A Novel Cryptic Binding Motif, LRSKSRSFQVSDEQY, in the C-Terminal Fragment of MMP-3/7-Cleaved Osteopontin as a Novel Ligand for α9β1 Integrin Is Involved in the Anti-Type II Collagen Antibody-Induced Arthritis

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional protein that has been linked to various intractable inflammatory diseases. One way by which OPN induces inflammation is the production of various functional fragments by enzyme cleavage. It has been well appreciated that OPN is cleaved by thrombin, and/or matrix metalloproteinase-3 and -7 (MMP-3/7). Although the function of thrombin-cleaved OPN is well characterized, little is known about the function of MMP-3/7-cleaved OPN. In this study, we found a novel motif, LRSKSRSFQVSDEQY, in the C-terminal fragment of MMP-3/7-cleaved mouse OPN binds to alpha 9b1 integrin. Importantly, this novel motif is involved in the development of anti-type II collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA). This study provides the first in vitro and in vivo evidence that OPN cleavage by MMP-3/7 is an important regulatory mechanism for CAIA

Use of fresh squeezed juices in the feeding of infants during the first year of life

The paper comparatively analyzes the nutritive value of fresh squeezed and reconstituted juices intended for infant feeding during the first year of fife. It presents laboratory data on the content of the trace elements copper and chromium in the fresh squeezed juices under the brand name of FrutoNyanya. Requirements for their raw materials, manufacture and technology, as well as a quality control system for baby juices and nectars are provided. Practical recommendations are given for the use of juices in the feeding of infants during the first year of fife