Angiotensin AT receptor antagonism by losartan stimulates adipocyte browning via induction of apelin.

Adipocyte browning appears to be a potential therapeutic strategy to combat obesity and related metabolic disorders. Recent studies have shown that apelin, an adipokine, stimulates adipocyte browning and has negative cross-talk with angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT receptor) signaling. Here, we report that losartan, a selective AT receptor antagonist, induces browning, as evidenced by an increase in browning marker expression, mitochondrial biogenesis, and oxygen consumption in murine adipocytes.

CO Sensing Properties of Chemiresistive In₂O₃/SnO₂ Composite Nanoparticle Sensors.

In₂O₃/SnO₂ composite nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Fringes and spotty patterns were observed in high-resolution TEM images and corresponding selected area electron diffraction pattern, respectively, suggesting the nanoparticles were single crystals. X-ray diffraction results revealed that the In₂O₃/SnO₂ composite NP sensor consisted of three phases: In₂O₃, SnO₂ and In₂Sn₂O (indium tin oxide: ITO).

Molecular and biochemical characteristics of β-propeller phytase from marine Pseudomonas sp. BS10-3 and its potential application for animal feed additives.

Phytate is an antinutritional factor that impacts the bioavailability of essential minerals such as Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Zn(2+), and Fe(2+) by forming insoluble mineral-phytate salts. These insoluble mineral-phytate salts are hydrolyzed rarely by monogastric animals, because they lack the hydrolyzing phytases and thus excrete the majority of them. The β-propeller phytases (BPPs) hydrolyze these insoluble mineral-phytate salts efficiently.