14-Deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (deAND), a bioactive component of , has antidiabetic activity. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates glucose transport and ameliorates insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether activation of AMPK is involved in the mechanism by which deAND ameliorates insulin resistance in muscles.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMite allergens are considerable factors in the genesis of allergic diseases. The storage mite (Tp) appears in contaminated foods and household surroundings. The current diagnostic tools for Tp allergy are mostly based on crude extracts and still contain shortcomings.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPro-inflammatory cytokines interfere with blood glucose homeostasis, which leads to hyperglycemia. (AP) has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity and to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetes. The two major bioactive diterpenoids in AP, andrographolide (AND) and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (deAND), have potent anti-inflammatory activity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAeroallergen avoidance has been promoted in order to prevent sensitization and the correlation between the level of allergen exposure and sensitization has been reported. The aims of this study were to monitor environmental mite infestation and to design an effective Der p 2 detection kit to estimate the number of mites in house dust samples. House dust samples were collected from 6 carpets and 2 mattresses monthly from April 2010 to March 2011.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGroup 8 mite allergens exhibit sequence homology to glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), such as that from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 8). GSTs have been identified as important allergens in studies of allergens from house dust mites, cockroaches, and fungi. Our objective was to purify the native group 8 allergen from Tyrophagus putrescentiae (nTyr p 8) and generate recombinant Tyr p 8 (rTyr p 8) for immunological characterization.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe have introduced a G-quadruplex-binding ligand, 3,6-bis(1-methyl-4-vinylpyridinium)carbazole diiodide (BMVC), to verify the major structure of d(T2AG3)4 (H24) in potassium solution and examine the structural conversion of H24 in sodium solution upon potassium titration. The studies of circular dichroism, induced circular dichroism, spectral titration and gel competition have allowed us to determine the binding mode and binding ratio of BMVC to the H24 in solution and eliminate the parallel form as the major G-quadruplex structure. Although the mixed-type form could not be eliminated as a main component, the basket and chair forms are more likely the main components of H24 in potassium solution.
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