Neuroprotection of rhubarb extract against cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury via the gut-brain axis pathway

Nanomaterials as novel matrices to improve biomedical applications of MALDI-TOF/MS

With the rapid development of biomedical technology, there is an increasing demand for accurate analysis of biomolecules and their interactions. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a novel soft ionization biomass spectrometry technology that can accurately assess the molecular weight of samples quickly and sensitively, and it plays an important role in the analysis and detection of large molecule substances, drug research, and life sciences. In recent years, due to the outstanding performance of nanomaterials, they have been widely used as matrices in drug metabolism research and cancer detection. This paper aims to review the latest research progress of nanomaterials as new matrices for MALDI-TOF MS in enhancing biomedical analysis, discus its value and limitations, and look forward to its future research direction.

Optimization of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents' Extraction Process From Atractylodes macrocephala-Astragali Radix Using the Dual Mathematical Model and Its Activity Evaluation

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have garnered significant attention for their application in the extraction of natural products. This study proposes a strategy to enhance the extraction efficiency of target compounds from the Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz-Astragali Radix (AM-AR) combination, and the crude extracts were employed for subsequent in vitro and in vivo investigations. The extraction efficiencies of nine NADESs and conventional solvents were compared for isolating calycosin 7-O-glucoside, ononin, quercetin, and atractylenolide III using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The extraction parameters were then optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) and genetic algorithm-back propagation neural network (GA-BPNN) models. In addition, the antioxidant activities were evaluated in vitro using assays such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). An in vivo rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was utilized to assess the biological activities. Among the tested solvents, NADES-7 exhibited the highest extraction efficiency, achieving a comprehensive evaluation value of 0.173 and was selected for subsequent experiments. These findings indicate that NADESs can serve as promising alternative solvents for extracting natural products from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of tonifying kidney and activating blood Decoction against myocardial fibrosis using network Pharmacology and experimental validation

Chronic heart failure(HF) has become a disease of global concern due to its high morbidity and mortality.This has highlighted the need for cardioprotective agents.The Tonifying Kidney and Activating Blood(KTBA) decoction has been approved for clinical treatment of chronic HF.Tanshinone IIA(Tan IIA), rooted from Salvia miltiorrhiza of KTBA, has been approved for treating cardiovascular conditions.However, the mechanism is still unclear.This study examined the impact of KTBA on cardiomyocyte fibrosis in a rat model of heart failure post-myocardial infarction, induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by exhaustive swimming and starvation. Additionally, the effects of Tan IIA on CCD-841CoN cells were assessed under ischemic conditions in a 37 °C incubator with hypoxic environment (1% O2, 5% CO2, and 94% N2). The investigation employed an integrative approach combining network pharmacology with molecular mechanism analysis.The findings of network pharmacology indicate that KTBA may exert its influence by targeting key proteins such as TNF, AKT1, STAT3, RELA (NF-κB p65), NFκBIA (I-κBα), and MAPK14 (p38α).Results showed that KTBA increased SERCA2a level, lowered collagen I and III, α-SMA, and phospholamban levels, reduced collagen fiber deposition, and delayed mitochondria injury.This cardioprotection effect was perhaps due to suppressing the expressions of p38MAPK, I-κBα, NF-κB, AQP4,AKT, PI3K, TNF-α, and STAT3 and increasing the levels of ZO-1 and Occludin in hippocampus of chronic HF rats, which were partially diminished by SB203580 and PDTC.Additionally, Tan IIA reduced levels of p38MAPK, I-κBα, NF-κB, STAT3, and increased levels of AQP4, Claudin-1, ZO-1, and ZO-2,that were reduced by siRNAs targeting p38MAPK, NF-κB, and AQP4.In conclusion, by modulating the p38MAPK/NF-κB/AQP4 axis, KTBA decoction delays cardiomyocyte fibrosis through alleviating hippocampal blood-brain barrier and Tan IIA improves enterocyte barrier integrity.

Coix Seed Oil Alleviates Hyperuricemia in Mice by Ameliorating Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Microbial Composition

Background: Coix seed oil (YRO), rich in unsaturated fatty acids, has emerged as a promising intervention for hyperuricemia (HUA) due to its potential to alleviate oxidative damage and support organ health. Methods: The fatty acid composition of YRO was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A HUA mouse model was established, and serum markers and hepatic enzymes were evaluated. Renal mitochondrial function was assessed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and urate transporter expression, along with key signaling proteins, was quantified by Western blot analysis. Additionally, gut microbiota composition was analyzed, and non-targeted metabolomics was performed to observe alterations in serum lipid metabolites. Results: YRO significantly reduced serum uric acid (UA) levels and normalized hepatic enzyme activities. Histological evaluation revealed less tissue damage in both the kidney and the intestine. In the kidney, YRO improved mitochondrial function and supported antioxidant defenses via regulation of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling. In the intestine, YRO enhanced barrier integrity by increasing ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 expression. Moreover, YRO modulated gut microbiota by increasing beneficial bacteria (Muribaculaceae, Prevotellaceae UCG-001, Lachnospiraceae_ NK4A136_group, Akkermansia) while suppressing harmful species (Bacteroides, Dubosiella). Lipid metabolomics indicated a restoration of phospholipid balance through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Conclusions: YRO supported metabolic health by promoting UA homeostasis, enhancing mitochondrial function, reinforcing antioxidant capacity, and maintaining gut integrity. These findings suggest that coix seed oil could serve as a nutritional supplement in managing HUA and related metabolic disturbances.

Beyond organ isolation: The bidirectional crosstalk between cerebral and intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury via microbiota-gut-brain axis

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a pathophysiological phenomenon of profound clinical relevance that poses considerable threats to patient safety. IRI may manifest in a variety of clinical contexts including, but not limited to, sepsis, organ transplantation, shock, myocardial infarction, cerebral ischemia, and stroke. Critically, IRI exhibits complex interactions across different organs, with effects that surpass mere localized tissue damage. These impacts can amplify damage to both adjacent and remote organs through pathways such as the gut-brain axis and the gut-lung axis, facilitated by intricate signaling mechanisms. Noteworthy is the interaction between gut IRI and brain IRI, which involves sophisticated neuroendocrine, systemic, and immune mechanisms coordinated through the microbiome-gut-brain axis. This review seeks to delve into the intricate interactions between gut and brain IRI, viewed through the lens of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. It aims to assess its translational potential in clinical settings, provide a theoretical foundation for developing relevant therapeutic strategies, and pinpoint novel directions for research.

Novel Insight into the Modulatory Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Targeting Gut Microbiota: A Review

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is clinically characterized by high rates of morbidity, disability, mortality, and recurrence as well as high economic burden. The clinical manifestations of CIRI are often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as intestinal bacterial dysbiosis and gastrointestinal bleeding. Gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CIRI, and its potential biological effects have received extensive attention. The gut microbiota not only affects intestinal barrier function but also regulates gastrointestinal immunity and host homeostasis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a multi-component and multi-targeted drug, has shown remarkable effects and few adverse reactions in the prevention and treatment of CIRI. Notably, the effect of TCM on CIRI by regulating gut microbiota and maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis has gradually become a hot topic. This review summarizes the functional role of the gut microbiota in the development and progression of CIRI and the therapeutic effects of TCM on CIRI by improving gut microbiota dysbiosis, affecting gut microbiota metabolism, and maintaining host immunity. The active ingredients of TCM used for the treatment of CIRI in relevant studies were saponins, triterpenoids, phenolics, and alkaloids. In addition, the clinical effects of TCM used to treat CIRI were briefly discussed. This review established the clinical significance and development prospects of TCM-based CIRI treatments and provided the necessary theoretical support for the further development of TCM resources for the treatment of CIRI.

Effect of Antioxidants on the Gut Microbiome Profile and Brain Functions: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trial Studies

BACKGROUND

Antioxidants are widely recognized for their potential health benefits, including their impact on cognitive function and gut microbiome modulation. Understanding these effects is essential for exploring their broader clinical applications.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to evaluate the effects of antioxidants on the gut microbiome and cognitive function, with a focus on findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

The studies involved human participants across a range of age groups, with interventions encompassing natural antioxidant sources, such as berries, as well as specific antioxidant vitamins. An extensive search across PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases identified six relevant RCTs, each evaluated for potential bias.

RESULTS

These studies focused on a variety of antioxidant-rich products, including both naturally derived sources and supplemental forms. Antioxidants, including vitamins C, B2, and D, along with polyphenols such as xanthohumol, fermented papaya, peanuts, and berry extracts, demonstrate the potential to support cognitive function and promote gut health through mechanisms that modulate microbiome diversity and reduce inflammation. However, observed changes in microbiome diversity were modest and inconsistent across the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

While preliminary evidence suggests that antioxidants may benefit gut health and cognitive function, the heterogeneity of existing studies limits their immediate clinical applicability. Additionally, more robust RCTs are needed to substantiate these findings and guide future interventions.