Expression and role of cystatin C in hyperthermia-induced brain injury in rats.

Cystatin C, the full name of cystatin C, is one of the most potent cathepsin inhibitors currently known, which can strongly inhibit cathepsin in lysosomes and regulate the level of intracellular proteolysis. Cystatin C plays a very broad role in the body. High temperature-induced brain injury leads to very serious damage to brain tissue, such as cell inactivation, brain tissue edema, etc. At this time, cystatin C can play a crucial role. Based on the research on the expression and role of cystatin C in high temperature-induced brain injury in rats, this paper draws the following conclusions: high temperature can cause very serious damage to the brain tissue of rats, which can seriously lead to death. Cystatin C has a protective effect on brain cells and cerebral nerves. When the brain is damaged by high temperature, cystatin C can relieve the damage of high temperature to the brain and protect brain tissue. In this paper, a detection method for cystatin C with more outstanding performance is proposed, and compared with the traditional detection method, the detection method in this paper is verified to have more accurate accuracy and excellent stability through comparative experiments. Compared with traditional detection methods, it is more worthwhile to use and is a better detection method.

The Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Postviral Olfactory Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for postviral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD). Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Network Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical and Medical (CBM) Database, and Wanfang Database were electronically searched from their inception to July 25, 2022. Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment to ensure systematic quality evaluation. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TCM with olfactory training and/or drug therapy (OTDT) were included. The outcomes were the effective rate, QOD-P, TDI score, UPSIT score, and adverse effects. Cochrane RoB was the guideline used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included trials. RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 6 RCTs involving 467 patients with PVOD were selected. Compared with OTDT, TCM plus OTDT decreased QOD-P (MD = -1.73, 95% CI (-2.40, -1.06), P < 0.0001) but did not increase the effective rate (T&T) (RR = 1.28, 95% CI (0.86, 1.90), P=0.22, I 2 = 61%). Compared with no treatment, TCM seemed to increase the treatment success rate (UPSIT) (RR = 3.17, 95% CI (1.78, 5.65), P < 0.0001, I 2 = 0%), but there was no statistically significant difference in improving the UPSIT score (MD = 3.44, 95% CI (-1.36, 8.24), P=0.16). Compared with drug therapy, TCM plus drug therapy appeared to increase the effective rate (ΔVAS) (RR = 2.36, 95% CI (1.41, 3.94), I 2 = 0%), but there was no statistically significant difference in improving the TDI score (MD = 2.10, 95% CI (-1.99, 6.19), P=0.31). No significant differences in adverse reactions were reported between TCM and OTDT. Conclusion: TCM may be an effective treatment for PVOD. With a lack of high-quality RCTs, further large-scale and high-quality RCTs are still warranted.

Agrimoniin sensitizes pancreatic cancer to apoptosis through ROS-mediated energy metabolism dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is a fatal tumor, which is one of the most common malignant tumors at present. Patients with pancreatic cancer also respond poorly to chemotherapy or radiation therapy and may be accompanied by serious adverse reactions. Therefore, to find an effective way to inhibit the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer is important to improve the survival and development of patients. Agrimoniin, a polyphenol compounds isolated from Agrimonia pilosa ledeb, has antiviral, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities in vivo and in vitro. However, its molecular mechanism in pancreatic cancer remains to be determined. PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effect of agrimoniin in pancreatic cancer and its underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: The proliferation was detected by colony formation, cell proliferation and toxicity, and real-time cell analysis techniques. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. Flow cytometry was used to measure the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. The level of intracellular ROS or mitochondrial membrane potential was measured with a DCFH-DA or JC-1 probe. Cell metabolism assays were analyzed and evaluated by using Agilent Seahorse Bioscience XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. The target proteins were analyzed by Western blot. Subcutaneous cancer models in nude mice were established to evaluate the anticancer effects in vivo. RESULTS: Agrimoniin inhibited cell growth and promoted cell apoptosis by regulating cell metabolism in pancreatic cancer cells. Agrimoniin increased the ROS level in pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing Nrf2-dependent ROS scavenging system and disrupting normal mitochondrial membrane potential. We also found that agrimoniin significantly disrupted mitochondrial function and reduced the protein expression of mTOR/HIF-1α pathway and subsequently decreased oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. Eventually, agrimoniin affected intracellular energy metabolism and induced apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal the novel function of agrimoniin in promoting apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells through mediating energy metabolism dysfunction. Altogether, the potential new targets and their synergies discovered in this research are of great significance for cancer treatment and drug development.

The effect of traditional Chinese medicine treatment for post-viral olfactory dysfunction: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Post-viral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) have been reported in infections caused by several respiratory viruses, especially in COVID-19 which influence severely the quality of life of affected subjects. Few study has been published on the treatment of PVOD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an effective method for PVOD which effects and safety have been confirmed. Therefore, this study is aim to evaluate the effects of TCM on PVOD. METHODS: A searching strategy will be carried out mainly in the following databases in English and Chinese, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Network Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical and Medical Database (CBM), and Wanfang Database. Only randomized controlled trials related to TCM for PVOD will be included to enhance effectiveness. The primary outcome is the effective rate of PVOD. The secondary outcomes are included olfactory domain value examination, visual analogue scale (VAS), questionnaires of olfactory disorders (QOD), T&T olfactometer test, Sniffin ticks test, and any other clinical assessments. Two authors will independently perform study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment to ensure the quality of the systematic evaluation. Every disagreement will be deal with by the third author. Data synthesis and subgroup analysis will be performed in the Review Manager V 5.3.3. RESULTS: This study is aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM in PVOD. CONCLUSION: : This meta-analysis may provide more reliable evidence-based medical evidence for clinical practice to assist patient in relieving PVOD. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: There is no need to acquire ethical approval for individuals come from literatures instead of recruiting directly. The findings of this review will be reported in peer-reviewed publications and/or presented at relevant conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021238977.

Inhibitory effect of Sumu (Lignum Sappan) plus Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata) on a lung carcinoma model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibitory effect of Sumu (Lignum Sappan) plus Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata) (SF) on the growth and metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma. METHODS: A lung carcinoma model was established by subcutaneously inoculating Lewis lung carcinoma cells into C57BL/6 mice. The mice were randomly divided into four groups of 13 mice (control, low-dose, moderate-dose, and high-dose), and gavaged once-daily for 21 consecutive days. The rates of tumor inhibition, metastasis, and metastasis inhibition were observed. The differential expressions of sP-selectin and vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) were compared between the treatment groups and the control group. RESULTS: The tumor weights differed significantly between the treatment groups and the control group (P < 0.05). Administration of SF in the moderate-dosage and low-dose groups significantly inhibited the expression of sP-selectin and VEGFC (both P < 0.05), suggesting anti-tumor activity. CONCLUSION: SF can inhibit the growth and metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma.