Enhancement of multiplexing capability of low-coherence interferometric fiber sensor array by use of a loop topology

Author name used in this publication: M. S. Demokan2002-2003 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

The effective fraction isolated from Radix Astragali alleviates glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia in db/db diabetic mice through its anti-inflammatory activity

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue together with the aberrant production of pro-inflammatory cytokines has been identified as the key link between obesity and its related metabolic disorders. This study aims to isolate bioactive ingredients from the traditional Chinese herb Radix Astragali (Huangqi) that alleviate obesity-induced metabolic damage through inhibiting inflammation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Active fraction (Rx) that inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production was identified from Radix Astragali by repeated bioactivity-guided high-throughput screening. Major constituents in Rx were identified by column chromatography followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass-spectrometry. Anti-diabetic activity of Rx was evaluated in db/db mice.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Treatment with Rx, which included calycosin-7-β-D-glucoside (0.9%), ononin (1.2%), calycosin (4.53%) and formononetin (1.1%), significantly reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1) in human THP-1 macrophages and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of NF-κB in mouse RAW-Blue macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Chronic administration of Rx in db/db obese mice markedly decreased the levels of both fed and fasting glucose, reduced serum triglyceride, and also alleviated insulin resistance and glucose intolerance when compared to vehicle-treated controls. The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cell markers CD68 and F4/80, and cytokines MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly reduced in epididymal adipose tissue while the alternatively activated macrophage marker arginase I was markedly increased in the Rx-treated mice.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These findings suggest that suppression of the inflammation pathways in macrophages represents a valid strategy for high-throughput screening of lead compounds with anti-diabetic and insulin sensitizing properties, and further support the etiological role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic disorders.</p

Temperature-controlled transformation in fiber types of fluid-filled photonic crystal fibers and applications

Author name used in this publication: Yeuk Lai Hoo2009-2010 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Improved bending property of half-filled photonic crystal fiber

Author name used in this publication: Yeuk Lai Hoo2009-2010 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Design and modeling of a photonic crystal fiber gas sensor

Author name used in this publication: Yeuk L. HooAuthor name used in this publication: Hoi L. HoAuthor name used in this publicaiton: Dong N. Wang2002-2003 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Generation of continuously wavelength-tunable optical short pulses by use of two self-seeded Fabry–Perot laser diodes and an optical switch

Author name used in this publication: Dong-Ning WangAuthor name used in this publication: Weng-Hong ChungAuthor name used in this publication: Yeuk-Lai Hoo2005-2006 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Enhanced multiplexing capacity of low-coherence reflectometric sensors based on a loop topology

Author name used in this publication: M. S. DemokanVersion of RecordPublishe