Secoemestrin C Ameliorates Psoriasis-like Skin Inflammation in Mice by Suppressing the TNF-α/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Objective Secoemestrin C(SC),an epitetrathiodioxopiperazine isolated from Aspergillus nidulans,has been previously reported to have immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects against acute autoimmune hepatitis.However,the effect of SC on regulating the inflammation and its underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of psoriasis remain unclear.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SC on inflammatory dermatosis both in vitro and in vivo.Methods In vitro,HaCaT cells were induced with tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α,10 ng/mL)to establish an inflammatory injury model,and the expression of nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)pathway components was measured using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.An in vivo mouse model of imiquimod(IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation was used to evaluate the effectiveness of SC in alleviating psoriasis.Results SC significantly blocked the activation of NF-κB signaling in TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT cells.In addition,systemic and local administration of SC improved psoriatic dermatitis in the IMQ-induced mouse model.SC reduced skin scale and significantly inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in skin lesions.Conclusion The protective effect of SC against psoriatic-associated inflammation reveals its potential therapeutic value for treating psoriasis.

17β-estradiol inhibits TGF-β-induced collagen gel contraction mediated by human Tenon fibroblasts via Smads and MAPK signaling pathways

AIM:To investigate the impact of 17β-estradiol on the collagen gels contraction(CGC)and inflammation induced by transforming growth factor(TGF)-βin human Tenon fibroblasts(HTFs).METHODS:HTFs were three-dimensionally cultivated in type I collagen-generated gels with or without TGF-β(5 ng/mL),17β-estradiol(12.5 to 100μmol/L),or progesterone(12.5 to 100μmol/L).Then,the collagen gel diameter was determined to assess the contraction,and the development of stress fibers was analyzed using immunofluorescence staining.Immunoblot and gelatin zymography assays were used to analyze matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases(TIMPs)being released into culture supernatants.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)were used to detect interleukin(IL)-6,monocyte chemoattractant proteins(MCP)-1,and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in HTFs at the translational and transcriptional levels.The phosphorylation levels of Sma-and Mad-related proteins(Smads),mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs),and protein kinase B(AKT)were measured by immunoblotting.Statistical analysis was performed using either the Tukey-Kramer test or Student’s unpaired t-test to compare the various treatments.RESULTS:The CGC caused by TGF-βin HTFs was significantly inhibited by 17β-estradiol(25 to 100μmol/L),and a statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the normal control group with 17β-estradiol concentrations exceeding 25μmol/L(P<0.05).The suppressive impact of 17β-estradiol became evident 24h after administration and peaked at 72h(P<0.05),whereas progesterone had no impact.Moreover,17β-estradiol attenuated the formation of stress fibers,and the production of MMP-3 and MMP-1 in HTFs stimulated by TGF-β.The expression of MCP-1,IL-6,and VEGF mRNA and protein in HTFs were suppressed by 100μmol/L 17β-estradiol(P<0.01).Additionally,the phosphorylation of Smad2 Smad3,p38,and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)were downregulated(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:17β-estradiol significantly inhibits the CGC and inflammation caused by TGF-βin HTFs.This inhibition is likely related to the suppression of stress fibers,inhibition of MMPs,and attenuation of Smads and MAPK(ERK and p38)signaling.17β-estradiol may have potential clinical benefits in preventing scar development and inflammation in the conjunctiva.

Nitrogen-rich metal-organic framework mediated Cu-N-C composite catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO_(2)

Cu-based MOFs,i.e.,HKUST-1,etc.,have been pertinently chosen as the pristine materials for CO_(2) ER due to the unique ability of copper for generation hydrocarbon fuel.However,the limited conductivity and stability become the stumbling-block that prevents the development of it.The exploring of MOFsderived M-C materials starts a new chapter for the MOFs precursors,which provides a remarkable electronic connection between carbon matrix and metals/metal oxides.N-doped M-N-C with extensive M-N sites scattering into the carbon matrix are more popular because of their impressive contribution to catalytic activity and specific product selectivity.Nevertheless,Cu-N-C system remained undeveloped up to now.The lack of ideal precursor,the sensitivity of Cu to be oxidized,and the difficulties in the synthesis of small size Cu nanoparticles are thus known as the main barriers to the development of Cu-N-C electrocatalysts.Herein,a nitrogen-rich Cu-BTT MOF is employed for the derivation of N-doped Cu-N-CT composite electrocatalysts by the pyrolyze method.High-temperature pyrolysis product of Cu-N-C1100exhibits the best catalytic activity for productions of CO(-0.6 V vs.RHE,jCO=0.4 mA/cm^(2))and HCOOH(-0.9 V vs.RHE,jHCOOH=1.4 mA/cm^(2)).

Hydropathy modulation on Bi_(2)S_(3) for enhanced electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction

Electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)is a promising way to achieve carbon neutrality.However,the activity and selectivity of CO_(2)RR are limited by not only the development of earth-abundant catalysts but also the CO_(2) mass transfer during the CO_(2)RR process.Herein,Bi_(2)S3 nanorods were synthesized under a relatively mild route.Furthermore,benefitting to the modulation of the hydropathy.

2D Naphthalenedisulfonate-cadmiun coordination polymer with2,4,5-tri(4-pyridyl)-imidazole as a co-ligand:Structure and catalytic property

A new 2D coordination polymer, [Cd（tpim）（1,5-nds）]n （1）, was constructed from 1,5-naphthalenedi- sulfonate （1,5-nds）. 2.4,5-tri（4-pyridyl）-imidazole （tpim） and Cd（CH3COO）2.2H2O, which can be subsequently used to promote the epoxide ring-opening reaction of epoxides and amines with remarkable catalytic activity. In addition, the thermal and luminescent properties of I in the solid state were also investigated.