Potential Effects of Akkermansia Muciniphila in Aging and Aging-Related Diseases: Current Evidence and Perspectives.

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is an anaerobic bacterium that widely colonizes the mucus layer of the human and animal gut. The role of this symbiotic bacterium in host metabolism, inflammation, and cancer immunotherapy has been extensively investigated over the past 20 years. Recently, a growing number of studies have revealed a link between A. muciniphila, and aging and aging-related diseases (ARDs). Research in this area is gradually shifting from correlation analysis to exploration of causal relationships. Here, we systematically reviewed the association of A. muciniphila with aging and ARDs (including vascular degeneration, neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes). Furthermore, we summarize the potential mechanisms of action of A. muciniphila and offer perspectives for future studies.

Ant sting-induced whole-body pustules in an inebriated male: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Many ant species can harm humans; however, only a few cause life-threatening allergic reactions. Normally, reactions caused by ants occur in patients who come into contact with ant venom. Venom contains various biologically active peptides and protein components, of which acids and alkaloids tend to cause anaphylaxis. Ant venom can cause both immediate and delayed reactions. The main histopathological changes observed in ant hypersensitivity are eosinophil recruitment and Th2 cytokine production. CASE SUMMARY: A 70-year-old man was bitten by a large number of ants when he was in a drunken stupor and was hospitalized at a local hospital. Five days later, because of severe symptoms, the patient was transferred to our hospital for treatment. Numerous pustules were observed interspersed throughout the body, with itching and pain reported. He had experienced fever, vomiting, hematochezia, mania, soliloquy, sleep disturbances, and elevated levels of myocardial enzymes since the onset of illness. The patient had a history of hypertension for more than 1 year, and his blood pressure was within the normal range after hypotensive drug treatment. He had no other relevant medical history. Based on the clinical history of an ant bite and its clinical manifestations, the patient was diagnosed with an ant venom allergy. The patient was treated with 60 mg methylprednisolone for 2 d, 40 mg methylprednisolone for 3 d, and 20 mg methylprednisolone for 2 d. Oral antihistamines and diazepam were administered for 12 d and 8 d, respectively. Cold compresses were used to treat the swelling during the process. After 12 d of treatment, most pustules became crusts, whereas some had faded away. No symptoms of pain, itching, or psychological disturbances were reported during the follow-up visits within 6 mo. CONCLUSION: This case report emphasizes the dangers of ant stings.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles: a possible therapeutic strategy for orthopaedic diseases: a narrative review.

Accumulating evidence suggests that the therapeutic role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone diseases is closely related to paracrine-generated extracellular vesicles (EVs). MSC-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) carry proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids to the extracellular space and affect the bone microenvironment. They have similar biological functions to MSCs, such as the ability to repair organ and tissue damage. In addition, MSC-EVs also have the advantages of long half-life, low immunogenicity, attractive stability, ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier, and demonstrate excellent performance with potential practical applications in bone diseases. In this review, we summarise the current applications and mechanisms of MSC-EVs in osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, bone tumours, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and fractures, as well as the development of MSC-EVs combined with materials science in the field of orthopaedics. Additionally, we explore the critical challenges involved in the clinical application of MSC-EVs in orthopaedic diseases.

Effect of six-stitch pancreaticojejunostomy on pancreatic fistula: A propensity score-matched comparative cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) is the most common and severe complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Despite the development of numerous anastomotic surgical techniques to minimize CR-POPF, more than 30% of patients who undergo PD develop CR-POPF. Herein, we propose a novel pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) technique and evaluate its efficacy and safety compared to traditional PJ. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 164 consecutive patients who underwent PJ after PD between January 2012 and June 2017. Of them, 78 (47.6%) underwent traditional PJ and 86 (52.4%) underwent six-stitch PJ. The primary outcome was CR-POPF at 1-month follow-up defined according to the revised 2016 International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula definition. To adjust for baseline differences and selection bias, patients were matched by propensity scores, which left 63 patients with traditional PJ and 63 with six-stitch PJ. RESULTS: Compared to patients who underwent traditional PJ (mean age 56.2 ± 9.4 years), patients who underwent six-stitch PJ (mean age 57.4 ± 11.4 years) had a lower CR-POPF rate. The risk of CR-POPF among patients who underwent six-stitch PJ was decreased by 81.7% after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and disease severity compared to patients who underwent traditional PJ. Additionally, the surgery time was reduced from 29 min for traditional PJ to 15 min for six-stitch PJ (P <0.001). Adverse effects such as abdominal fluid collection, abdominal bleeding, and wound infection were similar between two groups. CONCLUSION: Six-stitch PJ may be an effective and efficient PJ technique for patients who undergo PD surgery.

Catalpol­mediated microRNA­34a suppresses autophagy and malignancy by regulating SIRT1 in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common digestive tract tumors worldwide. Catalpol exerts inhibitory effects on the progression of several cancer types by regulating microRNAs (miRs). However, the precise role and carcinostatic mechanism of catalpol on CRC cells are poorly understood which limits the application of catalpol treatment. In the present study, miR­34a and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression levels were detected in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines by RT­qPCR. Computational software analysis, luciferase assays and western blotting were used to demonstrate the downstream target of miR­34a in CRC cells. Effects of catalpol on cell viability, apoptosis, autophagic flux and the miR­34a/SIRT1 axis in the CRC cells were assessed by CCK­8 assay, flow cytometry, electron microscopy and western blotting, respectively. Whether the miR­34a/SIRT1 axis participated in catalpol­mediated autophagy and apoptosis was investigated. The effects of catalpol on the miR­34a/SIRT1 axis and malignant behavior were evaluated in a rat model of azoxymethane (AOM)­induced CRC. It was revealed that miR­34a expression levels were significantly decreased while SIRT1 was overexpressed in most of the CRC tissues and all the CRC cell lines. Clinically, a low level of miR­34a was correlated with poor clinicopathological characteristics in CRC patients. Catalpol reduced cell viability, suppressed autophagy, promoted apoptosis, and regulated the expression of SIRT1 by inducing miR­34a in vitro and in vivo. The autophagy­inhibiting effect of catalpol may be a mechanism to promote apoptosis of CRC cells. miR­34a mimic transfection resulted in autophagy­suppressive activity similar to that of catalpol, while the miR­34a inhibitor attenuated the antiautophagic effects of catalpol. In conclusion, miR­34a is involved in regulating catalpol­mediated autophagy and malignant behavior by directly inhibiting SIRT1 in CRC.

miR-23b-3p and miR-125b-5p downregulate apo(a) expression by targeting Ets1 in HepG2 cells.

High concentrations of plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] have been inferred to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as coronary artery diseases, restenosis, and stroke. Apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] is one of the most important components of Lp(a) and contributes greatly to the increased concentration of plasma Lp(a). As a critical positive transacting factor of apo(a) gene, Ets1 has been proven as a target gene of several miRNAs, such as miR-193b, miR-125b-5p, miR-200b, miR-1, and miR-499. In this study, a series of experiments on miRNAs and relative miRNAs inhibitor delivered HepG2 cells were conducted, and two miRNAs that downregulate the apo(a) by targeting the 3'-UTR of Ets1 were identified. Results showed that apo(a) and Ets1 were differentially expressed in SMMC7721 and HepG2 cell lines. Meanwhile, apo(a) and Ets1 were inversely correlated with several hepatic endogenous miRNAs, such as miR-125b-5p, miR-23b-3p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-423-5p, which were predicted to bind to Ets1. Results show that miR-125b-5p and miR-23b-3p mimics could inhibit the synthesis of apo(a) by directly targeting Ets1 in HepG2, thereby reducing the plasma Lp (a) concentration.

MicroRNAs: Important Regulators of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Generation and Differentiation.

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can differentiate into nearly all types of cells. In contrast to embryonic stem cells, iPS cells are not subject to immune rejection because they are derived from a patient's own cells without ethical concerns. These cells can be used in regenerative medical techniques, stem cell therapy, disease modelling and drug discovery investigations. However, this application faces many challenges, such as low efficiency, slow generation time, partially reprogrammed colonies and tumourigenicity. Numerous techniques have been formulated in the past decade to improve reprogramming efficiency and safety, including the use of different transcription factors, small molecule compounds and non-coding RNAs. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) were found to promote the generation and differentiation of iPS cells. The miRNAs can more effectively and safely generate iPS cells than transcription factors. This process ultimately leads to the development of iPSC-based therapeutics for future clinical applications. In this comprehensive review, we summarise advances in research and the application of iPS cells, as well as recent progress in the use of miRNAs for iPS cell generation and differentiation. We examine possible clinical applications, especially in cardiology.

Validation of the Grandway MD2301 digital automatic blood pressure monitor according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to validate the Grandway MD2301 digital automatic blood pressure monitor according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol (ESH-IP) revision 2010. METHODS: The ESH-IP revision 2010 for the validation of blood pressure-measuring devices in adults was followed precisely. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) were measured sequentially in 33 adult patients and compared with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer (two observers). A total of 99 comparison pairs were obtained. RESULTS: The device produced 78, 95 and 99 measurements within 5, 10, and 15 mmHg for SBP and 83, 96, and 99 for DBP, respectively. The average device-observer difference was -1.81±4.22 mmHg for SBP and -0.15±3.93 mmHg for DBP. All of the data were within the standards requirements to pass the testing. CONCLUSION: The Grandway MD2301 digital automatic blood pressure monitor meets the standards of the ESH-IP revision 2010 and can be recommended for self/home measurement in the general population.

Upregulation of miR-650 is correlated with down-regulation of ING4 and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, studies in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) demonstrate dysregulation of miRNAs expression. For instance, miR-650 has been implicated in gastric and colorectal cancer tumorigenicity; however, the role of miR-650 remains unknown in HCC. METHODS: In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis to examine the miR-650 expression level in 248 HCC and 120 paracarcinomatous liver (PCL) tissues. The correlations between miR-650 expression level and the clinicopathological characteristics (HCC tumorigenicity) were evaluated. The role of miR-650 played in HCC was investigated by Q-PCR, western blot, and MTT. RESULTS: We found that miR-650 expression was significantly increased in HCC patients and significantly associated with the patients' age (P = 0.0019), differentiation capability (P = 0.0108), and also tumor stage (P = 0.0069). Moreover, we compared the expression level of both ING4 and miR-650 in 122 HCC patients by western blot and real-time PCR. Statistical result showed a significant negative correlation between them (r(s) = -0.2011, P = 0.0264). Transfection and MTT test suggested that miR-650 decreased the expression of ING4 and stimulate liver cells proliferation significantly. CONCLUSION: These data suggested that miR-650 is correlated with the pathogenesis of HCC and is involved in the HCC tumorigenesis process by inhibiting the expression of ING4.

[Studies on the pharmacological effects of saffron(Crocus sativus L.)--a review].

OBJECTIVE: Reviewing the studies on the chemical components and medicinal value. METHOD: Philological method. RESULT: Saffron is a conventional effective medicine in improving blood circulation and curing the bruise. The late of evidesnces indicate that saffron possesses anticancer activity against a wide spectrum of tumors, such as leukemia, ovarian carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, papilloma, squamous cell carcinoma, and soft tissue sarcoma. It has low biochemical toxic effects on animals. In addition, saffron can be used to cure coronary heart disease and hepatitis, and to promote immunity. CONCLUSION: Saffron is a highly valuable medicine. And producing it in a large quantity has a wide application prosperity.