Sub-cytotoxic concentrations of ionic silver promote the proliferation of human keratinocytes by inducing the production of reactive oxygen species

Silver-containing preparations are widely used in the management of skin wounds, but the effects of silver ions on skin wound healing remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of silver ions （Ag^＋） on the proliferation of human skin keratinocytes （HaCaT） and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species （ROS）. After treating HaCaT cells with Ag^＋ and/or the active oxygen scavenger N-acetyl cysteine （NAC）, cell proliferation and intracellular ROS generation were assessed using CCK-8 reagent and DCFH-DA fluorescent probe, respectively. In addition, 5-bromo-2-deoxyUridine （BrdU） incorporation assays, cell cycle flow cytometry, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） immunocytochemistry were conducted to further evaluate the effects of sub-cytotoxic Ag^＋ concentrations on HaCaT cells. The proliferation of HaCaT cells was promoted in the presence of 10^-6 and 10^-5s mol/L Ag^＋at 24, 48, and 72 h. Intracellular ROS generation also significantly increased for 5 60 min after exposure to Ag^＋ The number of BrdU-positive cells and the presence of PCNA in HaCaT cells increased 48 h after the addition of 10^-6 and 10^-5 mol/L Ag^＋, with 10^-5 mol/L Ag^＋ markedly increasing the cell proliferation index. These effects of sub-cytotoxic Ag^＋ concentrations were repressed by 5 mmol/L NAC. Our results suggest that sub-cytotoxic Ag^＋ concentrations promote the proliferation of human keratinocytes and might be associated with a moderate increase in intracellular ROS levels. This study provides important experimental evidence for developing novel silver-based wound agents or dressings with few or no cytotoxicity.

Effects of PQQ on Protective System in Cucumber Cotyledons under Low Temperature Stress

The authors have studied the effects of Pyrroioguinloine quinone (PQQ) on superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ascorbid acid(AsA) peroxidase (AsAPOD), glutathion (GSH) and electrolytic leakage of cotyledon in cucumber seedling under low temperature stress, meanwhile, 8-hydroquinone (8-HQ) and AsA (activeoxiygen scavengers) have been made use of in comparison with PQQ. The results indicate that the activities of SOD, AsAPOD and content of GSH can be increased by PQQ. The relative conductivity of cotyledon in cucumber seedling is decreased for PQQ possesses the ability of cleaning up free redical of oxygen. We came to the conclusion that PQQ can act as a kind of active oxygen scavenger and adjust the metabolism on free radical of oxygen to balance in plants and enhance resistance finally in plants.

Antioxidant Activity of Pigment Extracted from Green-Wheat-Bran

The anthocyanin pigment extracted from green-wheat-bran was studied to identify its antioxidant activity.The antioxidant activities of the pigment were evaluated by anti-lipid peroxidation,total antioxidant activity （TAA）,superoxide anion radical scavenging activity （SARSA）,active oxygen scavenging activity （AOSA）,and DPPH （1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl free radical） radical scavenging activity.The results showed that the pigment had higher antioxidant activity and TAA,SARSA,AOSA and DPPH.scavenging activities at a certain concentration than Vc （antiscorbutic vitamin,vitamin C）,and the capacity increased with the increase of pigment concentration.Its TAA was 51.06 U mL-1,1.73 times of Vc,and SARSA 18 025.21 U mL-1,2.26% higher than Vc,and AOSA 3 776.31 U mL-1,1.24 times of Vc.As to the DPPH.scavenging activity of the pigment,there was a trend that higher concentration performed higher activity significantly improved with the company of Vc.The pigment showed significant antioxidant activities evaluated by different assays.Results will provide a better understanding on antioxidant activity of green wheat and allow the screening or breeding of green wheat varieties with higher antioxidant activity for food processing.