Effect of Different Local Antibiotic Regimens on Prevention of Postoperative Infection in Clean Surgical Wounds: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of several local antibiotic regimens in preventing surgical site infection (SSI) in clean surgical wounds. DATA SOURCES: The authors searched CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), the VIP (VIP information resource integration service platform), Wanfang Data knowledge service platform (WANFANG), SinoMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed. STUDY SELECTION: A total of 20 randomized controlled trials published between January 1, 2000 and April 1, 2021 were included in this meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: Authors extracted the name of the first author, publication date, country, type of surgery, follow-up time, mean age of participants, sample size of each group, interventions, outcome indicators, and study type from each article. DATA SYNTHESIS: The overall effectiveness of eight local managements in reducing the incidence of the SSI effect were compared through the SUCRA (surface under the cumulative ranking curve) probabilities. The results of a network meta-analysis demonstrated that gentamicin ointment (odds ratio [OR], 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.60), mupirocin ointment (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21-0.94), and gentamicin soaking of the graft (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.44-0.91) significantly reduced the incidence of SSI compared with control. Further, vancomycin soaking of the graft (86.7%) ranked first, followed by gentamicin ointment (81.1%), gentamicin irrigation (79.9%), mupirocin ointment (56.8%), triple antibiotic ointment (47.8%), gentamicin soaking of the graft (42.3%), and vancomycin powder (22.1%); ampicillin powder (17.8%) was the least effective drug. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that local antibiotics combined with conventional antibiotics in the wound before wound closure are effective in reducing the incidence of SSI in clean surgical wounds. Vancomycin inoculation of the graft exhibited the best effect.

[Mechanism of n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla Decoction in treating ulcerative colitis by activating BMP signaling pathway].

The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of the n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla Decoction(BEPD) on ulcerative colitis(UC) via the bone morphogenetic protein(BMP) signaling pathway. C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups: control, model, mesalazine, and BEPD low-, medium-, and high-dose groups. Except for the control group, the rest groups were treated with 3% dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) freely for seven consecutive days to establish the UC mouse model, followed by treatment with different concentrations of BEPD and mesalazine by gavage. The murine body weight and disease activity index(DAI) were recorded. After the mice were sacrificed, their colon tissues were collected for histological analysis. Alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff(AB/PAS) staining was used to detect the number and mucus secretion status of goblet cells; immunohistochemistry was performed to measure the expression of ki67, cleaved caspase-3, mucin 2(Muc2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP9) in colon tissues; and immunofluorescence was used to analyze the expression of tight junction proteins in colon tissues, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1ß, and IL-6. Western blot was conducted to evaluate the expression of BMP pathway-related proteins in mouse colon tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR) was performed to measure the expression of genes related to goblet cell differentiation in mouse colon tissues. In addition, this study also examined the protective effect and underlying mechanism of BEPD-containing serum on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced barrier damages in LS174T goblet cells in vitro. The results showed that BEPD significantly alleviated UC symptoms in mice, restored goblet cell diffe-rentiation function, promoted Muc2 secretion and tight junction protein expression, and suppressed inflammatory factor secretion while activating the BMP signaling pathway. Therefore, BEPD may exert its therapeutic effects on UC by activating the BMP signaling pathway, providing a new strategy for drug intervention in UC.

[Mechanism of protective effect of n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla Decoction on vaginal epithelial cells under Candida albicans stimulation through EGFR/MAPK pathway based on transcriptomics].

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and its underlying mechanism of n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla Decoction(BEPD) containing medicinal serum on vaginal epithelial cells under Candida glabrata stimulation via the epidermal growth factor receptor/mitogen activated protein kinase( EGFR/MAPK) pathway based on transcriptomics. A vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) mouse model was established first and transcriptome sequencing was performed for the vaginal mucosa tissues to analyze the gene expression differences among the control, VVC model, and BEPD intervention groups. Simultaneously, BEPD-containing serum and fluconazole-containing serum were prepared. A431 cells were divided into the control, model, blank serum, fluconazole-containing serum, BEPD-containing serum, EGFR agonist and EGFR inhibitor groups. Additionally, in vitro experiments were conducted using BEPD-containing serum, fluconazole-containing serum, and an EGFR agonist and inhibitor to investigate the intervention mechanisms of BEPD on C. glabrata-induced vaginal epithelial cell damage. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was utilized to determine the safe concentrations of C. glabrata, drug-containing serum, and compounds on A431 cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to measure the expression levels of interleukin(IL)-1ß, IL-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GMCSF), granulocyte CSF(G-CSF), chemokine(C-X-C motif) ligand 20(CCL20), and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH). Gram staining was used to evaluate the adhesion of C. glabrata to vaginal epithelial cells. Flow cytometry was utilized to assess the effect of C.glabrata on A431 cell apoptosis. Based on the transcriptomics results, immunofluorescence was performed to measure the expressions of p-EGFR and p-ERK1/2 proteins, while Western blot validated the expressions of p-EGFR, p-ERK1/2, p-C-Fos, p-P38, Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. Sequencing results showed that compared with the VVC model, BEPD treatment up-regulated 1 075 genes and downregulated 927 genes, mainly enriched in immune-inflammatory pathways, including MAPK. Mechanistically, BEPD significantly reduced the expression of p-EGFR, p-ERK1/2, p-C-Fos and p-P38, as well as the secretion of IL-1ß, IL-6, GM-CSF, G-CSF and CCL20, LDH release induced by C. glabrata, and the adhesion of C. glabrata to A431 cells, suggesting that BEPD exerts a protective effect on vaginal epithelial cells damaged by C. glabrata infection by modulating the EGFR/MAPK axis. In addition, BEPD downregulated the pro-apoptotic protein Bax expression and up-regulated the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 expression, leading to a reduction in C. glabrata-induced cell apoptosis. In conclusion, this study reveals that the intervention of BEPD in C. glabrata-induced VVC may be attributed to its regulation of the EGFR/MAPK pathway, which protects vaginal epithelial cells.

Cerium Synchronous Doping in Anatase for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production from Ethanol-Water Mixtures.

Cerium element with a unique electric structure can be used to modify semiconductor photocatalysts to enhance their photocatalytic performances. In this work, Ce-doped TiO2 (Ce/TiO2) was successfully achieved using the sol-gel method. The structural characterization methods confirm that Ce was doped in the lattice of anatase TiO2, which led to a smaller grain size. The performance test results show that the Ce doped in anatase TiO2 significantly enhances the charge transport efficiency and broadens the light absorption range, resulting in higher photocatalytic performance. The Ce/TiO2 exhibited a photocurrent density of 10.9 µA/cm2 at 1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl, 2.5 times higher than that of pure TiO2 (4.3 µA/cm2) under AM 1.5 G light. The hydrogen (H2) production rate of the Ce/TiO2 was approximately 0.33 µmol/h/g, which is more than twice as much as that of the pure anatase TiO2 (0.12 µmol/h/g). This work demonstrates the effect of Ce doping in the lattice of TiO2 for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production.

[Mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction in treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis based on negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis].

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice based on the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis. In the experiment, female C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into the following six groups: a blank control group, a VVC model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups(80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and a fluconazole group(20 mg·kg~(-1)). The VVC model was induced in mice except for those in the blank control group by the estrogen dependence method. After modeling, no treatment was carried out in the blank control group. The mice in the high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups were treated with BAEB at 80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1), respectively, and those in the fluconazole group were treated with fluconazole at 20 mg·kg~(-1). The mice in the VVC model group received the same volume of normal saline. The general state and body weight of mice in each group were observed every day, and the morphological changes of Candida albicans in the vaginal lavage of mice were examined by Gram staining. The fungal load in the vaginal lavage of mice was detected by microdilution assay. After the mice were killed, the degree of neutrophil infiltration in the vaginal lavage was detected by Papanicolaou staining. The content of inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-1ß, IL-18, and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in the vaginal lavage was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and vaginal histopathology was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The expression and distribution of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry(IHC), and the expression and distribution of pNLRC4 and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were detected by immunofluorescence(IF). The protein expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by Western blot(WB), and the mRNA expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed redness, edema, and white secretions in the vagina. Compared with the VVC model group, the BAEB groups showed improved general state of VVC mice. As revealed by Gram staining, Papanicolaou staining, microdilution assay, and HE staining, compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed a large number of hyphae, neutrophils infiltration, and increased fungal load in the vaginal lavage, destroyed vaginal mucosa, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. BAEB could reduce the transformation of C. albicans from yeast to hyphae. High-dose BAEB could significantly reduce neutrophil infiltration and fungal load. Low-and medium-dose BAEB could reduce the da-mage to the vaginal tissue, while high-dose BAEB could restore the damaged vaginal tissues to normal levels. ELISA results showed that the content of inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-18, and LDH in the VVC model group significantly increased compared with that in the blank control group, and the content of IL-1ß, IL-18 and LDH in the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups was significantly reduced compared with that in the VVC model group. WB and qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed reduced protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues of mice and increased protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3. Compared with the VVC model group, the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups showed up-regulated protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues and inhibited protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3 in vaginal tissues. This study indicated that the therapeutic effect of BAEB on VVC mice was presumably related to the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by promoting PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis.

[Butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction alleviates vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice by downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome and related signal pathways].

This study aims to explore the effect of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) on vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice and to clarify the mechanism from Toll-like receptors(TLRs)/MyD88 and Dectin-1/Syk signal pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome. To be specific, female KM mice were randomized into control group(i.g., normal saline), model group, fluco-nazole group(i.g., 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose BAEB groups(i.g., 20, 40, and 80 mg·kg~(-1), respectively). VVC was induced in mice except the control group. After the modeling, administration began and lasted 7 days. The ge-neral conditions and body weight of mice were recorded every day. On the 1 st, 3 rd, 7 th, and 14 th after vaginal infection by Candida albicans, the fungal load in the vaginal lavage fluid of the mice was measured with the plate method, and the morphology of C. albicans in vaginal lavage fluid was observed based on Gram staining. After the mice were killed, vaginal tissues were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining for vaginal histopathological analysis. The content of cytokines in vaginal lavage fluid, such as interleukin(IL)-1ß, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), IL-6, and S100 a8, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in vaginal tissues by tissue ROS detection kit. The protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) in vaginal tissues was detected by Western blot, and the levels and distribution of NLRP3, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, and TLR4 in vaginal tissues were determined with the immunohistochemical method. The results show that BAEB can improve the general conditions of VVC mice, reduce the fungal load and C. albicans hyphae in vaginal secretion, decrease ROS content in vaginal tissues and content of cytokines in vaginal lavage fluid, and down-regulate the expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, TLR4, and NF-κB in vaginal tissues. The above results indicate that BAEB exerts therapeutic effect on VVC mice by down-regulating the key proteins in the TLRs/MyD88 and Dectin-1/Syk signal pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome.

[Mechanism of Shenling Baizhu Powder in alleviation of ulcerative colitis in mice based on high-throughput transcriptome sequencing].

High-throughput transcriptome sequencing was used to study the mechanism of Shenling Baizhu Powder(SLBZP) in the alleviation of the dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC) in mice. The mouse model of DDS-induced UC was treated with SLBZP by gavage. The changes in general state, disease activity index(DAI), and colon length were observed. The hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the colon tissues of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10 in the serum and tissues of mice. The differentially expressed genes in the control group, the model group, and the SLBZP group were analyzed by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing, and the Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted on the differentially expressed genes. The results showed that after intragastric administration of SLBZP, the symptoms of diarrhea and bloody stool were improved, and the disease active index(DAI) score was reduced. SLBZP effectively reduced the inflammatory cell infiltration and goblet cell loss in the colonic mucosal tissue, reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 in the serum and colon tissue, and increased the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in the serum and colon tissue. There were 25 differential genes in SLBZP vs the model group, which were significantly enriched in immune response, immune system process, immunoglobulin production, and other biological processes. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the differential genes were enriched in signaling pathways such as neomycin, kanamycin, and gentamicin biosynthesis, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, primary immunodeficiency, and IgA synthesis of the intestinal immune network. This study shows that SLBZP may alleviate UC through immune regulation.

Natural Products with Activity against Lung Cancer: A Review Focusing on the Tumor Microenvironment.

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Despite the undeniable progress in lung cancer research made over the past decade, it is still the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and continues to challenge scientists and researchers engaged in searching for therapeutics and drugs. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is recognized as one of the major hallmarks of epithelial cancers, including the majority of lung cancers, and is associated with tumorigenesis, progression, invasion, and metastasis. Targeting of the TME has received increasing attention in recent years. Natural products have historically made substantial contributions to pharmacotherapy, especially for cancer. In this review, we emphasize the role of the TME and summarize the experimental proof demonstrating the antitumor effects and underlying mechanisms of natural products that target the TME. We also review the effects of natural products used in combination with anticancer agents. Moreover, we highlight nanotechnology and other materials used to enhance the effects of natural products. Overall, our hope is that this review of these natural products will encourage more thoughts and ideas on therapeutic development to benefit lung cancer patients.

SOX17 Loss-of-Function Mutation Underlying Familial Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) refers to a rare, progressive disorder that is characterized by occlusive pulmonary vascular remodeling, resulting in increased pulmonary arterial pressure, right-sided heart failure, and eventual death. Emerging evidence from genetic investigations of pediatric-onset PAH highlights the strong genetic basis underpinning PAH, and deleterious variants in multiple genes have been found to cause PAH. Nevertheless, PAH is of substantial genetic heterogeneity, and the genetic defects underlying PAH in the overwhelming majority of cases remain elusive. In this investigation, a consanguineous family suffering from PAH transmitted as an autosomal-dominant trait was identified. Through whole-exome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses as well as Sanger sequencing analyses of the PAH family, a novel heterozygous SOX17 mutation, NM_022454.4: c.379C>T; p. (Gln127*), was found to co-segregate with the disease in the family, with complete penetrance. The nonsense mutation was neither observed in 612 unrelated healthy volunteers nor retrieved in the population genetic databases encompassing the Genome Aggregation Database, the Exome Aggregation Consortium database, and the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism database. Biological analyses using a dual-luciferase reporter assay system revealed that the Gln127*-mutant SOX17 protein lost the ability to transcriptionally activate its target gene NOTCH1. Moreover, the Gln127*-mutant SOX17 protein exhibited no inhibitory effect on the function of CTNNB1-encode ß-catenin, which is a key player in vascular morphogenesis. This research firstly links SOX17 loss-of-function mutation to familial PAH, which provides novel insight into the molecular pathogenesis of PAH, suggesting potential implications for genetic and prognostic risk evaluation as well as personalized prophylaxis of the family members affected with PAH.

[Effect of berberine hydrochloride on cell wall integrity of Candida albicans hypha].

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of berberine hydrochloride on the cell wall integrity of Candida albicans hypha. The minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC) of berberine hydrochloride against clinical and standard C. albicans strains was detected by micro liquid-based dilution method; the effect of berberine hydrochloride on the colony formation of C. albicans SC5314 was investigated by spot assay; the effect of berberine hydrochloride on the metabolism of C. albicans SC5314 hypha was checked by XTT reduction assay, and the viability of C. albicans SC5314 hypha was tested by fluorescent staining assay. The effect of berberine hydrochloride on the morphology of C. albicans SC5314 hypha was examined by scanning electron microscope. The changes in the cell wall of C. albicans SC5314 hypha after berberine hydrochloride treatment were detected by transmission electron microscopy. The effect of berberine hydrochloride on ß-glucan from C. albicans SC5314 was detected by flow cytometry. The effect of berberine hydrochloride on hypha-specific gene ECE1 and ß-glucan synthase genes FKS1 and FKS2 in C. albicans was examined by qRT-PCR. The results showed that berberine hydrochloride showed a strong inhibitory effect on both clinical and standard strains of C. albicans, and the MIC was 64-128 µg·mL~(-1). Spot assay, XTT redunction assay and fluorescent staining assay showed that with the increase of berberine hydrochloride concentration, the viability of C. albicans SC5314 gradually decreased. The transmission electron microscopy scanning assay showed that this compound could cause cell wall damage of C. albicans. The flow cytometry analysis showed the exposure degree of C. albicans ß-glucan. The qRT-PCR further showed that berberine hydrochloride could significantly down-regulate hypha-specific gene ECE1 and ß-glucan synthase-related gene FKS1 and FKS2. In conclusion, this compound can down-regulate C. albicans and ß-glucan synthase-related gene expressions, so as to destroy the cell wall structure of C. albicans, expose ß-glucan and damage the integrity of the wall.

[Pharmacokinetic comparison between Tanreqing Capsules Substitute and Tanreqing Capsules in rats by LC-MS/MS].

Due to the limited resource of bear bile powder, the major raw material of Tanreqing Capsules(TRQ), cultured bear bile powder is used as a replacement to develop the Tanreqing Capsules Substitute(TRQS). An LC-MS/MS method was established in this study for simultaneous quantitation of 8 compounds from TRQS in rat plasma: tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TUDCA), taurocheno-deoxycholic acid(TCDCA), ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA), chenodeoxycholic acid(CDCA), ferulic acid, wogonoside, baicalin, and forsythoside A. Thereby, the pharmacokinetic behaviors of TRQ and TRQS were evaluated. Concentration of endogenous compounds TUDCA, TCDCA, UDCA, and CDCA was determined with the stable isotope surrogate analytes: D4-TUDCA, D4-TCDCA, D4-UDCA, and D4-CDCA. Plasma samples were extracted by acetonitrile-induced protein precipitation. The LC conditions are as follows: Waters BEH C_(18) column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 µm), mobile phase of 10 mmol·L~(-1) ammonium formate aqueous solution(containing 0.01% formic acid) and acetonitrile-methanol mixture(1∶5). MS conditions are as below: multiple reaction monitoring(MRM), ESI~(+/-). Concentration of UDCA, CDCA, TUDCA, and TCDCA was corrected with a response factor, which is the ratio between the responses recorded for the surrogate and the authentic analyte at the equal concentration. Each of the plasma components showed good linearity(r > 0.995 1). Accuracy and precision met the criteria(inter-day RSD<7.0%, RE 89.98%-112.0%; intra-day RSD<12%, RE 90.41%-111.2%). The recovery was 64.83%-119.9% and matrix effect was 87.15%-113.8%. The validated method was applied for pharmacokinetic study of TRQS and TRQ(po, 0.94 g·kg~(-1)). There was no significant difference in C_(max) and AUC_(0-24 h) of baicalin, UDCA, TUDCA, and TCDCA between the two groups, indicating similar pharmacokinetic behaviors between TRQS and TRQ in rats.

[Mechanism of Sanhuang Decoction in alleviating dextran sulfate sodium induced ulcerative colitis in mice with Candida albicans colonization:based on high-throughput transcriptome sequencing].

This study explored the mechanism of Sanhuang Decoction(SHD) in treating dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC) in mice with Candida albicans(Ca) colonization via high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. Specifically, the animal model was established by oral administration of 3.0% DSS for 7 days followed by intragastrical administration of Ca suspension at 1.0 × 10~8 cells for 4 days and then the mice were treated with SHD enema for 7 days. Afterwards, the general signs were observed and the disease activity index(DAI) was recorded every day. After mice were sacrificed, colon length and colon mucosa damage index(CMDI) were determined and the histomorphology was observed with the HE staining method. The fungal loads of feces were detected with the plate method. Anti-saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody(ASCA) and ß-1,3-glucan in serum, and TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in serum and colon were detected by ELISA. High-throughput RNA sequencing method was adopted to identify transcriptome of colon tissues from the control, model and SHD(15.0 g·kg~(-1)) groups. Differentially expressed genes(DEGs) among groups were screened and the GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs was performed. The expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1ß genes related to the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway which involved 9 DEGs, were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The results demonstrated that SHD improved the general signs, decreased DAI and Ca loads of feaces, alleviated colon edema, erosion, and shortening, and lowered the content of ß-1,3-glucan in serum and TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in serum and colon tissues of mice. Transcriptome sequencing revealed 383 DEGs between SHD and model groups, which were mainly involved in the biological processes of immune system, response to bacterium, and innate immune response. They were mainly enriched in the NOD-like signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine interaction pathway, and retinol metabolism pathway. Moreover, SHD down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1ß. In a word, SHD ameliorates DSS-induced UC in mice colonized with Ca, which probably relates to its regulation of NOD-like receptor signaling pathway.

[Main components in butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis].

The present study aims to investigate the effects of the main components(aesculin, berberine hydrochloride, and anemoside B4) in the butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) on the chemotaxis of neutrophils induced by dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO). HL60 cells were cultivated in RPMI-1640 complete medium, and transferred into a 6-well plate(2 × 10~5 per mL) with 4 mL in each well, followed by incubation with DMSO at 1.3% for five days. The morphologic changes of cells were observed under an inverted microscope. The CD11 b expression after DMSO induction was analyzed by flow cytometry. The effects of aesculin, berberine hydrochloride, and anemoside B4 on the cell proliferation and migration were detected by CCK8 assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The effects of the main components on the production and polarization of F-actin protein were also examined by flow cytometry and laser confocal microscopy. PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway was checked by Western blot. As revealed by the results, neutrophil-like HL60 cells were observed after DMSO induction. The CD11 b expression in these cells increased significantly as indicated by the flow cytometry. Additionally, 100 µg·mL~(-1) aesculin, 8 µg·mL~(-1) berberine hydrochloride, and 80 µg·mL~(-1) anemoside B4 were potent in inhibiting the migration of neutrophils and reducing F-actin expression. Berberine hydrochloride was verified to be capable of diminishing phosphorylated PI3 K/Akt protein expression. The findings indicate that aesculin, anemoside B4, and especially berberine hydrochloride in the BAEB can inhibit the chemotaxis of neutrophils, which is possibly achieved by the inhibition of F-actin and PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway.

Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Protective Effects of Huangqi Decoction Against Acute Cholestatic Liver Injury by Inhibiting the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 Signaling Pathway.

Intrahepatic cholestasis (IC) is a common syndrome that affects the liver, with treatment options being limited. Huangqi decoction (HQD), a classic herbal medicine, has shown protective effects against IC. In this study, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification-based quantitative proteomics was performed to investigate the potential mechanism of action of HQD on α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced IC, resulting in 2796 quantified proteins across all samples, including 270 differentially expressed proteins under HQD treatment. Fuzzy c-means clustering analysis of these 270 proteins assigned the proinflammatory proteins, such as LCN2, SAA1, FGG, FGA, and FGB, to Cluster 1 (upregulated by ANIT, and downregulated by HQD). Functional bioinformatics and protein-protein interaction network analyses indicated that these proinflammatory proteins were involved in the STAT3 signaling pathway. Further real-time PCR and Western blot experiments confirmed that the expression of these proteins was consistent with the proteomic results. Moreover, HQD treatment decreased the phosphorylation of STAT3, induced by ANIT. Western blot experiments revealed that HQD treatment decreased phosphorylation of NF-κB and downregulated the expression of the inflammatory gene IL-6 and therefore inhibited the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. In summary, the present study suggested that HQD may ameliorate acute cholestatic liver injury via inhibition of the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

[Effect of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction on vaginal mucosal neutrophil chemotaxis in vulvovaginal candidiasis mice].

To investigate the effects of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) on neutrophil chemotaxis in vaginal mucosa of mice with vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC). Seventy-two SPF female Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, fluconazole group, BAEB low-dose group, middle-dose group and high-dose group. Subcutaneous injection of estradiol benzoate was conducted to induce pseudo-estrus, and then 2×10~6 CFU·mL~(-1)of Candida albicans was inoculated into vaginal lumen, followed by drug treatment for 7 days. Gram staining was used to observe the morphological changes of C. albicans in vagina; vaginal fungal load was detected on agar plate. Histological changes of vaginal tissues in mice were observed by HE staining. Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) levels in mouse lavage fluid were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Neutrophils in vaginal lavage fluid was observed and counted by using Pap smear. The levels of IL-8 and MIP-2 in vaginal mucosa were detected by ELISA. IL-8 and MIP-2 mRNA levels in vaginal mucosa of mice were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that as compared with the normal group, VVC model group had a large number of hyphae and a high level of fungal loadinvagina. The vaginal mucosa was completely destroyed, the number of neutrophils increased, and the protein and mRNA levels of IL-8 and MIP-2 were up-regulated. After BAEB treatment, the hyphae of the treatment group was decreased, the fungal load was decreased, the impaired mucosa showed different degrees of improvement, the inflammatory factors were decreased to varying degrees, and the protein and mRNA levels of chemokine IL-8 and MIP-2 were down-regulated. In conclusion, BAEB may be used to treat VVC by inhibiting vulvovaginal candidiasis via blocking neutrophils recruitment into vagina.

[Therapeutic effect of cinnamaldehyde on ulcerative colitis in mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium with Candida albicans colonization and its effect on dectin-1/TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway].

To observe the efficacy of cinnamaldehyde on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC) with Can-dida albicans(Ca) colonization and its effect on dectin-1/TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice. C57 BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group, DSS group, DSS+Ca group, cinnamaldehyde group and mesalazine group. Mice in DSS+Ca group were given Ca(1×10~8 CFU per mouse) through intragastrical administration for 4 consecutive days and then distilled water with 3.0% DSS for 7 consecutive days. In cinnamaldehyde group and mesalazine group, in addition to the induction method of the DSS+Ca group, mice were given 75 mg·kg~(-1) cinnamaldehyde and 200 mg·kg~(-1) mesalazine accompanied with 3.0% DSS for 7 consecutive days, respectively. Mice in normal group and DSS group were correspondingly administered with distilled water. The general conditions of the mice were observed daily, the diseased activity index(DAI) score was calculated, and fungal loads of feces were detected by plate method. The mice were sacrificed on day 12, colon length was measured, colon mucosa damage index(CMDI) score was calculated, and histopathological analysis was carried out by HE staining. Anti-saccharomces cerevisiae antibody(ASCA) and ß-1,3-glucan in serum, and TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 in serum and colon tissue were detected by ELISA. The contents of ß-1,3-glucan and macrophage infiltration in colon tissues were examined by immunofluorescence staining. The protein expressions of dectin-1, TLR2, TLR4 and NF-κB were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining. The results showed that cinnamaldehyde could significantly improve the general conditions of UC mice with Ca colonization, decrease DAI and histopathological scores, reduce intestinal mucosal congestion, erosion and colon shortening, decrease Ca load in mouse feces and tissues, down-regulate the contents of ASCA and ß-1,3-glucan in serum, reduce the contents of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and increase IL-10 in serum and colon tissues, inhibit macrophages infiltration and down-regulate the protein expression of dectin-1, TLR2, TLR4 and NF-κB in colon tissue. These results suggested that cinnamaldehyde had a therapeutic effect on UC mice with Ca colonization, which might be related to the inhibition of Ca proliferation, the regulation of dectin-1/TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathways and the coordination of the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors.

[Inhibitory effect of extract of Coptidis Rhizoma on invasion of Candida albicans hyphae in vitro].

The aim of this paper was to investigate the inhibitory effect of extract of Coptidis Rhizoma(ECR) on invasion of Candida albicans hyphae in vitro.XTT reduction method was used to evaluate the metabolic activity of C.albicans.The colony edge growth of C.albicans was observed by solid medium.The growth of C.albicans hyphae was determined on semi-solid medium.The morphology and viability changes of C.albicans hyphae were assessed by scanning electron microscope and fluorescence microscope.qRT-PCR method was used to detect the ALS3 and SSA1 expression of C.albicans invasin genes.The results showed that the metabolic viability by XTT method detected that the activity of C.albicans was gradually decreased under the intervention of 64,128 and 256 mg·L-1 of ECR respectively.128,256 mg·L-1 of ECR significantly inhibited colony folds and wrinkles on solid medium and the hyphal invasion in semi-solid medium.Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy showed that 128,256 mg·L-1 of ECR could inhibit the formation of C.albicans hyphae.qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of invasin gene ALS3 and SSA1 was down-regulated,and especially 256 mg·L-1 of ECR could down-regulate the two genes expression by 4.8,1.68 times respectively.This study showed that ECR can affect the invasiveness of C.albicans by inhibiting the growth of hyphae and the expression of invasin.

[Mechanism of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction (BAEB) on Candida albicans biofilms based on pH signal pathway].

This study aimed to investigate the effect of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction( BAEB) on Candida albicans biofilms based on pH signal pathway. The morphology of biofilms of the pH mutants was observed by scanning electron microscope. The biofilm thickness of the pH mutants was measured by CLSM. The biofilm activity of the pH mutants was analyzed by microplate reader.The biofilm damage of the pH mutants was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of pH mutant biofilm-related genes was detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that the deletion of PHR1 gene resulted in the defect of biofilm,but there were more substrates for PHR1 complementation. BAEB had no significant effect on the two strains. RIM101 gene deletion or complementation did not cause significant structural damage,but after BAEB treatment,the biofilms of both strains were significantly inhibited. For the biofilm thickness,PHR1 deletion or complementation caused the thickness to decrease,after BAEB treatment,the thickness of the two strains did not change significantly. However,RIM101 gene deletion or complementation had little effect on the thickness,and the thickness of the two strains became thinner after adding BAEB. For biofilm activity,PHR1 deletion or complementation and RIM101 deletion resulted in decreased activity,RIM101 complementation did not change significantly; BAEB significantly inhibited biofilm activity of PHR1 deletion,PHR1 complemetation,RIM101 deletion and RIM101 complemetation strains. For the biofilm damage,PHR1 gene deletion or complementation,RIM101 gene deletion or complementation all showed different degrees of damage; after adding BAEB,the damage rate of PHR1 deletion or complementation was not significantly different,but the damage rate of RIM101 deletion or complementation was significantly increased. Except to the up-regulation of HSP90 gene expression,ALS3,SUN41,HWP1,UME6 and PGA10 genes of PHR1 deletion,PHR1 complementation,RIM101 deletion,and RIM101 complementation strains showed a downward expression trend. In a word,this study showed that mutations in PHR1 and RIM101 genes in the pH signaling pathway could enhance the sensitivity of the strains to the antifungal drug BAEB,thus inhibiting the biofilm formation and related genes expression in C. albicans.

Report: Synergism of sodium bicarbonate and baicalin against clinical Candida albicans isolates via broth microdilution method and checkerboard assay.

Invasive fungal infections caused by Candida albicans constitute a prevalent worldwide health problem. Due to limited antifungal agents available, more efforts have been made towards searching the novel anti-candida drugs with low cytotoxicity. The present study was aimed to investigate the antifungal activities of baicalin and/or sodium bicarbonate (SB) against 29 C. albicans isolates including 27 clinical ones. By using broth microdilution method and checkerboard assay, it was observed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of baicalin and SB alone were > 2048 µg/mL, and those of baicalin and SB in combination decreased 16-32 folds with fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) in a range of 0.094-0.375. The results presented the strong synergism between SB and baicalin in 27 clinical C. albicans isolates and provided an alternative choice against C. albicans.

Simultaneous quantification of multiple components in rat plasma by UPLC-MS/MS and pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of Huangqi decoction.

A rapid, sensitive and accurate UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of components of Huangqi decoction (HQD), such as calycosin-7-O-ß-d-glucoside, calycosin-glucuronide, liquiritin, formononetin-glucuronide, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, ononin, calycosin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin, glycyrrhizic acid, astragaloside IV, cycloastragenol, and glycyrrhetinic acid, in rat plasma. After plasma samples were extracted by protein precipitation, chromatographic separation was performed with a C18 column, using a gradient of methanol and 0.05% acetic acid containing 4mm ammonium acetate as the mobile phase. Multiple reaction monitoring scanning was performed to quantify the analytes, and the electrospray ion source polarity was switched between positive and negative modes in a single run of 10 min. Method validation showed that specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability for 14 components met the requirements for their quantitation in biological samples. The established method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of multiple components in rats after intragastric administration of HQD. The results clarified the pharmacokinetic characteristics of multiple components found in HQD. This research provides useful information for understanding the relation between the chemical components of HQD and their therapeutic effects.