Protective Roles of α-lipoic Acid in Rat Model of Mitochondrial DNA4834bp Deletion in Inner Ear

The protective roles of α-lipoic acid in the rat model of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 4834bp deletion in inner ear were investigated. Forty female Wistar rats at 4 weeks of age were divided into four groups: group A (D-galactose group, n=10), group B (D-galactose+α-lipoic acid group, n=10), group C (α-lipoic acid group, n=10), and group D (control group, n=10). Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used to detect the hearing threshold. Colorimetry was used to analyze activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). The percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion in inner ear was identified by real-time PCR. There was no significant difference in ABR threshold shift among all groups. The percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion in group A was higher than that in other groups, but there was no significant difference in percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion among groups B, C, and D. The activity of SOD in group A was lower than that in other groups. The concentration of MDA in group A was higher than that in other groups. It was concluded that there was no significant hearing loss when the percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion was lower than 12.5%. α-Lipoic acid could prevent the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced mtDNA4834bp deletion in inner ear of rats.

Protective Effects of α-Lipoic Acid on Vascular Oxidative Stress in Rats with Hyperuricemia

The aim of the present study was to observe the protective effects of α-lipoic acid(ALA)on vascular injury in rats with hyperuricemia(HUA).The ALA treatment groups(10,30 and 90 mg/kg,respectively)were administered with ALA via gavage for 2 weeks.Subsequently,the levels of blood urea nitrogen(BUN),creatinine(CREA),uric acid(UA),total cholesterol(TC),high density lipoprotein-C(HDL-C)and low density lipoprotein-C(LDL-C)were measured;the activities of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),catalase(CAT),malonaldehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and xanthine oxidase(XOD)were also determined.The thoracic aorta of rats in each experimental group was observed under a light microscope;ultrastructural analysis was performed.SOD and CAT protein contents were investigated by Western blotting.The results revealed that:i)Compared with the model group,the levels of UA were decreased in the ALA groups and the levels of BUN,CREA,TC,and LDL-C decreased in the 30 and 90 mg/kg ALA groups(P<0.05);ii)compared with the model group,the activities of GSH-Px,SOD and XOD were increased and the levels of MDA were reduced in the 90 mg/kg ALA group (P<0.05);and iii)in the model and 10 mg/kg ALA groups,edema and shedding were observed in endothelial cells.Compared with the model and 10 mg/kg ALA groups,the 30 and 90 mg/kg ALA groups exhibited fewer swollen endothelial cells.In summary,the results of the present study indicated that HUA resulted in vascular oxidative stress injury and decreased the activity of antioxidative enzymes,which leads to endothelial cell damage and vascular lesions.ALA may serve as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of HUA-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Efficacy evaluation of high-frequency ultrasound in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy with α-lipoic acid combined with traditional Chinese medicine package treatment

Objective:To use high-frequency ultrasound to evaluate the efficacy ofα-lipoic acid combined with traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN),so as to provide a basis for clinical medication and evaluation of therapeutic effect.Methods:From December 2018 to December 2019,110 patients with DPN who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into observation group and control group according to different treatment plans.The control group was treated withα-lipoic acid,and the observation group was treated withα-lipoic acid combined with traditional Chinese medicine encapsulation treatment,and used high-frequency ultrasound,nerve conduction velocity and serological examination to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of the two treatment methods.Results:The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions(MAGE)value of the observation group and the control group after treatment was significantly lower than before treatment(P<0.05);After treatment,the SCV of the ulnar nerve,median nerve,and common peroneal nerve in the two groups was significantly faster than before treatment(P<0.05).Similar to SCV,the MCV of the three nerves measured after treatment in the two groups was significantly faster than before treatment(P<0.05).Compared between the groups after treatment,the three kinds of nerve SCV and MCV in the observation group were significantly faster than those in the control group(P<0.05).The cross-sectional area(CSA)value of the ulnar nerve,median nerve and common peroneal nerve in the observation group after treatment was significantly lower than before treatment(P<0.05).Compared with the control group after treatment,the three nerves CSA in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Abnormal ultrasound performance:The proportion of abnormal ultrasound performances of the ulnar nerve,median nerve,and common peroneal nerve in the observation group after treatment was significantly lower than before treatment(P<0.05).The composition ratio of internal echo reduction and ambiguity in the observation group after three nerve treatments was significantly lower than that in the control group after treatment(P<0.05).In the correlation analysis,the three kinds of nerve CSA before and after treatment were negatively correlated with SCV and amplitude(P<0.05),and positively correlated with latency(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination ofα-lipoic acid and Chinese medicine encapsulation technology has a good effect on the treatment and repair of DPN nerve damage,and can be routinely applied in clinical treatment.High-frequency ultrasound can intuitively observe changes in peripheral nerves and can be used to evaluate the prognosis of DPN.

Effects of dietary CoQ₁₀and α-lipoic acid on CoQ₁₀levels in plasma and tissues of eggs laying hens

In this paper we described the effect of administrated CoQ10, and alfa-lipoic acid on the concentration of total CoQ10 inplasma end body tissues of eggs laying hens. Organisms raise a complex network of enzymes, metabolites and molecules with antioxidant activities in order to prevent oxidative damage of theirs bodies. Adequate blood concentrations of small weight molecules ingested with food and food additives are important for the proper functioning of the antioxidant defense. To test this hypothesis we prepared following experiment. Forty weeks old hens were selected from two genotypes;Ross 308 broiler mothers and Lohmann breed hens. Animals were fed for a period of 84 days. Concentrations of supplemented CoQ10 and ALAwere calculated from feed instruction tables so each hen received an average of approximately 5 mg of CoQ10 and 50 mg ofALAper kg of animal weight per day. During the experiment blood samples were taken and at the end of the experiment different body tissues (heart, liver, breast, legs) were collected and analyzed with originally developed HPLC-MS/MS method based selective ionization with LiCl on MRM scanning. We found a number of interesting and unexpected results. Supplemented CoQ10 increased concentrations of coenzyme CoQ10 inplasma and different hen’s tissues. Increased concentration of CoQ10 is the result of its transfer with chylomicrons from the digestive tract to various organs of the body and to the liver where exogenous and endogenous CoQ10 has been re-redistributed through lipoproteins. Supplemented ALA caused much greater concentration of CoQ10 indifferent tissues and plasma then CoQ10. Plausible explanation of our results is such that ALA may regenerates the antioxidants and accelerate the formation of endogenous CoQ10 which is distributed with lipoprotein carriers and increases overall concentration of CoQ10. Our experiments definitely show that Lipoic acid beside glutathione promotes also a synthesis of CoQ10 and increases the total concentration especially in liver and heart tissues.

Influence ofα-Lipoic acid adjuvant therapy on sugar metabolism,peripheral nerve conduction velocity and oxidative stress in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Objective: To explore the influence of α-Lipoic acid adjuvant therapy on glucose metabolism, peripheral nerve conduction velocity and oxidative stress in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods: A total of 92 cases of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy were divided into observation group and control group according to the odd and even admission number, 46 cases in each group. All patients were given the conventional treatment, on this basis, patients in control group were given orally Pancreatic Kinionoge, patients in observation group were given α-Lipoic acid intravenous injection. They were treated for 14 d. The following indicators were observed in two groups before and after treatment: glucose metabolic index: fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 h postprandial blood glucose (2hPBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c);peripheral nerve conduction velocity, median nerve, sensory nerve conduction velocity of nervus peroneus communis (MCV) and motor nerve conduction velocity (SCV), ankle arm index (ABI) and inner diameter of lower limb artery (femoral artery, dorsalis pedis artery, popliteal artery), oxidative stress indicators: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: Compared with before treatment, the FBG, 2hPBG, HbA1c level in two groups after treatment were significantly reduced, but the difference of intergroup after treatment was no statistical significance;MCV and SCV of median nerve and nervus peroneus communis was increased significantly than control group after treatment, moreover MCV and SCV of median nerve and nervus peroneus communis in observation group were higher than control group after treatment, the difference was significant. After treatment, ABI and femoral artery, dorsalis pedis arteries, popliteal artery inner diameter in two groups were increased significantly, moreover after treatment the above level in observation group was obviously higher than control group, there was significant difference. After treatment, the MDA in observation group were reduced significantly and SOD level increased significantly, difference was statistically significant compared with before treatment and control group after the treatment;The difference in control group compared between before treatment and after treatment had no statistical significance. Conclusion: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy treated adjuvantly by α-Lipoic acid can significantly improve lower limb blood supply, improve the peripheral nerve conduction velocity, reduce level of oxidative stress, the effect on glucose metabolism still need long course of observation.

Effects of α-lipoic acid on oxidative stress, vascular endothelium function and renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Objective:To investigate the effects ofα-lipoic acid on oxidative stress, vascular endothelium function and renal function in diabetic nephropathy patients.Methods: According to random data table method, a total of 80 patients with diabetic nephropathy from September 2016 to August 2017 were divided into observation group and control group (n=40). The patients of control group were treated with routine therapy while the patients of observation group were given intravenous infusion ofα-lipoic acid on the basis of conventional therapy. The levels of oxidative stress, vascular endothelium function and renal function changes were compared between the two groups before and after the treatment.Results:The levels of SOD, MDA, NO, ET-1, RBP and CysC in the two groups before treatment were not statistically significant. Compared with the levels before treatment, the level of SOD in the observation group was significantly increased and the level of MDA was significantly decreased;the level of SOD in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the level of MDA was significantly lower than that of the control group;the above differences were statistically significant. The levels of SOD and MDA had no significant changes in the control group before and after treatment. After treatment, the levels of ET-1, RBP and CysC in the two groups were significantly lower than those in the same group before treatment, and the observation group levels were significantly lower than those in the control group;the levels of NO in the two groups after treatment were significantly higher than those in the same group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group;the above differences were statistically significant.Conclusions: On the basis of conventional treatment, combining withα-lipoic acid can better reduce the level of oxidative stress, improve vascular endothelial function, renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy, which has an important clinical value.

Effect of α-lipoic acid combined with nerve growth factor on bone metabolism, oxidative stress and nerve conduction function after femoral fracture surgery

Objective: To discuss the effect of α-lipoic acid combined with nerve growth factor on bone metabolism, oxidative stress and nerve conduction function after femoral fracture surgery. Methods: A total of 110 patients with femoral fracture who received surgical treatment in the hospital between January 2015 and January 2017 were collected and divided into the control group (n=55) and study group (n=55) by random number table. Control group received postoperative nerve growth factor therapy, and study group received postoperative α-lipoic acid combined with nerve growth factor therapy. The differences in the contents of bone metabolism and oxidative stress indexes as well as the levels of nerve conduction function indexes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: Before treatment, the differences in the contents of bone metabolism and oxidative stress indexes as well as the levels of nerve conduction function indexes were not statistically significant between the two groups. After treatment, serum bone metabolism indexes BGP and PⅠNP contents of study group were higher than those of control group while CTX-Ⅰ and TRAP contents were lower than those of control group;serum oxidative stress indexes TAC, CAT and SOD contents of study group were higher than those of control group while MDA content was lower than that of control group;limb nerve conduction velocity SCV and MCV levels of study group were higher than those of control group. Conclusion: α-lipoic acid combined with nerve growth factor therapy after femoral fracture surgery can effectively balance osteoblast/osteoclast activity, reduce oxidative stress and improve limb nerve conduction velocity.

Endogenous biosynthesis of docosahexaenoic acid(DHA)regulates fish oocyte maturation by promoting pregnenolone production

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(n-3 PUFAs),particularly docosahexaenoic acid(22:6n-3,DHA),play crucial roles in the reproductive health of vertebrates,including humans.Nevertheless,the underlying mechanism related to this phenomenon remains largely unknown.In this study,we employed two zebrafish genetic models,i.e.,elovl2^(-/-)mutant as an endogenous DHAdeficient model and fat1(omega-3 desaturase encoding gene)transgenic zebrafish as an endogenous DHA-rich model,to investigate the effects of DHA on oocyte maturation and quality.Results show that the elovl2^(-/-)mutants had much lower fecundity and poorer oocyte quality than the wild-type controls,while the fat1 zebrafish had higher fecundity and better oocyte quality than wildtype controls.DHA deficiency in elovl2^(-/-)embryos led to defects in egg activation,poor microtubule stability,and reduced pregnenolone levels.Further study revealed that DHA promoted pregnenolone synthesis by enhancing transcription of cyp11a1,which encodes the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme,thereby stabilizing microtubule assembly during oogenesis.In turn,the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was enhanced by DHA.In conclusion,using two unique genetic models,our findings demonstrate that endogenously synthesized DHA promotes oocyte maturation and quality by promoting pregnenolone production via transcriptional regulation of cyp11a1.

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.

Enabling heterogeneous catalysis to achieve carbon neutrality: Directional catalytic conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids

The increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emissions has exacerbated the deterioration of the global environment,which should be controlled to achieve carbon neutrality.Central to the core goal of achieving carbon neutrality is the utilization of CO_(2) under economic and sustainable conditions.Recently,the strong need for carbon neutrality has led to a proliferation of studies on the direct conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids,which can effectively alleviate CO_(2) emissions and create high-value chemicals.The purpose of this review is to present the application prospects of carboxylic acids and the basic principles of CO_(2) conversion into carboxylic acids through photo-,electric-,and thermal catalysis.Special attention is focused on the regulation strategy of the activity of abundant catalysts at the molecular level,inspiring the preparation of high-performance catalysts.In addition,theoretical calculations,advanced technologies,and numerous typical examples are introduced to elaborate on the corresponding process and influencing factors of catalytic activity.Finally,challenges and prospects are provided for the future development of this field.It is hoped that this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of the conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids and inspire more innovative breakthroughs.

Abiotic stress treatment reveals expansin like A gene OfEXLA1 improving salt and drought tolerance of Osmanthus fragrans by responding to abscisic acid

Sweet osmanthus(Osmanthus fragrans) is a having general approval aromatic tree in China that is widely applied to landscaping and gardening. However, the evergreen tree adaptability is limited by many environmental stresses. Currently, limited information is available regarding the genetic analysis and functional identification of expansin genes in response to abiotic stress in sweet osmanthus. In this study, a total of 29 expansin genes were identified and divided into four groups by genome-wide analysis from the sweet osmanthus genome. Transcriptome and quantitative Real-time PCR analysis showed that the cell wall-localized protein expansin-like A(OfEXLA1) gene was significantly induced by salt and drought treatment. Histochemical GUS staining of transgenic Arabidopsis lines in which GUS activity was driven with the OfEXLA1 promoter, GUS activity was significantly induced by salt, drought, and exogenous abscisic acid(ABA). In yeast, we found OfEXLA1overexpression significantly improved the population of cells compared with wild-type strains after NaCl and polyethylene glycol(PEG)treatment. Additionally, OfEXLA1 overexpression not only promoted plant growth, but also improved the salt and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis. To gain insight into the role of ABA signaling in the regulation of OfEXLA1 improving abiotic tolerance in sweet osmanthus, four differentially expressed ABA Insensitive 5(ABI5)-like genes(OfABL4, OfABL5, OfABL7, and OfABL8) were identified from transcriptome, and dualluciferase(dual-LUC) and yeast one hybrid(Y1H) assay showed that OfABL4 and OfABL5 might bind to OfEXLA1 promoter to accumulate the OfEXLA1 expression by responding to ABA signaling to improve abiotic tolerance in sweet osmanthus. These results provide the information for understanding the molecular functions of expansin-like A gene and molecular breeding of sweet osmanthus in future.

Bile acids,gut microbiota,and therapeutic insights in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a prevalent and aggressive liver malignancy.The interplay between bile acids(BAs)and the gut microbiota has emerged as a critical factor in HCC development and progression.Under normal conditions,BA metabolism is tightly regulated through a bidirectional interplay between gut microorganisms and BAs.The gut microbiota plays a critical role in BA metabolism,and BAs are endogenous signaling molecules that help maintain liver and intestinal homeostasis.Of note,dysbiotic changes in the gut microbiota during pathogenesis and cancer development can disrupt BA homeostasis,thereby leading to liver inflammation and fibrosis,and ultimately contributing to HCC development.Therefore,understanding the intricate interplay between BAs and the gut microbiota is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying hepatocarcinogenesis.In this review,we comprehensively explore the roles and functions of BA metabolism,with a focus on the interactions between BAs and gut microorganisms in HCC.Additionally,therapeutic strategies targeting BA metabolism and the gut microbiota are discussed,including the use of BA agonists/antagonists,probiotic/prebiotic and dietary interventions,fecal microbiota transplantation,and engineered bacteria.In summary,understanding the complex BA-microbiota crosstalk can provide valuable insights into HCC development and facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for liver malignancy.

Blood glucose-lowering activity of protocatechuic acid is mediated by inhibiting a-glucosidase

α-Glucosidase inhibitors are effective in controlling postprandial hyperglycemia,which play crucial roles in the management of type 2 diabetes.Protocatechuic acid(PCA)is one of phenolic acids existing not only in various plant foods but also as a major microbial metabolite of dietary anthocyanins in the large colon.The present study investigated the inhibitory mechanism of PCA on a-glucosidase in vitro and examined its effect on postprandial blood glucose levels in vivo.Results from in vitro experiments demonstrated that PCA was a mix-type inhibitor of a-glucosidase.Driven by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions,PCA reversibly bound withα-glucosidase to form a stable a-glucosidase-PCA complex in a spontaneous manner.The computational simulation found that PCA could insert into the active cavity of a-glucosidase and establish hydrogen bonds with catalytic amino acid residues.PCA binding aroused the steric hindrance for substrates to enter active sites and caused the structural changes of interacted catalytic amino acid residues.PCA also exhibited postprandial hypoglycemic capacity in diabetic mice.This study may provide the theoretical basis for the application of PCA as an active ingredient of functional foods in dietary management of diabetes.

Shikimic acid accelerates phase change and flowering in Chinese jujube

The juvenile-to-adult phase change with first flowering as the indicator plays a crucial role in the lifecycle of fruit trees. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying phase change in fruit trees remain largely unknown. Shikimic acid (ShA) pathway is a main metabolic pathway closely related to the synthesis of hormones and many important secondary metabolites participating in plant phase change. So,whether ShA regulates phase change in plants is worth clarifying. Here, the distinct morphological characteristics and the underlying mechanisms of phase change in jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), an important fruit tree native to China with nutritious fruit and outstanding tolerance abiotic stresses, were clarified. A combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis found that ShA is positively involved in jujube(Yuhong’×Xing 16’) phase change. The genes in the upstream of ShA synthesis pathway (ZjDAHPS, ZjDHQS and ZjSDH), the contents of ShA and the downstream secondary metabolites like phenols were significantly upregulated in the phase change period. Further, the treatment of spraying exogenous ShA verified that ShA at a very low concentration (60 mg·L^(-1)) can substantially speed up the phase change and flowering of jujube and other tested plants including Arabidopsis, tomato and wheat. The exogenous ShA (60 mg·L^(-1)) treatment in jujube seedlings could increase the accumulation of endogenous ShA, enhance leaf photosynthesis and the synthesis of phenols especially flavonoids and phenolic acids, and promote the expression of genes (ZjCOs, ZjNFYs and ZjPHYs) involved in flowering pathway. Basing on above results, we put forward a propose for the underlying mechanism of ShA regulating phase change, and a hypothesis that ShA could be considered a phytohormone-like substance because it is endogenous, ubiquitous, movable and highly efficient at very low concentrations. This study highlights the critical role of ShA in plant phase change and its phytohormone-like properties.

Gut microbiota induced abnormal amino acids and their correlation with diabetic retinopathy

AIM:To explore the correlation of gut microbiota and the metabolites with the progression of diabetic retinopathy(DR)and provide a novel strategy to elucidate the pathological mechanism of DR.METHODS:The fecal samples from 32 type 2 diabetes patients with proliferative retinopathy(PDR),23 with nonproliferative retinopathy(NPDR),27 without retinopathy(DM),and 29 from the sex-,age-and BMI-matched healthy controls(29 HC)were analyzed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing.Sixty fecal samples from PDR,DM,and HC groups were assayed by untargeted metabolomics.Fecal metabolites were measured using liquid chromatographymass spectrometry(LC-MS)analysis.Associations between gut microbiota and fecal metabolites were analyzed.RESULTS:A cluster of 2 microbiome and 12 metabolites accompanied with the severity of DR,and the close correlation of the disease progression with PDR-related microbiome and metabolites were found.To be specific,the structure of gut microbiota differed in four groups.Diversity and richness of gut microbiota were significantly lower in PDR and NPDR groups,than those in DM and HC groups.A cluster of microbiome enriched in PDR group,including Pseudomonas,Ruminococcaceae-UCG-002,Ruminococcaceae-UCG-005,Christensenellaceae-R-7,was observed.Functional analysis showed that the glucose and nicotinate degradations were significantly higher in PDR group than those in HC group.Arginine,serine,ornithine,and arachidonic acid were significantly enriched in PDR group,while proline was enriched in HC group.Functional analysis illustrated that arginine biosynthesis,lysine degradation,histidine catabolism,central carbon catabolism in cancer,D-arginine and D-ornithine catabolism were elevated in PDR group.Correlation analysis revealed that Ruminococcaceae-UCG-002 and Christensenellaceae-R-7 were positively associated with L-arginine,ornithine levels in fecal samples.CONCLUSION:This study elaborates the different microbiota structure in the gut from four groups.The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae-UCG-002 and Parabacteroides are associated with the severity of DR.Amino acid and fatty acid catabolism is especially disordered in PDR group.This may help provide a novel diagnostic parameter for DR,especially PDR.

Elaidic acid leads to mitochondrial dysfunction via mitochondria-associated membranes triggers disruption of mitochondrial calcium fluxes

Elaidic acid(EA)stimulation can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS),accompanied by a large release of Ca^(2+),and ultimately the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer cells(KCs).Mitochondrial instability or dysfunction may be the key stimulating factors to activate NLRP3 inflammasome,and sustained Ca^(2+)transfer can result in mitochondrial dysfunction.We focused on KCs to explore the damage to mitochondria by EA.After EA stimulation,cells produced an oxidative stress(OS)response with a significant increase in ROS release.Immunoprecipitation experiments and the addition of inhibitors revealed that the increase in the level of intracellular Ca^(2+)led to Ca^(2+)accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix via mitochondria-associated membranes(MAMs).This was accompanied by a significant release of m ROS,loss of MMP and ATP,and a significant increase in mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening,ultimately leading to mitochondrial instability.These findings confirmed the mechanism that EA induced mitochondrial Ca^(2+)imbalance in KCs via MAM,ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.Meanwhile,EA induced OS and the decrease of MMP and ATP in rat liver,and significant lesions were found in liver mitochondria.Swelling of the inner mitochondrial cristae and mitochondrial vacuolization occurred,with a marked increase in lipid droplets.

Tuning electronic structure of RuO_(2)by single atom Zn and oxygen vacancies to boost oxygen evolution reaction in acidic medium

The poor stability of RuO_(2)electrocatalysts has been the primary obstacles for their practical application in polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers.To dramatically enhance the durability of RuO_(2)to construct activity-stability trade-off model is full of significance but challenging.Herein,a single atom Zn stabilized RuO_(2)with enriched oxygen vacancies(SA Zn-RuO_(2))is developed as a promising alternative to iridium oxide for acidic oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Compared with commercial RuO_(2),the enhanced Ru–O bond strength of SA Zn-RuO_(2)by forming Zn-O-Ru local structure motif is favorable to stabilize surface Ru,while the electrons transferred from Zn single atoms to adjacent Ru atoms protects the Ru active sites from overoxidation.Simultaneously,the optimized surrounding electronic structure of Ru sites in SA ZnRuO_(2)decreases the adsorption energies of OER intermediates to reduce the reaction barrier.As a result,the representative SA Zn-RuO_(2)exhibits a low overpotential of 210 mV to achieve 10 mA cm^(-2)and a greatly enhanced durability than commercial RuO_(2).This work provides a promising dual-engineering strategy by coupling single atom doping and vacancy for the tradeoff of high activity and catalytic stability toward acidic OER.

Effect of different drying methods on the amino acids,α-dicarbonyls and volatile compounds of rape bee pollen

The significant demand for high quality food has motivated us to adopt appropriate processing methods to improve the food nutritional quality and flavors.In this study,the effects of five drying methods,namely,pulsed vacuum drying(PVD),freeze drying(FD),infrared drying(IRD),hot-air drying(HAD)and sun drying(SD)on free amino acids(FAAs),α-dicarbonyl compounds(α-DCs)and volatile compounds(VOCs)in rape bee pollen(RBP)were determined.The results showed that FD significantly released the essential amino acids(EAAs)compared with fresh samples while SD caused the highest loss.Glucosone was the dominantα-DCs in RBP and the highest loss was observed after PVD.Aldehydes were the dominant volatiles of RBP and SD samples contained more new volatile substances(especially aldehydes)than the other four drying methods.Comprehensively,FD and PVD would be potential methods to effectively reduce the quality deterioration of RBP in the drying process.

Metagenomic analysis revealing the metabolic role of microbial communities in the free amino acid biosynthesis of Monascus rice vinegar during fermentation

Free amino acid(FAA)is the important component of vinegar that infl uences quality perception and consumer acceptance.FAA is one of the major metabolites produced by microorganisms;however,the microbial metabolic network on FAA biosynthesis remains unclear.Through metagenomic analysis,this work aimed to elucidate the roles of microbes in FAA biosynthesis during Monascus rice vinegar fermentation.Taxonomic profiles from functional analyses showed 14 dominant genera with high contributions to the metabolism pathways.The metabolic network for FAA biosynthesis was then constructed,and the microbial distribution in different metabolic pathways was illuminated.The results revealed that 5 functional genera were closely involved in FAA biosynthesis.This study illuminated the metabolic roles of microorganisms in FAA biosynthesis and provided crucial insights into the functional attributes of microbiota in vinegar fermentation.

Antibacterial mechanism of kojic acid and tea polyphenols against Escherichia coli O157:H7 through transcriptomic analysis

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is one of the major foodborne pathogenic bacterial that cause infectious diseases in humans.The previous found that a combination of kojic acid and tea polyphenols exhibited better activity against E.coli O157:H7 than using either alone.This study aimed to explore responses underlying the antibacterial mechanisms of kojic acid and tea polyphenols from the gene level.The functional enrichment analysis by comparing kojic acid and tea polyphenols individually or synergistically against E.coli O157:H7 found that acid resistance systems in kojic acid were activated,and the cell membrane and genomic DNA were destructed in the cells,resulting in“oxygen starvation”.The oxidative stress response triggered by tea polyphenols inhibited both sulfur uptake and the synthesis of ATP,which affected the bacteria's life metabolic process.Interestingly,we found that kojic acid combined with tea polyphenols hindered the uptake of iron that played an essential role in the synthesis of DNA,respiration,tricarboxylic acid cycle.The results suggested that the iron uptake pathways may represent a novel approach for kojic acid and tea polyphenols synergistically against E.coli O157:H7 and provided a theoretical basis for bacterial pathogen control in the food industry.