Mitochondria-Specific Molecular Crosstalk between Ferroptosis and Apoptosis Revealed by In Situ Raman Spectroscopy.

Ferroptosis and apoptosis are two types of regulated cell death that are closely associated with the pathophysiological processes of many diseases. The significance of ferroptosis-apoptosis crosstalk in cell fate determination has been reported, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Herein mitochondria-mediated molecular crosstalk is explored. Based on a comprehensive spectroscopic investigation and mass spectrometry, cytochrome c-involved Fenton-like reactions and lipid peroxidation are revealed. More importantly, cytochrome c is found to induce ROS-independent and cardiolipin-specific lipid peroxidation depending on its redox state. In situ Raman spectroscopy unveiled that erastin can interrupt membrane permeability, specifically through cardiolipin, facilitating cytochrome c release from the mitochondria. Details of the erastin-cardiolipin interaction are determined using molecular dynamics simulations. This study provides novel insights into how molecular crosstalk occurs around mitochondrial membranes to trigger ferroptosis and apoptosis, with significant implications for the rational design of mitochondria-targeted cell death reducers in cancer therapy.

In Situ Monitoring of Membrane Protein Electron Transfer via Surface-Enhanced Resonance Raman Spectroscopy.

In situ analysis of membrane protein-ligand interactions under physiological conditions is of significance for both fundamental and applied science, but it is still a big challenge due to the limits in sensitivity and selectivity. Here, we demonstrate the potential of surface-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERRS) for the investigation of membrane protein-protein interactions. Lipid biolayers are successfully coated on silver nanoparticles through electrostatic interactions, and a highly sensitive and biomimetic membrane platform is obtained in vitro. Self-assembly and immobilization of the reduced cytochrome b5 on the coated membrane are achieved and protein native biological functions are preserved. Owing to resonance effect, the Raman fingerprint of the immobilized cytochrome b5 redox center is selectively enhanced, allowing for in situ and real-time monitoring of the electron transfer process between cytochrome b5 and their partners, cytochrome c and myoglobin. This study provides a sensitive analytical approach for membrane proteins and paves the way for in situ exploration of their structural basis and functions.

In Situ Raman Spectroscopy Reveals Cytochrome c Redox-Controlled Modulation of Mitochondrial Membrane Permeabilization That Triggers Apoptosis.

The selective interaction of cytochrome c (Cyt c) with cardiolipin (CL) is involved in mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, an essential step for the release of apoptosis activators. The structural basis and modulatory mechanism are, however, poorly understood. Here, we report that Cyt c can induce CL peroxidation independent of reactive oxygen species, which is controlled by its redox states. The structural basis of the Cyt c-CL binding was unveiled by comprehensive spectroscopic investigation and mass spectrometry. The Cyt c-induced permeabilization and its effect on membrane collapse, pore formation, and budding are observed by confocal microscopy. Moreover, cytochrome c oxidase dysfunction is found to be associated with the initiation of Cyt c redox-controlled membrane permeabilization. These results verify the significance of a redox-dependent modulation mechanism at the early stage of apoptosis, which can be exploited for the design of cytochrome c oxidase-targeted apoptotic inducers in cancer therapy.

Application of CO2-loaded geopolymer in Zn removal from water: A multi-win strategy for coal fly ash disposal, CO2 emission reduction, and heavy metal-contaminated water treatment.

Coal fly ash accumulation, global warming, and heavy metal-contaminated water environments are three primary environmental concerns. Porous geopolymers are economical porous adsorbents that can be produced using coal fly ash as a raw material and employed for heavy metal removal from water. However, residual alkalis on the geopolymer can lead to extreme increases in pH and cause environmental stresses, which limits the large-scale production and application of geopolymers in industries and environments. A green approach to alleviating the high basicity of geopolymers through CO2 exposure is proposed, with CO2 adsorption experiments as well as Zn removal batch and column experiments conducted to evaluate the practicality of the synergistic strategy. CO2 adsorption experiments show the CO2 capture capacity of fresh geopolymer (F@PG) is 0.80 mmol g-1, greater than that of the conventionally washed geopolymer (W@PG, 0.26 mmol g-1), with the pH of the geopolymer decreasing after both washing and CO2 exposure. Batch experiments suggest neither washing nor CO2 exposure cause a significant change in the Zn adsorption capacity of the geopolymer; column experiments show the CO2-exposed geopolymer (C@PG) has a pH < 9.5 and a satisfactory Zn removal performance similar to W@PG, but F@PG with a pH ∼12 results in a conversion of Zn to anionic forms and a decrease in Zn removal efficiency. These results indicate CO2 exposure is a practical method to decrease the pH of geopolymers for applications related to heavy metal-contaminated water treatment and provide a large-scale industrial option for coal fly ash consumption and CO2 emission reduction.

In Situ and Real-Time Monitoring of Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum Crosstalk in Apoptosis via Surface-Enhanced Resonance Raman Spectroscopy.

The crosstalk between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticula plays a crucial role in apoptotic pathways in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by microsomal monooxygenase (MMO) are believed to accelerate cytochrome c release. Herein, we successfully demonstrate the potential of surface-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERRS) for monitoring MMO-derived ROS formation and ROS-mediated cytochrome c release. Silver nanoparticles coated with nickel shells are used as both Raman signal enhancers and electron donors for cytochrome c. SERRS of cytochrome c is found to be sensitive to ROS, allowing for in situ probing of ROS formation with a cell death inducer. Label-free evaluation of ROS-induced apoptosis is achieved by SERRS-based monitoring of cytochrome c release in living cells. This study verifies the capability of SERRS for label-free, in situ, and real-time monitoring of the mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum crosstalk in apoptosis and provides a novel strategy for the rational design and screening of ROS-inducing drugs for cancer treatment.

Poor prognosis, hypomethylation, and immune infiltrates are associated with downregulation of INMT in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Indiolethylamine-N-methyltransferase (INMT) is a methyltransferase responsible for transferring methyl groups from methyl donor SAM to its substrate. S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM), obtained from the methionine cycle, is a naturally occurring sulfonium compound that is vital to cellular metabolism. The expression of INMT is down-regulated in many tumorous tissues, and it may contribute to tumor invasion and metastasis. Nevertheless, the expression of INMT and its relationship to methylation and immune infiltrates in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) remains a mystery. Thus, we evaluated expression, clinicopathological features, prognosis, several critical pathways, DNA methylation, and immune cell infiltration for the first time. Methods: Analysis of the clinicopathological characteristics of INMT expression, several tumor-related bioinformatics databases were utilized. In addition, the role of INMT expression was analyzed for prognosis. Several INMT-related pathways were enriched on the LinkedOmics website. In addition, we have analyzed the methylation of INMT in HNSC in detail by using several methylation databases. Lastly, the relationship between INMT gene expression and immune infiltration was analyzed with ssGSEA, Timer, and TISIDB. Results: In HNSC, mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower than in normal tissues. The low expression of INMT was statistically associated with T stage, histological grade, gender, smoking history, and alcohol consumption. HNSC patients with low INMT expression have a poorer OS (overall survival) compared to those with high levels of expression. In addition, the multivariate analysis revealed INMT expression to be a remarkable independent predictor of prognosis in HNSC patients. An analysis of gene enrichment showed that several pathways were enriched in INMT, including the Ras signaling pathway, the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, and others. Moreover, methylation patterns of INMT detected in a variety of methylation databases are closely associated with mRNA expression and prognosis. Finally, INMT was significantly correlated with immune infiltration levels. Conclusion: HNSC with low levels of INMT exhibits poor survival, hypomethylation, and immune infiltration. For HNSC, this study presented evidence that INMT is both a biomarker of poor prognosis and a target of immunotherapy.

Serum interleukin-38 levels correlated with insulin resistance, liver injury and lipids in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance, liver injury and dyslipidemia are reported in non-alcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Interleukin (IL)-38 may take part in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance. Nevertheless, the function of IL-38 in NAFLD is unknown. Herein, we determined whether serum IL-38 level might be utilised as a biochemical marker for diagnosing NAFLD. METHODS: NAFLD patients and healthy participants (n = 91 each) were enrolled. Circulating serum IL-38 levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Other metabolic and inflammatory indices related to NAFLD were also assessed. RESULTS: Patients with NAFLD had higher serum IL-38 levels than healthy individuals. Significantly higher serum IL-38 levels were found in patients with severe and moderate NAFLD than in patients with mild NAFLD. IL-38 showed a significant correlation with parameters of insulin resistance, inflammation, and liver enzyme in NAFLD cases. Anthropometric, insulin resistance, inflammatory parameters, lipids and frequency of NAFLD showed significant differences among the serum IL-38 level tertiles. Participants in the 2nd and 3rd tertiles of serum IL-38 levels had a greater risk of NAFLD than those in the 1st tertile. Furthermore, IL-38 ROC curve showed a high area under ROC with 0.861. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible for serum IL-38 to be a biomarker for NAFLD.

Fabrication and characterization of a novel Ba2+-loaded sawdust biochar doped with iron oxide for the super-adsorption of SO42- from wastewater.

Biochar is a low-cost adsorbent used in the treatment of contaminated wastewater. We investigated the potential of an Fe-impregnated, Ba2+-loaded biochar (Fe-(Ba-BC)) for the removal of SO42- from aqueous solutions. The Ba2+-loaded biochar was synthesized from sawdust impregnated with iron oxide via pyrolysis at 600 °C. The porous structure of the Fe-(Ba-BC) was identified by scanning electron microscopy before sulfate was adsorbed onto the adsorbent. Functional groups were determined by energy-dispersive spectrophotometry and Raman spectrometry.. The Fe-(Ba-BC) Raman peaks before the experiment were higher than after, suggesting the precipitation of BaSO4. The presence of BaCl2 on the surface of the biochar was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Batch sorption results showed that Fe-(Ba-BC) strongly adsorbed aqueous SO42- with a removal efficacy of 96.7% under the optimum conditions of 0.25 M BaCl2, a contact time of 480 min, a pH of 9 and an adsorbent dose of 2 g. The optimum condition for removal and reaction rate kinetics analysis indicated that adsorption curve fitted well with PSO, k2 0.00015 confirmed the removal of SO42- via chemisorption. Thus, Fe-(Ba-BC) was found to be a favorable adsorbent for removing SO42-.

Electron transfer between cytochrome c and microsomal monooxygenase generates reactive oxygen species that accelerates apoptosis.

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are possibly induced by the crosstalk between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticula, which is physiologically important in apoptosis. Cytochrome c (Cyt c) is believed to play a crucial role in such signaling pathway by interrupting the coupling within microsomal monooxygenase (MMO). In this study, the correlation of ROS production with the electron transfer between Cyt c and the MMO system is investigated by resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy. Binding of Cyt c to MMO is found to induce the production of ROS, which is quantitatively determined by the in-situ RR spectroscopy reflecting the interactions of Cyt c with generated ROS. The amount of ROS that is produced from isolated endoplasmic reticulum depends on the redox state of the Cyt c, indicating the important role of oxidized Cyt c in accelerating apoptosis. The role of electron transfer from MMO to Cyt c in the apoptotic mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum pathway is accordingly proposed. This study is of significance for a deeper understanding of how Cyt c regulates apoptotic pathways through the endoplasmic reticulum, and thus may provide a rational basis for the design of antitumor drugs for cancer therapy.

The Progress of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Poststroke Aphasia.

Aphasia after stroke is one of the common complications of cerebral infarction. Early diagnosis and treatment of aphasia after stroke is of great significance for the recovery of language function. At present, there are different views on the pathogenesis of aphasia after stroke. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can reflect the brain function, brain tissue metabolism, and the level of brain local blood flow. It has the advantages of noninvasive, high resolution and sensitivity, low price, and so on. It has been widely used in the study of sensory aphasia after stroke. This study focuses on the development of functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with poststroke aphasia and summarizes the published studies on functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with poststroke aphasia. Evidence acquisition: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Hindawi, PLoS, IEEE, Wiley, ScienceDirect, Springer, EMBASE, and web of science, with the keywords of "stroke" and "Aphasia" and "functional magnetic resonance imaging", "RS fMRI", or "DTI", to review the research of functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with aphasia after stroke. The results included clinical evaluation, diagnostic scale, and imaging analysis; the study design was a randomized controlled trial, case series and case report, and observational study. A total of 67 articles were identified in the first search and 43 after the second search. Based on the analysis of 43 selected articles, 19 articles were included, and 24 articles were excluded. The selected information is shown in Table 1. Eleven of them did not contain imaging-related data. Six articles are related review articles. Four studies were conducted on patients without poststroke aphasia. Three studies studied the effect of poststroke aphasia on patients' social participation.

High-efficiency charge transfer on SERS-active semiconducting K2Ti6O13 nanowires enables direct transition of photoinduced electrons to protein redox centers.

Photoinduced charge transfer (PICT) plays a crucial role in the chemical mechanism of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), in which small organic molecules are generally used as probes. Herein, semiconducting K2Ti6O13 nanowires (NWs) are synthesized and are found to exhibit high SERS activity probed by 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal high-efficiency CT on the K2Ti6O13 nanowires. Furthermore, PICT on the K2Ti6O13 NWs is for the first time evidenced by a redox protein, cytochrome c (Cyt c). Under optimized experimental conditions, the transformation of oxidized Cyt c to its reduced state clearly verifies the electron transfer (ET) from the K2Ti6O13 nanowire to the protein. The ET mechanism is explored based on energy levels of semiconductors and molecular dynamics simulations, thus revealing the importance of energy level matching and electron tunneling from the semiconductor surface to the redox center. This study indicates a great potential of multiple-layered K2Ti6O13 NWs in the application of SERS on semiconducting materials and more importantly, it provides a new route for the rational design of protein-semiconductor interfaces for investigating electron transfer processes of redox proteins and biocatalytic reactions.

[Application of objective performance criteria in post-marketing evaluation schemes of traditional Chinese medicine].

Traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs) have certain limitations in the clinical research design in their post-marketing evaluation, so that randomized controlled programs cannot be strictly implemented in some studies, while the objective performance criteria is a reasonable external controlled research method that has been gradually recognized at home and abroad in recent years in addition to randomized controlled trial(RCT) method. It is more mature in medical devices, surgery and other research fields, but there is no relevant report in the field of post-marketing evaluation of Chinese patent medicines. In this paper, the application prospect of the objective performance criteria and the problems were discussed in the field of post-marketing evaluation of TCM. The characteristics of as TCM are more consistent with the scope of the objective performance criteria, the application of the objective performance criteria in post-marketing evaluation of Chinese patent medicines, especially in single arm research, can break through the limitations of existing conventional clinical research methods, and improve the level of evidence, with good feasibility and advantages. However, in the application process, we should pay attention to the key issues such as the selection of index, research population, follow-up period and the reference selection, to ensure the quality of research. This research group has carried out some exploration and practice in the field of post-marketing evaluation of TCM injections by using single arm combined with the objective performance criteria, hoping to establish the key technology in this field, and provide certain research and design reference for the secondary development of Chinese patent medicines.

Synthesis of g-C3N4/CuS Heterojunction with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity Under Visible-Light.

Novel g-C3N4/CuS hybrid photocatalysts were synthesized successfully via a facile hydrothermal method. Characterization results of the photocatalysts showed that especial heterostructure had formed between g-C3N4 and CuS, and possess suitable matched band potential. The composite photocatalysts displayed strong UV-visible light absorption ability in the range from 200 to 800 nm. Photocatalytic performance of the photocatalysts were evaluated via photooxidation of methyl orange (MO) under visible-light irradiation. Hybrid photocatalysts showed better photocatalytic properties than that of pure g-C3N4 or CuS. The 60% g-C3N4/CuS sample proved the supreme photocatalytic property. The integrated g-C3N4 and CuS heterojunction elevated the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, and increased the photo-decoloration efficiency of MO under visible-light irradiation. A four-cycle repeatability experiment was carried out to investigate the stability of hybrid photocatalysts in the photocatalyst reaction. Radical capture experiments proved that photogenerated e-, h+ and .OH were responsible for MO photo-decoloration. In addition, the potential mechanism of the photocatalytic system g-C3N4/CuS+H2O2+vis are presented.

Screening the main factors affecting phthalate esters adsorption on soils, humic acid, and clay organo-mineral complexes.

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are one of the most frequently detected organic pollutants in soils. In this work, the adsorption behaviors of di-ethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on soils, humins (HM) and Clay organo-mineral complexes (Clay-OM) from four regions in China, Changchun (CC), Cangzhou (CZ), Yinchuan (YC), and Changsha (CS) were studied. The surface and structural properties of these sorbents were characterized using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance methods. The results showed that the CC soil has the largest pore volume (PV) and specific surface area (SSA). PV, SSA, and aliphatic carbon content of the samples ranked as Clay-OM > HM > soil. Adsorption experiments indicated that the Clay-OM exhibited the strongest adsorption affinity for both DBP and DEP, followed by HM, and then the soil samples. Furthermore, DEP and DBP adsorption amounts on the samples declined as follows: CC > CS > CZ > YC. To illustrate the dominant mechanisms for PAEs adsorption onto soil, the soil organic carbon content normalized adsorption coefficient (LogKoc) was correlated with several possible parameters using multiple parameter linear regression and significance testing. The R2 values of the DBP and DEP in multi-regression equations were 0.825 and 0.741 respectively, and the significance test suggested that pore structure and specific surface area had crucial influences on the adsorption progress.

[Groundwater Chemical Characteristics and Analysis of Their Controlling Factors in an Alluvial Fan of Jianjiang River].

The Jianjiang alluvial fan is one of the frontal alluvial fan clusters in the Longmen Mountains of the Chengdu Plain. In order to study the groundwater chemical characteristics and controlling factors, we collected 30 groups of groundwater samples on site in May 2018. Descriptive statistical analysis, Piper diagrams, ArcGIS spatial analysis, ion-scale coefficients, and other methods were used to analyze the chemical types and ion spatial distribution characteristics. The main factors controlling the chemical evolution processes of the groundwater and the main sources of ions are discussed. The northeast area of the alluvial fan contains mostly weakly acidic waters, accounting for 13.33%, the rest being weakly alkaline. Groundwater chemical types included HCO3·SO4-Ca, HCO3-Ca, HCO3·SO4-Ca·Mg, and HCO3·SO4-Ca·Na, and all groundwater was freshwater. The main ion spatial variation coefficient were between 0.22 and 0.91, and the variability was moderate. The chemical evolution processes of groundwater was mainly controlled by leaching, and human activities have certain influence. The effect of evaporation and concentration, and atmospheric rainfall, and alternating cation adsorption were not obvious.

[Hydrochemical Characteristics of Karst Groundwater in the Mountains of Northern Bazhong City, China].

To study the hydrogeochemical characteristics and formation mechanism of groundwater in a karst development transition zone in southern and northern China, 25 groundwater samples were collected from the Shuangfengya area in the northern part of Bazhong City. Descriptive statistics, coefficients of variation, Schoeller diagrams, Sukalev classification, Piper diagrams, and Gibbs and ion scale coefficients were used to analyze the karst water chemistry and distribution characteristics. The main processes controlling the chemical evolution of the groundwater are also discussed. The research shows that the degree of groundwater mineralization in the study area is generally low, with mostly neutral water and alkaline water. There are some differences in groundwater between the northern and southern regions; the anions and cations in the groundwater in the northern area were mainly HCO3-, Ca2+, and Mg2+, with HCO3-Ca·Mg being the main water chemistry type; the anions and cations in the groundwater in the northern area were mainly HCO3-, and Ca2+, and HCO3-Ca was the main water chemistry type. The chemical character of groundwater was controlled by rock weathering and alternate cation adsorption, and evaporation crystallization in the southern region was more significant than in the northern region. Furthermore, rainfall in the northern region had a more significant effect on groundwater geochemistry than in the south. The differences in climate and lithology between the northern and southern region are the dominant factors influencing the differences in hydrochemistry.

Multiplex measurement of twelve tumor markers using a GMR multi-biomarker immunoassay biosensor.

Tumor markers play an important role in the early diagnosis and therapeutic effect monitoring of tumors. Combined detection of multiple tumor markers is a realistic way of improving the sensitivity and specificity of cancer diagnosis. To achieve this, we studied and designed a giant magneto resistance (GMR) multi-biomarker immunoassay biosensor that can simultaneously detect twelve kinds of tumor markers by integrating a GMR sensor chip, a microfluidic device, a magnetic nano-beads label, and a double antibody sandwich immunoassay method. As a proof of concept, the proposed immunosensor was utilized to detect 12 tumor markers (AFP, CEA, CYFRA21-1, NSE, SCC, PG I, PG II, CA19-9, total PSA, free PSA, free-ß-hCG, Tg) and to screen patients with lung cancer, liver cancer, digestive tract cancer, prostatic cancer, etc. The immunosensor showed excellent sensitivity, accuracy, precision and stability. Designed as a POCT device, the immunosensor also allows for portability, able to perform rapid detection wherever necessary. As a multi-analyte assay, it provides significant advantages over single-analyte tests in terms of cost per test, labor and convenience. The system's ability to simultaneously measure the concentration of multiple markers in serum samples with excellent sensitivity and accuracy allows the immunosensor to be used for early tumor diagnosis.

The elucidation of surrounding alginate gels on the pollutants degradation by entrapped nanoscale zero-valent iron.

The adsorption capacity of calcium alginate (Ca-alginate) beads was evaluated by measuring the removal of three organic compounds with different charges (malachite green, p-chlophenol and methyl orange). The diffusion was investigated in Ca-alginate hydrogel as a function of solute charge. It was found that an increased electrostatic attraction between the hydrogel and solute would improve the mobility of solute and hence enhance its adsorption efficiency. The degradation kinetics of charged pollutants by Ca-alginate with NZVI entrapped (NZVI-alginate) beads was compared to that of bare NZVI and the data followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Negatively charged Ca-alginate hydrogel strongly adsorbed positively charged pollutant, which led to an enhancement in degradation rate. However, the degradation efficiency of neutral and negatively charged pollutants by NZVI-alginate was comparable with that by bare NZVI. Thus, the degradation ability of NZVI-alginate was related with the diffusion and adsorption behavior of solutes in Ca-alginate hydrogel. The experimental results showed that the free calcium ions containing in Ca-alginate had a significant impact on the adsorption and degradation behaviors of positively charged pollutant, but those of neutral and negatively charged pollutants were only moderately affected. With the dispersity of NZVI particles in beads (1:1-1:4, w/w) increasing, the degradation efficiency of malachite green was improved, whereas further increase of NZVI dispersity (1:6, w/w) brought about a depressed degradation.

Mixed Total Variation and L1 Regularization Method for Optical Tomography Based on Radiative Transfer Equation.

Optical tomography is an emerging and important molecular imaging modality. The aim of optical tomography is to reconstruct optical properties of human tissues. In this paper, we focus on reconstructing the absorption coefficient based on the radiative transfer equation (RTE). It is an ill-posed parameter identification problem. Regularization methods have been broadly applied to reconstruct the optical coefficients, such as the total variation (TV) regularization and the L1 regularization. In order to better reconstruct the piecewise constant and sparse coefficient distributions, TV and L1 norms are combined as the regularization. The forward problem is discretized with the discontinuous Galerkin method on the spatial space and the finite element method on the angular space. The minimization problem is solved by a Jacobian-based Levenberg-Marquardt type method which is equipped with a split Bregman algorithms for the L1 regularization. We use the adjoint method to compute the Jacobian matrix which dramatically improves the computation efficiency. By comparing with the other imaging reconstruction methods based on TV and L1 regularizations, the simulation results show the validity and efficiency of the proposed method.

The Effect of rhCygb on CCl4-Induced Hepatic Fibrogenesis in Rat.

This study aims to investigate whether the use of recombinant human cytoglobin (rhCygb) impact on hepatic fibrogenesis caused by CCl4. SD (n = 150) rats were randomly divided into three groups of normal, CCl4 model and rhCygb groups. After model establishment, rats in rhCygb groups were administered daily with rhCygb (2 mg/kg, s.c.). Histological lesions were staged according to metavir. Serum parameters including ALT, AST, HA, LN, Col III and Col IV were determined. The liver proteins were separated by 2-DE and identified. As a result, the stage of hepatic damage and liver fibrosis in rhCygb groups were significantly milder than that in CCl4 model groups. Meanwhile, rhCygb dramatically reversed serum levels of ALT and AST, and also markedly decreased the liver fibrosis markers levels of LN, HA, Col III and Col IV. In 2-DE, 33 proteins among three groups with the same changing tendency in normal and rhCygb treated groups compared with CCl4 model group were identified. GO analysis showed that several identified proteins involved in oxidative stress pathway. The study provides new insights and data for administration of rhCygb reversing CCl4-induced liver fibrosis suggesting that rhCygb might be used in the treatment of liver fibrosis.