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Biomedicines Sep 2023Neuropathic pain (NP) is a typical symptom of peripheral nerve disorders, including painful neuropathy. The biological mechanisms that control ion channels are important... (Review)
Review
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a typical symptom of peripheral nerve disorders, including painful neuropathy. The biological mechanisms that control ion channels are important for many cell activities and are also therapeutic targets. Disruption of the cellular mechanisms that govern ion channel activity can contribute to pain pathophysiology. The voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) is the most researched ion channel in terms of NP; however, VGSC impairment is detected in only <20% of painful neuropathy patients. Here, we discuss the potential role of the other peripheral ion channels involved in sensory signaling (transient receptor potential cation channels), neuronal excitation regulation (potassium channels), involuntary action potential generation (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels), thermal pain (anoctamins), pH modulation (acid sensing ion channels), and neurotransmitter release (calcium channels) related to pain and their prospective role as therapeutic targets for painful neuropathy.
PubMed: 37893054
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102680 -
Biomaterials Nov 2023Many attempts have been made to use mitochondria (MT) to treat human diseases; however, MT are large, making them difficult to deliver effectively. Therefore, a transfer...
Many attempts have been made to use mitochondria (MT) to treat human diseases; however, MT are large, making them difficult to deliver effectively. Therefore, a transfer strategy based on membrane fusion was established. Fusogenic mitochondrial capsules (FMCs) comprising a neutral lipid (PE), a cationic lipid (DOTAP), an aromatic lipid (Liss Rhod PE), and three types of liposome (FMC0, FMC1, and FMC2), were designed and synthesized. The amount of DOTAP, which affects membrane fusion efficiency, differed between FMC preparations. The characteristics of these FMCs were analyzed by DLS, TEM, and AFM, and the encapsulation and fusion efficiency between FMC-MT and FMC-chondrocytes were confirmed by FRET, mtDNA copy number, and CLSM, respectively. Compared with naked MT, delivery of FMCs to chondrocytes was faster and more efficient. Moreover, fusion was a more stable delivery method than endocytosis, as evidenced by reduced induction of mitophagy. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that FMCs reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines and MMP13, increased expression of extracellular matrix components, and promoted cartilage regeneration. These findings suggest that FMCs are a highly effective and promising strategy for delivery of MT to promote cartilage regeneration, and highlight their potential as a novel platform for MT transfer therapy.
Topics: Humans; Liposomes; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Mitochondria
PubMed: 37864947
DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122350 -
Environmental Science & Technology Jul 2023Exposure pathways to the carcinogen benzene are well-established from tobacco smoke, oil and gas development, refining, gasoline pumping, and gasoline and diesel...
Exposure pathways to the carcinogen benzene are well-established from tobacco smoke, oil and gas development, refining, gasoline pumping, and gasoline and diesel combustion. Combustion has also been linked to the formation of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde indoors from gas stoves. To our knowledge, however, no research has quantified the formation of benzene indoors from gas combustion by stoves. Across 87 homes in California and Colorado, natural gas and propane combustion emitted detectable and repeatable levels of benzene that in some homes raised indoor benzene concentrations above well-established health benchmarks. Mean benzene emissions from gas and propane burners on high and ovens set to 350 °F ranged from 2.8 to 6.5 μg min, 10 to 25 times higher than emissions from electric coil and radiant alternatives; neither induction stoves nor the food being cooked emitted detectable benzene. Benzene produced by gas and propane stoves also migrated throughout homes, in some cases elevating bedroom benzene concentrations above chronic health benchmarks for hours after the stove was turned off. Combustion of gas and propane from stoves may be a substantial benzene exposure pathway and can reduce indoor air quality.
Topics: Air Pollution, Indoor; Benzene; Propane; Gasoline; Household Products; Cooking; Air Pollutants
PubMed: 37319002
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09289 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2023Skin photoaging due to ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that increase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). Chlorin e6-photodynamic therapy...
Skin photoaging due to ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that increase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). Chlorin e6-photodynamic therapy (Ce6-PDT), in addition to being the first-line treatment for malignancies, has been shown to lessen skin photoaging, while curcumin is well known for reducing the deleterious effects of ROS. In the current study, PDT with three novel Ce6-curcumin derivatives, a combination of Ce6 and curcumin with various linkers, including propane-1,3-diamine for Ce6-propane-curcumin; hexane-1,6-diamine for Ce6-hexane-curcumin; and 3,3'-((oxybis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(oxy))bis(propan-1-amine) for Ce6-dipolyethylene glycol (diPEG)-curcumin, were studied for regulation of UVB-induced photoaging on human skin fibroblast (Hs68) and mouse embryonic fibroblast (BALB/c 3T3) cells. We assessed the antiphotoaging effects of Ce6-curcumin derivatives on cell viability, antioxidant activity, the mechanism of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and 2 (MMP-2) expression, and collagen synthesis in UVB-irradiated in vitro models. All three Ce6-curcumin derivatives were found to be non-phototoxic in the neutral red uptake phototoxicity test. We found that Ce6-hexane-curcumin-PDT and Ce6-propane-curcumin-associated PDT exhibited less cytotoxicity in Hs68 and BALB/c 3T3 fibroblast cell lines compared to Ce6-diPEG-curcumin-PDT. Ce6-diPEG-curcumin and Ce6-propane-curcumin-associated PDT showed superior antioxidant activity in Hs68 cell lines. Further, in UVB-irradiated in vitro models, the Ce6-diPEG-curcumin-PDT greatly attenuated the expression levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2 by blocking mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (NF-κB) signaling. Moreover, Ce6-diPEG-curcumin effectively inhibited inflammatory molecules, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, while accelerating collagen synthesis. These results demonstrate that Ce6-diPEG-curcumin may be a potential therapy for treating skin photoaging.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Humans; Curcumin; Hexanes; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Antioxidants; Propane; Reactive Oxygen Species; Fibroblasts; Dermatitis, Phototoxic; Glycols; Photochemotherapy; Collagen
PubMed: 37686273
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713468 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Here, we report the synthesis of disulfide-reducing agents 2-(dibenzylamino) propane-1,3-dithiol (DPDT) and 2-(dibenzylamino)-2-methylpropane-1,3-dithiol (DMPDT) from...
Here, we report the synthesis of disulfide-reducing agents 2-(dibenzylamino) propane-1,3-dithiol (DPDT) and 2-(dibenzylamino)-2-methylpropane-1,3-dithiol (DMPDT) from serinol and methyl serinol, respectively. DPDT was found to show greater stability than DMPDT. Hence, the effectiveness of DPDT as a reducing agent was evaluated in both liquid and solid phases. The reducing capacity of this agent was comparable to that of DTT.
PubMed: 37513361
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145489 -
Frontiers in Chemistry 2023Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is well known for the detection of short-chain hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane and propane, in the ppm (parts per million) or ppb...
Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is well known for the detection of short-chain hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane and propane, in the ppm (parts per million) or ppb (parts per billion) range. However, in the production process of natural gas and its combustion in gas-fired devices the composition, especially the concentrations of the main alkanes, plays a decisive role. Gas chromatography (GC) is considered the gold standard for natural gas analysis. We present a method to analyze natural gas samples by PAS. Furthermore, we describe a method to prepare storage gas samples, which are usually under atmospheric pressure, for PAS analysis. All measurements are validated by means of GC. The investigation allows conclusions to be drawn to what extent PAS is suitable for the investigation of natural gas samples.
PubMed: 38179240
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1328882 -
Science Advances Sep 2023Nonoxidative propane dehydrogenation (PDH) produces on-site propylene for value-added chemicals. While commercial, its modest selectivity and catalyst deactivation...
Nonoxidative propane dehydrogenation (PDH) produces on-site propylene for value-added chemicals. While commercial, its modest selectivity and catalyst deactivation hamper the process efficiency and limit operation to lower temperatures. We demonstrate PDH in a microwave (MW)-heated reactor over PtSn/SiO catalyst pellets loaded in a SiC monolith acting as MW susceptor and a heat distributor while ensuring comparable conditions with conventional reactors. Time-on-stream experiments show active and stable operation at 500°C without hydrogen addition. Upon increasing temperature or feed partial pressure at high space velocity, catalysts under MWs show resistance in coking and sintering, high activity, and selectivity, starkly contrasting conventional reactors whose catalyst undergoes deactivation. Mechanistic differences in coke formation are exposed. Gas-solid temperature gradients are computationally investigated, and nanoscale temperature inhomogeneities are proposed to rationalize the different performances of the heating modes. The approach highlights the great potential of electrification of endothermic catalytic reactions.
PubMed: 37713491
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi8219 -
Nature Microbiology Jan 2024Gut environments harbour dense microbial ecosystems in which plasmids are widely distributed. Plasmids facilitate the exchange of genetic material among microorganisms...
Gut environments harbour dense microbial ecosystems in which plasmids are widely distributed. Plasmids facilitate the exchange of genetic material among microorganisms while enabling the transfer of a diverse array of accessory functions. However, their precise impact on microbial community composition and function remains largely unexplored. Here we identify a prevalent bacterial toxin and a plasmid-encoded resistance mechanism that mediates the interaction between Lactobacilli and Enterococci. This plasmid is widespread across ecosystems, including the rumen and human gut microbiota. Biochemical characterization of the plasmid revealed a defence mechanism against reuterin, a toxin produced by various gut microbes, such as Limosilactobacillus reuteri. Using a targeted metabolomic approach, we find reuterin to be prevalent across rumen ecosystems with impacts on microbial community structure. Enterococcus strains carrying the protective plasmid were isolated and their interactions with L. reuteri, the toxin producer, were studied in vitro. Interestingly, we found that by conferring resistance against reuterin, the plasmid mediates metabolic exchange between the defending and the attacking microbial species, resulting in a beneficial relationship or mutualism. Hence, we reveal here an ecological role for a plasmid-coded defence system in mediating a beneficial interaction.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Symbiosis; Ecosystem; Plasmids; Propane; Limosilactobacillus reuteri; Enterococcus
PubMed: 38151647
DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01521-9 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2023Gas sensing is a critical research area in aerospace, military, medical, and industrial environments, as it helps prevent risks to human health and the environment...
Gas sensing is a critical research area in aerospace, military, medical, and industrial environments, as it helps prevent risks to human health and the environment caused by toxic gases. Propane and butane, commonly used as fuels in household and industrial settings, are toxic and flammable gases that need to be effectively detected to avoid leakage or explosion accidents. To address this, nanomaterial-based gas sensors are being developed with low power consumption and operating temperatures. In this study, two-dimensional nitrogenated holey graphene (CN) based sensors are used for the first time for the identification of butane and propane gases. The sensor consists of two CN electrodes connected via a CN channel. The CN sensor design was enhanced by replacing the CN electrodes with gold electrodes and adding a gate terminal under the channel. The resistive method is employed to detect butane and propane gases by measuring the variation in the electrical conductivity of the sensor due to exposure to these target molecules. To investigate the electronic transport properties, such as transmission spectra, density of states and current, first principles simulations of the CN-based sensors is conducted using Quantumwise Atomistix Toolkit (ATK). The detection method relies on the alteration of the FET's electrical current at specific gate voltages due to the presence of these gases. This proposed sensor offers the potential for small size and low-cost gas sensing applications. The designed sensor aims to effectively detect propane and butane gases. By leveraging the unique properties of CN and utilizing advanced simulation tools, this sensor could provide high sensitivity and accuracy in detecting propane and butane gases. Such an advancement in gas sensing technology holds significant promise for ensuring safety in various environments.
PubMed: 37935831
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46870-x -
Food Chemistry: X Dec 2023The flavor characteristics of distilled liquors significantly affect consumer acceptance and adoption. Therefore, odorants that contribute to sensory properties have... (Review)
Review
The flavor characteristics of distilled liquors significantly affect consumer acceptance and adoption. Therefore, odorants that contribute to sensory properties have received more attention. The odorants depend on the operating parameters, such as raw materials and ingredients, manufacturing process and maturing circumstances. This review summarized the odorants in the Baijiu and other world-renowned distilled liquors. Especially, the contribution of the odorants to the dominant aroma attributes is given more attention. The variations in the constituents and contents of odorants among the liquors are discussed comprehensively. In general, further research is still needed on the interaction mechanism between the odorants and sensory properties of distilled liquors.
PubMed: 38144822
DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2023.100870