Human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids: Current progress and challenges.

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived kidney organoids share similarities with the fetal kidney. However, the current hPSC-derived kidney organoids have some limitations, including the inability to perform nephrogenesis and lack of a corticomedullary definition, uniform vascular system, and coordinated exit pathway for urinary filtrate. Therefore, further studies are required to produce hPSC-derived kidney organoids that accurately mimic human kidneys to facilitate research on kidney development, regeneration, disease modeling, and drug screening. In this review, we discussed recent advances in the generation of hPSC-derived kidney organoids, how these organoids contribute to the understanding of human kidney development and research in disease modeling. Additionally, the limitations, future research focus, and applications of hPSC-derived kidney organoids were highlighted.

Comparative study of the properties of lutein nanoliposomes coated with chitosan/(-)-epigallocatechin- 3-gallate (EGCG) complexes.

BACKGROUND: Numerous positive effects have been attributed to lutein, a lipophilic nutrient, including resisting ultraviolet radiation and protecting retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells against blue light damage. It also has preventive effects against cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, its use could be limited by its poor stability and low bioaccessibility in the human digestive system. An encapsulation delivery system was therefore developed to resolve these limitations. In this study, chitosan-modified lutein nanoliposomes (CS-LNLs), chitosan-EGCG covalently modified lutein nanoliposomes (C-CS-EGCG-LNLs), and chitosan-EGCG noncovalently modified lutein nanoliposomes (non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs) were designed. The average particle size, ζ-potential, and retention of lutein during storage were measured to indicate the physicochemical stability of the modified lutein nanoliposomes. The bioaccessibility of modified lutein nanoliposomes was also investigated to demonstrate the availability of lutein in the human digestive system. RESULTS: First, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified that covalent bonds between chitosan and EGCG were formed. Subsequently, ζ-potential results revealed that C-CS-EGCG-LNLs had a relatively stable structure in comparison with lutein nanoliposomes (LNLs). The retention rate of lutein in CS-LNLs, C-CS-EGCG-LNLs, and non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs was improved, especially in C-CS-EGCG-LNLs (at around 70% of lutein in initial system). An in vitro digestion experiment illustrated that CS-LNLs, C-CS-EGCG-LNLs, and non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs presented relatively higher bioaccessibility, especially in C-CS-EGCG-LNLs (at around 33% of luein in initial system), which increased 2.5 and 1.65 times in comparison with free lutein and LNLs, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results showed that C-CS-EGCG-LNLs presented greater physicochemical stability and bioaccessibility than LNLs, CS-LNLs, and non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of Preoperative Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Multidimensional Parameter Combination Modeling Based on Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI.

Background and Aims: The study established and compared the efficacy of the clinicoradiological model, radiomics model and clinicoradiological-radiomics hybrid model in predicting the microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylene triaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced MRI. Methods: This was a study that enrolled 602 HCC patients from two institutions. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) method was used to screen for the most important clinicoradiological and radiomics features that predict MVI pre-operatively. Three machine learning algorithms were used to establish the clinicoradiological, radiomics, and clinicoradiological-radiomics hybrid models. Area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Delong's test were used to compare and quantify the predictive performance of the models. Results: The AUCs of the clinicoradiological model in training and validation cohorts were 0.793 and 0.701, respectively. The radiomics signature of arterial phase (AP) images alone achieved satisfying predictive efficacy for MVI, with AUCs of 0.671 and 0.643 in training and validation cohort, respectively. The combination of clinicoradiological factors and fusion radiomics signature of AP and VP images achieved AUCs of 0.824 and 0.801 in training and validation cohorts, 0.812 and 0.805 in prospective validation and external validation cohorts, respectively. The hybrid model provided the best prediction results. The results of the Delong test revealed that there were statistically significant differences among the clinicoradiological-radiomics hybrid model, clinicoradiological model, and radiomics model (p<0.05). Conclusions: The combination of clinicoradiological factors and fusion radiomics signature of AP and VP images based on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can effectively predict MVI.

Glycosylated zein as a novel nanodelivery vehicle for lutein.

Glucosamine-glycosylated zein (GLZ) generated by transglutaminase was developed as a novel delivery vehicle to prepare lutein-loaded glycosylated zein nanoparticles (GLZ-LUT). GLZ-LUT exhibited a polydispersed spherical microstructure, lutein was embedded into GLZ to form nanocomplexes via self-assembly, they had a lower zeta potential and an average particle size of less than 200 nm. Compared to lutein-loaded zein nanoparticles (Zein-LUT), the lutein entrapment efficiency of GLZ-LUT was increased from 81.55% to 89.60%. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis results confirmed that zein was successfully modified and that lutein was encapsulated by hydrophobic zein and GLZ. Moreover, GLZ showed significantly higher solubilization of lutein than Zein-LUT and significantly improved the in vitro release of lutein in the simulated gastrointestinal tract. The in vitro antioxidant activity of lutein was also enhanced by the encapsulation of zein and glycosylated zein. These findings indicated that GLZ represent a potentially efficient and promising nanodelivery carrier for lutein compounds.

Effects of calcitriol on peripheral endothelial progenitor cells and renal renovation in rats with chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND: The role of calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or 1,25-(OH)2D3) in physiological processes, such as anti-fibrosis, anti-inflammation, and immunoregulation is known; however, its role in the remodeling of the glomerular capillary endothelium in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF) remains unclear. METHODS: Here, we analyzed the role/number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), renal function, and pathological alterations in rats with CRF, and compared the results before and after supplementation with calcitriol in vivo. RESULTS: Amongst the three experimental groups (sham group, CRF group, and calcitriol-treated group (0.03 µg/kg/d), we observed substantially elevated cell adhesion and vasculogenesis in vivo in the calcitriol-treated group. Additionally, lower levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was recorded in the calcitriol-treated group than the CRF group (p > 0.05). Calcitriol treatment also resulted in an improvement in renal pathological injury. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, calcitriol could ameliorate the damage of glomerular arterial structural and renal tubules vascular network integrity, maybe through regulating the number and function of EPCs in the peripheral blood of CRF rats. Treatment with it may improve outcomes in patients with renal insufficiency or combined cardiac insufficiency. Calcitriol could ameliorate CRF-induced renal pathological injury and renal dysfunction by remodeling of the glomerular capillary endothelium, thus, improving the function of glomerular endothelial cells.

LncRNA GAS5 modulates the progression of non-small cell lung cancer through repressing miR-221-3p and up-regulating IRF2.

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNA growth arrest specific 5 (GAS5) is a regulator in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. Nonetheless, the mechanism by which GAS5 exerts its biological function in NSCLC cells remains unclear. METHODS: GAS5, miR-221-3p relative expression levels in NSCLC tissues and cells were examined by qPCR. After gain-of-function and loss-of-function models were established, the viability of H1299 and A549 cells were examined by CCK-8 and EdU assays. Cell migration and invasion were examined by the Transwell experiment. The binding sequence of GAS5 for miR-221-3p was confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment. The regulatory function of GAS5 and miR-221-3p on IRF2 was investigated by Western blot. RESULTS: GAS5 expression was down-modulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. GAS5 overexpression restrained the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells, while miR-221-3p, which was targeted and negatively modulated by GAS5, worked oppositely. Restoration of miR-221-3p markedly reversed the effects of GAS5 on NSCLC cells. Additionally, GAS5 increased IRF2 expression in NSCLC cells by repressing miR-221-3p. CONCLUSIONS: GAS5 blocks the progression of NSCLC partly via increasing IRF2 expression level via repressing miR-221-3p.

Mutant Zp1 impedes incorporation of ZP3 and ZP4 in the zona pellucida, resulting in zona absence and female infertility in rats†.

The zona pellucida (ZP) plays vital roles in reproductive processes including oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. Both human and rat ZP consist of four glycoproteins, called ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4. Our previous research reported a novel Zp1 mutation in cases of human infertility, associated with an abnormal phenotype involving the absence of the ZP. Here, we developed a homologous rat strain to investigate the pathogenic effect. The ovaries of homozygous (Zp1MT/MT) females possessed both growing and fully grown oocytes; the oocytes completely lacked a ZP, but ZP1 was detectable inside the cytoplasm. Only 1-2 eggs were recovered from oviducts of superovulated Zp1MT/MT females, while an average of 21 eggs were recovered from superovulated Zp1WT/WT per female. The eggs of Zp1MT/MT females were not surrounded by a ZP and lost their fertilization capacity in vitro. Zp1MT/MT females mated with wild-type males failed to become pregnant. Studies in 293T cells showed that mutant Zp1 resulted in a truncated ZP1 protein, which might be intracellularly sequestered and interacted with wild-type ZP3 or ZP4. Our results suggest that the Zp1 point mutation led to infertility and loss of the ZP in oocytes in rats.

The micro-volume liquid focusing effect in Janus membrane and its biosensing application.

The micro-volume analysis and specific detection are both essential requirements in the field of chemical sensing and biological testing. Membrane prefiltration can be used to improve the selectivity and accuracy of detection. But for traditional porous membrane filtration, it is difficult to achieve the transmembrane transport of micro-volume liquid due to the influence of lateral diffusion on membrane surface. Herein, we studied the focused transmembrane transport of micro-volume liquid in the porous polyethersulfone membrane with asymmetric (Janus) surface wettability. The hydrophilic layer (polydopamine) and hydrophobic layer (fluoropolymer) were deposited with controllable thickness by dip-coating and roller-assisted liquid printing. The micro-volume liquid focusing effect was verified by experiments such as visual wetting circle and fluorescent tracer. The liquid focusing effect of as-prepared Janus membrane was integrated with glucose test strip in the application of micro-volume liquid biosensing. Compared with conventional porous membrane, detected signal amplitude and response time were improved 7.5× and 2.7×, respectively. In summary, this research studied the dynamics of liquid transport through Janus membrane and provides a new strategy for microfluidic detection applications through balancing detection volume, time and selectivity by the advantage of micro-volume liquid focusing effect.

Radiomics-based classification models for HBV-related cirrhotic patients with covert hepatic encephalopathy.

INTRODUCTION: The significant abnormalities of precuneus (PC), which are associated with brain dysfunction, have been identified in cirrhotic patients with covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE). The present study aimed to apply radiomics analysis to identify the significant radiomic features in PC and their subregions, combine with clinical risk factors, then build and evaluate the classification models for CHE diagnosis. METHODS: 106 HBV-related cirrhotic patients (54 had current CHE and 52 had non-CHE) underwent the three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging. For each participant, PC and their subregions were segmented and extracted a large number of radiomic features and then identified the features with significant discriminative power as the radiomics signature. The logistic regression analysis was employed to develop and evaluate the classification models, which are constructed using the radiomics signature and clinical risk factors. RESULTS: The classification model (R-C model) achieved best diagnostic performance, which incorporated radiomics signature (4 radiomic features from right PC), venous blood ammonia, and the Child-Pugh stage. And the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values were 0.926, 1.000, 0.765, and 0.848, in the testing set. Application of the radiomics nomogram in the testing set still showed a good predictive accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: This study presented the radiomic features of the right PC, as a potential image marker of CHE. The radiomics nomogram that incorporates the radiomics signature and clinical risk factors may facilitate the individualized prediction of CHE.

Multivariate analyses of the volatile components in fresh and dried turnip (Brassica rapa L.) chips via HS-SPME-GC-MS.

Turnip is a vegetable that has many health promoting effects. To diversify the usage and increase the consumption of turnip, the effects of hot air drying, infrared drying, explosion puff drying and freeze drying (FD) on the volatiles of turnip chips were studied. The volatiles of fresh turnip and dried turnip chips were isolated by HS-SPME-GC-MS and a total of 67 volatiles were identified. However, the volatiles in turnip chips dried by different methods are quite different. Based on principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, the volatiles of fresh turnip were distinguished from those of the dried chips and FD was separated from the other drying methods. As the result of orthogonal projection on latent structure-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), isothiocyanato-cyclopropane and (2-isothiocyanatoethyl)-benzene were identified as the characteristic volatiles of fresh turnip. While, 2-azido-2,3,3-trimethyl-butane and hexanal were identified as the characteristic volatiles for FD dried chips.

Aberrant brain structural network and altered topological organization in minimal hepatic encephalopathy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the multilevel impairments of brain structural network in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). METHODS: Twenty-two patients with MHE and 22 well-matched healthy controls (HC) underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans and neuropsychological evaluations. Individual brain structural networks were constructed using diffusion tensor imaging. Comparing with HC, we investigated the possible impairments of brain structural network in MHE, by applying graph-theory approaches to analyze the topological organization at global, modular, and local levels. The correlations between altered brain structural network and neuropsychological tests scores and venous ammonia levels were also examined in MHE patients. RESULTS: In the MHE group, small-worldness showed significant decrease and normalized characteristic path length showed increase at the global level. In the modular section, six modules were identified. The inter-modular connective strengths showed significant increase between modules 2 and 4 and between modules 4 and 5. The results of node analysis showed similar hub distributions in the MHE and HC groups except for the right postcentral gyrus, which was only found in the MHE group. No significant differences were found in connective strength of edges between MHE and HC groups using network-based statistics. CONCLUSION: The altered brain structural networks with reduced network integration and module segregation were demonstrated in patients with MHE. The dysconnectivity of brain structural network could provide an explanation for the brain dysfunctions of MHE.

Influence of mouse defective zona pellucida in folliculogenesis on apoptosis of granulosa cells and developmental competence of oocytes†.

Zona pellucida (ZP), which enwraps the oocyte during folliculogenesis, initially forms in the primary follicle and plays an important role in female fertility. Here, we investigated a mouse strain ("mutant mice" for short) carrying two types of ZP defects in folliculogenesis, i.e., ZP thinned (but intact) and ZP cracked, caused by targeted mutation in the Zp1 gene. Using this mutant mouse strain and wild-type mouse as control, we studied the effects of the ZP defects on the development of oocytes and granulosa cells during folliculogenesis. For each ZP defect, we examined the morphology of transzonal projections and apoptosis of granulosa cells in the corresponding growing follicles, as well as the morphology of corresponding ovulated eggs and their abilities to develop into viable individuals. Our results suggested that ZP integrity rather than thickness or porosity is crucial for preventing the ectopia of granulosa cells, maintaining adequate routine bilateral signaling between oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells, and thus for ensuring the survival of granulosa cells and the establishment of the full developmental competence of oocytes. This is the first study to elucidate the effects of different degrees of ZP defects caused by the same gene mutation, on the apoptosis of granulosa cells and developmental competence of oocytes, and to explore the potential mechanisms underlying these effects.

Obeticholic acid protects against diabetic cardiomyopathy by activation of FXR/Nrf2 signaling in db/db mice.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the major cardiac complications in diabetic patients and a major reason for the death of diabetic patients. Obeticholic acid (OCA) is a semi-synthetic bile acid analogue. The objective of the present study was to investigate the possible cardio-protective effect of OCA against DCM. db/db diabetic mice were given OCA with or without injection of LV-short hairpin farnesoid X receptor (shFXR), and general glucose and lipid metabolism, myocardial morphology and function, myocardial fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated. We found that OCA significantly ameliorated metabolic dysfunctions. Moreover, OCA attenuated morphological injury of cardiac tissue, restored the abnormal changes of hemodynamic variables and echocardiographic parameters. The Sirius-Red staining of cardiac tissue and mRNA expression of fibrotic biomarkers, including connective tissue growth factor, osteopontin, Transforming growth factor-ß1, atrial natriuretic peptide, Collagen Ⅰ, and Collagen Ⅲ were decreased by OCA. Systemic levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6 were reduced by OCA. Moreover, OCA decreased oxidant products and increased nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) expression and the expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Injection of LV-shFXR downregulated FXR expression and inhibited all these beneficial effects of OCA. FXR is major target that mediated that beneficial effect of OCA. In summary, FXR/Nrf2 signaling was involved in OCA-induced amelioration of metabolic disorder, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis and myocardial dysfunction. Our findings provide new evidence for the interaction of FXR and Nrf2 signaling and novel option for the intervention of DCM.

Top-Down Strategy of Implantable Biosensor Using Adaptable, Porous Hollow Fibrous Membrane.

Fabrication of an outer membrane is crucial for an implantable biosensor to enhance the long-term stability and accuracy of sensors. Herein, an adaptable, controllable, porous outer membrane for an implantable biosensor was fabricated using a "top-down" method, allowing maximum retention of enzyme activity and fine control over membrane microstructure. Polysulfone hollow fibrous membranes with different pore sizes and porosities were used as a base membrane. Chitosan (CH) and sodium alginate (SA) were self-assembled on the inner surface of PSfHM to construct a biocompatible and conductive interface between PSfHM and the electrode. In vitro and in vivo experiments were used to evaluate the performance of implantable glucose biosensors with PSfHM and CH/SA modified PSfHM (PSfHM-CH/SA). The glucose biosensor with PSfHM-CH/SA exhibited a more stable output current than bare sensors and a quick response time (<50 s). The glucose biosensor with PSfHM-CH/SA linear sensing range was between 0 and 22 mM ( R2 = 0.9905), and relative sensitivity remained at >87% within 7 days and >76% within 15 days. Furthermore, response currents recorded by implanted sensors closely followed the blood glucose trend from the tail vein blood during in vivo experiments.

Effect of Longdan Xiegantang on Serum Inflammatory Factors, Related Proteins and Immune Function in Patients with Secretory Otitis Media / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of Longdan Xiegantang on serum inflammatory factors, related proteins and immune function in patients of secretory otitis media (SOM) with liver and gallbladder wetness-heat Syndrome. Method:Totally 76 cases of SOM with liver and gallbladder wetness-heat syndrome admitted to our hospital from July 2017 to May 2018 were randomly divided into two groups, with 38 cases in each group. Control group was treated with triamcinolone acetonide and ambroxol. In addition to the therapy of control group, observation group was also treated with Longdan Xiegantang. Immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, IgM, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+and NK, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-5, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), platelet activating factor (PAF), calcitonin (PCT) and water channel protein-1 (AQP-1), AQP-4, fiber link protein (Fn) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (SIL-2R) levels of two groups were observed before and after treatment. Curative effect and adverse reaction were observed. Result:①Curative effect, after treatment, the total effective rate of observation group was 92.11%, which was higher than 76.32% of control group, with statistically significant differences (Z=2.108, Pα, PAF, PCT, IL-1β and IL-8 in observation group were lower than those in control group after treatment (PPP+, IgA, IgG and IgM of observation group were lower than those of control group (P+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and NK were higher than those of control group (PConclusion:Longdan Xiegantang has a remarkable effect in treating patients of secretory otitis media with liver and gallbladder wetness-heat syndrome, and can restore symptoms, inhibit inflammatory response, activate cell and humeral immune system, reduce the secretion of AQP-1, SIL-2R and other proteins, and increase the secretion of AQP-4 and Fn proteins.

MiR-21 in extracellular vesicles contributes to the growth of fertilized eggs and embryo development in mice.

Human preimplantation embryo development is susceptible to high rates of early embryo wastage. We determined the miR-21 expression of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in fertilized eggs and embryos of varying stages and their response to miR-21 microinjection. Sexually mature female and male mice were mated. Next, the expression and immunohistochemistry intensity of surface markers (CD9 and CD63) of EVs were detected in pregnant and non-pregnant mice. Exosomes were co-cultured with embryos for detection of blastocyst formation rate, and embryo apoptosis. Moreover, the expressions of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and octamer-binding transcription factor-4 (Oct4) were determined. Finally, we detected miR-21 expression in EVs of uterus in pregnant mice, in embryos after embryo implantation and after embryo co-cultured with exosomes in uterine luminal fluid. MiR-21 was up-regulated in EVs of uterus, and higher immunohistochemistry intensity of CD9 and CD63, suggesting more EVs secreted in uterine luminal fluid in pregnant mice. After microinjection, miR-21 inhibitor suppresses embryo development of mice. Moreover, embryos co-cultured with exosomes display higher blastocyst formation rate, reduced apoptotic rate of embryos in pregnant mice. In addition, miR-21 was down-regulated with the development of embryos after embryo implantation, while miR-21 expression in embryos was up-regulated by exosomes in uterine luminal fluid in the pregnant mice. Increased miR-21 expression in EVs of uterus and increased miR-21 expression after implantation, which indicate the key role in the growth of fertilized eggs and embryo development in mice.

Selective and Regenerable Surface Based on ß-Cyclodextrin for Low-Density Lipoprotein Adsorption.

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a family of cyclic oligosaccharides, whose unique hydrophilic outer surface and lipophilic central cavity facilitate the formation of inclusion complexes with various biomolecules, such as cholesterol and phospholipids, via multi-interactions. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the main carrier of cholesterol in bloodstream and is associated with the progression of atherosclerosis. The surface of LDL is composed of a shell of phospholipids monolayer containing most of the free unesterified cholesterol as well as the single copy of apolipoprotein B-100. To date, various LDL adsorbents have been fabricated to interact with the biomolecules on LDL surface. Owing to its elegant structure, CD is considered to be a promising choice for preparation of more economical and effective LDL-adsorbing materials. Therefore, in this study, interaction between ß-CD and LDL in solution was investigated by dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Further, a supramolecular surface based on ß-CD was simply prepared by self-assembled monolayer on gold surface. The effect of hydrogen bond and the cavity of ß-CD on the interaction between ß-CD and LDL was particularly explored by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. The SPR results showed that such ß-CD-modified surface exhibited good selectivity and could be largely regenerated by sodium dodecyl sulfate wash. This study may extend the understanding of the interaction between LDL and LDL adsorbent or the design and development of more efficient and lower-cost LDL adsorbents in the future.

Protective Effects of Blueberry Anthocyanins against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Injuries in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.

Blueberry anthocyanins are considered protective of eye health because of their recognized antioxidant properties. In this study, blueberry anthocyanin extract (BAE), malvidin (Mv), malvidin-3-glucoside (Mv-3-glc), and malvidin-3-galactoside (Mv-3-gal) all reduced H2O2-induced oxidative stress by decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde and increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. BAE and the anthocyanin standards enhanced cell viability from 63.69 ± 3.36 to 86.57 ± 6.92% (BAE), 115.72 ± 23.41% (Mv), 98.15 ± 9.39% (Mv-3-glc), and 127.97 ± 20.09% (Mv-3-gal) and significantly inhibited cell apoptosis (P < 0.01 for all). Mitogen-activated-protein-kinase pathways, including ERK1/2 and p38, were involved in the bioactivities. In addition, the anthocyanins decreased vascular-endothelial-cell-growth-factor levels and activated Akt-signal pathways. These combined results supported the hypothesis that blueberry anthocyanins could inhibit the induction and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) through antioxidant mechanisms.

Thermal degradation kinetics of all-trans and cis-carotenoids in a light-induced model system.

Thermal degradation kinetics of lutein, zeaxanthin, ß-cryptoxanthin, ß-carotene was studied at 25, 35, and 45°C in a model system. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of all-trans- and cis-carotenoids were conducted using HPLC-DAD-MS technologies. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were calculated by non-linear regression. A total of 29 geometrical isomers and four oxidation products were detected, including all-trans-, keto compounds, mono-cis- and di-cis-isomers. Degradations of all-trans-lutein, zeaxanthin, ß-cryptoxanthin, and ß-carotene were described by a first-order kinetic model, with the order of rate constants as kß-carotene>kß-cryptoxanthin>klutein>kzeaxanthin. Activation energies of zeaxanthin, lutein, ß-cryptoxanthin, and ß-carotene were 65.6, 38.9, 33.9, and 8.6kJ/moL, respectively. cis-carotenoids also followed with the first-order kinetic model, but they did not show a defined sequence of degradation rate constants and activation energies at different temperatures. A possible degradation pathway of four carotenoids was identified to better understand the mechanism of carotenoid degradation.

Anionic glycosylated polysulfone membranes for the affinity adsorption of low-density lipoprotein via click reactions.

An anionic glycosylated polysulfone (PSf) membrane was prepared as a high-affinity adsorbent for low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The UV-induced grafting of acrylic acid to the membrane was followed by amidation and a 'thiol-yne' click reaction to achieve glycosylation and sulfonation. Membrane modification was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These tests revealed that the chemical compositions of the membranes' surfaces were easily regulated by controlling the 'thiol-yne' click reaction through the feed ratio of 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-1-thio-ß-d-glucopyranose and sodium 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonate. LDL adsorption and desorption rates were estimated using an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay, which revealed that the obtained anionic glycosylated PSf membrane had a higher affinity for LDL than either glycosylated or sulfonated membranes alone. The combination of glycosyl and sulfonyl groups enhanced the membranes' affinities for LDL. The modified PSf membrane had an excellent biocompatibility and adsorbed a large amount of LDL, making it a promising material for LDL apheresis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) adsorbents normally contain negative charged ligand to induce electrostatic interaction with the positively charged regions of LDL. Furthermore, saccharide is another common component which share in most of the LDL-adsorbents and the LDL-receptor (LDLR). Such structural similarity impels us to investigate the synergistic effect of anionic and saccharide on LDL recognition. For this purpose, an anionic glycosylated membrane of which surface composition can be controlled by click reaction with mutable glycosyl/sulfonyl ratios was prepared. The obtained membrane showed better LDL adsorption/desorption property and the adsorption amount for LDL at an optimum feed ratio. This finding highlights the role of synergistic effect of anionic and saccharide, which offer a new strategy for designing LDL adsorbent with high efficiency.