Beneficial Effects of Echinacoside on Cognitive Impairment and Diabetes in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice.

Introduction: Cognitive dysfunction is an important comorbidity of diabetes. Insulin resistance may play a critical role in diabetes-related cognitive impairment. Echinacoside (ECH), a natural phenylethanoid glycoside, is the active component of anti-diabetes prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine.

Molecular and functional characterization of Schistosoma japonicum annexin A13.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects humans and animals in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Schistosome eggs are responsible for the pathogenesis and transmission of schistosomiasis, thus reducing egg production is vital for prevention and control of schistosomiasis. However, the mechanisms underlying schistosome reproduction remain unclear.

Functional characterization of differentially expressed proteins coming from unisexual and bisexual infected Schistosoma japonicum female worms.

Schistosomiasis is an important zoonotic disease affecting up to 40 kinds of animals and is responsible for ∼250 million human cases per year. Due to the extensive use of praziquantel for the treatment of parasitic diseases, drug resistance has been reported. Consequently, novel drugs and effective vaccines are urgently needed for sustained control of schistosomiasis.

Comparative proteomic profiles of Schistosoma japonicum male worms derived from single-sex and bisexual infections.

Schistosomiasis, which is caused by parasitic schistosomes, remains the second most prevalent parasitic disease of mammals worldwide. To successfully maintain fecundity, schistosomes have evolved a lifecycle that involves the cooperation of morphologically distinct male and female forms. Eggs produced by worm pairs are vital to the lifecycle of the parasite and are responsible for pathogenesis.

Schistosoma japonicum translationally controlled tumour protein, which is associated with the development of female worms, as a target for control of schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is a globally important helminthic disease of both humans and animals, and is the second most common parasitic disease after malaria. Although praziquantel is extensively used for treatment of parasitic diseases, drug resistance has been reported. Therefore, new drugs and effective vaccines are needed for continuous control of schistosomiasis.

Sensitivity to Morphine Reward Associates With Gut Dysbiosis in Rats With Morphine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference.

Gut microbiota has been found to establish a bidirectional relationship with the central nervous system. Variations of the gut microbiota has been implicated in various mental disorders, including opioid use disorders. Morphine exposure has been repeatedly found to disrupt the gut microbiota, but association between the gut microbiota and the sensitivity to morphine reward remains unknown.

Functional analysis of the Frzb2 gene in Schistosoma japonicum.

Schistosomiasis is a globally important helminthic disease of humans and animals, and it is the second most common parasitic disease after malaria. Eggs produced by mature females are responsible for the disease's occurrence and spread. Frzb2, a secreted frizzled-related protein, can inhibit Wnt signalling by competitive binding to the specific frizzled protein receptor.

Comparative analysis of iTRAQ-based proteome profiles of Schistosoma japonicum female worms coming from single-sex infections and bisexual infections.

In schistosomiasis, eggs produced by bisexual infected mature female schistosome worms (FMS) are the main cause of pathological damage to the host and the dissemination of the disease. Single-sex infected female worms (FSS) cannot completely develop to sexual maturity or produce normal eggs. In this study, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-coupled LC-MS/MS was used to explore the proteome of FSS and FMS of Schistosoma japonicum.

Function of the lesswright (lwr) gene in the growth, development, and reproduction of Schistosoma japonicum.

The lesswright (lwr) gene and its products are essential molecules in mitosis, DNA repair, and embryo formation in many eukaryotes. In this study, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the Lwr protein was located in the internal tissues and the surface layer of the adult Schistosoma japonicum (Sj) worms. The mRNA expression levels of SjLwr at different points were evaluated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.