San-Huang chicken is a high-quality breed in China with yellow feather, claw and break. However, the abnormal phenomenon of the yellow shank turning into green shank of San-Huang chicken has been a concern, as it seri...San-Huang chicken is a high-quality breed in China with yellow feather, claw and break. However, the abnormal phenomenon of the yellow shank turning into green shank of San-Huang chicken has been a concern, as it seriously reduces the carcass quality and economic benefit of yellow-feathered broilers. In this study, the cause of this abnormal green skin in shank was systematically investigated. Physiological anatomy revealed that the abnormal skin in shank was primarily due to the deposition of melanin under the dermis. After analyzing multiple potential causes such as heredity(pedigree and genetic markers), environment(water quality monitoring) and feed composition(mycotoxin detection), excessive aflatoxin B1(AFB1) in feed was screened, accompanied with a higher L-dihydroxy-phenylalanine(L-DOPA)(P<0.05) and melanin content(P<0.01). So it was speculated that excessive AFB1 might be the main cause of abnormal green skin in shank. Subsequently, the further results showed that a high concentration of AFB1(>170 μg kg–1)indeed induced the abnormal green skin in shank compared to the normal AFB1 content(<10 μg kg–1), and the mRNA levels of TYR, TYRP1, MITE, MC1R and EDN3 genes related to melanin deposition would significantly up-regulate(P<0.01) and the content and activity of tyrosinase(TyR) significantly increased(P<0.05). At the same time, the content of L-DOPA and melanin deposition also increased significantly(P<0.01), which also confirmed the effect of excessive AFB1 on melanin deposition in skin of shank. Results of additional experiments revealed that the AFB1's negative effect on melanin deposition in skin of shank could last for a longer time. Taken together, the results of this study explained the occurrence and possible mechanisms of the abnormal AFB1-related green skin in shank of chickens. Excessive AFB1 in diets increased the L-DOPA content and melanin abnormal deposition in the chicken shank possibly via promoting TyR content and activity, and the expression of melanin synthesis-related genes. Furthermore, our findings once again raised the alarm of the danger of AFB1 in the broiler production.展开更多
Background:Taxus cuspidata S.et Z.is a precious species of frigid zone plant belonging to the Taxaceae family,which possesses anticancer,anti-inflammatory,hypoglycemic,and antibacterial pharmacological properties.Whil...Background:Taxus cuspidata S.et Z.is a precious species of frigid zone plant belonging to the Taxaceae family,which possesses anticancer,anti-inflammatory,hypoglycemic,and antibacterial pharmacological properties.While taxane extracted from Taxus chinensis has been reported to elicit antioxidant activities,whether Taxus cuspidata S.et Z.has skin-protective actions against injuries remained unknown.This study aims to explore the pharmacological effects of three Taxus extracts on skin melanin deposition,oxidation,inflammation,and allergy so as to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of various diseases related to skin damage.Methods:Skin melanin deposition was evaluated by measuring melanin content in the skin of guinea pigs by alkali lysis method.Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by measuring superoxide dismutase(SOD)concentration and glutathione(GSH)content in skin tissue homogenates of Kunming mice by SOD assay kit and micro reduced GSH assay kit.The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and western blotting were used to examine the levels of both SOD and recombinant glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4).Skin inflammation was evaluated by xylene-induced ear swelling test and egg-white-induced paw swelling test in mice.In a mouse model of skin allergy induced by 4-aminopyridine(4-AP),allergy was determined by licking body counts and histamine concentrations in tissue homogenates using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)kits.Two proinflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αand interleukin(IL)-1βwere measured by qRT-PCR.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was conducted to assess the degree of skin lesion.Results:All three Taxus extracts including Taxus chinensis essential oil,Taxus chinensis extract and Taxus chinensis extract compound reduced the melanin deposits in the back skin relative to the non-treated control animals,of which Taxus chinensis essential oil produced the greatest effect.In contrast,the three Taxus extracts elevated SOD and GSH levels in the skin tissues,and the highest increase was seen with Taxus chinensis essential oil.Three Taxus extracts,especially Taxus chinensis essential oil,effectively reduce the rate of ear and paw swelling.All three Taxus extracts reduced the number of body licks,the levels of TNF-αand IL-1β,and the histamine content in tissue homogenates of mice and alleviated skin damage.Consistently,Taxus chinensis essential oil yielded the greatest magnitude of decreases.Conclusion:While all three Taxus extracts possessed the anti-skin melanin deposition,oxidation,and allergy properties,Taxus chinensis essential oil produced the superior effects.展开更多
Melanins represent one of the most ancient and important group of natural macromolecular pigments.They have multiple biological roles in almost all organisms across the Phyla,examples being photoprotection,anti-oxidat...Melanins represent one of the most ancient and important group of natural macromolecular pigments.They have multiple biological roles in almost all organisms across the Phyla,examples being photoprotection,anti-oxidative action,radical scavenger activity,and heavy metal removal.From the biomedical point of view,melanocytes are involved in the origin of melanoma tumors,and the main therapeutic advances for their treatment have been revised in Part 1 of this review.The chemical structure of eumelanin is a biological concern of great importance,and therefore,exploring theoretical molecular models and synthesis mechanisms will be here described,as well as molecular orbital features and supramolecular organization,which are responsible for the key properties that make these biological pigments so important,and so fascinating.Ultimately,this updated overview is devoted to describe present structural models and physico-chemical characteristics of eumelanin,in order to explain and utilize melanin properties on which new photothermal and ultrasonic protocols for melanoma treatment can be devised and applied.展开更多
Sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus(Selenka), is a commercially important marine species in China. Among the differently colored varieties sold in China, white and purple sea cucumbers have the greatest appeal to con...Sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus(Selenka), is a commercially important marine species in China. Among the differently colored varieties sold in China, white and purple sea cucumbers have the greatest appeal to consumers. Identification of the pigments that may contribute to the formation of different color morphs of sea cucumbers will provide a scientific basis for improving the cultivability of desirable color morphs. In this study,sea cucumbers were divided into four categories according to their body color: white, light green, dark green, and purple. The pigment composition and contents in the four groups were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The results show that the pigment contents differed significantly among the white, lightgreen, dark-green, and purple sea cucumbers, and there were fewer types of pigments in white sea cucumber than in the other color morphs. The only pigments detected in white sea cucumbers were guanine and pteroic acid.Guanine and pteroic acid are structural colors, and they were also detected in light-green, dark-green, and purple sea cucumbers. Every pigment detected, except for pteroic acid, was present at a higher concentration in purple morphs than in the other color morphs. The biological color pigments melanin, astaxanthin, β-carotene, and lutein were detected in light-green, dark-green, and purple sea cucumbers. While progesterone and lycopene,which are also biological color pigments, were not detected in any of the color morphs. Melanin was the major pigment contributing to body color, and its concentration increased with deepening color of the sea cucumber body. Transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that white sea cucumbers had the fewest epidermal melanocytes in the body wall, and their melanocytes contained fewer melanosomes as well as non-pigmented pre-melanosomes. Sea cucumbers with deeper body colors contained more melanin granules. In the body wall of dark-green and purple sea cucumbers, melanin granules were secreted out of the cell. The results of this study provide evidence for the main factors responsible for differences in coloration among white, light-green, darkgreen, and purple sea cucumbers, and also provide the foundation for further research on the formation of body color in sea cucumber, A. japonicus.展开更多
Objectives: To investigate possible sources of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia(S. maltophilia) in the clinical environment.Methods: Different samples were collected from Amol City of Iran. Steps for the identification of...Objectives: To investigate possible sources of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia(S. maltophilia) in the clinical environment.Methods: Different samples were collected from Amol City of Iran. Steps for the identification of S. maltophilia included culturing, biochemical tests, polymerase chain reaction(PCR) of 16 S r RNA gene and 23 S r RNA gene. In addition, production of melanin pigment and patterns of motility of the bacteria, were also investigated.Results: In our study, 20 S. maltophilia strains were isolated from clinical sources,oxygen manometer apparatus of hospitals were 7/110(6.36%), blood was 1/777(0.13%),sputum was 4/40(4%), urine was 1/2 947(0.03%), tap water was 1/240(0.42%) and dental suction was 6/120(5%). The isolated bacteria showed production of melanin pigment with rates of strong, moderate, weak, and lack of pigment. Types of motilities were seen in isolates.Conclusions: The highest percentage of bacteria is isolated of oxygen manometer system and dental suction, yet has not been reported from oxygen manometer system. These bacteria have also been associated with patients who have respiratory problems, so it is essential for staffs of hospitals to draw attention to this source of bacteria.展开更多
Objective: To find anti-melanogenesis materials used in whitening cosmetics.Methods: The ethanolic leaf extract of Mallotus japonicus(M. japonicus) having an anti-melanogenesis activity was separated by a sephadex LH-...Objective: To find anti-melanogenesis materials used in whitening cosmetics.Methods: The ethanolic leaf extract of Mallotus japonicus(M. japonicus) having an anti-melanogenesis activity was separated by a sephadex LH-20 chromatography. Each fraction was measured for its tyrosinase inhibitory activity together with its polyphenol content using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The anti-melanogenesis activity of the active fractions was determined by the melanin content in the murine B16F1 melanoma. The active fractions were put together due to similar constituents, and then separated by high performance liquid chromatography using a C-18 ODS column. The major antimelanogenesis compound was identified using1 H and13C-NMR and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Results: The ethanolic leaf extract of M. japonicus showed an anti-tyrosinase activity with a high polyphenol content, resulting in suppression of melanin production in the B16F1 melanoma. The extract was separated and the active compound was identical as rutin based on the1 H,13C-NMR and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis data. In addition, the rutin treatment with cells reduced the melanin content in a concentration dependent manner without any cell toxicity. The leaf extract of M. japonicus containing rutin would be useful in whitening cosmetics for protection from UV-light exposure to be limiting the accumulation of melanin in skin.Conclusions: The leaf extract of M. japonicus and/or rutin isolated from the extract as a key whitening agent would be useful as a whitening cosmetic material for protecting against disorder skin due to melanin accumulation.展开更多
This study explored the therapeutic effects of Auricularia auricula melanin(AAM)on alcoholic liver damage in vitro and in vivo.Human normal liver L02 cells were pre-treated with ethanol and then treated with AAM to ex...This study explored the therapeutic effects of Auricularia auricula melanin(AAM)on alcoholic liver damage in vitro and in vivo.Human normal liver L02 cells were pre-treated with ethanol and then treated with AAM to explore the therapeutic effect of AAM on ethanol-induced hepatocyte injury.The results show that AAM signifi cantly elevated the cell viability,ameliorated the cell morphology,reduced the ROS and increased the GSH/GSSG of ethanol-pretreated L02 cells.Then,mice were administered with ethanol to induce acute alcoholic liver damage,and administered with AAM to further study the therapeutic effect of AAM on alcoholic liver damage in mice.As a result,AAM reduced the levels of ALT,AST,TG,and MDA,increased the levels of ADH,SOD,and CAT in liver damage mice.The therapeutic effect of AAM may be related to inhibition of CYP2E1 expression and activation of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidase.The research enriched the bioactivity of AAM and provided some ideas for the development of melanin-related health foods.展开更多
AIM:To observe the melanin change of the retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)and choroid in the convalescent stage of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada(VKH).METHODS:A retrospective study was performed on 40 eyes of 20 patients in the c...AIM:To observe the melanin change of the retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)and choroid in the convalescent stage of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada(VKH).METHODS:A retrospective study was performed on 40 eyes of 20 patients in the convalescent stage of VKH.Fundus photography(FP),multi-spectral imaging(MSI),and optical coherence tomography(OCT)were performed.RESULTS:In the VKH convalescent stage,focal RPE melanin accumulation(FRMA)was detected in 34 eyes(85%)on MSI and in 7 eyes(17.5%)on FP.FRMA was limited to the previous retinal detachment area in all 28 eyes(FRMA was detected in 34 eyes on MSI,which were enrolled,and 6 eyes lacked data in the acute stage).Sunset-glow fundus was detected in 20 eyes(50%)on FP.The mean density of FRMA in a 1-mm-diameter circular area of the fovea was 0.04±0.07 on MSI,which was significantly correlated with sunset-glow fundus(ρ=0.467,P=0.02).CONCLUSION:In the VKH convalescent stage,FRMA is derived from the RPE melanin change,and sunset-glow fundus is derived from the choroid melanin change.A higher density of FRMA in the fovea and sunset-glow fundus represents more serious depigmentation of melanin.展开更多
Bipolaris oryzae is the causal agent of brown spot disease in rice and produces the dark pigment melanin. We isolated and characterized T4HR1 gene encoding 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene (1,3,6,8-THN) reductase, whic...Bipolaris oryzae is the causal agent of brown spot disease in rice and produces the dark pigment melanin. We isolated and characterized T4HR1 gene encoding 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene (1,3,6,8-THN) reductase, which converted 1,3,6,8-THN to scytalone in the melanin biosynthesis from B. oryzae. A sequence analysis showed that the T4HR1 gene encoded a putative protein of 268 amino acids showing 50% - 99% sequence identity to other fungal 1,3,6,8-THN reductases. Targeted disruption of the T4HR1 gene showed a different phenotype of mycelial color due to an accumulation of shunt products compared to those of wild-type on PDA plates using tricyclazole as a melanin biosynthesis inhibitor. A quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of T4HR1 transcripts was enhanced by near-ultraviolet (NUV) irradiation and regulated by transcriptional factor BMR1, similar to three other melanin biosynthesis genes (polyketide synthase gene [PKS1], scytalone dehydratase gene [SCD1], and 1,3,8-THN reductase gene [THR1]) in the melanin biosynthesis of B. oryzae. These results suggested that common transcriptional mechanisms could regulate the enhanced gene expression of these melanin biosynthesis genes by NUV irradiation in B. oryzae.展开更多
Melanin granules were isolated from fine yak hair by means of protein enzyme and hydrochloric acid.Resultsof SEM investigation and amino acid analysis were usedto study the physical and chemical properties of melaning...Melanin granules were isolated from fine yak hair by means of protein enzyme and hydrochloric acid.Resultsof SEM investigation and amino acid analysis were usedto study the physical and chemical properties of melaningranules.The solubility of melanin granules in differentchemical solutions was also studied.展开更多
The present study investigates the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor(MITF) and its contribution to the melanin deposition in Liancheng white ducks.Nested PCR was used to clone the MITF gene ...The present study investigates the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor(MITF) and its contribution to the melanin deposition in Liancheng white ducks.Nested PCR was used to clone the MITF gene sequence from the skin tissue of female Liancheng white ducks.Ultraviolet spectrophotometry was used to detect the melanin deposition.MITF mRNA expression and melanin deposition in different tissues and organs were detected and their correlation was analyzed.The MITF gene(GenBank number: MG516570) was 1 323 bp in length,contains a complete CDS region(34-1 323 bp) and codes 429 amino acids with 100% homology to the MITF of Anas platyrhynchos and over 95% homology to those of Gallus gallus and Coturnix japonica.Genetic evolution analysis reveals a close relationship of Liancheng white ducks with A.platyrhynchos,and also to lesser extents with Anser cygnoides,silky fowl and G.gallus,as well as Sus scrofa,Ovis aries and other mammals.Real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR) analysis demonstrated that MITF was expressed in skin,gizzard,liver,kidney and muscle,and of these tissues,its expression was the highest in the skin tissue(skin>gizzard>liver>kidney>muscle).Ultraviolet spectrophotometry showed that melanin deposition was positively correlated with the MITF expression level in these five tissues and organs(P<0.05).Together,these results demonstrated a tissue-specific pattern of MITF expression and a positive correlation between MITF expression and melanin deposition,indicating that MITF expression may contribute to the melanin deposition in Liancheng white ducks.展开更多
Setosphaeria turcica(syn.Exserohilum turcicum)is the pathogenic fungus of maize(Zea mays)that causes northern leaf blight,which is a major maize disease worldwide.Melanized appressoria are highly specialized infection...Setosphaeria turcica(syn.Exserohilum turcicum)is the pathogenic fungus of maize(Zea mays)that causes northern leaf blight,which is a major maize disease worldwide.Melanized appressoria are highly specialized infection structures formed by germinated conidia of S.turcica that infect maize leaves.The appressorium penetrates the plant cuticle by generating turgor,and glycerol is known to be the main source of the turgor.Here,the infection position penetrated by the appressorium on maize leaves was investigated,most of the germinated conidia entered the leaf interior by directly penetrating the epidermal cells,and the appressorium structure was necessary for the infection,whether it occurred through epidermal cells or stomata.Then,to investigate the effects of key factors in the development of the appressorium,we studied the effects of three inhibitors,including a melanin inhibitor(tricyclazole,TCZ),a DNA replication inhibitor(hydroxyurea,HU),and an autophagy inhibitor(3-methyladenine,3-MA),on appressorium turgor and glycerol content.As results,appressorium turgor pressure and glycerol concentration in the appressorium reached their highest levels at the mature stage of the appressorium under the control and inhibitor treatments.The three inhibitors had the greatest effects on appressorium turgor pressure at this stage.Glycogen and liposomes are the main substances producing glycerol.It was also found inhibitors affected the distribution of glycogen and liposomes,which were detected in the conidia,the germ tube,and the appressorium during appressorium development.This study provides profound insight into the relationship between appressorium turgor pressure and glycerol content,which was affected by the synthesis of melanin,DNA replication,and autophagy in the developing appressorium during a S.turcica infection.展开更多
Objective Owing to antibiotic abuse and the subsequent development of antibiotic resistance,bacterial infection has become one of the most persistent unresolved problems.New antibacterial agents,especially those that ...Objective Owing to antibiotic abuse and the subsequent development of antibiotic resistance,bacterial infection has become one of the most persistent unresolved problems.New antibacterial agents,especially those that are environmental-friendly,are urgently needed.Methods Melanin extracted by filtration centrifugation and acid and proteolytic hydrolysis was characterized using UV,FTIR,TEM,and XPS.Photothermal conversion was calculated,and the bacteriostatic effects,in vitro and in vivo,were assessed by plate counting and ratios(%)of wound areas.Results Natural melanin hydrolyzed by trypsin had good photothermal conversion effects,which resulted in superior bacteriostatic activities.The extracted melanin along with laser NIR irradiation at808 nm promoted the healing of wounds infected by drug-resistant bacteria in vivo and was biocompatible according to toxicity tests in vivo and in vitro.Conclusion The present findings indicated a safe and efficient method of developing natural antibacterial agents.展开更多
Melanins(eumelanin,pheomelanin,and allomelanin)represent a very,if not themost,important group of biological pigments.Their biological roles are multiple,from photoprotection to antioxidant activity,heavy metal dispos...Melanins(eumelanin,pheomelanin,and allomelanin)represent a very,if not themost,important group of biological pigments.Their biological roles are multiple,from photoprotection to antioxidant activity,heavy metal disposal or the myriad uses of color in organisms across all Phyla.In the first part of this review,eumelanin biology and some chemical aspects will be presented,as well as key physico-chemical features that make this biological pigment so interesting.The principal characteristics of the melanocyte,the melanin-synthesizing cell in mammals,will also be introduced.Transformed melanocytes are the cause of one of the most devastating known cancers:the malignant melanoma.Epidemiology and molecular signaling aspects will be presented next,as well as the principal advances in promising oncotherapies designed and applied for the treatment of melanoma.In particular,on account of the photo-physical properties of melanin,special details will be provided regarding the use of photothermal therapy for melanoma treatment.展开更多
Diabetes mellitus(DM)has emerged as a serious public health concern,due to the high morbidity and mortality resulted from its complications,such as diabetic nephropathy,diabetic cardiovascular complication,and diabeti...Diabetes mellitus(DM)has emerged as a serious public health concern,due to the high morbidity and mortality resulted from its complications,such as diabetic nephropathy,diabetic cardiovascular complication,and diabetic neuropathy,etc.In this study,we investigated the beneficial effects of sepia ink melanin(SIM)on hyperglycaemia and the restoration of diabetic symptoms in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic model mice.At first,the normal experimental mice were performed with intraperitoneal injection of STZ(40 mg(kg BW)^(−1))(BW,body weight)to attain diabetes and then were treated with different concentrations of SIM(120,240 and 480 mg(kg BW)^(−1))for four weeks.After treatment,significant decrease in gluconeogenesis were determined,accompanied by a notable increase in both glycolysis and oxidative enzyme activities in SIM-treated groups,such as liver marker enzymes in the serum and key antioxidant enzymes in liver.qPCR results revealed the transcriptional alterations in SIM-treated groups.SIM exposure increased the expression levels of several genes related to insulin transduction and PI3K/Akt pathway,including PI3K,Akt,Irs-2,and InsR.Meanwhile,expression levels of Dicarbonyl/l-xylulose reductase(Dcxr)and UDP-glucose dehydrogenase(Ugdh),which are in-volved in pentose-glucuronate interconversion pathway,were also elevated in SIM-treated groups.Furthermore,histological observation results indicated that nuclear deformation and organelle dissolution were improved,thus could enhance the liver function.These results demonstrated that SIM can be effective in ameliorating diabetic symptoms and improving disease management for diabetic patients.展开更多
Melanin, the main photoreceptor in living organics, is largely abundant in pigmented hair tissues. Its promising properties have been widely studied in order to fully explore the corresponding applications. However, t...Melanin, the main photoreceptor in living organics, is largely abundant in pigmented hair tissues. Its promising properties have been widely studied in order to fully explore the corresponding applications. However, the photodegradating and aggregating natures of melanin, to some extent, restrict the development of this eco-friendly biomaterial. This study is conducted to overcome both disadvantages by a mature method that coating the original melanin nanoparticles with silica as shells. The results revealed that the aggregation of the melanin/silica nanoparticles (MSNP) was decreased obviously by a 5 h coating and appeared a uniformly mono-dispersed solution. The MSNP that coated for 20 h provided an efficient protection on the photodegradation of the melanin with a 50% maintenance of the melanin content compared with 16% of original melanin and 2% of MSNP-5 h.展开更多
We began a study about the three main causes of blindness in 1990, because their incidence and prevalence have not changed in the last forty years. Twelve years later we concluded that the main source of energy for th...We began a study about the three main causes of blindness in 1990, because their incidence and prevalence have not changed in the last forty years. Twelve years later we concluded that the main source of energy for the human retina is water, not ATP. And this is also true for the entire human body. Water is the main source of energy. The amazing capability of eukaryotic cells to break or dissociate the water molecule was unsuspected to us because it takes 2000℃ degrees to dissociate water in a laboratory environment, and until today, it was believed that only plants were capable of accomplishing this. Photosynthesis occurs in humans as it does in plants. The water that we drink every day is not just to wash away detritus and toxins;it is not just a cleaner, nor a simple solvent. When our body dissociates the water molecule, cells are able to get their energy from Hydrogen (Hydrogen is the energy carrier that Nature uses the most). Water is our main source of energy. If our body couldn’t acquire energy from water, we would need to eat between 50 - 170 kg (110 - 374 lbs) daily. In any system, when a generalized failure occurs, we must suspect energy first. Parkinson and Alzheimer’s Disease are examples of a generalized failure. That explains why it is not uncommon that patients improve dramatically with pharmacological stimulation of the human photosynthesis process. Recall that the brain needs energy not only to grow or to perform its functions, but also to preserve its form and shape. The best energy for human cells is Hydrogen.展开更多
Recently, nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as an epigenetic factor in keloids, a scarring disease occurring primarily in dark skinned people who have relatively high amounts of pigment melanin. In this work, we t...Recently, nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as an epigenetic factor in keloids, a scarring disease occurring primarily in dark skinned people who have relatively high amounts of pigment melanin. In this work, we tested whether a melanin-mediated redox reaction involving adsorbed NO and O2 can couple NO oxidation with O2 reduction to form reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in vitro at pH 7.4. We measured the formation of reactive species that oxidize dihydrorhodamine123 (DHR) to fluorescent rhodamine123 in the presence and absence of sepia melanin. In separate experiments, we monitored NO concentration with 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF) by measuring the highly fluorescent NO-adduct, DAF-2T. We attempted to detect peroxynitrite with 5 μM 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione (MCP), a selective scavenger of peroxynitrite (IC50 = 3.6 μM for ONOO- vs. 63.8 μM and >> 100 μM for NO and O2- respectively). However, MCP itself oxidized DHR. We found that in the absence of NO, melanin itself oxidizes DHR, with no loss of DAF-fluorescence (i.e. no net consumption of NO). In the presence of NO, there was a ~ 57% loss of DAF fluorescence, indicating that NOx is formed at the expense of NO. The data provided good fit (r2 = 0.94) to a Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with pseudo first order rate k' = 8.2 × 107) s-1 and adsorption coefficient Kad = 4.04 M-1. Both of these parameters are consistent with a facile chemisorption reaction between NO and O2 on the melanin surface. Possible reactions are a) NO and O2- → ONOO- and/or b) 2NO + O2 → 2NO2. The latter reaction is disfavored in solution but is significantly accelerated on the melanin surface via an entropy effect.展开更多
Melanin, synthesized by melanocyte, is transferred to neighboring keratinocyte and finally accumulates in perinuclear site. Except functioning as an internal sunscreen to protect from UV damage, the potential effect o...Melanin, synthesized by melanocyte, is transferred to neighboring keratinocyte and finally accumulates in perinuclear site. Except functioning as an internal sunscreen to protect from UV damage, the potential effect of melanin on modulating the bioactivity of keratinocyte has not yet been fully investigated. In this study, we added melanin directly to the culture of human epidermal keratinocytes and the uptake of melanin was found to be dose- and time-dependent as determined by spectrophotometric method. The uptaken melanin accumulated perinuclearly in keratinocytes that is similar to the pattern observed in human solar lentigo tissue by microscopic examination. Pretreatment of keratinocytes with either niacinamide or trypsin inhibitor reduced the uptake of melanin dose-dependently, indicating a PAR-2-dependent pathway involved. Melanin uptake by keratinocytes inhibited cell proliferation as demonstrated both by the decrease of cell number and nuclear Ki-67 expression. Inhibited Ki-67 expression in melanin-containing keratinocyte was also found in human lentigo tissue. The cell cycle arrested at G1 phase in melanin-uptaken keratinocytes was confirmed by flow cytometric method. The protein expressions of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), CDK2, cyclin E, cyclin A and cyclin B were significantly reduced by melanin treatment. Microarray analysis, RT/real-time PCR and western blot demonstrated the inhibited expression of DKK1, a protein known to reduce skin pigmentation, in melanin-uptaken keratinocytes. Together, the direct incubation of keratinocyte with melanin might serve as a useful model to study the potential mechanisms involved in melanin uptake and pigmentation process.展开更多
Melanin is a biopolymer implicated in the protection of cellular membranes and DNA produced by melanocytes. This pigment has a dual role and should be considered as a photo-protector and as a photosensitizer due to it...Melanin is a biopolymer implicated in the protection of cellular membranes and DNA produced by melanocytes. This pigment has a dual role and should be considered as a photo-protector and as a photosensitizer due to its interaction with UV. The design of multifunctional and biologically responsive coatings is of major interest in modern biomaterials science. The aim of this study is not only to characterize the deposition of multilayered polyelectrolytes films made from polydopamine particles and polyamines like poly-(L-lysine hydrobromide) (PLL), but also to evaluate melanoma cells activity in terms of proliferation and their capacity to stimulate melanin secretion. One could expect that the presence of a melanin like material in the film may have a positive or a negative feedback on the melanin biosynthesis and consequently on melanoma development. Some comparisons are also done with pure polydopamine grains in suspension in the cell culture medium, to investigate if the immobilization of the polydopamine grains has an influence on their bioactivity.展开更多
基金funded by the grants from the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA (CARS-41)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program, China (ASTIP-IAS04)。
文摘San-Huang chicken is a high-quality breed in China with yellow feather, claw and break. However, the abnormal phenomenon of the yellow shank turning into green shank of San-Huang chicken has been a concern, as it seriously reduces the carcass quality and economic benefit of yellow-feathered broilers. In this study, the cause of this abnormal green skin in shank was systematically investigated. Physiological anatomy revealed that the abnormal skin in shank was primarily due to the deposition of melanin under the dermis. After analyzing multiple potential causes such as heredity(pedigree and genetic markers), environment(water quality monitoring) and feed composition(mycotoxin detection), excessive aflatoxin B1(AFB1) in feed was screened, accompanied with a higher L-dihydroxy-phenylalanine(L-DOPA)(P<0.05) and melanin content(P<0.01). So it was speculated that excessive AFB1 might be the main cause of abnormal green skin in shank. Subsequently, the further results showed that a high concentration of AFB1(>170 μg kg–1)indeed induced the abnormal green skin in shank compared to the normal AFB1 content(<10 μg kg–1), and the mRNA levels of TYR, TYRP1, MITE, MC1R and EDN3 genes related to melanin deposition would significantly up-regulate(P<0.01) and the content and activity of tyrosinase(TyR) significantly increased(P<0.05). At the same time, the content of L-DOPA and melanin deposition also increased significantly(P<0.01), which also confirmed the effect of excessive AFB1 on melanin deposition in skin of shank. Results of additional experiments revealed that the AFB1's negative effect on melanin deposition in skin of shank could last for a longer time. Taken together, the results of this study explained the occurrence and possible mechanisms of the abnormal AFB1-related green skin in shank of chickens. Excessive AFB1 in diets increased the L-DOPA content and melanin abnormal deposition in the chicken shank possibly via promoting TyR content and activity, and the expression of melanin synthesis-related genes. Furthermore, our findings once again raised the alarm of the danger of AFB1 in the broiler production.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province-Outstanding Youth Project(No.YQ2020H008).
文摘Background:Taxus cuspidata S.et Z.is a precious species of frigid zone plant belonging to the Taxaceae family,which possesses anticancer,anti-inflammatory,hypoglycemic,and antibacterial pharmacological properties.While taxane extracted from Taxus chinensis has been reported to elicit antioxidant activities,whether Taxus cuspidata S.et Z.has skin-protective actions against injuries remained unknown.This study aims to explore the pharmacological effects of three Taxus extracts on skin melanin deposition,oxidation,inflammation,and allergy so as to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of various diseases related to skin damage.Methods:Skin melanin deposition was evaluated by measuring melanin content in the skin of guinea pigs by alkali lysis method.Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by measuring superoxide dismutase(SOD)concentration and glutathione(GSH)content in skin tissue homogenates of Kunming mice by SOD assay kit and micro reduced GSH assay kit.The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and western blotting were used to examine the levels of both SOD and recombinant glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4).Skin inflammation was evaluated by xylene-induced ear swelling test and egg-white-induced paw swelling test in mice.In a mouse model of skin allergy induced by 4-aminopyridine(4-AP),allergy was determined by licking body counts and histamine concentrations in tissue homogenates using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)kits.Two proinflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αand interleukin(IL)-1βwere measured by qRT-PCR.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was conducted to assess the degree of skin lesion.Results:All three Taxus extracts including Taxus chinensis essential oil,Taxus chinensis extract and Taxus chinensis extract compound reduced the melanin deposits in the back skin relative to the non-treated control animals,of which Taxus chinensis essential oil produced the greatest effect.In contrast,the three Taxus extracts elevated SOD and GSH levels in the skin tissues,and the highest increase was seen with Taxus chinensis essential oil.Three Taxus extracts,especially Taxus chinensis essential oil,effectively reduce the rate of ear and paw swelling.All three Taxus extracts reduced the number of body licks,the levels of TNF-αand IL-1β,and the histamine content in tissue homogenates of mice and alleviated skin damage.Consistently,Taxus chinensis essential oil yielded the greatest magnitude of decreases.Conclusion:While all three Taxus extracts possessed the anti-skin melanin deposition,oxidation,and allergy properties,Taxus chinensis essential oil produced the superior effects.
文摘Melanins represent one of the most ancient and important group of natural macromolecular pigments.They have multiple biological roles in almost all organisms across the Phyla,examples being photoprotection,anti-oxidative action,radical scavenger activity,and heavy metal removal.From the biomedical point of view,melanocytes are involved in the origin of melanoma tumors,and the main therapeutic advances for their treatment have been revised in Part 1 of this review.The chemical structure of eumelanin is a biological concern of great importance,and therefore,exploring theoretical molecular models and synthesis mechanisms will be here described,as well as molecular orbital features and supramolecular organization,which are responsible for the key properties that make these biological pigments so important,and so fascinating.Ultimately,this updated overview is devoted to describe present structural models and physico-chemical characteristics of eumelanin,in order to explain and utilize melanin properties on which new photothermal and ultrasonic protocols for melanoma treatment can be devised and applied.
基金The Agricultural Seed Project of Shandong Province
文摘Sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus(Selenka), is a commercially important marine species in China. Among the differently colored varieties sold in China, white and purple sea cucumbers have the greatest appeal to consumers. Identification of the pigments that may contribute to the formation of different color morphs of sea cucumbers will provide a scientific basis for improving the cultivability of desirable color morphs. In this study,sea cucumbers were divided into four categories according to their body color: white, light green, dark green, and purple. The pigment composition and contents in the four groups were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The results show that the pigment contents differed significantly among the white, lightgreen, dark-green, and purple sea cucumbers, and there were fewer types of pigments in white sea cucumber than in the other color morphs. The only pigments detected in white sea cucumbers were guanine and pteroic acid.Guanine and pteroic acid are structural colors, and they were also detected in light-green, dark-green, and purple sea cucumbers. Every pigment detected, except for pteroic acid, was present at a higher concentration in purple morphs than in the other color morphs. The biological color pigments melanin, astaxanthin, β-carotene, and lutein were detected in light-green, dark-green, and purple sea cucumbers. While progesterone and lycopene,which are also biological color pigments, were not detected in any of the color morphs. Melanin was the major pigment contributing to body color, and its concentration increased with deepening color of the sea cucumber body. Transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that white sea cucumbers had the fewest epidermal melanocytes in the body wall, and their melanocytes contained fewer melanosomes as well as non-pigmented pre-melanosomes. Sea cucumbers with deeper body colors contained more melanin granules. In the body wall of dark-green and purple sea cucumbers, melanin granules were secreted out of the cell. The results of this study provide evidence for the main factors responsible for differences in coloration among white, light-green, darkgreen, and purple sea cucumbers, and also provide the foundation for further research on the formation of body color in sea cucumber, A. japonicus.
基金funded by Islamic Azad University Karaj Branch (grant number: 1193)
文摘Objectives: To investigate possible sources of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia(S. maltophilia) in the clinical environment.Methods: Different samples were collected from Amol City of Iran. Steps for the identification of S. maltophilia included culturing, biochemical tests, polymerase chain reaction(PCR) of 16 S r RNA gene and 23 S r RNA gene. In addition, production of melanin pigment and patterns of motility of the bacteria, were also investigated.Results: In our study, 20 S. maltophilia strains were isolated from clinical sources,oxygen manometer apparatus of hospitals were 7/110(6.36%), blood was 1/777(0.13%),sputum was 4/40(4%), urine was 1/2 947(0.03%), tap water was 1/240(0.42%) and dental suction was 6/120(5%). The isolated bacteria showed production of melanin pigment with rates of strong, moderate, weak, and lack of pigment. Types of motilities were seen in isolates.Conclusions: The highest percentage of bacteria is isolated of oxygen manometer system and dental suction, yet has not been reported from oxygen manometer system. These bacteria have also been associated with patients who have respiratory problems, so it is essential for staffs of hospitals to draw attention to this source of bacteria.
文摘Objective: To find anti-melanogenesis materials used in whitening cosmetics.Methods: The ethanolic leaf extract of Mallotus japonicus(M. japonicus) having an anti-melanogenesis activity was separated by a sephadex LH-20 chromatography. Each fraction was measured for its tyrosinase inhibitory activity together with its polyphenol content using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The anti-melanogenesis activity of the active fractions was determined by the melanin content in the murine B16F1 melanoma. The active fractions were put together due to similar constituents, and then separated by high performance liquid chromatography using a C-18 ODS column. The major antimelanogenesis compound was identified using1 H and13C-NMR and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Results: The ethanolic leaf extract of M. japonicus showed an anti-tyrosinase activity with a high polyphenol content, resulting in suppression of melanin production in the B16F1 melanoma. The extract was separated and the active compound was identical as rutin based on the1 H,13C-NMR and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis data. In addition, the rutin treatment with cells reduced the melanin content in a concentration dependent manner without any cell toxicity. The leaf extract of M. japonicus containing rutin would be useful in whitening cosmetics for protection from UV-light exposure to be limiting the accumulation of melanin in skin.Conclusions: The leaf extract of M. japonicus and/or rutin isolated from the extract as a key whitening agent would be useful as a whitening cosmetic material for protecting against disorder skin due to melanin accumulation.
基金This work was financially supported by the Special Fund Project for Technological Innovation of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University(CXZX2019055G)the Science and Technology Project on Social Development of Cixi(CN2020027).
文摘This study explored the therapeutic effects of Auricularia auricula melanin(AAM)on alcoholic liver damage in vitro and in vivo.Human normal liver L02 cells were pre-treated with ethanol and then treated with AAM to explore the therapeutic effect of AAM on ethanol-induced hepatocyte injury.The results show that AAM signifi cantly elevated the cell viability,ameliorated the cell morphology,reduced the ROS and increased the GSH/GSSG of ethanol-pretreated L02 cells.Then,mice were administered with ethanol to induce acute alcoholic liver damage,and administered with AAM to further study the therapeutic effect of AAM on alcoholic liver damage in mice.As a result,AAM reduced the levels of ALT,AST,TG,and MDA,increased the levels of ADH,SOD,and CAT in liver damage mice.The therapeutic effect of AAM may be related to inhibition of CYP2E1 expression and activation of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidase.The research enriched the bioactivity of AAM and provided some ideas for the development of melanin-related health foods.
文摘AIM:To observe the melanin change of the retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)and choroid in the convalescent stage of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada(VKH).METHODS:A retrospective study was performed on 40 eyes of 20 patients in the convalescent stage of VKH.Fundus photography(FP),multi-spectral imaging(MSI),and optical coherence tomography(OCT)were performed.RESULTS:In the VKH convalescent stage,focal RPE melanin accumulation(FRMA)was detected in 34 eyes(85%)on MSI and in 7 eyes(17.5%)on FP.FRMA was limited to the previous retinal detachment area in all 28 eyes(FRMA was detected in 34 eyes on MSI,which were enrolled,and 6 eyes lacked data in the acute stage).Sunset-glow fundus was detected in 20 eyes(50%)on FP.The mean density of FRMA in a 1-mm-diameter circular area of the fovea was 0.04±0.07 on MSI,which was significantly correlated with sunset-glow fundus(ρ=0.467,P=0.02).CONCLUSION:In the VKH convalescent stage,FRMA is derived from the RPE melanin change,and sunset-glow fundus is derived from the choroid melanin change.A higher density of FRMA in the fovea and sunset-glow fundus represents more serious depigmentation of melanin.
文摘Bipolaris oryzae is the causal agent of brown spot disease in rice and produces the dark pigment melanin. We isolated and characterized T4HR1 gene encoding 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene (1,3,6,8-THN) reductase, which converted 1,3,6,8-THN to scytalone in the melanin biosynthesis from B. oryzae. A sequence analysis showed that the T4HR1 gene encoded a putative protein of 268 amino acids showing 50% - 99% sequence identity to other fungal 1,3,6,8-THN reductases. Targeted disruption of the T4HR1 gene showed a different phenotype of mycelial color due to an accumulation of shunt products compared to those of wild-type on PDA plates using tricyclazole as a melanin biosynthesis inhibitor. A quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of T4HR1 transcripts was enhanced by near-ultraviolet (NUV) irradiation and regulated by transcriptional factor BMR1, similar to three other melanin biosynthesis genes (polyketide synthase gene [PKS1], scytalone dehydratase gene [SCD1], and 1,3,8-THN reductase gene [THR1]) in the melanin biosynthesis of B. oryzae. These results suggested that common transcriptional mechanisms could regulate the enhanced gene expression of these melanin biosynthesis genes by NUV irradiation in B. oryzae.
文摘Melanin granules were isolated from fine yak hair by means of protein enzyme and hydrochloric acid.Resultsof SEM investigation and amino acid analysis were usedto study the physical and chemical properties of melaningranules.The solubility of melanin granules in differentchemical solutions was also studied.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31372474)the National Guidance Project for Local Science and Technology Development,China (2018L3004)+3 种基金the National and FNU Training Program of Innovation and Enterpreneurship for Undergraduates, China (201910394023, CXXL2019268 and CXXL2019274)the Fujian Province Public Welfare Scientific Project, China (018R1023-2)the Fujian Development and Reform Commission “Five News” Project of China (fjfgw201806)the Young Talent Innovation Funding of Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences of China (YC2017-7 and MYQJ2015-5)
文摘The present study investigates the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor(MITF) and its contribution to the melanin deposition in Liancheng white ducks.Nested PCR was used to clone the MITF gene sequence from the skin tissue of female Liancheng white ducks.Ultraviolet spectrophotometry was used to detect the melanin deposition.MITF mRNA expression and melanin deposition in different tissues and organs were detected and their correlation was analyzed.The MITF gene(GenBank number: MG516570) was 1 323 bp in length,contains a complete CDS region(34-1 323 bp) and codes 429 amino acids with 100% homology to the MITF of Anas platyrhynchos and over 95% homology to those of Gallus gallus and Coturnix japonica.Genetic evolution analysis reveals a close relationship of Liancheng white ducks with A.platyrhynchos,and also to lesser extents with Anser cygnoides,silky fowl and G.gallus,as well as Sus scrofa,Ovis aries and other mammals.Real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR) analysis demonstrated that MITF was expressed in skin,gizzard,liver,kidney and muscle,and of these tissues,its expression was the highest in the skin tissue(skin>gizzard>liver>kidney>muscle).Ultraviolet spectrophotometry showed that melanin deposition was positively correlated with the MITF expression level in these five tissues and organs(P<0.05).Together,these results demonstrated a tissue-specific pattern of MITF expression and a positive correlation between MITF expression and melanin deposition,indicating that MITF expression may contribute to the melanin deposition in Liancheng white ducks.
基金supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072370 and 31901827)the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-02-25)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,China(C2020204039 and C2018204059)the Projects of Overseas Foundation,Hebei Province,China(C20190508)。
文摘Setosphaeria turcica(syn.Exserohilum turcicum)is the pathogenic fungus of maize(Zea mays)that causes northern leaf blight,which is a major maize disease worldwide.Melanized appressoria are highly specialized infection structures formed by germinated conidia of S.turcica that infect maize leaves.The appressorium penetrates the plant cuticle by generating turgor,and glycerol is known to be the main source of the turgor.Here,the infection position penetrated by the appressorium on maize leaves was investigated,most of the germinated conidia entered the leaf interior by directly penetrating the epidermal cells,and the appressorium structure was necessary for the infection,whether it occurred through epidermal cells or stomata.Then,to investigate the effects of key factors in the development of the appressorium,we studied the effects of three inhibitors,including a melanin inhibitor(tricyclazole,TCZ),a DNA replication inhibitor(hydroxyurea,HU),and an autophagy inhibitor(3-methyladenine,3-MA),on appressorium turgor and glycerol content.As results,appressorium turgor pressure and glycerol concentration in the appressorium reached their highest levels at the mature stage of the appressorium under the control and inhibitor treatments.The three inhibitors had the greatest effects on appressorium turgor pressure at this stage.Glycogen and liposomes are the main substances producing glycerol.It was also found inhibitors affected the distribution of glycogen and liposomes,which were detected in the conidia,the germ tube,and the appressorium during appressorium development.This study provides profound insight into the relationship between appressorium turgor pressure and glycerol content,which was affected by the synthesis of melanin,DNA replication,and autophagy in the developing appressorium during a S.turcica infection.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China[No.21874079]Nature Science Foundation for Outstanding Young Scientists of Shandong Province[No.ZR2018JL011]+3 种基金Key R&D Project of Shandong Province[No.GG201809230180]Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province[No.tsqn201909088]Outstanding Youth Innovation Team of Universities in Shandong Province[No.2019KJA027]Science&Technology Fund Planning Project of Shandong Colleges and Universities[No.J16LA13&J18KA112]。
文摘Objective Owing to antibiotic abuse and the subsequent development of antibiotic resistance,bacterial infection has become one of the most persistent unresolved problems.New antibacterial agents,especially those that are environmental-friendly,are urgently needed.Methods Melanin extracted by filtration centrifugation and acid and proteolytic hydrolysis was characterized using UV,FTIR,TEM,and XPS.Photothermal conversion was calculated,and the bacteriostatic effects,in vitro and in vivo,were assessed by plate counting and ratios(%)of wound areas.Results Natural melanin hydrolyzed by trypsin had good photothermal conversion effects,which resulted in superior bacteriostatic activities.The extracted melanin along with laser NIR irradiation at808 nm promoted the healing of wounds infected by drug-resistant bacteria in vivo and was biocompatible according to toxicity tests in vivo and in vitro.Conclusion The present findings indicated a safe and efficient method of developing natural antibacterial agents.
文摘Melanins(eumelanin,pheomelanin,and allomelanin)represent a very,if not themost,important group of biological pigments.Their biological roles are multiple,from photoprotection to antioxidant activity,heavy metal disposal or the myriad uses of color in organisms across all Phyla.In the first part of this review,eumelanin biology and some chemical aspects will be presented,as well as key physico-chemical features that make this biological pigment so interesting.The principal characteristics of the melanocyte,the melanin-synthesizing cell in mammals,will also be introduced.Transformed melanocytes are the cause of one of the most devastating known cancers:the malignant melanoma.Epidemiology and molecular signaling aspects will be presented next,as well as the principal advances in promising oncotherapies designed and applied for the treatment of melanoma.In particular,on account of the photo-physical properties of melanin,special details will be provided regarding the use of photothermal therapy for melanoma treatment.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(No.LY18C190006)sponsored by K.C.Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University.
文摘Diabetes mellitus(DM)has emerged as a serious public health concern,due to the high morbidity and mortality resulted from its complications,such as diabetic nephropathy,diabetic cardiovascular complication,and diabetic neuropathy,etc.In this study,we investigated the beneficial effects of sepia ink melanin(SIM)on hyperglycaemia and the restoration of diabetic symptoms in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic model mice.At first,the normal experimental mice were performed with intraperitoneal injection of STZ(40 mg(kg BW)^(−1))(BW,body weight)to attain diabetes and then were treated with different concentrations of SIM(120,240 and 480 mg(kg BW)^(−1))for four weeks.After treatment,significant decrease in gluconeogenesis were determined,accompanied by a notable increase in both glycolysis and oxidative enzyme activities in SIM-treated groups,such as liver marker enzymes in the serum and key antioxidant enzymes in liver.qPCR results revealed the transcriptional alterations in SIM-treated groups.SIM exposure increased the expression levels of several genes related to insulin transduction and PI3K/Akt pathway,including PI3K,Akt,Irs-2,and InsR.Meanwhile,expression levels of Dicarbonyl/l-xylulose reductase(Dcxr)and UDP-glucose dehydrogenase(Ugdh),which are in-volved in pentose-glucuronate interconversion pathway,were also elevated in SIM-treated groups.Furthermore,histological observation results indicated that nuclear deformation and organelle dissolution were improved,thus could enhance the liver function.These results demonstrated that SIM can be effective in ameliorating diabetic symptoms and improving disease management for diabetic patients.
文摘Melanin, the main photoreceptor in living organics, is largely abundant in pigmented hair tissues. Its promising properties have been widely studied in order to fully explore the corresponding applications. However, the photodegradating and aggregating natures of melanin, to some extent, restrict the development of this eco-friendly biomaterial. This study is conducted to overcome both disadvantages by a mature method that coating the original melanin nanoparticles with silica as shells. The results revealed that the aggregation of the melanin/silica nanoparticles (MSNP) was decreased obviously by a 5 h coating and appeared a uniformly mono-dispersed solution. The MSNP that coated for 20 h provided an efficient protection on the photodegradation of the melanin with a 50% maintenance of the melanin content compared with 16% of original melanin and 2% of MSNP-5 h.
文摘We began a study about the three main causes of blindness in 1990, because their incidence and prevalence have not changed in the last forty years. Twelve years later we concluded that the main source of energy for the human retina is water, not ATP. And this is also true for the entire human body. Water is the main source of energy. The amazing capability of eukaryotic cells to break or dissociate the water molecule was unsuspected to us because it takes 2000℃ degrees to dissociate water in a laboratory environment, and until today, it was believed that only plants were capable of accomplishing this. Photosynthesis occurs in humans as it does in plants. The water that we drink every day is not just to wash away detritus and toxins;it is not just a cleaner, nor a simple solvent. When our body dissociates the water molecule, cells are able to get their energy from Hydrogen (Hydrogen is the energy carrier that Nature uses the most). Water is our main source of energy. If our body couldn’t acquire energy from water, we would need to eat between 50 - 170 kg (110 - 374 lbs) daily. In any system, when a generalized failure occurs, we must suspect energy first. Parkinson and Alzheimer’s Disease are examples of a generalized failure. That explains why it is not uncommon that patients improve dramatically with pharmacological stimulation of the human photosynthesis process. Recall that the brain needs energy not only to grow or to perform its functions, but also to preserve its form and shape. The best energy for human cells is Hydrogen.
文摘Recently, nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as an epigenetic factor in keloids, a scarring disease occurring primarily in dark skinned people who have relatively high amounts of pigment melanin. In this work, we tested whether a melanin-mediated redox reaction involving adsorbed NO and O2 can couple NO oxidation with O2 reduction to form reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in vitro at pH 7.4. We measured the formation of reactive species that oxidize dihydrorhodamine123 (DHR) to fluorescent rhodamine123 in the presence and absence of sepia melanin. In separate experiments, we monitored NO concentration with 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF) by measuring the highly fluorescent NO-adduct, DAF-2T. We attempted to detect peroxynitrite with 5 μM 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione (MCP), a selective scavenger of peroxynitrite (IC50 = 3.6 μM for ONOO- vs. 63.8 μM and >> 100 μM for NO and O2- respectively). However, MCP itself oxidized DHR. We found that in the absence of NO, melanin itself oxidizes DHR, with no loss of DAF-fluorescence (i.e. no net consumption of NO). In the presence of NO, there was a ~ 57% loss of DAF fluorescence, indicating that NOx is formed at the expense of NO. The data provided good fit (r2 = 0.94) to a Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with pseudo first order rate k' = 8.2 × 107) s-1 and adsorption coefficient Kad = 4.04 M-1. Both of these parameters are consistent with a facile chemisorption reaction between NO and O2 on the melanin surface. Possible reactions are a) NO and O2- → ONOO- and/or b) 2NO + O2 → 2NO2. The latter reaction is disfavored in solution but is significantly accelerated on the melanin surface via an entropy effect.
文摘Melanin, synthesized by melanocyte, is transferred to neighboring keratinocyte and finally accumulates in perinuclear site. Except functioning as an internal sunscreen to protect from UV damage, the potential effect of melanin on modulating the bioactivity of keratinocyte has not yet been fully investigated. In this study, we added melanin directly to the culture of human epidermal keratinocytes and the uptake of melanin was found to be dose- and time-dependent as determined by spectrophotometric method. The uptaken melanin accumulated perinuclearly in keratinocytes that is similar to the pattern observed in human solar lentigo tissue by microscopic examination. Pretreatment of keratinocytes with either niacinamide or trypsin inhibitor reduced the uptake of melanin dose-dependently, indicating a PAR-2-dependent pathway involved. Melanin uptake by keratinocytes inhibited cell proliferation as demonstrated both by the decrease of cell number and nuclear Ki-67 expression. Inhibited Ki-67 expression in melanin-containing keratinocyte was also found in human lentigo tissue. The cell cycle arrested at G1 phase in melanin-uptaken keratinocytes was confirmed by flow cytometric method. The protein expressions of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), CDK2, cyclin E, cyclin A and cyclin B were significantly reduced by melanin treatment. Microarray analysis, RT/real-time PCR and western blot demonstrated the inhibited expression of DKK1, a protein known to reduce skin pigmentation, in melanin-uptaken keratinocytes. Together, the direct incubation of keratinocyte with melanin might serve as a useful model to study the potential mechanisms involved in melanin uptake and pigmentation process.
文摘Melanin is a biopolymer implicated in the protection of cellular membranes and DNA produced by melanocytes. This pigment has a dual role and should be considered as a photo-protector and as a photosensitizer due to its interaction with UV. The design of multifunctional and biologically responsive coatings is of major interest in modern biomaterials science. The aim of this study is not only to characterize the deposition of multilayered polyelectrolytes films made from polydopamine particles and polyamines like poly-(L-lysine hydrobromide) (PLL), but also to evaluate melanoma cells activity in terms of proliferation and their capacity to stimulate melanin secretion. One could expect that the presence of a melanin like material in the film may have a positive or a negative feedback on the melanin biosynthesis and consequently on melanoma development. Some comparisons are also done with pure polydopamine grains in suspension in the cell culture medium, to investigate if the immobilization of the polydopamine grains has an influence on their bioactivity.
