PG Content Research Articles

Effect of phosphate glass reinforcement on the mechanical and biological properties of freeze-dried gelatin composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications

Development of three-dimensional scaffolds is an important step in tissue engineering to repair, rebuild and regenerate damaged tissues. In this study, three dimensional porous gelatin (G) and phosphate glass (PG, 1 and 2 wt%) reinforced gelatin composite (GPG1 and GPG2) scaffolds were developed by freeze drying technique and their suitability as tissue engineering scaffolds was evaluated. FESEM images revealed the formation of an interconnected porous network with porosity above 70% and pore size around 100−500 μm. The developed scaffolds showed swelling, biodegradation and apatite formation on the surface of the scaffolds. Four fold enhancement in compressive modulus was observed with the introduction of PG content in the gelatin matrix which increased further with increase in PG content. Cytotoxicity and cell attachment of the scaffolds were evaluated with MG-63 cells, which revealed non-toxic nature of the scaffold leading to attachment of cells. Cell proliferation of MG-63 on the scaffolds was examined by DNA quantification assay, which showed increased proliferation with PG content and further increase with increase in PG content. In order to evaluate the drug delivery performance of the PG reinforced gelatin composite, ciprofloxacin loaded gelatin and composite (GPG1 and GPG2) samples were prepared and release study was carried out. Prolonged and sustained release behaviour was observed for the PG reinforced gelatin scaffolds which were due to the strong interaction between the PG-ciprofloxacin-gelatin and Fickian diffusion mechanism was observed for GPG2 scaffold. The present study showed that the PG reinforced gelatin scaffold is a potential candidate for bone tissue engineering applications and also serve as drug delivery system.

Peculiarities of Inheritance of Pollen Fertility Restoration Trait in Sunflower with Cytoplasmic Male Sterility

The progenies from crosses of a sterile VIR116A line with PET1 CMS with pollen fertility restorer RIL130, VIR210, and VIR740 lines, differing in the type of cytoplasm and the presence of diagnostic molecular markers of the Rf1 gene, were studied. The pollen of F1 plants of all three cross combinations was highly fertile (89.9–98.3% of stained pollen grains, PG). Each of the F2 populations (VIR116A × RIL130, VIR116A × VIR210, and VIR116A × VIR740) segregated for the pollen fertility trait in a ratio 3 (fertile) : 1 (sterile). Among fertile F2 genotypes, “low pollen” ones were identified, in which there was less pollen than normal during a visual estimation. Their frequency was approximately 9% of the total number of plants in each of the populations, which is consistent with the results obtained previously during the analysis of other hybrid combinations. In cytological analysis, the pollen of “low pollen” plants was characterized by a decreased (as compared with highly fertile plants) frequency of fertile PG (80–100 and 11–78%, respectively) and higher content of anomalous PG (in “low pollen” plants up to 88.5%, in plants with normal level of fertility up to 18%). Using HRG01 and HRG02 molecular markers, the presence of the Rf1 dominant allele in the genotypes of fertile F2 plants (including “low pollen” ones) was confirmed, indicating their high diagnostic value. Possible genetic mechanisms of the occurrence of “low pollen” F2 segregants are discussed.

Effect of curing temperature and particle size distribution on unconfined compressive strength of raw and treated fly ash-lime modified phosphogypsum waste

The Voluminous quantity of phosphogypsum waste is generated by phosphoric acid manufacturing industry and end up being landfilled, resulting into environmental pollution. This study was done to determine applications for raw and treated waste phosphogypsum in building and construction, to determine the best conditions to produce the final product. Two readily available wastes namely phosphogypsum and fly ash were used and blended with hydrated lime. Best strengths was obtained from a mixture of phosphogypsum-lime-fly ash specimens were at elevated temperatures. The strengths obtained at the temperature of 80°C were above the 3.5 MPa permissible strength for building masonry with unconfined compressive strength up to 4.8 MPa. At lower temperature of 40°C the optimum strength obtained was at the minimal phosphogypsum content of 30%. The optimum strength was achieved at the PG content of 50% for raw PG and 60% for treated phosphogypsum. The strengths obtained for the treated phosphogypsum were lower than the minimum permissible load bearing strength due to the non-uniform particles distribution and the presence of impurities and forces of adhesion between citric acid and phosphogypsum. Increasing the curing temperature also reduced the radionuclides initially present in the raw PG without any prior treatment.

Intraindividual Variation in Nuclear DNA Content in Durvillaea Antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot, Macrocystis pyrifera (Linnaeus) C. Agardh and Lessonia spicata (Suhr) Santelices (Phaeophyceae)

Macrocystis C. Agardh, Durvillaea Bory and Lessonia Bory are three brown seaweeds genera of commercial importance for Chilean fishermen. Macrocystis pyrifera (Linnaeus) C. Agardh (Laminariales, Laminariaceae) is one of the world's most ecologically and economically important seaweed collected in Chile for alginate extraction; and as food for abalone aquaculture, Lessonia spicata (Suhr) Santelices (Laminariales, Lessoniaceae) represents more than 70% of the total brown seaweeds annual landing in Chile; and Durvillaea antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot (Fucales, Durvillaeaceae) is consumed as food, being considered very healthy because of its iodine content. Despite the economic importance of these species their nuclear DNA content is unknown until this moment. The present research was initiated to determine the nuclear DNA content and the intraindividual ploidy level variation in these seaweeds. The DNA-localizing fluorochrome DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) and red blood cell (chicken erythrocyte) standard were used to estimate the nuclear DNA contents by image analysis. Durvillaea antarctica presented lower 2C DNA (1.2 pg) content and narrower range of DNA contents (1C-2C) than the Laminariales, which showed higher 2C DNA contents (1.4 -1.5 pg) and a wider range of ploidy level, achieving up to 4C in L. spicata and up to 8C in M. pyrifera. This higher ploidy levels observed would be related with the more complex cortical organization in the Laminariales than D. antarctica. 1C nuclei were only found in mature antheridia (D. antarctica) and sporangia (M. pyrifera and L. spicata). The 2C values observed for the taxa assessed were in the range of other previously published Fucales and Laminariales.

Chemical treatment of phosphogypsum and its potential application for building and construction

This study investigated the use of a chemical treatment process to treat phosphogypsum waste generated from a phosphoric acid production plant and render the final product useful for building and construction applications. Four reagents namely; citric acid, oxalic acid, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate were used for the reduction and removal of hazardous and radioactive constituents in the material. The results for the untreated gypsum revealed that phosphogypsum used in this study was radioactive and laden with radionuclides such as 210Pb, 214Pb, 214Bi, 226Ra, 208Tl, 228Ac, 40K. The best leaching reagent was found to be 0.5 M citric acid as it reduced the relative proportion of contaminants contained in the material. The treated product was blended with lime and fly ash and the effect of curing temperature and phosphogypsum content on the unconfined compressive strength was investigated. Curing at higher temperatures proved to improve the strength of the specimen, the highest strength were obtained at PG content of 30%.

Relationship among clinical periodontal, microbiologic parameters and lung function in participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship among clinical periodontal, microbiologic parameters and lung function in participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 160 participants were recruited, including 80 participants with COPD (COPD group) and 80 participants without COPD (control group). All participants completed questionnaires and underwent clinical periodontal and lung function examinations. Subgingival plaques were obtained to determine the prevalence of selected oral and respiratory bacterial species. 1) Significant relationships were noted in the participants among oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S), clinical attachment level (CAL) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%). 2) Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Klebsiella pneumonia (Kp), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and Streptococcus pneumonia (Sp) prevalence was increased in participants with COPD compared with control participants. 3) A significant negative association was noted between the relative content of Pg and FEV1% in participants with COPD. The results of this study confirm that periodontal destruction and oral pathogens are associated with lung function.

GENDER SPECIFIC VARIATION OF TWO PHENOLIC GLYCOSIDES (POPULIN AND SALICIN) IN POPULUS CILIATA AND IDENTIFICATION OF A NEW COMPOUND (CINNAMOYL-SALICIN)

<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To observe gender specific seasonal variation of two phenolic glycosides (PG’s) (populin and salicin) in <em>Populus ciliata</em> male and female trees.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Plant material (bark) was collected from male and female trees throughout the year. The content of salicin and populin was measured using HPLC. Because of the lack of populin in the market, the standard compound was synthesized in the laboratory from salicin following standard procedure. Confirmation and characterization of synthesized populin were done using <sup>1</sup>H NMR and <sup>13</sup>C NMR. TLC and LC-MS of methanolic extract were performed to observe the presence of populin and salicin in the plant bark.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>TLC showed the presence of populin and salicin in crude plant extract at Rf value 0.84 and 0.52, respectively. The results of monthly variation showed a consistent pattern of two PG’s for both the sexes. However, salicin content was observed highest compared to populin content. Whereas female trees were observed with low content of PG’s compared to male trees. The maximum content of salicin and populin was observed in the flowering season. LC-MS of bark methanolic extract confirmed the presence of a significantly larger peak, which was identified as a cinnamoyl-salicin peak at 463.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study confirms the highest content of PG’s in the flowering season. Additionally, LC-MS study concluded a new compound cinnamoyl-salicin (M<sup>+</sup>at 463) which is reported first time to the best of author’s knowledge. It seems that it could be the denaturation product of 2'-O-cinnamoyl salicortin and can be further explored for biological applications.</p>

Solute Transport of Negatively Charged Contrast Agents Across Articular Surface of Injured Cartilage.

Solute transport through the extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial to chondrocyte metabolism. Cartilage injury affects solute transport in cartilage due to alterations in ECM structure and solute-matrix interactions. Therefore, cartilage injury may be detected by using contrast agent-based clinical imaging. In the present study, effects of mechanical injury on transport of negatively charged contrast agents in cartilage were characterized. Using cartilage plugs injured by mechanical compression protocol, effective partition coefficients and diffusion fluxes of iodine- and gadolinium-based contrast agents were measured using high resolution microCT imaging. For all contrast agents studied, effective diffusion fluxes increased significantly, particularly at early times during the diffusion process (38 and 33% increase after 4min, P<0.05 for iodine and Gd-DTPA; and 76% increase after 10min for diatrizoate, P<0.05). Effective partition coefficients were unaffected in mechanically injured cartilage. Mechanical injury reduced PG content and collagen integrity in cartilage superficial zone. This study suggests that alterations in contrast agent diffusion flux, a non-equilibrium transport parameter, provides a more sensitive indicator for assessment of cartilage matrix integrity than partition coefficient and the equilibrium distribution of solute. These findings may help in developing clinical methods of contrast agent-based imaging to detect cartilage injury.

Synthesis and Aqueous Solution Properties of Block Copolyethers with Latent Chemical Functionality

Three series of polyglycidol-poly(allyl glycidyl ether)-polyglycidol (PG-PAGE-PG) triblock copolymers with ranging PG contents and fixed molar masses of the middle PAGE block are prepared. The copolymers are analogous to the Pluronic, poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO), block copolymers in which the chemically inert PEO and PPO are substituted by PG and PAGE, respectively, exhibiting latent chemical functionality. They are prepared by solvent-free sequential anionic polymerization of allyl glycidyl ether and ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether followed by cleavage of the protective groups. In aqueous solution the block copolymers self-associate. According to the thermodynamic data, the self-association is enthalpically favored with a small entropy contribution, which is fundamentally different from that of Pluronic block copolymers. The nanostructures are parameterized by dynamic and static light scattering and visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Data indicate formation of relatively large particles that are identified as compound particles held together by strong hydrogen bonding promoted by the numerous hydroxyl groups from the PG moieties.

Spontaneous Pattern Formation Induced by Bénard-Marangoni Convection for Sol-Gel-Derived Titania Dip-Coating Films: Effect of Co-solvents with a High Surface Tension and Low Volatility.

Evaporation-driven surface tension gradient in the liquid layer often causes the convective flow, i.e., Bénard-Marangoni convection, resulting in the formation of cell-like patterns on the surface. Here, we prepared sol-gel-derived titania films from Ti(OC3H7(i))4 solutions by dip coating and discussed the effect of the addition of co-solvents with a high surface tension and low volatility on the spontaneous pattern formation induced by Bénard-Marangoni convection. Propylene glycol (PG, with a surface tension of 38.6 mN m(-1)) and dipropylene glycol (DPG, with a surface tension of 33.9 mN m(-1)) were added to the coating solutions containing 2-propanol (2-Pr, with a surface tension of 22.9 mN m(-1)) for controlling the evaporation-driven surface tension gradient in the coating layer on a substrate. During dip coating at a substrate withdrawal speed of 50 cm min(-1) in a thermostatic oven at 60 °C, linearly arranged cell-like patterns on a micrometer scale were spontaneously formed on the titania gel films, irrespective of the composition of coating solutions. Such surface patterns remained even after the heat treatment at 200 and 600 °C, where the densification and crystallization of the titania films progressed. The width and height of the cell-like patterns increased with increasing PG and DPG contents in the coating solutions, where the addition of PG resulted in the formation of cells with a larger height than DPG.

Techniques and applications of in vivo diffusion imaging of articular cartilage

Early in the process of osteoarthritis (OA) the composition (water, proteoglycan [PG], and collagen) and structure of articular cartilage is altered leading to changes in its mechanical properties. A technique that can assess the composition and structure of the cartilage in vivo can provide insight in the mechanical integrity of articular cartilage and become a powerful tool for the early diagnosis of OA. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been proposed as a biomarker for cartilage composition and structure. DTI is sensitive to the PG content through the mean diffusivity and to the collagen architecture through the fractional anisotropy. However, the acquisition of DTI of articular cartilage in vivo is challenging due to the short T2 of articular cartilage (∼40 ms at 3 Tesla) and the high resolution needed (0.5–0.7 mm in plane) to depict the cartilage anatomy. We describe the pulse sequences used for in vivo DTI of articular cartilage and discus general strategies for protocol optimization. We provide a comprehensive review of measurements of DTI of articular cartilage from ex vivo validation experiments to its recent clinical applications. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1487–1504. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Techniques and applications of in vivo diffusion imaging of articular cartilage.

Early in the process of osteoarthritis (OA) the composition (water, proteoglycan [PG], and collagen) and structure of articular cartilage is altered leading to changes in its mechanical properties. A technique that can assess the composition and structure of the cartilage in vivo can provide insight in the mechanical integrity of articular cartilage and become a powerful tool for the early diagnosis of OA. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been proposed as a biomarker for cartilage composition and structure. DTI is sensitive to the PG content through the mean diffusivity and to the collagen architecture through the fractional anisotropy. However, the acquisition of DTI of articular cartilage in vivo is challenging due to the short T2 of articular cartilage (∼40 ms at 3 Tesla) and the high resolution needed (0.5-0.7 mm in plane) to depict the cartilage anatomy. We describe the pulse sequences used for in vivo DTI of articular cartilage and discus general strategies for protocol optimization. We provide a comprehensive review of measurements of DTI of articular cartilage from ex vivo validation experiments to its recent clinical applications.

Antisecretory, gastroprotective, antioxidant and anti-Helicobcter pylori activity of zerumbone from Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith.

Background Zingiber zerumbet Smith is a perennial herb, broadly distributed in many tropical areas. In Malaysia, it’s locally known among the Malay people as “lempoyang” and its rhizomes, particularly, is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease beyond other gastric disorders.Aim of the studyThe aim of the current study is to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of zerumbone, the main bioactive compound of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome, against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats.Materials and MethodsRats were pre-treated with zerumbone and subsequently exposed to acute gastric ulcer induced by absolute ethanol administration. Following treatment, gastric juice acidity, ulcer index, mucus content, histological analysis (HE and PAS), immunohistochemical localization for HSP-70, prostaglandin E2 synthesis (PGE2), non-protein sulfhydryl gastric content (NP-SH), reduced glutathione level (GSH), and malondialdehyde level (MDA) were evaluated in ethanol-induced ulcer in vivo. Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and anti-H. pylori activity were investigated in vitro.ResultsThe results showed that the intragastric administration of zerumbone protected the gastric mucosa from the aggressive effect of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer, coincided with reduced submucosal edema and leukocyte infiltration. This observed gastroprotective effect of zerumbone was accompanied with a significant (p <0.05) effect of the compound to restore the lowered NP-SH and GSH levels, and to reduce the elevated MDA level into the gastric homogenate. Moreover, the compound induced HSP-70 up-regulation into the gastric tissue. Furthermore, zerumbone significantly (p <0.05) enhanced mucus production, showed intense PAS stain and maintained PG content near to the normal level. The compound exhibited antisecretory activity and an interesting minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against H. pylori strain.ConclusionThe results of the present study revealed that zerumbone promotes ulcer protection, which might be attributed to the maintenance of mucus integrity, antioxidant activity, and HSP-70 induction. Zerumbone also exhibited antibacterial action against H. pylori.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectral Analysis of Degenerative Human Intervertebral Discs

Introduction Intervertebral disc (IVD) structure changes throughout life ultimately resulting in disc degeneration and back pain. Most of the IVD extracellular matrix alterations are related this degeneration. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been shown to be a powerful tool in the study of molecular changes associated with matrix structure (collagen denaturation, cross-links, proteoglycans [PGs], and calcification). FTIR analysis is based on monitoring vibrations that originate from molecular components in tissues. Accordingly, evaluation of changes in molecular structure, concentration, and spatial distribution of the tissue components can be performed by direct analysis of spectral maps. Once the spectral maps are calculated, the spatial quantitative and qualitative information on the composition and organization of the tissue compounds can be obtained. FTIR has been successfully utilized in bone and cartilage research in the differentiation between normal and diseased tissues. Our study aims to investigate spatial changes in human IVD composition and microstructural organization in relation to increasing grades of degeneration. Materials and Methods Sample Preparation Human IVDs were obtained from donor lumbar spines of Thompson grades 2 to 5 through organ donations within 24 hours after death. Two IVDs per grade of degeneration were used for FTIR procedure. All tissues were fixed in Accustain (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Missouri, United States), paraffin embedded and sectioned into 20-mm-thick sagittal sections. Consecutive slices were assessed for chemical properties. FTIR Spectra Acquisition Human IVD sections were placed on barium fluoride infrared transparent windows and infrared absorbance spectra were acquired using a classical FTIR spectrometer FTS 7000 series’ (DGILAB) coupled to UMA 600 microscope. For FTIR spectra acquisition, the system was used in point mode (aperture of 250 ×250 µm) with a 4.0/cm resolution and using 128 scans in transmittance mode, and spectra acquisitions were performed under complete N2 purge of the analytical system. Four repeated scans were performed on the spectral region of approximately 900 to 2,000/cm in each sample in the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) regions. Analysis of FTIR Absorption Spectrum of IVD Spectral data were analyzed using Wire 3.0 software. All spectra were baselined and the absorbance of the collagen (COL), elastin, and PG were monitored in the 1,690 to 1,660; 1,595 to 1,500; and 1,140 to 985/cm spectral regions. A univariate analysis was used to evaluate the collagen maturity as the ratio of the integrated area under the amide subpeaks (1,660:1,690/cm). Results The elastin and COL content associated with the stretching vibrations of carbonyl (C=O), C-N, and N-H in the amide II spectral region (1,595-1,500/cm) indicated a significant decrease according to degeneration grade (in AF, from 29.73 ± 0.83 in grade 2 to 20.19 ± 0.65 in grade 5, and in NP from 24.92 ± 0.71 in grade 2 to 8.76 ± 0.56 in grade 5). A significant decrease was also found for the PG content, which is reflected by the stretching vibrations of C-O, C-OH, and as C-C in the carbohydrate chemical group. PG content significantly decreased from 7.95 ± 0.89 in grade 2 to 2.77 ± 0.11 in grade 5 ( p &lt; 0.05) in AF, and from 9.2 ± 1.02 in grade 2 to 5.67 ± 0.72 in grade 5 ( p &lt; 0.03) in NP. Moreover, the ratio of the integrated area of the amide subpeaks (1,660:1690/cm) accompanying collagen maturity, doubled in value with increasing degeneration grades. Conclusion Our studies indicate that FTIR spectral imaging, coupled with univariate data processing techniques, can be used to image the spatial distribution of matrix constituents in human discs with different grades of degeneration. It can therefore provide unique quantitative information on how human disc degeneration can affect the functional state of the disc. Disclosure of Interest None declared

A5.3 Elevated levels of BMP2 compensate for loss of TGF-BETA on proteoglycan level in articular cartilage during experimental osteoarthritis

Purpose We demonstrated earlier that in aging articular cartilage TGF-beta signalling via Smad2/3 is drastically reduced and loss of Smad2/3signalling predisposed cartilage for OA. We showed that TGF-beta inhibition reduced...

Peptide:Lipid Ratio and Membrane Surface Charge Modulate the Mechanism of Action of the Antimicrobial Peptide BP100

We present a comprehensive study of the conformational and functional properties of BP100 (H-KKLFKKILKYL-NH2) upon interaction with large unilamellar vesicles, LUVs, and giant unilamellar vesicles, GUVs, containing variable proportions of zwitterionic PC and negatively charged PG. Theoretical prediction and calculation of hydrophobic moment indicate that BP100 is a surface-seeking amphipathic helix. Accordingly, CD spectra showed that, upon binding to PG-containing LUVs, BP100 acquires α-helical conformation. NMR data showed that the helix spans residues 3-11. Moreover, CD spectra evinced peptide aggregation in the membrane and/or vesicle aggregation, as a function of peptide:lipid ratio and PG content. Dynamic light scattering confirmed vesicle aggregation under conditions of electroneutralization. BP100 decreased the absolute value of the zeta (ζ)potential of LUVs with lower PGcontents. For higher PG contents, the ζ potential remained initially constant, a decrease occurring when ca. 80% of the negatively charged lipids were neutralized. This effect was rationalized in terms of an ion exchange process. Higher peptide concentrations were required for leakage from LUVs aqueous inner compartment at high ionic strength. Moreover, while a gradual release took place at low peptide:lipid ratios, instantaneous lossoccurred at high ratios, suggesting vesicle disruption. Optical microscopy of GUVs also evinced BP100-promoted disruption of negatively charged membranes. We propose that the mechanism of action of BP100 is a function of both peptide:lipid ratio and negatively charged lipid content. While the gradual release of inner contents is a consequence of membrane perturbation by a small number of peptide molecules (monomers or small aggregates), membrane disruption results from a sequence of events: peptide aggregation on the membrane surface, leading to lipid clustering, andgiving rise to peptide-lipid patches that eventually would leave the membrane in a carpet-like mechanism.

Microstructural and Compositional Features of the Fibrous and Hyaline Cartilage on the Medial Tibial Plateau Imply a Unique Role for the Hopping Locomotion of Kangaroo

Hopping provides efficient and energy saving locomotion for kangaroos, but it results in great forces in the knee joints. A previous study has suggested that a unique fibrous cartilage in the central region of the tibial cartilage could serve to decrease the peak stresses generated within kangaroo tibiofemoral joints. However, the influences of the microstructure, composition and mechanical properties of the central fibrous and peripheral hyaline cartilage on the function of the knee joints are still to be defined. The present study showed that the fibrous cartilage was thicker and had a lower chondrocyte density than the hyaline cartilage. Despite having a higher PG content in the middle and deep zones, the fibrous cartilage had an inferior compressive strength compared to the peripheral hyaline cartilage. The fibrous cartilage had a complex three dimensional collagen meshwork with collagen bundles parallel to the surface in the superficial zone, and with collagen bundles both parallel and perpendicular to the surface in the middle and deep zones. The collagen in the hyaline cartilage displayed a typical Benninghoff structure, with collagen fibres parallel to the surface in the superficial zone and collagen fibres perpendicular to the surface in the deep zone. Elastin fibres were found throughout the entire tissue depth of the fibrous cartilage and displayed a similar alignment to the adjacent collagen bundles. In comparison, the elastin fibres in the hyaline cartilage were confined within the superficial zone. This study examined for the first time the fibrillary structure, PG content and compressive properties of the central fibrous cartilage pad and peripheral hyaline cartilage within the kangaroo medial tibial plateau. It provided insights into the microstructure and composition of the fibrous and peripheral hyaline cartilage in relation to the unique mechanical properties of the tissues to provide for the normal activities of kangaroos.

SAT0240 The levels of plasminogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 in antiphospholipid syndrome

BackgroundA disturbance in the fibrinolytic system may cause thrombosis in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).ObjectivesTo determine the levels of plasminogen (Pg) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) in patients...

Preparation and Properties of Propylene Glycol Plasticized Wheat Protein Isolate Novel Green Films

Novel bio-based green films were prepared using wheat protein isolate (WPI) by solution casting method using Propylene Glycol as a plasticizer for packaging applications. The effect of the plasticizer content (10, 15, 20 and 25 wt%) on mechanical properties (tensile strength, young’s modulus and % of elongation) was investigated. A thermal degradation and phase transition of the prepared WPI was assessed by means of TGA and DSC analysis. The results showed that the tensile strength and young’s modulus decreased and % of elongation increased with increasing PG content. The ATR-FTIR and SEM were used for structural characterization and morphology of the films, respectively. FTIR studies reveals that the intensity of the bands corresponding to the amide groups increases with increasing PG content tending to increase protein–PG interactions. Further, the glass transition temperature was decreased and the thermal stability of the WPI was found to be increased by plasticization. The overall thermal stability of the films was improved and is attributed to the increase in mobility of the polymer chains.

Anabolic Effects of Peniel 2000, a Peptide That Regulates TGF-β1 Signaling on Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

An in vitro study with bovine intervertebral disc (IVD) cells and an in vivo study with a rabbit disc degeneration model on the extracellular matrix metabolism by a biglycan-derived peptide (Peniel 2000; P2K). To investigate the mechanism for P2K-induced increases in extracellular matrix and in vitro and in vivo effects of the peptide on IVD. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has a functional versatility on the metabolism of IVD cells, suggesting that the regulation of TGF-β signaling is important in IVD degeneration. P2K was explored by an in silico drug discovery strategy to regulate TGF-β signaling. The putative target of P2K was verified by Biacore 3000 analysis and affinity purification using biotin-P2K. A monolayer culture system of bovine IVD cells was used to demonstrate the mechanism underlying the anabolic effects of P2K. Smad signaling and extracellular matrix metabolism of the IVD cells were investigated by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The in vivo effect of P2K on degenerated disc was investigated using a rabbit model of disc degeneration. In 14 New Zealand white rabbits, disc degeneration was induced by percutaneous annular punctures. After 4 weeks, 3 consecutive discs in the same animal were treated with 5% lactose or P2K per disc. Twelve weeks after the treatment, the regenerative activity in the disc was examined by radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and biochemical and histological analyses. Direct binding of P2K to an active form of TGF-β1 was shown. Type II collagen and aggrecan were increased in TGF-β1/P2K-treated bovine IVD cells, compared with nontreated and TGF-β1-treated cells.In in vivo analysis, a single injection of P2K increased the disc height (P < 0.001) on the radiographs and improved the magnetic resonance imaging grade (P < 0.05) compared with controls. Biochemical analysis, showed a significant increase in PG content because of P2K treatment (P < 0.05). Histological analysis using disc degeneration grades demonstrated improvement in P2K-treated discs (P <0.01). A novel peptide, P2K, regulating TGF-β1 signaling had an anabolic effect on bovine IVD cells and rabbit degenerated discs. The results suggest that P2K has considerable potential as a treatment of degenerative disc disease.