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LAG1 longevity assurance homolog 2 (LASS2), a highly conserved transmembrane protein, has been reported to be associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the effect of LASS2 on energy homeostasis and its mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we found lower expression levels of LASS2 in the livers of mice with liver steatosis induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and free fatty acids (FFAs)-treated hepatocytes. In FFAs-treated Hepa1-6 cells and mouse primary hepatocytes (MPHs), LASS2 overexpression significantly decreased intracellular lipid content compared with the control cells. LASS2 overexpression also significantly upregulated lipolysis-related proteins, such as ATGL and HSL, and inhibited lipogenesis-related proteins, such as SREBP1 and FAS. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ACC increased significantly. On the contrary, LASS2 knockdown in FFAs-treated hepatocytes aggravated lipid accumulation via facilitating lipogenesis and inhibiting lipolysis. Further, co-IP and LC-MS analysis found that LASS2 might interacted with NDUFS2 to inhibit lipogenesis. The production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) may be related to the interaction between LASS2 and NDUFS2. Collectively, we are the first time to showed that LASS2 might promote the phosphorylation of AMPK via mtROS produced by interaction with NDUFS2/OXPHOS, thus inhibiting lipogenesis. • LASS2 play a protective role in FFAs-induced hepatocellular steatosis. • LASS2 regulate hepatic steatosis via AMPK activation. • LASS2 might interact with NDUFS2/OXPHOS related proteins. • The production of mtROS may be related to the interaction between LASS and NDUFS2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of well-ordered hierarchical metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in an efficient manner is a great challenge. Here, a 3D regular ordered meso-/macroporous MOF of Cu-TATAB (referred to as MM-MOF) was synthesized through a facile template-free self-assembly process with pore sizes of 31 nm and 119 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan, as a bio-friendly and abundant biochar precursor, was employed to prepare cobalt-based catalyst (Co 3 O 4 @BCC) by calcination for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade phenacetin (PNT). Various characterization technologies and experimental designs were performed to investigate the physicochemical properties and catalytic performance of Co 3 O 4 @BCC. Approximately 99.0% of phenacetin (10 mg/L) was degraded in the system of Co 3 O 4 @BCC (0.05 g/L)/PMS (1.0 mM) within 15 min and the rate constant was 6 times higher than that in the system of Co 3 O 4 (0.05 g/L)/PMS (1.0 mM). The results demonstrated that BCC as a carrier not only dispersed Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles and improved the stability of catalyst, but also provided abundant electron-rich groups to facilitate the activation of PMS and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Co 3 O 4 @BCC composite also exhibited good universality and reusability. More than 90% of BPA, SIZ and CAP was degraded by Co 3 O 4 @BCC activated PMS within 15 min at pH 7. The degradation rate of PNT was recovered from 90% to 98.0% via the regeneration of the used catalyst after the third run (calcination at 400 °C for 5 min). SO 4 •−, •OH and 1O 2 were identified to be responsible for PNT degradation. Furthermore, the activation mechanism of PMS and the possible pathways of PNT degradation were reasonably speculated according to the results of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), quenching experiments and HPLC-TOF-MS2. This study explored the application of chitosan as a recycled material and provides a feasible strategy for designing and fabricating environmentally friendly and efficient catalysts for PMS activation to degrade organic pollutants. [Display omitted] • CBC@Co 3 O 4 was prepared by calcining chitosan as a biochar precursor. • Pseudo first order rate constant (k CBC@Co3O4) was 6 times higher than k Co3O4. • CBC@Co 3 O 4 also exhibited excellent reusability and universality. • SO 4.•−, •OH and 1O 2 were main ROS responsible for PNT degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A very low content of oleosome-associated proteins (OAPs) allows for long-term stability of oleosomes in mature seeds, but there is limited knowledge on these interfacial behaviors. Here, the effect of extraction solvents on the composition, structure, and interfacial properties of OAPs from Camellia oleifera were investigated. After lipid removal by cold acetone/ether (AE) and chloroform/methanol (CM), the OAPs-AE exhibited a white lumpy morphology, but the OAPs-CM was a transparent film. The major components of OAPs-AE and OAPs-CM were similar, including oleosin, Ole Ⅰ, Ole Ⅱ, Ole Ⅳ, and Ole Ⅴ. The OAPs-CM had more α-helix (∼60%) and β-sheet (∼15%) structures than that of OAPs-AE, while the OAPs-AE had a higher denaturation temperature (∼90.9 °C). The residual phospholipid content in OAPs-AE was 21.5 times that of OAPs-CM. The OAPs-AE displayed an impressive ability to increase surface pressure at the air–water interface (∼32 mN/m at 4000 s) and oil–water interface (∼12 mN/m at 4000 s), even at a very low concentration (0.04 mg/mL). For the air–water interface, the diffusion rate of OAPs-AE was faster than that of OAPs-CM at all of the investigated pH values. These results provide a better understanding of OAPs as novel natural surface-active agents. [Display omitted] • Assembly behavior of oleosome associated proteins (OAPs) was diverse by different solvents. • Major component of OAPs extracted from Camellia oleifera was oleosin. • OAPs extracted using chloroform/methanol had more α-helix and β-sheet structures. • OAPs obtained by acetone/ether possessed an impressive ability to increase surface pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3) is an important cold shock protein, which also responds to hypothermia or hypoxia. RBM3 is involved into multiple physiologic processes, such as promoting cell survival. However, its expression and function in acute lung injury (ALI) have not been reported. A mouse ALI model was established by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) treatment. The RBM3 and cold inducible RNA-binding protein mRNA levels were examined by RT-qPCR, and MMP9 mRNA stability was determined by actinomycin D assay. RBM3 and MMP9 mRNA was tested by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP assay). RBM3 overexpression or silent stable cell lines were established using recombinant lentivirus and subsequently used for cell survival and tight junction measurements. In this study, we found that RBM3, rather than cold inducible RNA-binding protein, was upregulated in lung tissue of ALI mice. RBM3 was increased in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs) in response to LPS treatment, which is modulated by the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, RBM3 could reduce cell apoptosis induced by LPS, probably through suppressing p53 expression. Because increased permeability of HPMVECs leads to pulmonary edema in ALI, we subsequently examined the effect of RBM3 on cell tight junctions. Unexpectedly, RBM3 decreased the expression of tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 and increased cell permeability, and RBM3 overexpression increased MMP9 mRNA stability. Furthermore, RIP assay confirmed the interaction between RBM3 and MMP9 mRNA, possibly explaining the contribution of RBM3 to increase cell permeability. RBM3 seems to act as a "double-edged sword" in ALI, that RBM3 alleviates cell apoptosis but increases HPMVEC permeability in ALI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] MnO 2 cathode materials have presented challenges due to their poor conductivity, unstable structure, and sluggish diffusion kinetics for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). In this study, a nanostructured MnO x cathode material was synthesized using an acid etching method, Which introduced abundant Mn(III) sites, resulting in the formation of numerous oxygen vacancies. Comprehensive characterizations revealed that these oxygen vacancies facilitated the reversible adsorption/desorption of Zn2+ ions and promoted efficient electron transfer. In addition, the designed mesoporous structure offered ample active sites and shortened the diffusion path for Zn2+ and H+ ions. Consequently, the nanosized MnO x cathode exhibited enhanced reaction kinetics, achieving a considerable reversible specific capacity of 388.7 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g and superior durability with 72.0% capacity retention over 2000 cycles at 3.0 A/g. The material delivered a maximum energy density of 639.7 Wh kg−1 at 159.94 W kg−1. Furthermore, a systematic analysis of the zinc storage mechanism was performed. This work demonstrates that engineering oxygen vacancies with nanostructure regulation provides valuable insights into optimizing MnO 2 cathode materials for AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease. The imbalance of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 immune responses contributes to the pathogenesis of this disease. Germacrone is a major bioactive component isolated from Rhizoma Curcuma with multiple bioactivities including anti-inflammation. However, the role and mechanism of germacrone in RA are still unknown. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was established in male DBA/1 J mice by two immunizations with chicken collagen II. Germacrone was orally administered once per day starting on the day of second immunization for 3 weeks. Arthritis scoring was evaluated every 3 days after second immunization. H&E staining was used for histopathological examination. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 in serum and synovial tissues of mice were detected by ELISA. Th1 and Th2 cell percentage in mouse spleens was analyzed by flow cytometry. IκB and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 (p-p65) expression in mouse synovial tissues was assayed by Western blot. We found germacrone treatment significantly reduced arthritis score and inflammation in CIA mice. Levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were elevated, and IL-4 reduced, in the serum and synovial tissues of CIA mice. Germacrone partially reversed levels of these cytokines. Moreover, germacrone decreased the ratio of Th1 to Th2 cells in mouse spleens. Additionally, germacrone remarkably enhanced IκB expression, but suppressed p-p65 level in CIA mice. Taken together, these results suggest that germacrone alleviated the progression of arthritis that might be related to the regulation of Th1/Th2 balance and inactivation of NF-κB pathway. • Germacrone alleviated the progression of arthritis. • Germacrone could reduce Th1 cytokines and increase Th2 cytokines. • Germacrone decreased Th1/Th2 ratio in CIA mice. • Germacrone suppressed the activation of NF-κB in synovial tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to observe the effects of sodium arsenite (NaAsO 2) on apoptosis of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces induced by albendazole (ABZ), and to explore the potential mechanism of NaAsO 2. According to the following final concentrations, the experimental groups were divided into 10 μM NaAsO 2 , 20 μM NaAsO 2 , 80 μM ABZ, 10 μM NaAsO 2 +80 μM ABZ, and 20 μM NaAsO 2 +80 μM ABZ. Viability was detected with 0.1% eosin staining. The ultrastructural alterations were visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Caspase-3 activity was assessed with colorimetric assay. Meanwhile, ELISA or WST were applied to detect the activities of antioxidases in NaAsO 2 treatment groups. The maximum protoscolicidal effect was seen with the combination 20 μM NaAsO 2 +80 μM ABZ. The ultrastructural damage detected after NaAsO 2 +ABZ incubation were greater than those caused by ABZ alone and its primary damage site was the tegument of the parasite. The caspase-3 activity was clearly higher in protoscoleces treated with the combination of NaAsO 2 +ABZ than when drugs were used separately. The activities of NQO-1, HO-1, GST, and SOD were significantly lower in protoscoleces incubated with NaAsO 2 than the untreated controls (P < 0.05). According to our results, ABZ could induce protoscoleces apoptosis, and NaAsO 2 could significantly augment sensitivity of protoscoleces to ABZ. Image 1 • We incubated E. granulosus protoscoleces in vitro with NaAsO 2 , ABZ and NaAsO 2 +ABZ combination. • NaAsO 2 could accelerate the scolicidal effect of ABZ and cause more severe ultrastructural damage than those caused by ABZ alone. • The combination of NaAsO 2 + ABZ has greater effects on the improvement of the caspase-3 activity than when drugs were used separately. • Our results demonstrated that NaAsO 2 effectively inhibited the activities of antioxidases, which contributed to sensitize protoscoleces to ABZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Herein, our aim is to develop a drug-free method without obvious side effects to treat cancer through biomineralization of biocompatible inorganic nanomaterials targeting onto cells' membrane to block transport proteins. We selected chondroitin sulfate as optimal target agent and linker to induce the in situ biomineralization of exogenous Ca2+ and CO 3 2− at safe concentration to generate biocompatible calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) nanostructures targeting onto cancer cells' membrane. The in vitro and in vivo assays indicated that the generated CaCO 3 nanostructures could significantly inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Mechanism studies demonstrated that the mineralized CaCO 3 nanostructures could bind with 66 membrane proteins. Deeply research revealed that the CaCO 3 nanostructures could mainly block transport proteins, e.g. sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase, leading to the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the increase of the lactate dehydrogenase release into medium, and finally modulated cell cycle and induced the apoptosis of cancer cells. Our results may introduce promising possibilities for efficient and specific cancer treatment by producing biocompatible nanomaterials to block transport proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the efficacies of the existing anticancer drugs used in chemotherapy are still unsatisfactory. Therefore, drug delivery system has received considerable research interest. In the present study, calcium carbonate/hyaluronate/glutamate mesoporous hollow spheres are prepared through a facile method. The results indicate that the mesoporous hollow spheres can efficiently load the anticancer drug doxorubicin. Through the specific binding of hyaluronate on hollow spheres with CD44 receptors overexpressed on cancer cells, the drug-loaded hollow spheres can be specifically delivered to target cancer cells. Owing to the gradually dissolution of calcium carbonate in the weak acidic microenvironment of cancer cells, the loaded doxorubicin can be released over the period of 14 days with pH-responsive and sustained manner to specifically and significantly treat cancers. Through loaded onto the hollow spheres, the IC 50 value of doxorubicin for HeLa cancer cells is 0.0113 μg/mL, much lower than that of the free doxorubicin (0.0801 μg/mL). However, the IC 50 value of doxorubicin for V79-4 cells is 0.2032 μg/mL, obviously higher than that of the free DOX (0.1396 μg/mL). The specificity of the doxorubicin between normal and cancer cells can be enhanced about 10-fold. The current study suggests the possible application of pH-responsive inorganic carriers for efficiently treatment of human cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]