Activation of the renal transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) system likely mediates the excess production of extracellular matrix in the diabetic kidney. To establish the role of the TGF-β system in type 2 diabetic nephropathy, we examined the intrarenal localization and expression of the TGF-β1 isoform, the TGF-β type II receptor, and the Smad signaling pathway in the 16-week-old db/db mouse, a genetic model of type 2 diabetes that exhibits mesangial matrix expansion, glomerular basement membrane thickening, and renal insufficiency that closely resemble the human disease. Compared with its nondiabetic db/m littermate, the db/db mouse showed significantly increased TGF-β1 mRNA expression by in situ hybridization in both glomerular and tubular compartments. Likewise, TGF-β1 protein, by immunohistochemical staining, was increased in both renal compartments, but the fractional expression of TGF-β1 protein was less than that of the mRNA in the glomerulus. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining for the TGF-β type II receptor revealed concordant and significant increases of both mRNA and protein in the glomerular and tubular compartments of diabetic animals. Finally, immunohistochemistry showed preferential accumulation of Smad3 in the nuclei of glomerular and tubular cells in diabetes. The complementary technique of Southwestern histochemistry using a labeled Smad-binding element demonstrated increased binding of nuclear proteins to Smad-binding element, indicating active signaling downstream of the TGF-β stimulus. We therefore propose that the TGF-β system is up-regulated at the ligand, receptor, and signaling levels throughout the renal cortex in this animal model of type 2 diabetes. Our findings suggest that the profibrotic effects of TGF-β may underlie the progression to glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis that characterize diabetic nephropathy.

https://ir.ymlib.yonsei.ac.kr/bitstream/22282913/142949/1/T200103407.pdf

Increased Glomerular and Tubular Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β1, Its Type II Receptor, and Activation of the Smad Signaling Pathway in the db/db Mouse

Background Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a tropical and subtropical fruit that is native to Mexico and Central America; avocado is gaining increasing worldwide acceptance and has received extensive marketing and a wide distribution due to its relevant nutritional benefits for human health. Mexico harvests more than 30% of avocados worldwide, representing the main producer and exporter of avocado, which has become a crop of high interest and has great economic impact on Mexico. Scope and approach In this paper, we describe relevant information on the production, composition and application of avocado, with an emphasis on its by-products, focusing on the proper use of waste and the possibility of monetizing waste for nutritional and environmental purposes. The entire avocado is rich in biocompounds (pulp, seed and peel) and has many health benefits, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities, as well as dermatological uses and others. In this paper, we demonstrate the current panorama of production, exportation and uses of avocado in Mexico. Key findings and conclusions Several food grade ingredients can be obtained from avocado wastes, particularly premium-grade fats or extracts with a high functional power. Studies should continue to identify the profiles and phytochemicals available to the business sector, which can also be implemented to valorize the nutritional and functional potential of avocado seeds and peels.

Avocado by-products: Nutritional and functional properties

Synthesis and characterization of ZrO 2 nanoparticles-antimicrobial activity and their prospective role in dental care.

Review of antidiabetic fruits, vegetables, beverages, oils and spices commonly consumed in the diet

Nanostructural characterization of antimicrobial and antioxidant copper nanoparticles synthesized using novel Persea americana seeds

Anti-inflammatory and wound healing potential of a clove oil emulsion.

A review on Persea Americana Mill. (Avocado)- Its fruit and oil

Metal oxide nanoparticles have been of substantial intrigue with its wide biological applications in the fields of Nano biotechnology. The sizeable surface area to volume proportion, very low thermal conductivity, high strength, heat insulating properties and pliability has made zirconium oxide nanoparticles extremely useful in medical field, especially as dental filling composites and orthopedic implant materials. They may also have notable antimicrobial properties that might be due to this increase in their surface area and also because their distinctive crystal planes. In the present study, FTIR and UV-VIS Spectra were recorded to characterize the commercial yttrium stabilized zirconium oxide nanoparticles. Their particle size, zeta potential and electrophoretic mobility were determined. Their EDX analysis was also carried out. The nanoparticles were dispersed in water and their activity against several MTCC bacterial cultures and isolated skin flora was assessed.

Analytical characterization and antimicrobial activity of nano zirconia particles

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) oil topical formulation with liquid crystals ensconcing depot water for anti-inflammatory, wound healing and anti-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus activities

Padma Thiagarajan

Papers

Anti-inflammatory and wound healing potential of a clove oil emulsion.

A review on Persea Americana Mill. (Avocado)- Its fruit and oil

Analytical characterization and antimicrobial activity of nano zirconia particles

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) oil topical formulation with liquid crystals ensconcing depot water for anti-inflammatory, wound healing and anti-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus activities

Role of TGF-β signalling in PCOS associated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis