Real-time electro-mechano-acoustic imaging for monitoring interactions between trypsin and different inhibitors in articular cartilage.

The purpose of this study was to observe the real-time interactions between trypsin and various inhibitors in articular cartilage in vitro using a novel electro-mechano-acoustic imaging method. Monitored in real-time, articular cartilage specimens from bovine patellae were first treated with trypsin to reach half proteoglycan depletion (Phase I), then the trypsin solution was replaced with (i) physiological saline buffer (PS), (ii) fetal bovine serum (FBS), (iii) protease inhibitor cocktail (PI) and (iv) 10% formalin (F), respectively, to observe their effects on residual digestion (Phase II). Ultrasound radio frequency signals from the articular cartilage were used to form a M-mode image, where the interface between trypsin digested and intact cartilage tissues could be observed with an additional echo generated.

Pain Controlling and Cytokine-regulating Effects of Lyprinol, a Lipid Extract of Perna Canaliculus, in a Rat Adjuvant-induced Arthritis Model.

Using an adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model, we investigated the effects of a lipid extract of Perna canaliculus (Lyprinol(R)) on pain. Radiological examinations, as well as levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory (AI) cytokines, were measured aiming to provide independent objective data to the pain controlling investigation. We confirmed the ability of Lyprinol(R) to control pain at the initial phase of its administration; with similar efficacy to that observed with Naproxen.

Detecting nitrated proteins by proteomic technologies.

Nitration is a posttranslational modification of tyrosine residues of proteins mediated by peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)). It commonly occurs in neurological and pathological disorders, which involve nitric oxide (NO)-mediated oxidative stress. Nitration of tyrosine or tyrosyl groups of a protein modulates protein function and initiates signal transduction pathways, which lead to alternation of cellular metabolism and functions.

Sodium nitroprusside affects the level of photosynthetic enzymes and glucose metabolism in Phaseolus aureus (mung bean).

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule in plants. The present study aims to investigate the downstream signaling pathways of NO in plants using a proteomic approach. Phaseolus aureus (mung bean) leaf was treated with sodium nitroprusside (SNP), which releases nitric oxide in the form of nitrosonium cation (NO+) upon light irradiation.

Identification of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 as the antigen for the gastrointestinal cancer specific monoclonal antibody MG7.

MG7 is an early gastrointestinal cancer specific monoclonal antibody. It can detect gastric cancer with high sensitivity and specificity. However, the target antigen for MG7 has not been identified.

Proteomic identification of plant proteins probed by mammalian nitric oxide synthase antibodies.

Several studies suggest that a mammalian-like nitric oxide synthase (NOS) exists in plants. Researchers have attempted to verify its presence using two approaches: (i) determination of NOS functional activity and (ii) probing with mammalian NOS antibodies. However, up to now, neither a NOS-like gene nor a protein has been found in plants.