Targeted screening of an anti-inflammatory polypeptide from Rhopilema esculentum Kishinouye cnidoblasts and elucidation of its mechanism in alleviating ulcerative colitis based on an analysis of the gut microbiota and metabolites

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a recurrent inflammatory bowel disease that imposes a severe burden on families and society.In recent years,exploiting the potential of marine bioactive peptides for the treatment of diseases has become a topic of intense research interest.This study revealed the mechanism underlying the protective effect of the dominant polypeptide PKKVV(Pro-Lys-Lys-Val-Val)of Rhopilema esculentum cnidoblasts against DSS-induced UC through a combined analysis of the metagenome and serum metabolome.Specifically,the polypeptide composition of R.esculentum cnidoblasts was determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS).Molecular docking showed that the dominant peptide PKKVV could bind better with tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)than the original ligand.Subsequent animal experiments suggested that PKKVV could modulate disorganized gut microorganisms in mice with UC;affect serum metabolites through the arachidonic acid,glycerophospholipid and linoleic acid metabolism pathways;and further alleviate UC symptoms.This study provides a reference for the comprehensive development of marine bioactive substances and nonpharmaceutical treatments for UC.

Practical guide:Glucagon-like peptide-1 and dual glucosedependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in diabetes mellitus

Practical guide:Glucagon-like peptide-1 and dual glucosedependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in diabetes mellitus common second-line choice after metformin for treating T2DM.Various considerations can make selecting and switching between different GLP-1 RAs challenging.Our study aims to provide a comprehensive guide for the usage of GLP-1 RAs and dual GIP and GLP-1 RAs for the management of T2DM.

A pancreatic player in dementia:pathological role for islet amyloid polypeptide accumulation in the brain

Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients have a markedly higher risk of developing dementia.While multiple factors contribute to this predisposition,one of these involves the increased secretion of amylin,or islet amyloid polypeptide,that accompanies the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus.Islet amyloid polypeptide accumulation has undoubtedly been implicated in various forms of dementia,including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia,but the exact mechanisms underlying islet amyloid polypeptide’s causative role in dementia are unclear.In this review,we have summarized the literature supporting the various mechanisms by which islet amyloid polypeptide accumulation may cause neuronal damage,ultimately leading to the clinical symptoms of dementia.We discuss the evidence for islet amyloid polypeptide deposition in the brain,islet amyloid polypeptide interaction with other amyloids implicated in neurodegeneration,neuroinflammation caused by islet amyloid polypeptide deposition,vascular damage induced by islet amyloid polypeptide accumulation,and islet amyloid polypeptide-induced cytotoxicity.There are very few therapies approved for the treatment of dementia,and of these,clinical responses have been controversial at best.Therefore,investigating new,targetable pathways is vital for identifying novel therapeutic strategies for treating dementia.As such,we conclude this review by discussing islet amyloid polypeptide accumulation as a potential therapeutic target not only in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus but as a future target in treating or even preventing dementia associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Construction and Expression of Eukaryotic Expressing Vector pCH510 of Polypeptide CH50 and Its Chemotaxis and Antitumor Function by in vivo Transfection

To construct an eukaryotic expressing vector that expresses CH50, a recombinant CellⅠ HepⅡ bifunctional domain polypeptide of human fibronectin, and to investigate the chemotaxis to immune cells and the inhibitory effect on the growth of tumor by the expression of the plasmid in vivo , the plasmid was constructed by DNA recombination. Gene transfection was performed in vitro and in vivo . The expressed product was identified by Western blot. The chemotaxis after gene transfection in vivo was observed by histotomy and staining of muscle tissues. The inhibition of gene transfection on solid tumor was observed in mice. The results showed that plasmid pCH510 was constructed by the recombination of the 5′ terminal noncoding region and signal peptide coding region of human fibronectin cDNA and cDNA fragment coding CH50 polypeptide with a 3′ terminal noncoding region of human FN cDNA, and the insertion of the recombinated fragment into plasmid pcDNA3.1. After transfection with plasmid pCH510, NIH3T3 cells could produce CH50 polypeptide. The transfection of plasmid pCH510 by the injection in muscle of mouse could produce the effects of chemotaxis on immune cells and the inhibition on the growth of solid tumor. It is concluded that plasmid pCH510 can express in cells and in vivo in mouse. The expression of the plasmid in vivo has a chemotactic effect on immune cells and can inhibit the growth of solid tumor.

Prognostic value of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha and prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta polypeptide overexpression in gastric cancer

AIM To investigate the relationship between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta(P4 HB) expression, and clinicopathologic parameters, as well as the prognostic value of these genes for patients with gastric cancer(Gc).METHODS Hypoxia is a critical factor that shapes the Gc microenvironment. In previous reports, we have demonstrated that P4 HB is a potential target of HIF-1α. In the present study, gene expression profiling interactive analysis(GEPIA) was used to analyze the relationship between P4 HB and hypoxia-associated genes. To this end, 428 Gc tissue samples were used to analyze the expression of HIF-1α and P4 HB via immunohistochemical staining. Patient samples were classified as having weak-expression or over-expression both in terms of HIF-1α and P4 HB. Correlations between biomarkers and clinicopathological factors were analyzed to predict survival. RESULTS P4 HB demonstrated a positive correlation with hypoxiaassociated genes(P < 0.05). HIF-1α and P4 HB overexpression have a significant correlation with TNM staging(χ2 = 23.32, P = 0.00; χ2 = 65.64, P = 0.00) and peritoneum cavity metastasis(χ2 = 12.67, P = 0.00; χ2 = 39.29, P = 0.00). In univariate analysis, patients with a high HIF-1α expression trend had a shorter disease-free survival(DFS: 44.80 mo vs 22.06 mo) and overall survival(OS: 49.58 mo vs 39.92 mo). P4 HB overexpression reflected similar results: patients with over-expression of P4 HB had a shorter survival time than those with weak-expression(DFS: 48.03 mo vs 29.64 mo, OS: 52.48 mo vs 36.87 mo). Furthermore, HIF-1α is also a clinicopathological predictor of dismal prognosis according to multivariate analysis(DFS, 95%c I: 0.52-0.88, P < 0.00; OS, 95%c I: 0.50-0.85, P < 0.00). However, P4 HB was meaningful in DFS(95%c I: 0.58-1.00, P < 0.05) but not in OS(95%c I: 0.72-1.23, P > 0.05).CONCLUSION Overexpression of HIF-1α and P4 HB is associated with poor prognosis in patients with Gc. Thus, these genes may be potential prognostic biomarker candidates in GC.

Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides prevent apoptosis by inhibiting the glutamate current in cultured hippocampal neurons

Glutamate-induced excitotoxicity plays a critical role in the neurological impairment caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion.Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides have been shown to protect against neurological functional damage caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion,but the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms and the relationship to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity remain unclear.Therefore,in the current study,we investigated the protective effects of Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in cultured hippocampal neurons.Hippocampal neurons were treated with Mg^2+-free extracellular solution containing glutamate(300μM)for 3 hours as a model of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity(glutamate group).In the normal group,hippocampal neurons were incubated in Mg^2+-free extracellular solution.In the Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide group,hippocampal neurons were incubated in Mg^2+-free extracellular solution containing glutamate(300μM)and Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide at different concentrations.At 24 hours after exposure to the agents,3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Hoechst 33258 staining were used to assess neuronal viability and nuclear m'orphology,respectively.Caspase-3 expression and activity were evaluated using western blot assay and colorimetric enzymatic assay,respectively.At various time points after glutamate treatment,reactive oxygen species in cells were detected by H2 DCF-DA,and mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by rhodamine 123 staining.To examine the effect of Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides on glutamate receptors,electrophysiological recording was used to measure the glutamate-induced inward current in cultured hippocampal neurons.Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells and reduced the changes in caspase-3 expression and activity induced by glutamate.In addition,Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide attenuated the amplitude of the glutamate-induced current.Furthermore,the glutamate-induced increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species and reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential were attenuated by Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide treatment.These findings collectively suggest that Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides exert a neuroprotective effect in cultured hippocampal neurons by suppressing the overactivation of glutamate receptors and inhibiting the caspase-3-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.All animal studies were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee,Nantong University,China(approval No.20120216-001)on February 16,2012.

SURFACE MODIFICATION OF POLYPROPYLENE MICROPOROUS MEMBRANE BY TETHERING POLYPEPTIDES

Two kinds of polypeptides were tethered onto the surface of polypropylene microporous membrane （PPMM） through a ring opening polymerization of L-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride initiated by amino groups which were introduced by ammonia plasma and y-aminopropyl triethanoxysilane treatments. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FT-IR/ATR）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, together with water contact angle measurements were used to characterize the modified membranes. XPS analyses and FT-IR/ATR spectra demonstrated that polypeptides are actually grafted onto the membrane surface. The wettability of the membrane surface increases at first and then decreases with the increase in grafting degrees of polypeptide. Platelet adhesion and murine macrophage attachment experiments reveal an enhanced hemocompatibility for the polypeptide modified PPMMs. All these results give evidence that polypeptide grafting can simultaneously improve the hemocompatibility as well as reserve the hydrophobicity for the membrane, which will provide a potential approach to improve the performance of polypropylene hollow fiber microporous membrane used in artificial oxygenator.

Comparative Study on the Inhibitory Effect of RecombinantFN Polypeptide CH50 and CH56 on the Metastasis ofMelanoma Cells

On the basis of preparation of anti-metastatic recombinant FN polypeptides, CH50 and CH56, we further studied the function of these polypeptides.The capacity of CH50 binding with melanoma cells (ED50 30 mM) was higher than that of CH56 (ED50 45 mM). Both of the polypeptides could significantly suppress the binding of melanoma B16 cells to laminin. There was no significant difference in the inhibitory effect between two polypeptides. In the experimental metastasis of melanoma cells, both of CH50 and CH56 could significantly inhibit the metastasis of the tumor cells, and reduce the number of lung metastasis by about 80%. Our results suggest that Ⅲ-11 and ED-A repeats influenced, to some extent, the binding capacity of bifunctional-domain polypeptide to cells, but did not affect the inhibition of the polypeptide on the metastasis of melanoma cells. The presence and connection of cell Ⅰ and Hep Ⅱ domains are the elements which determine the ability of recoinbinant FN polypeptides to inhibit the metastasis of tumor cells.

Association between low molecular polypeptide 7 single nucleotide polymorphism and response to therapy in hepatitis C virus infection

AIM: To investigate the relationship between low molecular polypeptide-7 (LMP-7) gene polymorphism and response to interferon (IFN) therapy in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. METHODS: LMP-7 polymorphism at codon 49 with nucleotide substitution from A to C was amplified in 104 chronic HCV patients of genotype 4. The amplicons were digested with restriction endonuclease Bsm I and the produced restriction fragment length polymorphism was analyzed. Patients received IFN + regional blood volume therapy for 48 wk and the frequency of thissingle nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was statistically correlated with treatment response. The exclusion criteria for these patients were stated by the national health program for treating viral hepatitis. Main exclusion criteria included co-infection with hepatitis B virus or schistosomiasis, thyroid dysfunction, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, history of long term drug or alcohol intake and autoimmune hepatitis. Multivariate analyses were done to correlate LMP-7 SNP plus several factors such as age, gender, weight, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and alanine aminotransferase levels, liver activity, fibrosis score and viral load with response to therapy. RESULTS: The data presented in this study clearly demonstrated statistically significant differences between sustained virological response (SVR) (defined as the absence of HCV RNA levels in the patient's sera at least 6 mo after discontinuation of treatment) and non-response (NR) (where HCV RNA levels in the patient's sera never become undetectable for 6 mo during or after treatment). Variables were described as odds ratio with 95%CI. The data were considered significant if P values were ≤ 0.05; highly significant if P < 0.01 and very highly significant if P < 0.001. Current data showed that 91.7% of patients carrying LMP-7 C/C allele were associated with SVR, while the other two genotypes C/A and A/A were associated with NR patients, 83.3% and 64.3% respectively, showing that genotype CC was strongly associated with response to interferon (95%CI: 12.0719-134.6572, P = 0.0001). The majority of parameters recorded in SVR and NR patients included higher values of mean age (P = 0.004), alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.001), AFP (P = 0.001), body weight (P = 0.025), viral load (P = 0.025), higher fibrosis and histological activity index indices among NR vs SVR patients. Also, the multivariate statistical analysis of the different factors of fibro-sis score, liver activity grade, genotypes and alleles of LMP-7 gene polymorphism in responders and NRs of HCV patients in this study showed that HCV patients with A allele had a very highly significant association with the NRs, high fibrosis and higher liver activity, while the C allele had a very highly significant association with the responders, low fibrosis and lower liver activity (95%CI: 3.5800-13.2519, P = 0.0001).CONCLUSION: LMP-7 SNP is a candidate gene that should be considered when designing a mathematical model for predicting response to therapy and disease progression in HCV patients.

No association of G-protein beta polypeptide 3 polymorphism with irritable bowel syndrome: Evidence from a meta-analysis

AIM:To clarify the associations between G-protein beta polypeptide 3(GNB3)C825T polymorphism and risk of the irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)by a meta-analysis.METHODS:We searched relevant studies in PubMed,EMBASE,CNKI,Google Scholar,Ovid and Cochrane library prior to October 2013.The strengths of the associations between GNB3 C825T polymorphism and IBS risk were estimated by odds ratios(ORs)with 95%confidence interval(CIs).RESULTS:We identified seven case-control studies with 1085 IBS cases and 1695 controls for the analysis.We found no significantly associations of GNB3 C825T polymorphism with IBS risk in the overall population(CC vs TT,OR=1.12,95%CI:0.86-1.45;CC+CT vs TT,OR=1.17,95%CI:0.92-1.49;TT+CT vs CC,OR=0.93,95%CI:0.80-1.08;C vs T,OR=1.08,95%CI:0.97-1.21).Subgroup analysis did not reveal significant associations either in Asian population or Caucasian population.The pooled results of four studies fail to show associations of GNB3 C825T polymorphism with subtypes of IBS(constipation-dominant type,diarrheadominant type and mixed type).CONCLUSION:The present study suggests no associations of GNB3 C825T polymorphism with IBS risk.

The Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide k fraction enhances neuronal growth in vitro and promotes peripheral nerve regeneration after crush injury in vivo

We have previously shown that Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides （ABPP）, isolated from Achyranthes bidentata Blume （a medicinal herb）, exhibit neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects on the nervous system. To identify the major active component of ABPP, and thus optimize the use of ABPP, we used reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography to separate ABPP. We obtained 12 fractions, among which the fraction of ABPPk demonstrated the strongest neuroactivity. Immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis showed that ABPPk promoted neurite growth in cultured dorsal root ganglion explant and dorsal root ganglion neurons, which might be associated with activation of Erk1/2. A combination of behavioral tests, electrophysiological assessment, and histomorphometric analysis indicated that ABPPk enhanced nerve regeneration and function restoration in a mouse model of crushed sciatic nerve. All the results suggest that ABPPk, as the key component of ABPP, can be used for peripheral nerve repair to yield better outcomes than ABPP.

Synthesis and Cleavage Activity of Artifical Minic Polypeptides

Two artificial minic polypeptides which are synthetic analogues of natural products with DNA affinity were synthesized, and theirs cleavage activity with DNA were examined. The structures of these compounds was confirmed by ^1H NMR, MS and IR.

The new proof of neuro-endocrine-immune network-expression of islet amyloid polypeptide in plasma cells in gastric mucosa of peptic ulcer patients

INTRODUCTION Peptic ulcer,as a common disease,seriouslyaffected people’s,work and life.Its occurrence,development and change have close relationshipwith the change of people’s moods.Animalexperiment proved that significant changes occurredin the endocrine system of the gastric ulcer rats.

Fingerprint analysis of placenta polypeptide injection by high performance liquid chromatography

Objective: To develop the representative fingerprint for the quality control of placenta polypeptide injection. Methods: The chromatographic separation was performed using a Phenomenex Gemini C18 column (250 mm 4.6 mm, 5 mm) maintained at 30 1C. 0.1% aqueous trifiuoroacetic acid (Solvent A) and acetonitrile contained 0.1% TFA (Solvent B) were used as mobile phase with a gradient elution. Detection wavelength was 280 nm with the sample injection volume of 50 mL; the fiow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The fingerprints of different samples were investigated by similarity analysis. Results: Nine peaks were identified as the characteristic common peaks. The similarities of the fingerprints of the 10 batches of samples were above 0.992. Conclusion: This method showed high precision and good repeatability, and provided the basis for the improvement of the quality control of placenta polypeptide injection.

Islet amyloid polypeptide & amyloid beta peptide roles in Alzheimer’s disease:two triggers, one disease

Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide.Due to population ageing,the incidence of AD is increasing.AD patients develop cognitive decline and dementia,features for which is known,requiring permanent care.This poses a major socio-economic burden on healthcare systems as AD patients’relatives and healthcare workers are forced to cope with rising numbers of affected people.Despite recent advances,AD pathological mechanisms are not fully understood.Nevertheless,it is clear that the amyloid beta(Aβ)peptide,which forms amyloid plaques in AD patients’brains,plays a key role.Type 2 diabetes,the most common form of diabetes,affects hundreds of million people globally.Islet amyloid polypeptide(IAPP)is a hormone coproduced and secreted with insulin in pancreatic β-cells,with a key role in diabetes,as it helps regulate glucose levels and control adiposity and satiation.Similarly to Aβ,IAPP is very amyloidogenic,generating intracellular amyloid deposits that causeβ-cell dysfunction and death.It is now clear that IAPP can also have a pathological role in AD,decreasing cognitive function.IAPP harms the blood-brain barrier,directly interacts and co-deposits with Aβ,promoting diabetes-associated dementia.IAPP can cause a metabolic dysfunction in the brain,leading to other diabetes-related forms of AD.Thus,here we discuss IAPP association with diabetes,Aβand dementia,in the context of what we designate a“diabetes brain phenotype”AD hypothesis.Such approach helps to set a conceptual framework for future IAPP-based drugs against AD.

Facile Preparation of Polypeptides:Moisture Insensitive and Superfast Ring Opening Polymerization of N-Carboxyanhydrides

(a)NCA polymerization initiated by LiHMDS or other initiators in THF,initiator i)n-hexylamine,ii)HMDS,iii)bipyNi(COD);(b)LiHMDS-initiated open vessel polymerization of BLGNCA at 26 mg and 2 g scale;(c)GPC traces of poly-BLG at variable DP;(d)Reaction rates of LiHMDS and hexylamine initiated BLGNCA polymerization in THF with NCA:initiator ratio of 100∶1 and initial NCA concentration at 0.2 mol/L;(e)CD spectra of poly-BLG at variable DP prepared from LiHMDS-initiated NCA polymerization.

Augmentation of Recombinant CH50 Polypeptide on the Function of Macrophages of Mice during Chemotherapy

The immunosuppressive model of mice was made by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophos- phamide. The effect of CH50, a recombinant polypeptide of human fibronectin, on macrophages of mice was observed. The results showed that continuous intraperitoneal injection of CH50 could prevent the reduction of the number of monocytes in periphery blood and abdominal cavity by chemotherapeutic agents, enhance the metabolic activity and cytotoxicity of macrophages and augment the proliferation of splenocytes. The results suggested that CH50 is a product which could be used to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy of tumors.

Construction of Expressing Plasmids of Recombinant FN Polypeptides with Bifunctional－domain and the Characterization of the P

Two expressing plasmids have been constructed and used to express two bifunctional-domain recombinant polypeptides of human fibronectin (FN) in E. coli. One was CH50 (Pro1239-Ser1515 of FN linked with Ala1690-Thr1960 of FN through Met) and the other was CH56 (Pro1239-Thr1960 of FN). Both of two polypeptides were capable of binding heparin and were purified by heparin-a-garose affinity chromatography. The purified products were capable of binding cells. The production of CH50 and CH56 polypeptides provided a fundamental basis for further study of the anti-metastatic function of recombinant fibronectin polypeptides.

Structure Characterization of Silk Fibroin Crystalline Domain Polypeptides Expressed in Escherichia coli

The molecular conformations of four silk fibroin crystalline analogues [GAGAG-X] 16(G,Gly;A,Ala;X=Ala,Ser,Tyr or Val,designated eGA,eGS,eGY or eGV),carried out using molecular design and expressed by Escherichia coil(E.coli),were evaluated by Raman spectra analysis.The abilities of forming β-sheet structure were determined by thioflavin T(ThT) fluorescence spectra analysis.In terms of molecular conformation,except eGY that could not form significant typical molecular conformation,eGS and eGV were mainly composed of β-sheets while eGA tended to form β-turn.β-turn was also present in eGY and absent in eGS and eGV.In terms of β-sheet structure,eGS had the highest β-sheet content,followed by eGV,and eGA had the lowest content,furthermore,β-sheet structures were more stable in eGS and eGV than those in eGA and eGY.

Effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide on CD4^+/CD8^+T cell levels after traumatic brain injury in a rat model

BACKGROUND:The effect of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide(PACAP)during traumatic brain injury(TBI) and whether it can modulate secondary injury has not been reported previously.The present study evaluated the potential protective effects of ventricular infusion of PACAP in a rat model of TBI.METHODS:Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups(n=6,each):sham-operated,vehicle(normal saline)^+TBI,and PACAP^+TBI.Normal saline or PACAP(1 ug/5uL) was administered intracerebroventricularly 20 minutes before TBI.Right parietal cortical contusion was produced via a weight-dropping method.Brains were extracted 24 hours after trauma.Histological changes in brains were examined by HE staining.The numbers of CD4^+ and CD8^+ T cells in blood and the spleen were detected via flow cytometry.RESULTS:In injured brain regions,edema,hemorrhage,inflammatory cell infiltration,and swollen and degenerated neurons were observed under a light microscope,and the neurons were disorderly arrayed in the hippocampi.Compared to the sham group,average CD4^+ CD8" lymphocyte counts in blood and the spleen were significantly decreased in rats that received TBI^+vehicle,and CD4^+ CD8^+ were increased.In rats administered PACAP prior to TBI,damage was attenuated as evidenced by significantly increased CD4^+,and decreased CD8^+,T lymphocytes in blood and the spleen.CONCLUSION:Pretreatment with PACAP may protect against TBI by influencing periphery T cellular immune function.