Dual Role of α-MSH in Colitis Progression: Mediating Neutrophil Differentiation via Bone Marrow.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises a group of autoimmune disorders characterized by chronicity and resistance to cure, with an unknown etiology. Recent studies on the brain-gut axis suggest that the central nervous system (CNS), particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA), may play a crucial role in modulating the immune system and influencing disease progression. However, the specific role and mechanism of the HPA in IBD pathogenesis remain unclear.

HMGB1: key mediator in digestive system diseases.

High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1), a multifunctional non-histone protein, and its involvement in various physiological and pathological contexts has garnered significant attention. Given HMGB1's central function in modulating key biological activities, such as inflammatory responses and cellular death, its contribution to the pathogenesis of digestive system diseases has become a focus of growing interest. This review aims to comprehensively explore the mechanisms by which HMGB1 contributes to the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disorders, and pancreatitis.

Syntheses of ruthenium(II) quinonediimine complexes of cyclam and characterization of their DNA-binding activities and cytotoxicity.

The synthesis and characterization of ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(cyclam)(bqdi)] x ZnCl(4) (1 x ZnCl(4); cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, bqdi = o-benzoquinonediimine), [Ru(cyclam)(nqdi)] x (ClO(4))(2) (2 x (ClO(4))(2); nqdi = 2,3-naphthoquinonediimine), and [Ru(cyclam)(phi)] x (ClO(4))(2) (3 x (ClO(4))(2); phi = 9,10-phenanthroquinonediimine), are described. The DNA binding properties and biological activity of the Ru(II) complexes were studied by various biophysical and cytological techniques. As expected, only 3 showed significant binding with DNA.