Knowledge of the intestinal absorption of nucleobases and analogs has
accumulated, as is generally the case, mainly from studies using non-primate
experimental animals. However, the recent identification of sodium-dependent
nucleobase transporter 1, which plays a major role in their absorption in such
animals, has led to exposing the fact that this important transporter is genetically
missing in humans. To help to embark on efforts now needed to elucidate the
mechanism of intestinal absorption of nucleobases and analogs in humans, which
could be totally different from that in non-primate experimental animals, this
article presents a comprehensive review on relevant knowledge and issues.
Vascular
dementia (VD) is a common neurodegenerative disease, in the progress of which neuroinflammation
and beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition act as vital elements. In this study, lots
of Aβ and nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were found in VD
rats’ brains induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. A traditional
Chinese medicine-Shechuangzi (osthole) extracted from the fruit of Cnidium
monnieri (L.) possesses multiple pharmacological characteristics. This
study has been proved the effect of osthole on VD rat evidenced by improving
the behavior function, inhibiting the activation of microglia and reducing NLRP3
content, as well as decreasing the Aβ formation.
The
toxicity of each ochratoxin A and acrylamide is known but there is uncertainty
about the cumulative toxicity of two compounds. In this research, Pyo et al.
demonstrated that there is a synergistic relationship between ochratoxin A and
acrylamide that raises oxidative stress, reduces antioxidant enzymes and causes
apoptosis, exacerbating liver and kidney toxicity. These findings indicate that
the risk could be increased further by the food-borne toxicant 's interaction
with the toxicant produced during processing.
Crocetin
is a major bioactive component in saffron (Crocus
sativus L.) and it has favorable cardiovascular protective effects. This
study investigated the regulative effects of crocetin on L-type Ca2+
current (ICa-L), contractility, and the Ca2+ transients in
rat ventricular cardiomyocytes using patch-clamp technique and Ion Optix
system. The results indicated that crocetin inhibited ICa-L,
intracellular Ca2+ concentration and contractility of
cardiomyocytes. Crocetin (600 μg/ml) reduced cell shortening and the crest value of the ephemeral Ca2+
by 28.6 ± 2.31%, 31.87 ± 2.57%, respectively. These findings reveal that crocetin
could be a potential calcium blocker for the treatment of cardiovascular
disease.
Niemann-Pick diseases are classified into
types A/B and C and early definitive diagnosis of them is important for better
prognosis of the diseases. The authors developed a novel diagnostic screening
strategy for Niemann-Pick diseases using a combination of serum concentrations
of N-Palmitoyl-O-phosphocholine-serine and sphingosylphosphocholine based on
analyses by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. In this study, a
rapid method and a validated analysis were developed. The former was useful for
screening and the latter were useful for differentiation of Niemann–Pick
diseases. This strategy may be useful for screening of Niemann-Pick diseases in
clinical practice.