Biomimetic triumvirate nanogel complexes via peptide-polysaccharide-polyphenol self-assembly.

Self-assembled peptide and polysaccharide nanogels are excellent candidates for bioactive delivery vectors. However, there are still significant challenges in the application of nanogels as delivery tools for bioactive elements. This study aims to deliver, and control the release of a hydrophobic bioactive flavonoid hesperidin. Using the self-assembling peptide (SAP) Fmoc-FRGDF, extracellular matrix mimicking nanofibrils were fabricated, which were decorated and bolstered with immunomodulatory polysaccharide strands of fucoidan and infused with hesperidin. The mechanical properties, secondary structure, and microscopic morphologies of the composite hydrogels were characterized using rheometer, FTIR, XRD, and TEM, etc. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and release behavior of hesperidin were determined. Coassembly of the SAP with fucoidan improved the mechanical properties (from 9.54 Pa of Fmoc-FRGDF hydrogel to 7735 Pa of coassembly hydrogel at 6 mg/mL fucoidan concentration), formed thicker nanofibril bundles at 4 and 6 mg/mL fucoidan concentration, improved the EE of hesperidin from 72.86 % of Fmoc-FRGDF hydrogel to over 90 % of coassembly hydrogels, and showed effectively controlled release of hesperidin in vitro. Intriguingly, the first order kinetic model predicted an enhanced hydrogel retention and release of hesperidin. This study revealed a new approach for bioengineered nanogels that could be used to stabilize and release hydrophobic payloads.

Effect of moxibustion on colonic mucosal injury and expression of CGRP positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis mice / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) on distal, middle and proximal colonic mucosal injury and expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis (UC) mice at different time points.@*METHODS@#A total of 51 C57BL/6N mice were randomized into a 7-day control group (@*RESULTS@#Mucosal injury can be observed in mice after modeling, displaying epithelial layer disappearance, abnormal crypt structure or crypt disappearance. Compared with the 7-day control group, colon length was shortened (@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) can reduce the expressions of positive nerve fibers of colonic mucosa and CGRP positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa, thus, improve the colonic mucosal injury.

Progress in electrophysiological studies of retinal ganglion cells / 生理学报

The knowledge about electrophysiological properties of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), as well as modulation of these properties, is important not only for understanding the unique physiological functions of RGCs under normal conditions, but also for exploring the cellular mechanisms of retinal neurodegeneration diseases, such as glaucoma. In this paper, we reviewed the progress in electrophysiological studies of RGCs by using patch-clamp techniques, concerning the voltage-gated ion channels, the ligand-gated ion channels and the effects of neuromodulators on these channels.

Roles of retinal Müller cells in health and glaucoma / 生理学报

In the vertebrate retina, Müller cells are principal glial cells which stretch across the whole thickness of the retina and contact with the somata and processes of all retinal neurons, thus forming an anatomical and functional link between glial cells and retinal neurons. Numerous studies have shown that Müller cells express various neurotransmitter receptors, transporters, ion channels and enzymes that are relative to cellular activities. In addition, the cells also release factors, such as D-serine and glutamate etc., to regulate the neuron excitability. Therefore, retinal Müller cells may play more curious roles in addition to supporting the retinal neurons. The information exchange and interaction between Müller cells and neurons may regulate and maintain retinal neuronal functions. In the glaucomatous retina, Müller cells are reactivated (gliosis). Reactivated Müller cells undergo a variety of changes in cellular physiology, biochemistry and morphological features. Meanwhile, the reactivated Müller cells may produce and release cytotoxic factors, such as nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thus involving in the induction of retinal ganglion cell apoptosis and death. Here, we reviewed the physiological properties of retinal Müller cells, and the functional changes of Müller cells in the glaucomatous retina.