Effects of carbon content on the microstructure and tensile properties of a low-density steel

Carbon can change the phase components of low-density steels and influence the mechanical properties.In this study,a new method to control the carbon content and avoid the formation ofδ-ferrite by decarburization treatment was proposed.The microstructural changes and mechanical characteristics with carbon content induced by decarburization were systematically examined.Crussard-Jaoul(C-J)analysis was employed to examine the work hardening characteristics during the tensile test.During decarburization by heat treatments,the carbon content within the austenite phase decreased,while Mn and Al were almost unchanged;this made the steel with full austenite transform into the austenite and ferrite dual phase.Meanwhile,(Ti,V)C carbides existed in both matrix phase and the mole fraction almost the same.In addition,the formation of other carbides restrained.Carbon loss induced a decrease in strength due to the weakening of the carbon solid solution.For the steel with the single austinite,the deformation mode of austenite was the dislocation planar glide,resulting in the formation of microbands.For the dual-phase steel,the deformation occurred by the dislocation planar glide of austenite first,with the increase in strain,the cross slip of ferrite took place,forming dislocation cells in ferrite.At the late stage of deformation,the work hardening of austinite increased rapidly,while that of ferrite increased slightly.

Overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor prevents neurotoxic polarization of astrocytes via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in experimental ischemic stroke

Neurotoxic astrocytes are a promising therapeutic target for the attenuation of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Low-density lipoprotein receptor,a classic cholesterol regulatory receptor,has been found to inhibit NLR family pyrin domain containing protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome activation in neurons following ischemic stroke and to suppress the activation of microglia and astrocytes in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.However,little is known about the effects of low-density lipoprotein receptor on astrocytic activation in ischemic stroke.To address this issue in the present study,we examined the mechanisms by which low-density lipoprotein receptor regulates astrocytic polarization in ischemic stroke models.First,we examined low-density lipoprotein receptor expression in astrocytes via immunofluorescence staining and western blotting analysis.We observed significant downregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor following middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation.Second,we induced the astrocyte-specific overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor using astrocyte-specific adeno-associated virus.Low-density lipoprotein receptor overexpression in astrocytes improved neurological outcomes in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice and reversed neurotoxic astrocytes to create a neuroprotective phenotype.Finally,we found that the overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injured astrocytes and that the addition of nigericin,an NLRP3 agonist,restored the neurotoxic astrocyte phenotype.These findings suggest that low-density lipoprotein receptor could inhibit the NLRP3-meidiated neurotoxic polarization of astrocytes and that increasing low-density lipoprotein receptor in astrocytes might represent a novel strategy for treating cerebral ischemic stroke.

Effect of temperature and time on the precipitation ofκ-carbides in Fe-28Mn-10Al-0.8C low-density steels:Aging mechanism and its impact on material properties

In low-density steel,κ-carbides primarily precipitate in the form of nanoscale particles within austenite grains.However,their precipitation within ferrite matrix grains has not been comprehensively explored,and the second-phase evolution mechanism during aging remains unclear.In this study,the crystallographic characteristics and morphological evolution ofκ-carbides in Fe-28Mn-10Al-0.8C(wt%)low-density steel at different aging temperatures and times and the impacts of these changes on the steels’microhardness and properties were comprehensively analyzed.Under different heat treatment conditions,intragranularκ-carbides exhibited various morpho-logical and crystallographic characteristics,such as acicular,spherical,and short rod-like shapes.At the initial stage of aging,acicularκ-carbides primarily precipitated,accompanied by a few spherical carbides.κ-Carbides grew and coarsened with aging time,the spherical carbides were considerably reduced,and rod-like carbides coarsened.Vickers hardness testing demonstrated that the material’s hardness was affected by the volume fraction,morphology,and size ofκ-carbides.Extended aging at higher temperatures led to an increase in carbide size and volume fraction,resulting in a gradual rise in hardness.During deformation,the primary mechanisms for strengthening were dislocation strengthening and second-phase strengthening.Based on these findings,potential strategies for improving material strength are proposed.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2(LRP2)is required for lipid export in the midgut of the migratory locust,Locusta migratoria

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2(LRP2)is a multifunctional endocytic receptor expressed in epithelial cells.In mammals,it acts as an endocytic receptor that mediates the cellular uptake of cholesterol-containing apolipoproteins to maintain lipid homeostasis.However,little is known about the role of LRP2 in lipid homeostasis in insects.In the present study,we investigated the function of LRP2 in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria(LmLRP2).The mRNA of LmLRP2 is widely distributed in various tissues,including integument,wing pads,foregut,midgut,hindgut,Malpighian tubules and fat body,and the amounts of LmLRP2 transcripts decreased gradually in the early stages and then increased in the late stages before ecdysis during the nymphal developmental stage.Fluorescence immunohistochemistry revealed that the LmLRP2 protein is mainly located in cellular membranes of the midgut and hindgut.Using RNAi to silence LmLRP2 caused molting defects in nymphs(more than 60%),and the neutral lipid was found to accumulate in the midgut and surface of the integument,but not in the fat body,of dsLmLRP2-treated nymphs.The results of a lipidomics analysis showed that the main components of lipids(diglyceride and triglyceride)were significantly increased in the midgut,but decreased in the fat body and hemolymph.Furthermore,the content of total triglyceride was significantly increased in the midgut,but markedly decreased in the fat body and hemolymph in dsLmLRP2-injected nymphs.Our results indicate that LmLRP2 is located in the cellular membranes of midgut cells,and is required for lipid export from the midgut to the hemolymphand fat body in locusts.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1:a novel potential therapeutic target for intracerebral hemorrhage

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1(OLR1)is upregulated in neurons and participates in hypertension-induced neuronal apoptosis.OLR1 deletion exerts protective effects on cerebral damage induced by hypertensive-induced stroke.Therefore,OLR1 is likely involved in the progress of intracerebral hemorrhage.In this study,we examined the potential role of OLR1 in intracerebral hemorrhage using a rat model.OLR1 small interfering RNA(10μL;50 pmol/μL)was injected into the right basal ganglia to knock down OLR1.Twenty-four hours later,0.5 U collagenase type VII was injected to induce intracerebral hemorrhage.We found that knockdown of OLR1 attenuated neurological behavior impairment in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage and reduced hematoma,neuron loss,inflammatory reaction,and oxidative stress in rat brain tissue.We also found that silencing of OLR1 suppressed ferroptosis induced by intracerebral hemorrhage and the p38 signaling pathway.Therefore,silencing OLR1 exhibits protective effects against secondary injury of intracerebral hemorrhage.These findings suggest that OLR1 may be a novel potential therapeutic target for intracerebral hemorrhage.

Effects of heating temperature and atmosphere on element distribution and microstructure in high-Mn/Al austenitic low-density steel

The elemental distribution and microstructure near the surface of high-Mn/Al austenitic low-density steel were investigated after isothermal holding at temperatures of 900-1200℃ in different atmospheres,including air,N_(2),and N_(2)+CO_(2).No ferrite was formed near the surface of the experimental steel during isothermal holding at 900 and 1000℃ in air,while ferrite was formed near the steel sur-face at holding temperatures of 1100 and 1200℃.The ferrite fraction was larger at 1200℃ because more C and Mn diffused to the sur-face,exuded from the steel,and then reacted with N and O to form oxidation products.The thickness of the compound scale increased owing to the higher diffusion rate at higher temperatures.In addition,after isothermal holding at 1100℃ in N_(2),the Al content near the surface slightly decreased,while the C and Mn contents did not change.Therefore,no ferrite was formed near the surface.However,the near-surface C and Al contents decreased after holding at 1100℃in the N_(2)+CO_(2)mixed atmosphere,resulting in the formation of a small amount of ferrite.The compound scale was thickest in N_(2),followed by the N_(2)+CO_(2)mixed atmosphere,and thinnest in air.Overall,the element loss and ferrite fraction were largest after holding in air at the same temperature.The differences in element loss and ferrite frac-tion between in N_(2) and N_(2)+CO_(2)atmospheres were small,but the compound scale formed in N_(2) was significantly thicker.According to these results,N_(2)+CO_(2)is the ideal heating atmosphere for the industrial production of high-Mn/Al austenitic low-density steel.

Multilevel analysis of the central-peripheral-target organ pathway:contributing to recovery after peripheral nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injury is a common neurological condition that often leads to severe functional limitations and disabilities.Research on the pathogenesis of peripheral nerve injury has focused on pathological changes at individual injury sites,neglecting multilevel pathological analysis of the overall nervous system and target organs.This has led to restrictions on current therapeutic approaches.In this paper,we first summarize the potential mechanisms of peripheral nerve injury from a holistic perspective,covering the central nervous system,peripheral nervous system,and target organs.After peripheral nerve injury,the cortical plasticity of the brain is altered due to damage to and regeneration of peripheral nerves;changes such as neuronal apoptosis and axonal demyelination occur in the spinal cord.The nerve will undergo axonal regeneration,activation of Schwann cells,inflammatory response,and vascular system regeneration at the injury site.Corresponding damage to target organs can occur,including skeletal muscle atrophy and sensory receptor disruption.We then provide a brief review of the research advances in therapeutic approaches to peripheral nerve injury.The main current treatments are conducted passively and include physical factor rehabilitation,pharmacological treatments,cell-based therapies,and physical exercise.However,most treatments only partially address the problem and cannot complete the systematic recovery of the entire central nervous system-peripheral nervous system-target organ pathway.Therefore,we should further explore multilevel treatment options that produce effective,long-lasting results,perhaps requiring a combination of passive(traditional)and active(novel)treatment methods to stimulate rehabilitation at the central-peripheral-target organ levels to achieve better functional recovery.

Liver as a new target organ in Alzheimer's disease:insight from cholesterol metabolism and its role in amyloid-beta clearance

Alzheimer's disease,the primary cause of dementia,is characterized by neuropathologies,such as amyloid plaques,synaptic and neuronal degeneration,and neurofibrillary tangles.Although amyloid plaques are the primary characteristic of Alzheimer's disease in the central nervous system and peripheral organs,targeting amyloid-beta clearance in the central nervous system has shown limited clinical efficacy in Alzheimer's disease treatment.Metabolic abnormalities are commonly observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease.The liver is the primary peripheral organ involved in amyloid-beta metabolism,playing a crucial role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.Notably,impaired cholesterol metabolism in the liver may exacerbate the development of Alzheimer's disease.In this review,we explore the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease and elucidate the role of the liver in amyloid-beta clearance and cholesterol metabolism.Furthermore,we propose that restoring normal cholesterol metabolism in the liver could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing Alzheimer's disease.

Pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and autophagy in spinal cord injury:regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Regulated cell death is a form of cell death that is actively controlled by biomolecules.Several studies have shown that regulated cell death plays a key role after spinal cord injury.Pyroptosis and ferroptosis are newly discovered types of regulated cell deaths that have been shown to exacerbate inflammation and lead to cell death in damaged spinal cords.Autophagy,a complex form of cell death that is interconnected with various regulated cell death mechanisms,has garnered significant attention in the study of spinal cord injury.This injury triggers not only cell death but also cellular survival responses.Multiple signaling pathways play pivotal roles in influencing the processes of both deterioration and repair in spinal cord injury by regulating pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and autophagy.Therefore,this review aims to comprehensively examine the mechanisms underlying regulated cell deaths,the signaling pathways that modulate these mechanisms,and the potential therapeutic targets for spinal cord injury.Our analysis suggests that targeting the common regulatory signaling pathways of different regulated cell deaths could be a promising strategy to promote cell survival and enhance the repair of spinal cord injury.Moreover,a holistic approach that incorporates multiple regulated cell deaths and their regulatory pathways presents a promising multi-target therapeutic strategy for the management of spinal cord injury.

Targeting capabilities of engineered extracellular vesicles for the treatment of neurological diseases

Recent advances in research on extracellular vesicles have significantly enhanced their potential as therapeutic agents for neurological diseases.Owing to their therapeutic properties and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier,extracellular vesicles are recognized as promising drug delivery vehicles for various neurological conditions,including ischemic stroke,traumatic brain injury,neurodegenerative diseases,glioma,and psychosis.However,the clinical application of natural extracellular vesicles is hindered by their limited targeting ability and short clearance from the body.To address these limitations,multiple engineering strategies have been developed to enhance the targeting capabilities of extracellular vesicles,thereby enabling the delivery of therapeutic contents to specific tissues or cells.Therefore,this review aims to highlight the latest advancements in natural and targeting-engineered extracellular vesicles,exploring their applications in treating traumatic brain injury,ischemic stroke,Parkinson's disease,Alzheimer's disease,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,glioma,and psychosis.Additionally,we summarized recent clinical trials involving extracellular vesicles and discussed the challenges and future prospects of using targeting-engineered extracellular vesicles for drug delivery in treating neurological diseases.This review offers new insights for developing highly targeted therapies in this field.

Subretinal fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration:mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets

Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.It causes local damage to photoreceptors,retinal pigment epithelium,and choroidal vessels,which leads to permanent central vision loss of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis is complex,and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.Therefore,there are no effective treatment options.A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis and its related mechanisms is important to elucidate its complications and explore potential treatments.The current article reviews several aspects of subretinal fibrosis,including the current understanding on the relationship between neovascular age-related macular degeneration and subretinal fibrosis;multimodal imaging techniques for subretinal fibrosis;animal models for studying subretinal fibrosis;cellular and non-cellular constituents of subretinal fibrosis;pathophysiological mechanisms involved in subretinal fibrosis,such as aging,infiltration of macrophages,different sources of mesenchymal transition to myofibroblast,and activation of complement system and immune cells;and several key molecules and signaling pathways participating in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis,such as vascular endothelial growth factor,connective tissue growth factor,fibroblast growth factor 2,platelet-derived growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β,transforming growth factor-βsignaling pathway,Wnt signaling pathway,and the axis of heat shock protein 70-Toll-like receptors 2/4-interleukin-10.This review will improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis,allow the discovery of molecular targets,and explore potential treatments for the management of subretinal fibrosis.

A novel detection method for warhead fragment targets in optical images under dynamic strong interference environments

A measurement system for the scattering characteristics of warhead fragments based on high-speed imaging systems offers advantages such as simple deployment,flexible maneuverability,and high spatiotemporal resolution,enabling the acquisition of full-process data of the fragment scattering process.However,mismatches between camera frame rates and target velocities can lead to long motion blur tails of high-speed fragment targets,resulting in low signal-to-noise ratios and rendering conventional detection algorithms ineffective in dynamic strong interference testing environments.In this study,we propose a detection framework centered on dynamic strong interference disturbance signal separation and suppression.We introduce a mixture Gaussian model constrained under a joint spatialtemporal-transform domain Dirichlet process,combined with total variation regularization to achieve disturbance signal suppression.Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed disturbance suppression method can be integrated with certain conventional motion target detection tasks,enabling adaptation to real-world data to a certain extent.Moreover,we provide a specific implementation of this process,which achieves a detection rate close to 100%with an approximate 0%false alarm rate in multiple sets of real target field test data.This research effectively advances the development of the field of damage parameter testing.

Targeted maintenance therapy for a young woman with cervical rhabdomyosarcoma:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix is a rare form of soft-tissue sarcoma predominantly affecting young women,with no established standard treatment protocol.CASE SUMMARY This report presents a case of a 17-year-old female patient presenting with in-termittent,non-cyclical vaginal bleeding and associated lower abdominal pain.Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and additional examinations led to the dia-gnosis of cervical rhabdomyosarcoma.The primary treatment options for uterine cervical rhabdomyosarcoma include surgery,with or without adjuvant chemo-therapy and radiotherapy.This patient underwent surgery followed by a posto-perative chemotherapy regimen of gemcitabine combined with docetaxel and bevacizumab.After 19 months of follow-up,the patient showed no signs of re-currence and maintained good overall health.Given the rarity of cervix rhab-domyosarcoma,this case is presented to provide insights into the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.CONCLUSION This suggests that bevacizumab may demonstrate potential efficacy in the treat-ment of cervical rhabdomyosarcoma.In the future,targeted therapy is expected to play an increasingly significant role in the management of rhabdomyosarcoma.

Tankyrase 2 as a therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer: Implications for apoptosis and migration

This letter addresses Wang and Zhang's investigation into the role of tankyrase 2(TNKS2)as a pivotal driver of malignancy in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)through mechanisms including apoptosis inhibition,enhanced cellular migration,andβ-catenin pathway activation.Their study in NSCLC cell lines demonstrates that TNKS2 overexpression stabilizesβ-catenin,subsequently triggering onco-genic gene expression and facilitating cellular migration-key attributes of meta-static potential.These insights position TNKS2 as a compelling target for therapy and a potential prognostic marker in NSCLC.Nevertheless,translating these in vitro findings to clinical practice requires validation in in vivo models.Addi-tionally,further research should investigate TNKS2 expression in patient samples and assess its implications in therapy resistance and combination treatment strategies.

Impact of setting distinct target blood glucose levels on endogenous insulin suppression and pharmacodynamics of insulin preparations

BACKGROUND Insulin therapy plays a crucial role in managing diabetes.Regulatory guidelines mandate assessing the pharmacokinetics(PK)and pharmacodynamics(PD)of new insulin formulations with euglycemic clamp techniques before entry into the market.Typically,blood glucose(BG)levels are maintained at 5%below baseline to suppress endogenous insulin secretion in healthy volunteers.However,in scenarios where BG baseline is relatively low,maintaining it at 5%below baseline can increase hypoglycemic risk.Consequently,we adjusted to maintain it at 2.5%below a baseline of<4.00 mmol/L.It remains uncertain whether this adjustment impacts endogenous insulin inhibition or the PD of study insulin.AIM To evaluate and compare the PD and C-peptide status using two different target BG setting methods.METHODS Data came from euglycemic clamp trials assessing the PK/PD of insulin aspart(IAsp)in healthy participants.Target BG was set at 2.5%below baseline for those with a basal BG of<4.00 mmol/L(group A),and at 5%below baseline for others(group B).The area under the curve(AUC)of IAsp(AUC_(IAsp,0-8 h))and GIR from 0 to 8 hours(AUCGIR,0-8 h)was used to characterize the PK and PD of IAsp,respectively.The C-peptide reduction and PK/PD of IAsp were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Out of 135 subjects,15 were assigned to group A and 120 to group B;however,group B exhibited higher basal Cpeptide(1.59±0.36 vs 1.32±0.42 ng/mL,P=0.006).Following propensity score matching to adjust for basal Cpeptide differences,71 subjects(15 in group A and 56 in group B)were analyzed.No significant differences were observed in demographics,IAsp dosage,or clamp quality.Group B showed significantly higher baseline(4.35±0.21 vs 3.91±0.09 mmol/L,P<0.001),target(4.13±0.20 vs 3.81±0.08 mmol/L,P<0.001),and clamped(4.10±0.17 vs 3.80±0.06 mmol/L,P<0.001)BG levels.Both groups exhibited comparable C-peptide suppression(32.5%±10.0%vs 35.6%±12.1%,P=0.370)and similar IAsp activity(AUCGIR,0-8 h:1433±400 vs 1440±397 mg/kg,P=0.952)under nearly equivalent IAsp exposure(AUC_(IAsp,0-8 h):566±51 vs 571±85 ng/mL×h,P=0.840).CONCLUSION Maintaining BG at 2.5%below a baseline of<4.00 mmol/L did not compromise the endogenous insulin suppression nor alter the observed pharmacodynamic effects of the study insulin.

Synergistic inhibition of colorectal cancer progression by silencing Aurora A and the targeting protein for Xklp2

BACKGROUND Unraveling the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer(CRC)can aid in developing prevention and treatment strategies.Aurora kinase A(AURKA)is a key participant in mitotic control and interacts with its co-activator,the targeting protein for Xklp2(TPX2)microtubule nucleation factor.AURKA is associated with poor clinical outcomes and high risks of CRC recurrence.AURKA/TPX2 co-overexpression in cancer may contribute to tumorigenesis.Despite its pivotal role in CRC development and progression,the action mechanism of AURKA remains unclear.Further research is needed to explore the complex interplay between AURKA and TPX2 and to develop effective targeted treatments for patients with CRC.AIM To compare effects of AURKA and TPX2 and their combined knockdown on CRC cells.METHODS We evaluated three CRC gene datasets about CRC(GSE32323,GSE25071,and GSE21510).Potential hub genes associated with CRC onset were identified using the Venn,search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes,and KOBAS platforms,with AURKA and TPX2 emerging as significant factors.Subsequently,cell models with knockdown of AURKA,TPX2,or both were constructed using SW480 and LOVO cells.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,cell counting kit-8,cell cloning assays,flow cytometry,and Transwell assays were used.RESULTS Forty-three highly expressed genes and 39 poorly expressed genes overlapped in cancer tissues compared to controls from three datasets.In the protein-protein interaction network of highly expressed genes,AURKA was one of key genes.Its combined score with TPX2 was 0.999,and their co-expression score was 0.846.In CRC cells,knockdown of AURKA,TPX2,or both reduced cell viability and colony number,while blocking G0/G1 phase and enhancing cell apoptosis.Additionally,they were weakened cell proliferation and migration abilities.Furthermore,the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2-Associated X,caspase 3,and tumor protein P53,and E-cadherin increased with a decrease in B-cell lymphoma-2,N-cadherin,and vimentin proteins.These effects were amplified when both AURKA and TPX2 were concurrently downregulated.CONCLUSION Combined knockdown of AURKA and TPX2 was effective in suppressing the malignant phenotype in CRC.Coinhibition of gene expression is a potential developmental direction for CRC treatment.

Inhibitory Effect of Isorhapontigenin on Copper-Mediated Peroxidation of Human Low-Density Lipoprotein in vitro

Aim To study the effect of Isorhapontigenin (Iso) on copper-mediatedperoxidation of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and on the toxicity of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) tomouse macrophages in vitro. Methods Human LDL from sera df normal lipidemic donors was separated bysequential ultracentrifugation. The separated human IDL 1 mg·mL^(-1) in phosphate buffer saline, pH7.4, was incubated with cupric sulfate (10 μmol·L^(-1) ) at 37℃ for 10 h in the presence orabsence of various concentrations of Iso. Malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, vitamin E consumption,electrophoretic mobility of LDL, mitochondria] membrane potential of mouse peritoneal macrophages,phagocytosis of neutral red, and release of nitric oxide (NO) from macrophages were determined byvarious methods. Results Iso 1 - 100 μmol·L^(-1) significantly inhibited the increase of MDAformation, vitamin E consumption and electrophoretic mobility of LDL induced by Cu^(2+) in aconcentration-dependent manner. The injury of the mitochondrial membrane potential of mouseperitoneal macrophages due to incubation with ox-LDL (0.1 mg·mL^(-1)) at 37℃ for 12 h was markedlyprotected by 10 μmol·L^(-1) Iso. After pretreat-ment of the macrophages with 10 μmol · L^(-1)of Iso and then exposure to ox-LDL for 4 h, the reduction of phagocytosis of neutral red and releaseof NO in response to lipopolysaccharide (IPS) stimulation were significantly prevented. ConclusionIso has protective action against Cu^(2+) - mediated LDL peroxidation and ox-LDL induced toxicity tomacrophages in vitro.

Role of PERK/eIF2α/CHOP Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway in Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein Mediated Induction of Endothelial Apoptosis

Objective PERK/elF2/CHOP is a major signaling pathway mediating endoplasmic reticulum （ER） stress related with atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL （ox-LDL） also induces endothelial apoptosis and plays a vital role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The present study was conducted to explore the regulatory effect of ox-LDL on PERK/elF2a/CHOP signaling pathway in vascular endothelial cells. Methods The effects of ox-LDL on PERK and p-elF2a protein expression of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） were investigated by Western blot analysis. PERK gene silencing and selective elF2a phosphatase inhibitor, salubrinal were used to inhibit the process of ox-LDL induced endothelial cell apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, and CHOP mRNA level. Results Ox-LDL treatment significantly increased the expression of PERK, PERK-mediated inactivation of elF2a phosphorylation, and the expression of CHOP, as well as the caspase-3 activity and apoptosis. The effects of ox-LDL were markedly decreased by knocking down PERK with stable transduction of lentiviral shRNA or by selective elF2a phosphatase inhibitor, salubrinal. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence that ox-LDL induces apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells mediated largely via the PERK/elF2a/CHOP ER-stress pathway. It adds new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis.

Effects of Pitavastatin on Lipoprotein Subfractions and Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein in Patients with Atherosclerosis

It has been demonstrated that pitavastatin can significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein(LDL)cholesterol(LDL-C),but its impact on lipoprotein subfractions and oxidized low-density lipoprotein(oxLDL)has not been determined.The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential effects of pitavastatin on subfractions of LDL and high-density lipoprotein(HDL)as well as oxLDL in untreated patients with coronary atherosclerosis(AS).Thirty-six subjects were enrolled in this study.O f them,18 patients with AS were administered pitavastatin 2 mg/day for 8 weeks and 18 healthy subjects without therapy served as controls.The plasma lipid profile,lipoprotein subfractions and circulating oxLDL were determined at baseline and 8 weeks respectively.The results showed that pitavastatin treatment indeed not only decreased LDL-C,total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG)and apolipoprotein B(ApoB)levels,and increased HDL cholesterol(HDL-C),but also reduced the cholesterol concentration of all of the LDL subfractions and the percentage of intermediate and small LDL subfractions.Meanwhile,pitavastatin could decrease plasma oxLDL levels.Furthermore,a more close correlation was found between oxLDL and LDL-C as well as LDL subfractions after pitavastatin treatment.We concluded that a moderate dose of pitavastatin therapy not only decreases LDL-C and oxLDL concentrations but also improves LDL subfractions in patients with AS.

The role of low-density lipoprotein （LDL） and high-density lipoprotein （HDL） in comparison with whole egg yolk for sperm cryopreservation in rhesus monkeys

Low-density lipoprotein （LDL） extracted from hen egg yolk has recently been considered to be superior to whole egg yolk in sperm cryopreservation of various animal species. Meanwhile, there was a notion that high-density lipoprotein （HDL） in egg yolk may have a negative effect on post-thaw survival. The role of LDL and HDL in sperm cryopreservation of rhesus monkeys has not been explored. The present study evaluates their effect in comparison with egg yolk with or without the addition of permeable cryoprotectant （glycerol） on sperm cryopreservation of rhesus macaques. In addition, various additives intended to change the lipid composition of LDL-sperm membrane complex have also been tested for their effectiveness in preserving post-thaw viability. Our findings indicated that LDL is the main component in egg yolk that is responsible for its protective role for sperm cryopreservation in rhesus monkeys. Regardless of the presence or absence of glycerol, the protective role of LDL is similar to that of egg yolk and we did not observe any superiority in post-thaw survival with LDL when compared to egg yolk. Modifying the lipid composition of LDL-sperm membrane complex with the addition of cholesterol, cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin and phosphatidylcholine also did not yield any improvements in pest-thaw survival; while addition of methyl-β-cyclodextrin reduced post-thaw motility. HDL plays a neutral role in sperm cryopreservation of rhesus monkeys. The present study suggests that egg yolk may still hold advantages when compared with LDL as effective components in extenders for sperm cryopreservation in rhesus monkeys.