Low Molecular Products Research Articles

Transportation of squid ink polysaccharide SIP through intestinal epithelial cells and its utilization in the gastrointestinal tract

Studies have evidenced that the squid ink polysaccharide (SIP) could enhance intestinal mucosal immunity. To further assess the delivery of SIP through intestinal epithelial cells and determine its bioavailability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the SIP was labelled with fluorescein FTSC. Subsequently, the FTSC-SIP was purified and validated by thin-layer chromatography and liquid chromatography analyses. Based on Caco-2 epithelial monolayer, the transportation of FTSC-SIP was assayed by fluorescence spectrometry. Trace amounts of FTSC-SIP could be transported through the epithelial monolayer. Utilization of FTSC-SIP was evaluated by monitoring the serum FTSC content in mice after FTSC-SIP gavage. FTSC-SIP could be absorbed rapidly, with FTSC showing up in the serum in less than 1 hour after gavage and low molecular weight SIP break-down products in the faeces. Our data imply that SIP can be utilized by the host. This will provide scientific basis for dietary polysaccharide to be used as a functional food ingredient.

Structural and electric surface characteristics of heavy ion tracks in poly(ethylene terephthalate) and mica

The entry of high-energy Kr, Xe, and Bi ions into the surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and mica has been imaged. It has been shown that the track images have the shape of protuberances in both cases. The formation of protuberances is associated with the degradation of the material in the track region, in the formation of an amorphous structure, and the release of low-molecular radiolysis products as gaseous compounds. Holding the irradiated PET samples in water and dilute alkaline solution for several hours changes the surface topography due to hydrolysis of the material and escape of the radiolysis products to the solution. The kinetics of track etching in the dilute alkaline solution and pore formation have been studied. The electrical resistance and the permeability of the tracks in KCl, LiCl, MgCl2, and BaCl2 electrolytes have been measured.

Degradation of lignin in ionic liquid with HCl as catalyst

Lignocellulosic materials consist of 10−30% lignin by weight and 40% by energy (Perlack et al., 2005). As the highest energy component of plant biomass, lignin is composed of phenol units. Eco‐friendly degradation of lignin in ILs provides an important way to utilize it efficiently. In this study, 1‐methyl‐3‐benzylimidazolium chloride (BnMIMCl) and 1‐methyl‐3‐benzylimidazolium trichloroacetate (BnMIMTFA) were applied for degradation liquefaction of lignin. The highest liquefaction efficiency of 75.45% was obtained under the optimized condition. This attributed to the good dissolving capability and assistance of ILs to lignin during the degradation. GC‐MS analysis showed that 60% of low molecular products were phenols. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 809–814, 2016

Isolation and identification of hybrid recombinant E7 oncoprotein of type 16 human papilloma virus conjugated with heat shock protein 70

The recombinant E7 oncoprotein gene of type 16 human papilloma virus (conjugated with the heat shock protein 70 (E7(16)-HSP70)) was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells. A number of chromatographic isolations were conducted to obtain the target protein and its primary identification and to establish its originality. The use of metal chelate chromatography was based on selective binding of sorbent active groups with a poly-histidine fragment at C-terminus of the target protein polypeptide sequence, while the use of affine chromatography was based on the association with ATP-binding regions of E7 and HSP70. The degree of purity of the target protein after both procedures did not exceed 70%, indicating the presence of many low-molecular admixtures and products of the target molecule oligomerization. The use of chromatographic purification under denaturing conditions using strong reducing agents allowed isolation of the target protein, the monomer content in which exceeded 97%. The target protein originality was established by immunoblotting and electrophoresis; the correspondence of its primary structure to the declared sequence was demonstrated by mass-spectrophotometry.

Efficacy and site specificity of hydrogen abstraction from DNA 2-deoxyribose by carbonate radicals

The carbonate radical anion CO3•− is a potent reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in vivo through enzymatic one-electron oxidation of bicarbonate or, mostly, via the reaction of CO2 with peroxynitrite. Due to the vitally essential role of the carbon dioxide/bicarbonate buffer system in regulation of physiological pH, CO3•− is arguably one of the most important ROS in biological systems. So far, the studies of reactions of CO3•− with DNA have been focused on the pathways initiated by oxidation of guanines in DNA. In this study, low-molecular products of attack of CO3•− on the sugar–phosphate backbone in vitro were analyzed by reversed phase HPLC. The selectivity of damage in double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) was found to follow the same pattern C4′ > C1′ > C5′ for both CO3•− and the hydroxyl radical, though the relative contribution of the C1′ damage induced by CO3•− is substantially higher. In single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oxidation at C1′ by CO3•− prevails over all other sugar damages. An approximately 2000-fold preference for 8-oxoguanine (8oxoG) formation over sugar damage found in our study identifies CO3•− primarily as a one-electron oxidant with fairly low reactivity toward the sugar–phosphate backbone.

Inhibition of the metabolic degradation of filtered albumin is a major determinant of albuminuria.

Inhibition of the degradation of filtered albumin has been proposed as a widespread, benign form of albuminuria. There have however been recent reports that radiolabeled albumin fragments in urine are not exclusively generated by the kidney and that in albuminuric states albumin fragment excretion is not inhibited. In order to resolve this controversy we have examined the fate of various radiolabeled low molecular weight protein degradation products (LMWDPs) introduced into the circulation in rats. The influence of puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis on the processing and excretion of LMWDPs is also examined. The status and destinies of radiolabeled LMWDPs in the circulation are complex. A major finding is that LMWDPs are rapidly eliminated from the circulation (>97% in 2 h) but only small quantities (<4%) are excreted in urine. Small (<4%) but significant amounts of LMWDPs may have prolonged elimination (>24 h) due to binding to high molecular weight components in the circulation. If LMWDPs of albumin seen in the urine are produced by extra renal degradation it would require the degradation to far exceed the known catabolic rate of albumin. Alternatively, if an estimate of the role of extra renal degradation is made from the limit of detection of LMWDPs in plasma, then extra renal degradation would only contribute <1% of the total excretion of LMWDPs of albumin. We confirm that the degradation process for albumin is specifically associated with filtered albumin and this is inhibited in albuminuric states. This inhibition is also the primary determinant of the massive change in intact albuminuria in nephrotic states.

Concentration of C20‐22n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from Sardinella longiceps and fatty acid stabilization

Long chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from the refined oil from Sardinella longiceps were concentrated by low‐temperature crystallization and urea complexation. Low‐temperature crystallization (4°C) using acetone:ethylacetate (7:3, v/v) and urea complexation with urea‐to‐fatty acid ratio of 4:1 (w/w) afforded fatty acid concentrate (FAC) with greater than 60% C20–22 n‐3 fatty acids, and significant increase in NMR olefinic proton integral (at δ 5.2–5.6). Ethylacetate fractions of seaweeds, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Hypnea musciformis, and Jania rubens, which possessed greater antioxidant activities, were added to FAC individually, and in nine factorial combinations (0.5%, w/w). The oxidative stabilities of these treatments were compared with FAC added with BHT and α‐tocopherol in an accelerated storage study. A synergistic effect of ethylacetate fractions from K. alvarezii, H. musciformis, and J. rubens used at 0.1:0.2:0.2 (%, w/w) in preventing the oxidative degradation of FAC was observed. No traces of aromatics (δ 6–7) and aldehydes (δ 9–10) were present in the 1H‐NMR spectra of FAC added with seaweed extracts after the accelerated storage study, demonstrating that the seaweed extracts were able to prevent the formation of low molecular weight secondary oxidation products in the unsaturated system during storage.Practical applications: The present study demonstrated the process of concentrating the refined oil of S. longiceps using a step‐wise process of low‐temperature crystallization and urea complexation, which is significant to obtain greater than 60% C20–22 n‐3 fatty acids. The fatty acid concentrate has greater susceptibility towards oxidative rancidity resulting in the formation of toxic end products, and therefore, the prevention of oxidative deterioration of n‐3 fatty acid concentrates is a major challenge for the fish oil industry. Effectiveness of seaweed derived antioxidatives as natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants to prevent the formation of oxidation products in the concentrated fatty acids from fish oil has been established. The utility of nuclear magnetic resonance analyses as an effective tool for analyzing the chemistry and stability of concentrated n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been demonstrated. This study is significant to produce stabilized fatty acid concentrate from marine fish oil for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.Refined oil from Sardinella longiceps was concentrated by urea complexation to yield fatty acid concentrate (FAC) with greater than 60% C20–22 n‐3 fatty acids, and a significant increase in 1H‐NMR olefinic proton integral (δ 5.2–5.6). No traces of aromatics (δ 6–7) and aldehydes (δ 9–10) were present in 1H‐NMR of FAC added with seaweed extracts after accelerated storage, demonstrating that seaweed extracts could prevent the formation of low molecular weight secondary oxidation products in the unsaturated system during storage.

Malondialdehyde levels and total antioxidant capacity in the dental follicles of the asymptomatic impacted third molars

Objectives: Malondialdehyde (MDA), is one of many low molecular weight end products of lipid peroxidation (LPO), increases in oxidative stress. Antioxidants such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC) have a protective effect against reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study is to examine the development of the antioxidant defense mechanism in dental follicles (DF) of radiologically asymptomatic impacted third molars (ITM) by using MDA and TAC. Materials and Methods: This study involved 40 DF of 40 patients referred for clinically and radiographically asymptomatic ITM. 40 healthy gingival tissues in the same patients obtained during surgical removal of teeth as a control group. This study involved DF widths on periapical radiographs narrower than 2.5 mm were included in the study. All of tissues samples were analyzed for MDA and TAC. Results: Levels of the MDA and TAC in DF were significantly higher than the levels of MDA and TAC provided from healthy gingival tissues of the same patients (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of our study showed that an important antioxidant defense mechanism may also occur in DFs of asymptomatic ITM. In the light of these preliminary findings of the presented study, supplementary studies should be undertaken to establish the differences between inflammation affecting the DF and clinical outcomes.

Rapid screening of phytoremediation effluents by off-line tetramethylammonium hydroxide assisted thermochemolysis

Tetramethylammonium hydroxide-assisted thermochemolysis performed in an off-line mode proved a useful tool in determining organic compounds in the effluent from laboratory-scale phytoremediation systems. Studies were performed with artificial wastewaters contaminated with xylenols and densely rooted Juncus effuses plants. Analytes in these molecular-level based studies included xylenol substrates, an array of stable intermediates such as low molecular weight carboxylic acids and oxidative coupling products (tetramethyl biphenyldiols, tetramethyl diphenylether monools), diagnostic fatty acid biomarkers, as well as lignin-, carbohydrate-, and protein-based phenols and carboxylic acids. Lignin-based breakdown products belonged to p-hydroxyphenyl- and guaiacyl-units, with lower abundance of syringyl units and the dominance of acids over phenols. Monomeric lignin-, protein- and carbohydrate-based breakdown products could not be detected in the non-treated lyophilized effluent. The formation of diketopiperazines pointed to soluble peptides and proteins. The procedure described herein can easily be applied in every modern laboratory to characterize underlying processes in phytoremediation.

RECOMBINANT FUSION E7 ONCOPROTEIN OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TYPE 16 CONJUGATED WITH HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 70: ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION

A gene for a recombinant E7 oncoprotein of human papillomavirus type 16 conjugated with a heat shock protein 70 (E7(16)-HSP70) has been expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A number of chromatographic separations was performed in order to primarily identify the protein and establish its authenticity. Metal-chelate and affinity chromatography were aimed at selective binding of the active groups of sorbents with polyhistidine fragment at the C-terminus of the polypeptide sequence of the target protein and ATP-binding regions of E7 and HSP70, respectively. The purity of the target protein after two purification steps did not exceed 70% showing the presence of a number of low-molecular impurities and oligomerization products of the target molecule. Chromatographic purification under denaturing conditions using strong reducing agents made it possible to isolate the target protein with the content of the monomer exceeding 97%. Electrophoresis and immunoblotting methods permitted to establish the authenticity of the target protein, and mass spectrometry showed its set primary structure.

Degradation of hyaluronic acid derived from tilapia eyeballs by a combinatorial method of microwave, hydrogen peroxide, and ascorbic acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) derived from tilapia eyeballs was depolymerized by microwave irradiation with ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Its effects on the structure of hyaluronic acid were determined by ultraviolet spectra (UV) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). Molecular weight and the content of glucuronic acid were used as the index for comparison of the different effects of microwave alone, hydrogen peroxide combined with ascorbic acid, and microwave combined with ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The results showed that HA can be effectively degraded by a combinatorial method of microwave, hydrogen peroxide, and ascorbic acid. The optimal degradation condition was a 1:1 mol ratio between hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid at pH 4.0 at 30 min of reaction time and 60 °C of reaction temperature. The low molecular weight oligomeric product of HA was obtained, and the molecular weight of HA was <5 kDa. The content of glucuronic acid in degraded HA was 34.96%, and the yield of the degraded HA was 77.43%. The overall spectral pattern of FTIR and UV did not change between HA and low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) degraded by the combinatorial method, demonstrating only minor damage to the structure of HA during the degradation process.

A method to quantify C1–C5 hydrocarbon gases by kerogen primary cracking using pyrolysis gas chromatography

Flash pyrolysis (Py) in combination with gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry are often used to elucidate the structure of geomacromolecules such as kerogens, coals, asphaltenes and humic acids by analyzing their low molecular weight pyrolysis products. Most previous work restricts itself to C6+ pyrolysis products with only a few reports on the quantitative measurement of individual C1–C5 gaseous hydrocarbons. This is because of the difficulty in simultaneously separating C1–C5 efficiently. By using a GasPro capillary column to separate C1–C5 gaseous hydrocarbons and using polystyrene as external standard, we explore a quantitative Py-GC flame ionization detector (FID) method to study the C1–C5 pyrolysis products released from kerogens (coals) by primary cracking. Our study indicates that there is a good linear relationship between peak area of C1–C5 on Py-GC FID and kerogen sample weight. Based on the above methods, the yields of C1–C5 gaseous hydrocarbons released from various kerogen types were quantitatively studied. The results indicate that kerogen type plays a key role in controlling the compositions of C1–C5 gaseous hydrocarbons released by kerogen primary cracking under pyrolysis conditions. Type III kerogens (vitrinite rich coals) seem to have more abundant short alkyl chains linked to aromatic nuclei. Sequential flash pyrolysis at 800°C, 1000°C and 1200°C suggests the generation mechanism of C1 is different from that of C2–C5. C2–C5 are mainly generated by the release of alkyl precursors while aromatization and condensation of the kerogen structure may also be an important source of C1 at high maturity, especially for type III kerogens (vitrinite rich coals). It seems to be a reliable way to study the generation mechanisms of C1–C5 by kerogen primary cracking and also the distribution of short alkyl chains within kerogen structure.

Carrageenan analysis. Part 3: Quantification in swine plasma

Development and validation of this method was conducted to support a 28-day piglet feeding study of swine-adapted infant formulations stabilised with carrageenan. The validation was performed in accordance with USFDA Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Regulations and associated current bioanalytical guidelines. Separation of carrageenan from plasma protein was unsuccessful using saturated sodium chloride due to the extremely strong cross-linking interactions between carrageenan and protein. Poligeenan is the deliberately acid-hydrolysed low molecular weight polygalactan non-food product produced from carrageenan. Poligeenan molecules are nearly identical to carrageenan molecules with respect to molecular structure, the primary difference being molecular weight. These poligeenan molecules have similar molecular weight when compared with the lowest molecular weight fraction of carrageenan called the low molecular-weight tail (LMT). Poligeenan was separated from plasma protein using the salting procedure, this being due to the significantly weaker interaction with protein caused by its shorter molecular chain length. Thus, poligeenan was applied as a chemical analyte surrogate for the LMT of carrageenan solely for the development and validation of the method. This method was used to try to detect the LMT of the carrageenan test material during the 28-day piglet feeding study, and if such was absorbed into the bloodstream. Successful development and validation of the method was achieved using LC-MS/MS coupled with ESI in negative-ion mode. A standard curve of instrument response versus poligeenan concentration was developed using swine plasma spiked with a range of poligeenan concentrations. The lower level of quantification (LLOQ) of poligeenan was 10.0 µg ml–1, and the quantification range was 10.0–100.0 µg ml–1. No animals were fed poligeenan.

Effect of particle size and composition of powdered nanocrystalline molybdenum disulfide on its tribological behavior

The tribological behavior of two types of nanocrystalline molybdenum disulfide produced from natural molybdenum disulfide by monolayer dispersion in the presence of water (nano-MoS2(H2O)) and acetonitrile (nano-MoS2(CH3CN)) is studied. The study of the friction of these materials against polished and ground steels, as well as XPS examinations, show the advantage of the more thermally stable nano-MoS2(CH3CN), which is primarily due to the origin of low-molecular products adsorbed on the surfaces of nanoparticles.

Mapping of IgE epitopes in in vitro gastroduodenal digests of β-lactoglobulin produced with human and simulated fluids

This work aimed to identify the IgE epitopes of the allergenic whey protein β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) following in vitro gastrointestinal digestion using human (HF) or simulated digestive fluids (SF). The IgE-binding of the digests was evaluated by inhibition ELISA with sera from milk allergic patients and the low molecular weight digestion products were identified by RP-HPLC–MS/MS. These peptides were then chemically synthesized and analyzed by a peptide microarray immunoassay. β-LG resisted digestion during the gastric phase, while no residual β-LG was observed at the end of the duodenal phase. The immunoreactivity of the digests was consistent with the levels of intact β-LG present, showing almost negligible IgE binding after gastrointestinal digestion with both systems. There were similarities in the peptide patterns produced, showing, respectively, 21 and 18 identical peptides in the gastric and duodenal digests. Digestion products related to five high-frequency IgE-binding synthetic peptides: β-LG (43–60), β-LG (47–62), β-LG (86–99), β-LG (86–100) and β-LG (135–147), which were released upon in vitro digestion, particularly with SF. These matched two very immunoreactive areas of the protein: 43–68 and 122–146, as mapped using a library of 36 20-amino acid peptides corresponding to the primary sequence of β-LG. However, no IgE-binding peptides comprising the residues 86–100 were detected by analyzing the 36-peptide library by microarray immunoassay.

Extended Detailed Chemical Kinetic Model for Benzene Pyrolysis with New Reaction Pathways Including Oligomer Formation

The detailed chemical kinetic model based on elementary reactions was developed by adding reactions associated with the formations of benzene oligomers such as quaterphenyl (C24H18) and quinquephenyl (C30H22) and the overall reactions on coke formation to the available model reported previously [Norinaga, K.; J. Anal. Appl. Pyro., 2009]. This extended model was critically evaluated by comparisons of the computed results with experimental data on the benzene pyrolysis performed with an atmospheric flow reactor at temperature ranging from 1123 to 1223 K, residence time up to 4 s, and benzene partial pressure of 10.1 kPa [Kousoku, A.; J. Chem. Eng. Jpn.; accepted for publication]. The extended model showed improved capabilities in predicting product distribution in the benzene pyrolysis, including the yields of unreacted benzene as well as primary products such as benzene oligomers, low molecular weight gaseous products such as hydrogen and methane, and soot/coke. In contrast, the original model significantly underpredicted the conversion of benzene and could not predict the formations of benzene oligomers larger than terphenyl and coke. Acceptable agreements in oligomer yields obtained theoretically and experimentally indicate that the higher oligomer formations that had been ignored in the previous research are important reaction pathways leading to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the primary stage of benzene pyrolysis.

Oxidative treatment of biomass using catalysts based on iron(iii) oxides

The catalyst based on iron(iii) oxides was prepared by hydrolising FeIII salt in water and adding surfactants. The catalyst is active in decomposing H2O2 and accelerates the oxidative destruction of ligno-containing biomass at atmospheric pressure and moderate temperatures of 60–70 °C under the action of H2O2 and O2. The particle size in the initial catalyst is several nanometers. The catalyst activity in decomposition of H2O2 changes nonlinearly and non-monotonically with increasing initial brutto-concentration of the FeIII ions. The catalyst obtained under the optimal conditions decomposes H2O2 as fast as the most active relevant systems do. As the result of thermal-oxidative destruction the biomass (sawdust, peat, olive pulp, straw) is transformed to the low-molecular products of oxidation of lignine, cellulose, lipoproteides, and sugars; the solid residue is represented by cellulose and its derivatives. The yield of solid residue depends on the biomass nature, concentration ratios of the reagents (biomass, catalyst, hydrogen peroxide), and the duration of destruction. On the basis of the data on the rate of peroxide consumption, evolution and transformation of catalyst, and concentration dependences the conclusion was made, that the nanocatalyst based on iron(iii) oxides combined with H2O2 and O2 forms the catalytic system for oxidative destruction of ligno-containing biomass, activity of which depends on the type of organic raw materials and oxidizer.

폴리에스터 폐자원의 화학 원료화 기술

PET는 자연 미생물에 의해서는 완전히 분해되지 않고, 산업의 발달과 소비 증가에 따른 PET의 광범위한 사용과 보급에 의한 많은 PET 폐기물의 발생은 심각한 환경문제를 야기한다. 이를 처리하기 위한 매립 및 소각은 소중한 화학자원의 경제적 손실이기도 하다. 이러한 환경 및 경제적 문제들을 다룰 수 있는 PET의 재활용 및 재 처리에 관한 다양한 방법들을 제시하였다. 그 중 폴리에스터 폐자원의 화학원료화가 매력적인 방법으로 각광받고 있다. 화학 원료화는 화학반응을 통해 고분자 PET 사슬을 분해시키고, 그 후 분리 정제과정을 통해 단량체와 같은 원료 화합물을 만드는 것이다. 이 원료 화합물로부터 새로운 폴리에스터를 재합성할 수 있기 때문에 폐 PET의 처리에 좋은 대안이라 할 수 있다. Wide spread application and non-biodegradability of the poly(ethylene terephthalate) generate a huge amount of waste and disposal, posing serious environmental problems. Disposal of the PET wastes also can be thought as an economic loss of valuable chemical resources. We present various ways of feedstock recycling of PET waste to deal with environmental and economic problems. Feedstock recycling is one of promising technologies. It is based on the concept of depolymerizing the condensation polymer such as PET through solvolytic chain cleavage into low molecular products which can be purified and reused as raw materials for the production of high quality chemical products.

Changes of synovial fluid protein concentrations in supra-patellar bursitis patients after the injection of different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid

Knee pain is commonly seen in orthopedic and rehabilitation outpatient clinical settings, and in the aging population. Bursitis of the knee joint, especially when the volume of the synovial fluid is large enough, can compress and distend the nearby soft tissues, causing pain in the knee joint. Out of all the bursae surrounding the knee joint, supra-patellar bursitis is most often associated with knee pain. Treatment strategies in managing supra-patellar bursitis include the aspiration of joint synovial fluid and then followed by steroid injection into the bursa. When supra-patellar bursitis is caused by degenerative disorders, the concept of viscosupplementation treatment may be effective by injecting hyaluronic acid into the bursa. However, the rheology or the changes in the concentrations of proteins (biomarkers) that are related to the development of bursitis in the synovial fluid is virtually unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the concentration changes in the synovial fluid total protein amount and individual proteins associated with supra-patellar bursitis using the Bradford protein assay and western immunoglobulin methods. A total of 20 patients were divided into two groups with 10 patients in each group. One group received the high molecular weight hyaluronic acid product of Synvisc Hylan G-F 20 and the other group received the low molecular weight hyaluronic acid product of Hya-Joint Synovial Fluid Supplement once per week injection into the bursa for a total of 3weeks. Significant decreases in the synovial fluid total protein concentrations were observed after the second dosage of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid injections. Apolipoprotein A-I, interleukin 1 beta, alpha 1 antitrypsin, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 proteins revealed a trend of decreasing western immunoblotting band densities after hyaluronic acid injections. The decreases in apolipoprotein A-I and interleukin 1 beta protein band densities were significant in the high molecular weight hyaluronic acid injection group. Transthyretin, complement 5, and matrilin 3 proteins revealed a trend of increasing western immunoblotting band densities after hyaluronic acid injections. Transthyretin revealed significant increases in protein band densities in both the high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid injection groups. This study may provide the rationale for targeting several biomarkers associated with lipid transport, inflammation, and anti-aging as possible disease modifying therapies for the treatment of supra-patellar bursitis and even degenerative joint disorders.

Marine Low Molecular Weight Natural Products as Potential Cancer Preventive Compounds

Due to taxonomic positions and special living environments, marine organisms produce secondary metabolites that possess unique structures and biological activities. This review is devoted to recently isolated and/or earlier described marine compounds with potential or established cancer preventive activities, their biological sources, molecular mechanisms of their action, and their associations with human health and nutrition. The review covers literature published in 2003–2013 years and focuses on findings of the last 2 years.