Converting a Non-Porous Rare-Earth Metal-Organic Framework into a Porous Yttrium-Based NH2UiO-66 Network via a Linker Exchange Approach.

The solvent-assisted linker exchange (SALE) method was used to produce amino-functionalized yttrium-based UiO-66 [NH2UiO-66(Y)], which is not obtainable via a direct synthetic method. Remarkably, SALE not only produced relatively highly porous NH2UiO-66(Y) from completely non-porous 3,3-bpdc-Y but also changed the network topology from 8-connected bcu in 3,3-bpdc-Y to 12-connected fcu in NH2UiO-66(Y). Based on our knowledge, this is one of the rare cases where SALE changes the whole network topology of the resulting metal-organic framework. NH2UiO-66(Y) also showed promising ability for selective detection of Cu2+ at a low concentration.

Plasma Complement C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 15 concentration is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common poignant endocrine disorder affecting women, posing a close association with metabolic syndrome and obesity. Existing literature characterizes PCOS with deranged levels of several adipokines and myokines. CTRP15 is a paralogue of adiponectin, mainly expressed by skeletal muscles, and plays a key role in insulin, glucose, and lipid metabolism. In the current study, we aim to determine the circulating levels of CTRP15 and evaluate its association with cardiometabolic and inflammatory parameters in PCOS women. This case-control study included 120 PCOS patients (60 Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and 60 infertile (inf) PCOS) and 60 healthy non-PCOS controls. Serum levels of hs-CRP were measured by commercial kits, while serum levels of adiponectin and CTRP15 were determined using the ELISA technique. Serum levels of CTRP15 were significantly elevated in PCOS-RPL and PCOS-inf subgroups when compared to controls (94.80 ± 27.08 and 87.77 ± 25.48 vs. 54.78 ± 15.45, both P < 0.001). Moreover, serum adiponectin was considerably lower in the PCOS group and subgroups (P < 0.001), while serum hs-CRP, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and free testosterone were significantly higher when compared to the non-PCOS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CTRP15 closely associated with FSH, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, and BMI. These results highlight a possible involvement of CTRP15 in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The elevated levels of CTRP15 might be a compensatory mechanism for the metabolic dysregulations (excess adiposity, insulin resistance, metaflammation) associated with the syndrome. Nevertheless, future studies are necessary to unravel the underlying mechanism.

Electrochemical Applications of Ferrocene-Based Coordination Polymers.

Ferrocene and its derivatives, especially ferrocene-based coordination polymers (Fc-CPs), offer the benefits of high thermal stability, two stable redox states, fast electron transfer, and excellent charge/discharge efficiency, thus holding great promise for electrochemical applications. Herein, we describe the synthesis and electrochemical applications of Fc-CPs and reveal how the incorporation of ferrocene units into coordination polymers containing other metals results in unprecedented properties. Moreover, we discuss the usage of Fc-CPs in supercapacitors, batteries, and sensors as well as further applications of these polymers, for example in electrocatalysts, water purification systems, adsorption/storage systems.

The renin-angiotensin system in cutaneous hypertrophic scar and keloid formation.

Hypertrophic scar and keloid are two types of fibroproliferative conditions that result from excessive extracellular matrix production. The underlying pathological mechanism is not entirely clear. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with fibrosis in various organs. RAS components including angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) are expressed in the skin and act independently from the plasma RAS. AT1 receptors, which are usually the dominating receptor subtype, promote fibrosis and scar formation, while AT2 receptors inhibit the aforementioned AT1 receptor-coupled effects. Elevated angiotensin II (Ang II) levels acting on the AT1 receptor contribute to skin scar formation through increased expression of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibrinogenic factors such as transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), while at the same time suppressing the anti-fibrotic tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMPs). First, small clinical trials have provided evidence that inhibition of the ACE/Ang II/ AT1 receptor axis may be effective in the treatment of hypertrophic scars/keloids. This review provides a detailed overview of the current literature on the RAS in skin, wound healing and scar formation and discusses the translational potential of targeting this hormonal system for treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Chitosan/PVA/Doxycycline Film and Nanofiber Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing in a Rat Model.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of nanofiber and film polymers with doxycycline for treating a wound in a diabetic rat model. 108 male rats were divided into six groups, the control group, the diabetic control, and the groups were diabetic rats receiving different wound dressing. At the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days, macroscopic/histologic imaging and tissue sampling were performed. Tissues were analyzed for IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-10, TIMP-1, and MMP-2 by using ELISA. Dressings of chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and doxycycline increased the rate of wound closure, the volume of collagen, dermal, and epidermis. In addition, it increased the number of fibroblasts and basal cell epidermis cells, vascular length, and decreased the number of neutrophil cells. Inflammatory cytokines and MMP-2 were decreased, and anti-inflammatory IL-10 and TIMP-1 were increased. It was ultimately attained that the combination of chitosan/ polyvinyl alcohol /doxycycline could be a useful dressing for the healing of diabetic wounds.

Detection of Angiotensin II and AT1 Receptor Concentrations in Keloid and Hypertrophic Scar.

Background: Keloid and hypertrophic scars (HTS) are formed by excessive collagen formation. Angiotensin II, through the AT1 receptor, plays an important role in extracellular matrix production. However, less is known about angiotensin II and AT1 receptor concentrations in HTS and keloid tissues. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the angiotensin II and AT1 receptor concentrations in keloid, HTS, and normal skin tissues. Methods: Skin biopsy samples from patients with HTS (n=26), keloid (n=20), and normal (n=30) skin tissues were evaluated for angiotensin II and AT1 receptor concentrations by use of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: The angiotensin II concentration in patients with HTS was higher than that in the normal (P<0.0067) and keloid (P>0.9553) groups, while the AT1 receptor concentration in patients with keloid was higher than that in the HTS (P<0.0001) and normal (P<0.0048) groups. Conclusion: Angiotensin II and AT1 receptor concentrations could stimulate the formation of HTS and keloid. Angiotensin II receptor blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may be suitable compounds for the treatment of scar tissue.

Losartan ointment relieves hypertrophic scars and keloid: A pilot study.

Keloid and hypertrophic scars are two types of fibrosis caused by extracellular matrix overexpression, and angiotensin II via AT1 receptor is known to play a key role in stimulation of fibrosis. A pilot placebo controlled single blind study was carried out on patients with hypertrophic scars and keloids. A total of 37 adult volunteers were randomly assigned into losartan 5% or placebo treatment groups. The treatment was performed twice a day for three months and a 6-month follow-up. The treatment was evaluated using Vancouver scar scale method. Totally, 30 participants were analyzed (Losartan ointment n = 20; placebo ointment n = 10; seven placebo volunteers left the study because they thought the treatment was not effective for them). In the losartan group, VSS scores dropped significantly (p < 0.01) both in keloid and hypertrophic scar patients. Vascularity and pliability were significantly reduced by losartan treatment (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that losartan potassium ointment (5%) can alleviate the keloid and hypertrophic scar.