Beta-glucan protects against isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling by regulating the ACE-AT1R axis and attenuates cardiac inflammation and apoptosis

Objective:To investigate the cardioprotective effect of beta-glucan against isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in rats,and elucidate the underlying mechanism.Methods:Rats were orally pretreated with beta-glucan(40 mg/kg body weight)for 30 d,and isoproterenol(20 mg/100 g body weight)was administered on days 31 and 32.The effects of beta-glucan on markers of cardiac injury,hemodynamic changes,production of proinflammatory cytokines,and the corresponding mRNA expressions were evaluated.In addition,histological analysis was performed.Results:Pretreatment with beta-glucan prevented isoproterenol-induced cardiac injury by preserving the structural and functional integrity of the plasma membrane and attenuating the production of proinflammatory cytokines(NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,and IFN-γ)in the heart.Moreover,beta-glucan significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of ACE,AT1R,TNF-α,IL-6,NF-κB,caspase-3,TLR-4,and Bax,and upregulated Bcl-2 in the heart.At the same time,pretreatment with beta-glucan alleviated myocardial damage as reflected in a reduction in myonecrosis,edema,and erythrocyte extravasation with almost imperceptible inflammation.Conclusions:Beta-glucan can protect against isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity by attenuating cardiac inflammation and apoptosis and regulating the ACE-AT1R axis,thereby preventing cardiac remodeling.

Recent advances in functional utilisation of environmentally friendly and recyclable high-performance green biocomposites: A review

Humans have relied on biomass for survival and development since the Stone Age. All aspects of human needs for materials are covered by tools, fuel, and buildings. Nowadays, metals and petroleum-based materials are widely used in highly developed industries. Unfortunately, environmental contamination and the loss of natural resources have led to the reemergence of biomass resources as efficient and sustainable energy sources. Notably, simple and direct applications can no longer meet the demand for functionalization, high performance of materials and construction materials. Therefore, it is imperative to modify biomass and combine its utilisation to produce functionalization and high performance materials. For example, construction materials with superior mechanical properties and water resistance can be produced by reinforcing fibres to facilitate crosslinking. Water-oil separation or adsorption effects of hydrogels and aerogels are determined by the porosity and lightness of biomass, biocomposite conductor is prepared by chimaeric conductive material. Here, we review the approaches that have been taken to devise an environmentally friendly yet fully recyclable and sustainable functionalised biocomposites from biomass and its potential directions for future research.

No association between phosphatase and tensin homolog genetic polymorphisms and colon cancer

AIM: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) tumor suppressor gene and risk of colon cancer. METHODS: We utilized a population-based casecontrol study of incident colon cancer individuals (n= 421) and controls (n = 483) aged ≥ 30 years to conduct a comprehensive tagSNP association analysis of the PTEN gene. RESULTS: None of the PTEN SNPs were statistically significantly associated with colon cancer when controlled for age, gender, and race, or when additionally adjusted for other known risk factors (P > 0.05). Haplotype analyses similarly showed no association between the PTEN gene and colon cancer. CONCLUSION: Our study does not support PTEN as a colon cancer susceptibility gene.

Vinyl chloride accident unleashes a toxic legacy

A railroad accident on February 3,2023,led to the release and combustion of 115,580 gallons,equivalent to over 437,000 L,of vinyl chloride monomer(VCM)in East Palestine,Ohio[1].This monomer is used in polyvinyl chloride(PVC)production,and its burning produces additional toxins such as hydrochloric acid and lethal phosgene,known as a notorious chemical weapon during World War I[2].Acute exposure to these chemicals causes immediate adverse effects on local ecosystems,including the deaths of wild and farmed animals and pets.

Optical near-field excitation using liquid crystals on nanostruc- tured photoreactive molecular thin films

Optical near-field excitations were investigated on the basis of molecular alignment control of liquid crystals (LCs) on an optically rewritable nanostructure of photoreactive molecular thin films. Twisted nematic (TN) cells of LC molecules were constructed utilizing ITO substrates with 260 nm gratings of an azobenzene molecular thin film, fabricated using standing evanescent waves. The polarization changes of light transmitted through the TN cells, which were due to the alignment changes of LC molecules locally rubbed by the azobenzene nanogratings, were observed. Furthermore, we demonstrated local plasmon excitation of Au nanowires deposited on the azobenzene nanogratings using oblique vacuum evaporation, a phenomenon that produced strong anti-optical absorption spectra. The modulation of the local plasmon resonance in metallic nanowires decorated with LC molecules was confirmed.