Identification of LRRC46 as a novel candidate gene for high myopia.

High myopia (HM) is the primary cause of blindness, with the microstructural organization and composition of collagenous fibers in the cornea and sclera playing a crucial role in the biomechanical behavior of these tissues. In a previously reported myopic linkage region, MYP5 (17q21-22), a potential candidate gene, LRRC46 (c.C235T, p.Q79X), was identified in a large Han Chinese pedigree. LRRC46 is expressed in various eye tissues in humans and mice, including the retina, cornea, and sclera. In subsequent cell experiments, the mutation (c.C235T) decreased the expression of LRRC46 protein in human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-T). Further investigation revealed that Lrrc46-/- mice (KO) exhibited a classical myopia phenotype. The thickness of the cornea and sclera in KO mice became thinner and more pronounced with age, the activity of limbal stem cells decreased, and microstructural changes were observed in the fibroblasts of the sclera and cornea. We performed RNA-seq on scleral and corneal tissues of KO and normal control wild-type (WT) mice, which indicated a significant downregulation of the collagen synthesis-related pathway (extracellular matrix, ECM) in KO mice. Subsequent in vitro studies further indicated that LRRC46, a member of the important LRR protein family, primarily affected the formation of collagens. This study suggested that LRRC46 is a novel candidate gene for HM, influencing collagen protein VIII (Col8a1) formation in the eye and gradually altering the biomechanical structure of the cornea and sclera, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of HM.

COLQ-Congenital myasthenic syndrome in an Iranian cohort: the clinical and genetics spectrum.

BACKGROUND: Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) is a group of neuromuscular disorders caused by abnormal signal transmission at the motor endplate. Mutations in the collagen-like tail subunit gene (COLQ) of acetylcholinesterase are responsible for recessive forms of synaptic congenital myasthenic syndromes with end plate acetylcholinesterase deficiency. Clinical presentation includes ptosis, ophthalmoparesis, and progressive weakness with onset at birth or early infancy. METHODS: We followed 26 patients with COLQ-CMS over a mean period of 9 years (ranging from 3 to 213 months) and reported their clinical features, electrophysiologic findings, genetic characteristics, and therapeutic management. RESULTS: In our population, the onset of symptoms ranged from birth to 15 years. Delayed developmental motor milestones were detected in 13 patients (∼ 52%), and the most common presenting signs were ptosis, ophthalmoparesis, and limb weakness. Sluggish pupils were seen in 8 (∼ 30%) patients. All patients who underwent electrophysiologic study showed a significant decremental response (> 10%) following low-frequency repetitive nerve stimulation. Moreover, double compound muscle action potential was evident in 18 patients (∼ 75%). We detected 14 variants (eight novel variants), including six missense, three frameshift, three nonsense, one synonymous and one copy number variation (CNV), in the COLQ gene. There was no benefit from esterase inhibitor treatment, while treatment with ephedrine and salbutamol was objectively efficient in all cases. CONCLUSION: Despite the rarity of the disease, our findings provide valuable information for understanding the clinical and electrophysiological features as well as the genetic characterization and response to the treatment of COLQ-CMS.

Intervention Effects of Deer-Tendon Collagen Hydrolysates on Osteoporosis In Vitro and In Vivo.

Deer tendon, a deer processing byproduct, is an excellent protein source for the preparation of peptides for improving osteoporosis by its high protein content and high nutritional value. The optimal process of collagen acid extraction was implemented and the results showed that the acid concentration was 7%, the material-liquid ratio was 1:25, and the soaking time was 48 h. DTCHs could promote MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and increase alkaline phosphatase activities in vitro. In addition, compared with the model group, the DTCHs treatment groups with an oral dosage of 350, 750, and 1500 mg/kg rat/day could significantly improve the shape, weight, bone mechanics, and alkaline phosphatase activities of tail-suspended mice. Bone microstructure and mineralization also recovered significantly in vivo. This result is expected to provide the structural and biological information for DTCHs-based functional foods.

Inhibitory effect of pre-gelatinized dialdehyde starch on heat-induced deterioration of sea cucumber.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of pre-gelatinized dialdehyde starch (P-DAS) on the deterioration of sea cucumber during high-temperature sterilization. RESULTS: It was found that pre-gelatinization reduced crystallinity and average molecular weight of dialdehyde starch (DAS), exposed free aldehyde groups, improved the solubility, and unified the particle sizes. According to the texture profiles of sea cucumber, the crosslinking power of P-DAS was higher than that of DAS. The results of free amino content, total soluble substance, water retention, water distribution, relaxation time and scanning electron microscopy all showed that the crosslinking effect was dose-dependent on crosslinking agent. CONCLUSION: These results have proved that large molecules such as P-DAS, when properly handled, could also efficiently enter collagen hydrogels and perform crosslinking, providing reference for the development of new protein food stabilizing agents. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Industrial development and biomedical application prospect of recombinant collagen].

Recombinant collagen, as an alternative to natural collagen, has the potential to be widely used in biomaterials, biomedicine, etc. Diverse recombinant collagens and their variants can be industrially produced in a variety of expression systems, which lays a foundation for exploring and expanding the clinical application of recombinant collagens. We reviewed different expression systems for recombinant collagens, such as prokaryotic expression systems, yeast expression systems, as well as plant, insect, mammal, and human cell expression systems, and introduced the advantages, potential applications, and limitations of recombinant collagen. In particularly, we focused on the current progress in the recombinant collagen production, including recombinant expression system construction and hydroxylation strategies of recombinant collagen, and summarized the current biomedical applications of recombinant collagen.

The Bioactivity Prediction of Peptides from Tuna Skin Collagen Using Integrated Method Combining In Vitro and In Silico.

The hydrolysates and peptide fractions of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) skin collagen have been successfully studied. The hydrolysates (HPA, HPN, HPS, HBA, HBN, HBS) were the result of the hydrolysis of collagen using alcalase, neutrase, and savinase. The peptide fractions (PPA, PPN, PPS, PBA, PBN, PBS) were the fractions obtained following ultrafiltration of the hydrolysates. The antioxidant activities of the hydrolysates and peptide fractions were studied using the DPPH method. The effects of collagen types, enzymes, and molecular sizes on the antioxidant activities were analyzed using profile plots analysis. The amino acid sequences of the peptides in the fraction with the highest antioxidant activity were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Finally, their bioactivity and characteristics were studied using in silico analysis. The hydrolysates and peptide fractions provided antioxidant activity (6.17-135.40 µmol AAE/g protein). The lower molecular weight fraction had higher antioxidant activity. Collagen from pepsin treatment produced higher activity than that of bromelain treatment. The fraction from collagen hydrolysates by savinase treatment had the highest activity compared to neutrase and alcalase treatments. The peptides in the PBN and PPS fractions of <3 kDa had antidiabetic, antihypertensive and antioxidant activities. In conclusion, they have the potential to be used in food and health applications.

DNCP induces the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into odontoblasts by activating the Smad/p-Smad and p38/p-p38 signaling pathways.

In recent years, stem cells have been studied for treating tooth loss. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of dentin non-collagen protein (DNCP)-associated microenvironments in the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into dentin cells. iPSCs were cultured and identified by examining octamer-binding transcription-factor-4 (Oct-4) and sex-determining region-Y-2 (Sox-2) expression. iPSCs were differentiated by culturing DNCP-associated microenvironments (containing specific growth factors), and they were divided into control, DNCP, DNCP+bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and DNCP+Noggin (a BMP inhibitor) groups. Msh homeobox 1 (Msx-1), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1) mRNA expression was evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The levels of p38, phosphorylated (p)-p38, Smad and p-Smad were determined by western blotting. Upon treatment with mouse embryonic fibroblasts, iPSCs-dependent embryoid bodies (EBs) were successfully generated. iPSCs exhibited increased Oct-4 and Sox-2 expression. Differentiated iPSCs had higher expression levels of DSPP, DMP-1 and Msx-1 in the DNCP group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). Noggin treatment significantly downregulated, while BMPs administration significantly increased the expression levels of DSPP, DMP-1 and Msx-1 compared with those of the DNCP group (P<0.05). The ratios of p-p38/p38 and p-Smad/Smad were significantly higher in the DNCP group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). Noggin and BMPs significantly decreased ratios of p-p38/p38, compared with those of the DNCP group (P<0.05). In conclusion, DNCP induced the differentiation of iPSCs into odontoblasts by activating the Smad/p-Smad and p38/p-p38 signaling pathways.

Effects of Prolonged Whey Protein Supplementation and Resistance Training on Biomarkers of Vitamin B12 Status: A 1-Year Randomized Intervention in Healthy Older Adults (the CALM Study).

We investigated the effect of long-term whey supplementation on biomarkers of B12 status in healthy older adults subjected to different schemes of supplements and exercise. The total study population examined at baseline consisted of 167 healthy older adults (age ≥ 65 year) who were randomized to 1-y intervention with two daily supplements of (1) whey protein (3.1 µg B12/day) (WHEY-ALL), (2) collagen (1.3 µg B12/day) (COLL), or (3) maltodextrin (0.3 µg B12/day) (CARB). WHEY-ALL was comprised of three groups, who performed heavy resistance training (HRTW), light resistance training (LITW), or no training (WHEY). Dietary intake was assessed through 3-d dietary records. For the longitudinal part of the study, we included only the participants (n = 110), who met the criteria of ≥ 50% compliance to the nutritional intervention and ≥ 66% and ≥ 75% compliance to the heavy and light training, respectively. Fasting blood samples collected at baseline and 12 months and non-fasting samples collected at 6 and 18 months were examined for methylmalonic acid, B12 and holotranscobalamin. At baseline, the study population (n = 167) had an overall adequate dietary B12 intake of median (range) 5.3 (0.7-65) µg/day and median B12 biomarker values within reference intervals. The whey intervention (WHEY-ALL) caused an increase in B12 (P < 0.0001) and holotranscobalamin (P < 0.0001). In addition, methylmalonic acid decreased in the LITW group (P = 0.04). No change in B12 biomarkers was observed during the intervention with collagen or carbohydrate, and the training schedules induced no changes. In conclusion, longer-term daily whey intake increased plasma B12 and holotranscobalamin in older individuals. No effect of intervention with collagen or carbohydrate or different training regimes was observed. Interestingly, the biomarkers of B12 status appeared to be affected by fasting vs. non-fasting conditions during sample collection.

Role of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor on the Fibrosis Process in Thyroid Carcinoma: Evaluation by Shear Wave Elastography.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the correlation between fibrosis and elastic values in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) by shear wave elastography and to evaluate the effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on the fibrosis process. METHODS: Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-PDGF and normal BCPAP cell lines were injected subcutaneously into the backs of nude mice. The elastic values of all tumors were measured by shear wave elastography. The content of collagen fibers and the expression of PDGF and type IV collagen (COL4) were evaluated by Masson staining and western blotting. RESULTS: There were 32 tumors in the control group and 30 tumors in the siRNA-PDGF group. The tumors were divided into 4 subgroups based on maximum diameters of the tumors. The mean elastic values ± SD (Emean , 29.79 ± 11.04 kPa; Emin , 16.98 ± 7.51 kPa, Emax , 39.99 ± 15.30 kPa; and SD, 5.92 ± 2.00 kPa) in the siRNA-PDGF group were lower than in the control group (Emean , 35.73 ± 18.49 kPa; Emin , 23.65 ± 14.92 kPa, Emax , 45.73 ± 22.88 kPa; and SD, 6.02 ± 3.38 kPa). The content of collagen fibers and the expression of platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB) and COL4 proteins in the siRNA-PDGF group were lower than in the control group (11.43% ± 6.99% and 19.80% ± 11.70%; P = .010; 0.14 ± 0.06 and 0.27 ± 0.10; P = .002; and 0.11 ± 0.06 and 0.15 ± 0.07; P = .101). The elastic values, collagen fiber content, and PDGFB and COL4 in the 4 subgroups gradually increased with the maximum diameter of tumors. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive correlation among PDGF, tumor stiffness, and fibrosis in the growth of PTC. Thus, PDGF might play an important role in the development of PTC.

Comparison of the osteogenic effect of three different bone graft materials / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Dentin particles, tricalcium phosphate/collagen protein composites and Bio-oss particles can repair jaw defects, but the excellent osteogenic effect is not clear. OBJECTIVE: To compare osteogenic effects of three different bone graft materials on mandibular defects in beagle dogs. METHODS: Eight 1-year-old beagles were selected. A boxed bone defect area of 10 mm × 8 mm × 2 mm was prepared at the bilateral mandibular external oblique line and randomly divided into four groups with four bone defect models in each group. Undemineralized dentin particles were implanted in group A; tricalcium phosphate/ collagen protein composite materials were implanted in group B; Bio-oss particles were implanted in group C; and group D was used as blank control. Three months after transplantation, the samples were taken for histological observation. The experimental animals were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Experimental Animal Center of Dalian Medical University. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) In group A, dentin particles were slightly absorbed, surrounded by new bone tissue; new bone trabeculae and capillaries could be seen, and a large number of fibrous connective tissue surrounded dentin particles in the central area of bone graft. In group B, a small number of new bone trabeculae and osteoblasts could be seen; a large number of powdered β-tricalcium phosphate particles and a small amount of inflammatory cells could be seen in the fibrous connective tissue; and some β-tricalcium phosphate particles were surrounded by new bone tissue. Bone marrow cavity could be seen in the new bone. In group C, some Bio-oss particles were surrounded by new bone tissue; some Bio-oss particles were wrapped by surrounding fibrous connective tissue, and fibers, particles and new bone were intertwined. There was no new bone formation in group D, and many capillaries could be seen in a large number of fibrous connective tissue. (2) The rate of new bone formation in groups A, B and C was higher than that in group D (P < 0.05); the rate in groups A and C was higher than that in group B (P < 0.05). (3) The results show that all the three kinds of bone graft materials can promote the formation of new bone. The short-term osteogenic effects of undecalcified xenogeneic dentin particles and Bio-oss particles are better than tricalcium phosphate/collagen protein composites, but the long-term effects need to be further observed.

Recovery and utilization of collagen protein powder extracted from chromium leather scrap waste.

In this work, we investigate collagen protein powder (CPP) extracted from chromium leather scrap waste (CLSW). The composition and molecular weight distribution of CPP were determined by elemental analysis and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), respectively. The microstructure and size distribution of CPP were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nanometer analyzer instrument. Finally, CPP was treated with corn starch (CS), and the swelling behavior of the resulting CPP-CS blend was investigated in order to determine its range of applications. The experimental data showed that CPP contains 13 different amino-acids. CPP also displayed low mineral salt levels and a nitrogen content of 43.84%, indicating its potential use as an organic fertilizer. The molecular weight range of CPP is 6.5 to ~ 26.6 kDa. After the obtained CPP was blended with CS, the CPP-CS blend is endowed with optimal swelling properties and is able to overcome the solubility drawbacks of CPP alone. In addition, when the CPP was used as a natural fertilizer, the germination rate and height of kidney beans obviously increased.

Effects of pilose antler polypeptide on abilities of proliferation and colagen secretion of mouse embryonic fibroblasts NIH/3T3 and ther mechansms / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:: To investigate the effects of pilose antler polypeptide on the abilities of proliferation and collagen secretion of mouse embryonic fibroblasts NIH/3T3, and to clarify the relevant mechanisms. Methods: The NIH/3T3 cells were treated with different doses 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.50, 25.00, 50.00, 100.00, and 200.00 mg • L_ 1) of pilose antler polypeptide as experimental groups, the cells treated with 0 mg • L_ 1 pilose antler polypeptide were used as blank control group, and the cells treated with 50.00 fig • L-1 basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were used as positive control group. MTT assay was used to detect the survival rates of NIH/3T3 cells in various groups. ELISA assay was used to detect the collagen secretion of NIH/3T3 cells in various groups. Wound healing assay was used to detect the migration abilities of NIH/3T3 cells. Western blotting method was performed to detect the expression levels of p-ERK 1/2 in the NIH/3T3 cells in various groups. Immunofluorescence method was used to detect the expression levels of transforming growth factor-fil (TGF-J31) in the NIH/3T3 cells in various groups. Results: Compared with blank control group, the survival rates of NIH/3T3 cells in positive control group and 6.25, 12.50, 25.00, 50.00, 100.00, 200.00 mg • L_ 1 pilose antler polypeptide groups were markedly increased (P < 0 . 05 or P < 0 . 01). Compared with blank control group, the levels of type I collagen protein in the culture solution of the NIH/3T3 cells in positive control group and 6. 25, 12. 50, 25. 00, and 50. 00 mg • L_ 1 pilose antler polypeptide groups were markedly increased (P < 0 . 05 or P < 0 . 01), and the levels of type IE collagen protein in the culture solution of the NIH/3T3 cells in positive control group and 12. 50 and 25.00 mg • L_ 1 pilose antler polypeptide groups were markedly increased (P < 0 . 05). Compared with blank control group, the scratch healing rates of NIH/3T3 cells, and the expression levels of p-ERK 1/2 in the NIH/3T3 cells, and the expression levels of TGF-J31 in the NIH/3T3 cells in positive control group and 12. 50 mg • L_ 1 pilose antler polypeptide groups were markedly increased (P < 0 . 05 or P < 0 . 01). Conclusion: Pilose antler polypeptide can promote the proliferation, and collagen secretion of NIH/3T3 cells and increase the migration ability, which may be achieved by activating the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and increasing the expression of TGF-J31.

Effect of protein quality on recovery after intense resistance training.

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the effects of high- versus low-quality protein supplementation on the regain of exercise performance during recovery from a period of high-intensity resistance training. METHODS: In a diet-controlled crossover study, 12 resistance-trained participants performed two identical training periods, with each training period including four sessions of high-intensity resistance exercise during 5 days, while receiving either high- or low-quality protein. Prior to and at 3, 24 and 48 h after the training periods, performance was evaluated in knee extensor and flexor isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), counter-movement jumping height (CMJ), and peak and mean anaerobic power. In addition, prior to and at 48 h after the training periods, performance in time-to-exhaustion at 70 % of VO2max (TTE) was evaluated. RESULTS: After the intense training periods, decrements in the order of 4-24 % were observed for MVCext, CMJ, mean anaerobic power, and TTE. In particular for TTE, this decrement in exercise performance did not attain full recovery at 48 h post-exercise. The regain of exercise performance was not dictated by type of protein supplement. CONCLUSION: The regain of muscle strength as well as anaerobic or aerobic performances were not markedly influenced by the type of protein supplement.

Leucine-Enriched Essential Amino Acids Augment Mixed Protein Synthesis, But Not Collagen Protein Synthesis, in Rat Skeletal Muscle after Downhill Running.

Mixed and collagen protein synthesis is elevated for as many as 3 days following exercise. Immediately after exercise, enhanced amino acid availability increases synthesis of mixed muscle protein, but not muscle collagen protein. However, the potential for synergic effects of amino acid ingestion with exercise on both mixed and collagen protein synthesis remains unclear. We investigated muscle collagen protein synthesis in rats following post-exercise ingestion of leucine-enriched essential amino acids. We determined fractional protein synthesis rates (FSR) at different time points following exercise. Mixed protein and collagen protein FSRs in skeletal muscle were determined by measuring protein-bound enrichments of hydroxyproline and proline, and by measuring the intracellular enrichment of proline, using injections of flooding d3-proline doses. A leucine-enriched mixture of essential amino acids (or distilled water as a control) was administrated 30 min or 1 day post-exercise. The collagen protein synthesis in the vastus lateralis was elevated for 2 days after exercise. Although amino acid administration did not increase muscle collagen protein synthesis, it did lead to augmented mixed muscle protein synthesis 1 day following exercise. Thus, contrary to the regulation of mixed muscle protein synthesis, muscle collagen protein synthesis is not affected by amino acid availability after damage-inducing exercise.

The efficiency of magnetic hyperthermia and in vivo histocompatibility for human-like collagen protein-coated magnetic nanoparticles.

Magnetic hyperthermia is a promising technique for the minimally invasive elimination of solid tumors. In this study, uniform magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) with different particle sizes were used as a model system to investigate the size and surface effects of human-like collagen protein-coated MNPs (HLC-MNPs) on specific absorption rate and biocompatibility. It was found that these HLC-MNPs possess rapid heating capacity upon alternating magnetic field exposure compared to that of MNPs without HLC coating, irrespective of the size of MNPs. The significant enhancement of specific absorption rate is favorable for larger sized nanoparticles. Such behavior is attributed to the reduced aggregation and increased stability of the HLC-MNPs. By coating HLC on the surface of certain sized MNPs, a significant increase in cell viability (up to 2.5-fold) can be achieved. After subcutaneous injection of HLC-MNPs into the back of Kunming mice, it was observed that the inflammatory reaction hardly occurred in the injection site. However, there was a significant presence of phagocytes and endocytosis after the injection of nonconjugated counterparts. The overall strategy to fabricate HLC-MNPs can serve as a general guideline to address the current challenges in clinical magnetic hyperthermia, improved biocompatibility, and enhanced heating characteristics through protein coating.

Colloidal Gold--Collagen Protein Core--Shell Nanoconjugate: One-Step Biomimetic Synthesis, Layer-by-Layer Assembled Film, and Controlled Cell Growth.

The biogenic synthesis of biomolecule-gold nanoconjugates is of key importance for a broad range of biomedical applications. In this work, a one-step, green, and condition-gentle strategy is presented to synthesize stable colloidal gold-collagen core-shell nanoconjugates in an aqueous solution at room temperature, without use of any reducing agents and stabilizing agents. It is discovered that electrostatic binding between gold ions and collagen proteins and concomitant in situ reduction by hydroxyproline residues are critically responsible for the formation of the core-shell nanoconjugates. The film formed by layer-by-layer assembly of such colloidal gold-collagen nanoconjugates can notably improve the mechanical properties and promote cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation. Thus, the colloidal gold-collagen nanoconjugates synthesized by such a straightforward and clean manner, analogous to a biomineralization pathway, provide new alternatives for developing biologically based hybrid biomaterials toward a range of therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Effects of gentiana scabra bage on expression of hepatic type I, III collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of gentiana scabra bage on the expression of hepatic collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis. METHODS: Immunohistochemical technique was used to observe the changes of content of hepatic type I, III collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis before and after the gentiana scabra bage treatmeat. RESULTS: Comparing with the model group, changes of hepatic type I and type III collagen proteins in gentiana scabra bage treated group were significantly weakened. CONCLUSIONS: Gentiana scabra bage treatment can reduce the content of hepatic type III and type I collagen protein significantly in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis, thereby, playing the role against hepatic fibrosis.

Gold Nanorod-Collagen Nanocomposites as Photothermal Nanosolders for Laser Welding of Ruptured Porcine Intestines.

Surgical site infection and postoperative leakage are complications that may develop following colorectal surgery and result in fatal consequences. Rapid, fluid-tight wound closure through laser tissue welding (LTW) can reduce postoperative leakage and thus decrease infection. Laser tissue welding involves generation of localized heat by exposing an exogenous chromophore to near-infrared (NIR) irradiation in order to seal wounds. In this study, we generated gold nanorod (GNR)-collagen nanocomposites (NCs) for laser-facilitated welding of ruptured intestinal tissue. The fluid content, stiffness, elasticity, and laser-induced temperature response of these nanocomposites were modulated to optimize laser-induced tissue fusion and minimize tissue damage. In addition, the effect of laser operating parameters including power density, femtosecond pulsed wave (PW) or continuous wave (CW) laser, and exposure duration were all studied. Laser power density and treatment duration significantly affected the temperatures reached during welding, as well as tissue weld strength and burst pressure. CW laser was found to induce significantly higher temperatures of the nanocomposites during treatment than PW laser, but the differences in weld strength and burst pressure for the two laser types were insignificant. This suggests that PW lasers can result in robust welds while minimizing potential thermal damage compared to CW lasers. The ultimate tensile strength of welded ruptured tissue was returned to as high as 68% of the native tissue strength through laser treatment, and laser treatment with these nanocomposites restored up to 64% of native tissue leak pressure and 42% of burst pressure. To the best of our knowledge, the laser power densities used (≤2.50 W/cm2) are among the lowest reported for laser tissue welding, and the laser configuration and use require very little surgical skill. Our results indicate that GNR-collagen nanocomposites are promising photothermal biomaterials in laser tissue welding applications.

Effects of gentiana scabra bage on expression of hepatic type I, III collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of gentiana scabra bage on the expression of hepatic collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis.@*METHODS@#Immunohistochemical technique was used to observe the changes of content of hepatic type I, III collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis before and after the gentiana scabra bage treatmeat.@*RESULTS@#Comparing with the model group, changes of hepatic type I and type III collagen proteins in gentiana scabra bage treated group were significantly weakened.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Gentiana scabra bage treatment can reduce the content of hepatic type III and type I collagen protein significantly in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis, thereby, playing the role against hepatic fibrosis.

Effects of gentiana scabra bage on expression of hepatic type I, III collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis

Objective: To explore the effects of gentiana scabra bage on the expression of hepatic collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis. Methods: Immunohistochemical technique was used to observe the changes of content of hepatic type I, III collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis before and after the gentiana scabra bage treatmeat. Results: Comparing with the model group, changes of hepatic type I and type III collagen proteins in gentiana scabra bage treated group were significantly weakened. Conclusions: Gentiana scabra bage treatment can reduce the content of hepatic type III and type I collagen protein significantly in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis, thereby, playing the role against hepatic fibrosis.