Functional Metabolomics Reveals that Astragalus Polysaccharides Improve Lipids Metabolism through Microbial Metabolite 2-Hydroxybutyric Acid in Obese Mice

Polysaccharides are widely present in herbs with multiple activities,especially immunity regulation and metabolic benefits for metabolic disorders.However,the underlying mechanisms are not well under-stood.Functional metabolomics is increasingly used to investigate systemic effects on the host by iden-tifying metabolites with particular functions.This study explores the mechanisms underlying the metabolic benefits of Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)by adopting a functional metabolomics strategy.The effects of APS were determined in eight-week high-fat diet(HFD)-fed obese mice.Then,gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry(GC–TOFMS)-based untargeted metabolomics was performed for an analysis of serum and liver tissues,and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrom-etry(LC–MS/MS)-based targeted metabolomics was performed.The potential functions of the metabo-lites were tested with in vitro and in vivo models of metabolic disorders.Our results first confirmed the metabolic benefits of APS in obese mice.Then,metabolomics analysis revealed that APS supplemen-tation reversed the HFD-induced metabolic changes,and identified 2-hydroxybutyric acid(2-HB)as a potential functional metabolite for APS activity that was significantly decreased by a HFD and reversed by APS.Further study indicated that 2-HB inhibited oleic acid(OA)-induced triglyceride(TG)accumula-tion.It was also found to stimulate the expression of proteins in lipid degradation in hepatocytes and TG lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells.Moreover,it was found to reduce serum TG and regulate the proteins involved in lipid degradation in high-fat and high-sucrose(HFHS)-fed mice.In conclusion,our study demonstrates that the metabolic benefits of APS are at least partially due to 2-HB generation,which modulated lipid metabolism both in vitro and in vivo.Our results also highlight that functional metabolomics is practical for investigating the mechanism underlying the systemic benefits of plant polysaccharides.

Vancomycin pretreatment attenuates acetaminophen-induced liver injury through 2-hydroxybutyric acid

Liver injury caused by acetaminophen(AP)overdose is a leading public health problem.Although APinduced liver injury is well recognized as the formation of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone(NAPQI),a toxic metabolite of AP,resulting in cell damage,emerging evidence indicates that AP-induced liver injury is also associated with gut microbiota.However,the gut microbiota-involved mechanism remains largely unknown.In our study,we found that vancomycin(Vac)pretreatment(100 mg/kg,twice a day for 4 days)attenuated AP-induced liver injury,altered the composition of gut microbiota,and changed serum metabolic profile.Moreover,we identified Vac pretreatment elevated cecum and serum 2-hydroxybutyric acid(2-HB),which ameliorated AP-induced cell damage and liver injury in mice by reducing AP bioavailability and elevating GSH levels.Our current results revealed the novel role of 2-HB in protecting AP-induced liver injury and add new evidence for gut microbiota in affecting AP toxicity.

Sodium nitroprusside as a signal molecule for up-regulating membrane characteristics,antioxidant defense system to improve flax productivity under water stress

Water stress is a critical environmental adversity that significantly impacts the growth,development,and yield of flax plants.In this study,flax seeds were cultivated under different water irrigation requirements(WIR)(100%,75%,and 50%)to investigate the effects of exogenously supplied nitric oxide(NO)donor sodium nitroprusside(SNP)as foliar treatments at concentrations of 0.0 mmol/L,0.5 mmol/L,1.0 mmol/L,and 2.0 mmol/L.Drought stress led to a significant decrease in plant growth,photosynthetic pigments,yield components such as oil and total carbohydrate percentage.It also resulted in an increase in leaf H2O2 production,lipid peroxidation levels and activities of enzymatic antioxidants including polyphenol oxidase,superoxide dismutase,and nitrate reductase enzymes.However,foliar application of SNP improved photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant defense system which mitigated the negative impact of water stress on growth and yield productivity by reducing oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species accumulation.The use of SNP also decreased H_(2)O_(2) accumulation levels,lipid peroxidation levels,and improved membrane stability.SNP treatment at concentration of 2 mmol/L showed superior results compared to other concentrations with extremely significant increases observed in yield characteristics such as oil content,total carbohydrate percentages,and unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio.

SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL BLOCK COPOLYMERS OF POLY(3-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID)WITH POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL)THROUGH ANIONIC POLYMERISATION

A novel kind of copolymer with ABA-type block structure was synthesized by anionic ring-opening polymerization of beta-butyrolactone (beta-BL) in the presence of a PEG-based dicarboxylates as macroinitiators which were prepared by the esterification of aliphatic cyclic anhydride and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) oligomers (M-n = 2000, 4000 and 6000) and conversion of potassium dicarboxylates. The resultant copolymers as well as the intermediates were characterized by IR, H-1-NMR and GPC.

Development of Morus alba Reinforced Poly-Lactic Acid with Elevated Mechanical and Thermal Properties

This research investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of Morus alba combined with polylactic acid in comparison with other natural fibers. The study uses three different fiber and PLA compositions - 20%, 30%, and 40% respectively - to produce composite materials. In addition, another composite with the same fiber volume is treated with a 4% NaOH solution to improve mechanical properties. The composites are processed by twin-screw extrusion, granulation, and injection molding. Tensile strength measurements of raw fibers and NaOH-treated fibers were carried out using a single-fiber tensile test with a gauge length of 40 mm. It was observed that the NaOH surface treatment increases the resistance against tensile loading and exhibited improved properties for raw fiber strands. The diameter of the fibers was measured using optical microscopy. During this research, flexural tests, impact tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and heat deflection temperature measurements (HDT) were conducted to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of the developed composite samples. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of NaOH-treated Morus alba-reinforced polylactic acid outperform both virgin PLA samples and untreated Morus alba samples.

Effect of sodium salicylate on oxidative stress and insulin resistance induced by free fatty acids

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that high-dose salicylates improve free fatty acids (FFAs)-induced insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction in vitro, but the mechanism remains uncertain. In insulin-resistant rats, we found that the supplementation of sodium salicylate is associated with a reduction of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress. Few studies have investigated the effects of salicylates on oxidative stress levels in insulin-resistant animal models. This study aimed to assess the effect of sodium salicylate on insulin sensitivity and to explore the potential mechanism by which it improves hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance. METHODS: Intralipid+heparin (IH), saline (SAL), or intralipid+heparin+sodium salicylate (IHS) were separately infused for 7 hours in normal Wistar rats. During the last 2 hours of the infusion, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamping was 3 performed with [6-(3)H] glucose tracer. Plasma glucose was measured using the glucose oxygenase method. Plasma insulin and C-peptide were determined by radioimmunoassay. MDA levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity in the liver and skeletal muscle were measured with colorimetric kits. RESULTS: Compared with infusion of SAL, IH infusion increased hepatic glucose production (HGP), and decreased glucose utilization (GU) (P<0.05). The elevation of plasma free fatty acids increased the MDA levels and decreased the GSH-PX activity in the liver and muscle (P<0.01). Sodium salicylate treatment decreased HGP, elevated GU (P<0.05), reduced MDA content by 60% (P<0.01), and increased the GSH-PX activity by 35% (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term elevation of fatty acids induces insulin resistance by enhancing oxidative stress levels in the liver and muscle. The administration of the anti-inflammatory drug sodium salicylate reduces the degree of oxidative stress, therefore improving hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance. IKK-beta and NF-kappa B provide potential pathogenic links to oxidative stress.

Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of cyclic ketones utilizing potassium peroxydisulfate(K_2S_2O_8) or sodium perborate(NaBO_3) in acidic media

The efficient, green, facile, mild and straightforward conversion procedure for the oxidation of cyclic ketones to lactones at room temperature utilizing potassium peroxydisulfate （K2S2O8） in acidic media is satisfactory to high yields without using traditional chlorinated solvents is reported. This oxidative reagent is cheap and friendly environmental procedure for industrial purposes than use of organic peracids.

Redifferentiation of Human Gastric Cancer Cells Induced by Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Selenite

Objective To explore the effects and mechanisms of ascorbic acid (AA) and sodium selenite (SS) on growth inhibition and redifferentiation in human gastric cancer cells. Methods In the present study, trypan blue dye exclusion method was used to determine the cell growth curve and mitotic index, cell electrophoresis and colonogenic potential were used as the indexes of redifferentiation. In order to find out the mechanisms of redifferentiation, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) were assayed, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and H2O2 were evaluated. Results After treatment with AA 3 mol/L + SS 2μmol/L, the growth rate and mitotic index of human gastric cancer cells (MGc-803) decreased remarkably. The indexes related with cell malignancy were alleviated. For example, cell surface charge was obviously decreased, the electrophoresis rate was dropped from 2.21 to 1.15μm·s-1·V-1·cm-1. The indexes related with cell redifferentiation were promoted. For example, the colonogenic potential was decreased to 93.5%. These results indicated that redifferentiation of human gastric cancer cells was successfully induced by AA + SS. The activities of SOD and GPX were significantly higher, while the activity of CAT was slower in treated group than that in the control. The content of MDA was slightly decreased, GSH was sharply decreased, and H2O2 content was dramatically increased. Conclusion These results indicated that combination of ascorbic acid and sodium selenite may induce the redifferentiation of human gastric cancer cells and inhibit cell growth by virtue of enhancing the activities of antioxidative enzymes and inducing the formation of H2O2, and altering the cell redox status. Combination of ascorbic acid and sodium selenite may be a potent anticancer agent for human gastric cancer.

Role and Mechanism of Action of Exogenous Salicylic Acid and Sodium Molybdate in Improving Cold Tolerance of Bougainvillea glabra

This study was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the effects of salicylic acid and sodium molybdate on cold tolerance of an ornamental plant Bougainvillea glabra and to provide a theoretical guidance for landscape maintenance.B.glabra plants were treated with 0.5 mmol/L salicylic acid and 2.0 μmol/L alone or in combination,and then exposed to low temperature stress before physiological indices were measured.The results showed that all salicylic acid and sodium molybdate treatments reduced the relative conductivity and malondialdehyde( MDA) content of B.glabra to varying extents under the stress of low temperature,and more significant effect was achieved by using the two agents in combination.Oxygen free radicals production rate increased with decreasing temperature from 20 to 6 ℃,but declined with temperature decreasing from 3 to-3 ℃.The SOD activity of the control( CK) was significantly lower than that of other treatments at 0 and-3 ℃.The treatments with salicylic acid and sodium molybdate alone and in combination increased POD activity of B.glabra plants,especially at 0 ℃,as the POD activity of treatments T1,T2 and T3 was significantly higher than that of CK at 0 ℃.In addition,under low temperature stress,the contents of soluble sugar,starch and proline increased initially and decreased subsequently with temperature decreasing.The soluble sugar content at 3 ℃,starch and proline contents at 0 and-3 ℃ in treatments with salicylic acid and sodium molybdate alone and in combination were significantly higher than those of CK.All above results proved that salicylic acid and sodium molybdate are able to improve cold tolerance of B.glabra,and better effect can be achieved by using them together.

Pretreatment of poly(acrylic acid) sodium by continuous diafiltration and time revolution of filtration potential

The pretreatment for the removal of small molecules from poly(acrylic acid) sodium (PAAS) solution by continuous diafiltration was investigated using ultrafiltration membrane. The effects of PAAS concentration, pH, trans-membrane pressure and pretreatment time on the permeate concentration and permeate flux were studied. The results show that the necessary pretreatment time (NPT) increases with PAAS concentration, decreases with TMP. The change trend of permeate flux with time is affected by pH. The permeate fluxes rapidly decrease from the start, and then increase gradually to stable values at pH 5.0, pH 7.0 and pH 9.3. However, it decreases gradually with time till a state value at pH 3.0 (iso-electric point, IEP). The removal of small molecules is easy at pH greater than iso-electric point (IEP). The change of filtration potential with time indicates the similar trend to that of permeation concentration, but the former is more convenient for indication of NPT.

Comparison of the impact of epigallocatechin gallate and ellagic acid in an experimental cataract model induced by sodium selenite

AIM：To compare the potential protective effects of epigallocatechin gallate（EGCG） and ellagic acid（EA） in an experimental cataract model.●METHODS：Twenty-eight Spraque-Dawley rat pups were assigned into four groups.All the rats,except for those in the control group,were injected subcutaneously sodium selenite to induce experimental cataract on the postpartum ninth day,and between 10 th and 14 th days.Rats in the sham,EGCG,and EA groups were intraperitoneally administered 50 mg/（kg·d） saline solution,50 mg/（kg·d） EGCG and 200 mg/（kg·d） EA,respectively.The reduced glutathione（GSH） and malondialdehyde（MDA） levels,total antioxidant status（TAS） and total oxidant status（TOS） in lens supernatants were measured.RESULTS：The mean cataract gradings in EGCG and EA groups were found to be significantly lower than that in sham group（P〈0.001）.The mean GSH levels and TASs in EGCG and EA groups were significantly higher than that in sham group while mean MDA levels and TOSs in EGCG and EA groups were significantly lower than that in the sham group（P〈0.001）.CONCLUSION：EGCG and EA have protective effects on cataract development via the inhibition of oxidative stress.

A New One-dimensional Sodium Polymer Constructed from 4-Carboxy-benzenesulfonic Acid

A new one-dimensional double chain coordination polymer, [Na（cbsH）（H2O）3]n （cbsH = 4-carboxy-benzenesulfonic anion）, has been synthesized by aqueous reaction, structurally described, and thermally characterized. It crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P with a = 5.645（4）, b = 7.905（5）, c = 13.043（8） , α = 89.391（7）, β = 80.637（7）, γ = 82.845（7）°, V = 569.8（6） 3, Z = 2, C7H11NaO8S, Mr = 278.21, Dc = 1.622 Kg/m3, F（000） = 288, R = 0.0260 and wR = 0.0697. The title compound consists of one-dimensional double chains. 4-Carboxy-benzenesulfonic acid acts as a bridging bidentate ligand to link two sodium（I） ions to form a binuclear structure. Remarkably, the sodium（I） ion behaves as a metal bridge so that the binuclear structure units are connected to construct a one-dimensional double chain polymer. Furthermore, a 3-D framework is assembled through intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that this compound begins losing the free solvent molecules at 106 ℃ and decompounding completely at 580 ℃.

Determination of Iron in Layered Crystal Sodium Disilicate and Sodium Silicate by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Boric Acid as a Matrix Modifier

The effects of matrix silicate and experimental conditions on the determination of iron in flame atomic absorption spectrometry （FAAS） were investigated. It was found that boric acid as a matrix modifier obviously eliminated silicate interference. Under the optimum operating conditions, the determination results of iron in layered crystal sodium disilicate and sodium silicate samples by FAAS were satisfactory. The linear range of calibration curve is 0-10.5 μg.mL^-1, the relative standard deviation of method is 1.2%-2.2%, the recovery of added iron is 96.0%- 101%, the sensitivity is 0.19 μg.mL^-l and the detection limit is 77 ng.mL^-1. The effect of the determination of iron of the standard curve method, standard addition calibration and colorimetry method was the same, but the first has the merits of rapid sample preparation, reduced contamination risks and fast analysis.

1-Heptanesulfonic acid sodium salt:One pot efficient synthesis of 2-aryl-1-arylmethyl-1H-1,3-benzo[d]imidazoles

Synthesis of 2-aryl-1-arylmethyl-1H-1,3-benzo[d]imidazoles by the reaction of o-phenylenediamine with substituted aromatic aldehydes in the presence of 1-heptanesulfonic acid sodium salt （10 mol%） at room temperature. The reactions were performed in acetonitrile：water （8：2）. The method was proved to be eco-friendly, convenient and the products were isolated with good yields （82- 90%）.

Effects of adding sodium dichloroacetate to low-protein diets on nitrogen balance and amino acid metabolism in the portaldrained viscera and liver of pigs

Background:Identifying regulatory measures to promote glucose oxidative metabolism while simultaneously reducing amino acid oxidative metabolism is one of the foremost challenges in formulating low-protein(LP)diets designed to reduce the excretion of nitrogen-containing substances known to be potential pollutants.In this study,we investigated the effects of adding sodium dichloroacetate(DCA)to a LP diet on nitrogen balance and amino acid metabolism in the portal-drained viscera(PDV)and liver of pigs.To measure nitrogen balance,18 barrows(40±1.0 kg)were fed one of three diets(n=6 per group):18%crude protein(CP,control),13.5%CP(LP),and 13.5%CP+100 mg DCA/kg dry matter(LP-DCA).To measure amino acid metabolism in the PDV and liver,15 barrows(40±1.0 kg)were randomly assigned to one of the three diets(n=5 per group).Four essential amino acids(Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp)were added to the LP diets such that these had amino acid levels comparable to those of the control diet.Results:The LP-DCA diet reduced nitrogen excretion in pigs relative to that of pigs fed the control diet(P<0.05),without any negative effects on nitrogen retention(P>0.05).There were no differences between the control and LP-DCA groups with respect to amino acid supply to the liver and extra-hepatic tissues in pigs(P>0.05).The net release of ammonia into the portal vein and production rate of urea in the liver of pigs fed the LP-DCA diet was reduced relative to that of pigs fed the control and LP diets(P<0.05).Conclusion:The results indicated that addition of DCA to a LP diet can efficiently reduce nitrogen excretion in pigs and maximize the supply of amino acids to the liver and extra-hepatic tissues.

The Antidotal Effects of High-dosage γ-Aminobutyric Acid on Acute Tetramine Poisoning as Compared with Sodium Dimercaptopropane Sulfonate

To investigate the therapeutic effect of nigh-dosage γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA） on acute tetramine （TET） poisoning, 50 Kunming mice were divided into 5 groups at random and the antidotal effects of GABA or sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate （Na-DMPS） on poisoned mice in different groups were observed in order to compare the therapeutic effects of nigh-dosage GABA with those of Na-DMPS. Slices of brain tissue of the poisoned mice were made to examine pathological changes of cells. The survival analysis was employed. Our results showed that both high-dosage GABA and Na-DMPS could obviously prolong the survival time, delay onset of convulsion and muscular twitch, and ameliorate the symptoms after acute tetramine poisoning in the mice. Better effects could be achieved with earlier use of high dosage GABA or Na-DMPS. There was no significant difference in prolonging the survival time between high-dose GABA and Na-DMPS used immediately after poisioning. It is concluded that high-dosage GABA can effectively antagonize acute toxicity of terarnine in mice. And it is suggested that nigh-dosage GABA may be used as an excellent antidote for acute TET poisoning in clinical practice. The indications and correct dosage for clinical use awaits to be further studied.

SYNERGISM OF WOLFRAMITE FLOTATION WITH BENZYL ARSONIC ACID AND SODIUM BUTYL XANTHATE

Wolframite notation with benzyl arsonic acid and sodium butyl xanthate is studied,at first.It shows the efficiency of mineral processig is good when the two agents are added together.Then the synergism of sodium butyl xanthate and benzyl arsonic acid is studied also by HPLC.

Oxalic Acid Promoted Hydrolysis of Sodium Borohydride for Transition Metal Free Hydrogen Generation

We reported an inexpensive and high-efficiency hydrogen generation method from NaBH4 hydrolysis promoted by oxalic acid.NaBH4 and H2C2O4 were premixed and hydrogen generation was initiated by adding water into the solid mixture.H2C2O4 was selected as the acid promotor due to its solid state and low mass per proton.The effect of reactant ratio on the hydrogen yield and hydrogen storage density was investigated.With optimized reactant ratio,high gravimetric hydrogen storage up to 4.4wt%based on all the reactants can be achieved with excellent hydrogen generation kinetics.

Development of Better-Quality Assay Method for the Citric Acid and Sodium Citrate in Ophthalmic/Oral Solutions and Their Application to Deformulation Studies

There were several techniques determined for the analysis of citrate and citric acid mixtures in the pharmaceutical dosage forms. Titration methods, photometric and ion chromatographic methods were used for their determination. These methods will restrict too many factors where the accurate quantification of citrate and citric acid is extremely challenging. Citric acid is the natural flavor used as a preservative for many pharmaceutical applications. Deformulation techniques used for the manufacturing of generic drugs require authentic data for their regulatory submissions. Simple accurate and reproducible validated method developed for the determination of citric acid and sodium citrate by titration followed by HPLC analysis. Free citric acid was determined by the titration method and total citric acid was determined by HPLC analysis. After subtracting the free citric acid from total citric acid content, citric acid present in the sodium citrate content was determined. Sodium citrate content was determined by applying sodium correction factor to the subtracted value of the citric acid. The results met all the validation parameters and the method was successfully measured the amount of citric acid and sodium citrate in the marketed ophthalmic/oral solutions.

OBSERVATION OF THE EFFECT OF S－（－）USNIC ACID SODIUM ON TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS BY TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPE

This paper reports the ultrastructural changes of trichomonas vaginaiis (T. vag. ) under the action of s-(-)usnic acid sodium in vitro. These changes can be shown by the following results:At first, the degranulation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) took place, the polyribosomes disaggregated. And then, the Golgi complex and the endoplasmic reticulum dilated. The cytoplasmic matrix presented and inhomogeneous apperance. Finally, the biomembrane loosed and fractured.The cell nuclei presented the karyorrhexis.