Polysaccharides from Chinese herbal medicine: a review on the hepatoprotective and molecular mechanism.

Polysaccharides, predominantly extracted from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs such as Lycium barbarum, Angelica sinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Dendrobium officinale, Ganoderma lucidum, and Poria cocos, represent principal bioactive constituents extensively utilized in Chinese medicine. These compounds have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory capabilities, especially anti-liver injury activities, while exhibiting minimal adverse effects. This review summarized recent studies to elucidate the hepatoprotective efficacy and underlying molecular mechanisms of these herbal polysaccharides. It underscored the role of these polysaccharides in regulating hepatic function, enhancing immunological responses, and improving antioxidant capacities, thus contributing to the attenuation of hepatocyte apoptosis and liver protection. Analyses of molecular pathways in these studies revealed the intricate and indispensable functions of traditional Chinese herbal polysaccharides in liver injury management. Therefore, this review provides a thorough examination of the hepatoprotective attributes and molecular mechanisms of these medicinal polysaccharides, thereby offering valuable insights for the advancement of polysaccharide-based therapeutic research and their potential clinical applications in liver disease treatment.

Correlations between flavor and fermentation days and changes in quality-related physiochemical characteristics of fermented Aurantii Fructus.

The effects of different fermentation times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days) on the physicochemical properties and flavor components of fermented Aurantii Fructus (FAF) were evaluated. Component analysis identified 66 compounds in positive ion mode and 32 compounds in negative ion mode. Flash GC e-nose results showed that propanal, (+)-limonene and n-nonanal may be the flavor characteristic components that distinguish FAF with different fermentation days. Furthermore, we found that the change of total flavonoid content was closely related to colony growth vitality. The total flavonoid content of FAF gradually decreased from 3rd day and then increased from 5th day (3rd day: 0.766 ± 0.123 mg/100 g; 4th day: 0.464 ± 0.001 mg/100 g; 5th day: 0.850 ± 0.192 mg/100 g). Finally, according to antioxidant activity correlation analysis, meranzin, (+)-limonene and total flavonoids were found to be the key substances affecting the fermentation days of FAF. Overall, the optimal fermentation time for FAF was 4 days.

Role and molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in preventing cardiotoxicity associated with chemoradiotherapy.

Cardiotoxicity is a serious complication of cancer therapy. It is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors and is associated with a variety of factors, including oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and abnormal myocardial energy metabolism. A number of studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can mitigate chemoradiotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity via these pathways. Therefore, this study reviews the effects and molecular mechanisms of TCM on chemoradiotherapy-related cardiotoxicity. In this study, we searched PubMed for basic studies on the anti-cardiotoxicity of TCM in the past 5 years and summarized their results. Angelica Sinensis, Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, Danshinone IIA sulfonate sodium (STS), Astragaloside (AS), Resveratrol, Ginsenoside, Quercetin, Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD), Shengxian decoction (SXT), Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP), Qishen Huanwu Capsule (QSHWC), Angelica Sinensis and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge Ultrafiltration Extract (AS-AM),Shenmai injection (SMI), Xinmailong (XML), and nearly 60 other herbs, herbal monomers, herbal soups and herbal compound preparations were found to be effective as complementary or alternative treatments. These preparations reduced chemoradiotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity through various pathways such as anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress, regulation of apoptosis and autophagy, and improvement of myocardial energy metabolism. However, few clinical trials have been conducted on these therapies, and these trials can provide stronger evidence-based support for TCM.

Effects of newborn intraoral pressure on colostrum intake / Efeito da pressão intraoral de recém-nascidos na ingestão de colostro

ABSTRACT Objective To explore the effects of intraoral pressure on colostrum intake. Methods Healthy women with full-term infants were admitted in the study after birth. Intraoral pressure was detected before and after the mothers' onset of lactation by a pressure sensor during a breastfeeding session. Colostrum intake was measured by weighting the infant before and after breastfeeding. The onset of lactation was confirmed by the mothers' perceptions of sudden breast fullness. Results The newborns' peak sucking pressure was 19.89±7.67kPa before the onset of lactation, dropping to 11.54±4.49kPa after mothers' onset of lactation (p<0.01). The colostrum intake was 4.02±4.26g before the onset of lactation, and 11.09±9.43g after the onset of lactation. Sucking pressure was correlated with the amount of colostrum intake before and after the onset of lactation after adjusting the confounding factors. Conclusions The newborns' intraoral pressure at early stage played a predominant role in colostrum intake. It is recommended to initiate breastfeeding immediately after the birth to take advantages of the active and robust sucking response. It is valuable to understand the importance that the sucking pressure plays in the colostrum intake and active immunity achievement during the first several days after birth.

RESUMO Objetivo Explorar o efeito das pressões intraorais na ingestão de colostro. Métodos Mulheres saudáveis com bebês a termo foram matriculadas após o nascimento. As pressões intraorais foram detectadas antes e após o início da lactação pelas mães através de um sensor de pressão durante uma sessão de amamentação. A ingestão de colostro foi mensurada pelo peso da criança antes e após a amamentação. O início da lactação foi confirmado pela percepção das mães de plenitude súbita da mama. Resultados O pico de pressão de sucção dos recém-nascidos foi de 19,89±7,67kPa antes do início da lactação e caiu para 11,54±4,49kPa após o início da lactação (p<0,01). A ingestão de colostro foi de 4,02±4,26g antes do início da lactação e 11,09±9,43g após o início da lactação. A pressão de sucção foi correlacionada com a quantidade de ingestão de colostro antes e após o início da lactação depois de terem sido feitos ajustes dos fatores de confusão. Conclusão A pressão intraoral dos recém-nascidos no estágio inicial teve um papel predominante na ingestão de colostro. Recomenda-se iniciar a amamentação imediatamente após o nascimento para aproveitar as vantagens da resposta ativa e robusta à sucção. É importante entender a importância que a pressão de sucção desempenha na ingestão de colostro e na conquista da imunidade ativa durante os primeiros dias após o nascimento.

[Astragalus injection mediates autophagy and myocardial remodeling in rats with ischemic cardiomyopathy through calumenin].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of astragalus injection on myocardial remodeling, calumenin and autophagy in rats with ischemic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Thirty-six male SD rats were divided into normal control group, ischemic cardiomyopathy group and astragalus injection group, 12 in each group. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography were performed before operation in three groups. Rats in ischemic cardiomyopathy group and astragalus injection group underwent thoracotomy and ligation of coronary artery for 20 minutes, then thoracic cavity was closed after reperfusion. In the astragalus injection group,10 g/kg body weight of Astragalus injection was injected once a week, four times in total. Four weeks after operation, rats in three groups were executed by echocardiography and their hearts were collected for Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Van Gieson (VG) staining to observe myocardial pathological changes. Calumenin, LC3-I, LC3-II expressions and LC3-I/LC3-II ratio were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with ischemic cardiomyopathy group, the echocardiography and myocardial pathology of rats in astragalus injection group changed obviously, and the expressions of calumenin, LC3-I, LC3-II and LC3-I/LC3-II ratio changed significantly (P＜0.01). CONCLUSION: Astragalus injection has apparent inhibitory effect on ventricular remodeling and autophagy of myocardial cells in rats with ischemic cardiomyopathy, which may be mediated by calumenin.

Thymoquinone Attenuates Acetaminophen Overdose-Induced Acute Liver Injury and Inflammation Via Regulation of JNK and AMPK Signaling Pathway.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a main aromatic component of Nigella sativa L. seeds or Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Kuntze. The protective mechanism of TQ against acute liver injury induced by acetaminophen (APAP), however, remains unclear. We aimed to investigated the hepato-protective mechanism of TQ on the development of APAP-induced acute liver injury. Male kunming mice were pretreated with TQ or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) before a single APAP injection. Human Chang liver cells were incubated with TQ, SP600125 or AICAR in presence of APAP for 24 h. TQ pretreatment reduced levels of serum aminotransferases and increased hepatic glutathione and glutathione peroxidase activities via inhibiting CYP2E1 expression. TQ inhibited JNK, ERK and P38 phosphorylation induced by APAP. Meanwhile, TQ inhibited PI3K/mTOR signaling activation and activated AMPK phosphorylation. Moreover, TQ prevented APAP-induced hepatocytes apoptosis regulated by Bcl-2 and Bax. Furthermore, TQ inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation on APAP-induced acute liver injury. In addition, TQ significantly inhibited P2X7R protein expression and IL-1 ß release. APAP-enhanced JNK phosphorylation and APAP-suppressed AMPK phosphorylation were also observed in Chang liver cells, and these changes were recovered by pretreatment with TQ, SP600125 and AICAR. Our findings suggest that TQ may actively prevent APAP-induced acute liver injury, and the effect may be mediated by JNK and AMPK signaling pathways.

Tai Chi and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Compared for Treatment-Naive Patients With COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In COPD, functional status is improved by pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) but requires specific facilities. Tai Chi, which combines psychological treatment and physical exercise and requires no special equipment, is widely practiced in China and is becoming increasingly popular in the rest of the world. We hypothesized that Tai Chi is equivalent (ie, difference less than ±4 St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ] points) to PR. METHODS: A total of 120 patients (mean FEV1, 1.11 ± 0.42 L; 43.6% predicted) bronchodilator-naive patients were studied. Two weeks after starting indacaterol 150 µg once daily, they randomly received either standard PR thrice weekly or group Tai Chi five times weekly, for 12 weeks. The primary end point was change in SGRQ prior to and following the exercise intervention; measurements were also made 12 weeks after the end of the intervention. RESULTS: The between-group difference for SGRQ at the end of the exercise interventions was -0.48 (95% CI PR vs Tai Chi, -3.6 to 2.6; P = .76), excluding a difference exceeding the minimal clinically important difference. Twelve weeks later, the between-group difference for SGRQ was 4.5 (95% CI, 1.9 to 7.0; P < .001), favoring Tai Chi. Similar trends were observed for 6-min walk distance; no change in FEV1 was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi is equivalent to PR for improving SGRQ in COPD. Twelve weeks after exercise cessation, a clinically significant difference in SGRQ emerged favoring Tai Chi. Tai Chi is an appropriate substitute for PR. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02665130; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Noninvasive photothermal cancer therapy nanoplatforms via integrating nanomaterials and functional polymers.

In the cutting-edge field of cancer therapy, noninvasive photothermal therapy (PTT) has received great attention because it is considered to overcome the drawbacks of conventional surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy of severe body injuries and side effects on the immune system. The construction of PTT therapeutic and theranostic nanoplatforms is the key issue in achieving tumor targeting, imaging and therapy in a synergetic manner. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in constructing PTT therapeutic and theranostic nanoplatforms by integrating nanomaterials and functional polymers. The noninvasive photothermal cancer therapy mechanism and achievement strategies of PTT therapeutic and theranostic nanoplatforms are presented as well as the innovative construction strategies and perspectives for the future. Owing to their high tumor ablation efficiency, biological availability and low- or non-toxicity, PTT therapeutic and theranostic nanoplatforms are promising and emerging in medicine and clinical applications.

Physiological responses to Tai Chi in stable patients with COPD.

We compared the physiological work, judged by oxygen uptake, esophageal pressure swing and diaphragm electromyography, elicited by Tai Chi compared with that elicited by constant rate treadmill walking at 60% of maximal load in eleven patients with COPD (Mean FEV1 61% predicted, FEV1/FVC 47%). Dynamic hyperinflation was assessed by inspiratory capacity and twitch quadriceps tension (TwQ) elicited by supramaximal magnetic stimulation of the femoral nerve was also measured before and after both exercises. The EMGdi and esophageal pressure at the end of exercise were similar for both treadmill exercise and Tai Chi (0.109±0.047 mV vs 0.118±0.061 mV for EMGdi and 22.3±7.1 cmH2O vs 21.9±8.1 cmH2O for esophageal pressure). Moreover the mean values of oxygen uptake during Tai Chi and treadmill exercise did not differ significantly: 11.3 ml/kg/min (51.1% of maximal oxygen uptake derived from incremental exercise) and 13.4 ml/kg/min (52.5%) respectively, p>0.05. Respiratory rate during Tai Chi was significantly lower than that during treadmill exercise. Both Tai Chi and treadmill exercise elicited a fall in IC at end exercise, indicating dynamic hyperinflation, but this was statistically significant only after treadmill exercise. TwQ decreased significantly after Tai Chi but not after treadmill. We conclude that Tai Chi constitutes a physiologically similar stimulus to treadmill exercise and may therefore be an acceptable modality for pulmonary rehabilitation which may be culturally more acceptable in some parts of the world.

Acanthoic acid, a diterpene in Acanthopanax koreanum, ameliorates the development of liver fibrosis via LXRs signals.

Liver X receptors (LXRs)-mediated signals in acanthoic acid (AA) ameliorating liver fibrosis were examined in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mice and TGF-ß stimulated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). AA was isolated from the root of Acanthopanax koreanum Nakai (Araliaceae). CCl4-treated mice were intraperitoneally injected with 10% CCl4 in olive oil (2 mL/kg for 8 weeks). In AA treated groups, mice were intragastrically administrated with AA (20 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Administration of AA reduced serum aminotransferase and tissue necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels evoked by CCl4, and the reverse of liver damage was further confirmed by histopathological staining. Administration of AA reduced the expression of fibrosis markers and regulated the ratio of MMP-13/TIMP-1, further reversed the development of liver fibrosis. TGF-ß (5 ng/ml) was added to activate HSC-T6 cells for 2 h, and then treated with AA (1, 3, or 10 µmol/l) for 24 h before analysis. Cells were collected and proteins were extracted to detect the expressions of LXRs. AA could inhibit the expression of α-SMA stimulated by TGF-ß and increase the expression of LXRß. In vivo and in vitro experiments, AA could modulate liver fibrosis induced by CCl4-treatment via activation of LXRα and LXRß, while inhibit HSCs activation only via activation of LXRß. Acanthoic acid might ameliorate liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 via LXRs signals.

Hepatoprotective effect of cryptotanshinone from Salvia miltiorrhiza in D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced fulminant hepatic failure.

Cryptotanshinone from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge was investigated for hepatoprotective effects in d-galactosamine (GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fulminant hepatic failure. Cryptotanshinone (20 or 40 mg/kg) was orally administered 12 and 1h prior to GalN (700 mg/kg)/LPS (10 µg/kg) injection. The increased mortality and TNF-α levels by GalN/LPS were declined by cryptotanshinone pretreatment. In addition, cryptotanshinone attenuated GalN/LPS-induced apoptosis, characterized by the blockade of caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation, as well as the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. In addition, cryptotanshinone significantly suppressed JNK, ERK and p38 phosphorylation induced by GalN/LPS, and phosphorylation of TAK1 as well. Furthermore, cryptotanshinone significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB and suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines. These findings suggested that hepatoprotective effect of cryptotanshinone is likely associated with its anti-apoptotic activity and the down-regulation of MAPKs and NF-κB associated at least in part with suppressing TAK1 phosphorylation.

Ginsenoside Rh2 Downregulates LPS-Induced NF- κ B Activation through Inhibition of TAK1 Phosphorylation in RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophage.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the inhibitory effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on nuclear-factor- (NF-) κ B in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. RAW 264.7 cells were pretreated with indicated concentrations of ginsenoside Rh2 for 1 h prior to the incubation of LPS (1 µ g/mL) for indicated time period. Ginsenoside Rh2 reduced CD14 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expressions 24 h after LPS stimulation. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rh2 significantly inhibited TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) phosphorylation 30 min after LPS stimulation. Ginsenoside Rh2 was further shown to inhibit NF- κ B p65 translocation into the nucleus by suppressing I κ B- α degradation. Also, LPS increased mRNA expression of TNF- α and IL-1 α time-dependently, while TQ reduced TNF- α within 3 h and IL-1 α within 1 h. And we firstly found that pretreatment of ginsenoside Rh2 successively inhibited hypoxia-inducible factor- (HIF-) 1 α expression increased by LPS. In conclusion, ginsenoside Rh2 may inhibit LPS-induced NF- κ B activation and reduce HIF-1 α accumulation, suggesting that ginsenoside Rh2 may be considered as a potential therapeutic candidate for chronic inflammatory diseases.

Thymoquinone attenuates liver fibrosis via PI3K and TLR4 signaling pathways in activated hepatic stellate cells.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the major active compound derived from the medicinal Nigella sativa. In the present study, we investigated the anti-fibrotic mechanism of TQ in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated rat hepatic stellate cells line, T-HSC/Cl-6. T-HSC/Cl-6 cells were treated with TQ (3.125, 6.25 and 12.5µM) prior to LPS (1µg/ml). Our data demonstrated that TQ effectively decreased activated T-HSC/Cl-6 cell viability. TQ significantly attenuated the expression of CD14 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). TQ also significantly inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and serine/threonine kinase-protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation. The expression of α-SMA and collagen-I were significantly decreased by TQ. Furthermore, TQ decreased X linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) and cellular FLIP (c-FLIPL) expression, which are related with the regulation of apoptosis. Furthermore, TQ significantly increased the survival against LPS challenge in d-galactosamine (d-GlaN)-sensitized mice, and decreased the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which were in line with in vitro results. Our data demonstrated that TQ attenuates liver fibrosis partially via blocking TLR4 expression and PI3K phosphorylation on the activated HSCs. Therefore, TQ may be a potential candidate for the therapy of hepatic fibrosis.

[Main bacterial groups in banana soil under rotated and continuous cropping].

Banana wilt is the main disease in banana production, while banana-leek rotation can effectively control the occurrence of the disease. In order to understand the variations of soil bacterial groups under banana-leek rotation and banana continuous cropping, soil samples under these two cropping systems were collected to extract crude DNA, and the bacterial 16S rDNA in V3 region was amplified by PCR. The PCR products were then separated by DGGE, and the main different bands were sequenced and compared with the records of NCBI to identify the germs. Under banana-leek rotation, soil bacterial diversity was richer, and the main bacterial groups were Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria; while under banana continuous cropping, the soil bacterial diversity was somewhat decreased, and the main bacterial groups were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi.

Cryptotanshinone inhibits LPS-induced proinflammatory mediators via TLR4 and TAK1 signaling pathway.

Cryptotanshinone (CTN), one of the major constituents of tanshinones, was investigated for anti-inflammatory activity in the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. CTN inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) production, as well as expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. Since CTN was considered as inhibiting LPS-triggered phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation, we consequently evaluated the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and CD14, as well as phosphorylation of TGF-ß-activated kinase 1 (TAK1). CTN reduced the expression of CD14 and TLR4, and suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of TAK1. Furthermore, CTN significantly increased the survival rate against LPS challenge in D-galactosamine-sensitized mice, which was in line with in vitro results. These results suggested that CD14/TLR4 and TAK1 might be the potential molecular targets for addressing the protective effects of CTN on LPS-induced inflammatory effects in macrophages.

Gentiana manshurica Kitagawa reverses acute alcohol-induced liver steatosis through blocking sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 maturation.

This study was undertaken to investigate the protective effects of Gentiana manshurica Kitagawa (GM) on acute alcohol-induced fatty liver. Mice were treated with ethanol (5 g/kg of body weight) by gavage every 12 h for a total of three doses to induce acute fatty liver. Methanol extract of GM (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) or silymarin (100 mg/kg) was gavaged simultaneously with ethanol for three doses. GM administration significantly reduced the increases in serum ALT and AST levels, the serum and hepatic triglyceride levels, at 4 h after the last ethanol administration. GM was also found to prevent ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis and necrosis, as indicated by liver histopathological studies. Additionally, GM suppressed the elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, restored the glutathione (GSH) levels, and enhanced the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities. The concurrent administration of GM efficaciously abrogated cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) induction. Moreover, GM significantly reduced the nuclear translocation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (nSREBP-1) in ethanol-treated mice. These data indicated that GM possessed the ability to prevent ethanol-induced acute liver steatosis, possibly through blocking CYP2E1-mediated free radical scavenging effects and SREBP-1-regulated fatty acid synthesis. Especially, GM may be developed as a potential therapeutic candidate for ethanol-induced oxidative damage in liver.