Stages Of Rearrangement Research Articles

Hydrothermal carbonization of woody waste: Changes in the physicochemical properties and the structural evolution mechanisms of hydrochar during this process

The Chinese medicine residue (CMR) is composed of wet woody waste, including licorice and ephedra, so using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) to recover renewable energy from the CMR is a suitable treatment method. An in-depth analysis of the physicochemical properties and structural evolution mechanism of hydrochars is helpful in fundamentally promoting the energy utilization of traditional Chinese medicine waste residue. Therefore, this study analyzed the physicochemical properties and morphological structure of hydrochar produced under varying HTC conditions using multiple testing methods. The evolution of the hydrochar's structural characteristics can be categorized into three stages: component decomposition, structural rearrangement, and carbonization. During the component decomposition and carbonization stages, numerous nanoscale micropores form within the hydrochar. These micropores' specific surface area and pore volume can reach up to 113.420 m2/g and 0.01913 cm3/g, respectively. The highest fractal dimension values for D1 and D2 are 2.6354 and 2.5565, while the maximum values for the microcrystalline stacking height (Lc) and the average number of crystalline layers (Nave) are 0.3354 and 1.9968, respectively. Consequently, the hydrochar produced during these stages exhibits a rougher pore surface and a more complex structure, making it more suitable for adsorbing heavy metals from soil and sequestering CO2. During the structural rearrangement stage, the hydrochar exhibits higher contents of fixed carbon (FC), MgO, P2O5, and a higher C/N atomic ratio, with maximum values of 38.51%, 0.99%, 1.12%, and 28.49, respectively. Thus, the hydrochar produced during this stage is more suitable for soil remediation and nutrient recovery.

Structural Properties of Casein Micelles with Adjusted Micellar Calcium Phosphate Content.

Micellar calcium phosphate (MCP) content of skim milk was modified by pH adjustment followed by dialysis. Turbidity, casein micelle size and partitioning of Ca and caseins between the colloidal and soluble phases of milk were determined. Protein structure was characterised by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), whereas organic and inorganic phosphorus were studied by phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR). The sample with the lowest MCP content (MCP7) exhibited the smallest particle size and turbidity, measuring 83 ± 8 nm and 0.08 ± 0.01 cm-1, respectively. Concentrations of soluble caseins increased with decreasing MCP levels. At ~60% MCP removal, FTIR analysis indicated a critical stage of structural rearrangement and 31P NMR analysis showed an increase in signal intensity for Ca-free Ser-P, which further increased as MCP concentration was further reduced. In conclusion, this study highlighted the importance of MCP in maintaining micellar structure and its impact on the integrity of casein micelle.

Characteristics and Controlling Factors of Particle Crushing in Volcaniclastic Sediments under Compaction: The Quaternary Pyroclastic Deposits of Hongtu Hill, Changbaishan Area, Northeastern China

Recently, many scholars have conducted experimental mechanical compaction studies on sandstones, carbonates, and mudstones to visually study the mechanical compaction process and reservoir evolution of sedimentary rocks. However, experimental mechanical compaction studies on the evolution of the compaction process of pyroclastic rocks have been ignored. Volcaniclastic rock reservoirs are widely distributed across the world and strongly influenced by the crushing of pyroclastic particles. In this study, we analyzed the characteristics and controlling factors of the crushing of pyroclastic particles during compaction diagenesis from a microscopic perspective through experimental mechanical compaction. These results can provide quantitative compaction background parameters for the quantitative study of pyroclastic rock reservoir evolution. We took pyroclastic samples from Hongtu Hill in the Changbaishan area as an example, and experimental mechanical compaction experiments were conducted. Furthermore, image surface porosity and particle analysis statistical methods were used, and the variations in the effective porosity and image surface porosity under different axial stresses were studied. The results showed that, after compaction, the effective porosity did not exhibit a decreasing trend with increasing axial stress but rather a normal distribution trend that initially increased and then decreased. In the compaction experiment, the pyroclastic particle crushing process was segmented with increasing axial stress, and there was an obvious compaction band in the initial stage of the compaction, called the particle rearrangement stage (10–30 MPa). Furthermore, there were relatively non-successive compaction localization areas in the later stage of compaction, called the particle crushing stage (50–70 MPa), which was represented by vitreous basalt particles surrounded by porphyritic basalt particles. During experimental mechanical compaction, the smaller the compactness, the smaller the solidity, and the larger the slenderness of the particles, the more likely the particles were to break during compaction. Particles containing intragranular pores and vitreous basalt particles were easily crushed.

Synthesis and Structure of N-(1-(Bromomethyl)-7,7-dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide

A new bicyclic sulfonamide derivative, N-(1-(bromomethyl)-7,7-dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide, was synthesized in the reaction of benzenesulfonamide and camphene in the presence of N-bromosuccinimide in acetonitrile. The proposed mechanism of investigated reaction involves the Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement stage. 3-(Bromomethylene)-2,2-dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane was isolated as a minor product. The products were characterized by IR, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, HRMS and elemental analysis data.

The Role of Non-Covalent Bonds in the Deformation Process of Coal: An Experimental Study on Bituminous Coal

The chemical structures of tectonically deformed coal are significantly altered by stress. However, the stress response of non-covalent bonds in deformation experiments and the role of non-covalent bonds in the deformation process of coal have not been studied yet. In this work, coals before and after simulative deformation experiments were systematically investigated to uncover the coal’s deformation mechanism and the variation of non-covalent bonds. The results indicate that differential stress and temperature can promote ductile deformation while confine pressure hinders the deformation process. Differential stress and temperature in the ranges of 100–150 MPa and 100–200 °C, respectively, are key transition conditions from brittle to ductile deformation for the selected bituminous coal. Furthermore, hydrogen bonds and π–π bonds crosslinking coal molecular networks determine the mechanical properties of the coal. The simulative deformation experiments indicate that, with an increase in the coal’s deformation intensity, hydrogen bonds and π–π bonds are inclined to be disrupted in the relaxation stage, which enhances the motion ability of the liberated molecular structures and reduces the brittleness of the coal. In the rearrangement stage, tighter and more ordered configurations are formed, accompanied by the formation of π–π bonds. Coals in the deformation experiments are inclined to undergo ductile deformation once sufficient non-covalent bonds are cleaved in the relaxation stage.

Revealing the DNA Unwinding Activity and Mechanism of Fork Reversal by RecG While Exposed to Variants of Stalled Replication-fork at Single-Molecular Resolution

RecG, belonging to the category of Superfamily-2 plays a vital role in rescuing different kinds of stalled fork. The elemental mechanism of the helicase activity of RecG with several non-homologous stalled fork structures resembling intermediates formed during the process of DNA repair has been investigated in the present study to capture the dynamic stages of genetic rearrangement. The functional characterization has been exemplified through quantifying the response of the substrate in terms of their molecular heterogeneity and dynamical response by employing single-molecule fluorescence methods. An elevated processivity of RecG is observed for the stalled fork where progression of lagging daughter strand is ahead as compared to that of the leading strand. Through precise alteration of its function in terms of unwinding, depending upon the substrate DNA, RecG catalyzes the formation of Holliday junction from a stalled fork DNA. RecG is found to adopt an asymmetric mode of locomotion to unwind the lagging daughter strand for facilitating formation of Holliday junction that acts as a suitable intermediate for recombinational repair pathway. Our results emphasize the mechanism adopted by RecG during its ‘sliding back’ mode along the lagging daughter strand to be ‘active translocation and passive unwinding’. This also provide clues as to how this helicase decides and controls the mode of translocation along the DNA to unwind.

Palladium Complexes Catalysed Telomerisation of Arylamines with Butadiene and Their Cyclisation into Quinoline Derivatives

Since alkynyl-arylamines are widely used in the chemical industry as pre products, a method of catalytic synthesis of problematic substituted quinolines from aromatic amines containing octadienal substituents has been developed. For this purpose, the processes of N-2,7-octa-dienyl anilines cyclisation under the action of transition metal complexes and telomerisation of arylamines with butadiene in the presence of palladium complexes were studied. Suppose N-2,7-octa-dienyl anilines are synthesised by telomerisation of arylamines with butadiene in the presence of palladium complexes. In that case, the cyclisation process is carried out in the presence of catalytic amounts of Pd(II) complex with dimethyl sulfoxide or nitrobenzene. The conducted research made it possible to study the opportunity of obtaining in one stage aromatic amines substituted in the nucleus by the reaction of butadiene with arylamines in the presence of palladium complexes. The research proved the principal possibility of obtaining ortho-substituted naphthylamines from butadiene and corresponding naphthylamines in one stage. A catalytic method for the synthesis of problematic substituted quinolines in the presence of palladium complexes has been developed. It has been established that the cyclisation of N-octadienyl-arylamines into quinolines proceeds through the stage of Kleisen amino rearrangement. N-2,7-octa-dienyl anilines and their derivatives can be widely used in the paint, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Quinoline alkenylene derivatives can be used to produce unique polymer materials, hardeners, stabilisers, extractants, sorbing agents, catalysts for the synthesis of polyurethanes, biologically active substances and their analogues. They are pre-products in synthesising alkaloids, medicines and products used in agriculture. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Enhancing the density of silicon carbide with the addition of nitrate-based additives

Dense monolithic silicon carbide (SiC) was successfully sintered by hot pressing at 1750?C for 1 h under an applied pressure of 20 MPa with the addition of a nitrate-based additive. With the addition of MgO-Y2O3 and Al2O3-Y2O3 in nitrate form, a relative density of more than 98% was achieved, while in the oxide form it was 85.0 and 96.0%, respectively. In fact, MgO-Y2O3 showed poor densification due to the eutectic temperature of 2110?C, however, the addition of the nitrate form of MgO-Y2O3 greatly enhanced the densification. The sintering mechanism in the nitrate-based additive is liquid phase sintering, identified by the presence of an oxide phase, i.e., Y2O3 in the SiC with the addition of Al2O3-Y2O3 in nitrate form. Moreover, the addition of nitrate form suppressed the grain growth of SiC, which was believed to be due to the adequate rearrangement stage during sintering.

Bluetongue virus capsid protein VP5 perforates membranes at low endosomal pH during viral entry.

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is a non-enveloped virus and causes substantial morbidity and mortality in ruminants such as sheep. Fashioning a receptor-binding protein (VP2) and a membrane penetration protein (VP5) on the surface, BTV releases its genome-containing core (VP3 and VP7) into the host cell cytosol after perforation of the endosomal membrane. Unlike enveloped ones, the entry mechanisms of non-enveloped viruses into host cells remain poorly understood. Here we applied single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography and structure-guided functional assays to characterize intermediate states of BTV cell entry in endosomes. Four structures of BTV at the resolution range of 3.4-3.9 Å show the different stages of structural rearrangement of capsid proteins on exposure to low pH, including conformational changes of VP5, stepwise detachment of VP2 and a small shift of VP7. In detail, sensing of the low-pH condition by the VP5 anchor domain triggers three major VP5 actions: projecting the hidden dagger domain, converting a surface loop to a protonated β-hairpin that anchors VP5 to the core and stepwise refolding of the unfurling domains into a six-helix stalk. Cryo-electron tomography structures of BTV interacting with liposomes show a length decrease of the VP5 stalk from 19.5 to 15.5 nm after its insertion into the membrane. Our structures, functional assays and structure-guided mutagenesis experiments combined indicate that this stalk, along with dagger domain and the WHXL motif, creates a single pore through the endosomal membrane that enables the viral core to enter the cytosol. Our study unveils the detailed mechanisms of BTV membrane penetration and showcases general methods to study cell entry of other non-enveloped viruses.

Gas-pressurized torrefaction of biomass wastes: Self-promoted deoxygenation of rice straw at low temperature

Gas-pressurized (GP) torrefaction of biomass, proposed in our previous work, has a much higher oxygen removal efficiency compared to conventional torrefaction, but how the pressure promoted the deoxygenation remains unclear. In this work, the GP torrefactions under different partial pressures of volatiles (Pvol) and total pressures (Ptot) were conducted. The results revealed that the Pvol was the root cause rather than the Ptot of the acceleration of biomass decomposition and deoxygenation for the first time. This process can be regarded as a self-promoted deoxygenation process, and consisted of three stages. Stage 1 was the volatiles formation stage, where hemicellulose decomposed, volatiles formed and the Pvol increased. Stage 2 was self-promoted dehydration stage, where the hydroxyl in biomass was dramatically removed. Stage 3 was structure rearrangement stage, where the aromatic structure formed. The stage 2 and stage 3 were highly correlated with the Pvol, and resulted in the deep deoxygenation of biomass. This study should be not only suitable for the GP torrefaction, but can also be extended to pressurized pyrolysis and gasification of biomass.

Influence of the Presence of Choline Chloride on the Classical Mechanism of "Gelatinization" of Starch.

The aim of this research is to contribute to a better understanding the destructuration of three native starches and a wheat flour in mixtures of water and choline chloride. Model systems have thus been defined to allow a better approach to hydrothermic transformations related to the interactions between choline chloride and starch. We have observed that choline chloride has an impact on the gelatinization of starch which corresponds to the stabilizing salts phenomenon. The depolymerization and dissolution of the starch have also been demonstrated and can there dominate the gelatinization. However, the results obtained in X-ray diffraction by heating cell have shown that the exotherm which appeared was not only related to the depolymerization of the starch, but that a stage of crystalline rearrangement of the starch coexisted with this phenomenon.

“Thermal-dissolution based carbon enrichment” treatment of biomass wastes: Mechanism study of biomass pyrolysis in a highly-dispersed medium

A novel treatment denoted as the “Thermal-dissolution based carbon enrichment (TDCE)” was proposed in our previous work to effectively deoxygenate and de-ash biomass under mild conditions. The main reactions during this process occurred in a highly-dispersed and inert medium, thus its mechanism was unclear. In this study, cellulose was chosen as the model compound to investigate the underlying reaction mechanisms of TDCE process. It was confirmed that three distinct stages were involved in this process, which were physical dissolution stage, intramolecular deoxygenation and rearrangement stage, and stabilization stage. The deoxygenation attributed to the intramolecular dehydration at around 300 °C and the formations of CO2 and CO through subsequent aromatization in liquid phase at around 350 °C. Around 67% and 19% of oxygen were removed by these two pathways, respectively. About 80% of carbon remained in the solid products in all conditions. A two-step process was verified for the aromatic substance formation: furan structure formation at the beginning and the subsequent conversion to benzene ring. Especially, unlike large molecular bio-char formation in conventional pyrolysis, small molecular aromatics were formed in TDCE process. Undoubtedly, the highly-dispersed and inert medium contributed to these intramolecular reactions and suppressed the intermolecular reactions, although it wasn’t involved in the chemical reactions. Hence, the unique reaction mechanism of biomass in a highly-dispersed medium was specified, providing theoretical guidance to the practical application of TDCE method.

Influence of Nickel Powder Particle Size on the Microstructure and Densification of Spark Plasma Sintered Nickel-Based Superalloy

This study aims to investigate the effects of powder particle size on the densification and microhardness properties of spark plasma sintered superalloy. Three particles size ranges of nickel were used in this study, namely, (3-44, 45-106 and 106-150 μm), and this is the matrix in the IN738LC superalloy composition (powder), used in the study. The effects of the particle size were examined at a specific applied temperature and pressure. The transitioning stages during the sintering process of the green powders to the formation of the sintered alloy were analyzed and given as the particle rearrangement stage, the localized deformation stage and the neck formation/grain growth stage. There was the formation of γ, γ' and a solid solution within the microstructure of the sintered alloys. The effect of particle size was more pronounced on the grain sizes obtained, while the phases formed is the same for the three alloys. The results indicate that the nickel particle size (>60% of the total composition) has a significant influence on the densification, porosity, grain size and hardness properties of the IN738LC sintered alloy. Finer nickel particle size resulted in a sintered product with smaller grain size (9 µm), reduced percentage porosity (3.9%), increased relative density (96.1%) and increased hardness properties (371 Hv).

Organic-induced nanoscale pore structure and adsorption capacity variability during artificial thermal maturation: Pyrolysis study of the Mesoproterozoic Xiamaling marine shale from Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China

This research analyzed two low-maturity Mesoproterozoic Xiamaling marine shale samples with different TOC contents in Zhangjiakou of Hebei, China. Artificial anhydrous pyrolysis experiment simulated the thermal evolution process of the shale sample from low maturity to over maturity. The evolution characteristics of geochemical parameters and mineralogy of shales with the increase in maturity were investigated. A general evolution model of nanoscale pore structure and methane adsorption content (MSC) was established. Results show that hydrocarbon generation and mineral conversion promote the generation, development, combination, and rearrangement of nanoscale pores in shale samples with the increase in thermal maturation. The maturity increase helps facilitate the generation and evolution of pores in shales. Heating can promote the generation, development, and evolution of nanoscale pores, and this condition can contribute to forming large pore volume and surface area. The formation and evolution of the nanoscale pores in shale can be roughly subdivided into adjustment, development, combination, and rearrangement stages. Nanoscale pore structure parameter and MSC decrease and reach the minimum value as the temperature reaches 350 °C in the adjustment stage. Then, they rise and reach the maximum value at approximately 650 °C during the development stage. Finally, they decline again as the pyrolysis temperature rises at the combination and rearrangement stages. The general evolution model of nanoscale pore structure and MSC was proposed and subdivided into three stages by combining the hydrocarbon generation, mineral conversion, nanoscale pore structure, and MSC evolution of the thermal simulation shale samples. The differences in organic geochemical index, mineral characteristics, nanoscale pore structure, and MSC evolution characteristics of the simulated samples are mainly due to the difference in their TOC content.

Influence of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets on phase transformation, microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Si3N4 ceramics

Fully dense Si3N4 materials with 1 wt.% (∼ 1.5 vol.%) and 2 wt.% (∼ 3.0 vol.%) h-BN nanosheets were prepared by spark plasma sintering at 1750 °C with the dwell of 7 min under a pressure of 50 MPa in a vacuum. BN nanosheets with different dimensions were prepared by ultrasound-assisted liquid phase exfoliation of h-BN powder, followed by centrifugation at different speeds (1000 rpm and 3000 rpm). The addition of BN nanosheets hindered the particle rearrangement stage of sintering, which resulted in the delayed α→β phase transformation of Si3N4. To study a direct effect of BN nanosheets on the mechanical properties of Si3N4, the results were compared to the monolithic Si3N4 with similar grain size and α/β-Si3N4 ratio. The addition of 2 wt.% h-BN nanosheets (1000 rpm) increased both the fracture toughness (∼ 26 %) and the strength (∼ 45 %) of Si3N4, when compared to the monolithic Si3N4 with similar microstructure.

U-Pb Age, by Zircon, of the Pre-Klesiv Breed Association of the Osnytsky Block

The Osnytsky block is an integral part of the Osnytsky-Mikashevytsky volcanic-plutonic belt, represented by early proterozoic igneous rocks of different compositions. This is a new type of igneous belts for the early precambrian – a paleotypical analogue of intracontinental volcanic-plutonic belts by the phanerozoic, which was formed in the conditions of mature continental crust in the initial stage of radical structural rearrangement of the cratonized gneiss base of the Eastern European platform. Volcanogenic formations have undergone regional metamorphism at a level not higher than the epidote-amphibolite facies, classified in the klesiv series, which combines effusives of basic, acidic and medium composition and occupies a higher stratigraphic position compared to the metamorphites of the teteriv series. Intrusive rocks (gabbro-diorite-granodiorite granite association) – to the osnitsky complex. Rocks of the osnitsky complex are widespread, they account for 80-85% of the area of the Osnitsky block. The pre-klesiv association, represented mainly by gneisses of the teteriv series and plagiogranitoids of the sheremetivsky complex, has a limited distribution. The LA-ICP-MS U-Pb method was applied to date zircon from plagiogranite and plagiomigmatite of the sheremetivsky complex, and from gneiss and amphibolite. The plagiogranite yielded an age of 2110 ± 8, and plagiomigmatite of 2165 ± 22 Ma. Hence, granitoids of the sheremetivsky complex in the Osnitsk block were formed between 2.16 and 2.11 Ga. The age of the metamorphism of gneisses was defined as 2198 ± 29 Ma, whereas zircon from amphibolite crystallized at 1981 ± 36 Ma. Correspondingly, gneiss can be attributed to the teteriv series, whereas amphibolite can belong to either osnitsky complex, or nartsyzivsky complex.

A new look at colonic mucosal structural rearrangement and the stages of chronic colitis

To revise the existing criteria to improve the definition of chronic colitis stages in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). A total of 100 cases of IBDs (ulcerative colitis (n=70) and Crohn's disease (n=30) diagnosed in 2017 to 2019 were examined. Thirty patients with colitis were selected for a comparison group, who were assigned to an infective colitis group or a drug-induced colitis one at the final diagnosis. The sequence of chronic colitis stages was defined from Stage 1 (early changes) to Stage 3, which are characterized by progressive mucosal structural rearrangement. Mainly at Stage 3 that characterizes the final stage of structural rearrangement in the mucous membrane, where dysplastic changes (the onset of tumor transformation) are detected. For the diagnosis of chronic colitis in IBD, it is mandatory to detect mucosal structural rearrangement. Stages 1 and 2 are characterized by early structural changes in the mucous membrane, whereas the process becomes irreversible at Stage 3. The identification of colitis stages is of diagnostic and, undoubtedly, prognostic value.

Thermally Activated Jamming in Ultrasonic Powder Compaction

Herein, the role of thermal softening in ultrasonic powder compaction is assessed by comparing the densification behaviors of nominally pure Cu and a thermally stable CuTa alloy. These materials have similar thermal properties, but pure Cu softens at much lower temperatures than does the CuTa alloy. Using a specialized ultrasonic powder compaction setup, in situ measurements of relative density, sonotrode power consumption, and temperature are collected, which together provide a time‐dependent geometric hardening parameter that reflects the structure of the compact. The geometric hardening data for the pure Cu powder reveal three distinct stages of densification: an initial particle rearrangement stage; a jamming transition where strong junctions develop between particles; and a final stage characterized by compatible plastic deformation. By contrast, the geometric hardening data for the thermally stable CuTa powder show that it remains a weak fluidized granular medium, despite experiencing higher normal pressures, oscillation amplitudes, and temperatures. The contrasting behaviors of the Cu and the CuTa powders suggest that a thermally activated jamming transition drives interparticle junction growth and densification in ultrasonic powder compaction.

Static Liquefaction Capacity of Saturated Undisturbed Loess in South Jingyang Platform

According to a previous geological investigation, high-speed and long-distance loess landslides in the South Jingyang platform in Shaanxi Province are closely related to the static liquefaction of loess. Considering the typical loess landslides in this area, isotropic consolidated undrained (ICU) triaxial tests and scanning electron microscopy analyses were conducted in this study. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The stress-strain curves indicate strong strain softening under different confining pressures. The pore water pressure increases significantly and then remains at a high level; (2) The liquefaction potential index (LPI) shows an increasing trend followed by stabilization; the larger the LPI is, the smaller the state parameter (Ψ) is. The steady-state points of the loess are in the instability region; however, the steady-state strength is not zero; (3) Based on the ICU test results, the average pore diameter decreases; the shape ratio remains essentially unchanged; and the fractal dimension and roundness show different trends. The proportions of the macropore and mesopore decrease; that of the small pore increases slightly; and that of the micropore increases significantly; (4) The compression deformation of the highly spaced pores causes rapid strain hardening. A rapid strain softening results from the pore throat blockage at the beginning of particle rearrangement and reorganization. A stable strain softening is related to the agglomeration blocking of the reconstructed pore throat in the gradually stable stage of particle rearrangement and reorganization.

Production of factors involved into fibrosis regulation by various types of human macrophages

Macrophages (Mφ) play a key role in regulation of fibrogenesis, including proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, differentiation of progenitor cells into myofibroblasts, as well as synthesis and secretion of the extracellular matrix, mainly collagen. The direction of the Mφ effects (stimulation or suppression) is determined by a number of factors, including the stage of the fibrotic process and the Mφ functional phenotype dependent on the signals of microenvironment. One of the feasible ways of the fibrogenesis regulating is the secretion of pro- or antifibrotic factors such as matrix metalloproteinases, inhibitors of metalloproteinases and some cytokines. However, existing data on ability to secrete these factors by various subpopulations of human Mφ are rare and controversial. The aim of this study was to characterize the ability of human M1, M2a, and M2c Mφ differentiating in the presence of GM-CSF to produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1), as well as some cytokines and growth factors. As compared to M2 macrophages, the M1 macrophages polarized by lipopolysaccharide produced significantly more TNFα, IL-6 and IL-2 that have pro-inflammatory activity and are able to initiate a fibrotic process. In turn, M2a Mφ stimulated by IL-4 were characterized by a high level of VEGF production and, at the same time, low levels of TNFα and IL-6, which may determine the important role of these cells at the proliferative stage of fibrosis and stimulation of extracellular matrix deposition. Finally, M2c Mφ polarized by dexamethasone, exhibited the М2а-like cytokine profile, i.e., VEGF was actively produced against the background of low TNFα and IL-6 synthesis. Moreover, all three Mφ subpopulations did actively secrete MMP-9 and TIMP-1, without significant difference in production of these factors. However, M2c Mφ differed by a significantly higher MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio index compared to M1 and M2a Mφ, and it is crucial at the rearrangement stage of the fibrotic process. Thus, the production of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, together with other pleiotropic cytokines and growth factors by various Mφ subtypes may reflect their role in regulation of fibrotic process at various stages.