Differential Distribution of RBPMS in Pig,Rat, and Human Retina after Damage

RNA binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS) is expressed exclusively in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the retina and can label all RGCs in normal retinas of mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, and monkeys, but its function in these cells is not known. As a result of the limited knowledge regarding RBPMS, we analyzed the expression of RBPMS in the retina of different mammalian species (humans, pigs, and rats), in various stages of development (neonatal and adult) and with different levels of injury (control, hypoxia, and organotypic culture or explants). In control conditions, RBPMS was localized in the RGCs somas in the ganglion cell layer, whereas in hypoxic conditions, it was localized in the RGCs dendrites in the inner plexiform layer. Such differential distributions of RBPMS occurred in all analyzed species, and in adult and neonatal retinas. Furthermore, we demonstrate RBPMS localization in the degenerating RGCs axons in the nerve fiber layer of retinal explants. This is the first evidence regarding the possible transport of RBPMS in response to physiological damage in a mammalian retina. Therefore, RBPMS should be further investigated in relation to its role in axonal and dendritic degeneration.     

Gum arabic microcapsules as protectors of the photoinduced degradation of riboflavin in whole milk

Microcapsules (MC) made with gum arabic (GA) as shell material without and with β-carotene (βc) as core material were prepared by the spray-drying technique. The effect of these MC on the photodegradation of riboflavin (Rf) in whole milk by fluorescent daylight lamp irradiation was evaluated at a storage temperature of 4°C. The additions of 1.37 mg/mL of MC without βc (MC-GA) and with 0.54 μg/mL of βc (MC-βc-GA) decreased the apparent first-order rate constant of Rf photodegradation by approximately 26 and 30%, respectively. A systematic kinetic and mechanistic analysis of the results indicates that the global protective effect of the MC is mainly due to the combination of quenching of the electronically excited triplet state of Rf and scavenging of the photogenerated reactive oxygen species, such as singlet molecular oxygen, superoxide radical anion and hydroxyl radical. A minor contribution to the photoprotective effect can be also associated with the inner-filter effect exerted by the MC, which partially blocks the direct excitation of Rf. These results allow us to conclude that photodegradation of Rf in milk can be considerably reduced by the addition of small amounts of MC, avoiding large losses in the nutritional value of milk.     

Comprehensive two dimensional gas chromatographic separation of fatty acids methyl esters with online reduction

The accurate analysis of complex fats and oils often requires combining data from multiple GC separations, fractionation by LC prior to GC analysis, and identifying fatty acids or confirming their identities by mass spectrometry and synthetic reference materials. Comprehensive two dimensional gas chromatography markedly increases the number of resolved fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) in a single separation experiment by combining the separations of two capillary columns. The addition of a capillary reducer in front of the second capillary column provides unique separation patterns and structural information for fatty acids based on simple elution rules.     

Chitin Synthesis in Yeast: A Matter of Trafficking

Chitin synthesis has attracted scientific interest for decades as an essential part of fungal biology and for its potential as a target for antifungal therapies. While this interest remains, three decades ago, pioneering molecular studies on chitin synthesis regulation identified the major chitin synthase in yeast, Chs3, as an authentic paradigm in the field of the intracellular trafficking of integral membrane proteins. Over the years, researchers have shown how the intracellular trafficking of Chs3 recapitulates all the steps in the intracellular trafficking of integral membrane proteins, from their synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum to their degradation in the vacuole. This trafficking includes specific mechanisms for sorting in the trans-Golgi network, regulated endocytosis, and endosomal recycling at different levels. This review summarizes the work carried out on chitin synthesis regulation, mostly focusing on Chs3 as a molecular model to study the mechanisms involved in the control of the intracellular trafficking of proteins.     

Passively Targeted Curcumin‐Loaded PEGylated PLGA Nanocapsules for Colon Cancer Therapy In Vivo

Clinical applications of curcumin for the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases have been mainly hindered by its short biological half‐life and poor water solubility. Nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems have the potential to enhance the efficacy of poorly soluble drugs for systemic delivery. This study proposes the use of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)‐based polymeric oil‐cored nanocapsules (NCs) for curcumin loading and delivery to colon cancer in mice after systemic injection. Formulations of different oil compositions are prepared and characterized for their curcumin loading, physico‐chemical properties, and shelf‐life stability. The results indicate that castor oil‐cored PLGA‐based NC achieves high drug loading efficiency (≈18% w(drug)/w(polymer)%) compared to previously reported NCs. Curcumin‐loaded NCs internalize more efficiently in CT26 cells than the free drug, and exert therapeutic activity in vitro, leading to apoptosis and blocking the cell cycle. In addition, the formulated NC exhibits an extended blood circulation profile compared to the non‐PEGylated NC, and accumulates in the subcutaneous CT26‐tumors in mice, after systemic administration. The results are confirmed by optical and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging. In vivo growth delay studies are performed, and significantly smaller tumor volumes are achieved compared to empty NC injected animals. This study shows the great potential of the formulated NC for treating colon cancer.     

Improving antioxidant properties and probiotic effect of clementine juice inoculated with Lactobacillus salivarius spp. salivarius (CECT 4063) by trehalose addition and/or sublethal homogenisation

This study evaluates the effect of trehalose addition (10% or 20%, w/w) and/or sublethal homogenisation (25–150 MPa) on antioxidants content (vitamin C, total phenols and flavonoids) and activity (measured both by ABTS-TEAC and DPPH assays), as well as on microbial counts and survival to in vitro digestion of clementine juice inoculated with Lactobacillus salivarius spp. salivarius. Particle size, vacuum impregnation parameters and anti-Helicobacter pylori effect were also measured. Incubation with the probiotic improved the antioxidant properties of the juice. Homogenisation pressures below 100 MPa following incubation increased both the probiotic counts in the juice and its antioxidants bioaccesibility. Adding 10% (w/w) of trehalose to the juice was effective in preventing these bioactive compounds deterioration under adverse conditions. Once homogenised, liquids containing 10% (w/w) of trehalose became as able as those without trehalose to enter a food solid matrix. Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori growth was evident in all probiotic beverages.