Search

Abstract Hyperuricemia as one of the key factors for gout, and quercetin could reduce the uric acid (UA) content. However, the mechanism of quercetin reduces UA content is still uncovered. Herein, we found quercetin can reduce UA content, induce antioxidant enzyme activity, inhibit the enzyme activity of xanthine oxidase (XOD) in hyperuricemia mice. Moreover, the UA reabsorption was also significantly reduced in the kidney and the kidney inflammation was alleviated by quercetin in hyperuricemia mice. Meanwhile, the protein level of ATP‐binding cassette super‐family G member 2 (ABCG2) was markedly induced and the protein levels of urate transporter 1 (URAT1) and glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) were significantly repressed by quercetin in hyperuricemia mice and HK‐2 cells and by quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide in HK‐2 cells. Additionally, the docking mode indicated that quercetin is stable bound to the active site of XOD. Overall, the data reveal that quercetin alleviates hyperuricemia by repressing the activity of XOD, reducing the UA absorption via enhancing ABCG2 expression, and repressing URAT1 and GLUT9 expression.

Responsive photonic crystals (RPCs) have attracted considerable interest due to their fascinating potential in various fields, such as sensors, color displays, anticounterfeiting, paints and inks. Herein, we presented a supramolecular liquid crystal (SLC) inverse opal composite film (SLC/PC) characterized by rapid and broad wavelength shifts in response to pH changes. This composite film was prepared based on the hydrogen-bonded (H-bonded) SLCs using silica colloids as the template. The H-bonds served as a functional "switch" that could reversibly turn on (break) and off (recover) in response to changes in environmental pH or temperature. This reversible activation led to the swelling or shrinkage of the SLC layer, resulting in significant changes in lattice spacing and diffraction-wavelength shifts according to Bragg's law. Meanwhile, the structural color of the SLC/PC varied significantly, and a naked-eye monitoring of pH and temperature was realized. Moreover, the film exhibited rapid response times (less than 0.5 s), complete reversibility, and broad diffraction-wavelength shifts (up to 250 nm, nearly covering the entire visible spectrum) when exposed to pH changes. The alignment of molecules as well as the SLC structure within the film played crucial roles in achieving this high responsiveness. The film also demonstrated exceptional chemical stability and could be recycled effectively. Such a functional film, offering rapid, completely reversible, and broad wavelength shifts, along with excellent reusability and stability, holds great promise for use as a pH sensor in environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective 2-dimensional (2D) nanoporous polymer films have been developed using a templating method based on hydrogen-bonding supramolecular liquid crystals (LCs) containing benzoic acid and pyridine groups (6OBA·NC6·C6H). The smectic lamellar structures are maintained and anionic nanopores are obtained after template (NC6) removal. The NC6-removed polymer films demonstrate anisotropic adsorption toward cationic dye methylene blue (MB) with a high adsorption capacity of 688 mg g−1 under planar alignment. The specific pore dimension with anionic interior shows size- and charge-selectivity. The effects of pore size and pore charges on MB adsorption are investigated using the NC6-removed films with extra pores or non-charged pores, respectively. 5CB is used as the intermolecular template to produce extra nanopores. The obtained results show that the equilibrium adsorption capacity (qe) of MB onto the NC6/5CB template-removed film (T-removed film) does not increase evidently. Non-charged pores generated from the hydrochloric acid (HCl) treatment of the NC6-removed film show poor dye adsorption, indicating that pore charges strongly affect MB adsorption because carboxylate groups act as the active adsorption sites and electrostatic interactions contribute to MB adsorption. Adsorption kinetics can be well described using the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Also, satisfactory regenerability of the functional polymer films can be achieved by simple HCl treatment and ethanol washing. Such functional polymer films with desired pore dimensions and pore charges can serve as excellent adsorbents to effectively remove cationic contaminants from polluted water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]