A glucuronogalactomannan isolated from Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg: Structure and immunomodulatory activity

A novel acidic glucuronogalactomannan (STHP-5) was isolated from the aboveground part of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg with a molecular weight of 3.225 × 105 kDa. Analysis of chain conformation showed STHP-5 was approximately a random coil chain. STHP-5 was composed mainly of galactose, mannose, and glucuronic acid. Linkages of glycosides were measured via methylation analysis and verified by NMR. In vitro, STHP-5 induced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and secretion of IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells, indicating STHP-5 had stimulatory activity on macrophages. STHP-5 was proven to function as a TLR4 agonist by inducing the secretion of secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) in HEK-Blue™-hTLR4 cells. The TLR4 activation capacity was quantitatively measured via EC50, and it showed purified polysaccharides had stronger effects (lower EC50) on activating TLR4 compared with crude polysaccharides. In conclusion, our findings suggest STHP-5 may be a novel immunomodulator.

Antipyretic effect of inhaled Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharide on substance and energy metabolism in yeast-induced pyrexia mice via TLR4/NF-κb signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg, is one of the perennial evergreen plants with grass vine, which has obvious curative effect on severe infectious diseases. Although Tetrastigma hemleyanum has long been recognized for its capacity of antipyretic and antitoxic, its specific mechanism is unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the antipyretic effect of Tetrastigma hemleyanum polysaccharide (THP) on mice with dry yeast-induced fever, and to explore its specific antipyretic mechanism.

METHODS

In this study, THP was administered by aerosol in febrile mice. The rectal temperatures of treated animals were monitored at different time points. Histopathological evaluation and various inflammatory indexes were used to assess inflammatory damage. The concentration variations of the central neurotransmitter, endocrine system, substance and energy metabolism indicators were measured to explore the physiological mechanism. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western bolt and Immunohistochemistry were performed to identify the correlation between antipyretic and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

RESULTS

THP reduced the body temperature of febrile mice induced by dry yeast, as well as the levels of thermogenic cytokines and downregulated the contents of thermoregulatory mediators. THP alleviated the pathological damage of liver and hypothalamus caused by fever. In addition, THP decreased the secretion of thyroid hormone, substance and energy metabolism related indicators. Furthermore, THP significantly suppressed TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-related indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results suggest that inhaled THP exerts antipyretic effect by mediating the thermoregulatory mediator, decreasing the content of pyrogenic factors to lower the body temperature, and eventually restoring the high metabolic level in the body to normal via inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. The study provides a reasonable pharmacodynamic basis for the treatment of polysaccharide in febrile-related diseases.

Structure of a polysaccharide MDP2-1 from Melastoma dodecandrum Lour. and its anti-inflammatory effects

The anti-inflammatory activity of polysaccharides derived from Melastoma dodecandrum Lour. was evaluated in pyretic mice and HEK-Blue™ hTLR4 cells. The testing led to the identification of MDP2-1, which was then investigated for its structural characteristics and anti-inflammatory effects. Results showed that MDP2-1 had a molecular weight of 29.234 kDa and primarily consisted of galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, glucose, glucuronic acid, and galacturonic acid. Its main backbone was composed of →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→, →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, →3,4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→, →2,4)-α-D-GlcpA-(1→, and its side chains were connected by →4)-α-D-Galp-(1→, α-D-Galp-(1→, →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, and α-L-Araf-(1→. In vivo experiments on mice demonstrated that MDP2-1 attenuated LPS-induced acute lung injury, and in vitro experiments on RAW264.7 cells showed that MDP2-1 reduced the levels of inflammatory mediators and mitigated LPS-induced inflammatory damage by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4 downstream NF-κB/MAPK pathway. These findings suggest that MDP2-1 is a novel anti-inflammatory agent for therapeutic interventions.

Bletilla striata polysaccharides protect against ARDS by modulating the NLRP3/caspase1/GSDMD and HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathways to improve pulmonary alveolar macrophage pyroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bletilla striata polysaccharides (BSP) extracted from the B. striata tuber, have been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, their potential protective effect against ARDS and their role in regulating cell pyroptosis remained unexplored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of BSP in the alleviation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ARDS, and to explore its mechanism of action.

METHODS

The effect of BSP was assessed by LPS injection into the intraperitoneal cavity in vivo; pathological changes of ARDS mice were gauged by immunohistochemical, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunofluorescence assays. MH-S cells were used to model the pyroptosis in vitro. Finally, the pyroptosis of alveolar macrophage was detected by western blots, qPCR, and flow cytometry for NLRP3/caspase1/GSDMD and HMGB1/TLR4 pathway-associated proteins and mRNA.

RESULTS

BSP could significantly increase the weight and survival rate of mice with ARDS, alleviate the cytokine storm in the lungs, and reduce lung damage in vivo. BSP inhibited the inflammation caused by LPS/Nigericin significantly in vitro. Compared with the control group, there was a remarkable surge in the incidence of pyroptosis observed in ARDS lung tissue and alveolar macrophages, whereas BSP significantly diminished the pyroptosis ratio. Besides, BSP reduced NLRP3/caspase1/GSDMD and HMGB1/TLR4 levels in ARDS lung tissue and MH-S cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings proved that BSP could improve LPS-induced ARDS via inhibiting pyroptosis, and this effect was mediated by NLRP3/caspase1/GSDMD and HMGB1/TLR4, suggesting a therapeutic potential of BSP as an anti-inflammatory agent for ARDS treatment.

Uncovering Mechanism and Efficacy of Salvia Miltiorrhiza-Safflower in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Cerebral ischemia (CI) is the main cause of stroke morbidity and disability. This study aims to identify the early molecular regulation responsible for the therapeutic effectiveness of the Herb pair Danshen-Honghua (DH) for CI. The major targets of DH were identified by searching the public database of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In addition, GeneCards, Disgenet, and GeneMap databases in OMIM were used to determine the disease targets of CI. A total of 88 common targets of DH and CI were selected, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established by Cytoscape, and 19 core targets were screened. These genes were primarily enriched in biological processes including wound healing, reaction to oxidative stress, and response to peptides, lipid and atherosclerosis, Age-rage signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway by KEGG and GO enrichments. The effective components of DH had stable binding to these key targets by molecular docking. Finally, it was verified that the mechanism of DH on CI treatment may be related to the activation of the TNF-α/JNK signaling pathway by establishing the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model.

Triclosan induces earlier puberty onset in female mice via interfering with L-type calcium channels and activating Pik3cd

Triclosan (TCS) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial chemical widely presents in people's daily lives. Epidemiological studies have revealed that TCS exposure may affect female puberty development. However, the developmental toxicity after low-dose TCS continuous exposure remains to be confirmed. In our study, 8-week-old ICR female mice were continuously exposed to TCS (30, 300, 3000 μg/kg/day) or vehicle (corn oil) from 2 weeks before mating to postnatal day 21 (PND 21) of F1 female mice, while F1 female mice were treated with TCS intragastric administration from PND 22 until PND 56. Vaginal opening (VO) observation, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis related hormones and genes detection, and ovarian transcriptome analysis were carried out to investigate the effects of TCS exposure on puberty onset. Meanwhile, human granulosa-like tumor cell lines (KGN cells) were exposed to TCS to further explore the biological mechanism of the ovary in vitro. The results showed that long-term exposure to low-dose TCS led to approximately a 3-day earlier puberty onset in F1 female mice. Moreover, TCS up-regulated the secretion of estradiol (E2) and the expression of ovarian steroidogenesis genes. Notably, ovarian transcriptomes analysis as well as bidirectional validation in KGN cells suggested that L-type calcium channels and Pik3cd were involved in TCS-induced up-regulation of ovarian-related hormones and genes. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that TCS interfered with L-type calcium channels and activated Pik3cd to up-regulate the expression of ovarian steroidogenesis and related genes, thereby inducing the earlier puberty onset in F1 female mice.

A Berberine-Loaded Bletilla striata Polysaccharide Hydrogel as a New Medical Dressing for Diabetic Wound Healing

The healing process of a diabetic wound (DW) is often impeded by a series of interrelated factors, including severe infection, persistent inflammation, and excessive oxidative stress. Therefore, it is particularly crucial to develop a medical dressing that can address these issues simultaneously. To this end, different ratios of Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) and berberine (BER) were physically blended with Carbomer 940 (CBM940) to develop a composite hydrogel as a medical dressing. The BSP/BER hydrogel was characterized using SEM, FTIR, rheological testing and other techniques. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of the hydrogel were evaluated using cell and bacterial models in vitro. A DW model of ICR mice was established to evaluate the effect of the hydrogel on DW healing in vivo. The hydrogel exhibited excellent biocompatibility and remarkable antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In addition, animal experiments showed that the BSP/BER hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing in DW mice. Among the different formulations, the LBSP/BER hydrogel (2% BSP, mBER:mBSP = 1:40) demonstrated the most remarkable efficacy. In conclusion, the BSP/BER hydrogel developed exhibited immense properties and great potential as a medical dressing for the repair of DW, addressing a crucial need in clinical practice.

Polysaccharides from Tetrastigma Hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg ameliorated inflammatory bowel disease by rebuilding the intestinal mucosal barrier and inhibiting inflammation through the SCFA-GPR41/43 signaling pathway

In this study, the therapeutic effects of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharide (THP) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its possible mechanisms were investigated based on the IBD mouse model induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Caco-2 cell model. THP significantly alleviated the signs and symptoms of DSS-induced IBD mice, including the reduced weight, shortened colonic length, and increased colitis disease activity index. In vivo, THP significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and oxidative damage, promoted intestinal mucus secretion, and restored the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and mucus barrier. Furthermore, THP reversed the changes in the intestinal flora of colonized mice and restored the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by increasing the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria and increasing the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria. In addition, THP upregulated the expression of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPR41 and GPR43) both in vivo and in vitro. In summary, the current investigation showed that THP effectively protected against intestinal inflammation and impairment in the intestinal barrier in the setting of DSS-induced IBD, possibly by regulating gut microbiota structure and corresponding SCFA metabolites, and the pathway of SCFAs action may be related to SCFA-GPR41/43 signaling pathway.

Bletilla striata composite nanofibrous membranes prepared by emulsion electrospinning for enhanced healing of diabetic wounds

Diabetic wounds impose enormous distress and financial burden on patients, and finding effective dressings to manage wounds is critical. As a Chinese herbal medicine with a long history of Clinical application, Bletilla striata has significant medicinal effects in the therapy of various wounds. In this study, PLA and the pharmacodynamic substances of Bletilla striata were prepared into fibrous scaffolds by emulsion electrospinning technology for the management of diabetic wounds in mice. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that the core-shell structure fibre was successfully obtained by emulsion electrospinning. The fibre membrane exhibited excellent water absorption capability and water vapor transmission rate, could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, had good compatibility, and achieved excellent healing effect on diabetic wounds. Especially in the in vivo wound healing experiment, the wound healing rate of composite fibre membrane treatment reached 98.587 ± 2.149% in 16 days. This work demonstrated the good therapeutic effect of the developed fibrous membrane to diabetic wound, and this membrane could be potentially applied to chronic wound healing.

Study on the Mechanism of Naoxintong in the Treatment of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Based on a Multiomics Method

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) injury occurs as a secondary injury during the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). There is a high death rate and morbidity due to IS throughout the world. Even though Naoxintong Capsule (NXT) is effective in the treatment of CIR, its mechanisms of action are unclear. The study aims to explore the clear mechanism associated with NXT therapy for CIR. We established the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion to evaluate the neurological function and assess the infarct size. Brain tissue metabolomics was used to identify different metabolites, and metabolic profiling systems enriched metabolic pathways. Then, the potential targets of NXT in the treatment of CIR were explored by proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic methods. NXT improves CIR symptoms. We found potential 11 proteins and corresponding metabolites involved in NXT treatment of CIR. Most of these metabolites are regulated to restore after treatment. According to network pharmacology, we found 6 hub genes, including Glb1, Gmps, Pfas, Atic, Gaa, and Acox1, and their associated core metabolites and pathways. This study reveals the complex mechanism of NXT in treating CIR, and provides a new strategy for future researchers to screen related targets and pathways.

Toxicity, formation, contamination, determination and mitigation of acrylamide in thermally processed plant-based foods and herbal medicines: A review

Thermal processing is one of the important techniques for most of the plant-based food and herb medicines before consumption and application in order to meet the specific requirement. The plant and herbs are rich in amino acids and reducing sugars, and thermal processing may lead to Maillard reaction, resulting as a high risk of acrylamide pollution. Acrylamide, an organic pollutant that can be absorbed by the body through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, skin and mucous membranes, has potential carcinogenicity, neurological, genetic, reproductive and developmental toxicity. Therefore, it is significant to conduct pollution determination and risk assessment for quality assurance and security of medication. This review demonstrates state-of-the-art research of acrylamide focusing on the toxicity, formation, contamination, determination, and mitigation in taking food and herb medicine, to provide reference for scientific processing and ensure the security of consumers.

[Electroencephalographic microstates in vestibular schwannoma patients with tinnitus]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the biomarkers of tinnitus in vestibular schwannoma patients using electroencephalographic (EEG) microstate technology.

METHODS

The EEG and clinical data of 41 patients with vestibular schwannoma were collected. All the patients were evaluated by SAS, SDS, THI and VAS scales. The EEG acquisition time was 10-15 min, and the EEG data were preprocessed and analyzed using MATLAB and EEGLAB software package.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients with vestibular schwannoma, 29 patients had tinnitus and 12 did not have tinnitus, and their clinical parameters were comparable. The average global explanation variances of the non-tinnitus and tinnitus groups were 78.8% and 80.1%, respectively. The results of EEG microstate analysis showed that compared with those without tinnitus, the patients with tinnitus had an increased frequency (P=0.033) and contribution (P=0.028) of microstate C. Correlation analysis showed that THI scale scores of the patients were negatively correlated with the duration of microstate A (R=-0.435, P=0.018) and positively with the frequencies of microstate B (R=0.456, P=0.013) and microstate C (R=0.412, P=0.026). Syntax analysis showed that the probability of transition from microstate C to microstate B increased significantly in vestibular schwannoma patients with tinnitus (P=0.031).

CONCLUSION

EEG microstate features differ significantly between vestibular schwannoma patients with and without tinnitus. This abnormality in patients with tinnitus may reflect the potential abnormality in the allocation of neural resources and the transition of brain functional activity.

Ameliorating role of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharides in antibiotic-induced intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction in mice based on microbiome and metabolome analyses

The intestinal mucosal barrier is one of the important barriers to prevent harmful substances and pathogens from entering the body environment and to maintain intestinal homeostasis. This study investigated the reparative effect and possible mechanism of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharides (THP) on ceftriaxone-induced intestinal mucosal damage. Our results suggested that THP repaired the mechanical barrier damage of intestinal mucosa by enhancing the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, reducing intestinal mucosal permeability and improving the pathological state of intestinal epithelial cells. Intestinal immune and chemical barrier was further restored by THP via the increment of the body's cytokine levels, intestinal SIgA levels, intestinal goblet cell number, intestinal mucin-2 levels, and short-chain fatty acid levels. In addition, THP increased the abundance of probiotic bacteria (such as Lactobacillus), reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria (such as Enterococcus) to repair the intestinal biological barrier, restored intestinal mucosal barrier function, and maintains intestinal homeostasis. The possible mechanisms were related to sphingolipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and d-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism. Our results demonstrated the potential therapeutic effect of THP against intestinal flora disorders and intestinal barrier function impairment caused by antibiotics.

Analysis of the mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion by multi-omics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHW) is a classic representative formula for treating qi deficiency and the blood stasis syndrome of stroke in the Qing Dynasty physician Wang Qingren's Correction on the Errors of Medical Works. However, the research on the mechanism of BYHW in the treatment of stroke is not systematic and comprehensive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Combined with multi-omics analysis methods to explore the potential targets of BYHW in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established to study the effect of BYHW on cerebral I/R injury in rats. Then, the potential targets and pathways of BYHW in the treatment of cerebral I/R injury were analyzed by proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic methods. Finally, 4D-PRM was used to validate potential targets.

RESULTS

BYHW effectively improved the neurological function scores of MCAO rats and significantly reduced the rate of cerebral infarction in MCAO rats. Multi-omics analysis had identified 15 potential targets and 4 potential signaling pathways. The results of 4D-PRM targeted proteomics verification showed that Pde1b was reversed up-regulated, and Aprt, Gpd1, Glb1, HEXA, and HEXB were reversed down-regulated.

CONCLUSION

BYHW may improve cerebral I/R through Aprt, Pde1b, Gpd1, Glb1, HEXA and HEXB targets, and Glycerophospholipid metabolism, Purine metabolism and Glycosphingolipid biosynthesis - globoseries pathway.

Integrated transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics to identify biomarkers of astragaloside IV against cerebral ischemic injury in rats

The herb Astragali Radix is a food-medicine herb. A major component of Astragali Radix, astragaloside IV (AS-IV), has neuroprotective effects in IS, but its mechanisms are not well understood. Our research used a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model for longitudinal multi-omics analyses of the side of the brain affected by ischemia. Based on transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, we found that 396 differential expression targets were up-regulated and 114 differential expression targets were down-regulated. A total of 117 differential metabolites were identified based on metabonomics. Finally, we found 8 hub genes corresponding to the compound-reaction-enzyme-gene network using the Metscape plug-in for Cytoscape 3.7.1. We found that the related key metabolites were 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine, 2-aminomuconate semialdehyde, (R)-3-hydroxybutanoate, etc., and the affected pathways were tyrosine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, butanoate metabolism, purine metabolism, etc. We further validated these targets using 4D-PRM proteomics and found that seven targets were significantly different, including Aprt, Atic, Gaa, Galk1, Glb1, Me2, and Hexa. We aimed to uncover the mechanism of AS-IV in the treatment of ischemic brain injury through a comprehensive strategy combining transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.

Therapeutic effect of Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction on TLR9-mediated NETosis in MRL/lpr mice

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, devastating autoimmune disorder associated with severe organ damage. The roles of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and NETosis in SLE have been described, suggesting the involvement of NETosis signaling in the development of SLE. Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction (SGT) is a potential medication for the treatment of SLE; however, its potential therapeutic mechanism remains unexplored. To determine the function of SGT in SLE, we treated MRL/lpr female mice with SGT, the main components of which were paeoniflorin (56.949 μg·mL-1) and glycyrrhizin (459.393 μg·mL-1). We found that SGT treatment relieved lymphadenectasis and splenomegaly, reduced urine protein and anti-dsDNA antibody concentrations, and relieved kidney pathology in MRL/lpr mice. SGT could also effectively regulate the oxidation/antioxidant balance, significantly reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents and significantly increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in MRL/lpr mice. The neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) content of MRL/lpr mice also decreased to a certain extent after SGT treatment. All these results suggested that SGT might improve the inflammatory damage to tissues caused by oxygen free radicals, thereby regulating the NETosis process mediated by TLR9 and exerting a good therapeutic effect on SLE.

Screening of endophytic fungi from Cremastra appendiculata and their potential for plant growth promotion and biological control

Biocontrol fungi are widely used to promote plant growth and pest control. Four fungi were isolated from Cremastra appendiculata tubers and screened for plant growth-promoting and antagonistic effects. Based on the morphological characterization and ITS, 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA gene sequencing analysis, the fungi were identified to be related to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (DJL-6), Trichoderma tomentosum (DJL-9), Colletotrichum godetiae (DJL-10) and Talaromyces amestolkiae (DJL-15). The growth inhibition tests showed that the four isolates had different inhibitory effects on Colletotrichum fructicola, Alternaria alternata and Alternaria longipes, among which DJL-9 showed the highest inhibitory activity. Their culture filtrates (especially that of DJL-15) can also inhibit pathogens. Four isolates were positive for the production of indole-3-acid (IAA) and β-1,3-glucanase and possessed proteolytic activity but were negative for the production of iron siderophore complexes. The four fungi showed strong nitrogen fixation and potassium dissolution abilities. In addition to DJL-9 being able to solubilize phosphate, DJL-10 was able to produce chitinase and cellulase. Pot experiments indicated that the four fungi increased the germination rate of C. appendiculata and soybean seeds and increased soybean radicle growth and plant biomass. Among them, DJL-6 had a better growth-promoting effect. Therefore, we successfully screened the biocontrol potential of endophytes from C. appendiculata, with a focus on preventing fungal diseases and promoting plant growth, and selected strains that could provide nutrients and hormones for plant growth.

[Treatment of orbital vascular malformations with intralesional bleomycin injection and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of bleomycin lavage combined with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization and resection in the treatment of orbital vascular malformations. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Patients with orbital vascular malformations diagnosed at the Ophthalmology Division of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2018 to October 2021 were included and divided into exophthalmos group and non-exophthalmos group based on whether the patients had postural exophthalmos. Intralesional bleomycin injection and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization were performed. The preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, the dosages of bleomycin and isobutyl cyanoacrylate glue, pathological results, imaging findings and remission rate were recorded and analyzed. The Chi-square test, Wilcoxon signed rank analysis and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 58 patients (58 eyes)were included, and there were 22 males (37.9%)　and 36 females (62.1%). Nineteen (32.8%) patients had postural exophthalmos, and 39 (67.2%) patients did not suffer postural exophthalmos. The patient's age of the two groups was 39.0 (28.0, 54.5) years vs. 14.0 (5.7, 26.5) years, with a statistically significant difference (Z=-3.96, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in gender, eye laterality, follow-up time and the disease course between the two groups (all P>0.05). During the operation, the dosage of bleomycin was 15 000 (13 500, 15 000) U in the exophthalmos group, and 15 000 (9 000, 16 500) U in the non-exophthalmos group (Z=-0.70, P=0.944). The dosages of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue were 2.8 (1.0, 3.0) ml and 1.7 (1.0, 2.2) ml, respectively, in the two groups, with no significant difference (Z=-1.11, P=0.268). There was no visual impairment in both groups, while the visual acuity in 5 patients without postural exophthalmos was improved postoperatively. The imaging examination results showed no difference in the malformed vascular area before and after the treatment in the exophthalmos group [384.0 (329.0, 458.0) mm² vs. 330.5 (271.6, 356.7) mm²; Z=-1.26, P=0.208], but a significantly decreased area after the treatment in the non-exophthalmos group [960.8 (822.1, 1058.3) mm² vs. 311.6 (164.6, 361.6) mm²; Z=-2.67, P=0.008]. All patients had no obvious local or systemic adverse reactions during the follow-up. The pathology reports showed vascular malformations in all 15 specimens obtained from the exophthalmos group, as well as vascular malformations in 41.0% (16/39) of specimens and venous lymphatic malformations in 59.0% (23/39) of specimens from the non-exophthalmos group. Thirty-nine patients had complete remission (67.2%), 19 patients had partial remission (32.8%), and the effective treatment rate was 100%. Conclusion: Bleomycin lavage combined with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization can achieve good therapeutic effects on orbital vascular malformations.

Perinatal exposure to low doses of cypermethrin induce the puberty-related hormones and decrease the time to puberty in the female offspring

Pyrethroid insecticides are ubiquitously detected in environmental media, food, and urine samples. Our previous epidemiological study reported a correlation between increased pyrethroid exposure and delayed pubertal development in Chinese girls. In this study, we further investigated the effects of perinatal exposure to low doses of cypermethrin (CP) on pubertal onset and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in the female mice offspring. The treatment of CP with 60 μg/kg/day from gestation day 6 (GD6) to postnatal day 21 (PND21) significantly decreased the time to puberty in the female offspring. Exposure of CP increased the serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the expression of GnRH genes in a dose-dependent manner in the female offspring. CP also induced the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as the expression of gonadotropin subunit genes [LHβ, FSHβ, and chorionic gonadotropin α (Cgα)]. Furthermore, CP induced serum estradiol (E₂) levels and the expression of steroidogenesis-related genes [steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and Cytochrome p 450, family 11, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP11A1)] in the ovary. In accordance with the in vivo tests, administration of CP (6.7, 20, and 60 μg/L) stimulated a dose-dependent increase in the synthesis and secretion of the puberty-related hormones in the explants of hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary. The interference with calcium channels in the ovary may be responsible for CP-induced pubertal onset. Our study provided evidence that perinatal exposure to low doses of CP induced puberty-related hormones and decreased the time to puberty in the female offspring.

Antitumor effects of polysaccharides from Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg via regulation of intestinal flora and enhancing immunomodulatory effects in vivo

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with high medicinal value, and antitumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biological activities. However, while several studies have focused on flavonoids in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum tubers, there are few studies on the enhanced immune effect of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharides (THP). In this study, we evaluated the antitumor effect of THP in a lung tumor model and explored the mechanism of antitumor activity through intestinal flora. In addition, a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression model was used to declare the immunomodulatory effect of THP in the immunosuppressive state induced by antitumor drugs. The results showed that THP increased the content of ileum secreted immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and cecum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and improved microbial community diversity, regulating the relative abundance of dominant microbiota flora from the phylum level to the genus level, and recovering the intestinal microflora disorder caused by tumors. Additionally, THP can increase the organ indices and improve immune organ atrophy. THP can upregulate routine blood counts and stimulate the production of the serum cytokines. THP also promoted the macrophage phagocytic index, NK-cell activation, and complement and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) levels. The detection of Splenic lymphocyte proliferation and T lymphocyte subsets also sideways reflects that THP can restore CTX-induced immune inhibition in mice. In conclusion, this study suggests that THP can effectively achieve the enhanced antitumor effects, regulate gut microbiota and improve the immunosuppression induced by antitumor drugs. Therefore, THP can enhance the immune capacity and provide novel immunomodulatory and antineoplastic adjuvant agents.

Rapid identification and quantitative determination of chemical compositions in Buyang Huanwu decoction based on HPLC-Q-Exactive mass spectrometry

OBJECTIVE

To establish an analytical method for rapid identification of chemical compositions and quantitative determination of major compositions in Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) based on high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-Exactive MS) and high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV).

METHODS

The mass spectrometry information was collected in Full MS/dd-MS 2 negative ion mode with HPLC-Q-Exactive MS system; the chemical compositions of BYHWD were subsequently annotated with Compound Discoverer 3.0 software and a self-built in-house compound library. Eight major compositions (paeoniflorin, gallic acid, hydroxysafflor yellow A, ferulic acid, calycosin-7-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, formononetin) were picked out and their contents were quantitatively determined with HPLC-UV analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 178 compounds in BYHWD were tentatively identified. The results of HPLC-UV quantitative analysis showed that 8 compositions had a good linear relationship in their respective concentration range ( R 2≥0.9990), the relative standard deviations (RSD) of precision and stability were all less than 15%, and the recovery rate RSD was between 1.6% and 2.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

The method established in this study can realize the rapid identification and accurate quantification of the major compositions in BYHWD. Paeoniflorin, hydroxysafflor yellow A and gallic acid may be used as quality control markers.

[Comparison of time series and case-crossover analyses in environmental epidemiology]

Time-series and case-crossover are two main study designs in environmental epidemiology. However, due to the differences in design principles and model construction between the two analyses, the results of the two analyses may not be consistent. Herein, we examined the short-term effect of cold spells on cardiovascular mortality in Nanjing using both time series and case-crossover analyses, aiming to provide a basis for the selection of appropriate research design in environmental epidemiology.

Amygdalin attenuates PM2.5-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury via the TLR4/NF-κB and Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways

Mounting evidence supports that long-term exposure to fine particle pollutants (PM2.5) is closely implicated in cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis. Amygdalin is reported to attenuate external stimuli-induced cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not understood. In this study, we aim to explore the protective effects of amygdalin on PM2.5-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury and unravel the specific mechanisms by MTT, DCFH-DA, biochemical, immunofluorescence, ELISA, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, TUNEL and western blot analysis. The results reveal that amygdalin reverses PM2.5-induced cytotoxicity and attenuates intracellular ROS production. Moreover, amygdalin increases the levels of SOD and GSH and alleviates the MDA content. Additionally, amygdalin causes a decline of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and COX-2 levels. Moreover, amygdalin inhibits NF-κB p50 and TLR4 protein expressions and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Concomitantly, a decline of phospho-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and phospho-IκB-α/IκB-α is detected. Meanwhile, amygdalin pretreatment reduces HUVEC apoptosis. In addition, amygdalin triggers an upregulation of Bcl-2 and a downregulation of Bax after stimulation with PM2.5. Collectively, these results suggest that amygdalin suppresses PM2.5-induced HUVEC injury by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB and Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways, indicating that amygdalin may be a novel target for atherosclerosis treatments.

Spectrum effect correlation of yangyin tongnao granules on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury rats

Yangyin Tongnao Granules (YYTNG), as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound preparation, have a good curative effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the active components of YYTNG in the plasma and the inflammatory response in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury rats. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was conducted to determine the fingerprints at different time points of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats after the administration of YYTNG at different times points. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the plasma of MCAO rats at different time points. The spectral-effect relationship between the YYTNG fingerprints and inflammatory indexes in vivo was established by combining three different mathematical models, grey correlation, multiple linear regression, and partial least-square method. The results revealed that each chromatographic peak in the HPLC of the plasma exhibited a certain correlation with the inflammatory index, in the following order: P2 >P6 >P5 >P1 >P3 >P4. Therefore, this study successfully established the spectrum-effect correlation of YYTNG on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury rats. The results provide a certain guiding ideology for the analyses of the relationship between fingerprints and the pharmacodynamics of TCM prescriptions.

Protocatechualdehyde Rescues Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation-Induced Endothelial Cells Injury by Inducing Autophagy and Inhibiting Apoptosis via Regulation of SIRT1

Background: Oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell death, such as apoptosis and autophagy, plays a critical role in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Protocatechualdehyde (PCA) is a major bioactive component of the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae), and it has been proved to be effective in the prevention and treatment of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, its role in oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell death and its underlying mechanisms remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of PCA on endothelial cell apoptosis and autophagy induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury. Methods: After OGD/R induction, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with different concentrations of PCA. Cell viability, apoptosis, and autophagy were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, and monodansylcadaverine assay, respectively. Western blot was applied to explore the effects of PCA on the expression levels of relevant protein factors. Results: The results show that PCA significantly promoted cell survival rate and cell proliferation and enhanced the antioxidant activity in OGD/R-induced HUVECs. PCA inhibited HUVECs apoptosis, as evidenced by decreased expression of cleaved-caspase-3, Bcl2-associated X (BAX), and increased expression of Bcl-2. PCA induced autophagy by reducing the expression of P62 while increasing the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 II/I. Meanwhile, PCA enhanced the expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and suppressed the expression of P53. When SIRT1 was inhibited by selisistat or SIRT1 small-interfering RNA, the anti-apoptotic and pro-autophagy abilities of PCA were attenuated. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that PCA rescued HUVECs from OGD/R-induced injury by promoting autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis through SIRT1 and could be developed as a potential therapeutic agent against ischemic diseases.

Investigation on the mechanism of 2,3,4',5-Tetrahydroxystilbene 2-o-D-glucoside in the treatment of inflammation based on network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases plaguing clinic for years.Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a long history of application in detoxification and anti-inflammation. 2,3,4',5-Tetrahydroxystilbene 2-o-D-glucoside (TSG) is a main active compound of F. multiflora. However, the mechanism of TSG in the treatment of inflammation remains unknown.

METHODS

Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to explore the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effect of TSG. Potential targets of TSG and inflammation were obtained from Swiss Target Prediction, Pharm Mapper, and GeneCards database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to elucidate the interaction of targets. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effect of TSG was validated by in vitro experiments using flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry assays.

RESULTS

PPI network and gene enrichment analysis showed that TSG may exert a protein kinase binding activity, and IKBKB, MAPK1, NFKBIA, and RELA were predicted as the targets of anti-inflammation. Verified by molecular docking and Western blot, TSG may target NF-κB and ERK2 related signals to alleviate inflammatory damage. Furthermore, TSG effectively downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokine, the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

CONCLUSION

TSG possesses significant anti-inflammatory effect. TSG may display a protein kinase binding activity and target NF-κB and ERK2 related signals to treat the inflammation. This work may enlighten the potential application of TSG in anti-inflammation and indicate network pharmacology was an effective tool for the further study of TCM.

Polysaccharides From the Aerial Parts of Tetrastigma Hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg Induce Bidirectional Immunity and Ameliorate LPS-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Mice

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg (Sanyeqing, SYQ) has traditionally been used to treat inflammation, high fever and improve immune function of patients. Polysaccharides have been proved to be one of the important components of SYQ. Previous studies have confirmed the antipyretic and antitumor effects of polysaccharides from SYQ (SYQP), and clarified that SYQP could enhance immunity through TLR4 signalling pathway. However, there were more possibilities for the mechanism by which SYQP exerted immunomodulatory effects and the role of SYQP in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is elusive. The purpose of this study was further to explain the bidirectional modulation of immunity mechanism of SYQP in vitro and its effect in LPS-induced ARDS in vivo. Experimental results showed that SYQP significantly stimulated gene expressions of TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6 and secretion of cytokines in RAW264.7 cells. Individual or combined application of TLR2 antagonist C29 and TLR4 antagonist TAK-242 could reduce SYQP-mediated stimulation of cytokine secretion in RAW264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) to varying degrees. On the other hand, SYQP markedly inhibited the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, NO, iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-treatment RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, in vivo results indicated that SYQP significantly reduced LPS-induced damage in ARDS mice through alleviating LPS-induced pulmonary morphological damage, inhibiting myeloperoxidase (MPO) expression levels, ameliorating the inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and improving hematological status. Meanwhile, SYQP evidently reduced IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion, the overexpression levels of TLR2 and TLR4, as well as the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65. In addition, SYQP reduced the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT1 and the overexpression of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-3 and caspase-8 in lung tissues of ARDS mice. In summary, our study confirmed that SYQP induced bidirectional immunity and ameliorated LPS-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome in mice through TLR2/TLR4-NF-κB, NLRP3/caspase and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, which provided a theoretical basis for further use of SYQP.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking-Based Mechanism Study to Reveal the Protective Effect of Salvianolic Acid C in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke

Salvianolic acid C (SAC) is a major bioactive component of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), a Chinese herb for treating ischemic stroke (IS). However, the mechanism by which SAC affects the IS has not yet been evaluated, thus a network pharmacology integrated molecular docking strategy was performed to systematically evaluate its pharmacological mechanisms, which were further validated in rats with cerebral ischemia. A total of 361 potential SAC-related targets were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction and PharmMapper, and a total of 443 IS-related targets were obtained from DisGeNET, DrugBank, OMIM, and Therapeutic Target database (TTD) databases. SAC-related targets were hit by the 60 targets associated with IS. By Gene ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment combined with the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and cytoHubba plug-ins, nine related signaling pathways (proteoglycans in cancer, pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Focal adhesion, etc.), and 20 hub genes were identified. Consequently, molecular docking indicated that SAC may interact with the nine targets (F2, MMP7, KDR, IGF1, REN, PPARG, PLG, ACE and MMP1). Four of the target proteins (VEGFR2, MMP1, PPARγ and IGF1) were verified using western blot. This study comprehensively analyzed pathways and targets related to the treatment of IS by SAC. The results of western blot also confirmed that the SAC against IS is mainly related to anti-inflammatory and angiogenesis, which provides a reference for us to find and explore the effective anti-IS drugs.

Tetrahydroxy stilbene glycoside attenuates endothelial cell premature senescence induced by H2O2 through the microRNA-34a/SIRT1 pathway

Numerous studies have demonstrated that endothelial cell senescence plays a decisive role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Our previous results confirmed that Tetrahydroxy stilbene glycoside (TSG) can alleviate the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) senescence induced by H₂O₂ through SIRT1. It has been reported that miR-34a is a translational suppressor of SIRT1. In this study, we aimed to explore whether TSG regulates SIRT1 through miR-34a to ameliorate HUVECs senescence. H₂O₂ was used to induce premature senescence in HUVECs, and miR-34a mimic or inhibitor were transfected to over-express or suppress the expression level of miR-34a. Results revealed that TSG apparently decreased the miR-34a expression level in H₂O₂-induced premature senescence of HUVECs. When SIRT1 expression was inhibited by EX527, the attenuation of TSG on the expression level of miR-34a were abolished. When miR-34a expression was knockdown, the effect of TSG on HUVECs senescence could be enhanced. While miR-34a mimic could reverse the effect of TSG on HUVECs senescence. In conclusion, we demonstrated that TSG could attenuated endothelial cell senescence by targeting miR-34a/SIRT1 pathway.

Green tea-derived theabrownin induces cellular senescence and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma through p53 signaling activation and bypassed JNK signaling suppression

Background

Theabrownin (TB) is a bioactive component of tea and has been reported to exert effects against many human cancers, but its efficacy and mechanism on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with different p53 genotypes remains unclarified.

Methods

MTT assay, DAPI staining, flow cytometry and SA-β-gal staining were applied to evaluate the effects of TB on HCC cells. Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were conducted to explore the molecular mechanism of TB. A xenograft model of zebrafish was established to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of TB.

Results

MTT assays showed that TB significantly inhibited the proliferation of SK-Hep-1, HepG2, and Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, of which SK-Hep-1 was the most sensitive one with the lowest IC50 values. The animal data showed that TB remarkably suppressed SK-Hep-1 tumor growth in xenograft model of zebrafish. The cellular data showed TB's pro-apoptotic and pro-senescent effect on SK-Hep-1 cells. The molecular results revealed the mechanism of TB that p53 signaling pathway (p-ATM, p-ATR, γ-H2AX, p-Chk2, and p-p53) was activated with up-regulation of downstream senescent genes (P16, P21, IL-6 and IL-8) as well as apoptotic genes (Bim, Bax and PUMA) and proteins (Bax, c-Casp9 and c-PARP). The p53-mediated mechanism was verified by using p53-siRNA. Moreover, by using JNK-siRNA, we found JNK as a bypass regulator in TB's mechanism.

Conclusions

To sum up, TB exerted tumor-inhibitory, pro-senescent and pro-apoptotic effects on SK-Hep-1 cells through ATM-Chk2-p53 signaling axis in accompany with JNK bypass regulation. This is the first report on the pro-senescent effect and multi-target (p53 and JNK) mechanism of TB on HCC cells, providing new insights into the underlying mechanisms of TB's anti-HCC efficacy.

Model Selection for the Preclinical Development of New Drug-Radiotherapy Combinations

Radiotherapy plays an essential role in the treatment of more than half of all patients with cancer. In recent decades, advances in devices that deliver radiation and the development of treatment planning software have helped radiotherapy attain precise tumour targeting with minimal toxicity to surrounding tissues. Simultaneously, as more targeted drug therapies are being brought into the market, there has been significant interest in improving cure rates for cancer by adding drugs to radiotherapy to widen the therapeutic window, the difference between normal tissue toxicity and treatment efficacy. The development of new combination therapies will require judicious adaptation of preclinical models that are routinely used for traditional drug discovery. Here we highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each of these preclinical models and discuss how they can be used optimally to identify new and clinically beneficial drug-radiotherapy combinations.

Compatibility of ingredients of Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) and Honghua (Flos Carthami) and their protective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) and Honghua (Flos Carthami) (Danhong) are two drugs commonly prescribed together, which are often used in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases in China. Due to the complexity of the ingredients of Danhong, the present study focused on performing the orthogonal compatibility method on the primary effective molecules of this drug: Tanshinol, salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B and hydroxysafflor yellow A. These four molecules were studied to determine their protective effects and to screen for the most compatible ingredients to improve cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IR) in rats. Focal middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed to establish the cerebral IR model in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, IR group and nine orthogonal administration groups with different ratios of Danhong effective ingredients and Danhong injection group. Neurological deficit score and cerebral infarction volume were measured postoperatively. Morphological pathological alterations were observed via H&E staining. Bcl-2 and Bax were quantified using ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to analyze the expression of caspase-3 in the hippocampus. The expression levels of cytochrome c, apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (apaf-1), caspase-9, caspase-3 and p53 mRNA in the hippocampus were assessed via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The results demonstrated that different compatibility groups significantly reduced the neurological function score and decreased the volume of cerebral infarct compared with the IR group. These groups were also indicated to improve the pathological damage to the brain tissue. In addition, certain compatibility groups significantly decreased the number of caspase-3 positive cells in the hippocampus and the expression levels of cytochrome c, apaf-1, caspase-9, caspase-3 and p53 mRNA in the brain tissue. Orthogonal group 4 (30 mg/kg tanshinol; 2.5 mg/kg salvianolic acid A; 16 mg/kg salvianolic acid B; 8 mg/kg hydroxysafflor yellow A) was indicated to be the most effective. The four effective ingredients of Danhong exhibited a protective effect on rats with cerebral IR injury, potentially through the inhibition of apoptosis via the downregulation of key targets upstream of the caspase-3 pathway. In addition, the present study provided novel insights for the continued study of the drug compatibility rules of TCM.

PM2.5 Exposure Induces Inflammatory Response in Macrophages via the TLR4/COX-2/NF-κB Pathway

Fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) is a serious air pollutant associated with health problems. Macrophages play an important role in the process of PM2.5-induced inflammation in respiratory diseases. However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to examine the mechanism of PM2.5-induced inflammation and find possible anti-inflammatory inhibitors. PM2.5 was collected in Hangzhou, China, and the composition of adsorbed materials on PM2.5 was characterized. RAW 254.7 cells were then treated with PM2.5. Phagocytosis was observed, and inflammatory response was triggered as demonstrated by the release of high levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and increased mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and TNF-α. Treatment with classic inhibitors suppressed the released pro-inflammatory factors in a dose-dependent manner. Using Immunology Inflammation Compound Library, we screened 70 inhibitors and clustered them based on similarities in their inhibitory effects, which we detected using cytometric bead array (CBA) assay. Molecular analysis revealed that the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was increased in PM2.5-stimulated RAW 254.7 cells. Corresponding inhibitors were selected, and the CBA assay verified their anti-inflammatory effects. These inhibitors reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, and this reduction was correlated with the downregulation of the TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, PM2.5 induces an inflammatory response in macrophages via activation of TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 signaling, and the inhibitors of this pathway are potential therapeutic candidates to treat inflammatory disorders.

Analysis of risk factors and prognosis of post-stroke pulmonary infection in integrated ICU

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of SAP (stroke-associated pneumonia) is high in integrated ICU (Intensive Care Unit), and it might result in sepsis, which exacerbates the clinical outcome and increases mortality. It is necessary to investigate the epidemiological features of post-stroke infection and sepsis, identify the risk factors and analyze the prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 329 patients with cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, from seven tertiary university hospitals in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016. Basic demographic and clinical data including common health evaluation, stroke severity, microbiological parameters, surgical interventions and treatments were recorded for the analysis. SAP was diagnosed according to the criteria and recommendation from American Heart Association (AHA).

RESULTS

188 (66.4%) patients suffered pneumonia, 124 patients were diagnosed as SAP. Compared with SAP, patients with non-SAP pulmonary infection had prolonged mechanical ventilation time, prolonged central venous catheter indwelling time, and higher incidence of sepsis (17.7% vs. 48.4%). 53 patients (18.7%) developed sepsis during hospitalization, whose mortality rate during hospitalization and the occurrence of neurologic dysfunction at 3 months were significantly increased (p<0.05). 130 positive results of sputum cultures were found. The detected pathogens were mainly gram-negative bacteria. The pathogenic detection rate of non-SAP patients with pulmonary infection was higher (78.1%). The in-hospital mortality was 16.3% and the related risk factors were higher NIHSS score at admission, lower GCS score at admission, pulmonary infection (especially non-SAP pulmonary infection) and sepsis during hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of pulmonary infection after stroke in the integrated ICU is high, and it is easy to be complicated with sepsis, prolonging the mechanical ventilation time, central venous catheter indwelling time and hospitalization time, and the prognosis of long-term neurological function is relatively poor. The definition of stroke-associated pneumonia has implications for the classification of clinical infections, the prediction of possible pathogenic pathogens, and the guidance of anti-infective treatment.

MiR-16 inhibits proliferation of cervical cancer cells by regulating KRAS

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-16 on the proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer (CC) cells and its related regulatory mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The downstream regulatory targets of miR-16 were analyzed based on the miRNA online database. HCC94 cells were selected as experimental objects. Subsequently, the cells were transfected with miR-16 mimic (miR-16 mimic group), miR-16 small interfering RNA (siRNA) (miR-16 siRNA group) and only Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent [blank control group and miR-16 normal control (NC) group]. The expression level of miR-16 in HCC94 cells was measured via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining assay and flow cytometry were then conducted to detect the effects of miR-16 on the viability, proliferation and apoptosis of HCC94 cells, respectively. Additionally, the effect of miR-16 on the protein expression level of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) in HCC94 cells was determined via Western blotting.

RESULTS

MiRNA online database analysis showed that KRAS was the downstream target of miR-16. Compared with miR-16 NC group, the viability and proliferation ability of HCC94 cells increased significantly in miR-16 siRNA group but decreased significantly in miR-16 mimic group (p<0.05). However, the apoptosis rate evidently declined in miR-16 siRNA group while increased remarkably in miR-16 mimic group (p<0.05). In addition, the protein expression level of KRAS in HCC94 cells was significantly higher in miR-16 siRNA group but significantly lower in miR-16 mimic group when compared with miR-16 NC group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-16 is lowly expressed in HCC94 cells. Moreover, highly expressed miR-16 represses the viability and proliferation of HCC94 cells and promotes their apoptosis by targeted regulation on KRAS.

An integrative strategy for discovery of functional compound combination from Traditional Chinese Medicine: Danhong Injection as a model

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas, which are usually considered exerting their holistic clinical benefits via multi-component, multi-target manner, are unique resources for the discovery of multi-component drug combinations. In order to screen and optimize the functional compound combination (FCC) from TCM, we established a novel four-step 'GCIC' strategy, including 'Global profiling', 'Chemical structural classification', 'Intra-group screening' and 'Component-knockout optimization'. Following this strategy, an FCC consisted of four components from Danhong Injection (DHI) was identified, containing ferulic acid, cryptotanshinone, quercetin and anhydrosafflor yellow B. The holistic neuroprotective effects of the FCC were further investigated, indicating that the combination can both activate the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory responses in PC12 cells to protect them from oxidative stress. Major signaling pathways as Nrf2/ARE and Nrf2/AMPK/GSK3β were involved in the protective process of FCC. The 'GCIC' strategy established in this study might provide an alternation to traditional strategies in discovering the bioactive components from herbal medicines, especially compounded TCM formulas.

A184 INCIDENCE OF VENOUS THROMBOTIC EVENTS AND RISK FACTORS IN CHILDREN HOSPITALIZED WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: A RETROSPECTIVE, CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Background

Limited research has been published to describe the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and relevant risk factors in Canadian children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aims

The present study aimed to investigate the incidence of VTE amongst hospitalized pediatric IBD patients over a 10-year period and identify risk factors for the development of VTE.

Methods

A retrospective, matched case-control study was performed at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Hospitalized pediatric patients with IBD (&lt;18 years old) from September 2009 to August 2020 were selected. Inpatient data was extracted from the medical record database, including baseline demographic data, thromboembolic events and potential risk factors for VTE.

Results

There were 890 hospitalizations of IBD patients during the study period. 15 (1.69%) were diagnosed with a VTE, including 4 males and 11 females (mean age 13.4±2.9 years old). 12 ulcerative colitis (UC) (80%) and 3 Crohn’s disease (CD) (20%) hospitalizations were comprised in the VTE group. There was a significant difference in VTE rate between females (2.7%) and males (0.8%) (P = 0.03). The VTE rate in the UC group (4.2%) was significantly higher than in the CD group (0.6%) (P = 0.001). The incidence of VTE amongst hospitalized IBD patients did not vary over the 10-year period (P = 0.496). Length of stay in hospital, albumin level and central venous catheter were shown to be significantly different, although they were not identified as independent risk factors (P &gt;0 .05). Of the 15 hospitalizations with VTE, 6/15 (40%) were superficial VTEs in the extremities and 9/15 (60%) had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) including 6 in the extremities and 3 in the abdomen. VTEs were associated with a peripheral line in 7 patients and with a PICC line in 4 hospitalizations. 2 of 9 (22%) with extremity DVT developed symptomatic pulmonary embolism. An inherited thrombotic condition was identified in 2 of 15 with VTEs. 12/15 (80%) with VTEs were symptomatic and all VTE related symptoms happened in patients with extremity thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. 7 of 15 (47%) VTEs were treated with anticoagulation therapy for 1–6 months. VTE related symptoms and repeat imaging tests significantly improved, and no patient developed a bleeding complication as a result of treatment.

Conclusions

The VTE rate in pediatric IBD patients was relatively low at McMaster Children’s hospital. Children with VTE were disproportionately females with ulcerative colitis compared with children with no VTE. Central venous line insertion may be correlated with the risk for VTE in children with IBD. Most VTEs and related symptoms happened in patients with extremity thrombosis and secondary pulmonary embolus. Anticoagulation therapy in children with IBD with active disease appears to be safe.

Funding Agencies

Kids Dig Health Funding from McMaster Children’s Hospital, McMaster University

Determination and risk assessment of acrylamide in thermally processed Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma

As one of the medicine homologous foods in China, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (AMR) is usually distributed after thermal processing, which raised the possibility of acrylamide pollution and a potential carcinogenic risk. In this study, a method was developed for the determination of the acrylamide in AMR using graphited multiwalled carbon nanotubes as the dispersive solid phase extraction sorbent and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The concentration of acrylamide was investigated at processing conditions of 80℃-210℃ and 5 min-100 min. Method validation results demonstrated the reliability of the method with good linearity, accuracy and precision. Significant increment of acrylamide was found in AMR after thermal processing with the highest concentration at 9826 μg/kg, which led to a margin of exposure at 90.83-181.7 according to the BMDL₁₀ of carcinogenicity at 0.17 mg/kg, indicating a high health risk of taking thermally processed AMR, and monitoring and controlling should be considered.

Supplemental iodine-containing prenatal multivitamins use and the potential effects on pregnancy outcomes in a mildly iodine-deficient region

PURPOSE

The use and contribution of prenatal multivitamins (PMV) as iodine source for pregnant women in China, especially in mildly iodine-deficient region, have not been well studied. This study aimed to explore the association between PMV intake during pregnancy and thyroid function in mothers and newborns.

METHODS

We performed a study involving women with a history of taking PMV during pregnancy between January 2013 and October 2015, in Shanghai, a mildly iodine-deficient region. Maternal thyroid function in early and late pregnancy, and neonatal TSH on postnatal d 3 were obtained from medical records. We compared the outcomes in pregnant women who took exclusively iodine-containing PMV (I + PMV) with those who took exclusively non-contained PMV (I- PMV). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to identify women with similar baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

After PSM, 1280 women in I + PMV and 2560 in I- PMV had similar propensity scores and were included in the analyses. Introduction of I + PMV to women was associated with slightly higher maternal thyroid hormone production (higher maternal FT4, p = 0.01, non-significantly lower TSH, p = 0.79) and lower neonatal TSH levels (p < 0.0001). The frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes or thyroid dysfunctions did not differ between groups in late pregnancy. Mothers received I + PMV (0.2 SD) had a stronger association of maternal TSH with neonatal TSH than those who received I- PMV (0.1 SD). These effects were only shown in TPOAb-negative mothers, not in TPOAb-positive mothers.

CONCLUSION

TPOAb-positive women display an impaired iodine transport in thyroid and placenta, and this may explain the lack of changes in maternal and neonatal thyroid parameters with I + PMV supplementation in these women. This phenomenon might suggest that these women require different iodine doses or treatment approach in comparison with TPOAb-negative women.

[Consistency of effective orifice area of prosthetic mitral valve estimated using 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the consistency of effective orifice area (EOA) of prosthetic mitral valve estimated using 2- dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted among 34 patients undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery in Nanjing First Hospital between March and June in 2019. The diameter of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) measured by 2D-TEE was used to calculate the cross sectional area of LVOT (CSALVOT). In 3D-TEE method, LVOT area was measured directly by planimetry on an enface view. The EOAs of the prosthetic mitral valve were calculated for both methods using the continuity equation. Bland-Altman plot consistency test was used to analyze the consistency between the two sets of EOA results, and linear regression analysis was used to analyze their correlation.

OBJECTIVE

The EOA of the prosthetic mitral valve differed significantly between 2D method and 3D method (2.22±0.71 cm² vs 2.35±0.70 cm², P < 0.001) with a mean difference of -0.14±0.20 cm² and 95% coherence boundaries of (-0.53, 0.25 cm²). The regression equation for EOA-3D and EOA-2D is y=0.27 + 0.94x, showing a good correlation between the two methods.

OBJECTIVE

EOA estimation of the prosthetic mitral valve using 2D and 3D TEE has a good consistency, and the results estimated by the 2D method are slightly lower by about 6% than those by the 3D method.

Inhibition of inflammation-induced injury and cell migration by coelonin and militarine in PM2.5-exposed human lung alveolar epithelial A549 cells

Accumulating studies suggest that fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) pollutants in the air are easily enter into alveoli and even the bloodstream, resulting in an inflammatory response that not only triggers respiratory disorders but also causes permanent damage to various organs. Recent findings suggest that coelonin and militarine enriched in orchids can inhibit inflammation-induced injury against respiratory diseases. Here, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory properties of coelonin and militarine and examined their underlying molecular mechanisms in A549 cells exposed to PM_2.5. PM_2.5 induced significant intracellular reactive oxidative stress accumulation at a concentration of 250 μg/ml, as determined using the dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescence assay. Cell viability was assessed via the MTS assay to determine the concentrations of compounds appropriate for use in subsequent experiments. Data from the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that both coelonin (10 and 20 μg/ml) and militarine (5 and 10 μg/ml) mitigated PM_2.5-induced inflammation by reducing the generation of inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed a remarkable decrease in IL-6, TNF-α, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA levels in the coelonin and militarine-pretreated groups. In Western blot analysis, expression of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα) protein in the coelonin and militarine pretreatment groups was significantly increased compared with the PM_2.5 (only) treatment group (P < 0.05), concomitant with a significant decrease in phospho-IκB kinase β/IκB kinase β (p-IKKβ/IKKβ), phospho-nuclear factor of kappa B p65/nuclear factor of kappa B p65 (p-NF-κBp65/NF-κBp65) and COX-2 proteins (P < 0.05). Both coelonin and militarine inhibited migration and inflammation by suppressing PM_2.5-induced IKK phosphorylation, and followed by IκBα protein degradation and NF-κB activation. Our collective data strongly supported the utility of coelonin and militarine as novel sources for development of treatments for PM_2.5-induced lung diseases.

Carya cathayensis leaf extract attenuates ectopic fat deposition in liver, abdomen and aortic arch in ovariectomized rats fed a high-fat diet

BACKGROUND

Carya cathayensis¹is a commercially cultivated plant in the Zhejiang Province, China. Its nuts exhibit properties of tonifying kidneys and relieving asthma. There have been a few pharmacological studies addressing the function of the leaves of this plant. Our previous studies on C. cathayensis leaf extract (CCE) showed a significant inhibitory effect on weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet, particularly in female mice.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

To investigate the biological and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of ectopic adipose tissue deposition by CCE in ovariectomized rats fed a high-fat diet.

STUDY DESIGN

Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and treated with CCE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight, oral) or estradiol (1 mg/kg body weight, oral) for 8 weeks.

METHODS

CCE was subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography to quantify major components. Body weight gain, abdominal fat coefficient, and aortic arch fat coefficient were determined; serum was collected for biochemical analysis; tissues were collected for histopathological examination, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR), and western blotting.

RESULTS

The total flavonoid content was determined to be 57.30% in the CCE and comprised chrysin, cardamomin, pinostrobin chalcone, and pinocembrin. Compared with the model group (OVX), CCE treatment reduced body weight gain, abdominal and aortic arch fat coefficients, serum and hepatic lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), and free fatty acids (FFA) levels; decreased lipid droplets in liver cells; decreased fat accumulation in the aortic arch blood vessel wall and increased its smoothness; decreased the diameter of abdominal fat cells; and reduced serum leptin and adiponectin levels significantly. Serum adiponectin levels significantly correlated with serum TG and hepatic TC levels. Leptin levels positively correlated with serum TG levels and negatively correlated with hepatic TG. Leptin mRNA, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) mRNA, and protein expression levels in abdominal adipose tissue were significantly down-regulated. Adiponectin mRNA levels were slightly reduced but not significantly.

CONCLUSION

CCE attenuated ectopic fat deposition induced by deficient estrogen and a high-fat diet in rats; this may be associated with activated leptin sensitivity, improved leptin resistance, and regulated adiponectin levels. CCE may improve adipose function to regulate adipocyte differentiation by down-regulating PPARγ. Overall, these results suggest that CCE is a potential phytoestrogen.

Hsa_circ_0005075 predicts a poor prognosis and acts as an oncogene in colorectal cancer via activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway

OBJECTIVE

Emerging evidence has demonstrated vital regulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) on tumorigenesis and progression of tumors. Abnormally expressed circRNAs hsa_circ_0005075 (circ_0005075) has been reported in several tumors. In this study, we aimed to explore the expression profiles, prognostic value, and potential function of circ_0005075 in colorectal cancer (CRC) PATIENTS AND METHODS: RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of circ_0005075 in both CRC tissues and cell lines. The associations between circ_0005075 expression and clinicopathological features and clinical prognosis were statistically analyzed. The effects of circ_0005075 on CRC cells were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assays, Flow cytometer, and transwell assays. Western blot was performed to explore whether circ_0005075 modulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

RESULTS

We observed that circ_0005075 expression was significantly up-regulated in both CRC tissues and cell lines. Then, clinical assays indicated that high circ_0005075 expression was significantly associated with histology/differentiation, depth of invasion, advanced TNM stage, and shorter overall survival and disease-free survival of CRC patients. Cellular studies indicated that circ_0005075 can enhance the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities of CRC cells, thereby promoting tumor progression. Further mechanistic investigation showed that circ_0005075 displayed its tumor-promotive roles through activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present data revealed circ_0005075 as a potential molecular marker and target for the prognosis and treatment of CRC patients.