Biomedical-Optical-Window Tailored Cyanines for Steerable Inflammatory Bowel Disease Theranostic.

Tailored photophysical properties and chemical activity is the ultimate pursuit of functional dyes for in vivo biomedical theranostics. In this work, the independent regulation of the absorption and fluorescence emission wavelengths of heptamethine cyanines is reported. These dyes retain near-infrared fluorescence emission (except a nitro-modified dye) while feature variable absorption wavelengths ranging from 590 to 860 nm. This enables to obtain customized functional dyes that meet the excitation and fluorescence wavelength requirements defined by the optical properties of tissues for in vivo biomedical applications. Typically, a nitro-modified photothermal active derivative Cy-Mu-7-9 is used, which features strong absorption at 810 nm in PBS, a wavelength that balanced the tissue penetration depth and non-specific photothermal effect, to realize non-destructive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapy via photothermal induced up-regulation of heat shock protein 70 in the intestinal epithelial cells. The corresponding amino-modified dye Cy-Mu-7-9-NH2, which can be formed in health enteric cavity by Cy-Mu-7-9 after oral administration, is a fluorescence compound with the emission of 800 nm in PBS. Based on the IBD sensitive transformation of Cy-Mu-7-9 and Cy-Mu-7-9-NH2, in vivo IBD theranostic and therapeutic effect evaluation is realized via the synergy of fluorescence imaging and photothermal therapy for the first time.

Advancements in magnetic nanoparticle-based biosensors for point-of-care testing.

The significance of point-of-care testing (POCT) in early clinical diagnosis and personalized patient care is increasingly recognized as a crucial tool in reducing disease outbreaks and improving patient survival rates. Within the realm of POCT, biosensors utilizing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as a subject of substantial interest. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the current landscape of POCT, emphasizing its growing significance within clinical practice. Subsequently, the current status of the combination of MNPs in the Biological detection has been presented. Furthermore, it delves into the specific domain of MNP-based biosensors, assessing their potential impact on POCT. By combining existing research and spotlighting pivotal discoveries, this review enhances our comprehension of the advancements and promising prospects offered by MNP-based biosensors in the context of POCT. It seeks to facilitate informed decision-making among healthcare professionals and researchers while also promoting further exploration in this promising field of study.

Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction protects against doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury by downregulating ferroptosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction (LGZGD) protects against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced myocardial injury. METHODS: In vivo experiment, rats were divided into six groups: normal group, model group (15 mg/kg, DOX), Dex group(150 mg/kg, Dex), LGZGD-L group (2.1 g/kg), LGZGD-M group (4.2 g/kg), and LGZGD-H group (8.4 g/kg). We used HE and Masson staining to observe the histopathological changes, echocardiography to assess the cardiac function, and western blot and RT-qPCR to detect the expressions of Nrf2, GPX4, Fpn1, and Ptgs2. In vitro experiment, we used immunofluorescence to detect ROS production, and RT-qPCR to detect gene expression of GPX4, Fpn1, and Ptgs2. KEY FINDINGS: In vivo, LGZGD improved cardiac systolic function. LGZGD significantly reduced MDA, LDH, and CK levels, increased SOD activity, enhanced the protein expression of Nrf2, GPX4, and Fpn1, and decreased Ptgs2 levels. In vitro, LGZGD-containing serum significantly reduced ROS, increased the gene expression of GPX4 and Fpn1, and decreased the gene expression of Ptgs2. Furthermore, compared with the LGZGD (si-NC) group, the LGZGD (si-Nrf2) group had decreased gene expression of Nrf2, GPX4, and Fpn1 and increased gene expression of Ptgs2. CONCLUSIONS: LGZGD can ameliorate DOX-cardiotoxicity by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes.

Punicalagin attenuates ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction via regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway.

CONTEXT: Punicalagin has myocardial protection; the mechanism of punicalagin on ventricular remodeling (VR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: These studies explore the role and mechanism of punicalagin in preventing and treating VR after AMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Molecular docking was used to predict the targets of punicalagin. After 2 weeks of AMI model, the SD rats were randomly divided into model, and punicalagin (200, 400 mg/kg, gavage) groups for 4 weeks. Thoracotomy with perforation but no ligature was performed on rats in control group. The protein expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis speck-like protein (ASC), caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), and GSDMD-N, the mRNA expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and IL-18 were evaluated. RESULTS: Punicalagin had binding activities with NLRP3 (Vina score, -5.8), caspase-1 (Vina score, -6.7), and GSDMD (Vina score, -6.7). Punicalagin could improve cardiac function, alleviate cardiac pathological changes, minimize the excessive accumulation of collagen in the left ventricular myocardium (p < 0.01), and inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis (p < 0.01). Furthermore, punicalagin could inhibit the overexpression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD via immunohistochemistry (p < 0.01). Punicalagin inhibited the protein levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Punicalagin reduced the mRNA expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1ß and IL-18 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Punicalagin may provide a useful treatment for the future myocardial protection.

Beneficial effects of flavonoids on cardiovascular diseases by influencing NLRP3 inflammasome.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of global mortality and have a high incidence rate worldwide. The function of inflammasomes in CVDs has received a lot of attention recently, and the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome may be a new target for the prevention and treatment of CVDs. Flavonoids, which are found in food and plant extracts, inhibited inflammation in CVDs by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome. CB-Dock was used to investigate whether 34 flavonoids from natural products acted on NLRP3 inflammasome. In brief, the PDB format of NLRP3 was selected as a protein file, and 34 flavonoids in SDF format were selected as the ligand file, and then input to CB-Dock for molecular docking. The docking results showed that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), amentoflavone, baicalin, scutellarin, vitexin, silibinin, and puerarin had good binding affinities to NLRP3, which could be used as NLRP3 inhibitors, and aid in the discovery of lead compounds for the design and development of CVDs.

Sc@B28-, Ti@B28, V@B28+, and V@B292-: Spherically Aromatic Endohedral Seashell-like Metallo-Borospherenes.

Transition-metal-doped boron nanoclusters exhibit unique structures and bonding in chemistry. Using the experimentally observed seashell-like borospherenes C2 B28-/0 and Cs B29- as ligands and based on extensive first-principles theory calculations, we predict herein a series of novel transition-metal-centered endohedral seashell-like metallo-borospherenes C2 Sc@B28- (1), C2 Ti@B28 (2), C2 V@B28+ (3), and Cs V@B292- (4) which, as the global minima of the complex systems, turn out to be the boron analogues of dibenzenechromium D6h Cr(C6H6)2 with two B12 ligands on the top and bottom interconnected by four or five corner boron atoms on the waist and one transition-metal "pearl" sandwiched at the center in between. Detailed molecular orbital, adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP), and iso-chemical shielding surface (ICSS) analyses indicate that, similar to Cr(C6H6)2, these endohedral seashell-like complexes follow the 18-electron rule in bonding patterns (1S21P61D10), rendering spherical aromaticity and extra stability to the systems.

Phytochemicals as potential target on thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently the major cause of death and morbidity on a global scale. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is a marker related to metabolism, oxidation, and inflammation induced in CVDs. The overexpression of TXNIP is closely related to the occurrence and development of CVDs. Hence, TXNIP inhibition is critical for reducing the overactivation of its downstream signaling pathway and, as a result, myocardial cell damage. Due to the chemical variety of dietary phytochemicals, they have garnered increased interest for CVDs prevention and therapy. Phytochemicals are a source of medicinal compounds for a variety of conditions, which aids in the development of effective and safe TXNIP-targeting medications. The objective of this article is to find and virtual screen novel safe, effective, and economically viable TXNIP inhibitors from flavonoids, phenols, and alkaloids derived from foods and plants. The results of the docking study revealed that silibinin, rutin, luteolin, baicalin, procyanidin B2, hesperetin, icariin, and tilianin in flavonoids, polydatin, resveratrol, and salidroside in phenols, and neferine in alkaloids had the highest Vina scores, indicating that these compounds are the active chemicals on TXNIP. In particular, silibinin can be utilized as a lead chemical in the process of structural alteration. These dietary phytochemicals may aid in the discovery of lead compounds for the development of innovative TXNIP agents for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Virtual screening analysis of natural flavonoids as trimethylamine (TMA)-lyase inhibitors for coronary heart disease.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is defined by atherosclerosis, which can result in stenosis or blockage of the arterial cavity, leading to ischemic cardiac diseases such as angina and myocardial infarction. Accumulating evidence indicates that the gut microbiota plays a vital role in the beginning and progression of CHD. The gut microbial metabolite, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), is intimately linked to the pathophysiology of CHD. TMAO is formed when trimethylamine (TMA) is converted by flavin-containing monooxygenases in the hepatocytes. Therefore, inhibition of TMA production is essential to reduce TMAO levels. Flavonoids may reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. In this article, we reviewed and evaluated twenty-two flavonoids for the therapy of CHD based on their inhibition of TMA-lyase by molecular docking. Docking results revealed that baicalein, fisetin, acacetin, and myricetin in flavonoid aglycones, and baicalin, naringin, and hesperidin in flavonoid glycosides had a good binding effect with TMA-lyase. This indicates that these chemicals were the most active and could be used as lead compounds for structural modification in the future. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Flavonoids are a large class of polyphenolic compounds found in fruits, vegetables, flowers, tea, and herbal medicines, which are inexorably metabolized and transformed into bioactive metabolites by α-rhamnosidase, ß-glucuronidase, ß-glucosidase, and nitroreductase produced by the gut microbiota, which plays a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Because flavonoids protect the cardiovascular system and regulate the gut microbiota, and the gut microbiota is directly connected to TMAO, thus, reducing TMAO levels involves blocking the transition of TMA to TMAO, which may be performed by reducing TMA synthesis. Molecular docking results found that baicalein, fisetin, acacetin, and myricetin in flavonoid aglycones, and baicalin, naringin, and hesperidin in flavonoid glycosides had good binding effects on TMA-lyase, which were the most active and could be used as lead compounds for structural modification.

Lanthanide/actinide boride nanoclusters and nanomaterials based on boron frameworks consisting of conjoined Bn rings (n = 7-9).

Extensive global minimum searches augmented with first-principles theory calculations performed in this work indicate that the experimentally observed perfect inverse sandwich lanthanide boride complexes D7h La2B7- (1), D8h La2B8 (3), D9h La2B9- (7) can be extended to their actinide counterparts C2v Ac2B7- (1'), D8h Ac2B8 (3'), D9h Ac2B9- (7') with a Bn monocyclic ring (n = 7-9) sandwiched by two Ac dopants. Such M2Bn-/0 inverse sandwiches (1/1', 3/3', 7/7') can be used as building blocks to generate the ground-state C2 La4B13- (2)/Ac4B13- (2'), D2 La4B15- (4)/Ac4B15- (4'), C3v/C3 La4B18 (5)/Ac4B18 (5'), Oh Ac7B24+ (6'), Oh Ac7B24, Td Ac4B24 (8'), C1 La5B24+ (9)/Ac5B24+ (9'), and Td Ac4B29- (10') which are based on boron frameworks consisting of multiple conjoined Bn rings (n = 7-9). Detailed bonding analyses show that effective (d-p)σ, (d-p)π and (d-p)δ coordination bonds are formed between the Bn rings and metal doping centers, conferring three-dimensional aromaticity and extra stability to the systems. In particular, the perfect body-centered cubic Oh Ac7B24+ (6') and Oh Ac7B24 with six conjoined B8 rings can be extended in x, y, and z dimensions to form one-dimensional Ac10B32 (11'), two-dimensional Ac3B10 (12'), and three-dimensional AcB6 (13') nanomaterials, presenting a B8-based bottom-up approach from metal boride nanoclusters to their low-dimensional nanomaterials.

Exploring the Mechanism of Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan Decoction in Ventricular Remodeling after Acute Myocardial Infarction Based on UPLC and In Vivo Experiments.

Ventricular remodeling (VR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an important pathophysiological basis for the development of chronic heart failure (CHF). At present, Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction (LGZGD) has been widely reported in the clinical treatment and basic research of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and angina pectoris. However, the mechanism of LGZGD against VR after AMI remains unclear. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was applied to investigate the major constituents of LGZGD, and molecular docking was used to predict the targets on the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway. In vivo, histological changes in the myocardium were visualized using HE staining and Masson staining, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected using TUNEL. IL-1ß activity in rat serum was determined by ELISA. Finally, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD expressions were analyzed through RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The results showed that 8 authentic reference substances have been detected in LGZGD. Molecular docking showed that the major chemical constituents of LGZGD had a good binding activity with NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD. Our results showed that LGZGD treatment markedly improved cardiac pathology, decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis, reduced IL-1ß activity, and regulated the expression of genes and proteins related to the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signal pathway. These results suggest that LGZGD protects against VR after AMI through NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signal pathway.

Isolated Ascites on CT After Blunt Trauma: A Sign of Intraperitoneal Bladder Rupture.

We report a case of intraperitoneal bladder rupture in a 24-year-old man who was struck by a motorcycle. Initial contrast-enhanced CT scan shortly after presentation to our emergency department demonstrated simple free fluid within the upper abdomen and pelvis. Delayed CT scan of the pelvis showed contrast extravasation into the perineal cavity. CT cystography showed rupture of the bladder dome with active contrast extravasation. This case illustrates that intraperitoneal bladder rupture should be considered as an etiology for otherwise unexplained ascites after blunt abdominal trauma. Delayed CT and CT cystography should be considered for further evaluation.

Ultrasonic Characteristics of Cardiovascular Changes in Children with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome: A Comparative Study with Normal Children and Aging People.

BACKGROUND: The cardiovascular characteristics of children with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) remain unclear. The present study is aimed at evaluating the cardiovascular changes with ultrasound examination in children with HGPS and compared these with those in normal children and older people. METHODS: Seven HGPS children, 21 age-matched healthy children, and 14 older healthy volunteers were evaluated by three-dimensional echocardiography (including strain analysis) and carotid elasticity examination with the echo-tracking technique. RESULTS: Children with HGPS had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain, when compared to older healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). However, these parameters were not significantly different, when compared to those in healthy children. Furthermore, children with HGPS had lower average peak times in the left ventricle, when compared with the other two groups. For the structure of the carotid artery detected by ultrasound, the abnormality rates were similar between children with HGPS and older healthy volunteers (83.3% vs. 71.4%). The elastic parameters, elastic modulus, stiffness parameter, and pulsed wave transmittal velocity of children with HGPS were lower, when compared to those in older healthy volunteers (P < 0.05), while they were higher with arterial compliance (P > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference existed among the vascular elastic parameters between HGPS and normal children. CONCLUSION: HGPS children had impaired left ventricular (LV) synchrony, when compared to normal children, although the difference in LVEF was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the structural abnormality of the carotid artery in HGPS children was similar to that in older people, although the index of elasticity appears to be more favorable. These results suggest that the cardiovascular system in HGPS children differs from natural aging.

Water metabolism dysfunction via renin-angiotensin system activation caused by liver damage in mice treated with microcystin-RR.

Microcystins (MCs) are a group of monocyclic heptapeptide toxins that have been shown to act as potent hepatotoxins. However, the observed symptoms of water metabolism disruption induced by microcystin-RR (MC-RR) or MCs have rarely been reported, and a relatively clear mechanism has not been identified. In the present study, male mice were divided into 4 groups (A: 140µg/kg, B: 70µg/kg,C: 35µg/kg, and D: 0µg/kg) and administered MC-RR daily for a month. On day 8 of treatment, an increase in water intake and urine output was observed in the high-dose group compared with the control, and the symptoms worsened with the repeated administration of the toxin until day 30. In addition, the urine specific gravity decreased and serum enzymes that can reflect hepatic damage increased in the high-dose group compared with the control (P<0.05). The mRNA level of angiotensinogen (AGT) in hepatocytes was upregulated to approximately 150% of the control (P<0.05), and the serum renin-angiotensin system (RAS) was activated in the high-dose group; however, signs of renal injury were not observed throughout the experiment. After the toxin treatment was completed, the high levels of the RAS and vasopressin in group A returned to normal levels within 1 week. As expected, the symptoms of polyuria and polydipsia also disappeared. Therefore, we propose that water metabolism dysfunction occurs via RAS activation caused by liver damage because the increased serum RAS levels in the experiment were consistent with the increased urine output and water intake in the mice during the observation period. In addition, we found for the first time that a RAS blocker could alleviate the observed polyuria and polydipsia and inactivate the high level of the RAS induced by MC-RR in a dose-dependent manner, which further supported our hypothesis.

[Optimization of Prokaryotic Expression Conditions of Human ß2-microglobulin in E. Coli and Its Purification].

To obtain recombinant human ß2-microglobulin (rhß2M) with properties of good solubility and high purity from E. coli, prokaryotic expression conditions were optimized and protein purification was performed in this study. After testing the effect of different IPTG concentrations, temperatures and induction times on the production of rhß2M, the optimum expression conditions were determined, i. e. joining IPTG to final concentration being 0.8 mmol/L and inducing time 6 h and at temperature of 25 degrees C. Under the optimum induction conditions, the ratio of soluble rhß2M to soluble bacterial protein was 63.7%. After purified by Ni Sepharose 6 Fast Flow, the purity of rhß2M achieved a greater value of 95%. Western blot analysis revealed that rhß2M possessed the antigen property that specifically interacted with anti-ß2M antibody.

[Measurement and correlation analysis of plasma VEGF level in the patients of hyperthyroidism].

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a glycoprotein that promotes endothelial regeneration, stimulates formation of collateral blood vessels and increases vascular permeability. The purpose of this study was to measure the peripheral blood plasma level of VEGF and FT3, FT4, TSH and to analyze the correlation of the level of VEGF and TSH, FT3, FT4, age and gender in the patients of hyperthyroidism. The relationship between hyperthyroidism and VEGF was investigated as well. The plasma level of VEGF in 45 hyperthyroidism patients and 27 healthy persons were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while plasma FT3, FT4, TSH were detected by chemiluminescence. The result showed that the plasma level of VEGF in hyperthyroidism patients [(92.53 +/- 62.38) pg/mL] was significantly lower than that in the control group [(158.28 +/- 77.15) pg/mL] (P < 0.01). The plasma level of VEGF correlated with age, and that of those over 40Y was significantly higher than that of 40Y or younger (P < 0.05) in healthy group. Whereas there was no correlation among VEGF, TSH, FT3, FT4, age and gender in hyperthyroidism patients (P > 0.05). These results suggested that the peripheral blood plasma level of VEGF in hyperthyroidism patients was significantly lower than that in the control group. Further experimental investigations are needed to estimate the relationship between VEGF and hyperthyroidism.

[Advances in study of vascular endothelial growth factor and thyroid disease].

The basic function of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is to promote vascular growth. Recent studies show that VEGF plays a vital role in various thyroid diseases through prompting angiogenesis. But the function of VEGF and specific change condition in different thyroid disease still needs further explorations. This review mainly focuses on the molecular characteristics and clinical application of VEGF.