Schisandrin B (Sch B) is an active ingredient of the fruit of Schisandra chinensis. It has many therapeutic effects arising from its tonic, sedative, antitussive and antiaging activities and is also used in the treatment of viral and chemical hepatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Sch B on cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced nephrotoxicity in mice and HK-2 cells (a human proximal tubular epithelial cell line). After gavage with Sch B (20 mg/kg) or olive oil (vehicle), mice received CsA (30 mg/kg) by subcutaneous injection once daily for four weeks. Renal function, histopathology, and tissue glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated after the last treatment. The effects of Sch B on CsA-induced oxidative damage in HK-2 cells were investigated by measuring cell viability, the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the cellular GSH and ATP concentrations. Cellular apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Treatment with Sch B in CsA-treated mice significantly suppressed the elevation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels and attenuated the histopathological changes. Additionally, Sch B also decreased renal MDA levels and increased GSH levels in CsA-treated mice. Using an in vitro model, Sch B (2.5, 5 and 10 μM) significantly increased the cell viability and reduced LDH release and apoptosis induced by CsA (10 μM) in HK-2 cells. Furthermore, Sch B increased the intracellular GSH and ATP levels and attenuated CsA-induced ROS generation. In conclusion, Sch B appears to protect against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity by decreasing oxidative stress and cell death.

E-Videos ▶ Fig. 1 Heterotopic gastric mucosa in the duodenum with the appearance of a laterally spreading tumor: a white light appearance; b narrow band imaging; c closer look using narrow band imaging; d indigo carmine staining. ▶ Fig. 2 Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) revealed a medium-echo lesion (arrows) in the mucosal layer.

The degradable protein film-forming materials contained 5% whey protein isolate (WPI), 2% sodium caseinate (NaCas) and 50% glycerol,which was the optimal formula obtained by uniform design method of previous work. The antimicrobial activity and packaging performance of WPI-NaCas degradable protein films were discussed by addition of nanoTiO2 at different concentrations (0,0.05,0.10,0.15,0.20g•(200ml)-1) in film-forming solution.The results showed that nanoTiO2 and protein films showed a certain degree of compatibility.Addition of nanoTiO2 could improve tensile strength and elongation at break of the protein films and decrease WVP values of the films,but decrease light transmittance,increase haze of the protein films. The degradable protein films suited for using below150°C.And,nanoTiO2 incorporated into protein films had antimicrobial activity against both E.coli and S.aureus.

Antimicrobial effect of functional protein films incorporating garlic oil (GO), potassium sorbate (PS) and nisin (N) at various concentrations were discussed. This activity was tested against food pathogenic bacteria namely Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus).Mechanical and physical properties were characterized. In the range of antimicrobial agents concentration studied, tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (E) of functional protein films were changed by incorporating GO,PS and N. And the WVP value of functional protein films decreased as antimicrobial agents added. GO incorporated into protein films had no effect on E.coli, but incorporation of GO at 300μl had antimicrobial activity against S.aureus. Protein films incorporated with PS showed antimicrobial activity against S.aureus, but there was no effect on E.coli. Incorporation of N at the lowest level of 25,000 IU had antimicrobial activity against both E.coli and S.aureus.

Effects of sodium alginate on properties of WPI-NaCas composite films optimized by previous uniform design experiments were investigated. Films were prepared with different concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%) and ratios (1:0, 5:1, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, 1:5, 0:1, ratio of composite protein solution to sodium alginate solution) of sodium alginate additions. Results suggested increases in water solubility of films and middle diameter, volume-length mean diameter and area-length mean diameter of film-forming solutions. Addition of sodium alginate decreased the gas and water vapor barrier properties of composite films, however, their mechanical properties could be improved by proper usage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope analysis indicated that protein and sodium alginate presented well interaction and compatibility.