybutyric acid and citric acid, and decreased levels of methylmalonic acid, benzoic acid and xylitol between the LBP-H and DC groups. The present study exhibited the effects of LBP on the urine and liver metabolomics in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced rat model, which not only provides a better understanding of the anti-diabetic effects of LBP but also supplies a useful database for further specific mechanism study.

In vivo biodistribution, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects of liver targeting dexamethasone acetate loaded nanostructured lipid carrier system.

We aimed to evaluate whether the enhancement of the liver accumulation and anti-inflammatory activity of dexamethasone acetate (DXMA) could be achieved by incorporating it into nanostructured lipid carrier (NLCs). DXMA-NLCs were prepared using a film dispersion-ultrasonication method and characterized in terms of particle size, PDI, zeta potential, differential scanning calorimetry, drug loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of DXMA-NLCs in mice were significantly different from those of the DXMA solution (DXMA-sol). The peak concentration of DXMA-NLCs was obtained half an hour after intravenous administration. More than 55.62% of the total administrated dose was present in the liver. An increase of 2.57 fold in the area under the curve was achieved when compared with that of DXMA-sol. DXMA-NLCs exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effect on carrageenan-induced rats and carbon tetrachloride-induced mice compared with DXMA-sol. However, the effect was not in proportion to the dosage. The intermediate and low dosages presented better effects than DXMA-sol. All results indicate that NLCs, as a novel carrier for DXMA, has potential for the treatment of liver diseases, increasing the cure efficiency and decreasing the side effects on other tissues.