SLC6A19 is a novel putative gene, induced by dioxins via AhR in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays an important role in mediating dioxins toxicity. Currently, genes of P450 families are major research interests in studies on AhR-mediated gene alterations caused by dioxins. Genes related to other metabolic pathways or processes may be also responsive to dioxin exposures.

Effects of Acute Low-Dose Exposure to the Chlorinated Flame Retardant Dechlorane 602 and Th1 and Th2 Immune Responses in Adult Male Mice.

Background: Although the chlorinated flame retardant Dechlorane (Dec) 602 has been detected in food, human blood, and breast milk, there is limited information on potential health effects, including possible immunotoxicity.

Objectives: We determined the immunotoxic potential of Dec 602 in mice by examining the expression of phenotypic markers on thymocyte and splenic lymphocyte subsets, Th1/Th2 transcription factors, and the production of cytokines and antibodies.

Methods: Adult male C57BL/6 mice were orally exposed to environmentally relevant doses of Dec 602 (1 and 10 μg/kg body weight per day) for 7 consecutive days.

Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against human aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent nuclear receptor, is involved in a diverse spectrum of biological and toxicological effects. Due to the lack of three dimensional (3D) crystal or nuclear magnetic resonance structure, the mechanisms of these complex effects of AhR remain to be unclear. Also, commercial monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against human AhR protein (hAhR), as alternative immunological tools, are very limited.

Directing vascular cell selectivity and hemocompatibility on patterned platforms featuring variable topographic geometry and size.

It is great challenge to generate multifunctionality of vascular grafts and stents to enable vascular cell selectivity and improve hemocompatibility. Micro/nanopatterning of vascular implant surfaces for such multifunctionality is a direction to be explored. We developed a novel patterned platform featuring two typical geometries (groove and pillar) and six pattern sizes (0.

Modulation of protein adsorption, vascular cell selectivity and platelet adhesion by mussel-inspired surface functionalization.

A mussel-inspired surface functionalization of the polydopamine (PDA) coating has been demonstrated to be a promising strategy to ensure the biocompatibility of various biomaterials. To explore the multifunctionality of the PDA coating for vascular stents and elucidate the mechanisms by which the PDA coating modulates vascular cell behavior, this study examined the protein adsorption, the responses of endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and platelet adhesion to various PDA-coated surfaces synthesized at varied initial dopamine concentrations. Our results indicate that various PDA coatings present distinct and varied functionalities.

Kai-xin-san, a chinese herbal decoction containing ginseng radix et rhizoma, polygalae radix, acori tatarinowii rhizoma, and poria, stimulates the expression and secretion of neurotrophic factors in cultured astrocytes.

Kai-xin-san (KXS), a Chinese herbal decoction prescribed by Sun Simiao in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang about 1400 years ago, contains Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Polygalae Radix, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma, and Poria. In China, KXS has been used to treat stress-related psychiatric diseases with the symptoms of depression and forgetfulness. Although animal study has supported the antidepression function of KXS, the mechanism in cellular level is still unknown.

Salidroside stimulates the accumulation of HIF-1α protein resulted in the induction of EPO expression: a signaling via blocking the degradation pathway in kidney and liver cells.

Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma (Rhodiola), the root and rhizome of Rhodiola crenulata (Hook. f. et Thoms.

Antibacterial coatings of fluoridated hydroxyapatite for percutaneous implants.

Percutaneous orthopedic and dental implants require not only good adhesion with bone but also the ability to attach and form seals with connective tissues and the skin. To solve the skin-seal problem of such implants, an electrochemical deposition method was used to modify the surfaces of metallic implants to improve their antibacterial ability and skin seals around them. A dense and uniform fluoridated calcium phosphate coating with a thickness of about 200 nm was deposited on an acid-etched pure titanium substrate by controlling the current density and reaction duration of the electrochemical process.