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Two novel cyanine-based 1-amino-1-deoxy-β-glucose conjugates (Glu-1N-Cy3 and Glu-1N-Cy5) were designed, synthesized and their fluorescence characteristics were studied. Both Glu-1N-Cy3 and Glu-1N-Cy5 accumulate in living HT29 human colon cancer cells, which overexpress glucose transporters (GLUTs). The cellular uptake of the bioprobes was inhibited by natural GLUT substrate d -glucose and 2-deoxy- d -glucose. The GLUT specificity of the probes was validated with quercetin, which is both a permeant substrate via GLUTs and a high-affinity inhibitor of GLUT-mediated glucose transport. Competitive fluorometric assay for GLUT substrate cell uptake revealed that Glu-1N-Cy3 and Glu-1N-Cy5 are 5 and 10 times more sensitive than 2-NBDG, a leading fluorescent glucose bioprobe. This study provides fundamental data supporting the potential of these two conjugates as new powerful tools for GLUT-mediated theranostics, in vitro and in vivo molecular bioimaging and drug R&D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular mechanisms of uric acid (UA)-induced liver injury has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect and action mechanisms of UA in liver injury. We analyzed the damaging effect of UA on mouse liver and L02 cells and subsequently performed metabolomics studies on L02 cells to identify abnormal metabolic pathways. Finally, we verified transcription factors that regulate related metabolic enzymes. UA directly activated the hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome and Bax apoptosis pathway in vivo and in vitro. Related metabolites in the arginine biosynthesis pathway (or urea cycle), l -arginine and l -argininosuccinate were decreased, and ammonia was increased in UA-stimulated L02 cells, which was mediated by carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1), argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) downregulation. UA upregulated hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) in vivo and in vitro , and HIF-1α inhibition alleviated the UA-induced ASS downregulation and hepatocyte injury. In conclusion, UA upregulates HIF-1α and inhibits urea cycle enzymes (UCEs). This leads to liver injury, with evidence of hepatocyte inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress. • Uric acid (UA) causes damage to mouse liver and L02 cells. • HIF-1α upregulation mediates UA-induced hepatocyte injury. • UA downregulates hepatic CPS1, ASS and ASL expression. • L-arginine or HIF-1α inhibitor LW6 is protective against UA-induced hepatocyte injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]