SIYUAN LIU, YUAN ZHAO, YU YU, DOU YE, QIAN WANG, ZHAOYAN WANG, ZUO LUAN^*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.7, pp. 1115-1126, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.050493

Abstract Introduction: Transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is a promising therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, whether the infused MSCs affect the endoplasmic reticulum stress or subsequent unfolded protein response in β cells remains unclear. Methods: To investigate this, we induced early-onset T1D in non-obese diabetic mice using streptozotocin. Subsequently, T1D mice were randomly assigned to receive either MSCs or phosphate-buffered saline. We observed the in vivo homing of MSCs and assessed their effectiveness by analyzing blood glucose levels, body weight, histopathology, pancreatic protein expression, and serum levels of cytokines, proinsulin, and C-peptide. Results: Infused MSCs… More > Graphic Abstract

Naglaa Salem El‑Sayed, Mohamed Hasanin, Samir Kamel^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.4, pp. 699-720, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.049118

Abstract In recent decades, the ozone layer has suffered considerable damage, increasing the entry of ultraviolet (UV) light into the atmosphere and reaching the earth’s surface, negatively affecting life. Accordingly, researchers aimed to solve this problem by synthesizing advanced UV-shielding materials. On the other hand, developing an easy and green strategy to prepare functional materials with outstanding properties based on naturally abundant and environmentally friendly raw materials is highly desirable for sustainable development. Because biomass-derived materials are sustainable and biodegradable, they present a promising substitute for petroleum-based polymers. The three main structural constituents of the plant More > Graphic Abstract

Yang Zhao, Wenxia Chen, Weiliang Zhu, Hui Meng, Jie Chen, Jian Zhang

Oncology Research, Vol.25, No.4, pp. 511-522, 2017, DOI:10.3727/096504016X14756226781802

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify the role of interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) in the bone metastasis of prostate cancer. Herein we demonstrated the lower expression of IRF7 in bone metastases of prostate cancer. Overexpression of IRF7 in prostate cancer cells had a marked effect on inhibiting bone metastases but not on tumor growth in xenograft nude mice. While in vitro, upregulation of IRF7 had little effect on the malignant phenotype of prostate cancer cells including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. However, prostate cancer cells overexpressing IRF7 significantly enhanced the activity of More >

Cheng Xu^*1, Lu Cao^*1, Jianhua Liu^†1, Zhongrun Qian^‡, Yu Peng^§, Wenjing Zhu^§, Yongming Qiu^‡, Yingying Lin^‡¶

Oncology Research, Vol.25, No.3, pp. 407-415, 2017, DOI:10.3727/096504016X14743350548249

Abstract Elevated circulating asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP), a novel lysosomal protease, has been found in breast cancer, and AEP is thus considered to be a prognostic factor in this disease. However, the pathological functions of circulating AEP in the development of breast cancer and the potential of AEP-targeted therapy remain unclear. We used MMTV-PyVmT transgenic mice, which spontaneously develop mammary tumors. Western blotting showed overexpression of AEP in both primary tumor tissue and lung metastases compared to their normal counterparts. Moreover, the concentration of circulating AEP gradually increased in the serum during the development of mammary tumors. More >

YI HU^1,#, ZHONGYANG REN^2,#, ZHENGZHONG ZHAO¹, YONGJIA HUANG³, WANTING HUANG³, JIE LIU^3,*, LING DING^3,*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.5, pp. 745-758, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.049140

Abstract Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP), known for its rapid onset and significant incidence and mortality rates, presents a clinical challenge due to the limited availability of effective treatments and preventive measures. Anemarsaponin B (ASB) has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent, demonstrating capabilities in reducing immune inflammation, positioning it as a promising candidate for AP treatment. Methods: We investigated the effects of ASB on AP in mice, induced by caerulein and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Peripheral blood samples were collected 24 h post-induction with caerulein to assess of key biomarkers including lipase, amylase, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, SOD, and… More >

YAO FANG^1,2,#, FEI XIA^1,#, FEIFEI TIAN³, LEI QU¹, FANG YANG¹, JUAN FANG^1,2, ZHENHONG HU^1,*, HAICHAO LIU^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.4, pp. 613-621, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.031539

Abstract Objective: In the realm of Class I pathogens, Burkholderia pseudomallei (BP) stands out for its propensity to induce severe pathogenicity. Investigating the intricate interactions between BP and host cells is imperative for comprehending the dynamics of BP infection and discerning biomarkers indicative of the host cell response process. Methods: mRNA extraction from BP-infected mouse macrophages constituted the initial step of our study. Employing gene expression arrays, the extracted RNA underwent conversion into digital signals. The percentile shift method facilitated data processing, with the identification of genes manifesting significant differences accomplished through the application of the t-test. Subsequently,… More >

HUAN GAO^1,2, JIE ZHANG¹, TONY G. KLEIJN^1,3,4, ZHAOYONG WU⁵, BING LIU^1,6, YUJIN MA⁶, BAOYUE DING^1,*, DONGFENG YIN^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.4, pp. 769-784, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2023.044276

Abstract Bone metastasis secondary to breast cancer negatively impacts patient quality of life and survival. The treatment of bone metastases is challenging since many anticancer drugs are not effectively delivered to the bone to exert a therapeutic effect. To improve the treatment efficacy, we developed Pluronic P123 (P123)-based polymeric micelles dually decorated with alendronate (ALN) and cancer-specific phage protein DMPGTVLP (DP-8) for targeted drug delivery to breast cancer bone metastases. Doxorubicin (DOX) was selected as the anticancer drug and was encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of the micelles with a high drug loading capacity (3.44%). The… More > Graphic Abstract

DAOLUN YU¹, DEYONG SHE², KAI GE¹, LEI YANG¹, RUINA ZHAN¹, SHAN LU^3,*, YAFEI CAI^4,*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.1, pp. 139-147, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.045884

Abstract Background: SMAD family proteins (SMADs) are crucial transcription factors downstream of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß)/SMAD signaling pathways that have been reported to play a pivotal role in mammalian reproduction. However, the role of SMAD family member 8 (SMAD8, also known as SMAD9), a member of the SMAD family, in mammalian reproduction remains unclear. Methods: We employed RNA interference techniques to knock down Smad8 expression in mouse granulosa cells (GCs) to investigate the effects of Smad8 on GC growth and steroidogenesis. Results: Our findings revealed a significant decrease in the proliferative capacity and a substantial increase in… More >

WEI LIANG^1,2,*, ZONGWEI ZHANG^1,2, KEJU YANG^1,2,3, HONGTU HU^1,2, QIANG LUO^1,2, ANKANG YANG^1,2, LI CHANG⁴, YUANYUAN ZENG⁴

BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.6, pp. 1253-1263, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.027373

Abstract Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the main cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Diagnostic biomarkers may allow early diagnosis and treatment of DN to reduce the prevalence and delay the development of DN. Kidney biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing DN; however, its invasive character is its primary limitation. The machine learning approach provides a non-invasive and specific criterion for diagnosing DN, although traditional machine learning algorithms need to be improved to enhance diagnostic performance. Methods: We applied high-throughput RNA sequencing to obtain the genes… More >

JIAN LI¹, QINGQING WANG², XIAOYING ZHANG^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.6, pp. 1307-1316, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.028714

Abstract Scutellarin (SCU) is a herbal flavonoid glucuronide with multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, vascular relaxation, anti-platelet, and myocardial protection. However, the effect of SCU on complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had not been studied. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of SCU in the CFA-induced RA mice model and the anti-arthritic activity was evaluated by paw edema. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to evaluate the plasma levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgE, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG).… More >