Expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A in granulosa cells: implications for oocyte maturation and in vitro fertilization outcomes.

Objective: In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is a widely used treatment for infertility, with oocyte maturation and quality having a significant impact on oocyte fertilization, embryo development, and fetal growth. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is essential for maintaining the mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain and supplying energy for oocyte development, fertilization, and embryonic development. In this study, we aimed to examine TFAM expression in women undergoing IVF-ET and assess its impact on the IVF outcomes.

Astragalus polysaccharide suppresses excessive collagen accumulation in a murine model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma.

Systemic scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrotic changes in skin and other organs involving excessive collagen deposition. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays a key role in the fibrotic process in systemic scleroderma (SSc). Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) isolated from one of the Chinese herbs, Astragalus mongholicus, are known to have a variety of immunomodulatory activities.

Activating transcription factor 3 interferes with p21 activation in histone deacetylase inhibitor-induced growth inhibition of epidermoid carcinoma cells.

Inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity by HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) results in cancer cell growth inhibition, and HDACis have been revealed as potential anti-skin cancer agents. p21 is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and an essential regulator of growth inhibition. Recently, we reported that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) could significantly promote skin cancer cell growth.

Synthesis, characterization and luminescent properties of lanthanide complexes with a novel multipodal ligand.

Solid complexes of lanthanide nitrates with an novel multipodal ligand, 1,2,4,5-tetramethyl-3,6-bis{N,N-bis[((2'-furfurylaminoformyl)phenoxyl)ethyl]-aminomethyl}-benzene (L) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra and molar conductivity measurements. At the same time, the luminescent properties of the Sm(III), Eu(III), Tb(III) and Dy(III) nitrate complexes in solid state were investigated. Under the excitation of UV light, these complexes exhibited characteristic emission of central metal ions.

Randomized trial of three phototherapy methods for the treatment of acne vulgaris in Chinese patients.

Background And Aims: Acne vulgaris is common in Asian populations. We compared three methods of phototherapy for the treatment of moderate to severe facial acne vulgaris in Chinese patients.

Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to receive photodynamic therapy (PDT), intense pulsed light (IPL) or blue-red light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy to the right side of the face until the inflammatory lesion count reduced by ≥ 90%.

Acitretin exhibits inhibitory effects towards UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)1A9-mediated 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) and propofol glucuronidation reaction.

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential risk of drug-drug interactions associated with acitretin which is a drug for therapy of psoriasis approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The initial screening of acitretin's inhibition towards 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) glucuronidation catalyzed by important UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms in the liver showed that UGT1A9 activity was strongly inhibited by acitretin with other UGT isoforms negligibly influenced. The inhibition type is best fit to competitive inhibition, and the inhibition kinetic parameter (K(i)) was determined to be 3.

Pathogenicity of Trichosporon asahii in a murine model of disseminated trichosporonosis.

Background: In recent years, superficial and deep mycoses caused by trichosporon were occasionally reported. In 2001, we reported the first case of disseminated trichosporonosis caused by Trichosporon asahii (T. asahii) in China.

[Significance of IGS1, ITS and D1/D2 regions in molecular identification of Trichosporon species and genotype of T. asahii in China].

Objective: To compare the sensitivity and specificity in molecular identification in different DNA regions of Trichosporon species and to study the genotype of T. asahii isolated from clinical specimens in China.

Methods: DNA was extracted from the cells of all experimental strains by using a method of glass bead method.