All-trans retinoic acid alleviates transmissible gastroenteritis virus-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction in weaned piglets

Background Transmissible gastroenteritis virus(TGEV)is one of the main pathogens causing severe diarrhea of pig-lets.The pathogenesis of TGEV is closely related to intestinal inflammation.All-trans retinoic acid(ATRA)is the main active metabolite of vitamin A,which has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.However,it is unclear whether ATRA can alleviate TGEV-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction in piglets.This study aimed to investigate the effects of ATRA on growth performance,diarrhea,intestinal inflammation and intesti-nal barrier integrity of TGEV-challenged piglets.Methods In a 19-d study,32 weaned piglets were randomly divided into 4 treatments:Control group(basal diet),TGEV group(basal diet+TGEV challenge),TGEV+ATRA5 group(basal diet+5 mg/d ATRA+TGEV challenge)and TGEV+ATRA15 group(basal diet+15 mg/d ATRA+TGEV challenge).On d 14,piglets were orally administered TGEV or the sterile medium.Results Feeding piglets with 5 and 15 mg/d ATRA alleviated the growth inhibition and diarrhea induced by TGEV(P<0.05).Feeding piglets with 5 and 15 mg/d ATRA also inhibited the increase of serum diamine oxidase(DAO)activ-ity and the decrease of occludin and claudin-1 protein levels in jejunal mucosa induced by TGEV,and maintained intestinal barrier integrity(P<0.05).Meanwhile,5 mg/d ATRA feeding increased the sucrase activity and the expres-sions of nutrient transporter related genes(GLUT2 and SLC7A1)in jejunal mucosa of TGEV-challenged piglets(P<0.05).Furthermore,5 mg/d ATRA feeding attenuated TGEV-induced intestinal inflammatory response by inhibit-ing the release of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and promoting the secretion of IL-10 and secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA)(P<0.05).Feeding 5 mg/d ATRA also down-regulated the expressions of Toll-like receptors and RIG-I like receptors signaling pathway related genes(TLR3,TLR4,RIG-I,MyD88,TRIF and MAVS)and the phosphorylation level of nuclear factor-κB-p65(NF-κB p65),and up-regulated the inhibitor kappa B alpha(IκBα)protein level in jejunal mucosa of TGEV-challenged piglets(P<0.05).Conclusions ATRA alleviated TGEV-induced intestinal barrier damage by inhibiting inflammatory response,thus improving the growth performance and inhibiting diarrhea of piglets.The mechanism was associated with the inhibi-tion of NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by TLR3,TLR4 and RIG-I.

Palmitoleic acid on top of HFD ameliorates insulin resistance independent of diacylglycerols and alters gut microbiota in C57BL/6J mice

With the prevalence of obesity and obesity-related metabolic syndrome,such as insulin resistance in recent years,it is urgent to explore effective interventions to prevent the progression of obesity-related metabolic syndrome.Palmitoleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is available from dietary sources,mainly derived from marine products.P almitoleic acid plays a positive role in maintaining glucose homeostasis and reducing inflammation.However,it is still unknow the mechanism of palmitoleic acid in ameliorating insulin resistance.Here,we investigated the effects of palmitoleic acid on chow diet(CD)-fed and high-fat diet(HFD)-fed mice,which were fed CD or HFD for 12 weeks before administration.We administrated mice with BSA(control),oleic acid,or palmitoleic acid for 6 weeks on top of CD or HFD feeding.We found that palmitoleic acid only improved glucose homeostasis in HFD-fed obese mice by increasing glucose clearance and reducing HOMA-IR.Further study explored that palmitoleic acid changed the composition of gut microbiota by decreasing Firmicutes population and increasing Bacteroidetes population.In colon,palmitoleic acid increased intestinal tight junction integrity and reduced inflammation.Moreover,palmitoleic acid decreased macrophage infiltration in liver and adipose tissue and increase glucose uptake in adipose tissue.Diacylglycerol(DAG)in tissue(for example,liver)is found to positively correlated with HOMA-IR.HFD enhanced the levels of DAGs in liver but not in adipose tissue in this study.Palmitoleic acid did not reverse the high DAG levels induced by HFD in liver.Therefore,in HFD-fed mice,palmitoleic acid reduced insulin resistance by an independent-manner of DAGs.It might be associated with the beneficial effects of palmitoleic acid on altering the gut microbiota composition,improving of intestinal barrier function,and downregulating the inflammation in colon,liver,and adipose tissue.

Pyramiding of multiple genes generates rapeseed introgression lines with clubroot and herbicide resistance, high oleic acid content, and early maturity

Clubroot and herbicide resistance,high oleic acid(OA)content,and early maturity are targets of rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)breeding.The objective of this study was to develop new male-fertility restorer lines by pyramiding favorable genes to improve these traits simultaneously.Seven elite alleles for the four traits were introduced into the restorer line 621R by speed breeding with marker-assisted and phenotypic selection.Six introgression lines(ILs)were developed with four-to seven-gene combinations and crossed with two elite parents to develop hybrids.All ILs and their corresponding hybrids displayed high resistance to both clubroot pathotype 4 and sulfonylurea herbicides.Three ILs and their hybrids showed large increases in OA contents and four showed earlier maturity.These new ILs may be useful in rapeseed hybrid breeding for the target traits.

Corrosion resistance of Mg-Al-LDH steam coating on AZ80 Mg alloy:Effects of citric acid pretreatment and intermetallic compounds

In this study,the effects of intermetallic compounds(Mg_(17)Al_(12)and Al_(8)Mn_(5))on the Mg-Al layered double hydroxide(LDH)formation mechanism and corrosion behavior of an in-situ LDH/Mg(OH)_(2)steam coatings on AZ80 Mg alloy were investigated.Citric acid(CA)was used to activate the alloy surface during the pretreatment process.The alloy was first pretreated with CA and then subjected to a hydrothermal process using ultrapure water to produce Mg-Al-LDH/Mg(OH)_(2)steam coating.The effect of different time of acid pretreatment on the activation of the intermetallic compounds was investigated.The microstructure and elemental composition of the obtained coatings were analyzed using FE-SEM,EDS,XRD and FT-IR.The corrosion resistance of the coated samples was evaluated using different techniques,i.e.,potentiodynamic polarization(PDP),electrochemical impedance spectrum(EIS)and hydrogen evolution test.The results indicated that the CA pretreatment significantly influenced the activity of the alloy surface by exposing the intermetallic compounds.The surface area fraction of Mg_(17)Al_(12)and Al_(8)Mn_(5)phases on the surface of the alloy was significantly higher after the CA pretreatment,and thus promoted the growth of the subsequent Mg-Al-LDH coatings.The CA pretreatment for 30 s resulted in a denser and thicker LDH coating.Increase in the CA pretreatment time significantly led to the improvement in corrosion resistance of the coated AZ80 alloy.The corrosion current density of the coated alloy was lower by three orders of magnitude as compared to the uncoated alloy.

All-trans retinoic acid regulates the expression of MMP-2 and TGF-β2 via RDH5 in retinal pigment epithelium cells

·AIM: To investigate the effect of all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA) on retinol dehydrogenase 5(RDH5), matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) and transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2) transcription levels, and the effect of RDH5 on MMP-2 and TGF-β2 in retinal pigment epithelium(RPE) cells.·METHODS: After adult RPE cell line-19(ARPE-19 cells) intervened with gradient concentrations of ATRA(0-20 μmol/L) for 24h, flow cytometry was used to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of cells in each group, and quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) was used to detect RDH5, MMP-2 and TGF-β2 m RNA expression. Then, after ARPE-19 cells transfected with three different si RNA targets for 48h, the RDH5 knockdown efficiency of each group and expression of MMP-2 and TGF-β2 m RNA within them was detected by q RT-PCR. ·RESULTS: Flow cytometry results showed that ATRA could inhibit the proliferation of RPE cells and promote the apoptosis of RPE cells, and the difference of apoptosis was statistically significant when the ATRA concentration exceeded 5 μmol/L and compared with the normal control group(P=0.027 and P=0.031, respectively). q RT-PCR results showed that ATRA could significantly inhibit the expression level of RDH5 m RNA(P<0.001) and promote the expression of MMP-2 and TGF-β2 m RNA(P=0.03 and P<0.001, respectively) in a dose-dependent manner, especially when treated with 5 μmol/L ATRA. The knockdown efficiency of RDH5 si RNA varies with different targets, among which RDH5 si RNA-435 had the highest knockdown efficiency, i.e., more than 50% lower than that of the negative control group(P=0.02). When RDH5 was knocked down for 48h, the results of q RT-PCR showed that the expressions of MMP-2 and TGF-β2 m RNA were significantly up-regulated(P<0.001).·CONCLUSION: ATRA inhibits the expression of RDH5 and promotes MMP-2 and TGF-β2, and further RDH5 knockdown significantly upregulates MMP-2 and TGF-β2. These findings suggest that RDH5 may be involved in an epithelial-mesenchymal transition of RPE cells mediated by ATRA.

CD71-mediated liposomal arsenic-nickel complex combined with all-trans retinoic acid for the efficacy of acute promyelocytic leukemia

Clinically,arsenic trioxide(ATO)was applied to the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL)as a reliable and effective frontline drug.However,the administration regimen of AsⅢwas limited due to its fast clearance,short therapeutic window and toxicity as well.Based on CD71 overexpressed on APL cells,in present study,a transferrin(Tf)-modified liposome(LP)was established firstly to encapsulate AsⅢin arsenic-nickel complex by nickel acetate gradient method.The AsⅢ-loaded liposomes(AsLP)exhibited the feature of acid-sensitive release in vitro.Tf-modified AsLP(Tf-AsLP)were specifically taken up by APL cells and the acidic intracellular environment triggered liposome to release AsⅢwhich stimulated reactive oxygen species level and caspase-3 activity.Tf-AsLP prolonged half-life of AsⅢin blood circulation,lowered systemic toxicity,and promoted apoptosis and induced cell differentiation at lesion site in vivo.Considering that ATO combined with RA is usually applied as the first choice in clinic for APL treatment to improve the therapeutic effect,accordingly,a Tf-modified RA liposome(Tf-RALP)was designed to reduce the severe side effects of free RA and assist Tf-AsLP for better efficacy.As expected,the tumor inhibition rate of Tf-AsLP was improved significantly with the combination of Tf-RALP on subcutaneous tumor model.Furthermore,APL orthotopic NOD/SCID mice model was established by 60CO irradiation and HL-60 cells intravenously injection.The effect of co-administration(Tf-AsLP+Tf-RALP)was also confirmed to conspicuous decrease the number of leukemia cells in the circulatory system and prolong the survival time of APL mice by promoting the APL cells’apoptosis and differentiation in peripheral blood and bone marrow.Collectively,Tf-modified acid-sensitive AsLP could greatly reduce the systemic toxicity of free drug.Moreover,Tf-AsLP combined with Tf-RALP could achieve better efficacy.Thus,transferrinmodified AsⅢliposome would be a novel clinical strategy to improve patient compliance,with promising translation prospects.

Nano transdermal system combining mitochondria-targeting cerium oxide nanoparticles with all-trans retinoic acid for psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that is intricately linked to oxidative stress.Antioxidation and inhibition of abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes are pivotal strategies for psoriasis.Delivering drugs with these effects to the site of skin lesions is a challenge that needs to be solved.Herein,we reported a nanotransdermal delivery system composed of all-trans retinoic acid(TRA),triphenylphosphine(TPP)-modified cerium oxide(CeO2)nanoparticles,flexible nanoliposomes and gels(TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL-Gel).The results revealed that TCeO_(2)synthesized by the anti-micelle method,with a size of approximately 5 nm,possessed excellent mitochondrial targeting ability and valence conversion capability related to scavenging reactive oxygen species(ROS).TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL prepared by the film dispersion method,with a size of approximately 70 nm,showed high drug encapsulation efficiency(>96%).TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL-Gel further showed sustained drug release behaviors,great transdermal permeation ability,and greater skin retention than the free TRA.The results of in vitro EGF-induced and H2O2-induced models suggested that TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL effectively reduced the level of inflammation and alleviated oxidative stress in HaCat cells.The results of in vivo imiquimod(IMQ)-induced model indicated that TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL-Gel could greatly alleviate the psoriasis symptoms.In summary,the transdermal drug delivery system designed in this study has shown excellent therapeutic effects on psoriasis and is prospective for the safe and accurate therapy of psoriasis.

Therapeutic effects of Lingguizhugan decoction in a rat model of high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance

BACKGROUND Lingguizhugan(LGZG)decoction is a widely used classic Chinese medicine formula that was recently shown to improve high-fat diet(HFD)-induced insulin resistance(IR)in animal studies.AIM To assess the therapeutic effect of LGZG decoction on HFD-induced IR and explore the potential underlying mechanism.METHODS To establish an IR rat model,a 12-wk HFD was administered,followed by a 4-wk treatment with LGZG.The determination of IR status was achieved through the use of biochemical tests and oral glucose tolerance tests.Using a targeted metabolomics platform to analyze changes in serum metabolites,quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to assess the gene expression of the ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta 1(S6K1).RESULTS In IR rats,LGZG decreased body weight and indices of hepatic steatosis.It effectively controlled blood glucose and food intake while protecting islet cells.Metabolite analysis revealed significant differences between the HFD and HFDLGZG groups.LGZG intervention reduced branched-chain amino acid levels.Levels of IR-related metabolites such as tryptophan,alanine,taurine,and asparagine decreased significantly.IR may be linked to amino acids due to the contemporaneous increase in S6K1 expression,as shown by qRT-PCR.CONCLUSIONS Our study strongly suggests that LGZG decoction reduces HFD-induced IR.LGZG may activate S6K1 via metabolic pathways.These findings lay the groundwork for the potential of LGZG as an IR treatment.

Induced Resistance of Tomato against Gray Mold (Botrytis cinerea) by Salicylic Acid (SA)

[ Objective ] The paper was to explore the induced resistance of tomato against gray mold （Botrytis cinerea） by salicylic acid. [ Method ] SA was used as an inducer to treat tomato seedlings, the effects of SA on mycelial diameter and spore germination of B. cinerea were studied, and the changes of 4 defense enzyme activities containing catalase （CAT）, peroxidase （POD）, polyphenol oxidase （PPO） and phenylalanine ammonia lyase （PAL）, as well as malondialdehyde （MDA） content during the production process of induced resistance were also measured. [ Result] SA had no inhibitory effect against spore germination and myce- lial growth of B. cinerea within the concentration range, and the relative induced effect had different degrees of improvement after treatment. The induced effect was the best as B. cinerea was challenged to inoculate at the third day after using 150 mg/L SA in tomato plants, and the duration of resistance was 10 -15 d. After treated by SA, CAT, POD, PPO and PAL first increased and then decreased in systemic induced resistance against B. cinerea, which were significantly higher than control. Meanwhile, MDA content showed ascendant trend in wavy line form. [ Conclusion ] The use of SA within a certain concentration range is safe; CAT, POD, PPO and PAL activities have positive correlation with induced resistance against B. cinerea, the increase of MDA content also has close relationship with the imvrovement of disease resistance.

Synthesis and anti-tumor activity of all-trans retinoic acid derivatives

A series of retinoate and retinamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and their anti-tumor activities were investigated in NB4 by MTT and flow cytometry assays （FCM）. All compounds showed cytotoxicity, especially compounds la and ld exhibited a higher cytotoxicity than other derivatives and all-trans rethaoic acid （ATRA）. Furthermore, compound 1d could induce NB4 cell lines differentiation efficiently. O 2009 Fei Hu Chert. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Effects of different free fatty acids on insulin resistance in rats

BACKGROUND: Much evidence demonstrates that elevated free fatty acids (FFAs) are associated with insulin resistance. However, it is not clear whether different FFAs can cause different degrees of peripheral insulin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term elevation of FFAs on hepatic and peripheral insulin action, and determine whether FFAs with different degrees of saturation have differential effects on hepatic insulin resistance. METHODS: Intralipid+heparin (IH, polyunsaturated fatty acids), oleate (OLE), lard oil+heparin (LOH), and saline (SAL) were separately infused intravenously for 7 hours in normal Wistar rats. During the last 2 hours of the fat/saline infusion, a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamping was performed with [6-H-3] glucose tracer. Plasma glucose was measured using the glucose oxygenase method. Plasma insulin and C-peptide were determined by radioimmunoassays. Plasma FFAs were measured using a colorimetric method. RESULTS: Compared with infusion of SAL, plasma FFA levels were significantly elevated by infusions of IH, OLE, and LOH (P<0.001). All three fat infusions caused remarkably higher hepatic glucose production (HGP) than SAL (P<0.001). OLE and LOH infusions induced much higher HGP than IH (P<0.01). Glucose utilization (GU) was decreased with all three fat infusions relative to SAL (P<0.001), but GU did not differ among the three types of fat infusions. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term elevation of FFAs can induce hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance. Polyunsaturated fatty acids induced less hepatic insulin resistance than monounsaturated or saturated fatty acids. However, IH, OLE, and LOH infusions induced similar peripheral insulin resistance.

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.

Effect of Ursolic Acid on Breast Cancer Resistance Protein-mediated Transport of Rosuvastatin In Vivo and Vitro

Objective To evaluate whether ursolic acid can inhibit breast cancer resistance protein(BCRP)-mediated transport of rosuvastatin in vivo and in vitro. Methods Firstly, we explored the pharmacokinetics of 5-fluorouracil(5-FU, a substrate of BCRP) in rats in the presence or absence of ursolic acid. Secondly, we studied the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin in rats in the presence or absence of ursolic acid or Ko143(inhibitor of BCRP). Finially, the concentration-dependent transport of rosuvastatin and the inhibitory effects of ursolic acid and Ko143 were examined in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney(MDCK) Ⅱ-BCRP421CC(wild type) cells and MDCKⅡ-BCRP421AA(mutant type) cells. Results As a result, significant changes in pharmacokinetics parameters of 5-FU were observed in rats following pretreatment with ursolic acid. Both ursolic acid and Ko143 could significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin. The rosuvastatin transport in the BCRP overexpressing system was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. However, there was no statistical difference in BCRP-mediated transport of rosuvastatin betweent the wild type cells and mutant cells. The same as Ko143, ursolic acid inhibited BCRP-mediated transport of rosuvastatin in vitro. Conclusion Ursolic acid appears to be a potent modulator of BCRP that affects the pharmacokinetic of rosuvastatin in vivo and inhibits the transport of rosuvastatin in vitro.

All-trans retinoic acid upregulates VEGF expression in glioma cells in vitro

All-trans retinoid acid （ATRA） is one of the most potent and most thoroughly studied differentiation inducers that induce the differentiation and apoptosis of glioma cells. However, the effect of ATRA on angiogenesis of glioma re- mains poorly understood. We examined the effect of ATRA on the expression of vascular endothelial growth fac- tor （VEGF） in different glioma cell lines and investigated the underlying mechanism, intending to partially reveal the effects of ATRA on angiogenesis of glioma. Glioma cells were treated by ATRA at 5 and 10 μmol/L. The VEGF mRNA transcript levels were determined by real-time RT-PCR and the protein levels of VEGF in glioma cells were evaluated by Western blotting assays. Moreover, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-la） mRNA expression was analyzed by using real-time RT-PCR. After treatment with 5 and 10 μmol/L ATRA, the VEGF mRNA tran- script levels in glioma cells increased remarkably, compared with that in the control group, and the relative protein expression of VEGF was also up-regulated. Meanwhile, the HIF-la mRNA expression also increased. ATRA in- creases the expression of VEGF in glioma cells at both transcriptional and translational levels.

Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases expression in human dental pulp cells by all-trans retinoic acid

All-trans retinoic acid（ATRA） inhibits matrix metalloproteinase（MMP）-2 and MMP-9 in synovial fibroblasts, skin fibroblasts,bronchoalveolar lavage cells and cancer cells, but activates MMP-9 in neuroblast and leukemia cells. Very little is known regarding whether ATRA can activate or inhibit MMPs in human dental pulp cells（HDPCs）. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ATRA on the production and secretion of MMP-2 and-9 in HDPCs. The productions and messenger RNA（mRNA） expressions of MMP-2 and-9 were accessed by gelatin zymography and real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）, respectively. ATRA was found to decrease MMP-2 level in a dose-dependent manner. Significant reduction in MMP-2 mRNA expression was also observed in HDPCs treated with 25 mmol？L21ATRA. However, HDPCs treated with ATRA had no effect on the pattern of MMP-9 produced or secreted in either cell extracts or conditioned medium fractions. Taken together, ATRA had an inhibitory effect on MMP-2 expression in HDPCs,which suggests that ATRA could be a candidate as a medicament which could control the inflammation of pulp tissue in vital pulp therapy and regenerative endodontics.

Genistein Reverses Free Fatty Acid-induced Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Hepatocytes through Targeting JNK

This study investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of genistein in improving insulin resistance induced by free fatty acids （FFAs） in HepG2 hepatocytes. A model of insulin resistance in HepG2 cells was established by adding palmitic acid （0.5 mmol/L） to the culture medium and the cells were treated by genistein. Glucose consumption of HepG2 cells was determined by glucose oxidase method. The levels of c-jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） phosphorylation, insulin receptor substrate-1 （IRS-1） Ser307 phosphorylation, JNK, IRS-1, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase p85 （PI-3K p85） and glucose transporter 1 （GLUT1） proteins were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that after the treatment with palmitic acid for 24 h, the insulin-stimulated glucose transport in HepG2 cells was inhibited, and the glucose consumption was substantially reduced. Meanwhile, the expressions of IRS-1, PI-3K p85 protein and GLUT1 were obviously reduced, while the levels of JNK phosphorylation and IRS-1 Ser307 phosphorylation and the expression of JNK protein were significantly increased, as compared with cells of normal control. However, the aforementioned indices, which indicated the existence of insulin resistance, were reversed by genistein at 1-4 μmol/L in a dose-dependent manner. It was concluded that insulin resistance induced by FFAs in HepG2 hepatocytes could be improved by genistein. Genistein might reverse FFAs-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells by targeting JNK.

Potential role of nuclear receptor ligand all-trans retinoic acids in the treatment of fungal keratitis

·Fungal keratitis(FK) is a worldwide visual impairment disease. This infectious fungus initiates the primary innate immune response and, later the adaptive immune response. The inflammatory process is related to a variety of immune cells, including macrophages, helper T cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and Treg cells, and is associated with proinflammatory, chemotactic and regulatory cytokines. All-trans retinoic acids(ATRA)have diverse immunomodulatory actions in a number of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. These retinoids regulate the transcriptional levels of target genes through the activation of nuclear receptors.Retinoic acid receptor α(RAR α), retinoic acid receptor γ(RAR γ), and retinoid X receptor α(RXR α) are expressed in the cornea and immune cells. This paper summarizes new findings regarding ATRA in immune and inflammatory diseases and analyzes the perspective application of ATRA in FK.

Effect of All-trans Retinoic Acid on Liver Fibrosis Induced by Common Bile Duct Ligation in Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and possible mechanism of all-trans retinoic acid （ATRA） on liver fibrosis induced by common bile duct ligation （CBDL） in rats. Fifty-three female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups： sham operation group （group J, 5 animals） and groups A, B, C and D （12 animals in each group）. The rats in groups A, B, C and D were subjected to CBDL to induce liver fibrosis, while those in group J to sham operation. From the 3rd week the rats in groups B, C and D respectively received daily administration of ATRA via gas- tric tube at three different doses [0.1, 1.5 and 7.5 mg/kg body weight （BW）]. Animals were sacrificed at 6th week. Rats＇ liver tissues were observed for pathologic changes under a light microscope. The protein levels of type Ⅰ collagen （COLⅠ）, matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP2）, MMP13 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） in liver tissues were determined by immunohistochemical techniques. The expression levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF mRNA in liver tissues were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The results showed that loss of normal hepatic architecture and formation of obvious fibrosis were observed in group A, while ATRA treatment for 4 weeks notably alleviated the pathological changes of hepatocytes. The expres- sion of COL Ⅰ and TIMP-1 proteins in group A was increased, while decreased in ATRA-treated CBDL groups （P〈0.05）. ATRA （1.5 and 7.5 mg/kg BW） reduced the expression levels of COLⅠ protein more greatly than that of 0.1 mg/kg BW （P〈0.05）. ATRA treatment increased the protein levels of MMP2 and MMP13. The expression levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF mRNA in group A were increased. In comparison with group A, the mRNA levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF in ATRA-treated CBDL groups were significantly decreased （P〈0.05）. It was concluded that ATRA could inhibit CBDL-induced liver fibrosis in rats by suppressing the expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF so as to di- minish the inhibition of TIMP-1 on MMP2 and MMP13 and increase the activity of MMP2 and MMP13.

All-trans retinoic acid(ATRA)inhibits insufficient radiofrequency ablation(IRFA)-induced enrichment of tumor-initiating cells in hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective:Local recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after radiofrequency ablation(RFA)treatment remains a serious problem.Tumor-initiating cells(TICs)are thought to be responsible for tumor relapse.Here,we investigated the effect of the TIC differentiation inducer,all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA),on RFA and explored the potential molecular mechanisms.Methods:The proportions of CD133+and epithelial cell adhesion molecule(Ep CAM);TICs in recurrent HCC after RFA and primary HCC were first determined in clinic.Then,the effect of heat intervention or insufficient RFA(IRFA)on the malignant potential of HCC cells,including cell migration,sphere formation ability,tumor growth,the proportion of CD133+and Ep CAM+TICs and expression of stem cell-related genes,was evaluated in vitro and in vivo.Finally,the effect of ATRA on the tumor growth and the proportion of TICs was evaluated.Results:In clinical data,a higher proportion of CD133+and Ep CAM+TICs was found in recurrent tumors than in primary tumors.In vitro heat intervention promoted the cell migration and sphere formation ability.Additionally,it increased the proportion of CD133+and Ep CAM+TICs and the expression of stem cell-related genes.In addition,after IRFA the residual tumors in xenografts grew faster and had more TICs than untreated tumors.ATRA remarkably inhibited residual tumor growth after IRFA by elimination of TICs though the PI3 K/AKT pathway.Combination treatment with ATRA resulted in longer survival outcomes in mouse xenografts than RFA alone.Conclusions:ATRA,as a TIC differentiation inducer,could help to improve the effect of RFA treatment,which was partially attributed to its effect against TICs.The data indicated its potential as an alternative drug in the development of better therapeutic strategies for use in combination with RFA.

Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acid-Based Delivery of Resveratrol Alleviates Insulin Resistance:From Innate to Adaptive Immunity

Obesity-induced insulin resistance is the hallmark of metabolic syndrome,and chronic,low-grade tissue inflammation links obesity to insulin resistance through the activation of tissue-infiltrating immune cells.Current therapeutic approaches lack efficacy and immunomodulatory capacity.Thus,a new therapeutic approach is needed to prevent chronic inflammation and alleviate insulin resistance.Here,we synthesized a tetrahedral framework nucleic acid(tFNA)nanoparticle that carried resveratrol(RSV)to inhibit tissue inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity in obese mice.The prepared nanoparticles,namely tFNAs-RSV,possessed the characteristics of simple synthesis,stable properties,good water solubility,and superior biocompatibility.The tFNA-based delivery ameliorated the lability of RSV and enhanced its therapeutic efficacy.In high-fat diet(HFD)-fed mice,the administration of tFNAs-RSV ameliorated insulin resistance by alleviating inflammation status.tFNAs-RSV could reverse M1 phenotype macrophages in tissues to M2 phenotype macrophages.As for adaptive immunity,the prepared nanoparticles could repress the activation of Th1 and Th17 and promote Th2 and Treg,leading to the alleviation of insulin resistance.Furthermore,this study is the first to demonstrate that tFNAs,a nucleic acid material,possess immunomodulatory capacity.Collectively,our findings demonstrate that tFNAs-RSV alleviate insulin resistance and ameliorate inflammation in HFD mice,suggesting that nucleic acid materials or nucleic acid-based delivery systems may be a potential agent for the treatment of insulin resistance and obesity-related metabolic diseases.