Since metabolic process differs between humans and mice, studies were performed in hamsters, which are generally considered to be a more appropriate animal model for studies of obesity-related metabolic disorders. The modulation of gut microbiota, bile acids and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) axis is correlated with obesity-induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in mice. However, the interactions among the gut microbiota, bile acids and FXR in metabolic disorders remained largely unexplored in hamsters. In the current study, hamsters fed a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) were administered vehicle or an antibiotic cocktail by gavage twice a week for four weeks. Antibiotic treatment alleviated HFD-induced glucose intolerance, hepatic steatosis and inflammation accompanied with decreased hepatic lipogenesis and elevated thermogenesis in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT). In the livers of antibiotic-treated hamsters, cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily B member 1 (CYP7B1) in the alternative bile acid synthesis pathway was upregulated, contributing to a more hydrophilic bile acid profile with increased tauro- β -muricholic acid (T β MCA). The intestinal FXR signaling was suppressed but remained unchanged in the liver. This study is of potential translational significance in determining the role of gut microbiota-mediated bile acid metabolism in modulating diet-induced glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis in the hamster.

Nine new coordination polymers, namely, [Mn(2)(L)(H(2)O)(4)].H(2)O (1), [Cd(L)(0.5)(H(2)O)] (2), [Zn(5)(L)(2)(mu(3)-O)(2)(H(2)O)(4)].2H(2)O (3), [Zn(4)(L)(2)(mu(3)-O)(2)][Zn(H(2)O)(5)].2H(2)O (4), [Zn(2)(L)(biim-4)(0.5)(H(2)O)(3)].H(2)O (5), [Cd(2)(L)(bpy)(H(2)O)].2H(2)O.0.5(CH(3)CH(2)OH) (6), [Cu(2)(H(2)L)(2)(bpy)(2)] (7), [Cu(2)(L)(bpy)(H(2)O)] (8), and [Cu(2)(L)(bpy)(1.5)(H(2)O)(2.5)] (9), where H(4)L = 1,2,3,4-benzenetetracarboxylic acid, biim-4 = 1,1'-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), and bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine, have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compound 1 displays a rare trinodal (3,4,7)-connected (4(2).6)(4(5).6)(4(7).6(8).8(6)) topology. 2 possesses an alpha-Po net. 3 is a novel 3D framework based on pentanuclear Zn(II) clusters. By adjustment of the pH values of the reaction mixture of 3 with a Na(2)CO(3) solution, a structurally different compound, 4, was obtained, which exhibits a 3D porous framework with the [Zn(H(2)O)(6)](2+) cations located in the channels. 5 is an unusual example of a trinodal (3,5)-connected network with a Schlafli symbol of (4(2).6)(6(2).8)(4(2).6(2).8(5).10), whereas 6, containing tetranuclear Cd(II) clusters, shows a rare (4,6)-connected (4(4).6(2))(2)(4(4).6(10).8) topology. 7 exhibits a unique polythreading network, while 8 displays a scarce trinodal (3,4,5)-connected self-penetrating network. In comparison with 8, the chiral compound 9 possesses an unprecedented tetranodal (2,4)-connected (7)(7(5).11)(6(2).7(3).8)(2)(6.7(4).10)(2) topology. The effects of the carboxylate ligands, the pH values, the reaction temperatures, the central metals, and the neutral ligands were elucidated. The IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, and luminescent properties for the compounds were also investigated.

5-Hydroxymethyl-2-vinylfuran (HMVF), a biomass-based solvent-free adhesive, exhibits strong adhesion to steel, copper, aluminum and glass.