GLP-1 in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Promotes Sympathetic Activation and Hypertension.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its analogs are widely used for diabetes treatment. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is crucial for regulating cardiovascular activity. This study aims to determine the roles of GLP-1 and its receptors (GLP-1R) in the PVN in regulating sympathetic outflow and blood pressure. Experiments were carried out in male normotensive rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded. GLP-1 and GLP-1R expressions were present in the PVN. PVN microinjection of GLP-1R agonist recombinant human GLP-1 (rhGLP-1) or EX-4 increased RSNA and MAP, which were prevented by GLP-1R antagonist exendin 9-39 (EX9-39) or GLP-1R antagonist 1, superoxide scavenger tempol, antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor apocynin, adenylyl cyclase (AC) inhibitor SQ22536 or protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89. PVN microinjection of rhGLP-1 increased superoxide production, NADPH oxidase activity, cAMP level, AC, and PKA activity, which were prevented by SQ22536 or H89. GLP-1 and GLP-1R were upregulated in the PVN of SHR. PVN microinjection of GLP-1 agonist increased RSNA and MAP in both WKY and SHR, but GLP-1 antagonists caused greater effects in reducing RSNA and MAP in SHR than in WKY. The increased superoxide production and NADPH oxidase activity in the PVN of SHR were augmented by GLP-1R agonists but attenuated by GLP-1R antagonists. These results indicate that activation of GLP-1R in the PVN increased sympathetic outflow and blood pressure via cAMP-PKA-mediated NADPH oxidase activation and subsequent superoxide production. GLP-1 and GLP-1R upregulation in the PVN partially contributes to sympathetic overactivity and hypertension.

Transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal chlorogenic acid accumulation in pigmented potatoes at different altitudes.

Pigmented potato tubers are abundant in chlorogenic acids (CGAs), a metabolite with pharmacological activity. This article comprehensively analyzed the transcriptome and metabolome of pigmented potato Huaxingyangyu and Jianchuanhong at four altitudes of 1800 m, 2300 m, 2800 m, and 3300 m. A total of 20 CGAs and intermediate CGA compounds were identified, including 3-o-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-o-caffeoylquinic acid, and 5-o-caffeoylquinic acid. CGA contents in Huaxinyangyu and Jianchuanhong reached its maximum at an altitude of 2800 m and slightly decreased at 3300 m. 48 candidate genes related to the biosynthesis pathway of CGAs were screened through transcriptome analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified that the structural genes of phenylalanine deaminase (PAL), coumarate-3 hydroxylase (C3H), cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and the transcription factors of MYB and bHLH co-regulate CGA biosynthesis. The results of this study provide valuable information to reveal the changes in CGA components in pigmented potato at different altitudes.

The impact of CYP3A4 genetic polymorphism on crizotinib metabolism and drug-drug interactions.

To elucidate the impact of CYP3A4 activity inhibition and genetic polymorphism on the metabolism of crizotinib. Enzymatic incubation systems for crizotinib were established, and Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized for in vivo experiments. Analytes were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Upon screening 122 drugs and natural compounds, proanthocyanidins emerged as inhibitor of crizotinib metabolism, exhibiting a relative inhibition rate of 93.7%. The IC50 values were 24.53 ± 0.32 µM in rat liver microsomes and 18.24 ± 0.12 µM in human liver microsomes. In vivo studies revealed that proanthocyanidins markedly affected the pharmacokinetic parameters of crizotinib. Co-administration led to a significant reduction in the AUC(0-t), Cmax of PF-06260182 (the primary metabolite of crizotinib), and the urinary metabolic ratio. This interaction is attributed to the mixed-type inhibition of liver microsome activity by proanthocyanidins. CYP3A4, being the principal metabolic enzyme for crizotinib, has its genetic polymorphisms significantly influencing crizotinib's pharmacokinetics. Kinetic data showed that the relative metabolic rates of crizotinib across 26 CYP3A4 variants ranged from 13.14% (CYP3A4.12, 13) to 188.57% (CYP3A4.33) when compared to the wild-type CYP3A4.1. Additionally, the inhibitory effects of proanthocyanidins varied between CYP3A4.12 and CYP3A4.33, when compared to the wild type. Our findings indicate that proanthocyanidins coadministration and CYP3A4 genetic polymorphism can significantly influence crizotinib metabolism.

Functional evaluation of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 gene polymorphism on ibuprofen metabolism.

AIM: Ibuprofen is the most commonly used analgesic. CYP polymorphisms are mainly responsible for the differences in drug metabolism among individuals. Variations in the ability of populations to metabolize ibuprofen can lead to drug exposure events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 polymorphisms on ibuprofen metabolism in a Chinese population. METHODS: First, 31 CYP2C19 and 12 CYP3A4 microsomal enzymes were identified using an insect expression system. Then, variants were evaluated using a mature incubation system. Moreover, ibuprofen metabolite content was determined via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Finally, kinetic parameters of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 genotypes were determined via Michaelis-Menten curve fitting. RESULTS: Most variants exhibited significantly altered intrinsic clearance compared to the wild type. In the CYP2C19 metabolic pathway, seven variants exhibited no significant alterations in intrinsic clearance (CLint), six variants exhibited significantly high CLint (121-291%), and the remaining 15 variants exhibited substantially reduced CLint (1-71%). In the CYP3A4 metabolic pathway, CYP3A4*30 was not detected in the metabolite content due to the absence of activity, and 10 variants exhibited significantly reduced CLint. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the kinetic characteristics of 31 CYP2C19 and 12 CYP3A4 genotypes on ibuprofen metabolism. However, further studies are needed on poor metabolizers as they are more susceptible to drug exposure. Our findings suggest that the kinetic characteristics in combination with artificial intelligence to predict the toxicity of ibuprofen and reduce any adverse drug reactions.

Polarization Effect and Improvement of the Electroinduced Formation Efficiency of a Highly Viscous Liquid Bridge.

In the electroinduced formation of a highly viscous liquid bridge, improving the efficiency of formation is important for industrial applications. This paper presents the preregulation method of the polarization status to shorten the formation time of a liquid bridge. The hindering effect of high viscosity on the polarization of liquid suspensions was investigated. The formation time of the liquid bridge is shortened, and stability is improved by prepolarizing the initial liquid film, with a maximum reduction in the average and standard deviation of times by 12.65 and 2.52 s, respectively. These effects are confirmed at different viscosities and voltages. In addition, this method has no obvious influence on the shape of the liquid bridge. This study provides an approach to improve the electroinduced formation.

Effects and mechanisms of tea on obesity.

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

Integrative genomic and transcriptomic profiling reveals distinct molecular subsets in adult mixed phenotype acute leukemia.

Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a subtype of leukemia in which lymphoid and myeloid markers are co-expressed. Knowledge regarding the genetic features of MPAL is lacking due to its rarity and heterogeneity. Here, we applied an integrated genomic and transcriptomic approach to explore the molecular characteristics of 176 adult patients with MPAL, including 86 patients with T-lymphoid/myeloid MPAL (T/My MPAL-NOS), 42 with Ph+ MPAL, 36 with B-lymphoid/myeloid MPAL (B/My MPAL-NOS), 4 with t(v;11q23), and 8 with MPAL, NOS, rare types. Genetically, T/My MPAL-NOS was similar to B/T MPAL-NOS but differed from Ph+ MPAL and B/My MPAL-NOS. T/My MPAL-NOS exhibited higher CEBPA, DNMT3A, and NOTCH1 mutations. Ph+ MPAL demonstrated higher RUNX1 mutations. B/T MPAL-NOS showed higher NOTCH1 mutations. By integrating next-generation sequencing and RNA sequencing data of 89 MPAL patients, we defined eight molecular subgroups (G1-G8) with distinct mutational and gene expression characteristics. G1 was associated with CEBPA mutations, G2 and G3 with NOTCH1 mutations, G4 with BCL11B rearrangement and FLT3 mutations, G5 and G8 with BCR::ABL1 fusion, G6 with KMT2A rearrangement/KMT2A rearrangement-like features, and G7 with ZNF384 rearrangement/ZNF384 rearrangement-like characteristics. Subsequently, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data from five patients. Groups G1, G2, G3, and G4 exhibited overexpression of hematopoietic stem cell disease-like and common myeloid progenitor disease-like signatures, G5 and G6 had high expression of granulocyte-monocyte progenitor disease-like and monocyte disease-like signatures, and G7 and G8 had common lymphoid progenitor disease-like signatures. Collectively, our findings indicate that integrative genomic and transcriptomic profiling may facilitate more precise diagnosis and develop better treatment options for MPAL.

The coverage of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and the willingness to receive the SARS-CoV-2 variant vaccine among employees in China.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a major global health threat. The dominant variant of SARS-CoV-2 has changed over time due to continuous evolution. We aimed to evaluate the coverage of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among employees in China, explore their willingness to receive the SARS-CoV-2 variant vaccine and examine the potential factors influencing vaccination coverage and willingness. METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted online from January 1, 2022, to January 30, 2022. The information collected in the survey included sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, vaccination coverage, willingness to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 variants and the reasons for vaccination and willingness. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of potential factors with the rate of vaccination and the willingness to be vaccinated. RESULTS: Among 62,395 eligible participants, the coverage of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was 98.9% for at least one dose and 70.1% for a booster. The great majority of vaccinated individuals (94.4%) voluntarily received the vaccine. A total of 60,694 respondents (97.7%) were willing to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 variants, mainly due to confidence in the effectiveness of vaccines (92.8%). A total of 1431 respondents were unwilling to be vaccinated, mainly because of concerns about the adverse effects of vaccines (77.6%). Longer education duration was associated with a higher rate of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and willingness to be vaccinated. General or poor health status and having no history of influenza vaccination were associated with a lower rate of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and willingness to be vaccinated. Additionally, we observed a significant positive association of abuse experience with the willingness to be vaccinated. CONCLUSION: Although the rate of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and the willingness to be vaccinated were relatively high in the study population, there were still some respondents with vaccine hesitancy. Relevant strategies based on significant related factors should be developed and implemented to encourage vaccination.

Application of transcriptome in time analysis and donor characterization in blood samples.

As an effective supplement to the current forensic DNA typing and one of the research hotpots in forensic science, the in-depth mining and characterization of biological evidence can provide rich and reliable clues for case investigation. In this study, the time-dependent variations of transcriptome were confirmed in in vitro blood samples within 0-168 days and a random forest model was established to realize the classification of blood samples with different TSD (time since deposition). Meanwhile, significant differences were observed in the transcripts of blood samples with different smoking habits and genders within a certain time period. HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DQA2 were identified as markers for smoking habit identification, while the transcripts for RPS4Y1 and EIF1AY from the non-recombining region of the Y chromosome (NRY) were identified as markers for male sex identification. Thus, this study provides a theoretical foundation and experimental strategy for establishing a transcriptome-based method for characterizing blood sample retention time and donor characteristics in the field of forensic investigation.

Identification of Human Body Fluid Stains and Non-Biological Stains by Three-Dimensional Fluorescence Spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: To establish a rapid and nondestructive identification method for human body fluid stains and non-biological stains using three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy. METHODS: The collected three-dimensional fluorescence spectrum data of human saliva, 3% blood, coffee and Fanta® stains were processed with dimensionality reduction. After wavelet transform, spectral denoising and feature extraction, the classification formula was established. The Fisher discriminant was used for spectrum matching and recognition to establish the analysis method to distinguish stain types. RESULTS: According to the results of data training and comparison, all the recognition accuracies of Fanta®, coffee, saliva and blood were more than 91.39%. Among them, saliva reached 100% recognition accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy is a potential method for rapid and nondestructive identification of biological and non-biological stains.

Catalpol improves impaired neurovascular unit in ischemic stroke rats via enhancing VEGF-PI3K/AKT and VEGF-MEK1/2/ERK1/2 signaling.

Neurovascular unit (NVU) is organized multi-cellular and multi-component networks that are essential for brain health and brain homeostasis maintaining. Neurovascular unit dysfunction is the central pathogenesis process of ischemic stroke. Thus integrated protection of NVU holds great therapeutic potential for ischemic stroke. Catalpol, classified into the iridoid monosaccharide glycoside, is the main active ingredient of the radix from traditional Chinese medicine, Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, that exhibits protective effects in several brain-related diseases. In the present study, we investigated whether catalpol exerted protective effects for NVU in ischemic stroke and the underlying mechanisms. MCAO rats were administered catalpol (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.v.) for 14 days. We showed that catalpol treatment dose-dependently reduced the infarction volume and significantly attenuated neurological deficits score in MCAO rats. Furthermore, catalpol treatment significantly ameliorated impaired NVU in ischemic region by protecting vessel-neuron-astrocyte structures and morphology, and promoting angiogenesis and neurogenesis to replenish lost vessels and neurons. Moreover, catalpol treatment significantly increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through up-regulating PI3K/AKT signaling, followed by increasing FAK and Paxillin and activating PI3K/AKT and MEK1/2/ERK1/2 pathways. The protective mechanisms of catalpol were confirmed in an in vitro three-dimensional NVU model subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation. In conclusion, catalpol protects NVU in ischemic region via activation of PI3K/AKT signaling and increased VEGF production; VEGF further enhances PI3K/AKT and MEK1/2/ERK1/2 signaling, which may trigger a partly feed-forward loop to protect NVU from ischemic stroke.

Biosynthesis and Metabolism of Garlic Odor Compounds in Cultivated Chinese Chives (Allium tuberosum) and Wild Chinese Chives (Allium hookeri).

Chinese chives is a popular herb vegetable and medicine in Asian countries. Southwest China is one of the centers of origin, and the mountainous areas in this region are rich in wild germplasm. In this study, we collected four samples of germplasm from different altitudes: a land race of cultivated Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum), wide-leaf chives and extra-wide-leaf chives (Allium hookeri), and ovoid-leaf chives (Allium funckiaefolium). Leaf metabolites were detected and compared between A. tuberosum and A. hookeri. A total of 158 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAM) were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), among which there was a wide range of garlic odor compounds, free amino acids, and sugars. A. hookeri contains a higher content of fructose, garlic odor compounds, and amino acids than A. tuberosum, which is supported by the higher expression level of biosynthetic genes revealed by transcriptome analysis. A. hookeri accumulates the same garlic odor compound precursors that A. tuberosum does (mainly methiin and alliin). We isolated full-length gene sequences of phytochelatin synthase (PCS), γ-glutamyltranspeptidases (GGT), flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO), and alliinase (ALN). These sequences showed closer relations in phylogenetic analysis between A. hookeri and A. tuberosum (with sequence identities ranging from 86% to 90%) than with Allium cepa or Allium sativum (which had a lower sequence identity ranging from 76% to 88%). Among these assayed genes, ALN, the critical gene controlling the conversion of odorless precursors into odor compounds, was undetected in leaves, bulbs, and roots of A. tuberosum, which could account for its weaker garlic smell. Moreover, we identified a distinct FMO1 gene in extra-wide-leaf A. hookeri that is due to a CDS-deletion and frameshift mutation. These results above reveal the molecular and metabolomic basis of impressive strong odor in wild Chinese chives.

The dissection of R genes and locus Pc5.1 in Phytophthora capsici infection provides a novel view of disease resistance in peppers.

BACKGROUND: Phytophthora capsici root rot (PRR) is a disastrous disease in peppers (Capsicum spp.) caused by soilborne oomycete with typical symptoms of necrosis and constriction at the basal stem and consequent plant wilting. Most studies on the QTL mapping of P. capsici resistance suggested a consensus broad-spectrum QTL on chromosome 5 named Pc.5.1 regardless of P. capsici isolates and resistant resources. In addition, all these reports proposed NBS-ARC domain genes as candidate genes controlling resistance. RESULTS: We screened out 10 PRR-resistant resources from 160 Capsicum germplasm and inspected the response of locus Pc.5.1 and NBS-ARC genes during P. capsici infection by comparing the root transcriptomes of resistant pepper 305R and susceptible pepper 372S. To dissect the structure of Pc.5.1, we anchored genetic markers onto pepper genomic sequence and made an extended Pc5.1 (Ext-Pc5.1) located at 8.35 Mb-38.13 Mb on chromosome 5 which covered all Pc5.1 reported in publications. A total of 571 NBS-ARC genes were mined from the genome of pepper CM334 and 34 genes were significantly affected by P. capsici infection in either 305R or 372S. Only 5 inducible NBS-ARC genes had LRR domains and none of them was positioned at Ext-Pc5.1. Ext-Pc5.1 did show strong response to P. capsici infection and there were a total of 44 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), but no candidate genes proposed by previous publications was included. Snakin-1 (SN1), a well-known antimicrobial peptide gene located at Pc5.1, was significantly decreased in 372S but not in 305R. Moreover, there was an impressive upregulation of sugar pathway genes in 305R, which was confirmed by metabolite analysis of roots. The biological processes of histone methylation, histone phosphorylation, DNA methylation, and nucleosome assembly were strongly activated in 305R but not in 372S, indicating an epigenetic-related defense mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Those NBS-ARC genes that were suggested to contribute to Pc5.1 in previous publications did not show any significant response in P. capsici infection and there were no significant differences of these genes in transcription levels between 305R and 372S. Other pathogen defense-related genes like SN1 might account for Pc5.1. Our study also proposed the important role of sugar and epigenetic regulation in the defense against P. capsici.

Loading a High-Viscous Droplet via the Cone-Shaped Liquid Bridge Induced by an Electrostatic Force.

In transfer printing, the loaded droplet on the probe has a significant influence on the dispensing resolution. A suitable loading approach for a high-viscous liquid is highly required. Herein, a novel electrostatic loading method is presented, in which the main aim is to control precisely the formation and breaking of a cone-shaped liquid bridge. An experimental device is developed. The influence of electrical and geometric parameters on the feature size of the liquid bridge is investigated in detail. In the formation of the liquid bridge, the increase of voltage or the decrease of the air gap can enhance the electric field intensity, thus reducing the formation period and increasing the initial cone tip diameter of the liquid cone. After the liquid bridge is formed, both the circuit current implying the liquid wetted area on the probe surface and the lifting velocity of the probe are utilized to further regulate the volume of the loaded droplet. Loaded droplets ranging from 60 to 600 pL are obtained via the method with a standard deviation of 4 to 30 pL. Moreover, a dot array is transferred with different loaded droplets. The minimum diameter of the printed dots is about 140 µm with a variation less than 5%. The advantages include the reduced risk of contamination, the droplet-size independent of the size of the probe, and the low cost of the device.

Effects and mechanisms of edible and medicinal plants on obesity: an updated review.

In recent years, obesity has become a global public health issue. It is closely associated with the occurrence of several chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Some edible and medicinal plants show anti-obesity activity, such as fruits, vegetables, spices, legumes, edible flowers, mushrooms, and medicinal plants. Numerous studies have indicated that these plants are potential candidates for the prevention and management of obesity. The major anti-obesity mechanisms of plants include suppressing appetite, reducing the absorption of lipids and carbohydrates, inhibiting adipogenesis and lipogenesis, regulating lipid metabolism, increasing energy expenditure, regulating gut microbiota, and improving obesity-related inflammation. In this review, the anti-obesity activity of edible and medicinal plants was summarized based on epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies, with related mechanisms discussed, which provided the basis for the research and development of slimming products. Further studies should focus on the exploration of safer plants with anti-obesity activity and the identification of specific anti-obesity mechanisms.

[Analysis of blood components of Yougui Yin in normal rats and rats with kidney deficiency caused by adenine based on UPLC-MS technology].

Based on the serum medicinal method, this study aims to investigate the migrating components of Yougui Yin in the blood after intragastric administration, and to provide reference for the basic research of its pharmacodynamics. The kidney deficiency rat model was replicated by adenine method. Normal rats and model rats were administered orally for a single gavage of Yougui Yin. The components in blood were rapidly analyzed and identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and multiple reaction monitoring(MRM), and the migrating components in blood of Yougui Yin were explored by multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed that there were 42 characteristic peaks in the plasma of normal rats by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology and 13 chemical components were identified, including 6 alkaloids, 2 flavonoids, 2 triterpenoid saponins, 1 iridoid, 1 phenylpropanoid and 1 monoterpenoid. There were 22 characteristic peaks in the plasma of kidney-deficiency rats, and 12 chemical components were identified, including 2 iridoids, 6 alkaloids, 2 flavonoids, 1 monoterpenoid and 1 triterpenoid saponin. Verbascoside, isoacteoside, acteoside, pinoresinoldiglucoside, loganin and morroniside were identified by MRM both in the plasma of normal rats and kidney-deficiency rats. Compared with 85 monomer components in Yougui Yin, 17 common prototype components were found by UPLC-MS in the plasma of normal rats and kidney deficiency rats, including verbascoside, isoacteoside, acteoside, rehmapicrogenin derived from Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, pinoresinol diglucoside and geniposidic acid from Eucommiea Cortex, loganin and morroniside derived from Corni Fructus, mesaconine, benzoylmesaconine, benzoylaconitine, benzoylhypacoitine, mesaconitine, aconitine derived from Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, liquiritin, isoliquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid derived from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Thirty-one metabolites of medicinal ingredients not found in the plasma of adenine-induced kidney deficiency rats were also detected in the plasma of normal rats. Twelve metabolites of medicinal materials not found in the plasma of normal rats were detected in the plasma of kidney deficiency rats. The results of the study provide reference for explaining the material basis and mechanism of Yougui Yin in the treatment of kidney deficiency.

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

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

Two new steroidal saponins from Neolamarckia cadamba.

Two new steroidal saponins, ß-sitosterol-3-O-α-l-glucopyranoside (3) and ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranoside (4), were isolated and identified from the bark of Neolamarckia cadamba, along with 13 known compounds. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral data.

Phytochemicals for the Prevention and Treatment of Gastric Cancer: Effects and Mechanisms.

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer, and the third most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Voluminous evidence has demonstrated that phytochemicals play a critical role in the prevention and management of gastric cancer. Most epidemiological investigations indicate that the increased intake of phytochemicals could reduce the risk of gastric cancer. Experimental studies have elucidated the mechanisms of action, including inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and suppressing angiogenesis as well as cancer cell metastasis. These mechanisms have also been related to the inhibition of Helicobacter pylori and the modulation of gut microbiota. In addition, the intake of phytochemicals could enhance the efficacy of anticancer chemotherapeutics. Moreover, clinical studies have illustrated that phytochemicals have the potential for the prevention and the management of gastric cancer in humans. To provide an updated understanding of relationships between phytochemicals and gastric cancer, this review summarizes the effects of phytochemicals on gastric cancer, highlighting the underlying mechanisms. This review could be helpful for guiding the public in preventing gastric cancer through phytochemicals, as well as in developing functional food and drugs for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and HPV Vaccination Among Women in Northeast China.

This study aimed to research the understanding and knowledge of cervical cancer, human papilloma virus (HPV), and HPV vaccination, and the acceptance of HPV vaccination, among a population of women in northeastern China. A cross-sectional survey was carried out by questionnaire to investigate knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV, and HPV vaccination. The 230 female participants were native residents of northeastern China, and their ages ranged between 18 and 65 years. Questionnaires were randomly acquired by the respondents from online and paper questionnaire distribution. The questionnaire included questions on three major aspects to record people's perceptions of cervical cancer, HPV, and vaccines. Of the sample of 230 women surveyed, 80.9% had heard of cervical cancer, but understanding was only 15.7%; 38.3% knew about HPV; 20% knew about HPV vaccine; 39.6% agreed to receive HPV vaccination, and the remainder were mainly concerned about its safety and effectiveness. Data analysis showed that age, family income, and whether there was experience of screening all influenced knowledge of cervical cancer, but this was not statistically significant. The level of education had no obvious effect on the degree of knowledge about cervical cancer; however, with an improvement in education, women's awareness of HPV vaccine improved significantly (p < 0.05). Women who have received cervical cancer screening had significantly greater knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV than those with no screening (p < 0.05). Women in northeastern China have little knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV, and HPV vaccine, lack disease knowledge, and hold a skeptical attitude about HPV vaccination. Medical institutions are the main channel providing information to these women.