The effects of radiofrequency hyperthermia on type Ⅱ collagen formation in the osteoarthritic knee

Objective: To explore the effect of radiofrequency hyperthermia on type Ⅱ collagen expression in a rabbit model of osteoarthri-tis (OA). Methods: Experimental model of knee OA was replicated in the right hind limbs of 54 male rabbits by using modified Hulth modeling method. The rabbits were randomly divided into Model group, Lugua Polypeptide group and Radiofrequency Hyper-thermia group. After modeling, Lugua Polypeptide group was given intramuscular injection of Lugua polypeptide;Radiofre-quency Hyperthermia group was treated with radiofrequency hyperthermia;Model group was not given any special treatment. On the 7th, 13th and 19th day after radiofrequency hyperthermia, six experimental rabbits were chosen from each group and sacrificed to take out medial femoral condyle cartilages in the right hind limbs. Modified Mankins rating was applied to the morphological evaluation. Meanwhile, quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the content of type Ⅱ collagen in cartilage tissues of medial femoral condyle. Results: At each time point after treatment, Mankins scores were decreased in all the 3 groups, with that of Model group sig-nificantly higher than those of the other two groups (Model group > Lugua Polypeptide group > Radiofrequency Hyperthermia group). The contents of type Ⅱ collagen in cartilage tissues were increased in all the 3 groups, with that of Radiofrequency Hyperthermia group significantly higher than those of the other two group (Model group < Lugua Polypeptide group < Ra-diofrequency Hyperthermia group). The difference between groups was of statistical significance (p < .05). For Radiofrequency Hyperthermia group, Mankins scores were decreased gradually as the treatment time went by, with the content of type Ⅱ colla-gen in cartilage tissues increased. The difference between time points was of statistical significance (p < .05). Conclusions: Radiofrequency hyperthermia is superior to Lugua polypeptide in the treatment of knee OA, at least in rabbits. Its therapeutic mechanism may be related to the significant increase in type Ⅱ collagen in cartilages.

Clinical efficacy of intradermal type Ⅰ collagen injections in treating skin photoaging in patients from high-altitude areas

BACKGROUND Photoaging,a result of chronic sun exposure,leads to skin damage and pigmentation changes.Traditional treatments may have limitations in high-altitude areas like Yunnan Province.Intradermal Col Ⅰ injections stimulate collagen production,potentially improving skin quality.This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of this treatment for photoaging.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradermal typeΙcollagen(ColΙ)injection for treating photoaging.METHODS This prospective,self-controlled study investigated the impact of intradermal injections of ColΙon skin photodamage in 20 patients from the Yunnan Province.Total six treatment sessions were conducted every 4 wk±3 d.Before and after each treatment,facial skin characteristics were quantified using a VISIA skin detector.Skin thickness data were assessed using the ultrasound probes of the Dermalab skin detector.The Face-Q scale was used for subjective evaluation of the treatment effect by the patients.RESULTS The skin thickness of the right cheek consistently increased after each treatment session compared with baseline.The skin thickness of the left cheek significantly increased after the third through sixth treatment sessions compared with baseline.The skin thickness of the right zygomatic region increased after the second to sixth treatment sessions,whereas that of the left zygomatic region showed a significant increase after the fourth through sixth treatment sessions.The skin thickness of both temporal regions significantly increased after the fifth and sixth treatment sessions compared with baseline(P<0.05).These findings were also supported by skin ultrasound images.The feature count for the red areas and wrinkle feature count decreased following the treatment(P<0.05).VISIA assessments also revealed a decrease in the red areas after treatment.The Face-QSatisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall and Face-Q-Satisfaction with Skin scores significantly increased after each treatment session.The overall appearance of the patients improved after treatment.CONCLUSION Intradermal ColΙinjection improves photoaging,with higher patient satisfaction and fewer adverse reactions,and could be an effective treatment method for populations residing in high-altitude areas.

Effect of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Cassia fistula L.on typeⅡcollagen-induced arthritis in rats

Objective:To explore the effect of Cassia fistula on collagenⅡ-induced arthritis in rats.Methods:The effect of 250 and 500 mg/kg chloroform and hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia fistula leaf on collagenⅡ-induced arthritis was investigated by evaluating paw volume,arthritis index,spleen index,and biochemical parameters.Histopathological analysis and docking study were also performed.Results:A dose-dependent reduction in paw volume,arthritic index,and spleen index was observed following oral administration of the chloroform and hydroalcoholic extracts.Treatment with Cassia fistula extracts reduced tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,prostaglandin E_(2),aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,total leucocyte count,and erythrocyte sedimentation rate while increasing IL-10 level.In addition,Cassia fistula extracts improved joint architecture,and prevented cartilage and bone destruction.Docking analysis demonstrated that the physcion,1-octacosanol,5,3’,4’-trihydroxy-6-methoxy-7-O-α-Lrhamnopyranosyl-(1,2)-O-β-D-galactopyranoside and scopoletin may be responsible for the anti-arthritic effect of Cassia fistula.Conclusions:Cassia fistula suppresses the progression of collagenⅡ-induced arthritis by lowering the inflammatory factors,decreasing paw volume and arthritic index,and alleviating joint architecture.However,further studies are required to confirm the bioactive molecule responsible for the anti-arthritic potential of Cassia fistula.

Recognition and Anticipation of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Type Ⅱ Diabetic Patients using Multi-layered Fuzzy Model

Diabetes mellitus is associated with foot ulcers,which frequently pave the way to lower-extremity amputation.Neuropathy,trauma,deformity,high plantar pressures,and peripheral vascular disease are the most common underlying causes.Around 15%of diabetic patients are affected by diabetic foot ulcer in their lifetime.64 million people are affected by diabetics in India and 40000 amputations are done every year.Foot ulcers are evaluated and classified in a systematic and thorough manner to assist in determining the best course of therapy.This paper proposes a novel model which predicts the threat of diabetic foot ulcer using independent agents for various input values and a combination of fuzzy expert systems.The proposed model uses a classification system to distinguish between each fuzzy framework and its parameters.Based on the severity levels necessary prevention,treatment,and medication are recommended.Combining the results of all the fuzzy frameworks derived from its constituent parameters,a risk-specific medication is recommended.The work also has higher accuracy when compared to other related models.

Analysis of a Type Ⅱ Snowstorm Process in the Early Spring of 2022 in Ulanqab

Based on the observation data of meteorological stations,Doppler radar observation data of Ulanqab City,and ERA-5 reanalysis data,a snowstorm process in Ulanqab City from March 17 to 18,2022 was analyzed.The results show that this was a type Ⅱ snowstorm process generated under the joint influence of upper trough and ground low inverted trough and frontal cyclone.The main period of snowfall can be divided into two time stages,and the total snowfall was more in the south and less in the north,which was consistent with that of average specific humidity field.Water vapor conditions provided by strong water vapor transport and convergence,strong upward movement shown by large vertical velocity field,and the suction action of high-and low-layer divergence and convergence were the reasons for the hourly heavy snowfall on the 18^(th).During the process,radar echoes were mainly sheet-shaped,and composite reflectivity was 15-25 dBZ in most areas.The zero speed line in the first period was positively"S"-shaped,and there was warm advection and southwest wind.On the morning of the 18^(th),after the cold front transited the city,Ulanqab City was gradually controlled by northwest wind,and the snow tended to end.

N-Glycosylated type Ⅱ collagen peptides as therapeutic saccharide vaccines for rheumatoid arthritis

The interaction among type Ⅱ collagen(CⅡ),human DR4 major histocompatibility complex type Ⅱ molecule(MHC Ⅱ)and T-cell receptor(TCR)is associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis(RA).The activation of T cells can be reduced through exposure to modified CⅡ(263-272)glycopeptide fragment via competitive inhibition with self-antigen.In this work,30 peptides based on the sequence of CⅡ(263-272)were prepared and evaluated for their binding to DR4 protein by surface plasmon resonance(SPR)assay.The effect on the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors by the spleen cells in collagen induced rheumatoid arthritis(CIA)mouse was also investigated.Two N-glycosylated CⅡ peptides were identified to have strong binding to the human recombinant DR4 protein and weak proinflammatory effect.These glycopeptides could be developed as therapeutic saccharide vaccines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA).

EFFECTS OF CEREALS FROM KASHIN－BECK DISEASE ENDEMIC AREA ON FIBRILLOGENESIS IN VITRO OF CARTILAGE COLLAGEN TYPE Ⅱ IN RATS

In this feeding trial rats were fed on diets of cereals from Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) endemic area, Se-supplemented cereals from the above area, and cereals from Non-KBD endemic area. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effects of cereals from KBD endemic area and Se on the formation kinetics of cartilage type Ⅱ collagen fibril, the stability and ultrastructure of fibrils formed in vitro. The results indicated that low-selenium cereals from KBD endemic area resulted in a decelerated rate and extant of forming the type Ⅱ collagen fibril, the fibril stability reduced, fibril diameters diminished, and fibril banding periods increased or decreased in vitro. Sesupplemented cereals from KBD endemic area partially rectified the pathologic changes mentioned above. These data are important for further studying the etiology and pathology of KBD.

TGF-β_1、BMP-2和TypeⅡ Collagen在黄韧带中的表达及意义

目的研究TGF-1β、BM P-2和typeⅡco llagen在退行性腰椎滑脱(degenerative lum bar spondy lo listhes is,DLS)和腰椎间盘突出症(lum bar d isc hern iation,LDH)黄韧带中的表达及其意义。方法37例手术切除的腰椎椎板间部黄韧带标本分为3组,第1组为退行性腰椎滑脱组(DLS)10例;第2组为腰椎间盘突出症组(LDH)17例,第3组为正常对照组10例,其中7例取自腰椎骨折手术病人,3例取自意外死亡者。应用EnV is ion二步免疫组化的方法检测其TGF-1β、BM P-2和typeⅡco llagen的表达情况,普通光镜观察,计算出各标本的表达阳性率和表达强度,数据以x-±s标准差及表达强度表示,结果分别用Spss统计软件和R id it进行分析。结果TGF-1β、BM P-2和typeⅡco llagen的阳性表达产物见于成纤维细胞、成软骨细胞和软骨细胞中,而Ⅱ型胶原染色还可同时见于基质。TGF-1β、BM P-2和typeⅡco llagen在DLS组中的表达明显高于LDH组和正常组(P<0.01或P<0.05),Ⅱ型胶原基质染色明显深于LDH组和对照组。LDH组的TGF-1β和typeⅡco llagen的表达阳性率和表达强度与正常组之间差异无显著性(P>0.05),而BM P-2的表达阳性率和表达强度在LDH组与正常组之间具有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论黄韧带所受到的异常机械牵张力可以增加TGF-1β在黄韧带细胞中的合成,而TGF-1β则促进退行性腰椎滑脱黄韧带中的Ⅱ型胶原合成,导致黄韧带的退变和肥厚。BM P-2在退变黄韧带中的表达异常增高,可能与黄韧带的软骨化倾向有关。

维药买朱尼含药血清对IL-1β作用下大鼠软骨细胞MMP-13、Type-ⅡCollagen表达的影响

目的:观察维药买朱尼含药血清对IL-1β作用下体外培养的大鼠关节软骨细胞Type-ⅡCollagen、MMP-1、MMP-13表达的影响,并进一步探讨维药买朱尼防治OA的作用机制。方法:从1周龄SD大鼠关节软骨中分离培养原代软骨细胞,经鉴定后选用第二代细胞随机分为空白对照组、模型组、维药买朱尼组,培养第3d时模型组、维药买朱尼组采用细胞因子IL-1β(10ng/ml)继续培养,分别在培养后第24h、36h、48h采用RealTimePCR方法检测并分析各组软骨细胞中MMP-13、Type-ⅡCollagen的表达情况。结果:在第24h时各组MMP-13表达增加,Type-ⅡCollagen有一定降低,但无统计学差异;而在第36h和48h时空白对照组与模型组MMP-13、Type-ⅡCollagen表达差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),维药买朱尼组较模型组MMP-13与Type-ⅡCollagen的表达在48h、72h时间点有显著性差异(P<0.05)。结论:维药买朱尼可抑制IL-1β对Type-ⅡCollagen的降解和破坏作用,并能抑制IL-1β对MMP-13的诱导和激活作用。

3D Collagen Gels:A Promising Platform for Dendritic Cell Culture in Biomaterials Research

The three-dimensional(3D)cell culture system has garnered significant attention in recent years as a means of studying cell behavior and tissue development,as opposed to traditional two-dimensional cultures.These systems can induce specific cell reactions,promote specific tissue functions,and serve as valuable tools for research in tissue engineering,regenerative medicine,and drug discovery.This paper discusses current developments in the field of three-dimensional cell culture and the potential applications of 3D type 1 collagen gels to enhance the growth and maturation of dendritic cells.

Collagen typeⅠ在胰腺癌发展中的作用

胰腺癌(PC)是高发病率、高死亡率的恶性肿瘤,尽管目前在胰腺癌的治疗策略中已取得了较大的进展,但胰腺癌的转移、复发及高耐药性仍是大部分患者预后不良的主要原因。Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(Col⁃I)是人体中主要的细胞外基质蛋白,在多种实体肿瘤中表达异常并参与肿瘤的形成。最近研究表明,Col⁃I在胰腺癌中高度表达与胰腺癌的生长、转移、侵袭、耐药以及治疗密切相关,是胰腺癌新的潜在治疗靶点。该文重点介绍了COl⁃I对胰腺癌发生发展的影响,为胰腺癌的诊断和靶向治疗提供新的思路。

Collagen type Ⅳ对周围神经中再生轴突及非神经元细胞的作用和影响

本文用抗ｃｏｌｌａｇｅｎｔｙｐｅⅣ对抗体阻断ｃｏｌｌａｇｅｎｔｙｎｅⅣ的方法，研究了ｃｏｌｌａｇｅｎｔｙｐｅⅣ失活的移植神经段（长１０ｍｍ）植入大鼠坐骨神经后对再生轴突和非神经元细胞的作用和影响．实验结果显示：在移植神经段近端距近侧吻合口１ｍｍ处，术后１０ｄ抗ｃｏｌｌａｇｅｎｔｙｐｅⅣ组再生轴突数为对照组的５４％，术后１５ｄ增加到６６％，术后３０ｄ高达９４％．在移植神经段远侧距近侧吻合口９ｍｍ处，术后３０ｄ抗ｃｏｌｌａｇｅｎｔｙｐｅⅣ组再生轴突数为对照组的５８％。表明抗ｃｏｌｌａｇｅｎｔｙｐｅⅣ组再生轴突的生长启动和生长速度明显慢于对照组．巨噬细胞在移植神经段内的滞留数量抗ｃｏｌｌａｇｅｎｔｙｐｅⅣ组明显多于对照组．这些结果揭示ｃｏｌｌａｇｅｎｔｙｐｅⅣ在神经损伤和再生中对促进轴突的生长和维持神经微环境的平衡起着积极的作用．本文对ｃｏｌｌａｇｅｎｔｙｐｅⅣ在神经再生中的作用机制作了初步的分析和探讨。

基于上皮细胞-间充质细胞转分化(EMT)理论的艾灸配合化纤Ⅳ号方对实验大鼠Collagen Type Ⅲ和PDGF干预作用实验研究

目的:基于上皮细胞-间充质细胞转分化(EMT)学说观察化纤Ⅳ号方、艾灸以及二者相配合治疗肺纤维化大鼠Collagen TypeⅢ(Ⅲ-C)和PDGF的变化,探讨其治疗效应及生物学机制。方法:将鼠龄约为6周的SD大鼠随机分为空白组、模型组、化纤Ⅳ号方组、艾灸组、化纤Ⅳ号方与艾灸配合治疗组(简称为"灸药组"),治疗30 d后处死观察其肺组织病理改变,并检测其Collagen TypeⅢ、PDGF的基因和蛋白表达情况。结果:实时荧光定量结果显示:与空白组相比,各组Ⅲ-C和PDGF m RNA表达增高(P<0.05)。与模型组相比,各组的Ⅲ-C和PDGF m RNA表达有明显降低(P<0.01)。而各组中,灸药组疗效最明显,Ⅲ-C和PDGF的表达最低。蛋白免疫印迹法检测结果显示:与模型组相比各组的Ⅲ-C蛋白表达有差异。结论:1艾灸、化纤Ⅳ号方均可减轻博莱霉素诱导肺纤维化大鼠的肺纤维化程度。2艾灸配合化纤Ⅳ号方可减轻博莱霉素诱导肺纤维化大鼠的肺纤维化程度,且其效果优于单用艾灸或单用化纤Ⅳ号方。3艾灸、化纤Ⅳ号方及其二者配合使用不同程度阻抑博莱霉素诱导肺纤维化大鼠肺纤维化进程的效应机制,可能与通过调控其EMT过程中的Ⅲ-C和PDGF表达环节紧密相关。

Serum hyaluronic acid, procollagen type Ⅲ and Ⅳ in histological diagnosis of liver fibrosis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the significance of serum hyaluronic acid (HA), proeollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), collagen type Ⅳ (CⅣ) in the histological diagnosis of liver fibrosis. METHODS: The concentrations of serum HA, PCⅢ, CⅣ in 253 patients with chronic liver diseases were measured by radioimmunoassay. Liver biopsies were performed in all patients at the same time. The liver was pathologically evaluated by a pathologist according to a scoring system. Combined with the results of liver pathological diagnosis, the accuracy of serum HA, PCⅢ, CⅣ in diagnosing patients with hepatic fibrosis (staging≥S_2) or cirrhosis (S_4) was assessed using the receiver operating curve (ROC). RESULTS: The cutoff values of serum HA, PCⅢ and CⅣ for identifying patients with hepatic fibrosis (≥S_2) or cirrhosis (S_4) were determined. The cutoff values of serum HA, PCⅢ and CⅣ for detecting patients with fibrosis (stage≥S_2) were 90μg/L, 90μg/L, 75μg/L, respectively; their sensitivity (Se) was 80.4%, 82%, 63.1%; their specificity (Spe) was 70.2%, 60.8%, 83.8%; their positive predictive values (PPV) were 86.7%, 83.5%, 90.4%; their negative predictive values (NPV) were 59.8%, 58.4%, 48.4%, respectively. The cutoff values for detecting patients with liver cirrhosis were 210μg/L for HA, 96.2% for Se, 85.3% for Spe, 65.4% for PPV, 98.8% for NPV; 150μg/L for PCⅢ, 76.4% for Se, 68.7% for Spe, 40.4% for PPV, 91.3% for NPV; 90μg/L for CⅣ, 80% for Se, 75.8% for Spe, 47.8% for PPV, 93.2% for NPV, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum HA, PCⅢ and CⅣ can be determined for an accurate diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis in various stages. HA is the best for screening liver cirrhosis.

Development and potential of a biomimetic chitosan/type Ⅱ collagen scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering

Damaged articular cartilage has very limited capacity for spontaneous healing. Tissue engineering provides a new hope for functional cartilage repair. Creation of an appropriate cell carrier is one of the critical steps for successful tissue engineering. With the supposition that a biomimetic construct might promise to generate better effects, we developed a novel composite scaffold and investigated its potential for cartilage tissue engineering.

Combined expression of CTGF and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1 promotes synthesis of proteoglycan and collagen type Ⅱ in rhesus monkey lumbar intervertebral disc cells in vitro

Background Low back pain has emerged as a widespread disease often caused by intervertebral disc degeneration.This study aimed to establish an in vitro cell culture model of rhesus monkey lumbar intervertebral discs and to investigate the effect of combined connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1（TIMP-1） expression mediated by adeno-associated virus （AAV） on collagen type Ⅱ and proteoglycan levels.The purpose of these investigations was to explore potential methods for relieving the degeneration of lumbar intervertebral disc cells.Methods Rhesus monkey lumbar intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus cells （NPCs） were isolated by enzyme digestion,cultured, and transduced with rAAV2-CTGF-IRES-TIMP-1, rAAV2-CTGF, or rAAV2-TIMP-1 at a multiplicity of infection （MOl） of 106.The expression of collagen type Ⅱ and proteoglycan was measured using RT-PCR and Western blotting.The synthetic rate of proteoglycan was measured using 35S incorporation.Results Rhesus monkey lumbar intervertebral disc NPCs were transduced with rAAV2-CTGF-IRES-TIMP-1,rAAV2-CTGF, and rAAV2-TIMP-1 and the transduced genes were expressed and detected.Compared to the control,CTGF promoted the synthesis of collagen type Ⅱ and proteoglycan.TIMP-1 showed an enhancing effect on the expression of proteoglycan but no effect on collagen type Ⅱ.Expression of both genes in rhesus monkey lumbar intervertebral disc NPCs significantly enhances the synthesis of proteoglycan and collagen type Ⅱ.Conclusions Single gene transduction of CTGF or TIMP-1 can enhanced synthesis of proteoglycan.CTGF expression can also enhance collagen type Ⅱ protein synthesis.Combined transduction of both CTGF and TIMP1 can significantly promote the expression of proteoglycan and collagen type Ⅱ to levels greater than transduction of a single gene alone.Our study provides a good basis for multi-gene therapy to treat lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration.

Interleukin-1 inhibits Sox9 and collagen type Ⅱ expression via nuclear factor-κB in the cultured human intervertebral disc cells

Background The most significant biological change in intervertebral disc degeneration is the decrease of chondrocyte specific gene and protein expression of Sox9 and collagen type Ⅱ. Interleukin-1 （IL-1） is not expressed in the normal intervertebral disc tissue but increases in the degenerated intervertebral disc tissue. This suggests that IL-1 may play a role in regulation of the expression of Sox9 and collagen type Ⅱ. Methods Human intervertebral disc cells were isolated and cultured. Sox9 and collagen type Ⅱ expression during treatment with IL-1, with or without the nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） activity inhibitor curcumin, were detected by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and Western blotting, and the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway was detected by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay （EMSA）. Results IL-1 lowered the mRNA level and protein expression of Sox9 and collagen type Ⅱ in the cultured intervertebral disc cells in a dose dependent manner （P 〈0.05）, and this effect was attenuated by curcumin. Curcumin alone had no effect on Sox9 and collagen type Ⅱ expression （P 〉0.05）. IL-1 at concentrations of 0.1 ng/ml, 1 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml could stimulate the activity of NF-κB in the intervertebral disc cells in a dose dependent manner （P 〈0.05） that was inhibited by curcumin. Conclusions We demonstrated the previously unknown function of IL-1 in inhibiting Sox9 and collagen type Ⅱ via NF-κB in the intervertebral disc cells. This inhibition can be attenuated by curcumin, which is an effective NF-κB activity inhibitor.

Type XIX collagen: a promising biomarker from the basement membranes

Among collagen members in the collagen superfamily,type XIX collagen has raised increasing interest in relation to its structural and biological roles.Type XIX collagen is a Fibril-Associated Collagen with Interrupted Triple helices member,one main subclass of collagens in this superfamily.This collagen contains a triple helix composed of three polypeptide segments aligned in parallel and it is associated with the basement membrane zone in different tissues.The molecular structure of type XIX collagen consists of five collagenous domains,COL1 to COL5,interrupted by six non-collagenous domains,NCI to NC6.The most relevant domain by which this collagen exerts its biological roles is NCI domain that can be cleavage enzymatically to release matricryptins,exerting anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effect in murine and human models of cancer.Under physiological conditions,type XIX collagen expression decreases after birth in different tissues although it is necessary to keep its basal levels,mainly in skeletal muscle and hippocampal and telencephalic interneurons in brain.Notwithstanding,in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,altered transcript expression levels show a novel biological effect of this collagen beyond its structural role in basement membranes and its anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic properties.Type XIX collagen can exert a compensatory effect to ameliorate the disease progression under neurodegenerative conditions specific to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in transgenic SOD1 G93 A mice and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.This novel biological role highlights its nature as prognostic biomarker of disease progression in and as promising therapeutic target,paving the way to a more precise prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Peptoids with aliphatic sidechains as helical structures without hydrogen bonds and collagen/ inverse-collagen type structures

Aliphatic homo-polypeptoids of NAla, NVal, NIle and NLeu both in the presence and absence of protecting groups adopt helical structures without hydrogen bonds with Φ, Ψ values of ~ 0, ± 90° with trans amide bonds. These structures are stabilized by carbonyl-carbonyl interactions and characterized by ~ 3.16 residues per turn with a pitch of ~ 6.13 ?. It has been shown that like polyvaline and polyleucine peptides, poly-peptoids can also be exploited for the construction of potential surfactant like molecules by incorporating charged amino acid residues at the N terminal. A single-handed template with Φ, Ψ values of ~ 0, 90° can be attained by incorporating L-leu or L-val at the C-terminal of poly-NIle. Analysis of the simulation results in water as a function of time reveals that the opening of helical structures without hydrogen bonds takes place at sub-picosecond time scale starting from the N-terminal. This leads to the formation of collagen or inverse-collagen type structures (Φ, Ψ ~ -60, 145° and 60, -145° respectively) stabilized by interactions of water molecules with the backbone carbonyl groups.