Search

Estrogen exerts essential role in liver metabolism, and its deficiency is frequently accompanied by a series of metabolic disorder diseases. To investigate the role of estrogen deficiency in fluorine ions (F–) induced liver injury, the ovariectomy (OVX) rat models were performed by surgically removing the ovaries, and the rats from OVX and non-OVX models were exposed to differential dose of F– (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/L) in drinking water for 90 days. The liver morphological structure was evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin staining. Proliferation ability of hepatocytes was evaluated by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assay. And distribution of lipid droplets in liver tissue was observed via oil red O staining. In addition, the liver function and lipid metabolism parameters in serum were detected by commercial kits. Results showed that F– induced hepatocytes morphological damage and inhibited the proliferation ability of hepatocytes; estrogen deficiency exacerbated these changes. The deposition of lipid droplets in the liver tissue was multiplicative with increased F– dose, especially after estrogen deficiency. In addition, F– exposure increased (P

C2C12 cells were cultured on medium containing fluoride (0, 1, and 2.5 mmol/L) for 48 h to investigate the effect of excessive fluoride on T helper 17 (Th17)-related cytokine expression profile in skeletal muscle cells, and the culture supernatant was collected and subjected for the detection of 18 cytokines via Th17 array. Results showed that compared with the control group, no differential expression proteins (DEPs) were found in the 1 mmol/L fluoride group; however, eight DEPs were upregulated in the 2.5 mmol/L fluoride group, including macrophage inflammatory protein-3α (MIP-3α), interleukin-21 (IL-21), IL-13, IL-17F, IL-28A, transforming growth factor type beta 1 (TGF-β1), IL-23, and IL-17A. In addition, five DEPs (MIP-3α, IL-13, IL-21, TGF-β1, and IL-17F) were upregulated in the 2.5 mmol/L fluoride group compared with the 1 mmol/L fluoride group. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the positive regulation of cytokine production, cytokine activity, receptor ligand activity, and cytokine receptor binding accounted for high percent of DEPs present. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that these DEPs primarily involved 12 pathways enriched in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and IL-17 signaling pathway after 2.5 mmol/L fluoride treatment. The results indicated that fluoride might induce cytotoxicity by disturbing Th17-related cytokine expression.

Considering the excellent solubility of pyrrolidone ring organic compounds, the synthesized N-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone chlorides was tethered onto titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles to improve dispersion of TiO2, and then polyethylene oxide (PEO) oligomer through ion exchange embraced the tethered TiO2 to obtain a novel self-suspended hairy TiO2 nanomaterials without any solvent. A variety of techniques were carried out to illustrate the structure and properties of the self-suspended hairy TiO2 nanomaterials. It was found that TiO2 nanoparticles embody monodispersity in the hybrid system though the “false reunion” phenomenon occurring due to nonpermanent weak physical cross-linking. Remarkably, self-suspended hairy TiO2 nanomaterials exhibit lower viscosity, facilitating maneuverable and outstanding antifriction and wear resistance properties, due to the synergistic lubricating effect between spontaneously forming lubricating film and nano-lubrication of TiO2 cores, overcoming the deficiency of both solid and liquid lubricants. This make them promising candidates for the micro-electromechanic/nano-electromechanic systems (MEMS/NEMS).

Ligand fishing with target biomolecule-immobilized magnetic beads (MBs) has been established and developed for nearly 10 years. Advantages of this technique, such as the ease of operation, associated with a diversity of automated online approaches, make it a valuable tool for affinity studies. However, transmembrane proteins have not been used as the target biomolecules in the assay, since they are usually not available in a purified and bioactive form. In addition, few publications have reported the use of this method for screening active compounds derived from natural products. In this work, for the first time, cellular membrane-coated MBs, which to a large extent maintain the activity of the transmembrane proteins, were used for the fishing assay. We demonstrated application of red blood cell membrane-coated MBs for fishing potential active components from a natural product (Angelica dahurica). The potential active compounds, such as imperatorin, bergapten, and pabulenol, were detected. The result correlated well with cell membrane chromatography (CMC) coupled with HPLC. Comparisons of the developed MBs fishing assay with the CMC method showed the noteworthy advantages of the fishing technique regarding the consumption of cellular membranes, buffers as well as length of operation time.

Target biomolecule-immobilized magnetic beads could be used as a powerful tool for screening active compounds present in natural products. Low damage rates of the target proteins, associated with the availability of diverse automated online approaches for analysis, make it a valuable tool for affinity studies. RAW264.7 cells (a kind of murine macrophage cell line) were used in this study. These cellular membranes were immobilized onto the surface of MBs and were used for screening the active compounds of Polygonatum sibiricum. Combining this technique with HPLC led to the identification of an active compound and its biological activity was confirmed. This is the first report establishing the use of RAW264.7 cellular membrane-coated magnetic bead fishing followed by HPLC analysis for screening active compounds from natural products.

Four new steroidal saponins, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)-β-D-fucopyranosyl -(25R)-spirost-5-en-3β,17α-diol (1), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)-β-D- fucopyranosyl-(25S)-spirost-5-en-3β,17α-diol (2), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2) -β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)-β-D-fucopyranosyl-(25R)-spirost-5-en-3β,17α-diol (3), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)-β-D-fucopyranosyl-(25R/S)-spirost-5-en-3β,12β-diol (4), together with five known steroidal saponins were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum. Chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. Anti-inflammatory activities of these new compounds were evaluated.

Cell membrane chromatography is a useful tool for screening active compounds from natural products. As the reason of separation mechanism, traditional cell membrane chromatography could not be used for screening the active compounds absorbed through the cell membrane and influencing the cell signal transduction pathway. In this work, we establish a new method named cell extraction combined with off-line HPLC for screening the compounds penetrating the cell membrane. This is the first time 3 T3-L1 adipocyte culture has been combined with HPLC technology. Compared with other cell membrane chromatography methods, there is good resolution and no further analysis by other chromatographic steps is required. On co-incubating crude extracts of Coptis chinensis with cells and analyzing the compounds extracted by the cells, active compounds such as berberine were detected. Glucose consumption tests showed that berberine could increase glucose consumption by insulin-resistant 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. The levels of intracellular berberine correlated with its activity. The results indicate that the developed method could be an alternative method for screening active compounds from natural products.

Long chain-like nickel cobalt oxide nanoneedle–reduced graphene oxide (NiCo2O4–rGO) composite materials were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method. The optimized mass ratio (NiCo2O4 to rGO) was defined. The electrochemical results showed NiCo2O4–rGO to possess remarkable electrochemical performance, i.e. high specific capacitance of 882 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and good rate capability 610 F g−1 at 10 A g−1. It is noteworthy that the specific capacitance increased instead of decreasing up to 800 cycles, and only 6.2% was lost after 3000 cycles compared to the highest specific capacitance at 800 cycles. For their high specific capacitance, remarkable rate capability and excellent cycle stability, NiCo2O4–rGO composite materials show great potential in the application of supercapacitors.

Cell membrane chromatography is a useful tool for screening active compounds from natural products. As the reason of separation mechanism, traditional cell membrane chromatography could not be used for screening the active compounds absorbed through the cell membrane and influencing the cell signal transduction pathway. In this work, we establish a new method named cell extraction combined with off-line HPLC for screening the compounds penetrating the cell membrane. This is the first time 3 T3-L1 adipocyte culture has been combined with HPLC technology. Compared with other cell membrane chromatography methods, there is good resolution and no further analysis by other chromatographic steps is required. On co-incubating crude extracts of Coptis chinensis with cells and analyzing the compounds extracted by the cells, active compounds such as berberine were detected. Glucose consumption tests showed that berberine could increase glucose consumption by insulin-resistant 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. The levels of intracellular berberine correlated with its activity. The results indicate that the developed method could be an alternative method for screening active compounds from natural products.

To study Chinese medicine treatment in the three-part of the proximal humerus fractures.From January 2009 to February 2012, 118 cases of proximal humerus three-part fractures were used two methods of operation and manipulation treatment,that were all acute and closed. In operation group: there were 22 males and 37 females,the mean age of the patients was (65.80 +/- 10.62) years (ranged from 45 to 83 years), and the interval from injury to hospital was (22.58 +/- 22.11) hours (ranged from 1 to 96 hours), used open reduction and locking plate fixation surgery. In manipulation group: there were 21 males and 38 females, the mean age of the patients was (65.98 +/- 11.10)years (ranged from 45 to 85 years), and the interval from injury to hospital was (20.85 +/- 22.63) hours (ranged from 1 to 107 hours), used manipulative reduction and small splinting external fixation. All patients were evaluated with shoulder pain, function, activity and anatomical indicators after treatment.All patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months with an average of 8.2 months. According to Neer Score, the total scores was 85.47 +/- 6.15 in operation group, 84.95 +/- 5.70 in manipulation group. The satisfaction rate of the operation group were 88.20%, and the manipulation group were 86.40%. The difference was not statistically significant between two groups (P0.05).The two treatment were able to achieve satisfactory results. The manipulative reduction and splinting treatment has the advantage of avoiding the risk of surgery, less blood damage, ensureing the efficacy, and reducing costs. It can effectively treat the proximal humerus three-part fracture.

To explore the clinical effects of the manipulation reduction combined with small splint fixation for the treatment of fresh closed fracture of radius for shorten hospital stays and reduce medical cost.From July 2007 to December 2009, 200 patients (ranged the age from 40 to 80 years) with distal radius comminute fracture were treated and divided into CP group (including 21 males and 79 females, with a mean age of (62.98 +/- 0.85) years), and control group (including 20 males and 80 females, with a mean age of (63.19 +/- 0.88) years). All patients were treated manipulation reduction combined with small-splint fixation, control group removed small-splint 30 days after treatment, CP group removed 25 days after treatment. Two groups were checked by X-ray and took traditional chinese medicine (taking Yuanhu tablets, Chuangshangning tablets on the early stage; Guixiangzhenggu pill was taken on the middle stage; Shuanglongjie gu pill on the late stage), functional exercise was guided after removing of small splint. The condition of reduction and position of bone were evaluated and Gartland-Werlley scale was used to evaluate the function of wrist joint.Treatment time in CP group was decreased from (30.08 +/- 3.06) to (25.06 +/- 1.07) days; treatment cost in CP group was decreased from (2 100.00 +/- 332.12) to (1 644.00 +/- 125.20) Yuan. There was no significant difference in reduction and function recover of wrist joint between two groups. The results showed the effects of TCM clinic can be promised.Clinical pathway for outpatient can promote standardization of outpatient, short treatment time less medical economic burden, and worth widely used.

A highly sensitive method for detecting oligonucleotide targets has been developed using quantum dot (QD) functionalized nanotubes (NTs) that contain a cascade energy band-gap architecture. Their assembly with different types of QDs by the layer-by-layer (LBL) allowed for the formation of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) structures in the NTs resulting in an enhanced fluorescence emission from dye labeled oligonucleotide targets captured by probe DNA through hybridization. This approach results in a significant enhancement of detection of dye labeled oligonucleotide targets. The promising increase in detection sensitivity allows for low detection limits by tuning the QD emission, adding other types of QDs, or adjusting the distance between all photoactive compounds in the NTs. Hence, the strategy used here to produce new hybrid materials may pave a way for broadening application of NTs in the field of biochemical materials, e.g. sensitive biosensors.