Current role of magnetic resonance imaging on assessing and monitoring the efficacy of phototherapy.

Phototherapy, also known as photobiological therapy, is a non-invasive and highly effective physical treatment method. Its broad use in clinics has led to significant therapeutic results. Phototherapy parameters, such as intensity, wavelength, and duration, can be adjusted to create specific therapeutic effects for various medical conditions. Meanwhile, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), with its diverse imaging sequences and excellent soft-tissue contrast, provides a valuable tool to understand the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of phototherapy. This review explores the clinical applications of commonly used phototherapy techniques, gives a brief overview of how phototherapy impacts different diseases, and examines MRI's role in various phototherapeutic scenarios. We argue that MRI is crucial for precise targeting, treatment monitoring, and prognosis assessment in phototherapy. Future research and applications will focus on personalized diagnosis and monitoring of phototherapy, expanding its applications in treatment and exploring multimodal imaging technology to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic precision and effectiveness.

Lobetyolin Alleviates Ferroptosis of Skeletal Muscle in 5/6 Nephrectomized Mice via Activation of Hedgehog-GLI1 Signaling.

BACKGROUND: Muscle wasting increases morbidity and mortality and is related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis. It is still unclear whether ferroptosis occurs during this progression and whether it is a potential intervention target for the treatment of CKD-related muscle injury. PURPOSE: The objective is to identify potential compounds for treating ferroptosis and muscle wasting and explore the potential mechanisms in vivo/in vitro. METHODS: Initially, we explored whether ferroptosis is present in the skeletal muscle of 5/6 nephrectomized (NPM) mice via RNA-Seq analysis, TUNEL staining, Oil red O staining, MDA/GSH/GSSG level detection and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Subsequently, utilizing our established molecular phenotyping strategy, we screened potential traditional Chinese herb-derived compounds for alleviation of muscle wasting and ferroptosis. HE staining, Oil red O staining, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence staining, MDA/GSH/GSSG level detection, Fe level detection, western blotting and qPCR were applied to assess the effects of the identified compound on muscle wasting and ferroptosis and explore the potential mechanism. Furthermore, RNA-Seq analysis, ChIP-Seq analysis and further experiments in vitro were performed to determine the role of Hedgehog signaling in the effect of Lobetyolin (LBT) on ferroptosis. RESULTS: In NPM mice, skeletal muscle dysfunction, lipogenesis, reduced GSH/GSSG ratio, decreased GSH content, increased MDA production and and higher levels of ferroptosis markers were observed. LBT treatment (30 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) significantly alleviates skeletal muscle injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. Additionally, in an in vitro investigation, C2C12 cells exposed to Indolyl sulfate (IS) induced ferroptosis and LBT treatment (20 µM and 50 µM) protected C2C12 from such injury, consistent with the results from the in vivo analysis. Furthermore, it was found LBT increased the levels of protein involving Hedgehog signaling pathway (SMO and GLI1), and rescue analysis revealed that this pathway played a crucial role in the regulation of ferroptosis. Further experiments demonstrated that LBT upregulated a series of suppressors of ferroptosis by activating Gli1 transcription. CONCLUSION: LBT alleviates CKD-induced muscle injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Efficacy and Safety of QiShen YiQi Dripping Pills in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease Complicating Chronic Heart Failure (Syndrome of Qi Deficiency with Blood Stasis): Study Protocol for a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind and Multi-Centre Phase II Clinical Trial.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a serious and terminal stage of various cardiac diseases and the most common complication of coronary heart disease (CHD). Previous clinical studies have shown that Qishen Yiqi dropping pills (QSYQ) have the effect of treating chronic heart failure. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety and optimal effective dose of QSYQ in treating CHD complicating chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: We will conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, multicenter clinical trial. A total of 228 individuals from 16 hospitals in China will be randomly assigned to the low-dose, high-dose, and placebo groups in a ratio of 1:1:1. The trial consists of a screening period (standard medical treatment for at least 2 weeks) and a 12-week treatment period. After randomization, follow-up will be conducted at the 4th, 8th and 12th week. The primary outcomes will be the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) at Week 12. Secondary outcomes will include 6MWT distance at Week 4 and 8, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Syndrome score, echocardiography indices, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), oxyhemoglobin saturation, Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ) score, grasp strength body mass index test and cardiovascular adverse events (AE). Ethics and Dissemination: This trial has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, China (approval number: ZYYEC [2021]005). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The results of this trial will be publicly shared through academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Study Registration: Clinical Trials Registry (NCT04983043, Date: 07/08/2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04983043).

[Eye acupuncture improves cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury by improving autophagy via ATF6 pathway in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of eye acupuncture on autophagy and expressions of autophagy-related proteins Beclin1, LC3B, ATF6 and XBP1 in the infarction area of brain tissue in rats with acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of CIRI. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model and eye acupuncture groups (n=16 in each group). The CIRI model was prepared by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Eye acupuncture stimulation was applied to bilateral "Gan"(Liver), "Shangjiao"(Upper-energizer), "Xiajiao"(Lower-energizer) and "Shen"(Kidney) regions at 0, 12 and 24 h after CIRI, 30 min each time. The neurological deficit score was given by referring to Longa's method, and TTC staining used to determine the success of model replication. After the treatment, the pathological changes of the cerebral infarction area were observed under light microscope, and the autophagosomes were observed by electron microscope. The protein expression levels of LC3B, Beclin1, ATF6 and XBP1 in the infarction area of brain tissue were detected by Western blot. The immunoactivity of Beclin1 and the immunofluorescence density of ATF6 and XBP1 in the infarction area of brain tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The Longa's score, and the protein expression levels of LC3B, Beclin1, ATF6 and XBP1 and immunoactivity or immunofluorescence density of Beclin1, ATF6 and XBP1 were significantly higher in the model group than those in the sham operation group (P<0.01), and considerably lower in the eye acupuncture group than those in the model group (P<0.01). Under light microscope, the model group had typical ethmoidal reticular cerebral infarction, while the eye acupuncture group had significantly smaller areas and clearer edges. Under electron microscope, there were more autophagosomes in the cytoplasm of neurons in the model group, and fewer autophagosomes in the eye acupuncture group (in contrast to the model group). CONCLUSION: Eye acupuncture can improve the neurological function and mitigate cerebral injury in CIRI rats which may be associated with its function in inhibiting autophagy in the brain tissue by regulating ATF6 pathway.

A molecular phenotypic screen reveals that lobetyolin alleviates cardiac dysfunction in 5/6 nephrectomized mice by inhibiting osteopontin.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of mortality in patients with advanced chronic kidney diseases. The predominant abnormality observed among this population is cardiac dysfunction secondary to myocardial remodelings, such as hypertrophy and fibrosis, emphasizing the need to develop potent therapies that maintain cardiac function in patients with end-stage renal disease. AIMS: To identify potential compounds and their targets as treatments for cardiorenal syndrome type 4 (CRS) using molecular phenotyping and in vivo/in vitro experiments. METHODS: Gene expression was assessed using bioinformatics and verified in animal experiments using 5/6 nephrectomized mice (NPM). Based on this information, a molecular phenotyping strategy was pursued to screen potential compounds. Picrosirius red staining, wheat germ agglutinin staining, Echocardiography, immunofluorescence staining, and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were utilized to evaluate the effects of compounds on CRS in vivo. Furthermore, qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry were applied to assess the effects of these compounds on macrophages/cardiac fibroblasts/cardiomyocytes. RNA-Seq analysis was performed to locate the targets of the selected compounds. Western blotting was performed to validate the targets and mechanisms. The reversibility of these effects was tested by overexpressing Osteopontin (OPN). RESULTS: OPN expression increased more remarkably in individuals with uremia-induced cardiac dysfunction than in other cardiomyopathies. Lobetyolin (LBT) was identified in the compound screen, and it improved cardiac dysfunction and suppressed remodeling in NPM mice. Additionally, OPN modulated the effect of LBT on cardiac dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. Further experiments revealed that LBT suppressed OPN expression via the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: LBT improved CRS by inhibiting OPN expression through the JNK pathway. This study is the first to describe a cardioprotective effect of LBT and provides new insights into CRS drug discovery.

A Simplified Herbal Formula Improves Cardiac Function and Reduces Inflammation in Mice Through the TLR-Mediated NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Nuanxinkang tablet (NXK), a Chinese herbal formula, can improve heart function and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, the mechanisms of action of NXK are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of NXK on inflammation in the CHF mouse model. This model was established by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and treated with NXK for 8 weeks. Then, the cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis were evaluated. The monocytes/macrophages were evaluated by immunofluorescence. The mRNA levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), while TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, P-IκBα, TLR2, TLR7 and TLR9 protein levels were evaluated by Western blot. The results showed that NXK improved the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end-systolic dimension, reversed myocardial fibrosis, and inhibited pro-inflammatory (CD11b + Ly6C+) monocytes/macrophages in the TAC mouse model. NXK also reduced the mRNA and protein levels of the above markers. Taken together, NXK improved heart function and reduced inflammation through the TLR-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting that it might be used as an innovative treatment strategy for CHF.

The complete chloroplast genome of Piptanthus nepalensis, a medicinal plant.

Piptanthus nepalensis (Hooker) Sweet is a semi deciduous or deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Piptanthus, Leguminosae. P. nepalensis has been used as a folk medicinal herb in Nepal and was cultivated all over the world as an ornamental plant. In the present study, we sequenced the entire genome of the chloroplast of P. nepalensis. The total length of the chloroplast genome in P. nepalensis is 152,195 bp, including a large single-copy region of 82,048 bp, a small single-copy region of 17,675 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats regions of 26,236 bp. The overall guanine-cytosine (GC) content of the genome was 36.7%. There are 131 genes in the chloroplast genome of P. nepalensis, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes and 38 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. nepalensis is closely related to Maackia floribunda.

The complete chloroplast genome of Sophora davidii (Fabaceae) and its phylogenetic implications.

Sophora davidii (Franch.) Pavol. is a deciduous or evergreen shrubs belonging to the genus Sophora, Fabaceae. The roots of S. davidii have been traditionally used as a medicinal herb in China to clear internal heat, relieve sore throat, and reduce swelling. Here we sequenced the whole genome of the chloroplast of S. davidii. The complete length of the chloroplast genome in S. davidii is 153,584 bp, containing a large single-copy region of 83,930 bp, a small single-copy region of 15,008 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats regions of 25,823 bp. The total guanine-cytosine (GC) percentage of the chloroplast genome was 36.7%. A total of 131 genes were annotated from the chloroplast genome of S. davidii, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes and 38 tRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis showed that S. davidii is closely related to the other three species of genus Sophora.

An Efficient Method for DNA Purification-Free PCR from Plant Tissue.

Amplification of genomic DNA fragments by PCR is necessary for plant molecular biology approaches such as genotyping. While this is a routine molecular technique in a modern laboratory, there are still significant hurdles when analyzing a large number of samples or collecting and storing samples while in the field. Because PCR amplification directly from plant tissue is often unsuccessful due to various inhibitors, genomic DNA purification is usually required, which involves laborious and time-consuming procedures or costly materials, particularly when using commercial kits. These undermine scalability and use in less-equipped settings. In addition, plant tissues and purified DNA need to be stored under proper conditions to avoid degradation. Here, we describe a low-cost, high-throughput PCR method to amplify genomic DNA fragments from plant tissue pounded to cellulose-based filter paper without the need for DNA purification or special equipment for sample storage. In this protocol, a small punch of plant tissue is pounded to a commercially available or homemade DNA storage card and directly placed into a PCR mixture containing Tween-20, a non-ionic detergent, directly followed by PCR. We also describe the steps to prepare a homemade DNA storage card, which is easy to make and can be stored with plant tissue at room temperature for a long time without any special equipment, allowing us to test the same sample multiple times. We have used this method in at least eleven plant species, including arabidopsis, tomato, soybean, potato, cotton, and rice. Altogether, our method decreases labor and cost, thereby increasing throughput and making plant DNA-based molecular diagnostic assays accessible to resource-limited settings, including classrooms, and facilitating sample collection in the field. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Making a homemade cellulose-based DNA storage card Basic Protocol 2: Pounding plant tissue on a DNA storage card Basic Protocol 3: DNA-purification free PCR.

Ameliorative effects of sea buckthorn oil on DNCB induced atopic dermatitis model mice via regulation the balance of Th1/Th2.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a worldwide chronic skin disease which burden public health. Sea buckthorn (SBT) (Hippophae rhamnoides L., Elaeagnaceae) oil, as a traditional herbal medicine, has been used for disease treatment for many years. The effects of SBT oil on AD mouse model induced by repeated administration of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in BALB/c mice was evaluated in this study. METHODS: Mice were divided into four groups including the normal control group, AD model group, AD model group treated with SBT oil (5 ml/kg) and AD model group treated with SBT oil (10 ml/kg). Same volume at different concentrations of SBT oil was applied daily on the latter two groups by gavage for 15 days following AD model induction. The function of skin barrier and the production of IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TSLP were examined after animal sacrifice. The migration and mature of langerhans cell (LCs) in lymph node was further assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: SBT oil alleviated dermatitis scores, decreased ear thickness, prevented infiltration of mast cell, reduced lymph node weight and depressed activity of Th2 cells. SBT oil also reduced the expression of IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TSLP in ear tissue, IgE level in serum and mRNA relative expression of IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α in lymph node. Moreover, SBT oil inhibited the migration of LCs cells from local lesions to lymph node and it's mature in lymph node. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest SBT oil had a beneficial effect either systemic or regional on DNCB-induced AD mice via maintain the balance of Th1/Th2 and may be a potential complementary candidate for AD treatment.

Cloning and molecular characterization of rutin degrading enzyme from tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.).

Rutin and quercetin, abundant in tartary buckwheat, have physiological and pharmacological functions and play roles in abiotic stress tolerance in plant. Rutin degrading enzymes (RDE) are the key enzymes for rutin metabolism. However, the RDE coding sequence information has not been available. In this study, a 1515-bp coding sequence of RDE was cloned from tartary buckwheat (named FtRDE) using 5' and 3' RACE, based on the FtRDE protein sequence. The recombinant RDE (rRDE) expressed in P.pastoris with glycosylation modification degraded rutin into quercetin and the Glu171 and Glu382 were indispensable residues for catalytic activity. FtRDE was highly expressed in seed filling stage and response to ABA and MeJA, confirmed by qRT-PCR and FtRDE promoter activity analysis in mesophyll protoplast. This study provided a new approach for the large-scale preparation of RDE by heterologous expression and production of quercetin by hydrolyzing rutin, and could be helpful for understanding the FtRDE function under stress conditions.

Xiao-Qing-Long Tang Prevents Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy, Fibrosis, and the Development of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Faction in Rats by Modulating the Composition of the Gut Microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Changes in the gut microbiota are associated with cardiovascular disease progression. Xiao-Qing-Long Tang (XQLT), a traditional herbal formula, has an anti-inflammatory effect and regulates the steady state of the immune system, which is also associated with the progression of heart failure with preserved ejection faction (HFpEF). In this study, we investigated whether XQLT could contribute to prevent the development of HFpEF and whether the modulation of the gut microbiota by this herbal formula could be involved in such effect. METHODS: The gut microbiota, SCFAs, the histology/function of the heart, and systolic blood pressure were examined to evaluate the effect of XQLT on the gut microbiota and the progression of HFpEF after oral administration of XQLT to model rats. Furthermore, we evaluated, through fecal microbiota transplantation experiments, whether the favorable effects of XQLT could be mediated by the gut microbiota. RESULTS: Oral administration of XQLT contributed to the reduction of elevated blood pressure, inflammation, and compensatory hypertrophy, features that are associated with the progression of HFpEF. The gut microbiota composition, SCFA levels, and intestinal mucosal histology were improved after treatment with XQLT. Moreover, fecal transfer from XQLT-treated rats was sufficient to prevent the progression of HFpEF. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggested that XQLT prevented the development of HFpEF in model rats by regulating the composition of the gut microbiota.

[Effects of eye-acupuncture therapy on serum and colonic SP and VIP contents in rats with irritable bowel syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of the eye-acupuncture therapy on serum and colonic substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) contents in rats with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) so as to explore its underlying mechanism. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were equally randomized into control group, IBS model group, eye-acupuncture group and medication (Pinaverium bromide, 7.5 mg/kg, twice daily, intragastric administration) group. IBS model was established by giving the rat with chronic stress stimulation (cold-water swimming, tail clamping, electrical shock, etc.) for 18 days. Eye-acupuncture of Xiajiao (Low Energizer) Area, Pi (Spleen) Area, Gan (Liver) Area and Dachang (Large Intestine) Area was given to the rat 20 min, twice daily for 7 d. Histopathological changes of the colon tissue were displayed by HE staining; and serum and colonic SP and VIP contents were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: No significant difference was found among 4 groups in the histopathological changes of the colon. In comparison with normal control group, both serum and colonic SP and VIP contents in model group increased significantly (P < 0.01), while compared with model group, those in eye-acupuncture and medication groups lowered considerably (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Eye-acupuncture can reduce serum and coIonic SP and VIP contents in IBS rats, which may play a role in relieving IBS in eye-acupuncture clinic.