Effects and mechanisms of resveratrol for prevention and management of cancers: An updated review

Cancer is a severe public health problem. Resveratrol is a famous natural compound that has various bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antiaging activities. Especially, resveratrol could prevent and treat various cancers, such as oral, thyroid, breast, lung, liver, pancreatic, gastric, colorectal, bladder, prostate and ovarian cancers. The underlying mechanisms have been widely studied, such as inhibiting cell proliferation, suppressing metastasis, inducing apoptosis, stimulating autophagy, modulating immune system, attenuating inflammation, regulating gut microbiota and enhancing effects of other anticancer drugs. In this review, we summarize effects and mechanisms of resveratrol on different cancers. This paper is helpful to develop resveratrol, crude extract containing resveratrol, or foods containing resveratrol into functional food, dietary supplements or auxiliary agents for prevention and management of cancers.

Immune related biomarkers for cancer metastasis to the brain

Brain metastasis accounts for a large number of cancer-related deaths. The host immune system, involved at each step of the metastatic cascade, plays an important role in both the initiation of the brain metastasis and their treatment responses to various modalities, through either local and or systemic effect. However, few reliable immune biomarkers have been identified in predicting the development and the treatment outcome in patients with cancer brain metastasis. Here, we provide a focused perspective of immune related biomarkers for cancer metastasis to the brain and a thorough discussion of the potential utilization of specific biomarkers such as tumor mutation burden (TMB), genetic markers, circulating and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, cytokines, in predicting the brain disease progression and regression after therapeutic intervention. We hope to inspire the field to extend the research and establish practical guidelines for developing and validating immune related biomarkers to provide personalized treatment and improve treatment outcomes in patients with metastatic brain cancers.

Anticancer Effects and Mechanisms of Berberine from Medicinal Herbs: An Update Review

Cancer has been a serious public health problem. Berberine is a famous natural compound from medicinal herbs and shows many bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial activities. In addition, berberine shows anticancer effects on a variety of cancers, such as breast, lung, gastric, liver, colorectal, ovarian, cervical, and prostate cancers. The underlying mechanisms of action include inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, suppressing metastasis, inducing apoptosis, activating autophagy, regulating gut microbiota, and improving the effects of anticancer drugs. This paper summarizes effectiveness and mechanisms of berberine on different cancers and highlights the mechanisms of action. In addition, the nanotechnologies to improve bioavailability of berberine are included. Moreover, the side effects of berberine are also discussed. This paper is helpful for the prevention and treatment of cancers using berberine.

Dietary sources, health benefits, and risks of caffeine

Dietary intake of caffeine has significantly increased in recent years, and beneficial and harmful effects of caffeine have been extensively studied. This paper reviews antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of caffeine as well as its protective effects on cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cancers, and neurodegenerative and liver diseases. In addition, we summarize the side effects of long-term or excessive caffeine consumption on sleep, migraine, intraocular pressure, pregnant women, children, and adolescents. The health benefits of caffeine depend on the amount of caffeine intake and the physical condition of consumers. Moderate intake of caffeine helps to prevent and modulate several diseases. However, the long-term or over-consumption of caffeine can lead to addiction, insomnia, migraine, and other side effects. In addition, children, adolescents, pregnant women, and people who are sensitive to caffeine should be recommended to restrict/reduce their intake to avoid potential adverse effects.

Effects and mechanisms of tea on obesity

Obesity has become a global health concern. It increases the risk of several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and certain cancers, which threatens human health and increases social economic burden. As one of the most consumed beverages, tea contains various phytochemicals with potent bioactive properties and health-promoting effects, such as antioxidant, immune-regulation, cardiovascular protection and anticancer. Tea and its components are also considered as potential candidates for anti-obesity. Epidemiological studies indicate that regular consumption of tea is beneficial for reducing body fat. In addition, the experimental studies demonstrate that the potential anti-obesity mechanisms of tea are mainly involved in increasing energy expenditure and lipid catabolism, decreasing nutrient digestion and absorption as well as lipid synthesis, and regulating adipocytes, neuroendocrine system and gut microbiota. Moreover, most of clinical studies illustrate that the intake of green tea could reduce body weight and alleviate the obesity. In this review, we focus on the effect of tea and its components on obesity from epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies, and discuss their potential mechanisms.

Effects and Mechanisms of Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics on Metabolic Diseases Targeting Gut Microbiota: A Narrative Review

Metabolic diseases are serious threats to public health and related to gut microbiota. Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics (PPSP) are powerful regulators of gut microbiota, thus possessing prospects for preventing metabolic diseases. Therefore, the effects and mechanisms of PPSP on metabolic diseases targeting gut microbiota are worth discussing and clarifying. Generally, PPSP benefit metabolic diseases management, especially obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The underlying gut microbial-related mechanisms are mainly the modulation of gut microbiota composition, regulation of gut microbial metabolites, and improvement of intestinal barrier function. Moreover, clinical trials showed the benefits of PPSP on patients with metabolic diseases, while the clinical strategies for gestational diabetes mellitus, optimal formula of synbiotics and health benefits of postbiotics need further study. This review fully summarizes the relationship between probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and metabolic diseases, presents promising results and the one in dispute, and especially attention is paid to illustrates potential mechanisms and clinical effects, which could contribute to the next research and development of PPSP.

Hepatoprotective effects of Hovenia dulcis seeds against alcoholic liver injury and related mechanisms investigated via network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a worldwide health problem, and natural products have been shown to improve ALD due to their antioxidant activities. Some parts of Hovenia dulcis (H. dulcis), such as roots, peduncles, and stems, provide health benefits. Nevertheless, the effects and mechanisms of H. dulcis seeds on ALD have not yet been fully elucidated.

AIM

To determine H. dulcis antioxidant activity, evaluate its effects against ALD, and investigate the related mechanisms via network pharmacology.

METHODS

The antioxidant activity of H. dulcis seed was determined by both ferric-reducing antioxidant power and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride colorimetry, respectively, and polysaccharide was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid method. The effects of H. dulcis seeds against alcoholic liver injury were investigated in mice with water extract pretreatment for 7 days followed by alcohol administration. Moreover, the mechanisms of action were explored with network pharmacology.

RESULTS

The results showed that H. dulcis seeds possessed strong antioxidant activity (245.11 ± 10.17 μmol Fe²⁺/g by ferric-reducing antioxidant power and 284.35 ± 23.57 μmol TE/g by trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) and contained remarkable phenols and flavonoids, as well as a few polysaccharides. H. dulcis seeds attenuated alcohol-induced oxidative liver injury, showing reduced serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and triglyceride, elevated hepatic glutathione, increased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and reduced malondialdehyde and hepatic triglyceride. The results of network pharmacology analysis indicated that kaempferol, stigmasterol, and naringenin were the main bioactive compounds in H. dulcis seeds and that modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, gut-derived products, and apoptosis were underlying mechanisms of the protective effects of H. dulcis seeds on ALD.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrate that H. dulcis seeds could be a good natural antioxidant source with protective effects on oxidative diseases such as ALD.

Health Functions and Related Molecular Mechanisms of Tea Components: An Update Review

Tea is widely consumed all over the world. Generally, tea is divided into six categories: White, green, yellow, oolong, black, and dark teas, based on the fermentation degree. Tea contains abundant phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, pigments, polysaccharides, alkaloids, free amino acids, and saponins. However, the bioavailability of tea phytochemicals is relatively low. Thus, some novel technologies like nanotechnology have been developed to improve the bioavailability of tea bioactive components and consequently enhance the bioactivity. So far, many studies have demonstrated that tea shows various health functions, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-regulatory, anticancer, cardiovascular-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and hepato-protective effects. Moreover, it is also considered that drinking tea is safe to humans, since reports about the severe adverse effects of tea consumption are rare. In order to provide a better understanding of tea and its health potential, this review summarizes and discusses recent literature on the bioactive components, bioavailability, health functions, and safety issues of tea, with special attention paid to the related molecular mechanisms of tea health functions.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of 30 Chinese Teas

Tea has been reported to prevent and manage many chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, and the antioxidant capacity of tea may be responsible for these health benefits. In this study, the antioxidant capacities of fat-soluble, water-soluble, and bound-insoluble fractions of 30 Chinese teas belonging to six categories, namely green, black, oolong, dark, white, and yellow teas, were systematically evaluated, applying ferric-reducing antioxidant power and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays. In addition, total phenolic contents of teas were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method, and the contents of 18 main phytochemical compounds in teas were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results found that several teas possessed very strong antioxidant capacity, and caffeine, theaflavine, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, as well as eight catechins, were the main antioxidant compounds in them. Thus, these teas could be good natural sources of dietary antioxidants, and their extracts might be developed as food additives, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Effects and Mechanisms of Tea and Its Bioactive Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases: An Updated Review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are critical global public health issues with high morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological studies have revealed that regular tea drinking is inversely associated with the risk of CVDs. Additionally, substantial in vitro and in vivo experimental studies have shown that tea and its bioactive compounds are effective in protecting against CVDs. The relevant mechanisms include reducing blood lipid, alleviating ischemia/reperfusion injury, inhibiting oxidative stress, enhancing endothelial function, attenuating inflammation, and protecting cardiomyocyte function. Moreover, some clinical trials also proved the protective role of tea against CVDs. In order to provide a better understanding of the relationship between tea and CVDs, this review summarizes the effects of tea and its bioactive compounds against CVDs and discusses potential mechanisms of action based on evidence from epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies.

Antioxidant Activities, Phenolic Profiles, and Organic Acid Contents of Fruit Vinegars

Fruit vinegars are popular condiments worldwide. Antioxidants and organic acids are two important components of the flavors and health benefits of fruit vinegars. This study aimed to test the antioxidant activities, phenolic profiles, and organic acid contents of 23 fruit vinegars. The results found that the 23 fruit vinegars varied in ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, 0.15⁻23.52 μmol Fe(II)/mL), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC, 0.03⁻7.30 μmol Trolox/mL), total phenolic content (TPC, 29.64⁻3216.60 mg gallic acid equivalent/L), and total flavonoid content (TFC, 2.22⁻753.19 mg quercetin equivalent/L) values. Among the 23 fruit vinegars, the highest antioxidant activities were found in balsamic vinegar from Modena (Galletti), Aceto Balsamico di Modena (Monari Federzoni), red wine vinegar (Kühne), and red wine vinegar (Galletti). In addition, polyphenols and organic acids might be responsible for the antioxidant activities of fruit vinegars. The most widely detected phenolic compounds in fruit vinegars were gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid, with tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid the most widely distributed organic acids. Overall, fruit vinegars are rich in polyphenols and organic acids and can be a good dietary source of antioxidants.

Effects and mechanisms of tea for the prevention and management of cancers: An updated review

Tea is a traditional and popular beverage worldwide, and the consumption of tea has been demonstrated to possess many health benefits, such as cardiovascular protection, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, and anticancer. Epidemiological studies have shown that the consumption of tea is inversely associated with the risk of several cancers. In addition, experimental studies have revealed that the anticancer actions of tea are mainly attributed to tea polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate and theaflavins. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that the possible anticancer mechanisms are the inhibition on proliferation, anti-angiogenesis, induction of apoptosis, suppression on metastasis, inhibition on cancer stem cells, and modulation on gut microbiota. Its synergetic anticancer effects with drugs or other compounds could promote anticancer therapies. Furthermore, clinical trials have elucidated that intervention of tea phytochemicals is effective in the prevention of several cancers. This paper is an updated review for the prevention and management of cancers by tea based on the findings from epidemiological, experimental and clinical studies, and special attention is paid on the mechanisms of action.

Targeting gut microbiota with dietary components on cancer: Effects and potential mechanisms of action

Cancers are common chronic diseases worldwide and cause severe health burdens. There have been ongoing debates on the role of gut microbiota in the prevention and management of cancers, thus, it is worthwhile to pay high attention to the impacts of gut microbiota on several cancers, such as colon, liver, and breast cancers. In addition, it has been reported that gut microbiota may also affect the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Among all the factors that influence gut microbiota, diet is the most influential and modifiable. The prebiotics, dietary fibers, short-chain fatty acids, and other bioactive compounds are all important dietary components to assist the growth of beneficial microbiota in the gut, which can protect against cancers and promote human health. Their beneficial effects can be due to the fermentation of dietary fibers, the metabolism of phytochemicals, the synthesis of estrogens, and interactions with chemotherapies and immunotherapies. In order to provide updated information of the relationships among dietary components, gut microbiota, and cancer, in this review, we summarize the reciprocal interactions between dietary components and gut microbiota, and highlight the impacts of dietary components on several common cancers by targeting gut microbiota, with the potential mechanisms of actions also intensively discussed. As a result, this review can be very helpful for healthy people as well as cancer patients to prevent or manage cancers via dietary factor-mediated regulation of gut microbiota.

Potential of Grape Wastes as a Natural Source of Bioactive Compounds

Grapes are widely used in the wine and juice industries, which can lead to massive amounts of waste, mostly grape peels and seeds. The antioxidant capacities, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and phenolic profiles of peels and seeds from 30 grape varieties were systemically assessed. The antioxidant activities of fat-soluble, water-soluble and insoluble-bound fractions of grape peels and seeds were evaluated using ferric-reducing antioxidant power and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays, and their total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and AlCl₃ colorimetry, respectively. It was found that the antioxidant capacities were diverse among different grape peels and seeds. Moreover, several phenolic compounds were identified and quantified, including gallic acid, cyanidin-3-glucoside, epicatechin, catechin gallate, ferulaic acid, rutin and resveratrol, which could contribute to the antioxidant capacities of these grape peels and seeds. Several grape wastes with strong antioxidant activity could be abundant sources of natural bioactive compounds, and have the potential for development into functional foods, food additives and pharmaceuticals.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Melastoma sanguineum Fruit: Optimization and Identification

A microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technology optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) was established to extract phenolic compounds from the fruit of Melastoma sanguineum. The effects of solvent composition, ratio of solvent to material, temperature, time and microwave power on phenol yield were evaluated in single-factor tests. The three parameters exerting main impacts on phenol yield were further optimized by RSM. Under optimal extraction conditions (31.33% ethanol, solvent/material ratio of 32.21 mL/g, 52.24 °C, 45 min and 500 W), the total phenolic content was 39.02 ± 0.73 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (DW). This MAE method performed better in comparison with two conventional methods, those being maceration (25.79 ± 1.03 mg GAE/g DW) and Soxhlet extraction (18.40 ± 1.34 mg GAE/g DW), using lower process temperature, shorter irradiation time, and lower organic solvent consumption. In addition, five flavonoids (epicatechin gallate, epicatechin, rutin, pigallocatechin and quercetin) and two phenolic acids (protocatechuic acid and chlorogenic acid) in the extract were identified and quantified using UPLC-MS/MS.

Comparison of Antioxidant Activities of Different Grape Varieties

Grapes are widely consumed in the world, and different grape varieties could exhibit distinctly different antioxidant activities. In this study, the free radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities of lipophilic, hydrophilic, and insoluble-bound fractions from 30 grape varieties were evaluated by ferric-reducing antioxidant powers (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacities (TEAC), total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC). The results indicated that the 30 grape varieties exhibited diverse FRAP values (1.289⁻11.767 μmol Fe(II)/g FW), TEAC values (0.339⁻4.839 μmol Trolox/g FW), TPC values (0.294⁻1.407 mg GAE/g FW) and TFC values (0.082⁻0.132 mg QE/g FW). Several grapes, such as Pearl Black Grape (Xinjiang), Summer Black Grape (Shaanxi), Pearl Green Grape (Xinjiang), Seedless Green Grape (Xinjiang), and Seedless Red Grape (Yunnan), exhibited strong free radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities, which could be consumed as good sources of natural antioxidants to prevent several diseases induced by oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Furthermore, several antioxidants were identified and quantified, including caffeic acid, catechin gallate, epicatechin, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and rutin, which could contribute to the antioxidant activities of grapes.

Five-Golden-Flowers Tea: Green Extraction and Hepatoprotective Effect against Oxidative Damage

The consumption of herbal teas has become popular in recent years due to their attractive flavors and outstanding antioxidant properties. The Five-Golden-Flowers tea is a herbal tea consisting of five famous edible flowers. The effects of microwave-assisted extraction parameters on the antioxidant activity of Five-Golden-Flowers tea were studied by single-factor experiments, and further investigated using response surface methodology. Under the optimal parameters (53.04 mL/g of solvent/material ratio, 65.52 °C, 30.89 min, and 500 W), the ferric-reducing antioxidant power, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content of the herbal tea were 862.90 ± 2.44 µmol Fe2+/g dry weight (DW), 474.37 ± 1.92 µmol Trolox/g DW, and 65.50 ± 1.26 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, respectively. The in vivo antioxidant activity of the herbal tea was evaluated on alcohol-induced acute liver injury in mice. The herbal tea significantly decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and malonaldehyde at different doses (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg); improved the levels of liver index, serum triacylglycerol, and catalase at dose of 800 mg/kg. These results indicated its role in alleviating hepatic oxidative injury. Besides, rutin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, gallic acid, and p-coumaric acid were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which could contribute to the antioxidant activity of the herbal tea.

Natural Products for the Prevention and Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori is the main pathogen that induces chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, atrophic gastritis, and other gastric disorders, and it is classified as a group I carcinogen. To eradicate H. pylori infection, triple therapy consisting of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor is the most widely recommended first-line therapeutic strategy. Antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics contained in triple therapy could lead to therapeutic regimen failures. Recent studies showed that many natural products, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants, possess inhibitory effects on H. pylori, indicating their potential to be alternatives to prevent and manage H. pylori infection. This review summarizes the effects of natural products on H. pylori infection and highlights the mechanisms of action.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Natural Antioxidants from the Exotic Gordonia axillaris Fruit: Optimization and Identification of Phenolic Compounds

Our previous study reported that the fruit of Gordonia axillaris , an edible wild fruit, possessed strong antioxidant activity. In this study, a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method was established to extract antioxidants from the fruit of Gordonia axillaris . The influence of five parameters, including ethanol concentration, solvent/material ratio, extraction time, extraction temperature and microwave power, was investigated by single-factor experiments. Three factors, namely ethanol concentration, solvent/material ratio, extraction time, were found to exert a major influence on extraction efficacy, and were further studied by response surface methodology to investigate their interactions. Ethanol concentration of 36.89%, solvent/material ratio of 29.56 mL/g, extraction time of 71.04 min, temperature of 40 °C, and microwave power of 400 W were found to be the optimal condition. The TEAC value was 198.16 ± 5.47 µmol Trolox/g DW under the optimal conditions, which was in conformity to the predicted value (200.28 µmol Trolox/g DW). In addition, the MAE method was compared with two conventional methods (Soxhlet extraction and maceration extraction). Results showed that the antioxidant capacity of the extract obtained by MAE method was stronger than that obtained by maceration (168.67 ± 3.88 µmol Trolox/g DW) or Soxhlet extraction (114.09 ± 2.01 µmol Trolox/g DW). Finally, several phenolic compounds in the extract were identified and quantified by UPLC-MS/MS, which were rutin, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, 2-hydrocinnamic acid, p -coumaric acid, quercetin, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid.

Effects of Vegetables on Cardiovascular Diseases and Related Mechanisms

Epidemiological studies have shown that vegetable consumption is inversely related to the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, research has indicated that many vegetables like potatoes, soybeans, sesame, tomatoes, dioscorea, onions, celery, broccoli, lettuce and asparagus showed great potential in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, and vitamins, essential elements, dietary fibers, botanic proteins and phytochemicals were bioactive components. The cardioprotective effects of vegetables might involve antioxidation; anti-inflammation; anti-platelet; regulating blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profile; attenuating myocardial damage; and modulating relevant enzyme activities, gene expression, and signaling pathways as well as some other biomarkers associated to cardiovascular diseases. In addition, several vegetables and their bioactive components have been proven to protect against cardiovascular diseases in clinical trials. In this review, we analyze and summarize the effects of vegetables on cardiovascular diseases based on epidemiological studies, experimental research, and clinical trials, which are significant to the application of vegetables in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

[Colonization rate of Clostridium Difficile in healthy children]

Objective: To learn the colonization of Clostridium difficile in local healthy children and to investigate the colonization rate and toxin types of Clostridium difficile at different ages. Method: From September 2014 to January 2015 in a case observational study, healthy children's fecal specimens from the health care department of Beijing Children's Hospital were collected. The children were divided into four groups according to age: <1 year old(n=53), 1-<3 years old(n=50), 3-<6 years old(n=50) and 6-<14 years old(n=50) respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Clostridium difficile toxin genes including tcdA, tcdB, binary toxin CDT (cdtA and cdtB), and toxin regulatory genes including tcdC, tcdD and tcdE. And then the positive samples were sequenced. Measurement data were compared by using t test and rank sum test, while, enumeration data were compared using chi-square test. Result: Fifteen (7.4%) specimens were positive for Clostridium difficile toxin genes in 203 stool specimens. Of the 15 positive specimens, eight(53.3%) were tcdA(+) tcdB(-)(A(+) B(-)), four were A(+) B(+) , 3(20.0%) were A(-)B(+) , the binary toxin-positive specimens were not detected. TcdC, tcdD, tcdE positive specimens were 8, 6 and 11, respectively. Gene mutations were not found in positive samples by DNA sequencing. In the 15 positive samples, four (7.5%) specimens were in <1 year old group; four (8.0%) specimens were in 1-<3 years old group; one(2.0%) specimen was in 3-<6 years old group; and 6(12.0%) specimens were in 6-<14 years old group. The colonization rate had no significance in different age groups. Conclusion: The colonization rate of Clostridium difficile in healthy children was 7.4%. And toxigenic Clostridium difficile can be detected in all age groups.

Fruits for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are leading global health problems. Accumulating epidemiological studies have indicated that consuming fruits was inversely related to the risk of CVDs. Moreover, substantial experimental studies have supported the protective role of fruits against CVDs, and several fruits (grape, blueberry, pomegranate, apple, hawthorn, and avocado) have been widely studied and have shown potent cardiovascular protective action. Fruits can prevent CVDs or facilitate the restoration of morphology and functions of heart and vessels after injury. The involved mechanisms included protecting vascular endothelial function, regulating lipids metabolism, modulating blood pressure, inhibiting platelets function, alleviating ischemia/reperfusion injury, suppressing thrombosis, reducing oxidative stress, and attenuating inflammation. The present review summarizes recent discoveries about the effects of fruits on CVDs and discusses potential mechanisms of actions based on evidence from epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies.

[Clinical analysis of 11 children with pancreatic cystic fibrosis]

Objective: To increase the recognition of pancreatic cystic fibrosis (PCF) in children and facilitate diagnosing and treatment of this rare entity. Method: This is a retrospective analysis of children who presented to Beijing Children's Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2010 to December 2015. We describe their clinical features, laboratory testing and management. Result: Eleven children were diagnosed with PCF by genetic testing or sweat chloride test during these 5 years, including 4 boys and 7 girls. Their age ranged from 0.5-14.3 (mean 9.0±3.9) years. Family history was positive in 3 children. Significant clinical findings on presentation were: malnutrition 6, including 2 cases of mild, moderate and severe malnutrition each; diarrhea 4 (yellow mushy or watery stool with frequency ranging from 2-5 times a day), including 1 case of acute diarrhea and 3 of chronic diarrhea, 3 of them had steatorrhea; abdominal pain 3. All of them had pancreatic lesions shown by abdominal ultrasound. Blood tests showed 6 cases had elevated serum amylase and lipase. The main treatment was pancreatic replacement therapy and nutritional support. Conclusion: PCF is rare in children. Malnutrition, diarrhea and abdominal pain are the main clinical manifestations. Treatment is mostly pancreatic enzymes replacement and supportive care.

Neuroserpin, a neuroprotective factor in focal ischemic stroke

Because recent studies have indicated that tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) aggravates neurodegenerative processes in many neural pathologies, we studied whether the endogenous tPA antagonist neuroserpin has a neuroprotective effect in an animal model of focal ischemic stroke. After induction of a focal ischemic stroke in the mouse by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, we found that microglial cells accumulated in the marginal zone of the infarct are the most important source for both plasminogen activators, tPA and uPA. To investigate the effect of neuroserpin on the size and the histology of the infarct we produced transgenic mice overexpressing neuroserpin approximately sixfold in the nervous system. In the brain of these mice the total tPA activity in the uninjured tissue was strongly reduced. After induction of a focal ischemic stroke in the transgenic mice by a permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), the infarcts were 30% smaller than in the wild-type mice. Immunohistochemical analyses and in situ hybridization revealed an attenuation of the microglial activation in the reactive zone. Concomitantly, the microglial production of tPA and uPA, as well as the PA-activity in the infarct region was markedly reduced. Thus, our results indicate that neuroserpin reduces microglial activation and, therefore, the PA activity and has a neuroprotective role after focal ischemic stroke.