Analgesic effect of and molecular docking investigation of the major component swertiamarin.

Rafn is employed in Algerian traditional medicine for treating pain. The analgesic activity of the ethanolic extract (EE) from the flowering aerial parts of this plant was examined, and molecular docking of the main bioactive compound was performed. The EE, characterised by the iridoid swertiamarin, was administered to Wistar albino rats in pain models.

Protective effects of taurine on human hair follicle grown in vitro.

Taurine is a naturally occurring beta-amino acid produced by methionine and cysteine metabolism. It is involved in a variety of physiological functions, including immunomodulatory and antifibrotic. Taking advantage of the ability of human hair follicle grown in vitro to recapitulate most of the characteristic features of normal hair follicle in vivo, we studied (i) taurine uptake by isolated human hair follicles; (ii) its effects on hair growth and survival rate; and (iii) its protective potential against transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, an inhibitor of in vitro hair growth and a master switch of fibrotic program.

Comparative proteomic analysis of extracellular matrix proteins secreted by two types of skin fibroblasts.

The hair follicle dermal papilla is composed primarily of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins secreted by resident fibroblasts. Dermal papilla is endowed with hair morphogenic properties, yet its composition is poorly characterized. In an attempt to understand its specificity better, we compared the protein composition of ECM secreted by cultured dermal papilla fibroblasts with that of dermal fibroblasts.

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored Ecm33p influences conidial cell wall biosynthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus.

ECM33 encodes a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein whose orthologs in yeast are essential for sporulation. Aspergillus fumigatus Ecm33p is unique and has an apparent mass of 55 kDa. Disruption of A.

Detection of irradiated spices by different physical techniques.

We used thermoluminescence, electron spin resonance, and viscosimetric measurements to establish whether or not a spice had been irradiated. Thermoluminescence, using the 1788 EN official protocol with an alternative method for the extraction of mineral impurities, led to proof of irradiation or proof of no treatment. Electron spin resonance led to different spectrum shapes depending on the chemical composition of the spices; ESR could only be used as proof of irradiation up to several weeks after irradiation, and only for some spices.

Identification of irradiation treatment of aromatic herbs, spices and fruits by electron paramagnetic resonance and thermoluminescence.

Electron paramagnetic resonance and thermoluminescence signals induced by gamma irradiation in some herbs, spices and fruits were systematically studied in order to detect the treatment. Using European protocols the validity and effectiveness of these two techniques are compared in regard to time of storage after irradiation.

Expression of the yeast BFR2 gene is regulated at the transcriptional level and through degradation of its product.

The essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene BFR2 has been isolated as a high-copy suppressor of the growth defects induced by Brefeldin A, a drug that disrupts the Golgi apparatus and its protein influx. Furthermore, BFR2 has been found to display genetic interactions with four mutations affecting protein transport to the Golgi apparatus. Here we show that the level of BFR2 mRNA rapidly increased over fivefold in response to cold shock, and over threefold following nutrient replenishment by dilution of cells from exhausted to fresh minimal medium.

Over-expression of the yeast BFR2 gene partially suppresses the growth defects induced by Brefeldin A and by four ER-to-Golgi mutations.

The fungal metabolite Brefeldin A (BFA) disrupts the Golgi apparatus and its incoming protein flux. We developed a genetic approach to identify yeast proteins involved in the protein transport step that BFA blocks. The BFR2 gene (YDR299W) was thus isolated as a high-copy suppressor of the growth defects induced by BFA in a sensitive strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.