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

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

Factors resisting protein adsorption on hydrophilic/hydrophobic self-assembled monolayers terminated with hydrophilic hydroxyl groups

The hydroxyl-terminated self-assembled monolayer(OH-SAM),as a surface resistant to protein adsorption,exhibits substantial potential in applications such as ship navigation and medical implants,and the appropriate strategies for designing anti-fouling surfaces are crucial.Here,we employ molecular dynamics simulations and alchemical free energy calculations to systematically analyze the factors influencing resistance to protein adsorption on the SAMs terminated with single or double OH groups at three packing densities(∑=2.0 nm^(-2),4.5 nm^(-2),and 6.5 nm^(-2)),respectively.For the first time,we observed that the compactness and order of interfacial water enhance its physical barrier effect,subsequently enhancing the resistance of SAM to protein adsorption.Notably,the spatial hindrance effect of SAM leads to the embedding of protein into SAM,resulting in a lack of resistance of SAM towards protein.Furthermore,the number of hydroxyl groups per unit area of double OH-terminated SAM at ∑=6.5 nm^(-2) is approximately 2 to 3 times that of single OH-terminated SAM at ∑=6.5 nm^(-2) and 4.5 nm^(-2),consequently yielding a weaker resistance of double OH-terminated SAM towards protein.Meanwhile,due to the structure of SAM itself,i.e.,the formation of a nearly perfect ice-like hydrogen bond structure,the SAM exhibits the weakest resistance towards protein.This study will complement and improve the mechanism of OH-SAM resistance to protein adsorption,especially the traditional barrier effect of interfacial water.

Morphological Evolution of Self-Assembled Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate/Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide@Epoxy-β-Cyclodextrin Supramolecular Aggregates Induced by Temperature

Bio-based cyclodextrins(CDs)are a common research object in supramolecular chemistry.The special cavity structure of CDs can form supramolecular self-assemblies such as vesicles and microcrystals through weak interaction with guest molecules.The different forms of supramolecular self-assemblies can be transformed into each other under certain conditions.The regulation of supramolecular self-assembly is not only helpful to understand the self-assembly principle,but also beneficial to its application.In the present study,the self-assembly behavior of epoxy-β-cyclodextrin(EP-β-CD)and mixed anionic and cationic surfactant system(sodium dodecyl sulfate/dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide,SDS/DTAB)in aqueous solution was studied.Morphological and particle size characterization found that the SDS/DTAB@EP-β-CD complex,as the basic building unit,self-assembled into worm-like micelles at lower temperatures and vesicles at higher temperatures.Nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR)analysis revealed that the driving force for the formation of vesicles and worm-like micelles was the hydrogen bonds between EP-β-CD molecules,while water molecules played an important role in promoting vesicle formation between SDS/DTAB@EP-β-CD units.Herein,the mechanism of the morphologic transformation of SDS/DTAB@EP-β-CD supramolecular aggregates induced by temperature was elucidated by exploring the self-assembly process,which may provide an excellent basis for the development of delivery carriers.

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

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

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

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

Linear-like polypeptide-based micelle with pH-sensitive detachable PEG to deliver dimeric camptothecin for cancer therapy

Nano drug delivery systems have made significant progress in delivering anticancer drugs camptothecin(CPT).However,many challenges for CPT delivery remain,including low drug loading efficiency,premature drug leakage,and poor cellular internalization.Herein,we report a novel dual-sensitive polypeptide-based micelle with remarkably high drug loading of CPT for cancer therapy.This self-assembled micelle possesses the following essential components for CPT:(1)pH-sensitive PEG(OHC-PEG-CHO)for prolonging blood circulation and allowing biocompatibility by shielding the cationic micelles,which can be detached under the tumor acidic microenvironment and facilitates the cellular uptake;(2)polypeptide polylysine-polyphenylalanine(PKF)synthesized via ring-opening polymerization for micelle formation and CPT analogue loading;(3)dimeric CPT(DCPT)with redox-sensitive linker for increasing CPT loading and ensuring drug release at tumor sites.Interestingly,the linear-like morphology of PEG-PKF/DCPT micelles was able to enhance their cellular internalization when compared with the spherical blank PKF micelles.Also,the anticancer efficacy of DCPT against lung cancer cells was significantly improved by the micelle formation.In conclusion,this work provides a promising strategy facilitating the safety and effective application of CPT in cancer therapy.

Active straining engineering on self-assembled stacked Ni-based hybrid electrode for ultra-low overpotential

Generating sufficient strains on metal surfaces are highly challenging owing to that most metals can deform plastically to relax the strains on the surfaces.In this work,we developed a facile but highly efficient stacked deposition strategy to in situ activation and reconstruction of NiO/NiOOH on Ni matrix,following with the migration of Fe ions to NiOOH.The Fe sites on the Ni/NiO/NiOOH facilitate the formation of the stable*OH oxygenated intermediates,and the Ni matrix in the catalyst provides the catalyst excellent stability.The oxygen evolution reaction(OER)performance of the stacked NiFe-5 with compressive strain displays the strengthened binding to oxygenated intermediates and superior OER activity,the ultralow overpotentials of 162 versus reversible hydrogen electrode at 10 mA cm^(-2).On the other hand,the Ni-5 without the incorporation of Fe has shown an outstanding hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)activity,affording an overpotential of 47 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2).The NiFe-5‖Ni-5 enables the overall water splitting at a voltage of 1.508 V to achieve 20 mA cm^(-2) with remarkable durability.The stacked deposition strategy improves binding strength of Ni-based catalysts to oxygenated intermediates via generating compressive strain,causing high catalytic activities on OER and HER.

Au@Ag Core-shell Nanorods Self-assembled on Polyelectrolyte Multilayers for Ultra-High Sensitivity SERS Fiber Probes

We demonstrated a chemical process in the fabrication of a SERS fiber probe with an ultrahigh sensitivity.The synthesis was carried out by preparing Au@Ag core-shell nanorods (Au@Ag-NRs) selfassembled on polyelectrolyte (PE) multilayers,for which Au@Ag-NRs were controlled by adjusting the silver layer thickness.The effect of silver layer thickness of Au@Ag-NRs on the SERS performance of the fiber probe was investigated.The SERS fiber probe shows the best performance when the silver layer thickness is controlled at 8.57 nm.Under the condition of optimizing silver layer thickness,the fiber probe exhibits ultra-high sensitivity (i e,10^(-10) M crystalline violet,CV),good reproducibility (i e,RSD of 3.5%) and stability.Besides,electromagnetic field distribution of the SERS fiber probe was also investigated.The strongest enhancement is found within the core of fiber,whereas a weakened electromagnetic field exists in the fiber cladding layer.The SERS fiber probe can be a good candidate in ultra-trace detection for biomedical and environmental areas.

Self-assembly of perovskite nanocrystals:From driving forces to applications

Self-assembly of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals(NCs)into superlattices can exhibit unique collective properties,which have significant application values in the display,detector,and solar cell field.This review discusses the driving forces behind the self-assembly process of perovskite NCs,and the commonly used self-assembly methods and different self-assembly structures are detailed.Subsequently,we summarize the collective optoelectronic properties and application areas of perovskite superlattice structures.Finally,we conclude with an outlook on the potential issues and future challenges in developing perovskite NCs.

Alcohol solvent effect on the self-assembly behaviors of lignin oligomers

The interactions between lignin oligomers and solvents determine the behaviors of lignin oligomers self-assembling into uniform lignin nanoparticles(LNPs).Herein,several alcohol solvents,which readily interact with the lignin oligomers,were adopted to study their effects during solvent shifting process for LNPs’production.The lignin oligomers with widely distributed molecular weight and abundant guaiacyl units were extracted from wood waste(mainly consists of pine wood),exerting outstanding self-assembly capability.Uniform and spherical LNPs were generated in H_(2)O-n-propanol cosolvent,whereas irregular LNPs were obtained in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent.The unsatisfactory self-assembly performance of the lignin oligomers in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent could be attributed to two aspects.On one hand,for the initial dissolution state,the distinguishing Hansen solubility parameter and polarity between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers resulted in the poor dispersion of the lignin oligomers.On the other hand,strong hydrogen bonds between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers during solvent shifting process,hindered the interactions among the lignin oligomers for self-assembly.

Chitosan/Sodium Alginate Multilayer pH-Sensitive Films Based on Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly for Intelligent Packaging

The abuse of plastic food packaging has brought about severe white pollution issues around the world.Developing green and sustainable biomass packaging is an effective way to solve this problem.Hence,a chitosan/sodium alginate-based multilayer film is fabricated via a layer-by-layer(LBL)self-assembly method.With the help of superior interaction between the layers,the multilayer film possesses excellent mechanical properties(with a tensile strength of 50 MPa).Besides,the film displays outstanding water retention property(blocking moisture of 97.56%)and ultraviolet blocking property.Anthocyanin is introduced into the film to detect the food quality since it is one natural plant polyphenol that is sensitive to the pH changes ranging from 1 to 13 in food when spoilage occurs.It is noted that the film is also bacteriostatic which is desired for food packaging.This study describes a simple technique for the development of advanced multifunctional and fully biodegradable food packaging film and it is a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.

Layer by Layer Self-assembly Fiber-based Flexible Electrochemical Transistor

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxyethiophene)-polystyrene sulfonic acid(PEDOT:PSS)/polyallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride modified reduced graphene oxide(PDDA-rGO)was layer by layer self-assembled on the cotton fiber.The surface morphology and electric property was investigated.The results confirmed the dense membrane of PEDOT:PSS and the lamellar structure of PDDA-rGO on the fibers.It has excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical properties.The fiber based electrochemical transistor(FECTs)prepared by the composite conductive fiber has a maximum output current of 8.7 mA,a transconductance peak of 10 mS,an on time of 1.37 s,an off time of 1.6 s and excellent switching stability.Most importantly,the devices by layer by layer self-assembly technology opens a path for the true integration of organic electronics with traditional textile technologies and materials,laying the foundation for their later widespread application.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SURFACE MODIFICATION OF POLYPROPYLENE MICROPOROUS MEMBRANE BY TETHERING POLYPEPTIDES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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