Exosomes from Hypoxia-treated Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Promoting Neuroprotection in Ischemic Stroke Through miR-214-3p/PTEN Mechanism.

Stroke stands as the second leading cause of death globally, surpassed only by ischemic heart disease. It accounts for 9% of total worldwide deaths. Given the swiftly evolving landscape, medical professionals and researchers are devoting increased attention to identifying more effective and safer treatments. Recent years have witnessed a focus on exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells cultivated under hypoxic conditions, referred to as Hypo-Exo. These specialized exosomes contain an abundance of components that facilitate the restoration of ischemic tissue, surpassing the content found in normal exosomes. Despite advancements, the precise role of Hypo-Exo in cases of cerebral ischemia remains enigmatic. Therefore, this study was designed to shed light on the potential efficacy of Hypo-Exo in stroke treatment. Our investigations unveiled promising outcomes, as the administration of Hypo-Exo led to improved behavioral deficits and reduced infarct areas in mice affected by ischemic conditions. Notably, these positive effects were hindered when Hypo-Exo loaded with anti-miR-214-3p were introduced, implying that the neuroprotective attributes of Hypo-Exo are reliant on miR-214-3p. This conclusion was substantiated by the high levels of miR-214-3p detected within Hypo-Exo. Furthermore, our examination of the ischemic penumbra zone revealed a gradual and sustained escalation in PTEN expression, a phenomenon effectively countered by Hypo-Exo treatment. Collectively, our findings suggest the existence of a regulatory pathway centered on miR-214-3p within Hypo-Exo. This pathway exerts a downregulating influence on the PTEN/Akt signaling pathway, thereby contributing to the amelioration of neurological function subsequent to ischemia-reperfusion events.

[Matrine inhibits inflammatory response induced by TNF-α in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through miR-25-3p-mediated Klf4 pathway].

This study aimed to analyze the effect of matrine on tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)-induced inflammatory response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) and explore whether the underlying mechanism was related to the miR-25-3p-mediated Krüppel-like factor 4(Klf4) pathway. The HUVEC cell inflammation model was induced by TNF-α stimulation. After 24 or 48 hours of incubation with different concentrations of matrine(0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mmol·L~(-1)), CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation. After treatment with 2.5 mmol·L~(-1) matrine for 48 h, the expression of TNF-α, interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), and Klf4 mRNA and miR-25-3p was detected by real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR, and the protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and Klf4 was detected by Western blot. The anti-miR-25-3p was transfected into HUVECs, and the effect of anti-miR-25-3p on TNF-α-induced cell proliferation and inflammatory factors was detected by the above method. The cells were further transfected with miR-25-3p and incubated with matrine to detect the changes in proliferation and expression of related inflammatory factors, miR-25-3p, and Klf4. The targeting relationship between miR-25-3p and Klf4 was verified by bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The results displayed that matrine could inhibit TNF-α-induced HUVEC proliferation, decrease the mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß, increase the mRNA and protein expression of Klf4, and reduce the expression of miR-25-3p. Bioinformatics analysis showed that there were specific complementary binding sites between miR-25-3p and Klf4 sequences. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that miR-25-3p negatively regulated Klf4 expression in HUVECs by targeting. The inhibition of miR-25-3p expression can reduce TNF-α-induced cell proliferation and mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß. MiR-25-3p overexpression could reverse the effect of matrine on TNF-α-induced cell proliferation and the mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and Klf4. This study shows that matrine inhibits the inflammatory response induced by TNF-α in HUVECs through miR-25-3p-mediated Klf4 pathway.

Quercetin effectively improves LPS-induced intestinal inflammation, pyroptosis, and disruption of the barrier function through the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro.

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by the alterations of the mucosa and gastrointestinal physiology, and the core of these alterations is endothelial cells. Quercetin is a flavonoid presents in some traditional Chinese medicine, plants, and fruits. Its protective effects in several gastrointestinal tumors have been demonstrated, but its effects on bacterial enteritis and pyroptosis-related diseases have rarely been studied. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of quercetin on bacterial enteritis and pyroptosis. Design: In vitro experiments were performed using rat intestinal microvascular endothelial cells divided into seven groups: control group (no treatment), model group (10 µg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+1 mM adenosine triphosphate [ATP]), LPS group (10 µg/mL LPS), ATP group (1 mM ATP), and treatment groups (10 µg/mL LPS+1 mM ATP and 5, 10, and 20 µM quercetin). The expression of pyroptosis-associated proteins, inflammatory factors, tight junction proteins, and the percentage of late apoptotic and necrotic cells were measured. In vivo analysis was performed using specific pathogen-free Kunming mice pretreated with quercetin and the water extract of Cacumen Platycladi for 2 weeks followed by 6 mg/kg LPS on day 15. Inflammation in the blood and intestinal pathological changes were evaluated. Results: Quercetin used in vitro significantly reduced the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, gasdermin D, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. It also inhibited phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and increased cell migration and the expression of zonula occludens 1 and claudins, while reduced the number of late apoptotic cells. The in vivo results showed that Cacumen Platycladi and quercetin significantly reduced inflammation, protected the structure of the colon and cecum, and prevent fecal occult blood induced by LPS. Conclusions: These findings suggested the ability of quercetin to reduce inflammation induced by LPS and pyroptosis through TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

Preterm Birth in China Between 2015 and 2016.

Objectives. To describe the incidence, risk factors, and potential causes of preterm birth (PTB) in China between 2015 and 2016.Methods. The China Labor and Delivery Survey was a population-based multicenter study conducted from 2015 to 2016. We assigned each birth a weight based on the sampling frame. We calculated the incidence of PTB and the multivariable logistic regression, and we used 2-step cluster analysis to examine the relationships between PTB and maternal, fetal, and placental conditions.Results. The weighted nationwide incidence of PTB was 7.3% of all births and 6.7% of live births at 24 or more weeks of gestation. Of the PTBs, 70.5% were born after 34 weeks and 42.7% were iatrogenic. Nearly two thirds of all preterm births were attributable to maternal, fetal, or placental conditions, and one third had unknown etiology.Conclusions. This study provided information on the incidence of PTB in China and identified several factors associated with PTB. The high frequency of iatrogenic PTB calls for a careful assessment and prudent management of such pregnancies, as PTB has short- and long-term health consequences.

Combined application of pharamcokinetic DCE-MRI and IVIM-DWI could improve detection efficiency in early diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ.

PURPOSE: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a precursor of invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC). This study aimed to use pharamcokinetic dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) for the early diagnosis of DCIS. METHODS: Forty-seven patients, including 25 with DCIS (age: 28-70 yr, mean age: 48.7 yr) and 22 with benign disease (age: 25-67 yr, mean age: 43.1 yr) confirmed by pathology, underwent pharamcokinetic DCE-MRI and IVIM-DWI in this study. The quantitative parameters Ktrans , Kep , Ve , Vp , and D, f, D* were obtained by processing of DCE-MRI and IVIM-DWI images with Omni-Kinetics and MITK-Diffusion softwares, respectively. Parameters were analyzed statistically using GraphPad Prism and MedCalc softwares. RESULTS: All low-grade DCIS lesions demonstrated mass enhancement with clear boundaries, while most middle-grade and high-grade DCIS lesions showed non-mass-like enhancement (NMLE). DCIS lesions were significantly different from benign lesions in terms of Ktrans , Kep , and D (t = 5.959, P < 0.0001; t = 5.679, P < 0.0001; and t = 5.629, P < 0.0001, respectively). The AUC of Ktrans , Kep , D and the combined indicator of Ktrans , Kep, and D were 0.936, 0.902, 0.860, and 0.976, respectively. There was a significant difference in diagnostic efficacy only between D and the combined indicator (Z = 2.408, P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: DCE-MRI and IVIM-DWI could make for the early diagnosis of DCIS, and reduce the misdiagnosis of DCIS and over-treatment of benign lesions.

Aberrant Interhemispheric Connectivity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in interhemispheric functional coordination in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) relative to controls, using a recently introduced method of analysis: voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC). METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with OSAHS and twenty-six normal sex-, age-, and education-matched controls were recruited and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained. We employed VMHC to analyze the interhemispheric functional connectivity differences between groups. The z-values of alterations in VMHC in brain region were correlated with clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Compared with controls, patients with OSAHS had significantly higher scores for body mass index (t = 5.749, P < 0.001), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI; t = 7.706, P < 0.001), oxygen desaturation index (t = 6.041, P < 0.001), and Epworth sleepiness scale (t = 3.711, P < 0.001), but significantly lower scores on the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test-immediate recall (t = -3.727, P < 0.05). On the same basis, the VMHC showed significant increases in bilateral calcarine cortex and precuneus. Moreover, significant, positive correlations were found in only these areas between the AHI and the VMHC change coefficients (r = 0.399, P = 0.032; r = 0.378, P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: We found a memory defect in patients with OSAHS. The correlation between the abnormal VMHC and the AHI in patients with OSAHS suggested that AHI might be a key factor in cognitive dysfunction, which might offer new insights into the neural pathophysiology underlying OSAHS-related cognitive deficits.

Hypoxia-elicited mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes facilitates cardiac repair through miR-125b-mediated prevention of cell death in myocardial infarction.

Exosomes (Exo) secreted from hypoxia-conditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were found to be protective for ischemic disease. However, the role of exosomal miRNA in the protective effect of hypoxia-conditioned BM-MSCs-derived Exo (Hypo-Exo) remains largely uncharacterized and the poor specificity of tissue targeting of Exo limits their clinical applications. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of miRNA in Hypo-Exo on the repair of ischemic myocardium and its underlying mechanisms. We further developed modified Hypo-Exo with high specificity to the myocardium and evaluate its therapeutic effects. Methods: Murine BM-MSCs were subjected to hypoxia or normoxia culture and Exo were subsequently collected. Hypo-Exo or normoxia-conditioned BM-MSC-derived Exo (Nor-Exo) were administered to mice with permanent condition of myocardial infarction (MI). After 28 days, to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Hypo-Exo, infarction area and cardio output in Hypo-Exo and Nor-Exo treated MI mice were compared through Masson's trichrome staining and echocardiography respectively. We utilized the miRNA array to identify the significantly differentially expressed miRNAs between Nor-Exo and Hypo-Exo. One of the most enriched miRNA in Hypo-Exo was knockdown by applying antimiR in Hypoxia-conditioned BM-MSCs. Then we performed intramyocardial injection of candidate miRNA-knockdown-Hypo-Exo in a murine MI model, changes in the candidate miRNA's targets expression of cardiomyocytes and the cardiac function were characterized. We conjugated Hypo-Exo with an ischemic myocardium-targeted (IMT) peptide by bio-orthogonal chemistry, and tested its targeting specificity and therapeutic efficiency via systemic administration in the MI mice. Results: The miRNA array revealed significant enrichment of miR-125b-5p in Hypo-Exo compared with Nor-Exo. Administration of miR-125b knockdown Hypo-Exo significantly increased the infarction area and suppressed cardiomyocyte survival post-MI. Mechanistically, miR-125b knockdown Hypo-Exo lost the capability to suppress the expression of the proapoptotic genes p53 and BAK1 in cardiomyocytes. Intravenous administration of IMT-conjugated Hypo-Exo (IMT-Exo) showed specific targeting to the ischemic lesions in the injured heart and exerted a marked cardioprotective function post-MI. Conclusion: Our results illustrate a new mechanism by which Hypo-Exo-derived miR125b-5p facilitates ischemic cardiac repair by ameliorating cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, our IMT- Exo may serve as a novel drug carrier that enhances the specificity of drug delivery for ischemic disease.

Surface functionalized exosomes as targeted drug delivery vehicles for cerebral ischemia therapy.

The safe and effective delivery of drugs is a major obstacle in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Exosomes hold great promise as an endogenous drug delivery nanosystem for the treatment of cerebral ischemia given their unique properties, including low immunogenicity, innate stability, high delivery efficiency, and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, exosome insufficient targeting capability limits their clinical applications. In this study, the c(RGDyK) peptide has been conjugated to the exosome surface by an easy, rapid, and bio-orthogonal chemistry. In the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice model, The engineered c(RGDyK)-conjugated exosomes (cRGD-Exo) target the lesion region of the ischemic brain after intravenous administration. Furthermore, curcumin has been loaded onto the cRGD-Exo, and administration of these exosomes has resulted in a strong suppression of the inflammatory response and cellular apoptosis in the lesion region. The results suggest a targeting delivery vehicle for ischemic brain based on exosomes and provide a strategy for the rapid and large-scale production of functionalized exosomes.

A LysM Domain-Containing Gene OsEMSA1 Involved in Embryo sac Development in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

The embryo sac plays a vital role in sexual reproduction of angiosperms. LysM domain containing proteins with multiple lysin motifs are widespread proteins and are involved in plant defense responses against fungal chitins and bacterial peptidoglycans. Various studies have reported the role of LysM domain-containing proteins in plant defense mechanisms but their involvement in sexual reproduction remains largely unknown. Here, we report the involvement of a LysM domain-containing gene, EMBRYO SAC 1 (OsEMSA1), in the sexual reproduction of rice. The gene encoded a LysM domain-containing protein that was necessary for embryo sac development and function. The gene was expressed in root, stem, leaf tissues, panicle and ovaries and had some putative role in hormone regulation. Suppression of OsEMSA1 expression resulted in a defective embryo sac with poor differentiation of gametophytic cells, which consequently failed to attract pollen tubes and so reduced the panicle seed-setting rate. Our data offers new insight into the functions of LysM domain-containing proteins in rice.

The Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Default Mode Networks in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is normally linked to cognitive and functional dysfunctions. In this study, we explored the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in the default mode network (DMN) to show the mechanism of neurophysiology in patients with OSAHS. Resting-state structural and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging data were obtained from sixteen male moderate-to- severe patients with untreated OSAHS and 15 male matched healthy control subjects. The rsFC in the DMN was analyzed between OSAHS and healthy controls by the CONN software. Compared with the controls, the rsFC showed a significant decrease in the the medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate and posterior cingulate, and showed an increase in the left inferior parietal lobule in OSAHS patients. The results indicated that the OSAHS patients presented alternatives of rsFC in the DMN compared with the controls.

[Oxymatrine alleviates oxidative stress in fat-induced insulin resistance mice by suppressing p38MAPK pathway].

This paper was aimed to investigate the effect of oxymatrine on fat-induced insulin resistance mice（IR）, and to explore the effects of oxymatrine on oxidative stress and on p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) pathway. ApoE-/- mice with high fat diet for 16 weeks were selected as IR animal model and randomly divided into the model group, oxymatrine 25, 50, 100 mg•kg⁻¹ group. C57BL/6J mice were selected as the normal control group. Mice were gavage for 8 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), fatty acid (FFA) and serum insulin (FINS) in the plasma were detected. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver were detected. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in liver cells were detected by Flow cytometry. The expression of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) of liver was examined by Real time PCR and Western blot. The protein expression of p38MAPK, p-p38MAPK was examined by Western blot. In the study, the authors found that oxymatrine reduced the levels of FBG, TC, TG and FFA, increased SOD and GSH-Px contents, decreased MDA and ROS content. Compared with model group, HO-1, γ-GCS mRNA and protein expression significantly increased in 50, 100 mg•kg⁻¹ oxymatrine group. The expression of p-p38MAPK decreased in oxymatrine group. The results showed that oxymatrine alleviate oxidative stress in hepatic by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38MAPK, to ameliorate fat-induced insulin resistance mice.

[Effects of Tongxinluo capsule on sciatic nerve apoptosis in spontaneous type II diabetic KK/Upj-Ay mice and mechanism research].

To investigate the effects of Tongxinluo capsule on sciatic nerve apoptosis in spontaneous type II diabetic KK/Upj-Ay mice, in order to explore its mechanism for improving diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). KK/Upj-Ay mice were selected as the DPN animal model and randomly divided into the model, Tongxinluo low, middle and high group (1, 2, 4 g x kg(-1)). C57BL/6 mice were selected as the control group. Mice were given intragastrically for 12 weeks. Paw withdrawal latency, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) were detected. Apoptotic rate were detected by FCM. Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression in sciatic nerve were examined by Real-time PCR and Western blot. p38MAPK, p-p38MAPK expression were examined by Western blot. In this study,the authors found that Tongxinluo capsule could increase paw withdrawal latency, MNCV and SNCV. Apoptotic rate of sciatic, the expression of Bax and caspase-3 were lower, while Bcl-2 expression was higher in Tongxinluo group than those in model mice. The expression of p-p38MAPK significantly decreased in Tongxinluo group. The results showed that Tongxinluo capsule has protective effects on diabetic peripheral neuropathy of mice via inhibiting cell apoptosis and suppressing the expression of p-p38MAPK.

[Effect of Jinlida on changes in expression of skeletal muscle lipid transport enzymes in fat-induced insulin resistance ApoE -/- mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Jinlida on changes in expression of skeletal muscle lipid transport enzymes in fat-induced insulin resistance ApoE -/- mice. METHOD: Eight male C57BL/6J mice were selected in the normal group (NF), 40 male ApoE -/- mice were fed for 16 weeks, divided into the model group (HF), the rosiglitazone group ( LGLT), the Jinlida low-dose group (JLDL), the Jinlida medium-dose group (JLDM), the Jinlida high-dose group (JLDH) and then orally given drugs for 8 weeks. The organization free fatty acids, BCA protein concentration determination methods were used to determine the skeletal muscle FFA content. The Real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription PCR ( RT-PCR) and Western blot method were adopted to determine mRNA and protein expressions of mice fatty acids transposition enzyme (FAT/CD36), carnitine palm acyltransferase 1 (CPT1), peroxide proliferators-activated receptor α( PPAR α). RESULT: Jinlida could decrease fasting blood glucose (FBG), cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA) and fasting insulin (FIns) and raise insulin sensitive index (ISI) in mice to varying degrees. It could also up-regulate mRNA and protein expressions of CPT1 and PPARα, and down-regulate mRNA and protein levels of FAT/CD36. CONCLUSION: Jinlida can improve fat-induced insulin resistance ApoE -/- in mice by adjusting the changes in expression of skeletal muscle lipid transport enzymes.

Magnetic Zn (II) ion-imprinted polymer prepared by the surface imprinting technique and its adsorption properties.

A novel magnetic Zn (II) ion-imprinted polymer was prepared by the surface ion-imprinted technique by using magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 microspheres as supporter, methacrylic acid and salicylaldoxime as monomers, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the crosslinker. The products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, vibrating sample magnetometer and scanning electron microscope. The adsorption experiments showed that the imprinted polymer was employed successfully in comparison with non-imprinted polymer. When the temperature was in a range of 291-297 K, the maximum adsorption was about 52.69 mg g(-1) with an optimal pH 6.0 for an equilibrium time of 40 min. The imprinted polymer possessed high selectivity and specific recognition towards Zn (II). The Langmuir adsorption model was more favourable than the Freundlich or the Temkin adsorption model. Thermodynamic experiment showed that the adsorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process for Zn (II). The mechanism for Zn (II) adsorption on the imprinted polymer was investigated.

[Effect of Jinlida on DGAT1 in Skeletal Muscle in Fat-Induced Insulin Resistance ApoE -/- Mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Jinlida on DGAT1 in skeletal muscle in fat-induced insulin resistance ApoE-/- mice. METHODS: Eight male C57BL/6J mice were used as normal group. 40 male ApoE -/- mice were fed high-fat diet for 16 weeks and divided into five groups: control group, rosiglitazone group, and Jinlida low, middle and high dose groups. Then corresponding drugs were administrated intragastrically for eight weeks. TG content in skeletal muscle was measured by enzymic enzymatic, Glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to evaluate the degree of insulin resistance in mice. The mRNA and protein expression of insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) in skeletal muscle were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)and Western blot. RESULTS: Jinlida particles reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA)and fasting insulin (FIns) levels, raised insulin sensitive index (ISI), improved glucose tolerance, and reduced skeletal muscle lipid deposition in ApoE -/- mice significantly. Jinlida particles increased the expression of IRS-1 mRNA and protein, and reduced DGAT1. CONCLUSION: Jinlida can alleviate the expression of DGAT in skeletal muscle in fat-induced insulin resistance ApoE-/- mice.

Polymer optical fiber twisted macro-bend coupling system for liquid level detection.

The liquid level detection principle of cladding mode frustrated total internal reflection (CMFTIR) effect is proposed. The significant enhancement of CMFTIR effect is realized through macro-bend coupling system in which the dark-field coupling phenomenon between two multimode polymer optic fibers is observed through experiment. Especially twisted macro-bend coupling structure (TMBCS) is adopted to achieve stable coupling of two naked POF. The testing result showed that the dark-filed forward coupling efficiency reached 2‰ and the extinction ratio of the liquid level probe reached 4.18 dB. Compared with existing optical fiber liquid level sensors, the TMBCS probe is simpler, robuster, and cheaper. In addition, the TMBCS has the potential for displacement or stress sensing.

Recovery of isoflavone aglycones from soy whey wastewater using foam fractionation and acidic hydrolysis.

The purpose of this work was to recover isoflavone aglycones from industrial soy whey wastewater, where the isoflavone aglycones mainly existed in the form of ß-glycosides. First, foam fractionation was used for effectively concentrating the total soy isoflavones, including isoflavone aglycones and ß-glycosides, from the wastewater. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the existence of complexes of soy isoflavones and soy proteins. When soy proteins were used as the collectors, a high enrichment ratio of 3.68 was obtained under the optimal operating conditions of temperature of 50 °C, pH of 5.0, volumetric air flow rate of 100 mL/min, and loading liquid height of 400 mm. Subsequently, acidic hydrolysis was used for hydrolyzing ß-glycosides in the foamate into aglycones. Using response surface methodology, a hydrolytic percentage could reach 96% under the optimum hydrolysis conditions of hydrolytic temperature of 80 °C, hydrochloric acid concentration of 1.37 mol/L, and hydrolytic time of 90 min.

Acute effects of different glycemic index diets on serum motilin, orexin and neuropeptide Y concentrations in healthy individuals.

AIM: To determine whether different glycemic index (GI) diets have different effects on the acute secretion of motilin, orexin and neuropeptide Y (NPY), regulators of food intake, energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism. METHODS: Fifty healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups and were fed an isocaloric breakfast (464 kcal) containing high GI (HGI; GI=90) or low GI (LGI; GI=47) components. Serum motilin, orexin, and NPY concentrations were measured before (0 h) and 2h after the meal. RESULTS: The concentrations of motilin, orexin-A, NPY, C-peptide, and blood glucose at 0 h were similar in both groups of subjects. However, 2 h after breakfast, the serum motilin, NPY, C-peptide, and blood glucose concentrations were increased and orexin-A concentrations were decreased in both groups. The percentage changes from 0 to 2 h [(2-h value-0-h value)/baseline×100)] in motilin (27.72±2.46% vs. 20.95±2.06%, p=0.04) and orexin-A (9.15±2.06% vs. 3.49±1.67%, p=0.038) concentrations were significantly higher in the LGI group than in the HGI group. By contrast, the percentage changes in NPY (53.7±9.73% vs. 28.1±5.2%, p=0.026) and blood glucose (12.3±3.78% vs. 1.77±2.52%, p=0.025) concentrations were significantly greater in the HGI group than in the LGI group. Although C-peptide concentrations increased significantly after breakfast in both groups, the magnitude of the increase was similar (132.69±25.15% vs. 139.98±27.29%, p=0.845). Motilin and NPY concentrations were moderately positive correlated (r=0.410, p=0.042), while orexin-A and NPY concentrations were negatively correlated (r=-0.429, p=0.033) at 2h in the LGI group. CONCLUSIONS: A breakfast with a LGI reduced the secretion of orexin-A but significantly stimulated motilin secretion, without marked effects on the secretion of NPY. Therefore, consumption of a LGI diet may help to regulate food intake and energy expenditure in healthy individuals based on the changes in these hormones.

[Protective effect of Qihuang Mingmu capsule on retina of diabetic mice and its impact on VEGF expression].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of Qihuang Mingmu capsule (QHMM) on retina of diabetic mice and its impact on VEGF expression. METHOD: Forty KK/Upj-Ay mice were randomly divided into the model group and high, middle and low dose QHMM (8.32, 4.16, 2.08 g x kg(-1)) groups. Additional 10 C57BL/6 mice were selected as the control group. Mice were orally administered for three months. Their general appearance, fasting blood-glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were observed. Pathological changes of retina were observed by light microscope and electron microscope. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), growth factor receptors-1 (Flt-1) and growth factor receptors-2 (Flk-1) were examined by Real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. RESULT: QHMM could ameliorate the symptoms of diabetic mice to varying degrees, decrease FBG and HbA1c, alleviate pathological lesions of retina and decrease the expressions of VEGF, Flt-1, Flk-1 mRNA and protein. CONCLUSION: QHMM has the protective effect on diabetic retinopathy of mice by inhibiting the expressions of VEGF, Flt-1 and Flk-1 and intervening VEGF-VEGFR signal transduction pathway.

Peripheral endomorphin-1 levels are suppressed in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Endomorphins are endogenous ligands selective for mu-opioid receptors, which have been reported to stimulate appetite and regulate glucose homeostasis. But there are no reports about changes in peripheral endomorphin-1 (EM-1) levels in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to measure plasma EM-1 levels in fasting and postprandial conditions in diabetic patients. METHODS: After an overnight fast, 38 patients (mean age, 67+/-8 years; 17 males and 21 females) and 22 healthy volunteers (mean age, 64+/-9 years; 9 males and 13 females) received a standard breakfast meal with total energy content of 476.1kcal. Blood samples were drawn from each subject in heparinized tubes before breakfast and 2h postprandially. Plasma concentrations of EM-1 were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS: Comparing with healthy volunteers, EM-1 levels were significantly lower in diabetic patients at both time-points (fasting: 48.38+/-14.13pg/ml vs. 72.71+/-19.62pg/ml, p<0.0001; postprandial: 39.80+/-12.28pg/ml vs. 62.93+/-21.95pg/ml, p=0.0001). When compared with fasting levels, the postprandial concentrations of EM-1 decreased in both diabetic patients, as well as healthy controls. The absolute value of decrease was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral EM-1 levels were suppressed in diabetic patients and the levels decreased postprandially in both diabetic and healthy volunteers. This implies that EM-1 concentration has correlation with the change in glucose level. Thus, EM-1 could play a role in energy metabolism.