Probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus restored gossypol-induced intestinal barrier injury by increasing propionate content in Nile tilapia

Background Intestinal barrier is a dynamic interface between the body and the ingested food components, however, dietary components or xenobiotics could compromise intestinal integrity, causing health risks to the host. Gossypol, a toxic component in cottonseed meal(CSM), caused intestinal injury in fish or other monogastric animals. It has been demonstrated that probiotics administration benefits the intestinal barrier integrity, but the efficacy of probiotics in maintaining intestinal health when the host is exposed to gossypol remains unclear. Here, a strain(YC) affiliated to Pediococcus pentosaceus was isolated from the gut of Nile tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus) and its potential to repair gossypol-induced intestinal damage was evaluated.Results A total of 270 Nile tilapia(2.20 ± 0.02 g) were allotted in 3 groups with 3 tanks each and fed with 3 diets including CON(control diet), GOS(control diet containing 300 mg/kg gossypol) and GP(control diet containing 300 mg/kg gossypol and 10^(8) colony-forming unit(CFU)/g P. pentosaceus YC), respectively. After 10 weeks, addition of P. pentosaceus YC restored growth retardation and intestinal injury induced by gossypol in Nile tilapia. Transcriptome analysis and si RNA interference experiments demonstrated that NOD-like receptors(NLR) family caspase recruitment domain(CARD) domain containing 3(Nlrc3) inhibition might promote intestinal stem cell(ISC) proliferation, as well as maintaining gut barrier integrity. 16S r RNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) revealed that addition of P. pentosaceus YC altered the composition of gut microbiota and increased the content of propionate in fish gut. In vitro studies on propionate's function demonstrated that it suppressed nlrc3 expression and promoted wound healing in Caco-2 cell model.Conclusions The present study reveals that P. pentosaceus YC has the capacity to ameliorate intestinal barrier injury by modulating gut microbiota composition and elevating propionate level. This finding offers a promising strategy for the feed industry to incorporate cottonseed meal into fish feed formulations.

Effects of ethanol and sex on propionate metabolism evaluated via a faster ^(13)C-propionate breath test in rats

BACKGROUND Alcoholism is regarded as a risk factor for vitamin B_(12)(VB_(12))deficiency.Because V B_(12) serves as a coenzyme of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase,a key enzyme in propionate metabolism,the ^(13)C-propionate breath test(PBT)has been studied as a non-invasive diagnostic modality for VB_(12) deficiency.However,the conventional PBT requires 2 h,which is inconvenient in clinical practice.We hypothesized that a faster PBT can be used to evaluate propionate metabolism and is more easily adaptable for clinical practice.AIM To evaluate a faster PBT for assessing the effects of long-term ethanol consumption on propionate metabolism in ethanol-fed rats(ERs).METHODS ERs were obtained by replacing standard drinking water(for control rats,CRs)with 16%ethanol solution in descendants of F344/DuCrj rats.Faster PBT was performed by administering ^(13)C-propionate aqueous solution to male and female ERs and CRs by inserting a metal tubule from the mouth to the stomach;exhaled gas was collected in a bag to measure its ^(13)CO_(2)/12CO_(2) isotope ratio via infrared isotope spectrometry.Serum VB_(12) and alanine transaminase(ALT)levels were measured via chemiluminescence immunoassay and the lactate dehydrogenaseultraviolet method,respectively.We evaluated statistical differences in mean body weight,change in ^(13)CO_(2)(Δ^(13)CO_(2)‰),peakΔ^(13)CO_(2)‰,and serum VB_(12) and ALT,between males and females and between ERs and CRs using the t-test and Mann-Whitney U test for normally and non-normally distributed variables,respectively.RESULTS Males weighed significantly more than females(P<0.001);CRs weighed significantly more than ERs(P<0.008).Δ^(13)CO_(2) reached a peak(C_(max))at 20 min and 30 min in females and males,respectively,decreasing after 20-30 min without rebound in all groups.Males had significantly higher C_(max) andΔ^(13)CO_(2) at 15-45 min than females(P<0.05;for all pairs).Propionate metabolism was enhanced in male ERs relative to male CRs,whereas metabolism did not differ markedly between ERs and CRs for females.Males had higher serum VB_(12) levels than females,without prominent differences between the ER and CR groups.Male CRs had notably higher ALT levels than male ERs.Thus,chronic ethanol consumption may trigger fatty acid production via intestinal bacteria and changes in gut microbiome composition.CONCLUSION Faster PBT shows that 16%ethanol consumption promotes propionate metabolism without inducing liver injury.This PBT may be used clinically to evaluate gut flora status.

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of related substances in the Compound Ketoconazole and Clobetasol Propionate Cream by HPLC-TOF-MS and HPLC

Related substances in pharmaceutical formulations are associated with their safety, efficacy and stability. However, there is no overall study already published on the assessment of related substances in the Compound Ketoconazole and Clobetasol Propionate Cream. In this work, a reliable HPLC-TOF-MS qualitative method was developed for the analysis of related substances in this preparation with a quick and easy extraction procedure. Besides the active pharmaceutical ingredients, two compounds named ketoconazole impurity B′ optical isomer and ketoconazole impurity E were identified. Furthermore, a new HPLC method for qualitative and quantitative assessment on related substances and degradation products, which were found in the stability test, was established and validated. The single standard to determine multi-components method was applied in the quantitative analysis, which was an effective way for reducing cost and improving accuracy. This study can provide a creative idea for routine analysis of quality control of the Compound Ketoconazole and Clobetasol Propionate Cream.

Degradation rates and products of fluticasone propionate in alkaline solutions

The apparent degradation rate constant of fluticasone propionate(FLT) in 0.1 M NaOH:methanol=1:1 at 37 °C was previously reported to be 0.169 ± 0.003 h^(-1), and four degradation products(products 1–4) were observed in the solution. The aims of the present study were to assess the degradation rates of FLT in other alkaline solutions and clarify the chemical structures of the four degradation products in order to obtain basic data for designing an enema for inflammatory bowel disease. The apparent degradation rate constants in 0.05 M NaOH and 0.1 M NaOH:CH_3CN=1:1 were 0.472 ± 0.013 h^(-1) and 0.154 ± 0.000 h^(-1)(n=3), respectively. The chemical structures of products 1–4 in 0.1 M NaOH:methanol=1:1 were revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)and mass spectrometry data. The chemical structure of products 2 was that the 17-position of the thioester moiety of FLT was substituted by a carboxylic acid. The degradation product in 0.1 M NaOH:CH_3CN=1:1 was found to be product 2 based on ~1H NMR data. The degradation product in 0.05 M NaOH was considered to be product 2 based on the retention time of HPLC. These results are useful for detecting the degradation products of FLT by enzymes of the intestinal bacterial flora in the large intestine after dosing FLT as an enema.

Structure and Transesterification Reaction of Methyl 3-(Phenyldihalostannyl)propionates

The title compounds, PhX2SnCHECHECO2Me （X = C1, 1a; Br, 1b; I, 1c）, readily underwent transesterification into the corresponding analogues, PhX2SnCH2CH2CO2R when reacted with an alcohol ROH. The structural features of these compounds were described, and the possible mechanism of the novel transesterification was suggested.

Synthesis Hexadecyl 3-{4-[2-Hydroxy-3(isopropylamino)propoxy] phenyl}propionate as Potential Ligand for Liposome Targeting to Ischemic Myocardium

Novel hexadecyl 3- { 4-[2-hydroxy-3（isopropylamino）propoxy]phenyl }propionate （HPP）was synthesized and its effect on delivery of liposomes into cultured cardiomyocytes was examined. The structure of HPP was characterized by IH NMR, 1R and MS. The amount of cardiomyocytes uptake of HPP-liposome was 3.9-fold higher than plain-liposome, and the increase was 6.2-fold when hypoxia happens. It indicated that HPP was a potential ligand for liposome targeting to ischemic myocardium.

NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE STUDIES OF METAL COMPLEXES WITH ETHYLENEDIAMINE-N,N′-DIACETATE-N,N′-DI-β-PROPIONATE

The complexes of metals(Mg,Ca,Sr,Ba,La,Y and Lu)with ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetate-N, N′-di-β-propionate have been studied by proton nuclear magnetic resonance(PMR).The interesting quartet spectral pattern of acetate protons and multiplet spectral pattern of protons of propionate groups for the complexes of metal ions of high charge density have been observed.The results show that the chemical bond for these complexes is predominantly ionic and the lability of metal-nitrogen bond as well as metal- oxygen bond decreases with increasing charge density of cations.

SINGLE-ION CONDUCTIVITY IN POLY (LITHIUM PROPIONATE METHYL SILOXANE)

Poly(lithium propionate methyl siloxane )as a single-ion carrier source was synthesized. The crosslinked film showed lower lithium ionic conductivity at room temperature (about 10^(-10) S/cm). However,the lithium ionic conductivity was obviously increased by blending with high polar polymers such as polyethylene oxide, poly (methylsiloxane - co- ethylene oxide) and poly (methylsiloxane- g- ethylene oxide). In the blend system a high conductivity of 10^(-7)-10^(-5) Scm^(-1) at room temperature was obtained and the single-ion conductivity was deeply influenced by the content of the poly (lithium propionate methyl siioxane). The dc ionic conductivity of the flexible crosslinked films is more stable over time.

Effect of Chromium Propionate Substituting 25% Rumen-protected Choline on Production Performance and Blood Indicators of Perinatal Dairy Cows

The object of this study was to investigate the effects of chromium propionate replacing 25%rumen-protected choline(RPC)on production performance and blood indicators of perinatal dairy cows.According to the principle of ensuring that chromium propionate and RPC were fed 14 days prepartum,27 healthy Holstein cows(age,parity,lactation volume,body condition and expectancy were similar)were randomly divided into three groups(GroupsⅠ,ⅡandⅢ),with nine cows in each group.Cows in GroupⅠwere fed basal diets;cows in GroupⅡwere fed the same basal diets with 10 g•d-1 RPC per cow;and cows in GroupⅢwere fed the same basal diets,but 7.5 g RPC and 2.5 g chromium propionate(4 mg chromium)per cow.The results showed that dry matter intake(DMI)of prepartum in GroupsⅡandⅢwas significantly increased(P<0.05),compared with GroupⅠ;however,there was no significant difference between GroupsⅡandⅢ(P>0.05).The milk fat content in GroupⅢwas significantly higher than that in GroupⅠon the 7th day of postpartum(P<0.05).The urea nitrogen content in GroupsⅡandⅢsignificantly lower than that in GroupⅠon the 21st day of postpartum(P<0.05),but there were no significant difference between GroupsⅡandⅢ(P>0.05).The somatic cell counts in GroupⅢwere significantly lower than those in GroupsⅠandⅡon the 14th and 21st days of postpartum(P<0.05).The contents of the total cholesterol in GroupⅢdecreased significantly compared to GroupⅡon the 7th day of prepartum,on the day of calving and the 7th day of postpartum(P<0.05).The concentration of high-density lipoprotein(HDL)in GroupⅢwas significantly higher than that in GroupⅡon the 7th day of prepartum,on the day of calving and the 7th day of postpartum(P<0.05).On the 7th day of postpartum the concentration of insulin in GroupⅢwas obviously higher than that in GroupⅡ(P<0.05).In summary,replacing 25%of rumen-protected choline with chromium propionate reduced production costs and improved dairy farming benefits.

Studies on the Stability of Corticosteroids: Degradation of Clobetasol Propionate, Desonide and Hydrocortisone in Topical Formulations by HPLC and UPLC-MS/MS

Corticosteroids are the most widely used class of anti-inflammatory medications in the pharmaceutical industry. There are several pharmaceutical dosage forms available using different corticosteroids. Topical steroids of varying potencies are available in creams, ointments, solutions and other vehicles. Chemical instability and drug degradation are the key quality concerns for these topical dosage forms. Nature of the dosage forms, excipient quality, product composition, and process optimization are some of the common factors which affect the stability of corticosteroids. This article describes drug degradation behavior of three different corticosteroids in different topical dosage forms. Drug degradation patterns of Hydrocortisone, Clobetasol propionate and Desonide formulations observed in stability studies of respective finished drug products under ICH recommended storage conditions were investigated. HPLC, UPLC-MS/MS methods were developed for the separation and characterization of impurities. The structural elucidation of the unknown impurities observed for these steroids and mechanistic consideration of potential degradation pathways has been discussed. Detailed discussion on the analytical methodologies is included as well.

Clinical Evaluation of an Oral Electrolyte Solution Formulated Based on Strong Ion Difference (SID) and Using Propionate as the Organic Anion in the Treatment of Neonatal Diarrheic Calves with Strong Ion Acidosis

Background: It is postulated that the concentrations of the major strong ions (Na, K, and Cl) in oral electrolyte solutions play a major role in clinical efficacy of these solutions for rehydration and corrections of metabolic acid base derangements. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to test prospectively the efficacy of an OES (OESexp) formulated based on concentration of strong ion difference (SID) and propionate in a group of calves with naturally occurring neonatal diarrhea and clinically detectable dehydration and acid base abnormalities. Animals: Ten client owned calves of varying breeds, 2 - 22 days old, presented to a veterinary teaching hospital with a history of naturally occurring acute undifferentiated diarrhea, progressive depression and dehydration for treatment. Methods: Clinical and laboratory parameters were measured pre and post two oral electrolyte treatments to assess efficacy of the experimental OES to correct clinical and clinico pathological parameters. For the clinical trial the calves served as their own controls. For control of safety of medication 4 normal calves were force fed 4 L of OESexp and followed over a 24 hour period. Results: All calves had severe diarrhea and metabolic acidosis. The metabolic acidosis observed in the plasma of these calves and reflected by pH, HCO3- SID and base deficit was corrected significantly towards reference ranges (p < 0.05) with two 2 L feedings 12 hours apart. Dehydration was significantly corrected and all calves were discharged 1 - 3 days post admission. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: The use of SID is a valid approach when formulating oral electrolytes solutions for use in calves with acute diarrhea and metabolic derangement. Sodium propionate is valid substitute for commonly used sodium base equivalents in North America in oral electrolyte solutions.

A Study on the Mechanism Regulating Acetate to Propionate Ratio in Rumen Fermentation by Dietary Carbohydrate Type

The research direction of our team is nutrition and physiology of ruminants, including dietary nutrition metabolism and rumen microorganisms. Previous research has shown that ruminal acetate-to-propionate ratio is related to diet utilization efficiency. At present, it is believed that the main factors affecting the ruminal acetate-to-propionate ratio are the degradation rate of the diet and the rumen microbial structure, but the main mechanism is unclear. This study found that the effect of ruminal acetate-to-propionate ratio was not affected by the concentration of the fermentation substrate, but was affected by the structure of the rumen microbiota. We believe that changes in the rumen microflora structure are the main mechanism for regulating the ruminal acetate-to-propionate ratio. This will help people to further understand the rumen physiology, thereby gradually improving feed conversion efficiency and reducing production costs. Abstract: In order to explore the mechanism by which diet regulates the acetate-to-propionate molar ratio (A: P ratio), we compared the effect on rumen fermentation parameters and the microbiome by altering the ratio of dietary concentrates to roughage ratio and calcium pyruvate infusion. The test animals were Laoshan dairy goats, and were fed continuously through an automatic feeder. The test groups were fed a base diet of low concentrates, and intraruminally infused with calcium pyruvate at two concentrations. The infusion concentrations were derived from the difference in the rate of carbohydrate degradation of the high and low concentrate diets, and they were artificially set such that the high concentration infusion group was infused with twice the concentration as the low concentration infusion group. The control groups were fed high concentrate (6:4) and low concentrate (3:7) diets, respectively. The following results were obtained by measuring rumen fermentation parameters and microbial composition: the rumen A: P ratio was significantly lower in the high-concentrate diet group than in the low concentrate diet group (P < 0.05). Infusion of low concentration calcium pyruvate had no significant effect on rumen A: P ratio (P > 0.05), while infusion of high concentration calcium pyruvate significantly increased the rumen A: P ratio (P < 0.05). Relative to goats fed the low concentrate diet, those fed the high concentrate diet had a greater abundance of microbes related to propionate production and a reduced abundance of microbes related to fiber degradation. Infusion of pyruvate had no significant effect on rumen microbial structure. The above results indicate that increasing the concentration of the fermentation substrate without affecting the composition of the microflora does not reduce the A: P ratio. Microbiological results showed that the A: P ratio was more closely related to the rumen microflora structure. Therefore, it is believed that rumen microflora structure is the main mechanism regulating A: P ratio in rumen fermentation.

Treatment of Localized Vitiligo with 1% Pimecrolimus Cream versus 0.05% Clobetasol Propionate Cream—Single, Blinded, Comparative Therapeutic Trial

Background: Calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are new modality of treatment of localized vitiligo. Objective: To compare the effectiveness and side effects of 1% pimecrolimus cream in comparison with 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream as a treatment of localized type of vitiligo. Patients and Methods: Fifty two patients with localized vitiligo were included in this single, blind, comparative therapeutic trial. Full history and examination for each patient was done. Wood’s light was used when needed to confirm the diagnosis. Thirty (57.7%) were females and 22 (42.3%) males, female to male ratio of 1.36:1. Their ages ranged between 3 - 40 (13.15 ± 7.9) years, while disease duration ranged from 6 - 84 (29.62 ± 20.56) months. Total numbers of lesions were 114 lesions with a mean of 2.2 lesions per patient. The surface area of the lesions ranged between 1 - 31 (7.15 ± 6.98) cm2. Vitiliginous patches were most commonly located on face 48 (42.1%) lesions, and lower limbs 35 (30.7%) lesions. Patients were divided in to two groups according to the type of therapeutic modality.?Group?A?consisted of 25 patients (52 lesions) receiving 1% pimecrolimus cream and?Group?B?27 patients (62 lesions) treated with 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream, both used twice daily. The amount of cream per area was applied according to rule of fingertip unit. Measuring the surface area of the lesions and calculating the reduction rate were done every month till the end of the 6th?month. Then patients were asked to stop the use of medication to be re-evaluated again after 3 months without any treatment and to record any local or systemic side effects. Results: After 6 months of treatment there was 79.67% reduction in the surface area of lesions in?Group?A, while inGroup?B?there was 82.59% reduction in the surface area with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The reduction rate was early as there was statistically significant reduction for both groups after one month of treatment (p value < 0.01). The reduction rates for facial lesions were more than other parts of the body. There was no significant relapse after 3 months of stopping treatment for both groups. Side effects were minimal and tolerable. Conclusions: Topical 1% pimecrolimus is as effective as clobetasol propionate in treatment of localized vitiligo affecting less than 5% of the body surface area but pimecrolimus was more preferred as the side effects of topical steroid could be avoided.

Crystal Structure of Methyl 3- (2-chlorophenyl )-3- (5, 5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexene- 1-one-2-yl) propionate

The title compound C18H21ClO4 was synthesized by the reaction of 2-chlorobenzaldehyde, 5, 5-dimethyl-1, 3-cycfohexanedione and isopropylidene malonatein methanol catalyzed by KF-Al2O3 It crystallized in the monoclinic system, spacegroup P21/c, with a = 7. 587(2), b = 11. 736(3), c = 19. 120(7) A, β =101. 30°, V=1669.5(9) A 3, Dc= 1. 340 g/cm3, Z= 4, Mr= 336. 81, A= 0. 71069A, μ（MoKa) =2. 46 cm-1, F(000) = 712. The structure was refined to R=0. 034,Rw=0. 042 for 1468 observed refiections (I>3(I) ). X-ray analysis reveals that thedihedral angle between plane I[C(12)~C(17), Cl] and plane 2[O(1), O(2), C(1),C(2), C(3)] is 66. 98° and the C(11) atom exhibits a distorted tetrahedral configuration. The crystal structure shows that there is a conjugated enol form in the molecule.

Synthesis and Characterization of a New Cellulose Acetate-Propionate Gel: Crosslinking Density Determination

Crosslinking is one of the most commonly reactions used to improve the physical properties of cellulose derivatives. Cellulose Acetate Propionate (CAP) is a commercial ester obtained as a cellulose derivative and it can be used as basis for the synthesis of crosslinked chains as described in this work. Typical used crosslinkers are di-functional compounds, such as dianhydrides or diisocyanate. The formation of polymeric 3D structures as described in this work occurs typically by the reaction of the linear chains bearing free OH groups with crosslinking agents such as dianhydrides. These reactions are used to make a very absorbent material, typically a gel. The syntheses were performed in homogeneous medium with acetate propionate in a very dry atmosphere by employing PMDA (Pyromellitic Dianhydride) and BTDA (3,3’, 4,4’ Benzophenone Tetracarboxylated Dianhydride) as crosslinking agents in a reflux system. TGA analysis has shown the different thermal stability of the gels when compared with CAP. Typical TGA curves have demonstrated the lower stability of the crosslinked chains when compared to CAP as consequence of esther linkages formed in the gels structures. The Mc, which is the value for the molar mass between crosslinkings points in 3D structure, was determined according to Flory-Rehner theory. This important parameter has demonstrated greater reactivity of PMDA in comparison with the BTDA in the reactions conditions’ employed in this work.

Synthesis and Structure of Propionate－bridged Mixed－metal Cluster Compound：〔MoW2O2（O2CC2H5）6（H2O）3〕ZnBr4·4H2O

The heterotrinuclear cluster compound [MoW2O2 （O2CC2H5 ）6-（ H2O）3] ZnBr4·4H2O was prepared by the redox reaction of Mo （CO）6 with Na2WO4 in propionic anhydride. The crystal is monoclinic of space group P2/c with a =16. 334（4） , b= 9. 657（5） , c=19. 889（9） ,β= 139. 79 （5）°,V= 2026 （2） ￣3 , Z=2 , Dc=2. 30 g/cm￣3 μ（MoKa） =106. 6 cm￣（-1） ,F（000）=1176 ,final R=0. 065 and Rω=0. 072 for 1964 reflections with I≥3σ（I）. In the structure of cation [MoW2O2 （O2CC2H5 ）6 （H2O）3]￣（2+） molybdenum and tungsten atoms are statistically disordered. Three metal atoms form an equilateral triangle with the distance of M-M being 2. 735.

The role of lipids in fermentative propionate production from the co-fermentation of lipid and food waste

Food waste(FW)is a promising renewable low-cost biomass substrate for enhancing the economic feasibility of fermentative propionate production.Although lipids,a common component of food waste,can be used as a carbon source to enhance the production of volatile fatty acids(VFAs)during co-fermentation,few studies have evaluated the potential for directional propionate production from the co-fermentation of lipids and FW.In this study,co-fermentation experiments were conducted using different combinations of lipids and FW for VFA production.The contributions of lipids and FW to propionate production,hydrolysis of substrates,and microbial composition during.cofermentation were evaluated.The results revealed that lipids shifted the fermentation type of FW from butyric to propionic acid fermentation.Based on the estimated propionate production kinetic parameters,the maximum propionate productivity increased significantly with an increase in lipid content,reaching 6.23 g propionate/(L·d)at a lipid content of 50%.Propionate-producing bacteria Prevotella,Veillonella,and norank f Propionibacteriaceae were enriched in the presence of lipids,and the succinate pathway was identified as a prominent fermentation route for propionate production.Moreover,the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional annotation revealed that the expression of functional genes associated with amino acid metabolism was enhanced by the presence of lipids.Collectively,these findings will contribute to gaining a better understanding of targeted propionate production from FW.

Propionate promotes gluconeogenesis by regulating mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway in calf hepatocytes

Enhancing hepatic gluconeogenesis is one of the main modes of meeting the glucose requirement of dairy cows.This study attempted to determine whether the gluconeogenesis precursor propionate had an effect on the expression of the main genes involved in gluconeogenesis in calf hepatocytes and elucidate the associated mechanisms.Calf hepatocytes were obtained from 5 healthy calves(1 d old;30to 40 kg)and exposed to 0-,1-,2.5-,or 5-mM sodium propionate(NaP),which is known to promote the expression of genes involved in the gluconeogenesis pathway,including fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase,phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase,and glucose-6-phosphatase.With regard to the underlying mechanism,propionate promoted the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha,hepatocyte nuclear factor 4,and forkhead box O1(transcription factors that regulate the expression of hepatic gluconeogenic genes)by promoting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1),but inhibiting mTORC2 activity(P<0.01).We also established a model of palmitic acid(PA)-induced hepatic injury in calf hepatocytes and found that PA could inhibit the gluconeogenic capacity of calf hepatocytes by suppressing the expression of gluconeogenic genes,inhibiting m TORC1,and promoting the activity of m TORC2(P<0.01).In contrast,NaP provided protection to calf hepatocytes by counteracting the inhibitory effect of PA on the gluconeogenic capacity of calf hepatocytes(P<0.05).Collectively,these findings indicate that NaP enhances the gluconeogenic capacity of calf hepatocytes by regulating the mTOR pathway activity.Thus,in addition to improving the glucose production potential,propionate may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of hepatic injury in dairy cows.

SYNTHESIS OF THE THREE ACTIVE COMPONENTS OF THE SEX PHEROMONE OF THE MASSON PINE CATERPILLAR MOTH-(Z, E) -5, 7-DODECADIEN -1-OL, ACETATE AND PROPIONATE

The masson pine caterpillar moth, Dendrolimus puuctatus (Walker), is a serious pest of masson pine in the south of China. The three active components of the sex pheromone of the female moth, (Z, E)-5, 7-dodecadien-l-ol(Ⅰ), (Z, E)-5,7-dodecadien-l-yl acetate(Ⅱ) and (Z, E)-5,7-dodecadien-l-yl propionate(Ⅲ), have been synthesized via Wittig condensation reaction (Scheme 1). The Wittig reaction was performed in dry HMPT with n-BuLi as base, and the product was a mixture of Z, E isomer and E, E isomer in ca. 91: 9 ratio by glc analyses; using DMSO instead of HMPT, the ratio of Z, E isomer to E. E isomer was ca. 75:25.