IOD Value Research Articles

Tropical Volcanic Eruptions and Low Frequency Indo‐Pacific Variability Drive Extreme Indian Ocean Dipole Events

AbstractVolcanic eruptions can have significant climate impacts and serve as useful natural experiments for better understanding the effects of abrupt, externally forced climate change. Here, we investigate the Indian Ocean Dipole's (IOD) response to the largest tropical volcanic eruptions of the last millennium. Post‐eruption composites show a strong negative IOD developing in the eruption year, and a positive IOD the following year. The IOD and El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) show a long‐term damped oscillatory response that can take up to 8 years to return to pre‐eruptive baselines. Moreover, the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) phase at the time of eruption controls the IOD response to intense eruptions, with negative (positive) IPO phasing favoring more negative (positive) IOD values via modulation of the background state of the eastern Indian Ocean thermocline depth. These results have important implications for climate risk in low‐likelihood, high‐impact scenarios, particularly in vulnerable communities unprepared for IOD and ENSO extremes.

Expression and Function of VEGFRs in Normal Epidermis and Psoriatic Lesional Keratinocytes.

The study aimed to explore the expression and function of VEGFRs in normal epidermis and keratinocytes of psoriatic lesions. In this study, the expression and role of VEGFRs in keratinocytes were examined using examples from psoriatic and healthy individuals. The experiment was completed by immunofluorescence analysis, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and real-time quantitative RT-PCR after the skin of nonlesional, adjacent, and lesional skin was excised. Observations indicated that in non-lesional psoriatic areas and adjacent lesional areas of the skin of psoriasis patients, the fluorescent signals of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 were strongly labelled with keratinocytes, and in psoriatic lesions, keratinocytes were present throughout the entire thickness of the epidermis, with the exception of the stratum corneum. The distribution of VEGFR-3 in psoriatic nonlesional and adjacent lesional skin was consistent with that in normal epidermis, whereas all layers of the epidermis of psoriatic lesions expressed VEGFR-3. The mRNA expression levels of VEGFR-1,2,3 steadily increased from the normal epidermis to the psoriatic nonlesional, adjacent lesional, and perilesional areas, with the lesional epidermis' keratinocytes exhibiting the greatest levels of mRNA expression. Ca ions upregulate VEGFR-1,2,3 mRNA and protein expression in keratinocytes of nonlesional areas of psoriasis. VEGFRs protein expression and cortical IOD values of psoriatic and normal population cells showed a positive correlation. Hence, in comparison to normal epidermal keratinocytes, psoriatic lesional regions' keratinocytes considerably enhanced their expression of VEGFR-1,2,3 mRNA and protein. The overexpression of VEGFR-1,2,3 in psoriatic lesions may be encouraged by VEGF and Ca þ ions.

Preparation of Upconversion Nanoparticles (UCNPs)-Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)/Merocyanine540 (M540) Photosensitizer by Core–Shell Structure and Its Application in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury

The objective of this study is to investigate the adjuvant effect of UCNP-PEG-M540 based on a core–shell structure in spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. 90 female healthy adult SD rats were divided into a control (Ctrl) group, a UCNP, and a UCNP-PEG-M540 group according to different transplantation materials to observe the recovery of behavioral function and axonal regeneration in rats to evaluate the application effect. The diameter of the UCNP was approximately 24 nm, and the distribution was uniform, which conformed to nanoscale particles. The diffraction pattern of UCNP based on the core–shell structure was basically the same as that of the UCNP naked core. At 4–12 weeks of treatment, the BBB score of the UCNP-PEG-M540 group was higher based on that of the Ctrl and UCNP groups; the IOD value of NF200-positive staining in the UCNP-PEG-M540 group was much higher to that in the Ctrl group and UCNP group; the IOD value of GFAP-positive staining and the gray value of CFAP were lower to those of the Ctrl group and UCNP group. UCNP-PEG-M540 based on a core–shell structure can further promote the absorption of 980 nm near-infrared light in injured tissues of SCI rats and inhibit glial cell aggregation, thereby reducing the formation of glial cells and promoting the repair of SCI and the recovery of behavioral function.

Hemostatic mechanism of the effect of Jianpi Yiqi Shexue decoction on vascular factors in immune thrombocytopenia model mice

To explore the hemostatic mechanism of Jianpi Yiqi Shexue decoction (JYSD) by regulating vascular factors in an immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) mouse model. An ITP mouse model was established by the passive-immune modeling method, and interventional drugs used were prednisone tablets and JYSD. The platelet count; vascular activity–related factors vWF, VCAM-1, and TM; and VEGF and bFGF were used as observational indicators. On the 8th day of administration, compared with the model group, platelet counts in the prednisone and JYSD groups increased (both P < .001). Compared with the control group, the levels of vWF, VCAM-1, and TM in the other groups were lower (all P < .05). The VCAM-1 level in the JYSD group was higher than that in the prednisone group ( P = .012), but without significant difference compared with the model group ( P = .051). The TM level in the JYSD group was the lowest ( vs. the model group, P = .047; vs. the prednisone group, P = .006). Compared with the control group, the IOD values of VEGF and bFGF in the other three groups were lower (all P < .01). The IOD values of VEGF in the prednisone and JYSD groups were both higher than those in the model group ( P = .002 and P < .001, respectively). The IOD values of bFGF among the model, prednisone, and JYSD groups were not statistically significant ( P > .05). A vascular factor disorder is involved in the pathogenesis of ITP. JYSD can increase the platelet count, upregulate VEGF expression, and reduce the TM level. JYSD has the same effect as prednisone tablets in regulating platelet, vWF, VEGF, and bFGF, with a stronger effect in normalizing VCAM-1 and TM levels. The hemostatic mechanism of JYSD is closely related to the effective balance of vascular factors.

Similarity and difference between aging and puncture-induced intervertebral disc degeneration.

The purpose of our study was to investigate the changes in micromorphology and mechanical properties of intervertebral discs degeneration induced by aging and puncture. Normal group (NG), 2 weeks post-puncture degeneration group (PDG) and aging degeneration group (ADG) each included 10 rats. Plain film, magnetic resonance imaging, and histological testing were utilized to assess intervertebral disc degeneration. Atomic force microscope was utilized to analyze the microstructure and elastic modulus of the intervertebral disc, while immunohistochemistry was employed to assess alterations in the cell matrix using collagen I, collagen II, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The results showed that the disc height ratio between PDG and ADG decreased. In the PDG and ADG group, histological scores both increased, the gray value of the T2 signal decreased, the proportion of MMP-3 and TNF-positive cells in intervertebral disc tissues was higher (p < 0.05) and the IOD values of COL-2 lower in intervertebral disc tissues (p < 0.05). The elastic modulus of PDG and ADG annulus fibers (AF) increased compared to the NG (p < 0.05); when compared to PDG, the elastic modulus of ADG AF decreased (p < 0.05). The elastic modulus of PDG and ADG collagen increased in the nucleus pulposus (NP, p < 0.05); ADG had a greater AF diameter than NG and PDG (p < 0.05). The results indicated that ADG fiber diameter thickens, and chronic inflammation indicators rise; PDG suffers from severe extracellular matrix loss. The degeneration of the ADG and PDG intervertebral discs is different. The results provide foundation for clinical research.

Three Years Follow-Up of Single-Stage Correction with Modified Chula Technique for Frontoethmoidal Encephalomeningocele: The Advantage of The Teamwork Approach (A Case Report)

Backgrounds: The main objective of Frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocele (FE) treatment are neural morbidities defect correction and aesthetically pleasing looks. Staged procedures are used to be performed in Indonesia. This article aimed to reveal the result of FE correction through the single-stage modified Chula technique (ST-MCT) procedure in collaboration with the neurosurgery team. Case Reports: A rare case of 5 years old girl diagnosed with FE was reported in this study. The FE was slowly increased in size, causing apparent facial deformity and the appearance of telecanthus. An ST-MCT procedure in collaboration with the neurosurgery team was conducted to correct the defects. The IOD values, IPD values, postoperative complications, and anesthetic improvements were evaluated in this study. Result: The patient was well after the surgery, with no complications and short length of stay. There were noted improvement of ICD, IOD and IPD postoperative follow up. At three years after the surgery ICD= 29mm; IOD= 26mm; IPD= 52 mm (normal range). Summary: ST-MCT procedure conducted in collaboration with neurosurgery team had shown excellent correction of ICD, IOD, and IPD values, no complication, shorter length of stay, and minimal scars. It considers as the most proper technique to reach a good result of correction and aesthetically pleasing looks in FE cases.

Bardoxolone-Methyl Prevents Oxidative Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and Extracellular Matrix Degradation in vitro and Alleviates Osteoarthritis in vivo.

PurposeOxidative stress-induced chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation plays an important role in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Bardoxolone methyl (BM), a semisynthetic triterpenoid, exerts strong effect against oxidative stress. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of bardoxolone-methyl (BM) in preventing oxidative stress-induced chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular ECM degradation in vitro and the role of alleviating OA progression in vivo.MethodsOxidative damage was induced by 25 mM tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) for 24 h in rat chondrocytes. 0.025 and 0.05 µM bardoxolone-methyl (BM) were used in vitro treatment. Ex-vivo cartilage explant model was established to evaluate the effect of BM on oxidative stress-induced ECM degradation. The mouse OA model was induced by surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus.ResultsIn vitro, 0.025 and 0.05 µM BM reduced TBHP-induced excessive ROS generation, improved cell viability, increased malondialdehyde level and decreased superoxide dismutase level. 0.025 and 0.05 µM BM prevented TBHP-induced mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in chondrocytes BM activated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NOQ1) signaling pathway through targeting nuclear factor erythroid derived-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Additionally, BM treatment enhanced the expression levels of aggrecan and collagen II and inhibited the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9), MMP 13, Bax and cleaved-caspase-3. BM increased proteoglycan staining area and IOD value in ex vivo cultured experiment cartilage explants and improved the OARSI score, stands, max contact mean intensity, print area and duty cycle in mouse OA model.ConclusionBM prevented oxidative stress-induced chondrocyte apoptosis and ECM degradation in vitro and alleviated OA in vivo, suggesting that BM serves as an effective drug for treatment with OA.

HGF can reduce accumulation of inflammation and regulate glucose homeostasis in T2D mice.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been studied as a protective factor for the survival of islet β cells and regulatory glucose transport and metabolism in many studies. The addition of exogenous HGF to cells or mice is the most common way to study HGF, but the persistence and stability of the administered HGF are unclear. In this experiment, wild-type C57BL6 (WT) mice and HGF-overexpressing transgenic (HGF-Tg) mice were divided into a normal diet (ND) group and an HFD group. The HGF protein level in the liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, and VAT of HGF-Tg-ND mice was upregulated compared to that of WT-ND mice, and it was also upregulated in HGF-Tg-HFD mice compared to that in WT-HFD mice. In the ND group, though the HGF-Tg-ND mice showed higher fasted blood glucose levels and larger integrated density (IOD) of glucagon-positive cells than WT-ND mice, we found that HGF-Tg-ND mice can still maintain normal glucose tolerance based on an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and an intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT). In the HFD group, the HGF-Tg-HFD mice showed insulin sensitivity in IPGTT and IPITT and had larger areas and higher IOD values of islet β cells and smaller areas and IOD values of islet α cells than the WT-HFD mice. HGF-Tg-HFD mice had lower level of serum insulin than WT-HFD mice. The HGF-Tg-HFD mice showed inhibited accumulation of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Ly6G+ neutrophils, and F4/80+ macrophages in the blood and tissues and protected liver and kidney functions. Oil Red O-stained liver sections revealed that WT-HFD mice had larger areas and higher IOD values of Oil Red O-positive cells than HGF-Tg-HFD mice, and WT-HFD mice had higher score of NASH. PAS-stained kidney sections found WT-HFD has higher mesangial area/glomerular area × 100% than HGF-Tg-HFD mice. Comparative analyses demonstrated that HGF reduces the proportions of inflammatory cells in the blood and tissues, and protects liver and kidney tissues by regulating glucose homeostasis of type 2 diabetic mice.

Expression and significance of NF-κB and MIF in lung tissue of silicon-stained rats

To investigate the distribution and expression of nuclear transcription factor(NF-κB) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF) in the lung tissue of rats exposed to silica. Atotal of sixty-four adult rats aged 10 to 12 weeks(cleaning grade) were randomly divided into control group and silica dust group(32 rats each). At day 3, 7, 14, and 28 after modeling, 8 rats were randomly sacrificed in each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the distribution and expression of NF-B and MIF in lung tissue. The positive result of NF-κB p65 were localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and were mainly expressed in bronchial wall epithelial cells, macrophages, neutrophils, lung mesenchymal cells, and alveolar epithelial cells. The IOD value of NF-κB p65 in the dust-exposed group was compared with the control group at each time point, and the difference was statistically significant(P&lt;0. 05). The result of MIF immunohistochemistry in rat lung tissue showed that: MIF-positive cells were mainly alveolar epithelial cells, mesenchymal macrophages and alveolar macrophages. Among them, positive expression was also found in part of the capillary endothelium, and in smooth muscle cells of the vessel wall There is also a small amount of expression. The MIF IOD value of the dust-exposed group was compared with the control group at each time point, and the difference was statistically significant(P&lt;0. 05). Both NF-κB and MIF are positively expressed in the lung tissue of silica-exposed rats, which has certain reference significance in the early diagnosis and treatment of silicosis in the future.

Influence of different structures of palm oil-based polyol on the mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid resin from polyurethane-/polysiloxane-modified epoxy

Hybrid resin from polyurethane-/polysiloxane-modified epoxy (PPME) has been synthesized by using palm oil-based polyol as the polyurethane component. The palm oil-based polyol used are glycerol monooleate, polyethylene glycol monooleate, 1,4-butanediol monooleate and 1,4-butanediol,9-hydroxy-10-methoxy-monostearate. These polyols have a different chemical structure with each other. Here, we studied the influence of palm oil-based polyol structure on the mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid resin from PPME. Characterization of palm oil-based polyols structure was conducted by analysis FTIR and NMR. The qualitative analysis of palm oil-based polyols was carried out by determining acid value, ester value, iod value and hydroxyl value. The mechanical properties showed that PPME hybrid resin from 1,4-butanediol,9-hydroxy-10-methoxy-monostearate has the highest mechanical properties, while the thermal properties of hybrid resin showed that there is no significant influence of the polyols structure, but all of the PPME hybrid resins have higher thermal properties than unmodified epoxy. Nevertheless, the thermal degradation of PPME hybrid resin from 1,4-butanediol,9-hydroxy-10-methoxy-monostearate at 400–450 °C has the highest residual weight. It means that it shows the highest thermal stability.

Characterization of Monodiacylglycerol (MDAG) Synthesized from Papua Nutmeg (Myristica Argantea Warb)

Papua nutmeg (Myristica argantea Warb) is indigenous of Fakfak, West Papua. The use of Papua nutmeg is still traditional, i.e. dried fruit, seed, and mace. The seed of Papua nutmeg contains a lipid that could be developed as an emulsifier such as monodiacylgycerol (MDAG). The study aimed to investigate the synthesis of MDAG from Papua nutmeg seed oil and its bioactivity against Staphylococcus aureus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Approximately 13 treatments were conducted to optimize the synthesis of MDGA based on the Central Composite Design of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The parameters evaluated were temperature and reaction time. The result showed that the optimal temperature and reaction time for MDAG production were 42°C and 17 hours which produced 35% and its purity was 93%. The MDAG produced inhibited S. aureus and S. cerevisiae at the concentration 25 mg/ml. The chemical properties of MDAG from the Papua nutmeg contained monoacylglyserol (MAG) (23.35%), diacylglycerol (DAG) (1.87%), and triacylglycerol (TAG) (5.37%), as well as other fatty acids. Physicochemically, the MDAG had a melting point 53.554 °C, iod value 17.34, peroxide value 47.25 meq/1000 g, and purity 93.3%.

PEMBUATAN SENYAWA METIL ESTER YANG DITURUNKAN DARI DARI MINYAK BIJI BINTARO (Cerbera manghas L.) SEBAGAI BAHAN BAKU DASAR PEMBUATAN SURFAKTAN

Synthesis methyl ester can be formed from kernel bintaro oil (Carberra Mangas L.) with two stages which is esterification and trans-esterification. The test result of methyl ester of bintaro kernel oil have iod value 92,82 g iod/100 gr oil, acid value 1,67 mg KOH/g oil with acid concentration 12,470% and saponification value 185.225 mg KOH/gr oil. From GC-MS analysis fatty acid dominant composition from methyl ester is methyl oleat with walue 45.86%. From HLB analysis show value 0,539. Result of analysis of FT-IR show methyl ester from bintaro kernel oil have typical absorbtion peak on wave number 17443.65 (C=O Ester).&#x0D;

Changes in Autophagy Levels in Rat Myocardium During Exercise Preconditioning-Initiated Cardioprotective Effects.

The role of autophagy in the cardioprotection conferred by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been well described. This study aimed to investigate the changes in autophagy levels during the cardioprotective effects initiated by exercise preconditioning (EP).Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: group C (control), group EP, group EE (exhaustive exercise), and group EP + EE (EP pretreatment at 0.5 hours before EE). The EP protocol included 4 periods of 10 minutes of treadmill running each at 30 m/minute with intervening 10 minute periods of rest. Hematoxylin-basic fuchsin-picric acid (HBFP) staining and plasma levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were used to evaluate the ischemia-hypoxia injury in rat myocardium. Alteration levels in several autophagy proteins in the left ventricular myocardium were analyzed by Western blot. The phasic alterations of autophagy levels during EP-initiated cardioprotective phase were also examined.Compared with group C, the ischemia-hypoxia positive areas and IOD value in HBFP-staining and cTnI plasma levels increased significantly in group EE. Compared with group EE, the ischemia-hypoxia injury was markedly attenuated in group EP + EE. Compared with group C, the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, a marker of autophagosome formation, was reduced in group EE, but the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio remained unaltered in group EP + EE. Furthermore, the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio increased significantly at 2 hours during the cardioprotective phase after EP.These results suggest that the activated autophagy level during the EP-initiated cardioprotective phase may be partly involved in the cardioprotective effects by maintaining a normal autophagy basal level during the subsequent exhaustive exercise in rat myocardium.

A modified relief of unilateral ureteral obstruction model

Objectives: To improve the mouse model of relief for unilateral ureteral obstruction (RUUO) and explore the pathological process of renal fibrosis after the obstruction was relieved.Methods: C57BL/6 mice in model group were randomly divided into RUUO group, improved RUUO group, and UUO group. After leaving Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO) for 3 days, the obstruction was released by reimplantation way in RUUO group and in reimplantation + catheter way in improved RUUO group. C57BL/6 mice in observation group were randomly divided into 1d RUUO group, 3d RUUO group, 7d RUUO group, and 14d RUUO group. Three days after UUO, the obstruction was released by reimplantation + catheter in four groups. We detected the renal volume, H&E, Masson staining, and immunohistochemistry of kidney pathology on the seventh day after RUUO in model group and on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 14th day after RUUO in observation group.Results: Comparing with mice in RUUO group, mice in improved RUUO group had lower renal volume, tubular damage score, and collagen area percentage. After the obstruction was relieved, the renal volume decreased gradually within 2 weeks. The tubular damage score in 7d RUUO group was lower than that in 1d RUUO and 3d RUUO group. However, the tubular damage score in 14d RUUO group was higher than that in 7d RUUO group. The tendency of collagen area percentage and α-SMA IOD value were consistent with the tubular damage score.Conclusions: Using the method of reimplantation + catheter, a reliable mice model of RUUO can be got. After RUUO, the de-obstructed kidneys are still in damage and fibrosis state.

Effects of shRNA Expression Vector-mediated Glutathione S-transferase P1 Gene Silencing on Prostate Cancer DU145 Cells

Objective: This study aims to explore the impact of silent GSTP1 gene on the proliferation activity, cell cycle and apoptotic rate of the androgen-independent prostate cancer cell strain DU145. Methods: Thirty subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who had been subject to urinary surgical resection and pathological diagnosis, 30 subjects with radically cured prostate cancer (PCa), and another 30 subjects with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) were enrolled. The GSTP1 expression in the subjects was tested with the immunohistochemical S-P method, the GSTP1 expression in the blood serum of the patients with prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer was tested with Elisa, and the mRNA level of the GSTP1 gene after the DUl45 cells were transfected with shRNA was tested. Results: Four of the HRPC patients were complicated with bone metastasis, two with bladder invasion, and five with liver and lung metastasis. GSTP1 showed high expression in tissues with prostatic hyperplasia and hormone refractory prostate cancer and low expression in tissues with prostate cancer, and the differences were statistically significant (P 0.05). The GSTP1 mRNA content decreased significantly after shRNA554 intervention, with an IOD value of 67.1±8.7. The intervention effect was evidently lower than that of the carrier shRNA255 group (162.2±12.6) and the shRNA593 group (114.5±10.6) with statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Conclusion: The expression vector-mediated GSTP1-shRNA554 transfection can reduce the mRNA level of the GSTP1 gene of the androgen-independent prostate cancer DU145 cells and inhibit the proliferation activity of the in vitro cultivated DU145 cells.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF AMOMUM XANTHIOIDES FROM A LUOI - THUA THIEN HUE

Background: Amomum xanthiodes has been popularly used in traditional medicine. However, the knowledge about essential oil of A. xanthiodes from A Luoi district, Thua Thien Hue province (Viet Nam) is rather poor. In this study, we determined the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of seed essential oil of this species to provide scientific basis, clarify practical value, contribute to the development and conservation of precious medicine resources. Materials and method: Fruits of A. xanthiodes were collected from A Luoi - Thua Thien Hue in June 2017. The seed essential oil was extracted by using the hydrodistillation method. Its physicochemical properties were determined including density, refractive index, acid value, saponification value, ester value, and iod value. This oil was then analysed by gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results: The yield obtained from the hydrodistillation procedures was 1.66% (v/w) calculated on a dry weight basis. Density (at 20oC) was 0.911, refractive index (at 20oC) was 1.4734, acid value was 12.74, saponification value was 110.97, ester value was 98,23, and iod value was 24.89. A total of 15 compounds were found in seed essential oil which belonged to monoterpenes and their derivatives. This oil comprised mainly of bornyl acetate (27.26%), camphor (23.73%), endo-borneol (13.78%), camphene (11.62%), D-limonene (10.96%), and β-myrcene (6.17%). Conclusion: the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of the essential oil of Amomum xanthioides from A Luoi – Thua Thien Hue have been determined. Key words: Amomum xanthiodes, essential oil, physicochemical properties, GC/MS, bornyl acetate, camphor

GLP‑1R agonists ameliorate peripheral nerve dysfunction and inflammation via p38 MAPK/NF‑κB signaling pathways in streptozotocin‑induced diabetic rats.

The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor (GLP‑1R) agonists in the progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in streptozotocin (STZ)‑induced diabetic rats, through inflammatory signaling pathways. The DPN rat model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of STZ and then treated with the GLP‑1R agonist liraglutide or saline for 8 weeks. These animals were randomly divided into 4groups (10rats in each): The normal control+saline group, the normal control+liraglutide group, the diabetic+saline (DM) group and the diabetic+liraglutide (DML) group. The nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in the sciatic nerves of the rats was monitored over a period of 8weeks. Peripheral serum was obtained for the measurement of blood glucose, tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) and IL‑1β level. The protein levels of phosphorylated (p‑) and total extracellular signal‑regulated kinase, c‑Jun NH2‑terminal kinases, p38mitogen‑activated protein kinases (MAPK), and nuclear and cytoplasmic nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) were measured through western blot analysis. Sciatic nerve mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory chemokines (TNF‑α, IL‑6 and IL‑1β), chemokines [monocyte chemoattractant protein‑1 (MCP‑1)], adhesion molecules [intercellular adhesion molecule1 (ICAM‑1)], neurotrophic factors [neuritin, nerve growth factor (NGF) and neuron‑specific enolase(NSE)] and NADPH oxidase4 (NOX4) were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Subsequent to 8weeks of treatment with liraglutide, the density of myelin nerve fibers was partially restored in the DML group. The delayed motor NCV and sensory NCV in the DML group were improved. The IOD value of NOX4 staining in the DML group (24.43±9.01) was reduced compared with that in the DM group (56.60±6.91). The levels of TNF‑α, IL‑1β and IL‑6 in the peripheral serum of the DML group were significantly suppressed compared with those of the DM group. It was also observed that the mRNA expression levels of TNF‑α, IL‑6, IL‑1β, MCP‑1, ICAM‑1 and NOX4 in the sciatic nerve were attenuated in the DML group. The mRNA expression of neuritin and NGF was significantly increased in the DML group compared with that of the DM group; NSE was reduced in the sciatic nerves of the DML group compared with that of the DM group. Additionally, the protein expression of p‑p38MAPK and NF‑κB in the DML group was significantly suppressed. These data demonstrated that GLP‑1R agonists may prevent nerve dysfunction in the sciatic nerves of diabetic rats via p38MAPK/NF‑κB signaling pathways independent of glycemic control. GLP‑1R agonists may be a useful therapeutic strategy for slowing the progression of DPN.

OIL OF PANDAN KELAPA HUTAN (Pandanus jiulianettii Martelli): PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, TOTAL PHENOLS, TOTAL CAROTENE, VITAMIN E AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Pandanus plant is one of the important plant in Papua and Papua New Guinea. Traditionally pandanus plant is used by local people for lots of daily activities and daily needs, start from food flavoring, medicine, to religious ceremony needs. Pandan kelapa hutan fruits (P. jiulianettii Martelli.) is one of a kind of pandanus that been used from generation to generation the highlands of Papua and Papua New Guinea for the food ingredients. This research aims to determine the physicochemical properties, total phenol, total carotene,vitamin E and antioxidant activities of the forest coconut pandan oil (P. jiulianettii Martelli.) extracted using an aluminum pan. Physicochemical character that been analyzed is specific gravity, iod value, saponification value, free fatty acid content, acid value and peroxide value. Total phenol, total carotene and vitamin E measured respectively using Folin-Ciocalteu method, spectrophotometry method and colorimetric methods. Antioxidant activities is measured using a method that called DPPH. The result shows the pandan coconut oil has 1,00059 of specific gravity, 65.87 g/100gr of iod, 201,28 mg/g of saponification, 4.26% of acid and 5.64 Meq/kg of peroxide. The content of total phenols, total carotene and vitamin E respectively are 48.55 ppm, 2.75 µg/g and 5.0303 mg/100g. The antioxidant IC50 measuring result shows the value is 45.83 mg/mL.

EKSTRAKSI MINYAK DAN RESIN NYAMPLUNG DENGAN CAMPURAN PELARUT HEKSAN-ETANOL

Calophyllum seeds are potential to be used as raw material for vegetable oil production due to their high oil content ( 75.1 % db ). In addition, C alophyllum seeds contain resin consisting beneficial phenolic compound s for health. In this study, C alophyllum seeds were extracted using hexane-ethanol mixture to investigate oil and resin yields and their physicochemical properties , and to obtain the best process condition in oil and resin production from C alophyllum seeds. Experiment was carried out using r andomized c omplete d esign with three factors, i.e. extraction time s (5-7 h ), temperature s (40-50°C) , and hexane to ethanol ratio s ( 2 : 4 , 3:3 and 4 : 2 ). The result of variance analysis showed that extraction time and hexane to ethanol ratio affected significantly on oil and resin yield s , density, acid and iod value s, whereas temperature influenced only on oil yield , density and acid value . Best oil (58.2%) and resin (16.2%) yields were respectively obtained at 5h extraction time, 50°C temperature and 4:2 hexane to ethanol ratio, and 5hextraction time, 4 0°C temperature and 2:4 hexane to ethanol ratio. At these optimum conditions, the oil had acid value of 1 4 . 89 mg KOH/g, iodine value of 60.75 g iodine/100 g , viscosity (25 °C ) of 71 . 46 mPa.s, and density (25 °C ) of 0.8 6 g/ cm 3 . On the other hand, t he resin had acid value of 1 33 . 76 mg KOH/g. Keywords: C alophyllum, extraction, ethanol , hexane, oil, resin

Acupuncture for TGF-β1 expression in lung tissues of asthma rats

To explore the regulation of acupuncture for transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) expression in the lung tissues of bronchial asthmatic rats. Forty SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an acupuncture group and a shallow fast acupuncture group, 10 rats in each group. Asthma model was established in the model, acupuncture, and shallow fast acupuncture groups, and no intervention was applied in the blank and model groups. Before atomization excitation, 20 min acupuncture was applied at "Dazhui" (GV 14) "Feishu" (BL 13) "Fengmen" (BL 12) in the acupuncture group. Acupuncture only into skin without needle retained at the above acupoints was used in the shallow fast acupuncture group before atomization excitation from the day of model established. All the treatment was given 7 times, once the other day. The pathological lunge tissues of rats were observed by HE staining; the protein expression of TGF-β1 in the lung tissues was examined by immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. The TGF-β1 expressions in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were showed by ELISA. There were changes in the lung tissues in the model group, including mucus plug in the bronchial lumen, irregular bronchial epithelium, thick airway smooth muscle, local break, narrow lumen, a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration. The phenomena in the acupuncture group were improved and those in the shallow fast acupuncture group were not apparently changed compared with those in the model group. The IOD value of TGF-β1 expression in the model group increased compared with that in the blank group (P<0.05); the positive expression in the acupuncture group was lower than those in the model and shallow fast acupuncture groups (both P<0.05). The contents of TGF-β1 in BALF and serum of the acupuncture group were lower than those in the model and shallow fast acupuncture groups (all P<0.05). Acupuncture may improve airway inflammatory response and remolding of asthma by inhibiting TGF-β1 expression.