Effects of tripterygium glycosides combined with compoundα-keto acid tablets on inflammatory response, oxidative stress and urinary TGF-β1, IV-C levels in patients with chronic renal failure

Objective:To investigate the effects of tripterygium glycosides combined with compoundα-ketoacid tablets on inflammatory response, oxidative stress and urinary TGF-β1 and IV-C levels in patients with chronic renal failure.Methods: 102 patients with chronic renal failure admitted to Shuguang hospital from January 2017 to June 2018 were randomly divided into observation group (51 cases) and control group (51 cases). In the control group, the tripterygium glycosides tablets were orally administered, and the observation group was orally administered with tripterygium glycosides tablets and compoundα-keto acid tablets. The inflammatory response, oxidative stress index and urinary TGF-β1, IV-C levels were compared between the two groups.Results: There was no significant difference in CRP and TNF-α levels between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, the levels of CRP and TNF-α in the observation group were (9.32±1.10) mg/L and (3.14±0.36) ng/L, respectively, and the levels of CRP and TNF-α in the control group were (15.34±1.31) mg/ L, (5.01±0.53) ng / L. The CRP and TNF-α levels in the two groups were lower than those before treatment, and the CRP and TNF-α in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in MDA, SOD and GSH-PX levels between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the MDA level of the observation group was (3.01±0.32) μmol/L, and the MDA level of the control group was (5.17±0.61) μmol/L. The MDA of the two groups was lower than that before treatment, and the MDA of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of SOD and GSH-PX in the observation group were (101.45±13.16) U/L and (94.83±7.17) U/L, respectively. The levels of SOD and GSH-PX in the control group were (88.87±12.05) U/L, (87.38 ± 6.32) U/L. The SOD and GSH-PX of the two groups were higher than those before treatment, and the SOD and GSH-PX of the observation group were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in TGF-β1 and IV-C levels between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the levels of TGF-β1 and IV-C in the observation group were (1.05±0.24) ng/L and (5.05±1.13) μg/L, respectively, and the levels of TGF-β1 and IV-C in the control group were (1.36±, respectively). 0.26) ng/L, (7.07±1.24) μg/L. The levels of TGF-β1 and IV-C in the two groups were lower than those before treatment, and the TGF-β1 and IV-C in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Tripterygium glycosides combined with compound -keto acid tablets can effectively reduce the inflammatory response, oxidative stress and renal interstitial fibrosis in patients with chronic renal failure.

Molecular mechanism of hypoxia and alpha-ketoglutaric acid on collagen expression in scleral fibroblasts

AIM:To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the influence of hypoxia and alpha-ketoglutaric acid(α-KG)on scleral collagen expression.METHODS:Meta-analysis and clinical statistics were used to prove the changes in choroidal thickness(ChT)during myopia.The establishment of a hypoxic myopia model(HYP)for rabbit scleral fibroblasts through hypoxic culture and the effects of hypoxia andα-KG on collagen expression were demonstrated by Sirius red staining.Transcriptome analysis was used to verify the genes and pathways that hypoxia andα-KG affect collagen expression.Finally,real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was used for reverse verification.RESULTS:Meta-analysis results aligned with clinical statistics,revealing a thinning of ChT,leading to scleral hypoxia.Sirius red staining indicated lower collagen expression in the HYP group and higher collagen expression in the HYP+α-KG group,showed that hypoxia reduced collagen expression in scleral fibroblasts,whileα-KG can elevated collagen expression under HYP conditions.Transcriptome analysis unveiled the related genes and signaling pathways of hypoxia andα-KG affect scleral collagen expression and the results were verified by RT-qPCR.CONCLUSION:The potential molecular mechanisms through which hypoxia andα-KG influencing myopia is unraveled and three novel genes TLCD4,TBC1D4,and EPHX3 are identified.These findings provide a new perspective on the prevention and treatment of myopia via regulating collagen expression.

Decoding the nexus:branched-chain amino acids and their connection with sleep,circadian rhythms,and cardiometabolic health

The sleep-wake cycle stands as an integrative process essential for sustaining optimal brain function and,either directly or indirectly,overall body health,encompassing metabolic and cardiovascular well-being.Given the heightened metabolic activity of the brain,there exists a considerable demand for nutrients in comparison to other organs.Among these,the branched-chain amino acids,comprising leucine,isoleucine,and valine,display distinctive significance,from their contribution to protein structure to their involvement in overall metabolism,especially in cerebral processes.Among the first amino acids that are released into circulation post-food intake,branched-chain amino acids assume a pivotal role in the regulation of protein synthesis,modulating insulin secretion and the amino acid sensing pathway of target of rapamycin.Branched-chain amino acids are key players in influencing the brain's uptake of monoamine precursors,competing for a shared transporter.Beyond their involvement in protein synthesis,these amino acids contribute to the metabolic cycles ofγ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate,as well as energy metabolism.Notably,they impact GABAergic neurons and the excitation/inhibition balance.The rhythmicity of branchedchain amino acids in plasma concentrations,observed over a 24-hour cycle and conserved in rodent models,is under circadian clock control.The mechanisms underlying those rhythms and the physiological consequences of their disruption are not fully understood.Disturbed sleep,obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases can elevate branched-chain amino acid concentrations or modify their oscillatory dynamics.The mechanisms driving these effects are currently the focal point of ongoing research efforts,since normalizing branched-chain amino acid levels has the ability to alleviate the severity of these pathologies.In this context,the Drosophila model,though underutilized,holds promise in shedding new light on these mechanisms.Initial findings indicate its potential to introduce novel concepts,particularly in elucidating the intricate connections between the circadian clock,sleep/wake,and metabolism.Consequently,the use and transport of branched-chain amino acids emerge as critical components and orchestrators in the web of interactions across multiple organs throughout the sleep/wake cycle.They could represent one of the so far elusive mechanisms connecting sleep patterns to metabolic and cardiovascular health,paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

Increased excitatory amino acid transporter 2 levels in basolateral amygdala astrocytes mediate chronic stress–induced anxiety-like behavior

The conventional perception of astrocytes as mere supportive cells within the brain has recently been called into question by empirical evidence, which has revealed their active involvement in regulating brain function and encoding behaviors associated with emotions.Specifically, astrocytes in the basolateral amygdala have been found to play a role in the modulation of anxiety-like behaviors triggered by chronic stress. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms by which basolateral amygdala astrocytes regulate chronic stress–induced anxiety-like behaviors remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we found that in a mouse model of anxiety triggered by unpredictable chronic mild stress, the expression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 was upregulated in the basolateral amygdala. Interestingly, our findings indicate that the targeted knockdown of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 specifically within the basolateral amygdala astrocytes was able to rescue the anxiety-like behavior in mice subjected to stress. Furthermore, we found that the overexpression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala, whether achieved through intracranial administration of excitatory amino acid transporter 2agonists or through injection of excitatory amino acid transporter 2-overexpressing viruses with GfaABC1D promoters, evoked anxiety-like behavior in mice. Our single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis further confirmed that chronic stress induced an upregulation of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 specifically in astrocytes in the basolateral amygdala. Moreover, through in vivo calcium signal recordings, we found that the frequency of calcium activity in the basolateral amygdala of mice subjected to chronic stress was higher compared with normal mice.After knocking down the expression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala, the frequency of calcium activity was not significantly increased, and anxiety-like behavior was obviously mitigated. Additionally, administration of an excitatory amino acid transporter 2 inhibitor in the basolateral amygdala yielded a notable reduction in anxiety level among mice subjected to stress. These results suggest that basolateral amygdala astrocytic excitatory amino acid transporter 2 plays a role in in the regulation of unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced anxiety-like behavior by impacting the activity of local glutamatergic neurons, and targeting excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala holds therapeutic promise for addressing anxiety disorders.

Targeting harmful effects of non-excitatory amino acids as an alternative therapeutic strategy to reduce ischemic damage

The involvement of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate in ce rebral ischemia and excitotoxicity is well-documented.Nevertheless,the role of non-excitatory amino acids in brain damage following a stroke or brain trauma remains largely understudied.The release of amino acids by necrotic cells in the ischemic core may contribute to the expansion of the penumbra.Our findings indicated that the reversible loss of field excitato ry postsynaptic potentials caused by transient hypoxia became irreversible when exposed to a mixture of just four non-excitatory amino acids(L-alanine,glycine,L-glutamine,and L-serine)at their plasma concentrations.These amino acids induce swelling in the somas of neurons and astrocytes during hypoxia,along with permanent dendritic damage mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.Blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors prevented neuronal damage in the presence of these amino acids during hypoxia.It is likely that astroglial swelling caused by the accumulation of these amino acids via the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 exchanger and system N transporters activates volume-regulated anion channels,leading to the release of excitotoxins and subsequent neuronal damage through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation.Thus,previously unrecognized mechanisms involving non-excitatory amino acids may contribute to the progression and expansion of brain injury in neurological emergencies such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.Understanding these pathways co uld highlight new therapeutic targets to mitigate brain injury.

Dysregulation of genes involved in the long-chain fatty acid transport in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is an aggressive lethal malignancy with limited options for treatment and a 5-year survival rate of 11%in the United States.As for other types of tumors,such as colorectal cancer,aberrant de novo lipid synthesis and reprogrammed lipid metabolism have been suggested to be associated with PDAC development and progression.AIM To identify the possible involvement of lipid metabolism in PDAC by analyzing in tumoral and non-tumoral tissues the expression level of the most relevant genes involved in the long-chain fatty acid(FA)import into cell.METHODS A gene expression analysis of FASN,CD36,SLC27A1,SLC27A2,SLC27A3,SLC27A4,SLC27A5,ACSL1,and ACSL3 was performed by qRT-PCR in 24 tumoral PDAC tissues and 11 samples from non-tumoral pancreatic tissues obtained via fine needle aspiration or via surgical resection.The genes were considered significantly dysregulated between the groups when the p value was<0.05 and the fold change(FC)was≤0.5 and≥2.RESULTS We found that three FA transporters and two long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases genes were significantly upregulated in the PDAC tissue compared to the non-tumoral tissue:SLC27A2(FC=5.66;P=0.033),SLC27A3(FC=2.68;P=0.040),SLC27A4(FC=3.13;P=0.033),ACSL1(FC=4.10;P<0.001),and ACSL3(FC=2.67;P=0.012).We further investigated any possible association between the levels of the analyzed mRNAs and the specific characteristics of the tumors,including the anatomic location,the lymph node involvement,and the presence of metastasis.A significant difference in the expression of SLC27A3(FC=3.28;P=0.040)was found comparing patients with and without lymph nodes involvement with an overexpression of this transcript in 17 patients presenting tumoral cells in the lymph nodes.CONCLUSION Despite the low number of patients analyzed,these preliminary results seem to be promising.Addressing lipid metabolism through a broad strategy could be a beneficial way to treat this malignancy.Future in vitro and in vivo studies on these genes may offer important insights into the mechanisms linking PDAC with the long-chain FA import pathway.

Additive neurorestorative effects of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid intake in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

There is a need to develop interventions to slow or reverse the degeneration of dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s disease after diagnosis.Given that preclinical and clinical studies suggest benefits of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,such as docosahexaenoic acid,and exercise in Parkinson’s disease,we investigated whether both could synergistically interact to induce recovery of the dopaminergic pathway.First,mice received a unilateral stereotactic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the striatum to establish an animal model of nigrostriatal denervation.Four weeks after lesion,animals were fed a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched or a control diet for the next 8 weeks.During this period,the animals had access to a running wheel,which they could use or not.Docosahexaenoic acid treatment,voluntary exercise,or the combination of both had no effect on(i)distance traveled in the open field test,(ii)the percentage of contraversive rotations in the apomorphine-induction test or(iii)the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta.However,the docosahexaenoic acid diet increased the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive terminals and induced a rise in dopamine concentrations in the lesioned striatum.Compared to docosahexaenoic acid treatment or exercise alone,the combination of docosahexaenoic acid and exercise(i)improved forelimb balance in the stepping test,(ii)decreased the striatal DOPAC/dopamine ratio and(iii)led to increased dopamine transporter levels in the lesioned striatum.The present results suggest that the combination of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid may act synergistically in the striatum of mice with a unilateral lesion of the dopaminergic system and provide support for clinical trials combining nutrition and physical exercise in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Maintaining moderate levels of hypochlorous acid promotes neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the recovery phase of stroke

It has been shown clinically that continuous removal of ischemia/reperfusion-induced reactive oxygen species is not conducive to the recovery of late stroke.Indeed,previous studies have shown that excessive increases in hypochlorous acid after stroke can cause severe damage to brain tissue.Our previous studies have found that a small amount of hypochlorous acid still exists in the later stage of stroke,but its specific role and mechanism are currently unclear.To simulate stroke in vivo,a middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model was established,with an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model established in vitro to mimic stroke.We found that in the early stage(within 24 hours)of ischemic stroke,neutrophils produced a large amount of hypochlorous acid,while in the recovery phase(10 days after stroke),microglia were activated and produced a small amount of hypochlorous acid.Further,in acute stroke in rats,hypochlorous acid production was prevented using a hypochlorous acid scavenger,taurine,or myeloperoxidase inhibitor,4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide.Our results showed that high levels of hypochlorous acid(200μM)induced neuronal apoptosis after oxygen/glucose deprivation/reoxygenation.However,in the recovery phase of the middle cerebral artery occlusion model,a moderate level of hypochlorous acid promoted the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons and astrocytes.This suggests that hypochlorous acid plays different roles at different phases of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Lower levels of hypochlorous acid(5 and 100μM)promoted nuclear translocation ofβ-catenin.By transfection of single-site mutation plasmids,we found that hypochlorous acid induced chlorination of theβ-catenin tyrosine 30 residue,which promoted nuclear translocation.Altogether,our study indicates that maintaining low levels of hypochlorous acid plays a key role in the recovery of neurological function.

Enhanced autophagic clearance of amyloid-βvia histone deacetylase 6-mediated V-ATPase assembly and lysosomal acidification protects against Alzheimer's disease in vitro and in vivo

Recent studies have suggested that abnormal acidification of lysosomes induces autophagic accumulation of amyloid-βin neurons,which is a key step in senile plaque formation.Therefore,resto ring normal lysosomal function and rebalancing lysosomal acidification in neurons in the brain may be a new treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease.Microtubule acetylation/deacetylation plays a central role in lysosomal acidification.Here,we show that inhibiting the classic microtubule deacetylase histone deacetylase 6 with an histone deacetylase 6 shRNA or thehistone deacetylase 6 inhibitor valproic acid promoted lysosomal reacidification by modulating V-ATPase assembly in Alzheimer's disease.Fu rthermore,we found that treatment with valproic acid markedly enhanced autophagy.promoted clearance of amyloid-βaggregates,and ameliorated cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.Our findings demonstrate a previously unknown neuroprotective mechanism in Alzheimer's disease,in which histone deacetylase 6 inhibition by valproic acid increases V-ATPase assembly and lysosomal acidification.

Activation of adult endogenous neurogenesis by a hyaluronic acid collagen gel containing basic fibroblast growth factor promotes remodeling and functional recovery of the injured cerebral cortex

The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions,such as the cortex,remains unknown.In this study,we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury.Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons.Importantly,these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI,integrated into the existing neural circuitry,and ultimately led to improved brain function.These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries.

Cloning,purification,and characterization of branched-chain α-keto acid decarboxylases from Lactococcus lactis strains with different 3-methylbutanal production abilities

Lactococcus lactis is an important food-grade microorganism that has been successfully applied as a starter to increase the level of 3-methylbutanal produced during the ripening of cheese.Three variants of branched-chain α-keto acid decarboxylase (KADC) were discovered in L.lactis strains with different 3-methylbutanal production abilities.Three genes encoding KADCs of varying lengths (KADC-long,KADC-middle,and KADC-short) were cloned and heterologously expressed into Escherichia coli.KADC activity was only detected in the E.coli cloned with the KADC-long-encoding gene.Homology modeling of the three KADC recombination proteins showed that an active-site residue (Glu462) and an S-pocket structure were necessary for the ability to catalyze substrates.KADC-long showed maximum activity at pH 7.0 and 30 ℃.The substrate hydrolysis and kinetic parameters demonstrated that KADC-long efficiently produces 2-methylbutanal and 3-methylbutanal.The heterologous expression of the full-length kdcA in low-3-methylbutanal-yield L.lactis strains increased their production yields.The results of this study demonstrate the function of the complete KADC in 3-methylbutanal production.

Recent advances towards electrochemical transformations ofα-keto acids

As a kind of environmentally benign reagents,α-keto acids have been extensively employed as key starting materials in organic synthesis.Organic electrosynthesis has the advantages of reducing byproduct generation,improving the cost-efficiency of synthetic processes,and accessing reactive intermediates under mild conditions.Inspired by the merits of organic electrosynthesis,α-keto acids have shown many synthetic applications in electrochemical acylation,cyclization,and reductive amination reactions with improved efficiencies and selectivities.This review covers the recent breakthroughs achieved in the electrochemical transformations ofα-keto acids,aimed at highlighting these electrochemical reactions’features and mechanistic rationalisations.Meanwhile,the practicalities and limitations of these transformations are also presented where possible.

Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid extracted from Boswellia serrata promotes Schwann cell proliferation and sciatic nerve function recovery

Frankincense can promote blood circulation. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid （AKBA） is a small molecule with anti-inflammatory properties that is derived from Boswellia serrata. Here, we hypothesized that it may promote regeneration of injured sciatic nerve. To address this hypothesis, we established a rat model of sciatic nerve injury using a nerve clamping method. Rats were administered AKBA once every 2 days at doses of 1.5, 3, and 6 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection for 30 days from the 1st day after injury. Sciatic nerve function was evaluated using the sciatic functional index. Degree of muscle atrophy was measured using the triceps surae muscle Cuadros index.Neuropathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Western blot analysis was used to detect expression of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 （p-ERK1/2） in injured nerve. S100 immunoreactivity in injured nerve was detected by immunohistochemistry. In vivo experiments showed that 3 and 6 mg/kg AKBA significantly increased sciatic nerve index, Cuadros index of triceps muscle, p-ERK1/2 expression, and S100 immunoreactivity in injured sciatic nerve of sciatic nerve injury model rats. Furthermore,for in vitro experiments, Schwann cells were treated with AKBA at 0–20 μg/mL. Proliferation of Schwann cells was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 colorimetry assay. The results showed that 2 μg/mL AKBA is the optimal therapeutic concentration. In addition, ERK phosphorylation levels increased following 2 μg/mL AKBA treatment. In the presence of the ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059 （2.5 μL/mL）, the AKBA-induced increase in p-ERK1/2 protein expression was partially abrogated. In conclusion, our study shows that AKBA promotes peripheral nerve regeneration with ERK protein phosphorylation playing a key role in this process.

Kinetics of Esterification of 2-Keto-L-Gulonic Acid with Methanol Catalyzed by Cation Exchange Resin

The kinetics of esterification of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid with methanol in the liquid phase catalyzed by cation exchange resin, D001, was studied. The experiments were carried out in a stirred batch reactor at 318, 323, 328, 333, 338, 341 K under atmospheric pressure. It is found that the speed of rotating rate has no effect on the esterification rate in the range of 300-500 r/min and the effect of internal mass transfer resistance is not obvious. The effects of temperature and catalyst loading on the reaction rate were researched under the condition of eliminating the effect of diffusion. The rate was found to increase with the increase of the temperature and catalyst loading. The experimental data were correlated with a kinetic model based on the pseudo-homogeneous catalysis. The kinetic equation for describing the reaction catalyzed by cation exchange resin was developed. The experimental data are in good agreement with the model.

Screening, Identification and Fermentation Property of a Yeast Strain R6 Accumulating Alpha-ketoglutaric Acid

A yeast strain R6 was obtained by the method of thiamine（VB1） auxotrophic negative selection from the edible oil-polluted soil in Zibo, China. Physiological and biochemical experiments revealed that strain R6 shared common feature with Rhodotorula mucilaginosa according to the API 20 C AUX yeast identification system which has been tested previously. Furthermore, the 18 S r DNA gene of strain R6 was amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18 S r DNA sequence and the relatives indicated that R6 shared 99% homologies with the members of R. mucilaginosa, suggesting that strain R6 belonged to R. mucilaginosa.Investigation showed that strain R6 possessed the capacity of accumulating exocellular alpha-ketoglutaric acid（alpha-KG）. Finally, the fermentation conditions of R6 to accumulate alpha-KG was optimized by controlling each single fermenting variable and detected through high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）. Results showed that both VB1 and Ca CO3 in fermentation medium were the key factors influencing the cumulant of alpha-KG. The discovery of natural auxotrophic strain R6 not only broadened the microbial resource which can achieve lots of alpha-KG production through fermentation, but also laid a foundation for further fermentation regulation to achieve excessive alpha-KG accumulation.

Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through the phosphatase and tensin homolog/Akt/cyclooxygenase-2 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system worldwide,posing a serious danger to human health.Cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer.Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid(AKBA)is a promising drug for cancer therapy,but its effects and mechanism of action on human gastric cancer remain unclear.AIM To evaluate whether the phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)/Akt/COX-2 signaling pathway is involved in the anti-tumor effect of AKBA in gastric cancer.METHODS Human poorly differentiated BGC823 and moderately differentiated SGC7901 gastric cancer cells were routinely cultured in Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 medium supplemented with 10%fetal bovine serum and 1%penicillin/streptomycin.Gastric cancer cell proliferation was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium colorimetric assay.Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry.Cell migration was assessed using the wound-healing assay.Expression of Bcl-2,Bax,proliferating cell nuclear antigen,PTEN,p-Akt,and COX-2 were detected by Western blot analysis.A xenograft nude mouse model of human gastric cancer was established to evaluate the anti-cancer effect of AKBA RESULTS AKBA significantly inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner,inhibited migration in a time-dependent manner,and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in vitro;it also inhibited tumor growth in vivo.AKBA up-regulated the expression of PTEN and Bax,and downregulated the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen,Bcl-2,p-Akt,and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner.The PTEN inhibitor bpv(Hopic)reversed the high expression of PTEN and low expression of p-Akt and COX-2 that were induced by AKBA.The Akt inhibitor MK2206 combined with AKBA downregulated the expression of p-Akt and COX-2,and the combined effect was better than that of AKBA alone.CONCLUSION AKBA inhibits the proliferation and migration and promotes the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through the PTEN/Akt/COX-2 signaling pathway.

Enhancement of α-ketoisovalerate production by relieving the product inhibition of L-amino acid deaminase from Proteus mirabilis

L-Amino acid deaminase(LAAD) is a key enzyme in the deamination of L-valine(L-val) to produce α-ketoisovalerate(KIV). However, the product inhibition of LAAD is a major hindrance to industrial KIV production.In the present study, a combination strategy of modification of flexible loop regions around the product binding site and the avoidance of dramatic change of main-chain dynamics was reported to reduce the product inhibition.The four mutant PM-LAAD^(M4)(PM-LAAD^(S98A/T105A/S106A/L341A)) achieved a 6.2-fold higher catalytic efficiency and an almost 6.7-fold reduction in product inhibition than the wild-type enzyme. Docking experiments suggested that weakened interactions between the product and enzyme, and the flexibility of the "lid" structure relieved LAAD product inhibition. Finally, the whole-cell biocatalyst PM-LAAD^(M4) has been applied to KIV production,the titer and conversion rate of KIV from L-val were 98.5 g·L^-1 and 99.2% at a 3-L scale, respectively. These results demonstrate that the newly engineered catalyst can significantly reduce the product inhibition, that making KIV a prospective product by bioconversion method, and also provide the understanding of the mechanism of the relieved product inhibition of PM-LAAD.

Pyruvate-Dependent Changes in Neutrophil Amino- and Alpha-Keto Acid Profiles or Immunity: Which Mechanisms Are Involved?

High current findings indicate that a substitution with pyruvate can lead to significant alterations or even improvement in neutrophil immunonutrition. However, it is still unknown which intra-cellular pathways might be involved here. Hence, in this study, we investigated whether preincu-bation with an inhibitor of ·NO-synthase (L-NAME), an ·NO donor (SNAP), an analogue of taurine (beta-alanine), an inhibitor of ornithine-decarboxylase (DFMO) as well as a glutamine-analogue (DON), is able to alter the intragranulocytic metabolic response to pyruvate, here for example studied for neutrophil intracellular amino- and α-keto acid concentrations or important neutrophil immune functions [released myeloperoxidase (MPO), the formation of superoxide anions O2- and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)]. In summary, the interesting first results presented here showed, that any damage of specific metabolic pathways or mechanisms, which seem directly or indirectly to be involved in relevant pyruvate dependent granulocytic nutrient content or specific cellular tasks, could lead to therapeutically desired, but also to unexpected or even fatal consequences for the affected cells. We therefore continue to believe that pyruvate, irrespective of which exact biochemical mechanisms were involved, in neutrophils may satisfy the substantial metabolic demands for a potent intracellular nutrient.

Recovery of Li, Ni, Co and Mn from spent lithium-ion batteries assisted by organic acids: Process optimization and leaching mechanism

The proper recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)can promote the recovery and utilization of valuable resources,while also negative environmental effects resulting from the presence of toxic and hazardous substances.In this study,a new environmentally friendly hydro-metallurgical process was proposed for leaching lithium(Li),nickel(Ni),cobalt(Co),and manganese(Mn)from spent LIBs using sulfuric acid with citric acid as a reductant.The effects of the concentration of sulfuric acid,the leaching temperature,the leaching time,the solid-liquid ratio,and the reducing agent dosage on the leaching behavior of the above elements were investigated.Key parameters were optimized using response surface methodology(RSM)to maximize the recovery of metals from spent LIBs.The maxim-um recovery efficiencies of Li,Ni,Co,and Mn can reach 99.08%,98.76%,98.33%,and 97.63%.under the optimized conditions(the sulfuric acid concentration was 1.16 mol/L,the citric acid dosage was 15wt%,the solid-liquid ratio was 40 g/L,and the temperature was 83℃ for 120 min),respectively.It was found that in the collaborative leaching process of sulfuric acid and citric acid,the citric acid initially provided strong reducing CO_(2)^(-),and the transition metal ions in the high state underwent a reduction reaction to produce transition metal ions in the low state.Additionally,citric acid can also act as a proton donor and chelate with lower-priced transition metal ions,thus speeding up the dissolution process.

A comparison study on structure-function relationship of polysaccharides obtained from sea buckthorn berries using different methods:antioxidant and bile acid-binding capacity

In this study,the structural characters,antioxidant activities and bile acid-binding ability of sea buckthorn polysaccharides(HRPs)obtained by the commonly used hot water(HRP-W),pressurized hot water(HRP-H),ultrasonic(HRP-U),acid(HRP-C)and alkali(HRP-A)assisted extraction methods were investigated.The results demonstrated that extraction methods had significant effects on extraction yield,monosaccharide composition,molecular weight,particle size,triple-helical structure,and surface morphology of HRPs except for the major linkage bands.Thermogravimetric analysis showed that HRP-U with filamentous reticular microstructure exhibited better thermal stability.The HRP-A with the lowest molecular weight and highest arabinose content possessed the best antioxidant activities.Moreover,the rheological analysis indicated that HRPs with higher galacturonic acid content and molecular weight showed higher viscosity and stronger crosslinking network(HRP-C,HRP-W and HRP-U),which exhibited stronger bile acid binding capacity.The present findings provide scientific evidence in the preparation technology of sea buckthorn polysaccharides with good antioxidant and bile acid binding capacity which are related to the structure affected by the extraction methods.