Inventions
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2019
·Vol. 4
·期 4
·65
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IF 0
Fiorency Santoso,Bonifasius Putera Sampurna,Yu-Heng Lai,Sung-Tzu Liang,Erwei Hao,Jung-Ren Chen,Chung-Der Hsiao
This study aimed to develop a simple and cost-effective method to measure blood flow in zebrafish by using an image-based approach. Three days post fertilization (dpf) zebrafish embryos were mounted with methylcellulose and subjected to video recording for tracking blood flow under an inverted microscope equipped with a high-speed CCD camera. In addition, Hoffman lens was used to enhance the blood cell contrast. The red blood cell movement was tracked by using the TrackMate plug-in in the ImageJ image processing program. Moreover, Stack Difference and Time Series Analyzer plug-in were used to detect dynamic pixel changes over time to calculate the blood flow rate. In addition to blood flow velocity and heart rate, the effect of drug treatments on other cardiovascular function parameters, such as stroke volume and cardiac output remains to be explored. Therefore, by using this method, the potential side effects on the cardiovascular performance of ethyl 3-aminobenzoate methanesulfonate (MS222) and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) were evaluated. MS222 is a common anesthetic, while IBMX is a naturally occurring methylxanthine. Compared to normal embryos, MS222- and IBMX-treated embryos had a reduced blood flow velocity by approximately 72% and 58%, respectively. This study showed that MS222 significantly decreased the heart rate, whereas IBMX increased the heart rate. Moreover, it also demonstrated that MS222 treatment reduced 50% of the stroke volume and cardiac output. While IBMX decreased the stroke volume only. The results are in line with previous studies that used expensive instruments and complicated software analysis to assess cardiovascular function. In conclusion, a simple and low-cost method can be used to study blood flow in zebrafish embryos for compound screening. Furthermore, it could provide a precise measurement of clinically relevant cardiac functions, specifically heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output.Keywords:blood flow tracking;ImageJ;zebrafish;IBMX;MS222;cardiovascular function assessment
研究领域:
发育生物学
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毒理学
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MICROCHIMICA ACTA
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2018
·Vol. 185
·期 4
·1-7
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IF 5.705
Zhang Kaina,Zeng Ke,Shen Congcong,Tian Shiyu,Yang Minghui
The authors describe a fluorometric method for the determination of the activity and inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA). In the presence of ATP, PKA catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups from ATP to a peptide, and the generated phosphorylated peptide quenches the fluorescence (measured at excitation/emission peaks of 340/440 nm) of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP-NPs). A linear logarithmic relationship of PKA concentrations with fluorescence intensity in the range from 1 to 50 U·L −1 was obtained, and the lower limit of detection (LOD) is 0.5 U·L −1 . This is much lower than LODs reported in the literature. The PKA inhibitor H-89 was studied, and the inhibition plot has a sigmoidal shape with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of around 750 nM of H-89. At a 4.5 nM level of H-89, fluorescence of HAP-NPs fell to levels of no PKA controls, demonstrating that the assay is a viable tool to screen for kinase inhibitors. An assay with Hela cell lysates in combination with forskolin (an activator of adenylyl cyclase) and IBMX (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to activate the cellular activity of PKA) resulted in decreased fluorescence of HAP-NPs. This suggests that the assay can be applied for testing in vitro cell kinase activity. In our perception, this method will enable high-throughput screening for kinase-related drugs and fluorometric enzymatic detection in various areas.
Fluorescence assay based on hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP) fluorescence quenching was developed for analysis of the activity and inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA).
研究领域:
生物化学
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分子生物学
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药理学
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分析化学
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PubMed
高影响因子
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY OF LIPIDS
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2025
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IF 3.3
Qinghua Fu,Peng Wang,Weilin Li,Zhenhua Cai,Shiji Zhao,Weidong Ling,Mingxun Li,Xiaochuan Tang,Ziyi Song
Obesity poses a significant risk for metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), yet effective treatments remain limited. Cell Death-Inducing DNA Fragmentation Factor-α-Like Effector C (CIDEC), a lipid droplet membrane protein, facilitates lipid droplet fusion and is crucial for adipose tissue expansion, making it a key target for obesity and related metabolic diseases. However, previous research revealed that complete genetic deletion of Cidec in adipose tissues, while reducing fat accumulation, induced severe insulin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, potentially due to ectopic fat storage in the liver. Given that complete knockout is an extreme approach, partial inhibition holds greater clinical relevance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of partial inhibition of CIDEC in adipose tissues on fat accumulation and insulin sensitivity in mice. Using the Cre-LoxP system, we generated adipose Cidec haploinsufficient mice. Under a standard diet, these mice exhibited normal body weight, fat accumulation, and insulin sensitivity. Notably, under HFD conditions, mice with partial Cidec deficiency showed reduced fat accumulation in adipose tissues while hepatic fat accumulation remained unchanged, accompanied by improved insulin sensitivity and increased energy expenditure. Mechanistically, we found partial Cidec deficiency activated thermogenic program in adipocytes in vivo and in vitro through the ATGL-PPARα pathway. In conclusion, adipose CIDEC partial inhibition attenuates HFD-induced obesity and insulin resistance by enhancing ATGL-PPARα-mediated energy expenditure, establishing this approach as a promising therapeutic strategy for obesity and related metabolic diseases.
研究领域:
生物学
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医学
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代谢疾病
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PubMed
高影响因子
Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets
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2025
·Vol. 26
·期 1
·E18715303382831
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IF 2
Yuting Chen,Jie Min,Xiali Yu,Haixiang Ni,Yamei Jin
IntroductionAn increase in the intraorbital adipose tissue is the main pathological feature of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). IGF-1R activates PI3K/AKT signaling and accelerates adipogenesis. Pingmu decoction has been demonstrated to promote orbital adipocyte apoptosis; however, less is reported regarding the action mechanism of Danshenol A (DA), a single active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen). Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the role and association of DA and IGF-1R in the proliferation and lipid accumulation of orbital adipocytes.MethodsPrimary human orbital preadipocytes were chosen and authenticated using immunofluorescence. Cells were treated with the IGF-1R agonist ginsenoside Rg5, IGF-1R overexpression plasmid, dexamethasone (Dex), and/or DA, after which cell proliferation and differentiation were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), oil red O staining, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot assays.ResultsOrbital preadipocytes showed positive expression of Pref-1. Treatment with IGF-1R agonist, as well as Dex, promoted orbital adipocyte viability and lipid accumulation, and increased the expression of adiponectin and leptin. It was observed that the overexpression of IGF-1R boosted PI3K/AKT activation and elevated PPARγ and C/EBPα expressions. Importantly, DA reversed the effects of IGF-1R on cell viability, lipid accumulation, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.DiscussionThis study, for the first time, revealed the molecular mechanism by which DA regulates orbital fat metabolism through targeted inhibition of the IGF-1R/PI3K/AKT signaling axis. Notably, IGF-1R overexpression partially counteracted the inhibitory effect of DA, suggesting that this component has multi-target regulatory characteristics.ConclusionThis study not only reveals a new mechanism by which DA treats TAO but also provides theoretical support for the treatment of adipose metabolism.
研究领域:
内分泌学
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眼科学
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分子生物学
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信号转导
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脂肪代谢
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中药药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal
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2025
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IF 8.5
Lei Zhou,Yuwen Jiao,Jiaming Xue,Xiaoqiang Zhan,Dongmei Wang,Liming Tang
Background: To investigate the biological functions of the transcription factor LRR binding FLII interacting protein 1 (LRRFIP1) in white adipocyte differentiation (WAD) and elucidate the underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms involved. Methods: Consensus clustering, differential gene expression screening, and intersection analysis were used to identify transcription factors involved in WAD. Adipogenic differentiation experiments were conducted using C3H10T1/2 cells, and a diet-induced obesity model in C57BL/6J mice was established to investigate the function of LRRFIP1 in WAD in vitro and in vivo. Molecular mechanisms were examined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, luciferase assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Results: Bioinformatics analyses identified LRRFIP1 as a transcription factor associated with WAD. LRRFIP1 expression was downregulated in white adipose tissues from obese patients and in mature white adipocytes. Silencing LRRFIP1 significantly inhibited WAD in C3H10T1/2 cells and reduced differentiation biomarker expression; in contrast, overexpressing LRRFIP1 had the opposite effects. Mechanistically, LRRFIP1 bound to the E2F transcription factor 6 (E2F6) promoter to suppress E2F6 transcription, thereby downregulating a key differentiation regulator, CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα). Furthermore, in a diet-induced obesity model, LRRFIP1 could regulate the differentiation and maturation of inguinal white adipose tissue. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that LRRFIP1 plays a crucial inhibitory role in WAD by negatively regulating the E2F6/C/EBPα axis. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the molecular networks governing WAD but also holds great promise for creating targeted therapies for obesity and associated metabolic conditions.
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PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBESITY
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2024
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IF 4.2
Yan Zheng,Luo Jia,Wang Ying,Yang Jie,Su Mingli,Jiang Lei,Yang Julin,Dai Manyun,Liu Aiming
Background As the second most risky environmental pollution, noise imposes threats to human health. Exposure to high-intensity noise causes hearing impairment, psychotic disorders, endocrine modifications. The relationship among low-intensity noise, obesity and lipid-regulating nuclear factor PPARα is not yet clear. Methods In this study, male wild-type (WT) and Pparα -null (KO) mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) were exposed to 75 dB noise for 12 weeks to explore the effect of low-intensity noise on obesity development and the role of PPARα. 3T3-L1 cells were treated with dexamethasone (DEX) and sodium oleate (OA) to verify the down-stream effect of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation on the adipose tissues. Results The average body weight gain (BWG) of WT mice on HFD exposed to noise was inhibited, which was not observed in KO mice. The mass and adipocyte size of adipose tissues accounted for the above difference of BWG tendency. In WT mice on HFD, the adrenocorticotropic hormone level was increased by the noise challenge. The aggravation of fatty liver by noise exposure occurred in both mouse lines, and the transport of hepatic redundant lipid to adipose tissues were similar. The lipid metabolism in adipose tissue driven by HPA axis accorded with the BWG inhibition in vivo, validated in 3T3-L1 adipogenic stem cells. Conclusion Chronic exposure to low-intensity noise aggravated fatty liver in both WT and KO mice. BWG inhibition was observed only in WT mice, which covered up the aggravation of fatty liver by noise exposure. PPARα mediates the activation of HPA axis by noise exposure in mice on HFD. Elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) promoted lipid metabolism in adipocytes, which contributed to the disassociation of BWG and fatty liver development in male WT mice. Summary of PPARα suppresses noise-induced body weight gain in mice on high-fat-diet. Chronic exposure to low-intensity noise exposure inhibited BWG by PPARα-dependent activation of the HPA axis.
研究领域:
环境健康
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内分泌学
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营养学
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
International Journal of Nanomedicine
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2024
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IF 6.6
Xiaoyuan Yan,Na An,Zeying Zhang,Qiujing Qiu,Di Yang,Penggong Wei,Xiyue Zhang,Lihong Qiu,Jiajie Guo
Background In bone tissue engineering (BTE), cell-laden scaffolds offer a promising strategy for repairing bone defects, particularly when host cell regeneration is insufficient due to age or disease. Exogenous stem cell-based BTE requires bioactive factors to activate these cells. Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs), zero-dimensional derivatives of graphene oxide, have emerged as potential osteogenic nanomedicines. However, constructing biological scaffolds with GOQDs and elucidating their biological mechanisms remain critical challenges.Methods We utilized GOQDs with a particle size of 10 nm, characterized by a surface rich in C–O–H and C–O–C functional groups. We developed a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel incorporated with GOQDs-treated dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). These constructs were transplanted into rat calvarial bone defects to estimate the effectiveness of GOQDs-induced DPSCs in repairing bone defects while also investigating the molecular mechanism underlying GOQDs-induced osteogenesis in DPSCs.Results GOQDs at 5 μg/mL significantly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs without toxicity. The GOQDs-induced DPSCs showed active osteogenic potential in three-dimensional cell culture system. In vivo, transplantation of GOQDs-preactivated DPSCs/GelMA composite effectively facilitated calvarial bone regeneration. Mechanistically, GOQDs stimulated mitophagy flux through the phosphatase-and-tensin homolog-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin E3 ubiquitin ligase (PRKN) pathway. Notably, inhibiting mitophagy with cyclosporin A prevented the osteogenic activity of GOQDs.Conclusion This research presents a well-designed bionic GOQDs/DPSCs/GelMA composite scaffold and demonstrated its ability to promote bone regeneration by enhancing mitophagy. These findings highlight the significant potential of this composite for application in BTE and underscore the crucial role of mitophagy in promoting the osteogenic differentiation of GOQDs-induced stem cells.
研究领域:
生物医学工程
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组织工程
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纳米技术
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干细胞生物学
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材料科学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Food Chemistry-X
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2024
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IF 6.5
Peng Wang,Haifan Wang,Yang Xiao,Jialiang Zou,Hongping Chen,Lin Chen,Fu Wang,Yuan Hu,Youping Liu
In this study, comprehensive and systematic nontargeted metabolomics analysis was performed with the metabolites of Zangju peel ( Citrus reticulata cv. Manau Gan, CRZP, which has been cultivated for over 400 years in Derong County, China.) at four different mature stages. A total of 1878 metabolites were identified, among which flavonoids were the most abundant (62.04 %), and identified 62 key differential metabolites significantly affected by maturity. Based on biological activity measurements, CRZP showed better antioxidant activity, lipase inhibition ability, inhibition of adipogenic differentiation in 3TT-L1 cells and promotion of lipid metabolism, with the biological activity of CRZP at different maturity stages being associated with key differential metabolite. Thus, CRZP is natural antioxidants and possess anti-obesity potential, and industrial production needs to consider the Maturity stage of its collection.
研究领域:
植物科学
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代谢组学
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药理学
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食品科学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
FOOD CHEMISTRY
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2024
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IF 8.5
Yingxin Liu,Fangliang Li,Tao Fei,Xue Lin,Lu Wang,Zhonghua Liu
Aquilaria sinensis leaves have long been consumed as a popular replacement tea for lowering postprandial blood glucose levels, but their specific functional components remain unclear. In this study, Aquilaria sinensis leaf-tea 70 % ethanol extract (ALTE) exhibited excellent anti-α-glucosidase activity (IC 50 = 6.93 ± 1.91 μg/mL) and promoted glucose consumption ability in 3 T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. Subsequently phenolic compositions of ALTE were identified for the first time. After that, five potential α -glucosidase inhibitors (α-GIs) including cynaroside-3,5-diglucose, malvidin 3-glucose, epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and dihydromyricetin in ALTE were screened using a targeted bio-affinity ultrafiltration-HPLC/MS method. Moreover, these five α -GIs all showed good anti-α-glucosidase effects and glucose consumption-promoting ability. Furthermore, the binding properties and inhibition mechanisms of five α-GIs to α-glucosidase were further analyzed via enzyme inhibition kinetics, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. This study confirms that Aquilaria sinensis leaf-tea is effective in preventing post-hyperglycemia in vitro models, suggesting potential for future research in human trials.
研究领域:
植物化学
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药理学
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代谢组学
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PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
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2024
·Vol. 22
·期 1
·1-20
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IF 10.6
An Na,Yan Xiaoyuan,Qiu Qiujing,Zhang Zeying,Zhang Xiyue,Zheng Bowen,Zhao Zhenjin,Guo Jiajie,Liu Yi
Background Bone defects in the maxillofacial region restrict the integrity of dental function, posing challenges in clinical treatment. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) with stem cell implants is an effective method. Nanobiomaterials can effectively enhance the resistance of implanted stem cells to the harsh microenvironment of bone defect areas by promoting cell differentiation. Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) are zero-dimensional nanoscale derivatives of graphene oxide with excellent biological activity. In the present study, we aimed to explore the effects of GOQDs prepared by two methods (Y-GOQDs and B-GOQDs) on the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), as well as the effect of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-encapsulated GOQD-induced hPDLSC sheets on the repair of mandibular periodontal defects in rats. We also explored the molecular biological mechanism through which GOQD promotes bone differentiation.Results There were significant differences in oxygen-containing functional groups, particle size and morphology between Y-GOQDs and B-GOQDs. Y-GOQDs promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs more effectively than did B-GOQDs. In addition, GelMA hydrogel-encapsulated Y-GOQD-induced hPDLSC cell sheet fragments not only exhibited good growth and osteogenic differentiation in vitro but also promoted the repair of mandibular periodontal bone defects in vivo. Furthermore, the greater effectiveness of Y-GOQDs than B-GOQDs in promoting osteogenic differentiation is due to the regulation of hPDLSC mitochondrial dynamics, namely, the promotion of fusion and inhibition of fission.Conclusion sOverall, Y-GOQDs are more effective than B-GOQDs at promoting the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs by regulating mitochondrial dynamics, which ultimately contributes to bone regeneration via the aid of the GelMA hydrogels in vivo.Graphical Abstract
研究领域:
纳米生物材料
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干细胞生物学
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组织工程
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再生医学
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牙科科学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
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2026
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IF 8.1
Jing Li,Yang-Chi-Dung Lin,Hsi-Yuan Huang,Jihang Chen,Huali Zuo,Yun Tang,Hsien-Da Huang
Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Some traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds can improve obesity by increasing energy consumption. This study aimed to identify and verify TCM compounds that promote adipose thermogenesis to alleviate obesity via transcriptomic analysis, molecular docking, network pharmacology, and Connectivity Map (CMap) analysis. Thirty-six TCMs related to adipose tissue thermogenesis were first collected to generate transcriptomic data. Then a ranking method based on integrated transcriptomic data was used to select emodin from the TCM Da Huang for network pharmacology to explore its potential mechanisms and further experimental validation. CMap analysis of thermogenesis signature genes from ProFAT and GEO datasets identified triptolide as another compound for improving obesity through enhanced thermogenesis. In vitro experiments with 3T3-L1 cells and in vivo experiments with zebrafish were conducted. The results showed that both emodin and triptolide could upregulate the NAD + /NADH ratio, increase AMPK and SIRT1 expression, suppress lipid accumulation, and promote lipolysis, as verified by both in vitro and in vivo experiments. They also upregulated thermogenesis-related genes (e.g., UCP1, PGC1α, and PRDM16), lipolysis-related genes (e.g., PKA, ATGL, and HSL), mitochondrial biogenesis-related genes (e.g., NRF1, NRF2, and TFAM), and β-oxidation-related genes (e.g., CPT1α and CPT1β). Meanwhile, they downregulated lipogenesis-related genes such as FASN, SREBP1, and ACC. These results provide a basis for understanding the effects of emodin and triptolide on obesity. The findings highlight the effectiveness of combined screening approaches in exploring compounds with beneficial metabolic effects.
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PubMed
高影响因子
Nature Communications
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2026
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IF 18.1
Mao Congyang,Jin Wanyu,Dou Limeng,Guo Tong,Huang Jin,Wang Yi,Liu Xiangmei,Wu Shuilin,Qiao Wei,Xiang Yiming,Zhu Yizhou,Wu Jun,Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok
The pandemic-scale progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) necessitates innovative interventions targeting the pathogenic triad of insulin resistance, dysregulation of lipid metabolism, and gut microbiome dysbiosis. Here, we report a synthetically bioengineered probiotic consortium (REcN-F/Ca) developed through directed metabolic adaptations of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) under iterative hydrogen peroxide selection, subsequently functionalized with fructooligosaccharide-calcium carbonate composites. REcN-F/Ca exhibits enhanced reactive oxygen species tolerance through upregulated antioxidant enzymes and hydrogen sulfide-mediated redox balancing, alongside improved gastrointestinal survivability. In high-fat diet-induced obese male mice, REcN-F/Ca restores gut microbiota diversity, enriches butyrogenic taxa (Lachnospiraceae and Blautia ), and rescues short-chain fatty acids depletion. Transcriptomic profiling reveals PPAR signaling activation, driving lipid metabolism and suppressing adipose inflammation. These effects translate to systemic metabolic improvements with attenuated weight gain (−25.4%), restored glucose homeostasis, and reduced insulin resistance (HOMA-IR: −73.2%) in the obesity and T2DM murine model. Our findings establish REcN-F/Ca as a synthetically engineered probiotic that simultaneously corrects intestinal ecological perturbations and reverses host metabolic dysfunction, proposing a paradigm for metabolic syndrome management.
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高影响因子
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