Protective Effects of the Bilobalide on Retinal Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Neurotrophins of the retina and their involvement in early-stage diabetic retinopathy in an animal model of type 1 diabetes mellitus

IntroductionDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is a blindness-causing disease which belongs to the group of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegeneration of the retina is a process, in which retinal neurons suffer irreversible damage. This study aimed to assess the involvement of neurotrophins (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] and nerve growth factor [NGF]) in the pathogenesis of DR.MethodsThe study was performed using male Lewis rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin, and the control group included rats without drug administration. In vivo examinations performed over four weeks included eye fundus imaging, measurement of intraocular pressure, and glycemia. After sacrifice, serum and eyeballs were harvested. Post-mortem analyses included a histopathological analysis of the retina and the measurement of BDNF and NGF levels in the serum and eyeball homogenate.ResultsIn the experimental group, early-stage DR was confirmed, and changes in the retina were observed: diabetic rats had relatively thicker outer nuclear layers and relatively thinner inner plexiform layers. A lower level of BDNF was observed in the serum of rats with DR, while the level of NGF in the eyeball homogenate positively correlated with vascular changes.ConclusionsThe observed changes in the levels of neurotrophins in early-stage DR may indicate their involvement in the disease pathogenesis.

The characteristics of multimodal fundus imaging in AMN patients following COVID infection

We investigated the features of multimodal fundus imaging in patients with both Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN). This study included 15 patients with 29 eyes, all of whom underwent comprehensive fundus examinations and were followed for 3 months. Based on the diagnosis, patients were categorized into the AMN group and the AMN_PAMM group (AMN combined with paracentral acute middle maculopathy [PAMM]). At baseline, outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness was not decreased in either group. However, a notable reduction in both outer retinal and full retinal thickness was observed in the AMN_PAMM group but not in the AMN group. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) demonstrated decreased vessel density (VD) in the intermediate capillary plexus (ICP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), whereas the VD of the radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) and superficial vascular plexus (SVP) was increased in both groups. After 3 months of follow-up, ONL thickness and both outer and full retinal thickness were decreased in both groups. The VD of RPCP and SVP showed a significant decrease in the AMN_PAMM group. Visual acuity improvement was observed only in the AMN group, which may be attributed to the increase in choroid vascular index (CVI).

2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid targeted binding to MT-ND3 boosts mitochondrial respiratory chain homeostasis in hippocampus to rescue diabetic cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) is significant, some studies have shown that it is related to mitochondrial respiratory chain homeostasis, but the specific mechanism is not clear. 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid (2-HIBA) is a novel short-chain fatty acid with potential applications in the treatment of metabolic diseases because it can regulate mitochondrial disorders. Our aim was to explore a novel mechanism of action for 2-HIBA in the treatment of DCI in mitochondrial respiratory chain homeostasis.

METHODS

Metabolic substances and differentially active metabolic pathways in the serum of diseased mice were identified based on multi-omics analysis. The nanoLC-Obitrap-MS technology was utilized to detect the content of selected small molecules with differential metabolic activity in the hippocampus and mitochondria of mice to evaluate their permeability through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and outer mitochondrial membrane. A combination of behavioral, proteomic, and molecular biology approaches was used to explore specific regulatory mechanisms and identify potential pharmacological targets. Additionally, using techniques such as protein thermal shift, drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), hydrolase stability, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments, we demonstrated the direct binding effects of small molecule metabolites with protein targets.

RESULTS

2-HIBA was found to directly ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in db/db mice by penetrating the blood-brain barrier and reversing the decrease in the protein content of NADH dehydrogenase 3 (MT-ND3) in the hippocampus through direct binding to ND3. This action helps maintain the stability of NAD+/NADH and regulate the mitochondrial respiratory chain balance. Furthermore, a combined medication plant agonist of 2-HIBA can enhance the expression of MT-ND3, thereby improving cognitive dysfunction in mice.

CONCLUSION

MT-ND3 is a crucial target for improving diabetic cognitive dysfunction, and 2-HIBA can directly bind to the MT-ND3 protein to alleviate the functional impairment of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in mice to treat DCI.

miR-151a-5p predicts severity of diabetic retinopathy and protects from retinal cell injury by inactivating MAPK signaling via DKK3

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is always accompanied by various complications, where diabetic retinopathy was a serious microvascular complications threatening the visual function of patients. This study evaluated the significance of miR-151a-5p and its effect on DR progression aiming to explore a novel biomarker for disease screening and monitoring. Study enrolled 137 patients with DM and 103 diabetes patients with DR. Serum miR-151a-5p was compared with PCR, and its clinical significance was evaluated from the perspectives of diagnosis and severity prediction. High-glucose-treated human retinal cell model was established, the effect of miR-151a-5p on high-glucose-induced cell injury was assessed based on cell growth, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. In mechanism, the downstream targets of miR-151a-5p were predicted, based on the function enrichment, the involvement of DKK3 and the MAPK signaling was estimated. Increasing miR-151a-5p was identified as a risk factor for DR in DM patients diagnosing DR patients and was positively correlated with disease severity predicting severe development of DR. Silencing miR-151a-5p alleviated high-glucose-induced reducing proliferation, activated inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in human retinal cells. Negative regulation of DKK3 by miR-151a-5p was observed, and the knockdown of DKK3 could reversed the protective effect of miR-151a-5p. High-glucose activate the MAPK signaling, which was suppressed by the miR-151a-5p/DKK3 axis, and MAPK signaling was demonstrated to mediate the functional role of the miR-151a-5p/DKK3 axis. miR-151a-5p can be considered as a biomarker for the onset and progression of DR. miR-151a-5p potentially modulates the progression of DR through regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress via the MAPK signaling.

Association between clinical-biological characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae and 28-day mortality in patients with bloodstream infection

BACKGROUND

Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection (KP BSI) is a severe clinical condition characterized by high mortality rates. Despite the clinical significance, accurate predictors of mortality in KP BSI have yet to be fully identified.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 90 cases of KP BSI. The clinical data was extracted from electronic medical records. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, string testing, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were performed on all isolates. Additionally, relevant bioinformatics analyses, such as phylogenetic analysis and assessment of resistance and virulence genes, were carried out. Logistic regression modeling was employed to evaluate the risk factors associated with 28-day mortality in patients with KP BSI, considering both host characteristics and the characteristics of the causative Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) isolates.

RESULTS

Among the 90 patients included in this study, the 28-day mortality rate for those with KP BSI was 30.00% (27/90). Multivariate analysis revealed several host-related factors associated with an increased risk of 28-day mortality. These factors included an elevated qSOFA score (odds ratio [OR] 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-7.31, p = 0.017), presence of septic shock (OR 8.21, 95% CI 1.63-41.93, p = 0.008), and nosocomial infection (OR 7.72, 95% CI 1.71-34.74, p = 0.002). Regarding bacterial factors, the presence of the virulence genes rfbA/B/D (OR 8.53, 95% CI 1.41-51.57, p = 0.020) was identified as an independent risk factor, particularly for nosocomial infection patients. However, hypermucoviscosity phenotype, ST type, serotype, and resistance genes were not associated with an increased risk of 28-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

The carriage of virulence genes rfbA/B/D, which is responsible for the synthesis of O-antigen, was associated with poor prognosis of KP BSI. It may facilitate the clinical management of patients with bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by hypervirulent KP strains, especially those with rfbA/B/D genes.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Systemic investigation of di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) exposure in the risk of cardiovascular via influencing the gut microbiota arachidonic acid metabolism in obese mice model

Phthalate esters (PE), a significant class of organic compounds used in industry, can contaminate humans and animals by entering water and food chains. Recent studies demonstrate the influence of PE on the development and progression of heart diseases, particularly in obese people. Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) was administered orally to normal and diet-induced obese mice in this research to assess cardiovascular risk. The modifications in the microbial composition and metabolites were examined using RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry analysis. Based on the findings, lean group rodents were less susceptible to DIBP exposure than fat mice because of their cardiovascular systems. Histopathology examinations of mice fed a high-fat diet revealed lesions and plagues that suggested a cardiovascular risk. In the chronic DIBP microbial remodeling metagenomics Faecalibaculum rodentium was the predominant genera in obese mice. According to metabolomics data, arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism changes caused by DIBP were linked to unfavorable cardiovascular events. Our research offers new understandings of the cardiovascular damage caused by DIBP exposure in obese people and raises the possibility that arachidonic acid metabolism could be used as a regulator of the gut microbiota to avert related diseases.

A case of acute idiopathic maculopathy in both eyes with peripheral vascular occlusion

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to present a case of bilateral symmetric onset of acute idiopathic maculopathy after high fever with peripheral vascular occlusion.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 54-year-old yellow female experienced acute binocular visual acuity decrease after 1 day of high fever, and binocular visual acuity decreased to index or anterior. OCT in the external hospital showed dome-shaped cortical detachment in the symmetrical macular area of both eyes with subretinal fluid, discontinuity in the ellipsoid zone and the chimera. The patient autonomously administered antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, including amoxicillin and ibuprofen. Following a three-day period, the patient's visual acuity demonstrated significant improvement. Additionally, macular edema demonstrated a notable reduction as indicated by optical coherence tomography, while the presence of peripheral retinal vascular occlusions was also observed on fluorescein fundus angiography. At the onset of 6 days, oral hormone therapy was given in the outside hospital, with no significant improvement in visual acuity.23 days after the onset of the disease, the patient was admitted to our hospital, and was finally diagnosed as acute idiopathic maculopathy combined with the imaging findings of FFA, ICGA and OCT. During the follow-up, the visual acuity of both eyes improved spontaneously.

CONCLUSIONS

This case is a rare acute idiopathic macular lesion with bilateral involvement, accompanied by highly symmetrical peripheral retinal vascular occlusion in both eyes, which deepens our understanding of acute idiopathic maculopathy with a view to providing guidance for subsequent clinical practice.

Rutaecarpine Protects Against Cigarette Smoke-Induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Rats

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung inflammatory disease that causes restricted airflow and breathing difficulties. In this work, we attempted to explore the salutary effects of rutaecarpine on COPD-induced rats. Healthy Wistar rats were employed in this study and exposed to cigarette smoke to initiate COPD. The rutaecarpine was given to the rats at 20 and 30 mg/kg dosages, respectively, for 12 weeks. Body weight gain, food uptake, and food efficiency were assessed after treatment completion. The grip strength test was performed to assess muscle strength. The C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers were assessed using the corresponding assay kits. The inflammatory cells on the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted using Wright-Giemsa staining. The respiratory functions of the experimental rats were measured. The histopathological analysis was done on the lung tissues. The rutaecarpine treatment effectively increased body weight gain, food uptake, and food efficiency in the COPD rats. The levels of leptin were increased, and CRP was reduced by the rutaecarpine. The rutaecarpine regulated the respiratory functions and reduced the inflammatory cell counts and pro-inflammatory markers in the COPD rats. The levels of antioxidants were increased by the rutaecarpine treatment in the COPD rats. The findings of the lung histopathological study also demonstrated the therapeutic effects of rutaecarpine. Overall, the findings of the current study witness the salutary role of rutaecarpine against cigarette smoke-induced COPD in rats. Therefore, it was clear that rutaecarpine could be a promising salutary candidate to treat COPD.

Biofabricated Green Synthesized Hibiscus Silver Nanoparticles Potentiate Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxicity in Human Lung Cancer Cells

Traditional medicine has long employed the shrub Hibiscus sabdariffa to treat a variety of illnesses. The biochemical characteristics of silver nanoparticles made using the plant extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa were examined in this work. According to the results, the plant extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa had a total phenolic quantity of 84.9 mg/gm and a total quantity of flavonoids of 41.50 mg/gm. The extract also showed antibacterial action against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (75.15% scavenging activity). The silver nanoparticles of plant extracts were stable in PBS solution for at least 30 days and had a mean size of particles of 21.22 nm. Silver nanoparticles were shown to both be cytotoxic on human lung cancer cell line A-549 and have anti-inflammatory action. Overall, the research's findings demonstrate the fascinating biological activity of the silver nanoparticles made from the extract of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant. To assess these compounds' potential as medicines, more research is required.

Modulation of T Cell Differentiation in Mice with COPD Combined with Lung Cancer Through Key Targets of PD-1 by Tao Hong Si Wu Tang

The objective is to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of Tao Hong Si Wu Tang combined with anti-PD-1 in a mouse model of COPD combined with lung cancer, elucidating its mechanism through modulation of PD-1/PD-L binding, regulation of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balance, inhibition of IL-4 and IL-17, and promotion of IFN-γ and TGF-β levels in peripheral blood. One hundred male C57/BL6 mice were randomly allocated to five groups: A (blank control), B (model control), C (THSW), D (anti-PD-1), and E (THSW + anti-PD-1), with 20 mice in each group. The COPD model was induced using fumigation and LPS intra-airway drip, followed by the establishment of lung cancer by Lewis cell inoculation. Treatment groups received Tao Hong Si Wu Tang or/and PD-1 monoclonal antibody. Various indicators were assessed, including macroscopic observation, HE staining of lung tissue, ELISA for cytokines, flow cytometry for cell proportions, and immunohistochemistry/western blotting for protein expression. Lung tissue analysis revealed significant differences between groups, with marked tumor formation observed in groups B-E. Serum levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17, and TGF-β were significantly altered, along with changes in CD4 + T/CD8 + T ratio and cytokine-producing cell populations. Expression levels of key proteins were also significantly affected across treatment groups. Tao Hong Si Wu Tang demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects comparable to anti-PD-1, potentially through modulation of PD-1/PD-L binding, correction of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg imbalance, and modulation of cytokine levels. These findings suggest a role for Tao Hong Si Wu Tang in ameliorating inflammation and immune dysregulation in COPD combined with lung cancer.

Polyethylene Glycol-Based Polymer-Drug Conjugates: Novel Design and Synthesis Strategies for Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy and Targeted Drug Delivery

Due to their potential to enhance therapeutic results and enable targeted drug administration, polymer-drug conjugates that use polyethylene glycol (PEG) as both the polymer and the linker for drug conjugation have attracted much research. This study seeks to investigate recent developments in the design and synthesis of PEG-based polymer-drug conjugates, emphasizing fresh ideas that fill in existing knowledge gaps and satisfy the increasing need for more potent drug delivery methods. Through an extensive review of the existing literature, this study identifies key challenges and proposes innovative strategies for future investigations. The paper presents a comprehensive framework for designing and synthesizing PEG-based polymer-drug conjugates, including rational molecular design, linker selection, conjugation methods, and characterization techniques. To further emphasize the importance and adaptability of PEG-based polymer-drug conjugates, prospective applications are highlighted, including cancer treatment, infectious disorders, and chronic ailments.

Exploring the multifaceted role of ginkgolides and bilobalide from Ginkgo biloba in mitigating metabolic disorders

The ancient Ginkgo biloba tree grows across various regions, with distinctive leaves emitting a unique fragrance. Its extract contains flavonoids, organic acids, and terpenoids. Ginkgolide and bilobalide, which are G. biloba leaf extracts, offer diverse pharmaceutical benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds are crucial for mitigating neurodegeneration, particularly in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, their effectiveness in countering oxidative stress and inflammation highlights their potential to prevent cardiovascular ailments. This study also suggests that these compounds have a promising impact on lipid metabolism, suggesting their significance in addressing obesity-related metabolic disorders. In conclusion, ginkgolides and bilobalide exhibit promising effects in sustaining the integrity of the nervous and endocrine systems, along with the modulation of lipid metabolism. The diverse health benefits suggest that these compounds could serve as promising therapeutic interventions for various conditions, including neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases.

Th9 Cytokines Inhibit Proliferation, Promote Apoptosis, and Immune Escape in Thyroid Carcinoma Cells

To investigate the regulatory effects of T helper 9 (Th9) cytokines on the proliferation, apoptosis and immune escape of thyroid cancer cells. The survival rate of human thyroid cancer cell line TPC-1 after treatment with 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 ng/ml IL-9 (or IL-21) was determined by CCK-8 method and suitable concentrations of IL-9 and IL-21 were screened out. The TPC-1 cells cultured in vitro were randomly grouped into control group, IL-9 group, IL-21 group and IL-9+IL-21 group. After treatment with IL-9 and IL-21 factors, the proliferation and apoptosis of TPC-1 cells in each group were detected by CCK-8 method and flow cytometry, respectively. The flow cytometry was applied to detect the proportion of Th9 and activated CD8+ T cells in human peripheral blood lymphocytes co-cultured with TPC-1 in each group. The expression of TPC-1 and IL-9R and IL-21R protein in each group and human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Compared with the control group, the cell viability PCNA and Bcl-2 protein expression in TPC-1 cells were lower in the IL-9 group, IL-21 group and IL-9+IL-21 group (P<0.05). The apoptosis rate, proportions of Th9 and activated CD8+ T cells, killing rate of human peripheral blood lymphocytes, the expression of Bax and caspase-3 proteins in TPC-1 cells, the expression of TPC-1 and human peripheral blood lymphocytes IL-9R and IL-21R proteins were all higher (P<0.05) in IL-9+IL-21 group compared with the IL-9 group and the IL-21 group. The cell viability, PCNA and Bcl-2 protein expression in TPC-1 cells in the IL-9+IL-21 group were all lower (P<0.05). Th9 cytokines can promote the differentiation of Th9 cells and CD8+ T cells, enhance their lethality, reduce the immune escape of thyroid cancer cells, and then inhibit their proliferation and promote their apoptosis.

The anti-apoptotic role of Ginkgolide B via mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibition in retinal ischemia-reperfusion

This research delves into the effectiveness of Ginkgolide B (GB), a compound from Ginkgo biloba, in combating cell death caused by glaucoma, with a focus on mitochondrial impairment and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Utilizing models of high intraocular pressure and in vitro glaucoma simulations, the study investigates GB's impact on retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) under oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) and in a rat glaucoma model. The study methodologies included apoptosis assessment, apoptotic marker analysis via Western blot, and mitochondrial structure and function evaluation. The findings reveal that GB notably decreases apoptosis in RPCs exposed to OGD/R in vitro, and reduces ischemia-reperfusion damage in vivo. GB's protective role is attributed to its ability to preserve mitochondrial integrity, maintain membrane potential, regulate calcium levels, and inhibit mPTP opening. These results underscore GB's potential as a therapeutic agent for acute primary angle-closure glaucoma, highlighting its capability to alleviate mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in RPCs and retinal nerve fiber layer cells.

Alleviate oxidative stress in diabetic retinopathy: antioxidant therapeutic strategies

OBJECTIVES

This review outlines the function of oxidative stress in DR and discusses therapeutic strategies to treat DR with antioxidants.

METHODS

Published papers on oxidative stress in DR and therapeutic strategies to treat DR with antioxidants were collected and reviewed via database searching on PubMed.

RESULTS

The abnormal development of DR is a complicated process. The pathogenesis of DR has been reported to involve oxidative stress, despite the fact that the mechanisms underlying this are still not fully understood. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation can damage retina, eventually leading to DR. Increasing evidence have demonstrated that antioxidant therapy can alleviate the degeneration of retinal capillaries in DR.

CONCLUSION

Oxidative stress can play an important contributor in the pathogenesis of DR. Furthermore, animal experiments have shown that antioxidants are a beneficial therapy for treating DR, but more clinical trial data is needed.

Drug-Repurposing Strategy for Dimethyl Fumarate

In the area of drug discovery, repurposing strategies represent an approach to discover new uses of approved drugs besides their original indications. We used this approach to investigate the effects of dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a drug approved for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and psoriasis treatment, on early injury associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR). We used an in vivo streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of STZ in rats, and after 1 week, a group of animals was treated with a daily intraperitoneal injection of DMF or a vehicle. Three weeks after diabetes induction, the retinal expression levels of key enzymes involved in DR were evaluated. In particular, the biomarkers COX-2, iNOS, and HO-1 were assessed via Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. Diabetic rats showed a significant retinal upregulation of COX-2 and iNOS compared to the retina of normal rats (non-diabetic), and an increase in HO-1 was also observed in the STZ group. This latter result was due to a mechanism of protection elicited by the pathological condition. DMF treatment significantly induced the retinal expression of HO-1 in STZ-induced diabetic animals with a reduction in iNOS and COX-2 retinal levels. Taken together, these results suggested that DMF might be useful to counteract the inflammatory process and the oxidative response in DR. In conclusion, we believe that DMF represents a potential candidate to treat diabetic retinopathy and warrants further in vivo and clinical evaluation.

Radical oxygen species: an important breakthrough point for botanical drugs to regulate oxidative stress and treat the disorder of glycolipid metabolism

Background: The incidence of glycolipid metabolic diseases is extremely high worldwide, which greatly hinders people's life expectancy and patients' quality of life. Oxidative stress (OS) aggravates the development of diseases in glycolipid metabolism. Radical oxygen species (ROS) is a key factor in the signal transduction of OS, which can regulate cell apoptosis and contribute to inflammation. Currently, chemotherapies are the main method to treat disorders of glycolipid metabolism, but this can lead to drug resistance and damage to normal organs. Botanical drugs are an important source of new drugs. They are widely found in nature with availability, high practicality, and low cost. There is increasing evidence that herbal medicine has definite therapeutic effects on glycolipid metabolic diseases. Objective: This study aims to provide a valuable method for the treatment of glycolipid metabolic diseases with botanical drugs from the perspective of ROS regulation by botanical drugs and to further promote the development of effective drugs for the clinical treatment of glycolipid metabolic diseases. Methods: Using herb*, plant medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, phytochemicals, natural medicine, phytomedicine, plant extract, botanical drug, ROS, oxygen free radicals, oxygen radical, oxidizing agent, glucose and lipid metabolism, saccharometabolism, glycometabolism, lipid metabolism, blood glucose, lipoprotein, triglyceride, fatty liver, atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes, dysglycemia, NAFLD, and DM as keywords or subject terms, relevant literature was retrieved from Web of Science and PubMed databases from 2013 to 2022 and was summarized. Results: Botanical drugs can regulate ROS by regulating mitochondrial function, endoplasmic reticulum, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and other signaling pathways to improve OS and treat glucolipid metabolic diseases. Conclusion: The regulation of ROS by botanical drugs is multi-mechanism and multifaceted. Both cell studies and animal experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of botanical drugs in the treatment of glycolipid metabolic diseases by regulating ROS. However, studies on safety need to be further improved, and more studies are needed to support the clinical application of botanical drugs.

Radical Scavenging Potential of Ginkgolides and Bilobalide: Insight from Molecular Modeling

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacities of ginkgolides and bilobalide, which are the peculiar constituents of the extract of Ginkgo biloba, are investigated in silico (level of theory: (SMD)-M06-2X/6-311+G(d,p)//M06-2X/6-31G(d)). Unlike other popular antioxidant natural substances, the carbon backbones of these compounds are entirely aliphatic and exclusively single C-C bonds are present. The selectivity for alkoxyl radicals via hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) is assessed; importantly, the scavenging of peroxyl radicals is also possible from a peculiar site, here labeled C10 both for ginkgolides and bilobalide. The energetics are described in detail, and the analysis discloses that the studied compounds are powerful scavengers, with thermodynamic and kinetic properties similar to those of Trolox and melatonin, and that, in addition, they display selectivity for peroxyl radicals. These are all chemical-reactivity features contributing to the therapeutic action of the extract of G. biloba.