Inhibition of PPARγ by BZ26, a GW9662 derivate, attenuated obesity-related breast cancer progression by inhibiting the reprogramming of mature adipocytes into to cancer associate adipocyte-like cells

Obesity has been associated with the development of 13 different types of cancers, including breast cancer. Evidence has indicated that cancer-associated adipocytes promote the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of cancer. However, the mechanisms that link CAAs to the progression of obesity-related cancer are still unknown. Here, we found the mature adipocytes in the visceral fat of HFD-fed mice have a CAAs phenotype but the stromal vascular fraction of the visceral fat has not. Importantly, we found the derivate of the potent PPARγ antagonist GW9662, BZ26 inhibited the reprogramming of mature adipocytes in the visceral fat of HFD-fed mice into CAA-like cells and inhibited the proliferation and invasion of obesity-related breast cancer. Further study found that it mediated the browning of visceral, subcutaneous and perirenal fat and attenuated inflammation of adipose tissue and metabolic disorders. For the mechanism, we found that BZ26 bound and inhibited PPARγ by acting as a new modulator. Therefore, BZ26 serves as a novel modulator of PPARγ activity, that is, capable of inhibiting obesity-related breast cancer progression by inhibiting of CAA-like cell formation, suggesting that inhibiting the reprogramming of mature adipocytes into CAAs or CAA-like cells may be a potential therapeutic strategy for obesity-related cancer treatment

Effect of Post-Deposition Annealing on the Structural Evolution and Optoelectronic Properties of In₂O₃:H Thin Films

An infrared transparent conductive material is a solution to realize the shielding function of infrared windows against electromagnetic waves, by combining the two characteristics of high transmission and conductivity in infrared wavelengths. Indium-hydroxide-doped (In2O3:H) thin films were prepared by atomic layer deposition method, which can achieve high IR transmission by reducing the carrier concentration on the basis of ensuring the electrical properties. On this basis, the effect of the post-deposition annealing process on the microstructure evolution and optoelectronic properties of In2O3:H thin films was investigated in this paper. It is demonstrated that the carrier mobility after annealing is up to 90 cm2/(V·s), and the transmittance at the 4 μm is about 70%, meanwhile, the carrier concentration after annealing in air atmosphere is reduced to 1019 cm−3, with a transmission rate of up to 83% at 4 μm. The simulations visualize the shielding performance of the annealed In2O3:H thin film against radar electromagnetic waves. It provides a guideline for fabricating lightweight, thin, and multi-functional shielding infrared transparent materials in the key fields of spacecraft and high precision electronics

The great potential of flavonoids as candidate drugs for NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a global prevalence of approximately 25 % and is associated with high morbidity and high mortality. NAFLD is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Its pathophysiology is complex and still poorly understood, and there are no drugs used in the clinic to specifically treat NAFLD. Its pathogenesis involves the accumulation of excess lipids in the liver, leading to lipid metabolism disorders and inflammation. Phytochemicals with the potential to prevent or treat excess lipid accumulation have recently received increasing attention, as they are potentially more suitable for long-term use than are traditional therapeutic compounds. In this review, we summarize the classification, biochemical properties, and biological functions of flavonoids and how they are used in the treatment of NAFLD. Highlighting the roles and pharmacological uses of these compounds will be of importance for enhancing the prevention and treatment of NAFLD